Chapter 24
Sephiroth stood outside the old ruins, starring at the building. His eyes were fixed upon the ruins he did not break eye contact for a moment, not even for a blink. He watched as the ruins began to shake violently, a huge beam of light busted out. In an instant the building began to collapse, it was collapsing as a fast rate. Sephiroth grinned; the building was clearly designed to trap who ever sought the black materia. The building had finished collapsing; ancient bricks had lain in a heap of rubble covered in dust. The remains of the ruin began to shake violently once more. Sephiroth took a very human step back as the building was hit by the same beam of light it had released. The rubble had been vaporized as the beam destroyed everything that was left.
"I guess these earth people had no intention of letting whoever was after that materia leave alive. I do how ever think the light show was a bit…much." Weiss said as he appeared behind Sephiroth.
"You're late. The next time you make me wait, you will meet the end of my sword. And don't ever talk to me as if we are…friends." Sephiroth said in an angry tone as he began walking towards the crater. He cringed at the word…friends. Weiss did not say a word, he knew the man in black was being very serious, and he would indeed kill him without a second thought. He followed the man into the crater; he looked down and could see a small black speck.
"Was that really the materia that they went through all this trouble for? What was so special about it?" Weiss thought to himself. Sephiroth bent over and picked the concentrated mako up and held it in his hand. Weiss starred in awe as Sephiroth began to float into the air. Sephiroth was truly powerful, much more than Weiss could ever dream to be.
Sephiroth landed next to Weiss and gave him a sharp look. Take us back to Nibleheim, it's time to head towards the Northern Crater, you useless powers will not work in that region. It is still the domain of the Cetra." Sephiroth said as Weiss put his hand on the man's arm. Sephiroth looked down at the touch, and grimaced.
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Tseng and the former Turks took Zack and company to Rocket Town. Zack had requested a few days to get him mind clear, and to let everyone get some rest in a proper inn. Zack laid in his bed and looked up at the ceiling. He was clearly thinking about his parents and his home town. Aerith never left his side, she was ready to take care of him at any moment he may need it. Zack did not shed a tear during his meditation he only sat there and looked straight ahead. On the third day Zack sat up and threw his legs over the edge of the bed. He let out s deep sigh then looked at Aerith. He smiled at Aerith, "Hey I think that's enough sulking don't cha think? Where is every one?" Zack said as though nothing happened.
"Zack…there's no need to act like nothing happened, it's ok to grieve." Aerith said with worry.
"I'm fine Aerith, honest. I haven't forgotten them at all, I'm just really trying to channel my pain, harness my power ya know? I will make sure that their suffering doesn't go unpunished trust me. Sephiroth has no idea what's coming." Zack said as his fist grew tighter and tighter.
Aerith walked over to him and put her hands on his shoulders, she looked into his eyes. "Don't worry Zack, we'll get'em." She said as she hugged him. "Why don't we head down to the pub, that's probably where everyone is." Aerith said as she grabbed Zack by the hand and began to pull him out of the room.
She pulled him with all her might; she really was excited to be outside, out of the room. She was smiling at Zack as they played with one another, gently bumping butts sending each other in opposite directions. Zack looked at the young girl; he realized he felt happiest when ever she was around. He couldn't wait till it was all over, and he could finally live in peace. They continued to walk when he realized that Aerith's hand had suddenly fallen out of his grip. He turned and looked, and fear began to fill with fear. Aerith was on her knees gasping for air, she looked as though she was in pain. She put her hands to her chest and looked as though she was praying.
"Aerith What is it!? Are you ok?! What's wrong! HELP HELP!!!" Zack screamed. There was a bang as a door opened on the far end of town. Nanaki had heard Zack's plea and began to sprint toward them.
Aerith put her hand on Zack's and motioned to pull him down. Zack got on one knee and looked at the pain stricken girl. "Zack, he has it! He has it!" She cried.
"Who has what!? Aerith talk to me!!" Zack cried as Nanaki had arrived.
"Sephiroth… he has…the black materia!" Aerith said as tears began to run d own her face.
"Sephiroth has the black…materia…what the fuck is that!! It's only materia! Aerith what's wrong!?" Zack said as he shook her.
Aerith looked up at him and starred. "What's wrong? Why are you shaking me?" Aerith looked around as she was surrounded by the group and many other curious townsmen.
Zack looked at the girl, he was so confused. "Aerith… what's going on, are you ok?"
The girl looked up at Zack and the others looking just as confused as them, before anyone could say a word Tseng spoke up. "Everyone head to the inn now."
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Everyone entered the room quickly, almost as though there was a fire. The ladies took a seat on the bed, Nanaki sat like a dog, and Cloud and Zack both stood against the wall, almost mirroring on another. Tseng shut the door quickly after the other two Turks walked in. Tseng turned to the group looking more serious than ever. "Everyone this is very very important. So everyone just shut up." Tseng said rather rudely. "Ok…Aerith, you collapsed in the middle of town. From what I heard, and what Zack has told me, you said Sephiroth has the black materia… Let's pray that is not true… but I know it is…Aerith…" Tseng said turning towards her. "I believe that you felt the power of the Cetra. He must have it…" Tseng said as he began to pace back and forth.
"So what if he has it! We are still going to take him down, he can have black, white, purple, even poop brown materia for all I care; nothing is going to help him!" Zack shouted.
"Zack, it's not a normal materia. It doesn't allow him to use magic… it's power is legendary, but no one knows what it does. All I know is that Sephiroth was after it. When we reached Gongaga, we talked to the people of the surrounding area." Tseng said.
"Yea, they all said some guy in black was asking about it. You'd think such a baddy like him would know everything huh?" Reno added in.
"That's an excellent point Reno. He was hunting it down, and he got it so easily…he is receiving help. Only Shinra knows about the folklore of the black materia. We made sure that no evidence was found about the Cetra. In fact only upper Shinra personnel were privileged with the knowledge of their existence… No… It can't be…let's hope not." Tseng said as he continued to pace. His seriousness faded from his face, fear seemed to replace it.
"Who! Who could be helping such a mad man!?" Cloud said almost in tears thinking about what the man did to him.
"The very man who took your freedom…Hojo." Tseng said.
The room went blank; everyone knew that things were beginning to look bleak. Sephiroth was gaining allies; Sephiroth alone was more than enough to worry about. Zack began to pace as well. "It doesn't make sense…Sephiroth would never make allies with anyone, no matter how evil they may be… He is using them for his own gain! That has to be it!" Zack said feeling rather good about his detective skills.
"Obviously Zack. He has something planned; knowing him…it's going to be big, and deadly. We have to beat him to the punch we have to strike now!" Tseng said with power as he crushed Zack's future as a sleuth.
"But where could he be hiding. If Hojo is involved… they would need there science stuff." Reno said.
The group all began to think, the brain cells could be felt as they were melting away as they were deep in thought. Suddenly a firm voice broke in, "Nibleheim." Rude declared.
"Your right Rude that has to be it. The lab in the Icicle Inn would be too far from any needed 'Science stuff' as Reno put it so delicately. He has to be in Nibleheim. We should head there very soon…prepare for battle." Tseng said as he left the room with the two Turks.
Everyone stood still, a bomb had just been dropped on the them. Zack was the first to move. "Well, it's not like we can just hope Sephiroth is going to go away. Today is as good as any huh? Cloud… let's kick some ass!" Zack said with a huge smile. Everyone starred at the man, he looked confident, almost like he knew something they didn't.
"Yea, let's kick some serious ass Zack!" Cloud said with great energy.
"Yeah!!! You show me an ass and I'll kick it!... Wait I found one!" Aerith said as she kicked Zack in the butt.
"Alright, shall we get this shit going?" Tifa said as she put on her fighting gloves.
"Hahaha… Alright guys let's go kick some fuckin ass! Everyone, meet back here if things go astray. Everyone to the chopper!" Zack said as he sprinted out the inn.
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Sephiroth held the materia in his hand looking at it in awe. He looked into the orb of great power and saw Hojo in its shine. He turned and looked at the man who was almost hovering over it. "May I please touch it? I just want to run a few tests. It has such fabled pow…" Hojo said as he was greeted by Sephiroth's blade in his shoulder. The Scientist began to squirm back and forth in pain. "UGH! Fine. Take it for yourself; I could have unlocked some sort of power for you." Hojo said in spite.
Sephiroth just grinned; he already had its power. It was only a matter of time until he was walking the planet once more. Then he and mother could truly make man pay. The time was almost here, Sephiroth grinned, he was almost excited. His grin quickly went away as he closed his eyes. "They're here…" He said calmly.
Hojo's head popped up in total shock. Weiss was just grinning; he wanted his chance at Zack more than anything. The two men began to walk up the stairs calmly, going out to give their visitors a proper greeting.
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Zack and Cloud led the pack; Aerith, Tifa and Nanaki were towards the back. The Turks were gathering fire arms in the chopper; they too were here to battle. Zack and Cloud both drew their swords at the same time. Zack grinned at the sight of the two men walking towards them. This was it, this was the battle they had been out looking for all this time. Zack even began to smile, he was excited to fight such a powerful opponent; he hadn't felt this way in years. He looked over at his blond counterpart, he was smiling as well. Zack's smile grew larger, Spikey had finally grown a pair; he found some sort of fighting spirit. Zack focused his attention forward, he saw Sephiroth with his arms out…he was summoning! Black portals began to open all over the town center of Nibleheim; it was only a matter of time until creatures began pouring out of them. Zack began to worry about Aerith, but he felt at ease quickly. He knew his friends would protect her, and if anything got out of hand, they understood to flee and leave him and Cloud behind. Zack grinned once more picturing Aerith whack a monster with her staff. Zack did his best to hold in a chuckle, a staff, what a dumb weapon. Zack's mind quickly shifted into battle mode as dark dog like creatures began to appear. Zack braced for battle as Sephiroth motioned his arms for them to attack. In an instant, hundreds of beasts flooded the battle field. They sprinted past Zack and Cloud and moved on to attack the others. Guns could be heard as Zack and Cloud began to walk towards their foes.
"Hey buddy, why don't you take one Weiss, he's a little easier, I know you can take him. Just be careful ok bud, he's smiling…he could be hiding something…or he's just excited like us. But look here, if things get bad, I'm counting on you to take care of Aerith for me." Zack said to his friend.
"Don't worry Zack I will. But I won't need to, cuz we're gunna kick some ass!" Cloud said with some cockiness in his voice.
"Very true friend. Buster brothers for life!" Zack said as he put his sword in the air.
"Buster brothers for life!" Cloud yelled as he put his sword in the air creating a X. In a flash the two men began to charge towards the two men.
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Tseng looked across the battle field to see how Nanaki and the girls were doing. He looked down in shame, they were doing far better than they were. Reno was barely keeping his own, he was struggling with his baton. Rude on the other hand was pumbling the beast with every blow. Tseng refocused on the battle. He fired 3 fast shots. One hit a beast straight in the head as it was beginning to pounce on Reno. The other two bullets disappeared into the vast group. The needed more fire power if they planned on keeping up in this battle long enough for Zack and Cloud to defeat Sephiroth and Weiss. He began to think as he continued to fire his gun into the sea of beasts. Then it hit him, "Reno! Get on the turret! The button is under the passenger's seat! Hurry!" Tseng screamed.
Reno scrambled into the chopper looking as hard as he could for the button. He looked under the seat and could not find anything, and then it hit him. Tseng meant literally under the seat. Reno tore off the seat cushion. There it was the button. Reno smacked the button and in an instant the floor of the helicopter began to open. Reno starred at the massive gun that had appeared from the floor. He had never seen the turret before; the Turk's rarely ever needed to use it. Reno licked his lips and got behind the gun. He pulled the triggers and the gun began to hum as the bullets sailed through the battle field. The first bullet hit, creating a small explosion, putting a large hole in the army's numbers. The bullets flew in rapid succession, explosions making the sunset glow. The houses around the town center had begun to catch fire, there was little to no fear for the people's lives, they were Shinra's employees. They were most likely still unaware of Shinra's destruction. Reno continued to fire, Tseng motioned to Rude to stay with Reno and be his back up. The Turret alone was changing the momentum of the battle. Tseng turned and started to run towards Nanaki's group, using his gun to part the seas.
Tseng arrived at Nanaki's group and began to open fire, adding a long range attack to the party. The beast numbers were being cut down by the second; Tifa and Nanaki were making mince meat of any beast that got close. Aerith just whacked any beast that got close, but she was focusing on using her materia, and healing anyone who may have gotten hurt. Tifa was holding her own like a champ, she moved like lightning, much fast and stronger than the macho Rude. A beast charged at her at amazing speed, the hound got closer and closer. Tifa did a fast round kick sending another hound flying. The hound had finally reached Tifa; she calmly punched the hound square in the face. A shockwave of air was sent as the blow made contact with the beast. The beast fell to the ground, and quickly faded away. Tifa did a back flip to rejoin the group, she looked around, and r=fear began to take its toll. They were completely surrounded; even with all of the fire power from the turret they were still losing this battle. The odds were against them; every foe that fell was replaced with two more. They knew they had to hold their ground, Sephiroth must either be defeated or have his focus elsewhere for the hounds to stop being summoned. Tseng talked into his communication device with Reno and Rude.
"Hold your ground! If things continue to get worse… we're gunna have to retreat. Is that clear?" Tseng said to the two men in suits. Tifa, Aerith, and Nanaki looked at Tseng with eyes of hate. They by no means were going to let their friends stay and fight all alone. The odds were overwhelming for a team, but they would have to deal with Sephiroth and Weiss as well.
Their battle continued, the beast continued to come at them wave after wave. Aerith looked over to the helicopter to the far right; she was instantly filled with sadness. The chopper had been overrun by the beasts, the turret was silenced. She knew it was their time to leave, they had to, or everyone could be lost in this battle. She looked over to see how the boys were holding off the two light haired men. She could not see them, they moved so fast, all she could see were the sparks and force of the swords clashing. She had to pray that Zack was going to be safe, he had to be. Aerith was shaken by Tifa, she was screaming but she could hear no noise. She was frozen in fear for her love. She was quickly lifted upon Nanaki's back as he followed Tifa threw a crowd of beasts. She held on tightly to Nanaki, she took in her surroundings; the entire village was burning to the ground, ash filled the air. It looked as though it was snowing. It was truly the perfect setting for the clash that was taking place.
Aerith still frozen in fear was lifted into the chopper as Tseng and Reno opened fire at the horde to get enough room to take off. The blades were moving as fast as they could, the beasts were starting to over flow the group, many jumping into the blades being cut to pieces. The chopper final had enough power to take off, it began to rise off the ground, everyone looked down as the horde turned and headed towards the two spikey haired men as they fought their foes.
"Let's pray that the heavens bring our friends back to us in one piece…let's pray..." Tseng said holding back tears. He knew that no one could possibly defeat Sephiroth, let alone with the help of Weiss. The horde of beasts…it was just over kill. Fear and sadness filled the helicopter, it was very possible they would never see their friends again.
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Zack charged at the man with long silver hair. His eyes were glowing mako blue, and he felt something in his chest. He felt his pain; his rage beginning to swell. Sephiroth had killed his parents in a truly horrible way. He could not forgive this man for all the pain he had caused him. He looked around him as he charged, the village was on fire, much like it had been on that very day; the day Sephiroth took Cloud's family and friends, and ultimately their freedom. His heart began to pound, all of his heart was broken, holding together by the tape, which was Aerith. Zack focused his rage and jumped at Sephiroth. He put all his might in the blow as he came down. Sephiroth calmly put his sword up to block the blow. As the two swords hit, they made a loud noise much like an explosion. Sephiroth looked up at Zack who was still in the air from the blow.
"How good to see you…Zack" The man said coldly mocking Zack. Sephiroth swung his blade, sending Zack flying into the air. He looked at the ground around him and noticed he was standing in a small crater. His eyes widened, Zack had truly gained an extraordinary amount of power. He knew he could not take Zack lightly he was going to have to go all out if this body was going to revive his true self. He jumped after Zack and swung his sword, Zack did a mid air flip and dodged the blow. As soon as he finished his flip, there he was; Sephiroth was already sending out his next strike. Zack spun into a blow to counter Sephiroth's in coming blow. The two swords clashed, sending a wave of great energy outward. The wave had so much force he sends the burning water tower tumbling to the ground. Sephiroth looked into Zack's eyes as the two struggled to out power one another. Sephiroth froze; he knew he saw that look before, but where?
Zack took advantage of his foes moment of hesitation, he kicked Sephiroth in the chest to break their clash. Sephiroth was sent back a few feet; he regained his stance in the air. He looked up at Zack, who was already in his face. He was not ready for Zack's speed. He barely was able to put his sword up to defend the blow. Zack's speed and newly found power were too much for the block to handle. Sephiroth was send sailing through the air he crashed into a building which was once the inn. The fragile burning building came crashing down as Sephiroth crashed through it.
Zack landed on his feet and looked around him; the village was burning creating great heat. The blaze made snow ash fall from the fresh night sky. He looked around to see how is friends were doing in the fight. He first looked for Aerith; her group was fairing quiet well facing the hordes. Tifa and Nanaki were fighting with great sync many of the beasts falling in great numbers. He smiled as he saw his love casting spells to support her friends. He was very proud of her; he couldn't wait to tell her how well she was fighting once he finished up Sephiroth. He shifted his gaze over at the three Turks. They seemed to be struggling a bit more than Nanaki's group, but they also were gaining the hordes attention as Reno was mowing them down with the turret. Zack began to worry that the horde may be too much for his friends to handle. They all understood that if things got out of hand that they were to retreat to Rocket Town. He knew his friends would be safe as long as they fought together. Zack looked over to see how Cloud was doing. He was in shock as he watched his friend go pound for pound with Weiss. Zack began to wonder where the hell Cloud got all this confidence and strength. Zack's attention was quickly focused on the rubble of the inn. Sephiroth simply stood up and turned to look at Zack.
Sephiroth focused on his dark haired foe. He looked in shock at the man standing in front of him. He had truly gained a great amount of power, he was his equal. Sephiroth began to fill with anger, he had never had an equal, he was the strongest, and no one could have matched his power. He Charged at Zack at stunning speed. He was not going to toy with his foe any longer; he had to show this boy who was truly the greatest. He swung his sword with such grace sending out eight fast blows toward Zack. Sephiroth starred at the man, he had blocked each and every one without even flinching. Zack looked at the man in black as the locked swords. Their eyes met, Zack grinned at the man as though he was confident he was going to win this battle. Zack quickly broke the lock of the sword and moved faster than Sephiroth could keep up. Zack appeared behind the man who stood in shock. Zack slammed his sword into the ground sending four large waves of energy through the ground. The earth split as the energy raced towards Sephiroth. The man did not have the time to dodge the blow so he did the only thing he could do, attempt to stop the attack. Sephiroth slashed his sword deep within the ground ripping out a huge chunk, hoping the huge hole would absorb Zack's blow. The beams continued to rip through the ground, the hole did nothing. Sephiroth looked over to Zack who was motioning his arms, Sephiroth starred in wonder. He looked at the beams in shock, the beams had shifted course! Zack had been controlling them from a distance. Two beams quickly spread to the left and the right as two headed straight for him. In a matter of seconds Zack had launched an attack he could not dodge. This was the very first time I had ever happened to him.
The beams quickly met in one spot…where Sephiroth stood. A huge blast erupted where the man stood, it hit with great force. Dirt and smoke had filled the ashy sky, completely making visibility impossible. Sephiroth stood as he gathered himself from the blow. He felt a warm sticky feeling coming from his leg and head. He put his hand to his head, and looked in his palm. He had been bleeding from Zack's blow. This was the first time he had seen his blood in a combat situation. He had never met an opponent how could hit him let alone make him bleed. Sephiroth looked onward searching for Zack as the dirt cloud had begun to fade. He had his sword ready for any attack that may come from any direction. He looked around everywhere; Zack was nowhere to be seen. He looked to the sky, but saw nothing but ash. He felt his legs shake, was he feeling fear…no it was the ground; it was shaking. Sephiroth trued around to see what was causing the rumbling. It wasn't Weiss and Cloud who were having quiet the clash themselves. What was it?
Sephiroth's question was quickly answered as Zack ripped out from under the ground in front of him. Zack had swung his sword in an upward motion as he sailed from the ground into the air. Sephiroth quickly jumped back, but was not fast enough to dodge Zack's attack. The buster sword had ripped through his chest, creating a gash running from his waist to his shoulder on the opposite side. Sephiroth grimaced in pain; he had never felt something like this before. He was bleeding profusely from his wound; he could not last much longer if he didn't get medical attention quickly. He had to get away from Zack…he had to do something that he would never do…flee. Sephiroth looked up in the air and was in shock once more. Zack had been coming down with an attack of great force.
As Zack was coming down with a braver like attack at his foe he noticed that the chopper was in the air in the distance; almost out of sight. His friends had been overwhelmed by the great numbers of the dark hounds. He knew that meant that the hounds would be turning towards him a Cloud in an instant. He knew Sephiroth was controlling them; it was only a matter of time until they faded once Sephiroth was totally distracted. Zack gripped the buster sword tighter and came down towards Sephiroth with all his might. Sephiroth put up his blade for his defense. He used one hand one the handle and one on the blade to block the incoming attack. Zack used all his strength in his blow, the sword hit with great power, a wave of energy was created so powerful it leveled the entire town and knocked Weiss and Cloud to the ground. Sephiroth looked in awe was he watched the buster sword cut through his massive sword.
Zack looked in shock as he landed on the ground. He looked at his foe; Sephiroth's sword had been snapped in two. Zack walked over to his beaten enemy who was laying in a pool of blood. Zack looked to Sephiroth's right and looked in amazement. He had hit the man with such force; he had snapped the man's sword in two and… cut his arm off. Zack stood over the beaten man, and put the buster sword to the man's cheek. "You will remember this day Sephiroth, the day you felt… human." Zack said as he sled his sword across the man's cheek, creating a small cut.
Sephiroth put his hand to his face and yelled, "Weiss!!! Now!!!"
Zack looked at the man in shock, what the hell was he talking about? Before he had the chance to finish his thoughts, he was greeted with a blade through his stomach. Zack looked behind him, his eyes filled with worry…Weiss was somehow using Nero's power…how?
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Cloud sprinted towards Weiss alongside Zack as the two sprinted towards their foes. Cloud dove towards Weiss with his sword ready for a powerful blow. He swung at Weiss; Weiss quickly dodged the blow with ease. Cloud jumped high in the air, Weiss quickly followed as he swung his blades with incredible speed. Weiss looked at Cloud with a bit of surprise when Cloud easily defected each of his blows. Cloud hit the climax of his jump, and began to slowly descend from the sky. As Cloud was beginning to fall, he swung his sword at Weiss but stopped in mid swing. He had faked out Weiss with the hit as he was prepared for a blow. Cloud quickly followed up with a kick to Weiss's chest, it was quickly followed with another kick to the face. Weiss looked at Cloud with anger in his eyes. He knew he could crush this boy if only Sephiroth would have let him unleash his dark powers. He had finally learned how to fully grasp them and Sephiroth told him to hold back. For what? Weiss began to fill with anger at the man in black. He always wanted to toy with his opponents. Weiss made a face as he regained his composure and charged at Cloud. His swung his sword with great fury behind them, but was amazed as Cloud quickly blocked each blow with ease. Weiss started to grin, maybe Sephiroth wouldn't know if he used his power once, just to get an advantage.
Cloud had dodged each of Weiss's blows and grabbed Weiss's foot. He had begun to spin him round and round. He let go of Weiss who was heading straight to the ground. Cloud had charged after him with his sword ready to do a move Zack taught him; braver. He gripped his blade as hard as he could and put the sword behind his head ready for a blow with all his might. He had gotten close enough for his final hit for Weiss. He swung with all his might, his sword hit with a great bang. Dirt filled the air making it impossible to see. Cloud lifted his sword, he knew he had missed. He was ready for a surprise attack from somewhere. Cloud jumped inot the air so Weiss couldn't possibly get the upper hand. Cloud was stopped in his tracks as he felt Weiss's blade tear through his chest. He could feel that Weiss had completely missed his heart, his wound was by no means fatal. Cloud gripped the edge of Weiss's blade, and spun as fast and as hard as he could. Weiss had lost his grip on the blade and was sent flying farther in the air. Cloud reached behind his back and grabbed the blade. He pulled it out fast, and winced in pain. He felt the blood pour down his chest and back. Cloud looked at the blade, he remembered the first time steel met his flesh. It happened in this very town, Cloud began to fill with anger. He looked over at his former home. His mother and he lived there. She was all he ever had, he loved her so much. She always was there to cheer him up when he was sad, she always made him raspberry pie for his birthday instead of a cake. She was his only friend he had until he met Tifa.
"Mom…….." Cloud said as he looked up at the night sky cover in ash. "I won't forget, I'll make sure I see you again one day." Cloud said as his eyes filled with tears.
Weiss walked closer to Cloud and noticed his tears. "Aw did I hurt the poor baby? Are you going to go cry to your mommy?"
Cloud gave Weiss a sharp look; it was totally the wrong time to bring up his mom. Cloud gripped his buster sword in one hand and held Weiss's in the other. Cloud gripped them as tears poured down his face. He put his buster sword to his head like his mentor Zack did. "Mom I hope you're watching…I'm about to make you proud." Cloud said. Cloud looked at Weiss and he charged at the man. Cloud jumped high in the air, and cast a spell of fire and shot it at Weiss. Weiss just simply absorbed the blow as if it were nothing. As the smoke cleared Weiss's grin was wiped from his face. His eyes widened as he saw Cloud just inches from his face. Cloud dug Weiss's sword deep within Weiss's chest, and it was quickly followed by the buster sword. Weiss cried out in pain as Cloud lifted him in the air. Blood began to pour down both the buster sword and Weiss's blade. Cloud grinned as he jumped in the air and flipped sending Weiss flying through the air. Weiss flew like a lifeless body, his face covered in his own blood. Weiss began to fall towards the ground. Cloud watched as his foes fell lifelessly towards the ground. Cloud gripped Weiss's sword and grinned a cold look. "Hahaha. I guess I'll return to sender!" Cloud said as he threw Weiss's sword like a spear. The sword flew at an incredible speed and hit Weiss within seconds. Weiss hit the ground hard, and made a loud thud. Cloud landed next to his fallen foe, the battle was over; Cloud had whooped ass.
Weiss began to cough blood as he reached for Cloud's leg. Cloud simply lifted his leg and moved it away. Cloud looked over to see how his friends were doing in their battle. He noticed that the Turks and everyone were not anywhere within sight. The must have left from being overwhelmed. Cloud looked over to his friend; Zack was throwing Sephiroth around like a rag doll. Cloud let out a smile; they were actually going to do it! They were going to save the planet, and destroy its greatest threats. Cloud's foe was beaten, struggling to stay alive. Cloud stepped over his foe and looked down at the man, he almost felt bad. Cloud lifted his sword to end Weiss's life, suddenly a huge wave of energy send him flying. It was the power of Zack and Sephiroth as the two fought. Cloud stood up and looked around him. The houses and buildings began to fall like dominos; one after another they fell into a heap of rubble. Dust and ash filled the already polluted air. Cloud looked over to see if Weiss was still alive, his eyes widened as he noticed he was gone. Cloud began to get angry at himself, he let his guard down and now Weiss was moving around somewhere.
Cloud heard a board snap, he turned around quickly; Weiss was right behind him. He quickly blocked Weiss's attack; he had been slower with his injuries. Weiss looked at Cloud, "Did you miss me… sunshine?" Weiss said mocking him. Cloud just ignored him as his foe was pouring blood. Cloud knew Weiss was running on fumes. Cloud sung his sword sending his foe to the ground. Cloud's eyes turned as he heard a scream in the distance.
"Weiss!! NOW!!!!" The voice cried. Cloud turned and looked at Weiss. He grinned as he spit blood.
"You didn't think you beat me did you?" He said as he faded into darkness.
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The helicopter flew around the mountain town several times, everyone trying to catch a glance at the battles happening below. Aerith looked down and smiled, everyone was starring at her. "Aerith why are you smiling! Cloud and Zack could be dying down there!" Tifa screamed.
"Shh, they are doing just fine. Hehehe actually, they are kickin their bootys!" Aerith giggled.
Everyone began to smile as they hopelessly looked down at the town. Nothing could be seen through the dense smoke and ash. The only thing that could be heard were the clashes of the swords, they were so loud that they could be heard in the helicopter with the blades moving at full speed. A blast of energy was sent from down below, it made the helicopter spin violently.
Tseng came over the speaker, "Guys we have to move out. The battle down there is getting too hot, another blast like that, I may not be able to keep the chopper up in the air. We have to go, Zack understands where to meet us. Everyone hang on." The helicopter made a fast u turn and flew through the ash towards Rocket Town. Fear and worry filled the helicopter as they flew off into the distance.
----
Cloud starred as Weiss disappeared like Nero had done. He turned to fins him and his eyes widened. He watched Weiss sneak up on Zack and stab him threw the stomach. Cloud gripped his sword tight and sprinted towards Zack. Zack yelled in pain, as blood began to run down his legs. He went to grip the sword that had cut through him, but it dissipated before he could touch it. Zack turned around to see Cloud sprinting towards him. He held his stomach as blood began to pour out. Cloud looked at his friend with tears in his eyes, Zack just grinned. "It's ok Spikey, nothing a potion can't fix. Here you look like you could really use one too. We only have two more so…try not to get all diced up buddy." Zack said coolly.
Cloud looked down at the man laying on the ground behind him, his mouth dropped to the floor. Zack had truly beaten Sephiroth on his own. The man was squirming as he was trying to stand, with his one arm. Cloud wanted to finish the man so badly, but he knew that Weiss was going to be a problem. He turned and stood at Zack's side, they both starred at the man floating in mid air, surrounded by an aura of darkness. "Well…this should be interesting huh?" Cloud said as he looked up at the man in the ashy sky.
"Yeah it should buddy. Hehe I sure could use a good fight. You ready? Buster bros for life right?" Zack said as he put his sword out.
"Hell yeah man" Cloud said as he put his up making their trademark X.
The tow both turned towards Weiss and leaped into the air. They let out a roar as the both swung their swords with all their might at Weiss. Weiss did not move, he just simply blocked both shots without even budging an inch. Weiss grinned at the two spiky haired men; he knew he was far stronger than them. He swung his sword and sent the two men flying though the air. Cloud hit the ground with great force, but quickly regained his footing. He jumped at the man at an incredible speed. He swung his sword fast and powerfully at Weiss, who just blocked each attack as if they were coming in slow motion. Cloud began to feel frustrated as none of his blows were of any use. Cloud looked over Weiss's shoulder and saw Zack coming from behind. Cloud grinned and continued to attack Weiss to distract him. Cloud looked at Weiss's face, he was smiling; Cloud's eyes widened as Weiss finished. Zack was still coming at Cloud at a high speed and could not stop his attack. Zack's buster sword hit Cloud's with great force, making a noise that sounded like an explosion. Cloud went flying towards the ground faster than he had ever done before. Cloud hit the soft planet with a loud thud, and dirt filled the air.
Zack landed on the ground and began to run towards his friend hoping he was ok. Weiss reappeared in Zack's path and grinned. Zack stopped in mid stride and looked at his foe. He was filling with anger, he sprinted towards Weiss, and jumped into the air. "Well, if he can't prodict my movement, I guess he can't hit me. Time to be totally random. Angeal would flip if he knew this was my plan." Zack said to himself. Weiss appeared behind Zack, Zack grinned he knew he was there. Zack did a front flip in mid air, and came up striking Weiss with great force. Weiss flew through the air and starred at Zack. His cocky face quickly faded away and was replaced with a serious one.
"How, how did he know I was coming from above? I guess I truly did underestimate Fair, no matter, he will be bleeding out at my feet soon enough" Weiss thought to himself as he charged towards Zack. He was about to clash swords with Zack, when he disappeared into the darkness. Weiss appeared high in the sky creating a dark energy ball. He looked down in awe, Zack was not there. Zack was already behind him! Zack quickly kicked Weiss in the back sending him sailing through the air towards the ground. The dark energy ball had back fired as Weiss had fallen into it. He continued to sail though the air and was about to hit the ground. Weiss could not see anything because the dark energy had created a great cloud of smoke. Weiss came to a halting stop as he felt a huge blade rip through his chest. The smoke had finally cleared, Weiss looked in shock, it was Cloud. Cloud was watching the fight from the ground and positioned himself to attack Weiss. Cloud had been waiting on the ground with his sword up like a spike. Weiss tried to fade into the darkness, but he couldn't his powers weren't working! He looked down at the blade; it must have been the blade that had been keeping him from dissipating. Weiss began to pull himself off Cloud's huge blade, but his face was quickly covered as he spit up blood. Zack and come from behind and stabbed him from the back. Weiss squirmed in pain; he was completely trapped inside the two gigantic blades.
Zack let out a grin, and looked at Cloud. Zack moved his head to the left, and then to the right. Cloud knew exactly what Zack was saying, he grinned as well. In one fluid motion Zack and Cloud ripped their buster swords in opposite directions, tearing Weiss into two. The man was on the ground gasping for air; his face was filling with fear as death approached. He began to use his hands to thrust himself backwards towards the Shinra mansion. Zack stepped forward, easily catching up the man. He stopped and looked at the poor suffering man. Zack knew what he had to do. "You know what? You're my enemy, and you not only tried to kill me, you also tried killing my friends and loved ones. You deserve to suffer every last second of your life and feel every second of pain. But, this is called mercy, something you and Sephiroth lack." Zack said as he quickly turned and swung his sword down on Weiss. Weiss's body plopped to the ground lifeless.
-----
Everyone sat in silence in the inn nobody wanting to break the silence. Fear and worry filled the room, even the always fighting Reno sat still. The fear could not subside, the clash of the sword could be heard, and they were miles away. The night was an unusually dark night, not a noise to be heard. Not even the animal in the neighboring forests stayed silent. Almost as though they feared the power that was coming from Nibleheim, almost as though they felt the struggle between good and evil and staying silent would not create any distraction. Tifa got up and walked to the window; she looked in the distance and began to cry. She could see the orange light from the flames in her former home town. The orange light flickered, and a clash quickly followed. It reminded her of the great thunder storms in Mt. Nibel. Thunder always followed the flash of lightning.
Everyone turned and looked at Aerith who had made a lot of noise putting her tea down, she looked up at everyone with blank eyes.
"Aerith…what's wrong?" Nanaki asked the girl in pink.
"It's…it's…it's over…" Aerith said as she shook.
"What you mean it's over! Who won!?" Tifa yelled.
"Sephiroth's life force…it's almost gone, so faint I can barely feel it… Weiss… I feel nothing…"Aerith said still looking blank.
Everyone in the room let out a deep breath, many beginning to celebrate. Reno and Rude stood up and hugged each other in joy of the battle for the planet was finally over. They began to jump up and down like school girls, their celebration was short lived, and they looked to see everyone was starring at them. Reno shoved Rude off of him, and he put his hand in his hair and looked the other way pretending to look at a picture. Everyone burst into laughter at the two men who were completely red in embarrassment. Fear had left the room entirely, everyone was hugging and giggling. They were to happy to notice that Aerith was still starring into the distance with blank eyes.
Tseng was first to notice. "Aerith, are you ok? Are Zack and Cloud ok? What's wrong?"
Aerith did not move or speak a word. This got Tifa's attention. "Aerith! Did something happen to one of them? Tell us what's going on please! Your making me scared."
Nanaki walked up next to Aerith and looked at her; he was speaking with her with his mind. Aerith looked down at the red beast, still looking blank. "I feel something, something scary…something dark…" Aerith said to the beast.
Everyone looked at her as the joy was sucked from the room. Everyone took a seat starring at Aerith waiting for an answer, waiting for anything. Aerith blankly stood up and walked toward the window. Everyone starred, as Tseng got up and stood behind the girl.
"Aerith…What do you feel?" Tseng said with a bit of worry in his voice.
"I don't know…I can't tell…it feels like Weiss and…" Aerith trailed off.
"And what Aerith?!" Tseng said in a panic.
Aerith turned towards the group and spoke in a voice that had many echoes. "The calamity from the sky…Jenova…" She said in a voice that did not sound like her own.
Nanaki starred, he knew what was going on; the Certa were talking though Aerith, warning them of great danger. He watched as Aerith fell as if she had been hit by a linebacker. Nanaki broke her fall. She looked up at everyone who were starring at her. She quickly stood up and looked out the window, "Ohh fuck…" The innocent girl let slip.
----
Zack wiped his lips after finishing his potion; he looked over at his friend who was chugging his as well. Zack tilted to look around Cloud. His eyes began to widen as he watched Weiss's body begin to convulse. He nudged Cloud to turn and look; they both froze at the sight they saw. Hojo stood above Weiss as he dropped an arm near Weiss's corpse. The arm quickly melted into black ooze. The ooze spread to Weiss's lower half of his body. The torn waist began to send out strands for red flesh stretching to the upper portion of Weiss's corpse that was several feet away. Zack looked in amazement as the ooze began to move almost as though it was a life form. The two halves of Weiss's body began to get pulled closer and closer together. The halves fused together as the ooze faded away.
Zack's hair on the back of his neck as he watched Weiss's once dead corpse rise up. His eyes were black, and his skin began to change into blackish green although keeping some of his human color. Zack looked at the man's hand, it was moving almost as though it was a liquid. The arm continued to move in odd ways, the two spiky haired men gripped their swords as Weiss looked at his hand. His hand began for change shape; it began to resemble a sword. Zack knew this was not going to end well, so he charged the abomination at full speed. Zack jumped into the air at the man as Cloud rushed in from below. Zack looked down to see that Weiss was no longer standing there, he looked up and saw him above. He grinned at Zack as he shifted his hand into a large hammer. Zack's eyes widened as the hammer came at him; he quickly put up his buster sword to block the blow. Zack was launched straight to the ground. He had sailed so fast Weiss's hit didn't register in Zack's mind. Zack laid in a pile of rubble looking up at his foe, he watched in the corner of his eye as Cloud jumped to face Weiss. Zack watched Weiss disappear before Cloud even got close. Zack stood up and was ready to join Cloud in his struggle to catch the evasive man. Zack jumped high in the air, but was interrupted as he looked straight into Weiss's eyes. He looked down at Weiss's had which had shifted into a gun. Weiss placed the gun to Zack's chest and fired. The power of the shot sent Zack to the ground once more. Zack put his hand to his chest and felt his wound, he was bleeding a lot of blood, he had already used his last potion when he thought Weiss was dead. Zack stood up, he found himself on his back before he fully stood up. He looked up at Weiss, who was steaming with power; he changed his hand to a staff to take Zack's footing.
Then it hit Zack, Weiss was completely ignoring Cloud and focusing on him. Almost as though he hadn't felt Clouds presence. "Cloud! He's focusing on me; you have to come up with something. I'll distract him. You can do it bud." Zack said as he gripped his sword. This had better work; he was going to take a hell of a beating for this.
"Ok Zack!...ehhh I'll think of something. I hope." Cloud responded.
Zack looked at Weiss and grinned, he was going to make him mad, real mad. Zack stood up and gripped his sword tight, he held it to his forehead, "Angeal, help me find my inner annoyance. And guide me to… well not die. Watch over me Angeal." Zack said as he looked at his foe. He let out a grin. "Hey Weiss you in there? How about you stop playing your games with all this poofing shit huh? Let's fight man to man. You do know how to be a man don't ya? Or is your tampon to far up there?" Zack said as he mocked Weiss.
Weiss's face began to twitch. He was getting angry, but he wasn't going to let Zack get inside his head. "Alright, you will die no matter what; you will just suffer more this way." Weiss said in a human monsterish voice mix.
Weiss created a sword with his hand and stood in a standoff with Zack. The two men charged at one another as fast as they could. Their swords clashed sending a wave stronger than any of the other before. Zack and Weiss stood together as their blades were locked. Zack looked into Weiss's dark eyes and grinned. "So I guess neither of us are going to give in huh? We're gunna be here awhile. So let's chat. How's the family? How's your brother…. Oh ouch sensitive subject…my bad." Zack said to Weiss.
Weiss grew angrier and angrier; his strength was growing by the second. Zack felt he was beginning to lose the clash, he had to pull out. He did a back flip to dodge the blow, but Weiss's blow went straight into a blade beam. Zack jumped in the air and his heart sank. Hojo was carrying Sephiroth up Mt. Nible. He yelled down to Cloud, "Cloud forget our plan! You got to go after Hojo! You can't let him get away with Sephiroth! Just go!" Zack yelled. Cloud just nodded and headed up the mountain.
Zack looked down at his foe, "Fuckkkkk! I had to go and piss him off." Zack thought to himself.
-----
Hojo ran to Sephiroth's side, the man was defeated. He laid in a pool of blood, and was motionless. He had a huge gash across his chest, gushing blood by the ounce by the minute, his arm had been severed from the shoulder down. He had to hurry if he was going to be able to save the man. He needed mako, in large amounts. Hojo knew he didn't have enough mako to save him, and then it hit him. The reactor in the mountain had more than enough mako to save him. Hojo grabbed the man and threw him over his shoulder and began to walk up the mountain.
The man could feel Cloud's presence as he walked up the mountain path. Hojo began to chuckle to himself, Cloud had no idea that he was walking straight into a trap. Hojo looked down in his hand; he looked at Jenova's leg. From his research he found that once the alien made contact with organic matter, a creature would be formed. Hojo, looked ahead the reactor was in sight, now it was time to rid of the pest that had been following him. Hojo simply dropped the leg and walked onward.
Cloud ran to catch up to the man in the lab coat, but was stopped in his tracks. He looked as a body part had begun to morph into a creature. Cloud starred as he watched a beast beginning to form in front of his eyes. It continued to grow; it was twice his size it had large thick tentacles coming from ever side of the monster. Cloud looked up at it, it had large masses on both sides of it's head. Cloud gulped as the beast moved. In a flash the beast created flames from its head. Cloud jumped in the air to dodge the sea of flames the beast had just unleashed. Cloud looked down as the mountain had quickly been engulfed in flames. It was a beautiful sight, the flames plus the mako fused rocks created a green flame. Cloud landed on the Jenova's shoulder like mass. He quickly rolled to dodge the incoming slash from a tentacle. Cloud quickly jammed his sword deeply into the beast. Cloud held on to his sword, and jumped off of the beast. As Cloud fell his blade continued to cut though Jenova's back. She let out a monstrous scream as Cloud had cause great damage to the beast.
Cloud landed on his feet and grinned as the beast had begun to scream in pain. Cloud's grin was very shortly lived. His eyes widened as the beast turned around quickly and brought a wall of flames with it. Cloud knew he didn't have the time to dodge the blow, so he did the only thing he could. He quickly stuck his sword into the ground and hid behind it. Flames poured around Cloud and his buster sword. Cloud looked at his sword which was now turning a light shade of orange. The heat from Jenova's flames were intense, Cloud knew he had to move before his sword was melted into a puddle of molten steel. He reached for the handle; the steel was far too hot for him to touch. He knew he was going to have to leave his sword behind.
Cloud jumped high into the air he looked down at Jenova, it was truly powerful. The monster was surrounded by flames it's destruction would be endless if Cloud did not defeat her now. Cloud continued to go higher and higher, his jump was quickly halted when he felt Jenova's tentacle wrap around his leg. In one motion Cloud was thrown to the flaming ground below. Cloud hit with a great thud, Cloud winced in pain; he felt something break. Cloud looked at his left arm, it was broken and the bone was sticking out near his wrist. Cloud knew with one useable arm things were going to be extremely difficult. Before Cloud could regain his feet, he felt a sharp pain come from his chest. He looked over towards his right shoulder. Jenova had stabbed him with one of her tentacles. He knew this wasn't good; both his arms were practically useless, he had to think of something. Cloud gripped his sword with his one useful arm and jumped towards Jenova. His was ready to put his all into one blow hoping it would destroy the beast. Before he got close enough to unleash his attack he was greeted with another tentacle in the stomach. Cloud let out loud cry in pain. His blood was pouring down the tentacle; Cloud looked up to see two more tentacles coming to finish the job. He began to glow with a blue aura, his eyes looked as though he was about to erupt. In one fast motion Cloud cut down the tentacle in his chest and the other two that were about to finish him off.
Cloud slowly began to fall to the ground, when he hit his limit. He rushed towards Jenova at blinding speed, he did a quick slash. He jumped high in the air behind Jenova and came down as he dug his sword deep within Jenova. She let out a roar, and turned and unleashed another wall of flames. Cloud just grinned as he rushed through the flames, and did another fast swipe with his sword. He landed at the ground right behind Jenova; he waited for her to turn around before he struck. The monster turned as fast as it could to make sure Cloud did not get a free pass once again to attack from the back. Cloud grinned as he watched the monster prepare for its final attack. In a blink of an eye Cloud unleashed his power. He began to slash quickly and violently at Jenova. One slash was quickly followed by two others. He drove his sword deep into Jenova, and jumped high up into the air. She shrieked as the steel tore through her flesh. Cloud was high in the air and watched as her tentacles were flying after him, he grinned once more. He dove towards Jenova's back with his sword ahead of him. He was moving like a missile at a speed which no eye could follow. He approached the large gash he had created in Jenova's back, and closed his eyes. He entered through the gash at full speed; moments later he tore through Jenova's chest. The beast let out its final cry as it began to fade into the lifestream.
Cloud put his sword on his back and grinned, his smile quickly faded into a wince. He had been severally wounded, he needed to get medical attention soon, or he would bleed out. Cloud looked at the reactor ahead, and he turned his head in shame. He was in no shape to fight a battle with Hojo, let alone Sephiroth if he was alive. Cloud looked down the path and looked down at the remains of Nibleheim. His face filled with fear; Zack was down there fighting an impossible foe alone. Cloud put his hand to his chest and held his wound tight as he ran off.
----
Zack watched as his blond friend ran towards the mountain to follow Hojo. Zack worried, Cloud had to get the job done no matter what; he had to kill Sephiroth. If he didn't this all would have been for nothing. Their mission was to stop Sephiroth before he could destroy the planet. Zack's thoughts were quickly interrupted as Weiss had launched him from their clash. Zack was thrown a few feet back but he landed on his feet; he looked at his foe whom was steaming with anger. Zack gripped his sword and cursed the heavens. 'Fuckin Hojo! Cloud was supposed to help me, we were forming a plan!" Zack said to himself. Zack gripped his sword tightly as Weiss charged at him; Zack swung his sword to slow Weiss. Zack looked in shock as he looked forward. Weiss had blocked his swing. That's not what was surprised him; it was that Weiss had not dissipated. He stood before Zack's eyes, with fury behind his eyes. Weiss looked at Zack as he over powered him.
"Hahhaa, Is this all the might Zack Fair has to offer? I fight you like a man, and you still cannot beat me? You are pathetic." Weiss said mockingly.
"Well, how the hell did you get so strong? And fighting me with that…arm isn't quiet man to man now is it?" Zack said as he grunted trying to overpower Weiss with all his strength.
"You are feeling the power of JENOVA. Are you scared?" Weiss asked with a demonic voice echoing his own.
"I'm not scared of anything! You will feel fear by the time I'm done with you!" Zack said as he kicked Weiss in the chest. Zack charged at Weiss. Zack slashed as fast as he could, just to every one of his blows blocked with ease. Weiss just grinned as he let Zack swing at him. Zack watched Weiss's arm as it changed to a staff, in one light speed motion Weiss had thrusted it into into Zack's chest. The blow stunned Zack for just a second; it was followed by another fast blow. Weiss swung his staff like a golf club, taking Zack's feet from under him. As Zack fell he was greeted with another blow. Weiss swung the staff like a baseball bat sending Zack sailing through the air. Zack crashed violently to the ground and slid across the former town square. Zack sat himself up and looked at Weiss. He was walking over calmly, like he didn't have a fear in the world. Zack knew he was in serious trouble. Zack stood up and charged the man once more, Zack's eyes widened as he saw Weiss's hand morph into a gun. He fired, but Zack dodge it easily by jumping into the air. Weiss quickly followed, his arm stretched and grabbed Zack by the foot. He quickly threw Zack towards the ground. Zack had been expecting this and slashed his sword down as fast as he could. Weiss's eyes widened as he saw the blow a moment too late. Zack's buster sword slashed Weiss's leg.
Weiss landed on the ground as Zack thudded nearby. He looked down at his leg, he had been cut very deeply, he was losing a lot of blood. He began to fill with rage as sprinted towards Zack. Zack looked at the charging man and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes, he opened them and looked around. He was in the lifestream, he looked for Angeal. He smiled as he saw his mentor sitting next to him.
"Why are you here Zack?"Angeal asked calmly.
"Well I was thinking on how to harness my power, but I really don't know how. Any words of advice?" Zack asked.
"Nope I got nothing bud. I can tell you what I used to do." Angeal said with a smile.
"What you do?"Zack asked looking intently.
"I used to think over the people I cared for. I remembered those I lost. I imagined losing those closest to me. But the one that truly gave me my power was thinking of what I'm fighting for. But you must remember not to let hate and anger control your motivation. You will fight sloppy but worst of all, a part of your soul breaks when you harness rage." Angeal said.
Zack smiled. "I think I get what you're saying." Zack said as he closed his eyes.
Zack opened them and saw Weiss charging straight for him. He closed his eyes once more, this time not seeing Angeal. He thought of Genesis. Weiss had killed him, god how he missed his friend. He thought about Barret and his crew, Weiss had ended his life when he had a daughter waiting for him. Zack felt his heart pound at the thought of his fallen friends. He began to remember Shinra's evil. It was odd to think that Shinra had been destroyed for five months already. Their evil had spread all over the planet, many still suffered still because of them. Zack's heart pounded faster as he thought about how Shinra and Hojo were so close to making him live in a tube for the rest of his life. Zack felt a bit of rage beginning to surface, but he knew it wasn't enough to make him fight sloppy. Cissnei, Zack began to think about, she was such a great friend. He had taken her life because of fuckin Shinra. Zack shifted his thoughts to something else, if he continued to think of Shinra he could lose it once again. Zack began to imagine losing his friends he had now. He imagined losing Nanaki and Tifa, he felt his chest expand at the thought. He pictured Weiss taking Tseng's life. Tseng had been a great friend; he knew the man cared for him under all his stern outer shell. Zack imagined when he lost Cloud, he felt his veins pulse. He imagined losing Aerith, god he loved her so much, losing her, and he would truly destroy the planet. Zack felt his muscles in his arms expand as he felt the imaginary pain. Zack focused his mind on what he was fighting for; for Aerith, so they could marry and live happily for the rest of his life. Zack smiled as he imagined his children running around playing. He had to protect the planet, for his future, for everyone on the planet.
Zack opened his eyes; Weiss was just a few feet away. He gripped his sword tightly, he smiled. He could feel the power, Angeal's idea had worked. Zack began to glow a bluish green aura. He smiled and charged at Weiss. The two had locked swords; Weiss looked at Zack with shock in his eyes. Zack had been over powering him with great ease. Zack just grinned at Weiss as he kicked the man in the chest sending him flying. Zack quickly stuck his sword in the ground and ripped it forward toward Weiss. A huge beam of blue energy headed toward Weiss at great speed. Weiss rolled to dodge the incoming beam, but was met with a drop kick to his face. Weiss looked at Zack as he staggered. How had he gotten so much strength in such a short amount of time? Weiss began to fill with rage as he imagined his brother losing his life. He jammed his sword and his sword arm into the ground. He let out a deep roar as the ground began to break away. Red light began to break through the ground, seconds later it exploded in a red flash of energy. Zack's eyes widened as the eruption exploded where he stood.
Weiss grinned as the eruption finished; he knew Zack could not have dodge it. The smoke and dirt had cleared and his eyes widened. He looked in fear as he saw Zack floating in the air in a blue aura. In a blink of an eye he felt the steel of Zack's sword cut through his sword arm. Weiss let out a demonic scream, as black blood poured out. Weiss fell to his knees before Zack. He looked up at Zack who was holding the buster sword to his chest. Weiss did the only thing he could do, be a coward. He dissipated into the darkness, to appear behind Zack. Zack grinned he knew he would do it. Zack swung his sword through the ground and tore it straight up. Weiss had blocked the shot but was sent flying though the air. Zack jumped quickly to follow. Weiss looked up at Zack was above him, he was coming down hard with his buster sword. Weiss disappeared into the darkness and appeared next to Zack. Zack's eyes quickly turned to his opponent, but he knew he wasn't going to be able to dodge the attack. Zack moved as far away as he could but Weiss had still slashed him across his chest and his back. Zack felt the warm blood trickle down his chest and arm, he could tell he was wounded severely. He wound to his stomach was by far the worst, the most resent slash was not very deep but still was a wound to worry about. Zack regained his composure as he charged at Weiss in mid air once more. Weiss dissipated just as Zack had expected, once Weiss reappeared he was met by the buster sword almost immediately.
Weiss was shocked how fast Zack had been, he also could feel where he was going to reappear. Weiss's hair on the back of his neck stood up, he quickly glanced back. It was a wounded Cloud walking down the path towards them. Weiss knew he had to finish this fight before he was out numbered. Weiss let out a battle scream as he charged at Zack. He swung his sword as fast as he could and dissipated and continued his onslaught in a different direction. Every one of his fierce attacks were easily blocked by Zack. Weiss's eyes widened as he saw the look in Zack's eyes. He was going to have a limit break.
Zack grinned as he began to glow green, he tightened his gripped on his sword and went to work on Weiss. Zack swung his sword like a mad man, at a speed not even Cloud could keep an eye on. Weiss blocked as many of the shots as he could but several broke through. Weiss had been wounded severely in many places, blood poured out everywhere. Zack continued his overkill on Weiss, he jumped high in the air and came down as hard as he could with his buster sword. Weiss was knocked back several feet. Zack walked up to the battered man who was bleeding everywhere, a large pool of black blood underneath him. The man was gasping for air and spiting dark blood, Zack looked in awe as his body began to break, beams of white light coming out of the cracks. Seconds later, there was a loud demonic scream as everything went white. Zack covered his eyes as the light grew brighter and brighter. As the light faded, Weiss still laid there almost lifeless. This time he was back to his normal human color, and his arm was back to being a human arm. Zack knew that he had defeated the Jenova that had possessed Weiss's body. Weiss began to breath; red blood began to pour out of his mouth. He was wounded severely, he had deep gashes all over his body, and a deep penetration in his chest from Zack's buster sword. Weiss looked up at Zack who was standing over him. Weiss quickly faded to avoid death by Zack's hand.
Zack put his head down in disappointment, he had hesitated and Weiss had gotten away. The planet was not safe, not until Weiss had fallen. Zack walked over to Cloud who was barely standing. His buster sword held him up like a kick stand. Zack took another step, when the pain from his wounds caught up with him. In the battle he was running on adrenaline which made him forget about his wounds. Zack took another step, and began to feel heavy. His wounds were great, he was struggling to continue onward. Cloud walked toward his friend dripping blood by each step. He and Zack finally met each other; they were both pale from blood loss. Zack fell to one knee and was breathing heavily. Cloud could no longer stand and fell on his back and looked up to the night air. The fires had finally died out and the ashes were no longer falling from the sky. Ash covered the ground like snow, Zack watched as the ash around him turned red from his blood. The ash around Cloud quickly turned red as he lay, nearly unconscious. Cloud used all his might to speak. "Za…ck…it might…be..a…good idea…to call Tseng." Cloud said brokenly. The pain had slowed his speech.
"Yeah that might be a good idea…ugh…to have him pick us up…I think…we could make it…to Rocket Town like this…"Zack joked.
Cloud laughed but was completely silenced as he choked on blood as he chuckled. Zack reached for his phone in his pocket. He opened it and dialed Tseng. As the phone rang Zack fell onto his chest and laid next to his phone.
"Zack is that you? Are you ok? Do you need extraction?" Tseng said with a very panicked tone.
"Ts..eng…: Zack said as he passed out from his wounds.
-----
Everyone sat in the inn worrying more and more as each hour went by. Tifa laid in the bed hugging a pillow not wanting to talk to anyone. Tseng and the other two Turks sat at the table looking very nervous. Reno sat with his chair leaned against the wall with his glasses in his mouth. Nanaki lay next to Aerith who was looking out the window with her hands held close to her heart. Her face looked like she was in absolute pain, she could feel Zack. He was so strong moment's ago, but now she could barely feel him now. All the sudden she began to tear, and turned to the group.
'THEY'RE HURT!" Aerith screamed in a horrified voice.
Just seconds later the phone rang, Tseng answered quickly. "Zack is that you? Are you ok? Do you need extraction?" Tseng yelled into the phone. Tseng face went blank as he hung up the phone. "Reno Rude let's move! Everyone stay here! Prepare for serious wounds. Nanaki please go find the town doctor and have him bring all the nurses he has. Hurry!" Tseng said as the three Turks sprinted out the door.
Everyone's worst fears had come true, the room filled with fear and heavy hearts.
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Ok wow…long chapter! I thought it was important to get the entire battle of Nibleheim in one chapter. It just felt too important to break apart and leave a cliffhanger. So I hope you love the chapter, I had a lot of fun writing it. I work ever hard on this chapter so please leave comments! If you don't…I am going on strike! XP