Final Fantasy VII: Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Summary: "(An Angeal x Zack, Sephiroth x Genesis story) As things finally start to heat up in more ways than one, and world-shattering decisions are made, and as the ShinRa's top 1st Class Generals finally open their eyes to the terrifying reality of The Ring, they learn not only of a sacred promise, but of the sacrifice made by the man who they only knew as SOLDIER, a man who gave his freedom and his life for others, and of a beautiful letter, handwritten by a desperate young hero-to-be, who pleads not for his life, but that of the man he treasures above his own life. Will the remaining 1st Classes make the right decision- and is even more suffering in order? Or will they all just be included in the final body count?"

Warning: "This will be a Yaoi (male x male), first off. It will have rape, reference to rape and childhood abuse, and also implied rape. There is a reason that this Fanfiction is rated "M," and by continuing to read this story, I am no longer responsible for any offense taken by the manuscript, and will not receive any more complaints and/or hate mail because you have hereby been warned."

Disclaimer: "I do not own Final Fantasy VII or any of its characters so don't haul off and think I do. However, the following characters are actually mine, whether or not these characters actually appear in this particular story, so I hope not too see (as flattering as it would be, actually) a copied character of mine without my written consent: 1st Class SOLIDER Marshall Willowstaff, Cadet Captain Benjamin (Ben) Adler, Captain Daniel Marks, and Head Physician Julian Jake."

N._.S._.S

Chapter Thirty-Five: Come Here!

The way to Sheldon Anderson's "level" as Genesis and Zack called it, was long.

Cruelly so.

It was like going through a long, dark tunnel while knowing that a monster lay in wait at the end.

"Goddess," Genesis murmured, "this seemed so much shorter when I came here."

"No kidding," Zack muttered back, "I could have sworn there wasn't a hallway here last time."

A weak, weary chuckle was his answer.

Sephiroth listened to their quiet conversation as he kept an eye out behind them, making sure they weren't being followed- and then glanced back at Angeal. Ever since they'd set off upstairs, the normally stoic friend he knew was slowly growing more and more quiet and agitated- and what Genesis and Zack were talking about was clearly making it worse for him.

Quite understandably, his friend was losing it.

At that moment, just as a large, overly-ornate door emerged from the darkness of the hallway, like light at the end of a tunnel, Genesis suddenly stumbled, and though Sephiroth instantly made a grab for him and managed to catch him before he collapsed, the auburn-haired SOLDIER did not recover from this fall for several long moments.

He was in bad shape.

Whatever poison was forced into him, it seemed to be growing worse. Genesis' normally ever-alert, kind, bright azure eyes were glazed over in a strange, unconscious way. He moved with noticeably less grace and fluidity than Sephiroth had ever seen. When he stumbled, it was taking longer and longer for him to recover. And, worse of all, when he coughed, the blood was growing less watery and thicker.

He didn't have much time before-

"Come here."

At the sound of that icy, strong, deep voice, both Genesis and Zack instantly froze in their tracks. Genesis almost instinctively throwing out his arm to prevent Zack from going closer. His formally glazed over, unfocused eyes suddenly blazed with their former, almost defiant glory.

"It's him," Genesis said, mostly to Zack, azure eyes flashing to the boy, then quickly back at the large, ornate door in front of them. "He knows we're here."

"Oh, man," Zack said, voice unusually high and frightened, "He sounds mad."

"Of course he's mad," Genesis responded, "He knows what we did."

Zack groaned. "He's going to kill us."

Before Genesis could respond, Sephiroth spoke up.

"Sheldon Anderson is not going to be killing anyone."

At the name, both Zack and Genesis flinched.

Angeal finally stepped forward. With his right hand on the hilt of the Buster Sword, he placed his left on Zack's shoulder. "Remember what I said, Zack."

The young 3rd Class relaxed a little, but still shook.

Genesis gave Sephiroth a worried look. "Sephiroth..."

"Come here!"

The voice was angrier now, less of a gentle call, and more like the scream of an enraged snake, and it echoed throughout the suddenly small, dark hall. Genesis' azure eyes widened in shock and fear, and Zack actually attempted to rush forward before being stopped by Angeal.

"He's calling," Zack suddenly cried out, as Angeal attempted to restrain him, "He's calling!"

"Sephiroth!" Genesis said, his voice barely above a shaken murmur, "Sephiroth, he's calling."

Never before had Sephiroth seen Genesis grow so tense so quickly. The auburn-haired 1st Class had always been so calm, so genteel most of the time, but now he looked trapped.

"I said come here!"

It was if something inside them both had snapped at the same time, Genesis rushed forward, and Zack broke free of Angeal's protective grasp. Though Angeal and Sephiroth made a grab for them, the two made a break for it- rushing toward the ornate door.

"Zack! No!"

"Genesis!"

The ornate door slammed open with a huge bang after being pelted with a sudden powerful burst of Genesis' Firagra Materia, and Zack darted forward.

And so both of them vanished into the darkness.

N._.S._.S

Author's Note: Yeah, yeah, you all probably hate me. But the wait was worth it, right?

Alright, so I've got plenty of thanks to go out. Let's see.

First, to all of you people who bore with me all this time, even though there wasn't much of a chance that you'll see how this ended. But now I really do promise that this story will be finished!

Next, to all those who Favorited, Followed, and Reviewed since November!

Thanks for staying with me!

Please enjoy the next few chapters!

N._.S._.S