AN: Hey guys sorry it took soo long to get this chapter up. More than two weeks! Yikes I'm really slaking; I have no excuse it's not like I hit writers block or anything I knew exactly where this chapter was going. If I was going to give an excuse it would have to be spring is in the air, and I have Spring fever and can't think being still at my laptop! Anyway enjoy and you know the drill please, please review! Thank-you to all that reviewed before, every review is always appreciated.

Squadron 99 stood at attention on the departure platform where two helicopters sat at the far end waiting for the cadets to board.

Rush and Rain stood at the far end of the line. Though they were still and stiff at attention, Rain could practically feel the energy floating off of Rush in waves and she was amazed he was actually managing to stand still.

Ever since he had heard they were going on their first actually mission, not just on patrol down in the lower plates, he could have matched Zack in energy. Rain tried not to put a dapper on his excitement, but could not shake the growing dread and apprehension that steadily grew stronger as the moment for departure got closer and closer.

Rush though had noticed it and had pressed to know what was wrong. The kid had become quite sensitive to her moods, and a part of her was glad to have someone who could read her so well in Shinra that she could trust. It was like having small pockets of fresh air, in a long underwater dive.

Rain had managed not to dapper his spirits too much, but still install an edge of caution and alertness to this particular mission, along with the promise to stay close, Rush had starred at her, but only nodded his head in agreement. Another thing which made him so easy to be around, he knew when not to press for answers. He had still not even questioned her reason for being in Shinra or her intentions.

The sudden stiffing of all the troops beyond even standing at attention, alerted her of the final addition to their team, or additions.

The silver haired General strode past the straight line of cadets slowly, head straight ahead and jaw firm. He didn't seem like he was even aware of their presence, but she knew the General was inspecting them vigilantly.

What she didn't except was the black spikes and sparkling eyes that accompanied him from behind. So Zack was coming along too?

Somehow that thought eased the tightness in her chest just a little, but then the thought of why they needed not just one, but two SOLIDERS on this mission, no less the General and his Second. The reassuring feeling quickly left.

As Zack passed them he tilted his head slightly in their direction and winked. Rain could not bring herself past the lump in her throat to smile in return, and his brow furrowed slightly at her reaction, but he didn't stop.

When Sephiroth reached the end of the line he finally stopped and actually looked at them, his expression neither approving nor disapproving. He met the gaze of every cadet and every cadet in turn quickly looked to the tarmac. Finally his gaze settled on Rain, they held each other's gaze for a long time, before Rain finally allowed herself to look down as well.

"Move out."

The order was issued softly, but seemed to have the effect of snapped a whip as each and every cadet leaped to obey.

Rain and Rush followed the others as they quickly boarded the second helicopter and sat on the long line of benches on either side. She noticed with relief that the General and his Second had border the first copper and it was already starting to rise in flight.

It would be good to keep a distance from him, from both of them for a little while. Things were moving quickly as she knew they would once it began. Her slips were becoming more and more apparent. All she could do was regulate to some degree what slips they were, but not keep them from occurring.

They were watching and nothing no matter how subtle would slip by them now. She could only hope to delay until the time was right and that meant keeping herself out of situations were slips were likely. This mission was one such place.

It was easy to control herself in a training environment. It was another thing to hold back in the midst of an actually threatening situation. A well trained fighter trained their bodies to react on instinct not on what the mind told it to do and Rain had been well trained. She had lost count of how many times Cloud or Vincent had attacked her in the midst of a deep sleep, testing her body's reflexes to situations where her mind was not functioning yet.

This was different though, as she looked around at if not friendly faces at least familiar faces. She knew her dread was for their sakes and not hers. The only comfort she could take was at least their commanding officer was Kolman. Of all their instructors, Kolman was the only one Rain had developed any respect for. He was a tall slim man, but an expert marksmanship so taught primary on rifles or any other Shinra issue standard missile weapon. Unlike the other officers Kolman had respect for the cadets, so it was easy to see why besides Zack, Kolman was the most well-liked among the cadets.

Kolman looked over at her and must have seen something in her face, for he frowned.

"Something wrong Strife."

Rain shook her head, "No sir."

She lowered the visor of her helmet over her face, hiding any further emotion that might slip through.

The rest of the two hour trip passed in silence, no one daring to speak.

Finally Rain felt the helicopter begging to dip down and descend. A moment later she felt it gently land on solid ground.

Kolman immediately slide the doors open and they all filed single file out onto the open ground, carful to keep their heads low due to the spinning blades overhead.

The landscape around them was bar and rocky with hardly any plant life. Canyons and sand rose up around them. Off in the distance Rain's eyes could just pick out a small village nestled in among a rock face.

Sephiroth and Zack were already standing and waiting for them and they quickly lined up in front of them.

"Officer Kolman," Sephiroth spoke quickly, "I want you and your squadron to do a patrol a mile out around the village. From reports these thefts and attacks are quite regular, so they must be holding out somewhere around here. Commander Fair and I will question the townspeople and join up with you shortly."

Kolman saluted sharply, "Yes sir! All right you heard the General, let's move out. Strife, Rush I want you taking up the rear."

No one dared make a sound, but Rain caught the mocking smirks thrown their way by a couple of the cadets as they headed out and she wasn't the only one.

Sephiroth too caught many of the looks from the other cadets. So the Strife and his friend were not well liked among their peers and Sephiroth could understand why. Both boys were the smallest in the group and despite Zack's best intentions, the extra attention he undoubtedly gave the boys would not be looked upon well by the other cadets. They would see it as favouritism and it was, but that was not the issue they had with it. No, every cadet sucked up the officers to some degree. The problem the cadets would have was why these two, who were looked down upon by them all could achieve not just favouritism, but friendship with one of the most popular men in Shinra.

He grumbled under his breath, "Cadets."

He heard Zack grin behind him. Zack was one of the only people Sephiroth knew that could register his smile through all five senses.

"You really don't like being around cadets do you Seph?"

Sephiroth didn't even dignify such an obvious question with a reply. Zack however continued to prod.

"You think you'd be used to their adoration by now!"

"It's not their adoration I have no patience for, it's their stupidity." Sephiroth growled.

Zack made a face, "Aw Seph, your soo mean! Their only cadets they'll get better. Remember how I was when I first started?"

"That is exactly why I don't teach cadets! If they make it to SOLIDER then I'll take interest in them. It's for my own sanity that I don't do so until then."

"Theirs as well I bet," he heard his second mutter.

"Is there a particular reason why you are here Zack?"

Zack slapped a hand on his shoulder, "I wouldn't leave my buddy to go on a poster boy mission all on his own. What kind of friend would I be? Besides if we are here for appearances sake how much better to have not only the General, but the General's second as well. I mean the villagers will be particularly shaking in awe..."

Zack's voice trailed off as they reached the outskirts of the town. It was quite, unnaturally still, nothing in regular activity what so ever.

Sephiroth felt Zack tense in alert. Knew his eyes like his own were taking in every detail, and they both immediately fixed on the small movement near the doorway of one of the main buildings.

Zack stepped forward past Sephiroth. They both knew his presence was useless in situations like this.

"Hello," Zack's voice was friendly, "Come on out, we're not going to hurt you. My name is Zack Fair and this is...my friend."

An irritated twitch tugged at the corner of Sephiroth's mouth. He knew just his name could install complete terror in some people, but he seriously doubted it would do any harm now. His appearance was after all fairly easy to recognize.

"We are from Shinra." Zack continued, "You know, the aid you requested?"

"Three months ago." The voice was weary and the figure now moved closer though it seemed like he was very reluctant.

It was an older man with greying hair and a thin frame. No, not just thin, unhealthy like he was not getting enough to eat. The bones were fairly sticking out from every corner of the man and Sephiroth didn't miss discoloration on the man's face and the slight limp when he walked.

Sephiroth changed his posture slightly, not much just enough to reach Masamune on his back in one smooth motion, and he knew Zack was doing the same.

"We requested your aid three months ago!" The man repeated now sounding slightly angry.

Zack flinched slightly, "Ya, we are sorry. Shinra has only just been able to afford spar troops to look into the situation."

The man snorted, "You mean the fighting with Wutia is in a ceasefire and Shinra will now take care of its own problems for a change, instead of meddling it's nose it places where it is not welcomed. Well, you're not welcome here! You are not needed anymore, go away!"

"I'm afraid we can't do that." Sephiroth's voice was quite.

Something inside the man seemed to snap and Zack was shocked by the amount of hatred he saw in the man's eyes, "That's right you can never leave things alone can you? You ignore cries of help when they are needed and push your way into things when they are not! Killing hundreds of innocent people in the process! All because of Shinra's greed for power. You are nothing more than their lapdogs, mindlessly following your master's orders even to your own deaths. No, you are lower than dogs, you are monsters!"

Zack felt Sephiroth stiffen beside him. He glanced over and was shocked to see the effect the man's words had on his impassive friend.

Sephiroth's face had turned even paler and his hands were fists at his side. Zack had to admit he too was angry at the man's accusations and stunned.

Shinra and SOLIDERS especially were always treated with a high level of respect even if the person despised them. Everyone knew what could happen if you mouthed off, especially when it was a SOLIDER.

This man seemed like he didn't care and Zack knew a large part why it affected Sephiroth and him so strongly because in a small part it was true. How many times had Genesis complained they were just dogs of the military, but that was just Genesis, then again Zack realized long ago Genesis always mixed a small measure of truth in his sarcasm and lies.

It was also at that moment Zack realized it wasn't that the man didn't care what was going to happen to him. He was a man who thought he was dead already!

Masamune was already in its master's hand and Zack was swinging the buster sword off his back, when a single shot rang out.

The man eyes widen, but not in surprise and he looked down at the hole in his chest and the blood forming an enlarging circle around it. He sighed muttered something that to Zack's sharp ears sounded like, "Finally." Then collapsed to the ground and all hell broke loose.

Genesis leaned back in Sephiroth's chair and laughed.

It had taken him hours to hack his way into Sephiroth's personal computer in his office, and the final password had been one he had not expected. Sephiroth had chosen a phrase completely opposite from his normal character and pervious passwords. Obvious trying to throw him for a loop, but Sephiroth should know that would only deter Genesis so long.

Oh, Genesis was going to have fun rubbing it in. To think despite all his complaining about the books being left around and Genesis's constant quotes, Sephiroth had gone and chosen Loveless as the final password. Genesis had only typed it in out of sheer frustration.

Now on to the better stuff! With a few quick taps on the keyboard Strife's file was pulled up on screen. Not that Genesis couldn't have had access from his own office but he wanted to see what additional comments Sephiroth had made about the boy in his own personal computer. Not that he expected Sephiroth to have the word sexy scribbled under the cadet's picture, but it would be interesting to know just what Sephiroth thought about the boy. He was disappointed nothing beyond what Sephiroth had already told them in point form.

Wait a minute; something in the corner of the screen caught his attention. The mission file Sephiroth and Zack were currently on. Out of curiosity he opened it. Looked boring and pretty basic except...

Genesis swore and flipped his phone open, absently pressing numbers his fingers knew by heart. Angeal's annoyed voice immediately came on the line.

"Genesis where are you? You're not in Sephiroth's office are you? You know he'll know if you so much as move a pencil and he'll kick your butt and I don't feel like dragging you to the infirmary."

"Angeal, the mission is sniped!"

Angeal's voice immediately changed to concern, "I'll meet you in the air."

Genesis snapped open his wing and turned to the window, knowing it was probably too late. Sephiroth and Zack could handle themselves, but how could a bunch of rookie cadets on their first time out hope to survive a sniped mission.

Rain feeling the uneasiness growing with ever step she took until she was practically vibrating. Rush kept looking behind at her with growing concern, mouthing, 'what's wrong?'

What was wrong? That was just the question! Something felt soo wrong, but what was it?!!! Then Rain saw it, the small pattern on one of the rocks ahead of them. So small no one else would have noticed it even if they were standing right before it, but with Rain's eyes along with the fact that she was looking for anything abnormal it stuck out like a red rose in snow.

A stun bomb!

"Officer Kolman, stop!" Rain broke line and run up to the front.

Kolman stopped, but didn't look pleased. "What is it Strife?"

"Sir, we have to go back this mission is sniped!"

There was snorts of disbelief and mockery from behind her and someone hissed angrily, "Shut up Strife, you might be a coward, but the rest of us are not. That is why you were placed in the back."

Rain whirled, impatient at their perilous position making her ready to snap, but Kolman's quite voice brought her back to look at him. "How do you know Strife?"

He looked sceptical, but not disbelieving.

Rain looked him full in the face, "Because sir, I have been in two sniped missions before. There is a stun bomb placed on the road ahead of us that is how they always stage an attack. Please sir, I know the signs and I know if we get caught out here, none of us will survive!"

Kolman starred at her and was just about to open his mouth in reply when a shot rang out and a hole appeared in Kolman's forehead.

Rain was already moving before the body even hit the ground.

"Everybody find cover! Move!" she shouted grabbing Rush and diving behind a large boulder. Three cadets weren't even able to take a step before they were cut down by an inhale of bullets. The rest of them instead of finding their own cover had followed them behind the boulder. Rain took only one look to know most were going into shock.

Crap! Crap! Crap! They were sitting ducks bunched up together like this. They would just surround them and take them out in one sweep. They needed to move, but Rain wasn't sure if she could get them to do that. The only one who had their rifle up and ready was Rush and even he looked shaken.

Understandable, that was the why Tyrants worked. They always targeted the commanding officers. Removing the leaders from combat situations always caused fear, panic and chaos among the troops. It was a good strategy and the Tyrants knew it, many had once been troops.

The Tyrants were renegade groups of terrorists and bandits, she knew Shinra filed name under the same category as Avalanche, but unlike Avalanche, Tyrants worked for their own gain and had no alliances whatsoever.

They were enemies of both Shinra and Wutai since they were mostly deserters from either side. That was what made them so dangerous, they knew the weakness and how to fight against those they had once been a part off. They consisted of everyone ninja, troops even the odd SOLIDER. Though Shinra kept special close track of their SOLIDERs and the General usually dealt with the deserters personally, but that didn't mean there weren't the odd one.

Basically dealing with the Tyrants was always dangerous because you never knew who you were dealing with, cadets or SOLIDERS. They had a pretty consistent forum of attack though against both Shinra and Wutai.

They would bunk down in a town or village with known military activity and ambush unsuspecting squadrons, using the townspeople as bait or if need be shields. Their forum of attack became known as Sniped mission among both Shinra and Wutia.

Rain had been caught in two Sniper missions back in Wutia. They had suffered no casualties those times, but only because it had been Avalanche the first time and highly trained ninja the second who knew how to work well as a team.

These kids could barley function invaluably in a combat situation, no less look out for each other's back.

Okay, they need to get to better cover, but there was no way they would make it with so many snipers camped around them. She would need to provide a clear path first, how she wished she had a blade with her right now. All she had was a rifle and standard cadet equipment; thankfully she was a good shot. It was hard not to be with Vincent as your teacher.

"All right Rush you get them ready to make a break for it when I give the single. I'm going to clear us a path. You aim for that cluster of rocks over there."

Rush gripped her arm, looking scared, but then released it, "Careful, you're the only chance we have of getting out of here. Don't go and get yourself killed."

Rain gave an eerie smile, "Never, I know how I'm supposed to die and it's not like this."

There were around fifteen enemies hidden up in the rocks, many of them were getting up to change positions, when Rain struck.

Three were taken down when Rain stood up and seven while Rain ran in a aria of moves, twists and jumps as bullets rained down around her while she sprinted across the clearing.

"Now Rush!" She screamed in the midst of it and just glimpsed Rush dash forward, four cadets at his heels.

Where were the rest?

She swore fiercely and changed direction heading back toward the boulder, when a huge explosion flew her in the air.

She came down hard; pieces of rocks and she didn't want to think what else rained down around her.

Blast it! The fools why didn't they run, when they were suppose too?

No time to get mad!

Rain focused her attention back on Rush who was busy defending their position from overhead fire. Two bodies fell off on overhanging rocks, when Rush suddenly jerked back and fell to his knees, hand going to his side.

"Rush no!"

Rain moved faster than she ever had in her life, a part of her aware of the long wide barrel that appeared over the top of one rock. Fire rocket! There would be no way anyone on the ridge would survive after that thing was fired.

Reaching Rush she didn't even stop just scooped him up in her arms and jumped off the ridge. A wall of fire licking at her back and again Rain felt the sensation of flying through the air.

Zack felt himself being forced back until he was back to back with Sephiroth, both their blades flying, blocking the wave of bullets that was coming flying down at them from all directions.

"Fifteen in the far roof."

"Thirty on the ridge to your right."

Zack turned his head to look over his shoulder at Sephiroth.

"What! Aww, why do you always get them all?"

"If it makes you feel better Zackary you can take them and I'll take your fifteen."

"Deal!"

Within three minutes the town was again eerily silent. Only now the growing smell of blood was beginning to fill the air.

"What in the name of Mirva! Sephiroth those were Tyrants, where did Shinra get it's intel? Because I like to kick their..."

"Not now Zack, check and see if any of the villagers are still alive."

Zack nodded his face serious, and darted into a few of the nearby houses and buildings. Since only ten buildings made up the small town, it didn't take them long to do a thorough sweep.

There was no one alive. All had been dead long before they had arrived. Their bodies were little more than skeletons, which had been beaten several and expertly. Not a drop of their blood had been spilled that might be picked up by a SOLIDER's sensitive nose. Nothing done to alert any possible SOLIDERs Shinra might send of their presence.

The peasants had been starved, beaten and when it was assured Shinra was on its way, killed. It was odd, but not unheard of for the Tyrants to be this cruel.

Sephiroth raised a hand to mouth where a small radio was strapped around his wrist.

"Officer Kolman, retreat back to drop off point."

Silence! Zack looked worriedly over at him and Sephiroth tried again.

"Officer Kolman, report!"

Still nothing, Zack started moving before even Sephiroth. The frantic look on his face causing Sephiroth to stay practically close, Zack was dangerous and unpredictable when he got into his protective mode.

Sephiroth had noticed a usual amount of dust that was floating around a particular area of the canyon and Zack immediately went for it. It was getting dark, but that made no difference to Sephiroth and Zack who saw just as well in the dark as they did in the light.

A short time later they were standing in the midst of a small charred mess of smouldering rocks and was that...Zack swore and turned away from what was left of a cadet's body.

Sephiroth's mind immediately processed the situation and began counting the bodies. Emotions atomically barred behind countless shielded and barriers. He paused briefly upon seeing the remains of Officer Kolman. Him, plus ten cadet bodies, but that still left two missing. Part of him leaped at the thought that Strife had made it out alive, but yet there was no trance of him alive or otherwise.

A sudden commotion from above brought both the SOLIDER's eyes to the sky weapons ready. A figure dropped through the night to land in a heap at their feet. Sephiroth starred at the man who was slowly getting to his knees. A moment later Genesis and Angeal landed beside the fallen man.

"Angeal what are you doing here?" Zack's face would almost be comical, if it weren't for the situation.

"Thought you might need some help, pup." Angeal's expression fell, "Though it appears we are too late."

Genesis's nudged at the man on the ground with his foot, "Found this guy a mile or so away. Angeal thought it might to useful to have a talk first, before I killed him. "

Sephiroth glanced down sharply at the man, whose head was lowered. Something about him seemed vaguely familiar.

"Look at me." The order was soft, but the trace of steel that ran through it made the man raise his hate filled eyes and Sephiroth blinked at the mako that ran wild through them.

SOLIDER! Sephiroth recognized the man from a few years back when he went MIA. He had personally looked into the matter, but had found neither hide nor hair of him. Now here he was. It explained the unusual precautions that had been taken as well as the cruelty.

"Markson, did you do this?" Zack grabbed the man by shirt almost jerking him to his feet. Obviously Zack recognized him too.

Markson grinned and it was not a nice sight. Sephiroth sighed, he had seen that look on many men who had spent too long at the front and let the blood and violence seep into them until they craved for it.

"I just wished I got them all, though I doubt they will last long either way."

"What do you mean?" Genesis dug his boot deeper into the man's leg.

The man sneered, "A cadet and SOLIDER made it off the ridge before my man blew it up. I have to admit their getting younger and younger these days."

"You mean two cadets? They were two cadets." Zack's voice was hopefully, yet confused.

The man smirked, "I know a SOLIDER when I see one. I was one of them long enough. That kid is a SOLIDER and from what I saw a pretty good one, though the cadet's were the worst I've ever seen yet, just stood there. It was like easy target practice."

Zack's fist crashed across the man's face, "Where are they? What did you do with them?"

The man grinned that grin again, "I didn't do anything. They jumped off ridge, right before it blew. Though I doubt they made it, even the SOLIDER. The cadet was bleeding pretty bad from a bullet wound."

Sephiroth didn't understand why would that effect Strife's fate?

The man obviously saw their confusion, because he laughed. "You obviously don't know these parts well. There was a reason you didn't find any blood on the corpses you found beyond the fact it would tip you off. The monsters in this region are partially fierce and can smell even the smallest drop of blood miles away. Even if your boys did survive they will have an army of monsters on their trail by now, and I doubt even the SOLIDER will survive. The really fierce ones come out at night."

Rain paused, gasping for breath. They had reached the end of the canyon and now stood on an open rocky plain, though it was getting hard to tell.

The sun had now completely set, but the moon was full and gave an ample amount of pale light. She listened straining her ears. They were still behind them! Rain had never seen monsters this persistent in following and tracking its prey. They had covered nearly three miles and still they were close behind them.

"Rush, how are you doing? Rush?"

No response.

Rain glanced over her shoulder where Rush lay slumped over one shoulder. He hadn't moved in quite some time and Rain was starting to get frantic. She wished she had time to stop and care for him properly, but they couldn't risk stopping. The last time they encountered those creatures they almost hadn't made it out.

They had made it off the ridge with Rain only suffering a few scrapes and bruises. They had healed quickly enough, besides being slightly winded Rush had suffered none from the fall. Rain had been the one who had taken the brunt of the impact, but he had still been bleeding quite excessively, a bullet hole to his middle. She had quickly wrapped it up as best she could. It was bad, but not life threatening if he got help within the next couple hours.

That was not what made her frantic though, it was that wound on his neck which threatened him now. He was slipping away she could feel his blood soak the back of her shirt where his head rested.

She hadn't even sensed the creature approach her from behind when Rush had violently pushed her out of the way. The claw had narrowly missed her, but not Rush who had not been able to move quickly enough due to his injury.

The sharp talons had torn through the muscles in his neck and it was amazing Rush was even alive. He wouldn't be for long if she didn't find help and soon.

A low growl alerted her to their presence a moment before her eyes picked them out. There were more then she could count at a single glance, a pack from the looks of them. They reminded Rain of the crimson hounds that could be found on the plains in the center of the continent. These however looked larger and Rain remembered with despair that she only had a couple shots left in the rifle. Hopefully is she was carful she could take out one per shot, but she knew from their previous experience with this creatures, that they weren't easy to kill.

Slowly she lowered Rush from off her shoulder and laid him gently on the ground. Taking a protective stance overtop him she raised the rifle to her shoulder and waited.

A sudden itch on the back of her neck made her swing around and fire. The monster dropped at her feet from the point blank shot to the head without a sound.

Whirling she quickly deposited the remaining ammo in three other hounds before rushing forward with speed unnatural for a normal human and buried the barrel of the rifle into the chest of another. The gun barrel might be blunt but apply enough force behind it, and it could easily tear through flesh.

Upon sensing the blade of sorts in her hands, her body atomically took over and moved in response, and a part of her was thrilled at the long absent sensation of stabbing and hitting anything that came near.

Even creatures that stayed back were no longer safe as her legs quickly bounding over the short distance that separated the circling creatures. The fight might have lasted seconds or minutes for all Rain knew. Her body caught in the adrenaline and exhilaration of being fully released.

All too soon the exhilaration faded and her brain began picking up the usual movements of the creatures as they suddenly seemed to cower and back away frantically. Were they giving up? No these seemed like creatures would fight to the death.

What... the sound of giant wings flapping and the slight tremble of ground as something landed, causing her stomach to leap into her throat. What now? Almost afraid to look she slowly turned around.

Her eyes widened. It was not possible!

Bahamut!

No, upon closer examinations it wasn't, though the similarities to the Dragon King were astounding. The dragon like form, and wings, ram like horns all bore a close resemblance to the summon creature, but all summon creatures were an extensions of the lifestream and those spirits that flowed through it. They were more than just creatures they were the combined thoughts and emotions of those that had used to walk the planet.

This creature before her was just a beast, but that did not diminish its threat in any way. Even with her sword, this would be a tough battle without it her chances were slim.

Dropping her empty rifle, it would do no good in a battle like this one and would only slow her down. Raising both fists, she moved into the stance that Cloud had always teased her, saying she was trying to look like Tifa. If she could fight half as well in bare hand combat as Tifa, she might have a chance.

The creature raised its wings, rising onto his hind legs, eying her with glowing yellow orbs and Rain drew back a fist ready to strike as soon as it brought its head down to attack, but instead of coming straight down toward her, it suddenly lunged over her and Rain's heart stopped when she realized who it was aiming toward.

Rush!

She moved before she even thought lunging toward the still form on the ground, throwing her body over him in a futile attempt to protect him. Arms wrapping around his head, face hidden into the soft brown hair, she waited for the claw or jaw to rip them apart.

Instead she felt something lightly brush her bare arm. Opening her eyes long silver hair floated across her vision. Rising her head she starred in surprise at the tall dark form of the General, who stood before them, Masamune piercing the chest of the creature that seemed frozen as if in a still materia.

Zack stood on the creature's back, Genesis and Angeal on either side of the monster all their blades buried to the hilt in the creature.

The monster didn't even make a sound; just fell to the ground with a thud that shook the earth. Sephiroth pulled Masamune out of the monster as it fell to the ground and Zack, Genesis and Angeal quickly detached themselves as well.

He was just about to turn to the cadets when Strife dashed past him to the creature that now lay still. Sephiroth opened his month to reassure the cadet that the creature was dead, but stopped when he saw Strife raise a hand fingers extending as if reaching for something and plunged them into the carcase up to his elbow.

The sounds as the cadet moved his arm in the flesh would have sickened any other men besides these four.

Zack moved forward to stop him, but Sephiroth laid an arm on his shoulder, when he realized what the cadet was doing. When Strife retraced his arm, in his hand he held a glowing healing potion.

How had he known where monsters kept items?

Running back to the other cadet who Sephiroth now just noticed on the ground, Strife held the orb over his body and closed his eyes as he cast the cast the potion over the boy.

Sephiroth was impressed with the level of the healing.

Strife must have poured a lot of his own strength into that casting, but even so Sephiroth could see it was not enough. He was the General after all and had seen enough to recognize when someone was beyond help and death to close to be fought back.

Strife too seemed to recognize this, for his face went deathly pale and his shoulders slumped. The anguish that flashed across his face was enough to make even Sephiroth sympathize for the boy.

He was just about to motion Zack to pull the boy away from the dying cadet, when the boy opened his eyes and called confused for his friend.

Sephiroth watched Strife's reaction closely. Cadets typically didn't handle the death of their fellow cadet's well and the last thing the boy need in his final moment was to hear his friend break down in hysterics, which happened all too often with cadets especially beginners. The boy deserved the chance to at least try and die bravely. But upon hearing the boy call his name, Strife's face suddenly relaxed and any sign of pain he was experiencing vanished behind a calm mask.

Rain felt like she had been pierced through the chest, the pain was so great. Rush was dying! She could no save him. It was happening again! Why did it seem neither she nor Cloud could save the people close to them?

"Cloud?"

Upon hearing her friend call her name she pushed her own pain to the side. This was not the time to think about herself, the import thing was to be there for Rush. With a calmness and steadiness that surprised even her she answered.

"I'm here Rush."

"I can't see you."

His head was lying to the side. The wound on his neck looked gristly in the dim light, and Rain didn't want to move him and risk losing him sooner. Placing a hand over the wound she laid down so she was side to side with him.

She starred into his face; with his wound covered he almost looked fine. There was no trance of pain on his face and Rain knew the potion had probably numbed all the pain, and for that she was thankful. He would at least go with a clear head, Rush would want it that way.

"What happened?"

Rain managed a small smile, "We made it. We're safe, the General and the commanders are here now. Imagine that, being saved by not one, but by four of the greatest SOLIDERs in Shinra."

Rush frowned, "That's not really something to brag about, Cloud."

Rain shrugged, "At least it's not as embarrassing as being saved by some wet behind the ears cadets."

"True." There was a moment of silence then, "I'm not going to make it am I Cloud? I'm dying?"

"Yes."The one word was quietly spoken. Rain wouldn't lie to him nor would she sugar coat it, Rush didn't need it.

He only nodded like he already knew it and having it confirmed was a relief. Rain didn't think her expression changed. She knew it didn't, but like always it didn't need to for Rush to know what she was thinking.

"Don't be sorry. It's all right this is a nice way to go."

Rain smirked, "You call this nice?"

Rush smiled sadly, "I died saving a friend, not standing frozen in fear like those poor idiots back there. Ya, I say this is a nice why to go. The only thing I imagined differently was dying in the arms of a beautiful girl."

Rain stiffened, but Rush only laughed a knowing glint in his eyes, "Oh well, your short enough, and your face could almost be called pretty. I guess you'll have to do."

She gave him a friendly smack on forehead and he laughed, but his face suddenly went serious and eyes looked distant.

"Cloud, what do you suppose it is like in the lifestream?" His voice was now very quite.

Rain remembered the time when Cloud had been shot and drifted in the lifestream before Zack and Arieth had sent him back.

"Quite. Peaceful, all the noise and chaos finally stops and you are able rest. Then when you are ready you begin the journey to the heart of the lifestream. To the promise land and if you're lucky maybe even the Centra themselves will guide you."

Rush starred at her, "You sound like you know this."

She smiles sadly, "I have had much experience dealing with the lifestream and losing people to it. Rush?"

Rush's face has suddenly gone still and his eyes glaze over. His breathing came out as a whisper, "Your right Cloud, its soo quite."

Rain cups his face with her other hand, "Rush?"

Small white and green lights start to rise off him as he returns to the life stream.

Rain rested her forehead against his, as the body slowly started to disappear completely, "Goodnight Rush."

AN: Yes, everyone I killed Rush, if it is not painstakingly obvious. As much as I loved him, he was after all my own character. He just had to go for the sake of the plot line and if you think Rain's reaction is a little cold, wait for the next chapter. The emotional breakdown is in the foreseeable future. Anyway sorry again about it taking soo long to post this chapter, but please let me know what you think. You should have plenty to say after all it was the longest chapter soo far.