Hey guys i really hope you like this chapter. Its my favorite and my reason for writing this story but dont worry this isnt the end.

It was finally over, you were so relieved. You relived your worst nightmare and everyone you care about lived. You couldn't help but smile as the rain fell, you could feel your wounds healing with every raindrop. While you never met her, you silently thanked Arieth. You turned your attention to Cloud, he had his arms outstretched as he enjoyed the rain. You admired him for a moment, he nodded back to your friends in Cid's airship before turning his attention to you. He smiled at you, but there was something different about him, his whole demeanor changed, he seemed lighter, he looked so genuinely happy.

Without a second thought you ran to Cloud ready to tackle him in a hug, but as you approached your joy turned to sheer terror and you're the only one who saw it coming.

You heard the gun shot ring though the air, Cloud turned just in time to see it was Yazoo who fired the weapon. Time seemed to slow, you could see every slight twitch of a muscle as Cloud realized what was about to happen, even with his inhuman speed, he couldn't prevent this and he knew it. All he could do was hold you in his arms.

You were surprised you always thought that it would be more painful, maybe it was the adrenaline or the look on Cloud's face but you didn't really feel it when the bullet penetrated your chest, you just knew that time was short and you were fading away.

(Riley)

You, Skylar, Marlene and Denzel were staring out the window in Cloud's room, after all his room had the best view of the old Midgar ruins, in the distance you could just barely make out and airship.

"Are you sure you kids should be in here?" Jeremy asked from the doorway. 'Cloud won't mind?"

"We always play in here" Marlene told him in a matter-of-fact tone never taking her eyes off the window.

"why don't you go play?" he asked.

"We want to watch" Denzel said.

You knew a great battle was raging on but from this distance it was hard to tell what was happening. Then you saw a several flashes of light and it began to rain. You looked between the other kids.

"I think its over" Skylar said suddenly, but she was unsure of herself.

"Did they win?" Denzel asked.

"Of course they won" Marlene said with her arms crossed, "They must have right?" she asked suddenly unsure.

"They won" you told them "Cloud came back, and he's here to stay, theirs no way they could lose.", you didn't know why but you suggested going outside in the rain. Without hesitation everyone agreed. As you all ran down the stairs, Jeremy limped after you.

"Awe come on guys, I'm in charge, don't go out in the rain," Jeremy argued as he reached the bottom of the stairs.

Marlene, Denzel and Skylar had already run outside, you turned back, "Cloud put me in charge" You told him with a grin before you turned and ran outside.

"What do you mean Cloud put you in charge?! I'm the adult!"

As you ran out into the rain, you looked to the sky. The constant pain you've had for the last few months began to wash away. You felt your face, shocked to find the stigma was dissolving. You turned to Skylar who was looking at her wounded arm in awe. You locked eyes with her for a moment the two of you shared a moment as you realized what was happening.

"Denzel your geostigma its gone" Marlene said as she hugged the timid boy. Denzel just looked to the sky and smiled.

"My leg" Jeremy said suddenly in disbelief, you turned to find he had wandered out into the rain and with each step he grew stronger until he didn't need the crutch to walk. "How is this possible?" he asked speaking more to himself.

You just looked in the direction of ruins of Midgar, you knew that you should be happy but for some reason you had a terrible feeling.

(Tifa)

Everyone was silent as you watched Cloud deal the final blow to Sephiroth. There was a moment of anticipation as he finished his attack and Sephiroth seemed to explode into a black feathers as Kadaj fell to the ground.

"Oh yeah! We rock!" Yuffie yelled to break the silence.

"we didn't do anything, you crazy ninja" Rude told her. Yuffie responded by getting ready to fight him, they bickered.

"See what did I tell you fools!" Barret chimed in as Cait Sith said "That's my boy, Cloud! You're the chips and gravy!"

You stood next to Alyssa, she was quiet, you worried if she was ok or not, you were about to speak when Vincent approached her, she turned her attention to him. Even though Vincent didn't speak Alyssa answered his unasked question. "Its over, he's gone" she said quietly, "I was so scared he was going to take Autumn away from us" Alyssa whispered.

"Cloud would never let that happen" You told her. she just smiled at you.

"hey man can I drive?" Reno asked, "We gotta land this thing and pick up my girl!"

"You stay the hell away from my ship!" Cid snapped at him. "And that little missy for that matter"

You couldn't help but laugh maybe the Turks aren't so bad, they really helped out with everything today. You glanced back out the window to see Cloud standing with his arm outstretched in the rain and Autumn several feet away, even from this distance you could see the that Autumn only had eyes for Cloud. Then you noticed the strange green glow around them, it was same glow as from a curaga spell, you smiled to yourself as you watched the rain. "I knew you were there. Thank you Areith" you mumbled.

A bloodcurdling scream rang out, you frantically searched for the source and found that it was Alyssa, tears were already running down her face, she was absolutely distraught and mumbling but it seemed only Vincent heard her. Vincent was tense, you couldn't tell if he was angry or upset but it was the most emotion you've ever seen him have.

"W…what?" you asked confused.

"Autumn," Alyssa struggled to say through her hysterical crying.

"They shot her" Vincent said. The room went silent as soon as Vincent spoke.

"What?" you repeated again in disbelief. It couldn't be true she was just there.

You heard a loud bang as Reno's fist connected with the window of the airship, "He wasn't worth it" Reno mumbled more to himself you could see the tears freely falling from his face. You looked out to the rooftop, Cloud was holding Autumn, at first you thought the strange glow around her was the healing rain but it had stopped raining, she was fading into the Lifestream.

"what happened?" Yuffie asked timidly, tears welling up in the ninja's eyes.

Alyssa was too distraught and Vincent was clearly done speaking for the day.

"He wasn't worth saving" Reno said louder this time, catching everyone's attention. "That damn remnant tried to shoot Cloud" he paused a moment clenching his fist, "My girl took the bullet that was meant for him."

"Reno, maybe…" Rude was cut off.

"Back off" he snapped, Rude put his hands up defensively as Reno took a few unpredictable deep breaths. when Reno spoke again you expected him to be angry but the sadness took over as he just kept repeating 'she's gone' over and over again as he completely broke down. Rude put a hand on his shoulder unsure how to help.

You could feel the tears welling up in your own eyes, you couldn't understand why this would happen, Autumn was so sweet and caring, all she did was take care of people, dedicated her life to it. She's the only one who never lost faith in Cloud, but life could never give her a break. The kids would be devastated. There would be no more late night chats, no more shots after closing the bar, no more impromptu songs that Autumn was known to break out into when she thought no one was watching. In the short time you knew her, she had become so close to you, like she was always meant to be there. You were sure your friends felt the same way. You looked back to the rooftop, Cloud was now alone. He was on his knees with his hands covering his face, your heart went out to him.

"Cid" you said suddenly through your own tears. He turned, he wasn't crying but you could tell he was hurting. "We need to go get him, he'll want to be alone, but we need to keep him close" You told him. Without a word he nodded and headed to his controls.

(Cloud)

You felt like you were suffocating. For a moment you couldn't process what was happening so you acted on pure instant as you caught Autumn. She was breathing heavily, you tried not to think about the bullet hole in her chest, there was no blood, she was already starting to fade into the Lifestream.

"Why?" you asked her, trying to hold back your emotions.

"It was selfish of me wasn't it?" she asked quietly.

"You've never been selfish" you told her.

She shook her head, "I couldn't let it happen again," she told you as she reached up to place her hand on your cheek, you absently leaned into it.

"I promised to protect you…"

"Cloud Strife, don't you dare blame yourself" She told you, her tone was strange it held so much sadness but also relief. "This was my choice, I saw a chance to save you and I took it, if I was given a second chance I would do it again"

"I wasn't worth it"

"Oh Cloud, you just saved the world and you're worth it to me" she said with a smile, her voice was getting weaker, each breath more shallow.

"Autumn, I.." You started, you couldn't find the right words. "I don't know how I'll live without you" those were the wrong word.

You could see tears welling up in Autumn's eyes, it was the first time she started crying, you hated that your words were the reasons for her tears. With her free hand she absently grabbed the wolf pendant on her necklace. "Just be you" she finally said. "Be there for our friends, live well, work on fenrir, drink with Barret and Cid, return Tifa's calls once in a while, buy the kids cake when its your turn to cook them dinner" she was struggling to breathe now. "just stop being Zack's legacy- it wasn't fair of him to ask that of you..I have so much I want to say.. just don't compare yourself to Jace, you're perfect the way you are, just be you" she told you.

You held her close burying your face in her hair, you were freely crying now. You felt her hand fall away from you face, it only made you hold her tighter as it you could save her. Within seconds she had faded into the Lifestream. For a moment you kneeled too distraught to move or think, but as you looked up, you saw Yazoo and Loz. You were filled with rage. You stood and ran at them drawing your fusion buster sword, you slashed at them with all of your remaining strength but just before the blade connected, the remnants had faded into the Lifestream. You dropped your sword, you no longer had a violent outlet for you emotions, you fell to your knees again too overcome with grief.

You could hear Cid's airship approaching but you didn't want to face your friends right now.

Cloud you're gonna be late

You couldn't understand why but you felt a strange urge to go to the church. Without a second thought you jumped from rooftop to rooftop until you got back to where you left fenrir. Thankfully it started, you could see Barret, Vincent and Rude running towards you, but you ignored them and speed off towards the church.

As you approached you couldn't help but notice the way the flowers and vines seemed to glow a gold hue in the sunlight, but there seemed to be more flowers than usual? You were sure it didn't look this way earlier. You parked fenrir out front, as you dismounted the bike you saw a girl several yards away who was walking towards you.

You stood a bit dumbfounded. She had to be about fifteen years old, but you couldn't help but feel like you've seen her before but you couldn't remember when. As she approached you realized that she was translucent.

"You must be Cloud Strife" she said. You nodded as your eyebrows knit together in confusion. "you know you're late"she said with a soft laugh. "My brother said that you're always early but we'll give you a break today' she said, then she reached for your hand, for some reason you allowed her to take it. "well come on" she said as she began leading you into the church.

"Who are you?" you asked. "have we met?"

She stopped and faced you. "No we haven't met," she said shaking her head, "We almost did once but my brother said you were still training" she told you. "Sorry, I guess I should have introduced myself, my name's Melody" she said with a laugh and a smile.

You should have been shocked but you weren't. Now it made sense you recognized her from Autumn's photos. Melody led you up to the church then turned to you.

"Well go on" she said, gesturing for you to open the door. "you're already late don't keep them waiting"

You nodded to her then open the door. Standing at the start of the aisle was Jace with his back to you, you would know his spiky black hair anywhere. He wore his old soldier uniform and had his buster sword strapped to his back. In his arms he held Autumn, you felt a lump forming in your throat, for a moment you wanted to run to her, but like Melody both she and Jace were translucent.

"Its about time you got here" Jace said as he turned just enough to look at you. Then he turned back and began walking down the aisle toward the pool of healing water that had formed durning your fight with Kadaj. As he walked more people began appearing lined up in the pews , some you recognized, others you were sure you've never seen before.

"What are you waiting for buddy?" You turned to see Zack, he had a grin on his face.

"Do I have to remind you what Tifa always says?" Areith asked as she materialized next to Zack. She tried her best to look threatening but couldn't help but smile.

"Well don't just stand there, go on" Melody said with a soft laugh, she reminded you so much of Autumn and Jace.

You turned back, by now Jace was standing in front of the healing pool with Autumn still in is arms. You slowly began to walk down the aisle, as you passed each pew, you would hear hushed whispers from the spirits in the Lifestream.

"Mommy, is he coming for Autumn" "I believe so" "Do you really think Jace will let her go?" "Of course he will, he just wants Autumn to be happy" There was an assortment of people you assumed to be the residents of Hazeltown, they were people of all ages, most of them seemed to be families.

"Good to see the kid grew up well" a familiar voice said, you stopped to see Angeal and Genesis.

"Looks like all that training paid off" Genesis added. They both gestured for you to keep walking, which you did but as you passed you couldn't help but notice Genesis put Angeal in a headlock and say, "Thats your future nephew-in-law."

You recognized a few infantry level soldiers- some from basic some from missions, as well as a few more families, you assumed victims from Hazeltown, but then your eyes landed on a three people. The first was Jace's mom, you never met her but Jace kept a photo of her in his personals back in basic and later in his First class soldier room. The second looked like an older Angeal- he must be Zander, and the last was clearly Autumn's mom.

"Is he a good kid?" Zander asked.

"He must be" Autumn's mom, Adiline replied.

"How can you be sure?"

She turned to him with a look that reminded you so much of Autumn. "I trust my daughter's judgement." Zander looked pretty scared until another voice chimed in.

"Besides my son wouldn't do this if he didn't trust this boy" Jace's mom added.

You stood frozen, unsure what to do, or what was even happening, you were beginning to think you were hallucinating again. You looked back at Jace and Autumn, this entire time Autumn never moved, she just lay, limp in Jace's arms. Now that you're close you could see that she is blindfold. They were only a few feet away but the distance seemed much greater.

"I think Jace needs another moment" Zack said suddenly, he was now standing next to you.

"This must be so hard for him" Aeirth commented from your other side.

"Maybe Cloud was early then" Melody chimed in.

"I'm confused" you found yourself saying. Zack and Aerith just laughed, them moved to stand on either side of Jace.

"don't worry it will make sense soon" Melody said as she moved to stand beside you. You nodded to her and she smiled.

"Jace" Aerith trailed off.

"Its time" Zack added.

You watched as Jace looked at Zack then Aerith, then back to Autumn. "I know" he said sadly.

"I never got to meet Autumn but I feel like we would have been friends" Aerith said.

"You two would have gotten along great" Zack agreed. Then turned to Jace again. "Now we're keeping Cloud waiting"

"I know… I just never got enough time" Jace said.

Then Jace took a step into the healing pool, as he walked it got deeper until it was just under waist deep.

"promise me you won't compare yourself to my brother anymore" Melody said suddenly. You just looked at her, she was right but you didn't want to admit it. "I know she hasn't said it yet, but Autumn loves you for being you, just like she loved my brother for being himself" Melody said with a far off look in her eyes, then she turned back to you, "Just be you, ok?"

You nodded, then turned your attention back to Jace and Autumn, he was now facing you with Autumn in his arms still. He leaned down and whispered something you couldn't hear before kissing Autumn's forehead and placing her in the center of the pool. Then he got out of the pool and walked to you, he put a translucent hand on your shoulder and said, "Take care of each other," Then he looked back at Autumn. "My love its time to wake up." Autumn was no longer translucent, you stared in awe and confusion. "Go to her" Jace told you.

Without a second thought you ran to Autumn, as you entered the healing pool and approached she softly inhaled as she began to regain her senses. You pulled her small frame into your arms, so unbelievably happy that she's alive.

"Cloud?" Autumn asked curiously.

"I'm here" you told her, as you removed her blindfold then placed your hands on her hips

"But I…" she trailed off, "I don't understand. I thought I…" she trailed off again.

"Just breathe for now, its been a long day" Jace said. Upon hearing his voice she gave him her full attention, for a moment you felt jealous, but then Autumn wrapped her arms around you and rested her head on your chest. She always knows just what you need

(Autumn)

As you looked around the room, you were in a complete state of shock. You remember Cloud defeating Sephiroth, the healing rain, then running to Cloud, Yazoo's bullet…there was no pain, the look on Cloud's face, then darkness. This shouldn't be possible but here you are in Cloud's arms in a pool of water at the church. Staring back at you were the faces of your lost loved ones. Jace, Zack, Melody, you recognized Aeirth from the photos of her, Uncle Angeal, Genesis, all of your neighbors from Hazeltown, Zander, and then you caught sight of your mom. She waived at you as she and Zander began to fade back into the Lifestream. Looking around the room everyone was beginning to fade back into the Lifestream except for Jace, Melody, Zack and Aeirth.

"How is this possible" you whispered to Cloud in awe. He just shrugged, he was just as confused as you were. You looked at the happy faces of your fallen friends, though your gaze lingered on Jace he had a smile, but you recognized the sadness in his eyes. He must have caught you staring because he looked into your eyes and smiled, it was still a sad smile but then he glanced at Cloud and you knew you had his approval.

Melody tugged on Jace's shirt. "Theirs more people coming." Jace nodded to her, and stole one more glance at you, before the four of them turned and headed towards the door which was left slightly open.

As they walked though the door a bunch of kids ran past them, some you recognized as orphans from Edge, others you'd never seen before, but they all ran towards the healing pool. As the children approached you couldn't help but notice that they still had geostigma, you stole a quick glance at Cloud and he nodded, thinking the same thing you are.

"Its ok, it will heal you" Cloud told the kids.

They seemed timid and unsure as they looked at you and Cloud. "Its ok, I promise you'll be safe" you tried to reassure the kids.

A little girl stood at the end of the pool, "a flower lady told us to come here" she said absently as she examined the water. You and Cloud shared a quick glance, the only flower lady you had ever head of was Aerith.

"Will we really be cured?" a little boy around Riley's age asked.

You nodded, "I promise" you said as you released Cloud and waded over to the edge, you gestured to the little boy to show you his geostigma, he hesitated a moment before pulling up his pant leg to reveal a large oozing bruise on his calf. You cupped your hands with the healing water and released it on his stigma. Just like Cloud's it dissolved right before your eyes. The little boy looked at you in disbelief before smiling and showing the other kids. It didn't take long for the rest of the kids to join in by jumping into the pool.

(Riley)

You had never been to the church before, but Marlene knew the way. It was a very pretty church but clearly in ruin, a part of you sort of resented it because this is where Cloud would run away to… but you tried not to linger on that thought, after all you've already decided to give him another chance, he said he was here to stay this time and you knew he meant it.

"Come on Riley!" Skylar called out, she was a few feet away, "Marlene and Denzel are leaving us behind" she gestured to the two already heading inside the church. You nodded, before catching up with Skylar.

As you walked through the doorway you felt a strange presence, but no one else seemed to notice. You turned back and was shocked to see Jace, he smiled at you, you wanted to run to him but saw that he was translucent, he just shook his head and gestured towards the aisle, you looked to find he was pointing to Autumn and Cloud surrounded by tons of kids in a pool of water. Confused you turned back to Jace to find he wasn't there any more.

(Autumn)

By now most of the kids were healed and were splashing around in the water.

"Oh no way am I getting in that water" Skylar screamed out.

"You're no fun" Denzel said from the edge of the pool as Marlene jumped in.

"Should we warn her?" Cloud asked, you saw Riley running full speed down the aisle at Skylar. But before you could respond Riley used his momentum to drag Skylar along with him and into the pool. Causing everyone to laugh. When they surfaced, there was a tense moment, Riley actually looked pretty worried, but when Skylar started laughing everyone else did as well.

Riley made his way over to you. "I thought I told you to go home and stay there" you told him with a smile.

"Cloud put me in charge" Riley replied as he hugged you, you wrapped your arms around your little brother as you said, "Oh did he now?" you paused for a moment then turned to Cloud, "wait what about Jeremy?"

"Riley seemed more responsible" Cloud replied with a shrug. You rolled your eyes, but smiled.

"Sis?" Riley asked catching your attention. "Did something bad happen?" he asked. You were shocked, unsure how to respond, Riley has always been very perceptive but you weren't sure how to respond.

"Something bad did happen but we'll talk about it later" Cloud said as he put a hand on Riley's head.

Riley wasn't accepting that answer, "Jace fixed everything didn't he?" Riley asked, once again you were speechless but this time it seems Cloud is as well. "I saw him, he was leaving the church" Riley continued.

You just hugged your brother, you had no idea how to explain any of this and Riley is a very smart kid. "I don't know how but I do believe Jace, Zack, Melody and Aerith fixed everything" You told him. Riley just nodded as he released you to join the other kids.

You felt Cloud wrap an arm around your shoulders and you leaned into his chest watching the kids laugh and play.