Notes: What happened here?! I had these chapters uploaded, yet now I see they didn't even get posted, apparently! I had two other chapters and was coming to post a third when I saw this.

Chapter Fourteen

Sephiroth looked up as Zack came back into the room. "How did speaking with Cloud go?" he wondered.

Zack sighed. "Well, the mako poisoning was real bad. Can't really get him to talk or even react most of the time. . . ."

"In other words, he was not impressed by what you told him," Sephiroth remarked.

"I didn't say that!" Zack insisted. "I just . . . don't know how he felt about it. . . ."

"Will he be alright?" Aerith asked in concern.

"I sure hope so," Zack said. "Nobody knows much about mako poisoning, especially here where everything is upsidedown and backwards. Tifa won't leave his side. I'm sure that'll help a lot."

"Has she heard from her friends?" Sephiroth asked.

"Not yet," Zack said. He frowned in confusion. "Apparently they haven't forgot modern things from our world and time and part of what they've been trying to unravel is what happened, why there's places like this mostly stuck in the past, yadda yadda." He sat down by the bed.

"I'm sure we'd all like to know that," Sephiroth grunted.

Zack nodded. "Tifa came here as part of a mission to try to figure it out."

"She didn't say anything about that to me," Aerith said in surprise.

"She probably figured there was no point when it looked like you were wrapped up in the world of the past," Zack said. "They didn't want everyone to gang up on them thinking they were crazy, after all."

"That makes sense," Aerith said. She smiled, hugged Zack, and started for the door. "I'm going to go check on Cloud and Tifa. You two can talk for a while without me."

"Okay," Zack said. "I should really try to get Seph to sleep soon."

"I'd like to wait until there's some news from the others," Sephiroth said.

Zack nodded in understanding. "Hopefully that'll be soon. They should've got there by now."

Sephiroth sighed and covered his face with a hand. "From what you described of what Genesis was up against, there's little chance he survived," he said once Aerith had left. "SOLDIER is brutal when their orders are brutality."

"Always efficient," Zack agreed. "Like the Turks." He frowned, folding his arms. "It was a really weird feeling, seeing so many of them ready to gun me and Cloud down after I'd been a loyal SOLDIER for so long."

"They're quick to turn against their own if those are their orders," Sephiroth said darkly.

"But you never agreed with that," Zack said. "Just like I didn't."

"Yes," Sephiroth sighed. "And I still don't know if we were in the right to go against our orders at that point. I couldn't bear to kill my old friends, nor to force such a thing on you. But Genesis especially went on to cause so much more destruction because we let him live."

Zack looked down. "I've thought about that," he admitted. He looked up again. "Really, though, Seph? Part of why you refused was for me?"

Sephiroth nodded. "You were too young to have such a traumatizing burden mar your innocence." He looked away. "But in the end, you had that anyway at Modeoheim."

It was a mission Zack hated to remember and could never forget. He didn't want to talk about that. Anyway, he'd found something more interesting to focus on. "You really did try to look out for me after Angeal deserted," he said quietly. "I wish I'd really got that."

"I knew I couldn't take his place," Sephiroth said. "But you were too young to be without a mentor."

"You taught me a lot," Zack said. "Mostly . . . you taught me how to be a better friend." He smiled.

Sephiroth looked confused by that. "I had no experience in that department."

"You were just you,Seph," Zack said. "Loyal and kind and good. You wanted to save everyone, like I did. You showed me it was possible. No, we couldn't save Genesis and Angeal, not really, but I like to think we made a difference for people on our missions. We put down some real legit threats, like Dalton and his creeps. I remember when we started questioning whether to stay with Shinra or leave, you pointed out that we could use our positions to do the most good we could. We wouldn't have as much power to do that if we left."

"That seemed to be true," Sephiroth acknowledged. "And I doubt Shinra would have really let us go if we had tried to leave." He sighed. "But all things considered, I no longer know what we should have done. It's a moot point anyway."

"Yeah." Zack was smiling a bit sadly.

Sephiroth stared off at the opposite wall. "Although . . . if we had left, Nibelheim never would have happened. I wouldn't have snapped the way I did. Genesis wouldn't have stabbed you. We and so many others would have been so much better off."

"Hey . . . we couldn't have known," Zack said.

"I know." Sephiroth looked weary. "But I will no doubt continue thinking about it anyway."

Zack hesitated, then started to climb up on the edge of the bed. "Remember when this happened a couple of times? You got me to go to sleep by comforting me, telling me you'd be right there for me, after I told you how family members in Gongaga would do that for a kid or a sibling who was having a tough time."

Sephiroth smiled a bit. "I remember."

"I'll do that for you now, Seph," Zack said. "Come on, just relax. Everything's okay now." He put an arm around Sephiroth, drawing him a bit closer.

Sephiroth chuckled under his breath. "I'm too old for this."

"No one's too old to need some comfort sometimes!" Zack said. "And you're what, 28? That's not old at all!"

Sephiroth smiled. In spite of himself, he was relaxing. He wanted to stay awake, but maybe the news still wouldn't come for a while. Maybe he should rest until it came. Afterwards, depending on what it was, he might be too upset to sleep.

When Sephiroth relaxed completely, his wing came out again. He sleepily lowered it over Zack, drawing him closer as he dozed. Zack smiled, hugging his precious friend to his heart.

Goodnight, Seph.

xxxx

Aerith wasn't sure what to make of the scene in Cloud's room. It was very worrisome, seeing him laying awake but unresponsive while Tifa talked to him and tried vainly to rally him. It was on the surface similar to how it had been with Aerith and Sephiroth, but was in actuality quite different.

She lingered in the doorway, not wanting to intrude but being honestly concerned. "Is there anyone who can help him?" she asked.

Tifa sighed and shook her head. "I don't know. Especially when we're stranded in this bizarre place that seems to be a mix of two time periods and two different worlds."

"I'm so sorry," Aerith said. "If I knew something to do, I would."

"I know." Tifa leaned back, overwhelmed. "Sephiroth caused this, and yet he didn't know what he was doing and he was trying to save Zack. I don't want to hate him any longer. But it's hard not to be at least a little frustrated when Cloud ended up taken and tortured because of everything that happened at Nibelheim."

"There's so much blame to go around," Aerith said softly. "Genesis, for driving Sephiroth towards insanity. This Dr. Hojo, for experimenting on them both and torturing Zack and Cloud. That alien being, for taking advantage of the horrible situation and making Sephiroth go insane the rest of the way. Sephiroth, for burning Nibelheim and sending us all here. Where does it all stop?"

Tifa gripped a handful of blanket. "Dr. Hojo really caused everything," she said bitterly. "If I have to hate someone, it should be him." She sighed, slumping over the bed. "But hating doesn't fix anything."

"No," Aerith agreed. "But loving might." She smiled. "I'm sure Cloud knows you're here. Maybe together, you and Zack can help bring him back from this."

"I hope so," Tifa said.

Something rang in her pocket and she pulled out a flat device. "Hello?"

Aerith listened, intrigued, as another voice came out of the box. "Hey, Tifa! We got 'im." It was a very gruff, growly voice. Aerith was glad the person was on their side.

"How is he?" Tifa asked.

"Thought he was dead at first. He's shot up real bad. But he's still alive somehow. We're bringing him in. Should be there in maybe . . . thirty minutes or so. Waited to see if he'd hang on before I called you."

"Thanks for letting us know," Tifa said. She set the device down and looked to Aerith. "Is Sephiroth still awake?"

"I'm not sure," Aerith said. "If he's asleep, I don't want to wake him. I'll go check, and I'll tell the doctor to prepare for surgery."

"Okay." Tifa nodded.

Aerith stepped into the hall. The day had been such a roller coaster of emotions. She had gone from not liking Genesis to being absolutely furious with him. And now he had saved Zack and Cloud and nearly got himself killed in the process. What to think? How to feel?

She paused and blinked in surprise when she reached Sephiroth's room. He was definitely asleep, peacefully resting against Zack with his wing covering them both like a warm blanket. Zack, too, seemed to be asleep. He was smiling, finally at peace after three years of torture.

Aerith smiled and turned away. She would let them rest.

xxxx

Sephiroth hadn't had such a pleasant sleep in some time. He was safe and with someone he trusted implicitly, someone he had believed dead for long, Hellish years. He was still asleep when Cloud's mother, Claudia, appeared before him again.

"Thank you, Sephiroth," she said. "You saved my son as well as your beloved friend."

He looked up at her in amazement, still stunned that she had entrusted such a task to him, of all people. But, logically thinking, he was also still sure of what had to be the reason why. "The SOLDIERs wouldn't have listened to anyone else," he said. "They were lucky they were coming here."

"You are loyal and good and you would never give up fighting for them," she said.

He stared at her. "After all I did at Nibelheim, you can possibly say that?"

"You had lost your mind," she told him. "You aren't like that at all when you are yourself."

". . . No, I am not," he agreed, humbled. He sighed. "But now I need to figure out how to get us all back home."

"You have the knowledge that brought us here," she said. "You know how to get us back, even if you don't consciously realize that."

"I need to consciously realize it," he pointed out.

"You will," she promised.

He hesitated. "Do you know how Genesis is?"

She hesitated too. "When you wake up, Zack will have information for you," she said. "I think it would be better for you to hear it from him."

"It's bad, isn't it?" Sephiroth frowned.

"It's not hopeless," she told him. "There is always hope."

Sephiroth wasn't sure he could feel that way, but it was a nice sentiment. It was true that things in general seemed more hopeful than they had before.

"Thank you again, Sephiroth," she said as she began to fade. "And I thank Genesis as well. You both saved them."

"Yes," Sephiroth remarked. "We did."

He soon woke up, moving his wing slowly along Zack's back. Zack was awake, smiling as he looked at Sephiroth. "Good morning," he greeted.

"Good morning," Sephiroth returned. He leaned back into the pillows. "This still feels unreal. . . ."

"I know, right?" Zack said. "We're both here and safe and alive and kicking. I really thought I was gonna buy the farm trying to get Cloud to safety with all those SOLDIERs after us. But first Genesis saved us and then you did." He smiled. "Looks like I'll live to keep dreaming a while longer."

"It had better be a lot longer." Sephiroth hesitated. "Has there been news of Genesis?"

Zack sobered. "Yeah. Tifa's friends found him and brought him in. He's real bad off, Seph. They thought he was dead at first. They only realized he wasn't when his wing moved."

Sephiroth stiffened. "In this old town without access to modern medicine and machines, does he even have much chance at all?"

"The doc's doing all he can. They're still in surgery now." Zack sighed. "But you're right, Genesis really needs a modern set-up to have the best chances possible."

Sephiroth sank back into the pillows, wing twitching anxiously now. "You said there are modern places here," he said. "Can he be taken to one of them?"

"Technically he could, but he really shouldn't be moved again," Zack said. "It took a lot more out of him being brought in the truck."

Sephiroth brought a hand to his forehead. "Then there's really no other choice," he said. "I have to get us home immediately, not to mention get us to a modern hospital that isn't Shinra-owned."

Zack gripped his shoulder. "Remember, Seph, you're still sick," he said. "Your fever finally broke not too long ago, but you must still be really weak. Aerith didn't want you to try getting us home until you were well again."

"But that was before Genesis was brought in mostly dead," Sephiroth retorted in dismay. "He needs help he won't find if I can't send us home!"

"Tifa's friends are trying to call in a doc from one of the modern cities," Zack said. "It looks like Nibelheim isn't the only place from home that's here. If they can find one, he'll bring some of his modern equipment and a generator to make it go."

Sephiroth sighed. That was some comfort, at least. But he was still afraid it wouldn't be as good as being in a modern hospital.

". . . What about air-lifting him somewhere?" he asked. "A medical helicopter could take him."

"It's on the table," Zack said slowly, "but the doc still feels he really shouldn't be moved anywhere right now. His condition's just too iffy. If he stabilizes some more, maybe that can really be considered."

Sephiroth slowly nodded. "I will keep trying to remember how I brought us here," he said. "I must know subconsciously."

"Just don't strain yourself trying to remember," Zack said worriedly. "We've got these other options for Genesis. I'm sure Tifa's friends can get hold of a good modern doctor."

Sephiroth sighed. He would have to cling to that hope for now. No matter how he tried to remember, his mind was just blank.

"I wonder what really happened to me," he said. "The mako got into my wounds and it seemed like so much knowledge washed over me in that moment. I felt so powerful, and apparently I was, to do something so unheard-of. Was it the mako—the Lifestream—or was it Jenova?"

"Maybe a little of all of it?" Zack suggested.

"Ugh. Jenova's presence had better not be one of the requirements for making it work," Sephiroth muttered in frustrated disgust.

"I don't believe that," Zack said. "The power's in you, Seph. You'd already broke the control she had over you when you did whatever it was you did. You don't need her at all for anything, including helping us!"

That brought a bit of a smile. "I want to believe you're right."

"Then believe it!" Zack said. "Believing's half the battle. Maybe more! When you believe you can do it, you're more likely to figure it out!"

Sephiroth propped himself up on an elbow. "Really," he said with a fond smirk.

Zack gave a firm nod. "Really! Cross my heart and hope to . . . nevermind." He winced and hopped up. "So, how about we get some food? I'll send for room service! You'll think better when you've got some strength in you!"

Sephiroth considered that and nodded agreement. "Alright." He wasn't honestly sure he felt like eating due to his concerns about Genesis and getting them home, but Zack had a good point. He was hungry, really. He'd barely eaten yesterday and now he was feeling lightheaded from that.

"Great! I'll go send for it and check on Aerith and Cloud and come back!" Zack hurried out of the room.

Sephiroth leaned back, still smiling fondly. How was it, that even after all they had been through and all the time they had been apart, they could reunite and fall right back to their old banter like no time had passed at all? It was strange, but comforting.

He seriously doubted it ever could or would be like that between him and Genesis. It wasn't impossible, given how Zack had forgiven him wholeheartedly for Nibelheim, but he still doubted it happening. Genesis had changed so much and had kept hurting Sephiroth whether he was sane or insane.

Still . . . for him to actually do something heroic again was something Sephiroth hadn't thought he would see. It was a positive sign.

He just prayed it wouldn't be Genesis's last act.

xxxx

Aerith smiled to see Zack up and around and chipper after the past day. "You look like you're doing well," she greeted.

"Pretty great!" Zack said. "And I'll be even better when I get some food for me and Seph. I just placed an order for some breakfast!"

"I'm glad to hear he feels like eating," Aerith said. "I'm not surprised you do." Her smile turned mischievous.

"Hey, eating is one of the joys of life!" Zack said. Sobering, he asked, "How's Cloud? Any better?"

"Not really," Aerith sighed. "Zack, how badly was he poisoned?"

Zack fell silent, debating with himself how much to say. ". . . Honestly, I've seen people die from less than he got," he finally admitted. "But Cloud's strong. He wants to live and he's fighting for that, even if it doesn't look much like it from the outside."

"Like Genesis then," Aerith remarked.

"Yeah, like that," Zack said. "That guy really is determined to stay alive. I'm glad he is."

"So am I," Aerith admitted. "I just hope we can keep him alive. He saved you and Cloud, so he deserves another chance. And I'm not sure how Sephiroth would handle it if he died."

"Me either," Zack frowned. "And I don't want to find out."

Aerith nodded, also sadly frowning. ". . . It's been horrible these last three years, thinking you were dead," she said softly.

"I'm real sorry about that," Zack said sorrowfully. "I thought about you a lot, wondering what they'd told you and how you were dealing with it. I never gave up planning to get out and get back to you."

Aerith smiled. "And now you've made it." She stepped closer to him. "Zack, please don't leave me again," she whispered.

"Hey, you've got nothing to worry about there," Zack soothed. "I'm not going anywhere!" He drew her close in a sweet embrace. "Once we get all this settled about Cloud and Genesis, how about we get back to those plans we were making before Nibelheim and Hojo got in the way?"

Aerith hugged him close, looking at him in awe. "You mean that?"

"Course!" Zack said. "I'm sorry I still don't have an engagement ring or anything like that, but we could go check out the shops here and see if they've got anything nice?"

Aerith beamed. "I'd love to," she proclaimed.

"There is one thing, though." Zack looked at her very seriously.

"What's that?" She frowned at him.

"I'm breaking tradition." Zack suddenly grinned. "I'm having two best men! Can't leave either Seph or Cloud in the cold!"

Aerith relaxed exponentially. "Oh, you!" She lightly hit his shoulder. "Of course you can have them both!"

Zack laughed, then sobered again. "I just hope Cloud will be well enough for it. . . ."

"We'll wait for him," Aerith promised. "I'd be happier seeing him up and around."

Zack smiled, deeply touched. "Thank you, Aerith," he said. It means a lot.

She hugged him again. "Of course."

xxxx

"Sephiroth?"

Sephiroth jerked in shock at the voice. As he looked up, he pressed himself hard against the pillows and the headboard, heart racing. "Genesis," he gasped.

Genesis was standing before him, dressed as he usually was but clearly translucent. "The arrow has left the bow of the Goddess."

Sephiroth's heart sank. "You're dead."

"Not so, my friend," Genesis replied. "Not yet. Although . . . I don't know how long I will last." He glanced over his shoulder. "They're trying, but . . ."

". . . You've left your body," Sephiroth said. "But you're not dead?"

"The wandering soul knows no rest. I've astral-projected, I suppose," Genesis said. "I . . . wanted to see you again, in case this is the end for me." He sighed. "I'm sorry. About everything. I've done so much to you and yet you still care about me. You're sorrowing at the thought of my death."

"We were friends, Genesis," Sephiroth said. "Maybe you never knew . . . just how much I cared about you. Maybe I was bad at showing it. But you . . . meant everything to me. I never wanted or intended to make you feel inferior to me or that I was prideful and arrogant about my abilities and rubbing them in your face. I . . ." He looked down. "I'd never had friends before. I didn't know how to act. I . . ."

"It's alright, Sephiroth. I realize now; you didn't do anything deliberately wrong. We were just too different. I always misread your intentions because I was judging you by myself. I was obsessed with being the best. And even though you werethe best, you never even wanted that. You wanted friendship and I cast you aside for my dreams of foolish, fleeting glory." Genesis looked regretful and sad. "And then I came back more than once, only to wound you repeatedly each time. On this round, I wanted to know why we were here and how to get us home. Maybe I hoped that by somehow manipulating you into finding the answers, I could use your powers and take credit for getting us home."

"Maybe," Sephiroth said. It sounded like something Genesis would do.

"Instead, I led us both to destruction and ruination, just as I did at Nibelheim. And I have far less excuse this time, when I am sane." Genesis stepped back. "You are the phoenix, rising from your ashes to be reborn as strong and majestic as you once were. I am the ronin, the wanderer. If I survive this, I will not trouble you again. I will leave you be, as I should have done long ago."

"Genesis . . ." Sephiroth's thoughts and heart were conflicted. It was hard to know how to trust him again after everything, and yet . . . when Sephiroth had cared so much and still cared, did he really want Genesis out of his life if he truly was changing for the better now? "I . . . don't want you to go," he said at last.

"I know," Genesis said. "But it would be for the best. I don't know if I will ever overcome my jealousy altogether. And I don't want to hurt you any more." He came closer to the bed and finally bent down, placing a quiet kiss on top of Sephiroth's head. "Sephiroth . . . goodbye."

And then in a wisp of mist he was gone, leaving Sephiroth staring in reeling shock at what had just happened.

"Genesis . . ."

He had never been prone to tears. He hadn't even thought he was capable of them. But suddenly he was crying now, weeping for all that had happened and all that had been lost and all the tortured, conflicted feelings that he had kept bottled up inside for years and years.