~Embrace Your Dreams~

Chapter 12: Aftermath​

Stupid. So stupid! Why did I kiss him then? I have the worst timing ever. Tifa sighed to herself, lamenting her bad timing. She hadn't meant to kiss him then. She had only meant to comfort him – but then she looked into those eyes of his. That's where she went wrong. He had looked so miserable, and she had been sitting so close to him, and thinking of everything bad that had happened that day had just gotten to her. He needed comfort; she needed comfort. And then suddenly she was kissing him.

And then we were almost caught by Marlene. How embarrassing. What was it about Cloud that made her feel like some hormonal teenage girl again? What was it that made her act without thinking things through?

Part of her regretted kissing him – now things were more awkward than before, especially with everything that was going on. The other, more selfish part of her relished the kiss though. If it had been another time, with different circumstances...well, who knows where things would have gone?

Instead, she was sitting awkwardly on her bed, thinking of everything that had happened, while Cloud was with Zack and Aerith.

Zack...she felt really bad for him. It was strange to see a guy like him cry; she had felt guilty for standing in the doorway watching. She and Cloud had gone to check on him, and suddenly the poor guy was crying, and Aerith was comforting him. Tifa felt like she had walked in on something deeply personal, and felt a bit embarrassed by it.

She jumped when she heard the soft swishing of pants as Cloud walked in.

How long was he standing there? She wondered, placing a hand over her racing heart. Hadn't she had enough stress today?

“...I think I'll wait to talk to him.” Cloud murmured, a somewhat desolate look in his brilliant blue eyes. Tifa nodded in agreement, doing her best not to get lost in his eyes again. It probably wasn't the best idea to talk to Zack about Sephiroth after everything that had happened.

“How do you think he came back?” she asked him softly, though her insides squirmed unpleasantly. He shrugged, scratching the back of his head.

“Maybe I never really killed him, you know? Maybe I just thought I did. I saw him fall, but...maybe he survived somehow. Or maybe it's like Zack said – that he had something keeping him here.” Tifa watched as he shuffled over, sitting down awkwardly next to her on the bed.

“...Maybe.” she responded, unsure which theory sounded more plausible. If Zack could come back from the dead, why couldn't Sephiroth?

Sephiroth... Tifa thought, a bitter taste rising in her mouth. Thoughts of him only reminded her of Nibelheim, of her father...naturally, considering he was the reason they were both gone. Sighing nasally, she flopped back on her bed, and was surprised when Cloud mimicked her movements, lying down next to her. They both stared determinedly at the ceiling, though Tifa reached her hand over coyly, taking his own.

“We'll have to go find him.” Cloud said slowly after a long moment, his own hand tightening around hers hesitantly.

“I know. I'll go too.”

“What?” Cloud jerked, startled, and turned his head to look at her. “You should stay.” he said quickly, then backtracked. “Not that you can't take care of yourself.”

“Then why shouldn't I come with?” she asked, turning her head as well, staring at him defiantly; she focused on his nose, determined not to look into those glowing blue eyes of his. That only got her into awkward situations.

“Because...because...” Cloud trailed off, unable to find a good reason.

“That's what I thought,” Tifa grinned a little smugly, turning her eyes back to the ceiling. “Of course I'll go with. There's no way I couldn't after all of this. Besides...I want to see Sephiroth get what he deserves.” she added bitterly, scowling.

“...Alright.” Cloud said, and she realized that he was still looking at her. She felt a flush creep up on her cheeks. What is he looking at? She gave him a questioning look back, and he blushed, realizing he had been caught staring. She stifled back a giggle as he quickly turned away. He was too cute, sometimes.

“Hey,” he said suddenly, staring fixedly at the ceiling. “Do you mind if I stay here tonight?” At this, Tifa knew she was blushing – she could feel all the heat in her face and ears.

What's that supposed to mean?

“Oh...it's not anything l-like that.” he spluttered, the realization of what he had just said hitting him. “I just...I mean. That is to say...” he babbled, and this time Tifa did laugh. He looked at her sharply when she laughed, and she couldn't help it – she laughed more. His wild, embarrassed look had set her off into a fit of giggles.

“What I'm trying to say is...” he said slowly, as though his tongue were having difficulty forming words. “Is that I think that Zack and Aerith would want to be alone...because of everything that has happened.” he added, in case Tifa should get the wrong idea again. “I would feel weird sleeping there, anyway.”

She considered his words, biting her lip. She only had one bed in here, though it was certainly big enough for two people. And clearly Cloud wasn't trying to...to get into her pants, or something equally ridiculous. Still...the idea of sleeping in the same bed as Cloud sent strange chills down her spine and made her skin tingle with goosebumps.

It's just a platonic thing, he doesn't mean anything more by it. She reassured herself, though perhaps a bit of her was disappointed that it wasn't more.

“Yeah. That's fine.”

Cloud looked visibly relieved, like he had really dreaded staying in the same room as Zack and Aerith.

“Thanks. I'll go get my stuff.”

Stuff? He must have read her look, because he rose from his position and grinned somewhat sheepishly.

“I'll sleep on the floor,” he explained.

“There's plenty of room in my bed.” she protested, trying to fight back her ever deepening blush. “I mean, you don't have to sleep on the floor.”

“Don't worry,” he shrugged coolly, though his pinks were admittedly a bit pink. “I've slept in worse places.” Cloud hurried out the door to get his things before she could argue any more. Her thoughts strayed back to the kiss from earlier that day...perhaps him sleeping on the floor was for the best. If she couldn't control herself just because she looked looked at that adorably handsome face, then what would she do if he were sleeping in the same bed right next to her? It didn't bear to think about, she decided, and flopped backwards onto her bed with a loud sigh.

--

Zack didn't want to get up. He felt warm and sleepy, and he had the strong desire to just roll over and fall back asleep. Then he remembered. All his miserable feelings rushed back into him, and he knew he wouldn't fall back asleep so easily.

He opened his eyes slowly, blinking sadly. He didn't remember when he had fallen asleep, but it was still dark out, and he was alone. Aerith had healed his wounds while he had slept, which was a plus, he supposed. It wouldn't have done anyone any good if he had bled to death in his sleep.

Zack tilted his head to the side, gazing at the bed that Cissnei's body had been lying on not so long ago. While he had cried and Aerith had held him, her body had slowly faded into the lifestream, like so many of the bodies he had seen before in battle. It was no surprise to him, though Aerith had seemed a little shocked. She hadn't said anything though, just continued to stroke his hair softly and make soothing noises in her throat.

Rising from his bed slowly, wincing as his stiff muscles complained with the effort, his thoughts drifted to Sephiroth. The sadness that Zack felt for his comrades' deaths was overwhelmed with anger – how could Sephiroth do that?

The same way he burned down Nibelheim. The man was a certified psychopath, clearly. And what the hell was the Promised Land? Zack knew that any hopes of a quiet life with Aerith were shattered now; he would have to chase Sephiroth and stop him before he ended up destroying the world. After everything that had happened, though, Zack wouldn't have had it any other way. He would use his anger to fuel him – he would avenge Luxiere, Kunsel, and Cissnei. He could not sit around complacently, waiting for his happy life to start – he would have to go out and find it somehow.

Already, his thoughts were making him restless. That was probably helped by the mako though, which had always given him a slight attention deficit disorder when he wasn't fighting. Without realizing it, he had ended up outside. He sighed, inhaling in the musty air deeply, then exhaling slowly to calm his nerves. He wished he could see the stars, but here under the plates, only dirt and rusting metal were visible.

The rustle of a dress behind him alerted him of her presence. He could even smell a bit of her flowery scent if he tried.

“Hey,” she said softly, walking up next to him and taking his hand gently.

“Hi.” he replied, unable to find the words to say anything more extensive. He tilted his head to look down at her, to take in the only thing worth looking at down in the slums. “Thanks for healing me.” he mumbled, drawing her closer, burying his nose in her soft, brown hair. Her hair smelled vaguely like tulips and something fruity, a combination of her shampoo and garden; he liked it.

“Of course,” Aerith replied, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I couldn't just leave you like that.”

“Mmm.” he hummed, kissing the top of her head very lightly.

“How are you feeling?” she asked, her voice muffled by his shirt.

“...terrible. Sore and just like...everything has gone wrong.”

“Do you want to go away for a while?” she asked, pulling away very slightly to look him in the eyes.

“I wish,” he said wistfully, frowning. “I have to go after Sephiroth though.”

“Not right away, do you?” she mimicked his facial expression, her brows meeting worriedly.

“I guess not,” he relented at her expression. “Where did you want to go?”

“To see my mom.”

Her mom. Of course, we haven't gotten around to that...she must be worried out of her mind.

“Tomorrow,” Zack promised, trying to smile, but failing. Everything was still weighing too heavily on him. “Where's Cloud? I didn't see him in the room.”

“I think he went to stay in Tifa's room.” Aerith said, a small smile gracing her own features. Ordinarily, Zack would have laughed and planned a thousand ways to tease his friend. But now he just nodded, attempting another weak smile.

“Good for them. I wondered when they would...” he trailed off, losing himself in his own thoughts again.

“I think,” Aerith started, biting her lip thoughtfully. “I think that everyone needed some comfort today.”

“...I suppose you're right. When did you get so wise?” he asked, achieving a small grin this time. She smiled back up at him, shrugging.

“It happens when you grow up in the slums.” Zack nodded, his face growing somber once more. He wondered vaguely when things would feel right again.

“Are you coming back to sleep?” she asked after a long moment of standing there, holding his hand.

“I can't sleep now,” he confessed. “You can go back, if you're tired.”

“I'll stay with you.” she told him, squeezing his hand affectionately. Zack felt a small bit of warmth flare in his heart, and he gave her a grateful smile; he was glad that she had said she'd stay. He didn't want to be alone.

“Thanks.” He took a seat on the steps, and she followed him, her head leaning on his shoulder.

“Its hard to believe you fought out there,” he said after a long moment, recalling how she had defended herself. Her shoulders lifted in a slight shrug in response.

“I'm not helpless.” she said, her voice somewhat accusing.

“I suppose you had a plan to escape Shinra all along?” he asked, a small chuckle passing his lips.

“No, not really. I'm glad you came to save me, anyway.”

“Me too...” he paused, then pushed on. “I just don't want you to get hurt out there. So be careful?” he pleaded softly. She pulled back to look him in the eye, a look of determination in her own.

“Only if you promise to be careful too,” she told him, eyes locked with his own. It was almost strange how firm she was being with him; he was so used to her being shy, but then again, she had never been so shy that she wouldn't say what was on her mind.

“Okay. I promise. Now, you promise too.” he said, and held out his pinky finger. “Pinky swear,” he explained after he gave him a bemused look.

“Alright...” she glanced down at her own hand, then made a fist, save for her own slender pinky sticking out. He wrapped his pinky around hers and shook very slightly, a small grin escaping him again.

“What is a pinky swear anyway?” she asked as she pulled her hand away slowly. Zack shook his head, unable to smother his laughter.

“Haven't you ever made one before?” She shook her head, grinning sheepishly. “It means you have to keep the promise, no matter what. You can't take it back. If you break the promise, you have to cut off your pinky.” he explained, laughing again when a horrified look crossed her face.

“That's terrible.”

“Well, no one wants to cut off their finger, so they won't break the promise.” Zack said, grinning.

“Then I guess we'll both have to be careful, that way we can keep our pinkies.” Aerith laughed, returning the grin. It was amazing to Zack how he had just gone from upset and angry to laughing and smiling with Aerith. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't keep from cheering up around her, even with everything around him going badly.

But then again, who would want to be surly and sullen all the time?

--

Tifa's deep breathing was soothing in his ears; it helped to drown out the echoes of dying men. Realizing that she was so near that was both calming and exhilarating, like every nerve in his body was on fire. Cloud sighed softly, turning on his uncomfortable makeshift bed on the floor. He kind of wished that he had taken up Tifa's offer to sleep on the bed, but honestly he had slept in worse places.

He focused his eyes on the ceiling, recalling Zack's words from earlier that night. If Zack was worried that he was a monster like Sephiroth, who was to say that Cloud wouldn't be either? They had both been experimented on in that lab, so who knew?

And I saw those eyes in the mirror...Cloud shuddered slightly, then shook his head. Just a figment of my imagination. Or was it? What if he and Zack turned out to be just as bad as Sephiroth? What if they both just went nuts and started killing everyone?

No, I couldn't. I couldn't kill anyone like that.

You killed people today... a voice whispered in his head.

But I felt bad...Sephiroth didn't. Sephiroth killed without mercy. Cloud argued back, scowling.

Admit it, you relished the power – how easily you took their lives, snuffed out the light in their eyes and stole their last breaths. You're stronger than you ever were, and no one can stop you...

No! I didn't...it was sickening...

Liar...The voice hissed, with a hint of amusement. Cloud shook his head firmly again, denying the malicious thoughts in his head. Deep down though...he wondered. Maybe he had enjoyed the feeling of power for once. For once, he wasn't the weakling, he was the achiever. He had saved Aerith from those SOLDIERS, and they had fallen so easily under his blade...

Told you...the voice chuckled, and Cloud squeezed his eyes shut and clamped his hands firmly over his ears. His heart hammering loudly in his chest, he rolled over, deciding that he had to talk to Zack as soon as morning came – he was the only one who would understand.

You're so sure he's your friend, but look at how he pushed you away earlier today...look at how he rallied everyone to his cause without effort. He endangered Tifa without any regrets, and you let him. She could have been killed, but he let her fight.

She wouldn't have stayed behind...Cloud retorted to himself weakly.

Zack's very charming, though, don't you think? Any girl would fall for him.

He has Aerith...

Some people always want more...who's to say he doesn't want Tifa too? Cloud gritted his teeth, jaw clenching painfully. Why couldn't he get this voice out of his head? Why did he feel like it was right?

Zack doesn't care about you – he only wants to steal everything away from you. Your girl, any chance of glory; he didn't even want you to fight today, didn't want you to prove yourself.

Cloud found he couldn't argue with the voice now. Zack hadn't wanted him to fight, and Cloud secretly agreed with the other voice in his head.

See? I'm right...

Maybe you are.

--

Aerith and Zack had stayed outside until they saw streams of sunlight fight its way through the cracks in the plates above; then he rose stiffly, stretching and yawning loudly as he did.

“Ready to go?”

“Already?” she asked, slightly surprised, but pleased all the same. She didn't want to worry her mother any longer than necessary now.

“Yeah, why not? I kind of want to get away after all. It'll be nice; besides, I've never met your mother before, is she nice?”

“Of course she is,” Aerith huffed in mock anger. “She's my mother!” Actually, Elmyra was her adoptive mother, but Aerith never went out of her way to point that out. Elmyra had raised her and as Aerith saw it, was her mother no matter what blood said.

“Alright!” Zack said, raising his hands up in a defensive posture, light dancing in his eyes. Aerith was glad to see him acting cheerfully again, though she could still see the hint of sadness and anger behind the mirth. He lowered his hands slowly, as though to make sure she wouldn't hit him or do something else crazy. “Where is your house anyway?” he asked, and she realized that it had never come up before.

“I live in Sector 5, not too far from the market slums.”

“What's it like?” he asked conversationally, though his eyes were darting around, ready to alert him of any nearing danger.

“Well, I planted a bunch of flowers there from the church. I wanted to liven it up.” she explained. “I used the wagon you built me to move the flowers,” she added, and his face twitched curiously.

“I promised to fix that, didn't I?” he said, scratching the back of his head and sighing. “Apparently it wasn't cute enough!” Zack poked her side teasingly.

Aerith frowned guiltily, remembering that she had told him that; she remembered how badly she felt when she realized he was dead. With a firm shake of her head, she pushed the sad thoughts away. He was back now, and she could apologize for that.

“I'm sorry I said that,” she confessed, wringing her hands. “You did the best you could with what you had and I was...selfish to want more.”

“What? Aw, come on, Aerith.” Zack shook his head, grinning lightly at her. “I just didn't have the proper time to build a really good one! I can make a better one, honestly.”

“...we don't really have time now, though, do we?” she wondered sadly, thoughts of Sephiroth flitting across her mind.

“I...” Zack faltered, his smile slipping off his face. “I guess not. But, after everything is taken care of, I promise, I will.”

“...Pinky swear?” Aerith asked mischievously, grinning slyly at him.

“Pinky swear!” Zack announced, linking pinkies with her once again.

“You'd better keep both of those promises or you'll be pinky-less!”

“Yes ma'am!” he curled both his pinkies into his palm as though to protect them.

“Could we go to the church after we visit my mother?” Aerith asked hopefully – she could hardly expect him to say yes after what happened last time.

“...Maybe.” he said after a long moment. Apparently, he was remembering what had happened as well. “I suppose. I don't see why we couldn't.” he said slowly, weighing his words carefully, as though he didn't want to make her a promise he couldn't keep. Probably a good thing, considering all the pinky promises he had already made; he wouldn't want to lose a pinky.

“Thanks,” Aerith beamed at him, a warmth spreading through her at his words. She reached for his hand, grasping it firmly with her own, trying to convey all the affection she felt for him with that one gesture. He smiled down at her as though he understood.

“I hope my mother isn't too worried,” she muttered after a long moment, almost as an after thought. She had been gone a dreadfully long time, it seemed.

“...Me too. I don't want her to yell at me.” Zack confessed, frowning. Aerith couldn't help it – she laughed.

“You can fight a whole army without fear and you're worried about meeting my mother?”

“Uh...yeah.” Zack admitted, chuckling nervously. “I've learned that mothers are usually more scary than soldiers on a battlefield...at least soldiers are predictable...you never know with moms.” Pausing, Zack took a deep breath, face contorting into a small grimace. “I hope she likes me.”

“Of course she will,” Aerith assured, patting his arm gently. “Who wouldn't?” She stopped as they made their way into the clearing where her house was. Zack's mouth dropped a little, then his previous grimace transformed into a bright, beaming smile.

“Look at this place! It looks great!” she smiled, unable to stop herself in his unconfined enthusiasm.

“It's not much...”

“I hope all of Midgar can look like this someday,” he said, shaking his head at her feeble protest. Suddenly a sharp cry came from the peaceful scene, shattering the momentary bliss.

“AERITH!” An older women with hair pulled back messily was hurrying toward them, her eyes filled with worry. “You're okay!” the woman exclaimed, and Aerith hugged her mother eagerly. It wasn't until she saw her mom that she realized how much she had missed her.

“I'm alright,” Aerith spoke softly, soothingly as her mother clung to her fiercely. “Zack saved me. I'm sorry, but we couldn't get here sooner.” Aerith watched as Elmyra pulled away from her reluctantly, shooting a sharp look at Zack. Aerith knew that her mother was sizing Zack up; she also knew that her mother probably wasn't very happy with him. Aerith had been rather lonely without him around, and Aerith had never spoken too much about him, but she suspected that her mother had figured things out anyway.

“Come inside, the two of you.” Elmyra said, pulling her eyes away slowly. “You can explain over some lunch.”

Zack waited until Elmyra was out of earshot before leaning down to whisper in Aerith's ear, “Lunch! I'm starving!” Aerith giggled softly – of course, at the mention of food, he perked up. She had to admit though, she was rather hungry too, and no one cooked better than her mother, at least in her opinion.

“Come on, we'd better explain before she strangles you.”

Zack paled, gulping slightly. “Yikes.” Aerith heard him mutter as she took his hand and gently pulled him to the place she had grown up in.

--

Tifa was feeling considerably less cheerful than either Zack or Aerith, though she didn't know it. When she had woken up in the morning, much to her dismay, Cloud was gone. She wondered if he had left in the middle of the night, and felt slightly abandoned and stupid.

Almost grudgingly, she had dragged herself out of the bed and prepared for the day before her – she had to open the bar up again and pretend like everything that had just happened hadn't happened. Easier said than done. In fact, she wouldn't have minded having a few drinks herself, but she knew that she couldn't work while she was drunk.

As Tifa made her way down the stairs, sweeping her long hair behind her, she spotted Cloud sitting at the bar, a blank look in his eyes, lips curled in a contemptuous grimace. He had taken a bottle of alcohol from behind her bar and opened it – from the looks of it, most of it was gone. Cloud hadn't even bothered to get himself a glass.

“Cloud?” she asked uncertainly, making her way over to him. He made no noise to acknowledge her. “Cloud!” she said more sharply, and he looked over at her, his head moving sluggishly. “You can't just take the drinks from the bar. I actually use that for business, you know.”

“...Sorry.” he mumbled, his eyes glassy. “I don't have any money.” Cloud scowled fiercely, apparently upset by that fact.

“It's okay, Cloud...” Tifa said, alarmed at his expression. What's wrong with him? “Are you okay?”

“Of course I'm okay,” he slurred slightly, glaring angrily at her. “Why wouldn't I be?”

“Well, you just drank nearly a whole bottle of alcohol.” she said somewhat defensively at his glare.

“So? I'm old enough to drink, aren't I?” he demanded, then added bitterly, “Even if I don't remember growing up.” Tifa blinked, taken back by his tone of voice.

“Look, Cloud...” she began, but he stood up hastily, swaying on the spot.

“I have to go...need some fresh air.” muttered Cloud before clumsily making his way past her and out the bar door. Tifa made to go after him, but as Cloud left, waiting customers took the opening door as a sign to come in, and she had no choice but to stay and serve them.

What the hell? Tifa wondered numbly, feeling confused. It was like Cloud had changed overnight.

--

Zack felt anxious as he made his way into Aerith's house to talk with her mother. He had to admit though, he never imagined that he would be meeting Aerith's mom, and it was a welcome distraction from his more depressing thoughts. An image of Cissnei's shocked expression as she was stabbed flickered across his thoughts, and he roughly pushed it away. He didn't want to deal with that right now.

“You okay?” Aerith asked, bringing him back to reality. He gave her a feeble grin, nodding.

“Just nervous.” he said, which was mostly true. He was worried that Aerith's mom wouldn't like him or would get angry that he was gone for nearly five years – he realized that he had probably caused a lot of heartache for Aerith, and a flash of guilt went through him.

“Don't worry.” Aerith beamed up at him, and it dawned on him that she had never shown him her house before; this was probably an exciting event for her.

“Kay. If you say so.” he murmured, kissing her forehead softly. He hadn't kissed her on the lips since that night, under the stars. But now it just felt like the wrong time to be kissing her passionately. Especially in front of her mother.

Said person was bustling around a small table, placing plates and silverware down, then hustling back into the kitchen, for food. Aerith was chatting animatedly with her mother, though Zack was so nervous he couldn't really hear the words they were exchanging – it was more like a droning buzz in his ears. He watched their lips moving, feeling strangely out of it.

So this is Aerith's house. Simple, small...but I like it. It almost reminded him of his barracks back at Shinra. There, he had to make do with what little space he had. Aerith's house was similar, in the aspect that it was small. However, it was much more colorful than his barracks had ever been, as he had not been allowed to personalize it in anyway.

“So, young man, I think you'd ought to explain why you broke Aerith's heart after disappearing for over four years.” Elmyra's voice suddenly broke through his thoughtful observations, and he gulped nervously. His eyes met with Aerith's briefly: she seemed embarrassed by her mother's words.

Taking a deep breath, Zack opened his mouth and told his story. Elmyra's expression, which has been hard and angry, softened as he told his story until she was looking at him with sympathetic eyes. When he was done, his throat was a little hoarse from talking for so long.

“Well...that was quite the story.” Elmyra said slowly, shaking her head in a weary sort of way. “I can see why you were gone for so long...I suppose that if Aerith can forgive you,” her eyes met her daughters and she smiled softly. “Then, I don't see why I can't either.”

Zack felt relief well up in him, and he sighed, realizing that he had been holding his breath.

“Thanks...for understanding.” Zack locked eyes with Aerith again, and she beamed at him, her eyes twinkling happily. Suddenly, she yawned widely, one hand rising to cover her mouth.

“You should rest,” Elmyra told her daughter brusquely, rising from her chair with a small groan. “Go on up to bed, dear.” Aerith looked like she would protest for a moment, but then she yawned again, and accepted her mother's advice reluctantly. Zack gave her a reassuring smile, urging her to get some sleep – he wasn't the least bit sleepy, but he supposed that was from all the stamina he'd built as a SOLDIER. His eyes followed her until she disappeared at the top of the stairs. With a start, he realized that it was just him and Elmyra in the kitchen now.

“...she seems much happier now that you're back.” she told him, watching him carefully.

“I feel a lot better that I'm back with her, too.” said Zack eagerly, but then he faltered. A sudden image of Sephiroth and Cissnei rose up in his mind's eye, unbidden. He would have to leave again, and soon. He had to fight Sephiroth.

“What is it young man?”

“Sephiroth,” he whispered, remorse rising in his throat like bile. “I have to leave again to go and fight him.”

“So you're just going to break her heart again?” Elmyra asked harshly, her words cutting him more deeply than any of the wounds he had received in battle.

“I don't want to...believe me, I don't. I have to do this though...she has to stay here, so she won't get hurt.”

“Do you honestly think she'll be any safer here than with you?”

“What do you...” Zack trailed off, realizing she was right. “The Turks...no doubt they'll be looking for her again, and if word gets out that I'm gone, she'll be an easy target.”

“Exactly.”

“...Cloud.”

“Excuse me?”

Zack grabbed onto his idea like a drowning man grabs onto a lifeline. “Cloud and the others at 7th Heaven. They can watch Aerith. You too!” he added, realizing that Elmyra may not like to be separated from her daughter again.

“How do you know that they won't want to fight with you? From what I've heard, they're your friends.”

“They can't come...for the same reasons Aerith can't come. I wouldn't be able to deal with it if they got hurt – if...if Sephiroth killed them. I couldn't live with myself.”

Elmyra sighed heavily, seating herself back down at the kitchen table. “You seem to think that Aerith and the others will just accept this without a fight...she's quite stubborn, you know.” Zack bit his lip, uncertain of how to continue. What Elmyra said was true, and with this realization, he knew he'd have to leave without saying goodbye.

“So, you know she's the Ancient?” Elmyra asked after a long moment, sensing that Zack wasn't going to say more on her previous statement.

“Yes,” Zack mumbled, feeling rather detached from the conversation. He must have spaced out, because suddenly Aerith's mom was waving her hand in front of her face. “What? Oh...sorry.”

“Go get some sleep. There's an extra room upstairs,” she said, a kinder expression on her face. “I'll be out for a while – I need to go to the market to get some things.”

“Oh..yeah, thanks.” Zack said, trying not to let the guilt of what he was going to do show on his face. He quickly backed away and made his way up the stairs, listening carefully to each creak in the wooden steps, committing them to memory. He didn't want to give himself away when he snuck away later.

As he reached the top of the stairs, he paused, peeking into the first room he came upon. Aerith was lying asleep peacefully, her comforter pulled up to her chin, rising and falling gently with each breath. His heart squeezed painfully as he thought of what he was going to do – he was leaving her, with no goodbyes.

It's for her own safety. I'll have to tell Cloud to take care of her.

He stifled a sigh and tiptoed away into the empty room, lying onto the carefully made bed. He had no intentions of sleeping, though.

 

Chapter 13: Unexpected Changes​

“Where do you think you're going?”

Zack winced, hanging his head shamefully. Busted. He turned around slowly, eyes hardly daring to meet hers. When he saw the angry, betrayed look in her eyes, he flinched.

“Well...” Zack said slowly, mind frantically searching for a plausible excuse as to why he was leaving without a word – he was clearly sneaking off.

“You were going to leave?” Aerith asked softly, accusingly. The words felt like knives being stabbed through his heart. He bit his lip guiltily.

“Aerith...I'm really sorry, but...I have to.”

“To fight Sephiroth?” she asked after a long moment, her fingers picking absently at the edge of her jacket.

Zack sighed heavily. “Yes.”

“You weren't even going to say goodbye?” Her eyes were cast down, refusing to look at him. His shame grew again.

“Please, you've got to understand – you have to stay here, so that you're safe.”

“The Turks are after me. Surely, I'd be safer with you?” He detected a hint of hope in her voice, though she still refused to meet his eyes.

“I was going to send Cloud to take care of you.”

“Why are you always leaving it up to Cloud to protect me?” she frowned, finally looking up and glaring at him; it was a look he'd rarely seen on her face, and it was a bit unnerving. He felt terrible for trying to sneak away, especially after how she had comforted him earlier. But it couldn't be helped.

“Because, I know I can trust him. I know he's strong enough.”

“I'm strong enough to protect myself, Zack Fair!” she huffed, her hands clenched into fists at her side. He had to admit to himself, she was rather pretty, even though she was angry with him. Her curly brown hair tumbled erratically around her chin, a few stray locks falling over her eyes, which were glinting beautifully and dangerously at the same time. Her lips were thin, her jaw clenched defiantly, and her cheeks were lightly flushed in her anger. He had the sudden urge to hold her, to kiss her, to have a taste of the passion she was displaying...

“Zack!” she said sharply, startling him out of his reverie. He realized he had been staring.

“Sorry,” he mumbled quickly, a slight flush of embarrassment rushing to his own cheeks. For a moment, he thought he saw a hint of amusement in her eyes, but it was gone before he could tell.

“I can take care of myself, Zack. Why can't I go with you?”

“Because...” he sighed, exasperated. None of this was going how he planned. He took a hesitant step toward her, hand rising to touch her arm lightly. “Because, it'll be dangerous.”

“But-”

“I couldn't bear it if you got hurt, Aerith,” he continued, ignoring her protests. “I lo- I care about you. I want to keep you safe.” He caught himself, heart racing. He had nearly told her that he loved her. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell her...it was the fact that he knew he'd stay if she told him she loved him back. He would forget all about Sephiroth, about everyone, if she told him those three words.

Her angry look faded, and she shook her head. “Fine,” she said, sounding peeved, and not at all like she accepted the situation. “The least you can do is take me to 7th Heaven.”

“What about your mom?” he asked warily.

“I left her a note,” Aerith said slowly, glancing back at her house. “I thought...I thought I was leaving with you,” she finished, her voice barely a whisper. Zack felt his heart squeeze painfully again, realizing she would have left with him...for them, so they could be together. He pushed the feelings away, masking his face.

I'm leaving for her safety. He reminded himself, then slipped his hand into hers. To his disappointment, she pulled away. Clearly she was angry with him.

“Alright, I'll take you to the bar. I need to talk to Cloud anyway.” With a heavy heart, Zack strode forward, aware that Aerith was behind him, resolutely keeping her distance.
Everything has to go wrong, doesn't it? Zack wondered, unable to keep the bitter taste out of his mouth. Kunsel and Luxiere die...Cissnei dies... A hard lump formed in his throat; he had difficulty swallowing. Now Aerith's mad at me. Could it get any worse?

oOoOo

Apparently it could get worse. The walk to the bar had been painfully uncomfortable and silent. Aerith hadn't said a word to him, but he could hear her sighing with frustration. When they had finally gotten to the bar, he was surprised to see Cloud already outside, apparently waiting for him.

“Where have you been?” Cloud asked, an edge there that Zack hadn't heard before.

“Well...Aerith and I had to go check on her mom...” Unbidden, an image of flowers filled his head, and he realized with another guilty pang that he hadn't taken her to see her flowers. Just another reason for her to be miffed with him.

“I needed to talk with you this morning.” Cloud replied sharply, eyes narrowed in anger.

Great, another person angry with me.

“It figures, though,” the blond continued loudly, his words slightly slurred. “I bet you didn't even think of me,”

“Cloud,” Zack began defensively, confused as to why his friend was so angry. Is he drunk?

“No! Of course you didn't. You only think of yourself and your precious Aerith. Heck, I'm surprised you didn't take Tifa too!” Cloud was ranting now, his hands moving as he spoke, jabbing at the air violently as he pointed at Zack.

“What are you going on about?” Zack asked, thoroughly bewildered.

“I think you know!”

“Cloud-”

“Whatever,” Cloud interrupted, shaking his head. “Why should what I'm going through even matter?” he asked sullenly, and now Zack could see that his eyes were bloodshot. A trickle of doubt wormed its way into Zack's mind. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to leave Aerith with Cloud – clearly, something was bothering him.

“Cloud! You're back!” Tifa's voice interrupted as she burst through the bar doors, apparently drawn outside by Cloud's rather loud rambling.

“Oh good,” Cloud replied coolly, giving Tifa a cold stare. “Now you and Zack and Aerith can all run away on some adventure,” he mumbled bitterly. A hurt and confused look flashed across Tifa's face, and Zack had the overwhelming urge to punch Cloud. Why was he being such a jerk?

“Cloud!” Zack shouted loudly, and the other man jumped, startled. “I don't know what's wrong, but you'd better shut your trap before you say something you regret.” Out of the corner of his eye, Zack saw Aerith looking nervously at Cloud. Clearly, she was just as worried about his strange behavior as he himself was.

Cloud's scowled furiously, eyes glinting dangerously, and Zack thought, for a second, that Cloud was going to attack him. Then his angry look crumpled, and his face became a mask of sorrow and self-loathing.

“I'm sorry,” he mourned in a low voice. “You're right...I'll just go now.” Cloud made to hurry away, but Zack leaped forward and grabbed his arm firmly, stopping him.

“We need to talk,” Zack stated, making eye contact with his friend. “Tifa, could you take Aerith inside?”

“Of course,” Tifa replied, sounding bewildered. He heard Aerith huff angrily, and he was sure that she didn't like being escorted indoors.

OooOo

Cloud watched glumly as Tifa escorted a rather disgruntled looking Aerith into the bar; the regret for his angry words were eating him up already. Zack was gazing at him with a hard look, and Cloud found he couldn't meet Zack's eyes.

“What's going on?” Zack demanded firmly, though not unkindly.

“I...I don't know what's going on!” Cloud confessed hurriedly, wanting to get rid of the horrible feeling in his chest. “I keep having these thoughts...at night...when I try to sleep.”

“What do you mean?” Zack's brow rose sharply, a contemplative look in his eyes.

“Bad thoughts...thoughts that don't even make sense...but part of me believes them...” he trailed off uncertainly, wondering if he should continue. What if Zack laughed at him, and didn't take him seriously? Or worse, what if Zack agreed, and sent Cloud away to keep the others safe?

“What kind of thoughts?”

“...That...things like...” Cloud fumbled with his words, feeling ashamed as he remembered the dark whispers in his head. “Things like you're not really my friend and you're just using me...and that you want Tifa and Aerith.” Cloud blushed now – the words sounded ridiculous out loud, not to mention the incredulous look on Zack's face made it clear these things weren't true.

“Of course I'm your friend!” Zack exclaimed, the corners of his mouth turned down in a small frown. “And trust me...Aerith's enough girl for me.” He made a sort of grimaced smile, and Cloud wondered if something was wrong between the two. Then again, it probably wasn't his business.

“I...I was thinking that – what if...what if I turn into Sephiroth? I mean..there are his cells inside of me and you...I guess, what I mean to say is...do you hear voices in your head too?” Cloud hesitated, scared to look Zack in the face. He could feel Zack's eyes on him as the silence grew longer.

“Honestly, Cloud, no...I don't hear any voices in my head besides my own. My guilt.” Cloud's eyes rose, widening in surprise. Zack's head was hung down in shame now, his raven hair obscuring his face. “All those people died because of me...and I wondered for a while if I would turn into Sephiroth too, after what he said to me...but-” he paused, head rising up again, and Cloud almost flinched at the intensity he saw burning in Zack's eyes.

“But I know that I would never kill people like that. Without caring. Sephiroth doesn't care who he kills, and he shows no mercy. I did what I had to, to save the people I care about.” Zack finished fiercely, face flushed. “And I know you're not going to turn into Sephiroth either, Cloud. You're a good person.” he insisted.

Cloud turned away, embarrassed. How could he have ever doubted Zack's friendship?

“I-I...Zack...I'm sorry.”

“Don't be, Cloud. I know you didn't mean it...but you should really apologize to Tifa. Meanwhile...” Zack hesitated again, looking guilty. “Do you think that you could watch after Aerith?”

“What? Why?” Cloud asked, alarmed.

“Because. I have to go after Sephiroth.”

“No! I'm going with you then.”

“Cloud, I need you to stay behind.”

“You said that last time, but you needed us!” Cloud argued, his fist clenching in anger and frustration.

“You can't -”

“You can't tell me what to do, Zack!” Cloud insisted. “You need my help. I want to help! If I stay here...my thoughts will drive me crazy! He's in my head, Zack! Fighting him...killing him will help me, I can feel it. Maybe it'll finally clear my head and I can just be...normal!”

Zack's teeth were gritted, and he was obviously struggling to come up with a reason that Cloud couldn't go. Suddenly, they heard a noise behind them and both turned to see Tifa and Aerith standing in the doorway. Aerith had a triumphant smile on her face as she gazed at Zack.

“It looks like Cloud's not staying here to protect me. So, I guess that means I'll be going with you.” She seemed rather happy about the fact, and said it in a matter of fact way, somehow retaining that innocent tone of voice she usually had.

Zack didn't look happy about the turn of events. Tifa had her arms crossed over her chest, and she was regarding Cloud warily. He flushed, embarrassed once more.

“Tifa, I'm sorry about earlier...” he muttered, feeling the beginnings of a headache forming. Probably the beginnings of a hangover, truthfully.

“You can explain on the road, Cloud.” Tifa said shortly, not even flashing him a smile. “I guess we'd better get packing...come on, Aerith.”

Cloud and Zack both sighed heavily as the girls reentered the bar, and turned, giving each other a similar look.

Why do girls have to be so difficult?

Cloud shrugged in response to this silent query, rubbing his temples slowly. Despite his pleasure at going to help Zack fight Sephiroth, somehow, he didn't think the nightly visits in his head were going to end here. In fact, he rather thought they'd continue to bother him for a while down the road.

 

Chapter 14: On The Road Again​

Aerith gave the two a surreptitious glance as they chatted amiably up ahead, then gave Tifa a look that clearly said, Boys.

She couldn't deny that she was still upset with Zack – why was he so eager to leave after he had gone through so much to come back? Why didn't he want to say goodbye? The thought made her heart ache uncomfortably, and she she pushed the thoughts aside. It didn't matter. He wasn't leaving without her, because she was coming with for once. She wasn't going to be left behind.

Tifa seemed to understand her pain, at least, and Aerith was glad to have a friend who was a girl. Granted, Aerith didn't know Tifa all that well, but they were both in similar situations...sort of. They were both trailing after the men they loved, for whatever reason.

Aerith slowed her pace to let Zack and Cloud get further ahead of them; next to her, Tifa slowed her steps as well, and Aerith spoke in a lowered voice.

“Cloud will come around soon,” she said reassuringly.

“Yeah...maybe. I don't know what's up with him lately. He's been acting...really different, you know? But he's looking more...normal again, now that Zack's back.” Tifa sounded a bit dejected, and Aerith's small smile faltered.

“Well, being normal is good, right?”

“Yes, I know...” Tifa hesitated. “I just...nevermind, it's kind of stupid.”

“No, you can tell me!” Aerith's voice rose a bit, and Zack and Cloud glanced back with questioning looks. Aerith nearly smiled at Zack, but then she remembered she was angry with him, so she sent him a blank look. She saw Zack and Cloud exchanged looks, and they both shrugged before continuing onward, packs strapped to their backs.

Aerith lowered her voice again, looking eagerly at Tifa. She'd never had a friend like Tifa to share her secrets with and for some unexplainable reason, she realized she really wanted that. Zack was great, but she couldn't talk about all those girly things with him. After all, Zack was all about battle, fighting, protecting her and everyone around him. It was sweet, albeit, a bit annoying when Aerith was perfectly capable of taking care of herself...sort of.

“Go on,” Aerith continued in a hushed tone of voice again. “You can tell me, I won't say anything, or laugh at you.”

“Its just that...why is it that Cloud can act normal around Zack, and not me? Is there something wrong with me?”

“Of course not!” Aerith objected, shaking her head vigorously. “Cloud's just...a boy.” she explained, as if that cleared everything up.

Tifa nodded in agreement.

“And besides...Cloud and Zack went through some terrible stuff before. They're like...brothers, right? I mean, we can tell something's bothering Cloud. Perhaps he just wants to work it out, and he knows Zack can help.”

“I could help too,” Tifa protested, but then shrugged. “You don't think its because Cloud can't trust me?”

“Cloud trusts you – I can see it in his eyes. I think he just doesn't want to get you involved...like it would get you hurt somehow.” Aerith finished, feeling a bit bitter again. It was exactly what Zack was trying to do to her.

“Does everyone else realize you're so wise?” Tifa asked, he face brightening a bit.

“I've been forced to grow up, that's all.” Aerith shrugged.

“I think we all have,” Tifa agreed. “Let's catch up before they try and leave us behind.”

Aerith nodded in agreement as Tifa grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward eagerly.

It's nice to have someone to talk to like this, Aerith mused, smiling serenely.

--

“What do you think they're talking about?” Cloud asked Zack, and Zack shrugged in response.

“I don't know...girl stuff probably.” Cloud grunted, as though agreeing.

“I can't believe that Barret just let Tifa go. I thought they had big plans to take down Shinra, or something?” Cloud wondered aloud, scratching at his yellow head.

“Shinra's more concerned with the news of Sephiroth, I'm sure. Just like we are. So, we're going to have to be doubly careful. There are a bunch of maniacs out there that would gladly kill us all,” Zack added darkly. He wasn't in a good mood. Aerith had somehow managed to get her way, and was now trailing behind him and Cloud, Tifa by her side.

How did this happen again? Oh right, my plan went to shambles the moment I found Cloud drunk and yelling...Zack made a face as he thought this, then cleared it before Cloud saw.

As though reading his trouble thoughts, Cloud placed a firm hand on his shoulder and gave him a friendly shake. “Don't worry, we'll keep the girls safe.”

“Yeah, I suppose. I just don't want anyone else getting hurt. Sephiroth is crazy, and he won't hesitate to kill anyone who gets in his way...” Zack paused, tilting his head as he heard a rustling.

“What is it?” Cloud asked, but Zack held up his hand to shush him. He waited a long moment, then shook his head wearily.

“I must be hearing things...paranoid or something.” Zack tried to chuckle it off, but he had the slight suspicion that somebody was watching them – following them. And his hunches were usually right.

“No, you can tell me!” Aerith's shrill voice reached their ears, and both Zack and Cloud stopped to look back. Aerith gave Zack a blank stare, while Tifa flushed next to her. Zack shrugged, trying to ignore the painful feeling in his stomach at Aerith's look.

“She's still really upset with me,” Zack muttered as he started forward again, trying to listen for both the rustling noises he'd been hearing and whatever the girls were talking about. He was only successful at hearing the scuffing of boots on gravel and hushed whispers.

“She'll get over it...er...eventually,” Cloud offered, though Zack didn't find his words very helpful or reassuring.

“Yeah, but when?” Zack grumbled. “Honestly, a guy just tries to protect the people he cares about, and everyone gets all huffy.”

“That's the price you pay for being a hero, I guess...” Cloud said, deadpan. It took Zack a moment to realize that Cloud was only jesting, and a grin spread across his face.

“I can't believe it, sullen, grumpy Cloud, making a joke. I didn't think it were possible anymore!”

Cloud shrugged, flushing in embarrassment. “I just haven't felt...the same lately.”

Zack gave Cloud a long, hard look. “There's no reason you should,” he said seriously. “What Hojo did to us...it wasn't right. I wish I had been the one to kill him...I know he said I would have been just like Sephiroth, a monster...a killing machine. I don't believe that anymore though. Hojo was the monster. It would have been the right thing to do, getting rid of him.” Zack finished fiercely, a blazing look on his face.

“In any case...he's dead now.”

“I suppose.” Zack shrugged, rubbing his shoulder uncomfortably, casting his eyes around in all directions. “I swear, someone is following us...” he told Cloud in a hushed voice, glancing back at the girls to make sure they were still safe. Zack tensed suddenly, eyes darting over to the left. Without uttering a word, he slung his sword off of his back, holding it out in front of him. He was aware of Cloud next to him drawing his own sword uncertainly, and the girls behind them pausing.

“Come out and show yourself!” Zack demanded loudly, glaring off in the direction of the noise he had heard.

The group waited, three of the four looking rather confused. And then Tseng appeared. Zack swore inwardly.

“What do you want Tseng?” Zack asked gruffly, lowering his weapon only marginally. Is he here for Aerith? “Get the girls, Cloud.” he hissed, determined to keep everyone safe, even if they did get mad at him for being protective.

It didn't take any effort for Cloud to coax the girls over; Aerith placed a hand on Zack's arm, looking uncertainly at Tseng.

“Where's Cissnei?” Tseng asked softly, looking at the group, confused. Zack dropped his gaze, the memory of her death invading his mind with sudden alacrity. Around him, it seemed as though everyone else had stopped breathing.

“She went to help you. Where is she?” Tseng asked more firmly. Zack swallowed thickly, trying to clear his throat.

“Cissnei...she's-” Zack stopped, his guilt building up and overwhelming him again. He couldn't say it.

“She's dead.” Aerith finished softly for Zack. He gave her a grateful look. Tseng was staring at them, strangely silent. His face was blank.

“Who did it?” he finally managed to ask, his mouth drawn tight.

“Sephiroth.” Zack croaked as he was assaulted by his memories of Cissnei. It wasn't fair. I'll kill him for what he's done.

“Sephiroth.” Tseng spat his name like a curse word. He grit his teeth, visibly trying to take control of his emotions. “I'm assuming...” he started off slowly, his voice noticeably calmer. “I'm assuming that you are going after him?”

Zack nodded, still a bit wary. “So you came to look for Cissnei? Not to take Aerith to Shinra?” Next to him, Aerith stiffened, her grip on his arm tightening. Tseng gave Aerith a strange look, one that vaguely bothered Zack.

“No, I would never do that again. It was bad enough to have to do it the first time. I think that now...my loyalties no longer lie with Shinra. Cissnei's death needs to be avenged, don't you agree?”

The whole group looked shocked. Zack was probably the most shocked of all – was Tseng really throwing away Shinra, the company he had been so loyal to for years?

“Zack,” Tseng said, seeing the look on his face. “We tried to find you when they sent Shinra after you. We wanted to save you. I didn't want to take Aerith to Shinra, but I thought I had no choice. I know I was wrong now. I've always had a choice. I just...didn't realize it. Zack, let me help you. All the Turks can help you.”

“You kidnapped Aerith...I don't know if I can forgive you for that. I don't know if she can forgive you for that. You can help us, but you can't travel with us. Form your own group, whatever. We can...keep in contact with our cell phones. But when the final showdown comes...Sephiroth is mine. Not yours, got it?”

Tseng considered this for a moment, a frown on his face. Finally, he nodded in agreement. “Okay, Sephiroth is yours Zack. Understood. I'll keep in touch.”

Zack waited until Tseng was out of sight before he finally relaxed and strapped his buster sword onto his back again. He looked down at Aerith, who was still gripping his arm.

“Does this mean I'm forgiven?” he asked, grinning slightly. She flushed, frowning at him.

“Not entirely Zackary Fair!” she huffed angrily, withdrawing her hand like it had burned and making her way back to Tifa, muttering darkly under her breath. Cloud laid a sympathetic hand on Zack's shoulder, shrugging unhelpfully.

“Nice try, Zack.” Cloud said, and Zack snorted, rolling Cloud's hand off his shoulder.

“My name isn't even Zackary.”

--

By the time night had fallen, the group had stopped and made a camp in a sheltered area, surrounded by the sound of crickets and the wind blowing. Aerith was rather nervous, though she wouldn't allow herself to go take comfort by Zack. It was only her second time out of Midgar, and the wide open space made her nervous. The air was clean, though, and Aerith was pleased to see flowers in the fields. Cloud and Zack sat in front of the fire, bickering as they cooked dinner. Tifa rose up from the fire, making her way to Aerith.

“Quite the pair, aren't they?” she asked, laughing lightly.

“Yes,” Aerith agreed. “They really are like brothers. They even have similar hair.”

“It's strange. I would never have imagined anyone having hair like Cloud.”
“Do you think it's natural?” Aerith asked, giggling. Somehow, she couldn't imagine Zack spending hours gelling his hair everyday. He was always so busy. Without meaning to, she found herself staring at him again. It was really hard to stay angry with him.

Tifa caught the look, and smiled weakly.

“You know, at least Zack pays attention to you. At least you know he cares, right? Ever since I...” she trailed off, blushing. Aerith looked at Tifa, her curiosity piqued.

“What is it?”

“Well...ever since I kissed Cloud...honestly, though, it was a bad time. Right after the battle...it was so stupid. And he hasn't said anything about it since. I have no idea what is going on in his head. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you're lucky that Zack lets you know.”

“He wasn't going to let me know that he was going to leave,” she muttered bitterly, unwilling to be coaxed out of her anger with him.

“Because he was trying to protect you. Don't you think that's sweet?”

“No,” Aerith huffed, shaking her head firmly. “Everyone's always trying to protect me. Its so aggravating sometimes. I'm not always a damsel in distress. I did learn how to take care of myself. Zack wasn't always around, after all.”

Tifa nodded thoughtfully, and they both fell silent for a moment. Aerith glanced up at the night sky, and she was suddenly reminded of the first time she had been out of Midgar. Zack had carried her all the way there, out into the cool grass and clean air. He had taken her blindfold off and she'd seen the night sky for the first time in her life. It had been a little scary, but Zack had been there, and it had been okay. He'd shared his worries with her, and they had kissed. The memory of it brought a blush to her face, and she felt extremely bad about being angry with him. Zack was only being Zack, after all...

“What're you thinking about?” Tifa asked, obviously noticing her blush.

“Oh...just feeling bad I guess. About being mad with Zack...you're right, he really is awfully sweet.”

“Sooo...how far have to two of you gotten?” Tifa drawled, a sly look on her face.

“What do you mean?” she asked, completely lost. At this, Tifa began to laugh.

“You know...have you guys done anything more than kissing?” Comprehension finally dawned on the flower girl, and she felt her face growing hot again. She was grateful for the dark.

“Er, no...nothing like that,” she stuttered, feeling uncomfortable.

“Aerith, I'm only teasing. I didn't really think so.”

“Oh...” Aerith chuckled weakly, trying to get the image of Zack, shirtless, with dripping wet hair, out of her head. “I should go apologize to Zack,” she blurted hurriedly, eager to get away before the conversation went any further. Tifa waved her away, still smirking.

Aerith walked slowly over to Zack and Cloud, willing her blush away before she got into the light of the fire. Cloud looked up, spotting her and giving her a small smile before nudging Zack, who was immersed in cooking their dinner. Zack glanced up, looking a bit apprehensive.

He thinks I'm still mad at him. Aerith couldn't help smiling.

“Is dinner almost ready?” she asked, gesturing toward the fire and the meal cooking. It certainly smelled like it was almost done, and her stomach grumbled in response. At this, Zack chuckled slightly, his apprehension disappearing.

“Yeah, it's nearly done now.”

“Zack...I'm sorry for being angry with you earlier. Do you forgive me?” she asked uneasily, afraid he wouldn't accept her apology.

“Of course,” he said, flashing her a genuine smile. “And it's fine...I really should have told you I was going to leave. And I know from now on I can't stop you from doing whatever you want.” He laughed again as he said this, and Aerith laughed too.

“That's right, mister!” Zack held his hand out for her, and she slid hers into his, feeling comforted once more. With a loud bark of a laugh, Zack pulled her down beside him, slinging one arm across her shoulders, the other hand tending to the fire. She leaned against him, sighing contently, oblivious to the looks Cloud and Tifa were giving the pair.

“I'm glad you've forgiven me,” Zack said seriously, tilting his head in her direction.

“I know you are,” she teased, grinning.

And when you think all is well, that is when the danger begins. Are you ready for the journey, daughter? Aerith frowned at the planet's words. It had been so long since she had heard anything from it, and she felt guilty, realizing she hadn't been making much of an effort to speak to the planet either.

What do you mean?

You will see, in due time. Stay safe.

“Are you okay, Aerith?” Zack asked, giving her a concerned look.

“I...” she snapped out of her thoughts, shaking her head slowly. “I'm fine. Don't worry about it,” she assured him, trying to smile, but failing.

Was she ready for the journey?

 

Chapter 15: The Sky and the Earth​

The fire crackled and popped quietly. Zack watched the flames flicker and waver, aware of Cloud and Tifa breathing deeply as they slept, and Aerith walking up quietly behind him.

“Can't sleep?” he asked, stretching his legs out in front of him and leaning back on his hands, turning his head to look at her.

“How did you know I was coming?” she asked, sounding both impressed and disappointed that she couldn't sneak up on him.

“I'm an Ex-SOLDIER!” he grinned, then shook his head, laughing quietly. “I only heard Cloud and Tifa sleeping, so I knew you had to be awake.”

“You heard them sleeping?”

“Their breathing,” he explained, noting her confused look. “It deepens when they sleep, y'know?”

“They gave you super hearing at Shinra?” she teased, sitting down next to him and smoothing out invisible wrinkles in her dress.

“I guess you could say that,” he nodded, then fell quiet, not wanting to dwell on Shinra. After a long moment of comfortable silence, he spoke again. “What's keeping you up?”

“It's loud out here.”

“Loud? There's nothing out here.”

“The Planet is louder...It was muffled in the city, but out here I can hear it all...feel it all.”

“...Huh?” Zack muttered, completely lost. How could the planet be loud?

“Since I'm an Ancient...” she explained softly, focusing on the ground. “The Planet speaks to me. Out here everything is so free. I can hear the grass and the flowers whisper, and the trees stretch and groan...so many noises, its so much louder than I'm used to.”

“Wow,” he said, feeling stupider for having said it. “I mean, I didn't realize you could hear all that...”

“Yeah,” she muttered, appearing embarrassed. “The only thing I don't hear is the sky. It's like a separate thing from the Planet.”

“Hmm...did you ever hear the story about the sky and the earth?”

“No,” she whispered, gazing at him curiously with bright green eyes.

“It was said,” Zack began, smiling back at her softly, “that at the beginning of time, the sky and the earth fell in love, although they were very different.

The sky was a free spirit, always on the move, never content to be in one place. The sky was fast and reckless. The earth, on the other hand, took its time, and was content to stay in one place as long as it took. The earth was very patient, while the sky was the complete opposite.

Regardless, they both fell in love, and they longed for one another. The sky knew that if it embraced the earth, though, it would crush all the creatures below, and so they had to remain separate. The earth grew trees that stretched high into the sky in an effort to be closer, and the sky would caress the leaves with the wind, pretending they were the earth. The earth pushed mountains upward, higher than even the tallest of trees, and the sky draped the mountains in clouds.

It wasn't long, though, before the earth began to die. The trees lost their leaves, and the green grass began to turn brown. They said the earth was dying without the sky, because they had to be separated. The sky, unable to do anything but watch helplessly as the earth died, began to cry. And so it rained.” Zack paused for breath, almost grinning at the amazed look on Aerith's face.

“What happened next?” she asked quietly.

“It rained,” Zack started again, a small smile escaping. “And the rain was what the earth needed. The rain, the sky's tears, were the one way the earth and the sky could really touch. The tears were warm and comforting, like millions of tiny kisses, and they nourished the earth. The browns faded away and became vibrant greens once more; the trees grew their leaves, and the earth was happy. The sky had cried so much that its tears filled the cracks in the earth until they became rivers, and soon the rivers became oceans. The earth had a part of the sky, now. Sometimes, the sky still cries, because they both long for one another, but know they are unable to be together. But the sky loves the earth, whether it's storming and raging, or the clearest of blues you'll ever seen, and the earth loves the sky, and still pushes its mountains higher and wills its trees to stretch their limbs to the limits, in an ever continuing effort to touch the sky.” Zack finished his story, flopping back onto the ground to look up at the night sky.

“That's a very romantic story, although it's kind of sad,” Aerith said after a long moment.

“You know, I think we're kind of like the sky and the earth, Aerith,” Zack told her, glancing over in her direction.

“Why's that?” Aerith asked, a small smile curving her lips upward.

“Because we're both really different, y'know? You're like the earth, and I'm like the sky. We're both completely different, but...we still get along.” Aerith was silent, and Zack wondered if he'd said the wrong thing.

“It rained the day you died, you know?” Aerith finally said, giving him and intense look. “Maybe...maybe the sky doesn't only cry for the earth.” She paused, then continued. “If we're like the sky and the earth...does that mean that you....love me?” she asked shyly, and even in the firelight, he could see her blushing. Aerith didn't look away though, despite the red in her cheeks.

“Well, we aren't totally like the sky and the earth,” he amended, and her face fell. “What I mean is that we're allowed to be together, right?” he asked, taking her hands in his. “And...Aerith,” he faltered, feeling a nervousness rise up in his chest. “I do.”

“You do what?” she asked uncertainly, squeezing his hands. Zack stared into her bright green eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. He wondered if Aerith could feel how sweaty his hands were getting.

“Love you. I do love you, Aerith.” At his words, her face grew even redder, and she ducked her head quickly to hide her face. Releasing one of her hands, he raised his right hand up to her chin and lifted until their eyes met again. “I love you,” he told her again, this time with more conviction. Having said it once made it easier, he thought, and there was a lightness in his heart that hadn't been there before.

Aerith suddenly beamed at him, then she threw her arms around him. “I love you, too, Zack,” she whispered, her breath tickling his ear.

–

Cloud woke with a jerk, drenched in sweat, his muscles clenched. He had dreamed of those awful green eyes again...Sephiroth's eyes... and whispered words had slunk into his head, poisoning his thoughts.

Look at them...they don't care about you...kill them, it will be easy. They're distracted...

Clenching his jaw, Cloud shook his head furiously. No. Just forget it. Cloud sat up slowly, staring into the small fire in front of him. He felt cold and clammy, despite the heat rising from the flames. Across the fire, he spied Aerith and Zack talking softly, their heads close together.

How sweet...lovers...but you're all alone, aren't you? The words whispered maliciously in his head, and Cloud closed his eyes quickly, scrunching his face up until his head hurt. He rose suddenly, quietly, shooting a glance at Zack and Aerith. He hadn't disturbed them. Cloud tip toed over to where Tifa lay sleeping, kneeling down next to her and shaking her shoulder gently.

“Tifa,” he said in a hushed tone. “Tifa, wake up...” She shifted, grumbling in her sleep. She blinked blearily, a look of confusion crossing her features.

“Cloud? What's wrong? Did something happen?” she asked, her voice rising, and then falling back to a whisper as Cloud held a finger to his lips.

“Could we, uh...talk?” he asked, feeling sheepish now that he had woken her. It looked like it took Tifa a moment to process what he had said, but then she nodded slowly, propping herself up onto her elbows.

“What is it?” she whispered, but Cloud shook his head to indicate he didn't want to talk here. He didn't want to disturb Zack and Aerith. He grabbed her hand, hoisting her up and jerking his head in the couple's direction.

“Let's talk over here, okay?” he asked, pointing in the opposite direction, further from the fire. She nodded, tucking her long hair behind her ear. He didn't let go of her hand as he led her away from the campsite, enjoying the feeling and warmth of her hand in his.

I'm not alone. I've got Tifa.

Once Cloud felt they had reached an appropriate distance from Zack and Aerith (who had, he didn't realize, seen the two of them leave) he sat down on the ground, inadvertently pulling Tifa down with him.

“Oh, sorry,” he said, brushing some dirt off her arm. He paused when he felt Tifa's eyes on him, and suddenly he was blushing furiously. He discontinued his actions, pulling his hands away. “Right...er, sorry about waking you up so late, I just really needed to talk...and well, Zack looked kind of busy...not that I wouldn't want to talk to you anyway,” he said quickly as he saw Tifa's face drop.

“What did you need to talk about?” she asked, still looking a bit glum.

“I had another nightmare,” he muttered, shuddering even as he thought about it. Those green eyes were...haunting...and insane.

“What about” Tifa asked him consolingly, her previously hurt look replaced with a concerned one.

“I think...Sephiroth. I always see his eyes...and he whispers things to me in my dreams. I'm afraid that he's trying to make me into something like him...like a crazy, psychotic killer, y'know?” Cloud found he couldn't look Tifa in the face as he admitted this – it was too embarrassing, to compare himself to someone so despicable as Sephiroth.

“I see,” Tifa said quietly, though he wasn't sure how she could see at all unless she was having similar nightmares. “Well, what kind of things does he say to you?”

“He tells me how alone I am...he wants me to kill you all, to be like him...I'm some sort of pawn in his sick game, even though I don't know what that game is,” Cloud hissed, his face contorted into an ugly grimace.

“Cloud, you're not like him. You're thoughtful, and sweet, and you don't want to kill people...you save them. And he's wrong...you're not alone. You have me...and Zack and Aerith,” she added, a faint flush rising in her cheeks.

“I-thanks, Tifa...I know I have you.” Cloud smiled softly, unable to believe she had cheered him up so quickly.

“Anytime, Cloud. You can always talk to me, about anything.” Tifa leaned in closer to him, a look in her eye that he couldn't decipher. Feeling slightly awkward, and beginning to feel rather warm, he took her hand and squeezed it affectionately.

“I'll let you go back to sleep, okay?” he said, and he could have sworn he saw disappointment in her eyes.

“Yes, right...thanks Cloud.” Tifa got up quickly, dusting dirt off her pants and walking away quickly. Cloud wondered if he had said something wrong.

–

“Think they did anything?” Zack asked, grinning wickedly at Aerith as Tifa made her way back to the camp and laid herself back on the ground. Aerith giggled lightly, hitting Zack's arm.

“I don't think so, she doesn't seem very happy.”

“Cloud's clueless, isn't he?”

“I think so...” Aerith agreed, feeling sympathy for the pair. “You should talk to him.”

“And say what?” Zack asked, looking at her incredulously. “'Hey Cloud, Tifa's real hot, you should make out with her.'”

“Why not?” Aerith laughed, tilting her head. “Hey, you think Tifa's really hot?” Aerith asked, trying to glare at him but failing.

“Well, obviously she's a very attractive woman,” Zack explained, “But she pales in comparison to you, love.” Aerith felt her face warm once again, and she smiled sweetly at him. A rush of affection for him washed through her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, her smiled widening as she saw his surprised look.

“You're just saying that to stay on my good side,”

“No, really. Don't you remember?” he asked, he own hand coming up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “I thought you were an angel the first day I saw you.”

“You also thought that the church in the slums was heaven,” she pointed out, laughing softly.

“Only because you were there,” he said seriously, the laughter gone from his eyes, replaced by an intense look that sent shivers down her spine. She watched his brilliant blue eyes travel down to her lips, and her heart began to speed up in her chest. He cupped her cheek gently and leaned in the rest of the way, kissing her softly. A small sigh of contentment escaped her lips and she pulled him closer, deepening the kiss, feeling rather uninhibited with the knowledge that he loved her and that she loved him back.

She longed for him like the earth longed for the sky.

She tangled her fingers in his hair, amazed that he could have such soft hair when it looked so spiky. Aerith shuddered as she felt his fingers travel lightly up the side of her ribcage, her breath hitching in her throat. Aerith realized that she felt entirely too warm, and it wasn't because of the fire. She pulled away, her face flushed, and grinned lightly at Zack, slightly out of breath.

“Wow,” he muttered, his lips swollen and his hair messier than usual. “That was some kiss.”

“It's because I long for you like the earth longs for the sky,” she whispered in his ear, smiling as she heard the sharp intake of breath from him. Then, he laughed softly in her ear, hugging her so their bodies were flush against each other.

“And I long for you like the sky longs for the earth, Aerith.”

Aerith smiled, even as a wave of sleepiness began to take over, her eyelids drooping.

She and Zack were like the sky and the earth: they loved each other, and they always would.

 

Chapter 16: A Couple of Plans​

For once, Cloud had fallen asleep and stayed asleep. After he had his talk with Tifa, it had calmed him and he was able to drift easily back into sleep. In fact, he found his dreams filled with a different face, and a feeling of longing. When he woke up, he was quite embarrassed to see exactly how much longing there had been.

“Have a nice dream?” Zack asked him smugly, smirking in his direction. Cloud covered himself, glaring furiously. He couldn't come up with a witty comeback, so he kept his mouth shut. Did it have to be so obvious for guys when they were aroused? He groaned and threw himself down in his sleeping bag, images from his dream flashing through his mind.

“Hey, now, I don't want to hear any of that unless you're actually getting lucky, and not just in your dreams,” Zack said, prodding him with his foot. Cloud glared at Zack again, huffing.

“Shut up,” he finally said.

“Nice comeback,” Zack laughed. Cloud realized that Zack was in a much better mood than he had been the last couple of days, and when Aerith came up and slipped her hand into his, Cloud knew why. He vaguely recalled the two of them being huddled together by the fire the night before.

“So, I have a feeling your dreams were better last night,” Zack teased, and Cloud proceeded to throw his boot at him forcefully. Zack merely laughed and ducked, the boot bouncing away. Cloud shot Zack a warning glare at Zack as Tifa walked over, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“Morning sleepyhead!” Zack crowed, beaming at Tifa. She gave him a disgruntled look.

“Someone's in a good mood,” she mumbled.

“Just good to be alive,” Zack replied, squeezing Aerith's hand, his smile widening.

“Cloud, what is your boot doing over there?” Tifa asked, spying his boot lying next to the dying fire.

“Animal must have tried to take it last night,” Cloud said quickly, his eyes fixed firmly on Zack who looked like he was about to say something. Aerith smiled sympathetically at Cloud and led Zack away, despite his protests. Cloud silently thanked Aerith for her tact.

“So, did you get back to sleep alright?” Tifa asked him, holding his boot out for him, having gone and retrieved whilst Aerith was pulling Zack away.

“Yeah, much better,” he said, pulling his boot back on. “Talking with you helped,” he added, running his hand through his hair nervously.

“I'm glad,” she said, a smile tugging at her lips. “Do you know where we're headed?” she asked, twisting the fabric of her shirt between her fingers.

“Not really. I guess it's all up to Zack,” he said, and as if on cue, Zack came walking back with Aerith in tow. “Hey, where are we headed, Zack?” Cloud asked, still spread out on his sleeping bag.

“I guess we're heading in the direction of Nibelhem. I don't know if Sephiroth is headed in that direction, but...I think we need some answers, don't you? I didn't understand at the time why the town was perfectly normal when I had remembered it being burned to the ground...” he trailed off at the angry looks on Tifa and Cloud's faces. “But I think maybe somebody there will have some answers for us, so that's where we're headed,” he finished firmly. “Is that okay with everyone here?”

Cloud didn't really have any alternative ideas, so he shrugged, shooting a glance at Tifa, who seemed hesitant.

“I guess...” she said at length, sighing. “It's been a long time...” she mused aloud, and Cloud rose from his seat on the ground, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She gave him a weak smile in return.

“But first, we'll head to Junon. All we need to do is follow the coastline once we reach it. Once we're there, we'll need to get some sort of transportation to get across the waters.” Cloud and Tifa nodded, aware that Nibelheim was in another land, several days away by boat. Cloud was more familiar with the speed of helicopter, having made trips up north to Modeoheim and other cities during his old missions.

Aerith however, looked apprehensive. “How far away is it?” she asked, and Cloud watched as Zack squeezed her hand reassuringly.

“By boat...several days away. Perhaps a week. And that's just to get to the other landmass...after that, it may take a month or so to reach Nibelheim. There are plenty of places to visit afterward though. Its the same land my hometown is in, though it's rather far away from Nibelheim. There's also Costa de Sol...and best of all, I don't think that we'll have any trouble with Shinra out there. They don't own any of the land around there. Further west is Wutai, and all the land they still control. I don't know though...it's ben four years. Things may have changed. But, the most important thing is that we find out what Sephiroth is up to and stop him.”

“So where do we head first?” Cloud asked, referring to their stop after the boat trip.

“I guess Costa de Sol. It's the closest city to the coast line that's also in close proximity with Nibelheim...it's going to be a long trip, and it won't be easy,” Zack sighed, ruffling his hair. “Are you all in?” he asked, throwing a hesitant look at Aerith. Cloud thought Zack seemed to be struggling with the idea of letting her go and letting her come along.

“I'll go where you go,” she replied, squeezing his hand again, and Cloud felt a pang. She gave him this look – it was hard to describe but it was like...like she knew she'd never find anybody like Zack again, and she never wanted to be with anyone else.

Cloud wanted that, too. But he knew in his heart that he couldn't have it until Sephiroth was finished for good and out of his head.

–

Tifa wasn't sure that she was ready to return to Nibelheim. She knew she didn't actually have a choice, of course, and she felt a bit better knowing that she would at least be with Cloud and Zack.

I suppose I'll have lots of time to get used to the idea, she mused, as Zack explained the long journey they would be embarking on. Tifa glanced uneasily at Aerith, wondering how the flower girl was going to hold up on the trip – they would no doubt be running into dangerous beasts along the way. Then again, the flower girl had shown surprising courage when she'd run into battle after Zack, wielding a staff. And besides, Zack wouldn't ever let her get hurt. Tifa realized she had no reason to worry.

She watched Cloud subtly out of the corner of her eye, watching for his reactions. She watched his face became pensive as he listened to the plan, but nodded affirmatively when Zack was finished. The action seemed so...soldier-like, she guessed, and it made sense. She wondered if he regretted trying to become a SOLDIER now, but she didn't feel comfortable asking. Being around Cloud again...it was throwing her out of wack. Things had been stable, at least, and suddenly he was thrown back into her life again, and old feelings had come drudging up. When she tried to get close to him, he'd push her away, or act out of character. She supposed this was Sephiroth messing with his head. A part of her ached – she wanted to help him, if he'd only let her. She could see behind his guarded eyes how vulnerable he felt, and she'd been there, too. Sephiroth had ruined both their lives, and she wasn't going to let him ruin it again.

Tifa sighed inwardly, frowning in concentration. She had Cloud back, but she was tired of waiting for him to come to his senses. She was tired of feeling so lonely, and of watching the way Zack and Aerith looked at each other and wishing that Cloud would look at her that way. It was time to take matters into her own, very capable, hands. A long trip would be just the time she needed to persuade Cloud to her way of thinking.

Tifa smiled to herself, holding back a laugh. It sounded so devious in her head, but honestly, she was just going to be giving him the push he needed, right? And Aerith seemed to think Cloud felt the same way for her...

Cloud gave her a strange look, and Tifa realized that she'd been staring at him for the past several minutes, and everyone else was looking at her, wondering why she was staring. She smiled broadly at him, determined not to be embarrassed by being caught. He looked taken aback, but then he smiled back hesitantly.

She'd have him in no time.

–

Tifa started her efforts later that night, even though she was so tired she wanted to collapse. The day had been long, and even though they'd walked a long time, they weren't even close to reaching Junon. They still hadn't made it as far at the coast, much to Tifa's disappointment. Strangely enough, they hadn't run into any creatures either, which was somewhat eerie and ominous.

Sitting around in that bar has really left me out of shape, she thought, rubbing a cramp in her leg absentmindedly as she watched Cloud from across the campfire they had built. Although the days were warm enough, it became rather chilly at night – the fire also had the added bonus of keeping creatures away, although it had the possibility of attracting unwanted attention. It was a risk they were willing to take.

Cloud was talking cheerily to Zack, though she didn't catch their words. It was strange to see him I such a good mood. The Cloud she knew had always been very surly and quiet, but it was nice to see his face light up. Aerith interrupted their conversation as she slipped her hand into Zack's, and the two lovers exchanged glances. Tifa watched as Cloud's laughter faltered, and his smile slipped a little. He looked awkward next to the couple. She was surprised when Cloud turned to look at her over the fire, the intensity of the look in his eyes making her heart race. She licked her lips nervously, shooting a look at Zack and Aerith, who were lost in their own world again, talking quietly.

Here it goes...

Tifa beckoned Cloud over, smiling softly at him. His eyes widened a little, but a moment later he relaxed and headed her way. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him, his eyes glowing strangely in the firelight, his movements more loping and graceful than she remembered, and she thought he was getting used to being in his body again. He had still moved somewhat awkwardly when he had come back, still in the mindset of a teenager, but any traces of gangly, teenage awkwardness were gone.

“Hey,” he said, seating himself next to her, casting a look in the direction of Zack and Aerith, and chuckling. “One look from her and he's off in another world.”

“It's sweet,” Tifa sighed, venturing a smile. Now that Cloud was next to her, she wasn't sure what to say.

So much for my plan...she thought wryly.

“You alright?” he asked, looking over at the leg she was rubbing.

“Yeah, just a cramp,” she admitted, laughing lightly. “This journey may be the death of me, yet.” Cloud frowned and looked up at the night sky, and she realized what she said.

“I didn't mean it like that,” she said quickly.

“I know,” Cloud finally said, a smile tugging at his lips. “Here,” he said, holding out his hands.

Tifa looked at him curiously, wondering what he wanted. “What?”

“Your leg,” he said, flushing slightly in the firelight.

“Er...okay...” she scooted around so she could hold out her leg for him, all the while feeling rather foolish. What was he doing?

His warm hands took her leg gently, and he shot her a nervous look, smiling hesitantly. They sat like that for long moment, and Tifa was about to take her leg back when Cloud's hands finally began to move, kneading at the muscles in her calf firmly. She bit back a gasp, finally realizing that he intended to massage away the cramp for her. Her face grew rather warm, but she kept quiet. His hands were slightly calloused, but pleasantly so, and his brow furrowed in concentration as he kneaded away. His ministrations continued for several minutes, and Tifa sighed in appreciation.

“Is that better?” he asked as his hands finally stopped, much to Tifa's regret.
“Yes, very,” she admitted, pulling her leg away slowly. His fingertips brushed against her skin lightly as she slid her leg out of his hands, causing a shiver to run down her spine.

“Is, er, your other leg okay?”

Tifa was tempted to lie and say no, but she nodded instead, licking her lips nervously again. Remembering that she was supposed to be seducing him and not the other way around, she smiled softly at him.

“Thanks, Cloud.” She watched him swallow visibly, nodding slightly in response.

“KISS HER CLO-!” Zack's voice suddenly cried out, only to be stifled by Aerith's hand clamping over his mouth. Tifa felt mortified that the two had been watching Cloud and her.

“Zack!” she heard Aerith hiss reprovingly.

“Sorry!” Tifa heard him reply back, but he didn't sound very sorry at all. In fact, she was sure he was laughing.

“I'd uh...better get to bed,” Cloud said gruffly, his face very red. “You're okay now, right?” he asked as he stood up, brushing dirt off his pants. Tifa mimicked his actions, silently promising herself to pummel Zack later.

“Yes, thanks again, Cloud,” she said, leaning forward before Cloud could walk away, and planting a small kiss on his cheek. “Goodnight,” she said, smiling at him again.

“Night, Tifa,” he replied, sounding a bit out of breath, and he smiled back at her before stumbling over to his sleeping bag. She watched him until he flopped down, then turned to glare at Zack.

“Zack Fair,” she growled, clenching her fists. “I'm going to kick your ass!” she muttered, hurrying in his direction.

“Uh-oh!” Zack said, darting away and laughing all the while.

 

Chapter 17: Junon​

Junon looked like a smaller version of Midgar, Aerith thought. Zack told her that was because Junon used to be an old fishing village, before Shinra had come and built a miniature Midgar over top of it. The thought saddened Aerith. Now, this once peaceful village was Shinra's secondary headquarters.

“Rufus Shinra might be here,” Zack said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “He used to be in charge here, before his father's death.”

Aerith watched Zack as he stared down at the city of Junon, a frown on his face. She reached up and gently caressed his face, effectively distracting him. He tore his gaze away from the city and stared into her eyes, causing her heart to quicken. She would never get over how blue his eyes were. She ran her small fingers over the scar on his face, and he smiled.

“What are you doing?”

“Distracting you,” she replied, smiling lightly.

“I see that,” he laughed quietly, then tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear before leaning in and planting a soft kiss on her lips. Aerith sighed with content.

“We'll be fine.” Zack assured her, his other hand finding her hand and squeezing it.

“I know. I'm with you.”

–

If Cloud weren't so envious of them, he might think their actions were nauseating. But they weren't. They were just...in love. And they weren't over the top about it. He never heard them making love at night (he wasn't really sure if they ever had, not that it was any of his business) and they never kissed blatantly in front of him or Tifa. They were affectionate in more subtle ways – a secret glance, a gentle squeeze of the hand, a knowing smile, a stolen kiss when they thought no one was looking.

Cloud wanted that.

He was starting to think he wanted that with Tifa.

Cloud tilted his head in her direction, watching her as she stretched. Ever since they had left Midgar, she'd been determined to get back into shape. Cloud thought her shape was perfect already, if he had to be honest. But that didn't stop him from watching her. Sometimes, Zack or Aerith caught Cloud staring. Zack would give a thumbs up, and Aerith would smile encouragingly. Cloud wasn't sure if Aerith knew any other way to smile. She was always cheerful, unless Zack was down, and then she was too busy cheering him up to look sad herself. She didn't complain about the long journey, even though Cloud watched Zack rub her feet at the end of a long day and pull her close to him, rubbing his hand up and down her arms.

Cloud wanted that.

But Tifa wasn't sore at the end of the day anymore. Ever since Zack had rudely interrupted their moment (and Tifa had pounded on him mercilessly, but Zack had just laughed and teased her since), Cloud hadn't seen another opportunity to touch her or talk to her about more...personal things.

So he watched her. He was beginning to feel a bit like a stalker, but when he watched Tifa, his mind felt clearer. He didn't have as many nightmares if he watched her. He had better dreams.

“You like watching her?” Aerith's soft voice suddenly interrupted his train of thought, and Cloud jumped.

“Uh,” he stammered, feeling warmth spread across his cheeks.

“Why don't you say anything to her?”

“I just- I don't know. She looks busy.”

“She watches you too,” Aerith told him with a knowing smile. Cloud felt himself flush more.

“No she doesn't,” he said gruffly, looking down at the ground.

“I've seen her,” Aerith insisted. “Maybe you're both taking turns watching each other, and you keep missing one another,” she teased, laughing that light laugh of hers.

“You're making fun of me,” Cloud said sulkily.

“A little,” she agreed, then placed a small hand on his shoulder. “You should talk to her.”

“About what?”

“That's up to you.” Aerith left his side, returning to Zack, who was once again staring down at the city of Junon.

I should talk to her.

Cloud fidgeted for a moment, running his hands through his hair, which refused to lie flat. He took a deep breath and strode nervously over to Tifa, who was inhaling deeply through her nose as she stretched out her legs. Cloud tried his best not to stare at her lovely shape, and concentrate on looking at her face.

“So, we finally got here,” he said lamely, and she opened her eyes, her eyes meeting his own immediately. She smiled at him, nodding at his obvious point.

“Yes, finally. I can't wait to sleep in a comfy bed again. Don't get me wrong, but rocks aren't the most comfortable bedding.”

“No,” Cloud laughed weakly. “I uh, don't actually know if we'll be staying anywhere nice. The Vice President of Shinra might be in town...I don't know if Zack will want to risk it.”

“Oh, we'll risk it or Zack will be friends with my fist again.” Cloud glanced over at Zack and Aerith, grinning at the memory of Tifa pummeling Zack.

“Or maybe the easier way is to convince Aerith to persuade Zack,” he said with a wry grin.

“Yes, maybe,” Tifa laughed easily, tossing her hair back. She finished her stretches and rose from the ground, brushing dirt off of her shorts. Cloud's eyes seemed to travel to her behind involuntarily as she wiped the dirt away. He swallowed thickly.

“Okay there, Cloud?” Tifa asked, causing him to jerk his eyes away quickly.

“What? Yeah, of course.”

“You were staring at my butt.”

“I-I, well, uh. I mean, I didn't mean to.”

“I see,” she said, in a voice that clearly indicated she didn't believe him for a second. Then, much to Cloud's horror (and pleasure) she stretched languorously, her arms reaching high above her head, her shirt rising up dangerously high and exposing the soft skin of her stomach, not to mention accentuating her already rather accentuated bosom. And Cloud watched, mouth hanging open slightly, all coherent thoughts long gone.

“Just as I thought,” Tifa said, letting her arms drop, and Cloud was disappointed to see her shirt fall back over her stomach. He flushed brightly. Didn't he have any control over his eyes?

“Hey you two, stop flirting and come over here!” Zack called, and this time Cloud was grateful for the interruption. Tifa threw him a wicked smile, one that left his heart racing, and then she hurried toward Zack and Aerith.

She hadn't done that on purpose, had she? Had she been tempting him to look?

She's torturing me, Cloud decided, and he wasn't sure how he felt about it. Well, he knew how one part of his anatomy felt about it, but that was beside the point.

“Cloud!” Zack called, and he snapped out of his reverie and hurried over.

“Honestly, the time you were taking, we should have just had Tifa carry you over.”

“What?” Cloud spluttered. “I don't need Tifa to carry me.”

“She's certainly strong enough to,” Zack laughed, dodging Tifa's good natured kick.

“And don't you forget it!” she threatened, but there was still a smile on her face as she stole a glance at Cloud. “Besides, Cloud wouldn't know how to flirt if he were given the handbook.”

“Oh really?” Cloud retorted, leaning toward her, a challenging look in his eyes.

“I dare you,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper now. Now all Cloud could do was stare at her beautifully crimson eyes, letting his eyes slide down the bridge of her nose and to her perfectly pink lips...

Suddenly Zack leaned in really close, grinning foolishly. “Kiss...” he whispered, earning him a hard smack from Aerith and an extremely painful punch from Tifa.

“Sorry!” he cried, and Cloud rubbed the back of his hair, his cheeks heated. “I was just trying to see if they were going to get on with it already. The tension's killing me!” Zack complained, rubbing his arm while Aerith scowled at him.

“Leave them alone,” Aerith scolded him as she dragged him away from Cloud and Tifa. Cloud exchanged an embarrassed look with Tifa. He didn't know what to say, but it didn't seem to matter, because his throat was apparently stuck.

“We'd better catch up with them,” Tifa said after a small moment, watching the two head down toward Junon. “Who knows what trouble they'll get into without us.” Cloud thought she looked a bit disappointed, but he was grateful for the new topic.

“Yeah. Right,” he nodded stupidly and hurried after them, Tifa trailing forlornly behind.

-

Junon ended up being rather uneventful, in the ways of sneaking and creeping, and potential town alarms going off. As for other things...well, things were a bit more interesting. Aerith had coerced Zack into staying at an inn – she didn't want to sleep on the cold ground if they had the option of sleeping in a warm bed. Truthfully, a large part of his decision had been made when he imagined Aerith cuddled up next to him in bed...with Cloud and Tifa elsewhere, unable to see what they were doing.

“Are you alright, Zack?” Aerith asked, rubbing his arm with concern. His face had flushed as he had let his thoughts get away with him.

“Yeah, I'm fine,” he said, clearing his throat. “Two rooms, please,” he told the inn keeper, who smiled pleasantly when Zack brought out his gil.

“Certainly sir,” the inn keeper agreed, and soon the group was headed up to their rooms.

“Tifa and I will take the other room,” Aerith said, and Zack dropped the key.

“What?” he asked, clearly confused.

“What?” Aerith asked innocently, genuinely confused by Zack's confusion.

“I just...I thought...right,” he mumbled, leaning down to pick up the keys. “You two are sharing a room. Guy room and a girl room. Got it.” He felt stupid, and admittedly, largely embarrassed. He had just assumed that she'd wanted to spend the night in the same room with him. Was that too much pressure? Did she feel like he was rushing her? Because he wasn't. He had certainly thought about...things...but he'd never force her...

“Oh!” Aerith let out a startled noise, and blushed brilliantly as she finally caught onto Zack's train of thought, Cloud and Tifa standing uncomfortably off to the side. “I'm sorry,” she whispered, her cheeks burning.

“It's fine,” Zack assured her, though his grin felt forced. He felt strangely rejected. He handed her the keys and hurriedly turned away, focusing on the lock to his own bedroom. That he'd be sharing with...Cloud. Hurray.

As Zack opened the bedroom door, he held back a groan of dismay. There was one double bed in the center of the room. There were no twin beds around. He hurried out of the room to look into Aerith's and Tifa's room to see if they were better off. But their situation was the same – one double bed, in the middle of the room. Apparently, the inn keeper had assumed what Zack had – that the guys would be sharing a room with one of the girls. That, or she'd thought that Zack and Cloud were gay. Or brothers. Or gay brothers. Zack shuddered at the thought.

“Oh, well, you don't mind sharing a bed, do you Tifa?” Aerith asked suddenly, gazing at the bed.

“No, of course not...” Tifa trailed off, giving the guys a sympathetic look.

“Great,” Aerith enthused. “I'm sure Cloud won't mind either.”

“Er, no, I guess not,” Cloud mumbled, glancing at Zack, looking extremely uncomfortable.

“Wonderful, you two have a great time,” Aerith said suddenly, and Zack felt himself growing confused again. What, him and Cloud have a great time in bed? But then, Aerith winked, and he caught on.

“Right!” he said quickly, and shoved Cloud into the room. “A grand ol' time,” he cheered, winking heartily at Tifa and Cloud. “Stay safe, kiddies.”

And then, with Aerith grinning with success, Zack grabbed her arm and exited the room before the two had any time to respond.

–

“I'm glad you caught on,” Aerith said to Zack as he closed the door to their room.

“I was so confused,” Zack admitted. “Good plan.”

“It was better than you interrupting all of the time,” she scolded softly, smiling.

“Admit it, you just wanted me all to yourself,” he replied cockily, his signature grin plastered on his face.

“Of course,” she nodded, laughter escaping her. He could be so ridiculous sometimes. She thought it was adorable.

“Yeah?” he asked, seating himself closely to her on the bed.

“Always.”

He leaned in, and she caught a whiff of the smell that was so Zack. It always made her feel relaxed and her mind hazy. She smiled as he kissed the tip of her nose, and then caught her mouth with his, his hand caressing the side of her face.

“You're amazing,” he breathed, and she could only blink lazily back at him. His other hand danced along her ribcage, making her squirm and giggle. It tickled.

“What?” he asked, pulling back with a grin.

“It tickles.”
“Does it?” he asked, his eyes twinkling mischievously. He suddenly lunged forward, his fingers attacking her sides and stomach, and she cried out with laughter.

“Stop!” she panted, trying to wriggle away, but he was too fast. “Zack!” She fell backward onto the bed as he continued his assault, wheezing for breath. “Please!” she managed to breathe out, and he finally stopped, positioned over her with a grin.

“Sorry,” he said, though he didn't sound the least bit contrite. Aerith was more aware of how his legs and lower body were pressed against her in a tangled sort of fashion. It should have been uncomfortable, but she found that it wasn't. Something within her stirred, and she began to feel warmer. Zack seemed to become aware of their situation, but appeared to be in no hurry to remedy it. His eyes traveled back up to hers, and her heart quickened at the sight. His pupils dilated, ad the blue in his eyes had seemingly darkened, and now they were almost a purple in color. What she saw there had always used to make her shiver with fear. She'd seen it in the eyes of men watching her as she walked down the streets of the slums. But Zack's eyes were also filled with love, and it made her feel lightheaded and pleasant. Her entire body seemed to tingle in anticipation.

“Zack?” Aerith whispered, shivering slightly as he slid one hand across her arm gently, goosebumps rising in its wake.

“Yeah?” he asked, his voice sounding huskier than usual.

“I love you.” She smiled at him, taking his hand gently. He smiled sweetly in return, letting her lead his hand to her lips as she kissed the palm.

“I love you, too, Aerith,” he assured her, pulling his hand away easily and rolling onto his side, lying next to her on the bed. Her brow furrowed as he pulled away.

“Where are you going? I wasn't finished with you, yet,” she teased, laughter escaping through her nose as she exhaled.

“Oh. Sorry!” Zack chortled, and leaned back in again. She held his face between her hands and kissed him soundly on the lips, letting herself get swept up in her escalating emotions. As they continued to get wrapped up in one another, Zack's hands began to travel over her again, this time in a firm, exploratory way, and she found it didn't tickle. It only fueled the sudden fire that was raging in her. She sighed contentedly in his mouth and he pulled her closer, continuing to let his hands roam where they hadn't dared go in the company of Cloud and Tifa...but she didn't mind his boldness. It felt like it had been a long time coming, and she was eager to finally be moving forward.

Zack pulled away again, a questioning look in his eyes. As he paused, it allowed her mind to catch up with everything that was happening, and nervousness shot through her.

“Aerith?” he asked, his voice low. She bit her lip uncertainly. She knew what he was asking her. Now that she was faced with it though, she felt incredibly nervous. Then again...she'd waited for years for him to return. He was back, and now they were all on some crazy trip to bring down a madman. The Planet had warned her of things to come. Maybe they'd never get another chance like this. She took a deep, steadying breath. She loved him. She'd loved him for years, before he even knew it. She could do this. She wanted to.

She exhaled slowly, closing her eyes for a long, calming moment, and then looked him in the eye again.

“Okay,” she whispered.

“Okay what?” Zack asked, his face turned down in concern. She realized she'd been quiet for several long minutes, and her reply was rather out of place.

“I mean,” she started, laughing nervously as she took his hands again. “I mean okay. And...yes. I want you to...” she trailed off, her cheeks burning with alarming shyness.

“Oh...” he whispered as he caught on. “You want me to...” he paused as well, holding her gaze steadily.

“Yes,” she nodded again, her hair tumbling around her face. “Make...make love to me, Zack,” she finally managed to get out in a hurried whisper. She kept her eyes locked onto his though. She was afraid that if she looked away, she'd lose her nerve. She wanted this with him. Aerith couldn't explain her sudden need to share, well, everything with him, but it just seemed...important that she did. Who better to give herself to?

Zack's cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink, but his lips curved up and the corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Okay,” he agreed, his voice still soft. “If you want to.”

“I do,” Aerith confirmed, and he brushed her hair out of her face lightly, his fingertips caressing the side of her cheek.

“We'll take it slow,” he promised, but she lost her voice as Zack kissed the spot under her ear, slowly trailing kisses down her neck. As he kissed her, his lips leaving a fiery heat in their wake, she began to grow calmer, and she tangled her fingers in his hair on the nape of his neck. As he pushed away her out jacket, slipping it gently down her arms, Aerith was sincerely glad that she had tricked Cloud and Tifa into sharing a room. She tugged lightly at his tucked in shirt until it slipped free of his pants, allowing her hands to snake underneath and trail along his stomach. He sighed against her skin as she hesitantly pushed his shirt away...yes, she was definitely glad that neither Cloud or Tifa were around.

–

“I didn't realize that Aerith was that sneaky,” Tifa commented lightly, watching Cloud out of the corner of her eye carefully to see his reaction. He seemed slightly surprised, but he didn't look like he objected, thankfully.

“I think Zack has become a bad influence for her,” Cloud said seriously, but a smile was tugging at his mouth.

“Probably. At least Aerith isn't interrupting though...”

“Yeah. There's that,” Cloud agreed, his eyes meeting hers. A thrill rushed through her as she stared back at him. He looked so serious, much like the boy she remembered from Nibelheim. There was something else in his look though...something much more...grown up.

“So I guess we're sharing a room...unless you want to go fight Aerith to share with Zack?” Tifa asked, clearing her throat and grinning.

“No, it's fine,” Cloud assured her, and her heart seemed to skip a beat. “Besides, it seems like they wanted to be..er...alone.” At this, Cloud flushed slightly, and Tifa smiled knowingly.

“Of course they did. They're in love. They always want to be alone.” Cloud fell silent, like he was searching for something to say, and Tifa looked around the room awkwardly. Now what?

Suddenly, Tifa heard what sounded like...sighing.

“Did you hear that?” Tifa asked Cloud, who was staring at the wall with wide eyes.

“Er...sounds like -” he was interrupted by a low moan coming through the wall. It was coming from Zack and Aerith's room. Cloud's previous blushed returned with a vengeance, and he averted his eyes from the wall, as though by looking at it he was somehow watching Zack and Aerith. He cleared his throat loudly to cover the noises.

“Thin walls,” he muttered, scratching the back of his neck. Tifa was torn between laughter and embarrassment. She slid up next to Cloud, taking his limp hand in her own.

“I guess so,” she agreed. He seemed uncomfortable with the sounds, and her mind was spinning as she tried to come up with a way to distract him. Privately, Tifa wasn't very surprised about Zack and Aerith – not with the smoldering looks they'd been giving each other lately.

Cloud looked down at their clasped hands, then slowly looked back up at her. He swallowed, but he didn't say anything. A wave of frustration rolled through Tifa. Did she have to make every move? She was fidgeting with the idea of doing something or letting go of his hand and calling it a day when he suddenly leaned forward (pausing momentarily when another groan penetrated the thin barriers of their walls), nearing her face. She froze, her eyes widening in anticipation, but now Cloud had stopped, too. His eyes met hers again, and then slowly traveled down, and she swore she could feel his eyes like they were a physical force. His eyes stopped. He was staring at her mouth.

“Cloud,” she whispered, licking her lips uncertainly. Her heart was racing as it was, but it positively jumped when he raised his hand to her cheek, cupping it softly. His eyes darted back up to her eyes again, and his face visibly softened.

“Tifa,” he said, though it was more like a sigh than anything else. He leaned in the rest of the way, his lips parting and meeting hers. All other thoughts left her mind. She didn't hear the sounds coming through the wall any longer; she wasn't worried about being found out in Junon. She could only concentrate on the feel of Cloud's slightly chapped lips brushing against hers in a slow, methodical manner, and the way his thumb swept across her cheek and along her jaw, until both of his hands trailed back and threaded into her hair, his fingers curling around the thick strands. Her only thought was:

Finally.

–

“Four outsiders checked in?” the man asked, his fingers steepled under this chin thoughtfully.

“Yes, President Shinra,” the nervous inn keeper agreed.

“And you're positive two of them had the signs of ex-SOLDIERS?”

“Yes, yes. They had glowing eyes.”

“Very well. They may be the men we've been searching for. I hope one of the two girls is the Ancient my father ad been looking for before his...unfortunate death.”

“Are you sending the guards for them tonight?” the inn keeper asked, twitching.

“No,” Rufus drawled, smiling to himself. “Let's let them rest. They'll have an interesting day tomorrow, no doubt. Best to keep them unaware and lull them into a false sense of security, for now.” He chuckled to himself, waving away the inn keeper nonchalantly. “Off you go.”

–

Zack sighed contentedly and drew Aerith closer to him, reveling at the feel of her smooth skin grazing against his own. He kissed the top of her shoulder, then continued to trail them down toward her neck and toward her ear.

“Zack,” she murmured sleepily, pulling away slightly and laughing.

“What?” he asked innocently, burying his face into her hair, inhaling deeply. The scent of flowers invaded his senses. She smelled wonderful. She was wonderful. She made a noise in the back of her throat and squirmed in his grasp, turning on her side to face him. He felt lightheaded just looking into her beautifully green eyes. Now, they were dark and playful, and they seemed to glow slightly. He wondered if that was part of his imagination, or if they really were glowing.

“Hi,” she said, and then she smiled and laughed again.

“Hey,” he replied, grinning goofily. He felt supremely relaxed, and he stretched his legs out lazily before drawing them back in, tangling them once more with Aerith's. “How are you?”

“Great,” she said. “Sore. But...great.”

“Good. Not about the soreness. I'm sorry about that. But...good that you're great,” he rambled, and she placed a finger on his lips to stop him. “Sorry,” he laughed, his apology muffled behind her finger. She pulled her hand away and placed it on his arms, her fingers tracing light patterns.

“Was that your...first?” she asked hesitantly, her eyes not meeting his any longer. She seemed afraid of the answer.

“What?” he murmured, his brow creasing. “Of course it was.”

“Really?” she asked lightly, clearly trying to sound nonchalant. He raised her chin so he could look her in the eye again.

“Really,” he assured her. “I didn't have time for girls when I was in Shinra. And when I met you...well, I was breaking rules just going to see you,” he said with a smirk, and at this, she grinned again.

“You just seemed so confident,” she explained.

“I was scared out of my wits,” he confessed. “Trust me.”

“I do...I love you.”

Zack beamed at her, his heart swelling in his chest. “I love you, too. You're perfect. All of you.”

“Am not,” she muttered, blushing.

“Mhmm,” Zack hummed, capturing her lips in another kiss.

“Are you going to let me sleep?” she asked in between kisses.

“Maybe later,” he chuckled throatily and pulled her closer to him again so they were flesh to flesh, and he could feel her warmth envelop him.

 

Chapter 18: A Second, Second Chance​

Zack woke suddenly, and he wasn't sure why immediately. It took him several long moments to realize that Aerith was curled up next to him, her hair splayed out on the pillow, her chest rising and falling slowly as she breathed in and out as she slept. A small smile tugged at his lips as he stared at her. He rose slowly onto one elbow, staring hard into the dark room. Behind the curtain, he could see the early morning light trying to peek through the cracks. Morning had already come. Soon, they would have to leave the comfort of their hotel and be on their way. Staying in Junon for too long made him nervous, and brought memories of his time chasing down Dr. Hollander back to the surface of his mind.

“Aerith,” Zack whispered, shaking her gently. She made a small moaning sound, and he felt a small twinge of guilt for waking her. They'd stayed up awfully late...but his SOLDIER instincts persisted, and he shook her again, causing her to groan unintelligibly. “Come on, Aerith,” he crooned. “You need to wake up. It's morning.”

At his words, she blinked sleepily at him, her lower lip pushing out in small pout.

“Can't I sleep in?” she asked sweetly, her fingers rubbing the sleep from her eyes pathetically.

“No, I'm sorry,” Zack said, and he was sorry. He wished they had the luxury to sleep in. He slipped out from underneath the covers, stepping lightly on the floor as his eyes searched for his strewn clothes. As he did this, he could feel Aerith watching him. He ceased his search, gazing back at her. She looked much less sleepy now as her eyes traveled up and down him, her cheeks darkening. She was wearing a look that seemed so out of place for Aerith – her eyes looked a bit glazed, and she was biting her lip as though she were contemplating something. Zack realized with a start that she looked extremely sexy, even though her hair was disheveled from sleep. She had one arm raised above her head, twirling her hair absentmindedly, the other resting on the pillow next to her, and she was just staring at him with this smoldering look. It was a side Zack had never really seen from Aerith before. It was lust.

“What?” he croaked, clearing his throat with embarrassment. She just smiled at him, and it made her look even more appealing. He suddenly felt a bit self conscience. “Like what you see?” he asked, trying to shake it off. Her smile broadened, and her eyes were no longer traveling up and down him, but had stopped to look him in the eye.

“Can't we have just a few more minutes?” she asked, her eyebrow raising seductively. His mouth went dry and his heart jumped.

“I suppose it wouldn't hurt,” he spluttered.

“Great,” Aerith sighed and rolled over, closing her eyes again.

“Hey!” Zack protested, prodding her side as he crawled back into the bed. She had tricked him! But then she laughed and rolled back to face him, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

“Got you,” she whispered, her fingers dancing up his chest.

“You just can't resist me,” he teased back, and she shook her head in agreement. She leaned forward and kissed him soundly, and with surprising strength pulled him closer to her.

“I've created a monster,” he murmured against her lips, and she giggled, her eyes flashing open to look at him.

“It's hardly my fault. I can't resist you, after all. But if you'd rather get dressed,” she said slowly, pulling away from him and moving as though to slip out from under the covers.

“It can wait,” Zack said hurriedly, grabbing her waist and pulling her back. “We've got a little while before it's really morning,” he insisted. A lazy smile spread over her features as she snaked her hands around to the back of his neck, fingers twisting into his hair.

“I thought so,” she said, a hint of smugness in her voice. Before he could retort, she was kissing him again, her curves pressing against him wonderfully. Her previous shyness seemed to have fled her, though he wasn't complaining. It felt completely normal; completely natural. He felt completely at ease with Aerith, and it was reassuring that she appeared to feel the same way with him. He moaned a little. He couldn't help it.

Suddenly, a loud thump came from the wall, followed by a distressed groan.

“Not again!” the voice said, and Zack laughed, while Aerith blushed furiously.

“Guess the walls are thin,” Zack muttered, feeling embarrassment creep up his cheeks as well.

“Oh gosh,” Aerith mumbled, covering her face with her hands. “They heard us.” She sounded mortified.

Zack pounded back onto the wall. “Mind your own business, Cloud!” A grunt was all Zack got as a reply. Grinning, he pulled away reluctantly from Aerith. “I guess we'd better get dressed after all. It seems we've woken up the other two.”

“I wonder how it went for them,” Aerith said, her face still red as she wrapped the sheets around herself, searching the floor for her discarded clothing.

“Maybe what they heard encouraged them,” Zack joked, his eyebrows waggling. “If you know what I mean.”

“Zack!” Aerith admonished, but she was grinning. He was embarrassed they'd been heard, but certainly not that they'd done it, and he didn't want Aerith to feel bad about it either. The two continued to dress in silence, Zack watching as Aerith slipped back into her clothes, brushing back her hair. Watching her made his own dressing slow and clumsy, and ultimately he had to tear his eyes away so he could finish dressing.

“Should we go see if they're ready?” Aerith asked once they were both done, her hair fixed once again, curling neatly around her face. He wondered how she'd done that.

“I guess so,” Zack smiled. He pounded on the wall. “HEY! We're coming over! Make sure you're dressed!” he called teasingly through the walls, Aerith sighing and shaking her head.

“You're no help to them at all, Zack,” she said, hitting him lightly. Zack shrugged.

“I try.”

–

Aerith smiled as Cloud and Tifa exited their room. Cloud had his hand in Tifa's, their fingers interlocked and curling around each other. She raised a brow in question to Tifa, who shrugged slightly, then smiled knowingly back, causing Aerith to flush again at the implications. Zack displayed his approval by punching Cloud jovially on the shoulder. Cloud just laughed. Aerith was grateful that Zack didn't make any comments about Cloud and Tifa's hand holding, but she was more relieved that they didn't have anything to say about her and Zack.

“I guess we should get going. We'll have to take breakfast to go,” Zack informed them, stretching his arms above his head. Aerith felt exhausted and sore, and she silently wondered how far she'd be able to travel today. Maybe she could get another piggy back ride from Zack.

“Going somewhere?” a cold voice interrupted. Zack's sword was out before he spun all the way around, Cloud mimicking his actions closely.

“Rufus Shinra,” Zack said evenly, glaring at the man dressed in white before them.

“We've been looking all over for you,” Rufus continued, ignoring the obvious threat Zack and Cloud were sending. “I suppose I should thank you, though, for disposing of my father. Now, I'm afraid, Shinra cannot allow two dangerous experiments to run amok, much less with our key to the Promised Land,” he added, his gaze falling onto Aerith. She stepped back, shivering at the look in his eyes.

“Trust me, we didn't do anything to your father. We're after the man who did it, actually.”

“Oh really? And who is this 'so called ' murder?”

“Sephiroth,” Zack said plainly, and for a brief moment, shock registered on Rufus' face. Then he began to laugh.

“Do you really think I'd fall for that? Sephiroth disappeared a long time ago...or don't you remember? You were one of the last people to see him alive.”

“You're half right,” Zack conceded. “I thought he'd been killed, too. But I've seen him. We all have. He's back, and he's insane. We have to stop him.”

“Please, stop making up fairy tales, Mr. Fair. By all rights, you should be dead as well. You are a traitor of Shinra, and you are hereby under arrest, under the charges of denying the Shinra Army, breaking and entering Shinra HQ, and thievery of Shinra property.”

“Aerith is not anyone's property,” Zack snarled, looking angry for the first time in the conversation. “She's a person!”

“That is where you are wrong. She is merely another creature, just like any of the several hundreds of monsters I'm sure you have killed,” Rufus said smoothly, causing Aerith to gasp angrily.

“I am not!” she protested vehemently, narrowing her eyes at the man. She didn't like him, not one bit.

“Poor thing,” Rufus crooned at her, causing her to frown. “You believe you are human, but we know you are not. Don't worry – once you are back with us, it won't matter.”

“You're not taking Aerith,” Zack said, stepping in front of her protectively.

“You think to stop me?” Rufus chuckled. “You and Mr. Strife here? An Ex-SOLDIER and a failed experiment, against the power of Shinra.”

“It never stopped me before,” Zack retorted calmly, his eyes glowing, their color pulsating with energy. “And I'm afraid you underestimate the abilities of my female companions.”

“Oh, I'm sorry,” Rufus chuckled, wiping at his eyes and clutching at his stomach. “I forgot to include a poor flower girl and a bar wench from the slums.”

Aerith watched in horror as Cloud roared and lunged forward. Zack may have been able to appear calm, for the most part, but Rufus' comment about Tifa had been the last straw for Cloud. Rufus stepped back abruptly, all the laughter gone, and he snapped his fingers. Suddenly, they were surrounded by Shinra infantrymen, guns pointed at all of their heads. They had clearly been hiding in the other rooms, waiting for their signal. There were maybe thirty men – Aerith didn't think any more could fit in the cramped Inn, but she wondered if there were more outside, waiting. She watched as Zack's eyes darted around, calculating the odds.

“Forgive me if I don't buy your stories,” Rufus said coldly. He turned to the nearest soldier. “Grab the girl,” he commanded.

“I'm afraid that won't be happening, either,” another voice proclaimed, and to Aerith's horror, Sephiroth himself slipped from the shadows. Rufus's mouth fell open in shock. “You see, she's coming with me.”

“She's not going with anyone!” Zack said loudly, and he made to pull Aerith closer behind him, but at the movement, the soldiers surrounding them fired. It was like slow motion as Aerith watched Zack's body jerk from the impact of several bullets biting through his flesh and embedding into his muscles.

“Zack!” she cried out as her mind finally caught up with what was happening. He looked down at his torso, one hand clutching at his stomach, and he laughed weakly.

“Not again,” he muttered, and then his knees buckled, and he fell clumsily to the ground. Aerith threw herself down, expecting to feel the sting of bullets as she rushed to his aid, but none came. She cradled his head in her lap, tears making her vision blurry.

She distantly heard two outraged cries – she assumed they were from Cloud and Tifa – but she was focusing all she had on Zack. Heal, she thought fervently, her fingers already tracing his wounds. He smiled up at her, his eyes strangely unfocused.

“Why do I always get shot?” he mumbled, his tongue clumsy, slurring his words. “Caught off guard,” he slurred as an afterthought.

“It'll be okay,” she whispered back, smoothing back his hair with her free hand. Suddenly, a vice-like hand gripped her arm, and she lurched to her feet as she was pulled upward. “No!” she cried out, flailing in protest. “Zack!” But Zack couldn't move. His breathing was shallow, and blood was beginning to pool on the floor. Aerith looked up at her assailant. She shivered as her eyes met cold green ones.

“So, you're the so called Ancient,” Sephiroth said, more to himself than to her. “While your friends are busy with Shinra, you and I are going to take a little trip,” he told her, smiling cruelly. Aerith tried to wrench her arm away, but his grip was too strong.

“Let me go!” she shouted, causing Rufus to look up from the small skirmish in the Inn hallway.

“Hey!” Rufus shouted. “You can't take her!” Sephiroth's eyes darted up, staring at the man without compassion, as he drew his blade. With one, swift swipe, Rufus crumpled to the ground, his dead eyes staring up, his expression frozen in horror. Aerith glanced over to where Cloud and Tifa were, struggling to get to her through the mass of Shinra's soldiers. Aerith didn't understand why Shinra's men weren't attacking Sephiroth – he'd just killed their leader.

“Men are so easily controlled – and even more easily fooled,” Sephiroth chuckled as one of the soldier's helmets popped off as Cloud knocked him to the ground. The man was still alive, but his eyes were blank, and something about him looked eerily similar to Sephiroth. “If you struggle or make anymore noise, I'll kill Zack Fair and your friends here on the spot. If you come quietly, I will spare their lives...for now,” he added, his face calm and stoic. Aerith chanced a glance at Zack, her heart pounding in her chest. He looked so pale. If she struggled, he'd be killed on the spot...but if she left with Sephiroth, maybe Cloud and Tifa could save him.

“Okay,” she whispered, her eyes glued to Zack's prone form. It killed her to leave him, but she had to trust that they would heal Zack, and that he would come looking for her.

“Aerith,” Zack groaned, his head rolling limply on the ground. “No,” he ground out, hissing as he tried to rise from his position on the floor.

“I love you, Zack,” Aerith replied as she felt Sephiroth tug her away.

“No!” Zack said more forcefully, trying to stand. She and Sephiroth were almost out the door, though. She had to admire his willpower, even in the dire situation. Using one hand to support himself, he was hurrying toward her as fast he could, though the blood was weeping from his wounds, leaving a wet trail on the floor. Before she was given a chance to look away, she was tugged outside, her arm bruising from Sephiroth's intense grip. He was muttering to himself.

“Ancient...lies. Mother told me...”

Aerith didn't know what he was talking about, but she was terrified. Scared of what would happen to her, but more frightened that Zack would die. She didn't know what she would do if Zack died.

“Please live,” she whispered in a small prayer. She hoped the Planet was listening.

–

Cloud looked up in alarm as Zack cried out, only to catch a glimpse of pink exiting the door.

“Aerith?” he asked aloud, only to have to duck suddenly as another soldier lunged at him. Cloud bopped the guy soundly on the head with his fist, causing his eyes to cross and the man to crumple to the ground, muttering deliriously. To his side, Cloud could see Tifa punching another man squarely in the solar plexus, who also fell the ground, groaning. All around them were men, lying in heaps on the ground, and for a moment, Cloud felt an absurd sense of pleasure in having fought them all without Zack's help. He had done it, albeit with Tifa's help...but still.

Then, he came to his senses again.

“Tifa!” he called out, gesturing to the trail of blood leading out the door. “Where's Zack? Aerith?”

“Did they go outside? Sephiroth?” she asked breathlessly, and without much ado, they hurried forward, jumping nimbly over limp bodies, following the glistening trail of blood out the door. They eventually came across Zack, who was lying in the street, one hand clutching at a wound on his stomach, his other outstretched.

“Aerith,” he groaned, and Cloud thought he had never heard a more piteous sound. “He took her...bastard,” Zack wheezed, clenching his teeth in pain. He finally seemed to realize Cloud and Tifa were there. “Save her...” he gasped out. “He took her...”

“We have to help you first,” Cloud insisted, kneeling down by his friend, heart pounding in his chest. Zack couldn't die...not know, not after everything. He eased Zack up as gently as he could, sickened by the amount of blood his friend was losing. He'd already lost so much...an ordinary man wouldn't be alive.

“Tifa, we have to get him to a hospital. Help me.” Tifa obliged, taking Zack's legs and lifting simultaneously with Cloud. Zack was heavy – a dead weight. Not dead, Cloud's mind reprimanded automatically. Zack wasn't dead. He was glad he had Tifa to help carry Zack, though, otherwise he didn't know if he could carry his friend all the way by himself.

“Where's the nearest hospital?” Tifa asked, and Cloud realized that she wasn't familiar with Junon. Cloud thanked his lucky stars that he'd been here once before, even if it was only as backup.

“This way,” Cloud said, and he began leading Tifa at a painstakingly slow rate toward the hospital.

You can make it, Zack...just hang in there.

-

Tifa hated waiting rooms. Rooms filled with people crying in frustration, because they didn't know what was going on with their loved ones...people crying with joy, people crying in sorrow. Waiting rooms...they were really more like crying rooms, at least in hospitals. Tifa hated it. Sometimes, the crying just brought her back to that day in Nibelheim, when everything was burning...

She shook her head firmly, sending the memories away. She and Cloud had brought Zack to the nearest hospital, and almost as they arrived, he was taken away, wheeled away, beyond doors they weren't allowed to go through. One doctor had informed them that Zack was undergoing serious surgery as they tried to remove all the bullets. He had lost a lot of blood...they weren't sure if he would survive, but they would keep her and Cloud updated.

Cloud hadn't been able to wait, though. He spent several minutes pacing the waiting room, running his hand through his hair so often that Tifa thought she might rub it all away. She had taken his hand gently, stopping him, and he looked at her with such a desperate, hopeless look, she felt tears sting in her eyes.

“I have to go get his sword,” he'd said abruptly. She offered to go with, but he convinced her to stay behind. “Zack will want his sword when he wakes up,” he'd assured her. “But someone should stay behind in case the doctors have more news.” She'd reluctantly agreed, and Cloud had left.

Now, she was waiting for Zack and Cloud, left only with her worries. It was driving her crazy. She sighed loudly and hit the arm of her chair firmly.

“Is everything okay?” Cloud's voice came from behind her, and she spun around quickly. He had two swords slung over his shoulder, Zack's blade looking comically huge next to Cloud's smaller one.

“You're okay,” she said, grasping his hand.
“They were all gone when I got back. Except for the few...bodies. No authorities seemed to have been called. I think the inn keeper is dead, too,” he said miserably. “How's Zack, though?”

“No news,” she shook her head regretfully. Zack had been in surgery an awfully long time...

“He'll be okay, right?” Cloud asked, worry lining his face. “I mean...he can't die. He can't die after he's come all this way. He has to save Aerith, and we have to help him.”

“Of course. He's Zack. He'll make it through,” Tifa assured him, rubbing her thumb over his hand. He smiled feebly in response.

“Aerith too.” Cloud insisted. “Zack...if he survives this, but Aerith doesn't...he won't be able to live with himself.” Cloud visibly crumpled as he sat exhausted in the chair next to her. “I feel so...tired. Before, I felt too young for my body...but now I feel far too old. I don't want to fight. I just want a normal life.”

“I know,” Tifa whispered soothingly, rubbing his shoulder as he leaned over, his swords clanking awkwardly.

“Sephiroth...he's the cause...the problem. The only way to end it is to kill him.” Cloud looked up, turning to face Tifa, a determined look in his eyes. “Zack and I...we're going to end this. I will do whatever it takes to help Zack – he got me all the way back to Midgar...he fought an entire army, and survived...somehow...he saved me. And...he brought me back to you.” Tifa felt herself blush lightly. Cloud wasn't generally so forward, or talkative. “When this is over...I...” he paused, scratching at his head, like he wasn't sure what to say. “You and me...”

“Excuse me, Mr. Strife?” A doctor interrupted, causing Cloud's head to jerk upward.

“Is it Zack? Is he okay? Did everything go alright with the surgery?”

The doctor smiled genially, nodding. “Yes, everything went well. He's in his room now.”

“Is he awake?”

“No, not yet. The surgery was very extensive, and we had to repair some organ damage. Truthfully, it's lucky your friend is even alive at all. He should have died.” Cloud sagged in relief, sighing gratefully. “He'll be asleep for a while – we've got him on some pain killers, and they're going to make him very drowsy for a while.”

“Can we go see him?”

“Of course, right this way.” Cloud stood and rubbed the back of his neck, laughing shakily. Tifa realized just how worried Cloud had been. She smiled up at him, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. To her surprise, she felt his arms encircle her, and warmth flooded through her.

“Thanks,” he whispered in her ear, his warm breath sending involuntary shivers along her spine.

“No problem,” she assured him. “Let's go see Zack. He'll be wanting company when he wakes up.”

-

Zack opened his eyes slowly. Everything was very bright. He closed his eyes again quickly, taking in a deep breath. It was also...warm. Blissful. He felt like he'd been here before.

“I've been here before,” he murmured, and to his surprise, someone answered.

“We didn't expect you back so soon.”

Zack opened his eyes, sitting up slowly as the figure in front of him came into view, her red hair tumbling around her shoulders, her face beaming.

“Cissnei?” he asked, bewildered.

“Who else?” she asked. “Angeal will be here soon.”

“Am I dead?” Zack asked, and Cissnei shrugged.

“That depends on what you think is dead,” she replied. Zack looked down at his hands, frowning. Something was missing in the space between his fingers. Something was off.

“Well, Zack, back again, I see,” Angeal's deep voice reached Zack's ears, and Zack smiled at his old mentor.

“Hello, Angeal.”

“What are you doing back so soon?” he asked, and Zack shrugged, stretching his arms above his head. “I think I got shot,” he said conversationally.

“Zack!” two voices cried out, and Zack beamed as Luxiere and Kunsel came into view. “It's good to see you,” he said earnestly. He felt so happy, surrounded by the people he thought he'd lost. He turned his attention away from his old friends, taking in the view. He was in a field of flowers.

Aerith would love this. He thought. A moment later, it hit him.

“Aerith!” he cried out, standing up abruptly. “Sephiroth, he's got her! I can't stay here!”

“You can't leave,” Kunsel said slowly, and as he looked at his friends' faces, he realized that although they were smiling, they all looked a little sad, as well.

“What do you mean? I really am dead?”

“You don't get another second chance, you know,” Cissnei said, her mouth twisting into a half frown.

“That would just be a third chance, after all. You only get one second chance.” Luxiere added. “I'm sorry, Zack.”

“What? No...Aerith...” he sat down, shaking his head in disbelief. He couldn't go back? Zack's hand suddenly felt warm, like someone was gripping it, but when he looked down, he couldn't see anything, just his empty hand. He wiggled his fingers experimentally. Strange. With a pang, he knew he would never feel Aerith's hand in his own again. His throat felt like it was closing on him – he couldn't breathe. I can't go back.

–

“Zack?” Cloud asked gently, taking his friend's hand in his own. Of course, Zack didn't answer. He was fast asleep, machines beeping around him.

“He looks so peaceful,” Tifa observed. “He only looks like that when he's with Aerith, you know.” But as soon as Tifa had said those words, the machines around them started beeping rapidly. A nurse hurried in, ushering Cloud out of the way, who had a stunned look on his face.

“What's wrong?” Tifa asked, taking Cloud's hand for support.

“He's flat lining!” The nurse cried out as more nurses and doctors poured in while Tifa and Cloud backed against the wall.

-

“I have to go back,” Zack gasped out.
“There's no way, Zack...we can't break the rules. You're dead. Or mostly dead, anyway. They'll probably put you on life support for a while...” Angeal said.

Mostly dead? “If I'm mostly dead, I'm somewhat alive,” he interrupted. “I...I'll make a bargain.”

“Well...maybe a bargain could work,” Cissnei said, leaning forward with interest.

“Let me go back...to save Aerith. Let me save her...and then I'll come back. I just...I can't let Sephiroth do anything to her. I have to save her. Please.”

“Hmm...okay.” Angeal conceded.

“Really?” Zack asked, surprised they had actually gone for it.

“Yeah...oh, and Zack?”
“Yeah?”

“If you can stop Sephiroth...”

“Right, I'll take care of it if I can,” Zack assured.

“You won't have a lot of time after you save her,” Angeal warned. “So I recommend stopping Sephiroth beforehand. He's not in his right mind, you know?”

“I...I know. Jenova.”

“Good. I'll see you when you get back then.”

Zack gazed sadly at all of his friends. For a moment, he was torn between living, and staying there, with them. But the image of Aerith's smiling face emerged in his mind's eye, and he drew in a deep breath.

“When do I go?”

Angeal and Cissnei both placed a hand on his shoulders, looking him squarely in the eyes. “Good luck,” the chorused, and suddenly, Zack felt like he was falling, and everything grew dark.

-

Cloud watched in horror as Zack's heart monitor stopped beeping – one continuous tone emitted from it, and the green line on the screen was flat. Around Zack's still body, the nurses were still trying to revive him, pushing down on his chest rhythmically, and oxygen mask placed over his mouth.

“He's dying,” Cloud mumbled, his mind unable to grasp what was going on. Tifa squeezed his hand tightly. The nurses continued to try to save him, but after several long minutes, they pulled away sadly.

“Time of death, 2:26 P.M.” The nurse who announced his death turn regrettably to Cloud and Tifa. “I'm really sorry. We'll give you some time with him.”

Cloud moaned and stumbled over to Zack's bedside, hanging his head. “No...” He heard Tifa sniffling next to him, and his heart plummeted. What was he supposed to do?

Zack's chest rose sharply without warning, and his eyes popped open as he frantically pulled at the oxygen mask at his face, gasping for breath. Tifa yelled out in surprise, but all Cloud could do was stare in amazement, a smile forming slowly on his lips. He started to laugh. He should have known that even death couldn't have stopped Zack Fair.

A nurse came hurrying back in at Tifa's yell, the blood draining from her face as she saw Zack beginning to clamber out of bed. Cloud had to hand it to her – she regained her professional air quickly, swiftly moving over to him and placing a firm hand on Zack's bandaged chest.

“Mr. Fair, sir, please, you have to lie down, you've just had extensive surgery,” she insisted, failing to push him back down.

“I'm fine,” Zack argued, pulling tubes and I.V.'s from his arms. “I have things to do – I don't have time to lie around.”

“I assure you, you are in no condition to walk around,” the nurse tried again, but Zack studiously ignored her protests, pulling at his bandages.

“Uh, Zack,” Cloud interrupted, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. “Maybe you should listen to the nurse...they just removed several bullets from you...”

“Trust me, Cloud,” Zack paused, looking his friend in the eyes, smiling gently. “I'm fine.” Zack then continued to rip away his bandages, and the nurse stammered almost noiselessly. Zack's flesh looked perfect – no scars, no wounds to speak of.

“See?” Zack said, already pulling his shirt back on. “So I'll be leaving now.” The nurse fainted. “Ah,” Zack scratched at his head, then lifted the poor nurse from the floor, placing her in his place on the bed. “I suppose it's better this way. We have to go save Aerith. Do either of you know where Sephiroth took her?” Zack asked, all business.

Suddenly, Tifa flung herself into his arms, her body shaking partly with laughter and partly with crying. “How?” she asked, as she pulled away from her hug, her smile watery. Zack smiled back, patting her arms gently.

“That's a story for another time. It's good to see you both. It's good to be back...again. But we really should be going. I doubt Sephiroth's one to dally around, and we've wasted enough time as it is.”

Cloud smiled at his friend. Of course the first thing on Zack's mind would be Aerith's well being instead of his own. “We don't know where he took her, but we'll find out. I promise, I'll help you however I can,” Cloud promised, reaching onto his back for Zack's sword. He had refused to remove it when the doctors had tried to take it, and they wisely decided to let the man with two very sharp swords do what he wanted. “Here – I grabbed this for you.”

“Thanks, Cloud,” Zack said gratefully, taking his sword gently, then pressing the flat, cool side to his forehead, inhaling deeply through his nose. He whispered something that Cloud didn't catch. Then he strapped his sword onto his back, folding his arms across his chest. “Let's get searching.”

With a scuff of his shoe, a visitor made his presence known. “I hear you're looking for someone,” the voice intoned calmly, and Cloud saw hope flicker across Zack's features. The man stepped out from the shadows, and his deep brown eyes became visible, followed by his fine features, his hair pulled back smoothly on his head.

“Tseng,” Zack said formally, holding out one hand toward the ex-Turk. “What do you know?”

“I've got some men following Sephiroth – at a discreet distance, of course. We've been in contact this entire time. I've been following him for a while, but when I saw that he had Aerith, we knew something must have happened to you. I sent the others ahead, and I stayed to find out where you ended up. Some civilians gratefully pointed the way. You look fine to me, though,” Tseng finished, looking at Zack curiously as he shook his hand.

“Where is she?” Zack asked, ignoring Tseng's implied question.

“They're headed north.”

“North? It's just ice up there...there's nothing.”

“It's been a while since you've been there, Zack. There's a village or two...but also, it was discovered that there's an abandoned city. The Forgotten Capital, they call it. I think it must be where they are headed. That city is rumored to be connected to the Ancients...and not long ago, we tracked Sephiroth down in the south, on a heavily wooded island, where Shinra also believes the Temple of the Ancients to be. Of course, when we got there, there wasn't any sign of any temple...just a strangely vacant area, surrounded by lush jungle. Whatever Sephiroth is planning, he's going to use Aerith.”

“Then we're going to the north.”

 

Chapter 19: The Forgotten Capital​

Zack had forgotten how convenient helicopters were. It had only taken a quick call from Tseng, and now they were all flying north bound.

He had been avoiding the conversation of how he'd come back to life – again. He wasn't sure they'd understand his experience...not to mention he didn't want them to know he'd be going back. He just hoped he could take Sephiroth down with him. He shifted restlessly in his seat, gazing out the window and down at the blue sea they were traveling over. They had flown out of Junon several hours ago – Zack wondered how long it would take to reach the northern continent. He was feeling understandably impatient.

Several doctors had attempted to stop him from leaving the hospital – attempted being the key word – but had eventually escorted him out of the building after a few unveiled threats from Tseng. Of course, Tseng no longer had the backup from Shinra, and technically they were in a stolen Shinra helicopter...but those were just minor details anyway. It had worked, hadn't it?

Zack shifted his eyes from the window to Cloud, who groaned lowly. A smile tugged at his lips, despite the situation. Apparently, Cloud hadn't overcome his motion sickness. As a result, Tifa was rubbing his back comfortingly, murmuring in his ear. This time, Zack let himself smile. He was happy Cloud had finally come to his senses.

“Finally figure things out, did he?” Zack asked, gesturing at Cloud, who's eyes were shut tightly as he rubbed his temples. Tifa smiled in response, smiling back.

“It took some time, but yes.” Cloud groaned at Tifa, and she chuckled, leaning over and kissing his forehead. His fingers fumbled as he reached for her hand and slipped them between hers.

“Glad Aerith and I could help,” Zack winked, even though his heart clenched painfully. What if she was already dead? What did Sephiroth want with her?

“We'll save her,” Cloud croaked, recognizing the forlorn expression on Zack's face.

“Yeah,” Zack swallowed heavily, running both of his hands through his hair. His eyes stung and watered suddenly. “I'm feeling tired,” he sighed. “I'm going to get some sleep. Wake me when we get there.”

-

“How are you feeling?” Tifa asked Cloud quietly as Zack slept.

“A little better,” Cloud said, though he looked a bit green still. “I think I've gotten used to the motion,” he said as he blanched. Tifa laughed quietly.

“Maybe not,” she answered, running a hand through his hair. It amused her how soft it felt, despite it's appearance. He turned to face her, his blue eyes glowing dully in the darkness of the helicopter. The further north they flew, the darker it seemed to grow. His mouth turned up in a smile, and he cupped her chin gently, the rough callouses rubbing against her cheek.

“Thanks for making me feel better,” he sighed huskily. Tifa felt her heart quicken, and her smile widened.

“Of course,” she answered nonchalantly. He removed his hand, but he didn't pull away.

“When we get to the Forgotten Capital...just promise me you'll stay safe.”

Tifa opened her mouth to protest, but he hurriedly continued.

“I know you can take care of yourself, I know...but Sephiroth – he's not someone you mess with. I think it's going to take both me and Zack to defeat him...the point is, I just...I couldn't stand it if something happened to you. I'm not strong like Zack is.”

“Of course you are,” she repudiated fiercely, grasping his other hand as she shifted her body to face him better. “When Zack got shot not 24 hours ago, you fought Shinra soldiers and won! Then you found Zack and took him to the hospital. And then you made sure Zack knew he had your support when he came back alive again!”

Cloud scratched the back of his neck sheepishly – Tifa had let go of his hands as she had talked, gesturing wildly as she did so. “That's just it though,” he began. “I didn't do it alone. If you hadn't been there, Tifa, I don't know if I would have kept it together. I...I needed you. I'm not ashamed of it. That's my entire point. I need you, Tifa, and if you get hurt or something happens to you, I won't be able to concentrate enough to help Zack do what needs to be done. You keep me grounded, Tifa, and I'm afraid of what will happen if you're not there.”

“Oh...Cloud,” she sighed softly, her eyes watery with tears.

“I'm afraid,” Cloud whispered, hanging his head. “For everyone – for Zack, for Aerith, me and you. I'm afraid of myself. Sephiroth, he's in my head somehow...”

“Cloud, I'll stay safe the best I can. But I won't stay out of the fight, not if I'm needed, okay?”

“Agreed,” he acquiesced, resigned, and she couldn't help but smile again.

“Thanks for being concerned for me, though.”

“I've always been concerned about you,” he mumbled, his cheeks darkening. Tifa giggled, then stopped, wondering when she'd become the giggling type. Cloud began to pull away from her, but she seized the chance (and his face) and kissed him soundly on the lips. He made a muffled sound of surprise, but then he relaxed and began to kiss her back.

Cloud had a silly look on his face when she finally pulled away.

“What was that for?” he asked dazedly.

“For always caring about me,” she said simply.

“Ahem,” Zack cleared his throat, smiling broadly at them both.

“Have you been awake this whole time?” Tifa demanded shrilly, blushing in spite of herself.

“No – I heard some, er, interesting noises that woke me up.”

“Pay-back,” Cloud retorted, and Zack laughed shortly, before falling silent again. It was clear his thoughts were on Aerith. “Sorry,” Cloud apologized regretfully.

“You look better,” Zack said instead, obviously avoiding the topic of Aerith right then.

“Er, yeah,” Cloud agreed, the surprise evident in his voice. “I do feel better.”

“It's amazing, the curing properties of a proper kiss,” he replied, a bit of his teasing self shining through his somber disposition.

“We're over the northern continent,” Tseng interrupted from the pilot's seat, and Zack became all business again.

“Good. How long until we reach the Forgotten Capital?”

“Half an hour, give or take.”

“Good,” Zack nodded seriously, his brows drawn together in concentration as he returned to staring out the window. Tifa leaned over Cloud to take her own peek at the landscape. She wasn't very impressed. Everything looked sort of white, though it was hard to discern through the dark and the blowing snow. She didn't know how Zack could see anything at all.

“Remember Modeoheim, Zack?” Cloud asked, also peering out the window. “That's where we first met.”

“Of course,” he answered distractedly. “You were the only one who could keep up. Tseng and the other guy were far behind...advantage of being a country boy, I suppose.”

“The only reason we had to walk was because the helicopter crashed,” Cloud pointed out. “Of course, if it hadn't, we might not have become friends.”

“Er, yeah. We're not going to crash again, are we, Tseng?” Zack asked, a note of concern in his voice. Tifa could see why. The weather was growing worse, the howling wind just discernible over the helicopter blades.

“Don't worry, Zack. I'll get us there safe and soundly.”

-

“So, you are the Ancient,” Sephiroth drawled, a touch of amusement in his voice. Aerith kept her mouth shut tight. She wasn't sure where they were, or how he had gotten her there. She'd blacked out shortly – or maybe for a much longer time than shortly. She couldn't be sure. Wherever she was, she felt a certain connection to the place. She seemed especially attuned to the Planet here.

“Quiet, I see,” he said. “You must be wondering where we are?”

She didn't answer again. She didn't want to show how scared she was. Then again, maybe by staying quiet did just that. She gazed sadly at her surroundings. Wherever they were, the place was abandoned, ad she could tell it had been for quite some time.

“Very well, then,” Sephiroth said, and he sounded a bit disgruntled. Aerith felt a small amount of pleasure that she was annoying him, even though the rational side of her knew that annoying Sephiroth – someone who was clearly unstable – wasn't necessarily a good thing. But she knew it was something Zack would think was amusing. She let out a small sigh as her thoughts returned to Zack for about the thousandth time. She so hoped he was okay.

Sephiroth must have taken her sigh as a question, because he answered his earlier inquiry.

“We are someplace you should feel...connected to,” he said smugly. “We are in the Forgotten Capital, also known as the Forgotten City. It is believed to have been the home of the Ancients, once upon a time.”

Aerith gasped in surprise, taking in the old city with new wonder. The city of her ancestors. “How do you know?” she asked timidly.

“I've done a lot of reading,” he said evasively.

The path they walked on was made of some sort of white stone, and the few trees planted were bare. Strange, shell-like houses were scattered alongside the paths. Sephiroth paid no attention to the spiraling houses, tugging her along the stone road.

Aerith couldn't help it – she gasped again as she caught sight of what was clearly the center of the city. A large structure stood before her, with jagged rocks for a foundation, and strange appendages that appeared to be crystal jutting upward, reaching for the sky. Apparently, this was the place Sephiroth was looking for, because he turned and pulled her up the path to the ominous looking building.

She hoped that the building – if that's what it was – was stable. But as she was yanked through, she realized that the structure must have been some sort of protection, because a tunnel stretched before her, with the tops of bare trees stretching up along the sides of the rocky pathway, and beams of light filtered down through cracks in the rocks. Ahead of her, a bright, narrow opening beckoned to her. She found her feet moving forward of their own volition. She wanted to see what was through that tunnel.

Upon reaching the light, her eyes adjusted and she came across what looked like another large home, a forest of dead trees surrounding it. The house looked part shell, part tree, with root-like spears jabbing out of the home, upward and to the sides. She found herself feeling disappointed at the sight – she had been expecting something...grander. Sephiroth noticed her expression and chuckled darkly.

“Don't fret, there is more, inside,” he assured her, leading her up into the house along the pathway. He didn't waste time letting Aerith look around the home – he led her around to another, blue stairway that trailed downward.

“Go,” he commanded roughly with a little shove. She stumbled, but caught herself, and then her heart quickened. This was what she had been waiting to see. For a brief, fleeting moment, she longed for Zack to be with her so he could share the breathtaking sight with her.

An innumerable amount of stairs spiraled down before her, with clear towers reaching high into the watery blue surroundings. With Sephiroth urging her onward, she descended the stairs quickly. The further she sent, the clearer the great castle underneath her became. Aerith had never seen anything like it, but the castle felt unnervingly familiar to her.

She paused without meaning to, gaping at the sight. Sephiroth didn't like this – he grabbed her forcefully, lifting her off her feet with ease, dragging her down to the castle. Aerith bit back tears, wriggling futilely in his grasp, trying desperately to plant her feet on the stairs again. He took her down another flight of steps, nearing a set of stones, rising up out of the water. He picked her up completely, and Aerith shivered in revulsion. His body was far too cold to be natural, but he paid her no mind, leaping deftly across the stones and to the bright pedestal on the other side.

“Now,” he announced, finally releasing her. She rubbed her arm vigorously, biting her lip painfully. “Now,” he repeated, “you will help me summon.”

“Su-summon?” Aerith stuttered, backing away from him slowly.

“You know what materia is, yes?” he demanded, his icy green eyes locked onto her. “If you are truly an Ancient, you will be able to summon it, even without the help of Mako. I can, in fact, summon Meteor with the Black Materia myself – but I know you have the only thing that can stop me.”

Aerith swallowed quietly. She knew what he spoke of – White Materia, capable of summoning Holy. Her mother had given her the small, crystal-like ball before she'd died. She knew all about that materia.

“Why would I help you summon Meteor?” she asked haughtily. “It will kill everyone.”

“Exactly!” Sephiroth spat, glaring hatefully. “It will kill those traitorous humans. They wiped out all the Cetra, they ruined a perfect race! It is my mission to wipe out every last one o those traitorous scum. If you help me, it will ensure you live – you will not attempt to summon Holy. I know you have it, I can feel it,” he hissed, his head twisting strangely before returning to its previous position. “When Meteor is cast, it will destroy this filthy Planet and all the humans with it,” he rambled on, Aerith listening in horror. “But you and I – the last two Ancients left – will survive, and we will secure the survival of the Cetra as a species. Mother, she came up with the perfect plan, you see?” Sephiroth spread his hands out before him, his eyes entreating her. “But if you should choose to refuse me – well, I'll just kill you and remove the White Materia from your possession. You can't stop me, either way. So choose your fate.”

He was mad; completely crazy. Aerith's heart was racing, her skin crawling with repulsion for the man – no, the monster – before her.

“I-I can't summon Meteor,” she whispered. “Not here...it is a sacred place, can't you feel it?” she asked. She did not believe for a second that he was an Ancient. He radiated an evil that the Cetra could never have contained. Even so, best to play along, for now. She prayed Zack would come and save her – if not, she would do her best to escape and stop Sephiroth. She could never help him.

“I know,” Sephiroth replied waspishly. “I brought you here to show you the glory of the Cetra, left her nearly two millenniums ago. We could rebuild it, you and I..."

Aerith felt sick. She held her stomach, closing her mouth tightly.

“You must decide,” Sephiroth insisted.

What do I do? Aerith asked the Planet. A response came to her, clearer than she had ever heard it before.

Wait. Your hero comes.

“I need a little time to think,” she lied, her voice low. She needed to buy a little time. Sephiroth appeared displeased, but he acquiesced.

“Very well. I will grant you some time. Do not think me an impatient man. I will wait.”

Hurry, Zack.

–

Any other time, Zack would have been fascinated with the strange, unique homes that littered the desolate city. He wasn't here to sight see, though. Tseng had landed as close to the ancient city as possible, and from there they had followed twisting, white paths. The decrepit place was eerily devoid of any monsters, and Zack knew it must have been the work of Sephiroth, who could wipe out any threat in this wooded area with little effort.

He strode forward purposefully, Cloud and Tifa hurrying behind him to keep up. Tseng was staying with the helicopter.

“How do you know where to go?” Tifa asked.

“I just do,” Zack insisted, changing direction again. “I can feel it. Call it SOLDIER instincts.” It didn't take long before all three of them were in front of a large, deformed building.

“In there,” Zack said decisively, without hesitation. He was hardly aware of Cloud and Tifa trailing behind. Even though his chest was tight with anxiety – what if something terrible had happened to Aerith? - he took deep, calming breaths, all the while, adrenaline pumping through him. He was focused solely on rescuing Aerith. When he came upon the house inside the structure, he ran inside without a second thought – he was close. He paused only momentarily at the sight, and behind him, Tifa and Cloud made noises of awe. Zack let his eyes follow the tall, crystalline towers down. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a splash of pink color, demanding his immediate attention.

“Aerith,” he breathed, his eyes focusing on her small form far below, with a tall man towering above her. Sephiroth's head turned, peering upward. Zack's eyes met his, and even from so far up, he could see Sephiroth's cruel smile.

“Come on,” Zack barked, and began running down the stairs.

-

Sephiroth had been staring at her, the only sounds between them the whoosh of their breath leaving and entering their lungs. Below them, the tranquil water made only soft, gurgling sounds.

Without warning, Sephiroth's head jerked skyward, and he chuckled softly.

“Look who's arrived. I'm surprise he's even alive – then again, Zack Fair was always a fighter.”

Zack! Aerith felt hope blossom in her chest until she felt fit to burst. There he was, running down the spiraling stairs at top speed. Sephiroth turned back to her, his smile gone.

“Time's up. Make your choice.”

“I won't help you,” she declared defiantly, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Very well,” he sighed. “Then you shall have to die.” He withdrew his long, slender blade, testing the weight in his hand, then gripping the hilt tightly. He glanced up at the stairs again, shaking his head.

“Your hero won't make it. He's too far away,” Sephiroth noted, and Aerith saw, with a sinking feeling, that he was right. Zack was several flights away. She closed her eyes, a tear slipping down her cheek unwillingly. Maybe it would be quick. Maybe it wouldn't hurt. Sephiroth raised his sword.

-

Zack felt his world slow to nearly a standstill, shuddering violently as he watched Sephiroth lift his weapon. He was too late. He wasn't going to make it in time.

No! As the fear of losing Aerith shot thorough him, so did the energy he needed to put on a burst of speed. He reached one of the lower levels of the stairway and made a spur of the moment decision – he wouldn't make it in time unless he jumped. So he leaped fearlessly, with one terrific jump, propelling himself off of the staircase and into the air, his sword raised over his head.

“Aaagh!” he shouted, wondering if he'd break his legs when he landed. It would be worth it if he saved Aerith. Sephiroth's head jerked up in surprise at the warlike cry, and Zack swung precisely, his blade giving only for a split second before slicing through Sephiroth's wrist.

With a strangled cry, Sephiroth's hand fell from his body, his sword still in the severed hand's grasp. But Sephiroth didn't have time to do more, because Zack landed ungracefully on top of him, and they both crumpled to the ground. Zack knew he had caught Sephiroth by surprise, and that was the only reason he'd been able to literally get the jump on him and cut his sword hand off. After all, who would have jumped from that height? Certainly, no one who valued their life highly. But Zack wasn't concerned with dying – no, he was afraid of losing Aerith.

He rolled off Sephiroth and hopped back onto his feet in one fluid motion, sword at the ready. He knew Sephiroth wouldn't make another mistake this time. His foe was just as quick to get back up, even with his stump bleeding profusely. He pried his sword from his dead hand – he could fight just as proficiently with his left hand. Zack took a steady breath, focused completely on his foe this time.

Maybe fortune was smiling down on Zack, because the scuffle had provided enough time for Cloud and Tifa to scramble down the stairs and reach them at the pedestal. Cloud took a spot next to Zack, breathing heavily. The space was becoming quite crowded. Out of the corner of his eye, Zack saw Tifa rush to Aerith's side.

Sephiroth laughed. It wasn't very reassuring.

“Zack fair to the rescue with his little side kicks,” he mocked. Cloud glared angrily, but kept his position. “No matter. You can't stop me. This Planet will die, and all of you with it. Farewell,” he spoke quietly, calmly, even with the drip drip of his blood on the ground. And then he jumped, his body lifting unnaturally high, and wings sprouted from his back. Zack watched as his enemy escaped up and away, cursing under his breath. He'd rescued Aerith, but Sephiroth was getting away, and Zack had no idea where to. And he knew he didn't have much time left, now.

“Zack! You're okay!” Aerith's soft form was flung into his side as she threw herself at him, her arms encircling his waist. Setting his sword down awkwardly, then turned and embraced her tightly.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes scanning over her, checking for injuries. She had a large bruise on her arm, but otherwise she looked fine.

“I'm okay,” she whispered, burying her head into his chest. “I was so scared.”

“Me too,” Zack swallowed heavily, tightening his arms around her. He so wanted to stay with her, to spend his last moments with her, but already he could feel his skin tingling uncomfortably, minute signals of pain shooting to his brain.

“What's wrong?” Aerith asked, pulling away, her eyes filled with concern. How could she read him so easily?

“Just-” he hesitated. He couldn't tell her...so he went for a half-truth. “Sephiroth. I have to stop him.”

“He's going to use Black Materia,” she said quietly, her fingers nervously fumbling with the fabric of his shirt. “He's going to summon Meteor.”

“Midgar. Sephiroth's going to Midgar,” Cloud said lowly.

“How do you know?” Zack demanded, his heart leaping up into his throat, hope filling his chest.

“He's been in my head, hasn't he?” Cloud asked sadly. “And...if I were him, that's where I'd go. Shinra ruined his life, in a way.”

“Yes,” Zack agreed. “Midgar. Then let's go. Tseng's waiting with the helicopter.”

“I have to stay,” Aerith blurted.

“What? No, you have to come with us.”

“I have the only thing that can stop Meteor,” she said, reaching up and carefully removing a small, white orb from her ribbon. “It's -”

“White Materia,” Zack whispered, plucking the materia from Aerith's small palm. “It's really real?”

“My mother gave me this before she died. My real mother, that is. With it, I can summon Holy. I can help you stop Sephiroth. But I need to do it here. I feel it.”

Zack knew all about sacrifice. It felt to him that he'd spent his whole life sacrificing. The last thing he wanted to do was waste the last of his time alive without Aerith. But he knew the importance of what she had to do. So he nodded, even while his heart was breaking beneath his ribs.

“Alright – you...you do what you have to do, Aerith. And I'll go do what I have to do. We'll...we'll come back for you,” he said, even though he wasn't sure he'd be alive long enough to see her. The reality of the situation hit him, and he clenched his jaw. No crying. Heroes didn't cry.

He crushed his lips to hers, a sudden desperation coursing through his veins. He wanted to remember how she tasted, how her warm body felt pressed up against him, the smell of her hair, her delicate fingers curling into his hair like she was sifting aside dirt back in her church, planting another flower. He pulled away, brushing her hair behind her ear with a sweep of his fingers. She was beautiful, her green eyes glowing in the soft light, her cheeks flushed from the intensity of their kiss, though her facial expression was one of slight confusion.

“I love you,” he breathed, unable to keep the tinge of sadness out of his voice.

“I love you, too,” she said, clearly bewildered. “Why does it feel like you're saying goodbye?”

He smiled weakly in response, kissing her lightly on the lips instead. He could feel himself tearing up again, so he whispered, “I'll see you,” and hugged her tightly again, letting her warmth fill him up to the brim. When he pulled apart, he pressed the white materia back into her hands.

“Tifa, could you stay with Aerith?”

Tifa hesitated, looking to Cloud first, who was looking nervous, but nodded.

“It's okay, Tifa. I'll be with Zack. We'll be fine.”

“Okay,” Tifa agreed. “Watch after him,” Tifa told Zack sternly, and he laughed lightly.

“Of course,” Zack promised. “You watch after Aerith.”

She stepped forward and hugged him genially. “Don't be so morose – it's not like you won't see us soon,” she teased, not knowing she had spoken less true words.

“Right,” Zack replied, busying himself with picking up his sword while Tifa and Cloud said goodbye. Cloud kissed her lightly, without the pathetic desperation that Zack had had – then again, Cloud wasn't going to die at any given moment. He'd see Tifa again. Tifa clung to Cloud's neck, whispering something in his ear; Cloud nodded solemnly, planting one last kiss onto her cheek.

As Zack and Cloud turned to leave, Aerith hurried forward, grabbing Zack's arm.

“Something's wrong with you,” she accused. “What is it?”

“Aerith,” Zack pleaded. “Please...there's not much time. Sephiroth...”

“Promise me you'll come back.”

“...I'll try.” Zack wrenched his arm away, almost running to the stairs after he leaped across the raised stones form the pedestal. Cloud raced after him, his sword rustling loudly on his back. Zack hastily swiped away a tear, hoping no one would notice, while trying to ignore the increasing pain in his abdomen.

–

Aerith watched Zack and Cloud leave, and she felt like crying. He had just saved her – he was alive! - and now he was leaving to fight a madman, and she had to help. She looked down at the small white orb, and briefly wondered how it could be helpful at all. Could this fragile looking crystal summon something so powerful?

Above her, she could hear Zack and Cloud's footsteps growing dimmer, drawing further and further away, echoing oddly all around her.

“Are you okay?” Tifa asked, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“I'm not sure,” Aerith confessed truthfully. She knew something was wrong with Zack. She didn't need his obviously secretiveness to see that. She could feel it. It was a strange sensation, as though some force were tugging at Zack, taking him away somewhere. His very being seemed to flicker in and out of existence. But she didn't have time to ponder this. Zack was right – they had little time. So she moved to the center of the pedestal and took a deep breath. She knelt, as though she were going to tend to her flowers in the Church in Midgar; that life felt so far away from her, now. She missed her flowers, she realized with a pang.

Focus. Taking another deep breath, she closed her hand around the materia. It was warm and comforting, and a wave of relaxation washed over her. She could do this.

“I'll just stand over...here,” Tifa announced lamely. Aerith hummed in response. Time to start asking the Planet for a favor.

–

“What was that back there?” Cloud asked Zack as they hurried back to the helicopter.

“What do you mean?” Zack replied evasively.

“Oh, you know, the dramatic kiss, the whispers, the running out...that.”

“Just...glad Aerith's okay.”

“Huh,” Cloud grunted in disbelief.

“Cloud,” Zack sighed. “I'll tell you once we finish Sephiroth. I promise.”

“Good. You're acting really weird.”

“Yeah? Well what was with the secret looks and whispers between you and Tifa?”

“Oh,” Cloud mumbled. “Just...Sephiroth doesn't get in my head so much when I'm with her...I – she was worried that -”

“Oh,” Zack interrupted. “Will you be okay?”

“Yeah. I need to do this. We need to do this. We'll stop him – and then you'll tell me what's going on.”

Zack laughed, shaking his head weakly. Everyone was reassuring each other – heck, assuring themselves – that everything was going to be fine. Zack wondered if things would even turn out remotely okay. They both sped along in silence until they reached Tseng and the helicopter.

“Where are Tifa and Aerith?” Tseng asked, shielding his eyes from the bright snow that lay outside the ancient city.

“They have things to do – we need to go to Midgar. We're after Sephiroth.”

Zack hissed as another sharp pain shot through him, this time in his chest. Luckily, the noise of the helicopter blades building speed muffled his noise. He crawled into the helicopter gingerly, leaning back heavily. He hoped he would make it.

-

We've got a problem,” Tseng announced. Zack jerked awake.

“What?” he asked, holding his side gently. It felt like he had several bullets inside his flesh – and he knew the feeling.

“The Shinra building is on fire. The helicopter pad, it's gone.”

Zack peered out the window, squinting down at the burning Shinra building. He could just make out the figure of Sephiroth on the rooftop.

“He's got a thing for burning down things, doesn't he?” Cloud muttered sarcastically.

“If we've got nowhere to land the helicopter, then we'll just have to parachute out,” Zack declared, rising carefully, searching for the parachute packs.

“I'll hover over,” Tseng said as Zack spotted them, tossing one pack at Cloud, then pulling the other one onto his back. They both had to remove their swords from their backs to put the packs on, but Zack assumed they'd be fighting almost immediately anyway, so it didn't matter much. In fact, this way they might be more at an advantage. After they were both strapped up, Zack yanked open the side door, peering down to the rooftop.

“We're low, so pull your chute as soon as possible!” he shouted to Cloud, who gave a thumbs up. Without further ado, Zack jumped, the cool air tugging at him as he plummeted toward the Shinra roof. He glanced up to see Cloud not far behind him, already pulling at his chute. Zack followed suit, and was jerked upward as the parachute released and the billowing cloth caught the wind. Zack and Cloud floated down, maneuvering themselves carefully over the rooftop. Still, they hit the roof with more force than desired. Zack made sure to bend his knees as he landed so his bones wouldn't shatter, but the impact was still bone jarring.

“So you followed,” Sephiroth called tauntingly from the other side of the building, while the flames continued to grow steadily higher, creeping up the side of the building. Zack doubted the stability of the structure they were standing on, but they had no choice.

“What's with you and fire, Sephiroth?” Zack asked, dropping the chute from his back. He winced at the motion, feeling at his stomach tenderly- it was warm, and his hand was wet with dark liquid. Blood. He ignored it.

“You're too late – again,” Sephiroth gloated. “Shinra – well, Shinra is done for. They had to die first. I've already summoned Meteor while you were wasting time back in the Forgotten City. It draws ever closer as we speak. Now, the rest of this pathetic planet will die, too.”

“Too bad for you we're summoning Holy as we speak. You won't succeed,” Zack shot back. Sephiroth's face twisted angrily.

“No matter,” he snarled. “You will die here and now. That will give me some satisfaction, and then I'll deal with the Ancient.”

Zack heard a whistle of air behind him, and he threw his sword up instinctively, blocking his attacker.

“Cloud! What are you doing?” Zack demanded, grunting as Cloud applied more pressure, drawing back, and then striking once more with jolting force. “Cloud!”

But Cloud didn't respond. His eyes were blank, and his mouth opened slightly, looking completely unaware of his surroundings. Zack realized that Sephiroth was controlling Cloud somehow.

“Cloud!” Zack shouted again. “Cloud, think of Tifa! Tifa!” Cloud shuddered visibly, faltering. “That's right!” Zack continued, coaxing his possessed friend. “Tifa Lockhart. The girl you love. You remember? She's got long brown hair, and ruby eyes...kicks really hard...”

Cloud shuddered again. “Tifa...” he groaned, his sword rising above his head, his arms shaking from the effort of holding himself back. Clearly, it was a battle of wills now.

“Tifa, Cloud. She's waiting for you. Don't let Sephiroth win! I can't watch out for you when you're trying to kill me!” he shouted, blocking another, jerky swipe. “She loves you, Cloud! So snap out of it so you can go back to her!” Zack yelled, and finally Cloud's eyes cleared, their muddy color fading to the normal, brilliant blue.

“Zack! I-,” Cloud stuttered, gasping for air, his sword dragging on the ground.

“I know. It's okay. That was Sephiroth, not you. Now come on! Fight back!” Zack turned back to Sephiroth.

“Is that all you've got, Sephiroth? Surely you can take us both down with one strike? Or is your lack of hand inhibiting you?” Zack didn't know why he was taunting – he felt fearless though. Maybe it was because he knew he would soon be dying, either way. It made him feel almost reckless.

“Sephiroth isn't here anymore,” he rasped, his voice sounding rough and alien. “Mother is out to play.”

“Shit,” Zack cursed.

“What? What is he talking about?” Cloud asked.

“Not him. Her. Jenova. I don't think Sephiroth is alive anymore...I don't think his mind is there anymore. Jenova has been in control all this time...”

And Sephiroth began to change.

 

Chapter 20: The Sacrifice​

Sephiroth's features flickered and shifted unnaturally, his skin changing to a pale blue color, his eyes glowing a vivid red. Cloud watched in sick fascination as Sephiroth's hand seemed to grow back, but his new hand was grotesque and deformed. Sephiroth laughed lightly, an odd, female echo ringing through the air. Cloud shivered, gripping his sword more tightly for security, bracing himself for another mental attack. Any minute now, he could lose control of himself, and Zack would be fighting alone. He saw a flash of green next to him, and he jerked his head in Zack's direction. His friend had a calm, serene look on his face, and the pale green glow of Curaga was fading away. What was Zack doing, casting Curaga already? Cloud was suddenly worried he'd injured Zack when Sephiroth – no, Jenova, had taken control of his mind.

“Zack?” Cloud asked urgently, eyes shifting between his comrade and his enemy. “What's wrong? Did I -”

“Don't worry, Cloud,” Zack said gruffly, grinning bravely. “You just stay focused on staying alive, okay?”

“Okay. You too.”

“This building won't last much longer,” Zack said, his eyes flicking downward. “We need to end this quickly.” And Zack lunged forward, his legs pumping as he launched himself across the fiery rooftop toward Jenova, a harsh battle cry tearing from his throat. Not to be outdone, or to let his friend fight alone, Cloud jumped after him, determined to catch up and give as much as he got.

Despite the fact that Sephiroth was really Jenova, she still retained all of Sephiroth's unnatural speed and strength, and perhaps was even further enhanced by her own alien powers. So even though Zack swung his Buster Sword precisely, Jenova brought up Sephiroth's sword without flinching, and the sound of metal on metal grated against Cloud's ears. Luckily, he and Zack had the advantage of being two on one. Cloud swung at Jenova's unguarded side, hoping to get in a shot, but Jenova dodged his swing with apparent ease.

Cloud barely had time to register what was happening when a flame shot at his face, and he rolled to the side in the nick of time, the heat roaring past him, his skin blistering from the intensity of it. “Shit,” he panted, gritting his teeth. “Get a handle on it, Cloud,” he said to himself, and got back up again, sweeping his blade back toward the unnatural creature in front of him.

Zack looked like an unstoppable force, coming back time and time again, even as Jenova sent a slew of spells his way, mixed with a flurry of sword attacks – the two were locked in an intricate dance, their moves graceful and fluid, even with the jarring force their blows created. Their faces, however contorted in rage and madness, seemed almost ethereal, lit up in the sickly glow of spells. Jenova was totally focused on Zack, intent on killing him. Cloud realized that, to her, he was only a distraction, and Zack was the real threat.

He clenched his jaw angrily. He was just as dangerous as Zack, and it was time to prove it.

-

Tifa was beginning to regret staying behind. There was nothing for her to do. Aerith had fallen into some sort of trance, her lips moving silently, her hands clutching the small orb of materia, but nothing appeared to be happening. Tifa had passed the time staring at her amazing surroundings, and she marveled, unable to believe that the city was still so grand after all the time that had passed. Despite it's grandeur, though, she was beginning to grow bored. Then Aerith gasped.

“What?” Tifa asked, tensing as a shock of adrenaline surged through her.

Aerith blinked slowly, shaking her head. “I thought I felt...nevermind. I'm sorry.” She closed her eyes again, taking a deep breath, wiping a bead of sweat off her forehead. Tifa sighed inwardly, letting herself relax again, listening to the water gurgle softly. She'd almost been hoping or something to happen. Anything. Just as long as she didn't have to sit around feeling so...useless.

A moment later, Tifa remembered that people always had to be careful what they wished for. She heard a scrabbling noise, then watched as a small rock fell from above. She glanced up at a strange, lizard-like creature, hissing angrily down at her, with several more like it following it down on the steps.

“Aerith, we've got company,” Tifa said urgently to the flower girl, to no avail. Aerith was deep in her trance now, and she wasn't responding.

“Well, I got what I asked for,” Tifa muttered to herself, pulling herself upright as he strange creatures clambered down the stairways, climbing over each other and hissing in their eagerness to get to ground level. As the first ones neared her, Tifa crouched, her feet slipping easily into her fighting stance; her hands tightened into fists, her leather gloves groaning in response. She took a deep breath and let her mind clear, to not let herself grow panicked at the alarming number of monsters heading her way.

Deal with them one at a time, she told herself, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet. As the first creature lunged at her, she ducked to her left, pulled her arm back, and then let her fist fly into the creature's stomach. The soft flesh gave way beneath her punch, and with a winded gasp, the lizard flew back in the air, colliding into two others in the process.

Tifa's worries slipped away as she fell smoothly into the fight, relishing the feeling of her body, tense, alert, rushing with adrenaline. Crack! She let her foot connect solidly with a skull that bounced painfully off the stone. Another met a flurry of stout punches, and yet another was kicked away from her.

She hissed as one of the creatures managed to get past her defenses, clawing at her arm painfully. She shook it off, pummeling it's face with her closed fist until it dropped to the ground, limp. Although there were several lying motionless or twitching on the ground, more kept crawling down the stairs to her level.

“Damn,” she cursed. “Where are they all coming from?” What was even more disconcerting was the lack of emotion in their eyes – they were blank, mindless, as though something were controlling them, urging them onward. Her body was beginning to protest, but she had no choice but to push on through – she had to protect Aerith.

The minutes dragged by, her muscles burning more with each passing second. Tifa didn't consider herself unfit by any means, but the endless fighting was wearing her down – there were simply too many to keep up with.

“Aerith!” she gasped out as one of the lizards slipped past her, teeth bared, heading straight for the trance-like flower girl. Suddenly, though, the monster stopped, hissing in pain, and Tifa had to squint as she watched Aerith's body steadily grow brighter with white light. The monster backpedaled furiously, clambering over several more of it's own as the light continued to spread out, bathing the stone and water around them in fantastic light, and Tifa felt a rush of serenity wash over her. In fact, she felt wonderful – her wounds no longer throbbed, and her muscles felt more relaxed then she could ever remembered. She felt at peace.

Aerith's eyes opened abruptly, and she stood, chanting under her breath. Seemingly without reason, all of the lizards began to flee from them, scrambling up the stairs, hurrying for the exit.

“What-?” Tifa asked, her mouth opening and closing wordlessly. “I don't understand.”

Aerith didn't answer for a long time; she merely continued to chant, until ever last lizard had fled, even the ones that had been wounded.

“Care to explain?” Tifa asked as the last tail disappeared out of sight.

“It was just a feeling,” Aerith said, sounding close to exhaustion. She opened her mouth as though to continue explaining, but she closed it again, swaying on the spot. “Thank you,” she said instead, steadying herself. “For protecting me.”

“Of course. Thank you, too.” At this, Aerith's brow furrowed in confusion. “You protected me just as much as I protected you,” Tifa pointed out, and Aerith nodded slightly.

“I'm sorry,” she apologized after a moment, gesturing downward. “I have to continue...the meteor is headed our way...”

Aerith sounded so weary that Tifa wished she could take on the burden of saving the Planet for her. But there was nothing she could do to help, but stand by and wait.

“I'll be here when you're done,” Tifa promised, and Aerith smiled at her, eyes shining with sincere gratitude.

–

Aerith wanted nothing more than to sleep, it seemed. The effort of calling upon Holy was undeniably draining, as as much as her mind and body cried out for rest, she knew the Planet was depending on her. Zack was depending on her. She smiled softly as she thought of Zack. When this was over they could finally go back home – no more running, or fighting. They could just live. The idea filled her with warmth, and she felt stronger than she had before. She closed her eyes and let her connection with the Planet surge outward. She felt connected to everything, it seemed, but with that connection, she could also feel the imminent danger looming above.

If she reached out, she could almost feel people – like Tifa in front of her, her life force bright, but small compared to the life surrounding her. Aerith couldn't focus long enough to find Zack or Cloud though, not for a lack of trying. She had almost felt Zack for a moment, earlier, she thought, but...

Don't think about it.

She drew in another steadying breath and closed her fingers into her palms, her lips moving silently. With everything she had, she expelled energy outward, envisioning it swallowing the meteor whole and disintegrating, safely above the Planet's atmosphere. She felt the drain a moment later, and for one panicky moment, she thought the effort might kill her. Her mind strayed to Zack, and she could see his face clearly, his blue eyes glowing happily, his lips pulled up into that grin she loved, his arms held open wide, as if beckoning her, and she knew she couldn't die, because she had to stay for him. And then everything went dark as the last of her energy flowed out of her, and she collapsed gratefully onto the ground, into a deep, dreamless sleep.

-

Zack hoped Aerith was doing okay. He knew how much summoning could take out of a person – some of the rarer pieces of materia had always done that to him. He brought his sword up to block Jenova again, gritting his teeth as a flash of pain tore through his abdomen. He could feel himself growing weaker, and clumsier as he fought of the alien creature in front of him. Jenova had already gotten a few lucky shots in, and Zack was bleeding from his arm, though he barely felt the burn compared to the almost disabling pain in his stomach.

Zack strafed to the side, dodging another magic attack, and felt his heart freeze as the floor beneath him rumbled ominously. The building wasn't going to hold up for much longer...the fire was steadily eating away the foundation. Next to him, Cloud was fighting furiously, and Zack felt a swell of pride rise up in him. He was immensely glad he was able to witness Cloud fighting, like a true SOLDIER, without fear, without hesitation.

Despite their combined effort, though, Jenova had barely been scratched, and any hits that did manage to escape her defense sent her into a rage that only appeared to fuel her strength. They needed some sort of distraction, anything, to end this before the entire Shinra building crumbled to the ground. Zack could feel the heat beneath the soles of his shoes and knew the fire must be very close to the top now.

Zack swore as Jenova landed another hit on him, slicing deep into his leg. Zack retaliated, even as his leg screamed in protest, jumping upward and slicing down furiously, only to miss. Zack cursed his slowing reflexes, and his wandering mind. The pain was making his head fuzzy and unclear.

Zack's missed attempt, however, provided an opening for Cloud, how lunged forward smoothly, driving his sword deep into Jenova's abdomen, who, in turn, screamed in an unearthly pitch, making all the hair's on Zack's neck and arms stand. Jenova shot off several wild fire balls, one that collided right into Cloud, sending him flying backward.

“Cloud!” Zack shouted, diving low to the ground to dodge one headed his way, then hurrying as fast as he could with his injured leg to his friend. Cloud groaned as Zack neared him, shaking his slightly burnt head and trying to sit up.

“Easy, now,” Zack said lowly, reaching for his green materia. “Hang in there, buddy,” he encouraged, casting Curaga on his friend. Zack felt a little more energy leave him, and knew he didn't have it in him to cast another Curaga if he needed it later.

“This building's going to fall,” Cloud said seriously, accepting Zack's waiting hand, who pulled him up shakily.

“We need a distraction,” Zack replied, watching as Jenova, still in the strange, mutated form of Sephiroth, clutching at her wounded belly. Zack peered skyward as he heard the chop-chop of a helicopter above him, and he remembered quite suddenly that Tseng was still waiting for them. He dug into his pocket, his fingers closing around his old cell phone. He tugged it out, flipping the top open and dialing Tseng's number rapidly.

“Got any missiles on that thing?” Zack demanded as Tseng answered the phone.

“A few. What do you have in mind?”

“Shoot the damn thing!” Zack answered, exasperated. Jenova was recovering already, and she looked pissed.

“The building will fall if I shoot, Zack. I can't -”

“Shit!” Zack cursed as the building lurched beneath his feet, and he dropped his phone, watching as it skittered across the rooftop. “Cloud, we have to end this, or we're all going to die!” Zack shouted.

“Pincer move!” Cloud didn't wait for a response before he ran toward Jenova, legs pumping across the unstable roof. Zack followed, the weight of his sword heavy in his hand, his body feeling utterly exhausted. He just needed to end this. Then it would all be over. Zack just wanted to be able to see Aerith one last time, if he could. His heart ached, along with the rest of him, but he couldn't focus on the pain or else he'd never make it. So he pushed it aside, and focused on one singular thing: killing Jenova.

He attacked like a wild thing, with no regard for his life. It didn't matter – he was dying anyway. And so Zack swung viciously left and right, thrusting and parrying, putting all his strength into all of his blows, driving the alien back into Cloud's waiting sword. Zack was attacking so swiftly that Jenova didn't have time to block Cloud's waiting attack – Jenova didn't see it coming. But Zack saw it happen almost before it did: Cloud's blade came thrusting, glinting beautifully in the firelight, whistling through the air, like the very molecules there were being split by the sharpened metal, aimed straight at her heart.

Zack made sure Jenova wouldn't have an opportunity to block, and lashed out, grabbing firmly onto her hand, wrenching the wrist viciously so that she screamed, the long sword in her hand clattering to the ground. Zack saw the tip of Cloud's sword protruding from her chest, thick with blood, and the screaming stopped abruptly, the only sound left the surrounding crackle of fire. Cloud put one foot on her back and shoved, pulling his sword out of her chest, and Jenova slumped onto the ground, Sephiroth's hair pooling around her dying body. A low groan came from the body, and Zack watched as the feature changed back slowly, taking the form of Sephiroth once more.

“I...where...?” No longer was it the voice of the alien, Jenova. Zack recognized that Sephiroth was once again in control of his own body, his own mind, only now, he was dying.

“I'm sorry, Sephiroth,” Zack said, kneeling down next to the Ex-1st Class SOLDIER, the best there had ever been.

“My mind...she's gone,” Sephiroth said slowly, his hand fumbling at his chest, steadily pouring blood as his heart wrenched out its last beats.

“Jenova is dead,” Zack assured him. “You can rest now.”

“Yes – for...the best,” Sephiroth choked out, head twitching convulsively. Zack felt a twinge of sadness as he watched Sephiroth die, green eyes wide open, blood soaking his silver hair. And then he felt another, much more painful twinge, and was brought rushing back to reality.

“Time to go,” he said roughly as Cloud helped him back up, unable to hide a wince.

“Zack?” Cloud paused uncertainly, concerned.

“Later,” Zack dismissed. “The building -” but he was cut off as a low rumbling started, and he felt the rooftop beneath him beginning to crumble as the fire at away at the last of the supports. “Go!” he shouted wildly at Cloud, gesturing to the waiting helicopter hovering by the building. “GO!”

Cloud hesitated only momentarily, then he strapped his sword haphazardly to his back and grasped Zack's arm firmly, tugging him along as he tried to keep his balance on the uneven rooftop. Zack staggered, and he felt the warmth of blood soaking into his clothes.

This is it. He didn't know how much longer he'd be alive for. But he and Cloud had finished it. They had saved the Planet. Saved Aerith and Tifa. The bargain had been fulfilled.

“Come on!” Cloud yelled urgently, yanking roughly as Zack stumbled yet again.

“Just go,” Zack urged, trying to release his arm from Cloud's grip. “I won't make it -”
“You will!” Cloud interrupted wildly. “You have to! You promised Aerith!”

“I promised I'd try!” Zack choked out, his heart squeezing guiltily.

“Then stop giving up!” Cloud ordered, heaving Zack upward again. Cloud was right, Zack realized. He was giving up. The least he could do was try. So he pushed away the pain once again, even though he could hardly focus, and he tried to concentrate on running. He could feel the heat grabbing at his legs as the fire tried to devour him and Cloud, but he ran, and ran, his blurry eyes locked onto the sight of Tseng in the helicopter. Ahead of him, Cloud gave an almighty lurch as the building tipped severely, but regained his balance, scrabbling upward. Zack followed vainly behind him, and he wondered where all his grace had gone. If he hadn't been injured, if he hadn't been dying right now, he could do this effortlessly.

Cloud gave a cry and leaped out to the helicopter, landing clumsily on the floor, his feet dangling out the door. He pulled himself upright and held out his arm, the other wrapped firmly around the handle of the helicopter door.

“Jump, Zack!” Cloud demanded, his arm outstretched to it's limit. Zack summoned the last of his remaining strength and gave an almighty push off the rooftop, even as it fell away beneath him. His fingers slipped from Cloud's grasp, but he instinctively grasped for the next best thing – the rails underneath the helicopter. Above him, Cloud laid himself on his stomach and reached down, and Zack reached up, hand grasping blindly until he felt Cloud's hand. Cloud pulled up with a grunt, and Zack flinched as his stomach ran over the cold metal of the helicopter as he was pulled in.

“Zack, are you okay?” Cloud asked, but his voice sounded so far and distant.

“I...” Zack tried to answer, but all of the pain finally registered, unable to be pushed aside any longer, and he blacked out.

–

“Are we taking him to the hospital?” Tseng asked Cloud as he expertly maneuvered the helicopter away from the crashing building. Cloud stared out the window, fatigue running through his very bones, watching as all that remained of Shinra tumble to the ground, fiery ashes in its wake.

“No,” Cloud finally answered, turning to face Tseng. “We have to go back to the Forgotten City.”

“Zack needs medical attention,” Tseng insisted, but Cloud shook his head fiercely.

“Take us back. This isn't over yet. We don't know for sure that Aerith's stopped the meteor...and...she'd want to see him,” he added, his throat tightening painfully. Zack had passed out, blood spilling out onto the floor until Cloud had found some gauze and wrapped it around his friend's wounds tightly to stop the bleeding. He had a horrible feeling that Zack was dying. “Aerith will heal him,” he added as an afterthought.

“Can she do that?” Tseng asked incredulously.

“She's tried before,” Cloud answered dismissively. “She tried with Cissnei...”

“Cissnei died!” Tseng interjected sharply.

“Zack's different!” Cloud barked back, his every nerve on edge. He sighed as Tseng eyed him warily, taking a deep breath. “I'm sorry,” he apologized, running his hand through his sooty hair. “Just...trust me on this.”

“If you say so,” the Turk finally acquiesced, pulling the helicopter around sharply and heading back in the direction they had come from.

Cloud leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes, and letting his mind go over everything that had happened. He had done it. He had killed Jenova – Sephiroth – whoever it was. He, Cloud, had done it, fought like a real SOLDIER...and he had never felt more exhausted in his life. Was this the life he'd really wanted all along? Looking back on it, he couldn't fathom why he'd wanted such a violent life to begin with.

To impress Tifa, he thought with a snort, shaking his head to himself. Now...he had Tifa, didn't he? He didn't need to fight anymore. As long as the meteor was destroyed, none of them would need to fight anymore. He could just live a normal life.

Cloud gazed down at his friend, face covered in dirt and sweat, his breath harsh and rattling in his rib cage. Live, Zack. You can't die, not after all of this. Zack deserved normalcy and happiness as much as anyone did, maybe more. It seemed so unfair that it could all be taken away in a moment, by someone who hadn't the right to take lives anyway.

“You should rest,” Tseng broke the silence, interrupting Cloud's internal musings.

“I know...I'm just worried.”

“I'll wake you if something happens,” Tseng promised. “You need your sleep, or you'll black out just like Zack did. He pushed himself too hard. You shouldn't do the same.”

Cloud gave in reluctantly, letting his head fall back against the seat. Sleep wouldn't come to him, though. His mind was too busy reliving everything that had happened. It was all so surreal.

I'll never be able to fall asleep, he thought sullenly, focusing his eyes downward, peering at the scenery as it flew by. He was too worried about Zack, about Tifa, about whether the entire world was going to end...

“Cloud, wake up,” Tseng said suddenly, and Cloud blinked slowly.

“What?” he asked groggily.

“We're here,” Tseng said, and Cloud swore he heard a hint of humor in his voice.

“Wha-? When did I fall asleep?” he mumbled, rubbing a crick out of his neck. He remembered Zack and felt a jolt run through him, thoroughly awakening him. His friend was pale, and his bandages mostly soaked through, but he was still breathing.

“He's still alive,” Cloud whispered, his voice trembling slightly with relief. “Help me get him down there to Aerith,” he told Tseng, kneeling down next to his friend and scooping his arms under Zack's neck and knees. Tseng helped lift Zack, who was mostly dead weight, and for a brief second, Cloud wondered if this was how Zack felt lugging him around all that time ago, carrying him across the country. They eased him out of the helicopter, then stood on either side of him, each supporting Zack's sides.

“Hurry, but be gentle,” Cloud commanded. “We don't need to bang him up anymore than he's already been.”

–

The lives of heroes are never fair, and always so fleeting.

What? Aerith thought, confused, disoriented.

“Aerith, wake up,” a voice said from above.

Wake up, the Planet encouraged her.

“Aerith, are you okay?” the other voice repeated urgently, and she felt a pair of hands shaking her lightly.

“Stop,” Aerith mumbled, blinking blearily. “I'm okay. I'm awake,” she assured, and Tifa's face came into view above her.

“You passed out,” Tifa explained, helping Aerith sit up slowly.

“We're safe,” Aerith said, smiling softly. “I stopped it...it just took a lot out of me. I'm okay now, though, I promise.”

Tifa looked relieved. “You did it,” she laughed shakily. “Now we just have to hope Cloud and Zack stopped Sephiroth, too.”

They're coming.

“They're coming,” Aerith repeated the Planet's words aloud, standing up quickly, only to have to stop as dizziness swept over her.

“Whoa, easy there,” Tifa urged, grabbing her by the shoulders to steady her.

“Thanks,” Aerith muttered, embarrassed at her hastiness. “But they're here. They're coming!” Aerith couldn't explain her feeling of urgency, but she felt as though something were...off...something wasn't right.

“Let's go meet them up there, then,” Tifa said, and she helped Aerith safely get across the stone steps, and then to climb upward. With every step, Aerith felt stronger, and she felt the pull of urgency even greater.

“Come on,” Aerith insisted, and began to run up the stairs, Tifa hot on her heels. Aerith's legs burned as she climbed the steps, but she ignored the burning, pushing through until she was at the top of the steps and heading out the door, Tifa breathing heavily behind her. Aerith herself was panting, a sharp cramp stinging in her side.

She let out a squeak of surprise as she almost ran headfirst into Cloud and Tseng, holding Zack up between them.

“Zack!” she cried out, paling as she saw his condition. He was covered in so much blood, and his face looked so...lifeless. His body was limp, and his head was lolling on his chest. “What happened?” she asked, hurrying forward.

Cloud looked severely shaken, but he and Tseng eased Zack onto the ground before he started to explain.

“I don't understand why he's bleeding so much...Sephiroth...Jenova...agh,” he stopped, clearly frustrated. Tifa walked up softly next to him, her own face pale and lined with worry. She took Cloud's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“Just heal him, Aerith,” Cloud begged. “He's dying. He can't die.”

Aerith knelt on the ground, her hands shaking as she placed them on Zack's body.

“He's cold,” she whispered, gritting her teeth. “Zack...”

“He's alive, Aerith! Save him!” Cloud repeated desperately, his glowing eyes shining brightly. Aerith felt a tear slip down her cheek, and she ran her fingers through his hair, her other hand running over his features.

“Zack,” she repeated, closing her eyes. Another tear escaped. She couldn't heal him. She could feel him already, being pulled into the lifestream.

It's not fair.

Zack coughed suddenly, weakly, groaning in pain as he did so. His eye opened clumsily, unfocused.

“Cloud?” he spoke, his lips dry, his voice raspy. “Where's Aerith?”

“Zack, I'm right here,” Aerith said, her heart leaping as he spoke. Maybe he could still pull through...

“Aerith?” he repeated, his head moving jerkily as he looked for her. She leaned down over him, her face right above his.

“Right here, Zack,” she whispered, a tear drop landing on his face. He finally seemed to focus on her, and he smiled weakly, that brave, wonderful smile she loved so much. It made her heart ache to see it. What if it was the last one she ever saw?

“Hey,” he breathed, the pain etched in his face gradually slipping away as he looked at her. His hand fumbled around until he managed to reach up and touch her cheek. A strangled sob fought its way out of her throat. “Why are you crying?” he asked her softly.

“You're dying,” she gasped out, the tears falling faster now. “I can feel it.”

“I know...they...they let me come back...so I could-” he stopped, coughing again and wincing. “To save you,” he finished, his voice barely discernible. “I made a deal,” he chuckled, smiling again. “Cloud stopped Seph- we – did you stop...?” he trailed off, apparently unable to continue.

She nodded, her lower lip trembling and her hands shaking uncontrollably as she smoothed his hair back again. “Yes, I stopped it. The Planet is safe.”

A look of relief spread over his face, and he looked, for a moment, at peace. “You did great,” he whispered.

“This is what you wouldn't tell me about, isn't it?” Aerith asked, hiccuping.

“I didn't...didn't want you to...worry,” he replied, his eyes locked on hers. “Forgive me.”

Aerith shook her head and sniffled greatly, then leaned down and kissed him softly. “Of course,” she said, and she felt him wipe away a tear from her cheek with his thumb.

“Why aren't you healing him?” Cloud's voice broke through, and Zack's head rolled in his direction.

“It's too...too late, Cloud,” Zack wheezed out. “No more chances...for me.”

Cloud's face contorted into grief and anger, and he shook his head with disbelief.

“I don't believe it,” he argued. Aerith watched Zack, who sighed, looking paler than before. He didn't have much time, but she could see he had accepted it already – just like Cissnei had, all that time ago. No, healing wouldn't do anything but drain her. It would be too cruel to try...only to fail.

“Take my sword, Cloud,” Zack said, his voice stronger than before. “It's my honor...my dreams...take it...take care of Aerith...and-” he coughed again, then continued, “and Tifa...and...you did good. Great...”

Cloud shook his head and covered his face with his hands, his shoulders shaking slightly. Tifa wrapped her arms around him, tears running down her cheeks as she tried to comfort him.

“Aerith,” Zack said her name again, his voice weak once more. “It's okay...if you move on...”

“I won't,” she whispered fiercely, shaking her head over his. She found his hand with hers, and squeezed it tightly. “You're my sky,” she managed, but the words brought about a fresh wave of tears. She blinked rapidly, and with a start, she saw his eyes were rather wet, too.

“You're...my earth...” he rasped in reply, breathing in shakily. “I...” Zack trailed off suddenly.

“Zack?” Aerith asked shakily, watching in horror as his eyes dulled before her. The mako glow faded away, and she could feel it deep inside as his essence seeped into the Lifestream, as he reunited with the life force of the Planet. But his eyes were still open, and his hand was still in hers, his lips partially open, his last words left unsaid. Aerith felt like ice water had filled her lungs, because she couldn't breathe. She closed her eyes tightly, tears spilling out, and she clung to the feeling of him, and briefly, she felt all of him coursing through her and around her, enveloping her...then he was gone.

She had lost him once before, but it had been so different then. She had loved him, yes, but not in the same way she loved him now. She hadn't known...she didn't know how she was going to make it through the days without him.

“Zack,” she cried out miserably, falling onto him, curling her arms around him and burying her face in his neck. It didn't feel right though. He didn't wrap his arms around her, and he lacked all the warmth she had come to know so well. He didn't rest his chin on top of her head, or smell her hair, or murmur comforting words and sounds in her ear. Aerith swallowed heavily and shook, unaware that she was sobbing, oblivious to everything around her.

What did the earth do without the sky? She wondered. It started to die, didn't it? That's how she felt now. Like a part of her was dying, withering up inside her as it curled up, dry and brown. She didn't know how long she laid there, on Zack's cold body, his blood seeped into her dress. Eventually, a pair of arms lifted her up – Tseng, she thought, but she could barely recognize him – and Cloud, she watched as he lifted Zack's body from the ground, gently, his own face a mask of pain. Tifa came up to her and pulled her close, murmuring apologies, but Aerith couldn't focus on them.

It isn't fair.

It never is.

–

The funeral for Zack was small. They buried him in the Church. Aerith knew he'd always been fascinated with the flowers she grew there, and so she'd asked that he be placed right there, in the soil they grew in. Cloud dug carefully with Tifa's help, making sure they didn't damage the flowers, and then they lowered Zack's body into the ground. Nobody had cleaned him up, but Aerith had closed his eyes.

“He wouldn't have wanted to be cleaned up, like he had died naturally,” Cloud had said stiffly. “He was a SOLDIER – he died fighting...we should leave him in his uniform.”

And so they had. Cloud had Zack's Buster Sword strapped onto his back, even as he shoveled, too reluctant to set it on the ground, lest it be damaged.

“We should say something,” Tifa said quietly as they all stared down at Zack's body. His face looked so peaceful, Aerith thought. Like he was asleep. She kept waiting for him to wake up and smile at her. But he didn't.

“Zack Fair was...a great fighter,” Cloud said, his voice constricted. “He was a great mentor...my best friend...like my brother. He fought for what he believed in, for what was right...for the people he loved,” he added lowly, and Aerith saw him glance at her. She kept her eyes on Zack's face.

“No one will know Zack Fair for what he's done. They will never know how close they all came to dying, and how they get the chance to keep living because of this man. They will never realize...the sacrifice he made...” Cloud stopped, his teeth gritted, his hands clenched together.

“We'll know,” Tifa said soothingly, her face drawn out and sad. She wrapped her arm around Cloud's and ran her hand along it slowly, and he relaxed one fist. She slid her fingers into his, and smiled softly at him, and Aerith had to look away. They had each other for support, and she felt like she had no one...she wanted to be happy for Cloud and Tifa, but she couldn't...not right now.

“Do you...do you want to say something, Aerith?” Cloud asked her gently. Aerith met his eyes briefly, and then shifted her gaze back to Zack's face. What could she say? All of her words seemed so inadequate to describe what Zack was to her...he was her best friend, the boy she had fallen in love with, the man she trusted with her life...

“Zack Fair...” she began slowly, her voice barely a whisper. “Zack was a hero. My hero.” That was it. That was all she could say, but it felt right, because for the longest time, all Zack had ever wanted was to be a hero. In the end, he had been.

She watched as Cloud shoveled the dirt over top of Zack's body, trying her hardest to control her shaking. When the last of the soil was over him, the flowers arranged neatly over top once again, the three of them sat in one of the wooden pews, watching quietly as motes of dust swirled lazily through the sunbeams, the blue sky clear and bright above them.

THE END
There's going to be a sequel, most of it from Aerith's Point of View. and well...I can't say much about it, except that I have most of the first chapter planned out; if I say anything else, I'll give everything away, won't I? ha ha ha.