Ended up combining the last 3 regular chapters, The next one after this will be the original epilogue, followed by the new epilogue just for this story. -DHT

Weiss speed down the desert road, so far monsters had avoided him, but he kept his gunblades close just in case. He had about another 2 hours at this pace before he made it to Cloud and Genesis, he just hoped that he would get there in time. He wished he had his own phone so that he could call Shelke and see how she was doing, and to call Cloud and make sure Genesis was still ok. He should have known he was eventually going to need one. He had been naive to think he could have waited everything out at the orphanage.

Shelke for her part was sitting and staring at the note Weiss had left. She knew something like this was going to happen. She just prayed that Minerva would bring him back to her and the children. She didn't know how she could explain it to them. Many of them didn't trust easily and if Weiss didn't come back she doubted they would let anyone else close.

Zack sat next to Aerith in the waiting room at the hospital. Jadak was getting his transfusion. He had reverted a bit in his time away and the staff thought it necessary to perform the procedure as soon as possible. Angeal was currently sitting in the chair next to him swinging his legs back and forth, he was trying to be strong for his brother but after everything else it was hard to keep up his mask.

"Hey, he'll be ok." Zack comforted, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"He better be." Angeal had a bit of a sniffle in his voice.

Yuffie sat in her room cleaning her equipment. Tseng had managed to talk her into returning to Edge, but he wasn't going to keep her from the fight. She did appreciate his concern, but she was an adult and knew that her friends needed her. She would do whatever it took to help save Cloud and stop Jenova.

Kunsel dodged out of the way of Reno's nightstick. He had to keep reminding himself that even though Reno's SOLDIER enhancements were new, his fighting skills were not. It was taking all he had to keep up with the man, even if he was a little sloppy.

To the side of the room sat Cissnei, Kunsel wasn't sure why she had decided to watch their little sparing match, but she seem rapt with interest as she sipped her coffee.

Kunsel jerked, as the nightstick connected to his side. His thoughts about Cissnei enough of a distraction for Reno to land a strike. Kunsel refocused, jumping back a bit a raising his sword in a defensive position.

"That's all SOLDIER boy's got?" Reno said with his trademark cocky smirk.

"You wish." Kunsel said swinging his sword back at Reno.

Reno just grinned as he blocked the sword again. "Show'n off for the lady are we?"

"Could say the same for you." Kunsel fired back.

"Gotta make the department look good ya know?" Reno smirked swinging his nightstick back at Kunsel.

"Of course." Kunsel said "Wouldn't want to disappoint the General now would I?" And swung at Reno again, surprise flashed in his eyes, as he managed to get a good slice on Reno's side.

"Shit sorry man." Kunsel said dropping his sword.

Reno grit his teeth and hiss a bit. "That was a dirty tactic man."

"What I always fight fair." Kunsel insisted as a cast a cure spell on Reno.

Reno stood as the injury on his side knitted back together. "Mentioning Cloud, when we are all worried about him, and he's fucked in the head is hardly fair I'd say."

"I didn't know you knew how to be worried." Kunsel said honestly.

"What do you think we are? Of course I'm worried about Cloud he's like a fuck'n brother to me." Reno said looking at the man.

Kunsel glanced over to Cissnei who almost looked hurt. "I'm sorry."

"We're all stressed right now, and really at this point there isn't much we can do. Not till the President, tells us too." Cissnei said calmly.

"I suppose your right." Kunsel said, "I'm going to go shower, let me know if anything happens." and with that he was gone.

Rufus watched in near fascination as Reeve worked. If he didn't know any better he would have wondered if Rylan hadn't been Reeve's past self rather than his own with the way the man worked. Their lives at least seemed to have interesting parallels, and now with Rylan's personally firmly implanted in his head, he felt he could better understand the man before him.

Reeve desperately wanted to do good. Striving to be the hero as much as Genesis ever had. He fought for everything he had ever achieved, and yet the final goal seemed to allude him. He didn't seem to understand that he already was hero. He had help save the world, and in the aftermath of the destruction had help save the people. He may not have physically been on the front lines, neither had Rufus, and he may not be in the eye of the people but that shouldn't matter to a hero.

At least in Rufus's mind anyway. He had to admit deep down he had a romantic view of things.

"I think I'm done. With her being in the Lifestream and Mako being prevalent there it should have plenty of power. It will just suck up the Mako it needs from all around it. I think the planet will forgive us just this once." Reeve said with an odd smile on his face. "Now we just have to figure out how to get in there and activate it without dying."

"Leave that to me." Rufus said holding out his hand.

Reeve passed the device over to him. "What are you planning?"

Rufus glanced at Tseng, then back to Reeve. "We've been working on some safety equipment to go into some of the old reactors and disable them. It should provide sufficient protection, at least long enough to set the device off."

Reeve looked like he was about to asked another question when Rufus interrupted him. "We're going to be having a meeting before we head out to save the world." Rufus smirked a bit. "Why don't you join us?"

Reeve looked surprised but quickly hid it. "That would probably be best. I wouldn't mind checking that equipment out either."

"Certainly. I'm not going to pass up a free consultant." Rufus said, some habits die hard he supposed.

"Who said I was free." Reeve retorted. Rufus just placed the box in his coat and turned to leave.

There numbers where thinning and it was quite obvious as they sat around the table in the conference room.

Rufus sat in his spot, with Tseng sitting on his left and Reno on his right. Cissnei sat next to Reno and Kunsel sat to her right. Reeve sat next to Tseng. Across the room Cloud's seat was vacant. Sephiroth sat just to the left of where Cloud had been and Zack sat to his left, Yuffie next to him. Vincent sat to the right of where Cloud would have been, Lucrecia by his side. Nanaki for his part was laying on the floor next to Yuffie. Aerith was with Jadak and Angeal. The boy was still recovering from his transfusion.

"You have a plan I take it?" Sephiroth asked eying Rufus.

"Of course I do." Rufus smirked, and placing the box on the table.

"You managed to complete it?" Vincent asked.

"With Reeve's help yes." Rufus acknowledged. "It was merrily lacking a power source powerful enough to operate it. It seems in a few thousand years we have come far enough to overcome that."

"Will it work?" Sephiroth asked.

"The design is ingenious really." Reeve started. "It should do the job."

"Should? I don't like should." Zack said leaning forward in his chair a bit.

"It's a onetime use kind of thing. We can't test it." Reeve explained.

"What does it do exactly?" Lucrecia asked, her mind working.

"The short version is it opens up a portal to a place that Jenova can do no wrong. If you would like to see the notes on the project though I'd be happy to share them with you." Reeve offered.

"So what do we do?" Yuffie asked, she didn't like all this sitting around.

"One group will need to head to Mideel, where the Lifestream is close to the material world. Since Jenova's presences is mostly in the Lifestream now, it's where we will need to trap her." Rufus started the explanation. "But activating the device can take time, somewhere from 10 to 20 minutes, and that's after we locate her."

"There's all kinds of problems with that plan. Who's going to be able to stand being the Lifestream for that long and still know what they are doing? If they are even still alive. Plus is she just gonna stand there while it warms up?" Zack wanted to yell, but he at least managed to get the words out in a relatively calm manner. (at least for him)

"We've address both concerns already." Rufus said looking to Zack. If he was upset with the outburst he didn't show it. "We've been working on some Mako tolerant suits for use in the old reactors. It should provide proficient protection long enough to get the job done. As for Jenova, that's where the second part comes in. I want another team to head to the Northern Crater to keep her distracted. You should be able to keep her distracted long enough to keep from killing Cloud or getting yourselves killed while the device is going off."

"I assume myself and Zack at least are on the team heading North, who will be heading to Mideel?" Sephiroth asked.

"That's correct. My intention is to send Zack, yourself, Valentine, and Aerith if she has recovered North. Meanwhile, I ended to head to Mideel with Reno, Nanaki, and Ms Kisaragi" Rufus finished.

"Sir?" Tseng said, he was a bit caught off guard by Rufus's omission of himself.

"Tseng I want you to say here and handle things while we are way. You're not strong enough to face a Jenova possessed Cloud, and I'm only taking companions as a precaution. Your time will be better spent here." Rufus said in a tone that left no room for argument.

"Yes sir." Tseng replied.

"What about me sir?" Kunsel asked, he had been asked to the meeting so surely he had a purpose.

"Your part of the backup plan in case this fails." Rufus said, "I want you and Cissinei to accompany Dr Crescent, and Dr Rayleigh and Mr. Tsueti if he will go, to the old archives. Assist them in digging up any information we have on Jenova. You need to find another way to stop her if this doesn't work."

"You sounded certain your plan would be successful." Zack said, he didn't like all the 'maybes' and 'what ifs'

"Our plan has a high likelihood of success, yes, but nothing is 100%, and anything less that than isn't worth betting our world on. We have to have something to fall back on if this fails." Rufus said, looking around the room.

In that moment Reeve finally understood completely why Cloud has sided with Rufus. The man was literally born into the role of a leader. Reeve had only ever known him as a spoiled brat, and even when the man started donating to the WRO his contact had been limited. Now he had to admit that his idea of the man was jaded and outdated. He wasn't dealing with Rufus the child, he was dealing with Rufus the man who had given everything he had to pay for his father's sins, and a few of his own. Reeve didn't have it in him to completely surrender himself, and Cloud had seen it.

"You intend to use the device yourself Boss?" Reno said breaking Reeve's musings.

"No one can operate it like I can." Rufus said with a half smile tapping his head. "I have the consciousness of the man who invented it right here."

"Yo, what if something goes wrong, you should tell me or someone else how to use it." Reno offered.

"Even if I went into great detail, it would still take you more time than me, time we don't have." Rufus shook his head. "Once we initiate every second counts. The longer it takes the higher the likelihood that something will go wrong. It has to be me."

Reno just slid back in his chair, he knew better then to argue anymore with Rufus, at least out in the open. He figured Tseng would take care of anything else when they were in private.

"When do we leave?" Sephiroth said looking into Rufus's eyes.

"As soon as possible." Rufus replied.

"I'll speak to Aerith, though I doubt I could convince her to stay. Maybe for the kids." Zack said standing.

"That would be best, the rest of us can make our preparations here." Sephiroth said nodding to the man. Zack just turned and left.

"Well I think the meeting is officially over" Rufus said standing. "You all know your roles." With that he left as well.

Rufus stood in his room gathering his things, he had made sure that Reeve had been sent to inspect the suits, but he honestly doubted the man could do anything more for them. He had expected Tseng to argue with him, much like Reno had in the meeting, but instead once they were alone, he had remained quiet, before asking to go meeting with his sister. Rufus knew the man wanted to come with him, probably wanted to take the dip into the lifestream himself, but what Rufus had said was sound logic.

"Sir, you wanted to see me?' Elena said walking gently into the room.

"Elena." Rufus smiled, before walking over to her and giving the girl a hug.

"Sir?" She asked returning it, confusion clear in her voice.

"Take care of Tseng while I'm gone alright? Make sure he smiles some." Rufus said backing up a bit.

"I will sir." She said with a half smile, but it was at least genuine. "Are you sure you only want Reno with you?"

"It should be fine, we shouldn't run into anything except a few random monsters at worst. I need you here more." Rufus said trying to comfort the girl. "By the way, I want you to give this to Tseng in the morning. I would give it to him myself but I don't trust him to not read it before then." He pulled out an envelope from his coat and handed it to her.

"Rufus?" She looked up at him questionably.

"It's just some contingency plans." Rufus told her. "I don't want him worrying about them tonight though, he needs to spend the time with his sister and his lover."

"I understand, and I'll make sure he receives them first thing in the morning." Elena promised.

"I know, I trust you. I've got a few more things to finish up however." Rufus said before turning away again.

"Yes Sir." She said with a bow and left his room envelope in hand.

Aerith smiled at Zack as he reentered the hospital room. Jadak was asleep in his bed, and Angeal was sitting in a chair reading a book.

"How is he?" Zack asked, giving Aerith a quick kiss.

"He's fine, the procedure went great. He's only registering a .01 concentration now." Aerith explained.

"So he's gonna be ok?" Zack smiled.

"He'll be fine, they just want to keep him for a few more days to make sure there aren't any further complications." Aerith returned the smile.

Angeal had put his book down, and looked at Zack. "So we get to come home with you soon then?" He asked with hope in his eyes.

"Yep!" Zack grinned at Angeal, his current mission momentarily forgotten.

"How did the meeting go?" Aerith asked.

Zack almost felt like had been dumped with a bucket of ice water. "Rufus wants to leave as soon as possible. But he has a plan." Zack replied.

"You're leaving again?" Angeal looked almost hurt.

Zack bent down. "Sorry, you know that the ones who kidnapped you did something bad to Cloud." he asked the boy. Angeal just nodded. "We found away to help him and if everything goes right, we shouldn't have to leave again."

"You promise?" Angeal asked looking up at Zack.

"I do." Zack said with a nod.

"Alright" Angeal conceded.

"I'll ask Ms Tifa to check on you again." Aerith told him.

"You don't have to go Aerith, if you still feel bad at all!" Zack tried to insist.

"I'm fine now, I just needed a bit of rest. You know I can't sit back when he needs me. I may not love him like I love you, but he's still about the only person I consider family I've got left. I'm going." Aerith said putting her figurative foot down.

"Oh, well you can't blame a guy for trying." Zack said with a sigh.

Tseng had said his good buys to Yuffie, but now he returned to his apartment, not at all surprised to find Reno sprawled out on his couch. "Took ya, long enough." Reno smirked at Tseng as he spoke.

"I just wanted to go over some things with her. The rest of the night's yours." Tseng replied coming to sit down on the couch next to the man he loved.

Reno just leaned up and threaded his hands through Tseng's hair. "I love you, you know that right."

"I do." Tseng nodded "I love you too." With that he captured Reno's lips.

After that the pair had as much use for words as they did for clothing, and as the door to the bedroom shut, they were able to be themselves, just Tseng and Reno. Though the union had an air of goodbye hanging around them like a thick fog.

With the sun high in the sky, Sephiroth, Zack, Aerith and Vincent boarded the Shera. They were chosen to take the airship, because if by some chance Cloud wasn't at the Northern Crater, they would need the speed of the airship to find him in time for the plan to work. Across the way, Reno, Rufus, Nanaki and Yuffie were boarding a helicopter. Rufus's suit had already been loaded.

"I still don't like this." Tseng said pinching the bridge of his nose. He almost felt guilty that he cared more for everyone on the chopper then he did Nanaki.

"You'll get over." Yuffie grinned at him.

"I have to agree with the lady." Reno sent him a smirk. "I'll take care of your sister."

Yuffie laughed a little bit before adding "I'll take care of your boyfriend."

"We really have the safest job Tseng. Even you are more in danger here in Edge after the last attack." Rufus pointed out.

"Be careful, all of you." Tseng ordered, before closing the door. He was still fighting the urge to just jump on. Something about Rufus had him on edge. There was something the man wasn't telling him and he was sure of it.

He stepped back to a safe distance watching at the helicopter, then the airship took to the sky.

The wind whipped through Rufus's hair as he stepped off the helicopter in Mideel. Reno was at his side.

"Gotta ask one more time, you sure about this Boss?" Reno questioned looking over at him.

"I am," Rufus replied, a calm resolve had washed over him. He opened the crate containing the safety gear. "Here help me get this on." He asked Reno as he took his coat off.

"I still can't believe that suit will let you go swimming in the Lifestream." Yuffie said looking it over, as Rufus pulled up the pants.

"It is quite remarkable." Nanaki acknowledged.

"It won't be a pleasant dive I assure you. " Rufus said as Reno helped him fasten all the straps that helped keep the suit tight. Lastly he pulled on a pair of gloves. The helmet sat off to the side.

"Now what?" Yuffie asked.

"Now we wait for them to call and let us know they've found Cloud." Rufus explained.

Weiss stopped Fenir and stepped off the bike. He was at the exact location Cloud had given him, as he looked around at rock outcroppings that surrounded him.

"You at least know the benefits of being punctual." Cloud said leaping down off one of the outcroppings in front of Weiss.

"Where's Genesis?" Weiss asked, a bit of suspicion on his voice.

"Waiting for us." Cloud gestured back up to the rock. "It's time for you to fulfill your purpose."

"What purpose?" Weiss asked looking up to see if he could spot Genesis.

"To be the catalyst for the end of the world." Cloud smirked, as his wing unfurled and his sword materialized in his hand.

"What are you doing?" Weiss screamed, but it was too late as he was hit full force with a burst of dark energy from the sword.

Cloud/Jenova just bent over and picked up Weiss, flying away with the man.

"So that's the crater." Zack said letting out a bit of a whistle.

Cid couldn't exactly land the Shera in the crater so they had to climb down much like before.

"We fought all manner of things down here before, everything from Tonberrys to Dragons, just be careful. " Vincent explained.

"A warm up huh?" Zack said shaking his head.

"I can fly each of you down into the depths of the crater, it would save us some time. Especially if it means we'll be avoiding a few fights " Sephiroth offered.

"I never thought I'd miss chaos, but your idea does have some merit too it." Vincent replied.

"Fine by me." Zack said looking to Aerith.

"Saving our strength for Jenova is a good idea." Aerith nodded.

"Alright, I'll take Vincent first, and come back for you two." Sephiroth said.

They just nodded as Sephiroth lifted Vincent and flew into the crater.

They made their way slowly into the heart of the cave, making sure to go quietly. Finally they stood right before the final chamber.

"Genesis." Aerith almost gasped.

The others quickly followed her eyes. The man was bloody and broken, his wing was still manifested but it was obviously broken, wrists tied together hanging over a pool of Mako.

"Is he?" Zack asked a bit of a quiver in his voice.

"I don't know." Sephiroth said closing his eyes. Seeing him now he almost wished he had been right about the man's betrayal.

Before they decided to enter, across the chamber they watching as Cloud/Jenova walked into the room. In his arms was Weiss, also bound. He flew up and tied the man up next to Genesis.

"One more sacrifice should be all I need. Luckily I've got 4 at my doorstep." Cloud/ Jenova looked right over at them.

"Aerith, call Rufus, we'll handle this." Sephiroth ordered, as he took out his sword.

Aerith ran, to make her call, as Cloud and Sephiroth clashed swords.

"Can't help but come home to mother can you?" Jenova taunted.

"You were never my mother." Sephiroth fired back, as Vincent fired several rounds at her.

"Zack, go see if you can help Weiss and Genesis, I'll assist Sephiroth." Vincent said looking at the other swordsman.

"On it." He yell, part of him glad he didn't have to face his friend, though he felt bad for Sephiroth having to fight the man he loved like this.

"Tisk tisk," Jenova said as she pushed Sephiroth back. "No playing with my toys"

"I'll stop him mother," Yazoo said stepping out of the shadows.

"Such a good boy," Cloud/Jenova grinned, as Sephiroth slashed at Cloud again.

"Don't worry you can still have a purpose," Jenova said looking back to Sephiroth, dashing at him again, all the while dodging Vincent's bullets. "You've lost your place at my side, but I can still use your life energy to destroy this planet."

"I won't let you do that." Sephiroth yelled, crossing swords again. "Damnit fight her Cloud."

"I told you, he can't hear you." Jenova shot back again.

"Then why do you care if I speak to him?" Sephiroth taunted her again.

"Because your senseless prattling is annoying. I've heard enough to last for an eternity." Jenova insisted.

"Great." Zack said shaking his head, as his sword connected with Yazoo's gunblade. "I really don't understand why you crazies follow her, you know if she destroys this planet you're going with her."

"If that is mother's will." Yazoo acknowledged, fire a shot off at Zack as they parted.

"You're really creepy you know that?" Zack yelled.

"That matters not, all that matters is mother's will." Yazoo said as their swords connected yet again. Zack was beginning to understand why they called them puppets.

"That was Aerith, they've found and are currently engaging Cloud." Reno said putting his phone back in his pocket.

"I suppose that means it's my time." Rufus said placing his helmet on.

"You be careful Boss." Reno said one last time, making sure the helmet was attached properly.

"I'll complete my task." Rufus said picking up the box. "Goodbye" And with that he dove into the Lifestream.

It wasn't quite like Rufus had thought it would be. And really he had no idea how to even find Jenova. The suit at least was holding up for now. He got a bit of a break though when he saw several dark tendrils all stemming from one place. "Well I suppose that's the best place to start looking."

As he moved, the current seemed to help carry him to his destination. As he drew closer his skin started to crawl, the whole area felt vile. Then he noticed something at its center. "Cloud!" he almost gasped. The man was floating there, semi translucent, right in the middle of the vortex of dark energy. He didn't respond.

Rufus swam closer, he had a feeling this is where he would need to get Jenova to manifest. Something had been guiding him."Cloud wake up, I think I need your help." He said shaking the man, slightly surprised he could even touch the translucent figure.

He felt a humming around him, like someone was trying to say something, but he just couldn't understand at all. "Cloud please, I need Jenova to form here in the Lifestream and I'm certain now that I can't do that without you."

"Rufus," A groggy word passed the lips, "Can you hear the singing?"

"Singing? Cloud wake up." Rufus insisted again, noticing the dark energy was starting to pulse.

"It's a beautiful song, but it sounds so sad." Cloud lamented but did not open his eyes.

The battle with Jenova was fierce, worsened mostly because Sephiroth had no desire to actually harm the body she was in.

"You've already lost, give up now." Jenova commanded. "Your simply wasting your time and mine."

Sephiroth stood for a moment, catching his breath. He had taken several blows form Cloud's body. His left arm was bleeding, and his face was littered with small cuts made by Cloud's side blade. All and all he was a bloody mess, as some of his hair started to matt. Vincent who had been at range however, was faring much better. It seemed most of Jenova's attention had been on Sephiroth. She really was a vengeful creature.

"I'll never stop, we will find a way to defeat you once and for all. I will save him." Sephiroth swore, placing a hand on his side, he hadn't even realized she had gotten him there.

Zack, now joined by Aerith, was at least keeping Yazoo from doing any real damage. The two verse one seemed to be pretty well matched. Yazoo was sporting a large gash on his left leg, and Zack had a matching one across his chest. Aerith thus far was uninjured.

"Aerith, Sephiroth looks pretty rough, why don't you go see if you can help him. I'll be fine on my own, long enough for that." Zack said looking over at her.

"Alright." She said glancing to Sephiroth, he did look rather torn. "Jus t be careful."

As Aerith moved to aid Sephiroth, time seemed to slow to a crawl.

Jenova/Cloud, started glowing blue. "Ah yes. Time to finish you off my wayward son."

The swords split apart, and Sephiroth knew what was coming. He had witnessed it enough times. As he waited for the move he knew would finish him, unable to do anything else, he closed his eyes.

The pain however never came. When he regained control of his body he gasped in horror. Cut after cut after cut, was being driven into Vincent. His body was being thrown about like a rag doll as Jenova assaulted him with an overpowered omnislash. 32 cuts in all.

"Vincent!" Aerith cried, she had seen the man throw himself in Cloud's path, an effort to shield his son.

When it was over his body landed in a ragged heap on the floor, Jenova's laugh echoing throughout the chamber.

Rufus, was starting to run out of ideas when Cloud finally opened his eyes. "I knew I heard you too, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to save you, and the planet, imagine that." Rufus said with a smirk. "What do you mean you can hear me too? Is someone else here?"

"Lots of voices, like a song, I just can't remember any of them except for you. I feel like I should though." Cloud said, he was still rather out of sorts.

"You sound like Aerith with all the talk of voices in your head, but Cloud I need you to focus I need your help." Rufus said trying to keep Cloud's attention.

"Aerith," he said confused then his eyes widened. "The planet!, Rufus it's the planet!" Cloud cried. "I can hear the planet, why I can I hear the planet? "

"I don't know, but do you have any idea how to isolate Jenova here?" Rufus asked Cloud. "I thought at first she'd be a solid form here like you, but she seems to be everywhere."

"I can hear it, it's beautiful, it's so clear, how could Aerith not just sit and listen to it all day. It's like the most wonderful song ever." Cloud said, as his focus started to drift.

"Cloud please." Rufus begged. "Sephiroth, Zack, Vincent and even Aerith are currently fighting Jenova to give us this chance. We can't waste it."

"She seems so sad." Cloud finally said, "I can ask her to help."

Sephiroth shook a bit at the sight of the man he had recently come to call father. He didn't have much time to think, as Jenova leapt at him. "Stupid pest, but at least he's out of the way. You won't last much longer as it is." Jenova called out.

Sephiroth blocked the blow, as Aerith reached Vincent's side.

"Vincent please." Aerith cried, but she already knew there wasn't a life force in his body anymore.

"Aerith!" Zack yelled, getting the girls attention. Yazoo was pressing him back against the wall.

"Get away from my fiancé!" She screamed, smacking Yazoo upside the head with her staff.

Yazoo, surprised stumbled away from Zack.

"That's my girl!" Zack grinned stealing a quick kiss, as the two turned back to the fight with Yazoo.

"I pray you hurry Rufus." Sephiroth said, trying to contain his anger. He knew Cloud had not been the one to actually kill Vincent, knew he couldn't kill him, but still his rage boiled.

He took a breath to clear his mind, as he clashed swords with Jenova again, a new purpose driving him. Jenova had already taken much from him, he refused to let her have Cloud.

Cloud opened his eyes again, "She said she's trying to push her here for us." Cloud said looking to Rufus.

"Good, I'll start powering up the device then." Rufus said, relief in his voice. The plan would work. He started to turn a dial on the side, letting Rylan guide him. As the darkness around them started coalescing.

"She's coming." Cloud said, the far off look in his eyes never leaving.

A warning light on Rufus's left arm started glowing. "Well, I at least have enough time to finish the activation."

"What's wrong?" Cloud asked gazing over at Rufus.

"Your about as high as a kite, and I don't know if you'll remember much of this anyway, but the suit I'm in is only viable for so long. The Mako is starting to eat away at it. Don't worry I should live long enough to activate the device." Rufus explained to Cloud.

"I don't want you to die." Cloud said, his voice sounded kind of pained.

"I don't want to die either, but if I stop now Jenova wins for good." Rufus explained. He knew it was rather pointless to be talking it over with Cloud, and Rufus hated pointless things. Its why he fought so hard against Geostimga, dying to the disease would have been pointless. Dying to save the planet, when his family was responsible for its currents state was a meaningful way to go however so Rufus didn't mind. He had to admit though, having Cloud here, even if he was in this state was a comfort to him.

"I'm glad I found out you were my brother. I'm sorry it had to end this way though." Rufus finally admitted to Cloud.

Cloud didn't have a chance to respond as Jenova's shape started to form in front of him.

"Showtime." Rufus said as he flipped the switch on the side of the box.

Sephiroth held his side, barely able to stand and covered in blood. He had exhausted his magical energy levels, and Aerith was currently trying to make sure Yazoo didn't kill Zack.

'Rufus' Sephiroth thought. 'If you don't succeed now...' His thoughts trailed off.

He didn't even have a chance to dodge the blow Jenova was sending his away. He watch her eyes open as Cloud's body descended on him. However midway through he screamed.

"AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!" Cloud yelled and started thrashing, dropping the sword.

"Mother!" Yazoo yelled, ignoring Aerith and Zack for the moment.

"Rufus!" Cloud yelled opening his eyes, as the world came crashing back down around him.

Yazoo collapsed in a heap on the floor. "Give mother back!" he screamed clutching his head. "She's gone what did you do to her?" Then he passed out cold on the floor.

"Cloud?" Sephiroth asked tentatively.

"Sephiroth" Cloud said confused. "Where am I? Where's Rufus?"

"Cloud you're in the Northern Crater." Aerith said tentatively. "Do you remember anything?"

"I." Cloud said clutching his head. "I remember the airship, the pain, then the voices, and Rufus, he- Rufus he's dying!" Cloud cried.

"Reno will help him." Zack said, "We need to help them, if we can."

Aerith went to Sephiroth and cast a cure spell. As Cloud looked up to Genesis and Weiss.

"What the hell happened." Cloud asked as Zack went over and cut Genesis down.

"Jenova possessed you." Sephiroth answered him. "Apparently she was able to reintroduce herself to your system, after Minerva shielded you."

Sephiroth, with several of his injuries healed, walked over to Vincent and knelt. "I'm sorry." Aerith said shaking her head.

"I think Genesis is still alive!" Zack called.

Aerith just made her way over, and gave Zack a sad smile. "He is," and she attempted to heal the worst of his wounds. Zack moved to cut Weiss down.

"Did, did I?" Cloud said staring at Vincent.

"No, it was Jenova." Sephiroth said a bit of bitterness in his voice. He understood why Cloud had hated him at first. Realized how strong the man must have been to accept him at all. Separating the man he knew Cloud was, and what Jenova had made his body do was extremely difficult. Part of him deep down wanted to blame Cloud still for not fighting harder. At the same time he knew he still loved the man. That hadn't changed, it was what he would cling to, to get through this.

"I didn't even really get to know him." Sephiroth said with regret in his voice. "Why would he do that?'

Aerith just had a sad look on her face. "Because that's what parents do."

Cloud just stood watching as a numb feeling washed over him. He could hear the planet singing even still. She was overjoyed. The Calamity was gone. He couldn't feel its joy however, as with everything else, the price had been too high.

Rufus smiled as the portal containing Jenova vanished. Cloud's presence was gone, likely back to his body. He was a bit surprised that his suit hadn't given out yet, but he decided to at least to try to make it back to the surface. It wasn't completely pointless he supposed.

As he swam though, it was hard to fight the current. It was pulling him back down, and as he looked, his suit was about to disintegrate anyway. The fumes were already starting to enter the suit, and he knew his time had come as darkness over took him.

Cloud was still stunned as his world fell back into place. He had been possessed by Jenova, had killed Vincent, and damn near killed Genesis and Sephiroth. He felt like he was going to throw up.

Sephiroth was cradling Vincent's ragged body in his arms. Conflicting emotions on his face, it was like he didn't know how to grieve.

Aerith was still working on Genesis, she had already cast a life2 on the man, his body very close to death. She was now healing his other wounds as best she could, as with Sephiroth however she couldn't do anything for his wing, except straighten it.

Weiss was uninjured at least, and roused once Zack cast an Esuna on him. He awoke in fighting form. "Where is." He yelled.

"Hey man calm down, it's all over." Zack said holding his hands up.

"Where's Cloud, where's Genesis?" The man asked looking around.

"Cloud's here, he was possessed by Jenova, but he's fine now, Aerith is healing Genesis." Zack said pointing at the man.

Finally Genesis woke, but his face was twisted in pain. "Don't move your still rather injured." Aerith said. "Do you remember what happened?"

"I-" He coughed a bit, "Cloud!" He yelled trying to sit up then laying back down.

"Cloud's alright for now, you're the one we're worried about." Aerith said with a soothing voice. "We need to get him to a hospital."

"What about this one?" Zack said walking over to Yazoo, as Weiss went to Genesis.

"We should take him with us." Sephiroth said pulling his eyes away from Vincent. "I'm almost surprised he's still alive, but if he's been severed from Jenova's influence he is likely not a threat any longer."

"I suppose your right." Zack said, "But how are we getting out of here? I can tell by looking at him Sephiroth can't fly us all out, and we can't just walk out if we're carrying people."

"I'll help." It was the first thing Cloud had said since he discovered what had happened.

"I'm well enough to take a couple of people, if Cloud can assist we should be fine." Sephiroth acknowledged.

Cloud went over and picked up Genesis. Weiss watched him warily. "I'm sorry." He whispered, the first apology of many he was sure.

"Don't be." Genesis said resting his head against Cloud's chest. "We all know what happened."

"Save your strength." Aerith said placing her hand on his arm. "He's right Cloud, that wasn't you, we all know that. "

Even the planet was singing to him about the hero he'd been. He supposed the hardest person to forgive was yourself.

"Let's go," Cloud said turning to Sephiroth, he hadn't put Vincent down yet , so Cloud assumed he was taking him first.

It was easier then he thought it should have been to call forth his new wing. In a moment he had taken to the sky with Sephiroth close behind.

Yuffie and Nanaki stood patiently at the edge of the Mako pool.

"Do you think he'll be alright?" Yuffie asked, looking over at Nanaki. Reno had dove in when the sensor on the side of the crate had gone off. Crazy man didn't even know if he could handle it, just knew Rufus needed him.

"I don't know." Nanaki said shaking his head.

A moment later they got their answer.

"Take him," Reno said emerging from the pool, pushing Rufus roughly into Yuffie's arms. She could see the burns from the Mako on his arms, as they furiously tried to close. As soon as Rufus was in Yuffie's care, Reno fell and passed out.

"Reno!" She cried.

"He's still alive," Nanaki said examining the man, "What about Rufus?"

"I-" She stuttered, the suit he had been in was mostly gone, "I don't know." She cried, he had burns on his skin as well from over exposure. She went to try and cast a spell on him as Nanaki stopped her.

"Using materia on him right now will surely kill him. " He said, "We can't fly this thing, call the others."

Yuffie nodded, putting Rufus down in the most comfortable position she could, and pulled out her phone.

"Yuffie, how are things going?" Tseng's voice came through the phone.

"Tseng, we need help now, I think they were successful but Rufus and Reno!" She was almost crying. she was truly scared for them.

"What happened?" Tseng asked, and Yuffie could hear him moving.

"The sensor for Rufus's suit started going off, and Reno dove in after him. When he came back he pushed Rufus into my arms and passed out. They're both in pretty rough shape." Yuffie explained.

"There should be a first aid kit in the back of the Helicopter. In it there should be a couple of syringes in there filled with a clear blue liquid. It should help stave off the effects of Mako poisoning long enough for us together, keep them warm." Tseng said, and from the wind noise she could tell he had made it outside.

Yuffie still on the phone dove into the back of the Helicopter and found the first aid kit. "Where should inject them? She asked.

"In the leg, to close to the heart and you'll kill them." Tseng explained and Yuffie did as she was told.

"Alright, I don't see that it did anything though." She said this time taking out a few emergency blankets to cover them.

"That's fine, I have a few more calls to make, we'll be there as quick as we can." Tseng replied.

"Hurry." Yuffie pleaded with the man one last time before hanging up.

"We need fire wood." Yuffie said turning back to Nanaki, "Tseng said to keep them warm."

"I can stand guard," Nanaki told her, knowing he wasn't fit for collecting what they need.

"Alright, I'll be back quickly." Yuffie said before dashing off to collect her wood.

"Are you alright?" Aerith asked, not long after they boarded the airship, Cloud had disappeared.

"I will be." Cloud said, though the grief and self loathing was clear in his voice.

Aerith just sad down next to him and put her head on his shoulder. "You were completely gone, it was just your body there wasn't anything for you to even fight against."

"I know, and I wish I'd been stronger, but I was distracted." Cloud admitted. He'd been wanting to talk to her about the planet anyway.

"Distracted by what?" She asked honestly curious.

"The planet." He admitted. "I don't know how, or why, but after Jenova possessed me I could hear it clear as day. Her voice is beautiful, how do you not just... get lost in it?"

"You hear the planet Cloud?" She asked looking back at him. its voice had been weakening in her mind.

"She's singing right now, can't you hear her joy?" Cloud asked the flower girl.

"No," She said a slightly pained expression on her face. The planet was nearly silent in her mind.

She's losing her connection, like those who came before her. The planet whispered in his mind. Then why can I hear you now? He tried to think back to it.

Aerith could tell with the look on his face what he was doing, she had done much the same herself once.

"Because you finally remembered how. She was my link to you, you were always my chosen child. Now that you have remembered, she does not need her connection."

"You can't just use her and throw her away!" Cloud raged in his mind back at the planet.

"My children were never suppose to maintain the gift, they abused it. This is the way things should be." The planet tried to sooth his mind.

"Then deny the gift to her children, she's served you faithfully, don't take it from her!" Cloud insisted.

"If you wish, I will make the exception, I will grant you this one kindness." The planet finally replied then quieted in his own mind a bit.

"Cloud, what did you do?" Aerith asked him, almost startled. She could hear the planet's song again, as a smile crossed her face. She knew it was from Cloud's will that the voice had returned.

"I fought with the planet." Cloud said, looking at the woman.

"You what! Cloud, oh dear." She said covering her mouth. "Well either way, thank you." She said giving him a hug.

"Your welcome," Cloud said hugging her back.

"Come back up with the others, we're all worried about you, especially Zack." She said trying to pull him up.

"I can't not yet." Cloud said shaking his head, "I know I didn't really do it, but still I don't know how to face him."

Aerith knew Cloud had meant Sephiroth, "Just give him the chance to be the man, we know you are. Vincent was your friend too, he'll want someone to tell him more about the man. No one knows more about him then you do. Besides he loves you, he really does Cloud."

"What about his mother?" Cloud asked looking to Aerith.

"Lucrecia knew the man he was, no one was closer to Vincent, the man he was right before he died then you." Aerith explained.

"I suppose I owe to him at least, to both of them." Cloud said finally standing.

"That's the spirit." Aerith said smiling at him, leading him back up to the others.

"Is Genesis really going to be alright?" Cloud asked, following her.

"He'll have a bit of a rough time, but he should be alright in the end." Aerith said not wanting to sugar coat it too much. "Weiss is currently looking after him."

"Have you heard anything about Rufus?" Cloud asked her, he could clearing remember the man telling him he planned to die.

"Cloud," Aerith stopped, "I don't know how he is, Tseng told us what happened. His suit didn't hold up, Reno got him out, but both of them are pretty bad off. Tseng's taking a medical team to meet them."

Cloud closed his eyes. Rufus had told him that he was glad to be his brother, Cloud just hoped he got the chance to return the sentiment. The planet wouldn't tell him anything concerning the man.

"I suppose he's the real hero this time around." Cloud said as they got close to the bridge.

"Not for bad for a man that no one had seen bleed or cry." Aerith smiled, referring to the first time they had met Rufus.

"I suppose not." Cloud said, appreciating Aerith's attempt to make him feel better.

"Hey Spiky," Zack said softly. "You doing alright?"

"I'll be alright Zack." Cloud said walking up to the man. He noticed Sephiroth standing off to the side.

Sephiroth looked up and met his gaze, Cloud started to speak.

"Don't just-" Sephiroth paused, cutting Cloud off," don't apologize. I know you would rather have protected him than anything else. If you apologize it meant you did it."

"I can still be sorry." Cloud said looking back to the man.

"If anything, I think I'm mad at him." Sephiroth said shaking his head, he wasn't use to these emotions and he could keep everything back. Zack and Aerith, quickly made themselves scarce. "I didn't ask to be saved. He's left me alone, to tell her. How do I do that? I barely find out I have a family and now..."

"You're not alone." Cloud said placing a hand on the man. "It will be painful, but you've got friends to help you through it."

"I didn't even really know him, how do I grieve for someone I've never really known?" Sephiroth asked.

"I can help you with that if you would like." Cloud offered. "He was a very private man, but I did know him fairly well."

"That would be welcomed." Sephiroth said, not sure how to phrase his answer.

They fell into an awkward silence.

"How do you?" Cloud finally asked.

Sephiroth understood the question. "Friends, you and Genesis mostly. You helped me understand, the guilt never goes away, at least it hasn't yet for me, but it has become bearable."

Cloud just stood there, a bit more comfortable around the man. "What will you do now?"

" I would like to get to know my mother, but beyond that..." Sephiroth paused "I think I would like to come back to Shinra, go back with you." As he spoke he tried to show Cloud he did still care for him. That he loved him deeply.

"I didn't know if you'd still have me." Cloud was usually a pretty stoic person, but he was afraid Sephiroth wouldn't want to have anything to do with him anymore.

"I love you, If you can love me even after what Jenova did, I can still love you too. and I do more than anything." Sephiroth admitted as he bent down and kissed Cloud.

So much of the tension that had built up in the blonde man disappeared with those words and that kiss. If he still had Sephiroth, still had his love, then everything else would eventually be alright.

Yuffie stood by watching the fire, neither man had moved, though Reno's injures we gone. Finally she saw the helicopter.

"TSENG!" She screamed jumping up and down waving her arms.

The Helicopters landed, and Tseng leapt out, followed by Dr Rayleigh, and several others.

"Tseng!" Yuffie cried giving the man a hug.

Rayleigh went and checked on Reno first, "This one is alive and safe for transport, get him on the helicopter." She said after a quick check. Then moving on to Rufus.

Tseng and Yuffie watched as she checked him over, a pensive look on her face. "He's got one of the most severe cases of Mako poisoning I've ever seen. He should honestly be dead." She said standing, taking out another syringe from her coat.

"But he's not!" Yuffie said looking happy, Tseng's face mirrored her emotions.

"Not yet at least, I can stabilize him for the trip back, but he's not out of the water. He could still die, and even if he doesn't there is no guarantee he'll wake up. We really need to get him to the hospital." Dr Rayleigh said standing.

"You heard the lady, get the President loaded up, and let's get out of here," Tseng said, before turning to Cissnei and another Turk, "You two fly the other helicopter back."

"Yes sir." Cissnei saluted, in a matter of minutes, they were loaded up and into the sky.

Genesis was conscious, almost wishing he wasn't. He hadn't been in this much pain since his degradation had been cured. Even when he had pulled his wing back in he could feel the pain. He had been truly foolish to fly after Cloud on his own, but he couldn't think of anything else to do.

He didn't want Cloud to just disappear, and he foolishly thought that maybe, just maybe he could talk Cloud out of his insanity. He wasn't aware just how far gone the man was until Jenova had landed and turned on him.

He felt slightly proud for how long he had lasted, he knew he wasn't a match for Cloud, and when he was enhanced by Jenova he had a power even only Sephiroth had dreamed about. Once she had defeated him however, his hell had just begun.

He had become Jenova's punching bag, she kept him alive, just so she could test out Cloud's skills. And apparently to sacrifice him.

He kept telling himself it wasn't Cloud, but the truth was, he was slightly terrified of the man now. He had tried to reassure him in the aftermath at the cave, but truthfully terror had gripped him when Cloud had started walking towards him.

He would be strong though, and hide his fear. Cloud didn't need him flinching away. The man probably felt guilty enough as it was.

Genesis also knew what she had been planning, she liked to mock him with it. She would gather sacrifices, 3 would be enough, she had plan to drag their deaths out, slowly and painfully, causing the lifestream to react. When it came to take their souls, she would merge her physical presences with her spiritual in the lifestream thus fully corrupting the planet.

Genesis let out a bit of a shiver, he wasn't sure why so many deaths were need or why they had to be so drawn out and painful. Part of him thought it was mostly because she was a sadistic bitch. Either way it was over, and for the first time since he left Shinra all those years ago, he felt he could start to piece a life back together.