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In one of the small houses in the village of Junon, was a fifteen year old girl, standing in front of her mirror, brushing her dyed black hair, humming happily to herself. She was called Marlene Wallace. Marlene had waist length black hair and brown eyes. She is six foot four and quite athletic looking. She has the strength that she inherited from her father and enhances her powers by practising karate at her house. Ten years ago disaster struck in various places around the world. A man called Sephiroth threatened the world by using a small black sphere - which looks completely innocent to those that are unfamiliar with magic - to call up a deadly power against the small planet Earth. The small sphere is the most powerful and dangerous form of magic known to mankind. It is called the Black Materia. All materia have special powers, but the Black Materia calls up magic more dangerous than all the materia put together. It summons up the evil power of Meteor. Currently, two meteors are hurtling towards Earth at terrific speed. But despite their speed, they are not going as fast as they ought to be. If they were, Earth would no longer be in existence. Sephiroth cast a spell on the meteors, to stop them from travelling at the speed of light, to make sure that all the innocent people stay deep in fear.

Marlene is one of the many people that has suffered directly from the evil hands of Sephiroth. He has killed many people that she knew. Several of her friends, Tifa Lockheart and Cloud Strife of Nibelheim, other people that worked with her father. Even her father himself. She was only five when it happened. Sephiroth had made an orphan of her. Her mother had already died several years ago, and her father - Barret - paid lots of attention to help her get over it. His death still replayed itself in her mind during her worst nightmares.

Tifa Lockheart was Marlene's closest thing to a best friend, as she had to move around lots and never got to meet anyone. She wasn't as all as Marlene is now, but she was quite tall. She had long, dark brown hair that fell down to her knees and brown eyes. Marlene felt safe when she was in the company of a man called Cid Highwind. Cid was a tough-talking man that was fond of Marlene, but he also got killed by Sephiroth. As for Cloud, well, she was a bit shy around him, and he hardly ever spoke to her. He had spiky blonde hair, blue eyes and was well built. He used to be in Shinra's defence group, SOLDIER. He made it to the top rank, which was First Class to try and be like Sephiroth, not knowing what evil he possessed.

Sephiroth was six foot seven, and had long, pure silvery white hair that fell past his waist. His deep green eyes reflected the madness that was caged up inside him. He had a sword that had a very long blade, which curved from the handle. He named it Masamune. It added to his insane deadly look. Even his voice was cold sounding. As though...as though someone was going to die from making him speak. She hated him, so, so much. He was the infection of the planet. Well, him and Shinra. Unluckily, Sephiroth and Shinra have teamed up, making the chances of world survival very low. Shinra are killing off the planet by continuing to use their Mako - a source of energy to power things - Reactors which condense the Earth's life force, the Lifestream into Mako energy. All the energy that is still inside something when it dies joins up with a river of energy soaring around underneath the ground, in the planet's core. The Lifestream. The Mako Reactors suck up Spirit Energy from the Lifestream, and condense it into Mako. It can then be condensed further to make materia. Without a Lifestream, there will be no planet. The whole thing will fall apart. Crumble into small pieces...

Marlene finished brushing her hair and scragged it back into a tight pony tail. She then walked over to the other side of her bedroom, and picked up a photograph of her and her father, Barret, together. Tears started in Marlene's eyes as a mental image of her father's death flashed before her eyes, her happy feeling disappearing instantly. Barret's death, wasn't gory and disgusting as was normal for Sephiroth. He and a group of people that supported him were using a yellow 'Enemy Skill' materia, using attacks from dark and evil creatures they met. They used 'Death Sentence' which was a thirty second countdown to a deadly meeting with a monster similar to the Grim Reaper. And thus the humiliating end to Barret Wallace had arrived.

Hatred burned up inside Marlene at the thought that her father was taken away from her and she screamed as loudly as she could. People nearby were now used to hearing this, as Marlene was often angry, but they still stopped dead in their tracks to stare. She punched the wall next to where the now dropped photograph was and made a fist shape dent in the wall.

Marlene took several deep breaths top calm herself and walked over to her bed. A small bag containing nothing but a few items and materia was resting on it. Marlene was planning to go and find Sephiroth, to get him back for what he has done. She knows that unless she can get another one person at least, she won't stand a chance, so that is why she was also planning on a taking a short detour to the circular sprawling city of Midgar.

Midgar is completely circular, and right in the very centre of the city is a great pole sticking out for miles and miles above the city, and perched on top of that, is a plate, which covers all of the land at the bottom, the slums. The slums, support tower, and the plate are all split into different sectors. In one of the sectors, a part of the plate was missing. In the seventh sector. It had been like this now for ten years, but no-one had done anything about it. This was because Shinra are the people for rebuilding places, and they couldn't be bothered with that one sector.

Marlene was heading to Midgar, because ten years ago, Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockheart fought bravely against Sephiroth and his supporters, but sadly, they lost. They fought in a neighbouring Sector, Sector Six. Cloud and Tifa had both been killed and buried in the Sector Six burial grounds. Marlene's plan was to persuade the owner of the graveyard to let her get to the body of, either Cloud or Tifa and revive them. One of the items that is in Marlene's bag is a small thing called a Phoenix Down, which is what some people use to revive others. They are quite rare and Marlene was quite happy to have obtained one. She was then going to try and persuade which ever one she revived to help her with Sephiroth. She sincerely hoped that they would help her...

Marlene carried on practising her karate until it was ten o'clock and then she went to bed. She would need her rest for tomorrow.

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A clanging ringing sound grated through Marlene's pleasant dreams of being with her father. She flung out an arm aimlessly and hit her alarm clock. It fell to the floor and stopped making a noise. She kicked the covers off, suffering from a lack of energy. She got up and got herself ready and set off for Midgar.

People could tell by the way she looked determined that she was headed for a long journey.

'Well, hello there Marlene, what are you doing up this early?' asked an elderly man.

'I'm heading to Midgar, I have something that I want to sort out,' replied Marlene.

'What was making you scream yesterday? It been bad because even I could hear it, and you know how deaf I'm becoming,' This was true. Marlene often had to shout several times the same sentence over and over again to make herself heard. But she didn't want to go into details about why she was so angry yesterday.

'Oh, it was nothing. I wouldn't worry about it. Well, I'm going to go now, don't want to be stuck forever!' called Marlene loudly and clearly.

Marlene headed south-east towards Midgar, wondering what she was going to say. She couldn't just go up and say: 'Excuse me, do you mind if I dig up a body to revive?' as that wouldn't work. She got lost several times in Sector five and had to ask for directions.

Finally, after three hours, she found the burial ground. There was something odd there though. Marlene had always thought that there was something weird about the graveyard, but there was a certain uneasiness in the air. She noticed it as she was about to open the front door. she stopped dead with her hand on the door handle. She looked around, shrugged, took a deep breath and opened the door. She walked in.

After Marlene shut the door and turned round to face the room behind her, her jaw dropped. I know that this is a burial ground, but this is ridiculous, thought Marlene, as she saw that every body in the building was in a state of being dead. 'That must mean that Sephiroth has been here. I can't think of anyone else that would be so sickening. Oh well, at least no-one can complain to me about what I'm going to do,' said Marlene, to herself. She walked out to the back of the building, towards the burial grounds. Marlene walked over to the graves of Tifa and Cloud, who were buried side by side. She looked at Tifa's gravestone.

Marlene held her hands out over the grave and started muttering spells and enchantments quietly under her breath. Suddenly, in a rush of soil and dirt, Tifa's sarcophagus appeared out of the grave. Marlene stirred it into the floor, and raised the lid. She peered inside. Tifa was buried in the clothes that bodies were dressed in, but she was starting to decompose. Marlene noticed that she had been stitched up. Then she remembered that Sephiroth had sliced up into small pieces. Her clothes were a faded grey colour.

'Oh, lovely. A rotting heroine,' she checked her small bag and pulled out a potion. She used it on Tifa, making her look as thought she was merely asleep. Marlene now fished out the red Phoenix Down, and gently dropped that on the dead body. The effect was instantaneous. Tifa started to stir, and she slowly sat up. She unfolded her crossed arms and rubbed her eyes. Then she blinked at Marlene.

'What the..? Marlene? What the hell is going on?' she demanded.

'Hiya, Tifa. I revived you. We're in a burial ground. Here, let me help you out of that sarcophagus,' said Marlene.

'Oooooo, big word! Where did you learn that?' replied Tifa, sarcastically. Marlene rolled her eyes and pulled Tifa up. 'So, why did you come to a graveyard in Midgar and revive me? I'm sure it wasn't because you're lonely,'

'You know, I would've thought that being dead would have made you less sarcastic. I need your help. I'm going after Sephiroth. I want to get him back for what he has done. But I can't do that on my own,' Tifa's expression went from happy to be alive again, to fearful.

'Go and find Sephiroth? God, you must be really stupid to want to do that! You have no idea what I went through. At least in death I was free from waking up, screaming, from hearing his voice, in the pit of night. I don't want that again. You know, that even with me, there probably won't be much chance of us beating him. I - I...can't. I still fear him, I have this feeling that he knows I'm alive again. I -' Tifa stopped abruptly when she saw the expression on Marlene's face. A freezing cold swept over the girls. Marlene was gazing open-mouthed at something behind Tifa. She turned around slowly. She stumbled in shock and fell backwards. Marlene caught her before she hit the ground. A figure bathed in black stepped out of the shadows. He laughed softly.

'Well, of course I would know that you have been revived. I just watched it happen. Marlene, the last time I saw you, I injured Cid and took his form at Mideel. Dear old Tifa fell for it as well. How you have grown...do you remember that Tifa? Marlene?'

Tifa started to back off, walking stiffly as her legs didn't want to operate. Sephiroth advanced quickly, taking long, determined strides towards Tifa, Marlene looking as though she was about to try and stop him.

Tifa, losing her head, ran, full pelt through the graveyard. She heard heavy footsteps behind her. Marlene and Sephiroth were giving chase. I'm not going to last for another ten minutes..Marlene, DO something about Sephiroth! thought Tifa. It seemed as though she could hear Tifa's frantic thoughts. She jumped at Sephiroth and caught him around the waist, knocking him to the floor. He kicked her off him and stood up.

Sephiroth's eyes began to glow. There was something about the way his eyes crackled, that made Tifa stop what in her tracks. Sephiroth charged electricity through his sword and raised it high above is head. He brought it crashing down. Tifa covered her head and made an attempt to move out the way. She waited for the blow, but it didn't come. She glanced up. Marlene had run up to Sephiroth and had stopped the blow with her bare hands.

Sephiroth whisked his sword away from her and pointed it at Tifa's chest, where her scar is.

'Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you now. If it is good, I might let you go. But then again, I might not,' whispered Sephiroth. He was talking in a very soft voice, but Tifa caught every word. Tifa's scar, protruding from her right shoulder all the way down to her waist on the left hand side started to tingle, like it did whenever Sephiroth was near. Marlene's hands were bleeding from the sword blade. Tifa sought for a good excuse, but she could barely think. She was so scared. Eventually, she thought of something.

'Um, because, because if you kill me with your sword blade, then you won't get the satisfaction of murdering me brutally and slowly later on?' said Tifa. Sephiroth actually smiled.

'Well, I have to admit, that was quite quick thinking from someone like you,' Tifa's fear disappeared instantly.

'What the hell do you mean by people like me? I could say plenty things about people like you, you ignorant....' Marlene was signalling wildly for her to shut up, then mouthed a count of three. On three, she threw herself on Sephiroth's neck and shouted 'Run!' to Tifa, who departed at high speed. Marlene punched Sephiroth in his back and ran for her life. She found Tifa running on ahead, even though they were now both out the cemetery. She called out and Tifa stopped. She turned and jogged back.

'Hey Tifa? What happened with Sephiroth all those years ago. I know that he killed a lot, but I heard that you and Cloud got killed in a war against Shinra,' said Marlene.

'Well, that's half right, because Shinra and Sephiroth have joined up with each other, but no. We got killed in a war against Sephiroth and his supporters. Honestly, when I saw that he had them, I was very surprised. It's not like him to work with others,' replied Tifa.

Marlene's hands were still bleeding, and she was in slight shock.

Oh my God, my first encounter with Sephiroth, and I'm already injured! thought Marlene. God knows what my next one will be like! It's stupid of me to think that I could actually beat this guy...

Tifa dragged Marlene back to her house back in Junon to hunt around for some bandages. She spotted Marlene's photo of her with her dad on the floor, the glass in the frame smashed.

'Marlene...do you realise that your photo of you and Barret is smashed?' asked Tifa, treading on dangerous ground. There was a silence for a while.

'Um..yes, I do. Before I came to you, I dropped it,.' Tifa came back to where Marlene was with some bandages in her arms. Marlene winced with pain as Tifa put the bandages around her hands, then she used Cure2 on her. Sephiroth had the power to reduce most people's HP (health points) down to almost nothing in one go.

Tifa and Marlene rested at her place for the night, then when Tifa woke up, she saw that Marlene wasn't in her bed. Tifa got up and found Marlene in the kitchen, at the table, crying. In one of her hands was the photo of Barret, retrieved from the broken frame. Tifa sat down next to her and placed a comforting arm around Marlene's shoulders. Marlene wiped her eyes on her sleeves and started to get up.

Just as Tifa stood up and got out of the way, the window behind Marlene smashed. A shower of glass covered the back of Marlene, and something stuck its arm through the smashed glass. Tifa's anguished breathing made Marlene turn around. A slab of broken glass had found its way near Tifa's eye.

The arm that was still undetected, wrapped itself around Marlene's waist and tugged her backwards out the window. Tifa could distinctly hear her muffled screaming and footsteps running away to the distance.

Tifa wrenched the glass out and hurried to the window. She could see a white-headed man in black with a long sword carrying her off in the distance. Sephiroth! He has her! thought Tifa, her insides filling up with the feeling of fear. If I want to get Marlene back, I'll have to go after Sephiroth.....Tifa jumped put the window and started running to try and catch up with Sephiroth.

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Sephiroth let go of Marlene and let her drop to the floor. She landed hard and tried to get back up. Sephiroth kicked her hard and she fell back down to the floor.

'Hmm...now. What shall I do with you? This is the fun part. Deciding what to do with my victims,' whispered Sephiroth. Marlene looked around her and saw that she had been taken into a cave. She had no idea where she was, or whether Tifa would be able to find her. But it was different to most caves. It was set out as though it was a lair. Why is Sephiroth in hiding? Why should he be forced to stay out of people's way? He's proved that he'll kill any fool stupid enough to get in his way...like I am.....

'Why are you in hiding?' demanded Marlene. The words shot out almost instantly after she thought them. A grim smile formed on Sephiroth's lips.

'I am not in hiding. I am not as idiotic as most people that are forced into hiding. I do not set out into the world to do evil, but then when the law enforcers come after me, hide. That is what cowards do. If anyone faces me, I will kill them,' said Sephiroth.

'We'd never guess...' muttered Marlene. She had said it quietly, but Sephiroth still heard her. He picked her up roughly then shoved over to one of the walls. He told her to have a look around. She'd regret it if she didn't.

Marlene drew in her breath sharply at what she saw in her surroundings. All sorts of things were pinned up on the walls. Chains, spare swords, brass knuckles. Many of things that looked as though they could do quite a lot of damage.

'I watched you in the graveyard. I watched you walk into the building, heard you assume that I had already been there-' started Sephiroth.

'Well, what other living being would be so disgusting as to kill for no reason? The answer to that is, no one. You are the sickest man that ever walked this planet. And that is saying something, as Rufus Shinra is alive!'

Marlene flinched as Sephiroth swooped towards her. He swept past her and took a chain from off the wall. Marlene watched him anxiously. Sephiroth brought back his arms and lashed out. Marlene screamed with pain as the chain was brandished at her. He whipped the chain at her again, but this time, it caught her around her neck, strangling her. Marlene raised her hands to the chain, to try and loosen it, but it didn't work. Sephiroth knocked her hands away from the chain and grabbed the end that hadn't wrapped itself around her neck. He looked up at the top of the cave and spotted a hoop. Sephiroth floated up in the air a bit, and hooked the end of the chain to the hoop, so that Marlene was being hung. He dropped back to the floor and walked away, laughing softly. Every now and then, Marlene emitted a choking noise. Her eyes were bulging. She could feel the air being squeezed out of her throat. She could feel the chain's grip getting stronger and stronger. It felt as though two great hands were wrapping themselves around her neck.

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Tifa was in a panic.

'What am I going to do? I can't go after Sephiroth, but I can't let Marlene die! But if I go, we'll both die...damn you Sephiroth! Why must you curse us all like this?' screamed Tifa. She took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. 'Barret.....come back....please....come back...'

An odd feeling had come over Tifa. She was suddenly full of anger, and full of energy. She felt a rage like no other. She threw back her head and screamed, louder than Marlene ever could. It was full of emotional pain. A burst of fire suddenly erupted around Tifa. It didn't burn, but it added to her ever-growing anger. She was surrounded by a deep, blood red flame, streams of blue flames rolling down her arms and legs like water. She had her eyes closed, but opened them. Her eyes had turned completely black, yet she could still see. Her hair was swirling in a breeze that wasn't there. It had turned gold.

She stopped screaming. She recovered and when to sit down. She walked over to Marlene's bedroom and sat went to sit on her bed, but stopped when she saw her reflection. Her mouth opened wide in surprise. She saw her golden hair. Her black eyes. The blue flames, and the slight red flame that was starting to fade.

An urgent knock on the door interrupted Tifa's erratic thoughts. She ran to the door and saw several people staring at her. Some of them backed away, as though she was crazy. The person in front spoke to her.

'Are, are you okay, miss?' Tifa goggled at the man.

'I'm, I'm fine. I think. I didn't mean to worry you. I was, um, expressing a sudden rush of anger that came through me,' replied Tifa.

'Are you Marlene Wallace?'

'What? No, I'm one of her friends. Marlene had been taken away by Sephiroth,' said Tifa. The effect of these words was electric. The people all gasped and stared whispering to each other before asking Tifa if that was true.

'Well, yeah. I'm pretty sure it is. The window that was behind us broke, I got injured by a slab that embedded itself near my eye, but when I peered out the window, I saw someone that looked just like Sephiroth carrying her off.' The crowd then parted off in different directions, leaving Tifa standing by herself at the door. She turned and shut it. She ran to the kitchen and threw herself out the window. She rolled as she landed and stood up. She started jogging out of Junon. She stopped suddenly. Tifa fell to her knees. She stood up again when her head had stopped spinning. What she saw shocked her. It was one of her memories from ten years ago. She saw Barret, Cloud, herself and another friend that had died, Aeris Gainsborough. She had just stopped because her scar was tingling. She could see Cloud giving the past Tifa a strange look.

'My scar feels odd. It...just feels weird. As though...I dunno. Anyway, never mind.' Tifa watched as the past party kept on walking until they saw two blurs in the distance. She watched as Cloud walked into Barret's out flung arm. She watched as Barret walked into Junon harbour.

'Nope. All dead...' Tifa watched apprehensively as her past self stumbled forwards, then screamed. The blurs became focused. Her past self collapsed. Fell over backwards. She saw Aeris hitting her past self around the face, when she fell back to the floor. She raised her head. It was another one of her memories.

This time there were ice cold winds. The sky was a deep purple colour. Aeris' irises had turned white. Her mouth hung open. Lightning flashed and deafening thunder roared. Aeris was swept up into the air, her pony-tail floating behind her. A piercing white light was reflected from her. A radiant aura shone around her whole body. Beams of blinding light was emitted from her fingertips, toes and her eyes. Aeris' voice suddenly sounded. It seemed ghostly in Tifa's ears.

'Beware, Cloud Strife. Your most precious thing will be gone soon. It will be snatched, snatched by destiny. Fight it, and you will lose. There is nothing to stop the inevitable. Beware....' Tifa watched as a bolt of lightning slashed the ground apart. It grew at the speed of sound, towards the past Tifa. She could hear herself cry for help.

'Cloud, help me!'

She watched as Cloud turned on his heel and started to run towards the past Tifa, but the lashed ground became more and more wrecked. Finally, she watched as the edge of the pit in the ground was at her feet. She watched herself stumbled and fall. She heard Barret and Cloud shout and scream to her. She watched Aeris fall out of the sky and land in a heap on the hard ground.

Now there was the final memory, one that had been buried deep into Tifa's mind and forgotten about. Years ago, when Tifa was only sixteen....

Nibelheim was in flames. Every person in sight was dead. Tifa had ran over to the Mako reactor past the mountain range of Mt. Nibel. She burst through the doors of the reactor and saw yet another dead body on the floor. But this one was a person very close to Tifa. It was her biological father. She saw herself spot Sephiroth's sword next to the body. She heard her own words...

'Sephiroth....Shinra....SOLDIER....Mako....I hate them all!!' Tifa heard Sephiroth, this time talking to someone.

'Mother, it's me. Let me in, Mother.'

Then the past Tifa then took up Sephiroth's sword and walked into the next chamber of the reactor and up a set of stairs to Sephiroth. Her own voice sounded again - but shrilly this time - in her ears.

'Why did you do that do papa and all the townspeople?'

Tifa saw as Sephiroth grabbed the handle of his sword and wrestled it out of the past Tifa's protesting hands. After Sephiroth snatched it out of her hands, he pulled his arms back and struck Tifa across her chest, creating the scar that she had been cursed with. She watched as she saw herself fall backwards down the stairs again. She crashed to the floor when a younger Cloud burst in. He hurried over to the past Tifa's body and heard herself speak again, but weakly.

'You promised that you would come when I was in trouble...'

Cloud picked up Tifa's limp body and placed her safely out of the way. He then hurried after Sephiroth. Somehow, he survived confrontation.

For the final time, Tifa's knees gave way. A bright red shone through her closed eyelids. She squinted at the light and saw that the red flames around her had returned in full measure. She stood up unsteadily and looked around to see if anyone else had seen what she had seen, but there was no one else about. Yet another voice sounded in her mind. It was as cold and as deadly as Sephiroth's, but it was a woman's voice. She didn't recognise it.

'You are remembering the great power of Sephiroth. He, who has your 'friend' will not be stopped. He will not be restrained. There is not enough power in the world to stop the future master of this world...' Tifa tried to call out to the person.

'You fool! How do you know what Sephiroth is planning? He wants us all dead! He doesn't care if they are friend or foe! After slaughtering all his enemies, he'll come back for his supporters, then SOLDIER members, Shinra soldiers, and finally, Rufus!' she bellowed.

Tifa went charging through the neighbouring villages, hunting Sephiroth. She was fully aware of how strange she looked. with her colourless, dull eyes, surrounded by flames of differing, contrasting colours. She tore through the Chocobo Farms, disturbing all the people in there, asking the owners to look after their gigantic, canary yellow birds. At long last, Tifa came across a dank, dark cave. She couldn't see what was inside very well, but she could just about make out a dark shape hanging from the roof of the cave, as though dead. She thought that if she walked into the cave, the light of the flames surrounding her would illuminate the scene for her to see. But as soon as she took one step inside the cave's entrance, she was plunged into a fresh wave of darkness. A flickering light near the back of the cave attracted Tifa's attention, but there was something else that seemed to be trying to get it first. Tifa looked around, taking in the gloomy atmosphere. She squinted up at the hanging figure. It was still too dark for her to make out, but it looked as though it was a human, who had seemed to have hung themselves. Suddenly, the thing let out a loud choking noise. Tifa gasped and sped up, away from the noise.

She carried on walking towards the flickering light. It became brighter and brighter, and it seemed to expand as well. As she walked further towards the back of the cave, the stronger the ominous feeling that she had in the pit of her stomach was. Her senses were suddenly on full alert. She became aware of any movement on ground level. When she reached the back of the cave, the light went out completely. A shadowy man stood up. He was very tall. Taller than Marlene. His body erupted, and electricity swallowed his whole body. Tifa saw his face. She spun around and saw that the person hanging managed to escape. She rubbed her neck, trying to get used to breathing again. Then she ran off. Tifa turned back to the man. It was Sephiroth. Tifa started to back away, but she wasn't able to operate the limbs properly. She was convulsed with fear.

Someone grabbed Tifa from behind. She tried to gasp, but her lungs weren't working. She couldn't breathe. She let herself be dragged from out the cave, wondering why Sephiroth was letting this happen, unless it was one of his supporters doing this. The hands gripped her shoulders and turned her around. It was Marlene. She had a mark one her neck where the chain had been, but had somehow prevented herself from being strangled.

Tifa felt relieved. Somehow, Marlene was alive, and so was she. But why didn't she feel relieved? Maybe it was the look on Marlene's face. She didn't seem to know what to do.

'Run.'

'What?' whispered Tifa.

'Run!' muttered Marlene back. 'Run before it's too late. This is a trap. Sephiroth is waiting for the right moment. His supporters, and Rufus' monsters will be coming soon. Go! I'll catch you up...'

It was too late. Sephiroth was behind them. Rufus had arrived. Rufus had red hair and was quite a short man; a dwarf compared to someone like Sephiroth, but what he lacked in height, he made up in viciousness. He wore all white. White shirt. White jacket. White trousers. He clasped a shotgun in one hand, and the leash of a blue panther in the other. It growled at Tifa. Rufus stood behind Marlene. Tifa saw him mouth something to Sephiroth, who nodded. Perhaps Marlene had noticed that something dreadful was going to happen soon, or she just didn't want to stand near Rufus, but she threw back her fist. She caught Rufus in the stomach, winding him. Tifa then punched Sephiroth, which was a big mistake. Marlene had started fighting off the supporters that were advancing on Tifa, when she noticed that Rufus' created monsters were not there.

Tifa snatched a sword out of the hands of a supporters and slashed at Sephiroth, then at Rufus. Marlene kicked up at a supporter and broke her neck. Tifa was having a battle with Sephiroth. They were both fighting with all their ability. Tifa swiped at Sephiroth's head, and he caught the blade, like Marlene did back in the graveyard. Tifa wrenched the blade free and carried on fighting. She could see a figure spinning in mid-air in the corner of her eye.

Marlene had jumped up, done the splits and was hitting people around the chin with her ankles. A supporter pinned her against a wall of the cave. He tried to kick Marlene, but she punched the man squarely in the face breaking his nose. She started punching him rapidly in the chest, watching Tifa at the same time. Then, she deftly put her left ankle behind the supporter's right leg, and pushed him, tripping him up. She then ran over to Tifa, who was about to take a deadly hit, grabbed her wrist, and ran. Sephiroth tore after them, trying to get his prize - Tifa. She looked over her shoulder and saw him chasing, and screamed. A supporter appeared in front of Marlene and Tifa without seeming to have moved. She grabbed Marlene and pushed her aside. Tifa started to run again, but the woman jumped and seized her around the waist. She dragged Tifa back to Sephiroth, who had all his supporters around him in a big circle. A large circle with a roughly drawn shape in the middle - similar to an 'A' - had been rolled out, and was leaning against the wall of the cave. Five candles had been placed in equal spaces around it. The supporters around Sephiroth were all watching Tifa, making sure that she wasn't going to get away. Tifa noticed that there was string of some sort on the big circular thing, as though to tie someone to it. Before she realised what was about to happen. Sephiroth had grabbed her around the waist and flew up. He managed to keep a good grip on her, considering that she was struggling with all her might to escape. He tied Tifa to the circle was then dropped straight down to earth.

Marlene started to get up. She noticed that all the supporters were watching their master. In fact, out of all of them, the only one watching her was Rufus. He was just about to say something, when her foot came flying and hit him squarely on the chin. Then, in a flash Marlene had one hand on his chin, and the other on the back of his head. Without any hesitation, she snapped his neck. The sound was drowned out by the sudden roaring of a creature being summoned. Sephiroth was using a Summon materia. Marlene could just about make out Tifa's terrified expression. A dragon came swooping down out of the sky and started to screech. The pitch was enough to burst someone's ear drums. Marlene looked around for something - anything - that she could use to disturb Sephiroth's concentration. That would make the dragon disappear. At last, she found a large stone. She took careful aim and threw it at Sephiroth's head. It hit him, right on target. Marlene ran. She sprinted past the supporters, and Sephiroth himself without being spotted. She clambered up the circle and tugged at the ropes holding Tifa. They both fell to the ground and started to run like never before.

'Stop them!' screamed Sephiroth. 'Never mind! I shall kill them myself!'

Looking back, Marlene saw red flames surround Sephiroth, which meant only one thing - he was about to use Death Sentence. The sped off and out of sight. Tifa slumped to the floor. Marlene fell down next to her.

'I hope you now see that it's fairly pointless trying to stop Sephiroth,' gasped Tifa.

'You did I seem to recall a few years ago,' shot Marlene, feeling a stab of annoyance.

'I know I did. But what we all didn't realise then was, that you can't kill him. He's immortal. So there isn't much we can do about it. If only Aeris was still here...'

Aeris Gainsborough was another who lost her life at the cruel hands of Sephiroth. She was an Ancient, part of the Cetra. It was rumoured that the Cetra could talk to the Planet. So maybe, if she was still alive, they could use that to their advantage....But that hope had long gone. Aeris was the last of the Cetra. Every Ancient is now dead. Years and years ago, the Cetra were going to go and find the Promised Lands - a land that promises supreme happiness - and were going to settle down there after their hard journey. But people that disliked the journey started to appear. They are the ancestors of all living people. The Planet had to sacrifice the Cetra for its survival. The others, the ones didn't want to go to the Promised Lands, survived because they hid. Now all that's left of the Cetra are in ancient books.

Sephiroth thinks that he was born superior to the Cetra, but he is mistaken. Sephiroth is actually an experiment by Hojo, of the Shinra Science Department. He was injected with the cells of Jenova - who he thought to be his mother - by Hojo, who wanted to see if he could make someone to have the power of the Cetra.

Marlene and Tifa were both lying on the grass, relieved to be far away from Sephiroth. Marlene had closed her eyes, when she became aware of movement next to her. She grabbed her bag, and realised that someone was having a look inside it while she wasn't looking. Marlene sat up and saw a sixteen year old girl looking surprised to have been caught.

'Just what do you think you're playing at?' demanded Marlene.

'Nothing,' said Tifa vaguely.

'Not you. This girl having a look in my bag.' When she said this, she grabbed the girl's wrist to stop her from getting away. Tifa sat up and gave her a piercing stare.

'What's your name?' asked Tifa, her eyes never leaving the girl's face. The girl muttered something.

'What? Didn't catch that,' said Marlene shortly. The girl sighed impatiently.

'Had you been listening, you would've heard me say. I'm Yuffie Kisargi,' snapped the girl. Marlene and Tifa talked to Yuffie for a while longer, before she tried to get up and leave, even though Marlene was still clinging onto her wrist. She studied Yuffie for a long while. She was about five foot six, she was quite tanned, and had jet black hair that crept just above her shoulders, and brown eyes. She wore a dark green vest top and cream shorts. She had socks of the same colour, and red shoes. She carried an odd weapon. It was four points in four different direction. A four-point shuriken. Yuffie wrenched her wrist out of Marlene's grasp. Her expression softened, and she sat down next to Marlene.

'I'm sorry for looking in your bag. I wasn't sure if you were alive or not, so, well...' said Yuffie, her voice trailing hopelessly off.

'You really should've checked first though, you know,' scolded Tifa. Yuffie ignored her. Tifa turned to Marlene.

'So, have you got any more bright ideas on how to try and get us killed by Sephiroth?' she asked. Marlene sighed.

'Well, at least I'm trying to do something about him!' snapped Marlene. She got angrily to her feet. So did Tifa and Yuffie. Yuffie stood between them both, in case they were about to fight.

'Hey, hey. I don't want to have to sort out a fight here, okay? Just chill, both of you. Why are you going after Sephiroth anyway?' Tifa and Marlene started to explain.

During the whole time that Yuffie was listening to their stories, she was sitting, looking stunned. Finally they stopped talking. They turned to Yuffie, who was too shocked to say a word.

'Sooo, let me get this straight. You want revenge for the scar he gave you?' - here she looked at Tifa - 'and you...want revenge for your dad's death?' said Yuffie at last. The other girls nodded.

'I doubt that either of you two has a Phoenix Down on you, do you?' asked Tifa.

'I've only ever had on, and I used that on you,' replied Marlene. Yuffie shook her head. Tifa sighed unhappily.

Pain upon pain suddenly shot through Marlene's shoulder like wild fire, and then spread through her body. She shouted out in pain. Yuffie pointed behind them, in the direction of where they ran from Sephiroth. Tifa squinted and saw Rufus laughing. He had one of his created monsters next to him, laughing also and waving its bow. Tifa remembered in Mideel, when she got shot by an arrow belonging to them, she got poisoned.

'Marlene! How does your shoulder feel? Does it feel like it's seizing up?' Marlene nodded slightly. The monster started to run towards them. Tifa, too full of worry about Marlene didn't notice it. A thud where Yuffie was told her that she had just fallen over. Tifa turned to face Yuffie and saw her on the floor, trying to hold off the monster, which was trying desperately to shoot her in the neck with and arrow. Tifa dived into the monster and pulled it off Yuffie. She crawled over to Marlene, while Tifa fought.

The monster whipped out another arrow and as quick as lightning shot it. Tifa spun out of the way and held out her arm as a third came whirring towards her. She caught it easily. The monster was firing three arrows in one go now. Tifa somersaulted over the monster's head and brought her fists down as hard as she could. She ran round to kick it in the head, but as she was just about to, the monster grabbed her ankle and forced an arrow into it. The monster dragged itself upright again and carried on attacking her. It threw a punch at her, but she caught it. Tifa then twisted the monster's arm round onto its back. She then kicked it and tripped it over. Suddenly, in a flash, Yuffie was there. She held the monster, so it couldn't escape, and Tifa rammed the arrow her flailing hand snatched at through its head. The dead body dropped something onto the grass. Tifa bent down and picked it up.

'It - it's a Phoenix Down! Now we can revive Cloud!' cried Tifa. She walked over to Marlene and searched in her bag. Marlene seemed to be in great pain from the arrow. She wasn't talking, or moving, and was barely breathing.

'Does the poison in the arrows kill?' asked Yuffie nervously. Tifa shook her head.

'No, they don't but I was left unconscious I think. But, I had also taken damage to my arm, so that didn't help,' replied Tifa.

Yuffie and Tifa picked up Marlene, and between them, they carried her to the nearest village, which happened to be a Chocobo farm , just past Kalm.

'I remember when I came here the last. In that swamp over there is a great big snake. The Midgar Zolom. Scared us all, but not as much as the sight we saw not that long after that,'

'Which was?' asked Yuffie.

'Another Zolom, but a dead one. It was wrapped around a vertical tree, pierced in several places by some branches. The really disturbing thing is that there is only one person in the world who can do that. He's Sephiroth. As in, the same one we're fighting. So I don't think we're going to stand much of a chance,' said Tifa. Yuffie shook her head despairingly.

The people in the Chocobo Farm rushed over as soon as they saw Marlene. They rested her on one of the beds and asked what the matter was.

'Do you have any Antidotes that we can use for her?' queried Tifa.

'Um, yes I do. But it's one hundred Gil,' replied the man, nervously. Yuffie's mouth dropped open in disbelief. She started shouting at the man. She asked him how he could even think of money when Marlene was in such a condition. She punched him in the face, grabbed the Antidote, and handed it to Tifa.

Marlene started to stir. Slowly, she sat up, rubbing her head. Tifa placed a comforting hand on her trembling shoulder. Yuffie shivered and looked around. Tifa froze and stood, hand still on Marlene, staring at the far wall. The other girls watched her. Marlene asked her what the matter was. Tifa didn't answer, and kept on staring. She felt sick. Wave after wave of nausea washed over her. Suddenly, without warning, the scar that she was cursed with burst with pain. Tifa screamed loudly. Marlene and Yuffie both held their hands over their ears.

'Go - away! Leave us - alone!' shouted Tifa. Marlene and Yuffie exchanged puzzled looks. Tifa collapsed. She couldn't see anything because a dark, murky grey fog had blocked out all of Tifa's vision. It made her feel very vulnerable. A high pitched whistling sound rang in Tifa's ears. She let out another piercing scream. Her whole body ached and throbbed with pain. Her breath caught in her throat. Her chest froze. She couldn't breathe. She could just about hear Marlene and Yuffie drop to the floor. A hand fixed itself around her throat. Tifa could feel herself being raised up high into the air. Then, she heard a groan. The hand dropped her back to the floor.

'Tifa! Tifa! Wake up! Please!' Someone's rough grasp shook her shoulders. The grey fog that was clouding her eyes shifted. Yuffie was on the floor, shaking her shoulders. Marlene was watching. A shadow stepped out from its hiding place. It was Sephiroth.

Tifa shook Yuffie off and stood up to face Sephiroth. He had a cruel smile on his face. He drew his sword and pointed it at her. Tifa drew in breath and waited. Sephiroth came rushing towards her, blade out. Tifa tried to avoid it, but wasn't quick enough. The blade, which was aimed at Tifa's heart, had been impaled in her stomach. Tifa called out quietly in pain. Yuffie and Marlene acted without hardly any hesitation. Marlene risked going in front of him and punched him in the face several times, while Yuffie tried her best to hold him back.

While they did that, Tifa weakly tugged out the sword. It had gone right through her stomach. She hobbled over to a window and threw it out. There was an inhuman roar, and Sephiroth had pulled free of Yuffie's and Marlene's grasp. They both went flying across the room, but Sephiroth stuck out his hand and grabbed Yuffie's ankle, watching her fall heavily to the floor. Marlene raised her head to watch. Sephiroth had taken out a small syringe of a evil looking black liquid. It seemed to be bubbling and making popping sounds. Tifa closed her eyes, but she couldn't block out the scream that Yuffie emitted when the syringe went in. Tifa was knocked to the floor as Yuffie came crashing into her. Tifa opened her eyes to see Sephiroth leap out the window to retrieve his sword.

Marlene came over and helped up the other two, and then they ran. The skidded to a halt, when the owner of the Chocobo farm came to see what all the noise was about. Sephiroth came and grabbed Marlene around the neck, trying to kill her. She choked and gasped for breath, as Sephiroth's arm strangled her. Tifa and Yuffie both thought the same thing at the same time. They both rushed up and punched him. Marlene swiped his sword. Hands reached up and grabbed Yuffie's head. Sephiroth straightened up. His foot came up and hit Tifa squarely on the chin. She sailed across the room and crashed into the far wall. Marlene sprinted over to her friend.

Sephiroth had managed to get Yuffie into a headlock. He was gripping her head hard, all the oxygen going to her brain was being cut off. Yuffie was finding it hard to stay upright. All her energy was being focused on keeping as much oxygen as she could. She suddenly sound a knee in her face. It hit her nose, which burst with blood, but Yuffie couldn't even call out.

Marlene had found a plank of wood. She swung it at Sephiroth. It connected with the side of his face, and broke in half. A small stream of blood dribbled down from his eye. It was the first time that he had ever bled. He straightened up Yuffie and shoved her into a wall. Her head met the wall with a sickening cracking sound. She fell backwards, unconscious. Tifa stood up, trying to keep her balance. Both she and Marlene held up Yuffie. They made another attempt to escape. They turned to see Sephiroth busying himself with the Chocobo farm owner. Sephiroth laughed as the man anxiously dodged his sword. The girls used this opportunity to escape.

They ran for a while, until they almost ran straight into the swamp. Tifa brought Yuffie's critical HP back to full. She collapsed to the floor. She looked pale.

'Yuffie, are you okay?' asked Marlene, carefully.

'I don't feel too good,' replied.

'What was that stuff in the syringe?' asked Tifa curiously. Yuffie shrugged.

'Not sure. Don't want to know. All I know is that it was painful. It was much worse than having boiling water poured over you. It was that bad.'

'Shall we go to the Sector Six and revive Cloud? I mean, we're going to need all the help we can get,' said Tifa. 'It's not that far away either.'

They headed towards Midgar, but all the time, Marlene and Tifa couldn't help keeping a watchful eye on Yuffie, in case the filthy liquid inside her veins did something odd to her. The three of them marched through Midgar, trying to hide the fear concealed inside them, and their shaking shoulders. They arrived at the Sector Six burial grounds. Marlene leaded them past the dead bodies that no-one could be bothered to move. She walked all the way to Tifa's grave and then turned to the one next to it. The tombstone bore the name 'Cloud Strife'.

Marlene once again, raised her hands over the grave, and the sarcophagus flew up. She directed it onto the ground. Tifa eagerly opened the lid up. Like Tifa was, Cloud had started to decompose.

'Oh yuck, He looks as bad as he smells!' exclaimed Yuffie, turning her face away. Marlene pulled out another Hi-Potion, and used it on Cloud. He looked ten years younger. He didn't look dead, but more as though asleep. Tifa slowly walked forwards, aware that Yuffie and Marlene were both watching her. She pulled the top of the Phoenix Down off and laid the other bit on the body. Once again, the red sparks appeared and covered his body. The three of them waited, watching, hoping that he would come back.

After what seemed an age, he started to stir. His eyelids flickered, but remained shut. His fingers flexed. He drew in his first breath he had in ten long years. His limbs twitched, and then, he sat up. He rubbed his eyes, and opened them. He looked around, at Marlene, at Yuffie, and then at Tifa.

'T-Tifa? Is it you?' he asked. He was whispering. Tifa nodded. She reached down and grabbed his hand. She helped him up and out of the sarcophagus. He straightened up and looked around. He glanced at Yuffie, who was looking around at all the other graves, and at Marlene.

'Hi Cloud,' said Marlene. It was clear from the look on her face, that he couldn't remember who she was.

'Cloud...do you remember little Marlene Wallace?' she asked softly. 'Barret's daughter?' He nodded. Tifa turned to her. Cloud followed her gaze and realised.

'Oh my god...Marlene! How you've grown! How old are you now?' asked Cloud, his voice full of happiness. Marlene went red.

'Fifteen.'

Tifa introduced Cloud to Yuffie. She said hello and then walked off, exploring the rest of the burial ground. Marlene however, continued to stare at Cloud. He had blonde, spiky hair, and big blue eyes. He was dressed in the same grey clothes as Tifa was. He looked well built, as though he had done a lot of hard training in some sort of self-defence. Then she remembered that after he moved away from Nibelheim, Tifa told her that he was going to try and join SOLDIER. Tifa and Cloud were talking to each other, catching up on what had happened. Marlene had always been secretly taken by Cloud, and she wished that she had the same closeness that Tifa had with him. She wouldn't admit it, but she thought he was very good-looking.

'So, what's been happening with you then, Marlene?' asked Cloud. Marlene could feel herself going red again at the question.

'Oh, um, not much really. I had to look after myself after Cid and everyone died, as there wasn't anyone else to. I moved into a small place in Junon. Just really kept myself to myself,' she replied. Tifa looked around.

'Hey, where's Yuffie?' a shrill super-human scream shot through the silent air. Cloud, Marlene and Tifa all rushed over. They could see what had happened to Yuffie.

She was on her knees. Her skin had gone a horrible reddish-brown colour. She threw back her head and screamed again, revealing two sets of jagged yellowing teeth. Her nails grew long and sharp, like animal claws. Her eyes had changed as well. Her irises a blood red, her pupils had turned white, and the actual whites of her eyes had gone black. She looked like some sort of creature out a horror film. Tifa saw her weapon lying on the floor, a few inches away from Yuffie. She edged round, trying to get close enough without letting Yuffie know what she was doing. She leapt. Tifa had fallen over backwards, trying to fight off the hideous monster that was once Yuffie. Cloud dived into her and Marlene helped Tifa to her feet. Yuffie had wrestled Cloud to the floor and then tried to bite him. He clamped one hand over her mouth and attempted to get up. Tifa seized Yuffie's weapon. She ran up, with Marlene behind and then before she got to make her move, one of Yuffie's clawed hands flew out behind and snatched the weapon away. Cloud struggled to get back to his feet. Tifa grabbed Yuffie's right arm, and Marlene grabbed her left. An arm was raised and Marlene screamed. She had just been hit in the face by the four-point shuriken. Cloud got to his feet and snatched it. Yuffie kicked out. Cloud was bent double and wheezing.

Tifa let go of Yuffie and ran over to Marlene. She forced her hands out the way, so she could have a look at what damage had been done by the weapon. There was a large trench on Marlene's face. It snaked from the top of her face on the left hand side, went across the bridge of her nose between her eyes, and stopped near her right ear. Yuffie came crashing straight into her and knocked her flying. Marlene was staring, one hand clamped over her right eye, as the mark the shuriken made came close to it. Cloud rose up behind Yuffie like a silent ghost. He brought the shuriken down hard on Yuffie's head, making her fall off Tifa.

A drip of black blood dribbled down Yuffie's arm. It looked to be the same mysterious liquid that Sephiroth had plunged into her. That was probably the cause for Yuffie's eerie transformation. Tifa and Cloud stood, side-by-side, facing Yuffie as though challenging her. Marlene had fallen to the ground in a dead faint without either of them noticing. Yuffie's left hand was swung at full force towards Cloud's face, her fingers curled, so she could let her claws have a turn...

Cloud sank to the floor, four marks on his cheek where Yuffie had hit. Tifa couldn't do a thing. She watched as Yuffie faced her. Marlene was out of the running. So was Cloud. Tifa was on her own. How long would it be before she was down as well? Tifa cartwheeled out of the way as Yuffie sprang forwards. She landed splay-legged, and turned around to face Tifa. She tried to hit Tifa's face, but she caught Yuffie's clawed arm and held it from a distance. Yuffie tried anything to get out of the iron grip. Tifa looked at her equipped materia and spotted a green 'Heal'. She prepared to use the magic 'Esuna' when she saw that the abnormal status she was suffering from wasn't one that could be cured. Tifa jumped back as Yuffie wrenched her arm free and made for another fresh attack. Tifa kicked, punched and dodged, while the enraged beast continued to fight. Tifa wrapped both her hands round Yuffie's wrists, trying to calm her down.

Cloud stirred. His eyes opened slightly. An animal feeling spread throughout his entire body. The pain on his face was fading. Little did he know that the marks were turning a dull, dark grey.

Tifa kicked Yuffie in the face, and watched her drop to the floor. She tried to grab the shuriken, but Yuffie sat up and bit Tifa's wrist. She cried out in pain. The dark black liquid gushed and poured into Tifa's bitten wrist. She screamed in agony as the hot liquid made contact with her. Tifa curled her fingers up into a fist and struck Yuffie as hard as she could. She watched as the creature fell over backwards. Tifa shakily got up, and examined her wrist. The bite mark was still there, but there was no hint that the black liquid had gone in. Maybe she could find a cure for it before she turned into something like Yuffie....It was a long shot, but she had to try, didn't she?

Tifa gave Yuffie one last kick to the head while she was down, knocking her out. She then concentrated on using Esuna on herself. She watched as a fountain of colours shot out of the ground, in a circle around her. She looked around at all the magentas, and blues. It vanished as soon as it appeared. She felt the same. Tifa knew that the only way she would be able to see if she was still infected would be to check for any abnormalities. She Sensed herself and saw that she had none, but she did have low HP and MP.

Tifa searched around for an Elixir, to restore her lost HP and MP. Then she Sensed Cloud and Marlene, cured Cloud and then woke Marlene up. They watched Yuffie carefully, in case she might wake up and attack again. Tifa approached Yuffie cautiously, watching her every move. When she was a meter away, Yuffie sat bolt upright. She scrambled to her feet, and leapt at Tifa. Just before she collided into Tifa, she used Esuna on her. Tifa moved aside as Yuffie flew past her. She landed on the floor, human once more.

'Ouch! That hurt! You could've tried to catch me, you know! Instead of letting me fall like that!' protested Yuffie. 'Oh, man. I didn't like that. Being a monster just isn't something you want to be.'

'I could comment here...' muttered Cloud. He shut up when he got a heavy blow from Tifa. Marlene reached down and dragged Yuffie to her feet. They started walking towards the exit of the burial grounds, talking to each other. Cloud held out his hand to give Yuffie her shuriken back, when a noise up above distracted them all.

'What the hell is that?' called Yuffie, raising her voice to be heard over the noise.

'It's raining, that's all,' replied Cloud, his voice equally as loud.

'Just raining? You sure about that?' Marlene told Yuffie to look above them. She glanced at the plate, but didn't understand. She then explained that the noise is the raindrops on the plate. But right underneath, it sounded like a shower of bullets. They walked out of Midgar, away from the deafening sound of the downpour. They walked straight into it.

'Is it me, or has it turned just a tiny bit damp out here?' asked Yuffie.

'It's you,' replied Cloud sarcastically.

They sky was darker than ever. The rain lashed the ground, covering the endless fields with mud. Thick, grey clouds covered the already colourless sky. Marlene called out in surprise as thunder clapped. Lightning struck. It lit up the sky. An icy, arctic wind blew around them all, making them shiver and draw closer together. Marlene was more than happy to draw closer to Cloud, but she felt a sharp pain, like a knife in her stomach when she saw Cloud and Tifa holding hands. Yuffie threw her arms around Marlene, trying to keep warm.

'Y-Yuffie, get off me, I can't breathe!' gasped Marlene.

'Oh. Sorry.'

Another jagged fork of lightning struck. It hit a tree, quite far away, setting it on fire. The four watched as the flames spread all over the tree in seconds. They decided to try and seek shelter, but not at the Chocobo Farm, in case Sephiroth was still lurking near there. They slowly walked towards Kalm, to see if it was still destroyed, or if it had been rebuilt.

Marlene silently cursed at the fact that Tifa and Cloud were walking, still hand-in-hand. She was on Cloud's other side, and Yuffie was chatting to Tifa, who was next to her. They carried on walking for a bit when Marlene tripped, and fell over. She landed, so that her fist collided with her throat. She tried to call out, but she hit her throat too hard. None of the others noticed that she wasn't there. Marlene's legs didn't seem to want to support her weight, so she dropped to the ground and watched as the other three walked off, leaving her in the freezing mud.

Tifa, Yuffie and Cloud walked into Kalm, and gasped. It had been rebuilt; it looked exactly how it did before Sephiroth destroyed it. Sodden, freezing and shivering, they ran for cover into the inn. Yuffie turned back, expecting to see Marlene, but she didn't.

'Hey, you two! Marlene's gone! She's not here.'

' What do you mean 'she's not here'?' asked Cloud.

'Ooh, I don't know. Maybe she's gone. As in, disappeared, maybe?' retorted Yuffie.

'She'll turn up. Not even anyone that likes the rain will want to be stuck trudging through mud. She probably stopped to tie her shoelace, or something, and got left behind a bit,' said Tifa.

The three waited for her to come rushing in, but when she didn't they started to worry.

'You don't think that maybe Sephiroth crept up behind us and took her, do you?' queried Yuffie.

'If he was going to be stealthy, then he wouldn't dream of passing up the best opportunity he's ever going to get of killing me. Somehow, I don't think that would be his style. No, I very much doubt it,' replied Tifa.

'Could be Rufus. Trying to lure us into a trap, so that maybe he could have a go at us himself, or, trying to lure us so that Sephiroth could finish us, like you said,' suggested Cloud, nodding at Tifa.

'Well, I don't care. I'm going to go out and find her. I guess I sort of owe it to Barret,' said Tifa. With that, she walked out of the room, and headed out of Kalm. Cloud and Yuffie trailed after her, once again, stepping out into the pouring rain. Just outside Kalm, they almost ran into Tifa, who was standing with her hands over her mouth, staring at something they couldn't see. Cloud walked up to her and asked her what she was staring at. She didn't answer, or look away. All she did was raise her left arm and point at something. Yuffie and Cloud both followed her pointing finger and gasped.

Marlene was on her hands and knees. She looked as though she had been beaten up. Her long, black hair was soaking, and stuck to her back. Her clothes were torn, and she looked as though she was bleeding in several places. They couldn't see her face. Cloud ran over to her and helped her up. He grabbed her right wrist and tugged her to her feet. When she raised her head and looked at him, he shouted out in surprise. He started to back off. Marlene took heavy step after heavy step towards him. When she got too close he turned on his heel and sprinted away. Marlene followed him, quickening her pace.

Face down, Marlene headed towards Tifa. She stopped and rested her hands heavily on Tifa's shoulders. She tried to raise Marlene's face, but Cloud warned her not to. Yuffie asked Marlene what the matter was, but she just ignored the question. They could all hear Marlene's ragged breathing. Tifa felt the grip on her shoulders become noticeably stronger. Tifa saw Marlene lift her head, but didn't see Marlene's face. Instead she saw the grim face of death.

The redness of Marlene's bloodshot eyes was more noticeable then the rest of her. Her brown irises had faded to a very light grey. The pupils were as black as ever. Her skin was drawn tightly over her face. Tifa thought that she could see the bones underneath. Marlene was as pale as death. Paler than death. The grip on Tifa's shoulders was rapidly getting tighter. It started to hurt. She tried to move, to turn away from the sallow face that was once her friend. She resembled a zombie. What has happened to you, Marlene? thought Tifa. You're not the girl that I know. You're a hideous monster! Her name started to echo in Tifa's brain. She didn't know what to do, how to get out of Marlene's death grip. She felt worried. She was certain that Sephiroth was behind this. Had he injected something into her like he did to Yuffie, while they were in Kalm, before they noticed she had gone? Tifa started to wince. The grip didn't loosen. It got much, much tighter.

As Tifa called out in pain, Cloud and Yuffie stepped forwards to try and wrestle her off. Marlene let go of Tifa with one hand and swung it out behind her, catching both Cloud and Yuffie. They flew through the air. Cloud landed not very far away, but twisted his ankle painfully. Yuffie landed quite a distance away, but on her feet. She quickly got her balance back and started towards Marlene again. Tifa was only caught by her right wrist. It happened slowly. Yuffie was running as fast as her legs could carry her, struggling to keep upright in the slippery mud. Marlene saw her approach and grabbed Tifa's right arm at the elbow. Her hands went down. Her left knee went up. A sharp crack ripped the moderately silent air apart. Tifa screamed in agony upon agony. Yuffie skidded to a stop. Tifa slumped to the wet ground, cradling her broken arm. Cloud sat up, rubbing his twisted ankle.

Yuffie shrieked. The call shot through the air. She lunged. Marlene dodged. She reached out an grabbed Yuffie's right arm, twisting it far behind her back. Yuffie's foot flew backwards and hit Marlene's knee. She cried a monstrous cry of pain, and hobbled backwards. A flying palm rushed through the air, hitting Yuffie's face. Yuffie's hand reached up to her stricken cheek. She and Marlene stood, staring at each other for a while. Marlene went forwards, but instead of stepping forwards like a stealthy hunter, she lost her footing. As she made her descent to the ground, her hands flailed at Yuffie, and her fingers curled around her right hand. On her knees, Marlene yanked her hands towards her face, and bit down hard. Cloud's hands were placed on her shoulders. He pulled her backwards and tossed her over his hip. He asked Yuffie if she was alright, and both of them went to help up Tifa, who had been wincing and gasping in pain. They wasted no time. Before Marlene could get up again, they ran. They were carried over the grass, without their feet appearing to touching the soft ground.

There was the unmistakable sound of a liquid dripping on grass, as they ran. Tifa stopped them and pointed it out. Then Yuffie looked at her bitten hand, and saw that it was gushing blood out. Marlene had bitten a great chunk of flesh out of her hand leaving a wide gap in it. Cloud looked in his item bag and pulled out a bandage. He gently pulled Yuffie's wrist towards him, and began to tightly wrap up her pouring hand. Every now and then she could wince. The bandage seemed not to stem the flow of blood. Tifa was clutching her broken arm to her chest, hoping that the pain would go away. Cloud turned to her and started to make a sling out of the remainder of his bandages for her.

Yuffie glanced up at the sky, at the two gigantic rocks that were heading towards the planet and shuddered. Tifa and Cloud followed her apprehensive gaze, and they too, looked up at the Meteors.

'I'm assuming that we are going to have to try and get rid of them as well?' questioned Yuffie. She groaned and pulled a face as Cloud nodded. Blood soaked through Yuffie's bandaged hand, and still dripped to the mud.

'But before we even think about trying to stop Meteor number one and two, we need to get you to a hospital,' said Tifa.

'If Cid was still alive, we could use the plane that he used to tell me about to fly in, instead of walking everywhere. But we can't. Because of damned Sephiroth! Everything that's wrong is linked to him! Millions of innocent people dying, just because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time! Barret....because we all tried to stop Rufus and Sephiroth! We had a chance when he was alive, but now it's gone! Just like everything else!' shouted Cloud. 'Barret...is gone. We're not going to make it...' Tifa sighed sadly. She started to breathe heavily. It felt like her head was swirling.

The ground seemed to shake underneath Tifa's feet. A thick, obscure fog dulled her vision. A tingling sensation at her chest meant only one thing. She dropped gently to her knees, muttering the word 'Sephiroth...' Her sight faded completely, as she fell to her side, landing on her damaged arm. She could only hear. All her other senses died. She could hear the rumble of thunder, and the crackle of lightning. She heard another figure landing near her fallen self, coming in from flight. She could hear Yuffie and Cloud's footsteps rush towards her, as though trying to protect her. She could hear the sneering laughter that had haunted her very dreams ten years ago. She heard several thuds and then Yuffie and Cloud fell to the floor. The nameless figure picked her up, heaved her over its shoulder and started to fly off. She could hear Cloud screaming.

'No! No! No, no, no!'

Tifa was dropped onto a frozen stone floor, her head connecting with a stone wall. She floated on the line between alive and active and unconsciousness. She settled into the darkness of oblivion, unaware of anything.....

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Cloud got up, helped by Yuffie.

'I don't care what the consequence is, but I'm gong to get Tifa back, no matter what it takes!' he shouted.

'You're kidding, right? I mean, you could get seriously hurt.'

'I don't really give a damn about that. I swear, if Sephiroth hurts Tifa, I'm going to rip him apart, limb from limb,' Yuffie laughed bitterly. Cloud demanded to know what was so funny.

You say that, knowing what power he possesses, and what poisons he has. I'm betting that it was him injecting something into Marlene. I'm so sure of it .'

Cloud muttered something incoherent and gazed longingly at the ground where Tifa had lain.

__________________________________________________________________________________

The figure that was Tifa Lockheart awoke, but did not sit up. She squinted at her surroundings, trying to see where she was, but without letting on to anyone that she was conscious.

'So, what are we to do with her, then?' asked a voice.

'You pathetic being. What do you think we're going to do with her? Keep her alive for the fun of it? No, I want to end her pitiful life now,' came the cold voice of Sephiroth. Tifa managed to stifle a gasp. A blast of cold air rushed over her. She wanted to move, to suddenly awake and then run before anyone got the chance to stop her. But the pain in her right arm had been building up considerably while she was unconscious. She shuddered involuntary, giving away the fact that she was awake. She sat up and saw that she was rested on a stone platform in Sephiroth's cave. She recognised it as the one she had to drag Marlene away from.

'Ah, the brat is no longer swimming the seas of unconsciousness. Welcome back. Now, hold still, or my helper here might just twist that broken arm of yours, and I very much doubt you will want that,' sneered Sephiroth.

Tifa considered her options carefully. She could sit up and try and run away, get caught and then brutally murdered, or stay lying down, and let Sephiroth kill her. Either way, it didn't look very good for her. Sephiroth advanced with his Masamune unsheathed. She noticed that there was a stream of dried blood on his face from when Marlene had hit him hard in the face with the plank of wood. His supporter was on Tifa's right hand side, ready to hurt her if she made a wrong move. Sephiroth was in front of her. He walked round to the end of the platform, where her head lay, and raised his sword so that the point of the blade was aiming right between her eyes.

Sephiroth thrust down. Tifa rolled. She rolled off the edge of the platform to her left with surprising speed, narrowly missing the Masamune. She heard it clang against the stone. Tifa straightened up and ran. She saw the supporter sprinting after her, rapidly decreasing the amount of distance between them. After a few more seconds, the supporter caught up with her and roughly grabbed her right arm. She screamed and kicked out automatically. Her foot caught him in the mid section, winding him. She glanced back at Sephiroth quickly, relieved to see that he was having difficulties heaving his sword out of the stone.

'Kill her! Don't let her escape!' he yelled.

Tifa had no intentions of being recaptured now. Not when she had the upper hand. Not a chance. Her feet flew over the ground. She was sprinting full out, making desperate attempts to keep her energy up. She glanced back, looking at the supporter. She saw that he had just stood up, about to run. A smug expression spread widely over his face, and she didn't like it.

As her head whipped round to see where she was running, she crashed straight into someone. She rebounded and stumbled, keeping her balance. Yet another supporter was in front of her. This one was armed with two swords. He crouched down, spinning round with his leg stuck out, tripping Tifa up. While she was on the ground, the supporter sunk both swords deep into her left leg, piercing it. She wailed in pain, her cries loud enough to attract anyone from miles around. The supporter was laughing evilly, but wasn't deafened by the shout of pain. Tifa's cry was cut off by a foot stamping sharply on her face. Sephiroth had succeeded in tugging his Masamune free. Her face throbbed with pain. Her nose felt wet, and she was sure that it had started to bleed. Tears clogged her eyes. She struggled to keep them contained, she was determined not to give Sephiroth the pleasure of knowing how scared she was.

The pressure on her face was beyond anything she had ever felt, from something that was human. The only thing that was worse than this was when she, Aeris and Cloud had to face a five meter tall experiment of the Shinra. The brute had brought both of its swords down on Tifa, trying to disarm her. She was so sure that the blade of her own was going to break.

Tifa reached up with her left arm and grabbed Sephiroth's leg. She raised it slightly. Sephiroth, worried that he was going to fall over, tried to remain standing. Tifa lifted her head and then sunk her teeth deep into his leg. He cried out and shook her off. Tifa then kicked out with her right leg, hitting the supporter with the swords. Surprised, he jumped backwards and dropped them. As fast as lightning, she snatched at one then stood shakily up. Her aim was true. The blade struck the man through his ribcage, before finding its way into the other one's skull. The sound of Sephiroth's laughter forced its way into Tifa's ears. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

She turned to face the genocidal maniac, who so badly wanted her death. They faced each other, looking at the other one, eye to eye. Sephiroth grinned and raised his Masamune. Tifa lifted her sword uncertainly.

'I could kill you right now. You are one step away from crumpling into a heap at my feet. Please forgive me, but I can't see the point in you fighting me, when you in your current condition. You cannot even run away, you do not have the energy,' whispered Sephiroth.

'You have no idea what sort of energy I have,' replied Tifa. But no matter what she said, the horrible realisation that he was right crept in. There was no point in fighting. It would be a losing battle for her. Why bother? But she had thought this before, but then, a miracle happened at the last moment, whether it was someone coming round after being knocked out cold, or someone appearing at her side, helping her fight. But something about the evil smile in Sephiroth's cruel face told her that there wasn't going to be any miracle this time round. She was doomed. The pain in her broken arm and pierced leg constantly reminded her that she wouldn't be running.

Sephiroth cupped his hands, and Tifa had to look away as a bright light shone from them as he conjured up a fireball. Just before he got the chance to release it, two people came running up behind her. She didn't turn around to see who it was, she was too busy watching Sephiroth. But she almost knew that it was more supporters. Sephiroth sent the fireball off into its course. Tifa didn't even try and get out of the way. She knew she couldn't. But instead of hitting her full force in the face, it struck her in her stomach. It instantly dissolved and vanished. The burning feeling surged all through her body. It grew stronger with each lengthening second. She felt as though she had been thrown straight into a burning pit. Tifa collapsed. Her legs couldn't take her dead weight anymore. She sailed from vertical to horizontal in one majestic sweep. She landed hard on her bleeding nose, but didn't move.

She could vaguely hear the clanging of swords in the background. Two hands grabbed at her and turned her over. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes. The kind, yet worried face of Yuffie was hovering over her. She knelt down, and placed Tifa's left arm around her neck. Then, she raised Tifa up to a standing position. Tifa looked around at the two sword fighters.

Cloud wasn't injured, except for his twisted ankle from Marlene. But, it still acted as an advantage for Sephiroth. Not that he needed any. Sephiroth attacked high. Cloud blocked high. He then blocked low, as the Masamune swept towards his legs. Cloud then punched him squarely in the face, then rolled to the side. Sephiroth lunged, - Cloud dodged his blade - the followed though with his elbow. Cloud thought that he had dodged completely out of the way, but when his head snapped backwards, he saw that the tip of the Masamune was tinted with a red stain. His blood. Cloud suddenly remembered when he and Tifa were fighting in Kalm, Sephiroth's Masamune was thrust into his arm. He remembered the sickening smile that grew over his face when his own blood dripped down the blade. He still couldn't believe how much pleasure that man could get from causing pain and suffering. He was caught, lost in his own thoughts. Sephiroth, seeing the major advantage swung his foot up with extreme force, catching Cloud on the chin. He flipped head over heel from the blow and landed sprawled on the ground nearby.

Yuffie snatched the sword out of Tifa's hands, and raised it defensively in front of herself, ready to fight. She quickly seized the opportunity to use her Cure materia on Tifa. Her arm was no longer broken. A hand shot out to grab the blade of the Masamune that was suddenly right in front of them. Tifa was clinging onto the Masamune, determined not to let go, determined not to let Sephiroth hurt anyone. He had done too much damage already. Yuffie instantly ran round behind Sephiroth and grabbed at the back of his trench coat, pulling at it hard. The Masamune fell to the floor. A support who seemed to have decided to come over and help Sephiroth held Yuffie by the tops of her arms, tugging her away. He dragged her back to the cave, while trying to avoid several badly timed blows.

Sephiroth bent down and picked up his Masamune. Before she could do a thing, he also had a tight grip on her ankle in his other hand. He raised it, making Tifa fall over. She covered her head with her arms, attempting to protect her head. The blood rush straight to her head in seconds. Sephiroth could almost feel heat radiating off her. He started to laugh, but it was cut off, and replaced with a short grunt as someone smacked him. Tifa fell completely back down to the ground. She lay in the mud for a while, waiting for the blood to re circulate.

Cloud unsheathed his sword and immediately jumped backwards to avoid being sliced by the Masamune. The blade of rushed towards the unaware Tifa, but Cloud hurled himself forwards, got to his feet and rammed his right shoulder into Sephiroth's side, with so much force, he was bowled over. He landed next to Tifa, and swung his sword towards her again. Cloud dropped to his knees and stuck out his arm, the Masamune clanging against Cloud's weapon. The noise startled the restful Tifa awake, and when she saw Sephiroth next to her, she instantly scrambled to her feet and ran, leaving Cloud to fight.

Yuffie was having problems of her own. She was being viciously attacked by two of Sephiroth's supporters. They were beating her to a bloody pulp. She had been worked down to the floor, trying to cover herself up protectively as wave after wave of punches and kicks washed over her in great tides. She flung a random arm upwards, and managed to grab the clothing of one of her attackers. She pulled down, and there was a loud crack. The head of the supporter hit the hard ground, and started to bleed.

The other supporter yanked her arm away from his fallen companion, and shoved her to her feet. He held her against a stone wall of the cave and punched her hard in the stomach, then her ribcage. He then dished out blow after blow around her face. The punishment was relentless.

Tifa came running towards Yuffie and the supporter hitting her. She picked up a chain that was lying on the floor and brought it round the man's neck. He choked and tried to wrestle it off Tifa, but she wouldn't loosen her grip. In the corner of her eye, she saw Yuffie leaning against the wall, her head gently resting on it with her eyes closed. She was breathing loudly through her mouth. Then, without warning, the man's hands flew to the chain strangling him, and he wrenched it from her grasp. Tifa spun the man round before he could try and hit Yuffie with the chain. She quickly laid one hand on his chin and the other on the back of his head. She then tugged sharply. She was rewarded with another crack, signalling that she had successfully broken the man's neck. She let his limp body drop to the ground before turning to see Sephiroth stopping a meter away, and Cloud jogging up behind him, looking to see if Yuffie and Tifa were both okay. Sephiroth had finally put his Masamune back into it's sheath.

As Cloud passed Sephiroth, he snatched his sword out of his hands and lobbed it as hard as he could manage - it soared through the air like a bird of prey chasing after it's quarry. Cloud started to sprint as the deadly blade homed in on Tifa, who was standing directly in front of Yuffie. Cloud jumped and crashed into Tifa, knocking her to the ground, and out of the sword's path. They both turned their heads to see the blade come to a halt. It had coursed straight into the chest of Yuffie.

They both heard Sephiroth screaming a string of different curse words in his anger of once again failing to slaughter Tifa. Both Tifa and Cloud stared at Yuffie's pale body. Her face had been cleared from the shocked look it had before the sword struck. Her hands were loosely holding the hilt of the weapon as a last attempt to defend herself in her weakened position. Her head was leaning forwards, her mouth slightly open, her eyes half shut. Her short black hair was draped over her face, almost covering it. Her knees were slightly bent. Tifa noted that Cloud's sword had not only been thrown through Yuffie's body, but also the frozen stone wall behind it. It was probably stuck in there, as a trophy of Sephiroth, as something to remind him of what he did.

Cloud quickly jumped to his feet and ran over to Yuffie's body. It was so cold to touch. He wrapped his fingers around the handle of his own sword and pulled. Just as Tifa thought, it was stuck in the stone.

'Cloud...give up...please...' whispered Tifa. She was too grieved to cry. She had grown to like Yuffie more than a friend. She thought of her more as the sister she never had. But now, she was gone. Lost forever, never to be seen moving again. There was no chance of getting a Phoenix Down, it was a complete fluke that she managed to find one to revive Cloud with. But she now had a new thought to content with.

She saw Cloud's confused expression spread when he turned away from Yuffie. Tifa followed his gaze, knowing that what she was about to see was most likely not going to be good news. She was right.

Two more supporters were walking up towards them, dragging a reluctant figure with them. Tifa could just make out that it was a young woman, as they were at a distance. She drew closer to Cloud, who placed a comforting arm around her trembling shoulders. They both gasped in horror when they saw the girl. It was Marlene.

She was dressed in a long black gown with a lace up pattern on the front. Underneath the flared sleeves were her black nailed hands, chained together. She had high heeled black boots on. Cloud noticed that Marlene looked normal now, but apprehensive. He couldn't blame her. Surely she knew who those people were with?

The two supporters walked up to Sephiroth, Marlene being pulled along against her will. They stopped in front of him, and gave her a hard shove. She overbalanced and landed on her knees, facing Sephiroth. She had her face turned down, looking at the floor. But Sephiroth reached out and grabbed her hair, pulling at it, forcing her to look at him. Grudgingly, she turned her eyes towards him. He tugged his Masamune out and rested it on Marlene's left shoulder. She tightly shut her eyes, not daring to move.

Cloud and Tifa made their way silently upto him. As Sephiroth raised his sword again, about to swing it at Marlene's neck, Tifa and Cloud started to sprint. Before anyone could to a thing, Cloud had leapt. He clung onto Sephiroth's back, his legs wrapped around the man's torso, his arms at Sephiroth's throat.

The Masamune was thrown into the air. Startled, Tifa managed to catch it. The weight of it was too much to bear. How could anyone bear carrying it? She lowered its point to the ground, and buried it in the ground until only the hilt showed. She spun sideways, her elbow catching a supporter in the stomach. Winded, the man bent over. Tifa kicked the back of the man's legs, forcing him to fall over. She kicked him until he rolled over onto his back. Then she knelt down by him, with one knee between his shoulders. Then she yanked them, snapping his collarbone.

Marlene was still kneeling on the floor, watching Cloud and Sephiroth struggle. Sephiroth was having no luck in knocking off his foe. Cloud was clinging on with all his strength, flinging his leg around, beating Sephiroth with his heels. His hands were at Cloud's, trying to free himself from the grip. He tried a different tactic. When Cloud next stuck out his foot for another kick, Sephiroth grabbed it. He threw Cloud off him, watching the luckless man fly through the air. He then turned his attention to Tifa, who was still fighting his supporters. She saw him glaring at her, and then caught a blow on the chin from the supporter she was battling. He walked over and pulled out his Masamune.

Tifa ran over to Cloud, and started to shake him until she sat up. But as son as he opened his eyes to look at her, they widened in horror. He shook his head at something behind Tifa. Slowly, anxiously, she turned. Then screamed. She saw Marlene lying on the floor, blood rushing out of a wound on her neck. She ran over, and lifted her head up, examining the deep, open cut. She tried to see what materia Marlene might have, but failed. Cloud came up behind her, and handed her a Cure materia. She equipped it, and then used 'Cure3' magic. A red, green and blue mist hovered around Marlene, restoring her HP. She grasped Marlene's hand, silently wishing and hoping against hope that she would awaken. Marlene's fingers started to twitch.

She started to sit up, supported by Tifa. Cloud then took both her hands and pulled her upright. Marlene was aware of the pain that was on her neck. It wasn't as vivid as before, when the blade of the Masamune pierced her skin, but it still hurt. The three of them glanced back, expecting to see Sephiroth attempting to get at them, to try and attack them, but to their surprise, he wasn't. He was just watching them, all his supporters were at bay, looking at though they were itching to make their assault, but didn't dare in the presence of their merciless master.

The three of them took their chance, and ran. As they ran past the body of a supporter, Cloud bent down and snatched up the sword nearby. Tifa kept on glancing back, wondering what was going on. Why was Sephiroth letting go of a perfect opportunity to kill her? She didn't know, and it worried her. She knew more than anything else, that main thing that he wanted was her dead. She tried her hardest to hide it, but the fact was Sephiroth terrified her more than anything else in the world. Every time she saw his evil face, fear crept in over her whole body. She thought that one day, she was going to be so scared, her body would freeze. Frozen in fear.

Tifa could successfully hide her fear from Yuffie and Marlene, but she couldn't keep it a secret from Cloud. As the three of them slowed to a walk, he sidled over to her and asked her what the matter is.

'Nothing. I'm...I'm fine. Honestly,' she replied. As she spoke, she kept her face turned away from him and Marlene. He stopped her, and gently turned her to face him. Marlene stopped next to him to watch.

'Tifa,' said Cloud gently. 'I can tell something's wrong. I know I look it, but I'm not all that stupid. Please tell me what's wrong.' Tifa kept looking at the floor. But then when Cloud placed a hand underneath her chin and raised her face and asked her a third time, she reacted by throwing her arms around his neck, sobbing on his shoulder. Cloud wrapped his arms lightly around her torso, whispering softly in her ear, trying to calm her down. Once again, Marlene felt a sharp stab of pain in her stomach, like she did after they exited Midgar and headed to Kalm. She ignored it and stepped over to Tifa.

After a few minutes of trying to cheer Tifa up, she raised her head from Cloud's shoulder.

'Tifa, what is the matter? You can't pretend it's nothing now,' said Marlene in a soothing voice. Tifa looked at her with her tearful eyes and started to speak. She said how she felt in regard to Sephiroth. She spoke of the gripping fear that surged through her like an electric current every time he was near. She voiced thoughts that she never said to anyone. Things that even Cloud had no idea about.

'Whenever he draws near, and something odd happens to me, like I collapse, I can hear his sneering, cruel laughter, shrilly in my ears. All this death and destruction he causes, he does it because he likes it. It's a hobby of his. Murdering people that haven't done a thing wrong. He won't be stopped. Once he's run out of enemies to kill, he'll go after his allies. Either that, or we'll all be burned to death by the Meteors. I don't know how we're going to get out of this!' She spun away from Cloud and Marlene, struggling to contain the rest of her tears. The other two walked over to her. Cloud stayed on her left, Marlene on her right. Tifa tried not to notice them. Cloud put his right arm around her shoulders, held her right hand in his left. They all walked in silence.

They decided to head to Kalm again, as it was the nearest place with an inn. Cloud kept an eye on both the girls, so if anything happened, he would know. All the time, Tifa kept herself to herself, sniffing every now and then. Marlene walked into the inn first, asking if there was a spare room. Tifa and Cloud broke apart, then followed her. Marlene leaded the couple upstairs, handed them a room key, then walked into another one, slamming the door behind her.

'She doesn't seem too happy about something, does she?' muttered Cloud to Tifa, who just nodded. She opened the door to hers and Cloud's room.

About halfway across to room, she crumpled in a heap on the floor, and instantaneously started crying again. Cloud shut the door, not wanting anyone passing by to stick their nose in, and helped Tifa up. He walked her over to the double bed, and sat her down on it. He then seated himself down next to her. She leant against him, wishing that she had more control over her tears, She was thinking that Cloud was picturing her as a fool for losing control. The two of them didn't speak to each other, just sat there, listening to their own thoughts.

Not long after that, they both started to get tired. Still bleary-eyed, Tifa stepped up and yawned. Cloud got into bed. Tifa stayed up for a few minutes longer, wondering whether she should go and talk to Marlene. She didn't seem very happy, either. She seemed to be more angry than anything else.

Tifa silently opened the door, and walked across the corridor to Marlene's room. She knocked on the door, but didn't get an answer. She sighed, then walked slowly back, idly biting her fingernails, staring unhappily at the floor. She opened the door, then climbed into bed next to Cloud. Almost instantly, she was consumed by irresistible waves of sleep.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Marlene awoke, still feeling sleepy. She realised that she had fallen asleep in the beautiful black gown that she wore yesterday. It was a pity. She liked it, but she was only wearing it because that was what the people Sephiroth's supporters rounded up were wearing...before they were taken away to be slaughtered in Sephiroth's name. She still felt grim, as she did last night, but she felt guilty about slamming the door in Tifa and Cloud's face. After all, they weren't to be blamed. Marlene knew full well that it was her feelings for Cloud getting in the way. She walked quietly out of her room and downstairs into the restaurant section of the inn to wait for Cloud and Tifa.

Tifa suddenly awoke to the sound of someone getting up noisily, but trying to be quiet. She opened her eyes a fraction to see Cloud, glancing nervously at her, praying that he didn't wake her up. He crept over to the door, his eyes fixed on Tifa, and started to fumble with the door handle. Tifa didn't think it would do much good to humour him much more. She yawned and pretended to wake up.

'Did I wake you?' asked Cloud.

'No. No, you didn't,' lied Tifa. 'What are you doing?'

'I was going to bring up some breakfast.' Cloud walked over to the bed by Tifa, and wrapped her into a hug. He broke away from her, but kept one arm around her shoulders. Tifa leant into him, resting her head on his chest. They chatted for a while, wondering whether Marlene was in a better mood, and what had caused it.

'You know, I think she's fallen under the Cloud Strife spell,' said Tifa, grinning.

'What ever do you mean?' asked Cloud, innocently.

'Oh come off it. You know what I'm on about. When Aeris was alive, she fell under it, and almost admitted to me that she was jealous just because of what you said. You remember? The night that Barret....passed on. I think the same thing has happened to Marlene,' replied Tifa. Cloud laughed softly. He placed one hand under her chin, lifting her head up. His head dipped down to hers, and kissed her. He hugged her once again, not stopping. Tifa didn't object one bit. For once in a long time, Tifa could truly say that she was happy.

Marlene's short amount of patience ran out, and she started to walk back to the rooms. She reached Tifa and Cloud's room, knocked sharply once then opened the door, catching Tifa and Cloud kissing. She stared for about a split second, before slamming the door again, a look of horror on her face. She leant against the wall next to the door, trying to forget what she saw. Her shock quickly faded to unhappiness, and she glumly walked back to her room. She knew that when she slammed the door, they were aware that they had been caught - she heard Tifa gasp.

How can they expect to save the world if they do that all the time? thought Marlene bitterly. A surge of rage charged through her body. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. It's not my place to interfere. If they want to do....that, then it's hardly my place to tell them otherwise. But even though those thoughts were running through her head, a disappointment, more consuming than her rage or shock swept over and swallowed her whole.

Tifa and Cloud felt slightly guilty about Marlene walking in on them, but they didn't try and talk to her. They figured that she wouldn't be in the mood. Cloud lead Tifa down to the restaurant. She sat in the seat that Marlene was in when she was down here, before her patience ran out. Cloud sat down opposite her, staring at her, smiling . Tifa smiled back. But Marlene was lingering on her mind. They needed Marlene's co-operation on their mission against Sephiroth if they want to succeed, but she didn't think that they would get it if things like that kept on happening. Cloud went to get Marlene, leaving Tifa to order her breakfast.

Marlene was sitting on her bed, staring sadly at the floor, when someone knocked on the door.

'Marlene?' Are you in there?'

It's Cloud! thought Marlene happily. She walked briskly over to the door and opened it, but a bit too roughly - the handle slipped out of her hand and rebounded against the frame. She grinned, embarrassed, at Cloud. He walked in, shut the door and sat down on her bed. He motioned for Marlene to sit next to him. She tried not to look too eager.

'I, um, we wanted to apologise for, um, well, you know. What you...walked in on. I didn't tell Tifa that I came up to apologise, but it's clear that she regrets it, and so do I,’ said Cloud, looking deeply into her eyes. Marlene suddenly felt the strong urge to grab him by the back of his neck, and kiss him. But she just about managed to keep in under control. She didn't think that would get her in his good books.

Cloud could tell by the look on her face, that Tifa was right. She had fallen under the 'Cloud Strife spell', as Tifa called it. He could feel his cheeks getting hotter. He was starting to blush. It was because Marlene was staring at him, seeming to be looking into outer space, but in his direction.

Marlene got a grip on herself, and realised that she was staring. She turned away, embarrassed. She quietly cursed, but Cloud heard her.

'Now, now. That's not the sort of language I want to hear from you, young lady,' said Cloud, in a fake scolding voice. Marlene giggled.

'You know, I think that dress suits you. I think you look gorgeous in it. But as far as Tifa is concerned, I didn't say that. Our little secret,' he added. He stood up and walked over to the door. Before he stepped through it, he turned and winked at Marlene, then shut the door. She sighed happily, and flumped backwards onto her bed.

A few minutes later she braved going downstairs again, to the restaurant. She walked over to Cloud and Tifa, who were rapidly conversing with each other. Marlene desperately struggled to keep any blushes under control, when they both looked up at her. Tifa smiled warmly at her and pulled out a chair for her to sit on.

'So, what dangerous tasks do we have to accomplish today then?' asked Marlene.

'Well, Cloud and me were talking about it whilst waiting for you, and we have decided that we should try and take care of Shinra first. Get Rufus out of the way before starting an attack on Sephiroth,' said Tifa.

The three stood up and turned to leave. As they walked out, they went past another part of the inn. Tifa and Cloud both stopped and turned back. They saw two men and a woman at the far end of the room, setting up some instruments. They were all wearing the same things, like a uniform. Tifa studied the man tuning a guitar, try to work out who he was. The spiky red hair and brown eyes were hauntingly familiar. She saw that he didn't seem to care how he looked. The other two looked very smart compared to him. They were wearing white shirts, blue trousers, blue ties and blue jackets. They had black shoes. The red-headed man was a mess. His shirt was untucked and he had lost his tie. He was glaring at Tifa, but she didn't turn away from him.

Then it hit her. These people were Turks! They were the backbone to Shinra. There was Shinra themselves, SOLDIER, who was the defence group, and then the Turks, who scouted around, looking for possible candidates for SOLDIER. They were also involved in some dirty stuff as well, like spying and murder.

Tifa turned away from the man, and to the others. The only woman was the shortest. She had shoulder length blonde hair, and sparkling blue eyes. Tifa and Marlene turned to Cloud, who was trying to keep out of their range of vision. He seemed to know who they were as well, and cursed loudly when the woman - who Tifa recognised as Elena - came running up to them, never taking her eyes off him. Was she about to ramble on to him about how he was in danger?

'You! You're dead! I was there, in Midgar when you foolishly challenged my master! I saw you die! I saw all of you die! That strange pale one, with the gun, I took care of him myself,' a twisted grin spread across her face as she continued. 'Under my master's orders, I snatched his revolver away from him and shot him. Then another supporter and myself dragged him away. We knew the Great Sephiroth would want to pay his respects, and he did...I then watched as he chased after you, right out of Midgar, after you lost your head and ran. I saw him stab you. Then after you collapsed, I watched him slice you into bits,'

Mentioning her death, Tifa didn't really care, but bringing Vincent into it, admitting to murdering him, that was too much. A rage as strong as she had felt, only when she despaired in Marlene's house, after she was taken away by Sephiroth seared through her body like poison. With no warning, she transformed again. A burst of red light made Marlene and Cloud turn away. When they looked at her again, they saw that it was fire, surrounding Tifa. They could see the blue liquid fire pour down her limbs. They watched as her hair turned the same colour as solid gold, and her pupils expand until they covered up the whole of her eyes. Once again, the invisible wind picked up, swirling her long hair. Cloud and Marlene could only stare.

Tifa grabbed Elena's shoulders roughly, and slammed her into the door frame. Elena started to struggle in the face of the enraged demon in front of her, but couldn't move. Tifa kept her hands at Elena's shoulders, but was kicking her knees and legs.

There was a crash at the other side of the room, and saw the two men charge towards them.

'Rude! Reno! Do something! Get this freak off me!' Marlene rushed forwards to punch the bald man, who was about to hit Tifa. Cloud grabbed the red haired one, and held him back. All the time, Tifa was kicking Elena, not letting her go. She dished out punch after punch.

Marlene used a well placed kick on her opponent, and he slumped to the floor.

'Rude! Get up here now! Stop pretending to be hurt!' Marlene continued to beat Rude into a bloody pulp. He shoved her away by her knees, giving himself time to get up. Marlene stumbled and almost fell over. She ran over to Rude, who was making his way towards someone's table. He reached out for one of the bottles, when Marlene pulled and the back of his shirt in her attempt to strangle him. He kicked her in the shins, to make her let go. He quickly got his breath back, then looking to see where she had gone, send an elbow flying in her direction. He hit her in the nose, making her head snap back. He then snatched a bottle of the table and brought it down on Marlene's head. The bottle just missed her left eye, getting her a centimetre underneath. As Rude raised his arm to hit her again, she jumped up and tried to snatch the bottle out of his hand. She kicked him hard on both shins, but he wouldn't let go. He pulled his wrist free from her grip, and smashed the remains of the bottle on her face. Marlene tried to stay upright, but found it difficult.

Cloud was managing to beat up Reno with ease. The man allowed himself to be cornered, then not putting up any defence. Cloud was hitting him repeatedly round the face, dodging the odd half- hearted blow from Reno. He handed an uppercut on Reno's chin. He tried to land another blow on Cloud, and this time, hit him. Cloud stood there, stunned. Reno hit him with amazing force on the side of his face. Cloud's head spun, leaving the rest of his body to follow. He tripped over his feet in his clumsy effort to stay standing. Reno just gave him a gentle shove, and Cloud toppled over. Reno kicked his stomach and kidneys, then pressed the end of his boot hard in Cloud's face. As he tried to kick him again, Cloud reached out and grabbed Reno's ankle. He tugged at it, determined to make Reno fall over with him. As he started to fall, he reached out and grabbed Tifa's left shoulder, to try and keep him upright. He fell, with Tifa landing on top of him. She elbowed him in the face before scrambling up again and tearing after Elena, who had tried to run.

Elena tried to keep out of the way of Tifa, but it wasn't easy. She ducked as Tifa came roaring past with her arm outstretched, trying to catch her in the throat. Tifa kicked, punched, and used any random item that fell into her hands. She had smacked Elena's head against a table, when Reno and Rude ran up, shoved her away, and then sped off. Marlene and Cloud walked up to them, looking anxiously at her.

'What? Why are you looking at me like that?' asked Tifa. Cloud spoke, cautiously.

'Do you realise how you look?' he asked.

'Like me?'

'You've gone all...strange...'managed Marlene. Tifa looked down at herself. She saw the red fire surrounding her, and the blue flames. They had started to fade. She was calming down and turning back to normal.

'Oh, like that! Oh, that only seems to happen when I get really mad, because of things like was Elena said. But once I calm down, I'm fine,’ said Tifa. She looked okay. Marlene and Cloud didn't.

Cloud leaded the two girls out of the inn, and headed towards Midgar.

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A figure in black was creeping down the dark alleyways in Sector Eight. It was night time, the man's favourite time. He drew his powerful sword and waited, shrouded in darkness. A woman was walking along the alley. She walked briskly past the dark figure without spotting him. He started to follow. He walked after her, as silent as a ghost. When he had followed the woman half way down the alley, he raked the blade of his sword against a brick wall. The woman froze, then slowly, cautiously, turned around. She saw the man, grinning evilly at her. She cast him a confused look, not sure of what this man was doing. She saw the blade glisten in the moonlight, and her throat started to clog up. She choked, trying to cry out in surprise. The man walked up to her, and sliced her right leg from underneath her short white dress to her ankle. She found her voice and screamed, shrilly in the darkness, where no one could hear her, except for the black clad man, who was laughing a chilling laugh. She started to run, but found it difficult in her high heels. She kept on turning back, screaming and crying. In her desperate attempt to get away, she tripped and fell. The luckless woman rolled onto her back, shuffling slowly away from her hunter. He stood over her, and raised his sword, point down, over her chest. The blade went down. There was no sound except for the sickening sound of blood dripping on the ground. He stabbed at the body several times until he was satisfied with the bloody mess on the ground. He then pierced the back of her throat, making her open mouth fill up with blood. Then he cut a chunk of flesh out of her chest and reached in. He pulled out the woman's heart, and then embedded the blade of his sword in it. He looked down at his bloody hands and blade in satisfaction, then walked off, laughing cruelly as someone screamed upon finding the corpse.

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Tifa, Marlene and Cloud had just entered Sector Six, when a man came running up to them. He had a strained expression on his face.

'Where are you going?' he asked, impatiently.

'We're heading to Wall Market, since you ask,' replied Cloud, with a bite of annoyance.

'I'm sorry sir and ladies, but it's to close to Sector Eight. We've told everyone in Midgar to be on their guard, and we're not letting anyone else in unless they are going no where near Sector Eight,' choked the man.

'Why?' questioned Tifa.

'Um...last night, a body was discovered. Some sick freak was lurking in an alleyway in Sector Eight, and, um, murdered someone. She was left in quite a state,'

'Like...?' asked Marlene.

'She had been stabbed in her chest and stomach a few times, um, her heart had been ripped out and had also been stabbed, and the back of her throat had been stabbed, which caused her mouth to fill up with blood. And surrounding her, was a massive puddle of blood, taking up almost the whole width of the alley!' exclaimed the man, clearly terrified.

Tifa had buried her face in Cloud's shoulder, and Marlene had raised her hands to her mouth. Cloud remained expressionless. They turned and slowly walked back out, in total horror of what the man told them. Cloud was trying to digest a disturbing thought that had entered his head. Marlene spotted his expression and asked him what he was thinking about.

'I don't think it's something I ought to say right now. With Tifa around,' whispered Cloud.

'What? No, don't let me bother you. If there's something that you think you should tell us, then, well, tell us,' Cloud drew a deep breath and started to walk.

'If I'm right, then that man who was hanging around in Sector Eight was none other than Sephiroth. He must have told his supporters to stay somewhere, and he went lurking around dark places on his own, looking for trouble. You have to admit, both of you, that only Sephiroth could be so disgusting as to murder someone that brutally,' He turned to Tifa, to see how she had taken this. She was idly eating her fingernails, fear all over her face. Her breathing had increased - Cloud could see her chest rising and falling quicker than normal - and her eyes had widened. Both Marlene and Cloud could see tears of terror working their way into her eyes. She turned and tried to hide them. She stared at the entrance to Midgar, feeling paralysed with fear. She buried her face in her hands, forcing the tears and the sobs back.

Cloud placed one hand on Tifa's shoulder, but then jerking it off when she jumped. When she looked at him and Marlene, they could see that her eyes were very red.

'Tifa....' started Marlene. 'Are you sure that it's such a good idea for you to be hunting down Sephiroth with us? I mean, I know that he commands fear inside everyone's heart. Hell, he makes me anxious, and I'm sure it's the same for Cloud, but you get it much worse. When I revived you, and told you that I had planned to try and stop him, I remember the fear in your eyes, and in the tone of your voice. I just don't think that it's a good idea,'

Tifa mentally shook herself, trying to knock of the worried feeling.

He's not here. It might not have even been him. Cloud might have got it wrong, though Tifa. It could have been Rufus for all we know....

But despite her thoughts, she didn't believe them. She had to whole heartedly agree with him, as only he is sick enough to think about it. Not even Rufus would do that. He might watch someone else, and laugh, but he wouldn't actually commit the murder.

Cloud placed an arm around her and pulled her to him. He kissed her lightly on her cheek, which had the effect of cheering her up a bit.

'So now what? We can't get into Midgar until everything has been cleared up, we don't have Cid with us, so we can't use his airship. I don't know,' said Tifa, the despair obvious in her voice. Marlene was about to tell her not to give up, when a sudden movement caught her eye. She turned sharply, to see what it was. Tifa and Cloud saw what she was looking at.

A short, slimy looking man, with short black hair scragged back into a pony tail was wandering aimlessly past them, past Kalm. He wore a white lab coat and black trousers. Cloud and Tifa instantly recognised him to be Hojo of the Shinra Science Department. He was walking uphill, towards the Chocobo farm. The three saw a man in black float behind him. Not aware of the danger behind him, Hojo kept on walking. A deadly looking sword was unsheathed, then shot through Hojo's skull, covering the already stained blade. Tifa gasped and turned away, Both Cloud and Marlene seemed to horrified to blink. They both watched as the figure held the body up in front of himself. Tifa turned back to see if he had gone. The man looked straight at her, his eyes boring into hers, then decapitated him. Hojo's head fell to the ground, closely followed by his limp body.

Both Tifa and Marlene grabbed Cloud's arms at the same time. They watched as the man slowly, deliberately walked over to them. He kept his sword unsheathed, kept it in view. As he carried on walking to them, they started to retreat. Cloud managed to pry the girls off his arms, and kept them back. He grabbed Tifa's hand gently, trying to keep her calm. The figure started to run at them. Tifa screamed and tried to get away, but Marlene held her back, muttering furiously into her ears.

'Tifa! Don't do this to us! We're going to need you!' The man was in front of them without appearing to move. Cloud stood protectively by the girls, ready to attack if he needed to. There was a blur of flesh and steel, and then Cloud was on the floor, groaning and holding his stomach. Bright red blood was pouring from the wound where the man's sword had been. Sephiroth raised his head and looked for Tifa who was still cowering behind Marlene. He walked over to them as they tried to keep distance from him. Teeth bared, he appeared to say something to Marlene.

'My sacrifice...'

He balled his free hand into a fist and let it collide against the side of Marlene's face. She was sent flying through the air, clearing a path for Sephiroth to Tifa. Tifa's knees gave way and she dropped to the ground. Tears was falling down her face rapidly. Her breathing was getting heavier and heavier in her terror. She tried to shuffle backwards, away from Sephiroth, but she couldn't move. She forced herself to roll sideways as the point of the Masamune came rushing through the air at her head. She started to climb to her feet, but Sephiroth stuck out his foot and tripped her up again. Once again, the blade came towards her. This time she couldn't roll out of the way. There was no time for her to make any dodge at all. So she tried to block it. She stuck out both hands and tried to direct it away from her. It cost her though, as red liquid dripped from her hands and onto her face, she thought that she wouldn't be able to hold him off for much longer.

Sephiroth could see that he was winning. That Tifa was about to let her grip loose. There was another black blur running up to them. Neither Tifa nor Sephiroth took it any notice, until it bowled into him, knocking him of his feet, and away from Tifa. She slowly got to her feet, examining her hands. They were both covered in open, bloody cuts. She saw Cloud attempt to get up. She ran over to help him. Marlene got to her feet, and started to back away from Sephiroth. She saw the man who stopped them from going into Midgar appear to watched the, struggle. Then he started to shout at the top of his voice.

'Murder! Murder! Hojo from Shinra has been murdered!'

At his cry, twenty men came dashing out of Midgar, and ran over to Sephiroth. He smiled at them, causing them to feel uncomfortable. Tifa, Marlene and Cloud dodged them all and walked back to the man who was still shouting at the top of his voice. His voice trailed off when he saw what Sephiroth was doing.

All of the men were piling on Sephiroth, trying to keep him restrained. The man was not visible from all the people keeping him at bay. Suddenly, from the pile of people, something underneath emitted an inhuman roar and then burst free.

Sephiroth started swinging his Masamune everywhere, not caring who he hit, and how many people he got. There was a line of about five getting ready to help their colleagues. Sephiroth floated by them, and, unnoticed plunged his sword through the torsos of all of them. The mens' eyes widened. Their mouths dropped and hung open. They all wore an identical look of horror. Tifa lost her head and ran. Cloud tore after her, dragging Marlene.

Tifa sprinted all the way past the Chocobo Farm, and dived head first into the dank swamp. She clambered out the other side, not looking behind her, not caring whether Cloud and Marlene were following or not. She shivered from the coldness of her sodden clothes. Her hands stung from where the rancid swamp water had gotten into the deep cuts.

She walked slowly, aimlessly in the direction of Fort Condor. Two pairs of hands rested themselves on her shoulders and spun her round.

'Cloud...I think you were right. After seeing Sephiroth slaughter Hojo and all those men like that, I think it was him stalking people in Sector Eight,' whispered Tifa. Her pale face was tinted with green as she imagined what the woman must have looked like after she was finished with. She shuddered as the sound of Sephiroth's maniacal laughter filled her ears. 'I...I need some time to think. I feel like...I'm going to break down if I don't get certain things off my chest,'

Tifa spotted a woman landing an airship and ran over to her. She had short brown hair that was a bit longer than shoulder length. She wore all white, except for her glasses, which were black.

'Excuse me, but can I borrow your airship please?'

'I'm sorry, but I'm taking it to Mideel. A friend of mine died there and I wanted to return his ship to him,' replied the woman.

'Died in Mideel and had an airship. Forgive me for asking, but was it a man called Cid Highwind?' The woman cast her a surprised look and asked her how she knew that.

'We befriended Cid when he came to the house of one our other friends, Aeris Gainsborough,' Cloud chimed in.

'Ah yes, how is Aeris?' queried the woman.

'She's dead. But anyway, can I please borrow you airship? I really need to use it,' pleaded Tifa. The woman gave in and said yes.

'My name is Shera, by the way. What are yours?'

'I knew it! When I was five, Cid was looking after me and he was telling me all about this woman he lived with called Shera! And when you asked Tifa how she knew the name 'Cid Highwind' I thought it must be you!' cried Marlene. Cloud gave her an odd look.

Shera helped Tifa and Marlene into the airship, leaving Cloud to get in on his own. She gave Tifa a brief tutorial on how to use the airship, and then started to get out.

'Wait, aren't you going to come with us?' Questioned Cloud. Shera shook her head and said that she was going to visit a friend who lived nearby for a while. Tifa started to bring the airship into the air in such a fashion that made Cloud topple over.

'Watch it!'

'Look where you're going!'

'I'd like to see you do better, Marlene!' Cloud walked over to Tifa, stumbling occasionally. She ignored him and continued to fly the ship north.

After a while, the land started to become encrusted with snow. Tifa pointed the ship downward, and started to land it. Cloud, seeing that it was going to crash, came and knocked Tifa out of the way then safely landed the airship. She and Marlene walked out to the balcony part of the ship and looked around. They were quite a long way off from the ground. Cloud half ran, half walked after them, and rested his hands on the pole acting as a barrier. Tifa leant forwards, her knee-length hair falling over her face. She swung forwards, over the barrier, clinging onto it with both hands. As Cloud started to reach over to help her up, she let go and dropped. She landed on the ground with a thud. Pain shot up her ankles.

'Come on, it's not that hard!' she shouted up to Cloud and Marlene, who both looked doubtful. 'If I can do it, when I'm in a distractive mood, then you guys surely can!' Cloud vaulted over the barrier, and dropped, landing on his knees and fell flat on his face.

'Ouch...' he said. Marlene cautiously raised one leg over the barrier, then the other and hung there. She let go and clung to the floor the ship. She felt her grasp loosening and screamed blue murder all the way down, until she landed on Tifa, who was seeing if she was okay.

'Whoops, sorry! Are you okay?' asked Marlene.

'I've just had some great lump fall off from a high ship onto me. What do you think?' replied Tifa, scathingly. She and Cloud helped each other off, and turned to face what was ahead of them.

Tifa started to walk again, almost instantly, the other two trailing behind her. She tore past the Icicle Inn, and trudged onwards until there was a small village surrounded by a thick forest. Bone Village...thought Tifa. Nearly there. Inside the village were groups of people kneeling on the ground, digging up things, or setting off small bombs. She made her way towards a ladder taking them upwards. There were more people up here, and then further on was an entrance to the forest. The Sleeping Forest.

As Tifa hurried on, Cloud called after her to wait.

'Do you think this is such a good idea?'

'Why not?'

'Shouldn't we ask one of the excavators if the forest is asleep first?' queried Marlene.

'Marlene?'

'Yes, Cloud?'

'Shut up.'

'Look, if you two are going to keep on bickering, then I'm heading off alone. You don't have to come along,' Snapped Tifa. She headed on towards the forest, despite Cloud mumbling to himself. The three spent a few minutes in the forest, trying to figure out where to go. When they reached the end, they saw the Forgotten City. The City Of The Ancients. There were three different paths to go down, each one taking them to different places. Tifa ran down the middle path, looking excitedly at what was ahead.

__________________________________________________________________________________

A pair of large, unfocused, sad, dark green eyes flickered open. The fingers on the cold, clammy hands started to flex. The figure of a twenty-five year old girl started to sit up, but all her energy had been sapped out, and she collapsed backwards into a deep pool of water.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Tifa slowed down and waited to Cloud and Marlene to catch up. She seems to have forgotten about Sephiroth, thought Cloud. That's all well and good for her, but I haven't. I have the feeling it'll be a long time before I forget about him.

'Look! The Forgotten Capital! Look!' cried Tifa.

'I see it, I see it,' said Cloud, a little bit more angrily than he expected. Tifa cast him a hurt look. He apologised and pulled her into a hug. Marlene quickly looked around.

Tifa and Cloud made their way forward, hand in hand again. Marlene muttered a string of curse words under her breath. Tifa spotted a deep pool of water and ran towards it. Behind the pool was what looked like a gigantic spiky sea shell. She saw a figure underneath the surface of the pool, near to drowning. Marlene was jerked out of her brooding thoughts by Tifa shouting something. She dived into the pool of water, chasing after something. Cloud and Marlene both ran to the pool, trying to see what Tifa was doing.

She swam deeper and deeper, further and further into the darkness. The figure she was swimming after - and recognised - was sinking faster and faster. Tifa pumped her legs harder, trying to keep up. Her arms were working furiously, giving her an extra boost of speed. She stuck out a hand and grabbed the wrist of the falling person. In a second, Tifa had changed direction, and was swimming with all her remaining strength back towards the small pin prick of light, that was the surface. She was having a much more difficult time. Not only did she have one less limp to propel herself with, she was beginning to tire. She forced herself to keep going, to try and get back. To survive. Her chest felt as though it was going to explode form no oxygen, but then, her head pierced the surface of the water. She choked, but didn't let it distract her. She swam to the edge, keeping the face of her rescuee above the surface. She laid the body on the bank, waiting, hoping for her to move.

'Oh...my...god...Is that...Aeris?' asked Cloud, breathless with excitement. Tifa nodded. Marlene tore her eyes away from the girl and looked at the pool. A solitary red rose clung to the surface of the water where Aeris was pulled out. She looked exactly as they remembered her. Thick brown boots, gold bracelets on her wrists, a pale pink dress covered up with a dark pink jacket. Her light brown hair was the most fascinating thing about her. It had two strands falling down, framing her face. Another two thicker strands rested over her shoulders and were plaited. The rest of her hair was tied up behind her head with a pink bow that had a small pale green orb buried in it and was plaited. It fell past her waist and was tied at the end with a green bow. Aeris suddenly coughed and choked, making Tifa, Marlene and Cloud jump. The girl spat out a great fountain of water and sat up with all her energy returned to her. She looked around, at Cloud and Marlene, both watching her apprehensively, and then to Tifa, who was as soaking as she was. sitting on the bank. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

'T-Tifa?' What..what's going on?' coughed Aeris, through more water. She shakily stood up, only to almost be knocked straight down again by Cloud hugging her.

'Aeris! I-I can't believe it! We all thought you had died with us in the war against Sephiroth!' he exclaimed. She shook her head, but didn't say anything. Her knees gave way, and she flung her arms round Cloud's neck for support. He helped her stay on her feet, and beckoned over to Tifa. She pulled Aeris' left arm away from Cloud and placed it round her shoulders, helping Cloud support her. They guided Aeris back to the airship, Marlene tagging after them, sighing miserably to herself.

On the airship, Tifa seated Aeris down on a set of stairs near Cloud, who was flying the ship. Marlene hung nearby, doing an impersonation of Elena, and staring at Cloud.

'So, what happened then?' asked Tifa. 'Because we all thought that you had died, like Cloud said.' Aeris sighed heavily.

'I remember I was trying to help you guys, but someone crept up behind me and hit me around the head and dragged me off. I think he took me off to the Lost Capital. I was still just about conscious and I could hear him speaking to himself. He was saying something about a potion to protect someone against mortal death. But that person would be unconscious until their true friend found them and awoke them. He then plunged his potion thing into me and laid me into the pool of water, where I blacked out,' said Aeris. 'But it didn't work. I woke up before you found me and tried to move. But I was too weak and fell straight back down again and started to sink. Shortly after that, you came and found me,' Tifa, Marlene and Cloud let her lapse into silence, identical looks of confusion spread on their faces.

Cloud started to fly the airship towards the Gold Saucer, occasionally glancing black to see how the three girls were doing. He glided smoothly through the air when suddenly, the air was disrupted by turbulence.

'Damn it Cloud! And to think you go on about my flying!' called Tifa, angrily.

'I'm not doing this! I'm trying to control the cursed thing!' Aeris and Marlene both rushed out to the balcony section and saw a beast unlike any other. It was very tall and muscular, with jet black wings as dark as death protruding from its shoulders. The thing's skin was a murky grey, but the eyes were a blood red. As red as Sephiroth glowed when Jessie stabbed him in the back before he destroyed Sector Seven. Aeris shook her head, not wanting to remember that. She rushed back to Cloud and tried to land the ship. He protested, but a deft hit around the head shut him up.

Soon they were spiralling out of control, heading towards the ground at an alarming speed. Cloud took control and landed them just before crashing. Marlene and Tifa both looked green from the landing. But they hurriedly followed when Aeris leapt out of the ship, dragging Cloud.

Once again, pain shot up Tifa's ankles as she landed. Cloud quickly drew his sword, looking at the monster with an apprehensive expression. Tifa and Marlene both took up their battle stances, but Aeris just shrank back, as though wishing to fall into the background. She had her hands clasped in front of her face, her head bowed, and her eyes tightly shut.

The monster grinned at them all, revealing ugly rotten teeth. They were crooked and all different lengths. Each one was dripping in saliva.

It jumped forwards, lashing out, scratching Cloud hard across his face. He cried out, dropping his sword, his hands to his face, which was beginning to spew blood. Marlene and Tifa ran round him, trying to get his hands away to see the damage, while Aeris still stayed back, her face expressionless.

Cloud forced back the girls, picked up his sword, and raised his head to look at the monster, that was no longer there. Instead, in its place, was Sephiroth. He was wearing the same grim grin the monster was. He reached for his Masamune, examining the blade, carefully caressing it. He slashed at Cloud, who parried.

Marlene and Tifa watched in mindless fear at Sephiroth, Tifa retreating back as far as she could, her all consuming fear getting the better of her.

Thanks for your help, girls. Thought Cloud bitterly, seeing that Marlene and Aeris were minding their own business, and Tifa was trying to keep her head. He heard her scream as Sephiroth lunged for him, but he dived out of the way, landing painfully on his back. He rolled over to avoid the blade of Sephiroth's dangerous sword and got to his feet. He delivered a perfect roundhouse kick to the silver-haired man's face, knocking him back. Cloud took his chances and ran over to Aeris, about to shake some sense into her.

Tifa started to panic, sweat dribbling down her face as the black clad man approached her. The very man who was the direct cause to all the pain and suffering in her life was heading her way. She had tried to keep her cool, but it slipped away somewhere on the line. She jumped back as the Masamune was swung at her, her breath catching in her throat.

Sephiroth had decided to save the joys of murdering Tifa until last. He stalked towards Aeris, waving a hand at Cloud, who flew through the air. He landed into Tifa, bowling her over. They helped each other up, and watched Sephiroth anxiously.

Something came over Sephiroth and he hurled his Masamune aside. His right fist balled up, seeming of its own accord, then knocked against the left side of Aeris' face. Her head turned violently from the blow, she uttered a startled gasp, then looked deep into his eyes. One single diamond tear glistened as it softly ran down her cheek. Sephiroth hesitated at the sight. What was happening to him? He was not made to feel worry, sadness, anger, or any negative emotion. But what was this feeling brewing up inside him now? He felt the despair of mortals when making an angel cry.

__________________________________________________________________________________

A girl was laying in her bed, her dreams disturbed by horrific memories. Tifa sat bolt upright, her forehead damp in sweat. Cloud sat up next to her, giving her odd looks through the darkness.

'Whatsamatter?' mumbled Cloud, his voice barely coherent.

'N...Nothing. Go back to sleep.'

'People don't normally wake up in a panic and sweating,' retorted Cloud, pointedly. Tifa shook her head and dove under the covers again. They were all staying in the Gold Saucer Ghost Inn, as it was the nearest place. Tifa kept on seeing flashbacks of the previous day in her dreams, of Aeris making Sephiroth vanish like he did, but also , what would have happened if he didn't leave. She woke up during the night several times, but trying not to make it too obvious. She was tossing and turning uncomfortably throughout the night, trying to shake the visions. She had just gotten to sleep properly, when Cloud started to wake her up.

'Rise and shine, sleepyhead,' whispered Cloud cheerfully.

'I'll give you 'rise and shine' in a minute if you don't shut up. Now go to hell and leave me alone,' said Tifa, her voice muffled by her pillow. There was a soft knocking on the door. Cloud gently shook Tifa once more, gave up on her, then walked to the other side of the room. Aeris and Marlene were on the other side, both wearing equally happy grins. Cloud invited them in, warning them about the lump in the bed that was Tifa.

'Oh no....Cloud! Sephiroth's here!' Called Aeris, her voice panic stricken. As through she had just received a huge electric jolt, Tifa sat up and fell out of bed. She rubbed her eyes, then scanned the room, looking for him. Her eyes travelled from Cloud, who was whistling innocently and heading away, to Marlene and Aeris. Marlene was looking a bit worried, but Aeris was beside herself with laughter. There was no-one else in the room.

'Aeris.' started Tifa in a deadly voice, 'That wasn't funny!' She was glaring at Aeris with wide, surprised eyes, her breathing rapidly increasing.

'You should have seen the look on your face...honestly, don't you think that Cloud and Marlene would be panicking as well if he really was here?' asked Aeris, tears of laughter falling down her face. She creased up again, leaning against the wall to support herself.

'I'm so glad that I can entertain people in here by getting scared out of bed!' snarled Tifa. She stood up and stormed out, leaving Aeris staring after her, her laughing abruptly stopped.

'What? What did I do?' she asked. Cloud shook his head and headed out the room, telling her and Marlene to stay where they were.

'Man, what's their problem?' Tifa questioned, sighing.

'Tifa...'

Tifa looked away, determined to keep herself angry, instead of upset and hurt. She didn't want to be seen, breaking down at something so stupid.

'Tifa...' repeated Cloud. 'Look at me,' He had found Tifa in the lobby of the Ghost Inn.

She raised her head and faced him, her eyes looking elsewhere. He sat down next to her, placing his arm around her shoulder in his attempt to cheer her up.

'What was the point, Cloud? She knows how...um...anxious I get when he's here, and if she says something like that....' rallied Tifa.

'She was trying to wake you up, but went the wrong way about it. That's all,' replied Cloud. He tilted her head up and pressed his lips against hers. She opened her eyes and saw in the corner, Aeris and Marlene approaching, watching them. She instantly jerked her head away from Cloud's, then stood up suddenly.

'Don't follow. I just need to be on my own for a bit.' she said before rushing out of the lobby. Cloud and the girls watched her go. Aeris looked as though she wanted to make a scathing remark, but held her tongue.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Tifa stormed out of the Gold Saucer, her breath drawing in and out in great shuddering gasps. She walked straight up to the airship, looking at it. The name 'Highwind' had been painted on the side. Cid Highwind's ship...

She walked around it, trying to see the best way to get into it. At last, she pulled herself over the barrier and walked up several passageways. She didn't stop until she was right by the controls. Praying that she could remember everything Shera had told her, she started up the engine, and flew it. She was going to go straight to Midgar, to the ruins of Sector Seven, so she could finish Shinra. Then she was going to kill Sephiroth. On her own. There was no need to bring the others along. They would most probably hinder her anyway. Especially Aeris, with her saying things like 'ooh, watch out, Sephiroth's behind you!' all the time. That would be the last thing she needed. She didn't think that they deserved to be placed under her curse of death.

She cried out as the Highwind tumbled in the air as it flew its wobbly course to Midgar.

__________________________________________________________________________________

'Oh man, why do we have to go find her? If she isn't ready to come back and face me yet, then what right do we have to force her?' complained Aeris, loudly. Cloud had suggested to go and bring Tifa back to them. He marched her out of the Inn, Marlene following behind him. He dragged them back to the bright yellow centre of the Gold Saucer.

'Okay, I'll look in the Battle arena, Aeris, you go to the Chocobo betting place, and Marlene, you head to the Station. I want you to meet back here once you have thoroughly searched you area. Then we'll all go and look in the Wonder section. Okay?' barked Cloud.

'Oh God, who died and left you in charge?' muttered Aeris.

Shut it Aeris. Oh, and if it is you who finds Tifa, say she's been lurking in the Chocobo place, please apologise to her. That was a mean trick you played on her. Alright? Alright. Let's mosey!' exclaimed Cloud, happily clapping his hands together in a business-like way.

'Oh brother...' said Marlene quietly.

Cloud walked over to the gap leading to the Battle arena and jumped down it. After a few minutes he slid out the end, landing hard on his back. He stood up and walked up the stairs and through the door, rubbing himself where he landed. He instantly looked around and saw people practising their fighting skills, people exchanging the battle points they got from fights into the Gold Saucer's own currency, GP. He ran up some more stairs, into the owner's museum section. Nope, no-one was in there either. He walked over to a man with stringy grey hair, falling to his shoulders, who was exchanging battle points to GP.

'Um, excuse me sir, but-?'

'Hmm. It's so hard to know when to stop. You think you can win the next battle, but it turns out you lose, and all your hard earned battle points are lost as well,' mumbled the old man.

'Yeah, wonderful, but can you help me? Have you seen a girl of about twenty five with amber-brownish eyes, and long dark brown hair down to her knees?' asked Cloud desperately.

'Oh, I'm, sorry, what did you say, young sir?' asked the man slowly. Cloud sighed and repeated his question, hoping he didn't sound too annoyed. The man thought for a while before shaking his head.

'No, I'm afraid I haven't. Ask at one of the front desks.' Cloud thanked him and then headed off towards one of the desks.

'Excuse me, miss, but who's in there fighting at the moment?' he demanded. The woman looked taken aback, and answered in a cold, stiff voice. Cloud sighed again and asked the woman if she had seen Tifa. He walked off, getting worried. Where would Tifa go on her own? Was it really just because of Aeris' prank? Or had something else snapped inside her mind? He walked slowly back to the meeting point, bumping into Marlene on the way, who had no luck, either.

They walked back together, not talking, both worrying about what Tifa might have done. They already saw the Aeris had arrived, and was impatiently pacing back and forth. She stopped pacing and looked at them as soon as she heard their footsteps.

'Well? Did you find her?' asked Aeris. 'I didn't,' Cloud and Marlene both shook their heads.

'This may be a tiny bit strange, but if we had found her, then she would be here with us now, wouldn't she?' said Marlene sarcastically. Cloud gave her a warning look, and tried to find the Wonder Square gap.

The three of them tumbled out of the tube, landing on the Wonder Square area. An odd looking creature spotted them and hurried over.

'Hey, you! Let me tell you your fortune!' Cloud, Marlene and Aeris turned in the direction on the voice. A pale pinkish-white being bounced towards them. It was very large, and had long front teeth like fangs on the bottom set, but they were blunt. Purple bat wings stuck out of the thing's back. It was recognised as a moogle. A small, black cat wearing a gold crown was standing on it's head. It carried a gold coloured megaphone in one hand. They stared at the thing in curiosity.

'Can you only tell the future?' asked Cloud, interested.

'Nope. I can find anyone, in the past, present or future,' said the thing.

'Okay, in that case, can you tell me where a girl named Tifa Lockheart is?' questioned Cloud.

'Tifa Lockheart, right?!' exclaimed the thing. It started to pump its arms up and down, its feet alternating in their steps. It fished out a piece of paper from some where and handed it to Cloud. He took it and opened it up.

''Take heed of those around you, your lucky colour is....blue?' Hey, what is this?' queried Cloud, confused. The thing shrugged. 'Oh. forget it,' said Cloud and turned to walk away. The creature reached out.

'Hey, wait! Give me one more chance!' The moogle started to move more frantically, getting faster and faster. It produced another piece of paper, which Cloud took, the expression on his face saying that it was against his better judgement. He sighed and rolled his eyes.

'Oh, forget it!' exclaimed Cloud.

'What does it say? asked Aeris, innocently peering over.

''What you pursue will be yours. But you will lose something close to you.'' read Cloud. The cat standing on the moogle looked confused.

'I've gotten anything like that before. I don't know if it's good or bad. Well then, shall we??' said the cat.

'Excuse me?' asked Cloud.

'As a fortune teller, I can't help but think about this. And if I don't know the answer, then I won't be able to rest. That's why I'm coming with you!' said the thing.

'Don't let him come!' cried Aeris. Cloud shook his head and asked Marlene what she thought, but she shrugged her shoulders.

'Oh, all right. If you must,' said Cloud. He looked vexed.

'Thanks. My name is Cait Sith, by the way.' They headed back to the Gold Saucer's exit, Cloud filling Cait in what he had missed.

__________________________________________________________________________________

'Goddammit!'

Tifa was having trouble. She could work the controls alright, but was having difficulty flying the Highwind in a straight line. Also, she had lost her bearing, and was trying to find Midgar in an impossible situation, muttering an endless string of curse words underneath her breath.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Cloud leaded the way out of the Gold Saucer. He was the first out of the Ropeway Train, and into Corel, making sure the others were following close behind. He waited until they had all caught him up before walking out. He turned to face the Highwind, and gasped when he saw that it wasn't there.

No...she wouldn't...would she?

'Tifa!' shouted Cloud, making Cait, Marlene and Aeris jump out of their skin. 'I-I don't believe it! She...she's taken the airship!' screamed Cloud.

'But why? Why would she do that? It can't have been because of what Aeris said this morning, can it?' asked Marlene, her features tightening with worry.

'No. It isn't. She's gone to Midgar, I'll bet. She's gone to kill Rufus. Alone.'

'That could cause a problem,' said Cait. Aeris smacked her hand to her forehead in sarcasm. Cloud ran off in a shot, leaving the others to catch him up, not caring whether they followed or not.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Tifa managed to find Midgar and land the Highwind without crashing it. She stormed into Sector Seven's ruins, ignoring all the painful memories that flooded back into her brain. She tore past everything and burst into the remains of Wall Market. She came to the end a bit more abruptly then she had planned, but she didn't let that stop her. She rounded the corner, and looked around. There was a wall in front of her, the only means of getting to the part of the plate that didn't fall - where the Shinra HQ is - was a thick wire. She jumped and grabbed it, working her limbs furiously, rapidly covering the height. She scrambled up that, the jumped and clung onto the next wire, leading further upwards. Eventually, she reached the ever-impressive Shinra HQ. Leaning against the wall for a rest, she pondered how to get in. Stealth would be favourite. Just bursting in there would cause too much of a ruckus. She remembered the last time she was dragged up here. It was the fate of her's, Cloud's, Aeris' and Barret's to try and stop Sephiroth and Shinra, without a thought of tact in any of their heads, and got captured. They were awarded with being tortured in a secret room, never to be discovered until then. She headed to a hidden staircase and started to invade. She clambered up stair after stair; the case seemed to go on forever. She got out at floor sixty, made it past a door with a keycard she found, crept past four more guards, only to be caught, beaten up and thrown into the jail.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Cait had managed to borrow a plane from one of the workers in the Gold Saucer, and flew straight to Midgar in pursuit of Tifa. They followed her into Wall Market, up the wires and in front of the Shinra Building. Cloud pointed to the same hidden staircase that Tifa went down, practically dragging Cait along, who suddenly seemed so nervous. They took the stairs at a run, not looking back.

'Are we there yet?' asked Aeris, after a few minutes.

'No,' replied Cloud. Aeris kept on repeating herself every few minutes, driving everyone mad.

'Are-?' she started.

'Look, we're way, way, way, way far from being there yet!' snapped Cloud. 'Stop acting like a retard and climb!'

'Heh, heh, heh..'

'Marlene, don't do that,' said Cait.

'How many stairs have we been up?' questioned Aeris.

'I gave up counting,' retorted Cloud.

'Screw this! I'm going back!' yelled Aeris.

'And take just as much time going down as you did coming up?' said Cloud.

'Heh, heh, heh..'

'And what's that supposed to mean, Aeris?' demanded Cloud. They all breathed a sigh of relief as the end of the staircase came into view. Aeris leant against the wall, trying to get her breath back.

'Never...wanna see...no more stairs...in my entire...life!' she managed. They walked through the doors to see the floor they were on was completely deserted. They walked silently through, dodging any guards that came. They headed to the sixty-sixth floor, and had a look around. They saw a big room with the doors locked. They could hear Rufus' voice coming from inside, but they couldn't pick out what he was saying. Cloud leaded them round, and into a bathroom. He stood up on a toilet and knocked aside a grating above. He then clambered into the gap, with the others close behind.

Cloud and Aeris squashed up next to each other, by the grating in the room where Rufus was having his meeting, Cait and Marlene behind them.

'Right, okay. We still have our specimen that was under Hojo's care before he...passed on. I am going to continue with his research on it, and also the cross-species breeding experiment. All we need now is that mouthy Ancient, Aeris,' said Rufus. He turned to look at the only woman there, Scarlet, of the weapons' development. She was currently looking at Rufus as though he had been speaking in a language she couldn't understand.

'I don't quite get it, sir. Why do we need the Ancient?' she asked.

'The Ancient happens to have a name!' snarled Aeris.

'Shh!' hissed Marlene.

'We need her because we want to breed her. Both her and Hojo's other specimen are the last of their race. So I am going to breed her. Both the species will have a short reprieve, if we can find and capture the Ancient, and get her co-operation. I am ending this discussion. You may leave,' He stood up and left, along with the other people in the meeting. Only Scarlet lingered.

'Something smells...'

Aeris leaned forwards a bit too much and overbalanced. She tumbled through the grate and landed near Scarlet. She quickly shook her head at Cloud, warning him to stay back. Scarlet started screaming 'the Ancient! The Ancient is here!' and Rufus came dashing back into the room.

'Seize her!' called Rufus, and out of no where, several Shinra guards came running in to stop Aeris from getting away. 'Take her to the lift and then bring the other specimen up. Scarlet, you go with them to see that everything runs smoothly. I am going to check on the other one,' With that, he stalked out.

Cloud shooed Cait and Marlene out of the vent, then ran to follow the guards with Aeris. They stalked them round back through across the floor, and up one. Cloud, Cait and Marlene hid behind big crates to avoid being seen. They saw the guards shove Aeris into a glass lift and a gap in the floor being closed off as the other specimen was raised. It was a dog type creature with bright red fur, a barb wire tattoo on its front left leg. Underneath was another tattoo, consisting of XIII. It had a scar on its right eye. Cloud watched as the thing stiffened its tail, and then leapt at Aeris, who dodged out of the way. Cloud ran out from his hiding place and at Scarlet.

'What the hell do you think you're doing?' he screamed.

'Why, I'm giving these species a helping hand. They are both on the brink of extinction, but with the help of us at Shinra, we can breed these two animals and create more of them,'

'That's horrible!' called Marlene.

'Aeris is a human being!' exclaimed Cait. Cloud ran upto the lift, while Marlene and Cait started their assault on Scarlet and the guards. He prised open the lift door, letting Aeris out. Scarlet ran up, trying to stop them. There was a growling noise, and something leapt. It was the other being. It knocked into Scarlet, landing on top of her. It turned it's head to the startled Aeris.

'I apologise for what happened back there. I was merely acting to throw Scarlet off the scent. But I shall do my best to help you out with her,'

'It talks?!' gasped Aeris.

'I'll talk as much as you want later miss, but for now, I suggest you find a way out of here,' said the beast. Cloud grabbed Aeris' arm and ran. Marlene and Cait turned to follow, but stopped when they almost ran straight into Rufus.

'What-?' he started, but Cloud had hit him around the face. He drew his sword as Rufus' took out his shotgun.

'Um...Mr, Beasty Thing?' started Marlene, embarrassed. The creature looked at her, motioning for her to continue. 'I think that in one of the cells there is a young woman called Tifa Lockheart. She has dark hair that is down to her knees and darkish eyes. Do you think you can bust her out for us please?' The beast nodded and set off. Marlene and Aeris both turned to face the guards that were crowding around Scarlet. The thing had attacked her so viciously and she was clawed to death. Aeris picked up a stick lying on the floor and used that as her old staff.

Cloud had Rufus' gun by the barrel, pointing it away from himself, and trying to point it at Rufus. He wrenched it out of Rufus' grasp and threw it across the room. He then made an attack with his sword. Cloud was distracted by a man lingering around, nearby watching the fight. He was at the meeting, Cloud thought that his name was Palmer. He was balding, with grey hair. He was wearing a brown suit. Fear kept him in place, telling him not to move if he knew what was good for him. Cloud suffered for noticing him as Rufus' fist came pummelling into his chin several times. He swung his thick sword at the attacker, but missed. Rufus had backed off too quickly for him to be hit. Cloud rolled to the side as Rufus lunged forwards with his shoulder. On his feet immediately, Cloud swung his sword again, and this time, go Rufus in the side. He was bent double, trying to keep from falling over. Just as Cloud was about to make a deadly hit, a female figure came running up at top speed and tugged at Rufus' neck, choking him. It was Tifa! The beast whirred past them in a flash of claws, smacking Rufus around the face. He raised his hands to the three bloody claw marks that lashed across. He shouted after the creature, calling him a traitor after trying to do good things for him, but the creature ignored it. There were several gun shots; Tifa had picked up Rufus' shot gun and was aiming at the guards Aeris and Marlene were attacking. The thing was getting through an amazing amount on its own, and needed no help.

Cloud dashed round in front of Rufus. Tifa aimed her gun. There was a gun shot before the flash of steel. Rufus had been decapitated and shot in the heart at the same time. The body hit the floor, stopping all battles. The Shinra guards didn't dare continue now that their leader was dead. They backed off, putting as much distance between themselves and Cloud, Tifa, Cait, Marlene, Aeris and the nameless being. After they had stalked off, they all crowded round Tifa, glad to see that she was alive and well, and also with her fighting skills in tact. They turned to the creature.

'What is your name?' asked Cloud.

'Hojo has named me Red XIII, a name with no meaning whatsoever. Call me whatever you wish,'

'What are you?' asked Tifa, carefully.

'An informed question, but difficult to answer. I am what you see,' said Red.

'Well, now that we all have finished Shinra - for once and for all - I can't think of any reason for us to stay any longer. Can you lot?' said Cait, looking extremely pleased. They walked calmly out of the Shinra building; no-one dared to bother them as news like who murdered the president gets around fast. As they exited the headquarters, just before scrambling down the wire, Aeris called to Tifa.

'What?' she asked.

'Um, I just wanted to say that I'm...I'm sorry,' choked out Aeris. She looked at Tifa anxiously. She smiled and hugged Aeris.

'That's okay.'

They all climbed down the wire, Red clinging on Cloud's back, digging in his claws, making Cloud wince, and Cait hanging onto Tifa's back, as she let Aeris throw his stuffed moogle body down the wire.

After about ten minutes, they were all on the ground, Cait back with his stuffed body. They wandered back through the remains of Sector Seven, Cloud and Tifa hand in hand at the front, Red and Cait after them, Aeris and Marlene bringing up the rear. As they exited Midgar, Cloud looked around and saw the plane Cait had borrowed, and not that far away from it was the Highwind. He realised that he must have been worrying so much about Tifa, he didn't spot it there.

Tifa and Cloud helped everyone up into the Highwind before getting in themselves. Cloud took up his position at the controls, and asked where to go.

'How about Kalm? I haven't ever been there,' suggested Red.

'Yeah, whatever. Aaahh, that feels good. One enemy down, one to go,' said Cloud.

'Wrong!' chimed Tifa.

'We can't just leave the Meteors coming down to us all. We have to stop them as well,' interjected Marlene.

'So that's one down, -' started Cait.

'With three to go!' finished Red. 'Oh boy, looks like we've got a long way to go yet.'

__________________________________________________________________________________

The group landed by Kalm a few minutes later, and walked into the Inn. Cait asked if they could spare any rooms only to be told that there was one left that they would all have to go in. Marlene and Cloud leaded the way up, the rest of them chatting noisily.

It was about midnight when they decided to try and sleep. Tifa and Cloud clambered into the double bed, Marlene got in the single bed next to Cloud, with Aeris on her other side. Red curled up on the floor, and Cait fell asleep in the clutches of his moogle body.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Aeris was walking through a thick forest, following a deep, golden light. She started to run after it, but the light faded away faster and faster, clearly not wanting to be caught. After chasing it for a while, the light slowed down, allowing Aeris to get up close. She came to a clearing, where, laying on a tall tree stump the source of the golden light. Aeris walked up to it, shielding her eyes from the brightness. When it dimmed a bit, she saw that she was looking at gold orb, but what it was, she wasn't sure, she couldn't say.

She kept on having the same dreams throughout the night, of the same golden light and the same golden orb until the next morning. She woke up, sat up in bed as though recovering from a bad dream.

'Of course!' shouted Aeris. There was a sudden movement of bodies in the other beds and on the floor as her shout woke everyone up.

'Who's being attacked?' asked Cloud rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

'No one is, Cloud,' said Aeris in a silly, teasing voice. 'I've worked it out. I've got it!'

'Oh goodie, how wonderful, tell it to go away so we can carry on sleeping, okay?' muttered Tifa.

'No, no, no, you don't understand. I know how we can defeat Sephiroth with much more ease than we should!' That comment fully woke everyone.

'How?' asked Red and Cait in unison.

'The gold materia,' said Aeris as though this explained everything.

'Do what now?' asked Cloud. Aeris sighed.

'The gold materia,' she repeated. 'It can be used to restore life to multiple people in one go! We can resurrect our dead allies, and have them help us fight!

'How do we get such a thing?' asked Tifa.

'It can be located in the Lifestream. In the place where the barrier between this world and the Lifestream is the weakest. So that would be at Mideel. No-one rebuild the village after Sephiroth destroyed it, so the Lifestream would overflow into it. I was dreaming about it all night, but I was running through forests and things, trying to catch it, but in the dream where I did finally get it was in the Lifestream. That was when I woke up and shouted out,' explained Aeris. Cait asked how it was to be used, forcing Aeris to go into another explanation.

'Okay, well in order to use it, you need an Ancient - me. Then preferably about four or more other people to strengthen the magic - that's you lot. I need to pray to the Planet to allow any number of people to be revived. All of you are going to have to form a circle around me, holding hands - or paws - while I pray, otherwise the magic won't be strong enough. I then have to say estarra nova seelia followed by the names of the people I want to revive. Okay? You all with me?' said Aeris, looking at all the dumb-struck figures around her.

So, we're going to need to think about who to revive,' started Cloud. 'Any suggestions?'

'Barret, my parents - they're good fighters! Honestly!' - here Cloud gave Tifa a very odd look - 'Vincent...'

'Yuffie and Cid,' said Cloud.

'Biggs, Wedge and Jessie!' exclaimed Aeris. 'The whole lot!'

'You never know, maybe we can persuade Shera to help us as well,' said Tifa.

'I don't think Cid would like that very much. When I was staying with him, all those years ago, he used to tell me about her, and he'd always complain. Not a very good idea,' said Marlene.

'But when it comes to a man with such genocidal tastes as Sephiroth, you might have to work with those you don't want to in order to defeat him. I'm sure Cid'll agree,' argued Tifa. Aeris nodded. She shepherded them all out and down into the lobby of the Kalm Inn.

'You left the Highwind nearby, just outside Kalm didn't you?' Tifa asked Cloud.

'The Highwind?' he questioned.

'Yeah, you know. The big thing that you fly through the air as a form of transportation that's a swine to climb into,'

'Okay, okay, I didn't realise that it was called the Highwind,'

'Excuse me, are you referring to the big plane that was parked right outside the village?' Cloud and Tifa stopped talking, when the man behind the desk spoke to them.

'Yes, yes we are. Why?' said Aeris.

'Has something happened to it?' queried Cait.

'Someone stole it in the night I think. I've been waiting here since early this morning for the people it belongs to, to show up,' said the man. He spoke in a reluctant tone that was implied by a person who knows that no matter what he says, he is going to suffer for it anyway. There was a thudding noise. Aeris turned to see that Tifa had her face in her hands, and that Cloud was banging his head against the wall, muttering 'damn it..damn it...' under his breath repeatedly. Marlene had a sceptical look on her face, clearly not believing what she heard. The others were impassive.

'Looks like we'll be heading to Mideel on foot, then,' said Marlene, the tone in her voice was oddly cold and sharp.

'No way. Do you know how far away Mideel is from here?' asked Cait. Marlene ignored him.

'If we head up to the Chocobo Farms and past the swamp, then if we can get through the ocean just by Fort Condor, then we'll be heading the right way, I know it!' exclaimed Marlene. Aeris sighed and shook her head, but said nothing. Tifa and Cloud walked out of Kalm, the others following close behind. There was a heavy feeling lurking in the pit of Tifa's stomach. Yes, she very much liked the idea of having her parents and friends back, but it was Yuffie that was lingering on her mind the moment. As far as she knew, Yuffie was still impaled on Cloud's sword, and she hadn't returned to the Planet.

'Aeris..' started Tifa. Aeris turned to face her. 'How - how long does it take for someone to return to the Planet?' Aeris looked thoughtfully at her for a while.

'It can take about an hour, depending on the person, but not much longer, or much less. Why?'

'Oh, I was just thinking about a friend who was killed. Her body is probably still impaled in the wall of Sephiroth's cave, where he left her,' replied Tifa, bitterly.

'Returned to the Planet? What are you on about?' asked Cait, not caring whether he showed ignorance or not.

'Whenever a living thing dies, - it can be anything, from an insect and a tree, to humans and animals - the energy that remains in their body flows through the core of the earth, until it meets and joins up with the Lifestream. Because the Lifestream is deep inside the Earth's core, it is referred to as 'returning to the Planet',' Red chimed in. Aeris nodded.

Tifa started walking faster and faster towards the Chocobo Farms, a familiar feeling of foreboding swelling up inside her stomach. She shivered as an icy wind picked up and washed over their group.

'Hey! Tifa! Wait for the rest of us! We're not in that much of a hurry!' yelled Cait. But Tifa took no notice of what her companions were doing or saying, she just wanted to get out of this wind as quick as possible. She knew it sounded odd, but the wind seemed to be a sign that something bad was going to happen. She had goose bumps all over her body, but paid them no heed. As she walked up the Farms, she saw that they were deserted from humans or Chocobos. Which meant that they were going to have to make their way through them swamp on their own. Tifa didn't really care that much, as she had done it once before, just before meeting Shera.

The ground near the swamp was muddy and slippery. Tifa tried to keep her balance as she walked to the edge. The big snake that was the Midgar Zolom still wasn't there. It hadn't attacked them, and they had all forgotten about it. But it's absence now made Tifa more nervous. Sephiroth can kill things like the Midgar Zolom. All those years ago, we saw the dead one, wrapped around a tree, its blood on the ground from where the sharp branches had pierced its dirty skin. All that time ago...

'No! Stop scaring yourself! Sephiroth isn't here, you'd know about it if he was! Yes, he killed a Zolom, but that doesn't mean he's killed the other one, and is lurking around, waiting for us. Or should I say, me...' muttered Tifa, scolding herself for such thoughts.

She walked further on until her bare feet touched the water of the swamp. It was pleasantly cool. She leant forwards, trying to see in, when a body floated up near the surface. The cold green eyes narrowed when they rested on her. The mouth on the face twisted into a cruel smile. The silvery white hair floated around it. Sephiroth raised his left hand and beckoned to her. Tifa screamed shrilly and stumbled backwards in her shock, shuffling away from the swamp. She rolled over backwards to her feet, almost falling over again. She turned in the opposite direction and ran towards the group, her feet slipping in the soft mud. She sprinted behind Cloud and gripped his shoulders hard with her trembling hands.

'Tifa, what is it?' asked Cloud, turning his head round as far as he could to try and see her.

'He - he's in the swamp! He's waiting there for us!' shouted Tifa.

'Who's he?' asked Cait. He and Red explored the edge of the swamp, where they heard Red saying. 'Ah. I see...' Cait had already started walking when a hand reached out of the swamp, grabbing Red's tail. He turned his body round and tried to bite the hand clinging onto him. Cait stopped and stared.

Cloud pulled his sword out of its scabbard, held it out in front of him, and them charged at the person attacking Red. Aeris ran after him, clutching the staff she found in Shinra HQ.

'Come on Tifa. Let's help,' Tifa made no noise, but the look on her face was one of fear. 'Look, if he tries to hurt you, I'll be there, I'll help you. Come on,' said Marlene, trying to get Tifa remain calm, but it wasn't as easy as she thought. Tifa hurried after her when she started to run off.

Sephiroth had drawn himself out of the swamp completely, and stood up straight, showing off his height. His Masamune was in his right hand, ready for the attack. He had let go of Red's tail, and the red furred beast was scampering away.

'Ah, Miss Lockheart. Are you going to fight me, or just linger in the background, with your friend, Miss Gainsborough? You have more allies with you, so, why not let them fight me, while you two girls stand around chatting about pointless things like normal?' sneered Sephiroth.

'I wouldn't give you the satisfaction of letting you think that I am scared,' retorted Tifa.

'I know what you are going to do. You are going to try and stop my plans by destroying the Meteors. But in order to do that, you'll be needing the Huge Materia. I'm afraid I can't let that happen. I can't let it fall into your possession,' Sephiroth slipped his hands into a pocket inside his trench coat and pulled out a large green sphere. It was the Huge Materia. It had never occurred to any of them that they could use it to blow up the Meteors, but now Sephiroth had suggested the idea, they might as well try.

Cait had silently moved round to the back of Sephiroth and reached out to grab his Masamune. When he felt the pull on his sword, he turned to face the moogle. He whipped it back out of Cait's hands, then started trying to stab him. Cait was jumping from side to side, narrowly avoiding the blade.

'Ha ha ha! I am invincible! Invincible! Whoa!' Cait had to duck the stuffed body beneath him as the sword flew over his head. As the small black cat looked behind him, expecting to see the blade whipping around for another attack. He heard the sound of tearing material. He looked around and saw the Masamune embedded in the moogle's body. Cait tutted and shook his head them leapt off the stuffed body. He pelted straight into Sephiroth's face, and bit down hard on the attacker's ear. Sephiroth let out a sound of great annoyance, and tried to flick Cait off. Tifa came rushing up and punched him in the stomach.

Cloud and Aeris both ran for their assault while they had the chance. Aeris whipped her staff around the ground, tripping Sephiroth up. Cloud them plunged his sword deep into the enemy's leg, covering the ground nearby in a deep, dark red liquid. Red leapt through the air and started slashing his claws, cutting Sephiroth's face. He sent out an arm and knocked both Cait and Red off him. They landed hard on the ground, but Sephiroth didn't care. He then kicked out and caught Aeris on her knee, which emitted a loud crack. Then he got to his feet, shoved Cloud over with amazing force, and before she could run off, he seized Tifa's wrist and pulled her to him. He clamped his arm around her torso, his Masamune at her throat.

Cloud slowly and cautiously got to his feet and picked up his sword. Aeris gripped her staff tighter. Cait was holding his megaphone, ready to attack if needed. Marlene raised her fists, glaring at Sephiroth, with Red next to her, who was giving him a confused look.

'I think, that if you want your friend here to live, you'll drop your weapons. Do it! Now!' screamed Sephiroth, as none of the crowd facing him looked as though they were going to obey. Tifa glanced at Cloud, a look of pleading in her eyes. Every one else looked at him.

He shut his eyes and drew in a deep breath, as though what he was going to do would causing him great suffering, and he dropped his sword. It made a wet thud as it met the soft ground. He looked around and saw Aeris lower her staff, and Cait let go of his megaphone. Marlene let her fists fall to her sides. She cast him a nervous look, and he smiled reassuringly back at her.

Tifa could feel the blade of the Masamune press harder against her throat, almost knowing that the cold blade would soon pierce it. In an attempt to calm herself down, she clamped her hands together, and shut her eyes. It looked like she was praying in a way that would not be noticed by Sephiroth. He started to laugh his familiar, taunting laugh. Tifa stifled a mad desperate urge to cry out in fear. She felt paralysed. His grip tightened on her, and the sword pressed further into her throat.

'Now that you have all decided to lower your weapons,' - here Tifa let out a choking noise as the Masamune was starting to cut off her air - 'I shall be taking this girl's life. I would like to thank you for finally realising that you can't beat me, and co-operating,'

It was too late. None of them could do a thing. If they tried, they would still be too late. Tifa's eyes, bulged in horror as the point of the Masamune was working its way towards her neck. She let her clasped hands fly backwards. The punch landed in Sephiroth's stomach, almost winding him. She then threw her head back, cracking against Sephiroth's face. She turned, and then stood on his foot just before pushing him.

As a last attempt to hurt Tifa before landing on the ground, he lashed out. Tifa softly called out and turned her head from the force of the blow. Her hands were covering her face. Cloud rushed over to her and tried to pull them way. Marlene, Aeris, Cait and Red all came over, standing between them and Sephiroth, so it reduced the chance of him being able to catch them unaware. Cloud tugged at Tifa's wrists and pulled them away from her face. She glanced up, blinking blood out of her eyes. She had a deep cut over her face. It snaked from above her left eye, right the way down to underneath her right cheek. Blood was dripping from it into her left eye. Her hands were covered by it, and so was most of her face. The open cut stung worse as another chilly wind swept over them. She turned away from it, her eyes tightly shut, her teeth gritted.

Cloud turned back and saw that Sephiroth was still on the ground, and was watching them, looking very pleased with himself. He picked up Sephiroth's Masamune, and thrust the blade down, through his stomach, wiping the smirk off his face. Cloud put all of his weight into the heavy sword, and didn't stop when it went all the way through the narrow figure on the floor and into the ground. Sephiroth seemed to be in too much pain to try and stop Cloud. He didn't relent until the hilt was at Sephiroth's stomach. Then he dished out wave after wave of punches and kicks.

Cloud slapped his boot hard around Sephiroth's face, who turned his head to the side, spat out a large amount of blood before speaking.

'Didn't your mother ever teach you not to hit a man while he's down?' whispered Sephiroth. Cloud kicked him again.

'Didn't your mother ever teach you not to play with matches and that murdering and torturing people was wrong?' shrieked Cloud. Tifa pulled him away with one hand, the other one was in front of her face.

'Cloud...leave it. He, he's not going anywhere for a while. Not if he knows what's good for him,' she said. Cloud motioned for Red and Aeris to come over. Red lashed out with one paw, making more scars of Sephiroth's face. He now had blood pouring all over his face. He spat a gobful at Cloud. Aeris was standing on one of his arms, while Red was still letting his claws roam freely over the wounded man's face. Cloud knelt down and searched in his pockets. But with the combined weight of Aeris and Red, he could barely move to stop him. Cloud fished out the Huge Materia and pocketed it. He then positioned himself over Sephiroth, ready to stab him. The point of blade was hovering directly over Sephiroth's chest. With speed never seen before, both of his arms shot out, knocking Red and Aeris off him to the floor, and his hands wrapped around Cloud's sword, fending him off. Cloud shouted for the others to stay back and continued fighting against the foe on the ground. He was pressing down as hard as he could. Sweat was dripping down his face, his hands were starting to become damp.

Sephiroth pushed his hands out, making Cloud stumble backwards, his weapon falling out of his flailing hands. As he tried to stay on his feet, Sephiroth lowered his hands the hilt poking out of his mid section, and tugged at the handle. He began to yank the sword out. He ran the blade through the mud, out of him and free. He brought his knees up to his chest, and moved his legs sharply through the air, his torso following him upright.

He swung the blade confidently towards Cloud, who only defended himself by holding up a hand and letting the sword fall into his grasp. Blood dripped from his damp hand, but he took no notice of it. He kept a tight hold on the Masamune, and turned back to the huddled crowd.

'Go! Get through the swamp! I'll meet you on the other side! Go!'

Tifa nodded her head and grabbed Aeris and Marlene's wrist and ran. She turned back to see that Cait and Red were following. She threw herself headfirst into the dirty swamp water again, ignoring the pain in her face. As they reached the other side, Tifa hauled herself out the water and waited for the others. She leaded the way through the set of passageways that were spread out in front of them. The walls were an eerie blue colour with patches of acid green. Marlene and Aeris were running a short way after her, tailed by Cait and Red. As they ran out into the sunlight, Tifa fell to her knees, her hands covering her face and screamed. The swamp water had gotten inside it, making the stinging worse. Green light shot up and shone around Aeris. She had her arms outstretched, then brought them to her chest, her hands clamped, and extended one to Tifa. Dark blue and purple light danced around Tifa. The pain faded away as the Cure2 magic did its job. She stood up and thanked Aeris, who shrugged.

Tifa and Marlene were sitting on the ground next to Cait. Red was curled up on the ground and Aeris was lying flat out on the ground. Tifa was idly pulling out blades of grass.

'He should be back by now...' she whispered, mainly to herself.

'I wouldn't worry. I'm sure he's okay. I mean, it's not like Cloud to let himself get killed,' came the voice of Aeris.

'You seem to have forgotten what happened ten years ago. Remember? All three of us died. Well, me and Cloud did, and we assumed you had died as well,' said Tifa. Aeris laughed. 'But what I don't understand, is that, just before I died, I saw myself in a room with Biggs, Wedge, Jessie, my parents, and - and everyone who had died that I knew at the hands of Sephiroth. I saw people who were fighting with us against him and his supporters. I saw you. Explain that,' said Tifa, her tone turning from confused to defiant.

'I don't know, I really don't. But you're right. Cloud definitely should've been back by now,' said Aeris. Tifa stood up. Before anyone could say anything, she ran back through the passages and slowed to a stop at the swamp. She saw Cloud on the ground, as pale as death, and Sephiroth standing over him, looking down, his face full of triumph. Sephiroth was about to stab him in the chest, when Tifa once again threw herself into the swamp, but much more noisily than normally. Then she let herself sink down below the surface. Sephiroth and Cloud both looked over to where Tifa had dived, but neither of them could see her. Sephiroth carried on scanning the swamp, trying to see her, appearing to have forgotten Cloud, but he couldn't try and get away, otherwise Sephiroth would remember him. He looked at the edge of the swamp, where the water met the ground, and saw a figure let themselves get washed up onto the ground. They flipped their hair out of their face and stood up. Sephiroth recognised the long dark brown hair, the brownish eyes, and the slash across her face. He smirked as Tifa stepped towards him.

Tifa walked over to him, her eyes fixed on his face. He was watching her with a look of curiosity on his face. But he still managed to grin horribly at her. Tifa didn't look away, barely blinked, and kept her eyes off Cloud otherwise, he would surely be killed. When she was right in front of Sephiroth, she arched her back until her hands touched the ground, her right leg hovering in the air, when she flung her left leg out, her foot hitting Sephiroth on the chin. She used the kick to right herself again. After colliding with Sephiroth's face, her foot travelled far over her head, and then reached the ground. When she hand both feet on the ground, she straightened up quickly, and pulled her right fist up, knocking against the man's neck. He gasped a bit, but didn't let that bother him.

Tifa propelled herself round in a circle with her right foot, her left one sticking again out to make another attack. Sephiroth leant backwards as Tifa's foot whirled past his face. He dropped his Masamune, where it landed next to Cloud. As Tifa tried to kick him again, Sephiroth grabbed her foot with both his hands. Then he twisted it anti-clockwise and let go. Tifa spun rapidly as she cascaded to the mud. She landed with a wet splat nearby. Sephiroth picked up his sword again and tried to stab Cloud, but as the sword was reaching towards his chest, it was blocked by a foot.

Tifa had thrown her foot in the direction of Sephiroth, knocking the Masamune's blade out of the way. It broke the skin, but didn't hurt much. A small trickle of blood dripped onto Cloud, who breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Sephiroth's misdirected sword was guided into the ground again. Tifa saw her chance and pulled Cloud to his feet, then tore towards the swamp for a fourth time. He swam ahead of her, glancing back to make sure she was alright, and helped her out. They ran side by side down the passages. As they ran into the bright sunlight, Tifa tripped over a stone and fell into Cloud, knocking him over. He landed on his stomach, with Tifa on his back, both of them were laughing madly. Marlene came over and took Tifa's hand, pulling her to her feet. Cait helped Cloud up.

'I think it might be a good idea if we hurry along a bit. Sephiroth got his sword stuck in the mud, but it won't be a long time before he gets it out and chases after us,' said Cloud.

'Tifa,' called Red. She turned around. 'Have you noticed the state of your top?' Tifa looked down and her eyes widened in disbelief. She had blood all down it from when Sephiroth cut her face. She let out a long whistle.

'Wow, I never realised I made such a mess of myself!' exclaimed Tifa. She laughed. Cloud put his right arm around her torso and grabbed her hand. Marlene tried to look away before he did, but was a little bit too late. She cursed in her mind and kicked herself.

'What?' she demanded when she saw that Cait, Red and Aeris were all giving her the same look that said 'what are you doing?' Aeris shrugged and carried on walking. Cloud and Tifa leaded them right up to Fort Condor, where there was a small wooden boat just nearby, already in the water. Cloud told the rest of them to stay where they were, while he went and spoke to the people inside. He walked into Fort Condor, pulling Tifa who almost tripped over her feet.

They walked up a stone path until they came to a wall. The only means of getting up was climbing up a rope that was hanging there. Cloud jumped up and grabbed it as high up as he could. He scrambled up it, followed by Tifa. He pulled himself up and helped Tifa.

An elderly man was sitting at a desk starting in outer space. He wore a cream coloured shirt and brown trousers. On his bearded head was a large straw hat. He didn't pay any attention to Cloud and Tifa until they walked right up to him. He twisted in his chair to look at them. Cloud cleared his throat and spoke.

'Are you the owner of the wooden ship near here in the water?' he asked. The man nodded. 'Can we borrow it?' The man raised his eyebrows, but didn't say anything. Tifa repeated Cloud's question, in hope to get the man to answer.

'I heard you the first time,' said the man snappily. 'And for what business do you want my boat for?'

'Please, sir, we would like to travel to Mideel,' replied Tifa.

'But our business is our own,' snapped Cloud. The man rubbed his chin, a faraway look in his eyes, as though he was debating in his mind.

'Mideel is destroyed, though. You won't find much there,' said the man. Cloud rolled his eyes.

'We are aware of the situation that Mideel is in, but we still want to go there. In fact, we need to,' he retorted. Tifa placed a calming hand on his shoulder, seeing that the man's slowness was getting on his nerves.

'We - we have something we need to do that we can only do in Mideel,' said Tifa. The man sighed and shook his head.

'Oh, alright. So much for me journeying to Bone Village. If you really need it, take it,' Cloud grinned and thanked the man. He dashed back to the rope. He jumped down the hole, instead of climbing down the rope, like Tifa did, but it was no more than jumping out of the Highwind. They ran back past the others, and towards the boat. The others got the hint and followed them. Cloud and Tifa sat in the front of the boat, facing the back, Cait and Red sat at the back facing Cloud and Tifa. Tifa smiled and waved. Aeris and Marlene attempted to get in the middle, facing the same way as Cait and Red.

'Oh, God, do you think that you could've borrowed smaller boat?' sneered Marlene.

'Oh shut up and get in,' said Cait.

'Don't you tell me to shut up!' snarled Marlene.

'I would suggest that both of you stop arguing as Cloud is starting to get annoyed,' said Red pointedly. Marlene rolled her eyes and sat down in the boat. It was very cramped. Cait's moogle body took up lots of room. Cloud, Tifa, Marlene and Aeris were seated next to an oar, and were rowing. Cait and Red were looking where they were going, Cait seeming to be getting a thrill from bossing the four rowers around. Several times Cloud lost his temper from Cait making snide remarks about their uneven rowing and tried to hit him on the head with his oar. Aeris had to duck down to avoid being hit with the oar. Cait hid behind his moogle body and managed to stay out of range of every attack.

Hour after hour was crawling past as they rowed on and on. Everyone's nerves were near breaking point; Cloud's snapped quite frequently. Eventually, just as they all gave up hope that they would ever find Mideel, Red cried out.

'Look! Land!' Tifa and Cloud raised themselves slightly in the boat, Marlene, Aeris and Cait twisted around, and, sure enough, they were approaching land.

'I don't know about you lot, but I seriously can't be bothered to row anymore. Why don't we just leave the boat here and come back for it later?' suggested Cloud.

'Ah, yes. What a good idea. Let's leave it unattended so someone can steal it. Let's do that,' said Cait sarcastically.

'I've had just about enough of your goddamn attitude!' shouted Cloud. He started to stand up, but Tifa stopped him. She gave Cait a warning look, and he held his tongue.

'I doubt that the rest of you have noticed, but when we revive everyone else, there will be at least twice as many people here that there is now, so we won't all fit in. We barely do now, with just six of us,' pointed out Marlene. Tifa let herself droop sideways and into the water. She dipped underneath the surface for a second, then bobbed back up. She floated on her back, her eyes shut, looking peaceful. The others just stared at her. She had her mouth slightly open, and her mid section sank a bit. She gasped and choked as her head sank as well and flailed her arms. Then she pulled a face.

'Yuck. Don't try and drink this. Disgusting,' she said, and a grin spread over her face.

'Sounds like the poem is wrong then,' said Cloud.

'What poem?' asked Aeris, curiously.

'Water water everywhere, so let's all have a drink!' exclaimed Cloud. Marlene shook her head disbelievingly and laughed.

'Marlene?' called Cloud.

'What?'

Come here a minute. Come and sit next to me,'

'Okay,' said Marlene, shrugging her shoulders. She got out of her seat and carefully sat next to Cloud. He shoved her out of the boat, and she landed in the sea near Tifa. Cloud burst out laughing.

'That was mean, Cloud Strife,' said Aeris, failing to hide a smile. Cloud shrugged and then jumped out the other side. He took a breath and dived under the surface. He reappeared on the other side and grabbed the side. He started rocking the boat violently. Aeris screamed and fell out as the boat capsized. Cait and Red had hopped out just before the boat overturned.

To Cloud's surprise, someone behind him clouted him. His face fell into the water from the strength of the blow, and he spun around to see Marlene behind him, a mischievous grin on her face.

'Heeeeeeeey! What's the big idea?' protested Cloud.

'Serves ya right for shoving me out the boat!' said Marlene. Tifa and Aeris were already heading towards Mideel. Tifa was towing Cait's body, and Cait himself was swimming behind. Red was paddling after them, not getting much speed.

'Race you to Mideel,' said Cloud, and threw himself under the surface of the water once more. Marlene tore after him. Cloud was swimming under the water, looking at his surroundings. He glanced down, and saw that the bottom of the ocean was a dark black. Too deep to see the bottom. He saw fish swirling around them all, weaving in and out of everyone. The salty sea water stung his eyes, but he kept them as wide open as possible. He let himself get higher and higher until his head broke the surface of the water. He gasped and took a deep breath before ducking down again. He was too busy looking at his surroundings than paying attention to where he was going.

Tifa had reached Mideel with Red, Cait, Aeris and Marlene, and was watching Cloud swim past them, without giving them a glance. She smiled and shook her head. She waded to where Cloud was swimming, and grabbed one of his feet. Startled, he spat out the remainder of his air, and flailed madly as though he was drowning. He pulled his foot free and reached the surface again. He turned round and saw Tifa smiling at him.

'Tifa, never do that again!' he gasped, still trying to recover, trying to slow his heartbeat.

'You were about to swim right past us,' explained Tifa.

'Be that as it may, you could have warned me!' Tifa tutted and grabbed the upper part of Cloud's arm, and dragged him out, onto Mideel's bank.

Aeris and Marlene were sitting, talking to each other, but flinched as though someone had brandished a whip at them, when Red stood up and shook himself dry. They shivered and shuffled away from him. Cloud let himself fall face first onto the hard ground. He called out in pain, his voice muffled. Aeris walked further away from the bank and looked at the small destroyed town of Mideel. The wrecked buildings and the roads were all swamped by a poisonous vivid green liquid.

'Oh, my God...The...The Lifestream..' she muttered. Her mouth dropped open in surprise. Tifa and Marlene hurried over to her, wondering what the matter was. When they saw the Lifestream, Marlene almost lost her footing and stumbled backwards, and Tifa raised her hands to her mouth.

'What happened?' asked Tifa.

'I told you ages ago. When Sephiroth destroyed Mideel, no one was prepared to repair it, as they did Kalm. So the Lifestream flooded up and into Mideel, covering it. But I never realised...it was like this. The whole place is engulfed by it,' said Aeris, her voice, quiet with shock. Cloud meandered over to them and swore loudly when he saw the green substance. Cait and Red followed. Aeris grinned, clapped her hands together and turned to them.

'Okay, this is it! Somewhere in here is a hole in the ground where the Lifestream flooded up from. One of us needs to find it and go in there, right down to the bottom and get the Gold Materia. But I warn you now - who ever goes might returned with Mako poisoning. Any volunteers?' asked Aeris, knowing that they wouldn't risk their lives through their own free will.

'I'll go. I'll do it,' said Cloud. He was just about to set off to find the entrance to the Lifestream, when Marlene placed a hand on his shoulder and stopped him.

'No. I should. It was me who flared this off again. It was me who wanted to kill Sephiroth and revived Tifa, starting the whole journey. I should go,'

'You sure?' asked Cloud. Marlene nodded. Aeris beckoned her over. She told Marlene to try and cup her hands in the Lifestream, to try and hold it in her hands. Marlene gave her an odd look, but obeyed. The green liquid trickled out of her hands like water, but it didn't feel wet. It felt only like air. She gasped and parted her hands in sheer surprise. A shiver ran down Marlene's back as she set off, her eyes fixed on the ground.

As she reached the old Mideel hospital, she almost tripped over something. Looking back, she saw a gaping hole in the ground and that was filled to the brim with Spirit Energy from the Lifestream that she had missed. She stepped back and then dived right into the gap. She dared to draw in breath, and to her surprise she could breathe. She had been worrying that she would drown in the Lifestream. She floated gently towards the bottom instead of falling right down. It was more like flying than swimming. She flipped over and saw the gap she jumped through and then turned over again, and swam into the dark depths. She pumped her limbs madly, gathering more and more speed. Marlene shrieked in surprise as a figure floated serenely in front of her. It was Yuffie.

'Yuffie!' cried Marlene. The ninja gave her a contemplative look, wondering whether to fade away from sight, or stay. Instead she spoke in a ghostly voice.

'Go. You have a long way to go before reaching the Gold Materia.'

'How do you know that's what I'm after?' Yuffie ignored her question.

'Go. Once you have reached the bottom, you will enter an image that takes the form of Nibelheim, before Shinra warred with Dio's army. You need to go into the Shinra mansion, find the safe, open it and take the key. Then you must go into the basement, unlock the door and heave the lid off the big coffin in the middle. Inside will be the Gold Materia. Hurry, and good luck,' said Yuffie.

'What's the combination for the safe?' demanded Marlene.

'Thirty-six. Ten. Sixty-nine. Ninety-seven,' replied Yuffie. But before Marlene could say anything else, to thank her, the ninja faded out of sight. Marlene forced herself downward again. After about five minutes, when Marlene was going to give up hope of reaching the bottom, the green Spirit Energy changed to white. Instinct told her to right herself and allow herself to fall down on her own. Marlene twisted around and glanced back up at the hole. She could vaguely make out faces peering in, but she was too far down to be seen. As she met the bright whiteness, she was pulled down great speed. Before she opened her mouth to scream, she landed on the ground. She was in Nibelheim, just like Yuffie said she would be.

Marlene made her away uncertainly towards the other end of Nibelheim. She had been there once, could remember being shown the Shinra Mansion, but which building was it? She knew it was near Tifa's house. She walked over to one of the houses and glanced around. She spotted the Shinra Mansion, the last house in Nibelheim before the mountain range behind the village. She sprinted over to the gate, but it was locked. She vaulted over it, landing on her stomach on the other side. She painfully pushed herself up and walked towards the door.

The mansion was much different to how she imagined it. There was a doorway on either side of the wall leading somewhere else, another door near the empty frames, a staircase leading off to both sides, and underneath that, a huge set of double doors. She ran off to the empty door frame on the left hand side and saw that it was empty except for a yellowing piece of paper on the floor. She picked it up and read it quietly to herself.

'...experiment, you can find him in the basement, but this is just a game. You don't have to play it if you don't want to,' she scanned the rest of the page and realised that it contained clues for the safe's combination. 'Clue two. 'The number of the box with the most oxygen.' Wow, it's a good thing Yuffie told me the combination, that doesn't make the slightest bit of sense,' mutter Marlene to herself. She let the paper drop to the floor before going out the room. She crashed through the double doors and turned to the right. She saw a chest on the floor, and lying near it was the safe. She crouched in front of it and turned the knob to unlock it, muttering the numbers under her breath. The door on the safe flew open and something small, red and round rolled out. She ignored it and snatched up the key inside. As she shut the safe again, she picked up the red sphere. It was the Summon materia, Odin. She equipped it and walked out of the room.

Instinct kicked in again and guided her through the mansion. She walked back through the double doors and up the staircase then turned to the right at the top. She walked down the corridor and into another room, but there was nothing in there except a fireplace. She walked over and leant against it, but jumped away in panic as it swung away like a door. Looking in, Marlene could see wooden planks leading down in a spiral to the basement. She nervously walked down, convinced that she was going to fall off and to her death. Just a small way off the ground, she jumped off the planks and hurried down to the other end. She burst into the door, but she thought that Yuffie said it would be locked? There were giant containers which had things moving inside and grumbling to themselves. There were about human sized, judging by the things they were locked in. Further on, there were shelf after shelf of books; some had fallen on the floor. Marlene walked back out, looking at the walls for any hidden doors.

She almost walked straight past it again, when another old friend stepped out in front of her.

'Cid!' shouted Marlene.

'Yeah, okay. No need to shout. I can still hear, you know,' he snapped.

'Sorry.'

'So, how many more times are you planning on walking past the room you need?' Marlene merely looked at him. Cid made an impatient noise and pointed to a doorway she had completely missed on her way to the mansion's library. She thanked him and ran over to the door. She turned back to see that Cid had vanished, like Yuffie had.

Marlene fumbled with the key and managed to get it in the lock eventually. As the door swung open, she saw three coffins. The two on each side of the middle one were smaller and were angled slightly compared to the middle one. A gold light seemed to be filling it. She cautiously walked over it, and wrenched off the lid, but immediately had to turn away. The gold light shone brightly in her eyes, almost blinding her. It carried on shining through her closed eyelids, and started to die down. When Marlene was sure that she wouldn't be blinded, she opened her eyes and looked back to the coffin. A small gold sphere that was as tiny as her new Odin Summon materia winked innocently at her, still slightly emitting light.

Marlene grabbed at the Gold Materia and shoved it into her pocket so she wouldn't lose it and then raced back towards the planks to take her back out the basement. A feeling of happiness swelled up inside her. Providing that nothing went wrong, that they weren't interrupted, she was going to have her father back soon! She let her growing feeling of happiness carry her back out the mansion, back out of Nibelheim and back into the Lifestream. She shot up until the Spirit Energy turned green again. She started to move her arms, remembering that if she wasn't careful, she could die of Mako poisoning. A cold laugh made her freeze. She saw Sephiroth! What was he doing here?

'I see you have managed to get the Gold Materia. Now, hand it to me,' he said, and the command struck her, harder and more clearly than anything else in her life. She felt her hand reaching into her pocket, struggling to obey, but she stopped herself, and swam towards the surface of the Lifestream. She lashed out with her foot, hitting Sephiroth hard before continuing. She worked herself harder than she had ever done before, determined to get out the Lifestream before she was stopped by the man closely tailing after her. Her limbs started to ache. She felt herself loosing energy, fast. Her breathing was slowing down in her tiredness, she couldn't move much faster. It made her head spin. But she was so close to the surface. A hand reached down into the Lifestream. Grateful, she forced herself to grab it. The fingers curled around Marlene's wrist, and then tugged. Cloud pulled her out of the Lifestream, and let her lie down near the hole to get her breath back.

'That was lucky. If you had stayed in there for any longer, you would have Mako poisoning. Congratulations!' cheered the voice of Aeris. Panting, Marlene lifted her head up off the ground and saw Aeris, Tifa and Cloud beaming down on her, and everyone else staring at her, amazed. Tifa took her hands and pulled her up to her feet, where she swayed, still exhausted. She put her hand into her pocket and took out the Gold Materia and handed it to Aeris. Aeris equipped it, and then positioned herself so she could see the faces of everyone.

'Okay. so we have the materia, now we need to perform the magic. Can all of you get into a circle, holding hands, spreading as far out a possible please?' said Aeris. Tifa and Marlene wandered over to Cloud, who took each of their hands - Marlene struggled not to turn red - and then Cait moved the moogle over to her and grabbed her other hand, Red being supported by Tifa. Red attempted to get his other paw high enough for Cait to grab, but in the end, Aeris, giggling madly to herself had to walk over and lift his paw up for Cait. She stifled another laugh at the sight of Red on his hind legs and walked back to the centre of the circle. She got on her knees and shut her eyes, her clasped hands brought up to her mouth. She started to mutter non-stop under her breath, so quietly, no one in the circle could hear. Then Aeris began to speak loudly.

'Estarra nova seelia Cid Highwind, Vincent Valentine, Barret Wallace, Yuna Lockheart, Dio Lockheart, Yuffie Kisargi, Biggs, Wedge, Jessie!' cried Aeris. As she spoke the names, the people themselves appeared in the circle with Aeris. After she called out the last names, she snapped open her eyes and stood up. The circle broke apart. Tifa and Marlene both rushed over and threw themselves at their parents. Marlene rushed towards a black man who towered above the rest of them. He had black hair and beard, and wore a dark green jacket with a large silver belt which stopped just underneath his chest. He had large green trousers covering his chunky brown boots. Barret looked surprised as his daughter crashed into him. He pulled Tifa away from her parents, and wrapped both her and Marlene in a bone breaking hug.

'Uh, Barret? Gun, your gun arm!' choked Tifa.

'What? Oh, sorry,' said Barret letting them go and stepping away. He saw in the corner of his eye Cait and Red both staring anxiously at his gun-arm. Years ago, when Marlene was a baby, Barret was involved in a nasty incident after Shinra burnt down North Corel, his hometown. He lost the use of his arm and threw away the prosthetic one he had, and got a gun grafted in.

'Tifa, what have you done to your face?' called Yuna, gesturing to the deep cut Sephiroth inflicted on her.

'Sephiroth,' said Tifa simply, watching her parents shudder.

Tifa walked back to her parents. Her mother, Yuna, was the same height as Tifa was, with shoulder length light brown hair. She had orange-red eyes that glowed. She was wearing a long purple skirt and a short purple shirt, with sleeves that reached down to her elbows. Dio, her father had grey hair and brown eyes. He wore blue jeans and a black t-shirt. He had black boots on that were similar to Barret's.

The man in black and red, Vincent Valentine, was looking at Biggs, Wedge and Jessie with an expression of suspicion and interest. Biggs was about Tifa's height, with black hair that flops down at the front, and red headband underneath. He wore a dark green vest top, and baggy khaki trousers, and black boots. Jessie, was a bright young woman who was an expert in the way things like bombs worked. She was a bit smaller than Biggs, and had waist length light brown hair. She wore a brown shirt and trousers, and looked like a cowboy. Wedge was the most lurid one of them all. He wore a red cap on back to front, had a yellow shirt and blue trousers. He also wore brown boots.

'Looks like we've got a bit of introducing to do then, doesn't it?' said Cloud. They all started talking with one another, except for Cait and Red, who were hanging back, trying to be avoided. Tifa and Aeris came, and forced them in the middle of things, forcing them to get involved. Vincent was talking to Yuffie, but with still staring at Biggs, Wedge and Jessie, who were looking uncomfortable. Jessie called Tifa over.

'Hey Tifa, who's that man over there' - here she pointed at Vincent - 'in the red cape and with the copper claw?,' asked Jessie timidly. 'He keeps staring at us,'

'Oh, that's just Vincent, don't worry, he doesn't bite - unless you're fighting against him, but you're not, so don't let him worry you. In fact, why don't you go and have a talk with him?' replied Tifa. Jessie shook her head violently. Tifa laughed and walked off. The sound of conversations died down to silence. Dio had his hands closed round the handle of a sword he found on the ground, concentrating hard on it. A white light burst from him, as his sword duplicated several times, then crashing to the ground. He handed everyone who didn't have a weapon, before putting his back in its sheath.

'So, now what do we do?' asked Barret, to the air in general. Marlene rolled her eyes, as though it should be obvious. A cold hard voice answered before anyone else could say a word. The gigantic party froze in horror.

'You are going to hand me the Gold Materia before I make you regret it,' Tifa, Marlene and Cloud grouped together, as did Barret, Aeris and Yuffie. The ninja looked quite determined into the cold green eyes of Sephiroth; Tifa had never thought that she would dare to provoke him like that. They all saw his eyes narrow as they burned into Yuffie's own, but then he turned to Tifa, a grim smirk spreading over his face. He raised an arm and jerked the index and middle finger forwards, as though indicating someone to step forwards. A few people came rushing up behind Sephiroth. They were his elite guards, who swore to protect their master, with their lives if necessary.

'Lost your confidence? Are you not as brave as you were before? You didn't need personal body guards when you were in SOLDIER, with Cloud,' snarled Tifa.

'Tifa! Shh!' hissed Cloud, his widened eyes fixed on the crowd before them. Sephiroth smiled again, before turning away. He didn't say a word, he barely moved, but the men behind him were watching, as though they expected something amazing to happen. It did. Sephiroth screamed and shrieked in pain and collapsed, bright coloured forks of lighting shooting out of his back, into the sky. His skin turned to a grey colour. He expanded, his hands transforming into what looked like fish fins. His chest heaved as the ragged breathing of the monster before them increased. His great head had a blood red scar underneath his left eye. His legs seemed to stick together, and then turned yellow, an ugly bright pod forming. The giant straightened up, sneering at the ant sized mortals. He could almost see from his magnificent height them loose their heads, ready to throw themselves down at his mercy. Tifa shifted her grip on her sword and stared up at the muscular Bizarro Sephiroth. With a glance at Aeris, Barret, Yuffie, Cloud and Marlene, she attacked.

The guards that were leering at them all rushed forwards to the attack. They curved around the six fighting Sephiroth, and headed straight for the others. There were blasts of gun shots from Vincent, but the air was mainly filled with the sounds of clanging swords.

Tifa, Cloud and Marlene reappeared into vision as the Summon monster Ifrit vanished from Tifa's attack. She killed the head part easily, but too easily. Aeris casted Regen on her party, then Barret used Wall. A green flame surrounded Yuffie as she prepared to use Quake3. A mount of earth raised itself, as she attacked the yellow pod. Aeris responded after that with Fire3, watching as the revived head part was covered in flaming balls, which made a terrific noise.

Cloud stepped forwards and also performed Regen, Marlene using Wall - all six of them determined to keep their health up as high as possible, but Sephiroth didn't seem to be attacking. He waved a fish fin hand at Tifa, Cloud and Marlene, and a tiny little angel floated above them. The three of them staggered backwards, as though they had been hit hard by an obstacle. Cloud was cursing, saying that they had been hit by the 'Heartless Angel', an attack to reduce the HP of everyone in one party down to one. Tifa instantly groped around for a specific item. She wrenched the lid off a megalixir, and watched as greens, red and blues surrounded her party, as it restored their HP and MP. This time, the green fire caused by materia was hovering around Cloud. A heavy green fog settled itself around the two parties, and Sephiroth himself. It spiralled around him, but not seeming to do any magic. The head slumped down dead as the Ultima spell hit it. The arm waved towards Yuffie, using Quake3.

Dio was having trouble. He was trying with all his might to hit one of the elite guards. They were all too fast. Plus, it didn't help that he was distracted by the noises of several different materia being used on the Bizarro Sephiroth. A loud crackling noise told him that someone had just used Bolt3. It was soon followed by the roar of Fire3 again. He glanced at the slots in his sword, and they were filled with his own materia. But he was weakened before he died, which led him to trying to fight Sephiroth physically, resulting in death. He didn't have enough MP to fight with magic, and not enough speed to fight successfully against these guards.

Vincent was coming close to scaring several guards to hysterics as he let his anger soar through him. He started to vanish as though he was Summoning, but in a second, he returned. Red horned, blue skinned, with long fangs and claws. The beast fought as good as he could give, and was winning. When he wasn't hitting with his claws, he kept on emitting flames from his mouth, similar to those of the Fire3 magic. The guard stumbled, painfully burnt, but Vincent didn't take any heed.

Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie were fighting the guards by surrounding them, closing in on all sides. It seemed to work quite well until the guards took them by surprise, tore through their tight circle, and hit them with sharp sword blades. Jessie suffered a hard blow in punishment for glancing at the Bizarro Sephiroth.

Aeris, Barret and Yuffie were beginning to weaken. They had already used an elixir each, owing to the lack of Turbo Ethers to restore amounts of MP larger than one hundred. Yuffie's HP and MP were both dangerously low. The pain that had struck her was lifted slightly as she was once again hit with Regen. She watched her body flash an orange-red colour. Barret used Cure3 on them all, helping the Regen to do its job faster. As her HP shot up, Yuffie felt herself getting stronger and stronger. Her HP continued to rise as the Regen was fully in charge of their health again. Yuffie concentrated on getting her strength up to use her Summon materia. Once again, green flames sparked up, but there were different coloured circles hovering. Red, yellow, blue, and they all contained and ancient symbol. She, Aeris and Barret vanished into oblivion. A mount of earth jumped up top form a hill where a tall thin and elderly man stood. He had a staff in his left hand with a dark blue orb on the top. The man's pure white hair and flowing beard was fanning out behind him as though in a wind. Great long bolts of electricity extended themselves out, raking the ground as they circled Ramah’s hill like the ribbons from a maypole. Each bolt washed over the Bizarro Sephiroth, damaging every part of him. Ramuh disappeared and the hill flattened out. Yuffie, Barret and Aeris reappeared. Both the fish fin hands hung limply near the top of the yellow pod. They had been killed, but it seemed Sephiroth could still use them.

Fighting the Sephiroth creature was infuriating Cloud, as almost every time they killed one of its arms, - or left and right magics - or its head and then switched parties, the head part would be revived. He was watching it make its go, ready for his attack. The thing raised both its 'dead' magics and placed the fin tips together. Bright colours swirled around the beast, which looked like he had used an elixir, or Cure3. The monster cured itself with its own branch of curative magic known as Bizarro Energy. Cloud concentrated on using Bolt3 on the Bizarro Sephiroth's chest. Fork after fork of lightning poured out of the sky, each doing immense damage to the creature, but not enough to kill the aimed part. Tifa used an Ether on Cloud, restoring only one hundred MP out of seven hundred. Marlene thought hard on the magic she attempted to use, and in no time at all, comets were falling out of the overcast sky onto Sephiroth. His head and chest took damage, but the pod remained unhurt. The creature averted its attention to the other three on its other side.

The other party seemed to pick up what Cloud Tifa and Marlene were trying to achieve, getting another part out of the way. Aeris bravely stepped forwards and used Ice3. Crystal spikes of ice fought to reach their destination first and formed a shape similar to a many pointed star in Sephiroth, then shattered. The creature moved backwards from the impact. It was getting much weaker. It just about managed to keep itself upright as the chest part died. It was now just the pod and the head left.

Cloud desperately used Life2 on Marlene as she dropped down dead from being hit with Bio3. Bubbles flew all around her and each one was a different shade of green. She briefly felt the poison settling in before keeling over. Then they were plunged into pitch blackness, the only thing visible was another tiny angel that was dancing in mid air above Marlene. A bright red light shot up like the green fire from the materia in a circle around Marlene and spread outwards so wave after wave of healing red light consumed her. It and the angel vanished, along with the darkness. Marlene got to her feet and instantly used Demi3. A thick black round cloud shot from Marlene towards Sephiroth, and attempted to engulf him. The three could see a gold line of smaller spheres inside the black cloud, winding around in a circle, twisting around. But to the dismay of Marlene, Cloud and Tifa, nothing happened. The pod wasn't hurt. It seemed to be immune to gravity based attacks. Tifa struck the pod with Fire3, then Cloud used his Ultima attack again. At long last, the Bizarro Sephiroth started to fall. It was sinking towards the ground. Its mouth was open to scream, but it was silent. The triumphant six turned to the others to give them a hand with the elite guards, when suddenly, Cloud, Tifa and Marlene were lifted off their feet and were flying up to the nearly cloudless sky. Looking down, they saw that the body of the Bizarro Sephiroth was no longer there. A chill ran up Tifa's spine and she tore her eyes away from the spot where it had fell, away from the startled looks their allies were giving, but to see what dangers were ahead. Another creature had stepped in front of them to challenge their skills. Tifa wanted to curse when she saw it, she wanted to run, but she was still floating in the sky. But it felt like she was back on the ground. The air was surprisingly solid. Judging by the opened mouthed looks of horror from Cloud and Marlene, they were just as shocked by the sudden appearance of the thing in front of them.

It was still Sephiroth, but not in his normal form, or, as the Bizarro creature. He was normal from the waist upwards, except his silvery hair was flowing upwards. In the section that would normally have been from his waist to halfway down his thighs was a pure white cloud. Four white tentacles were protruding from it at equal intervals, and it seemed to be using them to keep in the air. As Tifa examined the creature, she noticed that the top half of it was not as normal as she first thought. Its left arm was a gigantic wing. She also spotted that, behind its head was a gold circular frame with a shape of something inside it. She recognised it to be the odd 'A' shape that she had been tied to when she rescued Marlene after being kidnapped. The tip of his wing looked very sharp and would probably cause a lot of pain and damage to anything it came in contact with. Marlene was giving it extremely apprehensive looks, her hands held up to her mouth. Cloud didn't seem to be too worried. The only thing that made him look nervous was that his eyes had widened in fear and disbelief.

'The One Winged Angel....Safer-Sephiroth...' muttered Cloud, in a voice that was barely coherent.

Before any of them could prepare, the battle started. The Safer-Sephiroth casted Wall on itself. Cloud did the same, then Tifa used Regen. Sephiroth used his first attack, Pale Horse. Everything turned to white - Sephiroth seemed to vanish into the background - and then large black spots floated down from where he was and collided into the three. Even though it didn't seem a very painful attack, it hurt them like hell. Marlene casted Cure2 on the party and then Cloud used his Hades Summon. A stone ground appeared where Cloud, Tifa and Marlene were standing, then five pillars rose out of the ground. A skeletally thin creature in a hooded black cloak was behind a large black cauldron, cackling evilly. A grin spread over its bony mouth and it waved its arms frantically over the surface of the cauldron. The contents rose up and over the Safer-Sephiroth form in a tidal wave of purple and blue. Hades retreated back as the three reappeared.

Sephiroth recovered from the attack and then used its most powerful move on them - Super Nova. In the solar system, a comet had started to fly around, whizzing around the planets. It started at Pluto, smashing through it, breaking it into shards as though it was a glass marble. Next, it headed for Saturn, destroying several rocks in its ring. It then flew past to Jupiter. It tore a hole through the centre, then beams of light burst from it seconds before the whole planet exploded. Next it soared by until reaching Mercury. It left that planet intact and plunged into the sun, where the Safer-Sephiroth was hovering. It was backing up, letting the rays from the sun cover it, until it was no longer visible. Then next thing Tifa knew, she was there also, with Cloud and Marlene. On her left she could see Marlene, but she was no longer in human form. She had been hit with a hidden Transform materia spell, Frog. The three of them were pulled further and further towards the sun, until they were sucked into it, like Sephiroth had let himself. The pain was immense. She had never felt anything like it in her life. It was beyond the pain caused from a simple Fire3 spell, even worse than the dreaded Magic Breath enemy skill certain creatures use, which used Fire, Ice and Bolt, all in one attack. Then, as the pain subsided, she saw that she was back where they started. Not on the ground, but hovering for miles above. The One Winged Angel came into view, as though he had just used a Summon materia.

Cloud glanced at his party, and things did not look good. There was him, crouched down on the air, hoping that he wouldn't be hit again otherwise he would be killed, there was Tifa, who, judging by the way she was spinning round on the spot was Confused. She also looked as though she was desperate to say something, but couldn't, which led to the conclusion that she was Silenced. Not only could she not speak, her magic had been disabled. Marlene was lying spread-eagled on the ground, dead again. Cloud summoned up his energy to use Cure3 on all, not caring that it would have no effect on Marlene. Tifa stood up, but was still revolving with a look on her face and in her eyes that she wanted to say something.

______________________________________________________________________________

Odd feelings were brewing up inside Tifa's mind. Who was all these people? Where they friend or foe? She didn't know. She worked out who she should team up with, and who was her enemy. There was a man on one side, who, to her opinion, looked quite shifty. A woman was on her other, but she wasn't posing a threat, because she was dead. The man was using magic. She turned to see that he had cast Life2 on the woman, reviving her with all her HP. She looked ahead and saw a god-like creature. She felt pity towards it, for it only had one wing. Well, she was going to do something that would be useful to her new-found master. She turned to the man, and punched him squarely in the face, then followed through with a sharp kick to his knee. He threw an item at her, and she experienced yet another drastic change. She felt every thing come back to her, but in a different light. Now she could use magic. As she prepared to Cure her one winged god, the woman on her other side used some magic on her. She stopped revolving on the spot, and the real battle came back to her. She realised that the Super Nova had many hidden spells, and it had Confused her. She cast Regen on her party, then Marlene used Demi3, praying that it had more of an effect against the Safer-Sephiroth than it did against the Bizarro Sephiroth. Once again, circles of black and gold floated around the enemy, and once again, it didn't do a thing.

Sephiroth floated higher up, out of reach of their physical attacks. Cloud realised that the Safer-Sephiroth still had an MBarrier, as well as a normal Barrier. So it was protected against magic and physical attacks. He quickly used the Destruct materia, making a blue wall appear in front of the creature. It shattered, taking Sephiroth's Wall with it. Then the three dished out wave after wave of Summons, Magic, and curing themselves.

They started to fade away and then, without any warning the ground split apart and an enraged fire demon tore out of it. Flames dancing around its open, growling mouth, Ifrit turned its ugly head towards the Safer-Sephiroth and charged. It flew at top speed, leaving nothing but flames in its wake. It left the creature to burn, and then Cloud, Tifa and Marlene faded back, but only for a second, as Shiva was Summoned.

A ray of light was shining in front of Sephiroth, and in a twinkling of white dust, a beautiful, yet underdressed woman floated airily down. She had blue skin, and her hair was a light purple and was pulled back into a pony tail high up on her head. She waved her right hand lazily at Sephiroth, sending a avalanche of ice forwards. As she started to fade as well, Cloud instantly used Ultima, trying to drown his enemy in green fog.

Sephiroth interrupted their endless flow of attacks, with one of his, which was called Deen. He called up a blue comet this time which looked as though it was ice. It hurtled at them at a terrific speed before crashing into Tifa, who died so quickly, she felt no pain. Cloud cursed loudly, seeing that the Safer-Sephiroth was going to be their downfall. He dodged with lightning speed as the tip of Sephiroth's wing rushed towards him. He knew that if he was hit, it would kill him, and he was the only one with a Life materia, and there were no Phoenix Downs within their grasp. If he died, that was it. He wasn't coming back.

Soon the three of them were up again, battling with every single ounce of strength they had. They Summoned monster after monster, but nothing seemed to be having a great effect. Cloud was using either Ultima or Comet2 every time was wasn't healing or reviving. All the Safer-Sephiroth was doing was using the same two attacks. He didn't use the Super Nova attack again, which came as a great relief, and the two he was using were Deen and Pale Horse. Wall and Regen every now and then seemed to do the trick. Marlene couldn't help but notice that those two spells wore off much quicker than normal.

All three of them were panic stricken, and worried that they were all going to die before Sephiroth did. Tifa wondered why she didn't feel terrified beyond her wits. She knew that Sephiroth scared her. Hell, loads of people knew, but for some odd reason, in his most dangerous form, she wasn't that worried. At least, not as worried as she knew she ought to be. Yes, she felt anxiety, but that was only natural for her.

Tifa was broken out of her thoughts by the Safer-Sephiroth hitting her across the face with the tip of its wing. Marlene turned to her and used Cure2. She was weakening as well, her MP was starting to get dangerously low. She threw an Ether at Cloud, who was also running out of power. He then Summoned one of his weaker monsters. He had a Shiva materia, but at a lower level, and it wasn't as strong, but it still managed to hit Sephiroth and cast some damage.

At last, Tifa gave up using her materia, and saved the remains of her precious MP for curative magic. She noticed that when the creature had hit her, it knocked her sword clean out of her hands, and it had fallen down back to the ground, where she could see their allies standing over Sephiroth's elite guards. She rushed forwards, getting in a quick, sharp punch and kick, before retreating again. Marlene used and Ether on herself, then used Regen. She still had just about enough energy left to use some of her medium power attacks. Cloud charged forwards and struck the monster hard with his sword. They all saw the One Winged Angel sway dangerously about, as though about to fall clean out of the sky.

'Tifa! Use one last Summon to finish it off!' cried Cloud. She cast her mind around to see which one would be strong enough. She concentrated every particle of her body into Summoning the monster, Odin. The sky turned overcast, thick grey clouds were blocking the sunlight from getting through. A huge human shaped creature rode over in front of Sephiroth on a six-legged horse. It turned its red eyes towards the weakened being. Sephiroth's evil green eyes widened as it looked up in Odin's big pale yellow antlered face. A beam of pink and purple light in shape of a spear formed in Odin's hands. It lunged the spear into the sky, tearing a hole in the clouds, where a bright ray of light shone through. Then the spear reappeared through the gap in the clouds, and shot straight through the chest of Sephiroth. The creature howled louder than before transforming into the Bizarro Sephiroth.

Tifa, Marlene and Cloud watched as Sephiroth fell back down to the ground, and as the others surrounded it, not sure whether to get too close or not. They kept on looking up at the three suspended in the sky, not sure how they were going to get down. But that query was answered, almost immediately. Cloud noticed that the solid air they were standing on felt like it was trembling. He swayed forwards, then backwards, then toppled over and started his descent to the ground.

'Cloud!' screamed both Marlene and Tifa. Tifa dropped to her stomach and plunged her hand downwards and grabbed his flailing wrist. The weight of Cloud was too much for Tifa to withstand, and she fell down as well, head first to the ground.

Dio was trying to position himself so that he could catch his daughter, and Biggs was going to break Cloud's fall. Marlene was still standing, looking down, trying to see whether Tifa and Cloud were alright. Tifa landed in the arms of her father, but Cloud managed to successfully squash Biggs.

'Come on Marlene! Jump!' called Tifa. Marlene shook her head violently. They saw her looked around behind her, and keeled over. She screamed all the way down, and shut her eyes when she landed. She opened them slightly to see that she had landed right in Cloud's grasp. Bright red, she quickly hopped out and walked over to Barret, who placed his normal arm around her shoulders. The party turned when they heard footsteps coming from the same direction they arrived. Exhausted, Elena managed to scramble all the way to Sephiroth, before collapsing by him. Reno and Rude were following behind. Reno had found an shock stick since they had last met; Tifa could see electricity crackling from the end.

'M-master!' called Elena, who had started cautiously started shaking the shoulders of the unconscious form of Sephiroth. He had turned back to his normal form now that he was on the ground. The other two Turks were lingering behind, unsure of what to do. They exchanged glanced and started to try and pull her away.

'Elena, what are you talking about? You don't have a master. At least, not anymore, now that Shinra are gone,' added Reno, with a nasty look at Tifa and Cloud. Elena shook herself free of her partners' grips. She was shaking furiously with rage.

'Do you honestly think that I would stay loyal to Shinra? No, I exist to serve the Great Sephiroth. He will over power all people on this earth one day, and become a god, with me at his side! He might have joined with Rufus for a short while, but my master has a streak of independence. The only reason he has his supporters to so he can remove all those who stand in his way easier! He will never die! His legend will live for eternity, like the man himself!'

'Not likely. Would you like to do the honours Tifa?' said Barret. He handed her the sword she had dropped earlier. He motioned to the others and they instantly seized the three Turks, leaving Tifa free.

Tifa moved softly to where Sephiroth lay and stopped when she was by his head. Gripping the sword with both hands, she held it out over the fallen one's face. Elena was struggling to get free, but she was surrounded and couldn't escape. Just as she started to thrust the sword down, Sephiroth stood up, he climbed to his feet with terrific speed. Tifa guided the sword away from the ground and drove it through Sephiroth's skull, through the roof of his mouth, as he opened it to scream in fury and attack. She kicked the body in the mid section to tug her sword out again. A dribble of blood was trickling out of Sephiroth's mouth, the only visible sign of any wounds.

The party let go of the Turks and parted as Tifa walked through the middle, back to the boat. As she reached the bank, she froze, thinking. Cloud and Marlene walked over to her while the others disposed of the Turks, then kicked Sephiroth's dead body. They could hear Yuffie shrieking as she pounded the man several times. Tifa smiled and shook her head.

'How are we going to get back?' asked Marlene. Tifa was staring unblinkingly out at the ocean and said softly 'I don't know.' Cloud tapped her on the shoulder and pointed to a woman sobbing on her own further on. The woman's short brown hair and black glasses looked very familiar, as did the white clothing. It must be Shera! thought Tifa. She still thinks that Cid is dead, and so must be here mourning! She dashed back to the others, grabbing as many of them as she could, and dragged them towards Shera.

Shera was aware of people running backwards and forwards, but she wasn't going to complain as long as they were not going to bother her. She had several red roses in her hands, which she lay on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. It had been ages since she saw Cid, and even though he was always short tempered with her and constantly snapping, she felt so strongly towards him. She didn't dare tell him, but she loved him more than anything else in the world. It caused her much pain when he snapped at her, which showed that he clearly didn't think the same way about her.

'Look! It's Shera!' At the sound of her name, she looked up. She saw Cid, glancing around, then smiling at her. Actually smiling at her!

'Captain!' Shera got to her feet and ran at full speed at Cid. Before he could stop it, she ran straight into him, her arms clamped tightly round him.

'Goddammit Shera! What's your problem?' hissed Cid, following through with the most interesting string of curse words that any of them had ever heard. Biggs, Wedge and Jessie were looking at Cid as though he was mad, and Yuffie was giving Shera sympathetic looks. Barret was frowning at him, and Vincent was staring at the sky. Cloud was looking behind for the others. Tifa placed her arm around Shera's shoulders and deftly whispered something in her ear, so that Cid wouldn't see.

'The Highwind!' Tifa exclaimed. The rest of them there shifted their gaze until they were looking past Shera. Parked behind lots of trees was the Highwind.

'How did you get it, Shera?' asked Vincent.

'I took it from outside Kalm. Someone had left it just outside,' said Shera, obviously not realising who she had taken it from.

'Um, Shera? It was us. We were staying in an inn and left the Highwind outside because we couldn't exactly fly into Kalm,' said Yuffie. Shera's mouth dropped open in shock, and she apologised. She looked behind Tifa, Cid. Vincent, Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie to see the rest of the group turning up. Aeris was starting to look apprehensive. When Cloud asked her what the matter was. she just pointed to the sky. The party looked up and saw both the Meteors bearing down on them, now getting dangerously low.

'Well, we can get rid of one of them easily enough. Good ole' Sephy said about the Huge Materia, which I still have. We can use that,' said Cloud, also looking at the sky.

'If we had a rocket, we could launch it into space, at the Meteors with the Huge Materia inside, blowing one of the rocks up...' mumbled Cid. Shera cleared her throat nervously.

'Captain?' she said cautiously.

'What?' demanded Cid, glaring at her.

'Um, when...when the other people in Rocket Town heard that you had...died...they - they built a special rocket in your memory. Would that suffice?' she asked. Tifa butted in before Cid could answer.

'Yeah! That'll do great! Oh, hang on. Is it a real working rocket, or just there for decoration?' she questioned.

'No, no, it does work. The civilians worked very hard on it Captain, and I think that it should work,' Cid shrugged and said that what they did wasn't up to him. Tifa and Cloud led everyone onto the Highwind. She saw Marlene talking rapidly with Barret, who seemed so much happier to be reunited with her father. Her own adopted parents, Dio and Yuna were also talking, then they looked up and smiled at Tifa, who wandered over to them.

When everyone was in, Cloud looked desperately at the controls, then at Cid, who was standing around, staring into space.

'Cid!' he called. 'I - er, am going to need directions, because, I don't know where Rocket Town is,' Cid heaved a great sigh and barged Cloud out of the way. He raised the Highwind into the air, spun it round until it was facing the other direction, and then flew off. Aeris was looking out at the land they were crossing with a look of worry still flickering on her face.

'Cloud,' she said softly. He walked over to her.

'I have something I need to confess. I don't know how we can defeat the other Meteor. I just don't know what we can do,' she said, her voice full of pleading. She turned away from Cloud and looked outside again, her insides squirming with anxiety. Cloud looked around the Highwind. Tifa was talking with her parents, as was Marlene. Red and Cait were conversing with Biggs, Wedge and Jessie. Vincent was no longer terrorising them, but was standing outside on the balcony, letting the cool air rush over his face. Yuffie was inside, standing a good distance away from everyone else, near the balcony, bent double, breathing heavily and clutching her stomach. She suddenly stood up and ran, her hand over her mouth as she shoved Vincent out of the way.

'A simple 'Vincent, could you please move out of the way' would do, you know,' he said in his soft voice.

'It's a little hard to speak, when you think that you're going to throw up,' snapped Yuffie. Hope shone on her face as the Highwind started towards the ground. When it landed, she was the first one to jump out. She landed on her feet but then fell to her side, pain flickering over her face.

'Funny, I would have thought that ninjas could handle that sort of thing without getting hurt,' called Vincent.

'Oh shut up. You do it then!' Vincent jumped up on the railing, then without a second glance, hurled himself forwards, twisting in the air. He fell halfway down headfirst, then pushed his feet out, landing softly, without a sound.

'Show off,' muttered Yuffie.

Tifa and Cloud walked over to the balcony, with Dio, Barret, Yuna and Marlene in tow. Dio, Barret and Yuna looked at the long jump down in horror, and then at Cloud, who had just started to climb over.

'Oi, oi, hang on. You might want a rope. Unless breaking your legs jumping down is a new craze you kids have,' said Cid. The seven of them watched in great interest as Cait came running out to the railing, screaming in fury and then crashed into the barrier. He toppled forwards and fell down. The moogle body crashed down, but Cait himself landed on his feet. He straightened up, walking over to the moogle.

'Woohoo! Oh yeah!' he shouted, waving the moogle's arms around in the air. Tifa and Cloud burst out laughing as Cait did, the rest of them - on ground and in the Highwind - looked curiously at him as though he had lost his mind. Still looking stunned, Cid walked over to the railing and tied a rope tightly, allowing them a way down safely. Cloud flicked himself over the barrier, abseiling down the side of the Highwind as though it was a mountain. Tifa turned her back to the rope, then performed a backwards somersault, snatching at the rope halfway down the side. She clung on briefly, before letting go again, then dropping lightly to the ground.

'Dare I ask what the hell your crazed behaviour was about just now Cait?' queried Tifa. Cait laughed again.

'I was getting out of the Highwind. I was wondering when we travelled here whether I would be able to hit the barrier with so much weight that I get pulled out, or whether I would bounce back, that's all!' he said, still hysterical with laughter.

A few minutes later, when everyone was on the ground, Shera leaded them all to the rocket that was built for Cid. When he saw it, Cid swore louder than ever, attracting the attention of several villagers. They walked over to Cid with disbelief in their eyes. Cid raised an eyebrow at them as they crept closer.

'Captain, is it really you?'

'We thought you were dead!'

'Everyone will be so pleased,'

'We've missed you so much sir!'

'Oh shut it will ya? Yes, it's me, I was me that last time I checked, and I don't think I've changed into someone else since then. Yes, I was dead, but I was brought back along with a load of other people as well,' said Cid. 'The rocket you made for me. I need to use it. Now.' He started to let himself get dragged off to see inside the rocket, when he stopped, turned around and pointed at Shera.

'Tea, Shera,' he said, before walking off again. Shera sighed heavily then motioned for the rest of them to follow her. They reached her house, a small cottage and she bustled off in the kitchen making tea. Biggs and Cloud walked off through a small passageway to the back door while the rest of them congregated in the living room. They stepped outside and saw a small plane sitting there in the garden. It was mainly pink but it had blue writing on it. Biggs and Cloud stood around examining it in awe. Shera came bursting through the door and tried to shoo them away.

'Please, don't touch it. That's the captain's pride and joy. The Tiny Bronco. If anything should go wrong, as I'm meant to be keeping an eye on this when he's not here, I'm going to get the blame. It's bad enough that I wrecked his only ever chance of going into outer space...' Shera trailed off miserably. She sighed and headed back inside, shaking her head. As Biggs and Cloud stepped back into the kitchen, Cid burst through the front door, looking around wildly.

'Tea?' he demanded. Shera picked up the teapot and hid her face behind it, not wanting to get shouted at again. He snatched it from her and set it down on the table a bit harder than he meant to and helped himself, his hands shaking in anger. Aeris saw Shera was about to say something, and shook her head. She waited until Shera had retreated back and walked over to Cid. She took the teapot from him and told him to sit down.

Cid slumped down in a chair, looking at the table. He glanced up and saw Shera was looking at him cautiously, in case anything she may do triggered off another verbal beating.

'What the hell are you lookin' at?' he said. Tears started in Shera's eyes again and she stormed off into another room, slamming the door behind her. Aeris gave him a scolding look as she pushed a cup towards him, and he shrugged. Both she and Jessie walked off into the room that Shera stormed into, attempting to cheer her up.

After that, the atmosphere was very tense. No one was making conversation, they were all avoiding Cid's eye, staring either at their empty cups or at the floor. Cid walked out the back to the Tiny Bronco and they relaxed.

'Poor Shera,' said Tifa, glancing at the door she walked through.

'I dunno how she takes it. If I was as cranky to you as old man Cid is to Shera, I'd know about it,' said Cloud.

'Yeah,' agreed Tifa. 'You'd be on your own and in hospital,'

'Remind me to stay in your good books,' said Cloud. Tifa giggled. She and Cloud were the closest to where Aeris, Jessie and Shera were hidden, and could hear stifled whispers; Shera sounded very upset. When Cid returned, she walked over to him and dragged him over to the door.

'Tifa, what are you doin'?' asked Cid.

'Shh! Listen!' hissed Tifa.

'I don't know how you can cope with being snapped at all the time Shera, I really don't,' said Jessie.

'Jessie's right, you're probably better off without him,' came Aeris' voice.

'You don't understand, I just can't,' complained Shera.

'So you'd rather stay with him and get snapped at?'

'Oh, of course not, but -'

'Well then! I don't mean to put you in a situation, but let Cid take care of himself, and you ought to take care of yourself.'

'Is he like this with everyone?'

'No, Jessie, he's not. Just me. But it's my fault. He wanted more than anything else to get into outer space, but as the chance cropped up, I was the one who managed to single handedly destroy it.' muttered Shera, still sounding very unhappy.

'Ah,' said Jessie. 'Um....hmm. Not much I can say to that.'

'Well, we're not going to force you to do anything you don't want to, but why do you say that you can't leave him? What's stopping you? Do you not have anywhere else to go?' asked Aeris.

'No, I have relatives and friends who would take me in, but I couldn't bring myself to leave him,'

'But why?'

'Jessie! Not so harshly!'

'Sorry...'

'I...I can't leave Cid because, even though he doesn't know it, I...I'm sorry, I can't go on,' said Shera, her voice quivering uncontrollably.

'Go on. Just try Shera, and if you really can't, we'll leave it,' whispered Jessie reassuringly.

'I...I love him. That's why I can't leave him. I just don't know what to do. It hurts me to stay, but it hurts me to even think about leaving him. I don't know what I'm meant to do,' rambled Shera.

Tifa pulled herself away from the door, looking at Cid, who seemed very angry again.

'Cid?'

'Damn, I'm such a fool! I've gotta make it up to her!' he exclaimed in a whisper.

'You're damn right you have. You should really start now. Go on. Off you go,' demanded Tifa. Cid gave her a look, and Tifa stared back, her face set and determined.

'You can sure be bossy when you want to, you know,'

'Thank you.'

'That wasn't a compliment, you know.'

'Is now. Go on, stop hanging it out.' Cid gave a fake salute.

'Yes, miss!'

'And less of that cheek.' Tifa watched Cid for a few seconds, then walked over to Cloud. She smiled sweetly at him in reply to the curious look on his face. She held up a hand to silence him, still watching Cid. He knocked on the door and opened it.

'Uh, Shera? Can I talk to you for a minute?' He walked in and Jessie and Aeris came out, then wandered over to Tifa.

'Well, I never expected that. Cid wants to talk to Shera,' said Aeris.

'He probably feels bad and wants to make it up,' said Tifa, her voice oddly triumphant. Jessie shook her head disbelievingly and helped herself to more tea. Aeris wandered around the room, then out to the Tiny Bronco.

'What did you do?' whispered Cloud.

'All I did was make Cid listen to what they were saying, and then persuade him to make it up to her. But you don't know that. Keep shtum,' said Tifa, pinching her thumb and index finger together, then dragging them in front of her mouth.

______________________________________________________________________________

'Uh...'

'Yes?' asked Shera.

'I - er, just wanted to - um- apologise for - uh - my actions,' stated Cid slowly. He looked into her eyes, but she turned away, fresh tears starting to overwhelm her. 'Have you been crying, Shera?' He watched the back of her head shake from side to side as she denied being unhappy. He rested one hand on her shoulder, and felt the slight shudder as she recoiled.

'Shera, I'm really sorry. I mean it. Seriously. I'm such a fool hurting you like that, and no, I haven't caught some illness making me sorry. This is for real,' Slowly, but surely, she started to turn around to face him. Confusion was written all over her face. Once again, he tried to look into her eyes, but Shera's current emotions wouldn't allow it, and she looked elsewhere, avoiding eye contact. She exhaled loudly, still aware of Cid's gaze locked firmly on her. She was gripping the edge of her bed in her unhappiness. Cid took his hand off her shoulder, and placed it on one of her hands. Her grip on the bed tightened slightly as she fought against the urge to throw her arms around him.

'So...' she started.

'Is there any chance we could forget that this ever happened? I really regret snapping at you like that, you didn't do anything,' He watched Shera hopefully as she started to nod. He let out a silent sigh of relief, hoping that she didn't see, in case she thought that he didn't care. What was starting to scare Cid was that he did care about her now, and that it wasn't an act. He thought that it was probably because of what he heard her telling Jessie and Aeris. So if he managed to repair the damage he caused because of his new feelings for her, he would have to owe it to Tifa, making him listen to what was being said through the door, then forcing him to make it up with her.

'I don't deserve you, honestly. You're too damn good to me,' Shera felt relieved. It almost sounded like she was about to be slated again.

'I could never leave you Cid. I love you too much,' muttered Shera. She watched Cid, waiting for his reply. He turned a deep shade of red, racking his brains for something to reply. He didn't love her, he never did, but he liked her. She was still watching him hopefully, but her face fell when he still didn't say anything.

'I take it you don't love me then?' she said miserably. Cid sighed, sounding suddenly confused.

'I don't know...I think I'm gonna lose it, I don't have a clue about my emotions really,' said Cid. Well, it was better than saying that I don't love her, thought Cid. Shera struggled to move her hand, but it was difficult when Cid had his clamped over hers. He adjusted his grip, letting their fingers interlock.

She looked at the watch on her wrist, and stood up suddenly.

'Oh my god! Look at the time! I haven't started doing anything yet! You all must be starving!' cried Shera. Cid stood up as well, and smiled at the panic-stricken look on her face. He wrapped an arm around her and clamped her to his side.

'Relax, Shera. I don't mind. I doubt the others will mind, just glad to see you in a good mood,' She giggled shyly. He lowered his head and planted a kiss on her cheek and let her go. She turned red and walked out the room, smiling. Cid followed her out, turned to Tifa, who was chatting to Cloud, and walked over to her.

'I owe you big time,' he said.

'You got that right,' said Tifa, grinning. Cid thanked her before heading after Shera in the kitchen.

'I doubt you know where the bathroom is in here, do you?' asked Cloud hopefully.

'Well, having been in here the same amount of times that you have, what do you think?' asked Tifa sarcastically. Cloud grinned at her and gave her a playful shove. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her stomach. Marlene, who had been watching Cloud, looked away hurriedly. She grinned as though embarrassed at Barret and carried on talking.

'Maybe I should ask Cid,' muttered Cloud, staring blankly at the open kitchen door.

'Maybe you should, maybe you shouldn't. Who knows?' said Tifa.

'You know, you are too sarcastic for your own damned good, woman,' said Cloud. He started towards the kitchen door, took one step inside the room, before turning around and walking straight back out again. He leant against the wall next to the door, his eyes wide open with shock. He saw Tifa heading over to him, looking confused. He pressed his fingers to his lips and walked her back across the room.

'What was that all about?' she asked.

'You don't want to go in there just now...' started Cloud.

'Why?'

'Cid and Shera were expressing...their new found feelings for each other...' said Cloud, shuddering. Tifa was trying not to laugh at Cloud's stupidity. The look on his face was as shocked as when her scar kept stinging shortly after her father, Dio, had died ten years ago.

'I think you're making it out to be a lot worse than it is, Cloud,' said Tifa stubbornly. Cloud shrugged.

Cid had invited them to stay the night if they wanted to, or go to the inn, as there was limited room in their house. Most people went to the inn, but Tifa, Aeris and Cloud stayed.

Tifa and Cloud got one of the sofas to sleep on, and Aeris was in Shera's room, as she was now in with Cid. Cloud seemed enthusiastic about the idea. They stayed up until past midnight, talking to each other, Cloud with his arm around Tifa. He suddenly pulled her close to him, both arms round her, and held her closely, pressing his lips against her, holding her tightly, as though if he loosened his grip, he would loose her forever. He felt her hands on his shoulders, massaging them. He let one of his hands fall, until it rested against her knee. Tifa had one hand on his back now, the other one pressed against the back of his head, not letting him go. He kissed her neck, squeezing her knee. Tifa felt that she had better stop it before they went too far and pulled away.

'I'm sorry, but imagine what would happen if we continued and say Cid or Shera walked in. We could've easily gone too far,' whispered Tifa. Cloud shrugged and slouched on the other sofa.

'See you in the morning,' whispered Tifa.

'Not unless I see you first,' mumbled Cloud. Tifa lay back and within seconds drifted off to sleep.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Tifa woke up to the sound of stifled laughter. She opened her eyes and jumped when she saw Cloud was sitting right in front of her, his face close to hers. She jumped then rubbed her eyes had sat up. The first thing the saw was the source of the laughter.

Shera was leaning against the wall next to Aeris' door, and Cid was in front of her, kissing her neck the same way Cloud was last night. Shera was giggling, but trying to keep it quiet and failing. Tifa saw Shera's eyes rest of a fraction of a second on her, and then she started to gently steer Cid away.

'No, Cid, stop it now. Tifa's awake!' muttered Shera so quietly Cid only just heard her. He turned round and saw Tifa and Cloud both looking at them with the same expression. Embarrassed, Cid waved at them before hurrying to the kitchen. Shera followed him, equally embarrassed. Aeris had woken up as well and attempted to get out of her room. Judging by the loud thump they heard, Tifa and Cloud thought that Aeris must have walked into the wall by mistake. She opened the door, rubbing her forehead. Her long light brown hair had fallen out of its plaits during the night and looked wind swept, except for the usual two thick strands that stuck out slightly, then fell down, framing her face.

'Did you walk into the door, by any chance Aeris?' asked Cloud, trying to keep his amusement under control.

'Oh shut up,' snapped Aeris. She stumbled over to the sofa and dropped down next to Tifa. Cloud noticed that she still looked worried, like she did in the Highwind.

'Are you okay? You look really anxious still,' said Cloud. Aeris just shrugged.

'Where are Shera and Cid?' she asked, hastily changing the subject. Tifa pointed to the kitchen door. She got up and opened the curtains and looked out the window. She looked up at the sky, gasped and then cursed loudly. Shera and Cid burst back through the door, asking what was wrong, what had happened.

'Look out the window,' said Tifa, her eyes never leaving the blue sky.

'Yeah...and?' said Cid.

'Can't you see how low down the Meteors are? I'd guess that we have seven days before they collide with us! If we can't stop them in seven days, then everyone on this whole planet is going to die!' shrieked Tifa, her voice rising uncontrollably in her panic. Aeris jumped up as though she had been electrocuted and ran out the front door. Tifa watched her stop at the door to the inn where the rest of the party were staying and slam the door open then heading inside.

'Cid, you're going to need the Huge Materia to put inside the rocket. Here,' said Cloud, throwing the large green orb at Cid. Cid caught it and ran out the door with Shera at his heels. Aeris came back through the door and demanded to know where Cid had gone.

'He's going to put the Huge materia in the rocket to blow up one of the Meteors. Why?'

'I need to get to Bone Village. I need to find the Lunar Harp to get through the Sleeping Forest in order to get to the Lost City. The city of the Ancients. Where you found me. I'm going to need to pray to the Lifestream in order to release the power of Holy.' she said, breathlessly. Cloud glanced at Tifa, who was still looking out the window, before turning back to Aeris.

'Any chance you could say that in English?' he asked. Aeris let out an impatient noise and ran after Cid. Pulling Tifa by the wrist, he trailed out after her.

They found Aeris talking with Cid, both of them looking worried. Shera was examining the rocket, making sure it was working properly. Vincent was walking up towards them from out the inn.

'What is going on?' he snapped at Aeris. 'Most people don't appreciate some mad woman bursting in to where we are trying to rest, shouting something completely incoherent at us.' She ignored him, trying to regain Cid's attention.

'Cid! Look, can you please take me to Bone Village? I just need to get through the forest. I'm not asking anyone else to come!' she pleaded.

'Ask Cloud to take you there, I have to stay here and work this rocket,' retorted Cid. He walked over to Shera and said something to her. Aeris turned round, dodging Vincent, who looked as though he was about to say something nasty to her, and ran past Cloud, pulling him by his arm.

'Hey, wait for me to turn round before dragging me, will you?' cried Cloud.

She ran back to the Highwind and jumped up, snatching at the rope. After she had helped Cloud up, they both ran over to the controls, where Cloud stood looking at her.

'What?' she asked. 'Do you not know where Bone Village is?'

'Yesterday, you were in a panic because you didn't know what you were doing to do. Now that you do know, you're in a worse panic.' stated Cloud. He turned to the controls and eased the airship up. He turned it round and headed north. Aeris waited until the ground became encrusted in snow before speaking again.

'Cloud. When we get there, I want you to head back to Rocket Town. Leave me in the Forgotten City.'

'I can't do that! Why would you want me to?'

'I just need to be on my own for this,' retorted Aeris.

'How will you get back? I mean, if you make me take the Highwind back, then, not only will you not be able to get back, then someone might come for you before you've finished whatever it is that you're going to do,' said Cloud. He watched her, waiting for her answer, but she couldn't seem to find one. At last, she seemed to give in to Cloud.

'All right, you can stay, keep watch as it were, but don't pester me when I'm praying to the Lifestream,' she said, her voice oddly sharp.

Cloud brought the Highwind down in front of a small village that was almost surrounded by a deep forest. He remembered when Tifa leaded him and Marlene to here, but didn't explain why. The forest was asleep, making anyone who entered it confused, but they managed to find their way in the end. Hopefully, they could do the same, just as easily. Aeris ran to the balcony of the Highwind, and vaulted over it easily, ignoring the rope. Cloud jumped over the railings, and landed painfully on his hands and knees. Aeris helped him up and then pulled him into Bone Village. She walked over to one of the excavators and asked him if they had found the Lunar Harp to awaken the Sleeping Forest. When he shook his head, Aeris cursed and dragged Cloud further to the Forest.

'We're going to have to go through it while it's asleep. Try and keep your mind clear. The Forest can confuse people very easily when asleep,' said Aeris, sounding as though she was an expert on the subject. Cloud rolled his eyes when she wasn't looking. She grasped his wrist again and started to once again pull him. Cloud saw a small glowing red orb floating around. He called to Aeris, and waited until it came near him, then grabbed it. He looked at the tiny Summon materia in his palm. The Summon Kjata. Tetra-Disaster.

Eventually, they made their way through the forest, ignoring the fact the thought 'we're lost' kept trying to dig its way into their minds. Once again, Cloud found himself looking at the three familiar paths. Aeris ran down the middle one, past the pool of water where she was found. She didn't stop until she was in front of the wild looking shell just behind the pool of water. There was a raised bit next to the shell, acting like a fence. She ran along it, Cloud following, looking bewildered. On the inside, the thing that looked like a shell, seemed to be something completely different. There were blue circular things on the walls, or propped up. Cloud looked in them, trying to figure out what the barely visible writing said, but all he achieved was a terrible migraine. Aeris stopped walking and looked behind her to see Cloud looking in them.

'I wouldn't try reading the writing for two reasons. One, it's not clear enough so you'll end up with a headache -'

'Yeah, I just found out,' interjected Cloud.

'- And two, even if you could read it, you wouldn't understand it. It's the language of the Ancients, the Cetra,' Aeris gave Cloud once last stare and carried on walking. The small path inside whatever they were in was spiralling upwards, still with the strange fence, twisting upwards as well. When she was halfway to the top, she waited for Cloud to hurry up and pointed to something. On the other side of the fence, in the very centre of the spiral they travelled up was a gaping hole. Light was pouring out of it, the same vivid green of the Spirit Energy in the Lifestream. Aeris walked through a gap in the fence, and down a narrow, blue glass stairway, which was curving round. They came to an atmosphere so much different to what they saw before. The staircase led them straight into a small hut. They walked through another doorway at the front, and looked around. The area was bright, unlike the Forgotten Capital, unlike most of the Forgotten City. Aeris walked along the cool ground, which looked as though it were made out of glass. Cloud followed her along a wide platform, all of which looked like pure glass. He couldn't help but think that if they weren't careful, they were going to fall right through. He saw that in the chamber they were in had a blue liquid at the bottom. He looked at the floor, watching it, the liquid's surface unspoilt.

'Cloud, hurry up!' Cloud raised his gaze from the floor and saw Aeris, much further on, looking at him impatiently. She had come down another glassy staircase to the end of the platform, where in the perfect blue water, were several light blue, stony poles reaching up. They were the same height as the platform and looked like rather small stepping stones. Aeris turned away and jumped onto the first one, just about getting her feet on it. Cloud saw that at the end of the line of stepping stones was yet another platform. It was completely round, and, just like everything else, looked like glass. As he reached the first stone, Aeris was on the last. She jumped off it and turned to him.

'No, Cloud stay there. I need to pray here. You wait over there,' she said. Cloud sat down on the edge, relieved to not risk his life jumping on ridiculously small steps. He kicked his legs in the air, still looking down at the mysterious blue liquid, which he only hoped was water. He raised his view to the figure on the other platform. He watched as she knelt down, clasped her hands together and bowed her head, her eyes shut. Aeris Gainsborough began to pray.

Century after century passed for Cloud while Aeris prayed. What was only five minutes in reality seemed like two hundred years for Cloud. After another two years, Aeris looked up. She hopped back across the stepping stones, back to Cloud.

'There! That didn't take too long, did it?' she said, smiling contentedly at the knowledge of a job well done. Cloud raised an eyebrow at her.

'Speak for yourself. It seemed like at least two centuries for me,' he said. Aeris rolled her eyes and pulled him up. She walked briskly back to the hut, and up the staircase. Eager to get out, Cloud hurriedly followed her. He had to admit that their surroundings were beautiful, but also, quite creepy to him. His feet softly pattered over the glass, sending chills up his spine. He ran up the narrow staircase so fast, Aeris, who was now behind him, had to speed up, and stop him from falling off to his doom.

'Easy Cloud. Don't rush,' she said softly.

'This place gives me the creeps,' he said to her. He saw her expression was startled. He felt he ought to explain why. 'It's probably because I'm not an Ancient. not a Cetra, so I don't really understand what the hell is going on here,' He looked at the girl, and she smiled.

'I don't expect you to,' she replied, and gently moved Cloud forwards, to start walking again. At last they came back out, into the shell. They walked together down the spiralling ground and back out. They went past the pool, and out of the Forgotten City. Aeris scrambled back up the Highwind's rope after Cloud. He ran back to the controls and immediately flew the Highwind into the air. Aeris was standing next to him, looking out of the big window.

'Oh wow...Cloud, come and have a look at this...' started Aeris, her voice full of wonder.

'I'm flying a big airship here, I don't think I can stop.' retorted Cloud.

'Well, let it hover for a minute, or land, just look at this.' Cloud made sure that the airship was fixed in the air, and not going to crash, then asked Aeris what she was looking at. She pointed. Cloud saw the two Meteors coming still, in the sunset. He saw a small rocket was heading straight for one of them. He recognised it as the one that the villagers of Rocket Town built for Cid. The most tiny minuscule figure parachuted out of the rocket and floated weightlessly down to the ground as the rocket ploughed onwards. When the figure was safely on the ground, the rocket collided with the Meteor nearest to the planet, exploding it into millions of thousands little bits. The rocket was completely destroyed as well. Mako-green flames engulfed the rocket and the Meteor as the minute particles cascaded to the ground far below.

It was very dark once they finished travelling round the world and reached Rocket Town again. As the Highwind was landed just outside, they could see Tifa standing on the grassy plains, clearly looking for them, trying to see if they were okay. Her features were worried, and she came running towards them as soon as the Highwind landed. Cloud vaulted over the railings and gripped the rope near the ground, so he didn't manage to injure himself. Aeris climbed down and jumped off near the bottom.

'Cid's destroyed one of the Meteors in his rocket. I hope he's okay. I don't know where he landed,' said Tifa, her eyes fixed on Cloud. He noticed she seemed to be checking him, making sure that he wasn't wounded.

'Tifa, I'm okay! You don't have to look at me like that! Travelling to Bone Village was easy!' he said. Aeris told her that they saw Cid and the rocket just after they had started to come back.

'But it seemed to be a very long way off; the rocket itself was tiny just like a little model rocket. I think he landed somewhere near Wutai, judging by the distance,' she said. As the three of them walked back, Shera came running out as they passed the inn, waving a mobile phone in the air.

'Cid's just called me! He says he's landed in Wutai!' she shouted. Tifa and Cloud turned to Aeris, who shrugged and said 'told you, didn't I?' She hurried over to them, looking frantic.

'Wutai is so very far away! He has no means of getting back! He told me that I'm not to take the Highwind to him, he says that he can make his own way back. But I don't know how!' Shera exclaimed. Cloud lay a calming hand on her shoulder and Tifa told her that she and Cloud will retrieve him tomorrow.

'What are we going to do about the other Meteor?' Shera questioned.

'That's already been taken care of. I prayed to the Lifestream to release the power of Holy,' she said. When Shera gave her a politely puzzled look, Aeris held out her hand and showed them all a small green materia. This one seemed different, because concealed in the centre of the sphere, was a white mist that looked as though it had been frozen in place after swirling around aimlessly. Tifa and Cloud both recognised it as the materia she normally had concealed in the pink bow she wore at the top of her plait. A look of understanding spread across Shera's face. Cloud yawned loudly and placed an arm around Tifa. He took his other hand off Shera's shoulder to rub his eyes. Shera led them back inside, where Aeris walked into the room she stayed in the night before, narrowly missing the door. As her shoulder struck it, instead of the whole of her, Cloud burst out laughing. She turned to give him an evil look, and saw Tifa was trying not to laugh. Aeris smiled to herself and shook her head, then carefully made her way to the other side of the room.

She took off her boots and jacket and climbed into the bed, and before she could do anything else, drifted off to sleep.

Five more days passed, and nothing had changed. Tifa and Cloud travelled to Wutai to bring Cid back, and since then, nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Meteor was nearing. What seemed to inevitably be the end was creeping closer. Aeris was worrying more than everyone else, because it looked like her prayer had failed. The temperature had risen much more higher over the past week as Meteor sank towards them. Everyone was panicking. There was nothing but fear in the hearts of every living being over the world. Cid had told the people of Rocket Town that he struck the closest Meteor with the rocket, buying them more time, but it didn't seem to calm anyone down.

The next day, when everyone seemed to give up hope, something happened. Aeris had avoided being in public, in case people would turn on her, as her prayer wasn't granted, and so she wandered outside Rocket Town. At around midday, a bright pure white light shone from the direction of Midgar, swallowing up every village, town and city on the face of the earth. Aeris staggered back to the town, half blinded. She ran into Cid's house, trying to escape the light. She saw Cloud, Shera, Cid and Tifa, all covering their eyes, turning away from any window. Cid opened one eye when the light started to subside and looked out the window. He shouted something, and pointed. All five of them ran outside, to see thin vivid green strands of Mako rising up and out of the Lifestream. They swirled and spiralled upwards and entwined themselves around Meteor. Strands didn't stop rising until the whole Meteor was covered in green. Then, nothing happened for a few seconds. A blast of wind was issued from Meteor, as was a deafening roar. Tifa's hair was blown all over her face, and she turned away, until it died down. She was clinging into Cloud's arm, all of them wondering what was happening. When she looked at Meteor again, she saw that the Lifestream had pulled away and the surface of it was cracked. It cracked apart, just as the other one did, and then the parts of it fell to the ground. The light faded away, and everything looked as normal as it did before. Both of Sephiroth's Meteors had been destroyed. Aeris' prayer had been answered.

THE END