Chapter 10

Tifa smiled, shaking the hands of Shin-Ra's newest supporters as Rufus talked with Heideggar and Scarlet, who were still recovering from there near fatal accident involving the Proud Clod. Her smile was fake, of course, but she didn't let them know that.

A woman approached her, tall, pale skinned with dark hair and deep midnight blue eyes.

"Tifa, your speech was simply beautiful."

Tifa nodded and smiled again. "Thank you."

"Your welcome. My name is Nicole."

Tifa shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, Nicole."

Jenova flipped a lock of hair back. What a fool, she thought, suppressing a laugh. "Where is the rest of AVALANCHE?"

Tifa sighed miserably. "Not here."

"What do they have to say about you being with Shin-Ra?" she asked.

Tifa shook her head. "They didn't know... although I'm sure they saw the broadcast."

"I'm sure they support the decision of a strong, smart, woman like yourself."

Tifa blushed. "I don't know about that."

"So where exactly are your friends?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, where are they at now? Were do they... live?"

Tifa looked at her strangely. "Well, they're all over the place. Yuffie lives in Wutai, Cid in Rocket Town, so on and so forth. I can't really say where they are at this moment, though."

The woman looked at her thoughtfully. "Very well. Thank you, anyway." She walked away.

Tifa watched her strangely. Shaking her head, she sighed. Don't even worry about it, Tifa. Don't even.

Cloud stormed through the streets of Kalm close to the gates exiting the town. He rounded a corner in a dark street and ran into two people, unable to see their faces well in the dark. The only thing he could see where two sets of mako glowing eyes, one pair blue, the other a hazel color.

"Ouch!" someone yelled. A heavy metal object dropped to the floor, perhaps a sword. Cloud rubbed his head and cursed.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!"

"Same to you, pal," A voice shouted back. At that moment, a broken streetlight that had been flickering suddenly stablized, and the three men stared at each other.

"C,Cloud? Damn! I've been looking for you everywhere, and you run head on to me in a dark street! Funny how things work out, huh?"

Cloud took two steps away from the dark haired man and his companion. "No..." he whispered. "Who are you?"

Zack grinned. "Oh, come on, Cloud. It's me! Zack! Don't you remember? Your old buddy!"

Cloud shook his head. "It can't be..."

Striker stepped away from the reunion of old friends, feeling like an intruder. He stepped beneath the streetlight and leaned against the pole.

Zack tilted his head and blinked at Cloud. "Helloo, Cloud? It's me, Zack! Yeah, Tifa told me you thought I was dead, but here I am, right in front of you! So what's the problem?"

Cloud's head snapped up. "Tifa? When did you talk to Tifa? Who are you?"

Zack sighed, then lunged foward and grabbed Cloud by shoulders, shaking him. "Jesus, Cloud. It's me, Zack. I ran into Tifa on the ferry a couple nights ago, and we were together until we got kidnapped by Shin-Ra. I don't know where she is now, but Striker and I escaped a SOLDIER prison and we-"

"Stop!" Cloud pushed Zack away from him. "You can't be alive... I let you die, not even half a year ago.... you can't be alive!"

Zack slapped his forehead and shook his head, sighing irritably. "Cloud. Look at me. Look into my eyes! Its me. Good old Zack."

Cloud looked into Zack's eyes. No doubt they glowed, the sign of SOLDIER. They were a bright, royal blue color, a bit darker than his aquamarine eyes. He shook his head and sighed.

"Zack... how is it possible?"

Zack smiled and reached forward to embrace Cloud. The two old friends held each other for a long moment, then parted and looked each other square in their mako eyes.

"Zack... I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," Zack mumbled. "I'm alright. Though I did lose my memory. Tifa helped me get most of it back."

"When did you see Tifa?" Cloud asked.

"I told you, I met her on the ferry. At that time, I had no idea who I was. But for some strange reason, as soon as I saw her get on the boat, I started having flashbacks. Flashbacks of the Nibelhiem mission... flashbacks of you... flashbacks of Sephiroth."

Cloud looked down at the ground. "Sephiroth... Nibelhiem." He exhaled loudly. "Man, you wouldn't beileve what's happened since then."

Zack patted Cloud's shoulder. "Don't worry, I already know. Tifa told me."

Cloud ran his hand down his face. "What's the deal with Tifa? What happened?"

Zack put his hands on his hips and shook his head. "Well, when Tifa saw me, she fainted, so I brought her below deck. The next morning we went to Junon, and she helped me remember my past, and she brought me up to date on what's happened with you and Sephiroth and Aeris, the whole big thing. And, um... oh, we went out to dinner, and the Turks caught us. Rufus wanted Tifa for his bride or something, and I got thrown in jail with Striker over there," he pointed his thumb over his shoulder to where Striker stood against the streetlight. "Striker's an ex-SOLDIER, first class. He left when they dropped the Sector seven plate, his family was killed there. He got caught, though."

Cloud shook his head. "We lost some friends when they dropped the plate, too. Look, Tifa was on TV earlier tonight. She was all dressed up and linked arm and arm with Rufus. And she made a speech, saying how great Shin-Ra is, and how she's all for it."

Zack looked stunned. "Tifa would never do that! Not the way she talks about Shin-Ra."

"I saw her with my own eyes," Cloud said. "We all did. That's why I left, to find her. I'm going to Junon, right now, and I'm gonna snatch her up and put some sense into her."

Zack sighed. "We just came from Junon," he breathed. "But I guess we should come with you. Striker knows the Junon base quite well, and the three of us together will be more than able to take care of any threats."

Cloud nodded. "Fine. We have to hurry, though. On the way, you can tell me exactly how you survived."

"Right," Zack agreed. He waved to Striker to join them. "Let's go," he said. "Time to save Tifa."

Aeris burst through the front door, huffing out of breath.

"What's wrong, Aeris?" Elmyra asked. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," Tayeko added. "Where's Cloud?"

Aeris ignored them both and snatched the nearest phone of its hook. "Cloud ran off," she finally said. "I'm not going to let him do this."

Aeris dialed a series of numbers and pushed her askew hair frantically out of her face, waiting for an answer.

"Hello! Cid?"

"Yeah, Aeris? Where the fuck is Cloud? Did you see Tifa's ass on the news?"

"Yes," Aeris sighed. "Cloud flipped out. He ran out the house and I don't know what he's going to do. He said he's going to find Tifa, but when I tried to follow him he cast Sleep on me. He was serious, he really didn't want anyone else involved."

"Goddamnit!" Cid cursed. Aeris could hear him bang on something in the background.

"I don't know what to do, Cid," Aeris said. "Its just me, Tayeko, Sephiroth, Barret, and Cait here."

"Fine, damnit, fine," Cid began. "I'll bring the Highwind around and we'll go after Cloud. I've got to pick up the others first though, because they've been calling like crazy ever since that broadcast. I should be there by nine p.m., if the weather stays good.."

"It doesn't matter," Aeris said. "Just get here soon... I'm worried about Cloud."

"Right," Cid agreed. "Goddamnit, I've been in the fucking house a couple of hours and already I've got to leave the motherfucker. I shoulda known some shit like this would happen when Cloud told me Rufus was alive. Damn! Alright, I'm coming."

Aeris hung up the phone and turned to her friends. "Cid should be here in a couple of hours. We're going after Cloud."

"Damn!" Barret lept up and dumped Marlene onto the couch. "I never get no time for my daughter! No time for myself!" "It's alright, Barret," Elmyra tried to calm him. "Marlene is welcome to stay as long as needed."

"It's not alright!" Barret roared. "Damn good father I am!"

The big man scooped Marlene up into his arms, coverin her ears. "Damn good father I am," he repeated, shaking his head at the group before stomping up the stairs, the little girl in his arms too afraid and confused to ask questions.

Sephiroth had moved convinently out of the stairway when he'd seen Barret storm toward it, and was now standing by the door. He looked down at the floor, unnoticed.

"I don't mind," Tayeko finally said, timidly. "It's not like I have anything better to do."

"Same here, I guess," Cait Sith chirped. "Although I'd much rather be playing billiards at the Gold Saucer."

Aeris waved him off. "I'm going to take a nap now, but I doubt if I'll be able to get any sleep. You guys ought to do the same."

Elmyra stood. "I'll show you to your room, dear," she said. "Goodnight, everyone. I myself am going to retire for the night, so I suppose I'll see you when you get back from Junon, or whenever."

Everyone said goodnight to the two as they disappeared up the steps.

"Well, I guess I'll head out to a local pub," Cait Sith announced. "After all, robot kitties don't need sleep, and they love me at bars. See ya in a few hours." he waved good-bye to Tayeko and Sephiroth and bounced out the front door, slamming it shut.

Tayeko yawned. "My goodness. What a night."

Sephiroth didn't respond. He merely kept quiet and looked at her.

"Aren't you tired, Sephiroth?"

He shrugged.

"Oh, for goodness sake. I don't care how much mako cells or whatever you have in you, you've got to be tired after what we've gone through lately. Why don't you come lay don't on the couch?" She scooted over to the farthest end of the couch and patted it, prompting him to sit down.

"There isn't enough room for me to lay down," he answered cooly.

"Sure there is!" Tayeko argued cheerfully. "Come here, I'll show you."

Sephiroth sighed in resignation and walked over to the couch. He sat down and looked at Tayeko.

"Now what?"

Tayeko giggled. "Just lay back and prop your feet up on the arm."

Sephiroth cocked an eyebrow at her but did as she said. When he leaned back, his head ended up in her lap, leaving him blushing and her giggling.

"I don't find this amusing," he said, staring up into her captivating, bright violet eyes. "Not... in the least."

Tayeko surpressed her laughter, pulling off one of her gloves. She ran her hand down the side of Sephiroth's face, leaving him wanting to tremble under her touch - though he dared not show it.

"I've been alive for only a few days and look how much has happened already," Tayeko reflected. "It sure feels great being alive again. You don't know how lonely and cold the Lifestream is, especially for someone like me. I never knew much about my people, but still, being a Cetra and not being able to enter the Promised Land - it hurts."

Sephiroth stared up around her neck, where from a glowing silvery orb hung. He reached up and grasped it with one hand.

"I remember this," he said. "Did you ever figure out what it is?"

Tayeko looked down at the orb and shook her head. "Nope. All I know is that it glows whenever I touch it... it glows when you touch it, too."

Sephiroth released the orb and let it fall back against her collar bone. "I still say that it is most likely materia."

"Probably," Tayeko agreed. "But what does it possibly do? Aeris said a friend of hers, I believe its Red, the red beast thing, would know. I have to remember to ask him tomorrow."

"You never know," Sephiroth said. "Have you ever heard of the Black and White Materias?"

Tayeko nodded. "Aeris told me about them. Meteor, the Ultimate Destruction Magic, and Holy, the Ultimate White Magic. She used to own the white one, but she lost it when... well, you know."

Sephiroth closed his eyes. "I nearly destroyed this Planet with the Black Materia. Aeris saved it with the White. When I ...- when I killed her, it fell out of her hair. It's probably still in the bottom of that lake in the City of the Ancients."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Sephiroth," Tayeko said. "If you wouldn't have helped Aeris and I, we wouldn't have been able to move the Lifestream. In a way, you played as major a role in saving the Planet as you did in destroying it."

Sephiroth exhaled and ran his right hand down his face. "I can never forgive myself."

Tayeko grabbed Sephiroth's hand. "Take your glove off."

"No!" Sephiroth snapped, sitting upright.

"Why? I've never seen your hands without gloves, even when we were young. What's wrong?"

"No," Sephiroth said. "These hands are too bloodstained. You cannot touch or see them."

Tayeko held Sephiroth's hand. "Please, Sephiroth. I care about you. Just take one-"

"No!" Sephiroth lept up from the couch and flew toward the door. "I'm going to leave. I'll be back before we leave."

With that, Sephiroth walked out the front door and slammed the door shut, leaving Tayeko a mix of emotions.

The violet eyed Cetra brought her knees up to her chin and stared at the door for long moments, her eyes threatening to well up with tears. She'd worked so hard, and it seemed Sephiroth was opening up to her. But one wrong move, and she scared him away.

Tayeko reached over to the small end table and turned out the lamp. She curled up on the sofa, too tired and worn out, physically and emotionally, to go upstairs, and fell asleep.

Sephiroth walked through the garden in the backyard, observing the beautiful flowers in the mid-evening light as the sun set. He remember Elmyra saying that after Aeris had died, she felt the need to create and maintain a garden in Aeris' memory. The grass waved slightly in the gentle breeze, and Sephiroth eyes reflected it' color as he took a see on a large boulder.

He pulled off his right glove, staring at his hand itensely. A small number '1' was tattooed on top of his hand, a silver ring was worn on his ring finger. Sephiroth closed his eyes, shuddering as visions of blood flooded his mind.

How could Tayeko understand? He was a monster. He'd killed so many with these hands. And the Masamune. He glanced down at the infamous weapon resting at his hip, his bright mako eyes reflecting light off of the shiny metal. How could someone as pure hearted as her understand? Why did she bother to care for him?

Sephiroth unsheathed the Masamune and began to practice, yeilding the sword gracefully. It was the only way he knew how to take his mind off Tayeko.

Cloud and Zack rode one of the chocobos together, Striker alone on the other one. It was around dawn, and the city of Junon was coming into view.

"I can't believe I crossed that marsh twice in one day," Zack complained. "But I guess people are right. The Zoloms don't bother you when you ride the chocobo across."

"We could've easily taken out the Zolom anyways," Cloud remarked confidently. "They're easy. Just slice 'em up a few times and they're lunch meat."

Striker laughed. "That's a new one. Midgar Zolom sandwiches. Tasty."

Zack laughed horsely. "Man, this the life. Riding in the open terrain with my two buddies." He slapped Cloud on the back. "I've really missed you, man."

Cloud smiled back at him. "I've missed you too. But let's not make this a fun day trip. This is serious, remember. Tifa's in trouble."

Zack nodded. "Don't worry. We'll find her, Cloud."

Zack looked down at the ground moving beneathe the chocobo's feet. He'd been meaning to ask Cloud about Aeris, but the Cetra seemed to slip his mind. Instead, he'd been wondering more and more about Tifa... not that he could very well forget her, after what they'd shared just two days before.

Zack stared at the back of Cloud's head ruefully. Was it possible he had something for Tifa as well? Tifa herself had said Cloud wanted Aeris, but the way he talked about Tifa proved differently. The entire time they'd been riding Cloud had talked about nothing but Tifa. How much he missed her, how worried he was, how smart she was, how great a fighter and cook she was. And he'd not mentioned Aeris once.

"Cloud, how's Aeris doing?"

Cloud stiffened. "Um, fine. I guess you want to see her again. I forgot you two knew each other before Nibelhiem. You'll see her after we find Tifa."

Zack was perplexed. Cloud didn't seem to care much what Aeris did. His mind was completely focused on Tifa. Perhaps it was just because she was missing, but it could also run much deeper than that...

This would be a problem for Zack. Although he and Aeris had been sweethearts when they were young, he wasn't sure he still felt the same way. Maybe that would change when he saw her again, but right now he knew his heart yearned for Tifa. He also knew that no matter what Cloud wanted, Tifa would always place him first in her heart - not Zack. And if Cloud *did* prove to love Tifa, Zack would have no chance at all.

It was nice while it lasted, he thought.

"Look," Striker said. "The entrance to the town is coming up."

Cloud pulled the chocobo's reins to stop it. "Fine. Let's stop here and walk in. They hate when people ride the birds straight into town."

The three men led their chocobos to a nearby stable and walked into town. Cloud eyed the guard near the elevator and hesitated.

"We're gonna have to find another way up," he said. "We can't risk blowing our cover."

"Why?" Zack asked. "We can take him out easily."

"Sure, but someone will know we're around," Cloud answered.

"Well, when Tifa and I came, she just scared him away," Zack mumbled.

"Which is probably why you two were caught," Cloud rebuffed.

"So what's the plan, then?" Striker asked.

"See that house over there?" Cloud pointed. "A friend of mine, a little girl named Priscilla, lives there. She can help us get to the top with her dolphin."

"Dolphin?" Striker repeated, a skeptical look on his face. "What good will a dolphin do us?"

"He'll ride us up to where we can climb," Cloud said. "It worked for us last time."

"Ha, I remember Priscilla," Zack said. "Tifa introduced me to her when we were here before."

"Let's go," Cloud said, jogging to the house and running up the stairs, his two companions in tow. He knocked on the door a few times and Priscilla promptly answered it.

"Cloud!" she exclaimed. "How-"

"Priscilla?" a voiced called from inside. A man, in about his fifties, appeared behind her. "What's- You!" he shouted, staring at Cloud. "Alot of nerve you have showing your face around here."

Cloud scratched his head, perplexed. "What are you talking about?"

"I saw your girlfriend on the news today," Priscilla's father answered. "You're all for Shin-Ra now, huh? I'm not surprised. You never know who you can trust these days."

"No, it's not like that!" Cloud tried to explain. "Tifa was kidnapped by Shin-Ra, and she was probably forced to say those things! That's why we're here, to find her. But we need your help to get to the top."

"Sure!" Priscilla exclaimed. "Mr. Dolphin-"

"No!" her father shouted. "We aren't going to help them. Look at them, all three of them are in SOLDIER."

"Not anymore," Striker corrected.

"Feh! You're still wearing the belt!" Priscilla's father spat. "Once a Shin-Ra, always a Shin-Ra. Now get off my property, and take your hoodlems with you, Strife!"

With that, the old man slammed the door in Cloud's face, leaving the three to exchange confused glances.

Cloud shook his head, hurt. "What a mess this is. They've always trusted us. I wonder how many other people've lost faith in AVALANCHE."

Zack shrugged. "I guess we've got to take the elevator, after all."

"Not neccessarily," Striker said. "I think I know of another way up."

"How?" Cloud asked.

"Follow me."

Cloud and Zack followed Striker to the beach area, where Cloud had planned to use Mr. Dolphin to reach the top. Striker took a few steps into the water.

"Can you guys swim?"

Cloud and Zack put their left hand on their hips in much a similar way, then nodded.

Striker eyed their synchonatic movements strangely before continuing. "Well, see that support beam out there?" he said, pointing. "If we can swim out there, we can climb all the way up."

"Easy as pie!" Zack yelled, running into the water, splashing Cloud in the process.

"Slow down, Ace," Striker warned. "This isn't going to be easy. You've got to swim underwater to grasp the beam, then shimmy upward. It's old and rackety, and straight up."

"It doesn't matter," Cloud said, walking into the water. "We don't have time, or a choice. Let's go."

Striker nodded and swam out to the beam, Cloud and Zack following close behind. When he reached the beam, he dove underwater and grasped it, and began climbing upward. When he was above water and still climbing, Cloud did the same.

"Be careful!" Striker called when he saw that both Cloud and Zack were climbing above water. "It's slippery."

Cloud grunted in response, the last thing on his mind was falling off this beam. He had to get Tifa, and fast, before something terrible happened to her.

Zack breathed heavily, noting he was some what out of shape. He thought back to what Priscilla's father had said.

I saw your *girlfriend* on the news....

Zack shook his head and continued climbing. It couldn't be. Tifa had said herself that Cloud loved Aeris. But what if she was wrong?

It was possible. The way Cloud had been acting on this journey proved it. And afterall, he'd had the hugest crush on her when they were working for Shin-Ra. Zack had heard Tifa's name a thousand times before he'd even met the girl. And when they were in Nibelhiem, Cloud was so shy and timid around her, but he couldn't take his eyes off her. Why would a few months of knowing Aeris change all that?

"Here we are!" Striker called from the front. He climbed over a platform, swinging both legs over. He then helped Cloud and Zack up.

Cloud looked around. "Let's see. There's supposed to be some sort of dinner after the conference," he said, glancing at his watch. "I suppose that's where they are now. We can storm in there and snatch Tifa up, but-"

"There'll be hella tight security!" Striker finished for him. "We can't just run in there, we'll get shot and put your friend in danger. Our best bet is to find a way to sneak in."

"You're right," Cloud agreed. "Any ideas?"

"Well, if this is a formal party, we could dress up as waiters."

Cloud snapped his fingers. "That's great! I'll pass the message to Tifa, and you two stand on guard. I'll have her excuse herself, and we'll all leave together. They won't know what happens when she doesn't come back."

"What if she doesn't want to come with us?" Striker asked.

Cloud frowned. "I know better. Tifa isn't here on her own free will. When she finds out I'm here, she'll follow us in no time."

"Alright," Striker said. "The dinner is probably in the Junon Shin-Ra base Dining hall, which is located down the street from the army base. I can take you there."

Zack nodded. "Let's go. Striker, you know a way we can sneak in the kitchen so we can disguise ourselves?"

"Yeah," Striker answered. "First, we need to stop somewhere and pick up supplies."

"Yeah! Cloud, you can't dress up as an average waiter. When Rufus sees your hair he'll know its you right away," Zack said.

"Fine," Cloud muttered, running his fingers through his spikey hair. "I'll dress up as a chef. The hat will cover my hair. And all three of us have to get tinted glasses, otherwise everyone will see our eyes glow and know we should be in SOLDIER. Then we'll have blown our cover, and I'm sure they're looking for you two jail birds."

Zack nodded and Striker mock-saluted. Cloud laughed.

"Alright, let's go."

Tifa stared miserably into her wine glass.

She sighed and fingered one of the gold hoops dangling from her ears. Rufus was sitting beside her, a calm smirk on his face as he survey the room. Several tables were set up, with people seated, laughing and eating. Rufus and Tifa were seated at the head table, with Scarlet and Heideggar near them. The Turks also sat there, Reno drinking himself silly and Elena chatting with Scarlet. Rude, of course, remained quiet.

Several people had approached Rufus with a handshake, and he had tried his best to be friendly, though Tifa knew he did not want to be bothered. Tifa sighed loudly. Rufus glared at her, then lifted the glass of wine that reflected her eye color and held it up to her lips.

"Drink," he said. "You're too uptight."

Tifa turned her head away from the glass and said nothing. Rufus' nostrils flared and he set the glass down.

"Be a bitch if you want," he whispered in her ear. "But you will regret it when this is over."

Tifa ignored Rufus' threats and ran her hand down the front of her red dress. The fabric felt so good beneath her fingertips, yet she knew she had no business wearing this dress.

Tifa closed her eyes and envisioned Cloud's bright, blue, mako eyes. She never should have left.

Zack burst out laughing.

"What?" Cloud asked.

"You look ridiculous, that's what," Zack answered, adjusting Striker's bowtie before brushing off his own suit. He grabbed a menu and twirled in the air. "Are we ready?"

"Yeah, do we understand the plan?" Cloud asked, putting on his tinted glasses. "After I speak with Tifa, you guys go out into the hall by the restrooms and wait. I'll follow you there, and we'll wait for Tifa. I'm going to have her come out at exactly nine forty-two. It's nine twenty-three now, so we don't have much time to execute this."

Zack nodded. "Let's go."

The three went out into the main dining hall. Zack walked around with the menu in hand, trying to look busy, while Striker pretended to clear off a table. Cloud spotted Tifa at the front table, seated right next to Rufus, whose attention was conviently focused on his cell phone as he jabbered away into it.

He pulled a plate of some strange food off a nearby cart and walked slowly over to where Tifa was sitting. Inhaling deeply, he set the food down in front of her.

"Your frog legs, ma'dam?" he said, faking a french accent.

"Huh? I didn't order any frog legs."

Cloud crept near to Tifa's face and lowered his glasses, allowing his glowing mako eyes to be revealed to her for a moment. "Tifa, it's me, Cloud. I don't know what the hell is going on, but I'm taking you out of here."

Tifa's vision blurred, and she felt dizzy and sick. She didn't think she could beileve it, but those eyes told the whole truth.

"Cloud...?" she whispered. "You came...?"

"Shh," Cloud hushed her. "I'm gonna get you out." When that clock says nine forty-two, excuse yourself to the bathroom and we'll meet you out there. Zack and Striker are with me."

Tifa's heart skipped a beat. "Zack? He's alright?"

"Yeah, he and Striker escaped. I'll tell you about that later."

"Striker?"

"Shh. Later. Remember, nine forty-two."

Tifa nodded. Maybe Cloud did care?

"I'm sorry, ma'dam, wrong order," Cloud said loudly, faking the french accent again. He lowered the glasses again just long enough to wink at Tifa, then walked away.

Rufus slapped his phone shut. "What was that all about?"

"Nothing," Tifa lied. "The chef brought me the wrong meal."

Rufus rolled his eyes. "What kind of place is this? The chef isn't supposed to leave the kitchen."

Tifa shrugged.

Cloud walked down the hallway outside the dining room, throwing off the chef's costume as he went. Zack and Striker were already waiting outside the restrooms, changed back into their regular attire.

He looked down at his watch. "It's nine forty. Be ready."

Zack nodded. "What if we get caught?"

"Don't worry. Tifa knows how to fight too, you know."

"Right. Martial arts. I remember her saying something about that when we were at Nibelhiem."

Cloud frowned. He wished Zack would stop mentioning Nibelhiem already. It was bringing back too many painful memories.

Tifa glanced at the clock and back at Rufus. "I'll be right back," she said, starting to rise.

Rufus grabbed her shoulder. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"I need to use the bathroom," she answered.

"Wait a minute. Rude, will you please escort Tifa to the bathroom?"

"Yes, sir."

"What?" Tifa nearly yelled. "I don't need a damn escort to go to the bathroom!"

"Yes you do," Rufus answered. "I don't know what you may be up to, and I certainly don't want you getting snatched up."

"Jesus!" Tifa yelled, standing and walking towards the hallway leading to the restrooms. Rude quietly followed behind her.

Tifa walked down the hallway, holding her skirt as she moved. She was nervous. Rude was right behind her. She was nearing the bathroom, and she saw three figures ahead - Cloud, Zack, and another young man. "The hell?" she heard Rude mumble behind her. Unsure of what to do, Tifa stopped aburtly and lifted up her dress, whirling around and catching Rude's jaw with a magnificent kick. He fell back onto the floor, holding his face.

"Let's go!" she called to them.

Cloud, Zack, and Striker raced foward, but Rude recovered quickly. He lept up, rubbed his jaw, and put his fists up.

Striker threw a knife that sliced Rude across his thigh before it whirled back to him. The Turk cried out in pain, distracting him long enough for Tifa to pound the back of his head.

Zack drew his sword, and Cloud cast Bolt2 on Rude. He knocked the bald man to the groud, his suit smoking from the lightning. He quickly cast cure on himself, then lept up and ran down the hall, escaping the way the Turks always do.

Tifa took a deep breath. "Thank you so much," she sighed. She ran to Cloud and embraced him. "Why did you come?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Cloud shreiked, hurt by her question. "Tifa, I saw you on television, with Rufus. I know you of all people wouldn't do that unless you were forced, right? I had to come get you. We've been looking all over for you since you disappeared. I was going crazy."

Zack cleared his throat, growing annoyed with the affection between Tifa and Cloud. "We'd better get going."

"Right," Striker said. "Rude's probably telling Rufus as we speak, and all of SOLDIER will be on our ass if we don't get moving."

Cloud nodded and began jogging down the hall. "Let's go."

The foursome had made it outside the dining hall and were running across a parking lot when they heard shouts.

"There they go! After them!"

Cloud turned around. Five or six SOLDIERS were not far behind, and gaining on them.

"Run faster!" Striker yelled.

Tifa kicked off her heels, allowing herself to run faster. "Where are we going?" she shouted.

"Don't worry," Zack yelled back. "Just keep running! We've got to lose them!"

Cloud unsheathed his sword and stopped. "Keep going, I'll catch up! I'm gonna hold them back."

Tifa, Zack, and Striker continued running, while Cloud single handily slashed through the approaching SOLDIERS. They fell easily, one only managing a minor gash on Cloud's arm, but another team was not far behind.

Cloud ran as fast as he could to catch up, but after turning a corner ended up on the airport's runway. He found Zack, Tifa, and Striker standing near the edge, over the ocean.

"What's wrong?" he called, running to them.

Tifa turned to him, panic in her eyes. "Its a dead end! We have no place to run! Look, Cloud, they're still coming!"

Cloud turned around and saw a large group of SOLDIERS approaching, swords drawn. Behind them was a black jeep with the Turks in it. A white BMW raced alongside the jeep, most likely with Rufus in it.

"We have to jump!" Cloud shouted. "Otherwise, we'll all die, right in front of Rufus' eyes."

"We can't jump!" Tifa yelled. "We'll probably drown!"

"You know how to swim, Tifa!" Cloud argued. "Jump!"

"No! It's too far!! We won't make it!"

"We have no choice!" Cloud yelled.

"Cloud's right," Striker said.

"Then what?" Zack asked. "Where will we swim to? It's ocean for miles out there!

" "Its that or die here, disgracefully," Striker said.

"Jump!" Cloud shouted. "They're almost here!"

Striker was about to jump when Zack stopped him. "Wait! What's that sound?"

Cloud listened carefully. In the near distance, he heard a engine like sound that was growing louder.

"Hey! That sounds like..."

"The Highwind!" Tifa answered. She pointed up in the sky, where out of the dark night clouds the Highwind appeared, it's surface glittering in the moonlight.

Cloud began flailing his arms wildly to be seen. "Stop!" he shouted.

"Oh, God, Cloud!! They're so close!"

The SOLDIERS were only about twenty feet away and closing in. Rufus stuck his head out of the passenger side of the white car and started screaming.

"TIFA!! Get back here!! Stop, or you will pay!"

The Highwind turned sideways and dropped a bit. Cloud could see Barret, Aeris, Cid, Yuffie, Red XIII, and Cait on the deck. Barret and Cid were lowering the ladder.

"Climb up!" Cid screamed. "Hurry the fuck up, they're gaining on ya!"

"You go first, Tifa!" Cloud yelled. Tifa ran and lept for the ladder, and began climbing up it agily. Gunshots began to sound behind them, and Rufus was screaming louder.

Cloud jumped for the ladder next, and went up as quickly as he could, Zack jumped on next, followed by Striker. Tifa had made it to the deck when Stirker screamed.

"My leg! I've been shot!" he began slipping.

"Don't fall, man!" Zack yelled. He climbed down to Striker and reached his arm to him. "Grab my arm, hurry! I'll help you up!"

Zack helped Striker the rest of the way up and Cid grabbed the radio, screaming to his pilot. "Get the hell out of here!" he yelled into the walkie talkie.

Tifa fell onto the floor of the deck, her friends gathering around her. Zack pulled Striker onto the deck and lay him on the floor next to her.

"Oh... my God," Aeris exclaimed. "Zack?"

Zack nodded, smiling, out of breath. "Hi, Aeris." Cloud wiped his forehead. "Somehow, Zack survived. I ran into him and Striker as I was leaving Kalm. They helped me find Tifa."

Tifa took a deep breath and sat up. "Striker? Are you alright?"

Striker grasped his leg in response and yelled. "Do something!"

Aeris knelt down next to him. She closed her eyes and placed her hands on his leg, over the wound. A few seconds later, Striker felt a heavenly breeze wash over him and the pain was suddenly reduced incredibly.

"Don't worry about the bullet," Aeris said, smiling. "It's taken care of. Now, I need something to tie on the wound."

Cid tossed her his scarf and she thanked him, wrapping it around Striker's leg to stop the bleeding.

Striker tried to sit up on his elbows. "Thank you..."

"Aeris," she said, extending her hand.

"I'm Striker," he said. "Ex-SOLDIER First Class."

Aeris smilled and walked up to Zack, who was leaning over the ledge. "Zack..." she touched his arm.

"Aeris." he looked in to her bright, emerald green eyes. "It's been so long..."

Aeris reached foward and embraced Zack, tears coming to her eyes. "I never thought I'd see you again."

"The infamous Zack," Red XIII mused. "Another pure heart to add to our team." He looked at Striker. "Actually, two pure hearts."

Striker smiled. "Hey... aren't you one of the beasts from Cosmo Canyon?"

"The last one," Red sighed.

Striker frowned. "I'm sorry."

Barret, who had been helping Tifa to her feet, pushed foward and took a long look at Striker. "David!" he shouted.

Striker looked confused. "Yeah... how do you know...?"

Barret slapped himself in the face. "You used to live in Sector Seven years ago, didn't you?"

"Sector Seven?" Tifa repeated, curious.

"Yeah..." Striker answered somberly. "Why?"

"It's me, Barret! Don't you remember? Tifa here used to run that bar, 7th Heaven, and you used to always come in and order a spiked fruit punch! Ha! We always sat around and talked and made fun of Teef while she wiped down the counter."

Tifa's eyes widened. "Yeah! I knew your face looked familar."

Striker looked up at the both of them. "Yeah.... I do remember. Tifa, I knew you looked familar too, but you never dressed like that. Barret... I can't beileve it!"

Barret laughed, but slowly got quiet. "I guess you heard about Sector Seven."

Striker looked away. "Yeah... my whole family was there. That's why I left SOLDIER."

Barret shook his good fist. "Damn Shin-Ra! They've destroyed so many lives!"

"Can we go in now?" Yuffie complained, tired of the reunions and the pleasantries. "I'm gonna be sick!"

"Not all over my deck, you won't," Cid warned, "I just had the fucking floor waxed."

Yuffie rolled her eyes and ran inside. Red XIII chuckled and followed after her.

"What an interesting day," Cait said, following them inside.

"Cid, help me get Striker inside," Barret said. Cid nodded and the two men helped Striker stand, then helped him limp inside.

"I'm holding a meeting in five," Cloud called after them. "I want everyone there.... including S... Sephiroth."

"Sephiroth?" Zack repeated.

"I told you already," Tifa said. "He's, um.... a good guy now, or something."

"I'll never beileve that," Cloud said.

"Stop it," Aeris said. "Remember, you promised you'd have faith in my decsion."

Cloud nodded. "I'm sorry."

"It's gonna be strange, seeing Sephiroth again," Zack said.

"It was strange seeing *you* again," Aeris said. "I feel ready to faint."

"I have to get out of these clothes," Tifa said. "Let's go inside."

Aeris giggled. "Why, Tifa? You look beautiful."

Tifa waved her off.

"Come on, Zack," Aeris said, grabbing his arm. "I'll introduce you to everyone. You won't see Sephiroth until the meeting though, because Seph never hangs any where there are people."

"Some things never change," Zack laughed, following Aeris inside.

Tifa turned to follow them, but Cloud stopped her by gently grabbing her shoulder.

"Wait, Tifa. I've been meaning to ask you something."

"What?"

Cloud shook his head, a confused look on his face. "Tifa, Zack told me he saw you on the ferry. Then you traveled together until you were caught by the Turks in Junon. How did you end up on the ferry? You were with us at the campsite that night, and when we woke up you were gone."

Tifa froze, about to panic. She'd forgotten about that.

"Well... I, um..."

"What?"

"I left, because, well, I was a,afraid," she stuttered.

"Afraid of what? Sephiroth?"

"No, no! Afraid of losing you," she clarified.

"What? I don't understand, Tifa."

Tifa sighed. "When Aeris came back, I noticed you two grow close. I couldn't bear it... I felt like I was dying. I love you, Cloud."

Cloud's mako eyes stared deep into Tifa ruby tinted brown ones. He studied her face carefully, then brought his arms around her.

"Tifa, I've been thinking.

"W,what?" she was shaking in his arms.

"When you were gone, I realized how much I care for you. I still care about Aeris, of course, but I realized I love you. I guess you don't realize what you love till you lose it. Thank Holy I got a second chance."

Tifa's eyes filled with tears. "Cloud... are you serious?"

Cloud responded by kissing Tifa passionatly on the lips. When they parted, he looked down into her eyes.

"What about Aeris?"

Cloud sighed. "I care for her, of course. Just not the way I thought I did. I guess I was blind for a while. The thing is, though, I think now that Zack is back, Aeris won't love me the way she did. I think I was just a replacement for Zack. I know she doesn't think of me that way, but subconsciously, she does. I'm not sure if this is the truth, but time will tell. I'm going to speak with Aeris soon and tell her how I feel."

Tifa buried her face into Cloud's chest, completely content. However, one thing burdened her heart. There was a pang of guilt.

Zack.

Should she tell Cloud? He would flip out if he knew. And what did Zack think? Did he love her, or was it merely a one night stand, and now that he had Aeris it would be forgotten? Tifa hoped so. No matter what, she could not give Cloud up. All the same, she didn't want to hurt Zack or Aeris.

"Tifa? Let's go inside."

Tifa nodded and followed Cloud inside. The only thing she could do now is wait.

Tifa had changed her clothes, let her hair down and washed the heavy make up off her face. She walked into the conference room, where everyone, save Tayeko and Sephiroth, were gathered. Barret and Striker were talking, Striker with his injured leg propped on the table. Yuffie was sitting down next to Vincent, and Red XIII was lying on top of the table. Cait Sith was sitting near Yuffie, and Aeris and Zack were sitting together, talking. Cid was sitting across from Barret and Striker, puffing a cigarette. Cloud stood in front of the room, waiting.

"Where the hell is Sephiroth?" he asked when he saw Tifa come in. "I want to get this started."

"Tayeko went to get him," Aeris answered. "They'll be here any minute."

As if on cue, Tayeko and Sephiroth entered the room. Tayeko waved to everyone, and Sephiroth quietly entered, surveying the group.

"Zack....?" He suddenly whispered.

Tayeko looked at him. "What?"

"Zack?" he said louder. Zack gazed at his former General and stood.

"Sephiroth."

Sephiroth was unsure of what to do. He stared at Zack. He never knew what happened to Zack after he'd burned down Nibelhiem, but the boy was sure enough alive. He stood there, just a few feet away, his royal blue eyes sparkling.

Zack shook his head. "I don't know what to say, General," he began. "So much has happened..."

"Call me Sephiroth," Sephiroth interrupted. "We are no longer in SOLDIER."

"Damn," Striker said aloud. "General Sephiroth... in this room. I can't beileve it."

Sephiroth nodded at Striker. "SOLDIER First Class?"

Striker saluted.

Cloud cleared his throat. "Well... I guess alot has happened."

"That's a fucking understatement," Cid said, taking a drag on his cigarette.

Cloud waved him off. "I don't know what to say, really. Zack is back..."

Cid cheered sarcastically, causing Zack to blush. Aeris shot Cid a dirty look.

"We know Rufus is around, so we're going to have to come up with a plan to eliminate him. Anyone got any ideas?"

"We need a break," Barret complained. "I saw Marlene for four hours today. It's not right!"

Cloud sighed. "What can I say, Barret? The Planet is at risk, you know. Won't be long before Shin-Ra ruins more lives. We can't let it continue!"

Barret banged on the table with his gunarm and frowned.

"So, any ideas? Anyone?"

Sephiroth cleared his throat. "Perhaps we could inflitrate his base and destroy it. He hasn't spread out yet, so it should be easy to destroy Shin-Ra. But, if he gains control of Midgar, we'll have a problem."

Cloud's blood boiled. Why did Sephiroth have to have a suggestion, and such a good one at that? He hated hearing him speak. He just wanted him to die and stay dead...

"Fine. Anything else?"

"That sounds like a good fucking plan, actually," Cid agreed. "I say we go with that for now."

Cloud threw his hands up. "Whatever. We'll vote. Whoever wants to go with Sephiroth's plan, raise your hand."

Cloud was stunned. Everyone raised their hand except for Barret, who stared at the wall with a disgusted look on his face. Tifa hesitated before raising her hand, but finally gave in.

"Fine," Cloud muttered. "I'm sure everyone's tired, so we'll go back home for a week. Then we're going to get started."

Cid stood up. "We'll start dropping everyone off in the morning, cause its fucking late. I'll have my pilots put the damn ship on auto and it'll hover during the night."

"Great," Cloud said. "Meeting ajourned."

Tayeko walked into Sephiroth's room.

She stood there, in her nightgown. Sephiroth had his shirt off and was sitting on his bed.

"Hi, Sephiroth."

Sephiroth nodded cooly, his bright, green mako eyes focusing on her. She sighed and took a seat next to him on the bed.

"Sephiroth, I'm sorry about before. The glove. I didn't mean to upset you. I didn't realize how much it meant to you."

"You wouldn't."

Tayeko exhaled. "Listen, Sephiroth. I'm trying to get you to open up to me. I care about you. Why don't you believe me?"

Sephiroth studied her face, her delicate features contorted with confusion and hurt. "Tayeko, it will never be easy for me to believe another creature cares for me... even if they are sincere."

Tayeko gently took Sephiroth's hand. "Sephiroth, you've been given a second chance. I want you to remember that you should use it wisely." She kissed him on the cheek, stood, and quietly left the room.

Sephiroth, stunned, touched his cheek where her lips had just been. No one had ever shown that sort of affection towards him. Why did she do it? Why did she put herself through this battle with him time and time again?

Sephiroth knew his own heart was racing, but he didn't dare acknowledge it. He climbed into bed and shook his head.

I cannot afford to fall in love, he told himself.

But then again, she was right. It was his second chance.

Use it wisely.

Red XIII purred and lay on the floor next to Yuffie's bed. He heard the girl flop into the bed, and laughed and she groaed from motion sickness.

"It's not funny, mutt!" she hollared. "I hate sleeping on this ship! Why are you in here, anyway?"

Red grinned up at her, bearing a massive set of fangs. "I don't require an entire room, seeing as I don't use a bed," he answered. "So why not sleep with my favorite member of AVALANCHE?"

Yuffie waved him off and lay down in the bed. "Whatever, you just better not snore."

Red laughed again and used his teeth to turn out the light. "Goodnight, Yuffie," he said, laying back down.

"Night, Red - urk!"

"You okay, man?"

Striker shifted in the cot Barret had set up in his room. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks alot, man."

"Dun worry about it. Hey, you want to come stay with me? When we get back, I'm taking Marlene to the Gold Saucer. Wanna come?"

"Sure," Striker said. "If my leg is good to go."

"You'll be damn fine," Barret said, climbing into his own bed. "Aeris' healing magic ain't no joke."

"So I see," Striker said. "Zack told me her and the other one, with the black hair, are Cetra."

"Yep. That's why she can do shit like that."

Striker laughed. "Yeah."

"Look," Barret began. "I'm really sorry bout yer family."

"Yeah," Striker said, looking down. "Me too."

"I lost a few too," Barret said. "Remember Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie?"

"Hmm... I think so."

"They all died too. And while they were trying to save the Sector."

"Damn Shin-Ra," Striker said. "Damn them."

"It's gonna be alright," Barret said, turning out the light. "Get some sleep, alright? Cloud gonna try and wake us up early as hell, just watch."

Striker laughed in spite of himself. "Alright. Night, Barret."

"Night, man."

Aeris stared at her alarm clock.

Zack was back, her teenage sweetheart. When she saw him, it was like she'd fallen in love all over again. She still cared for Cloud, but it was as if she'd been with Zack forever and Cloud was just a close friend. She'd spent hours talking to Zack, so happy that he was alive and well. She knew she was in love with him.

Aeris realized that she'd been in love with Zack the entire time she was with Cloud. She'd seen Zack in Cloud, and that's why she was so into him. But now she knew the difference. She didn't want to hurt Cloud, but she knew he would have to know.

She'd have to tell him she loved Zack.

Zack sat up in his bed, running his hand down his face.

He wasn't sure he'd be able to sleep. All he could think about was Aeris and Tifa, Aeris and Tifa.

He loved Tifa. There was no doubt in his mind he cared for her. But it was growing apparent that Cloud cared for Tifa as much as she did for him.

Why had he been so foolish! He should have never tried to move in on Tifa after she'd told him she loved Cloud. And now look what had happened. He'd caught feelings for her hard and Cloud had ended up falling for Tifa in the long run - leaving Aeris to him.

Of course he still cared for Aeris. Of course he still loved her. But for some reason, he wanted Tifa more.

Zack lay back in bed and closed his eyes, hoping sleep would take him. Otherwise, his emotions would drive him crazy first.

Tifa had the covers up to her chin. Staring straight at the ceiling, she couldn't stop thinking about Cloud and Zack.

She knew she loved Cloud, there was no doubt. But she was worried about Zack. She wasn't sure if he cared for her or not, but that did not change what happened between them a few nights before.

Cloud had even said he loved her, that he wanted her. What would he do if he knew she'd slept with Zack? What would Aeris do?

Tifa's mind was about to reel futher when there was a knock on the door.

"Can I come in?"

Cloud. "Its open," Tifa called back.

Cloud walked in and closed the door behind him. Tifa reached to turn on her lamp, but thought better of it. Cloud sat on the bed, Tifa still stretched out underneathe the covers.

"Did I wake you?" Cloud asked. "Nope," Tifa answered. "I've just been laying here."

"Couldn't sleep?"

Tifa shook her head.

Cloud smiled at her. "You know, Tifa, I was thinking. I owe you a trip to that beach house in Costa Del Sol, don't I? Why don't we go down there tommorrow instead of Elmyra's house? It's gonna be too crowded anyway, with Barret, Striker, Zack, Aeris, Tayeko, and... well, Sephiroth."

Tifa smiled. "Sure, Cloud. I'd love to."

"Tifa, you mind if I sleep in here tonight? I'll sleep on top of the covers."

Tifa was greatful it was so dark, because Cloud could not see her blush. "Sure, I don't mind."

Tifa scooted over and Cloud lay down on his side facing her.

"Maybe now I'll be able to get some sleep."

Tifa giggled. "Me too."

Cloud closed his eyes. "Tifa, I want you to know we're gonna have to take this slow. There's an awful lot on my mind right now. I don't know how to break it to Aeris, even though I'm sure it'll backfire because she'll tell me she loves Zack anyways. And then the whole thing with Rufus, and Sephiroth-"

"Shh," Tifa whispered, attempting to soothe him. "This is why you can't sleep."

"Yeah," Cloud answered.

"Just calm down," Tifa said. "Goodnight, Cloud."

"Goodnight, Teef."