Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Ice Redux ❯ Chapter 42: Shattered ( Chapter 42 )

`This is a voice in the mind.'

 

Chapter Forty-Two: Shattered

 

Cloud awoke with a groan, holding his aching head and finding that he was actually the first to do so. The others were lying on the ground around him, but at least, he was assured of their health. He swept his gaze over their location, finding that they were in a darkened, flat space, deep in the interior of the crater. He suspected that Sephiroth was somewhere near; he could feel it.

 

He rose to his feet and turned around, mako eyes landing on a strange object about fifty feet away, nestled in a basket of reddish stone. It was both pulsating and glowing, vaguely shaped like an egg. And within the blue, semi-transparent material, he could barely make out Sephiroth's form.

 

They had found him.

 

Behind him, the skittering of stone and a chorus of groans informed him that the others were gradually awakening and rising to their feet. They dusted themselves off as someone stepped up beside him. He instantly recognized the presence.

 

“Are you all right?” Aeris asked, laying a hand on his arm. Her gaze traveled past him, and she instantly stiffened, eyes narrowing.

 

“Sephiroth,” Nanaki growled, noticing the egg-like object.

 

“Cloud! Behind us!” Vincent hissed as the sound of his gun-cock echoed hollowly in the cavern.

 

The blond whirled around, only to have his eyes widen. In the darkness behind their clustered forms, many pairs of eyes stared back. Bodies slowly came into light, resembling an army of monsters of every kind, from the large Behemoths to the weak Allemange.

 

Sephiroth had not been unguarded.

 

Reeve sucked in a breath. “Perhaps he is controlling the monsters,” he muttered under his breath, hand automatically falling to his side as he flicked his wrist, a dagger sliding easily into his grip.

 

Cloud swallowed thickly, his heart beginning to thud loudly in his chest. This was it, the final battle. There was no turning back, not with Sephiroth so close and the end of the world waiting just beyond their fingertips.

 

“Reeve, Yuffie, Vincent, Cid, I leave you four to watch our backs,” he ordered as he turned towards the frozen state of his nemesis. At his side, Reno, Aeris, and Nanaki remained.

 

Suddenly, the sound of a sharp crack split the uneasy and tense silence as every eye, monster included, turned towards the solid cocoon. A crack formed in the frozen liquid, spreading swiftly down the front before it abruptly shattered, releasing the former General.

 

Mako green eyes opened, revealing that they glowed even brighter than usual, even more menacing.

 

Sephiroth stepped from the rock and ice shards, a malevolent smirk on his normally impassive face. He managed to retain much of his once human form, the Masamune gripped in one of his hands. Except now, two horns sprouted from his forehead, and six tentacles sprouted from his back in a horrific parody of wings. He retained his black leather armor, but the greenish aura of mako completely surrounded his body as he smoothly slid into battle form.

 

He sneered as his disdainful gaze slid over the ragtag group. “If it isn't the ex-SOLDIER,” Sephiroth hissed, slitted eyes narrowing. “I had hoped you would come to let me kill you.”

 

“I'm not the one facing defeat.” Cloud gritted his teeth, fingers clenching around the hilt of his Ultima Weapon. It offered little comfort.

 

The former General laughed, low, mocking, and generally more hair-raising than any laughter should be. “Let my minions handle your friends. Let's see if you can truly be my bane.” He raised his free hand and crooked a finger at Cloud.

 

The blond raised his sword, eyes with the same mako glow but shining with the force of his determination. His blade gleamed in the dimness of the cavern, but he was prepared; he was ready. There was no where else to turn should he fail.

 

No pressure.

 

A smirk was his only warning before Sephiroth darted forward, step more of a flash than anything.

 

Seconds later, their blades met in a fierce clang, and the duel was on, the ringing of their swords filling the air in a deadly dance. It was both beautiful and terrifying to watch. Sephiroth was amused, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, while Cloud was deadly serious.

 

However, his friends were unable to watch or even guard his back because the monsters chose that moment to attack. It was more than enough for the seven of them to handle… and perhaps even too much. There seemed no end to the hordes of creatures that swarmed around them, seeking blood.

 

Vincent immediately began firing as quickly as he could, swift shots to the head that destroyed them. He reloaded multiple times, enough so that he feared he would run out of bullets. The monsters fell left and right, heads exploding and blood spattering the beasts next to them, but they kept coming, nonetheless, as if some strange force was driving them forward.

 

To his right, Yuffie bounded around, throwing her Conformer and occasionally sneaking in to steal items off of fallen enemies. Blood was quickly covering the hard-packed earthen floor as heads rolled and tentacles lay in twitching piles.

 

Standing back to back, the two former ShinRa were working together. Reeve was casting spells faster than he was bothering to throw his knives. Bolt 3 and Aero were ripping through the ranks of monsters, destroying them as quickly as they appeared. Reno's Electro Rod defended them from any monster that dared get too close; he was a terror on the battlefield. His normally amused expression was replaced with one of determined gravity. Together, they were formidable.

 

Cid was throwing dynamite into the crowds until he ran out, blowing up monsters and not feeling the least bit sorry. The Venus Gospel defended him when any got too close, and the occasional shotgun burst near him helped him feel a bit safer. Aeris was standing at his back, using her staff to fend off enemies as well and occasionally throwing the powerful spell or three. She kept a close eye on the health of her companions, ready to heal if necessary as she prayed inwardly for Cloud's safety, only able to watch his duel from the corner of her eyes.

 

Fire and Lightning lit up the darkened cavern as Nanaki tossed many of the beads from his hair, pleased to see them destroying hordes of the monsters faster than he could blink. Vampire Fangs also became projectiles, and when anything came too close, it fell quickly to his claws.

 

It literally looked like the middle of a gruesome war with blood so slick on the ground that some were slipping on it; other monsters were already beginning to feast on the fallen. The members of AVALANCHE could feel nausea curling in their bellies, and on the edge of that, the faint taint of fear entered their hearts.

 

The clanging of swords only added to the melee of noises produced by the battle. Cloud viciously slashed at Sephiroth, but the General easily blocked, pulling back swiftly to aim at the blond's left side. Cloud sensed the move and parried, trying to use his strength to push the man aside.

 

Jade eyes flashed. “I grow tired of this duel,” Sephiroth growled, his lip curled back in a feral snarl. “You cannot beat me!” His face twisted and was all but unrecognizable from the man Cloud had once known.

 

The blond growled. “You talk too much!” He swung his blade at Sephiroth one-handed, following it with a vicious punch.

 

The General easily evaded the sword but wasn't prepared for the fist that followed. His head snapped backwards when the punch hit him square on the jaw.

 

In retaliation, Sephiroth's tentacles whipped forward. Two seized Cloud's sword, yanking it from his grip and chucking it far away. Two more slammed against the blond, shoving him several feet away and far from the reach of his sword.

 

Cloud hit the ground hard, a grunt of pain escaping his mouth.

 

“Cloud!” Yuffie yelled, heart leaping into her throat. She bounded forward, tossing her Conformer mid-stride.

 

Sephiroth simply laughed, easily smacking the shuriken away. It careened off into the dark wildly, leaving Yuffie without her weapon.

 

Unfazed, the little ninja grabbed a dagger out of her left boot and stood in front of a quietly gasping Cloud, determined to protect him. Seconds later, Nanaki stood at her side, anger gleaming in golden eyes; his teeth bared in an enraged snarl.

 

Sephiroth merely smirked at them, convinced that their level of power was nothing he needed to worry about. He sheathed the Masamune and crossed his arms over his chest. He was not there to battle these minor nuisances; his interest lay in Cloud alone, but why, he was not certain.

 

“Your leader couldn't defeat me,” Sephiroth taunted. He noted Cloud's struggle to rise, the other man clutching at his ribs, struggling to draw in a breath. “What makes you think you can?”

 

“It doesn't matter whether we actually can or not,” Nanaki snapped, fingers tightening the already bloodstained claw on his arms. “It only matters that we have to.”

 

A gust of wind slammed into all four as somewhere behind them, Cid summoned Pandemona. The force of the wind beast blew away hordes of the monsters, and called up several tornadoes, ripping up chunks of rock and sending them scattering. Some of their party was even forced to dodge the randomly thrown boulders.

 

Somehow, Cloud managed to scramble to his feet, wincing visibly as he swept his gaze over the ground, searching for his sword. In front of him, Yuffie and Nanaki stood steadfast, but he didn't want them to have to face Sephiroth alone. He finally found his blade, well over thirty feet away and moved as quickly as he dared towards it.

 

Sephiroth began to mock them once more. “Insects have no battle against a god!” He sneered and waved his hand nonchalantly before crossing it back over his chest.

 

It was the only warning they had before Yuffie suddenly rose into the air and was thrown against one of the spike-studded walls by an invisible force. She struck the stone with a defining thud, and a harsh crack echoed over the battle din.

 

“Yuffie!” Golden eyes narrowed as Nanaki snarled and darted forward, his claw aiming for Sephiroth's all too exposed throat.

 

Something flashed by him, only vaguely recognized as Cid. The pilot darted in front of Nanaki and attacked Sephiroth spear first. The former General smirked as he grabbed onto Cid's Venus Gospel with one hand and balled his other into a fist. Cid dodged the punch and lashed out at the other man with his boot.

 

At the same time, Nanaki slashed angrily, managing to catch the edge of a leather-covered shoulder as Sephiroth twisted his body to the side. Two tentacles threw themselves at the demi-human, and he swiped at one, leaping to avoid the second with an artful flip of his body.

 

Meanwhile, Cloud dove for his sword.

 

On the other side of the battle, Aeris and Reeve stood back-to-back facing the tremendous horde of monsters. The ex-executive was tiring from casting so many spells so quickly, and he was panting visibly, sweat streaming down his forehead. Aeris was fairing little better as she defended his back, trying to find the proper vial in her pack to restore their energy.

 

And yet, the vast numbers of the horde were slowly pushing them backwards. Soon, they would join the battle against Sephiroth, whether they intended to or not.

 

Near to them, Reno was paired with Vincent, his Electro Rod flaring up every second as he defended the gunman's back. Bullets were flying from the other man's gun almost faster than he could reload them, and enemies began to stack up in bleeding, odorous piles around them. Nonetheless, the monsters did not cease their assault, blindly throwing their lives away.

 

Vincent finally resorted to what any smart individual would do in such a situation. “Black Cauldron!”

 

Darkness fell over the battlefield, and four small fires sprang to life in the middle of the ground. A circle of strange symbols spun as a suspiciously patterned, stone disc rose from the floor. It was followed by four columns that formed a stage, and a gothic chandelier was suspended in midair above the platform, casting an eerie light over the area. A pillar of light summoned Hades, who stood over a smoking cauldron. There was a rumble and an almost smirk tugged at the summon's bone lips.

 

His cauldron erupted, sending a tide of crimson and sapphire smoke over the gathered horde. The monsters fell, howling in pain as acid began to eat away at their skin. Darkness and Silence afflicted more, while still others were forced to stop in their tracks, destroyed by the status effect magic of Hades' azure smoke.

 

The summon chuckled ominously before disappearing in a flash of onyx light.

 

Somewhere near Reno and Vincent, Cloud kicked at a tentacle as it tried to stop him from reaching his sword, casting Bolt 3 as he ran. Its electric energy surrounded the tentacle and traced the appendage back towards Sephiroth, hitting the main body. The former General only grunted before pushing back against the spear in his hand and kicking out violently at Cid.

 

He caught the pilot in the knee, and Cid dropped to the ground, his leg buckling under his weight. Sephiroth grinned maliciously as he smoothly withdrew his Masamune and swung down to deal the final blow, only to be stopped by a recently retrieved Conformer. Mako eyes widened in shock as Yuffie grinned back at him, panting and covered in dirt, but still alive as he had not expected.

 

Sephiroth bared his teeth and pushed strongly against her. Another of his many tentacles whipped out, wrapping around her chest and flinging her across the cavern. Burning pain raced across his side as Nanaki broke through the man's defenses, managing to knick him in the abdomen.

 

Sephiroth turned to deal with this annoying foe, but suddenly, Cloud was there, sword gleaming in the darkness of the cavern. Masamune met Ultima Weapon with a clang as a tentacle thrashed through the air. It slammed into Nanaki's chest and forcing him several steps backwards, granting Sephiroth a moment's respite. A flash of green magic, and Cid was quickly at his leader's side, injured knee completely healed.

 

Feeling overwhelmed, Sephiroth finally decided to resort to his magic. “Aero!”

 

It slammed into the three attacking him, and they skidded across the ground, digging lines in the dirt with their boots. Monsters slipped through the lines then, going between the exhausted four already fighting them. As Cloud and Nanaki regained their balance, throwing themselves back into a duel with Sephiroth, Cid turned to deal with the huge Behemoth already making a beeline for them.

 

Desiring her help, Nanaki opened his mouth to speak. “Suza--”

 

But before he could even finish, a tentacle smacked him across the head, cutting a large gash into his forehead. Blood streamed down his face and into his eyes, momentarily blinding him as he stumbled backwards from the powerful blow.

 

Across the battlefield, Vincent drew to a sudden and complete halt. A voice that he hated to recognize echoed in his head.

 

`It is time.'

 

Vincent whipped around, his gaze sweeping over the bloodstained battlefield and the battle that was rapidly being lost. His heart crawled into his throat, and he suddenly knew.

 

A burning sting on his arms distracted him, and cursing to himself, Vincent absentmindedly shot the offending creature before returning his gaze to the battle, automatically seeking out Cid. Crimson eyes widened in shock as he found the pilot battling a Behemoth, Sephiroth's gaze locked on his unprotected back.

 

A throaty whisper echoed, `Make your choice.'

 

Yet, the gunman knew what it was going to be before the voice even spoke. He darted forward, ignoring the pain in his back as a Gargoyle lashed at him. He cast Fire 3 without turning around, not bothering to see whether it affected the creature or not.

 

Time seemed to slow. It felt as if he were running through mud. His legs were hampered; he wouldn't be fast enough. He was going to fail.

 

`You have no time.'

 

Sephiroth slashed downwards at Cloud, cracking his sword and cutting through the blond's chest. The swordsman went flying backwards, blood seeping through his shirt immediately and splashing wetly onto the ground.

 

Eyes of jade fire flashed with a desire to kill.

 

Vincent leapt, an image of his lover reflecting in his eyes, determination fierce in his stare. He cared for nothing else as his body suddenly jerked, fiery pain ripping through him. The Death Penalty clattered to the ground, blood dripping onto it in large spatters.

 

Cid turned when he heard someone yell his name, only to have his eyes widen when crimson splashed across his face and clothes. It sprinkled his lips, hair, and neck with warm wetness. The smell of copper was on the air and around him so thick he could taste it. His spear hung from limp fingers, barely within his grasp.

 

Blood dripped again to his face, and he hardly blinked as he took in whose blood was on him. Vincent was looking at him, something akin to fear and relief in his eyes as red liquid dribbled from between his lips. It collected at the corner of his mouth, sliding down his chin in a macabre river. Their eyes locked in what could have been romantic were it not for the blood staining the front of his clothes and his ashen skin.

 

Cid literally felt something clench inside of him as his gaze raked over his lover's body, taking in the four tentacles that had pierced his abdomen, chest, and shoulder.

 

The battle around him faded to nothing, all sensation disappeared. A scream of anger, the clashing of swords, the heat of the flames, and the crackling of electricity… It was all nothing but dimness and silence to his ears.

 

“Cid…” Vincent's voice cracked, and more blood bubbled up, nearly choking him. His body felt weak and pained, but already, something was stirring in his mind. He had been trying to forestall it, but now, the choice had been made.

 

The pilot choked, lips unable to form a word as he reached for Vincent. It felt as if minutes had passed rather than the few seconds it had actually been.

 

However, the gunman felt it; he knew it was coming. Vincent jerked away, even as the tentacles withdrew from his body with a sickening pop and slide of blood-spattered gore. Two lashed out at Cid, but he was prepared and slashed violently at them, cutting them into pieces.

 

Vincent slumped to the ground, falling to his knees as liquid pooled around him, glistening on black clothing. He twitched as he felt crawling beneath his skin and a tingle across his back.

This was going to be the most painful of them all; he already knew it.

 

Cid rushed to his side, but Vincent held out one stained hand to ward him off as his body began to pulsate and throb.

 

“No…” Vincent choked, shaking his head as he struggled to lock eyes with his lover. “Just… run.” His eyes suddenly rolled into the back of his head as his entire body seized up.

 

Cid stared, tears welling up in his eyes. He vaguely registered the monsters advancing on them, drawn by the smell of the fresh blood. He barely acknowledged the fight with Sephiroth, instead ignoring his lover's warning. He only wanted to be with Vincent, to heal him, to do something.

 

There was so much blood; he didn't even know the human body could hold that much.

 

He stepped forward, but it was a change in Vincent's expression that caused the pilot to stop in his tracks.

 

The gunman's body fell forward, and he struggled to catch himself with his hands. An unearthly and guttural scream emerged from his mouth as a pair of black, webbed wings burst out of his shoulders in a shower of gore. His entire body jerked as his skin split eerily.

 

Clutching his spear tightly, Cid took a few steps back and stared in uncontrollable horror. He didn't know that form, which meant that it had to be Chaos. It was the one form Vincent had always feared, though he never said so aloud.

 

A Behemoth barreled out of the darkness, slamming into Cid. He flew a few feet backwards with the enormous beast on top of him. The blond snarled and cursed as he fought to get the huge creature off of him. He punched the tusked creature in the head, but it only growled at him.

 

Seconds later, another weight collided with the Behemoth, knocking the monster from him, and Cid sucked in a deep breath. His quick search found that Nanaki had come to his aid, rolling around with the much larger beast and slashing it up with his claw. The pilot moved into the fray, bringing up the Venus Gospel and slicing off the monster's head before immediately swiveling his attention back to his lover, only to exhale sharply.

 

The ex-Turk had completely transformed and had taken to the air, flying through the battle and heading straight towards Sephiroth. An almost gleeful look decorated the demon's gleeful face as he snapped his wrists, claws extending from hands that had once been human.

 

“It's not even him,” Cid murmured aloud. “Not anymore…”

 

Beside him, Nanaki was horrified. “Is… is that?” he asked, unable to even complete his question.

 

Cid could only nod mutely, a deep fear rising inside of him. Behind those eyes, he saw something familiar, reminding him of the day he had kissed Vincent in front of everyone. He recognized the malevolence in that stare.

 

Around them, the cavern began to shake violently, almost succeeding in throwing many of them to the ground as Chaos collided with Sephiroth. He knocked all other opponents aside, tearing into the former General with a vengeance.

 

The members of AVALANCHE could only watch in mute horror.

 

“What the hell is that?” Cloud demanded, pulling back to stand beside Aeris as he gripped his cracked sword. The look of sadistic glee on the demon's face was enough to make even him blanch.

 

Aeris' eyes had widened but were still filled with a measure of sadness. “Can't you tell?” she murmured, her gaze flickering to the devastated pilot some distance behind them.

 

Cloud's jaw dropped. “Vincent,” he murmured before shaking his head. “So that's what he meant…”

 

Behind them, the monsters scattered, alarmed by the shaking of the ground and the terrifying presence of Vincent in his final form.

 

“Cloud!” Cid exclaimed, running up to the swordsman. “Vince is--”

 

The blond nodded, his face grim. “I know,” he responded before turning his gaze to the battle.

 

There was nothing left for them to do but watch.

 

“I will not die here!” Sephiroth screeched, despite the fact that he looked haggard. All of his limbs were torn off, and the Masamune laid broken into pieces at his feet. His eyes glowed with a mysterious, yellow aura and not than the familiar mako green.

 

Chaos smirked. “You have no choice!” He tore into Sephiroth's body with a lazy claw and a gleeful smirk.

 

The demon laughed, his tone low and mocking as Sephiroth twitched in his final throes before collapsing in a pile of gore and limbs. The demon's shoulders twitched as he tossed the broken body to the ground and turned to face the friends, eyes glowing dangerously.

 

“Now, it is your turn!” he hissed, claws clenching expectantly.

 

The ground shook violently, the Lifestream beginning to bubble to the surface in a very dangerous display of its strength.

 

“Everyone, get out of here!” Cloud ordered, the conversation with Vincent echoing in his mind.

 

He started pushing his friends towards what he deemed was the way out. It was the way the monsters had scattered, and he assumed it was an exit.

 

Chaos took a step towards them and then appeared to hesitate. A confused expression was on his face as the ceiling began to cave in, rocks crashing loudly to the floor.

 

Behind Chaos, the Lifestream suddenly gushed upwards, creating a great, emerald fountain. The demon roared, clenching his fists tightly, as if carrying on a battle within himself. His eyes shifted in intensities of red before his whole body suddenly stilled, and he grinned maliciously.

 

The demon had pushed aside all that remained of man within him.

 

Cid ignored Cloud's call for retreat. He wasn't going to leave Vincent behind, and he was certain that the gunman was in there somewhere. He might be the only one who could coax the ex-Turk out. He had done it before.

 

“Cid, come on!” Cloud ordered impatiently, but the pilot merely shook his head, hand tightening on his spear.

 

The other man's lips formed a thin line of anger as he cursed angrily and stormed towards him, wrapping his fingers around Cid's arm and tugging almost violently. He was determined to make the pilot leave, knocking him out if he had to. He had promised he would.

 

“No!” Cid exclaimed stubbornly, digging his heels into the ground. “Vince is still in there, and m'not leavin' him!”

 

Cloud gave another jerk, his greater strength succeeding in moving the pilot a few feet. “That was his choice!” he declared exasperatedly. He dimly registered Chaos regaining control, already locking his bloodthirsty gaze on them.

 

“You can't expect me to believe that!” Cid tried to throw off Cloud's arm. Another hand joined with the swordsman.

 

It was Nanaki.

 

His voice was gentle, his eyes sympathetic. “I saw his wounds. Even if he has changed, he cannot live through that. Not even with his body.”

 

Cid hesitated, eyes still looking towards the advancing demon. There was hunger in his eyes, hunger for their deaths. Not even a spark of his lover remained beneath the coal-like depths.

 

The floor shook again as cracks began to form in the soiled crust.

 

Suddenly, darkness fell. The air around them sunk into an ominous purple as a horde of bats emerged from nowhere. They converged to form a growing, black ball in between Chaos and the startled humans. Diablos dripped from the underside of the ball as he spread his wings and released more bats.

 

Purple eyes glared down at the demon, and his voice was gravelly as it echoed through the cavern.

 

“Leave, Byakko's other. This is no longer a fight you can win.”

 

Chaos laughed mockingly. “You would dare to stop me, Baal? You would do it again, traitor?”

 

“I see you haven't forgotten the old names in your long imprisonment,” the summon murmured. “Or even my own fault.” He brandished his claws. “Release him.”

 

Chaos shook his head. “I fear not you, Gravity beast. Just because you and the others locked us away does not mean you are the more powerful.” A sneer broke across his face. “I have not forgotten what you have done, my dearest friend. I will never forgive you.”

 

Below them, the humans exchanged confused looks as another mako fountain ripped through the earth. It was then that the sound of rotors filled the air.

 

The pilot of the Highwind had somehow known they needed him and had flown as deep into the crater as he was able. With the collapsing of the walls around them, it was easy for the airship to reach them.

 

“Get out of here now!” Diablos ordered, intercepting Chaos as he made a dive for the members of AVALANCHE. The two collided, their limbs entangling as the ground shook beneath the force of their great strength.

 

Chaos screamed, managing to sound both bestial and human in the same tortured breath. “Run!” He gurgled then as Diablos pushed him to the ground, wings crunching beneath him.

 

That was the last encouragement they needed. Everyone ran for the hovering airship as the crew struggled to unroll the ladder and throw it down. Reno and Reeve were the first to scramble up, Yuffie right on their heels. Even Cid followed.

 

The Lifestream exploded again, cracking up the ground. Explosive bursts of mako streamed upwards, splashing over both demons. But they were oblivious to the destruction of the crater around them.

 

On board the Highwind, as it began to pull away with everyone safely aboard, the members of AVALANCHE stood on the deck, staring down in horror at the two still battling. A violent roar echoed around them, making even the airship shudder as the ground suddenly crumpled, dropping both winged demons down into the depths of the Lifestream.

 

“Dammit!” Cid angrily cursed, fist hitting the railing as he sunk to his knees.

 

The others could only watch in mute silence as Diablos and Chaos disappeared beneath the surface of the Lifestream.

 

A falling boulder struck the side of the airship, causing it to careen wildly, and they struggled to hold on. However, Cid just stared mutely at where his lover had once stood. He held the blood-spattered Death Penalty in his hand, something he had grabbed before running to the Highwind as he ignored the cries of worry from his friends.

 

Silent tears coursed down his face. “I didn't get to tell him,” Cid whispered so quietly that no one could hear him. “He doesn't know that I love him.”

 

Another boulder struck the airship, sending it in a crazed spiral and off balance. It began to slowly descend again, heading towards the collapsing walls and exploding Lifestream.

 

The pilot on the bridge made an executive decision since Cid seemed disinclined to do so. “Hold on!” he screamed over the intercom and pulled the emergency switch.

 

The boosters that Cid had revealed earlier flared to full power causing the airship to thrust forward so quickly that even the Captain was momentarily shocked. The Highwind shot straight upwards and out of the crater that was rapidly collapsing, covering the remnants of the Lifestream like there had never been anything there at all.

 

They had come through alive. Sephiroth had been stopped. The airship was flying away with all members aboard.

 

All members save one.

 

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