It's that thing with the stuff and the wasabi

Title: Return of the Departed
Author: J’dee
Series: Final Fantasy VII
Chapter Rating: G
Pairs: None

AN: Sorry for the kinda filler chapter, and yes Rufus vacates during this chapter I think I'm finally over the Rufus kick ;p




Sephiroth had only got up to walk away from the table to move away from Zack and Genesis' arguing. Zack was trying Sephiroth gave the younger man that much, but Genesis over time had become bitter, resenting that Zack had been spared death not once or twice but three times yet Angeal, Angeal remained dead. Obviously not hearing Angeal from the lifestream was causing the red head some distress, enough to take it out on Zack. Zack was on the defensive, this alien had targeted him, his family his friends so he wasn't putting up with Genesis' tormenting. That left him in the middle between the two. So he decided to currently let them have their rants and get their frustrations off their chests.

Walking away from the two Sephiroth was bemused that this being had indeed chosen Zack, when all the information that he could have learned by now would have told the alien that Jenova was essentially inside his head first, not Zack.

Reno was lying on the couch Rude sitting in front of the red head's legs, Tseng stood in front of the window looking outside obviously watching Rufus. Elena was by the door leading to where Angel and Cloud were under the watchful eye of the fangirl doctor.
The dark skinned Turk and Vincent had vanished.

Sephiroth frowned the human nature of curiosity had never been a weakness in his old body, but this body needed to know everyone was accounted for and that there were no surprises. He walked past Elena the brown eyes just glaring as he strode pass her. Sure enough the dark skinned Turk was in a lab. The former Vampire leaning up against the wall. Red eyes just looked at him, but no words were said.
The Turk was looking down a microscope.

“Anything?” Sephiroth asked.
“It seems what he did to Cloud, he did to Angel. The kid isn't a fighter. So we have to find something and fast. Someway of beating it.” The Turk sighed. “I'm a scientist sure, but this is above anything I've ever done and I've done some strange stuff.”
Sephiroth noticed Vincent pull out his phone and flip it open. “I'll be back.”
Vincent dialed a number walking out of the lab and shutting the door. Sephiroth looked onward, for a moment before looking to the Turk.
“Did you need a hand with anything?”

~*~*~*~

Reno held up a small pieces of paper his mouth round a couple of fortune cookies. Swallowing his mouthful he glared at the piece of paper.
“What the fuck is 'keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see shadows'? supposed to mean?”
Reno heard Tseng let out a breath from where he stood.
“Hey Tseng you know these things. Translate yo.”
“Not now Reno.” Tseng stated.
Reno sat up and lent on Rude looking at Tseng. “Is he still going all skitzo out there?”
“Fraid so.” Tseng replied.
“I wish he would tell us what's wrong.” Elena sighed.

Zack was sitting at the table and he let out a breath Genesis had left to make more tea leaving Zack to fume over the last word Genesis got in.
He glanced to the Turks realizing then and there Sephiroth had vacated.
“Something up with Rufus?” He stood up walking up to the door and looking out. Zack had expected to see Rufus just moping but it looked like he was in a full scale discussion with... no-one.
“Creepy.” Zack remarked. He saw Tseng glare at him.
Zack held up his hands. “Hey maybe that alien dude got to him like he did me.”
Tseng raised a brow. “Got to him?”
“The guys inside my head.” Zack tapped the side of his head. “I can hear him, it's not like when Seph and Jenova were using my body, but different.”
Tseng let out a breath. “You want to talk to him don't you?”
Zack nodded. “Yeah I can't explain it. I feel like I have to talk to him. It's weird.”
“We all know you have a weakness for blondes.”
Zack's eyes went flat as she shot Genesis a look. The red head in the doorway with his cup of tea.
“Go.” Tseng stated. “I don't want to listen to you two argue any longer.”
Zack slipped past Tseng to the door and outside quickly before Genesis could get another shot in.

~*~*~*~

Rufus let out a breath as he heard the door open, he glanced at Aerith as she stood there she was looking onward and he knew who it was by her saddened expression.
“Zack.” Rufus stated. He heard the footsteps stop. “To what do I owe this honor?”
“Uh...” Zack sounded confused. “How did you know it was me?”
Aerith nodded her head Rufus. “You can tell him. He would not think less of you.”
“A little bird told me. In a pink dress.” Rufus glanced over his shoulder to see Zack's expression.
His mouth moved slowly. “Y-You see them?”
“You missed Angeal giving me a lecture. I think he went to see how Sephiroth was holding up.”
Zack walked up to Rufus and sat next to him. “I heard about Clover...”
“His parting gift to me.” Rufus stated.
Zack nodded his head slowly. “They're worried about you in there.”
Rufus sighed. “I figured they would be. You know I can't say anything... not yet.”
“Your secret is safe with me sir.” He looked down. “I want to thank you for your support though, for helping take care of myself and Cissnei and our kids... You didn't have to ya know.”
“I did Zack, ShinRa owed you, for what you had to endure.”
Zack chucked. “Cloud didn't accept any pay outs did he?”
Rufus shook his head. “No. He managed on his own and turned us down each time.”
Zack smiled. “He makes me look bad half the time. I would have too if Cissnei hadn't said it was okay.” He looked down. “So has Aerith said if Cissnei's okay? I know her soul is damaged but they didn't say how bad it was.”

Rufus looked to Aerith and she looked down before taking a step up to Zack.
“She'll be okay in time if we do this right, but right now she's in recovery.”
Rufus let out a breath. “And if we do this wrong?” He looked to Aerith.
“You won't.” She smiled. “You know you can help Cloud. If he was awake they could-”
Rufus saw Zack looking at him. “Hold that thought.” He remarked to Aerith. “Your wife is still recovering.”
Zack nodded. “You can continue your conversation, I don't mind. I've never seen what it looks like from the outside, this is a first for me.”
Rufus sighed and he nodded at Aerith. “You were saying.”
“The ability Clover gave you, it's not like mine, but he knew how to wake Cloud up, that, our voices the voice of planet he gave it all to you.”

Zack sat there silent and he watched Rufus having a conversation with Aerith, even though he couldn't hear her or see her, part of him felt comforted just to feel her there.
“You know I'm not used to taking orders from anyone.” Rufus stated.
Zack glanced to where Rufus was looking. To know she was standing right there, so close. Yet he could do nothing because he couldn't see her or hear her.
“I will try, I understand Cloud is needed.”
Zack blinked. “She said you can wake Cloud didn't she?”
Rufus nodded. “I believe it's time to wake Cloud and your son up.”
“What about the infections or whatever those things are?” Zack asked.
“I'll need somewhere to dispense them so get your doctor friend.”
“Uuuuh she's not my friend. She's more the epitome of Seph's rabbid fangirls.” Zack pointed out.

~*~*~*~

Sephiroth lent in the doorway, he watched Rufus sitting over Cloud.
“Perhaps you should not be there when he wakes up.” Vincent stated.
Sephiroth raised a brow at Vincent but didn't move from the spot. “He needs to know sooner or later.”
“Well you have kinda traumatized him in the past Seph.” Zack pointed out.
“He'll get over it.” Genesis stated.
“Seph tried to kill him.” Zack exclaimed.
El stepped between the two fractions just in time as Sephiroth spoke.
“I don't like puppets with no mind of their own.”
Zack's eyes went flat. “With what Hojo did to him no both of us Seph, doesn't that make me a puppet too?”
Genesis nodded. “A failed puppet, but a puppet none-the-less.”
Zack glared at Genesis. “I wasn't asking you.”
Sephiroth sighed. Before his insanity he had been fond of Angeal's student, the hyper active puppy, he knew Zack personally before he became a puppet. Cloud he had only met once or twice, he had never paid the grunts no mind.
“Do you mind?” Rufus growled. “You want me to wake him up then you all need to shut up.”
“How are you going to do this when Clover didn't tell you how?” Ezekiel asked.
Rufus sighed. “Do you really need to know?”
Ezekiel blinked looking to the bloodied hand prints on the sleeves. He shook his head glancing back at Tseng then turning back to Rufus.
Sephiroth looked at Zack who glanced at him from where he sat on the other side of Cloud. Zack looked to his friend.

Rufus waited til the room was silent and he stood up over Cloud and laid a hand on Cloud's bare arm. He closed his eyes and he could feel the sensation of movement gathering towards his hand.
“Doctor Kinshaw. Draw them out from here.” Rufus stated.
The woman rushed to his side and she quickly found one of Cloud's veins and set the needle up before injecting the blonde's arm and drawing the plunger out, drawing the blood out hooking the tube into place she stepped back looking at the purple colored blood.
“Oh gross.” Reno remarked from behind Tseng. “Why is it purple yo?!”
“RENO!” Tseng turned round pushing the red head away and leading him away from the open door.
“Those not needed should vacate the area.” Vincent stated and walked past Sephiroth and Genesis shooting them both a look, but both seemed to ignore him. Ezekiel took his leave though.

Rufus let out a breath, it left the unconscious Cloud and Angel on the two beds, himself, the doctor and the three former 1st class SOLDIER's.
Rufus let his eyes close, he didn't understand these new thoughts that popped into his head, but it was those thoughts that appeared there that guided him in what he was doing.
“Zack we will need some of your blood to replace what Cloud is going to loose.” The doctor spoke.
“Uh yeah sure. Anything you need.”
“Anything I need?” The doctor grinned at him.
“To help Cloud.” Zack sighed.
Rufus pushed the conversation away. He was searching for his mental link to the planet or the lifestream, he was trying to locate it, his hand moved to Cloud's chest, his eyes still closed and he tried to locate the mental link to help guide him through the next stage.

Zack felt the needle jab his arm and he watched the female doctor setting up to transfer the blood to Cloud, she moved round Rufus almost like the president wasn't even there.
“Wouldn't my blood taint Cloud's with whatever it was that he put in me?” Zack asked.
“Maybe, but I doubt he would let his cells transfer, being that you're the one he wants to torment. Not this one.” She tapped Cloud on the cheek.
Zack looked to Cloud watching as Rufus mouth moved and Zack raised a brow seeing the flow of green beginning to form around him. He looked to Sephiroth who seemed to watch with intrigue.

Rufus had only managed to find the link to the planet just, he couldn't explain it, but Clover's voice had lead him to the mental link of the planet. His own mental ties to the planet weak. He couldn't seem to hold the link long enough, his mind was definitely untrained for this.
He recalled Clover saying he was hiding in the depth of the lifestream. Now he understood why. His link to the planet was Clover, Clover had given him his ability and then re-linked himself to his abilities that Rufus now held.
Letting out a breath Rufus could feel the heat forming in his hands as they moved over Cloud's body.
He became aware of the quick intake of breath and eyes opened, Rufus pulled his hands back.
Cloud's eyes were open and staring at him in shock.
“R-Rufus?” His voice came out hoarse. “Zack?”
“Yeah we're here buddy. Rufus that was pretty mental, think you can teach me how to do that?” Zack asked.
Rufus glanced at Zack. “There is no way I could teach anyone to do that.”
“I'll teach you my version of healing wave.” The teasing that came out in Zack's voice made Rufus want to shoot him. But he refrained such actions in front of Cloud.

Cloud tried to move but found every inch of his body hurt.
“Okay my turn.” Zack grinned at Rufus clapping his hands together.
Cloud raised a brow then he felt the cooling sensation swirl round his body, he was aware Zack was able to adapt to others abilities. But he had no idea Zack still used some of them to this day.
“How do you feel Cloud?”
Cloud froze at the familiar smooth voice and he glanced to the other side of the room. Looking at him with absolute contempt was Sephiroth. Genesis standing next to him.
Cloud looked round the room quick he had to protect them from Sephiroth.
“Easy.” Zack's hands went to his shoulders. “He's not going to hurt you...” Mako blue eyes looked at Sephiroth. “Are you Seph?”
“Hmph, I'm beyond wasting my time on puppets.” Sephiroth looked to Zack. “Well some puppets.” Cloud watched Sephiroth turn round and walk out. He looked at Zack and Rufus. The ShinRa exec didn't look too pleased with Sephiroth being around as Cloud did.
“Zack... whose body is he possessing?”
“Quinn. Turns out he listened to my request. The issue isn't Seph anymore though Cloud.” Zack looked at him seriously. “He's the Seph we used to know. A bit more remorseful, but still Seph. The issue is that Hloskova guy.”
Cloud watched Rufus walk up to Angel then place his hands over the body and he saw the glow of green round Rufus making his eyes widen.
“Z-Zack.” He began.
“Seems his Cetra employee thought it would be best if Rufus was our connection to the planet. Nuts huh?” Zack chuckled quietly.
“Poetic Justice is more like it.” Cloud stated in a whisper watching Rufus as he 'healed' Angel.
Rufus cleared his throat before looking at the two of them. “I can still hear you two.”

~*~*~*~

Sephiroth sat at the table with Genesis as Cloud and Zack finally emerged from the room.
“We're done here.” Rufus stated following them then nodded at Tseng.
“So we're leaving yo?”
“Best not to crowd the good doctor.” Rufus looked at Zack. “I'll be in contact.”
Zack nodded at Rufus. “No prob. Thanks again Rufus.”
Sephiroth watched as the Turks walked to the door and Rufus stopped at the table looking at him.
“His spirit may trust you, but I will not.”
Sephiroth raised a brow as Rufus walked out. “That is interesting.”
Genesis sighed. “Great. I don't want to deal with ShinRa.”
Zack chuckled. “Get used to it you two, they're not so bad now.”
Sephiroth looked to Zack. “He mentioned his spirit am I to assume this means we have our connection to the planet that we need?”
Zack sat at the table. “Yeah.” He turned round in the seat. “Cloud you should sit down.”
“You want me to sit with you?” Cloud asked.
“Well Aerith told me I couldn't do this without you. We gotta work together.” Zack stated.
Sephiroth watched as Cloud eyed him wearily before walking up to the table and sitting down. Sephiroth sipped at his tea while Genesis seemed to smirk in amusement.

Cloud moved to the table sitting down next to Zack on the other side of the table from Sephiroth his eyes narrowed at the silver haired man.
Never did he ever think he would sit at a table with the man, if he was his old youthful cadet self then this would have been a dream come true.
Those days were long gone.
“Well don't all talk at once.” Genesis rolled his eyes. “This couldn't get anymore awkward.”
Zack's eyes went flat.
Cloud watched as Sephiroth slid several files across the table towards him. Sephiroth ignoring Genesis's comment.
“Genesis has been following your friend. It's best you're updated on this. The moment he realizes you are alive I'm sure he'll come back to finish the job.”
“I'm sure you'd love that.” Cloud drawled the sarcasm obvious.

~*~*~*~

Zack sat in the room where Angel was still sleeping, he had stirred once and opened his eyes and acknowledged Zack with a horse 'dad' before he had fallen asleep again. Rufus has said Angel's body wasn't like Cloud or his. It would take him a bit longer to fully return to consciousness. But he would survive. The planet, Aerith told Rufus that much to pass on.

Zack looked up to see Cloud on the phone.
“I swear I'm okay Tifa.” Cloud looked to Zack. “Yeah we're just waiting on Angel to wake up then I promise I'll come back home.”
Zack watch Cloud as the blonde left the room his voice going soft as he spoke to Tifa. Cloud shot Sephiroth a glare as he passed him.

Zack let out a breath it was going to take Cloud some getting used to that Sephiroth wasn't going to be impaling him again anytime to soon. Least Zack hoped not.
“Hey Seph.” Zack nodded at Sephiroth before brushing the hair from his son's face.
“Vincent and Ezekiel are leaving soon. I believe they need to get back to the WRO. We can not stay here. The longer we do the more Dr. Kinshaw becomes a target.”
Zack nodded. “Yeah I know, I just don't know anywhere that will be safe from him. He'll come back for Angel again, this time to kill him, I can feel it.”

Sephiroth looked to Zack, his head falling into his hands. The man was at a loss a complete loss, he was hurting and Sephiroth could feel it.
“He's still in my head I can't control what he takes from there anymore. I don't like it Seph. He knows things, things that could hurt you, that could hurt Cloud. Hell even Genesis, not that I really care what happens to him right now, he's just being a real jerk.”
Sephiroth chuckled. “He'll adjust, Genesis is not used used to having to work with others, but he will have to get over that.”
“He worked fine with Angeal.” Zack huffed.
Sephiroth looked at Zack. “That's because it's Angeal.”

Zack felt Sephiroth's hand on his shoulder and he saw the look, a look that told Zack everything without saying nothing and his brow quirked up.
“Wait... no?” Zack asked. Sephiroth just nodded his head. “Really?” He asked. Sephiroth gave him another nod and Zack was sure he felt the blush on his face.
“So Angeal and Genesis? How come I never saw?”
Sephiroth gave him a flat eyed look. “What happened between them stayed between them.”
“Then why? Why did Angeal make me kill him?! Why didn't he just get-?”
Sephiroth's hand covered Zack's mouth. “Genesis was already insane, if Angeal asked him to kill him, Genesis wouldn't to prove a point.”
Zack pulled Sephiroth's hand from his mouth. “How come I'm only finding out about this now?” He hissed.
“I believe it would have hurt you too much then.”
“It hurts me now Seph. Geeze.” Zack ran a hand through his hair. “Damnit Angeal.”

Sephiroth looked up seeing Cloud standing in the door way glaring at him. “Vincent is leaving.”
Sephiroth raised a brow as Zack nodded. “Okay. Well when Angel's awake we'll take him to the WRO and then I'll go get Freedom and you can take Tifa and the kids there too.”
“Zack it's too many people under one roof, you'll give him an easy target.” Cloud stated.
Zack shook his head. “I'm not saying for us to stay there. Just Reeve might have somewhere for us to go. Then somewhere where the kids and Tifa can be safe.”
Sephiroth watched as Cloud walked into the room. He raised a brow as Cloud walked right up to Zack.
“Shelke is going to net dive for us, see what she can find out. Vincent will call us when she gets the results then we'll move from here.” Cloud stated.
Sephiroth saw those blue eyes glare at him.
“Okay I guess we can wait for a bit. It would be unwise to move Angel before he wakes up.” Zack mused.
Cloud nodded.
Sephiroth could only stay silent watching the blonde, mentally noting how close to Zack he stood. Zack seemingly oblivious to the protective nature of Cloud.
Sephiroth was amused none the less by Cloud, the blonde wanted to get a point across to him personally.
Cloud couldn't have made it more clearer than if he grabbed Zack and laid claim to him right then and there.
“Well we should all get some sleep then.” Zack noted.
“You included Zack.”
“I'll sleep in here with Angel.” Zack replied.
Sephiroth watched as Cloud turned and left.

Zack moved back to his seat and sat down, he looked to Sephiroth. “Are you two going to continue being all grrr at each other through this entire thing?”
“If he continues to treat you like his personal property, then maybe I have a right to be.” Sephiroth stated before walking to the door.
“Wait what?” Zack asked.
Sephiroth stood in the doorway. “You've recently slept with him, that much is obvious by his protective nature.”
Zack felt his cheeks heat up. “I... well... it...” He ran a hand through his hair. “It kinda just happened okay, I wasn't expecting a jar of dirt to control my libido okay?” He hissed.
“Good night Zack.” Sephiroth shut the door after he left.
Zack let out a breath and he looked to Angel. “Well kiddo I hope you don't get my bad luck with maintaining relationships.”

~*~*~*~

Cloud lay on the couch, trying to sleep, he was aware of Genesis sitting on the window ledge in the moon light he could see the pink book in Genesis' hands the red head reading with the aid of the moonlight.
Cloud was just glad he was reading that book silently. He hadn't heard a single loveless quote from Genesis but he suspected Sephiroth had made some kind of threat or comment about if Genesis even uttered a quote he'd probably loose a limb. Cloud felt the same way and he was sure Zack was in the same boat. It was probably one of the few things the three of them would ever agree to that and 2nd Calamity having to be taken down being the other.

Cloud rolled over and he saw Genesis pause in reading to look out the window at the moon. The red head seemed to be aware of him watching.
“Your inability to sleep my friend, I would gather it is to do with your thoughts on Zack.”
“It's really none of your business.” Cloud stated.
Genesis seemed to smirk in triumph as if he'd stabbed Cloud and had him right where he wanted him.
“You both want him, but he is still grieving to act or not to act before he is consumed by guilt.”
“I wouldn't do that to him.” Cloud stated. “Not now.”
Genesis chuckled. “Yet Sephiroth my good friend has already started.” The red head turned to look at him. “Which I'm sure you are aware of.”
“Sephiroth just needs to keep his distance.”
Genesis smirked. “I think I preferred you when you were idol worshiping, this angst is truly something of another planet.”
Cloud just huffed. “Whatever.”

~*~*~*~

Zack was stirred from his sleep when he felt something crawl under his covers. He opened on eye in time to see the small body of his son vanish under the blanket. Zack felt the arms go round his waist.
He lifted the covers up to look down at Angel.
“You okay kiddo?”
The amber eyes looked up at him and nodded. “I just... feel safer here. That's okay right?”
“It's perfectly fine. Normal even. I did the same thing to my parents when I was your age.”
Angel smiled at him. “I could feel mommy while I was sleeping. She's tired. Really tired.”
Zack pulled Angel into his arms. “I know she is. She'll get to rest soon I promise. When the bad man is gone, she'll be able to get the rest she needs.”
“You'll get him right dad?”
“With some help I will.”
“Cloud?”
“Yeah.”
Angel smiled. “Denzel said he was like wicked strong and stuff.”
Zack laughed. “He is kiddo.”
Angel curled into him. “He likes you a lot too.”
Zack could feel his face flush for a moment and he looked down at Angel. “Uh yeah. I like him too kiddo.”
“I know. Mommy said you did.”
Zack inwardly groaned. “When did she say this?”
“When I was sleeping before. She said she knew, she understands.” Angel looked up at him.
Zack pulled a pillow down for Angel to rest his head on. The five year old taking the hint let his head roll into the pillow.
“I didn't want to hurt her.” Zack whispered, he let his eyes closed.
“She wants you to beat him dad, then be happy. She doesn't want you sad like Cloud is. It doesn't suit you.” Angel let his eyes close.
Zack looked to the door and he saw Genesis standing in the doorway. He watched the red head before Genesis walked off.
Zack wondered why Genesis was there unless Cloud had kicked him out of the lounge.

~*~*~*~

Sephiroth sat at the kitchen table, everyone minus Zack's son and Dr Kinsahw looked like they hadn't had much sleep. Sephiroth was sure Zack was going to face plant his cereal, Cloud didn't seem to have slept at all which put an even bigger frown on the blonde's face. Genesis was just intolerable when he couldn't find the right tea to have.
“Wow is that your real hair?!” The kid seemed to exclaim.
Sephiroth looked at the boy, he didn't seem the least bit intimidated.
“Yes.”
The boy frowned. “Why are you grey? Are you old?”
Zack's hand went over Angel's mouth quickly. “No don't say that.” He hissed.
Sephiroth's brow quirked up. “Well any questions of the kids genealogy just went out the window.” He stated. “He has your mouth.”
Sephiroth saw Genesis snerk at the comment and he shot the red head a look.

Zack sighed. “Sorry Seph. Look thanks again for saving him and everything.”
Angel pulled Zack's hand down. “He has longer hair than you dad? Did mommy make him grow it out too?”
Zack sighed. “No she didn't. That was Seph's choice.”
“So Cissnei made you grow your hair?” Cloud looked at Zack. “You never told me that.”
“She didn't make me. I just kinda got lazy and she kinda grew attached to it.” Zack replied.
“Can I grow my hair long too?”
“How about you eat your breakfast and we'll talk about it when you're older.” Zack stated.
“Can my breakfast be cake?” Angel asked.
Zack shook his head. “Not this morning kiddo I don't think I'd like to leave you under Reeve's care when you're in that state. It's just cruel inhumane punishment that Reeve doesn't deserve. Not yet anyway.”
The five year old seemed to pout. “Awwww. Tomorrow then?”

Cloud raised a brow. “Who gives a five year old cake for breakfast?”
“My parents did. Cake and fruit loops then they lovingly gave him back to me and Cissnei.”
Genesis smirked. “I think I like your parents idea of torture.”
Zack sighed. “You would.”
Cloud raised a brow. “Zack what did you do to your parents growing up?”
Zack rubbed behind his head. “Alot of things...”
“A lot of hyper active things. I'm guessing.” Cloud frowned.
Cloud remembered how hyper active Zack used to be in ShinRa, if Angel's hyperactivity was any indication of what Zack used to be like as a kid, he actually felt sorry for Zack's parents, and understood why they did what they did.
Sephiroth scoffed. “Even Angeal had trouble winding you in half the time.”
“It's a good taste of Karma if I may say so.” Genesis stated.
Zack looked at them. “What is this? Pick on me day.”
“I believe so.” Cloud stated. “But we should really head to the WRO soon.”
“Right.” Zack looked at him. “You okay to travel kiddo?”
“Can you fly me there?” Angel's arms flailed.
Cloud saw Zack's eyes go flat. “I was thinking about a helicopter.”
“Why?” Genesis stated. “Only blondie over there can't fly but I'm sure he can get a lift.” He grinned at Sephiroth.
“Not happening. I'm not letting anyone of you assholes fly me to WRO.” Cloud stated and glared at Zack. “You especially after last time.”

Zack laughed. “Hey c'mon it wasn't that bad Cloud, it was actually kinda funny.”
“For you. I'll call up Cid and I can take Angel and meet you there.” Cloud got up flipping out his phone and walking into the hallway.
“But I wanna fly with them.” Angel protested.
Zack shook his head. “Maybe when the world isn't in danger I'll fly you somewhere kiddo, but for now it's probably best you go with Cloud. It would be safer.”
“He's right.” Sephiroth stated.
“Awwww.” Angel sighed. “Okay. Next time though when the bad guy is gone.”
“Promise.” Zack smiled at Angel ruffling his hand through his son's hair.



~*~To Be Continued...~*~

Title: Return of the Departed
Author: J’dee
Series: Final Fantasy VII
Chapter Rating: M
Pairs: None

AN: The OC's that feature are merely for plot purposes nothing further. Ellie, Ezekiel, Hloskova are all © of Purgatorium, Clover and Walker are my creations (but I try to limit their interactions to the bare minimum).
Just note: Italics are for the dead addressing the living that can see and hear them, but when the POV is them talking amongst each other it won't be there...




Reno stood in the doorway of the room, he was just looking at Zack, the former SOLDIER's back facing the door. Half curled up in the spot where Cissnei earlier that day had lain.
The red head's fist clenched at his side, this... thing took one of their own. It took a friend of his. He was not going to let that go lightly. He didn't blame Zack for her death he knew if he could have, he would have saved her, he had that power, the strength. But one minute to late, that's all it was.
“Zack we're all downstairs yo. Reeve's even here.” Reno spoke.
He saw the head nod. “Fill me in later Reno.” Zack stated.

Reno nodded. “Will do.” He let out a breath and walked down the hall descending the stairs.
He stopped seeing the flashing lights and media buzzing round outside. Rude was by the door preventing anyone from entering the bar.
The alien had attracted the media. The arrival of Rufus and Reeve had made everyone three times more curious than they needed to be.
Reno looked to where Rufus and Tseng sat in a booth with Reeve. He moved across the bar and crouched down. Elena sitting on the ground leaning against the base of the bar just staring at a dried up pool of blood.
“Hey... she wouldn't want you cryin' over her too long you know that right?” He set a hand on her shoulder.
Elena looked up at him and he caught her as she flung herself in his arms. He felt the petite blond's body rack with sobs. Reno glanced to Tseng and he saw Tseng look to her for the moment. Reno knew tonight was going to be a night where Elena would probably be staying with Tseng or the other way round.
Grief did weird things to people.
It had been a good two years since Elena and Tseng had separated on the guise that work and relations were probably not the best.
Reno saw Cloud walk up to the table he seemed to set the drinks down for Rufus, Reeve, and Tseng automatically. He was in autopilot mode. Reno wondered how close Cloud had actually gotten to Cissnei since she left the Turks and got hitched with Zack. That or the blonde didn't care and it was Zack he was grieving for.
Rubbing Elena's back Reno sat with her on the ground. He just watched the five year old boy bouncing on one of the seats in the booth behind the corporate trio.

The three men in suits ignored the media at the window snapping photos and making reports. The police moved them back from the window before any lip readers could interpret the conversation.
“The media won't leave this place alone.” Reeve spoke. “We have to report something to tide them over.” His fingers tapped the side of the cup softly.
“Someone's grief is anothers entertainment. Seems to be a theme with them.” Rufus stated before taking a sip of the coffee.
“Reeve.” Tseng looked at him. “You would be the better choice. It would be unwise to bring to their attention that she was an ex-ShinRa employee.
Reeve nodded. “I understand. I just don't know... what to say.”
“Zack is under a contract with you, is he not?” Vincent questioned from the corner staying away from any spots where the media could get any photos of him.
“Tell them...” Zack's voice drifted down the stairs. “Everyone needs to stay away from me. Anyone who means anything to me, they have to stay away.”

Cloud looked to Zack staring at the skintight black top, the black pants one shoulder plate strapped to his left shoulder there was an elbow band strapped round his right elbow and belts criss crossed at his waist, the buster sword strapped to his back.
“Z-Zack?”
He felt the hand touch him on the shoulder. Cloud looked to the black leather fingerless gloves, his gaze moving to Zack's face.
“Please watch over my kids for me.”
Cloud spun round. “Zack... where are-?”
“I'm going to find him Cloud. I'm going to kill him.”
Reeve stood up. “Zack... I must urge you not to go off in your current state.”
Zack looked at Reeve. “I'll always be SOLDIER... I can't deny that. The only thing I could do to quell my grief after Angeal was throw myself into mission after mission.” He looked to Rufus. “Say what you will to the media. I don't care. Just keep my kids out of the spotlight.” He walked to the door.
Cloud looked to Tifa and he saw her nod in understanding.
“We'll be here Zack, for when your ready to come home.”
Cloud watched as Zack looked over his shoulder. “Stay alive while I'm gone.” he walked out the door.
“Daaad!” Cloud watched Rude catch Angel before he ran out the door. “Dad!”
Zack smiled at him. “Be good for Cloud and Tifa okay I'll be back soon.”
“Dad...” Angel stretched for him.

Zack saw the flashing of lights, the media buzzing around him, he could feel where he needed to go.
'Northern Crater. He's there I don't know how I know, but I know.' Zack thought and he looked up to the sky letting the wings shoot from his back he lept skyward flying away from the stunned onlookers.

Angel knelt in the booth and he looked up seeing the feathers float to the ground.
“That was cool.” He pointed. “Did you see?”
Tifa smiled walking up to him. “We saw, it was neat huh?”
“Yeah I want them too one day!” He exclaimed. “Mommy was right they are angel's wings.”
Tifa placed a hand on his shoulder. “They are aren't they? But shouldn't you be in bed mister.”
“I couldn't sleep, I kept feeling her all around me and hugging me. Mommy she's really sad.” Angel slipped from the seat as Tifa took his hand.
“What's she sad about?”
“That she had to leave.”
Tifa nodded. “I imagine she wants to make sure your okay before she starts her new life.”

Reeve watched Tifa lead the boy up the stairs. “He's after that child.” He looked to Cloud. “He will probably return for him. I have a place we can keep him safe.”
Cloud let out a breath. “We'll think on it.”
“Don't think to long yo.” Reno stated. “He killed Zack's parent's yesterday and came after Cissnei today, tomorrow... you could be dead.” The red head stated from where he sat next to Elena, his arm still around her. The female Turk's head resting on his shoulder, brown eyes not really focusing on anything.
“Reno has a point Cloud.” Tseng stated.
“Tomorrow. We'll move them tomorrow.” Cloud sighed.
Reeve stood up. “I'll send a car. For now let me try to ease the media outside your door.”
“I can take Angel there, the less chance of innocent people getting hurt. Just in case.” Cloud stated.

~*~*~*~

Sephiroth sat in the room the television was going in the background. Ellie the woman's name was, was letting him stay in her home. So for the first night in the longest time he'd slept in a bed, used her shower.
It only unnerved him slightly to see she used his old brand of shampoo and that she had a replica masumune on the wall, along with the blown up photo of himself and Zack from before he went mad.
The binder on the table had clip outs, research probing into his sudden 'demise' at Nibelheim. Sephiroth had forgotten that normal people had always been kept in the dark. He saw she had researched into the likes of Zack's first fake 'death' at the hands of ShinRa also at Nibelheim. He wondered how much this woman had figured out about the events in Nibelheim.
Sephiroth closed the folder.

El as she preferred to be called had said she needed to check his bloods since this body was not his original it was a host body. There were a million things that could go wrong and she didn't want a single one of them to happen. He did not complain only complied with the woman. She was obsessive over him, but the attraction was only one sided- her side.
Sephiroth let out a breath leaning into the back of the couch, this woman's decor even matched his own from his days back in ShinRa. It made him feel comfortable, but he didn't feel safe, fangirls could be very obsessive.
Sephiroth had not felt safe in a long time, but he felt safer than he had in the past. His eyes drifted closed, the television going softly in the background.

“An then he just sprouted wings an flew off inta the sky!” The voice made Sephiroth's eyes open.
He looked to the screen at the hysterical woman.
Sephiroth watched the footage played and he saw Zack stepping out from Seventh heaven. He looked different. The tell tale scar, his solitary bang gone replaced with several loose ones that hung round his face, like the man didn't care to style it anymore. The back of his hair pulled into a long pony tail that stopped at his waist. Angeal's sword, the single shoulder plate.
The wings sprouted out before Zack jumped and was gone.

Sephiroth stood up he walked up to the screen. He saw the news report cut to Reeve onscreen the director of WRO looked nervous as reporters were quizzing him.
Questions flew at the leader of the WRO.
“That man what was he?”
“Is he even human?”
“Was he responsible for the Gongaga slaughter?”

Reeve held his hand up. “He is an old friend. I assure you he is human. He's-” The director of WRO was stopped mid sentence as Rufus stepped up covering the mic.
“Reeve I will take care of this.”
“Sir!” Tseng seemed to protest behind.
Rufus looked out. “I take full responsibility for the tests my father's company ran on that man. We have been making sure he could live his life as comfortably as possible. But he insists that you keep your distance if you see him. Do not approach him, do not try to initiate any form of contact. He is not dangerous but what he's about to do and where he's heading is.” Rufus stepped away from the podium and was flanked by Reno, Rude, and Tseng before he was ushered into the limo, before the reporters could even question Rufus anymore.

Reeve cleared his throat as the bombardment of questions hit him, the director of the WRO ignored all questions. Lights flashing about him for the newspaper articles for the morning.
“That man is one of the WRO's best operatives. He is on a mission for us. So please do stay clear.” Reeve stated.
“Is it true he's ex-SOLDIER?”
“We heard he worked along side Sephiroth!”
“What is ShinRa really hiding from the public?!”

Sephiroth heard the door open and he looked to El as she stepped out of her room.
The purple eyed woman looked at him.
“I just saw. Your friend...”
Sephiroth nodded. “He's not my friend. Not anymore.”
He raised a brow as she stalked up to him and the angry red head jabbed him in the chest.
“I know that look on his face. I've seen it before. He's lost someone dear to him. As a friend you should help.”
Sephiroth quirked a silver brow. “Your tests?”
“It takes longer than this to wait for the results. Just go.” She pointed to the door.
Sephiroth let out a breath. “It's not that easy. I did things to him. Unforgivable things.”
El looked at him. “Unforgivable things?”
Sephiroth looked at her. He moved to the couch and sat down.
El moved to sit on the seat near him. But gave him his space. “What sort of unforgivable things?” She asked.
Sephiroth tapped her folder on the table in front of them, fingers drummed with irritation at the questioning.
“Things that caused me to hurt the one who called me friend and forever fought to return my sanity to me.”
“You're avoiding the question.” El raised a brow.
Sephiroth gave her a look. “It's best you do not know what I put that man through. Things that a man shouldn't do to another man.”
She blinked and shook her head. “You didn't-?” She then got this weird look in her eyes. “That's so hot!”
Sephiroth's glanced at the woman.
“I mean bad... that's really bad.” She nodded her head her cheeks heating up.
Sephiroth raised a silver brow. 'So she's one of THOSE fangirls. No wonder she hasn't made a move.' He let out a breath. At least now he knew there would be no bedroom advances from this woman.
She was the only one who could remove this chip from his brain. So he had no choice.
“The chip...”
“It seems to suppress your influential part of the brain that prevents others from controlling your thought and actions.” El remarked.
Sephiroth stopped. “Controlling my thoughts.” He understood now. If that chip was removed, there was a likelihood he could hear Jenova again... If she was still alive.

The sanity he had when waking in Quinn's body was an odd one, then that other Turk, that dark skinned one was there just waiting for him. The need and thirst to destroy the planet was gone, instead he had felt remorse and guilt for the pain he had put Zack through.
Now he understood why he had not heard her. This chip had prevented him from hearing her. Jenova's eye long gone from Quinn's body when he took control. It had been discarded like nothing. Jenova had no means to contact this body anymore. He had been left alone and in peace to realize the truth of his actions and wallow in the pain he had caused those he cared about.

~*~*~*~

It was nightfall by the time Zack landed on the ground he had hoped to reach the northern crater before nightfall, but the change in wind direction pushing against his flight pattern slowed his travel down.

Landing in Icicle, Zack just wandered the area and he stopped seeing the door and windows shut as he walked past. He raised a curious brow and guessed Reeve or Rufus had told the media the public to stay away from him.
“Good call. Keep them safe.” Zack let out a breath.
The only thing it hindered him in was a place to stay for the night.
The breeze brushed his cheek in a familiar touch one he hadn't felt in years. His gaze looked up as if the touch urged him too.

It was then Zack stopped at the edge of the village and he blinked. The glowing green light of the lifestream, standing amongst it in humanoid form on the outskirt of town.
The back of a familiar pink dress, the pink ribbon. He watched the honey brown braid sway against her back.
Zack walked up to where her figure was manifesting.
He stopped behind her and he could smell on the wind the scent of flowers.
“I haven't seen you in a while.” He whispered. “Thought you abandoned me.”
She looked over her shoulder at him. That smile, it always warmed his heart.
“You need to rest.” She stated.
He saw her smile it had a lair of concern underneath it. She always had trouble hiding her true concerns for him. He always saw through them.
“Aerith.” His hand moved to her shoulder.
Her hand moved over his. “Cissnei is worried about you. Please go back Zack, if you don't I'm afraid Cloud will-.” She stopped.
Zack raised a brow. “Cloud will what?” Zack pressed.
“He's next Zack.” Aerith's voice sounded worried. “First thing tomorrow morning. He's going after Cloud.” She whispered. “If he keeps up this rate. Then the lifestream won't be able to adjust or take the souls of the departed in.” She turned round to look at him. “Return to Cloud Zack. He needs you.” Her hand moved to touch the side of his face. “You can't win this alone. You will need help. Cloud's help.”

Zack frowned. This second Calamity was going after Cloud next. Zack should have figured. He would just get to the alien first that was it.
“He's at the northern crater now isn't he?” Zack asked.
She looked to the side he saw the frown. “Thought so.” He walked past.
“If you go down this path you'll end up like Sephiroth!” She shouted after him. “That's what he wants!”
“Yeah maybe but I'm different from Sephiroth. I won't let him consume me.”
Zack looked over his shoulder and he saw the figure manifesting behind Aerith.
He was thrown for six, at the sight.

Angeal was stalking up to him that long stride, that annoyed expression he always got when Zack had done something impulsive. Each step Angeal took with purpose in his stride and then Zack felt it. The hard slap over the back of the head.
“Zack! Concentrate!”
Zack rubbed the spot, he was sure he felt a bump forming.
“Owww... for a dead guy you hit pretty hard.”
“Snap out of it!” Angeal sounded mad.
Zack was still rubbing the back of his head looking at Angeal blinking.
“Oh so NOW you show up. How many times have I asked for you to guide me and you choose now!” Zack growled. He could feel his eye twitching in annoyance.
“I always knew you were going to be fine. But this time. Even I can see you're falling apart.” Angeal placed his hands on Zack's shoulders. “Your wife if she had the strength would be here too, but her spirit needs to heal from the damage he caused.”
Zack looked down instantly. “He damaged her spirit?” He couldn't believe it, that asshole had not only killed her in front of his eyes but he had damaged her soul.
Aerith walked up to him and Zack felt her arms wrap around him. “He infected her spirit, your parent's too.”
“It's like Geostigma for the dead. If he keeps this up on everyone he kills...” Angeal let out a breath.
Zack looked to Aerith his eyes widening. “It'll destroy the lifestream and in turn the entire planet.” Zack finished. “He really meant it didn't he? When he said it would be me and him for eternity if I didn't... give him my son.”
“Cloud is next. Turn around you could still get to him in time.” Aerith urged him.
Zack shook his head. “I'll take him down tonight.” With that he shook Aerith's arms off him before he tore off to the sky.

Aerith let out a breath. She looked at Angeal.
He crossed his arms. “Guess I have no choice but to ask him to step in.”
Aerith bit her bottom lip. “Let him know I don't blame him,” she began. “I know it wasn't him, I know it was Jenova using his form.”
Angeal looked to where Zack took off and he sighed.
“I will if he doesn't think he's going crazy... again.”

~*~*~*~

Sephiroth moved to the spare room. He hadn't realized she had been one of those kind of fans. That read in to appearances together in the past as something more.
In those days there had been nothing but friendship between Zack and himself. But he was noticing it now. Round her apartment the photos of him, or Zack with him. Sephiroth never realized there were that many images out there of them together. It was mostly after missions they attended together where the 1st Class strength was needed after Angeal's death and Genesis's desertion from ShinRa.

The pictures didn't seem to offend him, but they were completely inaccurate. It wasn't until after he possessed his friends body, that he realized he had mentally broken Zack into a victim of Stockholm syndrome. Taken advantage of him in his mental breakdown.

Letting out a breath Sephiroth sat on the edge of the bed. His head falling into his hands. El was long gone to bed, thankfully. He could not tell the strange woman everything. In fact after her little outburst he had fallen silent. Fearful she would probably misunderstand the possession of Zack's body to mean something else. They had touched on the chip briefly and he knew now if it was removed he could return to his former easily influenced self. If it stayed, he would die and his redemption and his promise to Quinn would not reach full fruition.

“Something bugging you old friend?”
Sephiroth stopped, he looked up and he had not expected to see Angeal there leaning against the wall casually, still in that accursed uniform.
He blinked a couple of times before realizing, the lifestream had released Angeal from it's grasp to talk to him. It must have meant something bad was about to happen and he was required to continue down this weird path of attempted redemption.
“You know what.” Sephiroth let out a breath.
“Guilt. You can help him you know. The way he's going he's going to be the next you. No one will be able to snap him out of it.”
“Get Cloud to.”
“That's going to be a bit hard when it involves Cloud getting hurt. You will know what he's going through, only you will be able to reach him.”

Sephiroth frowned. “Why are you sticking your nose in this now?”
“He's grieving badly Sephiroth.” Angeal stated. The concern in Zack's deceased mentor's voice was obvious. “His hometown was destroyed. His parent's and his wife killed, tomorrow if something doesn't change Cloud will die. Zack's son will be captured. That second coming... he will tear everything from Zack and force him to live through all of his past torments in a single moment. He'll go insane. One you was enough. He does not need to become like that.”
Sephiroth let out a dry laugh. “What makes you think I can prevent it?”
“I don't but I think you could reach him while he's in that state. You're the only one whose been through it and eventually returned to sanity.” Angeal spoke with certainty.
Sephiroth ran a hand through his hair. “I killed him.”
“Because you were still insane.” Angeal pointed out.
Sephiroth shot his old friend a glare. “How do you know I'm not now?”
“Six years and you've managed to hide from ShinRa and the WRO without detection, you could have just taken them down. Why hide?”
Sephiroth looked to the side and let out a breath. “I owe this world redemption of some sort...”
“That doesn't sound like a crazy man talking to me.”
Sephiroth let out a breath. “Where is he?”
“Heading towards the Northern Crater.” Angeal replied.
Sephiroth stood up he looked down at the clothes El had lent him. They weren't exactly combat ready. But he didn't have his old uniform available at that moment. El had take the coat and pants to be dry cleaned and she had hand cleaned the shoulder plates, which were sitting outside to dry over night.
“If I can't reach him.” Sephiroth began.
“He reached for you, he kept trying, you owe him the same.” Angeal gave him that look. The one Sephiroth hated, the one that normally came before the pride and honor lecture. Sephiroth decided he had no choice but to go before he was forced to listen to it... again, from beyond the grave.

~*~*~*~

Cloud moved through Seventh heaven, he was up early making breakfast. He saw Angel sitting in the booth looking out the window up at the sky.
The kid was obsessed with the sky.
“Eggs okay?” Cloud asked.
The blonde glanced at the clock reading 4:15am. They had to be at WRO by six am.
“Yup!”
“Scrambled, poached, fried... how do you have them?” Cloud asked.
Angel thought for a moment. “Mom used to do me scrambled she didn't like using oil for frying them. I've never had poached before.”
“Really you don't know what you're missing. I'll throw some cheese on top for you just in case plain is too bland.” Cloud smiled as he continued cooking.

It was early morning. He had got Angel up to take him to Reeve's hiding point early. He had no idea what woke him this morning.
He was still waking up himself.

When the food was cooked he brought over the poached eggs on toast with some cheese on top he placed it in front of Angel and set the mug of hot chocolate down for the boy.
He sat opposite him with his own breakfast.
“You're having cereal... why?”
“I need to leave enough eggs for Denzel to have breakfast.”
“He sleeps a lot.” Angel mused.
Cloud laughed. “He's at that age.”
“So he's not grumpy anymore?” The five year old asked.
“The teenage angst is over.” Cloud chuckled.

It had been a messy six years of Denzel complaining that he wanted to join the WRO but they weren't letting him become stronger to protect Marlene and everyone else.
Finally Tifa had cracked first. She taught him some moves that Zangan had taught her and then Cloud had been double teamed into teaching Denzel how to use a sword. Not that Cloud thought he would ever need to. But he realized Denzel had gone behind his back and sought out Zack in the holiday times to get training from. Zack had assumed Cloud had sent him and so became the beginning of trying to control that teenage anger.

Angel continued to ask Cloud all kinds of questions as they had their breakfast. Cloud looked up as he saw a half asleep Denzel descend the stairs.
“Morning.”
The eighteen year old just moaned something incoherent before walking into the kitchen.
Angel looked at Cloud. “Will I get that big one day?”
Cloud nodded. “I'm sure of it.”

Denzel walked out of the kitchen and he then he felt it attach to his waist and he looked down before he shook his head.
“Morning!” The chirpy five year old commented.
“Uh yeah.” He looked to Cloud sitting there.
Cloud looked confused. “School isn't for another five hours.”
“Before school job.” Denzel let out a breath.
“So you got the job then. Congratulations.” Cloud smiled.
Denzel shrugged. “Just mail room stuff at WRO. It's a start.” He walked to the booth and sat down. Angel crawled over him to sit by the window and look out it.
“Do you think dad is there yet?” The dark haired kid asked.
Denzel looked at Cloud. He had been filled in briefly when he got home from Barrett and Marlene's, but they had all seen it on the news.
Cloud shrugged. “Probably, if he kept going all night. But I don't know where he was headed so who knows.”

~*~*~*~

Zack landed on the bottom of the Northern Crater. He landed in the middle of the crater before looking up and letting his wings retract.
He could feel that thing's essence everywhere. Like it was corrupting the very atmosphere of the place.
Zack felt the uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach he could feel the essence, but he could not sense the person behind the essence. That meant this thing had been hiding in this very crater not long after it impacted with Gaia.
“Hey get out here!” Zack shouted.
He was rewarded with just the echo of his voice.
Zack frowned it was silent. Too silent. That meant this thing wasn't here.
If he wasn't here... then that meant one thing.

Cloud!

Zack pulled out his phone and he hit the number 1 on his speed dial for Cloud's cellphone.
He heard it ringing and the phone was answered pretty quickly.
“Hey Zack, Cloud can't talk he's dropping me off to work and we're taking Angel to Reeve's hiding place.” Denzel's voice on the other end.
Zack let out a breath of relief. “Oh that's good. Tell Cloud he's not here. I must have missed him. He needs to becareful okay. This guy is dangerous.”
He heard Denzel swallow. “Um yeah sure... look Zack I'm sorry. I heard about... Cissnei. I want to help okay. I'll do what I can.”
Zack smiled. “Just keep my kids safe I'll be back as soon as I can.”
“Okay! Cloud says he will text you once we have Angel in the safe location.”
Zack nodded. “Thanks Denzel. I'll call later to check.”
“Right take care.” Denzel added.
Zack flipped the phone closed and he looked up, something he found he did a lot when he was thinking, like the sky held all the answers for him.

There was a figure perched on the edge of the crater. Zack blinked. That figure had not been there when he got here, so it was a recent arrival. He frowned who knew where he was going apart from Angeal and Aerith and it wasn't either of them.
Zack felt the wind whip about him, his bangs brushed his cheek and then he saw the long flowing silver hair the black wing move in the breeze. Even from this far away Zack knew those Mako green eyes were watching him.
His breath caught in his throat.
“Another dream...” He whispered.

It had to be.

Sephiroth was dead. He died, when he killed Zack, Sephiroth had died inside him. Zack was sure of it. So this had to be a dream.

The figure lept off the edge of the crater and landed in front of him. The long silver hair floated around him and Zack's breath caught. He was frozen in shock.

“Zack.” Sephiroth's smooth voice spoke.
“Sephiroth.” Zack replied and he felt the wind blow his hair over his shoulder. The bangs brushing his face.

The silence that fell between them was awkward, like that of two lovers meeting again after a long period of absence after a nasty break up.

“What do you think you're doing here?” Sephiroth asked.
“I think I should be asking you that...” Zack blinked still stunned by his presence.

Sephiroth smirked at Zack. He waited to see if the dark haired fighter would draw his sword. But he didn't so Sephiroth didn't bother to summon the masumune.

“Angeal sent me.” Sephiroth stated.
Zack's expression was so readable and the younger man pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I get it. So you're dead too and telling me to turn round go back.”
“I didn't die. Quinn took me and Jenova into his body. But he expelled Jenova and kept me inside.” Sephiroth stated.

“Quinn...” Zack swallowed. The brunette Turk actually did as he asked after all. “Are you... ya know?” he made a small circle motion next to his head with his finger to symbolize the crazy motion.
Sephiroth's brow quirked at him. “The chip I believe prevents me from doing anything of that sort.”
Zack nodded his head. “I don't believe you. You know that?”
“I know. I will eventually die again if it is not removed.”
“Who knows?” Zack asked. “You know, about the you not being dead thing?”
“Ezekiel only and now you.”
Zack looked up to the sky. “So what now?”
“That I don't know. Angeal made me believe you would go insane.”
Zack scoffed. “Yeah I'm not insane. I'm pissed off, but I'm not insane.”


~*~*~To Be Continued...~*~*~