Loveless

Chapter 32

Genesis was indeed waiting for them inside a cave that had been recently dug out. Zack grabbed her hand and held it tightly, hoping he could comfort her. They left Cloud with Lazard and came on their own. Zack was ready to face Genesis and end it once and for all but Eloise was a different story.

"If you-"

She ignored him and entered the cave. He rolled his eyes and ran after her.

"My soul, corrupted by vengeance. Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey in my own salvation" Genesis welcomed them like always, reciting from Loveless. "You're late." The redhead scowled at Zack before his eyes moved on the brunette.

Eloise wasn't really part of the plan. She just tagged along and crawled under his skin until she became a precious treasure that Genesis didn't want to stain.

Zack was relaxed. He already went through a lot and he already made a plan. The former SOLDIER wasn't going to give Genesis what he wanted, no matter what that was, but he wasn't going to kill him either.

"Loveless again, huh?" Zack started nonchalantly, walking towards the redhead.

"You have succeeded Angeal' spirit and carry a part of Sephiroth within you. Thus, the three friends are reunited once again and Loveless is re-enacted."

Eloise bit her lip and stared intensely at the man she fell in love with.

"No! Open your eyes, Genesis! You abandoned people who trusted you. Look around you!" Zack exclaimed, both men knowing what he really meant.

Genesis' eyes moved on Eloise. She looked so much like Sephiroth and it pained him to remember that he exploited her just as much as Hojo.

"When the war of beasts brings about the world's end,"

Zack was confused.

"I-I've come here to help you!"

Genesis ignored him completely.

"The Goddess descends from the sky. Wings of light and dark spread afar. She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting."

He moved around while quoting. At one point, he swayed his hand in the air and the big 'apple' above the statue of the Goddess enlightened.

"What is that?"

Genesis smirked.

"The gift of the goddess. A heavenly boon found only in Banora."

So that was that. For Eloise, the light that emitted from the boon was mesmerizing.

"I thought the cells were the gift."

Genesis raised an eyebrow surprised that Zack thought so much about it.

"There are various interpretations. To ponder the mystery is in itself a gift. We will all join the lifestream. You are no exception."

Zack looked around, a little scared and worried. He didn't know what was going on.

"The planet has become my guardian." Genesis' sword started to glow and a sudden pulse of stream went into it, changing the redhead into what looked like a soldier of the Life Stream.

On the other side, Eloise was captivated by the light of the lifestream. She frowned when she saw bits of it moving around her, forcing her to focus on it instead of the battle. Eloise touched one of the bits and felt her arm vibrate. She reached out for it again but the light moved. The brunette took a step back and watched as the light surrounded her. It felt protective but at the same time it might have been a way to keep her away from Genesis.