Loveless

Chapter 32

Genesis was waiting for them inside a cave that had clearly been carved out recently. The air felt heavy and unnatural. Zack instinctively reached for Eloise's hand and held it tightly, hoping the contact would steady her. They had left Cloud behind with Lazard and come alone.

Zack was ready to end this, one way or another. Eloise, however, was not.

"If you—" he started, but she pulled her hand free and walked ahead.

He cursed under his breath and followed her inside.

"My soul, corrupted by vengeance, hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey in my own salvation."

Genesis' voice echoed through the cavern, calm and theatrical as always.

"You're late," he added, scowling briefly at Zack before his gaze settled on Eloise.

She had never been part of his plan. She had forced her way into it. Once, she had been an inconvenience. Then a weakness. Now...now...

Zack stepped forward, tense but composed. He had faced too much already to be shaken now.

"Loveless again, huh?" he said dryly.

Genesis turned toward him, eyes glowing faintly.

"You have inherited Angeal's spirit and carry Sephiroth's legacy within you. Thus, the three friends are reunited, and Loveless is reenacted."

Eloise clenched her fists, her eyes fixed on him.

"No. Open your eyes, Genesis," Zack said sharply. "You abandoned everyone who trusted you. Look around you."

Genesis hesitated — just for a moment. His gaze flicked to Eloise. Seeing her like this hurt more than he expected. She looked too much like Sephiroth now, and the guilt he had buried stirred painfully.

"When the war of beasts brings about the world's end..." he continued, forcing himself back into the familiar cadence.

Zack frowned. "What are you talking about? I came here to help you."

Genesis ignored him.

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

As he spoke, he raised one hand. The massive structure behind the statue began to glow — a radiant, pulsing light blooming from within the stone.

"What is that?" Zack demanded.

Genesis smiled faintly.

"The gift of the Goddess. A divine blessing found only here, in Banora."

The light fascinated Eloise instantly. It shimmered and shifted.

"I thought the cells were the gift," she said quietly.

Genesis glanced at her, surprised by the question.

"There are many interpretations," he replied. "To seek meaning itself is part of the gift. In the end, we all return to the Lifestream. None are exempt."

Zack looked around uneasily. Something about the air felt wrong.

"The planet itself has chosen me," Genesis said, his sword beginning to glow as energy surged into it. The Lifestream wrapped around him, reshaping his presence into something no longer entirely human.

At the same time, threads of light drifted toward Eloise.

She stiffened as the glow surrounded her, instinctively reaching out. The energy hummed against her skin, vibrating through her arm. When she tried to step back, the light gently but firmly held her in place, as if shielding her from the fight.