Hayden and his men exited the sewers and proceeded up the path. Corneo was walking beside him and eyed the girl he was carrying over his shoulder. "Now that you got her, I'm no longer on Shinra's shitlist, right?"

The hunter didn't even spare the don a glance. "You failed to capture her not once but twice. I will be informing my superiors of this. Get lost before I kill you myself."

Corneo felt a chill creep down his spine at the threat. He froze midstep, but the fear wasn't enough to keep him from biting back. "That wasn't a part of our deal!"

Tired of the don, Hayden whipped out his pistol and aimed it at the man's head. "I'll have my men deliver your corpse to your mansion so your loyal lap dogs can deal with the cleanup."

Corneo swallowed hard. He was consumed by fear as his wide eyes stared down the barrel of the pistol. He took a few shaky steps backward with his hands raised. "Okay... Okay! I-I'll leave!" The don ran as fast as he could in hopes the hunter wouldn't shoot him in the back.

Hayden holstered his gun when the chubby man was out of sight.

"Should we go after him?" one of his men asked.

He shook his head. "He's not worth it. Someone else will kill him eventually."

Arriving at the helicopter located by the Sector 6 wall, the officers piled inside.

Hayden haphazardly tossed Lailah's body into the helicopter. Just as he was about to climb aboard, a gunshot was heard. A bullet lodged into the metal paneling of the helicopter next to his head. Turning around, he saw Leslie aiming a pistol at him.

Unamused, the hunter grabbed his pistol and fired. The single bullet grazed Leslie's hand and caused him to drop the pistol. "I don't have time to play with children." He lowered his handgun and jumped onto the helicopter.

Leslie promptly picked up the firearm and fired more bullets at the helicopter as it started to take off. He ran closer to the chopper in hopes one of his bullets would kill the hunter or force him to land.

However, it was futile. The bullets pierced the helicopter, but it continued to ascend. Hearing the familiar click of an empty magazine, he lowered the gun and glared at the helicopter as it flew over the wall and entered Sector 7. "Dammit!"

"Hey!"

Leslie looked over his shoulder and saw Cloud, Tifa, and Barret dashing over to him. He immediately looked away when he saw Cloud's usual stoic expression replaced with one of concern. "I couldn't stop them."

Tifa was worried about Lailah, but she saw the distraughtness that consumed Cloud. "You still tried to help her. Thank you."

The silver-haired boy handed them the sack he was carrying in his other hand. "If you're quick, you might be able to intercept them."

Cloud opened the sack and pulled out what was inside.

"Grappling guns," Leslie explained. "You can practically fly with the souped-up motors on these babies. Sector 7 is on the other side of that wall. The guns will get you over and past it, along with any number of other obstacles. But—they're one-way tickets. So once you start up, there's no coming back."

Tifa took one of the grappling guns. "Thank you."

Barret grabbed one as well. "Let's go intercept that helicopter."

"I hope you make it in time," Leslie said.

"Thanks," Cloud replied before Leslie walked away.

"Let's go," Barret said.

Approaching the wall, the trio prepared their grappling guns.

"Ready to do this?" Barret asked. "Once we start up that wall, we won't be comin' back here any time soon."

Cloud nodded. "Yeah. First things first—we're intercepting that helicopter before that bastard can deliver Lailah to Shinra."

Tifa nodded in agreement. She too was determined to save her best friend. "Let's go save Lailah and Aerith."

As they prepped their grappling guns, Barret asked, "So...when this is over, you gonna go on being a merc?"

"That's the plan," Cloud said. "I also want to help Lailah find the other ancestral beasts."

Barret chuckled. "Reckon it suits you. Gotta help your girl."

"Yeah," Tifa commented before laughing. "That way, you two can get into trouble together."

"Used to think you were a little shit with a big attitude and a bigger inferiority complex. Quite possibly the worst person I have ever met. But that was before I figured you out. All this? It ain't you," Barret said.

"Deep down, you're a pretty nice guy. Didn't see it when we were kids, but I think you showed it to Lailah. It's understandable considering how close you two were. She's special to you," Tifa added.

Cloud was a little shy at her words. "Don't know about any of that, but kindness is no use on the battlefield. If anything, it's a liability. And Lailah, well..."

Barret patted him on the shoulder. "Hey, no one's asking you to treat Shinra with kid gloves, especially after what just happened."

Tifa gazed up. "Aerith's up there waiting for us, and we need to save Lailah before she's out of our reach."

"Then we better get a move on, huh?"

"Ready?" Cloud questioned.

In tandem, the trio used the grappling guns and ascended the wall. They infiltrated Sector 7 and began their long trek up.

○◦───•❃°•°❀°•°❃•───◦○

Aboard the Shinra helicopter, Hayden stared at the unconscious Lailah before looking out the window to see the decimated Sector 7. Although he seemed cold-hearted, the hunter did not agree with Shinra's idea to drop the plate to simply take out some eco-terrorists. He preferred if his superiors assigned him to find them.

While gazing out at the destruction, Hayden braced himself against the door when the helicopter suddenly shook. He looked back out the window and saw nothing. "What the hell was that?"

"Sir, we're being attacked!" the pilot shouted.

Hayden entered the cockpit. "By what?"

"A-A big snake!" the co-pilot answered.

The hunter peered out the front windshields. His eyes widened when he saw a large cobra with white scales slithering up and down the rubble.

"Get away from the rubble," Hayden stated. "It can't reach us if there's nothing to climb up."

"Yes, sir!" the pilot replied. As he guided the helicopter away from the rubble, the controls suddenly stopped responding when the chopper shook again. "It's not working!"

Annoyed, Hayden rushed to the door and opened it to see the serpent had wound its tail around the helicopter. Staring down at the beast, he noticed the yellow markings scattered across its back. His eyes narrowed in confusion. Looking back at the unconscious Lailah, he saw the markings were the same but different colors.

Remembering how Heidegger told him about the large beasts that had invaded Midgar, the hunter sighed. "Shit..." He took his pistol and aimed it at the cobra. Before he could pull the trigger, he heard the officers scream. When he turned around to see what the problem was, he was shoved out of the helicopter.

Hayden grabbed the landing skid just in time to stop his fall. Looking up, he was shocked to see Lailah. Her hands were free from the shackles and she was moving around as if she hadn't been injected with the drug. Staring up into her burning golden eyes, he cursed the don. The mixture wasn't powerful enough. "I should've killed him..."

Lailah rushed into the cockpit and took out the pilots. With them gone, Zeus released the chopper and it began to spiral out of control. She ran to the door and didn't hesitate to jump. Transforming into a bird, she soared through the sky. She watched the helicopter crash into the skeletal remains of a decimated building.

Wondering if Hayden survived, Lailah landed on a large metal beam and reverted. She stared at the crash site, watching the flames consume the metal corpse of the helicopter. It wasn't until she heard a gunshot and felt a stinging sensation on her left cheek did she get her answer. Wiping her thumb across the grazed skin, she healed herself.

Zeus slithered up the debris and joined her. "What will you do now, Rhea?"

The girl's gaze never left Hayden as he emerged from the helicopter's remains. "I'll deal with him myself."

"Very well," the serpent replied. "Do exceed caution. There are other Shinra operatives prowling this area."

"May I make a request?"

"Certainly."

"Find Cloud and the others. Protect them from Shinra, please."

"Understood. I shall rendezvous with you as soon as the area is clear and your friends are safe." Zeus slithered away.

Transforming into a bird, Lailah flew to the platform Hayden was on. She landed and reverted to her human self, her blazing eyes watching him closely. She said nothing as he aimed his pistol at her.

The hunter cracked a small smirk. "I must say, you're more incredible than Shinra boasted. Never have I had so many issues capturing a target. I always welcome the challenge."

Lailah activated her chakrams, infusing them with ice. The markings across her face turned blue to match the element. "You're just another one of Shinra's pawns."

This made Hayden chuckle. "I enjoy hunting down whoever Shinra tells me to. Those damned Turks always get the good bounties, but their fuck up allowed me to hunt down their biggest target—you."

The shapeshifter was prepared to attack but was surprised at what the hunter did next.

He lowered his pistol. "You're on your way to Shinra to get that other girl back. Professor Hojo won't shut the hell up about her or you." He holstered the gun. "Go ahead and deliver yourself to those bastards. I'll be there to make sure of it. It'll make my job ten times easier instead of forcefully dragging you back myself."

Lailah deactivated her chakrams. She kept an eye on Hayden as he pressed a button on the side of his watch. Within a few seconds, another helicopter arrived. He climbed inside and the chopper took off. She was shocked to see him retreat without a fight.

Deciding not to linger on his decision, she wandered to the edge of the platform. Staring out at the destruction, a sense of melancholy washed over her. Even after seeing the aftermath of the collapsed plate, she still couldn't believe Shinra would sacrifice so many to stop only a few.

Sighing, her gaze drifted to the sky. The sun was beginning to set. The rays of red, yellow, and pink bathed everything it touched.

Her attention was pulled away from the sky when she heard a familiar hiss. Peering over her shoulder, she saw Zeus had returned. She approached the ancestral beast. "How are the others?"

"Safe," he answered. "They should be here soon."

She smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Zeus."

The cobra lowered his head. "It was an honor." Curling his tail around her loosely, he stared into her golden eyes. "You have become stronger since our last meeting. I can sense your strengthening bond with the elements."

Her eyes glistened with hope. "Does that mean I am worthy of your blessing?"

He nodded his head. "Yes. I give you my blessing, Rhea."

Lailah placed her hand on his head and accepted his blessing. She could feel the power coursing through her veins. Slowly, she removed her hand from his head.

The cobra unwound his tail from around her. "Stay safe on your journey, young one. Do not let those harbingers get what they want."

"Thank you again, Zeus," she smiled.

"Farewell. May we see each other again soon." The serpent departed.

Alone again, Lailah waited for Cloud, Tifa, and Barret. She continued to gaze at the destruction for some time. She wondered how many lives had been lost, which sparked an idea in her mind.

"Lailah!"

Hearing Cloud desperately shouting her name, the shapeshifter was torn from her mind. She turned and saw her childhood friends and Barret. They had a few scratches on them, but it wasn't anything serious. She smiled at them as they ran over to her.

Out of the three of them, Cloud was the fastest. Seeing how fast he was running, she was shocked. As he got closer, she saw his mako-infused eyes gleaming with desperation. She knew it had to have been from Shinra capturing her. "Hey, I heard from Zeus that—" Her voice trailed off when she was picked up in his arms. His arm rested under her upper thighs while the other was placed on her back.

A surprised gasp fell from her lips as she grabbed his shoulders. Gazing down into his sapphire eyes, she saw his desperation morph into relief. Gently, she raised her hand and brushed her fingers along his cheek. She traced his cheekbone before resting her palm against his cheek. Her touch was cold against his warm skin. Smiling, she continued to caress his cheek gingerly. Dropping her hand from his cheek, she wound her arms around his head and hugged him.

The hand Cloud had on her upper back pulled her closer. The arm he had secured under her upper thighs to support her grew firmer. He buried his face against her chest, closing his eye as he listened to her steady heartbeat. Feeling her and hearing her heart beating was all he needed to know she was safe.

Lailah threaded her fingers through his spiky blonde locks with a fond smile. She leaned her head against the top of his. She twirled a few of his golden strands around her finger.

After a few blissful moments, Cloud put Lailah down. He situated his arms around her waist, refusing to let her go just yet. Leaning his forehead against hers, their noses brushed against one another's.

Lailah, arms still hooked around his neck, caressed the back of his neck. She felt him completely relax and closed the distance between their lips. She kissed him lightly on the lips and slowly pulled away.  What surprised her was how he chased after her lips and kissed her passionately. She was shocked to see how forward he was with his emotions, especially since Tifa and Barret were watching.

Once the kiss ended, the snowy-haired girl glanced at the others. She smiled at them as Cloud released her. Tifa couldn't hold herself back any longer and dashed over. She engulfed her in a hug and squeezed her. "We saw the helicopter crash and assumed the worst. I'm glad you're okay, Lailah."

The shapeshifter trailed her hand down Tifa's back in a soothing motion. "I wasn't gone for long, but it's good to be back with everyone."

Tifa pulled away and grabbed Lailah's hands. "Do you need to rest?"

She shook her head. "No, but there's something else I want to do."

The sable-haired girl blinked in wonderment. "What's that?"

She walked over to the edge and gazed out across Sector 7. "I want to bless those who were lost in the destruction of the plate."

This intrigued Barret. He approached the shapeshifter. "What do ya mean?"

"With the Blessing of Eternity, I can bless those whose bodies are lost under the rubble. This way, they will know peace."

"You... You can do that?"

She nodded, smiling. "Yes."

Cloud knew how large the sectors were. "Will you be able to cover the entire sector?"

"I won't know until I try."

Tifa placed a hand over her heart. "If you could reach so many, I...I would feel better for those who are lost. With your help, their bodies won't rot and their souls can return to the Lifestream."

"After the catastrophe Shinra caused, those caught in the crossfire deserve peace."

Barret couldn't agree more. "They do deserve better."

"Let me try." Lailah walked closer to the edge of the platform. She clasped her hands together and allowed the life magic to flow through her. Beneath her, the emerald markings of the branching roots crept outward. Gradually, they spread to the furthest corners of Sector 7 and covered every inch. Her snowy locks fluttered in the faint breeze caused by the spell. She could feel the presence of many lost souls. Some quivered in fear while others were drawn to her presence. "Don't be afraid," she whispered to them.

Unclasping her hands, she held them out with her palms facing the sky. "Though these bodies has perished, thine souls remain eternal. Although lost, thine souls have been found. With Gaia's blessing, thine shall return to the Earth Mother and never be lost again. These bodies' journeys have ended, but thine souls will remain for all eternity as the blood that flows through this world until the day of rebirth. Return to the Lifestream, adrift souls. May you rest in peace."

From the rubble of Sector 7 emerged a multitude of emerald spheres. The souls rose into the sky before shifting into the form of various animals. The animals came together and ran side by side. Many of the souls who took the shape of birds fluttered above the herd, following their graceful movements. Once all the souls were gathered, they ran and flew through the sky until their bodies slowly vanished.

Once all the souls had departed, the emerald roots retracted. Lailah sighed in relief after hearing how joyful the souls were for her help. "Farewell, everyone." The marks faded and those who were lost are now at peace.

The extent of the blessing made her weak in the knees. She sunk to the ground, knees tucked under her. Feeling lightheaded, she closed her eyes and felt her body slump backward.

Cloud was by her side in an instant. He caught her just before she could fall back. Her body collided with his chest and he gently held her. He admired what she did even though it took a toll on her. His adoration for her only seemed to keep increasing.

Lailah didn't budge as her body was supported by Cloud. She opened her eyes and smiled faintly. "Guess it was a little too much...but that's okay. It was worth it."

He hummed in agreement. "Leave the rest to us for now."

She nodded. "Okay." In the blink of an eye, she transformed into a pup.

Cloud cradled her in his arms as he stood up. He turned to Tifa and Barret. "We've still got a ways to go. Better get moving."

"Yeah," Barret replied.

"Let's go," Tifa chimed in.

○◦───•❃°•°❀°•°❃•───◦○

The sun has set by the time the group reached the outskirts of the Shinra building. Located across the street from the grand structure, they watched vehicles and officers come and go. Even at night, the Shinra building was a hive of activity.

Lailah, who was perched on Cloud's shoulder, gazed at the officers crawling around the area. She felt uneasy seeing so many Shinra operatives around.

Barret was taken aback by the vast number of men patrolling the area. "Rolled out the welcome wagon."

"Gotta say, I can't help but wonder if this is a lost cause," Tifa commented.

"Well, ya know, some lost causes are worth fighting for."

"Let's just think this through," Cloud said.

Barret walked up to the railing and pointed at the entrance of the building with his gun arm. "So. I got an idea. Frontal assault, guns blazing. Make for a good story."

Cloud questioningly looked at the brute. "Why'd we bring you along again?"

Lailah jumped off the blonde's shoulder and landed on the railing. She balanced herself on the metal bar, watching the movements of the trucks closely. Spotting a tunnel, she yipped as an idea came to mind.

Cloud placed a hand on top of her head. "I was thinking the same thing." He picked her up and put her back on his shoulder, sharing the idea they had with the others. "Rear entrance. We'll get inside via the parking garage."

The pup remained on his shoulder as they made their way through the ramparts located on the outskirts of the Shinra building. While descending stairs and ladders, they kept a watchful eye on security.

Tifa mentioned the tight security protocol, which earned a huff of laugher from Barret. "Ha! So they know what they're up against."

"Somehow I don't think it's all for us. Could be for Avalanche. Or maybe even Wutai," Cloud remarked.

"Can't be for Wutai. What about the cease-fire?" the brute inquired.

"That only put the war on pause."

Lailah tuned out a part of the conversation when she heard Barret mention Wutai. Because of her upbringing, she wondered if her mother knew anything about the war and if their people cooperated with others as they did with the Ancients.

"We're here to rescue Aerith, remember?" Cloud's voice brought her back to the current conversation. "We don't need much more attention than what we're gonna get, especially since Lailah's with us. From that hunter they sent earlier, it seems they're more desperate to get her than I'd thought. We need to be smart and not give Shinra the perfect opportunity to take her."

Barret eyed the pup on the blonde's shoulder before speaking his true feelings. "Yeah, I hear ya! But my soul's screaming for payback, you know? I'm a tickin' time bomb, and sooner or later, I'mma have to blow up!"

"Well, then make it later," Cloud remarked.

Traveling down to the lowest level, they soon came across a bridge that spanned across the highway. They watched a few vehicles pass below them.

Lailah moved from Cloud's shoulder to the railing. She walked along the narrow metal bar until she reached the middle of the bridge. The others followed her.

One incoming truck caught Tifa's attention. "That one there—that's a Shinra truck, isn't it?"

Cloud glanced at the pup, wondering if she would need help jumping. "You got this?"

She howled in response, her tail wagging.

He nodded. "Okay. C'mon."

As the vehicle approached the bridge, the group jumped onto the top. Tifa, Cloud, and Barret landed perfectly.

Lailah had jumped a split second after them and wound up being cushioned by Cloud's spiky hair. He lifted her off his head and held her against his chest with one hand to prevent her from being blown off.

Riding on top of the vehicle, they infiltrated the underground parking garage and were a step closer to Aerith.