Though it had been a month since the attack that AVALANCHE had made in Junon, Sara noticed some changes in Sephiroth. He had begun to behave unusually. Sephiroth started taking fewer missions than he used to. Sara knew for as long as she could remember Sephiroth had always taken on tasks no matter how difficult. Since he started to have this unusual behavior, Sara began to worry and wanted to confront him about it.

Luckily Sara invited her lover for dinner before another meeting with Lazard. It was her idea to make dinner; the meal itself was nothing special, only steak and cheese subs that she had learned from her mother growing up, along with homemade fries. She made the meal in her small apartment; Sephiroth sat on the sofa watching the latest news.

"Dinner is ready!" Sara exclaimed as she placed the two plates of food on the table.

Sephiroth turned off the TV before walking over to the table. The two of them began to eat the tasty meal.

Sephiroth couldn't help but comment, "If there's one thing that I can't beat at, it would be your cooking."

Sara giggled, "Come on, you can learn a few things about cooking. It's pretty easy."

"No, you do it better than most folks," Sephiroth insisted.

Sara rolled her eyes, "Okay, fine, if you say so."

Sephiroth smiled as he continued to eat the lovely sub. Sara began to use this opportunity to talk to him about his unusual behavior.

"Sephiroth, is everything okay?"

The silver elite looked at her, confused, "What do you mean?"

"You've been acting weird lately," Sara explained, "Ever since what happened in Junon, you've started to take up fewer missions for as long as I've known you. You've never turned down a mission, leading me to believe something is bothering you. Why not talk about it? I'll listen, though I'm not sure if I could help, but I'm willing to listen."

Sephiroth looked at her, a bit stunned for a brief moment, before turning his head away slightly. This made Sara nervous and worried that she may have stepped on something she shouldn't have. Just before she was about to give up, Sephiroth began to speak.

"Do you know your reason to fight?" Sephiroth asked.

Sara blinked, "Huh? A reason to fight?"

"When I went to Junon under the president's orders," Sephiroth explained, "I ran into AVALANCHE's leader, a woman called Elfe, and we both crossed swords. She was a woman with exceptional strength. I warned the young Turk who was there at the scene not to take her lightly and to tell the same to the Turks' superiors. But before the woman escaped, she questioned me, 'What's my reason to fight?' and since then, I've been trying to find an answer. All my life, I've only done as I've been told and done so without a second thought. Now, I've been questioning my reason to fight, but I can't seem to find one."

Sara looked at Sephiroth with eyes full of concern, yet she knew that Sephiroth had lived differently from her. Being raised in Shinra, Sephiroth had probably done precisely what Shinra wanted him to do and never once questioned. But to be asked like that, no wonder Sephiroth felt a loss.

"What about you?" Sephiroth questioned her, "Do you have a reason to fight?"

That question took Sara back, yet the severe look in Sephiroth already tells her that he wants an answer. But even Sara had a hard time finding one, maybe perhaps she never thought about it until now. She began to tell him her own thoughts.

"I've never thought about it until you asked me," Sara said, "If there were a reason, it would be to stay alive so that I can see my mother again. Who knows when Shinra will permit me to see her, but I know that as long as I continue to live, I'll be able to see her again."

Sara looks at Sephiroth as she continued, "While I may not have the answer or the reason for you to fight. But I know that everyone's motives are different, including fighting. While you may not have found it now, but I'm sure you will."

Sephiroth's eyes began to soften as the words Sara spoke began to sink in. But Sara narrowed her eyes and pointed her finger at him like a parent scolding a child, "But that's no excuse for taking fewer missions; if you continue to be like this, then Shinra will do something about it, and you probably will not like it. So quit this petty act and get it together."

Sephiroth couldn't help but be amused at Sara's scolding expression, but he knew that she was right.

"Very well, I'll quit the petty act and start taking on more missions," Sephiroth assured her.

Sara smiled gladly when she heard those words. Once they finished eating, Sephiroth decided to do the dishes since it was the least thing he could do for her. After all, Sara did cook a fine meal.

After the meal and cleaning the kitchen, the two of them set out to Lazard's office. According to the director, Sara wasn't needed for this meeting, so she proceeded to head to the company archives floor. Yet as she was heading to the archives floor, she remembered what Lazard had told her before she left.

The company had decided to eliminate Genesis and his cohorts and that included Angeal. However, the Shinra army will handle it, and Sephiroth has agreed to go with them. Though Sara wondered if her lover would take it since that meant he'd be the one to kill his two closest friends.

As Sara was about to step off the elevator, the emergency alarm went off. Instinctively, Sara knew where to go when the emergency alarm went off: the president's office. Sara quickly closed the elevator door and immediately pushed the button that led her to the president's floor. Luckily, the elevator had the emergency quick speed, and in no time, Sara was already on the president's office floor and rushed in. When she saw the president, he was already sitting in his chair, acting as if he didn't seem to care that the alarms went off.

"I wonder who is it this time?" President Shinra groaned; he was referring to who would attack headquarters.

The door behind Sara opened just as she was ready to strike, Sephiroth walked in. However, he didn't seem surprised that Sara was already in the office.

"Seems that you don't need my protection, Mr. President," Sephiroth said as he looked at the president.

"I have my loyal bodyguard, as you can see," President Shinra spoke casually, "Since you're not needed here, head down to the entrance and investigate the matter. If this attack is related to Genesis, I want them dead, and the same goes for AVALANCHE, understood?"

Sephiroth nodded and began to walk away. Sara walked over to her usual spot and kept a watchful eye on her surroundings. As she did, she began to pray that Sephiroth might find a way to meet Genesis or Angeal again and convince them to return. But it was only wishful thinking, yet she could only hope.

Though the emergency alarms lasted for several hours, eventually they stopped, which meant that whatever attacked headquarters had been dealt with. Sephiroth came back with a report that he, along with a new promoted 1st Class SOLDIER, had found evidence that it was Hollander who had stolen classified documents and prototype equipment, along with the conclusion that Hollander and Genesis are working together. Listening to the report, Sara had already figured it out that Hollander is indeed out for revenge against Hojo.

After finding this, the president decided that he didn't need Sara's protection because he felt that Sara should be helpful in finding more evidence of any of Hollander or Genesis's lackeys that needed to be killed.

So Sara continued searching for any related clues, but only to find nothing. Even though she arrived at the last scene where Genesis was spotted, Sara came up empty-handed.

She decided it was best to head back to headquarters. She was walking in the dark, empty streets of Sector 8, but she spotted something unusual falling in front of her: a white feather.

Then more white feathers fall around her, and she felt a presence behind her. But there was no kill intent coming from behind her, yet somehow she knew who was behind her.

"Never thought, we meet again, Angeal," Sara spoke calmly.

She looked over her shoulder and saw the man himself, only to find that he had a white wing on his right side. Seeing Angeal brought relief to Sara, but she couldn't help but feel concerned.

"Angeal, why do this?" Sara questioned, "Why help Hollander with his revenge against Hojo? You know that does not bring honor, and you've always taken pride in your honor."

Angeal looked down for a brief moment before answering, "I don't know what I should be doing? Yet, you are right I do care about my honor."

"Then stop helping Hollander!" Sara shouted, Angeal looks at her surprised.

"Genesis made the choice to help Hollander, but that doesn't mean you have to make the same choice!" Sara continued, "You can still be you and help others while protecting your honor! Do the right thing, Angeal!"

Angeal was stunned by those words, yet Sara knew that she hit a nerve when she spoke. She stared at Angeal for a long time which was only a few minutes and finally he broke the silence.

"Be myself while still protecting my honor?" Angeal wondered.

"That's right!" Sara nodded.

He looked at her curiously, "Then what about you? Do you have a reason to protect your honor?"

Sara blinked, "Uh,"

Angeal narrowed his eyes and spoke, "Hollander revealed something to Genesis and I that made us both concerned for you."

"What do you mean?" Sara questioned.

"It's about the main reason why Shinra does not want you to see your mother and why your father has been ordered to keep his mouth closed," Angeal answered.

"That is?" Sara felt her heart drop as she waited anxiously.

Angeal sighed, "If I tell you now, you might think that Hollander was lying."

Sara grunted, but she knew that might've been her first thought. However, she had always wondered why Shinra was so keen on keeping her and her mother separated and her father tight-lipped.

"Which is why you should find the reason yourself," Angeal suggested.

Sara's eyes widened and said, "But if I do that, then Shinra will, without a doubt, come after me and my parents."

Angeal narrowed his eyes and spoke seriously, "Saraphina, I'm sure you know that Genesis and I don't want you to fall under Shinra's grasp. We want you to live happily. Don't think that we don't know that you find it miserable living in Shinra. I wouldn't be saying this if I did not care about you. While yes, there is a high risk, but would you spend the rest of your life in the dark, or would you do everything you could to find the truth?"

Since she had been working with Shinra, finding out the truth was the one thing Sara had wanted all this time. Sara knew that Shinra was hiding something from her, and she wanted to know. Yet is it worth it?

Before Sara could even process, Angeal picked her up bridal style and flew towards the Shinra building.

"Um, what are you doing?" Sara asked curiously.

"Genesis and Hollander will start another attack," Angeal answered, "Though I'm not sure when, but be sure that you prepare yourself."

Sara was glad that Angeal shared some vital information, but she couldn't shake this feeling off that this might be the last time she'll see him.

Angeal flew near a lesser security area by the Shinra building and landed not far from the nearest entrance. Sara started to walk to the entrance but stopped her tracks and turned to Angeal.

"You won't tell me what Hollander said?" Sara asked, Angeal shook his head, which made Sara frown.

Angeal walked over and gripped her shoulder, looking into her eyes, "Saraphina, we all are responsible for the choices we make. You made me realize that now, and because of that. I plan to continue to be myself and protect my honor. As for you, there's always a price to pay for our decisions, but some of those decisions are worth it. What do you really want, Saraphina? Do you wish to remain where you are and continue to be the obedient SOLDIER? Or do you wish to risk everything that you have and find the truth? It's your choice. But always remember this, embrace your dreams, and protect your honor as SOLDIER."

After that, Angeal flew away, leaving Sara alone.

The words that Angeal spoke of struck a nerve in her heart. But what could she do? Could she really find the courage to risk it all and find the truth on her own? Or would she remain as she is and not take the risk? Sara didn't know the answer, so she decided it was best not to think about what Angeal said.

However, things had already started to take a turn for the worse.

As Angeal predicted, Genesis and Hollander began to attack the Shinra building, only this time, their target was indeed Hojo. Luckily, Hojo was protected, and Genesis retreated once again.

Months later, things had begun to remain quiet. Sara continued on taking missions that were mostly monster-slaying types. She had also learned that Lazard had gone missing, and the Turks found out that Lazard was the one who helped Hollander not just financially but also by stealing classified documents. Sara couldn't help but wonder if something big is going to happen.

SOLDIER had begun to fall under chaos; Heidegger started to take over the empty position that Lazard had left and was able to slowly put things back in order and still take care of his primary job position. Meanwhile, Hollander was captured and confined at Junon, but months later, Hollander escaped with the help of the Genesis army. Then, all the mako reactors worldwide were being attacked by the Genesis army. Simultaneously, more monsters started to attack towns, and villages near the reactors worldwide. Sara began to take on monster-related missions but also fighting against the Genesis army. She had barely any time to herself or spending time with Sephiroth.

It was late in September, and Sara had returned from her latest mission. Feeling somewhat exhausted, Sara decided to go to her apartment for some downtime. When she walks inside, she finds Sephiroth waiting for her. He looks at her, a bit concerned, and walks over, pulling her into a hug.

"You're overworking again," Sephiroth said while stroking her hair.

Sara groaned, "Well, if SOLDIER weren't short-handed, I wouldn't be working this hard."

"True," Sephiroth chuckled.

Sara smelt a fine aroma coming from the kitchen, "You ordered something?"

Sephiroth nodded, "It's been a while since we've had dinner together. So, I ordered take-out. I got your favorite, the sweet and sour chicken with fried rice."

Sara smiled as she helped set up the table and began to dig into the lovely food. The sweet and tangy flavor melted in her mouth, satisfying her taste buds.

"By the way, I'll be going on an investigation mission early tomorrow," Sephiroth spoke.

"Oh?" Sara raised an eyebrow, curious to know what mission he'd be taking.

"Legions of monsters," Sephiroth explained, "Have been spawned near a regional mako reactor. The workers have all gone missing. Local SOLDIER operatives have also vanished. The company has decided to dispatch some additional investigators to investigate the matter. I will be leading the investigation team."

"And where is the place, and how long will you be gone?" Sara asked, she knew that some investigation missions take a long time before they are done, depending on the problem.

"Nibelheim," Sephiroth answered, "As for how long, I don't have the answer."

"Oh," Sara lowers her head, staring at her food. She had been wanting to spend some more time with her boyfriend. Finding out he'd be going away again made her feel somewhat sad.

"Don't worry, I promise that it won't take long, and I'll be back before you know it."

She looked up and saw that confident, assuring smile that Sephiroth had always given her. Sara knew everything would be fine, and there was nothing to worry about.

After dinner, the couple spent the rest of the time cuddling together on the couch. Sara couldn't help but fall asleep in Sephiroth's arms. The silver-elite smiled at seeing his lover sleeping peacefully in his arms. He turns off the TV and carries her in his arms walking towards the bedroom. As he puts her in the bed, he was about to leave when he felt a tug on the hem of his coat. Sephiroth notices Sara unconsciously pulling on his jacket as if she didn't want him to go.

Sephiroth sighed, "You're not making this easy on me."

He gently grabs her hand, letting her let go of his coat, and covers her with a blanket. Sephiroth couldn't help but want to hold her again. He boldly removes his jacket and boots, leaving him shirtless and only wearing his pants, and decides to lay in bed with Sara. Pulling her closer to him, Sephiroth lightly kisses her lips and forehead before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Sara woke up the next morning, but she felt something holding her and something pressed against her back. Looking over her shoulder, her eyes widen as she finds a sleeping Sephiroth in her bed. Had Sephiroth been with her this entire time?

Sephiroth groaned a bit before opening those snake-like eyes. The two stared at each other, Sephiroth smirks at Sara who was turning red as a cherry.

"Did you sleep well?" Sephiroth asked.

Sara immediately jumped out of bed, she looks at herself wondering if anything did happen in the middle of the night.

Sephiroth frowns and says, "We didn't do anything of that sort. I'm not that sort of man."

Sara was relieved but still embarrassed; she looks at him, stuttering, "Um, I-I d-didn't do a-anything unusual, right?"

Sephiroth chuckled, "Only you were snoring a bit, but that's just about it. Though you kept having your arms around me, it was a good thing I didn't have a shirt on because you kept me warm throughout the night."

Sara was embarrassed again and quickly went to her bathroom and showered. After her shower, the two left before they headed to the recreation floor for breakfast. After a nice breakfast, Sephiroth leads her to the virtual training room, and the space transforms into a valley surrounded by mountains and fields covered in wildflowers. It had been ages since Sara had seen this scenery. It was the same place where she had her first training with Sephiroth.

"There's no telling how long my mission will take, so I figured spending some time here would be enough to make sure we have no regrets," Sephiroth spoke as he sat on a nearby flat rock.

Sara joined him as they watched a flock of chocobos running in the distance. Sara looked up at the clear sky, even though the valley around them was virtual. It still made Sara feel that she was looking at the real thing.

"I wonder if this valley actually exists in the real world?" Sara wondered.

"Who knows," Sephiroth replied, "But if it does, then it would be an ideal place for you and me."

"An ideal place?" Sara looked at him, confused.

"Truth to be told," Sephiroth answered, "I'm considering leaving Shinra after this mission."

Sara looked at him surprised; she had not expected to hear that from him.

"After everything that has happened," Sephiroth continued, "Between Genesis and Angeal, along with the downfall of SOLDIER. There's nothing more for me to give to Shinra."

He pauses and looks at Sara in the eyes. She could tell that whatever he would say next, he meant it. Sephiroth said, " But I would rather spend the rest of my life with you. Even if Shinra let's us go and continues to send the Turks to surveillance us since that's what mostly happens to SOLDIERs who retire from active duty. I want to spend my life with you."

Sara couldn't help but feel her heart pounding with excitement. She had wanted to leave Shinra for a long time, but how was another story. Yet, she never dreamed of hearing Sephiroth's proposal to come and live with him.

"Saraphina, will you come and live with me?" Sephiroth asks.

Sara looked at the breathtaking view for a moment as she searched for an answer. Living with Sephiroth, away from fighting and live with a life of peace, was all that she wanted. However, some of her still wanted to know why she wasn't allowed to see her mother. But that didn't matter for her at this point. If she were to make a choice, she would choose her life of freedom with the one she loves.

"Yes," Sara nodded, "I want to live with you, Sephiroth."

After saying that, Sephiroth pulls her into a passionate kiss. Feeling his lips on hers was enough for her to feel the words he couldn't speak. Sara knew that he wanted her just as much as she did and when the day comes when he returns from his mission. They would leave Shinra and live together. After the kiss, it was time for Sephiroth to go. The two parted ways, and Sara waited for the day for her lover's return.

Weeks later since the last time Sara had seen Sephiroth. She had tried to call him, but he wouldn't answer his phone. She had begun to wonder if something had happened, but she was confident that things were okay. She had to remain positive.

Sara was in the library reading a novel when Hart came walking over. She looks up and notices sad eyes in Hart.

"Hart, is something wrong?" Sara asked.

Hart lowers his head, "I've received the word about the investigation team that went to Nibelheim."

Sara's heart almost stopped as she stood up, waiting to hear the news. Judging from Hart's expression, it was not good.

"I'm sorry, Saraphina, but the entire investigation team was killed in action, including Sephiroth."

Sara thought time had stopped all around, she couldn't believe it. No, she didn't want to believe it. The entire investigation team is dead? Sephiroth gone?

Sara collapsed on the floor as she stared down at the floor. Sara didn't notice Hart rushing over to her and shaking her shoulders, trying to bring her back to reality.

"Hey! Are you okay, hey?!"

Sara could barely hear Hart's voice. She was too shocked to hear that Sephiroth was now gone. She immediately got up and rushed out of the library. Sara quickly got on the elevator and headed to the president's office. As soon the elevator opened, Sara rushes to the president's office where the man himself was standing behind his desk looking at the view of Midgar.

"Tell me, is it true that Sephiroth is gone?!" Sara demanded.

President Shinra turns around and looks at her as if what he is hearing is nothing important. He replies, "And what does it matter to you?"

"ANSWER ME!!!" Sara yelled in fury.

President Shinra sighed and shook his head, "Yes, our number one SOLDIER has died along with another 1st class SOLDIER and two infantrymen. The Turks will deal with the rest of the investigation."

"Then I demand that you take me to see his body!" Sara demanded.

President Shinra raised a brow, "Take you to see the body of your lover? I'm afraid I'm going to decline that."

"What?" Sara growled.

"There's no need to concern yourself with such matters," President Shinra spoke casually, "Rest assured, Sephiroth will be given a proper memorial. In the meantime, you will remain here since you're now the only 1st Class SOLDIER, and I do not wish to lose such a precious tool."

Sara couldn't help but feel more anger than ever, "A TOOL?! IS THAT ALL WHAT SOLDIER IS TO YOU?!!! SEPHIROTH HAD DONE MORE THAN JUST BE A TOOL! IT WAS THE SAME FOR ANGEAL AND GENESIS AND YET YOU ARE JUST STANDING THERE AS IF YOU ONLY CARE NOTHING BUT YOUR DAMN SELF!! HAVE YOU GOT NO HEART!!"

President Shinra frowned at Sara ranting and spoke in a low voice, "Watch yourself, or there will be consequences."

Sara shook her head, "As if I give a crap! I'm done being a tool to you! I'm leaving Shinra!"

Sara turned away and began to walk out. Yet she heard the president's voice turning ice cold.

"Leaving Shinra? Do you think you can walk away that easily?"

Before Sara could even say a word, she heard the sound of a gunshot. A sharp pain hit her right shoulder, and she was already on the ground before she knew it. Sara struggled to get up, as she looked up seeing President Shinra pointing a gun at her.

"You are just the same as your pathetic mother," President Shinra spoke coldly. What he said about Sara's mother almost seemed like he knew her.

"You need some time out, and I believe solitary confinement should do you some good," President Shinra declared as he pressed a button on his desk.

A robotic drone flew right above Sara and shot electrical streams towards her. Sara couldn't help but scream in pain before passing out.