The Weapon that stood before them was none like they have ever seen, Barret and Cid, who were leaning against a tree had to run closer to get a better view. It wasn't as huge as the Emerald Weapont they have fought before, but size wasn't the only thing the Weapon's were feared for. It's coating was shiny black, it had huge dragon-like claws, wings and head. It stoon on its two hind legs which made him resemble a knight in armor.

Sephiroth raised his head, and grinned at Weapon. "I think I'll call you Onyx." He sneered, still holding the limp form of Aerith in his arms. Onyx, the black gem shone in the afternoon sun still smoking with the heat that came from the earth's core. The Beast tried to attack it but it remained unharmed.

Meanwhile, Vincent and Red XIII had made their way to the same room where Cloud and the others were still watching Weapon in awe. They froze when they saw Sephiroth holding Aerith, but before they could charge, Cloud called them back and told them to help Yuffie. There was another explosion that sent more of the ceiling down at them, they started retreating out of the area, but Sephiroth stayed at the center of the altar with Aerith, protecting her from the rocks with his materia power.

Tifa opened her eyes and found herself in Cloud's arms, they were running outside, towards the forets where she saw the Beast and Onyx fighting. She covered her mouth and gasped at the sight then looked at Cloud, who smiled back at her. Cloud set Tifa on the ground and inspected her head for any bumps.

"Cloud, we can stay up there!" Tifa was pointing towards an elevated clearing where they could stay and safely watch the battle between Weapon and Beast. Cloud nodded and helped her on her feet.

The battle wasn't so great, in fact if was even more a mismatch. The Beast was no match for the fury of Onyx Weapon, it seemed to act out as if in rage for hurting the planet. The Beast had lost one of its arms, spraying green blood all over the Sleeping Forest. Weapon had a plan, it knew the Beasts weakness, the same plan Cloud and the others had, keping it busy healing itself.

"Is that the planet's gift, Cloud?" Tifa asked, she was trembling in his arms. Although the Weapon which stood before them was fighting their great enemy, she could not help but feel frightened. She was afraid that after this battle, Weapon might turn on them again.

"Yes, this is what Aerith---" Cloud's eyes went wide open, he looked aroud frantically searching for his other teammates. He saw Cait Sith and Barret following Cid towards the fallen Highwind. Not far away were Red XIII and Vincent carrying Yuffie in his arms. She was awake, but in shock. He looked around again. "Damn, she's still in there!"

Tifa stood up and realized that he was referring to Aerith. "Cloud, we have to get to her before that building falls over!" Tifa started moving down the platform but Cloud stopped her.

"Go back to the Highwind, it's too dangerous."

Tifa shook her head, "No, I'm coming with you. She's my friend, I can't just sand here and let her die again!" With that Tifa broke free from Cloud's grip and started running towards the Shell Building. Cloud sighed and followed. He did not have time to think about the love problem in between them right now, and he was glad that Tifa didn't hold that against Aerith or him.

"Aerith, where are you?" Tifa called out, the altar has been crushed by the rocks and there was no sign of Aerith anywhere. She heard Cloud gasp when he entered the area, she looked back at him and then continued her search. Then she froze when she saw, just beyond that area, was Sephiroth, still holding Aerith in his arms.

She was weakened greatly, her eyes were open, flowing with tears, but not focused anywhere. Sephiroth's eyes were turned to the sky watching Onyx batter the Beast. "Se-Sephiroth..." Tifa said. He turned his head towards her and grined icily, then looked back at Onyx.

"It's a beauty, isn't it? That is the Onyx Weapon, this is the planet's death Weapon. Smaller than the others, but just as powerful, non-materia attacks and speed. Just as I designed it and just as she summoned it." He looked at Aerith, "Our Weapon."

Tifa looked puzzled, then shook her head and approached them. "We have to get out of here." She kept her distance from Sephiroth, still unsure if it was safe to trust him or not. He nodded and stood up slowly, carrying Aerith in his arms. Tifa smiled a little, she found it ironic that Sephiroth was taking care of Aerith, and then she felt a chill run up her spine. As she looked at them approaching her, she felt like they belonged together somehow. Again, before her thoughts were filled with the love problems she was having with her and Cloud, she turned and led the way outside.

Cloud was still searching at another part of the area, when her turned around and saw three figures making their way out. One of them, Tifa, was waving at him to follow, he nodded and quickly lept towards them.

Onyx was covered with the Beast's green blood, it was slowly, sadistically tearing the beast apart limb from limb, at the same time plucking out the materia stones embedded in it's body. The Beast was no longer capable of healing itself, and it was slowly beginning to perish from the pain and the loss of blood. It was llike a Frankenstien monster, differet creatures and materia energies infused together to create the ultimate destruction machine. But that did not impress Onyx who ended it's life by pulling out its head and returning it to the planet.

"Is it over?" Aerith said weakly. Sephiroth looked at her and nodded. "Good." She whispered as she collapsed in his arms. Cloud scratched his head and approached them.

"I'm not going back with you." Sephiroth said before Cloud could suggest that they return to the Highwind. He gently turned Aerith's body over to Cloud and brushed her cheeks with his finger. "She's truly a gift to this planet."

Sephiroth turned around and headed towards Onyx who was waiting for him. Like a master to it, Onyx picked him up and place Sephiroth on its shoulder, then they flew and headed for the Northern Crater.

"C'mon, let's go home." Cloud smiled at Tifa and both of them made their way to the Highwind. Cloud looked at Tifa as they walked, she was silent, he planned to keep his promise to her and talk about what was bothering them both. He turned his eyes on Aerith, sleeping in his arms, her face was calm. Neither of them deserved the pain he has caused them, all because of love. 'I'll talk to them both...when they're both rested.' He thought to himself as they entered the Highwind.