"Alright, see to it that it will be done," President Shinra stated while speaking to Heideggar.

Heidegger, as usual, laughed, "Hahahaha, yes sir, it will be done, and once the land is conquered, we will be able to take over Fort Tamblin very soon. "

President Shinra grinned, "I expect great results."

"As you wish, sir," Heidegger nodded and left the office.

President Shinra leaned back as he relaxed, then turned to the pillar near his massive desk and said, "You can take your leave as well. I would like to have a moment of peace."

Walking out from behind the pillar was Sara, who gave the president a stern look and spoke flatly, "Thank you, sir."

President Shinra nodded, and Sara took her leave. She was relieved to be out of that office. It had been almost two years since she was assigned to be the president's bodyguard, and it was the most boring job ever. Mostly she attended meetings that the president had to be, along with trips to certain parts of the planet where she accompanied the president. Though there was no attempt on the president's life, sometimes Sara wished there was. She missed the actions when going on missions. But at least the president had been kind enough to let Sara spend time with her dear friends and lover; despite his power-hungry, ruthless, and manipulative personality.

Sara went to the SOLDIER floor and headed to the virtual training room. As she went that way, she spotted Genesis coming out of the virtual room and noticed a wound on his shoulder.

Her eyes widened as she rushed over, "Genesis! Are you okay?"

Genesis looked at her with his signature cocky smirk, "It's just a scrap; I'm fine. I'm heading to the medical floor to get it treated."

"What happened?" Sara asked, concerned.

"Just went a bit overboard while sparing with your lover," Genesis answered as he walked away.

"Um, I thought we should all see the play LOVELESS one day," Sara suggested.

"Sorry, but I'll have to pass," Genesis politely declines.

"Okay," Sara sighed.

"But a nice dinner perhaps would be fine," Genesis smiled as he continued to walk on.

Sara looked up with a smile, but she felt a bit sad that Genesis declined to go to see the play that was the inspiration from the book, which happens to be Genesis's favorite. Ever since the day when Genesis and Angeal had become 1st Class, things had changed slightly. Genesis has become more cocky and aloof but still cares about his friends. Angeal became a mentor to many SOLDIER 3rd and 2nd class members.

Sara heard the door behind her open, and walking out from the virtual training room was Sephiroth, who had a slightly pained look. But the moment he saw Sara, Sephiroth smiled as he hugged her.

Sara looked up curiously, "So what happened with you and Genesis? I noticed that he got injured."

"It's nothing for you to be concerned about," Sephiroth answered, then Angeal stepped in and spoke, "Though you can say that it was Genesis who got too cocky in the fight."

Noticing how both guys didn't seem to want to talk about it any further, Sara suggested, "Um, Genesis suggested that we should do dinner together. It's been a while since we've had dinner together, and I'm dying for more stories happening in Wutai."

Angeal teased, "Is guarding the president boring?"

Sara pouted, "Boring? I must use the virtual reality room to ensure my fighting skills don't rust. But even doing that is getting old!"

The guys chuckled as Sara's rant amused them, yet they knew she was tired of babysitting the president. After all, a SOLDIER's life is on the battlefield, not being kept on a tight leash.

After Genesis was finished tending his wound, all four of them went to their favorite restaurant. It was the same one they'd been going to since Sara, Angeal, and Genesis were promoted to 1st. Once the group ordered their food, Sara noticed a dark spot on Genesis's right shoulder.

"Genesis, is your wound healed?" Sara asked.

The latter frowned and questioned, "What do you mean?"

Sara said, "You've got a wet spot on your right shoulder?"

Genesis looked at his shoulder and was shocked, "The hell, it should've been healed by now!"

Angeal, who sat next to Genesis, looked at the spot closely, "You sure that they've checked you through?"

Genesis nodded, "Yeah, the wound itself wasn't life-threatening, and it should heal on its own."

Usually, a superficial wound on a SOLDIER's body would heal quickly after applying first-aid, thanks to the enhanced mako energy. It would heal in five minutes. But it had been more than five minutes since Genesis received medical attention, and the wound wasn't healing.

"Then perhaps we should get it looked at again," Sephiroth suggested.

At that moment, the waiter returned with their food; however, the group had to ask if they could get it to go since Genesis's wound was acting up. The waiter quickly got the to-go boxes and brought the ticket to pay for the food. Once the food was packed and paid for, the group rushed back to the main Shinra building. Instead of going to the medical floor for treatment, they went straight to the research facility. They couldn't reach Hojo, for he was out of town, so the scientist they found that could help was a man named Hollander.

Hollander is an older man with a heavyset build. He has tan skin, medium-length graying black hair, a widow's peak, a beard, and dark grayish-brown eyes. He wears a white lab coat over an orange tee shirt, brown trousers, and black open-toed sandals.

Hollander took Genesis to a room while telling the others to wait in the hallway. After waiting for nearly twenty minutes, Hollander came back.

"Professor Hollander, how's Genesis?" Angeal quickly asked.

Hollander grimly replied, "The problem is the mako energy that seeped through the wound."

"Is it treatable?" Angeal questioned.

"First, he'll need a transfusion," Hollander answered.

If a SOLDIER has a severe wound, sometimes a blood transfusion from another SOLDIER is required.

Sephiroth stepped forward to Hollander in an attempt to offer his blood. After all, he felt responsible for what happened to his friend. But Hollander shook his head.

"You aren't viable," Hollander declined Sephiroth's offer.

"Um, what about me?" Sara asked.

"You aren't viable, either," Hollander shook his head.

And so Angeal was the one who was able to do the transfusion. Both he and Hollander went into the room to begin the fusion. At the same time, Sephiroth and Sara were left out in the hallway. Sara noticed that Sephiroth seemed a bit down after what Hollander said.

She took his hand and smiled, offering words of comfort, "Hey, don't let it get to you. Genesis will be fine; Angeal is helping, which means Hollander will heal Genesis. So things will work out."

Sephiroth could only smile a little after hearing those words and hugged Sara.

After a while, Genesis healed after the transfusion, thanks to Angeal. However, the virtual training room had to be closed due to Genesis and Sephiroth's fight, which caused some damage. So they couldn't do their normal friendly combat time. But it was only a short time before the men had to be sent to Wutai again.

Sara had just left her apartment and reached the elevator when Genesis came out. Sara greeted him warmly, as always.

"Hey Genesis, how's it going?" Sara smiled.

Genesis replied with a smirk, "Going well, I suppose,"

For some reason, Sara tilted her head in confusion when she saw the look in Genesis's eyes. There was a hint of slight sadness, but something else, Sara couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Um, are you sure?" She asked, "You seem a bit sad about something."

Genesis walked passed her while answering, "I suppose sad isn't the word you're looking for."

Sara looked at him curiously, "Then what is it?"

"It's nothing that concerns you," Genesis answered bluntly, "But I am leaving for Wutai, and I've been given a mission to take down Fort Tamblin."

Sara gasped, "Fort Tamblin? Then that means!"

"Exactly," Genesis nodded, "The war will be over soon."

"Finally," Sara exclaimed, "I've been getting tired of this stupid war."

Genesis chuckled, "Says the SOLDIER who babysits the president."

Sara gave a pout, "Shut up! At least you get to play the hero, and that's what you want, right? To be the hero that ends the war?"

Genesis frowned slightly, "What I want is something different,"

"And what's that?" Sara wondered.

Genesis, "Nothing for you to know,"

"Geez," Sara sighed, "Well, you be careful out there."

Although Sara failed to notice, Genesis's eyes had a slightly pained look. Almost as if he didn't want Sara to leave, he almost reached out to grab her shoulder but resisted.

"Saraphina, take care of yourself." Genesis smiled.

Sara nodded, "You too."

They parted ways, yet little did Sara know that things would soon take a turn for the worst.

A month had passed since the men left for Wutai again, leaving Sara alone as she continued her duties as the president's bodyguard. Sara was sitting behind the pillar near the president, feeling bored as ever.

"Saraphina, come here," President Shinra called out.

Sara was slightly startled by the president's command; calling her out was unusual for him. Unless it was an emergency or running a small errand, but those were rare occasions. She stepped out from behind the pillar and stood before his desk.

"Saraphina, I'm sure you've heard about the progress in Wutai, correct?" President Shinra asked.

"Yes, sir," Sara nodded; though she hadn't heard much, she knew they were close to winning the war.

The president leaned back, appearing relaxed in his chair, "Since you know, I've decided to relieve your duties as my bodyguard."

"Sir?" Sara blinked.

"There's no need to keep a blade in a case when it can be used for its purpose," President Shinra spoke confidently, "Report to Director Lazard, and he'll fill you in more details about what you'll be doing next."

"Sir!" Sara saluted.

President Shinra nodded, "Good, now go and help win this war."

Sara nodded and left the president's office; she was so happy she didn't have to guard the president. She can now go out there and do what any SOLDIER does best.

Sara went straight to the SOLDIER floor and headed for Director Lazard's office. As she walked in, she noticed Sephiroth was already standing in the room. The minute she saw him, her heart skipped a beat.

Director Lazard noticed Sara walking in and smiled, "Good to see you, Saraphina. I'm sure you are more than ready to take on missions."

Sara smirked, "Oh, I'm beyond ready."

Sephiroth let out a small chuckle as Lazard continued, "Glad to hear it, for the mission I'm about to give you will require your skills. You and Sephiroth will be teaming up and taking part in taking down Fort Tamblin."

"Fort Tamblin?" Sara wondered; she thought Genesis was supposed to do that mission.

"I suppose you haven't heard," Lazard sighed heavily, Sara shook her head, but for some reason, she had a foreboding feeling.

"Genesis has gone missing," Lazard announced.

"What?!" Sara shockingly said.

"His last mission was to take down Fort Tamblin, which would've taken care of the war," Lazard explained, "The mission is currently stuck in limbo. This is why I've decided to send the two of you as part of taking the task, and Angeal will be included in this. You and Sephiroth will be in a unit, while Angeal will be in a different team. I suggest that you both be ready soon. I'll also be joining; this mission will end the war, and I plan on seeing it to the end."

"Okay!" Sara smiled.

"You both are dismissed," Lazard concluded the meeting.

Sara and Sephiroth left the office and headed for the briefing room where Angeal was waiting. Sara smiled when she greeted him, and in return, Angeal nodded.

"So, what's the details on the mission?" Sara wondered.

"You and I will use a bomb to create a diversion," Sephiroth explained, "Which will allow Angeal and his partner to infiltrate the fort. At the same time, you and I will take out as many enemies that come."

"Once my team finishes cleaning out the fort," Angeal added, "We'll destroy the fort with another bomb."

"All right, loving the details," Sara smirked; she turned to Angeal, "So who's the lucky guy that gets to be a part of this mission?"

Sara knew that the mission was 1st Class, so there was only one reason why Angeal would have a partner with him during the mission; that partner was more likely a 2nd class SOLDIER with potential.

"A young SOLDIER 2nd class with a high possibility to be promoted to 1st," Angeal answered.

"Seriously?!" Sara exclaimed,

"Too bad you won't be able to meet him," Angeal said, "The director already told me not to mention anything about you to this potential SOLIDER."

Sara sighed heavily, "When will this hiding in the dark ever end?"

She hated that the president was doing his best to keep their only female SOLDIER. Sara could only hope that one day she won't have to hide in the dark anymore.

"Has there been any word on Genesis?" Sara asked, but neither Angeal nor Sephiroth answered, or they didn't know themselves.

"You don't think Wutai might've captured him, right?" Sara wondered.

"No one has ever captured a SOLDIER," Angeal answered, "So what caused Genesis to go missing is a mystery. But rest assured; he'll be back."

"Good!" Sara nodded, "Because when he does, I will give him a piece of my mind."

"Let's go, Saraphina," Sephiroth began to leave the room.

Sara followed Sephiroth out of the briefing room, leaving Angeal behind.

"So when are we heading to Wutai?" Sara asked.

"We have 4 hours to be ready to leave," Sephiroth answered, "Which means we have plenty of time before we depart."

Sara felt her heart skip a beat. Knowing that four hours was plenty of time to do things, Sara's thoughts went aimlessly. Sephiroth stopped in his tracks as he looked at Sara with a smug grin. Sara looked up as she felt the hallway growing hot, or perhaps she was getting hot.

Sephiroth crossed his arms and playfully teased, "You have something in mind you want to do?"

Sara would've seen steam coming from her ears if she had a mirror. However, she and Sephiroth have been dating for two whole years. During those entire years was more like getting to know each other. They went out on dates whenever Sephiroth was back from Wutai and even took a trip to Costa de Sol in the summer. Yet, they had been dating for so long, but Sara still couldn't get over the fact that her boyfriend was the hottest one around, and being with him made her blush at just the thought of spending time together.

"Saraphina," Sephiroth called out.

Sara shook her head, trying to keep her thoughts out of control, and then spoke, "Well, I was hoping that we could....um...."

She paused as she had difficulty figuring out what exactly she wanted to say or do. Sephiroth chuckled as he walked over and lifted her chin, making her look into his eyes.

"How about we head to your favorite boutique store? It's been a while since I've bought something you like." Sephiroth suggested.

Sara nodded if there was one thing that her boyfriend loved to do besides treating her to a meal. It was buying her nice things. She still treasured his first gift to her when she went out on her first mission in Wutai. That one-wing angel necklace was still around her neck; she never once removed it.

The couple headed to the boutique store, and there Sephiroth bought Sara a lovely summer dress with a pink floral pattern. After purchasing the dress, the two went to a restaurant for a satisfying meal. By the time they finished their meal, it was nearly time to head back and be ready for the mission. They went to their apartments and equipped themselves for battle. Sara left her apartment, noticing Sephiroth waiting for her, and they went to the elevator, heading for the landing platform where a helicopter was waiting.

Sara was the first to get into the flying vessel, and Sephiroth followed after sitting beside her. Once the door shut, the pilot began to steer the chopper for lift-off, and soon, they were heading for Wutai in the night sky.

"Once we've finished our mission," Sephiroth explained, "We will head back to base, and the chopper will be waiting for us along with the director."

"Is it necessary for Director Lazard to be joining this mission?" Sara wondered.

Sephiroth answered, "The director wants to see the end of the war, and this mission will put an end to the war. So he wants to have first-hand experience to report it to the president."

Sara understood those words, nothing like seeing the whole event first-hand is the best report that anyone can give. That includes the president.

The helicopter landed near the edge of the forests of Wutai near Mt. Tamblin. As soon as Sephiroth and Sara were out of the chopper, they immediately dashed into the woods at inhuman speed. Sephiroth took the lead and followed the mountain path leading to Fort Tamblin. Soon, they stopped a few yards from the fortress, where they saw the spectacular building. Luckily it was nighttime, so they were not worried about being spotted by enemy troops.

"Angeal and his partner will soon be here," Sephiroth spoke softly, "Once we've set off the bomb, they will infiltrate the fort. Leaving you and me..."

"To deal with the distractions," Sara finished with a smirk.

"Normally, I would handle this myself," Sephiroth said casually, then he looked at her with a smirk, "But I'll set the bomb, and you can let loose."

"You could join in," Sara suggested, "You are the hero to everyone."

Sephiroth chuckled, "Yes, I could, but I would rather see you fight to your heart's content."

Sara shrugged her shoulders, "Okay, you said it. So don't regret it."

Sephiroth's phone went off, only letting a small vibrating sound. He quickly answered it and hung up shortly after with some good news.

"Angeal is here; you ready?" Sephiroth asked.

"You bet!" Sara exclaimed softly.

Sephiroth walked away, going deeper into the woods to place the bomb, and then quickly returned. After five minutes had passed, the bomb exploded. The explosion was enough to raise the alarm, and not long after, an entire brigade of Wutai troops appeared. Sara pulled her hood over her head, preventing the enemy from seeing her face, and jumped toward the soldiers in surprise.

In one swift motion, Sara had already taken down five soldiers. She could feel her adrenaline rush coursing throughout her body. It had been so long since she had fought in a real battle. The iron smell of blood made her nostrils burn in delight, feeling the sweat running down her skin; it was enough to intoxicate her. Sara loved every minute of it and wanted more; she wanted the thrill to go on.

"Saraphina!"

She heard a voice, but it sounded so distant from her. She didn't care who it was; she was having her thrill.

"Saraphina, snap out of it!"

Sara felt her sword stop against something hard, and it was trying to push her back. Sara groaned in annoyance; whatever it was, it was trying to stop her from having fun.

Then something swung so hard at her that Sara could feel her body flying backward before she knew it. Something or someone pinned her to the ground holding both of her arms. Sara was just about to retaliate when she felt something on her lips. She blinked for a second and finally became aware of her surroundings, then noticed Sephiroth kissing her.

Sephiroth broke the kiss and looked at her with eyes narrowed, "Did you regain your senses?"

"W-what happened?" Sara asked nervously.

"You got drunk from fighting," Sephiroth answered, "It seems that after babysitting the president for so long. It would be best if you had been aware of your thirst for a real battle. What I just did was the only method I could come up with so I don't hurt you."

Sephiroth sounded like when he was mentoring Sara during her time as a 2nd as he got up and helped Sara back to her feet. Sara looked around and was shocked to see the aftermath.

Many bodies of Wutai troops were all lying on the ground dead; some were missing arms and legs or maybe the other half of their body. It was just Wutai troops that were killed; there were even chocobos and Anti-SOLDIER creatures.

"Did I do this?" Sara whimpered.

Sephiroth said nothing but only pulled her into a hug. He didn't know what to say, but he had never seen a SOLDIER getting drunk from bloodlust like that.

"I'll talk to the director about what happened," Sephiroth said, "For now, keep a clear head as you are fighting. We're still in Wutai, and the enemy could still be out there."

"Okay," Sara nodded wearily.

Another explosion was heard, and it came from the direction of Fort Tamblin. Dark smoke rose from the forests as the birds began to fly into the night sky, cawing simultaneously.

"Seems Angeal and his partner have completed their mission," Sephiroth said, "Let's head back to the trail."

As Sephiroth took the lead, Sara paused her tracks and looked back at the bloody aftermath. Though the troops were the enemy, she had never meant to go that far. She never realized that she did get drunk from her battle. But it was a reminder to always keep a cool head, even during a war.

Sara let out a sigh and went on heading back to the mountain trail.

After a long walk on the mountain path, Sephiroth and Sara were waiting in a clearing near where two choppers were parked, guarded by Shinra troops.

Suddenly, Sara and Sephiroth sensed a presence coming over quickly, but it was not the party they were expecting.

Seven men wielding dual blades charged straight at the couple; they were wearing armor of colors red and black, and their faces were covered with masks. The couple noticed they were not Wutai troops.

Sara was about to draw her sword when Sephiroth stepped forward and took a battle stance. Sara withdrew and remained still as Sephiroth charged at the enemy quickly. The mysterious group stood no chance against Sephiroth's swords skill as they flopped on the ground like flies.

"Saraphina," Sephiroth quickly said, "Stay here and wait; I'll investigate."

Normally Sara would've protested, but after that blood bath, she obeyed her lover's command.

As Sephiroth left the area, Sara decided to take a closer look at the mysterious group. She knew by judging their armor they were not from Wutai. Or they were a secret group that Wutai hired. Assassins?

Sara decided to take off the mask of one of the mystery men once that mask was off. Sara couldn't believe her eyes; the person behind the mask was Genesis.

Sara immediately removed another mask from one of the mystery men and discovered that Genesis was behind it. Two Genesis? Impossible unless Genesis had a twin brother, but Sara knew that Genesis was strong enough to hold onto his own when he spares with Sephiroth. Sara took off all of the mysterious group's masks and was stunned. All of the masked men were Genesis, and there was only one explanation that could do this. These men were clones of the real Genesis.

But who or what could create clones of Genesis?

Then Sara remembered a report from Heidegger, who came to the president's office. Heidegger reported that Hollander had gone missing, which didn't concern the president much, but he ordered to find Hollander or at least anything that could be related to his disappearance. Then another report of a massive desertion of 2nd and 3rd class SOLDIER members was an enormous loss toward the company's workforce to win the war. While the two reports didn't connect, she wonders, are they related now that Sara is looking at an entire group of Genesis copies?

Then Director Lazard emerged out of the forest accompanied by two Shinra troops. Sara stood up and made a salute.

"Saraphina, good work out there at Fort Tamblin," Lazard commented.

He then notices the group of Genesis copies on the ground and is stunned to see the sight.

"What on earth is this?" Lazard wondered.

Sara shrugged, "I don't know, but I've got a bad feeling for some reason."

Lazard nodded in agreeance and turned to Sara, "Saraphina, head back to headquarters. I'll wait here for Sephiroth and the others."

"Um, why?" Sara asked curiously.

Lazard smiled, "It's nothing to worry about, just following the president's orders. You know to make sure that no other fellow SOLDIER knows that there's a woman in the ranks."

Sara sighed annoyingly and hopped on one of the choppers, ready to take off.

After good hours of flying, Sara returned to Shinra's headquarters. She decided to head to her apartment and take a long shower. After being drunk from that fight, she needed a refresher. Though she didn't know how long she showered, she wore a tank top and pajama pants. Sara walked into her room and saw Sephiroth sitting on her couch, slumped as if he was exhausted.

"Hey, is everything alright?" Sara asked.

There was a long silence which made Sara uneasy. Finally, Sephiroth broke the silence; his voice was slightly strained.

"Angeal has betrayed us."

Sara blinked, "What?"

"Genesis convinced many 2nd and 3rd class SOLDIER and betrayed Shinra. Hollander's missing is also connected to this because of the copies of Genesis. It would have to be the work of a scientist," Sephiroth explained.

Sara knew that what her lover said could be accurate, but Sara had learned from her father that a theory without a real evidence or connection is nothing more than false.

Sara walked over to her lover, who seemed to be tired and dazed. She took his hand as she sat down next to him. He looked at her curiously.

"While that all sounds like a good theory," Sara said in a gentle voice, "Without objective evidence that this is Hollander's doing and that Angeal and Genesis are a part of it. We can never be sure of it."

Sephiroth reached out and cupped Sara's cheek as they looked into each other's eyes.

"Stay with me," Sephiroth spoke.

Sara didn't either blink or feel embarrassed by those words. She knew that Sephiroth was hurting. So Sara nodded then Sephiroth pulled her close as the two lay on the couch. Sara snuggled against Sephiroth's chest, listening to his heartbeat. Before she knew it, Sara drifted off to sleep in her lover's arms.