【SC】Endless Journey

When the meteorite that had begun to break apart reassembled into a complete star, Genesis' heart was half-cooled.

At first, he insisted on destroying the newborn star with a giant magic spar, because after obtaining the infrared image taken by the satellite, they found that there was still amazing energy concentrated in the star, and he firmly believed that it was the source of Sephiroth's energy. source.So he proposed this plan at the meeting, Vincent and Nanaki voted against it, Claude did not express his opinion, Zacks abstained, and only Angel unexpectedly stood on his side.

"The situation can no longer be worse than it is now. No matter what method we should try, we can't sit still."

Angel's tone was so firm that Zacks on the side couldn't help but look sideways.Vincent frowned slightly, as if he wanted to refute, but this time Nanaki spoke faster than him.

"It's useless. Someone tried to intercept the meteor that Sephiroth summoned 200 years ago, so they mounted a giant magic spar on a rocket to hit it, but they failed."

Genesis was skeptical: "Why did it fail?"

"Because we removed the giant magic spar before the rocket hit the meteorite, and that magic spar is a quarter of the current one." Claude made a gesture to Nanaki to signal it Leave the subject, and then turn back to Genesis, "You may be right about the meteorite, but I think the giant magic spar should be used more efficiently."

Genesis snorted noncommittally: "For example?"

"Like let me use it."

There was a sudden silence in the room.

The last time Cloud used the giant magic spar, he almost died with the original S-type, and now they must treat every proposal of him very carefully.

It took a full minute before Zack broke the silence again.

"How are you going to use it?" he asked cautiously.

This is a question that everyone is very concerned about, so the eyes of the meeting room instantly fell on Claude.

The blond young man looked at the satellite infrared image on the screen and nodded slightly.

"...about 300 meters away from him, there is a very light red circle. If I guessed correctly, it should be his shield."

White immediately zoomed in on the image near the hexapod blip and saw that there was indeed a red line there.This means that there is some kind of unusual high-energy reaction near Sephiroth.

"He also deployed such a shield 200 years ago. If we want to attack the body, we must smash it. But this shield is very hard, and ordinary missiles cannot penetrate it at all. Although large-scale magic such as Ultima and meteorites destroy It is very powerful, but it is also easily dispersed by its spherical shell, so we don't have any remote means to break through this shield."

The sudden bad news made the already tense atmosphere even worse, and everyone's heart sank—they originally dealt with a group of infinitely proliferating single-celled organisms, and there was still a glimmer of hope for cleaning up the surface of the planet by extreme means, but now their The enemy turned into a super life form fused with Sephiroth, and all the previous preparations became pale and powerless in front of "him".

"Shinra used Scarlet's ultra-long-range concentrated cannon to shatter the shield." Nanaki tried hard to recall the details of the year, trying to provide some ideas, but was quickly denied by Claude: "Then The door cannon is long gone. It is impossible for Zhu Nong to build another concentrated energy cannon of this level in a short time, so there is only one way to break through the shield, which is to transfer the energy of the giant magic spar to me. I'm going to break his shield."

His plan was so radical that no one dared to comment on it for a while.

Vincent thought about it for a few minutes, and finally shook his head: "No, your body and soul can't bear such a huge amount of energy. Forcibly using it may make you completely dissipate. At that time, you won't even be able to get the information of the stream of life." Leave."

Genesis also immediately questioned: "You can only touch his body at most, what about the meteorites on it? He has already captured most of the life stream on the surface of the planet, and you only have giant magic spar , if the meteor continuously provides him with energy during the battle, you will not be able to win him in a war of attrition."

Claude has been quietly listening to their speech, until the two of them finished speaking, he continued calmly: "I know, so I don't plan to use that energy for fighting for the time being. In close proximity, I will fight with him." There is no chance to cast magic, all I need is a body that can continue to fight."

Zack's eyes have been wandering between the three since just now, and now he can barely keep up with their conversation.

"You want to fight Sephiroth alone, and you want to use the energy of the giant magic spar to...strengthen your body?"

He tried to sort out Claude's thoughts, but he regretted the moment the name was spoken.The young man's shoulders visibly trembled, but he didn't deny it, so this time it was his turn to twitch his eyebrows.

"I've never heard of any kind of magic that can directly change the structure of the human body. How do you plan to strengthen yourself?"

"Healing magic. Most traumatic injuries are caused by massive blood loss and mechanical suffocation, so as long as the healing speed is faster than the injury speed, it will not affect the battle."

Cloud said something rather horrible lightly, and Zack gasped - it wasn't reinforcement at all, it was some form of suicide.

"It's not without cost! All healing magics heal the wound by making the cells at the wound rapidly divide, but the cells of the human body can only divide a limited number of times in a lifetime, and forcing them to divide in large numbers in a short period of time is the only way to heal the wound." It will make your body collapse directly!"

However, his anxiety was not conveyed to his friends at all, Claude even ignored the topic, and turned to look around at the other people in the conference room: "I'm not asking for your permission, I'm just telling you what I'm going to do next .”

Zack's mood became very complicated.He had never seen such an extreme side of Claude, as if anything related to Sephiroth would make him lose his mind.He knew he had to do something, so he pulled Cloud's shoulders hard, forcing the young man to look at him.

"Wake up, Cloud! You can't take this as a personal feud between you and Sephiroth, the battle is about saving the planet not sending you to your death. We all want to help, but we need your instructions, you are the one The only one who knows how to defeat Sephiroth, you can't-"

"I think Strife has a point."

A hand grabbed his back collar.

He turned his head quickly and found that Genesis was holding himself firmly in place.

All eyes in the room focused on Genesis again, and Angel's expression was particularly surprised.The other party shrugged and cast an unclear look at Claude.

"In fact, I asked Sephiroth how to completely eradicate the original S-type. At that time, it had spread hundreds of kilometers from the Peking University hole. It was difficult to eradicate such a large area with our methods at the time, so he gave The plan we came up with was to gather all the original S-types together in one place and then destroy them collectively."

Claude's face faded instantly.He finally realized why Sephiroth was so angry in the magic spar cave in the Western Continent, because the other party already knew that this plan would work, so they were particularly opposed to him sacrificing for irrelevant people.

"I didn't consider implementing this plan at the time because it would require him or Strife to be willing to act as a decoy, but Sephiroth has no intention of cooperating with me at all. Now, whatever his purpose, at least the original S-type All gathered on one meteorite, we only need to solve the second half."

Genesis finished speaking and automatically stood on the side where Claude was.He knew that Claude needed this vote of approval very much now, and his proposal could not have a third opponent. The best way was to bring Claude to his side.

Angel pondered for a moment, then followed suit.

"It's three votes against three now." Genesis raised the corners of his lips proudly at Vincent.White seemed to want to say something, but he stared at him with threatening eyes.

Vincent ignored his provocation, but turned his attention to the only person who had the right to decide: "Claude?"

Claude considered for a long time in silence, and finally made a little concession: "I will only use a quarter of its power, and leave the rest to your safekeeping."

"The discussion is over" is written on his face, which means that he will neither explicitly oppose Genesis's plan nor change his mind.Genesis understood his compromise and showed a satisfied smile.

The sudden weight on his shoulders brought Genesis back to reality.

He realized that Vincent was pressing his shoulder, so he looked sideways at him.Although there was no reproach in the man's eyes, it was so calm that it made him uncomfortable.

"At least we have reminded you." Vincent gave him a pointed look, and quickly let go of his hand.

Genesis didn't object.He looked at the meteor that was repairing itself, knowing that this plan had completely failed, and his mood sank to the bottom.

There was another explosion in the distance, and a blue meteor rose into the sky.

The meteor quickly split into six pieces in the air, repeatedly colliding with the six-winged light spot; then a huge shock wave spread out centered on the light spot, flattening everything 200 meters above the ground like a tsunami.

It wasn't until the violent wind dissipated that the big devil put him back on the ground again.

"Ahem... what happened over there?"

Genesis' vision can't see that far, but Vincent in Chaos form can.The man watched carefully for a moment in the direction of the explosion, and his expression suddenly became ferocious.

"He's going to kill Claude."

As soon as the words fell, Vincent had already rushed towards the direction where the two were.Genesis realized what he was about to do and stopped him hastily and even faster.

"Step aside."

The great demon showed his sharp fangs, but Genesis still insisted on blocking his way with his wings.

"We've got to save Strife, but we can't interfere with what S-the thing is doing."

"He's going to kill Claude." Vincent repeated.

"We can't stop Strife just because we have to save him." Genesis clenched his sword secretly, "He might kill you or me, and then we have no chance of saving Strife— I know you doubt it, but the fact is that the two of us together may not be able to get out of this. Convincing him that he has killed Strife will probably leave the scene faster, and then we have a chance to rescue Strife. Leif's gone."

Those terrifying golden pupils stared at him intently, as if debating whether to heed the advice or tear him apart on the spot.After about half a minute, the other party finally closed his eyes and changed back to his human form.

"If the healing limit is exceeded, even the current Cloud will die." Vincent frowned, and the gun was still aimed at the head of the creature that looked like Sephiroth in the distance.

Genesis breathed a sigh of relief, and quietly put the red sword back behind him: "I know, so we can't waste time fighting him. Our purpose is to take Strife away."

At the center of the crater about one kilometer away, Sephiroth has lifted Zhengzong high and pierced the young man's heart cruelly.

The moment the knife tip penetrated the skin, blood gushed out like a spring.He cleverly avoided the ribs, and every inch of the blockage of the blade was accurately transmitted along the blade to the fingertips, as if piercing a fruit full of juice, and the scarlet juice burst open under the thin layer of skin , while flowing wantonly, it also takes away the vitality of the youth from the body little by little.

Claude's once blue pupils gradually lost their vitality and turned into a silent ashes.He remembered that the blue sky when he was born was quickly covered by the haze formed by the meteorite, and the picture gradually overlapped with the scene in front of him, which made him couldn't help looking at the young man's body for a long time.

After a minute, maybe a century, he slowly withdrew his gaze from Claude.

This won't be their last, he's somehow sure of that.So he lifted himself up into the sky again, and then controlled the star to continue moving towards the Great Northern Hole.

When he completely disappeared from the sight of Vincent and Genesis, the two immediately rushed to where Claude was.

The young man was lying in a pool of blood, his blond hair was soaked in a dazzling crimson, and his slightly dilated pupils had lost focus.Vincent quickly checked Claude's heartbeat and breathing, and his expression gradually became serious.

Genesis noticed his reaction, as if a cold hand had gripped his stomach.

"……he died?"

For a brief moment all the worst-case scenarios flashed through his mind, including Angel's accusing eyes, Sephiroth's complete loss of control, and the end of the planet, but Vincent shook his head.

"He was still able to maintain his body temperature, but his pulse and breathing had stopped."

——This also means that Claude lost most of his vital signs.If they continue to delay, the other party may not be able to wake up until Sephiroth destroys the planet.

They raced against time to send the dying Claude back to the base, and the medical staff immediately put the young man into a life-support cabin filled with demons, and then began to prepare for Claude's cardiac pacing and endotracheal intubation.

As the operating lights came on, Zacks, Angel and Nanaki also rushed to hear the news.Vincent briefly described the situation, and everyone showed more or less worried expressions.

Although Sephiroth's shield has been shattered, the plan to destroy the meteor has basically failed completely.The battle between Claude and the opponent also confirmed the inference about the energy supply of meteorites-not only Claude can heal himself with magic spar, but Sephiroth can also rely on meteorites to repair wounds.If they're going to kill Sephiroth, they'll have to find a one-hit kill.

Genesis has been leaning against the corner in silence, watching them discuss the next arrangement without saying a word.Only Angel noticed his abnormality, so the other party walked to him during the discussion.

"Maybe you want to talk?" Angel held out a hand to him.

Genesis didn't move, but looked at the other party with a strange look.After a while, he finally left the corner, turned around and walked towards the roof of the building.

Since the original S-type faded, Gaia's wind and sand began to become extremely violent.Without the obstruction of vegetation, the desert of Midgar began to move southward at a speed of several kilometers per day. At this speed, it would not take a few years for the entire continent to be swallowed up by wind and sand. It seemed that the destruction was only a matter of time.

The strong wind on the roof ripped their hair and coats, Genesis went straight to the edge of the roof, and then turned to Angel.

"Why did you support my decision in the previous meeting? You didn't even know who I was."

Angel was taken aback for a moment. He thought that the other party would talk about the failure of the mission, but he didn't expect Genesis to care about this issue.

"I know." He replied honestly.

Genesis also froze for a moment, and quickly realized what was going on: "That puppy told you?"

Angel hesitated for a moment.Zacks said that Genesis may not like him very much, and try not to mention himself in front of the other party if it is not necessary, but from the heart, he does not want to deceive Genesis.

Genesis seemed to see through his thoughts, and sneered disdainfully: "He thinks so much, I didn't target him."

In fact, Genesis doesn't like anyone, including this planet.But the other party quickly withdrew that harsh expression.

"How much did he tell you?" The man changed his tone a little milder.

A lot, Angel thought.

He already knew that he and Genesis were an experimental subject called "Project G" in the old Shinra era. Like Sephiroth, they were injected with Genesis' genes and obtained a powerful body that ordinary people could not possess, but Not a healthy perfect body like Sephiroth.Genesis was the first to show signs of premature aging ("deterioration") during their tenure as Shinra Special Forces, so Genesis investigated Project G in order to heal himself, and found that the so-called strengthening was nothing more than making them a fusion of external forces. Star gene monster.Genesis told him the results of the investigation, and the two betrayed Shinra together. After that, the other party was obsessed with finding a way to survive, and he became confused about his own existence.In the end, they also ushered in different endings. Genesis was healed by the goddess Minerva, and he let Zack end his life.

Although he couldn't empathize with Zacks when he told these stories, he could somewhat understand his choice at the time - he was betrayed by some humans, and he didn't want to vent his anger on the world, so he didn't choose Xenovia's camp.Sephiroth, who also found himself betrayed by humans, took the opposite path and became the public enemy of the planet. Only Genesis showed a strong sense of contradiction both inside and outside the story.

According to Zacks, Genesis is also a member of Jenova. He was supposed to destroy the planet like Sephiroth, but now he is in the completely opposite camp.If he really cares about the life and death of the planet, and has been trying some reckless plans, even supporting Claude to die under the opposition of all members, this is not in line with the guardian's identity.

Angel had a strange feeling that Genesis didn't seem to be keen on saving the planet, but only participated in their actions to achieve a certain purpose.This purpose was originally only related to Genesis, but the other party changed his mind halfway to protect himself. Although he didn't know the reason for this, he decided to trust the other party once.

Angel told Genesis everything he knew, and the other party's expression gradually became complicated from subtle at first, and finally fell into a long silence.

It wasn't until the cumulonimbus clouds in the sky were about to float over their heads that the man spoke again.

"Did he tell you... We grew up in a village when we were kids?"

Genesis' voice was low, as if he had suddenly become another person.Angel never knew there was such a thing, and was stunned for a moment.

The man glanced at him, then turned his gaze to the distance.

"Banola, our hometown, in the Midir region, is not called by that name anymore. There is a livid-purple fruit that we call the 'stupid apple'. I am the son of the farmer in the orchard, and Your family was poor, so we didn't have a 'similar childhood' or anything like that. But you and I are still good friends, and we're on every inch of Banola."

Angel had no impression of that place, but he imagined the scene described by Genesis a little bit, and was a little surprised by their former relationship.

"...Later, when Shinra Corporation started conscription, we went to Midgar together. You and I participated in the conscription medical examination and test together, became Shinra's special forces, and worked together for the company for ten years, until I I discovered Holland's G plan. To be honest, I was very angry when I knew that I was degraded because of Jenova's genes. I wanted to destroy Shinra and the human beings who caused all this, but When I found out that you and Sephiroth were also the product of this kind of experiment, I suddenly felt a lot more relaxed-it turns out that I am not the only victim in this world, and all people who are like me or even stronger than me are also created in this way monster. But at that time you didn’t know anything, and there was no sign of deterioration. I was the only one who could feel this pain and anger. I thought how could you live so ignorantly and easily, you should also feel mine Pained and angry, so I told the truth first to you and then to him at Nibelheim."

After Genesis finished speaking, both of them were silent for a long time.

Angel was shocked that the other party spoke so frankly the most true thoughts in his heart-even if it was just once, this kind of self-disclosure courage is also extraordinary.

"I wouldn't blame you then." Nor will it now, Angel thought silently, "I really need to know the truth, the painful truth is better than a beautiful deception, at least you give me the power to choose."

Genesis turned around to look at him, and suddenly laughed self-deprecatingly.

"You will indeed say that." The man lowered his head, his bangs on one side just covering his expression, "but you should blame me. I thought you would take revenge on those arrogant and ignorant humans like me and Sephiroth, But you chose to die for the pride of a hero. I regret it when I know it. I regret what I did to you. If I knew you would be so painful, I would rather die than accept my new life. identity, then I would rather not tell you the truth for the rest of my life."

Angel was touched by this passage.It was the first time he glimpsed a corner of this man's heart, but he didn't expect that there was such a heavy soul hidden under the sharp appearance of the other party.

But before he could respond anything, Genesis stopped him with a gesture.

"You want to know why I have a problem with your apprentice. It's because I think he should protect you, but he didn't do it. But he also did what I didn't do before he was alive, that is, let you live In the end, he gained dignity, and from this point of view, I should thank him."

The man paused for a few seconds when he said this, and then continued.

"I don't hate Strife either. He lived in more pain than you and I, and he didn't have a strong belief to support him. He insisted on protecting those insignificant people and things for more than 200 years just for a little illusory 'love'. He is a Poor and respectable person, if he can really die with Sephiroth this time, it might be a relief for him."

"As for Sephiroth, I have a completely different opinion from yours. I have also had the idea of ​​seizing the planet and dominating everything, but after the goddess Minerva healed me, I had to choose Gaia's camp. In fact, I have always envied him , when he was alive, he had a clear revenge plan and goal, and after death, he was entangled with objects like Strife. He always knew what he wanted and how to get it, so he never fought for his own Regret the past and instead focus on planning for the future...that's a life I can't have."

The man answered all his questions in one go, some of which Angel didn't even have a chance to ask.At first Angel was surprised why a man would confess himself so thoroughly to him, but now he has gradually understood everything.

— Genesis feels guilty about him.

Such a proud, unkind and self-centered person has spent more than 200 years with guilt towards him. Even though Angel can't recall those things before his death, he still feels this heavy apology.

After a long period of thinking and asking himself, he was finally able to give the other party a positive answer.

"I've forgiven you," Angel said.

Genesis stared at him for a while, then suddenly burst out laughing.He laughed so exaggeratedly that his whole body was shaking.

Angel watched him motionless, as if he had watched the joys, sorrows, sorrows and joys of his life in just one minute.It wasn't until the laughter gradually stopped that the man straightened up again and gave him a relaxed smile.

"Thank you."

They opened the fire door of the roof together and found Zack standing at the door.

Angel had no doubt that the other party had heard the whole process of the conversation, so he also walked over to hug his beloved apprentice.

Zacks breathed a sigh of relief when he saw this, and brought them another good news: "The operation is over, Claude is not life-threatening, and he should be able to wake up after the anesthesia wears off. However, White found some Strange thing, do you want to take a look?"

The expressions of the two immediately became dignified.

—Wake up, Claude.

Claude opened his eyes, the pain from being inserted by Masamune was gone.

Different from the world he saw in the previous times when he was near death, now he is floating in a soft green, surrounded by bright and warm, the stream of life passing through his fingers, wrapping his wounded body like a melting spring sun soul.

He remembered the calling voice he had heard earlier, and tried to turn around in the direction of the voice, and saw the brown-haired girl looking at him not far away.

"...Alice."

He couldn't help saying the name, and his eye sockets became moist and hot in an instant.

He hadn't seen Alice for nine years. Sephiroth's consciousness completely isolated him from the planet, and he couldn't even get in touch with Alice during the time he was soaked in the demon.He'd been hoping to see each other again, and tell Alice what he'd done all these years, how much he missed everyone in Lifestream.

"Sorry, Claude." The girl smiled at him, but there was some regret in her eyes, "I wanted to tell you all this earlier, but I really can't get in touch with you."

"No!" He shook his head hastily, "I should apologize...I let everyone down."

It was he who kept Sephiroth alive, and he allowed the emotions that shouldn't exist to continue to grow. When the planet fell into crisis again, what made him feel most guilty was not falling in love with the enemy of the planet, but that he had failed Ariel. so many years of hard work.

"It's not your fault."

Alice looked at him fondly, and sat down beside him.

"Although the planet has expectations for you, it is not a matter of course. This is a planet where all life lives together, so everyone should work hard to protect it, instead of pinning all hopes on one person." The girl stroked His blond hair seemed to be stroking the little flowers she had watered in the church, "You have worked very hard. You have used your life to protect most of the life on the planet. No matter what the result is, no one can blame you. You are more Don't blame yourself."

Claude gently held her hand and pressed his face against it.

"Is this Gaia's idea?"

The girl blinked playfully.

"Of course not, this is my personal opinion. I think everyone who knows you thinks so. As for those who don't know you...you don't really care what they think, do you?"

He was slightly stunned, and couldn't help but look up at the other party: "Were you like this before?"

Alice suddenly laughed.

"My God. Claude, over 200 years, your ideas are changing, and mine will be. Stop the decay of nature. We can only stop the wrong process."

Claude was silent for a moment, and whispered: "So you also know."

- Facts about how little life is left on the planet.

"Well. I know." Alice replied softly.

For a while, the two of them didn't speak again, quietly watching the green fluorescent lights fluttering around.

The world on the surface of the planet is on the verge of collapse, but the stream of life will not feel fear and panic.They are a part of the energy in the universe, even if they dissipate, they will exist in other forms among the star dust, and perhaps a brand new star will be formed after hundreds of millions of years, just for those human beings who want them to remain the same, This process is so sad.

...just like he looked at Sephiroth, who was revived in the form of a new star.

Knowing that his time was running out, Claude finally asked, "About him..."

Alice tilted her head slightly to show that she was listening.

"... At that time, I thought he was dead." He quietly clenched his fingers, "The part of him that remained in my body told me not to forget him, and when I woke up, I couldn't feel him anymore The presence."

Sephiroth's last consciousness brought him back to his original love and hate, and made everything come to an abrupt end the moment he killed the other party.

"He reminded me of the hurts he had done to me so that I could never forgive him, but I also realized that those experiences made me who I am now - hate made me strong, pain made me brave, And love turns all these negative emotions into a power to protect others... If one day I leave those painful experiences behind, I will no longer be who I am now. Similarly, he who lost these experiences will no longer be The Sephiroth I knew."

Alice did not make an immediate comment, but listened quietly.

"...I thought so. But when I fought him again, I found that he might not have disappeared completely, but had forgotten all about it." Claude suddenly became a little confused, "I thought his last The will is to hope that I can find the original him, but what if he is still him, but his thinking has changed and he is no longer attached to the past self?"

"You deny me just because you can't accept the fact that he doesn't need you now."

If Sephiroth no longer cares about the love and hate between them, then he will be the only one trapped in the past, which may be the deepest fear in his heart.

Alice understood his thoughts, and suddenly smiled and breathed a sigh of relief.

She raised a finger and imitated the teacher's tone and began to ask: "Have you ever thought about why he still wants you to hate him when he has only the last sliver of consciousness?"

Claude hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.

"Because what he wants is you now." The girl pointed out sharply, "He hopes that when he sees you again, you will still be you. He thinks that you have similarities in nature, even if he doesn't remember anything, he will still be you." Attract. You are his mirror, which can always reflect the truest self in his heart, so he doesn't care if he can still maintain his original appearance, because you will help him find himself."

—I love him as I love myself.

She remembered the conversation with Sephiroth in the stream of life, and that was how the other party had always thought of Cloud.Maybe Claude still has a chance to know, or maybe not, that's something a third person can't get involved in, so she can't help.

Claude felt that Sephiroth had said something similar to himself, but he was about to wake up and couldn't remember the specific content.So before leaving, he held Alice's hand tightly.

"Whether he is or not, I need to prevent him from destroying the planet. This is my responsibility and destiny. So help me, Alice."

He has made up his mind, even if Sephiroth has forgotten everything about them, even if Sephiroth no longer loves him, he will make a break for his love and hatred.If this world needs someone to send the other party back to the stream of life, that person can only be himself.

The girl stared deeply at his pupils, finally untied her ribbon, and placed it in Claude's palm.

"As long as that is your wish, I will definitely help you."

The darkness quickly flooded his vision like a tide, dragging him to a sea that didn't exist.He floated up quickly amid the screams of his soul, and the familiar pain returned to his body again.

Claude took a sharp breath, and opened his eyes again amidst the ticking of life support equipment.

He felt that his right hand seemed to be holding something, so he moved his fingers with difficulty, and felt a silk-like texture.

...Alice.

He knew she had really been here.

At the same time, the door of the intensive care unit was suddenly knocked open, and Zacks' voice rushed into his eardrums: "He's awake!"