"I..."

Jade couldn't think of an answer. For just a split second, he had latched onto the idea that perhaps it was just Sephiroth's Custom Job interfering with healing magic, unlikely but possible -- but that theory had crumbled the moment he saw the remains of the shattered crystal. His mind cast for an explanation--

But even if there was one, it didn't change the fact Sephiroth wasn't entering crystal stasis. This time, he wasn't coming back.

I did it again. The confusion in Jade's mind gave way to sickening clarity. It was his arrogance that had caused this, that had made him discard all caution when meddling with the Rift. He'd made a mistake and someone else had paid for it, just like... back then...

No... I've done it again...!

Tear's desperate cries drew him back to the present. Ace. Jade stood up, almost numbly, and returned to the younger man's body, ignoring the battle around him. Yet, even as he crouched down and called upon his magic once more, he already knew.

The Life spell faded away, ineffective and pointless.