Split In The Middle

Many people stared up, facing the reactor that light the night scare, and became brighter with each passing second. They all knew, something was happening inside, and all were too afraid to check the cause.

A groaning of gears made most turn to go back into their houses, figuring that ShinRa had decided to go inside somewhere in the night, but one stood out. Her eyes sparkled blue, staring at the reactor with surprise as she saw a beacon-like light shine, and she started towards it.

Born and raised in the small town, she knew it wasn’t ShinRa; they hadn’t bothered anybody from there since they had brought many casuals towards the reactor, years before, each marking the signature Jenova.

She walked past the mako fountain; it’s light sparkling through the air, making her draw in her breath. She was scared, but she went on – her legs walking slowly. Her husband was before, following quickly, and she jerked as he took hold of her hand, pulling her near his chest.

Drawling in his scent, she smiled brightly up to him, whispering that she was going to see what was wrong, but her husband shook his head, and started pulling her back to the house. She was in no condition to be traveling to the mountains; she was pregnant with their child.

Blue eyes staring back up, she inhaled her breath as a beam went towards them, from the reactor. It collided with their bodies, but it neither burned or hurt, it was like water, and both held on close to each other, afraid, unable to move.

The most of the beam fell upon the woman’s stomach, and she whimpered as it entered her, her husband tried to stop the beam, but his tried were always failure. She could feel wings brush her back, and her blue eyes grew into a brighter blue, and she held on to him.

A voice was calling to them, and the child. Was asking for the child, but the woman refused to let go of her first child. As they pulled away at last, they took off down the side, their close glowing from mako, and the woman could feel her child moving as if it had reached great power.

Her husband laid her upon the couch, lifting her head to face him as he kissed her softly and held her close. “I’m sure the baby is fine.” He whispered, but neither truly believed that. They could never believe that whatever the mako light was, that it would protect their child.

Baby blue eyes sparkled out the window as it snowed; a light laughter escaped his lips as he touched the window. He couldn’t go outside, but it worked to stare at the children that could, like Tifa, the mayor’s daughter.

“Momma, do we have any hot cocoa?” He stared at her, jumping off the couch and landed on his legs, and his mother nodded, brewing up some water. The boy turned to face the child one last time, wiping a hand through his chocobo colored hair, frowning lightly. “When can I go outside, Momma?” The boy asked, and the woman shook her head.

“When the snow melts, Cloud.” She whispered, putting the warm drink in front of him. Cloud sipped it, allowing the cold mixture to warm down his throat. He wanted so much to be like all the other kids, but every time he did, something bad always happened. He was never allowed in the snow, or on the mountains, but he loved them, he could always hear a voice asking for him from up there.

Sitting on the couch, the small boy sipped his drink once more, staring at his working mother. He could hear the other kids yelling and laughing, and jumped as a snowball hit the window, and the glass cracked. Cloud pulled upon his feet, staring at the laughing children as the snowball fell off.

“Can I go fix the window, then momma?” He stared at the tired woman.

“I’ll fix it, later Cloud.” She sat next to him, and the boy frowned. “You just be good, and drink that, before you freeze to death. Maybe Tifa would like to come in and play with you.” She smiled, walking towards the door to ask the girl.

Cloud watched the conversation, his fingers playing with the blanket on the couch, but Tifa shook his head no, and he dropped upon the floor silently. It was because he was sick, that nobody wanted to play with him. He didn’t use materia, because he could already summon fire. It was something he was always able to do. He once started talking to Nibelheim Wolves, and the kids stopped talking to him, at that point, he was never allowed outside without his mother.

“Honey, why don’t you go out back and bring in some firewood.” His mother smiled at him, and Cloud nodded, taking off towards the door. He stepped into the back yard, where some of the hills towards the mountains started, but he just stared at the reactor from there. He smiled slightly, tilting his head to the side as it called upon him, but he rubbed his toe in the snow. He wasn’t allowed to speak to strangers, so it introduced itself as Jenvoa.

Introducing himself, Cloud gave a polite bow to the voice, before hearing laughter, he turned to face the children, staring at him from over the fence, and he licked his dry lips.

“Why don’t you tell us about your friend, Blondie.” They harassed, and Cloud grasped hold of some wood, stepping towards the door, and they laughed at him loudly. Jenova spoke into his head about not fearing the children, so Cloud stretched his back to look tall before walking in the house. He didn’t know why he listened to something that wasn’t there, but he did and he felt proud of himself for doing so.

His mother stared at him from the kitchen before gracefully taking the wood, and the boy stared out the back window before having his eyes raise high. “Momma, monsters are coming this way, from the reactor!” He screamed loudly, and his mother stared up, gasping. Locking the doors, both stared bewildered as the monsters started into town as if they owned it, prepared to attack children as they made it towards their houses, and Cloud heard whispering in his head about being happy, that children who made fun of him didn’t deserve to live.

Taking off out the door, Cloud stared around the animals as he raised his hand, summoning fira, and watched as several of the monsters went up in flames. His heart jerked as he heard animal screams from behind him, and he turned to face several soldiers in blue, one in purple, and the one in front in all leather.

Cloud’s eyes didn’t leave the one clad in leather, how white hair flew freely in the air as they started attacking the many approaches monsters, ones that seemed to be too powerful for the area, and the blond stared at his mother as he was dragged back into the house. Standing on the couch, he stared on the front window, watching the new strangers fight, and his mother rubbed his hair, covering her face in his locks.

“Who are they, momma?” He whispered.

“Soldier, they came to help us, but I don’t want you out there. They might hurt you as well, because you’re not normal.” She rubbed his head further, and Cloud tilted his face to stare at her. She always said he was normal, but he was. He had proved several times, but it never pleased anybody.

Excusing himself from the couch, Cloud started towards the backdoor, unnoticed as he stepped towards the hills in the rising cold temperatures. Jenova had told him to go towards the reactor, and he’d be safe, and he was going just to make her happy.

He could see aqua green eyes face him, from the man clad in leather, but Cloud took off up the hills as fast as his legs could run. It was in seconds that he could feel the cold frost bite his arms, but it didn’t stop him as he ran towards the rickety bridge that led towards the reactor. He slowed down, staring up at it, and he felt warmth near his heart, as if he was returning home.

Arms wrapped around him suddenly, and the boy let out a scream as he fought against them, only to be turned to face the aqua green eyes of the one in charge of the visitors. The man stared at Cloud, up and down, before lifting the boy off his feet and started towards the reactor slowly, careful of each step he took. Staring at him, Cloud blinked before staring down at the long fall if the bridge were to fall, yet he wasn’t scared.

The man stopped, putting the boy down upon the ground as they both stared at the reactor in front of them, more monsters walked by, ignoring both and started towards the town, but both didn’t seem to care as the small boy touched the reactor lightly, staring up. The warmth was gone, and the Soldier wasn’t moving, just stared up as if in shock or something in that manner.

The voice urged Cloud up the stairs, and the boy started that way, and the door flew open, inviting him in, but the large hand stopped him, and Cloud stared up at the soldier. “It’s dangerous here.” The man muttered, and Cloud shook the hand off him, his baby blue eyes gaining more hue and turned almost into a midnight blue.

“No, she wants me here. The voice asked of me to join her, so she could get out of here, stop the monsters before they destroy the town.” Cloud whispered, starting inside the reactor, and the man followed him in.

The soldier frowned, keeping up with Cloud’s slow walking, as both made it down the many chains and into the main region where both stared in shock at the numerous casuals, and Cloud grasped the older man’s hand. “Jenova wishes to see both of us.” He whispered.

Pulling his hand away from the weak grip, the general started towards the main door, on many more steps, staring it over. “Jenova…mother.” He smiled, touching the door, as if feeling its warmth. “I warned you boy, this is dangerous for humans, but you’re not human, are you?” He stared at the child. “You’re like me, neither of us are humans. My name is Sephiroth, General Sephiroth highest-ranking officer of ShinRa. You, boy.” He stared down, and Cloud touched one of the broken casuals, staring inside.

“Cloud Strife, my momma doesn’t like me coming up here.” He based his own info just as the general done. He flushed, pulling away from the capsule as the monster in front of it started moving, and once more became alive hissing and screaming as if it were in pain.

Pulling the child close, Sephiroth glared at the monster blew up from it own pain, before lifting the child up, onto his shoulders. The door to Jenova wasn’t going to budge that day, but it would some other time. He would have to keep the child with him, until it did. Sliding his arm around the child’s face, he summoned a sleep and the boy out a muffled cry as his body collapsed, sleeping. Sephiroth started out the door, towards the truck that they had entered the city on. He sat the child in the back, next to his seat, and the boy slept on, shifting in the could, and Sephiroth pulled his jacket off and placed it on the child to keep the boy’s sleeping form warm. He started back towards the city as his men started towards him.

Dressed in purple, Zax held his arms up, signaling completion. “They weren’t all that strong, tons of experience, but I don’t think they’ll be coming down again. What caused it, Seph?” He stared at the general, and Sephiroth frowned.

“The reactor, it had several circuits blow, don’t worry, it calmed down, everything should go back to normal.” He stared towards the vehicle once more before turning quickly. “We have a guest in there, if one of you touch the child, I will kill all of you.” He stepped towards the main hall of the city to explain to the mayor that everything was okay. As he started towards the van once more, he could hear one of the women screaming that her son had vanished, but he paid no mind as he hoped in the back and they started off towards Midgar once more.

Light mummers filled the night air, it wasn’t as cold as it had been, and the heat was what awoke Cloud. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, expecting to find his mother there to give him a kiss on the forehead and invite him to breakfast, but it never came, he just heard chatting, men chatting.

He stared around, first to his left, and he could see the flaps to the weather seal move open, and bringing fresh air inside, he turned his face once more, staring at the people around him. It was the few that had come into his town, but it gave him enough time to stare in shock, and cover himself with the coat.

All of the mean stared at him, before breaking out in mocking laughter, and Cloud’s checks burned red, his body shook as his voice whispered for him mother, but she wasn’t there, he was kidnapped, and Jenova had not awoken him with a kind word as of yet.

A small clay cup was pressed to his lips, and Cloud stared up at the aqua eyes of Sephiroth, the General wasn’t very pleased in the boy, but walked away as the small hands gripped around the cup. The one soldier dressed in purple broke out into laughter as he sat next to Cloud, staring the boy over.

“Don’t fret, Seph’s not going to hurt you, just glare.” He smiled. “So what’s your name, pretty?” He grinned, and the boy blushed five shades darker.

“Cloud, sir.” The boy whispered as he drank the water some more, it dried his burning throat. “What’s yours?”

“Zachary, first class Soldier, but if you like living, it’s Zax.” He grinned, and Cloud returned the expression. “I don’t see why Sephiroth’s interested in you, probably for sex.” He grinned and Cloud tilted his head to the side with a frown before looking at the flaps to the humvee, Sephiroth was staring out of them as well, and the fog had started to raise as they jumped rocks, and Cloud stood up quickly.

He glared over the general, not one that matched the returned glare, but it still worked as he hissed suddenly. “Take me home!” Sephiroth gave a sour grin before staring out the window. “Take me home!” Cloud repeated, this time throwing his fist into the general’s chest, and everybody in the vehicle gasped. Nobody had ever hit the general and lived.

Sephiroth grasped hold of the blond’s wrist, holding the boy up, allowing two small feet to try and reach the ground. The chocobo haired teen started screaming, fighting and kicking as he slammed his fist into the general’s solar plexus, sending both of them out the back of the humvee.

As Cloud felt earth under his feet, he took off in the direction of trees, and he could hear Sephiroth running after him. He captured in his breath as he took off into the forest, and he could hear Sephiroth’s voice, ordering him to stop, but Cloud wouldn’t. He saw a small path, as he stepped through it. The ground started rumbling, and the boy stared around he let out a scream as it swallowed him. He could feel poison going through his system, so he screamed for help, but nobody came. The creature was draining him of all strength, and his body shook. Something was attacking the creature, and he could see the monster slowly open before spitting the small boy out.

Cloud stared up, sliding green slime from his body, his breathing ragged as Sephiroth glared down at him, masamune at his side before sliding it under the blond’s chin and lifted the blade, leaving the creatures blood o the boy’s chin. “I have half the mind to kill you, boy, and paint this forest with your blood. However, I need you, in years to come to open reactors.” He sheathed his sword, staring at the boy that shook at his feet, in fear and from the overdose of poison. “Get up and move.” The general ordered, but Cloud just shook, unable to curl his fingers the blond closed his eyes, breathing heavily. “You’ll get no antidote unless you walk back towards the van.” Sephiroth repeated.

Thinking over the choices, Cloud rose to his weak knees before grasping hold of Sephiroth’s hand to pull to his feet. It didn’t work, because Sephiroth swiped his hand back, dropping the chocobo haired boy against the ground. Crying, Cloud fought again, rising to his feet as he, slowly, started towards the vehicle, ever second or two, he’d collapse and have to refigure a way to stand. When anyone of the soldiers tried to help him, Sephiroth would glare at them. Finally reaching the vehicle, Cloud used the last of his strength to climb on before dropping to his side with a cry.

Reaching through a bag, Sephiroth pulled out an antidote and pressed the needle against Cloud’s upper arm and pushed the blue concoction into the blond’s system, and Cloud let out a cry. Next, Sephiroth reached over and did the same with a potion. The blond’s body started to shake, turning his head away from all the weary eyes of the SOLDIERs’.

Standing up, Sephiroth sat on a box, glaring at the driver as they started off once more towards the upper hills.

~*~*OoO*~*~

Sephiroth yawned as the vehicle pulled to a stop outside the Midgar plates, several of the soldier’s started towards the doors, and the lifts, and he followed in last, the sleeping blond in his arms.

He stood center of the group, his voice ordering to the few before group. “It will probably be around quickly that he is missing from his home. From now on, he is my son. Do you understand.” It wasn’t even a question, but the whole group nodded, and Zax smiled lightly as the doors opened again.

“Your son, how are you going to pull that off?” Zax grinned at the white haired soldier.

Sephiroth stepped into another elevator, one that led to the officer quarters, and he readjusted the sleeping blond in his arms, staring at the moving buttons. “Simple, Zax. During the Wutai War, I had a one night stand with a woman.” The man started down the corridor.

Following the man, Zax snorted, running his hand through the blond traces of hair in the boy’s face. “Fine, hope this guy goes with it, you two haven’t been the greatest friends since you met.” He waved his good-byes as he started towards his own room, and Sephiroth readjusted the boy one last time, before walking into his room.

It was almost like an apartment, giving him a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, dining room, and living room. He ate in the kitchen, so his dining room had become his study, but besides that nothing was different. It was rather empty in the house, because he was rarely there. Walking into his room, Sephiroth dropped the blond on the bed, and tucked the child in before going into the kitchen to fetch some coffee. He sat at his vidpad, pressing a button as the president’s secretary appeared on it, before processing his call into the main office.

The president’s tired face was next to appear, staring at Sephiroth before sitting up. “Did you find whatever Hojo spoke about in Nibelheim – that mako source?”

Sephiroth sipped his drink, sitting down to allow the moisture rising to drain his sinus. “No.” He said, plain and simple. “However, it might be that the reactor was creating the magnitude of mako. Creatures were attacking the town bellow, and all were coming from the reactor.” Sephiroth took another sip. “Oh yes, tomorrow I need the main doctor to write out a birth certificate for me.”

Eyebrow rising, the president frowned. “A birth certificate…?” He blinked, and Sephiroth nodded. “Yes, sir.” He started, staring up at the plump man. “I found my son, while there. Due to his mother not living, and no paperwork of his existence, I intend to restart his life under my care.” Sephiroth high-five himself for playing off the lie with ease, and the president nodded, sending the message down to the med hall.

“Fine. Tomorrow.” He nodded. “Seven. I wish to see you at noon though.” The president glared at his best officer, and Sephiroth nodded before shutting the screen off and falling upon the couch. A smile played on his lips before sleep over came him.

~*~*OoO*~*~

Sephiroth quirked an eye open as the door to his bedroom opened, and blond hair stuck out, staring around. He had to hold in a smile as the boy walked towards his fridge, pulling open the door before making a hungry look at seeing absolutely nothing. The small boy stopped at the vidpad, staring over the screen with interest, before flipping it on. Cloud reached over, touching the names before grinning and clicking once more. Then, the boy took a seat, and Sephiroth sat up as a soft ring filled the house, and he walked towards the kitchen door, unnoticed by the blond.

It rang five times, before it was picked up, and Sephiroth held in a chuckle as a strained cry echoed through the room. God dammit Seph, do you know what - Oh! Cloud, what are you doing up, aren’t kids suppose to sleep until noon?

Cloud smiled, tilting his head, then shook it. “I wanted to talk to somebody, and it’s boring here.” He smiled, but turned as he saw Zax’s eyes stare behind him. Cloud stood up hastily, almost knocking the vidpad on the floor as Sephiroth walked towards the boy. Zax shut off the screen, and Cloud shut his as well, staring at the man that was housing him. “I’m sorry?” He whispered, still in fear of the tall man that had him suffer from poison for so long.

“Take a shower, I’ll fetch you some clothes.” The tall soldier started towards his bedroom, and Cloud blinked before starting off towards the bathroom. As Sephiroth went through his closest, he realized he had absolutely nothing for somebody as short as Cloud to wear, and he stood up and walked out the door.

He stalked towards Zax’s room, banging on it, and the dark haired SOLDIER opened it, staring at the first officer with a frown. “Kill the kid and need me to bury the body?” He asked, sarcastically, but Sephiroth didn’t laugh.

“Clothes for him would be more like it, you seem the same size, except your more hairy.” Zax snarled, walking inside as he started through his drawers, pulling out boxers, a tunic, and blue jeans, the shorter male tossed them at his superior before yawning.

“You’re going to feed him right?” Zax arched a brow, and Seph ignored him.

“I’ll return these to you tomorrow, after I talk to the president, I’m going to stock the blond with clothes, a bed, and some closet space.” He started towards the door, long enough to hear Zax laugh out,

“Never saw you as the parental type at all.”

Sephiroth slammed the door behind him, walking towards his room with the clothes against his wrinkled uniform. He opened the door to his room, dropping the clothes as he stared at the houseguest clad in nothing but a towel. Cloud’s hair was drenched against the sides of his face, and he gulped before whispering he had no clothes. Sephiroth made no movement before he started towards his bathroom to take a cold shower.

Laying his head against the tiles of the tub, Sephiroth breathed deeply, staring at his erection that stood at full attention. Thinking of his father, Professor Hojo, naked – Sephiroth shuttered, allowing the strain to go away. He continued shuttering, in the cold, due to the fact his nerves were shot. He had been turned on, by the child no less. All the years, since his teens, he had became asexual. He wouldn’t allow anybody to touch him, not in any sexual way at least.

He could remember, so vividly when he was thirteen, being pinned down and raped. He could remember the harsh laughter of the men as they slammed in him, one deep inside his ass, causing him to plead, the other stretching his throat with their dick. He remembered crying for Hojo, anyone to save him, but none came. The salty feeling returned to his throat as Sephiroth rushed out of the shower and ducking his head over his toilet and recoiled.

All the memories came flashing back, and Sephiroth lied back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling, trying to freeze them again. His body stopped shaking, giving him time to stand up and stare at his reflection. Reaching over, he flushed the toilet before staring once more at his reflection. He was broken, what beauty did people see, he had no emotions to give, no heart to hand over. As Hojo had said that day, suck it up, you’ll live, and Sephiroth had done just that.

Climbing back into the shower, Sephiroth silently finished his shower to begin the day.

Cloud kicked out his feet, allowing them to leave skid marks across the well-polished floor as a breakfast burrito was shoved in his hands. Chewing on it, Cloud thanked the general, who was reading a report over, and didn’t pay attention at all to the manners. He stared up as the doctor walked out, staring over Cloud, not touching the hand the blond was using to hold food up near his mouth.

With each question, Cloud answered it to the best of his ability, and the doctor wrote upon the notepad he had. Cloud didn’t understand Sephiroth’s motives, but complained when expected to claim Sephiroth was his father.

He had never met his real father, actually. The man had died when he was born, and according to his mother it was strange. With the first breath of air that Cloud took when he entered the world, his father – healthy man – took his last. The doctors had registered that the man had died from mako poisoning that had just developed that day. After that day, Cloud was the last thing that kept his mother steady each passing day, she said he looked so much like his father.

Sephiroth stared up as Cloud started to ignore the doctor, still kicking the floor with his feet, only to receive a slap on the blade, and Cloud jerked to sit right, staring up blankly before eating once more. The doctor stared at the action before shaking his head and handed Sephiroth several papers. The white haired soldier dropped them into his briefcase before pulling to his feet and walking out the door, Cloud running after.

The boy stared up at his new ‘father’, never once meeting contact as they walked towards more elevators. The general punched a code in before apply his card, and the elevator started towards the top floor, and Cloud stared around, looking at the lowering city. Staring back up, Cloud blinked his blue eyes, catching the general’s attention.

“Are we ever going into the city?” He asked, and Sephiroth nodded. A smile rose upon the blond’s lips as he stared down once more, the many lights sparkling in his eyes before he was grabbed and pulled away with Sephiroth through another vast corridor. They finally stopped in front of a desk, and a chubby man stared up at them before ginning, at Sephiroth.

“Circuits breaking, and this is all, a little spill that gave us millions.” He held his arms in the air, and both Cloud and Sephiroth backed off. The man stopped, staring at Cloud with curious eyes, walking towards the blond. “So, this is your son. Looks nothing like you.”

Sephiroth stared at Cloud’s blue eye as the blond grinned at him, but the white haired man had it covered. “He has all of his mother’s looks.” He stared behind the president, at his son that was standing quietly near the desk. “Good to see you, Vice President.” He bowed his head, and Cloud followed suit, figuring it was the right thing to do, but the vice president only turned head.

“Ignore Rufus, he’s been like that all day.” The Vice President walked towards his desk, sitting down. “All right, so if nothing else, I suppose you can go and do whatever you feel like.” He raised a hand, dismissing Sephiroth. Sephiroth turned, walking towards the door, but Cloud licked his lips, staring at Rufus, and the blond stared back at him.

“Come on Cloud.” Sephiroth growled, and the blond followed after his guardian, staring once more at the blond. They were halfway to the elevator when Cloud stared up dryly. “He’s so young, why is he the vice president?”

“His father insists that a ShinRa take over the family business.” Sephiroth slid the door shut, leaning back against the glass in a second that nobody was watching, the gazes that followed him all day. “I really can’t say much more than that, he will be my superior officer in years to come, I cannot choose.”

“Do you not like him?” Cloud whispered.

Sephiroth puffed out a laugh, tilting his head up. “Did I not just say I have no right to say who is my employer? I can’t quit, I have no other qualities then fighting.” He eyed the blond, dancing from heel to heel as they waited for the doors to open. “Any more questions, boy?” He stared straight forward. Twenty more floors, and the doors were all ready sliding open. A group of people, preparing to enter looked at the general before turning and running. The doors, once more, slid shut.

“Yes, why do I have to be your son?” He stared at the general. “My father died when I was born, and I don’t need you taking his place.”

Smiling sadistically, Sephiroth stared at the blond. “Simple. I had seen you, when we entered Nibelheim, fighting those wolves with a fira, yet having no materia. I figured, maybe I had seen something, especially when your mother pulled you back into the house. It was a few minutes later I saw you climb the fence and start up the hills towards the reactor, and my curiosity got the best of me.” He placed a hand on Cloud’s shoulder, leading the boy out of the building and towards the train station. The blond was already bewildered of the technology around him, touching almost everything before they bounded to train. “That was when I saw you at the bridge and led you there. I was originally sent to see why a mako sighting had been so high, so I was to go to the reactor anyway, however I was expecting to have to fry the door, since they had been closed up tightly to disallow nosy kids.”

Sitting on a seat, Sephiroth stared at the lit up tunnels, leading towards Sector Seven, and he watched the blond fidget in his seat, trying to get comfortable. “I became even more curious when those doors, without warning, flew open for you. At that point I was unsure if the reaction had been either the reactor or you, but either which you were involved.”

Cloud stared at the general, frowning distantly as he ran his ragged shoes across the floor again, staring over the people boarding the train before going to another cart. He stared back at his adoptive father before frowning. “You didn’t have to bring me here and adopt me.”

“But I did.” Sephiroth snarled at some people making their way near him. He grinned as they started back where they were at first before continuing. “If I were to leave you, it’d be no time that Hojo, or President ShinRa discovered what you are able to do, and in no time have you as a test subject. The same goes if I were to just hand you to Hojo now. With you as my child, we don’t have to worry, and we can figure what had happened without poking and probing.”

The blond turned, jerking as the train fell to a stop, and he pulled out of his seat, following Sephiroth through the streets. In seconds, the blond was pressed against the older man, staring around as hookers stared at him, winking innocently. Taking in a deep breath, Cloud watched as he was pulled into a house, and he stared as Sephiroth talked to the clerk, fingers playing with the black tunic that sort of hung on his neck, pants that had been held up by a belt were sinking out of the belt from recently discovered cuts in each belt loop.

“Stand still,” The clerk asked, and Cloud did as told, spreading his arms out with a giggle as the measuring tape was brought around his body, from head to toe until the old clerk nodded. “All right, I should have a week worth of clothes for him in a second or two, why don’t you two walk the city.”

Nodding, Sephiroth and Cloud started off towards the main town square, Cloud ran around each second, staring at merchandise that awaited him as Sephiroth talked on a minycom. He stared at Cloud as the boy spoke to the merchant, asking about armor, and Sephiroth shook his head. He had an extra bed brought into his room for cloud, and had one soldier going food shopping, after seeing the boy’s disappointment that morning. The last soldier he could call was signing Cloud for school; Sephiroth felt he could fool the world doing this.

“Sephiroth, what’s a poison ring?” Cloud raised the object, and the man smiled behind him.

“It blocks poison, put it down. I’m not training you to wear armor.” Sephiroth stared back at his phone, growling as people complained about the rudeness. Shutting his phone, Sephiroth ducked it in his coat pocket. “Suck up the pain, like I must.” He growled.

Cloud dropped the ring, staring up at Sephiroth before continuing down a path on his own. His eyes draped his surroundings, turning more corners as he stopped to stare at a bunch of teenagers, laughing and enjoying themselves, smoking and drinking. Cloud stepped closer, staring them over with a small smile, staring at the graffiti all around him. “Wow.” He whispered. “We never had anything like this in Nibelheim!”

The boys snorted, turning amongst themselves as Cloud stepped closer to one trying to get his lighter to light. Holding out his hand, Cloud took hold of the lighter, staring at it with curiosity. Dropping it to the ground, he held his hand out, summoning a small fire around his fingers, and the one trying to light his cigarette smiled.

“Thanks.” He lit it, and puffed out smoke. “How did you do that?” He asked, and Cloud blushed.

“I’ve always been able to. What are you doing?” He addressed the cigarettes; he had never see anybody smoke in Nibelheim, the group of boys stared at him as if he had grown a third head. “Is it okay? Or is it just a fire…” He whispered.

The one he had lit the cigarette for grinned. “Smoking, ever seen it?” He held his used one towards the boy. “Take a puff, you like it.” Cloud arched a brow as he took it in his hand, staring it over.

“Cloud!” The boy jumped, dropping the burning item upon the ground, his stared wildly at the approaching General. The boys he had met stared in awe at the general before taking off past the ally, and Cloud let out a scream as his body was pressed against the wall. Sephiroth lifted Cloud up by the boy’s throat, watching the child gag, kicking and fighting in his arms. “You like killing yourself like that?” He snarled.

“Like what?” Cloud screamed back, flexing his legs and imprinting it against Sephiroth’s chest. He snarled as his body was dropped upon the ground, his arm landing on the cherry, making him scream.

“Smoking those pollutants.” Sephiroth snarled. “If you wanted to die, I could have killed you without any problem.” He grabbed hold of a blond spike and dragged the blond towards the small store again. The old man handed both the items before bowing and letting them go. As Sephiroth started towards the trains, Cloud stood alone, holding back tears. “Come on, Cloud.” Sephiroth glared, and Cloud matched the glare, taking in a deep breath.

“I don’t want to be here, any more!” He screamed. “I want to go home! I want my momma!” He fell to the ground, drawing a crowd. Sephiroth’s face resembled a tomato as he reached down and grabbed the heavy blond, tossing the boy over his shoulder, and Cloud continued screaming, his body tossing and turning to get loose until he was thrown against the seat of the train. Hovering over him, Sephiroth summoned one of his many materia at hand, holding it over Cloud, and the boy screamed loudly as the rock began to glow. A silence spell over took him first, but he continued to scream as he fought more, next was a paralyzing spell, and Cloud laid against the chair, breathing heavily as Sephiroth went to sit down again.

Blue eyes glared daggers at the general as Sephiroth yelled at people to leave the cart, before relaxing his head back against the seat of the train. His aqua eyes closed, in a sleep like fashion as Cloud fought against the dread going through his body, not able to move even his pinky.

Piercing eyes opened, staring down upon the blond. “What possessed me not to kill you?” He asked himself, but Cloud snorted, fighting further on the imaginary binds that had him pinned. Sephiroth stood up, grasping hold of the blond’s neck. “You’re the only thing that can set my mother free, but she needs more power, years of wait! If ShinRa wasn’t so interested in mako energy, I’d have left you in your town and come back when earths power wasn’t so thin.” He sat back down, stretching his arms. “Your mother babies you, but don’t think I will. I will make you a man, a replica of me, and if we can’t set Jenova free now, you’ll set her free for me, in years to come. But, I will be the god.” He snarled.

His attention was fully on the general as Cloud once more fought against his binds; it was when they reached the ShinRa main connection that his voice came back from the silence spell, his face quirking in. “A god? You think I’m going to help you just so you can use her? No, I’m going to set her free, let her live again. It is what she wants, that is why she protects me, talks to me. She doesn’t know you, your mother hates you.” He growled out.

Standing up, Sephiroth walked towards the boy, slamming his first in the child’s stretched stomach. His frown was never replaced as the child screamed, before falling unconscious.

Cloud moaned, turning onto his side from pain. Each breath came in ragged, and he was unsure of his surroundings for the second time in a month. In moments, memories flashed as he stared at the dark bedroom, he was in his own bed however, near a once lone wall. Pushing the blankets from his body, he climbed out of bed, staring around the room for any signs of the general, but saw none.

Finding the coast clear, he started towards the door, staring out as he had done the day before, still no Sephiroth. The bathroom door was thrown open, but nobody occupied it. The kitchen was quiet. Turning back, Cloud yawned as he pulled back into his bed, staring out the window just above his head, and at the lights that gave evidence that he wasn’t going to smell fresh air for days. Sighing, Cloud finally pulled out of bed, going through the closet and yanked himself down a pair of school pants and tunic, since it signaled the first day, ever, he would go to school.

Going towards the bathroom, Cloud gave one last look around before stepping in the piercing hot water. With a yelp he warmed it, and then lathered his hair with shampoo that Zax had bought him the day before. It was a green apple type, and the minute he washed it out of his hair, Cloud felt clean.

As he pulled out of the shower, he stared at his reflection as he tied a towel around his waist. He felt miserable, and wanted to crawl into the center of the earth with the life stream. Yep, that would make him happy. Pulling out his new toothbrush, the blond slowly brushed his teeth, never losing sights of him in the mirror. Spitting the residue in the sink and rising, Cloud stretched one last time before making his way to the kitchen to make plain toast before going around and looking for school, or skipping it all together.

Slowly, he made his way out the door, staring around the corridors as he readjusted his backpack on his shoulder and started off towards the elevators. It was empty, compared to the day before – probably because it was a workday. Stepping into the elevator, the blond stared at the many buttons in front of him before clicking on any floor, in hopes to find what he was looking for. The elevator shook before the door closed and Cloud let out a sigh as he started in the air, towards the higher floors.

He turned to stare at the town bellow him; clicking his tongue as the higher he went in the air until the air. The elevator came to a halt, and Cloud turned, watching as the doors opened, but it wasn’t the floor he had hoped for. A man dressed in all white stepped in, his black haired pulled into a ponytail, glasses at the bridge of his nose as he stared at some reports. “Floor eighty one please.” He muttered, never looking up, and Cloud pressed the button before staring at the man once more.

“’Cuse me,” He whispered, “but what floor is the school? It is my first day, and I really don’t know where I’m heading…” He lowered his voice even lower, causing the strange man to lean forward just to hear him at all.

The man let out a laugh, letting it fill the small elevator before catching his breath and staring at the buttons. “You’re going to the storage floor. I’ll take you there, don’t worry…what’s your name boy?” He stared at the child.

Staring up, Cloud blinked. “Cloud.”

“Cloud what?” The man repeated, and the boy flushed, staring at the ground in thought. Sephiroth had never even said his last name to him, and he wasn’t allowed to say anything about his prior life.

Deciding to be honest, Cloud stared up with his blue eyes sparkling. “I don’t know, my new father,” He used the word as a curse, “hasn’t told me his last name, perhaps you know. Sephiroth is his name.”

Glasses fell off his face, and Cloud reached down and lifted them up before the man chuckled silently. “You’re Sephiroth’s boy. Strange, he would have told me if he even slept with a woman, must have forgotten this woman. My name is Hojo, Professor Hojo.” He stared down at Cloud. A smirk pealed on his face as he saw the boy start to step back towards the wall. “So he has said something about me to you.”

Cloud nodded, holding on to his chest as his thoughts raced all at once. If Sephiroth was telling the truth, then he’d become a test subject to this man, and that scared Cloud to death, he always hated needles.

“Ah, well. Here’s the floor of the school. Have a good day, and tell Sephiroth to come see me when you get home.” The professor laughed as Cloud walked out and the doors closed. Licking his lips, Cloud grinned silently to himself. That man is crazier than Sephiroth.

Staring around the room, Cloud frowned. There weren’t that many students as he had been expecting, each already sitting at their desk, eyes pealed on him. The teacher, a plump old man with yellow teeth, smiled at the boy, standing straight up, he pushed his chair in and gave a quick bow.

“You must be Sephiroth’s boy!” He puffed out, and Cloud nodded mutely as he walked closer into the room. “I’m your teacher Conan Zest.” He muttered, staring around before turning to Cloud, he grinned once more. “Take a seat next to Rufus, and let’s start class.

Walking towards the blond, Cloud stared at the ground before dropping his backpack and pulled out a notebook and pen. The teacher began talking, but the blond could still feel eyes upon him as he started making chicken scratches against the paper. Sure, his mother had taught him how to right and read, but it was all so strange to him to have to do this with a small group of kids and a teacher that used large words.

Staring timidly, he faced Rufus, and the blond snorted, going back to his own assignment, causing Cloud to shrug as he stared back at his papers tiredly.

Class lasted almost forever, before the blond was told to leave for lunch. He stood up, sliding notebooks in his book bag before turning to the elevator to go snag a snack on a lower floor. He could still feel Rufus’ watchful gaze upon him, making the blond turn and face him. “Is something wrong?” He whispered, and the vice president smiled.

“You, simply put.” He stepped towards the blond. “You might be able to fool everybody else in this godforsaken place, but you can’t fool me. Son of Sephiroth my ass, who are you really?” He followed the blond, before pinning the boy inside one of the elevators.

The doors closed, and Cloud sucked in his breath, staring up. “I am what all reports say.” He snorted. “Doesn’t matter what you think.” He turned his face, trying to protect himself by figuring pulling off Sephiroth’s attitude could ace the lie.

It didn’t work, because Rufus grasped hold of the blond’s chin, staring the boy up to his face. “Do not lie to me, if you want to live.” He stated, and Cloud froze, believing every word that escaped the blond president’s mouth. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody else, not worth my time.” He ran a hand through his hair as he stopped the elevator.

Frozen in his spot, Cloud stared at the ground, at his shoelaces. “You better promise me you won’t say anything, cause I hate this lie as much as the next man. Sephiroth took me in because of some mako in Nibelheim and Jenova wanting me to free her. He said that if Hojo or your father found out what I can do,” to make his point he rose a fire in his hands, “they will turn me into a test subject! I hate needles, so I’d rather go with Sephiroth then be killed.” He stared around. “Now please, can I go eat?” He snarled as Rufus restarted the elevator.

“Why would I care?” Rufus snorted. “Starve for all I care.” He leaned back against the wall. “My time wasted for a lousy lie against Hojo. I thought it would be interesting.” He stared at the doors as they came to a stop. As they slid open, the ShinRa executive walked off, and Cloud followed slowly after, suddenly feeling sick to his stomach.

~*~*~OoO~*~*~

Cloud stared at the elevator as it slowly came down, permitting him to go home, lie in bed, and die from irritation. He could hear all the other students, once more making fun of him, pointing and laughing, but he didn’t care. One wasn’t, that being Rufus ShinRa, but one was enough. He could still feel the executive’s stare upon his back, and he waited for all the other students to get on the elevator before turning to glare at Rufus. “All right, stop staring!”

“Why would I stare at you?” Rufus snorted. “You have no proper breeding, have no class, and don’t belong here. The only reason you are here is because Sephiroth is keeping an eye on you.” He snorted.

Grimacing, Cloud stretched his back, pulling off his jacket with anger. “Look, I’m sick of this! I stared at you yesterday, and I’m sorry! Stop staring at me like you want to eat me!” He snarled, and Rufus eyed him warily.

“What makes you think I want to, wish to, eat you?” He snorted, stepping into the elevator and hitting the first floor, Cloud decided to join in. “I have other important things, and I don’t need you messing them up. So go to your room, and wait for Sephiroth to come home.”

Seeing red, Cloud turned his nose in the air. “Nah, whatever you’re doing sounds so much interesting. Besides, I’m going to check the city out some more, I don’t have to listen to Sephiroth.”

“Stupid choose, your funeral.” Rufus shrugged his shoulders as he started towards the left side of the building, opening a door quietly to sneak out. Cloud still followed with a frown. “Do you haveto follow me?” He snarled.

Nodding, Cloud gave the other blond a grin. “Of course, you know my secret, it’s only fair if I knew yours.”

“What secret?” Rufus drowned out, walking down several steps.

“Right.” Cloud rolled his eyes, taking in a breath. “My bad, vice president trying to look invisible, walking out of the back door of his own building, and he says there is no secret. What are you doing, just walking through the front door to make a daring entrance?” Cloud asked sarcastically.

Rufus frowned, touching his cheek. “No, if you must know. I’m going to see my boyfriend. President ShinRa objects to my relationship, and is seeking a female for me, against my will.”

Wrinkling his nose, Cloud opened the last door to the outside. “Don’t you call him dad or something like that?”

“Not allowed.” Rufus stared around the parking lot before going towards a black vehicle in the back. “Look, do you need a ride in the city and back?”

Nodding, Cloud grinned, following the young boy towards the back where a man pulled out of the front seat, smiling with a gorgeous smile. Red hair was tied back in a ponytail, and the Turks uniform was untidy upon his skin, but Rufus ignored the dismay look as he wrapped his arms around the much older man and snuggled his face into the uniform before seeking a kiss. When he pulled away he smiled brightly before pointing at Cloud. “He’ll be coming with us. His company isn’t all that bad.” He touched the pale cheek with a grin. “That is all right, right baby?” He smiled.

The man snorted. “Fine. My name is Reno, kid. Don’t forget, don’t call me sir, and don’t bother asking for my last name. Just Reno.” He released Rufus from his hold to let the boy climb in the car, while the vice presidents back was turned; he slapped the boy’s school uniform clad ass, whistling. “Hot stuff here is mine.” He grinned.

Snorting, Rufus pulled the red head into another kiss. “Be good for once.” He whispered.

Blushing, Cloud turned his face from the scene of affection before walking towards the back seat to climb in and wait for the two lovebirds to stop making out in brood daylight. It took a few minutes, but after five, they pulled apart and went towards the car again. Reno started up his ride, allowing it to switch gears as he laughed joyfully.

“Boy, you’re in for the time of your life!” He said, to either Rufus or Cloud, it didn’t matter; the blond stared out the window in fascination from the time they started, until the time they returned back to the ShinRa Headquarters.

“How could you think it’d be safe to just go into the city without me, and taking vice President ShinRa with you! Do you know the dangers you placed both yourselves in?” Sephiroth yelled at the boy, sitting on the couch.

He had been yelled since the minute he opened the door, and while Sephiroth had gone on and on about being hurt, the boy was almost done with his homework, all this being an hour before hand. He stared up blankly, getting tired of the white haired general’s voice as he stood. “Oh! Hojo said he wanted to speak with you, I forgot the mention that.” He muttered, and the General fell at lost and words before his face turned red once more. Zax, who had been patient with them since the blond had returned home, stared up suddenly.

“What could he want with you that he had to ask Cloud?” He muttered, tapping his check. “Breath Sephiroth.” He muttered after a second, and the white haired general released his breath all at once with another string of curses at the blond.

“Did I not tell you to stay away from Hojo? He didn’t take you to the lab did he, and he knows you’re my son, right?” He snarled. “Zax, baby-sit Cloud. I’m going to see what Hojo wants.” He started out the door, masamune at hand, and both Cloud and Zax breathed a sigh of relief.

Standing up, Zax walked into the kitchen, staring at the fridge with hunger. “I never seen him so mad, you should calm down and take cover for about a week until he cools over what you did.” He pulled open the door, and stuck his tongue out in disgust. “He plans on raising a teenager and all he has in here is health food!”

Snorting, Cloud stared tiredly at his books. “Doesn’t he ever shut up? So I went into the city, I wanted to look around, instead of following him everywhere. And, Rufus was the one who brought me, I didn’t kidnap him.” He dropped his books in his bag again before walking into the kitchen to pour him some cereal for dinner. “Why doesn’t he like Hojo anyway, the man didn’t seem all that bad, a little over the edge, but much better attitude than Sephiroth has.”

Tilting his head, Zax frowned as he pulled the cereal to make his own dinner. “Well, Hojo isn’t one of the best company Seph and I have been around. He is after Jenova to make more Jenova cells, all in the name for science. Make tons of super soldiers, just like Sephiroth.”

“Super Soldiers?” Cloud muttered, staring up weakly. “So, Jenova isn’t really Sephiroth’s mother?”

Zax chewed on the spoon, thinking silently before opening his mouth again. “Well, he is and isn’t. Really hard to say, he’s been inserted with so many of her cells, he is her child, but nobody knows his real mother but Hojo. From what we figure, Hojo is his father, but neither look the same, so I guess you being his son could make sense. Nobody in his family look the same because, between you and me, Sephiroth is sexy as hell, Hojo makes me want to throw up, and Jenova makes me consider my sexuality.” He frowned. “I’m straight before you asked, I’m just saying both ‘parents’ are so hideous that it makes one question how they could give birth to … Sephiroth, man who turns people into puddles when he does smile.” He drank some of his milk. “Maybe he received them from his biological mother, but until we meet her, we question his looks and lay them all on her. Couldn’t have been sane, if she slept with Hojo.”

Cloud smiled, leaning his head against the table. “Yeah, but doesn’t change the fact that Sephiroth is an ass.” He looked down at his bowl. “I told Rufus, about the lie, I don’t think he’ll tell his own father, but I’m not sure, just in case, I have dirt on him.”

Leaning in, Zax smiled lightly. “Ooo, dirt. Do tell.” He placed his head on his hands, and Cloud frowned, flicking him off. “Fine, be that way. I mean, if he gets in trouble, and you know why, your head.” Zax leaned back, and Cloud smiled. “He’ll deserve it, it’s his choice, just like mine that I’m going into the city again tomorrow!” Cloud stood up, walking towards his room, his uneaten bowl of cereal still on the kitchen table. Reaching over, the dark haired soldier pulled the food towards him with a smile.

“Can’t let you go to waste.” He dug into the meal, licking his lips silently.

~*~*~OoO~*~*~

Jerking awake, the blond stared around as doors slammed, signaling Sephiroth was home, and still hadn’t cooled off about earlier, he curled into his blankets staring at the bedroom door as it slowly opened and the white haired demon, in Cloud’s words, stepped inside.

The blond closed one of his eyes, staring at his guardian as the man dropped his pants, walking towards the closet, and Cloud flushed. He could tell, through Sephiroth’s boxers, that the man was large, and Cloud found himself licking his drying lips. No matter how disgusted he grew with himself, he couldn’t stop staring at the white haired man as Sephiroth pulled of his shirt, showing his muscular chest, full of cuts and scraps.

Sephiroth walked towards the window, staring out of it, on the other side of the room, in means to avoid waking the blond, and Cloud captured in a deep bit of air. His face stared at the general’s firm ass, and all the blood rushed to the boy’s groin. It wasn’t the first it had happened, last being when he had seen Tifa in a wet bikini, but another man had never turned him on.

However, the man in front of him could be the exception to that. Sephiroth was going through his drawers until pulling out a new pair of pants, and without shame, dropped his own boxers. At that moment, Cloud could swear pre swelled at his tip as he stared at the glorious white hair at the base of the general’s cock, and Cloud turned his back, staring at the wall with wide eyes. He could hear footsteps, walking his way, and his blue eyes closed, his breath lightening to sound asleep.

He could feel a hand go through his hair, laying it flat before warm breath laid against his ear, as if Sephiroth was making sure the boy was asleep. Then, the set of eyes pulled away from Cloud, and the boy let loose of his grip on the blanket, closing his eyes as he heard the other bed creek, then all went silent. Cloud didn’t recluse until Sephiroth’s snores filled the room, giving him reassurance that he was going to wake up the next day.

~*~*~OoO~*~*~

Sephiroth was sitting at the kitchen table when the blond exited the bathroom the next morning, and Cloud stared at the ground as he started making toast. His breathing picked up as the silence remained around them, until he could no longer take it. His hands pressed against the table as he stared at the uniformed soldier. “Are you still mad at me about yesterday?”

A smirk formed the soldier’s face. “I’m going to walk you to school, then take time off from my busy schedule to walk you back here. If I can’t, Zax will pick you up.” He placed another report beside him, sipping his coffee.

Staring at the toaster, Cloud snorted. “And if I’m not there?” he smiled.

“Your professor won’t let you loose until I’m there, it has already been discussed. Rufus, as well, is being directed up to his office, so don’t think he can get you out of there.” Sephiroth stared up, frowning distantly at one of the paper works before signing it. “Get your backpack, once your toast comes up, we’re leaving.” He snorted, and Cloud nodded.

Walking through the living room, Cloud placed the arm of his backpack over one of his shoulders before walking back into the kitchen as his toast popped up. Snatching it, he watched as Sephiroth placed his papers in his briefcase before standing as well.

Both men walked toward the elevator, and Cloud felt downgraded as the doors closed and they started moving to the proper floor, Sephiroth’s gaze is not on the adolescent-almost teen, but on the doors. They opened, and Cloud captured his breath in as Hojo stepped in, just like the day before. He stared over both of them, stopping on Cloud as he tilted the boy’s face to look at him.

“For once I see you together.” He smiled, and Sephiroth snorted, slapping his hand from Cloud’s face. The boy stared at the floor as the scientist frowned. “Yes?”

“Do not touch my son,” Sephiroth hissed in a low tone, but Hojo wasn’t scared the least.

The black haired man didn’t budge his hand, running it along Cloud’s sideburns, flicking them to a side, and the blond jerked as the doors opened again. Taking off, he walked towards the doors, before staring back with disgust as the doors closed. Sitting down at his desk, he stared at Rufus with a frown. “How did you find out you liked…boys instead of girls?” He stared at the other blond, his voice not rising above a whisper.

Rufus flushed, staring at his papers. “When Reno stepped into my life. Damn him, fucking everything the Turks had made, and gave no remorse. Badass, when he wasn’t suppose to. However, the minute we were alone at the beach of the Coast De Sol, I was in fear of myself. He, off duty, had taken his shirt off. I figured, with as much as he smoked and drank, he’d have so under muscle, but he was tone. The blood rushed to my groin, and I became worried.” He stared down. “Soon, I found him staring at me with lustful eyes, and I wanted to test out my feelings. We sat and talked, and next thing I knew, he had me pressed against the sand, and was kissing the air out of me.”

“So, because he kissed you, you realized you didn’t like women?”

Frowning, Rufus taped his pen against the desk. “No, it’s the principle of the matter, he turned me on in a way none of those damn women around me could.” He quirked an eyebrow. “Why are you wondering about my sex life?”

Flushing, Cloud ducked his arms in his lap. “Promise not to tell?” He received a nod. “I was up, a little late last night, around the time that Sephiroth came home from visiting Hojo. I watched him strip to the nether, and he never noticed my gaze. I grew…hard, staring at him. However, I was hard once with I saw my friend, Tifa, in a wet bikini, so I didn’t see anything of it. Do you think I’m interested in guys only?”

Snorting, Rufus turned as the professor walked into the room. “Nah, you like both, however. Sephiroth? Your own father.” The blond shuttered, and Cloud just smiled sweetly as class started.

~*~*~OoO~*~*~

Cloud leaned upon his shoulder, silently listening to the teacher went on about mako energy, but his mind wandered. He saw a fat man walk into the room, speaking with the professor, before staring at him, and Cloud sighed. Probably because he wasn’t listening, but it didn’t look like anybody else was.

“Cloud, professor Hojo would like to speak with you.” His professor frowned. Cloud stared up as the fat man held out an arm, trying to show the blond the way through the building. As Cloud gathered his stuff, he turned to Rufus, quickly whispering in his ear.

“Please, contact Sephiroth. He doesn’t want me in the same room with Hojo, or anywhere around him.”

The vice president nodded, touching his books bleakly before raising his hand to be excuse himself, the teacher was reluctant, but agreed. As Cloud walked towards the elevators, Rufus walked towards another side of the room with his minicom.

Cloud took in a deep breath as he felt the fat man’s gaze at him, but when he stared up, the man’s eyes shifted towards the door. “Why does professor Hojo want to see men, did he say?” He asked.

Shifting from foot to foot, the fat man snorted. “Like I would know what he wants with you, kid. Probably just to test you for mako poisoning, since you are Sephiroth’s kid.” He started out the door, frowning as Cloud froze, staring around. “Come along, he doesn’t like waiting.”

Nodding, Cloud slowly started towards the man, looking at his surroundings for an escape route if worse came to worse. He could feel each one of the scientist stare up at him as he turned corners, and a blazing blue light blinded his vision.

He could see again, that was a good sign, but his body was numb as talking was all around him. One blue blob in front of him stared down, before poking him and Cloud tensed unsure of what was going on. His sides hurt, his head hurt, and the soft mummers were becoming louder than needed. A shadow covered Cloud’s vision; eyes stared down upon him as the person spoke, almost passively.

“My, how many mako pools did you swim in? Your blood is all mako…” It was Hojo, still probing him with needles. “My beautiful specimen.” He addressed Cloud.

Opening his blue eyes, Cloud groaned, he couldn’t see any better than before, but he could hear something crashing. Just outside a door, he could hear Sephiroth, yelling and breaking things. A door threw open, and it was a rough voice that spoke up first.

“Hojo, halt this experiment, Sephiroth is on a mad dash towards this room” Cloud’s mind boggled, tilting to a side. Why was the president there? He held a hand up, trying to get loose, but found something that had been jabbed in his arm caused more pain than before. His arm collapsed down, and tears fell from his cheeks, he hurt. He wanted Sephiroth to protect him, didn’t want to be in this room any more.

Another door was thrown open and Cloud could tell it was Sephiroth due to the screams of scientist, the president’s yelling at his best officer to stop breaking tubes of blood. Cloud’s body tensed, as if feeling invited as warm flames embarked around him, blood that had been on the floor now in flames and gone, and the needles in his arm ripped out with one grab, broken in seconds.

Cloud hissed as he was lifted into loving arms, and the two started out of the room, he could hear crunching under him, broken glass being shredded into millions of pieces. The elevator gave a ding, and he could tell he was safe from that room as Sephiroth stepped in. The blue light that had blinded Cloud was gone, and the boy blinked his eyes, staring around at aqua green eyes, then ice blue ones from Rufus.

“Are you all right, Cloud?” Sephiroth asked, sitting the tired boy on the floor. Trying to maintain his footing, Cloud fell over, and Rufus caught him, holding the other blond up as Cloud’s world spun. “They just took a lot of blood, you should recover in seconds due to all that mako I saw in the room.”

“Mako…” Cloud whispered, his tongue felt thick, used. His arms shook in pain, blood still leaked, but it was ignored by the two as he held tightly onto Rufus’ shirt. “I hurt…” He whispered, pain shooting through his arms, stopping at the base.

Rufus, leaned back against the wall, refusing to let go of his only friend, staring up, he sighed. “I assume it’ll be no trouble at all to bring him into your room? I’m aware with the mess you just, causally, caused, my father will expect to see you immediately for the reason of destroying his lab.” Rufus, tilting his head back, repositioned the sleeping blond in his arms.

Reaching into his pocket, Sephiroth handed over the keys to his apartment with a slight frown. “Would you mind staying in there with him while I deal with your father. Sir,” The general stared at the door as it opened to another floor. This is going to take forever, He thought as the people standing outside gulped and stared at the two of the most feared workers there. “How did you know that Cloud was not my son and that Hojo would be after him in no time that I was out of sight?”

“Cloud told me,” Rufus stated. “Demanded I did not tell anybody else, because that would mean you’d be charged – if my father had the goad to do so – with the kidnapping of the fine specimen of mako. They would never find Jenova.” He smiled as the door, finally stopped on the right floor. “Have fun.” He started off, grinning distantly at the general who was about to have his ass chewed out.

Fingers tightened around his front jacket, pulling close as a small whimper escaped Cloud’s mouth. “I’m here for you, I’m here.” He muttered.

A soft thump upon the back of his shoulder made his heart jump as he turned around, facing the grim face of his boyfriend, staring at him with absolutely no fascination. “What happened the Chocobo-ass?” He smiled.

Blushing, Rufus effortlessly turned the key in Sephiroth’s door, stepping into the one-bedroom apartment. “Hojo was testing on him, he’s scared out of his mind. Could you take him into the room while I call my secretary to explain that I won’t be early to work.” He handed the heavy child towards the man, and Reno breathed deeply.

“Fine.” He started out of the room. Rufus padded into the mini-comm, frowning as the elderly face of his secretary came up. She didn’t ask, but merely nodded about delaying all work before shutting the receiving pad down with no good-bye, but Rufus could careless.

Standing up, he held his arms out as Reno stepped out of Sephiroth’s bedroom, and stood for the hug. Their bodies pressed together, holding each part of their bodies close as the two sat against the ground, needing no words to be exchanged, they kissed quietly.

“I thought you were working in the slums…” He pulled away quickly, staring over the red head’s eyes.

“Eh, bitch refuses to come to Hojo. I figure for the same reason he wanted Chocobo-ass. Her mother swung a bat at us, and Aeris spit at my feet. Wanted to kill her, but we were told to just leave. Tseng told us to back off, and leave. So, I was coming to find you, and several students said you had left with Sephiroth. Voila, here I am.”

Grinning, Rufus pressed his ear against his lover’s ribcage, listening to his heartbeat. “Hm. We’re on a couch, probably never been used…” He lifted his brows, suggestively.

“Eh, no. I have to report to Tseng again, going to Nibelheim to help some search for a missing child that had been last seen in the reactor terrain-”

Rufus pressed his hand against his lover’s lip, shaking his head drastically. “Don’t help, take your time, and say you haven’t seen him as of yet. Cloud is the child he is looking for, and Sephiroth kidnapped him for the boy’s own good. Jenova is there.”

Raising his hands, Reno smiled. “Okay.” He kissed his lover’s lips before starting back out of the door. Blushing a faint red, Rufus ran his hand through his hair before taking out a piece of paper from his long forgotten back pack to start up on homework.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Sephiroth rubbed his eyes, tiredly as he stepped in front of his door. His sharp ears could pick up laughter from inside as he pressed forward, listening. He could identify one of the laughing as Cloud’s over toned voice, giggling and talking all at once. The other had been one he had never heard before. It wasn’t Zax, for the First Soldier was going out to celebrate that night with some others. The only other, who had ever been in his room, well now anyway, would be Rufus ShinRa. However, it was hard to ever think the vice president would laugh like a schoolgirl.

Leaning against the door, Sephiroth took the time to compose himself, feeling as though if he were to just enter, he’d toss something at the blond for being so stupid as to ever go any place with a man in a lab coat.

The president, not even questioning the fight in the lab, had – with a risen tone of voice – explained that if Sephiroth wanted to keep Cloud, the boy would need better living conditions. Health conditions were not satisfactory anymore. They could live where they were, but Cloud would be in need of his own bedroom. Also, the blond would need at least two weeks worth of clothes, underwear, and undershirts. The head of the Turks would monitor all by the end of the week.

Sephiroth, in quick wit, asked for the janitor’s closet next to his room, to be changed into a bedroom, a window added, and the door to the main hall removed and placed to Sephiroth’s home. It was a little much, but Sephiroth had no plans of moving into a two bedroom SOLDIER’s quarter near the recruiters, and was more than happy with his one-bedroom apartment he had lived in since he could remember.

Running his hand over the face in work to clear the sleep, Sephiroth stepped inside, staring awkwardly at the two grinning blondes, hugging pillows and giggling. A faint blush was covering the vice president’s face, and he wore a pair of his sweat pants, and a tight tunic of Cloud’s. Both were looking ready for bed, yet far from tiredly. Sephiroth, oddly, wished he had taken up going celebrating with Zax just for the alcohol.

“Sir, why are you still here?” Sephiroth asked.

Turning an ever-greater shade of red, Rufus stood up. “You were late, and I didn’t feel like leaving Cloud here alone.”

Staring up with bright, rare, blue eyes, Cloud smiling awkwardly. “I asked him to spend the night, is that okay? Oh, and I’m sorry about taking some of your clothes. We were making some dinner, and I poured milk all across his school uniform.”

‘Just great,’, Sephiroth frowned slightly, ‘Not only am I tearing half of my apartment to pieces, I now sleep on the cramped couch so Rufus can have a nice warm bed.’ “No, I do not mind. You two should head off to bed now, good night.”

Sticking out his bottom lip, Cloud stared up mutely. He forced his voice out, but it became a soft whimper as if saying ‘But we’re not tired…’

Throwing his arms up, Sephiroth stomped into his kitchen, pulling out an apple to chomp on while glaring at the two blond boy’s that went back to their hushed giggling and … talking. Still, Sephiroth didn’t think the vice president was that kind of person. He saw the president say something that made the blond bite his lip to sustain an outburst of laughter and embarrassment at the same time.

Personally, he felt if he were to go to take a nice hot bath and everything grew silent in here, he would have to make sure that both boys were still living. He wasn’t going to get a wink of sleep the way they were gossiping. He saw four blue eyes turn to face him before both boys broke out laughing. He didn’t need to guess that they were mocking him. Tossing the core away, he started to his bedroom to get nightclothes, figuring if they stopped laughing it’d be for the best.

When he re-entered the room, clothes at hand, both boys had regained their sickening pale complexion and were no longer as giggly, however Sephiroth didn’t like the serious look in both eyes as they continued on with whatever was of main conflict, Cloud’s eyes turned to meet the aqua green ones, flashing a sweet smile, before returning to Rufus to whisper something in his ear.

Having enough with their secrets, Sephiroth slammed the bathroom door shut, staring around lightly before deciding to just go on with his life, and ignored both boys as long as possible.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

“Personally, I doubt he’d believe we were talking about animal Santa Clauses.” Rufus grinned from Sephiroth’s bed as Cloud clicked his tongue, lying on his stomach.

“I’m sorry. It was the best I could come up with the minute he walked into the door. What do you think he’d say if he knew you were explaining gay sex to me?” Cloud smiled, a faint blush returning to his face as Rufus broke out into grins again.

“I’d ask if he’d like to demonstrate on you.” The blond vice president nodded. “Yep, then see if I can find my lovely Reno to teach both of you a thing or two.” He held up his hand, in flattery to his boyfriend. “Master Reno can make any body moan…”

Sticking his tongue out, Cloud laid his head upon his pillow, staring shyly above the fabric of blankets. “Were you serious about Sephiroth being interested in slave and master?”

“I said ‘I think’ not ‘He is’.” Rufus rephrased, pulling the blanket up. “It’s just the way he is though, if not asexual, then he’s into dominating anybody. However, I might be wrong, he might like playing like kittens.” He shuddered slightly.

“What about Reno? Is he into kitten sex?” Cloud whispered.

Staring with one eye, the other long closed, Rufus blushed. “Um…” He received a large grin from his best friend before both decided to sleep the night away.

Cloud was sitting under an old oak tree, staring over the grass plains far bellow him, chocobos that played freely by them selves, in the wind of the untainted world. Sephiroth had taken several recruits on a test of survival, and in fear of leaving Cloud alone while Rufus was away in Junon.

He was being as good as possible, working freely on future class assignments, working on his writing skills, and reading books that were to be tested on. He wasn’t going to need help in later classes, but he was bored. Staring back over the terrain, he smiled as he watched a baby chocobo start up on its legs for the first time, before falling over weakly.

It felt like forever since he had last been out in the open, and had become consciously aware of the monsters that were everywhere. Sephiroth told him to stay here, being that it was in city limits, and monsters weren’t stupid enough to enter. That didn’t matter, Cloud wanted to go a little ways and play with the powerful birds that stared with interest up at him.

Standing up, he started down the hill, leaving all his supplies up there, he’d be back soon before Sephiroth knew he was missing. The sang snug under his given boots squeaked playfully as the bird tilted it’s head to a side, stepping back. “Come here,” Cloud held out his hand.

The Chocobo walked towards him, unsure of what to do before staring up, above the blond, and taking off towards the farm in the distance. Dust fell into the blonde’s eye, causing him to cry out, falling to the ground and wiping it weakly. He stood up once more, once it was all out, but his vision was still blurry. ‘Stupid bird.’

Turning around, he fell back upon his bottom, staring at the large snake that glared down upon him. Its fangs were already out, poison dripping off the tip as he let out a scream and started off towards the farm. It wasn’t hard to know that the Midgar Zolom was behind him, he could hear the shifting of marsh as he was tripped, and the monster came back up, wrapping it’s tail around his body and lifting him up.

Screaming, he started kicking and summoning fire upon the monster. Nothing he did was strong enough as it began to start off, towards the other end of the marsh. Continuing to kick, he slammed his legs against the edge, but the snake only hissed, spiting venom at the ground before facing him.

He felt something impact near him, not on him, but it made the snake drop him. Crying on, the blond landed on his rear, staring up as he felt arms grab him and start running. His blue eyes stared up, seeing two crimson orbs that he had never seen before. The man didn’t drop him as the reached a safe part of the marshes, back near the Chocobo farm, panting for air. “What were ya doing out there kid?” He screamed.

Staring up, Cloud felt tears fall into his eyes, sniffling to keep his anger in check. “We don’t have chocobos near my home, I wanted to see one…” He pushed the few droplets of tears from his eyes as the crimson eyes sneered.

“Just don’t go out there alone.” He stared towards the camp on the other side of the marshes, shuddering slightly. “Now how are we to get back there and avoid Zolom.” He thought silently.

“A chocobo was out there, and it wasn’t in danger.” Cloud whispered. “Maybe if we get one from the farm, we can travel over there quickly.”

Nodding his head, the crimson-eyed recruit started towards the farm, his feet stepping harshly against the ground. “Let’s go, General Sephiroth said if all were unaccounted for when we are to leave, we are left.”

“My name’s Cloud.” The blond whispered, moving his toe against the dirt under it. “What’s yours?”

“Well, Cloud. My names Atem, recently moved to Midgar to be part of SOLDIER from Kalm.” He smiled, and Cloud flashed him a grin. “Which reminds me, as well. Where’s your family, before I start back to my camp.”

Blushing, Cloud stared at his toes. “Just take me back towards your camp, and we both won’t get in trouble.”

“Fine.” Atem nodded. His eyes focused around him as a chocobo ran towards him, followed by two more monsters preparing to attack. Raging out, the man took his training sword and smashed them, grasping the Chocobo before it, too, could run. Cloud jumped up, grinning as he ran towards the creature, running his fingers through its feathers. “We didn’t catch it to look at it,” Atem hopped on the creature, “let’s go.” He helped the small child get up.

The two were crossing the marshes when the blonde’s ducked his head further into the recruits shoulder, turning red. Sephiroth was standing where he was suppose to be. A glare was on his face, as he stared around, hoping to catch where the blond ran off.

“Eh. General doesn’t look all to happy…” Atem muttered, pulling the chocobo to a stop. The creature made a noise, stepping back as both boys dismounted before taking off.

Cloud stared up, wistfully, at his new friend, hoping maybe the recruit could save his hide, but thought better of it as he started towards the general, grabbing his hand quickly.

“Where were you Cloud?” Sephiroth snarled, not even facing the recruit that was saluting him.

“I wanted to see the chocobo, but when I got up to it, it took off before I could do anything. Next thing I know, this big snake was behind me and chasing me. It grabbed me, and probably was going to eat me, if Atem didn’t save me!” He held out his arms, trying to refer how big the snake had been, and the general eyed the recruit that stepped back, staring at Cloud, then his commanding officer.

“Report back to the van, Recruit. I want a word with you when we arrive back at ShinRa HQ in my office. Dismissed.” He eyed Cloud. “Get your stuff Cloud.” The blond nodded, falling to his knees to start collecting his stuff.

“I’m really sorry…” He blinked, staring up. “I never saw one before, and people keep saying I’m like one. Don’t yell at Atem, he was very nice. He already yelled at me for wondering off!” Cloud smiled, hoping to excuse himself from the punishment later.

“Just go to the van, sit up front, I don’t want you wondering around.” Sephiroth started in the other direction at the men standing at attention.

Trotting across the terrain, Cloud ran up to Atem smiling brightly as the recruit did. Pulling off his helmet, red hair fell against his ears, and well shaved around the tip of his neck. “Didn’t know you were the General’s playmate.” He harassed.

Snorting, Cloud stared at his guardian. “He’s all I have now. Besides, Sephiroth isn’t that bad, just fun to piss off.” Cloud grinned brightly.

Smiling, Atem leaned back, moving his hand through his hair. “Wanna hang out with a few friends and I tomorrow afternoon. Going down to the plate to party.” He grinned, and Cloud blushed.

“I don’t know. I’ve been to the plate a few times, but I’m not old enough to go into any place.” Hugging the blond close, Atem held his arm up.

“Trust me kid, with me, you’ll be coming inside!” He smiled, and Cloud grinned up. “Be at the entrance of ShinRa at three, make sure General Sephiroth knows you’re leaving too.”

Turning red, Cloud nodded. “If I’m not there, I didn’t get permission.” He hoped up front, placing his backpack on the ground. “Thanks for being my friend.” He grinned from ear to ear, and Atem returned the look before turning to get where he was suppose to be.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Lunch was plain, as normal. Sephiroth wasn’t much of a cook, and Cloud was – slowly – getting sick of bologna sandwiches. It did, of course, beat cereal and soup at that moment. Sephiroth sat at his desk in the living room, going over god-knew what.

He had permission to go with Atem, as long as the redhead kept track of the boy. The recruit was more than aware of that, being which the General prepped on how to handle the boy when thanking him for watching over the over-active blond.

The construction of Cloud’s bedroom had been done, and the blond (luckily) now had allowance coming in from Sephiroth to keep the apartment clean.

Stuffing his mouth with the lunch, Cloud stood up, cleaning off his plate before putting it away. Swallow the food in his mouth; he smiled at the general, who returned no such affection. “I’ll be back soon!” He hugged Sephiroth before taking off out the door. He smiled at the passing officers, each that he knew by name. They took a liking to the boy, and while Sephiroth was either busy or out, offered to take care of the cheerful blond. His favorite had been Rude.

Tough Turk to get along with, however Cloud could break past his barrier with tears. It was how he actually lived, getting food from Rude (ones such as desserts, pastas, rich chocolate, and other delicious foods). The Turk, sadly, was with Rufus in Junon, so that left Cloud alone. Well, not anymore, he had Atem now.

Stepping in front of the tall building, Cloud smiled as he saw the present redhead, staring back at him with crimson eyes. “Well, come on. Before the party is over!” Atem took Cloud’s hand, leading the fourteen year old towards the train.

They made no move to talk with each other as Cloud took in Atem’s form. Tight fitting leather held onto the boy for dear life as he leaned back against the door, staring over the blazing lights. “No matter how any times I’ve been on this train, I never get over the fact that it actually moves.” He finally said, and Cloud stared up.

“I enjoyed my first ride, where I came from it’s rather uninhabited. We don’t have transportation of any sort.” He stared out the window, smiling. “I asked my professor once, what made it move, and he looked at me like I was an idiot.” His face fell down cast, never staring up as he sighed. “It uses mako, like everything else does, he explained. It’s why ShinRa is so big, because it runs all the reactors. It uses mako that the earth gives. Every minute he explained it to me, I became scared…” ‘because I’m all mako,’ Cloud finished mutely. He pulled away from the window, sitting down as he felt arms pull him into a warm embrace.

“Yet, where would we be without power, it’s what operates everything, and makes life so much easier.” Atem whispered. “I know we’ll find another alternative one day, but this is good enough, isn’t it?” He asked, and Cloud weakly nodded.

The train came to a stop, making both boys jerk, Atem falling on Cloud. The blond turned red, not moving to push the redhead off him before accepting offering hands to stand up. Atem ran a hand over the back of his head, chuckling embarrassed, but Cloud ignored it, grabbing his hands. “Show where we’re going, please!”

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Cloud stared around the laughing crowds as he pushed further into his chair. He felt out of place. A pair of loose arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him to his feet. “Dance with me, Cloud.” It was Atem.

Blushing, Cloud shook his head, quickly. “I can’t dance.” He whispered, staring over the closeness of everybody else.

Pulling the blond towards the dance floor, Atem grinned as he pulled the shorter boy against him, pinning their waist close. Cloud turned a deeper shade of red, staring up at the eyes he respected as they moved against each other (actually Atem was pressing them together to show Cloud how to move). The blond held close as they turned slightly and Atem turned the boy around. Pressing his hips against Cloud’s backside, he patiently ground their hips together, and Cloud shuddered. Running his fingers through the blind strands of hair, Atem smiled as Cloud bolded, returning the motion on his own free will, grinning wildly as they danced.

He could feel eyes turn to him, but ignored them as Atem’s hot lips meet his neck, and Cloud turned red. “What are you doing?” He asked innocently.

“Let’s go, this place sucks anyway.” Atem grabbed hold of the blonde’s hand, dragging him out of the club and quickly into an alley. The blond blushed as he felt the hot lips, once on his neck, press against his lips, and something begged for entrance. Hesitantly, he opened his mouth, a soft moan escaping his lips as Atem’s tongue entered his mouth.

Leaning forward, Cloud pressed his body closer to his friend’s, pulling closer to get more of the kiss as he brushed his own tongue with the older males. Fingers racked his face, holding close as they deepened further, fighting.

Cloud felt arms wrap around his waist, causing him to gasp and lose the battle as the offered tongue plunged into his mouth, mapping it. As Atem pulled away, both panted sharply, and Cloud blushed as he felt his own hard erection touch Atem’s.

“Call the general, tell him you’re spending the night with me.” The redhead drug the hesitant blond towards a pay-comm. Cloud stared up at him before weakly pressing the remembered number to the apartment, and after a few rings Sephiroth picked up. The white haired general looked tired, as if he had been reading reports for too long.

“Cloud, is everything okay?” He asked, one eye on a report in front of him, the other closing to refocus.

“Sir, can – I mean, may I spend the night with Atem? There’s no school tomorrow.” Cloud whispered.

Sephiroth stared up, staring at the blond for the first time before turning red. “What happened Cloud?” He demanded, referring to the blonde’s bruised lips and blushed face.

“Nothing really, please, can I just stay with Atem?” He stared at the quiet redhead for some help.

Stepping up, Atem bowed his eyes, not bothering to salute since neither was wearing insignia. “Sir, my barrack is rather quiet, due to my bunk mates out and partying, and the way they were talking, aren’t returning tonight. I’d rather the company, and Cloud explained to me that he wanted to get to know a little more about the city without the mako talk.” He nodded to Cloud, know nodded in return.

“One of my many studies!” Cloud smiled, knowing that was the only truth. He had, slightly, wanted to know more and more about why people needed mako. They didn’t need such in Nibelheim.

Sighing, Sephiroth nodded. “Fine. But, soldier,” he glared at Atem, “I want him home before noon.” He snarled, and Atem saluted. The link died, and the redhead pushed Cloud against the door to claim the lips he desired again.

Atem led Cloud through the barracks, stopping at one of the many doors and fondled with his keys until he was capable to open the door and bring the blond inside. Quickly the door was once more locked, and the blond was lying on the spring mattress, under the full weight of Atem.

The redhead’s lips played dearly with the side of the blonde’s neck, teasing the cream-like skin with each bite, and he could feel the blond was enjoying it. He caressed the blonde’s face, bringing the soft lips towards his again.

“Cloud,” he whispered, plucking the boy’s lips again, “are you a virgin?” He smiled as the blonde’s face turned red, turning to look someplace other than the other’s face. “I thought so.”

Leaning his lip towards the blonde’s, Atem pulled Cloud into one last kiss, before pinning the blonde’s waist under his hips. He ran his hand down the boy’s tight shirt, slowly bringing the rim up and over Cloud’s lithe body. Cloud’s face resembled no more than a tomato, sure Rufus had gone over this stuff, but he was still nervous. He hoped that Atem was interested in ‘nice’ sex, and not harsh.

Atem’s lip’s met the blonde’s peach nipples, slyly brining his tongue out to slightly lick the nub. Cloud’s mouth opened. He felt nervous now as the redhead lowered his mouth over the nub, nibbling and sucking on the wound before coming back up to slightly lick what pain the blond could be in.

Needless to say, he wasn’t in pain. His pants felt tight upon his waist, and his back arched up for more as he moaned softly. Hands played with the disregarded nub, perking it to its peak before paying attention with his mouth. Atem’s tongue danced upon the silk-like skin of the small teen. He pulled back up, sitting between the blonde’s legs.

“Strip for me, please?” He smiled.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Sephiroth was pissed. Mostly at his self, but he was still mad. He needed the blonde’s company, it being the first time he had let the boy out of his sights, yet he trusted that Atem would be nice to the blond.

Laying his head on his arms, he ran his pen (shaped like his masamune, a corny gift from Zax) against his chin. He had to keep with all of the president’s direction to keep Cloud, one being that blond needed friends. Cloud had them, officers, nurses, and students. Why did he need a lowly recruit?

Atem Lanar, a sly boy from Kalm interested in getting into SOLDIER. Stepped on anybody that stood in his way, disrespectful to commanding officers. He had heard about the boy from Zax, but refused to understand why the boy’s problem was brought to him.

Now it was his problem, he couldn’t deny Cloud anything. The damn boy would stare up to his with those bright blue eyes of hopes and dreams, whimper a ‘please’, and received what he had asked for. This being Atem’s friendship. Suddenly, the disrespectful, bad mouthed, boy had actually turned a new leaf and was being as polite as possible. Maybe Cloud was the hope for all lowly recruits.

Snorting, Sephiroth flexed back in his seat, shutting his eyes to regain all focus that had been lost to the countless words and orders on the paper before him.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Cloud was taken back as he stared at the entirely naked recruit above him, Atem’s hands moved down his body, stopping at the blonde’s pubes basing his cock in his hands. The once purely blue eyes had become a darker shade, filled with lust and confusion as Atem pulled away from arousing his dick.

“Have you ever heard of giving head?” He smiled, and Cloud shook his head. He would learn all that there was tonight, no holding back.

Nodding, Atem pulled back, laying his body down so he sat upon the edge of the bed. “Come here Cloud, on the floor, between my legs.” Cloud stepped, hesitantly, towards that, his body lowering onto the floor as he stared at the crimson eyes above him. “Take my tip in your mouth.”

Paling, Cloud stared at the redhead’s large dick, unsure if he could do just that. Inside he was saying to get up, run to Sephiroth, but he was brave – just like his guardian. Taking the tip into his mouth, Cloud blushed lightly at the unflavored skin, but the light scent of salt from the sweat. Instinct was on his mind as he slowly lowered his mouth further, playing the game ‘how far will it go’. He was curious.

His face turned red as he felt the base press against his mouth, and he stared up, feeling the recruits tip press against the back of his throat. He wanted to gag, slowly making his pull it out before repeating the action. Atem was pleased.

The redhead’s face was between pleasure and fascination, staring at the young blond between his legs, sucking him off for all he had. Taking his hand, he ran it through the blond strands of velvet like hair that was covering the blonde’s eyes, and Cloud stared up. Both met, a blush creeping on the blonde’s, a smirk on the others. “It’s so good.” He closed his eyes, leaning back upon his elbows, thrusting his hips up.

Cloud gagged. He hadn’t been expecting such, and the feeling lingered in the back of his throat as he recaptured the redhead’s dick, firmly holding down Atem’s hips. No more surprises, that was enough for one day. Or…at least until a salty liquid filled his mouth after a cry from Atem. Unsure of what to do, Cloud swallowed, load after load. He felt sick, sure that the white semen slid down his chin.

Pulling away, he wiped the remaining off with his wrist, staring at the flushed redhead. All shock came to as the blond was flung against the bed, head hitting the wall slightly. Cloud had a headache, but didn’t stop staring at the seductive redhead, pulling Vaseline out from under the bed.

Rufus’ words flashed through the blonde’s head, ‘Even with lubrication, it’ll hurt. Not as much as without, so whatever happens, make sure there is some type of lube being applied!’ Cloud didn’t want to be hurt, he jerked a bit as a finger was pressed into his entrance.

“You’re so tight.” Atem chuckled, pressing his finger around. He added his other two, and in seconds was positioning himself at Cloud’s entrance, staring down upon the aroused boy. “You’ll like this, trust me.” With one push, he was in the blond, and Cloud screamed. Tears made their way down his face, dripping upon the potato-bag like pillow.

Pulling out, Atem thrusted back in, pushing the blonde’s prostate. Cloud’s lips dried as a cry escaped his lips. It felt so good. Flexing his muscles, he tightened them around the escaping redhead’s dick, pulling him in again. Another cry echoed the room.

Both pushed further together, repeating the action over again, Cloud’s face flushed considerably. A knot was at his stomach, he wanted to come. Moaning, Cloud braced himself as he came, clamping all inner muscles around the redhead. They both pulled back, sated. Staring over one another, they smiled, and Cloud held on tightly as they pulled together to sleep.

“I love you,” Cloud whispered. He hoped to hear one back, but it never came. No strong holds, no meaningless embraces, only a light snore.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

“Are you sure you want to try to make Cloud happy with some eggs?” Zax asked, staring in astonishment as yet another set of eggs (making two cartons thus far) started smoking. Was it possible to only become worse?

Sephiroth glared, tossing the eggs in the trash. “I quit, besides, I have no more eggs. I was only trying because he was depressed yesterday when he called to asks to spend the night with a friend.” He sat down, chewing on a charcoal like piece of bread Zax had been so nicely to burn for him.

Cooing, Zax grinned playfully at his friend. “You made me lose a bet, Seph.” He smiled, knowing the nickname would piss off his friend. The burnt toast hit the side of his head.

“How is it my fault?” Sephiroth growled.

“The men and I had a bet going how long it was going to take for you to kill Cloud. Jim had guessed you would be the shit out of the kid in the first week, and you’d send Cloud home to die. Fred said a month. I gave it a never. You were so anti-social, now look at you, such a father figure if there has ever been one.” A grin remained on Zax’s face.

“It’s only a ploy to keep Cloud. Big mouth Reno told the president that Cloud had bruises on him the first week, and I almost lost the boy then. Not doing it now.” Sephiroth touched his coffee that Zax had brought him.

Blinking, Zax stared the other cheek. “So, what friend did he stay with? The Turks are with Rufus, so that leaves me, with you.”

“Recruit Atem Lanar.” Sephiroth muttered, sipping his coffee.

Coughing, Zax stared up in great shock. “How him, on the way to you with our coffee, the recruits were saying, and mind the words, ‘Atem had banged some chick’…”

Sephiroth spit his coffee back into cup. His sight stared further on as the door opened and Cloud limped through the door and tried sneaking towards his room, never staring up at the two. Sitting up, the white haired man glared sourly at the boy. “He just went to bed, didn’t even say anything!” He asked.

Staring at him, Zax stood up, brushing his shirt lightly. “Don’t say anything to him Cloud. If I know these recruits, whom I do, I’m sure Cloud will realize his mistake and come to you. Then you can kill, ‘cause you have reason. Do it now while Cloud, most likely, thinks the world of Atem, he’ll never forgive you.” He stared lightly at the door before walking towards it to knock softly. “Cloud, you better be ready to go in ten minutes! Rufus comes home in twenty, don’t you want to meet him?”

“’k.” Was a sniffled reply through the door, and Zax shrugged his shoulders. “Remember Sephiroth, self control.” He made a sign towards the white haired general.

“Self control my ass.”

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Cloud eyed the bright-eyed SOLDIER next to him; Zax was dancing from heel to heel, giggling slightly. Whatever the black haired man knew, it was about him. After exiting the room, he had been given some Advil and told to take a shower.

Cloud wasn’t in as much pain any more, expect for his heart. He had awoken in another bed, with Atem telling him to get up and ready to go back to his father. Then, when Cloud was on the way out, expecting a kiss good-bye, the redhead had cleared rules down for their relationship. Cloud still didn’t get his kiss or vouch for love. He promised himself to ask Rufus about it when the other blonde came home.

“Cloud!” The blond turned when his name was called, and Zax stepped away as the redhead walked towards the young boy. When they were out of the first class officer’s range, Cloud gave a pleasant bow, just as he had been told.

“Yes, Master?” He asked, remembering everything that he had been told. The way it was looking, he was turning to a slave and master relationship. Cloud didn’t want to be in that.

“Where are you going?” Atem glared, referring that the blond was heading towards the elevator with a breakfast bagel from the lounge.

Staring around, Cloud gave a soft smile to take his features. “I was going to see a friend. He’s coming home today, and I was hoping to hang with him this afternoon. If I don’t, I’m doomed to have to help Sephy with paperwork in his office.” Cloud grinned. Only he could call the Great Sephiroth ‘Sephy’.

“Going to fuck another man?” Atem glared daggers at the blonde. “Was I not good enough for your fucking ass?” He growled, and Cloud shook his head quickly.

“No, it’s not what it seems. It’s Vice President Rufus, not someone else. I need to help with his missed homework, not like he needs it. Then we’re going to hang around here and harass workers – just like Reno taught us!” He rushed quickly, staring at the curious Zax.

Smiling, Atem ran his hand through Cloud’s locks, stopping at the boy’s face to lean his friend up to eyesight. “Why don’t you invite Rufus down to see me with you? Aren’t friends supposed to share friends?” Atem leaned a bit, his lips close to Cloud’s.

Staring around, the blonde blushed. He wasn’t sure, the first friend’s he had ever had were all in ShinRa. Figuring his lover was right, Cloud nodded his head. “I’ll see if he wants to come down.” Nodding his head, Atem turned and walked towards the table with his loud buddies as Cloud took off to follow Zax again.

Zax stared down upon the quiet blond as Cloud stared at his hands before musing out. “What, do you have a crush on your new friend?” Cloud turned red, shaking his head that it was wrong. “Well, then let’s go see if Rufus is back yet.”

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Only so many people had the balls to jump the Vice President when he had made foot on the ground. Only few survived upon doing that. The fact that Cloud was hugging the dear life from Rufus still made the Turks twitch, but they continued with their lives as Rufus returned to hug.

“Did you miss me that much?” Came the quick question as Cloud helped Rufus to his feet.

Not being able to hold his smile, Cloud leaned his head in. “We’ve got to talk, alone!” Nodding, Rufus took his friend’s hands, ignoring his father’s questioning glance as they made it towards one more floor up (by private elevators). Cloud leaned against the wall, staring down at his hands.

“What’s so big you can’t hold your excitement?” Rufus asked, opening the door to his room and let the blonde in. The room wasn’t anything special, just the size of both Sephiroth and Zax’s apartments combined. It had a study room, a kitchen, dining room, bedroom, and living room. Most of the apartment was white, to keep innocent nature around, but it wasn’t what the Vice President was.

“I had sex!” Normally saying something like that would embarrass the blonde, but at the moment he had so much to say. “No, not with Sephiroth. With my new friend Atem, he’s a recruit here.” Cloud toed the carpeting, a blush on his face as Rufus sat down with a grin.

“Was it worth it?” He asked.

It wasn’t the answer he had been hoping for when Cloud sat beside him, shaking his head no. “It wasn’t. I told him I loved him, and he didn’t respond back. Fell asleep. He hasn’t said he loved me yet! How long after you and Reno had sex did he say he loved you…?” Cloud leaned forward.

“While he orgasmed in me. What do you mean he didn’t say he loved you?” Rufus stared at his blue-eyed friend, the one that was shyly pealing the fabric on his couch.

“I call him master, I guess that means love. Doesn’t it?” Cloud stared up. “I don’t know what happened. I was dancing with him, and he kissed me, told me to tell Sephy I was spending the night with him, and he slept with me. This morning, I was in another bed, and he told me to go home – after tell me all the rules in our relationship.”

“Rules?”

Cloud blinked, staring at Rufus as if the man had grown another head. “Yeah. He said all relationships had rules set. You know, like I can’t see anyone else. He’s the apple in my eye. He can date others, I have no say for I am his slave.”

Shaking his head, Rufus pulled his friend against his chest. “Cloud, that is not love. I’m sorry to say. You said he was a recruit?” Cloud gave a small nod of his head. “Oh…Cloud…” Rufus whispered, pulling his friend further against him. “There is no love in that relationship. Recruits normally find people who will be willing to have sex with them while in training because they can’t have sex as much as they want with their girlfriends. When he’s either dismissed or graduated into SOLDIER, there will probably be no more of you in his life.”

Cloud blinked, staring up in shock as Rufus nodded to what he had said. “You’re lying…he has to love me…” He whispered, trying to get up. Rufus didn’t release his hold.

“I’m not. I wish I was, but you lost your virginity in vain.” Rufus whispered as the blonde’s face paled and he let out a scream as he started fighting.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Sephiroth jerked awake as the comm-link in his office set off. Walking towards it, he yawned before lifting it the headpiece to his ear. The vid monitor activated to show the Vice President’s grim face, and Sephiroth saluted, but returned none in return.

“Sephiroth, are you are that Cloud was sleeping with a recruit last night?” Rufus asked, and Sephiroth sat back, rubbing his face.

“I was aware, but Zax told me not to slaughter the man until Cloud comes to me with this problem.” Those words bit into the very soul deep inside him. Made him sick.

Rufus, flicking a piece of hair from his face, snorted. “I don’t care what Zax said. Cloud’s been in my room, crying his heart out. He could of lived if it were just a one night stand with Cloud, however this Atem put cruel rules down on their ‘relationship’.” The Vice President’s eyes grew towards flames as he snarled patiently. “He was going to have all the beds he could want, it was Cloud that was stuck with only him, as his slave. From what Cloud told me, this recruit also wanted me to come down on their fun. I want him gone. How you do it is up to you.” The link died and Sephiroth rolled his eyes, standing up.

“Very well.”

Armed assassin trailed through the crowds towards the training hall. Silver hair flew behind him without wind, carried by his vicious stride that had soldier’s running in all directions by his unknown fury. Instructors looked at him before walking through doors. Grabbing one of the teachers, Sephiroth turned them to face him.

“Tell me where Atem Lanar is.” He snarled. The instructor moved his hand up, pointing towards the weaponry class. Smiling, Sephiroth dropped the instructor before turning to greet the man of Cloud’s horrors at the doors of hell.

Pushing the door open carelessly, the instructor stopped talking, holding the double daggers near his sides. “General, how may I help you?” He asked, and Sephiroth put his hands up, stopping the man as he spoke.

Aqua green eyes moved across the room, stopping on the redhead, sitting up right in his chair, a bored expression on his face. Controlling his emotions, Sephiroth started down the rows before stopping at Atem. Crimson eyes met Aqua, and they glared at each other as Sephiroth reached down, lifting the boy up by the back of the tunic.

“We can make a scene, or you can follow me to my office.” Sephiroth hissed.

Growling, Atem stared at the threatening general, but made no move to stand. “Don’t you have people could have sent to fetch me, like the sweet little boy you lock in his room.” He snarled, but his breath was cut short as Sephiroth lifted him, one hand, up in the air by his neck. The recruits around him took off in directions as the redhead was tossed towards the wall.

“Get going.” He snarled, and Atem took off down the halls, hoping to outrun the walking General. Anybody could tell Sephiroth did not have the masamune on him, but that didn’t stop the fear. Aqua eyes watched, in the distance, as the redhead fell trying to run up the stairs that led to an elevator. Holding his arm out, Sephiroth grinned.

He had materia, three lightening gems on his gloves. His hand moved slightly, summoning the spell as a bolt hit it’s target, giving Sephiroth time to walk towards the dazed man.

Glaring, Atem jerked as a hand grabbed him by the back of the neck. “Let’s be more cival on leading you to my office, being that it’s the other direction.” He turned with the struggling man in his hands.

“Sephiroth, didn’t I say let him live until Cloud comes to you?” A gruff question asked behind Sephiroth, making the white haired general groan.

“Rufus gave permission to kill him. Personally, I’d rather slice him then burn him with magic – more fun. Will you go up to Rufus’ room and fetch Cloud, Zax? He fell asleep, and I don’t want him to bother Rufus more than necessary.” Sephiroth slammed the door to his office shut, with him and Atem in the room.

Atem fell against the hard floor, his eyes glaring up at the general that had taken time to walk towards a stand with his sword. Flexing it in his hand, Sephiroth stared down at him, placing the blade against Atem’s neck. “Tell me, now. Why did you think of Cloud?” He ordered.

Not taking his sights off the blade, Atem swallowed. “Can’t I love him – not like you’re fucking him. Pedophile.”

Glaring, Sephiroth slammed his blade, mere centimeters from Atem’s face, leaving a scar across the recruits cheek. Atem stared at it in fear as Sesshoumaru leaned closer. “A pedophile? When did I touch Cloud, like you who lies to him. I doubt anybody spoke to him about sex, and you lie to him, make him feel loved in ways he shouldn’t at his age. You took his innocence just to make your spare time worth it!” He gave a – to him – playful slice to the side of Atem’s neck, avoiding arteries. Atem went cross-eyed.

“President ShinRa won’t like it if you murder a recruit on his property!”

Tilting his head, a forced laugh escaped his lips, and Sephiroth stared down with a sadistic grin. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind when I tell him your plans for his only son.” Sephiroth took another slice, and he cringed inside. A new smell had added to his once clean room, a grown man pissing himself. Just what Sephiroth needed to see.

“Let’s play a small cat and mouse game, then.” Sephiroth grinned. “Run, as fast as you can. If I am to catch you in less then ten minutes, anywhere inside ShinRa, I will slaughter you. Of course, you best find a way to have that uniform cleaned, and sent to the supply room in those ten minutes. Time starts…now.” Atem took off out of the room as Sephiroth glanced at his watch. Even an idiot knew it was impossible to get out of the building in that amount of time, but Sephiroth always wanted to be proven wrong.

In five minutes, Sephiroth stood, walking towards the entrance of the building, and the only exit it offered. The way the place looked, it was obvious that Atem hadn’t started to flee the streets home. Tilting his wrist comm up, Sephiroth pressed a few of the buttons until the chief of security came upon it, fuzzed.

“General, how may I be of service to you?” The bright man asked.

“Check the floors for a scared redhead named Atem Lanar. I’m sure you have heard of him.”

The man nodded, giving a salute and turned to his many screens, eyes scanning them quickly. “He’s heading towards the Officer Quarters, sir. Would you like us to bring him to your office?” They stared at the growling general.

“No, bring him to the front gate. If you have to, drag him, but I want him alive.” Sephiroth shut off the vidscreen, staring at the doors with fury. He was going to search for Cloud, and Sephiroth was going to kill him anyway in the end.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Zax pulled the blankets up to Cloud’s neck as a knock quickly sounded at the door. It was rather shocking, thinking that anybody was bold enough to seek the General in his quarters while he was working.

Standing up, he straightened his uniform before presenting himself at the door. He had locked it for a reason, and whatever was out there wanted in urgently. Unlocking it, Zax felt the wind pushed out of him as he was, surprisingly, knocked to the floor. As he sat up, holding his chest, he watched Cloud’s bedroom door open and close, rehear walking inside of it.

Struggling to his feet, Zax ran towards the room, knocking the well-furnished door open to stare at the crimson eyes over Cloud. Atem smirked as he wrapped his arms around Cloud, blue eyes staring up mutely.

“Cloud, I thought you loved me…” Atem stuck his bottom lip out, a smirk being sent towards Zax. “Now, Sephiroth wants me to leave, and if I’m not – which I’m far from my time limit to leave – he was going to kill me.”

Glaring, Zax stepped forward, his sharp ears picking up security entering the room. He held his hand up, stopping them from moving closer. “Cloud, get over here. Remember, most of these recruits haven’t had sex in nine months, he’s only using you.”

Staring at Atem, Cloud firmed his lips, staring down at his hands. “You were really just going to dump me, ‘cause I’m not good?” He asked. Baby blue eyes stared straight into Atem’s crimson, in hope to win the boy over.

“Lead me out of here, Cloud, please? I gave you pleasure and friendship, please see me out?” He smirked, and Cloud shook his head.

“You don’t love me…” He held his head, whimpering slightly. It was how Jenova had said, when he turned ten. Nobody could ever love him. Cloud let out a scream as Atem jerked him up, staring at the blue eyes full of fear. Crimson eyes were full of anger, jerking the child back and forth until Cloud felt as if his neck was moving from where it had been connected.

Zax stood in shook, unable to attack if Atem was using Cloud as a shield, they would end up hurting Cloud just to save him. Tears were fleeing from the blonde’s eyes as he reached to pull away, breathing coming into gasp. They could hear the door open, footsteps walking towards the backroom, and Zax turned back to watch as security stepped back and Sephiroth stepped forward.

It was as if he hadn’t, as of that moment, seen Atem, he was growling under his breath about taking forever to find Atem before stopping to glare at the redhead. Atem held Cloud tighter, breathing deeply as he forced the blonde to his feet in hopes to smoothly past the armed general. The masamune swung from his side as Sephiroth stepped up, glaring at the ex-recruit.

“I gave you a chance.” He walked even closer, each step making Atem walk back with Cloud. “Do you know why I’m a feared man…” He didn’t even ask, even Sephiroth knew that all were aware of his statistics. With great agility, he threw his sword, narrowly missing Cloud, but the aim was even with the side of Atem’s skull. If he wasn’t dead already, he was unconscious. His grip released from around Cloud’s waist, and the blonde ran towards the General.

Sephiroth’s heart froze as Cloud held tightly onto him, tears soaking his work tunic. “Remove him from this room, and get some one to clean this mess.” Sephiroth lifted Cloud in his arms as the blonde let out a cry.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Neither said a word as Cloud picked at his dinner, and Sephiroth lifted the crusty side of his lasagna before dumping it in the trashcan. The book made it look easy. Sighing, he stared at Cloud as the blonde did the same with his dinner, never staring to make eye contact before collapsing on his seat once more, exhausted.

He hadn’t even tried making contact with the boy, if Cloud wanted to talk, he’d do it himself. Yet, the boy’s eyes were filled with tears, glistening deeply before laying his head down palely. “Sephy,” He finally spoke with the silly pet name, “Are there a lot of people…like Atem? That would use me, like he did. Before Zax came in, he said I was suppose to get him a lofty rank.”

“I hate to say this Cloud,” Sephiroth even his voice, “but there are many people like Atem. Maybe they don’t try to get something like rank, but they are after something. I think it’s mostly just a good time, that’s what Zax does.” He knew blue eyes were gazing at him in shock, almost hatred towards Zax. “Don’t be disgusted by him. They are one-night stands, they know that, and are proud of that. He has a girlfriend, but he is never out to see her.”

Nodding, Cloud stared up weakly, his voice broken as he spoke. “Thank you for helping me, Sephy…” The light voice was broken, tears making their way down his face as Sephiroth reached down to hug him – just as Zax did with him when he was upset.

“Please, Cloud, don’t go around and do that type of stuff with the recruits. It’s not all that nice to say this, but you’re much better than them at this point. Soon, you might be in their shoes, but under my care at this point, you have so much more than what could be offered to them.” He squeezed Cloud’s cheeks, and the blonde stared up. “Yet, I’m certain, when you are like them, you’ll know you’re much better than what Atem could ever be. Even I know Rufus is going to favor you, because you were his first best friend that understood him for who he was, not what he was heir to.”

Brushing his eyes, Cloud smiled sweet before a frown marked his face. ‘What about Turks’, Cloud thought, tightening his hug, ‘Is Reno only using Rufus as Atem was for me?’

“All right, it’s time for bed Cloud.” Sephiroth pulled up, dumping their two dishes in the sink to be cleaned the next day.

Cloud didn’t move as he stared at his door before staring back at Sephiroth. “M-May I sleep with you tonight…dad?” He asked, in a second of thought.

“Cloud, my sweet child, I know you can hear me, come to me…” Baby blue eyes stared around, listening to the soft beating, almost as if a heart was around him. Blue green mako floated near him, but he neither choked nor was mutated. He turned slowly, staring towards a light as a woman escaped it. At first, he had hoped of it to be his mother, but the woman was far from that standing. Jet black hair was lowering down her back, a firm body, strongly built, eyes the color of both his and Sephiroth’s stared at him.

Reaching towards her, Cloud blushed as he felt warmth near her touch, and the strange woman hugged him, comforting him before slowly sinking into his lithe body. ’What are you doing?’ He stared around quickly, expecting her to once more be out of him, sitting there to protect him, but she still was being absorbed into his form. ‘Who are you, please, stop!’ His body was being ripped in half, as she made herself at home deep inside his spirit, destroying the one he once had.

“But, Cloud, it’s I, Jenova. I am your mother, the reason of your beautiful self. Even Sephiroth is jealous of your beauty more defined than most man. You’re strength is questionable; no human has ever conducted a spell without materia or training, but you. You are not human, you’re my reincarnation, my future, my doll…”

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

“No!” Cloud jerked up in bed, a soft glow from the darkened sky flowing down into his bedroom and lightening up his face. It was the same dream, same as always in the last two months, he would see Jenova in his sleep. At first, he was more than glad to hear from her, but now he was scared. Each dream, she’d tell him he was a puppet, an empty vessel she was going to use to take over the world with. He had desperately tried to tell Rufus, but Hojo continually making a surprise visit when Cloud started talking about the woman in his dreams.

Now, he was alone. Sephiroth was training in the Gondo and left Cloud alone to his studies with Rufus, and had given permission (with Zax guidance) for the blonde to throw a small party. It was the blonde’s birthday, and it was soon to mark a year of living with Sephiroth.

It wasn’t going to be like those odd parties Cloud had read about where it was almost like the whole school was shoved in one house, not since his class consisted of ten peers and most didn’t care if Cloud was living or dead. He had taken great care in only invited his best friend Rufus, Reno (they were going to play seven minutes in heaven), and a few friends he had recently met on the plate on one of their last outs near the HoneyBee Inn. After much begging, Zax promised not to show up and claim he was there all night sleeping on the couch.

Pulling out of bed, Cloud shook the blood into his toes as he started off his day with a shower and breakfast. It the few minutes he was munching on his sugar-based cereal, did he hear the door chime. Which was rather odd. Nobody ever decided to come to the door, and Zax didn’t until the afternoon. Standing, he walked towards the door, jerking as arms wrapped around him and a wet face pressed into the tunic of his uniform.

“R-Rufus?” Cloud couldn’t find his voice as he shut the door and led the crying blond inside to sit on the couch. “What’s wrong?” He whispered, running his fingers over the boy’s eyes, stopping some of the falling tears as blue eyes stared at him before crying again.

“Tseng caught Reno and I making out in my office this morning. He s-said if we d-don’t put a stop to it now, h-he’d bring it up to my father. R-Reno would lose his job, and I w-would be punished for s-such an act. R-Reno broke up with me!” He screamed, and Cloud held on to his friend.

“Now, now.” He whispered, stretching his legs up to hold the crying vice president on his aching body. Screw school, he had to get Rufus under control. “I’m sure he was only looking out for you.” He whispered.

Rufus whined, a sound Cloud rarely heard him use. His face was still leaking with tears as the both lied together, Cloud propped up on a pillow, Rufus asleep, pillowed on the blonde’s abs.

When they awoke, two hours later, it was far too late to go to school, and it had been obvious Zax stopped by since a blanket had been lied over their bodies. Rubbing his red eyes, Rufus sniffled as he pulled his legs up to his chest, never making eye contact with Cloud.

“Let’s get out of this place, Rufus.” Cloud grabbed hold of the other blonde’s hand as they started out the door. “You look like you need a drink, and lucky for us, there is this bar in the slums called Seventh Heaven that will supply you with the alcohol needed.”

Nodding, Rufus mewed as he allowed himself to be led through the many doors and elevators until the stepped towards the trains. Thirty minute ride to the slums from the plate, two trains. They had dismounted from the train, staring around in with a frown. Taking his hand, Rufus helped Cloud through the crowds of people lining a plot, both staring at the reactor before them.

“That’s what pulls Mako from the earth?” Cloud whispered, touching his heart as he pulled near Rufus, seeking any type of protection.

“Yah. This isn’t one of the best suppliers.” Rufus whispered before continuing on. “Remember, Cloud. Anything these people say or show you, don’t follow. It’s never good.” Both nodded as they walked into the city, staring around at the falling apart buildings around them. It was obvious which was their directed bar, but both still were awe struck.

“Ne, Rufus, when is weapon training in class?” Cloud pointed towards the being sold weapons.

“In a few weeks, let’s go look at the inventory.” They started towards it. Cloud smiled lightly, so far so good, Reno was off the vice president’s mind. They stared over the weapons, Cloud running fingertips of the bastard blades, much like Sephiroth’s, and his eyes fell on the buster sword. Rufus was looking at the guns, touching them as if he had never seen one up close. The clerk, less then thrilled of their arrival, screeched for the two to buy something or get their asses away. Both did as told, walking towards their needed bar.

It wasn’t anything special, wood floors, barrel seats, but a game in the corner lightened Cloud’s interest, but he still lead Rufus to sit down at the counter. The other blonde, depressed as could be, laid his head down, never meeting anyone’s eyes as he murmured to himself.

“’suse me, miss? But could you get something to perk my friend up some? Water for me though, one of us has to get home safely.” Cloud didn’t miss a beat as the short brunette woman nodded, pouring glasses without bothering to turn around. Cloud looked her over, a piece of his heart burning as he looked from her back towards her head when she turned around, and he meet cocoa eyes. “Tif’?”

Dropping the glasses on the ground, causing everybody to stare at her, the girl let out a squeal. “Cloud, is that you?” She ran towards him, touching you. “We gave up on the hunt, thinking you were attacked by monsters! Look at you, living and full of flesh, not as pale!” She ran her hand over his shoulder, making the boy smile.

“I’ve been taken care of well. Please, I think Rufus needs a drink. His boyfriend broke up with him, and he is planning on killing someone, most preferably me since I’m the closes he gets to.” Nodding, Tifa quickly ran to get their needed drinks, placing them in front of the two.

“I’m sorry about your boyfriend, I’m sure more fish in the sea will come your way.” Rufus snorted, gulping down his drink before laying his head down. “Now, Cloud,” she refilled Rufus’ drink, proud the vice president was at least tasting his alcohol, “why did you come here, you’re mother has been so worried.”

Gulping, Cloud stared at her, never leaving her view. “She’s okay, right? Has others been taking care of her, she’s past her prime, she needs help with everything.” He breathed deeply, sipping his water as Tifa nodded. “Sephy-kun brought me here, he found me going towards the reactor, and I didn’t want to return after I started making so many friends here.” He eyed the other blonde suspiciously as Rufus grumbled about ‘fucking Turks, get what they fucking want’.

Nodding, Tifa frowned before touching Cloud’s shoulder. “I was your friend.”

“You didn’t want to do anything with me ‘cause I was a trouble maker. I hurt you when you were walking towards the reactor, so everyone says, and I brought those monsters into town.” He stared around. ‘What are you doing here?”

“The reactor, something happened. ShinRa was there, in the reactor. They brought something down, and our town caught in flames when they were gone. Everybody died, except me. I had ran to see what happened, I think they took the power core, because in the end of that long line of chambers, the main one was long gone. Said Jenova. I have no clue what happened, but when I saw your mother, in the last of her life, she kept whispering that it was her fault. She had Jenova’s puppet.” Tifa sighed deeply, never staring up as Cloud dropped his glass upon the ground.

Tears were making their way down his cheeks as he ran out, Rufus dazedly staring at him before following after. Cloud never stared up as he slammed his fist into the metal gate of the reactor, glaring up at it as he fell to his knees. His mother…

“Don’t worry, child, I’m here for you.”

Cloud jerked as he heard Jenova again, soothing him, but he pushed her away as he ran his hand over his eyes. ShinRa destroyed his home and all his family. He glared at the sign, marking the large machine as property of ShinRa, beating his fist against it. He felt a hand upon his shoulder, causing him to stare up at Rufus, the other blonde panting. “Your father did this…” He whispered, hatred evident in his voice.

Wrapping his arms around the boy, Rufus pulled Cloud close tears still going down his face. “We now both hate this day, now, and for the rest of our lives.”

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

It was canceled, the party. Cloud laid in bed, mourning the death of his mother and the hatred to ShinRa evident in his voice as he whispered to Jenova as she talked lovingly to him. The microwave was blown when he walked in, and he had lightening flashing above the ShinRa, in hopes to strike the Mako plants.

The front door opened, signaling that Zax had come in to make sure the blonde was still breathing, but Cloud didn’t budge, his door never opened. Jenova continued to whisper in his head that all would be fine, and she was around him now. She’d protect him.

His door finally opened, but it was not Zax’s, it was Sephiroth’s voice that addressed him, but Cloud never stared up as a weight pressed against the end of the bed. “I know you’re awake, Cloud, and I wanted to tell you now. Your home tome, Nibelheim, it was destroyed in a fire. There were no found survivors, and the cause was due to a malfunction in the reactor. I buried your mother, she was the beautiful blonde that looked so much like you.” He ran a hand over Cloud’s face as the blonde hid in his blanket. “You knew all this, didn’t you?” He whispered.

“Yes, I did. Rufus had a hard break up today, so we skipped school and went to a bar in the sectors under the plate called Seventh Heaven. A friend of mine, from Nibelheim told me all about the fire. She said that ShinRa had been there just days before and took Jenova from the reactor, then the fire happened. Mom told her that I was Jenova’s puppet, which Jenova had been mad because I was gone from where she wanted me to be. Now she’s in my head again, telling me that everything will be okay, and she’ll protect me. She haunts me, Sephy,” Cloud whispered, never meeting the aqua eyes that stared at him with worry. “Every night I hear her, telling me that I was no more than a puppet on strings, and she pulls them to her every desire. Then, she leans towards me, and absorbs me. Now, every time I close my eyes, I see myself – destroying this world, enslaving the world. In my new world order, you are no more than a slave for me-no her!” Cloud cried, ducking his head in. “I killed Rufus, because he is our enemy, he is ShinRa!”

Running his hand through Cloud’s hair, Sephiroth sighed. “Don’t worry of her, Cloud. Our world is much stronger than you see, and I would never let evils take you. Go to sleep, have a dreamless night. I’ll be in hearings reach if you need me. Reminds me, what do you mean Rufus had a horrible break-up? He was seeing no one.”

Sulking, Cloud cuddled a bear he had been given from Zax weeks before at the carnival in Kalm. “He’s been dating a person for years, and their relationship was discovered. So, in protection of both their jobs, they broke off their relationship. I’ve never seen Rufus down before as he has been.”

Nodding, Sephiroth tucked the blankets up on Cloud’s body before retreating from the room to take a shower.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

“Cloud, sweet child. Just because he knows can you be protected. I’m here for you, and with my dear Hojo’s help, we’ll destroy these worthless worms where they need it. The mako they have taken will not be taken lightly. Each one will be destroyed, and I have you to thank for such.”

“And this form needs to be signed and returned by class next week. And, Cloud, that means signed by your parent, not by Zax Hitomi.” The class giggled as Cloud started ducking under his desk; Rufus patted his back lightly, bringing cheer back towards his friend. “If this form is not returned,” the teacher continued, addressing the small class, “then you will not come on the class trip, for further details, ask me. Dismissed.” The class stood up, giggling and running towards the elevators, stairs, and other means of escape.

Groaning, Cloud laid his head on the table as Rufus started packing his bag slowly. “I don’t know why he has to pick on me about that. One time! He just said ‘get it signed’ never said by who, and Zax was nice enough to do so.”

“That’s because you didn’t want to show Sephiroth the grade, and embarrassed him by earning a parent-teacher conference in return.” He waited as Cloud picked up his notebook and geometry book. “I have to work, Cloud. Are you going to do okay on your own for the afternoon?” The spunky vice president smiled.

Nodding, Cloud waved his good byes as Rufus started up the stairs, leaving the blond to the empty elevators. Entering the left on, he slid his card in the slot before pressing the needed floor. As the doors slid shut, he closed his eyes, allowing the voice he had blocked come through fully.

”Don’t you love me anymore Cloud?” It was Jenova’s pleasant voice, threatening further than his own general-room-mate.

“Mmm,” Cloud whispered, leaning his head to the side. “Are you good with history, Jenova?” He asked.

”Deathly.” Jenova agreed, and Cloud shuddered as the walls to the elevator opened, not on the floor he wanted. ”Get out Cloud, I want you to go some place.” Nodding, Cloud stepped past the entering soldiers, going towards the far wall as the door shut. He stared around, the room as quiet as ever. ”Go through the door, on the far left corner.” Jenova instructed.

Rolling his shoulders, Cloud did as he was asked, walking through the rooms until he stopped near a large glass window. He touched it, staring closely inside the clean room. “What’s this to, Jenova?”

”I don’t know Cloud, ignore it, come to the elevator and go down.” doing as she said, Cloud gave one last glance to the tube before going through the elevator door. It moved immediately, dropping to the lower floor, and Cloud’s heart stopped as he stared over the many beakers. He was in Hojo’s lab, and it was quiet.

He walked through the compressed ‘hall’, staring around at the lines of computers, and then another tube, much like the one he saw in the room above. A creature stared at him, red eyes flaring as a fire tail wrapped around himself. It was almost like a small lion mix wolf, completely red and the number thirteen had been burnt into his side, above many tattoos of ancient words. It stared at him, in fear, moving back, and Cloud fell to his knees.

“Hey there, little guy.” Cloud leaned down, touching the glass, and the creature walked near, him staring with great care at the boy. “Do you have a name?” the blond giggled happily, and the wolf-like creature hitched an ear.

“My name is Nanaki.” It said, and Cloud jerked back, back against the table. “Yes, I can speak. What is your name?” Shaking his head, clearing it, Cloud leaned forward.

A finger pressed against his chest, as his voice broke. “M…my name is Cloud, Cloud Strife.” He gave off his biological name, not bothering to take Sephiroth’s last name, Taskami. “What are you doing here, of all places, don’t tell me your Hojo’s experiments, poor thing.”

The creature nodded. “Yes, I am. He uses me to test mako subjects, old blood of sum-sort. He won’t tell me where it came from, however.”

Cloud turned pink, placing his hand on the glass. “Don’t worry. I’ll get president ShinRa to let me release you, and we’ll get you back to your home on the school trip if I can go. We’re going all over, looking at different customs.” He smiled as Nanaki returned the grin.

”Cloud, that was not what I wish for you too look at. That thing has nothing to do with out future. Turn to the capsule behind you, I wish to see you, and you to see me for what I am.”

Nodding, Cloud stood up, staring around as he touched another capsule, staring through the door before losing his breath and sliding back. “J-Jenova!” He whispered, his breathing uncontrollable.

Laughter hit his ear, making him turn towards the laughing Hojo. Swiping black hair from his face, Hojo stepped towards the boy, grinning from ear to ear. “If it isn’t my pretty puppet, pretty one indeed. Have you met Jenova? Her cells run through your body, you’re almost like her child, but you’re a spawn.” He walked forward, enjoying the terror he had struck through the child. “You’re hers, you’ll lead me to the Promised Lands. I thought Sephiroth would, but no amount of Jenova cells could do something, no amount of mako treatment could enhance such abilities as yours.”

Nanaki growled as the elder started towards the small boy, pressing against the glass while shivering. “Leave me alone, I don’t know what you’re talking about…” Cloud whispered.

“You’ll make everything worth science, you’ll be indestructible, and with me by your side, nobody, not even Sephiroth, could defeat us.” Hojo held up his hands.

Covering his ears, Cloud whimpered as he started whispering, demanding the man to shut up. His blue eyes shot open as he felt the ground under him vibrate, signaling the crazed scientist was closer than need be. “Go away!” Cloud screamed, summoning energy in his hands and sending it towards the man. Flames of golden light fired towards the man, whitening the casuals around, the glass protecting Nanaki shook before breaking. The wolf didn’t miss a beat, grabbing hold of the small boy and running towards the elevator. Never releasing his hold on the beast, Cloud glared at Hojo, walking out of the smoke.

“You’ll understand Cloud!” Hojo yelled. “No other boy could summon Ultima, no other child could make fires, storms, and ice. No other boy could destroy his hometown subconsciously!”

The elevator doors closed and Cloud fell to his knees, tears falling from his eyes as he felt a cold nose press against his side and he stared up to meet Nanaki’s face. “He’s wrong, I’m just like everyone else, only…different.” He touched his hands.

“I never met a child able to summon spells as you have, at such a tender age and without materia.” Nanaki whispered. “If anyone would know, my grandpa would. I hope for you to meet him.” The red wolf smiled.

Nodding, Cloud wrapped his arms around Nanaki’s neck before staring up. “Oh no, Sephy!” He stood up, just as the doors opened to his floor, holding onto Nanaki’s fur, the small boy led the experiment through the crowds of curious faces before stopping at the door. “Wait here, I’ll see if he’s home.” Cloud stepped inside as the creature did as told.

Staring around, Cloud ran into the study, seeing if the general had returned, but met nothing, next he checked the white haired man’s room before running to let his new friend in. “Sh.” He whispered, leading the creature towards his room. Nanaki hopped on the bed, smiling brightly as he stared at the boy. “Are you hungry, Nanaki? I’m afraid neither Sephy-kun and I are not very good cooks, but I am sure we have something you can eat here…”

A grin fell on Nanaki’s lips as he laid his head upon his paws, the smile traced to Cloud. “Stop avoiding your worry and questions. You wonder if Hojo made me this way, what I am. You fear me still, I am sure? Ask your questions, for I have my own on you.”

Blushing red, Cloud stared down, eyes never meeting the crimson on him. “Very well, did Hojo make you? You’re not going to bite my head off are you? Are you potty-trained, ‘cause Sephy will know you’re here if not. Why were you in Hojo’s lab, and what does the thirteen on your shoulder mean?”

Nodding, Nanaki stared up, not quite meeting Cloud’s eyes. “I’m unsure as well to what I am, but I do not care of wish to know. My parents were this, and I have grown to love myself for what I am. Hojo, came to my home – Cosmo Canyon – a few months ago, and in my power to protect it, I was captured. He put this mark on me, signaling me as an experiment of complete mako. From his…promising information, I was explained that there were twelve others this mako has been taught on, the first being this Sephiroth he is not well fond of. The mako source, I am unsure, a child’s blood perhaps, yours?” He watched Cloud freeze. “What he says comes together, but mako in ones complete blood stream is not safe, you should be dead by now due to that overdose.”

Tilting his head, Nanaki continued. “Yes, I make no mess, and I can go the bathroom…but I prefer doing it outside…” he was grinning from ear to ear. “Now you. What are you?”

“Huh? I’m human.”

“No, you’re not.” Nanaki shook his head. “You are different, you came to the lab, without knowing of any existence there, and found Jenova. You had mako in your blood, released the powerful attack of Ultima, without any training or materia. Hojo is fond of you.” He sighed. “You’re far from human, I have no clue what, but you are not the same as the others.” Jerking, both stared at the door as they heard another one close.

“Cloud!” Sephiroth was calling him, and the blond turned his head. “Your teacher called, making sure I read a note, and sign it!” He was walking towards the door, and Cloud knew it.

Opening his closet door, Cloud gestured Nanaki to climb in, and the creature sighed, doing as told. As the door was securely closed, the bedroom door opened and aqua eyes stared over Cloud. “I was thinking you were dead, you normally are doing homework by now.” He reached towards Cloud’s backpack, knowing the blond wouldn’t fetch anything for him.

“Sephy-kun, you remember when we discussed pets?” Cloud smiled, leaning back against the closet door.

Without glancing up, the general sat on the bed, nodding his head as he pulled through the bag, grabbing the form, and stared it over silently. “Yes, I remember saying no. ShinRa Headquarters is no place for an animal, big or small.” He tilted the paper to the side. “Do you want to go on this touring trip?” He muttered.

Staring at the door, Cloud growled. “I can take care of it. Besides, it’s not really a pet I want, more of an … animal companion.” Walking towards the bed, his let his voice grow serious. “Before we discuss the trip, I have to tell you what I saw…and I know you’ll get pissed at me.”

“Language, boy.” Sephiroth sat the paper down.

“Sorry,” Cloud nodded, obediently. “Anyway, I was in class, and Jenova was talking to me. You know, I’ve been telling you about her constant talking, how it drives me crazy, but cures loneliness. Well, she told me to go to a floor I was unsure of. I think it was like the upper lab, had this glass testing place,” Cloud fell at loss of words, unsure of what he saw. “I went down, and found myself in Hojo’s lab…” He stood up, walking towards the door.

“I pray he was not there when you did.”

Cloud didn’t respond, staring at the floor. “Jenova had stopped talking all together, and I met this creature.” He opened the door, and Nanaki walked out, falling to the ground, muttering. “His name’s Nanaki, and Hojo were experimenting. I wanna keep him here until…it’s safe to take him with me on this trip to bring him home to Cosmo Canyon.”

Staring at the red wolf, Sephiroth nodded his head, taking in all the blond had said that far. “Anything more from Jenova.”

“She made me continue,” Cloud continued his story. “I saw her, in a casual in Hojo’s lab, and she told me that was her body! It explains why I heard so much from her, Hojo took her from Nibelheim! That’s when Hojo walked in; he started talking about what Jenova had told me. Taking over the world, him at my side, the Promised Lands.”

“That is a myth.” Sephiroth nodded his head. “Do not worry about his babble, Cloud.” He took the paper, signing his name across it. “Go on your trip.” He whispered, deep in thought. “I want you to forget Jenova over that time, because I don’t think she could speak to you then.” He stood up.

“And Nanaki? Is he allowed to stay with me until…?”

“I don’t care, Cloud. But, he’s your responsibility!” Sephiroth yelled back.

Nanaki rolled his eyes, staring at the blond. “Great, reduced to a mere dog.”

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Sephiroth shut the door to his room, laying his head back against it as he breathed deeply. Cloud’s words repeated in his mind, telling him over and over that Jenova was in the same building as he was, waiting for the small boy, awaiting for would conquer.

Part of him wanted to say that it was his mother; she’d never be like such. The other part told him it was not his mother, that it’d be impossible – but Hojo had accomplished much of the impossible. Breathing deeply, he sat on his bed, staring out the window he normally covered, but the small – annoying – blonde had opened it to let in the orange and clouded sunshine.

Shaking his head, Sephiroth laid his head back against his pillow breathing in deeply to calm his nerves. He would speak with Hojo tomorrow, but that night he needed to sleep – he had a headache.

“Your boy did millions of gil worth of damage, and took my prized experiment. How are you going to deal with this?” Hojo was complaining.

Rolling his eyes, Sephiroth leaned against the capsule containing Jenova, glaring at the black haired scientist. “Did he? I remember no experiment in my house. He’s learning how to control his powers, I doubt he’d purposely destroy your lab, sweet boy.” Sephiroth looked over at Jenova, the woman that had been haunting the small boys dreams for months, and had come to great words to Sephiroth’s deaf ears. “Now, Hojo. Care to tell me why Jenova is even here?”

“Her energy is needed, I must test her, to see if the mako in her is the same as the small boy that should be dead from mako poisoning – and yet! He lives any normal life, giggling and laughing, under your care.” Never meeting Hojo’s eyes, Sephiroth started towards the door of the lab, once more frowning in distaste. “Leave Cloud alone, Hojo. If he tells me that you have came near him, you’ll end up like that lowly recruit.”

“Was that a threat, Sephiroth?” Hojo grounded out. “I wasn’t at all petrified, I know you’d never hurt me, because I hold the key to release Jenova from her thousand year sleep. You want that don’t you, to join Jenova to the promised lands, along with Cloud and I? The four of us could make a perfect civilization.” A smile remained on his face as he watched the words enter the general’s mind.

After a pause, Sephiroth asked, “do you really think it would be like that, Hojo?” He turned his aqua eyes on the scrawny scientist. “The dreams and words she has told Cloud is that she will sit only near him on their throne, you at their feet begging for mercy, myself long dead. She desires neither of us, only Cloud. She may flow through my systems, I may see her as my mother, but she is a threat.” He started out the door, walking towards the elevators.

He had expected to mainly come and see Hojo about spreading lies to Cloud, but all seemed to change when he had seen Jenova himself. He wanted to go to the Promised Lands. Sighing, he stared out the glass elevator, at the training fields in the outer city region. Cloud’s class would be starting to train with the lower level recruits. Under his instructions, Zax was to be dealing with their training, and their final test would to be to impress Sephiroth. This was by all means, knowledge, strategy, as well as moves.

By all means, Cloud had told him, during breakfast, he was going to master the Buster Sword, and if he could defeat Sephiroth in a little combat, he’d get to use to masamune when Sephiroth retired (Sephiroth had decided at that point, to never retire). He wasn’t stupid, this training was all Cloud needed to learn how to control his magic, and then he was outmatched.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open, making Sephiroth groan as Zax stepped in, smiling brightly. “What a coincidence, I was going to search for you.” He growled. “It’s that Reno’s job to train the kids, now I have to bring my class with theirs!” He snarled.

“Rufus begged me to make sure I sent Reno on a long mission to save fish or chocobos. He didn’t decide. He hates Reno as much as any other man.” Sephiroth leaned against the wall as Zax pushed the floor he was going to.

“It doesn’t matter, I already have twenty sets of eyes staring at me with no damn clue how to use a weapon, and you are pushing ten more sets. Two, in which, know me so personally that they have a key to my apartment. Cloud wants to stay with me after each practice – to beg for me to feed him any real food since you won’t let him leave, and that cat – dog – wolf, god whatever it is, will also want food.” Zax rubbed his eyes. “Please don’t send Reno away, these kids made me see gray hairs the other day.”

“I thought you wanted to work with them?” Sephiroth smiled.

“That was before Cloud decided he couldn’t figure how to work a stove and burned half of my apartment.” Zax groaned, in remembrance. “He still has no control, y’know. I mean, Hojo’s report about him sending out Ultima was surprising and first, but now that I think of it, it’s not. His powers come with his emotions, and he has mastered week fire, ice, and lightening spells.”

Nodding, Sephiroth heard the elevator ding again before stepping out, his hand holding the doors from closing. “Look, that’s why I really want you to handle this. If Cloud accidentally uses a spell, then you can hide the facts. From what I know, Rufus is the only one that knows Cloud has any of this…power, as well as his pet Nanaki.” He let the doors shut, walking off towards his dorm. The wall had been paved where a large janitors closet had once been, the door removed and placed with wall to block Cloud’s room. He unlocked the front door before letting in slide open. The first thing he noticed was Nanaki jump off the couch (knowing he was going to be scolded for even being up there in the first place) and Cloud jerk from where he was laying on the floor with Rufus, watching cartoons.

Rufus waved at the general, as Cloud flipped the TV off. “Hey, Sephy.” They greeted the general. Rolling his eyes, Sephiroth dropped his coat upon the couch before entering the kitchen to supply himself with coffee. From the corner of his eye, he watched Rufus turn to Cloud and whisper something, Cloud returning it before Nanaki broke in and talked to them freely. All and all, Sephiroth was starting to guess that Cloud and Rufus were becoming more than just friends.

“Sephy?” Cloud walked in, staring at the general. “May I spend the night with Rufus?” He smiled brightly, trying to win the general the same way he won everything he could ever want with everyone else.

“It’s a school night, so no.” Sephiroth said wit one breath. He sipped his coffee again, sitting at the kitchen table.

Cloud pouted, his bottom lip sticking out. “We’ll take Nanaki up there with us, and I’ll go to school tomorrow, and bring clothes. We have our homework done, did it after school.” He showed his plan, confirming all had been done correctly.

Sephiroth held up a hand, ignoring the blond as Cloud’s frown deepened. “Fine, go, but if Zax tells me you weren’t at the training tomorrow…” Sephiroth growled out, “…you can kiss our deal good-bye.” He nodded his head.

Smiling, Cloud ran out of the small room to get his stuff together.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

As the elevator doors closed, Rufus pressed Cloud against the wall, their lips pressing tightly together in a searing kiss. Cloud blushed as he was released, staring up to meet the blue eyes that were icy. Cloud giggled, allowing his head to fall back as Rufus’s lips met his neck, licking the skin tenderly before staring over Cloud’s flushed face.

“Are you really certain you won’t mind dating me? I like to be as dominate as possible.” He ran a finger over Cloud’s bruised lips, smiling inside as the blonde licked his finger. “I promise, I won’t be like Atem, if you don’t act like Reno.” He pressed his body further against the smaller male’s body, insistent on burying himself in the warmth.

Blushing, Cloud shook his head, pulling Rufus closer to him. “No slave and master, please.” He placed down his cards, waiting for Rufus’ answer.

Before Sephiroth had made his presence known in the room, the two had discussed themselves as a couple. Both heart broken by earlier relationships, and seeking help from one another. It only seemed perfect. Rufus openly admitted to being turned on by Cloud, as did the blonde about Rufus. Nanaki had explained deeply about their relationship, on liking one another, the people that would disagree (being Sephiroth and most of ShinRa), then gave his blessing. The general would be easy to explain the situation, being that he wanted could to leave him alone, as well as be happy.

Understanding Jenova’s plans, Rufus had granted to Cloud that he’d do his best to protect the blonde, then the two had shared their first, out of many, kisses. They knew each other a year already, eternity to go.

Nanaki stared up at the elevator door as it opened to Rufus floor, and the blondes walked, arm-in-arm, towards the Vice Presidents room. Walking towards the back room, Rufus opened a door, a smile on his face. “I told you, Nanaki. A whole little garden much like that in outer Midgar.” He nodded his head as the ex-experiment ran into the garden, in shook and happiness. “I’ll leave the door open if you feel like coming in, it’s climate controlled, so don’t worry.”

Taking hold of the Vice presidents hand, Cloud drug him towards Rufus’ bedroom, making sure Rufus laid on him as their lips meet in a kiss before collapsing upon the bed with all of Rufus’ weight on him. Running his fingers down the Vice President’s back, Cloud smiled as Rufus stared down upon him with a grin.

“I’m a horny teenager.” He grinned as Rufus blew out his breath.

“You’re a pain in the ass.” Rufus lifted up Cloud’s legs, running his hand down the slim buttocks. “Beautiful that is.” He smiled. Blushing, Cloud pressed his ass back against the hand.

Leaning down, Rufus pressed his lips against Cloud’s in an agonizing kiss. Releasing the blonde’s legs, Rufus brought his hands up, brushing the younger blonde’s hidden nipples. Running his hands up, he slowly removed the blue shirt that Cloud wore, revealing his pale chest.

“You don’t mind, any of this, right Cloud?” Rufus whispered, but received no answer as Cloud’s hands played with his hair, lips touching his neck, responsive for them to continue. He had thought the boy would not want to go far with their relationship, but he supposed Cloud did. Glidding his lips down the side of Cloud’s body, kissing the skin lovingly. He could feel Cloud tense as he kissed the boy’s belly button, near the seam of the boy’s pants. The hands that were in his hair tightened, and Rufus realized that maybe Cloud was not really ready to go further than what they did.

Pulling up, he stared at the slim boy beneath him. Pink, kissable lips, a well built chest, curves that would make any man jealous. Positively gorgeous in his own way, the innocent aura didn’t help much either. “You’re very pretty.” He smiled, and Cloud blushed, ducking his head in Rufus’ neck.

“I am sorry.” He whispered, apologizing for tensing up as he had.

Smirking, Rufus shook his head, running a hand down the side of the boy’s neck. “No you’re not, you’re just being reflexive for what has happened to you. We can wait before going further, besides. I think it’s bed time, don’t you?” He smiled as Cloud began sulking. “Now, now! We have classes tomorrow!” He grinned, holding his hands up in a cheer. “Finally, after weeks of studying, we can use real weapons.”

“Fist combat’s first.” Cloud rained on his parade. To prove his displeasure in that comment, Rufus landed on the boy, not pulling himself off as Cloud began laughing and fighting to pull away from Rufus’ hold.

~*~*~0o0~*~*~

Zax stepped in front of the small group of students, watching them giggle and chuckle amongst each other’s company upon their happy day. He couldn’t figure how Sephiroth talked him into this, but it would be worth it (being that he had to add his class of recruits with them). It would be a challenge, but Zax loved to met those. Having his lowly recruits sit on the ground beside the students, he gave them his polite smile before starting his class up with a greeting. “My name’s Zax Hitomi, for those who don’t know me. Today, we’ll be starting our lesson on field combat, which we have this small group joining us from Zest’s class.” He acknowledged the group of students (in which, the girls were giving him lust filled glances, all in which he choice to ignore. “As suggested, we’re going to start with defense first, and how most defenses are – without a weapon.”

Going towards the open ground they had opened, he stared at the group, finding two test subjects for his example. Pulling one of his recruits as well as Zest’s students, he stood them across from each other before returning to his own regular post as ‘referee’. “All right, these two have been fighting, and one had lost their weapon in the battle. As the other will fling a punch,” on cue, his student tossed a fake punch towards the student in a slow motion to know what to do, “the other must quickly dodge that punch. You can simply move away from it, or some nice tactics are used.” Standing up, he started showing them what they could do.

All the eyes were on him as if he were life source, never once did they peal away from his flinging fist, as one by one they were all tested on that quick ability. Ask Zax, he say he was getting the work out having to control his fist from attacks brought on to him, he less then surprised when one of his own students slugged him anyway. Some could control themselves; a few were just looking for a chance to fight him. They were lacked attempts, he trained to handle those type of situations was able to pin the student down, and show them proper lock holds.

One of Zest’s students raised their hands after awhile, asking about protecting themselves from magic attacks – one of the few things Zax didn’t want to cover – he’d be burned. Sighing, he pulled Cloud over to him, pretending to give the boy materia before stepping upon the field. He watched as Cloud’s eyes closed, summoning up a fire spell that was his usual attack, and shot it towards Zax. Since he had taken no materia for the demonstration, he immediately flung his arms to protect his upper body, and stood strong as the attack shot through him until it was over. Pulling back, he moved his hands, getting the faint tingle out of them, before staring at them. “I’m not severely hurt, because I have proper armor on, not a weapon. Your other teachers may have suggested when buying armor, remember what you need to protect against. If I had any materia attached to, say, wristbands – I would make sure I always have support materia. Protect and reflect always come in handy at times like that. But, that is all a later lesson.” He smiled at the group.

Most eyes were not on him, but at the blonde that swayed slightly upon the battle field, lips moving, talking to something invisible before he stared up with dark blue eyes – far from his own. Hands coming up, he summoned the stronger version of his last spell, sending it at Zax. Surprised, Zax was unable to stop that attack as quickly as he had done before. In minutes, he no longer was able to stand. He was knocked out.

Sephiroth frowned as he watched the SOLDIER-trainees attack one another; several had no strategy where the rest seemed concerned with other things. None were going to make it, if they kept that up. On the left side of him, he could see several trainees pointing over the hill where the recruits and private school students were learning. Made him wonder what was so important as he stared up to see Zax laugh heartedly before pulling Cloud up, gave him a quiet briefing then stood their distance. What did that idiot think he was doing? He turned roughly, starting up the hill to see what the man was doing. He didn’t make it up far enough until he saw Cloud cast a weak spell that Zax easily expelled. Shaking his head, he turned around before he saw another flash and screams. Turning quickly, he watched Zax fall down as Cloud swayed silently, hands still out as small flames fell from his fingers.

“Cloud!” Sephiroth yelled, starting up the hill just at the recruiters started pulling the students far away from the ‘dangerous’ boy, but Rufus refused to move as he, too, started towards Cloud. Gently, he placed his hands upon Cloud, urging him to tell Jenova ‘no’, but the deep blue eyes didn’t stop as he began to burn Rufus’ hand. Pulling the president away, Sephiroth grabbed hold of the blonde, feeling the child kick to be free, he tightened his hold. “Rufus! Get someone up here to bring Zax to sick bay, as well as yourself!” The vice president breathed deeply, before nodding and screaming out orders. The shocked, forming, crowds started doing what their president said, but still watched as the general was knocked in the face by the small boy, and pushed slightly.

Chocobo like hair swayed gently, the teenager placed his hands out gently, summoning up a spell. What spell, Sephiroth dreaded to know, but it didn’t bother him, he wasn’t the Great General Sephiroth for nothing. The boy threw an ultima spell at the General, but his aim was off as the silver haired ‘god’ reached for his sword sheath and pulled out his masamune, glaring at the boy that stepped back. So Cloud knew when he was out powered, but he had a feeling that the glow meant Jenova had him already. “Scared Jenova?” He growled, and the boy laughed, heartlessly.

“Pawn, that’s what you are,” Cloud grinned, his feet left the ground, and into the air, “It’s no problem, I am rightful owner to the promised lands, and no one is going to get in my way. Not Hojo, not ShinRa, and not you. This is the end, enjoy it while you can.” Sephiroth tensed, readying for an attack as Cloud’s body whitened, flashing brightly before he took off into the air. Sephiroth stared around, watching as the reactor began to light up as well, many wires that brought electricity to the many cities began to pulse as the mako was retraced, and soon the artificial light in the man made training area was gone, and Sephiroth’s sharp ears could hear civilians from all around Midgar, complaining that their electricity was gone.

Hours later, he found himself standing in front of the single most powerful business man, ShinRa himself. The president seemed cold, his face frozen with anguish on his chubby cheeks. The room was now lit by coal, giving the Coal Miners of Corel something to do until the Mako situation could be dealt with, but that didn’t mean ShinRa it’s self wasn’t losing money, it was losing lots by the seconds. All their mako supplies had been discovered to be going up to the highest building of all of Midgar, where a yellow glow of energy (known as ‘Cloud’) was absorbing it. Midgar was losing it’s population fast, those that were staying were that of the slums and the Turks that didn’t go with Rufus on an act to save the vice president. “Do you know why I called you here, General?” The man yelled, his eyes colored with fury.

“Because even though I had no hand in Cloud’s sudden hatred towards ShinRa or Jenova’s biased opinion on mankind, you are still able to find a link to me somehow?” The General asked, raising a silver eyebrow. Poor unconscious Zax had to stay in sickbay, to be transported to Mideel for future treatment. The Presidents face grew red with rage with the comment, slamming his hands upon the desk, but the General was not startled. It was more vice-versa, the President was afraid of the Great General. “I thought Heidegger was going to find a way to deal with Cloud?” The General thought. He knew it wouldn’t work; Cloud was stronger than he looked, and with the power he was taking from the mako, he was twice better than the Silver haired SOLDIER. That was only twice, it’d be hard for the General by himself, perhaps recruiting helpers – strong helpers – would be reasonable.

“I don’t care if he’s your son, Sephiroth,” ShinRa growled, tightening his fist against the arms of his chair, “if you don’t find a better resolve now to stop him, we’ll kill him.” He stood up, stepping towards the window, his eyes faced up at the floating bubble of light in the sky, sleeping inside was the strengthen boy that would destroy Midgar – and ShinRa. Both stared towards the distance as a loud explosion shook the office.

“President ShinRa!” Palmer ran up the stairs, leaned down to breath, before staring back up. “That group, AVALANCHE, has just destroyed Reactor One! Is being put that it’s not the only one to be gone! Sector Seven has placed out recently that the group was talking about destroying all of the reactors, to stop The Cloud,” he referred to the ‘monster’, “but also, mako doors will be shut down tomorrow at seventeen hundred, all mako flow will be cut short. That should stop the strengthening of The Cloud for a couple of minutes, we are unsure if he will take flight to another area rich with mako…”

“Perhaps the Promised Lands?” The President smiled, rubbing his bulged cheeks. “Palmer, have them cut Mako flow in every reactor, old and new. Have Hojo watch the boy closely, for any changes in the next few hours upon realization on what is going on. Maybe we have found our way there after all.” The fat man nodded, saluted, and took off down the steps again to relay the message, causing Sephiroth to growl slightly.

“Promised Lands! What side are you on?” He snarled, “Do you want Cloud finished or still around. Attacking him while his mako supply is at a minimal may just be our only chance of survival. If he does find a place where Mako is most significant, then we’re fucked.”

“If you have a problem with my orders, General, then you’re dismissed from duty until we have this under control. ShinRa always has a second plan, but it’s obvious you don’t trust us enough.” He waved his hand, finger pressing a button for security. “Enjoy civilian life for awhile, go to Coast De Sol and get a tan.” The President waved as Sephiroth was shoved down the stairs, fighting.

~*~*OoO*~*~

Sephiroth looked at the flyer in his hands as he looked around the crummy streets of Sector Seven’s slums. Seventh Heaven seemed to be the meeting grounds of this AVALANCHE, the answer to his prayers. He had left a note for Zax, since the SOLDIER was showing quick signs of recovery due to the mako infusion, to meet him in this area if possible. The tabloids would have a field day if they got news that Great General Sephiroth was joining up with a small rebel group against ShinRa, but that was life.

Opening the door to the bar, he was meet by a girl way too young to be there in the first place. Waving, she smiled, and showed him a seat. “Hello!” She cried loudly, “You’re new here, aren’t you?” She asked.

Another girl, this one behind the counter, brushed a dark bang back as she reached for a glass to get the General a beverage. “Marlene, why don’t you sit down and give him some space,” she suggested, and the girl nodded. “Hey,” The girl turned to the General, “what can I give you?”

“I’m here looking for AVALANCHE. I received information that they are looking for reinforcements, and I may be of some help to them myself.” The General kept it short. They most likely were aware of who he was, but that didn’t matter at all. The girl nodded, placing her gloved hand upon her hip with a cocked smile.

“You’re at the right place, they should be down in the hideout. Just wait patiently, Barret would be happy for recruits, um…your name?” She smiled politely as she placed on some charms.

“Sephiroth.” The general stared blankly at the girl sitting at a barstool and coloring in a book that dealt with Chocobos. A pink Chocobo, now there was an idea. She seemed to like that color, he drilled into his head.

“Well, I’m Tifa Lockheart, and that would be little Marlene.” The big-busted barmaid grinned, arching her back a little, as seductively as possible. What was she, thirteen? Wearing belly bears and short-shorts, that was going a little too far, Sephiroth frowned as she started talking about the reactor in her town of Nibelheim, and The Cloud being her best friend, Cloud Strife. As she said that, Sephiroth looked up quickly.

“You’re from Nibelheim?” He asked, slow on in taking what she had just said. From Nibelheim, knew Cloud. She had to know a little more about him then! The girl leaned upon her elbows, nodding with a look of boredom on her face. Cloud had said he wasn’t all the popular in his hometown, but he had also said he met an old friend before in the sectors.

“Yah. He was so strange, so no one wanted to be around him. I didn’t even want to be around him for that reason. If he hadn’t spoke to himself all the time, maybe we’d hang with him a little more, but he was talking to monster and himself, sending fireballs at nothing and practicing other magic spells. During the winter seasons, he’d suddenly go into hibernation because it was too cold, like he was an animal. If I just stayed with him that one day, maybe he wouldn’t have disappeared.” She sighed, staring at a game in the side of the room as he rose to floor level, a tall black man stepping out with his gun barrel cock towards Sephiroth.

“Who are you?” He glared.

Tifa smiled, watching the man closely just as Sephiroth was. “His name is Sephiroth, he wants to join our group, Barret”

“A spy!” Barret fire rounds at the silver haired general, but none hurt the man that sat patiently. “What’s ShinRa’s great General doing over here?” He yelled, and Sephiroth held up his hands, in a mock surrender. He never surrendered; he just needed help before ShinRa did something stupid.

“I’ve been laid off until they deal with Cloud. Of course, my beliefs are now up against ShinRa’s. I’m going to stop Cloud myself, but the boy is twice as strong as myself. So, I’m looking for help. We’re not helping ShinRa; they’re after the Promised Lands, using Cloud. I want to stop Cloud from destroying the planet, but I hope to find a way to do this without killing him.”

“The Promised Lands?” Barret raised an eyebrow, just as the game control went down again, rising with three other people.

“Yes, the Promised Lands. A land of mass Mako Energy. ShinRa was planning on shutting each Mako supply off, so Cloud was unable to find growth, but they would shut every plant off so he had no source. Then, they planned on following him wherever he would go to get this great amount of power. They never plan on killing him, but they don’t understand is, once he’s there, he once more begins to grow his strength, but this time a mass amounts. They will be dooming the planet if they let Cloud show them this sacred ground.” Sephiroth stood up. “AVALANCHE is against ShinRa’s mako plants, I’m ShinRa’s general that is trying to stop Cloud from destroying the Earth. I will pay for the service, of course, but I need the strength to stop the world from ending.”

The black man stopped for a second, thinking about what the General had said to him. Nodding his head, Barret raised his arm in the air. “Guys, dis here is General Sephiroth, one with the enemy that’s going to help use save the planet. Think we can trust him?” The group behind him began to talk amongst themselves, and Sephiroth shook his head.

All noise stopped as the door opened, Barret raising his gun arm to the visitor with a glare on his face as he began to speak. “This is a private meeting, get you fucking asses away!” He started firing, and Sephiroth jumped in front of the visitor to stop the certain death. As Barret stopped attacking, the general turned to face the blonde that he had saved, behind him was Nanaki, and next to them was a man dressed in red and black standing tall with a gun turned to Barret in return.

“President ShinRa, didn’t your father send you away?” Sephiroth asked, watching as the blonde stared up with strength and determination in his eyes. “What are you doing?”

“Since Cloud started talking to Jenova more recently, I got a hold of an old Turk from one of Hojo’s experiments. He just wants to handle Hojo, but Cloud is also on his list of helping since he knows a few things about Jenova’s children in his few months in research with Professor Hojo and Gast. Sephiroth, meet Vincent Valentine. Vincent, this is Sephiroth, Lucrecia’s child.” He waved his hand in their greeting, as the General stood there, stunned. Lucrecia’s?

The vampire nodded, as if he were reading Sephiroth’s mind. “Yes, Lucrecia, you are her child, hers and Hojo’s with the input of Jenova cells. The boy Cloud is his two parents child and the input of Jenova cells plus magic at birth. I had first been awoken by the screams that the reactor was lighting up to see his mother be attacked by high power levels of mako cells in her final stages of pregnancy. I felt sorry that the child would be born mutated, another sin on my marks. Always sins.” He looked around the darkened cavern, frowning slightly.

“Whatever.” The General shook his head, clearing thoughts up. “Why are you here Rufus?”

The blonde stared up, blinking slightly. “General, I am Cloud’s lover, his best friend. Where do you expect me to go?”

“Dating Cloud, this is news to me. Don’t tell me that’s what has been up with you eating both Zax and I out of house and home just to spend time with Cloud?” Sephiroth smirked, ruffling the vice president’s feathers. “What affect do you think you’ll actually have on Cloud? When you tried to get him attention back upon the artificial training fields, he had absolutely no problem to burning your hand,” he raised his finger to show the burned hand that was self-consciously brought to Rufus’ chest. “And no amount of words can get into President ShinRa’s head that what he has planned will not work.”

The tall black man, still angry that his hideout was now being housed by two of their biggest enemies, snorted before leaning back against the wall. “Damn it, who ever said we was goin’ to fucking help any of you?” He asked, glaring mercilessly at the group that had any affiliation with or to ShinRa. An odd bunch – a stuck up vice president, vampire man, a dog-cat-wolf thing that looked ready to kill, and a general that was known for his great strength, why did they need a group of rebels to help them defeat one small boy that thought he owned everybody (as the news had said). Tifa, leaning upon the railing of the bar and watched the group, stared innocently at her employer, as well as Marlene, who had to stare up from her coloring books to get a better glance at the group that had an affect – good and bad – on peoples’ lives.

“Barret, they need our help. You were talking about money problems. We pay for services, and can do double – even triple – for the enemy. Besides, this is my friend Cloud we’re discussing. They can pay you, but I want to go up there and knock some sense into his thick skull for free.” Tifa finally voiced her opinion, walking towards the cat-wolf-thing that just smiled politely back up at her. “Aren’t you the cutest thing!” She gushed, petting it behind it’s ear before looking back up. Vincent, who had been sitting in the back listening, gave her a weary glance before turning his head. “Quite a bunch.”

“Cute, miss?” The cat-wolf-thing grinned up, well a flare of the fangs that looked close to a grin actually. “I’ve never been called such before, perhaps strong or wonderful experiment, but never cute. I have a name, though. You may call me Nanaki.” The creature bowed slightly before raising it’s head back up towards Barret, who was standing far away as possible. “I’ve read up about this group, Avalanche, while in the confounds of Sephiroth’s apartment. You seek to save the world, but are very unaware on how much it needs saved. Have you ever heard of Cosmo Canyon?” Nanaki asked, and the gun-armed man nodded with some enthusiasm. “It is my home, I’ve spent my whole childhood – which I am still a child in my species aging process, but a man of forty-three, by human aging – being taught by my grandfather all about the planet that we love so.

“He once told me, that it did not matter what lengths we went to just to save it, be it limiting natural resources or stopping the use of mako. This planet is dying anyway – today, tomorrow, one hundred years from now – all you do is delay those chances. This is not about money, but stopping a creature,” he ignored both Rufus and Sephiroth’s sudden shout that Cloud was human, “that could cause great harm to the fragile planet all because he is one with mako and Jenova can’t stand any vermin that don’t bow to her.

“I don’t see any of us as enemies right now, we’re all on the same opinion about saving the planet. We just have a small difference on beliefs, but we need to stop Cloud now.” The creature jumped upon one of the barrel chairs and stared at the coloring book that the little brunette girl was drawing in. “I am sure for her sake, you would at least try to save Midgar while you still can.”

Indigestion filled the rebel group leader’s face as he stared at his adoptive daughter then back at the dog. “Damn-it all to hell!” He yelled. “Fine, sign AVALANCHE up, but we got a fee going now. Two thousand for each member that you have tag along. ‘Course, they are my men, so all of ‘em are coming.” He smiled, seeing the color fleeing from the General’s face. “Just a few – Jessie, Wedge, Briggs, Tifa, and myself. Just ten thousand, not a big killer.” The general took a deep breath, sighing in what seemed relief before nodding his head.

“Done then.” He waved his hand. “We’ll be by later,” he led the small group of four out and towards the hotel on the upper floor of the training hall.

Tifa stared intently on where the group once stood before turning to her employer. “Do you think we could have asked for more?” She finally asked, and Barret slammed his gun arm against the wall, causing three heads to pull out from the basement area in shock. “It’s okay Barret.”

There was only one bed, ultimately claimed by both Nanaki and Rufus, leaving the two silent men to stare around at their surroundings. Personally, Sephiroth was waiting for the vice president to scream, as a spring would come up out of the bed, the place looked that shitty. It didn’t affect Rufus; of course, as the vice president began to pet Nanaki as he stared up at the two men that had followed him around – almost protecting him.

“The mako in Zax’s system proved worth it, he won’t be going to Mideel or anywhere else, it seems. I had a messenger boy give him notice, before we came down here, to meet us in Sector Five gates, near the Sector Seven entrance. He’ll lead us to where his girlfriend – who, by Hojo’s reports – that talks to the planet-”

“An ancient? They actually exist?” Nanaki stared up, interested.

“Hm? Well, we can pray that all of this is correct. She can help us, as a healer and messenger. The more power we have, the better chance we have against Cloud. However, I won’t be shocked if there are causalities. Vincent, as one of Hojo’s old experiments, contains abilities that will be of great use, right?” He asked the man, who nodded without glee to that thought. “You’re strength as well as this AVALANCHE’s abilities may be useful.”

Sephiroth didn’t miss a beat as he stared up to meet Rufus’ eyes, going over everything in his head. “And you, sir? I won’t have you fight, it’s my sworn promise to protect you as a SOLDIER, and I won’t just fall back and let you do something dangerous.”

Rufus held up his hand, uninterested in whatever the general had to say. “I won’t be fighting. As vice president, information and statistics come across me more than necessary. Call me, more of a spy on ShinRa’s field. I’d be doing my father proud to see I’m using my resources, even though they are against his order.” His eyes saddened as he stared down. “Cloud and I may not be friends until old age, Sephiroth. My duties to ShinRa Incorporation and his beliefs about the use of mako will clash. One day, we’ll be enemies, no matter what you say. I already see it, we debate all the time to the mako power use. If he wasn’t so ignorant towards the truth that I make my living on selling mako to the people around Midgar and other reactor using placing, do you think he’d want to talk to me? Saving him will be a chance to help our friendship, but each minute I remind myself one thing, one thing that has never been stated.”

From the wall, Vincent looked up and into the President’s rock hard eyes. “And what would be that?”

“Cloud’s not our enemy. Jenova is. I’m trying to find a way that we can destroy Jenova, but Hojo’s Lab is zero help. Cloud grew stronger four hours ago, and Jenova broke free. No one knows where she went, we think to the Promised Lands to wait.” He stared up. “I wonder if, to kill Jenova, we’ll have to kill Cloud, or is there a loop hole. Think about it, Sephiroth. Only Cloud is being affected by Jenova, what about those with Jenova Cells in them, such as yourself and most of SOLDIER? Shouldn’t they be affected as well?” His brows itched together, deep in thought before laying down upon his outstretched arms.

“Jenova choose Cloud,” Vincent muttered, his head turned to face out a window towards the bar they abandoned. “He didn’t want her, he’s a puppet to her plays. She’s not in the promised lands, her body is likely with him, within him as a puppet to pull his strings and get his arms to move. When his body is dead, she’ll find another puppet – maybe you Sephiroth.” He stared at the man in the dark corner. “Don’t take any chances. I warn you, killing him won’t do anything. Getting Jenova out to fight, that’s the big thing we need to worry about.”

“Cloud once was able to fight her,” Sephiroth stated, “she’s stronger, but maybe he can still fight her if we get up there and mostly discuss a few things with him. His plans, Jenova, the Promised Lands. Getting Jenova to come out means to bait her a little that his body cannot take all the attacks upon the boy, and I won’t let her take me easily. The only problem is, how to get up there since most of us will not be allowed inside ShinRa Headquarters to get to the roof.”

Delight struck the blonde vice president’s face as he raised his hands suddenly. “Let’s go to Sector Six, I’m hungry!” He cried out.

Both Vincent and Sephiroth tilted their heads to the sudden outburst; Nanaki was asleep to even realize the one-eighty behavior change that suddenly occurred.

The Wall Market was overran by men, Sephiroth had once read in the papers. Rape was the biggest crime that seemed to happen in the place, but that didn’t stop the women that worked at Honey Bee Inn. The group, once awestruck by the sudden perks of the slums once more felt out of it as some man mistook both Vincent and Sephiroth as women. How, neither knew, but the man wouldn’t be speaking for a long time. Actually, Sephiroth just held the guy down, Vincent shoved trash down his throat, but nonetheless, the man was dead and buried under the trash he had been eating.

Rufus was walking around awestruck once more as he turned yet another corner of the small city, a man interrupting his tour by telling him about warm meals for a couple of gil. “Sephiroth! I found the place!” He started into the shady café, leaving both men awestruck by the boy’s sudden personality; another flash passed them as quickly as Rufus had upon arrival. Nanaki was now sitting at one of the stools, ignoring the chef about no pets allowed.

“’The Place’? You were actually looking for this dump?” Sephiroth asked, ignoring the glare by the owner of the cramped building. “We could have rode the trains up to the Plate if you were hungry.” He suggested, only wanting to get out of the place he swore was infested by mutated rats.

“Five specials, please!” Rufus called, receiving a nod from the chef that started to work on the large order. Five? Sephiroth once more counted their party. How in Shiva’s name did four turn into five, didn’t the vice president now how to count?

Vincent took a seat, glancing at the beer that was placed before him, before taking a swig from it. “Are we expecting someone?” He asked, ignoring the questioning glance from the General that finally sat down at the table. Sephiroth’s eyes stared at the greasy fryers, wincing as the man placed raw meat next to already cooked meat. Unsanitary. Didn’t health inspectors exist anymore?

Grinning, Rufus nodded. “Yes. AVALANCHE is going to have five people with them, which is still too much for a rebel group. They could over power us if anything were to happen to you and Sephiroth. That was why I gave Zax the heads up on the mission, who is bringing his healer girlfriend to help fight so we can survive a little longer. That makes six, but it’s still not a very good number difference with AVALANCHE. So, we having another person join us.” He chuckled, leaning on his elbows as a dish of food was placed in front of him as well as the others.

“You ordered five, only four of ya. Where do ya want the last one?” The chef snorted.

“Place it by the empty seat next to my silver haired friend. Another member will be joining us soon.” Rufus instructed, and the man did as told. Turning back to Vincent and Sephiroth, ignoring Nanaki completely, “Oh, and please, be nice. He’s a little…out of it, but he’ll be worth it.” Sephiroth raised a silver brow, trying to understand what the blonde meant by that when a string of curses met his ear.

Oh no! Not him! Sephiroth turned towards the door as they flung open, and an aging blonde set foot in the room. “Well, pretty boy ShinRa! I’m here, what did you want to talk about?” None other than Cid Highwind grinned at the group.