Immer: This honestly something that has been nagging my brain for a while. So, please bear with me on whatever mistakes I make here. I know more about FF7 than 15, as I haven't played it, but I have watched a friend play the game. I have a grasp of characters and such, so if I mess up, please forgive me.

Also, note, no Lunafreya isn't going to be paired with Cloud. I don't even know if he's going to be paired with anyone right now.

"Speech"

Thoughts

(Mind link)

I do not own Final Fantasy VII or Final Fantasy XV.

Chapter One The Man Encased in Crystal

FFVIIFFXV

The first time they met, it was by mere chance. And with that chance, Princess Lunafreya took it upon herself to take that chance and spun a series of events that would fit a fairy tale of a princess and her knight. She was merely driven by instinct and curiosity, and it was an admirable first impression on him.

It was all a grand spectacle, if not humorous. The sight of fifteen of the strongest men struggle with the heavy crystal closer to the throne was a sight no one would have thought to see. And while strange yet humorous, the curiosity was eminent in the whole room, about ready for a fabulous feast.

Princess Lunafreya, even at the tender age of ten, watched with a seriousness that spoke of a future queen. And yet it didn't escape her father that she was also just as curious as to why a large crystal was being brought to them in such a fashion. And in front of so many people, as well. Then again, they were nearing the end of a festival. And for once she was grateful for the rare opportunity to be present in the throne room at this moment.

"We present to your Majesty, this find from one of the mines. It might seem like a normal crystal now," One of the men leading the group turned as the others pushed the crystal upright, and gasps filled the room. "But as you can see, it's a curiosity we had to bring to you, Your Highness."

Lunafreya stared in awe. The crystal was a shimmering green, and yet so clear it was almost like ice. Trapped inside was a handsome young man, almost as if he were peacefully sleeping. He had golden hair spiked in every direction, and he was clad in strange black clothing. Entranced, the young princess stepped closer, drawn to the magic emanating from the crystal.

"Princess..." One of the men was about to direct her away from the crystal, but her father motioned him to keep quiet.

Free to do as she pleased, Lunafreya stood a few feet away from the crystal. She sensed so much power, and yet so much sadness from this individual that she almost began to cry. But she was a princess, and in a few years she was to be a grown woman, and someday a queen. Queens weren't supposed to cry in front of everyone.

He's alive, I just know it.

Somehow, she knew he was still alive. She didn't question how she knew, she simply understood he was still alive somehow. Lunafreya turned to her father with all regalness, it was hard for everyone to remember she was only ten.

"Father, may I?" She wasn't clear with her intentions on purpose, but he understood what she wanted and silently nodded.

"What is she doing?" She heard her brother inquire, but he was ignored, as all eyes were on her.

Encouraged, Lunafreya faced the crystal once more. Tentatively, she reached out. Her hand was centimeters away when she hesitated. She considered exactly what she was doing, and if she could really do this.

My magic isn't strong yet. But the need to do this is so much stronger, I think I can do it. No, I know I can.

Willing her courage, the princess felt her magic flow through her. She was solely relying upon instinct, as she heard the whispers of encouragement from the magic surrounding the crystal itself. She pulled that magic from within the crystal to make up for the gap of her own magic, as her magic took form on the crystal from where her hand met the cold and smooth texture.

The glow of her magic grew, surrounding the crystal entirely as it stretched and reached all around. Lunafreya felt her magic waver, but she remained strong. And just when she felt dizziness swarm her, suddenly the crystal began to melt away. She watched in awe as the crystal evaporated like liquid, only there wasn't any steam as an after effect.

The blonde man floated within the magic that now encircled him. And for a brief moment Lunafreya was scared that he was dead. Then eyes fluttered open, and that was when she pulled her hand away. The orb of magic disappeared, and he collapsed onto the floor on his knees.

Lunafreya stared into bright blue eyes, and yet as deep as the ocean. There so much sorrow and inner turmoil, she was lost in them. He at first seemed confused, as he slowly came to. His eyes stared into hers, seemingly as entranced as she was. For her, she was entranced with his eyes, so similar to someone else's, yet different at the same token.

For him, he had flashes of warm green eyes and soft brown hair. This young girl reminded him of her, and he couldn't force his will to look away. The confusion of where he was, who these people were, and why he was woken up was replaced with a relative calmness from this one girl with an air about her of someone much older than herself.

And then that calmness shattered as men leaped in from above, blades at the ready for assassination. Reacting upon mere instinct to protect her, he pulled her aside and out of nowhere a giant sword shielded them from the attack. He had her placed between his arms, as he used his broadsword to shield her. He noted with worry that they were surrounded.

Guards took to arms and charged. He was no longer forced to focus on all of the assassins, which was a relief. He pushed with his sword, using a momentum to send his target back. Once he was freed, the awakened swordsman split his sword to have a smaller piece in his other hand. And with great skill, he managed to protect the princess from all angles, never fully moving as he kept her in front of him, arms protecting her with his swords.

As long as she's here, I can protect her.

And just as soon as it all started, it ended. The assassins laid dead or to the brink of death. He stood in front of the princess, towering over her. She was clearly distraught, and he knelt to her level with gentleness as he spoke to her.

"You're alive, and you're safe. You can go ahead and cry if you need to." He understood that she had to cry, but she was proving to be too stubborn.

"I am a princess, and future queen of two nations. I will not cry." Lunafreya sniffed as she forced back her tears. She stared at him with such conviction, he invisioned someone else in her place, giving him the same look.

"And you, kind sir, thank you. You saved my life." Her face softened with a shy smile, and his heart tore apart at the sight.

I am not worthy of such kindness.

"But, I can't properly thank you without knowing your name. I'll start first. I am Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, Princess of Tenebrae. And you are?" She tilted her head in a fashion that reminded him of someone else, and he had to remind himself she's someone different.

She isn't her, remember this.

He searched through muddled memories. He remembered faces and names, all different than his own. He was still feeling the effects of his long sleep. Eventually, a cold and malicious voice from an old memory echoed in his head.

"Good to see you, Cloud."

"My name is Cloud Strife." He felt everything hit him at once. His head pounded as memories flooded through like a tidal wave breaking through a wall.

"Cloud? What a weird name." A boy commented as he neared, and was sent a look by the princess.

"Don't be rude to our guest, introduce yourself." Luna chided as, if they were siblings. Cloud noticed the similarities between them.

"All right, Luna. Stop being so formal. My name is Ravus Nox Fleuret, Prince of Tenebrae." He pouted at his sister, then turned on the swordsman with curiosity masked by an attempt of a serious face.

Cloud found it hard not to absolutely adore them.

Later, after Cloud was named Hero of Tenebrae and a feast was done in his honor, he was whisked away for questioning where he was from. Then he was asked why he was in a crystal, and how he became trapped in it. For the most part, he played dumb and refused to give straight answers.

He wasn't sure how long he had been asleep, but he knew it was a long time. He made it seem like the process of being crystallized alive took away his memories, all save for his name. It was the best tactic he had to avoid possible influencing their research and technology. He wasn't going to allow a repeat of what he had witnessed in his home era.

Eventually, he wasn't considered a threat. However, people still found him odd and the suspicion of where he came from still lingered. Nevertheless, he was granted full reign to wander around the palace as he pleased, as the king rewarded him for saving his daughter. He was merely a noble guest, and was thus treated as such.

He often wandered around aimlessly, still adjusting to the new world around him. Everything was different, and yet he found things were indeed similar to his own time. He recognized some of the technology that worked relatively the same as he knew them, with minor changes. At the same token, there were some he had no clue what some of these things were, and often he was stared at for being so unfamiliar with something everyone else considered trivial.

And so, he often retreated out of sight. He often wandered the royal gardens or the royal library. Very few were granted access to either, but he was a special case. The king seemed to favor him a lot, which Cloud found it easier to escape unwanted attention by entering either the garden or the library. They were peaceful, and he was eager to learn as much as he can about this new era he had awoken to.

At some point, Cloud was asked if he would like to be a personal guard to the prince and princess by the king. He had both of his heirs beside him, as they peered at him curiously. They had found him in the royal library as he was reading. Without a second thought Cloud made his choice.

"I am honored for the offer, but I have to refuse. Strong as I am, I am a monster in sheep's skin. I cannot risk harming them should I lose control." Cloud answered with indifference.

I can't watch another death caused by my hands.

"But you protected me, Sir Cloud. If you were a monster, then why did you protect me?" The young princess tilted her head at him.

Cloud was too stunned to answer. She had him cornered, and he knew he couldn't lie. She would see right through it, so he couldn't answer. As he couldn't properly answer, the princess stepped closer with a compromise. Once again, he was amazed she seemed much more than a ten year old girl.

"How about a promise? You promise me that you will always resist that side of you. However, should you break this promise, then you will be casted away as a knight, stripped of your titles and any actions you take will henceforth be on you."

Cloud considered her words carefully. On one hand, he would be putting the siblings at risk. On the other, he was considered the best choice to protect them. And, whether he admitted or not, he had a soft spot for children. Some things wouldn't change, no matter how much time had passed.

"...Very well." He understood these children needed him. And, he knew they were destined for something great. He simply hoped it didn't end with tragedy.

I will do my best to protect them.

FFVIIFFXV

Shortly after he was knighted, it was proven Princess Lunafreya was an Oracle. She was named the youngest Oracle yet, and news of her being the next Oracle overshadowed his knighting ceremony, not that he cared. Her training began shortly after her own ceremony and celebration. He watched over her from afar, as he learned about the lore of the land. It was similar enough to his era he picked up with ease.

When he wasn't watching the princess, he would teach the prince how to spar. The boy was warm hearted and kind, and very much attached to his mother. He was at first hesitant to fight, however with enough coaxing Cloud helped him out of his shell. Even though he had potential in sparring, the boy's mind was far more calculative, despite his age.

"How can I be as strong as you?" Ravus inquired after training one day. He had been having a streak of bad luck this past week.

He's so young. He still has a lot to learn.

"Strength is a good quality, however, one must first recognize their own strengths and weaknesses in a fight." Cloud replied, smiling fondly at the prince's obvious confusion.

"What do you mean?" The boy frowned.

"Well, in a fight, it's not just about strength. There's also speed, timing, and quick thinking. When I look at you, what you lack in strength, you make up for with that brain of yours. You come up with unique ideas on how to win, something I lack. Therefore, you should work on that head of yours. In time, your strength will catch up with enough practice."

"How can I exercise my brain?" Ravus scowled, and Cloud chuckled.

Always impatient, this one. Reminds me of someone I used to know.

"Read up about strategies, and look at commanders or generals who have succeeded despite the odds against them. Figure out if you can find ways to perfect their strategies, or if there are any flaws in them." Cloud didn't know it at the time, but his words had an astounding effect on the boy, which came in handy later.

When the Imperial Army breached them, Tenebrae fell. The new king allowed the children to live, and even saw the potential they had. Cloud was given more responsibility over them, as he had made a magical binding contract with the former princess. He continued to help Ravus rise in the ranks of the military, and he had mixed emotions as he was named Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army.

On one hand, he felt joy. The boy made a name for himself. On the other, Cloud sensed his bitterness, his fury over the loss of his parents and his country's fall from glory. However, there was little he could do to help him as his duties required of him beside Luna.

Being Oracle, she was allowed to continue her training. She was always on the move, helping her people or visiting shrines. She hardly had any time to herself, not that she wanted to. It was around this time that Cloud gained popularity again, as he was known as the elusive Golden Knight.

With his reputation combined with his appearance, suitors from every noble family flocked to him. He refused, or would avoid being seen out in public entirely. Luna teased him often, as she knew he wasn't interested in anything romantic. These days Cloud has become closed off from everyone, including his only two favorite people.

She was lucky to even get a hint of a smile out of him.

"So are you into women or men, Sir Cloud? Even someone like you must have a preference at one point in your life." Luna inquired as she watered her flowers, interrupting her humming to speak to him. He opened his eyes, having not realized he had closed them as he listened to her hymm.

That song almost put me to sleep.

Cloud debated on how to answer without revealing too much of his past. He watched her as she continued to care for her flowers, the sight reminding him more often of someone else. Someone in a pink dress instead of pristine white, and vibrant white and yellow flowers instead of blues.

"A long time ago, I once met a girl. I thought I loved her. But I only loved her as a sister, or perhaps it truly was romantic love. I sometimes wonder, as at that time my memories were combined with someone else's, and he loved her dearly." This was the first time he ever spoke of his past, and she turned to study him.

"Do I remind you of her?" She knew she was treading on thin ice, for whenever he was asked about his past he would become defensive to the point of anger.

But today, on the anniversary of the day they met, Luna sensed he was ready to finally let someone in. Not necessarily a romantic sense. No, her heart belonged to someone else, and he felt he couldn't ever deserve anyone as his partner. They both felt the winds of change rising, as her wedding day drew ever closer.

"Yes. So much of you is like her. I can't love you like I did her. Or thought I did, I still have trouble with sorting my emotions from someone else. But I love you as a younger sister, I have watched you grow." It was rare of him to openly admit his affections, even to her and her brother.

Then he decided it was time for another revelation.

"And perhaps, either because you're precious to me, or because you're the Oracle, I'll finally reveal to you how and why I was encased in crystal."

Luna almost dropped the water. She hadn't expected him to open up that much so quickly. Even so, she recollected herself as she patiently waited for him to continue. This was something she waited years to hear his story.

She knew early on he still had his memories before he was crystallized. Luna knew better than to pry, as she understood forcing someone's heart to open up wasn't the answer. She learned patience with him, as she opened her heart to him about her insecurities, her worries over her people and her betrothed.

Eventually, he would open up as well.

He began to explain what his era was like. He explained about how technology was advancing very fast, as a company used the energy of the very planet as a fuel source. Eventually, the planet began to rot. And a man, born under unnatural circumstances he had no control of, learned of his heritage.

He took revenge upon the planet, as he was fueled by hatred. Time and time again, he rose to power in an attempt to destroy the planet. He was thwarted each and every time by Cloud. At one point, there was little resource left for him to continue returning.

Except through Cloud, who was also experimented on and had enough of his genes to be considered the next host. He knew this, and thought of a plan to ensure he wouldn't be taken over. Or at the very least, prolong the enemy from coming back at all.

"What did you do?" Luna gently asked, as he had become lost in his memories for a few moments.

It took him a while to answer. Cloud was staring at the flowers, as he struggled to form words to explain. This was the most painful part, and she was aware of this. He was grateful with how patient Luna was being. When he spoke next, his voice was notably shaking.

"I went somewhere far away from my friends. I left without telling them anything, but they figured out what I was trying to do." Cloud took a deep breath as he recalled the last bit.

It's about time I opened up. So much pain, regret, and guilt has overtaken me these last few years.

"I accepted him in me. And then just before I could enter a pool of mako, I was interrupted by my friends. That was when everything went..." Cloud couldn't form the words. His throat constricted, as for the first time tears threatened to fall.

"He took over, didn't he?" Luna guessed, sensing where this was going. She watched with a pained heart as his voice cracked, and his face was filled with so much pain. His careful mask was breaking, cracked and falling apart as he opened up.

She knew he had a history of sorrow that ran deep. She never imagined this. Luna watched with a heavy heart as he forced back a meltdown.

It's all my fault. And I couldn't even stop him. Everything happened so fast.

"I killed them. I don't know how many I killed, but I killed them. I watched as Sephiroth used my body like a puppet."

He choked at the last word, as he remembered words of a different time. Those words always haunted him, dream or awake it didn't matter. The nightmare would never end, not for him.

"All you are, is an empty puppet."

Cloud pushed away those words as he continued.

"In my pain, I managed to take control. With what little time I had left, I jumped into the pool of mako. And we slept. To this day, I can sense him. Always watching, always reminding me that he's there, silently tormenting me. I don't even know which of my friends died because of me, and he won't ever tell me."

I can still hear their screams, their pleas.

Cloud felt his body tremble as a sob threatened to weaken him. At that moment Luna moved closer, and his hyper sensitivity didn't alert him as he choked on tears. Then she wrapped her arms around him, the first contact between them in years. In that moment the sobs echoed in the garden, as in the distance the sounds of celebration of the traditional festival took place.

"Maybe he won't tell you because it would hurt you more. The long imprisonment would have changed him, it would change anyone." Luna whispered, as she followed a train of thought one of the Gods had, and she silently agreed.

"Someone like that doesn't change." Cloud snarled, his body tensing up. Despite his rising fury, she didn't pull away from the embrace she had initiated.

I have tried and tried again to reach out to him, but met with silence. How can someone like him change?

Suddenly his heart stopped as he heard a familiar voice, a voice he hadn't realized he had longed to hear. A familiarity in a lonely world that wasn't his own, surrounded by different people and cultures, a voice he had wanted so desperately wished to hear some grasp of his own era.

(...Is that truly how you feel, Cloud?)

Cloud gasped. This was the first time he heard his voice. Many times he tried to reach out to the other, but he was always met with silence. Eventually he had given up, choosing to ignore the presence of eyes following his every move. At some point, he would reach out to Cloud on his own. And at this moment of weakness, it caught him by surprise.

(...Sephiroth?) Cloud tentatively reached out to him. However, the connection between them closed off, as suddenly the other cut him away. The wall kept between them was strong as before, despite the window of opportunity between them.

Cloud sobbed at the conflicting emotions of loss and fury. If he had been more alert, Cloud would have realized someone who had lingered in the shadows overhearing their conversation, and they silently slinked away unnoticed.

Sephiroth...