Authors Notes

Hey everyone. Name's MajorKris and I happily introduce my first ever Final Fantasy VII story and to start off, I would like to take the time to explain what it is about.

I myself in particular, am a huge fan of war stories. I absolutely love them and the fact that most of them are true makes me draw to them even more. They are inspiring, compelling, thrilling, and to me offer more dramatic scenes and plot than any thing else imaginable. That is why I decided to give a shot at writing my own using FF VII as my main setting. I chose this because I feel that the Wutai war enactment was somewhat interesting and so I adapted what I hope is a pretty well writing story to base it more around that. I also used this opportunity to provide somewhat entertainment for those who also have a thirst for angst, love, violence, and sex. (Exactly why it's in the M rated section)But it is also a type of narrative script as well. Here's a brief summary.

Summary: Getting high up in the ranks is a very impressive feet, for not many can say they acquired the rank of Major at age 23, none the less General. War is a small word but many lies and rumors can spread in no time, especially when barley anyone gets out of it alive. Cloud and Co. soon realize this as the encounter another Ex-Soldier looking for the silver haired general as well, but are his intentions good or is there more to what Shinra is hiding than what they are aware of? Love and aguish follows him wherever he goes and in the end will they trust him or leave him to the fate that was meant for him long ago?

Also, I want to thank all of you, who take the time to read this, it is an OC type of story and I know that OC stories aren't really that popular, but I hope you all will enjoy it since I mostly wrote it just for my own entertainment. Please let me know as well if I do ok, you could say that another reason I'm writing this fic is so I can get better writing practice.

Also, one more thing. This story contains CloudxSepiroth, CloudxAeris, CidxVincent, minor TifaxOC, CidxOC and others I can't think of right now…Just thought I'd let you all know incase this isn't your cup of tea. Thanks again.

WARNINGS: (For this chapter) angst, mentions of rape, slight yaoi …mild violence…?

Yes, the OC's are indeed original characters that I own, but I do not own Final Fantasy and all that just to get it out of the way Dx. Enjoy!

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The Lies and Lost Truths of A Broken Soldier

Chapter One: Pain of Memories

The view outside the window was dark and gloomy as gallons of water from a brutal storm poured from the grey, eerie clouds that blocked out the blue sky above. Thunder crashed repeatedly as the lightening gently lighted the small room that was rented for the night at a broken down inn. A figure shadows the room as the occupant sits up on its bed, attempting so hard to enjoy the cheap branded coffee the inn provided carefully as it tries to block out the disturbing noises outside of its cozy room. Tonight would be the first night of many on this personal journey and even though the mentioned figure spent the last seven years praying on atonement, things needed to be done before this world could move on.

The young man's name is Kris Hawkins, at least, that's the name he's had since he was in the Wutai War. God how he despised that meaningless war, and everything about it; It was only a year ago that it started to haunt him again. His memories came to him in dreams, flashbacks, sometimes even as he walked on by in the streets, trying not to stare at the blank faces of the citizens on this planet for many looked only to be the men who once served under him. Many of Kris' memories were just jumbled up pictures with familiar faces of his friends and comrades who he lost or died by his side, but it was the faces of whom he killed that he remembered more clearly. Screams of pain and the scenery of death filled the air on the battle field, and even the sanest of men eventually lost their minds from the rivers of blood and anguish.

The great battles between skilled ninjas, samurais, and enhanced human soldiers brought him nightmares and filled him with regret almost each day and night. The Ex-SOLDIER remembered screams and cries of horror and suffering as the Wutaiians were quickly wiped out by the powerful men with their long blades and assault rifles in a matter of seconds, mostly from the first fleet themselves. There was another man he remembered as well, a tall handsome man with long silver hair and a mighty sword that could take out a whole fleet if deemed necessary. Bodies covered the ground in as little as twenty minutes, as trails of blood flowed down the grassy hill and into a nearby river that soon flooded with fallen men from both sides. Kris could only remember himself standing in the middle of the battle field, gripping his sword and gun tightly, shooting any Wutaiian that dared come after him and his men. Not once did he miss his target as every Wutaiian samurai and warrior he shot at died on cue before ever hitting the ground.

"Dammit…" Kris whispered to the empty room, gripping his cup so tightly that a small crack appeared on the side of it. "Why did it have to come to that? Damn you Godo for being so goddamn stubborn! If you had just listened to us…Listened to Sephiroth…So many of your people could have been saved!" It was only them that Kris' mind began to fade back again, his eyes quickly going heavy.

0o0o0o0o

The bloodshed continued as rain began to pour from the sky. Kris could have sworn he heard the Wutaiian Gods crying as the rain quickly covered him. The cool water washed away the blood and dirt from his smooth young face as he began to fight hand-to-hand with one of the martial artists now that he was out of ammo and his sword badly damaged. Soft snow white hair flowed behind him in his now slick ponytail as he flipped and dodged the Wutaiian man's punches and kicks quite easily, frowning sadly at him before quickly kicking him down into the dirt; finishing him off with one of his own comrades blades.

It wasn't long before The Wutaiian general found him and his men surrounded by the mako-enhanced killing machines. He knew he wouldn't have a chance against the Shinra General and Major and cursed to himself silently as he forced his tired body to run toward the bridge that connected the high mountains to Wutai, which was only about fifty miles away. He decided to take drastic measures and try to wipeout the bridge to give Wutai more time to prepare for the final battle against Shinra.

The samurai general quickly picked up one of the fallen ninja's sword and slashed at the ropes with full force. The bridge gave out and fell into the darkness below it as many soldiers screamed in terror as they too fell along with it. The sight caused Kris to cringe slightly as he watched his men fall to their deaths, but he quickly tried to hide it. It was only then that the young leader smirked slightly as he witnessed his men curse and swear loudly as they attempted to fire at the Wutaiian general, but unfortunately they were to far away to do much damage. Kris snorted slightly as he watched a particular red haired SOLDIER curse loudly and give away a rather vulgar phrase with one of his fingers toward the samurai general rather childishly as he then pulled at his hair in frustration.

The rain continued to pour harder and harder, soaking Kris to the bone as he shivered and waited to counsel with the general about their next move. His glowing green eyes scanned the area thoroughly once their own general approached to be sure that they were alone. As Sephiroth approached Kris had ordered his men to go back and treat the wounded.

"Well. It would appear that they found a way to retreat again. By the time we get across and arrive to Wutai they will be prepared for us."

"It doesn't matter," Kris replied to his superior, "We knew that one day we would have to fight them head on, and I believe that once Godo sees what we plan to do and actually sees his men and people begin to die, he will finally do the right thing and surrender. I know that neither of us had wanted this, but if Godo continues to fight back there will be no end to this war. We both know that as high as his pride and greed is that he is a coward."

Sephiroth only closed his eyes and frowned as he heard this and handed the shorter yet just as powerful man his canteen. Kris took it gratefully and drank his share as a young private began to approach.

"Sirs!" The man saluted as his spoke, "We just got word from Shinra that Highwind's air fleet has arrived and is available for transportation."

"Highwind?" Kris questioned slightly, "I see…Thank you, tell the men to prepare to leave, and for those dead take their dog tags and have the medic hold on to them as he continues to treat the wounded. We may not have time to bury the dead this time, and my wounded men come first so let Highwind know this, understand?"

"Umm…But." The private slowly moved his eyes to the ground then looked toward Sephiroth who was laughing once he remembered that Kris often forgot that he was no longer the same rank as him and so still gave orders as usual.

"It's alright, that's fine by me. Get going," Sephiroth said sternly as he watched the young man jog to the other side of the field before looking back to the shorter man, "You're still the same as ever. How often are you going to forget that I am in charge now? Or am I to suspect that you still have a little grudge about the fact that I got this promotion instead of you." Sephiroth joked just to get some amusement out of his fellow head of command.

"Oh shut up," Kris replied as he gave a childish pout, causing the general to smirk as he received a punch in the arm, "I'm proud of you! It's just I'm not used to being second in command."

Kris then sighed and sneezed from being in the cold, wet rain for so long as he shivered, "Damn rain! This was exactly why I hate it! All the rain ever does is either slow down our fighting or threaten to put our men in sick bay." He sneezed again but repeatedly this time then froze slightly as he then heard Sephiroth speak once again.

"Colonel Dwight is on his way Kris. He'll want a full report about how this is going so far and he will want to see what we plan for our next move. We should get going; I don't think he'll have much patience for you after…"

"Yes, yes I know." Kris stated in irritation, wishing he had a drink at the moment. "Damn old man--"

The blow to the back of his head came fast and hard as it then sent Kris falling to the ground, making him see stars through his blurred vision. He struggled to stay awake as Sephiroth cried out his name in the darkness. But before he blacked out, he heard a cold, darkly voice echo in the back of his mind.

"Sephiroth..!"

Kris cried out and sat up as his dream once again woke him up to reality with a cold sweat and a racing heart beat. His memories were going to be the death of him soon, and he somehow felt that it may be true. Kris flinched slightly as another blast of thunder shook the small inn and sighed in frustration realizing it must have been the storm that triggered his dream.

Kris began to believe that the silver haired general was going to haunt him for the rest of his life, but yet he felt that he very much deserved it.

"After all…" Kris whispered, "I'm the reason you…"

Kris felt a burning sensation sting his eyes as he then clenched them tightly. He could never forgive himself for what happened…If only he knew…If only he…

Knowing full well he wouldn't be getting any sleep now, Kris sighed and reached over his bed to pick up his guitar; gently plucking a few strings as the rain outside his window continued to fall heavily.

This was indeed going to be the first of sleepless nights out of many.

0o0o0o0o0o0o

Women.

Yeah that's right, women. Is it really just one word to most people? Of course it is! But the definition and what it represents is much more than that. Just that word alone is enough to bring confusing and stress into almost any mans mind. Cloud found this word to have quite an effect on him as well as he thought about the two particular subjects that were in his group, and it was very difficult for him to understand how in the world their species could be so different in comparison to each other.

Why do you ask? Well here are the basics of it.

Ever since Cloud was a kid he tried hard to get the attention of the ever popular Tifa Lockhart back in his hometown, but all she ever did was ignore him and pick on him for his short stature. One of the main reasons he joined SOLDIER was to impress her, and it was only when he left that she began to be more open with him, writing to him almost every week as he too did the same. It was then with this pen pal experience that Could realized that Tifa would never have feelings for him, it came to him quite clearly once Tifa politely broke the news to him in one of the letters after he finally brought up the courage to write her feelings out to her. It was hard at first, but Cloud still had a place for her in his heart and he knew he did in hers, and so the writing continued as it did among many good friends.

He did however know that Tifa had become much kinder and happier now that he's been with her again. But it seemed that even still she didn't have feelings for him. He could accept that, and even so she was still a very good friend to him.

Aeris however, was indeed kind like Tifa but she seemed more innocent, and to Cloud she was the most admirable woman he has ever met. She was always the caring one in the group, healing and attending to the wounded, but was also a strong fighter both mentally and physically. Cloud loved being with her, even it was just the smallest things like sharing a smile, or laughing at a cheesy joke. The day he fell on her flower bed and saw her for the first time, he thought she was an angel. She gave him a small reassuring smile as he finally came out of consciousness, returning her gift by admiring her lovely eyes and gentle hair. Cloud could have sworn that he smiled dumbly up at her which must be what caused Aeris to laugh for him for the first time.

The small group had just escaped from Midgar after rescuing Aeris, and were staying at an inn in the small city of Kalm to think about their next move. Nanaki was the newest in the group, and was more than willing to help if it meant returning to his hometown soon. It didn't take long for the group to realize how intelligent and helpful the talking lion was once they rescued him as well.

After a short rest, it was decided that Cloud should tell them about Sephiroth, and about the events of five years ago. Cloud was hesitant at first, but quickly found the will to do so as Aeris gave him a smile from the bed she sat on next to Nanaki, with Tifa and Barret staring at him across from her on the other set of beds. After a long pause, Cloud started his story of arriving to Nibelium five years ago on a mission to check out the reactor in the mountains behind his hometown. He claimed that he was a first class soldier that had become good friends with Sephiroth after the war, but was also the first to realize the sudden change in the General after they arrived at the small town.

When Tifa had escorted them to the reactor, he noticed that Sephiroth had become anxious and nervous as he explored the probes that were linked inside. The probes were filled with mako enhanced humans, but they weren't the same as soldiers. They had become monsters, sins against nature, and Sephiroth couldn't bare being there. He became violent and then suddenly quiet as he made his way back to Nibelium, and hid himself in the library in the basement of the Shinra Mansion.

Sephiroth had then spent many hours down in the library, and never stopped reading, no matter how many times Cloud begged him to rest or eat. Cloud then came down one last time to see Sephiroth, and was surprised to see that Sephiroth was no longer reading the research files, but was glaring at Cloud with a deadly smirk.

No one noticed Cloud's expression at the time, but it showed a slight bit of nervousness and hate in his eyes. Cloud wasn't going to say to his friends everything that went on in the basement that night, but his mind kept wandering back to the night with Sephiroth he'll never forget….

0o0o0o0o

"Oh, it's the traitor…."

Cloud stared at Sephiroth with confusion in his eyes. He couldn't understand why Sephiroth was being cold to him the past few days, and was starting to feel as though this was not the Sephiroth he remembered. But, there was no doubt that he could recognize the certain smug look in Sephiroth's expression.

"Traitor?" Cloud asked hesitantly. His voice becoming shaky as he watched Sephiroth start to rise from behind the book covered desk.

Sephiroth couldn't help but laugh as he looked at the young man's confused expression before answering him.

"That's right. You and the ancestors, you come from are nothing but traitors! This planet belonged to the ancients many years ago, but then your ancestors came and over populated. Eventually, you overran them. I can never forgive you for that Cloud, but soon, mother will take over this planet with me at her side, and we will start a new world together!"

Sephiroth moved himself toward Cloud, making the boy step back till he back hit the bookcase behind him. Cloud's shaking became noticeable as his hand twitched slightly as he looked up at Sephiroth with both confusion and fear.

The older man scared Cloud nearly to death as he raised his blade to the young boys throat, forcing Cloud to stare wide eyed then scream as a small scratch and the color of red appeared on his neck. The small wound wasn't enough to kill him, but none the less it hurt. It was easy to tell that Sephiroth was enjoying the thrill of hurting the boy and felt a strong urge to force the cadet to beg and cry out for mercy.

The memory of Sephiroth near him made his skin crawl even still…His grip bruising his body, the hot breath on his neck…The pain of when he forced himself inside him…It was all to much for the young man at the moment.

Cloud didn't even want to comprehend what happened that night. He tried hard to forget about it but he just couldn't, and the scars were still there…There was no way he was going to tell them about what really happened…Not any of them…

0o0o0o0o0o0o

"Cloud?"

Silence

"Cloud!"

Cloud flinched slightly as he drew out of his memories once again, only to see the concerned faces of his friends. Aeris was next to him with her hand gently on his arm, trying to comfort the young man gently with a small, worried smile.

"Are you alright? You began to stare in to space for a long time, and then you looked like you were in pain."

Cloud couldn't help but smile slightly, as he gently hugged the young woman as small thanks, unaware of the blush on her cheeks or the grinning Tifa who was petting Nanaki's fur on the bed.

"I'm alright, Aeris, but thank you. Sorry about that everyone, I'll continue now," He gently let go of Aeris, whom smiled at him sweetly and took her seat again as Tifa winked at her with all knowing knowledge as Aeris sat back down across from her. Aeris couldn't help but smile from her friend's expression.

Once again, the story carried on.

0o0o0o0o0o0o

Once Cloud finally left the basement; he was greeted with the sight of flames that had consumed his whole town. He sank to his knees from disbelief as more tears threatened to escape his eyes. The blond quickly shut his eyes tightly and held them back as he ran toward his home. He prayed and begged for his mother to be alright, please, please, let her be alright!

Cloud ran as fast as he could as he finally saw his house, it was covered in flames as it looked as though it may fall at any minute. He didn't care about this and quickly ran inside, using a piece of his now tattered uniform to cover his mouth to keep out the smoke.

"Mom!" He cried out desperately for her, quickly passing the hall and arriving into the small cramped kitchen. Part of the ceiling had already fallen onto the floor and erupted in flames; almost giving Cloud's young heart a have a heart attack when he noticed the body laying crushed under it, he dropped the fabric to the ground.

Cloud ran to her, kneeling by her and shaking her to try and wake her up. Tears stung his eyes from smoke and grief as the wet substance ran down his cheeks again. He begged for her to wake up. "Mom, please don't die on me, please don't leave me!" He held her tightly as he pulled her out of the wreckage, pulling her to his chest and then looks down at his mothers, lovely face. She looked so peaceful lying in his arms; she was always full of life. She was ambitious, smart, kind, and the best baker. Cloud smiled slightly as the tears continued to fall, and gently dripped onto his mother's now pale face.

He hugged her against him one last time, and kissed her forehead gently as he muffles a small sob as he spoke, "I love you, mom…" Cloud stroked her hair back one last time and left his house without looking back. As soon as he left, the house collapsed completely. The flames roared as it consumed the last of Cloud's home, just like the general who took his heart and innocence away. But now, this was too much, this was going too far.

Cloud felt anger and hatred bubble up inside him. The tears stopped, but his soul screamed for justice and revenge. He turned and looked through the flames, catching a glance of silver hair as the towns people begged for the tall figure to stop. But instead, he slashed them all one by one till there was no one left. The figure turned and spotted Cloud, and an evil, vile smirk formed on his lips as he then turned and left for the mountains.

Cloud didn't hesitate this time. He quickly ran after the man not stopping for anything as he finds one of the other cadet's buster swords and drags it with him. He soon arrived at the reactor, quickly dashing inside as he noticed a tall brunette kneeling by a man on the floor. It didn't take time for Cloud to realize it was Tifa and quickly ran after her, not wanting to lose anyone else.

Tifa was crying as she kneeled next to the body of her father. He tried to avenge the town which only turned to be his downfall, leaving his daughter all alone in the world now. The young woman screamed out and picked up Sephiroth's sword and quickly ran inside the reactor.

Cloud tried to call out for her to stop, but the girl was to far away to hear him. Tifa ran toward Sephiroth, carrying the sword behind her, as she then attempted to slash at him. Sephiroth caught her easily though, and grinned at her as she was lifted up from the ground.

The blow came fast and hard as Tifa was slashed across the chest, her limp body launched back against the flight of stairs, as Cloud could only watch horrified. Sephiroth just looked down at her and laughed mockingly at the girl's weakness and went deeper inside the reactor, stepping inside what appeared to be Jenova's domain.

Tifa continued to lay limp at the bottom of the stairs, gasping for air as a small trail of blood dripped down her chin from her mouth. Cloud quickly ran to her side and held her up, calling for her gently. His childhood crush could only lean against him, silently begging for warmth as her body drew cold. The soldier picked her up gently and laid her against the wall of the building, stroking her face and hair gently as he tries to smile reassuringly to her, but was failing horribly. The girl opened her eyes slightly and attempted a small, but sad smile. "You said…that when I was in trouble, you'd come and save me…Right?"

Cloud choked back a sob as he brushed her cheek gently, feeling his heart rip into pieces again. "Yeah…That's right…"

Tifa smiled weakly and rested against the wall as she closed her eyes again. Falling into unconsciousness, as her childhood friend cried helplessly once again.

"I'm sorry, Tifa…"

The soldier picked up his sword and ran after Sephiroth; he stood behind the madman and looked up at him. The general had his arms spread wide open in front of this blue alien creature. The sight of it was sickening and grotesque, but Sephiroth looked at it as if it was the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. This sight itself, made Cloud want to vomit.

"Sephiroth! How could you?! My home! My family! How could you do this to them!? How could you do this to me?!" Cloud held back a sob, not wanting to appear weak in front of this man. Sephiroth only turned and laughed at the boy, which only pissed off Cloud even more.

"Now, now, no need to get angry Cloud. Soon the world will be purified, and mother will get what she deserves. And I will rule this land with her." Sephiroth smirked at Cloud and held out his hand. "Will you join me Cloud?"

Cloud spat at the floor angrily, as he looked up at him. "Fuck you! I'll kill you! You're not the Sephiroth I know anymore!" Sephiroth could only stare amused at Cloud, as the young soldier rushed toward him with buster sword in his hand, and the look of a murderer upon his face.

And then suddenly, the world grew dark.

0o0o0o

"Thas' it!?" Barret asked angrily with an annoyed expression on his face.

Cloud could only shrug then stare at the ground, kicking his feet slightly as he puts a hand on his hips. "That's all I can remember, everything else is black after that."

The group couldn't find much to say after hearing Cloud's story. Disbelief and anguish washed over them, and a certain brunette just stared at him rather concerned as the older girl across from her looked to be on the verge of tears. Until finally the flower girl spoke up, clasping her hands together as she forced a smile on her face. "Let's get some rest; we have a big day tomorrow as we go look for Sephiroth."

The group stared at her then nodded in silent agreement as each one took a bed while the red lion took a nice comfortable spot on a wool rug. Silence broke through the dimly lit room, until a certain gun-armed man started to snore rather loudly. Unfortunately for Cloud, he was the only one who couldn't sleep through the loud snorts of the man, and sighed in frustration as he tossed a pillow over his head.

0o0o0o0o0o0o

Meanwhile, a certain bored and exhausted guitar player continued to lean against the cool wall of his small room, as he looked across the street from his dirty and cracked window. It was unknown to him that Cloud and party were just in the inn across the street, but it would only be a matter of hours that he would meet them all for the first time. Kris truly didn't believe that anyone else would be looking for him besides himself, but then again a lot can happen in a short time of seven years. If this is big enough to make Shinra become worried, then who knows what others may be involved. But either way, for the sake of Kris Hawkins this was just an attempt to make things right again.

Make things right…If only it were so easy.

0o0o0o0o0o0o

Well, that's chapter one. I was a little hesitant about this at first, but thanks to iWillhexyou and my love for their support, I think I'm alright with it so far. Please go on to the next chapter and feel free to message me or leave a review. I would love to hear how my work will be judged among the masses. I promise I'll work hard to make it better, I am doing this for better practice after all.