A/N: I know that people were expecting a continuation of Puppet Master's New Puppet. Sorry to say that that story was an experiment that just developed into a phenomenon of small proportions...lol. This is something that I have been needing to find the time write. This may seem a little slow moving, but there is a plot to this before the good stuff happens. Enjoy!

Chapter 1

The war between the Minerva and Jenova had ended in bloodshed and tyranny. Minerva had tricked Jenova into reigning over the darkness never to see the light of day or eternal happiness. Gaia had asked that they both share the light and the darkness as equals. One no more powerful than the other, but Jenova had been naïve in thinking that anything could be shared between them. Minerva had always been the one intended by fate to rule the light. Jenova was easily susceptible to envy and jealousy, thus leading Minerva to believe that they could never rule justly. Minerva tricked Jenova into ruling the darkness with the promise that one day their offspring would rule side by side together. It was with that promise of togetherness that Jenova raised her son to be domineering and ruthless. One day peace will be shared between them, one day the son of Jenova will see how easily corrupted light can become.

It was several years after the war that Minerva started training her son to fight nonstop with little rest. She knew how conniving her sister could be, they were both one in the same. Minerva had not wanted to trick her sister, but the underlying feeling in the pit of her stomach that it was for the best. Time sped by during the tranquil years that they spent apart. Both lads grew to be strapping gentlemen in their own way. The underlying plan of Jenova's was taking root, to one day release the vengeance and malice that lurked deep within the confines of her tortured soul.

So it was with these deep feelings of betrayal and non-trust that both boys discovered one another. It was Jenova who sought out Minerva with the branch of peace to one day rebuild the trust in one another that they once shared.

"Mother, who is Jenova?" Cloud asked Minerva with great suspicion. He had been glancing at the summons request sent to them from Jenova. He knew that this bode ill will for all those present, but he just could quell the curiosity that lurked deep within. He had never met nor heard of his mother's sister.

"Well, my son, she is my long lost sister. You were just forethought between me and your father. She was and still is very lovely and kind. Though she carries ill will deep within her. I know that she means to live as she has with her lies and deceit," Minerva explained. She explained all that had happened between them.

"If thou dost feel that she brings ill fortune to us all, then say nay to the summons. Gaia has spoken and agreed, thou hast not been condemned for thine trickery," Cloud spoke defensively to his mother.

"Cloud, your wisdom serves you well, I must because she is my sister," Minerva replied. "It is not good diplomacy to receive and not reply or show hospitality."

"Yes mother, " Cloud responded quietly. She ruffled is hair, knowing that he had thought carefully choosing his words. Hopefully he will not be easily fooled with the eloquence beholden by her sister. She knew that Jenova's offspring would be just as well-spoken weaving lies and deceit. Only the weak minded would be their prey, depending upon the scheme that was burning and boiling to make itself known. Jenova did have an ulterior motive, then her offspring would surely share her ideals.

"Enough of this brooding over what ill will is brought with Jenova. I believe that if you make Linus wait one more time, he may have you fly laps till you admit defeat or scream touché," Minerva chided.

"Yes mother, I won't," Cloud replied and he ran off to find Linus. They had been working together preparing Cloud for what may come since Cloud could walk. Without even trying, Cloud walked alert and attentive. With his keen hearing and sharp eyes he looked to see if anything was out of place. After what his mother had told him about his family, he knew that he could not trust the smallest speck of dust around him. Shadows lurked at every corner and there was no telling where their allegiances lay. After taking tentative steps, Cloud then decided to proceed with little caution as he made his way to the training room for his lessons.

As his mother suspected, Linus was indeed waiting for him. Cloud did not formulate excuses or tell him that he had been with his mother, he quietly entered and kneeled in front of his sensei. All the while, Linus was secretly pleased at how committed the blonde had become to their daily routine.

"Instead of the usual sorry or did not mean to, I am met with you joining me in premeditation. For once I feel that you may not be the lost cause you appear to be," Linus remarked. "You ready to begin."

"Whenever thou art, old man," Cloud rebuked.

In one swift movement both launched themselves off of the floor. In a flurry of feathers and clothing, they met once and twice. Seeing if there was opening in the other's defenses. Finding lack thereof, they both moved to strike different places. In a myriad of fists and feathers, the sparing session drug on.

Neither gave way to the other. Both were trying to find weaknesses, but there was nothing to be done about having found none. With no weaknesses found, the true attacks began. Cross punch to be countered by a jab. Only to have that dodged and a roundhouse kick was placed. Kick, punch, dodge, they danced the circle till they were tiring. It was the first time in all of his years that Linus had been unable to draw a defeat. Cloud was to be his greatest achievement, but that was to be said privately to the boy's parents.

"You yield yet, boy." Linus teased, knowing that would draw a response from his pupil.

"Not until after thou dost yield to me old man." Cloud's rebuttal could be heard throughout the palace. The response caught Linus off guard to give Cloud the opening that he had been looking for. Cloud landed a spinning heal kick to Linus' chin that sent him flying to the mats.

"Ugh…uff," was all that could be heard as Linus landed on the mats. Cloud turned to look at where Linus had landed. He saw his friend and mentor was not moving.

"Linus, I am sorry," Cloud could not stop apologizing.

"I am alright," came the shallow reply after a few minutes that was soon followed by laughter.

"What is so funny?" Cloud queried cautiously.

"You are the first to have sent me flying. Your quip made me stop which is something that I should not do. You have grown strong very quickly," Linus complimented.

"I understand but fear that I may never understand thine intentions," Cloud pondered aloud.

"You have family that cannot be trusted and it was your mother's wish that you knew how to defend yourself. I taught your mother and her sister," Linus stated nonchalantly.

"Would you trust my mother's sister," Cloud asked rhetorically.

"That Cloud, is the greatest question to be asked to any person that knows her. She is sweet and deceiving all at the same time. You had best ask that to your mother," Linus replied.

"I don't know if I could," Cloud mumbled.

"Now, go bathe. We both smell like we've been running with the horses," Linus chided.

"We don't have horses here," Cloud laughed. "We have Pegasus."

"Boy, you dare question me," Linus mocked jokingly. "Just run along and get ready for this important truce that Jenova is planning."

"I thought that it was not until dusk," Cloud pondered aloud.

"Boy, must you really be dense," Linus said. "Don't you realize that it is almost dusk?"

Cloud peered out of the dojo window, realizing that he had been too committed to his practice. Linus was very pleased with the time that had passed by. Whenever it was time to train with Cloud, they both forgot their itineraries. This time was like spending time with a son for the master. There had never been another student like Cloud, probably never will. Linus could tell that the marks of his life were getting fewer and if Jenova really did mean this, he knew that she could not be trusted.

As Cloud made his way to his room, he had the urge to turn around. It felt as though someone were following him. Cloud felt shivers run down his spine. The feeling that gripped his stomach was not well. Slowly, with great caution, Cloud turned his head to see who was staring.

When Cloud turned his head, he found himself staring into the prettiest emerald eyes that he had ever looked at. Trying to gather his thoughts, he could not help but stare. He was unaware of the plans of deception that lurked in their depths. All Cloud was aware of was that it was a new person within the walls of the palace.

Looking at the stranger, Cloud first thought it was a manly woman. Thoroughly inspecting what he saw, Cloud saw the features were too harsh to be female. The face was angelic with light skin. The nose was pointed showing the arrogance that radiated from the angle. The eyebrows were defined and matching the silver hair that flowed around the massive figure he was facing.

Cloud knew from the size of the stranger, that it would be a close fight. What would separate them would not be divine powers or force of will, but brute strength alone. Cloud immediately began to assess the stranger for weaknesses. He knew that it would be tough to decipher any penetration from the intense stare.

"Apologies, sir," Cloud replied apologetically.

"That is quite alright, Cloud." The stranger purred. Cloud decided that he liked the way his name rolled off of the stranger's tongue.

"From whence didst thou hear mine name," Cloud pondered aloud.

"Your, mother sent me to look for you," the stranger answered.

"Thou art new to mine eyes," Cloud rebutted trying to coyly have the stranger divulge his name.

"Of course not, I am here with my mother," he replied still avoiding the real reason for light banter.

"From whence did thee come?" Cloud hazarded bluntly, not liking the evil smirk that lurked on the stranger's face.

"Easily ruffled feathers I see, fine chocobo. I am Sephiroth, son of Jenovah," the stranger finally confessed.

Cloud could not contain the gasp that escaped passed his composure. This was the real reason for his mother's sister seeking reconciliation. He knew that he would have to be careful when around his cousin. No longer a stranger, he found that he would have practice the name to make it sound the way his did from Sephiroth's. It was almost like it was being caressed by a long lost lover.

"Sephiroth, apologies for mine rudeness but this is the first time I've been graced by thine presence," Cloud commented. "Again, apologies but time is of the essence. I must take mine leave of thine entertainment."

"Quite alright, but you must hurry and change. For I know that my mother and your mother would wrinkle their noses at the reeking mass of sweat radiating from your pores at this very moment," Sephiroth stated nonchalantly. Such formalness that bespeaks years of formalities without a moment to enjoy the pleasures of life was all Sephiroth could think about the blonde seraphim. From the moment he had laid eyes on the blonde, Sephiroth knew that his mother's plan was not for him. He wanted nothing more than to consume the innocence that radiated from the blonde. He could do nothing but bide his time till he could claim what he rightfully saw as his property. Breaking the blonde seraphim was going to be palpable but worth the effort to have a submissive beaten into submission.

"It was a pleasure to meet thee, Sephiroth." Cloud stated. "I must freshen before answering mine mother's summons."

The blonde left with no thought as to what this fateful meeting was going to do. He had no foresight into what malicious intentions were radiating from the fallen angel. Before this day, he had only vaguely remembered his mother mention that she had a sister. Never once was there a mention that Jenova had offspring. If this had been mentioned, ties may have been mended sooner. Darkness shrouded every corner where doubt lives cowering in the shadows with calculated intentions of cruelty.

Sephiroth turned and followed the blonde seraph aching to touch the white wings and stain them red. He had never been able to contain his desires to control and devour. The innocence that he saw in the seraph's eyes made him want to consume him and fester darkness within him like the virus it truly can be. Life is not always about the white puffy clouds or the sunshine that can brighten anyone's day. There are the shadows that lurk and wait to pillage and plunder. Sephiroth could not fathom where the domineering feelings came from. The son of Jenova was supposed to be here to usurp Minerva's throne. The blonde would have to wait, but for how long.

Cloud made it to his quarters in no time, having felt the urge to vacate the presence of his cousin in the first meeting that they had ever had. The feeling of utter asphyxiation from the darkness that radiated from the individual would not leave him. He could not escape the impending doom that enshrouded his vision.

Cloud soon shut the door behind him, hoping that he had not been followed. There was intrigue, but it was more of wanting to know his family that he had never met. Always was the mystery of what had happened between his mother and her sister that he never really wanted to know about what had driven them apart. One day the secret would be shared and he knew that it would not be this day.

He rested his head against the oak door, wanting to clear his head and calm his aching heart. He could not shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen to them all. He could sense the impending tempest building. When it would strike was what he was having trouble figuring out.

As thoughts of impending doom bombarded his consciousness, instinctively Cloud made his way to his shower. He knew that he reeked of grime and pure fun. It was not every day that he lost time with his favorite person besides his mother. Never one to divulge too much information he knew his mother suffered from years of torment from what had transpired between the two siblings.

Slowly readying for the shower he so desperately needed, he could not concentrate on the matter a forehand. His devotion to his mother was unshakable. For the first time in his short life, he saw the chance to finally help her feel better about a situation at hand. How was the problem Cloud could not seem to find the answer to?

Cloud only delayed the inevitable when he did not know an answer to any plaguing thought turning into a question of unfathomable proportions. He knew that he had taken too long when he heard a knock at the door. The menacing thoughts would not stop, but for now his presence was requested by everyone present in Gaia.

The knock was repeated to see if he was really there to answer the door. Linus was deeply concerned about his protégé. Cloud only sulked when he was deeply troubled. This was one of those times, but it was gravely different. The difference was what had Linus alarmed.

When the door was finally opened, Cloud did acknowledge his sensei, but did not speak about what he was disquieting his usual demeanor. Linus carefully treaded the situation and asked the obvious question on his mind.

"There has to be a reason that you are not speaking Cloud," Linus commented.

"Mine eyes have foreseen troubling events from meeting mine cousin," Cloud answered.

"Cloud, there is good in all people," Linus said. "It just has to be found. I know that your mother is hazardous and beyond cautious, but Jenova does deserve to be seen and heard."

"If mine eyes are not correct then I will be more trusting of everyone," Cloud conceded quietly.

"I know that it is hard to trust someone that you have not met and heard ill speech about. There is good in everyone," Linus added soothingly.

"Mine ears have always heard and trusted thee Linus," Cloud replied smiling.

They both continued the walk in silence. Linus had heard Cloud speak of his subconscious as his eyes. He knew that his pupil need not be taken lightly in this matter. He would need to speak to the boy's mother without drawing suspicion.

When they reached the Grand Hall, Minerva was patiently waiting Cloud's approach. She looked their way with serenity written upon her eternal youth. Divulging nothing of her true intentions or thoughts, she looked at her son as he entered. Peace had to be met between the two siblings, but Minerva would have never thought her sister would offer her eldest son as that offering.

As soon as she knew that Cloud and Linus were within hearing distance only then did she speak.

"My son, what appears to be troubling you?" she asked with grave concern.

"'Tis nothing at the moment mother," Cloud replied shyly, cautious of the spectators.

"Alright," she conceded. "We will talk once everyone has left."

Cloud nodded before taking his place behind her. He looked at the woman that was standing in front of Sephiroth. Her smile did nothing to quell the menacing prediction still plaguing Cloud's mind. He could only hope that this newfound family was better than he was thinking.

"Well, I can only hope that this does not happen again," Jenova said. "I have not met you before and here you are completely bypassing introductions."

"Jenova," Minerva replied cutting her off. "He meant no disrespect. My son has powerful foresight that leaves him introverted at times."

"Minerva, I was only stating that it was unlike you to be so straightforward," Jenova commented.

"I never thought you would have noticed such trivialities," Minerva rebutted, turning to Cloud. "Cloud, this is my sister and your aunt, Jenova."

"Mine eyes are graced by thine beauty," Cloud spoke kissing Jenova's hand.

"He has better manners than I thought, " Jenova replied with a smile.

"Cloud, introduce yourself as well," Minerva whispered to her son.

"I beg thine forgiveness for mine rudeness. I am mine mother's son, Cloud." The blonde seraph stated.

"Where did he learn such old and proper grammar," Jenova enquired.

"His studies of ancient texts have greatly influenced his speech. When he was four he had already read the retelling of our immortal quarrel. It is a habit that he developed by himself," Minerva answered.

"I have brought my son with me as well," Jenova replied gesturing to Sephiroth. "Sephiroth, I would like you to meet Minerva and her son, Cloud."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance," Sephiroth replied with a mischievous smirk, kneeling deeply.

"He is part of the treaty that I would like to set in place between us both. I entrust my eldest son to your care in hopes that we may start some kind of familial relations once more," Jenova stated surprising everyone but her son. It was Cloud who replied.

"How are we to know that thine intentions are true? Doth thou speak for thee and thine son?," Cloud queried with great distrust.

"I understand the chariness that you may have in me. I assure you that my intentions are pure, I need to have my family trust me again," Jenova answered carefully. This was just a part of the plan and deception. It had to be believed; however, it may take longer than she had originally planned. 'Biding my time until the time is right,' Jenova thought.