This is the first time in a long time that I have written a fanfiction. So, please be nice. I am open to constructive criticism, and actually ask for it especially if I mess up the history of FFXII. Thanks.

So, now on with the story...Chapter 1

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

So It Begins Again…

The roar of a motorcycle could be heard not too far from the Seventh Heaven bar. Just after the roar of the engine a headlight of the bike could be seen through the rain, as Cloud Strife, delivery boy and Ex-SOLDIER, made his way back to his home. But, as soon as the engine could be heard and the light seen from the bar, both died away when cloud reached the front of his home.

Removing his rain soaked goggles from his mako blue eyes; he kicked down Fernin's kick stand and dismounted the bike. He hurried to the door of his home trying not to linger out in the rain any longer than he already had been. The trip back from Junuon had taken a little longer than Cloud had expected and he got stuck in the spring storm on his way back.

Thinking of spring had reminded him of him of is first love Aerith, and how it had been almost six years since her sacrificial death to save the planet. He had stopped hating himself for her death a few years ago, when she reminded him during Sephiroth's return that he was not to blame, because what matter was he had come to save her. To be exact it had been five years and seven months, since her death. Seven months had passed since Vincent had stopped Omegas ascendance to the heavens.

Shaking the memories from his mind, because all they were now are memories, Cloud made his way through the bar and up the stairs to his room. On his way down the hall he passed by Tifa's room. From inside he could hear the deep, even breathing of his childhood friend. Cloud loved Tifa like a sister. He realized that a few months ago. And she shared his feelings. They were best friends and would always remain that way. He also had a deep respect for her as a fighter, his comrade, and as a mother figure to the two sleeping children in the next room.

Next to Tifa's room on his way to his room, was the kids' room. Inside he could also hear their deep, even breathing of slumber. Of course now the two kids were not really kids anymore. Denzel is now eleven years old, and Marlene is now eight years old. Of course the young lady would tell you she is nine years old, with her birthday less than two months away. Both were growing up so fast, and had been through a lot with him, Tifa, and all their friends from Avalanche.

Reaching his room at the end of the hall, he pushed open the door with a faint smile on his lips. This was his family, and he was sure glad to finally be home with them again.

Closing the door behind him, Cloud proceeded to remove his wet clothes and place the soaked items in the hamper next to his business desk, to be washed. He put on a dry pair of boxers and climbed into his warm bed. His head hit the pillow, and his mako blue eyes were already closed before that. One last thought drifted through his mind. A last thought before sleep claimed him to his friends, and how they were doing now.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

So, what did you think? Like it, hate it? Be honest with me. Please feel free to add any corrections in a review. I might even post the next chapter to this story tonight.