A/N:

The next installment of the story. Do enjoy!

Oh, and next chapter of 'Fourth Time's the Charm' will be out soon. I'm halfway through. =3

Rating (chapter): T

Disclaimer: I do not own. Nor shall I ever. Really. This is for fun.

Words: 4,010

Summary: Gift for karupin sama: It was a twist of fate that no one expected, especially not the three men thrown from their world into its future. Watch as Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal learn the truth about themselves and their destiny.

A twist of fate

By Catsitta

Part two: The calm before the storm

Sephiroth was not exactly sure what to think of the sprawling city deemed Neo by its inhabitants. From what he knew of the geography of Wutai, this used to be the main base of ShinRa military force on the continent. Only, the compact fortress and adjoining barracks were expanded upon until the place was nigh unrecognizable. Though, from the walls built twenty-feet high to the strategic design of everything from the buildings the very streets, it was obvious that this was a city built for and by a military mind.

He did not have long to observe Neo since Cloud and his two companions were ushering the trio as quickly as possible towards the city's center. The few people he saw roaming the streets were clad in uniforms of various colors, some wore pauldrons and others did not, and all carried one kind of weapon or another. When Cloud passed by, the men (and the occasional woman, he noted) stopped whatever they were doing to salute, though when the blond waved them to be at ease, many watched Sephiroth with wide-eyes.

Only once did anyone actually stop the General and that was after they were inside the main building at the city's center—the old fortress walls were gone, but memories remained for the silver-haired swordsman. It was a young woman, slightly smaller than Cloud with waist-length, dark-brunette hair, velvety sable eyes, and voluptuous curves that many another would die for. She wore no leather or buckles, but the symbol threaded above her left breast in white proved she was part of the company. Though, upon closer inspection, Sephiroth could see specialized gloves and braces of the practiced martial artist, so perhaps she was a fighter simply not officially.

"Cloud!" The woman had hurried over as if she had believed the man dead and was thrilled to see him alive. And though she did not attempt to touch the blond, it was plain as day that the woman wanted to either embrace or strangle him. "What in Gaia's sweet name is going on? You did not answer your PHS; everyone was worried sick that Sephiroth had jumped you out there. Speaking of which, why the fuck is…who the hell? Cloud, explain yourself this instant or I'll kick your ass!"

Genesis giggled in the background, obviously amused by the sight of the tiny General being scolded by an even tinier woman. He was not alone in his mirth, for Zack had been unable to hide a snort of amusement from escaping. Sephiroth merely watched, trying not to display his curiosity or the extent of his trodden ego. Even after an hour of walking beneath the hot, midday sun, his mood was still sullen and his temperament slightly edgy.

"Tifa, be quiet, I've had a long day. And no, this is not the real Sephiroth, but he is the closest imitation by far I have ever seen. What gave him away was the fact that his friends look like his old Commanders before they went AWOL and ShinRa toppled from the President's paranoia and ineptitude." The corners of the blond's mouth quirked up some as he spoke despite his frank tone. There was affection in those mako-tained blue eyes though Sephiroth, being as inept with emotions as tree stump and quite aware of the fact, could not place whether the adoration was that of a friend, sister or lover. He presumed lover. After all, the female could be considered attractive; and as General, Cloud likely had the pick of the crop.

"So why is he all bloody?" Tifa asked, her scrutinizing gaze reminding him of the warzone he was plucked from before being tossed into the middle of another. Sephiroth could feel the blood of his fallen victims dried to his face and more than likely he would have to replace his unfortunate leather coat.

"That is one of the things we do not know, Teef." The nickname Cloud tossed the woman's way pretty much cinched it. Sephiroth was one hundred percent sure that these two were together. "We found them this way. Unconscious and spattered with blood. And from the look of it, it's human."

"Damn it! Who did you three kill?" Tifa asked suddenly, her eyes narrowed and her chest rising-and-falling with anger.

"Shhh, calm down, Tifa." The soft croon was unexpected,"We'll find the others, I promise."

Tifa shook with frustration—that much was clearly evident—before turning on her heel and storming off. As her shape disappeared amongst the thin crowd people, Cloud sighed and scratched his head. "Women…" Then, he looked back at his following party and motioned for them to follow. No one stopped them, but many did whisper among themselves, their faces pale with fear. It was almost enough to give Sephiroth's bruised ego a satisfying boost, but the silver General knew to be wary. They were no longer in a place where he was hailed the fearsome hero, but rather one where his name was feared and despised.

Again, how was this supposed to help him and his friends and prevent whatever dark deeds he was supposedly going to commit? Of course, the little voice did not respond…

So, he comforted himself by taking in his surroundings. He needed to know as much about this building as possible if he was to break out of here (since no one kept Sephiroth prisoner, that much he was for certain) . His keen eyes took in everything, from the electronic doors that required both a keycard and a pass code to the narrow windows that no one but the slightest of child would squeeze through to the very fact that everything was white. Gaia he hated the color white with a passion!

Sephiroth's skin crawled by the existence of such a pallid décor. White reminded him of the labs, of sterilized equipments and starched coats. Hojo's voice echoed inside his skull at every turn, his laughter a torment no man should ever have to endure. His heart began to race despite the calm he wanted to keep in the face of his enemy but…his enemy looked no more at ease than him. The silver warrior looked back at his companions once or twice, both times noticing that Cloud was unnaturally rigid, as if he were experiencing bad memories as well…

But, then again, a SOLDIER comparable to Sephiroth must have suffered at the hands of a scientist as well. Noting this, he found that Zack was a little more twitchy than usual and his smile was rather small, and Vincent continued to display no emotion whatsoever. Genesis and Angeal looked indifferent to their surroundings though wary of the men that held weapon's at their backs. They did not grow up in a laboratory like Sephiroth nor did they suffer to the same degree as the Cloud and Zack potentially had. He was unsure whether to be sympathetic or not about the fact that the little blond and his friends were likely science projects like himself.

"Here we are, your new residence until we figure out if you three are worth executing or not." Cloud announced a little too brightly, betraying that he actually found the idea pleasing. "Don't worry, you won't have to worry about being kept among the…ah, common population." Sephiroth did not like his tone in the least nor was he too happy about going into any sort of cell. But, they were on the first floor, which made little sense. Did they not have a separate, perhaps underground, facility where they stored prisoners?

Cloud nodded to his two companions whom led their charge to one of the five doors lining the hallway, which, dead ended about five feet past the last door. Everyone swiped a card, punched in a code and, for extra security, offered a thumbprint for recognition to a small scanner set beside the lock. Said door slid open with a hiss, revealing what was a…decent place to be kept. Heck, Sephiroth had been sleeping on the ground for the better part of the past decade; this would be a vacation comparatively!

The room was approximately ten feet wide and seven feet deep. There was a single bed which looked crafted into the wall itself (he assumed to prevent the occupant from moving it), a sink and a toilet. To his dismay there was no shower, but then again, he was in a jail cell not a hotel room. Though he really wished there was color somewhere. Even sink had been finished with a white enamel so that it gleamed brightly.

"Spacious." Sephiroth said aloud before adding silently, 'And bright.' The lights sent into the ceiling were lit made everything gleam.

"Quite," Cloud remarked dryly before following the silver swordsman inside and allowing the door to close behind them. "Now, I have a few questions to ask…Sephiroth."

"Such as…?" The silver warrior inquired with a disinterested shrug of his shoulders, pretending to find more entertainment out of inspecting the sink than speaking to the little General behind him.

"Who are you really?"

"Sephiroth." He replied,"The Silver General, Demon of Wutai…the original First Class SOLDIER."

"You forgot a few of his nicknames, imposter. The One-Winged Angel. Calamity's Child. Jenova's son. The Nightmare. Any of those ring a bell?"

The silver General paused, blinking,"Jenova? My mother's name…was Jenova. She died before I was born, however."

Cloud gave him an odd look,"How old are you?"

"Twenty-one years, or at least, that is what I have been told."

"Twenty-one…that means…no…" The blond's eyes widened and for once his smug air dropped and was replaced by something more similar to awe. Which, much like a candle flame, flickered out quickly as if brushed by a whisper of wind. His face contorted with frustration,"This is not possible. You cannot be the one she sent to help us."

"She…?" Sephiroth tilted his head.

"Aerith…"

"The girl you accused me of killing?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"Even if I knew, do you honestly think I'd tell the likes of you?" Cloud snapped, his eyes blazing with mako shine. "Even if you are innocent of Jenova's crimes now, you are still not to be trusted. She can whisper in your ear, tell you lies that you will listen to, and you will become the monster he is now. Aerith may have sent you here to change the future or even the past, but there are some sins that can never be forgiven."

"So this is the future…I had suspected as much. Though I am curious about why my version here is so…despised. And how did someone as young as you become General?"

Cloud smiled eerily,"I told you. Jenova manipulated you, told you lies and promised you revenge on those who made you what you are. You wiped out entire cities. You murdered important people. You watched the world around you fall into chaos." He paused,"And, I am not as young as you think, Sephiroth. My twenty-second birthday comes in a month. Though, here, you are supposed to be, ah, thirty-two or so. As for how I came into my position, it's quite simple. I am the only one to ever best you in battle and when ShinRa fell, I was one of the only people Rufus could turn to. The allies I had behind me guaranteed that he held no power over me for even his loyal Turks needed what I could offer. So we made a deal. And here we are today. Neo. The foundation of the new era of ShinRa. "

Rufus ShinRa, the President's only legitimate son. The boy he remembered was a slightly thin creature with a wary look about him. His blue eyes were cold for someone so young, as if he had seen things no boy his age should have. But even so, he was a pretty child, taking strongly after his father from when the man was a charming, playboy that the women adored rather than the sluggish pig he became. Rufus had his high cheekbones and narrow mouth, as well as his white-blond hair. Though, it was difficult to ever get a clear view of the boy being as he was surrounded constantly by Turks. From what he had heard, the boy thought them more of his family than his father.

It would be interesting to see how the boy turned out.

"I am assuming that the President I knew has passed on?"

Cloud snorted,"You could say that. Having Masamune plunged through one's chest does create that scenario."

Sephiroth paled. The blond had said he had killed important people. Apparently, the President was one. Well, no loss there, but why had he done it? So many questions…Before he could ask, a little, red light began to flash an alarm blared. Cloud whipped around and hastily left the cell without another word. An icy feeling settled in his chest. They were off to fight Sephiroth, the version of him that allowed himself to be turned into a monster.

Quietly, he settled himself onto the cot that lay unused against the wall. He felt fatigued all of the sudden. This was…a lot to take in at once. Slowly he found that his eyes fluttering shut despite his wanting to keep them open.

000X000

He knew he was dreaming but this place felt familiar…real.

Sephiroth walked slowly through the ruined church, careful not to trip over cracks in the floor or upturned tile. Old pews remained but many were worn away or rotten beyond recognition. There was not podium…or alter at the front of the room, instead there was a wide swatch of exposed soil in which flowers were growing. The roof had a hole in it, allowing for meager rain and sunshine to pour over the delicate blossoms. Uncertain, he knelt by the garden, bowing his head in respect to those who had fallen in battle. That was what one was supposed to do in a church, yes? Pray and give one's condolences to the dead.

Then, the soil began to glitter as water rose from once dry earth. He rose to his feet and watched as tiles melted away, replaced by a pool of crystalline water. The flowers remained, only some were drowned by the pool's formation, and they looked brighter and healthier than ever. Sephiroth felt rather out of place here, as if he were intruding upon a sanctuary.

He began to step back but a voice made him pause.

"Hello Sephiroth. Welcome to my home."

"Aerith." The silver General said, turning to face the girl…only, she was not a child as her voice led him to suspect. Standing behind him was a beautiful, young woman with wise emerald eyes. Her dark-auburn hair was braided down her back and decorated with a pale-pink ribbon. She wore a white dress and no shoes, but neither seemed out of the ordinary for some reason. The loose gown suited the woman and as she walked by, he remembered her story…she was dead. His other self had murdered her. Why would he do such a thing?

"You are feeling lost; I understand. Out of place…out of time…separated from your only friends." Aerith came to stop by the pond and knelt by the water, her fingers dancing along the surface. "I can send you back, if that is what you like. You and your friends. But that would lead down darker paths. The future of the Planet would continue hurtling towards destruction…as will those who are trying to save it."

"What do you mean?"

"You have met Cloud, Zack, Vincent and Tifa. They are but a handful of people fighting to save the Planet. Only, they cannot do it alone. Their companions are strong, and they fight valiantly, but in the end, their efforts will be for naught. Only you, Genesis and Angeal can change everything. It is with your help that Cloud can save his friends, the Planet and himself. He does not realize it yet, but he needs you desperately."

"I would ask why, but I will assume that you cannot tell. So I will ask this: How is it possible that you sent myself and my friends to the future?"

"Because, Sephiroth, here, your future is our past. Time may not shift forwards beyond what has already transpired, but the Planet remembers everything and in Her blood she preserves every memory, so if one knows how to find those memories, they can, in a sense, turn back time for someone…or bring them forwards."

"You are not human…"

"No. I am Cetra. Before my death I could hear the Planet speaking…I could hear Her every cry of joy or pain. In death, Her voice is clearer and my spirit can walk through the Lifestream…Her memories and lost secrets teaching me all the arts that my people once knew and practiced in their lives. I know now what it will take to save Gaia and those who walk upon Her surface. It is up to you, Sephiroth, to decide if you are willing to sacrifice one destiny for another. So, what will it be? Will you take a chance to become the hero and save everyone or do you wish to return home knowing what you do now. You could change things. You could alter your destiny. Or you will seal your fate forever and the darkness shall overcome the light."

"I will stay, Aerith." He told her, though he was not sure why,"But there is little I can do while being kept a prisoner."

Aerith smiled,"Do not worry. Cloud will not keep you locked away for long."

"Why?"

"That is another secret that I may not share."

"Of course…" He considered asking why his other self killed her, but the subject felt too taboo. Even thinking of it sent a shudder up his spine. So he fell silent.

"Good bye, Sephiroth." The woman said after a while,"You must make up now. Things look dark now, but soon all will be made right."

The church disappeared.

Sephiroth opened his eyes.

000X000

After what felt like a few hours, the door of his cell slid open. Sephiroth had long since shed his ruined trench coat and the padded vest he worse beneath. He had even made some attempt to wash off the blood and clean his injuries with water from the sink but with his broken wrist, such proved difficult. Mako did a lot of things including accelerating the healing of bones. But even someone as enhanced as him would likely have around three days of down time before his wrist healed properly and he would not have to worry about fracturing it again.

It would have been better if he had something proper to wrap his injury with but he made do with a few strips of cloth from the bed sheet. There was blood on the gauzy white anyway so the sheet was ruined before he began to shred it for bandages and a makeshift washcloth.

He was finishing up the wrapping process when Cloud walked in, his hair damp and smelling of generic soap. A fresh bruise mottled one cheek and there was a bandage around his left arm, which told him that the alarm early had been a call to battle. It must have been one hell of a fight if the tiny, blond General who he could not touch was injured by it.

"I see you cleaned up…and ruined the bedspread in the process of…" Cloud seemed almost amused by this observation. "Though, it was really unnecessary. You may be a prisoner, but you are allowed basic sanitary care. Once a day, you will be escorted to the showers…I must have forgotten to mention that before I was called off to tend to business." The blond shifted his weight so it rested more heavily on one hip than the other.

"You seem…calmer now than when we first met." Sephiroth mentioned aloud.

"I've recovered from the shock of having my worst enemy and his friends pop out of the middle of nowhere, learning that he is actually him from the past and that Aerith brought to the future to help." Cloud replied soberly before smirking,"But don't get it in your head that I trust you as far as I could throw you. Aerith may believe that you change everything for the better but I have my doubts."

"Why do you worry? I am locked in a cell, injured no less, and my strength has yet to reach the point of your rival whom you have claimed to be the equal of. Should I do anything that you find objectionable, it would be quite easy for you to put me back in my place…General."

"You're mocking me…" Cloud said, shaking his head,"Zack claimed you had a sense of humor but I never believed him."

"How does your friend know me, here?"

"Simple, he was your second-in-command after you two buddies got sick, went AWOL and decided to cause trouble. You nearly killed him when you went insane because of Jenova."

"You mean, the Sephiroth from this time…the events you present to me are unfamiliar…and what did my mother do to make him lose his mind? What sickness could have possibly been so horrible that Genesis and Angeal left the company?"

"I cannot trust you with that information yet, Sephiroth." Cloud deadpanned—all traces of humor gone.

"Understood…"

The blond sighed and ran his fingers through those blond spikes of his, which, despite being wet, still stuck up at odd angles, suggesting that they were a natural misfortune. "C'mon, put your coat on and follow me. Otherwise my friends will suspect I came here to vent my frustration and ended up killing you."

"I would, but a certain General ripped a hole in the back and there is blood all over it. I'm afraid it's beyond saving, to my disappointment, and I would rather not put it back on."

Cloud rolled his eyes,"I though Genesis was supposed to be the prissy one. Vincent informed me that your friend spent the entire time he was to be interrogated either complaining about dirt and blood on his uniform, the fact that his hair was messed up, or flirting…badly. Needless to say, you won't be the only one needing new clothing."

Sephiroth merely shrugged.

"Alright then, if you don't mind parading about bare-chested I won't protest. Just don't expect the people around here to swoon in your presence anymore. You're no longer an idol…you're an enemy we have all worked hard to destroy." The tiny General's voice was grave, though almost distant in quality, as if lost in thought.

Again, he shrugged. He was a military man in his early twenties whom had just recently been in the middle of a war. There was no reason for him to feel at all bothered by people seeing him without a shirt since he never really experienced the concept known as privacy.

"As long as you do not attempt to kill me, Cloud, I have nothing to worry myself over. A shower sounds…pleasant. Will my friends be there?"

Cloud nodded,"Yes. You will have time to speak with your friends briefly, but remember that you are under constant surveillance. We will hear everything you have to say and we will act should we suspect there to be planning to escape."

"I expected nothing less."

The blond crossed his arms, his blue eyes still as cold as when he held a blade to his throat. His words may have changed into more companionable terms, but there was no doubt in Sephiroth's mind that Cloud considered him the enemy still. He was on thin ice. Pushing the blond too far would likely get him injured again if not killed should the tiny General decide that Aerith's choice was a poor one.

'Have faith, Sephiroth.' The Cetra girl's voice whispered within his mind. 'I know what I am doing and what must be done.' So he would trust her, he decided. For now at least. He had to. There was nothing else left that he could do.

A/N: (Reviews are loved. This chapter was fun to write. More coming soon. 'nuff said. )