Me: No comments, no reviews, no nothing… This isn't looking good.

Sephiroth: It's because you're not pairing me with Blondie here, but one of your made ups.

Me: That or I just lost my touch.

Sephiroth: You never had it to begin with.

Me: Asshole.

Cloud: Just keep trying I guess?

Me: Do you know me to do anything but?

All: …

Eisblume:

Chapter 2: Finding the Ice Flowers

Cloud had expected as much, the boy guiding them had happened to be the chief of the village; therefore he was sure he didn't need to re-explain himself. While everyone stood at the entrance, Cloud was the one to step forward towards the chief and explain that they needed to find Pyry, and why. The chief only listened to the blond, his eyes never leaving the other before he gave a nod and spoke up: "Pyry only recently came back to the village when my father decided to pass away; I'll bring you all to him then organize a feast tonight for your stay. We'll have to lend you a vacant house for the night since our home has no inn, nor do I feel you all wish to sleep under the stars." His choice of words 'decided' to pass away was based on the races beliefs in an afterlife.

Isonne were immortal in a sense they could live for as long as they wanted, but then decided to pass away to move onto the next life when they felt it was their time. They had no fear or doubts of the afterlife, since; there was a life better then this one waiting for them as the next level to their soul's travels. That's what the Planet promised to them after all. So the people 'decided' to pass away, to move on, to leave this life behind and go to a better place.

And no one stopped them, since, it meant they'd be better off somewhere much more inviting then this one, and one day, they'd go and see them to be reunited with the ones they loved.

Isonne were a race of only male, though, when the factor was brought up by a very confused Cid, Xue explained that it wasn't the fact that they were only male, but could chose their gender as they continued on with their lives. The males could reproduce, so if you were the one who carried or gave was completely up to the Isonne. Therefore, there wasn't the issue of discrimination and homosexuality amongst them. Their bodies were male, but, at a certain time every three months or so, an Isonne can carry a child. Of course, the child is delivered through an operation carried by the healers of the village, and does NOT come out the way every party member was lead to believe.

During cycles, any un-used contents or even used but then disposed contents needed to keep the child alive and develop properly is disposed of as the body would disposed of processed food.

"So no mister Pilot, we don't bleed from the ass every three months." Cid tensed and paused in the walk, since they were given a tour of the village, the question of men 'carrying' was brought up when Xue stopped along to check up on his own little one. But then Cid had decided to whisper the current question over to Barret, alas, poor Cid had no idea Isonne had great hearing and so heard every word of the question.

During the carry and for quite a bit afterwards, they carried milk but then as soon as the body had no more need for it to feed the little one, then they returned to their previous flat chests. It was quite a lecture they all got, but, Tifa and Yuffie found it interesting, the rest…Not too much. Red XIII remained rather indifferent about it all. Visiting the blacksmith though caught the attention of the male for a change. Though they didn't fight, creating weapons was still a form of art that some Isonne picked up. Weapons were mainly used for hunts for food, but, some had great quality for war if it was to ever come into consideration.

Weapons for war were being created now more then any other time since Xue brought up they might aid the planet and stop hiding. Cloud though sighed and turned to Xue: "We'll make sure no problems come to your people, since some scientists are going to be more then ready to experiment on your people. The whole issue with Sephiroth and Jenova, was all because greedy humans thought it might be interesting to inject humans with the cells as well as Mako. Since you're all immune to the cold, that's more then enough for humans to want to find a way to create a human capable of withstanding the cold as your people can."

Xue sighed and nodded: "You're right, but with our immunity to the cold, there's also down sides, like the warmth…"

Cloud cut the other off: "I know, I remember when we went to Costa Del Sol…" He laughed a bit: "I thought Pyry was going to die." Xue smiled and chuckled: "I'm glad Pyry left the village as he did and found out about the outside world. For his decision, father banned him from the village until I took over, then found him and allowed him to return to the village." Cloud furrowed his eyebrows: "Your dad really doesn't like us, does he?" Xue sighed: "Despite the fact I know better, he blamed you humans for the destruction of half the races and he knew you all were going to be the reason for the Planet's cries, and eventually, death." Cloud shrugged then smirked: "He was right for the most part, but we were also the ones who saved it."

Xue lead them through the tree, it was like a shopping center at the floor level, with people sitting around, singing, dancing, selling their products, clothes, and other such things that were hand made. Though as they entered, all stopped in what ever they were doing and stared at the invaders. Of course, since Xue hinted that he was going to bring humans to the village eventually, all just stood there and stared, not quite sure how to react to it all. Xue smiled and decided to speak up so that it wasn't too awkward for Cloud and his gang: "These humans are to be welcomed amongst us from now on, they promise to protect our people while we aid the fight to defend the planet. I trust them as you all should, and tonight, in their honor, there shall be a feast and they should be spoiled with only but the best." All whispered amongst one another before finally deciding to give in and cheer, turning from their current task to move on to get everything ready and spread the word.

"Awe c'mon you guys shouldn't…" Xue cut off the pilot by lifting his hand, smiling then shaking his head: "You guys came by to see Pyry right? Come on, his home is on the higher branches." And so, Xue began to climb up the vines wrapping around the inner parts of the tree, helping all of them up on the sudden need for climbing. Barret was glad he had that hand modification on his gun, since the climbing wasn't easy. But since their people was so agile, they were all rather use to it. Cloud glanced over to the side seeing a few of the children following Xue out of curiosity of course, giggling and clinging onto the leader at first, but then, they began cheering and helping out with the climb up the tree as well.

"This is kinda embarrassing, children are beating us on this." Cloud was thankful for the cold air the Isonne lived under, since this was quite a work out and a half. He lifted himself up, refusing to look back as all of them refused. With how long this took, he sure as hell knew they were probably at a height that would instantly kill any one of them that dropped: "Do people…You know…Fall while climbing up here?" Xue blinked as he stepped off to the side to help them all up along with the children: "Mmm? It's uncommon, since we were raised all of our lives doing this." Cloud hunched himself forward, panting while the others took a break as well: "Ah…"

Cid was used to heights, being a pilot and all, so he wandered over outside of the trunk to where they could see down bellow: "Well! I gotta say it'd suck if we dropped." He said as he flicked his cigarette butt down. Xue though followed then bumped Cid with his hip: "Don't fall." Cid thought he was going to drop dead there and then, stumbling forward a bit before catching himself and pressing a hand to his heart. Cloud burst out laughing along with Yuffie and Tifa.

"Bitch's got a sense'a humor!" He stared back down then stepped away from the edge, returning to the group where they all followed Xue down the branch, the branches were huge around the trunk area, so quite a few houses could be hosted onto the end parts of the branches. Like this one held 4 houses, greatly spaced about, but only one remained lit up, which all assumed was going to be Cloud's old friends.

"Pyry should be here, he never really interacts with everyone else." Cloud blinked: "Why? He was quite the social butterfly…" Xue sighed and his eyes saddened: "Well… Ever since he came back…" Cloud frowned and automatically understood… So he didn't move on and away from Sephiroth just yet huh? He sighed and followed Xue up to one of the houses, Xue stepping aside with his hands behind his back, smiling brightly: "Go ahead, knock…" Cloud chuckled and took a deep breath: "Well this is weird, hope he remembers."

There was two knocks, a bit of shuffling, and finally the door opened. Though none of them expected to see what exactly opened the door, mako eyes and silver hair… That was enough trait description for Cloud to have his hand on his sword and swinging it out to the Sephiroth spawn. Of course before he could complete the attack Xue grabbed his arms: "Cloud! What are you doing!?" Cloud finally took a pause to study the one before him, Sephiroth's face, eyes, hair, though he seemed quite a bit younger, around 16 or so… Ho crap he was about to attack a kid!

Wait…

"Holy shit man…"

"What's going on Stell----" Pyry poked his head out through the door, cut off by the sight of the Blond spiky haired man. His smile brightened and he launched himself at the Blond, clinging onto him: "CLOUD WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!" He bounced back, placing his hands on Cloud's shoulder as he eyed the other: "Holy crap you changed! You seem so much more mature! How did you find this place!? Oh that doesn't matter!..." He grinned, though then finally caught Cloud's expression as he stared at the one standing at the entrance. He blinked, glanced back, then back over to Cloud and frowned, there was a long silence, before Cid finally spoke up: "Dude…Don't tell me that thing's the fucker's runt…"

Pyry's eyes widened as he stared back to Cid, then back over to Cloud and he sighed and his eyes slowly lowered as he stepped back to stand beside the one at the entrance: "Cloud, others… This is Stellan… He's my son." The fact he was also Sephiroth's didn't need to be explained, only the eyes and traits gave it off…A spitting replica of his father.

Pyry unlike other Isonne's had his hair at shoulder blade length and layered, hair pulled to one side to cover one of his eyes, only the blue one peered under the white strands. His hair was tipped in blue, a few other Isonne's with this type of hair was spotted running around. The hair faded from the shade to the color, though this was a reaction the hair had to being at a certain length and exposed to the air. Pyry invited everyone in, so they could catch up on what was going on, since he knew Cloud wouldn't come looking for him for no reason.

Everyone gathered around the center of the small cabin like home, tea was served, except for Stellan whom seemed to gloom by one of the windows, staring out to the setting sun.

Xue also left to give a hand to the village and get the party ready.

"I've heard of Sephiroth causing Chaos about the world, I suppose you all want be to come along and lend a hand right?" He set the tea cups in front of the few whom enjoyed tea, and then got the coffee ready for the rest. Cloud sighed and nodded: "Yeah, he's back again and I thought it's about time we try and see what would come of you joining us. Besides, I also wanted to catch up with an old friend." Pyry chuckled… But, heading back to see Sephiroth? He really didn't think he'd be able to fight the man: "I'll have to turn down your offer though, despite what he's done, I'm not…" He closed his eyes: "I still love him…"

"YOU'RE CRAZY!"

All turned to Cid, but it wasn't Cid or Barret who yelled out something like that. No it was the Sephiroth Spawn standing at the end of the room, the teenager glared at his mother with gritted teeth: "He abandoned us! He took your eye! You won't move on! You barely eat! Mom forget the fucker!" All glanced back to Pyry whom had his eyes lowered, but didn't respond to the yelling from the boy.

Stellan growled, only getting more irritated with this: "Fine! Then I'll go! I'll lend a hand and kill him myself!" Cid though waved his hand to shut the boy up: "WHOA! Hold on a second squirt, Sephiroth's not someone ya can take lightly! You're just'a runt! He'll use you as a rag to wipe the floors!"

"I said I wasn't going to fight Sephiroth, but I'll lend a hand with protecting the planet. I'm sure despite it all Stellan could be of some help as well." Pyry spoke up after having taken a second to think about the current over-all situation. Obviously, having been a Shinra guard and so already having experienced the outside world, he was only going insane sitting in this village house doing nothing: "He is Sephiroth's son after all, so he inherited some of the modifications done to Sephiroth's body, meaning the same inhuman strength courses through his veins." All looked to one another at this, before peering back to the Isonne sitting there.

"Anyone could be of great help at this time, I agree with Pyry." Red XIII peered to the others, whom then nodded, all agreeing to the extra helping hand. Though there was still an uncertain look on Cid's face, concerned about the hold back they'd be. Pyry was still Sephiroth's lover so there were chances the boy would hold them back as they tried to kill him, and Pyry was so blinded in hate, he'd probably get himself killed! He was sure everyone else realized this, but, as he brought it up to Cloud, the ex Shinra guard explained that Pyry should realize that they needed to do this to save the lives of thousands of people.

The boy, was a Shinra guard after all.

After things were settled, Pyry and Stellan agreeing to join the party as the party was willing to accept them, it was about time they headed down to the feast bellow. As they stepped out, Cid blinked as he glanced back to see the markings on Pyry were glowing, he raised a bushy blond eyebrow before removing the cigarette he currently had from in between his lips: "That's Flashy."

Pyry blinked before glancing down to his hands and arms, well, since he was so use to it he never really realized it was odd to humans. He chuckled then smiled to the older Pilot: "It's a reaction with the moonlight, on nights like these our markings glow." Cid smirked: "Hope we don't have'ta sneak around while da'moons up then." He smirked, exhaling the cigarette smoke while Pyry just smirked, chuckled then shook his head: "Yep, if so you guys are screwed."

The climb down was much easier then the climb up that's for sure. Pyry and Stellan lead the way, since Stellan was raised in the village, he had no problems with climbing or did he have problems with the cold either. Yuffie, Tifa, Cloud and Vincent were in need of blankets and such for the feast or else they looked as if they were about to freeze to death. The temperatures having dropped because of the lack of sun from over night made it freezing cold, finally showing the Isonne's abilities to withstand the cold. Dressed in rather exotic but yet revealing clothing as they performed on stage, it was to be expected, for them t love this kind of weather.

Yuffie and Tifa were occupied for most of the night, singing and dancing with the little ones of the village… They were so adorable, their ears and tail un-proportioned to their body in a sense it looked like they didn't really grow into them yet. The children tried as hard as they could to teach them their language, which was until all spotted glowing particles gathering around the party area, a few other children chasing after the small glowing things: "What are those?"

"They're Fanney! Little bugs that live within the Snaefrid [Name of the Tree]. When they come out, people say it means the tree is happy."

"I'm sure he's happy with our decision to take care of the planet as living beings on its surface, instead of hiding as we all did before." Xue stepped up to the small group of children, smiling gently to Tifa and Yuffie whom both nodded in sync.

"Well I still find it lame that you guys hid for so long, but you can't really change what your dad did right? At least you're doing the right thing." Yuffie grinned happily, and Xue chuckled before nodding to the small ninja: "You're right, which is why I'm allowing Pyry to join your party, for now, and if ever you need our help we'll be more then willing to lend a hand." The two girls smiled, glad that the visit turned out so well.

The food was great, all made sure to eat their fill since they never knew just when they'd get to try such exotic foods. Though at first all had been quite unsure with the food's appearance, it was to be expected when you couldn't identify the animal before you. Even the vegetables and fruits seemed odd, but, proved to be delicious in the end, except for one certain fruit that had Cid coughing in disgust. Yet Xue lead to explain it was quite the acquired taste needed, though it was a really healthy fruit.

"The only thing this place is missing is sum ladies…" Cid followed through with some vulgar 'hourglass' hand gestures, which lead to some…unexpected glaring eyes from the red cloaked man sitting beside him. Vincent then rolled them and sighed, glancing away, not really saying much about it, despite the fact Cid peered over with some questionable eyes: "Hey hey, why 'ya so offended!?" He grinned: "Do ya swing that way?"

Vincent though wasn't going to get cornered so easily with the question: "It's not that I 'swing' any way, you're just in a village which obviously doesn't care for any orientations, plus they tried so hard to make this night enjoyable and you go about complaining about a lack of women? It's offensive." Cid blinked a few times, before shrugging: "Well what ever, I could go either way, as long as the hourglass is there~!" He grinned widely the elbowed the other in the side, laughing out before he continued, sipping at the form of ale that was served: "t'was just a joke, don't need to be so up----."

He peered over to find the ex Turk gone which had him furrow his eyebrows: "Awe Crap…" Geeze, the guy was so sensitive lately he really wondered just what was up his ass. It seemed it only took the smallest joke and the other was off, as he'd usually smile…And he even had the ex Turk laughing at times. Well… Not really laughing, but chuckling, he was sure that was as close to a laugh as he'd get from the guy, but that was more then enough.

Lately though, Vincent would just storm off, offended by every small joke as if it was a direct insult. Which was bad considering he really didn't want him angry at him at all! What was he after? The chase he figured… But as time went by, he figured it was more then just the chase that he wanted, Vincent… He was different, something else… And to know he was once able to make him laugh and smile at him, despite the crap he's been through, it really made him feel like he could be there for him, keep him smiling, and eventually he grew to want to become more then just a best friend.

But, it was like now that he wanted to bring them a step further, Vincent just kept on running away. Was he that obvious? He guessed not, or else the teenage mutant ninja Yuffie would've said something. He sighed and chugged down the rest of the ale, before pressing his cheek into the palm of his hand, sulking a bit to his own thoughts, wondering just where the hell the other ran off too.

The night went on though, plenty of dances and songs brought up by the villagers. Eventually though, everyone was calling it a night, and Xue brought them over to an empty house on ground level where they could stay for now. The house was quickly cleaned up, what ever was needed for the night was also brought before they were left alone. And Cloud mentioned they'd leave in the morning.

Everyone went to sleep except for one restless Cid whom wondered where the hell Vincent had run off too. Hours went by, until finally the door opened just as Cid was about to head out to go find the ex Turk. Vincent though didn't seem so pleased to see the Pilot standing before him, funny enough Vincent was taller then the Pilot, he furrowed his eyebrows and just brushed passed the blond. But as it would be, Cid stopped the other and pinned him to the wall: "Where were ya all night huh!? Just because of a little joke, now you're avoidin'me like the plague! What da'hell's up your ass!?"

Vincent wasn't too pleased with the idea of being pinned up against the wall and simply forced himself out of the other's grasp, sighing as he answered the other: "Parties were never my thing, the loud music and all, I needed to get away from it. Then I took so long afterwards because I was helping everyone clean up."

Cid didn't seem too convinced with it all, furrowing his eyebrows as he stared at Vincent whom stood by what he said. He simply waited for the other to say something, but when Cid didn't know how to question him about his reasoning for the night, he turned around and headed off towards one of the rooms: "Well then good night."

"Ya still avoidin'me like the plague Vinny."

"I'm tired…Good night Cid."

Baffled with how distant Vincent could be, he just groaned and ran his hand over his face, sitting down at the table that was left in the middle of the main room, he sighed and took out a smoke, pressing the cancer stick between his lips before lighting up the tip. He exhaled the smoke and leaned his forehead against his hands.

What the hell did he do to deserve this? When did he offend Vincent in any way before? Lately he was just so awkward and messed up, he was pulling the wrong jokes since he was trying 1001 ways to get his best friend back.

Even if he got mad! Pissed off at him and just told him what was on his mind, it'd be perfect! But no, there was nothing…

Nothing at all, that's what got on his nerves!

After his cigarette, he finally gave up on thinking and went to bed just like everyone else.

The next morning, everyone was up early and back to the entrance of the village, along with Pyry and Stellan as the new additions to the party. All said their goodbyes and walked off. Since Pyry was with the party now they could return to the village when ever they wanted. And so, they were told they were welcome back at any time.

Thankfully the blizzard let up for a bit on their ways back down the Gaea cliff, and so they could get back to the Sheera without much of an issue.

While on the Sheera, all chuckled at Stellan's curiosity about the air ship, since it was his first time on anything technologically advanced, he poked around the ship, though Cid was more then happy to introduce the boy on the little bits and pieces through the ship.

It wasn't too long after lift off that Cloud had a phone Cloud, standing at the large window peering out over the Clouds, he blinked as he glanced down to his phone before flipping it open, he pressed the receiver to his ear. Though he didn't even get to greet the other before he spoke: "It's been a while, Cloud."

Cloud's eyes shot open as he turned around, peering to the others as he answered: "What do you want? And how did you…"

"Someone was kind enough to lend me their phone, I thought a get together would be appropriate, so why don't you meet me where this all started? I wouldn't mind seeing a few old faces."

Then there was the tone.

Cloud peered down to see Reno's phone number was the one being used. Damn it… So he found Reno and the others? Meaning did he know the location of Rufus? Were they all okay? He gritted his teeth together, while there was finally a voice from the party now baffled as they stared at Cloud.

"What is it Cloud?"

Cloud glanced over to them: "We need to get to Shinra Mansion. Now."

Me: Wow, these are lame chapters.

Cloud: Yep…

Me: Oh well, I hope things pick up.

Cloud: You don't even have one lame favorite…

Me: I don't give up though, I'm sure things will pick up eventually.

Sephiroth: If they don't?

Me: Well…er…

Me: Oh what ever! If you want to see some art related to the fanfic, basically, pictures of the OC's and/or sceneries, go to my deviantart: RagnarokQueen