A/N: Hi, guys! It's been so long and I'm so sorry! I had the writer's block of the century and my inspiration was sucked dry. Anyway, the rest of the children will get their debut for this chapter. To make it up to all of you, I made it especially LONG! Well, at least for me it is. Anyway, the format would be slightly changed. It would be a mix of novel type and my previous Cleverbot chapter format.

LEGENDS:

Bold & Italic = Letters & Quotes; Italic = Cleverbot Conversation (and thoughts);

Bold = Non-Cleverbot Conversation; [ACTION] = Commencing the action with dialogue;

*ACTION* = Commencing action without dialogue; {TEXT} = Author's Note

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Final Fantasy VII and Kingdom Hearts.


It has been a long day for most people as usual. For Zackary Fair, it has been the longest weeks of his life as he couldn't find a way to converse with his newly found AI best friend, Cleverbot. Sure, the company provided him and Genesis new PHSes, but it turns out that the Wi-Fi had a new password since the ComLab manager was still pissed at them. Genesis didn't mind it much since he got over Cleverbot before it became an obsession. However, for Zack, he lost his only source of final entertainment when the others refuse to humor him. He might be a little childish in his antics but that's why he needs Cleverbot.

After all, any kind of conversation with the AI is amusement in robotic form.

That's why he doesn't have to endure any longer. He practically saved extra money for the past missions to buy his new most prized possession: XXX Laptop with an A.I.I.C. (Automatic Independent Internet Connection).

{A/N: Try imagining those Broadband Plug-ins.}

At that moment, he was trying to catch up on some time that was lost between him and Cleverbot. Unfortunately, he was then called by Director Lazard for a new mission. Knowing he can't bail this time, Zack closed his laptop without shutting it down and took off with his sword. He then left a note in case the sleeping kids in the other room woke up and found him gone.

An hour later, Sora and Riku came into the apartment with somewhat tired yet satisfied expressions. Roxas came out from his room and gave them both a nod of acknowledgment before heading for the kitchen where they could all smell Dahlia's baking of pastries. Soon enough, everyone's gathered in the living room. When Cassie plopped down on the velvet L couch, she spotted Zack's note at the laptop on the coffee table:

Dear Kids,

I got called out for a mission. Uncle Cloud and Uncle Angeal are with me too. Genesis and Cissnei are going to take care of you tonight, but Sephiroth and Zephyra might also stop by for dinner since I heard they just got back from Junon. You guys could use my laptop and the Internet but be on your best behavior, okie-dokie?

Roxas: Lily's medication is with Cissnei, so just wait for their arrival.

Zayn&Jas: As hypocritical (Wow, I used a big word.) as this may be, no pranks allowed today and I mean it!

Cassie: Genesis said he's going to bring you a new notebook so entertain yourself with some music for now.

I love ya, kids! Mwah! Hehe…

-Uncle Zack

Cassie proceeded to show the note to the others as she took a cookie that was already placed beside the laptop. Sora and Riku sat on either side of her—therefore almost filling up the longer line of the L couch—while Roxas and Zayn took over the love seats. Dahlia took the recliner—which is also Sephiroth's favorite spot—after placing the last of the pastries she baked on the table. Altair came out with the other missing female cousins and his sister, Suzanne, cradled in his arms. He smiled at all his younger cousins and thanked Dahlia for the snacks. Jas and Lily took a seat on the other side of their elder brother with the younger twin at the middle. Altair took a seat on the shorter line of cushions on the L couch which is the segment beside Riku.

"Heh~" Sora mused with a radiant smile, "So Mom and Dad are coming here together tonight, huh?" As he chewed on the chocolate chip cookie, his smile seemed to have brightened even more at the thought. "If we're lucky, Uncle Seph and Auntie Phyra will come too."

Riku and Dahlia nodded, but everyone could see the small yet eager smiles on their faces. The younger Valentine then took Zack's laptop after finishing his chocolate drink and opened it. Cassie and Sora leaned over with the brunet adjusting his weight over his sister so as not to crush her. They blinked only to see Cleverbot's website at the ready.

Sora grinned over their uncle's addiction while Riku just rolled his eyes knowing his cousins are also to blame for this. Cassie was confused since she barely does anything with the Internet unless it involves Literature. She then shrugged uninterestedly before getting another pastry. She would always prefer books anyway.

While the others are just talking among themselves and eating snacks, Zayn became bored. Riku was doing something with the laptop and then the Puppy Jr. had an idea.

"Hey, guys" he began, "let's play Truth or Dare!"

Suzanne took that moment to clap her hands in approval and delight from her brother's lap. Altair smiled amusedly and nodded on his sister's behalf. The others also didn't seem to mind, so everyone drew straws on who would go first.

Guess what? It was Zayn.

"Roz, Truth or Dare?" he asked.

Roxas rolled his eyes exasperatedly, "Truth."

Zayn smirked, while the blonde thought "Let's get this over with."

"Is it true that you and Xion already kissed?" the ravenet asked with a sly Cheshire grin.

Roxas immediately blushed from his ears to his neck. Where'd he hear that?! The others turned to his direction with interest, excluding Suzanne who was munching on a soft muffin. Riku raised an eyebrow before letting his sadism surface through his smile.

"The truth, cousin?" he coaxed sweetly.

Roxas shuddered then gulped, "Y-Yes…but it was an accident, I swear! We fell when it happened!"

Silence reigned upon them before Zayn and Jas whooped while Sora wolf whistled. Cassie blushed, while Lily looked a bit confused since she barely gets the humor in her brother's kiss. Altair and Riku chuckled in amusement and Dahlia's glasses caught a sadistic gleam. What can they say? Sadism seems to run in the Valentine Family.

Roxas cleared his throat before turning to their eldest cousin who was cooing at their youngest, "Ali, Truth or Dare?"

Altair retained his smile, "Truth."

Roxas raised a brow, "Who would you see as your first girlfriend? Not the 'female friend' kind of girlfriend, mind you."

Altair faltered for a bit before giving wide close-eyed smile, "Olette, of course!"

Everyone rolled their eyes in slight frustration and disappointment. Olette was practically Sora's age, though they had to admit that she acts more maturely than that. In truth, the Sullivans often discussed that Altair and Olette were actually arranged to be married at birth once. Only their grandmother knew the truth though, since even the Hewleys weren't very sure and Olette's grandparents—who had been the ones caring for her since her parents died—were always pretty vague about the topic.

Altair turned to Dahlia whose glasses are still gleaming, "Dahlia—"

"Dare." She interrupted.

Altair smiled innocently, "I dare you to call Uncle Tseng and tell him your crush for Vanitas as if you're asking for permission to date him."

Dahlia gaped and her glasses slanted while the rest snickered. Oh, Ali got her good! In their original dimension, Vanitas was their Uncle Tseng and Auntie Bianca's (Gun's unofficial name) son. They met when Vanitas and his parents paid a visit to the Artemidoros Orphanage. He was about the same age as Dahlia, and she had a crush on him at first sight which only grew when they met again, much to her father's chagrin.

Although adopted, Dahlia practically had the same amount of pride as her parents and it amplified when she was raised by them. Therefore, she will not chicken out. Ali, on the other hand, reassured her that he would personally clarify the call as a wrong number call if ever Tseng recognizes her voice in the PHS.

Everyone was smiling expectantly and excitedly as the PHS rang in loud speaker. After five rings, Reno finally picked up.

"Hello?"

Everyone tried to control their laughs and giggles, seeing a resemblance with Vanitas' own stone cold greeting. Vanitas was a very reserved and cold boy that only opens up to the Sinclair Mafia and the Sullivan Family. Altair raised a critical brow at Dahlia as if demanding her to make the confession good.

The redhead took a deep breath and spoke, "I like him."

Silence then, "Excuse me?"

"I've always liked him the moment we first met. I-I always felt as if I needed to be there and ease his loneliness because we felt mutual. Our friendship practically means the world to me. I know you don't like dragging things out, s-so I'll m-make this fast. I-If it's possible," she paused as she adjusted her glasses and gulped, "would you please give me your permission to date Vanitas?"

Altair snatched the phone as his dear cousin exploded in red, "Sorry, wrong number."

There was a moment before everyone erupted in applause and cheers. Their dear cousin had passion…! And at such a young age…! Oh, dear Uncle Sephy would be furious.

Dahlia became out for the count so, by default and Ali's decision, Riku was next to ask. No one argued.

Riku merely turned to Sora and the latter smiled confidently.

"Dare."

Riku smirked, "I dare you to show us that love letter you wrote for Kairi last summer."

Sora blinked once, twice, and thrice as he tried to register Riku's dare on him. Then, he snapped and pointed accusingly at his silver-haired cousin as he abruptly stood up.

"H-H-H-H-H-HOW D-D-DO YOU KNOW ABOUT T-THAT?!" he shrieked in horrified embarrassment.

At Sora's shriek, Dahlia came back to reality. Not answering Sora's question, Riku stared at Sora in the eye with a defiant glint in his own for the latter to complete the dare. Desperately trying to subdue his ever-growing blush, Sora pitifully stumbled and limped to his bedroom and came back with a neatly folded piece of parchment. Riku immediately snatched it and read each word aloud, his voice unwavering in humiliating his dear cousin for the sake of sadistic fun.

Dear Kairi,

I do not have words that could hope to bring justice to the message I want to convey. Unlike my father and sister, I do not have a way with words. All I know is to blurt out what I feel is right to be made known but not even what I wrote here could be said out loud. My dad would probably call me a coward for the very first time if he knew of this while my cousins tease me to no end.

Riku paused as he tried to control the humor that was begging to come out of his throat.

All I want to say is that I like you, Kairi. I like you more than I should like a friend or sister. I know we're still far away from calling out to love, but I also know that I want to experience those things together with you even just as friends. I just needed to make myself known and I'm sorry if I could only do it through a letter. Thank you for everything. Dad said that summer is a time of passion and romance so I dare to write this statement again:

I like you very much, Kairi Hearts.

Lovingly Yours,

Sora S.S. Rhapsodos

Riku was impressed, and rightfully so. 'Lovingly Yours,' was only used for intimately deep letters as a rule of the Sullivan Family ever since their grandmother died. Most of them are family purposes. Since when did he listen to Uncle GenGen's literary lectures? Oh well, he had his fun. He then turned to Sora as his cousins continued to cheer for him while the girls blushed over his passionate words. They might not have been related, but every one of them could bet their three years' worth of allowance that Sora could woo and court Kairi just fine, especially with how good he is in proving how much of a real Rhapsodos male he is.

"Well then, Sora, your turn." He said smugly, handing back the letter. Sora just nodded with his head down as he sheepishly took the parchment, much to the amusement of the elder cousins. After a minute, he fainted on the couch and Cassie placed his head on her lap.

With that, Zayn sighed. "This is getting us nowhere. If you guys keep on fainting, it wouldn't be much fun."

Cassie then decided to speak for the first time, "Why don't we do the usual then?"

"The usual?" Jas and Zayn questioned.

"You know…Cleverbot!"

The JTC gave a chorus of 'Ahh' as they finally registered her meaning. Not one to dawdle, Riku went back to the Cleverbot website. As soon as the webpage was cleared, a thought came to him: what's he supposed to type?

Shrugging it off, he directed the pointer to the 'Think For Me!' button.


Genesis tiredly sighed. Finally, he was done for the day. All he needs to do now is to drop by the kids' apartment, take a shower, eat dinner, and then spend the night to sleep. The Red Commander proceeded to enter the elevator and pressed the button for the corresponding floor. The doors were about to slide close until Genesis spotted someone running towards his direction. Instinctively, Genesis placed his arm on one of the doors to stop it. Simultaneously, another hand was placed on the other door from the opposite side.

The doors slid open again to reveal the person. Recognizing the sleeve, Genesis knew it was a Turk. He looked up just as the doors fully slid open to see Cissnei, the Shuriken.

Both of their eyes widened in surprise as each recognized the other. Both of them blushed lightly but only Genesis noticed because of his enhanced sight. Cissnei spotted his tension though. Despite the discomfort, the Red Commander stepped back to make way for the female Turk just as the latter stepped inside.

Genesis opened his LOVELESS book so as to distract himself from the awkward silence that was starting to brew. On the other hand, Cissnei froze halfway to push the button for her floor. Genesis couldn't help but ask,

"Are you going to visit the kids?"

Cissnei turned to him in surprise, "Umm…yes, actually. Zack didn't tell you?"

Genesis raised a brow, "No, he didn't. Cassie needed a new notebook since she used up her old one. I plan to spend the night there tonight." He raised a small bag to prove his point, and a paper one that must've contained the notebook he purchased.

Cissnei smiled, "Zack said he was called for a mission with Lt. Hewley so needed someone to cook dinner and look after the kids. I think he overlooked your visit." Just as she said that, the doors slid close for sure this time.

Genesis blinked at her statement but nodded. He was sure that Zack only purposely didn't tell either of them that the other was visiting because of the kids. For some reason, the little midgets usually call him to visit whenever Cissnei is there and vice versa; and Zack also noticed that. It's been going on for quite a while now, and he was also intrigued to find out that his other two friends are being set up as well; as for the 'with who' question, he doesn't necessarily know. Genesis was quite sure that one of those reasons would be matchmaking. He felt slightly embarrassed at that thought although he doesn't really know why nor did he want to admit that he felt so.

"Do you think the General would be there as well tonight?" he heard her ask.

Genesis didn't look up from his book, "Maybe, why?"

Cissnei shrugged, "I heard from Reno that Zephyra just came back from Junon so I thought he would have returned as well."

At this, Genesis did look up, "Zephyra?"

Cissnei turned to him with her usual smile, "She's another Turk, and a close friend of mine."

Genesis hummed in wonder and turned back to his book. A few minutes later, the elevator signed their arrival to their designated floor. The doors slid open once more, and Genesis pocketed his book in his coat. Speaking of the devil(s), they found Sephiroth and Zephyra in the hallway.

Feeling their presence, Sephiroth turned to their direction, "Spending the night, Genesis?"

Genesis nodded, "Zack is out on a mission with Angeal and, probably, Cloud. Cassie used up her old notebook the other day as well."

Cissnei then caught their attention, "Commander Rhapsodos, this is Zephyra. Zephyra, this is Genesis Rhapsodos a.k.a. the Red Commander. He's also partially responsible for the kids."

Zephyra nodded and shook hands with him. The Red Commander asked, "Usually, each Turk has a specialty in the league of fighting. May I ask what's yours?"

Zephyra revealed a small smile, "Martial Arts."

Genesis smirked before proceeding to the exit of the building which would lead to the residences. The dorms and barracks of recruits were located in the main building, but the personal residences were located at a different area in the compound. Arriving at the house, Genesis took out his registered key card and the door unlocked. His other three companions entered after him.

The entrance actually leads to nothing but a single hallway with a single door that leads to the living room. The hallway actually had shelves at either side. On the left, the outdoor shoes/slippers were meant to be placed. On the right, they can find the indoor slippers that are meant to be worn ONLY indoors. This is the kids' method for keeping the house clean. Zayn and Jas, on one hand, mostly prefer going in barefooted; but they never take their outdoor slippers in.

Just as they were going to settle their gears and belongings, they heard a ruckus in the living room.

"I'm talking to you right now, aren't I? Even if I'm watching, my attention won't be entirely focused."

Sharing glances, the four adults recognized the voice to be Dahlia's. Zephyra was about to open the door when an intriguing reply came from Riku.

"Unfortunately, that's because you're a machine."

All four adults found their eyes widening. Riku never ever brings up an argument against his sister's emotionless demeanor before, especially since he knew more than anyone how sensitive she really is. Sharing the same thought, they decided to listen in as they leaned on the wall at either side of the door.

"I might be expressionless most of the time but I'm not a machine."

"You are a robot."

"I'm not."

Genesis bit his lip. None of them ever saw the kids argue outside of teasing matters. Dahlia and Riku are the calmest siblings to take care of that are opposite sex since they bond through silence and time with each other.

He couldn't help but state, "I think we should stop this before it gets worse."

Cissnei worriedly asked, "What approach should we take? We don't know how this even started."

Sephiroth and Zephyra kept quiet, although both were mentally itching to interfere. The two of them were subconsciously the most concerned over Dahlia and Riku. Within JTC, each of the adults had certain favorites and even Angeal wasn't an exception nor was Zack.

Their thoughts were cut off when they heard Dahlia raise her voice uncharacteristically,

"Oh, it's a question...a question of my humanity then?"

The adults really wanted to interfere but they didn't know how they should face the kids. They're afraid that their own temper might get in the way. Usually, Angeal does the scolding and even his lectures can't be enough for this situation. They vaguely heard another door—most likely a bedroom since most rooms are connected with the living room-

"So what do we do?" Zephyra asked.

Sephiroth shook his head, "I don't know. I haven't really seen either Riku or Dahlia get into an argument with anyone before."

Cissnei hummed in agreement, "They keep their silence most of the time if they do."

Genesis stared at the door for the moment, hearing Zayn and Jas join into the argument. It would seem that the Trouble Duo was now against Dahlia for some reason at the midst of the conversation. He quoted,

"There is no hate, only joy

For you are beloved by the goddess

Hero of the Dawn, Healer of Worlds"

He turned to his companions, "Arguments like these are surely part of growing up. Besides, I don't think Altair would get things far. They're bound to make up after this anyway."

The three were still in doubt but Sora's voice passed the door stopped their thoughts,

"Friends don't argue."

"We're not just friends, we're siblings. Arguments are parts of a healthy relationship. Just look at our uncles argue sometimes."

Genesis looked at them, a mix of smug and sheepish expression on his face. Granted, he and the others were at fault for arguing in the kids' apartment; but his statement was proven by Dahlia's reply. However, the next speaker gave away the words that shook the four adults to their very core with fear and surprise.

"We'd be better off without them in my opinion."

It was Lily's quiet and sweet voice.

The two female Turks turned their sympathetic gazes towards the two SOLDIERs. Genesis and Sephiroth would be lying to their damned pride if they said they weren't hurt by that statement. In fact, they were too hurt by the statement that their senses got clouded to notice that Lily had a lightly innocent tone as if she was just reading off the sentence.

"Oh Gaia, she hates us." Genesis hoarsely whispered, forcing back a dry sob.

Sephiroth merely tightened his jaw and fists, not being able to come up with a response. Cissnei and Zephyra shared a thoughtful glance.

"Since has this been going on?! What could we have done wrong for that sweet angel to loathe us?! I don't get it!" Genesis continued to rant harshly yet quietly as he began pacing the hallway. Cissnei then spoke,

"I don't think Lily meant they would be better off without 'you'. I think she meant they'd be better off without the 'arguments'." Letting that thought register in their heads, Genesis and Sephiroth felt somewhat relieved as the former stopped pacing while the latter loosened his jaw and fists.

Pushing back his emotions, Genesis drawled, "It seems they have resulted to yelling."

Sephiroth responded dryly, "Yelling nonsense, if you ask me."

Zephyra shook her head, "I don't think we'd be able to call it nonsense for long."

"THAT'S IT!" they heard Dahlia yell.

For a while, there was only a moment of silence from both sides of the door. With mako-enhanced hearing, Genesis and Sephiroth vaguely heard a whispered reply but not enough to know what it was. Both SOLDIERs were snapped out of their concentration after Dahlia's parting shot ringed in their ears.

"NOW, THAT'S THE LAST STRAW! WE ARE THROUGH!"

That statement was followed by the slamming of a door. They also heard some hushed exchange of words, but the only thing that registered within the minds of the four adults was: "Oh, shit…we REALLY should've interfered."

"Sephiroth, have you ever heard Dahlia so furious before?" Genesis asked with wide eyes.

"No, I haven't." Sephiroth replied with a similar incredulous expression.

"So, that means…this is some serious predicament we found ourselves in, right?"

The two Turks and two First-Classes took a moment to get that thought in their head. After doing so, they slammed the door open unintentionally to find…

…Altair with a scolding and disapproving frown that they learned to realize that looked so much like Angeal's.

This only proved their fear of a serious fight between the kids. All of their heads snapped up due to the slamming before the younger ones turned to Altair again. The eldest child merely narrowed his eyes and that expression was all it took for the younger children to get into their designated rooms. The four adults recognized those children to be Sora, Zayn, Jas, and—Gaia help them—Riku as well. Altair turned his stare to them, and Genesis and Sephiroth found themselves suppressing a flinch very hard from how much the child looked like Angeal.

Altair had no expression to give him away. He only bowed in respect before disappearing into his own room.

Needless to say, dinner was intense. Neither Zayn nor Jas did anything to fill the silence. Lily and Suzanne seemed blissfully unaware of the tension as the former two took turns in spoon-feeding the other, confirming Genesis and Sephiroth's doubt about the early hurtful statement that Lily really wasn't referring to them at the time. Thank Minerva!

However, the rest of the kids weren't so lucky. Roxas wasn't saying anything regarding the matter as he ignored the brewing tension. He wasn't in the room at the time, but he must still have an idea given the brooding aura he was emanating. Not wanting to risk the situation, Genesis and Sephiroth continued their silence.

Dahlia didn't join them at the table so Altair excused himself with a tray of food and milk as soon as he was done with his own meal. Seeing Suzanne fuss, Cissnei told Lily and Cassie to focus on their meals before taking over. Zephyra accompanied Altair in hopes of speaking with Dahlia.

When the doors closed, Genesis mustered the courage to voice his concerns.

"How was your day?"

Well, at least he tried.

Sephiroth facepalmed, at that point, as strongly hoped that Genesis finally knew what to say. Unlike his friends, the Silver General never had talent in speaking with sentimentality. It was practically embedded into his head when he grew up in the labs that emotions were unnecessary. It only changed little by little when he met Genesis and Angeal.

The children, on the other hand, exchanged discreet glances before speaking about their day. Noticeably, most of them—particularly Zayn, Jas, and Sora—do not have the same amount of enthusiasm as they always do. This, of course, became proof that they needed to call upon Angeal, Zack, and Cloud as soon as they get back.

Altair then returned without Zephyra to notify them that she already left due to a call from Tseng. Surprisingly, instead of clearing the dishes, he only took Suzanne in his arms and politely left the room. Cissnei then bowed slightly to Genesis and Sephiroth's direction before also leaving the apartment. Sora and Riku were the ones who took over the job of cleaning as Roxas helped his sisters get to bed. Zayn said he was also going to bed and Cassie soon followed after kissing Genesis goodnight on the cheek with her new notebook in hand.

The two SOLDIERs were left at the table for a few moments until they shared a meaningful glance. They both stood up quietly with Genesis aiming to take a shower and Sephiroth on his way out of the building. They each went towards Sora and Riku's direction and ruffled their hairs respectively. Both boys gave them a small smile.

Genesis and Sephiroth could only wish for the usual radiance that should've accompanied that smile.


A/N: Hehehe…what do you think? I'll update the next part a little later, but I want some insights and reviews first! PLEASE R&R!