The strangers words broke Lightning's iron walled composure and caused her pale cheeks to blush. She did not need to turn around to know her sister was grinning to herself behind her.

"Not even close" Lightning replied, trying to recover from her moment of weakness and portray her usual tough self.

"I didn't think the day would come when you blushed at something a boy said" Her sister mocked, giggling to herself like a child. "I'd take that as a compliment Light. Angels are supposed to be beautiful"

"I'm sure it was just the painkillers playing tricks on his mind..." It had not dawned on Lightning that the man thought she was an angel as she did not consider herself to be beautiful.

Cloud opened his eyes for a second time minutes later. His Mako eyes adjusted to the bright lights quickly and he discovered he hadn't died but was laying in a hospital bed. Everything in the room was brilliant white and immaculately clean. At the side of his bed stood an array of high tech monitors reading all of his vital statistics from the cables that connected from his body to them. They beeped in a steady rhythm which gave Cloud a sense of reassurance that he was not about to drop dead any time soon. Across the room the blonde noticed two women sitting in chairs talking to each other. They hadn't noticed he was now conscious and so Cloud used the time to watch them and listen to their conversation. It was clear to his mako eyes that the two woman were quite obviously related and most likely sisters; both with rose pink hair and pale complexions. Cloud recognized the voice of the younger sibling as the one who found him in the road and bought him here. As the cerulean eyed soldier began to become more aware of his surroundings he closed his eyes again and began to listen to the conversation across the room.

"I think he should be restrained... At least until we get some answers.." the deeper tone of the older sister spoke with such authority.

"Why sis? He's an injured man we found in the road. What could he have possibly done?" the younger sister questioned.

"If that huge sword in the other room is his then he's clearly exceptionally strong and he could pose a danger to everyone here. We still don't know his intentions Serah."

So the younger sister; the one who saved me is Serah. Cloud thought to himself making mental notes of the conversation.

"I'm more concerned about who or what did that to him. If he's truly as strong as you think he is, a normal person hasn't done that to him. Although he doesn't look overly strong. Snow is twice his size"

"Snows twice MY size. Who would win in a fight?" Cloud didn't need to open his eyes to know this was a rhetorical question but the older sister wanted an answer anyway.

"Point taken" Serah scoffed.

"right then.. handcuff's it is"

The blonde haired soldier could hear the elder sister rise from her seat and begin to walk towards him. After a few loud steps across the white marble floor she was stood at Clouds bedside and had gently gripped his right wrist with her soft hands causing the hairs on his arm to stand on end. The rose haired woman reached for the handcuffs from a stand next to the bed as Cloud spoke properly for the first time; still with his eyes closed.

"I'd rather not be restrained thanks.." Cloud spoke calmly before opening his eyes to meet the rose haired beauty's shocked expression before noticing the leather pouch that contained lightnings sword behind her back. "I need to get that back to its rightful owner" the mako eyed man pointed to the leather pouch.

"It is. Thanks for finding it for me" she replied sarcastically, still unsure if she should try and attempt to restrain him.

"YOUR Lightning?" Cloud questioned, unconvinced that this young, beautiful girl could possibly be the savior of her world.

"What were you expecting?" Lightning snapped back defensively. Although she'd never admit it she assumed everyone on the planet knew who she was after what had happened. The stranger in front of her had no idea.

Serah's keen eye saw the tension rising and stepped in to calm the situation. To her this was just another day at school, keeping restless kids from fighting with each other.

"So... Why did you think my sister was an angel?" she interrupted with a huge grin on her face knowing their discomfort would end the tension. Both Cloud and Lightnings pale cheeks began to glow red and the blonde lowered his head in embarrassment.

"Its a long story..." The cerulean eyed man didn't want to be pressed on the matter and thankfully the younger sister understood. Glancing down at his bandaged and stitched body he lifted the covers slightly to find it wasn't just his top that had been removed. "Where are my clothes and my sword?"

"In the next room. I'll get them for you if you answer my questions" Lightning spoke quietly but with such authority she hardly ever needed to shout. "Who are you and why did you need to find me?"

The blonde haired soldier sighed, knowing he didn't have time to be arguing and it would get Lightning on his side quicker. "My name is Cloud, I'm not entirely sure how I got here but Yeul sent me. She said I needed to find you and together we can save your world... I don't think it can be saved... Certainly not by me..."

Each word horrified Lightning more. How did he get to Valhalla? What else could the world need saving from? Most worrying was the fact that the man in front of her didn't think it was even possible.

"My clothes?"

"What's coming? And why can't it be stopped?" The rose haired woman barked, ignoring Clouds request.

"Jenova... Or rather.. Erebus... It leveled my world in a few hours..." Speaking the words hurt the mako eyed soldier. Thinking about the calamity from the skies brought on the flashbacks that haunted him every time he closed his eyes. Bowing his head in shame and to hide his cerulean eyes from the two sisters, Cloud continued to torture himself by thinking of his failures and inability to save the ones he loved.

Serah frowned at her older sister as they exchanged looks. Even Lightning knew not to press him further and that what he was saying was genuine. Turning to the door the elder sister walked across the room and stopped with her hand on the brushed steel handle. "I'll get your things.." she said softly before exiting the room. As soon as the door closed shut Serah made her way over to the bed and placed a hand on Clouds shoulder.

"ya know you owe me some new seats right?" Serah joked hoping to lift the mans spirits

"Yeah.. sorry about that... Thanks for helping me." Cloud wasn't conscious in the car but he could imagine the state of his rescuers back seats after having his bleeding body in there. He hated the fact that he needed to be helped but was grateful nonetheless.

As soon as Lightning exited the room she made her way over to the doctors office and knocked on the frosted glass door before entering. The doctor welcomed her in and pointed to the chair across from him.

"What have you found doctor?" Lightning got straight to the point as always as she sat down in the leather backed chair.

"He is not a l'cie. There are no markings to suggest that he is, or has ever been. His injuries were more than enough to kill any man I've ever met, although MRI scans and X-rays say he's human. He heals exceptionally quickly which will aid in his recovery. Muscle density is also through the roof. He also has several scars which are much older across his body. This man has had a painful life."

"What about his eyes?" The rose haired woman asked as she found herself thinking about their mysterious glow.

"Ah yes, strange aren't they. I'm afraid I've never seen anything like it before so I don't have an answer. We did test his eyes function however and he seems to also possess vision beyond a normal person.

Perhaps you should ask him when he wakes."

"He already has doctor. If its alright with you id like to take him with me." Lightning wasn't going to take no for an answer but thought it was good etiquette to ask anyway.

"Normally the answer would be no... But as its you and this man could be potentially dangerous I will sign him out. I would however advise I give him a basic function test before you take him. There's no point in discharging him if he can't even stand or his wounds are still bleeding."

"A good idea. If you don't mind could we do it now? I'd like to leave immediately." The rose haired sister stood from her seat and made her way towards the door with the doctor close behind. Lightning and the doctor stopped at the door of Cloud's room before she ushered the doctor inside as she followed through with her promise and went to get the bed with Cloud's belongings on.

The doctor walked into the room to find the patient sat up in bed, looking much better than when he arrived several hours ago. Serah was stood across the room having a seemingly tense conversation with her fiance Snow. Cloud didn't take his eyes off the doctor who approached him apprehensively but with a smile. After all he'd been through he wasn't a fan of doctors or scientists.

"I know, I know.. I won't be long... I love you too. Bye." the younger sister finished her phone call and met the doctor at the end of the bed as Lightning barged the door open with the stretcher bed that carried Cloud's belongings. Serah noticed Clouds piercing blue eyes light up just as Lightnings did when he laid eyes on his sword.

"As promised" the older sister pushed the bed next to his and nodded towards his belongings. Cloud swung his legs off the side of the bed, still with the white bed sheets over his lower half and glanced up at Lightning. After a few second's the rose haired beauty still had not got his subtle hint for privacy.

"Can I put my clothes on without you staring at me please?" the modest blonde spoke in a sarcastic tone that caused Lightning to break eye contact and blush once more.

"Right.. sorry.. yeah.." Embarrassed that she didn't notice Clouds hint she pulled the curtain across that separated Cloud from the others and gave her sister a dark stare who was yet again giggling to herself at the pairs awkward interactions.

Cloud picked up his uniform from the bed and held it out in front of him to inspect the damage. His attire was now dry but he could still smell the blood ingrained into the fabric. Soon he was back into his clothes and had tuned his attention to his most prized possession. As soon as Clouds fingers wrapped around the leather handle he felt complete. Raising the huge sword in front of him and turning the blades wide edge towards his face, Cloud bowed his head, resting his forehead on its cold metallic surface and closed his eyes.

After several more minutes Lightnings patience had snapped as she yanked the on the curtain to find the blonde resting his head on the blades face. Her first thought was to shout but upon seeing the painful expression on his face left him a moment longer before softly telling him they had to go.

"Go where?" Cloud asked, turning his head from his blade to Lightning.

"My place. But first I want the doctor to check you over. There's no point in getting you out of the hospital if your gonna have to come back"

"No offense but I'm not a fan of doctors... I'm fine." Cloud protested.

"I'll be the judge of that!" Lightning roared as she pulled out her blade and slashed at the blonde who met her sword with his own.

"You're pretty quick." Cloud spoke calmly before lowering his sword, realizing this was a test.

"I wasn't even trying." Lightning spoke honestly. Wondering if she really tried to hurt him could she succeed. "That will do me doc." She grinned looking at Serah's and the doctor's stunned expressions.

"Well doctor Farron? Now that you've done your extensive medical exam are we going?" Serah asked sarcastically, shaking her head in disapproval of her sisters actions.

"Yeah. I'm satisfied with the patients progress." Lightning couldn't help but smile as she spoke, knowing it would wind her little sister up. "You better head home to Snow, he'll be pacing the floor by now."

Serah thanked the doctor before exiting the room with Cloud and Lightning right behind her. Several patients and nurses stopped in their tracks at the sight of the blonde haired man. Their panic soon ceased as they noticed Lightning calmly marching behind him. The three made their way to the front doors of the hospital and stepped outside into the cool night air. The storm had finally subsided and light could be seen faintly across the horizon.

"I think I'll be phoning in sick tomorrow." Serah stated, staring at the horizon and realizing she would be in work in a few hours.

"yeah, you should get some sleep sis. Besides... tomorrow you've got lots of cleaning to do." Lightning laughed as she pointed to her sister's bloodstained car. "Come on. You've you some explaining to do." she told Cloud as she made her way to her car.

Lightning opened her car door and threw her sword across the back seats and waited for Cloud to do the same before climbing in and starting the engine. The blonde slid into the figure hugging seats as the rose haired beauty leaned forward and removed the pistol that was tucked into her sweat pants. She leaned over to cloud's side and brushed the gun across his knees before placing it into the glove compartment in front of him.

"You planned on shooting me with that thing?" The blonde asked calmly, as if he wasn't bothered by the answer either way.

"There's still time yet" Lightning joked before pulling off onto the empty roads.

The first few minutes of the journey were in complete silence. Neither of the two willing to break the ice until Lightning's curiosity got the better of her as she glanced into the rear view mirror to see Cloud's sword.

"So what's the deal with the sword? Overcompensating for something?"

"It was my best friends... He died protecting me from an army when I was suffering from mako poisoning... He gave it to me before he died..." Cloud hated thinking about the moment he came to possess his sword. It was his most prized possession but he would swap it to have his friend back any day.

"I'm sorry.." Not wanting to push her passenger to breaking point, Lightning changed the subject to his conversation with Yeul. "So explain to me what Yeul told you. I take it she explained who I was?"

"Actually she was very vague in details about you. All I know is your name and that you killed some artificial god. That man she was with Caius said I didn't have time for all of the details because something was going to kill them and they needed to send me here to meet you before it was too late." The cerulean eyed soldier tried his best to explain the situation but found himself struggling as what he was told didn't make any sense to him either.

There was a brief moment in Lightning's mind that took great pleasure at the thought of Caius' death but her pleasure was far outweighed by the impending doom facing her new and peaceful world. "What do you mean by artificial god?" She asked defensively, assuming Cloud meant Bhunivelze wasn't even a 'proper' god.

Cloud's head was beginning to throb with all the questions being thrown at him so he told the beautiful, pink haired driver what Yeul said about the gods word for word. Finally finishing his story as they pulled onto the driveway of Lightning's house. The pair were exhausted but the rose haired woman's mind was racing, trying to process everything. Lightning rev'd the engine before turning it off and opened the car door, signaling Cloud to do the same.

"Why is there an old lady glaring at us?"

"That's my neighbor. She's not a fan of my choice of transport" Lightning smiled and waved at the old lady in the window which seemed to only infuriate her more.

"I prefer a motorcycle personally." The blonde stated, meaning no disrespect to her.

"Grab your sword and follow me" the rose haired beauty instructed as she reached into the back seats for her own.

Cloud did as instructed and carefully pulled his Buster sword from the back of the jet black car and shut the door. Lightning had already made her way towards her house and Cloud followed behind unable to take his eyes off her. She was like nothing he'd ever seen before. Her slender body walked with such authority and her rose pink hair fell to one side over her shoulder. The blonde haired soldier was convinced she must just wake up like that as Lightning did not seem the type to care for her appearance. The rose haired beauty stopped and turned to face him as she got to her front door and caught his mako eyes surveying her

"What?" She asked stubbornly.

Cloud stopped in his tracks as his eyes made contact with her own. They were pale blue eyes that contrasted against her pale skin and pink hair. Finally he answered after realizing he had been staring.

"Sorry.. Just a bit tired I guess."

"right... anyway... I hope your not allergic to dogs" Lightning stated as she turned on her heels and opened the door. Not fond of human companionship, Lightning had bought a puppy when she moved into her large house.

The pair entered the house and shut the door behind them to keep the cool breeze out. Cloud was taken back by how big her house was. The hyper modern house had a black marble floor with flakes of colour that glistened brightly under the led lights that where sunk into the ceiling. The ground floor was all open plan and in the centre was a modern fireplace gently burning, encompassed by a ring of white leather sofa's. To the right was a large modern kitchen that looked like it had never been used once and on the left a glass staircase that was lit up by blue lights. On top of the stairs stood a large white and grey dog that was assessing the blonde haired stranger in his home.

"Come here Duke." Lightning spoke softly to the dog as it made its way down stairs, not once taking its eyes off Cloud. The muscular dog stopped at his owners feet sat in front of her, turning his bear like head towards its owner. "Be nice." The rose haired beauty joked as she pointed her finger towards the dog before walking away towards the kitchen.

Duke made his way towards Cloud and like Lightning stopped at his feet. This time however the dog did not sit to wait for instruction so the blonde knelt down so he became face to face with the Duke before bowing his head and razing his hand to stroke the side of the dogs head. The dog's tensions faded immediately and began to lick Clouds blistered hand.

Lightning watched the pairs interaction from the kitchen in happiness and shock. It took Snow six months just to not get attacked by Duke every time he came over. Still watching the pair, she pulled two bottles out of the fridge and made her way over to Cloud.

"He's an Akita. A very loyal companion and I hope a good judge of character. He's taken to you surprisingly well." Lightning held out a bottle that Cloud gratefully accepted and opened her own before making her way to the circular array of sofa's.

"I'm not really a people person." The cerulean eyed soldier joked. It seemed to him that was one thing they both had in common.

"Sit down. There's a few things I still don't get."

"Fire away." Cloud replied as he took a seat by her and took a sip of the beer.

"I think I understand how all these Gods came to be and that this Erebus will come and attack our planet but how do we stop it if its so powerful?"

"With a dagger found on Erebus' planet. Yeul said in seven days a portal would open and that would take us there". The blonde haired soldier thought back to his encounter with Yeul and searched his mind for any information he may have missed.

"Right. Well I know why Yeul picked me; but why you?" Lightning asked curiously.

"Yeul didn't... A friend did who gave her life to save the planet from Sephiroth's wrath." Cloud's hands began to tremble as the memory of her death filled his mind and the moment his hands left her body as she descended into the lake and out of sight forever.

"She meant a lot to you didn't she? The rose haired beauty asked. Although it was clear from his expression that she was very dear to him. "Who is Sephiroth?"

"A man that I've killed three times now... He was so powerful he simply refused to die and his sheer willpower allowed him control Jenova and nearly destroy the planet. A shinra scientist called Hojo took cells from Jenova and implanted them into his own child before it was even born. Hojo thought Jenova was an ancient like Aeris and would lead them to 'the promised land' but she was an entity from space that attacked the planet thousands of years ago. This made Sephiroth immeasurably strong and he became a hero to many. One day he found out that he was an experiment and lost his mind with rage. He's hated the planet and its people ever since.."

Lightning stared at Cloud in complete disbelief. She thought her life had been hard but it paled in comparison to what this man before her had been through. The thought of experiments on unborn babies and a man so strong he could refuse to except death terrified her.

"We will end this together." Lightning stated after seeing the broken man in front of her fall further into despair. "Lets get some sleep. Follow me."

Cloud stood up and followed the beautiful woman up the glass staircase with Duke trailing behind in their wake. Lightning opened two doors facing each other at the end of the corridor and raised her slender arm to the left door.

"This is your room. Try and get some sleep Cloud." the rose haired beauty said sincerely before turning to her own room.

"Lightning?" The cerulean eyed soldier whispered. "Thanks.." Lightning smiled before turning back to her room and closing the door until only the tiniest slither of light from the hallway entered her room.