Chapter 10

Disclaimer: All rights belong to Square. I do this only for fun

It was the first time he had ever slept outside, Never in his life as a lab subject would he have been able to imagine what it felt like in the cool grass, swiftly sweeping in the soft breezes, The tips tickling his skin. It was an incredible experience just to be able to breath in actual fresh air. No staril air circulation system could ever compare to the real thing.

Zack had joined him outside, telling times of when he as a child would lay under the stars in Gongaga. How he would watch the twilight and sometimes even see a light shoot across the dark sky. Cloud had become intrigued by the discoveries Zack made as a boy in nature. He continuously asked questions and the 2nd was happy to give answers. Their topic eventually shifted from him as a child to when he would get sent all across the globe to carry out missions. Zack boasted on in great enthusiastic detail of his many battles, his arms mimicking swings of his sword as he fought ghastly beasts.

Looking back, it was his first really giddy experience with childlike wonder. He pictured Zack fighting off incredible foes in the most amazing situations. It filled him with excitement and envy. The only time he ever got anywhere close to what Zack had was the Behemoth. He yearned for that adrenaline rush and drive to come back. Where his body took over and mind silenced.

The rest of the drive to Banora took a majority of the morning. Cloud felt himself beaming as he witnessed the bright blue sky through the small window. To see the clouds rolling by. He saw it plenty in books, but to see it in real life was something else. He felt his stomach flip anxiously, thinking about banora (And the motion sickness he struggled with since riding it the night previous). He had never been to another town, he was nervous. What would the people be like? How was he supposed to act? Zack tousled his hair and had assured him that he would be fine so long as he stuck close to him. His eyes had wandered to Sephiroth then. The silver general had his eyes closed most the ride, only to open when engaged in conversation. He payed little attention to Cloud.

"Aahh…Finally out! Im starting to hate that truck…" Zack exclaimed as he hopped from the truck bed and began stretching. He set to doing a few squats to get his muscles working. Tseng spoke shortly to the driver, instructing him to find a spot near to hide the vehicle and stand watch. Sephiroth had already set off to the village without a word. Cloud flinched from the brightness of the sun, immediately shielding his eyes as they began to burn from staring. It took a while to adjust to the brightness and looked around, the nausea in his stomach slowly disappearing. He watched Sephiroth back slowly get smaller as he walked away. He felt a gentle rub on his back. "You ok there?" Zack asked.

"He is acting strange."

"Hmm.." Zack hummed in distantly. The rubbing ceased and his arm slipped around the blond's shoulder, his hand resting on limply. Cloud eyes stayed on Sephiroth, but his mind flickered to the sudden strange aura from the taller boy. "Its probably 'cuz Angeal and Genesis could be here. Worried for them y'know? They were his two closest friends after all…" He felt the tension in Zack's muscles tighten and looked up to see worry etched on Zack's face.

"Zack?" He called, feeling uncomfortable for his uncertainty on how to treat his friend. Zack blinked and looked down. He immediately pulled away, as if he was shocked by some terrible secret revealed to him. "Oh, uh, I-Im sorry. It's nothing…" He shook his head and awkwardly turned to follow after Sephiroth. Cloud rubbed his shoulder, feeling very uneasy and perplexed. What was that?

A short brisk pace lead them to an open gate and a large building of classical architecture. Very fitting for a country town. He had noted the arched trees and the purple fruit. -Are these Dumbapples?- It was on the few days off Zack had after the war. An evening he and Zack took a walk to Wall Market for a few things Aeris asked them to pick up. He remembered the small smile and sad eyes as he told the story Angeal had told him. -I wonder what they taste like…-

"Whats this building for? A town hall?" Zack questioned, examining the building. He shifted to a large mechanical weapon hunched in the corner of the yard, lifeless. Cloud eye'd the machine, feeling very suspicious of its presence. Zack waltz over and knocked on it a few times. "A SHINRA mech? Could this be Genesis doing?" He mumbled.

"Zack, Dont touch that. Its valuable evidence." Tsend hissed.

"What?" Zack swung around. He put his arms behind his head. "Like knocking on it's gonna do anyt-"

"Zack!" Cloud shouted. He quickly ran in and pulled Zack away as a pitched beep was emitted and its guns began to fire.

Tseng let out a frustrated sigh. "What did i tell you." He turned his back and began to walk toward the village gate,paying no attention to the raving mech homing in on its targets. "It's your fault it was activated. Take care of it and report back to me." He gave Cloud a gesture to follow him, but the blonde shook his head, eyeing the red eye analysing him. The Turk shrugged and walked off, leaving the two boys to take care of the weapon.

Cloud was awed by its structure. At least 20 feet tall with joints representing that of legs abling it to walk about. It reminded him of a spider, with its 2 pieced body and six legs. Both arms shot out bullets, blades attached under the bottom of the barrels entrance. Its twisting back oddly unnerved him. "This is SHINRA's weapons." He npted, shifting in his step, prepared to dodge the assault of the bullets. Zack stepped in front of him, sword drawn defensively, an excited smile showing white teeth. He nodded to Cloud. "Yep. Not all look like these though. SHINRA's weapons department gets creative with ways to kill its enemies."

The mech shook about and redirected its aim upon Zack, who grabbed Cloud and ran to it's side, the arms vibrated as it fired a round. "Cloud I want you to run off with Tseng, don't want you to get hurt. Aeris and Seph would murder me!" He swiftly dodged the next stream with practiced speed. Taking his blade, he swiped at the frontal leg joints, the few unguarded areas his sword could actually cut through. The tech faltered from the sudden break and its legs and began to rattle. Noticing it's charge, Zack lept back and watched as a field of electricity emitted from the metal vessel. He back stepped to Cloud, eyes steady on the field. "Cloud, seriously, you should go."

The boy shook his head. "I don't want to leave you alone. I want to watch you fight." He responded earnestly. Zack gave him a quick glance back, could handle his own, he reasoned. He gave a thumbs up and nod. "Alright! Two legs down, four more to go!" He darted back to the mech now that its field was down.

Cloud moved back closer to the Town Hall, trying to be as little of attention as possible. Gears turned in his head, thinking of other effective solutions to damaging it. -Its body is covered in Thick armor, Zack's sword would not be able to pierce it. The outer joints are a weak point but the inner 2 legs could prove to be a problem. So perhaps he took out the front and back, it would make the mech incapable of moving properly?- Clouds eyes went to Zack, who struggled to get to the middle legs without the metal stomping down on him. Seeing a plan, Cloud began to shout his plan when Zack rushed in, sword ready. Sensing the SOLDIER coming within physical range, it swung its gun arm to its left and made contact with the side of his forehead. The 2nd crashed back from the impact and felt his vision go into a white fuzz in his daze.

Cloud wanted to sigh in frustration. Devising a plan was not Zacks strong suit it seemed... He sprinted around the Mech and to Zack's side. "Oooh...my head." He hissed. A gash spread from his left eyebrow to his hairline, blood trickling down. Wasting no time the guns were raised and pointed to the pair. Cloud tsked seeing as there was no time to pick Zack up and move from it's rage. -What now?- His fingers slid over the smooth surface of a rock in the ground when a sudden idea popped in his head. Electronics need energy to work for every function, a certain amount is needed to carry out these processes…So if you overloaded it... Taking the rock he rose and chucked it hard at the red eye analysing him. The rock, to his satisfaction, was able to crack the screen, causing the mech to halt. Cloud examined the damage. -It cracked the eye, but it can still see…- Giving him a small window of time, Cloud fished around Zacks pockets until he felt the smooth surface a green orb, materia. From the slight spark in his body, he knew it was a lightning materia he often carried with eyed the Mech as it periodically scanned its surroundings, confused by the chopped, hazy images in its view. Frankly he wasn't even sure if he could use material but it was the first thing that came to mind.-If Anything, Zack's sword is right there.- Getting a feel of the material, he closed his eyes and focused. He could sense the energy flowing through it. A warmth radiated through the stone and wound itself to the surface of his palm, creating a soft glow. Suddenly, a surge of power erupted and a hot white flash bursted from the air, cracking down on the machine. The overwhelming charge caused it to seize up before going limp and caving in on itself. The red eye slowly dimmed out.

Zack shook his head, trying to clear his vision. Sitting up slowly he peered at the smoking hunk of metal, a wry smile crept on his dirty face."Hey, i didn't know you could use materia. I'm not even surprised." He chuckled. "Thanks man." Letting out a thankful sigh and reached for his sword to return it to his back and materia into his pocket. His head throbbed from the wound. Cloud jogged over. "Zack, How are you feeling?" He raised his hand to graze the wound gently.

Zack shrugged. "I gotta cure, it'll be fine. Gotta headache though." He smirked, getting out the cure. "That was some smart thinking though spike."

Cloud nodded and eyed the cure."Can i see that?"

Seeing why not, Zack gave the orb to the expecting hand. His mind focused on Zack's head wound. "Hey! There we go!" He heard Zack exclaim. His eyes fluttered opened and looked up to see the green hue stitch up wound. The blonde shrugged. He felt a small bubble of accomplishment grow within him. So he could use materia. He had always seen them at the materia shop in Wall Market, but never saw the need to use one. Glancing back, he looked at the motionless form of smoldering metal before walking to the village. "Tseng is waiting for us. Let's go."

Following the trail they came across a split. One way lead to the village and the other to a house much like the others but larger. Tseng's figure could be seen in front of the house walking about.

"Tseng." Zack called. Tseng walked towards the two. He noticed the, now a scratch, on Zack's forehead. Expecting no less, he then inspected Cloud, not seeing any injury at all. Again, he expected no less. He turned back toward the house. "This is genesis's home. His parents are wealthy landowners."

Cloud followed the pale tree that arched over the entrance. His face dropped as much as Zack's.

"But I never stole from that tree, because the wealthy man's son was my friend."

Tseng voice called them back to attention. "They weren't mere acquaintances. They grew up together, and were best friends." He explained. Zack nodded. "So genesis deserts and gets his best friend Angeal to join him…" He put his hands on his hips. "Is that it?"

Tseng nodded. "Sephiroth believes that is the case."

Sephiroth..Cloud looked around but did not see the Silver General anywhere.

Tseng titled his head to the tree. At its base was a mound of dirt and rock. Cloud noted the fresh look of the dug up earth. "A grave stone. Still very new." He turned to Zack and Cloud. "Zack, Cloud. Go and inspect the village. Im sure Sephiroth is there as well." He headed to the mound. "I'll check the grave."

Zack winced. "Ugh. So Turks always do this stuff?" A tone of disgust apparent in his voice. Tseng frowned. "Someone has to do it."

"Must be rough…"

"Don't worry." Tseng reassured, raising a hand. "We're paid much better then you are." A small smirk crept up along his thin lips. Zack jolted back and Cloud felt his mouth twitch. "What! No way!"

They made their way to the village and came across a bit of an issue. They did not know which house could possibly be Angeal's.

"Zack, something's not right…" Cloud spoke quietly, an uncertain danger alerting him. The town was silent like a ghost town. No activity whatsoever. It struck him as peculiar. Zack noticed this as well, agreeing with him. "Mh. Stay on guard, alright?"

They decided on splitting up to check each home. Each door that was open dampened their luck however. It was not people within the houses, but fangs, snarling for a battle which would be easily solved with Zack's sword through their throat. "You think the fangs is the issue?"

The blonde stared as the slain bodies. "...No...no there is something else going on" He faced the 2nd. "Even fangs could not simply eradicate all human activity here. Surely we would see a evidence of a villager within the homes. At least their bones."

It wasn't till the last house did they have any luck. With a knock, the door was opened to reveal the stoic face of the General.

"Sephiroth! There you are! You able to find anyone?"Zack questioned hopefully. Sephiroth stepped aside and let the two in. HIs eyes lingering on Cloud.

Sitting at the table was a middle aged woman with short graying hair and skin beginning to wrinkle. Her demeanor was solem, coming to terms with something she knew she could do nothing about. Despite this, Cloud found her presence warming. Zack straightened up a bit and waved. "Uh, greetings ma'am."

"This is Angeal's mother." Sephiroth explained, coming to stand beside the frail woman. "Are you with Sephiroth?" She asked, her eyes on Cloud suspiciously long. Zack nodded. "My names Zack."

She paused, recalling something. "Are...are you Zack, the puppy?' Her head tilted in question. Cloud felt a bit surprised at such a innocent, but hilarious question.

The boy became baffled. "Excuse me?" He pointed to himself and quirked a brow. She elaborated, turning back to the table. "My son wrote to me once about you. Zero attention span, restless as a little puppy." She let out a small chuckle.

"Thanks Angeal…" Zack muttered.

Sephiroth stepped in. "Angeal left his sword here, which leads me to believe he is still in the area. Genesis came back a few weeks ago with an army of cohorts. This ties in with the time of his disappearance."

"So then what about the other townspeople. All me and Cloud found were monsters."

Gillian wrung her hands tightly. "He took their lives….." She closed her eyes. "Genesis...he used to be such a good boy…"

The room fell into a heavy silence before Zack decided it appropriate to speak. "Angeal…" He began. Gillian turned and looked at the sword. "That sword represented our family's honor." All their attention drew to the large broadsword. Cloud was memorized by its empowering design, thinking that if he were to have a sword, he would want one like that. Zack slowly approached it slowly. -I see...no wonder.-

It wasn't long after leaving the house, Zack received a call from Tseng saying he spotted a Genesis copy entering the villages abandoned factory. Following the trial that started near Gillian's home, they came upon numerous Genesis copies. Cloud watched as Sephiroth graceful handling of Masamune and Zack's powerful swings, taking on each enemy. Standing there, he couldn't help but feel useless, not having a weapon to fight with. Then again it was unlikely they expected him to fight.

Seeing the factory in sight, they followed the trail up the hill and met with the waiting Turk. Deciding it was wiser to jump in from above then walk in through the front. Zack was the first to fall through, breaking the skylight window to allow the others access. Tseng followed suit. Sephiroth and then Cloud. They landed on a 2nd story platform that lead down to the main floor. A door off to the far left that they presumed lead to the front. Various supply crates piled through the building.

"This must be their headquarters." Tseng contemplated, making their way down. Sephiroth cut down any Genesis clones that threw themselves to battle him. They walked into the door to a small office littered with boxes, books and a desk with a large monitor. Cloud saw the dust collected upon the furniture as well as the wall and windows. Vegetation grew upon the outer windows. The vine and ivy curling about. It was unlikely anyone was using the factory previous. It made a good hideout for a large number of people to be manufactured. -Or clones i should say-

Walking over to the computer Tseng began to type quickly, watching the monitor closely. "Cloud, search through the boxes and shelves for any evidence of the Genesis or Angeal's whereabouts. Mybe we will find clues to the creation of these clones." He met Sephiroth with a glance. The General nodded and called for Zack. The two disappeared through the door that lead to the front.

"Infinite in mystery is the fit of the goddess."

Upon entering the room, every muscle in Sephiroth body tensed. His hands clenched around Masamune's hilt.

"We seek at thus and take to the sky."

Zack's lips fell into a tight line as he followed Sephiroth in. The evening sun shown through the stained and growth covered windows where the cliffs did not cast its shadows. There sat Genesis, one leg propped up as he held his precious copy of Loveless.

"Ripples form on the water's surface. The wandering soul knows no rest."

Sephiroth stood patiently in front of Genesis, stoic as usual, as he took in the recited act. Zack was reluctant to come close. The auburn looked at the two ready to battle. A small smile made it all the more unsettling. "Zack, the puppy…" He greeted and looked upon Sephiroth. "And...my dearest friend…" His eyes closed almost with sadness.

"Genesis, you know why I am here." Sephiroth spoke. Genesis chuckled and rose. "I see the trio has been united once more." He rose both arms.

Zack furrowed his brow when he heard the tap of boots coming from behind. He swung around to see Angeal's hardened face come into view. He wanted to call out to his mentor and throw himself at him, but saw the change in the 1st eyes.

-Angeal why…-

Genesis took in the serious expressions on his friends faces. "I suppose that is not the case…" He tsked, putting Loveless inside his coat pocket. "We three seem to be pursuing different paths." His eyes looked upon Sephiroth. "How disappointing…" He shook his head and like a switch his aura changed drastically, a murderous look in his blue eyes. "Thick headed fools. Have you not noticed the betrayal that falls upon us?" His fists clenched and flames erupted. "You SHINRA dogs!" His hand raised in a flash and Zack shielded himself from the scorching flames, closing his eyes on reflex.

Cloud and Tseng both turned toward the commotion in the factories front. hearing the eruption of the dispute, Tseng motioned Cloud close and the two dashed in to see a horde of Genesis clones and Zack Shielding himself from the lingering flame that left smoking marks on the cement ground. Tseng readied his pistol and began to shoot at the clones. Cloud searched about and noticed a skylight window had been broken as strey glass shards still fell into bits. It seemed only Zack was left. Had Sephiroth gone through the sky light?

Zack quickly recovered and faced the clones, reading his blade in a hurry to slash away. Angeal was here! He had to see him! "Dammit! I have to go after him!" Tseng met Zack's side and continued a precise aim.

"I assume this was Genesis doing."

Zack nodded heavily, a sheen of sweat starting to break through. "Ya. So was Angeal. Sephiroth went after them." A clone jumped from above and hacked down making Zack dodge out of the way and hastily swing his sword. Blood began to coat his sword and splotch the floor, As many crowded around him. He noticed stray clones wander away past him. -Retreating already?-

He looked over to see what they were doing and realized Cloud was standing there, caught up on what to do.

"Shit! Cloud!" He screamed as one broke through from an above skylight and crashed down on the cornered blonde. He motioned to rescue his friend when a flash of a blade caught his sight and he quickly deflected it.

"Get out of my way! Tseng!"

But Tseng was caught up with his own swarm, with nothing to defend himself except his small pistol and a dagger hidden in his sleeve.

Cloud felt the wind knocked out of him as the enemy slammed him to the ground with the boot crashing through his ribcage. He coughed and felt an explosion of pain shoot through the back of his head. His heart began to race. He struggled to get up as the clone kneed at him in the stomach. It raised its blade and sliced at the blonde who could only reach out and grab it. the edge cutting through the flesh in his palm, blood bubbling out and slipped down his raised arm.

-What am i going to do? I'm in danger. Can I do anything?-

He heaved, his body beginning to pale and shake as self control slowly slipped from him, fear and frustration edging its way. The other clones crowded in. He felt suffocated, further pushing him.

-Think. What did i do last time? I had a weapon then! I'm cornered. What do i do? What do i do?-

"Cloud!"

-Zack...Is he ok?-

"Cloud!"

A clear numbness cloaked his mind. He felt his muscles move before he could decide what to do. Taking the blade, he struggled with the clone and succeeded with a strength he didn't know he had. Before the other clones could attack, he quickly wobbled back up, feeling his body already fix his fractured ribs, sweat beginning to form. He took in quick breaths and dodged as he felt the whoosh of wind by his face as a fist came at him. Feeling at the rough handle of the blade he took from the genesis clone that had been above him, he gutted the assaulter. He felt the rip of its tissue and explosion of red rush out from the wound. A scream retched out of the clone. Cloud let out a large grunt trying to yank the blade from the stomach is was embedded within.

He wasted no time in avoiding the others attempts to land a kick or punch . He watched how they swung their bodies around as the extended their leg out to kick. Seeing this as an opportunity to be useful and learn from his enemies, Cloud attempted at the same move, aiming at the side of the clone. He successfully knocked the Genesis clone off balance and faltered to the ground. Using the heel of his boot, he stomped hard on it's diaphram. The body lurched and curled in, trying to nurse the wound.

He felt a surge of satisfaction at the crunch of bone and seeing the clones writhe in pain. His breath came in short puffs as he fought off his attackers, carefully watch and mimicking their style. Slowly he felt his mind crumble and succumb to this strange pleasure he had always felt guilty of indulging in.

Zack desperately slashed through the obstacles bombarding him as he made for a tilted slash to the shoulder. He looked to the swarm to spot Cloud on his feat and...fighting. He almost got cut with the blade as he watched Cloud slash almost exactly like they would at him. How his kicks were about as accurate as the clones they faced. It was as if he was trained as they were, but faster and surprisingly stronger.

-Well he is superhuman like Sephiroth…-

Filled with a relieving reassurance in the blonde, he focused on his attacker. The clones dwindled in numbers but still pursued relentlessly. Tseng saw this a distraction from the actual task at hand. Genesis. He turned to Zack. "Zack, get Cloud and go after Genesis." He eyed Cloud's sudden ferocious behavior wearily. Raising his pistol he shot a clone in the chest. "Ill handle this."

Zack nodded and ran to Cloud who was preoccupied in slitting the throat of a clone. His handle of the blade improving with every kill. "Cloud, let's go!"

He saw the hesitation to pull away in Cloud's eyes. A cold shiver ran through him. The boy seemed engrossed in the battle and struggled to snap back to reality. Zack quickly took his arm and the two ran from the factory entrance. The sound of gunshots grew distant. Zack's typical guilt trip rolled in his mind, worried for leaving Tseng to deal with the Genesis copies alone. -He's leader of the Turks Zack, he can handle himself.-

"We need to hurry to Angeal's house. I need to make sure she's ok." Zack said. He glanced at Cloud beside him. The boy was breathing hard and eerily quiet. His small hand gripping the Genesis copy blade hilt tightly enough to turn his knuckles white.

The two dashed as fast as their feet could take them, their boats picking up the dry dirt beneath their soles. His first priority was Gillian. She was the only surviving villager in Banora and with the Genesis copies amuck he feared for the safety of his mentor's mother.

"Cloud." He huffed, not bothering to check if he was even listening. "We need to get Gillian first."

Silence met his plan of action and he felt worry for his friend. -As long as he stays beside you, he'll be ok. There's no time for this right now.-

Deciding to brush off the eerie behavior they continued down the dirt path until a vibration went of in his pants pocket. At first he thought to ignore it as unimportant but then that "what if" thought came to mind and persuaded his phone. He noticed Tseng's caller ID and immediately flipped it open to press to his ear. His run slowing to a quick jog. "Tseng."

"Zack, i've just been informed an airstrike is to be engaged soon. Luckily i was able to hold it off to buy you some time. But that is all we have. Hurry with caution." He urged.

Zack let out an irritated growl. "Right." He shut his phone and put it back in his pocket. Speeding up his pace, he saw the gate leading to the village in view. Cloud silently jogged close behind.

Finally reaching Gillian's house, Zack spotted the door already open. Fearing the worst, he bolted through the door only to stop in his tracks. His breath caught in his throat. Lay before him was Gillians lifeless body. The only remaining villager and Angeal's mother, dead before his feet. Cloud forze just outside the doorway. His eyes transfixed on the motionless body. His current state could not feel the same shock and sorrow as the man standing next to him.

A raging burst of resenting frustration and anger coursed chaotically through Zack. Not wanting not believe the sight in his eyes, he took a few unsteady steps back only to feel a very familiar presence to his side. Angeal.

As he saw the shameful confliction in his mentor's shifting gaze, his mind jumped to unforgiving conclusions. unable to rationalize his actions, Zack's rage teetered over as he took hold of Angeal's uniform, shoving him against the wall. "What the hell did you do Angeal?!"

Cloud stood stock still until he felt Angeal's body lurched his way, as Zack's fist etched itself in the Angeal's cheek. Taking a hasty step back, Angeal's large build collided hard with the ground. Still, Zack did not relent. "Is that...is that your idea of honor?!"

Angeal winced with his deprived energy, trying to get back up. His head began to pound from the pain settling in his cheek. "My mother...could not continue to live. And neither could the son." He spat out hoarsely.

"What are you talking about? What's going on here!"

"I told you"

Cloud's body immediately rushed back to attention. He looked toward the sky to see Genesis float languidly to the ground, the grace of his singular black wing sparked a fire within the pit of his stomach.

Angeal's face fell in defeat upon seeing Genesis appearance. His apprentice bristled further, wanting to scream at not only Angeal, but Genesis as well. There were too many questions he didn't have the answer to. Tseng had warned about the missile strike. Time was crucial and yet the situation had come to complete chaos.

He was not alone. Cloud's body tensed at Angeal's being, but Genesis was something that made his insides fester.

Upon entering the scene, Genesis heart froze in shock. For a moment he wondered where this sudden predatory fear came from. -I haven't felt this attack since that fight in the VR with Sephiroth…- His mind trailed off as his eyes locked onto a small blonde boy standing a distance away, large eye's drilling holes into him. He felt his skin go cold.

Sephiroth, finally catching up to Genesis trail, hopped upon on the the village homes and upon entering the square, he felt a heavy tension in the air.

-Cloud and…-

Not daring to take his eye's of Cloud, Genesis addressed Sephiroth. "This is him, isnt it?" He hissed. "The blonde Zack often spoke of. I believe it was Cloud was it?"The red General stood his ground firmly, not willing to admit the intimidation he felt crawl up his spine.

Sephiroth spotted Angeal and Zack at the corner of his eye, both frozen, not wanting to intervene. To attempt to put the situation under control, he stepped forward and noticed Cloud twitch, eyes flashed a sicking green. Despite the obvious murderous intent, he stood protectively in front of the blonde. The last thing he needed was Cloud to be brutally diced apart by Genesis Rapier. What confused him most of all was Cloud's odd aggressive behavior. -What is going on…-

The auburns eyes narrowed. "I see." His mouth twisted into a betrayed scowl. Rapier rose and fixated its point toward Cloud. "You've been held in a bitch's grasp, my friend."

Cloud's eye's snapped at the words, a flood of raving furor over came him so much so Sephiroth's breathe hitched, fearing what was to come. Attempting to stop Cloud's madness.

But before he could, Cloud had already bolted past, swords readied at the one winged SOLDIER. His teeth gnashed together, beautiful blues turning into icy lunacy. Genesis felt a thrill of such a potentially dangerous aura fly at him with record speed. In a flash, Rapier came up and blocked the first strike. His red glove crinkled as his hold tightened. He was astonished as he felt his body give in a bit. Such a small body could carry this terrific amount of strength?

He had no time to ponder the mystery before him however, as the blade's danced all around him, forcing their way through his quick defenses. Sparks flew dangerously from colliding iron. He knew if Cloud managed to land a blow, limbs would fly.

-I cannot Keep this up-

It took a moment, even for their SOLDIER enhancements, to see the fight unfold before them. Cloud's blood thirsty assault on Genesis cease to give, bounding and twisting. Ageal felt oddly compelled by the youth. What drove him to attack so ferociously? Was it a grudge? or merely a whim of instinct. Zack had told much about Cloud. A mysterious boy akin to that of Sephiroth. In honesty he had been curious to meet him. It was sad that their first encounter was in the company of his dead mother. Such poor circumstances…

Seeing as he had no part in this battle, nor was it his concern, he rose and slowly backed away, A brilliant white wing tore from his back. Zack didn't know what to do. He couldn't stop his best friend from a possible chance with death, and now he watched his beloved mentor slip through his fingers once again. He looked at Sephiroth to see even the General was torn by the situation. He closed his eyes in sorrow, not wanting to look. He felt the flutter of wind pick up as he heard his mentor fly off in the clear sky. Once again he could do nothing.

Genesis began to feel impatience. It was becoming increasingly difficult to deflect Cloud and it was making him hate the pretty little thing. He was done entertaining. He waited for his window of opportunity, which was very small. The blade on Cloud's right flew down, hoping to atleast clip the 1st on the right shoulder. It left his side completely exposed and Genesis wasted no time in targeting it. He quickly weaved to his left, the blade nicking him on arm. Instantaneously, the fire from his slotted material resonated in his gloved palm and slammed bundle of caustic heat in Clouds side, earning a surprised grunt. The fire ate through his skin and blistered the muscle and tissue below, churning it into a sick mess.

"Cloud!" Zack shrieked.

Cloud's side flared up in pain, halting his attack. His body collapsed to the ground from rush to his side. A howling scream bubbled within his throat but his pride allowed only a suppressed groan through gritted teeth.

Sephiroth visibly whitened and rushed forward only to be met with Genesis Rapier. The 1st shook his head silently, watching Cloud as he prowled upon his writhing form on the stone.

"pathetic." He cooed.

Clouds squinted eyes darted open to meet Rapier rise above him and slice down through the middle of his chest. slicing cleanly through his sternum. Cloud gasped and let out a cracked silent scream as he felt the blade twist itself deep within.

"GENESIS!" Sephiroth roared.

"im truly disappointed. YOu put of an impressive front but you can't fight worth shit. Really…" He spoke softly, feeling a great satisfaction as he watched Cloud squirm beneath him like the dirt he was. He foolish boy with too much power in his hands.

Despite his pain, CLoud rose a trembling hand and gripped Rapier, his hold still strong. He flashed Genesis a deadly stare, his pulsing pupils suddenly thinned into mere slits.

Genesis halted.

"...That's…."

Genesis backed off, pulling Rapier harshly from Clouds body and readied his wing. His skin resembling that of thin paper and his hands suddenly became clammy and shaken, making it hard to keep a solid grip on his beloved sword. He gave Sephiroth a pained knowing stare.

"I know now….We are nothing...but monsters."

The whisper met only the General's ears as the black feathers rose and lifted its master into the endless blues of the sky and drifted swiftly away. fuzzy pieces as dark as coal floated lazily like a trail in the sky. He watched the figure disappear into the distance.

Zack rushed past him. Cloud lay in a pool of his own blood, harshly sucking in air. Zack dropped to his knees and brought Cloud into his lap. He traced a hand to the burnt flesh. The tissue already began to mend the 1st degree disaster. That brought relief to the 2nd but the hole in his chest continued to spill.

"Cloud. C'mon buddy. Stay with me." He shakily encouraged. Checking his pockets a stream of curses followed. Before he could find his cure, Sephiroth already began to take out his own.

"N-no!" Cloud choked, pushing himself weakly from Zack. Zack grabbed his shoulders, trying to steady the boy. "No?! Cloud your fucking bleeding everywhere!"

"Shut up! I don't need to be healed!" He growled with slurred words. Sephiroth debated on wether to heal him anyway.

"I...He was right…" He coughed, thick red saliva splattered into his cupped hand, some dribbled down his chin. "I...I needed this…" He mumbled before collapsing back into Zack's lap. A sudden quake vibrated his body and all he remembered hearing was the heavy explosions destroying the once small village of Banora.

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Author's note: I...Am back! And what better way to be back then with a super long Chapter! I feel so guilty cuz I actually have a few chapters already written, but i've procrastinated on typing them up because it takes me forever..i don't know why but i HAVE to hand write it before typing. I just get so distracted on the computer i can't think straight. Im sure im not alone on this issue. It sadly makes the process a lot longer. Ah well. I will get around to typing up the next chapter very soon. I can guarantee that. This chapter was very difficult for me and i had to go through many different versions and edit a lot because i just was not satisfied. It's a critical moment in the plot and therefore should be done correctly! At least in the next upcoming chapters we'll get to see some real romance in the air between the General and his chocobo! Again, Really sorry for the delay! But thank you for sticking with me! Onward.