Bah it's late. Very late. Blame a friend of mine who started singing the Yu-Gi-Oh theme song. It started a comical chain of events. Leading to a new(or very old) fandom for me, a cockroach incident, a late chapter, heated bishi debates, and plushies (one for each day of the week, rofl). Note: My favorite bishi has white/silver hair, go figure right? He is also extreme insane and evil. O_o I spy a pattern! I have had a strange week. If I start to forget about this story, someone bop me over the head! Cause I actually know where this one is going, every single chapter, no reason for lateness!
As for the last chapters updated character picture, those will be replaced later, because I have my own art now. But due to their description on Deviantart, if I posted links too early, it would spoil plot! So when all the characters have been introduced, like next chapter, they will be posted. Sorry this is only a flashback, I really had this one planned and it's not an excuse to write only 1000 words.
Reg chapters - 2k words
Flashbacks/Hallucinations/Memories - 1k words
First looks into Cloud's "Memories" comes in 4 chapters, and Seph's "Hallucinations" start in 14 chapters. These are definate, because I have planned every chapter to the end of the sequel. 42 chapters, roughly 75,000 words for Modern Warfare, same for "Trump Card" the sequel.
Rune - THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! It helps a lot! It confirmed what I thought about the "General of the Army" position and paves the way for the rest of the story. Luckily, I am pretty sure my fictional army complies with the standards set by the RL armies or at least the US army. Thank you again for the help ^_^ it is much appreciated!
Flashback 2
2nd Viewpoint
"Watch out for him Zack." I sigh and turn back to Aeris. First mountains and reactors, what now? "Hmm?" She cringes slightly at how annoyed I'm sure I sound. She is just dropping too many bombs on me today. "Sephiroth, I'm not saying you shouldn't trust him, but just be careful. The man isn't quite as stable as he seems."
"Hey Seph, what's up?" I step backwards as Seph pins me with a mako-burning glare. His eyes are shockingly narrowed and hold certain insanity. I can only imagine this is Hojo's doing. Unfortunately, I usually just leave him be on days like this, but we all live together now. "Uh I'm just going to go now, kay?" Seph growls and starts to advance on me. He has never tried to hurt me on purpose before, but I feel fear curl in my belly. No one can say they aren't intimidated by Seph when he is in a mood. "You will go no where." I gulp slightly and nod. Maybe he is just in the mood for some rough sex, I can deal with that. My hopes are crushed as he reaches down to his boots and draws his knife. Well fuck… He puts on a twisted smirk and continues to approach me. I back up completely flush against the wall. Shiva, he isn't going to kill me is he?
"Hi." My eyes widen and my heart nearly stops as I hear Cloud come through the door. Gaia, I have to get him out of here. My need to protect slides into control and slip around Seph and bolt towards the door. Sadly, Seph is fast and he lunges and grabs my waist. I snarl as he pulls me back into him. I feel the cold bite of metal at my throat. This is it. I'm going to be killed by my love and that's that. "Zack? Sephiroth?" Cloud's sweet, little, innocent voice rings out as he approaches the living room where we are standing. I gasp as the knife nicks my throat. Seph chuckles and leans down to lap at the small wound. I shudder in his arm and beg him in whispers to let me go. He never responds and just keeps licking up the blood. Cloud walks into the room and drops his bag. As his eyes find us, I feel my face heat up and my heartbeat double in speed. "Are you two okay?" Seph finally looks up at Cloud. His eyes suddenly burn even brighter green, pupils shrinking so small they are just slivers.
I am let go and Seph start walking over to Cloud. I jump to my feet and grab Seph's arms with all my might. "Cloud get out of here!" Cloud looks back and forth between us with confusion written every where on his face. The sight would be "aw" worthy if it wasn't such a bad time. "What's wrong with Sephiroth?" I shake my head quickly and try to calm him down. "Nothing! He is just having a crappy day! Uh, just go some where else and I'll come get you later!" Seph chooses now to tear himself out of my grasp and close the distance between him and Cloud. Cloud merely gasps as he is lifted into Seph's arms and the knife is positioned at his throat. Seph has a maniac gleam in his eye. I feel the hot blade of betrayal slice through my heart. How could he do this to us? His family?!
Just as I fear the worst, Cloud frowns and brings his hand up to Seph's face. "It's okay Sephiroth. You're safe here, no need to be afraid. He can't get you here, we'll protect you. We love you, you don't need to be scared of him here." My jaw drops as Seph starts to shake, his evil visage melting under Cloud's love. The knife clatters to the floor as Cloud is enveloped in a firm hug. Cloud buries his face in Seph's hair and nuzzles him. Seph sinks to the floor and holds Cloud as close as possible. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." My heart relaxes and I walk closer to my needy lover. "It's going to be fine Seph, we're here for you." Cloud nods his head softly and takes Seph's face in his hands. I turn away to give Seph the benefit of me not seeing his tears. No need to wound the man any more.
"Hojo?" Cloud's small voice startles me enough to turn back around. Seph nods and drops his head back down. I can't help the tidal wave of hatred that flows through me. That man is sheer evil and I won't even try to deny it. Cloud's eyes are sad and full of tears. "I don't like that he hurts you. You don't deserve pain." Seph laughs a terrible, self-loathing laugh and I feel my heart clench in my chest. "Of course I do. I'm an abomination. A monster. All I deserve is pain." Of all the things I was expecting, the ringing from the slap Cloud issued was the last thing. "How dare you say such things? I feel in love with you, and I won't let anyone say things like that about you, not even yourself. Pull yourself together, because you have to be strong. You have to be the General. Don't prove him right, by being weak and susceptible to hatred. Be proud and stand tall. You are worth so much more than that."
Seph puts a hand on his red cheek and cracks a small smile. "I love you, Cloud." Cloud smiles brightly and snuggles closer to Seph. "I know. I know." I smile and drop to my knees, scooting in close to be part of the hug. Seph turns to me with sad eyes and looks at the wound on my throat. I shrug and he leans closer. I feel him softly lap at the wound again, cleaning and tending it rather than tasting. I smile and put my head against his. No need to stay mad at him, because I love him too.