Wow. I was pleasantly surprised when I checked my email after posting the last section. There were so many reviews/story alerts I was bit overwhelmed. Ok, so it wasn't a lot in the scheme of how high numbers go, but for me it was. And even if a few were doubled from the same viewer, I was still happy. I'm glad so many people are enjoying this.

Thanks for all the reviews. I'm still figuring out how the site works so I know you can reply to people's reviews individually but for the moment this will have to do:

Worsel: Welcome and thanks. I understand trying to find good AU's.

scarlettHuntress: The battle scene is just a small part of the story so I'm glad you're waiting for it since I'm not so good with fight scenes. The same for describing landscapes. I'm working on describing them quickly but still getting the main picture across. It helps if I have a clear pic in mind but that doesn't always happen.

cloudstrifejen: I know you'd like them longer but if I write them too long and wouldn't be able to keep up with regular posts. Plus most of this fic is short scenes. Funny though, 'cause someone earlier mentioned they liked the shorter posts. Ah well, to each there own.

So, ready for the next part? Hmm, is that a cliffy in the distance I see? 'walks away whistling innocently'

Sephiroth was glad he had spotted Zack so early on in the battle. One, it let him know the other was alive and fine and second, it allowed him to keep an eye on him so he continued to stay alive and fine. Not that Zack couldn't take care of himself but he had an uncanny ability to get in over his head whether he meant to or not. Sephiroth had taken it upon himself to always know where his Second-in-Command was during a large skirmish so he could prevent any of those overwhelming possibilities from happening. This time though it had the added bonus with having him not looking for Strife since Zack found him first.

Sephiroth raised Masamune so it was parallel to the ground and Strife shifted in his defensive stance. The General waited for a few long seconds waiting for Strife to attack first but when the other made no move, Sephiroth mentally shrugged and charged, Masamune low and out in front of him. Strife blocked the first strike, then the next two before stumbling back on the fourth. He rolled back to gain some distance and stopped in a low crouch with his black blade shielding him. Sephiroth didn't allow him the moment of respite and continued his frontal assault.

Strife blocked the next charge, feigned to the right with his sword but Sephiroth saw the low kick coming and easily stepped out of its path. Instead he slipped into the darkly clad man's personal space; his Masamune locked with the other sword, and tested his physical strength. He was mildly impressed when Strife was able to hold a good portion of it before falling back, once again rolling out of range.

They continued to dance around the battle field, the other soldiers of both Shinra and Wutai staying clear of their fight. After a few more minutes and using one of Strife's clearing rolls for a moment to himself as well, Sephiroth glanced around to assess the battle. He was disturbed to see it was not going as well for Shinra as he had hoped.

His troops had somehow been divided into three sections, the smallest clearly being defeated by members of Avalanche. Another group had Lockhart and a red caped gunman cornered against a particularly steep hill, the commander in charge most likely thinking they were going to win. Sephiroth saw it for the diversion it was though and before he could even formulate a plan to salvage the mess, a blast of Fire2 chained its way through the front line. A dark blue light swirled around the gunman and suddenly a winged black monster emerged with red wings stretched and roaring to the night. It was a surprise to Sephiroth and so of course the troops were terrified, quickly fleeing. The beast started in on the company while a red moomba – he was sure the same one from the Fort Condor battle – attacked from the rear, again using high Fire spells.

The main army was fairing better, but just barely. His troops had Godo's almost pushed into the hills. Typically a deadly position to be downhill from but he saw Zack's handiwork in the layout of Casters and Regulars. It would be a tough battle but one they should be able to win. Naturally, it would go even better if he were there to provide assistance.

Suddenly having no time to deal with his personal concerns, despite how much interest he had in Strife, Sephiroth had to put an end this and quickly. Calling upon all his mako enhanced speed and strength he assaulted Strife one last time, beating him back into the hills, cutting off any escape routes. He kept his attacks close, a slight disadvantage for Masamune but it kept Strife off balance and unable to strike himself. He could tell his rapid assault was working since Strife was getting frantic in his defense and even letting a few slashes make contact in an attempt to block or counter. It was in vain though since he was barely blocking and failing at any sort of counter attack.

A kick to the stomach then a well placed blow to the side of the head with the hilt of Masamune and Strife crumpled gracelessly to the ground. Sephiroth scrutinized the fallen man for a moment as he calmed his breathing and blood. Strife did not twitch. Satisfied that he was truly unconscious, Sephiroth crouched down to remove the goggled mask. Yes, he meant to kill the man but he would do so after seeing who his opponent really was. He would honor the man's skill by remembering him.

The black clothe slid from man's head, sweat making it stick and pull only slightly. Strife's hair was also pulled up with the mask but yellow tips appeared on the back of his neck. An uneasy feeling stirred in Sephiroth's stomach before he even fully removed the mask. With it completely off, the General of Shinra could only stare.

It took a moment for Sephiroth to place the surreal familiarity that had overwhelmed him. Blonde hair shorter, face thinned and hardened with age, mouth in a downward grimace even when unconscious, Sephiroth knew this face.

It was impossible but he knew it.

"Cloud?!"

Nanaki is a moomba, right? I think so and I think that's how you spell it but if not feel free to correct me. Not really think it needs to be said but why not; review please. Advice is always welcomed too.