Disclaimer: This fiction is used without permission for the purpose of entertainment only and is not meant for sale or profit. All original characters are the creation of the author.

Warning: YAOI, Sephiroth/Cloud eventually. If you can't stand these stuffs or don't know what it means, get the hell out.... And ONE more thing, recently I have search through the site, and HAVE found a FF7 story very similar to mine. Thus leading me to believe that there ARE a couple of stories out there, hiding, are also similar to mine. So, if you ever read any of them before, or whatever, and found this fanfic very familiar, I'd say "Alter Quies" is not a copied work OR inspired from one of them. Just a simple plot that happens to be not a very original story (although I used to thought it was so perfect... oh well). That's all. ^_^ Sounds like a deja vu, huh.
Finally, I do not come from a native English speaking country, so grammar and everything wise may not be the good here.

ALTER QUIES
Chapter 03: awaken reunion...

** ***** **

--- ------------------------------ ---
We were strangers starting out on a journey
Never dreaming what we'd have to go through
Now here we are and I'm suddenly standing
At the Beginning with you

No one told me I was going to find you
Unexpected what you did to my heart
When I lost hope you were there to remind me
This is the start

And Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road now and forever wonderful journey
I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through
And in the end I wanna be standing
At the Beginning with you

Knew there was somebody somewhere
Like a light in the dark
Now I know our dreams will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart
-- "At the beginning" by Richard Marx & Donna Lewis (Anastasia)
--- ------------------------------ ---

** ***** **


Darkness had always been confusing, for it always hid many truths. Perhaps it was night? Or maybe it was just that there was no light. Perhaps he was dead but then again, he could just be asleep....

As he slowly awoke, Cloud gradually realized that he was feeling better than he had in a very long time. As if the past days had been muddled and only now then the haziness in his mind had finally cleared. With a soft sigh, he looked up at the strange white ceiling. He blinked. He had no idea where he was and why he was here. It hinted him of the ShinRa tower, and he had his half mind telling him he was in the building right now.

Before he could figure out his surroundings, for a brief moment, he felt a chill down his spine, and he wondered why. A cold, sharp man's voice unintentionally answered him, and that sent Cloud sat bolt upright.

"Sephiroth...?!" his eyes widened in shock. "How... why are you here?!"

"I could ask the thing to you," Sephiroth coolly retorted, looking not the least bit impressed.

While they were together in this white, yet strange room, Sephiroth at the opposite end near the door, sitting with arms folded and the Masamune resting neatly against the wall, he grimly noticed that the man had every opportunity to have him killed while he was unconscious.

Without taking his eyes off the black-clad man in front of him, Cloud narrowed his eyes warily. "Where am I? What have you done to me?"

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow at the demanding words. He stood up and walked gracefully to the bed, he said in a sardonic voice, "That's quite an attitude change for you. You were extremely persistent to see everyone suffer, lest for me to do anything to you."

"I don't know what the hell you are talki...!!"

Without any warning, Sephiroth had grabbed him by the throat and already slammed Cloud back at the bed harshly. Despite the soft bed, the blond could not help but to wince at the momentary throbs in his head... then froze in shock and perhaps a little bit of terror at the black-caped man who effortlessly held him by the throat. Sephiroth was so close that he could sense his steady breath on his face, his icy green mako eyes flaring ominously, sending him the chills.


[ FLASH ]

Those eyes reminded him how cruel the man had... how powerful the man had, waving the great Masamune so effortlessly like a god. The General would look up at him slowly, green mako eyes glowing, smirking evilly, and blazing fires raged into the night as he turned away almost gracefully. Leaving a soon-to-be-destroyed town, full of bodies whom Cloud had known, had grown with...

...and his mother was lying there motionlessly, both dead eyes staring at him.

[ FLASH ]


"Enough of your games," hissed Sephiroth. "What do you want, Jenova? Isn't killing you not once, but TWICE enough? And dare you to come back in this form?"

Jerking back from his thoughts painfully, he gasped, "Je-Jenova...? What...a,are you... talking... about?!"

"I will not hesitate to kill you, Jenova. Your trick won't work twice."

The pain was intense, Cloud could barely stifle a cry when the silver-haired man pressed even harder against him. Gathering all his will and strength, Cloud spun and used his right leg to kick Sephiroth on the side of his abdomen. This caught the other man off guard as the force of the kick threw Sephiroth to the door.

Cloud struggled with a few soft coughs before instinctively reaching to the back for his Ultima Sword... and found nothing. He cursed inwardly, knowing Sephiroth would not seriously allow him to have much opportunity to save or to harm.

( And why do he keep calling me 'Jenova'? )

He stared at Sephiroth suspiciously as he was to him. But the more he watched, the more bizarre his mortal enemy is. He could not place what was wrong about it, was it with him, or was it Sephiroth meddling in his mind again? A small part of him told him this Sephiroth was not the same one he had faced a year ago, however, another part of him was telling him that this WAS the real Sephiroth. That unmistakable glowing power and aura around that tall man.

Shaking his head, Cloud finally found his voice, "If I am Jenova, it would be all your fault. So, quit acting funny with me, Sephiroth!"

Sephiroth flinch invisibly at his words but was immediately replaced with an angry grunt. "Tell me that when you decide to stop acting like him."

"Acting like who?!"

"Don't deny what you had understood, Jenova."

"You know, I'm tired of this. We have this communication barrier between us, that I really don't know what rubbish you are talking about!" The blond retorted annoyingly.

Sephiroth gave him a chilling stare. "You do realized that you could have been dead by now."

"And why haven't I? Why keep me alive when you have all the chances in the world to kill me while I am so defenseless and harmless?"

Cloud hated to admit his inability in front of his enemy, and knew he had hit exactly on the nail, but he held his fears that he could die from it. He waited, and nothing came. After a long heavy silence, they were just sending draggers to each other. The air seemed to have dense with their piecing silence.


The conservation might have continued further, but familiar voices broke the mood and faces he knew all-too-well, much to Cloud's relief, bolted into the room, "Sephiroth, what's going on? Is he aw... SHIT!"

Friends who had been once forced together through circumstances and yet had formed a bond of love and trust that could never be broken, were now moving in the room with great wary and weapons on their hands. Cid, RedXIII, Barret, Vincent and Yuffie... the room was yet huge enough to hold the lot of them, he noted.

Cloud did not know whether he should be happy or not. Sure he was glad to see familiar faces, especially confronting with his enemy alone in this confusing situation. On the other hand, his friends, instead of siding him from Sephiroth, they were preparing to attack him at the slightest movements from him. He wasn't sure who had been betrayed.

The blond frowned slightly; fragments of a vague memory began hovered at the corners of his mind... Barret and Cid shouting at him... endless monsters eliminated... glowing light of his Onmislash... but he could not quite remember what it was about.

As if the roles of good and evil had been switched. What a way to start his day!

"Jeez, I don't think we should ever bring him back in the first place."

Cid ignored Barret's comments and turned to Sephiroth, "So, what are we going to do with him now?"

Sephiroth remained silent.

And out of so many choices, Sephiroth chose to spare him and EVEN brought him back to the ship. For what?

Cid rubbed the back of his neck and scowled as everyone turned to stare at him. They clearly expected him to make the final decision. He knew, with Cloud's involvement, Sephiroth's judgement was in serious question and the silver-haired ex-general knew that well than anyone. It was no surprise that Sephiroth had decided to keep his mouth shut while he let them come to their own decision. Cid glanced irritably at Cloud who met the pilot's gaze for only a brief instant.

Of all the excitement, Cloud had chose silence, standing against the wall, looked down at his feet. He dared not try to make any suspicious move. It seemed to be the most reasonable course of action for him, but Cloud could not help feeling that he was also taking the easy way out.

Cloud listened tensely as his friends, debated how to deal with him, while remained silent with his mind frantically racing.

( One, ) he began. ( Sephiroth and Jenova have taken them. Two, this is nothing but another illusion set by them. Three, I am dreaming. )

The blond blinked and shook his head. He was getting more and more uneasy as the seconds slid into minutes. He tried to reach for his memories, hoping he would remember, or at least would give him some ideas to explain this confounding situation but to no avail. He disliked being out of control of the situation, it reminded him of more solitude. And it vexed him greatly.

He then remembered a woman -- called Gaea -- at the Forgotten City, and he had a feeling she knew much. Possibly she had started all these. What had she said?


[ FLASH ]

Cloud blinked, "Help?"

/ Due to naïve, obstinate and ineffective methods, my sister is hence suffering. I need YOU to help neutralize the threat. /

[ FLASH ]


So... her sister needed his help. But of what threat? Sephiroth?

( No... it makes no sense. )

He desperately needed more answers, but their conversations did not help him much. He was rather being forced to help her, than willingly to. Not only she was extremely reluctant to reveal her identity and her purpose, she was not a simple character to be underestimated. She had the same sort of pricking sensations of both great strength and aura around her, almost as similar as he felt about for Jenova. Except that latter had a sickening sense that immensely disturbed him.

However, knowing that wouldn't help him to out of his current state. What help would bring him to where Sephiroth was well and alive, where his close friends went siding to his enemy and treating him hostile? It was like he was woken up in another world.

Finally he saw RedXIII stepping in, catching everyone attention. "Everyone, we could go on about this forever and end up no conclusions at all."

Cid inhaled a long breath of cigarette and spoke, "And what's your point?"

"I suggest we best not to come combat with him."

Everyone, saved for Vincent and Sephiroth -- who merely raised a eyebrow -- dropped their jaws.

"What?!"

Shouted Yuffie, "You are suggesting that we should let him go?!"

"Like hell!" Barret snapped.

RedXIII cleared his throat, and said firmly, "I admit this makes no sense, but don't you guys feel it? There's something different...."

"Yeah, yeah. You had said something like this before at the Bone Village. Can explain?" Yuffie nervously tossed the Conformer from hand to hand as she said.

The beast nodded, "From the first encounter till now, what I see, smell, feel about him are totally different from what I had about him before. I could have told you, if not for the astonishing identical appearance, I would assure you this is another person. Unlike the sickening, unclean sensations I got of before, this man here have me under the impression of tremendously powerful, yet unstained. There's something 'right' about him."

His one-eyed gaze raked over the silver-haired man, "Besides, someone had already agreed with me."

The ex-general was suddenly enduring all pairs of eyes. Disbelief, shock and anger plagued their faces as they looked upon him, yet Sephiroth's face was expressionless. Whatever feelings raging inside him were kept well hidden. Looking away, Sephiroth folded his arms and muttered. "He contains extensive amount of Jenova cells."

Cloud immediately frowned ridiculously at his words.

"Why, would not that also prove my theory? For all I know about Cloud Strife, he did not undergo any SOLIDER treatments, or any processes involving Jenova cells."

RedXIII cocked his head slightly, as if amused. "Yet you think he is Jenova herself in disguise."

The other man made no answer.

The blond pilot stepped in, "Wait a minute, you are not telling us to trust him, are you?!"

"I'm not telling you to trust him, just it could be possible to avoid conflicts."

"After all he had done to us?!" yelled Barret. "Alright, Cloud! You'd your fun, so quit twisting Red's head upside down and tell us what the hell you want?!"

Cloud's blank gaze and ominous silence had several people stealthily reaching for their weapons. RedXIII merely shook his head. While ignoring his friends, in a firm tone, the red beast turned and stared at Cloud, "I can... feel two different presence in you. One of which I can not able to identify, yet it is quite similar to our old enemy." A pause. "The second, surprisingly, reminds me very much of... Zack."

Sephiroth chose this time to look up and watched the blond's eyes slowly widened from shock to dismay. The dark-haired SOLIDER's simple name had evidently caused great distress to Cloud, though he did not understand why he should. The blond remained very loss, and the moment Cloud's gaze tore away from the red beast to the door, the blond froze and went very pale.

Standing at the door, were the most unexpected faces and the last thing he ever could see in the Planet: the spiky dark-haired SOLIDER and the brown-haired flower girl had been all over the ship looking for the group, were now slowly making their way in the room. Zack's movement was relaxed, but a hint of shock in his eyes showed he was as warily of him as the rest were. But Aeris's expression was strangely blank; Cloud could see no shock, no fear, no disgust or hate, and he wondered.

A flare of pain in his eyes as memories painfully threatened to surface, but he quickly hid it. He could not afford to reveal any more weakness that may led to the already hostile people a conclusion as a threat.

As soon as he set onto his mind some determination, Cloud had gone through a massive struggle to keep himself from screaming in frustration and madness. Especially trying to figure out why people he knew were supposed to be dead was being alive and standing in front him.

Everything just felt so wrong!

Cloud slowly sighed, and calmed himself, again, to wait and watch the situation. Things might have gone better as time passed. He would be damned if he was to foolishly spun into action ( ...or screaming in madness ). Besides, even if he could escape unscathed from Sephiroth and the group, he would have no where to run to. The constantly passing clouds and the wide boundless horizon of the ocean outside the small window told him they were taking on air, over the seas.

He had no doubt this could be Cid's Highwind, though he had no explanation for the pilot to have such an advanced ship. He would have to wait, painfully patient, while he continued to hold his own suspicious.


** ***** **

Zack made a quick scan around the room before looking at Sephiroth. He shrugged slightly, "Well, I heard from our crews and thought they really have a bad joke about it. Any conclusion?"

The other man shook his head softly, and said, "He's acting very strange and none of us willing to make a decision. Worse come to worse, adding more to our confusion, Red is suggesting that we should not take any action on him, yet."

"I see."

"And as much as I hate to admit, he is really different."

"Different?" snorted Barret, obviously was listening to the conversation despite his shouting at Cloud. "I'd say he's hiding something behind our backs and waiting for us to fall into his tricks. What a slimy bastard."


Cloud winced at his comments but did nothing. He was trying to think of something, when a sudden tremor forcefully shook the entire ship and Cloud was forced to fall back wobbly onto the bed. The rest, other than the four-legged beast, were leaning against the wall for support, as the warning siren sounded throughout the ship and the vibrations continued. Soon, the whole ship was in both excitement and anxiety.

"What the...?!"

Barret shouted, "Damnit! What's it now?!"

"God curses! Can anyone informs me of the situation?! Roy? Yuamuzi? Anyone, get your butt here NOW and tell me!" While Cid was cursing aloud, a crewmember immediately stumbled nervously at the doorway and began stammering.

"S-sir, you called?"

"Grrr...! 'Course I called, NOW WHAT'S THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" raged the blond pilot. "Already we have enough problems, so DON'T test my patience!"

"Y-yes! Reporting from t-the bridge, unidentified flying monsters are seen within the range and are heading towards the ship. S-sir, we're under attack."

"Jenova," announced Zack aloud, and Sephiroth nodded.

Yuffie smacked her forehead, "Of all the times."

"Can't you use the beam blusters to get rid of them?" ordered Cid.

"N-no sir, they are too fast for the beam blusters to shoot. We could do for a random attack, and some may get hit... but there's too many of them and we have yet recover even fifty percent from yesterday night. The shield can't hold much longer...." He looked into his watch and continued, "Not for the next fifteen minutes, sir. Please give us your orders, s-sir."

Loud curses could be heard aloud in the room. And finally, Sephiroth spoke, "Our enemies... how many there is?"

The crewmember turned to the silver-haired man, "Estimated about two hundreds."

Startled, Zack cried, "What? Where did all these come from?! A toy factory?"

The black-caped man ignored the other man's comments and asked again, "Do you recognize their attributes?"

"Attributes? Oh! You mean their characteristics? Yes, from the observations, they appear to be non-elemental."

"Long-ranged attacks are not option." RedXIII said thoughtfully, "We are also too close to Gongaga and Cosmo Canyon, we may bring danger along. It is best that we finish them off here, for once."

"I agreed with Red," nodded Aeris.

Yuffie jumped in, "I guess spell-based attacks are necessary too."

Suddenly Aeris gasped and clutched her head as if in pain. "The planet... she's in pain, she is crying! Sephiroth, they said she is... she is trying to do something. But I don't know what!"

"In pain?" Sephiroth frowned. "That's not very good. Is it the monsters? Or Cloud Strife?"

"I don't know.... The voices are too confusing, I can't make out what they are saying."

Sephiroth nodded and said flatly, "Cid, tell them to stop the ship forwarding and unlatch the deck, then to standby as soon as the shield wear off. We will be fighting outside."

Cid looked back at his crew, "Yeah, you heard the man. Get out of here and tell the rest." and he was gone down to the bridge.

"So, that's the plan..." Vincent then gestured to Cloud and said, "What about him?"

Barret retorted, "I hope ya not letting him to help us and fight. Who knows, those freaks outside probably under his control."

"Yeah," Yuffie jumped in. "Didn't you say he has Jenova cells?"

"Yes. And no, Barret. Red and Zack will stay back to watch over Cloud Strife. The rest will follow me," Sephiroth ordered, but interrupted them when they were about to object. "All our discussions about him are pretty much moot at this point. However, we can't waste much energy on him, not when there's a size of an army outside waiting to be killed. Besides, we can't afford to lose any more defenses just because of their short-ranged weapons."

"Shit. I hate it when you make too much sense."

"I'm hope you know what you are doing, Sephiroth," Cid muttered.

The silver-haired man said nothing and began walking out of the room. Only did Barret and Cid give Cloud a hard glare, they then as well as the rest, saved RedXIII and Zack, followed their leader out. Not happy with the decision, they knew the man was right.


** ***** **

While there were a large number of the flying creatures, the monsters were surprisingly weak -- more of an annoyance than anything else -- and didn't seem armed with anything more than menacing than slightly oversized claws. It seemed she was trying to win the battle by outnumbering the group, which proved to be futile in the end. But then again, knowing her, she didn't seem the kind to do such thing. Jenova was just testing them. She knew they were strong, knew such numbers wouldn't scare them away.

But still not strong enough.

He shook the slimy liquid off his sword with disgust and made a quick scan about the area, before returning to the bridge with the rest of the group.

( What is she plotting this time? ) thought Sephiroth.

Of the whole quiet year, why now? He entered the bridge and immediately frowned as he noticed Cloud was there too. While the young man did nothing but just standing against the wall with arms folded to his chest, looking as if deeply in thoughts, he found it rather disturbing for his enemy to do... nothing.

Since he was awoke, he had been acting nothing that fit his previous insane descriptive. The truth, he was acting like he was sane.

At this point, he was certain it was one of the plots from Jenova. It almost worked before, ALMOST. Nearly costing their lives with it, and he would not allow another of this to happen again. He had sworn by his sword. And with today's display, he was more convinced.

However, something about this Cloud made him extremely hesitated. And he did not understand why.

Was the longing over the years had made him soft?

But why now, when he had successfully restrained his longing over the many long and cold years?

What was stopping him now?

Perhaps it was last year, that peaceful, yet quiet year with sadness still lingering on it. Perhaps it was at that Judgement Day. Perhaps... it was his unforgettable memories.

Memories with....


** ***** **

As he struggled to get a hold on his confused thoughts, he found his glare at Cloud ended up much harder and colder than he intended.

Suddenly one of the large window monitors in the bridge sprang to life. On the screen, the current president of ShinRa scowled, then shock, "C-Cloud Strife?! Why the hell is he doing there, alive?!"

Cloud froze just an instant in surprise as he took in Rufus ShinRa's appearance on the screen. But he quickly regained his composure and nothing was said.

RedXIII cleared his throat, "Apparently we have some problems with our new enemy here, Rufus."

"Some problems?! NEW enemy?! Oh great... Just friggin' great."

The red beast raised an eyebrow and asked, "You took it quite well. Why?" And found the blond president glaring at the silver-haired general, surprisingly.

"Thanks to our ex-general here, I was told that Jenova came popping out of nowhere WELL and ALIVE a month ago. Since then, I have been receiving REPORTS that stating monsters all around the world are getting more and more aggressive, REPORTS that demanding the ShinRa to protect them as well. And not just that, a few minutes ago, I've received this DAMNED report. AND when I thought nothing worst could come BECAUSE the report is stating that modified version WEAPONs are spotted, and CLOUD STRIFE is here in Highwind's bridge! Yes, what more NOW?!"

On the other side of the screen, Rufus began to rummage through his desk for that elusive bottle of painkillers while cursing heavily.

Meanwhile, the group in the bridge room slowly digesting the news. Soon, all exploded, "WHAT?! WEAPONs?!"

Zack then grimaced and murmured, "That would explain the Planet's pain... she is trying to create the WEAPONs. But... in just ten minutes?"

Rufus finally located the bottle, dumped out a tablet, then decided to double the dose. Between the pills, he muttered, "Yes, yes. And I am not joking. It was stated that the observations swore that they were not there a few minutes ago, and then suddenly, pop! There they are, like they have been for centuries. Anyhow, transmitting the video clips and pictures."

The group shivered as the all-too-familiar monstrous form slowly drifted into view. The oddly slim female form and ghostly white skin made the entity instantly recognizable to the group, but this certain incarnation was bigger than any they had ever seen before... much, much incomparable. Nailed, her bony hands hung lifelessly on the silvery black sharp-pointed cross, only her right leg was spared yet twisted horribly round the shaft so to support the body. In addition to a set of broken wings, the demonic serene creature had golden blond silky hair that grew long, and by the end of it, had sprawled across to assemble a detailed emblem like an orbicular plane spinning just the tip of the cross.

Her head hung loosely. Her eyes shut tightly. Disturbing as she felt, damned as she looked, suspending just above the ocean surface while towering everything, God had forsaken them and given Time the edict to devastate all things by the strangely beautiful entity.

Then the picture skewed wildly and the scene was switched to a familiar landscape, Wutai. Yuffie gasped. At first, they could not see anything, but when the view was suddenly swung to the sky, they saw five large crystal orbs. Each craved with a different sign; each stabbed with a pillar of familiar glowing and sickening greenish light as it held the sphere so high in the heavenly skies. They almost missed the few pale flowing energy lines, connecting the five spheres together in the form of an unrecognized sign.

It wasn't as terrifying as the first WEAPON was. In fact, it looked very less threatening, but no doubt each individual had astonishing destructive powers. They were the Planet's weapons. Until the designated target was utterly destroyed, regardless the humanity, the environmental damage would be severe enough to make uninhabitable for humans, even enough to destroy the Planet alone, and completely.

"As you all can see, the WEAPONs are obviously modified. They are entirely different from previous version, much bigger, more terrifying, and definitely more powerful. It also means that the tactics we used before probably won't work again." Rufus said solemnly.

Sephiroth nodded, but asked, "The last time, we had four of them. Where's the other two?"

"I'm not really sure... the teams are sent all over the world and still searching for them. Yet, they might be already on the footage."

"What?"

"The computers are still analyzing, but my scientists suspected that the two WEAPONs, could be the fusion of the four WEAPONs. There are several characteristics...."

The president did not get the chance to complete his sentence, and was rudely interrupted by an outraged snarl. Before they knew, Yuffie had already pinned Cloud to the wall with her Conformer, most unexpectedly.

"Damn you! Haven't you done enough sufferings to us last year?! Why? Why Wutai?!" The teenager was basically screaming.

As for Cloud, the presence of the dead continued to emerge in front of him was shocking enough, but the sheer enormity and provoking of the indifferent WEAPONs left him badly shaken. All the stillness he had struggled to set on himself, had all gone. He found himself unable to look into Yuffie's eyes, whether the lack of courage or strength, he did not know.

Was it... out of guilt?

He widened his eyes. ( Im... impossible! )

He heard himself murmuring soft apologies to Yuffie. Though she struggled to retain her hold on Cloud, but the blond was able to break free with one strong jerk that belied his wrecked mental state. Sephiroth and the group reacted quickly, but could do nothing to prevent Cloud from bolting off and were utterly speechless when they realized he had locked himself inside the room, intentionally.


** ***** **

Cloud tried to seek an explanation for this, but he couldn't find one. There was no one to tell him what to do.

He stood behind the door, slightly shaking, tentatively heard Sephiroth and the group ordering something outside. He hoped they would leave him alone, stopping blaming him as if he was the one who had tried to destroy the world.

He felt so betrayed.

By who? He did not know. He did not blame his friends for acting like that to him, strangely.

But, what was the surprise? He was forced to accept Sephiroth was alive, as well as several people, his close friends had not recognized him, the world was more advanced than he knew, formidable WEAPONs were appearing and not to mention, and a certain alien entity, named Jenova, had returned. All in a day.

He bitterly realized that this could be only the beginning.

Then, a terrifying thought surfaced. Perhaps there was never a Cloud Strife to save the world... what he thought of, remembered of, were just a dream. A dream that was so real that he thought it really existed. Perhaps it was Sephiroth that had saved the world.

Perhaps he was the one that could not stand against the seductive words of Jenova. Her wonderful offers!

Perhaps he had killed his mother, Tifa's father, everyone! And burned down HIS OWN hometown. They meant nothing to him; Nibelhiem hated him. It wasn't his home at all and he refused to recognize it, because at the very beginning, still inside his mother's womb, they had hated him. Everyone hated the outcasts. His mother was an outcast. He was an outcast. The black sheep was to be blamed for all things, even it had did nothing. Not a slight chance to prove its' innocence. His justice!

It would explain why everyone feared, hated him. It would explain why everyone had gone siding to Sephiroth, instead of him. It would explain... everything. All, and every things.

Because he had been living in a life of lies, more lies and lies. Gladly given by Jenova. Gladly accepted by him.

On the other hand, in the cruel reality, she controlled him. Used the Black materia and summoned the meteor. Sending the world into riots of panic and fear and despair.

Perhaps it was Sephiroth that the world was saved.

Cloud rubbed his face wearily and heavily sank down to the bed on his stomach. He sighed and closed his blue mako eyes. He listened to the soft roaring of the ship's engines, the whooshing sound of the moving winds... and Sephiroth's cold and deep voice muffled through the door as he gave another order.

His eyes opened again. Perhaps it was Sephiroth that both Zack and Aeris were alive.... Perhaps it was his presence that had sent the Planet into danger again.

( Perhaps it was just a dream, ) a quiet voice spoke out, raising his hopes again. Although his earlier conjecture made a lot of senses, it did not explain the blue mako in his eyes, the physique that belonged to a SOLIDER, the armors and Zack's uniform.

He vaguely held out his wrist, then pulled off the glove and glanced at the scar. It was still here. So it did not make sense why it was still here if Sephiroth did save the world while he was just omitted in Jenova's lies.

It would not be possible for her to go to the extent to make that so real, would she? Now he wished he had his Ultima Sword. At least he had something to prove that he was not the one. It wasn't any ordinary sword; it couldn't be brought from anywhere. It was a gift, from the Planet.

So... what was true? What was false?

What was going to happen to him? Was he going to die in the hands of his friends...?

Silently laughing at his pathetic state, he hoped there was someone right here, beside him. Anyone... that understood him.


[ FLASH ]

Cloud dropped his head again weakly when the small truck jerked on the less smooth road. The pain still hurt him, no matter how much he tried to ignore. However, it had been less painful than he had felt in five years. At least, no more experiments now. They were freed, finally.

He slowly looked at the dark-haired SOLIDER -- taking so much of strength to move -- he could not help but to feel safe when his only friend smiled at him.

"We're friend, right?"

[ FLASH ]

"Sir, would you like to buy some flowers?"

Cloud stopped and frowned at the girl standing beside him. He then looked at the beautifully bloomed yellow flowers. It was rare to see such beautiful things growing in such dark and awful places. The mercenary shrugged and smiled slightly at the brown-haired flower girl, soft greenish eyes shone back at him.

"Sure. How much?"

[ FLASH ]


** ***** **

When Cid found Zack, he was standing on the deck, staring across the horizons. He exhaled his cigarette smoke slowly. "We've got the last report and are now processing, ain't you going to join them?"

"Nay, Aeris are with Yuffie. Sephiroth and Red are down the bridge analyzing the reports, not my cup. Barret and Vincent... are somewhere in the ship, but I guess they don't need my company." Zack shrugged.

"I guess you're right...." Then, silence.

The dark-haired SOLIDER turned around and leaned against the rails, "And Cloud Strife?"

"...The same."

When Cloud Strife locked the door, Sephiroth stopped Cid from opening the door through the main system and had someone to guard the room. The camera in that room was also constantly watching their enemy.

For the first two hours, they had been keeping an eye on the video in the bridge. But Cloud Strife was always in that sitting position on the bed -- leg brought up to his chest while the arm resting on it, his shoulders sagged against the wall. All the time, gazing out of the windows. They were hopping to see a reaction when the ship was close to the WEAPONs to have the computers to analyze the statistics. But none.

"He's resigning."

Cid blinked, "What?"

"I think he is resigning."

"What makes you think that?"

Zack frowned, "I don't know... but I KNOW that look."

"So do I." Cid sighed when the other man looked at him questioningly, "Remember that time when we almost lost Aeris?"

Zack nodded, hesitantly.

"Well, before she was revived, you were basically slouching in that room of yours. I bet Sephiroth must have kicked real hard on your butt when he went to see you."

Zack chuckled, slightly embarrassed, "Yeah, something like that."

The blond pilot waved his hand, "Anyway, now Cloud Strife is exactly like you when you were in your slump."

"I see."

"Not only that, I found quite a number of him acting very much like you."

"Very much?"

Cid nodded, "In a lot of ways. Did you notice that he has those mako eyes and the physical of a SOLIDER?"

"I'm sure everyone noticed." Zack sighed and quietly sighed, "I wonder could that be what Red have been trying to tell us?"

"You believe him?" the blond raised an eyebrow.

The dark-haired man moisture his lips, "I hate Cloud when he spilled Aeris blood, and nearly killed her. I hate him when he had brought so much misery to Seph and everyone. I hate him since eight years ago. But...."

Cid waited.

"I think I really believe what Red said about Cloud Strife. And from what I observed, he is both physical and mentally different from our old Cloud Strife. I might added, he seems slightly confused."

"Confused? Now that's interesting." Cid mocked at his comments. Then on a more serious note, the pilot looked at his companion and said, "Actually I have no idea about the whole episode, it seems too good AND convenient to be true. Maybe he's pulling one hell of an act and planning to slay every one of us once our backs are turned. I mean, it did happen before."

"I get your point. But like Seph had said, every discussion about him is pretty moot. And which is why we are heading for Cosmo Canyon." Zack said.

"I hope we'll get our answers there."

Zack agreed. Then he suddenly said, "Oh, by the way, got any chance to check his weapon?"

"That huge sword of his? No, it's been one thing after another. Why you ask?"

Zack shrugged his shoulders. "His sword seems to fascinate me very much. It is as if the sword is alive."

"Hmm... reminds me, did I mention to you about Cloud Strife's Onmislash?"

"Yuffie did."

"Yeah, I'm sure she did. Well, since you knew about it, go analyze that sword whatever you like. You're the HUGE sword specialist."

Zack grinned, "No prob."

"Guys, are you done? The ship's landing."

The two men turned to see Aeris standing by the doorway, smiling. Zack glanced across the deck and saw Cosmo Canyon fast approaching.

"Yup, we are done. Let's go."


** ***** **

It was a short walk from the Highwind's mooring site to Cosmo Canyon. Over the last year, the village was slowly being rebuilt. Instead of shabby tents, most of the people were now living in sturdy houses. Cloud noticed there wasn't much different from what he knew about from his own memories, except the observatory. He could see it was nearly as high-tech as the Highwind.

When he saw Bugenhagen patiently waiting for the group to approach, he had a sudden urge to groan loudly. But the current circumstances prevailed -- he merely folded his arms in slight irritation and looked away.

( Now... that's an interesting and unexpected element. ) Sharp eyes crinkled at the edges in excitement as the elderly observed immensely at the blond-haired man.

"Well, well, what is taking you all so long?"

"Some bloody birds pulling the traffic," snorted Cid.

The elder laughed, "I assume everyone is still the same as before!"

Sephiroth stepped forward and gave Nanaki's grandfather a thoughtful look. "I do hope you know our purpose here, Bugenhagen."

"Hohohoo, our general here is still as blunt as always. Why, I thought you would be rather more relax after the Judgement Day...."

"Bugenhagen."

The elderly chuckled, "No offence, my friend. Come on, I sure everyone is quite worn out, why don't you all take a rest in the inn, or at my place?"

"We don't have any time...."

"Time," he said with a firm tone. "Has already heading towards the climax. Both our foes and enemies are not holding anything and everything against each other. Yes, everything.... There will not be any time left once the battle begins, Sephiroth. The ride is going to be tough."

Silk stiffly rustling, the elderly gave everyone a long, hard look before inhaling a deep breath. "Come along, it is nice to chat around here but it'd be best to have it in my house... especially when it is concerning our special guest, right?"

The elderly's intensive stare on Cloud was uncomfortable, as if he was measuring him from inside to out. He had a feeling that the red beast's grandfather knew something, possibly the key to unlock the questions when all things seemed to go wrong only to him.

Without any warning, Bugenhagen headed towards to his house. Then could Cloud relax and inwardly relieved.

But somehow he had a feeling things were not going to be as easy as he wanted it to be.



END.Chapter03
To Be Continued_

A/N: Hey, I know I did say this chapter would reveal the truth... but then again, I decided it is a bit too soon to know everything and yay~ happy ending!! No, this is not my style... besides, it would be far too easy for the casts. Don't you think so? *evil grins* Anyway, from the comments I got, I know the story so far is still confusing... but this is what I wanted. Anyway, IF you manage to find those similar stories, it probably wouldn't be. XD
You don't know how much it had mean to me, and I still don't know anyone are still with me or not.... But to the reviewers who are SOOOOOO kind and wasted your precious time to review this trash of mine, THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.