Heheheh! Thanks for the reviews…
Yami Kitsune-7 – Thanks so much! Yeah, that last chapter was a bit… not appetizing? And just what Sephiroth is planning maybe is in this chapter… and maybe not! Keep reading, and thanks! " Pieces of the Heart" rules- all who haven't read it, read it!!!
Cat of Darkness- Thanks for your review- umm, sorry about the feedback! Not very good at it… but thanks for reviewing anyway!
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Chapter 4- The First Meeting
Cloud glanced at the dry note in Sephiroth's hand, taking in the scrawl of his name in blood red. He also glanced quizzically at the other words, half-way linking them together...
Sephiroth hastily snatched the not away, not wanting to give away any more of his orders. He looked somewhat… guilty? Cloud blinked in surprise at this unfamiliar expression. Sephiroth… guilty? The man who had killed without feeling sorrow, the one who murder for a profession, a livelihood… since when did someone like that have a guilty conscience?
Sephiroth changed his expression, staring down at Cloud with penetrating green eyes. The two had met first, long long ago…
Flashback
A 13-year old Cloud stepped up to the Shinra counter, startling the accountant, who was secretly reading a magazine. "What are you doing here, young man? Children aren't allowed to be here…"
Sephiroth came up behind Cloud, smiling at the Josie. "He's a new recruit. Young, but he passed all the tests with ease. He's got natural talent… and instinct for danger. We can make a top soldier out of this one…"
Cloud blushed hotly at his direct compliment, holding back the urge to go give him a hug. Sephiroth firmly patted Cloud on the back, and walked straight-backed up the stairs, leaving Josie gazing starry-eyed at his muscular figure. Cloud half-smiled beneath his supposed 'tough' expression, and ran to the bathroom, splashing water on his face to wipe out the redness of his cheeks…
*~*
That was four years ago. And now each stood in front of the other, snapping back from the hazy memories. Sephiroth, eyes narrowing, drew out his Masumune. Cloud stepped back, the tip of the sword at his chest. The sword moved slowly up to his throat…
"STOP!" Riku panted up from the water, rushing to the scene. He glanced in bewilderment at Sephiroth's sharp sword, its tip at Cloud's throat.
"Sephiroth… what on earth?!" Cloud spluttered helplessly, caught between confusion and fear. Sephiroth pulled out the note again, the blood red letters seeming to drip with blood…
Strife – Shinra base- ALIVE
Experiment 9a
Report Immediately!
Sephiroth's fist clenched together, his knuckles turning white with the pressure. What's with the damn changing commands?! Freaking hell… just made me reveal the damned purpose…
*~*~*~*
Cloud, noticing the lapse in Sephiroth's attention, swiftly evaded the sword's point and leapt back, drawing out his Ultima weapon in defense.
Sephiroth cursed in contempt. How did they, or whatever it was, expect him to deliver without killing? Never in his life had he felt so damn restricted. As to who this commander was… once he lays his eyes on him, he'll kill them without a second's thought. But now he has his own problems… just how to get out of this situation was beyond him. He was on an island, with no means of escape but to steal the dragonship or… what, steal a boat and row to sea? Jeez, great way to die…
While the three stood in stiff silence, Sora and the rest rushed up from the water, dripping wet.
"Hiya Sephiroth! Nice to see you again!" Sora grinned widely at the not- so - familiar man. Sora gaped at the sword, and then noticed Cloud's Ultima weapon. His grin faded, and came to an abrupt standstill. He and Yuffie exchanged glances, and shrugged, backing away slowly. Sora grabbed Riku by the arm and tried to drag him off too. Cloud nodded, and gave him a look that said I'll be fine. Let me handle it. The three and Tifa ran back to the Seaside Shack…
*~*~*~*
"I don't understand! Riku, what was going on?"
Riku shrugged, and glanced outside. "Hey, I know as much as you do, Sora. Remember I told you I had to go and take a bathroom break, right? Then I found Sephiroth pointing his sword at Cloud's throat. Arghh… come to think of it, I STILL haven't been to the
bathroom. I'm busting, man!"
Tifa bit her lip. She had been silent all this time… she thought she recognized that man. When she and Cloud were children… but could it be? She shook her head slightly, and stood up. " Riku, don't go yet. I know you're busting, but if you want to live, please stay here until Cloud comes back, ok? Trust me, it'll be for the better."
Riku frowned at Tifa for a moment, and relaxed. Slumping against the wall, he shrugged. "I can hold it in. For a limited time. Then I'll explode with the pressure." Sora burst out in a torrent of giggles, causing Yuffie to sniffle in laughter as well. Both were silenced, however, when Tifa put her finger to her lips.
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Yes, I know… short chapter? But I haveta go now and I've written up the next chapter- I'll post it ASAP! I promise! Thanks for reading- plz review and tell me what you think.