What did you say?

Zell was sleeping peacefully, dreaming of the sandy beaches of Balamb, and also dreaming of a handsome silver haired man, sprawled in the nude, the sea lapping at his feet… It was a very sweet dream, and in the reality, the tattooed blond was actually drooling. Until he received a harsh kick, that is. he woke up, only to be elbowed by his mate. Zack was curled on himself, shaking and sometimes one of his leg or arm was going into spasm. Zell gently shook him awake, but the doctor stayed in a foetal position.

- Is there anything I can do for you?

- Bring me some water…

- Alright, don't move.

The fighter climbed down the stairs to get a glass. It was still early in the morning, but Quistis as up. Zell quickly tended to Zack and came back to talk with her. She was looking very tired, a little drained, too. It was odd, for a moment the spiky blond thought that apart from the intense cramps, the instructor seemed to suffer from the same virus than Zack… But Quistis waved his doubts apart with a laugh.

- Zell… I will tell you what I have, but you have to promise me you will not tell Angel, okay?

- Hm… Alright.

- I am pregnant. Angel and I are going to have a baby. Isn't it wonderful?

Zell's mouth was hanging down. Quistis was smiling softly, rubbing her tummy. She would soon become a mother. Cloud and Sephiroth would have their first grandchild, Angel had a son on the way… lost in her thoughts, she jumped up a little when Zell took her hands.

- Congratulations, he said, hugging her, I will have a nephew! Oh you know he will be spoiled! I'll teach him everything I've learned and…

- Hahaha! Slow down Zell! So I figure you're eager too to try parenthood!

The spiky blond literally froze on place.

- Whatdoyoumean?

- Oops… Zack didn't tell you yet…

He was so shocked by what she was implying that he immediately bolted off for the bedroom. Quistis winced, but a few minutes later she heard a joyful exclamation, and she knew everything would be okay. She patted her flat tummy amorously, wondering how she would break the news to Angel when he would come back…

Cloud felt his head being pulled up again. His eyes closed immediately, a reflex that had somehow returned since he had been dragged here. He never stopped fighting, never stopped to hope that maybe he could still save Riku. Hades had been cruel to him, constantly shocking him to force the boy into coming back around, to no avail. Furthermore, the God was able to read into the heart, and he knew exactly what nearly drove Cloud insane in the hands of Hojo, and he was using it with no restrains.

A hit. A hard one, making his head hurt. His body, free from the chains that were previously wrapped around his limbs, spun backward an he fell down, landing on his side. He heard a sickening crack, and his vision blurred as the wave of pain shot through. He refused to scream, refused to give Hades what he wanted.

- Mmm? Am I stepping on something important?

That was followed by a laugh, and the foot that was crushing his left wing was suddenly heavier. Nausea was quick to rise to his lips, and Hades moved away.

- I could give you another wing, seeing how your owns are… how do you say that again? Squashed? Yes I think that's the word. I am even ready to add a makeover and to heal what's left of you if you agree to go out there and kill the Keyblade Master during the games. Then, if you succeed, the brat is yours. How's that?

Cloud closed his eyes. It was actually the first time that Hades was speaking about the games. Sephiroth, or rather JENOVA had talked about that, too. He did not wanted to leave Riku here in Hell, but he wasn't conscious, and he sincerely thought that the only reason of his presence down there was for Hades to use him as an hostage. If only Sephiroth was with him… But the silver haired man was out there, in JENOVA's hands… Cloud realised that alone, he could not save his child without losing his own life. He had to free Sephiroth… again. He had to play Hades's game until he could find his mate, the he would be able to come back and try to free Riku.

- Just… let me hold him… just once, he whispered

- Awww, I'm afraid I am not a sentimental guy. Once your job is done, though, what you do is none of my business. I have a reputation to hold, here. Oh, and just one more thing; if you try to escape, not only the healing spell will fade, but be sure Cerberus will bring you back here and I swear you'll regret the day you were born.

So Cloud did as Hades told him, fighting for him in the games, never stopping his search for Sephiroth. What he did not know, though is that meanwhile, Maleficent had come to take Riku away, and they were now in her castle. Shortly after that, the child had awakened, and the evil sorceress was now using her powers to brainwash him.

The former mercenary wasn't going toward the people like he used to when Sephiroth was with him, and this change of attitude hadn't escaped Hercule's attention. One day, tired of seeing the blond man train under the sun, he walked up to him in hope of helping him. But as soon as he got closer, Cloud reeled backward, wrapping his arms around his torso in pain. The Hero stopped right where he was.

- Stay away from me!, Cloud screamed

- Cloud… I just want to talk…

- Please…, he whispered, please, I can't… tell anything, or go near you… Please, leave me alone…

- Alright. But I'll watch over you, whether you like it or not. And my father can surely help me to see clearly what's going on…

- You're weak.

JENOVA spun around, and, lifting her arm, whipped down the chain she was holding across Sephiroth's chest. The silver haired man hear a snap, and under the new angry mark he wore, he knew one of his rib had cracked. It was confirmed a minute later, when the coppery taste of blood rose to his mouth. His head fell on his chest, and all of a sudden, his shoulders shook with a dark laughter.

- Stupid child…

- You're trying to break me… I'm too strong for you to take over me. AAAaaarrrrghh!!!!

JENOVA struck out again, but this time it was a mental attack, that nearly tore Sephiroth apart. Although she had lost some of her powers, the Heartless Queen was still resourceful. It was her turn to laugh now.

- Stupid child. I will break you, and even if I don't, your body will be enough for me to achieve my goals. Hades takes care of your boyfriend right now. And no matter if he kills the Keyblade Master or no, Cerberus will finish him. And you, my dear child, will be the tool I intend to use to conquer this world.

Sephiroth refused to believe her. He refused to let her lies get through him again. But he hoped Cloud was alright. The rest was just a blur, as the pain from his continuous torture caught up with him.

Aerith was astonished to see Donald and Goofy constantly arguing, Finally, she coughed lightly, startling both knights and presented herself, leading them into a room of sector 2 hotel. Next was the room where Squall (Leon, pardon me) had taken Sora. The youth had received a rather harsh whooping from the Balamb Lion… So for now he was resting a little. Yuffie should have been with them, but strangely she was nowhere to be found. She beamed into the room a few seconds after Aerith.

- You have all to come with me!!!

And with that she grabbed Aerith by the hand and stormed for the next door, where she did the same to Leon. Sora, Donald and Goofy, out of any other options, decided to follow. They were all dragged into Cloud and Sephiroht's house. Vincent, Nanaki and Cid were already there.

- Humm, started the flower girl, Angel, Yuffie, Squall, Quistis, Nanaki, Sky, Zack, Zell, Vincent, Cid, here are Sora, Donald and Goofy, the Keyblade Master and the two knights sent by the King.

Then she promptly took a great heave of air and collapsed on the sofa. By the same time, Seifer, Selphie, Irvine, Laguna and Kyros passed the door. The presentations were made quicker, this time, and the doctor looked at the brunette holding the legendary Keyblade.

- Sora! I am glad you could escape Destiny Island.

- Hey doc! Who are all those guys?

- Err…Sky and Angel are my brothers. Quistis is Angel's wife. Vincent is Sephiroth's father and Cid is his boyfriend. Irvine, Selphie, Squall and Seifer are our friends while Yuffie, Nanaki, Aerith, Vincent and Cid were part of the original AVALANCHE team I told you. Laguna and Kyros are my fathers best friends.

- And where are your parents? Is that a picture of them?

The brunette was pointing the frame on the wall. It was an old picture, that Cid had always kept in the Highwind. Sephiroth and Cloud were carrying the twins on their shoulders while Sky, still a baby, was hanging in the baby bag that Sephiroth was carrying.

- Yes. They are gone to Olympia, searching for Riku… Someone told them they could find him there. But we gathered all of you here for another reason… Quistis.

- I have good news for you all, and it applies to both Zack and I. We're both going to have a baby.

There was an exclamation at first, a wave of congratulations for Quistis, then, Angel's eyes got bigger and he turned toward his brother. Sky was with him and Zell, holding his spiky haired brother by the shoulders. Angel dislodged himself from his wife and walked toward them.

- You… How is it possible? Are you going to be okay? Who's going to make him come out?

- I don't know all the answers… I guess it'll be okay. Quistis talked to the pharmacist, and he knows a doctor… I hope he'll be able to take care of both of us…

- No offence, added Sky, but you look scared to death. Don't worry, bro, it happened four times to dad… Oh, that's why you're scared? Because they are not here?

Zack looked around himself, everyone was surrounding him now, and then asked Cid if he could join his parents. The pilot scratched the back of his neck nervously, but said he would try. The doctor didn't seem to notice, and the rest of the gang congratulated him too. Zell was overjoyed, but a little concerned to see Zack so insecure. Discreetly, Cid and Vincent grabbed Sora, Donald and Goofy, disappearing into Sephiroth's studio. Vincent looked very worried.

- Sora, you are going into other worlds, right?

The youth nodded.

- Ya see, we have a favour to ask. See, the thing is, both Seph and Cloud are gone since a few weeks… And we've tried for several times to join them…

- Without getting any response, finished Vincent, I am worried for my son. I am sure they fell into a trap that someone set for them in Olympia. Could you find them and bring them back here?

- I will. Zack definitely needs his parents now. Right, guys?

Goofy nodded with enthusiasm, while Donald just waved his hands. Then they left, leaving the overcrowded house. Squall and Seifer were now teasing Zell and all those people decided to throw a party to celebrate. But Zack wasn't in the mood, and after a few hours decided to go into his parent's deserted bedroom. He sat down on the bed, letting the soft aqua tone of the walls soothe him a little. There were no pictures like in their house in Esthar, but the place was impregnated of their presence. His hand patted the pillow, and he promptly fell back on the dark blue quilt printed with a multitude of silver stars. He heaved a sigh, and closed his eyes.

Why me… Father… So much is happening… I'll need a kimono or two, surely… where will I find a tailor? I wonder if Cloud ever felt that lost… And how did Sephiroth and him managed to pass through that? Zell… Will he be able to take this? I'm so scared…

He did not heard the door open, but when Zell lifted his body to hug him, he felt a little better. Vincent and Laguna were there, too. After all, he wasn't alone. Scared, maybe but not alone.

End

Author's notes

Sorry, I couldn't help it. Hihihihi!!!! I wonder what he'll look like? See ya all in: Family bonds. This chapter was for my dear friend, Lauren. Love ya, girl!