Everyone noticed the changes within Cloud. While he was gaining confidence before, it had taken full swing and blossomed. And somehow he became socially awkward in some situations. It was eerily similar to Sephiroth during most social interactions.

Genesis brought it up to Sephiroth once. He shrugged it off, claiming he hadn't noticed. Genesis called bullshit. But the silver general shut him down. Frustrated Genesis relayed the conversation with Angeal.

"Why does the changes within Cloud bother you?" Angeal raised an eyebrow.

"He's practically mini Sephiroth! It's unnerving."

"I wouldn't take it that far that he's a mini Sephiroth. Similarities, yes. But not so much that the lines blur between them."

Genesis caught sight if Zack approaching. Be was biting his lip and seemed lost in thought. Angeal followed his gaze and knew something was up.

"Is everything all right?" Angeal asked.

"Hm? Oh, yeah. I was just debating whether it's too early to have him take the test to become Second Class." Zack explained.

"Already?" His former mentor frowned.

"What makes you think he can pass it so early? He's barely started training!" Genesis scowled while sending his friend a look.

"He's stronger. By a lot. He's able to take on the levels I tackled at Second Class but couldn't when I was still in Third." Zack saw the two Commanders exchange a look.

"Sounds awfully familiar, right?" Genesis crossed his arms, recalling watching Sephiroth rise in the ranks.

"Go ahead and see how he goes. If he passes then he graduates." Angeal encouraged. He wanted to see if it really was possible.

So the day before the trial Zack began the test. It was a series of monsters Cloud had never fought before in the VR room. In addition there were situations where Cloud faced a terrifying number of recruits.

Cloud passed with flying colors. So Zack presented the results to Director Lazard. And an agreement was made. Cloud was now Second Class. He was given his new uniform and now had permission to roam Midgar with his sword without Zack's supervision.

"Finally that maroon color is gone. That was not my color." Cloud smiled after he changed uniforms.

"Blue is definitely a nice color on you, Spike." Zack flashed a grin.

The news spread like wildfire. Some Third Class grumbled. Second Class welcomed Cloud. The few number of Firsts all shared the same thoughts but kept it to themselves. Apparently being the lover of General Sephiroth had some benefits.

Genesis sent a "I told you" look at Angeal. The commander was in total shock. But in his insistence they don't bring up their concerns with their friend. Sephiroth didn't seem at all bothered by the quick succession.

When Cloud walked into the trial the next day the crowd snapped away pictures with hurried excitement. As usual he walked behind Emilia. He briefly glanced at the opposing section. Brandt was once again furious. Garrett however, he changed a lot.

He lost weight. The muscle mass has almost completely eaten away. He looked so dead inside. Cloud wondered how the man was able to stomach being here. Cloud fixated on his attorney's hair again, feeling he might have stared a little too long.

Cloud resisted the urge to glance around again in search for Zack. He knew his mentor couldn't make it this round. Even so he felt Sephiroth watching through him. Therefore he wasn't terribly alone.

The judge sat down and everyone followed suit. Cloud took notice that there was a bit more of Security placed all around. The sight of the bulky helmets and three red dots was a little unnerving. Cloud began to suspect that threats were made.

The first to take the stand was Cloud. When he heard his name he breathed in. When he exhaled he stood and moved to sit in the witness seat. It was harder to not notice all the eyes on him.

A gloved hand placed itself on his shoulder. Cloud knew it was Sephiroth.

"Ignore them. Focus solely on Emilia."

Cloud did so. She had a proud look in her eyes as she slowly approached. She cleared her throat before she began.

"Cloud Strife, would you please tell us the events of that night?"

Cloud bit his lip. He never told so many people before. It was one thing telling one person. A crowd was a little terrifying. He caught sight of Tseng sneaking in and taking a seat. This was the first time the Turk stepped into the courtroom.

"Take your time, Cloud." Emilia gently encouraged.

And so Cloud began. Underneath the table his fingers fiddled. He couldn't outwardly be too nervous. All the while he felt Sephiroth's hand on his shoulder. He hesitated before he explained how Brandt felt him up. For the first time he looked down at the desk, gathering himself.

When he continued he looked back up at Emilia. She gently asked him to describe in greater detail. Cloud almost stumbled on his words, but he managed. He gained confidence as he moved onto explain he tried to leave when he felt an arm wrap around his shoulder.

"And what happened next?" Emilia asked.

"I woke up at the infirmary." Cloud answered.

Murmurs in the crowd. Cameras flashed with sudden annoyance. Cloud tried his best not to make a face from the flashing. He kept his focus on his attorney. The judge called for Larson to cross examine. Emilia calmly returned to her seat. Larson took his time to approach, considering his questions.

Cloud met his gaze. Larson paused, not used to seeing a supposed victim come off as so intimidating. Most would shrink away or avoid eye contact altogether.

"Did you ask for your cup to be refilled?" Larson started.

"No, Sir."

"Did you try telling him to stop refilling your cup?"

"No, Sir."

Larson considered his next question very carefully.

"Did you feel pressured to not say anything as Brandt Jackson refilled your cup?"

"You mean if I felt I shouldn't because we just met?" Cloud wanted clarification.

"Yes." Larson nods.

"Then yes, Sir."

"I see." Larson knew that plan backfired. "When you said you felt an arm wrap over your shoulder. Do you know whose arm it was?"

"I don't remember if I looked. But he did ask me where I was going." Cloud saw through him.

"Before you felt an arm wrap over your shoulder?" Larson added.

"Yes, Sir."

Larson stood for a moment. There was nothing he could do to rip Cloud's story apart. He sighed in defeat softly.

"Your Honor, no more questions." Larson turned away.

"Brandt Jackson, to the stand." The judge cleared his throat.

Cloud calmly returned to his seat. He stared forward and as Brandt talked, he found he wasn't fully there. His body was in the courtroom and yet his mind wasn't. He sensed Sephiroth paying attention so he felt he didn't have to.

When Larson sat down Emilia took his place. Finally having something to focus on Cloud watched her. Brandt made no point in hiding his distaste for her. His glares were heated and cameras did capture the moment. To her credit Emilia didn't flinch or falter under his gaze.

She began with simple questions. Emilia was trying her best to get him to change up his story. To Cloud's frustration Brandt stood firm on his side of the story. When she was done she had a slight anger in her step as she returned to Cloud's side. Now Garrett was left.

He paled in his seat when his name was called. Cloud watched as the man visibly shook as he struggled with each step to the stand. Larson actually guided him with a helping hand towards the end. Cloud couldn't find the will to feel sorry for the man.

With a shaking voice Garrett mirrored with Brandt's story. But his didn't begin at the beginning but instead began at the bedroom. After he was done explaining Larson returned to his seat to make room for Emilia.

"How are you feeling? I understand you've been sick." Her voice was kind.

"I can hold liquids." Garrett bit his lip.

"That's good. Now, I understand Brandt called you after he and Cloud were already in the bedroom. When you arrived, in what kind of state was Cloud in?"

"A bit drunk, ma'am."

"How drunk would you say he was?"

"I'm not sure. I don't know him personally on how much he can handle." Garrett's voice trembled.

"Can you describe the way he talked? How was he moving? Did he seem coherent?"

Garrett bit his lip hard. His body was shaking. He glanced at Cloud. The blond held his ground. Garrett looked down and began crying. The clicking of cameras echoed all around.

"I'm sorry. I can't do this anymore. Everything Cloud said is true." Garrett sobbed.

Brandt stood up so suddenly his knees knocked against his table. Cloud turned to watch as Larson grabbed his arm, doing his best to talk him down.

"You fucking bitch!" Brandt lost it. He punched his own attorney, knocking him down. Gasps and cries filled the courtroom as those in the back pews ran for the door.

Security ran to tackle Brandt. But he managed to keep his footing and was knocking them all down with ease. Emilia grasped Garrett's hand, ready to help him run at a moments notice. Brandt broke free of the men in helmets and climbed over the desk towards Garrett with the intent to kill in his eyes.

Cloud quickly climbed over to intercept. An image of Angeal holding Sephiroth in a lock from behind with arms secured to properly hold the general in place came to mind. With the incentive on knowing what to do Cloud grabbed hold of Brandt in the same hold Angeal had done.

Being taller meant it was a bit of a struggle to keep him in place. Cloud used all his strength in his legs and in doing so Brandt was now somewhat bent backwards as he continued to struggle.

"Tase or tranq him!" Cloud ordered the Security men as the scrambled to their feet. By now Brandt was trying to shake Cloud off, going side to side violently. The blond managed to stay on his feet as the war for control continued.

He could see over Brandt's shoulder Emilia wrapping her arms protectively around Garrett, who continued sobbing uncontrollably. Tseng stood in front of them gun raised. The sight of the them spurred Cloud to hold on tighter. He wasn't going to allow Brandt hurt them. He was going to make sure he was the last victim Brandt ever hurt.

Finally a tranquilizer was shot into Brandt's shoulder. Knowing his time was eminent the taller Second released a wild cry as he managed to twist his arms just enough to grab hold of Cloud. He tried to throw him over his head but catching onto the plan Cloud took a risk. He raised a leg just enough to sweep kick Brandt and together they fell to the floor. Cloud lands on top and quickly he maneuvered to painfully twist both of Brandt's arms behind his back.

A Security Guard ran to take over with handcuffs. All of the helmet uniforms came together to pull and drag Brandt away. Cloud gathered himself and glanced over at Garrett, who looked at him with pleading eyes.

"I forgive you." Cloud spoke honestly.

Garrett wordlessly nods. And a new wave of sorrow hit him and he slumps in his chair. Emilia pulls away but continued to rub his back. Tseng lowered and put away his gun, focusing on breathing to calm the adrenaline.

"Court is adjourned until further notice." The judge ordered.

"Mr. Strife?" The blond looked up at the elder man with fancy beard.

"The names Cloud." He replied.

"Cloud. That was brave of you to intervene. Thank you for stepping up."

"I'm a SOLDIER, Your Honor. It's what I do." Cloud glanced at his attorney again. "Everyone all right?"

"Thanks to you." Emilia for once was shaking a little. That must have been the closest brush to death she had ever experienced.

"Do you think you're well enough to provide further evidence, Garrett? There's no pressure if you can't. I can provide mine and Emilia's number for a later date." Tseng was business as usual.

"Can we do this now? I need to figure out a new place to stay while we talk." Garrett sniffed.

"I think I can help you out with that. Cloud, I will call for someone to pick you up in the meantime. Your Honor, is there someplace Cloud can wait without disturbance?" The Turk was always resourceful.

"Security can take care of that. He can also stand guard so no one bothers him." The judge said as he finished gathering his papers and stuffing them in his briefcase.

Cloud followed one of the helmets to a small room down the hallway. The media swarmed around them, but Cloud paid them no mind. The guard stood in front of the door rigidly. When Cloud got the call from Rude, he opened the door to inform that his ride was here.

And even though the guard didn't have to, he escorted Cloud to the glass entrance and even opened the car door for him. Cloud climbed in and the door closed.

"The hell happened, yo? Tseng wouldn't tell us shit." Reno peeked over the passenger seat.

"You're not going to believe this." Cloud began.