They dreamed odd dreams. When awoken from them they couldn't remember them. But there was that lingering feeling that they both experienced the same dream.

They kept watch for anymore "episodes", but they had yet to experience any. Before either of them knew it, the trial date was upon them. Cloud awoke with the biggest tug he ever felt in his heart. He actually grew a little homesick.

"I don't understand. I hate home." Cloud admitted to Sephiroth.

"What's so terrible about it?" Sephiroth pondered.

"The people. They all hate me. Well, except my mom. But when everyone hates you, it's not home."

"Surely not everyone hates you?"

A thought of a girl with long black hair and red brown eyes came to mind. Sephiroth saw the image, too. He sensed some history there, but it wasn't a threat to their relationship so he didn't ask further about her.

"No. But I don't understand why this pull is so strong that it's making me homesick." Cloud shrugged.

"Perhaps seeing home again with a fresh perspective is why. You've changed a lot in a short span of time. You might find that you might not hate it as much you think." Sephiroth kissed his forehead.

"Maybe." The blond had his doubts.

"It's time to get ready. I'm afraid I can't have today off. My desk is swarmed with more paperwork after that party."

"But you'll be off the same time?" Cloud asked eagerly.

"Of course."

Just as Cloud finished changing into his uniform he got the call from Tseng. Quickly he grabbed a muffin and ate away in the elevator. By the time he reached the lobby floor he finished his makeshift breakfast.

"You've got crumbs, dear." Emilia pointed with a giggle.

Cloud wiped them off with slight embarrassment. Despite the homesick feeling in his chest he focused on anticipating for the trial. As usual procedure he followed Emilia. Soon as they walked in he glanced around with his eyes.

Brandt was handcuffed in the far left. Security on either side of him. Larson by himself in the middle. And then their place on the right. The only slight difference with this walk in is that Cloud and Emilia were joined by Tseng.

Today this was his day to shine, since he was the head of the investigation. At the new change cameras went off like crazy. Tseng joined them at their table, pulling up a chair.

Before long Tseng was called to present the evidence. Because Larson had more room, the Turk set his laptop there to connect to the screen above the judge's head. Before he started, he gave a warning.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what I'm about to show you is graphic. So please be courteous and don't take pictures of these photos on screen for the sake and privacy of Cloud Strife."

The blond bit his lip. From the corner of his eye Emilia glanced at him worryingly. He kept his focus on the screen. The first photo was him on the floor in front of the bed. His face was swollen on one side and his nose. Dried blood underneath his nose and under his eye.

Already the bruising was showing. But that wasn't the worst part. His pants were pulled all the way down. Suddenly a high pitched sound reached his ears. Cloud lowered his head to keep himself from flinching. He raised a hand to the bridge of his nose.

A distorted voice again. He could make out it was female this time. But he couldn't distinguish any words. An image flashed into his mind. The words JENOVA engraved somewhere.

A hand on his shoulder. Cloud nearly jumped, for the hand wasn't Sephiroth's. He glanced up and realized it was Emilia. She looked at him with deep concern.

"Are you all right?" She whispered softly.

"Yeah." Cloud nodded.

He reached out to Sephiroth, who seemed confused. It would seem he didn't get a vision this time. Cloud relayed what just happened. Further confusion from the general.

"Jenova? That's...my mother's name." Sephiroth didn't know what to make of this.

Cloud glanced up as the pictures changed. Tseng was going over the close up photos of Cloud's injuries to his face the day after. And he was explaining his theory that it was most likely caused by being punched, rather than falling face first into the corner of the bed.

The blond couldn't keep focus on the photos. His eyes were seeing, but his mind was wandering. Cloud made sure to keep his gaze at the screen, at least. After what felt like an eternity Tseng had paused, having gone over all the evidence he collected that night.

"Meeting adjourned for a lunch break. We will return in half an hour." The judge ruled.

Today was going to be long. Emilia touched his shoulder gently. This time Cloud wasn't startled as he looked at her.

"Would you like something to eat? Stretch your legs a little?"

By now a lot of people were already out the door. This included all but a few photographers. One of them was watching Cloud and Emilia. Tseng approached them.

"I believe this building has food near the lobby." The Turk explained.

"Yeah. I guess." Cloud hadn't noticed.

Tseng took the lead, Cloud in the middle and Emilia at the rear. The photographer watched them. And suddenly a flash of pain crossed Cloud's face. He raised a hand to his spikes on the side of his head as he stopped. Emilia stopped behind him, peering over him with growing concern.

"Cloud?" Emilia asked, her voice caught Tseng's attention. He paused to turn and his stomach dropped.

The pain increased as the voice tried to reach out again. He could almost make out words. But the more he tried to concentrate the pain got worse. But then a vision of a figure inside a glass tube of mako. A woman?

"Mother...?" Cloud made out a word.

And suddenly he was dizzy. Cloud didn't know he collapsed. Emilia cried out his name as she caught him and they collapsed to the floor. Tseng was immediately at their side, checking Cloud's heart rate. The photographer who had watched the whole spectacle snapped away photos and even moved for a better view.

The ringing in Cloud's ears was intense. He tried opening his eyes and was blinded by the bright lights above. He flinched and closed his eyes again, unaware he groaned softly. He couldn't hear but he sensed someone was trying to talk to him.

Suddenly Cloud was upright. He opened his eyes in confusion. He was entranced at the sight of an unknown nebula in the distance. The colors and cluster of dots of planets and stars condensed together in that universe.

"Cloud?" Sephiroth appeared out of nowhere.

He turned. The general stood half a meter away. He was here. They were seeing the same vision. Was this really a vision? Cloud looked around. There was a vast darkness. Endless in all directions, except for the light given off at the universe. They were on top of a large barren rock.

Cloud tried walking closer to Sephiroth. But somehow he wasn't getting closer? Panic shared between them in their link. Cloud began to run full speed and it was no use. He wasn't getting closer he was further.

"Sephiroth!" The blond reached out.

"Cloud - " He reached out in return.

And suddenly something reached for Cloud and pulled him through a portal. He struggled as best he could, thrashing his arms and kicking with his legs. Suddenly he crashed into solid ground. Cloud opened his eyes. Was this the ground? It looked like mako.

Slowly the blond stood, looking around. His eyes landed on a being he sensed wasn't human. Long blonde hair. Sky blue eyes that matched a bright clear morning. Golden and white armor glinted brightly. In one hand was a long scepter.

A vision of the abandoned Shinra Manor flashed into his mind. This time the mansion gave way to red eyes. Soon as they appeared they were gone and Cloud was staring at the being again. Was this the one responsible for those visions? That tug to go back home in Nibelheim? Then who was the woman in glass?

Suddenly Cloud was falling through the mako. He fell into darkness.

Cloud came to on the floor of the courtroom. He blinked as his eyes came to focus at the sight of Emilia and Tseng over him. The Turk stepped back as the blond quickly sat up. He looked around, confused, mind still processing what just happened.

"Cloud, is this a regular occurrence?" The judge asked. Apparently he saw the whole ordeal.

"No, Your Honor. I think... I think I'm just a bit homesick. It's been a few years since I've seen my Ma."

"Where were raised in again?"

"Nibelheim. Your Honor."

"I see. After today, I will schedule the next court date far enough ahead for you to return home for a short. See to it Cloud gets some form of vacation, Tseng? I don't want this sort of thing happening in the future." The judge requested kindly.

"I will put the request upon our return, Your Honor." Tseng knew what happened, but he saw through Cloud's plan. If it worked into getting him to Nibelheim then might as well.

For the rest of the day it was smooth sailing. Cloud didn't get anymore headaches. He was able to focus as Larson presented his evidence that was provided by Garrett. They were screenshots about what had happened in detail. And they showed Brandt's inability show sympathy over what happened despite the fact the case was being built against them.

When the presentation was done the judge called for an end for the day. He scheduled the next court date in another four months. This was the longest break yet in between court dates.

Of course afterwards word spread over Cloud's collapse during lunch break. He was swarmed worse than usual while he and Emilia headed to the front entrance where Tseng pulled up their car. Once inside Cloud sent a long message to Tseng describing both of his visions.

Upon arriving HQ Cloud went straight to the VR room. Zack was away on mission. He wasn't expected to be back until the next day. So Cloud figured he might as well get some energy out. He came across Genesis, casually reading while he waited for his turn with the VR room.

"I heard you collapsed. Would you like to talk about it?" Genesis looked up over his book.

"I had a weird dream." Cloud began, unsure what to make of it. He couldn't sense Sephiroth, which meant he was asleep.

"Oh, do tell. While I'm not the best in deciphering them, it's always good to have a fresh perspective."

"It started being on some rock in the middle of space. Sephiroth was there. But then, I wasn't allowed to go to his side. Something was interfering. And suddenly I'm pulled through a portal."

"Perhaps you're afraid of losing Sephiroth?" Genesis guessed.

"It doesn't end there. I land on, I think it was mako? It moved differently. Not like how it is in the reactors. So I get up, and I look around. And, I see, I believe a woman? She has long blonde hair. Eyes like the morning sky. Her armor was golden and white. She held a long scepter."

"What did the scepter look like?"

"Like...the sun? Like the sun and crescent moon combined."

"Continue." Genesis was really interested.

"I had a vision of home. Like I'm supposed to go back there and find something. But I don't understand what I'm looking for? I see red eyes staring back at me. Then the vision disappears. And then I'm falling. I woke up back at the courtroom."

They stood in silence for a moment. They could hear the other SOLDIERs training or working out. Cloud looked up when the commander broke the silence.

"The Goddess has many ways to guide those who seek answers." Genesis spoke softly. There was the faintest hint of jealousy.

"You really think that was her?" Cloud raised an eyebrow.

"I dream of her on occasion. It's rare and far in between. Usually I'm seeking her for guidance. For you, she reached out on her own accord. I suggest you listen before it's too late."

"When will it be too late?" The blond felt a sense of panic rise in his chest.

"The moment your heart sinks and locks itself away in a tight cage forever. That's the best I can describe. This sort of thing is similar in trying to explain how sex feels to a virgin."

"You sound like you've felt this before." Cloud noticed.

"...My friend, the fates are cruel," Genesis quoted.

Cloud dropped the subject. Even so he felt a little clearer minded on what was needed to be done.