Disclaimer: I don't own them, etc.

Author's notes: Okay... I'm trying. I made sure to add more of the other characters, as requested. Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 6

Squall didn't know how long Vincent thought was a short period of time, but if two and a half weeks was it, then he'd hate to see a long period of time. It took them two and a half weeks to get to Junon, the port city with a ferry that would allow them to cross to the other continent where Nibelheim and ShinRa's mansion were located.

Everyone was actually happy to see the ugly and polluted port city; especially after traveling through unforgiving wasteland, swamplands, over mountains, and across wide plains, all having the extra bonus of being crowded with monsters. The monsters were easy enough, even for Squall, but rather annoying.

Cloud felt especially happy to see Junon. His geostigma was bothering him, making his arm ache, but he didn't want Tifa to know, if at all possible. It had already messed with his mind once, making him act far angrier than he felt, and he really didn't want to hurt anyone else. There was no telling what it could make him do next.

Vincent lead the way into Junon, walking next to Squall, while Tifa and Cloud followed behind. Tifa was worried for Cloud's sake. Her inner maternal instinct told her Cloud was in pain, but she couldn't just ask him about it directly, since that would just irritate him. He didn't like feeling pampered, she'd learned. He was stubbornly independent to the point of stupidity.

"Cloud, are you okay?" Tifa asked, figuring she wouldn't get an honest answer and that Cloud would just be annoyed, but she might as well ask anyway.

"I'm fine, Tifa." Cloud replied shortly. "Vincent, when does the next boat leave?" He asked the cloaked man who was studying the schedule.

"Soon... we need to board now." Vincent answered, walking right onto the boat.

Cloud quickly bought tickets, though it didn't seem that anyone was going to challenge Vincent's boarding onto the ship without one. He wasn't looking forward to the boat ride, since motion sickness added to geostigma did not sound like a pleasant experience. Oh well... it can't be helped. He sighed to himself, and boarded.

Even Squall noticed Cloud's suddenly melancholy mood, but he decided he really didn't care enough to ask anyone about it. He walked around the ship until he found a spot to stand in that he was satisfied was sufficiently out of the way of everyone. Lost in thought staring at the ocean, he didn't hear Cloud coming up behind him, and jumped when Cloud said his name. "Huh? What?" Squall asked, whirling around to face the blonde haired man.

Cloud looked decidedly pale, making Squall vaguely wonder if Cloud got seasick, and if he should move away from the rail, and quickly. However, once Cloud made his request, it didn't seem necessary. "Squall, I would really appreciate it if you'd train with me. I need something to get my mind off the boat rocking, and you're the one who seems to need the training the most."

Deciding to ignore the slight insult on his part, and go for something far more interesting, Squall nodded and said, "Sure, I guess."

Cloud gestured to an open area on the deck. "The captain says we can train there, but no killing each other, and no destroying his ship, meaning swords and bullets only."

Squall shrugged. "Whatever. I'll play by the rules." He vaguely wondered if the captain of the ship knew just how big Cloud's sword was, and if he knew how much damage it could do all by itself. But still, it's not like it was his concern.

Soon the two were facing each other, swords raised and ready as they waited for a previously selected crew member to declare the match's start. Tifa watched from her perch above them on the lookout deck, biting her lip worriedly. However, she wasn't quite sure who she should be worried about more. She knew Cloud could take care of himself, and he was definitely stronger than Squall. But he'd been acting strange lately, and not just the anger incident two and a half weeks ago. His geostigma seemed to be getting worse, and if it started reacting while Squall and Cloud were fighting, then Squall could accidentally injure Cloud.

"He will be fine, Tifa. You do not need to worry over him so much. Wait until his geostigma is actually acting to worry." Vincent said calmly, suddenly standing next to Tifa.

"Oh! Vincent! You scared me." Tifa breathed in a deep breath. She still wasn't used to Vincent suddenly appearing next to her. But she did appreciate the comment, though she was sure she wouldn't be able to take his advice. "I'm sorry, Vincent, but I'm going to worry... and that's just the way it goes." She smiled at Vincent briefly before returning her eyes to the now fighting men below.

It was obvious to those who knew Cloud's ability that he was going easy on Squall, but staying just barely above his fighting level so Squall had to struggle a bit.

Squall wasn't sure if he appreciated it or not. It irritated him that Cloud was so much stronger, and that irritation started showing in his fighting as he swung hard directly at Cloud. Cloud easily blocked it with his large sword, then angled it to try and press Squall's sword back at him. In a burst of inspiration, Squall suddenly loosened the pressure, causing Cloud to tilt forward. Squall hooked his blade under the hilt of Cloud's sword and pulled hard. The sword flung out of Cloud's grip, almost hitting a crew member and sliding to rest a good twenty feet away from Cloud. Squall allowed himself a victorious smile at the surprised look on Cloud's face, before he swung his sword back to place it against Cloud's neck. Cloud showed he had a few tricks of his own however. He fell forward completely, dodging Squall's sword, then rolled over and jumped up, now a safe distance from Squall's sword.

"Good job, Squall. You've definitely given yourself the advantage." Cloud said honestly, raising his fists and readying himself for his next move.

Squall nodded, and raised his sword, ready to charge. It looked like Cloud was still willing to fight, and if he thought that he could win without a weapon, Squall was ready to show him wrong. He couldn't be that much weaker than Cloud.

Authors Notes: Oooookay... Wow. That was WAY too long! I missed writing this story, to be honest. Sorry I didn't update! I really really really apologize. I have about a million excuses, none that you want to hear, I'm sure, but the main one is finals. Forgive a college girl for studying. I REALLY want to continue writing this, and I plan on doing so. Sorry for the long break! Next time, finish with Cloud and Squall's "fight"!