Summary: The Exposition begins.
AN:There is so. Much. Dialogue. Enter this world's current Shinra Executive Board, and an unholy amount of crack packed into some areas.
Shinra Tower, President's Office
Ariana, Aridai, Sephiroth, Cloud (Both Clouds), the two Tifa, Barret, the little kids, Zack, and Aerith were brought up to the President's office, since it had enough space for a few dozen people.
Genesis and Angeal were still in their leisure clothing, no sign of their typical uniform, other than their weapons.
"For once, this isn't my doing," Ariana loudly objected, the silver and red haired Commander part of the second group of people to arrive, "However unlikely that sounds, that's the truth."
"I'll believe it -hic- when I see it," Lazard, who was still heavily inebriated, hiccupped, "There's a reason you and your brother are called the Disaster Twins."
"VP Lazard! Why, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were insulting me," the mako eyed woman gave her superior the stink eye, "Luckily, Father is the one that writes my checks, huh?"
"You're the reason I -hic- became a -hick- part-time alcohol—hic!—ic."
A certain red haired man grinned when he heard Lazard accuse his daughter from across the room, "I don't think we helped any," he muttered to his husband, "My friend, the fates are cruel. There are no dreams."
"Gen, not now," Angeal interrupted his lover with a pat on the arm, "I know you're mad that we had to leave, but this is important, seeing as there are a number of people that are alternate versions of people we know."
"Hmph! And to break up a lovely night with my husband!?"
Angeal withheld a groan at the indignant response, not bothering to say otherwise.
"We'll bring Ariana next time. I know for a fact she wanted to go, but it's Sephiroth's 'Monopoly Night' The custom Shinra edition one, you know she loves that game."
"Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return," Genesis grudgingly muttered.
With the Turks
"So, Ghost, you sure you didn't have nothing to do with it, yo?" Reno sided up to Aridai, the turquoise eyed Turk poking his younger coworker in the elbow.
"I think Ariana said it best, and I will reiterate. We had nothing to do with this, no matter how unlikely it seems," the man crossed his arms, the comforting weight of Locked and Loaded pressing against his chest beneath his suit jacket.
"See, Shinra wasn't in half the bullshit that happened until after you and your sis came here," the redhead says, before Rude grabs him by the ear. "Hey!"
"Stop."
"Ugh, Ruuudeeee! Fine, I'll lay off on the kid," Reno groaned. He rubbed at his ear when Rude let go, already turning red.
"Many thanks, asshole," Aridai rolled his eyes, "Thanks, Rude."
"Don't mention it," Rude grunted.
"My Father isn't part of the ones who appeared. Perhaps he has perished?"
"Gossiping, Ghost? We don't know none of that. Bossman hasn't said anythin' about the General," Reno shrugged, "Goin' by the looks of it, none of them are so happy looking at your Pops."
"If they try anything, I'll take them down," Ghost darkly promised, tilting his head so that his bangs hid his glowing green eyes.
"The other me looks traumatized by you," Cloud said, once he'd entered the office, making a beeline for his husband, who had come separately, "Guy didn't even want to be a few feet near you."
"Perhaps what the me did in his timeline was unforgivable," Sephiroth said finally, after a pause, "Barret and Tifa looked at me like I'd killed their families."
"Dunno. That Calamity probably made things difficult for them," Cloud shrugged, "Good thing the Twins took care of that."
"Yes. Without their conception, life would be…I shudder to think of such a world," the silver haired man agreed.
"Yeah, sounds like a terrible place," Cloud nodded emphatically, "Imagine, a place without the Disaster Twins? I think Gaia would, and it did, explode! Hey, wanna go front and center?"
"Judging by how any eye contact with me only brings up fear and hatred, as well as your alternate's reaction, that would be unwise," Sephiroth shook his head, "If you wish to speak, you may, but I will stay out of sight."
"You do take after Vincent," Cloud sighed, "I think I saw Director Valentine in the other room dragging the other version of your dad by the arm."
Both he and Sephiroth winced. Lucrecia could grip hard. Even with their enhancements, the brown haired woman nearly wrenched their arms out of their sockets.
"Lucrecia's tact is…undesirable," the man nodded.
"Commander Crescent," Rufus greeted Ariana, once the woman approached him, "Lazard has been blaming you for recent events. He mentioned something along the lines of 'I don't know what happened, but I blame the demon twins'."
"This isn't my fault, for once, Rufus. I am a little offended that even you thought I could do something on this magnitude," Ariana huffed, glaring straight at Lazard, who just gave a little smirk, "The Planet does what she wants. Not even the time I tripped into the Lifestream trumps this whole debacle."
"Reno is correct in saying that much of the…odd happenings have both you and your brother involved," the blonde said unapologetically, "Considering much of history has been shaped by your actions."
"You make it sound like a bad thing, Boss," Aridai made himself known, "Without us, much, much worse things could've come to pass. Don't forget who got you to your current position."
"Yeah. He's the one who took up that mission, remember, you're lucky he's that good," Ariana's eyes narrowed, "And if, somehow, a bunch of the other Directors were somehow missing…well, then, only a ghost can do that."
The silver/red haired woman made a few steps back, cocking her head to the side. Ghost retreated back to the shadows, the man adjusting his dark gloves as he rejoined the other Turks.
Ariana moved a little closer to Rufus, speaking into his ear.
"If you really want to know how this came about, Aerith should know. My connection to the Planet isn't as strong as a Cetra's, even a half blood one. And Vincent should be back within the next few hours, so Chaos is also your best bet," she said in a tone that even SOLDIERS couldn't pick up, "But know that I had nothing to do with this."
The Stalwart Commander drew back, a slight tilt to her lips, "Speaking of which, did the other two of the triplets respond to the call?"
"Kadaj is currently retrieving Loz. Unfortunately, since those two have gone their separate ways, they are rather difficult to get a hold of."
"Rather adorable that Loz went into botany. I suppose that was Angeal's influence," the woman shrugged, "The boy was always so sensitive."
"Indeed. As much as it pains me to admit, having them under your parent's care was more respectable than the other alternatives," Rufus sighed.
"Yes. I would never let my little brothers ever face the same treatment I did as a child," the grimace was so sharp it could cut glass, "I am ever so grateful to you, Rufus. I do like you much more than I did your father. Keep it that way, will you?"
"The sentiment goes for most of us," the blonde agreed, "If you'll excuse me, I must talk to Aerith."
Ariana nodded, leaving Rufus' personal space, and approached her other parents.
"Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess, we seek it thus and take to the sky," she said instead of a greeting.
"Ripples form on the water's surface. The wandering soul knows no rest," Genesis quoted back, "You look tired, Ariana."
"Hm, just a little, dad. I was going to use this weekend to sleep in. My last deployment involved me, one of the more beastly WEAPONs, a pack of behemoths, and my unconscious squad. Lucky for all of us, I was able to bring everyone home," Ariana rubbed at her eyes, "Alive, mind you."
"Good job, that. Regardless of my dislike of insolent SOLDIERs, your Squad is full of good people," the redheaded man grinned slightly.
"They are. I trust them with my life, to have my back against all odds, dad," Ariana said softly, "So, how's the Head of Public Safety position treating you recently? Is Yazoo doing well as a secretary?"
"He can be surprisingly curt when the situation calls for it," Genesis admitted, "Unexpectedly so to the newer SOLDIER Thirds. Your youngest brother is the unassuming sort of man."
"Newly minted Thirds are the worst. There's a reason I always stick with commanding Seconds," the woman shared, wrinkling her nose.
"Tell me about it," Angeal rubbed at the bridge of his nose, "They can be full of themselves."
"Heh, that's not saying much," Cloud interrupted, slotting himself in, the 6'1" blonde making Ariana look short, "Goddess, I was such a meek little thing when I was 16, though."
"I think Father's ego rubbed off on you the wrong way," the woman side-eyed him, "But you were so godsdamned adorable. And then you grew up like a full grown chocobo."
"If you mean tall and blond, you're right," Angeal ribbed Cloud playfully, "Too bad the illustrious Sephiroth got to you first, huh, Chocobo?"
"I claim all the credit," Ariana objected, "Sephiroth couldn't see romance even if it hit him in the face and called him a bastard. And it helped that I roped Aridai into it."
"I heard my name. What is it, Ana?" Sephiroth made his way to his older twins, an eyebrow raised.
"Oh nothing, General Charmless. I was just talking about how you couldn't pick up on Cloud flirting with you back in the day," the woman teased, grinning when he gave a sigh, "It took you both three years of my Odin-damned life to finally start dating. I was about to lock you both in a closet."
"You are never going to let that go, are you."
"Not in your life."
The conversation was interrupted by Rufus clearing his throat, Ariana and her parents quieting. Currently, while they were having a lovely chat, they didn't take stock of the rest of the room.
From the other Gaia, there was the other Cloud, Barret, (the two little kids that came with them were put in a room with Tifa because they weren't Shinra past or present employees, plus the kids were actual children and not experiment children), the other world's Turks, their Rufus, Vincent, Yuffie, Cid Highwind, Reeve Tuesti and his little marionette Cait Sith, and Veld.
And from their Gaia, Ariana, Aridai, half of their Turks (Elena, Reno, Rude, Tseng, Cisseni, Martial Arts (F), and Two Guns), Rufus, Lazard, Tifa, Cloud, Zack, Aerith, Lucrecia, the Holy SOLDIER First Trinity, Yazoo, and Reeve. Kadaj and Loz were some of the last to arrive since they had to use standard transportation to get there.
The three silver haired triplets were given weary glances, but thankfully, no fights broke out.
"Now that I've gotten everyone's attention, we shall go straight to business," Rufus spoke evenly, and with at least half of the room with enhanced hearing, he didn't need a microphone.
"Everyone here should know who I am. And if you don't, you're very lucky. Regardless, I am Rufus Shinra, the current President of the Shinra Electric Power Company. The current year is 0011, and we have halted the use of Mako as an energy source outside of augmenting our SOLDIERs since 0003. Coincidentally, the previous President was indisposed, and our current Vice President Deusericus had taken over the year before. As for how all of you came here, Mrs. Aerith Gainsborough-Fair will explain in depth exactly this situation came about."
Aerith came forward, a nervous smile on her face, passing by Rufus when the blonde man stepped back. She was playing with a ruffle of her dress absently, her other hand gripping her elbow.
"Um, hi, everyone," she stuttered slightly, shy against the numerous pairs of eyes on her, "Like Rufus said, my name is Aerith Gainsborough-Fair. As I'm sure some of you may know, I am half-Cetra in origin, and as such, I can communicate with the Planet. A few nights ago, my counterpart from your world visited me through the Lifestream, in the form of a dream. Aerith explained that your world was suffering through many casualties and disasters in the past handful of decades, with most, if not all through Shinra's doing. However, your Gaia called for help through the Lifestream to alternate timelines and struck an accord with our Planet."
The woman allowed the information to sink in, many emotions flickering in the room.
"Both versions of Gaia, which I will refer to this Gaia's timeline as Timeline Alpha-0, and your Gaia's timeline as Timeline Alpha-1, agreed that Alpha-1's Lifestream will merge with Alpha-0's, and transfer the living residents of Alpha-1 to Alpha-0 to mitigate any adverse consequences. Both Lifestreams would converge into one, with Alpha-0's Gaia assimilating Alpha-1's population."
"However, it leaves us with the issue of finding your place on this Gaia. You can choose to go your own way and make a living for yourselves away from Shinra and Midgar. Or, you may stay with your counterparts until you can get on your feet. Or, if you have nowhere to go, then you can stay on the Plate while also taking up some of Shinra's responsibilities. No matter what you choose, President Shinra has proposed a budget to pay for all of your needs to acclimate yourself to this Planet."
Aerith bowed slightly when she finished, taking a few steps back before speed walking to her husband, who gave her a hug when she was in arm's reach.
Rufus came back, clapping slightly before he stopped in the center of the room.
"Thank you, Aerith, for explaining. Yes, as she has stated, I will personally push forward the resources to assist in adapting to life in Timeline Alpha-0. Unity between us is necessary to return to an acceptable equilibrium. In the meantime, I will introduce my directors, and if any wish to give more detail about yourselves, you are welcome to."
Rufus gestured at the Executives with one hand, listing their names and positions.
"First, our current Vice President is Lazard Deusericus. Genesis Rhapsodos, previously monikered as the Crimson Commander, is our current Head of Public Security. Angeal Hewley is the Director of SOLDIER. Doctor Lucrecia Valentine is our current Director of Sciences. Tseng is the Head of General Affairs, Reeve Tuesti is our Head of Urban Development, and Cid Highwind is the Head of Shinra's Space Program. Lastly, Cloud Strife is our Director of Weapons Development."
With every name, each of them made their own little wave, or in Cid's case, flashing a grin, Lucrecia grimacing slightly, Reeve nodding his head, and Cloud, in all his fluffy Chocobo like glory, gave an enthusiastic wave.
Cloud stepped out of the circle of the other Shinra executives, an almost mischievous smile on his face. The man made his way to Rufus, stopping a few feet away from the other blonde.
"I can take it from here, Rufus," the younger man says, grinning when the President nods, "Great, thanks."
Cloud turned to face the people from Alpha-1, his grin fading away when he met his counterpart's eyes.
"Hello," the man starts, "As Rufus has said, I am Director Cloud Strife, head of the Weapons Development department here at Shinra. Seeing as many of you recognize me, albeit taller than you're used to, I probably don't need to go into my life's story. I'll admit, I'm not up to date with the goings on in your Gaia but I'll tell you this."
The man's eyes narrowed, well aware of the distrustful glances to his husband that he noticed while waiting for Rufus to begin.
"Do not, for one moment, think about attacking my husband, General Sephiroth Crescent."
There's visible outrage on some of Alpha-1's people's faces, and that is enough that Cloud pulls his Fusion Sword off his back, purposely setting it down point first so he can lean on it.
"I, nor any of my colleagues will tolerate any untoward attacks or bias towards him. I don't know what your version of Sephiroth, or my other stepchildren have done to your world, and maybe I'll never know. But I will nip any notion of displaced revenge in the bud. Let me be perfectly clear that I am not unfamiliar with putting threats to him down."
Cloud's glare can cut glass, before he gives a wiry grin, "If any of you have issues with them here, I'll face you myself. Even you, other me. I think fighting you would be fun."
Unable to resist, Ariana strides to her step dad (Uncle). Her eyes flashed the green of Mako, and a thunderous expression was visible on her face.
"Uncle, what are you doing?!" she hissed at him, her pupils slitting with distress.
Cloud turned his head to meet her eyes, steel in his voice, "Letting them know I won't allow them to hurt any of you. They're playing by our rules now, not theirs."
"Your overconfidence will get you killed."
A nasty smirk flashed on Cloud's face for a split second, the mako in his eyes glowing sharply, "Let them try. They'll fail. If he can't take me down, they don't have a chance."
With Sephiroth and the other Directors/Firsts
Over on the side, Sephiroth put a hand to his forehead, mentally screaming about how overprotective his husband was, and both being very happy but also dying inside.
"There there, Seph," Genesis patted the taller man's arm, "But you can't deny that this is funny as hell."
"Why is he like this?" Sephiroth muffled his mouth with his other hand, "Genesis, I might spontaneously combust."
"It's because he loves you, obviously. He's a lot like a Nibel dragon, except you and your kids are part of his hoard," Genesis was bold enough to sling an arm around his silver haired friend, "Relax, would you? Cloud's made of sterner stuff, and he's got you to protect him too. Wings of light and dark spread afar, she guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting."
"Gen's right, you know. No matter what, if you need us, we're on your side too," Angeal promised, "We're your friends and co-parents, aren't we?"
Back to the front
"Uncle, have you lost your mind?!"
"I'm from Nibel. We're all crazy." Cloud laughed at the tightening of Ariana's jaw, lifting Tsurugi from where he was leaning on it.
"Why don't you introduce yourself since you're already up here, Disaster SOLDIER? Give them something to gossip about?" He reattached the sword to his back before retreating and leaving the woman front and center.
Ariana withheld from rolling her eyes, facing the other Gaia's people, bowing quickly. She brushed her bangs back, straightening her azure coat, Orion a comfortable weight on her back, and loosening her tense muscles.
"Ahem. I formally apologize on his behalf. Director Strife can be…irrational when anyone threatens him and his. My name is Ariana Crescent, SOLDIER First Class, and the Commander of Shinra's Second Class, Third Battalion. I have many titles, two of the most well-known being the Female Disaster Twin, and the Killer of the Calamity from the Skies."
With the sharp intakes of breath, and some people tensing with their eyes wide, Ariana smiled. She knew that where she was standing was the stage, and she was the actress telling a story. She made sure to meet their eyes, darkness roiling in her body.
"I had surmised from my observations of your reactions to my Father, and the fact that I do not seem to exist to you, that history had turned for the very worst for you all. Regardless, you do not have to worry about any untoward attacks from General Sephiroth. I promise you this on my honor and name as a SOLDIER First."
Ariana restrained a sigh in her chest, "I won't bore you with the minutiae of how our history came to be. Regardless, as long as you don't try instigating undue assault, Director Strife won't fight you. I hate to bring attention back to his words but remember that you are not on your Gaia. The atrocities that you bore witness to in your timeline never came to pass here. Remember that we here at Shinra protect our own. That will be all from me. Any further questions will have to wait until tomorrow. Again, I apologize for Cloud's uncouth behavior."
Ariana met the judging gazes head on, before she glanced towards the side, meeting Sephiroth's eyes, smiling at him before she looked over towards Aridai.
"I guess Ghost should make himself known too."
"As you wish," Aridai appeared right next to Ariana in a flash of silver. The only sign that she was startled was the slight clench of her jaw.
"I swear, you get that tendency from Grandpa Vincent," grumbled the woman, "Damn Turks…"
Aridai only smirked, teasing emotions filtering through their bond.
"Go on, sister. I can handle myself."
Ariana sighed, walking away to find Zack and her Father.
Turning to look at the other world's Vincent, and the expression of faint shock on Alpha-1's Veld, Aridai's smirk sharpened. He adjusted his gloves purposefully, raising his hands slightly.
"Hello, all. You can just call me Ghost. I, as I'm sure you can tell, am a Turk. You may hear my name spoken in the halls of Shinra in the upcoming weeks if you decide to stay here on the Plate. Ariana is my older twin sister. Now, seeing as you have Vincent in your world, my parentage should be obvious. Yes, he is my grandfather."
Aridai knew who he resembled the most, with his neat black suit, Sephiroth's sharp facial features, and Angeal's dark hair, which had started as a lighter auburn as a child but darkened to a dark mahogany.
Without the silver streaks in his shoulder length hair, or the slitted green of Mako in his eyes, he would be a dead ringer for Vincent in his younger years.
"Like Ariana said, even entertaining the idea of attacking our Father would be foolish. Due to our limited amount of time, I won't start an exposition. If anyone wishes to speak to me further, just call for Shinra's Ghost. I always appear when I'm called."
Just to fuck with everybody, Ghost literally just vanishes, teleporting to where his Turks are. Reno elbows him when the man appears just behind his shoulder.
"Not cool, man!"
"You've known me since I was twelve. I'm the definition of an asshole, sweet Reno."
The roguish grin is more boyish now, making Aridai only look younger.
"We're lucky to have you on our side," Rude said, used to the younger Turk's antics and restraining a groan.
"As long as Ariana is a Protector of Gaia, and works with Shinra, I will always hear your call. But, if Shinra's management falls into corruption once more…" Ghost trailed off, before, "Then I will do as I've always done."
He didn't elaborate, the other Turks reading into what he left unspoken.
While Ghost was talking to the other Turks, Zack had bounded up to the middle of the room, already in puppy mode.
"Hi, guys!" the tall, black haired man almost bounced on his toes, a sunny grin on his face, "I'm Commander Zack Fair, SOLDIER First! And you all saw Aerith earlier. She's my wife, and I love her so much!"
"Zack!" Aerith squeaked, her cheeks going a bright red, hands going up to cover her burning face, "I-you-urgh! I love you too!"
The man just flashed a smile at her, clearly proud that he could fluster her so easily.
"Anyway, I wanna get to know you guys a little better, so don't be a stranger, alright? You can find me in Sector 5 on the weekends if you wanna chat. Especially you, other Spiky. Bye!"
With a jaunty little wave, Zack made his way off, and if he was any cheerier, he would be whistling.
Rufus came back, seeing as no one else was going to come forward.
"I believe that is everyone who is willing to speak. Due to potential time differences, that will be all for this meeting. In the meantime while all of you are settled, it may be best for you to interact with your Alpha-0 counterparts to figure out how our worlds differ. That will be all."
"Ugh, finally," Reno whined, throwing his hands up, "I'm a little tired. But we gotta talk to the other versions of us about the Trouble Triplets. I don't like the looks they gave them."
"Agreed." Rude nodded, before the two made their way over to the other side, leaving Ghost alone.
"Hey, Ari!" Ariana rejoined her brother, a cheeky grin on her face, "Man, that was interesting, wasn't it?"
"You enjoy fucking with people," Aridai rolled his eyes, "As much as I do, in fact. I want to fight the other Cloud; see how he works."
"Hah, Uncle has first dibs," the woman shook her head, dragging him back to their parents. Ariana made a sharp turn to face the blonde before she let go of Aridai to punch Cloud in the shoulder.
"Hey! What's that for!" Cloud squinted at the woman, rubbing at where she hit.
"You left me up there! Right after pretty much threatening them! I had to apologize for you, else a fight would break out!" Ariana then punched Cloud's other shoulder, "You should go say sorry! Or at least talk to them!"
Cloud pushed his stepdaughter away, blocking another smack, "You weren't any better."
"Well, you didn't have to call me the Disaster Twin in front of everyone! I should kill you!" The SOLDIER gave a huff, pinching Cloud's cheek, "Forget Papa not giving you leftovers, you and I are going to spar until I beat your ass a dozen times!"
"Leh go," the taller man grunted, making a face at how Ariana whined.
"Ariana, let go of him," Sephiroth sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I think you've made your point."
"Hmph! Hear this, Uncle, you're going to taste my blades when we do VR, or I'm going to funnel a bunch of Weapon Development's budget into the Coffee Committee for two months. Take your pick."
"We'll fight, geeze," Cloud rolled his eyes, "We already spend a lot on caffeine as is."
"Yeah, and this time, I'll use Orion, Sirius, and Muramasa at once. You're not the only one who has a Fusion Sword," Ariana stuck her tongue out, "Whether you want to use materia or not, I'll beat your ass!" She crossed her arms with a pout but squeaked when Cloud drew her into a bone crushing hug.
"If I say I'm sorry, will you be less mad at me?" the blonde muttered, smiling when the woman made a belligerent noise.
"Um, humph! You're lucky I like you better than a lot of people, Uncle! Instead of a dozen, I'm going to beat you until I'm happy!"
"I know, I know," Cloud rolled his eyes, letting go of her, "If I was anyone else, you'd murder me."
"And don't you forget it! You're one of the only people capable of fighting Father into a standstill, and win, plus, I do like Grandma Claudia's stew. I don't think she'd give me anything if I killed you."
At this, Cloud only chuckled, pecking the top of the silver/red haired woman's head.
"There's only ever three things on your mind. Murder, convoluted plans, and food. I don't even know how Ari keeps up with you."
"I don't," Aridai flatly answered, "Ariana always has at least five plans running at the same time, especially for the last decade. And not to mention Loveless. If I have to hear another goddamn verse tonight, I will lose it."
"Hey, and you better apologize for threatening to kill them if they make any moves on Father," Ariana huffed, turning a blind ear to her brother's last sentence, "Seriously, I had to go up and apologize for you. If you die it's not my fault you're stupid."
"I believe Cloud gets the point," Angeal came up to them, already over it. "Ana. Your Uncle isn't a child, he knows what's right and wrong."
Ariana gave an impish smile, before grabbing Cloud by the hand and dragging him over to his counterpart, shoving him slightly with some of her SOLDIER strength.
He stumbled, catching himself just before he could faceplant into the floor.
"Well, Cloud? Say you're sorry," Ariana put her hands on her hips, glowering at her Uncle, who made an 'oh shit' face.
"Do I have to?"
"You will." The devious glint in her eyes only grew, "Or I'll replace all your uniforms with maid outfits again. You make such a lovely, tall woman, don't you know? At least, that's what Andrea says."
Cloud blanched immediately, and it looked like his counterpart did too.
"And this time, I'm threatening to steal Father's chocolate supply so you can't wiggle out by using his clothes."
Cloud had enough, raising his hands in a gesture of helplessness, "Okay, okay! Geeze, Seph will murder me if I say no."
The blonde closed his eyes, straightening, and breathed in deeply. He looked down at the other Cloud, who had a perplexed expression.
"Cloud…I am…sorry—ow, Ariana—" Cloud sputtered when he felt her elbow him sharply.
"Uncle, we don't have all Goddess damned night."
Cloud just sighed.
"Cloud, I am sorry that I threatened to fight you over potentially murdering my husband that I—ow—come on already!"
"Oh, my goddess, you are just as bad at apologies as Father is at figuring out if someone likes him or not. I'm telling Grandma Claudia!" Ariana poked Cloud hard in the chest, "She'll be so mad at you! I wouldn't be surprised if she came to Midgar and slapped you herself!"
"Alright already, you don't gotta bring Ma into this! I'm sorry that I threatened everyone if they tried anything against Sephiroth, okay? Happy now, Ana?" Cloud groaned. The woman crossed her arms.
"Good enough, Cloud. A for effort, B- in execution. You have a big sword and big muscles, but no brain. Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess, Cloud, I wonder how people don't just punch you in the face."
"You did punch me in the face the second time I met you."
"Cloud, that was nearly a decade ago, lighten up." Ariana rolled her eyes, "And, like Rufus said, you should get to know the other you better!"
"Yeah, yeah. If that's the case, we gotta introduce them to the Triplets," Cloud sighed, meeting the other Cloud's gaze.
"Kadaj! Loz! Yazoo! Come meet the other me, okay!" Cloud called out, waiting for a response.
Three silver haired men ran to him, Loz hugging him almost immediately. Cloud gave an obligatory pat on the back, prompting the mullet headed man to let go with a pleased expression .
"Huh, so that's the other you, Big Brother? He doesn't look very impressive. He's also really short," Kadaj said first, squinting at the shorter Cloud.
"Ugh, budge off, Kadaj! You're gonna hurt his feelings!" Loz swatted at Kadaj's arm.
"Shut up, crybaby," the youngest triplet sneered, moving to return the swat.
"Kadaj, we talked about this," Cloud took a hold of the man's wrist before it could connect, "It's not Loz's fault he gets a little neurotic."
Kadaj scowled, "Tch, whatever."
Cloud could see Loz nervously wringing his hands, the blond raising an eyebrow, "Loz? You okay there buddy?'
"I—I'm okay, big brother," Loz muttered, glancing at the floor, "The Turks from the other world kept looking at me weirdly. Like I killed their dog or something."
"Nah, it's probably the same reason they hate Father," Ariana shrugged, reaching up and ruffling his hair, "Why don't you talk with Cousin Aerith, huh? I know for a fact she still has a batch of cookies at the Church. All the bad vibes are stinking up the air."
"But, didn't Big Brother say we were supposed to start getting to know them?" Loz shook his head, the fear of potentially disappointing Cloud rising.
"They'll still be here tomorrow," Cloud told him, "Chin up, buddy. It's a lot to take in."
"And hey. Me and Reno have a score to settle tomorrow, you can watch me beat him and Rude up," the older woman offered, "And then after that, I'm gonna beat Cloud at his own Limit Break in VR."
"Hey, you didn't say that!" Cloud protested, unaware that she still wanted to fight him.
"You're not off the hook for leaving me up there, Uncle," Ariana's eye twitched, "We don't stop sparring until I force log you out, you hear?"
Cloud groaned, "Ugh, even as a Director, I get beaten up by annoying silver haired SOLDIERs."
"I like being a Commander. It's more fun than becoming top brass," Ariana offered her opinion, "Father can never take care of budgeting. He's simply awful at finances. Looks like Hojo only wanted a killing machine, not an accountant."
She smiled at Loz, taking the tallest of the triplets by the hand, "Come on. Leave these losers to get along. I'm not Uncle's babysitter."
"O-Okay. Bye, big brother," Loz was able to get out before he was whisked away by Ariana.
Their Cloud watched Ariana's retreating back, before turning to the other Cloud, looking serious.
"We need to talk. Kadaj, Yazoo, do you mind if I talk to the other me for ten minutes? Alone."
"We'll come back then. That shorty better not try anything," scowled Kadaj, while Yazoo said, "Of course."
"Tell Seph I'll meet him at home," Cloud called out, pausing again for the two silver haired men to be out of earshot, "Right, down to business."
"We're not letting you two be alone," growled Barret, the man glaring behind his sunglasses.
"Tch. You realize you're in Shinra Tower, and not Seventh Heaven?" Cloud clicked his tongue, glaring back, "I can take anyone from your world down. And it wouldn't be a good look for newcomers to fight one of Shinra's Directors either. So, try me, Barret Wallace, and see how far you go."
"I can handle this Barret," the other Cloud, "We can't burn bridges just yet."
"Good choice," smirked Cloud, "Sorry, but like I said earlier, you're on Shinra's turf now. Basically starting from zero. Our world, our rules."
"Is there somewhere we can talk without being interrupted?" the younger Cloud raised an eyebrow, gesturing to the rest of the room.
"Yeah. I'll have Ghost clear it with Rufus so we can go to a different room."
"You really like calling for favors, Uncle," Ghost said at his shoulder, "At some point, I'll have to use your IOUs."
"Gah! Ghost, don't randomly appear behind people," Cloud nearly wacked the other man with an arm, Ghost dodging with the tilt of his head.
"My specialty is assassination for a reason," Ghost smirked, shrugging with a tilt of his head, "Worry not, Uncle Cloud, you are my second most favorite blonde in the world. Plus, you're under Ariana's protection. I'll let Boss know, why don't you run along, hm? I'll distract the Triplets with Ana."
"Yeah, thanks," sighed Cloud, rubbing his eyes, "I'll think really loudly if I need you."
"Hah. And, I guess I'll see the Alpha-1's AVALANCHE some other time," Ghost's attention slid to the other Cloud, his smirk widening, "I see that bastard Hojo got to you. I can feel Father's cells in you, Cloud. You're just like me…little brother."
The other Cloud looked like he was punched in the gut, paling slightly under his tanned skin.
"Aridai Sepia Crescent, don't you dare bait him. Stop emulating Genesis when he's being surly," his Cloud pulled out the full name, making Aridai pout, "You know you have Sephiroth's smirk."
"At least I don't recite Loveless at someone every day," the Turk rolled his eyes, the smirk dropping, "Or as Ariana would say, 'Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return. Ah, oops. Bye, Cloud."
Aridai then sauntered away, making a two fingered salute.
"All of my children are giant hams," Cloud sighed, "And occasionally show the worst sides of their parents. Don't mind Ghost, he's just worried."
