Noitnemid: I'm getting more reviews than I thought I would.

Sephiroth: And yet you are late with your up-date.

Noitnemid: Hey, I had a major research paper that I had to do. Anyways, someone said to have Yuffie steal everyone's exspheres thinking that they were Materia. I'm not going to do that, because it would be too difficult to pull off. The exspheres are attached to their bodies. Nor am I going to have Yuffie try to kill Colette. Cloud and Tifa are helping her, so Yuffie would not want to fight them. I'm getting ahead of myself, so Sephiroth if you would.

Sephiroth: Noitnemid does not own anything from this story except the idea.

Noitnemid: Before we start the fic, I've come up with an interesting idea for a weapon that I would use if I was in either game, but am not sure if I should make this into a self-insert as well. Vote in your review. On with the fic.

With the threat of the Desians gone, Kratos started up a conversation with Cloud about their comparative styles of fighting. Tifa, on the other hand, commented on how, "Knowing Cloud, those two will be talking for a while."

Colette tried to talk to Tifa, but ended up apologizing about calling her ma'am, Miss Tifa, and Tifa ma'am. Tifa regretted telling her that each was too formal. Eventually Lloyd got around to introducing himself and Kratos flinched when he heard Lloyd's name. Cloud was the only one to notice, but didn't comment.

"Your name…is Lloyd?"

"Yeah, but who are you to ask for my name?"

"My name is Kratos, and as I was just telling…I just realized that I never caught your name."

"Cloud. Cloud Strife."

"Thank you. As I was telling Cloud, I am a mercenary. If you pay me, I will accept the task of protecting the Chosen."

Phaidra agreed, but also was curious about the other two fighters that showed up. Tifa made the introductions, and told her that they were wanderers who would help free of charge.

Upon entering the Temple, Kratos began questioning Lloyd about his techniques. Cloud was mildly impressed by the fact that Lloyd had taught himself so well.

When our intrepid adventurers made it to the puzzle to get the Sorcerer's ring, Cloud and Tifa, being experienced adventurers, knew immediately what was needed, even before Colette had her clumsiness spell. Kratos silently observed them, wondering how they knew so much about adventuring. After they made it back to the main room and got past the sealed room, Cloud tensed. He could feel something that felt like an over concentration of Mako, but not Materia or monster. It felt more like a member of SOLDIER.

Noitnemid: That's all for now, and tell me if you like my new way of doing dialog or if the old way was better. No matter what, please review.