Hey people of fanfiction, sorry it's taken me so long to update. Man, it seems like forever! Well don't worry, cause I'm here with another update! And I also wanted to give an amazing thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter: xXSweet BlasphemyXx, Kakita101, P5hng-Me-A'Wy, themusicalmuffin, kingdomheartslover13, kimberly kim, Rocking Phillip, and Cipher-of-Will

(Sephiroth POV)

"Welcome back, Sephiroth," my remnant greeted. I could see the fear in his strikingly similar features, though he did well to cover it up.

"It's good to be back," I replied, testing out my new voice. Not bad. And neither was this body. Sure it wasn't anything like my old one, but I could feel power coursing through my veins, power I haven't felt in years. Curious, I held my new hand out before me and focused my energy. In a flash of dark energy, my beloved Masamune appeared before me, as sharp and deadly as the day it was forged. A pleased smile graced my features. I glanced back up, finding my subordinates still standing there. "Are you expecting something? Get going! Find mother, I'm certain your older brother knows where that fool Rufus is hiding her."

In unison, the three nodded and mounted their bikes. The roar of motorcycle engines filled the silent forest until fading far off into the horizon. Sighing softly, I turned my attention to the enormous Banora White standing behind me. With something almost like Nostalgia, I traced my hand along the glowing bark, images of the past flashing almost painfully in my head. Suddenly engulfed in fury, I wielded Masamune and sliced clean through the enormous tree, the sound echoing like thunder though the wilderness as it came crashing down.

"Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess. We seek it thus, and take to the sky. Ripples form on the water's surface. The wandering soul knows no rest." Another sigh escaped my lips as I weaved my fingers through my blood-streaked hair. "Loveless, Act one. How can I not remember, Genesis, after you spent so much time beating it into my head." My gaze, now cold and hard, fell back onto the fallen tree. "Did you ever receive your gift, Genesis? Are you with the Goddess now? Hm, defeated so easily, I can't believe I ever let you get to me. It doesn't matter now, though."

With a pained smile, I turned and began down the forest path, speaking softly as I went, "Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return."

(Axel POV)

"Come on, Ax, why do I have to go! Can't you get like Xion or Lexaus or somebody who's not me! I don't wanna go!"

I sighed heavily at the annoying protests and whines coming from behind me as I dragged Demyx into Midgar. Okay, so I hadn't totally lied to the kid when I told him we were going to see Zexion. We went to his room and then we went to Midgar along with Zexion. Ugh, but right about now I kinda wished I had asked Xion or somebody else. The guy was giving me a headache.

"Demyx, please cease your bawling," Zexion groaned, massaging the bridge of his nose, "You're driving me insane. Don't you want to help Roxas? I know he'd do the same for you if you were ever caught in this situation."

The nocturne sniffled, "Yeah, I know. But, Zexy, I don't wanna fight Sephiroth again! The guy's stronger than Superior! I got away once with my head in tact, but I seriously doubt I'll be that lucky again!"

"Dem, you won't have to fight him. If anything, I'll fight him. I seriously wanna kick this guy's ass for stealing Roxas," I growled, feeling the anger bubbling over as I remembered the blade slashing Roxas open. I swear, that demon was going to pay.

Some how or another, we managed to wind up at the edge of a cliff overlooking the city, which seemed to be a million miles away. Great.

During my momentary lack of concentration, Demyx managed to slip from my grasp and sprint off amongst the rocks. Zexion sighed and proceeded to go after him, "I'll be right back. I'm certain he wont go too far."

I mimicked the schemer's un-amused sigh, and turned back to the cliff, starting a bit as I noticed a man that hadn't been there before. He was standing with his back to me beside a massive sword that had been sheathed in the ground, the blade worn and rusted with time. The guy was clad in leather, a black sweater underneath an armor chest plate. His long, spiky black hair hung far down his back, rustling slightly with a soft breeze. He was looking out over the vast nothingness toward the city, unmoving as he rested his hand atop the hilt of the sword embedded in the earth. Where the hell did this guy come from? I was just standing over there like two seconds ago.

"Um, hey," I greeted nervously. Apparently the guy hadn't noticed me standing there as he jumped at the sound of my voice. He turned back, gazing at me for a moment with familiar blue-green eyes, then grinned sweetly.

"Oh, sorry, didn't really expect to see anyone else out here," he chuckled a little in embarrassment.

The sight of those all too familiar eyes instantly put me on edge and I took a hesitant step back, keeping my glare fixated on the strange man. He seemed nice enough and his hair wasn't silver, but I didn't want to let my guard down. "Who are you?" I asked cautiously.

The man blinked slightly, then laughed again. He extended his hand in a polite gesture, still grinning. "Sorry, 'bout that. My name's Zack, Zack Fair."

"Zack, huh?" I muttered, hesitantly taking the offered hand and shaking it quickly. "Axel, commit it to memory." Okay, he wasn't so bad. Maybe everyone in this world had that eye color. It was a thought, one that I seriously doubted.

"Well, Axel, what're you doin' all the way out in the middle of nowhere? You get lost on your way to the city?"

I ran my hand through the back of my hair, turning to the ground with slight embarrassment. "You could say that. I'm lookin' for someone…well, more like a bunch of someones."

Zack chuckled again, "Well, shoot. Maybe I can help ya."

This guy was way too happy. I pulled my gaze back up to meet his, looking as serious as ever. "I'm lookin' for a kid with spiky blonde hair. It kinda defies gravity."

"Well, I know one kid that fits that description. Are you talking about Cloud?"

Wow, this Cloud guy was really well known. "Uh, no, I wasn't talking about him. But if you know where he is, that's helpful, too."

Zack's grin faded a little, and he scratched the back of his head almost nervously. "Well, he comes to visit this spot around the same time every day, but it won't be for another few hours. Sorry."

"Nah, that's fine. Another guy I'm lookin' for's got silver hair, down to his shoulders, and eyes like yours."

"Well," he laughed again, "I have another idea who you're talking about, but I doubt it's the same guy. The guy I know's way to in love with his hair to ever get it cut down to his shoulders, but if he was carrying a really long sword then I guess it has to be the same guy. You're not looking for Sephiroth, are you? 'Cause as far as I know, the guy's been dead for a while."

"Wow, you're really good at this," I smirked, "I asked for two guys and you gave me the other two I was also looking for. Well, you seem to know the guy. Do you know if he had a hideout or someplace like that? I'm really desperate here."

Zack pondered the question for a moment, "I think I have an idea. There's a forest a ways away from here over to the east. It's full of these trees called 'Banora Whites' and it's probably one of the most amazing places you'll ever see. He used to spend a lot of time there; at least, that's what Cloud told me. I hope you find who you're looking for."

At this, I allowed a small smirk to grace my features, "Thanks. And thanks for the info. I really wasn't expecting to get help way out here."

"Heh, no problem. If you see Cloud again, tell the kid I said hi, and that I really enjoy his visits."

The request caught me off guard. I thought he talked with Cloud all the time. How come he can't just tell the guy himself?

"Axel!" I glanced back to find Zexion trotting up to me, a much calmer Demyx in tow. They were both staring at me curiously. "Axel," Zexion said slowly, "Who were you talking to?"

"Oh, this guy Za-," I turned around, finding the large man had disappeared. "Where'd he go? He was standing right there."

"Uh, dude," Demyx said, placing his hand on my shoulder, "We saw you talking to a sword, there wasn't any guy there."

Okay, this was irritating. How could they not see the guy, he was as plain as day. "Okay, I think you guys need glasses or something. He just told me where to find Sephiroth's hang out. It's in this forest with these trees called 'Banora Whites'; at least, I think that's what he said. Anyway, it's east of here, so let's get movin'."

The two cast each other a confused glance and shrugged, then followed after me as I began toward the direction I was pointed earlier. Maybe luck was finally starting to shine down on me. What were the chances I'd get directions all the way out here in the middle of nowhere?

(Roxas POV)

I could feel my consciousness returning. My eyelids fluttered slightly against the weight of sleep bearing down on them. This was strange. Where was I? Everything was black as I glanced around, inky darkness everywhere I looked.

"Hello?" I called, terrified of being alone in this dark abyss. My voice seemed to echo on forever, fading off into the distance. "Hello?" I tried again, louder this time. Again, there was only the sound of my own voice.

Apprehensive, I took a small step forward, then another. Despite the darkness, I could clearly see my legs as they moved forward. It was as if my body was glowing.

"I see you're awake."

I immediately stopped at the sudden voice, glancing around rapidly for the source. Suddenly, there was another source of light beside myself. A tall man stood a few feet away. His long silver hair billowed softly with a non-existent breeze, luminous aquamarine eyes gazing at me. He wore a large coat, open in the front, exposing a bare chest crossed with leather straps.

"That's good," he spoke again, his voice gentle and smooth like silk.

"Who are you?" I asked, "And…and where are we?"

He smiled lightly and placed a gloved hand atop his chest. "My name is Sephiroth, and as for where we are, I can't answer that. However, if you come with me, I can take you back to Axel."

My non-existent heart instantly jumped at the mention of my lover. He held out his hand, offering me to take it. I saw no reason not to. This 'Sephiroth' seemed like a kind person, and he said he could take me to Axel. Without another thought, I took the man's hand in my own, and allowed him to lead me through the darkness.

(Third POV)

Fenrir roared to a halt, the engine abruptly cut off as Cloud dismounted the enormous bike. He sighed heavily, sky blue eyes drifting over to where the once mighty Buster Sword lay sheathed in the earth. A tiny almost invisible smile appeared on the blonde's face. Good, his friend's grave marker hadn't been disturbed.

He sat himself down on the cold ground, leaning against his warm bike. "Hey, Zack," he greeted the sword quietly. "Reno called the bar yesterday. I had to drive all the way down to Shinra's office, just for him to ask for my help. He wanted me to help 'rebuild Shinra'. The entire time I was there…I couldn't help but wonder if he really understood how much pain he caused everyone. He's destroyed so many countless lives…he took you from me…and now he expects me to help him. If I do something, it won't be for that monster, but…I'm worried. I think Kadaj and his gang might be trying to revive Sephiroth. … What if I can't beat him again?"

Pain filled eyes looked back to the sword expectantly, as if waiting for it to answer him. When nothing happened, Cloud slowly buried his head against his knees, his arms grasping his yellow spikes. "Zack, I don't know what to do. Please…"

Quiet sobs filled the barren wasteland as Cloud cried softly to himself. A large hand settled upon his shoulder and squeezed it gently. Zack gazed at his lover sitting beside him, hurt and sympathy filling his mako colored eyes. He leaned over, gently kissing the mess of blonde hair and whispered, "I'm sorry, Spike. I'd give anything to come back to you. I love you, Cloud."

After about an hour or so, Cloud stood from his seat on the ground and slowly mounted Fenrir. He glanced back one last time at the grave marker. "I miss you." The engine roared to life and the bike tore away, racing back to the city.

Awesome. So I really felt like, since this was a cross-over and what not, I should honor those who have passed on. Zack, I love you ever-so-much. Genesis, even though you were a bitch to fight in the game, I still love you. And Angeal, even though you were not mentioned in this chapter, you will always be my favorite mentor. Dreams and Honor.

Well, anyway, REVIEW! The more of you that do, the faster I shall update!