Title: The Gifts

Characters: Cloud Strife, Zack Fair, Sephiroth, Genesis Rhapsodos, Angeal Hewley, Kunsel, Tifa Lockhart implied

Warning: AU, based on Sinnatious' The Fifth Act

Pairings: None for now ;P

Rating: PG-13

Word Count: 6,792 according to Word 2007 (Why I keep writing it longer and longer? -.-; )

Beta-reader: Wintersheart1766

Author's Note: Yes, I've got the permission from Sinnatious to write a fanfic out of her/his fanfic. Yes, this is not a very-much sequel. Yes, I am shamelessly pimp my own ideas and twist around the story. So yes, this might resemble the original, except it has more spices ;P

Disclaimer: All characters depicted in sexual situations in this post/fanfiction/fanart (including material in the comments) are fictional and are intended to be and considered to be by the author of said material of the legal age of consent in the United States or any other countries, regardless of what age these characters may be in the material they are derived from.

The Blond warrior and his young charge had just walked through the door of the SOLDIER training room; there they were greeted by an unusual scene. Zack and Kunsel were doing their typical warm up of innumerable squats in one corner, Sephiroth was currently leaning against the far wall attempting to look as nonchalant as possible while polishing a six foot katana, Genesis was lounging about on one of the spectator benches thoroughly absorbed in whatever book he was reading, most probably Loveless again and Angeal sat beside his childhood friend seemingly lost in thought.

Young Cloud hesitated and the look on his face said he was mortified.

"Hello there!" Zack called out with a wave "Wanna join us to warm up?"

Cloud shook his head, his feelings on the presence of his colleagues caught somewhere between irritation and amused affection towards the first class audience members, apparently they were interested enough in his and young Cloud's endeavor to adjust their schedules and plans just to be here. He only hoped it would not have the cadet so nervous that he either ran off, claiming some sudden illness, or blacked out entirely from severe performance anxiety related stress; Gaia if truth be told he was experiencing a bit of that himself at the moment, seeing as he had never instructed anyone before except for maybe Kunsel and Zack, who at the time, were already second class SOLDIER.

Cloud gave a slight nudge to his openly gaping nephew and gestured for him to join Zack and Kunsel's warm up. Those two should be able to distract him from his nerves, loosen him up a little mentally as well as physically before they got down to business.

He then moved to a nearby mat to begin his own warm up, just some necessary routine stretching before moving expertly into a favorite kata with his sword. Sephiroth was also moving through the sequence of his kata, body and sword moving fluidly as if they were one.

Once the warm up was complete, he led his young student through some of the more basic moves of hand-to-hand combat. At first the cadet's movements were very much lacking in any precision or grace, but this was most likely due to nerves and he chose not to comment, instead, he demonstrated the maneuver more slowly and then gestured for the cadet to try the movement again.

After a while, his nephew became more accustomed to the presence of the First Class SOLDIER's and began showing marked improvement in his performance. Cloud was inwardly quite proud of the boy's ability to focus; it was a trait he found just as valuable as any other in a warriors arsenal of needed skills, and it was clearly displayed in his younger self as he steadfastly repeated each of the movements carefully and without complaint until his Uncle felt he had preformed it correctly.

The next item on Clouds agenda was to teach his nephew a few basic, but extremely effective, defense techniques and a few offensive tactics as well. Cloud patiently corrected the cadet's stance when needed and gave constructive, positive input here and there, as well as, sincere words of praise and support when warranted.

The young cadet was positively drenched in sweat by the time Cloud finally decided he was ready to move up to a light spar for the purpose of evaluating his nephew's ability. At first, Spike stepped back into his nervous, hesitant mode of operation, but after a bit of reassurance from Cloud, he agreed to give it a go.

The spar, being so completely unequal with regards to the participant's level of skill and experience was merely educational; Cloud and Zack were in disagreement as to what the purpose of this spar should be however. Zack was of the mind that Cloud needed to school his nephew on how to defend himself, as well as how to best capitalize on and use his current strengths, being his agility and his speed, to his greatest advantage.

Spike's strength and subsequent musculature was bit on the low end just as Kunsel had said, but using his speed and agility tended to balance things out well enough for the time being. It was really just the matter of allowing time and experience to develop both his body and his instincts. It would, in time, become second nature to read an opponent's movements allowing himself the advantage of being one step ahead of his enemy at all times.

All in all, the boy did rather well for one as young and unenhanced as he. Serious improvement was still needed in the area of strength especially and he, of course, should continue honing his speed and agility. Cloud would need to regularly set new goals for the cadet in those areas so that the boy would never have the chance to grow complacent.

Cloud could see that his younger self had reached his physical limit and could not be pushed any further without risking injury; effectively putting an end to the physical portion of the youth's training for the day. The fact that he held his own until now was to be admired and it spoke volumes of his inexhaustible determination, otherwise known as his stubbornness, which was yet another trait shared abundantly between the Strife's. Calling his nephew over to him, Cloud handed him a bottle of water and told him to cool off, before he ended up passing out. The look of relief that washed over the cadet's face was classic.

"Wow! Said Zack, bounding over to the two blonds, "That was quite a spar, eh Spike? You did real well going up against your uncle like that; he usually beats me down in like a minute!"

"Anyway, your endurance is pretty good for the amount of training you've had, so just think how it could be if we really work on it! The sky's the limit there blondie!" Zack was practically electric in his enthusiasm and Cloud was almost sure he had seen a few sparks flying off the man as he spoke.

"You sure did look good out there Spike! And if we can increase your speed and agility with a regular and rigorous circuit of training–you, my young friend, will be unstoppable." Kunsel offered with true conviction.

Angeal was the next to offer an opinion.

"I saw some nice basic forms out there, cadet, still, they were not as solid as I would like to see them and with some hard work and competent instruction, I am more than confident in your ability to bring them up to a level more worthy of yourself."

"A true warrior needs to know his strengths and take advantage of them. I, for instance, am not equipped with bulky muscles, unlike most of the SOLDIERs and it was more so in my younger days, yet I have added to my skills a number of trickier, sneakier moves that work best when the one utilizing them is, as you are, small, agile and quick."

With a toss of his auburn bangs and a flash in his teal colored eyes, Genesis continued.

"I shall be pleased to instruct you on a few of these moves that coincide with the level of difficulty at which you are now training and the more advanced ones as you continue to advance...if you would like, of course." Genesis seemed to say everything as if he stood upon a foot lit stage, but thankfully his words were no act and he was utterly sincere.

Sephiroth was no less impressive for his more succinct and rather Spartan manner of speech, "Improve your strength and also your footwork."

This was the sum total of their advice; given with sincere concern for the well being and desire for the success of Cadet Cloud Strife of Niebelheim and it had been offered up by the highest of the high on anyone's list of skilled, brave, strong, intelligent, dangerous, deadly men and young Cloud was appropriately humbled by the gift he had just received.

With regards to the cadet's continued training, they all agreed that the need to increase his strength took precedence.

When the boy looked somewhat perplexed, Sephiroth stepped in and explained, "Your speed and agility will be improved automatically, to some extent, simply through increased endurance, and running is the most effective option for that. It will be more beneficial if you increase the frequency that you run, as well as the duration of time that you run for. Traversing different terrains and elevations is also very helpful and it isn't as boring that way."

Zack then continued as he looked the cadet in the eyes, "As for strength, me and Kunsel here can give you a few exercise techniques that you can add to the strength regime that the PT sergeant gives to your squad every Tuesday. You will also need to increase the amount of repetitions, as well as the weight of resistance you use as often as you are able, but DON'T overdo it Spike." Zack warned.

Cloud's nephew dutifully nodded and politely answered, "Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir."

Kunsel, having not yet had a say, spoke up "Take more time to warm and stretch your muscles before you train; not only does it decrease the chance of injury, but it increases flexibility. Flexibility is essential to many of the awesome mid air sword moves that you see Genesis and Sephiroth use in battle. As for footwork; it can be improved by solidifying your basic forms, practice them every chance you get. When you feel you have them mastered, you can test yourself by doing the movements within a varied but controlled speed. Try putting on some music and repeat the moves in accordance with the beat."

"Wow! That'd be like dancing, wouldn't it?" snickered Zack.

Cloud interjected, in a voice laced with amusement, "It will be a lot more fun doing it that way. Sometimes I used it to develop coordination and practice footwork."

Zack went wide eyed and speechless, so Angeal, stepped in and said evenly, "I am more than sure that each of us has, at one time or another, encountered and utilized some creative method of training, and with positive results to boot. I am actually reminded of something about using a Sylkis Green hat and a chochobo when we worked on your somewhat sluggish reflexes, Zack" His tone was light and teasing as one could see the amusement that danced within his eyes.

Kunsel was trying very hard not to snicker, but failed and Sephiroth merely shook his head, as he remembered the mountain of paperwork that particular act had produced for him.

"Aww, Angeal! You promised not to talk about that anymore!" Zack whined, all the while wearing his cute puppy pout. "It's not like I'm making fun of Cloud. I was really just making an observation in the first place, I swear!"

Cloud only chuckled at his friend's antics and was suddenly struck by just how much he had missed his best friend and his many quirks', he had, after all, been lost to him for a very long time. Hence, being here and standing side by side with him once again was nothing short of a miracle, a gift, and just as he had before, even more so, he intended to treasure it.

I knew I was right to take up a dance class." said Genesis appearing smug as usual.

"That was only because you wanted to learn how to dance, Gen." reminded Angeal as he fought the urge to roll his eyes.

The blond cadet stared up at his uncle with grateful blue eyes.

"Thank you, Sir... I mean Uncle."

Cloud nodded, "Cool down and have a rest. I have arranged a match with Commander Hewley and want you to watch it carefully; you will no doubt find it helpful in understanding much of what you learned in our training session as I will be demonstrating a few of the maneuvers as will Angeal."

"I will."

Cloud looked toward Angeal and as if on cue, Angeal stood from his seat on the bench and casually walked toward the blond.

"Will we be using weapons?"

"No weapons, hand to hand combat only." Cloud removed his sword from its harness before removing the harness altogether. He placed both items in the care of a rather surprised Zack Fair who accepted the responsibility as if it were a sacred oath. He would have allowed his nephew to tend them, but was afraid he would be distracted and not pay close enough attention to the match.

Angeal smiled and raised his eyebrow, "Never knew you could fight without a sword, Strife. Who was it that taught you how to use your fists?"

Cloud shrugged and simply said, "Fists are just one of many weapon choices I've experimented with."

They turned and walked toward the centre of the training room to begin the necessary stretching and warming of their muscles.

Angeal picked up the previous conversation where they'd left off by asking, "Some of them or all of them?" He was intrigued and it would not be a surprise to him if in fact the blond was able to wield every type of weapons that Gaia had ever seen.

Cloud readied himself, rearranging his limbs into a less familiar 'sword free' stance. There was a moment of silence before both of them moved forward; the spar had now begun.

Much to the surprise of his opponent, as well as the spectators, it was the less experienced SOLDIER, Cloud, who attacked first; in the blink of an eye he had dropped to the ground sliding easily into range and kicking out his leg in an attempt to bring the larger man down by sweeping him off his feet...literally. Angeal almost didn't find the time to avoid the strike, but he jumped high in the air, effectively evading blonds' leg.

Any sense of relief Angeal may have experienced was short lived. A fraction of second later; the agile warrior with the innocent looking blue eyes launched his second strike against the veteran SOLDIER. Currently still up in the air, Angeal again managed to defend himself against the coming strike; blocking the oncoming Cloud with his left arm, while firing off a counter attack with his right that was, in turn, easily deflected by the younger warrior.

Angeal had not much been surprised by his opponent's speed or agility, although he felt perhaps Cloud had been concealing the true level to which his skills had reached, but if he were anyone other than who he was, the stoic, serious minded, commander, his jaw might well have taken up residence on the gym's floor in response to the expertly preformed, but completely unorthodox choice for his opening move.

A flurry of movement, so impossibly fast it was difficult to see, was exchanged between the hands and arms of the two SOLDIERS. The brief melee lasted only the few seconds they remained airborne and as soon as their boots touched the ground Cloud surprised him once again; launching into a somersault that ended in a kick vicious enough to knock Angeal back a couple of feet and onto his knees. Both opponents were now on opposite sides of the sparring area, Angeal was crouching down, his eyes never leaving the blond as he wiped away trickle of blood from his recently split lip.

"Angeal!" Genesis' voice laced with worry as he straightened up on his seat. Zack, too, was similarly worried as well as amazed by eyes that had grown wide and wet seeing his mentor get kicked around by the smaller man.

Sephiroth was more than amazed by the spar up to this point.

Angeal, kept his calm and straightened up, wiping again at the already drying blood which had come from the, now virtually healed, wound to his mouth. He held up a hand toward Genesis to stop his mother-hen antics and to reassure him that everything was fine.

Cloud was calmly inputting a code sequence into the VR computer and suddenly they all were in an abandoned building full of debris.

Angeal raised an eyebrow, far from being, in any manner, put out by recent events; he found himself amused and excited, hell, even delighted by the knowledge that the blond could give his ability in hand-to-hand combat a run for its money. He hadn't realized, with everything that had happened, how much he wished for and needed a challenge in this area of his life. Both Sephiroth and Genesis were really not suitable; in their opinion, being schooled in the art of hand to hand combat was a necessary evil, using it in battle was a last resort.

"Needed a little change of scenery?"

Cloud merely shrugged, but Angeal could see his eyes were bright with the kind delight that was reserved for a particularly good fight. Angeal felt a bit of pride swelling in his heart, for up until now, he had only ever seen the brightness, currently alight in the young warrior's eyes, when he sparred with General Sephiroth.

"I just thought it might be fun with more things to play with." He said and once again fell to a ready position.

Angeal barked out a laugh as he followed Cloud's lead, taking position, ready to strike.

"Let's make a good show for them, shall we?" Angeal finished his sentence with a smirk and launched the next strike. Absently, he thought perhaps this was what Sephiroth felt whenever he sparred with the quiet SOLDIER. High on adrenaline and mako as it pumped forcefully though his wonderfully excited heart. It was sensation that he could truly become addicted to.

The next strike was again Angeal's, his speed increased noticeably as he attempted to slam his open hand against the blonds' solar plexus; a move easily blocked by Cloud, but Angeal was not deterred as he brought his feet into play attempting to kick the back of his opponent's knees hard enough to bring him down. His point of impact was not quite right though, and the affect of the hit on the blond was slight and though it caused the blond to step back and postpone the attack he'd been gearing up for, it was only for a second.

Cloud launched a series of well practiced hits that drove Angeal back into a defensive stance, as he searched for an opening, which he found. Angeal raised his left hand as if to strike. Cloud automatically moved to block the incoming hit, his actions leaving his left side unguarded and Angeal pulled back on the feigned hit at the last second, twisting around sharply and connecting hard with the unguarded portion of Cloud's face.

The hit to his left jaw had Cloud seeing stars that danced to the tune of the ringing in his ears. He replayed the exchange in his mind and was able to pin point his error, but still slightly dazed, he was aware only of his feet leaving the ground as he was thrown several feet away. Sitting up where he landed, Cloud inspected his bruised jaw with his fingers and found it still intact, the bruise already succumbing to the healing effects of mako.

Cloud lurched to his feet, no time to regain his balance, as he could feel, more than see that the stocky First Class SOLDIER was coming at him again. Cloud twisted his body instinctively to parry, and then feinting to the right, he launched his counter-attack.

The intense fighting continued as Cloud threw a punch blocked easily by Angeal who countered with his knee and was also blocked. A blur of blond jumped back and was closely followed by its black haired opponent, who was met by a well-aimed upper twist kick. Dodging slightly Angeal evaded the worst of the kick and caught hold of the trespassing foot, causing Cloud to somersault backwards allowing the moves momentum to force the release of his foot. Angeal was having none of it. He used the same leverage Cloud used to gain his momentum, causing Cloud to be thrown hard into the wall across from them where he slid easily on the smooth surface back to the ground and instantly sprang back into action, becoming a blur of quick, expert movement.

A series of kicks and punches rained down on Angeal; all of which were skillfully blocked save for that one well-aimed kick, said kick sent the man flying toward the spectator benches that now appeared to be wooden crates in the virtual scenery, his body coming just short of a colliding with a terrified Kunsel before the airborne man dropped into a tuck and roll landing technique, smoothly winding up in a crouched and ready stance.

Cloud and Angeal, having found themselves some distance from one another, stood appraising each other as they kept a wary eye open for any indication of attack. They also enjoyed the brief intermission, wiping the sweat from their brows and taking a few deep breaths before they danced again.

"Gaia! I never knew Cloud could move like that!" Zack was beyond awed at what he had been seeing, at times becoming breathless at the image of these two fighters as they exchanged rapid blows and expertly preformed combat moves running the gamut from basic, to some so advanced that even he did not recognize them. It was absolutely stunning.

"And I thought it was swordplay he preferred," Kunsel said with a low whistle of admiration.

"He's quick and agile and has used those skills far more in this spar than brute strength. This is what your uncle wishes to show you, young Strife."

Genesis, in thinking of this strange man, who had, in time, shown himself to be the unassuming savior to them all, not just to Genesis as it had begun, decided he was most pleased with the new revelations he saw within his fighting style. It was a style that favored heavily his speed and agility, a style that was similar to his own and he was warmed by the thought of their similarity in this area, as well as being duly amazed at the extent to which Strife was able use these skills to his advantage against Angeal's brute strength and solid defense forms.

Spike nodded, and then thoughtfully added, "Some of his moves seem familiar."

Genesis raised an eyebrow at his statement which made Spike flush as he hurried to explain, "A lot of it is almost like Tifa's moves back home in Nibelheim."

"Tifa?"

"Ah, yes." Genesis and Sephiroth said in unison, as recognition shone on their faces.

"Woo-hoo! Tifa's your sweetheart eh?" Zack mock swooned over the poor kid. Spike said nothing, ducking his head to hide the almost lethal shade of crimson that had taken up residence on his face before finally managing to mumble out, "She's my friend back there."

Sephiroth seemed to be contemplating something before inquiring, "How is it familiar?"

Spike looked up at Sephiroth, but hesitated to answer the General's question. Then, after apparently giving it some thought, he replied. "Uh...the upper twist kick and somersault kick? Well, they were some of her best moves; she practiced them all the time. Maybe my uncle knew her trainer or something?"

Genesis mulled over the idea for a while before commenting, "He does seem to use kicks more often than punches. His feints are more involving of footwork and lower body movement as well, rather different from Angeal's usual feints that use upper extremity gestures. His moves are more complex than Angeal's. Just look at that."

He motioned to the display of rather complex movements being utilized by the blond at the moment; a twist, a feint, a punch then a twist before crouching to deliver an upper twist kick.

"He has a bit of a dance before he strikes, unlike Angeal's more direct approach."

"All in all his fighting style is similar to one a female would be likely to adopt, especially in a fight with someone of superior strength; that is to say a female or someone of a smaller stature, provided they possesses the proper speed and agility to pull them off," observed Sephiroth.

"So that means she–!"

"Zack!" Kunsel prevented his friend from commenting further and unwittingly revealing the secret Cloud was keeping from his 'nephew'; that, of course, being that he really wasn't his nephew at all.

"Oh right! Sorry, man." Zack scratched his hair sheepishly as he had momentarily forgotten about the young supposed nephew of Cloud Strife.

"I always wondered how Cloud came to favor his rather aggressive style of fighting, be it in swordplay or melee combat," admitted Sephiroth.

"Funny, he usually strikes me as being a more level-headed, 'think before they act' type of person, unlike Zack here," stated Kunsel with a grin.

"Hey!" A playful shove by an indignant Zack only had Kunsel grinning wider.

"Now that you mention it; I was surprised to find he was an aggressive fighter instead of a calm and calculating one like our dear General here, and has anyone else noticed the similarities that his swordsmanship has to that of Zack and Angeal?" Genesis elegantly tapped a gloved finger on his chin as he recalled a number of past sparring sessions involving the blond.

"I think it's more likely that Zack copied Cloud's style than the other way around."

"Are you insulting me again, Kunsel?"

Another broad grin and a subsequent playful shove were completed before Zack finally shrugged, "I admit that his moves are awesome, but I've never really thought of copying them."

"Perhaps it will remain yet another one of the many mysteries we shall have to endure until such a time that he chooses to enlighten us." Genesis waved his hand elegantly in dismissive gesture but inward, everyone knew that his curiosity was just as bad as theirs.

Spike could not help but listen to their conversation, though it made little sense to him. So, feeling somewhat confused, he returned his gaze to the ongoing spar, paying particularly close attention to his uncle's moves and how they helped him in standing up against an opponent who was bigger and stronger, like Commander Hewley. He really was amazing, his uncle. One day, he promised himself, he would be just like his uncle and his idol, Commander Rhapsodos.

The spar continued for another fifteen minutes before they heard Angeal call it to a halt. The virtual location shimmered before evaporating to reveal, once again, the sparse training room. They cooled down a bit then went to join the spectators waiting for them on the sidelines. "Awesome moves there, Cloud!" said Zack, giving him two thumbs up and grinning broadly.

"That move, when you bodily threw Commander Hewley? Aww, you have to teach me how!", begged Kunsel.

Cloud only smiled his half-smile and said, "One day, ask me to." Then he turned to his nephew who was staring at him in open awe.

"Learn anything today?"

Spike nodded enthusiastically and smiled brightly. "Yes, Sir, thank you!"

Cloud shook his head and said, "We're not on duty, no need to call me Sir."

Actually it was rather awkward for him to be referred to in that way by his own self, but of course, he couldn't exactly say that to his supposed nephew, could he?

"As you may have noticed, Commander Hewley uses a fighting style similar to what most in SOLDIER use, but I, on the other hand, used a completely different style."

Spike nodded then carefully added, "Is it the Zangan style?"

Cloud became so silent they wondered if he would answer. Then the blond seemed to shake off the silence and replied evenly,

"Yes, it is some Zangan style combined with other styles. In any case SOLDIER fighting style might not be suitable for you because of your body frame; however it is still necessary to learn it in order to pass the classes. Once you've passed, I can teach you this style. It is more conducive to quick, small statures and the agile fighter, as it obviously relies more on speed and agility."

Young Cloud listened to his uncle with rapt attention,

"Strength is not necessarily the key to overcoming an opponent as is shown by this style. The various moves it utilizes involve a technique that uses the opponent's momentum against them to create a stronger force in your attack."

That piece information shed light on why Cloud seemed to skirt around, as if dancing, before he took a direct hit. He waited for an opening and using the momentum of his opponent, he could turn the tables on the fight.

Spike nodded eagerly, thankful for the knowledge and thrilled that he would continue being taught hand-to-hand combat and most likely many other things by his uncle who he was beginning to see was a very amazing man.

"Well, practice is over for today. You should have a shower and rest, but do your homework. Remember what we told you about hard work and success?"

Spike nodded then said goodbye to the SOLDIERs and excused himself. Zack ruffled his hair in parting and said he would be by to visit him later before he sent him off.

Once Cloud's nephew was out of hearing range, Sephiroth decided to ask, "That fighting style, was it Tifa?"

The tensing of his shoulder was answer enough to give confirmation to the suspicion held by both Sephiroth and Genesis.

"She has to be an amazing fighter then. Some of the hits you landed as a result of those moves, really hurt a lot," praised Angeal, who had surrendered his body to be fussed over by Genesis, hoping that his statement would defuse the bomb unknowingly dropped by Sephiroth. The man could really be completely clueless sometimes.

"Yes, she is." was the curt reply from Cloud.

"When did you learn it? Spike said that he had never been given the chance to train with Zangan in Nibelheim."

"It was when we were chasing after Sephiroth. She was unenhanced, but she was strong," Cloud answered like he was talking to himself.

Sobered up, Zack had only scratched at his hair guiltily, as he was elbowed by Kunsel, chiding him silently for his microscopic tact.

Lost in his memories, Cloud missed the silent communication occurring between the SOLDIERs. Genesis practically glowered at Sephiroth for his usual tactlessness and Sephiroth in return did in fact feel something that could quite possibly be regret. Angeal merely mulled over the new information supplied by the mysterious blond.

"Well, today's done! Is anyone else up for some lunch? Man, I'm so hungry I could eat a behemoth!" The ice broke smoothly once again, thanks to Zack.

Genesis snorted, "I neither, am of the mind or possess the stomach for dining on either behemoth or thunderbird."

The last word was spoken as he looked pointedly at Cloud, who retreated to the lockers with a slight flush on his cheeks, knowing he was being teased by the Commander with regards to how they first met in Wutai.

Kunsel grinned, his stomach growling on cue. "I'm up for almost anything, you know that, but I'll pass on the behemoth buffet and the side order of thunderbird; let's get pizza!"

"There are many fine restaurants above the Plate which serve neither behemoth or...," Sephiroth paused for a more dramatic effect, "thunderbird." He spoke with eerie, dramatic similarity to Genesis, deliberately mocking the man. Still, he was a bit perplexed that someone, apparently Cloud, would actually be of the mind to test the flavor of a thunderbird.

Zack and Kunsel laughed aloud, while Genesis snorted, commenting on how poor Sephiroth's imitation of him had been. Angeal only arched his eyebrow in amusement saying, "So pizza it is!"

Cloud rolled his eyes and wondered when the cold and aloof General Sephiroth had become fond striking the dramatic poses in parody of those that were the red commander's signature. He rummaged around his belongings, then tossed the item he had been looking for over to Angeal.

Angeal caught it easily, "Wha–?"

"For you..."

Angeal turned the weapon over in his hands inspecting the unusual design; it was most intriguing. Genesis too, seemed entranced by the unfamiliar weapon. Zack and bounded over and looked at it from over Angeal's shoulder , Sephiroth, stayed where he was, though his attention was also on the strange looking weapon.

"What is this?"

"Its predecessor was called the 'Dual Hound'; it's a powerful weapon for hand-to-hand fighters." Cloud walked over to the group and reclaimed the weapon in order to demonstrate; they all seemed captivated as he equipped it and retracted its handle making the knuckles spring out.

"It will increase the power as well as the strength of its wielder. It enables you to attack in a manner similar to an area effect, like Quake materia."

Cloud took out his mastered Bolt materia and placed it in the one of the slots. Once again he retracted the handle, releasing the knuckles, but this time it crackled and sparked with the power of Bolt as the materia glowed.

"You can add any of your elemental materias and use the effect in your attack by releasing the knuckles here. It's a feature similar to a sword with material slots."

Cloud removed the materia and unequipped the piece before giving the weapon back to Angeal.

"Wow! That is so awesome!" Zack's eyes were shining in delight.

"This is wonderful, but–" Angeal was hesitant to accept the gift, even if, he too was impressed by the short demonstration.

Cloud cut off Angeal's protest.

"You are the only one here who favors the strength of a fist. You already entrusted your Buster Sword to Zack and that makes you weaponless. I just thought this might suit you."

Angeal looked flustered by the generosity, but agreed to accept the gift. "Thank you for this. Are you sure it didn't cost you an arm and a leg?" He frowned in concern that a weapon such as this must have cost a significant amount of Gil.

Cloud simply dismissed him, "Its materia slot is empty and it is entirely up to you to fill them, and as it can house up to four linked materias, I think you'll find that this is where the significant amount of gil will come in."

"Where did you get it? I've never even seen a weapon like this before."

Cloud paused at Kunsel's question, noticing that Sephiroth had cocked his head to the side with obvious interest and was currently awaiting an answer.

"It's one of my own designs. I have an acquaintance in Kalm that assisted me in creating this model."

"So this is custom designed by you and then built by a weapons maker? That must've cost more than a month's salary!" Angeal had almost cringed as his mind had quickly conjured up just how much gil a customized weapon might cost one's purse in average.

"It's alright, the smith was very enthusiastic about the design and I actually did most of the work." Shrugging, Cloud finished by saying; "It didn't set me back for anything but materials as I was kind enough to let him have another similar prototype from which to replicate."

"You certainly have many unique skills." Genesis would bet his first edition copy of 'Loveless' that they hadn't yet scratched the surface with regards to the blonds' hidden skills.

"I did travel a lot." Cloud replied dismissively and continued, "The prototype I gave him is different than this one though. So this type is exclusively for you."

If Angeal hadn't been speechless before he most certainly was now.

"How is it that you came to develop this design? Not something easily imagined out of thin air I would wager. Creating and designing a weapon usually requires first-hand experience with an older model or better yet having the skill to wield it."

Sephiroth was intrigued as he remembered that First Tsurugi was also apparently Cloud's own design, which said a lot about his skill with a sword, but in hand-to-hand combat, especially in the style of which the blond favors, it was quite clear to Sephiroth that should Cloud ever employ the use of weaponry suited for hand to hand it would not be this Dual Hound. This weapon relied heavily on strength, an aspect that he knew the blond, while decidedly stronger then someone who is unenhanced, simply did not possess in the same abundance as Angeal.

Cloud was silent as he mulled over this answer. He sighed in resignation seeing that the damage was done and a curious Sephiroth would be an absolute headache, not to mention Genesis and Zack and probably Kunsel. It was just a matter of time before they wheedled the answer out of him.

"Its design is based on firsthand knowledge gained while fighting against an opponent that wielded it well."

"Is that–?" Angeal now looked worried.

"No, it wasn't you." He frowned as a thought wandered into his mind, what if Hojo, when cloning Sephiroth , combined his cells not only with Jenova's , but used cells from Hollander's experiments, those being Genesis and Angeal'. That would explain the brute strength possessed by one remnant, in that it came close to Angeal's. It would also nicely explain the alluring aura of the leanest remnant, as this one was similar to Genesis' and his artistic nature.

"He had some similarities with you. His strength was his greatest weapon."

"Well...to tell you the truth I am speechless. How can I ever repay you, Cloud?"

Cloud only shook his head as he gathered his gear then turned back towards Angeal, "You can spar with me again in a more remote location; that is once you've become more familiar with your weapon. I would like to assess its ability in the field." He paused briefly before adding, "You can also treat me to lunch today. Your home cooking is what I'd prefer, however no thunderbird." He said straight faced.

A peal of Angeal's merry laughter rang out loudly in the sparse training room. He smiled at the blond warmly then nodded, "At my apartment then."

"Can I come too, Angeal?"

"I don't know, pup, you sure do eat a lot." Angeal chuckled in his mirth.

"What? I do not."

As the friendly banter continued, Cloud thought of sneaking out, but he found his path was blocked by not just one formidable obstacle...but two; Genesis and Sephiroth stood with their arms across their sizable chests, right in front of the only door.

He raised an eyebrow to them.

"There is no hate, only joy...For you are beloved by the goddess."

Cloud recognized the verse from Loveless Act II as Genesis quoted them in that enchanting voice of his.

"Thank you for your gift, Cloud." Genesis said genuinely. A small but sincere smile graced the red commander's lips out of regard for his old friend's happiness.

"We owe you much, Cloud." Sephiroth stated with solemn respect.

Cloud planned to say nothing, but huffed out in exasperation, "It will come in handy if I end up going insane again."

Genesis snorted, "Surely we have moved past that absurd notion. A monster, as you inexplicably seem to consider yourself, thinks not of others, but only itself. You are only being foolish hanging on to such thoughts."

Cloud said nothing but ducked his head down, trying to hide as his face flushed pink and heat infused his cheeks.

"See you at the Angeal's then."

And with that he exited the room; the joyous laughter of his allies, no, not just his allies, his friends, trailing behind him as he walked down the halls of Shinra, an obvious spring now displayed in his step.

~End~

Author's note:

1. Continuation from Childhood Problems

2. It won't make any sense if you do not read Sinnatious' The Fifth Act, so go read it first. It was an awesome piece!

3. I fancy the idea of giving Loz weapon to Angeal since in the original fanfic, Sinnatious had briefly mention that Angeal do prefer his fist to sword. Then while was in the process of typing this piece...I wonder if Loz was supposed to be cloned as Angeal? Or whether the mad professor was intending to create a super SOLDIER by combining all their, Angeal's, Genesis' and Sephiroth's genes? Just my muse way of thinking perhaps.

4. Anyway, AT LAST! This ONE piece of fanfic is delivered. Yes, you heard it right. These three chapters are supposed to be a single piece that was originally intended to be only like 200 words! O.o! And for those who looks forward for the fighting scene, have to say sorry if I disappoint you guys. I'm just not good in describing fighting scene.

5. I'm gonna take a break from this long piece of what supposed to be one chapter...so perhaps there would be a delay on update for the next originally 2nd chapter. I was wondering what to write first.

6. The next chapters...I have to warn you, perhaps they will be more likely written in drabble style which mean they will be like 200 to 500 words each chapter. That's what I'm intending...just see whether my muse will go rampant again or not ;P

7. Sorry for the false alarm...it was caused by my stupid internet connection thus, the revised file that I did it online, was apparently not saved thus, the earlier uploaded chapter was hideous for the lack of formatting. That's why I took it down again and waited til my internet connection improved.

8. Thank you for all the reviews and more reviews are very much welcomed ^.^