Number 3 and hey, it's coming along smoothly. Still a bit slow paced and it'll be like that for awhile but it'll pick up. I have a plot in mind with Xenmas returning and plan to Marluxia in one way or another.

The ride over to Luca was surprisingly smooth to Sephiroth. The auto pilot worked well and Sephiroth wasn't required to do anything except orders for the moment. This gave him time to look around for awhile. The ship was big, large in fact. It could be used for a multitude of things. Even though the total size of the crew was 14 it could easily hold double, maybe triple that. The ship could be used in many ways, but the only thing that crossed Sephiroth's mind at the moment was transportation.

Excalibur began flying over the sea, now halfway to Luca. The thought of returning to the continent that he helped saved was intend invigorating but it wasn't he main attraction he had in mind. Now that he was back what was he going to do? Last time it was just to redeem himself for this third chance. Sephiroth technically forced that third chance but it was his nonetheless. Now what was he going to do? It seemed like such a minuscule detail. Well he couldn't decide anything right now. Good thing about repairing and resupply the Excalibur was that it took his mind off things for now.

Sephiroth returned to the cockpit of the Airship and sat down in the front of the ship. The ride over gave him time to look over the controls and database. It had almost everything. Up to date maps, charts, databases on countries and their politics. Time in Sand Sea didn't stop this beast at all. It even told how Spira had changed over the past two years. How the Machine Faction, New Yevon, the Youth League, and Shinra were now the main powers. The Machine faction was mostly Al Bhed while New Yevon was the second generation of the old Yevon it seemed. The Youth League take the young audience who wants the near generation to be a prosperous one.

Sephiroth noted that Shinra had become not only a main power in Spira but across the world. Zanarkand was being rebuilt it seemed with Shinra's HQ located there. Sephiroth didn't bother going over the real details since he just wanted to skim it. One thing he did note was what this ship came from. "Excalibur, this ship came Esthar correct? Then why isn't it registered from there?"

"A few main reasons," replied the ship. "All ships are NOW required to be registered while back then, it wasn't mandatory. Also you're the new captain so we must be registered at your desired location."

"I understand," acknowledged Sephiroth.

A few minutes later the radio came on and a voice with it. "Unidentified airship this is the Luca Airstation. We have you on our radar. What are your intentions?"

"This is the Excalibur, I'd like to dock at the airstation," replied Sephiroth calmly. "This ship isn't registered but I'd like to at your airstation."

There was a short pause after his own transmission. Sephiroth wondered if the radio was still working or not. Finally they responded. "Roger that Excalibur, dock wherever you please on the public airstation docks. We'll being the registration process after you land. Oh, and welcome to Luca."

Another few minutes and Sephiroth could see the city. It got bigger in two years. The city probably grew by 30% now with the new buildings around the city. Some were even being built around the water. The Blitzball stadium was one of the three largest buildings no. There was a large white building, overlooking the whole city with the letters W.R.O. on the top. And out to sea on a large rectangular platform was the Airstation. Sephiroth took the controls and found a spot for him on the side of the station and landed it.

Sephiroth unbuckled his belt and pressed a button on his way out. The platform in the hangar was activated and then lowered to he ground. Sephiroth walked down he stairs to the Airstation. The noise wasn't that bad considering that lots of airships were docked. Much to Sephiroth's surprise however there was a man walking over to him. First he thought that it was someone for registration but right away he knew that wasn't the guy. This man was wearing a nice suit and had silver hair. A familiar face and smile arose on his face as he came closer.

"Kadaj, you're looking well," complimented Sephiroth walking over to meet him.

"I knew that was you Sephiroth," commented Kadaj with a smile. "Your presence is hard to miss." Kadaj took a minute to look over the Excalibur. "Quite a ship. I'm sure you have a few things to tell me but lets head off shall we?"

"Hold on, I need to talk to the owners of this place," commented Sephiroth back to his ship. " I don't have any gil on me so I need to ask them to wait for me to pay them."

Kadaj snickered a bit. "Don't worry about that. If Luca gets to register you then you get to stay here for free."

"I see," commented Sephiroth turning back walking with Kadaj. He had such a monotone but inside he was excited, a little. "What about repairs?"

"The staff will give you the equipment but you have to repair the ship yourself," answered Kadaj. "Don't worry about your ship it's in good hands. Lets just go and have a little chat."

Sephiroth walked the streets of Luca alongside Kadaj. It wasn't too different from what he remembered. Tall buildings, lots of people, nothing really different about this place. Obviously there was some expansion what with the Airstation but it was pretty much the same. Kadaj began explaining the world around him, how the whole world has been exposed to them. The people of Spira have been working hard for the past few years to remake Spira and it has made tremendous progress. Sephiroth and Kadaj took a seat on a bench in Town Square in the middle of Luca.

Sephiroth began explaining his side. How he met Gilgamesh and escaped his confinement. How Xenmas had a plan to get back even though Sephiroth wasn't too sure how. Then how he came to Ivalice and found the Excalibur.

"Won't they be after you?" asked Kadaj confused drinking some of his beverage.

"Possibly," responded Sephiroth not the least bit intimidated. "But they either need someone really strong or a large army. Since they need to be discreet they'll probably send only a handful if they ever send any."

The duo remained silent for awhile. "So what are you going to do now?" asked Kadaj. "It's not like we're fighting some major evil anymore. There are political issues but that's not up your alley."

"I haven't given it much thought," answered Sephiroth after a short break.

"Well everyone is finding something to do in Spira," commented Kadaj. "Look at me, I joined the W.R.O. helping maintain balance and restoring it. People all around have been finding something to do. Join a faction or some little group. Or perhaps leave Spira and find something to do."

Sephiroth just sat there, looking at the ground not answering any questions or suggestions Kadaj made. What was he supposed to do? He was raised to be the ultimate weapon. If he did decide to do something it had to revolve around that alone. Kadaj's eyes observed him carefully and let a smile.

"I got it, become a bounty hunter or mercenary," suggested Kadaj confidently, folding his arms. Sephiroth's head peaked up for once, but with a still face. "Everyone is hiring them these days. Now that Sin has gone, more fiends have popped up. Apparently they were all hiding from him. But not everyone can handle them so they post bills about them and rank them and called Marks. They pay well and everything. Or just be someone to hire, I'm sure with your record they could hire you."

"Not a bad idea, it's something I can do for now at least," answered Sephiroth looking out the window. "I think I have a plan now."

"Really? What's that?"

"I think I should do what you suggested for now," answered Sephiroth thinking on his answer. "But I need a crew. Excalibur is too small for just one person to operate. Any ideas who I can use? I doubt you could join."

"I wouldn't even if I wasn't busy," said Kadaj with a waving hand. "This is my life and I'm enjoying it. But I do have a suggestion yes. Axel and Roxas. You can find them in the second most southern country near the south pole. There is a small yet stable town called Twilight Town. They should be good recruits."

Sephiroth didn't seem too interested though. Become a mercanary or hunter? That just didn't seem right. He constantly looked down at his tea, lost in thought. He saw the image of a warrior, the best in the world. Someone with a reputation that filled the hearts of men with fear. A man who became a god, then defeated those who thought they could become one. This was Sephiroth and was he supposed to be lowered down to a hunter? No. But his time of reflection did give him an idea.

"First things first lets go to the W.R.O. HQ," told Kadaj getting up. He paid 4 girl for his and Sephiroth tea and walked out with Sephiroth right behind him. "You said that ship needs repairs right? The W.R.O. recently came into some moogles from Ivalice that are quite well trained in mechanics. I'm sure we can get you some. Also you'll need a cellphone. Oh and..."

"Kadaj, where is Cloud?" interrupted Sephiroth. Kadaj had to stop and turn around to face him.

"Why do you want to know?" asked Kadaj, obviously worried.

"Answer me," commanded Sephiroth irritated. He wasn't going to answer that.

Kadaj took a few seconds to compile his thoughts. He looked over Sephiroth a few times before answering. "Look I'm willing to bet you want to finish your score with Cloud right?" No response. "Well it's none of my business. I don't know if I would tell you even if I knew."

"You're saying he's not within your ranks anymore?"

Kadaj shook his head. "After we returned to Zanarkand two years ago he along with Tifa, Zack and Namine left."

Sephiroth looked to the side of him thinking. He focused back on Kadaj. "Which means he's no longer in Spira then. If he was still here I'm sure you would know right?"

A smile whipped across Kadaj's face. "Naturally. Shinra and the W.R.O. know everything that happens in this continent. We honestly don't know where he is."

"Very well, take me to your HQ so I can start with my search," ordered Sephiroth. Kadaj raised an eyebrow at his order but shrugged it off. He turned around and began walking back to his HQ.

'How odd', thought Sephiroth. 'Even if he was on the other side of the planet I should be able to sense him. Which means that he's either dead or in a location where his energy is being blocked off. Didn't think there was such a place.

Sephiroth walked on with Kadaj having his plans in motion. He'll get what he needs at

the W.R.O., get a few crew members, and set out to find Cloud. What comes after that will have to wait till his fight.

Preview: Sephiroth gets his new gear and begins looking for a crew. Not just a regular crew but one that's powerful and can help him track down his rival: Cloud. However, the council wasn't too happy with his escape attempt and have sent a powerful man to hunt him down: The Warriot of Light from FF1