Warning: As a reminder, please beware of extensive profanity, different levels of blood and gore, homosexual romances and all details that may hint toward the rating. After this chapter, the warning will be pulled down. It should be understood what you might come across after reading this twice and noting the rating before you entered (if any of you even do that).

Additional note from beta: Beware the slow beta, 'cos they're holding it up as well.

Once again, I welcome all new readers and greet those who have been sticking with this story and continuing to like it. As for reviews, I know many people signed their pennames when they first reviewed for these chapters, and can't do so again, but not to worry, some have already figured out that you could just review with the same name but without signing it and I would still get it. Any word from anyone is welcome and I thank those who reviewed again, along with those who reviewed the first time.

Quick Note:

Italics – thought

Bold italics - Gaea

The Complete Opposite

Chapter II

-x-

He looked up once he stepped from the last stair, gazing toward to the raised platform in front of him. He remembered this scene very well, almost like it was engraved in his mind. He wasn't surprised that it was still immaculate and shining as if a trillion tiny crystals constructed the structures in this strange abyss. It was like the whole place was stuck in inertia. It was bizarre and befuddling and there wasn't a drop of blood to be seen...

Wading across to the altar that was separated from the main construction of the crystalline temple far below the Forbidden City, Cloud looked about him, almost hoping to find some kind of evidence of what happened several years ago. He knew he would not find anything, just like the year before, but he still searched, hoping perhaps to find a flaw in the architecture, or some evidence of his failure. It felt like stepping foot on to Heaven's grounds when you knew you weren't supposed to be there.

As he stopped in the very centre of the altar, he settled down and opened his journey pack to carefully pull out his gift to the one woman who helped put a smile on his face and held his hand throughout the first part of their journey. It was a little embarrassing to think about it, how she almost literally held his hand all the way; but it had been comforting to know that she had been there for him, supporting him in her own way.

His gift was a glass canister and it clinked as it contacted with the crystal floor. Inside was a bundle of white and pale yellow flowers still rooted in the dirt. She grew them, once. Now, Cloud just held on to them for keepsake, offering some of them to her. After all, he didn't know how to grow flowers, let alone these, so he had decided to give them to her. Perhaps it was as a reminder of what her life was like here on solid earth, or perhaps it was a way of saying "thank you." Whatever it was, Cloud felt obligated to do it.

Why?

Was it guilt? Sorrow? Why did he feel obligated to give flowers to a dead girl? ...There never really was a need for an answer, actually. It was just the least he could do for what she had sacrificed for him. For everyone.

Life was something you didn't play with and she had willingly given up hers to save the world, to aid him in stopping Sephiroth.

I'm sorry...

He hadn't been able to do anything to prevent it. As much as he wanted to, he'd simply stared as the enemy's blade cut through her skin and tore a hole in her perfect innocence. And with that, it – technically – was his fault, right?

Wrong.

Jerking, Cloud turned to see a familiar girl… no, woman standing behind him, a smile on her lips and youthful face. Graced with dark curls and glowing green eyes, she bore years of wisdom and fatigue that no other could match, for there was no other like her. She was clothed in a green dress and vine-like tattoos moved across her pearly skin as she curtsied to him and reached out to draw him up to his feet. She looked up at him from the viewpoint of a child, but held an authoritative air about her that made Cloud feel like the child instead. Immediately, he knew who she was and dared to sink back to his knees, only to be prevented by a pair of hands that held him upright.

Well, now, that wasn't exactly the reaction I was expecting, young Cloud Strife.

Cloud's mind almost reeled as her voice reached his ears, passing into his head and echoing her ethereal murmurs without her once opening her mouth to speak.

"Mother Gaea?" he dared to question.

Yes, child. She paused to look him over, appearing to inspect him for any sign of dirt or scum on his clothing like a real mother would to her child. Your soul cries out to me. It bears the most confused and saddest voice I have ever heard. Why is that, I wonder?

She looked up at him for an answer but Cloud was too shocked and numb to even think of an answer for her. The best he could do was shake his head.

Is that so...? I see. Gaea smiled tiredly. I hope not to play this game for much longer, child, for I am in need of rest. You do not know how difficult it is to manifest this form, all for the ability just to talk to you.

Cloud regained his strength to stand again and felt relieved when the tiny woman lifted her hands from his arms. He stared as she lightly pushed back her flowing hair and turned her attention to the case behind him.

There are many things in this world, young Strife, that can and cannot be expressed; things that should and should not be expressed; things that wish and refuse to be expressed. Many beings – objects, people, souls – that cry out and wail in my ears. Did you know that the softest voice speaking is the loudest heard when one's ear is tuned to the heart? You do not know how often my ears would bleed if I controlled a physical body. Gaea turned her attention to him again. I need your help young Cloud Strife. I hear the screams of many people on this earth and beyond. The loudest voice I hear now is hers. Tears that aren't real constantly stream from her face, calling to me, begging for my help. Alas, I cannot do anything myself but I CAN send someone in my place.

Cloud shifted as he anticipated Mother Gaea's orders. He knew he could not deny her, nor ignore her wishes, for she was Almighty and her will was the Way. She was the earth and held all the riches and lives in her dainty hands. Those who objected were sought out and taken care of. In many ways, she was by far more powerful and frightening than JENOVA and Sephiroth.

"What is it, Mother?"

Gaea covered one of his hands with her own, shadows creeping into her smile. You are the brightest child I have ever laid eyes on. Never lose yourself in the confusion of your heart and the oddities your eyes may lay upon. You are pure, white, clear, clean. You are like your namesake: a cloud, innocent and untouched – yet darkened by the tears you may rain eventually.

A pain shot through Cloud's hand as Gaea squeezed it, her eyes boring into his. The pain was enough to make Cloud wince but he became confused when he realized that the pain he felt was not from her hands but from something burning his skin where she held him.

I need your help, Cloud. She is in trouble and does not know how to defend herself. She is an eon too young to deal with this and she will not call forth her own warriors to save her, so I must aid her in the few ways I can. At Cloud's pained yet questioning face she added, She is what you could call my younger sister. She is like myself, but far too young and far too foolish. Her champion is in need of help as well, young Strife, so I ask that you lend your strength to him.

Cloud nodded weakly as he felt the pain creep up his arm and spread throughout his body, every pulse centering at his hand.

Thank you, young Strife, and... I apologize in advance. No, do not ask me why; you will understand momentarily. Please, I just ask that you help her. Follow her champion, for he will lead the way to victory and happiness. And also, before I send you off... She paused to draw the blond into a hug, holding tight to his hand. She adores your gifts, Cloud Strife, and wishes you would smile more and do more than just give her back her flowers. She loves them, and you, but desires more of your happiness than her own in me.

Cloud smiled as best he could as the pain spread to thrum through every pore in his body. He could feel the strength in him depleting quickly as his eyes started to roll back in his head. He knew that Gaea was the only thing holding him up, and didn't know when he would lose consciousness. Faintly, the sounds of some unknown words in an unknown language reached his ears, and he felt his body grow lighter. With all his might, he concentrated on looking at Gaea and was faintly aware that she was not holding him anymore. A large smile crossed her face, and with a single word, everything turned black. Cloud didn't know if he should've been scared or not but decided that he would trust the Mother and let her take him wherever she wanted him to be, and work from there.

...Hopefully, everything would turn out fine.

Cloud Strife, he heard her say in his consciousness before he completely blacked out, this will be the hardest challenge you will face. Take care, child.

-x-

Colors of the Lifestream swirled together all around the young man. The green glow of Mother Gaea's blood was permanently merged with the hues of his blue eyes. There was no definite up or down, left or right, sky or ground; only blues and greens.

Cloud looked about him but could not orient himself with his surroundings. He could somewhat make out the image of a woman standing in front of him, similar to the young girl he had seen the last time he fell into an unnatural unconscious in the guise of a dream. However, instead of falling upon her youthful body, his eyes gazed upon an aged women of similar features, gracing age lines fit for a normal woman of forty or fifty years. It was peculiar to see this older version of who he knew was Gaea, yet also seemed quite natural for her to look this way. After all, she did not truly hold a specific human body, so she probably could have looked however she wanted.

She smiled down at him, suddenly taller than his petite figure. 'Cloud Strife,' she addressed him.

Just the same as Mother Gaea in the City, this woman's words echoed inside Cloud's mind, her lips never moving in sync with her words, let alone at all. He bowed his head slightly to her call.

'The road will be lined with trouble and death.' She cupped the sides of his face and gently lifted it. 'Careful. It will be difficult, but I think you will survive. After all, you are Her creation, young Cloud Strife. Remember that.'

Cloud nodded in compliance before closing his eyes as this woman flitted her hand over his face, marking out his features quickly before drawing away. There was a moment of reprieve then he opened his eyes again, resting them on a new sight, this being a familiar girl with brown hair that aged similarly to the previous apparition.

Marlene.

'Thanks for the flower, Mr. Cloud,' said she as a curtsy issued. 'I'm sorry for being so mean to you in the beginning. ...I mean, you were just so hard to get along with, you know? I was – what? – about eight years old? How else does a little girl like me react to a guy such as you: Cloud Strife?'

She smiled, a rare genuine smile that seemed just slightly displaced. Cloud nodded to this young woman as well before allowing her presence to disappear as the other had. It was a surprise. Where in the world was he for this to happen? It was a strange, strange oddity. Nevertheless, he allowed it to continue.

This time, a third woman made her appearance, once again sporting a shade of brown hair. Dark tresses almost as long as she was tall, the woman named Tifa waltzed before him in her usual manner, with a cocky pose and reprimanding 'tsk.'

'Wow. You sure have matured since the last time I saw you. It seemed like a dream when I saw you leave on that truck full of other SOLDIER candidates, huh? Then I blinked my eyes and suddenly you're like this: all grown up and so powerful, leading your own life and bursting through the front lines of trouble (though that doesn't seem so new). Hee-hee. But I suppose that was how you were and how you still are, huh? Mr. Macho Cloud Strife now, I guess.' Her face bore a sad smile. 'It's a shame, really.'

She never defined what she meant by that last part as she threw her arms around him in a powerful, heartfelt hug that threw him off balance and into the arms of someone who hadn't been there a second before. Too surprised at the sudden appearance of this new person, Cloud didn't really realize that with that motion, Tifa was gone.

Turning about and righting himself Cloud laid eyes upon the previous leader of AVALANCHE and a very reliable, if not impulsive companion.

'Yo!'

A metallic arm reflected odd patterns from the surrounding blue-green light. Barret. He still puffed himself up whenever addressing him.

'What the shit are you doing, man? Lazy-ass punk.' Despite his growl a smirk played upon his lips. 'I never should have let yer scrawny ass into the group. Dragging us around into your problems. Tch. You're a dumbass, Cloud Strife.'

He cuffed Cloud on the shoulder roughly, pushing him back a bit. He laughed and commented about how thin and bony Cloud was compared to everyone else, his proud voice fading as he disappeared into the sea of colors. The man was nothing short of what he had expected; still brash, loud and dirty-mouthed like someone else he knew. Speaking of which...

Smoke drifted around Cloud's head, swirling in fascinating waves and patterns that only a cigarette could produce. Shifting, blue eyes met with blue eyes, blond hair with blond hair. Junior and senior greeted each other.

'Hey, numbskull.'

Cid rubbed his knuckles against Cloud's skull in a rough yet surprisingly affectionate manner, like an uncle to a nephew.

'What-cha doing pansy? Let's hope you don't "mosey" your way into some damn shit, alright? We all can't go saving your ass every time, 'kay?' He snorted, puffing a stream of white smoke from his nostrils.

He always did have a bad habit of chain smoking. Cloud gave his own little snort before plucking the cigarette out of the older blond's mouth and tossing it over his shoulder, earning a shocked expression and gaping mouth as the man struggled to find the proper curse words for what just happened.

'Shit! What the hell was that for! Fucking hell, Cloud Strife, that was my last one!'

Frantically, the ex-pilot sifted through his clothing, hoping he could find a miracle cigarette hiding somewhere on him. It was highly unlikely. Cloud simply shook his head and turned away from the older man, amused at his mannerism.

He stepped away from Cid, wondering if the pilot had disappeared yet like the others but he didn't let himself look back. He studied the continuous swirl of brilliant colors all about him, half making him nauseous with the constant moving. It was perplexing how his feet felt like they were walking on solid ground, yet when he looked below it appeared as if he was suspended above a large, endless hole. Staring down at his feet, Cloud pondered the logic of this place, looking up again only when he spotted a discoloration in the mix.

Settled back on his haunches, Nanaki – also known to the other AVALANCHE members as Red XIII – peered at him with one curious eye. 'Cloud?'

Animals were not meant to talk. Red, however, could quite clearly, as if he was born human and just temporarily stuck in this lion's body.

'What are you doing? ...You humans still astound me in the way you act.' He seemed to pause before continuing, tilting his head to one side. 'I was never really found of two-legged creatures, humans especially after what was done to me; but I believe I have come to terms with you animals. Humans. You, I feel, are one of the only people I consider admirable and worthy, Cloud Strife.' A weird animalistic grin crossed Red's face as his lips pulled back to show predator teeth. 'Grandpa gives his regards, by the way.'

Tribal jewels threaded into the lion's hair jingled as he shook his mane. Ears and tail twitched in time for a few seconds before that single feline eye settled on Cloud again, a small quirk of the lion's lips the only show of a humanistic and animated feature from him before his body vanished like all the others.

What greeted Cloud next was the light, fast footsteps of another comrade coming from another direction. A foreign greeting rang through the air before a small body crashed into his.

'Ohayo!' Short dark hair tickled his nose as he looked down at the hyperactive teenager clinging to him in a generous hug. 'How are you, Cloud?'

Cloud pushed back the girl and looked her over properly. He noticed a new age to her features, both in her face and body.

'What? It's not like I have any wrinkles or anything.' True to her nature, she stuck out her tongue at him. 'I've just been busy, y'know? Father is being a jerk again and I have to do whatever I can to fix his mess.' She smiled in exasperation. 'It really, really sucks! There's too much work and not enough treasure to hunt! I'm so bored it's not even funny. Take me with you, please? I want to lay my hands on something rare and valuable- ooh! Can I sell your sword? Please? C'mon Cloud I need the gil. Besides, you carrying a weapon just means you're asking for trouble anyway and Gaea-sama knows you're already neck deep in it without it anyway.'

Yuffie had the courtesy to roll her eyes at him before grinning and laughing. She had child-like humor but was mature for her age despite whatever flew out of her mouth. She was honest in what she wanted and demanding; she never took no for an answer.

'Or... you could give me your materia instead? I KNOW there's a high price on the black market right now ever since the Plants got shut down. Can I have those? What use do you have for them anyway, right?' She nudged him in the side, getting him to jerk a bit at the sharp contact.

Cloud winced and rubbed at his side, glancing down at the damage before looking up at the girl again, seeing her body start to disappear already as she chirped a final note to him: 'Hey, you should come visit Wutai sometime. Of course, stay away from my stupid father because I think he's marked you down as a good consort for me. Hahaha. As if! You're too troublesome for me, Cloud Strife.'

It was ironic to hear those words from her, yet they brought a smile and laugh from Cloud as the young woman's image faded. He sighed and shook his head. He was fond of the girl; she was like a younger sister he never had. So full of energy and such a handful, Yuffie was really an enjoyment to have around in the gang.

A gentle hand brushed his arm. Turning, the blond met a vaguely familiar figure. He frowned.

The man before him chuckled at his confusion. 'Ah, yes, I suppose you wouldn't really recognize me, would you?' rang a doubly familiar voice in Cloud's ears. 'But I'm sure you at least know my voice, right? Come now, Cloud, it was the only thing you could probably know since I used that doll all the time. How tedious it was to maneuver it.'

Cloud's eyes widened in recognition. Of course. This man was a traitor and ally. Reeves.

'I see you remember now? Then it would be appropriate for me to apologize, then wouldn't it? Yes, I know it wouldn't be accepted, but I must say it nonetheless. Cloud Strife... I am deeply sorry. I still do not think I have fully made up for the screw-up I did, but I hope you can still consider me as a friend at least on the battlefield.'

Cloud couldn't think of this man any other way. He was companion through and through, no matter what crap he put them through. He would always be an AVALANCHE member according to Cloud. Same for that mechanical doll of his. It's bizarre and seemingly worthless skills came in handy every once in a while.

The blond nodded to the dark-haired man before him, allowing the image to transform momentarily into the giant Mog and Cat.

'Hey, hey Cloud Strife! How's it going? Care for another fortune telling? I swear I'm getting the hang of this.' The Cat did a little jig atop the Mog while the machine inside processed a random fortune. A high-pitched bell signaled the completion and out of Cait Sith came a piece of paper, spat from the Mog's mouth. 'Oh, what's this? I hope it's good. Let's see: "You will cross many complications on your journey, but eventually you will come to stand atop the mountain of victory." Your lucky color is green. Wow! That was a lot better than last time with that chick, huh? I guess nothing new there though, right?'

The mechanical cat laughed before doing another dance and bursting into nonexistence.

For a moment Cloud was allowed to relish the sudden silence and rhythmic sway of colors around him, taking a few paces in several directions before he settled again, staring up at what could have been the sky or floor or wall in this neutral world. Who else was going to visit him, he wondered. Was everyone going to say their "goodbyes" before he was shipped off to complete whatever mission Mother Gaea had set him? He hoped this wasn't a final farewell. This had to just be a dream he was experiencing, nothing more.

Darkness edged his sight, drawing Cloud to meet the gaze of deep red. Of course, these eyes were not cursed with anger or sadness, but absolute contentment and long awaited peace.

'Cloud.' Vincent bowed respectfully to him, his body towering over Cloud like a tall thin tree, a willow with black branches and leaves. 'At last I am at a resting point, yet I cannot find it within myself to actually put myself to sleep as I had long hoped to do. Instead, I have come to a decision to continue living with my curse and punishment, not necessarily as a badge on my sleeve but as a part of myself that I can consider almost like a partner and aid, not a burden. ...I did not think I would ever have thought this, but I believe I am partially grateful for what has been done to me for it has served you on your journey and assisted in balancing the chaos in the world.'

Cloud simply shook his head and waved a hand in dismissal, surprised when it was caught by the clawed hand of the other man and red eyes struck his as it usually did.

'I do not consider an apology appropriate but I am sincerely grateful for what you have given me. I...' Red eyes darkened with emotion, something that didn't cross his features nor entirely reached his voice. 'I am no longer leading an empty life full of regret and anger. I am trying. ...Thank you, Cloud Strife.'

The older man finally let go of Cloud's hand, dropping his arm by his side. Cloud let him go.

'My goodness.'

Cloud couldn't exactly say he was surprised to see her, but it was still mesmerizing to witness her whole again. No marks, no stains.

Alive.

'So many! Quite the popular man, aren't you, Cloud?' Of course, her giggles sounded the same. It was like an old familiar tune to him from once upon a time ago. 'I guess I should schedule a date if ever I want to talk to you in private, huh? Actually, that sounds like a good idea. Let's go out on a date sometime, okay? A real one. Not one where your mind is shrouded with thoughts of Sephiroth or saving the world or money or anything like that, but a real date where you and I can focus on each other and the good times. What do you say, Mr. Cloud Strife? Is that a deal? I'm sure it'll be so much fun!'

It would be a grand experience, Cloud was sure. However, he knew this girl was dead and would never set foot on Gaea's green earth again. Never. A sad smile passed this man's lips as eyes slid shut and a silent denial was passed back to Aeris.

'Of course you'd turn her down.'

Blue eyes opened and met with painstakingly familiar violet eyes. He missed those eyes, that face, that hair, that person all-together. Where was he when he was in trouble and screaming for help? Where was he when he was dangling from the thin thread of life and just about ready to fall off?

'Whoa- whoa! Don't start crying on me, buddy! What did I do? What's the matter? Shit, what's upsetting you, Cloud? Tell me. I'm sorry, I'll fix it, I swear.'

Cloud missed that comforting voice, that older brother feeling he got from the older man. A comrade, an older brother, a friend; he missed it.

'Hey, hey. I haven't seen you like this since... well, since those guys were bullying you in the Academy. Hey, remember when Seph first came to the rescue? Thought he was some knight in shining armor, huh?' Zack laughed and comfortingly patted Cloud on the shoulder. 'I remember you hitting me like the world was about to end when I joked and suggested you should've married the damn stiff. Man, I got a bruise back then! Pull some of those punches, why don'cha?'

Cloud shook his head and smiled. Yes, he missed this.

'Oh, hey, if it were possible, I think it would've been really cool if none of that crap back in Nibel happened and we all hung out together. I'm sure you would've eventually made a fine SOLDIER, Cloud Strife. With some practice and training, I bet you'd be a lot more buff than this.' Playfully, Zack pinched the muscle in Cloud's arm. 'Maybe you would've grown too, ya shrimp. Hahaha. I'm kidding, of course. You're fine the way you are, don't worry.'

Cloud lightly hit Zack on the shoulder and allowed the man to retaliate and play-tackle him to the ground. They had only done this a very, very few times, like two best friends in the playground. In fact, it was a miracle he was even spotted in the first place. Cloud was grateful to have met Zack and to have gotten to know him as a friend, something very few had while he was in the Academy.

The blond was surprised to feel his body contact with what could've been a floor, yet probably still looked the same as the rest of the scenery with no definable direction or center of gravity. Waiting for the pressure of a person above him to disappear, he slowly opened his eyes again and regretted doing so as his eyes immediately settled on the tip of a sharp sword just inches from his face. Trailing up the edge, Cloud's eyes crossed over the frightening features of yet another dead person he knew.

Cloud... Help me...

The tip of the blade moved from his face and slowly trailed down the centerline of his body to settle over his chest. The heart, the lung, his midsection... Where was the aim? Cloud could not move under this would-be assault, his eyes following the tip of the sword instead of the owner.

It did not occur to him until later that the lower features of what was Sephiroth were dramatically off. Catching familiar clothing articles that would never fit a man Sephiroth's size, Cloud felt his heart skip a beat in shock as he realized exactly whom those clothes would fit. Slowly he shifted his gaze from the weapon to the owner and Cloud felt his heart skip yet another beat as his guess came true.

Familiarity far beyond that he had never known before... Features that he knew by heart... Every inch of this person he knew entirely and would never mistake. What he didn't know though was the emotion he sensed within the other. He hadn't felt that and couldn't recognize it and it twisted what should have been familiar features so much that they seemed placid. He knew the emotion but he couldn't accept it within himself, not on this mirror image of him.

Stuck in his stupor, his alter ego took the opportunity to slice through his paralysis to bring forth a reality, forcing a stream of realization in the form of thick blood to pour out through the wound now gracing his chest.

Blue by blue.

NOT blue by green.

Why?

Cloud could barely even comprehend what had happened and what was still happening before pain seared through him and wiped his mind of any thought.

Colors swirled together before him, piercing BLUE dominating him.

The colors slowly turned dark as the excruciating pain clawed at his very body. Unsurprisingly enough, it felt as if someone jabbed their fist through his chest and wrenched out all his vitals, crushing them in the process.

Pain. It hurt.

He didn't know why...

Young Strife, I could give you a thousand apologies but I do not think it would be enough for what you must be put through. Please... understand...

The words were Cloud's lullaby as logic finally ceased to make sense. Nothing accompanied him except for the echo of silence and the unsettling darkness that crowded his vision.

-x-

Note: Thank you very much JT for running over things for me. Hurray! (You must be so swamped with all my difficulty, so extra thank you!) Everyone thank her too!