AN: Thank you for the reviews, I appreciate it. However, it appears that many fans are suddenly vanishing, and I'm very sad. How do I know you're there, enjoying this, if I don't hear from you! (cries) But for those who still do, I thank ye greatly. I love to hear that you love it, even if it's just a simple sentence that says, "Love it! Write more soon!" Gracias, people! Well, on with story. (Heh.)

PS: To the question about the other AVALANCHE members, yes, you will learn about them soon. Not this chapter, but soon, I assure you. Maybe next chapter? Hmm...

The Complete Opposite

By DoD (K)

Chapter XIII

The aircraft shook when it took off, the turbulence almost unbearable for Cloud as he was reminded of the times when he would easily get sick on almost any journey. He would hold onto anything nearby and wait for the bile to rise in his throat before he rushed to the side and bent forward, emptying his stomach of his breakfast. Many of the soldiers around him would look the other way so they wouldn't puke just by watching him, while a couple brave men came forward and helped him calm down. Cloud now could assume that was why he was always so skinny, not matter what muscles he built over the years and how strong he became. He barely contained any fat, and if a wild beast ever wanted to eat him, all they would get was mouthful of mako-infused blood and muscles to chew on. Cloud could bet even his brain wasn't that delectable.

For the trip, Cloud sat away from everyone, sitting on a crate that just happened to be there. He leaned against the wall and rested his head against it, closing his eyes and drawing up one leg to prevent himself from sliding. He followed sounds with his ears, watching people go by through the backs of his eyelids. It sounded strange, but it kept him busy, distracting him from things he should have been thinking about.

Something wet nudged his forearm. Cloud pulled away from his nonexistent thoughts and opened his eyes. He spotted the red lion standing on his hindquarters, staring at him.

"Mind I join you?" Red said.

Cloud shook his head. Out of all of the AVALANCHE members, Cloud felt like he could trust Red. The lion seemed to want to know him better, so Cloud let him. Back in his world, Cloud was probably closest to Red and Vincent. Vincent was harder to get along with, but because of their shared motives and "curses," they understood each other to some extent. But Red, Red was patient with him, despite his proclaimed dislike towards humans. (Or "two-legged creatures," as he put it.) Whenever he actually said something, apart from the others, Red listened and was patient whenever he paused for a long time, trying to overcome the multiple holes in his memory.

This Red, on this Gaea, was not that different. Maybe a scar or two more or less in different places, but other than physical changes, his mind was the same. Red was still patient, perceptive, and willing to learn and find out the truth in things.

Cloud stared at the lion for a moment as he climbed onto the crate beside his and stretched out, wrapping his tail around his haunches. The lion kept his one good eye on the blonde and flared his nose for no reason. He twitched his ears and looked away, surveying the small number of workers bustling about. Cloud noticed how none of them came anywhere near him and the lion. In fact, they didn't even look at him. But, Cloud figured, it was to be expected since he was supposed to be evil, deranged, and dangerous here as Sephiroth would be back home.

"Open."

Cloud started and turned back to the lion with a questioning look on his face.

"You're rather open," Red continued. "If they cared to look, they would see that you were very open, compared to how you were earlier. I would probably have my tongue cut out, but I do not think you are who everyone thinks you are."

Cloud blinked. That was a first. He had a hunch the lion had a different opinion of him, but he didn't know how different or how strongly. Hearing those words from the animal's lips was refreshing and relieving, yet nearly frightening. Cloud was surprised, to say in the least, but he was also glad. And now... how long would it take to get the rest of the world to see he was innocent?

"Your actions are very different from the previous Cloud we know. They are... gentle."

Cloud looked away from the lion and let his words sink in. Was he that transparent? Or was this lion just that perceptive and observant? Cloud didn't want to think about it too much.

"Where do you come from?"

Cloud frowned and turned back to the lion. He carried a confused expression.

Red shook his head, his mane flying about. "Gaea must have plans for you if she sent you here when she knew you would be hated."

Cloud shook his head. "And how can you be sure that I'm from a different Planet?" he mouthed, the best he could do when he couldn't talk.

Red grinned, easily reading the blonde's lips. "Well, you aren't the same Cloud Strife, that I know."

At such an evasive answer, Cloud snorted inwardly. He could never win at a mind battle with Red, no matter what Planet he was from. "And these plans? Who's to say I was sent here for a reason?" he mouthed again.

"Has Gaea ever done something without reason?" Red countered, titling his head. When Cloud didn't answer, he continued. "The Planet has done what she has found necessary, and if she gave you to us after such a calamity two years ago, knowing the consequences, she must be expecting something from you, and has something planned for you. If Gaea was not confident in your success and your judgment, then she would not have chosen you. I would think the Planet has an excellent judgment of character, for she chose her savior to be the very man you hate and hates you in return. As for you yourself, what position you are given is undetermined. I would like to think it is something positive and good for this Planet. And perhaps... good for the General as well," he added quietly.

Cloud remained silent after Red's deductions. He didn't like the last sentence; he wished he didn't have mako in his blood and didn't catch the last part, but he couldn't deny what he heard. Was Red hinting at...? Surely this wasn't what Gaea meant when she asked for his help! Cloud shook his head inwardly and distracted himself by watching the workers mechanically work around him. Once, he spotted Sephiroth pass by, but the man didn't even glance in his direction. Was Cloud really supposed to help this block of ice on legs? How? Cloud didn't even want to get near the man, and yet Gaea told him of how this Planet's savior was "in pain," and that she needed him to "help him." It wasn't specified, but Cloud was able to put the two together. The only problem he had was figuring out what kind of "pain" Sephiroth was supposedly in. If Cloud was supposed to help, he hoped it wasn't something he couldn't handle. ...And there were a lot of things he could name that he couldn't handle.

Sephiroth stood at the bridge, a hand resting on the hilt of his Masamune. The legendary six-foot sword was encased in its polished, black sheath. Symbols were carved and filled with silver near the opening of the sheath scaling downwards. Sephiroth remembered when he first got this sword, and how angry and frightened the smith was when they met. Sephiroth was still a child; he was so happy when he received it, he nearly killed his guard just to test it out. It was the first time Sephiroth ever felt emotion in the dark, black and white days of his childhood. It wasn't until Zack came and messed with him that he saw the light of things, and it wasn't until a certain cute, petite blonde boy bumped into him that he learned what emotions were. Zack was his first true friend, and thanks to the idiot, Sephiroth got into trouble and was scolded a lot for hanging out with a troublemaker. But also, it was thanks to Zack that Sephiroth was able to fall in love and finally become alive. That's probably the only reason why Sephiroth hasn't killed Zack yet.

A gloved hand slowly moved to hilt of the sword and he used his thumb to click the sword out. On the side of the blade, just under the hilt, were small carvings, words that reminded Sephiroth of wonderful times in his past. Now that he thought about it, almost everything precious to him had something carved into it. His sword, his heart, his ring...

Sephiroth ran a thumb over his right ring finger and felt the band under the glove press at his skin wherever he touched it. Long ago, he used to wear it on his left hand, and later on, he strung it around his neck on a leather strip, but after losing it once, and then was asked nearly a thousand questions by Yuffie, the annoying brat, he decided on hiding it under his glove. As far as he was concerned, the ring would always stay on that finger.

But then... thinking about the ring on his finger reminded Sephiroth of Cloud Strife. The blonde was probably still wearing the other ring or still had it in his possession. Sephiroth didn't like this, but he couldn't do anything about it. Anything he did would mean coming in contact with the blonde, and he didn't want to even see him. If Red, Bugenhagen, and Rufus thought he would befriend the man, they were dead wrong. There was nothing that would convince him to come to good speaking terms with the blonde.

Sighing inwardly, Sephiroth turned his attention back to his surroundings. Without thinking, he clicked his sword back into its sheath. They were minutes away from their destination, and with every passing moment, Sephiroth grew just slightly uneasy. Mentally he made a list of the things he had and might still need to grab before disembarking the aircraft. He was sure that everyone had weapons they could use, if needed. ...Well, almost everyone. Sephiroth was once more reminded of his burden that was purposely stripped of his mysterious weapon. Ever since they took him aboard and got rid of his sword, they kept it locked up in the Highwind. Surprisingly, the blonde hadn't asked for it back. If it had been his Masamune that had been kept from him, Sephiroth would've hunted it down, no matter who got in the way. He assumed that would be one of the first questions the blonde would ask, since the weapon radiated of power and... something else. When Sephiroth touched the hilt of the broad sword, it glowed faintly and thrummed in his hand. He dismissed it immediately, but now that he thought of it, it was a bit strange that the sword acted as if it was alive...

The sword was probably still locked somewhere in the Highwind. Once they caught up, Sephiroth decided, he would take a look at it. And heaven forbid he say it, but if necessary he would give it back to the blonde. Not as a form of friendship, no! But... perhaps, in toleration and respect in strength? No, respect was far too precious of a word to grant the dirtbag. No, Sephiroth decided, he would just give the man a throwaway weapon if he really needed it. Otherwise, who cared if the man died? It wasn't like Sephiroth needed him, anyway.

But, as much as the silver-haired General hated to admit it, something deep inside him was hurt by that thought.

Is because he reminds me of you...?

Shaking his head slightly, Sephiroth turned away and made his way to one of the private rooms. He passed by the blonde and Red sitting on a pair of crates, but paid them no attention. He didn't glance or even appear to have noticed them. He couldn't. If he looked at that man's face, he didn't know what he would do, whether it was positive or negative. Most likely, he would chance killing the man. It would suit him better, but Sephiroth couldn't.

Once he was in the room, he closed the door behind him and sat down in the chair by the window. Looking out the window, he watched the scenery fly by. They were crossing the ocean now, the sound of waves humming in his mind. Too many memories rose at the thought of endless blue and the sound of a calm beach.

And just as he thought it, the sight of land and a narrow beach came into sight. Sephiroth could spot the Highwind not far from the great sands surrounding Midgar. The aircraft slowly descended to the level terrain near the Highwind and the silver-haired man got up from his chair. Exiting the room, he was just in time to see the blonde, Red, and Vincent make their way toward him. Sephiroth turned away from them and led the way to the exit. They filed out of the aircraft and stopped in between the ships. Sephiroth turned to the other three and frowned inwardly. When his eyes landed on the blonde who was staring around him, he debated once again if he should give the man back his weapon. It would be a risk, but if he wanted the man to stay alive and still in one piece, then he needed to give him a weapon he was familiar with.

With an inward sigh, he waited until the blonde met his gaze before he twitched his finger to get the blonde to follow him into the Highwind. He caught Cloud's bemused look before he about-faced. They noisily entered the ship with the clack of their boots, and continued to make noise all the way to where the sword was held. Sephiroth spotted the long and flat crate it was held in and pulled it down from its high shelf. Throwing the lid open with the nails still attached, Sephiroth revealed to the supposed enemy his sword wrapped in cloth. Even through the cloth the sword glowed faintly. And almost as if it sensed its master, the light pulsed a soft green.

Cloud stared at the silver-haired man's back. Was he giving his sword back to him? He though they weren't on good terms. What was with the sudden change? He raised a brow at the man when he looked over his shoulder and silently told him to take it. Cloud cautiously approached. Sephiroth was still holding the top that hosted all the nails that were used to seal the box. Would he ram his head into it and drive a few nails into his skull? ...He was probably just being paranoid. Sighing, Cloud picked up his Ultima Sword and slid off the wrapping. In the dull light of the room, the sword created a light of its own as soon as it touched Cloud's hands. With a small smile, he threw it over his shoulder and back into its straps. The glow slowly faded and Cloud rotated his shoulders as he got used to the reassuring weight once more.

Sephiroth dropped the lid of the crate and stared at the man for a moment after the glowing stopped. The sword was indeed alive, but in such a strange way. He had no way of studying it now that it was in the blonde's possession again, and he certainly would not ask the blonde to let him borrow the sword to look at it. With the way the blonde let a small smile creep on his face, Sephiroth was certain that he wouldn't let it go if unless he was knocked unconscious and had it stolen from him in his sleep.

Cloud opened his mouth to say something, but realized he couldn't talk. Sephiroth remembered as well and dug into his pocket for a small vial. He pulled out one that was filled with blue liquid and handed it to the blonde. Cloud drank it and waited before testing his vocal chords.

"Thanks," Cloud muttered, not looking at him.

Resisting a smirk, Sephiroth started heading out, noting how a second pair of steps purposely out of sync with his steps to show he was still there and not trying to mask his actions. When they were back outside, he also noted Vincent and Red's suppressed surprised expressions. When Vincent met his gaze, Sephiroth shook his head with little movement. The black-haired man only sighed behind the collar of his cape and broke eye contact.

"Once we enter Midgar, we'll split into two groups. Vincent and Red, go together. Find any other AVALANCHE members scouting the premises. I don't have my PHS, so you'll have to be lucky if you want to find us. Got it?" After glancing at the other three, he turned toward Midgar. "Let's go."

The four set out across the rocky territory surrounding Midgar. It would take them at least half an hour to get there by buggy. But they took a pair of chocobos instead; Sephiroth didn't trust Cloud on his own bird, and since they only had two, they paired up while Vincent took the other one and Red ran between them. On the black chocobo, Sin (1), Cloud sat in front of Sephiroth while the man held the reigns. Sephiroth didn't trust the blonde to sit behind him when he was liable to fall off or try something while he was concentrating on steering the bird. The position was awkward, and Sephiroth kept being graced with the scent of Cloud's hair, but it couldn't be helped. At least he didn't have to be tortured for long as they neared the entrance of Midgar. The surrounding wall was half gone because of Meteor, and weeds were starting to grow. It would take a century or more for the whole place to grow grass again, but already Gaea was starting to heal herself.

The chocobos slowed down to a trot before coming to a complete stop a few feet into the dead city. Sephiroth let go of the reigns with one hand to let the blonde descend before climbing down himself. He commanded the bird to stay put until they returned, and with a nip at his hand, it turned around and started snapping at the weeds growing around the gate. Vincent did the same with his chocobo and turned to Red to see if he needed any assistance. Once Red had regained his breath, the four split up, Sephiroth and Cloud heading deeper into the city first while Red got a bit of water down his throat after such a fast run.

As they passed destroyed homes, Cloud felt a wave of sadness and remorse. Midgar back home was in worse condition. Was it because there, Sephiroth had so much more power than the Cloud Strife here did? What were the differences between good and evil, him and Sephiroth, the two saviors and knights of Gaea? When they passed Sector 5, Cloud spotted the remains of a familiar church. Without even thinking, he steered clear of the path and headed for it. He stooped over dead and crushed flowers, memories playing in his head. It wasn't until another shadow overlapped his did he realize what he was doing. Half turning, he saw Sephiroth standing just a bit away from him, staring at him.

"Aeris' church," Cloud explained, feeling that he somehow needed to justify his actions to this stoic and silent man. "After Meteor, I visited this place and took as many flowers as I could to give to her. Every few months I would visit the Ancient City and present them to her, like a reminder that she wasn't forgotten and we still... loved her."

As Sephiroth flinched inwardly, he responded, "Aeris wouldn't think you had forgotten about her, she's not like that." When Cloud stared at him, he continued, knowing he was going to feel awkward after doing this whole counseling session. "She's a narcissist and not very trusting with other people, but once she believes in you, she won't forget or think you have forgotten her."

True, Cloud thought, but strange. "Aeris in my world was not a narcissist. How different is she here?"

Sephiroth glanced down at the flowers and walked away from them, continuing down the path they started on. "How is she there?" he asked, his voice nearly out of earshot.

Cloud quickly caught up to Sephiroth's wide and quick stride, staying a few steps behind and away from him. It was strange to get into a conversation about a dead AVALANCHE member with Sephiroth. Just having a conversation with him that wasn't psychotic was an impossible feat in itself. Cloud didn't know if he should back away and check his pulse and really see if he was in another world and not dreaming, or take it as an opportunity to stop the fighting and break the ten-foot barrier between them. Risking, and hoping, Cloud chose the latter. "She was quiet and kind. She asked me for help and I chose to be her bodyguard against the Turks. How did you meet her? What was she like?"

Sephiroth glanced over his shoulder at the petite blonde. "She was quiet, but more reserved. She didn't trust others too easily. I was the only one she came to trust easier than the others. It took her a long time to get used to Zack."

Cloud let a chuckle escape before he clamped his mouth shut, partially horrified that he nearly laughed in front of Sephiroth. Clearing his throat, he supplied his side of the conversation to distract the silver-haired man from his mistake. "Aeris enjoyed everyone's company. Whenever she was skeptical, she voiced her concerns. She had a young and innocent air about her."

As the two passed into Sector 6 and the remains of the Wall Market, Sephiroth said, "She wasn't too different. She was innocent, as you say, but she was also stubborn and almost as annoying as Yuffie. She didn't get along with everyone, and probably seemed to dislike the whole lot, but everyone tolerated her and cared for her like each other. Sometimes she was a bit too outgoing."

Cloud dared picking up a step and walk beside Sephiroth instead of behind him. It was a slow progress, but Cloud dared to hope that they were getting somewhere, perhaps even to the point of not killing each other at the first sign of anger or annoyance. But, if he wanted this progress to stay, and maybe even get better so that he would ease his mind, and perhaps even understand his enemy (or ally?) better, he had to take things one by one. Setting his teeth down on the inside of his cheek, he looked around at the debris of Sector 6 and spotted a lot less damage than he imagined. They passed by familiar stores, though flashier and probably just slightly cleaner than when Sephiroth was gone and insane, as well as bent on destroying the planet. Cloud recognized the clothing shop where he bought that wretched dress. He grimaced inwardly at the memory. He didn't want to cross-dress ever again.

The two passed the stores and moved on to the other Sectors. Eventually, they made it to ShinRa headquarters. The space around it was remarkably empty if they disregarded all the debris of chunks and pieces of the upper levels of the building. Cloud craned his neck to look up at the very top where Rufus was supposed to have died. He remembered fighting the President up on the roof and how the other blonde got away with a ride from an observing helicopter. If Cloud hadn't been too concerned with Rufus, he would've shot it down with a lightning spell. He wasn't too generous or concerned at that point and time. He just wanted to get back at the man for kidnapping an innocent girl, especially one who was nice to him and was his charge.

Cloud stopped his thoughts. ...Did he just think that? Was that him? Cloud didn't expect himself to be so cold. He didn't think that really was the reason behind his actions, but... Everything was such a blur in his head, he couldn't remember which was which, what was what, and what went where in his memories. Shaking his head, he followed Sephiroth a few steps before stopping. He found a piece of a wall nearby and leaned against it, resting his hand on the wall as if to make sure it was there.

What's wrong with me?

Cloud couldn't explain it, but he suddenly didn't know or understand his surroundings. He knew up and down, left and right, but that was basically all he could comprehend. For some reason, something was mixing all the information in his brain.

"Strife."

Cloud looked up from the ground, just realizing he had been staring at it blankly, and met green eyes. He blinked a few times, though not to clear his vision. He hoped blinking could somehow clear his brain, but it didn't get better. Clutching his head, he slowly dropped to the floor, the hand on the wall clenching as it dragged down and came to the side of his head. He squeezed his eyes shut as he bent over himself, nearly resting his forehead on his knees.

Sephiroth frowned. Half of him wanted to comfort the man, and the other half just wanted to watch in strange curiosity. "Strife."

He looks so vulnerable curled up like that, don't you think?

Sephiroth looked up, away from Cloud to spot a familiar entity sitting atop the wall Cloud was leaning on but moments ago. "JENOVA... What did you do?"

You should know messed with his mind, made him woozy, brought him to his knees. Hahaha!

Sephiroth glared at the Calamity of the Skies. "Leave him be, JENOVA."

JENOVA's mouth curled into a Cheshire grin, full of mischief and relishing the torture both men were going through. Why, my boy, I am only showing you what joyous pain you could inflict upon him and what you did back there.

Sephiroth frowned inwardly. "I didn't do anything to him like this."

Oh, not here, but THERE, on that pathetic Gaea that he called his home. Didn't you see it? I'm sure you dissected his brain, right? Did you not see the pain he had to endure and the happiness you received plaguing it upon him?

Sephiroth only shifted his position and laid a hand on his sword. Of all times and places, JENOVA had to appear here. Why? Was it her that the pulses were coming from? But what about the Crater, where they caused by her as well?

Dear child, I could take him any time I want. Persuasion is much easier and faster, though.

As soon as she had said that, Cloud jerked and slowly rose halfway. His eyes were riveted on JENOVA with a deathly glare. "No, JENOVA, I will not be your toy!"

JENOVA's smile widened. Dear boy, you are naïve. You may not be my true son, but you are at my beck and call. You may not be as you were two years ago in fact, you are better! but I still hold power over you. Don't you know? You have JENOVA cells swimming inside you.

Cloud's eyes widened at this. "No. Why would I have your cells in me if Gaea chose me to save her and help her?"

JENOVA's mouth gaped open in a silent laugh, no sound coming from her at all as her shoulders shook. You thought just being her knight would save you from me? No. Remember seven years ago? I have to congratulate that wretched man, Hojo, for making it so easy to get into your mind. Then, and now, it's not different. The glow in your eyes tells me exactly how much you were exposed to. Come, don't you realize it's futile to resist? I want you by my side, Cloud Strife, my dear child.

Cloud shook his head and shakily stood up. The last thing he wanted as to surrender to JENOVA, the damned woman. There was no way he would go willingly or peacefully. The thought of her invading his thoughts again made his anger rise. He didn't want to be used as a puppet again. He didn't want her to mess with his memories. He didn't want to become the enemy.

Sephiroth only watched this for a few more seconds until he took action. As much as the encounter was interesting, he didn't want JENOVA drifting around. Pushing Cloud aside, he drew the Masamune with great speed, cutting the air in front of JENOVA. The feminine monstrosity faded before she could get hit and reappeared near Cloud, hovering over him like a worried mother, her hair spilling around him like a curtain.

Cloud quickly pushed away from her and swung his sword out. JENOVA wasn't given enough time to fully get out of the way and was cut along the length of her arm. She hissed and cradled it. Glancing at it, Cloud saw the arm start to sprout bubbles and turn a sickly color. The Ultima Weapon thrummed in Cloud's hands and he forced himself to his feet, holding the sword in front of him.

JENOVA dropped her arm. You were given a weapon made from Gaea herself? Perhaps I didn't give her enough credit when she gave you that thing for killing her children. JENOVA hissed and floated away from the blade a bit. You won't always have that with you. When you are vulnerable, you will realize how much you need me, and the answers I have. You will not get the answers you seek from them...

Cloud raised the sword over his head and drew back into his fighting position. The Ultima Weapon glowed; Cloud quickly swung the sword over his shoulder, dropping the tip to the ground. As soon as the ground cracked, the air around it was pushed forward, creating a razor that cut through the air, aimed at JENOVA. The cut narrowly missed her as she tried to dodge it, leaving a sickle-shaped cut on her other arm.

Hissing, she echoed in their minds, You will regret this, Cloud Strife. How dare you refuse me. Spewing her acidic blood, she vanished in front of them.

Cloud wedged his sword out of the ground and stood up straight to sheath it. He dared to face Sephiroth again and was graced with an emotionless stare, the man's sword still held out in his right hand. Though the tip faced the ground, Cloud was wary of it being out of its sheath and so close to him.

"You are not her son?"

Startled by the question, Cloud jerked his head up to meet the cold green gaze of the tall General. "No. I never was."

Sephiroth stared at the blonde before lifting his sword. When he saw Cloud twitch at the movement, he made note of it as he sheathed Masamune. "What happened seven years ago?" he managed to ask despite his hatred.

Cloud was once again taken back by the man's openness. With a small stutter, he answered, "I-I was taken by Hojo and put up for experiment. I was placed in a case filled with Mako and was tested almost daily. Physical development, mental development, everything. I was an animal to them. I think Hojo was trying to make me into another clone of you." He paused to meet Sephiroth's gaze. "It failed, though." He placed a hand on his arm, just below the shoulder. "I wasn't given a number. You were 01, the first and the original. Hojo made you JENOVA's perfect toy."

The two stared at each other for a long moment, the silence interrupted when the sound of footsteps reached them. Turning in that direction, the two spotted the AVALANCHE team approaching.

Zack lifted his brows at the General once they were all together. Some of the other AVALANCHE members had their weapons brandished and ready, in case Cloud Strife wanted to attack them. Noticing the weapon as well, Zack tossed Sephiroth another quizzing look.

Sephiroth met the look and inhaled, turning to the others. "Put down your weapons."

Barret glared. "Why the hell should we? He's got a weapon! This #!& should die why's he got a weapon, anyway!"

"Yeah, Sephiroth! I thought he was an enemy!"

"B&#d'll kill us!" Barret shouted, aiming his gun arm at the blonde.

Cloud didn't move. His hand twitched, almost rising to grasp hilt of his sword, but he stopped himself from the instinctive defense position. Sephiroth glanced at the man and addressed the group again.

"He's not a threat. I gave him his weapon and he has yet to attack me. He..." he paused as if he was bracing himself for what he was about to say. "He's a laudable ally. Until he raises his weapon at us, lower yours."

AVALANCHE stared in great shock at the General's statement. How could this be? Was Sephiroth brainwashed too? Did he really think this man, Cloud Strife, was an ally! It was impossible to imagine, yet here it just happened! Even Cloud turned to stare at the silver-haired General. He couldn't believe his ears either.

Zack was the first to recover, laughing in the silent and tense air. He did the impossible, adding to everyone's shock as he approached the blonde and slung his arm around his shoulders, ruffling his hair. Cloud widened his eyes and ducked under and away from Zack's touch. When was the last time Zack had done that to him? Seven years? Eight? He couldn't remember the last time he truly laughed and felt the warmth of another person beside him. When was the last time he felt innocent, free and without worries or difficulties plaguing him? It was far too long...

Cloud touched his nest of hair as if he was unsure if something lived there and was waiting to bite off his fingers. Zack chuckled and extended his hand, sneaking a glance at Sephiroth who had his eyes trained on the blonde. "Welcome to AVALANCHE! Glad you aren't an enemy. One of these days you gotta let me see that sword of yours. It's damn mysterious."

Cloud cracked a small smile at Zack openness. Who would expect anything less from the man? And... what about the others? Cloud looked at the others and saw them grumbling and muttering, some more at ease with him than others. What would it take to get them to realize he was different, Cloud thought, And how long?

The blonde looked at Sephiroth again and wondered a thousand more questions.

Zack threw his arm around the blonde's shoulders again. To Sephiroth, Zack gave a wink. "Did you find anything on the pulses yet?"

Sephiroth shrugged with one shoulder. "No. We haven't had any encounters yet." He glanced down at Cloud, expecting a reaction from the man.

Cloud met the gaze only for a moment before looking away with a slight flush on his face. Sephiroth inwardly laughed at this, but couldn't verbally note it. It was too long since he'd seen a blush sweep across those fair cheeks, blue eyes glowing in embarrassment. Turning back to his comrades, he gave them an order to go back to the aircrafts since they had yet to find the source of the pulsing. Vincent supplied that he felt the earth be at peace just moments before they all gathered together and found the two men. With silent agreement, AVALANCHE headed back to the aircrafts, all of them boarding Highwind, the other aircraft free to take off immediately back to Junon.

Cloud retreated back to the room where he was held captive earlier, and laid down his sword and pack. Sitting down on the bed, he leaned against the wall and pulled off his left glove. The shine of silver against his pale skin was odd. With a sigh, he leaned his head against the wall and ran his thumb over the ring, imagining in his head the words engraved inside.

AN: A bit of a different tune for this chapter, don't you think? Terribly sorry the story's slowing down, but I need to get a few emotions and things across, so now, the chapter number has just increased! Oh well. I sapped with drama toward the end and now I'm swimming in it! My, I really must stop. I was going through different moods when I wrote this, so it's probably not as good as the others... I hope you still liked it. Well, next up: what some Cloud-Sephiroth action? FINALLY! Hope to see you again. :grin:

(1) Sin doesn't come for FFX. Actually, Sin is short for Sinclair, which means "saintly; shining light." Interesting name for a black chocobo owned by Sephiroth, no? I have a ratty old Name Your Baby book and wanted something like "Silver," but not something so bland. I'm so glad I pulled this book out, or else everyone would be stuck with such a blah name for such an amazing bird. (Hehe.)

PSS: I was looking over my earlier chapters and I realized that during my first chapter, in the dream sequence, I kept referring to Sephiroth as "the man" instead of "he" or "him" or any other pronoun. Well, Sephiroth is indeed "the man," but I didn't mean to be so straight and narrow in how I referred to him. (Haha, how funny that I did that.)

Kumagorou flaps his ears and rolls his eyes. 'She's insane, isn't she?'

Zax, from his COMFY LOUNGE CHAIR, nods. 'Very. And hey, new guy, don't go giving her any sweets.'

Shut up, you two! I'm working as hard as can be! And Zax, get out of that chair, you have no right to sit in that if I have to sit in this uncomfortable, demonic, computer chair typing my butt off!

'Bite me, K. You have to finish your work first.'

(Grr...)

Kumagorou bows, his pink ears flopping in his face. 'Please remember to review, or else she'll shave Zax's head!'

Zax immediately covers his head. 'Hey!'