"Cloud, wake up. The meteors are here tonight." Sephiroth's voice roused the blond out of deep sleep.
Together while wrapped in furs they stepped outside into the snow. Up above the night sky was clear. And Cloud gasped at the sight of the meteors passing.
They were endless as the tails of flames were bright. They looked like fiery rainfall, only they don't crash onto the earth.
It truly was a wonderful sight. Cloud even reached to hold Sephiroth's hand as they admired the view. It didn't matter that people saw. Many were awake and watching the meteors.
They remained like this until the meteors disappeared. Sleepily they returned to the bed. Cloud knew he would be tired in the morning, but to him it was worth every minute of the special event.
In a blink of an eye seven winters passed. Sephiroth began taking Cloud with him on raids. He hated going on them but he couldn't stand the distance or the waiting for the prince's return.
After each winter passing Queen Jenova became more and more unhinged. She demanded that the Promised Land must be found. The pressure was heavy on Sephiroth, Cloud and even Aerith after her mother passed.
On the outside Sephiroth remained indifferent as he watches his mother lose herself. Cloud reflected the same attitude. Sometimes he seemed almost too cold and uncaring. However while the prince was actually stressed on the inside, Cloud was enjoying the show.
Some began to insist Sephiroth should make his mother step down as queen. This was always done in secret, and the prince refused to take the suggestion to heart. He confided to Cloud that he doesn't want to rule because he doesn't believe he will make a great leader.
Then Angeal died suddenly. He died protecting Zack during a raid that turned sour. Genesis turned bitter and hateful on everyone. His attitude was worse on Zack for carrying Angeal's sword.
Just shy of the third year anniversary of Angeal's death, Genesis disappeared. He left no notes, told no one where he was going. He simply vanished in the night.
With the loss of his two best friends Sephiroth was shaken to the core. He became quieter and more withdrawn. Cloud became the sole person he leaned on despite Zack trying his best to be supportive.
The vision Cloud had right after he fought in the Ring came true. Nearly the entire incident happened as he saw in the vision. This earned respect from all, and even granted to have his own customized sword.
The Master Blacksmith was very old when he studied Cloud when he was brought to him. His old wrinkly face had eyes of someone much younger, as if the youth never left his heart.
Under the Master's instruction both Biggs and Cloud worked on the sword. Barret even donated some of the best ore deposits that Midgar had to offer. Cloud offered to pay, but Barret waved him off saying he doesn't need to.
When the project was finished Cloud was in total awe. It was similar to Zack's in body. But the main body had several smaller pieces that come off. It reflected the light in almost like a mirror.
It was light and sharp. No amount of use would dull any of the blades. This was higher quality than the one Zack inherited from his brother. Cloud even made a special leather harness he could wear for the sword.
Thus he began to carry the sword with pride.
A neighboring king died. His son was to take the seat of Junon. So Sephiroth set sail to honor respects, as well as a friendly alliance to continue trades to the new king. Cloud was surprised that their longship was the only one to make the trip.
"Why just one longship?" Cloud wondered.
"If we show in great number, then it might be seen as a means of challenging the new king. Our numbers are almost equal, and it will be too great of a war for both sides." Sephiroth explained.
And Cloud saw what he meant when they arrived. Junon was huge. Nearly the same amount of population as Midgar. And everyone stared at him with his big sword on his back.
"Sephiroth! Is it king now? Surely you must be one, else the queen would have come with you. Strange rumors have been heard as of late about Midgar." A blond young man approached.
"You're the first to take the title of king between us, Rufus." He replied with a hint of a smirk.
"And she couldn't visit to swear fealty of us being friends?" Rufus raised an eyebrow.
"She did not mean to make offense. Traveling makes her sick these days."
Cloud knew that was a lie. He had been there when she outright said she won't leave Midgar. Really she hardly left the longhouse unless it was really necessary. She has grown reclusive in her paranoia.
"Ah, well, this suits me just fine. And this must be the golden warrior I've heard so much about." Rufus turned to eye Cloud up and down.
"You heard of me?" This was a surprise.
"From my best blacksmith. He came here some years ago and offered his services. Been here ever since." Rufus held out his sword. "Do you recognize the craftsmanship?"
Cloud studied it. The blade was black with accents of silver. And he only knew one person who can pull off such delicate designs.
"Cid?" He was beyond surprised.
"You're free to go meet him if you wish. His forge is right next to the longhouse." Rufus informed.
Cloud didn't even wait to ask Sephiroth. The blond made his way up the path towards the longhouse in the middle of Junon. It was easy to spot the forge. And as he drew closer there was no mistaking his old mentor.
"You're actually alive, old man." Cloud greeted with mirth.
"Pah! I ain't gonna die by some fucking raid. But look at you, you're some bed warmer for the man who killed our village." Cid huffed as he paused in the armor repairs to study Cloud. "Damn, boy. You look more like your mama now more than ever."
The sentiment had Cloud choke. It had been a long time since he thought of her. His days were spent either at the forge, joining Sephiroth on raids or training the brothers. They were nearing the ripe age to start going on raids.
"Did Shera make it with you? Are there others?" Cloud didn't know that there were any survivors out of the people who were taken.
"Shera and I made it. We did go back to find others. Found everyone dead. Couldn't find your body, and I hoped you escaped. Until we heard rumors of a Seer's son from some tiny village plucked away and got close with the man who lead the attack. Knew it was you when you were described as a chocobo chick."
Cid eyed the sword. He actually whistled at the high quality.
"You made that one?"
"I had help. It was designed by the Master Blacksmith and we followed his instructions. The metal was given by a friend who works at the mines in Midgar." Cloud held it for Cid to have a better look.
His old mentor grasped the handle. Cid admired the work.
"Suits you. Strange to see you with swords, though. Axes suited you well." Cid handed it back.
"I still got the twins. Had to earn them back, though. But this has become my main weapon of choice."
"So, this prince you're with. Does he at least treat you well? Rumors started going crazy about you two."
Knowing where this was going Cloud remained honest.
"He treats me well. He actually waited for me to make the first move. And it developed from there. He's never forced himself on me nor has he mistreated me."
"Humph. Still don't like it. If I ever hear he changes on you, he's getting my hammer, prince or not." Cid motioned to the giant hammer weapon he made by hand from his earlier days.
Cloud knew he will follow with that threat.
"How are the girls that liked to follow you? They doing okay?" Cid wondered.
"Tifa is a shieldsister. She earned her right to not become a servant. Jessie died the day they would have won their freedom." Cloud informed.
"Shit. Well, at least Tifa is doing okay I suppose. Girl got a good head on her shoulders." Cid sighed at the news. "But how's it going over there? There's been strange tales lately if they're true."
"Such as?" This was the second person to bring this up.
"The queen is losing her shit. Going mad and insane. Is it true?"
"...Didn't think our neighbors took notice." Cloud hated recalling hearing her voice as she screamed at Sephiroth's face for unable to find the Promised Land.
"How bad is it?" Cid frowned.
"I fear the day Sephiroth has to turn on her. I think everyone expects it."
"Keep yourself safe. Anyone who goes mad, they can become unpredictable. And a Mad Queen has all the power to get rid of those she sees a threat."
For some reason this advice made Cloud anxious. Even so he took it to heart. But this made him on edge even as the celebration ceremony began in the longhouse. He didn't even touch the offered mead.
"Are you all right?" Sephiroth whispered into his ear.
"Just...strange to wrap my head around my old mentor being alive." Cloud knew that wasn't a very good lie.
Sephiroth gave him a look that he wanted the truth when they had a private moment. The blond nodded silently to show he will. It was a quiet promise.
When the people started to get too rowdy, Cloud took a moment to get away and get some fresh air outside. He breathed in the summer breeze of this night. Slowly Cloud walked around to clear his head.
He made it to the beach. Junon had a beautiful scenery. Cloud stared out to the ocean as the waves echoed. And he felt at ease.
Suddenly hands reached from behind him and began choking his throat. It was so sudden Cloud couldn't even react as he was being choked.
"The queen sends her regards." A voice spoke.