AN1: I was afraid of how this might turn out and as such have been having a hard time writing it. When doing so I was like 'ughh that looks like crap'. After giving it time to settle and then reading it over… I'm actually pretty satisfied with how it turned out.

Read and be merry.

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Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy… This chapter has darkness…

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Reviewers: Please note that I am open to ANY FORM of review! Criticism is highly appreciated. Cookies and cake are… accepted.

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Chapter Two

War Hero

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The third Floor of 'The Desert Lady' consisted of only four large bedrooms. The cost of only a single room was staggering from what Cloud had been told by one of the attendants, and the silver haired demon had rented three. If he had managed to pilfer the nobleman's purse of coins they wouldn't have eaten well for a month, they would have eaten well for YEARS! He couldn't actually understand the point in all of this extravagance.

The room he stood in was occupied by a very large feather bed, a large dark wooden dresser, two couches of black leather, a small dining table, a night stand on each side of the bed, four end tables, a coffee table, and last but certainly not least a VERY large mirror. The thing took up nearly a quarter of one wall.

As it was, both Cloud and Aon stood before the mirror trying on various clothes that Sephiroth had brought them. A quick glance left towards his brother allowed Cloud to take note of a few things. First Aon had it easy with his standard militaristic looking clothes. Loose black pants were tucked into black boots, a long sleeved crimson red shirt that buttoned up the middle, and finally a long black coat that reached his lower calf's was trimmed in golden fabric and had the strangest design sewn into the back. A golden snakelike dragon seemed to have wound itself into a circle and was eating its own tail.

"Hahahaha, you look hilarious," the fire haired fox said while pointing at him and laughing. Cloud looked down at himself with a sigh. The second thing of note… was the stark difference in the clothes he had been provided. Was it some sort of robe? He had never seen anything like it before, and he had three of them to pick from. Each was made from silk as well as the accessories that went with them. Why did he need that many belts? Wasn't one enough?

"Umm…" Cloud began while holding up his arms. The coat fell open to reveal what he assumed to be under clothes. He had gotten that right… right?

Aon simply laughed again and walked over. "Look, it's not a coat. Our benefactor is trying to dress you up like a nobleman from the capital."

The kitsune took hold of both sides and pulled at them. Tucking one side under the other he proceeded to fold them, as he did Cloud asked the question he had just recently before things devolved in the bath. "You said you might know what he wants with us."

"Aiyahh, did I?" Aon said as he pulled the first belt VERY tightly causing Cloud to wince. "I don't remember such a thing." The boy said.

"But we were just talking about it an hour ago." Cloud stated… then realized what was happening. His brother was being difficult because of the thing with his ears. It wasn't Cloud's fault they twitched and begged for him to scratch them. Besides Aon always seemed happy when it happened, so why didn't he like it?

"Were we? I can't remember hearing much in the bath." His brother continued. Yep, Cloud was right, his brother was going to be difficult about it. When he got like that there really wasn't a point in arguing about the matter; he wouldn't cave.

After apparently finishing, his brother stepped back to observe his work. A few moments in the fire haired kitsune's head turned to the side and he stifled a laugh. "Hopefully he doesn't stick with wanting you to wear that. It doesn't suit you in the least."

"It does look funny," Cloud said while crinkling his nose and looking in the mirror. "What is this called anyways?"

"It's a Kimono," the jade eyed nobleman himself stated as he closed the door behind him. His eyes roamed the two of them for a silent moment causing Cloud to look down at himself in worry. Aon hadn't messed up had he? When he glanced back up the man was nodding. "You put it on perfectly, though I do wish you had done something with your hair."

Aon spoke up as the silver haired nobleman made his way to one of the couches. "Heh, we tried, but even with water, cleaning, and a vigorous combing it doesn't stay down." Sephiroth was wearing the same thing as Cloud though his was black as a moonless and starless night. The one Cloud was finally wearing was dark blue with dark green trim and borders. Odd symbols that were probably writing could be found emblazoned in black at various locations. He wondered what they said.

"I see," the man said while motioning for the two of them to sit across from him at the second black leather couch. Aon was the first to move, and Cloud followed his lead as best he could in the unfamiliar clothing. It was sort of restricting compared to the pants and vest he had worn his whole life, but these were free so he would wear them… besides, he hadn't been told what happened to his clothes.

Aon fell back onto the couch with ease, and Cloud sat down much the same. The black leather was rather bouncy with its plump cushions and he popped back up a little before scooting back and getting as comfortable as he possibly could. The nobleman's eyes narrowed then closed as he sighed. What was he thinking about Cloud wondered.

"Now that you are more… presentable," the man said as his eyes reopened. "I will explain what is going on." So he didn't have to wait anymore. Elation spread through his body as it seemed to lighten in anticipation.

"To start off, I assume you know who I am by now." The man stated like everyone should know. In actuality if Aon hadn't just told him recently he wouldn't have had a clue other than the man's last name which he'd overheard.

His brother remained silent and watching so Cloud talked. "You're Sephiroth Crescent, Hero of the Five Years War."

The man stared at him in contemplation before nodding. "Yes, that's what I've been called since the war. I am also a noble with close relations to the Royal Family and in line for the throne if not rather far back on the list." A brief pause was all they were given before he continued. "A few years after the war ended I was given a task by the King to find a replacement for the previous Lord of the Central Gate."

"The one that disappeared." Cloud interrupted. Aon had talked about the man on more than one occasion.

"Yes, the Wingly Demon Lord Tehranoa." The man stated with a nod.

"Wrong," Aon interjected. "He was a fox demon."

The man looked at his brother with controlled anger. "While it is conjectured that he could be almost ANY demon it is accepted FACT that Tehranoa was a wingless wingly."

"By the nobility… who are almost ALL Wingly's." Aon said as he sat forward. Cloud recognized that tone of voice; the fire haired Kitsune would argue his point until he was blue in the face. So rather than let that get started he interjected again.

"Wait… how could no one know what he was?" It really didn't make any sense. Aon had always told him that Tehranoa was a great and powerful Demon Fox… or what was it called… a Kyuubi; something to do with the amount of tails.

"The man was covered at all times by his soul armor, as such, no one knew what he was." The man seemed to be directing his speech directly at Aon and enunciating certain words. "With that being the case, all demons claim he was of their race. The man never refuted or confirmed a single rumor." Sephiroth continued.

Soul armor… he'd heard of that before. No, Aon had told him about something different. What was it again…? Ohh right, all Demon races could summon a soul blade. It was a… reflection of their soul given physical form. What did that make Soul armor? The same thing? He'd have to ask Aon about it later.

"Hahaha, exactly!" Aon stated as if it were his victory. "Do you really think anyone other than a fox demon could possibly keep up a ruse like that for more than a few years?"

"It would not be that difficult." Sephiroth stated dryly then turned back to Cloud. If he'd noted correctly the kitsune had rolled his eyes as the nobleman look away. "As I was saying before we were sidetracked. The king assigned me to find a new Lord of the Central Gate. I have searched all four provinces, each town, and finally found someone with what I believe to be enough potential to take the previous Lords place."

Who could possibly take the place of someone like that? Story's had it that the man had fought and killed over two hundred Human Heroes during his time as Lord of the Central Gate. That was more than any lord before him, and in less than half the time. "Who?"

The man stared at him for a few moments before pointing… at him. "You, Cloud."

Sky Blue eyes opened wide, "Me?"

"Yes, you," the man stated as he lounged back with one arm over the back of the couch, and the other resting at his side. "While struggling with me yesterday you subconsciously activated two Materia from nearly fifteen feet away."

"He did what?" Aon said while sitting forward and staring at the man… then turning a contemplative gaze upon Cloud. 'I did what?' Cloud questioned as he looked into his brothers golden eyes. How did he? He couldn't have…

"As such, you MIGHT have the potential to become a Central Gate Lord as great as, if not greater than, the previous one. Only your will power and desire can get you to that point though." The silver haired nobleman stated.

"So then… what…" Cloud trailed off as he was suddenly lost. While that had explained what the man wanted from him it certainly didn't explain what was going to happen next.

"We rest here tonight, and depart in the morning for Kaifeng." Sephiroth stated.

"Wait a minute!" Aon said as he leapt to his feet. "I've gone along with this until now, but which one of the Five fucking Guardian's (who the hell basically) said we would go with you?"

The man smirked before he replied. "You are right; you are free to return to your squalid lives in that hovel of a house, barely scraping up the food to feed yourselves, unsure of if someone will catch you when you steal something next. However, if you come with me you will live a life that even most nobles don't get a chance to."

'Live a life… higher than a nobles?' Cloud thought as he stared down at the floor.

"I'll give you the night to think it over. If you want to come with me then feel free to. I will be waiting for the good news in the dining area tomorrow morning." The man stated like it was a foregone conclusion that they would go. He… didn't know… just the thought made his heart beat faster. The two of them could live better, they wouldn't have to worry about whether they would eat that day or not… Aon could live a better life.

A quick glance up and to his right had him taking note of Aon's face peering contemplative down at him. His ears twitched madly atop his head; so he was thinking. Was it of the same thing?

()()()()Transition()()()()

The large room was dark as the moonless night outside. It was one of those few strange days a year when both moons were obscured in the night sky. Darkness held sway in the back alleys and both Cloud and his brother had made pretty good heists on those nights. He recalled robbing some passing merchant of his book once. Aon said it was important, and had kept it for a while before finally pawning it off. His claim was that if they'd sold it too soon then they would have been caught and killed. In reality he'd spent a lot of time reading it before they went to bed most nights.

It didn't matter, that was years ago now, and the room on the third floor of 'The Desert Lady' in which Cloud resided was dark, cold, and lonely. This was to be his first night for as far back as he could recall in which Aon hadn't been there right behind him. He wasn't afraid of the darkness or the cold. The blanket on top of him was warming enough, and the bed below him was more than comfortable. No… it just felt… strange; like he was being forced to sleep without a blanket for the first time.

How long had he been there tossing and turning sleeplessly? Was that due to his restlessness and thoughts about the future… of what it could hold? This wasn't exactly a decision he could make lightly. It concerned both of their futures… would Aon even come with him? He hadn't had the chance to ask after Sephiroth left. Aon had been cursing and muttering for a few hours then disappeared until just before they were 'asked' to go to sleep by the jade eyed nobleman.

After turning over on his back Cloud's blue gaze stared up at the dark canopy of his bed and he sighed. The blanket lay tossed off to his side and his night clothes lay open. He was too hot; the blanket was stifling. What should he do? A sudden compression on the bed stole his gaze away from its previous location and onto his late night visitor.

"Problems sleeping, little brother?" The voice of Aon was accompanied by the familiar sound of his brothers swishing tails on fabric. His heart skipped a beat as he sighed inwardly.

"Yeah… thoughts of tomorrow." Cloud replied as the Kitsune lay back and rested his head on Cloud's stomach. His twitching ears were slightly tickling.

"In the end it's your decision Cloud. I can't make this one for you." His brother's voice sounded solumn.

"Can't I ask for advice?" He joked while staring back up at the canopy. If he concentrated hard enough designs could just barely be made out.

"Hmmm, I'll say that the man's intentions seem sincere to a degree, but don't let his talk fool you. The Central Gate Lords job isn't sitting all pretty behind a wall eating good food and meeting hot wingly ladies." The red head stopped speaking and shifted the way he lay. The boy pushed his way up alongside Cloud and turned to look at him. "You will be trained to fight… gruelingly most probably. Then you'll have to kill people both Human and Demon, and you'll have to deal with the snobby nobles we steal from all the time. Well, the last parts probably the worst of it." His brother finished with a light elbow to his side.

"So you're saying it has its benefits, and its drawbacks. You're a lot of help, really." Cloud said and elbowed the boy back.

"Stick with me little brother I'm a bundle of Wisdom. I'm a fox after all; that means I'm a genius." He could see his brothers grin even without the light provided by the twin moons.

"How dangerous do you think it really is?" Cloud questioned.

"Your minds all over the place, Cloud." His brother said then sighed. "They say Tehranoa had a few attempts on his life every week for the first decade of his reign. Something to do with making the greedy nobles mad. If you want to know more than that, you'll have to ask our patron what it was."

"So… really really dangerous," Cloud replied.

"Hey, you got me right. You really think I'll let those bastards get any sort of weapon close enough to you to actually be of any threat? No… you'll be more likely to choke on all that nice food than killed by some assassin." His brother finished.

"'Cuz you're a genius right?" Cloud said and rolled his eyes.

"Hey, have I ever steered us wrong?" Aon asked as he stopped looking Cloud's direction and instead stared up at the Canopy as well.

"You mean other than just last night with the Gysahl Greens, or three days ago when you said that it would be fine to try our luck with stealing alcohol again? Then there was-," Cloud tried to keep going, but Aon cut him off.

"Alright alright, I get it. Why must you keep track so closely?" The boy said then sat up tossing a hand over a single knee.

"I don't remember ALL of them… just most." He replied with a smirk.

"Alright then." His brother cut in and turned to get off the bed. "I'm off. Good night and get some sleep if you can. Thinking too much is actually bad for your brain. It turns it all pasty and you become like Sephiroth."

"Wait!" Cloud called out and leapt over grabbing his brother's arm. "Stay here… I can't sleep… It's weird being alone."

The boy turned to him with what Cloud could only guess was a mischievous grin. Yeah… he should have just let his brother go. It would have been for the best after all. Maybe he could still- "Can't sleep without me huh?" A small and… evil? Laugh echoed throughout the room. "Then the conditioning is complete." His brother leapt back onto the bed and lay across his mid section.

"Hahaha, I can't sleep like this either!" Cloud called out and pushed the Kitsune away trying to get him off. "I don't need you as a blanket!" He exclaimed and finally managed to push the boy off.

Golden eyes turned back to stare at Cloud before moving up alongside him. A light yawn escaped his brother's mouth as he tossed the blanket back over the both of them. "Good night Cloud." The boy said before golden eyes closed leaving Cloud alone to his thoughts once more.

It was his decision huh…

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Fire was everywhere, it had long since engulfed the city he resided in. It wasn't just the flames that hounded him though; he was fighting some foes in black armor and brandishing their steel blades. It had been quite some time since they had cornered him between themselves and the flames. With both sword and magic he fought them off as best he could, but he was growing tired. Someone was coming, but he didn't know who. He just had to hold out until that time arrived. Just had to stay alive.

The black figures slowly continued to circle around him until a blade flashed out and he parried it then ducked, turned and ran his long thin blade through the slits in the figures armor under his arm and pierced his heart. The black clad figure fell without a word and Cloud looked back around him to see two more take his place in the flaming hallway.

'Damn it. I need to move.' Whirling on his feet he started to run from his pursuers back into the inferno. He wasn't about to die here. Someone… was… Someone… was… coming…

Slowly blue eyes opened and he looked around him at the canopy. The right side of his bed where Aon had been so recently was now empty. Where was he? This place was all so unfamiliar… no… wait, that's right he was in that inn with Aon and the silver haired nobleman… Sephiroth. Pieces of the previous day solidified slowly in his head before the entire picture was clear.

His blue eyed gaze turned to the other two in the room. His brother Aon was talking animatedly to Sephiroth. "I told you to let him sleep. He was up all night thinking about your stupid 'proposal'."

"He has slept long enough. It is already mid morning; if we do not leave soon then we won't make it too far before dark. There a long trek ahead, and all of the preparations have already been made." The silver haired noble stated.

"IF he decides to go with you! There's no guarantee that he will!" Aon exclaimed as he tapped his foot in anger and his twin fiery tails lashed behind him.

The noble merely smirked, and Cloud sat up in bed with a yawn and a stretch. His brother whirled around to face him with a ponderous gaze. The nobleman merely stared; then spoke. "Your decision, Cloud Strife?"

"Give him a minute to wake up all the way!" Aon said without turning to face the man he apparently didn't get along well with.

Cloud's thoughts moved to what he'd been thinking last night before finally falling asleep. "I will do it. I will become the Lord of the Central Gate." He said and nodded in affirmation to his resolve.

Sephiroth took a knee, and bowed his head. As silver hair spilled down his back and ran forward around his head to brush at the wooden floors the man spoke, "very well, my Lord Strife." That part… was going to take some getting used to.

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AN2: That turned out rather well, and no cliff hanger this time! Not a lot to say...

FUN FACTS:

Soul Blade/Armor: This is my cheater way of getting them the weapons we all know and love them using. It also means they aren't always carrying them around so I don't have to write about the huge sword strapped to Cloud's back. It doesn't have to be a 'blade' so to speak. It could just as easily be a staff, bow and arrows… a throwing star, whatever. More in depth explanations are given later by Mr. Silver hair.

Midgar: The capital of Midgar is also Midgar, original isn't it? The country is more like an empire solidified over a few thousand years. There are five Provinces in total, North, South, East, West, and Central. Central is controlled by the capital city itself and has over a million residents. Each province has its own governing body that controls all of the smaller Sectors beneath them. More on the government later. Geography also varies considerably as you might have guessed from the Portal Chapter that describes Sephiroth's Journey a bit. More on that later... I'm feeling lazy right now.

Clothing Styles: Seeing as the demon's control 1/3rd of the worlds landmass; their clothing styles are naturally very dispersed over the five Provinces. They will be explained in more detail later. The Nobles all tend to dress in old Eastern fashion. So... older Japanese and Chinese styles abound amongst the nobles. Like I said in the Portal Chapter, there is a Chinese like Kingdom/empire far on the other side of the world... which if you spun the map around into a globe isn't quite so far away after all. You'll have to stick around to see all the various Clothing styles as they are presented.

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