AN1:

Who likes the new avatar? It's a pile of foxes! You can only really see two of them though... of note it's REALLY creepy leaving them as your background. If you don't have the window blown up completely they stare at you...

Updates are currently planned for release every fourteen days. That doesn't mean that I won't post a new chapter BEFORE that. I could post one on a Tuesday and the next on that Wednesday. It's all a matter of how far the muse takes me. This chapter was ALMOST the exception.

Sorry for the delay on this release. I decided to finish off my other story Game Pieces before writing another chapter… then I needed a mental break since I wrote over 10,000 words (spread across multiple chapters) in six days… it was draining…

The transition… was harsh, but I think I managed it properly. There's a new character introduced here. He's someone we all know and love, but you'll NEVER guess who it is until he shows up, and some of you until Cloud says his name. Heh… your reactions should be interesting, pity I can't see them.

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Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy… This chapter has a big city…

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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 Three

Welcome Home My Lord

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Cloud's butt hurt… riding a chocobo with a saddle was a new experience for him, and he decided after waking up the first morning of their trip that he didn't like it. The sun had just come up recently and Sephiroth was barking orders to the both of them about the proper way to break camp after their breakfast. He had been doing so since the first day, and Cloud had assumed he was getting better at it. The silver haired nobleman seemed to think otherwise, as he discovered something wrong with the way he had or was doing things each time.

"The city is merely three hours from here by trot, and when we arrive there will be people there to greet us. You will have to look completely presentable." The man stated as he walked back and forth behind Cloud. "The strap is loose there." The man said and pointed to a single missed leather binding on his Chocobo's saddle.

A snicker reached his ears from nearby, and a quick glance showed him that Aon was already finished and sitting on a large log. The kitsune was finely dressed in the same black, gold, and crimson outfit he had been on the day Lord Crescent had picked them up.

As he stuck his tongue out at his brother, their benefactor continued to speak behind him. "When we ride into the first gate they will greet me as someone befits my station, but you will be partially ignored. As such you must merely look the part of a dignified noble and follow my lead." The man paused and sighed, "You still haven't fixed that strap." The man stated perturbed. "Your steed also reflects upon you. If anything is in the slightest of disarray then it degrades you in the eyes of those you first meet."

"Yes," he stated and omitted the 'sir'. Sephiroth had verbally beaten that word from his dictionary when referring to 'those of lower status'; which meant all but the smallest of fractions of the population. The silver haired nobleman was still trying to teach him etiquette. It was apparently VERY important the way he sat, walked, ate, rode, talked, and… Guardians the list went on. Aon, true to his claim, was taking everything in like it was second nature. 'The benefits of being a genius' he'd so claimed.

Since they were riding for most of the day Sephiroth had no time to teach him anything besides what he would need immediately after arrival. This varied from the names of certain Nobles that lived at Kaifeng, rather than their holdings this time of the year; to what he should and should not talk about with them. Apparently the fact that he was a street urchin would chafe them to no end. The greater majority of nobles, Sephiroth had told, him did not approve of commoners taking on titles of nobility. Even if it was to save them from the threats of the human menace.

Finally tightening the buckle that held down one of the sacks on his Dark blue chocobo Cloud nodded and turned to face the silver haired noble. With a nod the man seemed to give his approval. "It will do."

"Which means we can finally leave then?" Aon spoke up as he moved to his feet and dusted the moss from the rear of his long coat.

Their silver haired noble turned to face him with a disapproving look which merely made the boy smile all the more. Their apparent dislike of one another had become an overtly obvious one. By the third day, Aon had left the man no openings with which to criticize him through. Etiquette, his riding, the way he broke camp, all of the small things that he seemed to pick up on from Cloud… nothing. That did not however, stop the nobleman from trying at any and every opportunity. Cloud took note as the man's Jade eyed gaze move from one thing to the next surrounding his brother. With a small frown that quickly vanished Sephiroth replied. "Yes, let us be on our way."

Cloud managed to mount the Dark blue bird in as 'dignified' a manner as he could muster in order to not be criticized. It was still difficult to do so in these strange clothes. He was granted the use of Clothing such as his fire haired brother wore for their journey thus far, but his ride into the city was deemed too important to omit the noble's garb. As such, the day before Sephiroth had instructed him on the proper way to mount and dismount while wearing the Kimono.

After managing the annoying feat he turned to glance at the other two who were already astride the large birds and watching him. Aon's golden eyes held only mirth; while Sephiroth's Jade's held a large mixture dominated by concern. "We will work on that again later." The man stated then flicked at the reigns. Of course they would… a light sigh escaped Cloud's moth as he followed suit and took up his customary position behind the silver haired nobleman.

They had left the desert behind a just a day ago now. Trees, grass, streams, and the river they had crossed since then were quite fascinating and wholly captivating. There had been only a few trees at Allovoros, and what small patches of grass had grown were located near the water supply. The city survived solely on trade, Aon had instructed him once before. It was one of few good sized cities and towns between Kaifeng and the capital.

"Having regrets yet little brother?" The kitsune asked as he rode up next to him on his stark yellow Chocobo. His brother had told him that it was a slight at him since the bird had cost so little to procure; while the one Cloud rode had cost a great deal. Each color meant something Sephiroth had instructed him, and the color of the one you rode was seen as yet another status symbol amongst the nobility.

"Only in bringing you along." Cloud grumbled which caused Aon to laugh.

"Come on now, I offered to help you." The boy spoke.

"Yeah, but it had strings attached." Cloud replied tersely. It wasn't Aon's fault he was in a slightly bad mood. His butt and legs hurt more now that the Chocobo was bouncing lightly beneath him. Not to mention that his nerves had been frayed more and more with each passing day. Doubts which had been whispering in the back of his mind since they departed seven days ago were now roaring in his head.

"Your posture is wrong," his brother stated in his best Sephiroth Scolding tone.

Cloud looked down and took note of the truth. "Stupid genius should rub off on me." Cloud mumbled under his breath while correcting it. He didn't want to give the silver haired noble any reason to turn around and say anything.

"You want me to do what now?" Aon asked as he moved his chocobo out of Cloud punching range with a light laugh. Aon had been in high spirits the majority of the trip, or that's the way it would seem to most people. His brother would often sit alone staring at the fire in thought during Cloud's lessons. The boy was concerned about something, but wouldn't explain what it was to him, no matter how much he pestered the kitsune.

After a few minutes of silence and thought the words tumbled from his mouth unbidden. "You think I made the right choice Aon?"

His fire haired brother turned to face him with a strange gleam in his eyes... not joy, but something else. "You know…" The boy started but trailed off and fell silent for a few moments. He seemed to be rethinking his words. "Does it matter?"

The boy queried to which Cloud responded. "Of course what you think matters."

"Hmm, let's put this another way then. No matter what choice you make, whether good or bad I'll always be there to back you up. While our lives have certainly been altered in a fashion no one could have thought possible, it doesn't mean that your choice was right or wrong." The kitsune paused. "Regardless of what happens from here on, accept or deny, we would have had to face dangers, hardships, pain, joy, and other such things. You made a decision after giving it careful thought. Try not to linger on what ifs."

"Right," Cloud said then turned to face forward once more. Even if his brother said that… it was hard not to dwell on those 'what ifs'. They constantly harassed his mind with future possibilities both good and bad. What if… what if… What if…

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

Two hours into that day's ride the small and very diverse group moved from a woodland road and out onto the open plains surrounding the city of Kaifeng. Far off in the distance atop what Cloud was told was a large hill sat the huge fort-like palace he was to call home from hence forth. As if it held some strange allure the building had drawn Cloud's blue eyed gaze like a magnet to metal. Details, once hazy, became ever more evident the closer they neared. The thing was absolutely ENORMOUS. He had never once seen a building nearly so massive, and they hadn't even reached the city yet.

Allovoros had some large buildings that was true, but this thing… how could he scale it up without even being there? "Close the hole in your mouth little brother, we're nearing the gate." Aon stated which drew Clouds attention to the small wall that surrounded the city. From his position he glanced left then right at the small wall. In both directions slate grey bricks were assembled together until they ran headlong into a wall at least ten stories tall. That was… his best guess from the current vantage point.

Atop the smaller and larger wall every hundred foot or so was a… building made of the same large slate gray bricks. "Watch posts," Aon stated from beside him then pointed. "The guards keep watch from them for miles around. If anything comes remotely close then they'll know about it long before hand."

"How do you know that?" Cloud questioned. They had no such things in Allovoros. Walls were built only around the houses of the rich, and even then weren't made of the same material.

"Because I read these paper and leather things called books." Aon said while making an opening motion with his hands. His sarcasm wasn't appreciated, but… Cloud supposed he would accept it. His brother was like that sometimes, and… he had probably told Cloud about such things before. "We spoke on this when you were all interested in the gates and the wall when you were eight." Aon affirmed his assumption. Like Cloud was supposed to remember all the things he wanted to know about when he was eight!

"NEXT!" The voice of someone Cloud didn't know spoke as the group moved past an organized line leading into the city. Everything was being thoroughly inspected before being passed through the large double doored metal gate. Hastily Cloud turned around him to make sure everything was in appropriate order. He would hear no end of it from their silver haired benefactor if he wasn't in perfect form for this.

Why weren't they stopping like everyone else though? Cloud wasn't really too sure, a quick glance to his right at the line told him nothing. There seemed to be any number of demon's there from the smallest to an eleven foot tall red ogre pulling his own cart.

"Why aren't we stopping at the back?" Cloud questioned his brother.

"You're a nobleman now little brother. Lines like this don't exist for you." The fire haired boy said while leaning his direction and whispering.

"HALT!" The same voice as before. One guardsman in his dark red and black uniform stated while holding up a hand.

Sephiroth's black Chocobo came to a stop before the man and the noble stared down at him. The war hero's silver hair let off a strange gleam in the mid day sun as it spilled down his back and across his Chocobo's saddle. Regardless of what the man said, Cloud doubted he could ever muster up the ability to look THAT dignified. Maybe he should grow his hair out like that as well; perhaps that was part of the secret…

"Sephiroth Crescent seeks entry to Kaifeng. Stand aside." The man was most probably glaring and giving off the 'this is a waste of a noble's time' look.

The man stared at him for a moment until realization dawned on him. As if struck by some bolt of lightning, the man bowed lowly and stated, "My apologies Lord Crescent, please, come this way."

"I do not need you to guide me, boy." The silver haired nobleman stated then nudged his chocobo's sides in a motion that Cloud had been told meant 'walk'. "You two, come." The man stated but did not turn. He knew instinctively that it was more for the guard than for their sake. The nobleman knew they weren't going to just stand there as he entered the city alone.

A turn to his older brother and the boy nodded his head for Cloud to go first. 'I will go in first, followed by Lord Strife and then the fox. The guards will see this and take note of it. Every action you take, every word you speak from that point forth will be held for, or against you. So do not screw up.' The man had told them a few days prior.

Doing much the same as Sephiroth, Cloud nudged his Chocobo's sides and started forward slowly after the silver haired nobleman. "Thank you sir, your diligence is much appreciated." He heard Aon state from behind them to the guard who Cloud could only guess was still watching them closely.

The wall, Cloud would easily admit, had been impressive from the outside. However, on the inside he had to forcibly stop his mouth from dropping open. Bustling about were Demons of every race he had ever seen not to mention a great many he hadn't. "Keep your eyes steady little brother. Don't gawk, lest you anger the Silver Menace." His brother could barely be heard over the din of the crowd.

So, Cloud did his best to keep all he'd been taught over the last seven days in mind. Well… taught was an easy term for 'drilled into through repetition'. His eyes skimmed the crowd passing from person to person stall to stall as scents both heavenly and… not so much, passed through his nostrils. Food the likes of which he had never seen before accosted his sense of taste though he could go nowhere near them. Saliva pooled in his mouth and Cloud swallowed as they continued on.

The buildings he noted were changing the closer to the Palace they moved. The styles moved from wooden, to the slate grey bricks, and then onto a strange style that he was unaccustomed to. Slate roofs over either wooden, or… perhaps clay walls. His brother chimed in to fill his brain with yet more information. Sometimes he wondered where the fire haired kitsune got all of his information, but of course… books.

"Kaifeng started out as a defensive position during Midgar's founding. The stylings of the city's center reflect the old ways. The farther out you move the more they take on newer designs. The nobles live towards the cities center at which sits the one time fort later made palace. Closer to the cities corners and edges are the places where the… less fortunate, live." The fox went quiet as the so called 'silver haired menace' turned to face them.

Cloud smiled and could only guess Aon did the same. A boy ran up beside him and he glanced down to face him. He stared up with a partially toothless smile and held up a hand. Cloud… had no money, lest he would have given some to the child in nothing more than rags. After all, as the city's future Lord he would have more than enough to go around. He smiled warmly at the child, but continued on forlornly.

"Here you go kid." Aon's voice from behind once more sent relief through Cloud's body. His brother had what meager savings they had collected in order to get out of Allovoros when Cloud was old enough to work properly. It wasn't like anyone in that town was going to hire the two of them. They had a BIT of a reputation.

The trio arrived at the front gates of a large wall surrounding the palace after nearly an hour of navigating the streets. Cloud was convinced both himself and Aon would have been lost had they not been following the ever silent and black clad Sephiroth. His silver haired form was like a beacon through the crowd, and easy enough to follow even if a cart moved through a crossing, blocking he and his brother's path for a few moments.

The man at the gate before them seemed a bit more… highly dressed and decorated. There were added golden pins and sections to the red and black uniform. The guardsman bowed low to Sephiroth without a word and moved out of the way. He apparently knew the man, or of him without being told. His glance to the two of them who rode in directly after was both scrutinizing and intense.

When finally inside, Cloud took in the wonder of the Palace's full form. The… courtyard he believed it was called; took up enormous amounts of space, held three water fountains, and lots of greenery. The entire thing was made from white paving stones that branched off through three smaller and wide open gates.

Sephiroth never dismounted and moved toward then through the right gate. A loud sound reverberated easily throughout the walled interior of the Palace grounds. "AAARRROOOOOOOO-OOOOO." A shiver of fear moved up… or was it down Cloud's spine?

The Palace's main guard was no Demon; he was a spirit wolf and Cloud's last 'test'. Sephiroth had stated to them on the first day that if the Spirit Wolf did not accept him, then there was no chance of convincing the nobles to do so either. He would have to fight tooth and nail for every single drop of their respect or favor.

'The beast was brought to the palace by the former Lord Tehranoa. Even with all his power and authority the creature did not always obey him. No amount of men or force have been able to remove the Spirit Beast from his current residence since the previous Lord's disappearance. As such, since you cannot force him out you will have to hope that he likes you… since he resides in the Lords Office most of the time.' Sephiroth had said to them some days ago. Perhaps his memory was rather good since he remembered the majority of their conversations after leaving Allovoros. Now, if only he could remember the Spirit Wolf's name.

Cloud's gaze moved slightly from one side to the next as he took in all that surrounded him. The palace grounds were many things, immaculately clean, beautifully cared for, and full of nobles to name a few. Each of the richly dressed men and women greeted Sephiroth as they walked by, but only a few garnered enough of the nobleman's attention to receive a reply. There was perhaps a reason for that, but as of the moment Cloud was unsure as to why.

The stables were just as grand as everything else they had passed. It had taken another three gates before they arrived, and after dismounting Cloud's legs felt like jelly. He more or less held the saddle to keep himself upright. It was more 'dignified' than falling on his rear in front of all the stable hands that had gathered around them.

"Take all three to the stables, feed and water them, bring all of their things and mine to my room." Sephiroth commanded to the Demon who was probably in charge. A small flying imp holding a clip board and wearing a strange hat. As one of the attendants took the reins of Cloud's chocobo and bowed slightly to him, he smiled and wished that his 'crutch' wasn't being taken away.

Before the Chocobo's were moved more than ten feet away they went ballistic and bolted in every direction. Cloud's wild gaze followed the three birds before landing on the obvious source of the problem. Glaring at the three of them was a VERY large and apparently VERY angry white wolf.

Cloud swallowed as the Spirit Wolf slowly converged on their location as a low growl emanated from behind bared teeth. 'Be calm, and try not to show any fear.' Cloud stated the words Sephiroth had told him in his mind.

When the wolf was nearly ten feet from them he paused, the bristled fur on his back lay down, and the menacing aura left him. The Spirit Beast let out an odd almost whining sound as his ears perked up and his head cocked to the side. 'What?' Cloud questioned in his mind as the creature walked slowly closer and sniffed him.

The final string was a lick at his face and a strange wolfish grin. Did that mean he liked him… or he would like him for dinner? A clattering of wood reached Cloud's ear and the voice of the Imp from before followed. "Well I'll be an Ogre's chew toy. That's the first I've seen him like that in a good long time."

"I think he likes you." Aon stated from beside him. The wolf whirled to face the other person he apparently hadn't taken notice of before. The growling erupted from the Spirit wolfs throat as he moved between Cloud and his brother… protecting him?

The wolf's growling ceased as his head jerked back and cocked to the side once more… this time at a strange angle which then shifted to be cocked the other way. His ears which had lain flat once more perked up straight as his nose moved a few inches sniffing the air. A single large paw moved forward bringing the wolf that much closer to the kitsune. "No!" Aon stated while pointing a finger at the overtly huge white wolf. "No." he repeated more commandingly.

Ignoring Aon completely, the Wolf let out a loud howl and leapt on him. Terror erupted throughout Cloud's body as he feared for the mauling his brother was getting by the wolfs… tongue?

"CLOUD! GET YOUR MUTT OFF M- EWW HIS TONGUE JUST WENT IN MY MOUT-AGAIN! GET OFF I DON'T LIKE DOG'S!" Aon shouted from below the white wolf which let out a low growl. "Err… sorry wolves." Aon fixed his statement like that was the reason for the creature's mood to suddenly changed.

It worked… the wolf went back to licking Aon and nudging and sniffing him all over then licking his face again. "FENRIR! COME!" Cloud instructed to the Spirit Wolf. The creatures head perked up at the command then turned around to face him. It cocked to the side then leapt to its paws and bounded to him.

A single lick to his face was the greeting once more. Past the large wolf's body he noted Aon sitting up with his hair and clothes in disarray from Fenrir's love.

"I think he likes you," Cloud teased.

"Joy," The kitsune's said blandly as his hand moved up to his face and with a look of disgust wiped the slobber away as best he could. "Maybe we should leash him." Aon stated which managed to get a whine from Fenrir.

Sephiroth finally decided to speak as those around them looked on with wonder, horror, and LOTS of interest. Spectacles like this apparently didn't happen too often. Slowly the Silver Haired noble for the second time since they had met took a knee before Cloud and bowed his head. "Welcome home, My Lord Strife."

Like a bolt of lightning in a sea of grass that hadn't seen water in months; that single phrase started a wildfire in the courtyard around him. The War Hero had all but announced Cloud's new position as Lord of the Central Gate to everyone in attendance.

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AN2:

So... who saw that character coming? While he IS technically an OC he's still from the FFVII universe. He adds fun to the writing and hopefully to the reading. Much as he is important to Cloud in the games and movies he is just as much so in this story... if not more.

I am trying to lean Cloud away from the 'sissy role' and you will take note of that as we go along. His personality hasn't been fleshed out much as of yet... though you may have taken note of a few major points.

Fun Facts

Spirit Beasts: Fenrir is a Spirit wolf. There is a very large difference between Demons and 'Spirits'. Spirits while very powerful cannot take human form by themselves. A Spirit beast can only take on a human like form when granted the ability by his/her master. This is done by a pact where the Master uses a portion of his/her magical power to grant the ability into the Spirit Beast's Soul. The Pact is broken by the death of the Master, or by a severance… the severance is complicated.

Human Form: As stated in the previous fact, the Human form can be taken by Spirit Beasts after a pact, or mid level power and up demons. This is a very complex issue… and explaining it would take a few paragraphs. Just note that Demon's don't all like humans (Some detest them with vehemence), and as such, taking the form just because you can isn't always done. This ties back into racial issues with one of the fun facts for next chapter. Look forward to it.

Wingly's: As requested, here's a bit of Information on Wingly's. Aon mentioned a few things about their wings in chapter one, but he didn't go into any real detail. Any form of Winged Demon is grouped together under the name 'wingly'. So, Dragon like Demons, Raven Demons, Crow Demons(not tengu), Hawk Demons; they are distinguished mainly by their wings. In 'Human' form their wings spread form their back upon command, when in 'animal' form they look like larger forms of whatever it is… like a really big hawk. Wingly's can pull their wings out at any time, and there are special holes in the backs of their clothes that allow that to happen. When they go back in, it apparently reseals so only a scar remains. It all has to do with magic… and will be discussed more in depth later along with the wingly's history, how they became the 'top dogs' etc. You'll have to wait for that in the story though.