Ethan and the others went back in the ranch, and saw Billy. Billy noticed them and said, "Hey, perfect timing. Piko's all prepped. But first, here…" he then handed a chocobo whistle to Cloud. "You give that whistle a toot, and your chocobo'll come a runnin'." he then took the chocbo with him before leading everyone outside the ranch. Once they were outside the ranch, Arieth said, "We can't thank you enough, Billy."

Billy chuckled. "Oh, that reminds me… You're flat broke, right?" Then you might wanna swing by Kalm again. Now that the troopers have cleared, it's probably safe for you to ask for work. Though, don't run off just yet… My sister's lookin for help. Not sure what the trouble is… didn't want to confide in me for whatever reason. Honestly, she hasn't been the same since her mom left. They did dang near everything together."

Areith looked at Cloud. "You want to lend Chloe a hand?"

"We need to move on." Cloud answered.

"True. But moving on costs money."

"Hmm…" Cloud folded his arms.

"We had fun helping people in sector 5, right? Same deal."

Ethan smiled as he watched Cloud and Areith interact with each other. He could notice the deep bond and friendship that both shared with each other, making the sight of them conversing more delightful. On top of that, he was amazed by the fact that he was currently interacting with the characters from the Final Fantasy 7 World. The fact that it was even possible to travel to alternate realities surprised him greatly. That's when Tifa noticed Ethan enjoying the scenery around him and smiled at him.

"Ethan, how is your world like?" Tifa asked.

Ethan looked at Tifa and began to remember about how New York was. The place was for the most part was littered, but at the same time, it had its plus points too.

"My world..." he began, a wistful look in his eyes. "It was different. The buildings weren't made of weathered wood or sleek mako-powered metal like here. They were tall, gray structures of glass and concrete. We didn't have Chocobos; instead, roaring metal machines took us places." Ethan chuckled softly. "New York, the city where I lived, was a place of crowds and noise. Always buzzing with life, but a different kind of life."

His expression grew thoughtful. "This world," Ethan gestured to the rolling hills stretching out from the ranch, "feels more...real, somehow. The air tastes cleaner, the ground beneath my feet seems sturdier. Back home, it was easy to feel disconnected, even with so many people around. Here, there's something...tangible, alive in the way the wind rushes through the grass or the Chocobo kicks up dust."

Tifa listened intently, her own memories of Midgar contrasting with Ethan's descriptions. She was struck by his comparison, the way he found a vibrancy in this world that felt lacking in his own.

"You know," she said softly, "I think I understand. Sometimes under the plates, or in the hum of Shinra machinery, it's easy to forget how big and beautiful the world really is. It's a good reminder." She gave Ethan a warm smile.

Barrett, who had been leaning against a stable door nearby, rumbled a thoughtful grunt. "Sounds kinda stuffy, that world of yours, kid. All cooped up in metal boxes, breathin' recycled air. Makes a man appreciate the open sky, that's for sure." He scratched his head with his giant metal arm.

Areith looked at Ethan and seemed to be in thought. Unknown to Ethan, she was thinking deeply about Zack Fair. Now that she knew he was really out there, she was wondering what she would do about how she felt about Cloud. Areith liked Cloud for sure. However, there was liking, and then there is liking. She seemed to be confused about her own feelings. However, now knowing that Zack was out there, she deep down wanted to see him again.

Cloud began to head towards where Chloe was at, who was behind the counter in the ranch area. With Cloud heading there, everyone else followed his lead. Ethan quickened his walking pace till he was near Cloud and walked beside him. That's when he noticed Cloud's slightly disturbed look on his face. "Cloud? What's wrong?"

Cloud hesitated for a moment. "It's… Zack. I still can't believe I forgot about him so far."

Ethan placed his hands behind his back head and revealed, "It's because of the mako poisoning, which might be altering your memories. You were never actually soldier. Although, you did want to become soldier."

Ethan placed his hands behind his head, a sympathetic frown on his face. "It's the mako poisoning, Cloud. And it's okay, you were never supposed to be exposed to that much of it." He paused, remembering the details he'd learned about their past.

"Listen," he continued, "You and Zack became friends before the Nibelheim Incident, right? On a mission together. He had a lot of faith in you, believed you'd make it into SOLDIER one day." Ethan saw a brief flicker of recognition in Cloud's eyes.

"And before he..." Ethan hesitated, the weight of the moment settling on him. "...before Zack died, he called you his living legacy. He passed on his hopes and dreams to you."

Ethan let the silence hang for a moment, then continued "And yeah, losing Zack... losing Aerith... it did a number on you. Took you down a dark path for a couple of years after Sephiroth was initially defeated."

Finally, he looked Cloud in the eye. "But look how far you've come, how much you've grown. I bet Zack would be damn proud. Especially seeing you step up, taking the lead like this."

A stunned silence descended upon the group. Tifa's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and sadness washing over her. Aerith, visibly moved, placed a hesitant hand on Cloud's arm. Barrett let out a low whistle, a contemplative look replacing his usual gruff expression. Even Red XIII seemed to still, his usually sharp eyes softening slightly.

Ethan took a deep breath. This was the hard part, the part that could potentially shatter Cloud's already fragile sense of self. "Cloud," he began again, his voice gentle but firm, "because of the mako poisoning, the trauma of what happened... your mind sort of constructed a new identity. A way to survive." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "You weren't actually SOLDIER, Cloud. You took on Zack's identity, somehow. That's where all the altered memories came from."

His eyes locked with Cloud's, searching for any sign of understanding. "But that doesn't mean your strength and courage aren't real. And now..." Ethan gestured vaguely towards the changed world around them. "Now that Zack is out there, alive... well, we need to find him. And that alternate timeline Cloud he's carrying. Then we can decide what happens next."

Cloud stood frozen. His normally stoic face was a mask of utter shock, then confusion, then a flicker of something that might have been fear. His voice, when he finally spoke, was raw and hesitant. "I... but the memories... SOLDIER... they felt so real."

Aerith moved closer, her green eyes full of concern. "Cloud, it's okay," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "We're here for you."

Tifa, her own memories swirling, fought back tears. "It explains so much," she murmured, a mix of sorrow and relief in her voice.

Barrett stared at Cloud, then let out a low, rumbling sigh. "Well, damn," he muttered. "Kid, you sure picked a helluva way to process some crap, didn't ya?" Though his words were rough, his tone was surprisingly gentle.

The group remained silent, allowing Cloud the space to process this monumental revelation. The journey ahead just got significantly more complicated and emotionally fraught, but the bonds they had built promised support... and perhaps even a path towards true healing for their broken hero.

A flicker of understanding dawned in Ethan's eyes. "Cloud, remember what Sephiroth said to you last night in your visions?" he asked. "'You know I killed her. So who is she?' He was trying to break you—make you question Tifa's very existence."

Ethan paused, piecing the information together. "See, in the original timeline, it was Tifa who helped you put your real memories back together. Sephiroth wants to rob you of that, the person who knows you better than anyone."

He took another breath, his words tumbling out. "The Sephiroth we're dealing with... I don't think he's from a purely alternate timeline. I think he's the one we defeated, the one who lost. Maybe in another reality, on the edge of death, he discovered the Whispers and used them to twist things, to start again." Ethan looked at the group, a hint of a challenge in his eyes. "Remember, the Whispers didn't exist before. But this Sephiroth knows all about them, the future..."

He narrowed his eyes. "He's trying to change fate. By twisting your memories, making you think Tifa is an imposter, maybe he believes he can ensure you'll kill her with your own hands. It's his failsafe, his way of ensuring you never regain your true self."

Tifa stared at Ethan, her eyes wide with a mixture of dread and a strange sense of clarity. "It...it makes a terrible kind of sense," she whispered, remembering Sephiroth's taunts from the past.

Barrett let out a low curse. "That damn freak... manipulating memory, dragging us all into his warped game of revenge."

Even Red XIII seemed unusually subdued. He growled a low, menacing note. "No foe plays tricks with the mind more ruthlessly than Sephiroth. To turn a friend into the instrument of their own destruction... that is a special level of wicked."

Cloud stood rigid, his knuckles white where they gripped the Buster Sword. His eyes were pools of swirling confusion and a flicker of dawning horror. "Tifa..." he choked out, the name a plea, as if seeking reassurance she was truly there. It was a desperate grasp at normalcy in the face of his world dissolving around him.

A wave of self-doubt washed over him. Had he been so easily duped? His grip on the sword slackened with a sense of sickening familiarity. Every belief he'd clung to felt like it was crumbling to dust in his hands. A low, guttural sound rose in his throat, a mix of anger, fear, and utter betrayal.

He turned back to Ethan, his jaw clenched, "He knew. Sephiroth knew what she meant to me... always knew," Cloud's voice was raw, filled with a bitter self-mockery. "And he wants to use me... again."

With newfound resolve replacing the initial shock, Cloud squared his shoulders. Whether or not his memories were real, the person beside him was real. He would not let Sephiroth twist his feelings into a weapon, not again.

Cloud stared into the distance, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. "I'm starting to remember even more of Zack," he admitted. "There was a time... during a mission... he talked about Aerith. He said she was his first real girlfriend."

A bittersweet smile touched Aerith's lips. This wasn't entirely new information, thanks to Ethan's warnings, but hearing it confirmed through Cloud's memories brought a warmth to her chest. "They were so good together," Tifa murmured, her own smile holding a hint of sadness.

Ethan cleared his throat, drawing the group's attention back to him. "Speaking of memories," he began, "I've been thinking about what I can do to help. Remember how I mentioned I knew the story of Final Fantasy 7?"

A chorus of nods greeted him. Cloud's expression remained grim, the weight of that knowledge still heavy on him.

"Well," Ethan continued, "while I haven't seen everything, the parts I have seen might be useful. Like I said before, I know about..." he trailed off, unable to meet Aerith's gaze directly. Everyone understood the unspoken word hanging in the air.

Aerith offered a small, sad smile. "We appreciate the warning, Ethan. We'll face what comes our way, together."

Tifa reached out and squeezed Aerith's hand, her own face resolute. Cloud, his grip tightening on the Buster Sword, nodded curtly. The past, however fractured, could no longer be ignored. It was a weight they would carry, but not a burden they would bear alone.

Ethan and the others arrived back in the ranch, and met with Chloe who was still standing behind the counter.

"Oh, hey! You're back." Chloe greeted.

Cloud looked at Chloe and said, "I heard you might need some help."

"You did? Oh, I see. Billy talked to you, didn't he? I've been meaning to pick flowers, but the plains are way too dangerous for that."

"I'm sorry to hear that. As a flower lover myself, I sympathize." Areith said.

Chloe picked up a paper with a drawing on it and showed it to the group. "Well… the thing is, I want to make a flower crown. Mom used to make 'em for us all the time. So, I wanted to give it a try, but with all the monsters out there in the plains, I didn't know how I could."

"Here's an idea… We can do the picking for you."

"Sure!"

Areith looked at Cloud and said, "Cloud? Thoughts?"

Cloud looked at Chloe and asked, "What happened to your parents?"

Chloe displayed a sad look on her face. "Truth is, our parents died in an accident when In was really little. Billy doesn't like to talk about it."

Areith had a sympathetic look on her face. "Sorry."

Chloe continued, "We used to go on these family picnics. And after we were done eating, Mom would make flower crowns for me and Billy. I'd wear mind for days."

"How do you know Sam?" Cloud asked.

Chloe answerd, "I shouldn't tell you this, but he's the reason Mom and Dad died. That's what Billy says. I dunno… he always changes the subject when I ask."

"We'll take up the job." Cloud decided.

Chloe perked up a bit. "Really, you will? The flowers grow on a hill that's got a great view of Midgar. It's kinda far, but a Chocobo will get you there quick. Thank you so much!"

"Alright! Let's do this!" Ethan pumped his fist into the air above him. And with that, Cloud and the rest of the group headed outside the ranch. Once they were outside, Cloud used the chocobo whistle, and within a couple of seconds, a few chocobos arrived near the group.

Ethan was in awe. He was about to ride a chocobo for the first time in his life. He then perched on top of the Chobobo's saddle, before holding the reins attached to it. Cloud and the others also got on their own respective Chocobos, and within a a few seconds, they headed towards the hill that Chloe had mentioned about.

The sun beat down on the rolling green hills as Ethan bounced rhythmically in his chocobo saddle. He whooped with exhilaration, letting out a joyous laugh that echoed across the plains. Unlike the horses back in his world, chocobos possessed a natural spring in their step, making the ride feel more like a dance on feathery clouds than a lumbering journey.

"This is amazing!" he exclaimed, leaning forward to pat his chocobo's neck. The giant yellow bird chirped affectionately, its giant legs propelling them forward with surprising speed.

He glanced back at his companions. Cloud, ever stoic, rode with a practiced ease. Tifa, a natural rider from her time in Nibelheim, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself, a genuine smile gracing her lips. Aerith, ever the picture of grace, sat atop her chocobo with a look of pure joy radiating from her.

But it was Red XIII who truly surprised Ethan. The ferocious beast perched confidently on his chocobo, his powerful legs gripping the saddle with surprising dexterity. Red held himself with an air of aloofness, but Ethan couldn't help but notice a flicker of amusement in his crimson eyes.

"Hey, Red!" Ethan yelled over the wind, "Never thought I'd see you on one of these!"

Red let out a low growl, his voice barely audible over the wind. "Even a wild beast can appreciate a comfortable ride," he rumbled.

Ethan laughed again, the thrill of the ride coursing through him. "You know, these chocobos are way better than the horses back in my world. Smoother, faster, and way more feathery!"

Tifa chuckled from behind him. "Don't knock horses, Ethan. They've served us well in Midgar."

"Maybe," Ethan conceded, "but they don't have that awesome chocobo chirp, do they?"

"Heads up." Cloud warned.

Cloud pulled his chocobo to an abrupt halt, eyes narrowing on a cluster of green figures bobbing in the middle of the path ahead. "Goblins."

The rest of the party quickly followed suit, their chocobos instinctively stepping back from the creatures while still maintaining a safe distance. The air crackled with tension as the group dismounted, their focus shifting to the threat before them.

Tifa immediately shifted into her battle stance, fists clenched and eyes alight with determination. Cloud hefted the Buster Sword from where it rested across his back, sunlight glinting ominously off the blade. He turned to Ethan, a grim line to his mouth. "Think you can handle these guys?"

Ethan felt a spark of adrenaline surge through him. It was time to prove he wasn't just some kid from another world. He nodded firmly, a determined glint in his eyes.

With that silent exchange, the tense air seemed to shatter. The goblins, sensing a fight, let out a series of shrill cries and lurched towards the group, their crude weapons held high. The battle was about to begin.

Cloud allowed the goblins to charge, their shrieks splitting the air. He stood his ground, the Buster Sword held steady in his grip. Then, with a swift and deadly movement, he brought the massive blade down in a ferocious arc. Steel met flesh with a sickening thud, one goblin cleaved in two before it even registered what was happening.

Tifa didn't waste a moment. Utilizing her Nibelheim fighting style, she launched into a flurry of powerful punches and kicks. A goblin lunged at her, but she ducked under its swing, delivering a rising uppercut that sent the creature sprawling to the ground, unmoving.

Meanwhile, Barrett unleashed a hail of gunfire from his massive gun arm. Each shot boomed across the plains, finding its mark with deadly accuracy. Goblins fell one by one under the relentless barrage of bullets.

Red XIII wasn't about brute force alone. He moved with a feline grace, weaving through the remaining goblins. His powerful claws became deadly weapons, ripping and tearing at his opponents. One unfortunate goblin found its throat slashed open with a single, swift swipe.

Aerith, however, remained slightly behind the melee. Unlike the others, she wasn't a master of physical combat. But that didn't mean she was defenceless. A gentle light emanated from her outstretched hand, coalescing into a sphere of pure energy. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the orb flying towards a group of goblins, who cried out in surprise as they were engulfed in a blinding white light. The energy dissipated, leaving the goblins stunned and momentarily weakened.

A few more goblins suddenly emerged from behind boulders that were present nearby, and charged straight to Ethan.

Just when it seemed victory was at hand, a fresh wave of danger emerged. With a series of guttural yells, several goblins who had been strategically hidden behind nearby boulders burst onto the scene. They charged straight for Ethan, their misshapen faces contorted in savage glee.

Ethan, however, wasn't about to be caught off guard. In the blink of an eye, he shifted from a carefree adventurer to a focused fighter. He sidestepped the first goblin's clumsy lunge, his elbow connecting with the creature's jaw with a sickening crack. The goblin coughed up a spray of saliva before crumpling to the ground, unmoving.

The second goblin came at him from the side, but Ethan was a whirlwind of motion. He spun, delivering a roundhouse kick that caught the creature squarely in the chest. The goblin let out a surprised yelp as it was sent flying backwards several feet, landing with a pained thud.

Another goblin, emboldened by its comrades' failures, charged with a rusty cleaver raised high. Ethan met the attack head-on, catching the crude weapon in his hand with a surprising display of strength. He twisted the cleaver out of the goblin's grasp and used the momentum to deliver a powerful uppercut. The goblin's jaw snapped shut with an audible click, and it crumpled to the ground, its eyes wide with shock.

One by one, Ethan dealt with the remaining goblins. Each blow, whether a precise elbow strike, a well-placed fist, or a swift kick, seemed to devastate his opponents. Goblins coughed up saliva, their eyes bulging with fear as they were dispatched with brutal efficiency.

Once all the goblins were defeated and fell down to the ground, Ethan took a deep breath, before exhaling. He then stared at his hands and body for a moment, taking in the fact that he was so strong and fierce, considering that he never had this kind of strength back in his world. Was he possibly gifted this immense strength by Tajima himself? Or was it something else that was the source of his strength? When Ethan had first arrived in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake world, one of the first things he had done was test his strength, considering the fact that he could feel a surge of energy coursing through him at the time. He had felt stronger, and there was more energy burning inside him that beckoned him to take action and release it. Which is why when running in the plains from before, Ethan was able to run a lot faster, and that's when he began to discover the depths of his incredible strength.

Cloud took a few steps forward, before complimenting, "Not bad. You did pretty well."

Tifa watched Ethan's surprisingly effective combat display with a mix of excitement and admiration. "Ethan, you move like a natural!" she exclaimed. "There's a real flow to your punches and kicks – where did you learn to fight like that?"

Cloud walked up closer, surveying the fallen goblins with a thoughtful frown. "Tifa's right. Pretty impressive, especially for someone who's never fought before." He turned to Ethan, curiosity in his voice. "If there was no Mako in your world... what was your source of strength back home?"

Ethan paused, considering his answer carefully. He scratched his head, a sheepish grin on his face. "Honestly, I wasn't this strong before... before I wound up here. I don't know exactly where this power comes from." His voice took on a more speculative tone as he continued, "But, remember Tajima, the one who brought me here in the first place? I think he might have something to do with it. He seems like the type to have that kind of power."

Cloud's frown deepened. He pondered the implications of Ethan's words. "Tajima...the mysterious force that seemed to pull you into our world. Perhaps he saw something in you? Some potential?" Cloud's tone suggested it was more than just a passing thought.

Tifa stepped closer, a look of concern on her face. "Does that mean he can use his power to make anyone he wants strong like Ethan?"

Barrett grunted, rubbing his chin thoughtfully with his flesh hand. "Don't assume the worst just yet," he interjected. "This Tajima fella...sounds more like a puppet master than someone out for direct destruction. Could be he's usin' the kid, but for what, ain't nobody know yet." He patted Ethan's shoulder reassuringly.

Red XIII regarded Ethan with those intelligent, crimson eyes. "Caution is advised," he rumbled, his voice carrying a note of both concern and intrigue. "Tajima has already upset the natural balance, twisting fate by introducing you to this world. There is always a price for such actions, even if we cannot yet discern it."

Aerith's expression was a mix of curiosity and a touch of worry. "The Lifestream flows through all of us," she said softly, "connecting us to the Planet and beyond. Perhaps the change in worlds has unlocked something within you. Or maybe even Tajima's influence has awakened a power you didn't know you possessed."

"Probably…" Ethan folded his arms while slightly lost in deep thought.

"Well, whatever the reason," he finally said, "I'm not about to complain about being able to kick some monster butt, right?" He flashed a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, I'm with all of you now. As long as my strength helps keep you guys safe, then... maybe it was worth it."

Cloud nodded. "For now, let's stay focused on the task at hand." He gestured towards the distant hill where Chloe's flowers bloomed. "We should keep moving."

With a renewed sense of purpose, the group climbed back onto their chocobos and set off once more. The rhythmic thump of hooves and the occasional cheerful chirp filled the air as they navigated the rolling hills. Ethan, still exhilarated from the battle, let his mind wander. He pondered Tajima's enigmatic presence and the strange power that pulsed within him. It was exhilarating to be this strong, but the potential consequences of this gift loomed heavy in his thoughts.

The journey carried a new weight now. Cloud, deep in his own thoughts after the revelations about his past and memories, led the way with steely determination. Tifa rode close beside him, her eyes watchful and concerned, the connection between them undeniable. Barrett followed, his bulky form silhouetted against the afternoon sun, his occasional grunts and mutterings hinting at the unspoken thoughts in his own mind. Red XIII brought up the rear, his sharp gaze never wavering, his very presence a reminder of the dangers that lurked ahead.

Thanks to the Chocobo's incredible speed, they arrived near the familiar outline of Kalm on the horizon.


Somewhere slightly far away – With Zack Fair and Alternate Mako Poisined Cloud

Zack Fair, a bit battered and injured, was currently carrying cloud while having Cloud's hand over his shoulder, and then assisted him to make him walk while he was unconscious. "We'll reach Midgar soon, don't worry."

As he continued to move forward, he suddenly noticed a bunch of werewolves form up in some sort of formation around 50 feet away from Zack. With an alarmed look on his face, he gently laid Cloud on the ground, before taking out his buster sword and shifting into his battle stance, narrowing his eyes at the werewolves with a serious look on his face. He knew they were danger, and that he had to face them.

One of the werewolves took a few steps ahead before folding his arms with a smirk on his face. "Zack Fair… 1st class SOLDIER, now back from the dead, huh?"

Zack raised his eyebrows slightly in confusion, while still being alarmed and cautious at the same time. It was slightly surprising that the werewolf could talk. But on top of that, he mentioned something about 'being back from the dead'. What did he even mean by that?"

The werewolf cackled. "Seems like your friend Cloud is in critical condition… This makes our job easier. Hand him over, or…" he then smashed his left fist onto his right palm in front of his chest horizontally and displayed a menacing grin. "…well, you know what would happen, right?"


To be continued…