Author's Notes:

If you had read my description and the previous chapter when it was just released, you might have noticed that I called Cloud's motorcycle "Fafnir." That is incorrect and is actually "Fenrir." Sorry for the inconvenience; I fixed it.

Someone who reviewed my previous chapter asked me if the inclusion of Cloud's phones was necessary. Here is my answer: Absolutely. Why not? I love challenging myself to include story elements that seem entirely unnecessary or odd initially but will have a clearer purpose later.

Also, I have to say one thing: JAGA03 did (slightly) improve his writing in his later chapters, but eh, whatever. Don't get me wrong; I still have a personal grudge with his terrible writing. I won't waste my breath talking about his stories anymore. I'm sure you guys have heard enough about what I think of him. I have already planned out my story to some degree, and that JAGA guy hasn't even updated it in years. His loss, my gain. That said, I'll start slowly deviating away from his story and focus on mine in the upcoming chapters.


Chapter 2 – Feroxi's Striking Dance

After returning Fortune home, Cloud drove back to the abandoned village, where Gaius was waiting for him. "So, to clarify, you want to retrieve another bag of candy stolen from you. And this thief is some wealthy person."

Gaius nodded. "Not only was there candy stolen, but some important valuables were also beside it."

"Okay, sugar addict. Ready to go?"

Gaius hopped on Fenrir. "Sure. By the way, Blazy, how much do I have to pay you?"

Cloud prepared his foot on the pedal. "Fifty gold."

"Wow, your services are surprisingly cheaper than I expected."

"You mean?"

"You usually need men, armory, and food to secure the delivery. It would cost around five thousand to request such service if we're talking cheap," Gaius explained.

"Huh." Taking off, they made it to the capital within ten minutes, which, compared to walking, takes half the day, according to Fortune. The passenger signaled him to stop.

"I'll have to do something first," said Gaius. "Meet me here in the evening."

Cloud glanced at him. "Why?"

"Unfinished business."

"Okay."

Dismounting off the bike, Gaius quickly left him alone with nothing to do. "Right, Fortune wanted to spar with me if I was free." Driving to her place, Cloud spotted Fortune swinging her Brave Sword.

She turned to see him. "Cloud! You already finished with your delivery?"

Cloud parked his three-wheeler inside his garage. "No. I just have some free time before I start."

"Oh, good. You want to spar with me?"

Cloud took out his deactivated central blade. "Sure. I'm curious what you can do." Stepping out to her backyard, Cloud stood at one end of the field while she stood at the other.

"You are not using your full form?" Fortune asked.

Cloud gave a slight smirk. "This is more than enough to beat you. You make your first move."

"Looking down at me? Even if you were chosen to become a champion, that doesn't mean you can win easily."

Standing defensively, Cloud activated his sword, extending both the hand guard and the width of the blade. "Come at me."

"You asked for it!" Charging towards him, Fortune clashed against his blade, hoping to tire his hand. However, Cloud lifted her weapon, leaving her exposed. Fortune jumped back to distance herself. Yet he approached her as he made short, swift hops from side to side. This caused her to lose focus of him, and before she knew it, her face smacked against the dirt. She picked herself up to find her blade in Cloud's hands. "That was incredible. I have never seen such a skill as yours. Can you teach me how you did that?"

"Hmm..." Cloud pondered for a moment.

"Hello?"

He shook his head. "It's nothing. I can teach you."

Fortune smiled. "Really?" She placed her hand on his shoulders. "Thanks!"

Cloud tried to sake her hand off. "Hey. Personal space."

Her joy didn't waver. "Oh, sorry."

I feel bad for lying...


Sitting in a relaxed position, Cloud read his book on Fenrir. It was already dark, and no sign of Gaius anywhere. "I wonder if he went to bed."

"No, I didn't."

Cloud turned his head around, causing Gaius to stop walking.

"Blazy, your eyes are glowing."

Cloud shut his eyelids for a second. "So, where did you go?"

Realizing Cloud was changing the subject, Gaius knew not to ask any further and showed his bag. "I had to buy the limited edition Frosty Feroxi flavors. There was a huge line for these lollipops."

He folded his hands. "Really?"

"Yes, really. Anyways, let's go."

Cloud nodded as the candy addict jumped on. Driving through the streets, he followed Gaius's directions until they almost reached a standard-sized, fancy building with men equipped with swords, lances, and bows surrounding it. Cloud hid his bike behind another structure, away from security. "How do you want to do this?"

Gaius snuck his head out, observing the area. "We just need to distract the guards and sneak through one of the open windows."

He pointed at the one five floors above, the highest one. "Can you manage to climb up there?"

Cloud nodded. "No problem."

"All right. I'll be the distraction. You go round up anyone inside that room."

As Gaius dashed up the guards, he started waving both hands. "Hey! Remember me?"

All the guards focused their attention on him. "Who- Wait, he was the one who tried to invade this property! Get him!" They all started chasing him.

Cloud quickly snuck behind them and leaped inside the window, entering a dark bedroom filled with delicate trinkets and items. A woman stole from him?

The door to the room opened slowly. "I'm such an idiot. I should have done—" the pink-haired girl in revealing clothes froze as she saw the intruder's dim, glowing eyes.

The expression on her face made Cloud uncomfortable. "Olivia."

She drew out her iron sword. "S-s-stay-"

Cloud launched forward, turned around behind her, and covered her mouth while holding her dominant hand. "Quiet. Listen to what I say, and I won't harm you." Oliva tried to shake him off but to no avail. "Please, trust me," he released her.

Jumping back, Olivia swung her blade as hard as she could, yet Cloud caught it with his resilient black gloves. This surprised her, and she immediately tried to pull it away.

Cloud gripped her blade even tighter. "I only came here to ask something." Her blade began to crack until it shattered into pieces, leaving her in complete disarray.

"W-what is it?"

"This is going to sound stupid, but," Cloud sighed, pinching his nose between his eyes, "have you stolen candies before?"

Hearing this strange and silly question, the frightened girl loosened a bit. "Candy? I- I never stole any candy. Why would I?"

"Hmm..." Cloud showed Gaius's request paper, which had a rough sketch of his face. "Do you know him?"

Olivia took a closer look and shook her head. "No. I never met him."

"Who else resides inside this building?"

"I'm just renting this place out. No one else lives here. If they did, they're not here anymore."

Cloud walked over to an empty chair and sat down in disappointment. "What a waste of time."

"Um..." Olivia hesitated momentarily but gathered enough courage to look at his extraordinary eyes. "W-we met each other in the bookstore yesterday. What is your name, sir?"

Cloud looked up at her. "Cloud Strife."

"Strife? You have a family?"

He stood up, ready to leave. "No."

"...Wait!" Olivia played around with her fingers. "You seem troubled. Do you perhaps need help?"

Cloud stopped. "Help?"

"Yes. That face you're expressing right now. I can see that something is causing distress from within your heart."

"Tch," Cloud down on the floor. "It's nothing."

"Please, let me help you in any way. Even if just a little."

He turned his head to glare behind him. "Why are you even asking? It's got nothing to do with you."

"I know, but I won't be able to rest knowing I did nothing to help someone in trouble."

"..." Cloud had no one to talk to about this issue for a while and gave in. "I just miss my friends and family. They are somewhere far away, and I worry I might never see them again. It feels- hopeless sometimes." He shook his head. "Whatever. This isn't helping. I should just-?" Feeling something wrap around him, Cloud saw her hands on his chest.

"Hey, don't worry. I know you're a person with a kind heart." She released her embrace. "I know I can't do much to help your situation, yet I want to help somehow. So, please watch me."

Walking in the moonlight, she began to perform a dance. It was elegant yet simple, something Cloud had never seen in his world. Her movements were rhythmic and passionate, almost hypnotizing. He could only watch as her movements somehow made him forget all his anxiety. Finishing her performance, she bowed. "Did that help?"

Cloud wiped his single tear. "I guess. Thanks."

Blushing, she giggled. "You're welcome."

Someone jumped through the window. "Hey Cloud, what's taking you-?"

"EEAAAH!" Olivia leaped in surprise, quickly running away to the other side.

Gaius looked at Cloud and the girl hiding behind him. "Huh? What's happening?"

"I don't think this girl is the thief you're looking for," said Cloud.

"Hm." He glanced at the shattered sword beside Cloud. "I knew that."

"What?"

"I mean, the person who stole my stuff is already gone. I dealt with them myself."

Cloud grabbed his shirt collar. "You're telling me I went through this for nothing?"

Gaius placed his hands up. "I'll still pay you."

Huffing, he released him. "Fine."

"I was just making sure you're the right man."

Cloud looked at him curiously. "For what?"

"There is this well-paying job I will participate in a few weeks, but it involves backing up Plegians. And you know things go sour when you're working with them. So, after seeing what you can do, I was wondering if I can request you to deliver me to safety."

Cloud nodded. "As long as you pay up."

"Thanks." Gaius handed him a new paper detailing his future mission. "I'll see you later!" He jumped out, leaving only a small pouch filled with gold.

Olivia peered out. "Who is he?"

"One of my newest customers."

"Customer?"

"I'm running a business called the Strife Delivery Service," Cloud answered. "Whether it's simple transportation or delivering a lost, stolen item, I ensure it reaches its destination fast and securely."

"Wow. And you're doing this all by yourself? Must be tiresome."

"It's nothing I can't handle. Anyway, I have a lot more requests to fulfill. I better get going."

Olivia pointed at the shattered pieces. "At least help clean this up."


For the past few days, Cloud has completed most of his request forms. The only remaining ones were some new ones that Anna gave him yesterday and Gaius's. But he will have to do them later since today, he had to participate in the tournament.

After going through some rules with Fortune, he walked down the hallway to where one of the Khans was standing with a group of twelve people.

She noticed Cloud's approach. "So, you're the rumored Blazing Horseman. The one who helped many with your mysterious Fenrir. Is that right, Mr. Strife?"

The man with blue hair studied the newcomer. "This is Cloud Strife?"

"Yes. He is the champion who will help you in your fight."

"Are you the Khan?" asked Cloud.

"Yes. Call me Flavia, the East-Khan. I heard many things about you. Looking forward to seeing you in battle." She nodded. "All right, you have ten minutes to prepare. Once the bell chimes, you better get your arse in the Arena."

Everyone nodded and went to check their possessions. Cloud already has all his blades sheathed in the back and his usual two combined swords in his hand. The blue-haired and white-haired men walked before him. "Cloud, was it? I'm Robin, and this is Chrom. I wanted to ask what role you are best at if we are fighting together," the white one said.

Cloud could tell Robin is both a mage and a sword user. Chrom, on the other hand, is a pure swordsman. However, he seemed slightly stronger than any man he had seen in this world, and Chrom's sword seemed to be made out of a material that he had never seen before. "I can play any role. Offensive, defensive, or supportive."

Chrom nodded. "Then can you become our backup? I know you are the selected champion, and we are merely supporters who help you fight, but we, Shepherds, want to gain some experience in this fight."

Shepherds. From what I heard, they are groups of volunteers who are dedicated to protecting the citizens of Ylisse. The one who leads them is their prince. Cloud confirmed this fact by looking at Chrom's exposed right shoulder, which had the Exalt's brand.

Robin nodded. "That's right. I'm a tactician, and I was planning to have this opportunity to implement my new fighting strategy in this battle. Well, I'm not saying that we are casting you aside, but-"

Cloud raised his free hand. "I'm fine with being your backup. But it drags on too long, let's say ten minutes. I will step in."

Chrom nodded. "Is that okay, Robin?"

"...Ten minutes," Robin murmured. "I can work with that."

As minutes went by, the Shepherds finished their preparation, and the bell rang. All made their way to the arena. The side of the arena was filled with crowds, chanting for the fight to start. Among them, Cloud spotted Fortune and, to the far left, Olivia.

"We will begin the champion's tournament now!" The horn sounded, and both sides charged forward. The Shepherds clashed with the opposing forces, causing the crowd to go wild. Cloud, on the other hand, walked up slowly, observing the battlefield.

"Come on!" Fortune shouted. "Don't just walk there!"

"Quiet," Cloud hissed quietly. He observed the fight. There were two with an axe double teaming against one of the troubled Shepherds who had a beaten-up cooking pot as a helmet. He leaped across the arena and snagged one of the opponent's necks, throwing him away from his teammates. Standing up, the axe fighter noticed he was far away from where everyone else was. Cloud stood against him. "You are my opponent."

The axe man charged towards him, yet Cloud slid down, tripping him over. He quickly stood up. "You dirty tricks won't-"

"Shut up." Cloud punched his stomach hard enough, causing him to fall unconscious. He struck his blade to the ground and leaned on it, watching the battle before him. The tactician Robin commanded the Shepherds as they fought in unity. Their execution was flawless as they mowed down their opponents one by one. Out of the bunch, Chrom and the blue-haired, masked woman, whom he heard Chrom call her Marth, stood out. With the same type of blades, they fought each other like no other. Cloud could tell that those two were one of the most powerful in terms of strength, more than anyone he had seen in this world so far.

Cloud could also tell that Fortune kept yelling at his ears, running out of patience. Holding out his blade, he focused until his body felt lighter. Sprinting impossibly fast, he stood in the middle of the field. "Nothing personal."

Performing his new Limit Break, Universal Twist, he split his hollow from his central blade and began moving like the wind, knocking out every enemy with the flat surface of his blades swiftly and gracefully. Whenever they attacked, Cloud would instantly sweep around their strikes or skip over them, counterattacking from behind.

As she watched Cloud on the offensive, Olivia recognized his movements. "That rhythm and pattern..."

"Bwa ha ha!" The brown, eye-patched man beside her admired Cloud's fighting style. "Olivia, that looks like your special dance. Did you teach that young man something?"

She shook her head. "No. I don't think so?"

After taking out every fighter in the arena, only Chrom and Marth remained. Cloud dashed forward, combining his two swords back together and taking out one of his small blades with his free hand. The masked fighter noticed him charging at her, yet it was already too late. Cloud slashed her mask in half, nearly scratching her face.

Marth immediately jumped back, holding her hair from untangling, and turned away from Chrom. "Not bad. I surrender!"

The announcer raised his hand. "It looks like Basilio's champion has given up. The others have all been defeated by Cloud Strife! Team Flavia wins!"

Chrom stopped whatever he was doing. "What? You gave up?"

"Hmph..." Not looking back, Marth fled the arena, disappearing into the shadows.

"I think it's because Cloud removed his mask." Robin looked at Flavia's champion. "How did you figure that one out?"

"As I watched your fight, I noticed how Marth kept her mask away from your strike. She especially let her face receive the scratch when your sword came too close," Cloud explained.

Chrom nodded. "You are more observant than me. The only thing I was thinking of was striking his exposed areas. I had never thought about his mask... Wait, did you just call him a she?"

Cloud grinned slightly. "Haven't you noticed? It sounds a bit forced, even if she sounds like a man."

"Hm... Now that I think about it-"

Cloud sheathed his short blade. "Well, I have places to go. See you."

"Not so fast."

Cloud turned around to find Flavia, Olivia, a frowning black-haired man, and an eye-patched, muscular man.

"I'm the West-Khan, Basilio," the eye-patch introduced himself. "I've seen your fight and am amazed at how familiar that style looks. Are you perhaps friends with Olivia?"

Cloud wondered for a moment while glancing at the blushing girl. "We met once a few days ago, but that's about it... I guess we're friends."

"Is that so?" Basilio laughed.

Flavia shook her head. "Ignore this old man."

"Old?!" he yelled.

"I am thankful that you have returned my ruling power. And now that I have authority, is there any reward you would like?" she asked.

Cloud nodded. "Money."

"Ha. Straight to the point. Very well, I will offer you a good amount later. If you need anything, ask me; you've earned my respect. I'll leave you to Basilio. Said he wanted to ask you something." Flavia left him and walked to the Shepherds.

Basilio looked at him. "I heard that you're helping people deliver things all over the continent. So, I was wondering if you could take Olivia with you."

Cloud looked at the girl. "Why?"

"Olivia is quite the performer, I tell you. But she is still a shy lass and needs to experience things other than dancing. Also, seeing your strength today, I know she will be in good hands. She said she wouldn't mind."

Thinking about it, Cloud shook his head. "What's in it for me?"

"You did strip me of my authority as a Khan. Nonetheless, I'll help promote your services 'officially' in Regna Ferox. What do you say?"

Cloud nodded. "Then I watch over her."

"I leave her with you." Basilio and the black-haired swordsman left, leaving only Olivia alone with him.

"H-hello again, Cloud," Olivia began.

Cloud scratched the back of his head. "Thank you for, um, before."

"N-no problem. I just did what I could to help..." Olivia looked at him. "What was that move you did before? It looked like one of my dances."

"Uh. It's just that your dance inspired me to integrate it into my fighting style. And so, I trained whenever I could to perfect it."

"That's... You're quite skilled and adaptable."

"That is what everyone says..." Cloud looked up, lost in thought.

Olivia realized what was going on. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Cloud. I should've not said that."

Cloud shook his head. "Don't be. Just reminiscing... Anyway, let's go."

Moving through the arena, the two reached the entrance where Fortune was waiting. "Hey Cloud! Those movements were amazing back there! It was a sight to behold!"

"Yeah."

"By the way, did you receive special privileges like becoming training buddies from the Khans?" she asked.

Cloud shrugged. "They never mentioned it."

"What?!"

"They probably never needed it. Instead, I got Olivia, my... new assistant."

Fortune glanced at his new pink friend, who was clinging beside him. "I was about to ask." She turned her attention back to Cloud. "What will you do now?"

"I've already made enough money to take care of myself. So, I'm going to explore this world and help others." Cloud looked at his blade. "Maybe along the way, I can find the answers I'm seeking."

"Sniff"

"Um, why are you crying?" he asked.

Fortune shook her head. "No. I'm just a bit sad that we are parting ways soon, but it's not like I can hold you forever. I'm going to miss our sparring sessions." She raised her Brave Blade in front of her face. "However, I will keep practicing what you've taught me, teacher."

Cloud smiled. "Looking forward to it."

"Yes. Please remember to visit me one day." She waved at him as he left.


Driving with Olivia across the hot desert, Cloud stopped behind a colossal rib cage to hide from the sun. They both dismounted Fenrir and took out cool water from the storage container. "How much further?" asked Olivia.

Cloud opened his phone's photos, which included a picture of Anna's continent map. "Not much further. I estimate about two hours before we reach there. But the sun is setting soon, so I think it's better to find a small city to stay in."

Olivia nodded. "I agree." She sipped the last drop from her waterskin. "I never imagined I would be in Plegia so soon after deciding to travel with you."

"I'm more surprised you haven't received any motion sickness after riding with me."

"Really?"

Cloud nodded. "Apart from Gaius, you seem to keep yourself intact."

"Hehe. Well, that's good to hear."

After resting, they continued to drive across the sand until they spotted a city in the sunset. Driving towards it, Cloud spotted an Inn not too far away and parked near it. Entering the mud brick building, an old man stood in the main room. "Are you two looking for a place to stay?"

"Yes. One room, please," Cloud took out his gold.

Olivia looked at him. "O-one room?"

"Trying to save up money. Is there a problem?"

She shook her head. "No."

Getting access to their rooms on the second floor, Cloud sat in a chair with his papers and phone on the table.

"What are you doing?" Olivia asked.

Cloud spread his papers and pointed at the map. "I'm planning our next route."

Olivia read the names of each paper—Gregor, Bill, Henry, Gaius, Jess, Severa, and so on. "I want to help. Is there anything I can do?"

He pondered for a while. "I'm not sure."

She looked down. "I knew it. I'm really useless in everything except dancing. Sorry."

"Don't blame yourself. I just haven't figured it out yet. I will tell you if I have something for you. Rest. We have a long day tomorrow."

"…Um, okay. I'll be outside the balcony for a bit."

"Sure."

Closing the curtains, she left Cloud alone. He tapped the table as he read Severa's request description.

[Gods, I can't believe I'm doing this. Get over here, Cloud! Some sly lunatic stole my ring. Retrieve it with your stupid Mako strength before I lose my sanity! -Severa

Location: Darkstone Harbor]

It was another fetch quest. However, something bothered Cloud. He knew he had never mentioned to anyone the source of his unnatural strength, and there was no such thing as Mako in this world, so he knew it was simply impossible. Either Severa knew of him from his previous world, or... Well, he wasn't sure. That's why he is taking this request first.

The floor suddenly shook violently, causing Cloud to stand up.

"Cloud!" Olivia ran inside with a terrified face and pulled him outside. "The earth is crumbling apart!"

Looking outside the balcony, the splitting, sandy ground was indeed rising up, creating an eruption of magma to consume the streets. Cloud immediately grabbed Olivia. "We have to run now!"

Running out the door, he smashed the mud walls with his completed sword and jumped down to his motorbike with Olivia. Quickly putting all his belongings inside his storage, Cloud pushed on the pedal, driving through the cracking ground beneath him. "What is this?!"

"I don't know!" Olivia in the back yelled.

As they made their quick escape, a light of particles began to form into a singular mass, distorting the air until the world around them became gray. A giant, golden magic sigil appeared in the depressing sky. Soon after, a black void manifested in the center of the sigil, and a curved bright crystal formed in the center of its absolute darkness. The crystal soon opened as an eyelid, revealing a giant blue-green glowing eyeball similar to Cloud's. The color of the world suddenly returned.

Cloud stopped his Fenrir and prepared his blade. "What now?"

The eye started to shine, spewing out multiple dark-armored creatures. Olivia latched onto Cloud. "A-are those monsters?"

They stood up unnaturally, their red eyes glowing through their stitched mask. Spotting us, these monsters roared while black miasma flowed out of their decayed teeth. It reminded Cloud of Hojo's sick and twisted experiments. "I'm sure these guys aren't here to make friends. We should leave."

"What about the city?"

He glanced behind where they came from. "I doubt anyone is alive. It's already in ruins."

*Graaah!*

Cloud clashed his sword against the undead's steel axe. Pushing it out of the way, he sliced its head off, resulting in the whole body and clothes turning into a black mist.

Olivia poked out. "Is it over?"

Another batch of monsters appeared through the eye portal. "Nope." He jumped off his bike. "I must eliminate that large eyeball, but it requires time. Can you keep them off for a while?"

"I haven't fought in a minute." She pulled out her new iron blade. "I'll do my best."

While Cloud began focusing his energy, Olivia took a defensive stance in front of him. The monsters came running fearlessly towards them and swung their spears and swords. Nevertheless, the dancer hopped over their strikes and knocked them back to the other two behind them. Olivia skewered both monsters into smoke. She then jumped on one of the heads as the remaining two charged at her, stabbing its head and hopping to the last one, knocking it out and killing it for good. "Phew." More monsters came out. "Are you done yet?!"

"Ready." Cloud charged at the new monsters beneath the devil's gate, cleaving them in half. The eye seemed to stare down at him. "As if I'd lose." Leaping to its level, all his swords began to separate and float around the eye. Cloud hovered above, grabbed one of his swords, and flew past the blue eye, slashing right through its soft-like material. He grabbed another part of his Fusion Blade, flying and cutting with each weapon nine more times until he caught his central blade and thrust into its pupils, finishing his Omnislash. The eye disappeared along with the magic sigil as his swords magnetized back to the central piece. He walked back to Olivia and his bike.

Olivia was astonished. "Were you just flying just now?"

"Something like that. Now, let's go before anything else happens." As they sat back on Fenrir, Cloud looked back at the destruction once more. He didn't know what to make of it, but he knew he had no other option but to continue to Darkstone Harbor.


The ruffian tripped as he ran as far as he could. He tried standing up, yet someone's blade had severely injured his legs. Looking behind, a dark figure walked menacingly towards him with a long blade. "Please spare me! I'll do anything you want!"

The red-haired girl stared at him, invoking no emotion. "I gave you so many chances, but never tell me truthfully. Goodbye."

He raised his hand. "NOOO- GAUGK!"

Stabbing his heart and taking it out, she stepped out of the way as blood gushed out of his body. She flicked her blood. "Ugh. When is Cloud coming?" She flicked the muck off her blade. "I thought his delivery services were faster than this."

She started to hear some kind of familiar sound approaching her direction. "Finally." She ran out of the alleyway and into the streets, where she could see Fenrir approaching. She waved her hand. "Hey! Over here!"

The bike stopped. Cloud glanced at the girl while Olivia was asleep on his back. "Who are... Severa?"

Severa nodded. "And it seems you're already with her. That's good; I can explain my situation more easily." She began walking away. "Follow me."

"Explain it to me here."

Severa glanced back at him. "Gawds. You're just as annoying as last time."

He was confused. "Have we met before?"

"And that is exactly why I want to talk to you and Olivia privately. I'll let you stay in my place, too."

"Fine. Show me the way."

She nodded and guided him through the streets until they found an inn near the ocean. Cloud carried Olivia with him as Severa entered her room.

"So, what's the deal? What do you know that I don't."

Severa sat on her bed. "Why don't you wake up Olivia first? I'm sure she will want to hear this as well."

Cloud nodded and nudged her shoulders a few times. "Olivia, wake up."

Olivia groaned. "What? Did something happen?" Looking around, she noticed the red twin-tailed girl and began to squirm behind Cloud. "W-who is she?"

"I'd like to know that too," Cloud said.

Severa sighed. "Right. I come from the future to prevent a disaster from happening. There are more of my friends who came from the future, but I have yet to find them. And out of those friends, two of them are your son and daughter. So, that's how I know you and-"

Cloud held his hand. "Hold it, Severa. You're telling me that you come from the future and I have a SON and DAUGHTER later in my life?" He shook his head. "You're lying to me-"

Severa took out the left short piece of his Fusion Sword. "Is this proof enough?"

Cloud looked at his Fusion Sword, which still had every part intact. Her part had the same design, switch mechanism, and scratch marks, but there were some new marks he didn't recognize. "Wait, there could only be one weapon like this..."

"Yep, the one and only," Severa smirked, "I bet you and your wife are interested in what their children are like."

"Wife..." Those words echoed in Cloud's head. "Who is my future wife?"

Severa nodded. "Olivia, of course. Who else did you... Huh? Future wife?" She looked at Olivia's covered face, which was all red. Cloud, too, was not taking this sudden news that well. "Oh. I thought you were already together."

Cloud sat on the second bed beside him, both hands folded and against his forehead. "Did I really do that in the future?" he mumbled.

Olivia, on the other hand, was too embarrassed to speak. She couldn't keep up with her swirling thoughts.

"Nice going, idiot," Severa cursed herself.

The room was silent for a while.

"So, Severa," Olivia broke the quietness as she fiddled her fingers, "what is, um, o-our kids like?"

Severa thought for a moment. "Your son, Inigo, is quite the skirt chaser, but in private, he loves to dance alone and is too shy to show it to anyone. Your daughter, Mirage, is the quiet and serious type, perhaps a bit too much since nobody can tell what she's thinking. But what makes them both stand out is their abnormal strength like Cloud over there."

Olivia blushed. "And you said that they are somewhere in this world?"

"Yes. But like I said, I haven't heard from them yet."

Cloud shook his head. "What happened to us?"

"That's um." Severa looked down. "All of you adults died to Grima. Only us children survived and found a way to travel back to the past."

"Grima. You mean that Fell Dragon that Plegia worships?"

"Yes."

So, an enemy stronger than Sephiroth...

"Well, your cause of death was unknown, Cloud," said Severa.

"What does that mean?"

"Well, you went missing, and then we just found your body slowly turning into white snowflakes among the smoldering, melted bodies..." She shook her head. "It wasn't anything like we've seen, but it definitely wasn't from Grima. Do you know who can do that?"

"So, not Grima but someone else..." Cloud tried to remember who had the power to do that, but he couldn't. "No clue."

"Oh. Okay."

"Incidentally, what about your ring?" he showed her the requested paper.

Severa clenched her fist. "Ah, that ring is precious to me, and some real idiot did steal it from me. Now, he's trying to blackmail me to become his personal slave. That jerk said he would sail away with it if I didn't agree with him within two days."

"Where is he now?"

She shook her head. "I tried hunting him down, but I got no leads on him. He's using some powerful spell or something to cower away from me."

"I see... I'll work on that tomorrow." Cloud placed his weapon against the wall and lay on the bed he was sitting, his eyes closed. "Need some shut-eye. I haven't slept yet."

"What about Olivia?"

He opened his eyes, seeing Olivia standing before his bed, again lost in her mind. "Ugh." Cloud sat back up. "This is messed up. I've barely met Olivia, and you suddenly showed up, telling us that we will be married in the future. What am I supposed to do with that information?"

Severa avoided his eyes. "Sorry. I should've been more careful."

Cloud sighed. "Don't apologize. What's done is done." He turned to his partner. "Olivia, are you feeling okay?"

"O-oh, me?" Olivia looked away. "I-I don't know. I need some time alone!" She marched towards the third bed and coved herself under the blankets and pillows.

I guess she's okay. Cloud went back to his sleeping position. "If nothing else, night."


Waking up from his slumber, Cloud stretched his limbs and fell to the floor, immediately doing his morning pushups.

"Cloud?"

He glanced to his side to see Olivia standing nervously. "Yes?"

"I want to talk about something in private."

Cloud stopped his exercise and looked at Severa's empty bed. "Where did she go?"

"She left to go shopping after I gave her some money. Anyway, um," Olivia made tiny dance movements with her legs. "What do we do? I haven't gotten to know you, and yet, somehow, we already have kids of our own."

"You really believe that?"

"That sword of hers seemed identical to yours, and, well, I have never seen such a blade at the market."

Cloud looked at his sword. "I can't deny that she has the exact same copy of a sword that I only possess. But claiming that we were together? I'd want more solid proof than that."

"Solid proof?"

"I want to see this son and daughter of ours. If they really exist, then..." He scratched his forehead. "Well, I don't know."

"I think we will figure something out."

"Right." Cloud picked up his completed Fusion Sword. "I thought about it for a while, and I think you could help me with general stuff. Like with my cooking, cleaning, maintaining my Fenrir, and so on."

She looked at him. "What is this about?"

"It's when you wanted to help me in some way last night before the earth shook," Cloud explained. "And, um, I just wanted to tell you that I don't see you as a useless girl. You helped me many times before."

Olivia turned around. "T-thank you."