A/N: 2024.12.16

Okay! So, I was gone a lot longer than I intended. I wish I could say I was going to keep to a schedule but I can't make that promise. I just hope to update this regularly.

Okay! Hope you all are ready for the next chapter!

Chapter 6: Forging Friendships

After leaving Nibelheim, the AVALANCHE team recounted as much as they could about the destruction of Midgar in the time they had. They basically covered the summoning of Meteor and its leading to Midgar's, and very-nearly the Planet's, destruction. Cloud quickly covered Geostigma and Sephiroth's return, and Vincent and Yuffie added a bit about Omega WEAPON's awakening, which further decimated what was left of Midgar. A couple of hours later, the Shera had Edge in sight. Lukas stood in awe as he looked at the ruined Midgar.

"My God," Lukas whispered. "That's really Midgar."

"You remember this place?" Zell asked.

"No," Lukas shook his head. "I actually never been to Midgar. I just always wanted to go. Used to hear stories about it from my parents. They talked about it being this majestic place. Now… seeing it like this…"

"The majesty kinda died," Selphie noted. "Then got set on fire."

"Selphie…" Squall sighed.

"What? It didn't?"

"Oh, no, it definitely did," Yuffie agreed.

"Set on fire and giant space rock nearly crushed it," Barret noted.

"Followed by Cloud and Sephiroth wrecking the damn place and Omega knockin' the rest of it over," Cid chuckled.

"I really like these guys!" Zell smiled.

"Before we do anything else…" Lukas said, "could I… just check out the city?"

Cloud nodded. "Sure thing."

After landing the Shera, the group decided to split up, each group dividing up how they wanted and going their own way. Lukas, Quistis, Tifa, and Aerith were walking along some of the ruins in Midgar. Cloud and Zack had originally begun the tour with them but went their own way, making plans to meet up at Aerith's church later. Everyone agreed to reconvene later in the evening. Lukas was taking it all in as he and Quistis marveled at the destruction. They were walking along one of the high catwalks that gave a great view of the decimated city.

"Man…" Lukas whispered.

"I know how you feel," Aerith exhaled. "I mean… this looks so much worse, seeing it in person."

"It's all so…" Quistis looked around "…desolate. To say the least."

"Funny thing?" Tifa said. "The place didn't look so good after Meteor nearly touched down, anyway. All the other damage didn't really make much of a difference."

Lukas stared at what was left of the Mako Cannon. "They really took the cannon from Junon…"

"We found out the official name was the Mako Cannon. And Shinra called it the Sister Ray. Why, I have no idea."

Lukas leaned on a guard railing, staring at the ruined city. "Tifa…"

"I know," Tifa rested on the railing, as well. "It's a lot. Even for me, after all this time. I can't even imagine how this is for you."

Lukas sighed. "This is real." He bowed his head. "I'm really back." He looked at Midgar. "And it still feels…"

"Like a dream?"

"Something like that. I think a better way to describe it is more… unreal than anything."

Tifa nodded, "Yeah. Yeah, I absolutely get that."

Lukas sighed. He turned his back to Midgar, leaning his back against the railing. He sniffed. "You…"

Tifa, Aerith, and Quistis looked at Lukas.

Lukas looked up at Tifa, "You really… never forgot about me?"

Tifa thought for a moment. "It… was painful to remember for a while. I can't lie. I had to make myself not think about you… and Nibelheim… for a long time." She felt tears form. "But… if you're asking…" she swallowed. "…if I ever forgot you at all… if I ever couldn't remember you…" She smiled and shook her head, "Never."

"I did." Lukas sniffed again, then swallowed the lump in his throat. "Tifa, I forgot you. And Cloud. Our home. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm really sorry."

Tifa cried a bit. "You don't apologize. You've got nothing to apologize for."

Tifa and Lukas smiled at each other, emotions still running high.

Quistis looked between them, as she began to squirm a little, "You know I'm done being nervous, right?! Please, hug! I need to see it!"

Tifa and Lukas hugged each other with everything they had. Tifa buried her face in his shoulder, letting out a few cries. Lukas let out a shaken exhale. Aerith and Quistis happily observed the scene, tears in their eyes as well.

"You're really back!" Tifa cried.

"Yeah," Lukas exhaled.

"I'm really happy you're alive."

"Thanks for never forgetting me."

Tifa smiled. "How could I forget one of my best friends?"

Cloud and Zack were trekking through Midgar on their own, intending to soon make their way to the Church. Surveying the wreckage of Midgar, they spent most of the time in silence. Zack didn't mind; he knew how hard all of this had to be for Cloud.

But Zack did have a question. "Why didn't you want to go with Lukas and Tifa?"

Cloud considered his answer. "As close as me and Lukas are, him and Tifa were always closer. Their personalities always matched better. They used to actually talk more, and he stayed in Nibelheim after I left."

Zack nodded, "I get it." He smirked a bit. "Did you ever think he had a thing for her?"

Cloud chuckled, softly. "I know he did. He told me when we saw each other in Nibelheim, after I came back with you and Sephiroth, but he admitted that it was only for about a year or so while I was off training in SOLDIER. He never told Tifa, but I think she suspected. But, since Lukas never went with it and he knew Tifa didn't feel the same, they never talked about it. Also, I think he knew how I felt about Tifa long before I did. And vice versa."

Zack chuckled, "Lukas really is pretty cool. Speaking of which, congrats on you and Tifa, by the way. It's so awesome you two found your way to each other."

Cloud smiled, "Thanks. Took a while for me to… accept how I felt. Even longer to do something about it."

"I get it, buddy."

Cloud sighed. "Sorry."

"For what?" Zack asked.

Cloud paused. "I thought I had one thing in mind but… it's everything. Sorry for not really talking for most of this time. Sorry for worrying more about Lukas than you and Aerith. Sorry for… being weak and… letting you die."

Zack studied Cloud then chuckled, thoughtfully. "Let's take this piece by piece. First, you're always quiet. I'm used to it."

Cloud scoffed.

"Second, dude… Lukas has been thrown for the biggest loop of all time! With me, as good of friends as we are, Lukas and you grew up together. He's from Nibelheim. Your home. You just got some of your past back. He's your friend and you're trying to protect him, I don't blame you at all. You should be worried about him, we all are! I mean… the poor guy didn't have his memories for years. He lived on another planet! And, as soon as he gets his memories back, he finds out his world went through hell and he's being used like some kind of tool for Yildrim."

"I'm not gonna let him be a puppet," Cloud swore.

"You and me both." Zack sighed. "Lastly… you weren't weak. Things just… happened, brother. That's it. None of it was your fault. Not one bit."

Cloud froze. "You really forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive." Zack smiled. "And even if there was… yeah, Cloud. I forgive you."

Cloud nodded, a silent, emotional exhale leaving his body. "Thanks, Zack."

A while later, Cloud and Zack met up with Tifa, Quistis, Aerith, and Lukas, then headed to Aerith's church. Having heard all of the stories already, Lukas and Quistis found themselves enthralled in the atmosphere of the church.

"Wow," Quistis whispered.

"It's…" Lukas exhaled, "…beautiful."

Aerith smiled. "No matter how many cracks or holes this place gets… I always love it."

"I can see why," Quistis agreed.

Cloud looked at the Buster Sword. He walked over it and removed it from its shrine-like perch. He walked back over and presented the Buster Sword to Zack. "This belongs to you," Cloud declared.

Zack stared at the Sword. He closed his eyes, taking in the memories attached to the Sword. He looked back at the blade, then at its last wielder. "Cloud…"

"It's okay. I got a new one."

Zack laughed. He took hold of the handle of the Sword. The feeling of holding the Buster Sword again was strange and alien. And exhilarating. Most of all, it was familiar.

"How's it feel?" Cloud asked.

"Like nostalgia," Zack answered.

Cloud smiled a bit. "Welcome back."

"Thanks, Cloud."

While Cloud and the others were about, the rest of the AVALANCHE and SeeD groups were at the WRO headquarters, waiting, talking, and relaxing. Except for Squall and Rinoa, who were doing some exploring of their own.

As they sat around talking, Yuffie looked at the Balamb Garden members. "So, what's Lukas like?" she asked.

"Oh, dude," Selphie replied, "so cool! He's really smart! Like the sweetest, nicest guy ever!"

"AHEM!" Irvine faked clearing his throat.

Selphie looked at Irvine. "Yes?"

"What about me?"

"What about you?"

Zell chuckled. "Luka's one of the realest dudes in the whole damn Garden. Never complains, always reliable, and overlooked too damn much. Even by us."

"Yeah, can't argue that," Irvine admitted.

"How do you mean?" Vincent asked.

Irvine exhaled, "So! We grew up together, right? I mean, you heard some of this. Well, Squall and Rinoa being together and her Sorceress powers are kinda why she came along with us. I mean, more than that, but you get the idea. Anyway, back to Luka… see, when all of the stuff with Ultimecia started, we really stuck together, leaving Luka out. After that, we all kinda felt bad."

"To be clear, that was never Luka's fault that we felt bad," Zell chimed in. "We just realized, later, we wished we would've had him along. Now that I think about it, I don't think he's ever mentioned us not bringing him in on it."

"He's always his same positive self," Selphie added.

"Yeah, we just feel guilty on our own."

"Honestly, if we'd invited him in to help us from the start…" Irvine said, "he would've been a huge help."

"Lukas has always been smart and kept a cool head," Zell informed. "Guy's also got great combat tactics! And nine times out of ten, always wearing that classic Luka smile!"

"Which is why that whole deal at his hometown was…" Selphie sighed, "…sad. I've seen him down but… that… that was… I'd never heard him like that."

Vincent muttered, "Mm. When someone loses everything, when they know it's gone… it's a difficult thing to accept."

Zell blinked. "Sounds like you're speaking from personal experience."

"Very much so."

"Sorry about that," Selphie said.

"It's okay." Vincent smiled at Yuffie. "Things improved."

Yuffie smiled and blushed. "Not just for you."

Selphie looked at Yuffie, "Yuffie, I know we just met but you're already one of the most awesome people I know."

"Selphie. Right back at ya!"

"Lukas is important to all of you," Red declared. "He's a friend of Cloud's and Tifa's and, from what I've seen, is a good man."

"One of the best," Irvine noted.

"You don't have to worry," Barret spoke up. "You guys ain't alone in watching his back. We're in, too. You can count on us."

"Cool!" Zell threw a fist in the air, "We're the Lukas Gideon Protection Squad! I like it!"

Barret and Cid laughed while Red chuckled a bit. Even Vincent cracked a smile.

They continued talking, and Selphie leaned toward Yuffie, pointing at Vincent and whispering, "Soooo, how'd you pull the caped hottie?"

"He had to save my life a few times," Yuffie whispered back. "A near-death experience here and there, bing-bang-boom, sexy boyfriend."

"Totally worth it!"

"Oh, totally!"

Yuffie and Selphie giggled quietly.

Squall and Rinoa were walking around Edge, taking in the city. "You know, this city isn't all that different from Timber," Rinoa pointed out.

Squall studied their surroundings. "Well… a bit… rougher than Timber."

"Fair." Rinoa looked at Squall, "What do you think about everything so far?"

"I think it's too early to call. I just want Luka to be okay."

"And this bad guy?"

Squall shrugged, "We need to know more. I'm worried about this Forgotten Capital trip."

"Yeah," Rinoa sighed. "Sounds like it'll be hard for Aerith."

"I don't want her hurt, either. Her and Zack are really trying to help Luka and all. And they've already died once." Squall thought for a moment. "We just need be prepared for anything."

"So! That's the deal! We fight this guy and kick his ass for screwing up Lukas's life."

"Sounds good to me."

Cloud and the others arrived at 7th Heaven just as Squall and Rinoa were approaching. Cloud and Squall stopped when they saw each other. Tifa, Rinoa, Aerith, Zack, and Lukas looked between the two, some nervousness creeping in.

Rinoa rolled her eyes, "Alright, listen up, macho men! I get it: you're both 'stoic, tough guys', but you need to talk this out. We got enough problems."

Tifa shrugged, "Couldn't have said it better."

Cloud and Squall looked at each other and both let out resigned exhales. "Is it always this harsh when she's right?" Cloud motioned toward Rinoa.

"Always," Squall answered, causing Rinoa to giggle.

Cloud almost smiled. "Let's talk."

"I think the bar's empty right now," Tifa suggested.

"We'll just leave you two alone," Zack smiled.

Cloud and Squall walked into 7th Heaven. Cloud motioned to a table and Squall sat down. Cloud went behind the bar, grabbed a couple of beer bottles, walked back over, and sat down at the table. He placed one beer in front of Squall.

"Thanks," Squall pulled the beer closer. "I don't usually drink."

"Same," Cloud agreed. "Figured we'd need it this time."

"Fair."

Cloud blinked. "Are you old enough to drink?"

"Do you really care?" Squall replied.

"Nope."

"I'm 20, by the way."

"Close enough," Cloud shrugged. He chuckled, softly, and Squall let out a light laugh. They opened their own beers and took a sip.

Squall looked at the beer bottle. "Damn, this crap's complicated."

"You're telling me," Cloud agreed.

"All that stuff you and your friends have been dealing with… you think it changed you?"

"I know it did. Some of the changes were necessary, though."

"Yeah." Squall nodded, slowly, "Yeah. I get that. Same for me."

Cloud chuckled a bit. "So… Lukas."

Squall smiled. "Yeah. Does it bother you we call him 'Luka'?"

"No," Cloud waved that off. "You guys are his friends. You respect him. Doesn't bother me at all."

"Respect him." Squall sighed. "If only we did that more."

"How so?"

"I can't think of a guy who's been overlooked more… but is still a good friend, no matter what. See, even before he was a full-fledged SeeD, he's always been one of the most capable guys I've ever met. Smart, trustworthy. We should've had him along during that fight with Ultimecia from the start. He would've been a huge help."

Cloud thought that over, "He really is the same guy."

"In what way?"

"When I was a kid and Tifa's accident happened, everyone else… they stayed away. Lukas… he was loyal. He never abandoned anyone he called a friend. Just wasn't in him."

Squall uttered a brief chuckle. "That's Luka alright." He studied Cloud. "If he's the same on both worlds, maybe we have more in common than we thought."

"Maybe we do."

They studied each other for a few moments, coming to the only conclusion they could.

"We fight together," Squall said.

"We fight together," Cloud nodded.

"And we worry about the rest after we find and beat Yildrim."

"And we look after Lukas and everyone the best we can."

"Sounds good to me."

They lifted their drinks.

"Cloud," Squall nodded.

"Squall," Cloud replied. "Good to meet you."

"Same."

They tapped their bottles against each other.

That night, the group had dinner together, with plans to go to the Forgotten Capital the next day. After dinner, Lukas and the SeeD team hung around outside of 7th Heaven.

"How you feelin', Luka?" Selphie asked.

"Better, honestly," Lukas answered. "Thanks."

"That's probably mostly due to Quistis," Zell smiled.

Quistis blushed a bit.

"You're not wrong," Lukas replied to Zell.

Quistis's blush intensified.

"On the list of things I am so glad I lived long enough to see, this is number one!" Selphie cheered. "Quisty's got a boyfriend!"

"Hell, yeah!" Rinoa shouted.

"Both of you are the worst!" Quistis accused, causing Selphie and Rinoa to laugh.

Lukas smiled but the smile slowly fell away. "Hey. Uhhh… I wanted to… ask all of you something."

Irvine blinked. "That sounded serious."

Lukas put his hands in his pockets, "Just… I… I'm… kind of… different now."

"'Different'?" Rinoa asked.

"Yeah." Lukas started to pace, "I mean… sure I'm still Lukas Gideon. But… I'm… not even from anywhere you guys know of." He faced the others, extended his arms, and motioned toward their surroundings, "I'm from here! An entirely different planet." He dropped his arms. "I'm… someone else."

"You're not, though," Squall countered. "You're the same. Just… we know about your past, now."

"Still. I… worry I'll be different, if we find out more about Yildrim or me." Lukas sighed. "So, I guess… what I'm taking the long route to asking is… if you guys… still trust me. If… you still consider me a friend."

While Squall and Quistis regarded Lukas with concern, Zell, Rinoa, Selphie, and Irvine looked at each other and couldn't stop the laughter from erupting out of them.

At hearing their amusement, Lukas smiled and chuckled a bit. "Okay, okay!" Lukas threw his head back. "I just had to ask! Gimme a break."

"Why are all of you laughing?" Quistis asked.

"Because that was the dumbest question!" Irvine answered.

"Luka, you're our friend," Zell said to Lukas. "Where you come from doesn't matter."

"Not at all," Selphie agreed. "You've been our friend forever! This doesn't change anything to us."

"Hm." Squall folded his arms. "I have to admit, they're right."

"Squall said we're right!" Zell threw his fist up. "Win!"

"Just this once."

"Don't care! It's a win!"

Squall shook his head and looked at Lukas, "You're just from another world. Honestly, that makes me feel better."

"Why?" Lukas raised an eyebrow.

"Because it explains why you're so smart and nice."

Lukas laughed.

"What about Quistis?" Rinoa asked. "She's smart and nice."

"She's probably not from our planet either," Squall said.

"Hey!" Quistis shouted, offendedly.

"Joking. Kinda."

"That has been a theory for a long time," Selphie teased.

"HEY!" Quistis's eyes widened.

Zell, Selphie, Rinoa, and Irvine laughed. Quistis just crossed her arms.

Lukas walked over. "Well, from one alien to another…" he kissed her on the cheek, "…you're absolutely gorgeous. You're welcome on my planet anytime."

Quistis smiled and blushed, immediately.

"Oh, damn, that was good!" Selphie grinned.

"No, seriously, I've never agreed with you more, Selphie," Rinoa smiled. "I'm so glad I got to see Quistis with a boyfriend."

"Rinoa!" Quistis's blush came on stronger. Everyone else just laughed.

A/N: I enjoyed this chapter. Getting to show more of the friendships was fun for me. Hope all liked it! See you soon!