I’m not fond of goodbyes... See you later?
1.
The first time Cloud met the General was on an errand for Zack.
It was Sunday, and Zack had gotten drunk the day before. How he got drunk in the first place is a mystery, but Cloud suspects it’s just an excuse to sleep in. Zack sent him a rather long message via PHS apologizing to Cloud for the inconvenience, telling him to go to his mentor (Angeal) and explain Zack’s absence.
Rather annoyed with his friend, Cloud resorted with scolding him over the phone.
“Why can’t you text him? Do I really have to say it in-person? “
“Sorry Spiky but we were supposed to train today, and Angeal doesn’t allow phones in the training room.” Zack sounded sheepish. “look I’ll make it up to you. How about some Ice-cream? My treat!”
“Ugh, Zack you’re lucky I’m awake anyway. You know this is the only day Cadets can sleep in.”
“Yeah yeah, Thanks a lot Spike!”
“I hate you” Cloud said, hanging-up.
He gathered his bearings, woke himself properly and got dressed for the day.
Cloud made his way through the building and entered the elevator, pressing the SOLDIER floor. The building was rather quiet, save for the occasional pencil pusher. Seems like everyone slept in today, of course except Cloud. Grumbling at his predicament, Cloud exited the elevator and headed to the First-Class Training Room. He knocked and entered as the door slid open.
As he stepped inside, he froze. There in the middle of the room was the Silver General himself, arms crossed and clad in his usual attire. He lifted one eye-brow and spoke.
“What are you doing here Cadet?”, Sephiroth said with a snap.
“Se-Sir! Zack asked me to tell the Commander about his absence Sir!” Cloud replied in a salute.
“At ease Cadet. It seems that both of us are hear for the same reason.” Sephiroth explained with a smirk. “Angeal sent me to inform Zackary of his absence.”
“Sir?”
“Tell Zack that training is postponed today, Angeal was sent on a mission along with Genesis last night.”
“Ye-yes Sir!” Cloud said, still stiff and dazed.
“Cadet I told you ‘at-ease’, and today is Saturday is it not? You’re not on duty.”
“yes si- I mean yeah.” Cloud uttered while rubbing his neck, “Sooo, I should leave then…”
Sephiroth merely raised an eyebrow again and smirked, looking very amused.
“Yeah ok, um, see you later” Cloud said as he left, then tensed as he realized what he just said to ‘the fucking General.’
“Hmm, see you later Cadet” Sephiroth replied as he went through the door, leaving Cloud in an empty training room.
2.
“Ughh Zack why do I have to go” Cloud grumbled, “I’m a Cadet, I’m not supposed to be hanging-out with SOLDIERS, much less the Gods-damned Top Three of Shinra!”
“Oh come one Spike, you’ll be fine. And besides you already met Angeal and Sephiroth that one time, and Genesis will probs be ok with you, so long as you don’t insult Loveless.” Zack said while dragging Cloud toward the SOLDIER Housing section.
“You could’ve at least told me earlier so I could’ve made some more Mashed Potatoes.” Cloud gestured to the container he was holding.
“Shush, stop being a worry wart and relax. Come on!” Zack sprinted as Cloud chuckled and jogged behind him.
It was a fairly warm evening, Angeal welcomed the two boys, and Thanked Cloud for his Mashed Potatoes ( to which Cloud responded with a stuttered “yo-Your welcome…”). Genesis was lounging on the couch reading Loveless, while across him was Sephiroth scanning Angeal’s CD collection for a suitable movie.
Noticing Cloud’s gaze, Sephiroth looked up and met his eyes.
“Ah it’s the Cadet, I assume you’re here with Zackary?”
“Yes Si-“
“I believe it’s Saturday, ease-up Cadet” Sephiroth said, referencing their first meeting.
“I-…Yes”
“Sephiroth don’t be a hypocrite, how can the boy relax if you keep calling him cadet?” Genesis chided, lowering his book to tease his friend.
“Hmmm, True. So Cadet, what’s your name?” Sephiroth asked, turning to Cloud.
“uh-Cloud Si-, I mean Cloud…Cloud Strife” Cloud stuttered with a slight blush.
“Cloud? Very unusual name.”
“Look who’s talking” Cloud whispered under his breath, turning to head to the kitchen to offer help to Angeal.
“Touché”
Cloud winced, he forgot about enhanced hearing. He looked over his shoulder to see if he’s offended the General somehow, and relaxed when he saw Sephiroth had returned his focus to the CD Collection.
Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he left to make sure Zack hadn’t burned whatever dish Angeal has tasked him to supervise.
After preparations and several dishes, the group settled in front of the TV and started their little movie marathon. Genesis sat beside Angeal, slightly leaning on the gentle giant. Zack was seated between Angeal and Cloud, while Sephiroth settled at Cloud’s other side.
A movie in and Cloud tried not the squirm, and he seems successful. He tried focusing on the movie and not the fact that he’s sitting next to Sephiroth. He peeked at the General and blushed as he met Sephiroth’s eyes.
“So, Strife. I take it training is hard?” Sephiroth asked with a small smirk.
“Yes si-…yeah, yeah it is.”
“Hmm, who is your drill sergeant?” Sephiroth asked with curiosity.
“Sir Ghi, he’s tough on us.”
“Why is that? I heard from the Thirds that he was a relatively moderate instructor”
“Ah, it might have something to do with Bunker 4” Cloud explained with a chuckle.
“Oh? What did they do?” Sephiroth leaned closer, now obviously invested in the story.
Cloud, now noticing that their shoulders are touching, was flustered.
“Th-they didn’t do anything” Cloud squeaked, “They started a rumor that apparently Sir Ghi had once tripped during a fight with a Zolom.”
Sephiroth merely continued looking at Cloud, his smirk now a smile.
“They said he face planted in the mud and had to call for reinforcements to help him.” Cloud continued, now a little relaxed.
“It’s true” Sephiroth laughed.
“No shit!?” Cloud blurted, surprised. “I-I mean, really?”
“Yes, I was the ‘reinforcement’ that was called. It was quite messy, he never accepted missions on Swamplands after that.”
“Oh Gods, I gotta share this with the rest of the guys.”
“It’s better if you don’t, I imagine once the story spreads, Sir Ghi will make your training regime much more painful.” Sephiroth said, turning back to the movie.
“Hmm, true.” Cloud hummed as he returned to the movie.
“Oh and Cloud?” Sephiroth said without looking
“yes sir?”
“Call me Sephiroth”
Cloud looked at him, shocked. He gaped, then slowly closed his mouth and turned back to face the TV.
“Sure…Sephiroth” Cloud said, leaning slightly on the General.
Cloud didn’t see but a satisfied and happy smile graced Sephiroth’s lip.
After 3 more movies and several snacks and meals, everyone agreed to call it a night. Genesis left for his apartment, Angeal and Cloud stood and left to wash the plates, Zack headed to the bathroom, and Sephiroth volunteered to fix the living room. Cloud emerged from the kitchen and Zack from the bathroom. Everyone said their goodnights, and farewells.
“Hey Angeal, we’re heading out now!” Zack yelled toward the kitchen
“Goodnight Zack” Angeal voice emerged with the sound of running water.
“Night Seph!” Zack addressed the General. To which Sephiroth responded with a nod.
“See you later Cloud” Sephiroth smiled as he passed the two.
“See you later, Sephiroth” Cloud responded with his own smile.
3.
It had been months since Genesis defected, and weeks since Angeal had too. Zack and Sephiroth were saddled with the duties two Commanders with their normal workload. Adding to the stress, the President has tasked Sephiroth with bringing Genesis, and Angeal back.
Before he was to be deployed, Sephiroth called Cloud.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be out, but it will most likely take a few days. Three at least” Sephiroth explained.
“Hey it’s ok, I’ll be fine. Just stay safe yeah? Come back soon, and drag Genesis and Angeal back with you.” Cloud responded soothingly.
“I intend to, but I suppose I can’t blame them”
“…” “Sephiroth?”
“Yes?”
“Do you sometimes think about it?”
“About what?”
“Defecting” Cloud whispered, but then hurriedly supplied, “I-I mean I know Shinra doesn’t exactly have a safe environment, and I know their ethics are-“
“Cloud” Sephiroth’s voice cut through Cloud’s rambling.
“So-sorry I was just-“
“Cloud, I would never leave you.” Sephiroth said as both a reprimand and a promise. “You’re too important to me for that”
“o-oh”
“Cloud I love you”
“I love you too…I’m sorry I guess I’m just depressed from failing the SOLDIER exam and…”
“SOLDIER or not I still love you”
“…thank you, Seph.”
“Anyway, the transport is here…See you later?”
“hmm, yeah. See you later Seph”
Sephiroth snapped his PHS close, and turned sharply toward the chopper. He was determined to bring his friends back. And he was determined to return them even if he had to drag them by the ear, he had made a promise after all.
4.
Cloud fought. And he intends to survive. He survived two Sephiroth clones, and Geostigma. He can survive this.
Several years since he had found himself atop the cliffs. Since he impersonated Zack. Since he lost his memories, and still missing a bulk mostly from his time in Shinra. He fought, and struggled. He held his ground as Sephiroth, the Calamity’s child, threw half the city at him. Cloud glided, jumped and dodged. He parried and slashed, hoping that this would be the last time he had to face this monster.
Cloud didn’t understand Sephiroth’s obsession with him. Perhaps it the Jenova cells, but there were times when Sephiroth’s gaze bore through him and saw something more than a puppet. Nevertheless, he still fought. Their blades met and sparked. Cloud cornered Sephiroth, finally using his Limit Break. First Tsurugi glowed and each individual sword floated and surrounded the World’s Enemy. Every strike hit his adversary where he intended.
Cloud landed, his blades followed, surrounding him. Sephiroth rose, his wing outstretched. And then…He fell.
Cloud rushed toward him, intending to finish the job. He stood beside the One-Winged Angel, and saw-for the very first time- his face devoid of insanity and madness.
Cloud was shocked. He looked closely at the monster he had been chasing and fighting, and saw only a man. Sephiroth looked at him, smiling with broken eyes. He didn’t sneer, he just smiled sadly. He spoke in a rough, scratchy voice.
“I’m sorry Cloud…I…I’m sorry” The man said, staring into Cloud’s eyes.
“Shut up Sephiroth! You have no right to ask for forgiveness” Cloud replied with a fierceness that made Sephiroth wince.
“I know…But even so, I still would like to try” Sephiroth pleaded, his eyes now looking at the grey, empty sky.
“After everything you did to the planet? To the world? Sorry isn’t going to cut it.” Cloud glared. How dare Sephiroth of all people.
“I’m not asking the planet’s forgiveness…I’m asking for yours”
“what?”
“I’m sorry I left Cloud. I’m sorry I believed Hojo over you and Zack. I’m sorry I broke my promise.”
“what are you- “
Cloud winced; his hand shot to his head. He’s seeing visions… memories? He doesn’t know. It feels different from Jenova. There was no pain, only surprise and confusion. What are these? Are these his or Zacks? No, it’s definitely Cloud’s. Then why…no…
NO
“No…No..nonono” Cloud crashed to his knees, clasping Sephiroth’s hand.
“Cloud?”
“no no Seph please This can’t- .. You can’t” He gasped, still dazed from his recent memory rush. He pleaded and begged as Sephiroth slowly disappeared in flecks of black feathers and miasma.
“Cloud…”
“don’t..just not-“
“Cloud…I’m not fond of goodbyes…”
‘See you later?’
Cloud returned Sephiroth’s broken gaze. He squeezed his hand tighter, afraid to let go.
“You can’t-” He whispered as the hand he held turned into a single black feather. He bowed down, unmoving for minutes.
And at the very last second, Sephiroth finally broke Cloud.
1?
Cloud woke up. His vision swam as his eyes focused on the Cadet barracks’ ceiling. His PHS was ringing. It was Zack.
“Why can’t you text him? Do I really have to say it in-person? “
“Sorry Spiky but we were supposed to train today, and Angeal doesn’t allow phones in the training room.” Zack replied sheepishly. “look I’ll make it up to you. How about some Ice-cream? My treat!”
“Ugh, Zack you’re lucky I’m awake anyway. You know this is the only day Cadets can sleep in.”
“Yeah yeah, Thanks a lot Spike!”
“I hate you” Cloud said, hanging-up.
Cloud stood and rose from his bed. It has been months since he was sent back, and this was the moment he had prepared for. After several minutes he was dressed. He applied his contact lenses (being sent back with his enhancements, meant that he had eyes that glowed like headlights). He headed to the elevator and pressed the button for the SOLDIER Floor. And just like last time, the building was quiet. He slowly walked toward the First-Class Training room, his knuckles hovering over the door. He breathed in, and out…Then, he knocked.
The door opened to reveal the Silver General. His back was turned, arms crossed. Cloud allowed himself to drink-in the sight. He was just as he remembered.
Sephiroth turned, his eyebrow rose.
“What are you doing here Cadet?”, Sephiroth said with a snap.
“Sir! Zack asked me to tell the Commander about his absence Sir!” Cloud replied in a salute.
“At ease Cadet. It seems that both of us are hear for the same reason.” Sephiroth explained with a smirk. “Angeal sent me to inform Zackary of his absence.”
“…” Cloud said nothing. He refused to.
“Tell Zack that training is postponed today, Angeal was sent on a mission along with Genesis last night.”
“Yes Sir!” Cloud replied
“Cadet I told you ‘at-ease’, and today is Saturday is it not? You’re not on duty.”
“Sir, even so, you are still my superior” Cloud strained to keep his voice from cracking.
Sephiroth merely raised an eyebrow again.
“I shall take my leave then Sir.” Cloud saluted and turned, “Goodbye…Sephiroth” he whispered, knowing this time, Sephiroth can hear him.
Perhaps he had been selfish. Waiting months before enacting his plan. Just to say goodbye.
He never looked back. He didn’t dare to. After rounding a corner…he fled. He ran from the tower. He ran from his old life. He ran and never looked back.
A year later, Sephiroth was sent to return Genesis and Angeal…He never came back.
A few months after Shinra’s General went AWOL, Avalanche had managed to kill the President. A gaping hole was left on the President’s chest, a single strike from Masamune. Meanwhile, Hollander remained slumped on his chair, a pool of blood under him. A blond man standing over him.
Several more months following President Shinra’s death, it rained in Midgar. Genesis’ and Angeal’s degradation cured, and Jenova was thrown into a pool of Great Gospel’s water. Sephiroth kills Hojo, and burns his corpse to ashes.
Sephiroth squints at the stranger from across the bar.....
With ShinRa gone and their opressive forces chained and shackled, the slums are celebrating. The joy all around is infectious. Dancing, cheering, and celebration all molding around the Avalanche team (now including three ex-SOLDIER Generals), surrounding them like a blanket. All chattering, everyone with a drink in their hand and warm food in their bellies. Genesis is probably somewhere reinacting the battle in the style of a Loveless play, and Angeal is with Zack who dragged his mentor to meet his girlfriend. This left Sephiroth to occupy his time alone, with a drink in his hand; people watching.
Its rather surprising to see just how much of a melting pot of culture the slums trully are. Wutai dances intertwine with traditional Midgar tunes, Northern folk music can be heard to the side whilst Banoran delicacies are served.
Sephiroth, for the first time, is proud of a fight. Proud of winning this revolution. (But then again, this is the first time he had raised is sword for himself, and not for ShinRa). He feels himself smile.
Then, a flash of blond had caught the former general's eye. He'd heard of Hollander's demise. How could he have not when Genesis had been whining about "someone stealing my kill" for an entire week. How witnesses at the scene described the perpetrator as a First Class SOLDIER with blond hair, a single sleeve, and a sword that vaguely resembles Angeal's. Descriptions that match none of the existing First Class SOLDIERS.
Somehow, within the recesses of Sephiroth's mind, that blond man has triggered a flash of familiarity. He knows this man from somewhere. Sephiroth furrows his brow and reaches a decision. He tips his glass all the way, drinking every bit of alcohol in his cup and leaves it on the table.
He made his way to the blond man and hesistates, mulling over what words to say (ex-general or not, it's crude to just ask another person if they've killed a man or not).
"Excuse me but.... Hollander?" Asks Sephiroth, uncertain, hoping the man can discern what he meant.
With a shrug, the blond faces him and casually says,
"Yep, that was me" He says nonchalantly as he faces the ex-general.
Sephiroth studies the man before him. He's dressed like a First Class SOLDIER, complete with mako eyes (They glow too, a sign of enhancements way beyond what ShinRa offers. No, there was actual work done on him. Work of the.....experimental kind). A wolf upon a single pauldron, and a matching description to the sword (claymore) that ended Hollander's life.
"Did he....enhance you?" Sephiroth wondered, 'Was he your creator'
The other man shrugged, "Nah, it was Hojo"
Sephiroth tilted his head, "and yet I havent seen you before"
Sephiroth was created by Hojo, and according to this man so had he. And yet not a single clear memory of this blond man exists in Sephiroth's mind.
"Beats me, I havent seen you around either" The blond replied.
A few momets of contemplations drifted through the air. Sounds of celebration bleeding into the halted conversation.
"Cloud", the blond man says
Sephiroth gazes at him, questioningly.
"My name, Sir General Sir....is Cloud" He raises his palm for a handshake.
Sephiroth takes his hand, "Sephiroth" he replies.
Cloud chuckles "I know, hard not to when you're that famous" he says in a small teasing tone.
Sephiroth huffs, a tiny smile on his lips. He takes a seat next to Cloud and signals a nearby waiter for a drink.
"So, tell me Cloud. Is it true your claymore is collapsible" Sephiroth jests.
"Ok, I have no idea who told you that but the correct term is interlockable" Cloud rants, sounding mildy offended.
Sephiroth stays silent as Cloud continues to speak, content on listening.
Outside, the festivities continue. Celebrations and salutations are exchanged. And ShinRa is no more.
