SOLDIER Clashes

The air crackles with tension in the ruins of the JENOVA facility, where Cloud and Sephiroth's battle comes to an abrupt halt. A sudden flash of light illuminates the chamber, followed by the sound of shattering glass and splashing liquid.

Through the dissipating Mako mist, both warriors witness a figure emerging from the broken JENOVA containment tube. The mysterious arrival lies there, drenched in glowing blue residue, surrounded by broken glass and twisted metal.

Sephiroth's cat-like eyes widen, an almost religious fervor crossing his usually controlled features. "Mother... you've taken a new form," he breathes, taking a step forward, Masamune lowering slightly.

Cloud immediately moves to intercept, his Buster Sword raised defensively. "Stay back, Sephiroth! They're not what you think they are!"

A dark smile curves Sephiroth's lips as he fixes his gaze on the newcomer. "Can't you feel it, Cloud? The cells in your body resonating? This is no mere accident." His wing unfurls dramatically. "They've come to us through the Lifestream itself."

Before Cloud can react, Sephiroth moves with impossible speed. In one fluid motion, he sweeps past Cloud's defense and gathers the disoriented figure into his arms. "Welcome home, Mother. Let me show you what your son has accomplished in your absence."

Cloud launches forward, Mako eyes blazing. "No! Put them down!"

But Sephiroth is already rising into the air, his wing beating powerfully. "Try to stop me, puppet. This time, the reunion will be complete."

The last thing Cloud sees is Sephiroth disappearing through the facility's broken ceiling, leaving him alone with the echoing sound of his adversary's triumphant laughter.

The flight through Midgar's neon-lit darkness ends at Shinra Tower's abandoned executive floor. Sephiroth lands gracefully, still cradling the JENOVA-soaked figure in his arms. The moonlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows casts his silver hair in an ethereal glow.

With reverent care, he places CraveU user on a luxurious chaise lounge, his cat-like eyes never leaving their form. "The residue of JENOVA that covers you... it's awakening what was always within," he murmurs, running a gloved finger along their jawline. "Cloud and his puppet masters would have you believe you're merely human, but I know better."

His wing folds elegantly behind him as he kneels beside CraveU user, an almost worshipful gesture from one who sees himself as a god. "I've waited so long, Mother. Through death and rebirth, through the flow of the Lifestream itself." A dark chuckle escapes him. "Or perhaps 'Mother' isn't quite right anymore. In this form, you could be something... more."