Still awake? Good. You get to see a little sneak preview. Following this note, will be a section from an early chapter of the sequel called ‘Life of a One-winged Angel’. It contains a snippet of an unusual pairing I’m planning to attempt. (Yes, possibly more unusual than Seifer/ Rikku, but I think I can make it work) The wordings probably won’t stay exactly the same, as I haven’t gone over it with a fine, tooth comb yet, but the basics will remain. If the reactions are too negative towards it, I have an alternate plan. I’d like your opinions on it, so don’t be afraid to click that little review button at the bottom. (or email me at as some of you like to do.) You can tell me it’s great, that I’m an idiot, question my parentage, whatever strikes your fancy. The show has ended, but another begins soon. Until next time, be well, all of you.

Parrying the blade, Sephiroth tried to sweep underneath his opponent’s guard. Failing, he leapt back and gathered himself, a wolfish smile on his lips. Sword extended, he circled around, seeking an opening. He knew his adversary did not make mistakes, the only hope of defeating him was to push the action, out maneuver him. It was a task he failed more often than not.

Thrusting these thoughts out of mind, he reminded himself that failure was not an option. He had sworn to find a way to master this man. Every opponent had weaknesses you can exploit. They were there, just extremely well hidden. Perhaps it was time to use the series of maneuvers he had been saving for a special occasion. He had practiced it endlessly, and finally mastered it. This seemed like a good a time as any.

Sword whirling in the crisp morning air, he launched rapid-fire strikes, seemingly from every angle at once. Each was blocked, but came closer to penetrating. He could have chosen to bury his blade in his opponent’s chest, but settled for simply disarming. This was not to the death after all. He was thankful it was not. If so, there would have been many a morning he would have died.

Squall stared at his gun blade on the floor, an almost bemused look on his face. “What the hell kind of a move was that?”

Sephiroth chuckled. “I believe it’s called the Omnislash. It was used against me once. I’ll never forget it.”

“Who?”

“Cloud. It was our final battle in the Lifestream.”

Squall simply nodded, taking a seat at a nearby bench. “You know, it’s still hard to believe who you actually are sometimes.”

“I am just a man. As you seem so fond of telling others who say the same of you.”

The Commander smiled slightly. “Funny, he never showed me that one.”

“Who?”

“Cloud. Remember when I was lost in time. Before I returned?”

Sephiroth nodded, eyes going to a far away place for a moment. “Yes, I had forgotten.”

Squall watched him struggle with the inner demons for a moment. He wished he could help, but it was something that Sephiroth would have to deal with on his own. “What’s on your plate for the day?”

“An early morning meeting with Quistis. My teaching techniques still need some polishing she says. Then more classes, perhaps some practical sessions in the training center. My afternoon is free. Thought perhaps I would visit the town of Balamb and become more acquainted with your world.” He said this last hopefully, though his presence was accepted here, there was always a certain suspicion from those who truly knew who he was. Squall had asked, not demanded that he confine himself to the Garden till he showed that he could be trusted. Sephiroth had complied, but was feeling a bit trapped these days.

Squall gave him a sideways glance and finally nodded “Guess you’ve shown you can be let off the leash. Have a good time.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to get going. My day’s pretty much booked. The media, a meeting with Dad, then a trip.” He sighed. “Probably won’t see you for a couple days. Same time when I get back?”

Sephiroth nodded, and Squall departed, leaving the former SOLDIER to contemplate. Except for the past year, his life was one endless string of sins. Sins for which he had despaired of ever atoning. Perhaps, finally he was making some headway. He sheathed his blade, stood, and headed for the cafeteria.

Sephiroth stared at his breakfast, surprised at how grateful he was for the simple things in life. This plate of food, the company of good people, so much he had missed out on in his mad grab for power. He had never been a religious man, but silently said a prayer of thanks to whatever deity cared to listen. He opened his eyes and tore at the mustard packet, depositing it on his food. He was ready to pick it up, when Quistis finally came. “That’s disgusting!”

“What?”

“A hot dog for breakfast?!”

Sephiroth, or Sephiros as he had come to be called shrugged. “I find I love them. The time of day does not matter.”

Quistis chuckled. “That’s it. You’re forbidden contact with Zell.”

He smiled and took a bite, while Quistis shuddered, turning away and sipping her coffee. These morning meetings had become a habit, much like his training sessions with Squall. Quistis was enjoyable company, as well as a valuable resource. He had never known how much there was to teaching. It seemed simple on the outside, but the job required a vast array of skills. He found he had to be part psychologist, part parent, as well as many other various roles. It was surprisingly challenging, and surprisingly rewarding. Sephiros had come to share her love of the profession.

She looked towards him again, gratified to see he had finished with his hot dog. She took another swallow from her cup. “ What are you planning for today?”

“I thought I might concentrate on practical weapons use.”

She rolled her eyes “Sephiros, you’re taking them into the training center too often. Classroom work does a student good every once in a while. And you have to stop encouraging every one of them to train exclusively with the sword. A SeeD needs to be more versatile.”

He tried to stifle a frown. “Guns you mean? You know how I hate them.”

“Yes, but they are a necessary evil.”

He sighed. “Very well. Perhaps Irvine will consent to help? I have no experience with those types of weapons. Nor do I plan to have any.”

She chuckled. “I’m sure he’d be glad to.” She glanced at her watch. “What are you planning to do after your classes?”

Sephiros smiled. “Squall has apparently decided to trust me enough to let me off the leash. I thought I might visit the town of Balamb.”

Quistis nodded, and said with a slightly nervous voice. “Perhaps you would like some company?”

Sephiros shook his head, slightly disappointed. “I am a changed man, Quistis. You need not fear my conduct.”

She laughed. “I said company, not an armed escort.”

He blinked. Was she asking him out on a date? Sephiros replied before thinking. “I would be honored.”

Quistis smiled at him, and replied. “Your ethics class ends at 13:00 hours?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll come pick you up then.”

Sephiros watched her depart, and was suddenly gripped in a blind panic. He had no experience in such affairs. Life had never afforded him the opportunity. His early life was consumed by endless hours of training, as he was groomed to be a great warrior and general. Later, he sighed, it was best not to think of later. One thing was for sure. He needed some advice. Normally, he would have asked Squall or Seifer. Neither were available at the present time, so he turned his thoughts to other options. Irvine suddenly came to mind. Quistis had suggested she see him earlier anyways. He had once had a reputation as a ladies man, before Selphie had finally conquered him. He just might be the perfect person to ask.