Rating for this chapter: K+

Warnings: Some foul language

Additional Notes: Sephiroth is about three years older than Cloud despite being created at the same time. Right now they are both in infant form but that changes in the future. Sephiroth progresses in age faster than Cloud.

Disclaimer: I don't own FFVII Square Soft does

Deep in the bowels of ShinRa laboratory, a breakthrough in science has just occurred…

"I've done it!" Professor Gast exclaimed, his eyes twinkling like a madman "The project was a success! I have actually created two artificial beings from Jenova's cells and two fetuses!" He turned to his Assistant Hojo and clapped a hand onto his shoulder "My boy, your children will not have been offered up in vain! This will lead us even closer to the promised land!"

Hojo hunched over and eyed the two infants, who were currently being held in a glass case full of Mako, and smirked "Oh yes, I'll reap many rewards from this 'sacrifice'."

He straightened and turned towards Professor Gast "We should report this to Shinra immediately; he'll want all the information on your newest creation."

Gast nodded "Indeed he will, well off with you! I have many things to do." Hojo inclined his head before heading into the steel cage elevator, and pressing number 67.

Tearing his attention away from his now absent assistant, Gast cocked his head "Now what to name you two…" He glanced at the one with small tufts of silver hair; it seemed to be glaring at him somehow.

He laughed inwardly, that might be possible, who knew what the cells of Jenova could do to the intelligence of an infant?

"Hmm…perhaps Xanthos?" The infant's glare hardened "No no that doesn't sound right…" After a few minutes of intense staring-which made the professor look ridiculous-, the professor's head shot up "Sephiroth! That's it! I shall call you Sephiroth!"

Gast heard no sign of disapproval from the infant-not that he could anyway- and smiled, before gazing upon the one with blond tufts of hair. This one seemed cheerful and carefree; it reminded him of the sky, vivacious and bright.

"Cloud would be a fitting name wouldn't you agree?" Gast asked partly to himself, and grinned when a chubby hand waved at him in response.

His cold eyes wandered over to his desk, and he sighed. It was piled with meaningless paperwork, and no matter how important he was to ShinRa corp., they could still attempt to take away any freedom he had with his experimentations if he didn't sign them.

Rolling his shoulders and pushing up his spectacles Gast got to work "I might as well turn in the data on the 'Test Subjects' or that fat lard Shinra will have my head."

Two years later

Young Sephiroth and Cloud were once again ushered into a strange lab for their annual Mako 'testing'. This had become almost a daily occurrence, and the ever naïve Cloud simply thought that they were taking their 'Medicine' albeit how painful it could be.

But Sephiroth knew better, he was far more insightful than Cloud, he knew they were testing how much Mako they could handle, and how effective the reactions were.

Although Sephiroth could not think of the slightest idea why.

So here they were inside a dimly lit laboratory, sitting shirtless on cold slabs of metal awaiting their daily 'dose'.

Cloud was idly swinging his legs back and forth looking as cheery as ever despite their somewhat harsh treatment. Sephiroth never could understand how Cloud could look so happy even after experiencing horrible things, although the Mako showers were much worse then this.

Sephiroth's attention shot towards the door as the cruel and somewhat insane Professor Hojo sauntered in. "Hello there my lovelies, it's time for your 'medicine'." Cloud paled noticeably while Sephiroth just glared daggers at Hojo.

Hojo smirked at Cloud, before sneering at Sephiroth while producing cotton swabs and a bottle of liquidized Mako. He dabbed a cotton swab into the liquid and gingerly spread it over Cloud's chest, and did the same to Sephiroth, albeit hesitantly though.

He couldn't seriously harm the boys containing the cells of Jenova, but he'd be damned if he didn't wish for Sephiroth to be as cooperative as Cloud. Cloud whimpered as pain spread across his chest, and clutched Sephiroth's hand tightly.

Sephiroth knew he had to be strong for the both of them, so he bit his lip to hold back own whimper. Cloud only remained partly happy after these tests because Hojo always gave him a pat on the head and a lollipop. Although the man did so reluctantly with a fake smile. Being as young as they were even the tiniest of things seemed to amuse them. But it worked better on Cloud than Sephiroth.

Sephiroth of course received nothing, he didn't mind because he'd most likely destroy anything that disgusting worm Hojo gave him. When the testing was over the two boys were escorted back to their room. If you could even call it a room, right now it looked more like a steel cage with a bed and a dresser inside.

Sephiroth pulled his brother onto the bed and held him in his lap. Cloud cuddled with him and soon fell asleep, leaving the little boy Sephiroth to his thoughts. Sephiroth gazed at his sleeping brother with a tender smile, he loved him so much. Partially because he was his brother, and because of how kind he was despite his brother's cruelty towards others.

He ran his hands through spiky, blond locks and soon fell asleep propped against the wall. Things would get better...right?

Edited: February 12th

Originally Written: June 7th

[A/N] Read and Review please! After some criticism I redid this chapter, hope its better. I'm currently redoing the entire story since my writing style has changed over the past nine months. Ignore any Author's notes with dates written in them, those are the old ones from June-September.