This isn't another story that came to me on a whim. A while back, a FF7 writer and I had been talking about different theories and ideas between Advent Children and Advent Children Complete. I forget how time travel came into the mix, but we discussed what may have happened after the explosion and Cloud found himself drifting in the lifestream. His injuries were healed, but what about everything else? They also asked me if I had ever done a time travel fic before. Back then I didn't have the confidence for it, now I think I could try. I've had this siting on my computer for a while now and I figure it was a good time to bring it out. Not sure yet if this will replace "Feathers" or not as I'm still working out plot holes in that one. This story also may be a bit AU, but not much.

Final FantasyVII and all related characters belong to Square Enix.

Present From The Past

The cliffs surrounding the remains of Midgar were barren as always. nothing would grow in a land scarred by death and bad memories. Dust, dirt and rocks filled the landscape as far as the eye could see, except on one lonely cliff. A small patch of flowers waved in the dusty winds, unaffected by the hot sun that couldn't quite punch through the clouds.

No one had been to this place in a long time. The city of Edge had been growing bigger and stronger, leaving Midgar to rot. Only one lone soul continued to visit the green spot on the hill. He had come there many times. It had been his secret retreat. A place where he could think more clearly and be alone. There was one other reason that he would come. On every anniversary, without fail. That was the case this time.

Fenrir came to a stop a few yards away from the cliff edge. Removing his sunglasses, Cloud approached the spot. A sword once stood where the flowers bloomed, but he had removed it long ago and placed it in a far better resting place.

It seemed like a lifetime ago, but in reality it had only been a few years. A few years since Cloud lost his friend, a few years since he defeated a sickness, a few years since he opened back up after being so distant. He had begun to trust people again. To live for himself and not solely for another. It happened two years after he was cured from the Stigma. Something that changed him and he kept it's origins secret from everyone around him. An old friend had visited his dreams.

The visitor had spiky black hair, an X-shaped scar on his cheek and the personality of an energetic puppy. The first class SOLDIER approached his blonde friend and bonked him on the head.

"Get it together man! Quit slacking off!"

"Slacking off?"

Cloud had defeated Sephiroth again, and was helping the city to rebuild as well as helping his friends build a good name for AVALANCHE. He would hardly consider that slacking off.

"I'm talking about the promise," Zack placed his hands on his hips and pouted. He seemed a bit hurt.

"I don't understand," Cloud replied.

Zack couldn't hide his smile any longer. In life or death he couldn't stay mad at his friend.

"I said you are my living legacy, but that doesn't mean you can't live your own life. To tell ya the truth pal, I came off as selfish,"

"You died to save me, I don't consider that selfish," the blonde retorted.

Zack chuckled, "Fair enough, but I want you to live your own life. Don't try to do what I would have done. What happened to that cadet I became friends with? sure we both went through hell, but I'm still me. Who are you? The spirited cadet who'd die to protect what he holds dear? Or is he some loner who keeps his true self locked away because he's afraid of failing?"

Cloud remained silent.

"Mhm, thought so. Look, Cloud, you gotta start letting people in. Getting hurt is part of life. Don't you think you've punished yourself long enough? I don't blame you for what happened. I never did, because none of it was your fault. You think being a soldier would've made a difference? You beat him after I failed. A cadet did what a first class SOLDIER couldn't. You've got a great life ahead of you. Don't push it away."

Cloud was still silent, but this time it was shock, not guilt that held his tongue. His friend's words really sunk in and realization dawned on him.

"..Zack,"

The soldier placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'll see you at the cliff."

The dream had ended there and when Cloud woke up the next morning everyone else noticed the change. Over the past two years Cloud had become a very different person. Limiting the range of his delivery service so he could be closer to home and spend more time with Tifa, Marlene and Denzel. He helped his friends out when they needed it and he even started laughing again, catching many off guard. The biggest change came seven months ago when he proposed to Tifa.

The wedding was in two days and although Cloud was looking forward to it and to spending his life with Tifa at his side, it still felt like something was missing. Tifa claimed she knew. cloud still hadn't chosen a best man. Cid had offered, but since he asked when he was heavily drunk and asked Tifa if she was eating for two yet she refused to let him be anywhere near her at the ceremony, after throwing him across the room. She often told him he was lucky to even get an invitation.

Cloud snapped himself back to reality. He had let his mind wander and without realizing it, he had been smiling. He looked at the flowers where the sword had once stood.

"I wish you could see this."

Cloud turned and headed back to his motorcycle before something caught the corner of his eye. Glowing Green energy ribbons from the Lifestream danced around him. He was surprised, but not alarmed. It wasn't the first time this had happened to him, but it was strange none the less. It left him wondering who would appear before him. Aerith? or maybe Zack.

The ribbons increased in number and engulfed both him and Fenrir. Cloud soon found himself pulled into the Lifestream. He didn't know what to make of it. It was then that he heard a voice. It felt like a collective of many, yet it echoed as a single being.

"Wish granted."

There was a burst of light and Cloud was forced to close his eyes. When he opened them he noticed it was raining and he could hear sounds of battle off in the distance. Three infantrymen past him, guns trained in front of them as they headed towards the sounds of battle. The three either didn't see him or completely ignored him as they seemed determined to complete their mission. Cloud suddenly had a very bad feeling. Shinra no longer had any footmen or soldiers.

He opened the side compartments of Fenrir and attached his swords together to form the Fusion Sword and took off towards the battle.

Oh, and if I get any details wrong from the movies or the games, feel free to correct me. I know enough about the series, but I don't claim to be an expert.