Dude, I dunno who told you not to cite your sources (I’m not combing through those 100 comments or whatever), but I admire and am glad that you decided to cite your sources. There’s actually a whole section for that on AO3 that it’s taken so seriously. Even the greatest writers give kudos to those who inspired them.

I’m enjoying this story so far—but volunteering? God, no. Of course Sephiroth can’t say that Cloud was coerced, but that really irritated me lol. Going as far as to say that he volunteered...at least Zack’s cheer makes up for it.

I’ve read a lot of (complete) stories of Zoud (? I don’t know their ship name), but I’ve kind of went through all the good ones and came here. Your story has definitely stuck out to me so far, but gosh...I sure hope this has a happy ending.

Can i cry now

I have to say... I loved this, and I’m not a big fanfiction reader, but this... Just wow... The ending was very sad and melancholic, and I think that’s the best part: the Cloud-Zack felt very natural and it really gets to you knowing that all that happens in the game cannon fits here... Cloud not remembering Zack is just... It IS incredibly sad, but also very fitting and true... Kudos

Good ending, gotta say I loved both Reno and Zack in this fic especially!

BEAUTIFUL. JUST BREATHTAKING! LOVED IT!

I just love how you introduce Zack in this chapter. It's flowing. Really Zack-like. You've done a good job there :)

cloud's last statement... lol

Thank you for a wonderful story! I commend you on your portrayal of the severity of rape, I think it is somehow often glorified in fiction. But more than that I really like how you brought forth the courage and bravery Cloud had to go through with the plan. Also really appreciated the support Zack gave before it all started and Reno's help during the ordeal.

In the last chapter, the realisation that all of the event of Final Fantasy VII wen through anyway was quite sobering. The memory of what Sephiroth was like in your story in contrast to his mind counterpart. The loss of the much loved Zack all over again, yet somehow more since he did so much for Cloud. And then the unwitting loss of a friend that was so close yet on the wrong side. Though the twist at the end where he remembers Reno's true name was very fun and ended the story on an up-note with the hope that what was lost could be found again.

If you had ended this story without the epilogue I would have said that it was nice and that was that. Another AU with lot's of stife that ended well with sex and love. But this last chapter really turned this story into something else for me. It incorporated the epic adventure of Final Fantasy VII into the span of years between chapters 16 and 17. It gives it much more depth and the realisation of the history that was lost in the struggle for survival. I find it astonishing that one chapter could make such a difference, but this one did, so excellent job on ending this story in such an epic manner.

Great Job! And thank you, I enjoyed it!

piece of shit it is

I really enjoyed this story so much, only I think it has a nicer ending if you left it at chapter 16, being thrown into zack's death and sephiroth's down fall in one chapter kind left me with a bad taste. But over all I think it was really cool :)

Ah, the ending was so melancholic.

Okay, so I just finished reading your story and I have to say it was amazing! In the last chapter I could literally feel my heart wrenching with the implied-ness of Cloud not remembering everything about his relationship with Zack and what he went through as a cadet and Reno just being Reno! Urrgghhh... The FEELS! Anyways this story was amazing and I totally applaud your amazing writing prowess!

Poor Cloud. But the story was good. It made me think that it was part of the original ffVII series.
Loved Zack and Reno here :)

I'm in love with zack and reno now. great fic.

FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST FOR A LIFETIME OHMYGOD FEELINGS