🌟Fragments Of Stars🌟

A/N: Hello Hello again! It's great to be back within this fandom ;u; This time I've decided to get crack-a-lackin' to this story as casual as I could! I received a very kind and generous review from a Guest; and to you, I'd love to thank you so much! I'd love to give a big hug to all of you and say "THANK YOU!" for understanding. This time I'm focusing on the story!

I'm so freakin' certain many of you know how it feels to get sucked into another fandom and it slowly eats you up like a piece of cake XDD ESPECIALLY when you're writing a fanfiction but lose interest and start getting addicted to another fandom liKE BOI IF YOU DON'T SToP mAKING THINGS DIffICULT tO StaY WITH tHEN I'D APPRECIATE IT GREATLY *inhales* BOIIIII

(Quick question. Idk if anyone else sees it, but I put little star emojis in the titles. Not sure if anyone can see them.)

Btw, I spell blonde like "blond" because when I read up about the differences between the two, it said that 'blonde' was meant for feminine, for females, and 'blond' is for masculine, as in for males. So sorry if it looks really strange.

Well, enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy or its characters, Square Enix owns them with full rights. I only own the story and some OCs. Excuse any errors that my lazy butt didn't bother to check or correct. Thank you.

🌟Fragments Of Stars🌟

Chapter 4: Unexpected

Cloud could feel the eyes of the unwavering air rise tension upon him. Today was a rough day- it was absurd with minimum effort. Looking at it now, earlier training with the man of scorching sapphire eyes as strong as an eternal flame blazing through the field, height barely above average, his slick raven locks daring to drape in front of his face hiding those gorgeous eyes; although they still illuminated like a diamond of a blue hue. It was strange. Seeing a man like that anywhere within your life and engaging with him- not to mention that he was SOLDIER- something he wanted to be for as long as he could remember.

He became mute to responses and couldn't escape his mind that was streaming with thoughts. It was already late at night. Dusk was easily eaten away by the horizon as the blackening sky stretched across, instantly taking over the warm sky. Their commander, as strict as can be, worked them tirelessly for the rest of their punishment. Running seven laps. Intense roaring and displeasure exploding from his mouth using his powerful voice. You could easily tell how a man like him was chosen for the job. Focusing on the way things are now, there was already a lake of stars plaguing the black sky like dots on a canvas. It was a true masterpiece- glorified with souls and specs of light gazing down upon them.

The cadets were wrapping up for the day. Cloud, Charles, and Jenson were all relieved of their punishments for they had easily performed them well- although since it was punishment, Tabalt decided to crank up the heat and make it worse. Cloud's muscles barked with a stiffening ache. He was sore; grunting and letting out tiresome sighs that puffed from his lips. He was exhausted.

Jenson didn't care, he decided to curl up within his bunk for the night, never disturbing another soul, for he values his rest far more. Didn't really matter, he was just a temporary ally. Charles had already begun to remove his chest plates and unfold the blankets to his mattress exposing the layers beneath it. It may not have been the best place to sleep in respite, but it would do. As long as it didn't have bed bugs scorching the sheets.

"Ey, y'doin' alright?"

Cloud angled his head slowly towards Charles, eyes full of dread and tiresome. "I'm fine." He said groggily. Not only did he feel the painful fumes of dread consume his senses, but it was only a matter of time that they'd continue being together as partners. "I can tell you're pre'y bothered about our squads." He said, eyes lowering to a sorrowful gloss. Cloud reflected his emotions. "It's fine. I think I can manage on my own." the blond took his seating among the bed, letting his legs slip in through the covers.

"...Y'know, it sucks tha' we can't be on the same squad. He just had to make it worse an' put me in Squad Beta. Sorry that you're in Squad D, Cloud." A look of defeat crossed his pupils. Cloud returned the look, almost even more defeated. He remained silent, however. As if he was trapped within a cell in his mind betwixt thoughts and reality. To Charles, he didn't know what to think about it. "Don't look so down, mate. I'm sure you can still do it even without this lump holdin' ya back." He gave a defeated smile. Cloud did smile, but it was so small and unnoticeable that it felt like all the happiness within it drained. "Strife and Galen. Wha' a tale tha' would've been if we actually made it on the same side." He smiled. "I would've been sparkling like a firework."

"You say the weirdest things sometimes."

"You can say tha' again."

Now connecting the dots and earlier mental notes, that's probably what has been gnawing at Cloud earlier. The poor boy lurked downward during their training with Zack Fair, the Second Class. He looked so out of it- so in denial in what to do. But, he seemed cool about it because he was always alone.

Always.

"So," Peridot shining eyes scanned the lower floor his friend was resting on "wha' do ya think about Zack?"

Cloud refused to even switch sides and look above him. He just remained glued to that very side. "...He's cool. He's a great guy." He finally said after a pregnant pause. "I like tha' dude, too! To'lly would love to see the day he becomes First fo' sure!" White teeth being exposed as his lips curled into a widening smile.

Cloud concluded. "It'd be great to see him again."

Finally, the blond rested his body back onto the comfy bedding; soft, welcoming with open arms. Golden locks spread all over his pillow where his head rests. Soon enough, the rest of the cadets storm into the room causing a ruckus. What a day it had been.

What a shame.

A shame they couldn't be on the same team together.

But it was somewhat confirmed that Jenson had been on Charles's team due to his last name starting with J, and Charles's starting with G. Both within Squad Beta, leaving the poor scrawny blond boy within Squad D, stuck there with no support that he wished for. Military life wasn't an easy waltz: always something by the next corner, whether it was fighting a giant beast, training, encountering loved ones or witnessing yourself being torn away from those you had a connection with. Hearing the room grow dim of voices, he could fully answer that Charles had bid him a goodnight as he remained mute. Though, he could hear him say "G'night" faintly.

It was dark. The silky white blankets soothed his body to the touch with a cool sense of warmth that wrapped around his entire body like a warm embrace. Those river blessed eyes were being shut off by his long lashes casting a shadow above them. Lids becoming heavy, they finally came to a close and his eyes shut letting his drowsiness take over. Soon he found himself drifting within sleep's open arms.

The heavy sleep drowning him out caused everything to fade away; fade away like a phantom slipping through walls or disappearing. Sleep took over as she gently coated the boy in comfort.

It felt... nice.

'Let's just say that tomorrow will be better...'

'...Nice to meet Zack again, or even Angeal, too.'

Through the wave of surging thoughts boiled softly.

...

"You can't give up. As my mentor would say, you must have honor." A grin. It looked as if the boy he was talking to gave a small 'oh' like he was defeated or something.

"Don't worry," Zack said earning back his attention. "I'm certain you'll make it. You have potential. Strong potential- oh yeah!"

"You beat that Charles guy up! And you were really good! I have no doubt you'll fail!"

Faith in someone he doesn't even know.

...

A smile didn't shy from his lips. Instead, it wasn't just an ordinary grin or smile, but an honored and filled with content kind of smile. Someone had faith in him, someone he hardly ever knew. Cloud could feel his being slip away within a void of mixed emotions. Strong, mixed emotions that reached out and grabbed him with boiling compassionate hands.

He was enlightened.

He let sleep take him over, catching some shut-eye for the next morning to come.

If it wasn't for the few rigid coughs he was trying to hold in, things would have been a lot more easier.

🌟Fragments Of Stars🌟

Cloud awoke in a distant manner. No sign of any comrades he could associate with or communicate. All the individuals he knew all vanished like thin air in the thick morning. Since Galen was in a different group, he was exposed to so many intricate things, so many different words to use in a sentence. Different routine within training. But that doesn't mean they couldn't meet up or train together.

There were days that their squads would collaborate, giving them time to connect and share their ideas; all revealed in just a couple of days. The sun never shied away, but it carried a gruesome frown like those days that it feels serene and views a hidden and unnatural feeling wavering behind it. Afternoon already swayed past like it had just gone by with a blink.

Cloud, seeking some peace after the annoyance of training that pained him, entered the outside clearance after opening the front door to the ShinRa Electric Company building. Just like a couple days ago when the dusk was being eaten alive by the darkening night sky of mystery. The stars that day were so beautiful, it lined up the sky like a never ending light show within the sky. Not a single cloud in sight.

Not a single object blocking it. The stars covered the sky with blankets of dots.

Today was somewhat covered with sheets of grey clouds. Afternoon was coming to a close as evening entered. Passing the many people at the front of the building, Cloud managed to continue to find his place as he did before. The black rusted railing still in perfect condition lined up across, stairs that lead upward and the gorgeous view of the fountain that spewed non-stop.

Taking light bashful steps, he rested his elbows upon the cool railing that even chilled him through his uniform. There were the stars as always; breathing full of life and blasting the cities below with shed streams of light. Although, the moon was halfway eaten by darkness so it couldn't fully be exposed.

Carefully, Cloud brushed the many strands that draped over his calm pale face and brought his surreal blue eyes to the heavens above.

Second by second, the sky grew darker.

Minute by minute, the cottons of clouds swam faster.

The wind swayed passed, mocking him by messing his hair back into his eyes annoyingly. Even then, it felt drenched with tranquility.

A couple of days ago when it started, he remembers.

He woke up softly to the sound of grunting men that ached to get out of their beds; almost like complete zombies. It had already been their time to risen for the day's training.

Cloud, being the first one up, banished the covers from his body and swayed his himself sluggishly off of the mattress. 'What is everyone doing up so early?' he questioned within his mind. That was when he noticed Charles already clothed in his familiar infantry man attire. His eyes met Cloud's. "Heya!" He said quietly even though the others were making a rather annoyance to the whole room that many began to get up.

Cloud rubbed his eyes lazily and spoke "Why are you up so early? Is it because of the different schedule?" He asked.

"Course. Different squads, rememb'a?"

Charles sighed into his comment, obviously unhappy with his statement. "I've got training in a few minutes, too. So I should be up too." Cloud followed his lead, making his way towards the rack of where the men's clothing and armor stationed. "Maaaan, this sucks."

"Ditto."

Charles smiled.

"Maybe we can hang out when trainin' is finally ov'a with." He grimaced. "Maybe. Knowing them, they wouldn't even let a single hair from you slip."

"Why do ya hav'ta be so real?" The dull blond sulked.

Time skipped as usual, and training was over for the day. It was like school: You wake up, do annoying but useful things to help you within life and then you're off the hook for the evening. Although, there can be recommended shifts so they weren't always off.

By the time they were off, sunset was already seething in.

Talking, training, just the regular things. But Zack still didn't show up.

Three days later, and their routine is still unbalanced, but they get to speak once in a while.

But the thing that lurked and planted itself within Cloud's mind was where were all of the Firsts? Especially Zack? It's like they all went up and vanished after a mission. The stars twinkled and dangled above generously. How they guided him so.

Those bright balls of light were the same he gazed upon as a child. They were always stuck and jumbled within his eyes.

It wasn't noticeable until he saw a figure approaching from the corner of his eye. The figure rested itself upon the railing next to him. "Fancy meeting you here again." Hearing the voice that seemed unrecognizable, Cloud tore his vision away from the sky that was calling him and to the man. "I see you don't seem to remember me." The stranger said.

Catching a better glance at him, he appeared to be in his middle ages, some frown lines and groggily looking eyes that bred of some hidden feature. He had short, mainly trimmed, hair that was combed to the front and pointing upwards, dark brown hair while facial hair grew around the edges of his chin and a piercing within one ear. Some frown lines that traced down to his lip were evident on his face as if he was induced in some stress of some kind. Just a regular man, not a hunk or built or an overweight looking person. Just average.

"You met me here a few days ago, or probably a week?" He questioned, looking at the boy carefully. "I'm not sure..." He said but quickly retracted the memory of an earlier time.

He had been watching the stars around the time, exactly where he was but a stranger confronted him and they talked through time. How could he forget? It was the day that he first met and made actual physical contact with Zack by running into him for being late. "W-wait yeah I remember!" Stuttering clumsily, he said. Meeting the man's dull stormy blue eyes he finally could take in the man's appearance. A black shirt clung to his chest as did his sweat pants- devoid of color and revealed to be a smokey black- hug his hips. A grey jacket with a strange design of splotches of white coating it. "Nice to see ya again. Glad you remembered." He smiled generously.

Cloud acknowledged the smile and grinned back. "So, how's the stars? Same as before?"

"Not exactly. Just had a bad day is all."

The stranger gave a straight face. "Oh. I see." The brown haired man leaned onto the railing and positioned himself on it, gazing at the sky as well as looking back at Cloud. "Seems like you've been havin' it pretty rough there bud." The man answered. "I don't believe we've ever gotten our names."

"The name's Soergel. Soergel Mower." He smiled. If Cloud had the tongue to reply back, he would've. Though the weeks have been weighing him down time after time that he paused for what seemed like years. "...Cloud."

"Cloud Strife."

The man gave an unreadable emotion upon his face but seemed to be brought back into reality. Judging by the looks he was giving, it was like he was studying Cloud or possibly giving eye-contact strangely. He is a stranger; those frown lines kept his smile looking genuine and deprived of sleep. "That's a name've never heard before." He gestured, eyes closing and looking relaxed. "Yeah," Cloud looked down, "I get that a lot."

Soergel engaged with talking with the blond for minutes on end; them getting to know each other. The sky still breathed of mischief and mystery as did the alleyways scream trouble. During the night many things could happen and they would not be pretty. "Say, how's workin' in SOLDIER doing for ya?" Soergel cocked his head, brows raised and the tone of his voice pitched into a questionable one. "Good. I guess. I'm not so sure."

"I'm confident I can get strong, you got that right. Things have just been getting difficult is all I can say, really."

Mower urged a genuine motion, flicking his wrist lazily like he was brushing something off. "At least you've got the courage to keep going." He replied. "Lot's of peeps within this city are different. They go for so many things that you can't keep up with. You've got the burglars, the homeless, the rich bastards who waste their money instead of helping others. The men who act all high and mighty, but they ain't really nothin' but screwin' around."

His lips rambled on like an ongoing sink, but as it flooded he began to close his mouth as he failed to notice the blond's unreadable face. "Heh, sorry for talking off the chain like that." A shy smile crept upon his lips, frown lines stretching. Cloud wanted to say something, but he didn't want to urge himself.

The stormy blue eyed individual withdrew his freezing to the touch hands and slipped them within the pockets of his sweater. "Sure is getting pretty late."

"Yeah," Strife spoke after a long period of silence, "it is."

"It was nice chattin' with ya. Maybe we can talk again?" Then within those irises of stormy blue concocted into groggy orbs of complication. "Maybe we can. I guess."

He looked at the man, but what he saw in those eyes were that the stars were fading from them. It looked blank like he didn't care or was going to pull something as he just stared in the blank space of night. Mower's eyes searched and found the light to place back into his eyes and he looked back at Cloud with a sheepish smile.

"Glad to hear it. I have to go." He said suddenly but kept his posture. "Sorry if I suddenly have to, I need to get something done." Calmly with hitched stumbles in his voice, Soergel took off in a super sluggish walk. The steps died down within every step he took. click, clack, click, clack. Gone. His foot steps thumped away until Cloud couldn't feel the hard vibrations thumping anymore.

Gone without a trace like the wind itself. The chill of night breezed past his locks of golden and wished them around like leaves on a tree branch. The night was quiet, serene, only whispered to him as did the wind. "Nothing seems to be changing." He smiled calmly.

Disconnecting himself from the wild life all around him, Cloud made a small effort to trail away from the position he was leaning on and strode back to the ShinRa building. The pitter-patter of his soft shoes never dared to even squeak- not even on puddles. From where he was to the ShinRa building, it was at least a tree long walk towards it but his feet came to a halt. Mixed emotions danced within him as if he couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't fully satisfied. The stars helped calm his senses, but he was nonetheless curious about exploring more.

Classes today weren't easy. Whenever the professor explained about never to use materia it expressed a shade of boredom that covered the room. It wasn't intriguing, neither was the man who spewed countless information about summons, magic that the stones and orbs possess. They weren't going to experience using materia until they've been announced SOLDIERs so what was the point of learning it? Advanced honor materia learning was only for 2nd Class preparing for 1st Class.

What mainly drilled into the heads of the cadets was combat skills, how to handle a rifle, and how to properly group up from trouble hurdling their way.

"Seems like no one is around at this time." He said, eyes locked onto the building. "Let's just hope it's not that late..."

Once inside the building, the women at the front desk were too busy with their screens they couldn't look up and greet him or the other business men. At least they weren't paying attention.

He made his way towards the stairs instead; that elevator was a real monster and he knew it. Damn motion sickness...

The stairs took him up to the training floor, the only room he could think of that no other individuals lingered.

🌟Fragments Of Stars🌟

The raven swung multiple strikes with just his puny sword. His sword sharpened and unsheathed, the light that trickled upon it blazed as much as his confusion and anger had. He was so confused.

"Ugh dammit..." He growled, resuming his sword play by slashing at the air carelessly.

Swoosh, swick, slash!

He tried to focus- he really did. But his blade resembled his confusion that poured out like a hot fountain. It boiled and he brought the hilt of his sword towards the front of him in a battle position, legs spread only shoulder-length apart. His boots squeaked upon the mat he had been thumping on. Jolting his shoulder downward along with his sword, the dark haired man sent a quick slash in a diagonal way before slamming a boot down and pushing his weight backward into a ridiculously high backflip.

He did so gracefully but his left leg landed incorrectly causing a small fault within his steps and staggering a bit but carefully regaining stance. "Damn!"

The man dropped the sword upon the mat with a loud THUD! He unsheathed a breath of annoyance. He was steaming, sweat dripping from his brows that were narrowing in an irritant manner.

"What the hell are you doing out there, Angeal?" He sighed.

The sapphire flames within his eyes had been drenched with the extinguishing guilt he felt. Angeal had went missing.

The mission didn't play out as expected. It just happened like a train wreck fumbling all over its tracks. Wutai was a strong place, the many troops that battled and shot waves of bullets that terribly missed whenever they were unleashed. Strange looking men of all the same features: copper red hair, dull attire that matched of Wutai clothing. Eyes as pale as tundras breathing a chill down his spine.

He was called Genesis as Sephiroth concluded.

So he was Genesis.

Genesis Rhapsados.

The man they were hunting.

He was just battling a beast of eternal flames until the silver haired demon came around to his rescue, little did he know. And then suddenly, his mentor disappeared within thin air as if he was never on the mission to begin with.

The man of spiked black hair released a breath of hot air before rising up and down from squatting. "...What the hell happened?"

Angeal wouldn't just leave him like that.

He wouldn't.

Squinting those gorgeous eyes of ocean blue tight, his thoughts surged like a storm of voices and unheard ideas. So many to choose, so many to think of. His pace upon his squats quickened despite his hamstrings starting to leave a light unnoticeable burn.

That was until he noticed someone standing at the door in the shade.

Blond hair. Blue eyes. Cadet uniform. He tensed up once the boy's eyes locked on his.

🌟Fragments Of Stars🌟

YYYEESSSSSSSS BBBOOOOIIIII I'm comin' in hard with these! XDDD

Let me know what you think IF you want to comment. Not gonna force ya if you don't want to~ I'd appreciate it, though.