Whew. It's been awhile, ne? Big writer's block and inner
voices battling over the fic. At one point, I was about to get rid of it
all together. I was rather frustrated with it. It wasn't the whole story,
just this part. I kept rewriting it. I love Cloud and all, but I hate
just focusing on him. Perhaps I should have done it another way. Miyaiku
and he are the main characters, though. And it's funny cuz I like Sephy
the best. *makes rabid fan girl scream*. Bah, it's not just this part;
it's the beginning in general. I have all these ideas and they take place
later on. Damn that getting from point A to point B. Need a shortcut.
Other than that, I've been rather lazy at doing this. I've been drawing
them. And I am finally happy with a pic I drew of Miyai! I drew a profile
shot of her and one of her in a certain uniform. But enough chit chat 'til
the end. I'm mean to Cloud in here, and I'll continue to pick on him cuz I
want to. And if this chapter sucks...I don't care. I'm not rewriting it.
Goody, I fixed some errors, but not all cuz it's a piece of shit!
Chapter 4; Part 2
Cloud's Wonderful First Day.
//So what's your impression?//
/...Huh?/
//How do you like it here so far?//
/I guess...not so good as I thought it would be/
//I knew as much//
/Who...are you and how are you talking to me?/
//Heh, I just can. As for who I am...I was somebody...but now I don't
even exist as anybody//
/Are you dead?/
//In many ways...yes//
/Um...ok/
//Enough of this. I'm here for a reason. Someone's here for you.
It's sad to say though, for the reason she's here, it's already a
failed attempt to fix the inevitable//
/I'm confused.../
//Don't worry about it. Just when you met her, don't be intimidated.
She...has a good heart...I just hope she doesn't lose that part of her
when the time comes...//
/...sure...although I'm still so lost/
//Sorry, but I must go now. So do you//
/What no-/
//Wake up!//
Cloud jerked awake. 6am on the dot and the alarm was sounding. He slowly sits up, looking like hell. He blinks sleepily a couple of times then leans over to turn off the alarm.
/Only four hours of sleep...It better not be like this all the time/
Poor Cloud was stuck with party animals for roommates. His first night didn't go as well as he wished. When he entered his dorm last night, the smell of cigs and alcohol filled his nostrils. His lovely roommates were sitting at fold out table, being loud drunks while playing poker. One roommate was, perhaps Wutaian, or Solian(Costa del Sol), or both. He was bald, tall, built and he looked rather pissed or that was his natural look...or something. And he's wearing sunglasses. Why? Cloud doesn't care to know. He was the quietest of the three and probably less drunk. Cloud picked up his name from the other two; Rude. The other roommate sitting across from Rude, was a short, but still taller than Cloud, scrawny looking, brown hair guy. Believe his name was Lenke. Now Cloud's last roommate worries. Not just because he was the stupidest drunk there, but he too got the impression the blond was a female. The sloppy, funky red hair in a ponytail, slightly pale guy had sluggishly attempted to sweet talk his way into his pants when he too, ended with the same fate as Zack did. But Reno won't remember that in the morning anyway right? Cloud yawned and stretched before removing the covers and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. He looked over at Reno and Rude. Yep, still sleeping. Reno with his arm dangling off the edge of the top bunk, snoring loudly, and Rude sleeping peacefully, but still had that mean face on. Must be natural.
/Should I, or should I not wake them up?/ Cloud tapped his chin
with his finger, pretending to ponder that question. /The
punishment for being late on your first day could be bad. Worse
if they don't show up for anything/
Cloud stood up, careful not to hit his head on the top bunk. He looked up at the other sleeping roommate.
/...Naaaah/ Cloud grinned evilly.
So the little blond grabbed some clothes and necessities and left the room with a big, fat grin on his face.
The halls were bustling with new and old cadets. The newbies were running around acting like excited or panicky children on their first day of school, while the older cadets acted casual. Cloud was proud that he wasn't acting like a wuss, but unfortunately, with low self-esteem, he already believes he's one. And he always reminds himself of it too. He was scanning the girls as he passed by, when he realized why he was. Cloud was looking for this "she" from his strange dream with a voice. Now that he thinks about it, that voice sounds vaguely familiar. It was definitely an older male's voice, but it had this quality to it that makes sound like it was his own voice. Why...was it unhappy?
/And why is there someone here for me? What purpose does serve? Am I
that pathetic at getting a girl to like me that the gods decided to
send me one to like me? Is that the plan?/ Cloud mentally assaulted
himself as he headed for the bathroom. /Was that dream even for real?/
Yet Cloud kept looking for a girl that would stick out in some way. Besides some giving him dirty looks, none looked important. He made it to the bathroom and sighed heavily because it was full of guys...with some being not so straight guys.
/Oh...goody/ Cloud frowned.
He took a deep breath and walked in avoiding eye and body contact with everyone in there. Of course he couldn't help but blush somewhat from being around so many half-nude, or completely nude guys. He's never showered in the same room as someone else before except when he was little and his mother bathed him. But that was different. Cloud found an empty locker, quickly and shyly disrobed, threw his stuff in the locker, and jumped into a shower stall all in two minutes. New record! Though the stalls only have side walls and no curtain. His bum bum is exposed to the world and it makes him feel vulnerable.
/I feel violated...somehow/ Cloud turned on the shower.
Warm water rained down upon him as he hurried to cleanse himself because the water was turning cold and he was nervous. Everyone once in a while he would jump when he heard a whistle or a cat call, prompting him to hurry some more. And when he was finished, Cloud scurried over to his locker with a towel wrapped around him.
/I'm going to need to get use to this. I'll be doing this for
awhile/ Cloud shut his locker.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw someone a few feet away looking at him. Cloud looked and the guy watching him winked and smirked. Cloud turned red and anxiously got dressed. He then went to a sink, and proceeded to brush his teeth and mess with his damp hair. Even when it's wet, it doesn't loose its drastic spikes. Just weighed down from water. Cloud likes his hair but it draws too much attention to it, mostly it being the brunt of jokes.
/Oh well, I guess I am forever a chocobo/ Cloud put his long
hair in his usual pony tail and left the bathroom.
He proceeded his way to the elevators observing people as he goes by, taking mental notes of how they look and act. How everyone is with someone...talking, laughing, joking around...things Cloud hasn't been able to experience in all his life: A friendship. He thinks though that Tifa might have tried to befriend him before he was shipped off here. Some kind of promise they made that when whenever she's in a jam, he would come to her rescue. Either she was trying to live a fairy tale life with that one, or she actually meant it as some kind of way of trying to start something, Cloud doesn't care. Tifa finally gave him some attention and that made him more determined to make her notice him even more by becoming the best SOLDIER out there...just like Sephiroth.
/Sephiroth.../
Ah yes, Sephiroth. Just like so many unfortunate troopers, that heavenly being will more than likely plague Cloud's mind throughout his stay here too. Who can ignore that presence Sephiroth emits wherever he goes? 'Sides the magnetic aura, his looks would be hard to ignore too...
/I bet he looks wonderful without any clothes on...?.../
Cloud stopped dead in his tracks. He was somewhat freaked out.
/Oh fuck, did I actually just think that? Where did that come from
anyway? I was thinking of Sephiroth and then...and then I started
thinking about how he looked...and...and...then I thought about him being
naked, oh crap!/
Cloud shook his head and tried to cover his now completely flushed face and slight erection. He had pictured the Great Sephiroth nude and it isn't such a bad thing...
"Bad Cloud! Bad thoughts! Must not have bad thoughts!"
As for the other people around Cloud, they tried to ignore the little blond boy that seems to be screaming at himself or the voices inside his head as they went on their merry way.
/Think disgusting thoughts! Think of that fat man from yesterday in a
pink string bikini! Fat man in bikini!/
Cloud repeated that in his mind until he was able to construct a disturbing image of Heidegger striking poses...in a pink string bikini.
/Oh gods, that's horrible!/ Cloud shuddered in disgust. /But it's
working...too much/
He waited a minute to regain his composure before he had the chance to puke up what he ate yesterday. Too bad for him though, he has to get on a crowded elevator now. And crowded elevators make him anxious nauseated. So when Cloud got on the elevator, he stood right in front of the elevator doors so he can bolt right out when they open again. And when the not so lucky passengers saw his sickly face, they tried to move far away as possible from him...which sadly, wasn't far.
Zack, on the other hand, was having a grand ol' day already. Oh yes, he was humming and dancing down the hallway on the cafeteria floor. He occasionally gave cute girls he passed by a wink and his famous grin, making them giggle and blush. Normally, he'd stop and ask for their name and phone number, but not today. He was too far up in the clouds to care. Why? Because Zacky now has a goddess for a roommate. The gods have answered his prayers and gave him a female Sephiroth. Life was good. Very good. Even when a blond blur came crashing into him. The blond fell on his ass, while Zack only stumbled a little, quickly regaining balance and catching his drink but not the bagel.
"Hey kid watch-oh it's you Cloud." Zack looked down at him.
And then the gods gave him another temptation...damn.
"Ow, my ass..." Cloud sat up to see an outstretched hand.
"Whatcha running for Spike? Chocobo mistook you for a mate?" Zack smirked.
/Oh no, not Zack/
"Like your hair is any better." Cloud swatted his had away and stood up. "And stop calling me Spike."
"Geez Spike, learn to take a joke." Zack felt offended by Cloud's refusal, "But yes my hair isn't any better. It owns its own country you know. It's called Massive Knot."
Cloud couldn't help but chuckle at his slightly stupid joke. But seeing Cloud chuckle made Zack melt.
/Damndamndamndamndamn! You're evil gods, you know that?! EVIL!/
"Um, your bagel's still on the floor." Cloud pointed.
"Oh right! Crap." Zack shook his head and bent down and picked it up, "Awww, my poor bagel."
"Sorry about running into you. Small crowded spaces make me really nervous." Cloud scratched his head.
"Oh, no problem Spike. I should have watched where I was going too. I was daydreaming." Zack was wiping off his bagel, "There! Good as new!"
Zack bit into it making Cloud look at him in shock and disgust.
/What the hell is wrong with this guy?/
"Heeey, I got an idea!" Zack quickly took a sip of his drink.
"Oh wow, you were actually thinking? Congratulations."
"Bah, I'll think when I feel like it. Anyway, let's go hang out sometime when we're both free. Yeah, and I'll bring my hot ass roommate, and my other sex- er, friend too. What do ya say?"
"I thought you said you have no roommates due to the fact you piss them off by your living habits or that you sleep with their girlfriends?"
"Oh so you were paying attention. And it's not my fault their girlfriends 'accidentally' found themselves in my bed...or somewhere else like the couch, floor, table, balcony, on top of the TV. We got creative there. See we-"
"Ok, that's WAY too much information there Zack. I'm still scarred from last night." Cloud tried to block out disturbing images.
"Ok, ok. Anyway, I got a new roommate last night. And she's no ordinary roommate. She's a grade A, gotta tap that ass, kinda hottie. But anyway, I gotta go. I'm already late. See ya around, Spike." Zack patted Cloud on the shoulder as he walked by.
"Damnit! Stop calling me Spike!" Cloud growled turning around.
Zack just waved without looking back and Cloud kept growling. He snorted and walked to the cafeteria. When he got there, he grabbed something quick to eat. Ahh, overcooked waffles and warm milk. Yummy goodness. And being anti-social for reasons, Cloud sat and ate by himself in silence. Well, kinda. He was left alone, but wasn't ignored. He noticed a group of guys, obviously older than him snickering, pointing, and giving him evil looks. Cloud tried to ignore it, but a lonely, sinking feeling crept up in him.
/I'll never be able to escape my past, will I?/
After he finished, he got up to throw his stuff away, which required walking by the group of guys. So he took a deep breath and proceeded to walk by only to tripped. Cloud found himself falling forward as the tray of food slipped from his hands. He hit the floor as the tray hit and slid across the floor. They circled him while laughing.
/Those sons of bitches. Just like the ones back home. Can't
live without making someone else's life miserable/ Cloud growled
as he tried to sit up.
A forceful, painful blow crushed against his back, slamming him back down onto the cold tile. Dull pain crept up in his lungs as the air was forced out of his lungs. Cloud curled up as he coughed several times.
"Hahaha! Look at him! Just like a little girl!"
/Come on, get up/
"Fuck off..." Cloud managed to spit out.
"What's that? Fuck off?" One of the guys, more likely the leader, Cloud assumes from watching them earlier, grabbed him by the hair and pulled him up. Cloud yelped in pain. "No can do, you scrawny piece of shit. You disrespected my friends here and those who disrespects my posse, gets a beat down."
Before Cloud could say anything, the leader shoved him down again. To make Cloud stays there, he crushes Cloud between his foot and the floor. Cloud's breath comes in gasps and sharp intakes from the lack of expansion his lungs are getting.
/Get up and stop taking this shit for a change!/
Cloud struggled to get free but was failing miserably.
"Now apologize to my buddies." The leader smiled in satisfaction from the struggling boy he was hurting.
"But I didn't do anything...!"
"Your pathetic presence bothered them!"
/I can't...I can't get free...gods, I'm a helpless child.../
To match the pain he was receiving physically, Cloud was now mentally attacking himself. He let out a chocked sob.
"Well?"
Cloud turned his head to the side so he can see the guy from the corner of his eye, "I'm not apologizing to those bastards so go fuck yourselves!"
"You fool!" A sudden pain raced throughout his body from his side.
Cloud let out a cry of hurt.
/Can't even defend myself even though I trained myself to some
fighting skills...such a disappointment.../
"Say it!"
"N-no!"
"Well then, I guess it's time to show you what a real pain is like. Let's get him guys." The leader smirked as he cracked his knuckles.
/In the end...I'm nothing but a failure.../
//I'm here now, so don't worry...//
/Huh?/
"What the hell is goin' on here?!"
/What the fuck?/
"Oh shit, it's a SOLDIER!"
//Look up, it's her//
"I DEMAND an answer you filthy lowlifes!"
"It's, it's nothing ma'am! Just a misunderstanding!"
Cloud slowly opened his eyes. He turned his head slightly to see what this girl looked like. When he looked up at her, he suddenly felt like his soul was being pulled out of his body. Then his vision just suddenly clouded over with waves of greenish-blue light as it felt like he was being pulled quickly through a...wormhole? There was such a sudden rush of overwhelming power enveloping him. Thoughts jumbled up inside his mind.
/What in the world?/ The only thought he managed to squeeze out.
Cloud looked forward...or was it up? Anyway, when he did, a bright light flashed and everything went white. Slowly his soul and body were reconnecting with one another with another new feeling...warmth? Then the real world started fading back in.
/Was I hallucinating or was I dying? And what is this feeling
that I'm drowning in?/
Cloud found himself sitting up, hugging himself. Noting that, he stopped and looked around. Least the bullies didn't seem to notice since they seem were petrified on the spot, staring at the girl. Which reminded him, he should look again too.
/Holy crap, she is pretty!/ He looked over the angry, little,
raven haired beauty /And tomboyish...and pissed/
"Get out of my sight!" Her eyes narrowed.
The guys scattered away like frightened little children and Cloud took a closer look at the girl.
/Hey wait a minute...I saw her last night registering in the
lobby! She's not a SOLDIER! Fuck, this sucks now.../ He lowered
his head in disappointment and slight embarrassment. /I just got
my ass saved by another cadet. It was bad enough she was a girl
to begin with. Gods, I'm so weak/
The girl kneeled down in front of Cloud, making him forget his self loathing, and just blush from being this close to a very lovely...fully equipped grown female. He couldn't help but take peeks at her body while trying to hide the growing blush...and what not. He placed his hands in his lap.
"Are you ok?"
/Me? I'm feeling a little bit of everything that is mentally
bad for your health and horniness. But it's best not to be
stupid right now, so say something nicer/
"I didn't need your help." /Didn't I just say not to be stupid?/
"If only that was true..."
Cloud became annoyed at that statement, especially since he picked up the sadness in the tone.
/Oh great, so now you're gonna pick on me for being weak too? I
don't have to take this from you. You're nothing but a regular
like me that happens to have mako eyes/
"I could have stopped it myself." Cloud snorted
"Then why didn't you?"
Cloud sunk. He should have known that was coming.
/Why didn't I?/ Cloud felt despair /I...dunno...maybe it's just like
back in Nibelheim. The other kids would jump me but I never
would win even when I defended myself...so I would run away.
That's it...because I know I will always lose.../ Cloud's head
sagged lower. "..."
"Always been stubborn, huh Cloud-kun?" He saw that she had stood up and turned to leave.
/Hey wait a minute. She knows my name! How does she know my
name?/
"I guess it's good to be like that sometimes. See ya around, Cloud."
"Hey! Wait! How'd you...know...my name..." He reached out to empty air. She was already gone.
/Wow, she's fast/ Cloud stood up. /But what was that thing that
happened earlier to me? Was it because she was there? Because
of her? I can ponder this later, I need to go/
He grabs his tray and stuff and throws it away and walks out of the cafeteria. Skipping ahead again cuz I can, Cloud gets his oversized uniform, complains for a little bit, gets his schedule, and heads for his classes. Cloud always sat in the front so he never noticed that girl was in his classes, but he felt like someone was watching. After all his classes, he dropped by his room, to drop off all the stupid books he got and clothes. And yes, his roommates were still passed out, with Reno now on the floor. He managed to fling himself over the railing. What talent. Cloud snickered as he left to go back to the cafeteria. Zack was on the cafeteria floor, talking with his friends, so Cloud did his best to sneak by without being seen. And it worked. The next thing he knew, he was in the cafeteria getting food.
/I wonder about Zack. He is really just a kind person to
everyone, or he's just stupid and horny. But he was talking
with Sephiroth last night like they were buddies. I wonder what
it's like to be friends with the Great General himself. But
Zack's annoying, and I bet he gets on Sephiroth's nerves. He
does seem like a prick, although he's strong...and respected...and
fearless...and beautiful...and sexy...aw crap, not again/ Cloud
blushed /Why am I thinking like that? It must be from my
idolism of him. I'm not alone though, so do the others think
like that too? Yeah, idols are always perfect in everyway in
the fans' eyes...right?/
Cloud finished getting his food and headed for an empty table when he noticed that the girl was sitting there, in the corner, by herself.
/She looks...really lonely/ Cloud watched her stare down at her
drink. Her face showed no real expression, 'cept that her eyes
looked rather sad. /I bet no one goes near her because she's a
'freak' somehow, due to her glowing eyes yet she's not a
SOLDIER. I saw the crowd last night, watching her, whispering
things about her, but no one would get close to her, or even say
anything to her. In fact, I was one of those people.../
("Just when you met her, don't be intimidated. She has...a good
heart...")
/I should go apologize. I shouldn't have been rude to her/ He
started walking over to her. /Yep, and don't be intimidated,
like the voice said/
He stopped in front of her, on the opposite side of the table. She must be in deep thought because she doesn't notice he is standing there. He was starting to get a little nervous although he was trying hard not to be. There was a feeling in the air around, Cloud could sense. And it wasn't a pleasant feeling. It feels like she is trying to keep people away for some reason. Cloud took a deep breath and said,
"Hi..."
She looked up, expression showing she knows who he is, but somewhat confused, "Hi."
"May I sit here?" /Please say yes/
"Sure."
Cloud sighed in relief and sat down. But then he was nervous again, so they sat in awkward silence.
/Damnit, I'm being intimidated aren't I? But aren't I always
afraid of people? And it doesn't help that she is drop dead
gorgeous, yet that blue uniform doesn't suit her at all. But I
shouldn't be thinking like this right now, I must thank her for
earlier/
Silence. It's been a minute.
/Now would be a good time. So say it!/
"Thank you," Cloud poked and swirled his fork in his mash potatoes, "For earlier."
"Don't worry about it."
"I shouldn't have been rude to you. You were just trying to help."
"It's ok really. It doesn't bother me. I'm use to people giving me crap. I'm immune to it."
/So you really are trying to intimidate people?/
"I think that's why people are staying away from you."
"So be it. It doesn't concern me."
/Liar/
"But your eyes say differently." Cloud looked up at her.
She actually looked somewhat shocked, "They do?"
He nodded. /Bingo/
"You're observant." She smiled softly.
"It was all I really did when I was back home...Watch the world from the outside." /I can see what people themselves can't see in them...or perhaps don't want to see/
"It's helpful sometimes to be on the outside. You see things clearer when you get inside, Cloud-kun."
"How do you know my name?"
"That's my secret, Cloud Strife. But if it helps, mine's Miyaiku Valentine. Miyai for short."
/Valentine? I think I heard that name before.../ "Nice to meet you." Cloud stuck out his hand, but was interrupted.
"Hello there, my fair lady."
/Who the fuck?/ Cloud and Miyai both looked at the person. /Vice
President Rufus Shinra? Why is he here? No wait, nevermind, his
favorite hobby is women, so he's here for her. Thank magazines
for info on the Shinras' private life/
"Oh, hello." Miyai showed no interest.
Cloud noticed her look and smirked. /Already sense he's not a
good person?/
"I heard there was an angel gracing Shinra with her beauty and I immediately believed it was you when your presence struck me down. Please, let me introduce myself. I'm Rufus Shinra" The VP stuck out his hand, ignoring Cloud. /Little insect shouldn't even be able to sit in this goddess' presence/
Cloud realized now that Rufus was intentionally going to ignore him.
/Stupid asshole. Deliberately trying to not notice me here/ He
was irritated now
"Miyaiku." She took his hand without looking at him.
"Ah, such a wonderful name." Rufus kissed the back of her hand. /Lack of interest, but that never lasts long. I'll sweet talk into my bed in no time/
"Ahem."
/What now?/ Rufus looked over at Cloud, annoyed /Can't he go bugger off?/ "Anyway, why is such a lovely woman sitting by herself?"
/Why does everyone ignore me when they don't even know me?/
Cloud pouted starting to feel his self-esteem falter again.
"Gee, I could have sworn that there's a person sitting in front of me. Oh, he's still there. His name is Cloud." Miyai pointed over to him.
/What? Oh, wow, Miyai isn't ignoring me/ Cloud suddenly decided
to wave at Rufus just to spite him.
/What? She wants him around? This little kid? Don't tell me
he's gonna be my competition for her? Oh well, like I say
always, I always win/ "Oh sorry, I couldn't see the little boy.
They have booster seats for kids you know." Rufus smirked.
"Yeah and they have this thing called an ass whooping for pricks like you." Cloud grinned in a comical way.
Miyai started snickering.
"Why you little bitch!" Rufus grabbed Cloud by the collar. /How
dare he make me look bad!/
/Oh shit!/ Cloud grabbed hold of Rufus' arms.
"Excuse me, but I suggest you not attack him or I'll step in." Miyai
stood up.
/Fuck, I have to stop or it'll make it harder to get her/ Rufus
huffed and let's go of Cloud.
/Man that was close! Getting in a fight with the vice president
would put a strike against me/ Cloud straightened his collar
"You should be grateful that I won't go against a lady's wishes little man, or you'd be feeling pain right about now. I shall be going." Rufus looks at Miyai who looks rather indifferent. "And I never lose a woman to another man either. Good day."
He leaves and as Cloud watches.
/I'm the other man? He thinks I'm competition?/
"Now I know why everyone in their right minds, hate him as president." Miyai sighed.
/President? She thinks he's president?/ "He's vice president."
"Oh yeah, right, wrong time." Miyai grabbed her drink, "It's time to go be slaves now, anyway."
/Wrong...time? Wha?/ Cloud followed her. /She is mysterious/
The training building. A separate building behind the Shinra HQ. It was a massive building with the second floor opened in the middle and a dome top. There weren't many windows on the first floor probably so no one can go flying trough them. But there was a big mirror on side wall, with a room on the other side. You know, so important people can watch without being noticed. He heard other cadets saying that Sephiroth is in there sometimes, but won't be today because he went somewhere. Damn. Miyai and Cloud leaned up against a wall talked since it wasn't time yet to start training. Miyai is twenty, is from Mideel, is the only child is half Wutaian, and her parents are dead. When she said that, he could sense sadness and anger in her voice. He didn't press the matter. Cloud didn't bother to ask why her eyes glow, at least not yet, because she is probably tired of people asking.
/Wonder if she is strong like a SOLDIER?/
Unfortunately, Miyai is also Zack's new roommate. Although she beats him up, it's still unfortunate. But he also knows now what Zack means by her being "grade A, gotta tap that ass kinda hottie". She is one. But anyway, when the instructors came in, they all got ready to have their asses drilled. And as he thought, it was funny when Reno, Rude, Lenke finally woke up and came in the training arena, and got their asses chewed out and told to run around the arena 'til training was over. Too bad, the instructors already knew them. It would have been funnier. Must be old cadets. Anyway, they trained away. At first, every new cadet screwed up and they kept getting yelled at. Except Miyai. She was the only that was doing everything right. But after awhile, it was just Cloud messing up. And the instructors didn't help but discourage him more when they kept screaming at him and others laughing. So when 7 rolled around, he was stuck to clean the entire floors of the building with a hand brush. Cloud wanted to curl up and die.
/I hate life...why am I here again?/ Cloud dumped the brush into
the soapy water and brought it back out. He started scrubbing
in circles.
"Cloud?"
He looked up at Miyai. /She stayed behind?/
"Hang in there, Cloud-kun, ok?" Was it just him dreaming, or did her whole demeanor just soften up?
/Her expression...looks sincere, and I'm feeling that warming
feeling again/ Cloud stared at her. "O-ok."
She nodded and turned to leave. Did someone just care for him? He must be dreaming. He looked at the soapy circle on the floor. Nope not a dream...but it felt unreal. Cloud went back to scrubbing the floor and he tried not to bring himself down. He tried, but after several hours of looking at a floor and having your reason slowly disappear, he couldn't help but start mentally attacking himself.
/Failure...always a failure. Look at me. I'm sitting here, scrubbing
the damn floor for my lack of talent, self-worth, confidence,
anything. I'm fucking nobody! Gods I can't even be a good cadet! I
might as well be the fucking floor!/ Cloud tried to keep back the
tears, but it's working. /For all I know, that's what people probably
think I am. Something you can walk all over because it can't fight
back. What is the point of me even trying to be anything or do
anything when I know I'll just end up falling short of everything?
Even people know I can't do anything right. But Miyai, Miyai said for
you hang in there right? That means something right? Oh who am I
kidding, she was sent to help you, remember? Help me with what?
Become a nobody faster? Once she realizes I'm a lost cause, she'll
leave. That's why I'll never have friends. I'm just-I'm just a sad
pathetic-oh hey, I'm done/
Indeed, Cloud had scrubbed his way into the last corner on the second floor. He stood up, dropped the hand brush into the bucket and wiped the sweat from his brow with his arm and he looked around. The he felt the cranks in his neck and back. He started stretching.
/Man, I actually cleaned the entire floor. Yea, I can get the
hell out of here now/
He picked up his bucket and proceeded to the janitor's closet. At the same time, he heard the main doors on the first floor open. He closed the closet door.
/Oh, who the fuck is walking on my nice clean floor?/ Cloud
walked over to the railing but suddenly backed away as the
person emerged from the shadows.
Sephiroth. The heavenly being himself has entered the arena and apparently didn't notice that Cloud was in there too.
/Holy fucking shit! It's Sephiroth! Oh my gods!/ Cloud's heart
was about to burst out from his chest any minute.
Sephiroth's moonlit hair and midnight black coat flowed together in a rhythm as the pale angel made his into the middle of the arena. In his hand was long, sheathed sword, which obviously was the elegant and legendary sword, Masamune. Cloud hid behind railing and peeked through the openings. Lucky for him, the railing wasn't glass. The General now stood in the middle of the arena, and laid the Masamune down. He then started taking off his gloves.
/He must come here at night, to train because nobody's around to
watch him...err, maybe I should go since it's his-
HOLYSHITHE'STAKINGOFFHISCOAT!/ Cloud's eyes glued right back on
Sephiroth.
And the chest is now revealed and all is well in the world. Cloud's blood vessels in his face could pop in his face anytime because his face is so red. Such a nice muscular, perfectly chiseled chest, with washboard abs. Pale, but who cares? Sephiroth put his coat and gloves aside, walked back over to the sword, and picked it up, giving Cloud a perfect view of his ass.
/That's not fair. A perfect chest AND a perfect ass. Life's a
tease/ Cloud pouted ignoring the growing in his pants.
Sephiroth unsheathed Masamune and threw the thing aside. With light from the moon hitting the long, silver blade just right, Cloud could have sworn the sword was winking at him. The General got in his fighting stance and in quick movement was swinging and swiping, and thrusting his sword in the air. He looked at ease, like a ballerina was on stage. And he was dancing...dancing in the silver rain of the moon. So graceful and poised and surreal. It even looked like he was dancing on air. Sephiroth was one with the Masamune and the Masamune was one with him. It was...beautiful.
Cloud couldn't help but watch in awe, like he was in a trance. The
day in end, wasn't so bad.
End of Chapter 4
...I'm done? I'm actually done? YAHOO! I'M DONE! ::does chibidance::
Well, I guess this chapter wasn't entirely bad. I never finished my rough draft. So the entire part after Cloud's beating was just made up as wrote it. But anyway, I like being mean to Cloud and Zax. They're funny when they get stupid. Yeah...so, I'm gonna actually ask you nice people who read my fanfic, if you have any ideas u think could go into the story. I can't gaurentee I'll get them all in cusp, I do have a plot and there are things I actually changed to make things...more interesting. I'm also thinking on changing the title of the story. The current one sucks and was only a tempo til I could think of a better one...it's just I forgot what the better one was. Oh well, I'll remember later. I hate Microsoft word...fuck it, I can't get it to indent the way I want it. Shit, I'm leaving it like it is for now, I'm sick of looking at the computer screen, and I have fat fucker sitting here waiting for me to get off. Stupid Microsoft word and fat fucker...why the hell is it indenting only certain things. I hate this stupid new word program! I like the old one better on my ghetto computer!
Chapter 4; Part 2
Cloud's Wonderful First Day.
//So what's your impression?//
/...Huh?/
//How do you like it here so far?//
/I guess...not so good as I thought it would be/
//I knew as much//
/Who...are you and how are you talking to me?/
//Heh, I just can. As for who I am...I was somebody...but now I don't
even exist as anybody//
/Are you dead?/
//In many ways...yes//
/Um...ok/
//Enough of this. I'm here for a reason. Someone's here for you.
It's sad to say though, for the reason she's here, it's already a
failed attempt to fix the inevitable//
/I'm confused.../
//Don't worry about it. Just when you met her, don't be intimidated.
She...has a good heart...I just hope she doesn't lose that part of her
when the time comes...//
/...sure...although I'm still so lost/
//Sorry, but I must go now. So do you//
/What no-/
//Wake up!//
Cloud jerked awake. 6am on the dot and the alarm was sounding. He slowly sits up, looking like hell. He blinks sleepily a couple of times then leans over to turn off the alarm.
/Only four hours of sleep...It better not be like this all the time/
Poor Cloud was stuck with party animals for roommates. His first night didn't go as well as he wished. When he entered his dorm last night, the smell of cigs and alcohol filled his nostrils. His lovely roommates were sitting at fold out table, being loud drunks while playing poker. One roommate was, perhaps Wutaian, or Solian(Costa del Sol), or both. He was bald, tall, built and he looked rather pissed or that was his natural look...or something. And he's wearing sunglasses. Why? Cloud doesn't care to know. He was the quietest of the three and probably less drunk. Cloud picked up his name from the other two; Rude. The other roommate sitting across from Rude, was a short, but still taller than Cloud, scrawny looking, brown hair guy. Believe his name was Lenke. Now Cloud's last roommate worries. Not just because he was the stupidest drunk there, but he too got the impression the blond was a female. The sloppy, funky red hair in a ponytail, slightly pale guy had sluggishly attempted to sweet talk his way into his pants when he too, ended with the same fate as Zack did. But Reno won't remember that in the morning anyway right? Cloud yawned and stretched before removing the covers and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. He looked over at Reno and Rude. Yep, still sleeping. Reno with his arm dangling off the edge of the top bunk, snoring loudly, and Rude sleeping peacefully, but still had that mean face on. Must be natural.
/Should I, or should I not wake them up?/ Cloud tapped his chin
with his finger, pretending to ponder that question. /The
punishment for being late on your first day could be bad. Worse
if they don't show up for anything/
Cloud stood up, careful not to hit his head on the top bunk. He looked up at the other sleeping roommate.
/...Naaaah/ Cloud grinned evilly.
So the little blond grabbed some clothes and necessities and left the room with a big, fat grin on his face.
The halls were bustling with new and old cadets. The newbies were running around acting like excited or panicky children on their first day of school, while the older cadets acted casual. Cloud was proud that he wasn't acting like a wuss, but unfortunately, with low self-esteem, he already believes he's one. And he always reminds himself of it too. He was scanning the girls as he passed by, when he realized why he was. Cloud was looking for this "she" from his strange dream with a voice. Now that he thinks about it, that voice sounds vaguely familiar. It was definitely an older male's voice, but it had this quality to it that makes sound like it was his own voice. Why...was it unhappy?
/And why is there someone here for me? What purpose does serve? Am I
that pathetic at getting a girl to like me that the gods decided to
send me one to like me? Is that the plan?/ Cloud mentally assaulted
himself as he headed for the bathroom. /Was that dream even for real?/
Yet Cloud kept looking for a girl that would stick out in some way. Besides some giving him dirty looks, none looked important. He made it to the bathroom and sighed heavily because it was full of guys...with some being not so straight guys.
/Oh...goody/ Cloud frowned.
He took a deep breath and walked in avoiding eye and body contact with everyone in there. Of course he couldn't help but blush somewhat from being around so many half-nude, or completely nude guys. He's never showered in the same room as someone else before except when he was little and his mother bathed him. But that was different. Cloud found an empty locker, quickly and shyly disrobed, threw his stuff in the locker, and jumped into a shower stall all in two minutes. New record! Though the stalls only have side walls and no curtain. His bum bum is exposed to the world and it makes him feel vulnerable.
/I feel violated...somehow/ Cloud turned on the shower.
Warm water rained down upon him as he hurried to cleanse himself because the water was turning cold and he was nervous. Everyone once in a while he would jump when he heard a whistle or a cat call, prompting him to hurry some more. And when he was finished, Cloud scurried over to his locker with a towel wrapped around him.
/I'm going to need to get use to this. I'll be doing this for
awhile/ Cloud shut his locker.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw someone a few feet away looking at him. Cloud looked and the guy watching him winked and smirked. Cloud turned red and anxiously got dressed. He then went to a sink, and proceeded to brush his teeth and mess with his damp hair. Even when it's wet, it doesn't loose its drastic spikes. Just weighed down from water. Cloud likes his hair but it draws too much attention to it, mostly it being the brunt of jokes.
/Oh well, I guess I am forever a chocobo/ Cloud put his long
hair in his usual pony tail and left the bathroom.
He proceeded his way to the elevators observing people as he goes by, taking mental notes of how they look and act. How everyone is with someone...talking, laughing, joking around...things Cloud hasn't been able to experience in all his life: A friendship. He thinks though that Tifa might have tried to befriend him before he was shipped off here. Some kind of promise they made that when whenever she's in a jam, he would come to her rescue. Either she was trying to live a fairy tale life with that one, or she actually meant it as some kind of way of trying to start something, Cloud doesn't care. Tifa finally gave him some attention and that made him more determined to make her notice him even more by becoming the best SOLDIER out there...just like Sephiroth.
/Sephiroth.../
Ah yes, Sephiroth. Just like so many unfortunate troopers, that heavenly being will more than likely plague Cloud's mind throughout his stay here too. Who can ignore that presence Sephiroth emits wherever he goes? 'Sides the magnetic aura, his looks would be hard to ignore too...
/I bet he looks wonderful without any clothes on...?.../
Cloud stopped dead in his tracks. He was somewhat freaked out.
/Oh fuck, did I actually just think that? Where did that come from
anyway? I was thinking of Sephiroth and then...and then I started
thinking about how he looked...and...and...then I thought about him being
naked, oh crap!/
Cloud shook his head and tried to cover his now completely flushed face and slight erection. He had pictured the Great Sephiroth nude and it isn't such a bad thing...
"Bad Cloud! Bad thoughts! Must not have bad thoughts!"
As for the other people around Cloud, they tried to ignore the little blond boy that seems to be screaming at himself or the voices inside his head as they went on their merry way.
/Think disgusting thoughts! Think of that fat man from yesterday in a
pink string bikini! Fat man in bikini!/
Cloud repeated that in his mind until he was able to construct a disturbing image of Heidegger striking poses...in a pink string bikini.
/Oh gods, that's horrible!/ Cloud shuddered in disgust. /But it's
working...too much/
He waited a minute to regain his composure before he had the chance to puke up what he ate yesterday. Too bad for him though, he has to get on a crowded elevator now. And crowded elevators make him anxious nauseated. So when Cloud got on the elevator, he stood right in front of the elevator doors so he can bolt right out when they open again. And when the not so lucky passengers saw his sickly face, they tried to move far away as possible from him...which sadly, wasn't far.
Zack, on the other hand, was having a grand ol' day already. Oh yes, he was humming and dancing down the hallway on the cafeteria floor. He occasionally gave cute girls he passed by a wink and his famous grin, making them giggle and blush. Normally, he'd stop and ask for their name and phone number, but not today. He was too far up in the clouds to care. Why? Because Zacky now has a goddess for a roommate. The gods have answered his prayers and gave him a female Sephiroth. Life was good. Very good. Even when a blond blur came crashing into him. The blond fell on his ass, while Zack only stumbled a little, quickly regaining balance and catching his drink but not the bagel.
"Hey kid watch-oh it's you Cloud." Zack looked down at him.
And then the gods gave him another temptation...damn.
"Ow, my ass..." Cloud sat up to see an outstretched hand.
"Whatcha running for Spike? Chocobo mistook you for a mate?" Zack smirked.
/Oh no, not Zack/
"Like your hair is any better." Cloud swatted his had away and stood up. "And stop calling me Spike."
"Geez Spike, learn to take a joke." Zack felt offended by Cloud's refusal, "But yes my hair isn't any better. It owns its own country you know. It's called Massive Knot."
Cloud couldn't help but chuckle at his slightly stupid joke. But seeing Cloud chuckle made Zack melt.
/Damndamndamndamndamn! You're evil gods, you know that?! EVIL!/
"Um, your bagel's still on the floor." Cloud pointed.
"Oh right! Crap." Zack shook his head and bent down and picked it up, "Awww, my poor bagel."
"Sorry about running into you. Small crowded spaces make me really nervous." Cloud scratched his head.
"Oh, no problem Spike. I should have watched where I was going too. I was daydreaming." Zack was wiping off his bagel, "There! Good as new!"
Zack bit into it making Cloud look at him in shock and disgust.
/What the hell is wrong with this guy?/
"Heeey, I got an idea!" Zack quickly took a sip of his drink.
"Oh wow, you were actually thinking? Congratulations."
"Bah, I'll think when I feel like it. Anyway, let's go hang out sometime when we're both free. Yeah, and I'll bring my hot ass roommate, and my other sex- er, friend too. What do ya say?"
"I thought you said you have no roommates due to the fact you piss them off by your living habits or that you sleep with their girlfriends?"
"Oh so you were paying attention. And it's not my fault their girlfriends 'accidentally' found themselves in my bed...or somewhere else like the couch, floor, table, balcony, on top of the TV. We got creative there. See we-"
"Ok, that's WAY too much information there Zack. I'm still scarred from last night." Cloud tried to block out disturbing images.
"Ok, ok. Anyway, I got a new roommate last night. And she's no ordinary roommate. She's a grade A, gotta tap that ass, kinda hottie. But anyway, I gotta go. I'm already late. See ya around, Spike." Zack patted Cloud on the shoulder as he walked by.
"Damnit! Stop calling me Spike!" Cloud growled turning around.
Zack just waved without looking back and Cloud kept growling. He snorted and walked to the cafeteria. When he got there, he grabbed something quick to eat. Ahh, overcooked waffles and warm milk. Yummy goodness. And being anti-social for reasons, Cloud sat and ate by himself in silence. Well, kinda. He was left alone, but wasn't ignored. He noticed a group of guys, obviously older than him snickering, pointing, and giving him evil looks. Cloud tried to ignore it, but a lonely, sinking feeling crept up in him.
/I'll never be able to escape my past, will I?/
After he finished, he got up to throw his stuff away, which required walking by the group of guys. So he took a deep breath and proceeded to walk by only to tripped. Cloud found himself falling forward as the tray of food slipped from his hands. He hit the floor as the tray hit and slid across the floor. They circled him while laughing.
/Those sons of bitches. Just like the ones back home. Can't
live without making someone else's life miserable/ Cloud growled
as he tried to sit up.
A forceful, painful blow crushed against his back, slamming him back down onto the cold tile. Dull pain crept up in his lungs as the air was forced out of his lungs. Cloud curled up as he coughed several times.
"Hahaha! Look at him! Just like a little girl!"
/Come on, get up/
"Fuck off..." Cloud managed to spit out.
"What's that? Fuck off?" One of the guys, more likely the leader, Cloud assumes from watching them earlier, grabbed him by the hair and pulled him up. Cloud yelped in pain. "No can do, you scrawny piece of shit. You disrespected my friends here and those who disrespects my posse, gets a beat down."
Before Cloud could say anything, the leader shoved him down again. To make Cloud stays there, he crushes Cloud between his foot and the floor. Cloud's breath comes in gasps and sharp intakes from the lack of expansion his lungs are getting.
/Get up and stop taking this shit for a change!/
Cloud struggled to get free but was failing miserably.
"Now apologize to my buddies." The leader smiled in satisfaction from the struggling boy he was hurting.
"But I didn't do anything...!"
"Your pathetic presence bothered them!"
/I can't...I can't get free...gods, I'm a helpless child.../
To match the pain he was receiving physically, Cloud was now mentally attacking himself. He let out a chocked sob.
"Well?"
Cloud turned his head to the side so he can see the guy from the corner of his eye, "I'm not apologizing to those bastards so go fuck yourselves!"
"You fool!" A sudden pain raced throughout his body from his side.
Cloud let out a cry of hurt.
/Can't even defend myself even though I trained myself to some
fighting skills...such a disappointment.../
"Say it!"
"N-no!"
"Well then, I guess it's time to show you what a real pain is like. Let's get him guys." The leader smirked as he cracked his knuckles.
/In the end...I'm nothing but a failure.../
//I'm here now, so don't worry...//
/Huh?/
"What the hell is goin' on here?!"
/What the fuck?/
"Oh shit, it's a SOLDIER!"
//Look up, it's her//
"I DEMAND an answer you filthy lowlifes!"
"It's, it's nothing ma'am! Just a misunderstanding!"
Cloud slowly opened his eyes. He turned his head slightly to see what this girl looked like. When he looked up at her, he suddenly felt like his soul was being pulled out of his body. Then his vision just suddenly clouded over with waves of greenish-blue light as it felt like he was being pulled quickly through a...wormhole? There was such a sudden rush of overwhelming power enveloping him. Thoughts jumbled up inside his mind.
/What in the world?/ The only thought he managed to squeeze out.
Cloud looked forward...or was it up? Anyway, when he did, a bright light flashed and everything went white. Slowly his soul and body were reconnecting with one another with another new feeling...warmth? Then the real world started fading back in.
/Was I hallucinating or was I dying? And what is this feeling
that I'm drowning in?/
Cloud found himself sitting up, hugging himself. Noting that, he stopped and looked around. Least the bullies didn't seem to notice since they seem were petrified on the spot, staring at the girl. Which reminded him, he should look again too.
/Holy crap, she is pretty!/ He looked over the angry, little,
raven haired beauty /And tomboyish...and pissed/
"Get out of my sight!" Her eyes narrowed.
The guys scattered away like frightened little children and Cloud took a closer look at the girl.
/Hey wait a minute...I saw her last night registering in the
lobby! She's not a SOLDIER! Fuck, this sucks now.../ He lowered
his head in disappointment and slight embarrassment. /I just got
my ass saved by another cadet. It was bad enough she was a girl
to begin with. Gods, I'm so weak/
The girl kneeled down in front of Cloud, making him forget his self loathing, and just blush from being this close to a very lovely...fully equipped grown female. He couldn't help but take peeks at her body while trying to hide the growing blush...and what not. He placed his hands in his lap.
"Are you ok?"
/Me? I'm feeling a little bit of everything that is mentally
bad for your health and horniness. But it's best not to be
stupid right now, so say something nicer/
"I didn't need your help." /Didn't I just say not to be stupid?/
"If only that was true..."
Cloud became annoyed at that statement, especially since he picked up the sadness in the tone.
/Oh great, so now you're gonna pick on me for being weak too? I
don't have to take this from you. You're nothing but a regular
like me that happens to have mako eyes/
"I could have stopped it myself." Cloud snorted
"Then why didn't you?"
Cloud sunk. He should have known that was coming.
/Why didn't I?/ Cloud felt despair /I...dunno...maybe it's just like
back in Nibelheim. The other kids would jump me but I never
would win even when I defended myself...so I would run away.
That's it...because I know I will always lose.../ Cloud's head
sagged lower. "..."
"Always been stubborn, huh Cloud-kun?" He saw that she had stood up and turned to leave.
/Hey wait a minute. She knows my name! How does she know my
name?/
"I guess it's good to be like that sometimes. See ya around, Cloud."
"Hey! Wait! How'd you...know...my name..." He reached out to empty air. She was already gone.
/Wow, she's fast/ Cloud stood up. /But what was that thing that
happened earlier to me? Was it because she was there? Because
of her? I can ponder this later, I need to go/
He grabs his tray and stuff and throws it away and walks out of the cafeteria. Skipping ahead again cuz I can, Cloud gets his oversized uniform, complains for a little bit, gets his schedule, and heads for his classes. Cloud always sat in the front so he never noticed that girl was in his classes, but he felt like someone was watching. After all his classes, he dropped by his room, to drop off all the stupid books he got and clothes. And yes, his roommates were still passed out, with Reno now on the floor. He managed to fling himself over the railing. What talent. Cloud snickered as he left to go back to the cafeteria. Zack was on the cafeteria floor, talking with his friends, so Cloud did his best to sneak by without being seen. And it worked. The next thing he knew, he was in the cafeteria getting food.
/I wonder about Zack. He is really just a kind person to
everyone, or he's just stupid and horny. But he was talking
with Sephiroth last night like they were buddies. I wonder what
it's like to be friends with the Great General himself. But
Zack's annoying, and I bet he gets on Sephiroth's nerves. He
does seem like a prick, although he's strong...and respected...and
fearless...and beautiful...and sexy...aw crap, not again/ Cloud
blushed /Why am I thinking like that? It must be from my
idolism of him. I'm not alone though, so do the others think
like that too? Yeah, idols are always perfect in everyway in
the fans' eyes...right?/
Cloud finished getting his food and headed for an empty table when he noticed that the girl was sitting there, in the corner, by herself.
/She looks...really lonely/ Cloud watched her stare down at her
drink. Her face showed no real expression, 'cept that her eyes
looked rather sad. /I bet no one goes near her because she's a
'freak' somehow, due to her glowing eyes yet she's not a
SOLDIER. I saw the crowd last night, watching her, whispering
things about her, but no one would get close to her, or even say
anything to her. In fact, I was one of those people.../
("Just when you met her, don't be intimidated. She has...a good
heart...")
/I should go apologize. I shouldn't have been rude to her/ He
started walking over to her. /Yep, and don't be intimidated,
like the voice said/
He stopped in front of her, on the opposite side of the table. She must be in deep thought because she doesn't notice he is standing there. He was starting to get a little nervous although he was trying hard not to be. There was a feeling in the air around, Cloud could sense. And it wasn't a pleasant feeling. It feels like she is trying to keep people away for some reason. Cloud took a deep breath and said,
"Hi..."
She looked up, expression showing she knows who he is, but somewhat confused, "Hi."
"May I sit here?" /Please say yes/
"Sure."
Cloud sighed in relief and sat down. But then he was nervous again, so they sat in awkward silence.
/Damnit, I'm being intimidated aren't I? But aren't I always
afraid of people? And it doesn't help that she is drop dead
gorgeous, yet that blue uniform doesn't suit her at all. But I
shouldn't be thinking like this right now, I must thank her for
earlier/
Silence. It's been a minute.
/Now would be a good time. So say it!/
"Thank you," Cloud poked and swirled his fork in his mash potatoes, "For earlier."
"Don't worry about it."
"I shouldn't have been rude to you. You were just trying to help."
"It's ok really. It doesn't bother me. I'm use to people giving me crap. I'm immune to it."
/So you really are trying to intimidate people?/
"I think that's why people are staying away from you."
"So be it. It doesn't concern me."
/Liar/
"But your eyes say differently." Cloud looked up at her.
She actually looked somewhat shocked, "They do?"
He nodded. /Bingo/
"You're observant." She smiled softly.
"It was all I really did when I was back home...Watch the world from the outside." /I can see what people themselves can't see in them...or perhaps don't want to see/
"It's helpful sometimes to be on the outside. You see things clearer when you get inside, Cloud-kun."
"How do you know my name?"
"That's my secret, Cloud Strife. But if it helps, mine's Miyaiku Valentine. Miyai for short."
/Valentine? I think I heard that name before.../ "Nice to meet you." Cloud stuck out his hand, but was interrupted.
"Hello there, my fair lady."
/Who the fuck?/ Cloud and Miyai both looked at the person. /Vice
President Rufus Shinra? Why is he here? No wait, nevermind, his
favorite hobby is women, so he's here for her. Thank magazines
for info on the Shinras' private life/
"Oh, hello." Miyai showed no interest.
Cloud noticed her look and smirked. /Already sense he's not a
good person?/
"I heard there was an angel gracing Shinra with her beauty and I immediately believed it was you when your presence struck me down. Please, let me introduce myself. I'm Rufus Shinra" The VP stuck out his hand, ignoring Cloud. /Little insect shouldn't even be able to sit in this goddess' presence/
Cloud realized now that Rufus was intentionally going to ignore him.
/Stupid asshole. Deliberately trying to not notice me here/ He
was irritated now
"Miyaiku." She took his hand without looking at him.
"Ah, such a wonderful name." Rufus kissed the back of her hand. /Lack of interest, but that never lasts long. I'll sweet talk into my bed in no time/
"Ahem."
/What now?/ Rufus looked over at Cloud, annoyed /Can't he go bugger off?/ "Anyway, why is such a lovely woman sitting by herself?"
/Why does everyone ignore me when they don't even know me?/
Cloud pouted starting to feel his self-esteem falter again.
"Gee, I could have sworn that there's a person sitting in front of me. Oh, he's still there. His name is Cloud." Miyai pointed over to him.
/What? Oh, wow, Miyai isn't ignoring me/ Cloud suddenly decided
to wave at Rufus just to spite him.
/What? She wants him around? This little kid? Don't tell me
he's gonna be my competition for her? Oh well, like I say
always, I always win/ "Oh sorry, I couldn't see the little boy.
They have booster seats for kids you know." Rufus smirked.
"Yeah and they have this thing called an ass whooping for pricks like you." Cloud grinned in a comical way.
Miyai started snickering.
"Why you little bitch!" Rufus grabbed Cloud by the collar. /How
dare he make me look bad!/
/Oh shit!/ Cloud grabbed hold of Rufus' arms.
"Excuse me, but I suggest you not attack him or I'll step in." Miyai
stood up.
/Fuck, I have to stop or it'll make it harder to get her/ Rufus
huffed and let's go of Cloud.
/Man that was close! Getting in a fight with the vice president
would put a strike against me/ Cloud straightened his collar
"You should be grateful that I won't go against a lady's wishes little man, or you'd be feeling pain right about now. I shall be going." Rufus looks at Miyai who looks rather indifferent. "And I never lose a woman to another man either. Good day."
He leaves and as Cloud watches.
/I'm the other man? He thinks I'm competition?/
"Now I know why everyone in their right minds, hate him as president." Miyai sighed.
/President? She thinks he's president?/ "He's vice president."
"Oh yeah, right, wrong time." Miyai grabbed her drink, "It's time to go be slaves now, anyway."
/Wrong...time? Wha?/ Cloud followed her. /She is mysterious/
The training building. A separate building behind the Shinra HQ. It was a massive building with the second floor opened in the middle and a dome top. There weren't many windows on the first floor probably so no one can go flying trough them. But there was a big mirror on side wall, with a room on the other side. You know, so important people can watch without being noticed. He heard other cadets saying that Sephiroth is in there sometimes, but won't be today because he went somewhere. Damn. Miyai and Cloud leaned up against a wall talked since it wasn't time yet to start training. Miyai is twenty, is from Mideel, is the only child is half Wutaian, and her parents are dead. When she said that, he could sense sadness and anger in her voice. He didn't press the matter. Cloud didn't bother to ask why her eyes glow, at least not yet, because she is probably tired of people asking.
/Wonder if she is strong like a SOLDIER?/
Unfortunately, Miyai is also Zack's new roommate. Although she beats him up, it's still unfortunate. But he also knows now what Zack means by her being "grade A, gotta tap that ass kinda hottie". She is one. But anyway, when the instructors came in, they all got ready to have their asses drilled. And as he thought, it was funny when Reno, Rude, Lenke finally woke up and came in the training arena, and got their asses chewed out and told to run around the arena 'til training was over. Too bad, the instructors already knew them. It would have been funnier. Must be old cadets. Anyway, they trained away. At first, every new cadet screwed up and they kept getting yelled at. Except Miyai. She was the only that was doing everything right. But after awhile, it was just Cloud messing up. And the instructors didn't help but discourage him more when they kept screaming at him and others laughing. So when 7 rolled around, he was stuck to clean the entire floors of the building with a hand brush. Cloud wanted to curl up and die.
/I hate life...why am I here again?/ Cloud dumped the brush into
the soapy water and brought it back out. He started scrubbing
in circles.
"Cloud?"
He looked up at Miyai. /She stayed behind?/
"Hang in there, Cloud-kun, ok?" Was it just him dreaming, or did her whole demeanor just soften up?
/Her expression...looks sincere, and I'm feeling that warming
feeling again/ Cloud stared at her. "O-ok."
She nodded and turned to leave. Did someone just care for him? He must be dreaming. He looked at the soapy circle on the floor. Nope not a dream...but it felt unreal. Cloud went back to scrubbing the floor and he tried not to bring himself down. He tried, but after several hours of looking at a floor and having your reason slowly disappear, he couldn't help but start mentally attacking himself.
/Failure...always a failure. Look at me. I'm sitting here, scrubbing
the damn floor for my lack of talent, self-worth, confidence,
anything. I'm fucking nobody! Gods I can't even be a good cadet! I
might as well be the fucking floor!/ Cloud tried to keep back the
tears, but it's working. /For all I know, that's what people probably
think I am. Something you can walk all over because it can't fight
back. What is the point of me even trying to be anything or do
anything when I know I'll just end up falling short of everything?
Even people know I can't do anything right. But Miyai, Miyai said for
you hang in there right? That means something right? Oh who am I
kidding, she was sent to help you, remember? Help me with what?
Become a nobody faster? Once she realizes I'm a lost cause, she'll
leave. That's why I'll never have friends. I'm just-I'm just a sad
pathetic-oh hey, I'm done/
Indeed, Cloud had scrubbed his way into the last corner on the second floor. He stood up, dropped the hand brush into the bucket and wiped the sweat from his brow with his arm and he looked around. The he felt the cranks in his neck and back. He started stretching.
/Man, I actually cleaned the entire floor. Yea, I can get the
hell out of here now/
He picked up his bucket and proceeded to the janitor's closet. At the same time, he heard the main doors on the first floor open. He closed the closet door.
/Oh, who the fuck is walking on my nice clean floor?/ Cloud
walked over to the railing but suddenly backed away as the
person emerged from the shadows.
Sephiroth. The heavenly being himself has entered the arena and apparently didn't notice that Cloud was in there too.
/Holy fucking shit! It's Sephiroth! Oh my gods!/ Cloud's heart
was about to burst out from his chest any minute.
Sephiroth's moonlit hair and midnight black coat flowed together in a rhythm as the pale angel made his into the middle of the arena. In his hand was long, sheathed sword, which obviously was the elegant and legendary sword, Masamune. Cloud hid behind railing and peeked through the openings. Lucky for him, the railing wasn't glass. The General now stood in the middle of the arena, and laid the Masamune down. He then started taking off his gloves.
/He must come here at night, to train because nobody's around to
watch him...err, maybe I should go since it's his-
HOLYSHITHE'STAKINGOFFHISCOAT!/ Cloud's eyes glued right back on
Sephiroth.
And the chest is now revealed and all is well in the world. Cloud's blood vessels in his face could pop in his face anytime because his face is so red. Such a nice muscular, perfectly chiseled chest, with washboard abs. Pale, but who cares? Sephiroth put his coat and gloves aside, walked back over to the sword, and picked it up, giving Cloud a perfect view of his ass.
/That's not fair. A perfect chest AND a perfect ass. Life's a
tease/ Cloud pouted ignoring the growing in his pants.
Sephiroth unsheathed Masamune and threw the thing aside. With light from the moon hitting the long, silver blade just right, Cloud could have sworn the sword was winking at him. The General got in his fighting stance and in quick movement was swinging and swiping, and thrusting his sword in the air. He looked at ease, like a ballerina was on stage. And he was dancing...dancing in the silver rain of the moon. So graceful and poised and surreal. It even looked like he was dancing on air. Sephiroth was one with the Masamune and the Masamune was one with him. It was...beautiful.
Cloud couldn't help but watch in awe, like he was in a trance. The
day in end, wasn't so bad.
End of Chapter 4
...I'm done? I'm actually done? YAHOO! I'M DONE! ::does chibidance::
Well, I guess this chapter wasn't entirely bad. I never finished my rough draft. So the entire part after Cloud's beating was just made up as wrote it. But anyway, I like being mean to Cloud and Zax. They're funny when they get stupid. Yeah...so, I'm gonna actually ask you nice people who read my fanfic, if you have any ideas u think could go into the story. I can't gaurentee I'll get them all in cusp, I do have a plot and there are things I actually changed to make things...more interesting. I'm also thinking on changing the title of the story. The current one sucks and was only a tempo til I could think of a better one...it's just I forgot what the better one was. Oh well, I'll remember later. I hate Microsoft word...fuck it, I can't get it to indent the way I want it. Shit, I'm leaving it like it is for now, I'm sick of looking at the computer screen, and I have fat fucker sitting here waiting for me to get off. Stupid Microsoft word and fat fucker...why the hell is it indenting only certain things. I hate this stupid new word program! I like the old one better on my ghetto computer!