"Cloud?" said a soft voice when it had its hand cupping Cloud's cheek. The spiky blonde is lying above the surface of the water in the middle of an unknown place. It is unknown since the scenery is just plain white and uneventful.
"Hm.." Is Cloud's only possible response. He knew the voice of some girl he lost in death. Is it her?
"Cloud wake up." The tone of her voice had become intense. This is odd since she'll never raise a voice at him whenever she gets angry.
Cloud endeavors himself to sit up but an invisible force stopped him from happening. He struggles as he let out a sharp wince.
Back in reality, Daisy is stood beside Cloud with hands placed on her hips following that pouty expression she had on her round face. It is endearing to others whenever Daisy gets pouty and Daisy herself will never interpret no matter how many times she asks. Cloud groans filled the room, still fighting off a force.
"We're coming for you big brother." Said a juvenile yet demented voice.
"Pause." Said another voice but it was deep and sorta...moronic.
The juvenile sighs exasperatingly. "Loz, why are you always ruining my good moment?!" He raises his voice "What does that even mean!?"
The bulky man clears his throat and explains it thoroughly with positivity. "Well, you say it whenever you say something homosexual or do things that look homo."
Silence filled the dark atmosphere.
"Loz that's the dumbest thing I ever heard!"
Cloud, who is still lying on water, could hear sniffles and wailing. The white scenery was dark when those three had shown up. Only two of them talked so far but what about the tall one?
The dream Cloud is having, abrupted quickly as he felt something hard striking his head. Cloud scatters about after he wakes up. He realizes the person next to him had obviously hit him. Daisy kept that same cute pouty face when Cloud looks up at her. When knowing that the princess hit him, he let out a small chuckle instead of yelling at Daisy. Daisy lifts an eyebrow in confusion as if what was funny.
"What's so funny?"
"The way you give mean looks. It's cute to me."
Daisy crosses her arms and faces the other direction so Cloud wouldn't notice the bright red cheeks that were forming.
"W-well" She stammers a bit then turns back to face Cloud when her cheeks were normal again "You promised that we would sell some flowers remember?"
Bitter silence filled the room but only about a certain of time until Cloud opens his mouth to speak.
"I..." He took some time to remember the last time he made that vow to her. Last night, he had watch Daisy walk home looking like a zombie as she places her work equipment. He took pity on her and promised her that he'll assist her on her job. Those thoughts of his trailed off as Daisy waits patiently for Cloud to answer. "That's right. I did say that I'll help you." He mutters as he said. Daisy leans in with a wide smile on her face.
"Good. See you at 5." She skips her way out of Cloud's room with her hair bouncing from side to side. Cloud is left still sitting on his bed confused.
After taking a final step downstairs, by no surprise, Cloud's behind smashes into Luigi's face as Luigi rises up from doing sit-ups on the doorway. Cloud and Luigi's faces were flushed with a red color and their eyes grew widespread. The ex-Soldier quickly enters the kitchen as Luigi is still sitting there traumatized so to speak. Gladly there were no witnesses but that's only what they think. The green had a feeling of guilt as he entered the kitchen where Cloud is. The two stared for a bit not even saying a word to each other. To make things less awkward, Luigi leers in the refrigerator searching for a dozen of eggs while Cloud is checking in a counter to see if his favorite cereal is still to be eaten. Cloud loves Lucky Charms because the marshmallows deeply remind him of a puffy white thing in the sky that he's named after.
As the two prepare their own breakfast, Luigi takes a slight breath to calm his nervousness. The green plumber isn't usually the self-assured guy like his older brother is. By Mario's example, Luigi makes the best of himself by considering other people than his feelings. Finally, he opens his mouth to speak.
"So Cloud, how are you this fine morning?" Luigi cracks an egg and drops the yoke on the heated pan. Cloud opens the refrigerator door to search for some milk then responded "I'm alright. I just had a weird dream that's all," Cloud reaches his arm out to grab the handle of the milk carton "Plus I'm also requested by Daisy for assistance at her job."
Luigi's eyes lit up when he hears Daisy's name. "Ah Daisy she's such a sweetheart isn't she? Especially when she makes mean faces."
Cloud agrees with Luigi's statement with a small laugh. After his laugh, silence again filled the kitchen. Surprisingly, most of the Smashers are not inside like they would usually be. The only people that were in the kitchen are Luigi and Cloud. But the two did hear screams, laughter, Micheal Bay attempts, and the smash ball being hit coming from outside so that answered everything.
The men finished making their breakfast, seated themselves at the grand table, and eats quietly as they continue to hear fights and more Micheal Bay attempts.
Meanwhile, in Midgar, a random man sprints at a vacant narrow and dark area. He pants and takes his chance to look back at the chasers that are far feet from him. The chasers were so far away that the man could only see three intimidating shadows running after him. Turning back, the man so focused on saving his life he tripped over a steep platform and crushing his knee. He manages to get on his knees only to get shoved down again by a man in leather. After that, the poor man is being lifted by his collar by no other than Loz. Loz is pretty scary when it comes to his strength but once you get to know him, he is emotionally weak. The panting man stared down at Loz's green cat-like eyes with his own eyes widen in frightfulness.
Loz held the man up like that until Yazoo jumped down from above and lands beside Loz and didn't injure himself from undertaking that.
Afterwards, another man shows up from the shadows. He walks into the light with a devilish smirk on his face. Kadaj signals Loz to drop the man and Loz obliged. The man sits there feeling hopeless he couldn't outrun or outsmart the trio it's impossible.
"Listen," The man speaks to them as he sweats a lot "I don't know where "big brother" is. I'm sure you'll know right."
Kadaj's smirk disappears into a dark glare. He was too selfish to listen so he aimed his Souba at the man's face.
"Holy cow that's long." The man said breathlessly as he looks at it.
"Pause." Loz smiles to see Kadaj's reaction. Kadaj just facepalms not even trying to start a fight with his older brother. He turns back to the innocent man to get information from him.
"I don't believe you, sir. Tell me where big brother is so we'll spare you."
"What are you stupid?" The man raises his tone of voice. He's starting to feel less scared by only Kadaj and Loz. Yazoo hasn't laid a hand on him just yet.
Kadaj aims for the man's neck. "Where's big brother?"
"I don't know the man you should call him instead of scaring random people and expecting them to know who or where your brother is. Geez Louis get a life you faggots." The man huffs not caring that sword is now pressed against his neck. A few second later, Kadaj calms his temper when fantasizing the man's death smirking at the thought of it.
"Yazoo," He turns to the taller man "Take care of him." He suddenly leaves after he has given an order. Loz steps back allowing Yazoo to do Kadaj's will. Pulling out a gunblade without breaking off eye contact, Yazoo's eyes slit in cold anger. The man's fear comes back when Yazoo presses his gun against the man's temple.
"Don't worry," Yazoo speaks softly to the man "It'll be quick and painless."
After those words, a loud Boom was heard making the crows fly away in fear.
Still eating in the kitchen, Link and Rosalina peeks their heads around the corner. Rosalina is below while Link is at the top. The two then greets Luigi and Cloud with smiles on their faces. Luigi responded quickly while Cloud finishes his final marshmallow. Lately, he's been eating the brown parts of the cereal to get those out the way then savoring the sweet sensational marshmallows. After the marshmallow had disappeared, Cloud picks the bowl up, leans it forward to drink the light green colored milk.
He swallows loudly as he increases his pace. Luigi and the two were just watching the blonde drinking. Link started to grow impatient with him. He felt like Cloud is too arrogant to greet them but he let those feelings go like a roadrunner. Finally, when the milk had been disappeared, Cloud sets the bowl on the table and burps without letting the gas come out of his mouth. Turning to Rosalina and Link, who are now in the kitchen standing there waiting for Cloud's attention.
Their wish came true when Cloud opens his mouth as he begins to speak. "What's up?" Is all the words that come right out of his mouth.
"Link and I just wanted to check on you both." Rosalina giggles sweetly "You know, it's chaos out there!"
"That's why we chose to stay inside." Link continues with a murmuring tone in his voice.
"But then, Lucina kept clinging onto Link's leg, hissing at him saying that he is supposed to stay for training and it isn't required to take breaks." Rosalina interprets the situation as if it was happening just now. After hearing this, Luigi digs his fingertips against his cheeks having the eyes so wide that you could see his shrinking pupils. Luigi's attention is now on Rosalina, Link, and Cloud, having puzzling looks on their faces.
"Luigi are you okay?" Cloud gently places his hand on the green plumber's shoulder as he trembles in fear. Unlike Luigi, Cloud stayed positive after hearing the situation. It's not like the fighters or some, are actually dead. Link urged Luigi to take deep slow breaths to prevent him from freaking out. It took Luigi a while for him to settle down before his heartbeats normal.
"I don't want to go out there..." Luigi whimpers "Because I have to go to work and they usually attack anyone who sets foot outside the mansion."
Link and Rosalina's eyes widen as Cloud, again, as usual, hid his reaction.
"Luigi," Cloud speaks "I'm afraid you might have to call in and say you can't make it."
A loud sound of a gulp filled the kitchen by Luigi. He is sure guilty of Cloud's suggestion but he trusts Cloud's judgment. Before calming down once again, Luigi leaves the kitchen room. As he walks towards the telephone, he made himself realize that there is nothing to be scared about. But, Luigi will have his fear again when the unexpected comes.
When Luigi is having a conversation with his boss over the phone, Link and Rosalina had each of their own good news to share with Cloud. The two looked at each other, nodding and smiling making Cloud having a suspicious feeling. Link himself decided that he should share his news with Cloud first.
"Cloud," Link starts speaking "There's this really cool carnival..." That word carnival has struck Cloud right in the head. He muses about the time he and his special one were on a ride where only two people per one machine. Ignoring Link's announcement, he remembers her telling him how much she reminded him of Zack, a guy whom Cloud is best friends with. After having a little jealousy of Zack because of her, Cloud lets everything in the past go to waste.
"Cloud?" Link waves his hand a few inches away from Cloud's face. "Are you listening?" After a second wave, Cloud flinches without sound and immediately has his attention to Link. Too bad he didn't hear the rest of Link's surprise. All he could say quickly was "Okay sure carnival sounds great." Link pauses himself before he burst out in laughter. Cloud had this 'Wtf?' expression on his face.
"You're so funny." Link wipes a tear away from his tear dust. "But my boss told me I have to work and-"
Before Link could finish, Cloud interrupts him. "Then do some work. I'll meet you over there when you finish"
"You have to help me." Link frowns for knowing that Cloud's reactions won't be so encouraging.
Cloud cursed under his breath but gladly accepted the offer only to get a reward.
"Sure. When and what time?"
"Why do want to know that?"
"Because at 5 I promised Daisy that I'll help her with her floral business."
"Haha don't worry Cloud, my boss said Friday at 3-9 p.m. we could start. See ya"
Cloud nods at Link then watches him until he's out of sight. Rosalina had her hands behind her body hiding a present. Cloud leans forward to see what's behind her making Rosalina blurting out: "There's nothing here...I mean there is but...but...eeehhhh" Rosalina takes a deep breath. "It's just a present I bought you," Rosalina had her eyes on the floor "I know everytime Daisy and I ask you about her, you seem antagonistic about it." She stammers as she slowly rises a small pink box with red ribbons tied in four directions "S-so, here." Her head rises to meet with Cloud's.
Cloud looks down at the present with eyes that are in awe. As he opens it, he pulls out a pink fine piece of fabric. He suddenly turns his head to the ribbon on his left arm. That ribbon is all dirty from his former disease called the geostigma. Rosalina assists Cloud by letting loose the dirty ribbon and throwing it away. When Cloud hands the ribbon to Rosalina, she simply ties it a little loose around his arm. Cloud couldn't help but smile but not too wide or big. Rosalina studied Cloud's reaction and smiled back at him.
"Rosalina I don't know what to say." Cloud tells her softly "I really appreciate this. I really do."
Rosalina laughs then hugs the man's waists. "Anytime for you Cloud. We all want you to be happy." Hearing this, a tear runs down from Cloud's soft cheek when embraced Rosalina with a tight hug also burying the wet cheek in Rosalina's hair. Rosalina restrained herself to gasp in shock so she shuts her eyes and holding the hug until Cloud gets tired.
Looking at a small compass on his left hand, Yazoo walks towards his two brothers, who were sitting on their motorcycles waiting patiently for a response. The tall man mounted himself on his own bike with no expression on his face. Usually, Yazoo shows no emotions but he does whenever the topic about Jenova is being discussed. He's also pretty helpful and is good at looking out for the other two. Not too long ago, he'd stop by in Midgar scanning every place, including houses. Yazoo would point his gun at the owners of each house, asking them about Cloud then threatening them if they refuse to respond. Right now, he's feeling a bit exhausted but that doesn't stop him not even a millimeter.
Kadaj and Loz could definitely tell that the news he is about to bring up would be unbelievable. After taking a deep sigh, Yazoo opens his mouth to speak.
"I checked every citizen that ever lived in this house asking them where big brother would be."
Kadaj's green eyes lit up with excitement, followed by Loz's too. "Well?"
"One little girl told me that Cloud went to live with some of the 'smash brothers peeps' she stated..." Yazoo looks at a far distance "I was going to ask her more but that big boobed lady dragged her back inside the bar."
"Smash brothers peeps?" Loz repeated in confusion.
Yazoo shrugs his shoulders. "Well, that's what she said."
In frustration about the fact that Cloud lived somewhere else that the remnants would never find made Kadaj wanting to blow a fuse. He made himself sure to show his current emotion by wearing that nasty pouty look. Then, he growled like an angry dog for a few seconds. That odd noise drew Yazoo and Loz's attention on him.
"Kadaj," Yazoo speaks to him calmly "Growling like an animal doesn't solve anything instead it makes you sound and look stupid."
"Whatever you low voiced bishonen!" Kadaj snaps at Yazoo, who didn't flinch or move any muscles on his face. He sure did laugh but quietly to not upset Kadaj even more. For a minute, the brothers were taking their time to enjoy the scenery. Although it's a Wasteland and a tall Shinra building that far away from them. Loz starts sniffling and in time, sobbing with his eyes covered. Yazoo, again, laughs to himself for the same obvious reason as Kadaj just huffed when folding his arms to his chest. The two didn't bother to try and comfort him, knowing that if they did, he wouldn't stop.
Kadaj sighs when the noises of Loz's sobbing gets higher. "Loz, you need to man up." Of course, Loz refuses to listen to the advice when he continues his sorrow.
The sobbing finally stops two hours later. Yazoo kept his same expression and posture while Kadaj, all that time, had his hand to his face irritability listening and listening at the same time thinking about the plan. Happily, Loz turns to his little brother, leans to him, and sticks his finger out ready for poking.
"Kadaaaaaaj" Loz sings when he pokes his brother's ear "Kadaaaaaaaj?"
No answer
"Kadaj are you dead?" Loz tries to hold back tears.
Muttering loud enough for Loz to hear, Kadaj let's his used hand go. "Nope. Just...thinking."
"Oooooooooooooh." Loz replies. After his crying, he immediately starts smiling again which made Kadaj consider that Loz needed a psychiatrist (or he needs one too for himself).