Title: Tactical Mind

Author: Droaerion

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or any respective sequels/prequels. They were created and owned by Square Enix, not myself.

Note: This is going to be more of a drabble series. You're not going to see his whole life up until Shinra, just bits and pieces leading up to a climax I already have written down. So this really short bit is Drabble One.

(Rock, Paper, Scissors / Rhapsodos, Puppy, Sephiroth )

Biting his lip, Cloud snuck into the local market. It was Thursday; the drop off day for goods going into Nibelheim, and Cloud was itching to find a good present for his mother. Her birthday was in three days, and Cloud had finally saved up enough to get her something nice.

He still had to be quiet, though, Cloud told himself as he peeked around the corner. After all, it was just Cloud's luck that Ivan's granddad ran the register on Thursday's, and Odin knew the sweet old man would let the worst bully in town get away with anything.

It was clear on both sides, so Cloud hurriedly scuttled across the opening. Almost home free…. He froze. There was a scuffle, coming from the left. Narrowing his eyes, Cloud stepped back, and ducked around the corner between the shelves he'd "cleared" just in time to hear Niklas crowing over Ivan's sniggering.

Of course. There was no way providence would shine on Cloud for a day, not even to get his mother a birthday present. Trying his best to keep quiet, and suppress the hot, frustrated tears that threatened to spill.

Hiccuping into his elbow sleeve to muffle it, Cloud backed up until he was near the back wall of the store. He'd get her something else, Cloud told himself. Just because it hurt right now, hurt that he was too afraid of bullies to do something for his mom, hurt that his hopes were dashed, didn't mean it was the end. He had three days.

But he'd already scoured the store, and new goods were always right by the window.

Blinking furiously, because he could still hear the other boys, Cloud shook his head roughly and looked up.

Shinra-Wutai War In Deadlock

A new headline claimed. Cloud gaped – he hadn't heard about this!

Underneath read:

ShinRa Soldier First Class, Commander Genesis Rhapsodos deported from Midgar to quell final rebellions.

The date on the newspaper was from three weeks ago, but that didn't surprise Cloud one bit. News from the rest of the world took a long time to reach Nibelheim, and usually it was old news by then. So in all actually, combined with fact that this was major, Cloud counted it as…. New news.

Smiling a bit, his earlier depression forgotten, Cloud snagged the paper to take a better look. There was a blurry picture of someone's back and sword – probably that Commander. Skimming through, Cloud let out a cry of triumph as he read:

Rhapsodos Brigade to land at Chey Nao Nor.

The sudden lack of noise in the shop, however, caused Cloud to rapidly pale. Looking up, neither Ivan nor Niklas had snuck on him, yet. Making a quick decision, Cloud stuck his hand in his pocket and ran for the counter. Filip was dozing at the register, so in order to keep with his speedy get away; Cloud deposited the requisite three gil on the counter and bolted.

As he ran out the store and down the street, Cloud could hear some rough cursing from behind him and scowled. Stupid bullies! Why couldn't they leave him alone! He was twelve! They were fifteen!

They were still following him, so Cloud grit his teeth and made an abrupt turn. It would lead him out of the village, but he could make his way back in later, and anything was better than being caught by two pig-headed bullies.

(Rock, Paper, Scissors / Rhapsodos, Puppy, Sephiroth)

What do you think so far? Too short? To confusing? Is my writing a bit rusty (I think so, yes). I'll give you a penny for any thoughts you might have to share. ^_^

Droaerion