# Normality Is Boring 11/17/2014
Final Fantasy IIV, Final Fantasy Complication.
Author: Lyumia
Genres: Action/Adventure, Romance, Friendship, Humor
Additional tags: Alternate Universe- Racing
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences, Inappropriate humor
A.N: So I got inspired by this wonderful story called Invinctus (you know since the author hasn't updated in like two years TvT) by Corporal Hicks so yep, this should be funnnnnn. By the way: I do not own anything!~this disclaimer was brought to you by: batshit crazy fangirl!
08/16/2015 oh gods did I really write that? O.O anyways this was supposed to be a racing AU.
A ring of keys swung around my black, gloved finger as I trotted down the stairs with a little bounce in my step, unlocking the door to my garage. As I admired the vehicles after flicking on the bright light fixtures I ran a hand along the smooth metal above the speedometer.
Lifting my leg over the black leather seat my boot landed on the footrest as the bike purred, burning with new life the engine hummed underneath me. After a thorough check up I clicked the remote for the door, the makeshift streetlights of the slums streaked past me as I approached the familiar train yard- strapping on my googles with one hand I approached- the boisterous jeers of other men on G-bikes exchanging drinks and discarding their cans along the rails.
I noticed one blue G-bike laying in the dirt half destroyed. I shrugged it of: beginners mistake. I glanced at one mustached ruffian who boasted about how he was going to beat a little chocobo in this race.
I held back the urge to snort, figuring he was much newer to the game than I was- spoting silver hair poking out of a sleek black helmet I rode up, pulling to the side of one of the silver haired brothers.
"It seems that we have quite the investment this week." The lean teenager mused, amused.
"Nice to know some of my bail will be covered." I joked with a snort. "Fang." I greeted.
"Brother." He greeted, adjusting the double bladed katana on his waist by the hilt- which brought my own hand to my blade in one of the compartments on my bike. "It seems we've drawn some unwanted participants." He nodded his head slightly in the direction of a group in dark suits.
I frowned at the sight, sporting two suits, the red haired man spoke to his bald companion- occasionally pulling down his dark visor to give his companion an amused smirk. The bald man shook his head, adjusting his dark sunglasses, shook his head, flicking on the ignition, and pulling up to my side as a man in a suit and dark sunglasses stood in front of us.
"Riders!" He roared with a speaker raised to his lips. The train doors opened and another man joined his side holding a flag.
I smirked leaning down and my finger twitched on the clutch.
"You must cross the finish line to win your coin! Weapons are allowed!" He moved to the other side of the man with the flag stood. "Start your engines!" The machines roared ferociously to life, and besides Fang the red haired suit smirked at him.
Jerking forward, my bike growled as Fang sped ahead of me, his brothers behind me, and I wasn't sure sure if the suits were behind them . Damn, Fang always had the best starts.
"Brother." Cry sobbed beside me, swinging his baseball bat that had nails protruding from its wooden surface, I leaned my bike away, swerving out of the way of the bullets that whizzed past my head. I spared a glance at Shoot, who's long silver hair flowed behind him, gun raised. My compartment opened, and I reached down to swing my sword as Cry struck again and I lightly kicked his leg.
The goggles he wore covered half his face, but I was pretty sure he stopped crying, though I didn't care much about his usual wailing he had to pull himself together because the suits were right behind them, observing as I swung my blade back to block the bullets Shoot fired, grunting as one grazed my leg. Speeding up I ignored the screaming of my stomach as my blood pounded in my ear.
Cry and Shoot followed, the suits in pursuit as the distance between me and Fang closed, who drew his katana the double blades clashing with my own as I pulled up to his side. "They're watching brother. " He snarled, ducking low as I aimed the butt of my handle at his head. "And waiting for one of us to fall behind so they can take us."
My eyes narrowed, they were picking off the weak like any like minded predator did, and I shoved the side of my bike into Fang's who's larger cycle pushed me into the concrete wall, sparks flying behind us as I winced recalling the damage my muffler went through the time Cry had pinned me.
Hitting on the brake I fell behind, with a growl I pulled my bike sideways, my muffler scraping the pavement below as I pulled beside the suits. I studied them carefully, before jumping in my seat, leaning back the front wheel was lifted off the ground and I pulled ahead, slamming the wheel down as I was once again behind Fang who only glanced back at me.
*Fucking bastard.* With a growl I leaned down, pulling my bike up I dived off the road into the busy street below as cars raced towards me, my head pounded as I jerked violently to the left and right, the frantic honking nearluing made bile rise in my throat as the street I came from lowered and a tunnel cover arched over it.
Switching back onto the tunnel cover after nearly being flattened by a large truck, I grunted when the tunnel ended and my bike slammed down into the pavement, the low him of engines assuring me I hadn't fallen behind on my detour and spead down the route.
When the roar of an engine startled me, and cause me to snap my head pack as Fang followed behind me, and one of the suits on his tail. I gripped my sword tightly when I noted Cry and Shoot were not behind them.
"Brother!" Fang shouted. "Let us take that one, mother will be cross to find that the young ones have once again gotten into trouble."
I glanced back at the red head who gave a lazy grin, twirling a metal rod with his left hand. I shook my head, looking ahead.
"Ah, I see. One thing at a time I suppose..." He rambled, eventually letting out a laugh. "I will see you at the finish!"
I narrowed my eyebrows, speeding up so that I pulled ahead of Fang my nerves faded away as a car parked on the sidewalk came in sight. Screwing all rational thoughts I accelerated at full speed until everything around me blurred and the black pavement rushed behind me as every muscle in my body thobbed as Adrenaline took hold and the world slowed enough for me to realize that I managed to end up on the edge of town after driving for a few minuets.
Once I slowed down enough to stop I wasted no time emptying my stomach and groaning as my head began to throbbed while my entire body was heavy like lead.
I sat down on the road, inspecting my bike and panting as pain finally registered in my brain. Inspecting the wound closely and pulling back my black leather pants I poked at the thin red line, and hissed when I attempted to wipe it away.
Headlights came into view and as the car's siren chirpped once, and it parked beside my G-bike.
The man who stepped out was tall and dark skinned, arms like tree trunks and a disappointed frown upon his large lips as I lowered my head in mild shame. I did feel bad I had bothered Barret so late at night, but at the same time I was gald it was Barret or else I might not have been as lucky when he pulled me up and shoved me into his car.
"I swear to god I'll have an early death because of you spike." He shook his head. "Damn pain in my ass."
I chuckled, offering a small smile. "That's me. How's my bail?"
He scowled, hand tightening on the steering wheel as a tow truck passed us. *Be careful with the bike you ass, there was a scratch last time. *
"Paid by an unknown party." He snorted. "So much for justice, that damn Corneo!"
"You make it sound as though you want me in prison." I joked.
Barret cast me a sideways glance. "I want you in school. You're a bright boy and can go father than I did in life, all you need to do is get your registration papers." He said after a long moment of silence. "With all that money you get from your races you should have no trouble affording it- where does it even go?"
Ah the usual lecture, Barret was about to open his mouth again because I had never answered that question- along with many others- before. "To my ma."
Barret glanced at me. "Spike, how's your mother?"
My stomach churned as the vehicle approached a smaller faction of the Shinra company where offenders of the law were usually detained. "She's fine. Her medication is working better."
He hesitated. "Is Cid picking you up?"
"Are you going to call him?"
"Yeah, its protocol." I stared at the buildings and billboards towering above us to forget my nausea. "Don't you go puking all over my seat now!" He shouted as he flipped open his PHS and yelling at the phone.
Concentrating on alleviating the pain in my stomach, Barret parked in front of the station, and I scrambled out the door breathing in the thick air deeply. When I regained my composure I studied the large office, sporting a few late night desk workers and Cid in Barret's enclosed office smoking a cigarette.
As Cid stepped out with a suit, his black hair tied back behind him and a talik on his forehead, Cid flicked my forehead. "Listen, you little shitling, I don't know what you did but you're in some serious shit."
"I was wondering if I had stepped on some on my way here." I lamely joked.
"Whatever smartass, watch yourself." He cautioned before leaving, casting a glare in the suit's direction.
I studied the tall man fatefully as I stepped arpounf him, tossed myself down in one of Barret's chairs and putting my feet up on the edge of his desk.
"Don't think I won't beat your ass- get your filthy feet down." He chided, slapping my boots lightly. Complying, I slumped in my seat.
"I appreciate your cooperation Mister Wallace." The site began.
"Yeah, whatever, say what you need and get out." He snapped, slamming the door behind him.
I inwardly panicked at being alone with the man, I eyed the vent I knew was concealed by a painting of some musician on Barret's wall. *If I could get through there I could sneak out* I mused, fidgeting nervously on the hard cushion.
Sensing my anxiety, the suit turned to face me, and I resisted the urge to blot past him to the door. "Mister Strife, I assure you that you are not in trouble." He sat across from me. "I come with an offer."
*As if you'll give me a choice* I inwardly snorted. I knew about the stories of people who are thorns in Shinra's side disappearing, Cid was more than happy to tell me about how his dreams were destroyed by the company because of funding.
"Would you accompany me to Shinra, Mister Strife?"
Knowing it was either that or a body bag, I nodded, as the man lead me out of the building I sent a pleeding look to Barret who shook his head- the door swung open and my gaze shifted back to the suit who guided me to a black car. *Holy Shit* I openly gaped at the car wondering what made the parts hum underneath the hood. "What model?" I managed to stutter, slightly embarrassed I was still able to think about mechanics when I should be more worried about dying or getting beaten half to death.
The suit didn't respond so I took the liberty of inspecting the car myself, a grin breaking out when I saw the shinra logo, figuring it was a new, unreleased model, I slid into the seat, practically purring as the leather came into contact with my pale skin.
"Yo kid, you got good tatse." A familiar red haired man grinned back at me red markings underneath his blue eyes.
I narrowed my eyes in confusion. *Was this guy trying to talk to me?*
"When did you get your bike?" He inquired, yawning out of boredom.
Unsure if I should reply, I only blankly stare back at his predatory eyes observing me.
A grin broke out on his lips as his eyes turned back to the road. "Alright, I'll spill- Shinra has had it's eyes on you since you suddenly booted Corneo's favorite out of first place- though we couldn't find shit about you until we checked in with the local authorities. Do you know who we are?"
I shrugged. "You're the guys who do the dirty work, right? We call you suits...because you look like you're dressed for a funeral service."
The black haired man tilted his head, pondering.
The other suit laughed. "You wouldn't be far off, ya know?"
"We work for the intelligence department of Shinra, otherwise known as the Turks." The black haired man explained.
"And I'm here because?" I grimanced as my motion sickness returned.
"Because you're an enigma with remarkable skills- did you not use a hand gun during your first races? You have excellent marksmanship." The black haired Turk elaborated.
I could hardly consider myself an enigma as I scoffed. "Yeah, and I have a pet unicorn right next to my shining suit of armor." Was my cynical reply.
Thankfully the main Shinra building wasn't far and the Truck quickly parked, guesting for me to follow them. I could run, I saw seven alleyways that would give me freedom if I just bolted forward before they could give chase, I could run: escape. Sensing a presence behind me, I snapped my head back to find the bald Truk who reached up to adjust his dark sunglasses.
*Shit.* I cursed as the Turks gave me a knowing glance. Summoning my courage, which was becoming harder with my stomach trying to climb out of my throat; oh goddess I'm in the Shinra lobby! An older Cloud might've danced in joy at being actually *inside* the building, maybe fantasize about catching a glimpse of the great General: hero of wutai- but this Cloud could only stare back at me grim-faced from the glass of the Elevator, each lighting of the buttons making my hair raise on the back of my neck.
A fat, balding man sat in his office hair at the end of a large table, Various others seated on the sides- standing abruptly a large man with black hair roared; "We're relying on a child!"
"I would not half to if you were not so incompetent!" The man snapped back more ferociously than a starving Nibel Wolf, causing one fat man who was about to speak out, shrink in his seat.
I openly scowled at him, despising the way he addressed me. I'm almost seventeen for crying out loud! I was two years away from being able to drink! A woman with blond hair spoke up. "I agree with the idiot- I mean Heidegger." They glared venomously at each other for a few seconds. "Let us employ someone more reliable."
Nostrils flaring in annoyance, I spoke up. "Not that I'm agreeing with the whole: 'unreliable' and 'oh my god he's a midget' part," I gave a glower towards the fat black haired man, "but why pick off a nobody off the streets?"
I glanced at a blonde bespectacled man with his white gloves folded beneath his chin as he observed me, while a with a goatee in a tailored suit stared at me solemnly.
Shifting my attention back to the old man who began to explain himself; "My son's birthday is approaching, and there is to be a celebration for his twenty first birthday and Wutai assassins threaten his life."
"Why not use your own people gramps?"
Either he wasn't bothered by the way I addressed him- unlike his three employee's who shall not be named- or he didn't show it. "My son is very aware of my actions and is displeased by them, so I took his... Interest under consideration and elected a few to make him more lenient towards the idea."
"Interest?" What, did the guy collect toenails or something?
"The president means that his son is homosexual." The man in the dark purple suit with glasses elaborated.
Embarrassed, a heat crept into my cheeks, further demonstrating my naïve nature towards...things like that. I guessed that waving something pretty in someone's face was an easie way to make someone more compliant, but I was apprehensive towards the idea that someone found me attractive.
"So what do I need to do?"
"My son will select the entertainment for the evening, if he chooses you and the Wutai make a move you are to escort him back to a safehouse." Tseng explained.
Well that explained why they wanted me in particular. "So what's in it for me?"
Heidegger stood slamming his fist against the table. "How dare you show such audacity! You should feel honored!"
I snorted, rolling my eyes and feeling anger swell in my stomach. "So I'm supposed to help out of the 'goodness of my heart'? 'Obligation to society'? What do I get out of this? Its my life I'm putting on the line." I snapped. "I won't get a anything if I'm not picked anyways."
"If you preform well-" Shinra cleared his throat. "Your guardian was very adamant about your rewards; your insurance for any injuries will be paid for, and in exchange for your mother's medical bills you will work as an intern under one of our scientists in the research department."
"I can pay for that myself." I grumbled lowly, contemplating the offer.
"Additionally you will be provided an all access library card to the Shinra archives- excluding personal information for obvious reasons." Tseng added.
Damn, Cid knew I couldn't resist that one. "Okay, can I have the library card now?" I felt my lip curl out a bit, frustrated that I probably looked a little too pleadingly at the Turk.
The president nodded, and I resisted the urge to let out a little cheer of happiness. Damn you Cid! "Come on cutie, I'll give ya a tour." Reno beckoned me to follow, and I didn't hide the skip in my step.
I was guided to a room as Reno began to explain more about Shinra and Midgar. "Sector eight is Turk territory, Scarlet- the chick with the big boobs- is head of weapons development and Heidegger the military- that's the fat 'incompetent' prick that tried to lock up the boss for his big day. Oh and the fatter guy was Palmer; head of the space exploration department."
I remained silent, listening attentively as he passed my that standard black suit of a Turk. Guess no one will bother me this way considering people practically ran away when they caught glimpse of Reno.
"The guy with the glasses is Directorof SOLDIER, Lazard, total hippie, but he's okay I guess since Tseng doesn't mind him." Reno shrugged.
Awkwardly I changed in front of him, only slightly eased by his aimless rambling. "Since you're a temporary Turk you only answer to Shinra, anyone else is a second priority. He cast an amused glance at me when I slung the blazer over my shoulders and my tie was haphazardly tied around my neck. "Ya look good spike, I'll have to take you out sometime."
Not knowing what to make of the invitation I only gave him a puzzled glance that he shrugged off with a lopsided grin. I don't think I'd ever forget where the science and research department was because it has a similar smell to Nibelheim, except of steel rather than forest pines and the mountain air. "Welcome to hell's cousin." Reno joked, walking down the winding hallways to open a door without knocking. "Yo, doc!"
A yelp came from a short, fat man with graying black hair with a lab coat as he quickly scrambled for his bearings. "What is it Turk?" He snapped, his voice wavering and mixing with his annoyance.
"That's no way to act in front of your patients." Reno wiggled a disapproving, taunting finger at him as he grinned maliciously.
Glancing around a bulky man sat on a table, his black hair combed back and long thin hairs on his chiseled jaw, watching with bright blue eyes faintly glowing observed the scene unfolding.
"I ask for an assistant and they give me a child." The man scoffed.
AN: Yeah I didn't really continue it after that. But after rereading it and going 'Zoinks!' I think I kind if like the second draft better.
#Normality is Boring (rewrite) 2015-07-24
A ring of keys swung around his black, slender gloved finger. He trotted down the stairs with a little bounce in his step, unlocking the door to his garage. He admired the vehicles inside after flicking on the bright light fixtures and ran a hand along the smooth metal above the speedometer of a motorcycle.
Lifting his leg over the black leather seat his boot landed on the footrest and the bike roused with a low purr, humming with new life the engine hummed underneath him. After a thorough check up he clicked the remote for the door, speeding out of the garage; the makeshift streetlights of the slums streaked past him as he approached the familiar train graveyard- snapping the goggles that rested on his blonde spike over his eyes with one hand. Slowy, he approached- the boisterous jeers of other men on G-bikes exchanging drinks and discarding their cans along the rails while others boasted that they could tatse the fine wine of victory.
Noting one blue G-bike laying in the dirt half destroyed, he shrugged it off: beginners mistake. He glanced at one mustached ruffian as he post- the man boasted about how he was going to beat a little chocobo in this race.
He held back the urge to smirk, figuring he was much newer, or an arrogant addition to the game than the blonde was- spoting silver hair poking out of a sleek black helmet he rode up, halting beside the silver haired brothers.
"It seems that we have quite the investment this week." The lean teenager announced, amused.
"Nice to know some of my bail will be covered." He flatly joked with a snort. "Kadja." He greeted.
"Brother." He greeted with a small nod, adjusting the double bladed katana on his waist by the hilt- which brought the blonde's own hand to his blade hidden away in one of the compartments on his bike. "It seems we've drawn some unwanted participants." He nodded his head slightly in the direction of a pair dressed in dark suits.
He scowled at the sight of the two Suits; the red haired man spoke to his bald companion- occasionally pulling down his dark visor to give his companion an amused smirk, whilst the bald man shook his head, adjusting his dark sunglasses, once more shook his head, flicked on the ignition, and pulling up to the blonde's side as a man in a bright suit- one of the yakuza men, he figured- wearing dark sunglasses stood in front of the riders.
"Riders!" He roared with a speaker raised to his lips. The train doors opened and two more stood on opposite sides of the cleared tracks, adjacent to each other and matching flags raised. "Start your engines!" The blonde bent down low, his eyes narrowing behind his goggles.
In response a collective roar of engines rose from the mob of machinery, monsters snarling before the start of a fight- then;
Dead silence.
"Go!"
Choas erupted; he bounded forward, dirt spewing behind him as Kadjasped ahead of him, Loz, and Yazoo on either side of his bike the tracks bouncing Loz violently as he sobbed; "brother..."
Prusing his lips, he gave Loz a rough psuh with the side of his bike, forcing the massive teenager into the dirt. "Thank you brother!" He grinned, waving his nail embedded baseball bat at the blonde adoringly.
"Don't thank him you idiot!" Yazoo yelled over the vicious snarls of their engines. "Hit him you dolt!" Raising his gunblade, the blonde swerved to the side, falling behind the two triplets, causing Loz to shriek when he saw Yazoo aiming at *him*.
Speeding up, he drove up a metal slab, using momentum to drifve along the side of a rusted train car before righting the motorcycle and safely falling back to the ground, bullets whizzing past his head as he itched to get closer to Kadja, who was mere meters in front of him.
Yazoo was at his side in an instant, swinging his gun blade- forcing Cloud to draw his stolen broadsword and parry before the teen's sheer strength knocked him from where he sat.
He could hear a train screaming in the distance, and he knew they were approaching the train station where some would die, others would have to stop at the incoming train, and others would continue on with the race.
He dared to take a shaky sigh a Loz swung his baseball bat at his head, his blood pounding in his ears louder as the glaring light grew closer and closer by each passing second.
Jerking violently, he bounced up onto the unloading platform, the nmetal monster screeching past as it pulled to a halt, swerving around blurred figures with adrenaline fueled caution that made every fiber of his being tremble.
Addicted, he raced past Kadja, airborne as he dove back onto the train tracks rising above the ground, and circling the Midgar plate support pillars- as much as he would love to slow down and enjoy the view as he quickly rose fifty meters into the air, another train would be coming soon.
Dropping down to an underlaying highway, he dropped down, ignoring the furious honks and curses they received as they weaved past the cars and trucks; by the sound of a crash he knew Liz had once again misjudged a jump and landed on a vehicle as he returned his broadsword to his bike.
Now, it was solely a test of speed.
He sped forward, his bike giving a mighty roar, the red needle on his speed jumping up in a matter of a second, the world blended into a grey blur as it rushed past him; his worries with it as adrenaline gave him one last push and he gave a brilliant cry at the sheer rush of it all.
He was far past the finish line now; but he drove on, relishing the heart pounding experience; he never wanted it to stop!
The freedom! The feeling of the wind whipping at his skin!
He was flying!
He was invincible!
But, alas, the last of his adrenaline ebbed away, leaving his arms trembling with the sheer task of holding on to the handle bars as his surroundings came into focus. Once he slower to a stop, he nearly toppled over trying to get off and his legs trembled beneath him.
He groaned, wasting no time emptying the contents of his stomach. Once his insides settled he sat down, inspecting his bike and panting as pain finally registered in his brain. Inspecting a wound on his side closely and pulling back his black leather pants he poked at the thin red line, and hissed when he attempted to wipe the crimson liquid away.
Headlights eventually came into view and as the car's siren chirpped once, parking on the side of the road.
The man who stepped out was tall and dark skinned, arms like tree trunks and a disappointed frown upon his large lips as the blonde lowered his head in mild shame. He did feel bad he had bothered the officer so late at night, but at the same time he was gald it was this particular officer or else he might not have been as lucky when the man pulled up the blonde and shoved him into the passenger seat of his car.
"I swear to god Cloud, I'll have an early death because of you." He shook his head. "Damn pain in my ass."
Cloud chuckled, offering a small smile as he pulled off his goggles. "That's me. How's my bail?"
He scowled, hand tightening on the steering wheel as a tow truck passed us.
*Be careful with the bike you ass, there was a scratch last time, * Cloud inwardly scowled at the memory.
"Paid by an unknown party." He snorted. "So much for fucking justice, that damn Corneo!"
"You make it sound as though you want me in prison, Barret." The smaller joked once more.
Barret quickly cast him a sideways glance. "I want you in school. You're a bright spiky haired bastard who can go father than I did in life, and all you need to do is get your registration papers." He said after a long moment of silence. "With all that money you get from your races you should have no trouble affording it- where does it even go?"
*Ah the usual lecture*, Cloud bitterly thought. Barret was about to open his mouth again because Cloud had never answered that question- along with many others- before. "To my ma." Cloud decided the man deserved to know for his trouble.
Barret's eyes widened immediately and they spent a deafening minuet in silence. "Spike... how's your mother?"
His stomach churned as the vehicle began its path to a smaller faction of the Shinra company where minor offenders of the law were usually detained. "She's fine. Her medication is working better."
He hesitated. "Is Cid picking you up?"
"Are you going to call him?"
"Yeah, its protocol." Cloud stared uo at the buildings and billboards towering above them, attempting to forget his nausea. "Don't you go puking all over my seats now!" He shouted, flipping open his PHS and yelling into the phone.
Concentrating on alleviating the discomfort in his stomach aa Barret parked in front of the station, he scrambled out the door breathing in the thick air deeply. When he regained his composure Barret was already leading him into the building by his arm, he studied the large office, sporting a few late night desk workers and Cid in Barret's enclosed office smoking a cigarette.
As Cid stepped out with a Suit, his black hair tied back behind him and a talik on his forehead, Cid flicked Cloud's forehead. "Listen, you little shitling, I don't know what the hell you did but you're in some serious shit."
"I was wondering if I had stepped on some on my way here." He lamely joked.
"Whatever smartass, watch yourself." He cautioned before leaving, casting a glare in the Suit's direction.
Cloud studied the tall man warily, steping carefully around him, and tossing himself down in one of Barret's chairs and easing his booted feet up on the clean surface.
"Don't think I won't beat your ass- get your filthy feet off my damn desk." He chided, slapping Cloud's boots lightly. Complying, he slumped the cushion seat.
"I appreciate your cooperation Mister Wallace." The Suit began, stepping back into the office.
"Yeah, whatever, say what you need and get out." Barret snapped, slamming the door behind him.
Cloud went rigid at being alone with the man, he eyed the open vent he knew was concealed by a painting of some musician on Barret's wall. *If I could get through there I could sneak out before he can follow me.* He mused, fidgeting nervously on the hard cushion.
Easily sensing Cloud's anxiety, the Suit turned to face him, and Cloud resisted the urge to bolt past him to the closed door. "Strife, I assure you that you are not in trouble." He sat across from me. "I come with an offer."
*As if you'll give me a choice* Cloud inwardly snorted. He knew the horror stories of people who are thorns in Shinra's side; disappearing, and Cid was more than happy to tell Cloud about how his dreams were destroyed by the company because of funding and one failed rocket launch.
Cloud scowled at that, because he was more than sure if he priced to be worthless this would be the man 'cutting him loose'. He retained his scowl, sitting in the silence, the predator standing before him, reading into every centimeter of his skin from the furrow of his brows to the angle of his feet.
"If you're interested, these coordinates will price useful." He produced a small white sheet of paper, not a single crease in its flimsy surface as he laid it face down on Barret's desk. "I hope to work with you in the future."
Cloud heard the man leave, but he didn't dare look at him as he glowered at that one sheet of paper, laying face down on its stupidly neat and tidy desk. Snatching it up he felt all his anger evaporate as he blinked at the paper.
"What the hell?"
*40°, 75°,*
Cloud sighed, glancing up at the small cottage, leaning on his motorcycle he shyly pulled Finrir- the only bike he adamantly refused to use for racing- reluctantly knocking on the door.
"Strife. I'm glad to see you here as well." The Wutain smiled at him, stepping aside from where he stood in the doorway. "Come in, why don't you?"
Cloud hesitated, sending the Suit an unsure glance, but listened anyway- taking a glance around the cottage wasn't anything out of the ordinary, there was a couch and a table, all never used and looking brand new, and an old TV set sat on a table against the far wall, opposite of the tiny kitchen.
He breathed in deeply- the smell was all wrong. Too artificial.
"What is this place?" He asked, walking by a bookcase and shivering. That was cold. He glanced back at the Suit, who was regarding him with indifference, so he studied the wood a little closer, feeling a frigid draft coming from in between it and the wall- which was odd because it was almost eighty degrees south of Midgar.
Curious, Cloud gave the bookcase a good shove, almost falling over his feet when it easily slid to the side with an audiable *click*. "Oh shit." He quickly looked back to the Suit, hoping the man didn't use this as an excuse to kill him, but reeled back when the man was blatantly smiling at him.
"Congratulations Strife, officially a candidate." His smiled quickly disappeared, gesturing for Cloud to step down the dark staircase that totally didn't look like anybody died down there or anything. Yep, totally.
Reluctantly Cloud treaded down the concrete staircase, stepping into a dimly lit room where there was a steel table- probably bolted to the floor- and three others sitting at it. One he recognized instantly.
"Hey kiddo." The man studied Cloud from under his large hat, black scarf obscuring the lower half of his face and dark brown eyes shrewd with years of battle experience.
"Gareth" He greeted the Wuatian mercenary who sat leaning as far back in his chair as possibly with his muddy brown boots propped up on the table.
"Awe, he's such a cutie Gareth, wherever did you find the Chickaboo?" A woman cooed, bouncing over to Cloud and smothering his face into her large breasts with a crushing hug.
The last was an impossibly large man with a scowl and a small army of scars on his dark flesh that frowned at him when the woman pulled him into her lap as he sat back down.
"Child should not be here. Child should be in school." The large man spoke with a heavy accent, shaking his head.
"The kid'll be fine." Gareth grunted, picking some dirt from under his fingernail. "Taught him myself after all."
Cloud frowned at that. "I would hardly call being left naked in the mountains for two weeks 'teaching'." But he had learned more than he could in those few years after he returned defeated from the cadet program from the mercenary, but that didn't mean he was still any less bitter for being put through the experience.
"If you're all finished." The Suit cleared his throat, holding manila folders that made Cloud wonder if the man was a magician.
"I wonder what else you can pull out of your suit." The woman holding him in her arms purred, nuzzling Cloud's cheek with a half lidded stare, and Cloud stiffened, resisting the urge to rub his hear that was now hot where her breath had been.
"Sadly, I've read your very detailed files Alison Harpin: the poisoned hairpin. I'm well aware of your assassination methods.
Well cuddling with an assassin definitely wasn't something he could cross off his bucket list, but at least she had a nice rack. "Awe, where's the fun in that sweety!?" She laughed, hugging Cloud as if he were a teddy bear. "I'd only kill you if you make it fun for me darling." She purred, nibbling on Cloud's sensitive ear.
"Crusher grow impatient." The large man grunted.
"My apologies." The Wuatin replied, passing out the manila folders. Cloud wiggled out of Alison's grip, sitting down in an empty chair and opening his folder.
It was a contract, he realized after reading a few bulky paragraphs.
"What you're all reading now is a confidentiality contract; it simply states that you agree with basic employee rules, and will not share any invaluable information to outside sources or lower ranks."
"Aren't the archives on a restricted floor." Cloud blinked, pausing after reading five similar lines that read 'for more information see archive record' followed by a number.
Gareth snickered, and he heard Alison gush at how *adorable* he was.
"They are." The Suit gave him a peculiar stare, passing them all pens.
"Screw it." Cloud grumbled, figuring working for Shinra was better than being under Don't Corneo's thumb anyday as he signed his name in the required space once he finished reading and ewas hander *another* folder. Where the hell does this guy keep these things?
"All of you here were brought by different circumstances; a candidate is a special employee under a contract, depending on the severity of the crimes committed alters the circumstances of your contract. Essentially, you're all mercenaries on a reserved list, and will get job request accordingly when we require your services. These are your current offers, selected to match your strongest skills."
Cloud opened the second folder, blinking when he found that there was only a small note inside with neath, cursive scrawl.
Nightrider,
I'm pleased to see you're as clever as they say and that my guards aren't completely incompetent fools that can't keep one man in a jail cell for even an hour. I trust you'll be discrete as you read this paper, and I'll give you the privilege of knowing you intrigue me.
We'll meet soon,
R. Shinra
Cloud sighed, closing the folder and wishing that everything was taking an even more severe route towards bizarre and cryptic- how much bogus secrecy and fishy contracts corrupted corporate company pull out of their asses? And who the hell was Nightrider?
Wordlessly the other sighed what Cloud presumed were their contracts and left the room, one by one.
"Good luck kid." Gareth grinned, ruffling his hair before he disappeared up the staircase.
"Who the hell is Nightrider?" Cloud snapped, scowling at the fact he still couldn't figure it out.
The Suit chuckled, walking over to a dark corner and clicking on a switch. The room instantly brightened. "Your alias, of course." He sat down next to Cloud who grimly noticed a small table with a few manila folders stacked neatly into two piles. "I thought you knew that."
"It must change to Chocobo related slurs when they see me then." Cloud frowned, leaning back in his seat.
"I imagine." He took the folder from before Cloud. "Though your circumstances are... Different." He admitted. "I expected you to be older."
"And taller too." Cloud grumbled. He wasn't pouting. He wasn't pouting at all.
"Ah, well I suppose I was pleasantly surprised all of local law enforcement's trouble was a mere teenager." He chuckled once more. "My name is Tseng, of the turks. Though I'm aware you call us Suits. Can I ask why that is?"
Cloud shrugged. "You know the rumors. We just figured you guys look like you're always dressed for a funeral service, and the name stuck."
He grew silence monde more after hearing that, leaving Cloud sitting in uncomfortable silence while man mused in his thoughts.
"I see... I supose now would be a good time as any to go over the terms of your contract. In two weeks time the Vice President's twenty first birthday celebration will take place on a reserved floor bin a Shinra owned building, there have been anonymous threats of assassinations, but the Vice President refused to postpone the celebration."
"Not that postponing it would do much." Cloud pointed out, and Tseng gave a curt nod. "I know I dont really need to ask, but I'm his getaway, aren't I?"
"You didn't need to ask." He smiled.
"Figures."
"In a week Rufus will be holding an audition for party entertainment; you will enter under the guise of an entertainer, or other candidates will take you place. Though Rufus is unaware that you're the Nightrider, and I doubt he'll suspect you are." Tseng said thoughtfully.
"Why do they call me that anyways?" Cloud frowned, testing the sound of it in his head.
"The rumors say that a demon a black as night drives through the city on a bike seeking to drag lost wanderers on the roads at night, dragging them away to a bloody death." Tseng smiled gently. "You're your very own legend."
"Yay." Cloud drawled flatly. "Just what I wanted from life; to keep kids inside at night. Anyways, what do I get out of this."
Tseng just smiled wider. "Those terms will be discussed in more detail once we reach Midgar." He stood, his expression turning into that of schooled indifference. "This way."
Tseng followed him outside, and Cloud's stomach jolted at the sight of the helicopter. "I'll take my bike." He smiled, glancing over to the empty spot where the bike once was.
Shit.
"Scared of heights?" He lifted an eyebrow and Cloud quickly swallowed down his pride.
"Motion sickness."
Tseng looked as if he were on the verge of hysterical laughter. Actually it just made him look constipated. "Motion sickness." He repeated incredulously.
"Severe motion sickness." Cloud sighed, ignoring the blush spreading on his cheeks at his embarrassment.
"Severe motion sickness." He repeated, though this time in a mixture of bemusement and fond exasperation. "I'm sure you can sleep on the helicopter."
Cloud scowled, reluctantly following the turk into the helicopter where he was greeted by a familiar face.
AN: I actually don't have much to say about this. I spent a lot of time with it but I had no idea where to go with it :/
