Chapter 4: Military
Ray's POV: We have been in the hospital for several weeks already and were recovering quite well. My bones have partially recovered since the accident and I felt somewhat relieved. These past days, Tifa has been ever the optimist. We could only watch in awe as she comforted us. My friends came into my room one morning along with the nurse and I could tell that she had an announcement to make.
"Ray, your father has taken the role of being guardians of your friends for we could not get in contact with their parents I'm afraid." She announced.
"…" I kept silent; however, inside my heart I was screaming profanities.
"He has decided to register all of you to the Military School of SOLDIER. There will be a bus that will take you there today and we will help you prepare." The nurse included and left.
"What is this? Why would he send us away?" I gasped and a line of sweat dripped down my face...
"Ray, your father is still alive inside that monster. He probably had no choice but to send us away to keep us safe from himself." Squall observed.
"I think he's right Ray. He may be doing us a favor." Cloud agreed.
"I guess your right, but could we really leave?" I asked.
"We have no choice. If we stay then we'll only get killed." Squall replied. I nodded, hesitant to agree. I don't want to leave and grow up somewhere else.
"I have to ask, but do you guys hate me?" I asked silently with tears welling up my eyes.
"Ray, I don't hate you at all. Why should I? These things happened not because of you, so lighten up!" Tifa exclaimed.
"Tifa is right; there is no reason to hate you. We are your friends and we don't leave each other." Squall smiled happily.
"We won't leave you, so don't try to throw us away." Cloud said. I almost cried again. They really cared about me, even though I caused them so much pain! Imagining life with out them frightens me.
We boarded the bus and sat together with heavy thoughts in our minds. The bus was deathly quiet with no one but the bus driver to keep us company. Silence stayed with us for about 20 minutes.
"So kids, I hear you're going to SOLDIER. It's mighty tough there let me tell you. My son went there for about a year and quit after that because it was too tough for him. There are many tough guys there who are stronger than nails folks." The bus driver spoke. I was a bit intimidated. Is this Damien's way of killing us slowly, I wonder? Squall put his hand on my head in a comforting way, a big-brotherly way. I smiled at him and closed my eyes half-way.
"Well driver, that's where we're going and we're not stopping anywhere else." Cloud smirked.
"Ha, that's right so full speed ahead!" Tifa pointed ahead.
"Ha, make sure you don't eat those words boys and girls, because it won't taste so good.," The bus driver laughed. During the rest of the ride, there were smiles on our face. Maybe I can forget what happened and move on, or could I? Will I be able to make it on my own? No, I'm not alone, I have friends right here with me. There's no way I'll ever lose. SOLDIER, here I come because I'm about to become elite!
Cloud's POV: I've always wanted to become a soldier. I was excited especially with my friends with me. I never thought it would ever turn out like this and something tells me that what happened couldn't have changed at all. I think it was meant to happen like Ray and Squall said but, I didn't like the idea of Damien...hurting us. I don't hate Ray at all even though she has his blood. She's different and she's a friend so there's no way that I would betray her. I stared at her at the corner of my eye to see her smiling with her eyes full or anticipation. In SOLDIER, I heard that there are many class for different arts. I've heard that there was a class for Ninja, Swordsman, Gunman, and Fighter. Well, that's the few of many that I've heard. If I were to choose, I would choose Swordsman. Squall and I talked about this all the time. He said he was interested in swords and guns and he also said if he got the chance to join, he would take both. I wonder how he's going to do that. We've waited patiently and finally the bus stopped.
"Here we are kids. It's not too late to turn back!" He laughed.
"We're going all the way sir, so we can't turn back." Ray smiled and stepped out first. Now that I think about it, how is Damien, or rather the good side of him, going to pay for all of our expenses? Military schools don't come cheap at all, especially SOLDIER. Usually special kids that have scholarships are able to get in easier because it pays for them. You have to be really rich in order to put one kid in and Damien is putting four! Well, there's no time to bother with that now. We are here, so it's time for dreams to come true.
The buildings were magnificent! Its high technology is astonishing! I never thought I would see a place like this. There few buildings, but all were enormously tall. I could see planes go back and forth and the trees violently shoved into the wind from the force. I was nervous and I thought I wouldn't get choked up, but I guess I was wrong. The one that seemed most nervous was Tifa. Tifa was always the optimist, the non-violent, and the gentle type. She, more than anyone I know, despised violence.
"Hey Tifa, don't worry, we're all here with you, isn't that what you said earlier?" I said trying to cheer her up.
"Yeah, you're right Cloud, this isn't the time." Tifa sighed.
"Cheer up, we may need this and let's not squander poor Dad's money." Ray smirked. Ever since her transformation, Ray has been more violent, cold, arrogant, cocky, and the rest. I didn't like this Ray as much as the old one, but…she's still the same, isn't she? We entered the building and just stood there in awe at the beautifully polished marble floor and the great structure of ceiling. In the middle of the room was a beautifully carved fish spitting water. We stood there staring like little kids wanting a toy until a woman came to us.
"You must be the children of Mr. Li. Which one of you is Ray Li?" She asked.
"I'm here." Ray responded. "I see, well come, let me show you to your dorm rooms. You will all sleep in a room with 4 beds. Everything you need is there. We send the food you order to your room by chute. You can read all the rules on the flat screen on the ceiling. Just press the red button on the side of your bed to replace the light bulb with the flat screen. Your beds are organized as two at the upper left corner and the other two at the upper right corner…" She babbled on with a monotonous voice. How the room sounds is nice, but it's tiring, especially when she talks.
"Your classes will start in an hour; just check the flat screen for your schedules. A remote will automatically appear at the side of your bed when the flat screen appears." She said. So that means that we won't be choosing our classes anytime soon.
Tifa's POV: I was still a bit shocked at the idea of this. The technology is so strong and advanced here. It sounds very convenient, I think. We finally made it to our room and it was exactly how the woman said it was. It was beautiful, like a real home. I quickly emptied all of my stuff and jumped on the bed.
"I'm going to check the schedules." I grinned. I pressed the button, got the remote, and searched for our schedules.
"Um, well, we all basically have a few classes each teaching something different. These schedules are like regular schools, but P.E., which we call it, is called survival training here." I read.
"It sounds dangerous." Cloud chuckled nervously.
"Let's see, first period is Math for Squall and I and English for Ray and Cloud. For second period, Cloud and I are in History. For Third, Squall and Ray are together in History, and Science, Ray, Cloud, and I are together!" Tifa clapped.
"You're just looking at who would be together?" Squall asked raising an eyebrow.
"Of course, I'm looking at the good side! For survival, we all are together. I'll print the schedule." I smiled. I gave the schedules to them and they quickly memorized it. Bing! A soft sound rung in the air made me jump. I turned to see that a transparent screen appeared at the door. I went over to it, intrigued.
"Hey guys, we can order now!" I gasped. We stared at the screen stupidly.
"I'll have a hamburger." Cloud told the screen. It blinked red.
"Your order has been recorded, finalize?" It asked.
"Whoa…Uh…Yes, finalize." Cloud said.
"An order for Cloud Strife will arrive through the chute." The machine said. I was confused, what chute? I looked around and stared at the vent-looking-thing for a while. There seemed to be something in the there. I opened it and looked inside. I stared for a while and finally saw the burger move slowly towards me.
"Wah, Cloud your order is here!" I gasped.
"Ha, well let's order and eat!" Cloud exclaimed. We ate quickly and the bell for class rung.
"How do you lock the door?" I asked when we were out. Suddenly it clicked by itself.
"That explains it, let's go." Squall said. Squall and I headed toward our Math class while Ray and Cloud went to there English Class. School has always been easy for all of us. We were all around the same league in school with high grades; however something tells me that this will be more difficult with a lot of challenges.
"Stop worrying Tifa, it's alright." Squall told me.
"I hope you're right Squall, because I'm a bit scared." I responded.
"Oh wait, today is your birthday Squall! You're 9 years old now! Hmm, you sure don't act like it though. Why am I the only one who sees that?" I asked.
"Ha, you think too much. We're different from other kids." I sighed.
"I know, at dinner let's order a cake for your birthday!" I giggled.
"Come on, you don't have to do it." He blushed.
"Yes, birthdays are important!" I smiled. I grabbed his arm and lead him to the classroom.
Ray's POV: Cloud and I headed to our classroom.
"I can't believe this; I thought we were supposed to learn strategies and stuff." I pouted.
"Yeah, but you can't really rush a kid new to the school to death right away." Cloud laughed.
"Heh, who said it would be death, Spiky?" I laughed.
"Ha, I thought that the new you wouldn't be so nice, but I think I'm starting to like you better than I thought." Cloud laughed. Ray smiled at me.
"Thank, Cloud. I did feel myself become different and I'm glad you can cope with it." I sighed. We went inside.
"Hello there, you must be Ray Li and Cloud Strife, please take a seat." The sensei greeted. People started to stare at us and quite a few girls couldn't keep their eyes off Cloud. I scoffed and shook my head. The seating were arranged like a lecture hall with every row going higher. There weren't so many students that filled it all up, but I guess its how it is.
"Now, everyone, please turn to page 170 and read about the Ancient cities. We will debate right after that." She ordered. I can't believe this. The pages were filled with high leveled words that took me a while to decipher. I guess this may be worth my while after all.
Squall's POV: After four periods, I felt like exploding from having my head racked with learning. It's more difficult than I ever thought, uh. I was looking forward to Survival Training with the gang. I headed outside where we were supposed to meet. They were all there and Tifa already made friends…figures. Cloud has gained some respect from his peers as well, but I rejected everyone I saw and I could see that Ray was too because she kept on glaring at people.
"Hey Squall, did you have trouble with those stupid kids?" Ray asked me.
"Heh, wouldn't you know it?" I grinned. Ray patted my back and we joined Cloud and Tifa.
"Hey you two, I want to introduce you to Selphie, Yuffie, and Rikku! They are really fun!" Tifa exclaimed.
"Come on you guys, say hi!" She giggled.
"Hello, I'm Selphie!" The girl with brown short hair exclaimed.
"I'm Rikku, pleased to meet ya!" The girl with blond hair and swirled green eyes greeted.
"I'm the great Yuffie!" The girl with short black hair laughed.
"…" Ray just glared at them like she does to everyone else. I nudged her when I saw Tifa's sad eyes.
"Hi." Ray and I said in unison. Tifa's eyes lit up and she smiled.
"This is Ray and that is Squall guys. They are my best friends. Actually we're more like brothers and sisters, including Cloud. We…" Ray and I put our hands over her mouth to stop her from babbling about our past which she is likely to do. Tifa blushed and scratched her head. Ray and I went over to Cloud.
"When I look at you, I can't help but see someone who is like me." I told her.
"…I know things have changed. I even wonder who I really am. I feel different with different feelings and thoughts. I'm not me anymore, I think." Ray replied.
"It's alright. As long as you don't become a crazy maniac, then it's okay." I chuckled. She laughed and leaned on my shoulder.
"Hey Cloud, where's the sensei?" I asked him.
"He's coming. So you met those girls?" He asked us.
"Feh, I don't like them." Ray scoffed.
"You barely know them." Cloud smiled.
"It doesn't matter. They are all cheerful fools anyway." She spat. The sensei finally arrived.
"As you know we have new students, Ray Li, Squall Leonhart, Tifa Lockheart, and Cloud Strife. Now, our lesson is on dodging. It's not like dodge ball that you kids used to play. We'll be using steel balls instead and if you're hit 3 times, then you lose and you will have to take the written test all over again. New kids, you pass this one, and then you'll be able to catch up. I recommend skipping this and taking the test. Now go to the designated ground. The training will begin when you take a step into it, now go." The sensei instructed. I wanted to take this training instead of the test so I went ahead. Ray, Cloud, and Tifa followed.
"Are you sure Tifa? This is dangerous." Selphie asked Tifa.
"Well everyone is going, I can't be left behind. Relax, I'm good at dodging." Tifa smiled brightly. We are all good at dodging, but I don't think it will help us here. I stepped over the border and a flying steel ball came targeting to my head.
"Squall, watch out!" Ray shouted. I dodged it, but barely. The ball grazed my shoulder, but it sent so much force that I was knocked back into the ground and therefore tasting it.
"Get up; they'll keep coming even if you're down!" Ray urged me. She was about to help me up, but one of the balls came at her. She was looking directly at the rushing steel ball and her eyes widened with fear as she stood still, shaking.
"Ray, get out of the way you fool!" I shouted.
It's my entire fault. Because of me, she's frozen up by childhood memories. She clasped her head and whimpered.
"AAAAAHHHHH!" She shouted. I froze up too and I was helpless. It was as if my body was glued to the ground and I couldn't get up!
"No, RAY!" I yelled. Tifa ran towards her and pulled her out of the way just in time. Ray was on the ground on all fours hurling. Tifa panted hard, but she was relieved.
"We're beginners so that ball could put us in a coma." Cloud panted when he caught up with us.
"I-I'm sorry Ray, I couldn't do anything." I murmured. "It's alright Squall, these things happen, especially when it's something we're afraid of." Tifa reassured me while helping Ray.
"Err, I hate this!" I shouted and left them.
"I want to talk to him later, so don't pester me now Tifa." Ray coughed just when Tifa was about to talk.
"Here's another ball!" Cloud shouted. After the training, the results came in. Tifa and Cloud got hit once so they passed. Ray had some trouble; she passed, but got hit twice. I got hit twice as well. I guess I was a bit too slow.
"I'm surprised. I thought only one-fourth of you would pass, but half of you passed. I'm particularly surprised at the new students for pulling a feat such as this, congratulations." Sensei congratulated us.
"Now, time for basic hand-to-hand combat training and then you can go back to your dorms." The sensei said.
Cloud's POV: After a tough day, we finally went back to our dorms, tired and sore all over.
"Ray, are you alright?" I asked her.
"I'll be fine. I have a seriously ugly bruise on my back and stomach, but nothing major." Ray chuckled.
"We should treat those; let's see, ah, here are some things to help you!" Tifa exclaimed in the bathroom. After we were all properly bandaged, we were thinking of what to have for dinner.
"Today is Squall's birthday, so let's make a ruckus." Ray grinned.
"Ha, yeah, that's right, we should sing at the top of our lungs." I laughed.
"Please, anything but that." Squall shivered. We all laughed. We were a family again, having fun like old times. I missed that and now we can have it again...even if it's only for a short time. Well, I guess I've been acting older than I really was. After a good meal, the cake came.
"Ooh, a chocolate ice cream cake!" Ray exclaimed like a little kid.
"Yum, I'll cut it up." Squall smiled, like a little kid as well. We were all pretending just like kids again and I loved it.
Even if their fears still haunt them, they learned to keep going and fight back, but will they be able to stick together? Next, Chapter 5: Separate Ways