Chapter 8
YAY! I finally updated! Sorry for making those who read wait! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter!
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"OWWWW! Why did you have to hit me so hard? You are soooo not my friend for 5 minuets." Aeris stood with her back to Zack, arms crossed over her chest.
"Aeris?!" Zack was cut off by her hand, signaling she wanted silence. Zack hung his head and sat on the floor of the training room. He looked around the room to see many people practicing with materia and weapons, shouting and critiquing one another. That afternoon was the training evaluation for all ranks below Major, one of the dreaded things of Soldier. It was held every three months to evaluate the fighter and his skills. Judging was done by non other than the General.
A nervous energy was filling the air making it harder to concentrate. There was no time to bicker and wait around for Aeris, for he needed to get some practice in before the real deal. He took a glance up at Aeris, who was still in the pouty mood. He unconsciously moved his eyes down her figure noting the way her training pants engulfed her legs and her butt…yeah, her butt….AHHH! Zack closed his eyes scolding himself for such thoughts. He looked back up to see Aeris staring at him.
"You ready to apologize to me tough guy? Who do you think you are to hit a woman like that?" Zack rolled his eyes. He barely tapped her with a training sword. They were working on defense and he told Aeris how to block it, but of course, she didn't. Zack stood from his spot to face her.
"Fine, I'm sorry for the fact that you couldn't block my attack."
"Excuse me? Do you want to start something? I asked for an apology and that's what I want."
"What gives you the right to talk to me like that?" Zack stepped closer to her, he actually was annoyed, "I am taking MY time out of much needed practice to train a disrespectful, little girl who can't seem to control her emotions!" Zack raised his voice to her. She looked somewhat…hurt.
"Ohhh….you're such… a pig head!"
Zack looked around to see everyone staring at them. Zack glared at Aeris and turned to leave the training gym.
"Excuse me? Did I dismiss you? No I didn't! Come back here! I'm not done with you!" Aeris screamed after Zack. She let out a puff of air and turned to see herself being watched.
"What are you guys looking at?" Aeris said as she too left the gym.
"Wow, just like a married couple eh Rude?" Reno said from the inspection room. There was a one- way mirror, facing the gym and inside the room was a nice leather couch, and a mini bar, complete with wood flooring. ShinRa was usually present for the evaluations, that's why it was nice, selfish pig. Why doesn't the Turks lounge look nice? Why isn't a mini bar in there? Hell, a couch or even a chair would be nice. He was going to Tseng with this. Rude was standing on the opposite side of the glass looking in the mirror side of it. He was rubbing his head joyfully, "Hey, I think I spot some growth! Reno, come check this out!" Reno banged his head on the glass. "Everyone has their day huh."
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"Alright everybody. Here is how we will run procedures today." The president stood from his seat and started walking around, "Colonel Satchel and Lieutenant Colonel Fredrick will be on the sidelines watching the attendees at all times. The General, Brigadier Warren, and Colonel Vladimir will be on the floor evaluating. I, along with the Turks, Reeve, Scarlet and Heidegger, will be in the room behind the mirror. The process will end around 7:00 so make sure you're awake and not asleep." He directed his gaze at Sephiroth, who rolled his eyes, "The schedule for the ranks are as followed,
Cadets - 12:00 to 2:00
Corporals and Sergeants – 2:00 to 4:00
Lieutenants – 4:00 to 5:00
Captains – 5:00 to 6:00
Personal Evaluations – 6:00 to 7:00
I am expecting for the results to be posted first thing tomorrow. It is eight o'clock now; we will meet in the observation room at 11. Any questions?" President ShinRa looked around the conference room to see if anyone did indeed have a question. "Very well, you are dismissed." Everyone rushed out of the conference room leaving a very displeased president.
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(Zack POV)
Zack headed to the private training room for officers to get away from Aeris. Zack unsheathed his sword and started to swing it in half-crescent swipes across his shoulders.
What caused me to lose my temper? Was it the fact that she is so irresponsible? Or, maybe it's the fact that she has no idea what the hell she's doing? Whatever it is, she needs to get herself in gear. She's not making a good impression on anyone.
Zack practiced a defense routine at a slow pace, making sure every motion was in the right placement.
Why doesn't she show respect to me? I am her officer; I am taking my time to train her. She shows no appreciation for it.
Zack swiped his sword above his head and jumped into the air, landing with such an incredible force. After he landed, he heard applause. He turned around to see the General propped up against the wall. Zack ran his hand though his sweaty hair. He turned fully towards the man and made his way over to him.
Sephiroth sensed a sort of uneasiness about Zack, which was rare. "Are you nervous? You seem…not yourself." He stated in a cold yet gentle tone. Zack looked at his feet then back up into the General's eyes. "Oh, I see, it must be the girl isn't it?" Zack nodded. "Tell me, what kind of marks do you think she will get today at the evaluation Zackary?"
Zack thought more of himself and forgot about the fact that she too was going to be evaluated, "Not very good ones. She can't do anything! She has no drive, she's whinny, and she's…a pain to teach!" Zack threw his hands up in the air.
"Now Zackary, if do recall, you weren't the easiest person to train either. You weren't as arrogant, but you broke the rules and did things your way, now, how many times have I seen you in my office for discipline referrals?"
Zack gave a short laugh and turned his back to his officer, "I don't know what I am going to do sir. I haven't had enough practice today for evaluation." Sephiroth merely nodded in understanding.
"Zackary, you are an amazing teacher and you are the only one I know who can pull this off, and because of this, I will make sure nothing will be held against you today. I will see to it myself. As for the girl though, she better be well prepared for next time, I am going to withdraw her since she is an amateur and just starting," Zack's mood brightened tremendously, "but, I expect her to be decent for the next evaluation. Go take a break Zackary." Zack saluted, given one in return, and left the training room. Sephiroth's eyes locked on to the familiar green ones that were staring into the distance.
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(Aeris POV)
"What nerve! To just LEAVE me like that! What a big Jerk! He embarrassed me in front of all those men! Now I won't find an escort for the dance! I'll make him escort me, you big JERK!" Aeris walked down the hall outside the training room. She was going to find Zack and make him apologize correctly. Her mind switched to the argument they had. He raised his voice to her. She fumed even more when she thought of that. She stomped down to the locker room, hoping to find him. She overheard two first class soldiers she saw while arguing with Zack, talking and unaware of her presence, so of course, she listened.
" Who is that girl the lieutenant is training?" the first man asked
"I don't know, but she needs to get a handle on her emotions. Did you see the way she demanded an apology?! She needs to know her place, after all, he is her superior rather she likes it or not." The other nodded agreeing
"That attitude wouldn't stand a chance with the General. He'd have her kicked out quicker than a gold chocobo." Aeris stepped further in the room, I'm still here you dope heads, "No kidding, I wonder if the general knows about her insubordination?" Aeris wondered if everyone thought of her like this. Aeris stuck up her nose at the two and continued walking down the hall. They have no right to label me that way! Why, I outta... her thought was cut short with the sound of Sephiroth's voice.
"Oh, I see, it must be the girl isn't it? Tell me, what kind of marks do you think she will get today at the evaluation Zackary?" Aeris froze, Evaluation? I wasn't aware of anything of that sort! What's he nodding about? I am NOT a problem!
"Not very good ones." Aeris noticed his tired eyes, she looked at the floor, knowing of her mistakes
He's right…
"She can't do anything!"
I'm not strong enough
"She has no drive,"
I have no will to fight
"She's whinny, and"
…And what Zack?
"She's…a pain to teach!" Aeris watched Zack flail his hands in the air out of rage. She covered her mouth with her hands and sank down the wall,
I'm sorry Zack, you're right I am a pain… tears streamed down her face.
"Now Zackary, if do recall, you weren't the easiest person to train either."
But he's not weak like me
"You weren't as arrogant, but you broke the rules and did things your way ,"
Am I arrogant? Do I break rules?
"Now, how many times have I seen you in my office for discipline referrals?"
Zack laughed! That's a good sign, I love his laugh
"I don't know what I am going to do sir. I haven't had enough practice today for evaluation."
That's my fault Sephiroth! Don't hold it against him! He is suffering because of my attitude
"Zackary, you are an amazing teacher"
You couldn't be more correct
"And you are the only one I know who can pull this off"
I will change
"And because of this, I will make sure nothing will be held against you today."
I promise, I will change
"I will see to it myself. As for the girl though, she better be well prepared for next time, I am going to withdraw her since she is an amateur and just starting,"
I will make you proud Zack
"But, I expect her to be decent for the next evaluation. Go take a break Zackary."
I will make you notice me.
Aeris saw Zack leave from the opposite side of the gym, leaving Aeris deep in thought, and unconsciously staring into the General's eyes.
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Sephiroth looked at the clock on the wall. It was about time to start the preparations for the exam. He trudged to the gym and sat on a bleacher. Shinra stepped forth and eyed everyone, "Thank you for showing up, remember your stations and get ready to dodge misses and magic spells gone wrong." Shinra laughed to himself, "Everyone needs to take their positions because it will be starting soon. Good luck." Sephiroth made his way to the center of the floor. It was twelve o' clock, meaning every low classed cadet would be in, trying to make an impression on him. As if on cue, the room filled up quickly with cadets, nervous and shaking in their boots. They formed a circle around him waiting for orders.
"As you all know, this will be an evaluation of skill, if you do not pass, you will be placed in a class specifically for the area you fail. Brigadier Warren and Colonel Vladimir will be helping me on the floor, Colonel Satchel and Lieutenant Colonel Fredrick will be on the sidelines watching you at all times, so do not try anything funny. Let's begin; I want everyone with the last name A through G to step onto the floor."
The cadets immediately obeyed and it began. Sephiroth, Warren, and Vladimir moved through the cadets carrying clipboards with the evaluation charts on it. Sephiroth's cadets lost points for even looking at him, what a mean person. This carried on for hours, weeding out the cadets, corporals, and sergeants alphabetically.
The last wave of sergeants left, immediately followed by the lieutenants. Sephiroth took his place once again in the center of the room, and again, they circled him. He looked around in silence, making eye contact with many. He knew they respected him, and in turn, they knew he respected them back. They knew the drill; they immediately separated by names and began to fight. Sephiroth looked at Zack. When Zack looked at him, sadness grabbed hold of his attention. He walked over to Zack, dodging swords nonetheless, and took him off the sideline, motioning him to the bleacher. A simple 'wait here' and Sephiroth was back on the floor.
And wait he did, Zack, for the first time, saw how boring it was to evaluate, poor Sephiroth. All he had on his mind was Aeris. Her crying eyes. Her trembling lips. He sat with his head in his hands. The time passed quickly and it was six o'clock. He heard Brigadier Warren name some people he wanted to see again. Zack guessed it was time for the 'personal callbacks'. Not a good thing to be a part of. He turned his head to the side and saw Sephiroth walking towards him, sleep claming his eyes.
"What seems to be the problem? Something you want to talk about?" Zack sighed heavily as he watched Sephiroth sit beside him.
"I found Aeris outside in the courtyard crying, saying things like, 'I won't amount to anything', 'I'm a problem', and 'I should just run'. It was so sad. I went up to her and she just burst into tear apologizing and stuff." Zack hung his head, "I think she overheard us talking Seph." Sephiroth flinched at the name, but let it slide due to the circumstances.
"She did, I saw her looking in. What did she apologize about?"
"Her lack of respect and her emotions and uncaring attitude. It was…I don't know. It pulled on my heart strings. I then apologized for being mad, but she again blamed it on herself. Hehe, she cried so hard, bags formed under her eyes." Zack let a smile slip by
"I think you just might have feeling for her lieutenant."
"No no, it's not like that, I just realized how fragile she is. She really is determined, but she doesn't want to fight. I kinda understand her, but well…I was with her for over an hour trying to calm her down. The only thing that DID calm her down was talking about the dance. And then I…"
"And then you what?"
"Asked her to go with me. And she said yes, but only as friends." Something about that made Sephiroth stiffen.
"Did she say anything about training?" Sephiroth looked at his counterpart
"She said as long as I am her teacher, she will continue to train." Zack's cheeks felt on fire
"You're blushing." The General simply stated
Zack wiped his cheeks as if trying to make it go away, "I am not!"
"Zack, I'm looking right at you, I can see the pink."
"So much for being manly, eh?" Sephiroth chuckled.
"General," Sephiroth turned his head to see the president walking towards him, "you will be attending the dance correct?"
"Yes sir," Sephiroth growled
"I knew you would. What are you doing anyway?"
Zack chimed in, "General Lieutenant bonding sir. I was having emotional obstacles and he is helping me sort through them, sir." Shinra looked pleased. "Carry on then gentlemen." Sephiroth and Zack laughed when Shinra was out of earshot.
"So, who's your date?" Zack said while nudging Sephiroth
"Back off Soldier," he stood up and went to join his comrades in grading performances. Zack shook his head and went to his room for the night.
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YAY! UPDATE!! Next time…the dance! I know the evaluation was kinda odd, but I needed something to bring Aeris out of her shell abit, if you know what I mean…Thanks for reading!!! PLEASE REVIEW!!!
Jazzybutclassy28
