DISCLAIMER - I don't own Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy Franchise, or any Disney references which may pop up in this story. - neither do I own Tetris, I am using the game style as a Metaphor!

Longer piece for you this time. Not many people were interested in the glimpses of Leon's backstory, ah well. Maybe you'll reread it now and see of few hidden meanings here and there.

See you in the review box, hopefully. (Please?)

Chapter 11 Cloud

Changing in a semi-public library wasn't something Cloud ever thought he'd end up doing. But then again he never thought he have to disguise as a woman on his quest to decapitate his nemesis, or find an underground resistance against said nemesis – so at this point he was running out of things that should surprise him. Still, he managed to find slight disbelief that he was in such situations in the first place – this was not something he'd even consider doing whilst heavily intoxicated, he was sure he had the right to be at least weakly bemused at what life had tricked him into.

He sighed as he pulled the wig free – life was, indeed, the trickiest opponent and friend he'd ever known.

At least the library was deserted save for the owners.

He shrugged on his shirt – it smelt slightly of flowery fabric softener. He realised Aerith must have cleaned them earlier this morning and he felt a small blush colour his cheeks at her thoughtfulness, for a complete stranger too. She had hidden his normal clothing in her shopping bags and brought them across town along with him. That was part of the reason Leon had walked with them despite risking some attention, it would be odd for known single 'girls' to have men's clothes.

While he changed he couldn't help but eavesdrop on the group seated just beyond the shelves.

Aerith's voice reached him first "Merlin fixed your toolbox, and there's nothing missing. But what about you? Do you hurt?"

"I'm fine."

"I've heard that one before. Let me see, please," Aerith spoke again, sounding torn between irritated and worried.

It sounded serious.

Cloud hesitated, then nudged a few books to the side and peered through the shelf. He had a narrow view of the other half of the room, he could make out a sleeve and stick of an old man and the hem of a dress. The old man have been Merlin the owner, but he wasn't sure who the second woman was. Aerith he knew, and he had a decent view of Leon.

Aerith was kneeling at Leon's side as the taller brunet sat heavily in an armchair, the man looked like he was pretending that the others hadn't seen his limp into the shop with controlled breathing.

The healer pulled on his sleeve again "Leon …"

The second woman, a brunette girl with glasses was watching nearby fiddling with her apron and nudging her glasses back into position every half a minute or so. "What did they want this time?"

Cloud tilted his head; this time? He shifted his attention to Leon, watching for any hints to what was going on.

The old man shook his head as he patted Leon's shoulder, stepping into Cloud's narrow view. "Brutes, the lot of them. All muscle and no brains! Too stupid to ask the right questions."

Leon almost smirked at that. Cloud noticed as he glanced away that one half of his mouth was twitching upwards. Leon leaned back in his armchair when the urge had subsided. "Apparently I looked at them funny."

The old man brought his too-small walking stick down on Leon's head.

"Ow!"

Cloud jumped at the loud thwack it made – Leon either had a hard skull or … that little old man hit really hard.

"Merlin!" the females gasped.

"Well who's to blame for that!" his wiry, old frame looked ridiculous next to Leon, even when Leon was seated the old man was only a few inches taller than Leon. But the slight flinch in Leon's body showed that his words were causing more distress than the rap to the head. "If you hadn't gone and lost your temper then you wouldn't be in this mess."

"For that reason at least," the glasses-lady added darkly with her arms folded, but the verbal prod more than compensated.

Leon stayed quiet, his eyes cast down. He was hiding, or avoiding, Cloud theorised, and Leon either knew it and didn't like it, or he was uncomfortable because he was cornered.

Aerith held a hand up "Please, you two, that's enough. He's learnt his lesson about the Knights," Leon absently rubbed at his scar as she spoke. Aerith kept up her peace-making stance when Leon made no move to speak up for himself "He's just got to be more careful … but, we're here if you want to talk, you know, we can help if you tell us-"

Leon shook his head "No." Those present sighed.

Cloud wondered if they had met that concrete block before.

Aerith lowered her head for a moment, disappointed. "I see … still so stubborn, silly boy. We'll drop it, if you let me examine your injuries," she bargained.

Cloud frowned, they were just starting to reveal something too.

Leon looked reluctant. Whatever the reason behind this assault, and likely others, was a secret – or two - known only to himself and the others didn't like it.

At last Leon sighed "Just my stomach," he compromised.

Aerith agreed readily.

The old man and the brunette girl took their leave at Aerith's request.

When alone, save for Cloud's snooping, Leon stood up to his full height and let her pull his shirt up to examine his stomach. Aerith hissed the second she saw it "Oh Gaia … why didn't you say something immediately!" she scolded while rushing to pick up her handbag.

The three seconds that trip took left Cloud with an uninterrupted view of the bruise. He winced. It was a dark pink already, there was the slight possibility of rib fracture with a hit like that. Cloud recalled the few times he had received heavy abdominal bruising, he had barely been able to walk normally. Leon had managed to pull off a fairly normal motion. He had to respect the brunet, he could take a beating. Maybe he was used to it, or maybe he had a high pain threshold? Judging by the other's comments this was a regular occurrence. The Knights must hate him – but why? What had he done to piss them off? What was he hiding?

Otherwise, ignoring the discolouration, he looked in peak condition. Defined muscles, packed and taunt even in stillness. Cloud imagined they'd all be rock hard as well. He must work out, or maybe all that house fixing was more intensive than Aerith made it sound. Cloud idly noticed the muscles just above his belt, no doubt indicating just as toned thighs and legs, it matched his arms. He remembered Aerith saying Leon fought in the rebellion a few years ago, was Leon keeping himself fit should he need to fight again?

Leon's skin was even and tanned, tight around muscles but coloured badly – that bruise would look like a splattered plum by tonight. Cloud hoped Aerith knew her trade well.

The young woman appeared and rested a hand against the mark "Okay, can you raise your arms up for me?" Leon did as she asked, one eye twitching in pain. He hid it well. "Above your head … right. Do you feel sick, or need a drink? Can you breathe normally?" she moved to his back and rested her ear against his shoulder – what was she doing?

Leon glanced at her with an expression of expectancy – this must happen a lot. "No, no, yes – in that order," he sighed.

Aerith smacked his arm lightly at his snarky response. "Deep breath please."

Oh, she's listening to his breathing, Cloud realised that the intimate hug was used in place of a stethoscope.

"… Okay." Aerith finished, opened her bag and pulled out a potion, "I'm a bit worried about internal bruising, that's twice you've been hit there today," she rubbed just a drop of green potion on her hands. "You really need a drink."

Leon shrugged "Whatever."

Aerith nodded as if he had just agreed with her "I'll ask Arthur to make one. Belle? Can I order something hot to drink for Leon?" Leon crossed his arms and frowned.

"Coming right up, Arthur! Did you hear that?"

Aerith's hands began to glow "Draw Cugara!"

Cloud couldn't hold back his soft gasp – that was a high level spell she just pulled out of thin air! He had to scout for those types of spells and she could summon one with a single drop of potion.

The library lit up with the small flower and Aerith directed the spell through Leon's body in a way Cloud had never seen before. She pressed her hand against his stomach, then rested the other on the small of his back "Breathe deep," she warned as the magic faded.

Leon's hair was blown by the colourful magic. He rested a hand against his stomach and breathed a little easier.

Aerith stepped back and smiled hopefully "I've taken care of the internal damage, and the bruise on your shoulder so you don't struggle with work, the bruise on your stomach will show a bit – we were a bit late in the casting, I don't want to try and remove the trapped blood with magic, your body can take care of that. Can you breathe better now? Arms above your head."

Leon humoured her and took a deep breath "Thanks, Aerith. Remind me to get you flowers or something."

Aerith giggled "Yellow please," she chirped, hands folded under her chin in a moment of joy.

Leon just fixed his clothing with a neutral expression.

"I mean it, you know."

Leon glanced up.

Aerith's back was facing Cloud, but her hands were clearly clasped imploringly "Be careful."

Leon just shrugged and said "Whatever. Not like that doesn't happen daily. Better me drawing the attention than Claudette."

Cloud was confused, thankful that Leon was keeping the attention away from himself, but why were the Knights giving Leon special attention? Cloud had spotted many of them glancing his way with small glares or suspicious looks, previously he had thought it was them seeing through his disguise – but it was all aimed at Leon.

Cloud was impressed, Leon was a target and yet he barely batted an eye. Meanwhile Cloud had almost drawn his non-existent sword at every glance not even aimed at him! Which led back to Cloud's earlier thought and concern; Why?

What was Leon's story? What had he done to earn those looks? What was so special about him that he was constantly singled out? If he was suspected as a resister he would have been arrested, or maybe there wasn't enough evidence? Or … Cloud was running out of ideas – it was something that was trouble enough to cause Leon hassle in daily life, but not severe enough to cause the Knights to arrest him.

Curiosity burned on his tongue.

Aerith spoke up again "I know why we don't share secrets, but, please Leon, we can help you if you tell us what's going on. You can't go on like this, this is going to get you killed."

Cloud's attention was captured at the desperate edge in her voice – What?

Leon looked away from her "Don't be dramatic."

"You can't expect me-"

"No!"

"Leon-"

"Didn't your Mother ever tell you eavesdropping was childish, Cloud?"

Cloud jumped.

Aerith turned and met Cloud's eyes.

Cloud ducked. A foolish blush rose to his cheeks – he had been spotted.

He felt the guilt and the embarrassing burn of being caught. He meekly made his way around the bookcase to stand before them. Dressed in his own street gear again – navy sleeveless top with a high collar, and black trousers with heavy soled boots. At least he was being embarrassed as himself this time.

He resisted the urge to shrink under their eyes, one pair aggressively defensive, the green pair sadly curious. He should have known that listening in wasn't a wise move … but despite the corner he was now backed into he had learnt a lot. He cleared his throat when Leon raised an eyebrow, "Sorry."

Leon said nothing.

"I … I just wanted to know what was going on … I didn't want you to censor anything."

Aerith shook her head "I told you 'just ask', there's no need to spy on us. We're here to help you. What good would hiding something do to your mission?" She sounded a bit down hearted and Cloud was immediately riding the guilt trip – she and Leon had done nothing but protect him, and what had he done?

He sighed again "Sorry …"

Leon crossed his arms with a stony expression. "Whatever." The bite in his voice said more than his single word; you're only sorry you got caught. I'm unimpressed. I'm lashing out to keep you from seeing what I'm hiding.

Cloud heard a lot in that one word.

He stalled a moment, glanced at Aerith, then took her offer "Why are the Knights after you, Leon?"

Aerith glanced as if curious herself.

Leon pressed his lips together briefly then lowered his head to glare at the floor "My Father."

Aerith's shoulders lowered. Was that disappointment? She picked up the explanation after a beat of silence "I told you last night, remember? He was a rebellion leader, now Leon's watched just in case his Father's actions have rubbed off on him."

Cloud nodded slowly, watching Leon out of the corner of his eye. That would explain it, Sephiroth's definitely paranoid enough to stretch logic in that direction … not that he's incorrect in this case – but Aerith has made it quite clear there's something else going on. And it links Leon and the Knights together. Whatever it is, it's big. Big enough to keep everyone out of the loop … maybe he won't say in front of her.

It was something he would have to ask him alone, when he got the chance … or maybe he wouldn't. He was beginning to understand the game now. If a Resister couldn't know, what chance did he have of being trusted with the whole story?

"Leon!"

All three heads snapped to the cry.

A young, blond boy, wire thin and wide eyed stood in the doorway. Behind him stood the girl with glasses, holding a cup and saucer in her hands. The boy's blue eyes widened and a grin of joy passed over his face. The scrawny blond almost tripped over his own feet as he hurried forwards.

Leon had a subtle smile on his face as the boy's wire thin arms wrapped around his torso, his defensive frown had melted away into something warmer. "Hello Arthur."

Cloud watched the exchange silently.

The young boy pulled back and let Leon take the drink from the girl. As soon as Leon was taking a drink though he was talking again, eager for the man's attention. "You've been away a long time, do you need anything? Are you okay?"

Leon ruffled his hair fondly "I'm fine. How are you?"

The blond ducked his head shyly "I f-finished the new book, and Merlin lets me stay an extra hour now. When I'm thirteen he says I'll get paid a little more." The boy spoke in a rush, like he was desperate for Leon to know, and he was clearly pleased with his own news. He lit up when Leon sent him a nod and smile.

The brunette girl smiled too "We could use the extra help, I'm glad his guardian agreed to it. Plus I think the sweet store has a few new treats that money could go towards, right Arthur?" she lightly teased.

Arthur nodded cheerfully.

The girl adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat, shifting from foot to foot and twisting her fingers through themselves once free from their repetitive habit. "Hey, Leon, I think I know the answer, but …"

When she trailed off Leon heard something in the silence. He put his cup on his saucer and grew solemn again. "I'm sorry. I haven't heard anything," Leon looked down sadly.

The brunette mirrored him "I see … thanks anyway."

Leon reached out as she began to turn away, touching her shoulder to keep her still "Belle-"

She turned back with misty eyes and weakly put on a convincing smile and carefree voice "I know. It's alright, really." She wiped at one eye "I know if you find anything out you would tell me. Don't promise me anything because I'm getting emotional," she insisted.

Leon squeezed her shoulder "I would never promise you something I couldn't do."

Cloud watched quietly.

Aerith had her head lowered too. He wondered what had happened. Had Belle lost someone, something? Or was this mystery subject missing? They all seemed very saddened by the news, or lack of. Another member of their group arrested?

That thought hardly bared thinking. How much had they lost already?

Arthur hesitantly raised a hand to about eye height, like a shy kid in class when the silence showed no signs of being broken by the adults. "Um, excuse me, but is he Merlin's important visitor?" he asked, leaning around to lock his eyes on Cloud.

Cloud stiffened slightly, not expecting to be addressed, especially by a child. He looked to Aerith and Leon for hints on how to respond.

Aerith moved to Arthur's side and took his elbow, "Oh, no, Arthur, she just left. Didn't you see? The woman in the dress who came in with me?" she waved around with a smile "She's gone now, Claudette just needed some rare books that only Merlin could get."

Arthur nodded after a moment, looking around to see that, indeed, the mysterious blonde woman had gone, he looked a bit disappointed "Oh, okay. How come I always miss the very important guests?" he asked, sounding a little annoyed.

Aerith patted his head "Maybe you'll get to meet them when you're older. Can you show me what herb teas you've got in right now? I'd really like some Peppermint or Camomile if you have any," she effortlessly talked the young boy into leaving the adults be.

Cloud realised, after a moment to consider her behaviour, that Arthur might not be a part of this movement. That was moral, he was just a child. He looked at Leon and mouthed 'Does he know?'

Leon shook his head 'Too young, too risky.'

Cloud raised an eyebrow but didn't ask. He filed that response away for later questioning, he hoped the people here were as generous with their answers as Aerith was, it was becoming quite the list.

Once they were alone, Belle turned to Cloud and glanced him up and down. Cloud tried not to squirm under her eyes, she seemed to be picking him apart and assembling him for easier reading. Her glasses flashed off the lights above them as she finished her analysis. "Mako Solider?"

Cloud glanced down at himself – Again? How do they know?

Belle smiled at Leon's validation. A smile of affirmation and triumph.

Cloud wondered if she had been working off a hunch and had figured out the rest. Too bad his predictable reactions confirmed it – he really needed to work on his poker face.

She stepped forwards to Cloud and asked in a serious whisper "Have you come to Garden?"

Cloud caught a small accent in her voice this time. He looked at Leon, unsure on how to respond despite having heard this question twice in two days.

Leon nodded.

"Yes," Cloud said at last, looking back to Belle as he spoke with confidence.

Belle smiled, her heart shaped face glowing. She adjusted her glasses yet again as she spoke "In that case, Bonjour, I'm Belle Paige. I think we'll be working closely for a few days," she held out a hand.

Cloud shook it and nodded at her, finally recognising her slight accent – French. "Thank you. I'm Cloud. Cloud Strife."

"Pleasure to meet you."

Cloud saw how unsurprised she was "Did you know we were coming?"

Belle shook her head "Not me, personally. I suspected that you were being helped by one of us, your arrest wasn't announced this morning and the sweeps were starting. It was Merlin who knew you'd be here today, I was asked to get things ready for your arrival," she explained.

Cloud nodded "That was smart of you." He was glad it wasn't entirely his behaviour which had tipped her off – or he hope it wasn't, he was still learning on the fly how to dodge radars.

Her cheeks coloured with his compliment "Thank you … It's good to read between the lines when listening to the radio, it tells you more than they want sometimes."

Leon grunted "Especially if you know what to look for." Belle smiled over her shoulder, agreeing like it was a private joke, and Leon shrugged in silent response.

Belle giggled suddenly "Plus I think it's easy to know who you're meant to be, you turned up with two of Garden's best members in disguise," she covered her mouth slightly "I think it's a safe assumption regardless."

Cloud hoped his blush wasn't noticeable. He brought up a new question to change the direction of their conversation "How did Merlin know I was coming here today?"

Belle glanced about slightly, as if checking for listeners "He's a Wizard. He claims to be all knowing, and his predictions are highly accurate. It's fascinating to be around," she admitted.

"Belle."

Belle and Cloud looked to Leon who was preparing to leave. He put his toolbox under one arm "Sweeps will be here soon. How long can Cloud stay here without causing suspicion?" he asked.

Belle tapped her chin thoughtfully "Let me see … about a week, maybe a week and a half if we're careful. I've got The Mirror set up, so I don't think there's a rush to find cover for him just yet."

Leon looked thoughtful "Better safe than sorry." Belle agreed.

Cloud stepped forwards, suddenly a little anxious that he was being left with strangers once again – Leon wasn't exactly a friend, but he had proven his reliability and trust well, so had Aerith. "What'll happen when I move?"

Leon folded his arms as he thought "In the next week I'll have someone search for an exit for you should you need it and I'll arrange your next safe house. I'm thinking, with all the sweeps going on they'll be distracted enough searching for someone hidden that you could integrate a little and start a low profile. That way you'll have a background and a position in society which will delay their search even more."

Could considered the option with a slow nod "Isn't that risky?"

"It has some risk. It's also got benefits should it work, one being you wouldn't have to wear a disguise anymore."

Cloud instantly changed his tunes about the plan "That would be nice."

Leon smirked slightly "Understandable."

Cloud felt his frown return at that look – he seemed so smug, so in control. Cloud had no option but to trust him, he was at their mercy and Leon knew it.

Leon's expression shifted to serious "I'll see what I can do. You gather as much information as you can while you're here, make use of it. If things turn bad you have to get out, I'm not having Belle and Merlin implicated. I'll be back in a few days."

Cloud nodded. "Alright." Not like he had much choice, but he did feel infinitely better knowing that he would be back soon.

Leon returned the gesture then beckoned Belle over, she stepped to his side with a knowing look. Even though the conversation was sort of excluding her at the moment, she had been keeping up to speed and likely a step ahead. "I'll need a reason," he warned.

Belle smiled "There're a few crooked shelves in the children's corner, full of big heavy books that may be a hazard to a little person," she waved a hand towards a shelf which looked perfectly stable to Cloud, but would no doubt be the victim of a little sabotage. He had flashbacks to Aerith's false-pipe-heater and wondered if there were any little traps hidden in the walls here too.

Leon shrugged after examining the shelf with his eyes "That'll do. Be careful, and stay safe," he warned at last, parting with a cautionary glance between the both of them.

Belle crossed her arms as he moved out to the café part of the shop. "I should be telling him that," she tutted. Cloud watched her as she took a breath, she seemed as frustrated as Aerith with Leon but was putting it aside to focus on her current task - she appeared to mentally prep herself. With a polite smile she waved him deeper into the bookshelves "Follow me. I'll show you to your room and help however I can. I assume you're here for information?" she checked.

Cloud nodded and followed a step behind. "Yes."

Belle hummed "There's lots here, when I have a spare hour you can tell me what you're looking for and I'll do my best to search it up. We've got books on every subject, and more than you can read in a lifetime."

Cloud looked around and agreed. There were more books than bricks in the walls. He picked up his disguise and bundled it under his arm before following Belle out of the room.

Belle hesitated, just for a second, but it got Cloud's attention. "There is some information that isn't written down, but remembered. If you can't find it in a book, ask me or Merlin, and if we don't know then you'll have to keep that question in mind for the other Garden members should you meet them, not all of us know the full story," she advised, a strange look on her face – like she was trying to recall something just out of reach.

Cloud wasn't sure what to make of it, but decided that questions should wait until later, once he'd managed to organise his thoughts into relevant questions. "Alright. Thank you."

There were plenty of questions he wanted to ask. Whatever the story was, he was determined to find out.

Fun fact time:

Belle's surname is the first name of her voice action Paige O'Hara, plus it's a teenie tiny pun on how much Belle loves her books.

And Cloud's 'female alias "Claudette" is one of the names of the Triplets/Bimbettes in Beauty and the Best - those blond girls who fawn over Gaston. Claudette, Laurette and Paulette. (Who knew they had names?)

Also shout it out - who's voicing the next chapter?