Cloud stared at the Crimson Commander in shock. Because surely he hadn't heard him correctly. No, there was no way that Genesis Rhapsodos wanted to mentor him, right?

"You must be shocked, to hear someone as pristine as myself would bother with this correct?" Cloud wasn't sure, but that sounded like an insult to him. Cloud could only nod dazedly as he watched Commander Rhapsodos seemingly glide across the room, back to the gleaming wooden desk in the front of the room. Pulling out a file, he gestured the small blonde over.

"Come now, I don't bite that badly at first boy." Cloud wasn't sure whether that was supposed to make him feel better or worst, but either way he made his way to the front of the Commander's desk.

"See this puppy here?" A picture of a raven-haired teen's smiling face was thrust at the small blonde.

"Um, sir…this is a…person." The flash of irritation that crossed the Crimson Commander's face had the small blonde cringing in fear.

"I am well aware of this; this is the infamous Puppy of SOLDIER. My dear friend Angeal's puppy."

Cloud just stared at the Commander with a blank expression. What did that mean? Why did that matter?

"Angeal gets a promising student, so why shouldn't I?" Ahhh, that made much more sense to the blonde youth. Commander Rhapsodos wanted a student the press would preen over as well.

"Sir, as I mentioned, I have never had materia training before today. This was mostly-"

"I don't care. You show promise in this. So, my deal. What do you think of it?" If Cloud didn't know any better, he would have thought there was a tinge of enthusiasm in the Commander's voice.

Cloud contemplated his choices silently. Agreeing to a mentorship from Commander Genesis Rhapsodos certainly had its benefits; such as well…Genesis Rhapsodos was one of the most powerful people in Shinra's SOLDIER program, in all of Shinra. That would certainly do wonders to his chances of getting into SOLDIER.

But then again….Could he handle the Commander's mentorship? The man was known to throw tantrums and usually it was the cadets who suffered. Would he truly be an exception to any of the other cadets? Could he tolerate the Commander's constant mood swings and unbelievably high expectations?

Cloud mulled these over in his mind. Those were all things he had heard from others, he had never truly witnessed it himself. Perhaps the rumors were more fabrication then truth?

"I would be honored sir."

"Of course you would be boy. Now, is there time for practice this moment? Or is there somewhere you have to be?"

Well Cloud, is there?

Chapter 24: Cloud is free to practice

Chapter 25: Cloud has somewhere else to be.

Stats: Materia: 10

Intelligence: 50

Compassion: 95

Trustworthy: 85

Strength: 30

Sword skill: 0

Innocence: 100

Relationships:

Zack: 50 (because Zack automatically likes everyone)

Angeal: 15 (courtesy of Zack and him just being nice)

Sephiroth: 0 (do I need to explain?)

Genesis: 25 (because Genesis is well…Genesis)

Reno: 5 (because he's Reno)

Author's Note: So what do you think? Good? Bad? Don't be shy! If it's not doing too well, let me know! Also, school starts August 15, which means updates will take a little longer. Sorry! Anyhow, Thanks for reading! Sincerely, Kay.