Here comes a nice big chapter for all of you! This one got fun with the idea we had, so we hope that you enjoy!
Ch. 42
Cloud kept thinking back to everything that happened at his first actual birthday party. It was such a good time, and the memories made there were still fresh in his mind even though it was now a few weeks later. Though he wished he could have stayed in his thoughts more, he knew he had to focus on the task at hand.
Currently he was getting ready to leave for a mission. He thought he was going to have another training day with Sephiroth, but when he got to the training room, Sephiroth informed him it wouldn't happen today. Instead he was going to get sent out on a mission to somewhere. It wasn't anything too major, but Sephiroth had said he would analyze how Cloud did afterwards and give him a strong evaluation the following day of his return.
When Cloud got his mission report, he read it over quickly. It really wasn't anything too major, but there had been some reports of some major monstrous creatures outside of Midgar. He was going to be dispatched with a small team to take them out, and that would be it. They were told to meet in the break room on the SOLDIER floor, so that's where Cloud was currently.
"I wonder who will be going with me on this. It would be nice if it's someone familiar," he thought to himself as he sat there.
He didn't have to wait too long to find out though as he caught something out of the corner of his eye. Cloud craned his head to the side to see a couple of faces he had seen before.
"Marcus? Wei? What are you guys doing here? Are you gonna be on the mission too?"
"Yeah, looks like it," Marcus replied before holding his hand out for Cloud to hi-five. Cloud smiled and gave one to Marcus and then followed over to hi-five Wei. Seeing that his two friends would be coming with him, completely lightened his mood for the day.
"I'm surprised they chose you for this mission, Cloud," Wei said once the greetings were over and they all sat down.
Cloud raised his eyebrow to his friend. "Hey, what do you mean by that?"
"It's nothing bad, but you are a student of Sephiroth. I didn't think someone who gets trained by Sephiroth regurually would be sent out on a small mission like this," Wei answered.
"Maybe they did it so Cloud does all the work and we can take it easy," Marcus replied with a laugh, nudging Cloud in the side slightly.
"Very funny Marcus," Cloud said jokingly. "I still get sent out on missions like this from time to time. I'm still a 2nd Class like you guys. So, I guess it isn't unexpected." He didn't tell them that Sephiroth was actually testing him. He knew that was his task, and didn't want to distract them with such information.
"Fair enough," Wei answered.
"Now I guess we wait," Marcus added on as the three took a seat.
Silence befell them, and Cloud started to think what the mission would be like. He was happy that he would be able to go with people that he knew at least, which he hoped would make the mission seem much easier. But he knew that taking things easy was not really an option he had, since Sephiroth was going to be evaluating him anyways. If he had to admit it to himself, he was nervous about it, not wanting to let Sephiroth down, or anyone else. Cloud had a hope that things would be fine.
The three boys stuck close together once they made it to the spot where the monster had been reported. There were a couple of other SOLIDERs as well as a few infantrymen, but it wasn't a large group. Cloud only counted about ten people in total, which in his opinion was more than enough to take care of the mission.
They had been dispatched to a desert-like area, but it wasn't completely devoid of life. In a way, it almost seemed like it had a bit of a tropical layout as well. There was plenty of sand in places, and even mountains that represented a typical desert biome. But then in some spots there were trees lining patches of land every so often. The best part was that it was only slightly warm, but not scorching hot. It was quite an interesting layout to all of them.
"So where is the monster?" one of the other SOLDIERS asked towards the one in charge.
"We don't have an exact pinpoint on it, but it is in the area. May also be multiples, so be on the lookout as we scout out the area," the leader responded. "But we may need to split up into teams to cover more ground in a shorter span of time."
Cloud waited patiently as he was put into a group for if the possibility was needed. Thankfully the one in charge either knew that Cloud was friends with Wei and Marcus, or it was sheer coincidence. Either way it made things easier when trying to coordinate how to search. Though there were two infantrymen who followed them, but they stayed a bit behind, out of the way of the 2nd class SOLDIERs before them.
The groups walked for some time together as the leader had set the aim for a formation of mountains that was up ahead, probably about a mile out. Once they were all finally there, it seemed to split into two ways. There was a path to the left that branched out perpendicular to the wall-like area, and a path to the right that winded crookedly up through the large mountain.
The SOLDIER in charge then spoke up. "All right, we will split up from here into our aforementioned groups. We will take this path here to the left. The other group will go to the right up the mountain here," he said briskly. He then turned a glance towards the other group. "And Cloud. I know you're one of the youngest here, but since you're training under Sephiroth, I'm gonna put you as lead there."
Cloud was a little shaken by that sudden announcement. "Uh… me? But, I've never even done something like that before…"
"Well, now is a good chance for you to step up. Now, best get to it so we can get this done quickly," the leader responded as he turned and headed off in his group's direction.
Cloud reached out his hand towards him, as if he was going to say something, but silence befell him. He could not think of what to say, or rather he didn't want to complain too much. His mind fluttered with 'what-ifs' and 'buts' while he could feel the eyes of all of the others on him. He couldn't think of how to break the silence, but fortunately, he didn't have to.
"Come on Cloud, let's get going," Marcus said before placing a hand onto Cloud's shoulder. "Lead the way."
"You sure I really should? I mean I never lead anyone before. I'm not sure what I am supposed to do."
"It shouldn't be that hard," Marcus replied. "You just walk in front of us and keep a lookout for anything that looks suspicious."
"Yeah, I guess so," Cloud thought aloud. He looked at everyone and then at the path ahead. Be breathed in and held his breath for a split second. "All right everyone. We'll just keep moving up this mountain path to, uh, find the monster. I'll lead the way then."
Cloud then set off in front of everyone up the winding path as the others followed close behind. They formed up in two man units horizontally, with Marcus and Wei each on a row with an infantryman to try to keep balance. Cloud made sure to look back to be aware of how everyone was positioned. A lot went through his mind as he walked forward though.
"I've trained with Sephiroth a lot, and I have gone on various missions. I've seen others in charge, and how they give orders, and how the formations work usually. But to do it myself… this is just weird. Maybe Sephiroth planned it like this? Since he said he would evaluate my performance. I wouldn't be surprised honestly. But this is all nerve wracking… I didn't think I was ready for something like this, but I guess I will have to try…"
It wasn't long before they heard sounds from somewhere up ahead. Cloud held up a hand, signaling the others to stop. They all came to a quick halt and waited. Whatever it was, it was close by and growling in a deep tone.
"I think that may be it, whatever and wherever it is," Wei whispered as he walked up closer to Cloud.
Cloud had no idea if he was right or not, but there was no mistake that something was there, lurking in the background. He had dealt with monsters before in the training missions with Sephroth, so he was akin to what some of them were like. He hoped that it would be one like he had been familiar with before. If so, they should have no problem since he had been able to defeat them on his own there. But then, that was a training simulation as well. The reality though, might not prove to be the same.
"You guys have probably done these types of things as well. Any idea on the sound?" Cloud asked to the group.
"Nope, can't figure it out," Wei responded. "Haven't heard anything quite like that."
"Sounds a bit raspy though," one of the infantrymen stated.
Before the group could discuss it any further, from the side of the path, small creatures emerged. There were at least five of them, and they stayed clumped together. They were small in relative terms of a monster, but to the guys, they looked to come up to their waists.
The creatures in question ranged from an ashen grey to a milky white. Their heads were small and angular, but they had sharp teeth protruding from the side, which matched their pointy horns that angled out of each side of their head. Their claws also had sharp fangs that dug into the ground on which they stood. They stood on all fours, but were angled down slightly as their back legs were longer than their front. Most notable were the bright red glowing eyes that were staring down at the group.
"Wow, I uh, didn't expect us to find them so quickly," Cloud stated with surprise.
But then, it was like his brain kicked into another gear. He remembered the training that he had with Sephiroth while fighting the monsters, and then readied his sword in front of him. The others behind him saw his confidence soar, so they followed suit and prepared themselves as well, Marcus and Wei drawing their swords while the two infantrymen raised their assault rifles and aimed them at the beasts.
Surprisingly, they were not hard to take out. Each man took to one creature, but the creatures did not put up much of a fight. It seems all the intimidation was in their appearance, and not anything else. In just a few short minutes, the fighting was finished, and none of them had hardly broken a sweat.
"Well, that wasn't really that bad at all. Was that really all they wanted us to take out?" Wei asked,
"I guess so, there doesn't seem to be anything else in the area," Marcus said as he looked around the land.
"So, that means we head back, right?" Cloud asked. Even though he was in charge, he was still a bit uncertain of how he was supposed to go about it.
"Yeah, let's go let the other team know what we found," Marcus replied.
Cloud figured that was the best laid plan so he turned to lead them back the way they came. They all started to head down the mountain area after they took formation again, though the infantrymen were trailing behind just slightly. After not hardly walking a few more feet, another roar was heard from behind the group. It was much louder than before, and this one sounded much more menacing. The sound startled all of them to the point where they had to hold their ears, a wincing pain searing through their heads.
Suddenly, a small rumble could be felt on the ground beneath them, as the dust started to unsettle and some of the rocks shifted slightly beneath their feet. However, the loud roaring eventually ceased. Cloud then craned his head to try to see if there was anything behind them. As he did, he noticed a large shadow looming over them and looked up to see a much larger silhouette that matched it.
The monster was right behind the two men that had fallen behind. "Watch out!" Cloud shouted, not able to think of anything else to say.
However, his words came too late as the large beast swiped down with it's massive claws towards the men before it. They each screamed in terror, not even having time to fire their rifles. The hand of the monster collided swiftly with the man on the left, smacking his side hard enough that it looked like it may have shattered some ribs. The force launched the man into his companion to the side of him before the impact propelled the both of them into the rocks beside them.
They landed with a thud on the ground. Their bodies lay their unmoving. Marcus and Wei immediately rushed over to them as Cloud stood there almost mesmerized. He couldn't figure out where to focus his attention, on the monster or on his injured men. Cloud grabbed his sword out in quick response though, not wanting to allow anyone else to get hurt. He had been careless and oblivious, and he allowed someone to get hurt on his watch. "Oh what will Sephiroth say to me when he hears about this…"
"No. I can't think about that right now. Their lives are in danger with them not being able to fight right now. I have to do something. I just. I don't know. I have to protect them. I've fought things like this before in the simulation. I can do this." Cloud tried to figure everything out as he lost himself briefly.
"Cloud!"
He finally heard Marcus's voice to the left of him. He took a glance over to his friend to see what he needed. "Y-Yeah?!"
"The both of them are still breathing, just knocked out. Looks like only some minor injuries if anything."
"Oh! Th-That's good then!" Cloud shouted before finally looking to the monster that stood before them.
It was at least twice as big as the ones they had just fought, but it looked just the same. But this one was much bigger and seemed way more dangerous. Though, one difference was the skin of this one was almost a solid black color with a few grey striped across its back. Because of its large size, the teeth and the claws were even more largely intimidating and infinitely sharper. Much more menacing red eyes glared at the remaining men who stood before it.
"Uh guys…" Wei said. "I think I figured it out. Those little monsters… they must have been babies."
Cloud's eyes widened. "You… You mean…?"
"Yup," Wei answered. "We just killed some babies and now here comes their big angry mother. And I think she wants us to pay for… you know… killing her kids."
That thought had never occurred to Cloud before now, and when he considered it, he almost felt bad. Knowing they had just done something like that, even just to an animal the deemed a monster. What if that had happened to him? Or one of the people here with him? He figured the reaction would surely be the same. He felt a tinge of guilt for a bit.
But, he had to shake that off. The monster had hurt actual people and Cloud didn't want it to happen again. He had no choice to make in the matter. It was either them, or the monster. He was ready to face the monster, when he saw that it had already lunged forward, right towards Marcus and Wei.
The two of them prepared to defend against the monster, holding up their swords. But the monster jumped up into the air and landed right down onto of the two. They cried out as the claws of the monster pinned them down against the ground. It growled deeply as it lowered its head closer to Marcus and Wei, breathing in their faces sharply
Cloud could feel his heart pounding against his chest. The monster not only hurt innocent infantrymen, but now had hurt his friends. And most would likely hurt them even more if he didn't do anything soon.
"Hey!" Cloud shouted as loud as he could. He ran closer to the monster and held up his sword. "Get off them NOW!"
The monster raised its head and locked eyes with Cloud. Normally Cloud would have been terrified to have a monster with red menacing eyes stare him down. But right now he felt none of that. He only felt anger towards the monster. It had hurt his friends and he wasn't going to let that slide.
The monster almost seemed intrigued by Cloud as it picked up its feet and started to walk closer to Cloud. Once it did Marcus and Wei rolled out of the way, groaning slightly in pain. Cloud breathed a sigh of relief to see them able to stand back up. But now was not the time to go and check on them. The monster had to come first.
"Marcus. Wei. Take those two and get them away from here to safety. I'll take this monster myself," Cloud told them with no hesitation in his voice.
The two SOLDIERS looked quite surprised, not only at Cloud's suggestion but of what had happened to them as well. It took a few moments, but Marcus was finally able to recuperate himself.
"But… uh Cloud! That monster is strong. You can't fight that on your own. We have to help you," he insisted.
Finally, Wei came around as well. "Yeah, he's right."
"No, you have to go. Please! Those two men… they can't do anything. If the monster goes after them while we're fighting, they can't defend themselves. I… I can handle this. At least hold him off."
Cloud's voice had become a bit more shaky. He was somewhat fearful, though who wouldn't be in a situation like that. But more of the unsteadiness came from his own worries about everyone and himself. He tried to hide it, and to be more brave as he had been learning to do from his brother and Sephiroth. However, it wasn't easy.
Marcus and Wei looked at each other briefly, and then back to Cloud, who was diverting his attention between the monster and them. Marcus breathed heavily and then slumped his shoulders as he exhaled sharply. "Yeah, I guess you're right about that. It's… honestly the right call."
Wei nodded silently as he tried to stand up, clutching the side where the monster's fangs had been. He had not been punctured, but he was pretty sure that he had some bruising from the impact. Marcus was in about the same shape, clutching his side as well. However, the two of them managed to bring each infantryman up with them, hoisting them onto their backs.
Cloud, meanwhile, was still locked in a struggle with the monster, its sharp fangs trying to bear down slowly towards him. He was so close now that Cloud could smell the raunchy smell emitting from the beast's mouth. It almost made him vomit, but he tried to keep steadfast. He looked out of the corner of his eyes to see his two friends had made it to their feet finally.
"Cloud, we'll be back right after we take these guys down the path, all right?" Wei promised as he yelled out loud enough for Cloud to hear.
"Sounds good. Come back if you can. I'll be here," Cloud replied quickly.
"Yeah, just stay as safe as you can. We'll be back soon," Marcus interjected. And with that final exchange, the two men hurried as quickly as they could back down the winding path on the mountain.
After a few seconds, Cloud could no longer see them. It was just him, and the mother beast in front of him. Cloud was getting tired of being locked in this struggle though, but he seemed unable to break free. He couldn't exactly overpower it, but maybe he could outsmart it. He could hold his own for now as the monster kept trying all it could to break through his sword. Though, Cloud knew he couldn't keep that up forever. There had to be a way to get free.
And ending on a cliffhanger, haha. How will Cloud get out of this? Stick around to find out!