Sorry this took so long. This part just wouldn't end! The next part
is following cloud through his first day at shinra. I split it up
like that cuz otherwise this part would never end. I would die while
typing it up. But anyway, thanks for the reviews and yes e-chan5 you
can. Also you'll notice when I start getting lazy with some parts.
Enjoy!
A/N: sorry again, but I just went and fixed some things in all the
chapters so I can make things fit for the later chapters and errors
that I caught. I totally forget half to this story so I had to go read
it! But anyway, the second half is coming along painfully slow for me.
In fact, as much as I love Cloud, I hate having to focus mainly on
him. Especially at this point since he's not around anyone. I get by
by picking on him. Ok, I'm gonna shut up cuz I'll save my other stuff
for the other half.
Chapter 4: Part I
A minute passed by with just only silence. Miyaiku's facial expression was of complete shock as she stood outside the opened door.
"Um.........hi?" Zack scratched his head, unsure of what to do at this point.
Zack was standing there in only boxers. Not just boxers, smiley face boxers. Oh yeah, gotta have the smilies. Yep, Zack was playing air guitar to some heavy metal music in only his boxers. Since he has no roommate, he can do whatever he wants and no one can stop him. That is, until now. Claire, the receptionist, called him and warned him that his new roommate was coming up. She told him that the person was a new girl cadet with a bad temper, who without permission has decided to room with him. Zack freaked out, dropped the phone, and jumped over to his stereo to turn it off. Unfortunately that was all he was able to do before the door opened. At that time, he knew Claire purposely told him at the last possible second since she was still mad at him for the other day. Now the two stand here with a nice crowd of third and second class Soldiers watching. And yet, the girl still didn't make a sound so he decided to try something else.
"If you like what you see now, you can always see the whole package back in the chamber of love." Zack leaned on the doorway with that stupid cheesy grin.
It wasn't the best choice, but it worked. Upon hearing that, Miyaiku growled and with lightning speed, punched him in the mouth. Zack fell to his ass, holding his mouth. The crowd gasped as Miyai stood there shaking her hand calmly. It actually hurt her fist, which hardly happens.
"What the hell was that for?!" Zack exclaimed./ And why the hell didn't I sense it?!/
"Oh, I'm sorry. I though I heard an asshole speaking to me." Miyai looked at her knuckles. "Huh, I think I just bruised my knuckles. That's new."
Zack got up, spitting the blood out from his mouth, and then wiping his mouth with his hand.
"Geez, you didn't have to go and do that. A simple no would have been just fine."
"Well, let's just say this is a 'no' to any future attempts to get me to sleep with you, ok?"
"Awww, you're no fun."
"I'm not here for fun. Now let me in." Miyai shoved him aside and walked in.
Zack looked at the crowd, flashed a "oh yeah" smile while giving them a thumbs up, and closed the door. The crowd mumbled and groaned in disappointment as they disband. Zack turned to Miyai, who was looking around at what was suppose to be the living room.
"Nice.........place........." Miyai sadly looked at the piles of junk everywhere. "Least I know I'll be making friends with the roaches........."
"Why do your eyes glow?" Zack bluntly asked.
She froze. She knew this was coming but never thought of an answer for it. How was she suppose to answer that anyway?
"And you smell like you showered in mako."
That she didn't know. How many other people noticed that?
/ Man, I'm a walking attraction. Complete with blinking neon signs. I'm just asking to get caught./
"Well?" Zack walked infront of her with his arms crossed.
"I........." Miyai was trying to think of an answer.
( "Mako poisoning.")
/ That's right........./
( "He fell into the lifestream.........mako poisoning from exposure of a high concentration of mako.........")
"I'm waiting. I won't lest you live here unless I know. I don't want no trouble or anything."
"I don't remember what happened, but I know I was exposed to a lot of mako because I suffered from mako poisoning."
"You don't remember?"
"Some villagers told me they found me unconscious. I was alone when it happened." Miyai lowered her head in fake despondency./ I hope he buys it./
"Yeah.........you probably fell into the lifestream when it bursted through the earth's surface. There have been reports of it happening. I'm sorry you had to suffer from it. I shouldn't have brought it up." Zack apologized.
"Oh no! That's ok really! I would have asked too if I was afraid that it might cause trouble. You never nowadays. Haha!" Miyai was relieved. / Stupid idiot./
"May I ask you another question?" Zack asked.
"Sure."
"Are you Wutaian?"
"Half Wutaian."
"Oh."
".........why?"
"Because of the Shinra-Wutai war. Shinra won and all but there's still hostility in the air between them. Shinra's afraid of any rebel attacks by them and all. You should know this."
She sighs,/ I forgot about that war/ "I do not have any relatives in Wutai. My mother and my aunt moved away from Wutai long before the war. My mom met my father, who was from Kalm, got married, settled in Mideel, and had me. We lived happily ever after. The end. Any more questions?"
Zack laughed. "Nah, that's about it."
Miyaiku just rolled her eyes.
"By the way, I'm Zack Delenger, Soldier Third Class. Nice to meet you." Zack stuck out his hand.
FLASH
("Zachery Delenger, Soldier First Class.")
FLASH
("He was my best friend.........")
FLASH
("He was my first boyfriend.........but then he suddenly disappeared on a mission.")
FLASH
("We went to Nibelheim together with Sephiroth.........")
FLASH
("Never heard from him.........just like he vanished into thin air.........")
FLASH
("He went to stop Sephiroth, but.........")
FLASH
("I was worried.")
FLASH
("Hojo found us.........and for five years.........")
FLASH
("Years passed without him here.........I hoped he would come back to me.........")
FLASH
("He was shot down by Shinra troopers.........Of all people, his life was taken away.........and I lived on in his name.")
"Um.........are you ok?" Zack was worried./ Why'd she phase out all of a sudden?/
Miyaiku shook her head and then looked at Zack. He looked concerned.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Miyai said. "I'm Miyaiku Valentine, but people call me Miyai for short."
They shook hands.
"I thought you were in Solider First Class?"
"Haha, I wish! But I'm just third class. Only made it just a few months ago! Did my sexy, muscular body throw you off?"
".........yeah.........that's it........."
"Ah yes, I knew you were attracted to me. Every woman is. You're welcome to try me out anytime. No one can resist my charm for long." Zack winked.
/ Oh, I wish I was still dead now./ Miyai sighed.
"Well, I would give you a tour but there's not much to this place." Zack wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
She just looked at the dangling arm in annoyance.
"Yep, this is the living room, and that's the bedroom." Zack pointed. "You'll have to remove the stuff off your bed in order to sleep in it or you could always join me in my bed."
"Do you cherish your arm?"
"Yeah."
"Then remove it before I rip it off and beat you with it."
Zack quickly removed his arm.
"Thank you, now where's the bathroom?"
"There isn't one."
"Don't tell me it's a public bath?"
"Well yeah.........but just for men."
"Where the fuck is the women's bath then?! Don't tell me there's no women's bath!"
"Not on this floor atleast. There's never been a female Soldier before so there's been no need to make bathroom for them. You'll have to go down to the cadet housing floors to take a shower."
"Ah fucking hell........."
"Here I'll get dressed and show you where it is."
"I don't wanna know how you know that."
"Hey now, it wasn't like that. I use to be a cadet ya know." Zack walked to the bedroom. "Give me a sec, ok?"
"Sure."
Sounds of scuffling could be heard from the bedroom. Miyai looked down and saw an old pizza box lying there.
"I'm starting to wonder about living here." She kicked the box. "The fucking hole in the mountain was even better than this place."
"Ok, I'm ready." Zack emerged from the room wearing grey sweats.
"Have you ever heard of cleaning?" Miyai asked sarcastically "It can do wonders to your place."
"What me? Cleaning? It's not my style." Zack picked up a pile of clothes. "'Sides, this adds character."
He drops them back on the floor.
"If you want neat and clean, you should live with Seph."
"Seph?" Miyai raised an eyebrow.
"That's my nickname for Sephiroth."
Miyai paled "S-Sephiroth?"
"We're best friends." Zack didn't notice the change in her expression as he headed for the door. "Actually, I'm his only friend. He has stick up his ass a lot of the times but once you know him, he's a great person."
"Does he come here?" She was trying to keep calm but she was still nervous.
"No, he hates the mess. Can't stand it." He looks back at her. "Why?"
Miyai shook her head and regained her composure with a big fake smile.
"N-nothing!"
Zack studied her for a moment when it occurred to him.
"Ahhh, I get it. You got a crush on him don't you?"
"What?!" She snapped.
"Yep, you got a crush on him." Zack teased.
"Don't make me laugh!"
"Awww, what's wrong? Afraid I might tell?"
"That's not it! Shut up!"
"Hahahaha! Don't worry, I won't tell! It'll be between just you and me. I promise."
"You got it all wrong you big jackass!"
"Sure, sure, whatever." Zack walked out the door.
"Grrrr, I'm gonna kill him someday." Miyai growled following him out.
They rode the elevator in silence to the 28th floor. Zack didn't say a word because Miyai seemed too fascinated with night sky. He did notice though, a hint of sadness in her eyes, but he didn't ask in response to that she might turn around and smack him. So he settled for staring at her. He never met someone this beautiful before. He's been with women who were hot, but Miyai surpasses hot. She's insanely gorgeous. Her shiny raven hair up in a simple ponytail, leaving her bangs to shade her face. Her face is a masterpiece. Fair skin and pink lips. Eyes of an unnatural dark blue- green hue and complete with a beauty mark just below the corner of her left eye. As for her body, it's in a league of its own. Regardless of her baggy clothing, he can tell she works out and still has an hour glass figure. Her arms and legs show the work in a toned, feminine way. But she sure can hit pretty damn hard though. And thank the heavens she has an ass and a decent chest size. Makes him wanna jump her right now. Would she notice if he "accidentally" pushed the emergency stop button? Lucky for her, they reached the 28th floor. Many of the cadets were out and about in they hallways as Zack and Miyai made their way to their destination. The new cadets were basically star struck by the fact that they got to see two Soldiers, while the old cadets greeted Zack.
"Are they staring at both of us or just me?" Miyai asked.
"Probably both." Zack nodded in acknowledgement at one of his friends, "They never seen a Soldier until now. You should feel honored that people think you're one."
"I don't really care."
"Hey Zack! Nice girlfriend you got there!" A cadet shouted as they walked by.
"You're telling me!"
"Girlfriend eh? Since when did that happen?"
"Eh, too lazy to say that you aren't."
"You big slut you."
They turned a corner and stopped.
"We're here." Zack nodded his head at the ladies' bath beside them.
"What are you going to do?"
"Go talk to that fat man, Heidegger and let him know you're my roommate, unless..........you want me to join you." Zack smiled.
"Go away." Miyai went into the ladies' room.
"Fine, but I've been told I'm very good with my hands."
"Then use them on yourself!" She shouted back.
"She wants me." Zack grinned leaving.
Miyai turned on the shower. She stood there, relaxed as the warm water rained downed her naked body.
/ It's been a long time since I had a nice shower....../ She closed her eyes. / The guys back home would be so jealous./ She lowered her head./ I wonder.........if they are still alive since that last attack. If they are.........are they still wishing? Wishing that life will one day be the way it use to be? I'm suppose to bring back that life for them.........by reconstructing Cloud's broken soul. What is it here, in this time, that starts your misery? Something traumatic that makes you our End? I have a feeling this isn't going to be easy........./
// For a future I couldn't have.........letting go of the future all together.........//
Miyai's eyes shot open./ That voice?! It couldn't be!/
"Hey, have you heard?"
Miyai looked up.
"Heard what?"
"That there's an actual female Soldier now."
"Oh wow, really?!"
"Yes!"
Miyai couldn't see the two girls because they were at the sinks. She grabbed the shampoo and squirted some in her hand.
"That's so cool! I bet she can kick all those male Soldiers' asses!"
Miyai smirked as she scrubbed her hair.
"I heard she's very pretty too, but looks like a tomboy."
/There's nothing wrong with that./ Miyai rinsed her hair.
"Heard she's Zack's girl too."
"........." Miyai's eye twitched.
"Awww, does that mean he's not single anymore?"
"Hahahaha! Since when has Zack stayed in a relationship for more than a day?!"
"Yeah, you're right. Maybe I should go make myself noticed tomorrow by him."
"Go for it! With you around, that Soldier girl doesn't stand a chance!"
Their laughter faded as they left the bathroom. Miyai grabbed the soap and started scrubbing her body vigorously.
/Stupid Zack! Stupid Cloud! Stupid people!/
After several minutes of cursing to herself, she was done with her shower. She dried off, and dressed in her dark blue satin pjs and black slippers. She then stood infront of the mirror as she brushed her damp hair.
/What shall I do next? Go wander around aimlessly? Find Zack and beat him up? Find Cloud and torture him 'til he tells me his damn problem? Nah, maybe I'll go play detective and sneak into the place with all the personal files of everyone here./ Then her stomach growled./ Or not. I guess I can feed you now. First I'll just drop my stuff off at the room./
Miyai left the bathroom and headed for elevator. After she dropped by the room, she asked a guy where the cafeteria was, slapped him for staring too long at her breasts, and went on her way. When she was finished eating what they served as "food", Miyai went back to the room and plopped down on the one spot of couch that didn't have something on it.
"I can't believe how fuckin' lazy Zack is! I swear, a scientist could come in here and have a field day after discovering colonies of new organisms under all this shit!" Miyai looked at what resembled a molding pizza beside her. ".........Did that thing just blink at me?.........Hmmmm......... I'm not liking this."
Miyai stood up, "That's it, I'm going to brush my teeth and then go to sleep and hopefully not have nightmares of this. And the hell if I'm goin' back down just for a minute."
She grabbed her toothbrush and paste and left the room. Some of the Soldiers in the halls watched her walk down the hall towards the bathroom. When she goes in, several shouts of embarrassment and shock could be heard.
"Oh shut up. Even if it was anything grand, I'd still not give you the time of day." Miyai ignored the looks as she made her way to the sink.
To get out of there quickly so the guys wouldn't die from a heart attack or something, Miyai quickly brushed her teeth. But when she was done, a sudden wave of extreme exhaustion and weakness came over her. She almost blacked out but her reflexes kicked in and she grabbed a hold of the sink.
/Wha-what was that all about?/ Miyai looked in the mirror to see her ghastly pale face. / Is it because my body hasn't fully recovered yet?/
She snapped out of her train of thought when she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. She turned around.
"Hey, are you all right?" The guy looked concerned.
"I'm fine.........just a little exhausted that's all." Miyai smiled weakly "Thanks for your concern though........."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I just need to go rest........." Miyai grabbed her stuff and tried to leave, but her balance was starting to fail her.
"Here, I'll help you there." The guy grabbed a hold of her but she shoved him away.
"I'm ok really.........I can get there on.........my.........own." Miyai suddenly blacked out.
// You'll be fine soon Miyaiku.........just rest for now.........//
Dreams. He was told that they mean nothing. But these dreams feel as though they hold something behind them. Since he was little, strange and intriguing dreams have haunted his mind. Some are good.........and some are bad. He doesn't tell anybody about these dreams. He doubts they'd understand them if they held any meaning. So, what do they mean if they mean anything at all? Especially those that are repetitive.
This dream has come two nights in a row. And it is here tonight. It's rather eerie and interesting at the same time. A desert; and endless scene of dry, barren land with cracks that make it resemble a puzzle. Above him, is a sky of rolling, thundering, storm clouds. Occasionally a beam of sunlight would peak through. Here he stands, in a river that splits the land in two, but it isn't water that is flowing in it. No, it's the lifestream. The lifestream that looks contaminated with something. Something that resembled blood but darker. And he's standing in it, waist deep and fully naked. And a few feet infront of him is a person. By the shape of the body, the person's a grown female. Blood paints her naked body and black hair. He can't see her face because she's wearing a porcelain mask; a mask with cracks in it with tiny streams of blood dripping from them. She's not even looking at him. Instead, she's looking at the glowing white light, hovering just above her hands. Her aura complexes him. It feels warm and peaceful, while at the same time, cold and dangerous. He wants to know what is being shown to him, but there's always a bright flash that wakes him up. Its not like it's a nightmare but there's an ominous feeling that lingers after it's over.
Knowing he won't be getting back to sleep, Sephiroth sits up in his king size bed, letting the black silk sheet slide down his bare chest. He claps his hands twice and the lights come on. Sephiroth lets his eyes adjust before looking at the clock. It's 4:15am. He groans as he slides out of bed and heads for the bathroom for a cup of water. He comes back and sits down on the bed, takes a sip of water, and sets it down on the nightstand.
/ What shall I do now?/
// Turn on the TV.//
/ Ah yes, there's always you still./
// Turn it on now.//
/..........why?/
// You'll see..........//
Sephiroth got up and walked over to his TV. He turns it on and takes the remote. He hates watching TV. Books off him more than the shit that's called entertainment on TV. He keeps the thing for decoration purposes and for Zack when he comes over and waits in here for Sephiroth to get ready. Although he doesn't understand why he doesn't wait in the living room. Sephiroth sits back down and turns on the tube. Lucky for him, it's the 24hr. news channel. He really needs to know that some random guy in Costa Del Sol got shot in a bar fight. It makes his life more fulfilling to know that.
"In other news, two teams of scientists went to Bone Village and Icicle Lodge late yesterday to investigate the earthquake that happened earlier that morning. Unknown of the magnitude of the earthquake, there was only minimal damage in both areas and no casualties. The only real concern from this earthquake was the avalanches it caused near Icicle Lodge. The epicenter is believed to be around the City of the Ancients. This is the first earthquake in thousands of years to strike the Northern Continent."
/Is this what I needed to see?/ Sephiroth was slightly disappointed.
"Also, the archeologists in Bone Village said that several hours after the earthquake, a girl emerged from the Sleeping Forest."
Sephiroth raised an eyebrow with interest. The news switched from the anchor woman to a pervious recorded segment of an archeologist talking to a reporter.
"This girl was dressed exactly like an Ancient and she came out of the forest without needing the Lunar Harp to pass through. We thought she was a ghost at first but told us she wasn't and she also told us she wasn't an Ancient. But we knew better than that. How could she not be one? She was dressed like one, she looked holy, she came from the City of the Ancients, and she even had ultima materia. No one has ultima materia!"
"So what happened after all that?"
"Oh, she wanted a ride to Midgar. She didn't tell us why though. So she got a ride on a cargo ship bound for Junon, but she got off at Kalm. Man, she sure was pretty. I wonder if she is single........."
"Right, and-"
Sephiroth turned of the TV. He knew what he needed to know but it puzzled him.
/ Another Ancient.........that's interesting. An earthquake and then a new Ancient. I know that's not a coincidence. Hojo would die knowing that he has another Ancient to toy with. Unless he already knows. But why is there another one? And what purpose does she have here in Midgar? I must find out./ Sephiroth got up to put of some clothes.
The alarm clock goes off. A hand slams down on it to shut it up. Zack's not a morning person. Back home, he would sleep past twelve, but nowadays he has to get up at 6am. Zack looks up at his clock. 6:01am. He plops his head back down on the pillow.
"I hate mornings.........." Zack groaned groggily into his pillow.
"Mornings aren't so bad."
He looked up at the doorway. There was the ever so beautiful Miyaiku standing there. Zack sprung back to life at the sight of the little vixen. He almost forgot he had a roommate.
"Well good morning there sexy." Zack smiled brightly.
"Hmmm.........I see I woke something else up too." Miyai pointed to his lap.
"Huh?" Zack looked down "Oh shit!"
He immediately pulled the covers back over his lap as he blushed. Ironically, he was wearing his smiley boxers still.
"And now you try to be modest." Miyai smirked "Hurry and get dressed. I have no clue what I'm suppose to do today, and I'm bored. I cleaned your living room because I had nothing to do."
"You what?!" Zack jumped out of bed and zipped past her into the living room. "Holy shit!"
Zack was dumbfounded at the sight of his "new" living room. It was almost sparkling clean. The garbage was in giant trash bags near the front door, clothes were in laundry baskets, books were stacked neatly on the shelves and on the floor near a corner, magazines were stacked in piles according to what they were, and the floor was now clean.
"Wha, why did you do this?!"
"Like I said, I was bored. I was up since four somethin' due to a bad dream. I think your TV is broken, and I didn't like your selection of reading material. Especially the porn. So I cleaned up."
"I liked it the way it was before though. You didn't have to go do all this."
"Well, I wanted it to be clean since I'm staying here too.........It is ok right? That I stay here?"
"Yes, yes, it's ok by Heidegger and me."
Miyai sighed in relief.
"Oh man, I'm gonna have to get use to this." Zack scratched his head "'Least she's hot."
"Hey!" Miyai threw a book at him.
"Ow! Hey, it was a compliment!" Zack rubbed the side of his head.
"Your compliments won't get me to have sex with you! Now go get ready!"
"All right, all right crazy woman!"
It only took Zack fifteen minutes to take a shower and stuff. He was standing infront of a mirror in his Soldier's uniform trying to comb his wild hair.
"Fucking hair. Where did I get this freak of nature from anyway? None of my parents have strange hair."
"Hey Zack, what's up?" A fellow Soldier came up beside him.
"Having issues with my hair Sam." Zack attacked a knot.
"Haha! Your hair's crazy just like your roommate." Sam laughed.
"Yeah but she's got the looks to kill, which is all that matters." Zack grinned.
"You dog." Sam said.
"Woof! Woof!"
They laughed.
"So, have you talked to Mike yet?" Sam asked.
"Nah man, I haven't seen him since Saturday."
"Well, he told me that you're little girlfriend was in here last night."
"In here?"
"Yeah and this morning. Just brushing her teeth."
"I don't get her at all."
"Yeah she is strange. She blacked out in here last night you know ."
"Blacked out?"
"Mike noticed that something was wrong, but she refused his help until she blacked out. He caught her and carried her back to your room."
"Miyai didn't tell me that........."
"Maybe you should ask." Sam suggested "She doesn't sound like the type to just open up to anybody. It's worth a shot though. See ya later."
Sam left. Zack stared at himself in the mirror.
"I hope her personality isn't like Seph's. I already have Cloud being a prick. I don't need another one."
Miyai was in the bedroom, putting her stuff away in the free drawers. She was already dressed to go. Being the tomboy that she is, she's wearing a white t-shirt, baggy jeans and sandals. Her hair is up in two buns on each side of her head, wrapped in white cloth and tied with black ribbons. Zack comes in.
"Do you not wear girlie clothes?" Zack asked.
Miyai turned around, "No. I hate them. I feel more comfortable in this."
"I think you would nice in them."
"I don't care, I'm not wearing them."
"So why'd you black out last night?" Zack leaned on the doorway.
"I guess exhaustion." Miyai slipped by him into the living room.
"I think there's something else to that." Zack followed her.
"Good, then tell me when you figure that out."
"You're hiding something from me. And I will find out."
"When you do," Miyai stopped at the door and looked over her shoulder at him "you won't believe it. I was meant to be this way for now."
She left leaving Zack confused.
"For.........now?"
The cafeteria was packed with cadets and Soldiers. First days are always hectic. Zack and Miyai had managed to shove themselves through the crowds of people over to the breakfast line. While they waited in line to get the crap they served, he told her that she needed to get her uniform and class schedule first. When the classes were over, she has forty-five minutes to whatever the hell she wanted and then report to the training area in another building. There, she has to do what the stupid commanders tell her to do until 7pm.
"Sounds like fun." Miyai said sarcastically as she grabbed what she wanted to eat.
"Yeah, and you have to do it for a year before you can try out for Soldier." Zack said.
"What if you don't want to join Soldier?"
"Oh, um you don't have to. There's always the Turks."
"I don't want to join them either."
"Then why are you here?"
"Have nothing else better to do."
"Ok........."
Miyai got herself pancakes, waffles, a bagel, a bowl of cereal, a muffin, scrambled eggs, and a glass of OJ. Zack just didn't bother to ask. All he got was a bagel and a cappuccino to go.
"Hey, look, I gotta go. It's almost seven and I need to go to training." Zack said.
"You're leaving me here all alone?" Miyai pouted.
"Man, I'd honestly love to stay and convince you to go out with me, but I must go. 'Sides, I'll be home later if ya wanna get your freak on." He flashed his cheesy trademark grin at her.
"Go away before I beat you with that bagel." She threatened.
"Are you the dominatrix type 'cuz I don't mind that either."
Miyai puts her stuff down on the table but Zack runs off.
"See ya later baby!"
"How the fuck did he manage to get Aeris to like him?" Miyai sits down.
When Miyai was finished eating, she threw away her stuff and was about to leave when a loud noise followed by laughter caught her attention.
"Hahaha! Look at him ! Just like a little girl!"
There was a bunch of cadets circled around something or someone. Miyai was gonna ignore it but she heard a familiar voice from the group.
"Fuck off........."
/Cloud?/ Miyai thought.
"What's that? Fuck off?" The leader of the group grabbed Cloud by the hair and pulled him up, making Cloud yelp in pain "No can do, you sorry piece of shit. You disrespected my friend here and those who disrespect my posse, gets a beat down."
The guy threw Cloud down and kept him there with his foot. Cloud cringed at the pressure the guy was putting on his back.
"Now apologize to my buddies."
"But I didn't do anything.........!"
"Your pathetic presence bothered them."
/Cloud, fight back. I know you can fight. I was told you knew some martial arts when you this young. Stop taking this shit from them./ Miyai watched
"I'm not apologizing to those bastard so go fuck yourselves!" Cloud shouted.
"You fool!" The guy kicked Cloud in the side.
Cloud cried in pain. Miyai looked away in anger.
"Say it!"
"N-no!"
/In a way, it pleases me to see you get hurt. But.........if this is somehow related to why you end up the way you do then........./ Miyai slammed her fist on the wall /Damn this obligation./
"Well then, I guess it's time we show you what real pain is like. Let's get him boys."
"What the hell's goin' on here?!"
The guys look at Miyai.
"Oh shit, it's a Soldier!"
"I DEMAND an answer you lowlifes!" Miyai crossed her arms.
"It's, it's nothing ma'am! Just a misunderstanding!" The leader was clearly nervous.
"A misunderstanding huh? Well from the looks of it you were beating up on him for enjoyment because he looks like an easy target for little dickless morons such as yourselves to show the people here that you're badasses and can scare people into being inferior to you. Am I correct?" She was glaring them down.
".........yes ma'am.........." all the guys lowered their heads.
"I suggest then, you stop it before I show everyone here how fast you can fly after I kick your asses. Get out of my sight!"
The group scattered away like headless chickens. Cloud sat up. Miyai knelt down infront of him.
"Are you ok?" Miyai half-assed her concern.
"I didn't need your help." Cloud kept his head down.
"If only that was true........." She frowned slightly.
"You're not even a Soldier. I saw you registering to join the army."
"It doesn't matter. They thought I was one. That's what matters."
"I could have stopped it myself."
"Then why didn't you?" Miyai stood up.
".........."
"Always been stubborn, huh Cloud-kun?" Miyai turned to walk away "I guess it's good to be like that sometimes. See ya around Cloud."
She started walking away.
"Hey! Wait! How'd you..........know..........my name........."
It was too late. She had already left. I'm skipping this crap that happens next 'cuz it's boring. Miyai gets her uniform, changes into it, gets her schedule, complains 'cuz they're bullshit classes and knows most of the stuff, and goes to her classes. Lucky for her, Cloud's also in her classes although he doesn't seem to notice. Each of four classes, she sits in the back, sleeps or daydreams, while Cloud sits in the front actually paying attention. At lunch, she just gets drink 'cuz the food scares her this time. And she sits alone since the people are either intimidated by her or they think she wants to be left alone.
/ I feel.........lonely........./ Miyai stares down at her drink./ Aeris, where are you? I have no one here that I feel like I can talk too. I want to be strong, but I don't like this feeling of loneliness I have. I.........hate the hurt. I thought I became immune to it after everyone close to me was so brutally taken away from me, yet this one feeling still lingers on. How do I make it go away?/
"Hi........."
Miyai looked up, /Cloud........./ "Hi"
"May I sit here?" Cloud asked.
"Sure."
Cloud sat down across from her with his tray. They sat in awkward silence for a minute 'til Cloud said something.
"Thank you." Cloud stared down at his food as he twirled is fork in the mash potatoes "For earlier."
Miyai looked over at him and noticed his nervousness.
"Don't worry about it."
"I shouldn't have been rude to you. You were just trying to help."
"It's ok really. It doesn't bother me. I'm use to people giving me crap. I'm immune to it."
"I think that's why people are staying away from you."
"So be it. It doesn't concern me."
"But your eyes say differently." He looked up at her.
Miyia was slightly shocked, "They do?"
Cloud nodded.
"You're observant." She smiled sadly.
"It was all I really did when I was back home.........Watch the world from the outside." He said softly.
"It's helpful sometimes to be on the outside. You see things clearer when you get inside, Cloud-kun."
"How do you know my name?"
"That's my secret, Cloud Strife. But if it helps, mine's Miyaiku Valentine. Miyai for short."
"Nice to meet you." Cloud stuck out his hand but was so rudely interrupted.
"Hello there, my fair lady."
/What now?/ Miyai slowly looked up to see a handsome, clean cut, nicely dressed man, with blue eyes and golden blonde hair. He had that suave look going on with that nicely pressed, expensive white suit and that grin that tells you that he has money and he'll buy your time if he has too.
"Oh, hello." Miyai already had no interest.
"I heard there was an angel gracing Shinra with her beauty and I immediately believed it was you when your presence struck me down. Please, let me introduce myself. I'm Rufus Shinra." Rufus stuck out his hand, ignoring the irritated Cloud.
"Miyaiku." Miyai took his hand without looking at him.
"Ah, such a wonderful name." Rufus kissed the back of her hand.
/And yours sounds like a name for a damn monkey./ Miyai snatched her hand back. "Thanks, I guess."
"Ahem."
They looked at a pissed Cloud.
"Anyway, why is such a lovely woman sitting by herself?" Rufus ignored Cloud.
"Gee, I could have sworn that there's a person sitting infront of me. Oh, he's still there. His name is Cloud." Miyai pointed at Cloud, who waved.
"Oh sorry, I couldn't see the little boy. They have booster seats for kids you know." Rufus smirked.
"Yeah and they have this thing called an ass whooping for pricks like you." Cloud showed his pretty pearly whites.
Miyai snickered which pissed Rufus off cuz he was insulted infront of a woman and she's laughing at him.
"Why you little bitch!" Rufus grabbed Cloud by the collar. Cloud grabbed a hold of his arms.
"Excuse me, but I suggest you not attack him or I'll step in." Miyai stood up.
Rufus huffed and let go of Cloud, who straightens out his collar.
"You should be grateful that I won't go against a lady's wishes little man or you'd be feeling pain right about now. I shall be going now." Rufus looks at Miyai "And I never lose a woman to another man either. Good day."
He leaves.
"Now I know why everyone in their right minds, hated him as a president." Miyai sighed.
"He's vice president." Cloud corrected her.
"Oh yeah right, wrong time." Miyai grabbed her drink "It's time to go be slaves now, anyway."
They threw away their stuff and headed for the training building. And at the training building, they did a bunch of formation crap the whole freaking time. Miyaiku learned everything quickly while Cloud struggled. He kept getting yelled at for screwing up so much that he was punished by scrubbing the entire training arena floor with a hand brush. Many of the cadets laughed when he started doing it. He would be there until morning scrubbing that floor. So Miyai left and sat alone in the cafeteria once again.
/Does Cloud live like this until that Nibelheim trip? It's weird to see him act this helpless and weak knowing he's the strongest person in the world in the future. You need to stop holding yourself back Cloud. You're not what you others say you are. And you don't need to be here to prove anything to anyone or try to be strong so someone will notice you. You'll be strong once you let go of those thought that you're not. So stop being an idiot!/
"Whatcha thinking about?"
"Just stuff I care not to tell you about, Zack." Miyai bite into a biscuit but then spit it out "What the fuck?!"
"You don't have to eat it you know." Zack sat down beside her.
"But I'm hungry."
"Wanna come with me to a better place?"
"Are you asking me out on a date?" Miyai raised an eyebrow in suspicion.
"No, but I can make it a date." Zack pulled her to him "And after dinner, we can go home for dessert. Are you into kinky sex?"
Miyai grabbed the back of his head and slammed his head forward into the table.
"Ah ha!" Zack fell out of his seat with his hands covering his face.
People were watching and laughing. Miyai took a sip of her drink, calmly as though nothing happened.
"Why'd you do that?!" Zack sat up rubbing his forehead.
"Because every time you come onto me like that, you're begging to be my personal punching bag."
"You're an evil, evil woman." Zack sat back in his seat.
"Oh? I though I just had common sense." She smirked.
"Sorry, but I'm not giving up that easily, if the least I get is a date with you." Zack said. "But earlier was just an invitation to come eat some great food over at a friend's house. He's a wonderful chef so I eat there for dinner."
"Who's your friend?"
"Seph."
"Ah, so he goes from being a mass murderer to a gourmet chef. How cute."
"Hey now, Seph's not all bad. He's a big fuzzy teddy bear deep down inside. I know so."
Miyai ponders that thought. She pictures Sephiroth in a teddy bear outfit, dancing and singing to a happy love song. Much to Zack's surprise, She suddenly starts laughing her ass off. Other cadets were shocked too.
"You're laughing........." Zack cocked his head.
"By the gods, that's hilarious! Whahahaha!!" She was on the verge of tears as she clings on to Zack for dear life from falling.
"What are you laughing at?" Zack was unsure what to do in this situation. She's been a rock since she first got here and now she's laughing.
"Haha, *sniff*, that was, haha, funny man!" She whipped her eyes "Sephiroth as big happy teddy bear. Hahaha! Funny ass picture!"
Zack looked down at her face. Her face was glowing. Her cheeks a tint of pink from laughing so hard. In this moment of her calming down, he notices how pretty she is when she's smiling. It's not a real smile, but it's close to a genuine smile. Miyai looks up at Zack.
"What are you looking at?" Miyai asked.
"You know, you should smile more and loosen up. You look more beautiful when you do." Zack smiled.
Miyai stared at him, letting that comment sink in. When it did, she jumped up and ran out of the cafeteria.
"Oh yeah, I'm wearing her down baby." Zack flexed his muscles.
Miyai ran back to the dorm and into the bedroom. She fell to her knees looking rather confused.
/Did he say I was beautiful? I.........have never been called beautiful in that way before. He must be lying. It's one of his stupid antics to lure me into his evil clutches. Yep, and I'm not falling for it.........but there's this funny feeling in my stomach that makes me wanna blush./
She stood up and walked over to a standing mirror to look at her reflection.
"I look healthier than before I came to this time. It's probably the Cetra's doing though. I almost look normal." Miyai placed a hand of the reflection's heart "But my scars are still there. Both inside........." She placed her hand on her heart "And out.........."
The sound of something outside took Miyai out of her thoughts. Miyai went to the balcony doors and opened them. It was raining. Real rain. Miyai stepped out and let rain surround her.
/Rain.........actual rain./ Miyai held out her arms like she's trying to embrace the rain. /I like this rain.........it's comforting./ She hugged herself./ Hey Aeris? If you're listening, I think I could get use to it here........./
Miyai sat down slipping off into dreamland, not caring that the rain is soaking her.
A/N: Man, this just wouldn't end. I hope it turned out ok. This almost completely different than my rough draft. But I'm done now and I now I can go die. ::dies:: Review if you care too.
Chapter 4: Part I
A minute passed by with just only silence. Miyaiku's facial expression was of complete shock as she stood outside the opened door.
"Um.........hi?" Zack scratched his head, unsure of what to do at this point.
Zack was standing there in only boxers. Not just boxers, smiley face boxers. Oh yeah, gotta have the smilies. Yep, Zack was playing air guitar to some heavy metal music in only his boxers. Since he has no roommate, he can do whatever he wants and no one can stop him. That is, until now. Claire, the receptionist, called him and warned him that his new roommate was coming up. She told him that the person was a new girl cadet with a bad temper, who without permission has decided to room with him. Zack freaked out, dropped the phone, and jumped over to his stereo to turn it off. Unfortunately that was all he was able to do before the door opened. At that time, he knew Claire purposely told him at the last possible second since she was still mad at him for the other day. Now the two stand here with a nice crowd of third and second class Soldiers watching. And yet, the girl still didn't make a sound so he decided to try something else.
"If you like what you see now, you can always see the whole package back in the chamber of love." Zack leaned on the doorway with that stupid cheesy grin.
It wasn't the best choice, but it worked. Upon hearing that, Miyaiku growled and with lightning speed, punched him in the mouth. Zack fell to his ass, holding his mouth. The crowd gasped as Miyai stood there shaking her hand calmly. It actually hurt her fist, which hardly happens.
"What the hell was that for?!" Zack exclaimed./ And why the hell didn't I sense it?!/
"Oh, I'm sorry. I though I heard an asshole speaking to me." Miyai looked at her knuckles. "Huh, I think I just bruised my knuckles. That's new."
Zack got up, spitting the blood out from his mouth, and then wiping his mouth with his hand.
"Geez, you didn't have to go and do that. A simple no would have been just fine."
"Well, let's just say this is a 'no' to any future attempts to get me to sleep with you, ok?"
"Awww, you're no fun."
"I'm not here for fun. Now let me in." Miyai shoved him aside and walked in.
Zack looked at the crowd, flashed a "oh yeah" smile while giving them a thumbs up, and closed the door. The crowd mumbled and groaned in disappointment as they disband. Zack turned to Miyai, who was looking around at what was suppose to be the living room.
"Nice.........place........." Miyai sadly looked at the piles of junk everywhere. "Least I know I'll be making friends with the roaches........."
"Why do your eyes glow?" Zack bluntly asked.
She froze. She knew this was coming but never thought of an answer for it. How was she suppose to answer that anyway?
"And you smell like you showered in mako."
That she didn't know. How many other people noticed that?
/ Man, I'm a walking attraction. Complete with blinking neon signs. I'm just asking to get caught./
"Well?" Zack walked infront of her with his arms crossed.
"I........." Miyai was trying to think of an answer.
( "Mako poisoning.")
/ That's right........./
( "He fell into the lifestream.........mako poisoning from exposure of a high concentration of mako.........")
"I'm waiting. I won't lest you live here unless I know. I don't want no trouble or anything."
"I don't remember what happened, but I know I was exposed to a lot of mako because I suffered from mako poisoning."
"You don't remember?"
"Some villagers told me they found me unconscious. I was alone when it happened." Miyai lowered her head in fake despondency./ I hope he buys it./
"Yeah.........you probably fell into the lifestream when it bursted through the earth's surface. There have been reports of it happening. I'm sorry you had to suffer from it. I shouldn't have brought it up." Zack apologized.
"Oh no! That's ok really! I would have asked too if I was afraid that it might cause trouble. You never nowadays. Haha!" Miyai was relieved. / Stupid idiot./
"May I ask you another question?" Zack asked.
"Sure."
"Are you Wutaian?"
"Half Wutaian."
"Oh."
".........why?"
"Because of the Shinra-Wutai war. Shinra won and all but there's still hostility in the air between them. Shinra's afraid of any rebel attacks by them and all. You should know this."
She sighs,/ I forgot about that war/ "I do not have any relatives in Wutai. My mother and my aunt moved away from Wutai long before the war. My mom met my father, who was from Kalm, got married, settled in Mideel, and had me. We lived happily ever after. The end. Any more questions?"
Zack laughed. "Nah, that's about it."
Miyaiku just rolled her eyes.
"By the way, I'm Zack Delenger, Soldier Third Class. Nice to meet you." Zack stuck out his hand.
FLASH
("Zachery Delenger, Soldier First Class.")
FLASH
("He was my best friend.........")
FLASH
("He was my first boyfriend.........but then he suddenly disappeared on a mission.")
FLASH
("We went to Nibelheim together with Sephiroth.........")
FLASH
("Never heard from him.........just like he vanished into thin air.........")
FLASH
("He went to stop Sephiroth, but.........")
FLASH
("I was worried.")
FLASH
("Hojo found us.........and for five years.........")
FLASH
("Years passed without him here.........I hoped he would come back to me.........")
FLASH
("He was shot down by Shinra troopers.........Of all people, his life was taken away.........and I lived on in his name.")
"Um.........are you ok?" Zack was worried./ Why'd she phase out all of a sudden?/
Miyaiku shook her head and then looked at Zack. He looked concerned.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Miyai said. "I'm Miyaiku Valentine, but people call me Miyai for short."
They shook hands.
"I thought you were in Solider First Class?"
"Haha, I wish! But I'm just third class. Only made it just a few months ago! Did my sexy, muscular body throw you off?"
".........yeah.........that's it........."
"Ah yes, I knew you were attracted to me. Every woman is. You're welcome to try me out anytime. No one can resist my charm for long." Zack winked.
/ Oh, I wish I was still dead now./ Miyai sighed.
"Well, I would give you a tour but there's not much to this place." Zack wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
She just looked at the dangling arm in annoyance.
"Yep, this is the living room, and that's the bedroom." Zack pointed. "You'll have to remove the stuff off your bed in order to sleep in it or you could always join me in my bed."
"Do you cherish your arm?"
"Yeah."
"Then remove it before I rip it off and beat you with it."
Zack quickly removed his arm.
"Thank you, now where's the bathroom?"
"There isn't one."
"Don't tell me it's a public bath?"
"Well yeah.........but just for men."
"Where the fuck is the women's bath then?! Don't tell me there's no women's bath!"
"Not on this floor atleast. There's never been a female Soldier before so there's been no need to make bathroom for them. You'll have to go down to the cadet housing floors to take a shower."
"Ah fucking hell........."
"Here I'll get dressed and show you where it is."
"I don't wanna know how you know that."
"Hey now, it wasn't like that. I use to be a cadet ya know." Zack walked to the bedroom. "Give me a sec, ok?"
"Sure."
Sounds of scuffling could be heard from the bedroom. Miyai looked down and saw an old pizza box lying there.
"I'm starting to wonder about living here." She kicked the box. "The fucking hole in the mountain was even better than this place."
"Ok, I'm ready." Zack emerged from the room wearing grey sweats.
"Have you ever heard of cleaning?" Miyai asked sarcastically "It can do wonders to your place."
"What me? Cleaning? It's not my style." Zack picked up a pile of clothes. "'Sides, this adds character."
He drops them back on the floor.
"If you want neat and clean, you should live with Seph."
"Seph?" Miyai raised an eyebrow.
"That's my nickname for Sephiroth."
Miyai paled "S-Sephiroth?"
"We're best friends." Zack didn't notice the change in her expression as he headed for the door. "Actually, I'm his only friend. He has stick up his ass a lot of the times but once you know him, he's a great person."
"Does he come here?" She was trying to keep calm but she was still nervous.
"No, he hates the mess. Can't stand it." He looks back at her. "Why?"
Miyai shook her head and regained her composure with a big fake smile.
"N-nothing!"
Zack studied her for a moment when it occurred to him.
"Ahhh, I get it. You got a crush on him don't you?"
"What?!" She snapped.
"Yep, you got a crush on him." Zack teased.
"Don't make me laugh!"
"Awww, what's wrong? Afraid I might tell?"
"That's not it! Shut up!"
"Hahahaha! Don't worry, I won't tell! It'll be between just you and me. I promise."
"You got it all wrong you big jackass!"
"Sure, sure, whatever." Zack walked out the door.
"Grrrr, I'm gonna kill him someday." Miyai growled following him out.
They rode the elevator in silence to the 28th floor. Zack didn't say a word because Miyai seemed too fascinated with night sky. He did notice though, a hint of sadness in her eyes, but he didn't ask in response to that she might turn around and smack him. So he settled for staring at her. He never met someone this beautiful before. He's been with women who were hot, but Miyai surpasses hot. She's insanely gorgeous. Her shiny raven hair up in a simple ponytail, leaving her bangs to shade her face. Her face is a masterpiece. Fair skin and pink lips. Eyes of an unnatural dark blue- green hue and complete with a beauty mark just below the corner of her left eye. As for her body, it's in a league of its own. Regardless of her baggy clothing, he can tell she works out and still has an hour glass figure. Her arms and legs show the work in a toned, feminine way. But she sure can hit pretty damn hard though. And thank the heavens she has an ass and a decent chest size. Makes him wanna jump her right now. Would she notice if he "accidentally" pushed the emergency stop button? Lucky for her, they reached the 28th floor. Many of the cadets were out and about in they hallways as Zack and Miyai made their way to their destination. The new cadets were basically star struck by the fact that they got to see two Soldiers, while the old cadets greeted Zack.
"Are they staring at both of us or just me?" Miyai asked.
"Probably both." Zack nodded in acknowledgement at one of his friends, "They never seen a Soldier until now. You should feel honored that people think you're one."
"I don't really care."
"Hey Zack! Nice girlfriend you got there!" A cadet shouted as they walked by.
"You're telling me!"
"Girlfriend eh? Since when did that happen?"
"Eh, too lazy to say that you aren't."
"You big slut you."
They turned a corner and stopped.
"We're here." Zack nodded his head at the ladies' bath beside them.
"What are you going to do?"
"Go talk to that fat man, Heidegger and let him know you're my roommate, unless..........you want me to join you." Zack smiled.
"Go away." Miyai went into the ladies' room.
"Fine, but I've been told I'm very good with my hands."
"Then use them on yourself!" She shouted back.
"She wants me." Zack grinned leaving.
Miyai turned on the shower. She stood there, relaxed as the warm water rained downed her naked body.
/ It's been a long time since I had a nice shower....../ She closed her eyes. / The guys back home would be so jealous./ She lowered her head./ I wonder.........if they are still alive since that last attack. If they are.........are they still wishing? Wishing that life will one day be the way it use to be? I'm suppose to bring back that life for them.........by reconstructing Cloud's broken soul. What is it here, in this time, that starts your misery? Something traumatic that makes you our End? I have a feeling this isn't going to be easy........./
// For a future I couldn't have.........letting go of the future all together.........//
Miyai's eyes shot open./ That voice?! It couldn't be!/
"Hey, have you heard?"
Miyai looked up.
"Heard what?"
"That there's an actual female Soldier now."
"Oh wow, really?!"
"Yes!"
Miyai couldn't see the two girls because they were at the sinks. She grabbed the shampoo and squirted some in her hand.
"That's so cool! I bet she can kick all those male Soldiers' asses!"
Miyai smirked as she scrubbed her hair.
"I heard she's very pretty too, but looks like a tomboy."
/There's nothing wrong with that./ Miyai rinsed her hair.
"Heard she's Zack's girl too."
"........." Miyai's eye twitched.
"Awww, does that mean he's not single anymore?"
"Hahahaha! Since when has Zack stayed in a relationship for more than a day?!"
"Yeah, you're right. Maybe I should go make myself noticed tomorrow by him."
"Go for it! With you around, that Soldier girl doesn't stand a chance!"
Their laughter faded as they left the bathroom. Miyai grabbed the soap and started scrubbing her body vigorously.
/Stupid Zack! Stupid Cloud! Stupid people!/
After several minutes of cursing to herself, she was done with her shower. She dried off, and dressed in her dark blue satin pjs and black slippers. She then stood infront of the mirror as she brushed her damp hair.
/What shall I do next? Go wander around aimlessly? Find Zack and beat him up? Find Cloud and torture him 'til he tells me his damn problem? Nah, maybe I'll go play detective and sneak into the place with all the personal files of everyone here./ Then her stomach growled./ Or not. I guess I can feed you now. First I'll just drop my stuff off at the room./
Miyai left the bathroom and headed for elevator. After she dropped by the room, she asked a guy where the cafeteria was, slapped him for staring too long at her breasts, and went on her way. When she was finished eating what they served as "food", Miyai went back to the room and plopped down on the one spot of couch that didn't have something on it.
"I can't believe how fuckin' lazy Zack is! I swear, a scientist could come in here and have a field day after discovering colonies of new organisms under all this shit!" Miyai looked at what resembled a molding pizza beside her. ".........Did that thing just blink at me?.........Hmmmm......... I'm not liking this."
Miyai stood up, "That's it, I'm going to brush my teeth and then go to sleep and hopefully not have nightmares of this. And the hell if I'm goin' back down just for a minute."
She grabbed her toothbrush and paste and left the room. Some of the Soldiers in the halls watched her walk down the hall towards the bathroom. When she goes in, several shouts of embarrassment and shock could be heard.
"Oh shut up. Even if it was anything grand, I'd still not give you the time of day." Miyai ignored the looks as she made her way to the sink.
To get out of there quickly so the guys wouldn't die from a heart attack or something, Miyai quickly brushed her teeth. But when she was done, a sudden wave of extreme exhaustion and weakness came over her. She almost blacked out but her reflexes kicked in and she grabbed a hold of the sink.
/Wha-what was that all about?/ Miyai looked in the mirror to see her ghastly pale face. / Is it because my body hasn't fully recovered yet?/
She snapped out of her train of thought when she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. She turned around.
"Hey, are you all right?" The guy looked concerned.
"I'm fine.........just a little exhausted that's all." Miyai smiled weakly "Thanks for your concern though........."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I just need to go rest........." Miyai grabbed her stuff and tried to leave, but her balance was starting to fail her.
"Here, I'll help you there." The guy grabbed a hold of her but she shoved him away.
"I'm ok really.........I can get there on.........my.........own." Miyai suddenly blacked out.
// You'll be fine soon Miyaiku.........just rest for now.........//
Dreams. He was told that they mean nothing. But these dreams feel as though they hold something behind them. Since he was little, strange and intriguing dreams have haunted his mind. Some are good.........and some are bad. He doesn't tell anybody about these dreams. He doubts they'd understand them if they held any meaning. So, what do they mean if they mean anything at all? Especially those that are repetitive.
This dream has come two nights in a row. And it is here tonight. It's rather eerie and interesting at the same time. A desert; and endless scene of dry, barren land with cracks that make it resemble a puzzle. Above him, is a sky of rolling, thundering, storm clouds. Occasionally a beam of sunlight would peak through. Here he stands, in a river that splits the land in two, but it isn't water that is flowing in it. No, it's the lifestream. The lifestream that looks contaminated with something. Something that resembled blood but darker. And he's standing in it, waist deep and fully naked. And a few feet infront of him is a person. By the shape of the body, the person's a grown female. Blood paints her naked body and black hair. He can't see her face because she's wearing a porcelain mask; a mask with cracks in it with tiny streams of blood dripping from them. She's not even looking at him. Instead, she's looking at the glowing white light, hovering just above her hands. Her aura complexes him. It feels warm and peaceful, while at the same time, cold and dangerous. He wants to know what is being shown to him, but there's always a bright flash that wakes him up. Its not like it's a nightmare but there's an ominous feeling that lingers after it's over.
Knowing he won't be getting back to sleep, Sephiroth sits up in his king size bed, letting the black silk sheet slide down his bare chest. He claps his hands twice and the lights come on. Sephiroth lets his eyes adjust before looking at the clock. It's 4:15am. He groans as he slides out of bed and heads for the bathroom for a cup of water. He comes back and sits down on the bed, takes a sip of water, and sets it down on the nightstand.
/ What shall I do now?/
// Turn on the TV.//
/ Ah yes, there's always you still./
// Turn it on now.//
/..........why?/
// You'll see..........//
Sephiroth got up and walked over to his TV. He turns it on and takes the remote. He hates watching TV. Books off him more than the shit that's called entertainment on TV. He keeps the thing for decoration purposes and for Zack when he comes over and waits in here for Sephiroth to get ready. Although he doesn't understand why he doesn't wait in the living room. Sephiroth sits back down and turns on the tube. Lucky for him, it's the 24hr. news channel. He really needs to know that some random guy in Costa Del Sol got shot in a bar fight. It makes his life more fulfilling to know that.
"In other news, two teams of scientists went to Bone Village and Icicle Lodge late yesterday to investigate the earthquake that happened earlier that morning. Unknown of the magnitude of the earthquake, there was only minimal damage in both areas and no casualties. The only real concern from this earthquake was the avalanches it caused near Icicle Lodge. The epicenter is believed to be around the City of the Ancients. This is the first earthquake in thousands of years to strike the Northern Continent."
/Is this what I needed to see?/ Sephiroth was slightly disappointed.
"Also, the archeologists in Bone Village said that several hours after the earthquake, a girl emerged from the Sleeping Forest."
Sephiroth raised an eyebrow with interest. The news switched from the anchor woman to a pervious recorded segment of an archeologist talking to a reporter.
"This girl was dressed exactly like an Ancient and she came out of the forest without needing the Lunar Harp to pass through. We thought she was a ghost at first but told us she wasn't and she also told us she wasn't an Ancient. But we knew better than that. How could she not be one? She was dressed like one, she looked holy, she came from the City of the Ancients, and she even had ultima materia. No one has ultima materia!"
"So what happened after all that?"
"Oh, she wanted a ride to Midgar. She didn't tell us why though. So she got a ride on a cargo ship bound for Junon, but she got off at Kalm. Man, she sure was pretty. I wonder if she is single........."
"Right, and-"
Sephiroth turned of the TV. He knew what he needed to know but it puzzled him.
/ Another Ancient.........that's interesting. An earthquake and then a new Ancient. I know that's not a coincidence. Hojo would die knowing that he has another Ancient to toy with. Unless he already knows. But why is there another one? And what purpose does she have here in Midgar? I must find out./ Sephiroth got up to put of some clothes.
The alarm clock goes off. A hand slams down on it to shut it up. Zack's not a morning person. Back home, he would sleep past twelve, but nowadays he has to get up at 6am. Zack looks up at his clock. 6:01am. He plops his head back down on the pillow.
"I hate mornings.........." Zack groaned groggily into his pillow.
"Mornings aren't so bad."
He looked up at the doorway. There was the ever so beautiful Miyaiku standing there. Zack sprung back to life at the sight of the little vixen. He almost forgot he had a roommate.
"Well good morning there sexy." Zack smiled brightly.
"Hmmm.........I see I woke something else up too." Miyai pointed to his lap.
"Huh?" Zack looked down "Oh shit!"
He immediately pulled the covers back over his lap as he blushed. Ironically, he was wearing his smiley boxers still.
"And now you try to be modest." Miyai smirked "Hurry and get dressed. I have no clue what I'm suppose to do today, and I'm bored. I cleaned your living room because I had nothing to do."
"You what?!" Zack jumped out of bed and zipped past her into the living room. "Holy shit!"
Zack was dumbfounded at the sight of his "new" living room. It was almost sparkling clean. The garbage was in giant trash bags near the front door, clothes were in laundry baskets, books were stacked neatly on the shelves and on the floor near a corner, magazines were stacked in piles according to what they were, and the floor was now clean.
"Wha, why did you do this?!"
"Like I said, I was bored. I was up since four somethin' due to a bad dream. I think your TV is broken, and I didn't like your selection of reading material. Especially the porn. So I cleaned up."
"I liked it the way it was before though. You didn't have to go do all this."
"Well, I wanted it to be clean since I'm staying here too.........It is ok right? That I stay here?"
"Yes, yes, it's ok by Heidegger and me."
Miyai sighed in relief.
"Oh man, I'm gonna have to get use to this." Zack scratched his head "'Least she's hot."
"Hey!" Miyai threw a book at him.
"Ow! Hey, it was a compliment!" Zack rubbed the side of his head.
"Your compliments won't get me to have sex with you! Now go get ready!"
"All right, all right crazy woman!"
It only took Zack fifteen minutes to take a shower and stuff. He was standing infront of a mirror in his Soldier's uniform trying to comb his wild hair.
"Fucking hair. Where did I get this freak of nature from anyway? None of my parents have strange hair."
"Hey Zack, what's up?" A fellow Soldier came up beside him.
"Having issues with my hair Sam." Zack attacked a knot.
"Haha! Your hair's crazy just like your roommate." Sam laughed.
"Yeah but she's got the looks to kill, which is all that matters." Zack grinned.
"You dog." Sam said.
"Woof! Woof!"
They laughed.
"So, have you talked to Mike yet?" Sam asked.
"Nah man, I haven't seen him since Saturday."
"Well, he told me that you're little girlfriend was in here last night."
"In here?"
"Yeah and this morning. Just brushing her teeth."
"I don't get her at all."
"Yeah she is strange. She blacked out in here last night you know ."
"Blacked out?"
"Mike noticed that something was wrong, but she refused his help until she blacked out. He caught her and carried her back to your room."
"Miyai didn't tell me that........."
"Maybe you should ask." Sam suggested "She doesn't sound like the type to just open up to anybody. It's worth a shot though. See ya later."
Sam left. Zack stared at himself in the mirror.
"I hope her personality isn't like Seph's. I already have Cloud being a prick. I don't need another one."
Miyai was in the bedroom, putting her stuff away in the free drawers. She was already dressed to go. Being the tomboy that she is, she's wearing a white t-shirt, baggy jeans and sandals. Her hair is up in two buns on each side of her head, wrapped in white cloth and tied with black ribbons. Zack comes in.
"Do you not wear girlie clothes?" Zack asked.
Miyai turned around, "No. I hate them. I feel more comfortable in this."
"I think you would nice in them."
"I don't care, I'm not wearing them."
"So why'd you black out last night?" Zack leaned on the doorway.
"I guess exhaustion." Miyai slipped by him into the living room.
"I think there's something else to that." Zack followed her.
"Good, then tell me when you figure that out."
"You're hiding something from me. And I will find out."
"When you do," Miyai stopped at the door and looked over her shoulder at him "you won't believe it. I was meant to be this way for now."
She left leaving Zack confused.
"For.........now?"
The cafeteria was packed with cadets and Soldiers. First days are always hectic. Zack and Miyai had managed to shove themselves through the crowds of people over to the breakfast line. While they waited in line to get the crap they served, he told her that she needed to get her uniform and class schedule first. When the classes were over, she has forty-five minutes to whatever the hell she wanted and then report to the training area in another building. There, she has to do what the stupid commanders tell her to do until 7pm.
"Sounds like fun." Miyai said sarcastically as she grabbed what she wanted to eat.
"Yeah, and you have to do it for a year before you can try out for Soldier." Zack said.
"What if you don't want to join Soldier?"
"Oh, um you don't have to. There's always the Turks."
"I don't want to join them either."
"Then why are you here?"
"Have nothing else better to do."
"Ok........."
Miyai got herself pancakes, waffles, a bagel, a bowl of cereal, a muffin, scrambled eggs, and a glass of OJ. Zack just didn't bother to ask. All he got was a bagel and a cappuccino to go.
"Hey, look, I gotta go. It's almost seven and I need to go to training." Zack said.
"You're leaving me here all alone?" Miyai pouted.
"Man, I'd honestly love to stay and convince you to go out with me, but I must go. 'Sides, I'll be home later if ya wanna get your freak on." He flashed his cheesy trademark grin at her.
"Go away before I beat you with that bagel." She threatened.
"Are you the dominatrix type 'cuz I don't mind that either."
Miyai puts her stuff down on the table but Zack runs off.
"See ya later baby!"
"How the fuck did he manage to get Aeris to like him?" Miyai sits down.
When Miyai was finished eating, she threw away her stuff and was about to leave when a loud noise followed by laughter caught her attention.
"Hahaha! Look at him ! Just like a little girl!"
There was a bunch of cadets circled around something or someone. Miyai was gonna ignore it but she heard a familiar voice from the group.
"Fuck off........."
/Cloud?/ Miyai thought.
"What's that? Fuck off?" The leader of the group grabbed Cloud by the hair and pulled him up, making Cloud yelp in pain "No can do, you sorry piece of shit. You disrespected my friend here and those who disrespect my posse, gets a beat down."
The guy threw Cloud down and kept him there with his foot. Cloud cringed at the pressure the guy was putting on his back.
"Now apologize to my buddies."
"But I didn't do anything.........!"
"Your pathetic presence bothered them."
/Cloud, fight back. I know you can fight. I was told you knew some martial arts when you this young. Stop taking this shit from them./ Miyai watched
"I'm not apologizing to those bastard so go fuck yourselves!" Cloud shouted.
"You fool!" The guy kicked Cloud in the side.
Cloud cried in pain. Miyai looked away in anger.
"Say it!"
"N-no!"
/In a way, it pleases me to see you get hurt. But.........if this is somehow related to why you end up the way you do then........./ Miyai slammed her fist on the wall /Damn this obligation./
"Well then, I guess it's time we show you what real pain is like. Let's get him boys."
"What the hell's goin' on here?!"
The guys look at Miyai.
"Oh shit, it's a Soldier!"
"I DEMAND an answer you lowlifes!" Miyai crossed her arms.
"It's, it's nothing ma'am! Just a misunderstanding!" The leader was clearly nervous.
"A misunderstanding huh? Well from the looks of it you were beating up on him for enjoyment because he looks like an easy target for little dickless morons such as yourselves to show the people here that you're badasses and can scare people into being inferior to you. Am I correct?" She was glaring them down.
".........yes ma'am.........." all the guys lowered their heads.
"I suggest then, you stop it before I show everyone here how fast you can fly after I kick your asses. Get out of my sight!"
The group scattered away like headless chickens. Cloud sat up. Miyai knelt down infront of him.
"Are you ok?" Miyai half-assed her concern.
"I didn't need your help." Cloud kept his head down.
"If only that was true........." She frowned slightly.
"You're not even a Soldier. I saw you registering to join the army."
"It doesn't matter. They thought I was one. That's what matters."
"I could have stopped it myself."
"Then why didn't you?" Miyai stood up.
".........."
"Always been stubborn, huh Cloud-kun?" Miyai turned to walk away "I guess it's good to be like that sometimes. See ya around Cloud."
She started walking away.
"Hey! Wait! How'd you..........know..........my name........."
It was too late. She had already left. I'm skipping this crap that happens next 'cuz it's boring. Miyai gets her uniform, changes into it, gets her schedule, complains 'cuz they're bullshit classes and knows most of the stuff, and goes to her classes. Lucky for her, Cloud's also in her classes although he doesn't seem to notice. Each of four classes, she sits in the back, sleeps or daydreams, while Cloud sits in the front actually paying attention. At lunch, she just gets drink 'cuz the food scares her this time. And she sits alone since the people are either intimidated by her or they think she wants to be left alone.
/ I feel.........lonely........./ Miyai stares down at her drink./ Aeris, where are you? I have no one here that I feel like I can talk too. I want to be strong, but I don't like this feeling of loneliness I have. I.........hate the hurt. I thought I became immune to it after everyone close to me was so brutally taken away from me, yet this one feeling still lingers on. How do I make it go away?/
"Hi........."
Miyai looked up, /Cloud........./ "Hi"
"May I sit here?" Cloud asked.
"Sure."
Cloud sat down across from her with his tray. They sat in awkward silence for a minute 'til Cloud said something.
"Thank you." Cloud stared down at his food as he twirled is fork in the mash potatoes "For earlier."
Miyai looked over at him and noticed his nervousness.
"Don't worry about it."
"I shouldn't have been rude to you. You were just trying to help."
"It's ok really. It doesn't bother me. I'm use to people giving me crap. I'm immune to it."
"I think that's why people are staying away from you."
"So be it. It doesn't concern me."
"But your eyes say differently." He looked up at her.
Miyia was slightly shocked, "They do?"
Cloud nodded.
"You're observant." She smiled sadly.
"It was all I really did when I was back home.........Watch the world from the outside." He said softly.
"It's helpful sometimes to be on the outside. You see things clearer when you get inside, Cloud-kun."
"How do you know my name?"
"That's my secret, Cloud Strife. But if it helps, mine's Miyaiku Valentine. Miyai for short."
"Nice to meet you." Cloud stuck out his hand but was so rudely interrupted.
"Hello there, my fair lady."
/What now?/ Miyai slowly looked up to see a handsome, clean cut, nicely dressed man, with blue eyes and golden blonde hair. He had that suave look going on with that nicely pressed, expensive white suit and that grin that tells you that he has money and he'll buy your time if he has too.
"Oh, hello." Miyai already had no interest.
"I heard there was an angel gracing Shinra with her beauty and I immediately believed it was you when your presence struck me down. Please, let me introduce myself. I'm Rufus Shinra." Rufus stuck out his hand, ignoring the irritated Cloud.
"Miyaiku." Miyai took his hand without looking at him.
"Ah, such a wonderful name." Rufus kissed the back of her hand.
/And yours sounds like a name for a damn monkey./ Miyai snatched her hand back. "Thanks, I guess."
"Ahem."
They looked at a pissed Cloud.
"Anyway, why is such a lovely woman sitting by herself?" Rufus ignored Cloud.
"Gee, I could have sworn that there's a person sitting infront of me. Oh, he's still there. His name is Cloud." Miyai pointed at Cloud, who waved.
"Oh sorry, I couldn't see the little boy. They have booster seats for kids you know." Rufus smirked.
"Yeah and they have this thing called an ass whooping for pricks like you." Cloud showed his pretty pearly whites.
Miyai snickered which pissed Rufus off cuz he was insulted infront of a woman and she's laughing at him.
"Why you little bitch!" Rufus grabbed Cloud by the collar. Cloud grabbed a hold of his arms.
"Excuse me, but I suggest you not attack him or I'll step in." Miyai stood up.
Rufus huffed and let go of Cloud, who straightens out his collar.
"You should be grateful that I won't go against a lady's wishes little man or you'd be feeling pain right about now. I shall be going now." Rufus looks at Miyai "And I never lose a woman to another man either. Good day."
He leaves.
"Now I know why everyone in their right minds, hated him as a president." Miyai sighed.
"He's vice president." Cloud corrected her.
"Oh yeah right, wrong time." Miyai grabbed her drink "It's time to go be slaves now, anyway."
They threw away their stuff and headed for the training building. And at the training building, they did a bunch of formation crap the whole freaking time. Miyaiku learned everything quickly while Cloud struggled. He kept getting yelled at for screwing up so much that he was punished by scrubbing the entire training arena floor with a hand brush. Many of the cadets laughed when he started doing it. He would be there until morning scrubbing that floor. So Miyai left and sat alone in the cafeteria once again.
/Does Cloud live like this until that Nibelheim trip? It's weird to see him act this helpless and weak knowing he's the strongest person in the world in the future. You need to stop holding yourself back Cloud. You're not what you others say you are. And you don't need to be here to prove anything to anyone or try to be strong so someone will notice you. You'll be strong once you let go of those thought that you're not. So stop being an idiot!/
"Whatcha thinking about?"
"Just stuff I care not to tell you about, Zack." Miyai bite into a biscuit but then spit it out "What the fuck?!"
"You don't have to eat it you know." Zack sat down beside her.
"But I'm hungry."
"Wanna come with me to a better place?"
"Are you asking me out on a date?" Miyai raised an eyebrow in suspicion.
"No, but I can make it a date." Zack pulled her to him "And after dinner, we can go home for dessert. Are you into kinky sex?"
Miyai grabbed the back of his head and slammed his head forward into the table.
"Ah ha!" Zack fell out of his seat with his hands covering his face.
People were watching and laughing. Miyai took a sip of her drink, calmly as though nothing happened.
"Why'd you do that?!" Zack sat up rubbing his forehead.
"Because every time you come onto me like that, you're begging to be my personal punching bag."
"You're an evil, evil woman." Zack sat back in his seat.
"Oh? I though I just had common sense." She smirked.
"Sorry, but I'm not giving up that easily, if the least I get is a date with you." Zack said. "But earlier was just an invitation to come eat some great food over at a friend's house. He's a wonderful chef so I eat there for dinner."
"Who's your friend?"
"Seph."
"Ah, so he goes from being a mass murderer to a gourmet chef. How cute."
"Hey now, Seph's not all bad. He's a big fuzzy teddy bear deep down inside. I know so."
Miyai ponders that thought. She pictures Sephiroth in a teddy bear outfit, dancing and singing to a happy love song. Much to Zack's surprise, She suddenly starts laughing her ass off. Other cadets were shocked too.
"You're laughing........." Zack cocked his head.
"By the gods, that's hilarious! Whahahaha!!" She was on the verge of tears as she clings on to Zack for dear life from falling.
"What are you laughing at?" Zack was unsure what to do in this situation. She's been a rock since she first got here and now she's laughing.
"Haha, *sniff*, that was, haha, funny man!" She whipped her eyes "Sephiroth as big happy teddy bear. Hahaha! Funny ass picture!"
Zack looked down at her face. Her face was glowing. Her cheeks a tint of pink from laughing so hard. In this moment of her calming down, he notices how pretty she is when she's smiling. It's not a real smile, but it's close to a genuine smile. Miyai looks up at Zack.
"What are you looking at?" Miyai asked.
"You know, you should smile more and loosen up. You look more beautiful when you do." Zack smiled.
Miyai stared at him, letting that comment sink in. When it did, she jumped up and ran out of the cafeteria.
"Oh yeah, I'm wearing her down baby." Zack flexed his muscles.
Miyai ran back to the dorm and into the bedroom. She fell to her knees looking rather confused.
/Did he say I was beautiful? I.........have never been called beautiful in that way before. He must be lying. It's one of his stupid antics to lure me into his evil clutches. Yep, and I'm not falling for it.........but there's this funny feeling in my stomach that makes me wanna blush./
She stood up and walked over to a standing mirror to look at her reflection.
"I look healthier than before I came to this time. It's probably the Cetra's doing though. I almost look normal." Miyai placed a hand of the reflection's heart "But my scars are still there. Both inside........." She placed her hand on her heart "And out.........."
The sound of something outside took Miyai out of her thoughts. Miyai went to the balcony doors and opened them. It was raining. Real rain. Miyai stepped out and let rain surround her.
/Rain.........actual rain./ Miyai held out her arms like she's trying to embrace the rain. /I like this rain.........it's comforting./ She hugged herself./ Hey Aeris? If you're listening, I think I could get use to it here........./
Miyai sat down slipping off into dreamland, not caring that the rain is soaking her.
A/N: Man, this just wouldn't end. I hope it turned out ok. This almost completely different than my rough draft. But I'm done now and I now I can go die. ::dies:: Review if you care too.
