Title: Moments of Transition: Green Eyed Monster.
Pairings: 1+2x1, Sephiroth x Cloud, Zack+1 (one-sided), slight Sephiroth+1+Cloud
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the GW or Final Fantasy 7 character -sniffs no matter how much I would love too attempts to steal Heero and Cloud but fails they both belong to there respective owners looks over at a glaring Duo and Sephiroth and sweatdrops-
Betaed: Yes! From everyone's favourite banana loving author! Ashly!
Warnings: Shounen Ai, OOC, violence, Yaoi... Also there are potential spoilers for Final Fantasy 7 pretty much from now on.
'Not fast enough' The Wing pilot thought to himself as he adjusted his grip around the hilt. The bulky weapon felt awkward and alien in his hands while he shifted his weight to accustom the weapons size. Heero's initial attack was to gauge how best to utilize the weapon and to see just how good the others reflexes were. Though Cloud's response had been a little sluggish, the Wing pilot knew that this battle was not going to be solved easily.
Cloud inwardly shivered as he caught sight of the emotionless Prussian gaze staring back at him. He'd only ever seen those sort of eyes once before on the General back when he first entered ShinRa. Back then Cloud had only seen that glare from a distance and never was it directed at him, but seeing the emotionless gaze Heero was giving him, Cloud pondered over the possibility that perhaps Sephiroth and his opponent Heero, could have more in common than they realized.
The training room was silent as the two opponents sized each other up, Sephiroth was hardly surprised at the small outburst in the beginning and wouldn't put it past the Japanese boy that that little show was only him testing out the weapon he was to attack with.
Next to the silver haired General, Zack watched on in a professional way, his expression giving none of his surprise away. He knew the boy to be strong but he didn't expect him to be able to wield his buster sword with so much ease. Chancing a quick glance over at the braided boy, Zack noted the gob smacked expression on Duo's face before turning it back to the two boys on the mat.
Tightening his grip around the hilt of his sword, Cloud readied himself into an attack position as his partner did the same. That first attack had caught him off guard and he mentally berated himself for his lack of foresight. The blonde trooper faded out everything else in the gym except for his opponent as he leapt forward, sword swinging out to strike the other boy.
Dodging around the sword as it came towards him, Heero brought his own weapon up to attack Cloud's now open back. His victory smirk was short lived however as unexpectedly Cloud recovered from his surprise and spun around, deflecting Heero's attack with his own weapon as the blonde fell down to the floor.
Pushing Heero back, the blonde trooper leapt up off the floor and back a few meters from his opponent. 'He's fast!' Cloud hardly had anytime to collect his thoughts as Heero leapt forth once again, jabbing his blade forward to where the blonde cadet lay on the ground, narrowly missing his opponent as the other boy dodged out of the way.
Rolling back up to his feet, Cloud didn't waste anytime before jumping back into the battle. A satisfied smirk crossing his red lips as his weapon made contact with Heero's shoulder blade, his mind too focused into the battle to register the faint pop as Heero released one hand from the swords hilt and swung around to counter his move.
'Kuso' The Wing pilot inwardly cursed as he felt his shoulder dislocate from Cloud's latest impact. Barely managing to swing the sword around single-handedly, Heero stumbled backwards a few steps from the force of the blow before falling down to the ground, grimacing slightly as the impact jarred his injured shoulder. Seeing the long metal blade pointed towards him, Heero only glared up at his opponent, not at all impressed that he had lost the battle.
"Woah that was impressive!" Zack exclaimed excitedly as he jogged over to where the injured Wing pilot sat on the floor. Kneeling next to the blue eyed pilot, Zack carefully lifted Heero's top to inspect the younger boys shoulder as Sephiroth, Cloud and Duo approached the pair. "Ouch this isn't good you've got a dislocated shoulder, we need to get you to the infirmary"
Shrugging Zack's hold on him off, Heero pushed himself off the ground with his uninjured hand and stood up ignoring two shocked gazes, one gazing in interest and one gaze that seem to roll his eyes at the Japanese boys action as he leant down and grasped the hilt of the buster sword. Holding it out before him, the Wing pilot turned his intense gaze onto Cloud then indicated to the practice sword slackly being held in the blonde cadets grasp.
Of course he had noticed the injury as soon as Cloud's weapon made contact and if had been anyone other than the Wing pilot, Sephiroth would have stopped the battle. Ever since their encounter within the infirmary, the General couldn't help but feel curious when it came to one Heero Yuy. The boy was an enigma; the other which came through the rift was no different than any other in this world. His strengths and abilities were no different, his loud nature didn't seem like one who would suit being a fighter within a war even with the potential he had so far shown his second in command but then again there was nothing he knew of the other world. The Wing pilot on the other hand was in a class of his own and from what he had witness so far, perhaps even could be somewhat a kindred spirit to himself. Shaking his head, the General berated himself at his own foolishness. He was the head of the entire army, not some love strict female reading one of those filth-filled novels sold by every train station in Midgar.
"Heero Heero Heero, where would you be without Shinigami by your side ne?" Duo playfully mocked as he pushed past the dark-haired SOLDIER to stand next to the Wing pilot. Taking hold of Heero's arm and shoulder as the said boy silently gaze back, the Deathscythe pilot muttered a warning "This should be a stroll in the park for you Yuy" before yanking his arm and popping his shoulder back into place.
Seemingly satisfied with the results after giving the abused appendage a few rolling test drives, the Japanese pilot nodded his thanks to the American boy before turning his attention back to the blonde trooper. "Let's continue" Was all Heero said as he waited for his opponent to raise his own weapon. This time he won't lose, once was bad enough in the Wing pilot's opinion.
"Hold on" Sephiroth's commanding voice filled the room as all there turned their attention to the General "If you're going to continue this battle may I suggest a change in weapon for you Yuy?" Ignoring the Deathscythe's rather loud outburst about the unfairness of it all, the General of SOLDIER walked over to the weapons rack and began scanning through the possibilities there. 'I wonder' He thought to himself as Sephiroth reached forward and pulled out a long slim sword similar in shape but half the length to his own masamune. For some unknown reason, the shape of this practice weapon seemed to fit the Wing pilot. Pulling it free from its resting place, the General turned back around and gestured towards Zack to take the other back.
"HEY! Why in the hell does Heero get to fight with a smaller weapon, while I got to hold that bulky thing!" Duo complained… rather loudly, as he watched Zack take the buster sword from Heero before the Wing pilot was handed the other. "And what! Am I just invisible now!" Waving his hands around as he jumped three times to gain someone's attention, the braided pilot snorted quietly to himself as he directed his attention over towards Cloud who seemed to be the only one's attention he caught "Che, so bloody typical. I'll be waiting over by the wall if /anyone's/ interested" Folding his arms across his chest, the pilot of Deathscythe stormed over to the wall nearest to the exit.
Outwardly not showing any of his surprise, Heero's attention moved from the General down to the new weapon in his had. Swinging it around lightly a few times, the Wing pilot inwardly smirked as this time the weight of the weapon felt more natural in his grasp.
Turning his attention back towards the blonde trooper, this time Heero did allow the smirk to grace his lips as he indicated with a nod of his head for them to resume battle.
Zack had personally thought that Heero had already demonstrated enough of his potential abilities from that last mock-battle. I mean, it's not every day that you find a trooper, let alone a kid, silently continuing on with the battle with a dislocated shoulder. Moving his gaze over towards his long-time friend, the dark-haired SOLDIER couldn't help but be surprised by the Generals sudden interest in this boy from another world. Sephiroth had never before shown such an interest in a cadet, not even Cloud so early in the beginning. Was it because this kid was from a different world? More than likely, his mind answered him with as when the General and himself were standing a safe distance away, Zack finally spoke up "So why the sudden interest? What's got your interest in this kid more than the other one?"
Keeping his gaze on the two boys before him, Sephiroth was silent for a moment as he watched Cloud and Heero begin their second round. His feline eyes watched every move intently as the Wing pilot fought with the new weapon. Within the first few seconds of the match, the General seemed to get the answer he was looking for but remained quiet with his findings.
Knowing that his friend wasn't going to reply anytime soon, Zack released a sigh as he watched the two boys continue with their battle.
Heero had much better control of the sword now, Clouds mind absentmindedly noted as he blocked yet another attack from the Japanese boy. He had to think of something or else Cloud would find himself on the ground with the tip of the others sword pointed at his throat. His sapphire eyes darted around to look for any sort of opportunity as his opponent once again moved in to attack. Sidestepping the oncoming onslaught, Cloud spun around to Heero's now exposed back. Just as victory was in his grasp, the Japanese pilot recovered quickly from his deception, almost as if he'd predicted Cloud to move in that manner.
Half turning his body, Heero maneuvered the sword single handily as he thrust the blade through the gap between his arm and body as Cloud brought his own sword up to the dark-haired boys back. The room seemed to fall into a deathly silence as both opponents stood there staring at each other, their weapons, one pointing at the back while the other at the belly. Not one of them attempted to move, not wanting to be the first to give up, to run away.
It was only the smooth silky voice of Sephiroth echoing through the training room that seemed to break the tense silence between the two boys.
"I think we can stop there for today"
Both lowering their swords at the statement, Cloud could only stand there in surprise as Heero walked past him, muttering a quiet "good work" as he walked over to stand before the General and Zack. Looking over his shoulder, his blue eyes shone in confusion, not expecting the quiet but sincere compliment from the other. It felt odd to Cloud, besides what Sephiroth and Zack commented on, no one else within ShinRa saw that he was worth anything... let alone good enough to be complimented on his work. Looking down to the sword in his grasp, a slight smile appeared on the blonde's lips as his mind finally caught up with his thoughts. He had enjoyed himself as well during the battle, it seemed to be the first time since joining Shinra that, even in some small way, that he somewhat belonged here. That his decision to join the army to become stronger wasn't a wasted decision as he thought.
Zack's loud bantering with Duo as they all regrouped broke him out of his thoughts as Cloud silently walked over to replace the practice blade back upon the racks. Pausing for a moment as he turned to look at the group, he quietly watched as Zack and Duo, well Duo, had an animated conversation with the dark-haired SOLDIER. Slowly mako jade eyes made contact with his own, their owner watching him just as Cloud found himself watching the General before Sephiroth pulled his gaze away and without another word made his way over to the exit.
Walking to stand beside Heero, the others blue gaze watching the argument over weapons choice with little to no interest until their owner felt a new presence next to him.
That stare seemed not to un-nerve him as much as when Cloud first witnessed them, perhaps it was the fact that they spared together that the blonde felt a little more relaxed around Heero? What ever the cause, the fact of the matter was that it was... nice... to feel as though he wasn't being judged by the lack of parentage. Tilting his head in the direction of the exit, the blonde trooper smiled as he pointed to the doors as he spoke "I'm heading off to have a shower if you want to take one as well"
Stiffening slightly as an arm fell around his shoulder's Heero turned to look at the offender as Duo's cheeky grin came into view "A shower sounds great! Let's blow this popsicle stand!"
Seeing Cloud's confused expression, Heero inwardly sighed before nodding his agreement "Let's go"
"Hold up a sec" Zack said as he jogged up to stand before the trio and turned his attention to Cloud "Once you're finished there could you take them back to the dorms before you head off to class?"
"Sir, yes sir" Cloud answered with as he saluted his commanding officer.
Playfully swatting the young trooper over the head "None of this sir crap Spike when we're not in drills, you know that"
"Yes Zack" Playfully sticking his tongue out, Cloud dodged another swipe at his head as he quietly laughed and ran towards the exit, the dark-haired SOLDIER close on his heels.
"A friendly little bunch aren't they Heero?" Already expecting the lack of reply from his friend, Duo released his hold on Heero and began walking towards the large double doors, stopping to look over his shoulder, the cheeky grin returning as he spoke "Well it sure beat's having to see Wuffer's naked" before running out the door, braid swaying happily behind him.
Heero just stood there for a moment, surprised by the others comment. 'How did he know about /that/ incident?' Was the only thing the Wing pilot could think of as he moved to follow the others, Wufei and himself had taken a vow never to speak of the whole ordeal ever again.
As the large double doors closed behind the Wing pilot, up in the observatory looking over the training room, another door closed with an auditable click when unnoticed.
---
Even Heero had to admit that the shower had been rather refreshing as he left the locker room with Duo and Cloud. Things just seemed to have been non-stop since they're unexpected arrival to this world and having that shower had been the first time he could actually stop and think about all that's happened to the both of them. How was the war going back home? Heero found himself wondering the most. More than likely all the others back there thought of Duo and himself to be dead by now and he was sure that OZ was celebrating that fact at this moment.
Looking over at the braided pilot as he talked relentlessly to an overwhelmed Cloud, too see the others discomfort even though the blonde did hide it well. Heero had to admit, though Duo had been shocked, understandably, when they realized what had happened, the American had in his own way adapted rather well to the situation… granted it had only been a total of one day, and in Heero's opinion the other pilot seemed to be a lot more angrier than back on Earth. Perhaps it was something to do with the frustration of not being able to help Quatre and the others in the war back home?
What ever it was, Heero hoped that Duo would work it out soon enough and just /get/ over it. Dealing with Duo before this incident was bad enough… but dealing with /this/ Duo seemed to be almost impossible for even him… and he'd tolerated the braided boy long enough to become immune to his constant chatter… although this apparent immune seemed to be not as strong as it once was. Perhaps he should just go back to ignoring Duo like he use to, before all the gundam pilots had to unite against their common goal. Yes, that sounds logical enough, he'd just revert back to disregarding the Deathscythe pilot when he's in one of his 'moods'.
Halting in his thoughts as they rounded the final corner to the dorm rooms, Heero heard the annoyed groan from Duo as they sighted Zack's form standing out front of the dorm room doors. Obviously waiting for them to return.
The dark-haired SOLDIER sighted them and waved as he jogged up to meet the group "You'll be getting your class schedule first thing tomorrow morning, I've talked with Sephiroth about all this and the General's allowed me to place you both in the same classes as Cloud since you both passed the physical exams with flying colours. On the theory side of things, you're going to have to rely on Spike here to help you with what you don't understand, understood?"
"Yes, sir" Duo sarcastically responded with as he rolled his eyes, that weird anger once again showing itself Heero noted.
"You know Duo as of tomorrow I could have you court marshaled for doing that" Zack said, frowning in annoyance at the others lack of respect for others.
Folding his arms over his chest, the Deathscythe pilot narrowed his eyes for a moment before plastering a grin over his features "Well lucky that's tomorrow then isn't it?"
He was not going to fall into this trap, Zack pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. Deciding it best to ignore the braided boy, Zack turned his attention to Heero "I've got to get back to the grinder but just want to pre-warn you, we'll have to spar sometime soon, you look like you'll be at least a decent challenge. Have a good one guys!"
Neither Heero or Cloud noticed the satisfied smirk crossing Zack's face as he walked past the group, nor the deadly glare Duo was giving the dark-haired SOLDIER as he passed, because by the time their attention turned back to the braided pilot, his usual grin was on his face once more.
---
Oh how he wished the doors here weren't automatic! Duo angrily thought as he entered into their room, he was still pissed off with the last assessment and he felt like slamming a damn door!
Throwing himself down onto the bed like a pouting child, Duo spun around then sat up crossing his arms over his chest "And I suppose you're thrilled about the fact that the 'Perfect Soldier' is supposedly better than Shinigami ne?" Duo bitingly accused, barely holding himself back from pointing an accusing finger at the perpetrator.
Giving Duo a bored look, Heero ignored the question and went to stand next to the book filled desk. Picking up the opened text book, he threw it towards the Deathscythe pilot smirking in amusement as Duo fumbled to catch the said item in time "I may have found a possible way for us to return home" Was all Heero told the other pilot before moving over to sit beside the American.
"Huh? When?" Shaking his head, the Deathscythe pilot let out an almost harsh laugh as he grinned at his companion "Why does it not surprise me of you Yuy that you've found something? I'm sure you've already thought up of plans upon plans to get us home"
Grunting in response, Heero flipped through the books pages until he got to the section about summon material. Pointing to the text, Heero read the writing out loud to the American boy before giving his summary and how the material could give them the, so far, possibility of getting home.
"Hmm so what you're saying is that we've got to look around this planet for gem chunks and place all of our hopes that sparkly little balls will return us back to Earth?" Duo couldn't help but say in a flat tone as a single brow rose up in disbelief "You, the 'Perfect Soldier' believes in such things as magic?"
Turning his intense Prussian gaze to lock with Duo's, Heero's steady monotone voice was quiet as he replied "As crazy as all this sounds Duo, yes I do, well only in this world anyway"
Putting his hand up to silence the other, Duo shook his head, disbelief still colouring his tone "Alright, lets say that there is such things as 'magic' how are we suppose to get our hands on the material Heero? I mean, something that's apparently so powerful isn't going to be up for grabs, if you know what I mean? What are we going to do? Walk out into the city and find it lying around in the streets?"
"No of course not" Taking the book from Duo's lap, Heero placed it in his own as he continued quietly "I've spoken to Zack concerning the topic and he bele—"
"Oh so you speak to /Zack/ about all of this before telling /me/ about it huh!' Snatching the book back, Duo's violet eyes glared into Heero's like ice shards as he spat "I don't /trust/ him Yuy, we've only been here a /day/ and you're already opening up to /him/ faster than you did me"
"Duo that isn't relevant to anything, what I'm saying is tha—" Heero sighed in irritation as once again he was cut off by the dorm room doors opening up and a tall lanky red-head came waltzing into the room.
"Well well well, if it isn't the motley duo" Casting a lazy grin over to the braided American, Reno chuckled slightly to himself as he added "No pun intended of course"
Narrowing his eyes at the red-head, Duo forced a grin at the interloper as he bit out through clenched teeth "No, of course you didn't, now if you wouldn't mind Heero and I were in the middle of something"
Ignoring the warning tones between the words, the lanky red-head slunk across the room to seize the book from Duo's grasp. His calculating grey eyes scanning through the pages as he flipped through the book "Interesting reading you boys have got here"
Grabbing the book back from the other boy, Duo non-too-carefully slammed the thick tome into Heero's chest, catching the Japanese boy by surprise as the braided American stood up from the bed and stood face to face with the new focus of his anger "And what's it to ya huh?" Grasping the front of Reno's shirt, Duo almost instantly released it as he shook his hand cursing as he went "Ow fuck! What the hell did you do!"
Placing the electo-rod over his shoulder lazily, Reno absentmindedly tapped it as he grinned "Sorry but no man-handling allowed, best to keep your paws to your self buddy"
"Woah! What on earth is that?" The anger within Duo was gone only to be replaced with curiosity as he gave the metal rod a tentative poke.
"It's my electro-rod, good for whacking people who get too close" Playfully tapping the weapon in his hand, he stilled it after a few taps and showed the braided boy the end "And gives a nasty electric shock as you do it"
Looking at the weapon in excitement, Duo turned around to see Heero was back to reading and not even paying attention. Snorting his annoyance, the braided boy shook his head then muttered to himself "I bet that I would have gone up against Cloud better if I had something like this"
"Say something?" Reno questioned, tilting his head as if assessing the others negative response to his quire. "I can see you're just /green/ with envy over my manly rod so… want to give it a try then?"
Attention snapping back to the red-head, the grin that broke out over Duo's face was more than enough for an answer "Hell yeah!"
---
"So many suitable specimens this year almost too many to choose from" The doctor mumbled to himself as his fingers flipped through the many paged being held in his arms
"Specimen H seems to be a perfect candidate along with C as well hmm…" Frowning in thought the doctor's mind ran through many possible ways to get the experiment underway. Tapping his chin absentmindedly, a sickly grin spread over the professor's face as he once again started mumbling to himself "Yes, yes of course! Perhaps if I picked a less suitable specimen then there shouldn't be so many complications"
TBC
Duo: Oh my friggin' god! Look who decided to crawl out of the woodwork and show her face again! –glareglare-
Tenshi: err –looks around nervously while dusting cobwebs off of chapter pages- hi?
Duo: -fumes- Don't 'hi' me hussy! You've left us hanging out for over a /year/ until we could finally find out what the hell's going to happen! –cocks gun at Tenshi- Now apologize to your readers for making them wait so long for the damn update.
Tenshi: -pales dramatically and snaps to attention- gomen nasai mina-chan! I can't believe its been so long since I /actually/ updated this fic! –blushes in shame and bows deeply- I tried writing it a few times during the year and actually got around to typing up half of it until my muses got constipated and couldn't give me any idea's on how to write the rest of them . I know this chapter's short and all compaired to what you're usually use to but never fear, I am now half way through the next BD&L chapter but stopped writing that one the other day so then I could finish this MoT chapter off… since it had been a while since I last updated…. I plan on finishing the 10th chapter for BD&L before the end of next week (my muse is on a roll now) then I'll begin working on both severed dreams and only the ring finger knows. Once again I'm /really/ sorry about the late update of this fic!
Btw… who here's seen FF7Advent Children? I have and OMG! –dies of happiness- even my straight male friends couldn't deny Sephiroth's complete and utter gayness XDD and if you haven't seen them movie… you should! Its to drool over –does said drooling-
Reviews: not sure if any of you guys are still reading this . )
CuriousDreamWeaver: hehe glad you liked the ZackHeero interaction… for some strange reason.. I'm rather drawn to that pairing –ponders- although this fic will end with my GW all time love 2x1 ;)
HeeroDuo1x2x1 – hehe short reviews are good, I'm happy you liked the fic so far.. sorry it took so long to update.
Pink Cherry Blossom: You'll have to wait to see what I've got planned for the summons material and regarding weapons… I hope this chapter has answered that question for you.. or at least given you a big hint LOL
Ashly: wai! –glomps- glad you liked it Ashly-chan! Hehe put in some ZackHeero hintages for you ;)
Delphine Pryde: I'm happy you liked it! And im sorry you had to wait so long to see what was going to happen next.
Bloodredblack: hehe I actually find it amusing to write, especially Duo's character to be honest XD
Aylar: I'm happy to hear you're enjoying it.
Skeren Dreamera: I'm so sorry! –starts sobbing loudly- I'll try and not let it happen ever again! My muse has been kicked back into gear now and actually /wants/ to work with me again T.T
Kobayashi Shintaro: hehe well I'm sure this chapter has given you an insight of what Duo's future weapon in the FF7 world might be ;) sorry you had to wait so long to find out!