Title/ Every Strife Needs a Leonhart

Summary/ When life begins to become too difficult, people often go crazy or turn to suicide. When two girls lose everything they had, fate brings them together, intertwining not only their destinies but also the destinies of those around them. AU. Squall/OC, Cloud/OC, mild Riku/Sora.

Disclaimer/ Nope. Nada. Never. I can wish all I want but it's not happening.

Shimmer of Solitude/ Hey! After a while of not updating this, here's the first official chapter! It took a while but I'm finally back! So a quick thanks to those who reviewed the prologue! Jaa.

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Chapter One: Welcome to Destiny High

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Confusion found it's way into the deep chocolate eyes of Shay Strife as she peered out her classroom window, focusing those dark orbs on the cloudy sky. It had been raining continuously for a while, and the faint rays of sun that were visible through the abundance of gray clouds gave hope for a sunny day. But the weather was not what was troubling the sixteen-year-old. Oh no, it was something much different. Something that one might call far-fetched.

Ever since that dark night, about a year ago there was something that continuously bothered the teen. Conflicting emotions would constantly flood her heart, some that she had never even experienced before. Rage and sorrow, desperation and longing, all of those feelings continuously filled her. And now, more than ever, those feelings were so strong, that Shay thought she might burst.

'It feels as if something is going to happen today. I feel a sudden trepidation but I'm not afraid. I think…this thing that will happen…is good.'

The teenager was dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans, a navy blue T-shirt, although the shirt was covered completely by a black hoodie. Covering her feet was a pair of worn running shoes, white in color.

Watching her, were the confident blue sapphires of Shay's older brother, Cloud Strife. Though blue in color, Cloud's eyes, if one were to look at them closely, were accentuated with a green tinge. His blonde hair was fashioned into spikes that no other person would be able to pull off. It just defied gravity, the way that they stood up. Many times people would ask, "just how many bottles of hair gel do you use?" Of course, Cloud would always answer, "it's naturally spiky." Yet no one really believed him, although it was indeed true, Cloud had never once touched a bottle of the gooey gel, ever.

Cloud had a similar color scheme going on, dressed in resemblance of Shay did, clothing wise. Both had opted to dress in dark colors. He had on a pair of black jeans and a navy blue shirt. Completing the look was a pair of black shoes.

Cloud regarded his sister with his cautious gaze. He knew that behind her reassuring smile, and kind eyes, was a waiting time bomb. At any given moment the mask that she had built, the walls that were created to protect her heart, could break, and all hell would break loose. Shay seemed to feel his gaze as she turned around, with a swoosh of long ebony hair, and smiled gently, silently telling her brother not to worry. He gave a hesitant smile in reply. He could see it, the hollowness of her smile.

'If only that never happened…maybe she would be able to actually smile. Not that shadow put up to keep others from seeing her sadness.' Cloud sighed and reluctantly looked away from his sister.

Both Cloud and Shay were in their eleventh year of schooling, juniors, attending Destiny High. The school, though situated in the beautiful Twilight Town, was named for the small island that resided in the ocean, near the town. Destiny Island had long been abandoned, although a bridge still connected the two, except for those who were brave enough to cross the rotting wood to explore the mini-paradise that waited on the other side. But those who had boats also ventured from Twilight Town's sandy shores to explore the land, however the outbreak of rumors that the place was haunted often kept the visitor population down to about zero. Those rumors had never been proven or found false, but the people of Twilight Town, or most of them anyway, were naturally suspicious and kept their distance.

All around the two Strife's conversations were being held. And a majority of the conversations were gossiping high school girls, all eager to share their juicy tidbits on the happenings of Destiny High. And as time continued it's regular flow the noise level began to increase. And unfortunately the teacher had yet to arrive.

'Whatever it is that's making me feel this way…I think that it's drawing closer.' Chocolate eyes returned their focus on the world beyond the window. The sky had cleared of almost all clouds, leaving it painted a brilliant azure color. 'It's going to happen soon.'

A few moments later the classroom door swung open and in walked the professor, Aerith Gainsborough. With her calm, serene disposition Aerith was well liked by all her students. And her fiery emerald eyes and long chestnut hair, which was always fashioned into a braid, tied with a pink ribbon, made her especially populate with her male students.

"I'm sorry for being late." Professor Gainsborough said pleasantly, shooting her class a smile. She walked over to her desk to deposit her bag before heading over to where the two Strife's were sitting.

Shay looked up in well-hidden curiosity as Professor Gainsborough approached. The professor's pink dress swayed a little as she walked, her brown shoes making little noise as they hit the tiled floor.

"I'm sorry for the interruption but the headmaster would like to see the two of you." Professor Gainsborough's said. "He asks that you both report to his office immediately."

Shay nodded her head silently and she and her brother both stood up to leave. A flash of fear crossed Shay's eyes, but as quickly as it came it disappeared. Cloud noticed this but remained silent as they both made their way out of the classroom. He too was worried about why he and his sister were being called to see the Headmaster. Usually such requests were given to students who caused trouble, and Cloud was quite certain that he and Shay had not done anything that would get them into any trouble.

Inside the headmaster's office, the three Leonhart siblings waited as the headmaster, Cid Highwind, began to tap his fingers impatiently on the surface of his wooden desk.

'If those kids don't hurry up…' Headmaster Highwind paused, not finishing the thought completely. He had only sent word to Professor Gainsborough a little while ago…he would just have to remain patient until the kids finally got there.

Squall stood in a corner of the rather large office. His cold blue eyes were focused on the soft, white clouds that were scattered among the azure sky. His brown hair was arranged just so, framing his lightly tanned face, but standing out on the face of the seventeen-year-old was a small scar that ran diagonally across the bridge of his nose, starting from just above his right eye. A black, leather jacket, with a collar rimmed with white fur, covered the white shirt that he was wearing, matching perfectly with his black pants and shoes.

Squall, being the protective older brother that he was, made sure to keep his two siblings within the range of his peripheral vision. His eyes never turned away from the sky.

Standing near him was a girl with long silvery blue hair and silver eyes. Her name was Ericka Leonhart, the younger sister of the seemingly cold teen that stood near the window. Her attire consisted of a loose pair of pants, held up by a studded belt and a blue wife beater. A pair of hightop chuck taylors completed her ensemble. A grim look was plastered on her face as she looked at the ground.

Riku, the final member of the Leonhart family was seated in one of the chairs that were situated in front of the Headmaster's desk. A look of impatience marred his handsome face. The extent of his annoyance at having to wait was clearly visible from within his aquamarine colored eyes. He had shoulder length hair that was silver in color, and wore a white shirt, denim jeans and gray sneakers.

"I'm bored." Riku articulated as he rested his elbow on the arm of the chair that he currently occupied. After a few moments he then placed his chin on his opened palm.

"You're student guides should be here soon." Came the headmaster's short reply.

Riku rolled his eyes and was about to say something more when the door leading into the office swung open. All three of the Leonhart's immediately turned to look at the incoming students.

"I'm telling you I didn't do anything wrong." Sora Strife said as he entered the room. His wide sapphire eyes shone with innocence and purity, while his lips formed a small pout. His messy chocolate colored hair, just a little lighter than Shay's eyes, pulled off a spikiness that could rival Cloud's, though Cloud's hair was obviously far more superior. Unlike his siblings he was dressed in bright colors. He had on a pair of faded blue jeans and a red T-shirt that made him look younger than he actually was, which was fifteen.

Riku found his eyes drawn to Sora's innocent face. The silver haired teen took in every detail available to him. It wasn't unnatural that he was attracted to a guy…but for him to be attracted to someone who didn't look any older than ten…now that was weird.

"Sure you didn't." Cloud commented as he entered after Sora. His eyes rolled before the brunette shot him a dirty look. But because Sora was Sora, the glare didn't really function as a real glare, on the face of someone less…innocent, should.

Shay entered last, standing in the shadow of her older, and slightly taller, brother. Her eyes peered in mild curiosity around Cloud's shoulder and absorbed the sight that was the three Leonhart siblings. Her eyes hindered on Ericka for a moment, a feeling of slight recognition flooded her eyes. The ebony haired teen shook it off. There was no way that she had met anyone with silvery blue hair before. Little details like that would be awfully hard to forget.

'I don't know why…but she seems familiar.' Ericka thought fleetingly as she noticed Shay examine her. For some reason the other girl's gaze didn't bother her as much as it usually would when someone stared at her. She too shook of the feeling of recognition, unaware that there was actually some connection between the two of them, a connection that would be revealed in due time.

"Good Morning!" Sora greeted, his pout had now been replaced with a cheery, welcoming smile. Only Riku returned the smile and the greeting.

"Good Morning to you too." Riku added on a little wink and held back an amused laugh as the brunette flushed a million shades of red. 'He's cute. Naive though.' He mused, a roguish grin appearing on his face.

"Right. These three are the Leonhart's." The headmaster said, looking at Cloud, Shay, and Sora. "You three are going to be assigned as their student guides. I realize that two of you are juniors and only one a sophomore but I found it…interesting that both you and the Leonhart's have a three sibling family."

'Not to mention that our sibling make up is pretty much the same. One girl and two guys.' Cloud thought, as he nodded his head, indicating that he had heard the headmaster.

"Now head back to homeroom." The headmaster ordered and the six teenagers filed out of the office. Once outside, the introductions began.

"Shay Strife. Junior." The ebony haired teen smiled after giving the introduction. 'Perhaps this is the thing that I felt approaching.' She thought, surveying the Leonhart's with her eyes again. Each one met her gaze, and held it for a few seconds before looking away. Her smile grew slightly as she turned to her brother's and gave them an expectant look, signaling them to introduce themselves as well.

"Cloud. Also a junior." Cloud said, focusing his eyes on Ericka for a moment. He ran a hand through his blonde locks, which was really quite silky despite the spikiness of it, letting the soft tresses run through his fingers. He let his hand fall gracefully at his side and turned his gaze away from the silvery blue haired girl. 'She reminds me of how Shay was…not even a ghost of a smile…'

"And I'm Sora!" Sora grinned happily, his blue eyes sparkling in excitement. "And I'm a sophomore."

"How coincidental I'm a sophomore as well. Riku Leonhart at your service." Riku introduced, giving Sora a winning smile. The brunette simply blushed before averting his eyes, choosing to focus them on the floor, where his feet were.

Squall shook his head at Riku's display of flirtatiousness. It was one thing to flirt with someone you were aquatinted with, and another to flirt shamelessly with someone you didn't even know.

"And since nii-san doesn't look like he's going to introduce himself, I will." Riku motioned to Squall with a quick wave of the hand. The brunette remained quiet and Riku took it as a cue to continue. "He's Squall Leonhart, a junior."

"It's Leon." Squall replied, his voice cold and void of all emotion. He narrowed his icy blue eyes at Riku, forming a glare that obviously made the younger boy jump, even if it was only slightly and not even noticeable.

"And your name is?" Cloud ventured, offering Ericka a kind smile.

"Ericka Leonhart, like Riku I'm a sophomore." Erika said, her voice soft. Cloud's ears perked as he thought he heard a flicker of sorrow in the girl's voice. Ericka's silver eyes were dull, almost lifeless as they met Cloud's.

"So that means you two are with me." Sora announced. "We'd better go before Mrs. Nelson blows her top. She doesn't really like us being tardy."

"Is that so?" Riku asked, pretending to be interested in what Sora was saying. He took that opportunity to position himself right beside Sora. Ericka gave her brother a disapproving look. 'He doesn't even know if…Sora's bi. But…Sora…he is…kind of cute…I guess.'

"I guess we should also go." Shay said, smiling at Sora as he waved goodbye. She lifted her hand in a silent wave as he, Riku and Ericka rounded the corner and disappeared from sight. "It's…Leon right?"

Squall nodded his head slightly as the three began to walk to Professor Gainsborough's class. 'She's probably wondering why Riku addressed me as Squall.'

"Well…it's nice to meet you Leon. And welcome to Destiny High." Shay caught Squall's eye and smiled. The brunette held her gaze but did not return the gesture. 'I guess…he's what you call the silent type. Cold and aloof.'

Shimmer of Solitude: Well there was chapter one! I hope you all liked it! Sorry for any grammar/spelling mistakes. Well see you then! Jaa!