A/N: Okay guys this one took me a little bit. mostly due to writers block but also I pretty much had to redo this whole chapter from scratch. Also the mix up with the last chapter didn't help. So For whatever reason the file didn't save so I just rewrote it all. I think it turned out pretty good though. Anyways enjoy the chapter.
Cloud was fully mobile and back to full strength. He may even be stronger then he was before. Which ment that it was time to return to school. Something that Cloud had been dreading for a little while. It had been quite a while since he had to go to school, the last time he was there he was suspended for fighting. Cloud could only hope his first day back went better then that day.
Cloud sat at the table eating his breakfast his mother made him.Eggs, bacon and waffles, with plenty extra for later. Cloud dug in, eating like his life depended on it, much to his mother's chagrin. Claudia sat next to her boy with a full plate herself and saw him eating the food as fast as he could. She couldn't help but find it amusing, but As his mother she needed to point out when he was being silly. like now
" Cloud remember to chew your food." Claudia scolded with a light smile. Cloud took the hint and began to eat at a more reasonable pase.
" Sorry...I guess I'm just a little nervous." Cloud said. He had been a little anxious about the whole thing. Not about the school work but the people. He had been at home isolated from pretty much everyone for so long he didn't know how he would even act with everyone.
" Your going to be fine sweety. Just ignore all the noise and focus on your school work okay." Claudia said as she ate her food. Cloud nodded and continued to eat. Cut out the noise, Cloud thought that would be easier said then done.
After finishing there food Claudia put them all in the sink and filled it with water, letting it soak. Cloud grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder. Cloud then noticed how his mother was closing all the doors around the house now. She grabbed her keys and walked over to the front door where Cloud was waiting. It was very surreal for him. It wasn't often his mother would leave the house with him on a school day. Now that she had that assistant job for the mayor, Cloud figured he would need to get used to leaving the house with his mother now.
" Okay, you have everything?" Claudia asked.
" Yeah." Cloud replies.
" Remember you have Limit training after school today too." Claudia reminded him. Cloud wondered a moment about this Limit training before remembering the conversation he had with the principle a month ago.
" Oh right. Wait I'm starting today?" Cloud asked. Claudia gave him a slightly sympathetic look.
" I know it's a little much, but the principle said we need to get it done as soon as possible or else you may have another episode." Claudia explained. Cloud thought back to when he threw Rye so hard he ended up across the cafeteria. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad thing to get a handle on this power.
" So today after school you will go to the gymnasium and train with Mr Johnson. Then you can come home, sound good?" Claudia asked. It wasn't like Cloud had much choice in the matter but he figured it was better to not fight over it.
" Sounds good." Cloud said. Claudia smiled and opened the front door letting both herself and Cloud outside. Claudia quickly locked the house up before turning to her son. She couldn't help but begin to cry a little.
" This reminds me of your first day of school believe it or not." Claudia said as she wiped away the tears. She then reached out for a hug, which Cloud gave without hesitation.
" I guess it kind of is. Everything is better now though. You'll see." Cloud said trying to reassure her. Claudia just squeezed her son a little tighter.
" Oh...why is it that you always know how to make me feel better?" Claudia said.
" Cuz I'm your son." Cloud says. Claudia and Cloud let go of each other and give each other a smile.
" That you are. Now get to school." Claudia said. Cloud gave her a nod and began to walk down the road to school.
Cloud was walking down the road to the school. He noticed the familiar kids walking the same way he was. Cloud didn't pay them too much mind. He did notice how they briefly looked at him though. They looked at him and then would quickly turn to the nearest kid to say something. Cloud didn't really care what it was. Cloud was just about at the school when he heard a loud yell coming from behind him.
" HEEEEEEEEEY!" Tifa yelled. Cloud turned around to see his friend running down the street to meet up with him. Cloud couldn't help but laugh as she ran toward him, it looked like she would nearly fall over due to her backpack. Tifa reached Cloud after a few seconds and tried catching her breath.
" Hi Tifa." Cloud said with a smile. Tifa looked up. to see him smiling at her and she couldn't help but smile back. Before she turned her face into a scowl.
" Don't you 'Hi Tifa' me. Why didn't you wait for me huh?" Tifa asked. She wasn't really mad at him but she figured she would play around with him.
" I figured you would catch up. Which you did." Cloud said. Tifa gave Cloud a little pout.
" Yeah. you. still could have waited. I wanted to walk the whole way with you." Tifa said. Cloud found this a little funny considering there houses are about 5 buildings down from the school. Nevertheless, Cloud didn't want to upset Tifa.
" I'll wait for you tomorrow. How does that sound?" Cloud asked.
" You better. What about later? Are we walking home together?" Tifa asked as they began walking toward the school once more.
" Not today. I got some training I need to do." Cloud said. Tifa gave him a confused look.
" What kind of training?" Tifa asked.
" It's to do with Limit breaking or something." Cloud explained. This didn't really answer Tifa's question.
" What's a Limit break?" Tifa asked.
" I'm not really sure myself. All I know is I did it when I fought Rye and Gin." Cloud explained. Tifa took a moment to think back to that horrible day. She remembered Cloud threw Rye pretty far. Farther then he should have considering Rye is bigger then Cloud. He also had that orange glow to him, was that it?
" Right. When you got super strong for a second." Tifa said. Cloud just gave her a nod.
" Well then, tomorrow we'll walk home together too." Tifa declared. Cloud gave a small smirk. They continued on for a moment in silence. The entrance to the school meters away from them now. Cloud couldn't help but notice the kids outside were all looking at him. Tifa also noticed the abnormal amount of kids looking at then. No not at them, at Cloud.
" Why are they all staring at me?" Cloud asked.
" Your the kid who fell off a mountain and lived. Why wouldn't they look?" Tifa pointed out.
" Yeah but you did too." Cloud pointed out. Tifa just shook her head.
" No. If it wasn't for you, I likely wouldn't be here right now. You saved me, and they all know it." Tifa said with a smile. Cloud was about to respond to Tifa but suddenly multiple people came up to them.
" Hey your Cloud! Your a hero man."
" Hey Cloud, Your awesome."
" Cloud your so tough. None of us would have survived that fall."
Students of all ages came over to congratulate Cloud on saving Tifa and surviving. People were offering there hands out for him to shake,which Cloud reluctantly agreed. This was all so new for Cloud. He was never center of attention before, but suddenly he was the most popular guy. It was strange. And he hated it. Cloud saw a few genuine faces in the crowd, most of them however were sheep. They were going over to Cloud because it was the cool thing to do today.
" Cloud what's it like being in a coma?"
" Cloud let's hang out later!"
"Cloud!"
"Cloud!"
"Cloud!"
" Good to see you...Cloud" Cloud felt his blood run cold and his head began to hurt suddenly. Cloud clutched his head as if to keep the pain form bursting from his skull. Tifa noticed something was wrong immediately and put her hand on Cloud's back.
" Cloud? Hey what's wrong?" Tifa asked worriedly. The pain then subsided and Cloud took a deep breath.
" Out of the way." Cloud said as he began pushing through the crowd of people in his way. Tifa didn't really know what just happened. Why did he clutch his head like that? Did he not like the attention? Probably. That was different though, she had never seen him react like that, as if his head was hurting. Tifa quickly followed after Cloud. Cloud rushed inside the school away from the crowd of students and Tifa wasn't far behind.
" Hey" Tifa called out but Cloud didn't stop. Tifa sped up a bit to catch up with him.
" Hey slow down." Tifa called once again. Cloud this time stopped. Cloud turned around to face Tifa and she noticed he looked more pale then before, as if he saw a ghost.
" Cloud what's wrong?" Tifa asked. Cloud didn't really know himself if he was being honest with himself. He recognised a voice in the crowd there, but it wasn't a kids voice. He knew he heard that voice before. He just couldn't for the life of him remember where. Ether way. it scared him. The worst part was he didn't know why.
" I don't know...I just...don't like crowds." Cloud said making up. an excuse.
" Really? And what about your head? You were holding it like it was hurting." Tifa pointed out, obviously not believing him.
" I don't know, I guess a side effect of the coma?" Cloud guessed. Tifa grew a little worried at this.
" Well should we take you to the nurse?" Tifa asked.
" No no. I'm fine. Look, I'm going to go to class, I'll see you at lunch." Cloud said as he walked off. Tifa stood there in the hallway absolutely confused.
Cloud walked into his class and was surprised to see it was pretty empty. There were only 3 more students in class and the teacher sitting at her desk. Cloud tried to make his way to his desk at the back of the room without being noticed but unfortunately luck wasn't on his side today. Cloud accidently pushed a desk a little making a loud noise. Everyone in the room turned over to see Cloud standing next to the source of said noise.
" Hello Cloud. Welcome back." The teacher said.
" Hello..." Cloud said as he rushed over to his desk and sitting down as quick as he could. Cl of if saw some of the few other kids in class whispered somethings to each other, he could only assume it was about him.
" I trust your all caught up on the material we have gone over in you absence." The teacher said.
" Yes ma'am. I'm all caught up." Cloud said. The teacher left him alone after that. Unfortunately more students began coming in and noticing Cloud. Once again they came over to Cloud, ether saying how cool he was for saving Tifa, or how it's awesome how he survived the fall. It was honestly really annoying now. Cloud already missed being at home all day. Luckily after saying a few kind words, the other kids would return to there own desk. Then Rye entered the class room. Rye almost immediately noticed Cloud sitting near the back of the class. Cloud couldn't really read the look on his face. Rye didn't waste any time and walked over to Cloud.
" Hey Cloud..." Rye greeted. Cloud noticed he seemed almost nervous.
" Rye."'Cloud acknowledged. Rye took a deep breath before sitting in the seat next to Cloud.
" So...I want to apologies to you. For everything..." Rye said. Cloud tried to read what Rye's game was bit he couldn't really sense any deception from him. It seemed he was being genuine.
" I said some really messed up stuff. Stuff that is none of my business. I spread rumors about you that were uncalled for. I'm sorry." Rye apologized.
" Your card said as much. Why are you repeating yourself?" Cloud said.
" I know I sent a card to you, but I figured I. should do it in person." Rye explained.
" Well now you have." Cloud stated and turned to face the front of the room. Cloud didn't hold a grudge against Rye or anything, but he wasn't going to let him think. all was forgiven. Not until he earned it.
" Right...well if you want, I'd like to start over. Like actually try to be friends." Rye said hopefully. Cloud had seen a lot of fake people today, but funny enough Rye seemed to be the only genuine person to ask to be Cloud's friend. Cloud sighed.
" One step at a time Rye. We'll talk more at lunch." Cloud said. Rye couldn't help but smile a little at that.
" You bet. Lunch." Rye said as he turned to face the teacher who was about to begin class.
Class came and went and now the Lunch hour had began. Cloud picked up his bag and left the classroom. Rye decided not to follow behind which Cloud appreciated. Cloud walked through the halls toward the cafeteria and thankfully it seemed like people had stopped staring. Cloud couldn't help but feel relieved. All the eyes on him made him anxious.
" HEEEEEEEEEY!" Cloud heard a yell from across the hallway. Cloud turned to see who had yelled out and prayed to whatever god above that it wasn't directed at him. Unfortunately he wasn't that lucky. From down the hall Cloud saw Jenna running toward him with a joyous look on her face.
" CLOUD! YOUR BACK!" Jenna yelled. Cloud flinched at the the volume of her voice. Cloud looked around and saw people were beginning to notice.
" Yes I'm back. Can you lower your voice please?" Cloud asked politely even though he really wanted to say something a little less nice.
" Oh sorry. I'm just excited to see you. Tifa didn't tell me you were coming back to school today. Are you sure your back to full strength?" Jenna asked as she placed her hand on Cloud's arm. Cloud was really beginning to feel uncomfortable now. Where had this sudden affection come from? Cloud took a step back out of her reach before answering.
" I'm fine. I can handle coming to school." Cloud said. He then began walking toward the cafeteria with Jenna following close behind.
" Well if your sure you can handle it then I believe in you." Jenna said. Cloud didn't bother to respond. He couldn't wrap his head around why Jenna was being so friendly all of a sudden. They were never friends before. What was her deal?
" So now that your back, maybe we can all hang out together again. Don't worry about Gin though, he's been a jerk recently so we're not hanging out with him anymore." Jenna said.
" Only recently?" Cloud asked sarcastically. Jenna then deflated a little bit.
" Yeah, I'm so sorry again for how Rye and Gin speed the rumors. I really didn't know." Jenna said, reiterating what had already been said a month prior.
" I told you it was fine." Cloud said. Jenna jumped forward and hugged Cloud's arm.
" That's why your the best. Your so forgiving." Jenna said. Cloud quickly but gently pushed her off of him.
" Not really." Cloud said.
" So? What do you say? Let's hang out later." Jenna asked.
" Not interested." Cloud said bluntly. Jenna once again decorated a little.
" Why not? Jenna asked.
" Got something I'm doing after school today." Cloud explained.
" How about tomorrow?" Jenna asked.
" Tomorrow too."
" The day after?" Jenna asked.
" Are you just going to keep asking until I say yes?" Cloud asked.
" Yup." Jenna said as she giggled. Cloud sighed in frustration. He didn't want to be rude to her, she was nice enough, but man was she starting to get a little annoying.
" I'll let you know, how does that sound." Cloud said. Jenna gave Cloud a big smile.
" Sounds good to me!" Jenna said giving Cloud a big smile.
As the two kids walked toward the cafeteria, Jenna began talking Cloud's ear off. She talked about what ever gossip he had missed in his time out of school. Not that Cloud cared much about that. Cloud didn't even say anything to her as she rambled on and on. Jenna didn't seem to mind though, she just continued talking. Cloud had to wonder why she continued talking when he gave no indication he was even listening. After a few moments they found there way to the cafeteria and sat down at a free table.
" So what do you got for lunch today?" Jenna asked. Cloud pulled out a few sandwiches and let Jenna look at them for a second to give her his answer.
" Sandwiches huh. Me too. I got jelly sandwiches, what about you?" Jenna asked. Cloud took a bite of his sandwich and found it was the same.
" Same." Cloud responded. It then grew silent between the two. Cloud didn't mind as he just ate his lunch in piece. Jenna however seemed a little jittery. Cloud sighed and against his better judgment asked her
" What's up?".
Jenna looked a little confused for a second before Cloud continued.
" Why are you acting all weird all of a sudden. You we just chatting my ear off a second ago." Cloud said as he continued to eat his lunch. Jenna couldn't help but blush a little.
" I...umm...I guess I just realised I'm having lunch with you...alone." Jenna said as she blushed a bit more. This just confused Cloud more however.
" And that's a...bad thing?" Cloud asked, not sure why this seemed to spook her.
" N-no, it's great...really great actually. I just..." Jenna trailed off. Cloud waited for her to say something but they were interrupted by someone joining there table.
" Hey guys! Thanks for waiting up for me." Tifa said a little sarcastically as she sat next to Cloud. As soon as Tifa arrived Cloud's attention shifted to his neighbor.
" Sorry I didn't wait up, I got a little distracted." Cloud said. Tifa gave a little giggle before answering.
" I'm only joking Cloud, It's all good." Tifa said as she touched his arm as if to physically reassure him. Cloud couldn't help but blush ever so slightly. Tifa didn't catch it, but Jenna did.
" So what were you guys talking about?" Tifa asked.
" Well Jenna was-" "-Our Lunches!" Jenna interrupted Cloud quickly, and loudly.
" Yeah. We were just talking about our lunches. Nothing important." Jenna said a little bit too quickly. Tifa wasn't entirely convinced but decided to let it go.
" Okay. So how was class for you Cloud? Any more headaches?" Tifa asked.
" What headaches?" Jenna asked. Cloud once again sighed, he didn't really want to talk about that again.
" I'm fine, headache was gone in a flash. Hasn't happened again." Cloud explained. Tifa gave Cloud a worried look before speaking.
" Are you sure? You looked like you were in a lot of pain." Tifa asked.
" Trust me Tifa, if I get another one, you will be the first to know. Promise." Cloud said. This seemed to satisfy Tifa as she flashed a quick smile.
" Okay. Just be careful." Tifa said.
" Will do." Cloud said giving Tifa one of his rare smiles. Jenna saw the exchange between them and felt a little sad. She wished that she and Cloud could talk like that. Maybe some day, she thought optimistically as she continued eating her lunch.
School was officially out for the day and all Cloud wanted to do was go home. Unfortunately he still had the Limit lessons to go too. Cloud gathered his books and put them all in his bag and proceeded toward the gymnasium. Along the way he saw Tifa waiting by her locker. She had been waiting for him to pass by it seemed.
" What are you still doing here Tifa?" Cloud asked. Tifa gave Cloud a quick smile.
" Well I figured I could maybe sit on on your extra class. I don't have anything better to do today so I figured I could see what you'll be learning." Tifa explained. Cloud wasn't really sure if she should be going. If Limit breaking is as dangerous as the principle made it sound maybe it would be safer for her to stay away.
" Tifa, this lesson is supposed to be dangerous. What of you get hurt?" Cloud asked.
" You will be with Mr. Johnson. He won't let anything happen. Plus I'm sure he won't mind me being there." Tifa said, quite sure of herself. Cloud wanted to argue with her and make her go home, but figured she wouldn't leave it alone.
" Fine. But could you just stay close to Mr Johnson." Cloud said.
" Can do!" Tifa said. The two then walked over to the gym.
Entering the gymnasium they saw Mr Johnson sitting by some sort of machine looking it over. Mr Johnson was a tall muscular man with dark brown hair and a beard. The machine looked like a box with a tube coming out of the top of it. Cloud gave Tifa a quick glance. She in turn gave him a slightly worried look. The two both wondered what exactly this machine was for. Mr Johnson didn't seem to notice them approach and just continued fiddle with the machine. Figuring he should say something Cloud spoke up.
"...Umm Hello?" Cloud asked. Suddenly Mr Johnson jumped up to his feet and looked around frantically for whoever spoke up.
" AHHHHH Where are you, who are you, are you challenging me?!" Mr Johnson screamed out as he waved around a wrench as if it were a sword. Cloud instinctively got in front of Tifa to make sure the apparently crazy gym teacher didn't harm her. Tifa was now beginning to question her choice in coming with Cloud.
" Mr Johnson sir, it's Cloud Strife. I had an extra lesson today!" Cloud called out still in front of Tifa. Mr Johnson quickly snapped out of his little frenzy and looked down to the two terrified kids.
" Oh...Sorry about that kids. I sometimes get really jumpy when I'm tinkering with toys like this bad boy." Mr Johnson said as he slammed the wrench into the machine. Upon impact however the machine turned on and shot a ball out of the tub on top of it. The ball zoomed passed Cloud's head and impacted with the wall. Cloud looked back to where the ball impacted and was shocked to see the ball imbedded in the wall. Tifa saw the ball stuck in the wall too and couldn't believe her eyes.
" How in the...?" Tifa muttered. Cloud was just as speechless.Mr Johnson burst out laughing at seeing the kids faces.
" Hahahaha. Sorry bout that, probably should have turned the power down a bit. Anyways what are you kids doing here?" Mr Johnson asked. Cloud snapped out of his shock and answered his teacher.
" I'm supposed to be learning about Limit breaking from you." Cloud said.
" Oh right. You activated your Limit break early. Well don't you worry kid, I'll get you all sorted. And what about you Ms Lockhart?" Mr Johnson asked.
" Oh, I just figured I could maybe watch." Tifa said, hoping she could. Mr Johnson gave Tifa an intense look for a moment.
" Okay. Just go sit over near the mats. Don't want you getting hurt by any residual energy." Mr Johnson said.
" Residual energy? What do you mean?" Cloud asked.
" Well when you activate your limit who knows how it will show up. Most of the time when kids activate it for the first time it is just a pulse of energy that comes off of them." Mr Johnson explained.
" What exactly is a limit break anyway? When I did it before I literally threw someone bigger then me." Cloud asked. Tifa nodded as she wanted to know too.
" Well I could tell. you that its an ancient technique that has been passed down for generations or it's a mystical power that all humans have. But I'd be lying." Mr Johnson said as he sat on the floor and motioned for Cloud and Tifa to do the same.
" The truth is, Limit breaking is exactly what it sounds like. Your body reaches a physical or emotional breaking point and in order to survive whatever ordeal your going through you get a burst of energy of some sort. It could manifest in many different ways but for the most part it boosts a person's strength for a moment. That's what happened to you." Mr Johnson said as he looked to Cloud.
" So how do we train it then?" Cloud asked.
" Simple. I. need to push you physically and emotionally to some sort of breaking point. That's what this baby is for." Mr Johnson said as he slapped the machine beside him. Tifa's eyes widened as she realised what was coming.
" Wait, are you saying Cloud needs to be hit by those balls it shoots out? But that thing can go through walls. You could kill him!" Tifa cried out. Mr Johnson laughed a little.
" Relax girly. I turned down the power so at most if Cloud gets hit he will get a small bruise. Besides the real training is trying NOT to get hit." Mr Johnson explained.
" Why's that? I thought I need to be brought to a physical breaking point?" Cloud asked.
" A physical breaking point doesn't exactly mean you need to be half dead to activate it. Exhaustion will do just fine. Now if your done asking questions, I want to see what you can do." Mr Johnson said giving Cloud an evil smile. Cloud couldn't help but gulp.
Cloud stood across the turret and waited for Mr Johnson to finish what ever it was he was doing. Cloud took a few deep breaths trying to find some sort of calm. He couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Seeing Cloud a little anxious, Tifa walked over to her friend to offer support.
" Feeling okay?" Tifa asked.
" I guess. I don't really know what to expect. I only did this Limit thing once." Cloud said. Tifa grabbed Cloud's hand and gave it a little squeeze.
" You'll do great. I know you will" Tifa said as she gave Cloud a warm smile. That smile was enough for Cloud to feel a little bit better about everything.
" You beat get clear girly. Excersise is about to start." Mr Johnson yelled out as he finished up with the machine. Tifa gave Cloud one more smile before she began to walk off to the far corner of the gym. Cloud took one more deep breath before looking back toward the turret.
" Alright kid, we'll start you off a little slower then average considering your a few years younger then the average student. Are you ready?" Mr Johnson asked.
" Yeah. I'm ready." Cloud said as he braced himself for the turret fire.
" Alright then, 3...2...1...Go" Mr Johnson said as he activated the machine.
The turret activated and a scanner activated locking onto Cloud. Suddenly a ball flew out of the tube heading straight for Cloud. Cloud wasting no time jumped out of the projectiles way and readied himself for another. The turret shot another and then another. Each time Cloud managed to dodge out of the way with out much effort. Tifa looked on impressed that Cloud was doing so well. Mr Johnson however wasn't impressed.
" Well, it seems you know how to move. But can you move quickly?" Mr Johnson asked as he turned the speed on the turret up a bit. The turret began shooting at Cloud faster then before. One ball flew right toward Cloud's face but Cloud managed to duck just in time before it made contact. Tifa watched in awe as Cloud dodged the in coming projectiles. She couldn't help but feel something swell up inside as she watched Cloud.
Cloud was growing accustomed to the new speed and was now making his movements more subtle. Instead of a full on roll out of the way, he would instead simply side step out of the way. Cloud was so focused on the task at hand it seemed as if the only thing in the room was himself and the turret. Mr Johnson saw the quick progress Cloud made in just a few short moments. The teacher couldn't help but smile slightly.
" Seems you got some natural talent in you. Let see how far that takes you." Mr Johnson said as he reached for the dial on the turret.
" We're now entering the real training, you ready kid?" Mr Johnson asked. Without hesitation Cloud responded.
" Ready!"
" Wait, what do you mean real training?" Tifa asked. Mr Johnson smirked.
" Usually people doing this sort of training are teenagers. Cloud so far has been going on a baby mode so to speak." Mr Johnson explained.
" A baby mode?" Tifa asked.
" Yup, a mode I specifically designed for today's test. Not every day a 9 year old unlocks their limit you know." Mr Johnson explained further. Tifa wondered just how much harder this test would get for Cloud.
" Alright kid, let's speed it up!" Mr Johnson yelled as he turned the dial up once more.
The turret locked onto Cloud much quicker then the blond was expecting and shot projectiles quicker then Cloud saw coming. One of the balls impacted with Cloud's gut almost instantly after firing. Tifa gasped as she saw the ball impact with Cloud's chest. Cloud grunted in pain but knew he couldn't stop so he began to run out of the way of the incoming projectiles. Cloud was just barely keeping up with this machine at this point. One wrong move and he would be bombarded with soft balls. Cloud was having trouble keeping his footing considering all the soft balls laying around the gymnasium floor. Suddenly Cloud hot an idea. Instead of running, why not block.
Surprising everyone in the room Cloud dove to the ground and grabbed two stray soft balls. The turret locked onto Cloud's location and shot at him once more, but instead of movie Cloud placed the soft ball in his hands in the projectiles path. The projectile soft ball impacted with Cloud's and bounced off of it. Mr Johnson small smirk grew to a full on grin.
" NICE! Adapting to an increasing threat and using your environment to your advantage. Your just full of surprises kid!" Mr Johnson complemented. Cloud had no time to respond though and picked up a second ball and began to block any incoming projectiles while also dodging out of the way as best he could.
Tifa was mesmerised. She had no idea that Cloud could move like that. He wasn't really an expressive person so all that she was seeing was completely new. But then again, maybe he did always have it in him. She thought back to the mountain, how he had saved her. Maybe Cloud just needed the right motivation.
Cloud was beginning to tire out. He had managed to keep ahead of the turret okay with blocking and dodging but he was loosing steam fast. Cloud figured he would feel something at this point but the only thing he felt was exhaustion. It seems like Mr Johnson saw this as well.
" Don't be quiting on me now kid, we still got one more setting to go." the teacher said as he reached for the dial again. Cloud's eyes widened at hearing this. He was almost positive he wouldn't be able to handle another level of this. How could he. Tifa felt the same.
" Mr Johnson he's already getting tired out, maybe we should take a break?" Tifa suggested.
" Limits aren't broken by taking it easy girly. It's like I said before, he needs to be at a breaking point to activate it. Trust me. Hell pop soon." Mr Johnson explained. Tifa looked on at Cloud worried.
" Alright kid. you have me a good show, but now let's see that finale!" Mr Johnson yelled out as he turned the machine to its max setting.
The turret stopped for a moment before the scanner turned on once more and locked on. Cloud put up his soft balls and readied himself. The turret suddenly began shooting soft balls out at a rapid pase. Cloud didn't even see the balls coming as they crashed into Cloud's hands disarming him before crashing into his chest and sending him flying back a little. Tifa gasped as she saw her friend land on his back. Cloud had no time to think as he was continuously hit by the soft balls. To Cloud's suprise, it hurt. A lot. Cloud couldn't stop, he rose to his feet and began running as fast as he could away from the oncoming fire. He shielded his face with his arms but his body was taking a beating. He wasn't fast enough. Each soft ball made its mark and was immediately followed by another. It felt like he was being punched in the side repeatedly. Cloud wasn't sure how much more he could take. Tifa however had seen enough.
" STOP IT. HE'S HURT, HE CANT GO ANYMORE!" Tifa yelled at the teacher hoping he would listen but Mr Johnson didn't look worried at all. In fact he looked pleased.
" Pain is a great way to get to your breaking point fast. Besides can't stop now. He's almost there." Mr Johnson said as he pointed to Cloud. Tifa turned to her friend but didn't notice anything different.
" Come on now boy. Let's see you break your limit!" Mr Johnson yelled out.
Cloud ran and ran but he was loosing energy. He couldn't go for much longer. Cloud could feel a heat coming from deep inside him but he wasn't sure how to pull it out. His legs were burning his body ached and his lungs were on fire. He began to get angry. Angry at himself for not being able to do this stupid exercise. Angry that he couldn't use a limit break. But mostly he was angry that this stupid machine was still shooting at him. He had enough of this turret. Cloud was so caught up in his thoughts of hating this turret he failed to notice a soft ball heading straight for his head.
" CLOUD LOOK OUT!" Tifa yelled but it was too late. The soft ball impacted with Cloud's face making him fall to the floor. The turret did not stop shooting however and continued to beat down on him while he was down. Cloud curled into a ball and tried to protect himself as best he could but he was in so much pain he wasn't sure he was doing anything at all.
' Worthless'
Cloud thought to himself. He couldn't even do a simple training exercise. He wasn't strong, he was just a kid. He couldn't do this. Cloud allowed himself to willow in self pity and waited for the exercise to end.
Mr Johnson saw Cloud just laying there in a ball and knew what was happening. He was giving up. That wouldn't do, not when he was so close.
" YOU GONNA GIVE UO THAT EASY!!" Mr Johnson yelled out to Cloud. Cloud didn't budge.
" YOU MUST BE A LAZY BRAT THEN. ALL THAT POTENTIAL AND YOUR JUST GONNA GIVE UP AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE?" Mr Johnson spat. Cloud once again didn't move. But a small orange park came off of him.
" I BET YOU CANT EVEN DO IT ANYWAY KID. THEY MUST HAVE GOT IT WRONG." Mr Johnson yelled. Cloud was still motionless but more sparks flew off of him. Tifa didn't like the words there teacher was saying and spoke up.
" Why are you being so mean? Please stop this!" Tifa begged. Mr Johnson however continued.
" SAVING THE GIRL ON THE MOUNTAIN MUST HAVE BEEN SOME SORT OF FLUKE THEN. A KID LIKE YOU SAVING HER? DONT MAKE ME LAUGH." Mr Johnson yelled out.
Cloud heard everything Mr Johnson said, and though he didn't totally disagree with what he said. he wanted to prove him wrong. He didn't want to give up. He wanted to use his limit. He wants to know that he can continue to protect Tifa. Cloud stopped feeling the soft balls impact on his skin as he slowly rose to his feet once more. Tifa stared at Cloud stunned by what she was seeing. Mr Johnson's smirk continued to grow. Cloud wasn't going to give up. Not this time and never again. He was gonna pull this off and show everyone what he was made of.
" So kid, Let's see it." Mr Johnson said.
" AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH" Cloud yelled as an orange aura erupted from him. A gale of wind came off of Cloud blowing Tifa off the mats she was sitting on. The soft balls couldn't fight against the Hale of wind coming off of Cloud and were blown away. Cloud picked up a ball from the floor and using his limit broken strength threw the ball at the turret. It sounded as if a fire cracker went off as he threw the ball. The ball flew faster then anyone in the gym could see and crashed through the turret making it malfunction and explode. Mr Johnson couldn't believe his eyes. His turret was destroyed by some kid. If he wasn't grinning before he sure as hell was now.
" HOLY SHIT! NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A LIMIT BREAK!" Mr Johnson yelled out in excitement. Tifa was in shock at what she witnessed. Cloud had caused what seemed like a wind storm and then threw a soft ball so hard it destroyed a metal machine turret. So this was the power of limit breaking.
What ever energy Cloud had left was now gone. He tumbled down to the floor and lay there motionless.
" CLOUD!" Tifa yelled out as she rushed to her friends side. Tifa began shaking Cloud trying to stir him.
" Cloud? Are you hurt? How bad is it?" Tifa asked. Cloud groaned before he turned his head to face Tifa.
" Hey Tifa...see what I did?" Cloud asked. Tifa couldn't help but smile a little.
" Yeah I did. Are you okay though?" Tifa asked once again. Cloud then struggled to get up and settled with just sitting on the floor.
" Honestly...I feel both amazing and awful. I mean I'm in a lot of pain right now...but I couldn't be happier. " Cloud explained. Tifa didn't really get it.
" Why would you be happy about that?" Tifa asked. Cloud turned to face her and she saw something she hardly saw on Cloud's face, joy. She saw that from him from time to time when they hung out but this was different. She just didn't know why.
" Cuz I did it. I actually did it Tifa!" Cloud said as if it answered everything. Tifa thought for a moment and considered that maybe thats all it was. He won. He got a win for the first time in a while.
" Ow...still hurt though." Cloud said as he clutched his side.
" Right. Mr Johnson Cloud needs the nurse..." Tifa began but stopped when she saw Mr Johnson holding the remains of the turret close and crying over it.
" It's okay little guy. I'll get you going again in no time. You'll be even better then before just you watch." Mr Johnson said as he grieved for his fallen machine.
" WILL YOU FOCUS ON THE STUDENT WHO IS HURT INSTEAD OF YOUR STUPID MACHINE?" Tifa yelled at the teacher. This seemed to snap him out of it as he dropped the machine parts and looked over to Cloud.
" Oh right. No worries." Mr Johnson said as he waved his hand and a ball of white energy flowed out of it and crashed into Cloud. Cloud suddenly felt better then ever. All the bruises were gone in an instant.
" Whoa... How'd you do that?" Cloud asked.
" Healing materia, Mastered it too so it's healing capability is as good as you can make it." Mr Johnson said.
" Cool. So, how did I do?" Cloud asked. Mr Johnson sat down in front of him.
" Well kid I gotta say, you are full of surprises. You got a lot of latent power tucked away in there just waiting to come out. But... you have a confidence issue." MR Johnson said. Cloud didn't need to be told that. he already knew full well what he ment.
" That said, we can iron that confidence issue out in due time, but before anything I need to know something." Mr Johnson said.
" What?" Cloud asked.
" What do you want to do with your life?" Mr Johnson asked.
" Is that really relevant to the training?" Tifa asked.
" It can be. Depending on what you want to do with your life I can change the training to be less or more intense. So what do you want to do Cloud?" Mr Johnson asked once more. Cloud had not put much thought into what he would do for the rest of his life. He was only 9 after all. The first thing that really comes to his mind is being a SOLDIER. Going and saving people seemed appealing to him. Not only that, being considered one of the strongest isn't so bad either. The more he thought on being a SOLDIER the more sold on it he was. Cloud looked Mr Johnson in the eyes before answering.
" I want to be a SOLDER." Cloud declared.
" And why do you want to be a SOLDIER?" Mr Johnson asked.
" I want to be able to protect the people that matter to me. Tifa... my mom. Being a SOLDIER I would have the power to protect them from anything. Plus, the idea of saving people is kinda cool I guess." Cloud explained. Tifa couldn't help but admire Cloud even more after hearing that. Mr Johnson stood up.
" Then Cloud Strife I will gladly teach you what I know. From. this day until you decide to leave for Midgar i will personally train you. We will not only get your limits under proper control but also gain skills that will help you on your path." Mr Johnson said. Cloud's eyes lit up.
" I...yes please Mr Johnson. I won't let you down." Cloud says as he bowed down. Tifa couldn't help but feel a little left out. Seeing everything she saw today mesmerised her. She wanted to be strong like that too.
" Mr Johnson? Would it be okay if you trained me as well?" Tifa asked. Mr Johnson gave her a once over before asking
" Why would you. want me to train you Girly?"
Tifa thought back to when she and Cloud fell down the mountain. She felt so helpless, she couldn't do anything. Seeing Cloud on a coma made things even worse. She didn't want anything like that to happen again. Not if she could help it.
" Cloud isn't the only one who wants to be stronger. I want to be helpful, I want to be able to protect myself and the people I care for too. So could you please train me too?" Tifa asked. Mr Johnson looked over her once again before sighing.
" Why the hell not. Besides is good to have another student to bounce off of. Course I'm gonna have to get you up to Cloud's level before you begin training together." Mr Johnson said.
" That's fine. I promise to work hard." Tifa says.
" We both will. You'll see Master Johnson, we will be the best students you ever had." Cloud declared.
" Hahaha, Master Johnson? No that was my father's name. From now on, Call me Master Zangan."