Chapter 8
I looked down at my hands and sighed a bit of relief. They were shaking, but not too bad. Then I thought about the man I cooked alive and went a bit pale. I looked to the other two, but said nothing. The Turk, for the most part, watched me the entire mission, but only now did I get the feeling that he wanted to talk to me.
"Quite a mission today. Can't believe this is what you are capable of UN-enhanced," The Turk said, before turning to the blonde and said, "Same for you. I can't believe they didn't take you for soldier."
I nodded as I looked at the boy clad in a black business suit. His brown hair was short and he was clean shaven. He had a strong look about him, but his youth betrayed him. He looked about fifteen or sixteen at the most, a boy playing a Turk. "What's your name?" I asked.
His brow furrowed a bit, but he kept a stern look on his face as he spoke, "That's an odd question."
"How else am I to refer to you?" I retorted, attempting to break that code of silence that I felt around some of the other Turks I've met.
"Names give more than that. I don't trust you with that knowledge," He said.
"What gun is that?" I asked as I pointed at the gun in his holster. I hoped to at least pry some knowledge out of the tight-lipped bastard.
He reached down and pulled out a revolver and gave it a little twirl. "It's just a revolver, nothing special," he answered, then holstered the weapon once more.
I took a few seconds going over various revolver names and companies that made them. None of them really fit the look of this boy, so I then thought of some of the old Clint Eastwood movies I would watch as a kid. Then a thought occurred from the original Dirty Harry movie. "Magnum, that is what I'm going to call you," I said. He rose an eyebrow at this, so I asked, "You got anything better?"
As he shook his head, I remembered what the woman said about some avalanche. "Before she passed out, the professor said something about an Avalanche. Does that mean anything, or is she babbling?" I asked.
Revolver paled a bit, then said, "We picked up intel from your last mission about an active terrorist cell operating in Junon. If they're here in Midgar, then they are making big moves fast!"
I nodded, then I turned my attention from the Turk, dubbed Magnum, and looked at a glass pane. For the first time since I arrived here, I looked at and scrutinized my reflection.
My short brown hair was covered in blood, along with my short stubbled facial hair. My brown eyes had a look of an aged and paranoid man, much unlike the old puppy eyes the girls back in school would say I had. I noticed some blood coming from my hair line, but I assumed it was from the helmet breaking on my head. I did now realize that everything looked a bit hazy, so I figured I'd have to force myself to stay awake. I'd rather not scare the two kids that I was sitting next to.
My eyes moved from my reflection and landed onto the infantryman who just sat down opposite of me. He was also younger looking, but more than Magnum. He could easily be thirteen years old. He also had little to no muscle mass, but the boy clearly had potential in him. After all, he did that blue glowing move. I felt a bit sorry for the boy, I didn't know how many of his friends died along the way, but this would certainly take a toll on him mentally.
I stood from my seat, and moved over to the bench opposite from him. As I sat down, I noticed he was shaking like a leaf. "Hey, dude. You doing well?" I asked
He jumped, apparently not noticing that I moved across from him. He nodded, and said, "I'll be fine, sir."
I shook my head and said, "That would mean your stronger than me, kid. Take a breath and compose yourself," I paused as he took my advice, then I asked, "So, what's your name kid?"
"Cadet Strife, sir," he said a bit more relaxed. I could swear I recognized his voice from earlier. Then it dawned on me, he was the infantryman who hesitated to get on the train.
I stifled a laugh, then said, "You can drop the sir. What's your first name Strife, or is that your first name?"
"I'm Cloud, sir, oops…" he said sounding a little shy.
Oh boy, this kid has confidence issues. "It's fine Cloud, just call me Abraham, no better yet Revelation," I said nicely.
"Revelation?" he asked, a small smile finally breaking across his face.
Good, I got him now. "You've earned that right after today. How old are you?" I asked.
"Fifteen," he said a bit too quickly for a question that random.
"Nope," I said leaning back and staring into his eyes. It was now that I realized just how blue they were. It was almost like he had a bit of mako eyes in them, but I knew that couldn't be the case.
"I'm fourteen," he answered quietly going red from embarrassment.
I did a quick glance in the glass to catch Revolver's eyes widen a bit at that tidbit of information. I turned back to Cloud, then said, "Listen, I asked because I believe you just did something very extraordinary for somebody your age. You certainly don't look built, and yet you took on a guy at least three times your size. For a little guy to win a fight like that..."
"But you helped me!" Cloud interrupted, still looking a bit flush.
"Don't be modest man! What you did was an amazing feat! Do you know why?" I asked.
He looked out a window in thought, then looked back and shrugged. His color was slowly coming back to his face now.
"It means after training your body and mind, you can do very extraordinary things. You are strong enough to fight off a dude that's bigger than you, which stands to reason that you would only get stronger," I said.
"I don't think so," Cloud said, shaking his head, "I can barely keep up with the teens in my outfit," he finished.
"Look dude, if they're anything like my roommate, they are probably around sixteen or so. They have two years of puberty on you, but that doesn't mean shit when you have this much potential skill. You turned blue and sliced that first guy's face off! I'm with Revolver on this one, I can't believe they didn't take you for Soldier!" I said, damn near singing this boys praises.
He turned away from me, but I could see the tears welling up in his eyes. I wonder if I'm the first person that ever truly believed in him enough to tell him so. I could tell based on that slight hiccup he did that I was making his day brighter at the very least.
"When I first joined the army, I wasn't as strong as I am now. In fact, I was about as scrawny as you are, and I was eighteen at the time!" I paused, as he turned to me. He gave me an incredulous look, but I continued before he said anything. "Sure, we didn't quite secure the briefcase, but we saved this woman's life!" I said pointing to the professor, who weakly looked up, before closing her eyes again.
"Thank you, Revelation, that means a lot to me," Cloud said, tears reddening his eyes.
"I can tell that you need a mentor, somebody to make you strong. After this mission, I'll have a mandatory 48 hours off to recuperate. Come by floor 25 room 9 when you have free time. I will have you train with Zack and myself," I offered. I could tell based on how he broke out into a smile that I made this boy's day even better than before.
His smiled widened, and the tears had dried up, as he said, "OKAY!"
'Shit, another Zack to deal with,' I thought to myself.
Shortly after our little arrangement, the train came to a stop and we saw a brigade of infantrymen waiting at the station with a medical crew. The doctors entered the train first and attended to the professor first before moving on to me. Luckily, I wasn't bleeding from the helmet, so I was freed to go. I exited the train with Cloud in tow, as two commanders came forward to talk.
"Orders, sir," One said.
"No orders, however, I must report that of the three units accompanying this mission, only Cadet Strife remains standing," I stated.
"It saddens me to hear this, Cadet Strife I expect a full report on what happened, dismissed" the commander stated.
As Cloud saluted the man, then walked off, I nodded, then said, "That has to be the bravest man I've seen in a long time."
The commander gave me a sideways look, then asked, "No offense, sir, but him?"
"I watched him slice one man's face off, then hold off another knife wielding maniac. Sure, I was able to stab through the man he was fighting, but the kid has heart," I answered, turning to the man. "I need to report to Lazard. If you've no further need of me, I'll be heading that way now," I stated.
The man saluted me, which I returned. The train made it all the way back to the upper plate in one piece, but the commotion that had occurred bellow had not gone unnoticed. The walk back to the HQ through the streets of Midgar was rather uneventful. The streets were so clean that there was almost no police force to protect the citizens. In a perfect world, we wouldn't need a police force or military. Sadly, this isn't a perfect world. Proof of that observation was given about an hour before.
The giant tower at the center of the city was the final destination. The ShinRa Head Quarters is the biggest and ugliest skyscraper in all of Midgar, which means you cannot miss it.
When I reach it's threshold, I take in a deep breath. I still can't believe I'm here. That this giant soulless steel and concrete structure is my home. Or the fact that I'm now nothing more than a mercenary for a company that apparently is in the energy business. How the fuck did my world go from democracy to a corporate oligarchy, or whatever the word is. (An aside, the correct form is actually dictatorship)
As I entered the structure, and climbed the stairs, I made it to the elevator. I pressed the button for where Lazard's office is, floor 26. After about a minute, the doors slid open and I made my way through the halls to his office. I knocked a few times, then heard the man say, "Enter."
The doorway slid open to reveal Revolver, Veld, the fat man with the beard from earlier, and Lazard. I walked in and took a seat.
"I got word a few moments ago about what had happened from the Administrative Agent, but I would like to hear it from you," Lazard had stated.
"We arrived at the station in sector seven to the sound of gunshots. We secured professor, only to be attacked by a terrorist cell. A sniper had picked off many of the infantrymen in the train. The train was boarded by three magic users. The first one overwhelmed me with the materia, but Cadet Strife was able to bring him down with impressive swordsmanship. We moved to the next cart to find the cart full of dead infantrymen and two more magic users. I was able to stop one man from killing me, Revolver was able to kill him during a stalemate in my fight, then I was able to kill the man fighting Cadet Strife. We made it to the last cart only to find the professor bleeding out and the intel she was carrying was stolen. Before the professor passed out, she gave us the name of the terrorist cell, Avalanche," I recounted. It was shocking that that was pretty much the quick story.
"Pretty much the same story that our newly anointed Revolver has given us," Veld said to Lazard.
"Well, Heidegger, what do you think?" Lazard said, turning to the fat man, now known as Heidegger.
He stroked his beard for a moment, then nodded. "I believe the mission 'COULD' have gone smother, but after the stunt that Genesis had pulled, I would say that the mission went as well as it was going to. I pass him," He said.
Lazard looked a little upset about what the fat man said, but turned to Veld.
"I believe he will be a great asset to Soldier. I pass him as well," Veld said, looking with a bit of sadness that I didn't join the Turks.
Lazard then gave a small nod, then said, "Report to professor Hojo tomorrow morning. If your body can handle it, you will be given an injection and mako bath, then you will be promoted to Soldier Third Class."
I stood up, gave a salute, and said, "Thank you, Sir!"
"You are dismissed," Lazard said.
As I left the room, and the door shut behind me, I did a fist pump and a small jump. I was excited that I was finally making it as a Soldier. I knew I wouldn't be sleeping well tonight, but I couldn't help but feel accomplishment. I walked through the hallway, then spotted Zack doing squats over in the rec room.
I tiptoed over, picked up a towel, then twirled it around a dozen or so times. I rat-tailed him with a flick of my wrist, and as he turned around, he gave a look of surprise, then a big grin cropped onto his face.
"Well, well, well! I heard your mission went sideways! Good to see you made it through in one piece!" Zack said, throwing an arm around my shoulder.
I laughed a bit, then asked, "How'd you hear so fast?"
"Angeal told me. He's not one to talk, but he said your whole squad was apparently wiped out. I was worried, even though he told me not to," Zack answered, giving me a light punch on the arm.
"I met somebody after the mission…" I started, and Zacks eyes lit up.
"What's her name?" He asked.
"His name is Cloud. NO I'm not gay!" I immediately added. Zack looked confused, but let me continue. "I'm pretty sure he saved my ass from being flayed by a freaky magic user. He has potential, so I asked him to train with us… probably should have asked you first…" I finished, but immediately saw that little sparkle appear in Zacks eyes. I could tell that this dude was about to corrupt that kid with his Zack ways, I really don't want to deal with a crazy blonde Zack clone…
"Okay! If you say so, we'll whip him into shape!" Zack answered, giving a coy smile.
I was a little weirded out by this, then I said, "Oh, and if Hojo will accept me, I'm getting promoted."
Zacks jaw dropped. "Dude, you already have crazy skills! I can see it now, being able to actually fight you without using training wheels!"
My eyes widened as I said, "YOU WERE GOING EASY ON ME!"
Everyone who wasn't already starring at me shot their eyes on me. A few a saw make kissy faces, and I overhead one dude say something about 'A lover's quarrel'. I flipped that guy the bird.
Zack laughed as I stormed off. I wasn't mad, and there was no way to prove that fact… I went to the apartment, Zack slowly following me, only for me to see Cloud standing at our door. He looked nervous, like he wanted to knock but didn't want to bother me so soon. He was about to turn away when I walked up behind him and knocked for him. He shot around with his eyes wide open in fear, then nearly jumped when he saw Zack. The hysterics that Zack was in before we left the rec room were nothing compared to when Zack looked at Cloud.
"OH MY GAIA! He looks like a Chocobo! Why didn't you tell me he looks like a… Oh, right…" Zack said in between his laughing.
Cloud got all red, but I put a hand on Cloud's shoulder. "He means well, don't get mad at him. Anyway, come on in," I offered, sliding the door open.
Cloud sighed, and as I walked him inside, he muttered, "Like I haven't heard that before."
"You two make nice, I've got to shower," I said, feeling the congealed blood all over me.
One hour later
I couldn't quite explain how, but after the shower, the three of us had somehow moved to the training room. We were talking and suddenly, poof, Zack led us here. We just entered when Zack asked, "So how are we going to train him?"
"I'm thinking that we are going to have to bulk him up before we can beef him up," I stated, looking at how skinny the kid was. He wasn't bones, but the kid didn't have any meat on them either.
"You're just hungry!" Zack accused, shooting me daggers with his eyes.
"You're not wrong, but don't change the subject!" I admitted, feeling a hunger pain cross my gut.
"Okay, let's say we get a steak in him, how would getting him fat help him train?" Zack asked.
As the two of us argued, Cloud just looked at the two of us like we were crazy, which clearly, we are. Zack finally broke down and let me win.
"YES! Now I can eat dinner!" I cried. I led the way to the mess hall, with Cloud and Zack in tow.
"Do you two normally argue like this?" Cloud asked Zack.
"Nope, I think he's just cranky that I wanted to start your training immediately after your mission," Zack answered.
"That's not it, Zack. The real reason is that he had to fight for his life today. He should be resting, relaxing, and not stressing his mind and body out more than it already was. Not to say that you shouldn't train, just not today," I answered.
"I heard about the details from Cloud while you got your shower. I just want him to be ready if he's going to attempt Soldier again," Zack said defensively.
As the three of us got food, and sat down at a table, Zack saw one of his friends at a separate table. "Imma dip out to see Counsel. Good to meet you Cloud. Later dude!" Zack said.
Cloud sat there with a good bit of food, looking like he hadn't eaten in a long while, and thanked me. I couldn't believe the way that this kid was taking all this in stride. I was freaking the fuck out, and completely fearing Zack, but the kid just rolled with the punches. As we ate, we talked about why he wanted to join Soldier in the first place. He was a bit apprehensive about it, but I was able to whittle it down to the typical 'Impress a Girl' deal.
"Well, Cloud, we are going to definitely work on your strength and stamina. I'm thinking that it'd be better if I took care of the stamina while Zack works on your strength. I'm possibly getting Mako injections tomorrow so I won't know my own strength," I said.
"Sounds good. If I've free time tomorrow, I'll go to your room tomorrow!" Cloud said excitedly.
The two of us left shortly after that. I returned to my room, went into my bedroom, and finally removed my blade for the last time today. I was tired down into my bones, but I could keep going if I needed to. Gladly once the blade of on my desk, and my head was on my pillow, I was out like a light.
The Next Morning
I woke up around four in the morning to the image of the first man on the train who had his face split open. It took all that I could muster not to cry out, as his eyes dropped from their sockets. I sat up, went to the toilet, and threw my guts up. It was going to be a LONG day, but now I was ready to take it on… or probably not if I couldn't stop dry heaving. I jumped into the shower and let the cold water stream over me. I got out and put on my Soldier outfit for today, but to my surprise Zack was waiting for me in the living room.
"Hey dude," I said lazily as I entered the room.
Zack gave a wave as he sat on the couch rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Before I could go into the kitchen, he said, "I wouldn't eat before the injections. You'll be on your back all day, but if you eat after you should be alright."
"Good advice. What's it like?" I asked, curious about what was in store for me.
Zack gave a little shiver, then scratched the stubble on his face. Apparently, the young man could grow facial hair. "Well, first you get two injections. The first is something for the nausea, the second is for the enhancements. Then you enter a special chamber and get bathed in this glowing green liquid. It feels… Weird, I guess, I don't really know how to explain it," Zack answered.
"That sounds like a fucking nightmare, Zack," I said, feeling my stomach twist.
Zack nodded, then said, "Just don't panic. After the bath, your body will feel like it's dialed up to eleven. You will be able to run faster, jump higher, lift more, even some things that seem impossible will become easier. The down side is that your metabolism will double, but the upside to that is your body will heal cuts, scrapes, and bruises without so much as a scar… Within reason of course," Zack added.
I checked my phone for any new messages, and to my surprise there were two. Lazard's was all about the importance of the procedure and when it would take place as well as where. The other was from Seph.
Abraham,
It amazes me that you have advanced so rapidly in such a short time. I knew you were cut from a different cloth than the rest of the men who join SOLDIER. Congratulations on making it to third, so long as Hojo can perform the procedure that is. If you have any questions, come to myself or ask your roommate Zack. Angeal and Genesis wish you the best as well, even if they won't come out and say it.
General Sephiroth.
I read that at least twice, before I realized that Zack was looking over my shoulder. I jumped when I felt him breathe on my neck, but all that did was make him laugh. I swear that this dude was a creeper some times. I shook my head, and sent a message back.
Seph,
Thank you for your message. I still don't know what I did to impress you so, but I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for taking a chance with giving me all this.
AR.
With that, I sent the message. I looked at the time, almost 5:30, so I waved bye to Zack and left the apartment. I went to the elevator and pressed the call button. My mind was firing at all cylinders, and not every thought was bright and happy. Once the doors slid open, I slid inside and pressed floor 67, and waited for what seemed like ages.
What if I'm not good enough to move further? What would happen to me if I didn't make this milestone? How could I train Cloud to become Soldier if I didn't make the cut?
With each negative thought, one worse one cropped into my mind, but before I knew it I was seeing the doors slide open for the first time. I was greeted by a man with greasy black hair slicked back into a pony tail. He wore a pair of glasses that hugged his crooked nose snugly, which did nothing to accentuate the almost lake of eyebrows that he had going on. His white lab coat was buttoned up to cover his shirt, but the red tie he was wearing fit him well, along with the black slacks and nice looking loafers. This man looked like a very official and no-nonsense kind of man.
"You must be the new recruit that Sephiroth pushed through. I don't recognize you from any of the medical exams," The man started with. He looked me up and down, before adding, "I don't understand why he would hand pick a man such as yourself. Oh well, at least you are punctual." He was looking at a watch, before waving for me to follow him. He led me through a few halls until we reached an examination room.
"This will be a standard medical procedure. Please strip down to your underwear, and lay down on the table," The man stated. He went to the sink and washed and scrubbed his hands while I undressed for him. He put on a pair of latex gloves right as I laid on the table. "I do hope you aren't allergic to latex," The man said. I shook my head, and he nodded.
"I am Professor Hojo, and before we begin, I would like to thank you for saving my fellow professor yesterday. I would have hoped for the notes she was carrying, but she will be able to replicate the results of the tests safely here," Hojo said.
I nodded, and through the examination he would check something, then mutter to himself while writing something down on a clipboard. I let my mind go blank the entire way through the exam, and before I knew it, he sat me upright. After a few more things, he finally reached for a syringe.
"This drug that I am about to inject you with is an anti-naseua medicine. If you have a reaction to this, then I'm afraid that you will not be permitted for the next phase of the transformation," Hojo said. I didn't react to what he said, much to his confusion. As he swabbed my arm, I watched on in mild boredom. I didn't hate needles, so I watched the thing go into my skin and slowly release the fluid content into my system. He waited for a few minutes, then gave me a reassuring nod.
The next swab had me a little nervous. The fluid was a fluorescent blue color had me a little concerned, but he was the doctor in all this. With the next injection down, he had me stand up and move to an adjoining room that had a shower head. He shut the door and a green mist came over me. It didn't feel like water, or slime, or any substance that I've ever had on me. It was slightly warm, and when I looked at my arm, I saw it seep into my skin. I felt my heart skip a beat, but I just closed my eyes and take in a few deep breaths. I was going to be okay, I was going to make it.
After about twenty or thirty minutes, the mist stopped and the door slid open. I exited the room and noticed the room was a tinge brighter now. I dried myself off as best I could, then turned to the doctor.
"So, any nasty side effects that I should look out for?" I asked.
He smiled, then countered, "You're concerned now?"
I shrugged, then stretched. I felt bones pop into place and muscles move that I hadn't known were there before. I felt like a body builder, but without the mass that they would have.
"You seem to be fine, but I should mention that some of your comrades have said a loss of taste is common," Hojo added, before throwing his gloves in the waste bin. He looked up at me and said, "You should be ready for action immediately if needed, but try to take it easy for at least a day."
I nodded as I got dressed. Before I knew it, I was back in my apartment looking at Zack. He saw me, then gave a big grin. I looked over at the clock hanging at eye level, and noticed baby blue staring right back. A grin broke across my face, I let the commanding nature take over me as I turned back. My eyes furrowed down and a serious tone broke from my voice.
"You, Me, Training Room," I said, with a slight growl. Much to my delight, Zack had an almost fearful expression, and I knew I was in for a treat.
End of chapter 8
Edited March 16th, 2020.