A/N: Kinda a filler chapter but cool for the Zack/Cloud shippers.

Chapter Five

For the next week, every time Cloud closed his eyes, images of the headless woman and the scientist being killed flashed behind his eyes lids. Harry couldn't stop thinking about the cat's sad eyes and his desperate plea for freedom. Both boys were determined now more than ever to find Hermione and save her from whatever horrors the scientists were putting her through.

Harry devoted himself to learning how to use a computer competently. He wanted to find out more about Red XIII and any other experiments Hojo was conducting. He practiced his typing everyday until he could type without looking down at his hands. The only time Harry wasn't on his computer was when Reno was teaching him hand to hand combat or he was doing some sort of small job for the Turks.

Currently, Harry was lying on his back, breathing hard and hurting all over. Reno had just knocked him flat on his ass for the hundredth time. They were in a private training room for Turks that was covered in cement. Reno explained Turks didn't train on padded floors because in a real fight, you didn't have something soft and cushiony to land on. You landed on hard, unforgiving rock and needed to get used to that.

"Wanna take a break, yo?" Reno asked.

Harry forced his tired body up. "No." He stood at the ready and met Reno's eyes with a determined face. Reno just shrugged and Harry ran forward, aiming for his face. He fainted to the side and attempted to kick Reno in the stomach but the redhead easily blocked him. Harry went down to one knee and swept his leg out but Reno jumped over the limb and slammed a fist into Harry's head as he landed. Harry saw stars for a moment and lay down. He understood why Reno didn't pull his punches when they were training but sometimes Harry really wished he would.

Reno knelt down and shook his head, staring at Harry. He felt a tiny twinge of guilt for beating the kid up so badly but not enough to take it easy on him. Turks had a rough life and Harry needed to be tough to survive it.

"You still with me, kid?"

Harry blinked and adjusted his glasses. "Barely."

"You need to get rid of these, yo," Reno commented. "They're too troublesome. If they get broke you'll be blind and at a huge disadvantage."

"How am I supposed to get rid of them?" Harry muttered, sitting up slowly. His glasses had been smashed many, many times before by the bullies of his hometown. Harry knew a spell to repair them though so it had never been a big issue. "Contacts don't work for me."

"Shinra's got doctors that can do some weird surgery to fix eyesight. Sounds pretty mad scientist to me but I've met people that swear by it."

Harry scowled. "I'm not letting any Shinra doctor near me," he said vehemently. "They'll probably rip my eyes out and replace them with some weird experiment and then spend months studying me."

"What the hell you talkin' about, yo?" Reno asked, staring at the teen shrewdly.

Harry shook his head. "Nothing, I'm not talking about anything. Let's keep going." He stood on shaky legs and Reno rolled his eyes.

"We're done for the night." He pulled out a green ball and held it out to Harry. "You ever use materia before?"

Harry shook his head. He had seen the glowing balls of condensed Mako but didn't know how to use them. He took it in his hand, surprised by how cold it was. Everyone always described materia as being warm and soothing.

"Focus on the center," Reno instructed. "Reach out with your mind and use your will to make the materia do what ya want. This one is a cure materia so focus on making it heal you."

Harry stared at the green orb and did as Reno instructed. He frowned when he didn't feel anything and the orb just sat in his hand lifelessly.

"I don't get it. What's the trick?"

"There's no trick, just do what I told ya. Make it heal you."

Harry tried again but no matter how hard he focused or how many mental orders he issued, the green ball refused to activate. Harry shook his head in frustration and Reno took the orb back. He held it out and cast a cure over Harry's form. Instantly, Harry felt his muscles loosen and his bruises fade. Reno tossed the orb back to him.

"Keep it and try and get it to work. Materia is a powerful weapon and you'll be at a pretty big disadvantage if you can't get it to work."

Harry nodded and pocketed the orb. "Thanks. Are you going to be in the office tomorrow?"

"Nah, Rude and I got a mission," Reno dismissed. "You need to be in the office to answer the phone and stuff like that."

"You want me to be your secretary while you get to go out on missions?"

"Yup!"

Harry scowled as Reno grinned. "Don't worry kid, I promise it'll be just as boring as it sounds."

Cloud was so focused on his training that he didn't notice the bright blue eyes watching him. He swung his sword in a perfect arc, focusing on the muscles in his body. He wanted to be able to perform these moves in his sleep. The standard block and attack were important to have memorized because every advanced move started with them.

After what he had witnessed in the science department, Cloud had become obsessed with getting stronger. The strange cat had killed the scientist with cold ease. Cloud wasn't interested in whether or not the cat's story about being kidnapped and tortured was true. All he cared about was getting stronger. If creatures like that were being held in the science department there was a strong chance Cloud would have to fight them in order to rescue Hermione.

Not to mention the cat had freaked Cloud out and not just because it had talked and killed someone. Never before had anyone seen through Harry's charm. The disillusionment charm was like very good camouflage. It allowed you to blend perfectly in with your surroundings but you could still be seen, especially if you were moving. But that cat had acted like the spell wasn't even there! He had seen them as easily as if they held up signs with lights announcing their presence. And it had called Harry a wizard. It knew what Harry was and where others like him were.

Cloud stumbled slightly, not paying attention to his feet as his mind wandered. With an angry yell, Cloud threw his practice sword down and ran a hand harshly through his spikes in frustration. That cat knew other people like Harry. Cloud knew, without a doubt, Harry was going to try and rescue it. Hermione would still be the top priority but Harry wasn't going to leave the creature behind if he could help it.

"What's got you all upset?"

Cloud jumped and looked up, surprised to see Zack standing in front of him, holding Cloud's sword. Cloud hadn't seen Zack for a couple of days as the First had been out on a mission. He had taken to practicing alone every night after classes but was glad to see his friend again.

"Welcome back," Cloud said quietly. "Did your mission go well?"

"Sure did," Zack grinned. "But what did you expect? I am after all, the best."

Zack walked over and handed Cloud his sword back. It was then Cloud noticed the large flat sword resting on the older teen's back. He peered at it and Zack smiled, turning around so Cloud could see the sword easier.

"My mentor is teaching me to wield it," Zack explained. "It's called the Buster Sword."

Cloud ran his fingers over it briefly. With a weapon like that, he could defeat anything. He would be able to protect his family with ease.

"Can I try it?"

Zack laughed and grabbed the thing off his back, using one hand to wield it. "I doubt you can do much more than lift it. This is a sword meant for Soldiers. Most people without Mako enhancements can't really use it."

Zack handed over the sword anyways and Cloud stumbled under the weight. It weighed at least a hundred pounds. He attempted to lift it but could only manage to get the tip off the ground. Cloud scowled as Zack took the sword back and placed it on his back. It was just a clear reminder that Cloud was not strong. He had so much to learn and so little time to do it.

"What's wrong, Spiky?" Zack asked.

Cloud didn't answer. He picked up his training sword and resumed his position. He swung the weapon twice before stopping.

"I need to get stronger," Cloud said.

Zack stared at him a moment before removing his Buster Sword. He set it against the wall and picked up a training sword from the rack. He walked over to Cloud and stood defensively.

"Attack me."

Cloud looked surprised but Zack's face was serious.

"Attack me. Remember everything I've taught you. Watch your feet and don't hesitate."

Cloud nodded and faced his friend. He took a deep breath before launching himself head first at the Soldier. Zack caught his attack easily but Cloud didn't let up. He twirled and planted his feet, stabbing forward. Zack dodged the attack but didn't return with one of his own. This fight was for Cloud to let off some frustration so Zack would stay on the defensive. Cloud didn't seem to care as he threw himself into the spar. He swung his sword in controlled movements, spinning and striking and jumping back. Zack watched him carefully, calling out advice quickly.

"Move your feet! You're leaving your left side open! Don't hesitate, thrust with all your strength!"

As the fight wore on, Cloud's swings became more clumsy. He's movement slowed but he forced himself to continue. He had to get stronger! His family needed him. Hermione needed rescuing and Harry needed protecting, even if his brother stubbornly refused it. He couldn't give up! Cloud had to be strong. He would be strong!

With a yell, Cloud swung down at Zack's head in an arc. Zack lifted his sword and blocked it easily and Cloud fell to his knees, panting hard. Sweat dripped into his eyes and Cloud wiped it away angrily.

"That was awesome!"

Cloud blinked and looked up at Zack who grinning down at him. "I didn't even come close to hitting you."

Zack laughed. "Well yeah. Cloud, it's going to be a long time before you're able to hit me! I'm one of the best guys in Shinra! But what you did just now was really impressive. It's always hard to see how much you've improved, but trust me, you have. You're a lot stronger and faster than when we first started. You're doing really well."

Cloud sat back on his hands and shook his head. He couldn't bring himself to feel pride at Zack's words. He may be improving but that didn't mean he was strong. Cloud was still too weak to protect his family.

Zack sat next to Cloud and peered at his face. "What's wrong, Spiky?"

To Cloud's horror, he felt tears sting his eyes. He rubbed them away quickly, hoping Zack didn't notice.

"You know I'm here for you, right?" Zack went on. "I'm not just your teacher, I'm your friend. I'll help you with anything, you've just gotta talk to me."

Cloud sniffed and spoke quietly. If Zack didn't have such good ears he might not have heard the blonde. "My sister's in trouble and I'm not sure I can help her."

"I didn't know you had a sister. I thought you only had Harry."

"My mom adopted her too," Cloud explained. "When I was a kid, I was hunting up in the Nible Mountains and found them. Harry and my sister were nearly frozen in the snow. I carried them down to the town and got them help. The villagers found their parent's bodies further up the mountain, frozen to death." Cloud wiped his eyes. "My mom adopted them after they were better and we grew up together. I was so happy to have them around."

"So where's your sister now?"

Cloud shook his head. "I don't know. We've been trying to find her for months. I'm worried... I'm worried when we do find her, I won't be able to help her. I won't be able to protect her." Cloud clenched his fists, trying to ignore his angry tears. "Harry too. I want to be strong enough to protect him."

"You will be," Zack promised, resting a hand on Cloud's shoulder. "You're doing really well and picking up sword fighting pretty fast." Zack reached over and gently wiped a tear from Cloud's face, surprising the teen. He looked up and noticed how close Zack was to him. "Your family's lucky to have someone who cares so much about them. You're a good person, Cloud."

Cloud didn't answer as Zack moved in closer. He didn't pull away as Zack leaned in and pressed their lips together gently. Cloud's eyes fluttered closed as Zack's warm lips moved against his. Cloud was embarrassed to admit this was his first kiss so he wasn't sure what to do. Zack pulled away slowly and Cloud opened his eyes.

"Ah, sorry," Zack whispered. "I should have asked before doing that." He leaned away.

"Um... I've never..."

Zack blinked. "You're never been kissed?"

Cloud shook his head. "We were the village outcasts. No one came near us and here at Shinra, I guess romance isn't really the priority."

"Ah, now I feel really bad for not asking!" Zack exclaimed. "You were just so cute and your eyes were so pretty and shiny because of the tears."

Cloud suddenly realized he'd been crying a moment ago and quickly rubbed his eyes, trying to dry them. Zack laughed and Cloud glared at him. The Soldier jumped to his feet and helped the blonde up.

"Okay, well we're going to kick up your training regimen! Now that you've told me that you need to get stronger to protect your family, I want to help even more! And when you do find your sister, you'll be strong enough to save her and if not, I'll be right there to help!"

"Help?"

"You betchya! I'm your friend and I'll always be there for you! Tomorrow's Sunday and your day off from classes, but not this time! I'll come get you in the morning and we'll start working out for real, go it?"

Cloud grinned. "Yes. Thank you, Zack!"

"No problem, Spiky! I'm here for ya, always."

The next morning Cloud and Harry found themselves on floor sixteen, ordering cheap drinks from Tiffany. The girl was just as hyper and happy as Cloud remembered and, to his surprise, she remembered Cloud perfectly. She bounced around excitedly when Cloud introduced her to Harry and declared they were the cutest set of twins she'd ever seen. She refused to listen when they attempted to explain they weren't twins.

After getting their drinks and sitting down, Harry reached into his pocket. "I've got a present for you."

He slid a bulky PHS towards Cloud on the table. Cloud picked it up and looked it over curiously. "Where'd you get this?"

"All Turks are expected to carry one," Harry explained. "Reno made me get one so he doesn't have to look for me anymore." Harry pulled out his phone and showed it to Cloud.

"Did Mamma send you money?" Cloud asked.

"Actually I get paid. I mean, I get paid next to nothing and getting these two phones pretty much takes up my whole check, but at least it's something."

Cloud's jaw dropped. "You get paid? Why don't I get paid?"

"Cuz Turks are cooler than Soldiers."

Cloud scoffed at that while Harry grinned. He picked up his phone and dialed a number. After a moment, Cloud's phone vibrated and a random jingle played. The screen lit up and Cloud stared at the name.

"Your older brother?" he read. "Really?"

Harry hung up and smiled. "Call me."

Cloud did so and Harry showed him the screen. It read "my little brother."

"Really?" Cloud exclaimed. "You know, we could be the same age for all you know! We don't actually know which one of us is older!" He crossed his arms. "And if anyone is older, it's me. I'm way more mature than you."

Harry rolled his eyes. "No you're not."

"Yes I am."

"Nu-uh."

"Yeah-huh!"

The two smiled for a moment before their faces fell and they stared at their hands. The argument about who was older was one that the boys had been having since they were children. Harry and Hermione remembered very little about their lives before Cloud and Mama Strife. The doctors said it was repressed trauma or something. As such they really didn't know things like their age or where they had come from. The playful argument was always stopped by Hermione, who insisted she was the oldest of the three and most mature and the brothers never tried to argue with her about it.

The two heard footsteps and Cloud looked up to see Zack running over happily. He stopped before the table with his hands on his hips and grinning widely.

"Hey guys! How you doing this morning?"

Harry grunted and Cloud smiled. "Fine. Zack, did you know Turk trainees get paid?"

"Yeah, sure did. Turks are really picky with their people so they don't have nearly as many recruits as Soldier. So they can afford to pay their guys."

Harry childishly stuck his tongue out at Cloud who scowled.

Zack laughed at the two. "Don't worry, when you make Soldier you'll get paid too. Pretty well, I might add."

Cloud nodded and held up his phone. "Hey, do you know how to change contacts on these?"

"You got a PHS? Awesome, let me give you my number." Zack snatched it and quickly programmed his name and number in. "This is a pretty old phone. Okay, who do you want me to change?"

"This one," Cloud pointed at Harry's info while the other boy whined at him to leave it alone. Cloud whispered to Zack, who snorted and changed the name. When he was done, he gave the phone back to Cloud. "Okay, call me!" Cloud ordered.

Harry did so and waited as the phone rang. Cloud and Zack laughed before Cloud showed Harry the screen.

"Pain the Ass," Harry read. "And you're supposed to be the mature one?"

Laughing, Cloud and Zack bid farewell to Harry and made their way upstairs to the Soldier training rooms. Zack looped an arm around Cloud's shoulder and they talked lightly as they walked. They performed their stretches and Zack did some squats. Once they were ready, Zack grabbed them two swords.

"Okay, so yesterday I noticed you leave you left side open a lot. So today I'm going to keep attacking you until you figure out how to block me."

"You're not going to tell me?" Cloud asked in surprise.

Zack smiled and shook his head. "Nope! Part of being in a fight is being able to adapt and change your style at a moment's notice. You need to be the one to figure it out. So get ready!"

True to his word, Zack attacked Cloud in all his unprotected areas. Cloud was constantly adjusting his stance but it seemed every time he compensated for one wrong thing, it caused another problem. They kept at it all morning. Every so often different Soldiers would come and go from the training room, pausing to watch the session. Cloud noticed whenever they came Zack would go easier on him. Cloud was touched by the gesture. Zack didn't want the blonde to be embarrassed so he was lax when others were watching.

Finally, Zack called for a stop and Cloud sat on the floor heavily. It was past noon and Cloud's stomach was rumbling loudly. Zack, as usual, was still bouncing around with endless energy.

"That was really good," he complimented. "You feel like you're getting the hang of it?"

Cloud nodded. "I think so."

"Good. So you wanna go into the city and get some food? My treat!"

"The city?" Cloud asked in surprise. "I haven't had a chance to go exploring there yet."

"Then we definitely need to go! Go change into some street clothes and meet me at the main entrance."

Cloud shrugged. "Okay."

A few minutes later, Cloud was waiting at the main entrance to Shinra, wearing a long sleeved blue shirt and some jeans. He wrapped a green scarf around his neck that his mother had made for his birthday. The city wasn't terribly cold but it was windy.

A few minutes later Zack appeared and waved at Cloud. The blonde was surprised to see Angeal Hewley with him. Both were dressed in dark jackets and a pair of jeans and Cloud hid his pout in his scarf. He had been hoping to spend the day alone with Zack. Not that he didn't want to meet the General, but Cloud had been hoping to talk to Zack about their kiss and it what it meant. He wouldn't be able to with Angeal around.

When the two walked up to him, Cloud saluted Angeal properly and the older man smiled. Zack immediately jumped up and down and shook his head.

"No, no! We're going out to lunch! This is completely unofficial and relaxing. There is to be no saluting, no calling anyone sir or cadet, and absolutely no formalities." He waved his finger between the two. "Got it? Good. Angeal, this is my buddy Cloud. Cloud this is my mentor, Angeal."

"It's nice to meet you, Cloud. Zack has spoken very fondly of you."

"It's nice to meet you too, sir."

"What did I just say?" Zack exclaimed.

Cloud glared lightly at him. "I called him sir because that's the polite way to address someone you just met. Or do you want me to be rude to someone you care about?"

Zack floundered for a moment before nodding. "All right I'll let it slide, this time."

Cloud rolled his eyes. "Gee, thanks."

Zack's eyes were happy as he grabbed Cloud's arm and dragged the boy outside. Angeal followed, smiling in amusement at the pair.

"Well I know this great Wutanese restaurant in sector two. Have you ever had Wutanese, Cloud? I figured you didn't so I thought this would be a fun thing to try."

"Uh, sure..."

As they walked Zack talked constantly. He pointed out every little thing to Cloud and explained to Angeal that Cloud had never seen the city before. They had taken the train to the next sector over and even then Zack did not top talking. Cloud could tell other passengers were annoyed as they constantly shot him angry looks. If Zack noticed, he didn't care in the least.

Finally the three arrived at the restaurant and Zack ran off to us the restroom, giving Cloud a break. He rubbed his ears, which were still ringing with Zack's voice. Angeal saw the gesture the and laughed.

"I wish I could tell you that you get used to it."

"It's not that I don't like it when he talks but just..."

"When does he have time to breathe?"

"Yes!" Cloud exclaimed. He suddenly blushed as he realized who he was talking to. Zack may have wanted everyone to not be formal with each other but that didn't change the fact that this was Angeal Hewley. He was part of the legendary trio and in charge of Soldier.

Angeal didn't seem to mind the lack of formalities though as he smiled down at Cloud. "So how are you fairing in the Soldier program?"

Cloud shrugged and hid his face in his scarf. "I'm doing better now that Zack is helping me."

"Zack has always had the talent to be a good teacher, even if he himself is a tiresome student."

Zack had reappeared just in time to hear Angeal's words and jumped on the man's back, attempting to put him in a headlock. Angeal shook him off easily.

"What's the matter, old man? Can't keep up with someone half your age?"

"You are not half my age and I am certainly not old."

The three stepped up to the counter and Zack slapped some money down and declared they wanted three all-you-can-eat buffets. The dark skinned woman rang them up and told them to sit wherever the wanted. Zack grabbed Cloud's arm and dragged him around the large buffet, pointing at different foods and stating which were the best and which ones to avoid. Eventually the three sat down together with their meals (Angeal's and Zack's a good deal larger than Cloud's) and began eating.

"Next time, Cloud, I'll have Angeal cook for us! He's an amazing chef!"

Cloud looked at the man, surprised. The hardened warrior hardly seemed like the type to don an apron and spend time in the kitchen.

Zack noticed his face and laughed. "I know, totally not the type, but trust me, he's great!"

They kept talk light as they ate, Cloud going back for seconds while Angeal and Zack each went back for thirds. Once Cloud was finished he leaned back and sighed in content, taking out his new phone and looking through it. He'd never owned a PHS before. Nibelheim had phones in the houses but the town was too small to bother with cells. If someone wasn't at home, it usually only took a few minutes of wondering to find them in the small town.

Cloud sat up and held the PHS out to Zack. "How do I send my brother a message on this?"

Zack took the phone and instructed Cloud how to use it. He then programmed Angeal's number in, just in case of emergencies.

"Zack tells me your brother is a Turk," Angeal said.

Cloud nodded. "He didn't like Soldier, but he seems to be doing fine there. I just wish he didn't have to work with Reno so much." Cloud scowled at the thought of the redhead.

"I don't think I've heard of a Turk and Soldier being related," Angeal mused. "We don't usually allow siblings into the same departments or departments that work closely together."

"Why?"

"It's a distraction on the battlefield," Zack answered. "If you're in a fight, you're going to be worried about your family member and focus more on them than the mission."

Cloud nodded. He could believe that.

They finished up their lunch and left. The three walked to the train station and stopped. Zack smiled at Angeal.

"We're going to wander the city more. You heading back Shinra?"

"Yes, I have work to do. I might add that you also have work."

Zack just laughed and turned away slightly. "I'll get it done, don't worry."

"It is not honorable to leave your work unfinished. Remember that." Angeal turned to Cloud. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Cloud. I wish you luck in your training. If you ever need help, please don't hesitate to come see me."

"Oh, thank you, sir. It was nice to meet you too!"

Angeal nodded and climbed on the train just as the doors swished closed. Zack waved for a moment before turning to Cloud.

"Okay, so there's a friend of mine I haven't seen for awhile and she needs help building a cart so she can sell flowers."

Cloud nodded. "Okay."

"But she lives down in the Slums, so we've got be careful. No one's going to mess with us, because I'm a Soldier, but there are plenty of thieves down there. So put your phone and money in your front pockets because you're more likely to notice someone sticking their hand there, and stay close to me."

Zack lead the way down to the Slums confidently and Cloud marveled at how the scenery changed. They went from clean, well lit streets, to dirt, dark uneven roads. The further down they went, the more intense the smell became. It was like sewage and rotted meat and Cloud had to hide his face in his scarf. He noticed Zack rubbing his nose and trying to breathe his mouth and felt bad for his friend. The smell must have been a thousand times worse for his enhanced senses.

They made it to a place called Walmarket and Cloud looked around curiously. People were moving quickly, guarding their money and purchases jealously. No one looked at each other for long as they moved from place to place. There were beggars lining the road but the people didn't give them a second thought. When one homeless man held his hands out to Cloud, Zack grabbed the blonde and kept moving. Cloud glanced back to see the man scowling and flop back on the road, looking bored. Zack stopped outside a shop and turned to Cloud.

"I'm going to buy some supplies, wait here, okay? Don't talk to anyone or stare, it pisses them off. And keep a tight hold on your pockets!"

Cloud nodded as Zack disappeared into the shop. It wasn't long before the blonde grew bored. He didn't want to watch the people around them, for fear of making them angry. The Materia Shop caught his eye and Cloud decided to go window shopping. He could still see the entrance of the Item Shop so he wouldn't miss Zack when he came out.

The shop's windows were dingy and Cloud pressed his head against them to try and see better. Annoyed at how filthy the view was, Cloud checked to make sure Zack hadn't returned before hurrying into the shop. He would take a quick look around and then leave. The shop was very small, with a man reclining behind the counter, looking bored out of his mind. He barely glanced up when Cloud walked in.

"Welcome," he said automatically.

Cloud ignored the man and looked around. He recognized most of the materia from his classes. There were basic fire, blizzards, and thunders along with a cure materia. The cure materia was nearly triple the price of the others. A small purple globe caught his eye and Cloud reached out, plucking it off the shelf. Like all materia, it felt warm and comforting in his palm.

"That's a Lucky Plus Materia," the clerk spoke suddenly. "Increases your luck. Great if you're going gambling."

"I don't gamble."

The clerk shrugged uncaringly. "It's two hundred gil."

Cloud made a face and put it back on the shelf. "No thank you."

"Fine, for you I'll part with it for one hundred."

Cloud shook his head. "I've got fifty and that's it."

"Sold!" the man yelled. He grabbed the orb and shoved it into Cloud's hand, simultaneously reaching into the blonde's pocket and snatching his money. Cloud protested but the man vanished behind the counter and through a door labeled "private." Flabbergasted, Cloud had no choice but to leave with his new "purchase."

Zack was standing outside the Item Shop looking worried. He spotted Cloud and ran over. "There you are! Guess I should have known you'd wander into the Materia Shop."

"Uh yeah..." Cloud held up his Lucky materia. "I got something."

Zack took it with a frown. "Is this Lucky Plus? Oh man, Cloud, you didn't pay for this, did you? These things are a dime a dozen and kinda useless."

"Well he said it was two hundred—"

"What?! For this?"

"But I refused to pay it. So he said fifty and took my money before I could argue..."

Zack sighed and shook his head. "Give me this, I'll get your money back."

"No it's fine," Cloud assured quickly. He smiled lightly. "I took your advice and didn't put my money altogether. He really only took twenty-five gil from me."

"That's still kinda a rip off..."

Cloud shrugged and took his materia back. "Whatever. I'm going to keep it. Even if it's useless, it's still my first materia." He stuck the thing into his pocket and smiled up at Zack. "So you wanted to meet your friend next?"

Cloud stared up at the run down church Zack had led him too. The Soldier was humming happily and had, at some point during their journey, taken Cloud's hand into his own. Cloud found the gesture to be comforting and would squeeze Zack's hand every so often, enjoying how it always made Zack smile like an idiot when he did.

"So your friend lives here?"

"No, she just hangs out here all the time. This is the only place anywhere it the slums where flowers grow."

"Flowers?"

"Yeah, come check it out."

As Zack led the way inside and flash of red caught Cloud's eye. He turned but it was gone, leaving Cloud to wonder if he'd seen anything at all. Zack pushed the doors to the church open revealing a flower patch in the center of the broken down room. A girl was on her hands and knees in the dirt, humming as she tended the garden.

"Aerith!" Zack called, running forward. The brunette girl paused before turning around, a large smile on her face.

"Zack! I wasn't expecting you today."

She stood and accepted his hug with a gentle smile. Cloud stood back awkwardly.

"Sorry for not calling ahead. But I promised to build a cart for you, right? Well here I am! I got all the supplies, we just need to make it."

She clapped her hands together, bouncing up and down excitedly. "That's great! It's about time you kept your promise to me. Let's get started." It was then she noticed Cloud. Aerith looked at him in surprise before tilting her head slightly. She studied him for a long moment before grinning.

"Who's your friend, Zack?"

"Oh! Sorry! I forgot to introduce you two. Aerith, this is Cloud, Cloud this is my buddy Aerith."

Aerith held out her hand and Cloud shook it, jumping slightly when he felt a shock fly through their hands. Aerith felt it too and smiled widely.

"We're going to be good friends, Cloud, I can tell!"

"Yeah, I hope so."

Aerith smiled widely and changed their grip so she was holding his hand. "Well, come on then! Let's get building before Zack decides to vanish on me again and never keeps his promise."

Zack whined at the teasing but Aerith just playfully stuck her nose in the air, hiding a smile. The three made their way outside where Zack began unpacking his bag. Together, he and Cloud began building the cart with Aerith making demands from the sidelines. While they worked, Cloud's new materia fell from his pocket, rolling straight to Aerith.

The blonde stopped and set his hammer down, walking over to the girl, who was looking at his materia curiously.

"Sorry," he said and held his hand out. Aerith however, didn't hand over the materia.

"This is a Lucky Materia!" she giggled. "They don't work very well, you know."

Cloud flushed. "Yeah, Zack mentioned that." He held his hand out. "Can I have it back?"

"Why do you want something that doesn't work?"

Cloud frowned, annoyed. "Just because it doesn't work doesn't mean it's useless. It's my first materia so I'm going to take care of it."

His answer made Aerith smile widely. She clasped her hands around the materia and held them up to her chest, closing her eyes and bowing her head as if in prayer. A moment later she opened her eyes and handed the materia back to Cloud.

"There! It'll work better for you now, so long as you take good care of it."

Cloud took the item back and stared at it curiously.

"Hey! Why am I doing all the work on my own now?" Zack yelled. "What are you two doing over there?"

"We're coming," Aerith assured, linking her arm with Cloud. As she dragged them back to Zack, Cloud once again caught a flash of red, but it was gone when he turned to look. Shrugging it off, Cloud smiled at Zack's pouty face and sat down to help him finish Aerith's cart.

A/N: So I wanted to introduce Aerith. Everyone spotted Reno watching her right? Even if Cloud didn't know it was him, we all did. I enjoyed writing the scenes of Cloud and Harry training harder and being more determined to succeed.

I feel like I'm forgetting to address something but I'm not sure what.

Please Read and Review! They inspire me!