This Bitter Earth
memorie distanti
Even though it was a warm day, there was a cool breeze. Of course, in Junon, the sea breeze was always made the hottest days bearable. Dressed in light blue pants and a stiff collared, military jacket, a boy with spiky, blonde hair watched the waves crash angrily into the wall below him. His rifle was lying carelessly near his black, booted feet.
Boy, look alive.
Ever since the reactor explosion in his hometown, the boy had been hearing voices. The voice was haunting, very beautiful and yet, there was always a hint of something evil in its voice.
CLOUD!
Like everything else, Cloud had simply ignored the voice. Of course, it didn't go away, but Cloud figured he had enough problems as it were. So, why listen to a silly voice in his head?
Don't keep me out! Don't be like your brother!
Cloud laughed. He always wanted a brother. Once, he asked his mother if he could have a brother. Cloud frowned. His mother gave him a sad smile and told him that it wasn't possible. Of course, it made him sad, but Cloud learned a long time ago that life goes on regardless.
Is it that human girl? What's her name? Tifa?
Cloud sighed. He always watched Tifa and used to hope that she would come over and at least say hi. But she never did. Cloud would watch her stand outside the Shinra Mansion in Nibelheim. There was something evil about that house. Everything around it seemed tainted… abnormal. Even still, that made Tifa even more curious about the house. What secrets did it hold?
I see now. Your mind can't handle the truth. It would tear you apart. I suppose it is best if never knew what transpired in those hallways. Isn't a mother supposed to look after her children?
He thought hard about those days. There was a memory right below the surface. Cloud tried desperately to grab it, but it was like trying to catch a slippery fish. Maybe it wasn't important what happened in that mansion. But back then, Tifa didn't think so. She used to be such a tomboy. She had the romantic dream of being a heroic princess saving her prince.
I think it's time to spice things up. There's a certain Cetra who has yet to become a major player in the game.
Cetra? The memory… it was coming back to Cloud in small little pieces.
Ms. Strife. My favorite whore.
Hojo, please. My son…
Yes, that bastard child of yours.
Hojo!
Shinra is stupid. Trying to clone Sephiroth. It's not possible. Sephiroth's a Cetra.
Hojo. The money? I need the money.
Mommy, please. Let's go. I don't like those shots!
This boy is too weak to be a SOLDIER. He has terrible reactions to the Mako and it's not even an average amount!
Hojo! Cloud can become strong. Strong as Shinra's precious Sephiroth!
Dreams, milady, dreams. Anyway, here's the check. I appreciate you volunteering for the Shinra Experimental Research Project.
Cloud gasped… what memory was that? What else had he forgotten? Cloud bent over to pick up his rifle. It was always best if one didn't think about things. Why make things so complicated? He already had enough problems.
Tifa. It was because of her that Cloud was caught in between a hard place and a rock. He dared to betray the most powerful corporation in the world for a woman. Ever since that reactor exploded, Tifa swore her undying hatred of Shinra. Cloud thought it was because of her grief, but he felt that somewhere along the lines, he might need to protect Tifa from herself.
He left Nibelheim to go to Midgar with Tifa and her mother. After all, his own mother had died and he had no one left. Not wanting to be a burden to Tifa's mother, he left to join the military and maybe, grow as strong Sephiroth.
Although, if anyone asked Cloud why he felt the need to be like Sephiroth, he couldn't tell you.
A/N: And yet another update. Again, I wrote this at work. You know, one would think I don't do any work… o.O. Anyway, this is just introducing Cloud into the story. I'm hoping my grammar lives up to everyone expectations. I edit my own work and sometimes, mistakes slip past me.