Bloody White Angel
AN: Warnings and Disclaimers are in the first chapter; leave me alone on that!
Thoughts and or 'Thoughts'
Important/emphasis
Previously:
When Tseng had reached his desk, Cloud took a big gulp of air and walk into his doom.
—Bloody White Angel—
Chapter 2: Treat your friend as if he will one day be your enemy
"Treat your friend as if he will one day be your enemy and your enemy as if he will one day be your friend."—Unknown
Tseng spoke first, or in Cloud's view, spoken with gestures; a wave of hand to the leather burgundy chairs on the guest side of his mahogany desk.
The petit sergeant was hesitant at first, but seeing as Tseng paying no attention to his 'guest', he knew it was more of a command rather than gesture of good will.
Cloud sat down slowly after Tseng. Biting the bleeding tongue to keep reminiscing of his nerves together, Cloud kept his eyes on the surface of the desk not allowing his wondering eyes look anywhere else.
Out of nowhere, Tseng got out an inch thick file. He place it on the clean desk and start, "Cloud Strife, place of birth: Nibelheim, current status: Sergeant. You entered Shinra's military training program at the age of fourteen, graduated in two years. You have an outstanding record of battle skills as well as background knowledge in all fields. You were temporally promoted from cadet to squad leader after the death of squad leader and half of the troop during mission. In return of recognizing your talent for your outstanding performance in maintaining the survival of your remaining troop your were promoted to Private. You were promoted to sergeant on the outstanding performance in battle in the outskirts of Wutai and capturing two live specimens for Professor Hojo while keeping all your troops alive. It was a feat none other lower squads and troops have been able to do. Other than practice in the training room, you have also taken some training exercises from Zack Fair, current SOLDIER First Class and Second in Command of General Sephiroth, in hopes of entering SOLDIER. However, the report had abbreviated several incidents. For instance, there were several attempts in sexual encounters revolving around you in the locker rooms and joint baths. Only a fraction of those encounters were reported. Many of such attempts still occur after you made Sergeant. There were also some attempts in certain classrooms…"
Really, Cloud knew he should not have been surprise to hear his life in Shinra being so openly said like a report, but the locker room incidents brought up some anger that had yet to be dissolved. "Sir, I do not believe the information you have is in anyway incorrect, however, I fail to see the significance of my life compare to other military personnel." Cloud knew he is not, cannot interrupt the higher up when they are speaking, but damn it, who the hell wants to remember some puck ass and his fuck buddies trying to gang rape you.
Tseng paused in his report, there was something about his posture, or aura, that changed, "Of course, this report had been checked at least three times by all members of the Turks, the chances of it being wrong is simply intolerable." There has to be a smirk underneath that emotionless mask.
"However, the reason behind this meeting is not to discuss your life events." Again the aura of the man changed, this time it was much colder and sterner. "Your test result on SOLDIER exam, they are rather confusing isn't?"
Upon hearing 'SOLDIER' Cloud was all ears.
"The continuous failure on a perfect score with little explanation, I am sure not even Zack Fair has figure out the implication." At this, Cloud frowned, "Your answers were flawless, I believe you have raised the bar on the highest score." Cloud raised an eyebrow on that statement, but inside he was rubbing his hand and getting ready to do some beating. He did not need to know this!
"The reason behind the comment, 'Unsuitable,' lies in your health."
Both eyebrows rose in place of gapping mouth. After coming back from his stupider, Cloud was about to raise his defense when Tseng spoke first. "There was some struggle in an attempt to cover up your actual result in health, more specifically, the Mako adaptation. It is common knowledge SOLDIER receives special dose of Mako and different classes receive different levels of the remedy. Yet, something happen when they tested your blood against the Mako mixture." Seriously, the man just likes to keep the information to himself because he feels superior with it. "Cloud Strife, your genes cannot fully adapt the Mako shots they offer in SOLDIER of which is made by Professor Hojo."
It was a massive load of information to be digested, but the name, Hojo, rings many bells. Around the barrack, that name was a disease, a fatal one at that. The Professor was the head of the Shinra's Science Department. He was known for his God complex and illegal cruel experiments of which was allowed to lurk within the hell rotten part of Shinra. It a common rumor that had been confirmed when Cloud's troop was ordered to capture a 'specimen' under Professor Hojo.
At the moment, Cloud didn't know what he should be worried about. Should he worry about the fact that the SOLDIER shots was a remedy of that crazy scientist or that the chances of him getting into his dream of SOLDIER was dimming. He did say 'cannot fully adapt,' so that means there is still some chances.
Perhaps Tseng cannot sense Cloud's distress, or maybe he just could not care less, he continued, "Your cell actually mutates as soon as the foreign cell enters your bloodstream, and was able to convert the new cell without the breaking down and regeneration process. Do you know what this means?"
Cloud was no medical doctor, but from what he understands, that didn't sound like a bad thing. "I fail to understand your implication on the subject, Sir."
A slight curve at the corner of the mouth made the petit Sergeant realized that the Turk was smiling, no smirking. "Although the medical team has deemed your test as acceptable for adaptation, it is because the only way to fail the test was for the original cells to fully break down in the presence of the foreign cells, more specifically, the Jenova cells Professor Hojo had mix into the remedy."
Somehow that didn't sound good. Whatever the Turk had just said must have been classified information. If so, then why did he release it?
"The Jenova cells are Professor Hojo's greatest achievement. It is also what separates Turks such as me from SOLDIER. In your case, it is the sole reason why you cannot and will never be able to join SOLDIER." The last statement had sucker punched Cloud straight in the gut. The young Sergeant could barely breath.
"I am sure by now you have realized that the information I have giving you are classified." Cloud's eyes rose to meet the emotionless black pair. "All of which have never been released to anyone 'outside,' until now." Cloud's sapphire eyes enlarged. "Professor Hojo had not received your test result due to some misplaced data. However, as some who once serve under the scientist, I am sure you know the outcome that will surely occur once he knew someone carries cells that is able to destroy his lifelong obsession."
Cloud was not sure he heard right, on one hand his head was hurting like hell, and the Hojo statement just makes the blonde even more nauseated. He does not even know if he is dreaming a nightmare or if this is just some sick ass joke. Jenova cell? That's his lifelong obsession? So what if my body alters that cell, it is not like…
"I assure you, that this is as close to reality as you ever going to see, Strife." The haunting sapphire gems lock onto the emotionless pair of onyx. Cloud could have swore, on his live, that there was a sparkle of amusement for barely a millisecond, "I know you are aware of Hojo's hunting trip under the plates for new 'specimen.' Your choice for survival is at it's minimum."
"What? If I may ask, is the reason for this meeting? Sir." Praise Shiva, Cloud still has his voice controlled.
On his life, Cloud knew without a doubt that the raven-haired Turk smiled, or at least smirked, seriously, he swear. In truth, Tseng can barely suppress the smile that threaten to breath out, the blonde controls his voice very well, he won't need that training in Turks, but his eyes were another story. The sapphire gems were truly windows to his soul. Everything he was not saying in his posture and voice, his eyes screamed out loud and clear; all his thoughts, his questions, and his remarks.
"I am conducting this meeting under Verdot's command." Tseng decided to throw another bone for the Sergeant in front of him who had work so hard to get.
After a pause of digesting the information, Tseng continued, "In a way, you can say that you owe us. One of our members happens to walk in to the doctor who discovered your genetic ability during your first test. It took some persuasion," a deliberate pause, "but we have your result label as 'lost,' in which the result was put negative to avoid suspicion."
"Nevertheless, the end result of the resubmission on second and third tests will only lead to questioning and… I believe I have made my point. We can no longer hide the test result should he start to suspect something." The ending tone was crisp, no lingering emotions attached, same as the tone he greeted.
However Cloud tries to reason with the frenzy opposition, Fate was not on his side. The damn bitch was probably laughing at him for the swift promotion of his good life before. It's a dire decision, just when Cloud thought that he could no longer dream about being in SOLDIER, he now have to worry about a possible chase that the mad scientist may make for the possibility of new 'material.' Then, Tseng 'proposed an idea.' It was time to reel in the big fish, the net has been secured, there is no way out.
"There is another way, it may not be as glamorous as being SOLDIER Class First, but you can become still become stronger and faster, unrivaled to normal human who has had minimum exposure to Mako, you still get the intense training like SOLDIER, learn all you need about Materia, and take enhancing Mako shots. However, the Mako shots that should you received, if you decided to take the offer, is not the same Mako enhanced dose one take for SOLDIER. It is much purer, which means that it is more dangerous. It is also the reason why Turk candidate are all thrift through Soldier candidates."
Turk? Why would he suggested that… oh shit, he can't possibly, this can't… this meeting was to persuade me to join the Turks? Blood drained form his face, if it was possible, Cloud's pale face was whiten even more to the point of illness.
"After all, one must have high tolerance pain to training with both sharp mental and physical to become a Turk." Cloud doesn't know how, but the monotone man was able to make the worse offer become the best temptation. His voice held no emotion, there were absolute no high or low tenor, only certain pauses after each sentence. But damn, it was like the words of gospel, preaching of evil, "All member of Turk are strong, most members have strength around Class Second SOLDIER. However, there are a few members with strength rivaling that of Class First SOLDIER. Should you choose to come into the Turk program, you may receive the training of SOLDIER and may even gain the strength of Class First SOLDIER, minus the fame of course."
Cloud made the decision to become a Turk on the spot part due to frustration, but deep down he knew, he knew it was a well-designed trap waiting for him, but like a feeble fly caught in spider web, there is just nothing he can do. He can either go back home like a defeated dog with tail between his legs hiding from each and everything, or he can get the training he had always desired and become someone strong enough to protect all those he hold dear. Plus, this way he can still see Zack and possibly his crush, Sephiroth. That's probably the better reason.
The rest of the conversation with Tseng was almost a complete blur; what he said, what Tseng said, and everything else in between was bury deep as Cloud found himself standing before Zack. When had he…?
Zack came to see Cloud before leaving for his mission. Angeal's conversation with him hit him hard. After all, who would not be worried when one of the Fist Class SOLDIER say, "People who receives 'unsuitable' on SOLDIER test tend to be suitable for Turks," in monotone as if he is guessing the weather!
"Spiky!" 'Man, I will never get tire of that nickname!' Spoke and thought the raven haired Class First, "Are you okay? Dude, you were like stoning out and walking on air at the same time."
"Hmm?" the semi-conscious response was the only thing Cloud can come up with. Ack, great response, now he is gonna question like crazy.
"Spike? Cloud? Are you okay? Did something happen? Did those guys came back? Did you went to the locker room? Classroom? Alone? Damn it, Cloud, what happened?"
It was a bombing of question all right, or more like a whinnying from an energizer puppy. Either way, Cloud could not take the agitating questing.
"Nothing happened!" Cloud practically shouted for the world to hear. "I just. I accepted and joined." The statement explains nothing, but form the defeated look after the first phrase accompanied by a large sigh; it explained everything.
Zack's fear had come true, Cloud broke the news of his recent change of mind.
Cloud had expected many things from his predicable outburst, but Zack's response was anything but predicable. Zack's initial eye-bulging daze look was weird, and a bit of a stray from his usual quick response. The standard loud burst of shouting and yelling didn't came either, instead the youngest Class First SOLDIER calmly asked, "Why did you join?"
Zack did not take the news well, but that part was expected.
"I have no choice." There, the flat our statement of truth. Don't you dare trying to plant guilt in me.
"You always have a choice, you just choose." Zack's voice was cold; his usual warmth was completely deafened.
"Perhaps, maybe you are right, and just maybe I made the wrong choice as you choose to believe" was the only response Cloud could manage reply.
The atmosphere dampened to silence. "Yo," Reno here to the rescue. The said long scarlet haired Turks came with a wave of hand high in air. A bright red scar-like tattoo to match the hair curve under the end tail of each Mako enhanced glowing eye. The young male smiled as he greeted.
"What are you guys on? Period? Man, Cloud, I know you look like all that but I didn't know that you…" Reno came to mellow the duo.
"Finish that sentence and I promise not even your boss can identify your body once I am done with you." The shortest person, the youngest petit blonde threatens his elder by one year and superior.
All Reno did was pull back his hands to near the shoulders and shake them in ways of stating 'I am innocent.'
Reno came to mellow out the duo, Zack and Cloud, semi by the order of Tseng. Cloud was his younger peer after all.
They met each other during training camp for Shinra's military. If it were not for me, Cloud would have been, oh I don't know, the guy no one ever noticed? It took some work, never mind, a lot of work, to get that small blonde boy out of his usual geeky self, yes, geeky! It turn out the boy was rather cute with a straight as an arrow character and shy personality. It was a white masterpiece begging to be corrupted! So thanks to me, Cloudy has enough knowledge on which pub serves good alcohol, which one offers prettier ladies, and which one has the best parties!
"Yep, Rude, what did I tell you, it's the hormone tal—" poor scarlet-haired male didn't even get to finish his sentence before he was harshly gutted in the stomach.
"Oww~ Cloud~" complains that were expected were deflated by the petit Sergeant's venomous words, "You were asking for it."
"Wait, you two know each other?" Could not remain out of conversation for long, Zack finally asked.
"Eh! Cloud! Don't tell me you hide the fact that we know each other?" Reno practically screamed.
"Of course I hide it. Who the hell in their right mind would gladly tell other people that they know the red-head Shinra cadet that stripped and lap danced at pub 'Rate R' and nude walked from the pub all the way to Shinra compound." Silence is golden; silence is good, now if only he won't…
"Holy shit! That was you!" Zack pointed to Reno, "Wait? You were there?" another finger were pointed to the petit blonde, "Where was I? Damn, why wasn't I at that party?" Zack screamed remembering the up riling that the whole Shinra Company suffered, he was sent to Wutai as the newbie of SOLDIER Class Two. What a show it was, and the aftermath weren't bad either.
It was a good thing that the news reporters never did get the name of the one who caused the trouble, but neither did he. Apparently the Shinra superiors felt the need to 'classified' the case.
Silence is not golden. In fact, Cloud could have sworn he heard some crows squawking in the distance. "Um," seeing as that no one is making any movement, the youngest of the group attempts at breaking this tense situation.
"Pfff," Reno could no longer keep it inside, he started laughing like crazy, then the whole bending over cause the gut is twitching and finally ended up all limbs on the tall buff male right next to him, Rude. "Damn, that was good!"
Cloud sighed and Zack stared.
However, the as the laughter died down, so did the mirth behind the bright emerald eyes. The pale hand reach behind and scratched lightly in light gesture of awkwardness, "So anyway, Cloud, we got word from Tseng."
Cloud nodded, he knew the training were gonna start soon.
Reno was a bit uncomfortable, he knew what being a Turks need and it looks like neither Verdot or Tseng are planning refuse Cloud the harsh training. Reno and Cloud knew each other, they were in the Soldier's candidate training, and Reno switched to join Turks due to "personality issues"…Plus, he and Rude are actually here on order to take Cloud 'from Zack.'
Zack was having an one sided argument about Cloud's decision to join the Turks as the group excluding Cloud gathers outside the said blonde's dorm room.
Cloud listens in on the entire conversation while packing everything he had. It was bittersweet to hear it, after all, Zack's reasons was judgmental on both the subject of Turks and himself.
Even as he rose up to Sergeant, Cloud owns little next to nothing, just some casual wears and uniforms, sanitary needs were always packed in small bag near his clothing due to many past incidents with them.
Once Cloud finished packing, for which was only little over ten minutes. Zack knew he had lost the battle.
Head hung low; all he could do was whimper lowly like a puppy as his nickname.
Reno places his hand on Zack's shoulder offering his regret and at the same time a small promise.
Reno disappeared with Cloud silently promising Zack that he would see Cloud soon.
—End Chapter—
Please read and review, I need to know how this is going and that if I should update the next chappy~