Chapter 2:

When Two Hearts Meet

The sun was starting to rise in Radiant Gardens, the streets were already starting to fill with busy people, up and running to start their day. However, in the small, secluded area where Cloud lived everything was still relatively quiet…peaceful…just like Cloud liked it. He laid on his bed, going in and out of sleep, his eyebrows furrowed in a light frown as he snuggled a bit into his pillow. The young man's shoulders heaved when he took a deep breath, opening his eyes to look at the digital clock on his night table.

'6:00 am….' he sighed inwardly as he turned to face the ceiling, closing his eyes again

Cloud gave it some more thought…he really didn't feel like leaving his bed today. But it was going to be his first day at work and he didn't want to let Cid down, the gruff man was counting on him. Yet, Cloud's mind couldn't help but wonder if he should've accepted Cid's offer of starting tomorrow instead of today. Cloud let out a long tired sigh, he would push through, just like he has had to do throughout his life anyways.

Even though he was able to sleep without any more unpleasant dreams, his body felt sluggish, he felt tired, perhaps even exhausted. Slowly but surely, Cloud sat up on his bed, wincing at the pain that shot through his lower back.

'Must've slept on the same position for too long again….' his mind concluded.

Proceeding to gently swing his feet out the covers and onto the carpeted floor, Cloud leaned his elbows on his knees. Bringing up one hand to rub his eyes with thumb and pointer fingers, before using that same hand to run it through his hair, holding it at the back of his neck. Having been born in the mountain village of Nibelheim, normally, he was used to getting up early like most country folk. The last year had changed all that…Cloud was obviously aware that his body didn't feel like it used to. He felt tired most of the time, as if a constant weight was upon his shoulders, and other times he would feel nothing at all. Cloud hated it but he just didn't know what to do…

Had Zack been alive, he would've known what to do….

Cloud's eyes fell on the silver hoop around his finger 'Zack….already a year….'

At the prickly feeling, Cloud furiously rubbed his face, his eyes were still feeling swollen from all the crying last night and he wasn't up for round two…Cloud was actually feeling rather angry, he didn't want to remember anything from Midgar, he left it all behind, or at the very least, he was making an attempt to do so.

With his mind drifting into other random thoughts, he settled for getting up to prepare for work…it was the only thing that kept him from thinking about Midgar, about Zack…..or anything bitter. Silently, he pleaded that today wouldn't turn out to be a bad day…But of course, when one wishes for such things, that's when everything just decides to conspire against one's being. Even the smallest of things, hence why, Cloud stubbed his little toe against a particularly hard, unpacked box on his way to the bathroom.

"Mother fu-Agh! Shi-" came the small string of curses as he gripped the wall, whilst bringing up his toe to the free hand. He told himself that he should have unpacked yesterday, while also wondering why did he leave said box in such an inconvenient place.

'Yep…off to a fantastic start' said a little voice on his head, provoking him to growl and kick the box with his good foot, hence, making a mental note to unpack the damned thing.

Cloud went about the dubbed 'morning ritual'; he took a shower, brushed his teeth and got dressed. His clothe of preference: a sleeveless, black turtle neck shirt which he would usually wear under a dark gray hooded denim jacket (which he would often tie around his waist), a pair of black cargo pants and a pair of black boots. Once he was done preparing, he went down the hall, he looked to his left where the living room was. There, he saw Fenrir sitting down in front one of the corners as he stared up at it intently, not moving a single muscle as if he were in a deep trance.

'He's doing it again…' Cloud thought unsurprised, the canine had been doing that a lot ever since Zack passed away. Cloud had gifted Fenrir to Zack when he was just a pup, so Cloud mused that it was just Fenrir's own way of missing Zack. The young man sighed and made a slight turn to the right to step into the kitchen.

"Mornin'" greeted Roxas in a casual tone as he took another bite of his egg sandwich

Cloud replied with a single pat to Roxas' shoulder as he walked by towards the microwave, certain that his breakfast would be there. When he opened the microwave, it was empty

'That's weird…he always leaves me something...'

Cloud picked his words carefully, he didn't want to make Roxas think that he was demanding anything. He looked to his side, where Roxas was sitting and as casually as he could, asked:

"Hey Rox, did you made me some of that?"

Roxas stopped chewing, widening his eyes, he slightly turned to look at his older brother and then swallowed hard responding

"I- well…no. I mean, I didn't think you were going to eat….You leave most of the time without eating breakfast and just leave it in the micro…."

The teen felt a small wave of guilt and frustration hit him. The ONE time he decides not make Cloud breakfast to not waste unwanted food, the older male DOES want to eat….typical.

"I can make you something quick" Roxas offered, making an attempt to stand up.

"No, it's fine. I'll take care of it" Cloud calmly raised his hand in a gesture to stop him.

Roxas watched as Cloud closed the microwave and looked for the proper things to fry an egg, he noticed that his brother's movements were sluggish and clumsy. Certain, that Cloud was distracted, most probably allowing his mind to go blank in order to prevent the events from last night, to enter his mind.

"Hey man…you sure you're ok?" Roxas inquired even if he already knew that Cloud wasn't really okay. He wanted to hear what Cloud would respond to him.

"Yes….why?" he replied with a soft tone, already having an idea of where this conversation was going

"Well, you were pretty distressed last night -"

"I'm fine Roxas…just…forget it" Cloud's tone was still low, but stern.

That was not enough to make Roxas back down, he was growing tired of Cloud lying to him when the truth was so evident.

"Pnu...bmayca...why won't you please talk to me, man?"

"E cyet E's veha Roxas!" Cloud nearly shouted the agitated reply, the words more harsh than what he had intended.

Silence was what followed as the two Strife stared at eachother for a few moments. Roxas was not even the slightest bit intimidated, instead scowled at Cloud whom was glaring back at him. But Cloud's glare eased when he sighed deeply and proceeded to turn around.

"Forget about it…please" he ordered in a low stern voice. More than a favor, it was a command.

"But Cloud, I jus-" Roxas trailed off, falling silent as he frowned dejectedly at the floor looking for what to say. "Cloud-"

"Roxas…" Cloud said through gritted teeth, trying hard not to snap "I said, drop it"

"I won't Cloud, I'm sorry but I just can't" Roxas paused for a moment, seeming to really consider his words "Bro…Zack-"

Cloud cut of whatever Roxas was going to say when he smashed the pan on the stove, spreading the contents in it all over the stove and counter. He then moved towards Roxas, in a quick movement Cloud firmly grabbed the teen by his upper arm, lifting Roxas of his seat and giving him a firm shake as he shouted

"ENOUGH!"

Not one to usually raise his tone to such a level, it made his throat hurt. Cloud's voice resounded enough to make it seem as if everything around them had been silenced, deepening the usual morning silence. Even the dog in the corner had been snapped out of his reverie and he whined lowly looking at his owners.

The brothers looked into each other's eyes, each trying to convey a message. Roxas was surprised and even a little intimidated by Cloud's sudden action, but he did not let it show, instead he masked it with the best defiant looking face and posture he could muster. However, being the one who has raised Roxas by the most part, Cloud was able to see beyond the little façade, as he felt a wave of guilt and shame for losing his temper in such a way.

The older male softened his glare, sighing he closed his eyes, furrowed his eyebrows slightly and taking a deep breath he let go of the teen's arm while backing off.

"Sorry…." he mumbled, the shame evident in his speech

Roxas' defiant look softened into frown of concern, although he was still angry at Cloud. He wanted to say something to him, but before he could, Cloud opened his eyes half way and walked pass by his young brother, their arms brushing lightly against eachother, heading towards the door. He grabbed the keys that were hanging from a key hanger. Roxas crossed his arms over his chest, sighing when he heard the door behind him open and then close again. He moved towards the stove to turn it off and clean up the mess Cloud had left.

"Great…he left without eating again…." He said out loud

'and you just contributed to his bad eating habits' his mind added

"Bagh…he's an adult…he can take care of himself" he scoffed, but that was his frustration speaking, for his mind then added

'…..maybe I should bring him something to eat when I head over to the shop later…'

Riding his bike to his new job, Cloud enjoyed the cool morning breeze as it caressed his bare arms, almost tempted to take of his helmet so that he could feel the wind threading his hair. Cloud mused over what had just transpired, adding more to his already awful mood…he detested fighting with Roxas, or anyone in all honesty.

'He just doesn't understand…I know he means well but….'

His heart felt heavy, the anger he felt towards himself, made his eyes tear up a little. Blinking a few times, he managed to keep the tears at bay.

'Why was it that when one problem arises, so do all the others. Maybe…I can make it up to him later….' he scoffed inwardlywhile adding

'yea…as if…how can I, when I can barely have a conversation with the kid…I can barely even stand my own self, if at all….'

Out of nowhere, a strange sensation started to creep up his back. Cloud looked over his shoulder but found that there was nothing but the street he left behind as he rode by. A pair of eyebrows knitted together, slightly confused, he could have sworn he felt something coming up behind him. Deciding that his mind was now imagining things and probably going insane, the young man turned to face the road in front of him. A sudden strong gust of wind hit him head on, a violent gasp escaped his lips, for a moment he swore he was going to get knocked of his bike. The tires screeched in protest when he hit the brakes and swivelled the machine into a complete stop, the air got impregnated with the foul stench of burnt rubber and white smoke…how did he manage to not fall off, was beyond him. A few bystanders looked in surprise and murmured amongst each other, but Cloud paid them no mind for he lifted the visor of his helmet, frantically looking around for a culprit. His chest was heaving as his heart was pounding hard against it, widened eyes scanned his surroundings, lips slightly parted in shock

'Something PUSHED me…' the panicked words found their way into his brain when he found there was nothing that could have caused such an impact. Not only that, about a second before the impact, he could swear he heard a very hoarse, very menacing and very frightening…growl.

Busy in his musings, he failed to notice that he had stopped right in the middle of a bus.

"Hey buddy, get outta the way!" shouted the driver after he had honked furiously to alert Cloud.

Still too shaken to barely register anything, Cloud lowered the visor again before taking off. Maybe Roxas was right, maybe he was losing whatever he had left of his mind, he kept searching for an answer as he replayed the event in his head…now his day was going from bad to weird and it wasn't even seven in the morning yet…

The remainder of his trip from his apartment to the shop was made short. Parking in the small parking lot just outside the storage garage at the back of the shop, he decided to push aside every thought that regarded the early morning's events, he needed to focus on his work. As Cloud entered the garage he ran a hand through his flattened spikes before he admired how spacious the place was, he reduced the speed of his stride just enough to allow him to stare at part of his new workplace.

The inside of the shop was not too bad either, Cloud idly acknowledged as he scanned the surrounding area. Adjusting the hold on his helmet between his left hand and hip, the young man proceeded to walk further in eyeing all the knick-knacks and tools around the shop.

'It's much less messy that I thought it would be….surprising as it's Cid whom owns it…' his lips quirked just a little at the thought before they straightened again.

"Oh? Hello there" Cloud heard a gentle female voice say from behind him and he turned to greet a young woman with light brown hair tied into a long braid.

"Good morning." Cloud greeted politely, trying to keep the dour tone out of the reply "My name's Cloud Strife. Cid-"

"Oh! So you're Cloud! It's very nice to meet you, I'm Aerith Gainsborough." she shook his hand with a bright smile.

"Um. Nice..to meet you too…" Cloud said a bit awkwardly, taken off-guard by the young woman's sweet demeanor.

"Heya Spiky!"

Cloud turned his head to the left and saw Cid coming in from the garage door "Hey, Cid."

The older man approached and gave the younger man a strong pat on the shoulder "So ya ready to start? "

"I'm here aren't I" the aloof tone ever present but Cid only huffed with a smirk as he led Cloud into the office, Aerith following close behind.

Inside the adjoined office there was a small 'L' shaped desk a bookshelf to the left and an a shelf to keep archives stored. On top of the desk there was a desktop on the far end. On the other end sat a young girl whom was playing with the long brown hair of the man that was sitting behind the desk: He seemed used the girl's apparent antics as he unfazed keep his attention to whatever book he was reading.

"Leon! Yuff!" Cid called sternly but with a grin on his face "Meet Cloud Strife"

The young woman sitting on the desk, turned her attention to all of them to then jump from the desk.

Grinning, she took Cloud's hands and shaking them vigorously she greeted "Welcome aboard Cloud! The name's Yuffie Kisaragi. The grumpy looking one over there is Squall Leonhart, but he likes to be called Leon" she added after she let go of Cloud's hands and jabbed a thumb behind her to point at the brunette man.

"I am capable of making my own introduction Yuffie" the man called Leon then lifted his gaze and looked at Cloud's eyes.

They were a haunting scrutiny capable of looking into his very core. Sharp with a wisdom not many have, it judged but could not be gauged in return. They intimidated with the feeling of being left defenceless against something unknown. Cloud was not certain of how much time he had stared, it felt like time itself had changed the passing of its flow. His insides coiled as if to protect themselves from something….yet the feeling was so familiar and Cloud was unsettled…

"Nice to meet you, Leon" Cloud gave a courteous nod, it was the only way of avoiding that man's eyes without letting out just how shaken his heart felt.

"Pleasure's mine, Cloud" Leon nodded back. He could feel the dark energy emanating from the man. First thing he noted was that Cloud had tormenting emotions inside his heart that were quickly trying to hide themselves from Leon's senses. It was something Leon found rare…

Next he took in the blonde's appearance, the man looked tired and beaten. The expression on Cloud's face was heavy, exhaustion was evident in the man's slumped posture. Leon assumed that the yonger male was of fair skin, but it was just a tad too pale for normal standards…and he was a little thin….the energy around the male felt strange, Leon's senses where having a hard time sorting it out.

"So, Cloud, you'll be workin' under Leon here. He'll give ya the ropes on everythin'" Cid told Cloud with another pat to the shoulder. Cloud looked from Cid to Leon, trying to place why was he feeling so defensive towards the brunette.

Leon nodded casually and he told Cloud "Just give me a few and I'll be with you shortly"

"Alright…"

"In the meantime, allow me and Yuffie to show you around Cloud" Aerith offered clasping her hands

"Oh yea! That's a great idea Aer!" Yuffie grabbed one of Cloud's arms and tugged him to follow, while Aerith grabbed the other arm.

Cid and Leon watched as the dispirited man was escorted out by the two excited women.

"Quite the bundle of sunshine isn't he?" Cid remarked in jest as he leaned against the desk. Leon kept staring at were Cloud had stood, idly caressing his chin.

"So, are ya okay with workin' with him?" the elder gave the younger a pointed glance to make sure that the real meaning of his question came across.

"Yes. Surprisingly, and quite strangely I may add, I wasn't 'overrun' by his presence…."

"There's a 'butt' in there. Ya sensed something kiddo?"

"I'm not sure yet…But I guess I'll find out soon enough."

"Hm. Well, in the meantime" Cid pushed himself from the desk "He can be a bit stubborn, like you. Try not to get killed by him tho"

Leon crossed his arms over his chest, reclining a bit on his chair, lips pulled to the side and raised his eyebrow in a sceptical expression "And what makes you think that it won't be me doing the 'killing'?"

Throwing his head back, Cid let out a laugh as he exited the office leaving Leon to pout a little at the implication.

Later on, when it was just a little over mid day, Roxas had managed to finish unpacking and even managed to do a lot of his homeschooling lessons for the day. The young Strife dressed with a champagne sleeveless turtle neck shirt, worn under a sleeveless white jacket (which he zipped half way). The hem and hoodie of the jacket were a dark red and had a single checker pattern around Roxas' torso. His favorite pair of charcoal gray, cargo pants followed, along with a pair of dark slate gray skater sneakers. And of course, he did not forget to wear the checker wrist band with the two rings (one white and one black), that he wore on his left hand.

Where was he going? Well, he had asked Cid beforehand if it would be okay for him to help around the shop; To which the gruff man had agreed, understanding that Roxas was used to helping out his brother. Plus, Cid didn't mind the extra help…and Roxas could most likely keep another certain teen in check…

So, Roxas Strife had boarded the first bus with his skateboard on one hand, as he used the other to grab on to the rails above him. Much like his brother, Roxas was unable to erase the fight they had earlier that morning, the only thing that soothed him was the gentle instrumental music that currently played on his phone, the checker pattern speakers blocking off any unwanted sound. His thoughts were then diverted when he saw a group of teenagers that were in school uniforms and probably his same age: there were two girls that looked a little alike, the only thing that set them apart was that one had raven colored hair and the other's was a pale blonde, beside them was a brunette girl. Roxas saw the three girls laugh at whatever joke that the dirty blonde boy that was with them made, as another boy with black hair made some funny faces and gestures.

The young Strife didn't mean to stare, he couldn't help himself as it seemed like the group of friends were having a good time…and suddenly he imagined himself talking amongst them. Wondering what it would be like for all his life, he has been homeschooled, and mostly by Cloud. Though he really didn't mind it for the most part, he was just curious of what it would be like to be at a school and have friends.

Then, unexpectedly, the dark haired girl's blue eyes meet with his. Roxas flinched when she gave him a friendly smile along with the slight wave of her hand causing the others with her, to look directly at Roxas with either curious eyes or friendly smiles. When Roxas got assaulted by their eyes, he quickly looked away: A small moment after, the bus stopped, where he would scurry off, barely waiting for the doors to open.

As he skated though the busy walkways of Radiant Garden, he wondered why did he always let his mind wander off so easily, somehow not realizing that he was doing just that right now. Eyes were looking forward but were not really focused, it was no surprise when in the blink of an eye, he crashed into someone. The skateboard flew in one direction, Roxas had landed on top of the person and the bag that the stranger was carrying fell completely open, spilling out some books and other materials; People zigzagging around them, some even shaking their heads.

Between groans, Roxas got into all fours to find that he had landed on top of another teenager like himself: This one, with brunette spiky hair.

"Ouch…I-I'm sorry 'bout that" Roxas grumbled as he caressed his forehead as he slowly rose to his feet. The teenager under him groaned in pain before leaning on one of his elbows using the other hand to caress the back of his head

"Owie…no, it's ok…" said the boy through greeted teeth and a pained expression

Roxas extended his arm to help the other up, then helped him dust off and straighten his clothes

"Did ya get hit too hard?" Roxas asked watching as the other teen examined his slightly scathed elbow.

"I'm ok, don't worry" the boy said giving a sheepish smile "that accent though…you're not from around here, are you?" the boy added.

"No…I'm new in town"

"Hmm…you seem to have been in a hurry. Are you lost?" Sora bent down to gather his scattered belongings, Roxas bending down to help him and pick up his skateboard.

"Oh no. Pek pnudran-I mean…big brother started working in the 'Highwind' shop today and I'm supposed to help him."

"Oh?! So you're Cloud's brother!"

"Ye. U know Cloud?"

"No, but Cid told us a bit about you guys"

"Oh. So, that means you know Cid and you know where his shop is"

"Mmhm! My big bro works there too! I can show you the way, it's not really that far."

"Sweet! I don't know if Cid told but…My name's Roxas Strife" he offered his hand

"I'm Sora. Sora Leonhart" the handshake was accepted with a confident smile.

The two teens walked the rest of the way to Cid's shop, Sora briefly talking about various things regarding the shop and the city of Radiant Gardens. When they got to the shop and opened the door, they found it bustling with people. They had to wait a few moments for the place to calm down so that Roxas could properly be introduced to Aerith and Yuffie whom had been working in at the cash registers. Thanks to that Sora quickly set about helping around, Roxas wanted to help too, but he had no idea what to do: In meantime he watched carefully.

"Phew! Busy, busy!" Aerith proclaimed wiping her forehead after everything had quieted down significantly

"I can see that! But nothing that we can't handle" Sora exclaimed as he raised his hand for a high five

"You got that right." Aerith high fived him.

"Ugh…I hate rush hour…." Yuffie grumbled as she heavily placed a box of tools on the counter, earning a chuckle from the two brunettes. Seeing as to everything was calm, Roxas approached Sora from behind and tapped the latter on the shoulder. When the Leonhart looked at him Roxas cleared his throat.

"Oh! right! Aerith, Yuffie, meet Roxas. Roxas these awesome ladies are Aerith and Yuffie"

"Nice to meet you. Aerith, Yuffie" the teen addressed each woman with a courteous nod respectively, the gesture so similar to that of his brother's.

"Oh, so you're Cloud's little brother. That's sweet" Aerith smiled, offering her hand to the teen, whom accepted and shook it.

"Awww look at him! he's like a mini Cloud! you're so cute!" the younger woman almost squeed with delight, really trying to resist the urge to pinch one of Roxas' cheeks. Roxas rubbed the back of his head, a light red dusting his fair cheeks as he came short of a response.

Sora grinned at his peer's bashfulness , so to spare him he turned to Aerith "Hey, Aerith is Cloud here?"

"No, Leon sent him to do the deliveries that had been delayed"

"Oh, right."

"But Leon is around, I think he's in the garage"

"Neat! Come on Roxas, let me introduce you to my big brother" not that the Strife had much of a choice as Sora walked behind him and pushed him towards the garage. Roxas didn't though, as he was finding the other teen's energy pretty contagious.

Both teens stepped into the wide open garage, it didn't seem like there was that much stuff that needed fixing seeing as the tables were pretty organized. Towards the far left side, Sora spotted his brother's back, Leon's arm moved with care, looking like he was stroking something.

"Hey Leeeeoooonnn! We have another new comer to the team!" Sora announced as they walked towards him.

As they got close, Roxas leaned a little to the side and could see what the man was doing: The adult was polishing a beautiful silver blade, whose hilt Roxas noticed, resembled that of revolver gun. It even had the revolver chamber and everything. He widened blue eyes that never left the weapon. He wondered if the man was a weapon collector or something.

'Or maybe….nah. He can't be' Roxas shook the idea that had just occurred to him out of his head.

"Hey there Sora." Leon replied casually as he turned to look at the two teens

"Giving old Revolver some love?" Sora stood beside Leon while putting his hands behind his head with a grin. Leon nodded with a smile as he threw the cloth he had been using over his shoulder.

"Whooaaaaa" Roxas gaped as he approached the table to take a closer look at Revolver

"And you must be Roxas Strife" Leon said to get said teen's attention

"Hn? Oh! yea…sorry, sir" Roxas turned to look at the adult sheepishly

Leon shook his head whilst smiling casually "Welcome. My name is Squall Leonhart, but just call me Leon."

They shook hands.

"Looks like he liked Revolver, Leon"

"It looks like a very cool sword." Roxas said a bit bashfully as he looked at the weapon then turned to look up at the brunette "Are you….a Heartinvoker?"

"Yes. I am. " bitter past experiences had him carefully study the adolescent's reaction, but to his surprise Roxas was wowed by the answer.

"That is so cool" the blonde teen whispered in awe again.

"Oh and you haven't seen him in action yet! He's super cool when he fights the darkness" Sora proclaimed enthusiastically as he mimicked some sword moves he has seen Leon use. The younger Leonhart's enthusiasm earned him a chuckle from his peer and a helpless smile and shake of the head from his brother.

Leon stopped Sora's movements by placing a heavy hand on top of the spiky head "Anyhow, Roxas, I was told by Cid that you were willing to help around the shop?"

"Ye. I did, tho I think I'll be helping with the boring paperwork" Roxas rolled his eyes

"Hm, well. Someone had to do it and sure as hell is not going to be Cid" Leon smirked making Roxas

"Well, regardless, I look forward to working with you Roxas"

"Same here."

The rest of their shift went by in a blur, they had quite a decent flow of customers and there was even a point where Roxas had to stop doing paperwork and go make some quick deliveries to nearby shops, small packages that he could carry in a bag so that he could ride his skateboard. Aerith, Yuffie and Sora were left at the cash registers, while Cid and Leon did most of the handiwork. Cloud was apparently still doing the deliveries, they were quite a few so Leon was not surprised that the man was still out.

Leon was not worried about Cloud getting lost, seeing that he entrusted the younger man with a GPS with all the places he had to stop by. However as closing hour neared and no sign of Cloud returning Cid had began to wonder. The gruff man had walked into Leon's office saying that they had tried contacting the man to his cell phone but that there had been no response.

Always the level head of the group, Leon had wagered that maybe Cloud's phone was out of battery, or maybe the truck had broke down: That there must be a reasonable explanation. To appease everyone's concerns, Leon had decided to go out and look for Cloud himself seeing as the last deliveries on the list were not supposed to be that far away.

As Leon drove through the streets, a small prodding sensation at the back of his mind, tugging incessantly at his chest. The further he drove the more the feeling grew, he felt as if he was being pulled, lead somewhere, even made him frown. His intuition was something that was rarely wrong…and all he could think of was about the blonde man he had just met that morning.

He pulled the car to a full stop when he saw people running panicked into the houses or any other direction. Leon didn't think twice before practically flying out of his car….a familiar cold sense gripped his core, he felt as his insides coiled at the heavy feeling in the air. Leon started to run against the scared people, pushing and forcing his way through them until he finally broke through the crowd.

A little bit ahead of him, he saw them…the creatures he had expected to see, but had wished that it hadn't been so. Humanoid creatures that ran in all fours or melted into dusty shadows to re-appear in the blink of an eye. Their yellow glowing eyes searching for victims to feed on. Their skin pitch black as the most deepest of abyss. Hands were bony, fingers shaped like elongated dark claws.

Not too soon, with a sharp flick of the wrist, had Leon summoned his gunblade: Revolver. When he saw just what the creatures were after...or rather who were they after. Fear that was not only his own harrowed his chest. A name lodged into his throat as a primal instinct to protect pushed his body into action.

Radiant Gardens seemed like a nice city. The afternoon temperature was pretty chilly, the air was crisp, and the city really took after its name: Filled with wonderful and lush gardens scattered about. Despite his sullen mood, Cloud thought that maybe he could get used to the city after all. Currently, he had finished his last delivery for the day, he was parked by the sidewalk in one of the town's squares. Lights from the street lamps and buildings flickered to life, one by one as the sun had given up its glow, allowing for the cool hues to settle in. The area he was in was busy but not really bustling with a huge crowd. A few stores here, a café with a balcony ahead of him, and some cobble stone apartment buildings over there. The young man wagered that it must have been one of the more rustic parts of Radiant Gardens.

Cloud was quite surprised that he had managed to finish all of his deliveries despite the fact Leon had told him he might not have been able to do so. He closed sighed heavily as he leaned back on his bike, hanging his head low while he pressed his forehead into an open palm.

'Damn…I know my body hasn't been feeling quite right lately, but this is ridiculous…' licking his lips he gave himself just a few moments to take a breather. It did annoy him the fact that he felt so tired, more than he should have. For a moment he had even felt dizzy.

As he stood there resting his head an image took form behind his closed eyelids.

A haunting pair of silver blue staring back at him.

Blinking his eyes open the young man felt a strange sensation run down his spine. He recalled that morning when he had meet Leon and remembered the strange feelings he had felt. Cloud could not understand why he had felt so shaken by the look on those eyes. To be honest with himself, Cloud described them as haunting. Working had distracted him, but that gaze had been at the back of his mind the whole time.

'I could swear he had looked right into me….so strange….'

Cloud shook his head to scatter the thoughts, he had to return to the shop, Roxas was probably there waiting for him. A hand dug into the pocket for the cell phone, the Strife clicked his teeth as he saw that the device had turned off for lack of battery power.

'Shit…great' he pocketed it again as he pushed from the machine to turn and put on his helmet.

A few seconds after, after he straddled the bike and turned it on, a violent chill ran down his spine causing goosebumps all over his body, he even felt his arms shiver.

'funny…I'm wearing my jacket…I shouldn't be cold…' he took a look around and right after that, a woman from across the street screamed catching his attention.

From the shadows casted on the floor some dark creatures emerged. He had seen Zack fight similar creatures back in Midgar. They were said to be creatures that incarnated darkness, creatures that were said to be entities that could feed off of hearts; one's soul.

A pressure grew on his chest, his heart started to add quicker beats to its steady rhythm and before he knew it, people started to scatter as they made their escapes. Cloud revved the engine and made a dash for it.

A pressure grew on his chest, his heart started to add quicker beats to its steady rhythm, as he turned to look over his shoulder, his lips slightly parted and eyebrows furrowed as his pupils searched for any movement. He was starting to panic, even if his eyes saw nothing, the feeling of being followed that quickly turned into a feeling of being relentlessly hunted. Then, like that same morning, he heard it again…that terrifying growl, but at that moment it had sounded like if his name was engraved into it. With a gasp, Cloud looked down to the floor, to his right, and noticed that a shapeless shadow was keeping up with him. The terrified young man looked to his other side to find three more shadows in hot pursuit.

Suddenly, one of the shadows leapt towards him, by pure instinct he ducked, feeling as if a set of claws had been mere inches away from tearing his face. When he straightened up again, Cloud found that the once shapeless shadow was now a pitch black humanoid creature with golden eyes that seemed to emit a light glow. The creature was running on all fours and was almost as big as he was, said beast was soon joined by other creatures just like it, that had emerged from the other shadows. Before his brain had any chance to try and piece together any type of explanation, one of the creatures rammed it's body against the motorcycle in an attempt to knock Cloud off of it.

How he managed to luckily keep his balance was beyond him, all he really cared was to get away from the strange creatures. He did not have a chance to breathe however, as another of the shadowy figures attempted another slash, which he dodged with great skill by swivelling his bike which made him turn in another direction, right through an alley. Panting, he continuously looked around him as best he could, without crashing.

For a moment to him it seemed like he had ditched his pursuers, he looked behind him one more time to convince himself of his assumptions. The blonde then turned to look ahead…A breath got caught in Cloud's throat, as for a moment, time seemed to have slowed down as one of the creatures had leapt from the ground and tackled him off the bike and into the ground.

Cloud and his assailant hit the ground with a loud thud, rolling intertwined with each other a few times from the impact. Without it's rider to guide it, the bike's tires screeched before it fell to one side, the sound of scratching metal reverberating as it skidded while spinning on the gravelly ground until it came to a stop a few feet away. Cloud came to a stop laying on his back while the creature landed a few feet away from him.

The young man gasped for a breath as the pain shot through his back, helmet was taken off, gasping for breath. Even though the world around him was spinning, he sluggishly rolled onto his stomach and through a hazed, half lidded gaze he saw how the creatures were now cornering him like a pack of wolves. Pushing through the pain, he winced and clicked his teeth, raising into all fours only to have his right arm give under him as a very harsh pain made him open his mouth for a scream that got stuck in his throat.

The reminder that he was being chased served as enough adrenaline to have Cloud push through the pain and as best he could sit on the floor facing his attackers. Even when the creatures' eyes were soulless glowing orbs of yellow, Cloud could very much feel how those creatures were looking deep into him. They were savoring their 'hunt', torturing him with fear, taking their sweet time to attack.

A growl tore through Cloud's mouth, using his helmet as a weapon. In a desperate attempt to make a stand against his attackers, Cloud rose to his knees and threw said object in their general direction. The impulse made him fall sitting back, legs and his uninjured arm immediately pushing backwards until his back his a stone wall. In response, one of the creatures sank into the shadows. Wide frantic eyes searched for the assailant, thereupon the creature re-emerged mere inches away from the man, raising a black clawed hand into the air. Acting on instinct Cloud raised his one good arm to cover his face. Sharp claws tore through fabric and skin, a loud yelp and Cloud gripped the bloody claw marks on his left arm.

The creature pressed it's inky hand against Cloud's chest, right were the heart is, soon the man felt as his strength was leaving him. His frightened, tense body slumped, eyes fought to keep themselves open, short gasps and pants escaped through a gaping mouth.

This was the end. He would die here at the hands of the monsters that consumed people…at least now he would be reunited with Zack, right?… A comforting idea until he thought of Roxas…His little brother would be left alone…uncared for…in a world full of strangers…his heart dropped at the notion.

'I'm sorry…Roxas'

Those were the words that went through his mind just when another of the creatures pounced towards him and he closed his eyes bracing for the attack…he hoped that it ended quickly.

A quick swoosh of frigid air brushed through his face, a sound akin to clattering glass filled his ears, the pressure of his chest lifted and a small sting cut through his cheeks and he felt small chunks pelt his face…The painful attack he had expected never landed, Cloud dared to open his eyes, albeit weakly. Had he'd been more conscious, he would have been amazed by what was before his eyes…crystallized ice had frozen the two creatures that had attacked him while the other two backed off a little directing their attention to a new opponent. Weakly, the blonde man turned his head to where the creatures were looking; a blur of black and silver meet his blurry sight. Soon he noticed that the blur was actually a person…a man…and his beautiful silver blade that gleamed under the lights. The man engaged the creatures in combat.

Black spiky hair dancing with his movements…

'Za-Zack?' despite his barely conscious state, disbelief coursed through his barely working senses.

That black spiky hair, the confident and strong movements…it was all there, right before Cloud's eyes. He slowly blinked once, double checking the scene that unfolded before him. When they opened again, there was a haze clouding his vision, and in a barely visible flash the man he had thought he'd seen was someone else entirely, but just as unexpected…

'Leon?' was the last thing his mind could conjure as a sharp nauseating pain shot through the injured parts of his body and darkness stroke him with the swiftness of a lightning strike.

Leon finished off the creatures (even the ones he had frozen), with a series of graceful and calculative movements combined with masterfully casted ice spells. When the last black body fell to the floor motionless, Leon resumed a neutral fighting stance while glaring at the motionless bodies. The scarred warrior stood there for a few seconds until he finally saw what he was waiting for…the shadow like smoke into which the dark beings were now disappearing into. Only then, did Revolver disappeared in a swirling mass of light, turning to look over his shoulder then ran towards Cloud.

"Strife!" he whispered firmly but with worry, while shaking him by a shoulder.

When no response came, Leon tried again louder, urgency shaping the tone of his words "Hey, Cloud!"

Nothing. Instead the unconscious man fell limply to the side thanks to Leon shaking him. The brunette reacted quickly catching Cloud into an arm. That's when Leon noticed the huge bloody claw marks on Cloud's left arm. He also noted that Cloud was starting to look more pale than what he had seen him earlier that day.

"Shit…got here too late" Leon focused energy on his free hand and muttered a healing spell, a light green energy glowed around his hand as he ran it down Cloud's arm. The bleeding stopped, but the wounds were far from healed.

"Hang in there, Strife" He picked up Cloud in his arms, and as quickly as he could he took him to his car. Wagering that Cloud's bike wouldn't be too far, he dialled Cid and briefly told him what had happened. Cid would take care of the bike. Leon would take Cloud to a nearby hospital to get the younger man's physical wounds properly treated. Aerith would drive Sora and Roxas to the hospital.

And even then, Leon would stay in the hospital to keep an eye on the blonde man. He was certain that Cloud would need more than just physical treatment….

A heart's Passage:

This infuriates me…the fact that now I'm so helpless to protect you…

All I can do is watch. Influence the things around me, at best!

But this man's heart…is so similar to yours…

…I wonder if…

Maybe he's the solution I'm looking for….

I have to make sure…

In the meantime, please, hang in there…Cloud.

A/n: if I take a while to upload it's because I'm working and I'm also working on other projects of mine, so, don't worry. I'm pretty inspired for this story and have a few ideas I'd like to work with. I thank you for those who faved and read this little piece! I appreciate it. I hope I keep you guys interested, feel free to give me your opinions, concerns, suggestions and such. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask, I'll answer as long as its not a spoiler ;)

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own ANY of the characters on this story, they belong to Square Enix and Disney.