AN: Cloud loses his temper after bottling everything up for quite some time. Please review if you liked this chapter!
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Cloud woke up alone in Zack's room, the early morning sunlight seeping through a slit in the dark curtains. The warmth on the other side of the bed seemed to had long been gone as he traced his palm over the mattress, and he frowned, propping himself upright. The digital clock on Zack's nightstand read six thirty. He slid slightly through the bed, groggily reaching for his phone by the nightstand. He jolted in surprise as he heard another phone ringing, dazedly searching to where it came from. He found Zack's ringing phone in the small drawer of the nightstand, and contemplated if he'll take it. He was about to reach for it when he saw something that glittered amongst the items inside, and he picked it up, completely forgetting about the phone. He raised it close to his face for inspection, curiosity slowly creeping in. He was looking at six dog-tags dangling on a single chain, and engraved on it, five names of people, and the last one, Zack himself.
Is this his friends? Cloud wondered, flipping one silver tag at a time. Having someone else's tag meant that— they had probably died, right? But why keep them along with his? Will he tell if he asked him? As much as he wanted to know what it meant, it somehow— felt very personal for him to intrude. And if his guess was correct, maybe it was really his friends and he keeps it as memory. He tried to push the gloomy thoughts away as he carefully replaced the tags back in his drawer, sliding off of the bed completely. He decided that if Zack isn't here, he'll just make breakfast for two, so he could eat when he returns from wherever he went. He clearly does not want to be disturbed seeing as he tucked away his phone in a drawer.
He dismissed more thoughts about the brunet as he fumbled to the kitchen, preparing whatever Zack has got in his fridge. He can cook simple food, alright. That was the one thing he learned from his mother, because she liked to cook for him when he was little. You name it, she knows how to cook it (most probably). The sound of the door opening and closing a while later signaled Zack's return, as some eggy toasts had been settled on the counter. Zack wandered directly to the kitchen realizing that the blonde was already up, preparing food. Water droplets were running down on his rather formal, black coat as Cloud looked at him, and he stopped cleaning the dishes as he took in the unmistakably solemn aura of the brunet.
"Has it been raining?" Cloud asked curiously. It looked like wherever he came from it did, very early in the morning.
"Yeah. The dark clouds are mostly here too. Didn't expect you to be up already." Zack smiled, but to Cloud, it looked a bit strained and empty. He felt like something else lingered in there and he cannot quite read it. It felt odd.
"You hungry? I made some toast. I'll be going out soon after this."
Zack only removed his coat and hung it on one of the stools by the counter. He was uncharacteristically being quiet and Cloud was getting more bewildered. He then joined him by the kitchen, ruffling his unruly blonde locks affectionately once he was in close proximity.
"Can you make me some coffee?"
He heard Zack say amidst the now apparent melancholy in his eyes. Cloud can't help but stare at what seemed to be a darkening blue sky. He thought about leaving after making breakfast but now he just doesn't want to.
Why is Zack hurting?
"Yeah. I was about to."
Zack was still just watching him as he leaned by the counter, and Cloud felt utterly conscious. Normally, he would be talking to him about everything at this moment, spilling his thoughts for Cloud to digest.
"Do you want to tell me something?" He finally asked, stirring the hot coffee in a mug. He passed the steaming mug to the brunet as he turned to him, and he saw that Zack wasn't even pretending to be smiling anymore.
"Stay here for a while?" Zack asked solemnly and Cloud wouldn't say no even if someone held him off at gunpoint. Somehow, Zack was needing him. He was never good with people but if his presence will help him then he wouldn't deny him a simple thing. Cloud smiled warmly and openly at him and Zack brightened a little bit.
"Of course. Let's eat okay? Then let's play that video game afterwards, I never had the chance after all."
The day stretched lazily as the rainclouds settled and passed by outside. He and Zack really ended up playing some stupid video game, and it seemed to lighten up the brunet, thankfully. Maybe he was just really having a bad day after all. Lunch came and Cloud volunteered to buy food on the cafeteria. Saturdays and Sundays usually meant little to no people on the Soldier floors. It is not like he isn't supposed to be there, for Genesis usually drags him in there after all, waltzing around and introducing him to people he didn't care about, all the while lecturing him about Soldier things. Food in these floors were actually really good compared to the slop (it wasn't that bad) served at the infantry mess halls so he isn't complaining. With a warm meal in his hands, he was ready to go.
"Strife."
Speaking of the devil himself, he was spotted by Genesis. What the hell is he doing here in a Saturday? He's pretty sure he should be with his rather, close Soldier buddy Angeal. This was supposed to be a Genesis-free day after all. Nonetheless, he turned stiffly on the spot to face him. The First eyed the bags tucked in his arms for a second before he started towards him.
"Walk with me."
Genesis ordered, not even looking if Cloud was following behind. But he did, because he didn't have a choice when it comes to him. They walked the stretch of the hallways, silence their only company. It was still gloomy outside, Cloud noticed, as they pass by the tall, glass windows adorning the higher floors of Shinra. He was not liking every second of this, he thought. He should be back now with Zack, eating.
"Haven't I given you enough time, Cloud?" Genesis suddenly asked, stopping short and turning around to face him. His Mako blue eyes isn't glowing, and for the first time, Cloud felt like he was more human— not an unreachable idol placed on a pedestal by everyone. It was like he was willing to actually mingle with someone he considers beneath him, and not just looking him over with— utter disdain.
"Enough time for what?" The blonde asked in return, a foreboding feeling settling deep inside him.
"To decide, of course."
Cloud didn't really understand, and just watched, as Genesis produced a bluish-white fruit with a sleight of his right hand.
"Do you know what this is?" The First asked, extending the fruit in front of the blonde.
"An apple?" Cloud replied hesitantly, confusion apparent in his eyes.
"A Banora apple. Me and Angeal grew up in a village called Banora. Unfortunately, that place is no more. It has been burned down to ashes. Erased from the map, like it never existed."
"Why?"
"Very unfortunate, isn't it? It does not have any more purpose, that is."
Cloud wasn't sure if he only imagined the hurt nor the anger in Genesis' steady voice. His face still did not betray anything, but what he said next made the blonde furious inside.
"I am giving you one last chance."
"Give up."
He was serious he can tell, and he was as well but this is just ridiculous. All of this, for nothing? He isn't here to play games with Genesis.
"I can't do that." Cloud replied very carefully. He knew the First can see well right through him, and he fought the urge to scowl beneath his icy stare. The First seemed to be having some mental conversation with himself as he only stared at him, twirling the apple in his hand.
"Very well."
Genesis finally said, tossing Cloud the unnaturally bright, blue apple. He caught it swiftly in one hand, watching the First turn around to leave. He stopped momentarily as if to hesitate, his words almost softly spoken.
"This is where your training with me ends. I have a much important role to play from now on."
"Good luck."
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Zack watched Cloud's sprawled form by the sofa, asleep, controller still tucked in his hand. He was peaceful-looking, and the brunet smiled automatically despite his current mood. He approached and pulled the controller away, tucking his single, dangling leg on the cushion. Cloud always seemed to be at ease at the presence of home, wherever that maybe. It made him happy inside and all he wanted was to protect the small haven that he has, from any kind of harm.
Cloud was so young, vibrant, alive, and beautiful. Tempting on all aspects for someone like him. It is that bad to want something like him so badly? Will he push him away if he'll get any closer? Zack mused as he stared at his sleeping face, crouching by the sofa. He was so close he could see the lightly dusted freckles just above his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, almost invisible in the daylight. He wondered idly if he could count all of them, and memorize where each one was perfectly placed in his smooth, porcelain skin.
Zack tried to deny the strong pull of attraction he was currently feeling. It was hot and consuming, and he was afraid he'll burn him and hurt him if he doesn't gain any sort of control, or control the very little that he has got. He can feel his soft breathing against his own lips in the tiny distance between them and he shivered involuntarily. Zack pulled away slowly as he saw Cloud's eyes fluttering open, and he smiled with difficulty, against the raging storm in his chest.
"You fell asleep playing."
"What time is it?" The blonde asked, forefingers rubbing one ocean-blue eye gently.
"Past three in the afternoon." Cloud sighed heavily.
"I forgot about Hojo."
"I'll come with you?" Zack asked and the blonde sat upright and shook his head, regarding the brunet curiously.
"No. It'll be quick. But I'll drop by afterwards and check if you had stopped brooding."
Zack smiled earnestly, happiness reaching his eyes. This was all the reason he ever needed to keep him safe, no matter what.
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Cloud was surprised seeing Ramza the following morning, alone. For the first time, he had not seen Delita by his side, following him everywhere, nor sitting beside him eating breakfast. Another oddity was Ramza's now shorter hair that fell neatly on his face, chin length, making him look a little more— boyish.
"What happened to your hair?" Cloud asked, though what he really wanted to know is the other's whereabouts. Since they began their respective apprenticeships, they did not have much time to hang out, training occupying most of their day, at least for the two because Zack was pretty much hands-on with them.
"Oh, this? It gets into things, that's why. And if you're thinking where Delita is, he's— well, we have this argument and he's being a jerk about it. But he'll come around, he always does."
Cloud knows Ramza is mostly honest about everything, but his serious face is getting into him. He was always in a pleasant mood and he isn't used to his unsmiling face.
"Hey, Cloud. You— do you have feelings for Zack?"
Ramza suddenly asked, pulling Cloud away from his musings. His eyes widened in the bluntness of his question, and he stared at his amber eyes in return. His face is painted in a painful way and he averted his eyes, and Cloud wondered if this really has anything to do with him or Zack.
"Does it matter?" Cloud asked carefully, trying to dodge the question. Ramza looked even more pained as he tried to explain with obvious difficulty, his troubles with Delita. He looked too uncomfortable, it made Cloud feel a tad of endearment for the trust he knows he was receiving.
"Well.. You see, Delita had cut my hair yesterday and then— he.. suddenly kissed me."
Cloud didn't know if he heard him correctly, as his voice came to almost a whisper, his half-lidded eyes cast downwards to his plate. Yet his pulse raced at the thought, seeing it in his mind's eye, how Delita could have possibly do it with a very unsuspecting Ramza. He uncontrollably blushed at the mental image he conjured, feeling like he was trespassing over something he isn't supposed to see.
"I was a little shocked and we ended up arguing about it."
Cloud tried his best to not sound awkward because he was really, feeling like it.
"Do you hate it that much? I mean— the kiss?"
He asked in earnest. It was Ramza's turn to blush, and boy did he blush quite heavily.
"Cloud. I can't—"
"..actually I can't stop thinking about it."
Ramza finally admitted, covering his reddened face with his hands. The corners of Cloud's mouth curled upwards, and Ramza's eyes widened, as he peeked through his fingers.
"Ahh— you're not helping me at all, Cloud."
The flustered blonde whined in a tiny voice, and Cloud felt his amusement growing. He had never seen him so troubled and embarrassed for he was always so put together, collected and graceful.
"Well I guess you like him too in that way."
Cloud finally said, trying to sound utterly confident. Ramza's face seemed to lighten a little from some kind of sudden realization as he tried to recover from his flustered state and failed. Cloud chuckled.
"No! Stop." Ramza warned weakly, looking a little horrified.
"Sorry. But I think you'll be alright. You said he always came around, right? Just— tell him you're fine with it."
"But he's my best friend. We've been friends since we were just kids."
"Then be best friends still."
Ramza sighed deeply.
"This is so confusing. I was really hoping you wouldn't laugh though. Of all people, Cloud. How could you do this to me..?"
He was smiling a little now, and Cloud returned the gesture wholeheartedly.
"You should do that more often."
Cloud heard Ramza say as he continued eating his forgotten breakfast.
"So, do you like Zack Fair that way?"
Cloud stilled once again and looked at him, and just blinked innocently, smiling.
"Not fair!"
Ramza exclaimed in an even smaller voice, now standing and hovering above the table, trying to get closer to Cloud.
"I won't tell!" He whispered, trying to break into the other's façade. He wanted confirmation, if anything, that he wasn't the only one, facing such a predicament.
Cloud averted his eyes from Ramza's expectant stare and looked at nothing in particular.
"He's— everything that I ever wanted to be."
Ramza looked like he didn't believe his shit at this point and Cloud couldn't help but smile once more.
"What?" Cloud asked in a gentle tone, his innocent face back at full force.
"Alright. I give up. But I see where you're coming from, Zack Fair, he's just—" Cloud watched as Ramza trailed off, his features seeming to grow in admiration or rather, adoration of the thought. If Delita really like this blonde in front of him, then he can now practically see why he did what he did yesterday.
"..Everybody seems to want his attention but then he makes an extra effort to just focus on people that matters to him. I mean, who does not want to be treated like that?"
Ramza smiled warmly back at him as his heart banged painfully in his chest.
He really is so stupid, isn't he? Cloud thought, and he just wanted to smack himself on the head. He was so focused on getting stronger that he forgot that aside from his family, he was doing this, ultimately for Zack, whether he wanted to admit it to himself or not. He could've accepted his efforts gratefully yet instead he rejected him. He cannot deny the fact that he was feeling so insecure and he wanted to be his equal so he would accept him, as this better version of himself and not his past self, that he just wanted to forget.
Could he really blame himself for wanting to be a better person?
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"Zack Fair. I want you to lead the clearing operation outside of Midgar. Reports had said that hordes of monsters were approaching from the east. We aren't sure what's leading them here now, but we will try to find out once the threat is subdued. You will be assigned with infantrymen to assist you. Other Seconds will also be deployed on other areas of the wastelands but the main force will be your team, attacking head-on. You can also choose the best from the infantries you had gone with before, if you'd like."
"Fair enough"? Lazard asked, after briefing him shortly on a rather alarming situation.
"It has just been a month since our last clearing operation near Junon. Why this fast?" Zack asked, suspicion arising once again in his system.
"As much as I wanted to answer your question, we still didn't know the cause of inflation in the monster population. But rest assured we are doing the best that we can to prepare against a worst-case scenario."
"And Sephiroth?" Angeal cut in, inquiring the absence of the other First. Lazard turned to him, adjusting his perfectly placed glasses.
"More importantly, I will be sending Sephiroth on a mission to investigate a probable uprising from the Wutaians. You will join him, Angeal. The both of you are set to depart tonight. I'll brief the two of you separately."
"Genesis will stay here."
Lazard finally said, nodding to the redhead. To Zack's amazement, Genesis smiled contentedly. He usually does not like to be left out.
"By the way, include Cloud strife to as many missions as possible. I don't want him to just be sitting around in here to rot." Genesis chimed in, looking pointedly at Lazard who raised his eyebrows slightly.
"You are quite dedicated, aren't you?" Lazard replied, smiling a little. Genesis snorted dismissively. Zack wasn't sure if he was really concerned or is just being a prick.
"Zack will see to it then."
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He felt nothing but unease as the days continued to culminate into this— mess, for things seemed to make less and less sense to him in regards to Soldier. It's as if they were purposefully leaving him into the dark, saying everything else is just under perfect control, but to Zack it was all but bullshit. Something nagged at him endlessly, but he was unsure because everyone seemed to be acting in normalcy. After all those years, he still felt like a mindless dog at times, who only knows how to follow orders. It irks him to know how little, to no control that he actually had, and until he made it to First, that still might not change seeing how Angeal and the others do exactly the same. He never minded that at first when he was a lot younger and naïve, his only goal to be strong and stand beside the people he hero-worshipped. But things had happened and it changed his perspective a lot, always looking for the larger picture of things, always searching for the greater meaning in every action they take. He simply cannot keep quiet in a corner anymore like he used to, always asking questions whenever he was impelled to, sounding whiny even, though he was always met with assurances he faintly believed.
It rather changed his habits dramatically, always obsessed with keeping his things neatly in place, in order. When everything around him is beyond his control, at least his things and his routines were. Everybody who knew him personally can say he was such a scatterbrain by nature. He was. Angeal saw him change, and he was glad he was there in times when he needed guidance of someone wiser and older. He still believed in him, at least, and other couple of people who showed him how to be honorable. Why was everything all coming back to him now? He guessed he got somewhat used to those two long years he lived like a simple man, unconsciously leaving his past behind. Or maybe he just really wanted a simple life after all.
He shouldn't be thinking about this, especially when he's about to go on a mission, of all things. He needs to focus and collect his composure because this is what he was to be good at. He refocused his mind back on his things and decided he wouldn't pack much, because there was nowhere they could set up camp in a barren and dusty wasteland. He'll only bring weapons and medicines and that's about it.
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Cloud stood in attention as Zack debriefed them about a clearing operation just outside of Midgar. Apparently, the same clearing operation Zack lead the month prior isn't enough, and now he was to handle a larger group of Soldiers and infantry for support. Other Seconds were also present, particularly Kunsel and Luxiere, and some grunts he didn't recognize. The recruits present were scarcer, and he thanked the gods that Ramza and Delita were chosen. They looked comfortable with each other again, as he observed the two from his peripheral vision. These people were most probably handpicked by Zack, he supposed. He wasn't sure about his presence in this mission but he very much welcomed the opportunity.
It may not mean anything to Zack, but to Cloud this is everything. To stand proudly by his side was what he had wanted so badly ever since he set foot at Shinra, training hard until his hands bleed and his body almost gave up.
"Reports said that there were sightings of an abnormally large mass of wolves just outside the perimeter of Kalm. The horde had travelled and settled by the edge of the wastelands now and is probably approaching Midgar. Reasons behind the anomaly is unknown."
"We are here to extinguish that threat. Well, to be exact, we need to depopulate them to a controllable amount."
"You will be divided into squads that will support the soldiers. I hope everyone is now ready because we are leaving the moment I finished talking."
Zack nodded to the group and gave them an encouraging smile, signaling them to move out.
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He didn't realize the extent of desolation the first time they had passed the wastelands for he was too busy being airsick, he was unaware of most of his surroundings. Cloud took in everything as they rode against the vast plains of dust and dirt, or more accurately, what seemed like an everlasting drought. They have been told that the Mako reactors in Midgar sucked the life off of its surroundings, leaving only a barren land behind where nothing would grow for the next few decades. He never realized it's extent until now. He saw the dark haze that hung above the mega city as he looked back, heavy pollution being produced as a result of processing too much energy.
They were nearing the rocky terrains of the wastelands when they heard the howling, echoing amongst the cliffy hills beyond. Cloud guessed it signaled their approach to something else's newly acquired territory, and he squinted his eyes to catch their movement ahead. Wolves run to and fro, seeming to be watching them from afar.
"Shit."
Zack cussed as he stood by the open military truck, propping his arm on the roof the vehicle for a better vantage point. Well, if the first thing that comes out of Zack's mouth is a curse, then the situation is most likely bad. Cloud watched as the Second gritted his teeth, hand lowering from his eyes. He guessed he really should be getting worried seeing the forming silhouette of three, large wolves from afar. He estimated it to be ten times bigger than the largest wolf anyone has seen or maybe more.
"Hey Zack!" Luxiere hollered as their truck skirted beside theirs, waving an energetic hand to Zack.
"I thought for a while Cerberus himself got loose from hell!" The Second exclaimed happily, laughing at the idea. He didn't look threatened at all. At least someone is happy about it.
"That will be difficult if they're that fast! See them moving around? I bet they can outrun these trucks." Zack replied, his solid voice cutting through the wind.
"Do we have a plan?" Luxiere asked, looking excited as hell. The troops behind him didn't seem to share the same amount of enthusiasm. Kunsel's squad also skirted to their side, joining the shouting competition. His frantic voice was more welcome rather than Luxiere's suicidal tendencies.
"Zack! We should do something right now before they decide to attack us! The smaller ones are getting antsy! "
"Well— someone has to be the bait then!" Zack hollered, pointedly looking at Luxiere.
"I know you would say that!" Luxiere exclaimed, giving Zack a mock salute, tapping the back of the truck as he did so. Their truck swerved left, going faster before them.
"Kunsel— inform the infantry to stay far behind! Tell them to focus on the smaller ones. The big ones are ours!"
"You bet'cha! What have you brought?"
"The standard!" Zack hollered back, gesturing for Kunsel to deliver the message. Kunsel shouted at the driver then, going back to the troops following closely behind.
"Alright then." Zack said more calmly, facing the recruits. He then picked up his bag, handing them three materias.
"I know you can handle these well by now." The brunet said, nodding at the pair. He then turns to Cloud, as if to confirm the answer.
"Cloud?"
The blonde only nodded in return, feeling the pulsing orb in his hand. His eyebrows raised questioningly at Zack.
"Thundara." Zack answered, smiling. Cloud then promptly replaced it on the slot of his sword, along with another blue orb he produced from his holster.
"From Reno?" Zack asked in an amused tone.
"Yeah. He decided to give it to me." He didn't.
"Alright. We attack from the sidelines as the bait tries and keep its attention. Hopefully we can lure the alphas one by one, but if the horde attacks us all at once then we're gonna have to separate them and take down each one on our own. Focus on their limbs. Slowing them down is the priority. Don't do anything cute at the start, okay?"
Zack ordered, face utterly serious. Cloud can't deny the weird bubbling excitement in his gut, now that he was able to actually join Zack even if they were just pretty much support. He guessed the same goes for Ramza and Delita as well, seeing the carefully placed attentiveness on their faces. The sparkle in their eyes show more than enough.
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Zack's eyes narrowed as he saw Luxiere's squad approaching, and behind them, following, were the freakishly large wolves, chasing the racing truck. Apparently, they were wrong for there were only two large wolves, though the other one is quite grotesque, having two heads. He watched as one of it howled, beckoning the multitude of smaller wolves to come closer. It has gathered most of the massive pack, before if went again for a run to the bait.
Zack tried to not let another cuss leave his mouth and failed.
"Shit. We're gonna meet them halfway! Let's go!" The brunet ordered the man behind the wheel, tapping forcefully on the roof for him to drive faster. He then turned back to the recruits to address the situation.
"The massive pack will most likely surround us and jump to get over. Cut them down by the numbers with materia. We'll try and lure as much of the smaller ones away from the alphas."
Zack watched as the massive wave chased the other vehicle, agile bodies moving like a single unit. The smaller ones tried flanking the truck but it sped on, hitting and running over some in the process. Their own truck sped towards them, now cutting through the wave of the smaller canines. It divided the horde, distracting a large portion of the pack, and it hurled towards them instead. The monstrous alphas remained on chasing Luxiere's squad, the lither of the two lunging from behind as if to tip the vehicle forward with its maw. A hair-raising thunder bolt thwarted it, frying the smaller ones on the spot.
More canines were skewered as Cloud summoned a tide of icicles, bursting beneath the frenzied clumps of wolves. He cannot yet risk electrocuting themselves in such close proximity but Reno's blizzard should do for now. His sword met the ones that tried lunging at the open transport vehicle, slicing and driving them back below. Delita and Ramza soon joined him, slicing, and summoning a barrier as multiple of them tried lunging at once inside. They were peppered with bullets as Kunsel's infantry troops came closer behind, thankful no matter how inaccurate their shooting was on a moving target. But he was more thankful to Ramza for keeping the barrier going. It will be unfortunate to get killed by their own bullets, yes?
"Alright! Kunsel's squad will clean them up. Leave it to them. We'll try again and get the other alphas to split up."
Zack announced, joining the recruits that now crowded at the back, their truck speeding through the racing horde towards Luxiere's squad that was getting farther away. The alphas were intelligent enough to keep on dodging most of the thunderbolts, and Zack guessed that their fur must be sensing the currents in the air. The two-headed beast then leapt amazingly in front of their bait, trapping it between two massive canines. The truck did a sharp turn avoiding the gaping maw, razor teeth only piercing a trusty barrier.
"This is bad—"
Zack exclaimed, as the massive hounds backed off from a swirling wall of fire that spread outwards from the truck. It eliminated the last of the smaller wolves surrounding the vehicle, but didn't do much for the alphas but fry some fur. Even from their distance, Cloud can feel the wave of heat splashing on his face, as the magic dissolved into the wind. If that strong fire magic can't deter them, then they'll need a much appropriate one. Closing in, Zack once again turned towards them.
"Cloud, Delita, try targeting the limbs alright? Ramza, back me up." Zack said before he leapt from the speeding vehicle, startling the three.
"Shit— Zack!" Cloud exclaimed, as a mixture of shock and worry hit him at full force.
He's fucking crazy—
Zack looked tiny as he ran beneath the massive hound, only going up a little above the joint of its leg. It noticed Zack immediately and Cloud can only watch as he darted to and fro, evading the snarling maw, massive blade swinging and slicing against its bony muzzle. It growled back in anger, barraging the brunet with biting attacks. The barrier does its best for the ones he cannot flawlessly dodge, teeth grazing an invincible shield. A couple of fireballs exploded from its hind legs, distracting the beast momentarily.
"Cloud!"
"Cloud! Help me out!" Delita exclaimed, reaching for the blonde's shoulder.
The blonde broke from his stupor, immediately summoning the magic that enclosed its forelegs in ice. It broke through it as it wildly thrashed its body, ice crumbling beneath. Cloud tried once again, sharp rows of icicles once again bursting from the ground. It cried as it pierced its paws imperfectly, but it's enough distraction for Zack to attack, spinning like the hurricane he was, slicing through one of its forelimbs, and then lunging for the other, aiming on splitting the joints. Ice and fire busted in its hind legs again, and the brunet swiftly switched targets, running and spinning once more at full force. He leapt again and sliced forcefully against its long, hind legs, all four giving out beneath its own weight, leaving the massive wolf sprawled face first on the ground, whimpering.
Everything was reduced to a daze and next thing Cloud knew as he leapt from the back of the vehicle was to help Zack as the two-headed abomination then headed for the brunet, probably hearing its companion's cries. Maw open and angry, Cloud ran and lunged to it, sword glinting harshly in his hand. It sliced the side of one of its cheek open, its two heads whipping to an angle from the blow. But it sprung readily back at him, aiming for a bite. Zack lurched from his side, clutching the blonde and rolling them both to the side, evading the deadly teeth. Two heads lunged at them with biting attacks, relentless, large canine teeth sinking against Ramza's wavering barrier. Fire exploded on one of its heads, and it roared angrily, undeterred.
Threatened, Cloud summoned another attack, rows of towering, sharp icicles impaling one from under its head, keeping it in place. It cried a guttural sound of agony as it tried to break the spears of ice but to no avail. Zack sprung back to his feet a second later, stabbing the other (head) on its fleshy neck. For a moment, Zack thought his heart had stopped.
The two-headed beast then dropped to the ground, blood gurgling from its maws, next to the writhing figure of the other alpha. The tiny hairs on Zack's skin raised as a blinding thunderbolt erupted to their side menacingly, hitting the other, still-alive beast on the ground. It burned and fizzed, and the smell of charred flesh assaulted his enhanced senses. Cloud's sword vibrated from the current, blue materia glowing brightly. It was a ruthless overkill.
Zack then took his sword back roughly, splattering blood on the ground.
"If I don't know any better I'd say the two of you didn't even need us in here!" Luxiere exclaimed as he clambered down from their truck, jogging close to them, and clapping the blonde on the shoulder. The others were also joining them, their awed faces regarding them silently.
Cloud's own eyes were glowing as he stared at the sword on his hand, now tainted with blood. He did not utter a word as the others rejoiced around them, and just looked back at Zack, who's face he cannot read.
Howls of distant wolves echoed, until it faded into the winds, forgotten.
.
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"Why did you leave them? Why did you disobey my orders, Cloud?"
Zack asked as he followed the blonde down the corridors of the Soldier floors. They just came back from their mission and he wanted to speak to Cloud. But the blonde did not answer, surprised by the potent anger in Zack's voice, even if he isn't raising his tone. He just stopped walking and stood there, looking at the other male, dumbfounded.
"Answer me, please."
"Why does it matter?" Cloud retorted, feeling suddenly cornered.
"Why? Cloud, I am still in command and you are under my responsibility. Please— don't just rush into things like that." Zack replied sternly, gaze locked on the blonde, scrutinizing him.
"I just wanted to help you. Do you have a problem with that?" Cloud fired back, as a bubbling anger threatened to surface. Zack was clearly being stupid, he thought.
"Cloud, look. This isn't about me—"
"Then why are you making a big deal about it?!" Cloud blurted out angrily, his tone rising above more than what he would ever allow himself.
"I told you. This has got nothing to do with me, you completely disobeyed command. What if something happened to you instead—" Zack tried explaining but fell short as the blonde cut in again, voice still rising.
"Stop treating me like a child! I don't need you to save me over and over!"
"And please— stop telling me that this has got nothing to do with you."
"This has got everything to do with you!"
Cloud screamed, seething.
Zack did not know, but he became the center of his universe. Everything revolved around him. His world revolved around him. How can he say he has got nothing to do with it? How can he just dismiss the most important thing to him? This is everything he ever wanted and for it to be denied by that same person just— fucking hurts.
"Cloud, calm down— listen to me, this is not some kind of game where you just decide to do something because you want to, even if that concerns me." Zack fired back, his tone remaining the same. Everything Cloud said didn't even seem to register. He just wants to make him understand.
"I can't believe this!" The blonde exclaimed, eyes wide, incredulous. He shook his head unbelievingly as if to reaffirm the situation.
"Well I can't believe you too right now— I thought you can handle these kinds of things better, Cloud? But instead you're just—being immature." The brunet replied, frustration straining his voice.
Zack regretted those words almost immediately. He felt like being stabbed in the chest when he heard Cloud's bitter laugh reverberating against the walls of the corridors that seemed to be slowly closing in.
"Well. Now, finally there's some truth. Did I fucking burst your bubble?" The blonde scoffed, not backing down.
"What the hell have you expected anyway? That I'm— "
Perfect?
Cloud bit off the ridiculous word, and snorted instead. Everything was getting out of hand and he's just painfully angry. Why can't he see where he's coming from?
"Ohh— but I'd still blame you after all, yes? Have you forgotten?"
The blonde once again turned to look Zack in the eye. The hurt in his deep blue eyes was unbearable to witness. Zack wanted to take the words back. He wanted to make it right that instant. His face was broken and it shattered his own heart to a thousand pieces. He was completely closing-off from him.
"I'm scum."
"Or better yet, like they tell me, I'm such a good for nothing, aren't I?"
Zack ran a hand on his face as Cloud stormed towards the door. He never looked back.
.
.