A very bad introduction

Cloud had woken that morning with a deep feeling of peace and tranquillity, his mind still covered in a sleepy fog as his body was held protectively in Zack's embrace. It was only when the alarm went off and the soldier had stirred that he began to feel uneasy, the realisation of what day it was quickly replacing the feeling of calm with one of anxiety. As a result he hadn't wanted breakfast and if it hadn't been for Zack's concerns about him starting the day with an empty stomach the cadet would have happily avoided the idea of food altogether. Instead he had allowed the soldier to cook a light meal for them both and attempted to eat some of it, the result of which now had his stomach doing all manner of summersaults as he tried to keep it down.

The feeling of discomfort only grew stronger as they approached the main door of the lecture halls and stopped outside, discreetly moving to one side out of the way so that people could continue to pass them as they hesitated to say goodbye.

"Are you going to be ok?" Zack asked carefully, his body shifting nervously beside the eerily still cadet.

"I have to be." Cloud replied faintly.

"Um, ok. You know that doesn't actually fill me with confidence."

"I'm sorry."

"Hey, it's ok. You know I just ... that I worry about you."

"Will I see you later?" The cadet asked hesitantly, his eyes now coming up to meet the soldier's and revealing the concern being felt within.

"I'm swinging past at one on the way to lunch, we should cross paths then."

"And later?"

"I'm picking you up after combat training at five. We're scheduled for extra training at the gym so it won't look suspicious if I come to collect you."

There was a pause in their conversation as a couple of cadets walked past and entered the building, each stealing a glance at the pair as they walked past. Zack held his tongue as the door closed behind them and then pulled a face at their retreating figures, his silent insult towards the group resulting in a small chuckle from the blonde.

"Well I'm glad you enjoyed it at least." The soldier sighed, now smiling a little more himself.

"I'll see you later." Cloud informed him, his small hand wrapping around the door handle.

"Take care of yourself." Zack advised gently, as the door was opened and the blonde began to move forward.

"I will." Was the faint reply before the door closed and the cadet was gone.

"Be safe Spiky." Zack whispered, as he turned and made his way towards Angeal's office where he was expected.

Cloud's morning consisted mainly of two lesson, the first being materia studies and the other being the history of warfare. The cadet had been a nervous wreck as he entered the lecture hall, especially when all eyes turned to him as he made his way through the door and into the room. Not knowing if things had changed while he was away Cloud quickly took his old seat, silently praying that he would be left alone. As it was no one bothered him throughout the first lesson, their attention mainly fixed on the display of materia uses which were being demonstrated. In fact other than several unfriendly looks from around him the blonde managed to make it through the morning without being bothered at all.

By lunch time the cadet was feeling more confident about being back where he belonged, his happiness only increasing when not only Zack but also Angeal managed to 'bump' into him after classes. They enjoyed a pleasant meal together and Cloud happily relayed the events of his day so far, the smile on his face helping the commander and soldier to relax and feel a sense of relief. Zack's smile brightened as Cloud described the lessons, the blonde's voice and expression clearly showing his joy at being ahead and not behind as he had feared. The experience was also enjoyable for Angeal, as he watched the young men in front of him glow in happiness, and it was with some reluctance that he brought the conversation to an end when their time was up.

They walked towards the gym in silence and the commander couldn't help but notice how the cadet and soldier's hands would sometimes brush together as they walked side by side. He smiled faintly understanding that it was their way of giving comfort and reassurance, suspecting that in other circumstances they would probably be holding hands and silently thanked the pair for having enough sense to be cautious. He stopped their progress a little way from the gym, making sure that the distance was enough that Cloud could go on ahead without them but that they could still watch until he was safely inside.

No sooner had the door closed behind the blonde then Zack let out a deep breath, his shoulders sagging forwards slightly as he let go of the tension in his body.

"Zack?" The commander asked with concern, as the soldier drew in a few shaky breaths.

"Sorry Angeal, I was just so worried."

"You should learn to breathe a little more when under pressure. That way the end release is not so obvious."

"That sounds like knowledge gained from experience." The soldier noted affectionately, as he looked up to meet the commander's eyes.

"I have often watched you in much the same way." Angeal admitted with a faint smile.

"Do you still watch over me like that?"

"If I say yes you will be embarrassed, but if I say no then it would be a lie." The commander replied carefully.

"I will interpret that as a yes." Zack informed him while smiling brightly, the glow in his eyes revealing the happiness of the new bond which was forming between them.

"It is strange to watch you as you watch over him." Angeal mused as they began to move away.

"How so?"

"It is as if I am seeing our past being repeated again, but this time you are the mentor in my place and Cloud is the student in yours."

"I guess that is a little weird. I wonder what Spiky would think of it?"

"Who knows pup, maybe you should ask him later?" Angeal teased, his bright smile showing that he had deliberately used the soldier's nickname to emphasis his point.

"You know sometimes you can be really disturbing." Zack concluded, shaking a head of raven spikes in disbelief as they entered the main building.

"I try." The commander replied, laughing softly as the soldier groaned in response.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Cloud felt his spirits lifting as the group was worked through a new series of movements and techniques, his return to classes having gone better than he could have hoped for. No one had bothered him to any great extent during the morning and although he had received some glaring looks he had not experienced any real problems. The initial part of the afternoon had also gone well with the majority of it being taken up with stamina work, which thanks to Zack and Angeal's sessions he was able to coup with easily. Cloud had to bite back the laugh which threatened to escape when the sergeant made a comment about them having no idea what a soldier was capable of, the man clearly having no idea just what the soldier and commander had been putting the cadet through. Silently the blonde was grateful for their time, the extra sessions they had spent with him helping to build and maintain a good level of endurance which he clearly needed for these classes. The extra tuition had also helped to develop and tone his skills in both hand to hand and sword based combat, so that not only was he able to keep up but could excel the class if he chose to. But Cloud understood the danger in this, knowing that to highlight any difference would draw unwanted attention his way, and so remained quiet as they were instructed on a technique that he already knew very well.

The blonde listened intently as the sergeant in charge gave out orders, following the instructions easily and without question as was expected of him. He allowed himself to fall into the routine of their exercises, relaxed into the repetition of what they were doing, and let his guard down as he began to enjoy the challenges being demanded of them. It was only when the time came for them to be paired up that the session began to turn sour, that all the positive things Cloud had been feeling started to break down. He was assigned to spar with someone who wasn't a threat, however, the people next to him were a different story. He knew them well, knew they enjoyed his misery, and knew they were the cause of his suffering.

"Hey Cloud, where you been?" One asked casually, the look he gave being anything but friendly.

"..."

"Come on Cloud, aren't you gonna talk to us."

"No." The blonde replied evenly.

"I'm hurt." A second voice said, the sarcastic tone very evident.

"We've been hearing all sorts of things about you." The first voice purred, making a cold shiver run along Cloud's spin.

"Yea, we heard you and Lieutenant Fair are reeaaallllyy close now."

Cloud ignored the suggestive comment and the cruelty of the voice which spoke it, his mind now whirling as his heart began beating a little faster in his chest.

"I guess the Lieutenant would be grateful after you saved his life." A third voice chipped in from Cloud's other side.

"Tell us Cloud," a fourth voice cut in icily. "How did he thank you?"

It was only then that the blonde realised that in effect he was surrounded, the world around him suddenly reducing down to the five cadets with only one of those being someone he didn't fear. Cloud glanced briefly at the sparring pairs on either side of him and tried to give them a look which said 'back off', but this only seemed to entertain them and make him more of a focus for their attention.

"That all you got for us Cloud?" One of the cadet's sneered.

"Is something wrong here gentlemen?" A cold hard voice cut in, making all six cadet's jump slightly.

"No sir, we we're just assisting cadet Strife with a stance sir." The first one spoke up quickly, his neutral voice skilfully hiding the hateful tone he had been using only moments ago.

"Very well, I will excuse it this time but now focus on your own defences." The sergeant instructed firmly before moving on.

There was a silence amongst them as the instructor moved off towards another group of cadets across the room, his retreating back being watched until he was out of hearing range. Then and only then did one of them dare to speak again, their words cutting the blonde to the bone.

"We'll talk later." The first voice whispered in a harsh threatening tone.

Cloud knew what that meant and felt the muscles in his body tense as his defences went up, the mental barriers quickly forming in his mind to protect him, and focused all of his attention on the person in front of him. The only problem was the person he was partnered with looked nervous and appeared hesitant to move.

"What's wrong?" Cloud asked, a bad feeling now forming in his stomach.

"I ... your ... uuummm." The other cadet stammered looking around for help.

"I'm what?" Cloud asked, the unsettling feeling quickly growing.

"I just don't want to fight you ... ok?"

"Why not?" Cloud asked carefully, as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

"Because you're a fruit cake and anyone who hurts you is gonna get their asses handed to them by Lieutenant Fair." Another voice cut in spitefully before Cloud's spring partner had a chance to respond.

Cloud ignored the person who had spoken as he stared at the cadet opposite him, the hurtful words cutting straight through his defences and stabbing into his heart. He held his breath as he looked towards his partner, silently waiting for some form of denial to the accusation. When none came he felt his body go cold, the emptiness swallowing any of the remaining joy which had been there earlier.

It was in that moment of silence that he heard it, that voice within which had been ignored for so long as it called out to him. The cadet knew it was wrong to listen to the whispering darkness, that he didn't need to turn to that place now that he had Zack to keep him safe. But something in the way that it called to him made him hesitate from turning away, the promises of truth and understanding pulling him towards it even more. It reminded him that the soldier was not here to help him now, that in this moment he was to face his enemies alone, and wouldn't it be better to know why their words caused so much pain.

In the time it took for his heart to beat Cloud gave in, his need to see what couldn't be seen allowing the darkness to creep forward. This time when it called again he followed, letting it reveal the painful truth to him in all its glory.

They knew what he had done all those weeks ago after they had left him broken and bleeding, they understood what he had tried to do and they despised him for it. To them he had always been something weak and insignificant, a worthless thing to be disposed of as soon as possible, and his actions that day in the locker room had proved it. But instead of being thrown out the blonde had been sheltered and made safe, had been taken under the protective wing of not only Lieutenant Fair but also Commander Hewley. It had made their hatred for him even stronger, their desire to see him suffer even greater, their need to see him hurt even more demanding.

Cloud wasn't given time to think as more words from his tormentors broke through the surface of his pain, the spiteful voices quickly adding even more damage to his fragile state.

"What's the matter Cloud, you gonna cry?"

"I'm sure Fair will kiss you better," another voice added bitterly.

With those words the rest of the blonde's world fell away, the withdrawal leaving him in a strange silent void, his emotions swiftly condensing down until only one remained to burn intensely within him. There was no light to protect Cloud as the darkness greeted him with open arms, as it whispered words of encouragement for him to take his pain and now make it theirs.

The cadet who had spoken last was the first to go down, one hand holding a broken arm and his face a bloody mess as he struggled to breathe through a broken nose. The owner of the second voice was next and the sound of cracking ribs filled the air as a wash of crimson sprayed out over the blue mats, a perfectly aimed punch splitting his lip and allowing the blood to run free as he went down. The other two tormentors had been given an advantage of time to prepare as they watched the first two go down, but still it wasn't enough to save them from the blonde's fury. Cloud's suffering quickly became their own as the months of repressed anger and pain found release, as the cadet they had considered to be feeble helpless and weak proved them wrong. The rest of the room fell into a deathly silence as all within watched the blonde cadet snap, their eyes not only for the fight but also for the person who had now entered the room.

Cloud felt good, no better than good, he felt alive. His body no longer belonged to him, it was simply an instrument to exact revenge, to make everyone else suffer as he had and by Gaia it felt wonderful. A pair of arms suddenly wrapped themselves around his waist, pulling him away from the ones who needed to pay and he cried out in frustration. The need to destroy burned through him, overwhelming any sort of common sense he had while a voice deep within cheered him on. Blinded by rage Cloud gave up on trying to get free to hurt the others more and turned his frustration on the one who was holding him back. He twisted his body round fiercely catching the person by surprise and swung his fist at their face. The move had been unexpected and quick, giving the person no chance to defend themselves. Cloud heard the crack, felt his knuckles connect with bone, and knew he had won when he was suddenly released. He dropped to the floor and threw his body back, quickly taking a defensive stance ready to protect himself, his eyes instantly settling on the idiot who had tried to interfere.

The cadet's heart stopped beating and the breath caught in his throat, as silver hair floated down around a pale face and the eyes of general Sephiroth came up to meet his own. A part of Cloud watched in silent horror as a slight discolouration formed on the general's faced and quickly faded again, the other part uncaring of who the man was and only enraged that it had been stopped. A small part of the blonde's mind cried out that he should be afraid, the tiny sane portion knowing he was in trouble, and that his vengeful actions were going to cost him dearly. But most of Cloud's mind was gone now, the rational thoughts having abandoned him completely, as somewhere in the dark reassesses of his head a voice could be heard laughing manically in delight.

Zack couldn't believe what he was seeing, his heart now caught somewhere in his throat as it tried to escape his body. He had entered the room only seconds after Sephiroth, with both of them strangely arriving together, and had watched in shock as the blonde had let himself go. The surprise at seeing his normally docile and nervous boyfriend suddenly become a creature of rage and vengeance left the soldier frozen to the spot. It was only when Sephiroth had intervened and Cloud had sent the general's head snapping to one side that Zack had broken free of his trance, the cold knife of fear stabbing through his dazed state and bringing him back to his senses instantly. If it had been anyone else's face the soldier might have been silently proud of the blonde standing up for himself, but this wasn't just anyone and right now Zack was scared. The sound echoed loudly in the now deadly silent gym, as all eyes turned to watch the cadet die painfully for his insubordination.

"Oh shit." Zack breathed helplessly, as his body remained frozen in place and unable to move.

Sephiroth looked at the cadet in front of him curiously. The boy had just struck a superior officer and yet, instead of cowering away, he was actually standing in a perfect defensive stance ready for the next attack. He slowly took in the blonde's tense posture and battle ready form, deliberately drawing out the tension knowing from past experience that it would make the punishment so much more unsettling. He was therefore a little taken back when his eyes finally levelled with the cadets again and instead of fear he saw a dark rage burning with blue fire. He was just about to comment on what had happened when Cloud blinked, the simple act being nothing special in itself but changing the look within the cadet's eyes completely. Where there had been anger only moments ago Sephiroth now saw nothing in those blue orbs, the blonde having carefully hidden all of his emotions away. It was unlike anything he had ever seen before, especially in someone so young, the blonde's unusual and unexpected reaction only intriguing him more.

"An impressive strike cadet." He complimented softly, stroking his chin to emphasis the point.

He didn't need to look around him to see the jaws dropping in disbelief, nor did he need to check to see the looks of astonishment on the faces watching. Instead all of his attention was focused on the boy in front of him.

"What is your name?" Sephiroth enquired casually.

"Strife Sir, Cadet Strife." Cloud replied cautiously, his stance remaining unchanged as he faced the general.

Well Cadet Strife, you have an impressive right hook. Might I suggest a little more force with the body as you connect the punch, it tends to cause a little more damage."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir." The cadet responded uncertainly.

Sephiroth smiled noting the slight tremble in the boy's words, silently pleased that at last he was starting to get a reaction from the blonde.

"Would you care to explain why you have taken the liberty of knocking out several of your peers and leaving them in a bloody mess on my gym floor?"

There was a moment of hesitation before Cloud looked down, his eyes cautiously leaving Sephiroth's as he slowly took in the sight of the bodies sprawled out around him. With his mind now beginning to resurface from its hibernation the cadet realised just what he had done, understood the trouble he was in, and suddenly began to feel the weight of his actions bearing down on him.

"I'm sorry Sir. It won't happen again Sir."

"That would be a shame, don't you think?"

Cloud remained silent but blinked several times, his cautious blue eyes revealing his confusion at the general's words.

"Were they not the ones who hurt you before?"

Clouds body jerked involuntarily as his heart slammed into his chest. The general knew, of course the man knew, he knew everything.

"Sir?"

"If you had not fought back, would they have continued their attacks on you?"

Cloud hesitated before nodding in response.

"Then this display of strength was necessary to right that wrong. It has also been a good demonstration of your abilities."

Cloud felt his knees go weak and barely kept himself standing as he staggered slightly, his defensive stance gone completely.

"Lieutenant Fair?"

"Sir." Zack replied quickly, not daring to say anything else right now in case it broke this miracle.

"I believe it is time for your student to go now."

"Yes Sir." Zack said, already moving to Cloud's side.

He put his hands on either side of Clouds shoulders and began to steer the cadet towards the door. He felt the eyes on them as they left the room, could feel Clouds body beginning to shake in his hands, could hear the gasping breathes as the cadet tried to draw air into his body.

"Spiky?" He asked cautiously, as they left the building and entered the courtyard outside.

"I hit the general." The blonde croaked, his eyes very wide and face getting even paler.

"Yea, you did." Zack confirmed, jumping out of the way just in time as Cloud emptied his stomach onto the path.

He held the cadet's trembling form as it continued to heave, massaging gentle circles between the cadet's shoulder blades to ease the pain.

"That everything?" he asked softly, as the blonde's body finally settled down.

Cloud nodded for a second and then slumped forward in Zack's arms as he passed out, the emotional storm of the day finally catching up with him.

"I think that's enough for you for today." The soldier said, as he lifted the cadet's body into his arms bridal style and began to walk towards the apartment.

Zack looked down at the blonde in his arms and felt the sea of emotions wash over him, the sight of Cloud's delicate features making something within him grow warm and more protective of the cadet. He breathed a silent sigh of relief knowing that things could have gone a whole lot worse in there and that by some miracle Sephiroth had let the insubordination slip past. A sudden thought popped into the soldier's mind as he began to walk toward home, a strange sensation that he should talk to Angeal about it and soon running through his veins. A small moan from pale lips drew his attention away from the thought and back to the unconscious cadet in his arms, the sound revealing Cloud to be in some discomfort even in his current state.

"It's ok." Zack soothed gently, adjusting his grip so that he could hold the blonde closer to his body. "I'm taking you home now."

The soldier wasn't sure if the small sound he heard was supposed to be a response to his words, but the way Cloud's body instinctively pressed against his was enough to convince him that on some level the cadet had understood.

"Well at least tomorrow should be interesting." He informed the unconscious blonde, smiling faintly to himself as he tried not to think about what might happen next.