DX Sorry about dropping off the planet. I swore I would get it done this weekend and here it is. There's some fluff in it. XD I'll leave you to find it.
Oh and Between Angels and Puppies now has a coauthor. She wants to remain anonymous, but still trying to convince her otherwise. It's her efforts that this update has been possible.
For those of you who offered to beta this, please by all means do. We try to do it ourselves, but... we're also addicted to wajas. For those of you who don't know, wajas is a wolf breeding site where you can breed your own pups. It has open registration so if you're signed up, take a look at our cave #77459.
Other than that, we hope you like this update.
Title: Between Angels and Puppies
Author: Chibi Envy Chan
Pairings: Angeal/Zack though later Angeal/Zack/Cloud, Sephiroth/?, Genesis/?
Warning: There will be boy/boy/boy love and boy/boy love. Oh yeah, girl/girl love too.
Warning: There will be spoilers. I will try to follow Crisis Core, but I will deviate from time to time as I have other plans for Angeal.
Warning: Doesn't follow the timeline exactly.
Warning: Character death(s)
Warning: It will contain OCs.
Summary: Life is complicated especially when you work for a company like ShinRa. Everything seemed normal and fine until SOLDIERs started going AWOL without any rhyme or reason. Everyone has hidden motives, but are they good or bad? Follow a first class, a second class, and a cadet as they navigate through these troubling times. As if that wasn't hard enough, they have to deal with what they mean to each other.
Special Shout Out: This is a gift for an awesome Final Fantasy VII writer, Amarissia. Check out her stories. I have her under my favorite authors section. Chibi gives her a two thumbs up!
Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VII, but I do own my OCs. Basically, they're anyone you don't know.
Chapter 5: Unofficial Missions
Why hadn't anyone told him about this? If they started going after SOLDIER third classes, then what was to stop them from going after second classes? If they somehow managed to overpower or outsmart a third class, then a second class shouldn't be much harder.
Angeal shifted nervously as the thought being taken down ran through his mind. He could see his lover there, lying broken and bleeding, on the last legs of his life. His eyes were wide open and instead of his usual smile, it was a mixture of pain and confusion. A pool of blood surrounded him, some of it soaked in his now crimson uniforms. His standard SOLDIER sword was scattered everywhere.
In the last moments of his life, he could hear Zack gasp his name. It was heart wrenching, and he never wanted to find out, ever. He'd die before the saw those bright blue eyes become dull and lifeless.
Taking deep breaths, he focused on reality rather than his currently overactive imagination. It hadn't happened yet. Maybe he should pull Zack from his routine patrols. He had the ability and power to do it, but there was a slight problem. It would be seen as favoritism, and Zack wanted none of it. Sure he didn't mind the perks of knowing a first class like first class apartments or edible food, but he wanted to earn his position and the things that came along with it. He said if he could hack it, then he didn't deserve it.
"Why weren't we informed of this?" Angeal asked, butting the uneasy silence. His dark eyes swept across the room as he eyed everyone especially the Turks. They were known for their ability to dig up information that eluded most people or simply couldn't be found and not telling anyone outside their small group or boss.
As if having his suit on properly wasn't enough, Reno had to cope with an overprotective Angeal. It was widely known throughout the Turks and SOLDIERs alike. Never mess with Fair unless they wanted to see the Buster sword up close and person. The young Turk nervously scooted behind Tseng's larger form, hoping to go unnoticed. The last thing he wanted was to be put in the hospital. Thankfully, Angeal never killed without a good reason, but somehow, he had the feeling it would be a lot worse.
Tseng shook his head. The rookie wasn't fairing well. After all, they were first classes, and three of them were the strongest of the strong, the legendary three. Then there was the craziest first class whose fist could be registered as lethal weapons. He couldn't blame Reno for being scared as he was the newest member. After all, Turks rarely dealt with first classes and only one or two at once.
However, someone beat him to the punch.
"It's on a need to know basis," Sephiroth answered without showing any signs of anxiety or fidgeting. He looked at his closest friend he had there. "Our information shows that these people may have inside knowledge, and we couldn't risk many people knowing."
A dark brow was raised. The owner then looked at the entire group of Turks. If secrecy was important, then why have all of them?
"We can't be everywhere at once. It takes time and man power to cover every attack," Tseng answered taking a small step forward.
"So you do have information other than they've been assaulted?" Tala asked with some interest. If they were progressing up the food chain, then it wouldn't be long before they received interesting missions.
Tseng shook his head. "From what we've observed, there is no real pattern as to who they attack, where, or when. It appears at random except for the method."
"Interesting," Genesis said nonchalantly as if he was discussing something like the weather. He appeared to be too relaxed about this. The auburn SOLDIER leaned forward. "What pattern is there to these attacks?" Someone was bound to ask it.
Angeal gave Genesis a look. This was serious, but he seemed to be treating this more like a game. "Be serious," he scolded and was promptly ignored. Maybe being on the top had changed his childhood friend. Inflated his ego by too much in Angeal's opinion. "How are these SOLDIERs being assaulted?"
What surprised him wasn't the response but the one doing the answering. "Whoever attacked the third classes knew what they were doing. There wasn't much resistance so they were either caught off guard or our enemy knows more than we want them to know about SOLDIER fighting techniques. We saw signs of a struggle, but with SOLDIER strength, there should be more damage to the area."
Wesley knew about this? Since when? Why would Wesley know about this when he, Angeal, second to Sephiroth, not know about it?
"Hmmm," Sephiroth murmured. He flexed his fingers and rested his elbows on the table. "This is a change from their usual, but troopers don't have the strength or experience fighting without their guns. They were easier targets."
Angeal felt his stomach and a sense of dread completely wash over him. He grabbed the arms of his chairs so it wouldn't be painfully obvious. He was trembling. How could he forget about cloud? As a cadet, he would make an ideal target. Compared to troopers, cadets were easier to take down. Not only did they lack the training, they lacked the experience.
Thankfully, Cloud didn't go out on missions. Cadets rarely went on missions except for an occasional field training, which shouldn't be for awhile if he remembered their schedule correctly. Still he didn't know the entire details about the attacks on the third classes. "when and where did these attacks take place?"
Both Tseng and Wesley looked over to the president. As far as the details went, out of the people involved only a select few knew. They received a nod. It must be something big for them to suddenly reveal this information.
"There were three this week," Wesley started off. "All of these have taken place within Midgar. One was in sector seven, another in the heart of Wall Market, and lastly a block of headquarters."
The second in command swore his heart stopped for a few seconds upon hearing the last position. It seemed these people were growing bolder with each successful attack. If they were willing to take on third classes near there, then a cadet on base shouldn't be too hard. He made a mental note to tell Zack to step up Cloud's training. Hell, he might even have a part in it himself.
"As to the times, we've narrowed it down to a small window. One took place during the night shift between the hours of midnight to three in the morning. The second happened sometime from six in the morning to eight. The last one happened about two in the afternoon."
Why was he so worried about a cadet? It took him a long time to let the puppy in. Maybe he had changed. He didn't know whether to be happy or scared. It was a strange and exhilarating feeling. At the same time, it confused the hell out of him but enough of it. He needed to concentrate on the matter at hand.
"These people have balls," Tala said, rubbing his chin. "We should probably increase patrols around here and send higher classes too." He really wanted to get out there and do some damage with his fists.
Contrary to what the others thought, Sephiroth shook his head. "It would raise questions, but it makes sense with the threat coming closer. The last thing we need is a panicked crowd."
"What do you recommend we do in the mean time?" Micah inquired. His first thought was over the cadets. They were vulnerable especially if the people were within their ranks. It didn't hurt to be cautious.
"We will go about our usual business, but all first classes will be on high alert. I will take care of that," Sephiroth answered. "Each third class team will be lead by a second or first class. As to the reason, we will be evaluating their performance."
Micah nodded his head. "I had a feeling something was up with some of the instructors, but I didn't have any solid proof. So far, I narrowed it down to three."
"So ya got anything planned?" Wesley asked, leaning back in his chair. He almost placed his feel on the table but was smacked down by his cousin.
The older Tailor looked over to Sephiroth, who nodded in response. They were going to talk later over this matter. For now, they needed to address the urgent matter at hand.
"That's fine for the third classes, but what about the cadets and troopers?" Angeal inquired without thinking. He was worried about the cadets, but more specifically a certain cadet who on some level resembled a chocobo.
"They're not important enough," the president said, easily dismissing them as cannon fodder. They were enough applicants to help keep SOLDIER numbers nigh. "They're expendable."
With the exception of one, all of the present SOLDIERs' eyes turned slightly green. They all felt the same thing, an immense hatred for their employer. It wasn't cool to think of them as expendable especially since they had relatives or friends within those ranks.
The vice-president shook his head. His father was an idiot to say that SOLDIERs were known for taking care of their own. In a way, they were like the Turks except with a larger number and more muscle. If he were in that position, he'd mention something about the security system to put them at ease or as much as they would be for the time being.
On his notebook, Rufus wrote down his father's mistakes. They said it was good to learn from your mistakes, but he preferred learning from others. His father was a fine example of what not to do.
"Is there anything else?" the president asked in a bored manner. He simply wanted to tell them, not get involved. He'd leave the details to Tseng as long as the results were satisfactory.
"I believe that's it," Tseng said. He moved to get the president's chair but was motioned away.
"Then this meeting has come to an end," the president announced as he took his leave. He had better things to do than stay here with these SOLDIERs. They could snap him in two without breaking a sweat. He might be dense at times, but he was not a complete idiot.
Once the president, his son, and the Turks departed, the SOLDIERs held their own meeting, but after some room decoration. The room was much better without the eavesdropping devices. They irritated the first classes throughout the entire meeting and started giving Sephiroth a migraine.
"I never liked him," Genesis said. He hated wasting his time on these small fry missions. Then again, he hated, no extremely hated the way the president favored Sephiroth and showed him off like some… prized trophy. He earned some of that glory. Then why wasn't he getting any?
"Unfortunately he's the reason how we obtain these strengths," Micah said as he flexed his hand.
Sephiroth nodded his head. Without Shinra, Hojo wouldn't have access to such technology or cells. In a way, he owed the president, but he had repaid that debt a long time ago when he won the war for them.
"It's great to have muscles, but it was hell getting them. I don't think he understands what we have to go through," Wesley added. He never liked the elder Shinra, but the son was a different story.
Dark eyes scanned the group. "I don't like talking behind people's backs, but… this is an exception. He doesn't care for his employees."
"It makes me wonder if we're even sane," Micah sighed. "So what's the plan?"
"All the first classes will be alerted to a danger, but nothing specific. We don't want to tip them off. It could be anyone from second class or higher." Green eyes looked at each and every person. "I'll add a second or first class to every third class patrol, and decrease the amount of patrols steadily as to not raise any suspicion or alarms. In addition, I'm adding additional lessons for the third classes."
"What about the cadets?" Micah asked. Not only was he responsible for the lot of them, but he had his younger brothers to look after. He promised their mother nothing bad would happen to them, and he hated to think he'd break that promise.
"And the troopers?" Angeal added. He would have said cadets, but Micah beat him to it.
"For the troopers, their assignments will be swapped. They won't be taking hard ones, and I will see that there are extra SOLDIERs nearby. As for the cadets, we'll all be pulling extra shifts until we find a better solution."
Being the nuisance he was, Genesis opened his mouth. "Wasn't it mentioned that they might have inside information? We should concentrate our efforts on that. Who knows one of them might be in this very room."
"I had thought about it, but we can't take any more risks. There were three attacks on third class SOLDIERs within a week. My priority is taking care of my men."
"Is that why you waited until now?"
The General shook his head. "It happened infrequently that it didn't warrant enough attention, but now that third classes are involved, the president wants something done before this leaks to the media."
"It gives me another reason to not like him," Tala growled and slammed his fist on the table. He let out an odd noise before leaning back in his chair.
"I know we don't like being used, but…" Angeal said, running his hand through his hair. There wasn't much they could do short of assassinating Shinra.
Grabbing his book, Genesis began reading the last act. He had a hard time deciphering the message, but he was getting closer and closer.
"We don't have a choice in the matter. At least for now, we don't," Micah said, finishing off the sentence. He whirled his pen, a habit he picked up while he read the countless reports that had taken up residency on his desk.
"It's that way both in and out of SOLDIER," Tala said bitterly. They had better keep hold on their tongues. Everyone except for Sephiroth was expendable. "Doesn't matter if they're rich or poor. It's always the same."
"Aren't we the optimist," Gensis said sarcastically, listening in to the conversation. He flipped a page.
"For now, we keep this information within SOLDIER," Sephiroth said. "I'll keep you informed."
Once Tala, Gensesis, and Micah were out of hearing range, Wesley approached Sephiroth. He knew Angeal would probably want to hear this, knowing that he cared for a certain second class. "I'll get in touch with my contacts, but it will take some time, a week at the most."
"We don't have a week," Angeal almost growled. They couldn't afford to wait any longer. The more time they did nothing, the more opportunities they had to target Zack or worse Cloud.
"It's the best I can do. Don't want to alert our enemies," Wesley answered as he shifted his weight. "And no, the Turks don't know. They aren't the only ones who keeps secrets." He winked.
"Understood. You have your mission. I'll cover for you," Sephiroth said. He already knew how was going to temporarily overlook the third classes.
Wesley saluted him before taking his leave.
"This is very disturbing," Angeal voiced his thoughts as he stood up. He started pacing back and forth in the plush room. "Sephiroth, what are you thinking?"
"Nothing important."
"That was awkward," Angeal said as he made his way through the corridors in search of his puppy. He needed to find Zack as soon as possible without running. It would cause people to look in his direction as he never ran unless there was a life threatening emergency such as an attack or real bomb threat.
His dark eyes scanned the faces for that warm smile. He wanted to see that. What could happen within that time of that meeting? For all he knew, Zack could be injured and waiting for urgent medical care. They were growing bolder with each attempt. Maybe they'd move onto second classes by now. Then they really needed to step it up, but for now, they had best take care of the problem before it grew out of hand.
Angeal first went to Zack's usual hang outs: his apartment, the VR training room, the gymn, the material labs, the cadet dorms, and the small piece of artificial grass that so many new cadets frequent. He couldn't find the puppy at any of these locations, and the people he found hadn't seen Zack all day.
The second class shouldn't be off the compound as he wasn't scheduled for a patrol, and he most certainly wasn't on a mission. Angeal would know otherwise. Plus, he knew Zack wasn't stupid enough to go looking for a fight.
However, he did find Cloud in the company of the quints. At first, he thought he had been seeing things. There were five cadets who looked like they were copied or cloned. As it turned out, they were Micah's younger brothers. He never realized they were quintuplets. Then again, he had his hands full managing the second classes and Zack.
Cloud didn't know where Zack went. He had been with his new friends all days and of course training. They attended their usual classes, went to the library, ate at the cafeteria, and hung out at the cadet dorms. Cloud suggested a few places that Angeal had no knowledge that Zack even went there.
After thoroughly searching those areas, Angeal called Sephiroth, who was amused by the degree of over-protectiveness he displayed. "This is serious, Seph. He could be dying for all we know!"
"If he fights like the way I've seen him, he should be fine," Sephiroth commented. After hearing so much about this bouncing ball of energy, the General took it upon himself to watch a few classes. He had been impressed with the way Zack accumulated all that information, and it took a lot for him to be impressed especially with a cadet. Currently, he visited Zack's training when he had some free time to gauge his progress. If he kept this up, he should be a first class in no time.
Angeal ran his hand through his hair. "His lack of concentration is what worries me, and he could be alone against a dozen of them."
"Don't you think you're exaggerating a little?" The General asked being the source of reason. He could hear the glare being sent through the phone. "If he's in trouble, do you trust him to call for help?"
"… Yeah, I guess so," Angeal said reluctantly as he leaned against a nearby wall. While he was normally in control of his emotions, he let them get the better of him. The thought of losing his precious puppy was unbearable. Was he hearing things or did Sephiroth make an undignified sound? Maybe he should rest… after finding the puppy.
"If I see him, I'll escort him home," Sephiroth said and then added. "Don't worry. I have a leash and muzzle."
"Ha, ha," Angeal said dryly. Maybe he had taken the puppy nickname a bit too far. "But thank you."
"Angeal?"
"Yes?"
"Get some rest." It was his commanding tone.
Before he could respond, Angeal heard the disconnected sound and sighed. If Sephiroth was going out of his way, then it must be painfully obvious.
"What are you doing to me, Zack?"
Out in sector seven, Zack paid a certain flower girl a visit earlier that evening and helped her sell a few flowers. Yet, he seemed to be on edge as if he was expecting something to happen.
"Zack," Aerith said, halting her route through Wall Market. She looked up him with those big green eyes. "Are you okay?"
The SOLDIER smiled. "I'm okay. There's nothing wrong with me. Still, he felt like he was lying through his teeth to this sweet girl. She probably figured it out anyways since she was too observant for her own good.
Whirling around, she gave him a concerned look. Did something happen between you and Angeal? I mean he's treating you right."
Damn, she saw through him as usual. "Nah, he's been good to me. It's not that big of a deal." He looked everywhere except her, a habit he picked up whenever he didn't like or wasn't telling the complete truth.
A small hand settled on his wrist. "No, it is a big deal. That fake smile can't fool me. I've known you long enough to tell the difference between a genuine smile and a fake one."
Zack tensed for a moment and dropped his fake smile. He couldn't lie his way out of a wet paper bag with her. "I'm not sure where to begin."
"How about from the beginning?" Aerith answered even though they were in a public place, which made Zack nervous.
The SOLDIER didn't do the touchy feeling kind of stuff that a lot of women did. He was a man, and real men didn't express their softer emotions. Sure, he showed some like rage, excitement, and eagerness, but those weren't considered weak to men in general. He hated appearing weak especially in front of a woman he promised he'd protect. On the other hand, maybe he would be able to sort through this mess. Ever since… he didn't know when, but his relationship with his student had become confusing. It was as if someone had turned his world upside down without telling him.
Why must it be so hard?
Aerith giggled. It was funny to see the different faces he was making. "Why don't we continue this discussion at the church? I'm sure I have some leftover cookies."
"Home made?"
I baked them myself this morning," she beamed and then gently led Zack to the church. While she wasn't done, her friends came before profit, and Zack helped her a lot already. She owed him.
No one made cookies as good as Aerith.
"Sure."
Border
Aerith patiently waited and listened to the many starts until Zack managed to tell her situation. He would start and then begin pacing around the church as if he was trying to create an irrigation system for her flowers. Finally, he had been able to say something. She understood even though it made no sense to him. The tiny pieces of information weren't random as he thought it would be. She managed to piece everything together.
"So what's my diagnosis?"
The young lady smiled sweetly at him, which scared the hell out of him. She could be a little evil when she wanted to be. "You're in love."
Zack made a sputtering sound. "Impossible. I'm completely and totally in love with Angeal. He's my one and only."
"Who says you can't love them both?"
Zack could reply. His mind was still reeling at her suggestion of a threesome. Wasn't she supposed to be the sweet and innocent one? How could this happen? He mentally swore to tear the guy or gal who corrupted her a new one.
"Zachary, don't be surprised. I want you to be happy." She continued smiling. "Please don't do anything rashly. Take some time and think it over."
The SOLDIER hmphed. "As if there's anything to think about. Cloud's my friend."
"If you say so."
Argh, why did she have to use her disarming smile? She was up to something. He knew it.
"Why don't you stay for dinner? Mother is going to be home soon. I hope you don't mind leftover. We didn't have a chance to cook today."
Zack shook his head. He imposed on her enough already. Besides, it was best he head back to base. "Can I take a rain check on that? It's getting late, and I didn't tell him where I was heading."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, he'd probably be worried out of his mind and send a search party after me… Ah, I know what you're thinking. He's not like that. He's just overprotective especially-"
"You tend to be easily distracted," Aerith interrupted, trying so hard not to giggle. "Puppy."
"Argh, does everyone know that stupid nickname?" Zack felt like tearing out his hair. It was bad enough with the other SOLDIERs, but must it be off base too and from Aerith?
"I think it's cute," Aerith said. "It certainly fits."
"SOLDIERs aren't meant to be cute," Zack pouted. He crossed his arms over his chest and turned away. "We're dangerous, deadly, and more importantly cool."
Green eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, I think you are cute, which is why I put up with you."
Zack's jaw dropped. He stood there completely flabbergasted. Did she tolerate him based on his looks? She wasn't the superficial type, or maybe she was hiding something from him. His hands hung limply at his sides.
Aerith giggled. "Don't be so serious. It doesn't suit you."
The SOLDIER whirled around. "You mean you were joking?" Was she messing with him?
"Maybe. Now don't you have to report to your master?"
"Why can't I ever win against you?" Zack wailed. She was always one step ahead of him. It wasn't fair. The young brunette was supposed to be sweet and innocent. What happened to that?
The ancient shrugged. "Perhaps, you should try using this for a change?" She patted him on the side of his head. "It's there to do more than look cute.
Zack mock scowled.
What was this? Pick on Zack day?
Border
A visit to Aerith's cheered him up. She was like the warm sun on a winter day. Zack hummed a nameless tune as he sauntered back to the first class dorms. Of course, he stopped by their favorite restaurant on the way back. He didn't have time to cook not that he was allowed in the kitchen except to get drinks, wash dishes, eat, drink, and basically everything except cook.
Sandwiches and salads were becoming boring.
The second class scowled when his mind refused to top thinking about Cloud. Today and the past day or rather days, he had been spending less time with the blond. Every time he asked, he was met with a vague answer.
Did Cloud even have a girlfriend?
The thought made his heart stop beating for a second. He felt this incredibly sinking feeling. It was worse than losing his friend shortly after making SOLDIER. This, he couldn't put into words.
Maybe Aerith was right after all. Maybe he was in love with both of them.
Nah, Zack loved Angeal. Angeal loved Zack. Simple.
The second class slid the card into the card reader and punched in his personal code. Thankfully, there weren't many people wandering around. Maybe they were out having dinner or holed up in their offices. Zack made a mental note to drag Sephiroth out of his office when they hit the down.
Of course, he'd have to call in reinforcements. No one could resist the combined cuteness of Zack and Cloud.
Before Zack could even slide his key in, the door suddenly opened, and he found himself against a very muscular chest. Not that he didn't like hugging, but Angeal wasn't one for public displays of affections, and they were standing in the corridor, where everyone could see them. "Angeal, what's up?"
"What's up? What's up? I was worried sick!" The older SOLDIER refused to let go. He had been worried to death over him and banished any thoughts of Zack's death.
Zack tilted his head and looked at his lover like had grown a second head. His curiosity was in obvious even to the blind.
Angeal hesitated for a moment before pulling in the second class. "Please don't go anywhere without telling Sephiroth, Cloud, or Kunsel at the very least."
"Why? Am I in trouble?" Zack asked. He knew he should be punished for the mischief he caused, but Angeal seemed hesitant on punishing him.
The first class led him inside, refusing to break contact. "No, you haven't done anything wrong."
If possible, Zack looked even cuter when he was totally confused. "Then what's this about?" Not that he minded, but he wished he knew what was going on.
"Confidential, I'm afraid." Angeal wished he could tell Zack, but Sephiroth made them stay silent. His ran his hand through his puppy's hair.
"What can you tell me then?"
Dark eyes looked directly into blue yes. "It's not safe anywhere. Be on your guard. I mean it, Zack. Focus. Don't become too comfortable anywhere."
The puppy pouted cutely. "What about home?" Surely, they could relax there. Home should be a sanctuary, not a fortress. He snuggled up against Angeal, resting his cheek on his shoulder.
It was probably asking too much of Zack. "I'll put up more security around home, but don't get too comfortable, understand? I don't know what I'd do without you."
Angeal could be so cheesy at times. Zack didn't mind it though. He got to see another side of him. "I don't know. Maybe be an old stiff?"
The first class gave him that look. He was serious about this. Life was too precious to be taken so lightly. "Promise me you won't do anything to jeopardize your or your student's life. I mean it."
Zack merely nodded his head, knowing that he'd probably mouth off and get Angeal irritated as usual. He curled up against his mentor when he remembered the food near the door. "Angie, I have dinner."
Typical of the second class, but with mako in their system, they burned off calories quickly with their high metabolism. He probably hadn't eaten in awhile.
The second class moved towards the door where he left the bag. He picked up and quickly padded to Angeal, ready for their usual routine.
Half-way through dinner, Angeal surprised Zack when he abruptly changed the topics. They were originally discussing his progress and out of the blue, he switched the subject.
"How's Cloud's training coming along?"
Hell, Angeal even surprised himself.
"He's coming along nicely. Cloud needs more confidence in himself. He has the moves down and picks up things quickly. Why do you ask?"
Angeal paused as he gave his love a serious look. "Remember the warning I gave you?"
Zack nodded his head. He needed to be careful as there was a threat to him. It seemed the cadet was a possible target. The thought made him pale.
"I'll help when I can with his training, but with my missions, I can't be too sure of when it will be," the first class answered.
"Great! I'm sure Cloud would love it," Zack said grinning.
However, he felt a feeling of loss somewhere. He knew Angeal was trying to be helpful though that part of him wanted Cloud to be only his. Maybe he was being selfish, but he had an urge to protect Cloud from everything and everything bad.