AN: Hey I finally got the next chapter up. Sorry about the delay. I had a lot of things on the go recently being Christmas and all and it's because of that, that I've decided to take a break until the New Year, so this will be the last chapter until then. NOTE the story has NOT been discontinued, just on hold for a couple of weeks. Anyway read and please, please, please review. If I don't get any reviews then I start to think it's not any good. So please review and let me know what you think.
Zack whistled as he strolled down the hall from the elevator on the 75th floor, heading for the simulation rooms, feeling happier than he had in months.
Seth had called him into his office earlier that morning, and Zack wondered if the guy even slept. It was rare when he ever saw the mighty General on the 80th floor where the first rooms were, though his apartment took up almost half of the freaking floor.
Unfortunately, Sethiroth had forgotten Zack did not function before eight in the morning or at least not well, anyway. The raven haired man had dragged himself into the General's office and for once the joyful, goofy mask he always wore was gone.
Sethiroth knew a lot of pain and hurt lay just beneath the surface, though the man hid it considerably well, rarely letting it show even among his close friends.
The last time Sethiroth had seen the man break had been when his girlfriend had disappeared.
Zack had nearly gone crazy looking for her; and even Angeal could not calm nor comfort the puppy. It had finally gotten to the point where Sethiroth himself had had to intervene and order the man to cease his search or they would risk losing him.
It had required the strength of all the Black Trinity to make Zack see that though. Along with a week being locked up in the General's personal quarters under constant guard by one of the three for him to finally realize and give up his useless search. Though they all knew Zack had never given up hope, and that was something they would not take from him or they would lose him forever.
"Zack, have a seat." The General motioned with his head from behind his desk.
Zack did, though he more fell than sat. It was obvious he was still groggy and Sethiroth wondered how a man could be so laid back and incoherent in the morning, yet snap awake when on a mission or in danger, like he had seen him do, but Zack as Sethiroth knew all too well was full of contradictions. As cunning and smart as Zack could be, Sethiroth wouldn't have left him in his place if he was not; Zack could be equally childish and hyper.
"Starting next week, early dawn, you will be training a new group of cadets that have managed to make it through the first two weeks."
Zack's face light up like a Christmas tree, and Sethiroth couldn't help feeling amused though it never went as far as to make it to his face.
To any other first class, such an assignment would be seen as a demotion, especially after sitting in the General's seat for the last two months, but to Zack it like being offered the President's seat.
"Really Seth! You're going to let me play with the cadets?"
Seth dropped an armful of personal folders in the man's arms as a response.
"You're to train them Zack, not play with them."
Though Sethiroth knew Zack didn't seem capable of doing one without the other. It was his personality, he attracted people to him like bees to honey and with Zack's statues as first class and his close familiarly with the Trinity the cadets would swarm to him and Zack would bask in the attention.
"Aww, look at how small they are!"
The General looked back to the man who was oohing and awing at the pictures of his new recruits. Zack's face suddenly grew serious.
"Not one of them is over fifteen, most of them younger. Was I really that young when I first came here Seth?"
"You seemed younger."
Zack's mouth broke into a grin.
"I really was a handful wasn't I?"
"Still are." Was the monotone reply.
The violet eyes darkened again, "Everything was better back then, wasn't it Seth?"
Sethiroth was silent, not sure how to sway his friend's thoughts from the dark path they had suddenly taken.
"Things were simpler back them, Zack. Not necessarily better."
The raven haired man for once did not meet Sethiroth intense gaze, but seemed intent on studying the profiles in front of him and his face suddenly brightened.
"Hey Chocobo's here!"
Sethiroth raised a slender eyebrow in response, feeling smug. He had personally selected the cadet out, knowing he had caught Zack interest earlier on.
Yet the General felt irritated, when he let his own gaze drift down to the picture of the cadet. There was something about that cadet that seemed off, and for some reason he seemed familiar, though he knew he had never seen the boy before.
Zack had just turned the corner and was standing before a door marked simulation room 17. Seth had told Zack he would meet him here for a workout later that morning, when a cry from further up the hall caught Zack's attention and forced him into a run.
Rain slowly made her way to the barricades. She had taken the eastern halls out of habit not out of necessity. Today all the halls were empty.
The cadets had a vigorous workout early that morning, but were given the rest of the day off the study and prepare for the preliminary exams, which were tomorrow and would take up the rest of the week.
It was the first day since they had started where they weren't worked from sunup to sundown and were actually given time to study and Rain intended to make full use of that time.
She had been here for two weeks and had not even gotten close to SOLIDER and nor did she intend to, but that made it a little difficult to access what was really going on around the lives of its four top SOLIDERS.
Catching up on their activities these last four years beyond their previous life span, would be a start and Rain noticed that the technician at one of the material labs would always leave his station for five minutes at exactly fourteen hundred hours. A bad habit really, being so predictable. Someone could really take advantage. Something Rain was good at and planned on doing that afternoon.
It would only take three minutes to hack into SOLIDER's mission logs, once she was already in the Shinra system and one minute to download the information to review later.
Rain suddenly yawned. Due to the relaxed schedule for the day the officers made up for the apparent show of kindness by scheduling the morning workout at five in the morning. It was mid morning now, and the cadets had long returned to the barricades, all expect Rain that is.
She had made the mistake of letting a smirk slip across her face for a splint second after their commanding officer had made a frustrating comment about the Wutai General and his private force called Avalanche. It had cost her fifty extra laps around the training arena.
Rain's legs felt like jelly and she stumbled unsteadily through the hall, thankful it was empty.
The eastern halls didn't separate as much as divide two sections of the floor. SOLIDERS and cadets did not train together of course, but the training rooms and simulations for both groups were on the same floor and an unspoken line of sorts divided the rooms and simulations. The eastern hall was what connected the two sides of the floor, thus the reason why it was rarely ever used.
Cadets didn't dare tread on SOLIDER's ground and SOLIDERS did not lower themselves to mingle with the cadets.
Rain always used the hall to get to the elevators in the middle of the floor, because it allowed her to move without having to be constantly surrounded by people. It took longer, but was the only time in the day when she got any time to herself. She certainly didn't get it in the barricades. It was a freaking zoo in there most of the time.
It fact the hardest adjustments Rain had in making was being constantly surrounded by people. She was loner. She liked her space and silence. Unfortunately she got neither here. Everyone was either in her face, or yelling at someone else around her. There was no place she could go to just be alone.
She was getting used to it though, or at least finding ways to cope. She found herself retreating more and more into that corner of mind where no one could reach her.
A sound further down the hall suddenly made her stop. Someone was in the hall!
What the blazes was someone doing here at this time? The cadets had all left the floor hours ago and SOLIDERS well why would they be here? Deciding she didn't care, nor wanted to face another person right now especially if it was a SOLIDER, she turned and started to walk back the way she had come.
The sound came again and this time she was able to make out the muffled cry of someone in pain.
Rain hesitated, but all the while telling herself she didn't care, she should just keep walking. Stay low in shadows. If you don't want to attract attention, then don't allow yourself to be drawn into action. After all every action had a reaction and it was that reaction that would take you down. That had been the first rule Vincent had taught her when she had first begun to train with him all those years ago.
She took another step forward, but stopped again, when they cry came again and Rain's hands clenched into fists. Muttering a curse under her breath, she turned and quickly rounded the corner where the sounds came from.
Rain's steps faltered as she saw on the floor in the darkly light hall, a figure tightly curled up on his side. In the bad light it should be impossible to tell who it was, but Rain's vision along with many other things were not normal and she instantly recognized Rush.
Rush lay gasping, each breath a painful gasp between split lips. His lungs felt like they were on fire and his ankle… the pain had made him cry out despite his best effort not to.
He knew he wouldn't be able to get up on it again. He heard footsteps behind him and his heart clenched in his chest. They had found him!
They hadn't thought he was able to stand, no less walk, which was the only reason they had left him alone. He knew this time he wouldn't be able to escape. He had heard something crack in his ankle right before he had hit the floor.
He managed to turn his head slightly determined to at least face them. The hall was dark and all he couldn't see anything except for… his heart stopped.
Two green eyes seemed to glow in the darkness moving closer. The cry caught in his throat and he closed his eyes in terror. Monster! There was a monster in the hall!
He waited for the growl and the inevitable pain that would follow. Instead he nearly jerked out of his skin when he felt a hand on his shoulder, shaking him slightly and a familiar voice calling his name.
He opened his eyes in bewilderment to stare into deep blue ones starring down at him in equal bewilderment.
"Rush, what happened?"
Rush was silent for a moment before the name made its way to his mouth.
"Strife?"
"Ya, who else would be down here?"
Rush breathed a deep sigh of relief, which only caused him curl up tighter in pain at the extra pressure it added to his broken ribs.
He felt Strife's hands on his shoulder pushing him gently but firmly onto his back despite his protests, but as soon as he was, he found his breathing was easier.
He felt the other boy's hands skim lightly over his body checking for injuries, causing Rush to look up at him in surprise.
Strife was an odd one. There was something about his demeanor, the way he carried himself that made the others keep their distance, Rush included. He was street smart, had to be growing up on the lower plate and could sense people out pretty quickly, and every one of those senses, when he had first laid eyes on Strife told him this guy was dangerous and should not be messed with, which was why he laid utterly still as Cloud's hands quickly assessed for injuries.
"Your ankle's broken and you've got a couple of broken ribs judging from your breathing."
Strife's eyes moved up to meet his, "Who did this to you?"
When Rush didn't answer right away, Strife guessed.
"Smith and Jefferson?"
"Them and around five others."
Strife's face darkened in anger and Rush pulled back slightly at the menace in it.
"They have gone way too far. Come on let's get you to the infirmary."
As Strife gently slipped Rush's arm across his shoulders and helped him sit up, they both froze when they heard multiple footsteps coming down the hall and a voice calling out before them.
"Rush, come out come out wherever you are. We know you're down here."
Rain didn't need to ask who it was. The abrupt tension in Rush's body spoke louder than words and she quickly sized up the situation and ran through options in her head.
Seven cadets against one, Rush wouldn't do much good in a fight in his condition. That hardly seemed fair, for the cadets that is. She had taken on odds bigger than that before, and they had been trained infantrymen not some fifteen year old boys that needed sheer number to do any actually damage.
Rain had a feeling in a fight one on one, Rush probably wouldn't do too badly. She had seen him enough in training to know he had some skill.
The problem was with numbers like that was she could not afford to hold back, and risk getting an injury that might be noticed, followed by an order to the infirmary.
She didn't trust Hieden enough to even touch her, no less treat her. Besides she didn't want to accidently kill or maim any of them. They were just boys after all no matter how brutal they could be, so that really only left one choice.
She pulled Rush to his feet grateful he managed not to cry out. She was shorter them him so he could lean most of his weight on her which he did. She didn't mind, she could probably carry him easy enough only with his ribs that would probably only cause him more pain and embarrassment. This would have to do. She could only hope he was a fast hopper. Bringing her mouth close to his ear, she lowered her voice to a whisper.
"Listen we are going to make a break for it to the end of the hall."
Rush's eyes widen, "Are you crazy that section is where SOLIDERS train!"
"Exactly, hopefully they won't follow us there and we can find an elevator and get back to our floor."
"What if we run into a SOLIDER?"
"Well, can it be any worse that waiting here for them to find you?"
Rain didn't tell him it could be far worse, no need to terrify the boy he was already scared as it was.
Rush finally nodded and Rain tightened her grip on him.
"On the count of three."
"1...2...3!"
Rain took off practically dragging Rush with her. She could hear the footsteps behind her suddenly break as their attempted escape became known. They wouldn't have much time before they caught up. Thankfully as they rounded another corner Rain saw light at the end of the hall where it opened into the wide halls that lined the training and simulation rooms. They could make it!
With another burst of speed which caused Rush to trip, but didn't slow Rain down she just pulled him along as he dragged his feet unable to keep up, they burst into the open light.
Rain felt a familiar sense of relief as she turned sharply to the left to where she knew a set of elevators would be. That feeling didn't last long when she heard the footsteps behind them continue to get closer.
Rain was just thinking perhaps this wasn't such a good idea, when she felt a hand grab the back of her shirt. Not enough to pull her to a stop, but enough to make her stumble and with the added weight of Rush she went crashing to the floor.
Rain landed hard on the side of her face trying to break Rush's fall as much as possible, but still heard him cry out in pain.
"Well, well, what have we here?"
Rain recognized the voice. It was Smith one of the older and considerably bigger cadets in the barracks, and the most feared. He already had formed a gang of sort among the tougher, more unruly of the cadets. He was the type that acted all tough, and made a point to show off in class, therefore quickly becoming the instructor's favorite. It wasn't uncommon for teachers to favorite those who reminded them of themselves.
Rain had recognized his type instantly and made a point to say away from him and his gang not wanting to accidently kill him, if she lost control.
"Is that loner Strife trying to be the hero to poor Rush? Aww isn't that noble."
Rain would feel the boy get closer until he was practically standing overtop them.
"The problem with trying to be a hero Strife is that you end up sharing the same fate as those you're trying to save."
Rain grunted as she felt a boot connect hard with her side. It would leave a nasty bruise, but had not broken any ribs. She doubted any normal human could break her bones, one of the side effects of Hojo's experiments during Cloud's time under the Shinra mansion, enhanced bone strength.
Still that kick hurt and she wasn't going just going to lay there and let them beat her into a pulp! She did after all still bruise, and didn't have to take this! Rain's composure was quickly fading at a rate that might have challenged even Chaos and his rapid mood swings, and before she could even blink, all reason was gone and rage quickly took over. She had enough of holding back!
Pushing Rush out of the way as quickly and gently as possible, Rain turned so she was lying on her back. Catching the boot that was coming down toward her face in one fist, she lashed out with her feet, side kicking in rapid succession of each other, hitting Smith straight in the gut, sending him flying down the hall in a ball of pain.
She quickly sprang to her feet, bracing her feet and raising her fists.
"Who's next?"
The growl like challenge that came from her throat causing the remaining boys to stare at her in horror and slowly start backing away, but Rain's temper still demanded the satisfaction of a fight and she took a threatening step toward.
"Come on, don't back down now! That is the first rule of fighting don't you know? Once you have picked a fight, you are not allowed to back down!"
She smirked, "It's not my fault you picked a fight you can't win."
They continued to back away and Rain now realized it wasn't just her they were starring, but at something behind her, right before she felt a strong hand on her shoulder pulling her to a halt.
Acting entirely on reflex Rain spun her fist nearly a blur as she lashed out. A leather gloved hand abruptly captured her hand in mid strike.
Rain froze breathing heavily as slowly she realized what she had just done, her eyes never leaving, nor rising above the collar of the SOLIDER issued black shirt and pants.
Above her she heard the SOLIDER address the cadets behind her in a hard and commanding voice, ordering them explain themselves. When he was greeted with silence, he huffed in disgust.
"To your bunks, NOW! You to the infirmary!"
He must have meant Smith, the order was snapped out and Rain heard the retreating footsteps followed groans as they dragged Smith away. There was a moment of silence before the same voice now soft spoke again.
"Are you calm, now cadet?"
Rain did not raise her head, mentally kicking herself. She had lost it and not only that, but had lost it in front of a SOLIDER and had tried to hit him, and not just any SOLIDER, but this SOLIDER. This day really could not get any worse!
She then realized that that her fist was still captured in the SOLIDER's grip. Carefully she tried pulling free but the hand did not release. Trying to remain calm, she responded respectfully to his question.
"Yes, sir. Thank-you sir."
Silence.
"May I have my hand back now, sir?"
"Not until you look me in the eye cadet."
Rain closed her eyes in dread, but slowly lifted her head. Then let her eyes to meet the violet eyes, who were now gazing at her in amusement and concern.
There was no hint of recognition in his features. He did not recognize her! Not that she expected him to she had changed a lot in the years, since she had seen him. Her hair now cut short, which totally changed her appearance plus she was a lot older, but could not relie on that. It was always a surprised what those violet eyes missed and what they did not. Which was why she had not sought him out. Now here he was!
He too had changed, but not so much. He was older now, past the age he was when he had died. The cares of those years were now etched into his tired and worn features, but he was still the same. Still the same Zack she remembered from her short time with him in the orchard and from Cloud's memory.
"There that wasn't so hard was it?" The bright smile was the same as she remembered.
"Yes sir, it was." Rain finally managed to pull her hand free and rubbed it with the other hand. She had forgotten how strong SOLIDERS were.
Now that she had both hands to herself again, she turned back down to where Rush was starring awe struck at Zack, obviously recognizing who he was, which wasn't too hard. He was after all Sethiroth's second.
Rush turned back to glance at Rain wincing as she helped him sit up.
"How are you doing Rush? Do you think you can stand?"
Rush nodded though his face spoke differently. He was desperately trying to hide his pain and failing miserably at it.
Rain stiffed when she felt Zack kneel beside her.
"Your name is Rush?"
Rush nodded seeming amazed that he was actually being address by a SOLIDER.
"Hi, my name is Zack. Nice to meet you."
Zack's easy grin immediately set the cadet at ease and Rain could actually see his muscles relax a little.
"You don't look so good, kid. Looks like you got on the wrong end of a Chocobo fight." Zack glanced at her and did Rain imaging it or did she actually see a smirk cross his face.
"Thank you for your help sire. I was just taking him to the infirmary."
Zack turned slightly to give her his full attention, "Really seemed like you were busy finishing a fight, cadet."
"On the way to the infirmary."
Zack smiled amused. The blond haired Chocobo seemed to want to get rid of him. Interesting, well he wasn't so eager to be rid of the Chocobo; in fact he wasn't eager at all.
"I will accompany you. Make sure you two actually get there this time."
He watched in amusement as the Chocobo shifted uncomfortably.
"You don't really have to sir."
Zack put on a straight face.
"Oh, I think I must. After all it is a teacher's responsibility to look out for their student's physical well being."
"Students?" The cadet looked confused.
"Yes, I believe I remembered seeing both your files on my desk. Cadet Cloud Strife wasn't it? Starting next week I will be your weapons instructor."
Strife's jaw dropped, "But you're a First?"
"Cadet Strife, I believe you have more pressing issues than to be arguing with me about whether I'm qualified to be teaching your class."
Cloud looked down and Zack was delighted to see the flush that crept into his face.
"All right then Rush, let's get you fixed up. This might hurt a little, but it will beat the way you two were doing it."
With ease the Solider quickly, but gently scooped the cadet up in his arms, earning a gasp of both surprise and pain from the said individual.
With his long steps Zack was halfway down the hall before Rain even realized what had happened. She should have known though that Zack wasn't one to care about being embarrassed, maintain dignity or appearances of either himself or the cadet. Running to catch up she reached the SOLIDERS side.
"Sir, where are we going? The elevator it that way."
"Why would be use the elevator? There is an infirmary on this floor."
Rush now started squirming uncomfortably, "But sir that is for SOLIDERS only, not cadets!"
"Nonsense, they will treat you if I say they will. Now stop squirming!"
Rain didn't say anything, knowing there was no dissuading the SOLIDER who had not even slowed down.
As they walked through the door, the doctor on duty immediately saw the blue of cadets uniform and was just about open his mouth in reprimand when Zack spoke.
"You will treat this cadet doctor, and give him the best of your attention. Do I make myself clear?"
The doctor immediately recognized Zack, not only as SOLIDER, but also being one of the General's commanders. He immediately motion toward a bed, where Zack laid Rush on and stepped back as he was immediately surround by the doctor as two nurses. While they watched them treat Rush's ankle and ribs with material, Zack moved to Rain's side.
"You should get that rib looked at, it looked like you took a pretty good hit."
He felt the cadet stiffen and glanced over at him and was surprised to see the boy turn white as a sheet. He reached a hand out.
"Hey, Strife are you okay?"
Cloud pulled away from him sharply.
"I'm fine, it's only a bruise. I wait outside until they are done."
Without another word the cadet rushed out of the room leaving Zack confused.
Rain leaned against the wall outside the infirmary gasping for breath, trying to slow her heart. That had been close! It wasn't the unexpected concern Zack had shown in suggesting she get checked out that had her suddenly feeling sick, though that had been a part of it.
After all an examination would have given her away, but it was more than that. It was that entire place it reminded her entire too much of the lab. In there the smell of mako was strong to her sensitive nose and even though it was faint the smell of lingering blood was still in the air.
She couldn't stand being in places like that. Even the thought of being examined in such a place, even if her gender wasn't a secret gave her a panic attack.
No doctors! That was one thing she had been adamant on and Cloud had never pushed it, understanding the reasoning behind it. He had simply become very proficient at using healing material and yes she had a lot of extra scars because of it, but it never bothered her.
It was over an hour before the hydraulic doors opened and Zack stepped out.
"It's over you can go in and see him if you like."
He was assuming it was seeing Rush being treated that had made her run out like that, and Rain didn't want to give him reason to think otherwise. So she nodded stepping back through the door, breathing through her mouth instead of her noise, and was relieved to find it helped, if only a little.
Zack though was still watching him carefully. Something was wrong with the boy. He seemed tense, almost frightened and it reminded him slightly of Angeal and Genesis's reaction, when they were in private and were due for their mako shots. They though had good reason for it, the shots weren't exactly pleasant, nor were the side effects pleasant for those around them either. Did the kid have a bad experience getting stitches or something when he was younger?
Zack stayed on the other side of the room seeming to give the cadets their privacy, seeming. He could still hear every word they said, even from across the room.
Rain approached the bed where Rush was laying, who now seeing relaxed and out of pain.
"Hey how are you doing?"
"Broken ankle, three broken ribs and enough bruises to put a blueberry to shame, I believe is the term Commander Fair used to describe my face."
Rain smiled, the kid must be on some pain killers. He was far too relaxed for normal and was actually talking easily with her.
"I'll be out of here this evening. I honestly think they'd have let go right now, but with Commander Fair around, I think they are being a little paranoid."
On the other side of the room, Zack smiled in satisfaction and Rain smiled too.
"Well, take advantage of it. A sore ankle and ribs aren't going to keep them from making you take the test tomorrow. Thankfully they last the rest of the week and will give you a chance to heal, without missing too much."
Rush nodded and they were both silent for a moment.
"Hey Cloud can I ask you a question."
Rain tensed reflexively, but answered smoothly, "Sure."
"Why did you do it?"
Rain was confused, "What?"
"Why did you help me?"
Rain didn't answer. She didn't know how to respond, it's not like she could tell him the real reasons.
It's because you remind me of my brother's adopted kid who died a horrible death when the planet was coming to an end. Ya that would go over well!
Nor could she say it was because he reminded her of herself or Cloud's old self, when he first came here and she knew how it felt to want something so bad, but to be constantly hammered down by those around, trying to convince you that you are not strong enough. The only reason Cloud even survived this place at all was because he had Zack, someone who believed him and told him to fight for his dreams.
"Because everyone needs someone to be there for them. A friend to pick them up and push them on towards their dreams, when they fall and don't want to get back up."
Rain spoke before she even realized what she was saying.
Rush starred at her, "Friend? Are we friends Cloud?"
"No!" Rain's voice was harsh causing Rush to wince, and she softened her tone, "Not yet, but I think maybe we could be."
Rush starred at her then suddenly lowed his eyes, "I would like that. Thank-you Cloud."
Rain nodded and started to turn away, "See you around Rush."
As soon as she was out the door Rain hurried down the hall almost at a run, hoping to make it to the elevator before she was stopped. She knew her chances her slim, so she didn't jump when a hand grabbed her by the arm bringing her to a stop.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Rain turned to look up at the grinning Solider.
"Right now sir, I was hoping to get to the cafeteria in time for lunch. I missed breakfast this morning."
"Really and why was that cadet?"
"Detention sire. I was held back for extra laps, by the time I was done breakfast was long over."
Zack leaned back crossing his arms in that casually pose of his.
"That was always what I hated most about being a cadet. You never got to eat when you wanted, and if you messed up their little routine you didn't eat at all."
Rain smirked, "And with all the trouble you got into in your younger days, I'm sure you missed a lot of meals."
Zack looked at the cadet in surprise.
Rain stammered, "I mean I'm sure you got into your share of trouble, sir. Back then when you were a cadet that is, sir. Not that I'm saying you where a delinquent, sir."
Zack smiled at the boy's flustering, but made no move to stop him.
The boy finally shut up all together and made a move toward the elevator.
"I better be going sir."
Zack didn't stop him from leaving, simply joined him on the elevator, pushing the button on the control panel as he entered. When the boy tried to reach across him though to enter in his own floor, Zack pushed his hand away.
"No, need I already entered the floor number."
He watching in amusement as the boy glanced at him briefly before returning his gaze to the floor. He had been starring a lot at the floor, almost as if he was trying to hide his face behind the blond spikes that sprang from his head in all directions.
"That is not my floor, sir."
Zack smiled, "I know, but it's the only floor with any decent food on it."
This time the head did come up and Zack briefly glimpse a hint of panic on the boy's face, before he quickly hid it behind expressionless eyes and Zack was amazed at the sudden change.
"Sir, that floor is restricted to SOLIDER and their personal only."
"Correct, SOLIDER and their personal, you are with me therefore your personal."
"Sir, I don't think that is a good idea."
Zack grinned, "And why not? You said you were hungry, and I know it can't be because you don't like my fabulous company, so what is the problem?"
The boy faltered, before dropping his head again, and reaching for the control panel again, "I just don't think it would be a good idea, sir."
Zack was impressed that the boy had the nerve to reach past him again. He seemed determined to try and avoid his company. Well too bad that just made Zack all the more determined to get to know him, but it might require him to pull rank. Something that stung Zack's pride a little, he usually never had to that with cadets. Sure some were timid and shy at first, but they always warmed up to him almost immediately.
"Don't make me make that an order, cadet." He threatened and was rewarded to see the shoulders fall slightly in defeat.
"Great now that that is settled what are you in the mood for? They will make you absolutely anything here. I haven't yet been able to stump any of the chief, though I do my very best. Genesis almost had them once when they ran low on his Banora apples."
Rain allowed herself to be led when the doors opened, with Zack still yammering on about all the different dishes he had tried to baffle the chiefs with, most of them by the sound of he didn't even like and she marveled how Zack had risen to Sethiroth second and still be able to act the same.
The SOLIDER's cafeteria didn't even remotely resemble that of the cadets and infantrymen. It reminded her more of a restaurant then a cafeteria. Granted not a five star establishment, but you didn't have stand in line for substance that remotely resembled food. Apparently once Shinra deemed you were worth something, they actually decided to feed you.
There were only a couple of other people in the room and from the black clothes Rain knew they were SOLIDERS, but surprisingly they didn't seem surprised to see Zack dragging a cadet behind him. Then she remembered this was Zack! They would all probably used to his bizarre ways by now. If not he was Sethiroth's second. Who would question him?
Rain sat quickly at the table keeping her head low and not saying anything, knowing Zack could talk for the both of them, which he quickly proceeded to do.
After a few times of trying unsuccessfully to engage her conversation, Zack fell into an uncommon lapse of silence. Only then did she finally speak.
"What are you doing to do to them?"
Zack absently took a sip of his drink, "I do a lot of things to people, Cloud. You are going to have to be a little more pacific."
Zack knew exactly what the kid was asking but he wanted Cloud to keep talking.
"The cadets sir. You ordered them to their quarters."
"Oh, them, I had forgotten about them."
Zack watched as the kid looked up a small frown on his face.
He signed suddenly serious, "They will go through an inquisition. Performances in class will be taken into consideration along with recommendation from their instructors, but ultimately it will be General Sethiroth that will decide. I can tell you though it will not go well. Sethiroth has no patience for arrogant SOBs such as those. War is dangerous enough without having to worry about being stabbed in the back by your comrades."
The cadet finally looked him in the eye and Zack was slightly startled by the intense blue eyes.
"If you could sir, try and persuade the General from throwing them out."
Zack was surprised and let it show.
"What, why kid? That wasn't exactly a friendly spar between you guys. Rush was seriously hurt and you want them to walk away without punishment! Why?"
"I didn't say not to punish them sir. If you did that there would be no respect and order among the troops. I understand that. All I want is for them not to be thrown out of Shinra."
"I repeat why?"
"They're just boys' sir. Stupid, conceited, hotheaded yes, but they are just boys and that might change if given the opportunity. They won't try anything with Rush again. Now that there are the two of us, I'll make sure of that. So please sir, don't expel them."
Zack let out a deep breath, not knowing where the begging of his confusion ran, the fact that the kid was acting on their behalf or that he had just referred to his peers as boys, obviously not including himself in that statement.
Zack however responded as if he hadn't noticed anything, "I can't promise anything Chocobo, but I can see what I can do."
"Chocobo?" That familiar frown once again crossed the cadet's mouth as he starred at Zack in confusion.
Zack motioned to the kid's hair with a sheepish smile, "Sorry, force of habit. I like to give nicknames for some reason. Might as well get used to it, Cloud."
The first ghost of a smile crossed the cadet's mouth and Zack was delighted at the change in brought to the kids features. He suddenly seemed more soft and gentle; innocent was the word he was looking for. Zack liked it though he knew the kid would probably be horrified if he knew, it was not exactly the image you wanted to give when you were in the army, but never the less he resolved to try and make the kid do it more often in the future.
Rain was uncomfortable, Zack had this expression on his face, like he suddenly realized something and was enjoying it. Not wanting to keep starring into those violet eyes, she fixed her gaze onto the far wall. It was then that her eyes ran over the digital numbers blinking on the far wall that she realized what time it was.
Jumping up she knocked her chair back, causing a few stares, but she was beyond caring.
"Crap I'm late!"
Zack stood as well, confused, "For what? All cadets are free for the rest of the day."
"Ya, but he leaves at fourteen hundred..." Rain's voice trailed off as she realized what she had just caught herself from saying. Not quick enough however, Zack's face suddenly became wary.
"Who leaves at fourteen hundred hours, Cloud?"
"Um, I thought I heard the doctor say he was going to release Rush at that time, I kind of wanted to be there."
Zack's expression didn't change, "He wasn't going to be released until this evening Cloud. You heard the doctor say it."
Rain tried to look surprised by the news, but knew she failed, "Oh, ya, must have forgotten. Guess I must have hit my head in that fight after all."
"You should get it checked out."
"No! I'm fine!" She replied quickly a little too quickly, Zack's normal friendly face now narrowed in suspicion.
She needed to get out of here and fast. Slowly she started to back away.
"Well I guess I better get going. I have a lot to study before tomorrow. Thanks for the meal."
"You didn't eat anything." Zack said moving around the table, causing her to take a couple more hurried steps back.
"Well maybe next time." Idiot there would be no next time if she could help it. Her mouth was too relaxed around him.
She continued to back away when suddenly a new presence seemed to fill the room and everyone in to room stiffened and went still and Rain's world suddenly changed.
Green mako swirled in the lungs
Long blue hair fell around them
Whispers, calls to a mother that was not
Red blood ran down heavily and the planet screamed in pain
Rain lifted a hand to her head in pain. It seemed like a separate heart had suddenly erupted within her beating a beat oppisite from her own. She knew this feeling, as every cell in her body seemed to awake and reach out, reaching for something, someone.
Her back collided with a hard, yet warm surface. Rain didn't even have time to think her body reacted atomically in its panic. She turned and swung with all her strength and was rewarded with the sound of a crack and her knuckles connecting with bone.
She immediately flew her body back quickly taking up a defensive stance ready to protect herself from a counter attack. Her eyes immediately landed on the one who stirred such a reaction and froze.
Long silver hair floated down around the pale face as one white hand slowly rose to the side of his face, where a slight disfiguration was abruptly begging to swell and bruise on his cheek, before slowly fading away leaving the skin smooth and flawless.
All Rain could do was stare in horror as the green eyes of the General Sethiroth slowly lowered to meet her own.
AN: Until the New Year, Merry Christmas!