Disclaimer: Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- and it's characters (c) Square Enix. Me no own. Just playing with the characters here. ;) Half of this story was done by Shade the Hero. Thanks!

Shade: Hello readers, We hope you're having a wonderful holiday season. Some of you may not have heard the news yet, but the new trailer for the FF7 remake was released a few days ago and it shows not only awesome gameplay, but we get to hear some of the talented voice cast. So far only Wedge, Jessie, Biggs and Barret were heard...oh, and of course Cloud. I don't know about you, but I'm growing very impatient for this release to come. Hope your winter holidays are filled with joy and we'll see you in the next update! Enjoy! :D

Bahamut: Bahamut here! Shade and I have been eagerly discussing the new FF7 remake trailer that was released, and we're both super happy to know Cloud's voice actor from Advent Children has reprised his role. :D If any of you have any more news on the upcoming release, we'd love to hear it! But aside from that excitement, I hope you're all as ready as I am for Christmas break! For now, have a great weekend, and enjoy this chapter!

"Bad Puppy"

Cloud nodded in response to Zack's suggestion. He had seen Materia before, in the caves behind his hometown, however it was in it's natural, raw form and could be dangerous if not handled carefully. Children were forbidden from going anywhere near that area for that reason among others, including the monsters that lived in the area. Large birds of prey and the packs of Nibel wolves. It was a regular occurrence to hear them howling at night from his bedroom window.

Cloud followed after Zack at a more normal walking pace. All that good food was still digesting and he had to raise a hand to stifle a burp. "Do you ever run out of energy?" He couldn't help but ask.

He had no idea what Zack's taste in movies were, there wasn't much of a signal that could reach his town, so catching any kind of TV show was rare and Cloud's mother didn't own a TV. Only the mayor and the local Inn could afford a TV set.

He was looking forward to a good night's sleep and figured anything was better than sleeping on those cadet bunks. The springs were rusted and squeaky due to years of use and the mattress was anything but comfortable.

Zack waited by the elevators and grinned at the teen that followed him. "Nope!" He laughed, doing squats in front of the elevator doors while waiting for them to open up. As soon as they opened he straightened and strode onto the elevator and hit the button for his floor.

"Tomorrow's gonna be a good day, I can just feel it in my bones!" He playfully punched Cloud in the shoulder with a rueful grin. "You and me out training in the Train Graveyard, monsters, swords, Materia!" He bounced in place, looking up at the numbers of the elevator as they went up to the floor.

He was pretty excited to actually train with Cloud. Even if he was just a cadet, he got to teach someone some of the things he knew and he loved the idea of being able to help the teen get closer to his own dreams.

Cloud was startled a bit when Zack gave him a punch, but he barely had time to so much as rub his arm when the elevator shifted a bit from the SOLDIER's energy that was overflowing. "Easy! Save your energy for the graveyard." Cloud hoped that his life wouldn't be suddenly cut short by such a random act. Death by elevator. Not the best way for a SOLDIER to go out. Or a cadet for that matter.

He wished they would have taken the stairs instead. At least then Zack could have spent a little of his pent up energy.

xoxo

Genesis smiled as he slung an arm over Angeal's shoulder. "Your concern is touching, but you need not worry. I've been promised a few weeks grace at least. I doubt the President was happy with my failure so it may be a while before he ships me out again." Genesis of course didn't seem at all bummed that his mission had been written off as a failure because in his eyes it wasn't. It was in fact a wake up call.

Genesis didn't know Lazard as well as his General did, though it would make sense. "Perhaps once Zack earns his First Class status one of you might be assigned to accompany me the next time I'm shipped out. It would be nice to know that someone I trust is watching my back." And it got lonely, but he wasn't going to openly admit that.

"Zack would be assigned to go with you to get the experience he still needs in Wutai, and no one else would be better to teach him what's expected of a 1st Class there." Sephiroth replied smoothly, glancing at Genesis. "So I hope you trust him well enough."

Sephiroth had already figured that one of them would be going with Genesis to Wutai after Zack made 1st Class, but Zack was the first thought to do so. Sending Zack in blind and new to being a 1st Class would be stupid, but sending him with someone as experienced as Genesis -whom was even more experienced in Wutai than Angeal- would be ideal.

Angeal smiled and nodded. He was glad that Genesis would be staying around for a few weeks, he missed his friend and hated having to see him go to Wutai so much. "Good." However he stiffened a bit at the thought of sending Zack to Wutai, but he had to trust Genesis would watch him just as much as Zack would watch Genesis's back. "Looks like it's already determined who'll be going to Wutai next." He shot Sephiroth a look.

Genesis wasn't sure which surprised him more. The fact that Zack would be the First to be shipped out with him or the honest praise coming from Sephiroth. Angeal's praise he was used to, but he often had to pry even the smallest compliment from the General. He wasn't even sure how to respond to that. Even a quote from Loveless escaped him.

Angeal's worries for Zack were well founded. Genesis had been able to handle himself just fine, but there had been some events during his time out there where he had to pay attention and focus. A few times he was sure he would have been killed had he not been a First. It wasn't so much the Wutai rebels and those who still hated Shinra that were a threat. It was some of the monsters that were the biggest problem.

Still, he couldn't let any of that worry him now. He had to keep on a furious face for when the Second returned at any time. "I promise, 'Geal," He teased his friend by using his childhood nickname, "Nothing will happen to your young charge under my watch."

xoxo

Zack grinned deviously at Cloud. "Trust me, I'll have plenty of energy for tomorrow! You're the one that's gotta save your energy, Spiky!" He laughed and looked up, seeing the number for his floor come up. "We'll get up bright and early, get some breakfast and then head into the Slums for the Train Graveyard. I'm already psyched!" He pumped his fist and grinned, eyes flashing as the doors opened.

He stepped off the elevator and beamed at Cloud. "So we'll watch a quick movie before bed. Do you wanna take the bed? I can sleep on the floor or take the couch, doesn't matter. It'll be a long time before you get your own bed that isn't worse than a bed of nails." He snickered.

He remembered the cadet barracks beds well enough and he couldn't stand them. He didn't think Shinra ever replaced them unless they were literally broken beyond repair, and even then they pulled out old beds from storage; too cheap to buy a brand new bed for them to sleep on he supposed.

Walking into his apartment, he flipped the switch on but the sight he was greeted with made him freeze in his tracks, the most still he's probably ever been in his entire life. The legendary trio were awaiting him in his apartment.

Sephiroth caught the motion of the doorknob before it was even opened and he stood upright to his full, menacing height -which in a small apartment like this and Angeal and Genesis in the room seemed all the more menacing. "SOLDIER 2nd Class Fair." He said, eyes flashing when Zack stopped and stared at him and the Commanders. "We need to have a little talk."

The 2nd's mentor stood up from the couch when Zack walked in, and crossed his arms while looking at Zack disapprovingly. "Zack." He shook his head, the teen was definitely caught off guard. If this was any other situation he'd compliment how fast Zack became still, and simply how still he was in general.

But they'd meant to cause a reaction and this was as good as any in scaring the teen. He had to hold back a chuckle, but it was for Zack's own good they did this here and now and not in the General's office and on paper that would give Hojo a trail to find the culprit from earlier.

Cloud didn't want to impose any further than he already had, even if this whole sleep over had been Zack's idea. "Which ever you prefer is fine. I'm sure anything is better than the barracks."

The blonde cadet followed Zack along the hall while the teen praddled on about the sleeping quarters he was forced to sleep on every night and tuned it out for the most part. It wasn't until Zack opened the door and flipped the switch on did Cloud pay attention when he bumped right into the SOLDIER's back.

"Oof," He said and was about to ask 'now what' when a deep silky voice broke the silence from within the Second's apartment and it didn't come from Zack. Cloud's eyes went wide with fright as he recognized it. There was only one person on the entire face of Gaia that had that voice. Sephiroth!

Cloud was thankful he was standing behind Zack and tried to selfishly use his friend as a shield. If he was lucky the General hadn't spotted him yet.

Genesis stayed where he was, though, he couldn't help the smirk as he noticed a second pair of boots standing behind the stunned pup. "Oh good, you brought your little helper with you. That saves me the trouble of hunting him down." The Commander was having too much fun already. He wasn't going to harm either of them in the least, but he loved to see them sweat. Plus he wanted to see how far Zack was willing to go to protect the little cadet so he purposely stood then and pulled out his Fire Materia.

Casting a knowing glance towards Angeal signaled he wasn't serious. "I do hope you realize how much trouble you're in, Fair."

Zack didn't even register Cloud bumping into him as he stared at the three 1sts occupying his quarters. "Uh..." He shook his head quickly and ran a hand through his spikes. "H-Hey guys, what's up?" He laughed nervously and shifted from foot to foot now, his energy levels spiking from adrenaline.

He hadn't quite expected this type of response to his pranks, at least not all three. Maybe Genesis trying to set him on fire, Angeal lecturing, and Sephiroth...well, he'd figure he'd have to run about a couple hundred laps around the training field or something. Having all three in his little apartment however was a jolt to his system.

The General didn't miss the second body that bumped into Zack from behind. "Cadet." He said, with one word his voice conveying his order for the teen to stand at attention and face them. Turning his gaze back to Zack, his Mako glowing eyes seemed to brighten, but he hid the amusement with ease.

"You know why we're here, Fair. Breaking into Genesis's apartment, stealing from him, breaking into my office and going through my desk, gluing my pen down, and let's not forget your little stunt in the Science Department." In all honesty Sephiroth didn't care about the stunt with Hojo or even Genesis's missing Loveless, those things were humorous to him. But scaring these two would prove just as entertaining to the General.

Angeal nodded to Genesis, knowing his friend wasn't about to barbecue his student or the poor cadet. He couldn't help but smirk a bit, the teen was actually using Zack as a human shield. He didn't blame him, faced with the three of them and all in such small quarters. "Zack, what have you done?" Angeal sighed quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head slowly.

Cloud heard two other voices that he couldn't put faces to, but he could tell he was dead by the tone one of them had as they referred to him. That was terrifying enough, but it was that one single-worded order from the General that made him nearly pass out.

With a gulp and a slow breath to try and attempt to compose himself he slowly stepped out from behind Zack to stand next to him. He saw Sephiroth then, and it took everything he had not to falter and run. With a very shaky hand he raised his arm up in a salute. "S-s-sir." He managed to stutter in a proper military greeting. Could the others see how he was slightly trembling? Probably. His mind adapted the mantra that he had predicted when they first began their evening. He was so dead.

When the Cadet came out from behind Zack Genesis had to try very hard not to laugh. The poor cadet looked like he was about to keel over. Then again, Sephiroth did have that effect on people.

Genesis was about to ask Zack if he had said his prayers when Angeal was just a little bit faster with his question. Stilll, he allowed the Materia in his hand to ignite and appeared as if Genesis was holding a fireball, which he was and aside from the fact that he mastered that element above any other, he was also wearing fire-proof gloves which protected his hands from the flames.

He took a step towards Zack when the cadet did something shocking and stood in between the Second and the three Firsts. "It's not all Zack's fault." Cloud gulped, knowing that he had to do this. Zack had stuck up for him, it was time to return the favor. "H-he did this for me...to uh, work up my confidence. He s-said I n-needed to man-up a-and he w-was right."

This was either the most selfless thing Cloud had ever done or the dumbest. They were in trouble either way, so he may as well show Zack how much he appreciated his help.

Genesis slowly blinked and then cast a glance over towards Sephiroth, letting him know that he had the floor and wanted to see how he'd address the cadet. Personally Genesis was impressed with his spunk, but it was Sephiroth's call.

The 2nd Class was most surprised by Cloud's sudden stance to protect the teen from their wrath. He blinked down at the blonde mop of air that now stood in front of him and he shook his head, smiling proudly. The cadet was trying his hardest to be brave and not let Zack take the brunt of the punishment, but he'd been reserved to take whatever the 1sts dished out.

He hadn't even flinched at Genesis's little fireball display, simply because he'd faced that too many times and been burned just as many to be fully intimidated anymore by his fire. (Though he'd still run for his life if given the chance)

Casting a glance at Angeal, Zack took a breath and shook his head. Cloud didn't deserve any type of punishment when he'd pulled him into his plots to prank. He gripped the teen's shoulder and smiled. "It's alright Cloud, you don't have to do that." He glanced at them and smiled sheepishly while tugging Cloud aside. "He didn't even know we were in Sephiroth's office until I told him, or who Hojo is. Everything was my idea, I just dragged him along."

He flicked his eyes between the 1sts and rubbed the back of his neck, smiling impishly. "Come on, you can't be this angry with me, right? They were just jokes?" He offered, laughing nervously.

The Silver General snorted quietly. He had to admit to himself, the cadet's actions were admirable -if not a little stupid. But there was obviously something Zack saw in him. Exchanging glances with Genesis, he nodded and crossed his arms, his head tilting just the tiniest bit. "So you admit to having done everything yourself, Fair?" He questioned, his tone still commanding authority.

He wasn't about to let him off the hook entirely. And that went double for Cloud. "Admirable for you to protect your comrade, SOLDIER, but it's obvious he has guilt to share in this." He said, turning his gaze directly to Cloud and staring at him, before he looked again at Zack.

Angeal had to shake his head. So this was the cadet Zack had mentioned and dragged into this whole mess. The poor teen was obviously scared but he still wanted to protect Zack. And vice versa, which made Angeal proud of his student. "You should know better than to run around pranking everyone, Zack. At least Sephiroth, and touching Genesis's Loveless? Goddess only knows what you were thinking about dumping fertilizer on Hojo."

He sighed quietly. That had really scared him, and it took a lot to scare the Commander. The thought of what Hojo would do to Zack, it made his stomach twist. "If Hojo caught you, you'd have a lot more at stake here." He frowned disapprovingly at the teen then.

"Oh sure, just harmless jokes..." Genesis glared at Zack coldly. "You're an idiot." He balled his fist and just like that the flames went out. "I'll have you know that that collection you traded for a bunch of children's books was worth more Gil than what you could make in three years. And if I don't get my collection back ASAP then you'll be in for a world of hurt like you've never experienced."

He then shook his head. "And doing that to Hojo..." He tried to hide the snort of laughter by pretending to cough before becoming serious once more. "You do realize how dangerous he is?"

Cloud couldn't help but blush slightly from pure nerves when Zack gently pulled him to the side. He wasn't sure if he should be grateful or angry at the gesture. Perhaps it was his stubborn pride that was rearing it's head or just the urge to prove he was able to stand on his own and face punishment. Even if he had no idea, he still went along with it. Still helped Zack pull them off.

"B-but, that's not true. I helped you switch the books. I kept a look out in the office a-and I carried the fertilizer. It may have been your idea, but I still went along with it." That was Cloud's way of saying, we're in the together whether you like it or not. Cloud couldn't help but flinch when Sephiroth's gaze rested on him again, but he wasn't sure if he should respond since the General was talking to Zack, but it regarded him. He chose to stand at attention instead. Oh, but what he wouldn't give to be able to melt into the floor right now.

Genesis couldn't help it. Not only was the cadet admittedly cute, but he was just begging to be scared and the fiery First was more than happy to oblige. "Well General, it seems this cadet is quite eager to face the firing squad. What's your name, cadet?"

"Cadet Cloud Strife, sir."

Genesis snorted. Cloud? Seriously, he had thought it was one of Zack's little nicknames, but it was for real? "Hmm, Strife means conflict. Are we going to have put up with your foolish actions like this in the future, cadet? Because if so, we have the full authority to expel you from the program right now." Genesis both enjoyed and felt bad for the shocked and equally heart-crushing look on the cadet's face at this news. Perhaps he had gone too far.

Zack pouted and crossed his arms defensively. "To be fair I'm trying to help show you there's other books out there. Plus I have a running bet with some of the guys that you can't actually read anything other than Loveless and Wutainese." He smiled sheepishly at the Commander. "Afraid to prove me right?" He drawled.

He shook his head about Hojo. "He doesn't know it was me though!" He looked at Angeal and Genesis both. "I can take care of myself against that old greasy geezer anyway!" He puffed up his chest to show he wasn't afraid. Granted, if he was presented to Hojo on a silver platter he may very well regret those words. The man was terrifying.

But when Genesis commented about kicking Cloud out of SOLDIER now if he was going to be trouble, the 2nd's eyes flashed with anger. "It's not Cloud's fault! He was just trying to impress me! Don't take it out on him! I'm sorry, I was bored and thought it'd be funny and lighten the mood, I'll take whatever punishment you wanna give, but don't punish Cloud for my stupidity!"

Angeal stepped forward, shooting a look at Genesis before he gripped Cloud's shoulder in an attempt to ease his nerves. "No one is getting thrown out of SOLDIER over a couple of pranks." He said softly, doing his best to ease the cadet's obvious fear of being thrown out.

He'd have to have a talk with Genesis later about that one, but for now he looked at Zack with a snort. "See what happens when you don't think of the consequences? I know they were just jokes Zack." He tried to smile reassuringly. He glanced at Sephiroth, hoping the General seen Zack was obviously sorry.

The General had just been watching it play out, and was surprised by how Cloud reacted to possibly being thrown out. Not all cadets would have reacted that way, -some end up regretting joining in the first place or didn't want to but had no other options- but this one seemed genuinely heart broken at the aspect of not being there.

"That's enough." He held up his hand with a snort. "Return Genesis's books so we can all have peace and consider this a lesson taught on thinking on things ahead instead of just the now." He said, looking at Zack and Cloud both.

The fact the 2nd Class was willing to take the brunt of the punishment to protect the cadet was interesting, but that was something he knew of Zack. The teen did put others before himself in that regard, and it showed Sephiroth and no doubt Angeal and Genesis that Zack would make a good SOLDIER 1st -even if he was childish with these pranks of his.

Cloud's whole world shattered around him. He was going to get kicked out of SOLDIER? But...no. It couldn't end like this. Everything around him seemed to vanish behind a thick grey fog as his mind focused on the fact that he was about to be kicked out. Nothing else registered. Not Zack's anger or his loud words in the cadet's defense, not the look on the Commander's face after threatening him.

What did bring Cloud back from oblivion was the comforting hand on his shoulder. He thought it was Zack for a moment, but when he looked up he was surprised to see it was one of the Firsts. Blinking slowly his eyes focused enough to realize it was the one who had hung back for the most part. This was Zack's mentor, Angeal? The hand on his shoulder was comforting as were his words that filled him with relief. He wasn't going to be kicked out. That knowledge alone made him want to sit down, before his legs gave out from the fear.

He tried to form a proper 'thank you' but the words wouldn't come. All he could do was nod his thanks to the Commander.

Genesis saw the look Angeal shot him and shrugged his shoulders in silent response. It wasn't his fault the boy couldn't tell if he was being honest, even if he was. If Hojo had found out who was behind it Genesis would have kicked the boy out simply to protect him. Better he be back home safe than snatched up in the clutches of a madman.

Zack rubbed a hand through his hair but nodded and glanced at Cloud, offering a weak smile. "Sorry about this Cloud. I'll make it up to you though." He mumbled, patting the teen's back then looking up at the 1sts, huffing quietly. "You know...you guys have a really bad sense of humor. This wasn't exactly funny, and I bet you laughed at at least one of my pranks." He stuck his tongue out childishly and crossed his arms, literally pouting.

Angeal couldn't help but chuckle. When Zack pouted he really was cute and he shook his head as he let go of Cloud's shoulder and cuffed Zack on the ear. "Bad puppy. We're gonna have a long talk later about what's appropriate and what's not, and who not to prank." Looking at Cloud, Angeal tried to offer a comforting smile to settle him down. "We're not mad at you Cloud, don't worry. Just try and talk Zack out of any plans like this in the future." He chuckled and patted Cloud's head, much like he did with Zack often enough in training.

"Oh I had no issue with you taking Genesis's collection of Loveless. In fact if you feel so inclined due keep them from him for at least the weekend." Sephiroth mused, his lips twitching in the slightest of smirks now that he didn't have to seem so mad with the teen over the situation.

He flicked his eyes at Genesis, knowing the Commander would throw a fit if he didn't get his books back before then, but he figured it wouldn't hurt to help lighten the mood. Even he could tell that their presence and this little conversation had made some kind if impact on Zack.

Genesis huffed at Zack's pout. "And neither is what you did. ...Well, alright, the prank on Hojo was genius, but going through the Gerenal's desk was very dangerous. Did it ever occur to you that there might be classified information buried in there? You know, gifts from the Silver Elite, a secret photo of his crush, a dead goldfish that he forgot to take care of?"

When it seemed the cadet was starting to recover from his shock Genesis figured he owed somewhat of an apology, even if they weren't his thing. "Yes, don't get your panties in a bunch cadet. We Firsts do know how to joke around just like any other human. Though, even my pranks seem tame compared to the crazy things Zack comes up with."

He then turned to the pup and placed his hands on his hips. "And just for the record, I do know how to read, I'm just very picky."

Cloud listened to the Firsts go on about the whole thing and allowed their comforting words to ease his nerves. Finally he relaxed enough to let out the breath that he had been holding. "Th-thank you, sirs."

When Angeal placed his hand on his head, Cloud wasn't sure of how to describe the feeling he had. He had never had a father growing up, but wondered if this is what it was like? Angeal seemed to fit the definition. Strict, yet caring and also had a kind side. Cloud could totally see why Zack spoke so highly of him.

He didn't jump when Sephiroth spoke this time, but did however look up when Genesis made an almost girlish squeal.

The Commander was almost seething as he glared at Sephiroth. "The entire weekend? Oh I don't think so! I lost my only copy I had on me back in Wutai and have not read it since. I won't be denied what's rightfully mine any longer than I have to!" He turned then and gave Zack a look. He was definitely impressed that the lengths the two lower Class boys were willing to go to stick up for one another, but he also meant business with what he said next.

"Those books had better be outside my front door by tomorrow morning or else I will track you down and make sure I get them back even if I have to light a fire under your butts to make sure it happens."

"I'd do it all over again if it meant finding any of that stuff in Sephiroth's desk." Zack said in all seriousness, grinning a bit wryly at the thought of any of the things being in Sephiroth's desk. All he seen were boring papers and the item he was searching for, which was technically his to begin with anyway.

Shaking his head though, he pouted. "But if the General gives me an order, I have to follow it." He said, smiling innocently at the red Commander. He'd at least have Sephiroth's protection on that one. "And it's not like you don't already have it memorized..." He drawled, looking at Genesis pointedly. "Which still begs the question if you can actually read, because you don't read anything other than Loveless or stuff in Wutainese." He grinned.

Angeal snorted and shook his head at them. At least things had cooled down well enough, even if he had to hear Genesis complain about wanting his collection back. Looking at Cloud, he smiled and nodded. "Relax Cloud, we're not in public. You don't have to be so formal." He chuckled quietly and folded his arms, glad to at least see things should be okay after that.

And he had to admit, for the most part, Zack's pranks had been hilarious. "Give it up Zack, I've tried for years to get Genesis to read anything else." He said with a quiet laugh at his friend's expense.

The silver haired General wasn't fazed in the least by the glare he received from Genesis. "As Fair said, an order from me takes precedence. And you do have the entire book and play of Loveless memorized." He didn't even attempt to hide the amusement in his voice while he looked at his friend and Commander.

Sephiroth flicked his gaze back to the cadet in the room. Zack and him could hardly know each other for long, but they'd been pretty intent on sticking up for one another. If Cloud could make it into SOLDIER, he may end up being a good one with that type of loyalty to sticking to his comrades.

TBC