Additional Training
By: Chocowriter
(I do not own any of these characters or material. Please enjoy. Copyright Square-Enix)
"Cadet Strife to office 3B".
Cloud craned his neck to the source of the tinny voice from his defeated position on the ground and let out a small groan. Several sets of eyes peered down at the spiky blond-haired cadet with varying expressions of pity, interest, or amusement. A hand interrupted his line of vision, offered by the man who had gotten him to this literal low point.
"Up you go, Cadet. Don't worry, you'll get plenty of tries to beat me in the future. You did good!"
Cloud (begrudgingly) stood up, meeting the pale blue gaze of Zack Fair, his instructor and (as of right now) loving tormentor. The constant humiliation of defeat by his teacher was not making Cloud's self-esteem any healthier.
"I know that self-deprecating grimace, Cloud. Whether you believe it or not, you're becoming a faster fighter. I'm impressed!" Zack enthused, patting Cloud encouragingly on the back. The strong blow nearly knocked an exhausted Cloud off his feet.
Regaining his balance, he straightened up and looked back to Zack. "T-thanks. Now, where is office 3B, sir?"
"Oh, I'll take you! And enough with that 'Sir' nonsense. Zack is just fine, Cloudy. As for the rest of you, cool-down and stretch with…" He looked around for a somewhat eager face, instead deciding on a cadet eyeing the clock wearily.
"You!" He pointed to the cadet who paled and began shaky arm circles.
"That's the spirit! Great job today everyone!" Zack gave his award-winning smile and Cloud could've sworn he saw several cadets actually swoon. Before he could take in the rest of the scene, Zack shoved him lightly from behind.
"Onward, Cloud!"
…
"W-what do you think I'm gonna have to do at this office?" Cloud stuttered, his (Zack thought) adorable country bumpkin accent peeking through.
"Probably do some special SOLDIER training. Don't you remember everyone in your unit getting pulled out of training throughout the week?" Zack said, resigned to placing his hands on the back of his head, elbows out, now that he was sure Cloud had stopped shaking.
"I, uh, guess not?" Cloud flushed, embarrassed.
"It's alright Cadet. You have so many responsibilities every day, I understand. Awright, here's your stop"
Cloud gaped at the intimidating steel doors in front of him. They must have been at least 8 feet tall and able to withstand a chocobo stampede.
"U-uhm a-are you sure?" Cloud stammered.
"Yup! Now press that red button and we'll see what happens" Zack chuckled, with a wink.
After a quiet minute (Cloud prayed to Gaia the doors were either broken or the person-thing- behind them wasn't there), Cloud let out a breath.
Maybe my prayers were granted after all. Just as he turned his head to Zack to ask a question, the doors flew open with a terrifying screech to a pitch-black room.
"In ya go! Good luck, Cloudy! I'm rooting for you!" Zack cheered before shoving Cloud into the intimidating darkness. The doors immediately slammed shut, causing Cloud to yelp.
What's this? What's going on? Zack's going to get it so hard after this-Cloud thought bitterly, despite his panic. His thoughts were interrupted as the room was illuminated by a soft blue grid of light. A metallic voice followed.
"Cadet Cloud Strife, please confirm your identity."
"Y-yes?" Cloud stammered, confused.
"Voice match. Running program S3Ph1r0th." The voice warbled.
"What?"
The room abruptly, changed with a bright flash of white light, disorienting Cloud. He stumbled back, his forearm covering his stunned retinas. When he recovered, he looked up to find himself in a dark, grimy alley, surrounded by cold cement walls. He looked up to find the terror and hero of Midgar brandishing a sword at him.
"Fight, if you wish to pass." General Sephiroth proclaimed, his hollow voice bearing a sinister yet metallic edge to it.
"H-how?" Cloud stammered
Suddenly, he felt a tremendous weight and looked down to find Zack's dream sword- the actual Buster Sword at his side. Sephiroth lunged, Masamune glistening. Cloud lifted his sword to counter with surprising success.
"Interesting." A voice sounded, distantly. It was Sephiroth but…it sounded more...organic? Before Cloud had any time to understand the situation, Sephiroth recovered and aimed for an overhead attack. Cloud blocked. The General attempted to sweep Cloud off his feet, but somehow, Cloud jumped and avoided the blade. Sephiroth continued to attack in a whirlwind of blows, but Cloud countered every time. He wasn't winning, but he wasn't losing either. The Buster Sword was much heavier than he was used to carrying- after all, the wooden sparring sticks he had used in the past hardly weighted anything (Despite the pain they inflicted).
But somehow, fighting with this sword feels, right. I'm actually fighting a famous hero with a legendary sword. What are the odds? Cloud allowed a small grin to perpetrate his mask of concentration and attempted to sweep Sephiroth off his feet with the Buster Sword, forming an inclined angle to block any attack while he struck.
Of course, the general easily leapt from the sword but….
"Nice tactic, Cadet" The voice sounded almost…amused? Cloud ignored the noise, eager to win the fight. He blocked blow after blow, almost expertly except…his stamina was quickly draining, and he could feel a mental fog coming on. Soon, he knew, he would be tormented.
How pitiful.
The weight of the Buster Sword increased; the spar with Zack a draining memory in his body. His blocks were sloppier, and Sephiroth was starting to take advantage of the situation.
The Niebelheim boy-the so-called hero, defeated once again?
His heart beat faster- but not from Sephiroth's increasing attacks. His heel met the cement wall.
You thought you were worthy enough to spar with Zack- and use his dream weapon? How disgraceful. You are a disappointment as always, Cloud
Cloud fought back tears as Sephiroth loomed over him, a metallic glint in his eyes. Cloud lifted his sword for one last counter.
Failure. As always. The internal voice-his voice- finally thundered.
He vaguely noted the crack and stress of swords crashing together. The alley got smaller and smaller- shrinking from the size of his bedroom to the size of his barrack bed. Darkness flooded his vision and Cloud gasped- completely forgetting about Sephiroth. There was no room-no air left until…
Nothing.