He was suffocating.
It felt like the air was being stolen from his body before it was given a chance to reach his parched lungs. No matter how much Cloud thrashed around in an attempt to loosen the invisible bonds binding him, it changed nothing.
He couldn't see anything.
He couldn't hear anything.
There was only fear...
Only darkness...
With a gasp, Cloud lurched out of sleep into a sitting position, his blankets wrapped around his legs, for a moment causing more panic before his situation became more clear as his mind went into an instant awareness. It took him a second to realise he was in the small cadet dorm room that he had been assigned upon his first entry into Shinra what felt like a life time ago.
A cold sweat covered his body and Cloud found himself reaching to turn the light on; unable to stand the darkness that the night brought to the room.
The bright light exploded into the room, chasing the shadows away and causing the blonde to blink several times to hasten the adjustment of his enhanced eyes. With a sigh he scanned the room, finding no threat, but still being unable to relax. Cloud's heart felt like a jack hammer, making his blood rush through his veins. He knew it was an irrational fear, but it did little to change the effect it had on him; it had been so real...
Standing on shaky legs Cloud made his way out of the room and down to the shared dorm bathrooms. No one else was awake at this hour, but Cloud was no stranger to late nights, being accustomed to nightmares; even if this one was worse and more surreal than usual.
When Cloud looked up into the mirror of the small, white bathroom above the sink, he saw features with small water droplets rolling down a face that was his, yet... not his. It was too young, too open. He was pale, more so than usual; but he put that down to the nightmare.
Another splash of water on his face, then Cloud left and silently went back to his room. Sitting down on the bed, Cloud knew that he would get no more rest for the night, so to keep occupied he grabbed First Sword for its new resting place against the wall next to the bed and disassembled it. As he began thoroughly cleaning the blades his mind wandered back to the journey to Shinra and the events that unfolded once they arrived.
XxXxX
The walk to the Shinra pick-up point was easy and uneventful. Cloud walked with Zack up front while Angeal followed behind. The energetic raven-haired man was often racing ahead before stopping and waiting for the blonde to catch up.
Angeal watched the two with growing amusement; Zack's quick liking to the boy was obvious, as he acted as though he had known, and been friends, with the blond for years. Likewise the blond seemed to open up to Zack in a way that, even only being around the young man for a short time, Angeal could see was uncommon.
Angeal still wondered how Cloud had ended up in Wutai with no memory of how he got there, but it had been fortunate that they had found him. That thought also brought about the question of what exactly had happened to the blond to leave him in such a pained state, yet to also bare no physical wounds.
As soon as they had come into view of the small, temporary airbase that Shinra had constructed for the transfer of troops, Cloud reverted to the quiet, closed off person he had been for the last few years. He was weary of people, especially unknown Shinra personal, and even Zack was unable to draw out more than a few words from the blond. Both Angeal and Zack instantly noticed the change and both looked curiously at the blond.
The airbase was busy with troopers, pilots, maintenance, and troop distribution personnel all quickly going about their business. Angeal lead Zack and Cloud towards a pre-prepared plane that would take them directly to Shinra. There were a few curious glances in Cloud's direction as they walked, Cloud ignored them completely, keeping close to his two SOLDIER companions.
Once they were in the air Cloud relaxed slightly, he knew that few at the air base would represent a physical threat to him, but he knew that there would be enough questions when he got to Midgar and without all the answers himself, the less who knew about his 'I don't recall' situation, the better.
Cloud was glad that he hadn't reverted back to his previous situation of the sever motion sickness that he had had during his actual cadet years. Even if he did feel slightly off. He found himself missing Fenrir; the beautiful black motorcycle that had been his for so long, it had been perfect for him and he much preferred land travel with the wind in his face and his own hands on the wheel to the sky with an unknown pilot flying.
It was only when they had reached Shinra that Cloud found himself in trouble.
As soon as Cloud was out of the plane he found himself surrounded by infantrymen, all with the standard issue rife pointed directly at him. Tensing to be ready for a fight he looked around in confusion. What had he done to warrant this?
"What is this about?" The deep voice of Angeal said behind him, surprising Cloud.
"General Hewley, I apologise for the disturbance. However, we fear that this man may be an imposter." A cool voice answered from the other side of the group of infantrymen, Cloud identified the man as a Turk due to his immaculate black suit and completely unreadable expression. He was no stranger to Turks, and he didn't overly like them either.
"Imposter?" Cloud asked, more confused than before... Had the Life Stream made a mistake?
"I doubt that." This time it was Zack's voice that he heard, then he felt the raven-haired man move up to stand beside him, the infantrymen parting to let him through instantly.
"Oh? Is that so young SOLDIER? Then perhaps you can explain why the cadet Cloud Strife disappeared from the cadet dorms just over 48 hours ago? Then he suddenly appears at the airbase in Wutai with two SOLDIERs, and on his way here no less."
Cloud listened to the Turk speak and slowly things fell into place in his mind; 48 hours ago was around the time he had woken up, so it made sense that the Life Stream would have to account for the original him from this time period, otherwise major trouble would be the result. Why make me wake up in Wutai though, that's just as troublesome... Cloud wondered.
Everyone had gone quite, so Cloud decided that he would have to speak up now, or risk being ignored.
"I don't really know was happened... But I am Cloud Strife. I woke up in Wutai, but I don't recall how I got there or anything... just... pain..." Cloud said softly, he didn't like all the attention on him as he spoke, but he knew that he had to make them believe him. He knew that he had to get into Shinra.
Cloud could feel the intense gaze the Turk was giving him, but he refused to look away, instead returning the gaze squarely and challenging him to disagree.
Angeal sighed as he watched Cloud return the Turk's gaze in a way that few people would have the nerve to even try. Some how he believed that Cloud was indeed the missing cadet, the time frames matched up but there were still many unanswered questions as well. He looked to Zack who was glaring fiercely at the Turk as he stood protectively behind Cloud. There was something odd about the blond, and Angeal wanted to know what that was.
Finally with a sigh Angeal stepped forward to stand in front of Cloud and Zack, effectively stopping the staring and bringing all attention to him.
"I will vouch for the boy, he has already proven himself to be an ally while we were still in Wutai." He said simply, then raised a hand and continued seeing the Turk about to protest. "Yes the circumstances are questionable, however I believe the boy is who he says he is. Under my supervision I will have him tested to be absolutely sure, so there is no need for you to raise in arms against a cadet."
The Turk looked irritated at Angeal's words, but nodded anyway. With a quick order the infantrymen lowered their weapons and stood back with a crisp salute each before disbanding and leaving.
Cloud looked up at Angeal in shock, not having expected the tall first to do anything of the sort. A quick glance over to Zack told Cloud that the second class SODLIER was also surprised but not as much as Cloud, and very pleased. Once the infantrymen left, Cloud relaxed slightly but not fully. He would never fully relax near a Turk. Cloud watched Angeal as the tall man stood before him, and he suddenly wondered if this was why the Life Stream had placed him in Wutai; so that he could meet the two SOLDIERs and gain an advantage he never had last time. After all he hadn't met Zack until he was already an infantryman, meaning that at very least he was definitely still a cadet and therefore hadn't failed the SOLDIER exams yet.
"If that boy is not who he says he is, the blame is on your shoulders Hewley." The Turk said, dropping any formalities he had used before.
"Obviously." Came the dismissive reply.
With one final glare in Cloud's direction the Turk turned and swiftly walked away. Once he was out of sight Cloud released a breath he hadn't realised he had been holding. Angeal was now studying him again and Cloud found himself nervous under that gaze once more, this time finding no will to create a staring match as he had with the Turk, instead looking away.
"Uh... Thank you..." Cloud muttered softly.
"Just don't cause any trouble, ok?" Angeal said, looking at the small blond and his beaming student.
"I won't." Cloud promised, bringing his gaze back to Angeal for a moment. The last thing he needed at the moment was to draw more attention.
"Zack, come on; we need to report in soon and Cloud, I suggest you clean up and get some rest. I'll send Zack to get you in the morning, you will be excused from classes until we figure out what happened." Angeal said, warranting no argument. Cloud nodded and looked to Zack who was smiling at him triumphantly.
Cloud watched the two SOLDIERs depart as they headed to the main administration building for Shinra to report in, then headed towards the cadet barracks feeling a strange sense of Deja vu as he stood before the building. Cloud remembered the first time he had come here, how nervous and awe-struck he had been at the idea of finally making his dreams come true... Dreams that had later been shattered.
With a sigh Cloud moved inside, and was relieved to see the area mostly empty with only a few cadets sauntering around or doing catch-up assignments. Quickly ducking past them, Cloud made his way over to the board that displayed room placements and was glad to find he had one of the two-bed rooms to himself. He had almost made it to that room when yet another incident slowed him down.
"Cloud? Is that you?" The voice sounded just as Cloud reached towards the door handle. Turning, Cloud saw one of the other cadets, one that he thought he vaguely remembered. "It is you! What happened to you man? You suddenly disappeared the other day and no one could find you." The cadet had tousled brown hair that reminded Cloud of Denzel, but the bright obsidian eyes made sure the likeness ended there. Quickly sorting through scattered memories once more, he could vaguely recall a cadet with a similar appearance, but no details or name came forth.
"I...uh... It's hard to explain..." Cloud edged, not really wanting to talk to the boy. Absolutely nothing he remembered indicated that this boy had been a friend of any sort, instead all he remembered was the cadets avoiding him and he doubted any of them would have cared if he disappeared. So who was this boy?
"Cloud? You ok man?" The boy asked, breaking through Cloud's thoughts.
"Uh, yeah... Just tired..." Cloud replied, still wary of the boy that seemed so acquainted with him. Those black eyes seemed to watch Cloud in a strange way and Cloud was sure that even with everything that had happened he would have remembered such eyes.
"Well ok then, I'll let you rest... But you gotta tell me what happened later, 'k?" The boy smiled before promptly turning and walking off, his foot steps making no noise what-so-ever on the tiled floor.
Deciding that he would deal with it later, Cloud opened the door and entered a room he hadn't been in for years. The small room held two single beds with a small cabinet beside each, a lamp on top. Two large wardrobes stood at the back of the room, past the furthest bed, and a single window, directly above the furthest bed, illuminated the room in rich, golden afternoon light.
Moving to the bed below the window, and furthest from the door, Cloud placed First Sword against the wall and took the sheath off. Looking around the room once more Cloud decided that he would bypass a shower in hopes of avoiding more people. Moving over to the wardrobe, he found one contained several changes of clothes, including the small plain white tank-top and black shorts that would once more become his sleeping gear.
After getting changed, Cloud looked to the bed and realised just how tired he was despite not doing much other than travelling, so he decided to take Angeal's advise and rest.
Once he lay in bed and closed his eyes, sleep came quickly with the comfort of watching old memories of his time spent with Zack so long ago lulling him into relaxation.
XxXxX
Bringing his mind back to the present Cloud scanned the small room, even brighter now with the early morning light shining through the window to mix with the lamp light. He had cleaned First Sword to perfection, then re-assembled it, and was now holding the large sword in his lap.
With his heart rate back to normal after a few hours of keeping occupied, Cloud found his earlier fear almost comical. Why should be fear a nightmare after everything that had happened to him? Usually the effects of such a dream would fade quickly, but this one had taken longer... maybe it was just because he had been so worn out?
Standing up, Cloud once more rested First Sword against the wall and took the time to get changed.
It's odd, Cloud thought, to be wearing these again... Even though he had woken in Wutai wearing a cadet's uniform, actually putting one on seemed to make the situation all the more real.
No sooner had the thought passed his mind when a knock sounded at the door, accompanied by the ever energetic voice of a certain raven-haired 2nd class SOLDIER.
"Oi! Spikey, you awake?"
With a shake of his head and a small smile Cloud walked over to the door and opened it, letting Zack in.
"Well if I wasn't, I would be by now." Cloud remarked, smirking slightly at his companion. Zack grinned in return, glad to see Cloud settled and content.
"Oh man, these rooms are tiny!" Zack commented loudly as he looked at the small room. "I had almost forgotten what they were like."
Cloud raised an eyebrow at Zack's commentary, getting a shrug in answer.
"Well, anyways... Angeal want us to meet him in an hour, so that gives us some time to kill."
Cloud nodded, glad at yet another chance to spend time with the raven-haired man.
"What do you want to do then?" Cloud asked, not really wanting to stay in the cadet dorms.
"Dunno, but we can start by taking a walk." Zack answered, hands behind his head looking like he was leaning on thin air. Cloud nodded once more, then took a look at First Sword, wondering if it would be a good idea to carry the large weapon around Shinra, but he quickly discarded the idea; he didn't need any more questions.
Soon both men left the small room and headed for the bright morning sun outside. The entrance and common areas held more cadets than the previous afternoon, many of whom stared unabashedly at Cloud as he walked along with the 2nd class SOLDIER.
Cloud promptly ignored all the stares, but when he was almost to the door, a prickling sensation on the back of his neck caused him to turn his head, having learnt long ago to trust his instincts.
Brilliant sky blue eyes met deep obsidian eyes from across the room and Cloud could barely suppress the shudder that ran through his body from that gaze.
Who ever that boy was, he was trouble. There was a dangerous sense about him and there was definitely something over all off about him.
With a second shiver running down his spine Cloud turned and left the building behind Zack, more than aware of all the eyes still watching him. Once they were well away from the cadet building Cloud let himself relax once more, and tuned into the words that Zack had been saying for most of the walk, being oblivious to Cloud's situation.
"So where to first Spikey?" Zack asked, looking over to the blonde with an open smile. They would only have about 40 more minutes of time to hang before they would need to start heading Angeal's way, so it wasn't long enough to go into town, yet Zack wanted to show the blonde something cool. He just didn't know what.
Looking down at he smaller blonde and remembering the way he had moved while fighting, the raven-haired man smirked to himself then began dragging a surprised blonde towards the SOLDIER building.
"Where are we going?" Cloud asked as they moved, recognising the areas they passed and having an inkling of where Zack was taking him.
"I'm going to show you something that I think you'll like." Zack replied with yet another devilish smirk.
With a sigh Cloud followed along silently, and as he suspected they soon arrived at he entrance to the SOLDIER building. Cloud wondered if it was a good idea to come here given the number of issues that had originated from this building that would once more be roaming around. The biggest of those issues;
Sephiroth.
However, Zack would have none of it and all to soon Cloud found himself in an elevator heading up. Once the elevator stopped, Cloud watched the door open with bated breath, afraid of who could be behind the door, but to his relief the area was clear.
Stepping from the elevator the blonde looked around; there was two corridors branching down opposite ways. In the centre beyond some glass it was easy to see the ground floor several stories below.
"Wow..." Cloud breathed, looking down. He had never been to this floor, and was thoroughly impressed by the view.
"Pretty nice, eh? But wait till you see this." Zack said once again grabbing the blonde by the arm and pulling him down the corridor. Stopping in front of a room labelled 'TRAINING ROOM' he grinned down at Cloud who was looking rather confused.
"Just wait." Zack said, swiping his card on a near by scanner before heading into the now opened room.
Cloud followed behind, curious as to what the young SOLDIER wanted to show him, and why it would be in a training room. There was a series of confusing panels and and devices that Cloud had to clue how to operate nor what they were for. Cloud waited near the door while Zack went and pressed a series of buttons before turning back around and motioning to Cloud to follow him as he moved over to a second door.
Cloud's confusion and curiosity grew as they walked into a large room with thick metal walls. Zack walked over to a small table and grabbed what seemed to be two pairs of goggles then headed back over to the blonde, handing one over with a knowing grin.
"Here, just put those on."
Cloud did as he was asked, noticing straight away that the goggles were electronically encoded. A small display was visible through the screen, and a small status display began flashing on the top corner as a neural link was established.
Zack had also put his on and was now playing with his phone, working to confuse the blonde even more. Once he seemed to be done Cloud watched the raven-haired man place the phone in a pocket before looking at him with his signature grin.
Cloud was about to ask what exactly was suppose to be happening, but a blue shimmer to the air belayed the question. Looking around in wonder, Cloud watched the blue shimmer become blue cubes that slowly changed the room around them into a whole other scene. Soon Cloud found himself looking around the painfully familiar surroundings of the cliffs by Midgar.
"Virtual Reality..." Cloud muttered, realising what was happening.
"Yup, sure is." Zack replied, having heard the quiet words, "Neat isn't it? This is how we train and simulate possible situations we may have to face. It's also a good way to visit an area without leaving Midgar."
Cloud nodded along, wondering vaguely if any of the situations portrayed could prepare them for what Cloud knew was to come. He was impressed either way though.
"Whatcha think?" Zack asked watching the blonde look around impressed.
"It's great." Cloud replied, "They should use this in cadet training, normal drills are nothing compared to what could be practised in here."
"Yeah true, but the damage you receive in here seems quite real until the simulation is ended and the goggles are removed." Zack explained, "Besides, the higher-ups believe that it's better to teach the basics and worm out those that won't make it."
Cloud nodded in reply and once again looked around. It seemed strange that not so long ago he had stood here and looked down upon the ruins of the once great Midgar, technically named Edge after Meteor as a sign of change and a new beginning, trying to infiltrate and destroy the darkness that had corroded the area.
"Hey, you ok Buddy?" Cloud jumped slightly when a hand was placed on his shoulder, breaking him out of his thoughts and making him realise that he had zoned out while looking at the Midgar of the this time period.
"Yeah fine." Cloud replied, pushing the hollow feeling that had come over him aside and forcing a small smile onto his face.
"You sure, you look a little out of it." Zack pushed, a slight frown on his usually exuberant face.
"Yeah, I'm sure, I was just thinking. Sorry." Cloud replied.
"Well, ok then. We should probably head to meet Angeal soon." Zack said running a hand through his hair, "He's probably waiting for us."
"Sure." Cloud acknowledged, looking over Midgar once more before the whole scene began to dissolve in a blur of neon blue once more, leaving them to stand in the large training room again.
"Sorry we couldn't stay longer, but we only have about 10 minutes to get to Angeal. If you want we can come back another time and actually have a look at the training programs." Zack said, once more his usual carefree self.
"That would be nice." Cloud replied with a soft smile.
XxXxX
Cloud and Zack soon met Angeal in the front office of the information building, the tall first class looking relaxed as he stood by one of the side doors. Zack practically bounded over to his mentor, something that made Angeal smile. Cloud walked over a bit slower, also clearly amused by the raven-haired man's antics.
"Hey Angeal!" Zack greeted warmly.
"Hello Puppy." Angeal replied shaking his head slightly, a smile still on his face, then he turned towards Cloud, "Good morning Cloud, did you sleep well?"
A flash of memory from the previous night ran through the blond's mind, but he nodded anyway; there was no need to tell them of a simple nightmare.
"Good." Angeal said with a nod, "I'm afraid that I will need you to do several tests, it's simply to allay any worries that the Turks have of you being an infiltrator."
Cloud was slightly worried at this but he kept it well hidden as he followed Angeal and Zack up a flight of stairs to where he knew the hospital and lab sectors were located. If would be troublesome for him if they wanted a blood sample or DNA of any kind... They would most definitely notice something was off; his entire DNA make-up had been altered at the hands of Hojo.
The first test consisted of several questions about himself and his background that were monitored by a lie detecting machine, Cloud had kept his face completely unreadable during this even though he had been worried as he had also lost much of his former self after the experiments he had endured, therefore he was sure that the Life Stream had intervened during the test as he had passed without the slightest mishap.
The rests of the tests were simple and easily passed, and Cloud was relieved when Angeal told him that is was over and he hadn't had to do anything along the lines of a blood test.
"Good job Spikey!" Zack said afterwards, clapping a hand on his back.
"Yes, there is no doubt that you are who you say you are." Angeal said, a small smile once more displayed on his face.
"Thanks." Cloud replied as all three left the building and out into the bright afternoon sunshine.
"You up for a trip into town for a few drinks Cloud?" Zack asked, looking at the cadet.
Zack had been worried at first by the thought that Cloud may have been an infiltrator, but at the same time he was sure that there was no possibility of such a thing. He had felt as though the blond could be trusted from the moment he first lay eyes on the semi-conscious boy in the woods, it was a feeling akin to that of a dream memory, a feeling that he had once met and befriended the boy even though that was impossible.
"Uh... I think I'll pass, I need to get some training in." Cloud answered, scratching the back of his head in an almost cute way.
Angeal looked to the boy, impressed at his attitude towards training; most cadets would much rather lounge around than better their skills.
"Hmm... I know; the training room!" Zack spoke excitedly, his eyes lighting up with the idea. Angeal raised an eyebrow at the statement.
"Zack," He said warningly, "You know that you aren't permitted to take non-SOLDIER personnel in there."
Cloud watched on slightly worried, he didn't want Zack to get in trouble for him, but he was also hoping that he could use the training room. It would allow him to level up quickly and condition his body that much faster.
"Aww, common Angeal!" Zack whined, "You've seen him fight! He's gonna make SOLDIER easy, and it will be even better if he can actually train to a harder level now."
Cloud was almost amused as he watched Zack badger his mentor, voice begging and hands and body only exaggerating his words.
"Fine Puppy." Angeal finally relented, "But I will need to be present each time to be sure that nothing happens that could cause trouble later.
"Yes! Thanks Angeal!" Zack yelled, jumping up in a bundle of energy.
Cloud found himself being dragged by an energetic Zack as they headed over to the SOLDIER building with an amused Angeal once more following behind.
Soon enough they were once more in the training room. Angeal had gotten both of them training swords as Cloud had left First Sword in the cadet barracks and Angeal thought it would be best if Zack also used a training sword as well.
Cloud and Zack stood in the large room once more with the visualisation goggles on, while Angeal loaded a simulation he thought would be appropriate.
Cloud found himself looking forward to training, after the rough night last night it seemed like a great relief. Once the room began morphing into a new scene in a wave of blue, Cloud readied himself; holding the light weight sword at the ready and letting his mind slip into a relaxed calm state of nothing but action and reaction, with the only thoughts being those of the best way to tackle an enemy and avoid being hurt.
The situation they were faced with was a simple invasion simulation, the objective flashing in front of their eyes while a voice spoke in their ears.
'The building has been infiltrated by Wutaian forces. Objective; defend the area and repel enemy forces...'
Once the voice had faded Cloud and Zack advanced through the simulated halls, working in a natural unison as they dispatched each group they came across with practised ease.
Cloud was aware of the tiredness already sweeping through his limbs, but he ignored it as best he could. This was why he needed to train; he needed to be as strong as possible to try and change the future... To change the fate of those he was to weak to protect last time.
Looking over at Zack, Cloud felt his heart swell at the fact that he was now fighting along side the raven-haired man.
A while later the two found themselves faced with the boss; a Wutaian captain rank and several lower ranking Wutaian soldiers as well.
Cloud and Zack moved in perfect harmony, fighting styles complementing each other as they moved through the lower ranks first, meeting up at the boss. Cloud attacked down low on instinct while Zack went higher up at the same time.
The conjoined attack was all it took for the Wutaian captain to go flying backwards into a flurry of digital blue cubes as the scene dissipated with a message of 'Mission Accomplished' flashing across their eyes.
Cloud took off his goggles, his breathing was laboured and sweat coated his body, but over all he was happy with the amount of effort he had put into the training.
Zack had also removed his goggles, and while less affected by the training his breathing was also slightly harder than normal as he smiled at the blond cadet.
"That was awesome!" Zack said happily. "You sure know how to wield a sword Spikey." Cloud chuckled at the compliment, feeling content.
"Thanks, but I've got a way to go yet." He replied.
Both men were standing there grinning at each other when Angeal made his way in. He had watched the entire simulation on a screen in the other room and had been more than impressed at the way both his student and the cadet had moved in sync.
"That was a good run." He said approaching them, earning a grin from Zack and a modest nod from Cloud.
"Did you see the way we took that boss down?" Zack enthused.
"Yes I did, I was very impressed with the way both of you moved and adapted to each other's fighting styles." Angeal praised. Thinking on it now the First Class SOLDIER had to admit that Zack had been right; the training that was usually reserved for SOLDIERs had seemed to be just right for the blond, it had pushed him, yet was not overwhelming for him either.
Looking at his watch, Angeal sighed, Zack had a few tasks that he needed to get done soon and he was due to meet with Sephiroth and Genesis for their own training.
"Zack, you have your duties to attend to now and I have to meet with the other generals as well. Cloud, you should head back to the cadet barracks and rest after that round. You will need to begin attending class again tomorrow." Cloud nodded and handed the training sword to Angeal.
"Thanks." The blond muttered before turning to Zack and waving before heading out.
Zack waved back grinning and watched his newest friend leave.
"That boy has some skill." Angeal commented.
"Sure does." Zack agreed before sighing and heading out to go and deal with all the petty tasks he had been assigned.
XxXxX
The walk over to the cadet barracks was quiet and Cloud was able to completely get his breath back as the mako in his blood worked to re-energise him.
Soon enough he was once more walking through the doors to the cadet building. The area was crowded this time and many eyes turned towards him in blatant curiosity once more, some more hostile than others. As he walked passed the notice board a sheet of paper caught his attention and soon had Cloud both excited and worried as he read.
Notice to all cadets;
The SOLDIER exams are booked for after the holiday break that will be taking place in two months. The exams are important and we all strongly urge all cadets to spend the holiday period honing your skills and preparing as best as possible. During the break there will be no classes, however instructors will be around for those who will be staying on the compound.
-Exam instructor Higgins.
That gave Cloud a little over two months to prepare, it also gave him an approximate time as to where he was exactly. This would be his first change, he decided, he would pass the exams where last time he had failed. He just had to be ready...
On the other side of the room a young cadet with deep obsidian eyes watched his prey silently.
"There is no escape... You have powerful friends, but my master is much stronger..." The whispered words were spoken in an almost loving tone as the speaker grinned maliciously...
Thank you to all who reviewed, favourite, and story alerted from the first chapter. It was a better reception than I was expecting by far and I hope you all continue to enjoy it.
