Heh, I hope everyone has enjoyed the story so far :) And I apologise for not replying to reviews very much lately, but my current internet access is mostly limited to my mobile phone so I can check the reviews, just not respond to them. By the end of the month I will be able to continue replying normally again. :)
Well, on with the exams!
After leaving Zack, Cloud quickly made his way to the meeting point at the far edge of the field where the rest of the cadets were mostly already assembled. Cloud was among the last few to arrive, and only minutes after taking a place in the group of cadets the lead instructor stepped forward to address them all.
"Welcome to the beginning of the exams." The instructor said, his voice deep and carrying. "This will be a gruelling day and many of you will not make the final test. However, it is what you all have trained for since you began your Shinra experience some months ago. From here on out, you are no longer cadets." There was a large pause as the instructor cast his eyes over the group before him, letting his words sink in.
"The first test in the exams will be a test of your endurance. Indeed this aspect will be ultimately tested throughout the entire day, so this is but a warm up. You will follow Third Class Kunsel," Here a man stepped forward next to the instructor, he was dressed in the usual SOLDIER uniform, including a helmet that worked to conceal his facial features, "in a ten mile run out and around the Shinra compound. You are expected to be able to maintain whatever pace is set for you. Those of you who succeed will meet me straight afterwards for the next stage of the exams."
With that the lead instructor stepped back, silently giving control to the Third Class that stood before them. Cloud was sure that Zack had mentioned Kunsel before, but he quickly pushed the thought aside as the group began following after Kunsel at a steady beginning pace.
All around Cloud, the cadets gave off different feelings as they began, many looked nervous or even slightly afraid as they kept their eyes solely on the Third Class SOLDIER before them, others looked doubtful of their own ability to make it, and a small few looked arrogant and cocky that they could last through the day and prove themselves better than any other. Cloud simply kept an emotionless face and kept his place near the front of the group, he could have run ten miles even before Hojo's experiments; an advantage of coming from a mountain community.
Kunsel made a point of changing the pace often, something that challenged many of the runners as they found themselves constantly having to speed up and then slow down. Sure enough by the seven mile mark, many of the would be SOLDIERs had fallen back, or were only just maintaining an acceptable pace, leaving only a small group of about fifty or so. By this time, Cloud found himself running at the very front, and had to remind himself to show at least some weariness as he moved; so he occasionally allowed himself to slow down and let another take front for a while before seeming to gain energy back and moving up again.
Soon enough the group had run the full ten miles and ended up back at the meeting point where the instructors awaited. The group number had fallen from fifty to around thirty, something that Cloud knew had to do with the constant change in pace; it was something that wasn't taught in training for this very reason; many people could boast being able to run miles without stopping at a constant pace, but few could actually muster the strength to run at intervals of different speeds without rest. Cloud had first hand experience that many missions would require that kind of endurance.
Cloud remained standing while most of the cadets fell to the ground in an attempt to get their breath back, he just made a small show of deep breathing for a while as he knew that there were eyes on the whole group and himself.
"Wow, that was a good run." Cloud turned to see Kunsel standing just a little ways away smiling at him. "I was watching at times, and I saw you at the front for a lot of it." The man praised.
"I come from a mountain area..." Cloud said with a small shrug, not willing to accept the praise.
"Still, good job. You're Zack's friend right? Uh, Cloud?" Kunsel asked as he came to stand next to Cloud. The blond nodded, but otherwise didn't say anything.
"He did say you were good. Well, good luck with the rest of the exams." Kunsel said with a small wave before heading off to whatever task he was assigned next.
Barely minutes later the lead instructor made his way over to the group.
"That was an excellent run from all of you." He said, his eyes travelling mainly over those who had stayed near the front. "But the day is far from over. Those who did not pass will remain here to be assessed from other positions. The thirty eight of you will follow me to your weapons assessment." With that the instructor turned sharply and began moving. There were a few groans as people stood from their sitting positions, but for the most part the exam takers were eager to continue.
Cloud followed the group to the far corner of the field where a large weapons assessment had been set up with sparring areas interspersed every ten meters or so to allow multiple assessments to take place at once. There was already several other instructors there, each one standing by a station ready to watch over the tests.
Without being told, the group of exam takers made their way to the weapons tables and lined up in two long rows of nineteen per row without touching any of the weapons. The lead instructor walked along the line, his gaze meeting each pair of eyes as he passed.
"Now the real test begins." He stated, "Skill. It will be the skills displayed here that will tell us just how far you will go within Shinra; how great you will become. These weapons," he gestured at the tables behind him, "will become your life. They will become who you are. From this point on, there will be no going back."
As soon as the lead instructor moved aside, a second man stepped up. This man began calling each would be SOLDIER up in alphabetical order of last names to collect their weapon of choice and move to their assigned area.
Cloud spent his time waiting by watching those that went before him. It was easy for him to pick those that the instructors would likely watch, and it was easy to pick those that had a lowered chance of passing. From this test onwards the results of each persons efforts would be totalled, meaning that the running had been a quick and efficient way to thin the numbers before the real test began.
"Strife, Cloud!"
Upon hearing his name, Cloud moved up wordlessly and picked the closest blade to a broad sword that Shinra was willing to offer the cadets. Unlike in training, these swords were not blunt or dulled, and while they were not to his personal preference of upkeep they were still deadly. Already more than one exam taker had been carted to the infirmary from injuries. The blade that Cloud held was no where near as long nor wide as First Sword, but the principle was the same in the wider than normal blade, and two handed grip that could also be wielded one handed when the wielder knew how.
Making his way over to his assigned sparring area, Cloud took up his stance without word to the instructor before him. The man was not one Cloud had seen around, but he also knew that it was common for Shinra to employ outside instructors for exams to prevent bias.
Cloud allowed the instructor to make the first move, and in the single downwards slash he read the intent to not hold back from the instructor. Perhaps even an intent to kill if the student was unwilling to meet his standards.
Cloud blocked the attack easily, and with a quick turn of his blade, brought his own blade around to rest just shy of the instructors neck. The man, who had clearly underestimated him and not expected such a move flinched sharply and began spluttering with disbelief.
Cloud merely waited for a few more seconds before lowering his sword and disengaging. The instructor to his left, who had watched the extremely short bout was nodding to himself as he wrote his observations down.
Without further preamble, Cloud turned and placed the sword back on the training table before making his way to stand near the group of finished cadets, many of whom were watching him with wide eyes.
The last few eventually finished their assessments and the group was soon on its way towards one of the large buildings that bordered the training field. Once there each person took an assigned seat, where they were promptly handed a thick booklet and the necessary writing equipment. The lead instructor wasted no time in telling them that they had two hours to complete, to the best of each persons abilities, the strategical manoeuvres booklet that they had been given.
With a soft sigh Cloud opened his booklet with the rest of the cadets in the room and began work on the problems that were set before him...
Outside the building Zack stood waiting against the wall, wishing he could go in to watch Cloud. It wasn't that he doubted the blond at all but after what Cloud had said earlier, the raven-haired man was anxious to be filled in, and although he wouldn't verbally admit it he also just wished that he could stay close to him.
"Zackary." Zack looked up at the monotone voice to see none other than Sephiroth approaching him. For a moment, Zack panicked but he soon reminded himself that the person before him was just Seph, the famous General that he loved to annoy most days.
"Hey Seph!" Zack greeted cheerily after he was completely calm. "What brings you all the way out here?"
Sephiroth frowned at the callous lack of respect, but decided to not act on it today. Angeal's pup had always been like this after all.
"Angeal asked me to find you, he reported that you have not completed your tasks for the day." Sephiroth answered sternly. If not for the fact that Angeal had taken his responsibilities regarding the exams Sephiroth would have never agreed to find the over-active pup.
"Yeah... About that..." Zack said bashfully, rubbing the back of his head and not looking at the stern man before him.
"You are to report to your duties immediately Zackary." Sephiroth stated coldly.
"Aww! Common, Seph! I need to be here... I gotta wait for a friend." Zack whined, cupping his hands in front of him in an attempt to appeal to any empathy that Sephiroth may have deep down.
"Not acceptable." Was the harsh answer.
Ok, whatever empathy is deep, deep down...
"Please Seph!" Zack pleaded, putting on his biggest puppy dog eyes.
"Zackary." Sephiroth said warningly, completely unaffected by Zack's pout. With a dejected huff Zack gave up and began trudging his way past the silver haired man muttering something along the lines of 'party-pooper'.
Sephiroth only raised an eyebrow at the boys antics and followed silently, his own mind occupied by puzzling thoughts of crystalline blue eyes...
Cloud finished the booklet with nearly 45 minutes to spare, the book had asked for him to detail a range of different infiltration tactics in different situations, and that included troop placement and supply management. Cloud kept to book strategies for this test, not wanting to really let on just how much he knew of real life strategical movements.
For the remainder of his time Cloud acted as though he was going over answers and double checking everything multiple times. When the instructor finally called for time up, Cloud was quite happy to close the assessment book ans hand it over to the instructor than came around to collect the booklets. Around the room there were several cadets who looked as though they wished to break down and cry, while some seemed to be content with their work. The remainder just sat in their seats with uncertainty written over their faces.
They were soon lead back out onto the field and instructed to do several round of sit-ups and push ups, with 100 reps each rounds. From then on the day became one large test of strength, endurance and skill, with tests ranging from pure skill, strength or endurance like specific weapons testing, or a mix of the three in situations like obstacle courses.
By the time the exams finished just before sunset, the group of thirty eight had shrunk to just under twenty due to cadets dropping out, collapsing or needing medical attention. Of those that were left, Cloud knew that maybe ten would actually pass the exams and be admitted into SOLDIER, and that was if Shinra was being very generous.
By just after dark, every cadet was once again in the hall regardless of if they passed or failed in the early tests of the day. Once again the speaker who had led the meeting in the early hours of the day was on stage with the lead instructor and a few of the more involved instructors.
By now it was likely that they had all the finished results from the days toils. The opening speaker made a big speech about how each person had done the best they could, but that it was now the time of a select few to shine within the boundaries of Shinra Electric Power Company. Soon the lead instructor stepped forward once again.
"Congratulations!" He called through the hall, "We have watched your progress throughout the day and we are pleased to say that this years exams have proved to be one of the most impressive in years. Tonight, none of you will sleep in the cadet dorms, for each of you have progressed to the next stage in both your lives and careers. However, there were a select few that stood out among the rest, and they are the ones that have passed the exams today... The following people have passed the SOLDIER exams..." From there the instructor made a large show of calling those who had made it past the exams. Cloud was the last to be called, indicating that he had scored the highest, and he was soon among seven others that had passed. "It is these few that will become the future of Shinra. Within the next week, these men will begin undergoing mako treatments with our head scientist and his team, from there they will begin training to be the best of the best." After that the small group was lead from the room amidst thundering applause from all present.
To Cloud, who had once dreamed of being where he was currently standing, he could only look onto the future with uncertainty as the main milestone he had been aiming for was finally put behind him.
XxXxX
Not even an hour later Cloud found himself standing in the foyer of the SOLDIER building as the complex floor plan was explained to the small group. He already knew about it after spending so much time with Zack, who had decided to explain it all during one of their many trips to the VR room.
After the lobby, there were several floors designated to to the science and medical wards that dealt directly with the SOLDIER program. The next couple of floors were full of offices for the lower ranking members that aided in Shinra's running. The next floor was the SOLDIER floor, the one that held the VR room, briefing room, training room and a few areas for the SOLDIERs to rest. The next four or so floors were comprised of offices for high ranking members, with the offices of the First Class' being located there along side the President's office itself.
After that the rooms for SOLDIERs began, with two floors being assigned to the Third Classes, who had their own apartment-style rooms, as they were the biggest group. The next two floors were for the smaller group of Second Class SOLDIERs, their rooms held a bit more than than the lower floors, but over all they were the same. Finally the First Class floor took up the top floor of the structure, this was a single floor that could not be accessed without the correct identification. The rooms there were spacious and full of luxury, something that came with being the 'best of the best'.
Cloud and the others were told that while they had not yet begun their mako treatments, they would still be relocated to the Third Class floor to allow for an 'adjustment period'. Within this period they were expected to learn as much as they could and completely familiarise themselves with their surroundings.
"All your belonging have already been moved up to your rooms. You are to retire to there for now and wait for further instructions." Was their final instruction before their guide promptly turned and left, heading off to whatever he needed to do next.
The small group was left alone, and most of them crowded closer as they inspected the large foyer before them. Cloud only waited for another moment or so before moving towards the elevator; he wasn't over interested in listening to the gushing and excitement of the teens who thought they were going to join the Planet's best company... If only they knew.
Besides that, Cloud wanted to grab First Sword from where he had left it in Zack's room, he hadn't wanted it to be handled by anyone but himself, especially the sneaky Shinra members who would most likely report his sword 'missing' if they had been the ones to move it to his new room.
Stepping into the elevator without preamble, Cloud soon found himself surrounded by the other new SOLDIERs who had followed him the moment he took a step. Cloud sighed inwardly as he resigned himself to listening to excited chattering during the long ride up to the rooms.
Eventually they made it and when the doors opened to admit them onto their floor, Cloud had to almost literally kick them out of the elevator in order to get out himself as they all just looked around in awe. Making his way past the group, Cloud took a look at a board listing the room occupants across the hall. He was pleased to find himself across the hall from Zack, something that was either the result of Zack or Angeal, or just plain good luck.
Leaving the group behind him, Cloud made his way down the familiar hallways towards what was now his room. Walking in he found it to be the exact same as Zack's, just flipped around. He quickly located his small pile of belongings near the small two seater lounge, and moved to put them away.
A short while later a soft knock on the door interrupted Cloud's exploring of the small apartment-like room. Walking over to the door he opened it to see Angeal standing out there with a soft smile on his face.
"Well done today." Angeal congratulated as Cloud moved aside and allowed the tall First to enter.
"It hardly counts." Cloud said with a shrug, closing the door behind Angeal.
"Whether you believe it counts or not, it is quite an achievement. It is something that many people dream of passing." Angeal responded with a soft chuckle.
"I know..." Cloud muttered, moving to the small kitchenette in attempt to find something to drink. Angeal frowned at the sullen response and followed the blond.
"What do you mean 'you know'?" Angeal questioned lightly, moving to sit in one of the chairs. There was a moment of silence, and the tall First wondered for a moment if he was even going to get an answer as he watched Cloud standing by the kitchen counter.
"I was once one of those people." Cloud eventually answered softly, "I once looked at the SOLDIERs, at men like Sephiroth, and wanted to be like them. Hell, I wanted to be them..."
"What happened?" Angeal asked, wondering if maybe the blond would allow him a glimpse into his past.
"I failed of course." Came the reply, Cloud had no trouble saying this now after coming to terms with it years ago, "I was deemed mentally unfit to undergo the mako treatments. From there I fell into the Infantry."
"Mentally unfit? That doesn't happen very often." Angeal commented.
"Apparently my unstable metal state showed enough for the instructors to request a mental examination. I had no idea what was happening during the evaluation, just that I needed to answer each question that I was asked... Apparently my answers weren't what they were looking for." With that Cloud shrugged and moved to the fridge, offering Angeal a bottle of water as that was all he had.
"You know, you should get your uniform soon." Angeal stated after a moment of comfortable silence.
"Today?" Cloud asked, although in his mind he was thinking that if he had his way, he wouldn't be staying in the uniform for very long.
"Yeah." Angeal said with a nod, "You will need it for tonight." There was a slight twinkle in Angeal's eye that made Cloud wonder if he should even ask what was happening later.
"And why would that be?" He asked anyway. He knew he had been right when Angeal smirked slyly.
"Oh just an initiation party of sorts for the new members of SOLDIER." The tall First responded casually. "It happens every time an exam is held."
Cloud fought the urge to groan.
"How big will this party be exactly?" He questioned, hoping it would be just a few people.
"Not many, just the newest SOLDIERs..." Angeal said, his smirk turning into a full blown grin, "And every SOLDIER that is not on missions, along with the president and other important figure-heads of the company."
This time Cloud did groan as he glared at the now laughing Angeal.
"Any one else?" Cloud ground out.
"Uh, just some important delegates from out of town?" Angeal said, his laughter only increasing at the blond's growing irritation.
Cloud really wanted to bang his head against a wall...
As if sounding on some silent cue there was a second knock at the door, forcing Cloud to get up with a visible show of effort and move to the door. Opening it he found one of the many servicemen standing there holding a small bundle of cleverly folded clothes with a sealed envelope on the top.
Cloud wondered it he would get in much trouble if he were to slam the door in the serviceman's face?
Taking the bundle with a soft, carefully restrained 'Thank you', Cloud quickly retreated back into his room wondering if this evening would get any worse. Opening the envelope, Cloud found a letter that told him exactly what Angeal had already informed him.
Just as he put the clothing and letter on the table, his door burst open to reveal a grinning Zack who had just finished all his chores.
"Spike! You have to be my date tonight!" The raven-haired man yelled, rushing forward to give the blond a bone crushing hug while Angeal laughed in the kitchen.
As Cloud was swung around in a manner reminiscent to that of a rag doll, he figured that this evening couldn't be all that bad, because right now he was with two people that he could trust his life with, and they were both laughing and smiling...
Well, that concludes the exam chapter! I hope it was ok, and met everyone's standards for the exam part? :)
