"In a troubling turn of events, President Shinra was assassinated last night at the famed luxury hotel, the Palance del Monte. Further investigation revealed a critical vulnerability in the hotel security in the form of a dumbwaiter shaft left over from when the hotel was a bank. The dumbwaiter was previously used as a secure form of transferring documents from the offices above to the secured bank parking lot below. It was kept after the building was renovated.
Interviews with hotel staff revealed none knew of the existence of the shaft, which was plastered over during renovations, only to be exploited in the daring assassination yesterday. Those interviewed declined to be named.
Newly instated President Rufus Shinra, formerly Vice President, has promised swift retribution for the perpetrators and announced renewed efforts in Wutai, who are believed to have orchestrated the attack. Now for on-the-scene reporting from Correspondent..."
X. Deployment
"Hey, I heard about Rod. I don't know him, but I know you. He will be missed."
"Thanks."
A hand on her shoulder brought her out of her haze for only an instant. She gazed back into her cup and the milk swirling within the cold coffee. She saw her reflection and she let go of the cup. It shattered on the ground, coffee splashing on her feet. Someone cleaned up the mess. Gun didn't know who. She tuned them out. They let her be. Words were being said around her.
Gun didn't remember what was said.
Gun didn't snap from her haze until they sat on Rod's slouchy couch, going through his personal effects. Nothing could make it hurt less.
"This is fucked up, yo," Reno said for the sixth time in an hour, Rod's Electrorod in his hands. "Of all the things to leave me."
There wasn't a will. Turks had no such things as wills- left a paper trail. But Rod did leave instructions, blunt and short on a slip of paper. There also wasn't much to split. The apartment was rented. The savings were left to Rod's distant family, unnamed to his colleagues. There was nothing too personal in his apartment.
Gun knew.
Most of Rod's life was stowed in a duffle bag shoved under her bed. Things she kept, meaning to give back to him after their relationship ended for the umpteenth time. Gun didn't even know why she bothered.
There was no funeral. Not really. The body was neatly packed away, dressed, and buried. A letter to the family he had left. Probably accompanied by some bullshit excuse like a hiking accident or a car crash or something. Turks were either orphans or the children of the military. If a rare Turk didn't fall in that category, the families never knew what the general administration department actually meant. Less leverage that way.
"Hey," Reno nodded to her, voice uncharacteristically gentle, "We're going to the usual place. Up for it?" Gun looked at him blankly and then shook her head.
"No."
"Okay. Don't forget. We all need to be at the new President's inauguration." No response.
The small group of Turks around Gun shrugged at each other and left, the studio door closing behind them softly.
It was Zack's turn to train with Cloud while the Firsts were busy with their duties. Normally, Zack would be looking forward to hanging out with his friend. Today, his heart wasn't in it. It seemed neither was Cloud's. Instead, they both ended up nursing hot chocolate in the lounge on the Soldier floor. If Genesis or Angeal saw them, there would probably be reprimands for slacking off.
It was hard to focus. They both knew the Turks. Zack met enough to know they weren't bad people. Probably better morals than most of the science department, honestly. And with the president dead in the aftermath, the entire headquarters was in turmoil.
"Genesis thinks we are going to be deployed soon to Wutai," Cloud said into his cup. Zack signed.
"Yeah, buddy. No one would be surprised. If they're remobilizing the Army, Soldier is next."
"Genesis doesn't think they'll send enough," Cloud said. Zack frowned. "He thinks they're gonna keep more Soldiers in reserve for the new President."
"Well, I'll take that up with Angeal or Lazard. They can't us out for long. You'll see." Cloud took a sip instead of a response, gaze still down.
"Hey," Zack leaned sideways, his shoulder pauldron lightly hitting Cloud's cloth clad one in a friendly nudge. "A gil for your thoughts?"
"I'm worried." Zack smiled softly and reached up to ruffle Cloud hair. He had been doing that more often. Usually the blond put up at least token protest but this time he simply let Zack run his fingers through fluffed up hair, leaving it even more disheveled.
"Believe in Genesis. He's strong. He'll be back kickin' your ass in training in no time."
Cloud bit his lip.
"I…I think if Genesis goes, I'll go too." Zack's heart sank. He turned fully to Cloud, twisting in his seat and put both hands on Cloud's shoulders until the shorter boy looked at him. For a moment, Scott Lee's face looked back up at Zack. Zack squeezed his eyes shut and when he opened them again. It was Cloud again, brows wrinkled with concern.
"Cloud, you aren't enhanced," Zack shook his friend lightly, ever cognizant of his own strength, "You don't even meet the cutoff age. What are you gonna do there?"
Blue eyes and blond brows took on a stubborn look Zack knew anywhere. Downturned lips opened.
"I'll watch Gen's six." Zack sighed.
"And no one will watch your six, you stubborn ass. You aren't even in the army. Gods' sakes, you're still swimming in your lab coat."
Lab coats that still gave Zack pause. He had been steering clear of the science department as much as he can ever since his ill-fated mission.
"Zack," Cloud shook Zack's hands off with a huff, "I know how to fight. Pointy end pointed away from me, right?"
Zack laughed helplessly. Thankfully, Shinra started getting stringent about age limits when public opinions soured about how young the Soldiers were in the Wutai War. Cloud won't be on the list.
"Come on, Spike. Let's get some grub before the main event."
"Genesis."
Genesis sighed at being called but kept going, pretending not to hear.
The conversation he wanted to avoid.
A hand clad in leather laid on his shoulder lightly, stopping him in his tracks. Genesis knew that if he wanted to he could break the hold. The man attached to the hand would let him.
He didn't.
"To what do I owe the honor?" Genesis said as he turned around, meeting Sephiroth's green gaze. Genesis could only see the concern concealed under a cool demeanor.
"I heard from Lazard that you are volunteering." Genesis huffed.
"If I didn't, you or Angeal would be who they send. Angeal already did a rotation. Besides, he has enough to worry about. And you," Genesis shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "You've had enough glory from this war, don't you think? Why don't you want share with the rest of us?"
Sephiroth looked down, his hair sliding to cover his face in shadow.
"You don't need to do this. Tell Lazard you changed your mind."
"My friend, the fates are cruel. The arrow has left the bow of the goddess," Genesis smiled gently back. "You know as well as I do, Sephiroth. Some things are fated to be. War is coming. The arrow has fired. Now we need to figure out where the pieces fall." Genesis could hear leather crinkle as Sephiroth clenched both fists.
Genesis felt powerless. The only eager ones were the unblooded. Few experienced Soldiers were enthusiastic about being sent back. Even the rumors sent morale diving. But isn't ending the war swiftly saving more lives in the long run?
"Angeal says you've been seeing Hollander. Gene-"
"Oh hey you two," Zack waved. Cloud followed close behind. Genesis smirked at the two of them.
"I must be going too lightly on you if you have energy to be loitering the halls."
"Oh come on!" Zack protested. Zack looked around then asked, "Where's Angeal? He's normally with you."
Genesis and Sephiroth looked at each other, then Genesis answered, "Professor Hollander asked to see him. He should be done by now. We'll meet up at the assembly hall."
Zack frowned in concern over his mentor. "Is he alright?"
Genesis smirked. "Strong as a behemoth."
He knew Hollander called Angeal in for him. Something about the similarities between the Soldier formulas used on them both. Either way, he couldn't imagine much cause for concern. Instead, he turned to Cloud, who had been quietly following Zack down the hall.
"Had a good session with the puppy?" Cloud shrugged.
"Too much barking."
"Hey! Not you too!" Zack whined. Sephiroth and Genesis turned and led the other two toward the elevator. The general assembly hall didn't fit the entire Shinra staff, so only the officers and senior ranks had the dubious honor of attending the speech in person. Thus, at least one of the Firsts had to bring Cloud and Zack in with them.
Behind the Firsts, two spiky heads bent close to each other whispering. The black and blond almost mixed. Those two have become as thick as thieves, Genesis thought and shook his head. Of course. Fellow baby animals.
It was only steps from the hall, the corridor already filling with people getting in, that Genesis could pick up Zack whispering to Cloud loud enough to parse the words.
"Hey, what we talked about. Tell Genesis you can't go to Wutai."
Genesis's eyes widened. The sight of Sephiroth's head shooting back confirmed that he overheard, too. The other man opened his mouth to speak. Genesis was about to cut in too.
"Ah, there you are! General Sephiroth and Commander Rhapsodos!" Palmer cut in, gesturing toward the front. Zack finally looked up when he heard Palmer, and saluted at the Firsts, a little more sloppily than was regulation.
"We'll go find seats. See you after!"
Rod is dead.
The fuck was Rufus doing in the ops center, Reno thought as he tuned out Rufus's self-aggrandizing monologue from where he stood, slouched behind the stage. Veld knew better than to get him to sit pretty in front of an audience, so he got the security detail. Again.
An inauguration speech. The old man's body hadn't even turned cold yet when Rufus claimed the proverbial throne.
Any would-be assassin would think twice before stepping foot anywhere near the assembly hall, though. With the trinity of Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth himself in attendance and enough pointy objects carried by enough Soldiers in the hall to skin a man seven ways before he yells "Shinra." Reno knew it was going to be a snooze fest of a speech.
Shinra blah blah power blah money blah blah fear blah blah.
It left him plenty of time to think as he scanned the hall, eyes passing over familiar blond hair once or twice. Cloud looked like he was falling asleep standing up, and Gun...has had a rough few days. There were circles under her eyes where she stood with Cissnei, guarding one of the entrances.
Lots of platitudes were said. Rod was labeled a hero.
That doesn't change the fact that Rod was dead.
Everything over the past few months has been fishy, Rod had said. Preaching to the choir, man.
A sudden roar reverberated through the audience, amplified by the acoustic properties of the room. Reno realized that Rufus had just made some shocking announcement and he backtracked in his mind.
What. The. Fuck.
Reno's fingers itched for a cigarette.
"On the issue of Wutai, my old man has been soft. He thought money was enough, paid to pave their roads, and for mako development. He was too softhearted to put down the Wutai rebellion and they repaid his mercy by assassinating him in cold blood. I am not my father and it is time we take a firmer hand. We will teach Wutai that we have played nice long enough.
I announce a resumed campaign in Wutai. Commander Rhapsodos will lead the charge with our elite Soldier division and deliver a decisive victory. With Wutai, we will achieve energy independence for the West. I intend to finish the work my father started."
Reno winced. That was not even twisting of the truth- that was a blatant lie.
"Withdrawing Soldier from Wutai is a mistake. Now, I aim to take the fight back to their homeland rather than allow terrorism to fester here at the heart of Shinra," Rufus was talking over the crowd now, voice resolute and cold.
Reno canvassed the audience. The expressions ranged from the indifference of the science department to jubilation on Scarlet's face. The Soldier themselves were a mix. Some, recently back from Wutai had a look of dismay. Others, a mixture of apprehension and resignation. More still, anticipation.
Zack, whose wild hair made him stand out in the crowd had a look of concern. Once in a while, he shared a look with Angeal, and they both had their attention on Cloud.
Cloud. Fuck.
It took a surprisingly long time for Reno to track Cloud down after the inauguration speech. To Reno's shock, he found the blond talking with Director Tuesti, serious looks on their faces. Halting his stride, Reno could only pick up a few words over the cacophony of conversations that were happening all at once as people streamed out of the event room.
"...toy…keep working…"
"Take care…"
"...goodbye to Ruvie…"
When Reno walked closer, Director Tuesti looked up, prompting Cloud to turn to Reno as well. Director Tuesti shoulders were slumped and when he saw Reno, his eyes only seemed to be understanding. He nodded once toward Reno and put a hand on Cloud's shoulder, dipping his head down to say something else before joining the departing crowd. Reno took it as his queue to approach, words he didn't know already stuck in his throat.
"Reno."
"How do you know the director?" Cloud looked confused for a moment then his brows flattened when he realized.
"Ah, Reeve." Reeve? Then Reno shook his head. Not important right now.
"That announcement. About Genesis." Cloud's tongue darted out to moisten his lips before he replied.
"Look, I-"
"Say you won't go," Reno interrupted, arms crossed over his chest, face deadly serious. In front of him, Cloud was shaking his head vehemently.
"Reno," Cloud pleaded.
"I've seen the reports," he explained, "I've been in the meetings. The front is a meat grinder. Soldier might make it, but you aren't one. You haven't even gone through basic."
"I can fight," Cloud insisted stubbornly. Reno ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. Why won't he listen to reason?
"If you wanna see some combat, join the Turks," Reno almost begged, "There isn't an age limit. We can process the paperwork now. It's not the safest line of work but you can still study part-time and it's a damn sight safer than going to a fucking war."
Cloud sighed.
"Reno, I appreciate the offer, I really do," then the blond bit his lip and admitted, "But, I fudged my paperwork already." Reno frowned, brows furrowed. What the fuck?
"What do you mean you fudged it?"
"Dates were close so it was easy. I told them they got the date wrong and that my birthday was the eleventh. I'm fifteen now and ranked Specialist." Reno stood in silence, stunned, his friend continued to explain, "Please Reno. I know it's dangerous but I need to go. Please understand."
Reno felt as if all the wind left his sails. He looked down, and strands of hair fell to cover his eyes. He blinked when his eyes felt moist.
Quietly, he admitted, "I don't want to lose another friend." Cloud made a soft "Oh" sound and next Reno knew, he had soft blond spikes of hair in his face, almost sticking up his nose as he was enveloped in a hug. It was quick, Cloud a little skittish as if he didn't think Reno would want one. Blink and it was over. Reno wasn't going to let him get away with it.
"Come 'ere, you."
Cloud made a squeak of protest and that was it.
When Reno finally let go, he surreptitiously wiped at his eyes, clearing the eyelash that got in and cleared his throat.
"Thanks for understanding, Reno," Cloud smiled up at him, glasses knocked askew from the sudden hug, "I am worried about Genesis. Take care of the home front, ja?" Reno nodded.
"Take care of yourself, 'kay?"
"We got marching orders," Zalinka slammed down a stack of papers in front of his wayward assistant. Cloud looked up, a quizzical expression on his face.
"We have marching orders? Where in the world are you marching to?" he asked incredulously. Zalinka sniffed.
"Don't give me that cheek, young man. They want more materia. Bigger materia," Zalinka picked out a stapled report from the now scattered stack, "Scarlet convinced Rufus on the Huge Materia project. The entire science department is in a tizzy, fighting over themselves for funds." Cloud gave him a flat look, then shrugged his shoulders and returned to his computer.
"I don't see-"
"Of course not!" Zalinka exploded, then groaned and sank on his chair, across from Cloud, looking up at the drab ceiling of their office, "They are giving me more assistants. Me! I can't even manage my dog!"
"You don't have a dog," Cloud interjected dryly.
"Exactly! And I'm losing you," Zalinka spun to face Cloud. Then sighed. "My boy, this is madness. I thought it was a good thing when you got the job, but sending you to the front lines?"
"Sorry, professor," Cloud smiled and pushed his glasses higher onto the bridge of his nose, even as he reached for the pile of papers in front of Zalinka, eyes glancing down to scan the cover page, "This is something I have to do. I promise I'll come back."
Zalinka closed his eyes and signed again, more loudly. No point voicing his concerns anymore. Cloud decided. Then, he reached toward his neck and pulled out a key.
"I've been working on this little project for weeks," he admitted as he played with the key, then stuck it into the lock on his drawer. It turned and clicked. "I don't know what I was expecting when I mixed the two materia," he rummaged through the mess of paper, pens, and coins until his fingers closed around a box. He tossed the object at Cloud, who deftly caught it in mid air. The blond opened it, a look of astonishment coloring his features as he pressed a finger to an ordinary looking green orb.
"This is-"
"Yes," Zalinka confirmed, "Blended materia. I had to use a summon materia as the base to stabilize it."
Cloud stared at the orb curiously and Zalinka saw that it glowed a bit as Cloud channeled. Not enough to cast.
"Now, a few caveats," Zalink said gravely. "Perhaps it's the summon materia binder, but this thing will eat through your mana. I wouldn't be surprised if most people can only get off one cast, if even that. If it's you I think you can pull it off. Sadly, I haven't figured out how to make it any more energy efficient."
"Huh. What does it do?"
"Defensive spell of some kind. I tried merging a mastered Barrier materia with a few other bits and ended up with a new spell instead. I call it Shield. This is between us, eh? You'll have to come back-" here he choked a little, "and tell me your results yourself. Make sure to keep a good journal on your observations." Cloud's smile outshone a million suns.
"You said the fusion technique wasn't working." Zalinka laughed.
"It wasn't. Using the crystal matrix of a summon materia isn't exactly scalable," he explained. Cloud huffed and nodded. Zalinka watched the boy tuck the materia away.
"Well, since I'm leaving-"
"Don't remind me!"
"We should at least get this new project set up, ja?" Zalinka chuckled.
"Ja."
Zack wasn't expecting the sight that greeted him when he entered the VR room, days after Rufus's bombshell announcement (literally. The man had sanctioned bombing runs on Wutai at the same time he announced the remobilization.)
Sephiroth - the real deal and not a simulation - held the Masamune, tip down in his recognizable counter stance. His opponent was Cloud wielding a standard Soldier sword. The blond's stance mirrored Sephiroth's, sword pointed down in his own modified stance. It wasn't something Soldier taught and the army didn't cover swords, focusing instead of shooting. It must be something uniquely Cloud's. Perhaps even something Cloud invented watching the Firsts.
At some signal only they knew, the two flew at each other. Sephiroth struck first, Masamune swinging. Zack's own experience with Sephiroth in simulation told him that this amounted to a love tap for the man. Cloud blocked it just in time, then launched a counterattack as Masamune bounced off his sword, slashing within Sephiroth's guard. It was so fast, Zack barely saw the blond move.
Sephiroth, of course, didn't appear remotely pressured. He stepped out of the way, Masamune up in a guard position, not a hair out of place. Instead, Sephiroth was …calmly instructing?
General "kill this thing in one hit or else" Sephiroth?
Zack pinched himself to make sure this wasn't a dream.
"- won't always rely on others to attack," Sephiroth said, "It's important to figure out what weak spots the enemy has, and exploit them." Zack watched as Sephiroth purposefully left himself open and gestured to Cloud.
Cloud attacked on cue, but unlike what Zack expected, magic shot out. Judging by Sephiroth's surprised look, he hadn't expected it either. Faster than Zack could see, Masamune moved, and the low-powered spell dispelled harmlessly against magic-hardened steel. Sephiroth had a smirk on his face that was halfway to a smile.
"Good," he said. "However, don't rely on magic too much. Genesis has that bad habit but also has more magic reserves than anyone else. However, you run easily into the risk of running out of mana and overdrawing your materia. Don't forget that bullets are finite, but magic is too."
Cloud nodded and resumed a ready position but Sephiroth shook his head.
"We have company. The puppy needs some attention or he'll get lonely."
The simulation fell apart around them, and Cloud turned to see Zack at the window. His eyes lit up.
"Happy birthday, Zack," he greeted as the door slid open to the VR chamber. Zack's hand came up and ruffled Cloud's hair. Behind Cloud, Sephiroth also strode out at a calmer pace.
"I believe Angeal is preparing a meal for the birthday pup," Sephiroth said and gestured toward the elevator. Zack slung an arm around Cloud as they followed.
"Great swords work, man!"
"Cloud is quite talented," Sephiroth agreed. Zack grinned when Cloud's cheeks flushed at the praise.
"Be careful."
Genesis turned to regard Angeal with a wry expression on his face, hands busy sorting his gear. At his side was his dependable rapier. He packed his last shirt and hesitated in wrapping his favorite book in a soft cloth.
"Aren't I always?" Angeal snorted.
"You don't fool me," he retorted, "We grew up together. Who always had to cover for you when you stole dumbapples?"
"'My friend, the fates are cruel," Genesis quoted blithely. Angeal just shook his head in exasperation.
"I don't think that applies here," he said bemused, "Stop quoting it. I think I have the entire thing memorized just from you reciting it. Out of order." Genesis just huffed. Angeal was a ruffian with no appreciation for the arts. The man didn't appreciate the depth of what Genesis said most of the time.
"'There are no dreams, no honor remains'," he quoted pointedly, eyebrow raised at Angeal, "'The arrow has left-'"
Genesis felt Angeal clasp his large hands over his shoulders and willingly turned to face the taller man when he felt the gentle pressure Angeal applied. Angeal's eyes were deep stormy blue, ringed by lighter green mako.
"Hey," he murmured, leaning closer, "Stop hiding behind the poem." Genesis smiled softly and his head fell forward, letting Angeal's broad chest catch him.
"I'm worried," Genesis admitted, finally giving voice to the sinking feeling in his stomach. Shinra's war was not going well and they were heading into uncertain waters. Angeal's arms slung across his shoulders, turning a grip into a hug.
"We'll follow the moment we can," Angeal said. Genesis's laugh was muffled by the heavy knit of Angeal's uniform. The other half of Soldier had been petitioning to join the war when they found out where their comrades were sent. But Rufus wasn't authorizing it, too worried about consolidating power in Midgar.
"I know you will," Genesis said instead, "Take care of yourself."
They broke apart and straightened themselves out when a knock at the door interrupted them.
"Genesis, Angeal" Sephiroth nodded, and Genesis tamped down a flash of irritation. Sephiroth's normally impassive face drew into a frown of concern, a thick folder in hand.
"What's this?" Genesis flipped it open. The first page was folded and it opened to a detailed laminated map of Wutai routes.
"This is everything reliable we could pull together on Wutai," Sephiroth explained, "You can't rely on Shinra communications and we don't know how accurate the Shinra maps are anymore." Angeal was the one who spoke up next as he pointed to annotations on the map. Genesis recognized Angeal's neat handwriting.
"I tried to remember as much as possible from my tour there," Angeal explained, "And I had Sephiroth cross reference with the database."
Genesis could honestly say he felt touched. He opened his mouth but no words escaped. After a moment he closed it again and nodded. He felt rather than saw Angeal clap hard on his shoulder. Sephiroth only offered a smirk. Genesis's eyes swept his office one last time.
"Legend shall speak of sacrifice at world's end, the wind sails over the water's surface, quietly but surely," Genesis recited the last lines to himself, a sense of foreboding settling over him like a cloak.
Cloud was adjusting the straps of his duffle bag when Gun walked into the emptied dorm room. She looked around curiously, never having been in one. Had the walls always looked this empty and impersonal? Or had there been posters, since taken down and stored away while its owner is gone?
She leaned against the wall, watching Cloud check his room for any forgotten knickknacks.
She could tell that Zack had been by too. The bracers now strapped to Cloud's shoulders were weathered and obviously belonged to a Soldier once.
"So, going huh?" Cloud hefted the padded strap onto his right shoulder. Broader than when Gun first met him.
Cloud nodded.
"Have you told Elena?" At this, Cloud gave Gun a confused look. Gun sighed. "About you leaving. For Wutai." Cloud shook his head.
"Haven't seen her recently. Not after classes let out for the semester." Gun's lips quirked up in amusement.
"You don't know, do you?" Silence was the reply. "Let her down gently." Cloud nearly tripped over his own feet. Gun finally grinned. Finally flustered after acting so calm and composed about going off to war.
"What?!"
"It's typical Elena." Not that I am one to cast any stones...with how that worked out with …us. Cloud sighed, running a hand over his face.
"We ship out in an hour. Tell her I said goodbye?" Gun nodded. She wasn't her sister's keeper, and Cloud grew to be like a little brother.
"I'll walk you there."
Gun paused to wait as Cloud locked the door behind him, then slid the key off his keyring and sealed it in an already labeled envelope that he dropped into the slit of a box at the entrance.
"Have your affairs in order?" Gun was always one for practicality, and she wasn't going to sugarcoat the truth here.
Cloud grunted. "Yeah."
Gun bit her lip, "Listen-"
"Cloud!" Elena panted as she raced toward the duo from where she had been waiting, by the trucks, "I um..." She paused, then puffed up as if getting the courage. She grabbed Cloud's shoulders forcefully and laid a loud smack right on Cloud's cheek. Then, red as a tomato, she ran away.
"-Well," Gun grinned in amusement. She will have to track her sister down and never let Elena hear the end of it, "I guess she did have it in her." Cloud's face had turned red, then white as he looked warily at Gun. Gun shook her head. "Don't look at me, I did warn you."
Cloud scrubbed the back of his neck and sighed.
"It's not like that. I…" Gun crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"Yeah, I figured. But she's not going to want to hear it from me," Gun reached for her ankle and unclasped the weapon there, "Here. Insurance. So you can turn Elena down when you come back." She narrowed her eyes when she tipped the handgun into Cloud's hands. "Gently. You break her, and I'll break you." She cracked her knuckles for effect.
Cloud gulped and nodded, satisfactorily cowed. Before he could move again, Gun grabbed him and hugged him tight. She was losing too many people she grew to care about. Cloud relaxed in her grip and only hugged her back. When did he become taller than her, Gun wondered and rested her forehead against his collarbone. Gun gripped Cloud tighter.
They broke apart and Cloud smiled grimly at her before stooping down to strap and conceal the gun under his pant leg. Then, he picked up the bag where it fell when Elena grabbed him and saluted goodbye before departing to find his unit.
Kunsel looked up from his cell phone just as the last group disembarked the truck. All caught up on fan club gossip, and every other bit of intel. Their next leg will be by boat out of Junon and he then will be out of the loop for a while.
His attention was drawn to the last figure who stumbled off. He had his hand against the frame of the truck and was heaving.
"Motion sickness, huh?" Kunsel asked with a hint of sympathy as he walked up to the blond. That shock of blond hair he knew anywhere. Cloud grunted and looked up as he wiped his mouth.
"Not so bad if I were up front." Kunsel chuckled.
"We're gonna have bigger problems soon." he said, "You sure you're gonna be alright on the boat?"
"If I'm out on deck." Kunsel reached across and clasped a hand on Cloud's shoulder, frog-marching the trooper into the barracks.
Cloud took over when they were inside, steering with quiet efficiency to a nondescript door which Cloud paused to unlock. He dropped his duffle bag unceremoniously on the remaining vacant bottom bunk. The eight-man room was empty, though signs of activity were present in the partially unpacked things littering the room.
"Mess?" Kunsel cocked a thumb down the hall. Cloud grimaced, then shrugged.
"Hey, should you be disrespecting your senior officer?" Kunsel teased. Cloud paused mid-step out the door and cocked an eyebrow.
"Not really hungry, sir." Kunsel just burst out laughing. For some reason, being addressed as "sir" by this kid was just awkward.
"Yeah, just call me Kunsel. Everyone does." He ruffled the blond hair like how he saw Zack frequently do it. It was surprisingly soft. Huh. "Zack told me it's your birthday today. At least come for dessert." Kunsel coaxed. Cloud gave in and followed Kunsel with a small smile. The two walked out of the barracks and across the airstrip toward the mess, both lifting their heads to stare at the giant cannon barrel that jutted from the cliffside.
What use is a mako cannon that doesn't fire? Kunsel thought bitterly. The Wutaians sabotaged it early in the war, but even after it was repaired, the weapon stayed silent. There was simply too much mako needed.
In the end, the lives of men sent off to war were still cheaper.
This is the first chapter of the second arc- hope you enjoy!