Prologue: A new world? The journey starts.
Hello everyone. This has been a new story that I've had some time to think of. I don't own anything.
A young teen was walking his way to a school. He had spiky blonde hair with a prominent spike near his forehead. The teen had a slight muscular built, showing muscle development. His eyes were a sapphire color with a hint of green in the middle, making others believe he had heterochromia. He was wearing a standard uniform consisting of a black blazer, white school shirt with a navy blue tie, navy blue pants and black shoes.
'Another day, another reason to not ignore the occurrence. Days like this often make me uneasy, especially when it comes to bullies.' The young boy thought.
He soon sighed in response. Near him, a young boy soon came by. He had black hair, brown eyes and a slim figure. His face held a calm expression.
"Good morning, Cloud-san." The boy spoke.
"Good morning, Hajime-san." Cloud replied.
Cloud and Hajime were best friends. Both felt out of place in society for various reasons. Cloud was more of a foreigner due to his appearance and name. Hajime was an anime otaku, often staying up late watching anime, reading manga, or playing games.
"You've been watching anime again, Hajime-san?" Cloud questioned.
"How can you tell?" Hajime asked in surprise.
"You look sleepy, judging by those dark circles under your eyes." Cloud noted.
Hajime looked sheepish, while Cloud sympathized with his friend.
"I'm quite jealous that not only you hold the name of a video game character, but also look like him." Hajime said.
Cloud chuckled in response. He did find it amusing that his name was based on a video game series. However, he decided to go with it, not complaining about it.
"It's not everyday this happens, Hajime-san. The fact I practice kendo with usage of western swords is something coincidental." He admitted.
"Even so, it feels like my life is complete to meet a person whom acts almost like a video game character." Hajime commented.
Cloud laughed in response, knowing Hajime's otaku personality. He found the young boy's presence welcoming.
"Either way, let's head to class. I'll keep an eye out for you." Cloud said.
The boys were on their way to the classroom with the label '2A' shown. Before Hajime could open the door, Cloud quickly dragged him back, narrowly avoiding a pale filled with water. This got Cloud angry in response.
"Ha ha… Laugh it up. There is nothing funny about this kind of prank when you're a victim from it." Cloud spoke with disdain, cracking his knuckles.
His steps were loud due to his feet stomping on the floor. The classmates were now spooked due to the anger he was emitting.
"Now… Tell me this. Who orchestrated this prank? Better start pointing to the person responsible." Cloud commanded.
Everyone pointed to a brown haired boy that was cowering from Cloud's visage. His eyes were a brown color that did not hid his cowardice. His hair was short and fell flat on his head.
"Daisuke Hiyama… So you think that prank you made was just for laughs? I got one thing to say…" Cloud spoke with venom.
He soon slammed Hiyama's face on his desk. The sound echoed in the room, causing everyone to jump.
"I dislike bullies a great deal. Repeat those actions and I might put you in a hospital. Pathetic excuse for a person." Cloud snarled.
Soon, three boys tried to interfere with Cloud's assault, only to recoil in seeing his angered expression. The three boys were friends of Daisuke. The first was a thin built male with slit eyes and light brown hair. The second was a young man with an overweight appearance with short spiky hair. The third was a young man with dark brown spiky hair, brown eyes and freckles. All three of them stood paralyzed, knowing they provoked the wrong person to fight with.
"Yoshiki Saitou, Shinji Nakano, and Reichi Kondou… I would do some thinking of your doubts before you plan your next move. I may not have a shinrai with me, but it won't provide you an advantage." Cloud warned to the boys.
All three stood with fear, not wanting to provoke him. Hajime felt safe due to Cloud's rage induced attack on the boys.
'Those four boys have always been bullying me before Cloud showed up. I want to find some way to repay Cloud for helping me stand up to them.' Hajime thought.
(Play Final Fantasy VII Remake OST - Main theme)
Cloud and Hajime soon sat near each other, talking about everyday life and plans for the upcoming future. Their discussion soon stopped when two girls came up to the boys. The first one is a beautiful young woman with waist-length black hair that is tied back in a half ponytail by a dark-colored bow with big bangs hanging on the right side while there are small bangs hanging on the left side and brown eyes. The second one is a young woman who has dark brown hair, occasionally appearing black, which typically falls below her waist and is tied at the tips to form a dolphin-tail split. Her eyes appeared red in the light. She has an athletic build, with a slender but toned physique, and visible abdominals.
"Nagumo-kun, you're talking with Strife-san about life?" The first girl asked.
'Kaori Shirasaki, an old acquaintance of Hajime since middle school. Anyone could tell she has a crush on him. Though one could also point out she can be a bit air-headed. She hasn't noticed the numerous male classmates whom have a crush on her.' Cloud thought, seeing the first girl.
Both boys looked away in a shy manner. Cloud's face looked as though he was in emotional pain. He hid his distress, not wanting to worry any near him.
"Ignoring me again, Cloud? You don't have to be this way." The second girl spoke.
Hajime soon noted the second girl in question.
'Tifa Lockheart. She's also another person whom moved to Japan years ago. From what I can see, both her and Cloud knew each other for years. Yet, he always looks away with a somber feeling. I wonder why…' Hajime thought.
Tifa pouted, soon getting in front of Cloud's sight. The young man attempted to look away, only for her to hold his face, forcing him to look at her.
"You don't have to be like this, Cloud. Why not talk with me for a moment?" Tifa asked.
"It's…a private matter. I can't discuss about it openly." Cloud spoke.
Kaori, Hajime and Tifa heard his tone being somber sounding. All three felt concerned for him as his face had a frown marred on it. Despite looking intimidating, it wasn't a smolder. It looked akin to seeing a pained expression on his face.
"Why not talk with me after lunch with Kaori, Hajime and I? I'm sure we can understand what is wrong." Tifa persisted.
"I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk about it." Cloud responded.
Hajime sympathized Cloud, knowing he was feeling depressed.
'Poor guy… I don't even know what it is that's making him like this. I wish there's a way to at least help him out.' He thought.
Soon, a male classmate came into view, much to the two girls' chagrin. He was a young man with good looks, athletics, smarts, and a good personality. He has silky brown hair and gentle eyes. His body is toned and slender at about 180 centimeters.
"Good morning everyone." The boy said.
Hajime looked at the boy in questions
'Kouki Amanogawa. He's essentially the 'ikemen' of our class. It's also worth noting he has a leadership quality, despite not being elected as class representative.' Hajime thought.
Kouki soon approached Kaori and Tifa. He noticed Cloud and Hajime near them. Their faces showed their reluctance to chat with the respective girls.
"Are you two okay? The feeling looks glum." Kouki asked with concern.
"It's always like that with Nagumo-kun and Strife-kun. I can sympathize for both of them." Kaori said.
"Okay then. If you guys needed something to talk about, I'm willing to lend an ear." Kouki said.
Soon, a petite woman came in the classroom. She had a child-like figure with green eyes.
"Everyone, class is about to start." The woman said.
Cloud noticed the woman announcing. It helped to distract his thoughts due to Tifa's presence inciting a feeling of guilt.
'Aiko Hatayama. She's the social studies teacher of this school. From what I heard among the student body, she's a beloved person with a strong moral sense.' Cloud thought.
Soon, a bright glow began to encompass the classroom. Everyone present was surprised to see the occurrence happening.
"What is this?" Cloud questioned.
"I don't know… It feels like I'm being displaced." Hajime said.
(Main theme OST ends here)
(Play Final Fantasy VII OST - Anxious Heart)
Everyone from the classroom arrived in what appeared to be a cathedral. There were several robed figures that were within the edges of a strange circle with intricate symbols.
"Good. The summoning has proceeded as planned." A robed figure spoke with a male voice.
Cloud looked to the robed figure, whom was dressed like a priest with intricate symbols and jewels adorned in a pattern foreign to him.
"Where are we?" He asked.
"Calm yourselves. As of now, you have all been summoned in this place called Tortus. We have called you all here to help with a dire threat that threatens the Heiligh Kingdom. The ruler of demons has been decimating our forces and we require aid of heroes summoned from another world." The priest explained.
"So basically, we were summoned here to help with a dire threat of a foreign kingdom. Count me in. I've always wondered what it would be like being a hero. It's now my responsibility to help the people here and my classmates." Kouki said.
Cloud didn't like the tone Kouki was showing. He sounded arrogant in his opinion.
'I don't like that tone he was trying to hide…' He thought.
"Bless the god Ehit for finding worthy beings to be addressed with the title and power of heroes." The priest said.
(Anxious Heart OST ends here)
Cloud was led by several robed priests to a hidden room. There was an intricate magic circle on the floor.
"Please hold out your hand. The magic circle will read your aura and designate a title for you." The robed priest ordered.
Cloud held out his right hand. Soon, a magic symbol appeared on his hand in response. The aura converged into a small glass-like placard that appeared mint green.
"This is a status plate. It allows one to monitor one's stats at any given time." The robed priest explained.
Cloud soon held out the status plate curiously. A holographic screen showed his title that was bestowed to him. It became a surprise for him.
'Dragon warrior? Am I some kind of powerful warrior class?' Cloud thought.
Soon, he was given a large broadsword. It looked heavy, easily reaching Cloud's height. It had a single edge that was lighter in color than the rest of the blade. There were two holes that appeared to be slots for inserting something.
'Okay… Hajime would freak out if he sees this…' Cloud thought.
(Play Final Fantasy VII OST - Its difficult to Stand on Both Feet, Isn't It)
Cloud waited while everyone was given their respective titles. Kouki was given the title of Hero and had surprising stats blessed to him. Kaori had the title of priest, having the ability to use magic for support and healing. Tifa was given the monk title, allowing her to excel in martial arts with increased vigor.
'I wonder what's taking Hajime a while… Surely it couldn't be that bad.' Cloud thought.
Hajime soon came into view with a depressed expression. His stats were revealed to be average. He held the title of Synergist, which allows one to perform alchemy and weapon designing with the very ground.
"Cheer up, Hajime. From what I can understand the meaning, Synergists are like alchemists but they can be versatile. It all comes from your mind." Cloud reassured.
"You got that right. Better make sure you craft some weapons for us, Nagumo." Daisuke spoke, hinting his sadistic nature.
Cloud ringed his fingers on Daisuke's throat, lifting him up with his right hand. He was choking from the grip but was now fearful of Cloud's newfound strength.
"I would do well to tone that bullying down. Just because we were given new abilities doesn't mean you should seek your own vices. Better hope you keep to yourself before I tear your throat open. Otherwise you'll…" Cloud warned.
He then hurled Daisuke away as though he was a piece of garbage.
"Be smashed like a bug." Cloud finished, wiping his hands.
Everyone looked at Cloud like he was monster. He not only held Daisuke up as though he weigh less. The bully was hurled away with minimal effort.
"Remind me to hold back my strength the next time he acts like a bully." Cloud said.
Hajime laughed in response. Tifa also smiled, liking Cloud's altruism for his friend.
(It's difficult to Stand on Both Feet, Isn't It OST ends here)
Cloud and Hajime were at a large training area. Both were focusing on how to unleash their magic spells to use. Hajime had difficulty using the basic fireball spell.
"Easy there, Hajime. I know that your current job title as a Synergist may seem lackluster, but it may change. Who knows what you might think of doing?" Cloud reassured.
"It's hard for me to conjure even the most basic fire spell. I can't seem to nail it down." Hajime complained.
"Magic, from what I can understand, seems to rely on the user's visualization. Try to think of a ball of fire before using the spell. Maybe that would help?" Cloud explained.
Hajime took his friend's advice and began to think of a fireball. Soon, a magic circle came to his hands before a basketball sized fireball was launched from his hands. It shocked him and the others whom witnessed it. However, the backlash from unleashing the fireball proved too much for Hajime, causing him to collapse. Cloud got him in time before he hit the ground.
"Looks like he used more mana than he realized. He'll need some time to recover before he continues training." Cloud said, checking Hajime's stats.
Hajime's stats were at the 10s in every category. Knowing of this predicament, Cloud decided to bring him to the infirmary to rest his strength before he can continue.
'He may have a lot to train on, but I'll keep him safe. Hajime's been my friend as far as I can remember. Despite living in Japan, I was often looked with expressions of fear due to my appearance.' Cloud thought.
Soon, Daisuke and his group of friends decided to make their presence known. They began to badmouth Hajime while Cloud was pondering.
"Oh look. Nagumo's tired himself out like the wimp he is. I wonder if he can even survive this world." Daisuke started.
(Play Final Fantasy VII Remake OST - Let the Battles Begin)
Cloud kept his temper at bay. The temptation to sock Daisuke on his head was starting to get to him.
"He should be left as a weapon's maker. Better hope he can make decent quality weapons cause he's a damn otaku." Daisuke continued.
Rage began to build within Cloud, causing an aura to form around him. A faint visage of a creature was starting to take shape. Daisuke paid no attention from it, but his friends were now concerned upon sensing where it came from.
"I would rather see Hajime suffer or make him dead since he always gets Kaori-chan's attention. That bastard should disappear from existence." Daisuke spoke.
That proved to be the last straw. Everyone heard the ground crack from the intense pressure. Daisuke was soon looking at Cloud, who's face held an intense smoldering expression.
"Why don't you and your friends shut the fuck up before I club you all to death?" Cloud warned with a growl.
Soon, Cloud performed a low sweep kick, tripping Daisuke. He held the bully on his collar before judo throwing him on the ground, creating an indent of his shape.
"Better keep that mouth shut…otherwise I would carve it out." Cloud spat.
Daisuke's friends were terrified of Cloud and his strength. From the corner of their eyes, they could see the visage of a western dragon manifest around him. The aura soon dissipated as he gained control of his temper.
(Let the Battles Begin OST ends here)
During the afternoon, Cloud was at the infirmary, awaiting his friend's awakening. Kaori and Tifa were with him. The former wanted to see Hajime if he was alright while the latter wanted to be with Cloud.
"Do you think he'll wake up? He did overtaxed himself with mana exhaustion." Kaori asked with worry.
"Knowing Hajime, he will bounce back from the aftereffects. Despite his lack of physical skills, he has a strong mind, much stronger than mine. If it's a battle of wills, he can overcome it better than I would." Cloud reassured.
Kaori smiled, seeing how a good friend Cloud was to Hajime. Tifa held a surprised expression, hearing of Cloud's weakness in having a weak will. Despite this acknowledgment, she favored how he chose humility to better understand than being boastful.
'Cloud was never one to boast his achievements. I only see him being more understanding of others and how he keeps trying to overcome his weaknesses. Yet, despite how he struggled, he never gave up and kept going forward.' Tifa thought.
Soon, Hajime began to stir from his sleep. He looked heavily fatigued, till Kaori gave Hajime a bar of chocolate. The tired boy soon ate it, feeling his fatigue dissipate.
"Nice thinking, Kaori. Mana exhaustion can cause mental fatigue. By feeding Hajime-san some chocolate, he'll recover quickly." Tifa commented.
Kaori blushed in response and shyly looked away for a moment. It was now Tifa's turn to blush as she looked to Cloud's face before handing him a piece of chocolate.
"Thank you." Cloud said.
Tifa held a shy smile on her face, which turned rosy with a light blush. Cloud ate the chocolate calmly, feeling his physical fatigue disappear. While he savored the taste without showing an outward reaction, Tifa was eyeing him. Her gaze at Cloud was intense, but soft. He soon felt her staring at him.
"Is there something on me?" He asked curiously.
Tifa looked away, blushing red. This caused Cloud to look confused as the young girl kept focusing her gaze elsewhere. Kaori noticed the interaction, thinking of the same juxtaposition of Hajime.
'Tifa-chan's always felt shy whenever Cloud is around. I'm usually the same way when Hajime-kun is nearby. I can still talk with him, but not openly. Tifa-chan can't even stay near Cloud-kun without blushing or having a shy smile. He even looks oblivious at times, but I find it cute.' Kaori thought.
"Thanks for the chocolate, Kaori-san." Hajime said.
Kaori soon pouted, not liking the suffix he used.
"Oh Hajime-kun… You should call me 'Kaori-chan' if you want." She suggested.
Hajime looked away with a blush. This caused Kaori to be self-aware of what she was implying. It made her blush red in response.
Cloud and Hajime were at the library. They were reading of various minerals and general information to learn of the environment.
"Cloud, look at this." Hajime said, alerting his friend.
Hajime was reading a book of mineralogy. There was a section that got his attention, which caused him to notify his friend.
"Divine stone… A mineral of legend and very rare to find. It takes hundreds of years for mana to condense into stone. Concentrated mana over the next few hundred years can cause the stone to produce a liquid called Ambrosia, said to be 'the elixir of life'." Hajime read out loud.
"The elixir of life… Sounds too good to be true. If it does exist and we end up finding it, it could help with our adventures if venturing in dangerous territories." Cloud noted.
"I got more details about Ambrosia. According to the book, this medicine is said to heal wounds, toxins, and ailments whether it was drunk or applied to the wound site." Hajime continued.
"Okay, that is definitely something we may need if we find it." Cloud commented.
"It's also known to extend's one's life beyond their normal time. This gave the medicine it's name." Hajime concluded.
"I'm not one to extend my life, but if it helps to fight off our enemies, then I'll have to take the medicine." Cloud reluctantly spoke.
"This book of mineralogy also has a version of the Mohs scale of hardness. It explains we may need to find a mineral appraisal to help identify the minerals we gather." Hajime said.
"A good idea for any Synergist or weapon maker. Knowledge is power they say." Cloud noted.
Hajime chuckled, seeing Cloud understanding why he was looking for information. Both boys continued to read the books of mineralogy to further their knowledge in helping Hajime's development as a Synergist.