FicWad

DISCLAIMER: Final Fantasy belongs to Squaresoft and various other interested parties, not me. I'm not making any money from this, and no infringement of copyright is intended. This is a work of fandom, intended as appreciation of the original work.

WARNINGS: Violence, Language

Chapter Nine:
Setting Out

It had obviously snowed the night before, as the pavement was a mess of partially melted ice and mush. It was under these icy winter conditions that Sephiroth made his way though Midgar, his destination being ShinRa headquarters. His breath crystalized into clouds of mist in front of his face. Cloud. It was odd how the adolescent had managed to worm his way into his life, but he had grown to accept him as a permanent addition, a new friend, just a great deal younger . . . on the outside. The blonde was more mature than Zack, who had turned twenty-three over a month ago. Though Sephiroth knew he had been forced to grow far too quickly. Cloud had never experienced a true childhood. Sephiroth longed to have the ability to change that. He knew what it was like not to grow up happy and innocent. Cloud didn't deserve that. No one did, but least of all Cloud, but there was one thing he could do for the blonde. Revenge.

He knew it would be unlikely that Tseng had gone back to headquarters, but he had no ideas as to where else the Turk could be. He had most likely gone into hiding, knowing the president and his executives would take the General's side in any feud, no matter what the circumstances. No, the General did not expect Tseng to be there, hell, the Turk had fled the continent if he still possessed any sane mind at all. Sephiroth needed information, and he had already planned the exact source, the exact unfortunate rookie he would extract Tseng's location from. The redhead with the twin scars on his face. Reno . . . Turks never acknowledged their last names, so he didn't see the point in himself doing so either. He wouldn't harm the newbie too much, after all, this one had taken no part in inflicting Cloud's pain. Perhaps he would scare him witless just for good measure.

His boots screeched annoyingly as he entered the lobby. There was, of course, a rug in front of the wide glass doors, but it was already soaked through so he ignored it completely. This had been a terrible year as far as the weather was concerned. If it wasn't cold, it was raining. It if wasn't raining, it was cold. If it wasn't either, it was snowing. What ever happened to warm summer's and sunny skies?

Oh well, at least I can wear my coat all year round.

The General didn't even bother going to his office, opting to get the deed done with as soon as possible. The sooner he extracted Tseng's location, the sooner he could put his plan of torture into action. After asking a desk clerk to pin point Reno's whereabouts by consulting today's training schedule, Sephiroth headed off in the direction of the tactical analysis classroom. While Reno was considered a Turk, he had yet to deem himself satisfactory to most of his instructors, thus the fact that he was still completing his basic combat training.

He waited at the doorway for the instructor to notice him. The old geezer didn't look like much, but Sephiroth had put in a good word for him and he got the job. The man had proven his statistical intelligence during Wutai War One when he saved an entire squadron by predicting an unseen attack that not even Sephiroth himself would have noticed.

The cadets noticed him first, as always. One turned, caught sight of him, and gaped like a flaming fish. Naturally, this comical facial expression drew the attention of others, who, in turn, proceeded to gape like fish as well after following the first's gaze. They reminded Sephiroth of the aquarium in Zack's rooms. Soon, every warm body in attendance was starring at him except the Ex-SOLDIER, who was drawing a hypothetical battle field on the white board. As he turned, he noticed none of his charges were watching, much less listening.

"Now see here you whelps I'll not have . . . "

The man looked up at last and abruptly ceased his scolding, as if the General's presence in the room was enough of an excuse for the entire session to ignore him.

"Why General sir, what brings you here this afternoon?"

"I need to borrow Cadet Reno. I do not believe he will be continuing any of his classes for the rest of the day, so I suggest you write up a release so his absence will not be fretted."

"Of course, of course." The man immediately found a piece of paper and began writing. He looked up during the middle of his task and shook his hand at a mop of unruly red hair in the back. "Reno, you heard the General, go."

The boy stood as the other cadets shot him looks of envy and jealousy. If only they knew what was in store for their peer, then they wouldn't wish so much to be in his shoes. Sephiroth wouldn't actually harm the boy, for he had not taken part in Tseng's madness, but he didn't know that. The white-haired man just intended to scare him a little . . . okay, a lot. As long as he got the information, that's all that mattered to him.

The redhead gave him a nervous quizzical look and did not take his eyes from his own as he approached, hands concealed habitually in the pockets of his navy trousers. Sephiroth forced his expression to remain blank, though he would truly have liked to gift the boy with a smirk. He thought it best to keep the manner of his intentions hidden for the time being.

He said nothing, just turned away, the thrumming of his boots seeming like thunder in the silence. He could practically hear the boy hesitating, then chuckled menacingly as the sound of lighter feet rushing to regain lost ground reached his ears. When they were out of the earshot of the classroom, Sephiroth finally spoke.

"I know you're wondering why I have requested your company."

The redhead tried to hold his voice straight and almost succeeded, but not quite. Though shaky, it still held and air of arrogance, fueling Sephiroth's negative opinion of the Turk rookie. "O - of course . . . sir."

Sephiroth led them into an elevator and pressed the correct buttons before continuing. He wanted so badly to get on with his intentions, but knew better. He would have to wait until they were in his office, the door securely locked and the boy trapped, otherwise he would run.

"What do you know about your specified officer?"

"You mean Tseng?"

Was the impertinent sod truly so daft? If he couldn't understand plain English, how the hell had he attracted the eyes of the Turks?

They must be desperate, he mused.

"Yes. What do you know about Tseng?"

"Uhh . . . what're you talkin' about yo?" Sephiroth forced himself not to cringe at the teen's butchery of the English language.

"Where were you last night?"

"I was hangin' with a couple of my friends at the Blue Parrot."

Sephiroth couldn't help but notice the matter of fact tone the boy used. He knew something, and he was determined to find out.

The elevator came to a halt with a ding, and the door swished open. Sephiroth glanced at the teen, who looked ready to bolt.

"You first." He gracefully gestured the hallway beyond with a gloved hand, forcing the redhead to follow suit. As long as he was between Reno and the stairs, the boy held no chance of escape. They reached his office at last, located at the end of the hall. Reno was forced to stand in the corner as he slid his cardkey through the pad, once again ensuring he could not successfully flee. This time, instead of making his orders sound like suggestions, Sephiroth ground out the boy's only option, grabbed him by the shoulder and roughly shoved him over the threshold.

That should shake him up a bit.

Yes, Sephiroth knew he was being a bastard at the moment, but if acting thus would lead to avenging Cloud, then so be it. He closed the door behind him and watched as Reno's eyes widened considerable at the sound of the lock clicking in place. Sephiroth starred into the Turk's eyes until the redhead glanced away, unable to hold his gaze for more than a few seconds. Yes, Sephiroth had succeeded in making marginally frightened, now the questions could begin.

Sephiroth stalked forwards, Masamune at his side. His subconscious wouldn't dare allow him to use it on a boy so young, but it was there just to add that final touch to his air of intimidation.

"Tell me Reno . . . How old are you?"

The teen seemed nonplused as he shook where he had landed on the floor after being forced through the door more quickly than his feet could register. Sephiroth raised an eyebrow, waiting for his answer.

"Seventeen, what's it to you, yo?"

Sephiroth heaved a sigh of frustration. The boy had decided to play courageous by lashing at him with useless words.

"Seventeen," he mused. "That seems a little young to be getting yourself into such dismal activities."

"What are you talkin' about, yo? The Turks?"

"Precisely." Sephiroth moved forwards, eliminating the few feet between in one fluid step. He clutched the teen's shirt and lifted him off his feet to dangle inches from the solidity of the floor.

"You lied to me in the elevator when I asked you where you were last night. Now, the truth, out with it," he growled.

"I was with my mentor yo, Rude."

Along with the mass education program set up by ShinRa for those who aspired to become SOLDIERs, Turks also had to go through a period of one-on-one experience to ready them for situations not simulated by ShinRa. Each new member was taken on by an older, more experienced Turk who, hopefully, had the patience to teach the newbies their ways.

"And where was Rude?"

The boy's face had taken on a red coloration as he struggled to breath through the tightened collar of his shirt, so Sephiroth decided to lower him to his feet, but didn't release his hold.

"We were ordered to transport our leader in a helicopter."

"Were you given any specific information as to why the transport was ordered?"

"No. As much as I hate to say it, I'm just an apprentice. They don't tell me anything, yo!"

"You and your mentor were the only two to recieve this command?"

"I can copilot just fine, yo. Two is enough, so why not?" The boy took offense at having the competency of his performance questioned, a trait shared by all Turks in general.

"Where did you transport Tseng?"

"Why do you wanna to know, yo?"

Sephiroth pushed him bodily into the nearest wall with enough force to knock the breath from his lungs. "I understand you were most likely told not to speak of last night's event, but, as you can see, you are clearly outmatched. I'm the one asking the questions, and I believe it's in your own personal interests to answer them accurately." His voice was almost a whisper as he spat the threat over the teen's head.

"Please don't . . . I'll . . . tell you everything, just don't hurt me." Reno had forgotten his annoying way of speech in his moment of fear as he struggled over the words.

Sephiroth backed down a bit as Reno's skiddish behavior reminded of the blonde, hopefully still sleeping, back in his apartment.

No, this is not Cloud. This is an arrogant, cocky /apprentice of the people who hurt Cloud./

Sephiroth retightened his grip on the teen's shirt. "Well?"

"It's a place called Owl's Eye Hollow, in the mountains east of Kalm. There's a ShinRa safe house there."

Sephiroth released his victim and strode to the door, reaching into his pocket for a small bag of gil. He tossed it to the redhead's feet. Why hadn't he just bribed the boy to begin with? Oh well.

"That's for your trouble." He glanced calculatingly to the boy's darkened front. "And a new pair of pants."

Sephiroth left the boy shaking and wet in his office, the door unlocked so he could leave whenever he had deemed himself presentable. He wouldn't be so lenient with Tseng. That was mere child's play compared to the pain he would inflict on the older Turk. Reno had taken no part in Cloud's torment, whereas the former was the heart of the matter.

He knew the trip to Kalm would take a day on a chocobo, the mountains beyond on the other hand. . . He would end up camping over night. He couldn't leave Cloud alone. Ever since the kidnaping incident, he had been rather reluctant to let him out of his sight. He couldn't leave him with Zack that long either, even if they seemed to be getting along fine, Zack tended to make a mess of any and everything thing when left to his own devices. It wasn't that he didn't trust his friend, he just didn't think the idea of leaving Cloud unguarded for more than twenty-four hours wise. What if Tseng had stationed spies outside his apartment? They would surely swoop in as soon as he was gone . . . again. Zack's skills were notable, but . . . he sometimes made small mistakes that often lead to a much larger degree of chaos. No, it would be best for Cloud and Zack to come with him. He would definitely have to talk to the two of them before making a decision.
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Cloud woke once again snuggled in Sephiroth's bed. He had recognized it instantly because the pillow his face was currently smothered in was awash with the man's clean scent. He breathed in the intoxicating mixture of masculine shampoo and natural musk with slow deep inhalations. To anyone watching, they wouldn't even have noticed he was awake. .

He remembered falling asleep with his head lying on Zack's thigh. He couldn't remember ever allowing anyone that close to him voluntarily, except Sephiroth. He thought back on how quickly Zack had earned enough trust to allow that sentiment and cringed. Old habits die hard. He was not used to being this trustful. Was he wrong in allowing himself to do so? No, these kinds of change were for the better. Sephiroth would not have allowed Zack so close to him if he had thought the other man a threat . . . right? Of course he was right. Sephiroth had cared enough to help him this far, surly the older man wouldn't just grow tired of him.

Then the thought struck him. People did grow tired of others. What if Sephiroth was beginning to see him as a burden now that he had been here so long, caused so much trouble? He clenched his eyes tight, fighting to overwhelming urge to cry at that realization. Even if the white-haired general hadn't yet grown tired of his presence, he would eventually, as would Zack. He held the tears back. He would handle that rejection when it came, as for now, he could at least enjoy the concern and . . . friendship? . . . while it lasted. His thoughts continued down darker paths until the pang of his bladder demanding he tend to its needs pulled him to reality.

He rolled over a little too quickly and hissed as a sharp pain jolted through his burned leg. He pulled up the loose cloth of the brown pants to observe the wound. Mako truly was a miracle. The blackened flesh had taken on a new hue of pink, a good sign. Most of the blisters had gone down, and Cloud also noticed it had gotten a bit smaller in diameter. He pushed the material back down his leg. Even if the wound had healed so much, he didn't think it would be wise for him to reopen the chapped skin by walking to the bathroom.

He didn't know how long he had been asleep, but he guessed it was now late afternoon. He decided to take some time to fully appreciate one of his newly heightened senses, his hearing namely. He held his breath, listening to the quiet, which was soon interrupted by a metallic bang. The sound of . . . a chopping knife? Someone was cooking then. At the mere thought of food, his stomach gurgled impatiently. This surprised him, as he had only eaten a few hours ago, and then more than he would have eaten during an entire day at the orphanage. There was no doubt in his mind that his ribs would soon cease to be visible.

Now, time to try out another enhanced attribute, scent. He inhaled deeply, as he had done earlier with his face buried in the aroma Sephiroth. Again, the ambrosia filled his nostrils, but this time it was accompanied by the much weaker scent of something else, probably the food being prepared in the next room. He supposed he should try and get used to sampling new tastes, as it seemed the orphanage's menu was monotonously limited, and his mother had always made boring meals. The less time she spent making food for him, the more time she had to mourn his bastard of a father. No, bastards weren't so bad, after all, he was one. He would have to find a new christening for his sire. Maybe . . . asshole? Yes, that would do nicely.

His thought were interrupted by Zack's cheery baritone.

"I made spaghetti. I've always wanted to serve someone's breakfast in bed! Well . . . it's passed lunch time actually, but close enough. Sorry it took me so long. Seph and I missed the area behind the trash can when we were cleaning up after you kidnapers and I had to grab the mop. I like you and all Spike, but I don't want to see your blood every time I throw something away."

Cloud couldn't stop the smile from escaping despite the reminder of having the shit knocked out of him in the kitchen. Zack was just so contagious. The man was grinning widely while carrying a tray of food that smelled delicious. He carefully sat it down across his lap, as not to spill the bubbly brown liquid in the glass, and helped him prop himself up on the pillows.

"Be right back Spikey. You're not eating this meal alone." Zack disappeared through the door and, true to word, returned with what Cloud assumed to be his own food. Zack sat down in the chair Sephiroth had relocated into the bedroom at some point and began to devour the long noodles with reckless abandon. Cloud started in on his own spaghetti, idly contemplated how the brunette would be putting the role of paper towels he'd brought along to good use when the sound of a closing door broke Zack's ravenous concentration.

Sephiroth entered the room, bringing with him that powerful aura that Cloud had begun to associate with safety and warmth. "There's some left for you in the microwave, Seph," Zack informed him.

"I suppose I had better lay claim to it before you finish your own off." The white-haired man left for much longer than Zack had and finally reemerged. "I'm sure you read the note I left, Zack?"

"MmmHmmm," he murmured through a mouthful of noodles. He swallowed, "Did you find him?"

Cloud sat in silence, thinking it better not to ask questions just yet.

"No, but I now know where I can find him. I estimate it to be about a three day trip all the way to the mountains passed Kalm."

"I can stay here with Spikey if that's what's bothering you."

"No, I was hoping he would feel well enough to come along, you too. He deserves to watch Tseng suffer."

They both looked to Cloud. He set his fork down. So that's who they were talking about. Sephiroth had gone out to find Tseng. He didn't really want to watch someone in pain, but he found himself wanting to stay by Sephiroth's side. "When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow evening," the white-haired man answered.

He remembered how well his leg had been healing and imagined it would be functional by then. "Yeah, I should be fine by then."

Sephiroth nodded. "Zack, when you go to your rooms at headquarters tomorrow, I want you to pick up some things." Sephiroth extracted an envelope from his coat. "There's a list here, and my credit card. Do not loose it."

"Well, there's one less pick pocket on the streets now, so I don't think I'll have much trouble," he replied jokingly. Cloud just grunted at the comment, knowing it was only part of Zack's bubbly sense of humor.

When Cloud finished his spaghetti, Zack offered to finish it off once again. Cloud idely contemplated the puzzle of the dark-haired man's metabolism before Sephiroth spoke up again, now finished with his own.

"My source told me Tseng was taken to a safe house in a place called Owl's Eye Hollow. As I said, we'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon. We should arrive at Kalm later that night, where we'll stay at the inn. We should leave there after breakfast and continue on into the mountain range. We can use one of the larger ShinRa issue tents, they're tough enough to withstand unsavory weather changes if any should occur. Zack, you know standard traveling protocol. Remember, pack only the essentials, as we don't need our chocobos tired out one day in."

At that statement, Cloud couldn't stop the words from exploding from his mouth. "We're riding . . . chocobos?!" He hadn't known the giant birds could be ridden, though he had wondered what the hell anyone would want with a gargantuan chicken. To eat, he'd assumed. No, Tylus hadn't, if fact, been selling abnormally large Thanksgiving dinners, but apparently worthy steads instead. Who'da thunk it?

"Yes. Are you familiar with them?"

"I've touched one, but not voluntarily. I've never ridden anything like that either." Great. Now Sephiroth was going to leave him behind, most likely alone, while he and Zack whisked off to wreak revenge upon the man that had nearly killed him. He frowned, feeling a bit, for lack of a better word, pampered. He wanted to go. He would learn to ride a damned chocobo, even if he found he had no natural talent for sitting on another creature's back while it carried him. He would not be left behind.

"That's fine. I expected as much. Zack and I will just have to take turns riding double."

Zack was behind Sephiroth, so the man could not see the odd devilish grin that spread across his face, but Cloud sure did, and he found it slightly unnerving.

Maybe . . . it was just a coincidence? No matter how much he wanted to believe that sentiment, he knew it wasn't true. What was Zack planning? Whatever it was, he prayed it wasn't going to end negatively for himself.

As far as riding double with another man on the back of a giant bird was concerned, he wouldn't mind. He had used the both of them as pillows within the passed day, Sephiroth more so than Zack, but it wouldn't matter. He trusted both of them well enough. Besides, he knew they didn't have time to teach him to ride a chocobo before tomorrow.

The rest of the day was spent preparing for tomorrow's trip. Zack opted to fulfill the completion of Sephiroth's shopping list while the white-haired man packed his own bag. Cloud felt awkward just lying in the bed watching him move about his bedroom, neatly placing items in the brown satchel with the red triangle he had come to recognize as ShinRa's logo monogrammed on the latch. His level of discomfort only increased tenfold when he realized he still hadn't relieved himself, and that his bladder had decided to strike back full force. Not wanting to bother the occupied man, he sat up and steadily tested his weight on the floor. His leg stung a bit, but he knew he needed to show Sephiroth he could walk on his own now so the other man wouldn't be worried about allowing him on a camping trip.

The tight skin over his freshly healed wound stretched to the point of pain as he placed all of his weight on his legs. He gritted his teeth and weathered the discomfort. Pain was something he was no stranger to. He had never felt love or happiness, but pain, yes, that was something he knew,and with such familiarity, came knowledge. Cloud had learned to just picture his agony as a sort of annoyance instead of physical distress. In doing such, almost any amount of torture was bearable . . . as long as it didn't include fire and mako poisoning.

He made it midway to his destination when the pain in his leg sharply increased in magnitude. Surprised by the sudden change, Cloud yelped and stumbled to the floor clutching his burn. He heard a rustling of leather as Sephiroth hastened to his side. The white-haired man knelt next to him, concern etched in his features.

"Are you alright?"

"It hurts." He clenched his teeth to stifle any audible expression of his pain. He had just made a fool of himself and knew it.

"Why didn't you ask for help?"

Cloud found this question impossible to form into a plausible answer. Why hadn't he asked for help? He still held some semblance of pride, despite being dependent on the man so much lately. But was his pride what stopped him from seeking assistance? No. It had been the knowledge that he was not worth the trouble. Sephiroth had probably grown to loath his apparent helplessness by now and he did not want to push the limits of the man's hospitality any more than he already had.

Sephiroth sighed, taking his brief silence as an answer. "Let's see if it's bleeding." Cloud fought down a his body's treacherous blush as the older man rolled up his pant leg, being careful not to brush against the wound. Yes, Sephiroth had touched him in that general area before, but, at the time, he'd been doped up on Gaia knows what. Whatever it was, it had worked. Odd . . . he'd thought that the mako in his blood stream would contradict any medicine he was given. Sephiroth probably got it from ShinRa. After all, SOLDIERs couldn't go through their lives never taking any type of medication at all.

Looking at the reddened burn on his thigh, Cloud was grateful to see the absence of blood. Maybe he had just reawakened a previously sleeping nerve. Burns tended to temporarily deaden nerve endings. Sephiroth nodded after assessing the lack of visible damage.

"I take you were headed to the bathroom?"

Cloud nodded and braced himself against the taller man as he was helped to his feet. He took a few tender steps, then ascertained the unexpected jot of pain was not to be repeated, or so he hoped. Sephiroth helped him to the doorway, allowing him to take most of his own weight. Cloud suspected he was there only to be sure he didn't fall again. He held on to the walls after his human support beam released his strong hold.

"Thanks."

"Call me if you need my help getting back to the bed." Cloud nodded, though he didn't plan on going back to the bed. After he'd finished his business, he thought he would move to the couch for a while. Maybe get the white-haired man to show him how to work the television. He sighed as his persistent bladder finally got what it wanted and, once again, studied himself in the mirror. His hair, as always, jutted up in odd angles, but he couldn't help but notice it looked . . . well, healthier. He hadn't known he was this blonde. His face wasn't quite as pale as it had been, even after his Turk dilemma.

Must be Zack's cooking, he mused.

He exited th bathroom at a careful pace and lugged into the den whre he found Zack had returned with a mountain of shopping bags.

"Come here Spikey, I've got something to show you." Zack seemed even more cheerful than usual, if such were possible.

Cloud made his way to the dark-haired man and sat himself down on the sofa.

"Hmmm . . . .which bag is it? Grrrr . . . retarded cashiers. Must they always shuffle shit around?"

Cloud waited patiently, wondering what Zack could be excavating for in the sizeable pile. Finally, the SOLDIER emerged with several items.

"I found some of them." He dropped his load into Cloud's lap. "If they don't fit, we'll just swap them later." Cloud sat as the man starred at him expectantly. "Well, what are you waiting for? You don't need a search warrant!"

Cloud studied each new article of clothing as Zack dived back into the sea of bags. He noticed Zack had once again exhibited great preferences in clothing. He counted three pairs of jeans, one black, a pair of dark green cargo pants with more pockets than he cared to count, six new shirts, a jacket that was obviously meant to be worn with the cargoes, several cotton undershirts, more socks than humanly necessary, and the wildest boxers he had ever seen. He quirked an eyebrow at Zack's odd taste in underwear. One pair was metallic silver, another black with glittery skulls set at equal intervals, a dark green pair with rose thorns weaving in intricate patterns, and the last he thought were solid black, but as he turned them around he was proven wrong at the sight of a pair of red lips on the right side . . . no doubt where his posterior would be.

Zack returned with four belts, three black, one brown and noticed the look on his face. "What? Is my taste in undergarments too extravagant for you?" Cloud shifted as the man moved to sit next to him. Cloud shook his head. "No . . . just . . . weird."

Zack frowned. "Well, fuck. I was going for flirtatious, but I guess that works too."

Cloud grinned genuinely at Zack's mock-disappointment.

Zack scratched his head in as if he were trying to remember something. "Oh yeah! I knew I forgot something." He stood and navigated his way across the shopping bag-ridden room, seemingly searching for something. "Aha! Here it is." He plunged his hand into a sack and pulled out a large backpack. "This is your's too. You'll need to pack the about three day's of clothes in here. Seph and I will take care of everything else." Cloud was then handed the blue pack. Running his fingers over it, he realized it was made of a tough heavy material which meant it must have been expensive. Great, not only was he imposing on Sephiroth's space and privacy, but his bank account as well. Before he could say anything about not wanting, nor needing to be pampered so, said white-haired man emerged from the kitchen carrying a duffle bag.

Zack scrambled to catch it as it was tossed in his direction. "Put the food you bought for the trip in there, Zack." He reached into his pocket and sat on the sofa. When his hand resurfaced, he held up a vile of green liquid. "I had better give you this now, seeing as you haven't had one since last night and it's getting late," he said, turning to Cloud.

Cloud's nerves immediately jumped to attention. Sephiroth had given him injections before, but, ironically, he had been unconscious during each procedure. The older man lay his arm across his hard thigh as he cleaned the injection sight and prepared the needle. Cloud trusted Sephiroth, but he had never witnessed the actual pain involved in having a needle pressed into your flesh. How badly would it hurt? Surely Sephiroth would warn him if the sensation was drastically traumatic . . . right?

He tried to look away as Sephiroth slowly pushed the needle into his skin, but found himself fascinated in the foreign situation. He braced himself for what was sure to hurt, but when the needle broke his skin with a small prick he was increasingly grateful he hadn't voiced his fear, as it didn't hurt at all. Sephiroth held his arm tightly, but not painfully so as the plunger forced the thick green liquid into his arm agonizingly slow. While the penetration hadn't caused pain, the thought that an unnatural metal object was currently lodged in his muscle was uncomfortable, not to mention the burn of the mako as it entered his veins.

A brief spell of dizziness hit him seconds after Sephiroth had withdrawn the needle from his flesh and he braced himself on the strong arm next to him as his body threatened to fall into the man full force. Sephiroth held him in place as if he had anticipated the reaction. Cloud blinked away the blurred edges around his vision and pushed himself away from the solid wall of muscle to his right. Just as quickly as it had come, the disorientation was gone.

"What was that?" he inquired, wondering if something else had gone wrong inside his body.

"Don't worry, it's common." Cloud released the breath he had been holding. "When the body's immune system detects the sudden increase in the amount of mako in one's blood, most white blood cells rush to the incident until the substance acclimates itself to your body. The mako makes the transformation so quickly that the body becomes temporarily confused, causing a breif lapse of vertigo. Once the mako has completely disguised itself, only then can it's positive effects be utilized."

"I didn't think the body could be fooled like that," Cloud wondered.

"Only a substance as volatile yet miraculous as mako could accomplish it."

Sephiroth stood to dispose of the soiled needle and empty mako vile. When he returned, he glanced at the clock above the entertainment center. "It's almost seven. We're leaving tomorrow morning at four AM," he stated. "Zack, I know for a fact that ShinRa isn't going to provide chocobos for this journey, so I'm going to go make a phone call to the local rancher. Tylus is always willing to do business, no matter under what circumstances."

Tylus, Cloud remembered that name, the big bearded man who had caused him to have a panic attack in Wal-Market. Remembering the large birds the man raised, Cloud was stricken by a wave of anxiety. How was a human supposed to ride on a /bird/? Weren't their bones hollow, therefor weak? He willed himself to calm down. If Sephiroth said chocobos could be ridden, then he would take the man's word for it, no matter how much he doubted them. Besides, he wouldn't be riding alone. He would be riding with either Zack or Sephiroth. Surely the two men, as trained SOLDIERs, could control the animals.

He watched as Zack lifted a leathery black case from one of the bags. It looked to be about four feet in length and maybe eight inches wide. The dark-haired man moved it into the kitchen where Sephiroth had gone. Cloud heard his over cheery voice. "This is the one you wanted, right?" There was a pause of silence as, presumably, Sephiroth was examining whatever had been in the black box. "Yes, the very same." You want to," Sephiroth interrupted briskly, "No, tomorrow."

Zack returned without the box, whistling. Cloud pretended he hadn't overheard the conversation and began to place his new clothes neatly into the bag. What was in that box? He sighed. Most likely it didn't matter nor pertain to him. They were leaving early, so he would need to go to bed soon. Even if he had just woken fro a nap, he didn't want to be too tired to wake in the morning.
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Sephiroth woke to the incessant blaring of a very persistent alarm clock. He didn't want to move, much less get up and start his day. There was a soft warmth pressed into his chest. Confusion set in as he remembered that he was not currently dating anyone. Therefore, who could . . . Cloud! His eyes shot open as if he had been struck by lightening. He was spooning an unaware fifteen year old. Dislodging himself from the comfortable bed, he woke the groggy blonde as if nothing he had happened and put an end to the clock's unsavory screaming. Cloud sat up, and Sephiroth watched as that moment when one's memory came rushing back set in. He sent the blonde into the bathroom for a shower and exited the bedroom to find Zack, shockingly, up and about.

The brunette had already placed their luggage in front of the door and was now working on a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, and grits overflowing with butter. Sephiroth suddenly found himself grateful Zack didn't cook every meal he ate, as, if that were so, he would be too large to exit his apartment, much less lead an army.

"Spikey can't miss a meal, no matter how early we wake." The man was obviously a morning person if the size of the grin plastered on his face was anything to go by. He nodded and went to his room to retrieve clothes. He had planned to shower after Zack had already done so, but the man had, hopefully, already done so, as he was fully dressed.

As the warm water of the shower washed away the previous day's filth, Sephiroth couldn't help but smile as he pictured how surprised and happy Cloud would be at the sight of the contents of the black box. Sephiroth had picked it out himself, confident it would the blonde would take to it naturally. Not only was this journey to teach Tseng a lesson, but to also give Cloud the opportunity to jump even further ahead than the cadets currently in training at ShinRa Headquarters. He doubted the adolescent had ever been camping before, considering his bleak background.

After grooming his impossibly difficult hair, he emerged fully dressed to find that Cloud had beaten him to the sofa and already put down a substantial portion of his breakfast. Had he spent that long in the bathroom? Dismissing the thought, he accepted his own meal from Zack and followed Cloud's example. He was surprised to note that Cloud actually managed to consume the entirety of his breakfast. The irked expression on Zack's face at not getting extras didn't go unnoticed.

"When do we set out?" Zack inquired.

Sephiroth stood, noting the time on the wall-clock. "We're supposed to meet Tylus at the city's northern exit. He says he managed to round up two of his strongest birds, so doubling up shouldn't be difficult on them."

He then turned to Cloud. "How is your leg?"

Cloud smiled. "It doesn't hurt anymore." Zack interrupted.

"Who's Spikey riding with first?"

"Well, it's his choice really. It won't make a difference either way." Sephiroth looked to Cloud, waiting for an answer. The blonde seemed to dwell on such a small decision for decades before he finally looked up.

"Sephiroth . . . if that's alright."

The young man still hadn't fully recovered from his beaten puppy state of mind. Sephiroth knew it would take time before Cloud realized he wouldn't be reprimanded or lashed at every time he expressed his own free will . . . time, and patience. Cloud was young compared to the grand scale of things. He would grow out of it as long as no other traumatizing occurrence caused a reversion. The blonde's mind was in a very delicate stage of recovery. Sephiroth knew that, if the boy back peddled, he would never stand a chance at a full recovery. To avoid that situation, Sephiroth had concluded that progress would be the only remedy. Hence his next action.

He had debated with himself as to wether or not the decision was wise, but he could see no reason as to why it wouldn't be. Cloud was strong for his age, fast, and intelligent if his survival record was any indication. He had agreed to join SOLDIER, but he had already fallen behind the other cadets of his age genre. Sephiroth had the remedy. He would make sure Cloud was more than ready for the military himself. He would train Cloud in combat.

"Wait here for a moment." He stood and went to retrieve the box from the kitchen. If this didn't boost Cloud's confidence, then he would cut his own hair. He returned to the den, Cloud wringing his hands in his lap. He wondered what the teen could be thinking, what Cloud could be dreading that had made him so nervous. As if in slow motion, he placed the rectangular black case in the blonde's lap, its riveted leather gleaming in the artificial light. Cloud seemed confused for a moment, his mouth open with a silent question.

"It's yours, open it." Cloud slowly placed his hands over the gilded latch, as if afraid the box contained the chaoses of Pandora. Sephiroth soon found himself under the scrutiny of those bright blue orbs, the teen's expression unreadable. Finally, Cloud looked back to the box and eased it open, revealing the dark sheath of a katana. Again, Cloud looked up, this time into his eyes. If Sephiroth could have formed the emotions pouring from that gaze into words, the list would never have ended. Gratitude. Reverence. Confusion, as if he believed he didn't deserve the gift. Sephiroth knew Cloud had not been prepared as to how to react, did not know how to react, having most likely never received anything so valuable in his life. Sephiroth didn't need to hear the a verbal thanks, the blonde's expression was more than enough.

"There's more to the sword than its sheath, Cloud," he nudged softly. The boy swallowed as his fingers roamed over the hilt in awe, still trying to force the words he had visibly been searching for ever since receiving the present. "I . . . you . . . " Cloud relaxed his hands in a movement of defeat and looked up again. "I don't know how to use it." He looked as if he expected the sword to be taken back, Sephiroth had to beat down the urge to hold him. He just seemed so . . . so broken.

"That is why I am going to teach you how."

Cloud blinked at him more times than humanly necessary and focused his attention back to the weapon in his lap. This time, instead of only running his fingertips over the sheath, he lifted the hilt from the box, which fell empty to the floor. Sephiroth took notice that the tip didn't sag to the floor after it. It seemed Cloud had been expecting the weight of the blade. He had chosen a relatively light one, but it had been forged by one of the best, and was of the most durable one could buy.

Cloud slowly freed the glistening blade from the sheath's tight embrace, the hamon dancing along the blade's edge like a twisting serpent. The teen's fingers seemed to know exactly where to go, as he held it true. Sephiroth had been correct in assuming he had natural talent.

"You'll . . . teach me?" Cloud looked like a puppy who had just been given a steak larger than its head. "When?"

"As soon as you like. I can give your first lesson this evening after we've made camp. That is, if you're still up to it. We've a long day of riding ahead of us."

Cloud slid the sheath back onto the blade with an expression that exuded the words 'Oh shit!' Sephiroth knew the blonde had briefly forgotten about their trip in his moment of excitement.

Zack stood. "We have thirty minutes to get to the city's exit."

"That's plenty of time." Sephiroth helped Cloud secure the katana to his belt, and they proceeded to the ground floor of the building. Normally, Sephiroth would have opted to walk, but, for fear of Cloud being recognized, the drove the vehicle he'd taken from the prison.

As they neared their destination, Sephiroth couldn't help but notice that Cloud seemed increasingly nervous.

This will be his first time on a chocobo. He has a right to be nervous. It's a good thing he chose to ride with me. I won't let him fall. I trust Zack and all, but . . . he sighed. He had been overly protective of Cloud ever since the young man had confessed to almost being raped. He had never felt this way toward anyone before. The boy's only fifteen! he told himself. Besides, after what he's been through, you would probably only scare him off if you made a move. His trust isn't worth it. He had yet to admit to himself that he wanted the blonde as more than a friend. He knew Cloud would not reciprocate anyways.

As the car came to a stop, the sun had begun to rise over the mountains in the distance, creating a beautiful back fall effect. As the chocobos came into view, being led by the burly Tylus, another thought came to mind. This would be Cloud's first time outside of Midgar in ten years.


Author Notes
This chapter took me longer to plot than it did to write it. I would have gotten it posted sooner, but I've had a lot of other things to write. That stupid two page writing exam is coming up again, and my English teacher seems to think everyone needs to practice. I also had to write a prepared speech for a HOSA competition, but I'm not the one who's going to give the speech thank Gaia! Can you believe the lady told me it was too powerful and gave it back with these words, "Soften it down a bit." WTF!? There is no such thing as a speech that is too powerful!

I know this chapter is a bit boring, but, I promise, the next will full of action! Cloud learns the art of swordplay. Sephiroth kills some giant . . . cough whoops, can't tell you that yet, and Zack burns himself while trying to build a fire. Sadly, I've decided to save Tseng's ass kicking for chapter eleven . . . just so I could pack more action into chapter ten of course.