Adult-FanFiction.org : Final Fantasy

Crystal Clear	By : MystIc19 Category: Final Fantasy VII > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1058 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
Disclaimer: I don�t own FF7 or any of the FF7 characters just original characters and this story!
************************************************************************

�Ow!�

�Sorry!�

�What the hell�s wrong with you!?�

�Well you said don�t hold back!�

�Yeah but I wasn�t ready yet!� Cloud shouted while glaring at his friend and rubbing the side of his head that had just been whacked with a wooden practice sword.

�Oops,� Kyo replied with a sheepish smile.

�That�s enough for tonight I think,� Cloud mumbled while putting back the wooden sword.

�Aw c�mon,� Kyo whined. He had insisted on practicing with Cloud almost every night now. Ever since Sephiroth had come to their class and had told Sergeant Okuda that the rest of the class should be up to the blonde�s level he was practically like his second shadow. He figured if he kept practicing with his roommate then he would no doubt be in his same level in no time. In truth Kyo was actually really good, in fact Cloud used to think that Kyo was better than him�and hell he probably still was. But with SOLDIER examinations coming up the taller teen just wanted to be sure that he was where he needed to be.

�It�s almost curfew anyways,� Cloud continued while still clutching his head with a hand.

�Yeah,� Kyo replied with a sigh while glancing at the clock, �I guess we should head back.�

After the practice equipment was put back the two exited the gym and headed back to the barracks. Cloud more than likely would�ve went to Zack�s but he had been put on assignment shortly after their reconciliation. Cloud didn�t know much about it, he just knew that he was with the President�s son Rufus Shinra. It kind of sucked to be split up so soon after things were back to normal but they were with Shinra so that was all a part of the game. Besides it was only supposed to be for a few days and it was better to know that Zack would come back and their wouldn�t be any tension or unresolved problems still lingering about.

When they made it to their floor they saw that recruits were littering the hall all crowded around and looking at something on the wall as noisy chatter filtered the air.

�What�s going on here?� Kyo asked with a raised eyebrow.

�I don�t know,� the blonde replied just as curious as they made their way closer to the crowd seeing as how they had to go through them to get to their room. But they might as well see what all the commotion was about.

�Hey Ray,� Kyo said upon noticing one of his friends in the hall, �what�s all this about?�

�They posted the schedule for Mako infusions,� Ray explained while turning to Kyo.

�Infusions? Already, I thought that wasn�t until later,� Kyo said while trying to get closer to read the schedule on the wall.

�Well this is just the test run, all the recruits have to get it before they take the SOLDIER exam. If you pass then that�s when you get the full dosage I guess,� Ray continued on.

Cloud listened to the two before he tried to get a closer look at the schedule, but it was a nearly impossible task. He hated being so short. Standing on tiptoes he tried to look over some of the other recruits heads but he still wasn�t even close to seeing over them. Looking around he noticed that Kyo was pushing his way through the crowd to get closer to the bulletin wall, he seemed to do this pretty easily and Cloud wondered for a second if he would be able to do that but thought better of it. Letting out a sigh he tried to go around the crowd and maybe look from the sides but it still didn�t work, there were just too many people.

�Friday.�

Spinning around Cloud locked eyes with Jin before stepping back a bit when he noticed how close the other boy was to him. �What?�

�Friday, right after Okuda�s class,� Jin explained with a smug grin, �you were trying to read the bulletin right? That�s when you�re scheduled for infusion,� he continued while glancing at the wall just to make sure.

Cloud followed his gaze but of course he couldn�t see.

�But I guess you could just skip this anyways,� Jin continued while looking back at the blonde.

Not bothering to speak Cloud just gave him a questioning look. He never knew what the hell was going on in Jin�s head.

�It�s a given you�re going to pass the examination right? Despite skill and merit,� he continued.

�What�s that supposed to mean?� Cloud asked in honest confusion.

With a scoff Jin shook his head, �Let�s not try to play the innocent little country boy anymore huh Cloud?�

Narrowing his eyes a bit Cloud continued to look at Jin. What is he babbling about this time? Why doesn�t he just go away? �Whatever Jin,� the recruit mumbled before turning his attention away, hoping that the other would just leave him alone.

�It all makes sense though, and something as pretty as you, well that just makes things even easier.�

Snapping his eyes back to Jin he gave him a completely dumbfounded and annoyed look. What the hell did he just say? And what the HELL was he talking about.

�Zack and you are best friends,� he began, �I always wondered how the hell that happened. Then you started to get really good in class, must�ve helped you out huh?�

Turning back to face Jin fully Cloud kept his glare locked on him.

�Cut a deal? Be his bitch and he�ll make sure you climb through the ranks?� Jin asked with that same smug look on his face. �And just in case that isn�t good enough you can fuck the General on the side. I got to hand it to you Cloud, that�s a pretty flawless plan. Now there�s no way you can be denied into getting into SOLDIER is there?�

What!? A horrified look was now on Cloud�s face as he continued to stare at the other recruit. How the hell did he come up with a story like that!? He knew that Jin hadn�t been to happy when General Sephiroth had come to their class on a few occasions after that last time and had given Cloud a bit of praise, but would he actually twist that into something completely untrue just because of his own insecurities and jealousy!? He could care less if Jin had pieced together that he and Zack had something, he seriously didn�t care. But what he did mind was that the asshole was actually trying to insinuate that he would just do whatever the hell it took to get into SOLDIER. And he definitely wasn�t like one of those whores down on the bottom plate. All of his progress was because of his hard work, and if he did make it into SOLDIER it would be because he deserved to be there, not because the General or Zack pulled strings for him.

Without even thinking Cloud lunged at the other, knocking him backwards onto the ground. The sound of them hitting the floor caught some of the other recruits attention and they started to cheer on the fight. But Cloud didn�t even hear them as he swung away at the boy beneath him in a fit of anger.

�Cloud!�

Finally seeming to realize that he was getting pummeled by the smaller boy Jin tried to push the other boy off of him, but Cloud was holding his ground surprisingly well. But after a bit more of struggling the blonde was thrown off hitting the ground with a loud thud as Jin quickly got to his feet wiping the blood away from his mouth with the back of his sleeve. Cloud was up a second after him and was about to go after the other again but he felt a pair of strong arms pull him back.

�Cloud! Stop! Calm down!�

The blonde was thrashing wildly desperately trying to break free of the arms that were holding him back.

�Let him go Kyo, if he wants to fight me let the little brat try!� Jin shouted.

�No! Cloud come on stop it�s not worth it, you want to get suspended again right before the examinations!?�

Letting Kyo�s words sink in Cloud stopped struggling looking at Jin through disheveled spikes and glazed eyes.

�It�s not worth it,� Kyo said again before he noticed the crowd had quieted down rather quick and all he could hear was Cloud�s heavy breathing. Glancing around he looked at the other recruits and then at Jin who seemed to have lost his angry spark. Finally he glanced down to the blonde who he was still holding in his arms before hearing the sound of footsteps near. He felt Cloud freeze in his grasp before taking in a quick breath. Looking up he saw the General standing just a few feet away from them in the hall, his eyes seeming to pierce through all of them.

Slowly Kyo let go of Cloud and the recruit swayed a bit from the lack of Kyo supporting him. No one dared speak or even breathe for that matter. When you were in the presence of the Great General Sephiroth you quickly knew your place.

�Recruit Strife, recruit Barton,� Sephiroth began while allowing his eyes to pass over them for a brief moment, �follow me. You others, it�s past curfew,� he explained. That was all he had to say before the crowd dispersed back into their rooms. Kyo gave Cloud a sympathetic look before retreating back to his room like the rest.

Jin and Cloud on the other hand followed behind the General in silence. Cloud kept his gaze downward most of the time, only glancing up a few times to make sure he was still behind Sephiroth. He didn�t look at Jin, he couldn�t, he feared if he did he would be tempted to hit him again. The nerve of that idiot! He was always mouthing off about something.

The sound of a door opening caught Cloud�s attention and he looked up to see Sephiroth holding open the door to his office, waiting for the two boys to enter inside.

They both entered quickly not wanting to upset the General anymore than he possibly already was. They stood in the middle of the room as Sephiroth closed the door and took a seat over at his desk. He didn�t say anything for a few moments and started to fill out some papers that were on his desk as Cloud and Jin stood there uncomfortably before taking a glance at each other.

�The two of you,� Sephiroth finally began, �are top students in Sergeant Okuda�s unit. I�ve observed the both of you in that class on numerous occasions and you surpass many of the others. I�d like to think that not only do you excel in physical ways but also in mind.� He held his gaze on Cloud for a bit before focusing on Jin. �What was the reason for your fight?�

Biting his lip Cloud closed his eyes. Don�t tell him Jin! Don�t tell him what you said! He seriously thought he would die of embarrassment if Jin told Sephiroth what they had really been talking about.

�Well,� Jin began, �some words were exchanged between the two of us and things just got a little�out of hand sir.�

Finally you do something right idiot.

�And are we five? Can things not be spoken and handled maturely?� the General asked while leaning forward a bit.

�They can sir,� Cloud spoke up.

�But they weren�t this evening,� Sephiroth continued while getting up from his seat and walking around to the front of his desk. �There is no reason for an unnecessary fight. If you were in SOLDIER you�d know that, however seeing as how you will be taking the exams shortly you should�ve known that.�

�Yes sir,� both of the recruits said in unison.

�This isn�t the first time the two of you have had an altercation,� Sephiroth continued, �who started this fight?�

There was silence in the room for a while before Cloud finally spoke up.

�I did sir,� he replied while glancing at the floor.

�Hmm,� the silver haired man mused.

�Sir, he had good reason�I was the one who said things I shouldn�t have,� Jin explained.

What the? Looking beside him to Jin the blonde�s eyes widened. Jin actually looked like he felt guilty.

�Is that so?� Sephiroth asked while glancing at Jin.

�Yes sir.�

�Still,� Cloud began, in the back of his mind wandering why he was even speaking, �I could�ve walked away. I didn�t have to hit him.�

Jin looked at the blonde with a strange expression. He didn�t understand why the blonde would try to help him out.

�Very well then,� Sephiroth began, �It seems both of you are at fault.�

Cloud sighed softly. It looked like they were both going to get suspended or punished�but he guessed that was fair.

�However it seems you both accept and understand your behavior was wrong,� the General continued, �I see no point to punish you if you�ve already learned your lesson.�

Walking over to the door Sephiroth opened it, �I do not want to see you back here again under these circumstances, next time I won�t be so easy.�

The two stared at the door for a moment in surprise before nodding and saying a quick �Yes sir, thank you sir,� and exiting out of the office. The door closed quickly behind them and they looked at each other in shock for a moment.

�So where�s the lucky rabbit�s foot?� Jin joked with a smile as he started down the hall.

Cloud shook his head, �He�s�just unpredictable I guess.�

�Well, I for one don�t want to be there when he decides to not be nice, I�ve heard some things,� Jin explained.

�It seems you hear a lot,� Cloud mumbled before Jin stopped in his tracks and Cloud quickly braced himself in case the other tried anything.

�I�that was�I shouldn�t have said those things,� Jin began while touching his still sore mouth, �you know me, I like to talk and well�not everything that comes out is always nice.�

�Is�that an apology?� Cloud asked unsure.

�Take it however you want,� Jin began with a small grin, �that�s all your getting from me.�

�You didn�t have to speak up back there, I probably would�ve gotten in trouble but�why did you try to take the fall?�

�Like I said,� Jin began with a sigh, �I shouldn�t have said that shit so�might as well own up.�

Cloud was baffled. This was Jin? The same kid who had been tormenting him ever since he arrived in Midgar? The same kid who had given him a black eye and gotten him suspended for a week? Seriously, what was with this guy?

�I don�t get you,� Cloud said softly with a shake of his head.

�Yeah,� Jin started with a small smile, �I don�t think you ever can.� Running a hand through his hair he turned and continued down the halls as Cloud remained frozen and watched his retreating form. What happened here? Maybe he would never know.

************************************************************************

�I�m gone for a few days and you�re already getting into fights and getting lectured by Seph!? Things really just fall apart when I�m not around!�

�Zack,� Cloud said with a shake of his head and a smile as he listened to the SOLDIER carry on. �Well if that�s what you need to tell yourself so you feel important!� the blonde shouted to the other. He was in the kitchen trying to figure out what to make to eat and Zack was in his room changing, but like always Zack couldn�t take just a few minutes of silence to get dressed. He always had to keep the conversation going no matter where he was in the apartment, so there was often a lot of shouting going on in the place.

�I am important!� the SOLDIER said a little hurt while finally entering into the living room.

�Okay,� Cloud said in a nonchalant tone while pulling open the fridge. He loved teasing Zack, he was so much like a little kid at times.

�I am and you know it!� Zack continued as he came into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around Cloud�s waist, �well at least to you anyways right?� He asked before placing a kiss on the boys cheek.

The blonde just laughed slightly as he continued to rummage through the fridge.

�Right?� Zack asked again as his grin faded and he tightened his hold on the other.

�If I answer that it�s going to sound sappy,� Cloud replied with a smile while pulling out a few items.

�So!� Zack pouted, �It�s just us two, and besides after my trip with that annoying brat I think I deserve some love.�

�Was it really that bad?� Cloud asked while walking over to the counter after Zack had let him go.

�Spike,� he began with a sigh, �he�s so annoying. You can�t even begin to imagine. He thinks just because he�s President Shinra�s son that the whole world needs to bow before him! And I think the little guy got it twisted, I was there for security, not to be his waiter.�

�What?� Cloud asked with a laugh, �what did he try to make you do?�

Zack groaned, �anything from ordering him food to damn well feeding it to him. Of course I set him straight though.�

�Doesn�t sound like much fun,� the blonde replied while grabbing a knife from the drawer. He decided on making a sandwich and was now spreading some peanut butter on a slice of bread.

�It wasn�t,� Zack replied while placing his hand against the wall but was a bit surprised when he went a bit farther than planned. Glancing at his hand he realized that it had gone partially into the hole in the wall that Cloud had created a few weeks back.

Looking to the wall Cloud felt a sudden wave of guilt wash over him.

�Zack� I�m sorry about,� he began before the SOLDIER moved away from the wall and over to the blonde.

� It�s no big deal,� Zack started while wrapping his arms back around the boys waist.

Cloud kept his eyes on the hole as it brought back the memory of how mad he had been that night. He had messed up a few things but it was good that he had left when he did, he didn�t know if he could handle the fact that he trashed the whole apartment or something. �But it�s�just there.�

�Eh, it can be easily fixed,� Zack replied with a grin while letting his eyes travel back to the wall for a moment before looking back to the blonde. He didn�t want Cloud to stress off of it, he knew he felt bad. But honestly Zack could care less about some little hole in the wall, the thing that mattered was that he had Cloud back.

�Okay,� Cloud said with a bit of a nod before turning his focus back to his sandwich.

Zack placed a few kisses on his neck before speaking up, �are you making that for me?�

�No,� the blonde replied.

�Mean,� the SOLDIER said softly before nipping at the boys earlobe.

�You�re in the kitchen make your own,� Cloud said while trying his best to continue making his sandwich but Zack�s lips were kind of distracting.

�Mm,� he began, �now that I think about it I�m not that hungry,� he finished before trailing kisses down the boys neck and holding him tighter.

Placing a hand on the counter Cloud closed his eyes forgetting about his sandwich as he concentrated on the feel of Zack�s mouth on his neck. God how he had missed this so much. Zack had left so quickly after their make up that they didn�t really get much time to spend together and now that he was back, Cloud thought that they should definitely make up for lost time.

Turning in Zack�s embrace so that he was facing the other Cloud slowly blinked open his eyes for just a moment to look into Zack�s before he had mashed his lips against the recruits.

Cloud instantly melted into the kiss opening his mouth when he felt Zack�s tongue glide across his lips. In a second their tongues were twined, moving eagerly against each other in an intimate caress. There was a certain passion and desire behind this kiss that hadn�t been in to many of their others, but it was definitely nice.

Zack�s hold around the boys waist tightened as he pulled the blonde as close as possible before small arms wrapped around his neck.

The recruit moaned softly when Zack captured his bottom lip before pulling back to break the kiss.

Cloud�s face was flushed like usual and his eyes fluttered open to see Zack�s grinning face.

�Sorry,� Zack began before placing a light kiss on the slightly dazed boys lips, �I�m distracting you.�

Blinking a few times Cloud looked to the counter where his unfinished sandwich remained and then back to Zack. He had to agree with the SOLDIER, the more he thought about it he really wasn�t all that hungry anymore either.

�No,� the recruit began with a shake of his before taking a step closer to Zack and placing a hand on his shoulder before pulling himself upward a bit to place a kiss on his lips. Zack leaned down a bit to make it a little easier for the boy as he snaked an arm around his waist once more. He felt a slender hand fist in his hair while the other trailed up his chest before resting on his arm.

Turning them so that now Cloud was where Zack had been standing he leaned against the boy a bit more so that he was now pressed against the wall. It took Cloud by surprise and he briefly broke the kiss and opened his eyes, but it just took a small reassuring smile from Zack and then their lips were together again. With Cloud against the wall Zack could put more of his weight against him without worrying about him tipping over, and it felt good to have him pressed close against him like that. And it didn�t look like Cloud wasn�t enjoying it, he had one arm wrapped around the other while his other hand rested on the back of Zack�s head, holding him down to his level so that their kiss wouldn�t falter.

Zack had one hand placed against the wall while the other rested on Cloud�s side. For the most part when they would make out Zack tried to be careful where he placed his hands, he didn�t want Cloud to freak out and he knew that was a possibility given Cloud being so shy and new at things.

Gently squeezing the blonde�s hip Zack lightly ran his hand up the boys side and then down again before slipping his hand under the others shirt and running it up again, caressing the soft and warm skin. Groaning a bit from the contact Zack continued on. Cloud�s skin really was soft, it was almost like a baby�s, but that was in no way a complaint. Though it did make the SOLDIER want to feel more of it.

Cloud made a sound that sounded like a cross between a moan and a yelp before he broke the kiss. But Zack just moved to his neck, lightly licking and placing kisses. The blonde had broke the kiss but he hadn�t actually objected to anything, he was more just� surprised was the word. Moving his other hand from off the wall Zack slid that hand up the other side of Cloud�s shirt, mimicking the same movements of his other hand.

Now tangling both of his hands in the SOLDIERS hair he let out a gasp when he felt Zack move to the front of his neck and dip his tongue into the small indentation there before moving back to his mouth.

Zack seemed to know what he was doing, and a part of that Cloud was glad about and another part made him nervous.

Shifting a little beneath the others weight Cloud slid a hand from out of the raven locks to grip the others arm. He felt his cheeks heat up as he moved, realizing how close they actually were, and when he moved he liked the feeling of the friction between them.

But Cloud really had to stop doing that, unlike the recruit who was still so innocent at things, Zack knew that a slight move like that could be deadly. Moving back a bit he put just a bit of distance between. However, it didn�t seem like the blonde liked that move all too much and he instantly went to pull the other tighter. That was fine though, Zack could have a little self control�he hoped.

�Zack,� the blonde breathed quietly once they had parted for air. The sound of Cloud�s voice made a shiver run through the other and he kept his eyes closed for a second before opening them lazily to stare into the boy�s flushed face. His eyes were half lidded and he was breathing hard, though he wasn�t actually looking directly into Zack�s eyes at the moment as he gently trailed his hands over his back.

�Mm?� Was Zack�s soft response as he pressed a kiss to Cloud�s swollen lips.

�I,� the recruit began dumbly. He was in a hazy fog of some sorts that was stirred up from the feelings he was getting from the other. What was he starting to say? He didn�t know really, maybe to tell Zack that he didn�t want him to stop and that he wanted to feel more, needed more. Yeah, that was for certain what he really wanted to say, but the reality was that he wouldn�t. He was still�kind of scared. Of Zack? No, no way, just of taking things further. It had taken him a while just to get the hang of kissing, how the hell was he supposed to�do more.

�You,� Zack began while pulling back a little to look at the blonde who still had his eyes elsewhere but was still keeping his contact with the SOLDIER. He finally looked up into blue eyes, glowing blue eyes and then a thought hit him, taking his focus off of what had been running through his mind previously.

�I forgot to tell you,� he started, �they posted a schedule for our Mako infusions.�

Having a feeling that that wasn�t what he was actually going to say at the beginning Zack sighed inwardly. It was okay though, things would come in time. �Really?� He asked while standing up straighter, �Well I guess that�s about right, exams aren�t too far away.�

�I�m scheduled for Friday,� Cloud continued, �what do they do anyways?� He asked a little nervously while letting his hands move away from Zack�s back to rest beside him.

�It�s just like a shot basically, that�s all they should do for you guys anyways, it�s just a test run,� Zack explained while walking back to the fridge.

�Does it hurt?�

�With the dosage you�ll get you�ll be fine. It doesn�t hurt but you�ll feel a little different at first, it takes a minute for your body to accept it,� the SOLDIER explained while taking a sip of the beer he had just grabbed out of the fridge, �don�t worry it�s over before you know it,� he continued while walking back over and ruffling the boys hair.

�Will my eyes be like yours?� Cloud asked innocently while looking back to Zack�s eyes, his blush slowly fading.

�Nah,� Zack replied with a grin, �It takes a lot more to get to this point.�

Nodding the blonde held the others gaze a bit longer before Zack spoke up again.

�You should finish up there,� he began while pointing to the counter before moving out of the kitchen.

Glancing back at the counter Cloud looked at his unfinished sandwich before walking over and picking up the knife again. Way to spoil the moment. He put the knife into the jar and began to spread the peanut butter a little roughly as he continued to think. Sure yeah he was going to talk to Zack about the Mako infusions, but later! Not now, not when they were�

Letting out a sigh he began to place things back in their spots before finally grabbing his sandwich and taking a small bite out of it before walking out of the kitchen and into the living room where Zack was already sitting on the couch and flipping through the channels.

Cloud took a seat at the end and watched the screen boringly as his mind continued to race.

�That�s too far,� Zack said before reaching out a hand to grab Cloud�s arm.

�Hmm?� the recruit began questioningly while turning his focus to the other. But he moved closer to Zack when he felt him tug slightly on his arm.

Wrapping his arms around the blonde Zack let out a content sigh.

Cloud nuzzled against his boyfriends side while eating the last bits of his sandwich, not really paying attention to what was on the TV screen. Being held in Zack�s arms was enough to quiet his thoughts and he was thankful for that.

******************************************************************

�That�s all for today!� Sergeant Okuda shouted after a blow of his whistle.

The recruits began to exit out of the room after grabbing their things, many off to their Mako infusions just as Cloud was. Kyo had gone the day before but was going with Cloud to his because he told him he may feel a little light headed and may need some help getting back.

�Ready to go?� Kyo asked while appearing next to the recruit who was just now grabbing his gym bag.

�Yeah,� Cloud replied with a nod and they exited out of the room. They made their way down to the laboratory where the infusions were taking place. It was the only time really that gave them access to this other part of the building. There were already a lot of recruits waiting in the hall and every so often a woman with a clipboard would come out and call a name and somebody else would go back into the room . Soon the group of recruits had dwindled down and there were only a few remaining.

�Don�t be nervous, it might suck a little today but it�s nothing serious, it�ll go away,� Kyo explained.

Cloud nodded. He had seen how Kyo was yesterday, and aside from being a little groggy and having a slight headache he seemed to be like his usual self. And even those things had only lasted for about an hour at the most.

�Strife,� the woman reappeared at the door again while looking down the hall.

�That�s you buddy!� Kyo exclaimed with a smile while nudging the blonde.

Standing up Cloud walked over to the woman who flashed him a bright smile before stepping aside so he could enter. She shut the door behind them and pointed at a spot and told him to have a seat. Obeying he sat down on the chair while looking around at the place. There were all kinds of monitors on, and beeping sounds and when he looked at the small table that was next to him it was covered with sharp objects and needles that he hoped they weren�t going to use now.

�Ok Cloud,� the woman began while closing a folder, �I think we�re set so,� she continued while motioning for him to follow her, �why don�t you lie up on here,� she explained while patting the small bed, �and I�ll be right back.�

Hopping up onto the bed Cloud lay back on it while staring up at the ceiling that had some very annoyingly bright lights beaming down on him. He could barely keep his eyes open so he decided to look to his side, that�s when he saw the woman approaching again this time with a man in white lab coat following behind her.

�I finished his papers so he�s ready when you are,� she spoke to the man while walking past Cloud before giving him a sweet smile.

�Thank you Kasumi,� the man said while messing with a few things on a table not to far away from the recruit. Cloud watched eagerly as he tried to figure out just what it was that the man was doing.

�Cloud Strife?� The man asked while keeping his back towards the other.

�Yes sir,� Cloud replied.

The man turned around, his raven ponytail swinging lightly before pushing up his glasses up a bit, �Ah yes, I�ve heard about you,� he began while wheeling over a small cart, �I�m told about many of the recruits before you come here.�

Cloud gasped when he felt something cold being rubbed on his arm and he glanced over to try to see what it was.

�Don�t move,� the man said sternly while looking at the boy through the shine of his glasses.

�Sorry,� Cloud mumbled before looking back up at the ceiling, closing his eyes to block the harsh lights.

�This�ll hurt, try not squirm,� he spoke before placing a needle into the blonde�s arm and pushing down on the syringe to expel the liquid inside.

Closing his eyes tighter the recruit bit his lip. It felt like he was being injected with liquid fire. His whole arm seemed to be burning from the inside and out and for a moment he seriously thought he was going to scream, but the pain started to fade away.

Glancing at one of the monitors the man tilted his head, �hmm.�

�Professor Hojo? Are you almost done, there�s still a few more recruits out in the hall,� Kasumi spoke up from across the room.

�Yes, give me one minute Kasumi,� Professor Hojo replied softly before pulling the needle out of the boys arm.

Cloud thought that was it but he felt another needle enter the same spot, and the same feeling coursed throughout his whole body this time.

�Interesting,� Hojo said quietly to himself while keeping his focus on the monitor still before retracting the needle.

�You�re done,� the man began while moving some things around and rolling the cart away.

Opening his eyes lazily Cloud blinked a few times. The lights above him seemed even more unusually bright and he swore he was seeing spots of some sort. Sitting up he gripped onto the sides of the bed as his head began to spin. A hand grabbed his arm and helped him down.

�Dizziness is a side effect,� Professor Hojo began, �I suggest you go lie down for a while until it wares off.�

�Okay,� Cloud began with a nod and in a minute Kasumi was beside him.

�Let�s go,� she said softly while escorting him out of the room. Once the door was open Kyo walked over to the two before Kasumi said something about Cloud getting rest and then she had taken the next recruit inside.

�You�re alive!� Kyo teased.

Running a hand over his face Cloud squinted a bit, �everything seems so bright.�

�You�re just really sensitive to light right now,� Kyo replied as he started to walk with the other beside him.

Trying to shield his eyes from the light he kept a hand near his face as he followed Kyo. His body still felt a little tingly and that fiery sensation, while it wasn�t as strong as before it was still there, like a dull sort of aching pain. And his head was still spinning, actually the room was spinning, and the ground looked like it was moving too. Stopping briefly he held out a hand to try to grab onto something to help steady himself and he ended up grabbing onto the side of the wall.

�You okay?� Kyo asked while glancing over and realizing that his friend had stopped and was now leaning against the wall.

�I don�t know,� Cloud began while blinking his eyes a few times. Why did everything look funny?

�Cloud? Hey come on,� Kyo started while shaking the boy a bit, �you just need to lie down, you�ll be fine.�

Taking a step away from the wall he stumbled forward a bit but Kyo caught him before he made contact wit the ground.

�Cloud? Come on, shake it off,� he started while holding the boy back a bit to look into his face. But he was shocked when he realized that Cloud really didn�t look all too well. His face was unusually pale and sweat was beginning to drip down his face, he hadn�t been like that before hand.

They hadn�t gotten very far from the hall they were just in and now some of the other recruits were looking at them, a little afraid to go inside for their infusions.

�Hey!� Kyo shouted to one of the recruits down the hall, �get the Professor!�

Nodding a bit dumbly the recruit entered the room without permission to go get the man.

Closing his eyes briefly he opened them once more to see that the room was still spinning and it was beginning to make him nauseous and wasn�t at all helping with the pounding in his head. He didn�t remember much else before hitting the floor besides Kyo�s voice calling his name and hearing a woman�s worried voice that he assumed was Kasumi�s. But after that was just darkness, a strange and eerily silent darkness.

************************************************************************

A/N: And there�s chap 14! Of course Cloud isn�t dead or anything, so no need to panic there! And I know the Jin thing is probably really confusing people, but I hope to clear up that confusion very soon. And hopefully Zack can break down some more of Cloud�s barriers! Thanks so much for the reviews everyone, they mean so much! Will post chap 15 soon!
- 13
- 14
- 15
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Crystal Clear