Combat Training for the Stubborn

Combat 5

Everything hurt, plain and simple. His joints protested with each move in the warm-ups and his head pounded from every sound (including his own breathing). It was a small consolation to Cid that most of his classmates appeared to be in the same condition, if not worse. The pilot-to-be grimaced as he felt his shoulders pop when he stretched. Yeah, he had learned his lesson. Even if Zack appeared to be absurd and somewhat idiotic, he usually had a motive for his actions. And the moral of this lesson was that the enemy won’t wait until you’re well-rested and clear-headed.

And if the murderous glares being thrown at the First Class was any indication, Lieutenant Zack Fair was currently the enemy. The brunette just grinned as he continued to call out commands and corrections, his voice loud and clear, much to the dismay of alcohol-induced headaches. Cid glanced behind the instructor to find that even General Sephiroth was watching with mild amusement. ‘Sadistic bastards.’

Cid finished the warm-ups and reached over to his water bottle. Just as he was about to take a sip, a snide, nasally voice came from behind him, “Hey there, Highwind.”

Turning, the blond glared at the approaching pair. One was a scrawny, pasty man with messy black hair and a greasy smile; the other was a dishwater blond and a couple inches shorter than Cid himself but heavy-set with a constant frown on his broad face, “Sanders, Ericson. What do you bastards want?”

“Relax, Highwind,” the scrawny Sanders replied, “We’re just curious about something, ain’t we E?”

Ericson ‘hmm’ed, his beady black eyes glaring at Cid. The pilot-in-training really didn’t want to talk to either of them. When it came to wiring and computer work, the pair was among the best. But all in all, they were a couple of class A assholes, “Well ask and get the hell outta my face.”

The urge to hit Sanders increased as that slimy grin grew wider, “We noticed you left the bar awful early last night, Highwind, and with General Sephiroth and his little lap dog no less.”

Unknown to them, the aforementioned silver-haired man heard the scrawny Cadet speak his name and turned his attention to the trio. Noting Cadet Highwind’s growing tension, he motioned to Captain Skylark and Zack, all three of them quickly and subtly moving within hearing range of the discussion.

Blue eyes narrowed dangerously at Sanders’ slur on Zack but he held himself back, teeth grinding, “Yeah? So?”

“So you never came back to the dorms. We all know how much of a fit you threw over having to be in this class in the first place, it makes me wonder. Were you perhaps trying to get the General’s favor? Using that mouth of yourself for something useful for once? Must not be very good since you’re still in class.”

By this time Cid was livid, his eyes flashing murderously at the amused pair, even Ericson had a smirk on his pudgy face. The blond forced himself to not make a move, knowing that they were up to something and not wanting to fall into it. None of them noticed that the rest of the class had fallen silent, all eyes on them.

“While we’re on that train of thought,” Sanders continued, “I guess it would be easy to understand something else that’s been bugging me for a while. I mean, a country hick like you just strolls in here out of nowhere and not only do you get to design the rocket but you’ll be the one to pilot it too! How many times did you let Skylark fuck you before he agreed to that?”

Something seemed to snap in the young Highwind and he leapt for the smirking man, a single punch sending the lanky figure into the air before he crashed hard in the dirt. Ericson attempted to return the favor but Cid dodged too quickly for the beady-eyed man. Whirling, the furious blond placed a heavy kick to the back of the pudgy man’s knees, watching as he fell to the ground next to his partner. Just as he was about to attack the scrambling Sanders again, a muscular arm wrapped around his chest and a gloved hand locked his right arm behind his back. Enraged, he thrashed for a moment before a deep voice whispered into his ear, “Calm yourself, Cid. This is what they want. Keep fighting and they win. I wouldn’t want you to lose your chance at space for these worthless creatures.”

Panting as the adrenaline began to leave him, Cid went lax in the tight grip, grudgingly nodding his understanding. It was a few seconds before he was released and, as soon as he could, he turned to find none other than General Sephiroth standing there with an unreadable expression, “Sir! I-”

“Silence, Cadet. We all heard everything.”

Cid cringed at the cold voice, his cerulean eyes glancing about to find that, sure enough, the entire class was watching in stunned silence. ‘Shit.’ He knew he was in trouble. Despite Sanders’ words, it had been him that threw the first punch. Steadying his nerves, he stood straight, prepared to take his Commander’s judgment.

Sephiroth had easily read the flickering emotions on the blond’s face before the younger man had straightened, acceptance clearly on his face. ‘Good. He knows he did wrong. That will make this easier.’ While he knew that according to the rules, Cadet Highwind had broken several, the silver-haired man wasn’t certain that he would have done differently had he been in Cid’s shoes. Still, as General, he had to lead by example and follow as well as enforce the guidelines, “Cadet Ericson, Cadet Highwind, Cadet Sanders, even if you three have an excuse for your actions here, I do not want to hear it. You will each be punished accordingly, understood?”

“Yes sir!” Cid called out, the other two following meekly after. At a glare from the General, they straightened and spoke again, this time much clearer.

“Cadet Sanders! Your words today have proven you guilty of insubordination and, if we were in the frontlines, possibly treason. You will treat your superiors with the respect due to them. You will be suspended from this class for two weeks and during the time you would normally be here, you will be serving community service under Lieutenant General Hewley’s supervision along with Cadet Highwind and Cadet Ericson. You will still be required to make up for the missed classes in the evening and you will do so under MY supervision. Understand?”

The pasty skin seemed to go a sickly shade of gray-green but the man quickly replied, “Yes sir!”

Jade eyes then landed on Ericson, the pudgy man seeming to shrink before that cold gaze, “Cadet Ericson! You supported Sanders’ actions and even attempted to strike one of your fellow classmates when it was not your fight. You are guilty of aiding a fellow Cadet’s insubordination. You will report to Lieutenant General Hewley along with Sanders and Highwind for the next two weeks. After your community service is over each day, you will meet with Captain Skylark for the time required to make up for the missed classes. Understand?”

It took a moment but the man soon gave a stammered, “Y…yes s-sir!”

To his credit, Cid remained still, even under the weight of the General’s gaze, “Cadet Highwind! Your actions were incorrect in this situation. You will remember to keep your emotions in check and report to a superior officer should something like this occur again. You will also report to Lieutenant General Hewley for the next two weeks and after which you will be supervised by Lieutenant General Rhapsodos in your training. Understand?”

“Yes sir!” Cid was slightly confused however. The name Rhapsodos rung a bell but he couldn’t quite place it. Then, as he noticed Zack’s sympathetic gaze land on him, he remembered. ‘Oh damn! Ginger!’

“You three are dismissed! Meet with Hewley at the dorm gates at thirteen hundred hours! Now move!”

“Sir!”

Grudgingly, Sanders and Ericson sauntered off through the training field gates. Cid cast an apologetic glance at the General, blue eyes surprisingly dull before following the two, only stopping long enough to shoulder his bag as jade, sapphire and emerald watched the cadet go.

~

“Dammit!”

A fist connected to the tile on in shower stall, splintering the plaster and ceramic on the wall. Pieces dropped onto the floor, being swept way by the flow of water and carried down the drain.

The blond rested his head against the cool tiles, allowing the warmth of the water to hit his back and loosen tense muscles. ‘How could I be so fuckin’ stupid? They wanted me ta go after them, to make it so I got kicked out! Assholes were just stupid enough not ta realize the General could hear what they said. If he hadn’t stopped me…’

“I wouldn’t want you to lose your chance at space for these worthless creatures.”

“Damn…” Cid sighed. It seemed he owed the General his dreams. If the man hadn’t stopped him, he probably would have beaten those two idiots within an inch of their lives. And that was definitely grounds for dismissal.

Realizing he needed to hurry, the blond shut off the water and redressed. Though he did not know Lieutenant General Angeal Hewley very well, he figured it was a safe assumption that the man would not tolerate tardiness.

Once he reached the dorm gates, he checked his watch before pulling out a cigarette. He didn’t really smoke often but when the day got too rough a little nicotine helped. Lighting up the cancer stick, he took a heavy drag, sighing as the smoke left his lungs. Just as he began to feel a little more settled, a familiar nasal tone grated his ears, “Well, Highwind. Looks like you aren’t the General’s pet anymore, eh? What are you gonna do with your nights now?”

Cid ignored Sanders, keeping his eyes on the sky, mentally running through the few clouds in the blue expanse. His thoughts were quickly derailed as he felt someone invade his personal space. Looking down, his cerulean gaze met with black beady eyes, Ericson eying him like a piece of meat, “Get the fuck away from me!”

Sanders snickered, “Aw come on, Highwind. After what you did to us in class, you really should make up for it. We were just talking after all, there was no reason to jump us like that. We can make it so you’re not so lonely tonight.”

Cid wanted to hurl at the man’s implications and was about to tell him where to shove his ideas when a reprimanding tone came from the side, “If I hear one more word out of your mouth like that Cadet Sanders, you can be guaranteed you will no longer have any position within Shinra for the rest of your life.” Three pairs of eyes turned to find Angeal watching with a disapproving gaze, “And Cadet Highwind? Put out that cigarette. There will be no smoking during your time with me.”

The cadet scowled, “Can’t I at least finish it first?” Dark blue eyes regarded him coolly. The blond gulped, ‘Take that as a no…’ Crushing the cigarette on his boot, Cid sighed. “Yes sir!”

“Good, now come along. We have a lot of work to do.”

All three Cadets gave him a curiously confused look but they received no other information and quickly fell into line when he started to walk.

~

“I swear, if one more fuckin’ gull shits on me I’m gonna-”

“Cadet Highwind, if you have the energy to speak, you are not working hard enough.”

Sky blue eyes glared at the watching man. In his opinion, the bastard seemed like one of the creeps that stuck strictly to the rulebook and wouldn’t know humor if it bit him in the ass. He kept his thoughts to himself and returned to the task of retrieving trash from Junon’s piers and beaches. Apparently he and the other two were going to be spending the next two weeks cleaning all the litter in Junon. Joy.

Casting a quick glance at his watch, he sighed. At least there was only another hour left of this. ‘And then I hafta go deal with Ginger.’ He thought with a groan. This was gonna be hell.

As the last visible piece of garbage was picked up from that section, Hewley motioned for them to follow him to the next area. As they began to cross one of the many bridges linking the piers, an infuriating voice taunted him, Sanders’ voice low enough that their ‘supervisor’ wouldn’t hear him, “This look suits you, Highwind. Guess you got used to being covered in dirt and shit back home didn’t you? Maybe you-”

The annoying scrawny Cadet was cut off as he suddenly found himself tripping over the edge of the bridge, into the waters below. Cid laughed as the man came up, “Ya really should watch where yer goin’, Sanders. Jus’ make sure there ain’t any dolphins in there!”

When he turned back to find both Hewley and Ericson looking at him curiously, he shrugged, “Bastard may be an ass. That don’t mean I want him gettin’ raped in tha water.”

“I didn’t know dolphins did that,” Angeal said, brow raised.

“Not many do. Lucky for dipshit down there, they’re rare in Junon.”

“How do you know this, Cadet Highwind?”

“Had an uncle that got real unlucky while skinny-dippin’ in Del Sol. Since then, all Highwind’s are careful ‘bout gettin’ inta the ocean.”

A low chuckle came from the brunette as he shook his head, “I would imagine so.”

By then, Sanders had managed to climb up the ladder back onto the bridge, “YOU! You tripped me!”

Cid raised a brow. Like hell he had! He had been facing the other way! Luckily, it appeared he didn’t need to tell their supervisor this.

Hewley held back his smirk, “Do you have any evidence to back up your accusation, Cadet?”

“N-no, sir.”

“Then watch where you’re walking rather than trying to share your vile thoughts with your fellow cadets. Now move!”

Cid wasn’t sure but he thought he saw the broad shoulders shake slightly with repressed laughter. ‘Holy shit! Did he…? But how?! He was in front of me. Must be a SOLDIER thing. I guess he’s not such a stickler for the rules after all!’

None of the Cadets noticed a figure in a red leather coat under the bridge, leaning against one of the supports, a mischievous grin on his face as he went back to reading his book.

~

As six p.m. rolled around, Cid had no thoughts of food, his stomach far too nauseated from the smells and rotted garbage he had been forced to pick up. His only thought when Angeal returned them to the dorms was a hot shower and maybe a quick nap before he had to deal with Rhapsodos.

These plans were quickly derailed as he found Genesis waiting just outside his room, the Loveless book from the day before in his hands once more, “Fuck!”

Blue eyes flicked up from the pages, a small smirk playing over the man’s features, “While I appreciate the offer darling, you’re not my type.” His nose wrinkled a little, “And you absolutely reek. Hit the shower and we’ll get started when you’re done.”

Cid glared at the man but decided to get cleaned up while he had the chance. He really did reek. Though he wanted nothing more than to let the hot water ease the aches of the day, he didn’t want to risk the redhead getting impatient and coming in after him. ‘With my damned luck, he’ll do it anyway just ta catch a peek.’

As soon as he was sure all of the rancid smell had been washed away, he toweled off and redressed, snatching up the staff he had made as he walked out of his room. He quickly found the redhead pacing at the end of the hall, talking in hushed tones on his PHS.

“Come on! Please! I just need a quickie Ang! With how badly the kid was covered in that shit, surely we have enough…” Genesis trailed off as he looked up to find Cid watching him with a strange mixture of amusement and impatience, “Well damn, looks like he doesn’t take half as long in the shower as you do,” The blond chuckled as he heard Angeal’s muffled voice yelling something at the redhead. Genesis rolled his eyes, “Yes, you do take an hour babe! You spend more time in the bathroom than me! And that’s saying something! Look, I gotta go. I will see you later tonight, alright? Love you!”

He snapped the phone shut before turning mischievous eyes to the cadet, “You ready to have some fun Highwind?”

“Depends on what yer idea of fun is, Ginger.”

Mako-blue eyes narrowed slightly, “Watch what you say, Cadet. After all, for the next three hours, your ass is mine.”

Cid grinned, “And here I thought General Hewley’s ass was yers? Change yer mind?”

Genesis held his glare for all of a minute before shaking his head with a laugh. He turned to leave but glanced back, “Actually, for your information, it’s the other way around, darling.”

Cid blinked, processing the information before frowning, “Ya know, I really didn’t need ta know that! And quit callin’ me darlin’!”

---

A/N: Frizz: This chapter is a bit more serious. I guess the muses needed to balance themselves out after the sheer insanity and hilarity of the last chapter. I hope all of you enjoy!

Sapphy: Till next chapter, duckies :)

Reviews-

TemenNiGru: I love it! This was a great chapter, so funny, and yet I can imagine it all happening hehe! I think you've captured them all down to a 't' and I really, really love the pairing! Can't wait to read more :)

Frizz: Woot! I love knowing that we've made it so the characters are acting believable in a given situation.

Sapphy: Wheee, their in character! I am soooo glad you think so :D It’s actually quite difficult to keep them in it, but we are doing our best! XD Gen is to much fun to screw with. Hope you enjoy this chapter love!


La Rhapsodia Aeon of Depravity: Oooooeee! This get better with every sentence! I love it when Cid is the uke! Not only that, but it's Seph/Cid, a pairing which I thought only I'd ever toyed with in my head. Keep up the good work!

Frizz: Just goes to show ya, no matter how off the wall you think the pairing is, there is gonna be someone out there that has thought of it too!

Sapphy: Hehe and this all started because of Enide-Dear on DA XD The Seph/Cid virus then spread to me then hit Frizz and now POOF! Combat Training for the Stubborn! Hehe

Kiheki: *drools* More...MORE!! This story ROCKS! I love the drunken singing of Zack. I giggled maniacally through this entire Chapter, and now my boyfriend is looking at me like I've lost it. It's great! WHOO! *is hyper now*

Frizz: Yeah, I totally lost it while we were writing that chapter. It was a whole lot of fun though the energy levels that I put into made me sleep like a log afterwards.

Sapphy: Haha Ain’t it yummy? I want to tie Zack up and keep him in my bed :D Poor Frizz, the sudden burst of energy knock her out after this, and because of the damn energy, I got warn out and almost didn’t post it I was so damn tired XD Hehe Glad you like!!!


MakoBlackShadow: Oh my God! Must have more soon! *melts into goo*

Frizz: LMAO, do we need to get a mop?

Sapphy: Lol I think we do Frizz, or she will stain the carpet.


Ranna: Zack and sexual innuendo. Like peanut butter and jelly.

Frizz: Totally! "One step for a blond and many thrusts later for the General!"

Sapphy: I soooooo claim ownership of that line Frizz XD And Yes, Zack and his sexual innuendo are just soo….natural for our lovely little puppy :D


Elenna: i like much. new pairing, but not unwelcome. i LOL'ed alot. I love that puppy.

Frizz: Puppy Zack is too much fun! And totally worth the scary energy.

Sapphy: Zack Puppy, love him XD


nekoluver666: I c-c-can't BREATHE!!!!!!!! *struggles for air while laughing her ass off at Zack*


Frizz: Breathe! No passing out!

Sapphy: BREATH NEKO, BREATH! DON’T MAKE ME COME OVER THERE!!!! XD