Becoming SOLDIER

Zack let out a exaggerated moan and whined, "Are they trying to kill us!"

Cloud shook his head at his friends antics, "You complain to much. The training will pay off."

Zack's jaw seemed to drop, "Are you kidding Cloudy! At this rate they'll melt our bones into liquid goo and we'll never make it to SOLDIER. My arms and legs feel like jello!"

Zack proceeded to explain further by 'demonstration' as he flailed his arms about, "How am I supposed to hold a sword with these?"

Cloud snorted; he didn't want to admit it even though Zack already knew. The boys were both exhaugsted. Training was taking a toll on their bodies; they were sore and tired; completely and utterly spent. Their ego's on the other hand hadn't taken as much of a beating. They were both ranked top in their unit. Zack was a natural at physical training and Cloud was an expert at strategy; all and all the brains of the two. They both shared their knowledge; together they rose quickly. Zack of course became more so noticed for his charm and physical ability; but Cloud didn't fall to far behind. Cloud may have not been the charmer that Zack was but he was just as deadly physically as he was mentally. Zack taught him what he lacked in strength was made up by a quick mind and even quicker feet.

"Zack," Cloud turned the conversation to a more serious tone.

"What is it Cloudy boy," Zack settled his hands behind his head as he walked.

Cloud looked over at him through the corner of his eyes briefly before focusing them back forward, "Placement exams are on monday..."

Zack tilted his head a bit confused, "Yeah....," he waited for Cloud to continue.

"What if...," Cloud grimaced as his eyes trailed to his feet.

Zack raised his brow and stopped; Cloud stopped almost instantly as Zack had.

"Cloud, what are you getting at buddy?"

"What if we don't make the same rank..."

Zack chuckled; Cloud's brows pinched together and his lips pressed into a fine line, "Whats so funny?"

Zack roped his arm around Cloud's shoulder and pulled his friend close, which in turn made Cloud blush but Zack ignored it; Cloud always blushed.

"If you rank lower than me I'll obviously have to help you catch up. Come on Cloudy, you really think I'll let you fall behind?"

Cloud's brow twitched, "Who said I would be the one that wouldn't make rank?"

Zack sheepishly grinned and whistled to the ceiling; Cloud 'replied' with a playful shove. Cloud all but squeaked when Zack's arm; instead of leaving his neck; wrapped firmer around it so the other boy could ruffle the blonde's hair. Cloud squirmed his way from the others grip and sighed as he tried to fix his chaotic hair. Zack could only offer another chuckle at the blonde's fruitless attempts at getting his hair 'under control'.

"Come on Cloudy; any more delay and we'll never get a chance to use the training room!"

Cloud only scoffed as he continued his march down the hall; Zack shuffled taking long strides catching up and quickly meeting Cloud's pace.

Once in the training room; Cloud the first to walk through the doors; threw Zack a practice sword from off the wall, his already in hand. Thankfully there weren't too many grunts that cared to train after training; so the two boys had plenty of room to sparr. A few grunts actually cleared an area on the mat and made there way to the benches. Cloud and Zack came here often and had really begun gathering quite a crowd; Zack smiled his cheesy grin at the audience while Cloud just ignored them. It wasn't that Cloud didn't 'like' them; it just made him very uncomfortable having all eyes on him while he was trying to train. You wouldn't know it though; it never did seem to affect his performance what so ever.

Cloud took his place on the mat and stood fast; sword lax at his side as he waited for his friend to take his position. Zack paced to his place on the mat directly across from Cloud only a few feet away; he walked with one hand on his hip and his other hand holding the hilt of the sword. He tapped the sword over his shoulder grinning as he took position, "Ready?"

With a affirmative nod from Cloud the two readied their swords. Cloud was next to speak, "Begin..." Directly on cue as soon as the word left Cloud mouth the two lundged forward. Their swords sounded as they connected. Because Cloud's was shorter many of the grunts had assumed that he would be on the defensive; with the larger man swinging his sword upon him he would have no choice but defend in a low stance; at least that's what they had thought the first time they had seen the two sparr. Both friends grinned as they pushed eachother back on their swords; Cloud sprung forward in the air as he thrust his sword down. Zack narrowly dodged the sword as he rolled to his left; swiftly in the same motion he swung on his hands to swing his leg around to catch Cloud's feet as he landed. Cloud instinctively leaned back performing a back hand spring to avoid Zack's attempt. Zack pushed himself up and forward to take a swing at Cloud however Cloud dodged yet again as he went into another back hand spring; in the same motion as his body began to swing back he kicked his leg up trying to connect his foot to Zack's face. Zack a bit surprized barely dodged the foot as he quickly jumped back.

Zack didn't Cloud a chance to stand as he thrust his sword at Cloud's right side; Cloud blocked the sword with his own his arms twisted over his head to do so. Cloud forced Zack's sword along his own; he drew the sword over to his opposite side and as it hit the ground Zack all but stumbled. Cloud smirked thinking he had caught the upper hand; but he should have known better than to get cocky. The minute he tried to bring the butt of the hilt to Zack's stomach Zack dug the tip of his own sword into the mat as he pushed his body up and over; he skillfully avoided Cloud and landed on the opposite side of him. Immediately after landing he twisted his body behind Cloud and pulled the practice sword to his throat. Cloud pulled his sword up in time to block Zack from pressing the dull sword against his throat. Cloud had to fight back a blush as he felt Zack pressed up against him; sure when they sparred they would often get uncomfortably close; the problem was Cloud found that it wasn't uncomfortable at all; it was the exact opposite and that scared him a little. But now wasn't the time for that; not when he was so close to losing their match. He was being careless; and thinking about such things was even more careless.

Cloud brought his elbow back into Zack's stomach-not to roughly but enough to recieve a loud 'ooumff' from the other-pushing the blade forward to release himself. Cloud took a few steps forward before turning around and smirked at his friend, "And I thought I was being careless..."

"Geeez Cloudy! You really have to elbow me in my stomach," Zack whined; not because it hurt; he just wanted to get a sympathic reaction out of the small blonde. Zack mused that it rarely ever worked and this time would be no different. But that never stopped the boy's persistant attempts, "Awww, Cloudy. You could at least say something," he drawed out the last word in a whiny tone. Cloud only rolled his eyes with a small smirk still present on his lips, ".....Something.."

Zack only pouted; which wasn't too convincing considering throughout all his whining and pouting he had an impossibly wide smirk across his face.

The two continued to sparr for another hour or so. Both were overheated and sweaty; each breath came in a heave against their burning muscles. Cloud finally straightened his back up; he cleared his throat and took in a deep breath waving off Zack to stop their training match, "Alright I'm calling it."

Zack raised a brow chuckling as he took the same labored breaths, "Ah... Are we afraid of little ole' me?"

Cloud crossed his arms over his rapidly rising chest shaking his head as he spoke sarcastically,"....petrified."

Cloud turned heel and stepped off the mat walking over to hang his practice sword up on the wall, "I'm hitting the showers."

Zack nodded as he took stance to begin his infamous squats, "I'm going to train a little longer."

Cloud nodded thankful that Zack wouldn't be joining him; it would make things easier on them both this way. Cloud, though now used to taking showers along side Zack, still had to repress blushes, impulses and wandering eyes that no friend should have issues with. Why did he look at Zack so differently; he worried the other boy may have picked up on that but so far Zack hadn't given him any indication of it. Cloud took one last glance of Zack as he performed his endless squats; He's adorable like a little puppy... always has been. Cloud failed to notice the pair of hungry eyes follow his form as he slipped past the door into the locker room.

Cloud sighed as he peeled the sweat matted shirt off his back and tossed it to the bench. He paused for a moment to rub the knotted muscles in his shoulder. Tilting his head to the side he hummed contently as he released some of the knotted pressure. He stripped himself of the rest of his clothes and quickly wrapped a towel around his waist; no amount of public showers could shake his shy nature. He neatly folded his clothes and stuffed them into his assigned locker. He pulled out a bar of soap and a bottle of shampoo; thankfully Shinra allowed the grunts their own toiletries so Cloud was allowed to buy himself a decent shampoo.

He stepped into the far corner of the showers taking a brief look around before hanging up his towel. Not a soul other than himself was in the showers; the rest of the grunts had taken their showers immediately following training than quickly retreated to their respective bunks. So it wasn't much of a surprize to Cloud that no one was around. This was his ideal time to take showers; thus another reason for Zack and Cloud to perform training after training.

Cloud turned the nozzle of the shower as it began to blast cold water. Cloud frowned letting out an aggravated sigh as he stepped aside allowing the water to warm up; every once in a while the water would come out like ice and he would have to wait for the water to 'decided' to heat up. After a few minutes Cloud was finally able to step into the water. He instantly brought his face up to allow the water to wash over his worn features. He tilted his hand down only slightly to allow the water to wash through his unruly hair as his hands moved up to run through the blonde strands. It was some much needed time alone to relax; the barracks didn't allow for it. Cloud chuckled, The life of a grunt doesn't allow for any privacy...

Cloud's face scrunched together; hot steady puffs of air brushed against the back of his neck making his hair stand on end. Not air... breaths...

Before Cloud could react he felt large hands dig painfully into his shoulders as he was twisted around in the grip. Cloud winced his eyes shutting as he was thrust into the wall behind him. He drew in a breath as narrow slitted eyes opened to focus on his attacker. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at the familar large man, "The man from the train..."

The man only smirked wickedly before slamming his lips over Cloud's; Cloud's eyes grew impossibly wide. Cloud's lips were pinned against the other mans; they were painfully pushed against his own teeth. They throbbed in pain but he didn't let that bother him; he quickly composed himself and opened his mouth to allow the man entrance. The man eagerly complied, something Cloud was counting on, he bit down on the invader's tongue making the man peel back from his lips with a yelp. Cloud would've laughed at seeing such a large man yelp like a small pup; but considering the situation he wasn't about to.

"Why you little...! It doesn't matter no one will help you!"

Cloud felt brave, he inwardly snickered, 'bravery is found only in a knight's heart...'," I'll make a big enough ruckus..."

The man only snickered, "A bit hopeful aren't we? I'll have to fix that...."

Cloud felt the air leave his lungs as the man thrust his fist into his stomach. Cloud couldn't help but remember musing over the man's large size and stature on the train; he was right the man was far stronger, sluggish, but stronger. Cloud had taken plenty of blows from Zack during training but nothing compared to the pain he felt at that moment. The punch to his gut was hard enough to send his naked form to fall onto the floor heaving and coughing; lungs desperately searching to replenish the stolen air. In a flash he found himself pinned against the ground. The man's hand was clasped tightely around Cloud's throat. "C-Care..les..s..," Cloud choked out. The man's brow twitched. Cloud curled his back towards him far enough to kick his foot into the man's chest; If he hadn't been so large he would've most likely been sent flying across the room however Cloud's kick only efficiently sent the man sprawling to his ass. Cloud -ignoring the white framing his vision forced himself to his feet- he stumbled forward trying to sprint to the door; he didn't get far as the large man's long meaty fingers painfully clasped themselves around Cloud's ankle. Cloud fell forward not prepared to catch himself; any other time taking on such a brute would be only a moderate challenge but he was tired and weakened; he fell with a large crack. His eyes floated around behind his lids; his mouth slightly parted. His eyes opened half lidded and his eyes continued to search but he couldn't seem to have anything register. He saw the man walking towards him as his vision waved to the man and than the floor than the ceiling; he was momentarily completely incoherant.

His face squeezed together as his shaky hands wrapped themselves in the thick mass of his hair. His eyes suddenly shot wide open as everything hit him all at once. The pain throbbed in his head and seemed to echo throughout his body. He instinctively curled in on himself and let out a blood curtling howl of pain. The large man ignored him as he quickly silenced the young beauty with his large calloused hand which he thrust rather roughly over the boys mouth. Cloud felt tears spring ot his eyes as he felt the pressure of the tiled floor pushing against his already pounding skull. The man allowed his free hand to roam over the young man's body. Cloud's vision was fading fast between bright white and black flashes; the world seemed to be crumbling in on top of him. He couldn't move his limbs; nor could he command his body to fight off the man. Fresh tears sprung from his eyes as he lied their helplessly praying for the darkness to take him.

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Zack secretly watched Cloud disappear behind the locker room door out of the corner of his vision. Something about Cloud made his heart flutter; Why am I disappointed that he went ahead of me... Zack scoffed at himself as he whispered to himself, "You're just upset he didn't want to do squats..."

Zack quirked a brow as a large man made his way towards the locker room. He watched the man disappear behind the door and squinted his eyes. Man that guy looked familiar... I just can't place his face... Where did I see him before.... ?

Zack continued on with his squats. Almost ten or fifteen minutes later it hit him, "That man was on the train..." Zack felt anger rise in his chest and that odd emotion swirl painfully in his chest. He turned to heel towards the locker room door; he didn't get to take even one step before he heard someone scream. No, not someone... Cloud!!

Zack's heart raced in his chest as he ripped his feet from the mat to run as fast as he could to the locker room. Zack flung the door open and ran towards the showers only to have his heart stop in his chest; his breath lost from the shock of the sight before him. Cloud layed on the floor a large puddle of blood surrounding his scalp; blonde locks stained in the crimsom substance. His blue eyes looked like they rolled into the back of his head; the boys lips barely parted. He looked impossibly pale; his lips were even blue; he looked like a corpse. Zack felt his heart race again as he saw the brute holding down Cloud by his friends throat; his hands now rushing to work at his pants unaware of Zack's presence. He was to lost in the limp boy beneath him. Zack's anger flared in him as he rushed forward; the man ontop of Cloud looked up in shock as he saw Zack's charge. Before the man could react he felt a solid fist connect to his jaw sending him a few feet back from Cloud's naked form. Zack felt the blood in his veins rapidly pump throughout his body; the anger and rise in emotion giving him a boost of strength. He stalked over to the man before yanking him up by the collar and slammed another fist into the man's face. This punch however directly connected to the man's nose; Zack heard it snap and saw the blood spray over his knuckles but it didn't stop him. He pulled the man up to his feet and rushed forward slamming the large man into the wall; Zack would've been amazed that he could lug the near seven foot beast in the air but he was blinded by his rage.

"I told you... not to touch him," Zack growled his words more venomous than ever before. He spat his words at the man like a cobra would it's own venom, "I swear to Shiva I will tear you limb from limb!"

The man only snickered spitting out the blood forming in his mouth, "We were only playing... I think he was rather enjoying himself.."

Zack's face twisted, "You sick fuck..."

Zack threw the man to the ground and quickly allowed his boot to connect to the man's skull knocking the bastard unconsise. Zack spit on him before quickly rushing over to Cloud. His anger subsiding quickly as it shifted to fear and concern. He checked over Cloud's form; other than the open cut - which thankfully wasn't to big- Cloud seemed to have suffered a concussion. Zack gently pushed the clumped blond hairs out of Cloud's face, "Cloud wake up. You have to stay up..."

Cloud groaned his eyes rolling back and forth fighting for consiseness. "Cloud come on, thats it. Please say something... It's ok.. I'm right here... I need to you stay awake for me.. Cloud say something..."

Zack's words began to spill in the form of pleading as he urged the blonde to speak. Cloud's eyes shut as they desperately searched behind the closed lids; his tongue clapped in his mouth as he swallowed. He winced and his face scrunched in pain before he parted his lips and forced a small and weak whisper,"...S-s...som..e..thi..ng.."

Zack felt his eyes sting but he fought back the happy tears that his friend was still with him. It was a bitter happiness; he should have been there to protect Cloud like he promised he would. He swore to Cloud that that man would never come across Cloud ever again; he lied. He failed him. Zack gathered the broken boy in his arms and rushed through the locker room, only pausing to grab a towel from the wall to cover his friend. He didn't care about the prying eyes that watched him as he ran down the corridors with a naked man bleeding from the head with a towel draped across his waist; he didn't even see them. He had tunnel vision; he needed to get Cloud to the infirmary and fast. He would deal with that bastard later; all that mattered right at that moment was Cloud's safety.