Enigma

Enigma


Author:CloudyFire


Rating:M language violence


Hey what's up...Still no reviews but that's ok maybe if no one reads this I'll stop posting it here.



Last Time


Smiling Cloud rolled up the letter and tucked it safely away in the white envelop. Vowing at the first possible chance to see Naruto.


Lasting


This was not his only letter though he had gotten the occasional letter from his mom telling him about her going ons and if he had made any friends. He had made some friends but didn’t stick with them that much, like everyone else in the building they never knew

when a person would break down and leave like so many before them. There was also the occasional bulling because Cloud was a little short for his age. He just needed to have a growth spurt. But he taught them in sparring that he could and would kick their asses if they messed with him. That’s why right now the blonde was currently scrubbing the marble hallways, because he had gotten into a fight.

It had started off as any normal day at the T3 barracks, Cloud had wakened up late as usual, and being the last person up also meant that he had to wait in line to use the bathroom. His bunk mate, John Marky from Icicle, was just ahead of Cloud talking up a storm like every single morning.

“Hey did you here today we have Sgt McCai today for defense.” He said aloud to noone in particular.

“Oh shit, that guy’s an hard ass and a stickler for rules.” Jac said just coming out of the now steaming bathroom.

Cloud stood by and listened not engaging in the conversation. He had also heard everyone else muttering about this McCai. Well it looked like the day would be interesting after all.

After the daily routine of washing up, Cloud had headed of to the cafeteria before class had to start. The cafeteria building itself was small and snuggled right in between two training sites so the regular military also had use of it. The building like everything else around the grounds was colored gray but the inside was completely different from the usual white walls.

The walls were filled with reds, oranges, and blues they had no order to them. The ceiling

itself had a large bird resembling a dragon monster picture, while the marble floor had a picture of a forest. The tables were also in disorder, everyone sat where ever. The chairs were actually wooden benches crowding the walls and tables.

The food as well was unique, always from a different continent in the world. After the hectic bustle in line and getting his strange food, Cloud ate fast only having about ten minutes.

He then practically ran for his next class because his building the, ‘Old Goat 9' was half way across from where he currently was. He didn’t even know why they had called the building, ‘Old Goat’ for it was brand new. Nor why a defense class had to practice in a room full of mirrors.

Reaching room seven right on time Cloud slowed and walked in quietly, greeting some peers. Before he went to his little spot in the room. Waiting yet again Cloud looked around seeing some people also lined up in their spot already standing attention, while Cloud just sort of hunched there looking dead tired. Trying not to yawn he only had to wait a minute before the instructor for the day had arrived. He marched up through the rows of cadets like he owned them until he reached the front. In the back of him was a huge mirror that captured everything in the room.

“Listen up ladies, today we are going to spare in a one on one match. I want you to use everything we have taught you thus far and if I don’t like what I see, you are out of here UNDERSTOOD.” He shouted out loud.


‘Yes sir.’


Echoed back throughout the whole room while Cloud internally snorted. So this was the guy, McCai, he acted like all the other instructors. What was so special about him, Cloud mused.

It turned out that the instructor was also participating and had beat everyone up in the room. Cloud after he had defeated his first fight with a sweep of the foot stood in line for his next fight. He only had to wait another five minutes because everyone was getting their ass kicked by McCai. Maybe this guy wasn’t so bad after all.

Cloud faced his new challenge, a medium built man in his mid twenties. He had long black hair pulled up with sharp dark eyes that were drilling holes into Cloud. His name was Jing, and he apparently didn’t like Cloud all that much since the bastard would actually go out of his way just to pester the blonde. Some would say he was just a bully but even this guy was a little excessive, like he was trying to prove that he could beat everyone.

At the start Cloud had jumped into his defensive stance in his black and white uniform, while Jing all but charged at the blonde. Cloud side stepped and spun trying to hit Jing in the lower back but Jing jumped back and away before he charged again.

Cloud came in with a kick and they both slammed their shins into each other. Cloud came back with a three punch combo but Jing blocked while he had also tried to hit Cloud with his fist.

After blocking and kicking for thirty more seconds non stop they both skipped back a ways breathing hard. Cloud knew that even though Jing was an asshole he was strong. Breathing a little more easily Cloud was the one who charged this time coming in with a fake right and kicking out instead.

He landed his foot right in Jing’s Solar Plex finishing the fight. Jing went down hard coughing and hacking trying to regain his breath back.

Stepping away and bowing ever so slightly Cloud went back into the line breathing a little harder than usual. He could feel his heart beat rabidly and feel sweat slide down his back and underarms. He had a little smirk on his face, it felt good to beat up Jing when he had the chance after all. Then it was finally his turn to face the instructor, Cloud couldn’t say that he sucked at fighting McCai but it certainly was not his best.

The instructor moved like water literally, the man was fast and relentless coming left and right, giving Cloud no chance to breath and get a good stance in. He had nailed the instructor in the face once but that was about it. When the spare was finally done everyone limped back into their spot and tried not to keel over. McCai grinned broadly showing his fangs at the cadets with his eyes shining like a madman.

It was not a picture Cloud wanted to see again for a very long time.

“Listen up grunts you did pretty good today but don’t let that get into your heads. You still have a long way to go, dismissed.” He said shortly.

Cloud was all to eager to leave like everyone else to get some food and a small nap before their next class. The next class was on training with weapons.

Cloud personally liked this class the best and would listen to the instructor with all ears. She had already went through fifteen different weapons and there uses along with there weaknesses. She would even demonstrate with them and talk about their history.

The last class the blonde had was regular teachings about the world in general, math, and some sciences.

It was mandatory and if a cadet fell behind they would be dropped just like everything else.


The atmosphere gave off a warm inviting feeling when one first visited. The small apartment had an off white carpet that was soft when stepped on surrounded by oak wood furniture. A small table by a small tan couch with a lamp illuminated a soft light casting about the white walls of the room. Opposite of the couch was a fireplace that burned bright and cheery warming up the area.

To the right was a small hallway that led to a closed door, the bedroom. The bedroom had the same color design and oak furniture that littered the tiny room. There was only a bed with two tables on either side and a dresser opposite the bed. On the bed was a orange comforter that clashed horribly with the color’s of the room.

Suddenly to the left a brown door opened, steam seeping out of the opening and warming the room even more with it’s hot mist. Stepping out from the door a figure removes the wet towel that had been placed there, revealing dripping wet blonde spikes.

Looking up showing vivid blue eyes and long eyelashes the figure dropped the towel and yelled. Distorting any semblance of peace they first showed.

“What the hell. Didn’t I tell you not to do that.” Naruto huffed in indignation.

Looking across the other wise silent room the blonde had spotted the intruder. Said intruder stepped away from the shadowed wall and into the semi darkness of the room. The only light showing was the bathroom light already half blocked by the door.

“Yes you have.” Was the answer.

Naruto glared at the figure that was covered in red as he walked towards the dresser, tightening the towel on his waist. The last time Vincent decided to visit was when Naruto had just got out of the shower and had forgotten to put on a towel.

“We got to stop meeting like this.” Naruto muttered a little embarrassed.

But come on he lived alone and paid the rent so he could walk around naked if he so wished. Grabbing his clothes Naruto turned to face the ever silent man.

Vincent was indeed a silent character, he was also quick and deadly when he wanted to be. His pale face half hidden behind his red cloak and the ever shining crimson orbs. Shifting a little Vincent looked out the window showing his hand encased with cold metal that looked like a giant claw.

“I was checking up on you.” Vincent suddenly said looking at Naruto again with his intense eyes.

Naruto for his part stared at the weird man but turned and dismissed the stray thoughts. Vincent was like that, talking at random and showing up when least expected.

“I have seen Cloud and he got your letter.” Vincent continued on after the short brief of silence.

“Great I was wondering if he ever got it. You can never trust anyone especially here.” Closing the bathroom door behind him Naruto got dressed knowing that when he was finished Vincent would not be there.

“Be careful.” Was his parting words.

Sighing Naruto stepped out of the bathroom automatically shivering as he stared at the open window. Couldn’t Vincent use the damn door like a normal human being instead of a blood sucking vampire.

Grunting he walked over to the window and shut it. Looking out through the small narrow streets and shops lined on either side. He was lucky he had to admit, garbing this apartment near top of the plate. There were no slums nor beggars just clean streets with respectable shops. Turning and heading to the kitchenette Naruto reflected on how he had come across this golden opportunity. For when he had first set out he didn’t know where the hell he was going in this big city. Everywhere he went the prices were too high or the apartments were in total disarray. He was actually starting to think of sleeping outside when

Vincent had come and towed him away landing him in this small yet wonderful apartment. He had at first tried to get Vincent to tell him how he had found this place but the man had clammed up dropping the keys in the hands of the new owner. But that was just the start of it next Vincent had ordered in his silent stare, for it was powerful, at Naruto and pointed him down the street towards a bar named, “Goblin’s” Since then he had been working there full time.

Walking up to the cabinets Naruto opened them not even looking as he blindly grabbed for the contents. Once satisfied he removed his hand to hold out a cup of Ramen. It was cheap and tasted pretty good again Vincent had shown him this like treat. Walking over to the stove he boiled the water watching in a haze as the liquid stirred under the heat.

Ever since then Vincent had visited the blonde in random times at his apartment, sometimes only staying a few minutes while other times sleeping on the couch.

But he would always say, ‘be careful’ to the blonde ever time he left. It was like the man’s motto or something.

But he never once spoke of where he had gone or done. Shaking his head Naruto lazily added the ramen contents in the boiling water willing it to hurry up so he wasn’t late for his next shift.

Dinner was a new fair in the blonde’s book, it had started out like any other except for the fight. It was really unexpected, one minute Cloud was waiting in a long line the next he gets hit in the face. Cloud reeled and turned back angrily seeing other people fighting so he joined in. Not wanting whom ever hit him to go unpunished. Well that wasn’t very smart to say the least, because now here he was on his hands and knees scrubbing the marble floor. The other fighters also had similar jobs on different floors.

Signing Cloud straightened his back, he was almost done, just a little more and he could finally call it a night. Or what was left of it. He didn’t even know who had started the fight first or how it got started. Maybe someone cut the line.

Cloud was brought out of his musing by loud booted foot steps heading his way, curious Cloud looked up about half way only to realize the guy was tracking mud prints all over his clean floor. Cloud could have cried. It had taken him five hours to do the whole damn job and it was ruined in less then a minute.

Glaring daggers at the fool Cloud noticed distantly that the guy had long spiky black hair, with unique violet eyes. He also had on a blue uniform but Cloud wasn’t looking at that right now, no he was glaring at the idiot.

“Hey do you know how long it took me to clean this up.” Cloud said indignantly standing up fully, he also noted that the guy was at least a head taller then him. Why must he be so short, he was almost tempted to pout.

“What.” The black haired man said surprised.

When he saw Cloud’s eyes looking down he also followed suit only to realize his muddy boots and the clean floor up ahead. Cloud then turned his head so the guy followed only to see his foot prints behind him. Laughing and putting a hand behind his head the guy walked up to Cloud.

“Man I’m sorry, hey let me make it up to you. Come one, oh and by the way the names Zack Fair.” He said already leading the poor blonde outside before he even knew what was happening.

“The names Cloud Strife sir.”

He said distracted looking up at Zack Fair who was a First Class Solider. This was the man who he had almost got as a Team Leader.

The only reason why Cloud had not been in Zack’s unit was because Lann had been picked but he couldn’t hack it and dropped out. Then Cloud realized that he had just blown up in front of said First Class Solider.

“Sir I’m sorry to have been so rude and disrespectful...” Cloud said but he was cut off when Zack had laughed.

Shaking his head and letting his raven hair fly about.

“No need to worry Spike.” Zack chuckled insisting Cloud call him by his name.

“Besides sir sounds so old and boring. Nope not for me.” He said. Grinning like he had a secret of his own.

So they went out into Midgar that night and walked around. Zack with his air of playfulness and Cloud with his quiet demeanor, talking about random things that popped up.

”Spike where are you from originally.” Cloud looked up from his scrutiny of the table.

“I’m from Nibelheim. A little backwater village” He said curtly not wanting to talk about the place.

Hearing laughter Cloud glanced at his superior officer. “Oh yeah well I’m from Gongaga another backwater village in the jungle.” Zack said, “So we do have something in common”

Cloud looked at Zack’s violet eye’s before he turned his head and looked out, what do you know they did have something in common after all.

“So Spike why are you in ShinRa.” Zack said at one point when the two of them were outside, sitting on chairs and eating right outside of a restaurant serving Wutai .

Cloud looked up from his plate at Zack’s violet eyes before turning his own blue out at the crowd. “I’ve always lived in a small village and just wanted to get out of there.” He paused and looked back at Zack seeing the man had his full attention he went on.

“Really ever since I could read about ShinRa and the Great General Sephiroth I’ve always wanted to become a Soldier.” Cloud finished lamely.

“So you want to a Soldier. Well good for you Spike, I think you would make a good one.” Zack finished leaning back on his own chair.

At hearing the words Cloud’s head had snapped up. Zack thought he could be a good Soldier. He was only the second person to tell Cloud that, the first being his friend.

Wait maybe he could, “Hey Zack do you know where, “The Goblin Bar” is.” Cloud said as he got ready to stand up. If he could find that or this church Naruto had written about maybe he could see his friend. God it felt like forever since they had seen each other. Writing letters not included.

Zack scratched his head getting up, “Yeah I can show you, but you can’t drink until your of age.” He said teasingly

already leading the way through the crowd. But it was all in vain for Naruto was not working that night. Zack than suggested they walk around and explore the highlights of Midgar. Before too long Cloud and Zack had wondered to the lower plate where the streets weren’t as crowed with shoppers and it was more filthy. Houses didn’t look to grand nor the bars but once he had gotten over the atmosphere they were even better then the bars in the higher plate. But he had still not seen hide nor hair of his blonde friend.

Cloud was seriously starting to doubt he would be able to see him. Until there conversation had taken them to the different slums.

“So where do you want to go next Cloud. We could go to the church.” Zack had uttered while the two of them were walking side by side through the High Market.

Cloud had been looking at all the rugged tent shops and the shady characters when he heard about the church. Snapping his head up and letting his hair obscure his vison momentary he ventured.

“I don’t mind sir...er Zack.” Cloud finished still not all that comfortable with saying his superior officers first name.

“Alright then Spike I’ll lead the way. But be prepared for what you see.” Zack said rather mysteriously.

On the way to the sector they had passed several more houses. Some broken beyond repair while others only had broken and boarded up windows. But really everything all looked the same to Cloud, a dirty little city with broken down houses.

He did see a small playground though, with broken swings and a tattered slide. Still children were playing on it and around the sandy ground. Screaming and laughing, filling the little playground with the music of happy children. Even if all that surrounded them was broken dreams. Before too long though they had reached another section that twisted and turned leading up to a rather large building.

The building up ahead was painted in light colors ranging from blue to cream, with paint chipping off the walls. While the windows were smudged with dirt and in some areas cracked. The vicinity of the building had a off white fence surrounded by old and new grass. The double doors leading into the building were made of sturdy wood long since aged to the golden hue that it sported. This was it Cloud thought looking at this ancient building.

“This is it Spikes the church. Though it might not look like it the inside is even more breath taking.”Zack commented already striding through the wooden doors, leaving Cloud to gawk outside.

Snapping his head back down Cloud ventured into the church’s entrance. The first thing he noticed was the wooden floors. The whole place had wooden hard floors. The second was that it was incredibly warm in the church even though he could see a rather large hole in the ceiling and hear the wind blow through the building. And the third was the plants. Right in the center of the church there was nothing but flowers and green plants all flourishing inside while everything outside had looked dead.

Walking up through the small wooden path, passing pews that had either tipped upside down or were stationed on either side. The only sounds that could be heard were the thudding and scuffing of boots on the wood. In front of Cloud he could see Zack nearing the flowers, smiling fondly at them like a lover would.

“Do you know.” Zack said abruptly, “That I made that hole right up there.” He finished, pointing at the ceiling.

Cloud looked up puzzled. Zack had made that hole, but how and more importantly how did he survive that kind of a fall. “The plants had actually saved me.” Zack supplied the unspoken thoughts. Walking in further Cloud could see the plants were of different breeds.

Some were wild flowers while others were daisies and tulips all spread around the moist dirt. It actually looked like someone had watered them recently. But before Cloud could speculate anymore he heard Zack right beside him.

“Aerith where are you.” Zack shouted with his hands cupped around his mouth. Looking around at the dark corners due to the sun being absent Cloud turned his eyes to Zack.

“Maybe she’s gone home.” He finished wishing his friend was here also.

“Is that you Zachary Fair.” Came a sweet voice off to their right.

Cloud turned sharply not having heard any nosie until now. There was a person in the shadows making their way up to the two ShinRa workers. The first thing Cloud noticed about her was the hair. Even in this poorly lighted place Cloud could see the rich brown hair flow gracefully down her back tied in a braid. The other key element was the eyes, for they resembled the brightest green Cloud had ever seen. It was like the grass on a sunny warm day.

She was wearing a pink dress that had reached to her knees and boots on her long slim legs.

“What are you hiding for.” Zack commented as he walked up and smiled down at the young woman.

Aerith shook her head and giggled. “We thought there was someone outside the church so we had decided to be cautious.” She said looking at Zack warmly with her sparkling eyes.

“Hey babe you know I will always protect you.” Zack answered back wagging his eyebrows. Cloud turned hiding his smirk from view. Well it looked like the rumors were true. Zack Fair, First Class Soldier, was a total teaser when it came to his lovers.

“Zack who’s this.” Aerith said curiously, looking at the blonde young man up and down.

Noting his long spiked blonde hair that stood up defying gravity. Then his large crystal blue eyes and long lashes that coincided with his narrow slightly baby fat cheeks and thin pink lips.

“This here is my new buddy Cloud, Spike for short.” Zack had announced proudly, swinging his arm over the blonde’s shoulder. Cloud for his part had stumbled a little in the awkward half embrace.

“Well it’s nice to meet you Cloud. My name’s ” She said smiling a sweet small smile aimed towards the blonde that was at the moment captured.

“Now where did...” She muttered looking around, only to wave in the air. Puzzled at the wave both Zack and Cloud, who had managed to get out of Zack’s grip, turn around. Another figure was standing just beyond the open double doors. They did not move for several seconds, until they picked up their feet padding lightly across the wooden pathway. Cloud narrowed his eyes trying to make out the persons figure.

‘No it couldn’t be’ He thought, a small smile growing on his face.

Without prompt Cloud started to walk towards the figure, ignoring Zack’s words and Aerith questioned ones. The figure at seeing Cloud walk in their direction picked up speed but so did Cloud, both meeting in the middle of the church. All about them the shadows played and the wind blow a lullaby signing along with the crickets, but the two figures paid no heed to this.

Cloud was the first to break the silence, “I found you.” He finished looking into almond shape blue eyes that mirrored his own.

“I sure hope you did, what with the clues and everything in the letter.” The other spoke grinning. Then as one they both gave a bone crushing hug, slapping backs and laughing like it was the funniest thing.

Both broke from the embrace and held each other at arms length. “It’s good to see you Cloud/Naruto.” They both said before cracking up again.

Meanwhile Zack was staring at both blondes a little puzzled. First both of them were cracking up, laughing and having a good time, like brothers. Second they did look like brothers with their blonde hair spiked up and their blue eyes. They were both on the short side, the only thing distinguishing them apart really was the three marks on both cheeks on Cloud’s friend. But what really got to Zack was how Cloud was so open, and unguarded near this other. It felt like his insides were boiling with some unknown emotion he had never encountered before. Which was strange in itself.

“I’m glad they could see each other again.”Aerith said softly by Zack.

Zack for his part looked at her with a raised eyebrow. She smiled sweetly at him before turning to the other two in the church.

“There friends, true friends.” She clarified, lowering her eyes at the wooden floor boards at her feet. Her voice ringing with warmth and serenity. Zack glanced at them again, smiling.

‘Yeah true friends. That’s what this feeling is then’. Zack thought already walking towards the two blonde's.

“So what have you been doing.” Cloud commented standing idly by Naruto.

“Nothing to much, just working at the bar and helping Aerith’s with her flowers.”Naruto said also taking in a lazy stance.

“But I’ll tell you one thing.” And here was when Naruto had leaned in towards Cloud, “I wont help her sell them.” He said quietly while looking in the girls direction.

Laughing a little Cloud shook his hair. “No I personally could not see you out on the street selling flowers.” At that both grinned at the image.

“But seriously I hadn’t been up to much, oh and Vincent says hi by the way. Did you know the guy was once a Turk.”

At this Cloud shook his head wanting Naruto to proceed. So he stayed silent feeling his brow furrow on it’s own accord.

“Yeah but that was ages ago, or so he claims. He was also the one in the box at that mansion. Something about repenting for his sins or something.” Naruto finished looking over Cloud’s shoulders at Aerith and the other dark haired man.

Naruto then leaned a little closer near his friend, not wanting to be over heard. “He said he used to work with the President of ShinRa Company and that he was an assassin, but he wouldn’t say anything else on that subject. No he went into how he could hack into any computer system and has been foraging documented ID and pictures for me.” He said looking at his friends face.

He could tell Cloud was just as shocked as he had first been. A real live assassin, like a ninja, helping them out. Now Naruto could go anywhere even on the subway trains with his new identity, not having to be stealthy. Plus he could now travel all over the plate and maybe visit Cloud on the facility. Cloud was thinking the same if the smirk on his lips were any indication.

“Anyway have you heard from your mother lately.” Naruto commented. Wanting to move on, he had spotted the dark haired male stiffen and shift when they had leaned into each other, whispering.

The guy looked like a kicked puppy with his eyes and body language as he watched the two interact. “Yes and she’s doing fine, considering she’s with those forsaken villagers. But no her health is fine and she’s getting by just like Kyo.” Cloud answered looking at his friends face.

He really had not changed in these past months. With his hair spiky as ever and those three birthmarks stretching across smooth tan cheeks that had yet to mature. His crystal blue eyes dancing, with smooth pink lips grinning even now.

No Naruto had not changed, even though Cloud could tell he had filled out a little, had put on some more muscle.

Naruto rocked on his heels and hummed. “You know I really regret not bringing the fox with me. He’s probably mopping around the house as I speak.” Shaking his head and letting the hair fall into his eyes Naruto brushed them away.

“So Cloudy what have you been up to.” He said but he wasn’t looking at his friend anymore. No he was looking past Cloud glowering his brows.

Hearing a chuckle Cloud turned and was met with Zack striding over.

“So Spike should I call you Cloudy instead for now on.” He said grinning, lighting up his violet eyes.

His dark hair swaying ever so lightly and his clothes moving with powerful muscles underneath. Turning Cloud narrowed his eyes at Naruto, “See what you have done.” he said through gritted teeth.

“Hey come on Spike it was just a joke. Man you really don’t know how to lighten up.” Zack stated as he reached the two. Walking up to the left of Cloud he struck out his hand towards Naruto.

“Name’s Zack Fair, the ladies man.” Zack said in a completely serious voice.

But Naruto, who had only just met the guy knew he was kidding if his eyes had anything to go by. Thinking fast Naruto struck his hand out and took Zack’s.

“Naruto, this bastard’s only friend.” He finished as he pointed in Cloud’s direction.

Laughing Zack looked Naruto up and down, before turning to Cloud. “I like him Spiky, where on Gaia did you find him.” Zack said ruffling up Cloud’s hair then going for Naruto’s.

“In a crystal,” was the muttered reply but Cloud did not repeat himself when he was asked to.

“Hey everyone lets sit down.” Aerith suggested after awhile.

So there they were sitting on the outskirts of the deep soiled ground, where the plants grew. Just talking about everyday things, laughing and chuckling. Making plans for the future and learning about each other.

“...So then Spike’s replay was...”

Looking up momentarily Naruto watched the sky light up with stars through the hole in the church. Listening with half a ear to Zack’s story

. Zack was yet another odd one he had ran into but they got along fine and he could tell Zack was a very sensible person. The way he would dangle his arm around Aerith shoulder and mess up Cloud’s and sometimes his hair in a brotherly way.

Aerith would smile that sweet smile that would light up her hole face. With her hands always at her lap and watching through green intelligent eyes.

Cloud would follow everyone’s moves and once in awhile comment, that was until Zack messed up his hair or punched him on the shoulder. No he was silent leaning on his hands for support as he leaned back and watched, talking to Naruto about what had transpired.

So this is what it feels like to have friends and family.

TBC

Happy Holidays