First Fight

((Y/n POV))

"Earth to Cloud.. Hellooooo?" Trying to wake up Cloud from spacing out again. Not to mention he's been staring at the yellow flower I pinned to his shirt , if stares can burn things into flames I'm sure that flower are burnt down into ashes, along with his shirt, well since flames spread so fast.

"Cloud I finally received the pack of seeds. Most of them are the type of flowers with yellow petals" At last Cloud wakes up from his possible daydreaming, he must have been remembering Aerith or his past friend. Hmmm.

"Let me pay them for you" Cloud took his wallet

"I have some money left though. Right here" I informed him. I was about to pay for the seeds but Cloud grabbed my hand stopping me from using the last remaining money I have from Tifa. But what bothers me right now is Clouds hand, he's still holding mine.. My face started to heat up. I hope he'll never notice.

"Didn't I tell you I'll buy whatever you want" He said without looking at me. He placed the money on top of the ladys hand while thanking her for her service.

"Thank you, have a nice day you two" The lady bid her goodbye yet as we walked a few steps away from the lady we heard her say "What a cute couple"

I can feel my face heat up again after hearing that from her and I'm sure Cloud heard it too. Certainly if I can see my face right now, it's probably as red as a tomato. I sure hope Cloud won't look at me. I took a short glance at Cloud , he's covering half of his face with his hand while trying to look away.

Not sure if the redness of my face would wear off soon since I can still feel Clouds hand holding mine which surely he's not obviously aware of.

We're silent for a minute before my stomach broke it with its loud growl. Argh now my face is probably redder than ever. Cloud heard it cause he took a quick glance at me before looking away again, this time he's not covering half of his face but instead I can hear him chuckle from a far. I hope I could see him though, who knows what kind of expression he makes when chuckling. Then somehow he jolted, realization hits him on how he's been holding my hand for a few minutes now . He let my hand go. For once I've seen Clouds redish face clearly. It might be from embarrassment but still it's cute. Can't help but to laugh at the thought.

"Sorry. What would you like to eat?" Cloud asked as he inspect my eyes, waiting for an answer.

"Oooh how about we have those buy one take one thing" I pointed at a fast food restaurant where they sell cheap yet delicious looking foods.

He agreed at my request and we entered the restaurant. Cloud picked a vacant table and let me sit and rest first as he ask me what I want from the menu. After choosing our meal Cloud lined up in front of the cash register and ordered the meals.

While waiting my eyes wandered at the huge glass window next to our table where I can see and hear through the market outside. The stage caught my attention again, this time there are four people on stage , not only did they bowed in front of each other but they started fighting either. They seem to be teamed up by twos , the other two collapsed upon losing the fight, they have plenty of bruises around their bodies. I'm not even sure if those two are alright anymore, they probably broke a bone based on how they both squirmed from pain.

Then the announcer mentioned their names. "And the winner is Unnu and Elsu!! They'll be fighting against the newest team who entered in the Ironfist Tournament"

Iron Fist Tournament? Why does it sound familiar? Felt as if I heard it before. No wonder it gives me the chills whenever I see them fight. Not sure if I have any knowledge when it comes to fighting but I have this excitement in my soul as if it wants me to enter the tournament. Then someone familiar caught my attention. She's standing next to the stage watching the fight in an excited manner. I never knew Tifa likes this sort of thing. I don't think she'll allow me to join since I'm recovering my health and my memory, it's impossible for her to accept my request.

"Hey here's our food" Cloud is back with a tray of food for us.

"Thank you"

He placed my food on my side of the table, soon we started eating. The food hits the spot, it taste amazing . I'm certainly satisfied. Cloud finished his food earlier than me so now I can sense someone staring , I felt a bit anxious but he is indeed a friend of mine so no need to worry.

"The food taste perfect. I love it"

"Glad you do"

Now we're resting on our seats, letting the food digest properly.

"Hey Cloud. I know this will sound crazy but can we sign up for that tournament"

"You mean that ironfist tournament? "

"Yes that. I think it rings a bell , maybe it's a part of my memory"

"I don't know. Tifa won't allow you to enter for sure. I don't think you can fight alone"

"About that .. Well it's a team fight. I was hoping you could join either" I was fiddling with my finger.

"How can you be so sure , I know how to fight?" Cloud asked while he crossed his arms again

"Well based on what you usually wear plus the motorbike you have and not to mention the swords you got. I am certain you are in fact a soldier. And not just any soldier, you body structure and aura seems a bit strong to be a normal soldier" surprisingly I knew this kind of things. I even freaked out internally.

"Ex soldier. "

"Well yes ex soldier. We can actually forfeit the tournament by saying I GIVE UP if I realized I dont have the potential to fight the enemies. Please? I promise it will be my last request" He seem to be thinking deeply before he lifts his head up again.

"Alright "He seem a bit annoyed but ends up sighing all the negativeness out.

"We have a bit of a problem though.." I said to inform him about someone.

"Tifa's watching the tournament ehemm but I have a plan on hand!!"

"I never knew she likes watching those things.. Make sure Tifa won't recognize us" Cloud with his crossed arms look me in the eye as if he's melting me with his stare..

"Well can you lend me some money though? I promise i'll pay for it afterwards." This day surely is embarrassing for me, how many times did I pleaded to buy stuffs? But right now I really am in need of money if I want to enter the tournament.

"Don't worry we'll surely win and awarded with a huge amount of money" I added.

"Alright where are you going to use the money?" Cloud asked as he stood up waiting for me to do the same.

"Well we need to buy a disguise ofcourse" I pointed towards a boutique where they sell cheap clothes, wigs, makeups and more accessories

"I see" Cloud facepalmed before following me towards the shop.

My eyes landed on a few attractive clothes, most of them looks cool plus they are indeed cheap so I got lucky this time. Somehow I've seen historical type of clothes and I'm sure it will look good on Cloud but we need to cover his hair though, it's way too familiar for Tifa so I took one long black colored wig . The owner of the shop offered me the cheapest makeup and accessories to go with the clothes I took and it is in fact gradient.

"Are you finished picking?" Cloud asked me while watching me in the corner.

"Those are men clothes. Are you planning to crossdress?" He asked.

"Nope these are for you. Now go and get change in these" I pushed him towards the dressing room and handed him the clothes except for the wig since i'll be the one to arrange it for him.

After what seem to be a few seconds, he went out of the dressing area wearing the clothes i gave him. The historical outfit fits perfectly and now he's emitting a princely aura.. He's like a real prince! Any girls would fall for him after seeing him like this. No matter how dazzling his natural hair color, I still need to cover it.

It took me just five minutes to arrange the wig , color his eyebrows black, put make up and accessories on him till it was finished. A while ago he looks more like a prince but now he's an emperor.. My jaw drop upon seeing how handsome he is, even the store lady was impressed, she fell in love immediately and offered discounts for the outfit he's wearing.. Wow such bargain for being so handsome huh? His disguise seem so natural that me myself thought his hair and eyebrows were real.

"Are you finished staring?" He said with his normal tone of voice and me and the store lady finally woke up from our daydreaming.

"Oh right. Gotta change . Wait here Cloud" I used the dressing room and change my clothes. I was looking into the mirror to find myself being impressed by how beautiful the dress is plus the yellow wig fits the outfit perfectly. I'm sure i'll be back to buy more if I have money of my own.

Later on I push the dressing room's door open to reveal myself in front of Cloud, I wanted to hear some commentaries regarding my dress whether it hides my identity so well. I notice Cloud was shuffling through the hanging clothes before the sales lady noticed me

"Such a beautiful lady" She mentioned before Cloud turn to face me. I can see how his eyes flinched upon seeing me. Did he see a ghost or something? He became more dumbfounded after seconds and then reality struck his thoughts, waking him from his trance.

"Are you two royalties cause seriously both of you look like King and Queens. Such a perfect couple" the sales lady started shipping us.

"We're not a"

"Well we will be heading out now. Thank you for your help" Cloud cut me off again as he grabbed my hand, dragging me out of the boutique.

"But"

"Don't worry I already paid for the clothes" Cloud reassured as he carry a brown paper bag with his left hand. But I wasn't talking about that tho . Can't help but to focus on the way he's holding my hand. At this very moment we really do look like a couple.. I can even see some strangers staring at us with awe. I think we stand out too much.. Everyone is staring at us. I'm a bit anxious but Cloud on the other hand seem unaffected by it.

The crowd increased around the stage so we squeezed in towards the information desk to sign up. Now more people are looking at us. Well we do stand out, especially Cloud. He's so handsome, they can probably mistook him as a prince if not for the huge sword on his back.

Looking around I see Tifa not far from us. She's staring at him either, I can tell there is a strong amazement written all over her face. I think she's love struck. She loves him for whatever he looks like, I guess.

The crew of the tournament gave us our numbers. Number 50 to be exact. That many teams? I guess we'll wait for a while. Fighting in this tournament might remind me of something. Not sure if I knew how to fight but I'm certain there is something in my veins seeking answers through here. The crew let us enter the back stage and I can see lots of teams waiting for their turn. They all look strong based on their body proportions, big muscles, crazy hairstyles, horrifying eyes, even their auras were on fire. Cloud and I sit on the last row . Next to Cloud is a guy wearing a jacket covering his head and face completely with his hoodie, he seem to be sleeping since his head is leaning forward. I can't see his face but I feel like he doesn't wanna be approached so I shifted my gaze towards the girl next to me. She seem nice, well that's what I thought. Cause after looking at her she glared at me.

"Don't talk to me.." She said with an obvious anger in her voice. Then her eyes wandered off as it landed on Clouds direction. I can't believe what's happening right now. Her dagger stare turn lustful as she stood in front of Cloud asking for his attention but Cloud ignored her like she's a speck of dust, he's crossing his arms and legs while emitting an ignorant aura as if he doesn't wanna be bothered.

"Why won't you look at me?" The girl asked Cloud.

"Simply no one is more beautiful than the girl next to me." he said without looking up onto her.. Wait.. D-did he just complimented me? I felt like my face is turning red right about now.

But something weird happened, the girl got furious . She placed her hands on both his shoulders as she leaned closer towards him, he wasn't impressed by her actions. His annoyance grew to the point where he glared horribly at the girl. To be honest I'm also scared at Clouds reaction.

He pushed her hands away from him.

"I was just trying to be friendly" She said with puppy eyes.

"After refusing a possible communication with my girlfriend, do you think i'll believe you?" Cloud said with his usual crossed arms.... Wait... Girlfriend? Is he referring to me?

"Eh? She's your girlfriend? Are you making me laugh?" She looked at me with disgust.

"Go have an eye checkup. It might be too blind to see how you're nothing compared to her" He said without changes in his expression. Still wearing the same stoic face as ever.

Never did I realized how most of the people near us is actually watching our conversation till they started laughing. Now I completely understand why Cloud refers me as his girlfriend. The girl was too embarrassed about what happened and she dragged the huge muscled guy next to her . Both of them left the room and forfeited the tournament, just because of her embarrassment.. Seriously? Well she did acted bratty a while ago but she shouldn't be too selfish to actually drag her partner into giving up, who knows how much that guy suffered in order to join this competition?..

"Poor guy" I said after seeing one of the teams leave the game.

"Yeah." Cloud replied while closing his eyes.. It seems like he's taking a nap while his arms are crossed and in that sitting position. I guess as a soldier you need to get used to sleeping anywhere and in any position. I giggled at how adorable Cloud is.

"Miss can I have your name?" Another unknown guy with pink hair approached me , he seem a bit shy and his face's slowly turning red.. Before I could even speak I felt something heavy fell on top of my shoulder so I checked whatever is in it.. To my surprise

Cloud is using my shoulder as a pillow.. I smiled before returning my gaze towards the guy in front of me.

"Sorry but I can't" I answered the guy and he left sprinting away from us. I pity the guy a bit but I need to be honest with myself. I wanted to know my past first before being committed to a new thing.

"You seem to be having such a peculiar day miss" I heard the guy next to Cloud spoke yet the shadow from his hoodie blocks the view of his face so I can't actually see it.

"Yeah tough but fun day" I answered in between chuckles.

"You two are a perfect couple " The guy added . What he said made my heart skip a beat. How many times people mistook our relationship ? Probably a lot.

"H-he's no...."

"Are we not summoned yet?" Cloud cut me off again. He lifted his head away from my shoulder and he maintain his sitting posture.

"Nope" I answered.

"I was envious of you two.. There was a girl I used to protect but fate pulled us apart. I wish I can bring her back and be like the two of you " The unknown guy continued talking. He seem really depressed.

Our conversation was cut off by the announcer mentioning a number, surprisingly it was the guy next to Cloud and a girl in the front seat. The guy stood up and head on stage but it didn't take him long till he returned to his chair and continue his nap as the host announced the winner..

"Number 48 wins the fight! Get ready for the next battle number 49!" Oh my goodness it takes only five minutes for that guy to finish the fight?! Is he that strong?! No matter how kind and depressed that guy is, me and Cloud shouldn't keep our guard down around him.

"Wow that was fast" I whispered to myself but Cloud heard it and he placed his hand on my head

"Don't be nervous. We can do it" Cloud gave me a reassurance which completely destroyed my fear, replacing it with a heart warming courage.

"Thanks" I said.

Number 49 never returned yet the host already announced the winner so , meaning to say they basically lost.. No need to worry about that, worry about my FIRST FIGHT.

"Get ready for the next battle.. Number 50" Our number was called so Cloud and I immediately approached the stage. From the stage we can clearly see half of the market including the crowds and Tifa. The crowds gone wild upon seeing the two of us.

"Marry me!!" A strange girl shouted from the crowd but Cloud ignored it as he inspected the team in front of us. Our opponents are both guys with muscular bodies, they were taller than most of the people here. When it comes to weight these two might be higher and as they say the heavier the stronger.. If we wanted to win this fight , we need better reflexes, endurance and speed. But mostly focus.

We all bowed at the same time as the announcer left the stage . Our opponents revealed their swords in my surprise Cloud stood in front of me with his sword prepared for battle. He's obviously blocking my view.

Cloud's protecting me but why do I feel like he won't let me fight? Well basically I don't have a weapon.. I'm too worried to just stand and watch. I'm worried about Cloud.

"Cloud" I whispered at him from the back , he took a short glance at me giving me a smile.

"Trust me on this and let me protect you" Cloud shifted back his gaze towards the two opponents direction waiting for the Go signal.

"Ready! Start! " The host announced as the two started attacking us but Cloud kept blocking their attacks with his sword. He swings that huge sword without failure as if it's light as a feather. Wow no wonder the height of these two never frightened him. He's faster and stronger .. Soon I noticed how he's not letting me move. He kept blocking my view. I could tell that this fight is his fight , not mine but only his. After 30 seconds the fight was over . Cloud won.. He defeated two strong people easily. Can't even see any sweat from him nor can I hear him run out of breathe. In an instance I was impressed. He might be one of the strongest people on earth.

Cloud looks unbeatable.. Yet... Here I am doing nothing. I don't even know my strength nor my weakness, I can't even remember my real name. Looking at compatibility, I think Cloud is a star..

The Sun might be as bright as the star but no one dared to look at the sun for a long time yet everyone loves looking at stars..

Stars might be in darkness but it is the reason why stars shines brighter..

Like how Cloud completely stole the hearts of everyone watching this fight.

The fight was over and so we returned to our seats backstage without a word for each other..

"Winners! We will continue this tournament tomorrow. There will be a battle to see which of you have the guts to join the top ten in this city. Return at night. The battle shall be held in the forest. " Based on what the host said. It seems like they were avoiding the market place for some reason. Maybe they're avoiding the event bills so they brought the game in a place where there are no rentals. Free of charge.

While listening to the host I can sense Cloud staring at me.. He must have been waiting for me to talk and start a conversation. He did protected me a while ago.

"Bye guys" The guy in a hoodie bid his goodbye before leaving . We will all be meeting tomorrow anyways.

As we both head out , the people left to continue doing their businesses including Tifa since the show is over, thankfully nobody's near. I felt a bit relaxed and satisfied yet I can't help but to notice Clouds behaviour, he seem a little down. It's probably cause of me not talking to him.

"Uhmm Cloud thanks for protecting me back then. You made me feel secured" I said to cheer him up and I could say it worked. Cloud shifted his gaze from the ground and to my eyes.

"By the way not only that.. Uhmm Thank you for everything including the clothes, the food and the day with you. It was so much fun.. Yet something is troubling me" I said fiddling with my finger.

"What troubles you then?" He asked as we stopped walking. We didn't even realized how we ended up standing in one of the abandoned alley way where no one have the courage to pass through except for us.

"Well you kind of spent a lot for me. I was wondering what you said back there. You bought me a lot of stuffs.. Why is that?"

"It's for a promise I made."

"A promise with Tifa?" I asked to make things clearer.

"No.. A promise with the girl I first kissed. She seems bothered by the kiss. I knew she was joking around saying I need to buy her food cause of that accidental kiss but voluntarily I am obliged to fulfil her needs."

"So I reminded you of her?"

"No.. You are her"

~To be continued~