Authors Note: Kaida is my semi-original character that is actually from Before Crisis. She is that red-head with the kick-ass shuriken. I just named her and gave her a personality. All of what I write isn't completely my creation. This is actually a fan-fiction of a roleplaying site I belong to. A big part of this has been roleplayed out on "Life As A Turk". I want to thank everyone who has given me permission to use their characters, and for my muse.

Final Fantasy doesn't belong to me. Not even its characters. Sad, so sad.

Anyone interested in the roleplay go to my profile and click "homepage". Yeah, you know you want to.

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A seven year old curly red-headed girl sat behind a large garbage bin in an abandoned alley. Her chest rose and fell quickly. In her small hands was a dagger with a sheath over it. She held it close to her chest, a tear flowing down her cheek. Yells could be heard in the distance from a trio of men. Two stopped at the front of the alley, shining a flashlight over the place. A sob threatened to erupt from her throat as she saw the light going over her foot prints down the alley.

"She was only a little girl," The chubbiest man explained.

"I know, but no one gets away with stealing from me," The tallest man said, his voice coated with venom.

"Sirius," The chubby man whispered, "She's down there."

"C'mon, Martin," Sirius said, walking down the alley. When he looked behind the garbage can no one was there. He gazed back at his companion and saw his victim turning left. He turned himself around and began to run. By the time he reached the end of the alley he heard a girl scream. He peared around the corner to see Akio holding her by one of her wrists.

"Let me go!" She complained, throwing herself away from him. The man let go and she tumbled onto the road. She was back on her feet in no time, to the three mens surprise. In her hand she held the dagger, now unsheathed. Her body moved into a defensive position, ready to fight them off. "My name's Kaida, little dragon. Remember that!" The three men grinned, Sirius stepped forward. He was an attractive looking teenager, no older than fifteen. He had shoulder length black hair and a pair of dazzling blue eyes. His body was muscular and hardened from many years on the streets.

"You look like you can fight but can you prove it sweetheart?" He said coldly his hands turning to fists.

---

Kaida woke up in her office, a small puddle of drool on the paper she had fallen asleep on. She groaned softly, as she lifted up her head. She gazed over at the mako powered clock. It had just when past eleven and it was dark out; no one else was bound to be here at this time. She pushed herself up from her seat and walked over to the door. She opened it up slowly and looked out. She couldn't see anyone but that didn't mean anything. She silently moved down the dark hallway. Usually she wasn't the only one here past hours. Hell, some people even slept in their offices.

She heard a step but she was too late. Two hands clasped around her eyes. She didn't bother to push them away. She had an idea who they belonged to.

"Guess who?" A sly male voice said. She could faintly smell the alcohol on his breath.

"You usually leave early Reno," Kaida said clearly and he released his hands from her eyes, "Why are you even here?"

"I forgot my electro-rod yo," He held up his electro-rod for proof when she turned around, "Why are you here?"

"I live here," She said with a yawn. The nap obviously hadn't been enough sleep for her.

"Tough luck," He frowned as he spoke. She opened her lips to speak but she was cut off. "I know about a nice place in Kalm for sale. You interested?"

"It would be nice to find a place to stay. Ever since Malia died I've only felt safe here," She frowned, thinking about her old partner.

"Kalm will do you good," He grinned foolishly, "Love to stay and chat Kai but it's Friday yo. Best days in the bar. Join me?"

"Tempting," A smirk appeared on her face but just as quickly disappeared, "Another time, I have paper-work to do."

"All work and no play?" He shrugged and began to walk away. "That's not the Kaida I know."

"Sorry Reno, and behave yourself out there!" She hopelessly called after him.

"Okay mom," He grumbled as he went into the elevator and pressed down. The door closed and he disappeared. She rued not going with him once she realized she was alone once again. She walked down the hallway to the Turk lounge and laid down on the couch. She'd just rest a little before finishing up her paper work. Thirty minutes wouldn't hurt.

---

Kaida felt the dagger connect with Sirius's arm and she gave a grin. She pushed it as deep as she could and tried to rip the flesh. Before she was able to do any major damage a fist hit her in the side of the face knocking her backwards. She hit the street roughly, her abused body crying out in pain. Sirius watched her on the street along with the two other men. Martin looked concerned while Akio seemed to be enjoying it. She couldn't read the leaders face. He was expressionless; emotionless.

"Get up," He ordered, "You're fighting for your life little one."

"You expect me to be able to defeat you and your two lackeys?" She said as loud as she could. The two men in back huffed slightly at this comment.

"No, of course not. Prove yourself to me and I'll let you live." He smirked as the red headed girl got up from the ground. "You've got spunk kid. You really do."

She stood strong on her two feet. Her dagger was held loose in her palm. Next thing the three men knew the dagger was in the air and going for the gangs' leader. It hit him in the shoulder, sinking in deep. He hissed out in pain and pulled it out with his strong arm. He pointed at her and she stood her ground. Seconds after he flipped the blade so the handle was held out to her. She grabbed the dagger from his hand with caution. She had just put that through his shoulder so she wouldn't have been surprised if he cuffed her across the face, but he didn't.

"You got skill for a young girl. What gang do you belong to?" He was seriously curious.

"None, I'm on my own," She whispered.

"Join me and you'll have a roof over your head. Leave me and I'll hunt you down." She took the first option. She didn't want to die.

---

Kaida felt a small jolt of pain go through her shoulder. She swatted instantly at her foe, thinking it might be Reno with his EMR. Instead it was Tseng and her hand collided with his face. Her maroon eyes opened and horror shined through. She didn't mean to do that!

"Ss-orry sir!" She exclaimed, sitting upright on the couch. He rubbed his face silently praying that a bruise wouldn't form.

"Should've known- Turk reflexes," He gave a awkward smile. He sat down beside her, sleeplessness showing in his eyes. "I have an assignment for you. Along with Sephiroth you will be raiding a terrorist hide-out in Junon."

"Sephiroth?" She gasped, "He isn't a Turk, he's the General." Tseng rose a brow at her. "Of course you knew that."

"Weird pair to do something like that but someone has to do it. They were going to send him in with Zack but he was sent on some other mission. Veld volunteered you. You need to get out of the office for a bit. I know Malias' death was hard on you but you're going to have to move on. We're setting you up with a partner soon. Her name is Aia."

"Aia? Cool," She nodded her head, "So when do I meet with the almighty Sephiroth."

"Tomorrow in the afternoon at HQ. There'll be another Turk but she's only going to be there for medic. I'll give her your PHS number." He rubbed his temples with his finger as he tried to remember all the information. "The groups name is Susumu. The leader is Takehiko, a Wutuian. He really hates Shinra so watch your back."

"Always do," She said confidently, "Anyway, this will be simple with the General with me."

"I hope so," Tseng said, "Good luck on your mission."

"Thank you sir." With that Tseng stood up and walked back to his office. "So I get to meet Mr. General."