A/N: Okay, so this is a companion to Nobody's Listening, set three years before all of those events, and way pre-game. It's Shera's past, so most of it is told in her view, first person. Later you'll get other peoples' point of view, but there will be clear distinction between them.

You don't need to read Nobody's Listening to get this story, though. And for you Nobody's Listening fans, don't fear! I can multitask!

This is rated M for: Violence (later), Language (later), Adult themes (slaves/pets, etc), etc. The beginning will probably be the worst for the Adult content.

It starts off kinda slow. Please give it a chance! Other charracters, both familure and not, will come in soon. Zel and River, OCs from Nobody's Listening, co-star in this fan fict. Reviews/coments/critisism welcome!

Disclamer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or Square Enix. If I did, things would be different...and I'd be rich, among other things.

How to be Human

Lesson One: How to Lie

They led me down the dark corridor that I knew so well. After living here as long as I can remember, I should know it, right? By now, the eerie, half lit path was almost comforting to me.

Almost.

It was what awaited me at the end that sucked all the comfort out of the atmosphere. Just the thought of what awaited me sent shivers down my small spine. And I was told by so many that, as the years progressed, it would only get worse.

I couldn't imagine it getting any worse, and I have a good imagination.

But my opinion doesn't matter. I do not speak unless asked to speak, and even then my speech is restricted. I am taught to only say what my master whishes for me to say. Do what my master wishes, when they ask. I can do nothing on my own, only when I am told to do it. Eat, Sleep, Breath…only when Master wills it.

But that is my life, and I know no other way to live.

(Only nine, and already given up on freedom…How little I knew then!)

They –the guards, I mean- led me to the door. The one on my left knocked quietly.

"Who is it?" barked the voice. Immediately I wanted to dash back to the safety of my cell and hide under the three blankets given to me, holes and all. I felt this feeling a lot, but no longer attempted to flee. That only brought more pain on me than staying.

"We've brought Shera for you, Sir, as you requested," the guard to my right announced. As always, the guard used a sympathetic tone. Not for the man, Master, behind the door, I knew now.

For me. The guards, as always, still felt sorry for me.

And I felt sorry for them. They were as trapped as I was.

"Oh, of course! Come in, come in!" I heard Master's voice change, as it always did when I came. I steeled myself, putting myself into the form that Master liked to see. I shed my scared, tiny form for the brave, smiling girl he saw in me.

I hoped he was actually in a good mood today. The scars still show from the last time.

The guard to my left opened the door and the guard to my right ushered me into the room, quickly turning to leave without another word. I wished I could follow him, but didn't show it. The door slamming was another familiarity that always spelled my impending doom.

Master smiled at me, motioning for me to come over to his side. He was sitting in an armchair this time, a book on the table next to him. I bounded over to him like a puppy receiving a treat-he liked it no other way.

"Ah, my dear Shera, you look radiant as always," he said, eyeing me. "A new dress, I see." I nodded quickly. He hated hesitations.

"It was given to me this morning just for this occasion, Master," I replied sweetly. Indeed, the dress I was wearing was just for this occasion. After I left, I doubted I'd ever see the outfit again, so I cherished it. This was my favorite out of all the others, and I wished I could keep it.

Like all the others, it was white. I was the only one in the building that was allowed to wear white. It was because I was innocent, Master said. I don't know what he means by that, but as long as I can keep the color, I'll be "innocent."

I like the color white. In all the fairy tales I've read, and Master only let me read a few, the captured princess always wore white when her prince came to save her. Or when she got married, the princess wore white too.

I was no princess, no matter what anyone told me. But the color white meant hope for me. I believed as long as I wore it, I'd be saved one day.

"Was it? How sweet of you! Getting all dolled up just for me," Master said, smiling at me. I tried not to shiver. Master's smiles were creepy at best.

"You're welcome, Master," I replied.

"I'm sorry to inform you that our time is short today," he stated and tapped his lap once. When I was still new, I thought this was a silly habit he had when he was bored.

I know better now.

"I'm sorry, Master…" I replied as I climbed into his lap and leaned my head against his chest, listening to his heart beat slowly. That was another thing that surprised me. Master, as cold and heartless as he acted, still had a beating heart in his chest. However slow and dead it was…

He chuckled slightly as his hand slid up and down my leg, under the skirt of my dress. Goose bumps ran across my skin, as they always did. He knew I hated this. He knew how much discomfort this caused me.

He did it anyway. He was the master, after all.

"If only you were older, Shera…" he breathed, sighing into my hair. "Then you could stay with me longer. I could teach you more…you wouldn't be alone anymore…" He brought his other hand to my chin, forcing me to look him in the eyes. "Wouldn't you like that?"

I knew the answer, and knew the consequences if I didn't answer correctly.

"Yes, Master. I'd like that more than anything!" I squeaked. He laughed, kissing my cheek.

"Hmm… I bet I can think of something you would like better than that, Shera," he said playfully. I looked at him, having no idea what he meant.

"I can't think of anything, Master. What do you mean?" Master laughed, squeezing me tightly against his chest for one moment before releasing me so quickly that I fell to the floor. When he saw what he had done, Master only laughed harder as he helped me up.

"Are you alright, Shera? That's quite a fall for you," he stated as he steadied me.

"I'm fine, Master."

"That's my girl. Now I bet you're curious about my earlier statement, aren't you?" he teased. I bet my eyes probably gave me away. I couldn't help it. I was curious. "Well…oh, what was it?" He scratched his chin, pretending to forget. I knew he still knew exactly what we were talking about. He was testing me now.

"Master! Please?" I begged, tugging at his hand. He smiled slyly at me, bending down to one knee to look me in the eyes again.

"Yes, Shera?" he asked. "What is it?"

"Will you please tell me, Master?" I begged quietly. He smiled, shrugging.

"It seems I don't remember…" he said wistfully. I thought for a moment, much to his amusement, before finally standing on my tip-toes and brushing my lips against his.

"Do you remember now, Master?" I asked hopefully.

"Yes! That was it! You are amazing, Shera!" he laughed, pulling me into a hug again. I laughed, despite myself. Master could be so kid like sometimes. He released me and led me by the hand towards the table. On it sat the book, whose title I couldn't make out. "This is the one thing I bet you'd do anything for!" he said, picking the book up.

I stared at it longingly. It was my one weakness. Ever since one of the others had taught me to read, I'd loved books. I'd confessed this to Master quite some time ago. He'd found it amusing.

"Well, isn't that right, Shera?" he asked. I sighed and nodded.

"I'm afraid so, Master," I replied, bowing my head and bracing myself for a blow.

It never came….I counted myself lucky.

"Honesty. You are really honest, aren't you Shera," he said, tucking the book under his arm and tilting my head up with his hand again. I didn't know what to say, so I remained silent. "Humble to, it seems!" he laughed, sitting down on the floor and staring at me. "Will you do anything for this book, Shera?"

I swallowed nervously. What did he mean by anything? I shivered as I thought of the possibilities.

"It depends, I guess, Master…" I whispered. Please don't get mad…please don't get mad…

"Ah…you are growing up," he said coldly.

Uh-oh. I'd made him angry.

"I'm sorr…"

"Don't apologize!" I clamped my hands over my mouth and stared at him fearfully. His eyes were full of fire and rage. I wanted to run, only I remember I had nowhere to run to. I just stood still, shaking. The floor suddenly felt very cold under my bare feet.

After a few minutes, he softened again.

"I'm sorry, Shera. That was stupid of me. It's not your fault time is passing. Come here, let me make it better." He opened his arms to me. Knowing better than refuse, I walked slowly to his arms, allowing him to engulf me in yet another hug. I stopped shaking. At least he was sort of happy now.

"Can I make it up to you?" he asked.

"You don't need to, Master. You've done nothing wrong. I…It's my fault. I'm being a bad slave…" I whispered in reply. I knew he was smiling now.

"My little slave, my little pet. How obedient you are!" he gushed. "I can do nothing else than give you this book, now can I?"

"Only if you wish to, Master."

"Hmm…will you grant me another kiss if I give you this book?" he cooed. I knew my face lit up.

"Of course!" I laughed. Once again, I was lucky, for he laughed again, instead of getting angry. He bent down to my level and waited. Closing my eyes, I reached up and kissed him again.

I should have expected he'd take it farther than the first one. That was just how Master was.

Then it was over, and I could breathe again. Master was smiling, which was good. He handed me my prize-the book- and waved me away.

"Soon," he said. "Soon you'll be ready…" It took me a moment to understand he was talking to himself. He'd already forgotten I was there. I made my way quietly to the door and was about to slip out when I heard him speak again.

"I'll protect you, Shera. You belong to me. I won't let you get hurt…"

"I know, Master," I whispered.

"Shera?" he said, waiting. I held back a sigh and turned back to him.

"I love you, Master," I said, smiling like the "innocent" girl he told me I was.

"I love you too, Shera. Be safe," he replied, finally excusing me. I walked into the hallway and breathed a sigh of relief. Only a few bruises this time, from falling off the chair.

Not as bad as normal.

The same two guards led me back to my cell. Past all the others, girls and guys. They all watched me with sullen expressions. There she goes the youngest one they'd whisper. What does he do to her?

I ignore them. If I don't, it'll hurt more. Finally, I'm back at my cell, secluded from the others. The guards let me in and lock the door. I walk to the back, the part hidden by shadow, and set the book down. I wait until I'm sure they're all gone.

And then I cry.

A/N: Sorry for the slow beginning. More will come! Reviews?