"Yeah, that's got her, Darien!"

"Where're ya goin', little mouse? Running away again? Well, you won't get far."

A chorus of taunting voices echoed inside my head, reminding me of bygone days when I'd been scraping to survive on the streets of Midgar. Of days I'd rather have forgotten. The world can be a cold place, and children some of its cruelest weapons. So adept at ferreting out weakness and exploiting it without mercy.

A jarring blow to my right shoulder brought my wandering thoughts back to the present just in time to dodge the second hit. I scrambled to raise my sword. The impact of my opponent's blade nearly knocked mine out of my hands. But I held fast to the hilt, frowning in concentration. Metal sang against metal as the brilliantly sharp edges slid across one another. We broke apart, circling each other warily.

"What the hell, Lilith? You spaced out right in the middle of the exercise!"

"I know, I know."

"Well?"

"It's nothing. I'll do better next time."

Kunsel rolled his eyes at me and shouldered his weapon with a sigh.

"Next time you do something like that, you'll get yourself killed. If you ever hope to make 1st Class, you need to focus more, Lilith."

"I will."

I will, I repeated to myself fiercely. I will obtain the skills and strength needed to distinguish myself in SOLDIER.

Becoming a 1st Class had been my only goal since one of them had come to my rescue against Darien's gang of thugs. I never knew his name, but I'd seen him as so brave and strong. I wanted to be like him- to be able to fight back against anyone who wanted to hurt me. Didn't want to be seen as weak.

So I'd joined SOLDIER at the earliest opportunity.

Started as everyone does- as a 3rd Class. An accomplishment in and of itself, since very few women were ever accepted into SOLDIER. Not that it wasn't unheard of. Just uncommon. Most of them never lasted long, or advanced beyond 3rd Class, though. So when I earned the distinction of 2nd Class a few years ago, I considered it quite the achievement.

The promotion had put me in the company of some of Shinra's finest SOLDIERs. Back then, Zack had still been a part of that Class, though he tended to be seen among the ranks with the elite- like Genesis and Angeal. And Sephiroth. I'd gotten to know Zack well enough; the other three were still far too illustrious to bother with the likes of me.

Kunsel had advanced only a short time before I had. So between him and Zack, I had a few friends. Well, as much as I allowed anyone to be my friend, I supposed. I hadn't come here looking to make friends; I was here to prove to everyone who'd ever laughed at me that I was worth something. Often a goal incompatible with making friends, since I spent most of my time training instead of hanging out.

And that's why most of them never make it to 1st Class, I reminded myself every time I caught feelings of loneliness creeping over me. You won't need them when you become one of the most skilled SOLDIER in the company.

"All right, then," Kunsel replied, breaking into my thoughts. "I think that's enough practice for me today- you want to come out to the tavern with me and Luxiere?"

I shook my head, saying, "Thanks but no. I'm going to work on my technique a bit more. Maybe set up one of the simulation rooms."

"Look, you can't train all the time, Lilith. An afternoon off here and there isn't going to delay your chances of moving up to 1st Class, so why not have some fun for once?"

"Another time, Kunsel."

He gave up the argument, but his disapproving opinion of my decision was quite obvious. Not just in his expression, but in his tone as he bid me farewell.

"Have it your way, then. I'll see you tomorrow."

My light-hearted answer deliberately ignored his attempt at censure.

"Yep, see you tomorrow!"

As Kunsel left the room, I swore I heard him muttering to himself. He was smart, though, since none of it was loud enough that I could make out any of the words. Let him think what he liked. I didn't care. And once he'd gone, I checked for an empty simulation room; they were all empty.

Well, I guess it's my lucky day, then.

Kunsel spotted his friends near the back of the tavern. He picked up his pace, passing by a number of 3rd Class SOLDIER with barely a nod to the ones who offered a greeting. Usually, he'd show some effort to respond, but he was just not in the mood today. Kunsel collapsed into the booth, taking an empty spot opposite Zack.

"Hey, man, what kept you? We're already a round ahead of you." His dark-haired friend glanced at him quizzically, as if noticing something amiss with his appearance. "And where's Lilith?"

"Still back at Shinra, torturing herself with some simulated battle against who knows what. I wouldn't put it past her to try facing a Bahamat alone."

"Didn't you invite her along?"

"Of course I invited her. But you know Lilith- it's always work with her."

Both Zack and Luxiere nodded in reluctant agreement while a barmaid drifted over to the table to ask for his order. She bustled away again to retrieve what he requested, leaving them to return to the subject at hand.

"She's going to burn herself out if she keeps it up."

"You don't have to tell me that. When we were in practice this afternoon, she lost focus long enough that I could have ended her SOLDIER days if I'd been of a mind to do it."

"Then it's a good thing that you were her opponent," Luxiere mused grimly. "I can think of a few others who might have done it without a second thought."

You mean Sephiroth or Genesis, but won't dare say it aloud. None of them would, but Kunsel would bet all of them were thinking it. And not without good reason. Sephiroth and Genesis were the greatest SOLDIERs who ever lived. But all that talent came with an arrogant attitude that demanded absolute perfection from anyone wanting to join the ranks.

So if you faced either of them and showed any moment of weakness…whatever injury you suffered was deserved in their opinion. Even death. Kunsel had often theorized that Shinra created the simulation rooms so that those two could hone their skills without risking the loss of other SOLDIERs. No one could prove it, though.

"Don't start," Zack insisted. "We only just got here. It's far too early yet to get into any of that."

"You only say that because Angeal's grooming you to join the 1st Class."

"Jealous much?"

Kunsel was- just a bit. Everyone wanted to be chosen to advance into that elite group, but few ever saw that dream made real. He wished that Zack's great mentor would look his way, too, when it came to promotion.

"So what if I am- it's still true."

"Look, just let it go so we can have a good time tonight, okay? Isn't that what we're here for?"

"Yeah." His drink order arrived as if on cue, so Kunsel raised it aloft with a wry grin, "To good times, my friends."

Luxiere hoisted his in an answering salute, "And here's to the hope that perhaps next time, we'll convince Lilith to join us."

They all took a swig from their tankards, easily consuming half their contents. Kunsel wasn't worried. The barmaid was keeping an eye on them, so she'd be around with more before they ran out. He was less convinced about his friend's optimistic point about Lilith.

"Won't ever happen," he voiced aloud, setting his drink on the rough-hewn surface of the table. "Not in a million years."

"She'd come if Zack asked her," Luxiere protested. "You watch- he could convince her to leave off training and have some fun."

"Of the three of us, I've known her the longest. So I don't see how either of you would do any better."

"Yeah, but you've got that deadpan sense of humor that puts people off sometimes. Lilith might not have felt the offer was genuine."

"Deadpan?" He repeated incredulously. "Off-putting!? Oh for the love of…"

"I guess I could give it a shot," Zack interrupted him, abruptly changing the focus of the conversation to avoid an argument.

Always the peacemaker, aren't you, Zack?

Zack never liked an argument and was always looking for a way to put everything right again as quickly as possible. Most times, it worked. Kunsel had to give credit to his friend for his efforts to engender a strong camaraderie amongst the SOLDIERs. But sometimes, he just wished he'd let things run their course out in the open. Burying them beneath a jovial veneer would backfire one day.

"Well, then I wish you luck. You're going to need it."

Just as his friend was about to answer, the activity around their booth seemed to dwindle to a hushed whisper. No need to guess- he was pretty certain he knew what had spooked everyone. And yet Kunsel looked up, anyway. He was not surprised one bit to see a particular trio of 1st Class SOLDIERs gliding through the bar with an almost predatory stalk.

Well, there goes the evening now that those three are here. He didn't mind Angeal so much, but the other two…he never quite trusted either of them. Wonder what brought them here, anyway. The trio's leader, Sephiroth, zeroed in on their booth at just that moment. He indicated to the other two to follow his lead with an almost imperceptible nod. Oh that's just great. Apparently they're here for us.

"Don't look now, but trouble just walked in and is headed our way," he murmured to Zack in a low voice.

"What do you mean by…oh."

"So much for having fun."

Luxiere's remark slipped in, far too late for anyone to reply before the trio arrived. And at first, no one spoke a word. Just waited. Finally, Angeal stepped forward to address Zack.

"Good evening, my friend. I thought I might find you and your comrades here this evening."

"We're off duty, Angeal. Came in for a few drinks before calling it a day. So what brings you to this part of the city?"

"Word from above is we've got trouble in Junon. Trouble enough to send a team to deal with it." He glanced back to Genesis and Sephiroth, then continued. "You'll be among the 2nd Class SOLDIERs accompanying us. I'm leaving it up to your discretion to recommend the other three we require."

"I'm honored."

"Just see that you're well-rested this evening, and have your selections ready for tomorrow morning's briefing at headquarters. The plan is to leave early. The mission shouldn't take more than a few days."

"We'll be ready," Zack assured him.

"Will you?" That from Sephiroth, his dismissive tone no doubt intended to grate on Kunsel's nerves. "I hope you are- for your sake, in any case."

"Sephiroth, we all agreed on this decision. The least you can do is be supportive."

The silver-haired man flashed an unapologetic smile.

"Very well, Angeal." He narrowed his gaze to Zack and asked with barely concealed boredom. "Out of curiosity, puppy, who would you choose among your fellow SOLDIER for the mission?"

Kunsel didn't envy his friend having been put on the spot like that. The decision was an important one, and although he might want to give such an opportunity to his friends, the needs of the mission would come first. Must come first. If Zack thought that meant other SOLDIERs were better suited, he had a duty to choose them instead. But that didn't mean it was easy to say so in front of his friends.

"Kunsel and Luxiere would be the top two on my list."

"Because they're qualified for the mission…or because they're your friends," Genesis asked.

"I wouldn't put up their names if I didn't think they were qualified."

No one contradicted him, but Sephiroth did ask him a follow up question.

"What of the third? I believe we're short one name."

Now Zack hesitated. At least a dozen SOLDIERs could easily fill the remaining place. Kunsel was shocked at the one his friend offered in the end.

"Lilith."

Surprise registered on the faces of the trio of 1st Classes as well- even their high and mighty leader, who was never caught off guard. By anything. But the idea of a female SOLDIER assigned to such a high profile mission was unusual enough to shake his complacent air. Even if this turned out to be a disaster, Kunsel thought it might be worth it for that half-second where Sephiroth's mask had slipped.

"Are you sure," Angeal queried once he'd recovered. "This mission is not for a novice."

"She's no novice. I've seen her in several battles and she has the skills for this."

"If you vouch for her, then Lilith will join us tomorrow. But you're responsible if her lack of experience causes her an injury or if the mission suffers a major setback on her account. Is that understood?"

"It is."

Angeal heaved a sigh.

"All right, then. Tomorrow morning- you and your team better be ready in time for the debrief. Eight am."

With that, he and the other two turned from the table, melting into the crowd as they left the tavern. Kunsel merely watched them, waiting until he was sure they'd gone before risking a comment on the whole situation. He glanced over the rim of his tankard at Zack, shrugged, and finished it in a swallow.

"Well, I dunno what your plan is regarding this mission, but I sure hope you know what you're doing, my friend."

"It'll be fine, you'll see."

"If you say so."

"Sooo," Luxiere began slowly. "Who's going to tell Lilith?"

The graphics of the simulation winked out, leaving behind the gridded lines of the training room. I stood alone in the center, half-bent over while I tried to catch my breath. Sweat beaded on my skin and dripped from the dampened strands of loose hair falling across my face. The program I'd chosen had been a tough one. But I'd beaten the Adamantaimai, and that's what mattered.

I straightened slowly, hooking my thumbs in the waistband of the baggy fatigues that came standard for 2nd Class SOLDIER uniforms. Purple wasn't exactly my favorite, but at least the shade wasn't lavender- or something equally hideous. Pastels definitely weren't my thing. I could live with a deep wine color, though.

Clothes weren't really on my mind- rarely were, as a matter of fact. All I wanted was a long shower, a quick meal, and to get some sleep. Tomorrow promised to be another day of hard work to put me one step closer to making 1st Class. I sheathed my sword with a sigh and headed for the locker room. On the way, my phone chirped to alert me I had a message.

Better not be a drunk dial from the guys, I groaned inwardly as I held it up to my ear. The recorded voice belonged to Zack. He didn't sound drunk, but he didn't offer much explanation. Just said to call him back when I got the message. What an odd time for him to start acting mysterious.

But since whatever it was sounded important, I scrolled through my contacts and pulled up his number. It rang several times. Zack picked up, his greeting nearly drowned in the cacophony of boisterous voices in the background.

"Hey, Lilith!"

"Hey back." He laughed- as usual- at my atypical greeting. "So what's up? I got your voicemail- sounded urgent."

"You could say that, yeah."

When he didn't continue, I prodded him to get on with it.

"And?"

"Huh?"

"C'mon, man, can you focus for two minutes? I'd like to get some sleep tonight."

"Hang on- let me find a quieter spot. It's a bit loud in here." A minute or so later I heard his voice again, "Better?"

"Yes, thanks. So what's with the phone call?"

"Junon. Tomorrow morning."

My brain stumbled a minute, trying to grasp what he was saying. "I'm going to need more than that."

"Shinra's sending a team to take care of a problem in Junon. We're leaving tomorrow morning after a debrief meeting."

"Wait- we?"

"That's what I said. Angeal wanted four 2nd Class SOLDIER for the mission. I put your name in with Kunsel and Luxiere."

"You're serious."

"Absolutely. Early meeting tomorrow morning, so I wanted to give you the head's up tonight."

"Is it just the four of us going, then?"

"Um…no." Zack hesitated before divulging the rest of the news. "We're assisting the 1st Classes."

My throat closed up, making it impossible to speak. Shinra employed at least a half-dozen SOLDIERs of their highest rank; I had a sinking feeling I knew which ones would be assigned to this mission. My silence must have made Zack nervous.

"Lilith? You still there?"

"Y-yeah." I blew out a breath and asked him, "When you say '1st Class'?"

"Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal."

"I see."

"If you're worried, I can pick someone else…"

"No," I interrupted him. "No, I'm good. Just trying to imagine what might be so important that all three of them need to go."

"No idea. We'll find out tomorrow, I guess."

"I guess we will. And if I'm going to feel at all prepared for that meeting, I should get moving. And you all should call it an early night, too."

"Not to worry."

"Hmmm…I've heard that before."

"Promise. We were just about to close out our tab and head back home."

"All right. See you in the morning, Zack. And thanks," I added. "For putting my name in for this mission."

"Any time, Lilith. Later!"

The call ended, leaving me feeling both anxious and bemused. A high-visibility mission with the top three members of SOLDIER. It was the opportunity of a lifetime if I did well; a potentially embarrassing end to my career if I failed. The prospect of the latter was almost enough to have me turning on my heel to train a little longer. But I resisted that impulse, telling myself that a decent night's rest would serve me better.

Let's just hope that I'll be able to fall asleep.