Hello everyone! This is my sort of pet project. I got inspiration from this story from "Marrage is a wonderful thing!" a fan fiction I think you all should read. So don't be surprised at the slight similarity if you have read that. Also, this is AU, (if that mean Alternate Universe like I think) so it's not exactly like the movie. A lot is out of my imagination. I really hope you all like it.

Chapter one: How Harry met Sally?

Sephiroth stared with a look of blank disbelief at the paper in his hand. It

was a mission that had just been handed to him by President Shinra, who now sat smirking at him between puffs of a cigar. The paper had only one

word written on it. The word was- "Procreate?" Sephiroth intoned, disbelieving. "Procreate."

The President confirmed, nodding. "You see my boy, ShinRa needs the little patter of regulation booties, and with the help of Professor Hojo, we will soon have this."

He smirked. "Explain." requested Sephiroth, un-amused. Shinra blew out a long puff ofsmoke, and consulted a paper he was holding.

"Here is a report I received from Hojo about two weeks ago," He began.

"' After much research I have created a mako-induced serum that when injected into the female four das or so

after conception, will cause the embryo to develop desirable traits of the father: strength, agility,

endurance, and intelligence, as well as manipulate the x &y chromosomes to ensure a male spawn. Recommend Commander Sephiroth for the first applicant.'"

"Metallic I know," he said, observing Sephiroth's rather disgusted expression. "But that's a scientist for you. Anyway I've been reviewing the bridal selection and-"

"Wait a minute." Sephiroth interrupted. "Bridal selection?" Shinra nodded.

"Yes. The child, or children, must be brought up in a proper environment; a home, a mother and father…in short, you must marry." "I refuse." answered Sephiroth shortly, and turned toward the door.

"Of course, the letter only recommends you." Shinra called after him. "The selection is mine. and with my selection comes…promotion."

Sephiroth stopped. "Promotion? What promotion would possibly induce me to go through with this?" he asked, eyes narrowed.

"How does the rank of General sound, with all associated rights and privileges?" Sephiroth turned and faced him, his eyebrows raised.

SOLDIER had never before had a rank of General. The highest you could move up the ladder was 1st Class, which brought you the title of 'commander.'

All orders and missions came from President Shinra and/or the board. Of course, reaching 1st Class was no walk in the park. Aside from Sephiroth only two other

SOLDIERS had attained that position. Commanders Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapodos. "What associated rights and privileges?" he inquired. Shinra smiled broadly.

"Well, for one thing, your salary would be increased incredibly. Your bi-monthly salary would be about what your yearly salary is now. Meaning your annual salary would be increased by about six times.

And that's not even talking about the power." he smiled and sat leaned back in his chair. "As the first General of SOLDIER, you would no longer take orders from the board.

You would be second only to me. You would be in charge of all our overseas operations during peacetime. Also, speaking of money, aside from your salary you would

receive a part of our profits. You would train new 1st Class SOLDIERS. The possibilities of your expansion are boundless." he turned and looked him in the eye.

"Well? Want to reconsider the simple task of marrying some silly girl and raising a child or so?" he inquired. With a small sigh, Sephiroth turned back to the desk and sat down.

"I knew you'd see it my way." Said the President proudly. "Now, back to business. I've taken the liberty of separating the lookers from the uggos. Do you prefer blonde or brunette?"

he asked, handing him two photos. Sephiroth gazed at the photos without much interest. The brunette was very beautiful, be he could tell by her up-turned nose and the small

annoying looking creature in her arms, a dog he supposed, but he thought it looked like a small raptor, that she would be a constant strain on his nerves. The blonde had been

photographed gazing out the window with a far away expression in her eyes. She too was very pretty, but neither of the candidates appealed to him much. He decided to go with the lesser of the two evils.

"I'll take her, I suppose," he said, pointing to the blonde. "but only if I still wish to after personal interview." he added sternly. "Of course! Clair Annatole hmm? Pretty little thing, isn't she?"

Sephiroth grunted disinterestedly. "How old is she? She looks fifteen." he inquired. "Eighteen." Shinra corrected.

"I'll practically have to raise her!" Sephiroth grumbled irritably. "Nonsense, it's only about a six year difference or so." Shinra reassured him blithely. "I'll have her flown in from France on Monday."

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. "Does she speak English?" "Perfectly." Shinra nodded. Be here Monday at four, my boy." He said, dismissing him.

A few hours later Sephiroth sat in a small bar near ShinRa knocking back shots with his two comrades Genesis Rhapodos and Angeal Hewley. "I still don't see what you're complaining about,"

said Genesis, taking a sip of his ale and nodding a a passing woman. "You get a beautiful wife, and the most sought after position in SOLDIER. What's the problem?" "The problem, moron, is

I'm being bred like an animal to a barley legal female whom I've never met." Sephiroth explained coldly. "Details, details." said Genesis, waving a carefree hand. "You wouldn't see me complaining.

Nothing wrong with a young wife. And there's no such thing as 'barley legal.' Legal is legal." Sephiroth rolled his eyes. "He has a point though, Genesis." said Angeal, smiling at his friend's loose morals.

"Why can't you just pick your own wife?" he asked Sephiroth. "Apparently that money grubbing Shinra want's her to be from a wealthy family. And I don't know any rich women. Besides, I really couldn't care less.

One woman is much like the next, and I know I wouldn't want to marry any of the women I know." shrugged Sephiroth. "well, you could have done worse I suppose," answered Angeal, looking thoughtfully at the photograph of Claire.

"She looks quiet, neat, and agreeable." "Yes, perhaps too quiet." Sephiroth muttered, years of silent dinners with this girl flashing before his eyes. "Well, you can count on us for the bachelor party. You won't be disappointed!"

promised Genesis. "Waiter, another one please."

That Monday Sephiroth was toweling off from a training exercise with Angeal when he looked down at his watch. 4:00pm. "Well, time to meet her."

He observed, making his way down to the office building.

As he neared Shinra's office he noticed two figures standing outside the door: a tall willowy and an equally tall willowy woman. Assuming correctly that these were Claire's parents,

he supposed she would also be tall and willowy. "Madame and M'suir Annatolle, I presume?" he addressed them. "Oui, M'suir Sephiroth," the man answered, while the woman inhaled

from her long cigarette and nodded. Bowing slightly, Sephiroth turned to the door and walked inside. What he saw surprised him slightly. He had expected to see Claire hobnobbing

with Shinra, or gazing dreamily out of the window as in her photo. Instead she was seated in a chair opposite the door staring listlessly into space, not even bothering to look

up at Sephiroth as he came in, and that was saying something because he, as always, entered dramatically: silver hair flowing, leather battle suit gleaming, eyes flashing.

Still, not a glance did he get from Claire, her big green eyes remained floor ward. "Ah, Sephiroth. President Shinra greeted him. "Meet Claire Annatole, your intended. Claire, Sephiroth."

Sephiroth looked at Claire, but she remained motionless and silent. He twitched an eyebrow irritably. "She's a bit shy I suppose," Shinra explained. "Why don't you go talk to her." He suggested.

Sephiroth picked up a chair and strode over to her. Plunking it down he seated himself, crossed his legs and his arms and glared at her down turned face. Still no response, so he decided to start the

conversation himself. He turned and looked out the window. It was raining, so he decided to talk about the weather. "Nasty day out." he commented. Nothing. "It was raining like this a few days ago

when I had a mission to take out an insane scientist who had designs against ShinRa." he continued. Still no response so he went on. "The old bat had his lab equipped with weapon sensors at the door,

so I had to leave my sword Masamune here," he tapped the sword on his back. "and kill him with my bare hands. He proved difficult to strangle so I had to rip his head from his shoulders. Messy job-"

He paused when he noticed she was no longer staring into space. She was laf out of her chair staring at him wide eyed and open-mouthed with horror, her lower lip trembling. "Yes, it was quite a new

experience decapitating someone without a sword. I could feel his voice in his throat as I yanked his head-"With a chocking gasp that he took to be an attempt at a scream, she fled for the door,

her long blond curls billowing out behind her. Shinra gave Sephiroth a stern look as she pulled at the door handle. Sephiroth shrugged. She probably meant to escape out the door and put

as many miles between ShinRa and herself as was geographically possible, but she had hardly pushed out the door before her father was pushing her back in again. "No father, No!"

she screamed as he dragged her kicking struggling form back into the office. "Don't make me, please! He's a monster! Noo!" she continued. "Claire Elise! That's enough!" Shouted her father,

letting her go. Her screams died down to a whimper, and she got up and hid behind his back. "She will give you no more trouble, m'suir." He said wearily to Sephiroth and Shinra.

"Not at all, m'suir Annatolle." said Shinra forgivingly. Annatolle nodded and, pulling his daughter out from behind him and giving her a stern look, took his leave of them.

Claire did not try to follow. Instead, she returned to her seat, folded her hands in her lap and looked hopelessly down at the floor. Sephiroth walked over to her. "So, you have no choice in the matter either."

He said. "No." She said, speaking to him for the first time. Her voice was very soft and shy, with no trace of accent. It was then that he noticed how very pretty she was.

Unlike her parents, she was not tall and willowy. She was rather small and very slender. Fragile, even, but not unhealthy. Sephiroth himself was usually attracted to girl

with more flesh on them, much more, the ones with the pleasantly round faces and dimpled smiles, but he was not biased. And her hair was so very long and luxurious that

it made of her rather average endowments. She must have noticed him giving her the one over, because she glanced shyly up at him. It was then he noticed her eyes.

he frowned. She had the biggest, greenest, prettiest eyes he had ever seen. He turned to President Shinra. "I think it would be best if you and I spoke privately." He said, glancing at Claire.

"As you wish," Shinra consented. He pressed a button on his desk, and moment later two men in suits whom Sephiroth vaguely recognized came in. "Please escort mademoiselle Annatolle out, gentlemen."

Shinra ordered. They didn't have to force her, she seemed happy to leave. "So, m'boy, what do you think of her?" Shinra inquired. "She seems small, puling, and-" "Beautiful?" Shinra interrupted.

Sephiroth snorted and sat down. "Are you sure she's even strong enough to give birth?" He asked frankly. "Her hips were very narrow. Won't that be… a problem?"

"Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you about her physical qualities." Answered Shinra, leaning over the desk and meshing his hands. "To answer your question: yes. Her frailty could present

difficulties. But I had Hojo give her a sort of physical before you met her, and he tells me that she has a very rare blood type. One that would respond almost better than any other to the treatment.

So if she did survive the pregnancy, the whole experiment would have a much better chance for success." "So." Said Sephiroth, leaning back and crossing his arms. "No matter what I feel, I'm stuck with her aren't I."

Shinra smiled broadly. and inhaled a large breath of smoke. "exactly." He said, exhaling. "So I suggest you get to know and like this girl, she's yours for, how does the saying go? 'till death do you part?'

Only don't kill her, she's far too valuable." Sephiroth snorted, and Shinra pressed the intercom and sent for Claire's parents. "Ah, good new Madame and M'suir Annatole." He informed them when they arrived.

"We have decided that your daughter may be just what we are looking for." "That is indeed good news, m'suir Shinra." replied Claire's father. "Yes, we just want to confirm a few things."

said Shinra, pulling out a piece of paper from his desk and consulting it. "Now it says here that although in France she was a member of the aristocracy you took care to insure that she was adept at cooking,

housework, and even gardening?" The Annatoles nodded. "That is correct m'suir. One never knows where a daughter may end up, and we wished her to be prepared." Mrs. Annatolle explained idly.

"Hmm. Might I commend you on your foresight." Shinra commended. After a few more questions, handshakes, and claps on the back, the Annatoles left. During the whole exchange Sephiroth had

remained seated stonily in his chair. Now he spoke. "Tell me, sir. If they have so much money and influence, why marry their daughter off to a SOLDIER whom they had never met. One whom their

daughter is afraid of, no less?" Shinra lit another cigar and puffed on it some before explaining. "My sources tell me that she is the youngest child, and also illegitimate, the result of a relationship

between her mother and one of the staff. It was a horrible scandal, but Annatole mercifully took care of her. But with four other children to think about, not to mention the fact that she was virtually

unmarriageable due to her origins, Claire was mostly forgotten about. My guess is that she was raised mostly by the staff, which would account for her skill has a housewife. Still, good for you, isn't it?"

Sephiroth stood. "I suppose I'll show her to her room." Said he. He left, musing. He found her in the hall, standing at the window gazing out of it as in the photograph. She turned to him as

he walked to her, her dreamy eyes looking more melancholy than anything. This irritated him greatly. "Yes?" She asked, as he was just standing there looking at her. "I suppose your parents

told you that we are engaged?" He asked, realizing how twisted the question sounded. "Yes." She answered quietly. "Well, I'm here to take you to your room." He informed. The long walk that

followed was a silent one. For Claire, it was rather intimidating to be walking next to this tall, fierce looking man. She couldn't help the slight feeling of attraction she felt for him- he looked so striking

in that battle suit, and his silver cascade of hair was enough to make any girl gaze at him. But the feeling of impending danger she got just from standing next to him was strong. As for Sephiroth, he

was getting more annoyed with every step. Did this girl ever talk? All the fragile beauty in the world meant nothing if you couldn't have a conversation.

He showed her into a small office that had been made into a temporary room for her. "This is where you will stay for now, so that you can be on hand if we need you for tests and such." He explained.

"The wedding is in a week. I will come and check on you periodically, but if you ever wish to speak to me my number is programmed into that phone there." He said, pointing to a cord phone that sat on

the table near the bed. He turned to leave, but stopped at the door. "You are not allowed to leave the ShinRa office building, unless ordered to the SOLDIER building or the Lab.

If you try to escape you will be locked in this room." He turned and left, his long silver hair swishing out behind him. Claire stared after him as he did so.

She looked around and evaluated her situation. The room was small, with a twin bed and a desk, a chest of drawers and a nightstand. Her luggage was against a wall,

next to a door which she assumed was the closet. She walked to the window, and found that it was un-open able, and five stories high. Sighing, she went over and sat

on the bed, which was made with regulation bedding. She had no intention of staying in the hellhole, soon to be married to Satan himself. Not her. If there was a way to

escape she would find it. Remembering that Sephiroth had only forbidden her to leave the Office building, she decided to have a look around. She got up and walked to the door,

taking a last glance around the room. But when she opened the door she was startled to see a blue eyed young man with spiky blonde hair standing right outside it, his back to the

wall. From the uniform he was wearing and his military stance: hands clasped behind him, head erect, she guessed correctly that he was a SOLDIER. He turned around as she stepped

out the door. "Ehem, good afternoon miss Annatole." He said, bowing slightly. "I am cadet Cloud Strife, and I have been assigned to you while you live here at ShinRa." Claire's heart sank.

She should have known she wouldn't be allowed to wander around alone.

"She has no personality whatsoever. She is weak, and cries far too much." Sephiroth told Genesis as they prepared to leave. "Why don't you just think of her

as a delicate porcelain goddess?" Genesis suggested coolly. "She is very beautiful, after all." "Beauty isn't everything." Sephiroth snorted. "It certainly helps," replied Genesis.

"At least you weren't saddled with a wallflower. She could have been a pug nosed evil bitch or something." "I suppose." Sephiroth conceded. "The thing is, she's so damn

innocent and so damn…pure. I just want to crush her somehow, you know?" Genesis smirked. "How like you. But don't hurt her. She's such a precious little thing. I mean, it's

not like you have to be the perfect husband for the rest of your life." Sephiroth glanced sideways at him. "What do you mean?" "You're only doing this for the promotion right?

True love doesn't even factor in. Just leave her to her devices and you tend to yours."

"Like hell." Sephiroth replied. "No wife of mine is going to be left to her own devices." "So possessive." Genesis grumbled. "Come on, let's get something to eat."

"Where does that door lead?" Claire inquired. She decided to continue with her your of the ShinRa office building even though Cloud was there. She suspected he was new,

because he was shy and not as commanding as the other SOLDIERS. "That's one of the break rooms, I think." He replied uncertainly.

"You don't know for sure?" Claire asked. "No, SOLDIERS don't come to the office building much. Or at least cadets don't." Cloud shrugged. Good to know, Claire thought.

But she didn't think the absence of SOLDIERS hampered security any. She had seen several important looking men in black suits who looked like they knew a thing or two about

keeping girls from running away. Still, the more she knew about this place the better. Cloud watched nervously as she peered about the place. He was surprised at how fast those

big, hazy green eyes could dart around, taking in every detail. He had a feeling that this was more than just a 'tour.' Still, he was only ordered to guard her and make sure she didn't l

eave the building. She was mighty cute, this girl he was to guard, but Cloud also sensed something unnerving about her. She reminded him of the saying 'dynamite comes in small packages.'

Cloud didn't mind strong women, in fact he preferred them, but he preferred it to be obvious from the start, not masked in a shroud of innocence and helplessness. He hated surprises.

This girl- "Whoa, whoa, whoa." Cloud started as he heard a strange voice. He turned to see a red haired man in a suit walking to them. "What'cha think you're doing, kid? She's walking right out the door!"

He said to Cloud. Cloud started again as he saw Claire's hand was on the handle of the door which indeed lead outside. "shoot," thought Claire. She had hoped to at least get a look outside while Cloud was

zoned out. "You need to pay more attention, yo. Be glad I'm not reporting you to SOLDIER. Come on, you're going back to your room girl." He grabbed Claire by the hand and lead her away. Claire followed

obediently, looking back apologetically at poor Cloud.

Claire sat up in bed, yawning. It was two days since she had come to stay in ShinRa. The day before President ShinRa had ordered one of his secretaries to take her shopping for a trousseau.

She had little interest in trousseau shopping, however, as she did not plan on getting married. She kept an eye on the Turks, learning more about them as the quietly guarded her. Rude was stoic,

and Elena was sharp. Tseng was businesslike, but he was usually busy working for Rufus Shinra, the President's son. Reno was cocky and more laid back, but Claire knew better than to underestimate

his efficiency. But the Turks had left with Rufus to investigate something Claire knew nothing about, and several cadets including Cloud had come to help with security. As she was thinking about this,

there was a knock at the door. Claire slid out of bed, which was very warm and soft, and went to open the door, which she assumed was the girl with her breakfast. But when she opened the door

she was startled to see Cloud standing there. They both blushed slightly, as Claire was clad only in very small shorts and a camisole. "Erm, good morning miss Annatole. Professor Hojo wishes to see

you immediately. I will escort you there." said he. "Oh, alright then, I'll get dressed," said Claire. Cloud nodded, and she shut the door. As she put on a lone white cotton dress with lacey straps, she

wondered what Hojo wanted. She had her check up the day before. She put on a large floppy sun hat because she hoped if she asked very nicely they might allow Cloud to take her outside.

The walk with Cloud was a silent one. She supposed he was still upset with her for getting him in trouble before. But despite the lack of companionship, she was sad when he left her in the office

with Hojo. "Well, good morning my dear." Said the scientist, a sickening smile spreading over his face. She had seen him once before, when she first came. But that time both Tseng and Rude had

been there, and all he did was give her a routine check up and take a blood sample. But this time seemed different. She felt nervous being alone with him, especially when he had that greedy

look on his face. "Just sit down there on that table dear, and remove your dress." He instructed. Claire gasped. "What?" Just then, the door swung open. There stood Sephiroth. He strode inside,

swinging the door shut behind him, and leaned against it crossing his arms. "Sephiroth. To what do we owe the pleasure?" asked Hojo, irritated. "I'm here to make sure you behave yourself, old man.

I won't have you doing anything you shouldn't to my wife." He answered coolly. "I see." said Hojo, miffed. "Well, anyway, let us continue. Miss Annatole, please remove your garments."

He said, turning back to Claire. Claire frowned. "No. I'm not undressing him front of him." She declared. Sephiroth smirked. "Oh yes, you will." said he. "No, I won't you pompous ass," Claire flashed back.

Sephiroth strode over to her in two swift strides and grabbed her arm, all signs of amusement gone from his face. He glared down at her, his face close to her, and she shrank under his gaze.

"Listen to me, girl, and hear me well." he snarled. "You are mine now, with no more control over your life than a dog on a leash. You will deeply regret any show of defiance." he threw her arm down,

and she clutched at it in pain, frightened tears welling up in her eyes. "Do you understand?" he hissed, eyes boring into hers.

It was then Claire realized this was her only chance. Summoning all the strength she possessed from every fiber of her being, she quickly and suddenly rammed her knee squarely into his crotch.

With a gasp of pain and utter surprise, Sephiroth doubled over clutching his abused manhood. In a flash Claire was out the door, zipping past an astonished Hojo. She knew she had about tree minutes

to get as far away as she possibly could from ShinRa, and she knew she couldn't make it on foot. Her mind whirred as she tried frantically to formulate a plan. Then she saw Cloud standing outside

one of the break rooms, and she had an idea. She stopped running, and skipped toward him happily. "Hello Cloud! I'm happy to see you. I thought the might assign me to someone else.

You're my favorite, you know." She told him. "OH, thanks," replied a bewildered Cloud. She spread out her arms to embrace him. Confused, he returned the hug and wrapped her in a warm embrace.

In a flash Claire snatched the keys to his rocket bike from his back pocket and bolted away from him at top speed. "Hey!" Shouted Cloud, running after her. Finding that they were getting in her way

anyway, she took off both her heeled shoes and, turning, pelted both of them at the surprised Cloud one after another with all her might. They both hit him squarely in the face. "AUGH!" he shouted,

and Claire took off again. Twice as nimble in her bare feet, she ducked past security and flew out the door. She leaped onto Cloud's rocket bike and put on the goggles that were hanging on the handle

bars. Then she rammed the keys in the engine and zoomed off, her long blonde hair billowing out behind her.

Meanwhile in Hojo's office, Sephiroth was leaning against the wall with one hand and clutching his inflamed genitals with the other. "You know," said Hojo, "If you're going to be such an ass all the time

you should really invest in a cup." "Shut. The hell up." Sephiroth growled. Who knew that little bitch had so much strength in her legs? Damn her. Still, pissed as he was, a part of him was glad.

Claire had shown that she didn't lack in personality. Taking an extra moment to collect himself, he stood and walked to the door, deciding he'd better hind her before he had a real problem on his hands.

He strode out still wincing, and looked around. "If I were a frightened little bitch where would I go…" he muttered to himself. It was then he noticed a disheveled looking blonde cadet with a large

red spot between his eyes walking in. "Cadet! Report!" he barked at him. Cloud snapped to attention instantly, but found no words. "Where is miss Annatole and why is she not in your custody?"

Sephiroth inquired darkly, walking over to him with his hands clasped behind his back. Cloud gulped involuntarily. He couldn't very well say "She hit me with her shoe and stole my bike,"

Sephiroth in his present mood would rip off his stripes in an instant. Then again the thought of lying to him sent chills up and down his back. And all this was assuming he could find the power of speech with

those tiger-like eyes boring into him. As it was, all he managed to choke out was "T-t-temporarily escaped, Sir!" Snarling, Sephiroth brushed past him. He couldn't really blame Cloud, after all Claire had

escaped from him too. Besides, he had no time to punish cadets. He flung open the door and looked around outside. The ShinRa corporation had several buildings at it's headquarters. The office complex,

the SOLDIER building, and the lab. Separating the three buildings was a nice sort of park, with lots of pathways and fountains bubbling quietly. He knew she wouldn't go to the lab, so he headed for the

SOLDIER building, supposing she was hiding there. "E-e-e-excuse me, sir," Sephiroth whirled around as he heard cadet Cloud timidly address him. "What." he snapped. "Ah, w-well," Cloud began tremblingly,

"M-miss Annatole managed to take possession of my rocket bike. I believe she ran away to Midgar." Immediately Sephiroth spun around and started running. Damn that girl! he thought. Who knew what could happen to her in Midgar?

Claire clunked to a halt beside a curb, narrowly missing a lamppost in the process. The rocket bike apparently didn't have a lot of gas in it, and was now completely empty. She slid off, removed

the heavy helmet and goggles and put them o the seat of the bike. Now what? She looked around, running her fingers through her hair. Surprisingly, not a lot of attention was pain to the small blonde

girl on a rocket bike. There seemed to be thousands of people in this town, all very much minding their own business. nobody smiled, nobody paid attention to her. She wasn't sure what to do next.

She had run away, now what? She had no money for food or shelter. Perhaps this had been a bad idea. Should she turn back? Then she realized with a sinking feeling- she had no idea where she was or how to get back.

She didn't want Cloud's bike to get stolen, but she couldn't drag it around town with her, so she left it and took the keys, hoping that would stop someone from stealing it. She started to walk along.

Sometimes it was easy, other times she had to push against the rough crowd. She peered into quiet looking convenient stores, hoping that some kind owner would take pity on her. But everyone looked angry,

stern or miserable. This was not a happy town. She was beginning to feel anxious. By this time, she had absolutely no idea where she was, she had no money, at it was starting to get late. Suddenly a loud CRACK!

and a flash made her scream and over her ears. The loud noise had been thunder, and as she looked up into the cloudy sky, she saw it was starting to rain. Hard.

She moved on for what seemed like forever. Every place that she tried to go in for shelter shooed her away f not being a paying customer. By now she was soaking wet and hungry. But she wasn't really sad or

self pitying. She was angry. Angry at Sephiroth. Damn him! She thought. Why did he have to be such an ass? If he saw me right now he'd probably laugh his head off. Damn it, damn it, damn it!" She cursed. At this moment she noticed a sign that read "Leroy's Bed and Breakfast." without much hope she went inside, hoping to escape the pounding rain.

"Sorry miss, we're full." Said the owner to the dripping, shivering figure on his doorstep. Her once-proud fair hair was a stringy, clinging mess. Her big sad eyes were now more tired than angry.

"P-please, c-can I j-just stay t-till it st-stops r-r-r-aining?" She chattered. "Whatever." said the owner with a sigh of annoyance.

Blankly Claire realized that "Whatever" was the kindest word she'd heard in a long time. She bit her lip to keep it from trembling, and sank down onto the cold floor.

"No no you can't sit there," said the owner in exasperation. "It looks bad to customers. Just come with me." Claire got up slowly, and he led her behind the desk to a small back room. "Sit there." he commanded, pointing to a smallish sofa in the corner. Gratefully Claire sank into it and closed her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, falling asleep.

"Did you see a young girl with knee-length blonde hair and green eyes come in here?" Sephiroth asked the owner of Leeroy's Bed and Breakfast impatiently. He was quite pissed. He had been searching for Claire in the pouring rain for quite some time in this huge town. Even now that the rain had stopped he was irritable.

"Uh, yeah." The owner responded. "She came in here to get out of the rain. When it stopped she left." Sephiroth ground his teeth. "How long ago, and which way." He demanded. "Twenty minutes ago." The owner replied. He raised his hand and pointed to the left. "That way."

I really hope you all like it! Please review, If I don't get any reviews I might discontinue :/. So yes, review, and keep an eye out for chapter two!