Prologue
Characters:
Cloud
Auron
Zell
Selphie
Squall
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"Aeris. Are you here?" The spirits of the Farplane were circling the hopeful Cloud as he called for his lost love.
"She isn't here. Many souls never reach the Farplane. Not since the end of Sin."
Cloud turned in surprise of the voice. The man was wearing a red coat and had a slinged/wrapped left arm. He carried a large broadsword almost the size of Cloud's.
"I'm sorry. I don't know where I am. I've been traveling to different worlds searching for someone I lost."
"Hmmm…What's your name young man?"
Cloud grinned. "Cloud. Cloud Strife. Who might you be?"
The dark man drew his sword. "My name is Auron," he replied. "Now draw your sword. I want to test your ability." Auron assumed his battle stance.
Cloud's face became serious as he drew his sword. He can't be as hard as Sephiroth, he thought. "Get ready!" he shouted as he assumed his own battle stance, and he charged.
Auron met him halfway and they engaged in an epic clash of swords, handled by the most skillful sword masters in existence.The blades were moving so fast that only the afterimage was available to the normal eye, like a majestic moving painting.
Suddenly, the swords stopped flashing and the fighting ceased, both of the men sheathing their swords. Dead silence followed, for even the Song of the Fayth paused to admire the magnificent battle. The warriors never broke eye contact, for the respect they acquired for one another radiated throughout the room.
Auron grinned. "Hmmm…very impressive. I admire your abilities, young Cloud Strife." He turned to exit the Farplane. "If you want to find her, come with me. I have much to teach you before you dive into the Unknown."
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"Hell Yeah! We made it!" shouted the hyper Zell, jumping with joy. "Isn't it beautiful, Selphie?"
"Wow!" exclaimed the breath taken Selphie, never visiting Spira prior to this. "So these are the Calm Lands, right? It's amazing!"
Zell laughed. "Just wait until we reach Macalania Forrest. Now THAT is a trully breathtaking site. But first I have to see Uncle Rin."
Squall sighed. "How much longer 'til Zanarkand?"
"Not long," replied Zell. "Not long at all."