Chapter One
Cloud's motorcycle slowed to a stop in front of a brick building with a securely shingled roof. A sign hung from a wooden post with 'Weapon's Store' neatly printed on it in bold letters. He didn't need a sign to tell him he had arrived at his destination. He had lived in this town as a child. Now, he was here yet again with a heavy bundle of a variety of weapons to deliver. He picked them off from the back of his motorcycle and held them in one arm while he opened the door with the other.
He walked inside, holding the bundle now with two arms, balancing the weight. A roaring fire was lit on the hearth. Just like home. A fat man stood behind the counter, beaming with delight that his shipment had arrived. "Hello there, sonny. Welcome to Nibelhiem! You must be the delivery boy! Well now, set that heavy load down in that there corner. That's a lad. How much was that payment again?" Cloud set the bundle down in the corner, as instructed. "…550 gil, sir."
The man pulled out a pouch from his back pocket and laid it on the counter. "Say there, lad. Ye look a wee bit tired. Care to take a rest before you set out?" Is it that obvious? Cloud shook his head. "Thanks, but I really have to be getting back. I have someone waiting for me." The old man chuckled. "Oh, would it happen to be a lady friend waiting for you? Is she your wife, perhaps?" Cloud looked up and smiled. Tifa. "Yeah…you could call her that…"
Cloud mounted his motorcycle. He adjusted the left mirror slightly, catching a glimmer of light from behind him. Turning around, he came face to face with a building he had not entered in years. It was the Shin-Ra Mansion. He looked closer, observing each window. His eyes met the right top most window which was oddly enough, covered with curtains. I'm certain that I don't remember curtains in that window…Looking closer, he thought he saw a figure move across the room, turning on a light. Who the heck would be in the Shin-Ra Mansion? The last time a light came on in that room was when…no. That's impossible. I can't check it out now…
Upon returning to Midgar, the delivery boy and his blushing bride-to-be resolved to send two of their closest of companions to check out the Mansion…for curiosity's sake.
"Me? Oh GAWD, Cloud. You want me to go with Mayor of Depressed-Ville to the gloomiest of all places?" Yuffie swung her arms with added emphasis. Vincent slumped back on the couch. A part of him deep down almost wanted to shout 'You want me to go with that brat that is on permanent caffeine high? I'll be fine by myself, thank you.' But instead he merely said coolly, "…do you have a problem with me accompanying you?" Yuffie grimaced. Well of COURSE I have a problem with you, Vampy! You scare the bejezus outta me when you stare at me with those creep fest eyes of yers! But the female ninja from Wutai didn't say a thing, due to the fact that Vincent was staring right at her, creeping her out. And besides, she didn't really have a problem with him, he was just…frightening. It wasn't everyday that you got to see someone with such pale skin, deep crimson eyes and raven hair. He had nearly the same effect on everyone he met.
Cloud put his hands on Yuffie's shoulders to keep her from sky-rocketing through the roof, saying slowly "All we are asking is that you check out the Shin-Ra Mansion and see who is prowling around there."
Yuffie shook her head. "Why couldn't I go with Barret or Cid? I might as well take a block of wood and…" Yuffie's voice trailed off. Oh Gawd! Now I've done it… Yuffie knew what that face meant…especially coming from Vincent Valentine. It meant 'shut up while you are ahead if you value your life'. Yuffie swallowed a lump in her throat. Crossing her arms she said, "Fine. I'll go, but you'll regret it you spiky headed jerk!" She plopped down on the sofa opposite of Vincent, who said silently, "When do we leave?"
Cloud sighed with a tone of one relieved. "You'll start out tomorrow. Cid is currently using the Highwind, but he promised to swing around tomorrow and he'll drop you off right outside Nibelhiem. The investigation should be thorough, so you should be back here within the next day if you don't find anything and within five days if you do." Yeah they should be okay, if Yuffie doesn't talk his ear off first.
Author's Note: Wow, my first chapter is completed! Now only countless chapters to go! Well, as Yuffie says 'Nyuk, Nyuk!' You know, this is my first actual attempt at writing. . ;;