Anyway, as a disclaimer, I don't own any of the FF7 characters used in this story, but the original characters are mine. This is set in an alternate universe, and the FF7 characters may not be true to their real personalities since I've never watched an actual game (please don't hurt me! ;P). So saying, I hope you enjoy this fanfic-in-the-works!
The Shepherd's Legend
Chapter 1: A Warrior's Mission
There is an old legend that goes like this: There exists, in this world, a person of remarkable kindness, selfless in practice and spirit. He helps those in need; he gives all that he possesses for the good of others. This person is known as the Shepherd. He is the ultimate standard for all who know of him. There is a time when Darkness will come and overshadow all that is good and in this time, the Shepherd will rise against the Darkness to defend his people. Accompanied by his friends: Wind, Water, Earth and Fire, the Shepherd engages the Darkness in the Great Battle to end the Shadowing. However, goodness continues to prevail in the Shepherd and he sacrifices himself to save the world.
This legend has been passed down through generations of people, a story for young children to learn and to pass on to their offspring. It is an heirloom of the world. No one has believed in this legend, this old tale, until now. Now, they hope for the arrival of the Shepherd. For, now, Darkness has come and the Shadowing has begun...
*~*~*~*~*
Cloud Strife entered the cavernous chamber, his footsteps resonating through the hall. His blood-red cloak rustled behind him as he made his way to the end of the chamber. He stopped at the bottom of a set of wide stairs that led to a darkened platform. And on this platform...
"You summoned me, my lord?" Cloud asked with a solemn bow.
"Cloud Strife, I have a mission for you," a voice rumbled. Cloud stared calmly into the darkness, waiting patiently. There was the whisper of cloth as the voice's owner moved. "There are dark times ahead of us. There are many hardships and obstacles that you have endured, and there are many more to come."
"I am willing," Cloud said in the pause.
"I know. That is why I summoned you for this most important mission. The Darkness is closing in. We don't have much time left. Already battles have begun and ended; life has been lost. Cloud, you must search for the Shepherd, the only one who can put an end to this carnage."
"The Shepherd? But that is only a legend, a fairy tale," Cloud scoffed.
"Just as the Shadowing was only legend? Just as the Darkness was only legend?" Cloud remained silent at this challenge, and the deep voice continued. "It is imperative that you find this Shepherd. The Shepherd is the key to ending this war. However, you must hurry. The Darkness knows its own weakness and will do whatever it can to find the Shepherd first. If they do, there will be no hope left for us. There will be no future. You must find him."
"How will I know who he is? There are so many people in this world."
"When you find him, you will know. Or have you not figured it out? You are one of the Chosen who will do battle against the Darkness alongside the Shepherd." Cloud jerked his head upwards, showing his surprise. The voice chuckled. "I see you haven't. Yes, Cloud. You will be part of history in the Great Battle."
"You know this?" Cloud asked, silently reprimanding himself for his show of emotion.
"I do. It has been told in the legend of the Shepherd that he and his companions, the great warriors of the world, will fight the Darkness and end the Shadowing."
Revelation dawned on Cloud as the voice spoke. "The great warriors of world... Wind, Water, Earth and Fire."
"Yes. You and three others shall accompany the Shepherd to the Great Battle." The voice paused, and Cloud could feel a pair of eyes studying him. "But hurry. Even now the Darkness is searching for the Shepherd, to destroy him before he destroys the Darkness. Go, and may the Light shine upon you."
Cloud bowed low, then turned and exited.
"Will he succeed, my lord?" A young woman appeared through a side door, hidden by a curtain, when Cloud had left the room.
"He must. He will. It is part of the legend. It is his destiny."
"And so the search for the Shepherd begins," the young woman murmured, a faraway look creeping into her eyes.
"You are worried, Tifa. Why?"
Tifa blushed. "I am worried about the Shadowing..." she hesitated. "And about Cloud."
"Cloud is strong. He will find the Shepherd. But after that, I do not know how the future will turn out. Cloud will try his best though, and that is what counts. We are depending on him."
Tifa nodded slowly, before leaving through the door she had used.
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Next: Chapter 2 - The Search Begins
Well, hope you all liked the first of (hopefully) many chapters. It's not often that I try to write an action-type fic. We'll see how it turns out. ;)