A/N: Hey folks! This is the start of a new chapter story... funny this and my previous chapter one are both crossovers. What can I say, I'm a simple gal who enjoys writing them.
I'm not sure how tame (or not) this story is going to be, but if there's anything that needs a warning, I'll be sure to write it here so people can know whether to avoid it.

Enjoy the prologue and any feedback you have is appreciated~

By Chance

Prologue: What Started It All

It's late. That's the first thought on Cloud's mind when he opens his eyes and sees the darkness outside his window. At first he wonders why he's awake. The digital numbers reflecting back at him say it's 3:21am, and the blond normally doesn't awaken before six. Rubbing his eyes, Cloud swings his legs until his feet touch the cool wooden floor.

When his eyes adjust to the darkness (which doesn't take long because of his mako infused body), he notices there's something outside. It looks like the silhouette of a person, hunched over. Cloud focuses his attention on the silhouette. Their hair is white as the stars and their attire is best described as foreign. It looks… medieval, almost.

Taking one of his swords from beside his bed, Cloud changes to something a bit more presentable and exits his room. He can hear Tifa snoring away in her room and it makes him smile a little. After everything that happened with Sephiroth and the remnants, it's nice to have peace.

Cloud makes his way downstairs, making sure to not make too much noise as to awaken his friend. Creaking the door open, he steps outside, where warm summer air hits his face and tousles his blond tresses a little. Shutting the door behind him, Cloud walks to where he saw the person, his senses on high alert the whole trek. Monsters still came every now and again, plus who knew if this individual is a threat or not?

It takes a few minutes, but he reaches the clearing, and the person is still there. They moved from their hunched position and now they're sitting on the grass, head tilted back to look at the stars twinkling overhead. Cloud clears his throat, and the man turns his body to gaze upon him.

"Where am I?" the white haired youth questions, confusion written clear in his chocolate depths. His gloved hands dig into the earth as his eyes frantically move about. "I was helping these people liberate different worlds… yet when I woke up, I was here. Where is here?"

"...What are you going on about?" Cloud's eyebrow arches as he takes in the younger man. His attire consists of a black robe with purple and gold designs throughout it and it's not something he'd ever seen before. Is there a such thing as different worlds? The blond finds that thought a little skeptical, but it could be true. This man didn't seem to come from any of the places Cloud's been to, and he's been all over.

"...I'm sorry. I must sound crazy." The stranger turns back and looks out at Midgar. "This place seems to have been through terrible times."

"I've heard worse… How can you tell?" Cloud decides the newcomer couldn't possibly be dangerous and sits next to him.

"I've seen war torn worlds. This place looks as if it's been through something far worse, yet… I can't imagine anything more terrible than corrupt kings and-" The white haired man pauses. "It looks as if it's been through something a friend of mine's world was and that thought is horrendous."

"Hm." Cloud studies him. His frame seems tense now, when before it was somewhat relaxed. How could anyone be relaxed in a world not their own? The thought confuses the blond. You didn't know the dangers of monsters or even bandits who liked to pray on those who looked weak in a world not your own. Maybe this boy was naive in some way.

"Ah! I haven't introduced myself. I'm Robin."

"Cloud."

Robin smiles a bit and leans back, using his hands to prevent himself from falling backwards. "You look as if you've seen a lot… and been through just as much."

"You could say that." Cloud tilts his head. Robin seems endlessly curious about things. It's a trait he would have found annoying, but the smaller man carries an air of innocence, almost like a child. It's an endearing quality. "You say you come from another world? What is your world like?"

"My world… I haven't been there in so long." Robin sighs. "I was a tactician for my best friend's army. Everyone depended on me to see them through the day. It was a heavy burden, but one I bore with Chrom's help. He… he meant everything to me."

"Did something happen to him?"

"I haven't seen him in such a long time, I fear he may have forgotten me."

Cloud reaches, tentative at first. However, seeing the misery hiding in Robin's eyes, he closes the distance and closes his fingers around the boy's slim shoulder. "I'm sure you're important to him, just as he is to you. Bonds like that don't break, no matter the pressure you put them under."

"...I know that. I do. Yet… I can't remember anything before meeting him. My life began when he found me in that field. Funny I find myself in another field in a different world." Robin chuckles quietly at the irony.

"Perhaps it's best you don't remember anything," Cloud murmurs, tightening his grip on Robin. The magic swordsman turns his head to look at him, curiosity written in his eyes. "Sometimes I wish I could forget things."

"You do?"

"Mm. I've been through many trials, just as you thought. At times I thought it'd be easier if I forgot everything and started anew."

Robin looks contemplative. "Yet then you'd lose the person you are now. It's the hardships and battles we face that make us the person we are today."

Cloud nods.

The duo sit in silence save for the sounds of nature. After a few moments, Robin scoots over until he's leaning against the taller man. Cloud, without thinking, wraps an arm around him and they look at the stars.

It's odd when you feel an instant connection with a person you met mere minutes ago. However, Robin and Cloud would both say their chance meeting in a Midgar field years ago they felt sparks towards each other.

TBC.