The vast barren wilderness outside of Midgar spread out before the quintet of companions. They fled Midgar as fugitives of persecution from Shinra, and the constant fear, intrigue, and bewilderment Sephiroth's riddles presented. Now they were on their way to unbound freedom. That freedom was exciting and frightening at the same time as the sun beamed brightly down and the warm breeze rushed by the group. The barren dunes seem to go on as far as the eye could see. They walked in silence for a time, each in their own thoughts digesting the recent events.
When the conversations started, they had finally begun to feel more comfort the more distance they put between themselves and Midgar. They were still able to see that high Shinra tower even several miles away. Earlier Barret had wanted to stop and take a break, but when he looked back at the high Shinra tower on the plate, he quickly changed his mind. A couple more hours went by where the conversation consisted mainly of Aerith, Tifa, with the frequent interjection by Barret. Cloud was still busy reflecting and internalizing. He would be momentarily disturbed only responding when he was pulled into the conversation, but it was ok. He was happy to have companions whom he felt he could rely on- even Red XIII whom he had just met who was completely silent as he followed light on his feet.
Red XIII was an enigma to Cloud, he had never seen any being like him and even had Cloud stealing glances trying to decide exactly what race of being he might be. Red XIII continued quietly in serious deep contemplation. So many memories had come to him, and the memories all seemed to be from the future. "So how could they be memories?" He reasoned in his head despite understanding the nature of the arbitors of fate. It made sense and then again it didn't and had him in a state of constant internal conflict on what was likely to come to pass and what could be altered.
When they finally stopped to take a break, Red XIII could feel a gaze on him and his instincts proved right as he caught Cloud taking a glance his way. Red XIII was a little disappointed in himself. Usually, his instincts and insights never failed him, but this was an exception. He shook it off and decided he would address Cloud's curiousity, Tifa and Aerith were laughing as if they were long lost sisters sharing stories until they stopped to listen to Barret talk a little about how beautiful the planet was and how he would love to travel all over. Once Barret stopped, Red XIII took it as his cue to cut in.
"You're a curious one..."
"Who? Us?" Tifa quickly answered innocently.
"I think Cloud seems to be the most curious" Red XIII clarified.
"I guess I would be lying if I said I wasn't... but I'm trying not to ask questions out of respect" Cloud admitted.
"If he's an enemy of Shinra, then he's our friend" Barret quickly interjected with a smile diffusing any tension.
"It's true, I am no friend of Shinra" Red XIII said as his eye caught the movement of a group of hares nearby.
"How long were you a prisoner of Shinra?" Tifa continued along the same lines. Aerith however seemed indifferent as she quietly kept a neutral face. Red XIII could read Aerith's response realizing that it was her who opened his spiritual eyes to what is and what could be.
"Aerith, you were a prisoner much longer than me" he said reading her mind.
"Yes, but let's hear your story" Aerith smiled once again letting Red XIII know it was ok to continue.
"It was more than a year ago that I was plucked from my home in Cosmo Canyon. The time was coming for a ritual to appease the planet to take place which could only be performed by those of my race, one male and one female, every fifty years" Red XIII paused for a moment to remember the emotions he was feeling during a time he felt insecure and inadequate.
"So you're not the last of your race?" Tifa quickly asked.
"No...but I will get to that. During that time, my mind was filled with much doubt. I, like my counterpart, am now without parents. What I endured while in captivity with Shinra... I can never forgive"
Red XIII paused again to stop and smell the air as the breeze ruffled his red fur and his flamey tail danced in the wind. He began remembering not only the lost time that was stolen from him, but the experiments he endured.