Chapter 1

Tifa was outside, tending to the black chocobo while Cloud gave Bill a call.

WHAT?! What do you mean there was a flash of light and all the chocobo's got scared and ran off? Okay Bill, okay, it's a figure of speech. No, Bill, I heard you I just—. Okay Bill. I understand. What direction did it come from? From the north...like near Midgar. No? Oh, that's bad. That could only be one thing. I've got to go Bill, just try to find those chocobos! He hung up.

What was that about? Tifa was still confused. From the north, what does that mean.

Tifa, what's way up north, past even Icicle Inn?

Oh no Cloud nodded and grabbed his PHS. Pack your things, I'm calling Cid.

Okay, be ready in a few.

He picked up the PHS and punched in Cid'. It rang. C'mon you bum, pick it up. It rang again. And again. Cloud was getting frustrated. Where are you?

Doncha think I would have picked up by now? Stupid shit... Cid's recorded voice exclaimed. There was a long beep.

You damn well should have, Cid. You get this message; you call me back. Something's happened at Crater and we need transportation, fast. Bye. Cloud closed the PHS.

You ready Tifa?

She appeared, carrying her duffel bag and with her small backpack on her back.

all right then, let's go.

One question. Where are we going? We can't get to the Crater by chocobo.

I figure I head towards Fort Condor, they'll know how to help us figure out what's going on.

You? As in by yourself? I realize we both can't ride Trios, but can't I just walk?

I just realized that we're on an island, so when you say walk, you really mean swim? Fort Condor is across the water, and there is no other way to get help. You'll have to wait for a ride or something.

She wasn't happy. That's gentlemanly of you. And after you made me pack too.

Cloud rubbed his head.

But I'm not letting you go without me.

Cloud walked over to her and grabbed her shoulders. I love you, I really do, but I really have no other choice. I'm really sorry Tifa.

Her bags dropped to the floor and she embraced him in a warm hug. He had only half-returned it when she let go, and looked into his eyes.

You had better be careful though.

Thanks Tifa, you know I always am.

Actually, no, I know you always aren't. That's why I said it. She smiled and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

I'll catch up to you sooner or later...

Trios had a large Sylkis Greens breakfast, and was ready to carry Cloud on the somewhat lengthy journey across the sea to Fort Condor. He saddled up, and set out towards the island's beach. The chocobo approached the edge of the water, and continued to trot along in it, or, more correctly, on top of it. Cloud let out a chuckle as he thought of how skittish she would have been right then. She never did like going over open water.

Stop it, Cloud, you know I don't like the deep water, She would say to him if she was there. He rode off thinking about her, and it eased his mind a bit. But the thought of what could be going on near Crater still nagged at the back of his mind.


She walked back into the Mideel home, feeling left out and unloved.

No, not a home. only a house, without Cloud here. He always made it home for me. She remembered those in-between years when he was off with Shin-RA. It wasn't like life was over without him, just duller, more monotonous. That's what she felt now, only ten times worse plus heartache.

Why can't you find it in your heart to love me, Cloud Strife...


Cloud was relieved to see the coastline of the main continent.



He came up onto the shore, and realizing how tired he was, stopped to rest. he let Trios go off and graze, while he broke out some food of his own. He was only eating for a short while when he realized that Trios had wandered out of sight and earshot.

Leave it up to him to wander off... He sighed as he paked up his half-eaten food to go look for the stray chocobo. He threw the bag he had taken over his shoulder, and started walking. As he was walking, he spotted Condor flying high, off in the distance. Wow, it's all grown up.

Yes, beautiful, isn't it? The voice came from behind him.

Who's there?

The man revealed himself. He had a red bandana on, and wore a blue shirt.

Your friends helped us defeat the advancing army 5 years ago. Why don't you head back to the Fort with me, the Condor is back there aready anyway.

Cloud looked into the sky to find that the Condor was gone.

Thank you for the offer, but I'm looking for my chocobo.

A black one? I saw it following the Condor earlier. It's probably back at the Fort by now.

In that case, let's go. And thank you.


AN: First Chapter yaay! I kind of have a bunch of ideas as to where this goes next, and I just need to get them in order. Thanks for being patient! (Wow, it's so easy to be polite when you don't get a response for a week...) ~Sky