"Jut- Put- leave me."

"I'm not just going to leave you in the middle of no where."

"You'll end up dead if you bother with me. Leave me here."

"You'll take that damn gun to your head. Com-"

"Oh shit- Put me- ah-"

"Would you stop it!"

"Put- me down dammit."

"Sorry, I cant do that."

"Oh- ow.. ow…ow…"

"Would you stop it. The pain will go away in a few days. Right now we just have to worry about getting you out of here."

"If you don't let me die now, I swear I will kill you later!"

"I'm sure. You can try it, but it isn't going to happen."

Ran fell in fat drops as he walked the street. Blade's black treanchcoat failed to keep out the water falling on his head. Bitterly, he turned into an ally way, flipping up his collar and buttoning it so as it concealed a good portion of his face. His sunglasses and black bangs hid most of the rest.

'Blade, if he realizes what's going on, I'll come back in pieces.' He thought, walking close to the wall.

Blade had decided it best for Rif to deal with the fat man. She had told him of his destination, dressed him up in cloths that would conceal anything that might give him away, and practically shoved him out the door. As much as he loved her, there were times he wished for nothing more then to bash her.

He reached a small door on the ally wall, and plastered himself next to it. He rapped gently three times, glancing up and down the empty way to make sure no one was near. None were.

"I'm alone."

The door cracked open, and Rif slipped in out of the rain.

The bar was filled with smoke, and music played from some unknown corner. A man at the counter was sliding a few drinks to some men, while a waitress in little to nothing took orders. His eyes darted about the room from under his glasses. The man who opened the door grunted something to him, that sounded much like "what?"

"Looking for the boss."

"You was in here last night, weren't yeh?" Blade would have kicked this brute for his language. Rif understood now what he was sent to do this.

"Yeah, that was me. Boss said he wanted to speak to me again, about the mission."

"Ah. Yo!" The big mans voice silenced everyone in the place, booming high above Rif's own. "Joey! Kid here to see the boss. Take m' to the boss."

The bartender nodded, and the noise suddenly burst back into place. The man, slim but had well built muscles, came from around the counter. He nodded to Rif, and began his way to the other end of the room. Rif glanced at the man to his side, then followed the bar tender.

"You wish for me to take your jacket?" The black vested man asked, holding out his hand when the reached the door. Rif glanced at the man, then shook his head.

"I am planning on leaving soon. There's not need."

"Yes. Suit yourself then." With that, the bartender returned to his seat behind the counter. Rif shook his head, trying to clear away some smoke, and pushed open the door.

As the door closed behind him, all sound of the outside was drowned in a sea of silence. The odder of smoke and alcohol was less sharp to ones nose then in the main room. A man sat at one of the lonely tables, reading a news print. Rif cleared his throat. The large mans head rose to look at Rif.

"Ah. Miss mystery has returned. Please, sit."

"No time. I want to start this today." He kept his voice low, and created the best impression of Blades voice he could. Years of practice had gotten him to sound much like her. Few picked up on the difference. And the way he was dressed made him look much like Blade.

"Great. I had hoped you would say that." He rubbed his forehead with a large finger, grinning.

"Who is the target?"

"A member of Hope. The leader, actually."

Should have expected that one, Rif. Everyone in this type of shenanigan wants Cloud Strife dead. This mans just like the rest. I can see why Blade despised him.

"Wonderful. Any particular way you want him to die?"

"I just want the damn kid dead, got it? I don't care how, just don't get caught and don't get killed. I don't have time enough to hire another fool for the job."

Authors Note: Hope was originally created by Riene-Strife, first introduced (as far as my knowledge serves) in his fan fiction: Cloud Chronicles. Such a place was not my creation, though I wish I had been the first to think of such a thing. I suggest you read any and all stories by Riene-Strife, and review. Hopefully, soon, I will get him to help me with this story. This (as I believe we decided. If not, I shall change my information) is a continuation of earlier stories. "Us" and "Goodbye to you" are stories including some characters mentioned or soon to be mentioned. Read them to take a stab at what may happen. Also, "Our Time" and "Cloud Chronicles" are stories that will give you a good idea on what background this story is feeding off from. Thanks again to Riene-Strife, and also Nicki and Ant. Yeah, you guys all inspired this. Enjoy.