Tifa woke with a start, sitting up violently with perspiration dampening her forehead. She could not immediately bring to mind what had caused the sudden awakening from her slumber, but could only feel the intense fear it had created within her. She shook her head slowly, trying to clear the mental terror that still clung onto her with its deadly talons. Persevering to focus her mind on something else to push the unknown fear to the back of her mind, she glanced across at the sofa upon which Cloud had been sleeping. His absence was not unusual, yet it troubled her somehow. The invisible fear began to renew its grasp, forcing Tifa to take positive action as she slipped quickly out from underneath the bed sheets and returned stealthily to her room to dress.
As she stomped slowly down the stairs deep in thought, she barely registered the news report on the bar television, informing the small crowd of locals that a terrorist group from the Midgar slums had been apprehended after a failed attempt to blow up one of the reactors. Most of the onlookers knew nothing of the Midgar slums, and the news report passed with few comments. Tifa settled herself down at the bar, swinging her legs absent-mindedly against the wooden planks, creating a slow rhythmic sound which echoed quietly around the room. The bar man, an elderly man accustomed to understanding his regulars, placed a glass of water in front of the young lady with a wink and departed, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Tifa barely acknowledged the action, her eyes glazed over staring aimlessly into space. Only the introduction of a familiar voice from the doorway was enough to tear her out of her self-induced hypnotic state. Turning on her seat, she smiled warmly as her eyes registered Cloud and Aeris approaching her. She always felt better in Cloud's presence.
"Where have you two been?" she asked, unable to hide a slight hint of annoyance in her voice.
"Around." Cloud shrugged enigmatically and took up a seat beside his friend. Neither he nor Aeris were willing to share their excuses for wandering around so early in the morning.
"They caught them?" asked Aeris, genuinely surprised as she glanced up at the television screen which depicted a heavily built man being escorted into the back of a car, the Shinra logo emblazoned onto the side. "I never would have thought it possible."
"Who are they?" Tifa shot an inquisitive look at Aeris, also noting the pensive expression on Cloud's face.
"Avalanche. A minor terrorist outfit from the slums. They've been around for a few years now and have caused some major problems for Shinra. Guess they couldn't keep it up." Cloud shook his head in exasperation as he finished his description. Aeris sighed at length but remained silent.
A warm breeze passed through the bar as the door opened behind them once more. Nobody turned to face the new visitor, who breathed in at length as he took in the bar and the people within it. The barman looked up to observe his potential new customer, an awkward welcoming smile attempting to imprint itself upon his face. It was a struggle; something about the man inspired caution within him. He was dressed in a smart black suit, evidently tailored just for him. A clean white pressed shirt was visible underneath the smooth material of the jacket, held together at the neck by an equally elegant yet simple black tie. The sharpness of his dress sense created an image of wealth, but also a feeling of apprehension.
"Can I help you sir?" he asked aloud, addressing the man who seemed to ignore him initially before turning and walking with deliberate intent towards the bar. As he did so he removed his sunglasses, revealing startling crimson eyes that accompanied his long jet black hair to create an immensely mysterious façade. As he arrived at the bar, he laid his hands upon the cool wooden surface, a sullen and cold expression upon his face.
"I'm quite alright," he responded, his voice deep and full of danger. "I have everything I need right here."
He did not turn to face any of the three sitting next to him, but Aeris felt a compulsive desire to regard the mysterious stranger. It was almost as though she could feel his eyes staring at her, even though he had not even looked in her direction. Cautiously, she turned her head slightly to bring him into her field of vision. Her heart missed a beat. The individual himself was a stranger to her, but the suit was unmistakable. She glanced towards the door like a startled wild animal, weighing up her chances of escaping.
"I wouldn't try that if I were you," smiled the stranger coldly, reading her actions and predicting her next move. "I've already had to chase you for far too long."
Cloud stirred, standing suddenly as recognition washed over him, creating a feeling of nausea within his stomach. Why hadn't he recognised that voice? That suit? Tifa shot curious glances between Cloud, Aeris and the dark haired stranger, trying to establish what was happening. The stranger kept his eyes locked upon the brunette who struggled under his gaze, yet could not tear her eyes away through sheer terror.
"Did you really think we wouldn't find you?"
"Not really." Aeris swallowed hard, attempting to fight her obvious panic.
The stranger calmly picked up the untouched glass of water and slipped slowly from it, clearly enjoying his moment of triumph. As he replaced the cool glass onto the wooden surface of the bar, he turned once more to face his target.
"Shall we get going then?" he asked, placing his hand firmly on Aeris' arm. His eyes sparkled in victory, but this vanished as the glass of water smashed against his face, causing him to reel back. In blind panic, Tifa had grabbed the glass and flung it with full force into the face of the oppressor.
"What do you think you're doing?" she yelled, standing violently and moving protectively infront of Aeris. "Leave her alone!" The dark haired man slowly recovered his composure, wiping his hand across his face to remove the fresh blood which had surfaced through wounds created by the shattered glass. His expression was dark and even more dangerous than before, but Tifa was blind with rage. "Who do you think you are anyway?"
"I know who you are." Cloud stepped forward boldly, suppressing the inner fear he felt at facing up to an ex-superior. "You're a Turk. You're Vincent Valentine."