A/N: In reality, I'm writing this story because I have writer's block for my other ones. Still, I was going to write it anyways. Enjoy!

Stars and Summons

Tifa stared up at the stars that dotted the dark sky. She hadn't looked at them in a long time. She smiled and then turned her attention to the fire Chase made. Tifa's stomach growled and realized she hadn't eaten anything since they left Kalm.

"Chase…" Tifa said innocently.

"Yes Ms. Lockhart?" Chase questioned. He sat down next to the fire with his attention focused on writing something in a notebook.

"I'm hungry," Tifa responded. "Do you have anything to eat?"

Chase chuckled, "You didn't take anything before you left? Didn't you travel before? "

"Your point is?" Tifa asked.

"Nothing," Chase grabbed his bag and pulled out a cup of ramen and a bottle of water. He threw it across the fire to Tifa.

Tifa caught them and looked at them, "What am I suppose to do with this?"

Chase sighed, "Boil the water and then pour it into the ramen cup. It is not that hard Ms. Lockhart."

"You're being mean to me," Tifa pouted, childishly. Somehow, she knew she could act like that with Chase.

Chase laughed silently at that. Tifa began to boil the water with the pot Chase provided. It began to amaze her how much stuff can his small duffel can carry. It wasn't the best tasting thing in the world but it provided nutrition. Hopefully when they reached Junon, they can get a real meal.

Tifa finished eating. It was getting late and she was getting tired. One thing she didn't forget was to bring a blanket. She took her bag and reached inside for her blanket. Tifa pulled it out and situated herself for comfort on the ground. Making the bag into a pillow, she laid her head down.

"Going to sleep already?" Chase asked, writing in his notebook again.

"Yes I am. How long are you planning on staying up?"

"A little while longer."

Tifa yawned, "Goodnight Chase."

"Goodnight Ms. Lockhart."

The sun shone brightly. Tifa stirred and awoke, rubbing her eyes. She looked around but she didn't find Chase anywhere. She stood up and stretched. She forgot how uncomfortable sleeping on the ground was.

Tifa heard something behind her and saw Chase walking back up to their campsite.

"Your finally awake. I swear, nothing can wake you up once your sleeping," Chase said.

"Shut up," Tifa said in defense. "I was just really tired. Starting a new journey isn't easy."

"Guess not," Chase said. "So, are you ready to go?"

"I guess so," Tifa said. She packed her blanket back into her bag. Chase did the same and so they were off toward the Mythril Mine and nearing the swamplands.

"So Chase, how come you're on this little adventure?" Tifa asked, trying to make conversation.

"I figured life was too short when Meteor was about to hit. So, I decided to see the world. Took me a long to get started because I needed to save enough gil to make sure I could do so," Chase said. "Answer your question Ms. Lockhart?"

"Why do you keep calling me that?" Tifa asked. "You can just call me Tifa."

Chase didn't say anything for a few minutes, "It's just something I like doing. If it's all the same to you, I just prefer to call you Ms. Lockhart."

"Kind of strange but it alright with me. Just weird seeing someone do that," Tifa said.

She noticed that the ground was becoming softer and the air foggy. She realized they were in the swamp. Tifa forgot all about them having to cross it to get to Junon.

"Chase, we have to be careful here," Tifa said.

"Why?" Chase questioned.

"There is this beast living in this swamp and well, its very dangerous," Tifa said seriously.

"That is a nice story Ms. Lockhart. Maybe if I was ten I would've be scared. Tell me, that kind of beast lives here?" Chase said.

Tifa looked up and pointed to the giant serpent that stood in front of them, "The Zolom."

Chase chuckled, "Is that all? I thought you were serious with the look on your face." Chase sighed and looked up at it. It glared with its fangs bared. Chase drew one of his swords and pointed straight to the sky. A red aura emitted from it and fired into the sky. It materialized into something Tifa never saw before.

It had scales in a crimson red. The summon had a long, slender body and somehow stayed in the air with no wings. Golden spikes ran up its back and it had fearsome claws. It was a different dragon from the others.

"Byrn! Sacred Fire Cannon!" Chase yelled out to it.

The crimson dragon reared its head and began to build up an intense fire in its mouth. It looked down at the massive snake and fired its attack at it. The Zolom was engulfed in flames as it shrieked. It withered in pain as it slithered away from Chase and Tifa.

"What was that?" Tifa asked.

"A summon, fire dragon Byrn," Chase replied. "Come on, that didn't kill it."

Chase and Tifa hurried across the swamp. Luckily, they managed to avoid the Zolom. All that was left now for them was to navigate the mine and then north to Junon.

A/N: Cool wasn't it? Be kind and review.