Chapter 3

Darkness slowly engulfed a fiery sunset. In a secluded area of the neighborhood park, Bernice stood under a street lamp, and threw her gaze across the still waters of the lake. The moon was luminescent against the navy blue sky.

She sighed, indulging in the serene moment. This was her favorite part of her day. It felt good to take time off and forget about the worries which came with the commission of finding one's place in the society.

It had only been a fortnight ago when the 18-year-old bid her farewell to her foster parents, the only real family (well, sort of) she had ever known. After finishing her diploma in graphic design, her foster family had insisted it was time that she 'left the nest'.

"Good evening, Bernice." A voice broke through the peaceful silence, startling Bernice.

She spun round and saw a tall man standing a few feet away. He had white, spiky hair. He wore no shirt, and his lean, muscular body showed many scars. Although this man did, by no means, look gruesome, Bernice felt her heart beat accelerate. How did this guy know who she was?

"Good evening." Bernice replied, trying to keep her voice calm. Something didn't seem right. Her head screamed for her to make a run for it.

"Shall we take a walk?" The man said to her.

"Wha…?" She started inching backwards.

"We can do this the easy way…" He made a gesture, and two figures sporting glowing blue stripes on either side of their body jumped out from the bushes behind the man. "…or the hard way."

Bernice yelled in fright and amazement. And before she knew it, she found herself running at top speed. She could hear her pursuers closing in on her. Help…must find help!

Tifa was immediately on her feet. It took her three minutes to get here, that would mean she had four minutes to get Bernice through the portal.

Tifa ran towards the DGS while putting on her black gloves. She stopped somewhat ten feet away and waited for the DGS to get closer.

She spotted Bernice and tried shouting to her, but then all that came out was an indefinable echoing which made her ears throb. Not good…I can't talk here…

Peeking at her time piece, she saw that she had less than three minutes left. Not enough time for a proper fight.

As soon as Bernice got close enough, Tifa made a grab for her and positioned herself between the teenager and her pursuers.

The DGS made no attempt to slow their pace. Tifa seized the nearest DGS by his collar and flung him into his comrade. The collision sent both DGS flying several feet backwards.

As they were recovering, Tifa made a dash towards Bernice. She then gave her a reassuring smile as she placed her hand unto her shoulder. She held out the materia. Once more, blazing light and dark aura erupted from it, and surrounded the duo.

Just before the ground fell away from beneath their feet, Tifa look past the DGS that were struggling to their feet and saw a familiar-looking man slowly walking into view. Despite the distance, she saw his eyes grow wide with rage.

THUMP! The duo landed hard on the marble floor of the WRO headquarters. "Ow…" moaned the two in unison. Tifa felt the materia being taken from her hand.

Vincent sighed as the materia's light went out and the dim orb turned to dust in his claw. "Hmm…You certainly took your time, didn't you? You had me worried there for a sec…Everyone alright?" Vincent chided as she helped Tifa to her feet. Tifa blinked. All the dizziness which she had felt in that other world had left her.

She nodded, "I had a run-in with a couple of 'old friends'. Well, least I got the job done…"

The two friends quickly proceeded to helping the teenager to her feet. Bernice stood swaying for a moment before sinking back down unto her knees, with both hands clutching either side of her head.

"Whoa…" Tifa said as she kneeled and placed a reassuring hand on Bernice's back. Vincent fell in beside Tifa. "Is she alright?"

Tifa replied, "I think she feels dizzy. I felt the same when I first entered her world."

Vincent nodded in understanding. "I'll get Reeve." He straightened and left.

Tifa turned towards Bernice, and said, "It's alright. Help is coming. Try not to say anything; it'll only make you dizzier."

The teenager moaned. Her head swam, darkness and chill soon overwhelmed her, and she knew no more.