sorry for the long wait and remember I don't own the game or the movie or anime...

The calm night was disturbed by the sound of fire. A scream pierced the air and died as soon as it had gained life. I was already up and dressed by the second gunshot. My sword lay by the door; I grabbed the hilt and lifted it onto my back on the way out. I met up with Zack first. He looked like he hadn't fallen asleep yet. This didn't surprise me. He nodded and we both headed down the hall in silent urgency.

We ran into Sephiroth out side. He'd grown up, as had we all. He was one of the unlucky ones…. He was like us. We'd formed a sort of love to hate relationship. As kids we'd wanted nothing more than to kill each other and yet here we were… working side by side. Sure we tried to kill each other at times. It wasn't working well. He regarded us with a nod and kept a steady pace with us.

- - - - - -

I remember I looked out at the pouring rain, watched it fall down my windowpane…It was lovely. Why oh why can't I remember what happened that day seven years ago? I feel as if I'm missing some thing… some one that should be held inside my heart. I feel… empty, like I'm missing half of myself. It hurts and I can't stop the bleeding, the pain, the want… it won't go away.

BEEP! BEEP! I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes as my alarm went off. I'd been dreaming again… of that day. I still wasn't sure what had happened. It was all foggy. Yet, still it was coming back in bits and pieces. I shook out my long black hair and slipped out from under the warm covers, hissing as the cold air stung my bare legs. I showered and dressed quickly; wanting to start off to the newest clue I had to that day.

I arrived in the down town area within minutes. My walk had been a short one and the day was still fresh. Having reached my desired area, I slowed my pace and began to look at every thing with a curious eye, hoping I might catch a glimpse. I stopped. Had I just seen a small sliver of light coming from that alleyway? I went back and sure enough, there was light coming from nowhere. I looked around before I stepped forward and reached a hand out towards it. A scream ripped through my throat as I was pulled in.

Gravel scrapped at my arm as I slid on my side across the road I'd managed to land on. I knew, I don't know how, but I knew I wasn't in the downtown area anymore… or in the same city for that matter. Groaning, I rolled over onto my back and sat up. My right arm was ripped up and small rocks from the road were sticking out here and there. It wasn't a lovely feeling having to pull them out myself either. It hurt like hell. I'm not one that enjoys pain but I can take it if need be.

- - - - -

It was almost interesting seeing the girl appear and skid across the road. The fact that she didn't cry, just more of grumbled about her situation was entertaining of it self. I let this go on for a good while before I decided to announce my presence. I walked over to her, checking to make sure there weren't any other people around. You could call me anti-social. She didn't even notice me walk over until I held out a hand to help her up. She looked up a little started but accepted it gratefully.

"Thanks!" she said with a smile. I nodded. She looked around quickly and then laughed nervously. "Would you happen to know where, um… well… here is?"

"You're just a mile away from Nibelheim…" She looked at me as if I was on crack.

"Nibelheim… um… is that near Midgar?" She looked surprised as she asked the question and clamped a hand over her mouth. I nodded.

"It's a five day walk… two day ride on Chocobo." Once again she looked confused.

"Chocobo?" My thoughts were confirmed. She'd tripped upon this place, but one thing did get to me. How did she know about Midgar?

"Yes… what exactly are you looking for in Midgar?" she stopped and thought.

"I think… I'm looking for someone. His name is Cloud… Cloud Strife I believe..?" she seemed uncertain and I stopped dead. She must have been here before. That's the only explanation. And she was looking for Cloud? Small world. I'd been headed that way.

"Cloud Strife? You won't find him in Midgar… or anywhere near it for that matter." She titled her head to the side.

"Then … do you know where I might be able to find him?" I nodded.

"I can do better. I'll take you there."

- - - - -

The man was somewhat of a mysterious figure. Black hair, crimson eyes. He was quiet compared to most but seemed kind enough. ((A/N: come on people! You should know who it is! XD)) He led me a ways down the road until we came upon a small farm.

"Wait here…" he told me before leaving. I waited without too much protest seeing as I didn't know if the guy was an ax murderer or not. I mean, he could hide a pretty deadly weapon under that cloak of his and I'd never know. I waited patiently; however, I fidgeted from time to time. When I finally caught sight of him again I stood and bounced on the balls of my feet, my patience having run out long ago. I stopped dead when I saw the thing walking beside him.

Yellow, big blue eyes, tall. I was ready to die and he was walking as if it wasn't following him. I couldn't believe it.

"eh! W-what is that thing!?! An over sized chicken!?!" I cried, twitching and pointing at it. It squawked once.

"It's a Chocobo……" He answered in that smooth voice.

"And why is it here?"

"You ride it…" He stated, eyeing her suspiciously now. She sighed.

"Fine…" She wouldn't admit it but she had a huge phobia of chickens. She climbed into the saddle and it spun, having her wind up underneath the bird and falling to the ground.