Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of Final Fantasy VII or its characters

Chapter 2: Changes

After that odd encounter with this Kadaj I decided to leave, I was now familiar with the forest and was heading towards Bone Village. I couldn't stop thinking about Kadaj though. Why the heck did he touched my hair? As I exited the forest, I spook the life out of one of the diggers. That was epic, the poor girl though I was a ghost.

As one of the diggers offered me transportation to go towards Cosmo Canyon, I asked for a phone. I still remembered Cloud's and Barret's number, it was imprinted in my mind. As I dialed Cloud's number I waited for a couple of rings before his answer machine answered. I was disappointed; I wanted to talk to him. So after the beep I left him a message.

Hello Cloud, bet you can't guess who this is. It's Cynthia, I know it's been a really long while, but I'm here to visit everyone. I'll be heading towards Cosmo Canyon, I guess… hope to see you soon.

Next I dialed Barret's number; this was going to be good. As soon as I heard his voice I scream with excitement.

"Who the hell is this?" Barret sweetness was inevitable.

"It's me you big dummy, Cynthia!" I answered, feeling a tear drop.

"Cynthia? What? Where have ya' been?" Barret sounded happy.

"I'm been home… I'm here to visit everyone, where are you? How's everyone?"

"I'm here in a mission, and Tifa's livin' in Edge now, go there and visit her, she'll be happy to see you." Barret answered "Hey, call me when you get there! And don't you go disappearing into lights no more!" Aaw, he missed me.

As I gotten into the ship, that was heading towards Costa del Sol, a lot of memories came into mind. I was alone traveling and I was nervous to see everyone. It really has been two years. The wind was hitting my face, and the smell of ocean was all over my mouth. I started training with my sword trying to get back in shape. When I was done, I was completely covered in sweat, man… I was really out of shape. I went back into the rooms down deck to rest until the ship arrived. It would take about 7 to 8 hours until the ship reaches Costa Del Sol. I closed my eyes and felt asleep.

I was back in the Northern Caverns. I was descending alone while a familiar dark voice was whispering inside my head. I tripped a couple of times and realized I had the clothes from two years ago… I was the Cynthia from two years ago. I was running trying to get back up, but it was hopeless. I was looking for Ke Zhang, but I didn't have it with me, my magic wasn't working either, I was doomed.

Why are you afraid? A familiar voice asked, countering the dark one.

I don't want to die here. I answered looking for these voices… then I felt a warm arm surround my shoulders and someone pulled me against his body. It was Kadaj. I felt my cheeks burn for some reason.

Don't worry, Mother knows what's best for us… she'll know what to do. He was smiling down at me, he was hugging me now, but I was confused, his words made no sense to me.

Who's your mother? I asked and a sudden sadness overcame him, his eyes changed.

I would do anything for her… but I'm not complete, it's not enough to please her. He let go off me and he vanished, soon after a familiar figure with long silver hair appeared it front of me, causing me to jump back at my feet and felt on floors.

I woke up with a huge pain on my head; I really did fall on the floor. When I looked up at the bed, it had barrels to prevent people from falling (I guess). How the hell did I fall from that bed? Seriously!

But my mind was consumed by a boy's face. I didn't understand why, but he wouldn't leave my mind, no matter what I did. Suddenly, I wanted to know who he was.

Costa Del Sol was as sunny as ever, with a lot of people here for vacation. It was also hot; I couldn't believe that I had a really long way to go before I reach Cosmo Canyon… I asked one of the workers how could I get to Edge, but it was going to be a longer trip to go there and I wondered… if maybe someone could pick me up.

I asked for a phone at the hotel, and I dialed Cloud's number again. Still, no answer. Would it kill him to answer? Why isn't he answering?

I waited for the beep. Hey Cloud, it's Cynthia… I was wondering if you could pick me up at Costa Del Sol, I'm afraid that the trip it's too long and I'm kind of low in cash (I'm actually completely broke) so I'll be calling in the next 20 minutes again so please answer.

As I was leaving the hotel, one of the boys called me back, said the person I was calling was on the phone. I couldn't believe it, I went flying back in there and when I took the phone, Cloud's husky soft voice brought back a lot of memories.

"Cynthia, it's good to hear from you." He sounded down.

"Same here, sorry the circumstances aren't very pleasant. So, do you think you can pick me up?" I ask with a wide smile on my face.

"Yeah, I'll be there in about two hours. Wait for me until I get there… I'll bring you to Edge so you can see Tifa and Marlene." He hung up.

"Oh… okay." I gave the phone back to the person on desk "Thank you."

As soon as I saw Cloud's figure emerge from the hotel's entrance I lunged a bear hug at him

"I missed you so much! How you been? Wow, nice clothes! You modified the SOLDIER's uniform!"

"It's good to see you too, are you ready?" He forced a smile.

"Um, yeah… is everything okay?"

"Yes… let's go."

When I saw the transportation vehicle, I couldn't hide my reaction. "No_way, you got a motorcycle! I always wanted to ride on one! Can I drive?" I asked with a wide smile that quickly faded.

"No." He went and got on his motorcycle giving me a sign to hop on.

"Wow, two years without seeing me and no special treatment what'so ever." I hopped on the motorcycle and he took off.

"Your hair's longer." Cloud complemented me, trying to make conversation.

"Yeah… I grew two inches taller too!" I said smiling.

"Ok. Where have you been?" Cloud asked me. Boy, what do I tell him now!

"I was back home! It's located in… in another dimension I guess."

"Oh… "He didn't ask further question, but there was something different in him. I just couldn't pin point it, but... I wasn't stupid, he was sad for some reason.