Chapter Three
As Riku searched the city, he also paid attention to the city itself, not able to believe he had really reached a new world, which had always been his desire: to escape the limited area of the islands. Now, he was now free to begin an adventure or a journey of any kind that involved his escape of his prison surrounded by water which he had once called "home". He was not satisfied with what he saw. He saw poverty and hunger, greed and selfishness, and a gloomy sky with which it seemed to always be dark. As he was walking, he accidentally bumped into a man.
"Excuse me" said Riku. He looked up and saw the man had long, platinum hair, was dressed in a black coat, carried a long sword, and had eyes that looked like the ones Zack had mentioned.
'He must be with soldier' thought Riku. The man simply nodded and continued on his way.
"Hmm, there's something not quite right about him. Wonder who that was" said Riku aloud to himself. A man heard him as he was passing and walked up to him.
"Don't you know who that was?" he asked.
"No, why? Is he someone famous?" asked Riku.
"You mean you haven't heard of Sephiroth!" the man said in extreme surprise.
"No, who is he?" asked Riku.
"He's a 1st class SOLDIER. He goes on missions that are too dangerous for regular SOLDIERs. He's certainly earned a reputation around here" said the man.
"Apparently. Hey, by the way, who are you?" asked Riku.
"My name's Reno, and I work as a Turk for Shinra" said the man.
"Turk?" asked Riku.
"Man, you sure aren't from around here, are you?" asked Reno.
"No" admitted Riku.
"Anyway, I gotta get going, who knows what assignment they have for me" said Reno as he walked away.
'I gotta return to my search' thought Riku. He searched for several more hours, but his efforts ended in vain.
"I guess that's it. Now I guess I'll go head over to Shinra and meet up with Zack. Riku began the walk to the building.
Later…
"Well, here I am, Shinra Power Company" said Riku as he arrived at his destination.
"Sorry sir, I can't let you in" said a guard at the entrance.
"But I have to meet up with Zack!" said Riku.
"Hey!" said a voice behind Riku. Zack arrived at the entrance.
"Hey Riku, where were you? I had to go look for you" said Zack.
"Sorry, the search took a while" explained Riku.
"It's alright lets go in. It's OK, he's with me" Zack said to the guard. The guard nodded and allowed them in.
"Come on, Riku, I want you to meet someone" said Zack as he led Riku to an elevator. Zack pressed a button and the elevator headed up.
"Hey Zack, where are we going?" asked Riku.
"Just wait and see" replied Zack. The elevator stopped and the two got off.
"Here we are, SOLDIER floor" said Zack.
"What are we doing here?" asked Riku.
"Just wait and see" said Zack. Zack led Riku over to a door, and as the door slid open, they walked into a conference room where a man sat in front of a computer.
"Director Lazard!" said Zack as he straightened up in respect. The man turned around.
"Yes, Zack, what is it?" asked Lazard.
"I found this young man on my recent mission. He's a warrior and he wants to join SOLDIER" said Zack.
"What!" exclaimed Riku. Zack elbowed him to shut up.
"Zack, you know the Turks are the ones who bring in new recruits" said Lazard.
"I know, sir, but he would be a valuable member to the team" replied Zack.
"Hmm, very well, let's see what he can do, I'll give him a test, and if he passes, he can stay. But if he fails, he leaves" said Lazard,
"Very well, sir" agreed Zack.
"Well, young man, will you take the test?" asked Lazard. At that moment, Riku realized Zacks intentions. If he joined SOLDIER, on missions, he might find Sora or Kairi.
"Well?" asked Lazard.
"…Bring it on" said Riku.