Who's your favourite character so far? Mine is Peeka. :D

I don't own anything, anyone or anywhere you recognise. Sapphire, along with a few others who'll crop up every now and then, are mine.

Gah, we're so close to Midgar now. It'll be so fun. Saph will be so stressed xD

Oh, disclaimer; the snippet from Will and Ash in this chapter, which is more than a snippet since it's probably more than half the chapter, takes place before the events of the last chapter. In the last few chapters it was chronologically correct. But way more was happening with them than with Sapphire and Peeka so it made sense to break up their section a little. Seemed less obvious while proofreading than it had when writing so just thought I'd mention!

Shoutout to VocalVenom for your review of the last chapter! Such a boost to hear you're enjoying it, and hope you'll continue to! Each chapter is a step closer to that first familiar face, which we're all waiting for :D

And on we go!

Chapter 12 - Discovery

"I might as well be talking to the walls! Of which there are none! Just eternally shouting into the void of empty white space where your brain should be!"

"I'm sensing… you're annoyed?" I cringed as my tutor boiled over, but seeing as he was already notably unhappy, I figured I was in for it anyway and elected not to grovel until he was done insulting my intelligence.

"I recall a time when I instructed you on how to fight, to be a good SOLDIER," he continued, voice descending to that deathly cold tone I was more familiar with than I wished I was. "Did you ignore my lessons then as well, or do you just object to keeping a low profile as a fugitive?"

"I'm trying, you know I am!"

"Must I recount what happened?" I pressed my lips together, presuming that his question was not intended to prompt an answer. Sure enough, he continued, "Marching across the exposed plains, heading directly for the city that targets you, and deciding that you don't need to take cover when a helicopter flies directly overhead?"

I sensed this was another question I was not supposed to answer.

"Well? Explain yourself!"

Well! Misread that one. Flustered, I stammered, ummed and ahhed for a second as I collected my thoughts. In defeat, I hung my head. "I was distracted, I knew that, but I carried on, because it's so important that I get to Midgar! Everything's just so… overwhelming."

My name written on a stone in memory of the dead, for example. Feel like that'd be enough by itself to cause some mild upset, let alone the impending threat of being found by my captors, not to mention— "Instead of dwelling on past regrets, consider what you can do to prevent future regrets. If you carry on as you are, you may not be able to regret for very long." This from the guy who kept bringing up my mistakes, really?

Defensively, I argued, "If the people on that helicopter really spotted me and thought I was suspicious, they would have investigated, come on! And that was yesterday, they would've reacted by now for sure. It was too close for comfort, granted, but it's a wake-up call, and I'll be safer from now on."

The SOLDIER: First Class did not look impressed. "How?" he barked, with a quirked eyebrow and arms folded.

The sudden silence threw me, leaving me umming and ahhing some more. "I just… will."

"Come on!" His gloved hand fisted in the front of my shirt. I flinched as he yanked me forward, barely avoiding stumbling into him, and thanked my lucky stars that I hadn't. "Vaguely assuming things will work out got you this far, barely. It's time you really thought about what you want."

"What I want?" I echoed in a whisper. Well that was simple. I wanted to stop Hojo doing this to anyone ever again.

"Wrong," he rebuked smugly, overlooking that I hadn't actually spoken my answer.

His audacity left me gaping. "You must be joking!" I retorted, breathless.

"You don't want to stop Hojo, you just want him to stop. Whatever you might think, there is a subtle but distinct difference there."

I couldn't say exactly why - maybe his condescending tone, or the fact that he was on his way to hitting me with some hard truths I perhaps didn't want to hear - but what he said had me seeing red. "It doesn't matter!" I shrieked, shrill enough to ring in my own ears. With a look sent my way that made me feel like dirt on his shoe, he let go of my shirt. I teetered backwards but again didn't stumble.

He wasn't done with me though, and gained a murderous stare as he disputed, "Oh yes it does. Because you haven't admitted it to yourself yet, but stopping Hojo will entail nothing less than stabbing that lowlife through the heart, and you don't think you can do that."

The fight left me as he laid my soul bare, and I sighed all the air in my lungs, my head drooping.

His voice grew more tender as he continued, "Also, I can't believe I have to say this, but you won't get anywhere near him. The man makes enemies of everyone he meets, Sapphire, and he will be defended."

I met his eye then, unused to hearing my name from him. He gave a gentle smile, tilting his head so I could see both blue-green irises, behind that one stubborn strand of hair that was always in the way.

He prompted me then, "So, what is it you want?"

I gave it some thought, but there was really only one right answer of the many that came to mind. Having looked into empty space over his shoulder while I thought, I maintained my pensive yet distant demeanour as I replied, very softly, "I want you."

"Well, then," he responded eventually, smirking, "come and get me."

…

Peeka and I stayed close to the memorial site the rest of the day, and slept a couple miles away, beneath a small rocky cliff to give us some cover. Likely picking up on my moodiness, the chocobo had been awfully clingy, and wouldn't roam free in that evening to tire herself out without me in the saddle. Not that I was complaining; actually it had been a lot of fun. Smart bird that she was, she could tell that the faster she went the more engaged I was with her; she picked up that gauntlet like a trooper and as good as flew across the plains for minutes at a time.

Between that and her grooming before, I really wished I had a mirror. Seeing myself looking like some wild windswept hag with my silvery hair pointing in every direction would've been a hilarious image, but the thought would have to do, as I pulled my fingers through the tangles and knots the next morning. Peeka trilled at me, either annoyed I was ruining her masterpiece or chocobo-laughing at how stupid I looked.

"Forget my hair," I ordered (to myself or Peeka or both, I wasn't sure) as I helped Peeka on with her riding gear. "We're gonna make great progress today. Reckon we can make it to Kalm by tonight!"

Peeka fluttered her wings and warked, silhouetting my high energy. I ate up the remainder of my breakfast, a small packet of nuts and other nonsense I'd bought lots of at the chocobo ranch, and fed Peeka a few leaves to keep her happy.

"Of course I'm basing that on absolutely nothing," I continued, running my fingers through the feathers on her neck. "It feels like something solid to aim for, though. And then I'll have to leave you at some stables and walk the rest of the way myself. Meryl said it'd be two days from Kalm to Midgar. Probably means it'll be a week or more before I get back to you then, and I'd be surprised if that was all. Probably two weeks?"

I frowned at the thought. How long would I be staying in Midgar? It was impossible to know right now. After all, I was going in pretty blind as to precisely how, uh, wanted I was. At least I wasn't going in blind to certain death, I supposed, because it'd be recapture rather than kill, right? Just high risk then, rather than the critical risk it might've been. Hopefully.

Hopping onto Peeka's saddle, I felt a little bit emotional all of a sudden, and huffed a laugh. "Honestly? I'll really miss this. I'll get wrapped up in Midgar in double-time, I promise. I won't just leave you stranded."

Peeka peeked around at me, dark eyes shining in the light of dawn. I'd never understand how she knew when I was being serious instead of just rambling. She always looked so sweet when I was feeling a little delicate, and yet had absolutely no patience for my general chatter.

"You'll probably have a great time where you'll be staying anyway. Loads of chocobos for you to be friendly with." She didn't respond, as we began at a jog. I pulled us to a stop by the memorial once more, scanning the names I had already memorised. "Let's get underway, shall we? Sooner we get to Kalm, the sooner we'll see the back of it!"

Peeka warked exuberantly, and almost sent me flying with how quickly she leapt into a run.

[-ck!]

Investigation log part six. Date is July second, time is seventeen-oh-two. SOLDIER: Third Class Matthias and I arrived in the Costa del Sol resort on the thirtieth of June, and spent the last two days chasing up leads and conducting interviews. Unfortunately, we haven't found the right lead yet, and while I have every faith we will, it may take some more time. The town is a popular tourist destination, so it makes sense that only a small number of people might've taken any notice of our target. Additionally, our timeline indicates that it arrived here approximately a month ago, so it may have been forgotten since then.

Our interview with Elin Wakeford, the person who drove the target from the rocket base to here, indicated that he ran errands for both of them while the target stayed around the docks. Could be that it spent very little time out on the town, ergo meeting very few people.

True. Mr Wakeford said he'd bought clothes for the target, and all the individuals we've spoken with have received a description with each item of clothing as he recalled them, concluding with a SOLDIER uniform as the most distinctive apparel. As yet, no one has indicated a solid recollection of the target, aside from the shipyard workers who collectively only recall the target in the few days after their arrival.

They never mentioned seeing it board a boat either. It could have stowed away, or even just left the town on foot instead of by boat. Coming to Costa del Sol for the docks could have been a bluff, if it thinks it's being followed.

That's a great point. If we work under the assumption the target is heading for Junon, we would ignore the possibility that it might have remained on this continent, and we could lose the trail. So we make no assumptions. The plan for now is to continue with our interviews until we know exactly how the target left Costa del Sol. It may take a month, but that's not—

Hey guys! You won't—

[Overlapping] believe what— / Merow—

[Click!]

Investigation log, part… uh, seven. Date is July fourth, time is eighteen-eighteen. While we have been conducting interviews and making little progress for a couple days now, there's actually been a massive breakthrough. Not long after we arrived in Costa del Sol, I unfortunately failed to mention in the previous log entry, we put in a request for the passenger manifests of all boats travelling from Costa del Sol, from the twelfth of June until now. SOLDIER Matthias and I felt that it was an outside chance, but we wanted to review the names ourselves in case we might find an entry that didn't make sense to us. Ash, do the honours?

Uh, we did.

Yes, you did!

We both would've seen it, just I got that page.

You did, and it was great.

Why are you so giddy about this?

So Ash discovered the name Elin Wakeford as a registered passenger on an outgoing boat, just two days after a witness of that name, the man who travelled here with the target, told us he left Costa del Sol and headed back to the rocket site. We based our timeframe for the passengers on his testimony so that was particularly helpful!

Was also particularly helpful that it was only the, what, third boat to leave after that date? There was some huge storm that delayed travel for several days, in and out of the town.

That was also convenient. At least it means us waiting around here wasn't a waste of time, not by a long shot!

If only I'd known, then I could've spent the whole time waiting on the beach instead of interviewing a bunch of random people.

You just had to take your job seriously, didn't you?

I'm devastated. Really.

It's a real shame. All that tanning you could've done.

All that burning. But it could've been even! Now I'm just pink in some places and white in others.

You should be proud! Well on your way to a farmer's tan.

I am quite happy not knowing what that is.

[Whispering] It's you.

Ugh.

[Speaking] Enjoy it while it lasts, because on the fourteenth of June, our target boarded a boat headed for Junon. I'd be surprised if there isn't a helicopter taking us there tomorrow morning, transport is being arranged as we speak.

You reckon? Maybe they'll want us to go by boat so we can ask if any of the boat workers remember our target.

I sure hope not. If I have to give the description of the target one more time I might break down. Two days of asking and not one positive? It's just painful.

But sailing though! You like sailing, right Will?

For fishing. It's a lot different, but it's cool that you remembered. Anyway, I'll let you know when I know! Dunno how long it takes to cross the water but maybe when we're here it'd be handier by boat. I'll go and ask for a timetable, like when the next boat is leaving.

Alright.

[Rustling]

…

[Beeping]

…Oh, he never shut this thing off.

[Click!]

Investigation log part eight! I hope I rewound to the right place, I accidentally said seven before. It's getting harder and harder to keep track. Anyway, time is— no, ugh. Date is July fifth, time is seven-forty-nine.

Will hasn't had his coffee. If it wasn't obvious.

He sure hasn't. Anyway, today's update is, drum roll please Ash…

[Dull, slow thumping]

…That's the drum roll? I was hoping for more of a snare drum roll, not a— what do you call those big, massive drums?

How do people even do drum rolls? Without a drum, obviously.

Disappointing. No coffee, no decent drum roll, today is just a disaster and it's not even daytime yet.

It's ten to eight in the morning, that's daytime. We need to get a move on! If we're late we'll get chewed out!

Pfft, I'd get chewed out. The worst you'd get from Lazard is like, a sigh or something. I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed. Like me, with your drumming! [Laughing]

Okay, update telling privileges revoked.

[Overlapping] My turn. / What?!

Will got a message last night saying that we'll be travelling to Junon by boat, and that we should be ready to board six minutes ago. Unfortunately he was snoring at the time the message came through.

I don't snore.

You do. We shared a room for months, you haven't gotten any quieter. And because of your snoring, we need to sprint for the docks, so I have no idea why this was the opportune time for an update! Especially since I'm ready to go and you still have no trousers on!

Stop ogling me, Ash! You pervert.

Eww.

Just kidding. You can look.

You do realise your boss will be listening to this, right? And I might just steal a copy and send it to your mother. Let her hear what exemplary work her baby boy is doing.

I give you my permission, if you help me pack? My bag seems to shrink when I'm in a rush.

That seems likely. Fine. And put that thing off.

This is supposed to document our entire miss— ow!

It was a sock, Will!

Still though! Uncall—

[Click!]

Investigation log, part nine. It's July fifth, and the time is twenty-three-forty-six. Today, SOLDIER Matthias and I followed the target's trail to Junon, and arrived there by boat this morning. We got in contact with the man in charge, who directed us to the security personnel in charge of the docks. While no one could claim they saw the target from the description we gave, they were able to give us supervised access to the security tapes of the area on that day. We made a copy and sent over the footage for further assessment, but we are both fairly certain we have our first glance of the target.

[Rustling]

The shots are blurry, and the person in question is wearing obstructive accessories, including sunglasses to prevent us seeing whether she has the eyes of a SOLDIER. This is of course unfortunate, and does leave us guessing whether we have the right person or not, though the fact that she was armed with a sword at the hip reassures us, as no other passengers carried weapons. We have requested that the rest of the passengers on the manifest be compared with the footage to assure us that the only passenger who doesn't line up with their ID is the one we have mentioned. The footage shows the person in question disappearing into the crowd leading away from the docks, beyond the reach of security cameras. We circulated around the city, spending most of our time in or close to the train station, with a printout of the target from the footage along with our usual description, but again received no positive responses. This includes all the customer-facing staff in the station whose rotas showed they were working on that day. With this information I believe that our target left Junon on foot via the eastern road. I have presented this conclusion to my superiors, and have not yet received orders on how our investigation will continue. I'm leaving the sound on full volume tonight, to avoid a repeat of this morning. I really don't want to go through that again.

[Cli—]

…

Will and SOLDIER Matthias,

Thank you for your efforts on this mission. It has been decided that, in light of the evidence you have brought, your mission will no longer continue.

A helicopter will arrive for you both tomorrow morning at 0900. Do not be late. It has another stop to make on the eastern side of the continent, so your arrival in Midgar is estimated at 1700. I have instructed the pilot not to wait for you. –V [04:19]

By the most incredible stroke of inconsequential genius, Peeka and I actually arrived at the delightful village of Kalm that day, in the early evening. Typical, that my one clever moment wouldn't be witnessed by anyone who'd have understood how clever I was.

The folks I spoke to at the stables struck me as genuine and kind. The stables themselves, for what little experience I had, looked in good shape and well stocked. Ultimately, I was satisfied that Meryl's recommendation was warranted, and felt comfortable parting with a tremendous amount from my savings for the umpteenth time on this journey.

Who needs savings? Pfft.

It was okay though. Peeka was paid up for sixteen days, which by my estimate would give me twelve days in the city, with a couple days' travel to and from. If I was late they guaranteed they would still board her for a reasonable length of time (preferring notice, they gave me their number) but would naturally charge for the extra days, with a possibility for interest if Peeka misbehaved.

I wouldn't put it past her, but I didn't know what qualified for misbehaviour in chocobos. I thought that was their thing.

Despite the vagueness, the agreement seemed perfectly fair and reasonable. They even gave me her first night for free, since I arrived fairly late in the day. Had to pay for my own bed in the small town's inn, though. Not that I was complaining. That shower would have been worth every gil I had left.

Sleep didn't really come that night. I tossed and turned, woke up with a start more times than I cared to count. I decided it was due to nerves and excitement, and not missing my oversized feathery pillow.

The next morning, I bid her farewell with more greens than she deserved for getting a luxury holiday, and marched across the barren plains, eyes squinted against the sunrise. Before the sun was directly overhead that same day, the black speck protruding up from the horizon was all I could see.

My mind spun with so many daydreams, fears, plans and questions. Other times it was discomfortingly silent, as I stared at my well-worn SOLDIER boots, putting one foot in front of the other. And other times I drew my sword and fought, when the hardened beasts that roamed these plains caught sight of me and decided I might make a tasty snack. The demand for razor-sharp focus in those times gave me the most peace, which might've been cause for concern.

Perhaps it would have been sensible to walk along the paved road. The various wild creatures gave the road a wide berth, adapting to the fast-moving vehicles with sensible avoidance. There was a bigger number of cars travelling into the city than I had expected, and with no particular consistency. While I hadn't managed to hitch a lift out of Junon before Peeka and I became an alliance, it didn't mean for certain that people wouldn't offer a ride to a visibly armed vagabond, right?

Regardless of the benefits, I decided I preferred to wander off the beaten track, and let the sounds of engines and exhausts blend into the background, along with…

The tracks were at least a mile away, the highway between me and them, and even still, the trains were plenty loud enough to be heard. When they did, the least reaction I could give was an outward flinch. Quite often the landscape started to tilt anticlockwise before I recognised I was on foot and teetering for balance.

Perhaps it was more sensible not to walk along the paved road, when I could keel over into oncoming traffic at any point. So I carried on across the dusty plains, and far too soon the sun started to set at my back.

Swerving my head to get a full view of my surroundings, I frowned deeply. There really wasn't much cover at all… Oh, a giant rock! That'll do.

Smiling, I started towards it, trying to ignore that I'd said that out loud with no Peeka to send me a withering stare. I did quite miss her. What did she get up to today? Hope she got a nice long run—

A prickling on the back of my neck caught my attention. On my travels, if I'd learned nothing else, it was that I should trust my instincts. Suddenly, I felt like prey.

Thudding, rapid and heavy, coming from my ten o'clock; I leapt away to my two o'clock, turning to face a snarling wolf that started to creep to my left, keeping a wary few metres between us. Its bared teeth, claws and dark eyes glinted in the vivid red light of sunset. The rest of it was midnight black. I hadn't seen one of these yet, a nocturnal hunter perhaps. Might just have woken up.

A second one behind me— I leapt a few bounds ahead and to my right, closer to the first creature that had sprung. I hoped acting in offense like that would be unexpected. If there were others waiting to spring out from the rocks, they might rush out of hiding to defend if they thought one was in trouble.

I could see now, there was the open mouth of a small cave just a stone's throw from the rock I had spotted and liked the look of. Though I couldn't see the entrance to the cave from where I had first spotted it, I was hugely impressed with how easily the wolves could blend into the environment with so little cover.

The two lined up side by side, tails flicking in anticipation with rumbling growls sounding from deep in their chests. Movement caught my eye, as a third seemed to emerge from the aether and align itself with its allies. I hoped that meant the subterfuge was at an end and no more were hidden away.

I drew my sword from my hip, and though I was tired enough to want to end the fight quickly, I stood with knees bent, sword low, waiting for the first attack.

The second arrival, now in the middle, darted forward with single-minded determination, fangs bared. Within striking distance, I swung my sword upwards. It nipped to my right to dodge by inches, paws barely seeming to touch the ground, too close—

Crying out, I staggered away to the left and swung my sword down towards the beast, which returned to its allies unharmed. My left hand rose to my right side, the shirt bought for me in Costa del Sol in slick tatters over the area.

Glaring at the first wolf to appear, the one on the right, as it darted forward, I grunted, "I really liked this top." Inhaling sharply, I held the sword with both hands, as time slowed down.

It feinted to the left, but I didn't take the bait, and was able to angle my sword to catch its fangs as it descended upon me, aiming for my right shoulder. Yelping and attempting to scamper backwards on hind legs, the sight would've been funny if not for its front claws, which scrabbled in an attempt to injure before retreat. It definitely did. My left shoulder suffered the worst of it, the wolf's right claws embedded deeply near the top and dragged down at a slant almost as far as my underarm. At a guess; that was the area that immediately felt on fire, anyway. His left paw thumped my head harshly, but thankfully the claws didn't connect the same way.

It was able to fall forward onto all fours quickly, but I was faster, and struck it down. The loud yelp rung in my ears, churning my stomach, and the body jerked once before it fell still. Quick, and I hoped that made it kind, though the urge to spew my travel rations suggested anything but.

In answer, I heard a howl from a distance away. As if trained, the remaining wolves and even I turned our heads to look in that direction. The howl was high-pitched, short-lived and ended in almost a whimper.

I swallowed thickly as the urge came again. This was their territory. I knew so little of the world, but I could recognise a baby's cry from a battle howl alright.

The two remaining returned their gazes to me, in what I might've imagined to be a reluctant acceptance. They were wild beasts, I was humanising them, I knew that, but something in me needed to believe that they might be capable of kindness if kindness was shown to them.

They probably didn't care about killing, they just needed to survive. And I supposed that was something I could understand, if not relate to. So with the hope that the gesture might be on some level understood, I began my retreat. Hesitating steps backwards, in the waning light of sunset, over loose rocks and around tremendous boulders. I wasn't fool enough to turn my back and trust them not to attack.

The pair of wolves started to regain ground, approaching as I retreated, and my brow furrowed. Would they really insist on continuing the fight? But they didn't close the distance, letting me widen the gap between us.

When they made it to their fallen comrade, one lay down, while the other continued to pursue. But pursue wasn't the right word. My optimism had me hoping the one would see me off their turf and turn back when it was sure I was no longer invading.

Come on. How was I supposed to know what was wolf territory? I was just set up to fail here.

No more emerged from the shadows thankfully, but the one wolf followed me with its eyes, after it perched itself atop one of many boulders that littered the wilderness. I hoped that particular boulder was one that signified an end to their territory, like a lookout point. I kept my eyes on it but moved faster now that I was where I had first noticed the area as a potential campsite for the night, and when I was just several yards from the road I saw it turn back and leap down from the rock.

Letting out a breath I didn't know I had been holding in a long exhale through my nose, I sat against the small slope that lifted up to the road (still with vehicles driving towards Midgar in a semi-steady flow) and closed my eyes.

What now?

Injuries first. Finding another possible campsite could wait, these wounds needed a thorough cleaning and wrapping up. Missed sleep was better than whatever potential limb-amputating infection those fangs and claws might've been carrying.

The adrenaline was starting to wear off, leaving me woozy and drowsy. But I needed to focus. Water, in my bag. Water for cleansing. Regular water. Tasty water. Premium water.

Refreshing! Some water. In my bag. For cleansing. With lead arms, I unhooked the bag from over my shoulders—

Inhaling sharply through gritted teeth, I took more care around my left shoulder, as the burning fire was stoked with the clumsy contact. Once it was off, I hefted it up onto my lap, unzipped and started to rifle through the contents.

Another shirt. I pulled it out to place it on the ground at my right, pouting mournfully at the ruined shirt I still wore.

Well duh I still wore it. Not like I had time to change between now and then. Pfft, silly Amell.

But I needed to wrap something up. I doubted I had wrapping paper or tape in this bag, but maybe the shirt would do? Would it be gross to use the one I still wore, since it was destined for dumping now? I could use the other one, but I didn't think I had another to change into…

Wrapping, wrapping, wrapping— oh! It was supposed to come after wash. Water, cleansing! And I'd use what I wore. I needed to wear the other, so this was for wrapping. The one I wore. So I should strip—

Wash! Wash first. Annnnnnnnd… there it is! Water bottle. No bandages though, or tape. No wait, shirt! Those were my bandages today. I'd need to buy a new shirt. I really liked this one.

My shoulder looked red. Blurry and red, and gross. A lot of that was due to the discoloured, bumpy skin from getting burned way back when, in fairness. The claw marks hurt and bled quite a bit, but the worst they'd do is make a wicked scar. If it did it might distract from the less cool burn scar.

Clean! Gotta clean it. It did look a bit dirty. Stupid dusty land.

Twisting off the bottle cap a bit too vigorously for my shoulder to handle, I hissed before lifting the bottle top to my shoulder. Just slowly, gently does it—

Okay, that was a bit much. Worth noting that my fine motor skills weren't completely under control, but that's fine! Just would need to be careful wiping out the dirt with the…?

Where were my bandages? A cloth? Didn't I have anything?

Oof, my head…

I wasn't sure whether I was floating up high or being sucked into the earth. My head was pounding. Ow.

But then there was this loud, explosive noise. Metal grinding, screeching, roaring. I felt weightless.

And when I woke up the next morning, late judging by how the sun was almost directly overhead, I thanked my lucky stars that my supplies (more specifically my extra shirt) were still here, not stolen or even blown away. My shoulder got a second cleaning, if pouring too much water in that general area counted as a first clean, and wrapped up snugly with the tattered shirt remains. I was also able to clean a small nick at my hairline on the right side of my forehead, which had only bled a little, but was incredibly tender; the thump to the head must've been harder than I thought, I would guess the area was bruised horribly.

Feeling oddly fresh despite a thumping headache and stiff limbs, I pulled myself together and continued towards Midgar, with half the distance between myself and the road I'd kept previously and at half the speed.

Was it vain, to want to look a little less bruised for my first time seeing some friends in over six months? I didn't think so. And yet the thought did occur, so it probably was.

When I arrived in the Midgar slums the following evening, the rest of the trip blissful by comparison, I bought a room in the first hotel I found. Looking in the mirror established that no, I would not look less bruised for meeting some friends. But hey, here I was.

I briefly gazed out the window with the setting sun in full view that evening. For once, I was not entranced by the beautiful reds and oranges of the setting sun. Instead, I watched lively people in tattered clothing; children running after dogs and cats, teens perched on corrugated iron roofs, adults bartering with shopkeepers, carrying supplies, rifling through mounds of junk and doing other important work.

I saw the plate hung loftily in the sky, with giant cranes and metal beams acting as support. The unfamiliar sight was deeply unsettling to me, my head conjuring up visions of a collapse if any one of those pillars or cranes decided it was no longer up to the task, but it was just part of daily lives for these people. Hard to comprehend.

And then there was the pillar, at the centre of Midgar. Above the plate, that was where Shinra Headquarters was. It was difficult to shift gears, from it being my target all this time, to now being the one place to surely avoid, while I came up with a way to contact people on the inside.

But hey, I'd come back from the dead. This would be the easy bit.