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The Final Fantasy Pt. 2

Chapter 1: Need More Gil

Cloud needed money but he was tired of fighting for it. His competitors were pathetically skilled street fighters with or without weapons. The money was good and fast, the only reason he had stuck to it. There weren't many fit jobs in Midgar and so Cloud kept fighting.

"Bam!" The strong man fell on his back with a clap on the pavement.

Another winning, another fight, and Cloud collected his Gil. Most of the crowd dispersed except for a small clan of children. Some kids ran up to him and asked the same questions the young always ask.

"Where'd ya learn how to fight, mister?" Asked one small child, just barely over Cloud's padded knee.

Another, not even allowing Cloud to answer, interjected, "Isn't your sword heavy? Why, it's even taller than you!"

Cloud smiled, everyone who had the courage to ask that question did. "It's not that heavy, I exercise everyday and I've gotten used to it by now."

A third, chubby child, asked, "Why are holes in your sword, sir?"

"To put Materia in. Do you know what Materia is?"

All the children laughed and the youngest spoke for all, "Everyone knows what Materia is! It's magic!"

Cloud smirked to himself, "Close enough."

"Why don't you have Materia in the holes then?" Asked the confused chubby child.

Before McCloud could answer, the small boy said, "Because it's too much gil, you dummy!"

McCloud finished counting his winnings. There was only 350 Gil, 150 less than last time. Cloud had been fighting in sector four for a while and people stopped betting against him.

"Hey ringleader!" Cloud shouted to the stout man counting his profits on top an empty barrel. "I want the rest of my money."

"You've got your money, now go before I tell my crew to make you go!" The ringleader's crew looked at Cloud; worried they would taste a sample of the fighting they'd seen so much of.

"I don't know if you should depend on your crew for that."

"What?" The ringleader turned his head to his men and sensed their freight. "Humph, I'll give you fifty gil more and then I'll ask you to stay out of my face, forever."

Cloud walked a few feet closer to the ringleader, ground his teeth and barely audibly said, "Make it a hundred and I'll take my leave."

The ringleader pursed his lips and became flush from neck to brow. "Here is your hundred gil, now get out, I warn you!"

Cloud turned and left with his three little companions following behind jumping and hollering at how tuff Cloud was and what a great fighter he is. All the time, they could hear the ringleader cursing at his crew for being so cowardly.

Up and down alleyways and streets the three youngsters followed the fighter through sector four until they ended up at a small diner at the corner of an unpopular gloomy street.

Cloud sat himself on an empty stool and waited to be served. There were two empty seats near Cloud, one on the left and another on the right. The smallest child, whose name was Brandon, climbed onto the stool to Cloud's right and then looked up at Cloud in awe, smiling the whole time with a ridiculously wide grin. The other two children fought over the other seat but Richard, the plump one, won over and laughed a childish laugh.

"What are you going to eat, Cloud?" Asked Richard.

"Oh, I don't know maybe a chicken sandwich and some fries."

"Mmm, that sounds good," said Brian, the child who had lost the seat battle.

"Meat and potatoes is a heap better than a chicken sandwich, why don't you get that cloud?" Bellowed Richard.

"A chicken sandwich would be lighter on my stomach."

An old waiter came over to the counter and asked, "What can I getcha?" He eyed Cloud's sword with momentary interest and then turned his attention to his pad. "Drinks first."

"I'll have a pint, give these kids some juice. Do you all like berry juice?"

The children were ecstatic, "Yeah Cloud, that's great! We love berry juice. Thanks Cloud!"

"Three berry juices'."

"And to eat?"

"Three chicken sandwiches with fries, one plate of beef and potatoes."

"Mashed or whole?" Asked the waiter.

"Mashed please! Cried Richard."

"Add some dinner rolls with that. That's all."

"Alright, that'll be fifty gil.

Cloud handed the money to the waiter.

"I'll be back with your food right now."

"Wow, thanks Cloud, you're a real nice guy," said Brandon while spinning around on his stool.

"That's ok, I've got some money that'll last me for a bit. Food is one of the best things you can spend your money on."

"Are you going to buy some Materia with your money, Cloud?" Richard asked wide-eyed.

"Don't get dull Materia, Cloud!" Warned Brandon.

"You're dull, Brandon! You've never even seen Materia."

"So! You've never either!"

"It doesn't matter, I don't have enough to buy any Materia anyways."

The waiter came with their drinks and set them on the counter. " 'Ere you go. Drink up."

The youngsters drank their juice happily as Cloud gulped down a mouthful of ale. The drink shaved a shred of gloom hanging over Cloud's head and then he took another mouthful. "Why are you kids still out? My mother would beat me if I'd be out this late at your age."

"It's only a couple of hours pass dusk! We're always out at this time," said Brandon.

"Besides, there's plenty of Shinra around," added Brain.

"Yeah, but all they have is stupid batons. They don't have swords like Cloud!" Brain ended his comparison with a ball of laughter.

The waiter came with their food and then left to serve the other customers. The kids stopped talking and dove into their meals. Cloud stared at his glass of ale, thinking about the future.

The patrons spoke loudly, talking about present things and present cares, blinded toward forthcoming worries and concerns. Though Cloud lost most of his hunger he ate so not to be hungry later. They all concentrated on their food and stopped talking until they were finished.

"That was great Cloud! Thanks for the food!" Brandon joyfully decreed.

"Really Cloud, those were the best potatoes I've had in a long time, thanks!" Richard was nodding.

"I wish I had some Materia on me Cloud, I'd give it to you, really!" Brain said wishfully.

"I'll be fine. Do you know what I like to do when I've eaten a good meal?"

The children looked curiously at one another.

"After a good meal, I like to sleep a fine nap and so should you, it's late now."

Brandon rubbed his eyes at the mention of sleep. "I am getting tired, what about you guys?"

Richard and Brain agreed, "Yeah."

"Have good dreams young men." Cloud said and then started to walk down a dark street; he could hear the youngsters calling out to him.

"We hope to see you again, Cloud!"

"Have a good night, Cloud!"

"See you later, Cloud!"

There was 400 gil left in his pocket. A room for the night, at the cheapest, would be thirty gil. Finding a cheap room for the night was the smallest problem in Cloud's mind. Bigger and better things waited for him but he didn't know where or when. Destiny burned in his bones but without a trail.

As Cloud walked the nearly empty streets he could hear the footsteps of approaching feet. By the sounds of the shuffling there were two people. The steps were brisk and heavy. Shinra guards.

From around a building a couple of Shinras appeared, carrying their batons and boisterously walking the ill lit street. Cloud could barely make out their green uniforms and heavy black boots but he could tell they were Shinra. To avoid trouble Cloud crossed the road, the soldiers noticed and eyed him. They wouldn't dare make trouble in such small numbers, not while armed with his sword. They kept on and didn't say anything. Cloud was too weary for battle; he needed good rest.

Two blocks ahead a glowing sign flickered on and off. A place to sleep! Good. I'm so tired now. Thoughts about the future would have to wait; Cloud made his way to the neon sign.

The door to enter was wide open and Cloud walked to the front desk. A bald fat man was sitting down on a chair looking at a monitor connected to the building's wall. The monitor was tuned to an informant program and the economy was being discussed. The bald man ignored Cloud and stood grimacing at the program.

The volume wasn't high but Cloud could still hear what was being said.

"…Rations of power have been short due to lack of Materia in the region. New mines are opening in different territories but some worry not soon enough to stifle rising prices of energy..."

Cloud didn't bother to listen to the rest. The informant programs always brought the same news anyhow. Prices go up, up, and the number of jobs go down, down.

"How much for a room?"

The man looked on at the program for a moment longer and then turned to Cloud. His head waved back in surprise at Cloud's weapon. "How do you carry that thing, huh?"

"Special metal. Light as a feather. How much for a room?"

"Um, forty five gil."

"I'll give you thirty."

The man thought about it for a second and then said, "Fine." He pulled a key from behind the front desk and handed it to Cloud. "Be out by midday tomorrow."

Cloud left the front desk to retire to his room. As he walked upstairs to room twenty-seven he could hear other people in their rooms. Some people were screaming, others cursing, a few were singing, drunkenly.

When he reached his room he unlocked the door and entered quickly and then locked the door securely. He laid his sword on the floor alongside the bed where he could get it if he needed it. Cloud noticed that if the sword were a few more feet longer it would be as long as the bed. After turning the lights off, Cloud rested on the soft mattress. Those kids were funny. They sure knew a lot about Materia it seemed. I wish that I could have at least a Dull Materia in my sword. I can't even put a decent piece of Materia in my sword! … That's it! … If I do anything from this point on it'll be to put some good Materia in my sword, from there I'll worry about something else…anything else but for now. I have to have a goal. … I need something to concentrate on, besides my poverty. Cloud closed his eyes and the comfortableness of the mattress drew him closer to slumber. Things will turn out well, tomorrow.

On most nights, Cloud dreamt about battle, the ultimate battle. It would be brutal yet satisfying, ultimate. Towards the end of the dream, Cloud would stand atop a huge building, raise his sword into the air and scream his victory to the clouds.

And then, Cloud was in room twenty-seven of a cheap motel. Birds perched on a window seal and sang their songs of chirp. A new day has come for me to accomplish my heart's desire. What do I desire to accomplish this day? The rising sun sent its rays into the musty room and they bounced off the shiny metal of the large sword. A sparkle? My wonderful sword, Buster. Ah…Materia, I have to get Materia. I only know one way to get money for Materia, fighting. Cloud got out of bed and watched the birds fly away. The day was definitely an inspiring one. Dark golden light poured into every dark crevice of Midgar, transforming it into a happy place for the moment. Cloud took a deep breath of the morning air and began to do his exercises.

A short time after dawn Cloud left the ugly motel and searched the streets for a fruit vendor. Fruit in Midgar was reserved for the person of wealthier faculties. Mostly, a fruit vendor could be found near train stations (There were many stations in all of the seven sectors of Midgar). As Cloud walked to the nearest station, he paid little attention to the two classes of people that passed his way. The Lower cast of residents were dressed shabbily and didn't seem to be headed toward anywhere in a hurry. The Middle cast was better presented in materials of a better quality and they appeared to be a bit happier over their fortunate welfare. The highest cast didn't take public trains and didn't walk the roads of the other two classes. Most people didn't see them or have an idea of their daily routines and such. That was the way of Midgar daily life.

Still, children played in the streets, boys and girls chassed each other during games of freeze tag. Older folks complained of the younger generations lack of respect and responsibility and men and women still fell in love and got married together. The majority of people even under very stressful conditions tune out the life that they could have had and settle for the life they do have. Some individuals in Midgar could not do such a thing and Cloud was one of them.

Another block and Cloud would reach the station where the fruit vendor undoubtedly would be selling his expensive food. People were already gathering in the city and making their way to work, if they were fortunate enough to have employment. Women and Men walked towards the train stations, to work in other sectors where there were jobs available.

Cloud looked on in semi-fascination. I couldn't do that. They're either strong or I'm weak because I could never work my life away for someone else's benefit! All this wretchedness makes me tire of Midgar. If it wasn't for the money I'd be gone.

"Today, I have apples and I have oranges, the best! Get them while you can because they'll be gone by lunch!"

The fruit vendor had a small stand less than twenty feet from a train boarding for sector five.

"If you have the money for it I have wild grapes, only the sweetest of them!"

"Give me two oranges, a banana, and two apples."

The vendor incredulously responded, "Sixty gil, do you have it?"

"Sixty gil is too much, I'll give you fifty."

"You don't even have that! Stop wasting my time with your games!"

"Apples, oranges, wild grapes I have it all, come…"

"Here," Cloud placed the money on the vendor's small stand. "I pick the fruit."

"Oh… sure, anything you say sir, here, let me open it for you." The vendor opened a small door on the side of the stand and showed the fresh fruit lying on a cold bed of ice. "Take your pick, they're all good."

"Do you have a bag for me, vendor?"

"Of course I do," the vendor handed Cloud a paper bag for his fruit. "If you get hungry later I'll still probably have some fruit." The vendor's lips spread into a wide friendly smile. "I'm here until dusk, after that I won't be back until morning."

"I'll be leaving sector four today."

The vendor's smile went away and he started yelling out again, "Fresh delicious fruit, on sale! Good prices for great fruit! You want it; I've got it! Fresh fruit!"

Cloud walked away while eating the banana. The fruit was chilled, delicious, on lookers drooled as they watched Cloud gobble his bag of fruit. The food was terrific but the juice had made Cloud thirsty and his hands were sticky.

Not to far away a small boy was drawing on the sidewalk with a little piece of red brick.

"Boy, come over here."

The child looked up; wiped his pants and then ran over to Cloud.

"Yes, sir?"

"Would you like to make a couple of gil?"

The small boy enthusiastically said yes, "Yes, sir, what do I have to do?"

"Tell me where you live."

"I live a few houses down, sir."

Cloud and the small boy walked to the house.

"This is my house!" The boy was pointing with a finger covered in red chalk.

The house was shabby, the windows dusty and the small yard kept untidily.

"Get me some water and a wet rag and I'll give you two gil."

"Alright! Yes sir!" The boy scampered off into the house and returned with a large cup and wet rag. "Is this good, sir?"

"Yes, very good. What is your name?"

"Bobby! My father's name is Bob! I'm Bobby Willams the second! What's your name, sir?"

"My name is Cloud Strife." Cloud drank the whole cup of water and scrubbed his hands with the rag. "Ah, that's good."

"Wow Cloud, that's the biggest sword I've ever seen? Are you a soldier?"

"I used to be."

The kid's face lit up.

Then Cloud said, "Do you know where there's a Materia shop around here? I'll give you another gil if you tell me."

"Four gil!"

Cloud lightly frowned and smiled. "Yes, four gil."

"Wow, hmm… well, there's a shop in the market place but that's sort of far."

"Which market place?"

"Figaro market place on Figaro Road."

Figaro was more than ten miles away but there were trains that could be taken there.

"Do you know of any others?"

"Umm… There's a small shop on York St…. but I heard their Materia is dull… unless you don't care. Do you care?"

"I want Ultimate Materia."

The small boys eyes grew wide again.

"The best," said the child.

Cloud fished in his pockets and then counted the gil in front of the boy. "Here you go Bobby Willams the second, four gil.

"Wowie, Thank you Mr. Strife! I'll save it up for something nice. Have a good day, Mr. Strife!" With that said the little boy skipped down the street, perhaps to boast about his earnings to friends.

Cloud looked on at the boy and then contemplated on his next destination. York St. was closer but Cloud wanted Ultimate Materia, neither Dull nor Bright Materia would suffice. A few miles ahead was a train headed towards Figaro, Cloud would go there. The few miles to the station took only a short time since Cloud was eager to lay his eyes on the powerful Materia. He pondered on what type of Materia he would get.

There were all sorts of Materia, small, large, round, square, light, dark, weak and strong. Many types of Materia were sold, fire, ice, poison, electrical, all deadly in the wrong hands. Generally, Materia was categorized into three levels, Dull, Bright, and Ultimate. Like the name, a dull Materia gave off a murky glow; Bright Materia shone enough light to survey a darkened room. Ultimate Materia was ultra powerful as well as expensive and rare. Left on the skin Ultimate Materia could cause a nasty burn to a person. People carried Ultimate Materia in special pouches that had to be changed every couple of years or the Materia would eventually burn through, however, not many people even carried around any form of Materia.

The train station was smaller than the one Cloud had just left; it was an inner city train and it boarded less passengers. The whistle to the train blew for people to start boarding. A man in a red coat and gray slacks opened the first doors. "Have your gil ready, one gil to ride the train."

Cloud had his gil ready; all inner-city trains charged only one gil to ride.

The man with the red coat was the conductor. "Thank you, sir, please enter."

Cloud walked in and moved to the back of the car. He set buster (the name of his sword) against the window and sat on the adjoining seat. A dozen or more people entered the car and then the door was closed. A couple of more cars were opened and a couple more dozen boarded and then the train's whistle blew its final call.

"All aboard!" Screamed the conductor.

Some moments passed and then the train jumped with a start and slowly inched its way forward. There were some people still running to the train station, late arrivers, but the train was already moving. One man threw his hat to the ground and stomped his feet in frustration. Cloud smiled at the man and the man just stared at Cloud and then scooped up his hat and then turned and walked away. It wouldn't take long now, Figaro was losing distance and so was the Materia.

I wonder how much it is? Five thousand gil? Eight thousand gil? Maybe less? I'll get fire Materia. Maybe I should get ice. Electrical Materia is nice too. How much do I have? Cloud counted his gil; he had 305 gil left.

The train entered the subway and stood underground for most of the way. A maze of lights and the bump of tracks at perfect intervals made the ride a dreary one. Cloud was happy when the ride was over and he was at his destination. He was the first passenger to leave the car. None of the others patrons stood too close to Cloud for fear of accidentally hitting him and inciting his anger. Cloud didn't mind; he liked to be left alone.
Figaro was not far and Cloud quickly found Figaro Market. Once there, Cloud asked different people to give him directions to the nearest Materia shop and they pointed the way. When he finally found the shop, it was smaller than Cloud had first expected. Hopefully good Materia lay inside. He pushed for the door to open but it was locked. He knocked on the door and peeped inside. Through the glass, Cloud could see a three-sided display case inside. To the left was dull Materia and to the right was bright Materia and connecting the two cases was the third with a few bulgy pouches, most likely Ultimate Materia! Cloud fervently looked around for someone but there was only a curtain at the rear wall of the store. Cloud pounded on the glass of the front door and eventually a man walked through the curtain and inspected Cloud.

The man was tall and brawny, dark skinned and he had a thick beard. He looked at Cloud's sword for a second and then unlocked the door and opened it a foot wide.

"Wha du wan?"

"I want to buy Materia?"

"Yu wan tu buy Maateria? How much?"

Cloud didn't understand, "How much?"

"How much money u have?"

"I don't have that much money, right now but I'm going to get some!"

"Why du u bother me when u don hav money?"

"I want to know how much I have to save, I'm a fighter and I'll have the money soon." Cloud leaned sideways so the man could see Buster better.

"Iz dat why u hav da sord?"

"Yes.
The man thought briefly and then said, "Hmm… Come in."

After Cloud entered, the brawny man locked the door and walked behind the glass counter.

"Wha type u wan? Dull, Bright"

Cloud shook his head, "I want the best! Ultimate!"

"Oh… Ulltimete iz verre egspenzive."

"How much?"

"Depands on yu, wha type u wan? Fire, ice."

"What causes the most damage?"

"Causes da mos damege to wha, a persan? Anyding Ulltimate will kill a person."

"What's the cheapest and what's the most expensive?"

"In dis stor da strongest Materia is dis one."

The brawny man opened the glass case from a sliding door in the back and pulled a pouch out. "Dis iz wha yu looking for. The man opened the pouch and an awesome yellow light poured out. "It'z butiful, yez?"

"M a t e r i a!" Cloud stared on, changed from within, strengthened in his conviction of getting a piece of the powerful energy.

"Dis one iz is electiicaal. Thee bezt one I have."

"How much?"

The man looked at Cloud and said, "Fifteen thousand gil."

"Fifteen!" cried Cloud.

"It'z wordth da prize."

Cloud made a cupping gesture and said, "Let me hold it."

"Jus for a moment."

The brawny man handed the precious Materia to cloud, still in the pouch.

"Don hold it in yur handz too long or id'll start to heet up."

Cloud shook his head. "Thank you." He lifted the pouch from the bottom and let the Materia fall out onto his gloved palm. Immediately his hand began to feel warm. "Wow, it is warm."

"Yez."

Cloud looked at the center, almost too bright to stare at. The middle of the roughly cut Materia was the brightest and the most beautiful. Cloud felt powerful with the deadly energy in his hands, if only he knew how to use it.

"How does it work?"

"I wud hav to fit it to yur weapon. Then id wud work on it'z own. Unles yu ar a mage, but yu don look lik one."

"You can't give me a lower price? Maybe 500 or a 1000 less?"

"No, absoluutelly not! This is rare and wanderfull."

"I admit, it is."

The Materia started to get too hot and Cloud sadly put it back in its pouch.

"I tell you as a favar. You can make paymant to me. At least 1000 gil a month but you must put 3000 gil as your first payment."

Cloud's dreams seemed to be coming true. "Ok, I'll come back as soon as possible with the 3000 gil." He was ecstatic; he could barely contain himself. He moved to the door and unlocked it.

"Bedder be fas my frend, someone might ged id firs!"

Cloud stepped outside after the shopkeeper's warning and thought about his words. Gotta be fast or someone else'll get it! No telling when another piece of Materia that good'll be in the market! Gotta get some money! …Gotta be quick…gotta fight! Cloud left to find a bar, the best place to find information about fight competitions.

Figaro had plenty of saloons and Cloud went into one named Rigo's Pub. The bar was a decent place, for Midgar at least. None of the windows were scuffed up; the swinging saloon doors didn't hang off their hinges. Degenerates didn't hang about trying to beg a pint of ale off the passerby. A couple of older men walked out of Rigo's but neither were they degenerates nor drunkards.

Perhaps, this place is a little too…high up the ladder to have any idea about where fight competitions are held. One way to find out. Cloud passed the older men and pushed the swinging doors aside and walked through.

Inside the pub, things were merrily lit and small groups of men were seated together, laughing and telling crude jokes to one another. The smell of cigars and beer danced in the air and it had a spinning effect on Cloud's head. The bar keep was busy pouring a hard drink (that is, hard liquor) for one of the patrons sitting on a stool at the bar. There were three Shinra sitting down at a table near in the corner. They were passing glances at Cloud, looking at his sword; one of them was smoking the remainders of a stubby cigar and puffing out billows of dark smoke. Cloud turned away, not wanting a confrontation for surely Shinra loved to shove their weight around. He sat down at one of the stools.

The barkeep walked over to where Cloud was sitting. "Aye, what can I getcha?

"I'll have a pint, how much?"

"Two gil, sir."

Cloud put ten on the bar table and without saying a word looked deeply and seriously into the keep's eyes and said, "I'm looking for something. Maybe you can help me."

"Aye sir, just ask what it is and I'll do my best."

Cloud nodded and smiled. "This money is from fighting. That's how I make living. It's running low and I need more. Where do I go?"

The barkeep crookedly smiled and protruded his finger into the air as if he had happened on a rare epiphany of special truth and said, "I know of a place, right close too, in this very sector…"

Cloud's features dropped and the barkeep stopped talking.

"I forgot to mention one thing; I'm a decent enough fighter and I need good wages. Can you tell me where I can find a good competition?"

The light's shone off the keeper's eyes and wide grin broadened to show the man's unsightly teeth. "Oh … he, he, he. I know where you would like to go." While talking, the keeper picked up the ten gil and walked off to serve another customer and then returned. "You'll be wanting to go to sector seven, yes, that's where you'd want to be going."

Cloud took a big drink from his pint and wiped the foam from his mouth. Obviously, the keeper wanted to get paid more money for the location of the fight competition. Cloud frowned. "Where in Sector Seven?"

"Oh … it's important to you? But would you look at this? Here I is loosing money jabbering to ya while I should be serving me customers!"

Cloud looked tiresomely at the bar keep and said, "I see, you tell me what I want to know and I'll pay you what you've lost."

"What a nice man you are. I'll only ask but a small amount and not even that especially that from the eyes of a future money making fighter!"

There was whistling from across the room, the corner to be exact. One of the Shinra was standing up and holding an empty mug in his hand. "Hey! Barkeep, bring me a fresh pint and be quick!" He sat down and stared at Cloud for a moment but then Cloud turned to finish his ale and the man continued talking to his Shinra friends.

After filling the Shinra's mug, the barkeep returned. "Sorry their sir, would you like another?

Cloud pushed the mug over to the keep and the keep filled it to the brim, blew the foam off and then slowly filled the rest with ale.

"There you go sir. Now about Sector Seven." The keep cleared his throat as if he were going to begin a very important speech. "Sometimes bar's run a little low on drinks, mostly holidays when men's heart's are full of cheer, you know?"

Cloud impatiently agreed and beat down the urge to demand the exact location of the bar in the most concise answer the keep could muster but Cloud was afraid the keep would raise the information's price even higher.

"Yes, go on."

The keep stuffed a tail of shirt that had spilled out and continued, "Well, bars will sell their extra liquor to other bars that've run out, for a reasonable amount of gil mind you! On a fair amount of occasions, I've had to buy from different bars across all seven sectors! During this time, one gets to build a small relationship in the business of others. Owners try to get you to fund their different schemes to get rich! I usually pass, I'm happy with mine own." The keep looked up and stared at the rafters, forgetting about the point he was talking in the first place.

Cloud looked on in eager anticipation. "And?"

The keep was taken aback and laughed a little laugh to himself and apologized. "You have to forgive me, not everyday a young lad passes by willing to hear my old stories. By the way, is that beer good?"

Cloud hadn't even started drinking. He took a quick sip and commented, "Yes, it's good, better than most I've tasted."

"Aye, that's good sir. You know, most people pay for their drinks first. The keep smiled and then walked off to serve a customer that had walked in."

Cloud dug into his pocket and counted forty gil. He'd better not try to get more or I'll start my own fight competition right here!

When the keep came back, he put the money in his trousers without much notice. "Thank ye much. Now, I won't be taking more of your time. I know that you younger people have much energy to spend on your fruitless labors."

Cloud frowned for a second and wished the keep would hurry. He also thought a dreadful thought. What if the keep was wrong and he wastes his time and gil to go to a place that isn't worth going to? The Materia might be gone by that time! Hopefully things would go right.

"In sector seven, find Main Street. Then, look for South Alley fifty-three. It won't take you long; Alley fifty-three isn't much to begin with. From there, find a bar named "Seventh Heaven", got it?"

"Main Street, South Alley Fifty-Three, Seventh Heaven, got it." Cloud stood up, full of energy and ambition.

"Aren't ya even gonna finish your beer?"

"No time!"

"That's what all the youngsters say! You'll be wanting it later!" The keep was yelling but Cloud was already on the street jogging toward a train that would take him to Sector Seven.

People were looking at Cloud run through Figaro and looked behind him, expecting to see a group of Shinra chasing after him but of course there was no one. Buster, bounced and wavered on Cloud's back, making the run a bit more difficult than necessary. No matter, Cloud's desperation to get to Sector Seven pushed him on. The trains ran all day; Cloud hoped he would reach Sector Seven before midnight.

After a time of running and then some jogging, Cloud reached Midgar's main train station that ran through all of Midgar's Seven Sectors. It was three times as large as the other trains and it ran at a much faster pace. Besides it's size and speed it was the nicest looking train in all of Midgar.

Cloud was still huffing and puffing while he waited in line for the next departure. A ticket would cost fifteen gil, five gil for each sector crossed. There were three people ahead of him including one that was currently purchasing tickets. They were dressed in good clothes and they stole uncomfortable glances at Cloud. He felt as if the whole station was looking at him and his over-sized sword, a sword that he had named Buster.

The man at the window was given a ticket and when starting to walk away said, "My goodness, what a big sword!"

"Next," asked the woman in the booth.

A young couple made their way to the woman and began their transaction. They received their tickets and walked past Cloud with a look of unease. The next person was an older man, tall, thin with a bushy mustache. He purchased a ticket and slightly bowed his head to Cloud and walked on. Cloud smiled inwardly, surprised that the old man made a friendly gesture to someone who was carrying such a boisterous weapon.

"Next," The woman spoke smugly in her safe little den. "Are you on the right train, sir?"

"I'm positive, give me a ticket for Sector Seven."

"Thirty gil, sir."

Cloud handed the ready payment through the little glass opening and took his ticket. He then joined the crowd of people gathered at the train, waiting for the conductor to let them on. He noticed a man taking small steps toward him. He turned his face slightly to get a better view without being noticed. It was the man with a bushy mustache and he had gotten to where he was only a few feet from where Cloud was waiting.

"Are you a fighter?" The man whispered.

Cloud looked over at the man and said, "Why do you whisper?"

"Excuse me," the man raised his voice. "I didn't want to call any unwanted notice. People are looking at you enough."

"Yeah."

"So… Are you?"

Cloud hesitated. "Yes."

"I thought maybe you were with Soldier for a moment."

"I was… but then I left."

"Didn't like things did you? All orders no real action is there?"

Cloud just looked at the man. "How would you know?"

"I'm an old man, I know. Not old enough so that I can't fight."

A few of the people who were waiting for the conductor and heard what the old man was saying and walking to some of the other carts.

The old man gave a quiet laugh. "Where are you headed if you don't mind my asking?"

Cloud didn't see the harm in talking to the man. "I'm headed to Sector Seven."

The man looked at the train, through it, and reminisced, "I used to go to Sector Seven, to a place called Seventh Heaven." The man caught Cloud's amazed expression. "Oh, that's where you're going?"

Cloud was about to ask how the man came to know about Seventh Heaven when the man started to speak again.

"Yes, I used to go there myself. I'm too old for that now. Fighting is for young blood like yours. I got myself a wife and a decent enough job to stay out of the trouble these days."

"What's your name?"

"My name is Cid, what's yours?"

"Cloud, Cloud Strife."

The conductor opened the first car door and called out to the people, "All aboard."

"Where are you going, Cid?"

"I'm going to the next Sector, we can sit at one of the lounge tables if you'd like."

"Ok."

"The lounge is in the back so let's get moving."

The two men walked to the luncheon car, gave their passes to the ticket holder and got a table with a big window.

"There isn't that much too look at but it's better than nothing," said Cid.

"I don't know. I try not to take in Midgar when I don't have to. I just want to get out."

"Where do you want to go?"

Cloud looked down at the table. He looked intensely at the knots in the wood and thought about where he would go. He'd never been out of Midgar before and neither had he known anyone who has. As far as he knew, he didn't know how to leave, there were no trains that left out of Midgar. There were a few ideas that floated around but nothing well founded.

"I don't care, anything would be better than Midgar."

The older mad could remember making similar convictions when he was young but little by little responsibilities crept in and then the wife and kids came along. Dreams went away as did the time and Cid recalled them no longer.

"When we're young, we don't fear. We don't worry. We think, everything will come on it's own. I don't know if I admire or pity you."

"I'm happy I'm the way I am. I don't worry about anyone except myself. I only have to cloth and feed me! My dreams are big and I accomplish all that I set before myself!" Cloud felt better; he foreboded good things in his future, for the time being.

"Ho, ho, ho," cried Cid. "I can remember saying that when I was your age!" Cid extended his index finger at Cloud in a mock accusing manner.

"What were your dreams?"

"My dreams?" Cid pondered. He could feel the pull of the engine starting. Cid was looking out the window and he was wondering back to the days of his young manhood. It's been so long. I remember I wanted to leave Midgar. Before that though, I wanted to become the best fighter. After, I planned to leave with my now wife and live a quiet life someplace far. "Well…I basically wanted the same as yourself. To leave this place. Be the best fighter in all the Seven Sectors. I don't know why, I just wanted something different for myself. Different from what everybody else wanted. I thought I couldn't stand living here like everyone else. I guess I've proved that wrong, huh?" Cid let out an unpleasant chuckle.

Cloud looked out the window in pity. "When I get out of here, you and your family can come along, if you still want to… leave."

Cid looked at Cloud with glazing eyes and said, "If you get out and you find there's something out there worth living for I'll leave this life."

Cloud's eyes popped open and he began to laugh. He pounded his fist against the table and put the other to his stomach. "That was fast," and then he began to laugh again, whole-heartedly.

Cid couldn't watch Cloud without joining. Soon the two of them felt the cramps from their uncontrolled laughter. The laughter abated as the two watched the slums go by and the gloomy view soon eradicated any humor they had about them.

"I can't stay here. It's draining the life out of me. I can't become…"

"What? You can't become like me?"

Cloud tried to search for the right words. He didn't want to make Cid angry. He was the closest thing to a friend that he's had for a long time. "I didn't mean…I wasn't trying to upset…"

"No… it doesn't bother me. I don't want you to become like me either. Go with your dreams for as far as they'll take you. Some go farther than others. Mine stopped short of my goals. How long will yours last? That's up to you."

Cloud returned his gaze to the window without saying anything. For the rest of the ride the two didn't speak much. Some words were exchanged but the desire to converse had dwindled. The train eventually made its stop at Sector Five and most of the passengers got off but Cid stayed on.

Cid spoke slowly and softly as if he had known Cloud all his life. "Do you have money?"

Cloud was surprised at the break of their quiet. "Yeah, why?"

"Nothing much, are you hungry?"

"I should probably be the one to buy you something."

"Poppy cock. Waiter!"

A short slim man came to the table with menus. "Would you like something for dinner or perhaps just a drink?"

"Both please."

"Excellent sir, would you like a moment with the menu?"

"Yes, thank you but just a moment."

"Very good, here you go," the waiter handed a menu to Cid and then to Cloud. The waiter eyed Cloud suspiciously and then left.

"I've never gotten anything from here before, what are you going to have, Cid?"

"Hmm… try the steak and potatoes. Not every day that you have that, huh?"

Cloud looked up at Cid and almost laughed. "I have that all the time. I'm a fighter remember, fast easy money! Ring a bell?"

Cid chuckled. "Yes, thank you for reminding me. I'm fortunate enough to have a good job. I manage a string of small motels. Nothing fancy, I get to travel and check on things whenever I want. Anyhow, what'll you have to drink? Do you drink wine?"

"No… do they have some good ale?"

"I'm sure they do but for today try some red wine with me. If you're not satisfied I'll order their best ale," Cid made another chuckle.

"Fine, I'll try the ale. I've had wine before but I didn't like it.
"What kind was it?"

"I can't even remember it's been so long."

Cid folded his menu closed and so did Cloud. The waiter watched and then came over. "What may I get you?"

"We'll have two steaks with potatoes. Put lots of cream on mine and bring a bottle of red wine."

"Any particular vintage, sir?"

"Nothing special but not your cheapest."

"Very well sir, I'll be back with your wine in a moment."

"Good, thank you."

The waiter left to the kitchen and returned with their wine and some glasses. He opened the bottle and poured theirs drinks and then left.

Cloud took a sip and then another. The wine wasn't bad but he preferred cold ale with a foamy head. "So… Seventh Heaven will show me where the fights are held?"

"No… Seventh Heaven controls the fights held. It's a really small bar but it has the best fighters and most importantly they pay good. At least while I went their, they paid well." Cid took a big sip of his wine and then said, "The money is for when you get out of here?"

"Actually, I wanted to buy some Materia…good Materia."

"Oh, good Materia, huh? Hmm. What do you want that for?"

"For protection… a means to get out of here. The Shinra just doesn't open the doors to this place, you know?"

Cid made a flippant gesture with his brow and said, "I've noticed."

"Besides, I would like to own a piece to put in my sword, Buster."

Cid eyed the weapon. "What does that thing weigh?"

"Not much for it's size. I've gotten used to it; it doesn't bother me at all."

The sword was grossly out of proportion, Cid noticed. Its size challenged its owner's own height! Light from the dinner car shone off the brilliant metal of the blade.

"Have you ever…had to use it?"

"Well… I have. While I was with Soldier, on a few occasions, I broke up some riots. People are ferocious when they're in a mob. Some are fearless, especially, if they have a weapon."

Cid displayed a shadow of discontentment and said, "Do you know what type of Materia you'll get?"

"I have my eye on some very strong Electrical Materia." Cloud reminisced on the Electrical Materia's glow, the feel of the heat emanating into his hand. Energy pulsed from the glowing jewel like substance. "It was good."

Cid realized Cloud was in a daze and left him so until the food arrived.

"Here you go gentlemen." The waiter left the food on the table and then said, "Is everything to your liking?"

Cid answered, "Yes, everything is fine, thank you."

"Very well, enjoy your meal." The waiter walked away and left the two men to their meals.

Cloud noticed the meat was a better sort than what he was accustomed too. He ate the potatoes first and then finished his steak dinner. Lastly, he scooped the remaining gravy with the dinner rolls that the waiter had brought out with their steaks. Cid was still eating his food while Cloud was finishing off his.

"Fine food, hmm?" Cid asked.

"Very good, Cid. Thank you. I don't remember the last time someone treated me to a meal without wanting something in return."

Cid devilishly grinned. "I do want something."

Cloud had a roll sopped with gravy just below his open mouth and held it there and looked up to Cid, waiting for an explanation. His heart slowed with dread and his hopes that he had made a friend started to diminish.

After collecting Cloud's attention, Cid continued. "Remember, I want you to find a way out and then come and get me out of here." Cid smiled a child's smile.

Cloud was relieved. He finished his roll and sat back in his chair. "I'm glad that that's what you meant."

"I know. This is a hard world and people usually don't do things for free bus some still do, remember that, ok?"

Cloud shook his head.

"If I'm going to get out of here, I'll need your help. Tell me all you know about the fighter's I'm going to be up against."

Cid's brow wrinkled and he shuffled in his seat, scooting up to the table. "I told you. It's been a long time since I've fought. I don't know the fighter's that are there now but if Barret is still there you'll have to watch out for him."

Cloud waved a hand and said, "I've handled big guys before. I've even handled men bigger than you…"

"I'm not talking about runts like me!" Cid drew his face over the table in all seriousness. "Barret is a big man!" The man weighs somewhere around three hundred pounds and I'm not talking about fat either."

"How tall is he then?" Cloud looked more interested in what Cid had to say.

"I don't know exactly, almost seven feet."

Cloud swallowed. "The bigger they are the harder they fall."

Cid shook his head and said, "Just make sure he doesn't fall on you or that's it!"

Cloud tried to laugh but it didn't come out the way he wanted. He shook of the fear not long after. "Does he have any moves?"

"His main strength is his strength but his punches are mostly sloppy but that's when I fought him. He might have had training; I don't know."

Cid and Cloud continued to discuss things, swapping history about each other. They shared some laughs and worries but mostly Cid talked in that area. Cloud mostly listened to his older newfound friend.

A considerable amount of time passed and the train reached Sector Six.

Cid collected his things, paid for the meal, and stood up before saying goodbye. "I suppose this is it."

Cloud didn't show any emotion but he wished that he and Cid could still talk.

"When you get on the outside you know where you can find me."

"I do."

"I wish you much luck young man, you'll need it."

Cid turned around and walked down the car's length and left. Cloud felt utterly alone. For now, his closest companion was Buster.

When the train started up again, Cloud left the Café portion of the train and found a lonely seat in which to ride out the rest of the trip. For a while Cloud slept until he was interrupted with the trains abrupt halt. Alarms blazed from hidden speakers in the train overhead compartment. Red and blue lights flashed and circled. People panicked and some women shouted in confusion.

Cloud grabbed the hilt of his sword and frantically looked about. He stood up, still his hands clutched onto Buster, and he tried to open the door to the next compartment but it was locked.

A passenger, a young man, tried to help Cloud push the door open but it was securely sealed. Next they tried the windows but they weren't glass but rather a much tougher substance.

"Let's try the other door," said the young man.

He and Cloud pushed and pulled but no amount of effort prevailed. After Cloud meditated on the predicament enough, he quietly sat down.

"What are you doing?" Asked the young shocked man.

"We'll have to wait; we can't use force. What else can we do?"

The young man pondered and then sat down next to Cloud. "My name is Chris."

Cloud shook his hand but the two made no other conversation.

Most of the passengers had settled down and talked about speculations when the door opened and Soldiers entered.

A soldier with higher rank stepped out in front of the others and said, "We're sorry that you were detained but it was for a good reason. The conductor said he thought he recognized a man from the terrorist group Avalanche in car no. 1 but he was mistaken. The train will shortly resume its procession."

The passengers began to settle down and Cloud made his way to his previous seat. The young man stood seated for a while longer and then made his way to the seat in front of Cloud.

"What do you think of that Avalanche?"

Cloud didn't feel like having a conversation but he said, "I don't know much about them except the Midgar Government hates them."

"Yeah, but because Avalanche is disrupting a lot of government agencies. Avalanche has been trying to get the president to give more freedom to the private sector, by force that is."

"Hmm." Cloud turned his head to look out the window not particularly looking at anything specific. People were walking along the streets, not quickly but sluggishly.

"Anyhow, as long as they don't hurt any innocents, I wouldn't need to be persuaded in thinking that Avalanche is a good group."

"I thought I heard on an informant program that Avalanche terrorist group that robbed people to grow stronger."

The young man made a face of abhorrence and said, "You don't believe those informant shows do you! If you'd look at some of the papers Avalanche distributes it'd open your eyes!"

Cloud squinted his eyes in suspicion and faintly smiled at the young man who had turned completely around in his chair. "Are you a part of Avalanche. You should be an Ambassador between your group and Shinra." Cloud made a low laugh.

The young man looked scared. "Hey! Don't say that! Don't you know that I could get jailed just for being accused of having part with Avalanche?"

"I was just kidding."

"Well, don't! As we speak, there's a new law that'll probably take effect real soon. The law will make reading Avalanche's paper and any other type of communication with negative views on the government illegal."

"I don't have to worry about any of that."

The young man looked hopelessly at Cloud. "Don't you care or aren't you interested in what's going on around you?"

A flash of anger swept through Cloud's chest. He stared ferociously at the young man and said, "I don't care one bit. Now turn around."

The young man almost cried out in fear but he didn't. Instead, he turned around and looked out the window, still wide eyed with disbelief.

Cloud exhaled his anger and suddenly he felt tired. He massaged his temples with his fingers and that eventually lulled him to sleep. Cloud was so tired that the pull of the train didn't waken him. Not long after resuming the trip the train halted in Sector Seven. The conductor hollered for the new passengers to get on and that's when Cloud awoke.

He scurried off the train and onto the grimy pavement of Train Station Sector Seven. The whistle to the train blew and there were a few people making their farewells, probably to what were relatives leaving for other sectors for some purpose or other.

The time was past dusk and Cloud could see the moon beginning to rise in the night's sky. He drearily shuffled off to find a place to sleep. No use in searching for Seventh Heaven then. Things could wait for tomorrow when he'd be alert with the morning's energy.

First thing was first, Cloud needed to find a place to sleep. Leaving the station Cloud had the choice to go up or down the main St. the station was alongside of. Cloud decided on taking the low road and began walking that way. He walked for half an hour and came across homes and only homes. There wasn't a single place for rent. Cloud thought that maybe he should stop and try taking the opposite direction but he continued for a while longer until he could see some bright lights in the dark distance. Hopefully, it was a motel but maybe it was just a restaurant. The building was tall, maybe three stories high; Cloud couldn't tell. He continued to walk but a little faster than before.

Eventually he reached the building. There were old Christmas lights decorated at different places all along the walls and windows of the ageing establishment. Many of the bulbs were burned out but most remained. Cloud supposition was correct; the building was three stories high but at the top most floor lay nothing more than a small shack-like construction. From the outside a wooden stairway could be use to travel to the third floor.

The front entrance had no door and some of the planks needed to be re-nailed to the founding boards. Cloud could hear the barks of far off dogs. From inside the establishment came an aroma of food, beef. There was no hunger in Cloud's stomach but he entered anyhow. Cloud turned his back to the short string of humble businesses that surrounded the three-story eatery.

Inside, groups of people were eating meals talking together. There was a small collection of young men and women dancing in one corner. To the right and to the left of the entrance of the eatery were caged rooms. In the left caged room were weapons of different sorts, guns, knives, swords, and gauntlets with spikes protruding from the knuckles. To the right of the entrance in the caged room were what looked like foodstuffs. Inside both caged rooms were their merchants, eyeing Cloud as a potential buyer.

A large burly man walked up to Cloud coming from what seemed out of nowhere said, "Where do you come from and to where do you go?"

Cloud looked at the man and squinted. "Who are you?"

"I'm the caretaker here and I've never seen you around? Do you work for Shinra?"

"No."

The stout man pointed at Buster and said, "That's a Shinra sword!"

Cloud turned his head away in anger and appeared to be looking behind himself. "I was a soldier."

"Get out of here soldier!"

Everyone in the place stopped what they were doing and concentrated on the Burly man and Cloud. Then dancers had stopped in mid step and gawked.

"What are you coming over here for, Shinra dog?" The man leaned over Cloud.

"I'm no dog!"

"You're right. Shinra is worst than a dog!"

Some of the customers left while others huddled closer to watch a fight in progress.

"I'm not Shinra but like you said. I carry a Shinra sword." Cloud unsheathed Buster.

A bolt of fear shot through the stout man but the grunts and calls of the customers moved him on. "A cowards move!"

Cloud pitched his sword a few feet away from where he stood. The blade stabbed the wood floor while the hilt stood upright toward the ceiling. "Come get me."

The stout man charged with his hands in a grabbing motion toward Cloud. Cloud whisked to his right and punched the man in the gut. The man fumbled a few more steps and regained composure. The hit had dented him but a bit. "Like a girl, you hit like a girl."

"Yes? At least I hit, though."

At intervals the crowd slightly let out laughs, the few that were brave enough.

"Not for long!" The stout man moved toward Cloud and started swinging. First he swung with his left arm in a wide arch and then his right. Cloud backed away from both. Again, the man swung his left arm at Cloud. Cloud spun and with the back of his heavy boot he slammed into the man's meaty elbow.

"Pop." The man cradled his elbow into his free palm and slightly leaned over it in protection. He was wincing and on the verge of yelling out."

"Do I show mercy?" Cloud was close to laughter, standing in his unnecessary fighter's stance. The crowd was quiet, not one of them made a response. The stout man looked grimly at Cloud as if to say, "I take it back, you're not a dog!"

"Cloud took two large steps and then spun around. The man braced himself for the impact just in time to feel the heavy blow to the middle of his stomach. All the air in his lugs emptied and he noticed that he was on the floor. At first there was no pain but then it all came flooding at once.

Cloud actually let a laugh escape his mouth. "Do I continue?" The stout man, who wasn't feeling so stout anymore, shut his eyes and waited for another pummel.

"He's had enough, he's learned his lesson, son." An old man was speaking.

Cloud saw the sincerity in the man's eyes and he calmed down. "I think you're right but I'll have one more for the road I think." He brought his right fist up to the air above his head and drove it down toward the man's face. He hit the wood floor just to the right of the jaw. "You listen! Listen good because I'm not going to repeat myself!"

The man shook his head wildly and waited for the question with horror.

"Where is a bar named Seventh Heaven?"

The man's eyes popped open and lay incredulously on the floor as if he were a corpse.

Cloud lifted his fist into the air again and said, "Well!"

"It's next door." The man's pupils moved upward towards the door. "Across the street I mean."

"Are you playing with me?" Cloud's fist was shaking.

"He's not playing, you can look for yourself." The old man was pointing to the doorway.

Cloud stood up and walked to the post, while doing so he grabbed Buster, and looked at the bar across the street. A sign read: Seventh Heaven. There were a bunch of stragglers at the front standing about acting abjectly.

Cloud felt like kicking himself. His sleepiness and the bright glare of the eatery drowned out any notice of the surrounding businesses.

Cloud had been staring at the bar for while when one of the youngsters who had been dancing said, "Are you here for the fights?"

Cloud turned. He could see some of the others looking at the young man condescendingly.

"I am. Is Barret still fighting?"

The others gave even angrier looks at the young man. He then asked, "You're not with Shinra, right?"

"I'm not."

Something about Cloud gave the young man no reason to keep his secret. "There're fights and yes, Barret is still there. He's the best so I'd be careful if I were you."

Cloud turned back to look at the bar. "It's late; where's there a place where I can stay?"

"There's a place down a bit called Cisco's."

"What's upstairs?"

"Beds." The stout man managed his way to his knees. "Why didn't you tell me you were a fighter?"

"You would've hassled me then too."

"Ah! How long are you staying?" The old man helped the stout man up. "Thanks Joe." The stout man turned to Cloud. "I'll give you a room but you have to pay upfront. You'll lose the rest of your money in the fights tomorrow after Barret pounds you to mush."

"What's so great about Barret besides his size? I beat you."

"The stout man thought for a bit. I'm not a fighter! You want your room or not?"

"How much each day?"

"For you, fifteen gil. The beds are not much and there's no privacy, just a whole lot of beds in a small room. You still want it?"

"At least for tonight." Cloud gave the man the gil and put 240 back in his pocket.

"I'll show you your bed. By the way, my name is Milo."

"Do you see Barret fight much?"

"All the time, nobody around here watches the monitor for entertainment so the fights and the bars are about all we keep busy with."

"That sounds really great," said Cloud sarcastically.

The two men walked up some steps to the second and third floors. They passed the second floor and got to the third where the small shack-like structure lay and Milo opened the door. "Here you go."

Cloud walked in and looked around the tiny room and picked out one of the beds out of half a dozen. Two were occupied with snoring patrons but the rest were free.

"You can get eat in the morning. As long as there's someone downstairs there's someone to serve you." Milo laughed then said, "Good luck you'll need it." Afterwards Milo shut the door.

Luck, I make my luck. Barret will be easy money. After the money, I'll get the Materia and supplies and get out of this swamp! Out of Midgar and travel. Whenever I need money I'll fight in a competition. Whenever I get tired, I settle somewhere nice. Somewhere where I can be alone with my thoughts. Somewhere where nobody can reach me. I won't have to see other people's problems and mistakes.

The sleep took Cloud far away to a tall building that reached the vast firmament. The sky was darkening with violet and light maroon. Strands of charcoal colored clouds slowly drifted in the calming winds. Cloud was standing on top of the tall building on the roof. There was another man far off at the other end of the building. He was a tall slender man all dressed in black. He was walking towards Cloud. The man was wearing a black and gold robe and the garment swept in the air. He had long gray hair that reached down past his shoulders but the man didn't appear to be old. The man started to walk faster towards Cloud so that now he could distinguish him more clearly. Something about the way the man was approaching him made Cloud worry. The man's legs started to stretch more and more until he was running right toward Cloud. The man's arms were pumping furiously like a train's engine and the man was still coming. Cloud moved to grab his sword but his own movements seemed lazy and weak. Lifting his arm was tiring and excruciating while the man's movements were animalistic and powerful. Cloud could distinguish the man's countenance and they weren't pleasant features. Dust from the roof smoked at either side of the man's blurry feet. The man's hand shot upwards and to his back and then pulled on a hilt that Cloud hadn't noticed. The blade was dark and slender and even longer than Cloud's Buster. Cloud finally reached his sword and began to sluggishly pull it out to fight back the monster that would be attacking him at any moment. The dust from the man's boots left a thick trail behind him and he lifted his dark saber in the air. Cloud brought out his blade in front of him just as the man's blade crashed down on Buster. Terrible sparks burned and flew from the crash and the man's saber was burying into Cloud's sword, it was halfway through. The man pounded his strength and weight on Cloud until Cloud failed to his knees. A sinister glare appeared in the man's eyes and he began to laugh horribly so that Cloud was able, for the first time in his life, to see true evil. Buster snapped.
Cloud awoke in the bed he had rented. The light from the morning shone in through the couple of windows that the shack had. He wiped his head clean of sweat and stood up. He began to stretch and then do his morning exercises. While finishing his last set of exercises a rumbling went off in his stomach and so he went down to the first floor to see if he could get an early meal.

When Cloud got down to the first floor, there were only a handful of people; most of them were eating their own early meals. Cloud sat down at a table. He was feeling good; he was ready for a fight. The dream he had had was already receding into a dark space in his mind, readying its self for the next appearance.

"What can I getcha, sir?" Joe, the old man who had helped Milo off the floor last night was speaking to Cloud. His hair was white and some of it spilled over onto his brow. Dark and light ruble covered his sun beaten jaw and upper lip. His clothes were the same raggedy type clothing that everyone else wore except a stained apron cover his.

"Do you have rice and eggs?"

"We do."

"What about grilled cheese?"

"We have that too."

"I'll have that and some diner rolls to go along with it."

"What will you have to drink?"

"Give me some milk."

"Alright, let me add this up first."

Joe set his mind to heavy consternation and eventually came to eight gil.

"Eight gil?" Cloud was confounded. "You're making a mistake. Any other place would charge me at least twenty gil. Recount the prices again."

"I've got it right. We do things a little differently around here. Don't worry, I know my math."

"If you say so," Cloud said unbelievingly. "Just don't come to me latter asking for more money because you got things wrong."

"Don't worry," said the old man and he began to laugh a bit. "I won't." He left to prepare the food.

Meanwhile Cloud speculated on how this merchant could afford to sell products for such a low price. The food probably taste rotten.

"Here is your milk." The old man set down a large cup of chilled milk right in front of Cloud. "That's some good milk, don't worry it's not bad." The old man left.

Cloud dared himself; he picked up the cup and slowly brought it to his nose. The milk smelled fine and it didn't look lumpy or murky and so he took a sip. Cool refreshing milk ran down his throat and into his waiting stomach. Cloud was surprised; that was some really good milk. Even the temperature was perfect. He drank some more but saved the rest for his meal.

A little longer and Joe brought Cloud's food out and set it on the table. "Here you go, sir."

"Tell me, Joe, why are you able to sell me this food so cheap? Is it about last night?"

Joe laughed a bit and then said, "No, no, it's not about last night. Our supplier sells cheap product and so then we're able to sell for cheap. That's basically how it works."

"But food prices are regulated by the Shinra government."

"Not all food but don't worry about that, just eat your food."

Hesitantly Cloud dropped the subject and tried the food. He spooned a portion of rice and egg into his mouth and then he took a bite out of his grilled cheese. Joe could tell by the expression on his face that the food was better than he had expected. Joe left Cloud to eat in peace.

After his meal, Cloud left a five-gil tip so that now he was left with 227. Since the morning had just arrived he went for a stroll around the vicinity to get a sense of the people. Fights usually started after dark and so he would have to find a way to stay busy until then.

There weren't many shops and so Cloud would have to settle for long walks throughout that section of Sector Seven. A small Shinra fortress hid itself among large hills of Sector Seven's garbage. At the summits of the hills abatis' surrounded the Shinra holding. In other places tiny crowds of gamblers united to bet over single gil. People seemed oblivious to their abject poverty. Some homes smelled as bad as the garbage dumps that the Shinra building had decided on staying nearby.

The walk abetted Cloud's anger. Getting out meant gaining gil and the precious Materia. Eventually, time slowly passed and Cloud made his way back toward the Seventh Heaven bar. A boisterous unruly crowd had gathered at the batwings of the bar. Some of the consumers were mimicking boxing moves that they themselves would never master. There was cheering and cajoling between the men and few women present. All the time the crowd kept getting larger and larger. A small amount of the middle class had come out of their way to see the fights it appeared or why else would they be there?

When Cloud was close enough to the crowd to be noticed, people quieted down and quietly admired Cloud and his large weapon.

Some questioned, "Who's that?"

Others said, "Got's to be a fighter!"

Cloud stopped as he was amongst the crowd and asked no one in particular, "When does the fighting start?"

Cloud didn't see but someone said, "Should start real soon."

"Where do the fighter's meet?" Cloud turned to the voice.

"At the side of the building, but we're all waiting for Barret to come out."

A tension griped Cloud but he didn't show it. He was looking at the middle-aged man who was speaking to him.

Cloud simply walked to the side of the building and waited. After a bit of waiting, Cloud could hear someone call out something. Then there was cheering and shouting when a few tough looking men walked around to where Cloud was. Some of the crowd had begun to turn the corner. Neighborhood children started to gather and whistle out in ecstasy.

"Make way for the champion!" The man that had talked to Cloud was shouting all types of lauds for Barret. Some of the others joined but the middle-aged man was the loudest and most fervent. The other fighters, the ones who had rounded the corner first, made a circle and Cloud was in the middle. They were all doggedly grinning at Cloud, trying to scare him. Cloud looked back, careless to anything going on around him. The crowd made a circle around the fighters and everyone made way so that Barret could enter the middle.

Barret was extremely large, well over six feet tall. He looked approximately three hundred pounds of mean taut muscle. At first, he walked in the middle of the circle without noticing Cloud but when he did he stared in disbelief. He gazed down from his zenith and seemed to peer down or more like through Cloud.

"Who are you supposed to be?"

Cloud mustered his courage. "I'm the fighter who's going to win tonight!"

For a moment everyone was quiet until the children started laughing. Then the rest of the crowd started to laugh as well. Even Barret was slightly amused but quickly he regained his haughty attitude.

"Do you think this is a game? You can get hurt little boy. Don't waste our time."

"The bigger they are the stupider they sound." Cloud was looking down at Barret's gargantuan feet.

The crowd was taken aback by Cloud's disrespect as short as he was in comparison to the overgrown Barret.

"This isn't David and Goliath you know?"

Some laughter erupted in the crowd but died away.

"It might not but it'll have the same result!"

"So brave, are you trying to die?"

"Enough! I didn't come here to talk!"

Barret didn't speak for at first but then he said, "I don't fight little boys, if you want to fight take one of the others. Ivan, take him."

A rugged looking man from one of the fighters stepped into the circle as Barret stepped back.

Ivan grimaced at Cloud through his dark red beard. "Make your bets!" He shouted.

Cloud stood nonchalantly, his knees were slack and his arms were to his side. Ivan loomed side-to-side walking around Cloud trying to frighten him. His head was lowered and he looked like a wild dog on the verge of pouncing.

"Egh!" Ivan wildly swung a wide overhead punch with his right fist. Before he could land it he was falling down to the floor unconscious.

The crowd was startled into silence. Barret grew wide-eyed and amazed. The fighters took a step back and Cloud called simply looked down on his fallen victim.

Someone out in the crowd was speaking to someone else, "Did you see that? He done spun around like a top and kicked that there guy in the face! You ever see anything like it? I'll be damned!"

Barret hadn't expected the newcomer to know how to fight so well. "Ike! Get in there and beat him down!"

A clean-cut bald man stepped out wearing jeans and a flannel shirt buttoned to the collar. He moved cautiously around Cloud. Still, Cloud moved lethargically around as if he were thinking of more important things he could be doing with his time. The crowd was watching Cloud, waiting for him to do one of his special moves. Hoping that he would be their underdog to take on Barret.

Cloud leaned his head in toward Ike and Ike swung at it but Cloud was too fast for him. He pulled his head back and gave an upward kick to Ike's hand. Again, everyone was amazed at Cloud's blurred speed. Ike's hand flew up over his head and the before he knew it he had been given a kick to the head. The blow was so strong that Ike collapsed to the floor next to his friend.

This time the whole crowd was in fervor. People were jumping and shouting in applause. The fighters were talking amongst each other and Barret was loosing his temper. The veins on his neck bulged and his fist were contracted into solid rocks. One of the fighters stepped out into the circle. He motioned for his fellow fighters to drag the unconscious losers out of the way.

His hair was long and he wore baggy pants and a black muscle-shirt. "You do that kick well but is that all you do?"

Cloud didn't respond. Unlike the others this guy didn't intend on making the first move. Cloud got closer and closer until the fighter was almost at kicking distance. The fighter stared at Cloud, unwavered by Cloud's previous accomplishments.

"What are you going to do now?" Scorned the fighter.

Cloud faked a jab moving forward as he did so. The fighter tried to right-hand punch Cloud but Cloud leaned to his right and swung at the fighter's jaw. There was a loud smack as Cloud's knuckles buried into the fighter's face. Cloud retracted his arm and backed off.

The fighter shook his head a few times and wore of the oncoming dizzy spell. He looked up at Cloud, angry, hurt, and frustrated then said, "I have some tricks of my own." He started to dance around, all the time he moved closer to Cloud. Cloud's back finally came to the wall of fighters behind him and stopped moving. The fighter muzzled a ludicrous grin that was trying to submerge when he made an upward kick towards Cloud's face. The kick was intentionally sloppy so that Cloud would try to bypass the kick and move forward to counter-attack. Cloud did and then the fighter windmill kicked. Cloud seen the kick coming before the fighter had started. He ducked and the sound of the foot rushing by flew overhead and landed back on the ground without meeting out its purpose. The fighter was confused when he didn't feel anything hit the back of his foot. Cloud spun around while he was on the ground and he extended his leg. Cloud's heavy boot swept the fighter's legs from underneath him and he fell to the ground.

"That's your trick?" Cloud walked to the middle of the circle for the fighter to get up.

Barret's eye started to twitch and he could feel his nails digging into the flesh of his palms. "Get up you fool or you'll wish you were never born!"

"Come on, Frank, get up!" One of the fighters cheered their comrade on.

Frank got up as quickly as he could; his buttocks were sore but not as much as his pride. "You lousy no good trick fighter. I'll kill you!" He charged at Cloud with arms wide over his head ready to grab onto anything and not let go.

Cloud hunkered down a bit and when Frank was close enough he forced himself to uppercut with as much strength as he could. Frank fumbled to the floor at Barret's feet. Barret pushed him away with his boot and stood brooding.

Two fighters jumped out into the circle and one of them was yelling at Cloud, "You can't mess with our brother like that." The other brother looked to the remaining fighters and said, "Let's get this outsider out of here!" Before anyone could respond Cloud unsheathed Buster. The two brothers stopped, the crowd was stupefied, and even Barret looked uncomfortable.

"Stop!" Barret looked around to the others. "You two get your brother out of here." Barret then looked to Cloud and asked, "What did you come here for?"

"To beat you."

Barret took Cloud seriously then. "Come here tomorrow night. That's when I fight. That's when the good fighters will be here." Barret turned around and the crowd made a path for him.

Slowly the crowd dispersed and Cloud was left alone. He could feel the ache in his leg from all the kicking he had done. Lazily Cloud went back to the eatery to rest and get something to eat.

He was given grits and some bread along with some water to drink. His aching leg was resting on an unoccupied chair. Cloud could barely wait for tomorrow to arrive, the thought of fighting Barret was exciting and frightening at the same time. After his meal, Cloud went to his bed and rested for tomorrow. Cloud had no dreams that night; he was too tired.

Cloud woke up to a stiff leg and the morning sun beaming through the foggy window. He stood in bed for a while, massaging his leg, warming it. The cabin was cool but not empty. There was another man there though he was asleep and his back was turned to Cloud. The air was cool, too cool for Cloud's leg. He got out of bed and went outside and stayed on the third floor overlooking Sector Seven. The sun helped to make his leg feel better so he stayed out there at the top of the stairs until his stomach urged him to go look for breakfast.

Again he was served grits and bread with water to drink but he didn't complain. He was hungry and so he ate until he was satisfied and most of his meal was gone. After eating the tasteless food Cloud repeated his walks and window shop visits until the fights got close.

Unlike yesterday there was a wide throng of people gathered at Seventh Heaven, some of them just lookers and others with money riding on their favorite fighters.

The sun was still up and beating down the last of its strength. Children ran about as if they were about to be entertained with clowns at a circus. Cloud made his way to the crowd gathered about the same place as the other day. They were all looking in the bar where the fighters had gathered, apparently no customers were allowed in the bar before the fight.

Some of the people recognized Cloud from the other night and a man started hollering out to the crowd, "Fighter! Fighter coming through, makes way you stupid idgits!" The crowd started to open up and Cloud walked through, looking at the grins of exited faces from young and old alike.

Cloud stepped inside and all the fighters looked, unkindly faces sneered and squinted at the intruder. Cloud seemed not to notice the glares and walked to the fighters who were circled around the bar's center table.

"Who are you?" A man with a thick mustache and wide arms stood up and questioned. He folded his arms across his chest and tilted his head.

"I'm here to fight." Cloud's anger started to rise ever so slightly.

"This is the pro's night. No amateurs allowed." The man smiled widely and looked at his companions for support. More laughter came out of the fighters.

"If you want, I'll take you first." Cloud was looking into the man's eyes.

"You won't last one minute little man." Some more chuckles came and subsided.

"I'll take you here in front of everyone if you want?"

There was a cheer from outside and the man shot a hate filled glance at the direction and then back to Cloud. "You little maggot!" He started walking over to Cloud, his fists clenched at his side. His breathing was getting loud and his head was turning red from embarrassment and frustration. "I'm going to ring your neck!"

Cloud smirked; he pulled Buster from its sheath and held it out in front of him.

Everything and everyone stood quiet even the man stopped in his tracks. "I see…" Before he could finish what he was saying Cloud stomped Buster into the ground blade first.

Cloud looked up at the man, wide eyed and full of fury. Cloud was at his peak, blood pumped fresh new energy into every fiber of muscle in his body. Tonight was a great night, a night to expend energy. Tonight was a night to fight!

Cloud ran up to the man, jumped into the air, and kicked the man to the side of the face. The spectators at the bat wing door crowded and some fell inward and fell on the floor of the bar from all the pushing shoving to see the new guy fight. They were wide eyed and astonished at the visitor's skills. The man quivered but didn't fall. He shook his head and wiped the dizziness that tried to take him down. He didn't say anything; he only raised his arms in a boxer's position and circled Cloud. He was breathing heavily and his eyes were wide with apprehension.

Cloud jolted his head and arms left and right. Might as well have a little fun seeing that it was a good night. The man flinched with almost every movement that Cloud made towards him. Again the man jabbed at Cloud and Cloud backed away. A smile was beginning to protrude from Cloud's lips. The people were starting to enter the bar without the permission of the fighters and that was unheard of. Little children were scrambling between the legs of adults, stepping on toes, pinching legs, anything to look at the underdog.

Cloud wasn't looking like an underdog just then. "Are you sure you want to keep going?"

The man looked crazed and didn't answer. He tried and tried but his punches weren't nearly as fast as his opponent's dodges. He faked a jab and swung with his right arm instead. Cloud left hooked him in the ribs and circled behind him.

Cloud was simply standing there with a smile as if he'd been there waiting for five minutes now. By the fighter's stance, Cloud could tell the left hook had been more painful then the man was leading on. Cloud could see that the fighter was about to give a powerful right and so he beat him to it. The whole instance took no more than a couple of seconds. There was the smash of the man's nose breaking and then the slam of his body crashing to the floor.

The crowd was delirious; the fighters were incensed. Some of the adults had picked up the shouting children and were twirling them around the room. Cloud looked on prideful at his victory. Barret snapped out of his stupor and collected his scattered thoughts. "Shut up!" Instantaneously the room silenced.

"What's wrong Barret? You can't share the glory? Do you want to be next?" Cloud was facing Barret with his arms surely crossed in front of his chest.

Mouths dropped and breaths held tight. Surely, the people asked themselves, Barret is unbeatable. Any hit inflicted on him would be like a fly trying to take down a horse. But there it was, a fly on the attack, a fly with a sword.

"If that's what it takes than that's what it takes. Just remember you're the one who asked to fight with me."

Cloud held off another taunt; this was it, there was no turning back. He re-sheathed Buster.

Cloud and Barret left the confines of the bar and walked to the side of the bar as they always had and waited for everyone to make a circle around them. Again, fighters were on the inside while patrons made the outer circle.

"Let's get this business over with little man." Barret was much faster than Cloud had expected. Barret had turned to sideways and gave a sidekick to Cloud's head but Cloud ducked. Just after kicking, Barret gave a right hook to Cloud's recovering duck. Barret had nicked the front of Cloud's jaw and the salty taste of blood swooshed around in Cloud's mouth. Cloud's head rocked slightly and he recovered just in time to dodge Barret's elbow. Cloud punched Barret in the kidney with less force than he had hoped for.
"You're going to have to do better than that, little man." Barret swung his mighty right arm in a downward motion but missed.

Cloud jumped back and was three feet away from the circle of fighters. "I'm just warming up."

Barret lowered his upper body and charged at Cloud. His heavy boots left trails of dust behind him. Hands like grappling hooks rested in the air ready to grab and not let go.

Cloud pretended to be worried but when close enough he front kicked high in the air and made contact with Barret's lower jaw. They both fell to the ground Barret was laying on top of Cloud's legs. Barret was more stunned than hurt but there was definite pain where he had been kicked.

"You're going to pay for that!" Barret turned his bulky head to Cloud and surprisingly enough he was grinning. His lower lip was turning purple and gobs of saliva and blood were spilling from the wound he had been given.

Cloud heaved his right leg from underneath Barret's heavy chest and was ready to kick Barret in the face for a second time when Barret shrouded Cloud's leg underneath his heavy arm. Cloud panicked and began to pummel Barret's face but Barret quickly got up while still holding onto Cloud's legs. Like swinging a child Barret twirled Cloud around and around until they were both getting sick. Buster slipped out of its sheath and fell to the floor where it glistened in the dim light. Meanwhile, Cloud flew into the crowd of fighters and fell to the floor without any real damage done. Before he could contemplate his next move, Barret was standing over him, picking him up into the air spinning him over his head like a ballet dancer.

"Give up small fry or I'll crush your little spine!"

"Agh," Cloud was frustrated beyond belief. He swore to himself that if he got out of his present fix he would pound the hell out of Barret. "Let me go or you'll be sorry!" Cloud wiggled like a fish out of water whose gills are on fire from the atmosphere's heavy oxygen.

Barret fought with his grasp but he lost his grip and cloud fell to the floor on his side. There was a heavy thud but Cloud stumbled to get to his feet. Barret simply watched the quick maneuver.

Cloud faked a windmill kick and instead dropped to the floor and sweep kicked Barret but Barret only foundered. In a flash Cloud was back up and spinning around with his heavy boot in the air and it made contact with Barret's face. The slam was quick and hard; Barret almost fell to his knees but he prevented himself with all the will he could muster. The flesh of his right cheek was split and a solid stream of blood ran down his chin. Cloud gave him a left hook and Barret fell on his back.

"Get up! I'm not finished with you!" Cloud was screaming at the top of his lungs. The flow of his blood was faster and hotter than before. He saw the world through vengeful red eyes. "I'm not finished humiliating you!" Cloud's fists were clenching and he was walking back and forth in front of Barret on the verge of kicking Barret where he lay.

"I'm not finished either." Barret slowly got to his feat, gathering up his anger and wits. Gathering all his fighting faculties in order to fight the toughest fight he's had in a long time. "I'm right here, come and get me."

Cloud jabbed at Barret but Barret's long reach kept Cloud far away. A couple of times when Cloud could see Barret concentrating on something he made upward kicks to Barret's fists. Barret tried to get Cloud to back off but every time he advanced Cloud kicked his hands. A few more jabs and kicks later and Barret was up against the Circle of fighters.

"I've got you Barret. I'm going to finish you, now." Cloud edged his way towards Barret trying to get close enough to make one last kick to the head that would end it all.

"Not going to happen, little man." Barret's speech was almost inaudible. The kick that Cloud had landed on him was definitely impairing his speech. "Not today, not going to happen."

Cloud faked a punch and Barret was going to dodge it but then Cloud made a sidekick into Barret's stomach. Barret folded over and all the force he had gathered depleted as all the air in his lungs escaped from his throat. On the floor he wiggled about trying to consume oxygen. Cloud didn't watch; he walked to Buster and slowly sheathed him. "How much money am I going to get for this?"

Barret was looking at Cloud through pained squinted eyes. He was trying to speak but nothing was coming out. Finally, some of the fighters helped him up and he started breathing but still he was holding his stomach in more from humiliation than from physical hurt. "Come inside, let's talk." Barret waved his hand for Cloud to follow.

"This better not be some kind of a trick because if it is…"

"I'm going to get you your money for tonight. Tilly!"

An older man with thousands of gill in his hand came over from the circle of regulars and said, "Yes, Barret?"

"Count out this fighter's share. Whatever bets were made, give him his share. Be fair!" Barret stressed the being far part about Tilly's instructions.

"Sure thing, Barret. Let me just count the bets."

"Hurry up!"

The fighters helped Barret into the bar and set him down to one of the tables.

"Barret!" A young woman in gray shorts and a white tank top ran over to Barret and put a soft hand on Barret's shoulder. Her hair was dark brown and she had large dark eyes and a petite mouth. "Barret, what happened? Who did this to you?"

Cloud sat down at the same table as Barret. The girl looked up at him and started for a moment and then asked, "Who are you?"

"My name is Cloud."

She was worried. Where they… together maybe? "What happened to Barret?"

"He's not as fast as he thought."

The girl looked at Cloud in confusion.

"Don't worry, I'll be alright, Tifa."

Tifa started rubbing Barret's shoulder and said, "I'll get the…"

Barret looked at Tifa sharply and said, "No! Not yet."

Cloud looked at the two and tried to hear the unspoken dialogue but he didn't understand what was going on.

"What did you bring me here for Barret?" Cloud was focused on the defeated warrior.

"Leave us Tifa."

Tifa, though unsure, left the two to talk.

"Don't worry… What's your name?" Barret didn't think Cloud was going to answer but then Cloud gave his name. "Cloud, huh? That's different. Just like you I guess. Well, Cloud. Where did you learn how to fight like that? I've never seen anyone fight quite the way you fought me tonight. You've been in Soldier; why are you doing something illegal like fighting?"

"What is this about, Barret? I want my money and I don't want to be your damn friend so get on with what you really want."

Barret looked a little angry but he stayed calm. "I'm… in a club so to speak and I think you might be useful but…"

"What kind of club?"

Barret scooted closer to the table and brought his head closer to Cloud so he could whisper. "I have to ask you a few questions before I can tell you that but first I'd like to know about your involvement with Shinra."

"Why do you want to know about that? I joined when I was young. I quickly climbed the ranks, was taught by some of the best for the elite army."

Barret tried to study Cloud as closely as possible and said, "Why did you leave?"

Cloud's leaving Shinra was no accident and he knew exactly why he left Shinra. "I didn't want to follow orders that I was given."

"What kind of orders were those?"

Cloud ground his teeth. "What is this about? I don't want to be talking about this!"

Barret held his palms out to Cloud and said, "Calm down, you might be getting involved in something that you'll be happy with."

"I don't think so, Barret. I don't have what will make me happy."

"Tell me what happened, Cloud. Tell me and if you do you might be getting involved with something that'll change you whole life."

An explosion erupted in Cloud's chest. A sense of destiny burned throughout his whole being. Was he dreaming, had he been drugged he wondered. Fear floated about in that dank bar. There was a promise of something grand. The ultimate challenge loomed over Cloud's head like a broken pendulum. What was ahead? Cloud had to know and to know Cloud had to give up his memories."

"Can I get a drink first?"

Barret nodded his head and called out, "Aeris!"

A light brown haired girl wearing a long cotton pink dress stepped out from somewhere in the back. "Did you call, Barret?"

"Aeris, could you give our guest a drink?"

"Of course, Barret. What would you like, sir?" Aeris had dark blue eyes and a broad bright smile. Scuffed up boots popped out from underneath her fragile looking pink dress.

"I'll take something hard, whiskey."

"Ok." Aeris briskly walked behind the counter and fixed the drink for Cloud, left it on their table and disappeared to wherever she had originally entered.

Cloud made the whiskey vanish, put his glass on the table and stared at it wonderfully. The memories dripped by and then little by little the images flooded into his mind where he could recall them.

"Since I was young I've always wanted to defeat some ultimate challenge that would let me know that I contained within myself a tremendous power. When I was child I couldn't reason out my feelings in the way I have just done so now but I knew I wanted to accomplish something great in my lifetime. At that age, all boys wanted to be in Soldier, there was a sense of manly pride in becoming an elite fighter and everyone wanted to be one. When I became fifteen years old, I joined the ranks. I did what others were too afraid to do and that made me feel like I was beginning to get closer to my dreams of some unknown grandeur."

Cloud absent-mindedly lifted the glass to his lips but he had already finished his drink. Barret called for Aeris; she came and brought a bottle of whiskey and a glass for Barret and then left again. Cloud took a swig; stared at his glass for a few moments and continued his story. Outside, people where cheering the fights but Cloud didn't hear their shouts.

"When I was younger I gave myself completely to the Shinra Government. When I was given orders I did not judge whether they were right or wrong. If I was sent in to destroy a rebel group I did so. I couldn't decipher between killing an enemy rebel or his innocent wife. That is until one day; I was used to terminating small time insurrections where most of the soldiers where able bodied men but on a certain rebel group named Vine's Force practically a whole community was involved in stockpiling weapons and supplies for war against the Shinra government. There were schools with children who were taught to hate the Shinra's political way of running matters. There were also training grounds to learn how to carry oneself in combat, both hand to hand and weapon training."

Cloud took another drink and he started to look relaxed as if he had never told anyone what he was now divulging to Barret.

"From the smallest girl to the oldest man the whole community was involved in some way or another to destroy the Government. Our orders were simple, no survivors. At first, the men of the rebellion met us but they didn't hold out for long, how could they? We were trained under the harshest of teacher's under the strictest environments. Later we learned that the rebellion had only been started six months before we raided their community. They were outmatched and outnumbered but as I've said I had no qualms about taking another soldier's life but after taking out the men the women and children were left. There were no more fighters to defend them."

"I asked my fellow soldiers, "What do we do with them?" The thought of killing all those children did not dawn on me. The idea never occurred to me. When I looked into the faces of my fellow soldiers, though, I saw blank faces springing from blank hearts. I asked a particular fellow of mine at that time, "Where are you going?" He bade me to come along with him and then he pushed the shield of his helmet down and walked off into the direction of the women and children. I cannot describe to you the feelings that I then first felt. Wave after wave of troops marched towards the community where the remaining people had boarded themselves up as well as they could afford under the circumstances.

" "Aren't we going to jail them?" No one answered me, I could only notice the blank stares on the men I had for so long trusted with my own life. Barbaric, I thought in my mind not saying anything, yet. I saw a close comrade of mine waging off to war with innocents and I called out to him, "Tetra!" I caught up with him. "Tetra, great fortune you're alive! Surely everyone is going to siege the survivors for round up, don't you think?" Tetra glared at me as if I were speaking a different language.

" "There won't be any survivors for long, comrade. Don't worry about that." Tetra pulled a saber from its holding along his hip and pointed into the air and shouted to the others, "Down with the conspirators!" The surrounding soldiers shouted their praise by repeating Tetra's death toll."

" "But they're women and children!" I tried to reason."

" "A conspirator is a conspirator. There is no difference, said Tetra coldly."

A sick twisting went on in my stomach and I felt dizzy from the stressful situation. The march of boots drowned out most my coherent thoughts and I could think of doing was fleeing. There I stood in a wave of soldiers ready to massacre and I could be no part of it.

At that time of shock I felt a heavy push from behind so I turned to face the person. The person who had pushed me was a commander; he was in charge of about one sixth of the soldiers out there and my hope of saving any of those people lay in his power."

Cloud looked at Barret and said, "I don't even know why I had the need to help those people. They were trying to destroy the government that I served with my very life. I guess I felt that they were on the opposite side of life. They happened to be in a community that was swept up in a fervor for revolt and they went along with it. Destroying a government that you think is harsh, which I add it is, is not the same as destroying people."

"Anyhow, I tried and tried to get the commander to arrest the remainder of the people but strangely enough he thought I was joking. There was nothing that I could do. Just then, I looked at my life in a different view and I realized I was nothing more than a puppet and all the friends I had made were all puppets. They would kill me if they were ordered. I couldn't do that and so I walked away from it all. Till this day I don't know what they made of my disappearance. Most likely that wrote me down as "KILLED IN ACTION" but really I don't know."

Cloud took another drink and he tried to stand up but he felt woozy from all the liquor he had previously drank.

"Where you going? Asked Barret questioningly."

"To get my money. I told you my story and I'm feeling tired."

"You just sit back down and I'll get your money personally."

Cloud plopped down in his seat and went for the bottle again but Barret pulled it away. "What are you doing? Go get my money already!"

Barret got up with the bottle safely in his hand. "Aeris!" Aeris appeared from the back room. Barret looked at her and said, "Make sure our guest doesn't get into the liquor anymore for tonight, alright?"

Aeris let a small laugh escape and said, "Alright, Barret, he won't."

Barret handed the liquor bottle to Aeris and left to go outside and get Cloud's payment.

Aeris took the bottle to behind the bar's counter when she asked, "What did Barret want to talk to you about, Cloud?" She put the bottle away and started wiping the counter clean.

"I have no idea." Cloud was hunched over the table, on the verge of falling asleep.

"You must have something that Barret wants or else he wouldn't bother talking to you. What do you have that's so special, Cloud?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just a fighter like Barret."

"Not just like me, better." Barret was standing in the doorway of the bar's batwings looking down at Cloud who had been surprised by the seriousness in his voice. "Not just like me but better. Sad to say too but true."

Cloud looked suspiciously at Aeris then to Barret and then asked, "What? You want me to fight for you or what?"

"Yes but not in the way that you think."

"What are you talking about Barret?"

Barret came over to the table but did not sit down. Instead, he put 2000 thousand gil in the middle of the table. "There's a lot more where that came from."

Cloud looked at the gil for a second before he realized it was for him. Never in Cloud's life had he owned so much gil at one time. Now it was all before him sitting on an old wooden table in a small bar he had never heard of before.

"All this came from tonight's bets?" Asked Cloud astonished.

"We have some middle class and a few high class patrons that come around."

Cloud started counting the gil out. When he was finished, he vaguely uttered, "Two thousand!" He looked up at Barret and smiled. "When is there going to be another fight?"

Barret let out a hardy laugh. "You think that's good you should wait to what I'm about to propose."

"Propose?" Cloud put his gil away and looked speculatively at Barret.

"Uh-huh." Barret shook his head.

Aeris walked over to the table but didn't say a word.

"How would you like to make ten thousand gil for a night's worth of work?"

Cloud was taken aback. "What the hell would I have to do to make that much gil in one night? You better not be playing games Barret because if you are I'll finish the job I started on you face."

"Calm down, Cloud." Aeris was standing next to Barret. She spoke consolingly and not with authority.

"Yeah, calm down. I could tell that you're tired so why don't you stay here tonight. It'll be free. You see, I own this bar."

Cloud looked around and shook his head. "No, but I'll be back tomorrow so that we could talk." Cloud stood up on slightly wobbly legs and said, "Just so that you know, I won't be carrying my money with me tomorrow."

Barret was going to speak when Aeris did instead, "That money is yours; you earned it fair and square."

"That's right, Cloud. That money is yours and I'm not going to try and take it from you. Even though I lost I still get a little something for fighting. The reason why I want you to come back is not to get your money but to try to include you in something that'll change your whole life and everyone else that lives in Midgar."

"What is that thing?"

"Tomorrow, Cloud."

"Why tomorrow, Barret?"

"I want you to be focused and to tell you the truth I don't know how I should go on about it. So in that case, get some sleep."

Cloud wanted to push for more answers but he knew it would be to no advantage. He left without saying another word and walked out onto the porch of the bar. He took a walk around a couple of blocks just to make sure no one was tailing him. Cloud still wasn't sure if all that talk about changing his whole life was a trick to steal the money he had won. After walking for a while, Cloud went back to the eatery and went directly to sleep. During the middle of the night the same dream that has always haunted Cloud came unexpectedly.

At first, Cloud was in his hometown. The stars were out and he felt cold. Crickets chirped from unknown places and fireflies danced in the midnight air. In the middle of the houses was the town's reservoir atop a frail wooden frame. Also at the top of the reservoir where dangling legs. A young girl no older than fifteen years old sat and looked out upon the stars. A secret memory was unlocked and Cloud could recall who the girl was. The young girl was a neighbor of his and they had unsaid feelings for each other. Sometimes, they both snuck out of their houses late to meet at the reservoir and talk about things they couldn't express around the other kids.
Cloud reached the stairs and started to climb. Neither did he look up nor down but directly to the stairs. He sensed that he should have reached the stairs by then. His ears started to pop and the air got cold and damp as if climbing a mountaintop. Cloud lifted his head to see how much further he had to go but when he looked up he couldn't see the top of the ladder. In fact, the ladder stretched into the sky and hid in the clouds. He looked down and he could see where little lights from the houses below. His limbs began to shake a bit and his energy started to wane. There was a sick desire to let go and just fall to his fate but he pushed on. Rung after rung Cloud continued until his energy faded from him piece by piece. He looked up once more and to his astonishment he could see the reservoir's wooden rail. With much excitement and curiosity Cloud moved himself forward without letup until he reached the last few rungs. He could hear the girl walking around on top, the hit of her footfalls on the planks above. Cloud lifted himself two more rungs. The sweat on his brow dripped with every movement he made. The salty sweat irritated his eyes and blinded him at times. He didn't want to wipe it away for fear he would fall to his death. The girl sounded if she were pacing back and forth along the edge of the rail just out of Cloud's sight. Cloud pulled himself another rung; his muscles felt cramped and agonizingly hot. He was almost afraid he would not make he. A delirious question popped in his mind: How long had he been climbing the ladder? Had it been a half hour or a whole hour? Could it have been for two hours? He didn't, couldn't, know. Strenuously, Cloud pulled himself to the edge of the reservoir. There was a woman with long gray hair with her back turned to him…

"No! It's you!" Cloud heaved his chest on the floor of the reservoir.

The gray haired man turned around. He was smiling but not in a friendly way. The man was smiling in fashion you would expect a convict to wear after escaping jail. The golden edges of the gray haired man's clothes shined in the dense light. His gloved hand was closed over the hilt of his saber. The dark cape he wore hung slackly along his shoulders and fell to the floor around his feet.

"I'll kill you this time!" Cloud forced his strength to make himself to climb the rest of the way up. As his right knee climbed onto the baseboards, he could feel the sole of the man's boot shoving him off the ladder and into the nothingness below. The kick wasn't hard but unexpected. There was nothing to grab onto and so Cloud fell backwards into the black sky.

Above, the gray haired man laughed uncontrollably.

"Ahhh… " Cloud screamed as he never had. The frustration of losing yet again to the same man was maddening. The wind swirled in Cloud's ears to the point of being deaf to his own screams. His body twisted and turned as he fell so that he couldn't tell what direction he was being hurled. The lights from the town below where gone. Again, Cloud wondered how long he had been falling. The fear was momentarily lost and Cloud stopped screaming and then he fell on concrete. Deep cracks surrounded his body where he fell but he himself suffered no damage. In fact, his strength was back to normal. The cramps in his muscles from climbing were gone. Even his sword had not fallen out of its sheath.

"What?" Cloud asked nobody in particular. He could see he was standing in a large concrete square and instantaneously he knew where he was. Cloud turned around and saw what he expected. The gray haired man was standing far off, no more than a hundred feet away.

Cloud's blood boiled and he wanted to end the gray haired man's life. "Come here and I'll teach you something about my sword!" The shout was filled with fear and regret. Cloud reached for his throat and pawed it in wonderment. He felt nothing but hatred for the gray haired man but when he spoke it was as if he where scared to depth of his bones.

The man simply stood there taking no notice of Cloud or his threats.

"How dare that man ignore me," Cloud thought. He began to run. Every step he took brought him closer to the arrogant man he hated. The man was now eighty feet away and still he didn't move or make a gesture to acknowledge Cloud's attack. Buster was bouncing up and down Cloud's back and Cloud could feel pride well up in himself for Buster. "This is for you!" Cloud pulled Buster from its sheath and swung above his head as it were a warrior's mace.

The man didn't move forward but actually patted his mouth with the outside of his palm in a mock yawn gesture.

Inside Cloud a new rage exploded for the infidel. He ran faster than before, pushing his legs beyond their limits so that he was almost tripping over himself. Fifty feet separated the two and the distance was closing fast.

The man turned his back.

"Blazes! The man was wholly trusted in himself," thought Cloud. There were thirty feet more. The blood in Cloud's legs screamed for fresh oxygen. Cloud's blond hair slipped into his eyes but the tears of hatred stung even more. Now there was fifteen feet. "Ahhh!" Cloud raised his Sword in the air. There was only eight feet left.

In a flash the man turned around, he was holding his saber with both arms. He extended the tip of the blade and let Cloud's momentum pierce him. Cloud dropped his sword and it swirled in circles on the floor and ended up next to the man's feet. "Ah-ug" Cloud could feel the stab of the sharp cold blade in his chest.

The man pulled the hilt up and he carried Cloud up to the air. "Fear me." The voice was hypnotic and powerful.

Cloud's weight pulled him down on the blade. There was no more anger. There was only dread.

"Fear me, Cloud."

Cloud awoke. The light was not out yet and the room was cold. Cloud had an eerie feeling. He couldn't sleep anymore that day; he only lay in bed waiting for the morning to start. The warm sun seemed to take forever to come out. Most of the time Cloud thought about his dream and its significance. Dreams and omens hadn't been a part of Cloud's belief system but since the dreams started coming doubts crept in. The rest of Cloud's mind was on Barret's mysterious little speech last night. The more Cloud thought about it the more he thought Barret was up to no good. Either way he would meet up with Barret as soon as he ate his breakfast. That is if he could eat breakfast after being told he was going to be included into something that could change his entire life and the life of others.

"What could be that important?" Cloud mumbled to himself. Maybe Barret was thinking of things that were important to him. Maybe he was talking about a big score of money. He wants to rob from the government. Drugs? Maybe he meant a prostitution ring? If he's crazy maybe he means to include me into all these things. I don't think so; when he told me he wanted to include me in something, his voice told me he wanted to include me into something beautiful. What could it be? Cloud thought all these things while lying down but he had answers to none of them.

The few pieces of dusty furniture in the small shack started becoming more visible. Cloud sat up and stretched his arms over his head; he let out a yawn and looked out the dirty pane window. The sky was foggy but at least the sun would be out in while. Cloud stood up and opened the door; cold air flooded the wooden shack. The air stiffened Cloud's muscles and so he started to do some push-ups to warm up. After doing a hundred push-ups, Cloud walked outside to the now refreshing air. The foggy air made Sector Seven look like a dream; only the closest of houses were visible through the thick mist. In about an hour it would soon fade and all of Midgar would warm up. When the mist left, the pollution was very visible.

Sluggishly, Cloud walked down the outside stairs and sat in the empty saloon and rested his boots on an empty chair. He waited there for forty minutes before a cook showed up.

"What are you doing here?" The cook asked.

"Waiting for you." Cloud responded with a smile. He was exited on account of having to wait for whatever Barret had to tell him.

"I'm just preparing the kitchen. I'm not going to start taking orders until a while from now." The cook was wearing a cooker's clothes and hat that looks like a mushroom.

"I'm not that hungry."

The cook lifted his hands in frustration as if to say, what the hell are you doing here then?

Cloud ignored the gesture and lost himself to his thoughts. Time went by agonizingly and by the time the cook was ready to serve food Cloud's stomach turned with the thought of eating anything. He had said no thanks to the cook and left; the cook mumbled something but Cloud didn't hear.

Seventh Heaven was deserted on the outside and most likely on the inside except for maybe a ragging alcoholic. When Cloud stepped through the batwings of the front entrance the flaps wagged closed and opened on squeaky hinges. Inside, the air was cool and moist from the morning's fog. The only lights were from the front entrance and the windows. Cloud didn't know if he should leave or stay. He didn't want to wake Barret and get him angry so that Barret would never tell him what he had first intended. Instead of leaving, Cloud went to the bar and waited on a stool.

"I've been waiting for you," said a deep voice from somewhere behind Cloud.

"What?" Cloud looked in the shadows and in the corners and could make out a large shadow in the corner.

"You took out that sword faster than I could see."

Buster was raised in above Cloud's head ready for action.

"I was trained." Cloud was nervous, not sure what Barret was intending.

"Please, I'm not going to attack you."

Slowly, Cloud put Buster away.

"Better." Barret got up from his place and walked toward the middle of the bar. "Sit down and talk with me Cloud."

Cloud looked behind himself and took a seat at the middle table with Barret.

"We're going to go somewhere today Cloud, on a journey. Have you ever been on a journey before?"

Cloud squinted his eyes in distrust. He shook his head but didn't say anything.

"Well, that's what were going to do today. Meanwhile, I'll tell you what I've been wanting to tell you since last night but now I've got a better idea of how I should go about it." Barret looked into Cloud's eyes and he was happy with what he saw. Cloud was hanging on every word; he knew he had Cloud's full attention.

"So let's begin." Barret got up and walked between the batwings and turned to the right.

Cloud was totally confused. The situation seemed more like a trap forever. Cloud could tell that Barret was confident because Cloud truly wanted to know what Barret had to say. Cloud thought he heard a creak behind him but he turned and saw nothing. He followed Barret outside. At the front of the bar, a man with a knife was walking towards him. Here it comes! Cloud grabbed the handle of his sword but the man kept walking and he had stared at Cloud funny. The man had been carving a piece of wood. Cloud exhaled and looked for Barret who had kept on walking and was nearly half a block away. Where the heck is he going so fast? Cloud ran and caught up. Why doesn't he turn around?

"Oh good, you've decided to come after all. I was afraid you'd leave and then I'd have to look for someone else and that would be very difficult."

Cloud didn't respond.

"You have special skills is why I say that finding someone that would at least come close to those skills would be a very difficult task if not impossible. I never thought I'd see the day when a young and especially smaller man like yourself could take me down." Barret said these things with a smile on his face and then chuckled whole-heartedly. "When did you have your first fight, Cloud?"

Cloud tried to remember, to force the memories forward from the dungeon he had kept them locked for so long. "I was young, I don't remember the age."

"You look it that's for sure. Do you remember what the fight was about?" Barret was looking at Cloud in a still cheerful manner.

"I don't know for sure, I think maybe I was being picked on but I can't remember."

"Yeah, I was the same. Some people are just natural warriors at heart. Just like there's people who make a machine or learn a bunch of different languages. When you're born you're meant to do certain things and no matter where you're born or at what age you're born in you'll accomplish what was meant for you."

A sharp sarcastic thought shot into Cloud's mind, "Then what were these people meant to do?" Cloud was pointing to the ugly houses near them. "Is their special gift to live life like stupid cows?"

Barret looked troubled but he didn't angry at Cloud's outburst. "Don't get me wrong. Some people never develop, spiritually. Some people never consider their gifts worthy of attention."

"What does this have to do with you and I, Barret?"

Barret sighed and seemed to think for a short moment and said, "What I'm trying to say is, you should use your gift to its full potential."

Cloud was thinking about this but before he could fully understand what Barret was trying to say Barret continued.

"Maybe you think that you've already reached your full potential by fighting and beating people like me. I hate to tell you this but you haven't."

Cloud felt like he was stabbed in the heart. His innermost feelings were being picked apart while they seemed to be walking aimlessly through the streets.

Barret was happy to see the wheels turning in Cloud's mind. "That's what I'm here for, Cloud. To show you your potential."

The words were powerful and inspiring. Cloud desperately wanted to know what exactly Barret would reveal to him. Though his curiosity could barely be contained, Cloud forced himself to give Barret the time he obviously wanted to explain things. What if he tells you something you care nothing for? The devilish idea was pitched out of Cloud's mind.

"How can you show me my potential?"

"Like I said, you and I are the same in a way. We're both fighters and we have the gift to fight. What is the sense in fighting?"

Cloud shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, to win?"

"No! You misunderstood. What I mean is, that there is the good fighter and there is the bad fighter. The good fighter fights to serve and protect, sometimes himself but mostly for others. Then there is the bad fighter; he fights only for gain."

Cloud looked down to the floor. He realized that almost unanimously he fought for gain and only for himself.

"If you think about it, take us for example. Last night you and I were fighting. What type of fighters were we then?" Barret was looking at Cloud apparently on the verge of a laugh.

Cloud wrinkled his brow and thought for a second, maybe there was something that he was missing. Cloud shook his head and said, "We were the bad fighter."

Barret let go of the laugh he had held onto and then said, "No. You were the bad fighter but I was the good."

Cloud got exasperated. "What are you talking about? There was no difference between us!"

Barret started walking faster but Cloud was abreast of him. "The was a big difference, Cloud." Barret stared at Cloud while he spoke and something about the dead seriousness in Barret's eyes made Cloud believe him.

Barret started to jog.

"Where are you going, Barret?"

Barret didn't respond but only kept running and little by little Barret ran faster until he was running as fast as he could. He turned into an alleyway where there were five men standing. The men were holding clubs and small pipes in their hands. They were a gang. Cloud screeched to a halt.

Here it comes. Cloud thought. The betrayal.

Barret started to walk up to one of the men and did something but Cloud couldn't tell what it was. The other men looked a little scared and the man that Barret had walked up to was bowing over and falling to the ground.

He punched him!

"Let's get these scum, Cloud!"

The wire ignited. The fuse was lit and Cloud was released. The movements felt slow but really Cloud could tell he fastest fighter he ever knew. All the men were rolling around on the floor before they had even been there for a minute.

"Let's go!" Barret started to run through the other end of the alleyway and exited on a random street. They both jogged another mile and then slowed down to a fast walk.

Cloud looked up to Barret and asked, "What was that about, Barret?"

Barret stared introverted outward for a moment and then said, "I wanted to see if you were interested enough in what I had to say to follow me."

Cloud thought about that for a moment and didn't know what to make of it. "What would you have done if I didn't?"

"I don't know but the important thing is that you followed."

Cloud thought about his previous worries about Barret trying to jump him in the alley. "I thought you were going to back stab me back there."

Barret looked at Cloud and laughed.

Most of the early morning was spent in Barret's philosophies in life. He talked a little more about the good and bad fighter. He kept alluding to his being a good fighter and Cloud having the intrinsic quality of being a good fighter. Their fight in the alley was broken down into a fight against the growing corruptness in Midgar but still a small battle in the war between good and evil. On and on, Barret kept talking about these things until he noticed Cloud's confusion growing instead of depleting. At that point Barret changed their subject to their own personal histories. Barret used to be a miner for five years. He said that life was simple and carefree. He had a wife and daughter but he didn't say their names. As if saying their names hurt him too much. Cloud didn't say much about his own history. Cloud especially stayed away from speaking about his family.

While walking, to where what seemed like any direction, they spoke about things that neither of them had divulged to anyone else. As Barret had said they were the same in a way, Cloud believed that to be ultimately the truth. For some strange reason Cloud didn't want to stop walking. Even if Barret was choosing turns and streets at whim, Cloud wanted to keep hearing Barret speak. Barret was his secret puzzled thoughts together and a clear picture was being made. A softness rested on Cloud's heart as sword-sharpened sword.

"There's still something more that you haven't told me, Barret. It's past noon; when are you getting to it?"

"It?" Barret glanced at Cloud as if he had no idea of what he was talking about.

"You haven't told me this great secret. This hidden block of truth."

Barret smiled. "We're almost there Cloud. Just be a little more patient with me."

"Barret, if you don't tell me what it is you're hiding, I'm going to make last night's fight look like a square dance!"

At that, they both laughed and walked into a neighborhood that was dilapidated even compared to Midgar standards. No children played; houses didn't have glass because their owners had sold it all a very long time ago. Roof tiles crumbled and weren't replaced with new ones. People moped around instead of walking. They wore ragged clothing that was dirty and smelly. A couple of filthy wild dogs roamed the streets for scraps of something to eat. For three blocks in circumference abject poverty was the rule.

"We could have been these people, Cloud." Barret was looking sullenly around. "Where would we be then? Would you still be the fighter you are today?"

Cloud also looked around though it made his eyes hurt. "Why are we here? We can't do anything for these people and even if we could any money we gave them would eventually waste and they would be right back from where they started.

Barret turned to Cloud and said, "You see that's the thing, you haven't given it much thought but I have." Barret turned his head away, "The first problem is poverty itself, where does it come from?"
Cloud thought hard and then said, "A lack of jobs, too many people."

"No." Barret was shacking his head in disagreement.

"What then?" Cloud tried to think again. If the answer wasn't jobs then what was it? Money! "There's not enough money to go around!"

"Sorry, no."

"I give up."

"Alright, I'm not a deeply religious person, Cloud, but there's an old saying that man dominates man to his injury. How does a man dominate another man in an injurious way? I'll tell you, what the bad man does is he stores up all the necessary things in life for himself and he sells them to others at a high price. Tell me, Cloud, what are some things that are necessary in life?"

"Food, clothes, and a home."

"Those are important ones. You said food? Well, Shinra controls food in Midgar, I don't know about anywhere else but in Midgar Shinra runs the show. They control the prices and the distribution. Do you think that we get the best crops?"

"Probably not."

"Think back to your Soldier days. Was the food better, healthier?"

Cloud didn't have to think for long, he longed for the fresh and plump fruit, the thick and well-cooked meats, and the deliciously steamed vegetables. "I know the food was better."

"So you see, Shinra controls food. What about land? Can a man go anyplace and build a home? No, Shinra owns it all. Therefore a man even in birth is in debt to Shinra from the beginning. Do you see how man dominates man, Cloud? It's to man's injury that he is dominated."

Cloud thought for a while. None of these things had ever entered into Cloud's head and a light was growing brighter and brighter as the two walked and talked.

"I think I understand where poverty comes from. It comes from Shinra."

"In this case it does."

The afternoon grew long and so did their journey. Cloud didn't know whether they had a destination or not. Every time he meant to ask, Barret started speaking on further and deeper subjects until Cloud would forget about where they were going. Eventually the light started to grow dim and there remained but a short while until night.

"I hope we make it," said Barret. He was looking into the sky trying to distinguish their remaining time for Cloud's surprise.

"You mean we're actually going somewhere?"

"If we hurry you'll get to see it."

"What?" Cloud was hoping Barret would give a hint.

Barret looked at Cloud as if to say: Nice try, no cigar! "Just run."

"Run?" Cloud asked but Barret had already left him behind.

Barret was five feet ahead of Cloud. "If you don't hurry up we'll miss it, come on."

The two were racing down the streets passing by broken down houses and abandoned buildings of every sort. Further ahead, Cloud could see some type of gargantuan structure that was perpendicular to where he was running.

It's a Great Wall. Thought Cloud.

There were walls that separated the Seven Sectors of Midgar and these walls were called the Great Walls. The walls were reinforced concrete, thirty feet thick and a hundred feet tall. The only breaches to the walls were the trains. This was the wall that Barret and Cloud were approaching.

"We have about two miles or it's all for nothing!" Barret pumped his arms as fast as he could."

Cloud was surprised that a man of Barret's size could run so fast. Still, Cloud was faster and Cloud easily kept up. "What are we running for?"

Barret laughed even under the circumstances and said, "You think that I'm going to tell you now?"

Cloud didn't respond.

A mile eventually passed and then a mile and a half. The two were breathing hard but Barret was having more trouble than Cloud. They were running as fast as their legs would allow. The sun was just beginning to set.

"Come on, Cloud!" A little over a quarter of a mile left and we're there!"

Cloud kept running and so did Barret until they reached the wall and Barret rested his hands on his knees. Cloud stopped near Barret and was intense with emotion for his surprise but he saw nothing in sight. The closes object was the wall, which was a few feet away, and then not far off were shabby houses. "No time to rest, Cloud, let's get going."

"There's nowhere to go!" Cloud thought that he had been spending the day with a mad man and all his dreams about finding his destiny were foolish wishes.

"What do you mean? Start climbing." Barret pointed to a rubber electrical wire that fell from somewhere on top of the Great Wall.

Cloud didn't know where they were headed but he didn't question. He jumped up and caught the wire in his hands and started to ascend.

"Don't wait for me. Just keep climbing."

For fifteen minutes the two climbed until there was nearly no strength left in their bodies. Barret was just less than twenty feet below Cloud.

"Are you going to make it Barret?" Cloud had said and then looked down. The height made Cloud's stomach turn. He wished he hadn't have looked down.

"Don't worry about me! Keep climbing!" Barret was screaming but he sounded tired.

The rest of the way up was excruciating and Cloud had to force every inch up for the last twenty feet. Finally, he laid one hand at the edge and then the other and pulled himself to the top. His eyes were shut and he was breathing like a locomotive careening up a hill. For a second he had forgotten about Barret so he looked over the edge. When he looked over, he could see Barret had stopped fifteen feet from the top.

"Barret, are you ok?" Cloud looked at the sun at it was three-fourths finished. He thought that maybe all Barret had wanted to do was bring him up here to show him the sun setting and speak to him about Midgar's problems and how he could help. Though he had no idea of how he could accomplish that.

"I'm fine! I'll make it!" Barret started to make his way but he would never make the sun set.

Oh well, maybe we could do this tomorrow? Forget that! I should kick him down when he comes up. Brining me all the way up here to see the damn sun set, he must be damn crazy!

The sun was fading and Barret needed eight more feet to the top.

"Come on, Barret, your sun is setting!"

"That's fine." Barret had mumbled. He dragged himself three more feet and then stopped to breath.

Fine? Cloud thought.

The sun set completely and the light left darkness behind.

Barret climbed a bit more and Cloud helped pull him the rest of the way up. Barret was coughing and his chest was heaving.

Cloud just looked at him. He didn't care. He thought: What knowledge could this man give me that would change my life? Nothing, that's what!

Barret laughed and Cloud was caught off guard.

"What the hell is so funny, Barret?"

Barret rested himself on his elbow and said, "I know what you're thinking. You're thinking: "I should throw this no good son of gun off this damn cement wall!"

"You're right but why is that funny?" Cloud was looking angrily.

"It's funny because your whole attitude is about to change. It's getting darker now and so I can begin."

"Begin with what?"

Barret sat up with his legs crossed over each other. "Have you ever heard of Avalanche?"

Cloud's eyebrows furrowed deeply. "Yes, a few times."

"What have you heard?"

"That Avalanche is a terrorist group. You're in it?" Cloud looked around him as if he'd see a Shinra shoulder hiding behind him ready to arrest him.

"I'm the head."

Cloud was speechless. He had spent the whole day with the leader of the terrorist group Avalanche.

"I need something from you. In return, I'll give you something that no one else can."

The destiny stirred again. It was ripping through Cloud's heart and setting it on fire. The night had come and the air-cooled down in a very short time.

"Turn to the middle of Midgar, Cloud, and face your wonderful future." Barret was pointing to the center of the seven sectors but there was only a black splotch. The night was to dim to see anything of any significance.

"I want to recruit you, Cloud. In this day and age money isn't spent on arms. Not even most Shinra soldiers carry artillery. Hand to hand combat and swords are what today's soldier use. Shinra finds their wealth in even their own soldier's death. Why spend money arming a soldier when there are ten more ready to take his place who won't ask for a weapon?"

There was a silence between the two and then Barret continued, "I need your expertise." They continued to look into the emptiness of Midgar. "I need your fighting skill. Remember when we first started talking today? I was speaking about how we are the same and how some people have special gifts? I was born to fight and to raise an army. I'm the "good fighter", I fight for the good and being a good fighter I can only fight evil."

Barret turned to Cloud but Cloud was mesmerized by the blackness.

"I can see that you're the same as me, Cloud. You're the good fighter. Your payment, your true payment, besides lots of gil, is that I give you the true fight. The fight that dreams are made of."

The haunting voice of Cloud's dream came to him, "Fear me."

Barret's voice drowned out Cloud's nightmare, "Gaze upon your enemy, Cloud."

As if by will, a small light appeared in the middle of Midgar. Then another light blinked to life, a Pandora's box was open and a wave of lights started to illuminate the dark blotch in the middle of Midgar. From all Seven Sectors lights appeared but none as bright as the Shinra stronghold in the middle of Midgar.

There was no speech between the two. Cloud was given a proposition to be included into something important. He was unsure of how he should feel just at that moment. What was he compared to the awesome government building flashing before his eyes? Suddenly, he felt very small and then he noticed the small lights from the sectors below. All those weak lights were coming from people who were hungry and poor. The Shinra government was neither hungry nor poor.

There is my enemy. I have found my enemy and therefore I have found myself.

The night was cold but no longer dark. Things had gone exactly how Barret had schemed and he was happy about that. Now all that was left was for Cloud to accept.

For a long time Barret waited for Cloud's response and he wondered whether Cloud would truly throw him over the edge wall or not but then Cloud decided to speak.

He looked to Barret and uttered the words that would forever change his life, "I'll join."

So then it began.

Chapter 2: Mako Reactor One

Cloud was now in Avalanche and he would never forget how he became a member. Barret had gone to great lengths figuratively and literally in order to motivate Cloud to join his team.

The two Avalanche members stayed on that wall until morning and then afterward climbed down and made their way back to the Seventh Heaven Bar. On their way back, Barret informed Cloud on some of his new team members, Tifa Lockheart, Aeris Lockheart and, Vincent Valentine.

"These are the main members," said Barret. He was looking at Cloud, who was trying to remember everything the first time. "Each of the main members knows other people that we don't know and that's because if any of us ever get caught the whole movement doesn't get dragged down with them. Sound good?"

Cloud shook his head and then asked, "Then, Am I on your secret list?" Barret laughed a hearty laugh and Cloud looked up at him in puzzlement. "What?"

"Nothing. I thought you would become a main member is all."

Cloud was shocked. "How… Why would you make me a main member? I barely got involved and now you want to make me a main member?"

Barret let out some more laughter then said, "No, No, It's not like that at all. Don't think becoming a main player is easy. First, you have to prove your worth, which I think you've already done."

"I have?"

For the first time that morning, Barret looked frustrated. "I can see through you, Cloud. We're the same, basically. I know what you're all about within the time that I've known you. Let's just leave it at that."

Cloud wanted to press Barret further but he guessed Barret would refuse so he let his imagination about the future lead him away to fanciful thoughts of chivalry and war. The ecstasy that he felt for his knew life style was beyond what he could have every hoped for. His knew life forebode exotic adventures and accomplishments that would outlive his being.

Barret didn't seem to be in a contemplative mood. He continued to walk at a quick and steady pace back to the bar where he would introduce Cloud to the rest of the main group.

The walk was more difficult getting back; the road they used was at a tilt against their advantage. Along the way, they ran across beggars and homely looking children, abandoned houses and abandoned dreams. Barret appeared to be greatly moved by what he saw which was strange in Cloud's eyes for he knew that they both had been seeing these things all their lives but Barret looked at everyone and everything as if it were the first time.

"We only have a bit further," said Barret.

"Good, I'm getting tired and it's getting dark." Cloud's shoulders slumped to his sides. He noticed that Barret was also leaning over from being tired.

"Hey Barret, the girls at the bar are the Tifa and Aeris that you mentioned to me right?"

"Barret looked at Cloud with a half smile on his face and said, "Yeah, why?"

Cloud frowned back at him and said, "No reason, I just wanted to ask about the one you called Vincent."

Barret looked up to the sky and wrinkled his lips and stroked his chin with his big fingers. "Vincent is probably the best at keeping secrets."

"Secrets?" Cloud was intrigued.

"Yeah, we don't really know how to get into contact with him."

"You don't know how to get into contact with him!"

Barret looked a little embarrassed at Cloud. "Well, I met Vincent similarly to the way I met you."

"Through the fights you mean?"

"Exactly, he was a good enough fighter and he scraped about Shinra so little by little I would have longer and more intense conversations with him until he figured I was Shinra. At first, I was a little scared that he knew but that fear was smashed when he asked to become a member."

"How long has he been in?"

"Oh, Vincent has been in for about a year almost. I don't keep that information around. Think of what would happen if Shinra got their hands on anything like that!"

Cloud shook his head. "So you really don't know how to get into contact with him?"

"Well, he's not as bad as that. He comes around once a week for the fights and scores a little money. Those are the times when I fill him in on anything and visa versa."

"Is he a good fighter?" Cloud was truly interested.

Barret looked at Cloud. "He's good but not great. One thing though, he carries a double-edged sword."

Cloud shook his head speculatively.

"Maybe you two could spare with one another some time. See who's better, but my money's on you my man."

Cloud laughed and the two kept walking until they reached the bar. When they got there, the place looked abandoned. There weren't any patrons at the entrance or to the side. The lights were off and everything was quiet.

"Where is everyone, Barret?"

"Don't worry, everything is ok. I told Tifa to lock up tonight on account of yourself."

"Why?" Cloud was trying to see Barret's face in the heavy gloom. The bar smelled lightly of ale and Cloud felt like having a drink. He wished Tifa was standing behind the bar taking orders but there was no one in sight.

"This way," Barret whispered to Cloud in a hushed voice.

Cloud tiptoed after Barret. Barret stopped at a pinball machine and looked to be playing it but Cloud figured since he couldn't see neither could Barret.

"Stand right here," Barret whispered.

Cloud stood at the spot and Barret kept fiddling with the game until he felt a sudden but slight quake underneath his feet. He was about to walk off the spot before he realized he was being lowered down. The piece of floor they were standing on was lowering. The pinball machine was going down with them. The descending floor was barely large enough for the two and the machine but they made the short trip down to a secret room. Once they reached the bottom, Cloud could no longer see at all. He waved his hands in front of his face but he didn't see them. He really hated to be in such situations but at least he trusted Barret.

"Just wait; I'm finding the switch." After a moment, Barret pulled a chain that hung from the ceiling and a weak light turned on.

Cloud's eyes adjusted to the light and he could see they were in a very small cellar. Along the walls were expensive looking champagne bottles and different supplies of canned food and bottled water. There were a few weapons lying around, most of them looked antique and unusable.

"What are we doing down here, Barret?"

Barret didn't answer he only motioned for Cloud to be quiet. He walked into one an unoccupied corner and seemed to disappear behind the wall. Cloud shook his head and then went to investigate. In the corner, where Barret had seemed to vanish was a very heavy shroud that meshed with the wall around it. Cloud pushed through the shroud and slipped into a dark passage where Barret was waiting. There was a light shortly beyond, maybe fifteen feet down the passage. Cloud could see Barret's silhouette in the dark in the same quieting motion as he had been since they were close to the pinball machine.

Barret crept down the hall and stopped just before it opened up into the room further in. He turned his head slightly, trying to listen to some talk being spoken in the room. Cloud was behind Barret; he didn't know what was going on in the slightest. He didn't know whether he should have his weapon drawn or not. For safety's sake he pulled Buster out. Cloud was so quiet that Barret didn't hear it. Before Cloud fully understood what was going on, Barret jumped out of the hall and Cloud was right behind him.

"This is Shinra! You're all under arrest!"

Tifa and Aeris were sitting on the floor on giant cushions and there was another gentleman there who Cloud didn't know.

Cloud's sword seemed to drown out Barret's presence and everyone was looking on in horror at Cloud's sword. Barret was laughing historically and Vincent was looking from Barret to Cloud back and forth not fully realizing Barret was playing around. After calming down a bit, Barret looked back at Cloud and saw the sword sticking up in the air and he realized they had been scared by the sword and not by his shout of Shinra.

"Put that down Cloud! I was just playing."

Cloud turned angry and put his sword away. "I thought the Shinra had set up a trap for you or something!"

"Yeah, Barret, what were you thinking?" Tifa screamed angrily.

"You almost gave us a heart attack!" Said Aeris.

"Really, Barret, how childish of you."

Barret started turning red even though his complexion was dark. "Well… I was just… you know… having some fun. Come on! When was the last time I played a joke on all of you?"

"Instead of apologizing, invite your new friend, Barret." Vincent spoke in a strange dialect; maybe it was Russian, Cloud couldn't tell.
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