I do not own any of the characters from any of the FFVII games, movie, etc. Though I do love them all. =3=

Chapter 1. Birthday Present

Yazoo fanned himself as the sun rained down heat in waves. He watched through the gauze curtains of the litter as the building they were headed to draw closer.

He could see someone standing outside; they had been informed ahead of time he was coming. He sized the man up. Short black hair, muscled so this was the Trader he had heard so much about, Angeal.

The litter pulled up in front of the building and lowered to let him out. Stepping down to the cobbled street, felt the heat even through the thick soles of his sandals. Ignoring it he walked forward.

"You are Trader Angeal I presume?" The man nodded, bowing low at the waist.

"I am he, High Consular. Please come in from the heat where you can look them over at your leisure." He bowed again as Yazoo walked by into the cool air of the shadowed building.

He sighed as the heat disappeared and shivered as his sweat cooled. "So where are they?" He asked turning to Angeal.

"If you will follow me, I will take you to them." He walked down a well-lit hall. It had small wholes in the ceiling to let in light, but kept the heat of the noon sun at bay.

Angeal stopped in front of a door. "This the one. They are inside here. What is it you are looking for, if I may inquire?" He turned to Yazoo and waited with his hand on the door handle.

"Just an all purpose slave that can be put to work any where with the right training. It is a gift for my younger brother Kadaj. He has just recently lost one of his slaves and procrastinates in getting a new one."

"Hm… I think I know just the one for you. I just got him in a few weeks ago. He's fairly smart, strong, and minds his tongue, though I have yet to learn his name. He won't speak to anyone."

He opened the door and walked into the dim room. "This way." Yazoo followed looking around at the humans lining the walls next to their beds. "He's down at the end here." Angeal stopped in front one of the beds.

Catching up to him, he turned to examine the one he had spoken of. He was surprised at what he saw. He stood at about 5"7' or 5"8'. He had fair skin unusually pale in this desert land. But what surprised him the most was the color of his hair. It blazed bright red. Seeming to glow in the dim lighting. He had twin markings, scars or a tattoo maybe, under bright green eyes.

He smiled slightly. The boy was perfect for Kadaj. His brother always did like exotic things. "Where is he from?" Yazoo asked, turning to the trader.

"From what I learned from his previous owner, he was bought at an auction in the distant north. Apparently his fist owner was killed or something and all his belongings were being sold."

"Hmm…what is your name boy?" He gazed at the blank face that looked back at him, but he didn't say anything. "Your name, or are you stupid as well as mute?" He saw anger flash in his bright green eyes, but he still didn't say anything. Yazoo stood, "I guess both than." He turned back to the trainer.

"Reno." The voice sounded rusty from disuse.

Yazoo turned back to him. "Ah, Reno, I nice name, though your still going to have to prove to me that you aren't stupid." He turned back to the trader. "How much for him?" The walked down the room to the back where he had a side room in which he did business.

Coming back out, Trader Angeal was holding a piece of paper in his hand. "Take that to my banker and he shall pay you in full form my account." He stopped in front of Reno's bed. "You, get your things together and follow me." He stood there as Reno bent down to grab a few things from under the bed.

"Trader Angeal?" He asked in a soft voice. His hand gripped the bill of sale in a death grip.

"Yes High Consular?"

"What is that?" He pointed at Reno's turned back which had stiffened at the tone in his voice. His back was covered in burses and lash marks.

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything about it earlier. The trader that had him before me, he believes in whip curing all disobedience. He must have taken his silence as mocking him. It was one of the reasons I bought him off the Trader."

'Hmm…looks like I need to make another stop.' he thought to himself. "A man who beats and whips his wares is going to have a hard time selling them here." He turned and saw Reno was standing again.

"Come, we are leaving." He swept out of the room, Reno walking fast to keep up with him.

Getting into the litter he motioned for Reno to get in after him. He just stared at him. "Oh, get in already, it won't break. Unless you want to walk in this heat?" He shook his head and climbed in clumsily. He sat hunched in on himself as they started on their way.

Bending down Yazoo told the lead bearer, "Temple of Healing" Than sat back up.

By the time they reached the temple, the sun was headed towards the western horizon. Stopping in front, the litter was lowered and he stepped out and waited for Reno to climb out. He smiled as he watched him feel around with his foot before he climbed out. Turning to the litter bearers, he said, "Go wait in the servants area until we call for you. Come." He said to Reno and walked towards the front of the temple.

They walked under arches and waving palms as the followed the path. Seeing the entrance and its guardians, he slowed to a stop in front of them. "Ah, Cloud, Zack, it is good to see you two again."

"High Consular." Zack said softly, Cloud just nodded. "What brings you here?"

"I bring someone in need of healing of course, well that and to talk with Aeris of course." He nodded and looked at Reno. "Turn and show them."

Reno turned, sun light hitting his back, revealing the marks in it bright light. Zack gave a low hiss of sympathy and anger. He turned. "Go in. I'll call Aeris, Tifa and Yuffie to attend to you." They walked through the temple door.

They stood silently in the temples main hall as incense smoke wafted around them. He heard running feet and turned as someone entered the room. She had short black hair and dark eyes. She bowed low to him in welcome. "Ah High Consular, it is an honor for you to visit us."

"I enjoy my visits here too. Come Yuffie, stand." She rose from her bow. She was wearing a plain white robe tied with a white sash. "I see you are still an apprentice."

"Yes, but I go to take my tests next month to become a full priestess." she smiled at the happy news. "Please come this way. Tifa and Aeris said the would meet you in the healing room."

They followed her down a hallway that connected with the main hall. Yazoo had never been down this hallway before when ever he came to visit the High Priestess. He was always taken to her sitting room when he came here.

"Right through here." She stood in front of an opened door with bright light shinning through it.

I finally finished chapter 1. It's taken me forever because I kept getting in a rut whenever I tried to write more. Ch.2 will be up…when I can get around to typing it up. It may take some time to type it, since I'm currently working on other things. Please be patient with my slowness and just enjoy the story. Please comment on it and if you have any constructive criticism for me, than please say what ever needs to be said. I don't mind, just nothing negative or I'll ignore you.

Reno: Why am I the slave, huh? And why am I a gift to him? [Points at Kadaj.]

Kadaj: Because I'm special and my brothers know what I'll like the most. [Grins evilly]

Reno: [glares at Yazoo] This is your fault you know that right?

Yazoo: Of course I know that, but I think this is going to be fun to watch. [Walks off with his brothers.]

Reno: Great! [Stalks off to go complain to Tseng and Rude.]