Greetings.

It has been a long while since I've ever posted a story. Though I can't say I've ever done anything but leave a story unfinished... Regardless, I bring a story, one that may hopefully last till the end.

Unlike my previous stories, this disclaimer is only going to appear once, and so, here it is.

Disclaimer: I do not, and will not ever own Final Fantasy VII -REMAKE-.

Now... Let us begin.

{Prologue}
[Midgard - Reactor 01]

Day 001...

The Boss said that writing can help relieve stress... I guess it's worth wasting some Gil on paper and ink.

Don't know how long it's been since I've arrived in this wretched place, nor do I find myself caring. Ever since I've come here, I've been treated like dirt to those of a higher station and had my existence ignored by those deemed my equals. Guess its fortunate of me that the so-called equals, cared even less of what the others thought, seeing as pretty much all of us are just vagrants, suffering as we attempted to scrounge ourselves a place to exist.

This place is riddled with those who'd prey on the weak, and force those who can defend themselves to bow to their whims through underhanded means. Of course, I can't say I'm either of these, especially the first, considering who I am... Whoever reads this is probably wondering what I'm talking about... Hehe, guess there's no harm in telling. I'm what one may call an alien, a foreigner to this world. I didn't come to this world by choice, nor by rebirth. I was transported here due to a freak accident in my old world. Besides a flash of blue, that's all I can say about what happened.

I was disoriented when I came to and immediately mugged the minute after, leaving me in nothing more than freshly torn rags... Yeah, it's probably best I don't continue... Anyways, I've managed to make a small living for myself as a mercenary, hiring myself off for both construction and bodyguarding duties, spending what few Gil I earned, the currency of this world, to acquire actual equipment. Eventually, I guess I made a reputation for myself 'cause I found myself being hired by a guy named Barret for some sort of hit-&-run mission. Something 'bout Shinra and Mako.

I could question this, but I'm getting paid to not ask questions... Yeah, may as well end it off here.

. . .

I looked up from where I sat as the train began to slow down. Placing the pen in the middle, I closed my journal, and put it into my back pocket, as I readied myself.

I managed to grab myself some new gear after the events of my old job, reckon its better than the old leather I found. The shopkeeper says its outdated SHINRA armor, back during the Wutai War or something. I didn't really care, and I think the shopkeeper didn't either. Anyways, I bought the gear and even got its colors changed for free, with myself opting for a dull-black coloring... It helps me blend in with the surroundings at night really easily, and it doesn't make me stick out in the dark.

The armor itself is pretty nice, though the plating protects only the arms, legs, the upper torso and the back of my neck. Surprising that it's a one-piece suit, though not as surprising as its helmet which had a single circular visor. Supposed to have night-vision installed into it, though I wouldn't know since I've only worn this thing for about twenty minutes... I should stop rambling, but I'm almost finished explaining the rest of my equipment.

Used to have a sweet rifle that could fire a total of thirty-four bullets, but I lost that after an encounter with one of my previous bosses' rivals in another sector of the city. Now, all I've got now is a pistol that can fire eight rounds, and a combat knife I stole from a would-be-thief... Alright, now I'm done. And just in time for the train to stop completely. Getting to my feet, I moved to get off the train, following after one of the members of the Boss; Barret's group, a large man named Wedge. Before I exited the train completely, though, I glanced back to my weapons, which laid strapped to my waist.

{Name} Worn Pistol
[Grade] E - Common
[Type] Firearm - Small
[Capacity] (8/8)
[Materia] (0/1)
[Special] None

{Name} Sharpened Combat Knife
[Grade] D - Uncommon
[Type] Dagger
[Materia] (0/1)
[Special] None

Nodding to myself, I jumped off the train. Landing onto the ground, just behind Wedge, I found myself accidentally landing on an unconscious SHINRA soldier's head. Fortunately, the soldier was still unconscious, so I didn't accidentally almost botch the mission. That said, I found myself admiring the soldiers' gun. Grabbing it, my admiration grew.

{Name} SHINRA HK MP5
[Grade] D - Uncommon
[Type] Firearm - Medium
[Capacity] (36/36)
[Materia] (0/2)
[Special]
- (Third Times The Charm) Every third shot has a 30% chance of dealing 2x damage.

Smiling, I took the weapon for myself. Hearing the others move, I watched as the other members of Barret's group, Biggs and Jessie and Wedge run towards the gate which led to the Mako Reactor. To be frank, I don't know why we're here, nor do I care. Crouching down, I began searching the unconscious soldier's body, relieving him of his ammunition, Gil, and a walkie. Getting back to my feet, I began to move to the trio, only to pause when I heard the boss speak.

"Get down here, Merc." The man said, his raspy voice clear. I was given a strange sight of a man with spiky blonde hair and dressed in indigo clothing with a pauldron on his left shoulder flip from the top of the train, and onto the platform, a large buster sword held in his right hand. Geez, how strong is this guy? shaking my head, I turned and made my way over to the others. As I made to turn to the left, a pair of SHINRA soldiers made their appearance.

"What the-?" One soldier wondered with shock, just as I swung the butt of my newly acquired gun, hitting his friends' jaw with an audible crunch, and pulling him towards me. Unsheathing out my knife, I shanked the injured soldier in the jugular, pushing the man away as blood spilled from his wound. Noticing the approach of both the boss and the other mercenary, I released my hold on the knife as I grabbed the sides of the remaining soldiers' head, who had just managed to pull up his gun. Without pause, I twisted it quickly, snapping his neck. I then pushed the body against the wall. Fortunately, the soldiers were both away from the entrance, where I had noticed an additional pair of guards, their attention fortunately opposite our direction.

Picking my knife from the bled out soldier, I wordlessly nodded when the boss patted my shoulder as he passed. The other mercenary ignored my presence as he walked by as well, not that I cared. I heard shouting a few seconds later and a battle being made, but ignored it since I highly doubt two soldiers can defeat five armed intruders and come out victorious. I stripped the bodies of their ammunition and Gil, as well as grabbing a potion I found on one of them and stashed it away. I then moved to join the others.

The others have gone on ahead, but the mercenary remained as he fought the two soldiers. I thought of helping, only to glance at the oversized sword and rethink. Rushing past the three, I nodded at the mercenary as I vaulted over the turnstile in the way, but not before aiming and firing a bullet at one of the soldiers, hitting him in the arm, and forcing him to drop his gun. I then turned and continued my way to the others, who were hiding near the stairs, behind a pillar. Standing behind Jessie, I stayed silent as some movement was heard, a pair of soldiers rushing down the stairs.

"Drop the weapon!" One soldier commanded as he and his friend charged at the mercenary, who'd just finished off the other two soldiers. Once they passed, the four of us ascended the stairs. Biggs and Wedge encouraged the mercenary, but I didn't care enough to listen. When we reached the top of the stairs, there was a chest nearby, with glowing yellow lights. Unfortunately, as we passed, it looked like only those affiliated with SHINRA could actually open it, so we passed it by. Exiting the train platform, we all came to a stop near a terminal, the door it was linked to sealed shut.

Hearing movement, I aimed my gun at the exit, only to pull it down when it was revealed to be the mercenary... You know what, I'm gonna give him a nickname, to you know, remember him properly... But what to pick?

"So what's the deal with SOLDIER boy? Is he one of us now?" The woman, Jessie asked. She then looked up. "He's got balls, this, uh..." She then looked around.

"What was his name again?" She asked. I shrugged, having been hired after the mercenary himself.

"Cloud, Cloud Strife." The tall man, Biggs supplied. Huh, so it's Cloud... well, there goes the potential nickname. "And he isn't a SOLDIER anymore. Still, he's a professional-unlike the rest of us." He continued. "I'm glad to have him." He added after a moment.

So he's a former military guy? Huh, wouldn't have guessed considering his clothing. Then again, what do I know about the military, I was a regular civilian some time ago, a general repairman as a matter of fact... even if the legitimacy of my job couldn't be considered- Anyways!

"This is an onetime gig. Once it's done, we're done." Cloud stated, making Wedge, who had given him a thumbs up to frown, lowering his thumb, and back to resting his hand on his gun. I ignored all this, instead, I stood opposite of Biggs and Jessie as they rewired the terminal, looking around, ensuring no soldier would get the drop on us. The pair opposite of me was making small talk, but not loud enough for me to hear, nor care, at least at first.

"So, what's your deal? What brought you along?" Biggs asked, glancing up at me. I blinked behind the helmet, before nodding. He stared for a bit longer before looking back at the terminal.

"Silent-type eh? Well, to each their own. Barret wouldn't have hired you if you weren't competent, that's for sure." He continued before continuing his work. I wordlessly nodded again.

I actually have a good reason for not talking. Back when I first got to this city, and I was getting mugged, the mugger had a knife and when I initially refused to give him my stuff, he swung at me, slicing my neck. If it wasn't for the help of a nearby doctor, I wouldn't be alive. And so, now I'm mute, and a debt of eight-hundred Gil I still need to pay back, because, my god, that doctor is stingy! Even though I was dying, the man had me sign a debt of twenty-thousand Gil just to save me... Oh well, I'm almost finished paying it back, so I guess it's not so bad...ish.

I continued looking around as Barret made his way over to the three of us. Cloud and Wedge had gone towards the railing and were talking about something. It's unfortunate that this helmet blocks out noise, otherwise everything would be loud and clear. My attention was suddenly drawn to the doors as a click was heard. As the doors opened, Biggs and Jessie moved in, pistols in hand.

"Wedge, mercenary." The boss said. I nodded and headed inside, with the former following after. Running down the walkway, we rushed through the shadows, stopping at the sides of an opened door, where a soldier stood, stationed inside. A few seconds passed as my heart calmed down, just as Barret stopped next to me. He was staring at Cloud, who calmly descended towards us. As he did, the soldier inside called out.

"Get him, boy!" The soldier cried out as he exited the building, a guard dog rushing out. With his attention drawn to the former SOLDIER, the rest of us discreetly entered the building. To the right of us was an elevator lift, and to the left, was a pair of green orbs the size of a golf ball. As the others made their way to the lift, I moved and grabbed the orb, examining it as I did. Up close, a small ball of fire was burning within.

{Name} Fire
[Type] Materia - Magic
[Growth] (1/4)
[EXP] (0/30)
[Special]
- (Fire) Deals a small amount of fire damage.

...Materia huh? I've seen these on Wall Market in Sector Six. Cost a pretty sum of Gil just for one of these things. Pocketing the orbs, I turned and ran towards the lift.

"Find something interesting?" Wedge asked, curious. I nodded, pulling out one of the materia. Eyes widening, the larger man grinned, chuckling as I put it away... Actually, since I have these...

{Name} Worn Pistol
[Grade] E - Common
[Type] Firearm - Small
[Capacity] (8/8)
[Materia] (1/1)
[Special]
- (Fire Shot) Deals a small amount of fire damage.

{Name} Sharpened Combat Knife
[Grade] D - Uncommon
[Type] Dagger
[Materia] (1/1)
[Special]
- (Fire Slash) Inflicts a small amount of fire damage.

Ah, much better. It would have been better to add them to the larger gun, instead of the smaller gun, but I was more skilled with the latter, hence why I did so. When we reached the top, we immediately went down a flight of stairs, where a locked wire mesh gate laid. As Biggs and Jessie got to work on unlocking it, Wedge and I stood on guard, only the sound of metal being sliced, and the distant noise of Cloud destroying everything in his path being heard. A minute passed before the noise of the elevator lift was heard. Seconds later, the other mercenary joined us.

Of course, while the former SOLDIER was making his way down to us, the gate was opened, a hole made for all of us to get through. Sliding under the gate, I stood by with Biggs as the others got through. When Cloud went to do the same, Biggs shook his head.

"Not so fast. We got company." He said, holding up his pistol while tilting his head. Behind the mercenary was a pair of SHINRA soldiers, and a guard dog. As Biggs ran off, I gave a nod to the other mercenary before getting to a knee, poking the barrel of my gun through the mesh. Taking a moment to aim, I began shooting at one of the soldiers as the other two engaged Cloud. Despite the lack of cover the gate had for me, somehow, not a single hit me. The soldier probably sucks with a gun... Eh, not my problem. Aiming upwards slightly, my next five bullets struck and pierced the mans' neck, knocking him to the ground. With a few bullets left in this gun, I swivved the gun to the right, where the guard dog was about to pounce on Cloud's back, who was pushing the other soldier back. With a single press, four bullets found themselves embedded into the beasts' side, downing and probably killing it.

You know, despite being called a guard dog, it looks more of a cross between a dog, rat, and a bat. Not sure why it's considered as just a dog... Meh, whatever. Ejecting the magazine in the gun, I pulled out another from my bag and slapped it in. Once I finished reloading the gun, I grabbed the leftover bullets from the previous magazine and put them away. Getting to my feet, I turned and ran off, as Cloud ran and slid under the hole. Turning a corner, and another, and followed by a third, I soon came across a pair of soldiers, with the others hidden away in the shadows... Guess its time to earn my pay.

Raising my gun, I unloaded my entire magazine as I charged towards the pair. Shouting in surprise, the two raised their own guns to fire, only too well, not as Cloud made his entrance, jumping over me, and slashing his sword downwards, quite vividly vertically bisecting the unfortunate soldier. The other soldier cried with shock and fear, staring at the massive sword that just killed his friend, only to be silenced as my bullets slammed into him. Hm, guess it says something when the death of my enemies no longer fills me with shock or shame.

Reloading my gun, I spent a bit of time pilfering the bodies of their valuables, before running to catch up with Cloud who was already halfway ahead. When I made it to the man, he was pulling down a lever, which... opens the giant door? Damn, that's a big door. Opening up, it revealed a series of walkways and the rest of the group.

"See you later!" Wedge called out as he separated from the others. Running towards them, Jessie noticed us.

"C'mon you guys!" She called out as they raced away. As we followed, I looked up, reading the big bold white letters;

{Reactor 01}

Oof...

()()()()()()()()()()()()

So, here's the first chapter of this brand new story.

Unlike the previous version of this story, the MC has a reason for his silence. He's been permanently muted by a mugger. So, while he cannot verbally communicate, he'll still have other ways of doing so.

In addition to this, the MC has been in Midgar longer than the previous main character has and thus is privy to information that natives of the world would normally know. He also possesses some combat experience which will come in handy.

Finally, in the previous iteration of the story, the MC had access to a Gamer-like system, one that I was unsatisfied with. The system itself has been overall removed, with only a few parts remaining, one being his ability to observe objects... and that's just about all he has.

Now, before I stop typing, if you wish to know the name of the MC, well, he doesn't. At least, not yet at least. The original MC's name was Sven, but after a mistype, I was going to have him called Sev. I'll probably have his name as the latter, though.

Another thing, why didn't the MC help Cloud in most of the fights... Well, Cloud has a bastard sword and is an expert with using it. The MC has a gun and a knife. Would he really be much of a help, especially since most of the fights had little to no cover... except the fight near the stairs, I guess he could have helped there.