Hey everyone! I had this story rolling around in my head and I wanted to share it. I've never done a completely alternate universe fanfic before so bare with me. This idea came to me and I couldn't hold it. No, I have not abandoned Her Birth and I fully intend to jump right back into very soon and have an update for that story very soon. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know and I will answer them. Please read and review and tell me what you think. Alright now that's out of the way let's rock!

Disclaimers: I do not own any of the Final Fantasy 7 characters, just borrowing them. I promise to give them back, soon. Lol!

Straddling Perception

Chapter 1

A beautiful woman laid in her bed in a restless slumber. Her dark brown hair spilled over the pillow as she tossed and turned within the sheets. She groaned sitting up in the bed rubbing her tired eyes. Looking to the window where the moon poured into the lavish bedroom, she noticed that the window was opened. She frowned, walking over to the window closing it and locking it.

"I don't remember leaving that window open." She said to herself as she looked at the window. She shrugged climbing back into the covers but a sensation of another person watching her fell over her. Her bright brown eyes scanned the room pulling the covers and knees to her chest. She gazed about the room. She frowned again narrowing her eyes to a corner in the room. Tilting her head, she stared into the darkness. The only source of light spilled in through the window of her room. "What the hell?" She murmured. Suddenly the figure sprang from the corner lunging at her. She screamed out jumping out of the bed. She snatched the lamp from the night stand slamming it against the figure's head. Glass shattered all over the floor and bed. A groan eased from the figure and she used the opportunity to flee from the room. Scared brown eyes darted about the dark apartment looking for an escape. She ran through the long hallway approaching the stairs. She looked over her shoulder noticing the figure had shaken the haze from their skull and was attempting to give a chase. She quickly descended the stairs taking them two at a time coming into her den area. She stuck to the shadows crouching down, hiding underneath a table as the large figure passed by her. She held her breath her hand over her mouth. Her heart pounded within her chest tears streaming down her face. She peeked from underneath the table cloth easing her way from under it. She made her way as quietly as she could to the front door. She looked over her shoulder and all around as she stepped out into the hallway. As she approached the door, she noticed that the ground was covered with a mat of metal spikes poking straight up at her blocking her escape. She held her mouth choking back a sob as she began to cry. She began backing up and bumped into the chest of the large figure. She looked into the face of the figure finding a blank mask peering down at her. She screamed as the figure slammed her head into the wall beside her. The figure then threw her to the mat of spikes. She wailed in pain as every move she made pushed the metal spikes further into her body.

"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? She screamed at him as she tried to crawl away. He kneeled over her removing a dagger from his back pocket. The figure tossed her onto her back the eye holes of the mask bore into her stilling her very soul. She shook her head no as she pushed him off in vain. The metal of the dagger caught the light and she looked at the weapon and again she shook her head. "PLEASE! DON'T?" The figure rammed the dagger straight through her heart the tip touching the mat of spikes beneath her. Her eyes were wide as she gurgled and squirmed underneath him. She tried to cover her wound but the figure pulled her hands away allowing the blood to seep around the dagger. "Why?" she asked as her brown eyes pleading with him before they rolled to the back of her head never to open again. Her blood spilled from her lifeless body coating the floor in red. He took his gloved hand dipping it in the blood drawing a heart on the floor beside her head then placed a key beside the bloody heart. He admired his work for a moment before leaving out of the apartment the way he came.

Nanaki and Shalua walked up to crowd in the hallway of the upscale apartment complex. His golden eyes swayed over the police officers doing their different task before looking at his partner. Shalua's face was blank as he watched her taking in the sight as well. A police officer walked up to them with a pensive look on his age worn face. He offered his hand to them shaking each one of theirs in turn.

"Detective Reddo, Detective Rui there is quite a mess for you tonight."

"What were you able to discern?" Shalua asked as she walked around him entering into the penthouse apartment. She pulled on a pair of latex gloves touching the cold body of the victim. Shalua tilted the victim on her side frowning. Nanaki noticed puncture wounds on her back and the heart with a key lying in the center of it.

"Well," The officer began as he locked eyes with Nanaki. "She's a 22 year old Midgar up and coming superstar. Poor girl. There are no signs of forced entry at least not through the front door. My guess is that she invited him in. There was an attack upstairs in her bedroom. There's shattered glass on the bed and floor."

"Take me to it." Nanaki answered calmly. The officer nodded as he led him up the stairs of the large apartment. They entered the room finding it in disarray. Nanaki's gold eyes flowed over the room finding some officers chatting in the corner. "Excuse me gentlemen but I need this area clear for a few minutes." They nodded in his direction as the filed out of the room. Nanaki inspected the room walking over to the window. He narrowed his eyes tilting his head his red hair falling into his face. "Here."

"Huh?"

"The intruder entered through the window."

"With all due respect we're 30 stories up, sir." Nanaki opened the window leaning out. He turned his head to the sky inspecting the side of the roof. "That's impossible."

"Not with the proper equipment, it isn't." The officer nodded as the thought occurred to him. "He came in through the window." Nanaki walked over to the bed inspecting it. "The bed . . . only one side was slept in. Look at the pillow it's still sitting upright. He came in through the window." He walked over to the door touching the doorframe. "He entered while she was sleeping and set up his trap for her."

"What trap?"

"Did you not see the puncture wounds on her back? Or how her blood was edged by something obstructing it from free flowing? She was a fit young woman but she's stopped at the door in the opposite direction than the exit. Why would she stop?"

"She wouldn't if she didn't have to."

"Exactly." Nanaki said walking over to the bed. "She was in bed when he attacked her but she obviously hit him with the lamp with enough force to stun him long enough to run. She made it to the door and just stopped. Giving the killer just enough time to get to her."

"Nanaki." Shalua said as she popped her head into the room. "I got something."

"Excuse me." Nanaki followed Shalua out of the room as she led him back to the body.

"This." She pointed to the stab wound through the heart. "It's the same guy. He stabs the victim through the heart and leaves his signature heart and key on the ground beside the body. We aren't dealing with a copy cat. It's him. See. The wound goes all the way through." Nanaki pinched the bridge of his nose.

"So we're dealing with the Locksmith Killer." He whispered locking eyes with Shalua, who nodded.

Tifa sat in a chair as her hair dresser styled her hair. She frowned as she read Mr. Biggs harsh review of her for the third time. She sighed as she tossed the magazine on the vanity in front of her. Her wine colored eyes sought her best friend and personal assistant sitting on one of the couches in the trailer.

"He hates me doesn't he?" Aeris looked up from the planner she was reading in to meet Tifa's eyes. Aeris gave her a warm smile.

"Tifa you can't worry about the opinion of one man. Focus on all the good reviews you've gotten from the other critics." Tifa shrugged.

"If you want to make in this town, you have to stay on this guy's good side. Everybody knows that what this jerk says can make you or break you." Aeris shook her head placing the planner beside her on the couch.

"That isn't true. Other people have made it just fine without his favor. You have to remain optimistic. This guy doesn't control all the producers and directors. He's just one critic. Besides, he's only writing the crap about you because you wouldn't go to dinner with him. What you need to concentrate on are your fans. They love you and that's all that matters." Tifa did not look convinced as she reached for the magazine to read it again. Aeris got up from her seat snatching the magazine from her throwing it into the wastebasket underneath the vanity. "There. Problem solved." Tifa watched Aeris sit back down placing the planner back on her lap. She smiled at the mild-mannered woman.

"She has a point sugar." Her stylist said as he ran the curling iron through her long dark brown hair.

"Not you too, Alex?"

"Everybody knows he's an asshole." His dark brown eyes locked with Tifa's as he placed a hand on his hip. "You can't let that dumb bastard get you down. What did we talk about last time miss thang?" Tifa nodded her head with a small smile on her face.

"Alright, alright. You guys win. I won't worry about Mr. Biggs and his bad reviews about me. You're right. I don't need him."

"That's right girlfriend, You already a star or else I wouldn't be doing your hair. You hear me?" He turned his attention back to her long locks. "I don't do just anybody's hair." He ran the comb through her hair.

"See that's settled." Aeris said as she scribbled down some notes in the planner. "You have an appointment right after you get off set so don't tarry around when you're finished with today's scene. Oh I almost forgot you have to get ready for that charity benefit. It's in two weeks so we need to start looking for gowns for that ordeal and a date."

"What would do without you Aeris?"

"Probably fall apart but we never have to find out, will we?" Aeris green eyes smiled at her as she watched Tifa through the mirror, who stuck out her tongue at her. Aeris chuckled, looking back at the planner to continue scanning today's schedule.

"Guess who will be in town tonight?" Tifa said in a singsong manner Aeris visibly stiffened.

"Who?"

"Don't be coy. I'm sure he already told you."

"It must be Cloud." Alex said as he chuckled at Aeris's stiffened posture. "Lookin' at Miss Thang uptight look, it looks like I hit it right on the money. Miss Aeris gone get laid fo' sho!" Aeris became red as a cherry as she glared at Tifa and Alex, who were looking at her with smiles on their faces.

"That is not . . ."

"Appropriate." Alex and Tifa finished for her as they laughed, hard slapping each other high fives.

"Whatever." She growled, returning to the planner. They all looked up as Scarlet and Reeve burst into the room.

"Have you heard?" Scarlet said as soon as she entered walking right passed Aeris dropping the morning's paper into Tifa's lap. "Jessie was killed last night." Tifa gasped as her wine colored eyes scanned the paper.

"This is horrible." Tifa gasped holding a hand to her chest as she continued reading.

"Not really." Scarlet said as she primped in the mirror making a few adjustments to her blonde hair. "With her out of the way, that means you automatically get the part in the new Loveless film."

"No, that's horrible." Aeris said glaring at Scarlet.

"What?" She shrugged as she whirled around on Aeris. "This is show business. Kill or be killed. Quite literally." She chuckled at her own joke as she took a seat on the couch opposite Aeris.

"That's cold." Alex commented as he put the final touches to Tifa's hair. Reeve sighed wearily as he sat beside Scarlet on the couch.

"Scarlet, please restrain yourself." He growled at his wife. "I don't want you upsetting Tifa or Aeris for that matter."

"How did she die?" Aeris asked looking at Reeve. He sighed as he stretched an arm behind Scarlet's shoulders as he unbuttoned his suit jacket.

"Well she was killed in her penthouse apartment last night."

"Doesn't she live on the top floor?"

"Apparently, the killer doesn't care about gravity my dear Tifa." Scarlet answered as she pulled out a cigarette.

"Don't light that in here." Aeris fussed at her, her green eyes held reprimand. Scarlet clicked her tongue rolling her blue eyes away.

"Yes, mother, but there is good news."

"Good news?" Tifa asked hesitantly. Scarlet nodded her had a full grin on her face.

"Yes, the producers want to meet with you right after your off set, and guess what?"

"I know she's going to tell us." Alex whispered into Tifa's ear.

"I heard that Alex. Anyway, the director is going to be there. You're going to get that part. I'm willing to bet my prized Chocobo on it."

"I don't know. Getting the part because the girl they chose was killed. It feels kind of wrong."

"You'll get over it." She said as her PHS rang she answered. "Lenny, darling talk to me!" She got up from her seat walking out of the trailer.

"The Piranha strikes again." Alex joked as he took in his work on Tifa's hair.

"Reeve?"

"I know, Aeris. I know, but she's the best at what she does." He turned his brown eyes to Tifa, "Will you at least go to the meeting?" Tifa chewed on her bottom lip.

"Even though the Piranha is has a borderline personality," Alex began as he whirled Tifa around in the chair. "She's right. You can be moral outside of this business, sugar. Go get that part and just do the best you can for both you and Jessie. You're all done." There was a knock on the door before it opened wide. An intern walked in carrying a cup of coffee, a single yellow tulip, and an envelop.

"Your coffee, Miss Lockhart and this came for you."

"Who is it from?" Tifa asked as she smelled the Tulip. Her eyes closed enjoying the sweet fragrance of the flower.

"I don't know, ma'am."

"Thank you." The intern nodded her head and made a quick exit from the trailer. Tifa placed the coffee on the vanity as she opened the letter. A warm smile peeled her lips as she read the message.

"It's from the secret admirer again?" Aeris said as she watched Tifa, who nodded her head. "What's it say?" Tifa smiled.

"It's a secret." She said as she got up from her chair. "I have to get to set." She smelled the Tulip once again as she handed the letter to Aeris, who began reading it. Tifa waved bye to her friends as she left out of the trailer with her flower.

"You have to stick and move, Gen!" Angeal shouted from outside of the boxing ring that was located downstairs of their business. The RHC was a business that the young Generals; Genesis, Angeal, and Sephiroth started after becoming disgusted with the government and leaving the military. It was the most sought after security business in all of Midgar, and all over Gaia. It was even harder to become employed by the Generals only the best become Bodyguard in their business but the rewards were well worth the effort and hard work.

"Come on Gen! He's going to kick your ass! You can't just stand there. He'll turn you into a punching bag!" Angeal bounced around the outside of the ring trying to coach Genesis from where he stood. His blue eyes watched the other two Generals with intense focus. Sephiroth smirked as he punched Genesis with a left hook in the face. Genesis growled as he swung wildly on the silver haired man, who swayed away gracefully. "Hustle, Gen!"

"Giving him pointers, Angeal? That isn't very fair." Sephiroth joked as he ducked under a jab from Genesis.

"I can handle it, Angeal! I got him right where I want him!" Genesis barked as he landed a body shot to Sephiroth but paid for the blow with an uppercut. The red headed man fell backward into the ropes where Sephiroth unleashed a flurry of blows to his huddled form. Genesis swayed blocking as many blows as he could.

"Block, block! Move, get out of the corner!" Angeal shouted from where he now stood on the edge of the ring leaning on the ropes.

"SHUT-UP Angeal!"

"I'm just trying to help you. You're getting slaughtered in there." Genesis growled pushing Sephiroth away.

"I'm fine thank you. Both of you know Boxing is not my forte." He landed another body shot to Sephiroth, who chuckled dancing away from the next wild right hook.

"You always say things aren't your forte when you're losing." Sephiroth saw an opening punched Genesis across the ring. He fell backwards on the mat looking up at the blinding lights hanging over him. Angeal and Sephiroth walked over to the fallen man looking down at him.

"Not a word." Genesis growled as he looked into the smiling faces of Angeal and Sephiroth.

"How about a number?" Angeal offered. "He kicked your ass in five minutes. You should have listened to me. You never listen." He offered Genesis his hand, who grudgingly took it. Angeal hauled the angry man to his feet.

"I slipped." Genesis said turning away from his partners and best-friends.

"Of course, you slipped right on the left hook you received." Sephiroth chuckled as he stepped out of the ring walking to the shower area. Genesis growled again looking at the back of the retreating man.

"I was distracted!" He yelled after him. Sephiroth's silver hair trailed behind him as he chuckled again.

"Sure, Genesis. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"I could have had you!"

"Yeah if you listened to me." Angeal said with a snicker resting his large arms against his chest. Sephiroth turned to view Genesis, who hung over the ropes with a sour expression on his face. He shrugged turning back around. Sephiroth hung his boxing gloves on the hook.

"Maybe next time Crimson General." Sephiroth said as disappeared from the room.

"So, smug." Genesis said as he glowered after Sephiroth's long gone figure.

The ride back to the set was a mixed one. Tifa leaned against the window watching the scenery pass her by. Reeve and Scarlet talked on their PHS to different people battling each other for dominance. Cid looked at Tifa through the rearview mirror.

"Why ya lookin' like somebody killed Cait Sith? I thought ya wanted the damn part?" He asked bluntly. Barret, who was sitting in the passenger seat swatted him with his burly hand. "What?" Cid shrugged glaring at Barret before turning his eyes back to Tifa.

"Do ya hav' to be so damn blunt?" Barret growled at the man.

"I kno' ya ain't talkin'" Cid fired back. He met Tifa's wine eyes that looked at him a small smile hung on her lips.

"I did, Cid. I just didn't want someone to die to get." Scarlet scuffed rolling her eyes as she continued talking on her PHS. Aeris took Tifa's hand into her own.

"You got the part that is what matters, sweetie."

"But~"

"Did you kill, Jessie?" Tifa smiled and shook her head. "Then be grateful that you were the next one in line for the most sought after part in Midgar. You got the part because they saw something in you that fit the role. It's unfortunate that Jessie was murdered but if you don't take a part because of someone else's misfortune, then you'll never have work. I know how you feel but this is Midgar, honey."

"Wow. The Nun has a bit of nasty in her."

"And you have too much, Scarlet." Aeris said cooly turning back to Tifa, who smiled at her friend.

"You're right, Aeris, you too, Cid. I am happy that they gave me the part."

"That's my girl!" Cid said turning his eyes back to the road.

"Ya still ain't got tah be so damn blunt." Barret grumbled rolling his eyes away. Cid looked at him hard.

"Like I said, ya ain't one to talk."

Alrighty then that's that. I hope you guys liked that. If you did let me know in a review, if you didn't let me know. Okey dokey see you guys next time. Oh and expect an update on Her Birth soon. Ta Ta for now!

~Auktober