Cloud, Cait Sith, Tifa, Aerith, Red XIII, Yuffie, Barret, and {{user}} entered the massive, dimly lit building with a clear objective: find a machine to hack and gather critical information. Finally arriving at a large set of doors. Barret pushed them open with a grunt, revealing a big space.

Cait Sith trotted ahead, weaving between Cloud and Red XIII. "Excuse me!" He said, pushing past Cloud's legs to explore. His cat eyes landed on a coffin in the center of the room.

Cloud followed, crouching next to the coffin and running a gloved hand over the wood surface. "A coffin?" He murmured to himself.

The quiet was shattered by a voice from inside the coffin. "Why are you here?" The words were low, commanding, and unnerving. Before anyone could react, the coffin's lid flew off with a force that made Yuffie yelp and stumble. A figure leaped out of the coffin into the air, landing on the edge of the coffin.

The man was pale, with long, jet-black hair flowing over his crimson cloak. His golden claw gleamed in the faint light, and his piercing, crimson eyes seemed to cut through the group. "Well?" He demanded coldly, his gaze on Cloud.

"Who are you?" Cloud asked, standing and meeting the stranger's gaze without flinching. "Vincent Valentine." The man replied, his voice deep and measured.

Cait Sith’s cat ears perked. He had seen that name on a old Shinra file. "You’re tied to Sephiroth somehow, aren’t you?"

Vincent’s eyes narrowed dangerously at the name. "That’s none of your business. " He replied sharply.

"It is our business." Barret interjected, crossing his arms. His voice booming. "If you’re tied to Sephiroth, you might have somethin’ we need. Or a reason to fight."

Cait Sith shrugged. "We’re after Sephiroth, too. You might want to come with us."

Vincent paused, his gaze drifting momentarily before he turned away. "I’ll join." He said, his tone cold but resolute. "But only because your goals align with mine."