His intention had not been to get himself immediately into trouble. No, Zack had only come all the way out here to check in on the choco-dame that he'd helped Angeal save months ago. Zack had gotten fond of the old hen, and he'd liked checking in, so he'd been happy for the journey, especially when he proudly wore a new sword he'd dubbed 'Rune Blade' for all the pretty symbols that blacksmith dwarf had worked into it.

It had been his intention to show Angeal the new blade, finally had and ready for his experiences in the world as a mercenary or whatever. Except...

"Wait," he said, stopping by a stable hand. "You said there's been something after the birds?"

Yeah, the puppy was distracted so easily.

Okay, he had a mission, he had someone to work with, and he had a blade with which to fight. Oh, and his materia. Once that was all ready, Zack had just walked right off into the plains, barely even waiting for his companion.

"Those poor birds," he said as he walked, his voice thoughtful as he walks. "I mean, they are so beautiful, and so nice. Why do they have to be so mean?"