Memories In The Stars



Cloud pulled his black coat closer as the chilly wind from the Nibel mountains brushed passed him. He still couldn't believe the place didn't change at all from what he had last remembered it to be. Even though everything looked the same, the feeling of home' was lost forever.

Damn the ShinRa from taking it away from me...but at least they're destroyed now. The people are finally safe again. The whole world is safe...

Meteor was just stopped a couple of hours ago. There was a brief cheer when they were all saved from the Lifestream but then, everyone became quiet, deep in their own thoughts. Now that their mission was over, what would they all do now? They have come so far.

He remembered standing besides Tifa the whole time. His childhood friend's eyes welled up with tears as a sudden bitter feeling came over her. The idea of departing from her comrades who had grown to be like a family to her was just too overwhelming. He remembered she embraced the group and wished everybody well. He was surprised when she told Cid to drop her off at Nibelheim.

Perhaps she wasn't ready to face the crowd and the media and the whole aspect of being a celebrity'.

He had a feeling why Tifa wanted to come back to the dead town. He could see a lit room in the house in front of him and that was the only source of light in the town.

Tifa...

Cloud noticed it had been a long time since she had been inside her house. He was starting to get a little bit worried. After much debating, he decided to go in and check on her. Even though he would be invading her privacy, her safety mattered much more to him. He needed to be reassured that she was all right. Silently opening the door, he made his way up the stairs. The door in front of him was left ajar and he seized the opportunity to take a peek inside.

Tifa was kneeling beside her parent's bed trying to hold back the tears.

Cloud softly knocked on the door.

Oh hey Cloud... She stood up and brushed away the tears. Sorry to keep you waiting...

Don't be silly. Take your time. I know how much this must hurt you...

Tifa nodded and sat down on the bed playing with the pillows. Well...I did it... she said outloud to no one in particular. I...I mean WE all did it. We stopped Meteor. I miss you both so much...I hope I lived up to be the daughter you've always dreamed of.

Cloud whispered. He placed his gloved hand on her shoulder for support. Of course you lived up to their expectations...and even more. They would have been so proud of you...and they are. Even though we can't see or hear them, I know they're watching you and smiling at you from the heavens for all you have done for the whole world.

Really Cloud? You think so?

Of course. Helping her stand up, he gently took her hand and guided her out of the room. He reached for her jacket and handed it to the perplexed girl by his side. Let's go take a walk... he said.

Tifa's heart jumped as she slowly slipped on her jacket. He wants us to take a walk?

She nervously threw her red scarf around her neck and followed the Ex-Soldier out the house. She shivered a bit at the cold, unused to it after just coming out from her warm and toasty home.

Cloud? Is there something on your mind?

Yes...I think there's alot on both our minds. That's why I thought it will help if we both took a little walk and get some things off of our chests. After all, all we have is each other right?

Tifa was speechless. Her big wine colored eyes sparkled in surprise.

Come on...let's head over to the Mt. Nibel......I think we'll be able to feel so much better after this walk.

I hope so too Cloud. There's just so much I want to say...

Tifa nodded and shyly walked up next to Cloud. The two departed the town and headed for the small cave that would lead them deeper back into their past.

The past. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't let go. Each day, the pain seems to have fade a bit after seven years but she knew it would never fade completely. It has been so long since she had last stopped by here ever since they needed to get pass these mountains to Rocket Town. Her heart ached thinking about her comrades and all the wonderful adventures they all had.

Well, it wasn't exactly wonderful' after they learned all the hideous secrets kept by ShinRa and she could never forget Cloud's dilemma. But still, it had brought them all closer. It had all bonded them like family and she missed that terribly.

Letting out a soft gasp, Tifa stopped in her tracks. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even feel herself walking besides Cloud.

she questioned, unsure of why he had brought her back to this place.

Are you ready? I know there are alot of things just beyond there that...we're both not very fond of but maybe we're just scared. If we can face it, maybe we can finally let go of our dreadful past together.

she repeated.

Cloud nodded firmly. Right Tifa, together. No more fears or nightmares. I know there's a peaceful and tranquil life waiting for us out there and I want us to find it.

The brunette smiled. I want that too...more than anything. Lets go...lets face our past together.

The mercenary extended out his hand. Tifa tensed at his action for a moment but soon relaxed as her slender fingers were intertwined with his rough ones. He stared at the swaying bridge in front of them. It was going to be hard to cross but not impossible. This was going to be their first step.

Tifa looked a bit hesitant to proceed. Are we going to make it? It doesn't look very safe...

A sudden image of his childhood friend falling flashed through his eyes. She was so young. He should have been the one laying in the coma, not her. He was so disgust at how weak he was. It disconcerted him then, and still did now, but it was time he learned from his mistakes. She had fallen because he was one step too late but this time, it will be different. He would be right by her side.

With unwavering confidence, Cloud said, We will, as long as we have each other.

Even though the bridge shook even more being carried by the cold wind, there was something in the leader's voice that reassured her that everything was going to be all right. She was invigorated by his words. Staring into his Mako eyes; on the surface, they were just a pair of beautiful sapphire orbs but inside, they burned with so much life, emotion, and pain. She blushed slightly and turned away when she felt his eyes upon her. He gripped her hand tightly leading them both across the wooden bridge.

And this time, no matter what, he would not let her fall.



Author's Notes: Well, this is the first chapter! Please leave a review and tell me what you think. Thanks for reading everyone.