Chapter 2

The wind whipped at his already chapped face, snow flying in all directions as he drove on. Just one last delivery before he could go home to the warmth of a roaring fire and the comfort of Tifa. He shifted the bike up another gear, wanting to get this over and done with as soon as possible. The area he was going to was not exactly what you would call friendly to outsiders. It was in a territory just south of Midgar, a place known as Runa. The people here were a little higher in rank and held many noble families, including the Shin-Ra Empire and so Cloud tried to stay away as much as possible.

He didn't exactly know why, but he had an odd feeling about the place. The ruler was a man shrouded in mystery, acting as a puppeteer behind the scenes pulling the strings to accomplish his goals for his ever-growing Shin-Ra Empire. He was known throughout the land as a "just tyrant," an idiom that was very contradictory in its confusion. How could one serve justice and yet be a tyrant? Maybe if it applied to a swift end to those who have committed crimes, he figured, then the label could be true. Cloud had heard tales of Shin-Ra's use and abuse of power, able to gain control of vast majorities of the lands while employing the use of…helpers to keep things in order, as it were. After all, one could not dream of managing all with a good outcome, and so that's where the Turks came in.

The Turks were a ruthless bunch trained in everything from hand to hand combat to artillery to weapons handling. They specialized in assassination, and many were known for their superior sniper skills. Cloud glanced at the tall buildings along the streets as this thought came to mind, watching for anything unusual. He had only had one run-in with a few of the group members and Zack had been there to keep an eye on him, as always. Cloud didn't remember a whole lot besides that Zack had warned him to get out of the line of fire before saving Cloud's life, protecting the young SOLDIER while sacrificing his own unselfishly. Cloud shook his head, not wanting to dwell on the last act that took his friend's life only years before, causing his first bout of depression and unease with the world. He had gone through the first realization that Zack was indeed dead in a numb sense; it wasn't possible that Zack was dead. Over time and many sleepless nights he had come to realize that Zack was not coming back, and he still blamed himself to this day for the death of his great friend.

The city itself was quite beautiful; it was truly a kingdom that cherished the arts as he noticed the many marble statues, mosaics, fountains, and many other masterpieces scattered throughout the main square.

Thankfully, this package was being delivered to a local merchant and so was not very hard to find. Cloud pulled up just outside the exquisite shop, eyeing the many gems as he walked in with the delivery. The jeweler behind the counter looked up as Cloud approached and gave him the first warm smile he had seen since his arrival. The citizens of Runa were known for their propriety and poise, not allowing eye contact with strangers and the like; it was what Cloud referred to as their stuck-up quality that made him detest the city with its close-minded people. This jeweler though was surprisingly warm and friendly, making Cloud relax.

"Strife Delivery Service with your package, Mr. Topaz."

The man known as Mr. Topaz looked at the box with giddy delight, his eyes shining like a little boy on Christmas morning. Seeing Cloud's questioning look, the jeweler went on to explain.

"This box, my boy, contains very precious stones. Valuable materia fashioned into pieces from Wutai; onyx, opal, and pearls from Kinoa; sapphires, rubies, emeralds and the ever special tiger's eye from the sacred mining city of Satine, and that's just the tip of the ice berg."

Cloud's eyes widened, impressed with the many assorted goods. "No wonder you wanted this as soon as possible."

"You have no idea. Now, I hope that you took care of this for me, right young man? It is very fragile, you know." Mr. Topaz asked, looking Cloud up and down and assessing that he looked honest enough.

"Of course sir, Strife deliveries are 100 satisfaction guaranteed. Here, let me show you the contents before you pay for the service." Cloud took out his pocket knife and carefully cut the packaging tape, opening the box to reveal many tiny boxes, each containing various gems and stones. Mr. Topaz beamed at his wares and then up at Cloud, appreciating the care he took in handling his items.

"I see you are correct, my boy. Now, what may your name be?"

"Cloud Strife, sir."

"It's Topaz, Cloud. No more of this mister business, all right? You running this business all on your own, or just founded it?" Cloud nodded in agreement, feeling a smile at the man's open nature, before explaining.

"Well, I created the business, and now my girlfriend and I share the work."

"Ah, a young man in love. I knew there was a special something about you; the unnatural glow that comes with a full heart. What's this lucky girl's name?" Mr. Topaz's whole face came alive with the topic and Cloud couldn't help beaming at his words.

"Tifa, Tifa Lockheart."

"She sounds splendid, and you seem like you have good taste so I am sure she is. Now, Cloud, I am very pleased at what I see here. You seem to handle your work fairly well and responsibly so I believe I will be making you my regular delivery service, if you don't mind."

Cloud wouldn't mind the employment in Runa if it was guaranteed with Mr. Topaz and he expressed so. "Of course not, Mr. Topaz. It would be an honor to do business with a gentleman such as you."

"Glad to hear, Strife. Please, take this here as a reward for a job well done." He handed the young man a decent amount of currency, which Cloud took modestly. "Now, may I ask you something personal yet again?"

Intrigued, Cloud nodded his head for him to continue.

"How long have you and Miss Lockheart been together?"

Cloud blanked at the question; he had loved Tifa since they were childhood neighbors, but they had been close to something more off and on many times that it was hard to really pinpoint when things had changed for both at the same time.

Mr. Topaz noticed Cloud's uncertainty and chuckled good-naturedly. "That complicated, eh?"

"Something like that, yes," Cloud replied with a blush rising to his cheeks.

"Well now, I would think that a pretty girl such as your Tifa would deserve a pretty jewel, wouldn't you?"

"Of course," Cloud responded before he really thought about the preposition given to him. "I would like to get something worthy of her, but I'm afraid I can't afford these."

Cloud pointed out the many assortments of rings and necklaces that caught his eye in the display case they were talking over. Mr. Topaz glanced down at his wares and admitted, "I see your dilemma. Quality does come with a price, as you know." Cloud shook his head knowingly; it was a fact that came with the business. "But I believe I may be of some assistance."

Cloud's ears perked up at hearing this and so waited for the jeweler to continue. "Now, say, for instance, say she prefers this blue stone here, the aquamarine one that matches your eyes…"

Cloud glanced at the piece he was referring to; a silver band that was set with a very unique stone so blue Cloud was reminded of the deep seas he had seen on his travels. The ring was something Cloud had passed over earlier but didn't think to say anything. Mr. Topaz took it out of the display case and placed it on a velvet pillow in front of him, emphasizing the quality. "This here charm is very rare in that it's actually an uncommon materia nowadays. The unusual blue coloring is due to the mako energy that it was forged in, capturing a piece of the Lifestream with it in its making." Cloud raised his eyebrows at this, after having dealt with mako energy personally before; the only visible evidence of this was in his eyes which Tifa had always admired their distinctive and entrancing shade of blue. Curious, he looked at the price and tried not to visibly flinch; only allowing a slight intake of breath to show his astonishment. The ring may be rare, but that kind of money could be used for a small house, yet alone a piece of jewelry! Cloud did not wish to upset the man and so he tried to decline gently, but Mr. Topaz cut him off.

"I rather like this ring and yet it had been in my store for many months now. The people around here look past it, and not because of the logical excuse in lacking the money. No, sadly they misjudge it due to its simplicity; but you and I are not fooled, Cloud. A gem does not have to be intricate and gaudy in order to have worth for an individual."

Cloud admired his passion in his craft as he continued about the lovely stone.

"Yet, here it still sits, and it's a shame. You see, a real gem's purpose in life is to be cherished and worn about town. It needs to be displayed proudly for the world to see and praised for its beauty. So, in a way, this here ring has not reached fulfillment, being cooped up in here for so long."

Cloud could relate with the jeweler's explanation; he had felt the same way before Tifa had come to love him the way he had always loved her. She admitted that she had first loved him when he had left for SOLDIER and it had made him sad to think they could have been together so much earlier in life. But now was all that mattered, and Tifa fulfilled his wildest dreams every day they were together. His thoughts were disrupted once again by Mr. Topaz's voice.

"I have something in mind for this rare gem, Cloud. I want you to give it to your lady fair, and inform me if it is of her liking. You think you can do that, my boy?" Cloud must have heard wrong. "Sir? I appreciate the gesture, but-"

"No buts, Cloud. I want this piece to have a good owner for its life and I believe your Tifa is just the woman to do that."

"I couldn't possibly-"

"Yes you can. In doing so, you will accomplish what I have been unable to do for it, and you would make me a happy man if you did not disobey me."

Cloud looked at the man in awe. Was he serious? Well, why would anyone joke about something like this? It seemed the jeweler truly wanted Tifa to have this, and Cloud knew she deserved something special after all of this time trying to figure out his feelings for her and putting up with him throughout their lives. Still, Cloud hesitated.

"Think of it as an exchange to guarantee your services to me in all of my deliveries, no matter how far, and for a reasonable fee, of course."

"Mr. Topaz, this treasure would cover my services to you for a lifetime."

The jeweler just laughed and with a wave of his hand pushed the comment away. "Not the way I'll be working you. Believe me; you'll earn every penny of this." Without further discussion, he went behind the counter and pulled out a black velvet box, into which he placed the ring delicately before handing it to Cloud, who took it gratefully.

"All I can say is thank you, Mr. Topaz. If there's anything I can do further-"

"Just guarantee quality of service and expect to hear from me often, that's all you need do. Maybe, this ring will help solve the confusion of time in the past with your Miss Tifa."

Cloud was in a daze and slightly turned toward the man at this comment. Yes, maybe it was time he make an honest woman of the one he loved. Cloud had pictured the event in his mind before, but the thought of committing to anything for life was enough to scare even the bravest man. Now though, no fear came at these thoughts, and so he pondered trying to ask Tifa for her hand. He needed to actually ask her, not just wait around, debating what life held in store for him. He had to take initiative and make his own destiny for once. He couldn't wipe the smile from his face and he walked out into the city lightly dusted with snow.