Author note at the bottom.
DISCLAIMER: All materials belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing around in their sandbox while feeling happy that I don't have to think of the next canon plot whatsoever.
EPILOGUE
Since that day—dubbed "The Undocumented Battle" by most—Tifa had changed, both in appearance, and personality.
She changed out of her white top, and went for a black vest over a white top. She also changed her mini skirt for a pair of black pants, with a black robe-like appendage for the back. She wore a pair of black boots, and black leather gloves. Around her left arm, she wore the jewellery Cloud himself had worn.
The brawler still smiled, still laughed. Yet both no longer had the spark that was there prior to the battle. She no longer cried as often, too. It was like his death had sobered and matured her. Yuna, Laguna and Vaan had tried their best, yet she remained like that—almost as stoic as Lightning and WoL themselves. Her three companion could not help but worry of her change. However, before she was even asked, she said that she kept remembering him, and left it at that.
No one questioned her sudden change any more.
And Lightning? She patted her shoulder once in a while, especially when she was feeling down. Laguna was right; Lightning might be a jerk, but she cared. She just hid her caring personality under all those stoicism and ice.
Lightning still punched Laguna whenever he called her "softy", though.
She endured, because they were there with her, supporting her all the way.
Tifa Lockhart never thought she could be any more grateful of them than she already was.
Tifa closed her fist around her crystal; a light green materia (the White Materia, was her vague thought). They had won. They had defeated Chaos. Even after Cosmos was killed by Chaos himself, they had finally defeated him with the time Cosmos bought for them with her life.
Much like him...
The first to leave was Lightning. The pink-haired woman left with a salute, a genuine small smile, and a nod. And in a burst of pink light and her trademark rose petals, she disappeared. The next one was Tidus and Yuna—they left while holding hands, walking toward the nearest lake. Then there was Zidane. After the thief, both Laguna and Squall disappeared as they returned to their world. Who would have thought they, of all people, shared the same one... The martial artist closed her eyes as she felt herself returning to her world—it was her turn now. She felt her crystal warming in her hands, the warmth gentle and welcoming, much like a mother's touch.
"We did it, Cloud... We broke the cycle... It's over; no one is going to die because the gods forced them to fight any more. "But it seems like an empty win... Like I actually lost. I wish you were here..."
A familiar snort sounded in front of her before a pair of familiar leather clad hands encircled her and pulled her close. Tifa felt her eyes sting as she smelled that familiar scent. She braved herself to look up at the one who was hugging her.
Familiar blonde spikes greeted her, the mako blue eyes sparkling.
The brawler sobbed as she returned the swordsman's hug, her tears of happiness flowing freely as her lips formed a smile despite the tears, as he replied,
"Let's go home, Tifa."
His answer? It was a hug with a bit of wet—tears, and a nod against his shoulder.
Her answer? A familiar amused snort, and strong arms encircling her back.
Damn... Ain't it sweet? By the way, sunflowerspot, does this answer you? (grins)
This is it, it's finally done. Real life's gonna get me real soon, so I'm finishing this now (yeah!)
Well, hope you people enjoyed this.
Before you asked, no, I won't be doing any sequels. And as for what happened with the others or our...pair, I'll leave it to your imagination.
C. Rinkuki Takato
