Even though it was my birthday and I wished that some of my presents would be the rights to Final Fantasy VII, I didn't get it. So, until I do, I admit that Square-Enix owns it and if you wish to sue someone about it, please don't take me to court. I'm going to be a poor college boy soon so there's no point if you are looking for financial compensation.

FreeCorpKnight: La la la… I'm eighteen now…

Yuffie Kisagari: So, what did you get?

FreeCorpKnight: Nothing really… Just money.

Yuffie Kisagari: Well, you could always ask your parents for some materia so you can give them to me…

FreeCorpKnight: No. How about a new chapter?

Everyone: That's fine.

FreeCorpKnight: … … … Hey! Aren't you people supposed to give me the presents and not the other way around?

Everyone: (disappears)


Cloud slept through the whole afternoon, tossing and turning regularly. Maybe it's because he's cold but with Tifa's blanket, warmth soon embraced him. His discomfort wasn't because of his awkward sleeping position either. His office was heaven compared to some of the terrain he had to camp in. Even if he slept on the softest bed with the fluffiest pillow in the most luxurious of rooms, he still would not find peace. More or less, the pain and suffering came from nightmares.

The blond-haired man first dreamt of Tifa and couldn't help but smile. He remembered how their childhood was like with her being one of his few friends. In fact, the only other friend he had was Zack and because of Professor Hojo, he's dead. Gone also were his parents, his mother killed when Sephiroth went mad. He will never forget the image of flames and the silver-haired general standing at the center of chaos. Everything was taken away from him at in a single moment, everything but the beautiful woman working below. Tifa was the only living connection to his past.

Tifa was a true friend. She stayed with him through thick and thin. In battles, she would be the first to cure him, even before Aeris. After witnessing the Cetra's death, she was the only one who tried to comfort and reason with him. When he was helpless and fell into the Lifestream, she was the one who dove after him, risking her life for his. Yes, she was there for him whenever he needed help.

Then, all those pleasant memories ceased and his nightmares began.

He was downstairs, watching Tifa clean up the bar. Cloud could feel his mouth move, trying to express his feelings for her. Upon hearing his words, she backed away, shocked and angry. "No," she refused. "You don't love me…" All faded to black before he found himself in another place, the Temple of the Ancients. Tifa was standing next to the lake where Aeris was laid to rest. From its depths, a pink form was rising. She pointed at the body and said, "There lies your true love! I don't care about you! All you do is push me away! I hate you! Hear that? I hate you!" The brunette ran away and disappeared into the nearby forest. As hard as he tried, Cloud could not chase after her, his legs not obeying his mind. He tried to yell, begging his friend to stop. All that came out was a small whisper that only he could hear. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… Please don't leave me… Please Tifa… Don't leave me…" As expected, she did not return. He was all alone.

His mind drifted again and settled upon a past memory. He saw Aeris kneeling and praying for Holy to come aid their cause. Just like before, his body was immobile, his words of warning falling upon deaf ears. He watched helplessly as Sephiroth, in all his glory, leapt out of the shadows and plunge his sword through her body, impaling it. The sinister blade held onto its victim, keeping her standing. Her face showed no surprise, only of profound sadness. Tears came down her face and her green eyes showed defeat. Aeris knew that she would die. The former general then pulled his sword out with a spray of blood and left. The last of the Cetra fell onto the altar, never to rise again.

Cloud couldn't help her. He had failed and in the end, paid with her life. He wished that his nightmare would end now. But fate was not so kind.

Cloud saw himself at the lake with her body in his arms. The rest of the group were standing at the shore, watching him lay her to rest. He walked out until the water came to his waist. The leader of Avalanche looked at his friend one last time. She looked so peaceful and innocent. She was wearing the same pink dress she wore when he met her. It also happened to be the one she had when Sephiroth ended her life. Cloud could see the gaping hole where the Masamune ripped through her. He had failed her and this was the price.

The blond haired warrior released her go, watching her body sink into the depths of the lake. Aeris's eyes were closed, never to open and show their emerald color. Her brown hair fanned outwards. Her face had a small smile, one that can do wonders to the heart. Her delicate hands were raised and palms facing upwards. It appeared to be a sign of forgiveness. Cloud watched until he could see no more of her.

RING! RING! RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!

He woke up with a start, sweating in fear. His heart rate was extremely fast and it took a while for it to slow down into a semi-normal pace. Gasping for breath, he looked around and saw the blanket Tifa had covered him in. 'She cares for me… I should tell her how I really feel… But can I?'

RING! RING! RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!

The phone on his desk interrupted his thoughts. 'So that's what woke me up… Guess it's back to work…'

"Hello? Strife Delivery Service. Cloud speaking." He suppressed a yawn while answering the call.

"Good. Nice to hear ya buddy! Listen, I need to meet you in Kalm. Big important business. Got time?" A familiar voice asked.

"… Reno?" Cloud scratched his head, wondering why Reno would want to see him. 'Last time we talked was half a year ago…'

"Glad to know that you remembered! Anyways, are you gonna come or what? Can't take all day. I'm a busy man." Reno persisted.

"I'll be there tomorrow morning." Cloud answered, writing down a message in case he forgot.

"Great. The meeting spot is our apartment. By the way, how's Tifa…" Reno stopped his question when he heard a click on the other end. 'Jeez, that guy's still a prick…'


FreeCorpKnight: I'm sorry that this chapter is short.

Reno: So why didn't you put any more stuff up?

FreeCorpKnight: (shrugs) Can't think of anything to add...

Reno: How about adding me in and have all the girls like me?

Females: Ewww! No way!

FreeCorpKnight: (looks nervously around) I don't thinks so…

Reno: Fine… But, don't you think it's a good idea?

FreeCorpKnight: Uh… I'll think about it… Maybe in a later chapter… (leaves in a hurry)

Reno: All right! (goes off and gets drunk)