Chapter 10

"Your fist should be like this…yup, that's right, do it again. Put more strength into it."

"…" Tifa punched into Cloud's palm again. Cloud accepted her blow easily.

"No, you aren't putting any strength in your punches at all. You've got to hit hard to protect yourself." Cloud motioned Tifa to try again.

"… Can I hit something else?" Cloud smirked.

"You think you're gonna hurt me with your punches? Not yet!" Cloud pinched Tifa's nose. Tifa swiped away his hand and gave a full blow into Cloud's palm. Cloud withdrew his hand. Tifa looked at him.

"Woah…that was good." Cloud shook his hand.

Tifa walked towards the punch bags and landed a blow on it. The punch bag moved slightly and Tifa winced. She held her wrist and examined it. It was okay, but her knuckles were red. Cloud jogged up to her. He took hold of her wrist and took a look.

"Are you alright? You're only a beginner; don't push yourself so hard yet." He worriedly rubbed her wrist.

"…I didn't think it was so hard to punch." She poked the punch bag again. It was like a rock. She withdrew her hand from Cloud's hold and dusted her sleeves. Cloud rubbed his chin.

"Then that's it for today. You need to have some training clothes. You can't fight dressed up like this." Tifa looked at herself.

"I have male clothing."

"That is no need. I'll get you some new clothes of course." Cloud walked beside Tifa.

The winds were strong in the plain meadows. Tifa brushed her hair away from her face and looked into the distance. There were no mountains. Only plain fields with small patches of fresh grass went on and on. The sky spread far into the horizon with thin grey clouds. Falcons flew high, their solitude cries echoing throughout the land. She wondered if her letter was on its way to her family. The man with red eyes said that it will take three weeks for the fastest pigeon to reach the Shinran borders and post.

The winds only blew stronger when Tifa tried once more to brush her low ponytail back. Reaching towards her hair, Cloud pulled the red ribbon loose. Instantly, long locks of soft hair danced wildly in the wind. Tifa gasped. She quickly pulled her hair back, but Cloud stopped her.

"To untie a Shinran woman's hair is to let free the passion within her." Cloud walked closer to her. Tifa looked into his eyes.

"Then did you know that only the husband of a Shinran woman could untie her hair other than herself?" Tifa turned away from him and started walking away. She left her hair untied.

Cloud followed her quickly.

"Then I'll be your husband. I'll make sure to pamper and spoil you." Cloud gave a goofy smile. Tifa didn't respond. Nor did she notice a small smile has slowly crept onto her own face.

He was always so bold to confess his feelings. She didn't know if it was him, or that the Wolves were always a wild race. Sometimes, he frustrates her so much with his insensitivity. Sometimes, he just touches her heart. Sometimes, she simply felt afraid of his feelings. Her heart was locked up in loneliness for years, she was afraid to open her heart to him so easily by his sweet words. Yet, the warm feeling grows within her heart every time he stands close. Tifa closed her eyes tightly and let out a shaky breath. Opening her eyes, she slightly jumped in surprise to find herself looking into the pair of china blue eyes.

"Are you alright? You look a little flushed." Cloud looked at her worriedly. The drug should've completely worn off by now. He furrowed his eyebrows and touched Tifa's forehead. Tifa ducked away from his touch.

"I'm…I'm fine." Tifa touched her own cheeks. She started walking off. Sighing, Cloud followed her. Slowly walking across the meadows, Tifa sneaked glances at him. He was tall, but there are many other Wolves who were taller. His blonde hair looked so soft and light, so different from her own. She twirled a lock of her hair with her fingers, examined it and let it go. She slowed down her pace so that she was walking behind him. His back was so broad, his hips so narrow, and his…

Tifa blushed furiously again.

Cloud knew she was peeking at him but he decided to let her do so. He understood she needs to know more about him, to get used to him being around. He turned around to look at her, only to see her cheeks rosy and avoiding glances. He quickly understood her and smirked.

"Are you sure you're alright? You still look so flushed." Cloud looked at her. This time, he leaned his forehead to hers and touched her neck with both hands. Tifa shut her eyes tightly.

"I'm okay." She pushed him away but he wrapped her arms around his waist, allowing her to touch rather than only looking at him. Tifa fisted into his black tunic and pulled him away from her. He quickly bent down to look into her eyes. Shyness swirled around in her chocolate wine eyes as she ducked away from his touch.

"Don't shy away…" He whispered to her. His deep voice sending excited shivers up her spine. His nose lightly touched hers as he leaned closer. Tifa's lips parted to suck in a deep breath.

"My heart…beats really fast…whenever you come close to me…" Tifa closed her eyes and breathed. Her conscience was telling her this was not right, yet her body was not listening.

"Then, do you like it?" Cloud whispered again, his lips touching hers slightly when he spoke.

"I…"

"Tell me…" Cloud held her closer, pressing their bodies together. Tifa dipped her head and looked away, her hands resting on his strong biceps. Her feet were barely touching the ground as he held her, her outfit limiting her movements even more. Cloud leaned into her neck and nudged her, breathing in her scent. Slowly, he let go of her and turned around. Slightly startled, Tifa looked at him.

Why did he stop?

Tifa shook this thought away. Maybe he realized it was not right to do so. Tifa stopped walking .

Or did I want him to continue?

Lost in thoughts, she bumped into Cloud's back. She peeked to see what he was doing, only to find Vincent standing in front of them.

"The Queen Dowager demands you to see her at once." Vincent took a glance at Cloud, then to Tifa. Cloud nodded and turned around.

"Vincent will take care of you. I am heading to meet the Dowager." Cloud took hold of her hand and planted a kiss on it. Abruptly, he turned and left.

"Come, I shall take you back to his den." Vincent motioned Tifa to follow him. Tifa gave him a curt nod and watched the blonde man swiftly jumped onto his black stallion and headed off into the distance.

He could hear sobs and cries as he waited outside the Hall of the Empress Dowager. He knew Aisha was inside, a step faster to protect herself. He curled his fists tightly as he waited silently for the Empress to see him. A while later, the golden door knob turned and the bright red door opened, revealing one of the Dowager's closest servants.

"The Empress Dowager calls for you to enter."

Cloud entered quietly. Maids quickly pulled away the hanging strings of pearls to make way for him as he walked down the wide burgundy aisle. The Hall was dimly lit, and there at the end of the aisle was the Dowager sitting on her large couch. Aisha knelt beside her, her head laid onto the knees of the old woman. A coat of tiger fur covered half of her body as the old woman stroked her back dearly. Furrowing his brows, Cloud knelt on his knee and greeted.

"Your highness."

The Empress Dowager stopped stroking Aisha and shot Cloud a cold glance.

"I think you know why I have called for you." The old lady placed her hand on the white furry hand rest next to her. Her long nails dug into the fur.

" Don Corneo has confessed everything. Aisha must be punished." Cloud stood tall. The Empress Dowager looked at Cloud with menace.

"You hit Don Corneo because of a Shinran woman. What would the whole tribe say? How could you keep the whole pack united? The Chief Gathering last night was to make sure no one has the motive to overthrow the Strife's control. Now what would the Gongagas think?! You put our bloodline in danger because of a Shinran woman! " The old woman threw her tea cup at Cloud. Cloud didn't dodge and allowed the tea cup to hit him on the chest.

"The Gongagas would stay as they were. They have no power to cause trouble. Aisha must be punished. " Although he could not kill Don Corneo for the sake of the Wolves' unity, Cloud would make sure he couldn't enter the Strife borders anymore. Cloud stepped forward to grab Aisha. Aisha sobbed and hugged the Empress Dowager's waist.

"No! Please, your highness, don't let Brother Cloud punish me. I beg you, please!" Large teardrops fell from the maiden's eyes. The Empress Dowager looked at Aisha poorly. She turned and slapped away Cloud's hands.

"Aisha did that because she loves you! You can not punish her! I forbid you to do so!" The old lady stood and pushed Aisha behind her. Aisha held onto the old woman's long cloak tightly. Suddenly, she came out from behind and hugged Cloud's legs.

"Please, Brother Cloud. Please forgive me. I will never do it again! I only love you too much and jealousy has blinded my eyes. Please Brother Cloud, don't banish me, please!" Aisha kowtowed again and again, her forehead banging onto the floor hard. Cloud tightened his fists. The Empress Dowager hugged Aisha and stopped her from begging.

"You can never hurt Aisha as long as I'm alive. Now leave."

Furious, Cloud turned and stormed out of the Hall, pushing away the curtain of pearls so hard they crashed into the walls and fell. Pearls bounced and rolled around and the maids immediately started picking them up.

"If I found one pearl missing, I will have your eyeballs taken out as a replacement. Do you understand?" The Empress Dowager puller Aisha up with her and sat onto her couch again. The maids unanimously bowed to the old woman and continued to gather the pearls. The Empress Dowager took out her silk handkerchief and wiped away Aisha's tears.

"My dear Aisha, poor Aisha." She then pulled Aisha into her embrace.

Aisha continued to sob quietly, but her eyes no longer formed tears.

She will be safe as long as this old hag is alive. Then, she could do whatever she want to that slut and still become the Queen of Wolves.

Tifa was in awe. She continued to walk to her chambers as she appreciated all the porcelain vases and antiques placed down the aisle.

"The master said you can have all of these if you want to." Vincent spoke calmly as he followed her. As she entered her chambers, she gasped.

There were different Shinran antiques and playthings placed onto the small round table where she usually has her tea. A large oriental rug with dark patterns and linings stretched wide in her chambers. The large bed was new, with a low mahogany bed frame. The bed curtains were made of very fine silk georgette and were dancing as the wind enters from the windows. The candles now have rice paper shades over them, making the candlelight softer.

Tifa walked closer to find a Shinran zither * on the floor. She knelt down to touch the strings.

"The master hopes that you like all the presents. He may return late. That is all." Vincent bowed and turned. Stopping, he spoke.

"The master treats you well. You should appreciate what he has done for you. You are his woman. You should listen to him. The coldness you throw at him makes him sad and angry and everyone else has to endure his rage and sadness." Ending his words, Vincent left quietly.

Tifa sat down quietly.

He could hear a soft melody playing as he walked down the long aisle. She sang along, her voice so soft and lonely. Cloud walked faster towards her chamber. The door was slightly opened and he gently pushed it. There she was, sitting on the dark rug, playing the Shinran instrument, her fingers delicately plucking the strings as she sang along.

"What I cannot see through is your lonely soul.

What I cannot understand is the colour of your eyes.

A gust of wind, a piece of dream, love is as unpredictable as life.

What has bewitched your heart…?"

Cloud stood and listened to her. She continued.

"Your face is drowning in the darkness.

See what ending will be bloomed from the cherry blossoms.

Your eyes are as lonely as the moon when you are holding me.

I'll let you gain happiness in another's arms."

"Loving you, is as hard as touching the beating heart,

Drawing you… I cannot draw your body,

Remembering your face is my persistence for waiting you,

You are the song I cannot finish singing."

Cloud walked up to her. He knelt down and hugged Tifa tightly from behind. Tifa stopped playing, her fingers resting on the strings of the instrument. Cloud pulled her hands towards herself and locked her in his embrace. Tifa did not move. She turned her head slightly to look at the man holding her, her head resting on his shoulder. Cloud looked down at her, his hand now caressing her face.

"Why such a sad song?"

"It's the only song I know how to play…" Tifa looked at the buttons on his shirt. She pulled his hand away from her face and looked at it. His skin was a bit more tanned than hers, his calloused hands large and warm. She touched his fingers gently and looked up to Cloud. Cloud reached for her hand and placed over his heart.

"I give you this." He said softly. Again, he pointed at her heart.

"Give me your heart?" Cloud looked deep into her eyes. Tifa couldn't look away. His eyes were a dark shade of blue under the dim candlelight. Slowly, Tifa reached for his hand and placed it over her heart.

Sighing, Cloud captured her lips in a soft kiss. Shyly, Tifa pressed her lips to his, her hand cupping the side of his face. She could feel her heart racing wildly. Cloud felt nervous as well. It was the first time that she responded to his kiss. Slowly, he deepened the kiss, his lips moving sensually against hers. Tifa stayed still. She was very new to this and didn't know how to continue. Tifa broke the kiss and looked at Cloud. He gave her a small smile and hugged her close, his chin resting on her head. Then, he chuckled.

"Finally."

Tifa furrowed her brows.

"What do you mean finally?"

"You finally accepting me, of course." Cloud smiled and kissed her head. Tifa dipped her head. She pushed herself up and looked at him.

"I trust you." She said firmly. Cloud smiled. He leaned forward to kiss her again.

"I love you." He whispered against her lips.

Tifa closed her eyes and sighed as he slowly trailed kisses down her neck.

This felt so right.

Hi people! I apologize for the long wait. I have been away for vacation the whole summer to take my mind off things. I went to Sweden for the holiday and I loved the weather there! It is so different from the buzzing international city where I'm from. The people were mostly very tall and blonde and because of the cultural difference and they inspired me a lot in describing Cloud and other characters in the story. I'm sorry for this chapter's length but I thought it would be right to end the chapter here.

A lot of people asked me what inspired me to write TSB. Well, the Chinese movie "Painted Skin" (starring Zhou Xun) inspired me greatly with its background, clothing and even the music inspired me to create different atmospheres in the story. It is my favorite movie ever! You should watch it! Here I recommend a background soundtrack to you all, which is from the movie. Listening to it while reading the story would be cool! You can listen to it here : Just go to you tube and add this at the end of the site address : /watch?v=-83K2KmmSHM

As fpr the song Tifa sang, the lyrics are translated into English and its original song is the main song of Painted Skin sung by Jane Zhang. You can search for it as well. It's called Hua Xin.

Till next time~

*Music instrument "Guzheng"