Disclaimer: "I don't own Final Fantasy 7. If I did, Sephiroth would have destroyed the planet."

Kiome-Yasha: "VERY sorry for the long update ladies and gents. I've been very busy. I've started college you know. Also, I was on writer's block for a bit, but was solved with some Cloti friends. Not only that, been away on vacation, so, a lot of problems from updating. There's something else I wanted to inform you guys, oh yes! By the rate this fic is going, I say we have about nine chapters left, at least, I'm hoping. Anyway, I'll be updating in a slow pace time to time, college is already piling on me. So, forgive me and my slow updating. I know you Cloti fans want to come after me, but please save your pitchforks and torches."

Chapter 20 Dawn approaches

Vincent's POV

I have waited last night for Yuffie's return. It didn't surprise me that his majesty Cloud and her Highness Tifa didn't return with her. She explained to me what she had done, and I took it without argument. Still, I knew whatever was happening between Cloud and Tifa would be a sin to the order of our Kingdoms, including that of the Royal Council.

It was the morning after, Zack would be arriving soon. It was confirmed to us he would be arriving at noon, planning on investigating the attack that was inflicted on Wutai. Yuffie had eased down from her sorrow, brightening up a bit. I comforted her as best I could, the result of her laughing at me a few times. She teased me, knowing I wasn't good with counseling people. But, she had thanked me and was grateful of my company none the less.

She explained to me the reason why she had left Cloud and Tifa alone, and I understood her reasoning. I know I am completely against such a union, and I know that this would cause emotions to be released, but I also can't deny the feelings those two have slowly gained for one another. I just hope it was just this night, and this night alone that they realize they can't break the binds they are committed to. I feel sorry for them, but they must know it can never be. Maybe in another lifetime, but as of now, the present will not allow it.

I looked at Yuffie who was sleeping soundly next to me. We had a sweet passion of silent lips last night, but she still remains a virgin. I intend it to keep it that way, never wanting to take advantage of her.

I shook her, seeing dawn approaching through our thick, green color tent. She gave an annoyed moan, pushing my hand away. I can't help but to chuckle from her childish mind. I soon began feeling uneasy though, considering our age differences.

I whispered out to her, seeing physical contact won't work, "Yuffie? You must wake up. Dawn approaches. We must pick up Lord Cloud and Lady Tifa before his majesty, General Zack, appears." She gave a soft moan, muffling into her pillow, "I understand, Vincent-Kun. I know I must not delay." She actually sounded mature about it.

I spoke, beginning to lift myself up from the bed, "I'm going to head outside. I'll check if your father, King Gordo, is fairing well." She nodded, a deep color green eye peeking out at me from her pillow.

I got dressed in my royal robes as advisor, heading out of the tent. There were many tents laid out in the ruins of Wutai, providing the injured and homeless shelter. I gave a sullen look, thinking how someone could be so cruel into attacking such a defenseless city.

Soon, I heard rustling behind me. I turned around to see Yuffie, fully clothed for the day's events.

I soon turned my gaze back to the sky, but it wasn't the golden beauty sky I was expecting. Instead, it was a blood red color, red like blood.

Yuffie's POV

I looked up at the upcoming glow of the sunrise, feeling the ominous color of blood red engulfing the earth. I felt a shutter go through me; I couldn't help but be afraid of the morbid beauty of the rising red sun.

I turned to Vincent-kun, hoping my voice faltered my fears, "Vincent-kun, I think you should stay here, in case Lord Zack arrives earlier than expected."

He turned to me, silent for a few seconds before nodding in agreement, "Agreed, I shall wait here then."

He kissed me on the cheek lightly, causing me to blush shamelessly, hoping my father wasn't around to have seen that.

I called out to Barret to ready the carriage and chocobos, preparing to leave admittedly.

As soon as I got on the carriage, I looked back at Vincent-kun, who only nodded in understanding. I then looked back up to the sky, the carriage beginning to move. The sky was red like blood, I wonder, has more blood been spilled on the night's passing?

Aeris POV

I walked briskly towards my becoming father-in-law's quarters, planning on speaking with him about Tifa's new found predicament of the truth.

I passed the last hall, getting near to his studies. Everything else was in slow motion in a rather eerie way after that, like I was getting near to something, something sinister.

I froze at the decretive doors, feeling an ill-omened mist creeping out of the cracks under the door. I shook my head, clearing the negative thoughts out of my senses.

As I opened the door, letting out a haunting creak, I gasped. My eyes dilated, shaking from the small circles they have become. My body began to shake as well, my hands slowly creeping up to cup my cheeks in shrill horror. I felt tears becoming visible in my eyes, wanting it to blur my vision, but for some reason will not stop me from looking at the corpse that lay on the floor in front of me.

There in a heap of red spilled blood, laid the dead carcass of King Arthur. His chest was cut right through, his heart peeking out. His blood was everywhere, like it had been sprayed over like a gallon of paint spilling across the room. The only thing that went through my head at that moment was guts, blood, murder, and the death of a King.

My hands had reached all over my face, as if trying to scratch out the sight from my memory by running through my hair. I bowed my head forward, choking out a screeching scream of horror through out the castle, probably through out the kingdom of the sight of death that lay before me.

Tifa's POV

The sun's rays peeked out through the red blinds of the windows. I stirred a bit, the red light that was engulfing the room heating my body. I opened and closed my eyes slowly, trying to decipher if last night was a dream, or a nightmare; a dream that I always wanted, but a nightmare that shouldn't have happened.

My body was under crimson silk blankets, feeling the extra warmth from the body that was next to me. I tried to get up, but couldn't as I felt excruciating pain. For one thing, I was sore all over; my virginity was taken last night, so I had expected to feel pain. But, it wasn't only that.

I turned my head around over my bare shoulder, seeing the sleeping face of his majesty, Cloud. He had an arm draped over the blanket, my nude waist being underneath it. I felt my face go hot, realizing that my naked body was pressed against his own. Then again, we did more then just cuddle together like this last night.

At this, my face turned more red, the events of last night occurring once again in my mind. My sadness and loss, Cloud's comfort and guilt, our confession of affection towards each other, and then the night I would never forget, us making love.

I smiled a real smile for the first time. I was happy, happy to know he loved me in return. My heart fluttered, tears slowly peering out of the corners of my eyes. They weren't my usual tears of sorrow though, like the ones I had shed last night, they were tears of bliss.

I looked up at Cloud, not getting enough of looking at his angelic face. He seemed peaceful, content, his snoring taking in gentle breaths before letting out a tranquil release. I giggled quietly, not ever meeting a man who could snore as soundly as him.

I shifted my body, wanting to face him entirely. I checked his face, wanting to make sure I didn't wake him up from my movement. I wanted to take my time and study his features while he slept. His arm was still around my waist, and on impulse, he snuggled me closer to him. He pressed me close to his body, my breasts implanting themselves on his bare chest. I blushed, feeling only a little uncomfortable. He held me tight, almost in a possessive manner.

His shoulders were fairly broad, but somehow smooth at the same time. His chest was strong, but provided comfort in the strangest ways. His arms were long, that I found myself touching them, enjoying the sensation of them embracing my body to him. I lightly touched his hand that was around my waist, my other hand folding into his between our bodies. His hands were so gentle, so warm, that I couldn't believe such rough hands could take such an affect on my body to shutter with delight.

I kiss his chin, not able to reach his mouth from his hold on me, and if possible, a smile bloomed from his usually broody expression.

I whispered, smiling as I put my head under his chin, "I love you." That's when it hit me.

I couldn't love him, and even if I do, I can't allow it. I started to shiver, feeling like I just committed a sin and I was in the devil's arms rather than the man I fell in love with. I have betrayed Aeris. I have slept with the man she loves and is engaged to wed. I confessed to this man that I love him when a woman has already claimed her love for him first. I have done something so vile that I started to hiccup with sobs, guilt and regret starting to float into me.

I feel like a whore now. I should have known this was a mistake as soon as we kissed, but I couldn't help myself, I'm in love. I curse myself for a fool. I have fallen in love with an unattainable man, a man I shall never have even with the events that happened between us last night.

I looked back up at Cloud, my thoughts of regrets coming back to me even stronger, and yet my love along with it. We have gone against the duties and oaths we had committed to out Kingdoms and people, to the Royal Councils.

My body stiffens, feeling Cloud's body begin to stir from its slumber. I looked up to meet his ocean gaze, his eyes fluttering softly to my anxious wine ones.

Cloud's POV

I opened my eyes after feeling Tifa's body freeze up against me. I felt concerned as soon as I felt something troubling her, and it didn't have to be words that made me realize this, but her body language and movements. I was never this close with Aeris, even in bed.

I stared down at her, my eyes looking at her troubled ones. Funny, I couldn't speak to her at this moment, the shock suddenly overcoming me. I have slept with Tifa, the cousin of my fiancé. My throat was clogged, hindering my ability to speak my thoughts. We just stared at each other as if in a trance, reality catching up to us from our fantasies that were played out last night. But, reality was too late to make us recognize what we have already done. I didn't want to say I regret what happened, because I don't. Tifa's feelings though, look unsure to me now, her eyes portraying her fear and regrets.

I had to say something, anything, but what?

I finally found my voice, my concern as a lover who just took the innocence of the one dear to them taking over, "Tifa, are you alright? I didn't hurt you did I?"

Tifa's POV

I didn't know how to reply at first, I was still going over my penalty. When my mind finally registered Cloud's question and voice, I replied, remembering the physical throbbing my lower region was giving me, "I'm a little sore, but I believe I shall be alright."

He held onto me closer, making my body freeze up. He noticed my reaction and looked at me with concern, his spiky bangs falling over his eyes, "Are you sure?" I nodded, taking in his sweet morning dew scent.

I didn't want him to let me go, but I knew I had to stop this. I lifted my body away from his warmth; my body somehow feeling a piece of itself was missing. I took the blankets that were around me, covering my self with modesty.

I felt the bed sink a bit more as I felt Cloud's body lift up, putting a comforting hand on my slim shoulder. He whispered out like a husband consoling his wife, it took all my will power to erase that idea, "Tifa, please, tell me what's wrong? You seem distant." He looked down feeling hurt, making me feel ashamed of myself for hurting the man I love.

I gave a silent laugh, trying to put up a smile, but finding tears coming forth to flood my vision, "I'm fine. Physically I shall heal, but…" I look at him, my tears casting down on my rosy cheeks, "Mentally, I have destroyed myself and have cast our kingdoms into ruin." I stood silent, Cloud's face distorting in mixed feelings.

I looked deeper into his eyes if it was possible, begging him as if he was God himself to forgive my selfish action. I spoke, my voice cracking with desperate sobs, "Oh Cloud, what have we done, no, what have I done?" I looked down, not wanting to meet his gaze, knowing for they will only reflect my sins even deeper into my soul.

I begin to berate myself, tears flowing down my face in agony, "I have betrayed my dear cousin! I slept with the man she is to wed! How could I have committed such an action without knowing the consequences, knowing such a deed has already been done! Curse me for a whore and orphan child who is now crownless! Curse me to the pits of hell of Satan's domain, for I have cast away me holy beliefs and teachings! Curse me for falling in love! I wish I never knew what love was! I wish it had remained foreign to me! I wish…" I looked up at Cloud, choking out my last words of regret in a faint whisper, "I wish I never had fell in love with you…"

Cloud's face held so much distress, his eyes beginning to glisten with upcoming tears. Soon after my display of words, Cloud lashed out and enveloped me in a bone-crushing hug.

His body shook against mine, his arms holding me tightly in place. I held a gasp from his sudden action, not knowing what to do but cry into his shoulder.

He whispered, and if possible, held me tighter to him, "Don't ever say that Tifa. You haven't done anything wrong. If there is anyone to blame, it is I. I know I shouldn't have led you on like I did." I shook my head, knowing he was wrong, but he laced his hand with mine, "I have no regrets."

I shook my head, silent tears spilling over my face, "But…I do."

Cloud's POV

I whispered softly to her, my soul crying out to her, "I have no regrets."

After I said those words I looked over at her face. From her expression, I knew I wasn't going to like what she was going to say.

She shook her head, tears silently flowing down her pale rosy cheeks, "But…I do."

She took her hands off of mine, and pushed me away from her by my bare chest. She covered herself fully with the crimson cotton blanket, actually looking more frail and naked than before.

She whispered, holding back sobs, "You don't understand Cloud. You never shall perhaps. You and I have been blinded by love that should never have bloomed. You and I have a commitment to two different people…" I cut her off, "But you don't love him!" I shouted desperately, not wanting to be reminded of such a union of Tifa and that scumbag, King Rufus Shinra.

She looked at me, her eyes gripping mine, "But you love Aeris, don't you?"

I stood silent, not knowing what to say. I did love Aeris; I did at one time. But, ever since Tifa came into my life, my eyes opened to what love truly was. It was about sacrifice, seeing that person smile even on the darkest days, holding them tightly before you know they are permanently glued to you for the rest of your life, knowing you can accept the good and the bad about them, knowing that you'll do anything for them, knowing that your love for that person is stronger than anyone else's bond. Tifa is the one who made me feel that way. I could just picture my life and future so easily with her, having no fear or hesitation on the thought towards that feeling and desire.

My love for Aeris burned out as quick as a flame, died as quickly as a full bloomed rose. She made me feel special, always praising me. She made me feel like I was someone worth being with, but I also knew she was filled with lies and pity. Deep down, I had a feeling she knew she didn't love me, not really. I loved her dearly, but that's because I didn't know what love was, not the full experience. Aeris, she was precious to me, but not precious enough for me to actually see a future with. She was the one who opened the gap, but Tifa was the one who opened the door. And yet, I'm engaged with her, knowing it was the commitment we both made for peace and union for our kingdoms. I chose the path of being unfaithful to Aeris and being deceitful to Tifa's heart, knowing we can never happen.

I soon came to a realization. As much as I loved Tifa, I knew it could never be, but do I really need to wait for another lifetime, generations for us to be together?

I gave Tifa an answer, before continuing my thoughts, "Yes Tifa, I do love Aeris…so…let this fantasy and dream of ours end." I took a breath, looking out the window, "Yuffie will be here soon. Reality is coming back whether we like it or not."

Tifa nodded, trying to hold back tears on the fact we had to forget this happened.

I knew she loved me, she told me herself last night. And we both knew we loved each other as much as any two people could. We had connected physically and mentally with our bodies and souls to prove that our affections for one another were real, not just an infatuation.

We both got dressed and ready for Yuffie's arrival. Before we exited the castle, Tifa looked back, and feelings of nostalgia coming back to her from her destroyed kingdom. She gave a silent whimper, her feelings shaken between her future and love for me.

I looked away from her, not wanting to accept that all of this had to end between us.

I promise you Tifa, I will make things right. I can't let this go Tifa. I love you too much to let you go now, now that I know you love me too. I will find a way, though; it will be difficult for me to command such a task than saying it. But for you, I'm willing to break the laws and take the risk of losing everything I have built for peace, if I can have you in the chaos.

Yuffie's POV

As we get closer and closer to the palace, my stomach twisting and turning from nausea. I sighed, placing the palm of my hand under my cheek, my elbow on the open carriage window.

Then, all of a sudden, Barret spoke with a great deep voice, "Whatever happens, lets be prepared, okay?" I took a moment to notice what he was speaking of, sighing once more, "I'm sorry. It was my decision to let them be on their own." He made a gruff sound, "Heh, the great Yuffie saying sorry? I must be losing my head." I just stood silent, not feeling like myself.

Barret spoke in a comforting tone, which surprised, "Hey, it'll be alright. You did a good thing, Yuffie." I still remained quiet, not knowing if I agreed with him or not.

We soon came to the castle, Cloud waiting outside at the entrance with a face that was hard to describe, other than loss.

Tifa's POV

I fixed up my gown and robes by the window, wishing to smooth out the wrinkles that were upon them. I brushed out my messy tresses, trying to clear away the roughness my mind held.

Cloud left the room, checking if Yuffie had arrived.

I took a big heave of air, trying to calm my shaking nerves. My hands were shaking and my nerves were shivering under my skin. I wonder if I would survive through the day.

I heard a knock on the door.

I turned my head slowly, seeing Cloud at the corner of my eye. He took a quick glance at me, his blue eyes glowing in amazement and pity before looking down at the rug designed floor, "It's time."

Cloud's POV

Tifa's face showed no emotion, but I could tell her spirit had shaken. She walked passed me, taking a quick glance at my direction before leaving me inside the room.

I stood there contemplating on what I should do. But nothing came; I was just as lost as she was. I then left the room, closing the doors behind a moment that should be forgotten.

I made it downstairs, seeing Yuffie waiting outside of the carriage for me. Tifa was already inside, gazing at the horizon before her from her window. Yuffie stared at me, her eyes wanting to ask questions but knows she should not as them.

Barret opened the door for us, Yuffie stepping inside first. Before I got in, Barret pulled my shoulder back to whisper in my ear, "This shouldn't have happened, but we let you both have this moment, and only this moment. Remember that, or we'll all go down in hell." I only looked at him with my usual stoic expression, not knowing what to say. I nod, taking that as my only reply.

Barret then let my shoulder go gently, "Alright Spiky, I'll take that as your answer." He heads towards the front, sitting down and getting ready to depart back to Nibelheim. I enter the carriage, sitting next to Yuffie, knowing it would just be awkward for me to sit next to Tifa.

Speaking of Tifa, she had not once left her gaze off the glowing glare of the morning sun. She looked hypnotized, entranced by the beauty that lay before her, only for it to die once again when night came. I had a feeling she was picturing herself as the sun, fading away from the light only to end in darkness.

I looked at the sun, not wanting to, but also imagining her as the sun.

Zack's POV

My troops and I head closer to Wutai. I could soon see the ruined kingdom before me. So many lives were taken, and I couldn't help but look down from the sight. It was a tragedy, knowing a great kingdom as Wutai could fall like this.

I closed my eyes, my eyebrows furrowing in anger and despair, before looking up in determination. I look back at my troops, "Alright men, lets pick up the pace!" We galloped on our chocobos, our thighs hitting against their soft feathers as we head down to Wutai.

Tifa's POV

We were near Wutai, not long before we enter the demolished city. I have yet taken my gaze off the sun, the rays beaming against my face.

I then heard Barret shout out, "We are near the entrance." I finally cast my sight away from the sun, looking out the window to see the entrance in view. What caught my eye however was Lord Zack being there as well.

I begin to panic, wondering why he was here, but soon remembered that he was ordered to come by King Arthur.

The carriage passes by the gate, Barret coming to a halt. We all exit the carriage, Zack approaching us.

He looked at the three of us one by one. He then quirked a eyebrow in suspicion, " I asked Vincent about your whereabouts, and he told me you all went to investigate the surroundings for clues of the enemy. Is that true Cloud?" Cloud gave a short cough, "Yes, that's true." Zack crossed his arms over his chest, "Well, did you find anything?"

Cloud gave a side-glance at me, Zack catching notice of this, but didn't question it. Cloud then gave an answer, "No Sir, nothing." Zack gave a light chuckle, patting Cloud on the shoulder, "How many times have I told you not to call me Sir? I'm your brother, Cloud. You can just say Zack." Cloud looked down at his chest and nodded, "Right."

Zack patted his shoulder a couple of times, "There we go. Now don't let me remind you again. I mean, you act like one of my troops, and your far superior to me, future King." Cloud stood quiet, before nodding once more.

Zack rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, this is troubling indeed." To me, he didn't seem all that upset, either that, or he already knew who the enemy was. Somehow, I figured Cloud knew as well.

Vincent soon appeared, walking briskly towards us, "Glad to see all of you have returned." Yuffie walked to Vincent's side, snaking an arm around him for comfort. Though my mind rest in turmoil, I couldn't help but sneak a small smirk of their symbol of affection for each other.

We all stood quiet, waiting for Zack's instructions, "I've talked to King Gordo. We have agreed on the construction for the kingdom of Wutai, reporting for workers to arrive and help in the repairs. I would have to report the damage to father and answer any questions he would have on the attack. I also might have to speak with the Royal Council about this as well. Until then, we can-"

"SIRE!!!"

We all turned to see Cid, galloping on top of a black chocobo. His face held so much distress that he had sweat all over his face. He also held absolute fear, his pupils shrinking from terror, and his mouth panting our air as if he had just been touched by death. This wasn't a good omen.

Zack rushed to Cid's side, calming the chocobo for him. Zack asked, panic reaching his voice, "What happened good man?" I rushed up, wanting to hear the news myself. For the first time I have known him, I never had seen Cid so flustered.

Cid placed a heavy gloved hand against his rib cage, his heart pumping so fast he found it hard to breathe, "It's his majesty, your father Sir…he's…he's…. he's been murdered!"

Kiome-Yasha: "Do I hear a evil laugh coming on, I think I do! Bwahahahahahahaha!!!! Okay, I'm done. Again, sorry for the extreme wait, but life has been busy as it is. I'm in college now and we have been writing papers left and right. Not only that, family issues needed to be taken care of as well. FYI to you fans, I am not abandoning this story, EVER. Even if you guys believe I'm just saying that, I'm not. I will finish this story! Hopefully I will update soon, but it won't be for a while. I still need to update my KH fic after all."