Years... It has been years.. I've downloaded the app to read fanfiction online and came across the story i had put many hours writing.. It's not fair to just let it go and fade away without completing, however other circumstances preventing me from finishing. I had lost my job due to cutbacks, become homeless, divorced, disabled.. pretty much if it could put me down then it has happened.

I have however built myself back up to a more stable lifestyle. I am now living comfortably with my daughter and there is a new and wonderful man in my life, I have a decent job, and my daughter is growing big and strong. To be at a point in my life where i can sit back and enjoy the little things such as reading is a blessing, and now.. I will do my best to continue to finish this story. I will not be making any promised updates, only that they will come when i have the time.

Quickly making it into her room, Tifa sighed softly in comfort, her memories replaying the tantric scene over and over.. Galian had forgiving her.. accepted and adored her. Vincent returned, granting her rest before too relishing in her passion and love. The slightest tinge of guilt would rear its ugly head while she washed her sore body... somewhere in the deep sea, as she succumbed to the pleasure of the man she knew in her heart to be the one, Cloud was searching for the huge materia. The fighter shook her head, pushing the thoughts past her mind as she continued on to make herself look more presentable. Any moment they would hear word, or perhaps see the return of the crew that had gone into the deep. They needed to be ready to move.. one more huge materia was still at large.

The airship was parked just outside of Junion, and much to the crew's and the party's surprise.. Shinra had not attempted to try and recover their stolen airship. The ship was quiet, the engines resting and being inspected after the long trek across the land while Cid was leader of the party. While lacing her boots, Tifa had wondered just what it would have been like to be under that man's leadership.. It had been a surprise to find out Barret declined to take the leadership role. Perhaps he had still felt too much guilt to lead a party after the loss of Biggs, Wedge and Jesse. The crew prospered under Cid's leadership, having acquired and safely stored huge materia with Red's grandfather.

" Hey everyone, come up to the deck.. Cloud has returned!" Cait's voice rang out from the intercom.

Tifa exited her room just as Vincent, the two meeting eyes. She smiled sheepishly while he took her hand in his and led her through the hallway, letting go once they had arrived at the main deck. Cloud just handed over the huge materia to a crew member, the rest of his party beamed with pride at their success. "Great job everyone.. Cait, any news on any other materia?"

"Yeah, there have been talk that they took a huge materia over to Rocket town. They plan to fire it into the meteor."

Cid had perked upon hearing of his hometown. His face turned as red as Nanaki's fur. "What?! Them bastards are going to use my rocket!? Cloud you best be taking me with you because if you're gonna kick those fucking Shinra out of my rocket, then you are going to take me with you!" The pilot moved to his pilot in training, whom trembled ever slightly as Cid barked orders to take off.

Tifa moved to the large window of the airship, watching as clouds passed by, the translusent puffs giving way to the world below. The trip would take an hour at most. The sound of clicking and scrapping could be heard behind her. Turning, the fighter noticed everyone prepping their weapons for the battle to come. Shinra would no doubt be everywhere. She decided upon doing the same, removing her gloves from the waistband of her skirt, she would inspect the items carefully, ensuring that the spikes upon the knuckles were attatched correctly and wouldnt budge.. and that the seams would hold. finding one loose, she moved to return to her room to fetch a needle and thread. Making her way down the corridor, Tifa could hear another set of steps following her.

"Tifa." Cloud spoke to her, his tone warm and full of happiness. She turned to her friend, no longer burdened by the daunting memories of the twisted past. He approached her, looking shyly to the side. "I really got to make it up to you.. for saving me and helping me you know."

Shaking her head, Tifa laughed lightly. "Think nothing of it Cloud. I think i will always feel a bit of regret not telling you. It was really eating me up inside.. but i was just always afraid. Afraid of what you might think or feel." Cloud had moved closer to her, making Tifa feel a bit uncomfortable. There was a feeling inside of her to step back, to not give the mako eyed man any suggestion of chance.
"No.. I would never be mad at you. Never. Tifa, you have always been looking out for me, taking extra care to let me be who i thought i was, to let me dream and to let me live. I've ignored you for too long, guarded you like a little sister instead of seeing you as the woman you are. I apologize for that."

Red lights were signaling inside of Tifa's mind. She gave Cloud a friendly smile, holding up her hands to cease any more words from coming from his mouth. "Cloud.. r-really you don't have to apologize for anything.. we should really be getting things together for rocket town. There is going to be a lot of guards there right? We need to be on our game."

Nodding in agreement, Clould took one last step closer to Tifa, placing a soft kiss upon her cheek before turning back to meet with the others. The fighter's legs felt weak, she quickly entered her room and looked for her repair kit, her hands shaking. The man had just went through a life changing event. He had lost years of his life. How could she crush him once more when he had saw her as the light to his new hope.

~~~~~~~

The Highwind had landed, and the crew jumped out, battle ready. "Tifa, Red.. You are both with me." Cloud commanded. "Wait a second! I said I'm going!" Cid cursed stepping forward. Cloud looked between Tifa and Red, "I have a decent level cure if you are worried" Cid rolled his eyes. "I just ain't missing this for anything!"

Cloud reluctantly nodding, "Tifa, you're in command of the second group.. If anything goes wrong, clear away from Rocket Town." Tifa nodded, tightening her gloves and leading Yuffie, Vincent, Barret, and Cait upon his Mog. They approached the large rocket, Vincent firing off shots and taking out soliders left and right with the help of Barret and his new gun arm. Yuffie threw her shuriken at a well dressed man, however it was easily smacked aside. Rude of the Turks adjusted his glasses, tightening his own gloves as two Shinra soldiers flanked his sides. Tifa took position to fight, and charged, Cait hot on her heels and preparing a poison attack.

Fists flew left and right, Tifa managed to dodge what she could, and countered. The air left her lungs suddenly, she feel back and coughed, turning to see that Cait had distracted the Turk while she gathered her breath. Yuffie jumped in soon after, doing her best to avoid being hit. Barret and Vincent finished off the soldiers, and aimed their guns at the bald man with glasses. Rude placed his hands in the air slowly, looking uncomfortable. "Gotcha now" Yuffie winked, a hand upon her hip.

The ground had started to rumble, everyone's eyes turned to the large rocket. Smoke soon billowed out from the massive transport, then fire. "Get away from that thing!" Barret yelled, grabbing Cait. Tifa turned quickly, gathering her balance quickly as she bolted away from the launching zone. Everyone dove to the ground, covering their heads and holding on as gusts of smoke and heat nearly blew them away. Once cleared, they moved to their feet, looking up at the flying rocket. "Cloud... Cid... Red.." Tifa's eyes widened in shock.

"They're... they're heading to the meteor." She watched the rocket fly higher and higher, ignoring the sound of gunfire and yells. It wasn't until Vincent gathered the woman up in his arms and made for the airship.
"Tifa" His voice collected the rest of her thoughts. His eyes trying to read her thoughts. She managed to smile, shaking her head, "They will be alright. We have nothing to worry about. We need to get some height, but stay close to the area.. be on the look out for any sign of them."

Pleased with her answer, Vincent nodded, looking to the others running close beside him. "Sounds like a plan.. two hour shifts then?" Barret looked down to Cait.

"Best make that three." Cait shifted uncomfortably, "Things are really on edge here.. Won't be able to function around very long."

"Dibs on first." Yuffie would of course speak out, more than happy to spend her newfound strength of dealing with motion illness.

The crew boarded the Highwind, the airship quickly taking off in a hurry. Vincent set Tifa down, feeling the reluctance in doing so. Barret and Cait shifted to enter their rooms, Vincent silently followed Tifa into her room. "You are hesitant to speak with him. In regards to us."

Tifa removed her gloves, running her swollen knuckles under water. "It's a trying time for him.. I figure that we can wait until... a more convenient time.." She knew his hearing was good, however just where on the airship was he when she and Cloud had this conversation.. would she always be needing to watch her back with Vincent? Didn't he trust her? No.. after the betrayal before.. trust would need time to restore.

"Convenient?" the gunman narrowed his eyes upon the chocolate eyed woman. She quirked a small brow, revealing no ill intent of illicit actions against him, causing him to relax. Vincent smiled beneath the cloak, fully understanding now. "Hn, perhaps once the world has been saved then."

The fighter smiled, nodding in agreement. "Thank you for understanding... he is confused that's all." She had let out a large yawn, and kicked off her boots. Vincent chuckled, sitting upon Tifa's bed. She joined him, feeling his arms wrap around him. Ever silently she would think of a prayer for their three companions safe return.