Chapter 2
Reunions and Rebirth
Rufus Shinra sat in an office in Junon, contemplating the destruction of his company. Somehow those idiot Turks had managed to pull his badly burned body from the wreckage of the Shinra building after Diamond Weapon's attack and bring him to Junon where he had been in intensive care for a the past three weeks. Shinra-what was left of it-was in shambles. The military force consisted of only one thousand soldiers and their officers, those soldiers that had been stationed in Junon during the firing of the Sister Ray on the North Crater. Rufus idly tapped his fingers on the desk. There was only one thing left to do; start the Neo-Midgar project and destroy Cloud and the rest of his group. Pressing a button on his desk, he called for the scientists to come to his office.
Cloud was standing outside Red's house when Cid came up behind him, "Hey, where's Tifa? We've gotta get going."
"She's still asleep. I was letting her sleep, she's been through alot."
Cid shook his head, "I know, but we have to go."
Cloud sighed, "Yeah, you're right. I'll go wake her up." He quietly entered Tifa's room. The early morning sunlight shone in, casting soft light on her face. She looks so peaceful. He leaned over and gently stroked her cheek, "Tif."
She stirred a little and smiled in her sleep.
"Tifa, wake up."
She opened her eyes and looked up at him, "Cloud..."
"We have to go."
Tifa nodded and got out of bed, "You shouldn't have let me sleep so late."
"You were tired, I..."
She slid her arms around him, hugging him tightly, "Thanks."
Cloud gently returned her embrace. After a moment, Tifa pulled away. "We'd better get going; there's no time to waste."
"Morning, Tifa." Cid said as she and Cloud walked outside.
She smiled, "Good morning, Cid."
He flicked his cigarette to the ground and stomped on it, "Well, let's go. Highwind's ready. Shera's already on board. Red said he was coming later."
The three of them made their way to the ship that rested just outside of town. As they boarded, Cid took the wheel and piloted them toward Corel. Cloud stood at the huge viewport, watching as the scenery flew past. Tifa went to his side and leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. Cloud looked over at her, then wrapped an arm around her waist. Cid looked up at them, then turned to Shera. He nodded toward Cloud and Tifa. Shera glanced at them then smiled at Cid. He returned her smile, then fixed his attention on navigating the Highwind.
Tifa reached over and took Cloud's hand, placing the crystal she had been holding in it. He looked down at the crystal, his eyes widening in recognition.
"Remember?" she whispered.
Cloud nodded, "Yeah. I...gave it to you when your mom died."
"You told me it would help me somehow. After you left, I always kept it with me."
He stared down at the dark blue stone, then looked up at Tifa, "I can't believe you kept it."
"It reminded me of you. Of us."
Cloud reached out and took Tifa's hand, the crystal held tight in their hands.
Shera came up behind Cid, "Look at them. That's so sweet."
Cid glanced up, "Huh. Hey, we're about to land." he called to Cloud and Tifa.
Cloud closed Tifa's hand around the crystal and turned to Cid, "Okay."
"Hope Barret's in a good mood." Cid commented wryly.
When they landed, Tifa headed out with Shera, and Cloud started to follow them.
"About damn time you told her." Cid called.
Cloud looked at him strangely, "What are you talking about?"
"You and Tifa. You finally told her you love her. You almost waited too damn long."
Cloud looked down at the floor, "Yeah, I know."
"Kid, after everything that's happened, you can't take anything for granted." Cid looked outside at where Tifa and Shera stood, "Anything..." he whispered.
Cloud grinned, "I knew it! You love Shera."
Cid lifted his Venus Gospel threateningly, "I do not. Say it again and I'll beat the hell out of you."
"Where's Barret?" Cloud asked as he joined Tifa and Shera.
"Hey! What're you doin' here?" a voice demaned.
Tifa smiled, "Barret!"
The former leader of Avalanche ran up to them, a smile spreading on his face, "What's up? Why's everyone here?"
Tifa shook her head, "It's only the four of us. And we've got some bad news."
"Well, what is it?" he growled.
"Sephiroth is alive. We don't know how, but he is." she answered.
"What the hell!?"
Cloud quickly explained the situation.
"He almost killed Tifa!? Dammit! I swear I'm gonna-" Barret yelled.
"Barret, please." Tifa said, "I'm okay. All that matters now is getting the group back together. We have to figure out what to do."
"Okay. I'll call everyone; tell 'em to meet here tomorrow. You can pick everyone up, can't ya, Cid?"
He nodded, "Yeah."
"Alright. Until then, everyone just make yourselves at home. We're working on rebuilding this place, but we haven't gotten too far. My house is right up there. You can stay there."
Early the next morning, Cid left with Shera to gather everyone. Tifa woke up soon after and was sitting at the kitchen table when Cloud walked in.
"Morning, Cloud." she said.
He walked over to her side, leaned over and hugged her for a moment, "Good morning, Tif." he whispered, his breath brushing against her face. He sat in the chair next to hers; glancing at her, he noticed she wore the crystal on a thin strap around her neck. She looked up at him, her eyes catching his, and smiled.
"Hey, you two." Barret said as he joined them.
"Good morning, Barret." Tifa replied.
"Has Cid already gone?" Cloud asked.
Barret nodded, "Yeah. He should be back in about an hour. We still couldn't get in touch with Vincent."
Tifa frowned, "I guess we'll have to go look for him."
"I guess." Barret shrugged.
"Tifa, you wanna go for a walk until everyone gets here?" Cloud asked.
"Yeah."
They got up and headed out into the early morning sunlight; Cloud reached over and gently took Tifa's hand in his, threading his fingers through hers. She smiled sweetly at him. They walked out into the fields surrounding the town. After a few minutes, they came upon a stream. They sat on the bank, absorbing the comfort of being together. Cloud plucked a lavender flower and handed to Tifa.
"Oh...thank you." she whispered, gently taking the bloom. She stared down at it, thinking back to the last time Cloud had given her flower. It was at the start of their whole adventure, when he came back from his first mission in Avalanche.
"What's wrong, Tif?"
She shook her head, "Nothing. I was just thinking about when you first gave me a flower."
"Oh." He lay back in the grass and closed his eyes, "That seems so long ago...before...everything."
Tifa lay beside him and let her eyes drift closed as well, "Yeah..." She suddenly felt Cloud wrap his arms around her and pull her against him, her eyes flew open, wide in shock. He smiled faintly. Returning his smile, Tifa sunggled up against him and listened to the sound of the stream mingle with his heartbeat. She soon found herself drifting off to sleep and had to shake herself awake. "Sorry." she whispered.
"No. It's okay."
She pulled away from him, "We need to go back. The others will be here soon."
Cloud nodded and stood, reaching out to help her up. As they walked back to Corel, he put an arm around her shoulder, holding her close. Just as they made it back to the town, the Highwind flew overhead and landed nearby. Yuffie ran down the ramp, excited as always. Reeve had ditched Cait Sith's body and was there as himself; Red followed, glancing at Yuffie in annoyance.
Yuffie bounded over to Cloud and Tifa, grinning, "Hiya, Cloud, Tifa!"
"Hey, Yuffie." Tifa responded.
Cloud crossed his arms and looked at her, his eyes narrowed, "You're not thinking of stealing my materia are you?"
Yuffie sighed, "No. I don't steal from friends. Relax, Spike." She ran off to talk to Barret.
"Okay, everybody inside, we don't have any time." Barret commanded.
The group sat around Barret's kitchen table, eating a meal that Tifa and Yuffie had cooked. Cloud explained his and Tifa's encounter with Sephiroth for Yuffie and Reeve.
"The question now is: What do we do?" Reeve pointed out.
"We still have to find Vincent. We should split up and search for him." Yuffie suggested.
Barret nodded, "Okay...Reeve, Yuffie, you go to Nibelhiem and search the mansion. Cloud and Tifa, you two take Lucrecia's cave. What's left?"
"Just the other towns, but I kinda doubt Vincey would be there." Yuffie said.
"Okay, Cid, Red, and I will check the other towns. It shouldn't be that hard. If you find him, call here. If not, meet back here in two days."
The group nodded.
"Okay, get going. Get 'em out of here, Cid."
Making a stop at the chocobo stables, Tifa retrieved her golden chocobo, Cerasi. On their way to the cave, Cloud began to get a sense that something was about to go drastically wrong. He tried to ignore it, but it kept pressing at him. When Cid dropped Cloud and Tifa off at the mountains surrounding the lake, the sense only became stronger. Tifa walked up behind Cloud and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. She felt his muscles tense and he turned toward her, "Tif."
"Cloud, what's wrong?"
He shook his head, "Something's...not right. I don't know what, but we need to get this over with quick."
They jumped on their chocobos and started the long trip up the steep mountains surrounding the cave. As night fell, they were almost to the bottom, but couldn't continue because the chocobos were losing their footing. Finding a wide ledge, they set up their tents close to the mountain face as a shield from wind.
Tifa sat next to Cloud as he stared up at the star-strewn sky. She could sense his apprehension. Ever since their childhood, they had been able to sense each other's presence and feelings. She smiled inwardly, despite all that, they had both been totally blind to each other's love.
"Cloud?"
He turned to her, "Yeah?"
"Relax. It's just what Sephiroth did getting to you. Everything will be okay."
"No, it won't. I know, Tif. I can feel it." He sighed and put an arm around her.
She hugged him tightly, trying to reassure him, "It'll be okay." She gently kissed him and pulled away, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Tif." he whispered as she disappeared into her tent. Throwing one final look to the heavens, he turned to his own tent. Tifa's going to die. The thought hit him just as he lay down. He sat up, icy fear clenching around his heart. Trying to push the thoughts from his mind, he lay back again and stared at the ceiling. After an hour had passed, he was still awake. Sighing in resignation, he got up and went outside. He decided to check on Tifa, hoping that would ease his mind. She was sleeping peacefully. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to sleep away from her, he lay down near her small bed, determined to protect her from whatever came. Comforted by the sense of her presence, he soon slipped off into sleep.
Early the next morning Tifa awoke; as she stretched, her hand touched something warm. Bolting upright, she saw Cloud lying near her, still asleep. She gently brushed away a strand of his blond hair, and he stirred.
"Tif?" he asked groggily.
"Morning, Cloud."
He sat up, "I'm sorry. I..."
"It's okay. I knew you couldn't sleep."
He got up and left to dismantle his tent. Tifa quickly folded her blankets and packed her tent away on her chocobo's back. In a matter of minutes they were starting down the mountain again. Leaving their chocobos outside, they entered Lucrecia's cave. There was no sign that anyone had been there recently, and they turned to leave.
Suddenly an intense pain cut through Cloud's mind, and he collapsed to his kness, clutching his head.
Kill Tifa. Jenova's voice commanded.
"No!" he cried defiantly.
Hearing his cry, Tifa turned to look at him, "Cloud?" She knelt by his side, gently placing a hand on his back.
"Tifa...get away..." he said through clenched teeth.
"What's wrong?" She could feel him trembling.
"Please, Tif. Go." he pleaded, "I can't fight it much longer."
Tifa's eyes went wide, "Jenova!? Cloud, you can fight it, you have before."
"No." he whispered, his eyes squeezed shut, "I-I can't. Just go...please..."
"I'm not leaving you." she said simply.
Cloud suddenly stopped struggling and stood up.
Tifa stood beside him and took his hand, "Are you okay now?"
He looked up at her, the sight of his eyes making her recoil in fear. His eye were devoid of emotion, nothing more than glacial ice.
"Cloud?" she asked, her voice trembling.
He drew his sword, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Cloud, snap out of it. Please...I love you, Cloud."
He stepped forward and drove his sword into her body. Tifa looked at him, her eyes full of pain then collapsed to the ground as he pulled the blade from her body.
Cloud came back to himself, slowly shaking his head to clear it. He looked down, seeing the crystalline blade of Ultima Weapon covered in blood. Suddenly realizing what he had done, he let the sword fall to the ground and sank to his knees beside Tifa.
"Tifa..." he sobbed. She was covered in blood. He gently cradled her in his arms, tears streaming down his face, "Tif, no......no...."
She opened her eyes, "Cloud...don't...blame yourself. It...wasn't...your fault."
"It'll be okay, Tifa. I-"
She reached up and gently stroked his face, wiping away his tears, "It's too late. Please, Cloud...be strong. I'll...always....be with you, I promise."
Cloud took the hand she had on his face and squeezed it tightly, "Tifa, I love you." he whispered, his voice hoarse. Leaning down, he gently kissed her.
Tifa drew in a deep breath, "Nibelhiem...I'll always be there...waiting...for you..." Tifa's body relaxed in his arms; he felt her last breath on his lips.
He gently shook her, "Tifa, no. Please don't leave me..." He reluctantly closed her lifeless eyes and pressed his face against the top of Tifa's head. A flood of tears poured down his face, soaking into Tifa's hair. He held her close, gently rocking her, praying that it was all a dream.
"I'm so sorry, Tifa...please forgive me."
What seemed like an eternity passed before Cloud's sorrow relinquished its grip. He gently lay Tifa on the ground and retrieved his sword. Kneeling on the shore, he dipped the blade in the crystal waters, washing away Tifa's blood. Rummaging through his bag, he found a cloth bandage and dipped it in the water. Returning to Tifa's side, he carefully cleaned the blood off of her hands and stomach. Gently removing her necklace, he put it around his own neck. It reminded me of you. Of us. she'd said. Maybe it'll help you somehow. That's what he had told her eight years ago when her mother had died. He tenderly stroked her cheek, fighting another wave of anguish.
Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved his PHS and called Barret.
"Cloud! 'Bout time! You found Vincent?" Barret asked.
"No. Barret, Tifa's...dead. I need you guys to bring the Highwind and call the others."
"What the hell you talking about? You're kidding aren't you?"
"No."
"What-how?" Barret stammered.
"Later. Just come get us."
Barret hung up the phone, a stricken look on his face. He turned and picked up a glass that was sitting on a nearby panel. Staring at it for a moment, he suddenly turned and slung it at the Highwind's hull, shattering the cup in a million tiny shards.
Cid jumped in shock, "Damn, man! What the @#$% is that all about!?"
"Tifa's dead. We have to go pick them up."
Cid looked at him, then slumped against the wall in shock, "Damn...she...she's gone. How?"
"I don't know. Let's go, we ain't gonna get any answers sittin' here."
Cloud sat in silence beside Tifa's still body. Hundreds of memories flashed through his mind, things he never knew he remembered. Small things, really, like Tifa giving him a reassuring smile when he thought all was lost. He sighed, and gently took her hand, his throat tightening at the lack of warmth, of life. Suddenly he found himself wishing that he was back in his childhood; Tifa would be alive, she'd be happy. Despite the hardships of his childhood, it was the pain he and Tifa had endured that had brought them together, bound them to each other forever. He looked down at the crystal hanging from his neck. It was so small, yet so it carried so much. He remembered the day he found it, the first day he'd spoken to Tifa. He gave it to her after her mother died to comfort her, and now, it had returned to him. A single tear trickled down his face and he clenched his free hand to stop it from trembling. After all this time, everything they'd gone through together, she was gone. Cloud felt his mind slowly going numb; his soul becoming a tiny ball of misery inside of him. He and Tifa had always shared a bond, and no matter what, he had always been able to feel her presence in his heart. Now an infinite darkness filled her place, an infathomable void that no light could ever breach. He sat staring at her pale face in a daze, locked in oblivion, for what seemed to him as forever. The sudden roar of the Highwind's engines pulled him from his shock. Gently taking Tifa's body in his arms, he walked out into the bright sunlight. Cerasi and Renon ran over to him, distressed cries coming from them both. Cerasi touched her beak to Tifa's face and warbled.
Cloud gave the chocobo a sorrowful look, "She won't wake up, Cerasi. She's gone forever."
"Cloud!" Barret called as he ran over to him, the rest of the group following close behind.
They all stopped, staring in shock at the lifeless form in Cloud's arms.
Yuffie fell to her knees sobbing in a very uncharacteristic display of emotion. Cid rested his weight on the Venus Gospel, as if his legs suddenly couldn't support him. Barret simply stared, obviously in shock. Red hung his head in remorse. Reeve leaned against a nearby rock, shaking his head in denial.
Cloud stared at Tifa's face, not wanting to meet their eyes. Not wanting to see his friends' pain; it was all his fault.
"Let's go...we have to bury her." Barret said, his quiet voice seemingly a shout in the oppressive silence.
"Where to?" Cid asked Cloud.
"Nibelhiem." he answered, not taking his eyes from Tifa's face.
The group slowly boarded the Highwind. Cloud went to one of the rooms and lay Tifa on the bed, then slumped against the wall and let his eyes drift closed. "Tifa..."
The group was silent, each lost in their own dark thoughts.
"I wanna know what happened to her. That wound in her stomach...It was too big to be from Sephiroth's sword." Barret mumbled. "I'm gonna go ask him."
Cid turned to him, his eyes blazing, "Dammit, Barret! Let him grieve! Your stupid ass questions can wait! He's lost Tifa; he loved her and he lost her... That's more than any man should have to go through. So just sit the @#%$ down before I knock you down!"
Barret glared at him, "What!?"
"You heard me." Cid replied, his voice cold.
"Stop it, both of you." Red stepped in, "We've all been through alot. Barret, Cid is right. Let it go for now. Cloud needs time to himself."
Barret grunted, "Fine."
A quiet knock at the door pulled Cloud from his revire. He got up and opened it, surprised to see Yuffie standing there, her eyes still red and puffy from crying.
"Can...can I see her?" she asked, her brashness gone. She sounded more like a small child than the hyper teenager he knew.
He nodded and stepped aside, letting her into the room. He watched as Yuffie knelt beside the bed and stared at Tifa's still form. "Do you want me to go?"
"Cloud...I don't want to separate you from her. I won't be long, promise. You don't have to go."
He shook his head, "I've already been separated from her. Just let me know when you're done, I'll be on the deck." With that, he turned and left, quietly shutting the door behind him.
Yuffie stared after him for a moment, then turned back to Tifa, "I'm sorry, Tifa. I know I always...annoyed everyone, and all...I just want you to know that you were like a sister to me." She managed to smile despite her pain, "You actually put up with me most of the time. Cloud, he misses you. He loved you, Tifa, he really did. I don't know if he ever told you that, and it probably isn't my place to say it, but...he did. May the Dragon God always watch over you." She stood and walked out, going up to the deck to find Cloud. He was standing near the edge, leaning on the railing. "I've said my goodbyes."
Cloud turned and went back to Tifa's room without a word. Minutes later, Cid set the airship down near Nibelhiem. Cloud picked Tifa up and disembarked. Cid and Barret came down after him, carrying a casket they had bought in Kalm. They set it down on the dusty soil and Cloud gently placed Tifa in it, fighting desperately for control over his emotions.
"What is going on?" a voice suddenly asked.
Everyone turned to see Vincent standing in the shadows of one of the houses.
"Vincey?" Yuffie asked.
He strode forward, "What-?" he stopped as he noticed the casket and Tifa lying inside. His eyes suddenly narrowed and his jaw tightened. "Tifa. You've come here to bury her?"
"Yes." Cloud spoke up, his voice quiet.
Cloud, Vincent, Cid, and Barret carried Tifa's body to the small cemetary near the edges of the village.
"Over there." Cloud whispered, indicating a small hill covered in lavender flowers. They carried Tifa to the hill, just as Yuffie and Reeve brought shovels. Cloud turned and walked away, stopping in a secluded spot not too far from the group. He couldn't think, the paralysis in his mind still gripped him. He lay back and stared up at the sky. Tifa, please come back...Don't leave me here alone. You said you'd be here. I'm here now...please...
"Cloud, we're ready." Reeve said, cutting into his thoughts.
He nodded and climbed to his feet, slowly making his way back to the small hill that was Tifa's final resting place. As he arrived, the others formed a small circle around Tifa's casket.
Cid looked up, tears in his eyes, "Tifa, sis, I've never met a woman as strong as you. You were the only thing that kept this group going through it all. Wherever you are, watch over us. We're gonna need your help, especially Cloud. I wish we all had your strength. Goodbye, sis. I'll never forget you." he fell silent, tears beginning to fall down his face.
"Tifa, this seems so unreal. I always figured I'd be the first of the group to go. Then at the pillar in Midgar, Jessie, Biggs, Wedge...and now, you. I swear Sephiroth is gonna pay." Barret stepped back, his voice failing him.
Red stepped forward, "I've never seen anyone who could face what we faced and still smile. Unlike the rest of us, you never became bitter, never let everything get you down. You faced the Planet's wrath to save Cloud, not even flinching. May you rest in peace."
Cloud flinched at Red's words, feeling anguish rise in him, tightening his throat, burning in his soul.
Yuffie stepped forward, sniffling, "You had a strength that anyone would be envious of. I wish I had that power, to keep people smiling. Remember us, Tifa. Guide us, help us destroy the evil that's trying to engulf us again. And keep us smiling always. I'll see you again, sis."
"Tifa, I...I have to apologize. For everything I did when I worked for Shinra. This group, all of you, became my family. To lose you, it's something none of us ever expected... I won't rest until Sephiroth is dead; I think everyone else is with me on this."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the group.
"Goodbye, Tifa. You were the light we all needed." Reeve concluded.
Vincent spoke up next, his hand clenched tightly, "This is yet another sin Sephiroth will pay for, this I swear on my life. Until we meet again."
Everyone fell silent, looking at Cloud. He stepped forward, unable to keep his hands from trembling. "Tif, I'm sorry. I should've done something more, fought harder. I broke my promise, I know. Everything I've gone through, it was you who kept me going. You risked yourself to save me from Lifestream, from my own darkness. I never would have made it this far without you. You were my light. I'm sorry for all the pain I caused you. I never imagined having to live without you being there. You always believed in me, even when we were young; and for some reason, you always turned to me. I...I..." he stopped, his legs suddenly giving out, he sank to his knees, tears pouring down his face, "I don't know what to do, Tif....I...never thought I'd lose you. What do I do now? It's all my fault, all my fault. I was supposed to protect you. I love you, Tif. All I ever wanted was for you to be by my side, and now you're gone. Tifa...please...forgive me...I love you..." Cloud fell silent, sobbing quietly.
The group watched him in silence, surprised by his tears. None of them had ever seen him cry. Vincent walked over to him and placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder.
Remorseful, Barret and Cid lowered Tifa into the ground and covered her coffin. Cid angrily swept his own tears off his face. Soon they had completely covered her.
Yuffie knelt in front of Cloud and hugged him tightly, "Cloud, it'll be okay. Please, stop crying..."
Cloud suddenly stood up, "NO! It'll never be okay! Don't any of you get it!? It's all my damn fault! I killed her!" he screamed.
"Cloud, you musn't-"
"I killed her! Me, I stabbed her!"
Barret's eyes narrowed, "What the hell you talkin' about?"
"When we were in the cave, Sephiroth...he told me to kill Tifa. I tried to fight it, tried to make Tifa leave me, but she wouldn't go. The next thing I can remember, I was looking down at my sword; it was covered in her blood. MY sword, her blood. It was too late, she...she died in my arms..."
"You did this!?" Barret screamed, waving his gun arm menacingly. "I'm gonna kill you!"
Cid grabbed Barret's shoulder, "Stop! It wasn't Cloud's fault. Sephiroth was using him, he tried to fight. You know he'd never willingly hurt Tifa."
Barret calmed down, "Sorry, man. It's just..."
"Look, we should all just rest for today. Everyone go back to the house we stayed in and get some sleep." Reeve suggested.
Nodding their agreement, the group walked somberly back to the house. Cloud immediately headed upstairs, soon finding himself in Tifa's room. He collapsed on the bed, extreme weariness beginning to overtake him. His mind had become numb again thankfully, and he soon fell into a dreamless sleep.
Cloud was halfheartedly eating breakfast late the next morning when Cid came in.
"We're going back to Corel in a few minutes." he said.
Cloud stood up, "I'm coming, too. I don't have any reason to stay."
Cid nodded, and the two of them left for the Highwind. The rest of the group was already on board, ready to leave.
"Where's Cloud?" Yuffie asked soon after takeoff.
Cid shrugged, "Dunno. He's around somewhere. Why?"
"I need to talk to him." Yuffie stated, then left to find Cloud.
Doing a quick search of the airship, she soon found him on the upper deck. He was leaning against the railing, staring blankly off into oblivion. "Cloud." she said, breaking the silence.
He didn't respond.
"Answer me!" she cried.
He slowly turned to look at her, his eyes seemingly empty. "What do you want?"
"You...you...Why did you kill her!?" Her hands were clenched tightly.
Cloud stared at her for a moment, then started to turn back to the railing. Yuffie grabbed his arm, yanking him around to face her. "How could you do that to Tifa? I thought you loved her!"
"Leave me alone, Yuffie."
"What!? Leave you alone? It's all your fault! Tifa would still be alive if it weren't for you!" She stared up at Cloud's face for a moment, then slammed a powerful punch into his chest, "It's all your fault! She was like my sister, the only one who looked out for me, and you..." She hit him repeatedly, tears starting to flow down her face.
Cloud simply stared down at her, not making any move to stop her. Finally she stepped back, and slumped to her knees.
"Yuffie, don't you think I know that? I know it's my fault." He knelt in front of her, "I don't expect any of you to forgive me."
"Kid, what the hell you talking about?" Cid walked onto the deck, "And Yuffie, just what the @#%$ do you think you're doing!?"
Yuffie stood up glaring, "It's his fault!"
"No, it's not. Now get the hell out of here and leave Cloud alone." Cid growled.
Yuffie turned and ran off, still glaring at Cloud.
"You should leave her alone, Cid. It is my fault. I stabbed her." Cloud said quietly, turning back to the railing.
"You say that one more time..." Cid started, then sighed, "Look, I know you miss her. We all do. You have a better reason that the rest of us to be depressed, but Sephiroth made you kill her. You know you'd never hurt Tifa; Sephiroth was pulling the strings."
"But who stabbed her? Me!" Cloud said adamantly.
"Dammit, Cloud!"
Cloud hung his head, "I just...don't know what to think or do. I...wanna believe it wasn't my fault, but-"
"What did Tifa say? Did she say 'It's all your fault'?"
"No. She told me not to blame myself." Cloud replied, wincing at the memory of her last moments.
"Then why are you blaming yourself?"
"Because I failed her. I was supposed to protect her." he said, his voice barely audible.
Cid looked over at Cloud, seeing the torment on his young face. "You tried, kid. There was nothing else you could do. The only thing left to do is take Sephiroth out, avenge Tifa."
"What does it matter? I don't have anything to live for."
Cid stared at him, "Don't start that."
Cloud laughed bitterly, "Everyone I love dies. The Planet must think it's pretty damn funny."
"Cloud, Tifa wouldn't want you to be like this. She'd want you to try to go on. This Planet, everyone on it, they need all of us to defeat Sephiroth."
Cloud sighed heavily; he sounded like someone defeated, "Yeah. You're right."
"Keep your chin up, kid." Cid turned and walked back into the airship.
Cloud sighed and slumped against the wall of the ship, his façade forgotten. His hand trembled as he reached for the crystal lying on his chest. Tifa... As he stared down at the dark blue stone, memories flashed through his mind.
Cloud, you can tell me anything.
I almost lost you, and...I never...I never told you how much you mean to me.
Cloud, I know. You mean alot to me, too. You're my best friend.
No. Tifa, you don't understand. I-I love you.
You...love me?
Yeah...I understand if you-
Cloud, I love you, too. I always have.
He'd never imagined he'd lose Tifa. I was supposed to protect her, but how could I protect her from myself? Now I've lost everything. Tifa, please help me...I can't go on without you. I don't have the strength anymore...you were my strength, my hope. He hung his head, angrily wiping the tears from his face. Tif, it's just too dark, too hard without you. I wanna hold you again. Do you remember, Tif, the nights we'd sit and watch the stars when we were young? I wish we were back there. We'd be together...you'd be with me. But now, I have to go on alone, and I don't know how long I'll make it. I wish I could bring you back somehow....
"How's he doing?" Red asked Cid as he came back to the control room.
Cid shrugged, "He's a little better. Still isn't talking much. Not like I blame him."
"He'll never recover from this." Red stated.
"Of course not. He loved Tifa. They've always been together, and now..."
"He's never broken down like that before in front of anyone. His own darkness will consume him eventually if he doesn't stop blaming himself. I believe there was something between them that was far deeper than any of us understood." Red pointed out.
Cid nodded, "Yeah. I swear they could talk without speaking. Like damn telepathy or something."
"Exactly. It was far deeper than simple empathy. They had a bond between their very souls."
"Damn, man." Cid muttered.
They turned as quiet footsteps approached the bridge. Cloud walked in, his eyes holding a faraway look. He took his usual spot in front of the viewport and stared intently at the horizon.
"We'll be in Corel in a few minutes." Cid called to him.
Cloud nodded, but didn't turn around.
As they landed in Corel, Shera came out with Marlene. Barret scooped Marlene up and put her on his shoulders, trying not to show his remorse. Marlene turned to look at the group, then her eyes went wide.
"Daddy, where's Tifa?" she asked.
Barret took her from his shoulder, and held her so he could look into her eyes, "Marle, Tifa's gone."
"When will she come back?"
"Sweetie..." Barret said, hating to break her young heart again.
"Tifa's not coming back, Marlene. I'm sorry..." Cloud had come up beside them.
Marlene squirmed out of Barret's arms and went to Cloud. He knelt in front of her. "Cloud...why are you crying? Did something happen to Tifa?" the girl asked, tenderly touching his cheek.
Cloud looked at Barret, as if asking if he could tell her. Barret nodded slightly. Cloud stared straight into Marlene's innocent dark brown eyes, "Tifa's dead, Marlene."
The girl's face twisted in sudden despair, and she buried her face in Cloud's neck, wailing. "I'm sorry..." He looked at Barret, a deep pain in his brilliant blue eyes, then he pried Marlene's arms from his neck and climbed to his feet. She pressed her face against her father's chest and sobbed. Cloud turned away, but not before the others saw a deep self-hatred begin to overtake him.
"Cloud, man-" Barret started.
Cloud ignored him and stalked off toward the mountains surrounding the small town.
"Where you going!?"
Marlene looked up, her lower lip trembling, "Where's Cloud going? Cloud! Don't leave!" she called.
"Marle, Cloud needs time to himself. He'll come back soon." Barret soothed.
Marlene hiccuped, "Promise, Daddy?"
"Yeah. I promise."
Cloud wandered aimlessly through the mountains, silently cursing himself and his weakness. Everyone's pain, his own unending loneliness, he'd caused it. Collapsing onto a large rock, he thought back to the few times he'd held her. Moments when all that mattered was her, and as long as he held her, she'd always be safe. He laughed bitterly at the sick irony, As long as I held her, she'd be safe...I was the one who killed her, the one she trusted, the one who was supposed to protect her, defend her from everything. All I ever wanted was too keep her from ever feeling pain again, be her shield against the evil, and I was the evil. It was hard to believe that only two days ago, she was by his side. It felt as if a black hole had formed in his soul, pulling all light into infinite darkness. After a long moment, he climbed to his feet and continued his aimless wanderings. Hours passed, his mind lost in memories of Tifa, memories from their childhood and the beginning of their journey. Finally coming out of his reverie, Cloud realized that night was beginning to fall. He reluctantly turned back to Corel, not looking forward to seeing the others. It was dark before he eventually made it back. As he walked in, Cid and Yuffie glanced up at him. Cid started to ask where Cloud had been, but saw the look on his face, and thought better of it. Cloud ignored them and headed upstairs to his room. Closing the door behind him, he let the darkness of the room envelop him. A faint beam of moonlight shone in, casting a soft light on the floor. Just like Tifa...my light in the darkness. Taking Ultima Weapon from his back, he propped it against the wall and stared at the crystalline sword in disgust. Breathing out a heavy sigh, he collapsed on his bed and lay staring at the ceiling. Before he was aware of it, sleep overtook him.
Cloud walked slowly through Nibelhiem to where Tifa was buried. Coming to the small hill, he paused in confusion. The grave was gone. The small headstone that had stood to mark her resting place was nowhere to be seen. The ground looked as if it had never been disturbed. He turned to look around for her headstone, slowly walking around the hill. Suddenly he tripped, and fell to his knees. Glancing around, he saw a stone lying broken in two at his feet. Taking the pieces in his hands, he realized that it was Tifa's headstone. The night after they had buried her, he had come out and engraved his name and Tifa's near the base of the stone. The stone had broken right between their names, splitting them in two. As he sat staring at the shattered stone, a faint voice echoed on the breeze around him. A voice so faint, he couldn't make out the words, but the tone sounded familiar. Recognition hit him, and his body went rigid. It was Jenova's voice whispering to him, mocking his pain.
Cloud jolted into consciousness, a nameless fear beginning to overtake him. He slowly shook his head, trying to make sense of his dream. Tifa's grave was gone, the headstone split in two, right between their names no less. He pushed the dream aside, accrediting it to his despair. Relaxing back onto his bed, he closed his eyes and tried to go to sleep.
Reunions and Rebirth
Rufus Shinra sat in an office in Junon, contemplating the destruction of his company. Somehow those idiot Turks had managed to pull his badly burned body from the wreckage of the Shinra building after Diamond Weapon's attack and bring him to Junon where he had been in intensive care for a the past three weeks. Shinra-what was left of it-was in shambles. The military force consisted of only one thousand soldiers and their officers, those soldiers that had been stationed in Junon during the firing of the Sister Ray on the North Crater. Rufus idly tapped his fingers on the desk. There was only one thing left to do; start the Neo-Midgar project and destroy Cloud and the rest of his group. Pressing a button on his desk, he called for the scientists to come to his office.
Cloud was standing outside Red's house when Cid came up behind him, "Hey, where's Tifa? We've gotta get going."
"She's still asleep. I was letting her sleep, she's been through alot."
Cid shook his head, "I know, but we have to go."
Cloud sighed, "Yeah, you're right. I'll go wake her up." He quietly entered Tifa's room. The early morning sunlight shone in, casting soft light on her face. She looks so peaceful. He leaned over and gently stroked her cheek, "Tif."
She stirred a little and smiled in her sleep.
"Tifa, wake up."
She opened her eyes and looked up at him, "Cloud..."
"We have to go."
Tifa nodded and got out of bed, "You shouldn't have let me sleep so late."
"You were tired, I..."
She slid her arms around him, hugging him tightly, "Thanks."
Cloud gently returned her embrace. After a moment, Tifa pulled away. "We'd better get going; there's no time to waste."
"Morning, Tifa." Cid said as she and Cloud walked outside.
She smiled, "Good morning, Cid."
He flicked his cigarette to the ground and stomped on it, "Well, let's go. Highwind's ready. Shera's already on board. Red said he was coming later."
The three of them made their way to the ship that rested just outside of town. As they boarded, Cid took the wheel and piloted them toward Corel. Cloud stood at the huge viewport, watching as the scenery flew past. Tifa went to his side and leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. Cloud looked over at her, then wrapped an arm around her waist. Cid looked up at them, then turned to Shera. He nodded toward Cloud and Tifa. Shera glanced at them then smiled at Cid. He returned her smile, then fixed his attention on navigating the Highwind.
Tifa reached over and took Cloud's hand, placing the crystal she had been holding in it. He looked down at the crystal, his eyes widening in recognition.
"Remember?" she whispered.
Cloud nodded, "Yeah. I...gave it to you when your mom died."
"You told me it would help me somehow. After you left, I always kept it with me."
He stared down at the dark blue stone, then looked up at Tifa, "I can't believe you kept it."
"It reminded me of you. Of us."
Cloud reached out and took Tifa's hand, the crystal held tight in their hands.
Shera came up behind Cid, "Look at them. That's so sweet."
Cid glanced up, "Huh. Hey, we're about to land." he called to Cloud and Tifa.
Cloud closed Tifa's hand around the crystal and turned to Cid, "Okay."
"Hope Barret's in a good mood." Cid commented wryly.
When they landed, Tifa headed out with Shera, and Cloud started to follow them.
"About damn time you told her." Cid called.
Cloud looked at him strangely, "What are you talking about?"
"You and Tifa. You finally told her you love her. You almost waited too damn long."
Cloud looked down at the floor, "Yeah, I know."
"Kid, after everything that's happened, you can't take anything for granted." Cid looked outside at where Tifa and Shera stood, "Anything..." he whispered.
Cloud grinned, "I knew it! You love Shera."
Cid lifted his Venus Gospel threateningly, "I do not. Say it again and I'll beat the hell out of you."
"Where's Barret?" Cloud asked as he joined Tifa and Shera.
"Hey! What're you doin' here?" a voice demaned.
Tifa smiled, "Barret!"
The former leader of Avalanche ran up to them, a smile spreading on his face, "What's up? Why's everyone here?"
Tifa shook her head, "It's only the four of us. And we've got some bad news."
"Well, what is it?" he growled.
"Sephiroth is alive. We don't know how, but he is." she answered.
"What the hell!?"
Cloud quickly explained the situation.
"He almost killed Tifa!? Dammit! I swear I'm gonna-" Barret yelled.
"Barret, please." Tifa said, "I'm okay. All that matters now is getting the group back together. We have to figure out what to do."
"Okay. I'll call everyone; tell 'em to meet here tomorrow. You can pick everyone up, can't ya, Cid?"
He nodded, "Yeah."
"Alright. Until then, everyone just make yourselves at home. We're working on rebuilding this place, but we haven't gotten too far. My house is right up there. You can stay there."
Early the next morning, Cid left with Shera to gather everyone. Tifa woke up soon after and was sitting at the kitchen table when Cloud walked in.
"Morning, Cloud." she said.
He walked over to her side, leaned over and hugged her for a moment, "Good morning, Tif." he whispered, his breath brushing against her face. He sat in the chair next to hers; glancing at her, he noticed she wore the crystal on a thin strap around her neck. She looked up at him, her eyes catching his, and smiled.
"Hey, you two." Barret said as he joined them.
"Good morning, Barret." Tifa replied.
"Has Cid already gone?" Cloud asked.
Barret nodded, "Yeah. He should be back in about an hour. We still couldn't get in touch with Vincent."
Tifa frowned, "I guess we'll have to go look for him."
"I guess." Barret shrugged.
"Tifa, you wanna go for a walk until everyone gets here?" Cloud asked.
"Yeah."
They got up and headed out into the early morning sunlight; Cloud reached over and gently took Tifa's hand in his, threading his fingers through hers. She smiled sweetly at him. They walked out into the fields surrounding the town. After a few minutes, they came upon a stream. They sat on the bank, absorbing the comfort of being together. Cloud plucked a lavender flower and handed to Tifa.
"Oh...thank you." she whispered, gently taking the bloom. She stared down at it, thinking back to the last time Cloud had given her flower. It was at the start of their whole adventure, when he came back from his first mission in Avalanche.
"What's wrong, Tif?"
She shook her head, "Nothing. I was just thinking about when you first gave me a flower."
"Oh." He lay back in the grass and closed his eyes, "That seems so long ago...before...everything."
Tifa lay beside him and let her eyes drift closed as well, "Yeah..." She suddenly felt Cloud wrap his arms around her and pull her against him, her eyes flew open, wide in shock. He smiled faintly. Returning his smile, Tifa sunggled up against him and listened to the sound of the stream mingle with his heartbeat. She soon found herself drifting off to sleep and had to shake herself awake. "Sorry." she whispered.
"No. It's okay."
She pulled away from him, "We need to go back. The others will be here soon."
Cloud nodded and stood, reaching out to help her up. As they walked back to Corel, he put an arm around her shoulder, holding her close. Just as they made it back to the town, the Highwind flew overhead and landed nearby. Yuffie ran down the ramp, excited as always. Reeve had ditched Cait Sith's body and was there as himself; Red followed, glancing at Yuffie in annoyance.
Yuffie bounded over to Cloud and Tifa, grinning, "Hiya, Cloud, Tifa!"
"Hey, Yuffie." Tifa responded.
Cloud crossed his arms and looked at her, his eyes narrowed, "You're not thinking of stealing my materia are you?"
Yuffie sighed, "No. I don't steal from friends. Relax, Spike." She ran off to talk to Barret.
"Okay, everybody inside, we don't have any time." Barret commanded.
The group sat around Barret's kitchen table, eating a meal that Tifa and Yuffie had cooked. Cloud explained his and Tifa's encounter with Sephiroth for Yuffie and Reeve.
"The question now is: What do we do?" Reeve pointed out.
"We still have to find Vincent. We should split up and search for him." Yuffie suggested.
Barret nodded, "Okay...Reeve, Yuffie, you go to Nibelhiem and search the mansion. Cloud and Tifa, you two take Lucrecia's cave. What's left?"
"Just the other towns, but I kinda doubt Vincey would be there." Yuffie said.
"Okay, Cid, Red, and I will check the other towns. It shouldn't be that hard. If you find him, call here. If not, meet back here in two days."
The group nodded.
"Okay, get going. Get 'em out of here, Cid."
Making a stop at the chocobo stables, Tifa retrieved her golden chocobo, Cerasi. On their way to the cave, Cloud began to get a sense that something was about to go drastically wrong. He tried to ignore it, but it kept pressing at him. When Cid dropped Cloud and Tifa off at the mountains surrounding the lake, the sense only became stronger. Tifa walked up behind Cloud and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. She felt his muscles tense and he turned toward her, "Tif."
"Cloud, what's wrong?"
He shook his head, "Something's...not right. I don't know what, but we need to get this over with quick."
They jumped on their chocobos and started the long trip up the steep mountains surrounding the cave. As night fell, they were almost to the bottom, but couldn't continue because the chocobos were losing their footing. Finding a wide ledge, they set up their tents close to the mountain face as a shield from wind.
Tifa sat next to Cloud as he stared up at the star-strewn sky. She could sense his apprehension. Ever since their childhood, they had been able to sense each other's presence and feelings. She smiled inwardly, despite all that, they had both been totally blind to each other's love.
"Cloud?"
He turned to her, "Yeah?"
"Relax. It's just what Sephiroth did getting to you. Everything will be okay."
"No, it won't. I know, Tif. I can feel it." He sighed and put an arm around her.
She hugged him tightly, trying to reassure him, "It'll be okay." She gently kissed him and pulled away, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Tif." he whispered as she disappeared into her tent. Throwing one final look to the heavens, he turned to his own tent. Tifa's going to die. The thought hit him just as he lay down. He sat up, icy fear clenching around his heart. Trying to push the thoughts from his mind, he lay back again and stared at the ceiling. After an hour had passed, he was still awake. Sighing in resignation, he got up and went outside. He decided to check on Tifa, hoping that would ease his mind. She was sleeping peacefully. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to sleep away from her, he lay down near her small bed, determined to protect her from whatever came. Comforted by the sense of her presence, he soon slipped off into sleep.
Early the next morning Tifa awoke; as she stretched, her hand touched something warm. Bolting upright, she saw Cloud lying near her, still asleep. She gently brushed away a strand of his blond hair, and he stirred.
"Tif?" he asked groggily.
"Morning, Cloud."
He sat up, "I'm sorry. I..."
"It's okay. I knew you couldn't sleep."
He got up and left to dismantle his tent. Tifa quickly folded her blankets and packed her tent away on her chocobo's back. In a matter of minutes they were starting down the mountain again. Leaving their chocobos outside, they entered Lucrecia's cave. There was no sign that anyone had been there recently, and they turned to leave.
Suddenly an intense pain cut through Cloud's mind, and he collapsed to his kness, clutching his head.
Kill Tifa. Jenova's voice commanded.
"No!" he cried defiantly.
Hearing his cry, Tifa turned to look at him, "Cloud?" She knelt by his side, gently placing a hand on his back.
"Tifa...get away..." he said through clenched teeth.
"What's wrong?" She could feel him trembling.
"Please, Tif. Go." he pleaded, "I can't fight it much longer."
Tifa's eyes went wide, "Jenova!? Cloud, you can fight it, you have before."
"No." he whispered, his eyes squeezed shut, "I-I can't. Just go...please..."
"I'm not leaving you." she said simply.
Cloud suddenly stopped struggling and stood up.
Tifa stood beside him and took his hand, "Are you okay now?"
He looked up at her, the sight of his eyes making her recoil in fear. His eye were devoid of emotion, nothing more than glacial ice.
"Cloud?" she asked, her voice trembling.
He drew his sword, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Cloud, snap out of it. Please...I love you, Cloud."
He stepped forward and drove his sword into her body. Tifa looked at him, her eyes full of pain then collapsed to the ground as he pulled the blade from her body.
Cloud came back to himself, slowly shaking his head to clear it. He looked down, seeing the crystalline blade of Ultima Weapon covered in blood. Suddenly realizing what he had done, he let the sword fall to the ground and sank to his knees beside Tifa.
"Tifa..." he sobbed. She was covered in blood. He gently cradled her in his arms, tears streaming down his face, "Tif, no......no...."
She opened her eyes, "Cloud...don't...blame yourself. It...wasn't...your fault."
"It'll be okay, Tifa. I-"
She reached up and gently stroked his face, wiping away his tears, "It's too late. Please, Cloud...be strong. I'll...always....be with you, I promise."
Cloud took the hand she had on his face and squeezed it tightly, "Tifa, I love you." he whispered, his voice hoarse. Leaning down, he gently kissed her.
Tifa drew in a deep breath, "Nibelhiem...I'll always be there...waiting...for you..." Tifa's body relaxed in his arms; he felt her last breath on his lips.
He gently shook her, "Tifa, no. Please don't leave me..." He reluctantly closed her lifeless eyes and pressed his face against the top of Tifa's head. A flood of tears poured down his face, soaking into Tifa's hair. He held her close, gently rocking her, praying that it was all a dream.
"I'm so sorry, Tifa...please forgive me."
What seemed like an eternity passed before Cloud's sorrow relinquished its grip. He gently lay Tifa on the ground and retrieved his sword. Kneeling on the shore, he dipped the blade in the crystal waters, washing away Tifa's blood. Rummaging through his bag, he found a cloth bandage and dipped it in the water. Returning to Tifa's side, he carefully cleaned the blood off of her hands and stomach. Gently removing her necklace, he put it around his own neck. It reminded me of you. Of us. she'd said. Maybe it'll help you somehow. That's what he had told her eight years ago when her mother had died. He tenderly stroked her cheek, fighting another wave of anguish.
Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved his PHS and called Barret.
"Cloud! 'Bout time! You found Vincent?" Barret asked.
"No. Barret, Tifa's...dead. I need you guys to bring the Highwind and call the others."
"What the hell you talking about? You're kidding aren't you?"
"No."
"What-how?" Barret stammered.
"Later. Just come get us."
Barret hung up the phone, a stricken look on his face. He turned and picked up a glass that was sitting on a nearby panel. Staring at it for a moment, he suddenly turned and slung it at the Highwind's hull, shattering the cup in a million tiny shards.
Cid jumped in shock, "Damn, man! What the @#$% is that all about!?"
"Tifa's dead. We have to go pick them up."
Cid looked at him, then slumped against the wall in shock, "Damn...she...she's gone. How?"
"I don't know. Let's go, we ain't gonna get any answers sittin' here."
Cloud sat in silence beside Tifa's still body. Hundreds of memories flashed through his mind, things he never knew he remembered. Small things, really, like Tifa giving him a reassuring smile when he thought all was lost. He sighed, and gently took her hand, his throat tightening at the lack of warmth, of life. Suddenly he found himself wishing that he was back in his childhood; Tifa would be alive, she'd be happy. Despite the hardships of his childhood, it was the pain he and Tifa had endured that had brought them together, bound them to each other forever. He looked down at the crystal hanging from his neck. It was so small, yet so it carried so much. He remembered the day he found it, the first day he'd spoken to Tifa. He gave it to her after her mother died to comfort her, and now, it had returned to him. A single tear trickled down his face and he clenched his free hand to stop it from trembling. After all this time, everything they'd gone through together, she was gone. Cloud felt his mind slowly going numb; his soul becoming a tiny ball of misery inside of him. He and Tifa had always shared a bond, and no matter what, he had always been able to feel her presence in his heart. Now an infinite darkness filled her place, an infathomable void that no light could ever breach. He sat staring at her pale face in a daze, locked in oblivion, for what seemed to him as forever. The sudden roar of the Highwind's engines pulled him from his shock. Gently taking Tifa's body in his arms, he walked out into the bright sunlight. Cerasi and Renon ran over to him, distressed cries coming from them both. Cerasi touched her beak to Tifa's face and warbled.
Cloud gave the chocobo a sorrowful look, "She won't wake up, Cerasi. She's gone forever."
"Cloud!" Barret called as he ran over to him, the rest of the group following close behind.
They all stopped, staring in shock at the lifeless form in Cloud's arms.
Yuffie fell to her knees sobbing in a very uncharacteristic display of emotion. Cid rested his weight on the Venus Gospel, as if his legs suddenly couldn't support him. Barret simply stared, obviously in shock. Red hung his head in remorse. Reeve leaned against a nearby rock, shaking his head in denial.
Cloud stared at Tifa's face, not wanting to meet their eyes. Not wanting to see his friends' pain; it was all his fault.
"Let's go...we have to bury her." Barret said, his quiet voice seemingly a shout in the oppressive silence.
"Where to?" Cid asked Cloud.
"Nibelhiem." he answered, not taking his eyes from Tifa's face.
The group slowly boarded the Highwind. Cloud went to one of the rooms and lay Tifa on the bed, then slumped against the wall and let his eyes drift closed. "Tifa..."
The group was silent, each lost in their own dark thoughts.
"I wanna know what happened to her. That wound in her stomach...It was too big to be from Sephiroth's sword." Barret mumbled. "I'm gonna go ask him."
Cid turned to him, his eyes blazing, "Dammit, Barret! Let him grieve! Your stupid ass questions can wait! He's lost Tifa; he loved her and he lost her... That's more than any man should have to go through. So just sit the @#%$ down before I knock you down!"
Barret glared at him, "What!?"
"You heard me." Cid replied, his voice cold.
"Stop it, both of you." Red stepped in, "We've all been through alot. Barret, Cid is right. Let it go for now. Cloud needs time to himself."
Barret grunted, "Fine."
A quiet knock at the door pulled Cloud from his revire. He got up and opened it, surprised to see Yuffie standing there, her eyes still red and puffy from crying.
"Can...can I see her?" she asked, her brashness gone. She sounded more like a small child than the hyper teenager he knew.
He nodded and stepped aside, letting her into the room. He watched as Yuffie knelt beside the bed and stared at Tifa's still form. "Do you want me to go?"
"Cloud...I don't want to separate you from her. I won't be long, promise. You don't have to go."
He shook his head, "I've already been separated from her. Just let me know when you're done, I'll be on the deck." With that, he turned and left, quietly shutting the door behind him.
Yuffie stared after him for a moment, then turned back to Tifa, "I'm sorry, Tifa. I know I always...annoyed everyone, and all...I just want you to know that you were like a sister to me." She managed to smile despite her pain, "You actually put up with me most of the time. Cloud, he misses you. He loved you, Tifa, he really did. I don't know if he ever told you that, and it probably isn't my place to say it, but...he did. May the Dragon God always watch over you." She stood and walked out, going up to the deck to find Cloud. He was standing near the edge, leaning on the railing. "I've said my goodbyes."
Cloud turned and went back to Tifa's room without a word. Minutes later, Cid set the airship down near Nibelhiem. Cloud picked Tifa up and disembarked. Cid and Barret came down after him, carrying a casket they had bought in Kalm. They set it down on the dusty soil and Cloud gently placed Tifa in it, fighting desperately for control over his emotions.
"What is going on?" a voice suddenly asked.
Everyone turned to see Vincent standing in the shadows of one of the houses.
"Vincey?" Yuffie asked.
He strode forward, "What-?" he stopped as he noticed the casket and Tifa lying inside. His eyes suddenly narrowed and his jaw tightened. "Tifa. You've come here to bury her?"
"Yes." Cloud spoke up, his voice quiet.
Cloud, Vincent, Cid, and Barret carried Tifa's body to the small cemetary near the edges of the village.
"Over there." Cloud whispered, indicating a small hill covered in lavender flowers. They carried Tifa to the hill, just as Yuffie and Reeve brought shovels. Cloud turned and walked away, stopping in a secluded spot not too far from the group. He couldn't think, the paralysis in his mind still gripped him. He lay back and stared up at the sky. Tifa, please come back...Don't leave me here alone. You said you'd be here. I'm here now...please...
"Cloud, we're ready." Reeve said, cutting into his thoughts.
He nodded and climbed to his feet, slowly making his way back to the small hill that was Tifa's final resting place. As he arrived, the others formed a small circle around Tifa's casket.
Cid looked up, tears in his eyes, "Tifa, sis, I've never met a woman as strong as you. You were the only thing that kept this group going through it all. Wherever you are, watch over us. We're gonna need your help, especially Cloud. I wish we all had your strength. Goodbye, sis. I'll never forget you." he fell silent, tears beginning to fall down his face.
"Tifa, this seems so unreal. I always figured I'd be the first of the group to go. Then at the pillar in Midgar, Jessie, Biggs, Wedge...and now, you. I swear Sephiroth is gonna pay." Barret stepped back, his voice failing him.
Red stepped forward, "I've never seen anyone who could face what we faced and still smile. Unlike the rest of us, you never became bitter, never let everything get you down. You faced the Planet's wrath to save Cloud, not even flinching. May you rest in peace."
Cloud flinched at Red's words, feeling anguish rise in him, tightening his throat, burning in his soul.
Yuffie stepped forward, sniffling, "You had a strength that anyone would be envious of. I wish I had that power, to keep people smiling. Remember us, Tifa. Guide us, help us destroy the evil that's trying to engulf us again. And keep us smiling always. I'll see you again, sis."
"Tifa, I...I have to apologize. For everything I did when I worked for Shinra. This group, all of you, became my family. To lose you, it's something none of us ever expected... I won't rest until Sephiroth is dead; I think everyone else is with me on this."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the group.
"Goodbye, Tifa. You were the light we all needed." Reeve concluded.
Vincent spoke up next, his hand clenched tightly, "This is yet another sin Sephiroth will pay for, this I swear on my life. Until we meet again."
Everyone fell silent, looking at Cloud. He stepped forward, unable to keep his hands from trembling. "Tif, I'm sorry. I should've done something more, fought harder. I broke my promise, I know. Everything I've gone through, it was you who kept me going. You risked yourself to save me from Lifestream, from my own darkness. I never would have made it this far without you. You were my light. I'm sorry for all the pain I caused you. I never imagined having to live without you being there. You always believed in me, even when we were young; and for some reason, you always turned to me. I...I..." he stopped, his legs suddenly giving out, he sank to his knees, tears pouring down his face, "I don't know what to do, Tif....I...never thought I'd lose you. What do I do now? It's all my fault, all my fault. I was supposed to protect you. I love you, Tif. All I ever wanted was for you to be by my side, and now you're gone. Tifa...please...forgive me...I love you..." Cloud fell silent, sobbing quietly.
The group watched him in silence, surprised by his tears. None of them had ever seen him cry. Vincent walked over to him and placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder.
Remorseful, Barret and Cid lowered Tifa into the ground and covered her coffin. Cid angrily swept his own tears off his face. Soon they had completely covered her.
Yuffie knelt in front of Cloud and hugged him tightly, "Cloud, it'll be okay. Please, stop crying..."
Cloud suddenly stood up, "NO! It'll never be okay! Don't any of you get it!? It's all my damn fault! I killed her!" he screamed.
"Cloud, you musn't-"
"I killed her! Me, I stabbed her!"
Barret's eyes narrowed, "What the hell you talkin' about?"
"When we were in the cave, Sephiroth...he told me to kill Tifa. I tried to fight it, tried to make Tifa leave me, but she wouldn't go. The next thing I can remember, I was looking down at my sword; it was covered in her blood. MY sword, her blood. It was too late, she...she died in my arms..."
"You did this!?" Barret screamed, waving his gun arm menacingly. "I'm gonna kill you!"
Cid grabbed Barret's shoulder, "Stop! It wasn't Cloud's fault. Sephiroth was using him, he tried to fight. You know he'd never willingly hurt Tifa."
Barret calmed down, "Sorry, man. It's just..."
"Look, we should all just rest for today. Everyone go back to the house we stayed in and get some sleep." Reeve suggested.
Nodding their agreement, the group walked somberly back to the house. Cloud immediately headed upstairs, soon finding himself in Tifa's room. He collapsed on the bed, extreme weariness beginning to overtake him. His mind had become numb again thankfully, and he soon fell into a dreamless sleep.
Cloud was halfheartedly eating breakfast late the next morning when Cid came in.
"We're going back to Corel in a few minutes." he said.
Cloud stood up, "I'm coming, too. I don't have any reason to stay."
Cid nodded, and the two of them left for the Highwind. The rest of the group was already on board, ready to leave.
"Where's Cloud?" Yuffie asked soon after takeoff.
Cid shrugged, "Dunno. He's around somewhere. Why?"
"I need to talk to him." Yuffie stated, then left to find Cloud.
Doing a quick search of the airship, she soon found him on the upper deck. He was leaning against the railing, staring blankly off into oblivion. "Cloud." she said, breaking the silence.
He didn't respond.
"Answer me!" she cried.
He slowly turned to look at her, his eyes seemingly empty. "What do you want?"
"You...you...Why did you kill her!?" Her hands were clenched tightly.
Cloud stared at her for a moment, then started to turn back to the railing. Yuffie grabbed his arm, yanking him around to face her. "How could you do that to Tifa? I thought you loved her!"
"Leave me alone, Yuffie."
"What!? Leave you alone? It's all your fault! Tifa would still be alive if it weren't for you!" She stared up at Cloud's face for a moment, then slammed a powerful punch into his chest, "It's all your fault! She was like my sister, the only one who looked out for me, and you..." She hit him repeatedly, tears starting to flow down her face.
Cloud simply stared down at her, not making any move to stop her. Finally she stepped back, and slumped to her knees.
"Yuffie, don't you think I know that? I know it's my fault." He knelt in front of her, "I don't expect any of you to forgive me."
"Kid, what the hell you talking about?" Cid walked onto the deck, "And Yuffie, just what the @#%$ do you think you're doing!?"
Yuffie stood up glaring, "It's his fault!"
"No, it's not. Now get the hell out of here and leave Cloud alone." Cid growled.
Yuffie turned and ran off, still glaring at Cloud.
"You should leave her alone, Cid. It is my fault. I stabbed her." Cloud said quietly, turning back to the railing.
"You say that one more time..." Cid started, then sighed, "Look, I know you miss her. We all do. You have a better reason that the rest of us to be depressed, but Sephiroth made you kill her. You know you'd never hurt Tifa; Sephiroth was pulling the strings."
"But who stabbed her? Me!" Cloud said adamantly.
"Dammit, Cloud!"
Cloud hung his head, "I just...don't know what to think or do. I...wanna believe it wasn't my fault, but-"
"What did Tifa say? Did she say 'It's all your fault'?"
"No. She told me not to blame myself." Cloud replied, wincing at the memory of her last moments.
"Then why are you blaming yourself?"
"Because I failed her. I was supposed to protect her." he said, his voice barely audible.
Cid looked over at Cloud, seeing the torment on his young face. "You tried, kid. There was nothing else you could do. The only thing left to do is take Sephiroth out, avenge Tifa."
"What does it matter? I don't have anything to live for."
Cid stared at him, "Don't start that."
Cloud laughed bitterly, "Everyone I love dies. The Planet must think it's pretty damn funny."
"Cloud, Tifa wouldn't want you to be like this. She'd want you to try to go on. This Planet, everyone on it, they need all of us to defeat Sephiroth."
Cloud sighed heavily; he sounded like someone defeated, "Yeah. You're right."
"Keep your chin up, kid." Cid turned and walked back into the airship.
Cloud sighed and slumped against the wall of the ship, his façade forgotten. His hand trembled as he reached for the crystal lying on his chest. Tifa... As he stared down at the dark blue stone, memories flashed through his mind.
Cloud, you can tell me anything.
I almost lost you, and...I never...I never told you how much you mean to me.
Cloud, I know. You mean alot to me, too. You're my best friend.
No. Tifa, you don't understand. I-I love you.
You...love me?
Yeah...I understand if you-
Cloud, I love you, too. I always have.
He'd never imagined he'd lose Tifa. I was supposed to protect her, but how could I protect her from myself? Now I've lost everything. Tifa, please help me...I can't go on without you. I don't have the strength anymore...you were my strength, my hope. He hung his head, angrily wiping the tears from his face. Tif, it's just too dark, too hard without you. I wanna hold you again. Do you remember, Tif, the nights we'd sit and watch the stars when we were young? I wish we were back there. We'd be together...you'd be with me. But now, I have to go on alone, and I don't know how long I'll make it. I wish I could bring you back somehow....
"How's he doing?" Red asked Cid as he came back to the control room.
Cid shrugged, "He's a little better. Still isn't talking much. Not like I blame him."
"He'll never recover from this." Red stated.
"Of course not. He loved Tifa. They've always been together, and now..."
"He's never broken down like that before in front of anyone. His own darkness will consume him eventually if he doesn't stop blaming himself. I believe there was something between them that was far deeper than any of us understood." Red pointed out.
Cid nodded, "Yeah. I swear they could talk without speaking. Like damn telepathy or something."
"Exactly. It was far deeper than simple empathy. They had a bond between their very souls."
"Damn, man." Cid muttered.
They turned as quiet footsteps approached the bridge. Cloud walked in, his eyes holding a faraway look. He took his usual spot in front of the viewport and stared intently at the horizon.
"We'll be in Corel in a few minutes." Cid called to him.
Cloud nodded, but didn't turn around.
As they landed in Corel, Shera came out with Marlene. Barret scooped Marlene up and put her on his shoulders, trying not to show his remorse. Marlene turned to look at the group, then her eyes went wide.
"Daddy, where's Tifa?" she asked.
Barret took her from his shoulder, and held her so he could look into her eyes, "Marle, Tifa's gone."
"When will she come back?"
"Sweetie..." Barret said, hating to break her young heart again.
"Tifa's not coming back, Marlene. I'm sorry..." Cloud had come up beside them.
Marlene squirmed out of Barret's arms and went to Cloud. He knelt in front of her. "Cloud...why are you crying? Did something happen to Tifa?" the girl asked, tenderly touching his cheek.
Cloud looked at Barret, as if asking if he could tell her. Barret nodded slightly. Cloud stared straight into Marlene's innocent dark brown eyes, "Tifa's dead, Marlene."
The girl's face twisted in sudden despair, and she buried her face in Cloud's neck, wailing. "I'm sorry..." He looked at Barret, a deep pain in his brilliant blue eyes, then he pried Marlene's arms from his neck and climbed to his feet. She pressed her face against her father's chest and sobbed. Cloud turned away, but not before the others saw a deep self-hatred begin to overtake him.
"Cloud, man-" Barret started.
Cloud ignored him and stalked off toward the mountains surrounding the small town.
"Where you going!?"
Marlene looked up, her lower lip trembling, "Where's Cloud going? Cloud! Don't leave!" she called.
"Marle, Cloud needs time to himself. He'll come back soon." Barret soothed.
Marlene hiccuped, "Promise, Daddy?"
"Yeah. I promise."
Cloud wandered aimlessly through the mountains, silently cursing himself and his weakness. Everyone's pain, his own unending loneliness, he'd caused it. Collapsing onto a large rock, he thought back to the few times he'd held her. Moments when all that mattered was her, and as long as he held her, she'd always be safe. He laughed bitterly at the sick irony, As long as I held her, she'd be safe...I was the one who killed her, the one she trusted, the one who was supposed to protect her, defend her from everything. All I ever wanted was too keep her from ever feeling pain again, be her shield against the evil, and I was the evil. It was hard to believe that only two days ago, she was by his side. It felt as if a black hole had formed in his soul, pulling all light into infinite darkness. After a long moment, he climbed to his feet and continued his aimless wanderings. Hours passed, his mind lost in memories of Tifa, memories from their childhood and the beginning of their journey. Finally coming out of his reverie, Cloud realized that night was beginning to fall. He reluctantly turned back to Corel, not looking forward to seeing the others. It was dark before he eventually made it back. As he walked in, Cid and Yuffie glanced up at him. Cid started to ask where Cloud had been, but saw the look on his face, and thought better of it. Cloud ignored them and headed upstairs to his room. Closing the door behind him, he let the darkness of the room envelop him. A faint beam of moonlight shone in, casting a soft light on the floor. Just like Tifa...my light in the darkness. Taking Ultima Weapon from his back, he propped it against the wall and stared at the crystalline sword in disgust. Breathing out a heavy sigh, he collapsed on his bed and lay staring at the ceiling. Before he was aware of it, sleep overtook him.
Cloud walked slowly through Nibelhiem to where Tifa was buried. Coming to the small hill, he paused in confusion. The grave was gone. The small headstone that had stood to mark her resting place was nowhere to be seen. The ground looked as if it had never been disturbed. He turned to look around for her headstone, slowly walking around the hill. Suddenly he tripped, and fell to his knees. Glancing around, he saw a stone lying broken in two at his feet. Taking the pieces in his hands, he realized that it was Tifa's headstone. The night after they had buried her, he had come out and engraved his name and Tifa's near the base of the stone. The stone had broken right between their names, splitting them in two. As he sat staring at the shattered stone, a faint voice echoed on the breeze around him. A voice so faint, he couldn't make out the words, but the tone sounded familiar. Recognition hit him, and his body went rigid. It was Jenova's voice whispering to him, mocking his pain.
Cloud jolted into consciousness, a nameless fear beginning to overtake him. He slowly shook his head, trying to make sense of his dream. Tifa's grave was gone, the headstone split in two, right between their names no less. He pushed the dream aside, accrediting it to his despair. Relaxing back onto his bed, he closed his eyes and tried to go to sleep.