***

Tifa squeezed Cloud's hand for the last time before she made his way to her old master. Cloud, for sure, had insisted on coming with her, just in case something happened. He had become very protective over the past few months, yet she did not mind it really, but appreciated it. After all, she had to admit that she could need some help actually.

Shaking her head, she entered the small room where a young woman about the age of 17 was taking care of Zangan. It was the same person who had written her that letter: Cyra Mindstorm, his current student.

As soon as she noticed Tifa's appearance, she showed a small smile and got up, greeting her politely, speaking in a whispering voice.

"I'm really glad that you could make it, Ms Lockheart", she started, her gaze jumping between Tifa and the older man lying in bed. "Just like I wrote, he's been in a fever for a few days now, and he mentioned your name quite often. Actually, he told me a lot about you, being very proud. I know that it is his wish to see you once again, after all that time, one last time now. I think that's actually the reason why he fights death to gain a few more hours, minutes. He really needs to see you now, so that he can find his inner peace."

Tifa nodded silently, a heavy lump building in her throat as she slowly walked over to the patient's bed and sat down beside it.

A deep sadness and guilt crept over Tifa as she noticed how weak Zangan, her former master looked. She had always regarded him as the strongest person on the whole planet, invincible, wise, and always there for her when she had needed him.

But now, one could see how much he had been suffering in his life, how much hurt he'd had to bear especially lately, how hard it was to fight to stay alive.

He looked like an old man, who had lived his life and was now almost ready to leave.

Almost.

The form in bed stirred, and slowly, with great effort, turned its head to take a look at the visitor.

Tifa gently took his hand into hers, smiling.

His eyes had become dim, had lost their once so sparkling shine that had always fascinated her.

Slowly, Zangan focused his eyes on the young woman, and a smile crept to  his lips, softening his weary features.

He had recognized her at once.

"This must be a dream…" he stated, still smiling. "Yet a pleasing one."

Tifa nodded her head, squeezing his hand softly, leaning closer to him.

"No, it is not. I am real, Master Zangan, it's me, Tifa."

The old man's eyes regained some of their beautiful shine and the smile on his face widened.

"Thanks heavens…", he whispered as he gazed at her.

"Master Zangan, I'm… I'm sorry I didn't stay in contact with you. I should have thanked you more often, I should have been more grateful for all that you've done for me. I'm so sorry…" her voice trailed off as she looked to the side, trying to hide that single tear which was running down her pale cheek.

But Zangan shook his head, intensifying his grip on his former student's hand.

"Don't be sorry, dear. There is nothing you have to be sorry for. And it is actually me who has to be grateful. I have to thank for coming here, for fulfilling my keenest dreams. Now that I see that you are doing great", he said, shakily letting go of Tifa's hand and placing his on her swollen stomach, "now I can finally rest."

With a sigh, he lay back down in bed, yet turned around to her once more.

"But… there is one thing I have to ask you… Could you… Cloud you take care of Cyra's training? She is still young and needs guidance."

Tifa nodded. It seemed more than natural for her to fulfill that wish, somehow, she had always expected that it would have one day.

Zangan smiled once again, slowly nodding at her thankfully.

"…Thank… you…… my angel… Take … take… care…" his voice became a mere whisper, hardly audible, as his eyelids came down and all the strength flew from his body.

He had finally found inner peace, his soul was leaving the world of tortures and pain behind, off for a better place.

From behind her, she could hear Cyra gasp as she rushed to join Tifa at her Master's side, sobbing violently.

"No… it can't be… please…" she whispered in between the sobs.

Gently, Tifa took the girl into her arms and hugged her tight. She knew that Cyra would need her from now on, it would be hard to cope with the loss, Tifa knew that out of experience.

I have to be strong now, I can't cry, I just can't, she tried as a single tear ran down her pale cheek and joined the salty stream, lone witness of deep emotions.

a/n: do you like it? I know it's really not much, but the next one'll be rather long, and it'll be Christmas! YAY! … a lil late, I know but you'll enjoy it, I hope. And thanx for all your reviews. And I actually planned that Cloud and Teef are gonna have a boy and a girl, and I actually know the names already:-) Well, as for any ideas, just send them to my Tifa17w@yahoo.com addy and I'll write back as soon as possible.

Thankies, love y'all :-)