[A/N: FINALLY got to update!! I'm so sorry to those of you who've been with me from the beginning on this, I know it's been a long while sinve I've been able to update. Midterms are next week, so I've been up to my chin in work, so getting this thing going has been pretty tough. Thanks for all your patience though! I, for one, appreciate it greatly. ^.^ As for the story, the kind of person I made Tadrith after was kinda like Johnny Depp (if thats how you spell it ^^;) (And for those who don't know, this sexy man is the main guy from the movie Sleepy Hollow. For a correct visual, though, think of him from The Ninth Gate. ^.^) ANYWAYS. On with the story! :D )
..x.x.x.x.x..
A drop of sweat trickled down Cloud's forehead as he fished for the PHS in the saddlebag. /Where is she? Please tell me she's safe at a friends.../ His fingers calmly dialed in the number of one of his close friends and AVALANCHE members.
"'Ello?" Came a gruff, deep voice through the earpiece of the small PHS.
"Barret! Is Tifa there with you guys?" Cloud asked, trying to keep a cool persona, trying not to panic.
"Nope. Jus' me an' Marlene. Is everything awright Cloud?"
"I don't know.. I can't find Tifa. Barret, do me a favor please, call the others and ask if she's around. I gotta go, sorry, but I feel like I'm on a strict time limit here." Cloud replied, feeling the adrenalin rise in his body.
Barret sensed Cloud's distress and complied right away. "You got it."
With that, they both hung up and Cloud mounted his chocobo, who awaited breathlessly in the back yard of their Nibelheim home. Cloud's mind was racing, he felt so horribly lost and confused, panicked and worried. Tifa was gone and Aeris was calling for him, relentlessly, with only a small bit of time to find her. If he left to find Tifa, he'd lose the chance to talk to Aeris, maybe for the rest of his life, yet, if he went to look for Aeris instead, and if Tifa was in trouble....
Cloud pressed his fingers to his temples, feeling the stress and worry eating away at his mind. /I can't let it get to me. Tifa never gave up on me when I was in trouble. Besides, she's probably alright. She has her fighting gloves, AND her fighting skills.. With all she's been through, what could get to her now?/
Cloud wrestled with the idea, trying to convince himself that everything was alright. He longed for any bit of comfort he could find, searching for a way to solve this situation he found himself in.
/I'll just wait for Barret to call. I'm sure she's with someone she trusts.. She just needed to get away for a while, that's all./ His mind confided.
/Yeah. Get away from me./ His heart told him. The feeling struck him hard as he remembered the way he had been treating her the last few months. Cloud grasped at the reigns of the Chocobo and led him to the Nibelheim mountains, wondering if he'd find any evidence of his lost love.
He pushed all guilt aside, telling himself that he'd have to wait for that. Right now the two people who meant the most to him needed him, and he silently swore to himself that he would find them both, well, before it was too late.
"Ok, Matrix. Let's go."
The golden chocobo warked and kicked to a trot towards the perilous wooden bridge. Just before reaching the edge, Cloud felt a familiar presence inside his mind. He closed his eyes, beckoning the image to come, and soon saw Aeris, as he always had. He stopped the chocobo and concentrated all his energy on the young girl, trying his hardest to contact her somehow. He studied her face, which seemed unnaturally wrought with worry. Her voice called to him, but still in the completely unfathomable echo inside his ears. He watched her pretty pink lips, studied their movements, and snapped his eyes open quickly, losing her image. He had been able to read one word.
Hurry.
.x.x.x.
Tifa returned to her overly exaggerated room to find a velvet crimson and black gown on her bed. She gasped inwardly, placing a delicate hand to her lips as she walked slowly to the beautiful clothing. Her eyes trailed back to Tadrith, who stood in the frame of the large doorway, smiling at her.
"For tonight." He said smoothly, his voice never ceased it's deep melody.
"Tonight?" Tifa breathed in wonder.
"Yes. I was hoping you would join me for dinner. I have asked the cooks to prepare a special meal for tonight, particularly to fit a beautiful dove, such as yourself."
Tifa felt the heat rise in her cheeks, unknowing as to how to reply. She ran her fingers over the soft fabric, admiring it's shape and color. So many emotions were flowing through her, prominently fear. She didn't know how to react to this situation. Everything was happing way too fast, leaving her mind spinning in confusion. She wanted to get away from this place, but she was attracted to it, as well.
Tadrith stepped away, reaching a muscular arm out to close the door. "I shall leave you to get ready, my lady." He nodded politely and stepped out, closing the massive door behind him, quietly.
Tifa tenderly picked the gown up, holding it as if it were as delicate as a dew dropped spider web. She stepped over to the full mirror with the look of awe on her face that seemed to have remained there since she entered this house. She held the dress up to her and examined it's features in the reflection.
"It's.. it's gorgeous."
She took her time putting it on. She felt as if it was a daring act, as if it would trap her and swallow her whole if she put it on. After some mental preparation, she finally managed to slip into it.
It was even more beautiful when she put it on. It was form fitting, and fit perfectly around her waist and hips, hanging slimly down past her ankles in dark crimson folds. It hung on her shoulders in delicate black lace straps, and around her chest was more intricate black lace, embroidered with delicate black roses. She pulled on the sleek, black velvet gloves that came almost all the way up her arms, just like her own pair. /Except these are made for beauty, not for inflicting damage./ She almost winced at the feeling of being unarmed, and in a strange place to boot.
She pulled her hair up and suspended it beautifully, a couple wisps of hair falling around her face and shoulders. A pair of onyx, tear drop shaped earrings awaited her on the dresser, and she adorned them with care. She slipped her feet carefully into the crimson dress shoes that matched her gown, also inlayed with black roses.
She felt herself blush when she looked into the mirror at her final glance. /If only Cloud were here to see me../ Her mind thought, selflessly. Tifa sighed and looked away from herself. She walked carefully to the bed and sat down. She felt a little guilty for wearing the dress. She didn't plan on staying for very much longer, and Tadrith was treating her with such care and delicacy. She probably shouldn't be doing this, she definitely didn't want the tall, dark haired man to get the wrong idea. She almost felt as if she were taking advantage of him for his luxury.
At that moment, a knock lifted her from her thoughts.
"Ms. Lockheart?" Came the familiar baritone voice.
Tifa stood up just in time for the door to open, and Tadrith stepped in. His eyes almost seemed to water at her beauty as he drank in her image.
"You're absolutely astonishing, Tifa. You shame the very night stars themselves." He exclaimed calmly, smoothly.
Tifa smiled under the crimson lipstick she was wearing. Tadrith felt his heart skip a beat; He wasn't lying about what he said. His eyes wondered over her body and felt his own heat rise. She was almost unreal.
Tadrith himself was dressed for the most informal occasion in a black suit, clean and pressed, with a crimson neck tie. His hair was slicked back, as always, his cleanly shaven features as stark and handsome as the dark stranger he was. His dark eyes twinkled as he held his arm out to Tifa.
She came to him hesitantly, and wrapped her gloved arm around his muscular one. Tadrith never took his eyes off of her, and led her away to the dining area.
Tifa felt a little vulnerable, and her heart was definitely not as calm as it should be. He was absolutely gorgeous; extremely rich, and most likely had a crush on her. (She tried to convince herself it was merely a "crush", not wanting to accept all other possibilities.) She decided that she would confront Tadrith tonight. She already planned to give all her thanks for everything, but that she would be leaving tomorrow.
It would be simple, really.
.x.x.x.
Just as he was about to make his way across the creaky wooden bridge, the PHS rang, loud and clear. Cloud jumped unexpectedly and reached for it in the already open pouch.
"Hello?" His panic was not as concealed as it was before.
"Cloud.." It was Cid. His gruff pilot's voice was anything but unrecognizable. "Tifa's not here." He said, getting straight to the point. He hated beating around the bush, and he knew Cloud wanted it straight forward.
Cloud sighed deeply, feeling his heart drop. Cid continued. "We contacted everyone she knows, an' no luck. Sorry Cloud. We're gonna keep pullin' an hope we find her, so don't worry too much."
Cloud nodded to himself n mumbled a stressed thanks, rubbing at his pounding temples.
Cid smiled outwardly, knowing his friend's distress. "She's a smart girl, Cloud. She'll be ok. No matter what the situation might be, you're Tifa'll take care of herself. We'll find her, I promise ya."
It was almost odd to hear such kind, condoling words from such a stained dirty mouth, and it made Cloud smile. "Thanks Cid. I appreciate the help."
"Hey, what are friends for, right?" Cid beamed. Then the sound of a small explosion sounded in the background, followed by the heavy sigh from the old pilot. "Godammit, Shera, I thought I told ya not to touch that damn thing!" A soft, feminine voice could be heard in reply. "Sorry Captain, sir!"
"Sorry Cloud, I gotta go. Don't go stressin' yourself out too much. Everything'll be just fine. Besides, even if ya don't find her, you could always move in with me." He let out a sarcastic chuckle. "I might not be the most snuggable person you know," He raised his voice so Shera could hear too. "But at least you'd be less clumsy than that damn Shera!"
Cloud couldn't help but laugh. "No thanks, Cid. I think I'll pass."
Cid faked his hurt feelings. "Aw, Cloud, now that struck deep. I could always shave my chin, maybe I'd be more snuggable for ya then." The sound of Cid being hit could be heard, very clearly. "Ow! Hey now, Shera, you know I was only kiddin'." She only replied with a sturdy "hmph."
"It's ok, though, Cloud. I can take your rejection." Cid sniffed in an overly sarcastic, hurt manner. "But seriously. Take it easy, Cloud. You'll find her soon, just don't overdo yerself. You've had enough of that."
"Thanks, Cid. I'll take that advice." Cloud put the phone back into it's pouch and sighed, looking out across the bridge. He wished he could tell Cid about Aeris, so far only Tifa had known about his endless nights. He didn't want the pilot to worry too much, though. He had enough to worry about with Shera, from the sounds of it. Cid was wanting to propose to her, but could never really bring himself to it. Cloud hoped Cid wouldn't be a fool let the moment pass him by.
/I shouldn't be a fool and let Tifa pass me by, either./ He thought, matter of factly. With new confidence stirring within him, he offered Matrix some fresh Mimmette Greens and headed forward across the rope bridge. His mind was cluttered with thoughts. The last image he had seen of Aeris was a bit disturbing, he had never seen her face distressed like it was. And the way she was beckoning him to hurry.
And then Tifa.. He thought back at the letter she had left behind for him, and thought about where she might have gone. /What if she decided to come with me?/ His mind perked at this new thought. /What if she came following me in hopes of coming along?/ In a way, it didn't make sense, wouldn't she have come along with him to begin with? /Maybe she followed me quietly so she would make sure I was alright.. After the way I've been treating her, I wouldn't blame her for keeping her distance. Well, whatever the reason, it's as good a place to begin as any. At least I now have a place to start./
He would head back to the Northern region, after all that's the most sensible place to go. He would search to see if she had followed him there. Cloud was so consumed in his thoughts that he didn't hear the strange groan that the bridge gave out. Matrix sensed it, and begin to fluff his feathers slightly in worry, his large head and eyes searching around in quick, jerking motions. The bridge groaned again under stress of their weight and began to shift. Matrix warked and Cloud finally came to attention.
Cloud grabbed on tightly to Matrix and shouted in a quick panic, "Matrix! Go now! GO!"
The bird hardly waited, he leaned his weight forward and stretched out it's oddly short wings for balance and kicked on the back burners, running as fast as he could. The poor bird had a hard time keeping his footing on the bridge as it wobbled violently from side to side. Cloud closed his eyes and silently prayed that they would make it as he heard the faint noise of the ropes finally giving in and snapping.
"Shit!! Run Matrix!! Go!"
Matrix was trying his hardest to stay balanced, but to no avail, with only 20 feet to go, the bridge gave out completely, and for the third time in his lifetime, the bridge to Mount Nibelheim collapsed.
All that could be heard was the yelling of a distressed man and the feeble cries of the chocobo as they plummeted to the rocky bottom of the gorge.
..x.x.x.x.x..
[A/N: For those who aren't sure, NO, Cid is NOT gay. ^.^ He's just trying to loose the tension Cloud's having. This whole thing's gonna start picking up soon, hehe, you'll see what I mean when it happens. ^.^ I hope I'm doing a good enough job for you guys out there, I really wanna give something that you guys'll like. Something fresh. Well, I'm gonna end it here and start on the next chapter. Thanks to EVERYONE who reads, your time means everything to me. And for those who give their time back by reviewing, many thanks to you! ]
..x.x.x.x.x..
A drop of sweat trickled down Cloud's forehead as he fished for the PHS in the saddlebag. /Where is she? Please tell me she's safe at a friends.../ His fingers calmly dialed in the number of one of his close friends and AVALANCHE members.
"'Ello?" Came a gruff, deep voice through the earpiece of the small PHS.
"Barret! Is Tifa there with you guys?" Cloud asked, trying to keep a cool persona, trying not to panic.
"Nope. Jus' me an' Marlene. Is everything awright Cloud?"
"I don't know.. I can't find Tifa. Barret, do me a favor please, call the others and ask if she's around. I gotta go, sorry, but I feel like I'm on a strict time limit here." Cloud replied, feeling the adrenalin rise in his body.
Barret sensed Cloud's distress and complied right away. "You got it."
With that, they both hung up and Cloud mounted his chocobo, who awaited breathlessly in the back yard of their Nibelheim home. Cloud's mind was racing, he felt so horribly lost and confused, panicked and worried. Tifa was gone and Aeris was calling for him, relentlessly, with only a small bit of time to find her. If he left to find Tifa, he'd lose the chance to talk to Aeris, maybe for the rest of his life, yet, if he went to look for Aeris instead, and if Tifa was in trouble....
Cloud pressed his fingers to his temples, feeling the stress and worry eating away at his mind. /I can't let it get to me. Tifa never gave up on me when I was in trouble. Besides, she's probably alright. She has her fighting gloves, AND her fighting skills.. With all she's been through, what could get to her now?/
Cloud wrestled with the idea, trying to convince himself that everything was alright. He longed for any bit of comfort he could find, searching for a way to solve this situation he found himself in.
/I'll just wait for Barret to call. I'm sure she's with someone she trusts.. She just needed to get away for a while, that's all./ His mind confided.
/Yeah. Get away from me./ His heart told him. The feeling struck him hard as he remembered the way he had been treating her the last few months. Cloud grasped at the reigns of the Chocobo and led him to the Nibelheim mountains, wondering if he'd find any evidence of his lost love.
He pushed all guilt aside, telling himself that he'd have to wait for that. Right now the two people who meant the most to him needed him, and he silently swore to himself that he would find them both, well, before it was too late.
"Ok, Matrix. Let's go."
The golden chocobo warked and kicked to a trot towards the perilous wooden bridge. Just before reaching the edge, Cloud felt a familiar presence inside his mind. He closed his eyes, beckoning the image to come, and soon saw Aeris, as he always had. He stopped the chocobo and concentrated all his energy on the young girl, trying his hardest to contact her somehow. He studied her face, which seemed unnaturally wrought with worry. Her voice called to him, but still in the completely unfathomable echo inside his ears. He watched her pretty pink lips, studied their movements, and snapped his eyes open quickly, losing her image. He had been able to read one word.
Hurry.
.x.x.x.
Tifa returned to her overly exaggerated room to find a velvet crimson and black gown on her bed. She gasped inwardly, placing a delicate hand to her lips as she walked slowly to the beautiful clothing. Her eyes trailed back to Tadrith, who stood in the frame of the large doorway, smiling at her.
"For tonight." He said smoothly, his voice never ceased it's deep melody.
"Tonight?" Tifa breathed in wonder.
"Yes. I was hoping you would join me for dinner. I have asked the cooks to prepare a special meal for tonight, particularly to fit a beautiful dove, such as yourself."
Tifa felt the heat rise in her cheeks, unknowing as to how to reply. She ran her fingers over the soft fabric, admiring it's shape and color. So many emotions were flowing through her, prominently fear. She didn't know how to react to this situation. Everything was happing way too fast, leaving her mind spinning in confusion. She wanted to get away from this place, but she was attracted to it, as well.
Tadrith stepped away, reaching a muscular arm out to close the door. "I shall leave you to get ready, my lady." He nodded politely and stepped out, closing the massive door behind him, quietly.
Tifa tenderly picked the gown up, holding it as if it were as delicate as a dew dropped spider web. She stepped over to the full mirror with the look of awe on her face that seemed to have remained there since she entered this house. She held the dress up to her and examined it's features in the reflection.
"It's.. it's gorgeous."
She took her time putting it on. She felt as if it was a daring act, as if it would trap her and swallow her whole if she put it on. After some mental preparation, she finally managed to slip into it.
It was even more beautiful when she put it on. It was form fitting, and fit perfectly around her waist and hips, hanging slimly down past her ankles in dark crimson folds. It hung on her shoulders in delicate black lace straps, and around her chest was more intricate black lace, embroidered with delicate black roses. She pulled on the sleek, black velvet gloves that came almost all the way up her arms, just like her own pair. /Except these are made for beauty, not for inflicting damage./ She almost winced at the feeling of being unarmed, and in a strange place to boot.
She pulled her hair up and suspended it beautifully, a couple wisps of hair falling around her face and shoulders. A pair of onyx, tear drop shaped earrings awaited her on the dresser, and she adorned them with care. She slipped her feet carefully into the crimson dress shoes that matched her gown, also inlayed with black roses.
She felt herself blush when she looked into the mirror at her final glance. /If only Cloud were here to see me../ Her mind thought, selflessly. Tifa sighed and looked away from herself. She walked carefully to the bed and sat down. She felt a little guilty for wearing the dress. She didn't plan on staying for very much longer, and Tadrith was treating her with such care and delicacy. She probably shouldn't be doing this, she definitely didn't want the tall, dark haired man to get the wrong idea. She almost felt as if she were taking advantage of him for his luxury.
At that moment, a knock lifted her from her thoughts.
"Ms. Lockheart?" Came the familiar baritone voice.
Tifa stood up just in time for the door to open, and Tadrith stepped in. His eyes almost seemed to water at her beauty as he drank in her image.
"You're absolutely astonishing, Tifa. You shame the very night stars themselves." He exclaimed calmly, smoothly.
Tifa smiled under the crimson lipstick she was wearing. Tadrith felt his heart skip a beat; He wasn't lying about what he said. His eyes wondered over her body and felt his own heat rise. She was almost unreal.
Tadrith himself was dressed for the most informal occasion in a black suit, clean and pressed, with a crimson neck tie. His hair was slicked back, as always, his cleanly shaven features as stark and handsome as the dark stranger he was. His dark eyes twinkled as he held his arm out to Tifa.
She came to him hesitantly, and wrapped her gloved arm around his muscular one. Tadrith never took his eyes off of her, and led her away to the dining area.
Tifa felt a little vulnerable, and her heart was definitely not as calm as it should be. He was absolutely gorgeous; extremely rich, and most likely had a crush on her. (She tried to convince herself it was merely a "crush", not wanting to accept all other possibilities.) She decided that she would confront Tadrith tonight. She already planned to give all her thanks for everything, but that she would be leaving tomorrow.
It would be simple, really.
.x.x.x.
Just as he was about to make his way across the creaky wooden bridge, the PHS rang, loud and clear. Cloud jumped unexpectedly and reached for it in the already open pouch.
"Hello?" His panic was not as concealed as it was before.
"Cloud.." It was Cid. His gruff pilot's voice was anything but unrecognizable. "Tifa's not here." He said, getting straight to the point. He hated beating around the bush, and he knew Cloud wanted it straight forward.
Cloud sighed deeply, feeling his heart drop. Cid continued. "We contacted everyone she knows, an' no luck. Sorry Cloud. We're gonna keep pullin' an hope we find her, so don't worry too much."
Cloud nodded to himself n mumbled a stressed thanks, rubbing at his pounding temples.
Cid smiled outwardly, knowing his friend's distress. "She's a smart girl, Cloud. She'll be ok. No matter what the situation might be, you're Tifa'll take care of herself. We'll find her, I promise ya."
It was almost odd to hear such kind, condoling words from such a stained dirty mouth, and it made Cloud smile. "Thanks Cid. I appreciate the help."
"Hey, what are friends for, right?" Cid beamed. Then the sound of a small explosion sounded in the background, followed by the heavy sigh from the old pilot. "Godammit, Shera, I thought I told ya not to touch that damn thing!" A soft, feminine voice could be heard in reply. "Sorry Captain, sir!"
"Sorry Cloud, I gotta go. Don't go stressin' yourself out too much. Everything'll be just fine. Besides, even if ya don't find her, you could always move in with me." He let out a sarcastic chuckle. "I might not be the most snuggable person you know," He raised his voice so Shera could hear too. "But at least you'd be less clumsy than that damn Shera!"
Cloud couldn't help but laugh. "No thanks, Cid. I think I'll pass."
Cid faked his hurt feelings. "Aw, Cloud, now that struck deep. I could always shave my chin, maybe I'd be more snuggable for ya then." The sound of Cid being hit could be heard, very clearly. "Ow! Hey now, Shera, you know I was only kiddin'." She only replied with a sturdy "hmph."
"It's ok, though, Cloud. I can take your rejection." Cid sniffed in an overly sarcastic, hurt manner. "But seriously. Take it easy, Cloud. You'll find her soon, just don't overdo yerself. You've had enough of that."
"Thanks, Cid. I'll take that advice." Cloud put the phone back into it's pouch and sighed, looking out across the bridge. He wished he could tell Cid about Aeris, so far only Tifa had known about his endless nights. He didn't want the pilot to worry too much, though. He had enough to worry about with Shera, from the sounds of it. Cid was wanting to propose to her, but could never really bring himself to it. Cloud hoped Cid wouldn't be a fool let the moment pass him by.
/I shouldn't be a fool and let Tifa pass me by, either./ He thought, matter of factly. With new confidence stirring within him, he offered Matrix some fresh Mimmette Greens and headed forward across the rope bridge. His mind was cluttered with thoughts. The last image he had seen of Aeris was a bit disturbing, he had never seen her face distressed like it was. And the way she was beckoning him to hurry.
And then Tifa.. He thought back at the letter she had left behind for him, and thought about where she might have gone. /What if she decided to come with me?/ His mind perked at this new thought. /What if she came following me in hopes of coming along?/ In a way, it didn't make sense, wouldn't she have come along with him to begin with? /Maybe she followed me quietly so she would make sure I was alright.. After the way I've been treating her, I wouldn't blame her for keeping her distance. Well, whatever the reason, it's as good a place to begin as any. At least I now have a place to start./
He would head back to the Northern region, after all that's the most sensible place to go. He would search to see if she had followed him there. Cloud was so consumed in his thoughts that he didn't hear the strange groan that the bridge gave out. Matrix sensed it, and begin to fluff his feathers slightly in worry, his large head and eyes searching around in quick, jerking motions. The bridge groaned again under stress of their weight and began to shift. Matrix warked and Cloud finally came to attention.
Cloud grabbed on tightly to Matrix and shouted in a quick panic, "Matrix! Go now! GO!"
The bird hardly waited, he leaned his weight forward and stretched out it's oddly short wings for balance and kicked on the back burners, running as fast as he could. The poor bird had a hard time keeping his footing on the bridge as it wobbled violently from side to side. Cloud closed his eyes and silently prayed that they would make it as he heard the faint noise of the ropes finally giving in and snapping.
"Shit!! Run Matrix!! Go!"
Matrix was trying his hardest to stay balanced, but to no avail, with only 20 feet to go, the bridge gave out completely, and for the third time in his lifetime, the bridge to Mount Nibelheim collapsed.
All that could be heard was the yelling of a distressed man and the feeble cries of the chocobo as they plummeted to the rocky bottom of the gorge.
..x.x.x.x.x..
[A/N: For those who aren't sure, NO, Cid is NOT gay. ^.^ He's just trying to loose the tension Cloud's having. This whole thing's gonna start picking up soon, hehe, you'll see what I mean when it happens. ^.^ I hope I'm doing a good enough job for you guys out there, I really wanna give something that you guys'll like. Something fresh. Well, I'm gonna end it here and start on the next chapter. Thanks to EVERYONE who reads, your time means everything to me. And for those who give their time back by reviewing, many thanks to you! ]