[A/N: Oh, yes! A nice long chapter XD Lot'sa action, too! Hehe, guess what?]
..x.x.x.x.x..
Tifa's heart never ceased to slow down. It was permanently feeding off of high adrenalin, sending the rest of her body into fearful shakes. Tadrith scared her, right to her very core. Not even Sephiroth had scared her that much. Perhaps that was because at the time, she had Cloud by her side, and she wasn't being dragged to who knows what end by a lustful, hungry man who had seemingly been genetically altered by a disease that was equally lustful and hungry. The two put together made Tadrith a monster, and he had her.
Tifa prayed that someone would come to rescue her, that her friends had somehow found where she went and had ruthlessly followed, and were planning an attack to save her right now. /I doubt it. Nobody even knows I'm gone. Well, maybe someone has figured it out by now, but it's highly doubtful that they've come even close to finding me now. It's... it's too late./
Tadrith sneered, dragging her through the endless hallways, sensing his precious doves distress and fear. /Rightfully so; the little bitch defied me and scarred me several times./ He tugged at her wrists, smiling at the gasp of pain that erupted from Tifa's lovely lips.
He was deliberately taking her to a familiar area of the house, knowing at once that Tifa would be ever-so surprised at what she would discover. All her hopes were about to drain away, and Tadrith absolutely reveled in that fact.
He stopped before a large, wooden door. Tifa looked reluctantly at the door, questioning what Tadrith's motives were. He squeezed her wrist and sneered down at her smoothly, whispering to her, "Go ahead, say hello."
Tifa was overcome with confusion, but afraid to defy the already enraged man any further and highly intimidated by his new form, she asked meekly to whoever awaited her words, "Hello?"
A shuffling could be heard from inside, and Tifa's heart thudded with fear. Was it another monstrous creation? Was he going to throw her inside to be torn apart, or was there someone-
"Tifa?" An all too familiar gruff voice asked. "Is that you out there?"
"Cid!" Tifa called, feeling her heart soar for a moment, yet worried at her friend's safety.
"Tifa! Let us out, we have to get out of here!" The doorknob jiggled slightly as Cid attempted for the thousandth time to open it.
"Cid, I-" A clammy, pale hand clasped harshly over mouth, delaying her words. Tadrith whispered brutally into her ear, "Now, now, my dear Tifa. We wouldn't want to tell them too much."
Tadrith turned his gaze towards the door, and said aloud to the occupants on the other side, "Now, if you'll kindly excuse us, gentlemen, Tifa and I have some business to attend to."
Cid's outrage could be clearly heard on the other side of the door. "What? Who the fuck are you? What are you doing with Tifa?" His tone changed as he waited to hear her voice in response. "Tifa? You there?" Afer a moment of silence, he pounded the door violently with his fist. "Shit!"
Tifa clenched her eyes closed, wishing to yell out to them, to let them know she was in trouble. For all they know, she could be behind all this. Tifa's heart fluttered, and she bit down onto Tadrith's cold, pale hand. He yelped in pain and Tifa took the moment to yell out to her friends.
"Cid! I'm in trouble, please-" A sudden blow to Tifa's face knocked the thoughts right out of her. She didn't pass out, as she was strong to such painful blows, but it had stung very badly, causing a single tear to trail down her porcelain cheek.
Tadrith grasped his arms around Tifa, pinning her arms to her sides painfully, and walked down the hallway, away from the angry shouts ans useless banging on the door.
Around another turn in the hallway, Tadrith turned and kicked open the door to his personal bedchambers- a very over spacious room with high ceilings, a four poster, canopied bed, towering windows with velvet drapery; it was practically a house in itself. He threw Tifa towards the bed, and her body landed harshly on the blankets and pillows strewn across the top of the huge mattress.
Tadrith slammed the door closed and turned, taking large, spacing, angry steps to where Tifa picked herself up on top of his bed. He stopped before her and reached a long, masculine arm out and surrounded her throat with his long, clawed fingers. He shoved her back down violently to the bed, her back pressing into the soft mattress with Tadrith's brute force.
Tifa looked up into his enraged eyes, feeling the darkness pour out of them in their deep, charcoal-crimson fury. His lips were pulled back into a vicious snarl, revealing his canine fangs. Tifa winced, feeling his hot acrid breath brush against her skin as he leaned forward, staring into her eyes with poisoned darts of death.
"You're mine, Tifa." He reached down a hand and violently pulled her long, crimson gown up as Tifa gasped in agonizing defeat. His grip on her throat remained strong, pressing his unnatural claws into her skin, trickling with tiny drops of warm blood. Tears began to well in Tifa's fearful gaze, wishing this all to be over with already.
Just as Tadrith slipped his hand up her trembling thigh, a cold, demanding voice snapped his attention away from the terrified girl.
"Stop. Right. There."
Tadrith's dark eyes met those of the coldest blue, seeming like deep pools of liquid ice. Those eyes matched the mood that was reflected from the young man; cold cruelty, furious surprise and revenge.
Tadrith smiled faintly, masking his rage from being removed from his beloved little dove, once again. "So you must be the young man Tifa kept blindly referring to."
The young man scowled, his head lowered in a stance of anger, holding his large, unseemly sword before him with a strength that must have been incredibly unreal. "Let go of her. Now."
"I'm afraid you've come at a very bad time. We were just becoming.. More acquainted." A malicious smile filled Tadrith's pale face. He looked down at Tifa, whose eyes were as wide as soft rose petals. He smiled down at her, and pulled his hand away from her throat. His smile slowly faded to an unsatisfactory frown as he drew back his hand and struck Tifa. She had responded quickly in defense, and leaned her head to the side, leaving Tadrith's clawed hand to slash across her neck, leaving long jagged trails of red in it's wake.
She cried out in pain, then laid there, unmoving as the blood from her wounds trickled softly down her skin, leaving tiny stains on the blanket underneath her still form.
As soon as Tadrith's hand made contact, Cloud rushed forward in violent rage to cleave the madman before him in two. Tadrith merely smiled twirled to the side in a darting movement too quick to be seen, and Cloud stopped himself in mid swing, nearly slicing into Tifa's lifeless body.
Cloud's heart skipped many beats, feeling the panic rise in his throat as he thought he wouldn't be able to stop his sword in time to save her. It had stopped a few inches above her face, and Cloud mentally ridiculed himself for being so brash. He pulled his sword back as sweat trickled down his already moist forehead, and turned his icy glare to the man who had struck Tifa.
He was bent down on one knee, his back slightly hunched forward, supporting his weight on his hands. He slowly looked up at Cloud with a menacing glare, and stood up just as deliberately slow, letting his towering height above the younger man settle for intimidation.
Cloud's face showed no changing emotion; not fear, surprise, disgust or anything of the sort. Just anger, cold, simple and pure. Inside, though, Cloud's heart was furiously pounding, his blood rushing through his veins in vigorous effort. /This man is huge.. And -fast-.. I've never seen anyone dodge my attack that fast in my entire life.. Tifa.. If he's done -anything- to her, I swear to God../
Cloud flexed his grip around the worn handle of his buster sword, his senses tingling like they always did before a major battle. The tension between the two men hung in the air like dense humidity, their eyes locked in vengeful anger. The tall, pale man reached slowly into the inside of his large, black coat and pulled forth two slender daggers, each about a foot and a half long and three inches wide, their silver metal gleaming in the dim light of the large room.
/Did he plan on fighting someone in here? Or... was he saving those for Tifa../ Cloud's mind pondered angrily. /Whatever the matter, they don't look very strong./
"So, you've come to rescue the 'damsel in distress'." The taller man said, his voice deep and smooth, nearly bordering insanity. "Let's see if your as much a hero as your dear girl hopes you to be." Tadrith leapt forward with lightning speed, swinging one of the daggers lethally towards Cloud's open throat, but the younger man caught the motion and parried swiftly with his flat, broad blade. A metallic "clink" echoed through the large room.
/I don't understand how he can maneuver that abomination of a sword so quickly. It should be too heavy to move as he does; taking away my advantage./ Tadrith thought vainly, looking for weaknesses.
Cloud locked his eyes on Tadrith, studying and waiting for every move, looking for a soft spot or a way to distract him..
Tadrith darted forward, snarling and slashed his left dagger down at Cloud's thigh, then slid around Cloud's back to slice at his throat once again. Cloud, however, managed to deflect both moves, one with his blade and the other with the hard metal handle of his Buster sword.
/Damn he's fast../ Cloud thought in contempt.
Tadrith didn't stop there; he lashed forward in a false motion as if about to jab at Cloud's face, then as the young man lifted the blade in defense, Tadrith knelt down and performed a low round-house kick to the back of Cloud's legs, sending him tumbling to the ground.
Tadrith smiled triumphantly and quickly jumped up, throwing one of his daggers to the floor where Cloud's quickly beating heart awaited. As the small blade whirled towards him, Cloud somersaulted backwards and to his feet just as the blade landed where he had lain, not moments before. Cloud didn't wait, he instantly swung the weight of his blade forward as Tadrith darted backwards, barely missing his stomach.
All the while he moved, Tadrith's long coat fluttered behind him like a pitch shadow, adding to the sound of flustered grunts and metallic clinks every time their blades met.
When Cloud found the advantage, he held his sword in front of him defensively and bent to pluck the dagger from the floor, then with a quick flick of his wrist, the small blade was slicing through the air towards Tadrith, and the tall man arched his back, missing the spinning edge by mere centimeters. It did, however, slice through the coat, leaving a jagged hole in it's place. He whirled around in a flash and grabbed the handle of the dagger as it flew past him, then turned to face Cloud again, kneeling down on one knee.
The younger man was already upon him, and Tadrith leaned forward to slash both of his gleaming daggers into the flesh of his opponent, but as his blades sliced forward, Cloud leapt high into the air, soaring over Tadrith's head, and landed with a strong 'thud' on the floor behind the unsuspecting stranger. Smiling, Cloud swung his great sword towards Tadrith's neck, but the man twirled around in an awkward position and met the blow with both of his daggers.
The two strained against the others strength, their eyes flaring with anger. Both of them were breathing hard from the effort, sweat trickling down their famished skin.
/I won't be able to finish him alone../ Cloud thought, his jaw tightly clenched. /I need Tifa../ His eyes remained on the man in front of him, not wanting to give any hints to his intentions.
Tadrith smiled, knowing his strength far outweighed the younger one. With a harsh growl, Tadrith pushed his daggers forward, shoving away Cloud's gigantic steel blade.
Cloud took this moment and called out, "Tifa! Life2!"
Tadrith's eyes flicked over to where Tifa laid, watching as she slowly sat up, rubbing at the clotted and surly painful wounds on her neck.
Cloud quickly took the initiative and swung his sword at the unsuspecting man. Unfortunately his sword was twisted the wrong way, and the flat side of his blade landed a hard blow to Tadrith's back, sending the man sprawling to the floor with a painful yelp. He didn't get up, as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
"Cloud?" Tifa's voice called out softly, her eyes looking painfully in his direction.
Cloud rushed to her side and hugged tighter then he ever had before. She embraced him back, feeling the emotion of happiness fill her heart once more. They stayed there for a moment, un-speaking and unmoving, just holding each other.
After a long, precious moment, Cloud finally pulled away and gazed into Tifa's crimson eyes, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her lovely face. "Tifa, are you ok? Did he hurt you? What happened?"
Tifa took his hands in hers, and traced his cheek softly, as if to make sure she wasn't dreaming, that he really -was- here, and that they could go home and forget this ever happened. "Cloud, I'm so sorry.. I'm.. I'm fine, I guess.. he hasn't been able to do anything to me-"
At those words, Cloud pulled Tifa's body to him yet again, feeling the worry and strain lift away from his tired body. "I'm sorry I left you, Tifa, I'm sorry for all of this.. But please, let's get out of here. Explanations will be saved for when we're safe and out of this place."
They reluctantly pulled away from each other, only pausing to look wistfully into each other's eyes. They had both been through so much up until now, but they were together again, and both felt a renewed strength swell inside of their hearts.
Cloud stood, pulling Tifa wearily to her feet, examining her fully for the first time since he arrived. When he saw her crimson gown fall to the floor, his eyes widened with surprise. "So it WAS you!" He exclaimed.
Tifa looked into his Mako blue eyes, confused.
"I saw you sprinting down the hallway, at that intersection a while ago. That's when I followed you here.."
Tifa's eyes widened, blushing at her haste. "That was you?! I heard a noise and panicked, thinking it was Tadrith." Cloud followed her gaze to the body on the floor, assuming it was him that she called 'Tadrith'. She grabbed Cloud's tired arm and pulled him toward the door. "Come on, let's get out of here before he wakes up."
The two of them left the room quickly, and into the maze of hallways. Cloud led her in the direction of where he remembered the exits to be.
"Dare I ask why you're in that dress?" Cloud questioned, eyeing her in a sideways, curious glance.
Tifa felt a blush creep across her face again, and she pursed her lips. She hugged his arm tightly. "It's.. A long story."
She stopped suddenly, tugging Cloud to a surprised halt, and he looked down at her with worry etched across his handsome, young features. She had a look of revelation on her face. "I forgot! Cid and some of the others are trapped here too! They're locked in some room, we have to go get them."
"Where are they?" Cloud inquired, feeling even more dread fill his already weary heart.
"They're back this wa-"
Before Tifa could even finish her words, she was being yanked back by a tall, shadowy figure from behind them. Cloud twirled around in astonishment and gazed up at the wicked man, who now held Tifa in his grasp. Blood trickled down his pale chin from when Cloud had delivered the nasty blow to his back.
"Isn't this a pleasurable surprise."
Tadrith's massive arms were wrapped around Tifa's shoulders, pressing her back to him. "You're not going anywhere, my dear." He sneered down at her. But she had had enough. Summoning as much strength as she could, she laid a massive blow into Tadrith's stomach with her elbow, followed by a backwards uppercut into the soft flesh under Tadrith's jaw. His grip loosened just enough and she fled to Cloud's side.
In a yell of rage, Tadrith staggered forward to grab Tifa, but Cloud leapt forward, protectively standing in between. Tadrith's eyes flashed in violent anger as he instead darted his hand out to Cloud, gripping his collar with a mighty fist. Tadrith's fingers stretched and tore the fabric with his inhuman claws and lifted the younger man into the air.
Cloud hopelessly kicked at the air, teetering his arms about to keep balanced, struggling to keep a grip on his Buster sword. With a burst of strength, Tadrith flung the man listlessly down the hall. Cloud's body rolled to a stop, his great sword landing a couple feet away.
Tadrith reached behind him and pulled out his twin daggers, threateningly gleaming. He motioned his throw towards Cloud's heart.
"Cloud! The daggers!" Tifa yelled as the gleaming metal whirled as fast as lightning towards Cloud's body.
He managed to roll just barely enough to get out of the way, the two blades landing within inches of where Cloud had just been not a few moments ago. One apparently struck him for he let out a sharp cry of pain, but moments later, he was picking himself up off of the floor.
Tifa's gaze went from Cloud to Tadrith, the anger and frustration and pure hatred gleaming in her crimson orbs. She reached down and began to pull at the fabric of her long dress. She wasn't going to be pinned down by this thing anymore. A tear formed in the crimson velvet, and Tifa worked it up, tearing the entire bottom half of her gown off, leaving it to end just a little above her mid thigh. It was now just as short as her normal combat skirt, with her heavy black boots.
She instantly ran towards Tadrith's swaggering body, feeling the glorious freedom of her legs. She landed a couple sharp jabs into his stomach, which didn't seem to even faze the man, so she kicked her heel hard into his kneecap, bending it backwards slightly in a very odd angle. Tadrith hissed in pain and reached out his arms. He grabbed Tifa's shoulders, stopping her punches, and brought his face down to hers.
"I wouldn't want to fuck your dead corps, Tifa. No, I much prefer to have you alive, so I can feel you struggle beneath my grasp." He whispered harshly, sneering terribly at her.
Her eyes were wide with disgust and horror, wishing to spew forth bile on his nasty, pale face. She didn't let it get to her, however, and with a burst of energy, she manipulated Tadrith's grip on her and used it to catapult herself over the top of his head, gracefully flipping around and landing on the ground behind him.
She immediately jabbed her Premium Heart gloves into the small of his back, sending waves of pain through his body from the tenderness Cloud had caused with his steel sword. Tifa smiled inwardly, and jumped, whirling around in a high round-house kick, smashing her heavily booted heel into the back of Tadrith's neck. He gasped from the blow, staggering forward a step.
She took the opportunity to look up at Cloud, and saw him painfully bend down to pluck the deadly daggers from the floor. She was suddenly overcome by inspiration, and pursed her lips, concentrating hard on her new goal.
Tadrith whirled around to face her, swinging his long arms out to grab at her slender form, but she was quick and ready, dodging his every attempt. When the chance was given, she kicked him flatly in the stomach, furiously following up with a series of sharp hits and punches to his chest and shoulders.
She let out a growl of rage as she leapt up at Tadrith, punching the left side of his face with her clenched fist followed by her a blow from her elbow, jerking it back harshly into the right side of his face, immediately chained with a harsh punch with her left fist straight into the center of his nose, resounding with a satisfactory crunch. Tadrith grabbed at his face in agony as blood dripped from his newly broken nose.
Tifa looked to Cloud quickly, who was now right behind Tadrith. Big mistake; Tadrith seized the opportunity and grabbed Tifa's arms with an iron grip. Tifa struggled, but couldn't move as Tadrith leaned in his face right in front of hers. His eyes emitted an eeriness that rivaled the darkest of night, with such a violent anger and hatred that she felt like it burnt into her very soul. Blood was trickling down his nose and out of the corners of his mouth as he sneered evilly at her.
"It looks like the girl can no longer fight me." Blood spattered out of his mouth, his voice rolling out like thunder, deep and vicious.
"Not quite." Tifa said, and with a powerful burst of strength, she thrust her body upwards into a midair back flip, his clawed grip tearing at her flesh as her arms twisted around, sending her boot into the tender flesh underneath Tadrith's jaw. His whole body reeled backwards as Tifa landed on her feet in front of him, watching as he stumbled backwards...
...Right into the blades of his own daggers. Cloud held them outwards, thrusting them deeper into the taller man's back. Tadrith's face held the expression of astonishment and confusion, as if it wasn't meant to be like this. He blinked, looking down at the once clean blades that now protruded from his chest and stomach at odd angles.
Tifa wasn't satisfied. With an outraged cry, she leapt towards Tadrith and kicked her heel upwards and into the soft flesh of his throat, holding it there firmly while staring into his dark, unbelieving eyes. He blinked at her.
"Good bye." She stated simply, and twisted her foot in such a small, simple way that it turned his head, the loud, disgusting snap of his neck echoing through the dimly lit hallways.
Cloud staggered back, letting the lifeless body of Tadrith Shin-Ra fall to the floor, and rushed forward to catch Tifa just before she fell to the floor with exhaustion. Cradling her in his arms, he slowly sat both of them down to the floor, pulling Tifa to lay against his chest. He soothingly wrapped his arms around her as she buried her face into his neck, both of their hearts beating faster then wings of a hummingbird.
After a moment of holding each other, Cloud finally pulled away to look into Tifa's weary crimson eyes. He held her cheek tenderly with one hand and gazed deeply into her soul, and she responded by placing her warm, soft hand on top of his. Their fingers laced together lovingly as Cloud leaned forward the slightest bit to kiss her lips softly and gently.
"Are you ok.. Tifa?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tifa gazed deeply into his ice blue eyes, feeling his concern and worry. Just feeling his arms around her like this made her heart flutter; to feel his lips was a dream.../But I'm not dreaming. Cloud really came back for me, and saved me from this hell.../ She smiled softly up at the handsome young man.
"I am now," She pressed her body against his, yearning for his warmth and tenderness. "Now that you're here." She felt tears threaten to spill down her cheeks. Wether it was for happiness with Cloud, happiness that Tadrith was finally gone, or just the fear and worry finally taking face, she didn't know. She didn't care, either. Her Cloud was here.
Cloud tenderly stroked her hair when heavy footsteps sounded in the hallway, followed by an all-too familiar voice. "Well, I'll be damned. The punk ass really did make it!" Cid came to a stop, standing before them and smiling widely, CaitSith and Vincent appearing behind him.
Cloud reluctantly stood to his feet, reaching down a hand to help Tifa up. As soon as they were safely to their feet, Cid's smile disappeared as he rushed towards Cloud and grabbed the scruff of his shirt with a fist of anger.
"Just what the hell took you so long!?! What could'a POSSIBLY caused you to take your sweet damn time gettin' here?!?! Huh? Answer me!!"
Cloud just gazed at the man with amazement and fear, unable to answer, as CaitSith hopped up next to Cid, tapping him politely on the shoulder. "Calm down, Cid." He said quietly. "You'll have your precious smoke's soon. Don't blame Cloud for your withdrawal problems." Cait smiled, satisfyingly.
Cid just glared at the damn cat, then looked away, crossing his arms with his nose held high in the air, in apparent detest.
Vincent stepped forward, gazing at the body of Tadrith with his calm, dark crimson orbs. "I take it you guys took care of everything?" His voice was smooth and darkly soothing.
Tifa smiled at him, grateful to see her dear friend alive and well. "Yeah. No sweat." Sarcasm dripped from her words, as she reached tenderly for the large wounds on her neck, still throbbing with pain.
Vincent's eyes glittered with what looked to be a smile. "I was kind of hoping you would have left a piece for me."
Tifa pointed to the body on the floor with a look of disgust and hate on her face. "There; have at it."
Vincent closed his eyes, bowing his head slightly as he let out a low, melodious chuckle.
"By the way, how did you guys get out of there?" Tifa asked, suddenly remembering that they were all locked behind the steel enforced door. "Is there anyone else here?"
"Naw, it's just us three." CaitSith said with his usual casino accent. "It wasn't easy, and it's a looong story. One to share with your grandchildren around a cozy fireplace, away from this place. Far away. Very far away."
Cid 'hmphed' in the background, his arms still crossed. "I'll tell ya what wasn't easy. Getting that damn enraged demon back into our good ol' calm, expressionless Vincent. Being locked in a room with that mad thing.. Alone.." He visibly shivered. "Now that'll mess ya up for life."
Cloud smiled and looked around at everyone. They all shared the same symptoms as he; fatigue, hunger, thirst, and mental drainage. He rest his gaze on Tifa, and looked over the cuts, scrapes and bruises all over her skin. Other than those, she looked stunning; her tight fitting crimson dress was now cut off at her mid thigh, the thin black straps hugging her soft shoulders, and how her hair suspended elegantly above them. A few strands of hair had broken free from their fight, but it made her look all the more beautiful. Her heavy black boots and black fighting gloves gave her femininity a tough edge, one that he liked very much.
/It's amazing how she can go into a fight, and come out still looking so beautiful and radiant, with that warming smile of hers../ Cloud realized everyone was staring at him staring at -her-, and coughed in a fake fashion, feeling his cheeks warm instantly in a blush.
"Well, uh, we should.. probably head to Kalm now and.. sort our thoughts on what to do next." Cloud stated in his "leader" tone of voice. The others nodded in understanding and began to head to the front foyer of the house, ready to leave this hell hole of a mansion.
Tifa stayed behind and hugged Cloud's arm, looking up at his handsome face with admiration. "You never fail to lead us, even in the most unexpected moments. It's natural to you, Cloud." She smiled at him reassuringly, letting him see how proud and sure she was of him.
"Tifa.." He wrapped his arms around her tightly and embraced her in another warm hug, feeling her petite body against his as her arms slid around his back. He sighed, feeling content, feeling whole, pure, and happy all over again, just like before with...
His heart stopped with realization, and his body went rigid. Tifa felt it right away, and pulled back slowly to look into his frozen eyes.
"Cloud? Are you ok?" Worry began to beat at her heart once again, as she felt it flutter inside her.
His mouth merely whispered a few words in return, feeding her heart a whole new horrible feeling.
"Aeris.. I've got to hurry back to her.."
..x.x.x.x.x..
[A/N: Yes! Finally, Cloud comes to the rescue. But just when the moment gets sweet... well, see what happens in the next chapter. ^.^ The next one might be the last one, but we'll see if I can come up with something else at the last minute; maybe another nice lil twist. ^.^ Hehe, thanks to all who have reviewed and continue to give their support ^.^ Hang in there, it's almost done XD Beleive me, you're encouragment and compliments and even critisism mean the world to me, so keep 'em coming! ]
..x.x.x.x.x..
Tifa's heart never ceased to slow down. It was permanently feeding off of high adrenalin, sending the rest of her body into fearful shakes. Tadrith scared her, right to her very core. Not even Sephiroth had scared her that much. Perhaps that was because at the time, she had Cloud by her side, and she wasn't being dragged to who knows what end by a lustful, hungry man who had seemingly been genetically altered by a disease that was equally lustful and hungry. The two put together made Tadrith a monster, and he had her.
Tifa prayed that someone would come to rescue her, that her friends had somehow found where she went and had ruthlessly followed, and were planning an attack to save her right now. /I doubt it. Nobody even knows I'm gone. Well, maybe someone has figured it out by now, but it's highly doubtful that they've come even close to finding me now. It's... it's too late./
Tadrith sneered, dragging her through the endless hallways, sensing his precious doves distress and fear. /Rightfully so; the little bitch defied me and scarred me several times./ He tugged at her wrists, smiling at the gasp of pain that erupted from Tifa's lovely lips.
He was deliberately taking her to a familiar area of the house, knowing at once that Tifa would be ever-so surprised at what she would discover. All her hopes were about to drain away, and Tadrith absolutely reveled in that fact.
He stopped before a large, wooden door. Tifa looked reluctantly at the door, questioning what Tadrith's motives were. He squeezed her wrist and sneered down at her smoothly, whispering to her, "Go ahead, say hello."
Tifa was overcome with confusion, but afraid to defy the already enraged man any further and highly intimidated by his new form, she asked meekly to whoever awaited her words, "Hello?"
A shuffling could be heard from inside, and Tifa's heart thudded with fear. Was it another monstrous creation? Was he going to throw her inside to be torn apart, or was there someone-
"Tifa?" An all too familiar gruff voice asked. "Is that you out there?"
"Cid!" Tifa called, feeling her heart soar for a moment, yet worried at her friend's safety.
"Tifa! Let us out, we have to get out of here!" The doorknob jiggled slightly as Cid attempted for the thousandth time to open it.
"Cid, I-" A clammy, pale hand clasped harshly over mouth, delaying her words. Tadrith whispered brutally into her ear, "Now, now, my dear Tifa. We wouldn't want to tell them too much."
Tadrith turned his gaze towards the door, and said aloud to the occupants on the other side, "Now, if you'll kindly excuse us, gentlemen, Tifa and I have some business to attend to."
Cid's outrage could be clearly heard on the other side of the door. "What? Who the fuck are you? What are you doing with Tifa?" His tone changed as he waited to hear her voice in response. "Tifa? You there?" Afer a moment of silence, he pounded the door violently with his fist. "Shit!"
Tifa clenched her eyes closed, wishing to yell out to them, to let them know she was in trouble. For all they know, she could be behind all this. Tifa's heart fluttered, and she bit down onto Tadrith's cold, pale hand. He yelped in pain and Tifa took the moment to yell out to her friends.
"Cid! I'm in trouble, please-" A sudden blow to Tifa's face knocked the thoughts right out of her. She didn't pass out, as she was strong to such painful blows, but it had stung very badly, causing a single tear to trail down her porcelain cheek.
Tadrith grasped his arms around Tifa, pinning her arms to her sides painfully, and walked down the hallway, away from the angry shouts ans useless banging on the door.
Around another turn in the hallway, Tadrith turned and kicked open the door to his personal bedchambers- a very over spacious room with high ceilings, a four poster, canopied bed, towering windows with velvet drapery; it was practically a house in itself. He threw Tifa towards the bed, and her body landed harshly on the blankets and pillows strewn across the top of the huge mattress.
Tadrith slammed the door closed and turned, taking large, spacing, angry steps to where Tifa picked herself up on top of his bed. He stopped before her and reached a long, masculine arm out and surrounded her throat with his long, clawed fingers. He shoved her back down violently to the bed, her back pressing into the soft mattress with Tadrith's brute force.
Tifa looked up into his enraged eyes, feeling the darkness pour out of them in their deep, charcoal-crimson fury. His lips were pulled back into a vicious snarl, revealing his canine fangs. Tifa winced, feeling his hot acrid breath brush against her skin as he leaned forward, staring into her eyes with poisoned darts of death.
"You're mine, Tifa." He reached down a hand and violently pulled her long, crimson gown up as Tifa gasped in agonizing defeat. His grip on her throat remained strong, pressing his unnatural claws into her skin, trickling with tiny drops of warm blood. Tears began to well in Tifa's fearful gaze, wishing this all to be over with already.
Just as Tadrith slipped his hand up her trembling thigh, a cold, demanding voice snapped his attention away from the terrified girl.
"Stop. Right. There."
Tadrith's dark eyes met those of the coldest blue, seeming like deep pools of liquid ice. Those eyes matched the mood that was reflected from the young man; cold cruelty, furious surprise and revenge.
Tadrith smiled faintly, masking his rage from being removed from his beloved little dove, once again. "So you must be the young man Tifa kept blindly referring to."
The young man scowled, his head lowered in a stance of anger, holding his large, unseemly sword before him with a strength that must have been incredibly unreal. "Let go of her. Now."
"I'm afraid you've come at a very bad time. We were just becoming.. More acquainted." A malicious smile filled Tadrith's pale face. He looked down at Tifa, whose eyes were as wide as soft rose petals. He smiled down at her, and pulled his hand away from her throat. His smile slowly faded to an unsatisfactory frown as he drew back his hand and struck Tifa. She had responded quickly in defense, and leaned her head to the side, leaving Tadrith's clawed hand to slash across her neck, leaving long jagged trails of red in it's wake.
She cried out in pain, then laid there, unmoving as the blood from her wounds trickled softly down her skin, leaving tiny stains on the blanket underneath her still form.
As soon as Tadrith's hand made contact, Cloud rushed forward in violent rage to cleave the madman before him in two. Tadrith merely smiled twirled to the side in a darting movement too quick to be seen, and Cloud stopped himself in mid swing, nearly slicing into Tifa's lifeless body.
Cloud's heart skipped many beats, feeling the panic rise in his throat as he thought he wouldn't be able to stop his sword in time to save her. It had stopped a few inches above her face, and Cloud mentally ridiculed himself for being so brash. He pulled his sword back as sweat trickled down his already moist forehead, and turned his icy glare to the man who had struck Tifa.
He was bent down on one knee, his back slightly hunched forward, supporting his weight on his hands. He slowly looked up at Cloud with a menacing glare, and stood up just as deliberately slow, letting his towering height above the younger man settle for intimidation.
Cloud's face showed no changing emotion; not fear, surprise, disgust or anything of the sort. Just anger, cold, simple and pure. Inside, though, Cloud's heart was furiously pounding, his blood rushing through his veins in vigorous effort. /This man is huge.. And -fast-.. I've never seen anyone dodge my attack that fast in my entire life.. Tifa.. If he's done -anything- to her, I swear to God../
Cloud flexed his grip around the worn handle of his buster sword, his senses tingling like they always did before a major battle. The tension between the two men hung in the air like dense humidity, their eyes locked in vengeful anger. The tall, pale man reached slowly into the inside of his large, black coat and pulled forth two slender daggers, each about a foot and a half long and three inches wide, their silver metal gleaming in the dim light of the large room.
/Did he plan on fighting someone in here? Or... was he saving those for Tifa../ Cloud's mind pondered angrily. /Whatever the matter, they don't look very strong./
"So, you've come to rescue the 'damsel in distress'." The taller man said, his voice deep and smooth, nearly bordering insanity. "Let's see if your as much a hero as your dear girl hopes you to be." Tadrith leapt forward with lightning speed, swinging one of the daggers lethally towards Cloud's open throat, but the younger man caught the motion and parried swiftly with his flat, broad blade. A metallic "clink" echoed through the large room.
/I don't understand how he can maneuver that abomination of a sword so quickly. It should be too heavy to move as he does; taking away my advantage./ Tadrith thought vainly, looking for weaknesses.
Cloud locked his eyes on Tadrith, studying and waiting for every move, looking for a soft spot or a way to distract him..
Tadrith darted forward, snarling and slashed his left dagger down at Cloud's thigh, then slid around Cloud's back to slice at his throat once again. Cloud, however, managed to deflect both moves, one with his blade and the other with the hard metal handle of his Buster sword.
/Damn he's fast../ Cloud thought in contempt.
Tadrith didn't stop there; he lashed forward in a false motion as if about to jab at Cloud's face, then as the young man lifted the blade in defense, Tadrith knelt down and performed a low round-house kick to the back of Cloud's legs, sending him tumbling to the ground.
Tadrith smiled triumphantly and quickly jumped up, throwing one of his daggers to the floor where Cloud's quickly beating heart awaited. As the small blade whirled towards him, Cloud somersaulted backwards and to his feet just as the blade landed where he had lain, not moments before. Cloud didn't wait, he instantly swung the weight of his blade forward as Tadrith darted backwards, barely missing his stomach.
All the while he moved, Tadrith's long coat fluttered behind him like a pitch shadow, adding to the sound of flustered grunts and metallic clinks every time their blades met.
When Cloud found the advantage, he held his sword in front of him defensively and bent to pluck the dagger from the floor, then with a quick flick of his wrist, the small blade was slicing through the air towards Tadrith, and the tall man arched his back, missing the spinning edge by mere centimeters. It did, however, slice through the coat, leaving a jagged hole in it's place. He whirled around in a flash and grabbed the handle of the dagger as it flew past him, then turned to face Cloud again, kneeling down on one knee.
The younger man was already upon him, and Tadrith leaned forward to slash both of his gleaming daggers into the flesh of his opponent, but as his blades sliced forward, Cloud leapt high into the air, soaring over Tadrith's head, and landed with a strong 'thud' on the floor behind the unsuspecting stranger. Smiling, Cloud swung his great sword towards Tadrith's neck, but the man twirled around in an awkward position and met the blow with both of his daggers.
The two strained against the others strength, their eyes flaring with anger. Both of them were breathing hard from the effort, sweat trickling down their famished skin.
/I won't be able to finish him alone../ Cloud thought, his jaw tightly clenched. /I need Tifa../ His eyes remained on the man in front of him, not wanting to give any hints to his intentions.
Tadrith smiled, knowing his strength far outweighed the younger one. With a harsh growl, Tadrith pushed his daggers forward, shoving away Cloud's gigantic steel blade.
Cloud took this moment and called out, "Tifa! Life2!"
Tadrith's eyes flicked over to where Tifa laid, watching as she slowly sat up, rubbing at the clotted and surly painful wounds on her neck.
Cloud quickly took the initiative and swung his sword at the unsuspecting man. Unfortunately his sword was twisted the wrong way, and the flat side of his blade landed a hard blow to Tadrith's back, sending the man sprawling to the floor with a painful yelp. He didn't get up, as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
"Cloud?" Tifa's voice called out softly, her eyes looking painfully in his direction.
Cloud rushed to her side and hugged tighter then he ever had before. She embraced him back, feeling the emotion of happiness fill her heart once more. They stayed there for a moment, un-speaking and unmoving, just holding each other.
After a long, precious moment, Cloud finally pulled away and gazed into Tifa's crimson eyes, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her lovely face. "Tifa, are you ok? Did he hurt you? What happened?"
Tifa took his hands in hers, and traced his cheek softly, as if to make sure she wasn't dreaming, that he really -was- here, and that they could go home and forget this ever happened. "Cloud, I'm so sorry.. I'm.. I'm fine, I guess.. he hasn't been able to do anything to me-"
At those words, Cloud pulled Tifa's body to him yet again, feeling the worry and strain lift away from his tired body. "I'm sorry I left you, Tifa, I'm sorry for all of this.. But please, let's get out of here. Explanations will be saved for when we're safe and out of this place."
They reluctantly pulled away from each other, only pausing to look wistfully into each other's eyes. They had both been through so much up until now, but they were together again, and both felt a renewed strength swell inside of their hearts.
Cloud stood, pulling Tifa wearily to her feet, examining her fully for the first time since he arrived. When he saw her crimson gown fall to the floor, his eyes widened with surprise. "So it WAS you!" He exclaimed.
Tifa looked into his Mako blue eyes, confused.
"I saw you sprinting down the hallway, at that intersection a while ago. That's when I followed you here.."
Tifa's eyes widened, blushing at her haste. "That was you?! I heard a noise and panicked, thinking it was Tadrith." Cloud followed her gaze to the body on the floor, assuming it was him that she called 'Tadrith'. She grabbed Cloud's tired arm and pulled him toward the door. "Come on, let's get out of here before he wakes up."
The two of them left the room quickly, and into the maze of hallways. Cloud led her in the direction of where he remembered the exits to be.
"Dare I ask why you're in that dress?" Cloud questioned, eyeing her in a sideways, curious glance.
Tifa felt a blush creep across her face again, and she pursed her lips. She hugged his arm tightly. "It's.. A long story."
She stopped suddenly, tugging Cloud to a surprised halt, and he looked down at her with worry etched across his handsome, young features. She had a look of revelation on her face. "I forgot! Cid and some of the others are trapped here too! They're locked in some room, we have to go get them."
"Where are they?" Cloud inquired, feeling even more dread fill his already weary heart.
"They're back this wa-"
Before Tifa could even finish her words, she was being yanked back by a tall, shadowy figure from behind them. Cloud twirled around in astonishment and gazed up at the wicked man, who now held Tifa in his grasp. Blood trickled down his pale chin from when Cloud had delivered the nasty blow to his back.
"Isn't this a pleasurable surprise."
Tadrith's massive arms were wrapped around Tifa's shoulders, pressing her back to him. "You're not going anywhere, my dear." He sneered down at her. But she had had enough. Summoning as much strength as she could, she laid a massive blow into Tadrith's stomach with her elbow, followed by a backwards uppercut into the soft flesh under Tadrith's jaw. His grip loosened just enough and she fled to Cloud's side.
In a yell of rage, Tadrith staggered forward to grab Tifa, but Cloud leapt forward, protectively standing in between. Tadrith's eyes flashed in violent anger as he instead darted his hand out to Cloud, gripping his collar with a mighty fist. Tadrith's fingers stretched and tore the fabric with his inhuman claws and lifted the younger man into the air.
Cloud hopelessly kicked at the air, teetering his arms about to keep balanced, struggling to keep a grip on his Buster sword. With a burst of strength, Tadrith flung the man listlessly down the hall. Cloud's body rolled to a stop, his great sword landing a couple feet away.
Tadrith reached behind him and pulled out his twin daggers, threateningly gleaming. He motioned his throw towards Cloud's heart.
"Cloud! The daggers!" Tifa yelled as the gleaming metal whirled as fast as lightning towards Cloud's body.
He managed to roll just barely enough to get out of the way, the two blades landing within inches of where Cloud had just been not a few moments ago. One apparently struck him for he let out a sharp cry of pain, but moments later, he was picking himself up off of the floor.
Tifa's gaze went from Cloud to Tadrith, the anger and frustration and pure hatred gleaming in her crimson orbs. She reached down and began to pull at the fabric of her long dress. She wasn't going to be pinned down by this thing anymore. A tear formed in the crimson velvet, and Tifa worked it up, tearing the entire bottom half of her gown off, leaving it to end just a little above her mid thigh. It was now just as short as her normal combat skirt, with her heavy black boots.
She instantly ran towards Tadrith's swaggering body, feeling the glorious freedom of her legs. She landed a couple sharp jabs into his stomach, which didn't seem to even faze the man, so she kicked her heel hard into his kneecap, bending it backwards slightly in a very odd angle. Tadrith hissed in pain and reached out his arms. He grabbed Tifa's shoulders, stopping her punches, and brought his face down to hers.
"I wouldn't want to fuck your dead corps, Tifa. No, I much prefer to have you alive, so I can feel you struggle beneath my grasp." He whispered harshly, sneering terribly at her.
Her eyes were wide with disgust and horror, wishing to spew forth bile on his nasty, pale face. She didn't let it get to her, however, and with a burst of energy, she manipulated Tadrith's grip on her and used it to catapult herself over the top of his head, gracefully flipping around and landing on the ground behind him.
She immediately jabbed her Premium Heart gloves into the small of his back, sending waves of pain through his body from the tenderness Cloud had caused with his steel sword. Tifa smiled inwardly, and jumped, whirling around in a high round-house kick, smashing her heavily booted heel into the back of Tadrith's neck. He gasped from the blow, staggering forward a step.
She took the opportunity to look up at Cloud, and saw him painfully bend down to pluck the deadly daggers from the floor. She was suddenly overcome by inspiration, and pursed her lips, concentrating hard on her new goal.
Tadrith whirled around to face her, swinging his long arms out to grab at her slender form, but she was quick and ready, dodging his every attempt. When the chance was given, she kicked him flatly in the stomach, furiously following up with a series of sharp hits and punches to his chest and shoulders.
She let out a growl of rage as she leapt up at Tadrith, punching the left side of his face with her clenched fist followed by her a blow from her elbow, jerking it back harshly into the right side of his face, immediately chained with a harsh punch with her left fist straight into the center of his nose, resounding with a satisfactory crunch. Tadrith grabbed at his face in agony as blood dripped from his newly broken nose.
Tifa looked to Cloud quickly, who was now right behind Tadrith. Big mistake; Tadrith seized the opportunity and grabbed Tifa's arms with an iron grip. Tifa struggled, but couldn't move as Tadrith leaned in his face right in front of hers. His eyes emitted an eeriness that rivaled the darkest of night, with such a violent anger and hatred that she felt like it burnt into her very soul. Blood was trickling down his nose and out of the corners of his mouth as he sneered evilly at her.
"It looks like the girl can no longer fight me." Blood spattered out of his mouth, his voice rolling out like thunder, deep and vicious.
"Not quite." Tifa said, and with a powerful burst of strength, she thrust her body upwards into a midair back flip, his clawed grip tearing at her flesh as her arms twisted around, sending her boot into the tender flesh underneath Tadrith's jaw. His whole body reeled backwards as Tifa landed on her feet in front of him, watching as he stumbled backwards...
...Right into the blades of his own daggers. Cloud held them outwards, thrusting them deeper into the taller man's back. Tadrith's face held the expression of astonishment and confusion, as if it wasn't meant to be like this. He blinked, looking down at the once clean blades that now protruded from his chest and stomach at odd angles.
Tifa wasn't satisfied. With an outraged cry, she leapt towards Tadrith and kicked her heel upwards and into the soft flesh of his throat, holding it there firmly while staring into his dark, unbelieving eyes. He blinked at her.
"Good bye." She stated simply, and twisted her foot in such a small, simple way that it turned his head, the loud, disgusting snap of his neck echoing through the dimly lit hallways.
Cloud staggered back, letting the lifeless body of Tadrith Shin-Ra fall to the floor, and rushed forward to catch Tifa just before she fell to the floor with exhaustion. Cradling her in his arms, he slowly sat both of them down to the floor, pulling Tifa to lay against his chest. He soothingly wrapped his arms around her as she buried her face into his neck, both of their hearts beating faster then wings of a hummingbird.
After a moment of holding each other, Cloud finally pulled away to look into Tifa's weary crimson eyes. He held her cheek tenderly with one hand and gazed deeply into her soul, and she responded by placing her warm, soft hand on top of his. Their fingers laced together lovingly as Cloud leaned forward the slightest bit to kiss her lips softly and gently.
"Are you ok.. Tifa?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tifa gazed deeply into his ice blue eyes, feeling his concern and worry. Just feeling his arms around her like this made her heart flutter; to feel his lips was a dream.../But I'm not dreaming. Cloud really came back for me, and saved me from this hell.../ She smiled softly up at the handsome young man.
"I am now," She pressed her body against his, yearning for his warmth and tenderness. "Now that you're here." She felt tears threaten to spill down her cheeks. Wether it was for happiness with Cloud, happiness that Tadrith was finally gone, or just the fear and worry finally taking face, she didn't know. She didn't care, either. Her Cloud was here.
Cloud tenderly stroked her hair when heavy footsteps sounded in the hallway, followed by an all-too familiar voice. "Well, I'll be damned. The punk ass really did make it!" Cid came to a stop, standing before them and smiling widely, CaitSith and Vincent appearing behind him.
Cloud reluctantly stood to his feet, reaching down a hand to help Tifa up. As soon as they were safely to their feet, Cid's smile disappeared as he rushed towards Cloud and grabbed the scruff of his shirt with a fist of anger.
"Just what the hell took you so long!?! What could'a POSSIBLY caused you to take your sweet damn time gettin' here?!?! Huh? Answer me!!"
Cloud just gazed at the man with amazement and fear, unable to answer, as CaitSith hopped up next to Cid, tapping him politely on the shoulder. "Calm down, Cid." He said quietly. "You'll have your precious smoke's soon. Don't blame Cloud for your withdrawal problems." Cait smiled, satisfyingly.
Cid just glared at the damn cat, then looked away, crossing his arms with his nose held high in the air, in apparent detest.
Vincent stepped forward, gazing at the body of Tadrith with his calm, dark crimson orbs. "I take it you guys took care of everything?" His voice was smooth and darkly soothing.
Tifa smiled at him, grateful to see her dear friend alive and well. "Yeah. No sweat." Sarcasm dripped from her words, as she reached tenderly for the large wounds on her neck, still throbbing with pain.
Vincent's eyes glittered with what looked to be a smile. "I was kind of hoping you would have left a piece for me."
Tifa pointed to the body on the floor with a look of disgust and hate on her face. "There; have at it."
Vincent closed his eyes, bowing his head slightly as he let out a low, melodious chuckle.
"By the way, how did you guys get out of there?" Tifa asked, suddenly remembering that they were all locked behind the steel enforced door. "Is there anyone else here?"
"Naw, it's just us three." CaitSith said with his usual casino accent. "It wasn't easy, and it's a looong story. One to share with your grandchildren around a cozy fireplace, away from this place. Far away. Very far away."
Cid 'hmphed' in the background, his arms still crossed. "I'll tell ya what wasn't easy. Getting that damn enraged demon back into our good ol' calm, expressionless Vincent. Being locked in a room with that mad thing.. Alone.." He visibly shivered. "Now that'll mess ya up for life."
Cloud smiled and looked around at everyone. They all shared the same symptoms as he; fatigue, hunger, thirst, and mental drainage. He rest his gaze on Tifa, and looked over the cuts, scrapes and bruises all over her skin. Other than those, she looked stunning; her tight fitting crimson dress was now cut off at her mid thigh, the thin black straps hugging her soft shoulders, and how her hair suspended elegantly above them. A few strands of hair had broken free from their fight, but it made her look all the more beautiful. Her heavy black boots and black fighting gloves gave her femininity a tough edge, one that he liked very much.
/It's amazing how she can go into a fight, and come out still looking so beautiful and radiant, with that warming smile of hers../ Cloud realized everyone was staring at him staring at -her-, and coughed in a fake fashion, feeling his cheeks warm instantly in a blush.
"Well, uh, we should.. probably head to Kalm now and.. sort our thoughts on what to do next." Cloud stated in his "leader" tone of voice. The others nodded in understanding and began to head to the front foyer of the house, ready to leave this hell hole of a mansion.
Tifa stayed behind and hugged Cloud's arm, looking up at his handsome face with admiration. "You never fail to lead us, even in the most unexpected moments. It's natural to you, Cloud." She smiled at him reassuringly, letting him see how proud and sure she was of him.
"Tifa.." He wrapped his arms around her tightly and embraced her in another warm hug, feeling her petite body against his as her arms slid around his back. He sighed, feeling content, feeling whole, pure, and happy all over again, just like before with...
His heart stopped with realization, and his body went rigid. Tifa felt it right away, and pulled back slowly to look into his frozen eyes.
"Cloud? Are you ok?" Worry began to beat at her heart once again, as she felt it flutter inside her.
His mouth merely whispered a few words in return, feeding her heart a whole new horrible feeling.
"Aeris.. I've got to hurry back to her.."
..x.x.x.x.x..
[A/N: Yes! Finally, Cloud comes to the rescue. But just when the moment gets sweet... well, see what happens in the next chapter. ^.^ The next one might be the last one, but we'll see if I can come up with something else at the last minute; maybe another nice lil twist. ^.^ Hehe, thanks to all who have reviewed and continue to give their support ^.^ Hang in there, it's almost done XD Beleive me, you're encouragment and compliments and even critisism mean the world to me, so keep 'em coming! ]