Short chapter. Sorry. ^^;;

Chapter 4

Cloud ran a hand through his hair as he took in a deep breath. "Who is it? Who is that sadistic?" A warm, soft hand squeezed his as he turned to see whose it was. "Tifa?"

"Cloud…about that note…"

"Yeah, it's odd. I don't recognize the writing style at all. It has to be someone who knows us. That could be anybody, though. We did save the world, after all. Everyone knows who we are…"

"Cloud…that part about your first love…"

He blinked at her and said, "What about it?"

"He was talking about Aeris, wasn't he?" Her knuckles turned white as she griped what remained of the rail.

"Tifa…" He turned away and shook his head. "You know I didn't love her…"

"I know…I just asked if he was talking about her…"

"Yes, I imagine he was. He's a sick, twisted fellow, whoever he is."

"He knew us. He knew us personally before Aeris died."

Cloud raised an eyebrow and stared at his wife. "What?"

"Only those who knew us while Aeris was alive assumed you loved her. That eliminates a good deal of people."

"Yes, it does, doesn't it? But, it could even be Hojo…"

"Or maybe someone like Hojo in many ways," Tifa offered.

"Are you thinking-"

"-what I'm thinking?" she finished.

"Do you really think it's him?" Cloud asked doubtfully.

She sighed and replied solemnly, "I don't really know, Cloud. I really don't know."

Red stepped out of the door and surveyed the damage. "So, what's the plan, leader?"

Cloud thought silently for a while before saying, "I guess we should go to Nebelheim."

"Why?"

"If what Tifa and I suspect is true…"

"I see. I'll inform the others. When will we leave?"

"Tomorrow around noon. We'll take the Highwind."

Red nodded and reentered the villa to inform the others of the plan.