Chapter 3: Sealed with a Kiss, Broken with a Kiss
Note: Squaresoft owns all characters. Wow, that was short.
"Womanizer.", Tifa muttered.
"Don't let him get to you.", said Barret. "Nothin' but trash."
"At least you weren't eyed at like a possession.", said Yuffie.
"If he eyed me like that, his head wouldn't be there to eye at nothin' no more!", said Barret, his tone of anger rising. They made their way through the crowd surrounding a dais, where Barret and the others stepped.
"Ahem.", said Barret, clearing his throat, and the crowd fell silent. "Welcome! To the reopening of Corel!" The crowd clamored again, with a few shouts from a bunch of construction workers sticking a tap in a keg. "I felt it was my duty, to restore Corel to it's former state, but then I thought, why not make it better, that.", Barret's words faded in Cloud's mind as it drifted. He could never sit through long speeches, no matter who addressed it. Instead his thoughts drifted elsewhere, and his eyes roved, eventually falling on Tifa. She however was looking at Barret as he made his speech, but her physical beauty held not the reason he loved her. He took comfort in her, that she would always be by his side, as not many people he could remember did that. It seemed that he had drifted from place to place, as he could not find a soul that had been there or cared as much as she.
"Finally.", he thought, as he now had a haven in which to rest and loving arms to call his own. He had finally found a place to dwell, and that was the sanctum of Tifa's heart.
"Did you here that Cloud?", asked Tifa as he was awakened by a burst of clapping from the audience.
"Huh?", he said.
"Everything's free for today! They're even in affiliation with The Gold Saucer, so even if we decide to go there, you only need to pay admission! And since we have a gold ticket."
"I knew it would pay off.", he said.
"That's because you were addicted to those arcade games!"
"Yeah, but it takes skill to get past that disco guy in round 3 of that fighting game!", he exclaimed, trying to defend himself.
"And I'm sure that's gonna pay off in the long run.", she added sarcastically. They all left the dais, as Cait Sith and Red were playing with the kids in the crowd, and the rest decided to go to a bar.
"AAHH! Nothin' like a shot of whisky!", said Cid as he put his feet up on the table.
"Watch your manners Cid. I don't think anyone wants to smell your feet.", said Shera.
"Nag, nag..ever since I got back, it's only been naggin'..", he mumbled as he cleared off his feet.
"Nice to see you again Tifa.", said Reno as he coolly walked over and leaned on the table.
"Too bad it isn't likewise.", she answered back, glaring at him to go away.
"Don't worry. You'll warm up to me eventually.", he said as he passed by her. Being a criminal expert, he slipped a napkin with the address and room number of his hotel in her small purse. "You can see me anytime." She just gave him a look of disgust as he walked back to the bar.
"The nerve of that guy.", she remarked. "if I could only punch him just once."
"No one's stoppin' you.", said Barret.
"True.", agreed Cloud.
"Just keep your cool. He'll get it.", said Shera.
"Well then,", said Yuffie. "If I'm too far underage for alcohol, where can we go? I'm not just gonna sit here and watch you guys get drunk. Although it was pretty funny the last time Cid got drunk and he-"
"Ahem!", cut off Cid.
"Oh, that was the night when-"
"AHEM!", coughed Cid, cutting off Shera form her statement.
"Oh, right, we weren't supposed to mention that.", said Shera. Cloud and Tifa were stifling their laughs, as they both thought Cid really did like Shera, and when he got drunk, he got DRUNK.
"If you wanna do stuff around here, you could do anything. It's all free.", said Barret.
"Yeah, thanks to me.", insinuated Reeve.
"How about another game of poker?", asked Barret.
"You're on.", accepted Reeve.
"I'm in.", said Vincent. He had an infamous poker face, as he never really displayed a broad range of emotions anyway.
"This ought to be good.", said Yuffie, as she always enjoyed a good game of poker, because she could always steal the cards she needed.
"Cid? Cid?", asked Cloud as Cid's head laid down on the table. "Too much whiskey."
"I'll take him back to the ship.", volunteered Shera. "Just be back in a few hours while I lie him down."
"What do want to do Tifa?", asked Cloud as Shera left the bar with Cid leaning on her shoulder.
"There's a contest going on at the battle arena.", suggested Barret.
"Sounds good. Let's go to the Gold Saucer.", she decided.
"Arcade here we come!", he exclaimed
"I said the Battle Arena! I'm not gonna sit there for an hour for you to top your score again."
"Okay, okay let's go."
And so they boarded the cable car to the Gold Saucer, its bright balloons and crowds of people greeting them as they exited the car.
"Welcome, welcome! Welcome to Competition night! Where you and others can test your mettle against another! Remember, there's nothing like healthy competition! Especially when it's free!", shouted the ticket vendor. They flashed their gold ticket, and wondered what to do first.
"Let's do the battle arena first. I don't want to stand in that long line for the arcade yet.", said Tifa.
"That line isn't any shorter.", he noted, looking at the long line of all male fighters crowding around s the chute to the Battle Arena. When they finally slid down the chute, it was mobbed with loads of muscular looking guys, waiting to fight a friend.
"Attention!", yelled Dio, the owner, into the megaphone.
"It seems due to the popularity of this event, we will have divisions of people instead as originally planned one-on-one matches!" A lot of moans were heard as soon as he said this. "But hold on! If you want to fight your friend, work hard! Maybe this will give you a little more motivation." He unveiled a championship belt, worth thousands of battle points.
"Yeah!", cheered the crowd.
"So line up, and register at the desk!", concluded Dio. They ran to get a spot in line, when they realized they couldn't fight they way they were dressed.
"Don't worry.", said Tifa. "I know Barret can't be around Reeve without challenging him to poker, so I packed clothes on the Highwind, because I knew we'd be doing something else.
"I'll get it.", said Cloud. "Wait here." And in a remarkable 18 minutes, he returned with a gym bag of clothes.
"Thanks.", she said. She let him rest as he had run here, and she changed into her customary white, sleeveless shirt and black miniskirt with straps, and not to mention her gloves and boots. As she walked back to the line, she received more than just a few looks, whistles, and catcalls. But she ignored this, and walked back to Cloud.
"I see you brought your sword.", she said, referring to the buster sword he now held in his hand. "Why not your Ultima sword?"
"I like this one better. And I never leave home without it. Anyway, I need to go change." And with that, he dashed off to the changing room.
"Making sure your boyfriend is all right before he fights me?", asked a large, muscular fighter with spiky brown hair tied back in a ponytail. He wore an open shirt with torn off sleeves and baggy white pants and a red belt keeping his pants from falling, and had matching red wristbands and dark blue eyes.
"I'm entering, too.", she said a little defiantly.
"Ooooh, spunk. I like that. Just don't get cocky, or I might have to hurt that pretty little face of yours. But maybe if I win, we can see each other later."
"Don't count on it.", she said.
"We'll see.", he replied as he walked away. Tifa was still being eyed at, overhearing remarks such as, "Hah! She's a fighter? Doesn't look very tough.", "Hey, check her out.", and the classic, "I'd rather have her as a prize than that belt.", along with more whistles and catcalls as she bent down to tie her shoe. Cloud eventually returned, just as Tifa was about to register.
"Cloud! What took you so long!? I'm virtually swimming in a sea of vulgarly mannered testosterone!", she hissed at him.
"Sorry. But I guess I add to that problem then, huh?"
"Hmmm, sorry. It's just these guys don't think I'm good enough. I hate being underestimated."
"Don't worry. We already know by the end of the finals, half of these guys'll be walking out in bandages and crutches. Just show them what happens when they underestimate Tifa Lockheart. Come on, you're next." They received their registration numbers, and Cloud was put in the Western division, And Tifa was in the Eastern division.
"Fighters!", announced Dio on the speakers again. "Get ready to fight! Each division will fight each other internally, until they produce a warrior strong enough to fight the winner of the other division! Two people will be called, and the winner will stay until they are defeated! Also, note that four will be called the first time, as to start the fights between each other at the same time, which they will be displayed on these screens!" And two panels on the wall slid open, revealing huge screens that took up the entire wall, one for the Eastern division, one for the Western division.
"Numbers 227 and 113 Eastern division, you're up! Numbers 334 and 245 Western division, you go now, too!", yelled the desk person. Neither of them were those numbers, but the man with the spiky brown hair entered the fight chamber. "Each contestant will enter with a weapon of their choice, and in the final match, they may choose weapons at any time during the battle!" The man was also a fist fighter, so he didn't carry a weapon. The other man however used chains as a weapon.
"Ready?", said the referee. "Go!" The man with brown hair wasted no time in getting the first blow, but the chainman managed to grapple his opponent with them. The brown haired man merely smirked, as pulled back on the chain with the caught arm and sent his opponent hurtling towards him and sent his knuckles straight into the man's face, almost literally breaking it upon impact.
"Number 227, Aaron Lightwing wins!" The crowd up roared their approval, as Aaron was a favorite amongst them, because he fought with his fists and no weapon. But a few matches had passed, and Aaron was undefeated, and their numbers had not yet been called.
"Number 443 Eastern division!", called the desk person. "And number 215 Western division!" Coincidentally it seemed, they were both called to their matches, and parted.
"See you in the finals!", called Tifa to Cloud.
"Remember, just plug out their lights!", he called back to her with a smile. Tifa walked into the fight chamber, where Aaron awaited.
"I see I'm lucky enough to have you grace my eyes once again." He said as he smiled. "But I hope you know, little girl, that I will be the champion.", he said as he stepped into the center of the arena.
"If you're so sure, let's make a bet. If I win, you leave me alone, and stop trying to hit on me."
"And if I win, you ditch your puny boyfriend over there and come and have dinner with me."
"Deal."
"Ready? Go!"
"YAAH!", he yelled as he charged for her, but she quick sidestepped, and the man missed.
"Too slow.", she said with a smile. He smiled back, and turned around and began dealing a flurry of lightning fast punches, but as in the true teachings of Zangan, she merely dodged them by ducking, because he taught that the simplest defense is often the best one.
"So you like to play? You can't win by just dodging my attacks."
"Come on and hit me. Go and try it.", she invited to him. And with that the made a mad dash towards her, about to hit her as hard as he could. But she didn't move, and stood there, smiling as he ran towards her.
"EYAH!" He struck, and she didn't moved. Not at all. His fist was stopped as if it hit a wall. "What?!" A barrier showed up, and disappeared, because even though he shattered it, she took no damage. "Hey, if I don't use materia, don't you try it either. Unless you ARE admitting that you are weaker." As he said that, she was stretching out her arms and fingers, as it was now her time to strike. In an instant, she disappeared, and then reappeared again, but this time, she was landing a punch to the stomach, and in surprise and pain, he recoiled.
"Heh. Finally.", he said as he clutched his stomach. They fought furiously, back and forth, ducking, dodging, as the Western division fight was long over. The Gold Saucer was bursting with cheers as the fight was broadcasted on all monitors around it. Their fists were blurs, their movements almost too fast to see. Until Tifa was hit.
"AAH!" Tifa was finally struck back as his elbow rammed into her, throwing her back.
"Time for me to seal this bet.", he said as he overshadowed her, because she was on the floor, trying to stand up. "At least now you'll see what a real man is like.", he said in a smug tone. She just looked back up at him with an angry glare in her eye. She was finally struck with complete fury, as he was about to throw the final punch.
"YAAAH!", he yelled as his bunch had been so fast, it blur, then disappeared. "Huh?" She had a face that showed her blackened fury, and stood up tall, looking in his bewildered eyes, as she had caught his fist in her hand.
"BEAT RUSH!" Her complete limit fell into place, as the crowd watched absolutely astounded at the strength of her, until she performed her ultimate limit, Final Heaven.
"Hey! Look at that chick go!", yelled some of the spectators.
"Yeah! This is much better than the Western division fight! We all knew that guy with the sword would win!" A din was going on throughout the Gold Saucer, as every monitor flashed the images of their fight. Aaron was the favorite of the match, but the crowd had found another.
"The winner!", announced the referee. "Number 443! Tifa Lockheart!"
Many of the matches continued this way, her sending out every fighter with bruises and cuts and black eyes, even the ones with weapons. In a matter of minutes, or sometimes even less, were new contestants brought in and sent out as it seemed Tifa and Cloud were invincible. But soon enough, it was time for the championship match.
"It has come down to this! Number 443, Tifa Lockheart vs. number 215, Cloud Strife!" All over the Gold Saucer, people were crowding the TV screens, placing bets and picking favorites, as they both walked into the arena.
"I hear you almost killed a guy.", said Cloud to Tifa, as he pulled out his sword
"It's a long story.", she replied. On the wall was an array of weapons, and Tifa picked up a blade off of it. It was a long and thin katana, much like Sephiroth's, but it was shorter, more like a samurai's. "Maybe I'll enter your playing field.", she said as she eyed the blade.
"Well then, I won't hold back.", he said as he went into his fighter's stance.
"Then it's settled.", she decided as she rather expertly brandished her sword, mimicking the way Cloud would do it. He saw the way she stood, and grinned at his reflection.
"Copying my movements isn't gonna help you.", said Cloud.
"But watching you when we were traveling helped me see your weak points.", she retorted.
"Ready? Go!" And the brawl started as they circled the arena, staring into each others' eyes. Tifa jumped with her sword above her head, and swung down hard, as a massive clang was heard as he raised his sword horizontally to block. They held that position for a few moments, until Cloud pulled away and began twirling his sword and ran toward her. Another save was made, but still the dance of flashing steel continued, every time their swords crossing paths they sent hot sparks in all directions. He tried to slash at her back, but she made an underhand vertical block and quickly stepped away.
"Ergaah!", he yelled as his sword hit hers, cutting her blade off the hilt, and then wounding her in the stomach. The fans cheered, some about to tear their betting tickets up if she couldn't make a comeback. Her cut stung, and a little blood was coming out, but she felt it was nothing too serious to continue. She threw away her hilt, and raised her fists into her traditional stance. He smiled, seeing her fight the way she used to, and laid down his sword, as it was his turn to step on her turf. Fists flew like lightning, as they were easily parried and blocked, but the battle arena could barely contain their fight. She landed a powerful sidekick, sending him back up against the wall, but still he stood up, both going with their strengths as she let him have his sword. He swung with great swiftness until his sword became an instantaneous blur, but her agility outclassed him and she back flipped and landed perfectly on her feet and in her fighting stance. His sword flashed again, in a vertical slice that was impossible to dodge, as he knew it would be his winning move. But she caught it by pressing her palms together on the sides of the sword and tried to halt it, but her hands were shaking, as it was difficult to hold on for long. But she saw his weakness as his stomach was open and kicked him once again, but instead of letting him recover and let him fall to the ground, she dealt him an array of punches all over the body until he collapsed in defeat.
"The winner and champion, number 443, Tifa Lockheart!" The crowds were screaming, as a girl had never won this tournament and the belt was so big, it was easily half her size or more. Cloud tried to get up, and Tifa held out her hand in assistance and pulled him to his feet.
"There are many things," she said. "that the hands can accomplish."
"Ugh, you won your match.", he said. "But let's see how well you do in the arcade."
"Welcome! Welcome to the motorcycle showdown!", announced a voice on the speakers. "We are using new equipment for this event. Virtual reality helmets!" The crowd whooped and yelled, as VR equipment was the finest.
"Come and line up for your helmets, grab a challenger, mount a bike, and start the showdown!" They quickly stampeded to the person who was handing out the helmets, and Tifa and Cloud quickly raced for adjacent bikes.
"Prepare for my revenge.", he said.
"Start!", shouted the announcer. They whipped on their helmets, and began to ride. They were fighting each other again, rather than others, and they were both equipped with swords. They streaked down the road, their bike purring loudly as they drew nearer, and their swords clashed, moving their blades wildly flashing in the moonlight as the crossed the bridge. They jabbed, dodged and parried, still creating sparks as they hit. Cloud pulled out farther ahead, right in front of her, and then pulled back, hoping to knock her off. But she swerved to the right, narrowly missing his, and did a backhand slash to his side, but only cut off a rearview mirror. They saw the end of the bridge coming, and a winner was yet undecided, and so they needed to end their duel before the end of the unfinished bridge. Their swords kept moving, ringing as they hit each other, howling with the wind with every slice. Up, down, up, down, such was their movements as their sword looked like liquid silver. But it was too late, it was supposed to be the end of the match as soon as they crossed the line at the bridge, but they continued, and fell. Cloud however had his wheels up and began a ascent into the air, and Tifa moved downwards. Tifa tried to slash at him before he was too far away, and almost had him, but since they were in the air, he did a flip, and while he was upside down, he took out his sword and cut her tires, sending her crashing as she hit the ground.
"WOOHOO! I win!", he shouted as he whipped the helmet back off.
"You're just better at videogames.", she said. "Sigh.I'm a little tired of this competition. Let's go somewhere quiet."
"You're just sad 'cause ya' lost.", he said as he grinned.
"But remember, you lost to a girl in actual fighting.", she said as smiled back at him. "Come on, there's a place I've wanted to go."
And so she dragged him across the Gold Saucer through crowds and laughter and the occasional "Hey, aren't you the girl who kicked that guy's ass?" until they reached the Round square.
"Round square?", he asked. "But there's no competition here."
"If you were paying attention, I already said there was no competition here, and that's why I picked it." They boarded it, after waiting in line for a while, and they both sat at opposite ends. It lifted, and they began their ride, as a cool night's breeze blew in. Cloud had distinctly remembered his ride with Aeris, but when he looked at Tifa's stomach wound, he remembered the pain he felt, because when she died, it was if that sword had gone through him self. Tifa noticed him looking at her wound as she felt the cool air blow across it, sending her a slight stinging feeling, but the wound was manageable enough, but she was more concerned with his bruised body.
"So, are you feeling any better?", she asked.
"A little.", he said in a little monotone, because he was still examining the seriousness of her injuries. "How about you? I didn't want to cut you up that badly."
"It stings a little. I wish I brought a cure materia with me." He moved over to her slowly, and kissed her, glowing a bright green as her cut was disappearing, him sending her the restoration power through his kiss. She felt her wound disappearing, and kissed a little more deeply as her gratitude. But sensing something in her, she pulled away, but Cloud just wanted to stay there, in that moment. He wanted someone to love. He didn't wish to lose anybody ever again because of him.
"Was there something wrong?", he asked.
"No. It's just when you kissed me, I thought that maybe."
"What?"
"A part of you still loves Aeris."
"I can't deny that I never loved her, but it's different with you.", he said as he looked deeply in her eyes, watching the wind blow through her hair, and seeing the light of the Gold Saucer in the reflection of her eyes. "Aeris and I in the long run weren't meant for each other, because if she were, she wouldn'tve left me again. But the thing is with you, you never left me. You were always there. And even though the stars dictated themselves that Aeris and I were perfect for each other, it's you I'm destined to be with. I've found that sometimes, the paths people take in life divide. But in this whole life mixed and intertwined with paths, all I know is that our paths are together. It just matters if you're willing to walk with me, because.I love you." Tifa was astounded in the way he put it, never expecting him to really know what to say to that. But she was caught up in the moment, and she thrust herself upon him, holding on to him tightly, as these were the words she always had longed to hear. He held her tightly too and kissed her neck as she said, "I think I'll take that walk."
"You'll really?", he asked.
"I promise I'll walk with you. You and only you." And they kissed again, more passionately than they have ever done, as a burst of fireworks exploded outside. And so, her promise was sealed with a kiss. But the door flew open, as their ride was up, but they were still kissing as a group of onlookers looked inside and saw them together, and then remembered how fiercely they fought in the Battle Square, and now together kissing, thinking what it would do with their relationships.
"Me first!", yelled a guy with his girlfriend.
"NO ME!"
"LOOK, I'M GOING!" And so they left the ride fairly embarrassed, but everyone else was so busy fighting to get in, they barely noticed them slip out.
"Attention! We have a new contest! If you own a chocobo, I'd suggest you move on down to the racetracks! The winner receives 50,000 gil, so move quickly! Spots are limited!"
"Ready to untie the score?", asked Tifa.
"You know it." And they walked to the tracks, hand in hand.
"Hey Ester!", called Cloud to his manager.
"Hey Cloud! Are you entering?"
"Of course. But put Tifa down as well."
"You two having a fight and settling who wins? Or is it a rematch for what happened in the arena?"
"You could say that."
"Well, okay then. We'll get your chocobos." And in a surprising 15 minutes, their chocobos arrived at the stables
"Two gold chocobos! Nothing finer!", said Ester to both of them. "It's gonna be a tough race with these two."
"Oh, we'll see.", said Tifa, giving a mischievous look to Cloud and giving Choco a tantal green.
"Riders! Move out to the starting line!"
"Get ready to eat dust.", she said.
"I was about to say the same thing.", he replied. They all gathered up to the line, where a green, blue, pink, purple, red, and black chocobo stood.
"Get ready.GO!" And with the sound of a horn, they sprinted up the spiraled track like lightning, leaving the pack behind in the dust. Knight's speed was superior, but Choco's stamina was unmatched. The two were very fleet of foot, but Knight was trailing behind.
"Ha! I knew Choco was better!", she yelled as they went through a cave."
"you haven't seen anything, so don't get cocky.", he yelled back. They chose the short course, and as the rest were still on the spiral track, they were going through the weird, dark, mirror room,
"Almost there.", she thought. The finish line was now in sight. But then, almost out of nowhere, Knight had sprinted his feet into a literal blur, and charged through the finish line, a hair's length farther than Choco.
"YEESSS!", exclaimed Cloud.
"Hmph. You lucked out."
"You're a sore loser."
"Then don't expect anything tonight like I thought.", she said with a huge grin as she put a finger on his lips.
"Uh, wait. Can I take it back?"
"And Cloud Strife and Knight are the winners! Please go to the lobby and collect your prize!"
"Yeah! 50,000 gil!"
"You go ahead and collect it. I need to use the ladies room." So Cloud left for the lobby but he was stopped by a mob of girls who saw him race.
"So this is the cute racer you saw win! He looks even better than you described!", said one girl to another.
"I know, doesn't he? Ahem.", said another girl.
"I saw you race, and I admire how you handled that chocobo.", she said as she walked closer. He took a step back, but he was pinned against the wall. She laid a hand on his thigh and said, "But can you handle me?" and kissed him strongly. Tifa was looking for him when she saw him kissing the other girl against the wall with her hand on him. She just froze, and briskly ran away through the crowd, clearly upset.
"Tifa? Tifa!", he called out as he pushed the girl off of him. He ran after her, and realized he had lost her again.
Tifa was beginning to board the cable car back to Corel, as she needed to find someone, anyone to hold on to. The on she loved and promised her his love, had left her again, and she seemed to have given up. To think he would just pick up a fan girl on the way to collect his prize and make out with her as soon as he told her he loved her. But she was both furious and heartbroken, and she both wanted to scream and cry at the same time. She was distraught; she didn't know whether to just forget about him now, or whether it was all just a mistake and forgive him. But it didn't matter now, she only knew to go and find someone to hold on to. Falling into the seat of the cable car, she leaned her head onto the glass window and saw rain hit and stream down, much like her tears. The car gave a slight jolt as it departed, and her purse fell over, and with it a folded napkin fell out. Curious, she opened it and saw Reno's hotel and room number.
"Tifa! Tifa!", Cloud called out everywhere. As soon as he thought everything was put together, it had fallen apart. He was very worried; he never felt this distressed ever since Aeris had left for the City of the Ancients. He couldn't give up, not until she was found.
A knocking was heard at Reno's lavish hotel suite, as he sat there with his jacket off and shirt undone, lighting a cigarette in his mouth. He heard it and thought it was one either Rude or Elena, as he requested his own room after winning so much at the casino. He slowly got up from his soft leather chair and walked curiously to the door.
"Yeah Rude, whaddya-", but the words never came out as he was surprised to see Tifa there with tears in her eyes.
"Let's get this over with.", she choked out as she stepped into his room and felt his hand glide up her back.
------------------------------------------- Phew, that took a while didn't it? But I promise the next one will be MUCH shorter, and maybe even twice as dramatic. As always, I am begging you to leave a review, question, comment, ANYTHING! Oh, and as a catch, you don't get the 4th chapter until I get at least 5 reviews! MUAHAHAHAHA! But I never said one review per person so..
Note: Squaresoft owns all characters. Wow, that was short.
"Womanizer.", Tifa muttered.
"Don't let him get to you.", said Barret. "Nothin' but trash."
"At least you weren't eyed at like a possession.", said Yuffie.
"If he eyed me like that, his head wouldn't be there to eye at nothin' no more!", said Barret, his tone of anger rising. They made their way through the crowd surrounding a dais, where Barret and the others stepped.
"Ahem.", said Barret, clearing his throat, and the crowd fell silent. "Welcome! To the reopening of Corel!" The crowd clamored again, with a few shouts from a bunch of construction workers sticking a tap in a keg. "I felt it was my duty, to restore Corel to it's former state, but then I thought, why not make it better, that.", Barret's words faded in Cloud's mind as it drifted. He could never sit through long speeches, no matter who addressed it. Instead his thoughts drifted elsewhere, and his eyes roved, eventually falling on Tifa. She however was looking at Barret as he made his speech, but her physical beauty held not the reason he loved her. He took comfort in her, that she would always be by his side, as not many people he could remember did that. It seemed that he had drifted from place to place, as he could not find a soul that had been there or cared as much as she.
"Finally.", he thought, as he now had a haven in which to rest and loving arms to call his own. He had finally found a place to dwell, and that was the sanctum of Tifa's heart.
"Did you here that Cloud?", asked Tifa as he was awakened by a burst of clapping from the audience.
"Huh?", he said.
"Everything's free for today! They're even in affiliation with The Gold Saucer, so even if we decide to go there, you only need to pay admission! And since we have a gold ticket."
"I knew it would pay off.", he said.
"That's because you were addicted to those arcade games!"
"Yeah, but it takes skill to get past that disco guy in round 3 of that fighting game!", he exclaimed, trying to defend himself.
"And I'm sure that's gonna pay off in the long run.", she added sarcastically. They all left the dais, as Cait Sith and Red were playing with the kids in the crowd, and the rest decided to go to a bar.
"AAHH! Nothin' like a shot of whisky!", said Cid as he put his feet up on the table.
"Watch your manners Cid. I don't think anyone wants to smell your feet.", said Shera.
"Nag, nag..ever since I got back, it's only been naggin'..", he mumbled as he cleared off his feet.
"Nice to see you again Tifa.", said Reno as he coolly walked over and leaned on the table.
"Too bad it isn't likewise.", she answered back, glaring at him to go away.
"Don't worry. You'll warm up to me eventually.", he said as he passed by her. Being a criminal expert, he slipped a napkin with the address and room number of his hotel in her small purse. "You can see me anytime." She just gave him a look of disgust as he walked back to the bar.
"The nerve of that guy.", she remarked. "if I could only punch him just once."
"No one's stoppin' you.", said Barret.
"True.", agreed Cloud.
"Just keep your cool. He'll get it.", said Shera.
"Well then,", said Yuffie. "If I'm too far underage for alcohol, where can we go? I'm not just gonna sit here and watch you guys get drunk. Although it was pretty funny the last time Cid got drunk and he-"
"Ahem!", cut off Cid.
"Oh, that was the night when-"
"AHEM!", coughed Cid, cutting off Shera form her statement.
"Oh, right, we weren't supposed to mention that.", said Shera. Cloud and Tifa were stifling their laughs, as they both thought Cid really did like Shera, and when he got drunk, he got DRUNK.
"If you wanna do stuff around here, you could do anything. It's all free.", said Barret.
"Yeah, thanks to me.", insinuated Reeve.
"How about another game of poker?", asked Barret.
"You're on.", accepted Reeve.
"I'm in.", said Vincent. He had an infamous poker face, as he never really displayed a broad range of emotions anyway.
"This ought to be good.", said Yuffie, as she always enjoyed a good game of poker, because she could always steal the cards she needed.
"Cid? Cid?", asked Cloud as Cid's head laid down on the table. "Too much whiskey."
"I'll take him back to the ship.", volunteered Shera. "Just be back in a few hours while I lie him down."
"What do want to do Tifa?", asked Cloud as Shera left the bar with Cid leaning on her shoulder.
"There's a contest going on at the battle arena.", suggested Barret.
"Sounds good. Let's go to the Gold Saucer.", she decided.
"Arcade here we come!", he exclaimed
"I said the Battle Arena! I'm not gonna sit there for an hour for you to top your score again."
"Okay, okay let's go."
And so they boarded the cable car to the Gold Saucer, its bright balloons and crowds of people greeting them as they exited the car.
"Welcome, welcome! Welcome to Competition night! Where you and others can test your mettle against another! Remember, there's nothing like healthy competition! Especially when it's free!", shouted the ticket vendor. They flashed their gold ticket, and wondered what to do first.
"Let's do the battle arena first. I don't want to stand in that long line for the arcade yet.", said Tifa.
"That line isn't any shorter.", he noted, looking at the long line of all male fighters crowding around s the chute to the Battle Arena. When they finally slid down the chute, it was mobbed with loads of muscular looking guys, waiting to fight a friend.
"Attention!", yelled Dio, the owner, into the megaphone.
"It seems due to the popularity of this event, we will have divisions of people instead as originally planned one-on-one matches!" A lot of moans were heard as soon as he said this. "But hold on! If you want to fight your friend, work hard! Maybe this will give you a little more motivation." He unveiled a championship belt, worth thousands of battle points.
"Yeah!", cheered the crowd.
"So line up, and register at the desk!", concluded Dio. They ran to get a spot in line, when they realized they couldn't fight they way they were dressed.
"Don't worry.", said Tifa. "I know Barret can't be around Reeve without challenging him to poker, so I packed clothes on the Highwind, because I knew we'd be doing something else.
"I'll get it.", said Cloud. "Wait here." And in a remarkable 18 minutes, he returned with a gym bag of clothes.
"Thanks.", she said. She let him rest as he had run here, and she changed into her customary white, sleeveless shirt and black miniskirt with straps, and not to mention her gloves and boots. As she walked back to the line, she received more than just a few looks, whistles, and catcalls. But she ignored this, and walked back to Cloud.
"I see you brought your sword.", she said, referring to the buster sword he now held in his hand. "Why not your Ultima sword?"
"I like this one better. And I never leave home without it. Anyway, I need to go change." And with that, he dashed off to the changing room.
"Making sure your boyfriend is all right before he fights me?", asked a large, muscular fighter with spiky brown hair tied back in a ponytail. He wore an open shirt with torn off sleeves and baggy white pants and a red belt keeping his pants from falling, and had matching red wristbands and dark blue eyes.
"I'm entering, too.", she said a little defiantly.
"Ooooh, spunk. I like that. Just don't get cocky, or I might have to hurt that pretty little face of yours. But maybe if I win, we can see each other later."
"Don't count on it.", she said.
"We'll see.", he replied as he walked away. Tifa was still being eyed at, overhearing remarks such as, "Hah! She's a fighter? Doesn't look very tough.", "Hey, check her out.", and the classic, "I'd rather have her as a prize than that belt.", along with more whistles and catcalls as she bent down to tie her shoe. Cloud eventually returned, just as Tifa was about to register.
"Cloud! What took you so long!? I'm virtually swimming in a sea of vulgarly mannered testosterone!", she hissed at him.
"Sorry. But I guess I add to that problem then, huh?"
"Hmmm, sorry. It's just these guys don't think I'm good enough. I hate being underestimated."
"Don't worry. We already know by the end of the finals, half of these guys'll be walking out in bandages and crutches. Just show them what happens when they underestimate Tifa Lockheart. Come on, you're next." They received their registration numbers, and Cloud was put in the Western division, And Tifa was in the Eastern division.
"Fighters!", announced Dio on the speakers again. "Get ready to fight! Each division will fight each other internally, until they produce a warrior strong enough to fight the winner of the other division! Two people will be called, and the winner will stay until they are defeated! Also, note that four will be called the first time, as to start the fights between each other at the same time, which they will be displayed on these screens!" And two panels on the wall slid open, revealing huge screens that took up the entire wall, one for the Eastern division, one for the Western division.
"Numbers 227 and 113 Eastern division, you're up! Numbers 334 and 245 Western division, you go now, too!", yelled the desk person. Neither of them were those numbers, but the man with the spiky brown hair entered the fight chamber. "Each contestant will enter with a weapon of their choice, and in the final match, they may choose weapons at any time during the battle!" The man was also a fist fighter, so he didn't carry a weapon. The other man however used chains as a weapon.
"Ready?", said the referee. "Go!" The man with brown hair wasted no time in getting the first blow, but the chainman managed to grapple his opponent with them. The brown haired man merely smirked, as pulled back on the chain with the caught arm and sent his opponent hurtling towards him and sent his knuckles straight into the man's face, almost literally breaking it upon impact.
"Number 227, Aaron Lightwing wins!" The crowd up roared their approval, as Aaron was a favorite amongst them, because he fought with his fists and no weapon. But a few matches had passed, and Aaron was undefeated, and their numbers had not yet been called.
"Number 443 Eastern division!", called the desk person. "And number 215 Western division!" Coincidentally it seemed, they were both called to their matches, and parted.
"See you in the finals!", called Tifa to Cloud.
"Remember, just plug out their lights!", he called back to her with a smile. Tifa walked into the fight chamber, where Aaron awaited.
"I see I'm lucky enough to have you grace my eyes once again." He said as he smiled. "But I hope you know, little girl, that I will be the champion.", he said as he stepped into the center of the arena.
"If you're so sure, let's make a bet. If I win, you leave me alone, and stop trying to hit on me."
"And if I win, you ditch your puny boyfriend over there and come and have dinner with me."
"Deal."
"Ready? Go!"
"YAAH!", he yelled as he charged for her, but she quick sidestepped, and the man missed.
"Too slow.", she said with a smile. He smiled back, and turned around and began dealing a flurry of lightning fast punches, but as in the true teachings of Zangan, she merely dodged them by ducking, because he taught that the simplest defense is often the best one.
"So you like to play? You can't win by just dodging my attacks."
"Come on and hit me. Go and try it.", she invited to him. And with that the made a mad dash towards her, about to hit her as hard as he could. But she didn't move, and stood there, smiling as he ran towards her.
"EYAH!" He struck, and she didn't moved. Not at all. His fist was stopped as if it hit a wall. "What?!" A barrier showed up, and disappeared, because even though he shattered it, she took no damage. "Hey, if I don't use materia, don't you try it either. Unless you ARE admitting that you are weaker." As he said that, she was stretching out her arms and fingers, as it was now her time to strike. In an instant, she disappeared, and then reappeared again, but this time, she was landing a punch to the stomach, and in surprise and pain, he recoiled.
"Heh. Finally.", he said as he clutched his stomach. They fought furiously, back and forth, ducking, dodging, as the Western division fight was long over. The Gold Saucer was bursting with cheers as the fight was broadcasted on all monitors around it. Their fists were blurs, their movements almost too fast to see. Until Tifa was hit.
"AAH!" Tifa was finally struck back as his elbow rammed into her, throwing her back.
"Time for me to seal this bet.", he said as he overshadowed her, because she was on the floor, trying to stand up. "At least now you'll see what a real man is like.", he said in a smug tone. She just looked back up at him with an angry glare in her eye. She was finally struck with complete fury, as he was about to throw the final punch.
"YAAAH!", he yelled as his bunch had been so fast, it blur, then disappeared. "Huh?" She had a face that showed her blackened fury, and stood up tall, looking in his bewildered eyes, as she had caught his fist in her hand.
"BEAT RUSH!" Her complete limit fell into place, as the crowd watched absolutely astounded at the strength of her, until she performed her ultimate limit, Final Heaven.
"Hey! Look at that chick go!", yelled some of the spectators.
"Yeah! This is much better than the Western division fight! We all knew that guy with the sword would win!" A din was going on throughout the Gold Saucer, as every monitor flashed the images of their fight. Aaron was the favorite of the match, but the crowd had found another.
"The winner!", announced the referee. "Number 443! Tifa Lockheart!"
Many of the matches continued this way, her sending out every fighter with bruises and cuts and black eyes, even the ones with weapons. In a matter of minutes, or sometimes even less, were new contestants brought in and sent out as it seemed Tifa and Cloud were invincible. But soon enough, it was time for the championship match.
"It has come down to this! Number 443, Tifa Lockheart vs. number 215, Cloud Strife!" All over the Gold Saucer, people were crowding the TV screens, placing bets and picking favorites, as they both walked into the arena.
"I hear you almost killed a guy.", said Cloud to Tifa, as he pulled out his sword
"It's a long story.", she replied. On the wall was an array of weapons, and Tifa picked up a blade off of it. It was a long and thin katana, much like Sephiroth's, but it was shorter, more like a samurai's. "Maybe I'll enter your playing field.", she said as she eyed the blade.
"Well then, I won't hold back.", he said as he went into his fighter's stance.
"Then it's settled.", she decided as she rather expertly brandished her sword, mimicking the way Cloud would do it. He saw the way she stood, and grinned at his reflection.
"Copying my movements isn't gonna help you.", said Cloud.
"But watching you when we were traveling helped me see your weak points.", she retorted.
"Ready? Go!" And the brawl started as they circled the arena, staring into each others' eyes. Tifa jumped with her sword above her head, and swung down hard, as a massive clang was heard as he raised his sword horizontally to block. They held that position for a few moments, until Cloud pulled away and began twirling his sword and ran toward her. Another save was made, but still the dance of flashing steel continued, every time their swords crossing paths they sent hot sparks in all directions. He tried to slash at her back, but she made an underhand vertical block and quickly stepped away.
"Ergaah!", he yelled as his sword hit hers, cutting her blade off the hilt, and then wounding her in the stomach. The fans cheered, some about to tear their betting tickets up if she couldn't make a comeback. Her cut stung, and a little blood was coming out, but she felt it was nothing too serious to continue. She threw away her hilt, and raised her fists into her traditional stance. He smiled, seeing her fight the way she used to, and laid down his sword, as it was his turn to step on her turf. Fists flew like lightning, as they were easily parried and blocked, but the battle arena could barely contain their fight. She landed a powerful sidekick, sending him back up against the wall, but still he stood up, both going with their strengths as she let him have his sword. He swung with great swiftness until his sword became an instantaneous blur, but her agility outclassed him and she back flipped and landed perfectly on her feet and in her fighting stance. His sword flashed again, in a vertical slice that was impossible to dodge, as he knew it would be his winning move. But she caught it by pressing her palms together on the sides of the sword and tried to halt it, but her hands were shaking, as it was difficult to hold on for long. But she saw his weakness as his stomach was open and kicked him once again, but instead of letting him recover and let him fall to the ground, she dealt him an array of punches all over the body until he collapsed in defeat.
"The winner and champion, number 443, Tifa Lockheart!" The crowds were screaming, as a girl had never won this tournament and the belt was so big, it was easily half her size or more. Cloud tried to get up, and Tifa held out her hand in assistance and pulled him to his feet.
"There are many things," she said. "that the hands can accomplish."
"Ugh, you won your match.", he said. "But let's see how well you do in the arcade."
"Welcome! Welcome to the motorcycle showdown!", announced a voice on the speakers. "We are using new equipment for this event. Virtual reality helmets!" The crowd whooped and yelled, as VR equipment was the finest.
"Come and line up for your helmets, grab a challenger, mount a bike, and start the showdown!" They quickly stampeded to the person who was handing out the helmets, and Tifa and Cloud quickly raced for adjacent bikes.
"Prepare for my revenge.", he said.
"Start!", shouted the announcer. They whipped on their helmets, and began to ride. They were fighting each other again, rather than others, and they were both equipped with swords. They streaked down the road, their bike purring loudly as they drew nearer, and their swords clashed, moving their blades wildly flashing in the moonlight as the crossed the bridge. They jabbed, dodged and parried, still creating sparks as they hit. Cloud pulled out farther ahead, right in front of her, and then pulled back, hoping to knock her off. But she swerved to the right, narrowly missing his, and did a backhand slash to his side, but only cut off a rearview mirror. They saw the end of the bridge coming, and a winner was yet undecided, and so they needed to end their duel before the end of the unfinished bridge. Their swords kept moving, ringing as they hit each other, howling with the wind with every slice. Up, down, up, down, such was their movements as their sword looked like liquid silver. But it was too late, it was supposed to be the end of the match as soon as they crossed the line at the bridge, but they continued, and fell. Cloud however had his wheels up and began a ascent into the air, and Tifa moved downwards. Tifa tried to slash at him before he was too far away, and almost had him, but since they were in the air, he did a flip, and while he was upside down, he took out his sword and cut her tires, sending her crashing as she hit the ground.
"WOOHOO! I win!", he shouted as he whipped the helmet back off.
"You're just better at videogames.", she said. "Sigh.I'm a little tired of this competition. Let's go somewhere quiet."
"You're just sad 'cause ya' lost.", he said as he grinned.
"But remember, you lost to a girl in actual fighting.", she said as smiled back at him. "Come on, there's a place I've wanted to go."
And so she dragged him across the Gold Saucer through crowds and laughter and the occasional "Hey, aren't you the girl who kicked that guy's ass?" until they reached the Round square.
"Round square?", he asked. "But there's no competition here."
"If you were paying attention, I already said there was no competition here, and that's why I picked it." They boarded it, after waiting in line for a while, and they both sat at opposite ends. It lifted, and they began their ride, as a cool night's breeze blew in. Cloud had distinctly remembered his ride with Aeris, but when he looked at Tifa's stomach wound, he remembered the pain he felt, because when she died, it was if that sword had gone through him self. Tifa noticed him looking at her wound as she felt the cool air blow across it, sending her a slight stinging feeling, but the wound was manageable enough, but she was more concerned with his bruised body.
"So, are you feeling any better?", she asked.
"A little.", he said in a little monotone, because he was still examining the seriousness of her injuries. "How about you? I didn't want to cut you up that badly."
"It stings a little. I wish I brought a cure materia with me." He moved over to her slowly, and kissed her, glowing a bright green as her cut was disappearing, him sending her the restoration power through his kiss. She felt her wound disappearing, and kissed a little more deeply as her gratitude. But sensing something in her, she pulled away, but Cloud just wanted to stay there, in that moment. He wanted someone to love. He didn't wish to lose anybody ever again because of him.
"Was there something wrong?", he asked.
"No. It's just when you kissed me, I thought that maybe."
"What?"
"A part of you still loves Aeris."
"I can't deny that I never loved her, but it's different with you.", he said as he looked deeply in her eyes, watching the wind blow through her hair, and seeing the light of the Gold Saucer in the reflection of her eyes. "Aeris and I in the long run weren't meant for each other, because if she were, she wouldn'tve left me again. But the thing is with you, you never left me. You were always there. And even though the stars dictated themselves that Aeris and I were perfect for each other, it's you I'm destined to be with. I've found that sometimes, the paths people take in life divide. But in this whole life mixed and intertwined with paths, all I know is that our paths are together. It just matters if you're willing to walk with me, because.I love you." Tifa was astounded in the way he put it, never expecting him to really know what to say to that. But she was caught up in the moment, and she thrust herself upon him, holding on to him tightly, as these were the words she always had longed to hear. He held her tightly too and kissed her neck as she said, "I think I'll take that walk."
"You'll really?", he asked.
"I promise I'll walk with you. You and only you." And they kissed again, more passionately than they have ever done, as a burst of fireworks exploded outside. And so, her promise was sealed with a kiss. But the door flew open, as their ride was up, but they were still kissing as a group of onlookers looked inside and saw them together, and then remembered how fiercely they fought in the Battle Square, and now together kissing, thinking what it would do with their relationships.
"Me first!", yelled a guy with his girlfriend.
"NO ME!"
"LOOK, I'M GOING!" And so they left the ride fairly embarrassed, but everyone else was so busy fighting to get in, they barely noticed them slip out.
"Attention! We have a new contest! If you own a chocobo, I'd suggest you move on down to the racetracks! The winner receives 50,000 gil, so move quickly! Spots are limited!"
"Ready to untie the score?", asked Tifa.
"You know it." And they walked to the tracks, hand in hand.
"Hey Ester!", called Cloud to his manager.
"Hey Cloud! Are you entering?"
"Of course. But put Tifa down as well."
"You two having a fight and settling who wins? Or is it a rematch for what happened in the arena?"
"You could say that."
"Well, okay then. We'll get your chocobos." And in a surprising 15 minutes, their chocobos arrived at the stables
"Two gold chocobos! Nothing finer!", said Ester to both of them. "It's gonna be a tough race with these two."
"Oh, we'll see.", said Tifa, giving a mischievous look to Cloud and giving Choco a tantal green.
"Riders! Move out to the starting line!"
"Get ready to eat dust.", she said.
"I was about to say the same thing.", he replied. They all gathered up to the line, where a green, blue, pink, purple, red, and black chocobo stood.
"Get ready.GO!" And with the sound of a horn, they sprinted up the spiraled track like lightning, leaving the pack behind in the dust. Knight's speed was superior, but Choco's stamina was unmatched. The two were very fleet of foot, but Knight was trailing behind.
"Ha! I knew Choco was better!", she yelled as they went through a cave."
"you haven't seen anything, so don't get cocky.", he yelled back. They chose the short course, and as the rest were still on the spiral track, they were going through the weird, dark, mirror room,
"Almost there.", she thought. The finish line was now in sight. But then, almost out of nowhere, Knight had sprinted his feet into a literal blur, and charged through the finish line, a hair's length farther than Choco.
"YEESSS!", exclaimed Cloud.
"Hmph. You lucked out."
"You're a sore loser."
"Then don't expect anything tonight like I thought.", she said with a huge grin as she put a finger on his lips.
"Uh, wait. Can I take it back?"
"And Cloud Strife and Knight are the winners! Please go to the lobby and collect your prize!"
"Yeah! 50,000 gil!"
"You go ahead and collect it. I need to use the ladies room." So Cloud left for the lobby but he was stopped by a mob of girls who saw him race.
"So this is the cute racer you saw win! He looks even better than you described!", said one girl to another.
"I know, doesn't he? Ahem.", said another girl.
"I saw you race, and I admire how you handled that chocobo.", she said as she walked closer. He took a step back, but he was pinned against the wall. She laid a hand on his thigh and said, "But can you handle me?" and kissed him strongly. Tifa was looking for him when she saw him kissing the other girl against the wall with her hand on him. She just froze, and briskly ran away through the crowd, clearly upset.
"Tifa? Tifa!", he called out as he pushed the girl off of him. He ran after her, and realized he had lost her again.
Tifa was beginning to board the cable car back to Corel, as she needed to find someone, anyone to hold on to. The on she loved and promised her his love, had left her again, and she seemed to have given up. To think he would just pick up a fan girl on the way to collect his prize and make out with her as soon as he told her he loved her. But she was both furious and heartbroken, and she both wanted to scream and cry at the same time. She was distraught; she didn't know whether to just forget about him now, or whether it was all just a mistake and forgive him. But it didn't matter now, she only knew to go and find someone to hold on to. Falling into the seat of the cable car, she leaned her head onto the glass window and saw rain hit and stream down, much like her tears. The car gave a slight jolt as it departed, and her purse fell over, and with it a folded napkin fell out. Curious, she opened it and saw Reno's hotel and room number.
"Tifa! Tifa!", Cloud called out everywhere. As soon as he thought everything was put together, it had fallen apart. He was very worried; he never felt this distressed ever since Aeris had left for the City of the Ancients. He couldn't give up, not until she was found.
A knocking was heard at Reno's lavish hotel suite, as he sat there with his jacket off and shirt undone, lighting a cigarette in his mouth. He heard it and thought it was one either Rude or Elena, as he requested his own room after winning so much at the casino. He slowly got up from his soft leather chair and walked curiously to the door.
"Yeah Rude, whaddya-", but the words never came out as he was surprised to see Tifa there with tears in her eyes.
"Let's get this over with.", she choked out as she stepped into his room and felt his hand glide up her back.
------------------------------------------- Phew, that took a while didn't it? But I promise the next one will be MUCH shorter, and maybe even twice as dramatic. As always, I am begging you to leave a review, question, comment, ANYTHING! Oh, and as a catch, you don't get the 4th chapter until I get at least 5 reviews! MUAHAHAHAHA! But I never said one review per person so..