Tifa planted her last step from the bridge firmly into the solid ground. She let out a sigh of relief and turned around to gaze at the path she had just taken. The wind was much more harsh than before, causing the limp ropes to shake wildly. She shivered from the cold and the thought of falling but quickly dismissed it when a pair of gloved hands was placed on her shoulders. His blonde locks flowed freely and would occasionally tickle her face. Her body instantly relaxed as he softly whispered into her ear.
I told you we would make it across...together...
Tifa's lips curved into a smile. You're right Cloud. Her eyes were still laid upon the bridge but this time, she saw the faith and strength it had given her. Perhaps she was not afraid of falling but rather what was on the other side of the crossing. Deep within the dark and ominous road up ahead, a beautiful and strong woman was buried.
That woman was her mother.
The truth hurt. It hurt terribly but she knew she had to let it go. For seven years, her past had hindered her from moving on to the future.
Let's go on Cloud. I...I mean, WE can't turn back now right?
Tifa immediately missed his warm touch when he drew his hands back from her shoulders. He nodded and began walking up ahead into the darkness. The brunette casted one last look behind her and followed her companion.
The route to the cave was rough and jagged. Another obstacle was the dead trees with their sharp protruding branches. Tifa silently thanked the stars that they were shining exceptionally bright for they were the only source of light to illuminate the endless maze.
She stopped brushing away the branches for a second and stole a quick glance at Cloud. He was also having trouble making his way through and would sometimes even pull out his sword to clear a path for them. She watched as his blade made sharp cuts through the twigs and limbs. How he managed to carry the gigantic weapon was still a mystery to her.
She continued on cautiously behind him and scanned the surroundings. Unfortunately, her fists weren't much use in their current state so keeping a close watch on things was the best aid she could offer. The leader delivered another blow and immediately destroyed another blockade.
I think that should be the last of it.
cried Tifa from behind. I think I see...something shiny!
The cave?
I think so! Come on!
No longer confined in the jungle of trees anymore, she excitedly ran ahead of him and towards the glimmering light. The road expanded and was no longer narrow and cramped which allowed her move more freely. Her heart was beating rapidly against her chest from running so quickly and also the anticipation of seeing her mother again. She came to a complete halt when the entrance of the cave became visible. Her mouth opened in awe as she marveled the crystal cave sparkle. Never had she ever seen so many crystals at once in her entire life. She slowly walked up to the cave and gently glided her hand across the smooth stones. The coolness felt nice against her warm skin. She moved towards the entrance and found Cloud unable to take his eyes off of the lair as well.
It's...quite a sight isn't it? She had never seen it before, only heard stories from her father on how enchanting it was.
It's breathtaking... he whispered. He darted his eyes back to the woman in front of him. Wanna head inside?
The inside of the cavern was just as spectacular. The crystals on the inside were blue rather than the multi colored ones outside. Tifa felt a wave of tranquility wash over her as she advanced deeper. The cavern reminded her of Lucrecia's cavern behind the waterfall. It was about the same size and the structure was very similar as well. There was a tiny alter at the very end. The head of a small gravestone emerged from the ground.
Kneeling down before her mother's grave, Tifa felt her mouth become dry. The words refused to come out.
Just relax and say what's in your heart... Cloud suggested.
She nodded and gave him a small smile and then tried a second attempt.
Umm...mother...it's me...Tifa. I guess it's been a long time huh? I'm...sorry that I never got to visit you here. I tried to once but that ended up in a disaster and I was forbidden to ever go into the mountains again. Well...a lot has happened. I'm sure you remember Cloud here right? Well guess what? He became a mercenary and ended up as the leader of this rebel group called AVALANCHE. Me and a whole bunch of wonderful people I met were all part of it. It's hard to believe but we actually defeated ShinRa and saved the Planet from Meteor.
The brunette let out a small giggle. Cloud noticed she was already beginning to loosen up. I know how ridiculous this might sound to you but it's true! The Planet is saved and that corrupt corporation that had threatened so many lives is finally gone. Everyone is safe again. I wish you were still here...you and dad too. Well...I just want to let you know that Meteor was stopped just hours ago. Now that our mission is over, I can focus on letting go of my past now. I was too preoccupied to do anything about it back then when we were trying to stop Sephiroth but now that the Planet is safe, it's time for me to move on.
She turned towards her friend who gave her a nod, a sign for her to continue.
Well...Cloud and I have decided that we can't let the past keep getting in our way anymore. I want to move on...I really really do but I'm afraid. That's why I have to put all the tragedies behind me. I came here to see you today because your death has inflicted so much pain upon me. I guess...for over seven years...I was in denial but now...I'm not afraid to accept it anymore.
She suddenly remembered there was something else she wanted to give her mother. Digging into her coat pocket, she gently pulled out a single delicate rose. It was still in good condition.
Flowers are really hard to find these days. I remembered you loved roses so I just had to get this for you... She played with the soft rosy petals and then set it in front of the tomb stone.
Oh yes! There's still some things I want to talk to you about. We haven't had one of those mother and daughter talks for awhile haven't we?
Cloud watched as she began to resume to speak but to his surprise, she closed her eyes and her lips formed a smile. Although she wasn't letting her feelings out verbally, he knew the two were being connected by something much stronger. They were being connected through their hearts.
He could not take his sapphire eyes off of her. Both her beauty and soul mesmerized him. He was glad she had not changed from when they were little. She still had that beautiful pair of ruby eyes that would sparkle with hope even in the darkest time. Her hair was still thick and long, tied in the usual fashion. Her face had aged of course but every little feature were perfect but more importantly, her heart still remained kind and pure and he knew it would always be that way. With his life changing and shifting so fast, he was glad there would always be one person who would always remain fixed.
He was snapped out of his trance when she began to stand up.
Thanks Cloud. You were right. I feel so much better after seeing my mother again. It's like a huge weight have been lifted off of me.
Were you praying before?
Before...you had your eyes closed. You were really absorbed into it...
Oh..I was just telling her some personal problems and stuff... Tifa instantly felt her face heat up. She hoped her friend wouldn't press on further.
You can also come to me if you have anything on your mind...
She couldn't help but laugh at his words. The confuse look he shot her caused her to crack up even more. He can be really sweet sometimes.
Thanks Cloud but it was a girl's thing. You know, girl talk?
This time it was Cloud's turn to be embarrassed. He scratched his blonde hair, an action he often did whenever he was caught in a predicament.
And I couldn't come to you about it even if I wanted to because you ARE the problem Cloud...
It was nice to have someone she could finally discuss her most important topic to. There was Aeris but it was hard when they were both in love with the same man and Yuffie was just pretty much out of the question.
You ready?
Yeah...let's move on. It feels so nice to release those words that had been stored within me for over seven years. I feel as if a small part of a thick black cloud have just dispersed.
Soon...it will all be gone.
Good-bye mother. I miss you but you will always be in my heart.
~*~
I think we might have to walk through the trees again. Cloud examined the area hoping for another way out but it didn't look like there was another route to take.
Tifa groaned.
Yeah...but it won't be so bad this time. We got rid of most of the barriers on our way in.
He was right. It didn't take them long at all to get back to the other side. Things were so much easier when you have faced it already and this was something Tifa would never forget.
Tifa? Uh...back when we were young, how did you plan on getting through this place by yourself to see your mother? I mean...this was quite some challenge don't you think?
It was different back then...
Yeah. This place used to be so beautiful. My father told me he use to come here all the time and that the trees were all filled with life. He found a gorgeous cave here also so when my mother died, he decided that the cave was a suitable place to bury her...
I never knew......
Then, when the ShinRa built the reactor, it seemed as if all the life had just...drained away. Just look at Mt. Nibel right now. Of course the reactor was built before I was even born but it just got worst and worst throughout the years up to the point that I can't even recognize that this is my own home anymore.
I feel the same way but you know what? I don't need the mountains or the trees to be able to recognize that this is my home. I KNOW this is my home because I grew up with you. ShinRa can replace the town that they had burned but they can never replace you Tifa.
Her heart skipped a beat. His words had totally caught her off guard.
Cloud...no one can ever replace you either.
She received a rare grin as a response.
The pair took a new route. Another part of their past that had remained untouched for seven years would be faced.
Author's Notes: Well, here's chapter! I want to thank Jess Angel for pointing out my grammar errors in the first chapter and I'm sure there's tons more here. Thanks again for reading everyone!
Oh yeah, I found a nice wallpaper that kinda relates to this fic.
http://www.fftrealm.com/~ff7haven/pics/Victims_of_Shinra.jpg