Disclaimer: Do you think I own ff7? I mean, like, anything is possible, right? P

When you enter the high school world (for those who have already been in there or are still in it), does it ever seem like the people from elementary or junior high just fade into the masses? Because that's what my brother keeps telling me. But I don't want that to happen. I don't want to lose him ever again. So… tell me about it. ) Much appreciated.

Remembering A Dead City

"My god…" Though her entire body was crumbling under the excruciating pain, Yuffie couldn't help but giggle at the receptionist's reaction from seeing them. Puddles of sanguine fluid were collecting at the group of AVALANCHE's feet.

A dozen nurses rushed out and ushered them into rooms while Tammy and Chris began the small mountain of paperwork.

Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick…

"Tif.."

It can't be…

"Tif… please don't…"

He's… he's…

"…don't hate… me…"

… Cloud…?

"And… don't hate…h-"

No… No!

Something pricked her wrist and serge of warmth was crawling up her arm. Tifa's vision began to ease into a bright light. "How's her heart rate? And blood pressure?"

"It's dropping, doctor." Shadows by her bed began to form into humans. A doctor and two nurses stood by her with anxious expressions.

"Good… good." Pulling out a hanky, the distinguished physician wiped droplets of sweat off his forehead. "The sedative must be working…"

Swallowing hard, she listened to her heart pounding against her chest. Cloud.

Awhile after, the group was back in Tammy's home. They had recovered enough to leave the hospital and were ready to hunt down the 'Captivation Materia'. Chris, however, had mentioned having some connections and he would help… if, this time, Yuffie would go out on a date with him. Which she graciously agreed to.

"Vin, man!" Cid's voice called to a sulking phantom in the corner. "Stop that fuckin' brooding of yours, we're alive!"

Letting his blood-like eyes flicker towards the chain-smoker, he could still hear Chaos laughing… poking fun at him. It wasn't that out of the ordinary, really. A snide remark every here and there was exactly what Vincent needed to draw his thoughts away from the two vixens that were playing tug-a-war with his heart.

"Hey. Tiffie, come on now!" Claret irises shot open with a jerk. Zagan's ex-student looked absolutely exhausted. The dark blue rings around her eyes were akin to a raccoon. Using her mobile arm, Yuffie shook her friend awake.

"Okay, you guys, I think I found something." The seventeen-year-old shinobi turned to face her new love interest, whose was treading from one of the many rooms with a PHS in his hand. "A couple of years ago, there was a tournament held by some guy named… Dom."

"What's so special about him?" A white wrap was still encircling his torso, Nanaki slowly moved from his spot on the floor.

"Well, it seems that during that tournament, which he took part of also, the prize was a 'Captivation Materia'. No body ever heard of it so it didn't fuel much interest, but those that did show up were beaten down to the ground."

"… Where was this tournament held?" Pushing against the wall with his golden claw, Valentine could feel the collected worried stares they were throwing at him; of all of them, the gunman had received the most devastating injuries.

"Er…"

"Yes?"

"Midgar…" Nobody had rebuilt Midgar after the meteor incident. Reeve, who was now the leader of a large company labeled 'Natural', had also decided that the destroyed city should be left for the use of a reminder. The law that had forbid the use of Mako inspired the name. The Turks have joined his force and redeemed themselves by helping destroying the rest of the Mako reactors and doing little chores and such for him. "My source told me that he'd only heard about it from a friend who was in the tournament."

"So… it is possible that this 'Dom' is dead?"

"Well… yeah… but hey! You guys can always check."

An hour later, Cid's prized Highwind was filled with the usual crew and was ready to leave. AVALANCHE hopped into the metal creation… all except Yuffie. She slowed down until she finally stopped. Tammy watched from one of her second story balconies as her son ran out to the young girl and gave a quick peck.

"Tifa? Tifa?! Are you even listening to a word I'm saying?" Nanaki seemed slightly peeved that his friend was drowsing out during his intriguing story that he had found in a book he'd discovered in the Du's library. Yet, worry had found its way into his heart. "Tifa… Have you been having trouble sleeping?"

"Only…" Yawn. "a little."

"A little?" An inquisitive brow raised.

"Well… it's just." Her weary gaze rested on him. "I've been hearing him."

"… him?"

"Cloud… Maybe it's me… but every time I close my eyes… I hear him." Now positive that she had lost her mind, the sable crowned woman chuckled to herself. "I think I'm losing it."

"…" The dog-like creature glanced away.

"What is it?"

"Cloud… had visited me a couple of weeks before his… death."

All air that had been constricted in her throat. His death… oh… she remembered that night. It was forever burned into her sanity. "… What…?"

It was late night, Nanaki was creeping around quietly in the darkness. But a sudden crash from his library caused his senses to heighten. Silently and carefully, the red beast could see the shadows dancing from the fire by his books.

Hoping for the element of surprise, he pounced from the obscurity only to find his former leader, Cloud Strife. But unlike before, the swordsman's clothes were ripped and tattered, most likely from battle. His gorgeous azure eyes were wide and teary, frightful and desperate.

"Red…" His husky voice was dripping with forlorn recklessness. "I… n-need your help."

"Cloud… Cloud questioned me of Aeris and her past. Her kind's past."

"He… said she talked to him, you know."

"I guessed." Silence strained for only a moment longer. "You should try and get some sleep."

Humorless laughter left her lips dry. "Easier said than done…"

Like every other night since entering the hospital and having that horrifying dream, voices were spiraling around her room. Tifa lay lifelessly on her bunk of the Highwind, which had moving slowly to their destination. Too soon had her mind drifted off to some far off corner of a magical dreamland.

Her bottom was seated in a plain wooden chair; a single bulb was illuminating her in the center of a room. Sitting perfectly still, you could have sworn she was a doll. I'm waiting for something… right? I can't remember… He's always here on time. He always here. Period. …Who was 'he' again? I can't remember…I don't want to remember… What am I waiting for…? Her musings lead her mind in a vicious circle, yet she never managed to unearth an answer of any kind.

"Tif…"

Y-Your just imagining it… Tif… is that my name? I can't remember…

"Tif… Don't run…"

Go away. You're not real… Not real…

"You… have… to listen…"

You're dead! You're dead! Stay dead!

"Please… don't say that…"

Not again. Stay dead! Don't do this to me!

"I'll be talking… to you… soon."

"Tifa!" Shera's horrified face was hovering above her sweaty ones. Suddenly, Lockheart was pulled into a hug. Odd… somehow, her muscles refused to comply with her orders and return the embrace. "My gosh… I thought you had died!"

"I… what?" The new mother's breath was brushing against her ear. It was only now did the female AVALANCHE member realize that she was gasping for air and her limbs finally began to twitch slightly.

"You… You weren't breathing when I came in. I-I checked your pulse and you had none. I was terrified!"

Cid let out a bellow of some sort, telling the ladies that they'd arrived. Unsteady legs supported Tifa however she managed. Stumbling past the only other occupant of the room, she whispered quietly. "Don't tell anyone."

Midgar was just as they remembered, a heap of broken crap and useless rubble. No one was permitted on the premises, in contrast, they'd received special permission from Reeve. The Turks, who were now on neutral terms with AVALANCHE, were sent in to help them search for Dom.

As the two teams merged into one, Tifa felt a freakish chill. Like something was dead… nearby… Or dying. Something bad was going to happen…

I can't stop smiling XD

Ps. I'll try to hurry... again... but it's so hard!! . My mind's completely blank... But hey, if you read the top, you'll know that you're much appreciated!!