I own only the story you're reading. I don't own Final Fantasy VII or its movie, Advent Children. I wish I did and if so, I'll be very rich and living in luxury. I'll also be able to change the plot to however I want it to be, for better or worse… Anyways, enjoy the chapter and please review.

FreeCorpKnight: Mwuh! Ha! Ha!

Yuffie Kisagari: Uh oh… This is bad…

FreeCorpKnight: I will clone Square-Enix and then it will be mines!

Cloud Strife: What is 'it'?

FreeCorpKnight: The deed to Final Fantasy VII! I will own you all! Mwuh! Ha! Ha!

Vincent Valentine: … … … Wouldn't the clone technically be property of the original Square-Enix? You are using Hojo's laboratory and it is their property. So technically, the clone would be theirs because you used their technology and equipment. You don't own us either way...

FreeCorpKnight: Damn! (growls and walks away)

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Author's Request
Does anyone here know why I can't have pounds keys,asterisks,ortildes (wavysymbol)displayed? I write my story in Microsoft Word and whenever I upload it on they all go away. It gets real annoying since I can't censor some of the language and that really plays down on Cid's character. It's also harder to put narrate thoughts and the like. Just want some help.
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--- Midgar 1 ---

Time heals all wounds. Or so the wise men say. How long does it take to get past the lost of a loved one? How long must it take to move forward? How long can you wait for your love to be returned? How long? A week? A month? Two years? As it turned out, none of them were long enough...

Tifa scrubbed the wooden tabletop vigorously with a gray rag, sighing sadly. 'It just wasn't the same.' She thought. True, her new bar named Final Heaven was modeled like her former one, the one crushed in the ruins of Sector 7. Yet, despite the similar surroundings, it felt so… different. Maybe it's because of the lack of customers and bustle that accompanies them. Almost nobody comes anymore because of a mysterious disease called Geostigma. It can destroy someone both mentally and physically, sometimes making death seem merciful. Members of the medical community were baffled, not knowing how it spreads or even where it had originated. Even though it did not seem contagious, people were advised not to gather in crowded places… like her bar. Tifa thought of it as nonsense. The only thing the doctors know for sure is that approximately two years ago, the first cases appeared. Now, hundreds and possibly thousands of people were afflicted. There seems to be no cure, no hope for those unfortunate souls. What makes it worse is that it targets children for reasons unknown. Maybe it's because their immune systems are weaker. She just didn't know and for that reason, she pitied them.

That's why part of the establishment is an orphanage. The basement below and several rooms behind the bar were devoted to the children Tifa took under her care. She had adopted more than ten children whose parents had gone missing or were confirmed dead after Meteor. After a long dull and boring day of work, spending time with them always brightened the day for her. They would watch TV, play games, or listen to her stories. There was never a dull moment.

She finished cleaning her bar and looked around. There wasn't much to do. Everything's clean and organized. There wasn't a speck of dust in sight. The children were all sleeping off the lunch she served them. If they happened to wake up, Rude would be there for them. Yes, the same Rude from the Turks. He had shown up one day all of the sudden and asked if he could help out. At that moment, Tifa was trying to cook a meal for a customer and baby-sit five young toddlers. Her hands were literally full. Rude silently took over the kitchen and told her to watch over the kids. She was grateful for his intervention though the customer got sick and never came back. It was a small sign of Avalanche and the Turks beginning to trust each other and maybe even become friends.

'Nothing else to do… Maybe I'll go upstairs and see if Cloud needs anything…' Yup. Cloud worked upstairs. The very same person who she has feelings for and still wouldn't let go of his past. After Meteor, the two of them almost killed themselves. At that moment, he restated his promise, saying that he would always be there for her no matter what. She had always hoped that his commitment would further their relationship, turning it into something more than just friendship. It didn't quite turn out that way. For some time, it seemed as though the two would get together. When they were helping Reeve, they would spend hours under the stars, enjoying each other's company. It was so peaceful and in Tifa's point of view, a little romantic. Then, six months ago, the two of them decided to build a house, one to live in together. That house turned out to be her Final Heaven. Maybe it was because of its location that he started to change, becoming more and more reclusive. The bar was built near the church where Cloud met Aeris. He visited it every day, sitting on the patch of flowers with his head in his hands and bemoaning about how he failed her as a bodyguard. When her house was finished, he decided to live in the church. Tifa remembered that they had a big fight over it. She yelled at him for not getting past Aeris and he countered by saying that he still loved her. That hurt her more than anything. He stormed off at that point and disappeared for a week. Tifa felt sorry for making him remember but didn't want to give in to Cloud's stubbornness. 'She's dead… Why can't he deal with that? Why?' Days later, he showed up at her doorstop and apologized. He asked if he could use a room or two for his business, the Strife Delivery Services. Tifa was more than happy to lend the entire upper floor, secretly wishing that things got back to how they were. It hadn't. Well, at least he's near her… most of the time.

Cloud's work involved either moving goods around or hiring his services as a mercenary. Whenever a job presents itself, he would hop on his brand new motorcycle called the Fenrir and ride off. She knew why he liked his job. It gave him freedom and independence unlike hers, which required constant attention. Money wasn't a problem because the group still had loads of gil left over from their adventure two years ago. 'Maybe I should close the bar early…' She thought. 'I'll do that after I check on Cloud.' She threw the rag into the sink and went upstairs.

When Tifa walked into his office, she found Cloud sitting on his chair, his legs propped on top of his desk. Working to him is compromised of four things; 1) talking on the phone, 2) doing paperwork, 3) riding on his Fenrir, and 4) taking naps. Right now, he was doing the fourth.

'Looks like he doesn't need any help… But can't he take care of himself?' Tifa silently berated him as Cloud shivered in his sleep. She strode over and draped a spare blanket over his still form. His eyes were closed though his mouth whispered words that one could barely hear. Leaning close to him, she listened. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… Please don't leave me…"

Tifa quickly withdrew and ran out, tears forming in her eyes. She just can't stand it. Seeing Cloud talking with Aeris in is his dreams was too much for her. She wished that he would get over her death, but what she witnessed proved her hopes futile. 'Maybe I should give up on him…' She thought miserably. Yet, no matter how hard she tried to suppress her feelings, they've always come back, even stronger than before. She knew from experience. Cloud was slowly killing her from the inside out.

But, when Tifa was out of the room, she didn't hear the rest of Cloud's words that followed. If she did, her thoughts would have been much different. She wouldn't have to worry about a single thing. "Please Tifa… Don't leave me…"

--- Midgar 2 ---

Elsewhere in the city, someone was having evil thoughts…

'Mwuh! Ha! Ha! The great ninja of Wutai will have her revenge!' Yuffie thought as she strung a tripwire at the door. 'This is for hanging up on me. That bastard… Vinnie will pay… … … Done!' She never did think twice about how the ex-Turk favors blunt and to-the-point conversations and not long random ones. Maybe that would be the reason why Vincent cut her off last night while she was trying to teach him something about materia. 'Hee… Materia… Shiny…' Her eyes sparkled with delight.

Her trap was done. It was simple yet effective and if everything goes to plan, he will be humiliated. She would knock on his door. Yuffie would be there and ask him to carry her some stuff to her chocobo waiting outside. Being the gentleman he is, Vincent would walk out the door, unsuspecting of the trap she laid. Then, he'll trip and fall flat on his face! Revenge complete! 'Most excellent' Yuffie thought as she grinned evilly. 'Time to set the plan to motion.' She knocked on the door, pounding on it many times and yelling "Vinnie!" as loud as possible. There was no response.

'Huh? This is weird. Maybe he's trying to ignore me…' The ninja repeated her attempt once again. The results were the same. 'Maybe he's in the shower or bathroom… Ewww… Let's not go there… Ok, no more bad thoughts… Think good thoughts… Like a nice hot shower… Hmmm… I wonder how Vinnie looks like when he gets out of the shower… Wait, why did I think that? That's definitely a bad thought! Stupid damn traitorous mind!'

Yuffie stood there in front of the door for a minute, unsure of what to do. 'Maybe he's inside… Wouldn't hurt to check…' She reached out for the doorknob tentatively. 'Ok, it's just a door. How hard can it be? Just twist and push… Probably gonna be locked anyway…'

The ninja found the door to be unlocked and nervously pushed it open. 'Hmmm… So dark… Guess he's not here…'

"What exactly do you think you're doing?" A threatening voice asked right behind her.

"Eeek!" Yuffie screamed before jumping forward, forgetting the trap that she had set. Instead of Vincent tripping over it, she did and soon fell on her face. "Owww… You know, you shouldn't do that Vinnie…" All thoughts of revenge disappeared now that he's standing right behind her.

"Agreed. Though I could say the same about your actions." He deadpanned.

"Gee thanks… Nice way of saying 'Goodbye!' or 'See you later!' or 'I'll miss you'… Thought you were a gentleman…" She shot back.

"I was until I watched you set up that wire." He returned, with a small grin on his face.

"What! You saw me set it up! That is so unfair! Why didn't you tell me?" Yuffie demanded while getting back up.

"…" Vincent thought before he answered. He knew how mad Yuffie can be and the sharp Conformer strapped to her back can pose a problem. "Wouldn't be as fun."

"Fun! I just fell on my face! That's not fun! Grrrr…" She growled. Her hands reached toward the weapon.

"Maybe not for you." He replied coolly and carefully watched her hands.

"MEANIE!" She accused with her finger and poked her tongue out at him.

"…" Vincent shrugged and walked into his home, making sure to step over the tripwire. "Whatever…"

"Hmph!" She stomped off toward her waiting bird. "Well, what are you looking at? Probably too stupid to understand…" The gold chocobo shook its head and warked sadly. "I'm sorry… It's just that… Nevermind, let's go…" She wanted to say home but now, Midgar was more of a home to her than Wutai ever was. Yes, believe or not, home is living next to Vincent Valentine in slummy Midgar. "To Wutai" She finally said and started on her journey.

Vincent watched Yuffie from the second story window as she went through the streets, perched proudly on her bird. He kept watch until she turned a corner. When she disappeared from view, he sighed. He hates to admit it but he'll miss her. The two of them had been neighbors for a long time and now that she's gone, he realized that he'll be alone once more. 'Like before Avalanche came into my life…'

He leaned back and sipped the steaming bowl of tea he just made. Yes, jasmine tea reminds him of her and his thoughts were soon replaced by the memories following that hectic night. After meeting Yuffie on the top of the pagoda, they moved back to Midgar into separate but adjacent houses. They stayed in touch with Cloud and Tifa, even helping out with the construction of Final Heaven. The four of them didn't live in the same sector but neighboring ones. Their feelings had not evolved into more than 'best friends'. Nothing romantic ever happened though Vincent had a sneaking suspicion that Yuffie wanted more. 'Teenage crush… Always expecting more…' They've spent a lot of time together though. Actually, it was more like Yuffie dragging Vincent out or her barging into his house unannounced. They've gone out to dinner once to a brand new restaurant but left after the main entree. The teenager went overboard on the chocolate appetizer and puked all over place. Needless to say, they weren't welcomed there anymore.

Now, Yuffie's gone and with her goes those joyful memories. It happened all of the sudden. She received a message yesterday from her father Godo begging her come back. Usually, she won't go but it involved his health and the welfare of her beloved city. He was very ill and the elders did not think of him fit for leadership. Unless she wished to see Wutai fall without a leader, Yuffie would have return and assume the mantle of responsibility temporarily if not permanently. The two of them had talked about it last night and decided that she should go as soon as possible. The message didn't have any specifics but if the illness was as severe as it sounded, Godo may not have much time to do the transfer ceremony. So today, she left to face her father and her city.

Vincent looked outside at the streets. A few people were out shopping. They kept their distance from one another though the couples stayed relatively close. He turned away and set his empty bowl down. He could sense pain in the air though it didn't come from any physical form. The Planet was suffering. 'Geostigma… Is this why Planet cries?' He asked the demons residing inside of him. They didn't answer and he didn't really expect them to do so. All four of them had been quiet for some time now. He felt more than a little uneasy about their silence. 'Something bad is happening…'

He had heard the planet crying for more than a year. Previously, he dismissed the wails as Planet's efforts to heal. After all, the combination of Mako reactors and Meteor had taken up a lot of energy and it'll take years to replenish it. But it has been going on for so long and had in fact gotten worse. Healing meant getting better, not the other way around. 'Maybe I should visit the City of the Ancients… I may find a clue there… Or at least some guidance…' Vincent pondered. 'Yes, I should go… There's nothing here for me to do…'

Vincent wrote a brief note for Yuffie in case she came back early and left it on the dining table. He went into his room and packed for the trip. He put his Death Penalty in one holster and the Outsider in the other. Then, the Sniper CR was strapped to his leg, an insurance policy if he ran out of bullets or needed a faster gun. The red-cloaked ex-Turk made sure that his PHS worked before walking out toward the Sleeping Forest, never once looking behind him.

---Unknown ---

"It is time…" The man in the wheelchair said, catching the attention of his 'sons'. "Gather your weapons…" The mysterious man pointed a long pale finger toward a table with three weapons. One of them was a sword called a double blade. It is truly a terrible weapon, one designed to cause pain and suffering. When it deals a blow, it causes two deep wounds. Stitching is not an option for the two cuts are far too close for the needlework. Thus, unless healing materia was used, the wound would continue to bleed, get infected, and even the smallest cuts could be fatal. "Kadaj!" The man whose name was called picked up the sword and swung it. He smirked, approving of it.

The next weapon was similarly shaped to a single-edged sword but its hilt is in the shape of a gun. It was a gunblade called the Velvet Nightmare. It functions as a blade in close range and a pistol in the distance. "Yazoo!" Another came forward and picked up his assigned weapon. Raising it quickly, he fired three quick shots at Kadaj who lazily deflected the bullets with his new modified katana.

"Loz!" The last of the three took the one remaining weapon on the table. It looked like a shield, claw, and gun all rolled into one. The circular portion that would cover his forearm looks quite strong and could block the strongest of blows. The claw part extends forward a little bit and hidden underneath is the gun. Loz strapped it on and punched the ground. Cracks formed, stretching outwards.

"It is time to find your lost brother… Go." The cloaked man said before wheeling away. The three silver-haired men looked at each other and then filed out. They will find Cloud… Mother will have what she wants…

FreeCorpKnight: Who here likes cheese?

Everyone: (?)

FreeCorpKnight: Fine... Yes, I know I'm weird.

Everyone: (nods)

FreeCorpKnight: Alright, I'll leave… (leaves the room)

Everyone: (follows)

FreeCorpKnight: (notices the crowd behind) What!

Everyone: Happy Birthday!

FreeCorpKnight: Whatever… (leaves… again)

Rude: The author will turn eighteen very soon.

Cid: Damn straight! Now he can smoke legally in the US! (takes a drag from his cigarette)

Elena: Don't forget… He'll face stiffer penalties because he's legally an adult.

Yuffie Kisagari: Ah yes, the 'joys' of being a minor… All gone now…

Barret Wallace: Shut up you brat!

Yuffie Kisagari: What did you call me?

FreeCorpKnight: (comes back) Can all of you please shut the hell up?

Everyone: Grrr… (readies weapons)

FreeCorpKnight: Yikes! (runs away)