Chapter 5 - 11:25 AM, Wutai Standard Time, Day 4

A New Refuge

A giant Shinto gate greeted me as I entered Wutai. It was a bright day. Milky white clouds hovered over me in the endless blue sky. In the distance, I saw Yuffie, running towards me with open arms.

"Tifa! You're finally here!"

She quickly embraced me. Her arms were very warm...she must have really missed me.

"It's so great to see you again!"

I laughed. She really did miss me.

"You too, Yuffie."

She released me of her strong embrace and took a deep breath.

"Wow, you must be tired. How about dropping your things off at my place?" she suggested.

"Sure, sounds great. Do you mind if I walk around a little bit first?"

"Go ahead, take your time. You DO remember where my house is right?"

"Of course I remember."

"Okay then, I'll be waiting!"

It looks like Wutai hasn't really changed since the last time I visited. Nothing has changed...it reminds of Nibelheim, but Wutai has a more ethnic look. After walking over a bridge with a small stream gently flowing under it, I see the pagoda with tall, toweringevergreen trees surrounding it. To the right, I see Yuffie's house, still the same as well. I walked up the steps and knocked on the screen partitions.

"Who is it?" answered a male voice.

"Um...I'm Tifa, Yuffie's friend."

The partition screens quickly opened. To my surprise, it was Yuffie's dad. There was a smile on his face.

"Welcome! We've been expecting you."

Yuffie suddenly popped up behind him. I startled me a little.

"Hey Tifa! Come on in."

Yuffie's house was so different from the ones in Nibelheim and Midgar. Instead of doors, there were white sliding screens and there were no tables or chairs, just mats on the floor. There weren't any beds either...judging by thelook of her dad's room.

Yuffie's dad smiled. "Make yourself at home."

"Thank you very much Mr. Kisaragi," I said.

"There is no need for formalities here, just call me Godo."

"Okay...Godo."

Yuffie opened a screen door in the hallway and said, "You can leave your things here. This is my room."

"I really appreciate it."

I walked through the screen door and was very surprised. It didn't look like Yuffie's room at all...it looks much more feminine. And to my relief, there was a bed.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"It's really nice," I replied.

"Glad you like it."

I dropped my suitcase by the bed and I stroked my hand across the fluffy white sheets. I miss my bed already.

"Let me guess..." said Yuffie as I was feeling the sheets of the bed. "You want sleep in my bed, don't you?"

I nodded. I have never liked sleeping on the floor.

"Go ahead, it's all yours."

"Thanks. To be honest, I would go crazy if there weren't any beds. I was going to go the inn if you didn't have any!"

"Well, I have one so STAY."

We both began to laugh. I always admired her sense of humor. I always laughed when I talked with Yuffie because she would always throw in a joke or two during our conversations. After our laugh, Godo walked into the room with a large wooden spoon.

"I hope you guys are hungry. I'm making some beef sukiyaki with shrimp tempura and hot steamed rice. It'll ready in about half an hour."

Yuffie jumped with glee.

"YES! My favorite! I'll help you with the preparations."

She dashed out of the room as if she saw some new materia. I'm glad she's finally getting along with her father. She told me over the phone that they have been working things out...I'm happy for the both them. I suddenly remember that they were making food, food that I have never heard of before too. Plus, I was STARVING.

"Hey guys! Wait for me!"