CHAPTER 4

The grip on Aeris' hand didn't loosen, the mood didn't lighten, and the pull didn't relent. Sephiroth had been insistent enough to drag her from the inn's feather bed that morning, and she wasn't about to attempt conversation. She was angry, and she was going to make it as obvious as possible.

Unfortunately, Sephiroth was doing an amazing impression of not caring at all.

Aeris knew that Sephiroth had no idea where he was going, how he would get there, or what he would see. But he was going, and he was determined. It was odd to see the great general in action, he was completely focused. There was no city around him, with its petty problems and minor achievements. There was no Aeris, trailing helplessly behind him. There was Sephiroth. There was his goal.

And there were one or two citizens stopped for directions.

"Down that road five blocks, then left, can't miss it." Sephiroth gave a curt nod and continued on without thanking the man, their brisk pace resumed. He didn't seem to enjoy asking for directions.

......................SCENECHANGE......................

The streets of Nibelheim had become busy as ever once again, as people started moving back into the once-ruined town. Sun glittered off rooftops and trees, children laughed and yelled in joy at the perfect weather, and most of all, the city was whole again.

Tifa smiled at the prosperity of her hometown, perched on a front porch identical to the one from her childhood. She and Cloud now lived in the home identical to Tifa's, while their former companion Vincent had resumed his former placement in a small dark room with coffins, though both Tifa and Cloud could truthfully say that the room was getting gradually lighter and roomier (despite the coffins).

A different Vincent than the cold, antisocial man who had fought with them greeted them warmly upon their return from the City of the Ancients.

Right now, Tifa was dozing on the couch, Cloud perched next to her with a cup of coffee in his hands.

"Tifa?"

"mm?"

"Its getting late. I'm going to bed"

"mmhmm" She took his offered hand and yanked herself off of the couch.

"Me too".

As soon as she was on her feet, she was up the stairs ahead of him.

......................ENDOFCHAPTER4......................

That was... fun.
Sorry, short chapter again.
Yeah.
I really have to break that habit.