Chapter X

Disclaimer: Square-Enix is the owner of all characters except Harper. And the events that take place in this story, The Continuation, were made up solely by me.

(CLOUD'S POV.)

We got back early the next day. The door was locked, which was odd—store hours had started almost two hours ago. A costumer even asked me what was going on and I told her that Harper probably felt too ill and was unable to open the store. That's honestly what I thought too. At least until we got inside.

A fire was lit in the fireplace, or had been—all that was left now were embers and ashes, but it had only just got to that point. Two chaired were moved in front of the fireplace, and that told me someone had come visiting. Oh, it must have been that white-haired man, I thought. Strange though was the fact that they hadn't replaced the chairs,

The others had dispersed throughout the house and I headed toward Harper's room. I expected to find her there, and if not there, she would be in the bathroom. I was sure of it, that's why, when I found she was in neither and hone back into her room, I was a bit dumbfounded. I started to worry then. Red was right. I never should have told him where to find her.

Tifa wrenched me from my thoughts when she barged through the door and half yelled, "An entire bag of chocolate chips is missing!" That definitely meant that Harper wasn't here, and that's when I noticed the folded piece of paper on her pillow. It was a letter in her own flowy writing that I realized was so like her fathers…

It read:

Hello, Cloud.

I know you'll find this first because I left clues only you would notice, but by now Tifa's found that there's a missing bag of my favorite chocolate chips.

Please don't worry about me. I believe I've found people who can give me answers, and shelter from the worlds accusations of crimes I did not commit if ever it found out who I am.

I'm very sorry for leaving like this, after everything you've done for me. I'll miss you all, but you, Cloud, most of all.

--Harper—

Ps. If you really wish to keep me there, I'll be in Costa del Sol for a while. But please, just let me go. I want to do something for myself now. Don't forget me and…tell Vincent good-bye for me. And, tell everyone my secret just so they can know.

"Cloud?" Tifa laid a hand gently on my shoulder. "What does it say?"

I looked at the note for a moment longer, then answered, "Harper's moved on…I think."

"Moved on? Past what?"

I bit my lip. How would they take it?

"Cloud?"

I sighed a sigh of determination. "Get everyone together," I said, "and put Marlene in bed, please."

"Everyone?" I tested the circle's attention. We all sat on the floor in a circle in front of the rekindled fire.

Eyes met mine and Yuffie said, "This is a very solemn pow-wow, isn't it?"

I nodded and continued as I pulled the letter from my pocket.

"What is it?" Cid asked.

"Where's Harper?" Vincent asked, seeming to catch on.

My gaze shifted to Cid, "It's a letter," I shifted it again, to Vincent, "from Harper."

That's chapter X! It's kinda short, but …deal with it. I'm depressed. Review please!