Disclaimer: Final Fantasy, characters and everything associated with the Final Fantasy world belong to Square Enix. Proverbs used within this story belong to their respective owners.
Summary: In which a young Tifa is too distraught to practice her Martial arts lessons.
Warnings: Please note that some of the stories will contain spoilers or reference to the original game, Advent Children, Dirge of Cerberus, Crisis Core and Remake.
~Expectations~
Tifa took a deep breath and attempted a forceful swing of her fist at the person before her. Unfortunately, she did not make contact with his face and stumbled forward instead.
This was the twelfth time she had missed her target and it had only been less than an hour into her training.
"What has gotten you so distracted lately, young lady? Your forms are getting quite sloppy."
Her martial arts Master, Zangan, pointed out as he corrected her stance, "It's quite unexpected of my star student."
Tifa let out a growl and leapt up, raising her leg to perform a devastating kick, but her Master caught her foot and pushed her back with ease.
Zangan shook his head in disappointment, "Enough! I cannot teach you if you are not focused! Ms. Lockhart, you must find inner peace before you can wield your fists. With your mind wandering, you will surely lose your battle."
"I'm sorry Master! I just...Give me another chance, I know I can perfect the Starshower!"
Her Master abruptly held a hand up to halt Tifa's movement, "Let's take a break."
Tifa watched Zangan stroll over to a low wooden table in the opposite corner of the Nibelheim makeshift dojo, which was one of the rental townhouses he stayed at in the middle of town.
He pulled an antique blue and white Chinese tea set from under the table and poured hot jasmine into two cups.
She stood rooted in place, shocked that she was allowed to take a break at all. Zangan would often push her to the limit until the end of their training session. Tifa didn't mind and liked the extra exercise.
Zangan urged her over to the tatami floor cushion beside him, "Tell me, what is troubling you?"
Tifa could only obey her Master's instructions and moseyed on over to the mat. "I am sorry Master Zangan. I think I'm just exhausted now that I am taking on the responsibilities of being Nibelheim's tour guide. Going up and down Mt. Nibel is not an easy task."
She took a sip of her tea and gazed longingly out the window.
Zangan eyed her suspiciously, seeing through her lie. She was a horrible liar and shook her head, "I have once again disappointed you. I'm truly not a deserving apprentice…"
"You will never disappoint me." Zangan replied in a soothing voice, "All that I wish is for you to tell me what is on your mind. Once you find that peace, we will commence training."
What was on her mind?
It was quite obvious who was on her mind lately. He had been deep in her thoughts for the last two years since he left town with a promise to become her one and true hero.
Cloud Strife, the quiet blonde boy that lived next door to her for the last twelve years.
She had checked the newspaper every morning, half-expecting to find his name and face plastered all over the front.
In the evenings, she waited by the mailbox for any letter from the boy that she hoped would write to her about his magnificent adventures at the Shinra Military academy.
Days, weeks and months passed and there was nothing.
She began to wonder if he had forgotten about her.
Tifa clenched her fist, biting back the tears welling at the corner of her eyes.
Zangan placed a hand upon her crown affectionately, something her late Mother used to do when she felt disheartened. He closed his eyes and stroked her hair,
"Fate will bring people together no matter how far apart they may be. Focus on the road ahead, and in a fleeting moment, you'll find what you are looking for right under your nose."
His meaningful words reverberated deep in her heart and mind.
This brought a hopeful smile back to Tifa's crestfallen face. She had to be optimistic and continue supporting him from afar.
Cloud was probably still training rigorously in the SOLDIER program. Perhaps his time was preoccupied to become the best and surprise her in person.
With her heart clear of worry and mind refocused, they resumed the remainder of her training session for the day.
When Tifa returned home shortly before dinner, ready to run up the stairs for a relaxing bath, she was surprised to find a young man with long flowing black hair in a dark navy suit talking with her Father.
She took notice of the tilak on the man's forehead, a very uncommon mark one would wear around these parts.
Her Father chimed excitedly, "Honey, guess your hard work as a tour guide has finally gained you some recognition. This gentleman works for Shinra and has personally selected you to guide the war hero Sephiroth up the mountains!"
The dark haired man acknowledged Tifa, shook hands with her Father and then made his way out in silence.
Tifa's Father broke out the apple cider in celebration, proud of Tifa's new opportunity.
"Oh before I forget, Sephiroth will also be accompanied by a new 1st Class SOLDIER. They arrive in 3 days. Please try to look your best dear."
Tifa could not contain her excitement upon hearing those words. With tears of joy, she rushed up the stairs to her room.
She pulled out a special cowboy attire, all decked out with matching leather vest, skirt, boots and hat. It was one her Mother had worn back during her youth.
This was an outfit she was waiting for the right occasion to finally wear, and had spent hours updating the stitches and adding more decoration to it to make it more modern.
Tifa put on the cowboy hat and twirled around with the outfit-still hanging on the hanger-pushed to her chest, then plopped down on her bed with a slight bounce. She stared up at the ceiling and let out a sigh of contentment.
At last, she will be reunited with her blonde hero.
~owari