(Note: I am planning to have a 'Mailbox' chapter after this one, depending on how much response I get. A Mailbox chapter is when you either e-mail me questions, or send them through a review. This is your chance to ask any of the characters questions about themselves or the story.

If you have a burning question that you need to get answered, please message me so that you can have your question answered. Also, it will be really fun if you would address your questions directly to a character. For example, address a question as Dear Tifa or Yuffie, instead of addressing it to me. I've seen this done on other stories, and it will be a lot of fun, but I need your participation.)

Chapter 16- Surviving This Twilight Zone

Contacting Aeris was always an easy task for Cloud. He simply had to follow his heart. As long as Cloud was at peace with himself, then it wouldn't be long before he would find the one that he'd be looking for. This encounter was no different.

"Hello, Cloud. It's been a long time since I last saw you."

"Yeah. That's why I'm here."

"What do you mean?"

"Sephiroth says that you're up to something."

"He would say that, wouldn't he? Why do you believe him?"

"It seems like he's changed. He isn't as evil as he used to be."

Aeris let out a sigh and continued, "He's still a murderer, Cloud."

Cloud moved closer to Aeris and explained, "No, he's not. I know for a fact that Sephiroth lost his sword on the night of the murder. He couldn't have done it."

"Cloud, stop making excuses for him. He's guilty."

Cloud raised his voice as he asked, "Aeris, what's wrong with you? You never intervene anymore, or help us with anything! Now you refuse to believe the truth?!"

Aeris calmly replied, "Is that what's really bothering you, Cloud?"

That statement took Cloud by surprise. His next utterance was a good bit softer. "Aeris, out of all the times that I've come looking for your help, why do you not look at me face to face?"

When Aeris turned around, Cloud instantly understood the answer to his question. The flower girl's face was battered and bruised. There were cuts and welts all over her head. Cloud jumped back and asked, "Did Zack do that to you?!"

"No, Cloud. You did this to me. Surely you remember these marks. You may be forgiven, but there are still consequences."

Aeris pointed to various portions of her face as she continued, "Attack #1: A punch to the nose; required six stitches. Attack #5: A thrown vase; required the re-attachment of two teeth, numerous stitches, and minor throat surgery to remove the glass. Attack #7: A sword slash between the legs; required a hysterectomy. And the reason why you got away it? It's because you were the hero. I'm not going to help you be a hero anymore."

Cloud went away sad with the heaviest heart he'd had in a long time. Surely this would be something that he would have to live through for the rest of his life.

Sephiroth was very glad when Reno and Yuffie entered his jail cell. It was beginning to feel a little too much like home. "Hey, guys. Where am I going?"

"You're not going anywhere." Reno explained. "We're just going to test your morals, to see if you really have changed. First, Yuffie will hook you up to a lie detector machine."

Once Sephiroth had been connected, Reno asked, "If a person drops a ten-dollar bill, would you return it?"

"Wouldn't it depend on who dropped it?"

"It doesn't matter who dropped it. It could have been dropped by anyone."

"Like, take for example, a monkey."

"Good. Would you give it to him?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Why does a monkey need ten dollars?"

Reno rolled his eyes and continued, "Is it okay to drink and drive?"

"It is if you're Lindsay Lohan."

"Okay, next question. A big boat is sinking, and there's limited room on the lifeboat. Who do you save, a rich man or a woman on welfare who has a small baby?"

Sephiroth flashed a hellish smile and queried, "Is the baby on welfare too?"

Yuffie looked up and muttered, "This is going nowhere. Let's just forget it."

"Okay. But listen, Sephiroth. You had your chance at freedom, and you blew it. Always remember that."

Dear Tifa,

I talked to Aeris today, and I know why she doesn't help us anymore. She hates my guts for what I did to you. I've gone to release some stress. Don't go looking for me.

Love,

Cloud

Tifa's first course of action was to go looking for him. Cloud had gone to his secret place of relaxation: the Spice & Incense row at Wal-Mart. Cloud was in the checkout line when Tifa tapped him on the back. "Oh, hey Tifa. How are ya? Isn't it amazing how all of these aromatic candles make me forget my problems? Heck, Aeris can keep Zack, 'cause I've got you."

Tifa was caught off-guard by his uplifted spirit. "Well, it's nice that you can be so forgiving. I see you've bought some new hair gel."

"Yes. I also bought a magazine."

"It's not a dirty magazine, is it?"

"No. It's Better Home and Garden."

Tifa put her hands on her hips and exclaimed, "Cloud!"

"What did I do?!"

"It's not what you did, it's what you are. Ever since you came back, you've been a soft metro sissy!"

"Isn't that what you wanted?"

"It sure is. Now let's go home so I can give you your 'punishment'."

Cloud blushed and said, "Tifa, we're in the middle of Wal-Mart."

"I know, Cloud. I'm not ashamed to take you back."

"Yeah, but you can't give any 'punishment', because you don't have…uh…never mind."

As Cloud and Tifa walked outside, they spotted Yuffie, who looked like she had big news. "Hi, guys. Teef, what's up with Cloud?"

"Aeris dumped him for Zack."

"Oh. Well, it's for the best. As long as she's not scheming….but that makes Sephy a liar! That's weird. I swear, Tifa, Sephiroth's face looked so innocent today. I mean, sure, he pretty much threw away his shot at redemption, but he looked so pitiful. I really don't think he killed Marlene. Do you, Tifa?"

"Yes, I do."

"Whatever. What do you think, Cloud?"

"I think he's innocent, but I really don't care. He still needs to burn. Besides, isn't it against Turk policy to talk openly about high-profile cases?"

A shocked look covered Yuffie's face as she exclaimed, "How can you say that?! Don't you give a care about justice? Marlene's killer is still on the streets, and you guys don't even care?!" Yuffie started sobbing. Before she could get away, Tifa asked, "What's the matter, Yuffie? Is Reno being a jerk again?"

"No, Tifa."

Yuffie wiped away her tears on the sleeve of her leather jacket. A warm smile broke through her cloudy expression.

"You'll have to excuse me for being so moody. I'm knocked up!"

(Remember, send in your questions. I cannot do a 'Mailbox' chapter without mail.)