CHAPTER 5

Two days later, Tifa and Aeris were awakened by the sunlight pouring in through the back of their wagon. Auron, Zack and Tidus had opted to ride throughout the night to get to the dock hopefully before Cloud had arrived and catch a boat to Nibelheim and await him there. Tifa and Aeris had slept into the midday and when the group had stopped for food, Rikku was finally up and back to her chipper self. When the women looked out the wagon opening they saw trees surrounding the trail and partially blocking out the sun.

"So we have another day until we reach the dock to travel the seas for another what?" Rikku paused and looked at the sky thoughtfully,

"How long does it take to get to Nibelheim by boat?"

"Two weeks." Zack said automatically, he looked up and continued, "from there it'll be about another three weeks to cross the mountains and reach the city and that's moving constantly with little or no rest… I know, I did it with a near comatose teen on my back… so you're looking at maybe two months before you're back home."

"Why can't we just wait at the stupid harbor?! Why the heck is he going all the way back there… with Yunie!!!" Rikku complained as Zack just laughed. Tidus frowned.

"Yuna agreed to this right?" He asked as Rikku nodded.

"Don't worry, Tidus, he's only got eyes for Lady Lockhart… ain't that right?" Zack asked grinning as Tifa blushed. Aeris hit Zack on his head and he cringed. "What was that for?!"

"Stop taunting her." Aeris reprimanded. Auron looked at the group and chuckled.

"You are the reason this war needs to end… you should be able to live so carefree everyday that you awaken… you shouldn't have to live in a time of war." Auron whispered. Tifa was about to speak but she looked up ahead and saw a group of people coming.

"Oh my…" Tifa exclaimed as she saw blond spiky hair sitting atop one of the people. "That's Cloud!!" Tifa shouted as she ran from the trail towards the shallow forest.

Cloud looked up off to the right and spotted Tifa running towards him and grinned. Paine looked over and frowned slightly confused. Yuna spotted Tifa and directed everyone in her direction. Tifa ran up to Cloud and hugged him tightly as he returned the gesture. "Cloud… do you… do you remember me?" Tifa asked her arms still around his neck. Cloud smiled and nodded.

"Yeah…" He smiled as Tifa launched into his chest laughing happily and hugging him tightly. Paine cleared her throat and that's when Tifa looked at her and broke away from Cloud. Zack and the others had met the group halfway and when he noticed Paine he caught her glaring at Tifa and instantly pulled her aside.

"Paine, I haven't seen you in so long…" Zack grinned nervously as he grabbed her arm and led her away before she spoke. Tifa looked after them confused as did Aeris but they continued to great the others. Yuffie explained to Aeris what had happened to Wutai and the group become saddened by the horrible news but changed the subject the moment Zack and Paine returned.

"What was that all about?" Tifa asked as Zack grinned.

"I can't catch up with an old friend?" Zack asked as he patted Paine a little too roughly on her back. She glared at him and he eased away.

"This is quite fortunate that we have found you only days into our journey… Zack as we discussed earlier… this is good bye for now." Auron explained.

"What? Why is he leaving?" Yuna asked

"The High Council will know of Cloud's actions in Junon… because Zack said that he had came to the city alone… he has lied about Cloud's existence and you should know Lady Yuna that he'll be put to death for this." Yuna looked down and shook her head.

"I'll make my father see, I can get him to allow Zack back into the country."

"Yes, but Cloud will be put to battle almost immediately."

"I want to fight." Cloud stated as Tifa gasped and shook her head.

"Cloud not now, not yet."

"Listen to your friend, for she's right. If you return you will be sent out immediately to fight, you shall be put in the thick of battle instantly… for the council shall see you as nothing more than a weapon to be used."

"Cloud isn't a weapon." Yuna hissed as Auron nodded.

"Then we shall need that fire from you Lady Yuna to even give him a chance at a normal life in Midgar, one where he'll have a choice of if he wants to fight and if he does, he'll have a choice of how often he has to." Auron looked at Paine and nodded. "I see there is another defector…"

"My name is Paine." She bowed and Auron bowed back to her.

"It is an honor to have you fighting on our side and not against us." Auron spoke respectfully before turning back to the wagon. We hadn't expected anymore to be with you Lady Yuna other than Cloud… but we have the room, but we'll need to stop by the nearest town to gather more food and linens for the cold nights… the children need to be kept warm during the harsh nights." Auron explained.

"We were heading towards Kalm's outpost village to gather some supplies…"Yuna began but looked back. "But we must hurry, the Shinra have sent some of their Elites after us… they know of Cloud." Yuna spoke as Auron's eyes widened.

"Then we must waste no time." Auron said as the group banded together and headed out of the forest. Tidus pulled Yuna up onto his Chocobo while Aeris rode with Zack. Cloud had placed the children in the back of the wagon where Cid and Shera sat with them. Cloud, Paine and Tifa walked alongside of the wagon while Auron directed it.

The group traveled late into the day talking about the events of the past few days. As the group came into outpost village they spotted a rather large wooden building in the middle of town. "I'm gonna take a stab at that and say that's gonna be where we sleep tonight?" Cid asked from behind Auron who nodded.

"We shall ask if they have available rooms for us." Auron spoke as he dismounted the wagon seat and walked in. After several moments, he came out and motioned for the others.

After tying up the Chocobo and securing their personal items, the group walked into the structure and looked in awe. "This must be one of those hotels for travelers…" Tifa whispered. "My father had us stay in a hotel while we traveled from Nibelheim…" Tifa stopped and looked at Cloud who just smiled at her. She blushed and returned the smile.

"The inns keeper has graciously offered us five rooms for no charge. It seems he owes a great deal to Midgar." Auron paused and looked around, "Separate and get some rest we head out early tomorrow." Auron placed four of the five keys down and headed upstairs. "If you are rooming with me then follow me." Cid and Shera shrugged and pulled Barret along with them.

"Let's let those horny kids decide what to do with the other four rooms, besides to grown ups should stay together." Cid laughed as Zack shook his head.

"Crazy old man."

"I knew someone agreed with me!" Yuffie grinned as Rikku laughed. Cloud grabbed a key and both Tifa and Paine stood next to him.

"Way to go Cloud!" Zack laughed as Tidus lifted a brow. Cloud shook his head and turned to Marlene and Denzel who were looking up to him.

"I'm bringing the kids if that's fine with you two?" Cloud asked the two who agreed fully.

"I just can't stand to sleep in the same room with Yuffie any longer… her snoring is annoying." Pained sighed and Tifa laughed.

"Yeah, maybe Rikku and Yuffie should share, they'll complement each other." Tifa grinned as Rikku turned red.

"I don't snore!!" Rikku exclaimed.

"You do just a little." Tidus and Yuna said at the same time before laughing.

"So I guess me and Aeris get the third key, those snore queens have the next one and Tidus and Lady Yuna get the last room, fine with me…. how about we get some sleep?" Zack said as he grabbed the key and left.

"He thinks he's slick?" Aeris asked as Yuna nodded. "Tidus go with Zack and share a room with him please." Aeris ordered kindly as Tidus looked at Yuna who nodded.

"But…but… Cloud…." Tidus started

"He's got the kids." Yuna reminded him as he just followed Zack who was unaware of the sudden room assignment change. "Let's head to bed, goodnight Marlene, Denzel." Yuna smiled and placed a kiss on both their cheeks. Tifa then led the two children upstairs while Pain and Cloud followed.

The Next Day

Cloud awoke to find Marlene and Denzel huddled close to Tifa while Paine appeared to be sleeping on a luxury chair. "Good mourning." Cloud's eyes snapped over to Paine who had her eyes closed but they suddenly opened.

"You startled me." Cloud explained and she just shrugged.

"You won't die from fright will you?" She asked as Cloud just frowned.

"Look, we need to get going, Kadaj and his gang could find this place." Cloud said as he went to awake Tifa.

"She's special to you isn't she?" Paine asked as Cloud stopped just before he shook Tifa awake. Cloud looked at Paine for a moment then back to Tifa and awoke her.

"Cloud… what is it?" Tifa asked, her stirring awoke the two children who greeted Cloud with a smile. "These two sure slept peacefully." Tifa grinned and ruffled Denzel's hair. Cloud smiled down at her and touched Tifa's shoulder, "Cloud?" Tifa asked slightly confused and embarrassed by his display of affection.

"We need to get moving, Teef…" Cloud spoke softly and she nodded. Tifa and the kids got dressed quickly as Paine and Cloud walked from the room to get the others.

"So, which is it? Lady Yuna or Tifa?" Paine asked as Cloud frowned.

"What?"

"You know what I mean… which woman has your interest?" Paine asked as Cloud stopped and looked at her in disbelief.

"What does she mean by that?" Tidus asked walking up to the two from behind. He frowned slightly but looked to Aeris and Yuna who just now came from their room. Paine shrugged and looked at Cloud awaiting an answer.

"We don't have time for questions like that." Cloud sighed

"What questions?" Yuna asked and before Cloud could speak Paine interrupted.

"We're trying to determine who Cloud has more interest in, you or Tifa." Paine explained crossing her arms as Yuna's eyes widened and she looked at Tidus.

"Enough, Paine just shut up." Cloud turned on her and she met his fierce gaze.

"Well with the way the woman was staring at you when we met and the way you act with Tifa, I'm just curious to the type of person you are? Are you stringing Lady Yuna along while you bed Tifa or is it you can't decide?" Paine asked as Cloud's anger nearly erupted. Zack stepped from his room and saw Tidus angry, Yuna looking shocked while Aeris's mouth hung open. He spotted Cloud and Paine very close to each other glaring and instantly he separated the two.

"Yuna what is she talking about?" Tidus asked as Yuna jumped from the question and stuttered but couldn't really get out an explanation.

"We can worry about this later, if what they were saying about Elites coming after Cloud we need to get moving, or else we're dust." Zack explained as he went to knock on Auron's door but the man called from down the hall to the group.

"We're leaving now!" He shouted as Zack looked at him and then went to respond.

"I'll get Yuffie and Rikku…"

"I already have them waiting in the wagon… you are the only ones we're waiting on." Auron explained as he turned a corner and then Tifa and the children walked out into the hallway smiling about something. Tifa noticed everyone's eyes on her and glanced around the group.

"Is something wrong?" She asked as Paine just chuckled and walked ahead while Cloud shot daggers at her. "You alright Cloud?" Tifa asked approaching him and rubbing his arm gently. Cloud looked back to Tifa and nodded softly.

"Yeah… let's go, before Kadaj comes." Cloud sighed. The group set out once again to head back towards Midgar after buying more food and gaining two more Chocobo from a man selling them. Cloud and Tifa mounted one of the Chocobo while Paine took the other. The group pushed the Chocobo as hard as they could for as long as the animals could go until they reached a resting point.

"I think it's best we say our goodbyes now." Auron explained as Tifa's head snapped up and she looked to Cloud.

"Why can't we just sneak them back into the city?" She asked.

"We'd become traitors to the Ancients… then we'd be useless to Cloud, Zack and Miss Paine." Auron sighed.

"But I could try to get Cloud and Zack a pardon and after they hear about how Paine helped save Yuffie in Wutai my father won't be able to argue against that." Yuna explained.

"Yuna, let's just let them go, listen to Auron, he knows what to do." Tidus sighed and Paine snorted.

"Jealous boyfriend?" She inquired as Yuna clamed up and Tidus looked at her.

"No… just not too trusting of Shinra Scum!!" Tidus growled. Paine shrugged the comment off knowing who it was intended for while Yuna looked shocked at Tidus.

"Cloud isn't scum, he's just like you and I he was raised as any of were, Tidus you should have more manners." Yuna scolded

"Enough just stop… Auron's right we do need to split." Zack interrupted seeing that Tidus had something to say. Rikku and Yuffie exchanged glances but said nothing as Cloud looked to Tifa who seemed confused by the outburst between the two close friends over Cloud. "Cloud, Paine, we should head out, Auron take the Chocobo we won't need them… we'll go by foot." Zack said as he gathered his massive sword and put it on his back. Cloud looked to Tifa who seemed near tears and stood up.

"Tifa can I talk to you for a moment?" Cloud asked and she nodded before leaving Marlene and Denzel's side and walking away from the group with Cloud. Cloud paused and turned once he thought they were out of hearing range and continued, "Tifa… I'm going to go to Nibelheim… I have to," Cloud spoke and Tifa nodded.

"Go then… get things settled… you will come back won't you?" Tifa asked as Cloud's eyes widened.

"Of course." Cloud said as he pulled her into a hug, "I promise to come back Tifa." Cloud whispered to her.

"Good, I guess this is goodbye again…" Tifa whispered into his neck as he held her. Cloud inhaled her scent and sighed.

"Only for now Tifa…" He leaned back and finally saw the tears in her eyes.

"Cloud you better come back or I'm coming after you." Tifa threatened behind her tears and he nodded. "We still have a lot to do together." Tifa added cryptically and Cloud just nodded. "Good luck," She whispered and leaned close and pecked him on his lips. Cloud released Tifa in shock and she walked back to the others in silence. Zack and Paine approached Cloud with their weapons and looked back towards Tifa.

"Come on Cloud, we need to put a little distance between ourselves and them. We'll still head to Nibelheim… but we're making sure they get to Midgar safely." Zack told him as he and Paine walked away. Cloud looked in Tifa's direction and gave a soft sigh.

"I promise, we'll meet again Tifa." Cloud spoke softly as he turned and caught up with Zack and Paine.