Author's Note: Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you've all been good this year, hehe. This is my gift to you—the final chapter of An Advent Carol! I had tremendous amounts of fun writing this, so I hope you all enjoyed it. I'll be posting an extra little goody within the week, so watch out for it. And remember kids, if ghosts come visit you in the middle of the night, do exactly what they say xD Embrace your dreams!


~Stave Five:The End of It~

Cloud didn't get very far. Halfway down the cracked stone steps of the church his geostigma flared. He stumbled down the remaining three ledges and fell to the ground, clutching his arm. The sharp pain sizzled through his body, sapping him of his remaining energy as his muscles convulsed.

When the attack was over he lay on the ground panting with closed eyes. What am I thinking? he thought. This is hopeless. I can barely hold myself together. All ideas of heading off to Edge vanished as his will faded.

Don't give up.

Zack?!

He felt as if strong arms were wrapped around his torso, trying to hoist him up. That was right, he couldn't give up now. Cloud groaned and struggled, trying to make his weary body move.

When he opened his eyes he was on his feet. He looked down at his left arm and noticed a trail of black that had trickled past his sleeve and onto his glove. His hand tightened into a fist. No, he wouldn't give up. If he was lacking in hope, at least he had recovered his stubbornness.

The swordsman gazed up towards the empty tower where the mysterious bell had rung three times last night. "Merry Christmas, Aerith," he whispered, and then revved the engine. Fenrir's tires squealed in the snow as it raced off through the ruins.

The sun had risen by the time Cloud made it to the inhabited outskirts of Edge. Most streets were still shaded by buildings, yet that still hadn't deterred people from heading out into the chill. More people than usual at this time of day, actually. Cloud had to slow down as he turned onto a particularly crowded street full of cheerful shoppers. The scene seemed awfully familiar.

"Hey kid," he called, coming to a halt near a group of children who were attempting to make a snowmoogle out of the slush, "what day is it?"

The boy looked at him like he was out of his mind. "It's Christmas, duh," he replied and turned back to his work.

Christmas Day. So he hadn't missed it after all. He travelled with a lighter heart now, observing the groups of people giving season's greetings to one another. Fenrir could hardly travel down the packed roads—it was only do to the generosity of the pedestrians that he hadn't come to a completely standstill.

He was nearly to his destination when a certain store caught his eye. A delicious, mouthwatering smell caught him the second after. Now that he was completely real this time, Cloud decided to make a quick stop before heading home.

xxx

It felt surreal walking into the bar. Seventh Heaven was closed for the holiday, but Tifa had kept the door open in case her guests showed up early. There was some clinking coming from the next room. The swordsman walked quietly through the bar and paused at the door leading into the kitchen. Slowly he pushed it open and stepped inside. Tifa was cooking at the stove with her back to him. He stood there, watching her lean form as she moved about grabbing spices and sprinkling them into whatever she was making. Then she went over to the counter and began chopping onions at a swift, efficient rate.

"Barret, don't just stand there all day," called Tifa without turning around. "If you're done plucking the turkey, then bring it here. We need to get it cooking."

He shuffled uneasily where he stood, not knowing how to announce himself.

"Barret?" At last Tifa paused to look over. Her eyes went wide and she dropped the knife she was holding, which fell to the floor with a loud clang.

"Cloud, you're back!" Stepping over the knife she quickly crossed the room and embraced him.

He smiled a little and cautiously wrapped one arm around her in a loose hug. "No, I'm home."

An unexpected weight ran into the back of his legs and clutched tightly at his pants. "Cloud!" shouted a delighted Marlene. "Denzel, come look! Cloud's here!"

Tifa laughed and stepped away so Cloud could squat down and give Marlene a proper hug.

"We knew you'd be home for Christmas! Right Denzel?" said Marlene, gazing over to where Denzel had appeared in the doorway. Denzel nodded, looking uncertainly at Cloud.

"Hey," greeted the swordsman with a nod to the boy.

"Hi."

Denzel looked a little shocked when Cloud raised one arm to him, though he did walk over with a happy smile to be embraced alongside Marlene.

"What's in the box, Cloud?" asked Tifa, looking at the wrapped bundle he had laid down on the floor before hugging the young girl.

The kids backed up so Cloud could stand and hand the bundle over to her. "Fresh gingerbread from the bakery on Jidoor Street. It's a little cold from the ride."

"I'll warm it up." Tifa went to go cut up the cake and heat it in the oven. All the while her mind was spinning. She truly didn't think she'd see him, maybe even ever again. Yet here he was, without notice like he'd only gone out for milk. She didn't know whether to yell at him or hug him again.

Now that Cloud had seen his family he was once again reminded of his duty to save the world and the anxiety began to eat away at him once more. His eyes flickered to the children before he said, "Tifa, can I talk to you?"

Warm brown eyes became concerned. "Kids, why don't you go finish decorating."

"Sure Tifa!" replied Marlene, who took Denzel's hand and lead him to the living room.

"What is it?" she asked once they were alone. "You're not thinking of leaving again."

"Not exactly…" Using only the most necessary details that didn't make him sound like a hallucinating insomniac, Cloud explained how the world was in danger from more than geostigma.

Despite the horrific images he was describing, Tifa laughed. "It's good to see you have your motivation again. If Sephiroth is coming back, all of us will be ready for him. But I'm sure we can delay for one day, right?" She gave him a wink. "It is Christmas, after all."

"And I didn't even get any presents," he replied with a frown. This visit was turning out to be more complicated than he had planned.

In a more serious tone Tifa said, "We just want you Cloud. Be here for us."

"I-"

Just then the kitchen door banged open and the man whom Tifa was originally expecting entered. "Spikey! The hell you've been?" asked Barret, slapping him on the back. Cloud winced; Barret never had the gentlest of greetings.

"Barret, where's my turkey?" interrupted Tifa, looking at the man's empty hands.

"'Bout that," he muttered, scratching his chin. "Thought it might be faster to shoot the feathers off, but…"

"Barret!"

"Sorry Barret, I have to go," said Cloud. An idea had popped into his head just then, and he needed to get it done before he ran out of time. He wanted to show his family he wouldn't run away from them again.

"Where you gotta go?" asked the large man suspiciously.

"Just out." It would be tough finding something so unique at the last minute, but he'd do his best. "I'll be back before dinner!" he called, and hurried out the door.

xxx

"Now where to look…" Cloud muttered under his breath as he looked around at the various shops fifteen minutes later. He usually stayed away from the market, unless he stopped to view the weapons shop's new wares or needed to restock on potions.

Eventually he had to ask directions. The elderly woman and her daughter both laughed at his unease but told him exactly where to find the best jeweler's shop in Edge, where he was guaranteed to find whatever accessory or trinket he could possibly imagine.

Of course the shop was packed. The swordsman viewed the customers filing in and out with trepidation until he had built up enough courage to slip into the line. The building wasn't just packed with people; every square inch of space on tables and shelves was taken up by displays of belts, rings, necklaces, ribbons, keychains, headbands, circlets, pins, gloves, amulets, wristlets and other talismans. Some offered special protection against fiends while others were simply worn for fashion.

He walked around until he found the emptiest corner of the shop and selected a shelf at random to begin his search. As he reached for a clear container of earrings, a large pearl fell off the ledge and began to roll across the floor. Cloud chased after it, running into another shopper in the process.

"Watch where the f*#& yer going, a$$hole!" cursed the man, fumbling the item he was inspecting.

The swordsman halted in his tracks and turned back to the man in shock. "Cid?"

"Yeah, who the hell's ask—Cloud?" The pilot eyed him in surprise before becoming suspicious. "What're ya doin' here? If Tifa found out ya was in Edge and didn't go ta see her, she'd bust yer balls."

"I already went to Seventh Heaven." He looked down at the tiny black case in Cid's hands, which he quickly snapped shut and hid from view. "What are you doing here, Cid?"

"None of yer d&# business!" he snapped. He actually flushed a little. "Look here, we never saw each other. Right?"

"Sure."

After that both men parted ways. Cloud couldn't help but think this Christmas was certainly going to be interesting.

xxx

He returned home exhausted two hours later, fully reminded why he hated shopping. At least after all the scrounging through shelves and bins of miscellaneous jewelry he had found the perfect items. There was even a matching earring for himself. The only problem was he hadn't found anything for Marlene. He searched and searched, but there was nothing that fit. At last he had to give up and hoped he could make it up to her some other time.

He carefully opened the door and snuck into the bar. Luckily no one was in sight, so he crept up the stairs and into his office, where he operated Strife Delivery Service. Now where to stash the gifts? He had just pulled open his top desk drawer and was making room when he heard a soft "hmm" behind him.

Cloud whipped around, stuffing the small boxes into the drawer and quickly closing it. Tifa was leaning against the doorway, watching him with a raised eyebrow.

"I thought you were giving yourself a break, Cloud," she gently admonished. She walked over and Cloud stiffened, but she merely flipped close a textbook resting on the desk. Then the woman looked up into his face, staring at him with a mysterious smile.

"Cloud," she said in a low, tantalizing voice.

Cloud gulped, floundering and at a lost for what to do. "Y-yes?"

Tifa's smile widened and she closed the small gap between them. Cloud gasped when the woman shoved something into his chest that she had been hiding behind her back. He looked down. A string of Christmas lights?

"You promised you'd hang these up. It's getting late, and everyone is arriving in an hour." She winked and glided out of the room, leaving him gaping after her.

xxx

Night approached and the company came with it. To Cloud's initial shock Vincent was the first person there. Tifa whispered to him that the gunman probably wanted his arrival to be quiet, which he wouldn't get if most of the team was already there. She said this perception quietly, but even so, Vincent, who was halfway across the room, heard and gave his version of a small grin.

The door chimed a few moments later and Cloud and Tifa went to welcome the others. Cid and Shera came in from the snowy street, followed closely by Red XIII and Elmyra. Tifa quickly offered to take everybody's coats and scarves.

"Where's your coat, Cid?" asked Tifa when she noticed the pilot had on nothing but a blue t-shirt.

"That idiotic Shera forgot ta being one," replied Cid with a grumble.

"I'm sorry, captain," mumbled Shera with downcast eyes. She shrugged out of Cid's coat and meekly gave it to Tifa.

"Oh, stop f*#^in' appoligizin' already." The pilot coughed and then turned his attention to Cloud. "See, I told ya'll our fearless leader was back," clamored Cid, punching him in the arm as a greeting.

"And where did you see him again?" asked Red.

Cloud grimaced. So much for thinking Cid could keep his own secret.

There was a crash from the second story. Everyone turned as Yuffie came down the stairs, boots squeaking and dripping wet. "Who left a bucket of water in the bathroom?" she demanded as her bangs dripped water onto the hardwood floor.

"Serves ya right for not comin' in the front door with the rest of us, ya brat."

"Just like old times," commented Red, sharing a look with Cloud. He exchanged "Merry Christmas"s and then padded into the living room after the squabbling ninja and pilot.

"Thank you so much for inviting me, dearies. It was too kind of you," expressed Elmyra, giving them both a warm hug.

"Aerith wouldn't have wanted you spending the holiday by yourself," Tifa replied with a kind smile. "And Marlene wanted you to be here. She said she missed you." The martial artist guided the old woman into the house where everyone had gathered.

The final arrival was Reeve, who came with his newest model Cait Sith tagging at his heels. Both were wearing Santa Claus hats.

"Merry Christmas," greeted Reeve.

"And a happy new year!" added the robotic cat.

"Everybody here?" boomed Barret, who came down the stairs with the children. "Good, let's eat!" Without further ado he strode to the kitchen.

"Barret, we're sitting down and eating together. Don't touch the dessert yet!"

The bar was full of laughter as the group ate. All the tables had been pushed together and covered with festive tablecloths, just like it had been done during Cloud's childhood in Nibelheim. He found he was enjoying himself more than he had in months. Of course he was teased about his new wolf earring -"Couldn't you at least wrap your own gift and wait like everyone else, Strife?"- but he didn't care. It was great just having the whole team together again.

After dinner they gathered in the living room near the beautiful glittering Christmas tree, drinking eggnog and munching on sugar cookies.

"Present time!" shouted Yuffie, diving for the various boxes.

Barret grabbed her by the collar before she got to the tree. "Act your age, foo'. Let the children get theirs first."

The ninja grumbled as everyone laughed. Soon everyone was passing gifts around the room and it was a free-for-all as people began tearing through the bright wrappings and letting out delightful cries at what they found inside.

The best surprise came when Cid got down on his knees in front of a dumbfounded Shera. He dug into his pocket until he found the tiny black box with a diamond ring inside. Everyone shushed one another and giggled as the pilot coughed, looking extremely uncomfortable. "Look… Well… Ah f*#^ I don't know how ta do this! Shera, marry me!"

Shera looked like she didn't know how to respond. She looked down at the scruffy man who was trying his hardest not to appear nervous, and then to the glittering diamond as deep a blue as the endless skies.

"Y-yes, captain-I mean, Cid. I'd love to marry you."

"Good," replied Cid, though he looked immensely relieved as he slipped the ring on her finger. He stood up and gave her a quick kiss on the lips, which received whistles from most of the room. "What're ya'll staring at? Get back ta opening yer Gawddamn presents."

It turned out all of Cloud's friends pitched in to get him a new cell phone with a "special" plan.

"See, now you get unlimited text and picture messaging from anywhere in the world!" explained Yuffie excitedly. "So you don't technically have to talk to us. Just send a quick text!"

"Make sure to keep in touch," Tifa added, her tone sounding lighter than the look she gave him.

When the space below the tree was finally empty everyone sat around joking, reminiscing and filling in one another about their exploits in the past year prior to the last time they were all gathered. During the light-hearted conversation Yuffie was trying to act casual as she inched closer and closer to Vincent in an attempt to complete her sworn mission of the night. But it seemed like he was perfectly prepared to counter any of the ninja's plans. Yuffie was nearly sulking by the end of the night.

In a last ditch effort Yuffie abandoned all subterfuge and jumped at Vincent. But his reflexes proved too fast and he ducked as she sailed past him, slipped over the arm of the couch and landed in a heap on the floor, banging her head and elbow against the wall in the process.

"Stupid jerk vampire," Yuffie whimpered, rubbing her forehead where it had hit the wall. To her mortification, tears began forming in the corners of her eyes and she scrubbed them away in frustration. Master ninjas never cried, but why couldn't she just get her freaking kiss?!

She jumped a little when peaking from behind her hands she saw armor covered boots a foot away from where she was sitting. She looked up and saw Vincent staring down at her.

"I'm sorry," he murmured. Yuffie couldn't see most of his face, but the expression in his eyes looked sincere.

She sniffled and nodded, wondering how far she could milk this. "I just wanted a Christmas kiss," she whispered, lowering her eyes and trying her best to think sad thoughts.

Vincent sighed and reached down to help her up. Yuffie held back a grin as she was pulled to her feet. The gunman wanted to sigh again at the desolate puppy-dog look on her face. Well, it was only a kiss.

Yuffie squealed in delight as she felt Vincent's lips press lightly against her forehead. "Merry Christmas, Yuffie."

"Same to you, Vince," she replied, beaming up at the gunman. Ha, so he could be a nice guy after all!

It was getting late and everyone was talking about turning in for the night. But before anyone could leave, Marlene leapt from Barret's lap and skipped over to the hall closet, where she had hidden her special surprise for everyone.

The little girl looked so serious when she returned that everyone stopped talking so she could speak.

"I have something for everyone, because… because I don't think we should forget what this season is all about. It's not just about presents and being nice; it's about being with everyone, and remembering those we love." She reached into her bag and pulled out a long piece of thin pink ribbon, the same color as the bow in her hair. "Daddy says it's important to never forget anyone who returns to the Lifestream. There's someone we love that isn't here with us, and I think we should make sure we don't forget her."

All the adults quietly accepted their own ribbon as Marlene passed them around, some stroking it thoughtfully while others already beginning to tie it around their arms or wrists. There weren't too many faces that seemed unaffected by Marlene's speech.

She handed a ribbon to Denzel last. "You didn't know Aerith, but you would have liked her if you did, Denzel. She was a part of this family, just like you."

The boy took the pink ribbon silently and then looked around at the assembled group of very diverse individuals. He looked at Cloud last, his idol, the one who saved him and gave him this new life. The boy's smile was especially for him.

"I'll be damned. We all got showed up by a little girl," remarked Cid, looking down at his ribbon and shaking his head in amazement.

xxx

The sleeping arrangements agreed upon, although there were moments that strained the cheer of the festive holiday. All the guests were finally satisfied, leaving Cloud with Tifa, Denzel and Marlene alone in the living room.

"That was fun," shared a sleepy Marlene. "The best Christmas yet."

"You made it special, sweetie," replied Tifa, giving the girl a hug. "Come on, let's get you two to bed."

"Wait."

Tifa turned in surprise to Cloud, who was standing near the tree looking uncomfortable.

"What is it, Cloud?" she asked apprehensively. The evening had gone so well. She prayed the swordsman wouldn't ruin it by leaving.

"I have something for you. Denzel too."

"Okay," Tifa replied. She urged Marlene upstairs, promising to come up and tuck her in bed in a moment. Denzel looked uncertain as he stood next to Tifa, as if he didn't know why he wasn't going upstairs with his friend.

"I want to say… I'm sorry. It was wrong to abandon you. And I want you to believe that I won't do it again." He reached into his pocket and withdrew the two boxes he had wrapped, handing one to each of them.

He watched anxiously as both unwrapped the silver rings he had found. Both depicted the head of a wolf. A lone wolf that sometimes had so run solo, but would always be there when they needed him.

"Even if you're not in the city you're still with us, right?" Tifa said with a smile. She quietly slipped it on her finger, admiring how the silver gleamed in the low lighting.

"It's a little big," Cloud told Denzel apologetically as he watched the boy try to place it on his own finger. "I'll get you a chain so you can wear it around your neck."

Denzel nodded, unable to take his eyes off the hand carved wolf's head. He was amazed he had gotten a Christmas present. The swordsman must like him more than he thought. "Thanks, Cloud."

Cloud nodded, feeling relieved his gift had gone over well. Then he turned to Tifa, who was watching him with a peculiar expression. "Tifa, can I… go tuck Marlene in?"

The woman gave him a small smile and nodded. "Go ahead."

Cloud walked upstairs and tiptoed past the guests' rooms to the kid's bedroom. Marlene was already in bed, but her eyes were open as she patiently waited. He went over and sat down hesitantly on the mattress. If he thought giving the rings was hard, it was nothing compared to telling this little girl he didn't have a Christmas present for her.

"Sorry Marlene, I couldn't find a third ring for you," Cloud told her with a frown. He braced himself for her disappointment, so he was shocked when Marlene smiled and sat up to give him a hug.

"I don't need one, Cloud. Having you here is better than a ring."

"Are you sure?" He could still go out tomorrow and brave the crowds to find a toy or something for her.

"Yep." She hugged him once more and then settled back into her pillow, allowing Cloud to pull the sheets up around her. "Good night," she said, her words trailing into a yawn.

"Good night." Cloud watched her for a moment before getting up and walking quietly out of the room.

"That was sweet," whispered Tifa, who was waiting for him in the hall.

Cloud just shrugged self-consciously. Oh, how he wished he could just explain his feelings for once in his life!

Denzel crept by and the adults both called out "good night" as he closed the bedroom door.

"I'm glad I came back," the swordsman finally forced aloud.

Tifa brightened at the direct admission. "I'm glad too."

Slowly, she reached up on tiptoes and kissed Cloud's lips. The knot of worry, stress and fear seemed to come loose as he wrapped his arms around Tifa and kissed her back. He had been waiting for this moment for years.

Thank you, Zack. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you.

He silently promised that he'd never give up on life again. The ghosts' lessons were kept in his heart forevermore, when the snow melted into spring and the geostigma plague became even more momentous, and he was further crippled by the disease. Even during the ominous arrival of the Remnants and Sephiroth's rebirth, Cloud never lost the flame that had been rekindled in his heart. He earned the right to be called the living legacy of a hero, because he was a true hero himself.


Please review! =) And thanks to the contestants who contributed what gift they wanted a character to receive for Christmas from another character. For Skykhanhunter: you blocked receiving messages on your account, so if you want to tell me your request in a review, please do so and I'll add it in.