Hello again! Thanks for all the readers and the reviews, it's great to hear from you guys and I'm glad you are enjoying this addition to the story. I want to thank 'pied flycatcher' for informing me that 'The Decision Between Life or Death' has been nominated for 'the best completed chaptered fic' in the Genesis Awards! Its an awards site for the best of final fantasy vii fanfiction! If you would like to see the other nominations try this link: genesisawards./index.cgi?boardsubmitnominations&actiondisplay&thread1177937142 lol. it's kinda long. I'm so surprised, i never thought I'd get nominated for anything and the best part is I'm on the list with 'I know whats beneath the snow fields'! Thanks so much to the member called 'Silent' for nominating me! You made my day, and gave me new inspiration! -Annubis
The Decision Between Life or Death:
A Second Chance
Chapter 4
He felt his feet aching as he crossed the plain. There was no need to stop, he had to make it to Edge as soon as possible. Vincent felt around in the pocket of his dark jacket.
'Why won't they answer the phone? I wonder if they're in trouble?' Vincent pulled out his PHS and stared at the brightly colored screen. There was no use, Tifa and Cloud hadn't answered the phone at all in the past two days.
Vincent went through his address list, debating on his next actions. If Cloud and Tifa were indeed in trouble he may want to call the others to warn them about what he had seen in the Ancient City. He stared at the number at the bottom of his list and felt a shiver run down his spine.
'I've got to call her. She'd never leave me alone if I didn't.' Vincent sighed as he hit the send button, he may as well call her first to get it over with. At least he'd have an excuse to get off the line to call the others. He listened to the dull tones of the ringer as he trudged along the grassy path.
"Hello!? Vincent!? Vincent is that you!? Why the hell did it take you so long to call me!? Ya know, I've only known you for YEARS now! So what the hell's going on with you? Anything new?" Yuffie's voice pierced through the man's ears.
It wasn't that he didn't like the girl, it was just that she was always too energetic. She could talk for hours and every minute would be as loud and cheery as the first.
"Yuffie. I have something I need to tell you." Vincent interrupted her banter.
"Something to tell me?" Yuffie's voice was high pitched, full of excitement. He could tell she was ready to burst. He waited another moment before telling her. "Stop it, Vincent! You never call me unless it's something real good! Spill it already!"
"You've got to let me finish the whole story before you interrupt, okay? And I can't talk too long, I've got others to call." Vincent stared at the gray sky above.
"Marlene what are you doing?" Denzel set his lunch box on the counter. The little girl was sitting at the bar, swinging her feet slowly as she rested her head on her arms. He cringed when he looked at the clock. He stayed after school too long with the other kids.
"Waiting for Tifa to come out of her room." Marlene sighed.
"How long has she been in there?" Denzel raised an eyebrow.
"Since I've been home..." Marlene shook her head.
"But...that was two hours ago, Marlene!" the boy leaned over the counter, staring at her in shock. "Is she dead!?"
"What do you think?" the girl rolled her eyes. "She only tells me that she doesn't feel well and she's locked the door."
"But she was supposed to open up the bar by now. She's gonna get in trouble." the boy ran up the stairs. "TIFA!"
"Denzel, leave her alone!" Marlene leapt from the bar stool and followed the boy up the wooden stairs.
"Hey! Tifa! What are you doing?" Denzel knocked on the door. "The bar is supposed to be open. People are gonna get mad."
"I don't care!" came a muffled voice from inside the room.
"She won't come out, I've been trying for a long time." Marlene leaned against the wall.
"But...she's a grownup. She's not supposed to act like this." Denzel sighed. "Maybe she needs help!" the boy turned and ran down the stairs, jumping over the last few.
"Help? How are we gonna help! We can't touch the alcohol, Tifa would kill us!"the girl watched as Denzel pulled on the cabinets and drawers.
"Damn...she locked 'em." He climbed onto one of the stools.
"You're just gonna cause more trouble for Tifa if you got into any of that stuff anyway." The girl sat next to the boy. They sat alone in the bar listening to the ticking of the large clock. Their silence was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. The two children spun around quickly.
"...this place is dead." a man entered the room. He was tall and wore dark clothing. Marlene's eyes bugged out.
"You're back!" she jumped from the bar stool and sprinted across the room towards the man.
"Marlene!" Denzel slowly climbed from his stool as well but he did not follow her. He didn't recognize the man. 'Why would she run up to a complete stranger!?' he folded his arms and looked up and down at the man. He stared at his dark boots, dark pants, and dark jacket. Everything about him was dark including his hair and his expression.
"We've missed you!" the little girl wrapped her arms around the man's waist. Denzel watched in a disapprovingly manner.
"..." the man's red eyes watched the girl as he placed a gold arm around her back.
'Gold arm?' Denzel recalled a man from a few years ago who had a metallic claw and wore a red cape.
"Where's Tifa?" He asked Marlene.
"Vincent! You've got to help Tifa!" Marlene was already on the verge of tears. Vincent felt his heart skip a beat.
"Why? What's wrong?" He kneeled next to the girl and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"She won't come out of her room. She refuses." Denzel stayed by the bar. Marlene looked back at the boy as she sniffled.
"How long has she been in there?" Vincent stood slowly and made his way towards the stairs.
"Probably all day." the boy groaned. He stared at Vincent as he walked up the stairs towards Tifa's room.
"Vincent will help. He's a good friend of Tifa's." Marlene beamed. It was amazing how quickly her mood could change.
"You sure? He looks a little...creepy." Denzel muttered under his breath.
"You're face is creepy!" she stuck out her tongue. "Besides, this is the closest to normal I've ever seen him!"
"This is normal? You call that claw, normal?" Denzel made his way to the foot of the stairs. He raised an eyebrow. Vincent was staring at the door, but he wasn't moving or speaking. "Marlene...this guy's weird."
"He is not!" She shoved the boy out of the way and climbed the stairs. Denzel followed slowly.
Vincent stared at the knob on the door. He didn't bother to turn it, he figured the children already tried numerous times. He raised his hand to the door and knocked softly.
"Tifa?" he called out in a low voice. It was almost soothing, a great contrast to the children's yelling and pounding. Silence followed. Vincent reached for the knob. "Tifa. Can I come in? Please?" he turned the knob.
"She won't let you in. I bet not even Cloud could get her out." Marlene sighed.
"I bet she's in there because of Cloud." Denzel added. Vincent turned to the children.
"I'll try my best to get her out. While I do, why don't you two post a note telling everyone the bar is closed for the night." the man patted Marlene on the shoulder.
"...Then can we watch TV?" Denzel beamed.
"Sure." the man nodded.
"Come on, Marlene!" the boy grabbed the girl's hand and pulled her towards the stairs. She followed apprehensively, and looked back at Vincent.
"Make her happy Vincent. She was angry this morning..." the girl added before disappearing around the corner.
'I'll try my best...' Vincent sighed softly.
"Tifa..." he called through the door with a little edge to his voice. "Why are you locked up in there?" he leaned his head against the door, his long hair pooled over a shoulder. There was no answer.
"Alright. You give me no choice. I'm coming in and you're not stopping me." the man pulled a pointed, metallic finger towards the lock on the door. He turned his wrist a few times as he twisted the knob. He heard the soft click of the door opening and slowly pushed against the surface, opening it further.
"Tifa...you in here?" The voice invaded the room. He looked at the bed. In the center of the messy sheets was a blanketed covered lump. Vincent gave a crooked grin as he stepped slowly towards the bump on the bed. He sat next to it; he felt the lump move towards the new depression in the mattress. Vincent placed his metallic hand on the lump and patted it softly. He stared out the window.
"The leaves are beginning to change color. The bright, lively green will soon fade into the hues of red and orange. The tips will freeze with soft blades of ice as a dead color follows. They will tumble and fall throughout the harsh winds of winter. No one despairs, however, because they know that the beautiful liveliness will return and bring smiles upon faces once again. One should not fret, because then the simple things are no longer beautiful." the man stood and made his way to the window. He watched as the sun began to set early. "You're missing the simple things, Tifa." He glanced towards the bed and waited.
The lump shifted and a hand came into view. The hand tugged on the blanket revealing Tifa's face, the rest of her being remained hidden. He could see that she had been crying and her hair hung in her face.
"Like what?" she grumbled. Her brown eyes stared at his, it was an innocent stare, one that Marlene would give.
"Like this." a pointed claw tapped on the window pane. Tifa pulled her head and shoulders from the covers as she sat up. The light from the window shown onto her face, giving her an orange glow. Her pearl earrings sparkled in the light.
"..." Tifa set her bare feet onto the ground. She held the blanket around her as she walked to the window. She stared at Vincent's eyes. The orange light made his eyes glow even more, contrasting greatly with his dark hair. She gave him a wry smile before turning her attention to the setting sun. "I didn't know you were so corny."
"Excuse me?" he turned to her, his hands on his hips. Tifa giggled. "So...I'm a romantic."
"I'd say so. A natural poet." She giggled again. Her head tilted to the side. "I don't think I remember the last time I saw you blush, Vincent."
The man cleared his throat. He turned his head away from her and placed a hand on his head. There was a slight pause before he turned back to her.
"See the thanks I get? I come all the way here because I was worried about you and you say such horrible things to me." the man stared at the purple clouds in the sky.
"Worried?" Tifa's mood changed.
"Well, I've been trying to call you and Cloud the past couple of days and I've got no answer. I've even left messages."
"Messages? Oh! Vincent I'm sorry! I never even thought it was you who was calling. I didn't answer because I thought it was just more orders for Cloud and I forgot to check the messages...because...I just forgot." She leaned her head against the cold window pane. She immediately felt the bumps spread across her skin as she shivered.
"I had thought that maybe something had happened. I have something important to talk to the both of you about. Do you know when Cloud will be home?" He glanced at the woman. She breathed out slowly, her breath fogged the glass. He watched her patiently as she wrote her name on the window. "Will he even be home tonight, Tifa?"
"...Why did you leave us, Vincent?" the woman placed her hand on the cold surface and wiped away her name. Her chocolate eyes met his.
"Tifa. I..." He sighed. The problem was obviously Cloud and he thought it best to go ahead and change subject. "I had things to do."
"But you never said anything. You just left! There was nothing, no phone calls, no messages, no letters, nothing..." Tifa lowered her head. "We were worried."
"You shouldn't worry about me, Tifa." Vincent placed his hand on her shoulder. The room was silent for a minute. The glow was fading into a red-violet. Vincent's eyes no longer held the brilliant glow from minutes before.
"You can't tell someone not to worry about you." She shook her lowered head slowly. Her hair crawled over her shoulder and across her front. Her eyes raised. "How is she?"
"...She's still distant. Hides in that cave...within that crystal garden of hers. She keeps wanting to hide and blame herself for everything." Vincent dropped his hand from her shoulder and leaned forward against the thin window sill.
"Sounds familiar." Tifa scoffed. She looked out the window. Vincent turned his head toward her.
"It does, doesn't it?" a smirk crossed his face. "Sounds like the both of us."
"You and... me? or-." Tifa bit her lip.
"Me and Cloud." Vincent pushed his hair behind his shoulders.
"Oh, yeah." She let out an airy laugh. "Don't change the subject, Vincent. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I couldn't tell you." the red eyed man pressed his forehead against the window. "I just couldn't, Tifa."
"But why?" her hand wrapped around his. He looked at her, his gaze questioning. He could see new tears rim her eyes. He turned to her, staring down at her. The purple lights from the approaching night covered her face. She grabbed his metallic hand as well. She was the only one Vincent had ever known who would touch his cursed limb.
"I...I didn't want to hurt you." He couldn't look into her eyes. "I couldn't bare to see you get like this because of me. I couldn't bare the thought of hurting you like that." his voice was barely audible, low and soft like in a dream.
"It still hurt. It hurt more than anything..." Tifa whispered. Vincent felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. "I would have wanted you to tell me."
"..." He looked down at her hands in his. He let out a ragged breath. "I...I was afraid that if I had come to tell you that I was leaving that I would never-."
A knock on the door downstairs interrupted the conversation. Vincent tore his gaze away from the woman entirely, he stared at the messy covers on the bed. The woman let out a gasp.
"Cloud's home! Cloud's home!" Marlene and Denzel's voice called out.
"Oh! No...don't let him in!" Tifa dropped Vincent's hands. She looked at him with apologetic eyes. He smirked and nodded his head. She dropped her blanket and darted out of the room.
'I would never have left...and it would have pained me to stay to see you like this.' Vincent stared at the rising moon.
"No! No! NO!" Tifa approached the opening door. She saw Cloud's face as she pushed against the door and slammed it.
"What?" Cloud's voice called from the other side.
"What the hell are you doing!?" Denzel rushed to Tifa's side.
"Denzel! Don't use that language!" Tifa fought with the door opening again. She let out a nervous laugh as she shoved it closed again and pulled up the chain to lock the door.
"Tifa! What're you doing?" Cloud's voice called out.
"What's happening? Is Cloud in trouble?" Marlene gaped at the scene.
"Children, be good and do as I say, please?" Tifa breathed heavily as she tried to hold the door closed. She laughed again. This was ridiculous! The two children nodded their heads. "Okay, please go upstairs, you can watch TV in Cloud's room."
"The big one!?" Denzel jumped up and down.
"Yup! You can even watch one of his movies he's got up there too!" Tifa chirped.
"The scary ones!?" Marlene held her hands to her chest.
"You...bet!" Tifa groaned. "Just go! NOW!"
"Whoo hoo!" Denzel and Marlene dashed out of the room and upstairs. Once they were out of sight Tifa let go of the door.
"Whew!" She took a deep breath. The door popped open and stopped abruptly because of the chain lock.
"Tifa! What the hell!?" Cloud gaped at the woman through the small crack in the door. His eyes were wide.
"Don't you give me that!" Tifa hissed through the crack in the door.
"Um...did I do something wrong?" Cloud raised an eyebrow.
"What do you think?" She scowled.
"Tifa, I...I don't understand. Is it because I'm home this late? I've been later before." Cloud chuckled nervously.
"No Cloud! It's not that. Actually I'm sick of you coming home late, I'm sick of you leaving and never coming back, I'm sick of raising the kids all alone in this hell hole of a home!I-" She was cut off.
"Tifa. I know. I haven't been the greatest lately. And I am really sorry, but can we talk about this later?" His blue eyes pleaded at her. Tifa held her breath, she would melt any day for that gaze but she couldn't allow herself to give in.
"We'll never talk about it, it's now or never!" Tifa stomped her foot. She saw Cloud look over his shoulder a moment. This raised her curiosity.
"I've got good news, Tifa. I wanted to surprise you but I had some things to do before I came home." He put his hand through the crack in the door, reaching for the latch on the lock.
'Something to do? You mean someone!' Tifa's thoughts were only worsening her anger.
"Oh no you don't! What's this wonderful news about?" She pushed his hand away.
"Well...if you'd open the door I would show you, but I think you've pretty much ruined the mood of the situation." Cloud sighed. Tifa thought she heard something come from next to him.
"What? Is there someone with you?" Tifa clenched her fists. 'He didn't. He wouldn't dare bring that-' her thoughts were cut off.
"I wanna see her!" Marlene came running down the stairs. "I wanna see sis!"
"What? Marlene, go back upstairs." Tifa pointed towards the staircase.
"No, not until I see her!" the girl clenched her fists.
"Marlene...let Tifa take care of this." Vincent's voice called from the foot of the stairs.
"Oh, Vincent, I'm so sorry." Tifa sighed. She just wanted to go back to her room for fifty years.
"Tifa? Can you at least unlock the door and let me in? I'll explain everything to you." Cloud mumbled. He was leaning forward, trying to get a batter look at Tifa's face.
'Has she been crying?' Cloud frowned.
"Explain what?" Tifa asked.
"Sister!" Marlene's voice called out. Tifa heard a giggle come from the other side of the door, and it sure as hell wasn't Cloud.
"You did bring her here!" Tifa glared at the door.
"Tifa, does Cloud have someone with him?" Vincent called suddenly. He approached her. "I think you better let him in."
"What the hell's going on!?" Tifa tugged on her hair. Vincent unlocked the door and let Cloud in.
"Vincent!" Cloud stood up. He rubbed the back of his head. "Long time no see!"
"Cloud. I have something to tell you and Tifa, but I have a feeling you already know what that something is." Vincent looked around the corner of the doorway. A smile crossed his face. He spun back around, facing an angry and confused Tifa.
"What...is...going...on?" she folded her arms.
"Take a deep breath and calm down. Things obviously are not as you think." Vincent sat in a chair by one of the tables. Tifa stared at him in disbelief.
"Um, Tifa. I'm not really sure why you're so pissed at me, but I have a surprise for you." Cloud gave her a sheepish smile. Tifa felt her heart explode.
'A surprise for me? What? Why? But...that woman?' Tifa bit her lower lip.
"Now...It's probably something you should sit down for. I mean, it's not your typical surprise." Cloud laughed nervously. He turned his head and looked outside. Tifa leaned, trying to see what he was looking at.
'Maybe it's a new car.' Tifa smirked.
"I think I'll stand. I'm calm now." She put her hands on her hips.
"Ok, if you say so." Cloud smiled and waved his hand as if cuing someone. Tifa raised an eyebrow. The blond stepped out of the way as a person walked into Tifa's bar. The person was a she, and she had long brown hair, it was the woman Cloud was holding in the church. Tifa, for a split second, felt like terrorizing the entire place and then she saw the woman's bright green eyes.
"C, Cloud..." Tifa felt herself get sick. Every one of her hairs stood on end. "Sh, she has eyes like Aeris..." Tifa pointed.
"Sis!" Marlene ran to the woman and wrapped her arms around he middle.
"Oh my! So much excitement today!" The woman giggled. Her brown braid swung as she knelt next to the girl. Tifa's eyes bugged out as she turned her gaze from Cloud to Vincent and back.
"I thought you were dead!" Marlene exclaimed.
"Well, now. That seems a little unlikely now, doesn't it?" the woman stood. "Hey, I tell ya what...why don't you go back upstairs and I'll come up to see you in a bit. I have something very important to do and then I'll talk to you for as long as you want."
"You promise? You'll even stay the night!?" Marlene jumped up and down.
"I promise!"
"Ok!" Marlene darted up the stairs and back into Cloud's office.
Tifa stood in awe, she felt her legs shaking. This wasn't possible, this did not just happen. She stared at the brilliant eyes in front of her.
"Aeris...But...it's not possible..." Tifa mumbled. Vincent stood, carrying a chair with him. He set it behind Tifa as she fell. She landed hard in the seat.
"Hi, Tifa. It really is me... Aeris."
"...but I saw you...when you died." Tifa muttered.
"I did die, Tifa. I just didn't want Marlene to know. I've been with Cloud all day." Aeris smiled. She sat down next to Tifa. Cloud shut the front door.
"I know, I saw you." Tifa laughed.
"You...saw us?" Aeris looked back at Cloud. "Oh, goodness! Cloud! I bet that's why she was so upset with you!" Aeris giggled.
"Huh?" Cloud scratched his head.
"You thought...he was seeing another woman?" Aeris leaned forward, grabbing her friend's hands.
"Oh my! I feel like such an idiot!" Tifa leaned back in the chair. "Wait...another woman? I, well we..."
"Cloud and I have had a long talk today about things. I made him promise that he'll do better at helping you with the kids. I've watched you with them, and their a lot of work!" Aeris smiled. She turned her attention to Vincent. "Hi, Vincent!" She waved.
"I saw you. As well." he replied.
"You saw me?" Aeris looked around the room. "When?"
"When you came out of the water. I was in the city, one of the places I usually visit. I had heard something strange coming from the pond so I went to investigate." His metallic claws tapped on the table. Tifa watched the other woman in awe.
"I bet you were quite surprised!" Aeris giggled. "I was so afraid I was going to drown!"
"Indeed I was, and that was why I was trying to get ahold of you two the past couple of days." Vincent eyed Cloud.
"I see. So you were worried because...maybe if Aeris was alive..." Tifa sat up in her chair. The room remained silent.
"Sephiroth..." Cloud clenched his fists. He stared at the floor beneath his feet.
"Oh...I wouldn't worry about him just yet. He is looking for a way out, but I am pretty sure he has no clue how I got back here." Aeris stood up.
"Wait...Sephiroth was with you in the Lifestream?" Cloud gaped at the green eyed girl.
"Yup. He found me." Aeris shivered. "And he's still as bad as ever!"
"How did you get back here?" Tifa was bewildered. There were so many questions. Aeris had a feeling that she was going to be up all night long.
"Well, actually, I'm not quite sure. I know it has something to do with the Lifestream...at least that's my bet." she twirled her locks with a finger.
"I've called everyone else and told them about the situation, they are heading for Edge as we speak. I imagine they'll all be here by tomorrow night." Vincent added this bit of information.
"Everyone!?" Aeris gasped. "I'll get to see them again!" She hopped with excitement.
"Looks like I'll have to close the bar down again..." Tifa sighed.
"Red XIII will be here as well, but I presume later than the others. He mentioned something about his grandfather's records and researching the Lifestream and it's capabilities with the Cetra." Vincent eyed Aeris.
"Then maybe he can tell us something about how Aeris was able to come back." Tifa grinned. "This is gonna take a while to get used to. I'm still finding it hard to believe."
"Oh, your bar! Tifa can I help tomorrow? Maybe instead of closing it completely we can just close early." Aeris held her hands out in front of her. "Can I help? It would be so much fun!"
Tifa stared at the woman, how could she say no? This was her best friend. Tifa had thought just the other day how much she had missed Aeris and had wanted her company.
"Sure thing." Tifa smiled.
"Oh, and I'm sure Vincent will help as well!" Aeris wrapped an arm around the man's chest. He stiffened under her touch, Aeris giggled.
"Of course..." He muttered.
"Great then tomorrow it'll be just like old times!" the green eyed woman cheered.
"But wait..." Cloud started. Everyone stared at him. "Where's Zack?"
"Oh...yeah..." Aeris' grin quickly faded into a frown. She walked towards the door, in front of everyone. "I forgot about that...he doesn't know."
"He doesn't know!?" Cloud placed a hand to his forehead.
"But, but I can change that! It's just...I wanted to make sure I knew how to do it first. It was more like a test run..." Aeris looked at the ground, her foot poked the wooden floor. "You see...I was gonna go back and tell him once I figured out how I came back."
"Go back and tell him?" Tifa stood from her chair.
"Yeah..." Aeris let her breath out slowly.
"And...how exactly do you plan on doing that?" Cloud eyed the woman suspiciously.
"Um...well...you see..." Aeris looked at everyone. She bit on her knuckle.
"Oh no..." Vincent murmured. Aeris took a deep breath and turned towards Cloud.
"Cloud...I need you to kill me." The room went silent.
Okay thats the end of this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. I will apologize in advance if theres a long delay in the next chapter. I will be in two different states within the two weeks. I hope I will find the time between the wedding and the trip to write the chapter. Don't worry, I do plan on writing asap, and I will try to get it up within the next week! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! -Annubis