Tifa's Story
The downcast and confused Tifa Lockhart was left behind to stare at Squall and Prishe's distancing figures. She stood there, pondering of what remained of her fantasy of being Squall's partner for the day's patrols, when a familiar voice broke her train of thoughts.
"Dear, dear," the sleek and silky voice of the time witch Ultimecia sounded in barely a whisper in her right ear. "You sure care a lot about Squall having the wrong perception of you." It was evident that she had not truly left the Sanctuary after their exchange earlier, instead remaining in the shadows to watch the drama unfold.
"I do not!" Tifa angrily burst out, jumping away and turning to face the time witch in her battle stance. But even in her own voice, the echoes of lies reverberated. With a mirthless laugh, Ultimecia gave her a contemptuous look, blatantly indicating that she was unconvinced.
"We're both women, you silly girl" Ultimecia cooed, making her best possible attempt at sounding sympathizing and caring. "Squall came from the same world as I do. I know things about him that you don't. Why don't we put aside our enmity for now and discuss our little lion?"
"I-I…." Tifa stammered hesitantly. On one hand, she knew that Ultimecia was an enemy, and she could not have had Squall's or any of her allies' interests in her mind. But on the other, what she said did make sense, and she did know Squall better than she could have known him. Steeling her voice trying to sound as though she was not tempted by her offer, she asked, "What would you gain from helping me?"
Ultimecia chuckled at Tifa's rather pathetic attempt at hiding her interest in her offer. "Nothing but some entertainment" she said, "I have nothing to lose either." She extended her claw like hands towards Tifa and spoke in a soft, hypnotizing voice, "Come child, I can help you. Don't let our difference in factions get in the way of your love. Surely you can't wish for this misunderstanding to last forever?"
Whilst her brain struggled to overcome Ultimecia's temptations, Tifa found her feet striding several steps towards Ultimecia on its own. What can she possibly do to harm me or Squall? If I just listen to what she has to say, it might not actually do any harm. I can't let Squall continue his wrong perception of me any longer. At the back of her mind, those whispering voices continued to sound incessantly. Before she knew it, she had extended her own hand to touch Ultimecia's…
The moment they touch, Tifa began to lose herself. The world spun around her and in her ears Ultimecia's voice reverberated strangely, as though she was underwater. "Foolish child… You will be my pawn in conquering Cosmos's minions. Now sleep… until Chaos' victory is assured."