Final Fantasy Advent Children: Family
Author's Note: I decided to put this chapter up since I have this already. Not a lot of facts in this chapter. So, I didn't need to double check with my notes. This chapter was fun to write and my favorite. You will also see a special guest in this chapter. Also take note I changed the summary. I just thought of a better one while I was at class today. Please read the second author's note if you like. Enjoy!
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Chapter 3:
A little push
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Denzel looked worriedly at Barret's cell phone after leaving another message on Cloud's phone. He immediately closed the phone and gave it back to Barret. "He didn't answer," Denzel said, distressed. "I already left him 3 messages. Where did he go?"
Barret only shook his head as he folded his arms. "Hard ta tell. What's goin' through that Spiky head of his? Geez, always unpredictable…!" Barret sighed exasperatingly as he leaned against the wall. Denzel simply nodded subtly in response.
"Well, whatever he had to take care of, he betta do it soon. Tifa's worried 'bout him."
A sound from the hallway made the two look up to see a nurse walking by, holding an IV bag , IV pole and tube. Barret and Denzel were now standing in the hallways of the maternity ward on the 3rd floor in one of Edge's refined hospitals, with the most up-to-date medical technology, curtsey of Rufus and his generous donation. The hallways were painted in pink with little baby toys on top. The floors on the hallway were made of fine wood and each door was colored cream. In front of them was the nurse's station with several nurses in different colored scrubs doing whatever business they were taking care of. Unlike the typical white, plan walls and white, cold tiled floors, this section of the hospital was a happy, feminine place. Barret felt uncomfortable since this type of department was not his taste. He wasn't a fan for feminine things after all.
Suddenly, a woman's scream was heard from the room across the hall, making Barret feel a shiver run down his spine and Denzel's face paled at the awful noise. Where in the world where they?
Marlene sat comfortably in a pink, cushioned, rocking chair as she watched cartoons on the HDTV placed on the wall. She wasn't really concentrating on the cartoons as her eyes wandered to the bathroom door, where Tifa was changing. She was concerned. Ever since they arrived at the hospital, Tifa's mind was elsewhere. It seemed as if the excitement of having the baby disappeared from her eyes. Marlene knew that wasn't the case at all. What joy would come from this if the father of the baby was not there to share this special moment?
The door finally opened and Tifa was dressed in a pink hospital gown. She carefully sat herself on the bed, brushing her hair to smooth out any tangles. Marlene could see the worried look in Tifa's eyes again, even though she was hiding it. She knew her guardian well as she always saw her numerous times with that same look when Cloud was gone. Lowering the volume, Marlene placed the remote control on the table and sat next to Tifa.
"Tifa…"
Tifa's mind instantly snapped out of her trance like state and turned to the young girl. She couldn't hide anything from Marlene. Like Tifa herself, Marlene was able to pick up what the person was truly feeling.
Marlene smiled at her. "Didn't he make a promise to you?" she asked innocently. She remembered Tifa's stories about her childhood with Cloud. The promise they made before he left to join SOLDIER was the highlight of her story. It almost reminded her of a knight in shining armor vowing to protect his princess from any danger. Though Tifa was the one who initiated the promise, Cloud managed to keep the promise, even though he was always late.
Tifa's eyes widened a little bit. "Marlene…"
"He won't leave you. I'm sure." For a while, Tifa looked at the young girl, trying to figure out what she was trying to do. She knew Cloud wouldn't leave her alone like this, especially in this critical time. However, for some reason, hearing it from someone else was reassuring. It was even more reassuring to hear it from her family. Finally, a small smile appeared on her face as she patted Marlene's head gently and nodded her head.
Denzel didn't like staying here, especially with the sounds of people screaming. Deciding that it was best to get out of the hallway, Denzel turned to Barret. "I'm gonna check on Tifa!" Denzel declared and ran off, leaving poor Barret alone to hear such a torturous sound. He entered the room a few doors down from where he was standing and peered into the room. Tifa was now seating fully on the bed, with the covers around her legs, looking at the covers distractedly. On Tifa's right was her nurse who was setting her up on the fetal monitor. Denzel carefully went inside.
Tifa's mind soon returned to reality when she saw Denzel approach her. "Any luck?" she asked hopefully. Denzel shook his head reluctantly. Tifa sighed worriedly. He didn't like seeing her like this. Denzel was so used to seeing her strong and sure. She never once showed a sign of weakness. If only Cloud were here.
"Tifa," he said worriedly. He was about to say more but he closed his mouth. If only he knew what to say to her. What would Cloud do in this situation?
"Don't worry, Denzel," Tifa said as she looked up at Denzel. "I know he'll come." What bothered her t was his eyes. Though she knew through those eyes that he will return to her, she was still having doubts about the whole situation. What if that look was only a façade from the truth? Would Cloud truly run away? No, she shouldn't be thinking negatively like this. If she were to think negatively, then something bad will definitely happen.
"Tifa…" She looked up again to see Marlene beside her bed. By that time, the television was off. "Is it okay if we get breakfast? We'll bring the food up here." Tifa noted the tired and hungry looks in both children's eyes.
"Of course. Go ahead and eat," Tifa said with a smile.
"Thanks Tifa! We'll be back!" With that, the two immediately ran out the door.
"Don't run in the halls!" Tifa warned. He heard a distinct yelp from Denzel from the other side of the door. Passing by her door was a gurney that evidently was the thing Denzel almost ran over. "I told you! Denzel be careful!"
"OKAY!" she heard his faint voice calling.
As soon as she heard Barret and the two walk further away from her room, Tifa looked out the window. The sun was beginning to rise. She could see the outline of the city, now fully developed after a year's time. Time wore on as she sat on her hospital bed, with the sounds of the hospital as her only entertainment. She didn't have the heart to turn on the television. She could hear each and every sound pass by her room. She could hear people talking in front of the nurse's station, asking where to go or what they should do. She could hear the gurneys being transferred from place to place. The beeping sounds came from her ultrasound, hearing the baby's fast heart beat.
"Did you hear? The mother over in room 3215 lost her baby during birth…"
Her heart suddenly froze when two people stopped in front of her slightly opened door, unaware that she was listening to the conversation.
"Are you serious?" the other person asked with a shocked voice.
"Yeah, the doctor didn't make it in time. He wanted to do a c-section because the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck. But the baby's already too near the opening. He was forced take out the baby vaginally. He had no other choice."
"The mother must be devastated."
"Uh-huh. She doesn't have anyone with her. Her husband told her to leave the baby in the hospital last night. He deemed the baby as an accident and doesn't want anything to do with it. Can you believe that was when she just begun labor?"
"The poor thing. She must be so depressed..."
"And she's such a sweet person. I knew that she would keep the baby despite her loser husband's pleas…"
The baby dying right after birth? Her anxiety began to increase as she lovingly caressed her swollen belly. Her confidence with this birth dwindled after hearing such a sad story. She was definitely scared out of her wits. Tears started to form in her eyes.
"Can I really do this?" she thought.
"Cloud," was what came into her mind and whispered his name out sadly to no one. She truly needed him by her side. Without him, she felt hopeless.
"You normally wouldn't be sad. I'm surprised, Tifa…"
Tifa's eyes widened at the familiar playful, gentle voice she heard.
"Aerith…" she whispered knowingly.
"It's been a while," Aerith said, Tifa noting the smile in her voice. "How have you been Tifa? I thought you were happy after you two got together…"
In that instant, Tifa could feel as if Aerith was standing beside her when she sat in this hospital bed. She could feel the gentleness and warmth Aerith always radiated. It felt like ages since she felt that warmth. She truly missed her friend.
The happiness of hearing her old friend again didn't last long as Tifa's smile slowly faded. "Aerith…I'm not sure if I'm doing okay…"
"Hmm? Why?" Tifa noted the change in Aerith's voice. It held concern.
"I'm…scared…about this whole birth. I-I'm not sure if I can do this…and…if you noticed…Cloud is not here…"
"He's out there again, brooding, right?" asked Aerith knowingly. Unconsciously, Tifa nodded her head, although she didn't know if it were true.
"Is it wrong of me to worry like this? I mean, he's probably having a lot of things to think about. I'm not sure…I don't know what to think anymore…"
"Cloud will come, Tifa. You know that more than anyone," Aerith reassured gently. "Although he may be late from time to time, he wouldn't leave you like this. But, it's normal for you to worry like that. Nothing's wrong about worrying. You are giving birth to your first child."
"But I feel like…everything's going wrong. I feel so…scattered. I feel insecure," Tifa said as she placed her hands over her swollen belly. "Can I go through this pregnancy? Can I survive it? Will our baby be all right?"
"Cloud's most likely thinking the same thing as you are. You just want the best outcome, that's all…"
Tifa felt tears forming in her eyes. "Cloud will come. Let him come in his own terms, Tifa. He needs to clear his head like you do." Tifa thought she felt something warm being placed over her shoulder. "Until the time he comes, I'll remain by your side and give you all the support I can…"
A lone tear cascaded down her cheek as Tifa smiled. "Thank you, Aerith…"
"Running away again, I see," the voice in Cloud's head asked amusedly. Cloud knew that tone of voice very well. In front of him was a perfect view what was left of Midgar, the once flourishing city that was a double bladed sword that benefited the people, but slowly killing the planet. He sat on top of a cliff that marked the resting place of his best friend. This place also marked the beginning of his turbulent adventure few years ago. The Buster Sword that was once placed on this very area was placed in a proper area among the flowers within Aerith's church. The place where the Buster Sword was once place was now growing slowly with flowers.
"Giving me the silent treatment, eh? Can't say I'm too happy about that…"
Cloud frowned a bit at his friend's cheery voice.
"What's with you all of a sudden? Why are you up here? Did someone ride you like a chocobo again?" Zack Fair's voice rang through his head.
Again, Cloud remained silent. "Heh, whatever, I already know what you thinking. I'm not that stupid you know." He paused for a few moments. Then, a collective gasp came right after. "Ah! Are you calling me stupid!? Oi, oi! Are you making fun of me, Cloud?!"
"Hm."
"And that's what I get for coming all the way up here. Aah! Fine! Fine! I understand! You don't want my help!!"
"…" In the midst of the silence, he could of sworn he felt someone plopping themselves right beside him, patting his shoulder roughly.
"You're nervous aren't ya?" Zack asked, his usual playful tone toned down a bit. It was too weird to hear him serious. Cloud's body visibly stiffened at Zach's assumption. Of course, his ghostly best friend was right on the mark. "Is that why you came all the way up here? You want to talk, don't ya?"
Cloud nodded his head, his eyes staring at the ruins dazedly.
"It must be that dream again, huh?"
...
"I'm sorry…I couldn't save her…or your child…"
She slept on that hospital bed peacefully, as if she was sleeping, with that smile on her lips.
The baby in the warmer was not moving or crying at all. It laid as still as the night under the black and white blanket.
...
Cloud flinched at the memory. His hands were a bit shaky. Sweat was coming from his brow. After seeing that dream time after time, he always felt completely helpless. "I…don't know what to do."
"Aw! C'mon!! You already know what you supposed to do. You've already made all the plans to make sure that Tifa and the baby will come out of that hospital safe and sound."
His eyes turned away from Midgar's ruins, a look of guilt passing his features. He did make the preparations, but…
"That's the nerves you feeling, Cloud. First time fathers are always like that. Heh, I remember my pops acting like a huge wreck when Ma was goin' to have me. They took a picture of him when I just came out with that goofy look on his face. Now that was hilarious."
Cloud wondered what Zack was going at. Was he trying to explain something important or he just want to show off the way he was born.
"The point of me saying that, pal, is that all first time fathers act like that. Even you, the oh-so calm and collective guy that I know so well. Running like this is your way of dealing with it. Nah, maybe not running…more like being a big fat empty headed mess fits you better." Cloud wasn't amused. If only he didn't put away his First Tsurgi, then-
"You can't kill me, stupid chocobo head. I'm already dead."
Cloud sighed. Why was he talking to a dead person anyways?
Zack sighed frustratingly. "Listen, Cloud. Don't let that dream cloud your judgment. You let your thoughts drag on so much you forget the most important things…"
"…"
"Tifa's worried, you know. Because the one person she's counting on is not there by her side. Even if you feel useless, just being there for her counts more than anything. Aren't you making it worse by making her worry when she's in freakin' labor?! Come on, bud! Use that empty head of yours!"
Cloud's eyes crept away from his dream-like state and slowly looked out in front of him as if something struck his mind.
"Tch, you're just like this, even when you proposed to her. Always thinking of the consequences. That's why it took you so long. I thought by the time you finally propose to her, you'd be an old fart by then. You're a slowpoke, ha ha!"
Cloud wanted to shut his friend's mouth. It's not his fault that he was always brooding over things. He already planned on proposing to her, even before she told him she was pregnant. But, he couldn't find the right time to say it. He was new with this after all.
"Bad timing as always, Cloud. Remember when you rescued Tifa from being crushed by that gigantum building from Bahamut's attack? And that time too when you found her lying in the flowers? Or that time…"
There was also saving the embarrassment as the whole gang was there at 7th Heaven on that day, especially Yuffie.
"Oi! Are ya listening?!"
He needed some place so no one would know. He was planning to take her out to dinner but she wasn't there when he came home and he happened to spot her in the center of the city. When he finally had some alone time with her, she decided to tell him. How was he supposed to ask her to marry her then? He didn't want her to think that he was asking to her marry him because of the baby.
Cloud frowned. Wait…that's not even relevant right now. He was going to be father and he didn't know what to do if something were to happen to both them. Again, guilt consumed him.
"All right!!! Stop brooding in circles already! You're making me dizzy!" Cloud could have sworn that Zack slapped his back, as if giving him a little push. "Go to her, Cloud. She needs you more than anything…"
"I'll kill that lil bastard for stealin' my lil gir-"It was noon by the time Barret woke up from his dream. In front of him, he could see Denzel and Marlene, trying to hold their laughter. Their faces looked as if they were about to cry.
The expressions on their faces weren't pretty in his eyes and instantly, Barrret sat up, scaring the lives out of the two visitors there in the waiting room. "What?! Is it time?! Ah shit! Cloud's gonna kill me!" Barret yelled.
"No, no. Not yet, daddy," Marlene said, calming her father down.
"Ah, I see." He sat back down, taking a calming breath. "So, is Spike here yet?"
Denzel shook his head. "He still doesn't answer his phone…"
"The hell where Spike went?" Barret asked exasperatingly. "What is he doin' at a time like this?!" He looked at the clock to see it was past noon. He looked at the two children to see the hungry looks in their eyes. With a another sigh, Barret stood up.
"C'mon ya two. No use stayin' 'ere and mopin' 'bout with empty stomachs. Time ta eat," he said as he led them out of the waiting room to the elevators. Barret pressed the button down and waited for the elevator to come up. Just as the elevator opened, Cloud appeared.
"Cloud!" the two exclaimed as they gave him a huge hug the moment he stepped out of the elevator.
"Oi! Cloud! Where were ya?!" Barret asked, surprised. "Ya just went up and left so suddenly! Ya made Tifa worried!"
"Sorry. There was some stuff I had to do," he said. "Where's Tifa?"
"In room 3224, in the labor and delivery area. You can't miss it," Denzel said, pointing the direction. Cloud nodded and rubbed Denzel's hair in gratitude. Without another word, Cloud hurriedly went to Tifa's room. As they watched Cloud dash over to her room, Barret scratched his head curiously.
"Stuff? What stuff?!" Apparently, they missed the elevators and Marlene had to press the down button again. A few moments later, the same elevator opened up as a pile of people came out. Four of them looked awfully familiar.
"Oi! Barret! Outta the way!"
Barret turned to the voice to see Yuffie Kisaragi, the hyperactive, materia-stealing ninja that they knew so well. She was hyper than usual as she was bouncing on one foot to the next with her arms clenched to her chest. It looked as if she needed to go to the bathroom.
He couldn't believe his eyes. "What the…?! How did ya know?!"
"Spike called us," Cid said as took a cigar from his mouth and puffed. In his hand, he held a box full of cigars with a tag that read, "Congratulations, new father!"
"He went out of his way and told us about the birth. Can't believe this is happein'." Just as Cid was about to smoke another cigar, a woman with brown hair and glasses snatched the cigar from his hands.
"Oi, Shera!"
She simply gave him scolding look before she burned out the light and gave it to one of the staff members who knew how to depose it in this place. Cid simply muttered in his own language. "We just got word of it this morning. We got the Sierra ready and picked everyone up in a matter of minutes," Shera said.
"How's Tifa?" a cool, new voice said as he appeared behind Cid and Shera. His skin was as pale as snow. He wore a blood red cloak over his dark clothes. His cold, red eyes bore into Barret's. One who looks into these eyes would cower down in fright. But, this didn't scare Barret one bit.
"Whoa! It's Vincent! How ya doin'? Glad ya could make it! Tifa…hopefully she's doin' alright now. Cloud just got here," Barret said, watching Cloud walk into the room.
"Whaddya mean he got here?! I thought called us from the hospital!" Yuffie screeched, causing everyone in the hospital to look at their direction.
Meanwhile, as the rest of AVALANCHE crew tried to calm down a very aggravated Yuffie, Cloud found Tifa's room. He stopped and gazed in cautiously. There, he saw Tifa on the bed, sleeping peacefully under the morning sun. Her head was turned slightly with her mouth slightly open. Her hands were clasped gently together over her swollen belly. The glow of the setting sun brought an ethereal glow around her, making her look more maternal than before.
Quietly he went in and inspected the room further. On her left hand was where they attached the IV catheter in. Along the tubing, it was attached to an IV bag filled with fluid that read"Lactated Ringers, 1000mL." His eyes then wandered to her belly. Below her clasped hands were blue and pink straps that were around her. The blue clothed belt was attached to the top of Tifa's belly, just above her umbilicus. It was holding a round sensor that was attached to a monitor to her right. The pink clothed belt held another round sensor that was also attached to the monitor. In that very monitor, there lines on screen that looked like graph paper. In that graph paper were two squiggly lines, one on the bottom and one on the top. On the top, it was remained constant in the line that read 110 and keeps fluctuating up and down. On the bottom, the squiggly lines were going up and down, like a rounded hill, and slowly went back down after a minute or so. The label for each of those squiggly lines read: "Fetal Heart Rate" and "Contractions." On the machine were the two round sensors were attached was a scroll of paper with the same graph type lines and the same squiggly lines in the same fashion as the monitor. From the monitor, he could hear a fast heartbeat. It was unbelievably fast.
On the night stand, he could see that she brought her suitcase filled with the important things she needed during her pregnancy. On the windowsills were beautiful flowers and balloons from Marlene, Denzel, and Barret. Across the bed were a table with 3 chairs, four comfy chairs that looked like he could settle himself into, a HDTV television on the wall in front of Tifa, and a bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet inside. Everything Tifa could have asked for was here, except for a kitchen. Cloud was glad he chose this place.
Slowly, he lifted a comfy chair from the other side and placed it beside Tifa's bed. He settled himself down and gazed at Tifa's sleeping form. She didn't look like she was pain as she was sleeping peacefully. Cloud was at least relieved that Tifa had some sleep in. But that was the least of his worries. He leaned forward a bit as he clasped his hands together with hers.
"Tifa," he began softly. His voice didn't seem to steer her as she continued to sleep peacefully. Slowly, he reached over her face and gently swiped her bangs that were covering her face. It was then she stirred.
In the middle of her light sleep, Tifa heard his voice calling to her softly. This woke her up the moment she felt a familiar presence. She opened her eyes to see that he was there. "Cloud…" she said weakly as a small smile appeared on her face. "You made it."
Once Cloud saw her awake, he squeezed her hands gently. He simply nodded in response.
"I knew you would," she said. "I guess I was being a bit paranoid…"
Cloud shook his head. He paused for a moment as he looked away from her eyes. He didn't know what to say at first. Slowly, he looked back into her eyes. "I'm sorry…"
Tifa looked him questioningly. "Hmm?"
"For leaving you like that…"
At first, Tifa's smile faltered a bit. But, a bright smile returned to her lips. "You're here, right? That's what matters most."
He wasn't satisfied at all. He needed to explain to her. "But—"
Before they could get a conversation in, the whole AVALANCHE gang came in full of smiles.
"Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! CONGRATS!!!!!!" screamed Yuffie at the top of her lungs as she held a basket full of flowers. Cloud almost felt like his eardrums popped from her sudden screech fest.
"I can't believe this is happening," said Shera with a smile. "I'm so happy for Tifa! Let me know if you need anything."
"So when this sucker's gonna come out? I want it ta meet its uncle!" Cid exclaimed proudly.
"Congratulations," Vincent said. "Nanaki would be here, but he's downstairs. They don't allow animals in the hospital."
"Reeve sent his best regards!" Barret said. "He can't make it today, but he said he'll come tomorrow to see the baby!" Everyone was talking all at once all the while Tifa was shocked to see them all here. She never expected them to come for this special day. She knew how busy they were with their lives. How they managed to come together was something she could not comprehend at the moment. All she knew was that she was happy to see them here to support her.
"We're gonna stay as long as we !# want until the baby's born and party all night an' day!" Cid excitedly yelled amongst the noise.
"Yeah! Party! Party! Party! We haven't had one for a while! Let's do it! Let's do it! I'll crack the Champaign!" Yuffie screamed back as she jumped up and down excitedly. Vincent, otherwise, was trying to mellow her out or consequences might come.
"You can't drink Champaign. This is a hospital. You're not even 21 yet…"
"Yeah! So what?! I can do whatever I want! Hey! Wait a minute! You talked to me more than a sentence…!"
"Shh! Be quiet! We're going to get kick out! Tifa needs her rest," Marlene scolded the crew with her tiny voice.
"Are ya gonna join us, Vincent?" asked Barret amongst the yells.
Vincent turned to Barret once he finished calming down Yuffie. "Well—"
"Of course ya gonna come! Ya hafta come or I'll beat the livin' shit outta ya!" Barret said as he placed his arm around Vincent's shoulder.
"Another party?!" asked Denzel exasperatedly.
She watched her friends talk lively to each other. It was then she realized how everyone was able to come on this special day. It was one simple fact. This miracle wouldn't had happened if it weren't for one person. Slowly, her eyes went to Cloud who was observing everything in the background. His eyes met hers in that moment and she gave him a genuine smile that brightened her face. It caught Cloud's breath away the moment he saw that smile.
"Cloud…thank you…"
Author's Note: Yes, Cloud returns! I didn't intend to leave Tifa like that. One important thing I want to point out is that healthcare staff should NEVER, NEVER, EVER discuss patients when they're in the hallway, in an elevator, in a public place or even in front of another patient's rooms. They should not discuss is it or mention the patient's name. It is a break of privacy. This is a serious offense and people don't take lightly if you break the rules. The two healthcare staff discussing about a patient in front of Tifa's room was an example of what healthcare staff should not do.
Another point I want to point out is the long description with the fetal monitor, IV fluids, and such is what normally pregnant mothers are put on. Again, it varies. It is required that the patient must be placed in the room and be placed on the monitor within 30 minutes. JACHO standards (a company that keeps the hospital in business by surveying the hospital, how they keep themselves clean and safe, and most of all patient safety). It is important to make sure the baby is okay. You may never what might happen within those few minutes. Again, support is definitely a biggy! I'm definitely going to be stressing it in this story.
Another thing I want to point out is Cloud proposing to Tifa. Remember, Cloud is a novice when it comes to relationships. Most of his life was spent in a test tube. I mean, transitioning from being 15-16 years old to 21 years old. He definitely missed a chunk of his teenage life, so he never gotten to experience any relationship norms. So, this may explain his awkwardness and his bad timing, even though Cloud is typically late. I decided to have Zack to do the honors and point that fact alone, after all, he is his best friend. I hope you like the little conversation I did with Cloud and Zack. I tried to stay in character for both. For Aerith, I decided to have her talk to Tifa. They're best friends too. And yes, Aerith and Zack are the special guests in this chapter.
It's already 1am and I'm already tired. I'm sorry for any grammar mistakes. I'll fix it once my mind refocuses. Please, Please review. It helps keeps me motivated to write. And I also truly want to hear what you think. ^_^ And I would to say thank you for those who did review. I truly appreciate it very much! ^_^ I hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter. See you next time!
-Kuti