WEEEEEEEEE! Chapter 5's out now! I kinda like this chapter... Tifa's getting smarter as it goes! Already writing the new chapter! (Man, I feel bad for 'Take Me With You'... No worries, I will write chapter 11 for it after TTCROF's new chapter! XD!)

Special thanks to: Omegaxis1 and Zimithrus1 ! (Finally, more reviews *teary eyes*)

Oh, and I'm going to ask help from beta readers. I've realised my horrendous english capability as an author, it's getting pretty depressing.

HERE WE GO!

To The Crossroads Of Fate: Chapter 5

New Friendships

I have officially given up on trying to educe the turn of events my life takes on. Why am I standing in my old room? The one with bedsprings forcefully suppressed by thin threads sown on its surface, the one that chafes my skin more often than I wish to remember? The empty room reeks of grim familiarity, as if calling out to me, commanding me to belong here, in this poverty-stricken life where only sufferings await.

I looked around, turning from where I was facing only to face a bizarre sight. The wall with supposed withered paint peeling off in patches was gone, replaced by a glass… no, a mirror that reflects a space different from what I see in the room, my reflection was there despite the difference in my background. I turned around to check, the room remains the same, with a small desk piled with different notes from my classes, my bed looked exactly like the way I left it that day.

I turned back to look at the mirror, my face looked less beautiful than I've gotten used to. There is a zit on my forehead… My breasts are no longer breathtaking… This is the old me! I could feel fright building up as I stood observing it. Why am I suddenly reverted back to the present?

The room stretched beyond what the mirror can picture, and was beautified with signed paintings on the walls, a king sized bed lay directly in the centre, with white and baby blue sheets frilled with sown patterns of flowers, lined carefully by the most exquisite silk. On its side, a small table sat with elegance by a full length mirror with two brown chests.

The two are makeup chests. I know, because I stayed there for two months. It's the room of the Tifa Adella Lockheart, not Tifa Lockheart. It's the room from my past life.

It looks more like a glass… except my actions are mirrored… It was as though I've unceremoniously invaded into another territory that does not belong to me.

"You're quite sharp! But, no, not unceremoniously, my dear. I wanted you here."

I tensed at the voice… my voice. But I wasn't speaking.

"My dearest apologies, did I scare you?" A door on the other side opened, and I walked in with damp hair, a towel wrapped around my shoulders. I could hear me perfectly even though we were separated by a gigantic room. "Yes, because this isn't reality, logic does not apply here."

I was answering my thoughts. Okay I'm going crazy. For now, I will address that me with she.

She giggled, slender fingers to her small, cherry lips that pulled to their sides gracefully. She walked with dignified sophistication towards me. I recognized at once, she is me from the past, the body I was residing in for the past months, that brow, nose, eyes, lips and curves.

There's no mistaking it.

"Took you long enough. I thought you would have realized from my voice." She smiled, and with a single, elegant motion, sits on the bed with her long, silky smooth legs crossed. "You have quite interesting thoughts. Do my beauty amuse you, even when we share the same soul? Though the state of our souls takes the form of our physique from different worlds, we are one."

"Y-you can hear my thoughts?"

"Clearly." She looked at me, the smile gone. "Since this is a space for just us. There can be no secrets."

"Why… am I here?" I asked, clear of the fear in my voice. I'm sure about to hit the mental hospital soon.

She giggled, hearing my thoughts again. Her – our voice sounded like bells on her side, pure bells made from the highest quality of gold and silver, completed with diamonds. I'm not joking, she is that high of a class.

"You're here because I sent you." She smiled, making my question sound like some 5 year old child's rhetoric.

I frowned in sheer perplexity. I don't get any of this. "Well, I'm sorry I took your life from you… So, can you tell me what is going on?" There was a slight hint of frustration in my voice, just slight, but she notices it, along with the tinge of regret in my gut after.

"I wanted you to change things, isn't it obvious?" She looked at me, crossing her other leg over. "I thought the contractor told you."

"Contractor?"

She stood up and walked towards me. "Unbutton your shirt. I'll show you."

I looked down, at my shirt, it wasn't the uniform I was wearing that day, rather a pale blue patient suit from the nearby hospital. I know, because I've visited patients there… does that mean…

Slowly, I unbuttoned my shirt and realizing that there were no undergarments beneath, a tiny streak of blush flashed across my face.

"Look at your chest." I did, and there were numbers engraved on it, like tattoo, I let off a soft gasp, there wasn't anything when I bathed! "This is the contract seal on your soul. Read the numbers."

"2-343-02-41-07" and the numbers changed

"2-343-02-41-06… 2-343-02-41-05…" I took a deep breath as I realized. "This is a countdown…"

"Yes. You have 2 years and 343 days, 02 hours, 41 minutes and 02 seconds left now. The period of grace given to you was three years, was it not? Until your mortal body in that world dies."

I nodded, unable to speak.

"Two months in my world, is about 20 days in yours. Complete whatever you wish to do as soon as possible, so you can have time to enjoy your life in that world." She eyed me with intense hazel eyes. "Surely you can accomplish it by then?"

"I-I will do my best…"

"I came to offer my assistance. If there is anything in this world that you need help with, just think of me and go to sleep. You will meet me here."

"That's very nice of you." I smiled, I was glad at every help provided in that foreign land. And I know I can trust myself.

"It's my expiation for the evil I have bestowed upon you… Or I will have…" She shook her head slightly, damp locks of auburn hair fell from her shoulders. " Now, let's not talk about that. Rather, tell me, what do you wish to change?"

I opened my mouth to speak but couldn't find the words. What do I want to change? Have I even thought of it? I was just looking for Cloud…

"Make Cloud fall for you? Perhaps stop the war with Wutai? Or save the innocent lives that will soon be sacrificed for or by you? What do you wish most?"

"I… need time… But I guess I wanted to change my future fate such that, I could live a better life… At least not hated…" That wasn't a good enough response. "I just want to be kind to the people around me, and make the correct choices."

Her eyes flicked over me, scanning from top to bottom. "That's a good way to start." She smiled, a kind tone enveloping her words. "I'm glad you are here. You've done a great job so far, changed many things. I never expected you to run from home." She giggled. "I wouldn't have dared to."

"I hope I changed them for the better though…" I gave a soft sigh and smiled back at her.

"I'm glad we met, Tifa from the future. I will see you again."

"Nice to meet you too, the gorgeous me. See ya."

xXx

My eyes flipped open only to find that it was still too early to continue with the journey. We are already quite beyond the midpoint of Junon and Midgar, I looked around the tent, Reno had his left leg on Rude's stomach, Rude's expression shows that having an effect on his dreams. Yuffie slept between Reno and I, significantly away from the males. She had a slight smile tugging at her lips as she slept, coiled up tightly by my side.

I softly scratched the back of my head, the bun Yuffie tied was too tight against my scalp, but it had to be. Camping with the boys, I had to wear the beanie Yuffie made for me even while I slept. I sighed and sat up, looking at the sky, it should be about 4-5 am in the morning. Throughout the few days we were travelling, I've realized that the boys slept in late. Often, this gives Yuffie and I the chance to deal with our girly needs such as a shower with the tiniest bit of the peach smelling bath essence we smuggled out. Perhaps I will go on to shower now… a morning shower is good to clear the head, just too cold to enjoy.

We will reach Junon soon. Before that, I have to tell Yuffie about Cloud, and my plans. Thinking of that, I shook Yuffie and woke her.

xXx

"What do you mean by 'no leads'?" Zack snarled at the two SOLDIERs he assembled from his squad to search for Lady Tifa, as ordered by Lady Lorraine. "The Duke and Duchess want information on her whereabouts! It isn't possible for anyone to disappear without a trace!"

He understood that it was difficult to chase after someone when she could be anywhere by now. Yet he knew she had to pass by the main sectors of Midgar, so why is there no trace at all? His henchmen had already checked every inn, every store, especially provision stores and weaponry stores. Not even the roadside stalls had any idea of the two. Not even when he carried Lady Tifa's portrait about, manipulating it with different disguises she could possibly wear, peasant male included. Damn! We're dealing with a sly one.

They could be anywhere… Costa Del Sol through a boat, Bone Village through Kalm if they were desperate enough, Junon through wasteland, Fort Condor directly south… Where could they be?

"My Lord, we've just received reports on your lost horse, sir! It was found grazing in the grasslands in the outskirts of Midgar, sir!"

"Bring me to it at once!"

Perhaps there will be leads left on the horse…

xXx

Yuffie and I sat silently on a rock in the river, our naked bodies submerged within its waters. I've told her all there is to say, who I really am, how I suffered, the dreams, the light, the other Tifa, Cloud… and my plans to look for him in SOLDIER.

Yuffie's eyes were closed as she digested the news. I ran my fingers through my hair, softened by the peach bath essence and the waterfall that ran down my back. I patiently waited for Yuffie to accept me.

"So… you aren't the real Lady Tifa?" She asked. "I mean, as in not physically…"

I nodded, anxious. Will she leave me? Technically I blackmailed her… If she knew I wasn't in the position to…

"But the real Lady Tifa wanted me here. She said so." I desperately try to retain whatever little faith Yuffie had in me.

"So… I'm not your maid, neither are you my master…" She said, eyeing me with a strangely shy look.

"Y-yeah… Perhaps we could start our relationship over?" I asked, sincerity shining in my eyes. "As friends."

"Friends?" The tone of her voice suggested that she was quite surprised at my assertion. "Friends…"

"Yeah, friends. Can we be friends, Yuffie?" I asked, holding her hands. "Friends without secrets, true friends. Friends that rely on each other. Let's get to know each other from scratch!"

"From scratch?"

"Yeah!" I held her left hand in a handshake with my right. "Hello, I am Tifa Lockheart, from the 21st century. I live in a small house in Midgar that I work part time to pay rental for. The love of my life is Cloud Strife, though on many accounts it is virtually impossible, I am here to change my cruel fate."

She sneered and giggled at me before her calm look ruptured into a full laughter. "Alright, I am Yuffie Kisaragi. A maid in the Lockheart household, I am actually Wutaian, unknown to many, and I plan to keep it that way. Lady Tifa saved my life when I was young, so I will do my best to help you, and her. Everything in my power."

I looked at her brown eyes, her irises shone with resolve, beneath it, I could see a past with Lady Tifa… I hope she will tell me sometime.

I would have hugged her, but noticing that we were naked, I passed for a kiss on her forehead instead. "I am so glad, Yuffie." I smiled, looking at her. I could feel warm tears spilling… I'm glad I have Yuffie and the other Tifa to support me.

Once again, I am hopeful.

"Alright, Tifa, or rather, Bill, let's get out before we freeze. You need to dry your hair and body so I can tie the bun and the bandages."

Yuffie is the best.

xXx

"Don't Will know how to ride a horse?" Reno asked with his brows raised.

"I don't." Yuffie replied, quite plainly. "Only Bill knows, we are quite poor for both of us to get a chance to ride on a horse."

"So says the ones who paid us." Yuffie eyed him and rolled her eyes. "I'm just sayin' 'cos your horse looks tired. It's been days, it had to carry two people, you know."

I looked at the horse we were riding on, and it does seem more lethargic than Reno's.

"Will can ride with me then, give that horse some time to rest." Reno offered, moving further from the horse and patting the empty space between them. "Come on."

Yuffie gave me a look which says What do you think?

I returned a look replying with I don't know, you decide. But the horse is tired for sure.

She sighed. "Alright..."

We're getting very close to Junon now.

P.S the bald and quiet guy is seriously staring too much at me.

xXx

For the next two days, Yuffie rode with Reno and I, switching schedules, we realized Rude was heavy enough for his own horse. Yuffie has been getting quite friendly with Reno, sometimes, she shows a side I've never seen: Childlike naivete shining in her eyes as she laughed, occasionally punching Reno softly on his arm as they chatted.

Looks like Reno's easy going attitude rubbed onto her, or it was the first time she had acquainted with males. I settled with the former.

Nevertheless, we reached Junon city earlier than we anticipated. Even in the other world, I've never been to anywhere beyond Midgar. Looking at the contrasting peace here in Junon, where the white sand by the beach has yet to be polluted like the areas beneath the plate where I lived in Midgar, A strange feeling made my heart quiver with serenity as I looked at a beach for the first time in my life. Yuffie took out a crumpled hand drawn map and led us to the cottage we had paid for in an old village, just beside the electric tower leading to the Shinra Military Base for SOLDIERs.

We unmounted from our horses and pulled it by the reins into the village through a tight sandy path.

"T-The beach was beautiful, right, Bill?"

I looked over to face Rude, who walked carefully apart from me, his left hand blocking my full view of him as he massaged his nose bridge nervously. Is he attracted to me? I'm dressed as a male though!

"Yeah, quite." I spoke in my male tone, carelessly dismissing the conversation. Well, it's good that he's attracted to me I guess, that helps with the loyalty part.

Yuffie and Reno walked behind us, giggling and laughing at random topics, I felt like an elementary school kid troubled by selfish jealousy when her best friend has another good friend.

We tied the horses to a wooden pillar by the side of the cottage and I took a look around within its mouldy bricks and thatched roof. There were four rooms located on the left of the lounge which was doubled as a dining area, packed facing each other with the necessary furnitures: a small bed and side table. The wooden floorboards creaked as I made my way, despite the cemented ground below holding the lumber stable. On the other side of the cottage, the kitchen comprises of a copper-bronze cooker blackened by age and coal, connected to a smokestack. Beside, a small opening led to a dusty scullery, another turn and a small bathroom was located with a huge wooden tub that rotted on its sides.

We'll have to do some shopping to settle in, but firstly, we have to settle the terms with Rude and Reno. We sat by the wooden dining table facing each other after setting our belongings down on the floor.

I looked over at Yuffie to start the discussion.

"Here's the other half of the agreed sum." She placed the pouch I've given her before we left Midgar, still heavy with gil. "As we agreed, you have brought us safely to Junon, and before the expected time."

"So, deal's over huh." Reno said, looking solemn. "Had fun."

"I would like to offer another deal." I broke the silence, Rude and Reno shot their glances at me while Yuffie merely closed her eyes in silence.

"And we would like to hear it." Rude said, pulling his glance slightly away from my eye contact after exchanging looks with Reno.

"Will and I would like to join SOLDIER. Will you help us in?"

Reno jumped from his seat. "That's crazy! CRAZY! Do you know what SOLDIER is? And war is about to break out anytime now! You guys suicidal?" He knocked his fists hard against the wooden table, his brows knitted as his lips tightened. "Look at yourselves, you're small and scrawny, how are you going to survive in there?" Reno turned to look at Yuffie, she avoided his stare.

"Calm down, Reno!" I spat. "This is a business transaction! You don't have to concern yourself with our purpose."

"How do you want us to help?" Rude asked with contrived calmness.

"I know very little about SOLDIER, I need connections to get in. I have the documents ready… of course, they are counterfeits."

"Will, what do you think! You really supportive of this crazy idea?" Reno asked, his arms on Yuffie's shoulders, shaking her.

"I'm going wherever Bill goes." She said, her eyes filled with resolve. "We're brothers, and friends." She looked at me and smiled.

Did I say Yuffie was the best?

Reno slammed back into his seat, frustrated. "Fine! How much are you paying?"

I dug into my backpack and laid out my pouch. "There's about fifty thousand gil in here." I opened and emptied the pouch to reveal rolls of cash. "I will give you everything the moment you agree. No half payment."

I watched as they sat silent, jaws dropped, eyes widened. They turned to look at each other before Reno cried out, "FIFTY THOUSAND!" he stood up. "That's WAAAAY too much! Who are you guys?"

I stood up with him, and after scanning the surroundings, double checking that all windows and doors are closed, I pulled the beret and the hairnet from my hair as I let my auburn locks fall to my sides, they were a little wavy from the long hours in the bun, but lay smooth against my body nevertheless. "I am Lady Tifa Adella Lockheart, only daughter of the Duke and Dutchess Lockheart. Will here is my friend, Yuffie. I have someone I absolutely have to look for, even if it costs me my life." Slowly, I lowered my knees and knelt before them. "I will be forced to marry Prince Rufus in a few months, if you don't help me here…"

From the corner of my eyes, I see Yuffie reaching into her side sash. "If you don't help me here, then I would have to…" In a clean sweep, Yuffie placed the rusty dagger to Reno's throat, pulling his arms down to her side. "Kill you." A move I taught her that morning by the river.

"You!" Rude stood, hovering over Yuffie.

"Hey, hey easy!" Reno struggled in Yuffie's arms and she tightened her grasp, drawing blood from his neck.

"Please!" I raised my voice, and they froze. "I come in peace. Will you help me now?"

Rude snarled. "You tried to kill us!"

I pulled a dagger to my throat, and like Reno had, I bled a little at the touch. "Do you think our plan can ever accomplish without you? If I killed you, I would have to kill myself as well! Or risk brought back into my iron cage, oiled and marinated for the blasted marriage with a man I don't know!" Tears welled in my eyes as I said those words, my arms trembling.

In a split second, the dagger in my hand flung, hitting a wall before landing with a soft, metallic thud.

"Don't." Rude muttered. "I will help you."

"You serious?" Reno shouted from across the room. "Ugh, fine!" He growled. "I was thinking of helping anyway, except you gals went crazy and put a dagger to my throat." He winked at Yuffie and wiped his neck when she let him go. "Who would have thought we'd get into such trouble by accepting an innocent body guard job? Well, I guess we're comrades now, future SOLDIERs." From the corner of my eyes, I see Reno winking at Rude suggestively, his gaze wavering between him and I.

"Thank you…" I whimpered as my body relaxed, falling back into my buttocks, my arms against the ground as my body leaned forward, soft. "Thank you…" I let a soft tear escape and drop to the floor, my hair laid out across the flooring around me.

Mutely, I smiled inside, contentment filled my heart.

Yes, everything was just as I planned.

xXx

After Yuffie tied my hair into that tight bun again, we settled into the rooms, Yuffie beside mine, the boys on the opposite side. We looked around the house separately, taking note of what we have to buy from the Junon Market later. Then, we separated ourselves into groups, Rude and I will do the shopping, while Reno and Yuffie will do some tidying at home (Reno said he wanted to sleep).

In the market, Rude bought pots, utensils and other necessities, paying for everything, and carried them in his muscular arms. The fifty thousand was mostly spent on new furnitures and items ordered for the cottage, which will be sent to us in a few days. His face was bright red the entire time, I guess he prefers to show chivalry through his actions.

I laughed at how the coal had dirtied his shirt when he hugged it in his arms, balanced on top of other items. I offered to carry something, and he passed me a small bag of groceries. I laughed at his insistence and we began to make our way back to the cottage.

That was when I saw him.

My whole body froze as a streak of electricity passed through me, tingling my every senses. There he was, with his pale blonde hair and azure blue eyes, making his way down the market in a black leathered SOLDIER uniform, and a sword tied to his back.

I couldn't see his face, but I knew it was him. Only he could make me feel these emotions.

My body trembled and the grocery bag dropped to the ground. I muttered a few words to send Rude back home, and ran after that figure I saw.

Cloud…

xXx

A/N: A LONG CHAPTER! HAHA.

AAAAANNNNDDDD *drum roll* Cloud's here! FINALLY! Next chapter will have some *ahem ahem* heartbeating moments *ahem ahem*

Zimithrus1:

7/4/12 . chapter 1

Holy...Shit... OoO This is an intersesting plot. I can't wait to see where it goes, good start! :)

7/4/12 . chapter 5

Ahhh! There's no more? D: What am I suposed to read now? Lol, just kdding, but I really do like this story! And when I say like, I really mean: "I LOVE this story so much I'm figeting in my chair for a quick update!" XD Anyhow, keep up the good work, and I look forward to the next chapter :)

Thanks! Man, readers like you keep me going! Here's the new chapter! Hope you like it!

Omegaxis1 7/4/12 . chapter 5

I'll admit, this story shows potential. I'll see just how much in the future chapters. Good luck.

Thank You! :D