Chapter 6 – The Distortion Materia

As Cloud returned to the capital of Regna Ferox, he noticed that the snowy weather was even harsher than he remembered from his last visit. The Strife family parted ways with the Shepherds, who sought to seek out help from the Khans. Lucina and Severa chose to stay with them to watch over their loved ones. As soon as they were gone, Mirage and Olivia looked at Cloud, waiting for the next direction.

"Let's visit Anna," Cloud said. "I have to get working on those requests." He picked up his phone and began dragging his motorbike in neutral.

As they made their way through the capital of Regna Ferox, the streets were blanketed in a soft layer of snow, the flakes falling gently from the gray sky above. It was a sight for Mirage. The quaint buildings, topped with snow-dusted roofs, looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. Mirage's eyes were filled with curiosity. "What is this? Why is this ground white?" she asked, staring intensely at it.

Olivia smiled at Mirage's curiosity, her heart warming at her daughter's question. "That's snow, Mirage," she explained gently. "It falls from the sky when it gets very cold, and it covers everything like a nice, cozy blanket."

"Snow..." Mirage bent down, scooping a handful of the frozen white substance, her fingers sinking into it. "It's soft..." she said, a frown spreading across her face. She let the snow slip through her fingers, watching it tumble back to the ground.

Noticing her expression change, Olivia looked at her with worry. "What's wrong?"

"It just reminds me of that time. Father's death."

A wave of panic washed over her as she realized the implication of her daughter's words. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she stammered, kneeling beside her. "I didn't mean to-"

Mirage looked up at her mother, shaking her head. "It's not your fault. I never got the chance to discover what this substance was since I was always focused on battling for my friend's survival. I was just curious about the name of the thing that killed him."

Olivia's heart ached at Mirage's admission. "It's understandable to feel that way, but snow is just a part of the world around us. It may remind you of something painful but can also be beautiful."

Mirage stayed silent for a moment, contemplatively watching the snowflakes flutter down. "I guess..." she admitted.

Vibrant shopfronts lined the street, their colorful fabrics flapping in the chilly breeze. Each stall offered something different, from handcrafted tools to warm wool battle wear, enticing passersby with displays. The sounds of merchants calling out their wares, intense muscular people training, and the laughter of children playing in the snow make the atmosphere lively and inviting.

As they walked pass the lively streets, they found a quaint building adorned with delicate hanging lanterns that glowed warmly against the snowy backdrop. Colorful fabrics, primarily blue, draped elegantly from the awning, adding a touch of cheerfulness to the otherwise wintry scene. Cloud walked around the building, revealing a hidden door behind it.

"I never heard of this place in Regna Ferox," Olivia said. "What is it?

"A hub where many secret merchants gather and rest," Cloud explained. "These merchants, or should I say family, are quite unique." As the bell above chimed, the warm air inside greeted them, starkly contrasting the chill outside. The shop was filled with an array of intriguing items, from rare spices to curiosities collected from different regions.

"Welcome! Ah, Cloud! I was wondering when you'd stop by," Anna greeted, her usual exuberance shining through. "What can I do for you today?"

"I came to meet your sister," Cloud replied, stepping inside. He pulled out his flip phone, revealing a picture of Anna that he captured a while ago.

Anna's eyes lit up as she recognized the picture. "Oh, my sister! She's been pretty busy, but I can definitely get you to her." She gestured for Cloud, Mirage, and Olivia to follow her deeper into the shop.

They soon arrived at a wooden door. Anna turned the knob. "This is her room is beyond this door. Now, I have gold to make. I'll see you out," she waved.

Stepping in, they entered a warm room filled with various contraptions and tools spread across a long table. Several maps and scrolls lay splayed out, revealing intricate plans and diagrams. At the center was another Anna with vibrant red hair and glasses perched on the end of her nose, immersed in her task.

"Hey! Do you have any idea how hard it is to concentrate with all this chatter?" she said, seriously, before looking up and her eyes widening as she noticed Cloud and the others. "Cloud! It has been too long!"

"Anna, how is it?" Cloud replied, stepping closer.

Anna took off her glasses. "Around seven hundred demands. Do you know how much planning and adjustments I had to go through while you were gone?!"

"There was nothing I could do. Had to help royalty." He pulled out his heavy bag of coins. "Here's the profits."

"Sigh… Thanks. I'll split them by tonight." Grabbing the bag, she glanced at the other two girls behind him. "Who are they?"

Cloud glanced behind him. …I don't know. Still feels wrong saying this. "Olivia is… my wife, and Mirage, my daughter."

Anna raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know you had a family."

"Yeah… They're here to help me out."

"H-hello," Olivia meeked.

"Hi," Mirage said. "How come you seem identical to the Anna we met a few moments ago?"

Anna peeked behind her, making sure the door was shut. "It's just our tradition of our secret huge family. Every sister must travel worldwide, selling stuff and whatnot under the same name while expressing the same attitude towards our customers." She stretched her hands. "Frankly, I've grown tired of it. Even so, it's my job."

"I see."

"Enough about me. Here are the requests. The optimal routes and orders you should take are listed here. Get going, and don't give me another delay!"

Cloud nodded. "Okay, I'll get it done."


Walking out of Anna's place, Cloud reviewed his next mission. It was Henry again. He already helped deliver some ingredients to that psychopath in Plegia, and now Henry wants to meet outside the Longfort, Regna Ferox borders. Looking at his Fenrir and back to the girls, he scratched his head.

I really need to start improving this somehow…

Buying a small, cheap-quality carriage and a large number of ropes, Cloud quickly wrapped multiple tough ropes around two parts of his bike and connected them to the carriage. Not done yet, he changed the carriage's broken wheels with new metallic ones. As a bonus, he modified the inside wooden seats to include leather and fur.

As Olivia saw him finish his work with minimal mistakes, her eyes lit up in amazement. "I didn't know you were handy at that too, Cloud."

Cloud nodded. "I learned a thing or two from an old friend. I can do almost anything if I put in the effort. But enough about that, let's go do our work."

With his newly expanded passenger capacity, the girls' hopped in the back, and Cloud began riding his Fenrir forward at a steady yet fast pace. The trip to the borders was smooth and quiet. By the time they have passed the walls, Henry was waiting outside the forest. The similarities between the cold setting and Henry's unpredictable nature made Cloud slightly uneasy.

"Cloud! You made it!" Henry exclaimed with a wide grin. "And I see you've come prepared! What's in the carriage?"

"My family," Cloud replied, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"Family?" Henry peeked inside to see Olivia and another girl stepping outside. "I didn't know you and Olivia were together!"

Cloud ignored his response. "So, what's the plan this time?"

Henry's expression shifted, becoming more serious. However, his usual grin didn't change. "I have a lead on this ancient relic rumored to be hidden deep in this forest. I figured you'd want to join me for some good old-fashioned adventuring."

"I understand." Leaving behind his Fenrir hidden near some nearby trees, the group began to follow Henry further in the forest.

Mirage studied cautiously around the dense area. "What is this ancient relic?"

"I don't recall hearing your name."

"Mirage, daughter of the Strife's."

"Interesting." Henry, with his hands behind his head, reminiscing a bit. "When I was working on this new curse, your dad told me that from where he comes from, magic was invoked through crystalized orbs filled with memories. Too bad he didn't have one in his pockets, but a few days later, I heard some interesting information from these two Plegains officials before I ripped their limbs one by one. What a bloody mess it was! Mmm... Bloood."

Cloud and Mirage didn't respond, knowing that there was no point in asking him any further. Henry was a complete lunatic at heart.

Even though Olivia had visited him before with Cloud, she was stunned when hearing his last statement. "Y-you what? No, wait. Aren't you Plegian, too?"

Henry shook his head. "I don't care. If I see anyone as my enemy, I will paint over their graves red without hesitation!"

Olivia shivered as Henry smiled intensely, hiding behind Cloud while gripping his clothes tightly. "W-well, were still friends, r-right?"

"Absolutely!" he exclaimed. "You helped me a ton finding those rare materials back then! Anyway, back to my story. They said a few magical orbs exist in this world, which the Pegian King really needs. Many of them tried to find it but never successfully returned with it... Hee hee hee. I suspect it might be related to the magic orbs that Cloud mentioned. So, I read through one of the books I stole from them ages ago and found that one was located near Regna Ferox's border. I knew I had to go there before they find it."

That's why I encountered Plegians when I was helping Fortune. They were invading this part of the region to find a Materia-like orb. Cloud nodded. "I haven't seen any Materia in this world yet. I'm intrigued."

"Materia? Is that what you call those magic orbs?" Henry wondered.

"Yes."

Reaching the center of the forest, they stood before a massive rock. "~Aaaand we are here!" Henry pointed at the rock.

Looking around, Olivia was confused. "I don't see anything."

"Of course you don't, silly. We need to push the rock aside first!"

Cloud and Mirage immediately walked up and moved the heavy stone, which looked impossible to move, with no sweat. It revealed a stony staircase below. Cloud glanced back at Henry. "Do you know what awaits down there?"

"Nope! But that's what makes it fun, is it not?"

As the group descended the brick staircase, the room was dark, and the air got colder as they walked. Cloud drew a torch, casting flickering shadows across the walls of the old stone. The air was thick with suspense and anticipation.

They rolled down and entered a massive underground chamber. On the walls, intricately carved depictions of battles and ceremonies hung. An enormous stone door covered in odd symbols was at the room's heart. Cloud examined the symbols closely. "These look like some puzzle. We have to figure out the correct order to open the door."

Mirage came forward, her keen eyes scanning the inscriptions. "These symbols match the walls. Maybe we should force them into position, one by one."

After a few moments of careful observation, Cloud noticed a sequence within the carvings, symbols that seemed to repeat and interconnect. "I think I see a pattern," he said, pointing at the markings. "If we press these in this order…"

With steady determination, he began pressing the symbols he had deduced. A deep rumbling resonated through the chamber, reverberating off the walls as the massive stone door slowly creaked open, revealing a shadowy corridor that led deeper into the dungeon's recesses. They stepped through the doorway into a narrow passageway, the torchlight flickering against rough-hewn stone. As they moved cautiously forward, the air grew colder, thick with the scent of damp earth and age. Ancient torchlight flickered in the distance, almost as if spirits watched them from the shadows.

"This place… it feels like we've stepped back in time," Olivia remarked softly. Her voice echoed gently, contrasting with the oppressive silence that enveloped them.

The passage wound deeper, twisting like a serpent. Carved murals adorned the walls, showcasing scenes of valor: knights battling fearsome dragons, scholars poring over ancient tomes, and vibrant festivals celebrating their victories. Each depiction was more mesmerizing than the last, almost like the stories held their own life.

"Look at this one." Mirage pointed at a mural depicting a fierce shadow dragon looming over a blue-haired hero who had both a long silver blade and a golden shield. "He looks like Lucina when she had her mask on."

"The painting is probably telling the story of the Hero-King Marth," Olivia replied, glancing at the mural.

They continued onward until they came upon a further branch in the corridor. Two paths lay before them, each draped in shadows. One path led to a heavy chained door, while the other descended steeply into the earth.

"What do you think?" Henry asked, looking between the two options.

"I'm curious what's behind that door, but let's check the deeper path first," Cloud suggested. "If what we're looking for is here, it might lead us to it faster."

With the agreement, they ventured down the steep slope. It felt like they were descending into the dungeon's heart. The air grew heavy and still, the quiet almost eerie. The unyielding darkness thickened around them, broken only by the small flame of their torch.

As they stepped through, they found themselves in a dim chamber filled with old chiseled art on the walls, much like the other rooms. However, at the center of this chamber stood a pool of shimmering water that reflected a purple color. It was pristine, untouched, and seemed to come from a source deeper within the dungeon.

"It looks so clear," Olivia said, kneeling beside the pool. "I've never seen such clean water with this color."

"Be careful," Henry warned, peering over her shoulder. "That looks poisonous." He suddenly touched the water and licked it. "Unfortunately, not lethal enough."

Olivia looked at him, alarmed, eyes widened. "Didn't you say it was poisonous?!"

Henry drank his antidote with no sense of urgency. "It is. Would you like a taste of it?"

She became nauseated in response. "NO! Why would anyone want that?!"

Cloud leaned closer to inspect the water. "Stay back from the pool." As he did this, a tiny splash sounded, startling everyone. A distorted reflection appeared in the water before it vanished.

"What was that?" Olivia asked, stepping back uneasily.

"I don't know, but we better keep moving," Cloud replied, standing straight. "Let's head deeper into the dungeon."

As they ventured further, another corridor opened again, leading them to another room. It was dimly lit and scattered with crates and dusty barrels. The room felt forgotten and abandoned.

"Looks like a supply room," Henry observed, examining the dusty crates curiously. "There could be something useful here."

"Or just useless junk," Mirage said, poking at one barrel with her blade. A cloud of dust erupted from it, making her cough.

"Let's see if we can find anything of value," Cloud suggested. He began rummaging through one of the crates.

Mirage searched beside him, lifting one of the barrel's lids with all her might. "What you got?" With a loud creak, the barrel tipped over, spilling its contents all over the floor. A cascade of shiny gold coins poured out, glinting in the torchlight. "Huh. Never mind."

Cloud picked one coin from his crate. "This currency seems old."

Olivia looked at him. "Are you thinking of looting this place?"

"…" Cloud thought for a moment. "Yes. It's stupid decision to just leave this behind. However, this is too much to carry. Just grab as much as you can on your pouches for now."

Both Olivia and Mirage nodded and did as he told. Henry just stood against the wall, waiting for them to finish patiently.

"You're not grabbing some for yourself?" Cloud asked.

Henry shook his head. "Unless I shed some blood, I'm not interested."

"Okay."

Finishing their looting, they continued to explore the room. After several minutes of searching, Cloud pushed one shelf into the corner and felt a sudden gust of wind as a hidden door swung open further down the side.

"A hidden path?" Olivia said.

Cloud stepped forward. "Let's see what's behind it." They entered a narrow passage, which led to a staircase that spiraled downwards into darkness.

"Wow. This dungeon really goes deep," Henry smirked even more. "I wonder if this will finally lead us to the Materia."

The group gradually descended the staircase, each step creaking underfoot. At the bottom, they found an expansive chamber filled with ancient machinery and rusty gears strewn across the floor like forgotten relics. A soft glow emitted from the chamber's far end, catching their attention.

"What is that?" Mirage asked, moving closer to get a better look.

The group moved slowly, anticipating anything. A random computer noise echoed in the room.

"Did you hear that?" Olivia whispered.

As the room shook, a giant black automaton appeared out of the darkness, and its singular golden eye turned purple. Its metal plate seemed old and rusted as if it was ancient. Its outer red lights were flickering in decay.

Henry frowned. "Aw... It's just a dumb pile of metal."

Advanced technology?! Cloud held out his Fusion Sword, ready to defend his family and customer. "Stay behind me!"

The mech swung his arms, extending their reach for the intruders, but in the nick of time, Cloud moved his sword against the strike. "Henry! Magic is usually effective against them!"

Nodding, Henry took out his red tome. He tried to summon his magic, but as soon as his sigil appeared, it instantly vanished. "Oh, oops. Guess magic doesn't work down here."

Mirage blocked the upcoming attack on the other side. "I have never seen such monsters before. What is this metal golem?!"

"Some type of machine." Cloud pushed the mechanical arm away. "All I know is that we have to take it down!" His sword clashed against the machine's metal limbs again, sending sparks flying.

"Right." Mirage darted around, using her agility to avoid the automaton's powerful strikes.

Although not strong enough to use her sword against the robot, Olivia provided support from a distance. She analyzed the automaton's movements, looking for its weakness. "Aim for the joints! That's where it seems most damaged!"

Despite the initial setback with his magic, Henry quickly adapted by throwing his sharp daggers where Olivia pointed. The machine's movements became more erratic as it struggled to maintain balance.

Mirage took advantage of the automaton's weakened state, launching a series of rapid attacks that further destabilized it. Cloud jumped and Cross Slashed the body and face mid-air. The robot fell into blazing-hot, cut pieces. Suddenly, the room shook, and a door opened behind a wall of rubble.

Henry's grin widened. "The Materia must be up ahead!"

The group stepped through the back door and entered a smaller, more elaborate room. A glowing disc, alight with energy, was on a pedestal in the middle of the room. Cloud approached the red orb cautiously. "It doesn't seem like a Mater- urgh…" Suddenly, his head began spiraling. "W-wha…"

"Cloud? Mirage? Are you…"

Cloud couldn't comprehend what Olivia was saying over the static in his ears. "Mat…eria… I… must… Re…unite…" Feeling something moving his body, he grabbed the red gemstone.

"Hey! Both of you! Snap out of it!"

The room was still, save for the distant echo of water dripping from the stone ceiling. Cloud blinked, trying to shake off the dizzying sensation that had overtaken him. The red orb pulsed in his hand, radiating an unearthly warmth that felt enticing and overwhelming.

"Are you both okay?" Olivia's voice cut through the fog in his mind as he turned to see her looking at him with concern etched on their faces.

"Yeah... I think so," Cloud replied, his voice shaky.

With her hand against her forehead, Mirage looked at the orb in pain. "What… happened?"

"Is it some kind of curse?" Henry asked, "Because I'm an expert at making them disappear."

Cloud shook his head. "It's a curse that is almost impossible to remove. Trust me, I've tried."

"Let me try. Flippity flop, zippity zap, away you go!" Henry chanted. Nothing happened. "Huh… It didn't work. You sure you have a curse?"

Cloud sighed. "I don't think that's how removing curses works." He looked at the red orb. It doesn't have the same properties as a- "Nnngh!" He shook his throbbing head. What am I thinking? This has to be a Materia… I need to… to find the other… The key… why now…

Olivia held on to Cloud. "You're clearly not doing so well. Let's go back outside and take a break, okay?"


Slowly rising his head, Cloud realized he was inside his newly fixed carriage, sitting beside Olivia.

"Cloud!" She jumped and hugged him tightly.

"H-hey!" He was confused as he looked down at her. "What are you doing?"

She stepped back quickly, blushing. "H-how embarrassing! Sorry."

"Don't be... How long was I out?"

She wiped her tears. "Two days."

"Shit." Cloud's expression changed as he stood up immediately. "I messed up."

"What are you talking about?"

"My work-"

Olivia placed her finger against his lips. She smiled. "It's okay. Mirage and I already started working through many of the simple requests. We already done a hundred of them."

Cloud sighed in relief. "That's good."

"And here's the bag of money from the clients, Henry included. The other bag is from Anna. She told us she kept calling you while we were still helping Henry, but you never answered. She worried you were gone or something."

"Oh. It's because there is no signal around that place. Magic lines connect these phones. If the lines are cut, it would be impossible to communicate."

Olivia nodded. "Mirage explained that to Anna."

"I see." He sat down and pondered for a moment. "…What happened to the Materia?"

Shaking her head, she frowned. "Even though I didn't want it, Henry insisted that we keep it or else he wouldn't pay. Mirage also mentioned that it is the key we will need in the future.…"

"Really…"

"BUT!" Olivia pointed at Cloud. "You and Mirage act too strange with that thing around. So, I will hold on to it from you guys until we figure out what to do with it."

As Cloud nodded, he felt the weight of the recent days pressing on his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that the Materia was more than it appeared, and the fact that he had lost so much time left him restless. "Probably for the best. I don't want to black out again… Come to think of it, is Mirage driving my Fenrir?"

"Yes. We are meeting Elara for our next request. She's located at a temple in Mount Prism."

"What does she want?"

"The usual delivery service."

Nodding, Cloud steadied himself inside the carriage while the gentle sway of the ride soothed his frayed nerves. Olivia's cheerful presence beside him was a welcome comfort, filling the space with warmth despite the lingering tension in Cloud's mind.

Once they arrived, the landscape opened up before them, revealing the sprawling green plains of Mount Prism. It was a breathtaking sight, the grass glistened in varying shades of green, dotted with wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. Here and there, solitary trees stood mightily, their leaves moving with the wind. In the distance, a colossal waterfall cascaded down a steep cliff, creating a magnificent spray that caught the sunlight and transformed into a delicate rainbow arch.

"Wow…" Olivia breathed, taken in by the sheer beauty of the place. "It's incredible here."

Cloud agreed, his eyes scanning the perfect landscape, no detection of nature rotting. "Almost feels a bit unreal."

Mirage parked the Fenrir near the base of the ancient and majestic temple, which loomed ahead. While Cloud and Olivia hopped off their ride, Mirage took off her father's spare goggles and stepped out on the grass. "Dad. Are you feeling all right?"

"Better than ever."

Mirage nodded. "I'm sure Mom told you what's going on."

"She did. Let's keep going," Cloud said without hesitation. He stepped forward to the temple. Its stone structure was adorned with intricate carvings that tell tales of past legends. The air was thick with reverence as they approached, punctuated only by the gentle whisper of the nearby waterfall. Walking forward to the steps leading to the temple, a figure emerged from the shadows of the temple entrance. She was a striking woman, her long dark hair flowing down her back like water and yellow eyes that gleamed with an air of mystery. She wore a robe of deep violet that swayed gracefully with each movement, enhancing her ethereal presence.

"The Strife Delivery Service, I presume," she greeted, her voice smooth and melodic, resonating confidently.

"Yeah, that's us," Cloud said, slightly caught off guard by her otherworldly demeanor. "Are you Elara?"

"Yes," she replied, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I have been expecting you. Come in."

Without hesitation, the trio followed her into the temple. Inside, the air was cool and fragrant with the scent of herbs. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, illuminating the intricately decorated interior. The temple felt alive with an unseen energy, making the hairs on Cloud's arms stand on end. Elara led them to the center of the temple, where a large dragon altar stood. She gave her bag of money to Cloud. "Here."

Grabbing her bag, he opened it. "This is…"

"Triple the amount. That's because I have an important task for you," she stated, reaching beneath the altar. She produced a small, ornate box embellished with tiny, shimmering gemstones.

"What's inside?" Mirage asked, her eyes curious.

"A sacred item. Though I cannot tell you what it does or why it's needed, its importance cannot be overstated," Elara explained, a hint of caution in her gaze.

Cloud noticed the way Elara's fingers traced the box with reverence. There was weight to her words. "Why can't you just deliver it yourself?" he inquired.

"My journey is fraught with danger. It is not a path for one person alone," she replied, her voice steady but her eyes reflecting a flicker of concern. "But I know you three have the strength to reach my special one and ensure its safe delivery."

Olivia exchanged a glance with Cloud and Mirage, each feeling the weight of the responsibility placed upon them.

"Okay, we'll do it," Cloud said, "but who is this person's name?"

Elara handed the box to Cloud, its weight feeling heavy in his palms. "You will know when you will meet him. Trust your instincts."

Cloud carefully placed the box into his pocket, feeling his companions' eyes on him as they exited the temple.

"You think we can trust her?" Mirage quietly asked once they were outside, her brows furrowed in thought.

"I hope so," Cloud replied, glancing back at the temple where Elara stood watching them. He couldn't quite describe her smile, but it had a feeling similar to what he had been experiencing not too long ago. It was a mixture of joy and sadness.

The atmosphere around them shifted as they made their way down the temple's steps. The tranquility of Mount Prism contrasted sharply with the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in Cloud's mind. He took a deep breath, the fresh air filling his lungs, but the weight in his chest remained.

"Cloud?" Olivia's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him from his internal struggle. Her delicate brow was knitted with concern.

He turned to her, attempting a smile, though it felt foreign on his lips. "Yeah?"

"Are you okay?" She stepped closer, her warm presence a comfort. "You seem... distant."

Cloud glanced down at his feet, the grass swaying lazily in the breeze. "I'm fine," he replied, though his tone was less than convincing. "Just... thinking about the delivery."

"Really?" Olivia raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "You've been quiet since we received the task. It seems like something else is weighing on your mind."

Cloud hesitated, feeling the familiar tension build in his chest. He wanted to open up to share his concerns, but the words felt stuck. Instead, he shifted the focus back to their mission. "We need to figure out who this 'special one' is and why this item is important. That's what really matters right now."

"Of course," she responded, her voice gentle, but Cloud noticed the fleeting disappointment in her eyes. "But I wouldn't want you to feel like you have to keep things to yourself. We're a team, Cloud."

A faint pang of guilt coursed through him. He appreciated Olivia's unwavering support but struggled to accept what it might mean. Their connection hovered in that fragile space between companionship and something more profound, and he often found himself retreating to the safety of silence rather than risk losing her altogether. "I know, but-"

"Cloud, if something's bothering you," she insisted softly, "you can share it with me, okay? I'm here for you."

Walking a few steps ahead, Mirage paused and glanced back at them. "I can stay back if you two want some privacy."

Olivia shot a reassuring smile at her daughter. "No, it's fine. We're just talking." She then turned back to Cloud, her expression open and inviting. "It's just... I worry about you."

Cloud nodded slowly, his gaze drifting to the horizon where the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape. "I've been having second thoughts about us."

"Us?" Olivia echoed, uncertainty creasing her brow. "You mean... our future?"

"Yeah," Cloud said, his voice almost a whisper. "Sometimes, I feel like I'm not enough. I look at you and Mirage, and I wonder if I can really be the kind of partner you both deserve… a father." He paused, the weight of his words settling heavily in the air between them. "I don't want to let you down."

Olivia's expression shifted from concern to compassion, and she stepped closer, closing the distance between them. "Cloud, you're not just 'something' to me. You're everything. I know it hasn't been that long into our relationship, but I'm telling the truth. Also, I know you're serious and sometimes a little distant, but that's because you think about things deeply. I know you care so much about us, even if it doesn't always come out the way I expect."

Mirage, sensing the intensity of the conversation, took a step back. Her gaze shifted to the horizon as though the sunset promised secrets and revelations. She'd always respected the bond between her parents, but something about this moment felt different, charged with emotions too intricate to understand fully.

Olivia reached for Cloud's hand, intertwining her fingers with his. "You don't have to carry all the weight by yourself. We're a team... No, a family, remember? Whatever challenges come our way, we'll face them together."

"Family," Cloud repeated softly. Closing his eyes with hesitation, he allowed himself to lean into her warmth, the tension in his chest beginning to unravel. "I want to be that for you, both of you, somehow, but I get so lost in my thoughts…" He glanced momentarily at Mirage, who was now favoring a small patch of flowers, picking at it absentmindedly. Her calm presence was a comfort he didn't always recognize he needed until she was by his side, reminding him of the bonds they had built.

"Right. I can't let my worries consume me. I have to be strong for you both." Cloud's voice was steady as he glanced toward the temple they had just left. "I've seen the consequences of being careless with feelings, which terrified me. I have worked through those feelings in my heart, but sometimes, they resurface like an old habit. ...It seems like I don't know how to navigate all of this."

"Then let's navigate it together," responded Olivia. "We can figure it out step by step. If you receive those thoughts or feelings again, then I'll pull you back. I'm by your side, Cloud. I'll always be."

Mirage had drifted closer, intrigued by the emotional exchange. She looked up at her parents. "Dad, it's okay to be confused," she said. "I mean, even I have moments when I don't know what to do. But talking to other helps."

Olivia smiled softly at Mirage, her heart swelling with pride for her daughter's insight. "We'll create safe spaces for each other to share our fears and hopes without judgment. Never alone."

The atmosphere shifted, the tension giving way to warmth. Cloud released a breath he didn't know he was holding. "I understand. I won't stay silent if something comes up."

She nodded. "And it better not become a habit next time."

Cloud felt a warmth bloom in his chest as he looked at Olivia, her earnestness and compassion radiating from her. The golden light from the setting sun highlighted her features, the gentle curve of her smile, the way her hair caught the light, and the spark in her eyes that spoke of unwavering support.

"You know," he began, his voice steady yet softly surprised by the realization, "you really are incredible, Olivia. I've realized that more than ever with everything we've been through. You balance strength and kindness so beautifully."

"Wha-" A faint blush spread across Olivia's cheeks, catching her off guard. "Cloud, you're just saying that," she replied, her voice a mixture of bashfulness and disbelief. She looked down, her hands fiddling with his, trying to mask her embarrassment. "I mean, I appreciate it, but I just do what I can for my family."

"No," Cloud insisted gently, tilting her chin up so she would look him in the eyes. "I mean it. You have this amazing ability to light up even in the darkest moments. You're strong, smart, and genuinely care about people, making you even more beautiful."

Olivia's face turned a deeper shade of crimson, caught between pride and embarrassment. "You really think so?" she managed to ask, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Absolutely," Cloud said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. The sincerity in his gaze was unmistakable, and suddenly, the tension that had filled him seemed to fade away, replaced with a deeper connection. "And it takes a lot of courage to stand by my side, to carry the weight of our future together. It means everything to me."

"I…" Olivia stammered, her cheeks still warm with color. "I never thought you saw me that way, especially when you've been so focused on everything else."

"Trust me, you shine through it all," Cloud replied, his heart swelling as he watched her reaction. "And I'm grateful for you. I don't want to lose sight of that."

Feeling a swell of affection for her parents, Mirage noted the tender exchange, her heart fluttering warmly. It was moments like this, seeing their love, where she was motivated to save this world and her parents even more. "Okay, enough mushy stuff!" Mirage interjected, a smirk growing on her face as she stepped between them. "Let's get moving before the sunset takes all the good views." Her teasing tone broke the slight tension of the moment, inviting light laughter into the air.

Olivia glanced down at her daughter, chuckling softly at her intrusion. "Right! We should focus on our mission. Can't leave our clients waiting."

Cloud couldn't help but smile, the warmth in his heart growing despite the looming tasks ahead. "Okay, let's see what our next delivery entails," he said, the heaviness from before replaced with a sense of purpose.