I did steal from Lady Aerith's story, I'll say that right off the bat. Well.... 'steal' might be a bit much, but I did heavily borrow from her. <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o
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<!--[endif]-->All I did was simply use her chars and the situation she had set up, emotionally, between chars and I went on a completely new path. One could say I started at the Amazon and ended up in the Nile.
In any case, this very short tragedy does NOT correspond with the goings-on of Lady Aerith's story. Everything happened differently, I totally jumped ahead in time, and I even completely skipped one part where Tifa comes back earlier in her story. If you've read Lady Aerith's story (which I'm sure ALL of you have) you'll know quite well what's going on, in a rough sorta way.
Like I said, I only used the chars and the situation set up to make this.
Now, as for the tragedy itself, I know exactly why I wrote it. Remember, I AM a fan of Tifa and a Clifa to boot. But so many idiot Clerith's that don't know 2 cents as to how a relationship works have, said often that Cloud wouldn't be sad at all if Tifa died instead of Aerith. This angers me. Greatly. I've also seen a lot of artwork depicting a raging Tifa while Cloud runs to Aerith.
Clearly the concept of 'humanity' has been lost. I don't believe people view Tifa with a realistic view, and my goal here was to rectify that. I tried to create a realistic situation that would accurately depict Tifa's reaction if, indeed, Cloud loved another woman. She would not be furious, she would not be vengeful, and she wouldn't be 'just okay' with it. This is how I believe a real Clifa tragedy would play out.
This roughly takes place at some point where the group has retrieved Cloud from his stupid expiditon, though it is very errouneous to what happens in Lady Aerith's own story.
Now, here is my Clifa tragedy, which I decided to post at 4:22 AM, in it's complete and unabridged form (yes, I am talking to myself in the beginning). Say what you will of it, or say nothing at all; it's up to you.
Broken Lockheart
<o></o>
(I must keep telling myself that I’m not as good as Mandi at making these romantic situations. Especially when it comes between her chars. The best I can do is make a rough outline of the events that lead up to the tragic parts. I’m good at writing tragedy.
Hmmmmmm. At least much better than romance that is. yes I’m talking to myself. Deal with it. )
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>The group encouraged Cloud to confess his feelings for Andria right there. They simply wouldn’t wait. After all the shit they went through, they were going to make sure that he said it and said it good.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Blushing, the swordsman approached the girl and held her close. He looks into her eyes, feels mushy inside, etc. etc. etc. (Like I said, Mandi is MUCH better at this sort of thing. XD) Cid says something funny at this point. Anyhow, he (Cloud not Cid ) declares his love for her (Andi not Yuffie ) and seals the deal with a long smooch. He’s a good smoocher. everyone cheers. Hooray! Huzzah!
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>That’s when Tifa walked in. Oh, goody. Writing now! *Ahem*
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>The cheers went silent as the companions noticed the newcomer in their midst. Standing in the doorway, was the long absent Tifa. She had come in when Cloud had declared his love for the green-eyed Cetra. She had seen them kiss. She had felt herself die at those words, at that kiss.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>A dead silence spread across the room, all eyes fixed on the raven-haired woman. Tifa didn’t know what to do. Her mind was reeling from the impact of what she had seen and heard. But everyone was looking at her expectantly. What did they want from her? She had nothing left to give. All she held dear was gone, taken before her very eyes. She looked down at the floor, unknowing where to go, unsure of what to say.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Slowly, she walked forward towards Cloud and Andi, her head still bowed. As she approached, Cloud instinctively moved in front of Andria, protecting her from his childhood friend. He didn’t know why he was doing this. He didn’t seriously think that Tifa would attack Andria… did he? Despite his self-assurances that he didn’t mistrust his friend like that, he kept himself interposed between Andi and the approaching woman.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Tifa stopped in front of him and tried to meet his eyes. Her head felt as though it were made of lead. After what seemed like a battle against gravity, she raised her head and met his azure eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
She didn’t quite know what she meant by that at the time. Later on, however, in the depths of night she would realize what she had tried to convey with those two small words. Cloud would ponder over them for the rest of his life, spending many a sleepless night over their meaning; always, he would be unable to extract a meaning from them. A message heard and yet never received.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Without saying anymore she walked past the couple and with the same slow, steady pace, she ascended the stairs. Everyone heard the door to her room closing, marked only by the small click of the bolt in the door. The small sound seemed to echo in eerie silence that filled the bar.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>In her room, Tifa sat down on her bed, staring at the floor. Shock clouded her mind. The light from the setting sun painted the floor a golden color, her feet just outside of that golden square. She slowly raised one trembling hand and pressed it over her heart and she waited for the pain to come.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>* * *
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“What should we do?” Yuffie asked, the little ninja’s eyes the sized of half-dollars.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Just give her some time,” Mari said soothingly. “This is a lot for her to handle right now. Let her get over the shock and we’ll go talk to her.” Everyone nodded, agreeing with the plan the red mage purposed.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Well! Who’s up fer sum ice cream!” Cid exclaimed. There was a burst of laughter at this and the tension in the air melted away. Soon, the companions were enjoying ice cream and laughing, the previous situation with Tifa nearly forgotten. However, amidst the celebration, Yuffie glanced nervously at the stairway, her mind obviously lingering on her friend. Mari, seeing this drew her off to one side.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Yuffie, don’t worry about her so much. She’s strong. She can handle anything. But, she just needs some time alone right now, okay?” Mari caught the little Wutai ninja’s gaze and gave her a comforting look. Yuffie, a little taken aback by this simply nodded. The mage smiled at her and turned towards Vincent who had come up to the two. While they were talking, Yuffie cast one more glance at the stairs. No matter how hard she tried, she simply couldn’t rid herself of the sight of agony in Tifa’s eyes.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>* * *
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>That night, Mari, Yuffie, Cid, Vincent, and Red quietly entered Tifa’s room. She was not lying on the bed, as they had expected. Curiously, the drapes were firmly pulled shut over the window, blocking the moonlight. Not far from the window, Tifa sat in the corner. Her knees were pulled up to her chest, arms folded on her knees, and her head resting on her folded arms. Her face was hidden from them. From her, they could here soft sobbing, her shoulders rising and falling in time with the short, gasping sobs.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Oh, Tifa, it’s okay,” Mari said soothingly. She knelt next to the grief-stricken woman wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She stroked Tifa’s raven hair away from her face while making soft soothing sounds to help calm her.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Don’t worry, Tifa. Everything will get better soon, you’ll see,” Yuffie added, sitting down in front of her friend. The others echoed the two, unsure of what else to say. Cid kept fingering an unlit cigarette, unable to smoke comfortably in the presence of his friend’s sorrow. “Don’t worry, Teef,” he tried. “You know Spiky better than the rest of us. Ya know he still loves ya.” The others added their own comforting words; trying the best they could to dam that river of tears.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>However, Tifa only drew into herself even more at these soft assurances. They had no idea. They had no idea of the twisting, burning agony in her heart. She had heard the term ‘broken heart’ before, but she had no idea it was literal. She was sure that this pain would kill her and yet she never died, sadly. Death was the only solace left to her it seemed; anything to escape the pain.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>For a long time, they all continued to stay with her, trying to comfort her. Eventually, her tears slowed and Mari gently brushed away any stray ones. Tifa’s sobbing had subsided, for a little while at least. Vincent gently picked her up and set her down on her bed. Yuffie pulled the covers over her. Then the group quietly left, leaving Tifa to rest.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>However, she did not fall asleep right away. Throwing the covers back, she stood up. Crossing the room, she picked up a picture frame that was standing on her dresser. Staring at it, she slowly walked back to her bed and sat down, studying the picture by the moonlight that was streaming in from the now uncovered window. After a few moments, she laid down, never taking her eyes off of the object in her hands. Eventually, she fell asleep, one hand resting protectively, clingingly, on the picture.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>The photograph itself was of her and Cloud; it was fall when the picture had been taken, during that one brief time of happiness after Geostigma had been cured and the Remnants disposed of. Cloud had been so happy then… it had seemed perfect almost. The leaves in the background were turning orange and red; Cloud had one arm around Tifa’s shoulders. Both of them were smiling. It was a brief shining moment in Tifa’s life, a moment that had hinted at what might have been.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1> * * *
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>For the next three days, Tifa refused to come out of her room. She didn’t talk to anyone, would hardly eat anything. She sat in her room and silently wept. Though the others didn’t know, she was waiting. For the most part, she was waiting for the pain to stop, or to dwindle to at least a little bit. However, the pain didn’t go away. Not only that, but she saw no point into going about her usual routine of daily life. What was the point? To pretend she had a real family? A ‘family’ that was lost to her now, ever since Andi had come…
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>There was no point anymore. So she remained in her room, tears of pain silently streaming down her face.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>However, her friends didn’t know what she was doing. After patiently putting up with her grief, they began to grow worried. And impatient. The stress of Tifa’s situation was also telling on Cloud and Andi’s relationship. The two had grown uncomfortable around each other. Any act of intimacy was gilded with guilt, for it seemed their happiness only caused more suffering to their friend.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>On the third day, Mari decided it was time to put an end to it. “She’s got to stop this,” she declared testily. The affect Tifa was having on Cloud and Andria irked her to no end. Though she considered Tifa to be one of her best friends, she wasn’t going to let her destroy Cloud’s newfound happiness in life.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Just look at what’s happening between Andria and Cloud!” she exclaimed to the others. “This is simply getting far out of hand. It’s ridiculous.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Waddya we do, then?” Cid questioned, a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. “Not like we kin go up there, beat her an’ tell her to stop.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>The red mage glowered at the pilot. “No, of course not. But we have been too accommodating of her behavior. We have to break her out of it. Show no sympathy; be rough on her. The shock will get her back on track in no time,” she finished, confidence ringing in her voice.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Are you sure it will work?” Red asked. His fiery tail twitched back and forth with uncertainty.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Of course! Now, here’s what we do…”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Later that evening, the whole group ascended to Tifa’s room once more. The raven-haired woman was sitting on the bed, her back to the door, staring at something she was holding. She didn’t look up as the others came in. Mari sat down next to her.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Tifa… Tifa this has to stop. It’s time to let the past go,” she said to her, firmly but softly.<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>
Tifa mentally smiled bitterly. Yes. Wasn’t I always telling him that? How ironic. But she didn’t reply.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Mari pulled the picture out of Tifa’s hands and handed it to one of the others, whom laid it on the dresser once more. The mage then forced Tifa to look at her. “Tifa, I said stop. You know what you look like? You’re acting like a child for goodness sake. Stop it.” This time she was far more firm than gentle. <u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>
Tifa stared at her shocked. What was this?
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“She’s right, Tifa,” came the little ninja’s voice. “You’re hurting Cloud and Andi.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Tifa looked at her, unable to comprehend their words. Hurt them? What about me? What about the pain they’ve caused me? Don’t you care about my pain?<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“What?” was all she managed to say, however.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Ya heard her. Yer bein’ selfish Tifa. Yer only causin’ more pain. An’ that’s bein’ unfair to Cloud and little Andi,” Cid added.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“And we’re not going to let you let ruin their relationship,” Red said. <u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“So either start acting like your own age, or leave. Those are your options. But we will not let this continue,” Vincent finished.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>With that said, they started to slowly file out of the room. Tifa lunged at Vincent and caught his hand. “Please, don’t leave me,” she begged. She was kneeling on the floor, trying to prevent him from leaving. Instead, he coldly pulled his hand out of her grasp. “Get some sleep,” was all he replied.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Tifa remained on the floor, watching in disbelief as her friends left her, closing the door behind them. So that was it, then. They left her. First Cloud, and now her friends. She had no one left anymore. She could feel a cry rising within her, building up in her chest and climbing up her throat. Her vision blurred with tears.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Then the door opened. Hope and relief flooded in as Tifa watched Mari reenter the room. However, Mari simply went around her and picked up a small pouch of the bed. She had accidentally left it behind. As she headed back towards the door, she cast Tifa a disgusted glance. “For gods sake Tifa, get off the floor. It’s pathetic.”
And she left.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Something snapped within Tifa at those words. With those few words, she stopped caring. Anger, bitter, hateful anger, filled her. She felt no sadness, no loneliness or regret. Only hate. A hate so pure it left room for little else. She felt drained, as if she were hollow inside, nothing but a cold emptiness. More than anything, Tifa wanted to break down that damn door and shred those people she had been so stupid to assume were her friends. However, she held herself back. She stared at the door with a frightening, bitter smile, which was very out of place. Tifa’s world had shattered and she began to build a new one, an alien one that would change her life and those around her, forever.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1> * * *
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Without fail, there always comes a time, nearly exclusively in the middle of the night, when one’s body decides it is thirsty. Or the direct opposite; it entirely depends on what fickle fate has in store for you. But usually, it is a thirst so great, it wakes you from your sleep. A parched throat and a dry tongue, stuck to your dry pallet, beg for the sweet kiss of water. Try to ignore it, it makes no difference; you will get up and get a drink, for if you don’t one of two things will happen. One, you won’t get any sleep until you get a drink. Or two, you manage to push it away and fall back to sleep. However, your subconscious, connected with the needs of the body, fills your dreams of rivers, oceans, waterfalls and when you wake up, you find that your still very thirsty and that you’ve wet the bed. Anyway, such a time will occur randomly and it was such a time for Cloud.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>He awoke in the middle of the night, his mouth achingly dry. For our dear Cloud, he decided to go with option one; he tried to ignore it and go back to sleep but was unable to do so. With a dry sigh, he reluctantly left Andi sleeping and went to get a drink. (Smart move fellow. She wouldn’t sleep next to you if you wet the bed. )
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Now, usually you would head to the bathroom, get a satisfactory mouthful or two of water from the tap and simply go back to bed. However, the tap water in the bathroom tasted disgusting to Cloud. So, he had to go downstairs for a drink. He softly padded downstairs, switching on the light above the stairs.
Without going behind the bar itself, he merely reached below the counter and grabbed a glass. He filled it up, still in front of the bar, with water from the soda fountain. He drained the entire glass once, refilled it, and took another deep drink. He sighed, the water moistening his parched mouth.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“I was a fool to think you loved me.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>The voice, that seemed to come from out of nowhere, gave Cloud a good scare. He jumped, whipping around to face the source of the voice, instinctively reaching for a sword that wasn’t there.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Sitting on one of the bar stool chairs, dressed in a black nightshirt and black pajama pants, was Tifa. She had her knees drawn up to her chest, her arms encircling her legs. She had had her forehead resting on her knees, her curtain of black hair hiding her face. When she spoke however, she had raised her head and her dark eyes glared at Cloud.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Cloud was stunned. He hadn’t seen or spoken to Tifa since she had come back and this sudden transformation was unnerving. He doubted he would’ve have recognized her if she hadn’t spoken.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“That’s not true,” he said softly. With her black attire and black hair, he could only make out an outline of her from the ambient light from the stairs. Her dark eyes glittered at him in the light. He didn’t know if they were glittering from some sad emotion or from… something else.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>She snorted. “Oh, and you’ve proven that so well.” Her voice was cold, grating. This was not the Tifa he knew.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Tifa…” he began, trying to think of some way he could tell her that he was sorry for the pain she had to go through. He still loved her; as family, that is. She was the only thing he had that was as close to family he would ever get.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>She laughed. It wasn’t a laugh of humor. It was a low bitter chuckle that held no warmth. “That stupid, naïve little girl is dead. And she isn’t coming back.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Before Cloud could say anything she continued. “I was pathetic. I should’ve known you never loved me. ‘I think I can meet her there.’ That’s what you said. You had just saved my life and you didn’t even so much as give a shit about me. I should’ve known then. But I was stupid enough to believe that you might love me yet.”
Again that cold, bitter laugh that sent shivers down Cloud’s spine. “Really, I must thank you. You’ve shown me what an idiot I was.” She tilted her head a little bit, regarding him with a cold, hard gaze. “Tell me, how can I return the favor?”<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>
Cloud stared at her. What had happened to Tifa? Who was this dark demon sitting here before him? What had he done?
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Cloud?” Andi’s sleepy voice called out to him from the top of the stairs. He had been gone too long and his absence has awoken her. Cloud couldn’t answer her however. He could only stare at his best friend. Her dark eyes showed nothing to him however. She simply sat there, coldly returning his gaze. “I’m sorry,” he said to her.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Why should you be? You’ve never been sorry before.” <u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>
“Cloud?” Andi’s voice sounded worried now. He heard her begin to descend the stairs. He turned to see her coming down. “Are you all right?” she asked.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Yeah. I’m fine; just getting a glass of water.” He tried to sound calm.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Who were you talking too?”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Well, I—“ He looked back towards Tifa but she had vanished as if the whole thing were nothing more than a bad dream.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>The next day, Tifa was up and at the bar well before anyone else had crawled out of bed. She kept herself busy with cleaning the bar, washing the dishes, and she was cooking breakfast just as everyone woke up.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>She exchanged no words with Cloud or Andi. She merely went about her business as if they didn’t even exist.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Later on in the day, Vincent and Mari came over to check on Tifa. What they found was far from what they had expected.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Cloud told me you were up quite early today,” Mari commented to Tifa. The martial artist didn’t even glance at the mage. “This place sure as hell isn’t going to pay for itself, now is it?” she replied coolly. “And you all are apparently incapable of doing anything.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Mari was taken aback by this comment and she withdrew to discuss this with Vincent, Cloud, and Andi. The four were standing outside, talking to each other in hushed tones. The door to the bar was wide open, letting in a breeze to cool off the stifling summer heat in the bar. Thus, they saw everything that happened. <u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>
Tifa was sweeping the floor when Marlene came bouncing down the stairs. When she saw Tifa she squealed and ran to her, giving her a big hug around the waist. Tifa didn’t return the embrace. She stood there and endured it and visibly sighed. Then Marlene bombarded Tifa with a multitude of questions.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Tifa, are you feeling better now? Can we go somewhere today? Are you happy? Did you talk to Cloud? Where did you go? What did you see? Will you tell me, please?” she asked.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Tifa did not answer any of the little girl’s questions. Instead, she leaned the broom up against the bar. Bending over, she grabbed Marlene by the shoulders and lifted her up. Marlene’s feet dangled as Tifa held her up at eye-level. “Leave me alone,” Tifa said in a soft, lethal tone. “Understand?”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Marlene rapidly shook her head, her eyes wide. Tifa set her down on the floor once more and resumed sweeping around the little girl. Marlene fled the bar, and buried her face in Andria’s skirt, hiding her tears.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>The four adults glanced at each other. Mari’s plan had worked. Tifa had changed. But not for the better.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1> * * *
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>After Tifa had gone to town for supplies, the others were free to talk about her sudden change in behavior. All of the others had been called in to discuss this disturbing topic. Cloud told them about the strange conversation last night. <u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>
“What happened?” Yuffie asked. <u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>
“I don’t know,” Mari replied.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Do you think what we did was wrong?” Cid questioned, nervously fiddling with a cigarette.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>They continued their conversation for a while, throwing ideas out as to what caused this sudden behavior, if it would pass, if it was something they had done. (yadda, yadda) In the kitchen, unseen from the bar, Tifa stood with her back against the wall, listening to everything being said. She slowly slid down the wall and impassively took in everything her friends were saying about her.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Maybe this is just a phase,” Mari was saying. “A reaction to everything that happened. I’m sure it’ll pass,” she added confidently.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“What will pass?” Everyone’s head turned to see Tifa walking out of the kitchen. <u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Tifa! How’d you get in here?” Yuffie exclaimed.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“I came in the back. Easier to unload everything. And what are we doing?” Her cold gaze touched each of them in turn. “A little reunion? Delightful.” Her voice was cold and dripping with sarcasm.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Tifa, we were talking about… well, we were talking about you,” Mari said softly. “We’re worried about you. All we want to do is help.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Her kind words were answered by sharp, bitter laughter. “Help? Thanks, but I’ve had enough of your ‘help’, as you call it.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Tifa, please! Just tell us what’s wrong!” Yuffie pleaded.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Shut up,” Tifa muttered. She crossed the room, heading for the door. Halfway across, Cloud grabbed her arm. “Tifa, we’re always here to help you. But we can’t do anything if you don’t tell us what’s wrong,” he said softly.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Tifa went rigid when he grabbed her arm. She never moved, remained facing straight ahead. Her eyes flicked towards him. What he saw in her eyes shocked him. Startled, he let go of her arm and stepped away from her. She continued out of the bar, slamming the door open. She quickly disappeared from sight.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Silence spread across the room, everyone unknowing of what to say or do. Cloud returned to his seat next to Andi, staring at the door Tifa had exited. For a split second, he had seen all of Tifa’s seething hatred in her eyes. And he had also seen her incalculable pain.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Storm clouds rolled over the city of Edge, brimming with rain and echoing with thunder. In the wasteland around the city, Tifa hid among a cluster of boulders. The boulders lay in such a way that a small cave, a niche, was made. It was big enough for two people to lay down in it. But the ceiling was low, forcing one to walk doubled over. Here is where Tifa sought sanctuary. She had discovered this place when she had gone exploring one day, simply for fun. She had always come here to get away from all the turmoil in her life. This time, however, it didn’t work. <u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>
Her mind swirled with thoughts of Cloud. She loved him. She would always love him. And she hated herself for it. Why had she continued to hope he would return her love? Why did she keep pursuing him? All she got from it was a broken heart and dead dreams. She cursed herself for loving him. She wished they had never met. <u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Her vision blurred with tears.
No, she didn’t wish that. If she had never met Cloud… she didn’t want to think of what her life would’ve been like. Meeting Cloud was probably the best thing that ever happened in her life. But every time she looked at him it hurt. Anything that reminded her of him made it hurt even more. And, of course, just about everything did. Her anger wasn’t directed at him; it was directed at herself. And yet, she’d taken out her anger on her friends and now she felt sorry she had done so. She loved Cloud but when she saw him, that love made her all the more angry at herself, and that anger made the pain even worse.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>She leaned back against the rock wall now, pressing her hands over her heart. It hadn’t stopped hurting ever since she found out. A throbbing pain that wouldn’t stop burned within her. And it was agony. The tears started coming again. They always did when she was alone or when she thought of Cloud.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>She built all of her hopes and dreams upon him. He was the center of her world, so to speak. She had given him all of her love—and he never returned it. Her dreams were shattered. Her world was dead. And now she had nothing left in life. Everything had been taken from her leaving her with no future. Oh, sure she had the bar, her… friends. No, not them even. They didn’t understand and they didn’t want too. She was alone in this. Terribly, utterly alone… forever.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Tifa sat crying in that small niche in the wasteland, deprived of love, abandoned by hope. She mourned everything dreamt and lost, a life gone to ruin, her sobs heard only by the weeping sky.
<u1></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<u1></u1>A few minutes after Tifa had left, the group had gone out in search of her. After hours of searching and coming up with nothing, they gave up. They all agreed that the best thing for her right now was to organize her thoughts. As night fell, the companions bid goodnight and farewell.
<u1></u1>Cloud and Andria ascended the stairs to go to bed as well. But as they were about to enter their room, Cloud noticed that the door to Tifa’s room was open a crack. He couldn’t recall if it had been that way earlier. Had Tifa come back, somehow slipping past everyone? Telling Andi he would only be a minute, he went to Tifa’s door and pushed it open further.
<u1></u1>The door swung open on silent hinges. Cloud quietly entered the room, not wanting to disturb the eerie silence of the room. He stepped further into the room. From what he could see, Tifa was not there.
<u1></u1>He should’ve just left right there, but something made him continue further into the room. As he passed by the bed, light glinting off of something on the floor caught his eye. He went over to the object and picked it up.
<u1></u1>It was a picture of him and Tifa during the fall. He could still remember that day. They had gone for a walk in the park. The trees had been beautiful that year. But it wasn’t the picture that was so odd. The glass had been shattered.
<u1></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*
<u1></u1>Tifa had returned by morning, waiting for everyone to wake up. The sight of Tifa patiently sitting at the bar was quite a surprise for Cloud and Andi in the morning. They immediately began asking if she was all right, if she was hurt, where she had gone.
<u1></u1>She turned it all away with a tired smile. “I’m fine, I’m fine,” she told them. Suddenly looking uncomfortable she began to apologize. “Um… I’m really sorry for the way I’ve been acting for the past few days… It wasn’t right and I know I’ve been nothing but trouble and…” she sighed and took a deep breath to steady her nerves. “I’m really, really sorry.” Unable to meet Cloud or Andi’s eyes before, she tried to do so now. Weighed with guilt she found she still couldn’t meet their gaze and dropped her own to the floor.
<u1></u1>Andi quickly stepped up and gave Tifa an unexpected hug. “Oh, that’s okay Tifa. I understand. You weren’t any trouble at all.” Pulling back she smiled at the dark-haired woman, trying to cheer her up. “We’re always here for you. That’s what friends are for anyway!” Tifa managed a weak smile at this and she and Cloud reconciled.
<u1></u1>Later that day, when Mary and Vincent had come over upon hearing the arrival of Tifa, the same scene occurred. Tifa apologized and the couple assured her there was nothing to be forgiven.
<u1></u1>Over the next few days, Tifa gradually returned to her old self. Within a week it was as if nothing had happened. She laughed and smiled like she used to, traded jokes and gossip with her friends, and the whole unpleasant incident was pushed away from everyone’s thoughts.
<u1></u1>Cloud, making one venture into Tifa’s room to see if anything was wrong that might not be apparent, found the shattered picture he had discovered sitting on the dresser once more. It had been placed in a new picture frame and the two smiled out from behind the pane of glass that separated this world from theirs.
<u1></u1>Everything had returned too normal; better than normal in fact. Cloud had finally found happiness in his life. (yadda, yadda, yadda let someone else ramble on about him. This ain’t about him : P)
<u1></u1>Cloud had thought that everything had finally turned for the better for good until he and Tifa were alone in the bar one day.
<u1></u1>He was sitting at the bar, enjoying a glass of water in the intense August heat. Andi had just left with Mari to go shopping and he was taking a break at the bar between deliveries. The bar was completely empty, just past the midday lunch rush as people thankfully went back to wherever they found respite from the heat.<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Cloud’s mind was on the deliveries ahead when suddenly Tifa reached over the bar and grasped both his hands in hers. “Wha-“ he began, startled, but Tifa cut him off.
<u1></u1>“Does she make you happy?” she asked abruptly. She gazed at him earnestly.
<u1></u1>He looked at her closely, making sure that this wasn’t some kind of joke. “What do you mean?” he asked carefully.
<u1></u1>“Andria. Does she make you happy?” Tifa repeated.
<u1></u1>He sighed. “Tifa, if this is some kind of argument or if you’re trying—“
<u1></u1>“I’m not arguing,” Tifa interrupted softly. “It’s a simple question. And I would like to know the answer.”
<u1></u1>He paused before answering her, weighing what would happen if he did or didn’t answer. Finally he did. “Yes, she does. Now my question: What’s this all about?”<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Tifa seemed relived at his answer as well as resolute. She still held his hands but now she looked away from his blue eyes, gazing at the desperate hold she had on him. She was quiet for a while before she answered.
<u1></u1>“I love you Cloud. No matter what I or anyone else does, I will always love you. Nothing can change that. I would do anything for you. If you asked it of me, I would do it.” She stopped; letting these words linger in the air. Cloud waited quietly, dreading. “You’ve lost so much, Cloud. You’ve gone through so much pain. And it hurts me to see you so unhappy. I… I realized that day… If I truly love you then I would do anything to make you happy. The worst thing I could possibly do is to ruin your… your love with Andria because she makes you happy. I swear Cloud, I will do anything to make sure you and Andria stay safe, to make sure that you are happy, because… I couldn’t bear to hurt you. Which is exactly what I would be doing if I got between you and Andria.
<u1></u1>“When…” Her voice choked now, with some emotion she was struggling to control. “When I found out that you… didn’t… love me…” her grip tightened on his hands, “I lost everything. There was nothing left for me anymore. I didn’t want to live.” <u1></u1><o></o>
Cloud could see her tears falling on the bar between them. He wanted desperately to wipe those tears away and tell her it wasn’t true, that everything would be better. But he couldn’t lie to her and her words held him spellbound. “That’s when I realized all I had left was making sure the one person I still loved in this world was happy. That’s what people do when they’re in love, I guess. That’s why I wanted to know if she made you happy; I wanted to be completely sure that she did and now I know. Because I love you.”
<u1></u1>She fell silent, all she needed to say having been told, and all she needed to know obtained. She let go of his hands and waited for judgment. Her hair fell around her face when she bowed her head, the dark curtain of hair hiding her face and her tears.
<u1></u1>She heard the sound of the bar stool scraping across the floor as Cloud stood. Great. Now I’ve done it. I should’ve just kept my mouth shut, I shouldn’t have said anything. I only made things wor—
<u1></u1>Suddenly, she was swept into a strong embrace. She buried her face into Cloud’s shoulder and let her tears flow, unable to stop them. She hadn’t even heard him walk around the bar to reach her.
<u1></u1>Cloud was greatly upset by Tifa’s confession. She had just told him that she would step aside and let the one she loved be with someone else if it made him happy. She had practically said that she would lay her life down for him. And she would gain nothing from it. If there was ever proof of true love, this was it; the greatest sacrifice. Cloud was rather overwhelmed with the strength of Tifa’s love, even though he knew he could never return it. It saddened him though he realized it would make him happy in the end. And in return, Tifa would live the most miserable existence, never happy, alone: Always watching what could have been. Cloud dreaded this fate for his closest friend and wanted to prevent it, but all he could do was hold her tight and let her cry.
<u1></u1>* * *
<u1></u1>Tifa’s small breakdown remained private between Cloud and herself. She had quickly recovered afterwards, brushing away her tears with a laugh and putting on a smile for everyone, though now Cloud knew the truth behind that bright smile.<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Things continued on as normal, and neither of the two spoke about what had happened. Cloud didn’t even tell Andi; some things should be kept between friends. <u1></u1><o></o>
For two years that one moment remained a secret between the two friends. Tifa never again brought it up and she never again lapsed into sorrow. Though no one ever knew it, she still cried herself to sleep most nights. The pain in her heart never ceased either, an aching throb that would be with her always. But Tifa smiled and laughed as always, happy for her loved one. She was there for him through all hardships, a firm pillar of strength in times of struggle. Not once was she absent when she was needed.
<u1></u1>One group of men suffered greatly at her hands when they drunkenly crowded Andria one night. Bereft of her sword, Andria was in a dangerous situation. Tifa had quickly moved in, literally kicking the men out of her bar. They never returned and pressed no charges, for reasons known only to Tifa.
<u1></u1>In time, Cloud and Andria wed. Tifa was merely a guest; Mari the maiden of honor. There was silence as everyone watched the two kiss. Tifa’s soul screamed in agony; and she smiled and clapped the hardest of all.
<u1></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<u1></u1>A year after it all, tragedy struck. It happened on one bright summer day, while Tifa was sweeping the floor of the bar. Cloud and Andria were there, as well as Mari and Vincent.
<u1></u1>Tifa stopped and put one hand over her heart, closing her eyes. Her heart skipped and thrummed erratically. It made her unbearably dizzy and always came with a spell of nausea. She’d been having these spells for a while now, and they usually passed quickly, but this time it didn’t. She leaned on the broom for support, hoping it would go away.
<u1></u1>There was a burst of laugher from the group of friends, and in her dizzied state, the laughter was distorted and ugly. She couldn’t catch her breath and her vision was blackening. The broom fell from nerveless fingers with a clatter and she reached for the bar that seemed so far away.
<u1></u1>“You okay?” someone asked. She turned her head, which seemed to take forever to do, to look at the speaker and dimly saw Cloud standing before her, looking concerned. She reached one weak hand out to him. “Cloud…” she managed before she passed out.
<u1></u1>She awoke in the hospital, with all Cloud, Andi, Mari, and Vincent crowded around her bed. Cloud was holding her right hand and she was dimly aware of Mari brushing the hair out of her face. “What happened?” she asked weakly.
<u1></u1>“You suddenly passed out at the bar,” Mari answered.
<u1></u1>Tifa, coming out of her sleep a little more, asked, “Why?”
<u1></u1>Her question was met with silence from the companions, and they glanced at each other nervously. “Tell me, please,” Tifa said.
<u1></u1>“Tifa…” Cloud said. He paused and seemed to gather his strength. “Your kidneys are failing. That’s why you passed out. The doctor… said…” he looked around desperately for help and Mari stepped in.
<u1></u1>“The doctor said that all your major organs are shutting down. Kidneys have nearly stopped altogether and the liver is starting to fail as well. They’re worried about your heart…” Her voice was choking up now and Tifa could only stare at her friends, taking in what they had told her. Now that they had told her, she was conscious of the tube in her neck, the machine gently whirring as it filtered her blood. There was a strained silence that was filled with everyone’s fear. They all knew what this news meant: Tifa was dying.
<u1></u1>“Why?” she asked, more out of confusion than asking a real question.
<u1></u1>“They don’t know,” Vincent answered. “They’ve never seen the like before.”
<u1></u1>“How long?” she asked gently.
<u1></u1>“Maybe five days,” Andi said, her voice trembling. “Less off the machines.”
<u1></u1>Again the foreboding silence. Tifa was shocked and also worried. The worry wasn’t about her however; it was for Cloud. If she died she wouldn’t be able to be with him, to help and protect him. She wouldn’t be there for him at all.
<u1></u1>Cloud knew this as well, and he squeezed her hand tightly. He looked down at the tight grip he had on her, and remained silent.
<u1></u1>“Please…” Tifa said to the others and the nodded, understanding what she wanted of them. Quietly they all left, leaving her and Cloud alone.
<u1></u1>When they had left, Cloud moved closer to Tifa, gripping her hand with both of his own. “Tifa…” he began, before stopping, his voice suddenly making it difficult to speak.
<u1></u1>“Cloud, it’s okay,” Tifa said. She took both his hands in hers, trying to comfort him the best she could. She sounded braver than she felt. The knowledge that she had less than a week with Cloud made her anxious and scared. There was so much she had to do and so little time to do it. Every day, every hour, every minute would mark the time until she would no longer be with Cloud.
<u1></u1>“Tifa… please, please don’t die,” he said, nearly begging her.
<u1></u1>She merely smiled and brushed the hair out of his face. “You knew this would happen someday,” she said gently.
<u1></u1>“But not like this! Gods, Tifa, anything but this. You—you’re supposed to get married, Teef. Then I can go to your wedding, and… and…” He trailed off, unable to speak any further. He closed his eyes and turned away from her, fighting to master his emotions.
<u1></u1>Tifa’s smile grew a little at his words. “That would be nice. But it’s not meant to be. Cloud…” She gently turned his head towards her, and he opened his eyes. “Cloud, don’t linger over my death. Whatever you do, just forget about me and go on with your life.”
<u1></u1>“I’ll never forget you,” he said fervently.
<u1></u1>She smiled at him again. “Thank you.”
<u1></u1>There was a small pause, as both couldn’t speak for the emotions that changed their voice. Cloud felt a lump in his throat, and when he spoke, he didn’t sound like himself. “Tifa, if it hadn’t been for me, none of this would’ve happened…” he moaned.
<u1></u1>“No! That’s not true!” she responded. “Cloud, don’t you dare blame this on yourself. There’s nothing you can do to stop this.” She gently wiped away a stray tear on his face. “Cloud, I thank the gods every day for having you in my life. The last thing I’d ever do is hurt yours by my death.”
Her own eyes burned with tears now. Cloud gently picked her up and hugged her, which she gratefully returned. She treasured this moment, as she did all the others and those yet to come, as it would be one of the last moments she’d be with Cloud.
<u1></u1>* * *
<u1></u1>When Cloud finally stepped out of the room, the others were waiting for him outside. Andi immediately went over to him and hugged him. “Well? What did she say?” Andi asked quietly.
<u1></u1>He sighed wearily. “She wants her lawyer.”
<u1></u1>Over the course of the next five days, Tifa remained in the hospital, and more and more machines were hooked up to her rapidly failing body. Her lawyer did indeed come quite a few times, for purposes only Tifa knew.
<u1></u1>Not a day went by when Cloud visited Tifa at least once. The two talked the hours away, Cloud updating Tifa on all the goings-on outside. But they mostly talked about the past. They laughed over the funny moments and triumphed once more in the numerous victories that happened long ago. Cloud even began to secretly hope that somehow Tifa would get better, and that this would all pass and become a bad memory.
<u1></u1>It all changed one day. Cloud came late in the afternoon, having been busy with deliveries all day. He made his way up to Tifa’s room only to find that she was gone. He asked one passing nurse where she went. It turned out that Tifa had been moved because she was a terminal case, and someone else had been given her room.
<u1></u1>The room Tifa was in was small, windowless, and smelt of sterilized syringes. No machines were attached to her any more; they were being put to use on those that would live. She lay on the uncomfortable bed and smiled at him weakly when he entered. He knew immediately that something was different. The atmosphere of the room told of a rapidly closing end. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end as he saw Tifa lying there, suddenly looking so weak.
<u1></u1>“Hey, Cloud,” she said, her voice as weak as she looked. He came around and sat at the chair by her bed. “Hey,” he responded. She reached up and gently touched his face, smiling a little. He put one hand to hers, holding her hand there. “Tifa?” he asked, dreading what she might say.
<u1></u1>“It won’t be long now,” she said softly.
<u1></u1>It was impossible. Never would Cloud have thought this was going to happen. He didn’t want to believe it was happening; yet here she was before him, dying, and he unable to do anything. Once more that unbearable feeling of helplessness came over him, and he dreaded what it brought. “No, Tifa…” he began, not knowing what to say.
<u1></u1>“It’s okay, it’s okay,” she said softly. “You came. That’s all that matters.”
<u1></u1>Hearing these words that were nearly identical to what Aerith had told him only a few years back reminded him of what he was losing. Suddenly, he felt the urge to leave, to run away and never return, as if by leaving this moment of sorrow would stop it from happening. She gently squeezed his hand. “Cloud… please do something for me…”
<u1></u1>“Anything,” he replied, his voice shaking.
<u1></u1><u1></u1>“Stay with me… while I die…”
<u1></u1>* * *
<u1></u1>Cloud stayed with her. Nothing in the world could move him from her side. Neither of them said anything; there was nothing more to say. They sat there, listening to the sounds of the goings-on beyond the thin walls of the room.
<u1></u1>Tifa sighed, staring up at the cold, sterile ceiling, the last thing she was ever to see. Cloud watched as one glistening tear slid down her cheek.
<u1></u1>He stood then, resolution coming over him. He promised her he would be back in a few seconds and left. True to his word, he returned in no time, carrying a bundle of clothes, a nurse behind him.
<u1></u1>“Cloud? What’s going on?” Tifa asked, trying to raise her head from the pillow.<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“You’re leaving. You’re not going to d—get dressed.” He handed her the clothes that she now recognized were her own. The nurse helped her get dressed, as Tifa was too weak to do it by herself in time. Cloud waited outside, aghast that he had almost said she was going to die. He mustn’t think about it. The future was not set. He must cling to that.
<u1></u1>When she was ready, Cloud reentered the room. She was sitting on the bed and stood when he came in. She heavily relied upon the bed for support. Now that she was off the machines, her time was even shorter. There wasn’t enough time for them to be out when she walked so slowly and painfully. Without any hesitation, Cloud scooped her up and carried her outside. She was surprisingly light and frail in his arms.
<u1></u1>He carried her out to Fenrir, and deposited her upon it. Making sure she would stay on during the ride, he quickly took Tifa away from that miserable room in the hospital. Tifa held onto his waist, and rested her cheek against his back, enjoying this moment.
<u1></u1>Eventually, Cloud stopped the bike and shut it off. He picked up Tifa again, and carried her to their destination. Tifa looked around her interestedly, unfamiliar with the place. It was Cloud’s secret place that he had shared only with Andi. The swordsman carried Tifa beneath the trees, to where a large moss-covered rock lay. Here, he set her down in front of the rock and sat beside her, back against the rock. From here they gained a breath-taking view of the dazzling sunset.<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Tifa leaned against Cloud, who put his arm around her. She rested her head on his chest and together they watched the sun setting over Edge.
<u1></u1>It was a spectacular sight. The cirrus clouds, dipped within the sun’s golden crucible, were strands of gold smoke thrown against the azure sky. Nearer the sun, the sky was set aflame, turning to orange and red, the clouds there a bright, fiery pink. The red-gold light of the sun itself made the colors all the more vivid, of both sky and earth, and for once, the wasteland became a land of beauty. The white boulders reflected the light, turning to a soft white, and seemed to glow.<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>For a while, both were silent, taking in the sight. Then Tifa whispered, “Thank you.”
<u1></u1>Cloud didn’t reply. It was the least he could do. He gently stroked her black hair and held her tighter. If he could somehow hold onto her… maybe she wouldn’t die. Maybe he could stop her from leaving… These desperate, childish fancies were unconscious on his part; but now, he was hoping against hope that she wouldn’t die. “I’m going to save you,” he said softly. She shook her head. “You already have. Just be happy, okay?”
<u1></u1>Tifa listened to the steady sound of his heart beating as her own slowed. This was how she always wanted to die; in Cloud’s arms. She wanted to tell him that, but felt it would be too much for him right now. A strange calmness had come over her. She was no longer afraid of dying. She knew that Andi would take care of Cloud and all loose ends had been tied up, her will fixed. Everything was coming to an end here, only to start anew somewhere else. She wondered briefly with a touch of anxiety if she would be able to check up on Cloud once in a while. After a moment, that concern also vanished.
<u1></u1>She gazed at the beautiful sight before her, aware of everything around her. It was as if her senses had been sharpened as she neared death, and she heard, felt, smelled, and saw everything with a new clarity. It was beautiful. It was breath taking. It was perfect.
<u1></u1>“I love you, Cloud,” she whispered. Then she sighed, a long, peaceful sigh that seemed to take all her breath away.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Tifa?” When she didn’t respond, he shook her gently and said again, “Tifa?” That lump in his throat came back again, when she still didn’t reply. He tilted her head to look at her face, and then he knew.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Tifa was dead.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>HERE LIES TIFA LOCKHEART, BELOVED FRIEND AND HERO
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Cloud read the words on the tombstone over and over, unable believe that Tifa was really dead. The companions had chosen a small monument to mark Tifa’s grave. The monument was that of an angel, kneeling at a pedestal. The angle had one arm on top of the pedestal, her face buried in the crook of her arm in grief, while the other dangled over the edge. The slightly curved fingers of the stone angel brushed the inscription on the pedestal.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>It was like a joke. It had to be some cruel, twisted, sick joke. Tifa couldn’t be dead. He… he was going to save her. That’s what heroes did, right? Save people? What a hero he turned out to be…
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>He felt a hand on his shoulder. “Cloud, come on, it’s going to rain,” Andi said gently. He ignored her words. He simply stared at the angel of anguish and the simple words beneath her hands. “Cloud…” Andi said, and gently squeezed his shoulder. He looked at her, seeming to take forever to turn towards her.
Her heart constricted painfully as she saw his expression. It was one of utter disbelief, but his eyes held more sadness than she thought one person could contain. It reminded her of when he had his breakdown in the church. At the thought, her throat tightened and she said in a slightly choked voice, “Let’s go home, Cloud.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>He numbly nodded and began to walk towards the parked vehicles, head bowed. Andi walked with him, holding his hand, her concern for him growing every second. He hadn’t cried yet. Of course, he had shed a few tears when he had carried Tifa’s limp body into the bar. Yes, a tear or two could be seen during the funeral. But he hadn’t really cried. Barret, Cid, Mari, Vincent, Yuffie, and the others had been absolutely devastated by her death. Cloud would have been the one affected by it the most, and yet no more than a handful of tears had been spilt. Andi was worried that he was burying his feelings again, and one day they would burst out uncontrollably. However, she was comforted a little by the fact he wasn’t distancing himself from everyone.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>They went home, to the bar, and Cloud ascended the stairs without a word. Andi and the others talked a little for almost an hour, before they began to depart. Andi quietly went upstairs and entered her and Cloud’s room. The rain drummed softly on the roof above, and the sound was soothing.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>She walked over to the bed, where Cloud was lying on his back. She sat down on the bed next to him and ran her fingers through his hair soothingly. He closed his eyes when she did this, finding comfort in her gentle touch. “Are you okay?” she asked him quietly, still continuing her caress.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“I don’t know,” he mumbled after a few seconds.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“There was nothing you could d—“
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“I know that,” he interrupted her, not unkindly. “She told me. It’s just… hard to think… she won’t be here anymore.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“I know, I know,” Andi said. “It’s hard for me too.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Silence stretched over long minutes while they listened to the rain. Suddenly Cloud spoke again. “I just can’t figure out why,” he stated. He opened his eyes and his azure gaze met Andi’s. “Why… what made her—die.” Emotion was creeping into his voice now, and Andi could see the unshed tears in his eyes.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“I don’t know. I wish I knew, Cloud, I wish I could tell you. Maybe it hurt too much,” Andi suggested.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Cloud lapsed back into silence and gazed at the ceiling once more. Then he rolled onto his side, turning his back towards her. Andi placed one hand on his shoulder, giving him her support.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>After a long time, while Cloud’s mind had been in turmoil over Tifa’s death, he said suddenly in a choked voice, “I want her back.”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>This statement, coming in a voice she barely recognized, brought tears to Andi’s eyes. “Oh Cloud…” She put an arm around him and pressed herself against him, giving him support and strength. Leaning over as she was to do this she could see his face and the tears upon it. She kissed him and pressed her face against his, feeling his warm tears on her face.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Cloud wept for Tifa, his dearest friend he’d always known. It was hard to imagine life without her being there. It seemed as though she’d walk into the room at any moment and ask how his day had been. Now she was gone… forever.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>Cloud stood before the grave once more. It had been almost three months since she died, and he always found time to visit her every day. He hoped that something would happen; something, anything, that would grant him one last chance to talk to Tifa. However, nothing happened, naturally.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>He stared at the angel, weeping for the dead. I miss you, Tifa, he thought. Please, come back…If she heard him, she didn’t respond. He sighed and turned to leave when he heard someone speak.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>He turned back towards the grave, and the voice came again, clearer this time. He wasn’t sure if it was only his mind playing tricks on him, or if his wish had been answered. But the voice was undeniably Tifa’s.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Just be happy, okay?”
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>The soft words were carried on the gentle breeze that suddenly swept through the cemetery. With the breeze he felt, for a split second, the presence of another. For the first time since Tifa’s death, he smiled.
<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>“Sure,” he whispered to the angle. He turned and left the cemetery, leaving the past behind, though not forgotten, and walked towards the bright future that lie ahead.<u1></u1><o></o>
<u1></u1>
referrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <vath o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:12pt; height:12pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/CAITLI~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" o:href="http://www.finalfantasyforums.net/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->All I did was simply use her chars and the situation she had set up, emotionally, between chars and I went on a completely new path. One could say I started at the Amazon and ended up in the Nile. In any case, this very short tragedy does NOT correspond with the goings-on of Lady Aerith's story. Everything happened differently, I totally jumped ahead in time, and I even completely skipped one part where Tifa comes back earlier in her story. If you've read Lady Aerith's story (which I'm sure ALL of you have) you'll know quite well what's going on, in a rough sorta way.
Like I said, I only used the chars and the situation set up to make this.
Now, as for the tragedy itself, I know exactly why I wrote it. Remember, I AM a fan of Tifa and a Clifa to boot. But so many idiot Clerith's that don't know 2 cents as to how a relationship works have, said often that Cloud wouldn't be sad at all if Tifa died instead of Aerith. This angers me. Greatly. I've also seen a lot of artwork depicting a raging Tifa while Cloud runs to Aerith.
Clearly the concept of 'humanity' has been lost. I don't believe people view Tifa with a realistic view, and my goal here was to rectify that. I tried to create a realistic situation that would accurately depict Tifa's reaction if, indeed, Cloud loved another woman. She would not be furious, she would not be vengeful, and she wouldn't be 'just okay' with it. This is how I believe a real Clifa tragedy would play out.
This roughly takes place at some point where the group has retrieved Cloud from his stupid expiditon, though it is very errouneous to what happens in Lady Aerith's own story.
Now, here is my Clifa tragedy, which I decided to post at 4:22 AM, in it's complete and unabridged form (yes, I am talking to myself in the beginning). Say what you will of it, or say nothing at all; it's up to you.
Broken Lockheart
<o
></o>(I must keep telling myself that I’m not as good as Mandi at making these romantic situations. Especially when it comes between her chars. The best I can do is make a rough outline of the events that lead up to the tragic parts. I’m good at writing tragedy.
Hmmmmmm. At least much better than romance that is. yes I’m talking to myself. Deal with it. )<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>The group encouraged Cloud to confess his feelings for Andria right there. They simply wouldn’t wait. After all the shit they went through, they were going to make sure that he said it and said it good. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Blushing, the swordsman approached the girl and held her close. He looks into her eyes, feels mushy inside, etc. etc. etc. (Like I said, Mandi is MUCH better at this sort of thing. XD) Cid says something funny at this point. Anyhow, he (Cloud not Cid ) declares his love for her (Andi not Yuffie ) and seals the deal with a long smooch. He’s a good smoocher. everyone cheers. Hooray! Huzzah!<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>That’s when Tifa walked in. Oh, goody. Writing now! *Ahem*<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>The cheers went silent as the companions noticed the newcomer in their midst. Standing in the doorway, was the long absent Tifa. She had come in when Cloud had declared his love for the green-eyed Cetra. She had seen them kiss. She had felt herself die at those words, at that kiss. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>A dead silence spread across the room, all eyes fixed on the raven-haired woman. Tifa didn’t know what to do. Her mind was reeling from the impact of what she had seen and heard. But everyone was looking at her expectantly. What did they want from her? She had nothing left to give. All she held dear was gone, taken before her very eyes. She looked down at the floor, unknowing where to go, unsure of what to say. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Slowly, she walked forward towards Cloud and Andi, her head still bowed. As she approached, Cloud instinctively moved in front of Andria, protecting her from his childhood friend. He didn’t know why he was doing this. He didn’t seriously think that Tifa would attack Andria… did he? Despite his self-assurances that he didn’t mistrust his friend like that, he kept himself interposed between Andi and the approaching woman. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa stopped in front of him and tried to meet his eyes. Her head felt as though it were made of lead. After what seemed like a battle against gravity, she raised her head and met his azure eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. She didn’t quite know what she meant by that at the time. Later on, however, in the depths of night she would realize what she had tried to convey with those two small words. Cloud would ponder over them for the rest of his life, spending many a sleepless night over their meaning; always, he would be unable to extract a meaning from them. A message heard and yet never received.
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Without saying anymore she walked past the couple and with the same slow, steady pace, she ascended the stairs. Everyone heard the door to her room closing, marked only by the small click of the bolt in the door. The small sound seemed to echo in eerie silence that filled the bar. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>In her room, Tifa sat down on her bed, staring at the floor. Shock clouded her mind. The light from the setting sun painted the floor a golden color, her feet just outside of that golden square. She slowly raised one trembling hand and pressed it over her heart and she waited for the pain to come. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>* * *<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“What should we do?” Yuffie asked, the little ninja’s eyes the sized of half-dollars. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Just give her some time,” Mari said soothingly. “This is a lot for her to handle right now. Let her get over the shock and we’ll go talk to her.” Everyone nodded, agreeing with the plan the red mage purposed. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Well! Who’s up fer sum ice cream!” Cid exclaimed. There was a burst of laughter at this and the tension in the air melted away. Soon, the companions were enjoying ice cream and laughing, the previous situation with Tifa nearly forgotten. However, amidst the celebration, Yuffie glanced nervously at the stairway, her mind obviously lingering on her friend. Mari, seeing this drew her off to one side. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Yuffie, don’t worry about her so much. She’s strong. She can handle anything. But, she just needs some time alone right now, okay?” Mari caught the little Wutai ninja’s gaze and gave her a comforting look. Yuffie, a little taken aback by this simply nodded. The mage smiled at her and turned towards Vincent who had come up to the two. While they were talking, Yuffie cast one more glance at the stairs. No matter how hard she tried, she simply couldn’t rid herself of the sight of agony in Tifa’s eyes. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>* * *<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>That night, Mari, Yuffie, Cid, Vincent, and Red quietly entered Tifa’s room. She was not lying on the bed, as they had expected. Curiously, the drapes were firmly pulled shut over the window, blocking the moonlight. Not far from the window, Tifa sat in the corner. Her knees were pulled up to her chest, arms folded on her knees, and her head resting on her folded arms. Her face was hidden from them. From her, they could here soft sobbing, her shoulders rising and falling in time with the short, gasping sobs. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Oh, Tifa, it’s okay,” Mari said soothingly. She knelt next to the grief-stricken woman wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She stroked Tifa’s raven hair away from her face while making soft soothing sounds to help calm her. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Don’t worry, Tifa. Everything will get better soon, you’ll see,” Yuffie added, sitting down in front of her friend. The others echoed the two, unsure of what else to say. Cid kept fingering an unlit cigarette, unable to smoke comfortably in the presence of his friend’s sorrow. “Don’t worry, Teef,” he tried. “You know Spiky better than the rest of us. Ya know he still loves ya.” The others added their own comforting words; trying the best they could to dam that river of tears. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>However, Tifa only drew into herself even more at these soft assurances. They had no idea. They had no idea of the twisting, burning agony in her heart. She had heard the term ‘broken heart’ before, but she had no idea it was literal. She was sure that this pain would kill her and yet she never died, sadly. Death was the only solace left to her it seemed; anything to escape the pain.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>For a long time, they all continued to stay with her, trying to comfort her. Eventually, her tears slowed and Mari gently brushed away any stray ones. Tifa’s sobbing had subsided, for a little while at least. Vincent gently picked her up and set her down on her bed. Yuffie pulled the covers over her. Then the group quietly left, leaving Tifa to rest. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>However, she did not fall asleep right away. Throwing the covers back, she stood up. Crossing the room, she picked up a picture frame that was standing on her dresser. Staring at it, she slowly walked back to her bed and sat down, studying the picture by the moonlight that was streaming in from the now uncovered window. After a few moments, she laid down, never taking her eyes off of the object in her hands. Eventually, she fell asleep, one hand resting protectively, clingingly, on the picture. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>The photograph itself was of her and Cloud; it was fall when the picture had been taken, during that one brief time of happiness after Geostigma had been cured and the Remnants disposed of. Cloud had been so happy then… it had seemed perfect almost. The leaves in the background were turning orange and red; Cloud had one arm around Tifa’s shoulders. Both of them were smiling. It was a brief shining moment in Tifa’s life, a moment that had hinted at what might have been.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1> * * *<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>For the next three days, Tifa refused to come out of her room. She didn’t talk to anyone, would hardly eat anything. She sat in her room and silently wept. Though the others didn’t know, she was waiting. For the most part, she was waiting for the pain to stop, or to dwindle to at least a little bit. However, the pain didn’t go away. Not only that, but she saw no point into going about her usual routine of daily life. What was the point? To pretend she had a real family? A ‘family’ that was lost to her now, ever since Andi had come…<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>There was no point anymore. So she remained in her room, tears of pain silently streaming down her face. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>However, her friends didn’t know what she was doing. After patiently putting up with her grief, they began to grow worried. And impatient. The stress of Tifa’s situation was also telling on Cloud and Andi’s relationship. The two had grown uncomfortable around each other. Any act of intimacy was gilded with guilt, for it seemed their happiness only caused more suffering to their friend. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>On the third day, Mari decided it was time to put an end to it. “She’s got to stop this,” she declared testily. The affect Tifa was having on Cloud and Andria irked her to no end. Though she considered Tifa to be one of her best friends, she wasn’t going to let her destroy Cloud’s newfound happiness in life. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Just look at what’s happening between Andria and Cloud!” she exclaimed to the others. “This is simply getting far out of hand. It’s ridiculous.”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Waddya we do, then?” Cid questioned, a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. “Not like we kin go up there, beat her an’ tell her to stop.” <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>The red mage glowered at the pilot. “No, of course not. But we have been too accommodating of her behavior. We have to break her out of it. Show no sympathy; be rough on her. The shock will get her back on track in no time,” she finished, confidence ringing in her voice. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Are you sure it will work?” Red asked. His fiery tail twitched back and forth with uncertainty. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Of course! Now, here’s what we do…” <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Later that evening, the whole group ascended to Tifa’s room once more. The raven-haired woman was sitting on the bed, her back to the door, staring at something she was holding. She didn’t look up as the others came in. Mari sat down next to her. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Tifa… Tifa this has to stop. It’s time to let the past go,” she said to her, firmly but softly.<u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa mentally smiled bitterly. Yes. Wasn’t I always telling him that? How ironic. But she didn’t reply.
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Mari pulled the picture out of Tifa’s hands and handed it to one of the others, whom laid it on the dresser once more. The mage then forced Tifa to look at her. “Tifa, I said stop. You know what you look like? You’re acting like a child for goodness sake. Stop it.” This time she was far more firm than gentle. <u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa stared at her shocked. What was this?
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“She’s right, Tifa,” came the little ninja’s voice. “You’re hurting Cloud and Andi.”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa looked at her, unable to comprehend their words. Hurt them? What about me? What about the pain they’ve caused me? Don’t you care about my pain?<u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“What?” was all she managed to say, however. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Ya heard her. Yer bein’ selfish Tifa. Yer only causin’ more pain. An’ that’s bein’ unfair to Cloud and little Andi,” Cid added. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“And we’re not going to let you let ruin their relationship,” Red said. <u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“So either start acting like your own age, or leave. Those are your options. But we will not let this continue,” Vincent finished. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>With that said, they started to slowly file out of the room. Tifa lunged at Vincent and caught his hand. “Please, don’t leave me,” she begged. She was kneeling on the floor, trying to prevent him from leaving. Instead, he coldly pulled his hand out of her grasp. “Get some sleep,” was all he replied.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa remained on the floor, watching in disbelief as her friends left her, closing the door behind them. So that was it, then. They left her. First Cloud, and now her friends. She had no one left anymore. She could feel a cry rising within her, building up in her chest and climbing up her throat. Her vision blurred with tears. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Then the door opened. Hope and relief flooded in as Tifa watched Mari reenter the room. However, Mari simply went around her and picked up a small pouch of the bed. She had accidentally left it behind. As she headed back towards the door, she cast Tifa a disgusted glance. “For gods sake Tifa, get off the floor. It’s pathetic.” And she left.
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Something snapped within Tifa at those words. With those few words, she stopped caring. Anger, bitter, hateful anger, filled her. She felt no sadness, no loneliness or regret. Only hate. A hate so pure it left room for little else. She felt drained, as if she were hollow inside, nothing but a cold emptiness. More than anything, Tifa wanted to break down that damn door and shred those people she had been so stupid to assume were her friends. However, she held herself back. She stared at the door with a frightening, bitter smile, which was very out of place. Tifa’s world had shattered and she began to build a new one, an alien one that would change her life and those around her, forever.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1> * * *<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Without fail, there always comes a time, nearly exclusively in the middle of the night, when one’s body decides it is thirsty. Or the direct opposite; it entirely depends on what fickle fate has in store for you. But usually, it is a thirst so great, it wakes you from your sleep. A parched throat and a dry tongue, stuck to your dry pallet, beg for the sweet kiss of water. Try to ignore it, it makes no difference; you will get up and get a drink, for if you don’t one of two things will happen. One, you won’t get any sleep until you get a drink. Or two, you manage to push it away and fall back to sleep. However, your subconscious, connected with the needs of the body, fills your dreams of rivers, oceans, waterfalls and when you wake up, you find that your still very thirsty and that you’ve wet the bed. Anyway, such a time will occur randomly and it was such a time for Cloud.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>He awoke in the middle of the night, his mouth achingly dry. For our dear Cloud, he decided to go with option one; he tried to ignore it and go back to sleep but was unable to do so. With a dry sigh, he reluctantly left Andi sleeping and went to get a drink. (Smart move fellow. She wouldn’t sleep next to you if you wet the bed. ) <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Now, usually you would head to the bathroom, get a satisfactory mouthful or two of water from the tap and simply go back to bed. However, the tap water in the bathroom tasted disgusting to Cloud. So, he had to go downstairs for a drink. He softly padded downstairs, switching on the light above the stairs. Without going behind the bar itself, he merely reached below the counter and grabbed a glass. He filled it up, still in front of the bar, with water from the soda fountain. He drained the entire glass once, refilled it, and took another deep drink. He sighed, the water moistening his parched mouth.
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“I was a fool to think you loved me.” <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>The voice, that seemed to come from out of nowhere, gave Cloud a good scare. He jumped, whipping around to face the source of the voice, instinctively reaching for a sword that wasn’t there. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Sitting on one of the bar stool chairs, dressed in a black nightshirt and black pajama pants, was Tifa. She had her knees drawn up to her chest, her arms encircling her legs. She had had her forehead resting on her knees, her curtain of black hair hiding her face. When she spoke however, she had raised her head and her dark eyes glared at Cloud. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Cloud was stunned. He hadn’t seen or spoken to Tifa since she had come back and this sudden transformation was unnerving. He doubted he would’ve have recognized her if she hadn’t spoken.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“That’s not true,” he said softly. With her black attire and black hair, he could only make out an outline of her from the ambient light from the stairs. Her dark eyes glittered at him in the light. He didn’t know if they were glittering from some sad emotion or from… something else.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>She snorted. “Oh, and you’ve proven that so well.” Her voice was cold, grating. This was not the Tifa he knew. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Tifa…” he began, trying to think of some way he could tell her that he was sorry for the pain she had to go through. He still loved her; as family, that is. She was the only thing he had that was as close to family he would ever get. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>She laughed. It wasn’t a laugh of humor. It was a low bitter chuckle that held no warmth. “That stupid, naïve little girl is dead. And she isn’t coming back.”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Before Cloud could say anything she continued. “I was pathetic. I should’ve known you never loved me. ‘I think I can meet her there.’ That’s what you said. You had just saved my life and you didn’t even so much as give a shit about me. I should’ve known then. But I was stupid enough to believe that you might love me yet.” Again that cold, bitter laugh that sent shivers down Cloud’s spine. “Really, I must thank you. You’ve shown me what an idiot I was.” She tilted her head a little bit, regarding him with a cold, hard gaze. “Tell me, how can I return the favor?”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Cloud stared at her. What had happened to Tifa? Who was this dark demon sitting here before him? What had he done?
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Cloud?” Andi’s sleepy voice called out to him from the top of the stairs. He had been gone too long and his absence has awoken her. Cloud couldn’t answer her however. He could only stare at his best friend. Her dark eyes showed nothing to him however. She simply sat there, coldly returning his gaze. “I’m sorry,” he said to her. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Why should you be? You’ve never been sorry before.” <u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Cloud?” Andi’s voice sounded worried now. He heard her begin to descend the stairs. He turned to see her coming down. “Are you all right?” she asked.
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Yeah. I’m fine; just getting a glass of water.” He tried to sound calm.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Who were you talking too?”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Well, I—“ He looked back towards Tifa but she had vanished as if the whole thing were nothing more than a bad dream.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>The next day, Tifa was up and at the bar well before anyone else had crawled out of bed. She kept herself busy with cleaning the bar, washing the dishes, and she was cooking breakfast just as everyone woke up. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>She exchanged no words with Cloud or Andi. She merely went about her business as if they didn’t even exist. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Later on in the day, Vincent and Mari came over to check on Tifa. What they found was far from what they had expected. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Cloud told me you were up quite early today,” Mari commented to Tifa. The martial artist didn’t even glance at the mage. “This place sure as hell isn’t going to pay for itself, now is it?” she replied coolly. “And you all are apparently incapable of doing anything.”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Mari was taken aback by this comment and she withdrew to discuss this with Vincent, Cloud, and Andi. The four were standing outside, talking to each other in hushed tones. The door to the bar was wide open, letting in a breeze to cool off the stifling summer heat in the bar. Thus, they saw everything that happened. <u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa was sweeping the floor when Marlene came bouncing down the stairs. When she saw Tifa she squealed and ran to her, giving her a big hug around the waist. Tifa didn’t return the embrace. She stood there and endured it and visibly sighed. Then Marlene bombarded Tifa with a multitude of questions.
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Tifa, are you feeling better now? Can we go somewhere today? Are you happy? Did you talk to Cloud? Where did you go? What did you see? Will you tell me, please?” she asked.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa did not answer any of the little girl’s questions. Instead, she leaned the broom up against the bar. Bending over, she grabbed Marlene by the shoulders and lifted her up. Marlene’s feet dangled as Tifa held her up at eye-level. “Leave me alone,” Tifa said in a soft, lethal tone. “Understand?”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Marlene rapidly shook her head, her eyes wide. Tifa set her down on the floor once more and resumed sweeping around the little girl. Marlene fled the bar, and buried her face in Andria’s skirt, hiding her tears. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>The four adults glanced at each other. Mari’s plan had worked. Tifa had changed. But not for the better. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1> * * *<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>After Tifa had gone to town for supplies, the others were free to talk about her sudden change in behavior. All of the others had been called in to discuss this disturbing topic. Cloud told them about the strange conversation last night. <u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“What happened?” Yuffie asked. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“I don’t know,” Mari replied.
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Do you think what we did was wrong?” Cid questioned, nervously fiddling with a cigarette. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>They continued their conversation for a while, throwing ideas out as to what caused this sudden behavior, if it would pass, if it was something they had done. (yadda, yadda) In the kitchen, unseen from the bar, Tifa stood with her back against the wall, listening to everything being said. She slowly slid down the wall and impassively took in everything her friends were saying about her. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Maybe this is just a phase,” Mari was saying. “A reaction to everything that happened. I’m sure it’ll pass,” she added confidently.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“What will pass?” Everyone’s head turned to see Tifa walking out of the kitchen. <u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Tifa! How’d you get in here?” Yuffie exclaimed.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“I came in the back. Easier to unload everything. And what are we doing?” Her cold gaze touched each of them in turn. “A little reunion? Delightful.” Her voice was cold and dripping with sarcasm. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Tifa, we were talking about… well, we were talking about you,” Mari said softly. “We’re worried about you. All we want to do is help.”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Her kind words were answered by sharp, bitter laughter. “Help? Thanks, but I’ve had enough of your ‘help’, as you call it.”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Tifa, please! Just tell us what’s wrong!” Yuffie pleaded. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Shut up,” Tifa muttered. She crossed the room, heading for the door. Halfway across, Cloud grabbed her arm. “Tifa, we’re always here to help you. But we can’t do anything if you don’t tell us what’s wrong,” he said softly.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa went rigid when he grabbed her arm. She never moved, remained facing straight ahead. Her eyes flicked towards him. What he saw in her eyes shocked him. Startled, he let go of her arm and stepped away from her. She continued out of the bar, slamming the door open. She quickly disappeared from sight. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Silence spread across the room, everyone unknowing of what to say or do. Cloud returned to his seat next to Andi, staring at the door Tifa had exited. For a split second, he had seen all of Tifa’s seething hatred in her eyes. And he had also seen her incalculable pain. *~*~*~*~*~*~*
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Storm clouds rolled over the city of Edge, brimming with rain and echoing with thunder. In the wasteland around the city, Tifa hid among a cluster of boulders. The boulders lay in such a way that a small cave, a niche, was made. It was big enough for two people to lay down in it. But the ceiling was low, forcing one to walk doubled over. Here is where Tifa sought sanctuary. She had discovered this place when she had gone exploring one day, simply for fun. She had always come here to get away from all the turmoil in her life. This time, however, it didn’t work. <u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Her mind swirled with thoughts of Cloud. She loved him. She would always love him. And she hated herself for it. Why had she continued to hope he would return her love? Why did she keep pursuing him? All she got from it was a broken heart and dead dreams. She cursed herself for loving him. She wished they had never met. <u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Her vision blurred with tears. No, she didn’t wish that. If she had never met Cloud… she didn’t want to think of what her life would’ve been like. Meeting Cloud was probably the best thing that ever happened in her life. But every time she looked at him it hurt. Anything that reminded her of him made it hurt even more. And, of course, just about everything did. Her anger wasn’t directed at him; it was directed at herself. And yet, she’d taken out her anger on her friends and now she felt sorry she had done so. She loved Cloud but when she saw him, that love made her all the more angry at herself, and that anger made the pain even worse.
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>She leaned back against the rock wall now, pressing her hands over her heart. It hadn’t stopped hurting ever since she found out. A throbbing pain that wouldn’t stop burned within her. And it was agony. The tears started coming again. They always did when she was alone or when she thought of Cloud.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>She built all of her hopes and dreams upon him. He was the center of her world, so to speak. She had given him all of her love—and he never returned it. Her dreams were shattered. Her world was dead. And now she had nothing left in life. Everything had been taken from her leaving her with no future. Oh, sure she had the bar, her… friends. No, not them even. They didn’t understand and they didn’t want too. She was alone in this. Terribly, utterly alone… forever.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa sat crying in that small niche in the wasteland, deprived of love, abandoned by hope. She mourned everything dreamt and lost, a life gone to ruin, her sobs heard only by the weeping sky.<u1
></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*<u1
></u1>A few minutes after Tifa had left, the group had gone out in search of her. After hours of searching and coming up with nothing, they gave up. They all agreed that the best thing for her right now was to organize her thoughts. As night fell, the companions bid goodnight and farewell.<u1
></u1>Cloud and Andria ascended the stairs to go to bed as well. But as they were about to enter their room, Cloud noticed that the door to Tifa’s room was open a crack. He couldn’t recall if it had been that way earlier. Had Tifa come back, somehow slipping past everyone? Telling Andi he would only be a minute, he went to Tifa’s door and pushed it open further.<u1
></u1>The door swung open on silent hinges. Cloud quietly entered the room, not wanting to disturb the eerie silence of the room. He stepped further into the room. From what he could see, Tifa was not there.<u1
></u1>He should’ve just left right there, but something made him continue further into the room. As he passed by the bed, light glinting off of something on the floor caught his eye. He went over to the object and picked it up.<u1
></u1>It was a picture of him and Tifa during the fall. He could still remember that day. They had gone for a walk in the park. The trees had been beautiful that year. But it wasn’t the picture that was so odd. The glass had been shattered.<u1
></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*<u1
></u1>Tifa had returned by morning, waiting for everyone to wake up. The sight of Tifa patiently sitting at the bar was quite a surprise for Cloud and Andi in the morning. They immediately began asking if she was all right, if she was hurt, where she had gone.<u1
></u1>She turned it all away with a tired smile. “I’m fine, I’m fine,” she told them. Suddenly looking uncomfortable she began to apologize. “Um… I’m really sorry for the way I’ve been acting for the past few days… It wasn’t right and I know I’ve been nothing but trouble and…” she sighed and took a deep breath to steady her nerves. “I’m really, really sorry.” Unable to meet Cloud or Andi’s eyes before, she tried to do so now. Weighed with guilt she found she still couldn’t meet their gaze and dropped her own to the floor.<u1
></u1>Andi quickly stepped up and gave Tifa an unexpected hug. “Oh, that’s okay Tifa. I understand. You weren’t any trouble at all.” Pulling back she smiled at the dark-haired woman, trying to cheer her up. “We’re always here for you. That’s what friends are for anyway!” Tifa managed a weak smile at this and she and Cloud reconciled.<u1
></u1>Later that day, when Mary and Vincent had come over upon hearing the arrival of Tifa, the same scene occurred. Tifa apologized and the couple assured her there was nothing to be forgiven.<u1
></u1>Over the next few days, Tifa gradually returned to her old self. Within a week it was as if nothing had happened. She laughed and smiled like she used to, traded jokes and gossip with her friends, and the whole unpleasant incident was pushed away from everyone’s thoughts.<u1
></u1>Cloud, making one venture into Tifa’s room to see if anything was wrong that might not be apparent, found the shattered picture he had discovered sitting on the dresser once more. It had been placed in a new picture frame and the two smiled out from behind the pane of glass that separated this world from theirs.<u1
></u1>Everything had returned too normal; better than normal in fact. Cloud had finally found happiness in his life. (yadda, yadda, yadda let someone else ramble on about him. This ain’t about him : P)<u1
></u1>Cloud had thought that everything had finally turned for the better for good until he and Tifa were alone in the bar one day.<u1
></u1>He was sitting at the bar, enjoying a glass of water in the intense August heat. Andi had just left with Mari to go shopping and he was taking a break at the bar between deliveries. The bar was completely empty, just past the midday lunch rush as people thankfully went back to wherever they found respite from the heat.<u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Cloud’s mind was on the deliveries ahead when suddenly Tifa reached over the bar and grasped both his hands in hers. “Wha-“ he began, startled, but Tifa cut him off.<u1
></u1>“Does she make you happy?” she asked abruptly. She gazed at him earnestly.<u1
></u1>He looked at her closely, making sure that this wasn’t some kind of joke. “What do you mean?” he asked carefully.<u1
></u1>“Andria. Does she make you happy?” Tifa repeated.<u1
></u1>He sighed. “Tifa, if this is some kind of argument or if you’re trying—“<u1
></u1>“I’m not arguing,” Tifa interrupted softly. “It’s a simple question. And I would like to know the answer.”<u1
></u1>He paused before answering her, weighing what would happen if he did or didn’t answer. Finally he did. “Yes, she does. Now my question: What’s this all about?”<u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa seemed relived at his answer as well as resolute. She still held his hands but now she looked away from his blue eyes, gazing at the desperate hold she had on him. She was quiet for a while before she answered.<u1
></u1>“I love you Cloud. No matter what I or anyone else does, I will always love you. Nothing can change that. I would do anything for you. If you asked it of me, I would do it.” She stopped; letting these words linger in the air. Cloud waited quietly, dreading. “You’ve lost so much, Cloud. You’ve gone through so much pain. And it hurts me to see you so unhappy. I… I realized that day… If I truly love you then I would do anything to make you happy. The worst thing I could possibly do is to ruin your… your love with Andria because she makes you happy. I swear Cloud, I will do anything to make sure you and Andria stay safe, to make sure that you are happy, because… I couldn’t bear to hurt you. Which is exactly what I would be doing if I got between you and Andria.<u1
></u1>“When…” Her voice choked now, with some emotion she was struggling to control. “When I found out that you… didn’t… love me…” her grip tightened on his hands, “I lost everything. There was nothing left for me anymore. I didn’t want to live.” <u1></u1><o></o>Cloud could see her tears falling on the bar between them. He wanted desperately to wipe those tears away and tell her it wasn’t true, that everything would be better. But he couldn’t lie to her and her words held him spellbound. “That’s when I realized all I had left was making sure the one person I still loved in this world was happy. That’s what people do when they’re in love, I guess. That’s why I wanted to know if she made you happy; I wanted to be completely sure that she did and now I know. Because I love you.”
<u1
></u1>She fell silent, all she needed to say having been told, and all she needed to know obtained. She let go of his hands and waited for judgment. Her hair fell around her face when she bowed her head, the dark curtain of hair hiding her face and her tears.<u1
></u1>She heard the sound of the bar stool scraping across the floor as Cloud stood. Great. Now I’ve done it. I should’ve just kept my mouth shut, I shouldn’t have said anything. I only made things wor—<u1
></u1>Suddenly, she was swept into a strong embrace. She buried her face into Cloud’s shoulder and let her tears flow, unable to stop them. She hadn’t even heard him walk around the bar to reach her.<u1
></u1>Cloud was greatly upset by Tifa’s confession. She had just told him that she would step aside and let the one she loved be with someone else if it made him happy. She had practically said that she would lay her life down for him. And she would gain nothing from it. If there was ever proof of true love, this was it; the greatest sacrifice. Cloud was rather overwhelmed with the strength of Tifa’s love, even though he knew he could never return it. It saddened him though he realized it would make him happy in the end. And in return, Tifa would live the most miserable existence, never happy, alone: Always watching what could have been. Cloud dreaded this fate for his closest friend and wanted to prevent it, but all he could do was hold her tight and let her cry.<u1
></u1>* * *<u1
></u1>Tifa’s small breakdown remained private between Cloud and herself. She had quickly recovered afterwards, brushing away her tears with a laugh and putting on a smile for everyone, though now Cloud knew the truth behind that bright smile.<u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Things continued on as normal, and neither of the two spoke about what had happened. Cloud didn’t even tell Andi; some things should be kept between friends. <u1></u1><o></o>For two years that one moment remained a secret between the two friends. Tifa never again brought it up and she never again lapsed into sorrow. Though no one ever knew it, she still cried herself to sleep most nights. The pain in her heart never ceased either, an aching throb that would be with her always. But Tifa smiled and laughed as always, happy for her loved one. She was there for him through all hardships, a firm pillar of strength in times of struggle. Not once was she absent when she was needed.
<u1
></u1>One group of men suffered greatly at her hands when they drunkenly crowded Andria one night. Bereft of her sword, Andria was in a dangerous situation. Tifa had quickly moved in, literally kicking the men out of her bar. They never returned and pressed no charges, for reasons known only to Tifa.<u1
></u1>In time, Cloud and Andria wed. Tifa was merely a guest; Mari the maiden of honor. There was silence as everyone watched the two kiss. Tifa’s soul screamed in agony; and she smiled and clapped the hardest of all.<u1
></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*<u1
></u1>A year after it all, tragedy struck. It happened on one bright summer day, while Tifa was sweeping the floor of the bar. Cloud and Andria were there, as well as Mari and Vincent.<u1
></u1>Tifa stopped and put one hand over her heart, closing her eyes. Her heart skipped and thrummed erratically. It made her unbearably dizzy and always came with a spell of nausea. She’d been having these spells for a while now, and they usually passed quickly, but this time it didn’t. She leaned on the broom for support, hoping it would go away.<u1
></u1>There was a burst of laugher from the group of friends, and in her dizzied state, the laughter was distorted and ugly. She couldn’t catch her breath and her vision was blackening. The broom fell from nerveless fingers with a clatter and she reached for the bar that seemed so far away.<u1
></u1>“You okay?” someone asked. She turned her head, which seemed to take forever to do, to look at the speaker and dimly saw Cloud standing before her, looking concerned. She reached one weak hand out to him. “Cloud…” she managed before she passed out.<u1></u1>* * *
<u1></u1><o></o>
></u1>* * *<u1
></u1><o></o>></u1>She awoke in the hospital, with all Cloud, Andi, Mari, and Vincent crowded around her bed. Cloud was holding her right hand and she was dimly aware of Mari brushing the hair out of her face. “What happened?” she asked weakly.<u1
></u1>“You suddenly passed out at the bar,” Mari answered.<u1
></u1>Tifa, coming out of her sleep a little more, asked, “Why?”<u1
></u1>Her question was met with silence from the companions, and they glanced at each other nervously. “Tell me, please,” Tifa said.<u1
></u1>“Tifa…” Cloud said. He paused and seemed to gather his strength. “Your kidneys are failing. That’s why you passed out. The doctor… said…” he looked around desperately for help and Mari stepped in.<u1
></u1>“The doctor said that all your major organs are shutting down. Kidneys have nearly stopped altogether and the liver is starting to fail as well. They’re worried about your heart…” Her voice was choking up now and Tifa could only stare at her friends, taking in what they had told her. Now that they had told her, she was conscious of the tube in her neck, the machine gently whirring as it filtered her blood. There was a strained silence that was filled with everyone’s fear. They all knew what this news meant: Tifa was dying.<u1
></u1>“Why?” she asked, more out of confusion than asking a real question.<u1
></u1>“They don’t know,” Vincent answered. “They’ve never seen the like before.”<u1
></u1>“How long?” she asked gently.<u1
></u1>“Maybe five days,” Andi said, her voice trembling. “Less off the machines.”<u1
></u1>Again the foreboding silence. Tifa was shocked and also worried. The worry wasn’t about her however; it was for Cloud. If she died she wouldn’t be able to be with him, to help and protect him. She wouldn’t be there for him at all.<u1
></u1>Cloud knew this as well, and he squeezed her hand tightly. He looked down at the tight grip he had on her, and remained silent.<u1
></u1>“Please…” Tifa said to the others and the nodded, understanding what she wanted of them. Quietly they all left, leaving her and Cloud alone.<u1
></u1>When they had left, Cloud moved closer to Tifa, gripping her hand with both of his own. “Tifa…” he began, before stopping, his voice suddenly making it difficult to speak.<u1
></u1>“Cloud, it’s okay,” Tifa said. She took both his hands in hers, trying to comfort him the best she could. She sounded braver than she felt. The knowledge that she had less than a week with Cloud made her anxious and scared. There was so much she had to do and so little time to do it. Every day, every hour, every minute would mark the time until she would no longer be with Cloud.<u1
></u1>“Tifa… please, please don’t die,” he said, nearly begging her.<u1
></u1>She merely smiled and brushed the hair out of his face. “You knew this would happen someday,” she said gently.<u1
></u1>“But not like this! Gods, Tifa, anything but this. You—you’re supposed to get married, Teef. Then I can go to your wedding, and… and…” He trailed off, unable to speak any further. He closed his eyes and turned away from her, fighting to master his emotions.<u1
></u1>Tifa’s smile grew a little at his words. “That would be nice. But it’s not meant to be. Cloud…” She gently turned his head towards her, and he opened his eyes. “Cloud, don’t linger over my death. Whatever you do, just forget about me and go on with your life.”<u1
></u1>“I’ll never forget you,” he said fervently.<u1
></u1>She smiled at him again. “Thank you.”<u1
></u1>There was a small pause, as both couldn’t speak for the emotions that changed their voice. Cloud felt a lump in his throat, and when he spoke, he didn’t sound like himself. “Tifa, if it hadn’t been for me, none of this would’ve happened…” he moaned.<u1
></u1>“No! That’s not true!” she responded. “Cloud, don’t you dare blame this on yourself. There’s nothing you can do to stop this.” She gently wiped away a stray tear on his face. “Cloud, I thank the gods every day for having you in my life. The last thing I’d ever do is hurt yours by my death.” Her own eyes burned with tears now. Cloud gently picked her up and hugged her, which she gratefully returned. She treasured this moment, as she did all the others and those yet to come, as it would be one of the last moments she’d be with Cloud.
<u1
></u1>* * *<u1
></u1>When Cloud finally stepped out of the room, the others were waiting for him outside. Andi immediately went over to him and hugged him. “Well? What did she say?” Andi asked quietly.<u1
></u1>He sighed wearily. “She wants her lawyer.”<u1
></u1>Over the course of the next five days, Tifa remained in the hospital, and more and more machines were hooked up to her rapidly failing body. Her lawyer did indeed come quite a few times, for purposes only Tifa knew.<u1
></u1>Not a day went by when Cloud visited Tifa at least once. The two talked the hours away, Cloud updating Tifa on all the goings-on outside. But they mostly talked about the past. They laughed over the funny moments and triumphed once more in the numerous victories that happened long ago. Cloud even began to secretly hope that somehow Tifa would get better, and that this would all pass and become a bad memory.<u1
></u1>It all changed one day. Cloud came late in the afternoon, having been busy with deliveries all day. He made his way up to Tifa’s room only to find that she was gone. He asked one passing nurse where she went. It turned out that Tifa had been moved because she was a terminal case, and someone else had been given her room.<u1
></u1>The room Tifa was in was small, windowless, and smelt of sterilized syringes. No machines were attached to her any more; they were being put to use on those that would live. She lay on the uncomfortable bed and smiled at him weakly when he entered. He knew immediately that something was different. The atmosphere of the room told of a rapidly closing end. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end as he saw Tifa lying there, suddenly looking so weak.<u1
></u1>“Hey, Cloud,” she said, her voice as weak as she looked. He came around and sat at the chair by her bed. “Hey,” he responded. She reached up and gently touched his face, smiling a little. He put one hand to hers, holding her hand there. “Tifa?” he asked, dreading what she might say.<u1
></u1>“It won’t be long now,” she said softly.<u1
></u1>It was impossible. Never would Cloud have thought this was going to happen. He didn’t want to believe it was happening; yet here she was before him, dying, and he unable to do anything. Once more that unbearable feeling of helplessness came over him, and he dreaded what it brought. “No, Tifa…” he began, not knowing what to say.<u1
></u1>“It’s okay, it’s okay,” she said softly. “You came. That’s all that matters.”<u1
></u1>Hearing these words that were nearly identical to what Aerith had told him only a few years back reminded him of what he was losing. Suddenly, he felt the urge to leave, to run away and never return, as if by leaving this moment of sorrow would stop it from happening. She gently squeezed his hand. “Cloud… please do something for me…”<u1
></u1>“Anything,” he replied, his voice shaking.<u1
></u1><u1></u1>“Stay with me… while I die…”<u1
></u1>* * *<u1
></u1>Cloud stayed with her. Nothing in the world could move him from her side. Neither of them said anything; there was nothing more to say. They sat there, listening to the sounds of the goings-on beyond the thin walls of the room.<u1
></u1>Tifa sighed, staring up at the cold, sterile ceiling, the last thing she was ever to see. Cloud watched as one glistening tear slid down her cheek.<u1
></u1>He stood then, resolution coming over him. He promised her he would be back in a few seconds and left. True to his word, he returned in no time, carrying a bundle of clothes, a nurse behind him.<u1
></u1>“Cloud? What’s going on?” Tifa asked, trying to raise her head from the pillow.<u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“You’re leaving. You’re not going to d—get dressed.” He handed her the clothes that she now recognized were her own. The nurse helped her get dressed, as Tifa was too weak to do it by herself in time. Cloud waited outside, aghast that he had almost said she was going to die. He mustn’t think about it. The future was not set. He must cling to that.<u1
></u1>When she was ready, Cloud reentered the room. She was sitting on the bed and stood when he came in. She heavily relied upon the bed for support. Now that she was off the machines, her time was even shorter. There wasn’t enough time for them to be out when she walked so slowly and painfully. Without any hesitation, Cloud scooped her up and carried her outside. She was surprisingly light and frail in his arms.<u1
></u1>He carried her out to Fenrir, and deposited her upon it. Making sure she would stay on during the ride, he quickly took Tifa away from that miserable room in the hospital. Tifa held onto his waist, and rested her cheek against his back, enjoying this moment.<u1
></u1>Eventually, Cloud stopped the bike and shut it off. He picked up Tifa again, and carried her to their destination. Tifa looked around her interestedly, unfamiliar with the place. It was Cloud’s secret place that he had shared only with Andi. The swordsman carried Tifa beneath the trees, to where a large moss-covered rock lay. Here, he set her down in front of the rock and sat beside her, back against the rock. From here they gained a breath-taking view of the dazzling sunset.<u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa leaned against Cloud, who put his arm around her. She rested her head on his chest and together they watched the sun setting over Edge.<u1
></u1>It was a spectacular sight. The cirrus clouds, dipped within the sun’s golden crucible, were strands of gold smoke thrown against the azure sky. Nearer the sun, the sky was set aflame, turning to orange and red, the clouds there a bright, fiery pink. The red-gold light of the sun itself made the colors all the more vivid, of both sky and earth, and for once, the wasteland became a land of beauty. The white boulders reflected the light, turning to a soft white, and seemed to glow.<u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>For a while, both were silent, taking in the sight. Then Tifa whispered, “Thank you.”<u1
></u1>Cloud didn’t reply. It was the least he could do. He gently stroked her black hair and held her tighter. If he could somehow hold onto her… maybe she wouldn’t die. Maybe he could stop her from leaving… These desperate, childish fancies were unconscious on his part; but now, he was hoping against hope that she wouldn’t die. “I’m going to save you,” he said softly. She shook her head. “You already have. Just be happy, okay?”<u1
></u1>Tifa listened to the steady sound of his heart beating as her own slowed. This was how she always wanted to die; in Cloud’s arms. She wanted to tell him that, but felt it would be too much for him right now. A strange calmness had come over her. She was no longer afraid of dying. She knew that Andi would take care of Cloud and all loose ends had been tied up, her will fixed. Everything was coming to an end here, only to start anew somewhere else. She wondered briefly with a touch of anxiety if she would be able to check up on Cloud once in a while. After a moment, that concern also vanished.<u1
></u1>She gazed at the beautiful sight before her, aware of everything around her. It was as if her senses had been sharpened as she neared death, and she heard, felt, smelled, and saw everything with a new clarity. It was beautiful. It was breath taking. It was perfect.<u1
></u1>“I love you, Cloud,” she whispered. Then she sighed, a long, peaceful sigh that seemed to take all her breath away.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Tifa?” When she didn’t respond, he shook her gently and said again, “Tifa?” That lump in his throat came back again, when she still didn’t reply. He tilted her head to look at her face, and then he knew.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Tifa was dead.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>HERE LIES TIFA LOCKHEART, BELOVED FRIEND AND HERO<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Cloud read the words on the tombstone over and over, unable believe that Tifa was really dead. The companions had chosen a small monument to mark Tifa’s grave. The monument was that of an angel, kneeling at a pedestal. The angle had one arm on top of the pedestal, her face buried in the crook of her arm in grief, while the other dangled over the edge. The slightly curved fingers of the stone angel brushed the inscription on the pedestal.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>It was like a joke. It had to be some cruel, twisted, sick joke. Tifa couldn’t be dead. He… he was going to save her. That’s what heroes did, right? Save people? What a hero he turned out to be…<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>He felt a hand on his shoulder. “Cloud, come on, it’s going to rain,” Andi said gently. He ignored her words. He simply stared at the angel of anguish and the simple words beneath her hands. “Cloud…” Andi said, and gently squeezed his shoulder. He looked at her, seeming to take forever to turn towards her. Her heart constricted painfully as she saw his expression. It was one of utter disbelief, but his eyes held more sadness than she thought one person could contain. It reminded her of when he had his breakdown in the church. At the thought, her throat tightened and she said in a slightly choked voice, “Let’s go home, Cloud.”
<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>He numbly nodded and began to walk towards the parked vehicles, head bowed. Andi walked with him, holding his hand, her concern for him growing every second. He hadn’t cried yet. Of course, he had shed a few tears when he had carried Tifa’s limp body into the bar. Yes, a tear or two could be seen during the funeral. But he hadn’t really cried. Barret, Cid, Mari, Vincent, Yuffie, and the others had been absolutely devastated by her death. Cloud would have been the one affected by it the most, and yet no more than a handful of tears had been spilt. Andi was worried that he was burying his feelings again, and one day they would burst out uncontrollably. However, she was comforted a little by the fact he wasn’t distancing himself from everyone.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>They went home, to the bar, and Cloud ascended the stairs without a word. Andi and the others talked a little for almost an hour, before they began to depart. Andi quietly went upstairs and entered her and Cloud’s room. The rain drummed softly on the roof above, and the sound was soothing.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>She walked over to the bed, where Cloud was lying on his back. She sat down on the bed next to him and ran her fingers through his hair soothingly. He closed his eyes when she did this, finding comfort in her gentle touch. “Are you okay?” she asked him quietly, still continuing her caress.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“I don’t know,” he mumbled after a few seconds.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“There was nothing you could d—“<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“I know that,” he interrupted her, not unkindly. “She told me. It’s just… hard to think… she won’t be here anymore.”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“I know, I know,” Andi said. “It’s hard for me too.”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Silence stretched over long minutes while they listened to the rain. Suddenly Cloud spoke again. “I just can’t figure out why,” he stated. He opened his eyes and his azure gaze met Andi’s. “Why… what made her—die.” Emotion was creeping into his voice now, and Andi could see the unshed tears in his eyes.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“I don’t know. I wish I knew, Cloud, I wish I could tell you. Maybe it hurt too much,” Andi suggested.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Cloud lapsed back into silence and gazed at the ceiling once more. Then he rolled onto his side, turning his back towards her. Andi placed one hand on his shoulder, giving him her support.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>After a long time, while Cloud’s mind had been in turmoil over Tifa’s death, he said suddenly in a choked voice, “I want her back.”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>This statement, coming in a voice she barely recognized, brought tears to Andi’s eyes. “Oh Cloud…” She put an arm around him and pressed herself against him, giving him support and strength. Leaning over as she was to do this she could see his face and the tears upon it. She kissed him and pressed her face against his, feeling his warm tears on her face.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Cloud wept for Tifa, his dearest friend he’d always known. It was hard to imagine life without her being there. It seemed as though she’d walk into the room at any moment and ask how his day had been. Now she was gone… forever.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>*~*~*~*~*~*~*<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>Cloud stood before the grave once more. It had been almost three months since she died, and he always found time to visit her every day. He hoped that something would happen; something, anything, that would grant him one last chance to talk to Tifa. However, nothing happened, naturally.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>He stared at the angel, weeping for the dead. I miss you, Tifa, he thought. Please, come back…If she heard him, she didn’t respond. He sighed and turned to leave when he heard someone speak.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>He turned back towards the grave, and the voice came again, clearer this time. He wasn’t sure if it was only his mind playing tricks on him, or if his wish had been answered. But the voice was undeniably Tifa’s.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Just be happy, okay?”<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>The soft words were carried on the gentle breeze that suddenly swept through the cemetery. With the breeze he felt, for a split second, the presence of another. For the first time since Tifa’s death, he smiled.<u1
></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>“Sure,” he whispered to the angle. He turned and left the cemetery, leaving the past behind, though not forgotten, and walked towards the bright future that lie ahead.<u1></u1><o></o><u1
></u1>
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And since they're practically blood sisters, it's hard to gauge Mari's behavior towards others. 
