FF7 novellas - On the Way to a Smile, Tifa's Chapter
Translated by unknown.
On the Way to a Smile :: Episode 2
Tifa walked the last customer out of her store before returning inside to clean up in the kitchen. The room was dimly lit with minimal but adequate lighting. No one else was there besides Tifa. Just days ago she was working so much that all her bitterness was gone as she watched families come and go. But now, the water's cold and she wasn't getting anywhere with all the dirty tableware. Tifa tried turning on all the lights that illuminated the store to try and change the atmosphere. For a brief moment, the store litup but due to the instability of the electricity supply, the store was dimly lit again. A surge of uneasiness came over her. She wondered if she was all alone in the house. As the thought crossed her mind, she couldn't stand it and called out a girl's name.
"Marlene!"
Before long, soft footsteps could be heard from the children's room deep inside the store and Marlene appeared.
"Ssssh," She put her finger to her lips and frowned. Tifa apologized but was relieved.
"Denzel finally fell asleep."
"Was he in pain?"
"Yeah."
"You could have gave me a shout."
"Denzel didn't let me."
"I see..."
Tifa looked like she was blaming herself for not paying attention to the children.
"So, what's wrong?"
"Hmmm... What do you mean?" Tifa answered hiding her feelings. Marlene looked around the store where only Tifa and her stood.
"Did you get lonely?" This little girl saw through everything.
"I won't be going anywhere."
"Thanks. You should sleep soon too."
"I was just about to sleep!"
"Sorry."
She's my daughter. That's how I introduced her to people. Her parents died not too long ago and she was brought up by her father's closest friend, Barret. Ever since Tifa met Barret and got along with him, she found out about half of Marlene's life. That was why she naturally ended being the one taking care of Marlene when barret decided he would go on a journey to settle his past.
Tifa stopped washing and followed Marlene. In the children's room was two beds lined up to one another. There Denzel was lying sound asleep. The Geostigma scar on the eight year old's forehead looked painful. Denzel was suffering as the illness couldn't be healed and his condition wasn't improving. Tifa wiped away the pus from the mark on his forehead, Denzel grimaced a little but continued to sleep. Marlene who watched over Denzel went to her own bed afterwards and called out Tifa's name.
"We're here with you but you're still lonely, aren't you?"
"...I'm sorry," Tifa answered honestly.
"It's OK. We're the same."
"I see."
"I wonder where Cloud is."
Tifa didn't know and put her hand on her neck. Cloud was in Midgar somewhere. She imagined how the worse could have happened as he was caught in an accident where he went to work or he was being attacked by some monster.
But she soon found out that he was still out there working. There were people who had seen him. He just left the house that's all. Tifa was going to let the children think there were no problems but she lost her composure and the children soon realized something was wrong.
"Why did he leave?"
I didn't know. Maybe all sorts of problems happened. But Tifa remembered Cloud's last smile. It had the kindness that made her think everything was fine. I wonder if I was mistaken.
***************************************
One fated day. The day when Meteor came flying down from outer space and the Lifestream flowed out from the planet, gathering together destroying it. Tifa had watched the scene together with her companions from the sky. I thought it was fine if everything just washed away. Wash away my past. She could feel the obscure terror that came with the relief when the battle was over.
I wonder if I can continue living the way I am now. If someone else asked her the same thing then she would answer them that they should live on no matter what happened. But when it was about her, she didn't know.
Thanks to Shinra Inc's development of Mako energy, the world was prospering. Light overflowed the ground's surface but at the same time, there was something much darker happening. The anti-Shinra group, "Avalanche" took action to let the world know what that darkness was.
Mako energy was going to lead to the destruction of the planet. But their actions didn't have much effect and the world remained unchanged. Once you understood the benefits of Mako, it was hard to turn your back to it. Avalanche chose to take more extreme actions to change the situations. The Mako city of Midgar where lots of people lived. There they blew up one of the Mako reactors that produced consumable energy.
Due to a miscalculation in the bomb they made, the area that got destroyed was greater than they had planned. The surrounding areas of the Mako reactor was also destroyed. Hearing this, Shinra Inc wasn't going to ignore the matter. So that they could destroy the small group Avalanche, Shinra Inc committed a brutal act. A whole part of Midgar where Avalanche's hideout resided was completely destroyed. As a result of Avalanche, countless innocent lives were lost.
That Avalanche was the group Tifa joined.
She had thought that sacrifices were more or less unavoidable for their great goal. They always thought that they were prepared to throw their lives away too. As a result of what happened, they lost sight of their goal. During their long fight with Shinra Inc, they soon found themselves fighting the powerful Sephiroth. Tifa along with her childhood friend Cloud, the other remaining survivor of Avalanche Barret, Aeris who they met during the chaos and Red XIII, they set out on their journey. After going through some more events, Cid, Cait Sith, Yuffie and Vincent also became her companions.
It seemed a new friendship was blooming but as if there was a price to pay, Aeris' life was taken away.
Even so, the journey was not over. Tifa felt that she could tie things up behind her as she experienced the victories and losses in battles during her journey.
It all started when she was young girl. There was some trouble in the Mako reactor that was built near her hometown of Nibelheim that threatened their safety.
Sephiroth who was dispatched by Shinra to resolve the problem arrived and killed her father. I couldn't withstand the hatred I had for Shinra and Sephiroth. That was how I joined Avalanche. Yes. It was the beginning of my own personal hatred. The slogans Avalanche used showing how they were anti-Shinra and anti-Mako was just what I needed to hide my true motive. But the many lives lost as sacrifices in saving the planet was too much. If all that was just for my own revenge then...
The sin was held its role deep in my heart. I wonder if I could live on with these feelings. As Tifa looked from the sky to the ground, Tifa was afraid of the future. But the Cloud beside her chose to smile gently. It was a smile that she hadn't seen before during their journey. Cloud noticed her gaze and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Cloud, you're smiling."
"I am?"
"Yeah."
"It all starts now. A new..." Cloud looked for the right words, "A new life."
"I'm going to survive. I think that's the only way I can be forgiven. Lots of things... happened."
"But when I think about how many times I've thought about how I'm going to start a new life, it's funny."
"Why?"
"I've always failed."
"And you couldn't smile."
"...I think it will be all right this time."
Cloud became very quiet.
"Because you've always been with me."
"I've always been with you."
"That's tomorrow's story," Cloud replied smiling again.
***************************************
Tifa went to see Aeris together with her companions. Aeris that was now at the bottom of the Forgotten City's spring. The world she was going to save in exchange for her life would surely be all right now. That's what they were told. She heard a voice asking if she was all right. She didn't know if it was Aeris' voice or her own. Tifa cried. Right after Sephiroth took Aeris' life she wasn't grieving. She was sad but she changed that into the anger and hatred she had for the enemy. But the pain she felt when she visited the place tore her heart apart. While bearing the pain, she thought to herself how he was made this way being part of a large group of people and as an Avalanche member. She was overflowed with tears again.
"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."
She felt Cloud's hand on her shoulder. He was holding onto her firmly as if he didn't want her to go anywhere. For now, I'll just let myself cry as much as I want. I'll leave the rest to those hands.
I just don't know what I should do.
***************************************
The companions that were with Tifa for the whole trial of their journey easily split up. Vincent left just like one of the passengers that would come sit next to you on a train. Yuffie was against splitting up. She asked everyone if they were OK being split up the way they were now that they were friends. Barret was the one who told her that they could see each other whenever they wanted if they survived. Or maybe it was Cid. After promising to meet up again with them all someday, Tifa, Cloud and Barret seperated leaving for Corel Town. It was Barret's hometown. To him, the tragedies that occurred there because of Mako was what started everything for him. Standing silently for a moment, he told the others not to follow him. He too had to go on living carrying sins.
They also went to Nilbeim. It was Tifa and Cloud's hometown. They didn't feel any nostalgia. They were reminded clearly of the incident that took place in the town.
"I shouldn't have come, " said Cloud. "It draws you back to the past."
He spokeout for Tifa's feelings too.
***************************************
They then went to Kalm. There, Aeris' foster mother Elymyra and the girl she took care of, Marlene was waiting. Two of Elmyra's relatives had a house there looking after them both. Barret and Marlene were happy to see each other again. Cloud told Elmyra what had happened to Aeris.
There were no signs that they were convinced but Tifa, Cloud and Barret apologized for not being able to save Aeris.
"You people done what you can. There's no need for you to apologize," said Elmyra.
Tifa and the others couldn't answer. Did we really do all we could?
There were many people who arrived in Kalm to take refuge. The normal houses became emergency shelters. The residents of Kalm didn't charge them even though they could. Even the inn provided rooms for the people in need for free. It was like everyone was cooperating to rebuild the world.
"Come on, lets go home," said Cloud.
"Where to?" Barret asked.
"Our suspended reality."
"What the hell do you mean by that?"
"Our normal lives."
"And where do we have something like that?"
"We'll find it." Cloud looked at Tifa and said, "Right?"
"Yeah!" cried the cheerful Marlene. Tifa too nodded but just like Barret, she wondered where they had a normal life.
The four of them arrived back at Midgar. The town had recovered from the shock and chaos that took place just before the Meteor was destroyed. People were on the move again looking towards the future, no, their lives for the time being. Seeing this made Tifa blame herself again. When she looked at Midgar from the sky she had thought that it was fine if everything just washed away. She didn't know there were still so many lives here. Tifa wasn't going to be able to forgive herself for being so selfish. She told Cloud and Barret what she was thinking while they were on the airship. Even though Barret and Cloud understood how she felt, they scolded her. No matter where they were or what they were doing, they wouldn't be able to get away from the sins in their consciousness.
"Since that's the case, we'll live on. We'll live on until we pay back for our sins. It's the only way," said Barret.
When Tifa and Cloud were alone, Cloud said, "It's not like you to be troubled by your thoughts."
"That's... Just the way I am."
"No."
"You're much more cheerful and strong. If you've forgotten about it, I'll remind you."
"You really will?"
"Probably," Cloud said blushing.
***************************************
The first thing they done was gathering information in and around Midgar. There was a lack of materials but above all, there wasn't any information being passed around about where to get things. The three of them split up and went around telling those in need the information they gathered about where they could get the things they needed. They helped the people that couldn't move on their own. At night, they slept under a plate in Midgar where rumours had it that it could fall anytime.
One day, Barret came back with an alcohol jar, heater and some seeds of various fruits. They were given to him as thanks for helping someone dismantle a house.
"I told you, just watch." Barret skillfully started working on some cooking but they couldn't see what he was doing. It's been about two weeks and the alcohol was left to stand since then. They found out that it was some special alcohol made in the town of Corel. Tifa and Cloud sipped their alcohol slowly. Barret was drinking so much that you could probably bathe in the amount he drank. He looked like he was enjoying it and talked about his memories of the peaceful times. Drunk, he fell into a well. It's been a long time since Tifa and Cloud burst out laughing.
The next day, Barret was looking serious and said, "How about we started a business and sold this alcohol?"
"We?" Cloud asked, surprised.
"Quit talking rubbish! We can't get customers! Tifa will do it."
"Me?"
"You're good at it."
Not long ago, Avalanche's hideout was at a bar named Seventh Heaven. It was what funded the members lives and activities. Tifa was the barmaid there or more accurately, the bar's manager. Barret continued.
"From what I see, the people of Midgar can be split into two types. Those dilly dallying around who still can't accept what's happened to the town and those who are working to live on. I understand how both types of people are feeling. Everyone is facing their problems but they're just dealing with it in different ways right? So the solution to everyone's problem is alcohol."
"Why?"
"I dunno. But when we were half drunk yesterday, we laughed. We forgot all sorts of things right? That's the moment we're after."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Times like that are important ain't they? Hey Tifa, what do you think?"
Tifa couldn't answer right away. She understood what Barret was saying. But opening up a store felt like going back to the times of Avalanche. Cloud spoke up.
"Tifa, lets try it. If it gets too tough, we'll just stop."
"It won't be tough. If Tifa doesn't work she'll end up thinkin' about all sorts of things. She'll end up not being able to do anything."
That might be true.
The three of them made preparations. They decided to build their new business in the new town of Edge that was north of Midgar.
All the people that Barret and Cloud helped gathered together. They all transported all the materials that would be used to build the store's walls and pillars.
Barret shouted out his orders while Cloud when around correcting them in a low voice. Tifa on the other hand learned how to make Corel's alcohol and improved it so that it's batter to drink. She also thought of the food she could put on their menu using the steady supply of ingredients they could use. Marlene was like a mascot to the people who helped build their store. It seemed she was emphasizing at how she was the new store's barmaid. It was hardwork solving problems that arised everyday but it was a fulfilment. Sometimes Tifa would find herself thinking about how deep her sins were when she smiled but, someone always called her over to ask about something which interrupts her.
A few days more and they might be able to open the new bar, Cloud said. Barret asked what they were going to do about the name. There were a few suggestions but Cloud's ones were all boring and Barret's ones made them think of monsters. In the end, it was Tifa who made the decision. The two men promised that they wouldn't complain no matter what the name was. But Tifa couldn't think with the opening day so close. One day, Marlene came and asked them what they were going to do about the bar's name.
"We're still thinking."
"I wish it was Seventh Heaven," said Marlene. It was a name Tifa wanted to avoid. Just having the past in me was enough. There was no need to go to the trouble of making a name that would remind me about of it.
"Why?"
"Because it was fun. If we make it Seventh Heaven it'll be fun again."
We had forgotten. Adults had ambitions but Marlene had nothing to do with them. To her, Seventh Heaven was a happy home where Barret, Tifa and her friends were.
"Hmmmm, Seventh Heaven..."
I couldn't erase my past. I could only compromise and live on. Tifa was decided she was ready.
The first day of Seventh Heaven's opening was a great success. Corel alcohol was something that you could make yourself when you felt like it so the price was nothing special. Because of the limited ingredients they had, they couldn't make any special food. Even so, people seeked places like this. A place where they could be with friends while drinking. A place where you could get over the sadness from reality or maybe forget about reality and think about the future. People who didn't have money were allowed to trade items to get a drink. So that children could go in too, they prepared all sorts of juices. They only served any that Marlene tried and said OK to. She was someone who couldn't be missing out on anything. Marlene was the waitress who served until not too late into the night. Those who drank too much were ordered to go home without any hesitation.
Barret was sipping his alcohol in a corner. Maybe he was planning to be the bouncer. Cloud's job was to obtain the ingredients for their food and alcohol. He didn't know most of the names of the fruit and vegetables. At first, Tifa was surprised but when she thought about the life that Cloud had, it couldn't be helped. It was funny when she thought how Cloud's new life was going to start by remembering the names of vegetables. No, I can't laugh, Tifa thought to herself.
Cloud's not good at socializing. He wasn't good at talking. Even so, he would go negotiate somewhere to obtain the ingredients they needed. The ingredients had a value greater than what they were worth. Cloud was moving on too.
After the first week of opening, Barret said that he would go on a trip leaving Marlene behind seeing how well the business was going.
"I wanna go on a journey to settle my past."
Cloud nodded as if he understood.
"Settle your past...? But I want to do that too."
"You guys can do that here. Don't just take. Try proofing that you can give too."
Marlene who always slept with Tifa, slept with her foster father Barret the night before he left. Their conversations could be heard late into the night.
Early next moring, Barret setoff.
Behind him Marlene shouted, "Send me some letters! Phone too!"
Barret lifted his articial right arm up that had a machine gun attached to it before he kept walking without looking back. It was the back of a figure who had no other way to live than to fight. I wonder just what kind of life he will find. I prayed that he would be able to stay far away from war. Not just take. I prayed he would be able to proof that he could give too.
"Make sure you be a "nice" kid!"
Hearing those words, Cloud and Tifa looked at each other. Be a "nice" kid?
"I'll take care of Cloud and Tifa!"
Barret turned round and shouted, "Take care!" His voice was a little shaky.
"Put the family's strength together and keep at it!"
***************************************
Friends were a necessity to me so that I wouldn't get supressed by the sins in my consciousness. Even if they were companions that had the same wounds or were burdened with the same sins. We couldn't live without comforting each other and encouraging each other.
You could call that family maybe. We just had to put the family's strength together and do our best. Tifa thought she could get over anything being with friends that she could call family.
***************************************
It's been several months since they opened the bar. There was a call from Cloud who went to collect their supply of ingredients. It was a discussion about the privileges of how much one person could eat and drink for free during their life at Seventh Heaven. Without listening to his story, Tifa understood what he wanted to say. She was sure there was something Cloud wanted to exchange that strange privilege for no matter what.
It was night and Cloud came back on a bike that they had never seen before. Since then, he had been adjusting it whenever he could spare the time in between his job. He brought an engineer that he knew from somewhere to discuss about modifying his bike. It seemed a few people came to help Cloud complete the modifications. Marlene and her young friends that lived nearby watched. The scene reassured Tifa that they were really becoming a family in the world.
There were many times when Cloud had to leave Midgar for their supplies. The destination was mainly Kalm. It seemed he had to rent a bike or a truck or sometimes a chocobo. Now he had his own bike. Occasionally it seemed he would travel very far and manage to get some rare goods.
One night, there was a call for Cloud. After talking on the phone for a while, Cloud said he had to go out for a while.
"Where are you going?"
"How should I say this..."
Cloud told her how there had many times when he was asked to deliver something while coming back with supplies. The caller was one of the store owners who gave them vegetables and it seemed there was something that he wanted Cloud to deliver before the night was over by all means. Cloud gazed at Tifa like a kid who got his secrets found out.
"Why are you looking at me like that?
"Well... I'm sorry I kept quiet about it."
"About what?"
"Doing what I wanted."
Tifa burst out laughing. Cloud went on about how he got paid a little for delivering items. He told her about how he felt guilty spending it all on the modifications for the bike. Tifa thought he was like a kid. It may have been a little sad that Cloud had found another world that I didn't know about but, I thought the fact that his world was expanding should be welcomed. Yes, it was similar to the feelings a mother would have. Tifa walked Cloud outside and was enjoying the new feeling that was blooming in her.
***************************************
Tifa was able to get along with the sins in her conciousness. She hadn't forgotten about them. Someday, the day may come when she will be punished. Until that day comes, Tifa was going to look ahead and live. She was going to live not just taking but, proofing that she herself can give too.
***************************************
Tifa encouraged Cloud to run a delivery service seriously. They could just take requests at the bar. As for dealing with calls, Marlene or herself could do it. Cloud hesitated but, after thinking about it for one night, he accepted the suggestion. He was just holding back against something again after all.
And so, that was the start of the Strife Delivery Service. Midgar was the centre of their business but they also delivered all over the world. But only the areas that Cloud could go by bike. Cloud smiled at how he was like a big advertisement. His job was also a big success. It was a time when sending things wasn't easy for people wanted to. Monsters were still around and there were roads that were constructed in areas that would breakup due to the Lifestream bursting out. This job of travelling around the world wasn't something that anyone could do. It was a job he had been seeking. Tifa thought it was wonderful how Cloud, who wasn't very sociable, was doing a job that connected people through mail.
After Cloud started his delivery service, their "family" life changed greatly. It wasn't too good. Besides morning and late night, Cloud was usually not at home. And of course, there were less chances for the three of them to have conversations together. Tifa closed the bar for a day during the week but it didn't stop Cloud from his job. It wasn't hard for Cloud to turn down requests. I just wanted us to be able to take a day off together now and then but, I suppressed that selfishness in me. During that time, it was Marlene who noticed a change in Cloud. She told Tifa how Cloud sometimes looked up at the sky and didn't listen to her. Cloud never did talk to Marlene properly in the first place. But I was sure he never ignored her when she talked to him. I knew that Cloud had his own ways of getting along with Marlene. I thought about how there were people everywhere that weren't good with children but had their own ways of coping with them.
I told her that Cloud was probably tired but it bothered me. Marlene was a child who was sensitive about the changes in adults.
During their holiday, Tifa and Marlene were cleaning the room that was now Cloud's office. There were many slips that laid scattered about unsorted. One of them caught Tifa's eye.
Client Name - Elmyra Gainsborough
Delivery Item - Bouquet
Destination - The Forgotten City
Tifa put the slip away with the others as if nothing happened. But she was trembling severely. Transporting mail around the world meant he was travelling around his past too. She knew that Cloud was in great pain because he couldn't protect Aeris. Cloud was on the verge of overcoming it but now, going back to the place where he and Aeris got seperated meant that his sorrow and regret was going to tear his heart again.
It was night and they had closed the bar. Cloud was drinking alcohol even though he rarely does. He drained his glass. Tifa thought about it before going over and filling his glass.
"Shall I join you?" There was something she wanted to talk to him about.
"I want to drink alone."
Hearing that, Tifa lost control and said, "Then drink in your room."
Barret called often. Most of the time, he hardly talked about himself and asked more about how Marlene was doing. Then everyime he would talk to Marlene at the end. As Marlene wondered if Tifa was listening or not, she told Barret in a sad voice, "Cloud and Tifa aren't getting along very well."
No matter what feelings Cloud and Tifa had between them, they couldn't drag Marlene into it Tifa thought to herself.
Tifa forced herself to talk to Cloud. When Marlene was near, she would pick something positive, something that wouldn't turn the conversation into a serious matter. Cloud was bewildered at the way Tifa changed but guessing at what she was doing, he went along with the mood and talked to her. They got Marlene to join in with the conversations. I thought it went pretty well. But I couldn't talk about what I really wanted to talk about. I didn't know what to say.
One morning, Tifa shared a story she heard from a customer that seemed funny.
"That's really something that can't be done," Cloud thought aloud.
"It can't be done!" Marlene shouted.
All the adults were surprised and looked at Marlene.
"You've told us that story before and Cloud just gives the same answer."
It didn't go well. But we were together. It was because we were family. We lived in the same house and we were living by putting our strength together. There wasn't much conversation or smiles maybe. But we were family, Tifa thought to herself. No, it was what she got herself into thinking.
After making certain that Cloud was asleep, she said to him.
"We'll be all right, won't we?"
Of course, there was no answer. I only heard the sound of him sleeping. I wondered if the fact that he was sleeping here meant that he was part of the family.
"Do you like me?"
Cloud woke up, a dubious look on his face.
"Hey, Cloud. Do you like Marlene?"
"Yeah. But sometimes I don't know how to approach her."
"Even though we've been together for sometime?"
"Just that itself isn't enough maybe."
"Even we aren't enough for you?"
Cloud didn't answer.
"Sorry for asking some strange things."
"Don't apologize. It's my problem."
Cloud closed his eyes.
"Lets work hard together."
Cloud didn't answer.
Not long after that, Cloud brought Denzel with him. When he brought him into the bar, he was already unconcious. It was Geostigma. Cloud said the syndromes looked like they just started not long ago. As Tifa nursed Denzel, she thought of how there many children were infected with the same illness. There also a lot of children without parents so facilities were setup for them. Dispite that, why did Cloud bring Denzel here? Just when Tifa was going to ask him, Cloud muttered something.
"This kid came to my place."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean..."
***************************************
After Denzel recovered, she listened to how he arrived here. Then she thought to herself that he was supposed to come here. He was one of the victims when Sector Seven was destroyed. The reason why Secotr Seven was destroyed was because of us. That's why I have to take responsibility and raise him. He didn't go to Cloud's place. He met Cloud so that he could come to my place.
Tifa discussed with Cloud and Marlene about how she wanted to welcome Denzel into their family. Cloud nodded silently but Marlene was full of joy.
At first, Denzel was persistent in helping them as thanks for what they done but, while helping with Cloud's job and in the shop he opened up his heart.
It was night and the bar was closed. While cleaning up in the kitchen, Tifa looked up towards the centre table. There sat the manager of Strife Delivery Service Cloud and his two assistants, Marlene and Denzel. Denzel suffered from Geostigma but on the days when he didn't have a fever or any pain, he would hang around with Cloud. Cloud spent half of each day outside. So once he was home, it was Denzel's precious time to spend with his hero. Yes, Cloud was a hero to Denzel. Saving Denzel while he was fighting with death as the symptoms of Geostigma erupted again, riding around on a bike... Everything was Denzel was yearning for. Denzel wanted to ask everything about Cloud. He would ask Tifa questions about Cloud until he returned home. Once, Tifa half joking said to Denzel that she cooked their meals everyday. Denzel also said to her that he cleaned the house and the bar in an adult-like manner.
It was true and he done a thorough job of cleaning. When I asked him if it was his passed away mother who taught him how to clean, he answered no. The following day, Tifa asked Cloud who Denzel's cleaning teacher was. He told Cloud about it and Tifa was a little offended.
I was troubled at why Denzel told Cloud and didn't tell me. One day I tried asking a customer that was about the same age about it. His answer was that boys are just like that. I thought there was no problems then, just a normal family.
The answer didn't make her understand them but, the words "normal family" relieved Tifa.
After the bar was closed, the usual three people sat around the table. It wouldn't be odd if you said it was a young father with his two children. If I felt like it, I could go over to that table and be welcomed with smiles.
Cloud spread a map out on the table making sure of the routes he was going to take to do deliveries the next day. Denzel and Marlene was sorting out the slips. When there was any words that Marlene couldn't read, she asked Denzel. Denzel would then teach Marlene like her older brother. When there were words that even Denzel couldn't read, he would ask Cloud. Cloud had the habit of handing them a pen after telling them how to read them. He said that if they couldn't write it then they wouldn't be able to remember it. Looking at the names of places on the slips, the children asked Cloud what they were like. Cloud's descriptions were simple. There are lots of people. There are very little people. There's lots of monsters so it's dangerous. Taking the north route is safer. They were descriptions that would make you ask, "is that all?" but the children seemed satisfied. Soon, Tifa wanted to talk too. When she added in more detail, Denzel would ask Cloud if it was true. It annoyed Tifa a little. But she also thought it was OK. That's probabbly what normal families were like.
I wondered if we became a real family after Denzel appeared. Cloud was clearly taking less jobs. At night, he would always make sure he had time to spend with the children. The silly little conversations he had with Tifa were also back.
***************************************
"So the problem was resolved?"
"Which problem?"
"Your problem."
"Oh..."
Cloud thought about it.
"It's OK if you don't want to tell me."
"I can't really explain it well..." Cloud warned before starting to talk.
"The problem isn't resolved. Well, there was no attempts at resolving it for a long time I think. You can't retrieve lost lives."
Tifa nodded silently.
"But we maybe able to save the lives who are in a crisis now. If so maybe even I can do it."
"You mean Denzel?"
"Yeah."
"Hey, do you remember what you said when you brought Denzel here?"
"What did I say?"
"You said Denzel came to your place."
"Well..." Cloud looked like a kid that about to be scolded as usual.
"Tell me. I'll decide whether I'm angry or not after listening."
Cloud nodded and continued.
"Denzel laid in front of church where Aeris used to be. That's why I thought Aeris lead him to where "my place"".
Saying all that in one breathe, Cloud looked away.
"I went to the church."
"I wasn't planning to hide there."
"You were hiding."
"I'm sorry."
"I didn't say you couldn't go. But next time, go together with me."
Cloud was dubious as he looked at Tifa.
"Aeris didn't bring Denzel to you."
"Yeah, that's what I thought too."
"Aeris brought that child to us, didn't she?"
Cloud gazed at Tifa and finally smiled. It had the kindness that made her think everything was fine.
***************************************
Days after having that conversation, Cloud left. I wonder if that smile he showed me was an illusion. After kissing the sleeping children on the face, I went into Cloud's office. I brushed away the dust on the family photo we took then tried calling him. After several rings, the messaging service took over.
~FIN~
On the Way to a Smile :: Episode 2
Tifa walked the last customer out of her store before returning inside to clean up in the kitchen. The room was dimly lit with minimal but adequate lighting. No one else was there besides Tifa. Just days ago she was working so much that all her bitterness was gone as she watched families come and go. But now, the water's cold and she wasn't getting anywhere with all the dirty tableware. Tifa tried turning on all the lights that illuminated the store to try and change the atmosphere. For a brief moment, the store litup but due to the instability of the electricity supply, the store was dimly lit again. A surge of uneasiness came over her. She wondered if she was all alone in the house. As the thought crossed her mind, she couldn't stand it and called out a girl's name.
"Marlene!"
Before long, soft footsteps could be heard from the children's room deep inside the store and Marlene appeared.
"Ssssh," She put her finger to her lips and frowned. Tifa apologized but was relieved.
"Denzel finally fell asleep."
"Was he in pain?"
"Yeah."
"You could have gave me a shout."
"Denzel didn't let me."
"I see..."
Tifa looked like she was blaming herself for not paying attention to the children.
"So, what's wrong?"
"Hmmm... What do you mean?" Tifa answered hiding her feelings. Marlene looked around the store where only Tifa and her stood.
"Did you get lonely?" This little girl saw through everything.
"I won't be going anywhere."
"Thanks. You should sleep soon too."
"I was just about to sleep!"
"Sorry."
She's my daughter. That's how I introduced her to people. Her parents died not too long ago and she was brought up by her father's closest friend, Barret. Ever since Tifa met Barret and got along with him, she found out about half of Marlene's life. That was why she naturally ended being the one taking care of Marlene when barret decided he would go on a journey to settle his past.
Tifa stopped washing and followed Marlene. In the children's room was two beds lined up to one another. There Denzel was lying sound asleep. The Geostigma scar on the eight year old's forehead looked painful. Denzel was suffering as the illness couldn't be healed and his condition wasn't improving. Tifa wiped away the pus from the mark on his forehead, Denzel grimaced a little but continued to sleep. Marlene who watched over Denzel went to her own bed afterwards and called out Tifa's name.
"We're here with you but you're still lonely, aren't you?"
"...I'm sorry," Tifa answered honestly.
"It's OK. We're the same."
"I see."
"I wonder where Cloud is."
Tifa didn't know and put her hand on her neck. Cloud was in Midgar somewhere. She imagined how the worse could have happened as he was caught in an accident where he went to work or he was being attacked by some monster.
But she soon found out that he was still out there working. There were people who had seen him. He just left the house that's all. Tifa was going to let the children think there were no problems but she lost her composure and the children soon realized something was wrong.
"Why did he leave?"
I didn't know. Maybe all sorts of problems happened. But Tifa remembered Cloud's last smile. It had the kindness that made her think everything was fine. I wonder if I was mistaken.
***************************************
One fated day. The day when Meteor came flying down from outer space and the Lifestream flowed out from the planet, gathering together destroying it. Tifa had watched the scene together with her companions from the sky. I thought it was fine if everything just washed away. Wash away my past. She could feel the obscure terror that came with the relief when the battle was over.
I wonder if I can continue living the way I am now. If someone else asked her the same thing then she would answer them that they should live on no matter what happened. But when it was about her, she didn't know.
Thanks to Shinra Inc's development of Mako energy, the world was prospering. Light overflowed the ground's surface but at the same time, there was something much darker happening. The anti-Shinra group, "Avalanche" took action to let the world know what that darkness was.
Mako energy was going to lead to the destruction of the planet. But their actions didn't have much effect and the world remained unchanged. Once you understood the benefits of Mako, it was hard to turn your back to it. Avalanche chose to take more extreme actions to change the situations. The Mako city of Midgar where lots of people lived. There they blew up one of the Mako reactors that produced consumable energy.
Due to a miscalculation in the bomb they made, the area that got destroyed was greater than they had planned. The surrounding areas of the Mako reactor was also destroyed. Hearing this, Shinra Inc wasn't going to ignore the matter. So that they could destroy the small group Avalanche, Shinra Inc committed a brutal act. A whole part of Midgar where Avalanche's hideout resided was completely destroyed. As a result of Avalanche, countless innocent lives were lost.
That Avalanche was the group Tifa joined.
She had thought that sacrifices were more or less unavoidable for their great goal. They always thought that they were prepared to throw their lives away too. As a result of what happened, they lost sight of their goal. During their long fight with Shinra Inc, they soon found themselves fighting the powerful Sephiroth. Tifa along with her childhood friend Cloud, the other remaining survivor of Avalanche Barret, Aeris who they met during the chaos and Red XIII, they set out on their journey. After going through some more events, Cid, Cait Sith, Yuffie and Vincent also became her companions.
It seemed a new friendship was blooming but as if there was a price to pay, Aeris' life was taken away.
Even so, the journey was not over. Tifa felt that she could tie things up behind her as she experienced the victories and losses in battles during her journey.
It all started when she was young girl. There was some trouble in the Mako reactor that was built near her hometown of Nibelheim that threatened their safety.
Sephiroth who was dispatched by Shinra to resolve the problem arrived and killed her father. I couldn't withstand the hatred I had for Shinra and Sephiroth. That was how I joined Avalanche. Yes. It was the beginning of my own personal hatred. The slogans Avalanche used showing how they were anti-Shinra and anti-Mako was just what I needed to hide my true motive. But the many lives lost as sacrifices in saving the planet was too much. If all that was just for my own revenge then...
The sin was held its role deep in my heart. I wonder if I could live on with these feelings. As Tifa looked from the sky to the ground, Tifa was afraid of the future. But the Cloud beside her chose to smile gently. It was a smile that she hadn't seen before during their journey. Cloud noticed her gaze and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Cloud, you're smiling."
"I am?"
"Yeah."
"It all starts now. A new..." Cloud looked for the right words, "A new life."
"I'm going to survive. I think that's the only way I can be forgiven. Lots of things... happened."
"But when I think about how many times I've thought about how I'm going to start a new life, it's funny."
"Why?"
"I've always failed."
"And you couldn't smile."
"...I think it will be all right this time."
Cloud became very quiet.
"Because you've always been with me."
"I've always been with you."
"That's tomorrow's story," Cloud replied smiling again.
***************************************
Tifa went to see Aeris together with her companions. Aeris that was now at the bottom of the Forgotten City's spring. The world she was going to save in exchange for her life would surely be all right now. That's what they were told. She heard a voice asking if she was all right. She didn't know if it was Aeris' voice or her own. Tifa cried. Right after Sephiroth took Aeris' life she wasn't grieving. She was sad but she changed that into the anger and hatred she had for the enemy. But the pain she felt when she visited the place tore her heart apart. While bearing the pain, she thought to herself how he was made this way being part of a large group of people and as an Avalanche member. She was overflowed with tears again.
"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."
She felt Cloud's hand on her shoulder. He was holding onto her firmly as if he didn't want her to go anywhere. For now, I'll just let myself cry as much as I want. I'll leave the rest to those hands.
I just don't know what I should do.
***************************************
The companions that were with Tifa for the whole trial of their journey easily split up. Vincent left just like one of the passengers that would come sit next to you on a train. Yuffie was against splitting up. She asked everyone if they were OK being split up the way they were now that they were friends. Barret was the one who told her that they could see each other whenever they wanted if they survived. Or maybe it was Cid. After promising to meet up again with them all someday, Tifa, Cloud and Barret seperated leaving for Corel Town. It was Barret's hometown. To him, the tragedies that occurred there because of Mako was what started everything for him. Standing silently for a moment, he told the others not to follow him. He too had to go on living carrying sins.
They also went to Nilbeim. It was Tifa and Cloud's hometown. They didn't feel any nostalgia. They were reminded clearly of the incident that took place in the town.
"I shouldn't have come, " said Cloud. "It draws you back to the past."
He spokeout for Tifa's feelings too.
***************************************
They then went to Kalm. There, Aeris' foster mother Elymyra and the girl she took care of, Marlene was waiting. Two of Elmyra's relatives had a house there looking after them both. Barret and Marlene were happy to see each other again. Cloud told Elmyra what had happened to Aeris.
There were no signs that they were convinced but Tifa, Cloud and Barret apologized for not being able to save Aeris.
"You people done what you can. There's no need for you to apologize," said Elmyra.
Tifa and the others couldn't answer. Did we really do all we could?
There were many people who arrived in Kalm to take refuge. The normal houses became emergency shelters. The residents of Kalm didn't charge them even though they could. Even the inn provided rooms for the people in need for free. It was like everyone was cooperating to rebuild the world.
"Come on, lets go home," said Cloud.
"Where to?" Barret asked.
"Our suspended reality."
"What the hell do you mean by that?"
"Our normal lives."
"And where do we have something like that?"
"We'll find it." Cloud looked at Tifa and said, "Right?"
"Yeah!" cried the cheerful Marlene. Tifa too nodded but just like Barret, she wondered where they had a normal life.
The four of them arrived back at Midgar. The town had recovered from the shock and chaos that took place just before the Meteor was destroyed. People were on the move again looking towards the future, no, their lives for the time being. Seeing this made Tifa blame herself again. When she looked at Midgar from the sky she had thought that it was fine if everything just washed away. She didn't know there were still so many lives here. Tifa wasn't going to be able to forgive herself for being so selfish. She told Cloud and Barret what she was thinking while they were on the airship. Even though Barret and Cloud understood how she felt, they scolded her. No matter where they were or what they were doing, they wouldn't be able to get away from the sins in their consciousness.
"Since that's the case, we'll live on. We'll live on until we pay back for our sins. It's the only way," said Barret.
When Tifa and Cloud were alone, Cloud said, "It's not like you to be troubled by your thoughts."
"That's... Just the way I am."
"No."
"You're much more cheerful and strong. If you've forgotten about it, I'll remind you."
"You really will?"
"Probably," Cloud said blushing.
***************************************
The first thing they done was gathering information in and around Midgar. There was a lack of materials but above all, there wasn't any information being passed around about where to get things. The three of them split up and went around telling those in need the information they gathered about where they could get the things they needed. They helped the people that couldn't move on their own. At night, they slept under a plate in Midgar where rumours had it that it could fall anytime.
One day, Barret came back with an alcohol jar, heater and some seeds of various fruits. They were given to him as thanks for helping someone dismantle a house.
"I told you, just watch." Barret skillfully started working on some cooking but they couldn't see what he was doing. It's been about two weeks and the alcohol was left to stand since then. They found out that it was some special alcohol made in the town of Corel. Tifa and Cloud sipped their alcohol slowly. Barret was drinking so much that you could probably bathe in the amount he drank. He looked like he was enjoying it and talked about his memories of the peaceful times. Drunk, he fell into a well. It's been a long time since Tifa and Cloud burst out laughing.
The next day, Barret was looking serious and said, "How about we started a business and sold this alcohol?"
"We?" Cloud asked, surprised.
"Quit talking rubbish! We can't get customers! Tifa will do it."
"Me?"
"You're good at it."
Not long ago, Avalanche's hideout was at a bar named Seventh Heaven. It was what funded the members lives and activities. Tifa was the barmaid there or more accurately, the bar's manager. Barret continued.
"From what I see, the people of Midgar can be split into two types. Those dilly dallying around who still can't accept what's happened to the town and those who are working to live on. I understand how both types of people are feeling. Everyone is facing their problems but they're just dealing with it in different ways right? So the solution to everyone's problem is alcohol."
"Why?"
"I dunno. But when we were half drunk yesterday, we laughed. We forgot all sorts of things right? That's the moment we're after."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Times like that are important ain't they? Hey Tifa, what do you think?"
Tifa couldn't answer right away. She understood what Barret was saying. But opening up a store felt like going back to the times of Avalanche. Cloud spoke up.
"Tifa, lets try it. If it gets too tough, we'll just stop."
"It won't be tough. If Tifa doesn't work she'll end up thinkin' about all sorts of things. She'll end up not being able to do anything."
That might be true.
The three of them made preparations. They decided to build their new business in the new town of Edge that was north of Midgar.
All the people that Barret and Cloud helped gathered together. They all transported all the materials that would be used to build the store's walls and pillars.
Barret shouted out his orders while Cloud when around correcting them in a low voice. Tifa on the other hand learned how to make Corel's alcohol and improved it so that it's batter to drink. She also thought of the food she could put on their menu using the steady supply of ingredients they could use. Marlene was like a mascot to the people who helped build their store. It seemed she was emphasizing at how she was the new store's barmaid. It was hardwork solving problems that arised everyday but it was a fulfilment. Sometimes Tifa would find herself thinking about how deep her sins were when she smiled but, someone always called her over to ask about something which interrupts her.
A few days more and they might be able to open the new bar, Cloud said. Barret asked what they were going to do about the name. There were a few suggestions but Cloud's ones were all boring and Barret's ones made them think of monsters. In the end, it was Tifa who made the decision. The two men promised that they wouldn't complain no matter what the name was. But Tifa couldn't think with the opening day so close. One day, Marlene came and asked them what they were going to do about the bar's name.
"We're still thinking."
"I wish it was Seventh Heaven," said Marlene. It was a name Tifa wanted to avoid. Just having the past in me was enough. There was no need to go to the trouble of making a name that would remind me about of it.
"Why?"
"Because it was fun. If we make it Seventh Heaven it'll be fun again."
We had forgotten. Adults had ambitions but Marlene had nothing to do with them. To her, Seventh Heaven was a happy home where Barret, Tifa and her friends were.
"Hmmmm, Seventh Heaven..."
I couldn't erase my past. I could only compromise and live on. Tifa was decided she was ready.
The first day of Seventh Heaven's opening was a great success. Corel alcohol was something that you could make yourself when you felt like it so the price was nothing special. Because of the limited ingredients they had, they couldn't make any special food. Even so, people seeked places like this. A place where they could be with friends while drinking. A place where you could get over the sadness from reality or maybe forget about reality and think about the future. People who didn't have money were allowed to trade items to get a drink. So that children could go in too, they prepared all sorts of juices. They only served any that Marlene tried and said OK to. She was someone who couldn't be missing out on anything. Marlene was the waitress who served until not too late into the night. Those who drank too much were ordered to go home without any hesitation.
Barret was sipping his alcohol in a corner. Maybe he was planning to be the bouncer. Cloud's job was to obtain the ingredients for their food and alcohol. He didn't know most of the names of the fruit and vegetables. At first, Tifa was surprised but when she thought about the life that Cloud had, it couldn't be helped. It was funny when she thought how Cloud's new life was going to start by remembering the names of vegetables. No, I can't laugh, Tifa thought to herself.
Cloud's not good at socializing. He wasn't good at talking. Even so, he would go negotiate somewhere to obtain the ingredients they needed. The ingredients had a value greater than what they were worth. Cloud was moving on too.
After the first week of opening, Barret said that he would go on a trip leaving Marlene behind seeing how well the business was going.
"I wanna go on a journey to settle my past."
Cloud nodded as if he understood.
"Settle your past...? But I want to do that too."
"You guys can do that here. Don't just take. Try proofing that you can give too."
Marlene who always slept with Tifa, slept with her foster father Barret the night before he left. Their conversations could be heard late into the night.
Early next moring, Barret setoff.
Behind him Marlene shouted, "Send me some letters! Phone too!"
Barret lifted his articial right arm up that had a machine gun attached to it before he kept walking without looking back. It was the back of a figure who had no other way to live than to fight. I wonder just what kind of life he will find. I prayed that he would be able to stay far away from war. Not just take. I prayed he would be able to proof that he could give too.
"Make sure you be a "nice" kid!"
Hearing those words, Cloud and Tifa looked at each other. Be a "nice" kid?
"I'll take care of Cloud and Tifa!"
Barret turned round and shouted, "Take care!" His voice was a little shaky.
"Put the family's strength together and keep at it!"
***************************************
Friends were a necessity to me so that I wouldn't get supressed by the sins in my consciousness. Even if they were companions that had the same wounds or were burdened with the same sins. We couldn't live without comforting each other and encouraging each other.
You could call that family maybe. We just had to put the family's strength together and do our best. Tifa thought she could get over anything being with friends that she could call family.
***************************************
It's been several months since they opened the bar. There was a call from Cloud who went to collect their supply of ingredients. It was a discussion about the privileges of how much one person could eat and drink for free during their life at Seventh Heaven. Without listening to his story, Tifa understood what he wanted to say. She was sure there was something Cloud wanted to exchange that strange privilege for no matter what.
It was night and Cloud came back on a bike that they had never seen before. Since then, he had been adjusting it whenever he could spare the time in between his job. He brought an engineer that he knew from somewhere to discuss about modifying his bike. It seemed a few people came to help Cloud complete the modifications. Marlene and her young friends that lived nearby watched. The scene reassured Tifa that they were really becoming a family in the world.
There were many times when Cloud had to leave Midgar for their supplies. The destination was mainly Kalm. It seemed he had to rent a bike or a truck or sometimes a chocobo. Now he had his own bike. Occasionally it seemed he would travel very far and manage to get some rare goods.
One night, there was a call for Cloud. After talking on the phone for a while, Cloud said he had to go out for a while.
"Where are you going?"
"How should I say this..."
Cloud told her how there had many times when he was asked to deliver something while coming back with supplies. The caller was one of the store owners who gave them vegetables and it seemed there was something that he wanted Cloud to deliver before the night was over by all means. Cloud gazed at Tifa like a kid who got his secrets found out.
"Why are you looking at me like that?
"Well... I'm sorry I kept quiet about it."
"About what?"
"Doing what I wanted."
Tifa burst out laughing. Cloud went on about how he got paid a little for delivering items. He told her about how he felt guilty spending it all on the modifications for the bike. Tifa thought he was like a kid. It may have been a little sad that Cloud had found another world that I didn't know about but, I thought the fact that his world was expanding should be welcomed. Yes, it was similar to the feelings a mother would have. Tifa walked Cloud outside and was enjoying the new feeling that was blooming in her.
***************************************
Tifa was able to get along with the sins in her conciousness. She hadn't forgotten about them. Someday, the day may come when she will be punished. Until that day comes, Tifa was going to look ahead and live. She was going to live not just taking but, proofing that she herself can give too.
***************************************
Tifa encouraged Cloud to run a delivery service seriously. They could just take requests at the bar. As for dealing with calls, Marlene or herself could do it. Cloud hesitated but, after thinking about it for one night, he accepted the suggestion. He was just holding back against something again after all.
And so, that was the start of the Strife Delivery Service. Midgar was the centre of their business but they also delivered all over the world. But only the areas that Cloud could go by bike. Cloud smiled at how he was like a big advertisement. His job was also a big success. It was a time when sending things wasn't easy for people wanted to. Monsters were still around and there were roads that were constructed in areas that would breakup due to the Lifestream bursting out. This job of travelling around the world wasn't something that anyone could do. It was a job he had been seeking. Tifa thought it was wonderful how Cloud, who wasn't very sociable, was doing a job that connected people through mail.
After Cloud started his delivery service, their "family" life changed greatly. It wasn't too good. Besides morning and late night, Cloud was usually not at home. And of course, there were less chances for the three of them to have conversations together. Tifa closed the bar for a day during the week but it didn't stop Cloud from his job. It wasn't hard for Cloud to turn down requests. I just wanted us to be able to take a day off together now and then but, I suppressed that selfishness in me. During that time, it was Marlene who noticed a change in Cloud. She told Tifa how Cloud sometimes looked up at the sky and didn't listen to her. Cloud never did talk to Marlene properly in the first place. But I was sure he never ignored her when she talked to him. I knew that Cloud had his own ways of getting along with Marlene. I thought about how there were people everywhere that weren't good with children but had their own ways of coping with them.
I told her that Cloud was probably tired but it bothered me. Marlene was a child who was sensitive about the changes in adults.
During their holiday, Tifa and Marlene were cleaning the room that was now Cloud's office. There were many slips that laid scattered about unsorted. One of them caught Tifa's eye.
Client Name - Elmyra Gainsborough
Delivery Item - Bouquet
Destination - The Forgotten City
Tifa put the slip away with the others as if nothing happened. But she was trembling severely. Transporting mail around the world meant he was travelling around his past too. She knew that Cloud was in great pain because he couldn't protect Aeris. Cloud was on the verge of overcoming it but now, going back to the place where he and Aeris got seperated meant that his sorrow and regret was going to tear his heart again.
It was night and they had closed the bar. Cloud was drinking alcohol even though he rarely does. He drained his glass. Tifa thought about it before going over and filling his glass.
"Shall I join you?" There was something she wanted to talk to him about.
"I want to drink alone."
Hearing that, Tifa lost control and said, "Then drink in your room."
Barret called often. Most of the time, he hardly talked about himself and asked more about how Marlene was doing. Then everyime he would talk to Marlene at the end. As Marlene wondered if Tifa was listening or not, she told Barret in a sad voice, "Cloud and Tifa aren't getting along very well."
No matter what feelings Cloud and Tifa had between them, they couldn't drag Marlene into it Tifa thought to herself.
Tifa forced herself to talk to Cloud. When Marlene was near, she would pick something positive, something that wouldn't turn the conversation into a serious matter. Cloud was bewildered at the way Tifa changed but guessing at what she was doing, he went along with the mood and talked to her. They got Marlene to join in with the conversations. I thought it went pretty well. But I couldn't talk about what I really wanted to talk about. I didn't know what to say.
One morning, Tifa shared a story she heard from a customer that seemed funny.
"That's really something that can't be done," Cloud thought aloud.
"It can't be done!" Marlene shouted.
All the adults were surprised and looked at Marlene.
"You've told us that story before and Cloud just gives the same answer."
It didn't go well. But we were together. It was because we were family. We lived in the same house and we were living by putting our strength together. There wasn't much conversation or smiles maybe. But we were family, Tifa thought to herself. No, it was what she got herself into thinking.
After making certain that Cloud was asleep, she said to him.
"We'll be all right, won't we?"
Of course, there was no answer. I only heard the sound of him sleeping. I wondered if the fact that he was sleeping here meant that he was part of the family.
"Do you like me?"
Cloud woke up, a dubious look on his face.
"Hey, Cloud. Do you like Marlene?"
"Yeah. But sometimes I don't know how to approach her."
"Even though we've been together for sometime?"
"Just that itself isn't enough maybe."
"Even we aren't enough for you?"
Cloud didn't answer.
"Sorry for asking some strange things."
"Don't apologize. It's my problem."
Cloud closed his eyes.
"Lets work hard together."
Cloud didn't answer.
Not long after that, Cloud brought Denzel with him. When he brought him into the bar, he was already unconcious. It was Geostigma. Cloud said the syndromes looked like they just started not long ago. As Tifa nursed Denzel, she thought of how there many children were infected with the same illness. There also a lot of children without parents so facilities were setup for them. Dispite that, why did Cloud bring Denzel here? Just when Tifa was going to ask him, Cloud muttered something.
"This kid came to my place."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean..."
***************************************
After Denzel recovered, she listened to how he arrived here. Then she thought to herself that he was supposed to come here. He was one of the victims when Sector Seven was destroyed. The reason why Secotr Seven was destroyed was because of us. That's why I have to take responsibility and raise him. He didn't go to Cloud's place. He met Cloud so that he could come to my place.
Tifa discussed with Cloud and Marlene about how she wanted to welcome Denzel into their family. Cloud nodded silently but Marlene was full of joy.
At first, Denzel was persistent in helping them as thanks for what they done but, while helping with Cloud's job and in the shop he opened up his heart.
It was night and the bar was closed. While cleaning up in the kitchen, Tifa looked up towards the centre table. There sat the manager of Strife Delivery Service Cloud and his two assistants, Marlene and Denzel. Denzel suffered from Geostigma but on the days when he didn't have a fever or any pain, he would hang around with Cloud. Cloud spent half of each day outside. So once he was home, it was Denzel's precious time to spend with his hero. Yes, Cloud was a hero to Denzel. Saving Denzel while he was fighting with death as the symptoms of Geostigma erupted again, riding around on a bike... Everything was Denzel was yearning for. Denzel wanted to ask everything about Cloud. He would ask Tifa questions about Cloud until he returned home. Once, Tifa half joking said to Denzel that she cooked their meals everyday. Denzel also said to her that he cleaned the house and the bar in an adult-like manner.
It was true and he done a thorough job of cleaning. When I asked him if it was his passed away mother who taught him how to clean, he answered no. The following day, Tifa asked Cloud who Denzel's cleaning teacher was. He told Cloud about it and Tifa was a little offended.
I was troubled at why Denzel told Cloud and didn't tell me. One day I tried asking a customer that was about the same age about it. His answer was that boys are just like that. I thought there was no problems then, just a normal family.
The answer didn't make her understand them but, the words "normal family" relieved Tifa.
After the bar was closed, the usual three people sat around the table. It wouldn't be odd if you said it was a young father with his two children. If I felt like it, I could go over to that table and be welcomed with smiles.
Cloud spread a map out on the table making sure of the routes he was going to take to do deliveries the next day. Denzel and Marlene was sorting out the slips. When there was any words that Marlene couldn't read, she asked Denzel. Denzel would then teach Marlene like her older brother. When there were words that even Denzel couldn't read, he would ask Cloud. Cloud had the habit of handing them a pen after telling them how to read them. He said that if they couldn't write it then they wouldn't be able to remember it. Looking at the names of places on the slips, the children asked Cloud what they were like. Cloud's descriptions were simple. There are lots of people. There are very little people. There's lots of monsters so it's dangerous. Taking the north route is safer. They were descriptions that would make you ask, "is that all?" but the children seemed satisfied. Soon, Tifa wanted to talk too. When she added in more detail, Denzel would ask Cloud if it was true. It annoyed Tifa a little. But she also thought it was OK. That's probabbly what normal families were like.
I wondered if we became a real family after Denzel appeared. Cloud was clearly taking less jobs. At night, he would always make sure he had time to spend with the children. The silly little conversations he had with Tifa were also back.
***************************************
"So the problem was resolved?"
"Which problem?"
"Your problem."
"Oh..."
Cloud thought about it.
"It's OK if you don't want to tell me."
"I can't really explain it well..." Cloud warned before starting to talk.
"The problem isn't resolved. Well, there was no attempts at resolving it for a long time I think. You can't retrieve lost lives."
Tifa nodded silently.
"But we maybe able to save the lives who are in a crisis now. If so maybe even I can do it."
"You mean Denzel?"
"Yeah."
"Hey, do you remember what you said when you brought Denzel here?"
"What did I say?"
"You said Denzel came to your place."
"Well..." Cloud looked like a kid that about to be scolded as usual.
"Tell me. I'll decide whether I'm angry or not after listening."
Cloud nodded and continued.
"Denzel laid in front of church where Aeris used to be. That's why I thought Aeris lead him to where "my place"".
Saying all that in one breathe, Cloud looked away.
"I went to the church."
"I wasn't planning to hide there."
"You were hiding."
"I'm sorry."
"I didn't say you couldn't go. But next time, go together with me."
Cloud was dubious as he looked at Tifa.
"Aeris didn't bring Denzel to you."
"Yeah, that's what I thought too."
"Aeris brought that child to us, didn't she?"
Cloud gazed at Tifa and finally smiled. It had the kindness that made her think everything was fine.
***************************************
Days after having that conversation, Cloud left. I wonder if that smile he showed me was an illusion. After kissing the sleeping children on the face, I went into Cloud's office. I brushed away the dust on the family photo we took then tried calling him. After several rings, the messaging service took over.
~FIN~