'New Day'

[The next morning...
[Yuffie is jolted awake by a pointy stick digging into her back. With her eyes still closed, she snarls and swipes at it but doesn't connect. Finally, cracking open her eyelids, she squints and sees Ioz squatting before her.]

Ioz : About time you got up. We're leaving.

Yuffie : (sits up) Leaving?

Ioz : Turn around.

Yuffie : What for?

[Ioz pulls out a length of cord and grins.]

Ioz : We're putting you on a leash.

Yuffie : (narrows her eyes) I'd like to see you try.

[Minutes later, Yuffie is struggling on the floor, her hands bound tightly behind her. She glares balefully at Ioz, mouthing off every profanity she knows at him, almost incoherent with rage. Ioz listens patiently until finally she exhausts her current vocabulary.]

Ioz : Things'd be a lot easier if only you'd cooperate.

Yuffie : (yells) Like hell I will! You ^&*$@%&$*^!

Ioz : (winces) I really wonder where you got all that. It's too bad you're so foulmouthed, you know. You'd've been a real cutie otherwise.

Yuffie : (growls) Save the sweet-talking crap, Ioz. You're a dead man!

Ioz : (sighs theatrically) That's the trouble with people nowadays; they can never tell when somebody's giving a genuine compliment. (gets up) All right. Enough horsing around. Let's go. (pokes at her again)

Yuffie : (thinks) Damn! I can't do anything tied up like this. Why couldn't I have paid attention to those escape techniques they taught back in Utai?!

[Sullenly, Yuffie gets to her feet. Ioz prods her to the door with the stick and she clamps down on her instinctive urge to kick him. They mount the stairs and finally emerge from the basement of the building, and out into the dawn light within Costa del Sol. Sekar is there, standing next to a Chocobo carriage, and talking to its driver. Ioz takes hold of Yuffie's bonds, testing them, then moves her toward the vehicle.]

Sekar : ... reach the western shore. Until then, the money stays with us.

Driver : (nods; sees Yuffie) What's this?

Ioz : An extra guest. (opens the cab door; to Yuffie) Get in.

[Yuffie scowls, but obeys.]

Driver : (nervous) Er... wait a minute. You never said anything about prisoners.

Ioz : I told you, she's a guest. (glares)

Driver : (uncertain, but cowed) Ah, sure... a guest. (glances at Sekar)

Sekar : (sighs) All right. Keep your mouth shut. 500 gil.

Driver : (hesitates; nods) Okay. We'll leave as soon as you're ready. (tends to the Chocobos)

[Both Sekar and Ioz load the rest of their stuff onto the carriage. After making sure that the driver is out of earshot, Ioz turns to Sekar.]

Ioz : (hisses) 500 more gil?! Are you nuts?!

Sekar : What other choice did I have?

Ioz : You could've just threatened him!

Sekar : And have him ditch us somewhere in the middle of the desert? No thanks. And keep your voice down!

Ioz : (mutters) We're already low on cash, Sekar.

Sekar : You think I don't know that? Don't worry, we'll pick some up along the way.

Ioz : Oh, how? We gonna masquerade as a mini-carnival and charge a viewing fee? I know I'm starting to feel like a clown.

Sekar : (annoyed) Just shut up, will you? I'll think of something.

Ioz : That is so reassuring.

[Yuffie listens quietly from inside the cab, grinning.]

=========================

'Omen'

[There's a large crowd gathering by the docks. Everyone is craning their heads up, watching as the balloon ship slowly descends to the ground. A tall man makes his way through the throng, seemingly untouched by all the excitement. Finally, he stops just a few metres away from the landing balloon.
[Tifa leaps over the rail of the balloon ship and lands confidently on her feet. She makes her way to the man with a smile.]

Tifa : Hello, Vincent. It's good to see you again.

Vincent : Hello, Tifa.

Tifa : You're as talkative as ever.

Vincent : Thank you. I try.

[The ship finally touches down on the dock and both the remaining crew disembark. Cloud tells Cait to watch the slightly deflated balloon then goes over to Tifa and Vincent.]

Cloud : (to Vincent) The gas tanks?

Vincent : They're stored by your villa. We can get to inflating that balloon of yours right away.

Tifa : (grins) I swear, the two of you can act so alike, it's frightening.

Vincent : (frowns slightly) I don't think that kind of comment was called for, Tifa.

Cloud : Let's get to work. (as they walk to Villa Cloud) Have you managed to find out anything about Yuffie's whereabouts?

Vincent : No. I've only just arrived this hour. I couldn't find much of interest.

Cloud : Well, we've still got a bit of time. Tifa, you ask around the town while we work on the ship.

Tifa : (nods) I'm on it.

[They go their separate ways.
[Tifa stands in Costa del Sol's town centre, looking in some wonderment at the people who stroll by.]

Tifa : (thinks) It's hard to believe that the world was about to end just five months ago. (sighs) Sometimes, it's even harder for me to believe that it ever happened in the first place.

[She looks around her. Everyone seems to be intent on having fun, and few people pay her any sort of attention. There's laughter and gaiety all around.]

Tifa : (thinks wistfully) Sometimes, I wish I could have a short memory… I probably wouldn't get so worked up if I could forget some of the things that have happened.

[As she stands there, musing, a man approaches.]

Man : Hey there, babe. How's about a stroll down the beach with me?

Tifa : (blinks) What?

[The man looks at her strangely.]

Man : I said, how about taking a walk down the beach together?

Tifa : Hmm. Sorry, I wasn't listening.

Man : You look like you've got some worries. (grins) Wanna forget your troubles with me?

Tifa : (grimaces) No thanks.

Man : C'mon. What'll it hurt?

Tifa : I'm too busy. Better luck with the next babe you run into.

Man : You don't know what you're missing… (shrugs and leaves)

Tifa : (thinks) Now, how many times have I wanted someone to ask me out? It seems like a lifetime away. (sighs inwardly; shakes her head) No time for that... I've got to find out where Yuffie might have gone.

[She queries several people in the town square, but has no luck. Looking about, she spots the familiar materia store being tended to by its vendor.]

Tifa : (thinks) Well, if anyone would have heard anything of a materia hunter nearby, it'd probably be that guy.

[She makes her way over to the store. The vendor looks up as she approaches, and flashes her a smarmy grin.]

Vendor : Good morning, miss. What can I interest you in, today?

Tifa : What've you got?

[He takes out a green materia.]

Vendor : This is a new one; just came in yesterday. It'll help cure even the deadliest of poisons. Perfect, if you're thinking of travelling inland. I hear that there've been a great increase in the number of poisonous creatures since Meteor came.

Tifa : Is that so? (looks at the materia) May I? (holds out her hand)

Vendor : (shrugs) Sure.

[He hands it to her, and she closes her eyes, concentrating deeply. Several moments pass before she finally opens her eyes. She looks straight at him with a little smile.]

Tifa : It feels like any other Heal materia to me.

Vendor : (looks hurt) I assure you, my merchandise is nothing like any other.

[Tifa simply gives the materia back and looks over the rest of his display.]

Tifa : Is there anything else you've got to offer?

[The vendor pulls out another green materia and passes it to her.]

Vendor : How about this Thunder materia? There's a lot of dangerous creatures outside this town, you know. You can't go wrong with this beauty.

Tifa : (shakes her head) No, thanks. I don't need another one, I'm afraid.

Vendor : (shrugs) Oh, well. Some days, you just can't please everyone... (looks at her sideways; whispers) Unless you've got something more unique in mind...?

Tifa : (slowly) Such as?

[The man glances around furtively first, then reaches into his jacket pocket. He brings out a small cloth bag, tightly wrapped. Taking care not to let anyone else see, he unties the bag, then shows her one more green orb. Tifa frowns, curious.]

Vendor : (low voice) I got this one a couple of weeks ago from a fellow travelling eastwards. He says he got this while crossing the Nibel mountains.

Tifa : Nibel, huh? What does this one do?

Vendor : I'm not really sure, actually. Here, check it out.

[She takes the materia from his hands and concentrates once more. Strangely enough, she finds that she can hardly detect anything from the materia. Opening her eyes, she looks askance at the vendor. He sees her look and nods.]

Vendor : Thought it was pretty strange myself. I mean, normally, a person could feel just a bit of the materia if they concentrate hard enough, but this one... Well, like I said: this one's unique.

Tifa : If that's so, then how come you're going to sell it to me?

Vendor : You look like you might need it sometime. (grins) No need to look at me like that. I can usually tell when someone's planning on going on some 'long journey' to so and so.

Tifa : (grins) Do I look that obvious, then?

Vendor : (laughs) I like you, girl. You've got spirit! So... how about it? You interested in buying that materia?

Tifa : How much are you asking for it?

Vendor : (thinks for a moment; aloud) 4,200 gil.

Tifa : 4,200? That's too steep.

Vendor : But look at it! It's one of a kind!

Tifa : For that much money, it'd better be. (shakes her head) No. I can't afford that. (starts to give it back)

Vendor : Okay. Just for you, 3,800 gil.

Tifa : Sorry, I really can't...

Vendor : 3,500?

Tifa : I could buy a Revive materia for that price! And at least then, I'd know exactly what I was paying for!

Vendor : (sighs) All right. How about 3,000?

Tifa : 1,800.

Vendor : (looks shocked) That's crazy!

Tifa : I'd be crazy to buy an unknown materia from you for any price, you know. As it is, I shouldn't be bargaining with you at all.

Vendor : 2,500 gil.

Tifa : (pauses a moment) An even 2,000 gil, and you've got a deal.

Vendor : (mutters) You're putting me out of business... All right! 2,000.

[Tifa smiles and pays him. He takes the money, then grins.]

Vendor : Well, I can't really say that it's been profitable doing business with you, but it certainly was a memorable experience. I don't usually allow bargaining for my merchandise.

Tifa : I'm flattered you allowed me to do so, then.

[She gazes at her newly acquired materia, then slips it into her belt pouch.]

Tifa : Say...

[The vendor looks at her questioningly.]

Tifa : I'm looking for someone who might have passed by here. She's about sixteen, a little thin, short-haired, and she carries a big shuriken with her. Have you seen her, by any chance?

Vendor : (slowly) Why do you want to know?

Tifa : She's... well, I just need to find her. (looks at him closely) You've seen her?

Vendor : (sighs) Miss, you've just described the worst nemesis to all good materia merchants around.

[Tifa blinks.]

Vendor : Yeah, I saw her. She worked for me some months ago. 'I need some part-time experience.' Hah! Next thing I know, half my stock's disappeared! (mutters) If I ever get my hands on that brat, I'll...

Tifa : (quickly) Actually, I was wondering if you've seen her recently? As in a day or two ago?

Vendor : (pauses; shakes his head) No. Sorry.

Tifa : (disappointed) Oh. Well, thanks, then.

Vendor : Why'd you want to find her? (narrows his eyes) She take something of yours?

Tifa : Not exactly, no.

Vendor : (shrugs) Probably none of my business, anyway. (pause) Er, if you do find her, though...

Tifa : Yes?

Vendor : ... bring her over to me. I want to wring every piece of materia she took from me out of her!

Tifa : Er... (backs away) I'll... try. Thanks again.

[He waves as she leaves.]

Vendor : (thinks) I certainly hope she'll be able to handle that accursed materia better than I was. Oh, well. Now that it's gone, maybe my luck'll change for the better.

=========================

'Interruptions'

Ioz : (irritated) What now?

[Sekar leans out the window of the cab to speak with the driver. Within moments, he draws back in.]

Sekar : He says the one of the Chocobos seems to be limping a little.

Ioz : This is taking us forever, Sekar.

Sekar : I know, but what else can we do? You don't fancy walking all the way to the western shore do you?

[Ioz scowls, then turns to Yuffie, who isn't trying very hard not to grin. His narrows his eyes at her mirthful expression.]

Ioz : If I didn't know better, I'd say you had something to do with this run of bad luck.

Yuffie : (sweetly) Why, Ioz, I'm so flattered you thought of me.

Sekar : Get off it, Ioz. She couldn't have done anything, tied up like that. Besides, she's been too busy trying not to throw up ever since we left Cost Del Sol.

Yuffie : (indignant) It's not my fault I have motion sickness!

[Ioz subsides into his seat, still looking angry.]

Yuffie : Why do I have to be kept tied up? It's been ages since we left Costa Del Sol. My arms feel like they're going to drop off.

Sekar : (sighs) Look, the last time we let you stretch a bit, you tried to steal one of the guy's Chocobos.

Ioz : The only bright side to that incident is that now the driver's all for tying you up for the rest of the trip.

[It's Yuffie's turn to scowl this time.]

Yuffie : (thinks) Damnit. This is turning out to be harder than I thought. If I didn't know better, it almost seems as if something's stopping me from escaping.

[She shakes her head, exhaling noisily, and tries to get as comfortable as she can while being tied up in her seat.]

Yuffie : (thinks) I don't know what it was that distracted me that time. It almost sounded like a voice. (snorts inwardly) That's crazy! Whose voice was it supposed to have been? It certainly wasn't from these two goons, or from the driver, and it sure as hell wasn't mine.

[Yuffie turns her head to look out the window. They are currently near the wide river that lies south of the great desert. The sparkling waters of the river can be seen, and she imagines that she can even hear the flowing water from where she sits. She suddenly remembers the encounter with the kraken she and Tifa had during their crossing of the newly risen ocean while on their way to Midgar, and the impromptu celebratory party they had in one of the villages, after the beast's defeat. A sharp wave of loneliness washes over her.]

Yuffie : (thinks) Maybe Tifa can reach me before I even have to put any real effort in trying to escape. (wistfully) What's taking her so long?

=========================

'No Secrets'

[Several hours later...
[Tifa walks up to the balloon, watching as her three friends work on inflating the thing fully. As she steps up to it, Cloud straightens, wiping his brow wearily.]

Cloud : That should do it. Good work.

Vincent : What do you plan to do now?

[Cloud turns to Tifa. He notes her despondent expression.]

Cloud : No luck?

[Tifa shakes her head in reply.]

Tifa : Nobody's seen or heard anything of her. It's strange.

Cait : I'll say. Yuffie's not exactly the kind of person who can keep herself quiet.

Tifa : (frowns) She's not that bad...

Cait : (grins) Why don't you try sounding a little more sincere when you say that, Tifa? I didn't quite believe you the first time.

Cloud : That's enough, both of you. (to Tifa) Are you sure you couldn't find anything?

Tifa : (nods) I've asked everyone, even the materia vendor, and he hasn't heard anything either.

Cloud : Vincent, how was Cid's repair work doing when you left Rocket Town?

Vincent : Coming along, although it still isn't advisable to take the Highwind in the air for the time being.

Cloud : Damn... All right. The three of us will carry on towards Utai. Maybe we can spot Yuffie along the way.

Vincent : And me?

Cloud : (smiles) Well, your work's done here, Vincent. You could go back to Rocket Town and tell Cid to hurry up.

Vincent : (frowns) Are you sure you won't need me along with you?

Cloud : (shakes his head) I don't think anything big will happen. This is Utai and Yuffie we're talking about, remember? Besides, if anything comes up, we'll radio in.

Vincent : (mutters) If you say so...

[Cait Sith, Tifa and Cloud each board the fixed airship and make ready to fly, as Vincent watches from a short distance away. Once all three are safely aboard, and they have made sure that all their stuff has been safely stowed, they signal to Vincent, who detaches the anchor from the ground. As Cloud reels it in, Cait carefully deploys the sails on the sides of the ship, harnessing the winds to get the craft moving. Tifa leans over the edge, waving.]

Tifa : (yells) We'll see you soon, Vincent!

[Within a short time, Costa Del Sol is far away, and they are able to see the great desert beginning to take shape before them.]

Cloud : (musing) The things we do for that girl...

Tifa : (chuckles) You know, it almost feels good to be out here like this.

Cloud : How do you mean?

Tifa : Travelling again. It feels good.

Cloud : We have been doing quite a lot of travelling before and after Meteor, Tifa.

Tifa : No, that's not what I meant, actually. After Meteor, we spent -- how long? -- getting people out of Midgar, and helping them relocate. Then we had that stupid accident on the Highwind when that Weapon was spotted in the ocean, and we ended up getting grounded at Rocket Town for the rest of the time. (smiles) In a way, I was almost relieved when I found out that Yuffie was going to Midgar. I guess I just jumped at the chance to be on the move again.

Cloud : (amused) I didn't know you liked life on the road so much.

Tifa : It's not so much enjoying life on the move; it was just a chance for me to do something else besides worrying.

Cloud : Worrying? About what?

Tifa : (hesitates; shrugs) Um. Nothing.

Cloud : You can tell me...

Tifa : It's nothing, really.

Cloud : (frowns) Tifa.

[Tifa sighs silently, but remains stubborn.]

Tifa : I was just feeling restless, Cloud. That's all.

[Cloud stares at her for a while, saying nothing. Finally, exasperated, he nods curtly.]

Cloud : (stiffly) If you say so.

=========================

'Omen II'

[That night, in front of their campfire.]

Tifa : (thinks) I shouldn't be so surprised that Cloud's upset with me, I suppose.

[Tifa looks on at the sleeping ex-mercenary. They had landed and made camp as the evening wore on. It had been a largely silent group, however, as Cloud and Tifa had barely exchanged three words to one another after their conversation on the airship. Cait Sith had tossed a couple of probing questions, but received no real answers, and had given up for the night. The cat and moogle are now on 'standby', recharging their batteries for the day ahead.]

Tifa : (thinks) Serves me right for opening my big mouth back there. I should've just stuck to talking about Yuffie. (sighs) Damn that girl... All the trouble she gets into.

[Still, even as she remembers all the hard times they have been through, she can't help smiling a little.]

Tifa : (thinks) I guess, sometimes, Yuffie's arrogance is what people need to get through the day.

[As she settles herself into her blankets, she suddenly remembers the materia she had just acquired eralier that day. Sitting up, she extracts it from her belt pouch and carefully observes it in the flickering firelight.]

Tifa : (thinks) This is a weird materia, all right. No matter how much I try, I still can't feel anything from it. I really wonder what it does...

[She picks up her fighting gloves and attaches the materia to one of the empty slots, then slips them onto her hands.]

Tifa : (thinks) Hmm, still nothing. (disappointed) I don't think I can even cast anything with this. Did I get swindled...? No; no self-respecting materia merchant would pass off a fake materia . Not for any price. Still... He did seem kinda eager to get it off his hands.

[Uncomfortably aware that she may have made a very big mistake regarding her recent purchase, she nonetheless decides to leave the materia where it is.]

Tifa : (thinks) For all I know, the materia just needs to 'grow' a little before I can use it.

[Shrugging to herself, she takes off her gloves, and tries to get some sleep.]

=========================

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