'Roots'

[The mountains that loomed over North Corel have long dominated the horizons of the little town. No citizen there would ever dream of watching a sky without the comforting presence of the high peaks. The mountains held them to the earth, as the old people say. They reminded them not to fly too high, lest they lose their footing and tumble, never to return.
[The people of North Corel have long been known for this overwhelming fondness for their millions-of-tonnes granite walls. Partly because they had learnt to value their past, though most of the more cynically-minded ones would say it was because the mountains kept out any unwanted tourists from poking around.]

Tifa : (thinks) And after hearing what ShinRa did to this town, it's not very hard to understand why they feel suspicious of strangers. (amused) Nibelheim never felt this... attached to its mountains. Guess we just weren't all that concerned about trying to remember the past.

[A short stab of memory flickers across her mind, freezing the amusement in its tracks and turning it into something more sombre.]

Tifa : (thinks) Why do the memories of Nibelheim always make me feel so depressed? I've had happy memories there, as well. Why don't I remember them as often as the bad ones?

[A loud sound interrupts her thoughts, and with a quiet sigh, she turns her attentions to the small group of people a short distance away.]

Cloud : ... cramped for all of us in there.

Barret : (glowers) What's that supposed to mean?

Tifa : What's going on this time?

Cait : (cheerfully) Just a little debate about spatial allocations.

Cloud : Mainly the fact that I don't think this thing can fly high enough with Barret in it.

Barret : You callin' me fat?!

Cloud : No. Just big and heavy.

Barret : Hmph. Like I can help it. (looks at the ship) You're worryin' too much. It'll get us over the mountains. No problem.

Cloud : (shrugs) Fine. But if we scrape any mountains, you're walking to Rocket Town.

[Barret looks like he's about to start yelling again when Tifa decides to interject.]

Tifa : No more leaks?

Cait : None. Those quick sewing jobs we made earlier seem to be holding up okay. (serious) Still, we'd better be careful and avoid any sort of confrontation. The last thing we'll need is a griffin flying into us and sending us to the ground in pieces.

Barret : Geez, whatta pessimist...

Cloud : He's right, though. (sighs) Let's just finish up with the loading and be on our way.

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

'The Trouble With Home'

[The carriage trundles on through the dank blackness, its torches only just able to illuminate the path in front of it. There's mud and grime on the carriage's wheels, slowing down its progress significantly. The chocobos are all muddy, and have to strain hard to pull the vehicle forward. The driver peers at his animals, then glances at Sekar sitting beside him.]

Driver : I think we should stop for a while. The birds won't be able to move much, otherwise.

Sekar : Sure, but only for a short while. I don't want another ambush happening to us.

[The driver nods and gently tugs at the reins until the chocobos stop. Dismounting from his perch, he steps closer to examine them, cooing softly. Sekar keeps a wary eye and ear out, one hand resting almost permanently on the pommel of his shortsword.]

Ioz : (from inside the carriage) Why've we stopped?

Sekar : The chocobos are tired. We'll give them a few minutes to catch their breath.

[Ioz opens the door and steps out, looking around. Yuffie follows one step behind.]

Ioz : (to Yuffie) Don't even think of running away.

Yuffie : What, and leave your pleasant company? Whatever gave you that idea?

Ioz : (sweetly) If you want us to tie you up again, let us know. I'm sure no one would mind not hearing your voice for the rest of the trip.

Yuffie : (scowls) That's the thanks I get for helping you against that stupid root-thing.

Ioz : Well, thanks can only go so far. (to driver) How far are we from the exit?

Driver : Can't be too far. A few hours, maybe.

Sekar : 'Maybe'? Don't you know for sure?

Driver : Not for sure sure. Y'see...

Yuffie : So, we're lost?

Driver : (glares) I didn't say that. We're on the right track, I'm sure of it. We took a lot of detours to avoid most of the monsters and I've never been down some of the turns we took. But we've generally been heading westwards. I remember my mentor telling me that all the paths will eventually connect to the main path, and that'll take us out of here.

Ioz : (looks around) But we're not on the main path now, are we?

Driver : No. We'll reach that soon enough.

Ioz : Then how sure are you that we're not just wandering around in circles?

Driver : I've got a good feeling.

Yuffie : That's not a very comforting answer, y'know.

Driver : I'm not being paid to be comforting! I'm only supposed to get you to the western shore.

Yuffie : What, in pieces?

Driver : (eyes twitching; to others) Just trust me, okay? I'll get us out of here.

[With that, the driver turns to the chocobos once more, ignoring them. Ioz takes this moment to smack Yuffie's head.]

Yuffie : Ow! Hey!

Ioz : Don't piss him off any more. We need him to get outta here.

Yuffie : It's your own damned fault that we're in here in the first place!

Sekar : You two...

Ioz : Yeah; well, you're in the same boat we're in. If you wanna get to see daylight again, you'd better watch yourself.

Yuffia : Or, what?

Ioz : Or we'd just leave you here to rot!

Sekar : Hey, wait a...

Yuffie : (scornfully) Hah! I'd like to see you try.

[Ioz takes a step toward her but stops when he realises that she's called his bluff. Seeing his glowering face in the dim light, Yuffie can't help smirking triumphantly.]

Yuffie : (smug) Thought so.

Ioz : (growls) If it wasn't for Godo, I'll...

Yuffie : Heh, face it. As long as that materia's stuck in my shuriken, you need me in one piece to make sure that my old man won't skin you alive.

Sekar : Enough already! (to Ioz; softly) Cool off a bit, okay? We can't afford to have everyone killing each other here. (to Yuffie) Look, you... we have to keep you alive, it's true. But we can just as easily have you bound and gagged again. Keep that in mind.

[Yuffie and Ioz both scowl at him, but don't say anything else.]

Driver : The birds'll be ready to move in a minute or two. You all wanna get ready or anything before we push off?

[Sekar looks to the other two who seem to be studiously ignoring each other, and sighs.]

Sekar : No, we're fine.

Driver : Then can one of you come over and help me get the rest of the mud off of the chocobos? We'll get going a lot sooner, if you do.

Ioz : Yeah, I'm coming.

[At Sekar's surprised expression, Ioz shrugs.]

Ioz : (defensively) Mud's a lot better company than daddy's girl over there.

Yuffie : What did you say?

Sekar : (quickly) Er, good idea, Ioz. I'll keep an eye on her while you're busy.

[Ioz leaves to assist the driver even as Yuffie makes a rude gesture toward his back. Sekar, thankful that Ioz had not seen that, goes up to her.]

Sekar : I swear, Yuffie, you haven't even changed a bit since you left Utai.

[Yuffie glares at him, as if daring him to say anything disagreeable.]

Sekar : You're still the same arrogant, hotheaded, foulmouthed kleptomaniac I used to fight everyday.

Yuffie : (sarcastic) Thanks for the compliments, 'old pal', but since we're such good buddies, how about letting me go once we get out of here?

Sekar : Heh, no dice.

Yuffie : Why the hell are you after that new materia, anyway? I thought dad would've stopped all that once ShinRa was gone.

Sekar : Well, things've... become different in Utai.

Yuffie : Different how?

[Sekar looks unsure. After a few moments, Yuffie sighs, frustrated.]

Yuffie : Look, if I'm going to be dragged kicking and screaming all the way home, I'd at least like to know why.

Sekar : (lifts an eyebrow) You could just agree to come with us peacefully, you know.

Yuffie : (snaps) Are you gonna tell me anything or not?

Sekar : (thinks, then shrugs) Okay. We need that materia to help us deal with a little problem that's just come up.

Yuffie : Be more specific, Sekar. What kind of problem?

Sekar : Well, you see...

Driver : All aboard, everyone. Time to move.

Sekar : All right. (to Yuffie) Let's go.

Yuffie : Wait a minute! What were you saying about Utai?

Sekar : Just get in the carriage, okay? I'll tell you what you need to know later.

[Yuffie frowns, but boards the carriage. Sekar makes his way to the front and sees Ioz settling himself down beside the driver's seat.]

Sekar : I take it you're going to ride shotgun now?

Ioz : (nods) It's my shift and... like you said, the last thing we need is a war happening inside there.

Sekar : She's getting a little curious about why we want the materia.

Ioz : So? Just say something to occupy her mind. She doesn't need to know why we're really doing this.

Sekar : (doubtfully) I don't know. She'll find out sooner or later.

Ioz : No offense, Sekar, but I'd rather it be later. Besides, I thought we'd just leave it to Godo to spring the news. It's his fault we're in this mess, anyway.

Sekar : (sighs) Yeah, I guess. (pauses) Keep a good eye out, okay? And don't take anymore stupid risks.

Ioz : You still harping about that? We got out alive, didn't we?

Sekar : Only because Yuffie managed to free herself in time to pull your fat out of the fire. (grins) I know you hate the thought of owing her your life, but try to be a little less argumentative, okay?

[Ioz simply rolls his eyes heavenward and slumps in his seat. The driver grunts as he hefts himself up beside the ninja.]

Driver : Ready?

Sekar : Yeah. I'm going, I'm going.

[Later, in the carriage...]

Yuffie : So, tell me, already. What was that about Utai?

Sekar : It's been a while since you visited the place, Yuffie. There's been some changes.

Yuffie : I was there recently. How else do you think I got dad's Invisibility?

Sekar : (blinks) You actually stole the old man's prize stone? (shakes his head) No wonder he looked pissed off when we talked to him before we left.

Yuffie : (looks at Sekar closely) Dad didn't send you after me to get it back at all?

Sekar : No. We knew you'd been through his materia collection and that you took something from there, but we never figured that you'd actually take Invisibility. (chuckles) Heheh, right from under his nose, too.

[Yuffie tries to look modest but fails miserably.]

Yuffie : Well, that's to be expected, you know. I'm the best at materia-hunting.

Sekar : (mutters) 'Burglary' sounds like a more accurate way to describe it.

Yuffie : So, what about Utai?

Sekar : (pauses) You were right over Midgar when Meteor almost hit, right?

[Yuffie nods.]

Sekar : When you were at Midgar the other day, did you find anything... different about it?

Yuffie : What is this, a geography quiz, or something? What's this got to do with--

Sekar : Just humour me for a moment, Yuffie.

[Yuffie frowns, but gives in with an exasperated huff.]

Yuffie : Not really. (sees Sekar's expression; defensively) Hey! I'd only been to Midgar once before, and it wasn't like I spent that much time there, you know.

Sekar : (mutters) I can see this is going to take a bit more time than I thought... (louder) Okay, since you don't seem to be helping much--

Yuffie : 'snot my fault.

Sekar : (ignores her) Utai went through a tough patch while Meteor came close to the planet. We had some earthquakes, but nothing we weren't used to. A couple of days later, we noticed that the seashore was suddenly a lot further away than normal. (smiles slightly) A lot of the fishermen weren't very happy to find their boats grounded, and the beach about a mile away at high tide.

Yuffie : I noticed that when I was at Utai, already. (pauses) The village? Was it damaged badly during Meteor?

Sekar : The only thing that caused any damage to Utai were the quakes, and, like I said, they weren't that bad to begin with. We were able to fix the place up, good as new.

[Sekar looks at Yuffie for a moment, an unreadable expression on his face.]

Sekar : Did you notice anything different in Utai while you were there?

Yuffie : So, it's Q&A time about Utai, now? (sighs) No. I had other things on my mind at the time, so I didn't go out sightseeing.

Sekar : You know, for someone who'd gone through the entire Tower ordeal, you sure make a lousy ninja.

Yuffie : (angry) Say that again and you'll be eating my fist, you #^$*@!

Sekar : Any ninja worth talking about would've been able to spot the changes in an instant.

Yuffie : (narrows her eyes) You're deliberately trying to make me mad, aren't you?

Sekar : If Godo finds out how you've been letting yourself slip, he'll probably want to put you through another round of his special training.

Yuffie : (darkly) When dad finds out, you mean.

Sekar : Heh, yeah. (looks serious) Listen, when we get to Utai, take a closer look around you. The changes there are easy to spot if you know how to look.

Yuffie : (impatient) What the hell is that supposed to mean? I thought you were going to tell me about Utai's problems, but instead you start giving me this amateur gypsy card-reader portents!

Sekar : That's all I'm gonna say about the subject upfront.

Yuffie : $#%+! Stop beating around the bush! If there's anything wrong in Utai, I wanna know now!

Sekar : Sorry, Yuffie. If you want someone to tell you, I'd suggest you ask Godo.

[Seeing the deadly serious expression on Sekar's face, Yuffie scowls like thunder, muttering the now-familiar mantra of "I'm gonna kill you" at him. The other ninja takes it in stride and turns his gaze out the window of the carriage, trying to peer into the darkness. Yuffie is left to mull on her problems.]

Yuffie : (thinks) Stupid Sekar... 'Changes'? What's that supposed to mean? (thinks back) Utai, Utai... There were a few new houses I noticed while I was there last time, and I think there were other places that looked like they had been abandoned. I don't think that's what he meant, though.

[She frowns to herself, trying to remember if she might have seen something that could be construed as 'different'.]

Yuffie : (thinks) Nothing about the Tower's changed, since I was just there to get dad's Invisibility. The house looked okay, too, even if it could use a little touching up. (runs through an entire list of town places) Damn, I can't think of a thing. (pauses) Stupid Sekar, can't even tell me.

[She throws a quick glance at Sekar, then outside.]

Yuffie : (sighs; thinks) If we weren't in this crazy mountain, I'd've jumped out by now. Heck, if I were feeling desperate enough, I'd've jumped off as soon as we'd entered this place. Fat chance of me surviving a day in here all alone, though. (frustrated) I hate this. It's dark, cramped, damp, full of weird things, and pointless. It feels almost like one of dad's harebrained special training techniques.

[The young ninja wonders where her friends are, and the sudden thought of Tifa causes her to frown even deeper.]

Yuffie : (thinks) Where the $%^@ is she? She should've found me way before we even reached the Corel mountains. All she had to do was to call for the Highwind.

[A sudden surge of self-pride causes her sniff haughtily.]

Yuffie : (thinks) Not that I need her help to escape. But, seriously, how's she going to figure out her own life if she can't even help me outta this little problem?

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

'The Cat'

[Elsewhere, at a goodly height above the same continent...
[The balloon ship floats somewhat unsteadily in the air, nearing the Nibel Mountain range. A figure can be seen leaning against the edge of the ship, staring out into the distance. Up at that altitude, the winds are surprisingly gentle and the moving air stirs the figure's long dark hair, causing her to lift a hand and brush it back from her eyes. Then, for no discernible reason at all, she sneezes.]

Tifa : (rubs her nose; thinks) What brought that on so suddenly? Someone must be thinking about me, or something.

[Tifa returns to her silent watch, resolutely ignoring the sounds of yet another argument between Cloud and Barret. Looking at this particular mountain range brings within her a wash of melancholy.]

Tifa : (thinks) It's strange. I wanted so much to grow up and leave Nibelheim. Starting a new life in Midgar was all I could think of. Sometimes, it was like I couldn't wait to go. To forget yesterday, and see tomorrow, instead.

[She looks at herself somewhat sardonically.]

Tifa : (thinks) I guess I got my wish, except that I can't see tomorrow, and I recall yesterday too much to forget it. It's times like this when I start thinking that maybe childhood's the only good time to be alive.

[Memories of her childhood in Nibelheim flit across her mind, prompting her to smile slightly.]

Tifa : (thinks) I can't believe I was ever that young and carefree. (glances at Cloud) Or that he might have been like that once, too. I wonder what made him so bitter...

[Finding no answer that is immediately forthcoming, she turns her attention once again to her old hometown. It's visible now from where she stands. From her high vantage point, she can make out the various buildings in the village, placing their names and their appearances quite easily with her memories. Even after Meteor, the ShinRa actors who had once been hired to masquerade as the townspeople had decided not to leave the mountain village.]

Tifa : (murmurs wistfully) Home.

Barret : ... mad?! Why the hell do I gotta stay here all the time?!

[Tifa winces at Barret's exclamation, then waits patiently for Cloud's retort.]

Cloud : Look, I told you; you're too heavy.

Tifa : (thinks) And there it was...

Barret : *$%@! If I had enough space to move, I'd kick your...

[Tifa stops listening and walks toward Cait Sith. The robot stands before the rudder of the ship, humming a soft and upbeat tune which Tifa vaguely remembers hearing in the Golden Saucer. The stuffed moogle looks to be half asleep even as it holds on to the rudder.
[Cait sees her approaching and waves.]

Cait : Had enough of the view?

Tifa : No, the conversation.

[She throws a glance at the arguing pair. A look of irritation flashes across her face.]

Tifa : I wish they wouldn't argue so much.

Cait : Oh, I think they're having too much fun to stop.

Tifa : (glances at him) You call that fun?

Cait : (grins) Think about it. They're both fighting men. In peaceful times like this, they'll settle for any dumb quarrel to keep themselves busy.

[Tifa stares at him for several long moments, then at the other two. Finally, she turns to Cait Sith once more.]

Tifa : And tell me again why that reasoning is supposed to be logical?

Cait : It's true! I know these things.

Tifa : Yeah, right.

Cait : (defensively) I saw it in the cards.

Tifa : The cards?

Cait : I divined each of your personalities and deepest secrets a while after we first met in the Golden Saucer. Both Cloud's and Barret's personalities have plenty of similarities.

Tifa : (curious despite herself) Such as...?

Cait : Well, they're both stubborn and headstrong. They're also skilled at what they do.

Tifa : You've just described half the people we know. Do better than that!

Cait : They believe in some things very passionately, and they're willing to do anything to accomplish their goals.

Tifa : Hmm. I suppose you could say that.

Cait : Come on! Remember Barret's 'Avalanche saving the world' speeches? And the whole Cloud going after Sephiroth deal? (looks at the arguing pair) They're both the types of people who are determined enough to do whatever they have to do in order to protect what they care about.

Tifa : And how's that supposed to explain the fact that they fight so damn much?

Cait : They recognise each other. They know they're alike in more ways than one. (grins) And they don't like that.

Tifa : (smiles wryly) That's pretty good reasoning.

Cait : (narrows his eyes) Why do you sound so surprised?

[Tifa grins, but doesn't answer.]

Tifa : What about you?

Cait : (surprised) Me? Oh! Oh, I'm nothing much to talk about, really... (trails off)

Tifa : I'm curious, Cait. Tell me.

Cait : (cheerfully) Sure, if you insist! What do you wanna know?

Tifa : For starters, why are you still hanging about here? I thought that you wanted to find your fame and fortune, or something.

Cait : Well... You remember the first time we met, and I said I'd tag along 'coz I figured you guys had some sorta great destiny to fulfill? I still kinda think that.

Tifa : (slowly, with some disbelief) 'Great destiny'?

Cait : You know! The Ultimate Adventure. Deeds of heroism and selflessness! The kinds of things that get talked about for centuries to come!

[Tifa says nothing, but simply waits for Cait to finish. Eventually, the cat's gushing enthusiasm fades and he smiles sheepishly, adopting a pose of embarrassment.]

Cait : Aheh. Sorry. (blushes) Um, anyway, I was getting kinda bored with life in the Golden Saucer. There's only so many suc-- er, individuals seeking their fates that I can cater to, you know. Things were getting me down; I got disillusioned... I was really ready for a change of scenery. I wanted to seek my fortune and future elsewhere. When you guys showed up, I thought that you'd be my best bet to changing things for the better. (winks) I was right, too. I'm more famous now that I was before. (pauses; mutters) Not that that's saying much...

[Tifa looks at him introspectively for while before she starts to chuckle. Cait Sith is, unsurprisingly, a little put out at having one of his favourite memories being the cause of her mirth.]

Cait : What? What's so funny?

Tifa : I just realised something.

Cait : What?

Tifa : You sound a little like Yuffie does, sometimes.

Cait : (ponders for a moment) Thanks. I think.

Cloud : ... stay in the middle of the ship, okay? Another step and you'll probably tip us over.

Barret : Lucky for you we gotta go after Yuffie right now. Otherwise, I'd'a thrown you offa this heap of %*$& three hours ago...

[Tifa shakes her head as the sounds of the continuing verbal conflict between the two fighters drifts her way. Sharing a brief, weary look with Cait Sith, she leans against the side of the ship, settling herself down for the long trip.]

Cait : You know... if we could tie them next to the sails, I bet all that hot air would blow us to Rocket Town in no time at all.

Tifa : (laughs) Don't you start giving me any tempting ideas, Cait.

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

'The Highwind'

[A brand new day often brings with it a certain sense of rebirth. Yesterday had finished its run, and the night had cleansed the world of its pains and woes, preparing it for the fresh start that was to come with the rising sun. For the three people in the balloon ship currently approaching Rocket Town, however, the new day only serves to bring with it new headaches.]

Tifa : What the--? The Highwind doesn't even look skyworthy, yet!

Cloud : (peers into the distance) You're right. It didn't look this bad when Cait and I left Rocket Town. Something must've gone wrong, or something.

[As the balloon ship awkwardly makes it way to the town, the scope of the repairs on the Highwind becomes even more evident. About half of the soft plates that cover the dirigible litters the ground around it; the turbines that line the aft of the vessel look as if they had just been patched up. The entire ship is propped up by a large array of scaffolding that had been scavenged from Rocket Town's old launchpad. Even from this distance, dark cables and wires are visible, wound like long black serpents around the cockpit of the Highwind.
[Seeing it all, Tifa feels her frustrations rise again. It takes a significant effort to stop herself from swearing out loud in a way that would make even Cid blush. Cloud, standing beside her, sees her expression.]

Cloud : (softly) Don't worry. I'm sure Cid's got everyone working on it. Besides, it might not even be as bad as it looks.

Tifa : (glances at him) And if it is as bad as it looks?

Cloud : (shrugs) Let's just wait and see what Cid's got to say.

Barret : Hey! What's up? I can't see a thing from here!

Cloud : The Highwind's not looking too good, that's all.

Barret : What'd you mean by 'not too good'?

Cloud : (annoyed) Barret, which one of the three words don't you understand?

Tifa : (thinks) Here we go again... (to Cloud) Listen, next time you want to cheer me up, try doing it without launching into an argument with someone else immediately after, okay?

[With that, she turns and walks off, leaving Cloud to stand by the rails, a bewildered look on his face.]

Cloud : What was that about?

Barret : Beats me. (accusingly) What'd'ya say to her?

Cloud : Nothing! (annoyed) And why is it automatically my fault when she gets mad?

Barret : 'cause you always make people mad...

[Tifa grits her teeth, telling herself once more to be patient. Cait, seeing her approach, waves at her, but after noticing the dark expression on her face, he decides not to say anything first.]

Tifa : How long until we arrive, Cait?

Cait : I reckon about half an hour; twenty minutes, if the wind is good.

Tifa : Good. For some reason, I really can't wait to get off this ship.

Cait : (sympathetic) I guess having Barret and Cloud in such close quarters for two days is a bit too much for any sane person to bear with.

Tifa : Tell me that I'm not being petty for wanting to pitch the both of them off this ship right now.

Cait : I wouldn't call that being petty, Tifa. Anyone would feel that way.

[Tifa says nothing.]

Cait : You're worried about Yuffie, right? (pauses) I'm sure the other two are, too. They're probably just... channeling their anxiety into something else.

Tifa : I know that. (mutters) But, I'd still like to throw them off.

Cait : (grins nervously) That sounds like a perfectly healthy urge to me!

[Tifa looks at him piercingly, then shakes her head.]

Tifa : Not just a fortune teller, but a shrink as well, Cait?

Cait : Gamblers tend to get depressed a lot, especially when they keep losing. All the Golden Saucer employees had to take a course on how to handle these types of dangerous situations. (modestly) It's just one of my many talents.

Tifa : And what about Reeve?

Cait : What about Reeve?

Tifa : You are a robot controlled by him, aren't you? How come you -- Cait Sith -- seem to have a totally different personality than Reeve?

Cait : (slowly) I'm an extension of Reeve, that's true. He did program a part of himself into me, but he left a sizable amount of my psyche's development to myself. I was originally another version of him, but living and working in the Gold Saucer... well, it was a different environment compared to ShinRa headquarters and Midgar, so I guess a few character differences between us are to be expected.

Tifa : Do you think what he thinks?

Cait : Not exactly what he thinks. I tend to be able to follow his train of thought, and I guess I can more or less figure out what's going through his mind. (shrugs) Maybe he can say the same for what goes on in my mind, too. But we don't think exactly alike.

Tifa : But you still have a certain... connection with each other.

Cait : You could say that. It's a lot like the kind of connection you'd have with... your mother, say. Or your father. Someone you're close with, whom you know almost as much as you know yourself.

Tifa : (embarrassed) I never thought of it that way. I'd always thought that you were just Reeve with a cat's face. No offense.

Cait : (cheerfully) None taken, Tifa. (gently) Hey, Rocket Town's not going anywhere, and the Cloud and Barret show doesn't seem to help pass the time. Why don't you sit down and take it easy for a while?

[The young martial artist nods slightly and, after a moment, settles herself down on the floor of the ship. Closing her eyes, she exhales slowly, going through the mental relaxation exercises that her master, Zangan, had taught her while he was staying in Nibelheim.]

Tifa : (thinks) Seems so long ago... It feels like an eternity's passed me by and I never even realised it until now.

[Pushing away her thoughts of Nibelheim, she gradually manages to calm herself down enough to begin her actual meditation, and to shed the impatience and frustration the past several days' events have caused.]

Cait : Feeling better?

[With her eyes shut, she nods.]

Tifa : Thanks for talking, Cait.

Cait : (chuckles) Just one of my many talents.

[Her answering grin looks strange with her eyes still closed. To her relief, even the drifting sounds of yelling voices originating from the front of the ship seem so much easier to ignore now.]

Cait : Sorry to disturb you some more, but... we'll be coming in for a landing in a minute or two.

[Tifa nods slowly, feeling tired all of a sudden. She opens her eyes and gets to her feet.]

Tifa : (thinks) Back to the business at hand...

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

Starting point | Part 4 | Part 6