"It's been a long time since you've taken any deliveries or even just called. Marlene keeps asking about you too and to be honest Cloud I don't know what to tell her anymore. I don't know if you've chosen to go off world again but just to know you're okay would be enough."

Cloud deleted the voice mail as soon as Tifa's message ended careless chucking the phone into one of Fenrir's storage alcoves. He wouldn't call her back, he never did, and each time he couldn't help but feel guilty over it. He wished she'd stop calling for her sake alone but couldn't muster up the courage to tell her that he was a lost cause and that she should save her motherly phone calls for someone worth her time. He was beyond her or anyone else's help now. He would change that soon though and make it up to the woman that mattered most. Once his end of the deal was done it would only be a matter of time before he saw her again.

The mercenary had chosen to spend his 23rd birthday by returning to Nibelheim. He had rationalized in his mind it was only because his most recent job had brought him around the area but in truth he really didn't know what it was pulling him back there. Perhaps it was a sense of nostalgia since he would be leaving Gaia in a matter of months but whatever it was there was a matter of unfinished business.

Nibelheim was as quiet and still as the mountain village had always been which was unsurprising to Cloud since he'd last seen the back-water village it was entirely populated by Shin-Ra actors, who now were out of a job. The roar of Fenrir shattered the mountainy quiet when he had driven through the rebuilt town square and in front of his childhood home. He had caught some irritated stares from several of the residence but none of them said a word, not that he would have cared if they did. His stomach however had turned to knots when he knocked on the door of his reconstructed home.

The woman who answered was a middle-aged woman, stock, pale, and blonde and Cloud couldn't help but wonder if she had been specifically chosen for the home because of her faint resemblance to his own mother.

"Can I help you?" She asked in a saccharine tone. She even wore the same brown dress and white apron his mother favored and for a moment Cloud had found himself unable to speak due to the swell of anger inside him. "You look very familiar; do I know you?"

"You met me almost 2 years ago, this is my mother's old house and I want to know if anything was left from the fire." He kept his voice cool and calm but the woman still looked shaken.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about. I've lived here my whole life, there was never a fire. I'm going to have to ask you to leave." She scrambled to slam the door but was stopped by Cloud's arm.

"Shin-Ra isn't coming back. Just let me look at whatever was left and it will be the last you see of me. I don't care about the house or anything else."

The woman hesitated for a moment unable to meet Cloud's eyes. For a moment, he thought she would accuse him of being an intruder but instead she stepped back allowing him in. The inside of the house was unchanged from before it had burned which couldn't help but make him feel unnerved.

"In the basement, all the way in the back-left corner there is a box. I don't know why Shin-Ra kept it or if it was just forgotten because it was down there before the incident. Just take what you need and leave when you can." She said closing several of her blinds still not bothering to look at him. Cloud still gave her a nod of thanks despite this before descending into the basement whose door was by his reconducted room.

Almost instantly Cloud regretted his decision as the very smell of the place brought back childhood memories that he long thought buried. When he found it too cold to hide outside or simple didn't want to deal with anyone, the one room basement was his sanctuary. It was a cold and dimly lit by only a single light bulb in the room's center and besides being filled with the new resident's seemingly endless plastic totes, the place hadn't changed a bit.

"Sweetheart, do you want to come with me to get dinner for tonight? You been cooped up all day." His mother would never invade the sanctity of his blanket made forts but she would sit outside them. She always had that way of making her son feel like he mattered when he felt at his worst.

"No. I'm not hungry."

"Honey you haven't- "

"And I hate everyone out there and they hate me."

"Don't say things like that sweetie. No one hates you and I know you don't hate anyone. You're different from the other kids and at your age they don't know how to deal with it. But I promise it will get better even if it doesn't seem like that right now. Why don't you come out Cloud and I will even let you pick out a dessert and maybe we can even stop and get a new book for tonight?" That had always been enough to pry him, even if only temporarily from his self-inflicted isolation.

Cloud managed to maneuver his way through the new owner's belongings but found himself hesitating when he spotted a large solitary brown box in the left-hand corner of the room.

"Well…I guess that's all that's left." He mumbled noticing how it was isolated from the rest of totes, as if the box itself were cursed and like he was, just different. Cloud hesitated at first, his hands resting on top of the taped flaps when the resident's steps overhead reminded him that he didn't have time to be unsure. The tape came off easily enough after having rested inside a clammy basement for the past seven years, but it was the inner contents that once again caused him brief hesitation.

A photograph, old but clear and colored, lay on a large bulge of maroon fabric surrounded by what appeared to be a copper and leather claw like gauntlet, several pairs of brown leather belts, and lastly a piece of steel armor that seemingly belonged on the upper leg. Cloud reached out for the photograph, his mako blue eyes taking in every detail of the image.

A woman, petite but seemingly in the early stages of pregnancy from how she was carrying, stood leaning against a metal rail with the ocean behind her. Her hair which was gold in color was pulled up into a messy bun revealed a youthful and beautiful face which was delicately angled and carefree. The woman wore a sailor styled blue and white sun dress and with the way the sun was shining on her, she looked nothing short of angelic.

That was not what had taken Cloud back however, it was the male standing next to her with his arm around her growing waist. The male was almost a spitting image of Cloud, the only real difference being he seemed taller and stockier. What had brought a smile to the mercenary's face however was the male's hair being almost identical to his own with the exception being the male's hair was light brown in color. He was donned in dark pants with a steel cuisses on his right thigh, a leather and copper gauntlet on his left arm, and lastly a red tattered looking cape wrapped around his neck.

"Huh, hey dad." He said turning over the photograph which had the words, "Kurt and Claudia Strife (+baby!) Second Honeymoon! Costa del Sol."

Cloud couldn't remember his father's face, he had disappeared when he was 5 and found several days later dead at the bottom of Mt. Nibel. There was never any cause of death released. His mother never kept pictures of him around or spoke of him and Cloud never could bring himself to ask about him and risk hurting his mom. They had very clearly been in love, at least at one point, and eventually he had stopped caring enough to even want to ask. If he was being honest, his mother's face was starting to become harder to remember as well. Tucking the photograph away Cloud began to look through the rest box which contained his late father's armor.

"It's more Vincent's style than mine." He said inspecting the gauntlet before trying it on. Although he wouldn't admit it, he was happy when he saw that it fit perfectly along with the cuisses and belt. Cloud however did allow himself a smile when he put on the maroon cloak which was on the bigger side and managed to cover up to his chin.

He left the empty box behind before letting out and heavy sigh and going back upstairs.

"None of this is real," He told him himself, "Just a copy made by Shin-Ra."

"Did you find what you were looking for?" The home's new owner asked sitting as the kitchen table, her eyes not rising from her steaming mug.

"Yeah." Cloud replied looking down at his boots. He thought briefly of asking her to take care of the place or even to muster up a thanks but found himself unable to form the words. Instead he simply left his childhood home without another word and returned to Fenrir outside. This time none of the town's new residence bothered to stare at him when he started the engine. Slipping on his dark sunglasses he glanced at his cellphone in its nook taking notice of a missed call and voicemail message. He let out a somewhat annoyed sigh wondering if it was another call from Tifa or even Yuffie who was starting to gain a nasty habit of leaving Cloud voicemails asking for an extra cut of the materia that the party had gathered two years ago.

Hence, he was pleasantly surprised when he instead saw that the message was from his fellow mercenary and occasional associate, Squall Leonheart, or Leon as he preferred, who was a somewhat recently arrived off worlders. He liked Leon, he was quiet, never tried to pry into his personal business, and was a good warrior who found good work for them both.

"It's Leon. I have your share of pay from the last job at my place in Traverse Town. I'll be around tomorrow night if you want to pick up then, if for some reason, I'm not then just ask Rikku. Let me know when you're ready for the next job."

Traverse Town wasn't too far from Junon and was filled with off worlders but was much smaller and quieter than what Cloud found that he could handle. Still it was just about a day's journey by land which was just fine for him.

"It won't be too long before I leave this place for good, might as well say bye to it."

O.o.O

"YUNIE! Yunie I am so glad you finally came!" Rikku exclaimed wrapping her tan arms around her older cousin. "How do you feel? Did you get sick in space? Yunie where are your things?!" Yuna couldn't help but laugh at not only Rikku but the realization of how much she missed her.

"Well…I didn't bring anything but all my gil. I figure I would go all the way with this start over." She replied letting out an embarrassed laugh. "I did let Lulu and Wakka know where I was going this time though, so I guess I'm doing something right."

"Not a problem. There isn't anything that you need you can't get here. You're really going to love it Yunie. Let me show you the place!" After briefly pointing out some of the shops in Traverse Town's main square, Rikku lead Yuna up the stairs from the back of a bistro that was next to the item shop. "Well this is it!" She grinned practically pulling her cousin into the apartment.

"Rikku this is beautiful." Yuna smiled sincerely taking in the place. It was nothing too out the ordinary; It was large but not ostentatiously so with the living room decorated in an Al-Bhed machina style with other painting and knick-knacks that Yuna only could assume were from other worlds. The kitchen was connected to living room and was also styled in the same punkish fashion but what was truly lovely was the large sliding glass door that led to a balcony that over looked that Town Square.

"Glad you like it. You can stay for as long as you want but just saying the flat upstairs is for rent if you decide you need your own place but want to stay close." The Al-Bhed woman continued to beam up at her cousin as she collapsed onto her large brown couch.

Rikku had recently turned 18 only a few months passed and it truly showed. Though her girlish charms were apparent as ever both her body and mind were showing signs of maturity. Her face had become slightly more angled and her posture more upright. Even her clothing had changed which was unsurprising as surely fashion and climate changed from world to world.

The Al-Bhed still wore her hair unchanged in its traditional fashion but her brown mini skirt had been replaced with a pair of dark brown shorts embroidered with a triangular tribal pattern with her underwear no longer in plain sight. Her bikini top and white sleeves, which was suited perfectly for the Bikanel Desert, was substituted with a lace crocheted while shoulder-less crop top that tastefully revealed the young woman's curves and strong abdomen. Her signature calf length scarf and blue and white boots remained and Yuna was sure that Rikku would never give them off.

"You know, you've changed quite a bit Rikku. You really seem all grown up." Yuna said earning Rikku's tongue being poked out at her.

"Saving the world twice with you will do that. Plus, I'm not that old yet! You're the one turning 20 soon anyway!" The two women could only chuckle as Rikku got up from the couch heading to the open kitchen. "Speaking of which, we should do a little bit of shopping for some clothes for you, Yunie. Gaia is a lot different than Spira." She called through the clank of glasses she must have been going through.

"Speaking of which when am I going to this friend of yours?" Yuna asked growing rather wide eyes when she heard Rikku go silent in the kitchen. "Rikku?" The Al-Bhed came out of the kitchen with an expression that could only be likened to a naughty child whose hand had been caught in the cookie jar. She scratched the back of her blonde head letting out a nervous laugh.

"Oh, yeah well about Leon. Um well listen Yunie things are different here than in Spira and people like Pops or-" She was cut off by the rattle of the door lock being opened.

"I'm home." He called out tossing his keys on the kitchen table not bothering to look up and consequently not noticing Yuna who was sitting on the couch. The former summoner let out a surprised gasp as this prompting a staggered expression from Leon who quickly looked to Rikku.

"Leon! Leon this is my cousin that I told you about! Yunie, this is Leon. We erm… we live together." Rikku let out another of her uneasy laughs before she put her arm around Leon's waist and buried her face in his chest.

"Oh! Well it's good to meet you at last Leon." In truth Yuna wasn't so surprised with Rikku's living situation as she was of her not saying anything about it. She couldn't help but feel hurt wondering if Rikku distrusted her in thinking that she would tell Cid who was truly an old-fashioned man. With Rikku still buried in his chest, Leon extended his hand to Yuna's in a firm shake.

"Rikku has told me all about you and what you did for your world. It's good to finally have a face to the name."

"It was nothing." Yuna retorted more out of her humble instincts than anything else. Her cheeks never did stop their automatic soft blush whenever anyone mentioned SIN or Vegnagun.

"Not what I heard. Rikku, I am going to get a shower and maybe some sleep before we go out tonight. Cloud may come around for his half of the pay for the Kalm job. He shouldn't be coming until tonight but just in case the money is in the spare bedroom." He'd kiss Rikku quickly on top of the head before taking his leave. The Al-Bhed looked rather guilty to her cousin until she heard the shower turn on.

"Well, he's very handsome." Yuna finally said rather honestly. "So how long have you two lived together?"

"For the past 4 months. I know, I know it's happened very fast and I know I should have told you but I didn't know how to Yunie. It wasn't anything personal, I promise. I really care about him but I don't know how I will break it to Pop or Brother just yet." Rikku bared her swirled emerald colored eyes at her older cousin the way she knew she wouldn't be able to stay mad at.

"Oh Rikku, as long as you're happy and safe that's all that matters. Tell your family when you're ready but…make sure you get around to it okay?"

"You two will get along just great I know it! Now um don't take this the wrong way Yunie but let's get you a new change of clothes okay? It's time for a change."

O.o.O

By the time Rikku had finally allowed the shopping trip to be over, Yuna was borderline exhausted from all the running around the town's second district that they had done. Both women had ended up coming home with several bags of clothing and Yuna was shown her guestroom.

"You did pretty good there." Rikku whispered taking care not to wake Squall who was sleeping across the hall.

"Mmhm." The elder cousin replied taking care as she unwrapped her packages. In response to Gaia's colder climate Yuna donned a pair of deep navy skinny jeans that had been tastefully distressed and a charcoal grey knit tank top that laired itself in rather dramatic draping around her breasts and waist complimenting her soft figure. Like Rikku, she had kept her knee-high boots and leather strap bracelet. Her pendant, of course, also stayed put.

"Looking good Yunie," Rikku said playing with her cousin's discarded yellow armbands.

"Thanks," Yuna would reply with a self-conscious chuckle before adjusting her silver pendant. "Can you hand me my pouch please?"

"Yeah sure. Hey you know, you never did mention where you got that necklace. I don't think I have ever seen you take it off." The Al-Bhed gently toyed with the hibiscus charm taking a look at the milky white jewel.

"It was my mother's. It's sad really but it's the only thing I really have left of her. My father gave it to me shortly before he left for his pilgrimage and it was the last thing he gave me. It's my tie to them both."

"Huh, that's weird." Rikku mumbled as she stared closer at the jewel.

"What?" Yuna replied arching her brow.

"It's just that…well this isn't Al-Bhed in the slightest. It's pretty don't get me wrong but it's too dainty and flowers aren't exactly a thing in the desert. I can't figure out what kind of jewel this is either."

"He probably got it for her after they were married." The former summoner rationalized gently pulling the pendant from Rikku's grasp. She didn't know why she suddenly felt a swell of anger at her cousin's words but she focused on lacing her Tiny Bee holsters on her new pants.

"I guess. Between you and me I hope Leon gets up soon. His partner kinda gives me the creeps. He hardly says anything and looks like he could depress Paine without trying." At that, Rikku got her with as both women could hear him stir shortly followed by the sound of a shower running. "Tell you what, why don't you get settled and I'll figure out how to give you a right celebration tonight."

"Oh, no Rikku that isn't necessary. Really a quiet night is just fine." The Al-Bhed put her hands over her head as she walked out shaking her head.

"Nope, I don't want to hear it Yunie. We're partying tonight whether you like it or not!" And just like that she managed to undo any anger was left in her older cousin.

Yuna fell back onto the full bed pushing aside the left-over packages to the floor. Tonight, would be her first night sleeping under a sky that wasn't Spira's and that itself was enough to make her stomach knot. Digging her hands in her dark hair she let out a few deep breaths as the reality of what she had done set in.

"It's a new beginning Yuna; You didn't abandon Spira, it was fine before you and it will survive after." She told herself staring up at the ceiling when genuine smile crept across her face. For a few moments, the former summoner let her thoughts carry to a place where there was never any SIN, Vegnagun, or Sprits out to haunt her. She would be a normal woman, with an average life, and no one expected or knew anything about her. She would walk down the street with someone special and no one would bother to look twice. Yuna was pulled from her imaginary reality when there came a sharp knock on the apartment door.

Scrambling up, she peeked her head out in the hallway still hearing the shower running with no sign of Rikku or Leon.

"I don't want to go in and disturb them…" She mumbled as another firm wrap on the door followed. Not wanting to prove herself a bad guest, Yuna cautiously lifted the thick brass lock and opening the door.

She was met with a pair of literally glowing azure eyes staring down at her and for a moment she felt as if all the air were drawn from her lungs and a wave of warmth washed over her. To her embarrassment, she could feel her cheeks flush ever so lightly but she could only imagine it was must worse that was it really was. The last time she had felt such a thing was nearly three years past when she first laid eyes on Tidus.

The visitor was a fair skinned male, blond with hair that seemed to point in every direction, with lean but obviously toned body despite being hidden beneath his loose navy clothing and ragged maroon cloak. He was of average height, only perhaps a head taller than Yuna but it didn't make him seem any less imposing.

"Is Leon or Rikku around?" He asked in a low velvety tone. Suddenly Yuna seemed to remember herself and was pulled back into reality and opened the door further beckoning him inside.

"You must be Leon's partner then. He and Rikku are a bit busy at the moment but they will be right out." Cloud offered her a nod of acknowledgment avoiding Yuna's mismatched eyes. "I'm Yuna by the way." She said not being able to help but feeling guilty that she had made him uncomfortable somehow.

"Cloud." He said finally looking at her triggering a grin in the brunette.

"Well Cloud, it's good to meet you."