I was close to making this ending a song fic but I know not everyone likes song fics (I'm not particularly good at them either) and I thought it may bring the characters OOC, therefore killing the ending so I decided to save that experimentation for my own time.

Ok I took out the lyrics in case….

I thought the Incomplete by Backstreet Boys song was perfect since Axel is a Nobody and he is incomplete without purpose, therefore Tifa. I know I'm a sap.

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Ending # 2

A loud fiery explosion made her ears pop, successfully drowning out the sounds of her desperate cries to Axel. Dust and smoke scratched uncomfortably at her eyes. She shielded her mouth with her hands, coughing and trying not to breath in too much smoke.

Pulling into the depths of her voice box she screamed out for him again.

"Axel!" Unfortunately the scream huffed from her lips as weak squeaks.

Axel tried not to wince at the throb of Tifa's darkness inside of him. He knew she was there but he had already decided that this was what he needed to do. As much as he wanted to stay with her, he couldn't live the rest of his life with the thought of letting Kairi slip into Saix's hands and contributing to the destruction of the keyblade wielder. He had to help Sora if only a little too late.

Forgive me Tifa. It's better this way. Erase your memories of me.

Axel's presence was fading. She could feel his life slipping from her hands. His strong presence burning in her heart was simmering down. As she walked toward the direction he was in, she could make out the low voices in conversation.

Axel, where are you? Please, don't go, not yet.

As the voices became closer, she could sense the energy he once had in his voice slowly dying out. Always sarcastic and full of smart remarks, it was now slowly and weakly fading in his voice.

"You're fading away," Sora looked regretfully upon the red headed man in front of him, sprawled out on the floor.

"Well, that's what happens when you put your whole being into an attack, you know what I mean? Not that Nobodies actually have beings…right?"

No, you have a being! You exist because of me! Didn't you say that! You can't die!

The smoke cleared and she was greeted with the horrific image that her heart so eagerly denied. Her eyes couldn't deny it though. There he was, fading into specks of dust before Sora, before her.

"Anyway I digress. Go find Kari. Oh I almost forgot…sorry for what I did to her"

"When we find her, you can tell her yourself," Sora stood on his knees besides the fading black figure lying feebly on the ground. He didn't want to accept that he was dying. Even though he seemed dangerous at first, at the end of it all, he was a good guy. He had only lost a friend. Sora wanted to be his friend even if he couldn't be the friend he was looking for.

"Think I'll pass. My heart just wouldn't be in it, you know? Haven't got one?" Axel managed a weak laugh even in his current state.

Tifa's eyes burned at his comment. Yes you do have one. I gave you mine…

"Axel what were you trying to do?"

Hot tears tugged at her eyes as she continued to stagger towards them. Her presence was oblivious to the others. She knew that Axel knew she was there. She couldn't explain it but she knew.

"I wanted to see Roxas. He…was the only one I liked…He made me feel like I had a heart. It's kind of funny, you make me feel the same-"

Tifa, as much as you don't believe me right now, you made me feel the same too.

No Axel! You can't die! You just can't! Stay with me! You gave me your existence! Don't take it away you liar!

"Kairi's in the castle dungeon! Now go!" Axel weakly raised him palm to open an exit from the realm. A black warp opened within the colorful walls.

"Axel…" He watched as Axel disintegrated into black dust. A new keyblade appeared in his hands. Sora's eyes widened. It seemed that the weapon was left behind especially from Axel for Sora to use.

"Thank you Axel" Sora nodded respectfully before the spot in which Axel faded before signaling Donald and Goofy to follow him.

There was no more time to waste. Axel's death was not in vain. It was time to save Kairi.

The three friends left into the exit as Tifa watched them helplessly. She stared at her palms blankly as if expecting a miracle to appear in them. She shook her head in denial.

"No, Axel you promised not to use it! You promised!"

No answer. Pain sliced through her heart at the lifeless silence now surrounding her.

"You said you existed as long as I believed in you! I still believe you exist!"

Her pain was mixed with anger. Anger that he left her. Anger that he didn't ask for her help. Anger that he broke his promises to her. Anger that the heart she had given him was now broken.

Nails digging into her sweaty palms she screamed from the top of her lungs.

Screaming didn't do any good. Neither did crying. She looked up at the exit that was closing.

She didn't want to go through it. She didn't care about going through it. She wanted to see Axel. She wanted to punch him in his shoulder for playing such a cruel prank on her, for messing with her emotions.

This wasn't a prank.

Tifa fell to her knees hardly. The pain snapping in her kneecaps had no effect on her now numb body. She was tired of crying. Tired of ending up in love full of despair. She was so tired. She just wanted to curl up and sleep there in the realm, sleep for eternity.

"Come back…please come back" her pleading voice was raspy in her dry throat.

She fisted the floor with her clenching fists, "Axel please, stop this! I know you have to be there, y- you have to be-"

She cut off her own words at the beginning of her lips shaking and the watering in her eyes. She refused to cry. She wouldn't cry. She refused to believe he was gone.

Axel's angry words taunted her in her head. He'd be really pissy if she stayed in the realm, once again not listening to him. As much as she wanted to stay, she knew that staying in the realm would only complicate things. If there were a chance that he didn't come back she would most likely be trapped for eternity without Rinoa's voice to lead her out as it had done before.

No, he had to come back. He would find her. She had to believe.

Without another moment's hesitation she leaped through the exit now almost closed and her body hit the floor harshly, rolling over onto the cold gray slabs.

The hard hit onto the ground knocked the wind out of her. Gasping for breath, it took her a moment to get up as familiar footsteps approached her.

"Tifa?" asked the young boy, keyblade resting on his shoulder. The way the steel was, touches of fiery ink and sharp edges, it looked like Axel's chakram. A small flicker of jealousy made her wish that she could take it and keep it as her own. However she knew Sora needed it more than her and Axel had left it for him for a reason.

Tifa stood up weakly, holding her side painfully. "Sora, oww!" He caught her before she fell forward. He helped her regain her balance.

"What are you doing here? It's dangerous"

Tifa had no answer. What could she say to him? I followed you and snuck on your ship? I fell in love with a Nobody, the enemy of all the worlds? Nothing she could think of was worth saying. She looked away from Sora's eyes trying not to give away the painful emotions hidden in them.

Still it seemed that he saw through her. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and squeezed. "Whatever is making your heart dark, the light will heal it in time"

Tifa looked up into the blue lively eyes of the spiky haired boy. He smiled widely at her and she smiled back, eyes moist at their edges.

"Let's get you back to Radiant Garden…"

Before she could protest or even ask how, a light appeared beneath Sora's feet. Wind blowing through his clothing as he closed his eyes in concentration. Holding Axel's keyblade up into the air he aimed as if he saw a lock that no one else could see. He looked almost angelic and magical.

Within seconds an opening into the realm appeared. Tifa's jaw dropped in shock. Now she understood why Axel left him the keyblade, not just to fight with but now he can travel through the realm freely to worlds without a Gummi Ship. Knowing she was there of course he left it so that Sora could send her back to her own world.

Axel…I didn't wanna go back unless you were with me.

She couldn't help the hot tears that did escape her eyes and strong will as she passed through the realm.

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The ceiling seemed to spin, as her wary eyes stood wide staring at it. How many times did she count the planks of wood and the corners with cobwebs? Too many. Sprawled out under the warmth of the covers, sleep would not grant her its peace. Sighing heavily she ran her fingers through her long dark locks.

She remembered, what it felt like when it was his fingers. It sent shivers up her spine to remember. She could not be rid of his memories, whether he existed or not, whether he was a dream or not, she could not forget him even if she tried.

It provoked a sad smile upon her lips as she tried to close her eyes and imagine the warmth of his fingers tickling around her ears, across her forehead, down the bridge of her nose before…before she would feel his lips softly graze across hers.

It sent a sting through her heart to almost feel it but almost wasn't enough. Tifa leaned her head to look across the room. There in a dark corner was a sleeping figure, arms crossed and head lolling as he soundlessly slept on a chair. She refused to let him sleep there but he didn't take no for an answer.

I guess, after all this time he sensed that I needed him. Better late than never Cloud.

She couldn't understand how he managed to make some sort of peace and mutual understanding with Axel before he left. She couldn't understand how he came to terms with himself in accepting that she was in love with someone else. She couldn't understand why he insisted on staying with her for the past few nights and trail behind her wordlessly unless spoken to.

She breathed out a small laugh as she thought about how annoying his presence was at times. Usually she'd be peeved that this man was following her wherever she went and to make it worse, he was quiet the entire time unless she tried to converse with him. Not that she complained because ever since she left the realm a few days ago, she hadn't really felt like talking anyway.

How many days had it been? Almost a week. How many nights had she cried hopelessly at the naked feeling around her body without his arms? Two nights until Cloud came. Did he hear her crying and pitied her enough to accompany her? Possibly.

The night before it was Cloud's strong grip that welcomed her when she jerked awake from nightmares and cold sweat. It was the rocking of his heavy body against hers that finally let her sleep. Of course after she fell asleep he wordlessly went back to his chair and hasn't even mentioned the incident since. That was Cloud for you, lots of pride.

She tried to avoid the Bailey and it was especially hard when you had a blond man leeching onto you all the way. She felt awkward. She also didn't want to cry anymore. That was where she met Axel and that was where he left her. The place held too many memories for her, both good and bad, all would bring her tears.

She sighed onto her pillow before shifting into the covers more comfortably. Her body felt so heavy, so tired. Tired from what she could not say. All she did within the past few days was wander around aimlessly and share an occasional conversation with passer bys such as Rinoa, Leon or Yuffie. She took in the suspicious looks of others as they eyed the blond man latching onto her with every step she made but somehow they seemed to know it was better not to ask.

Funny how this man was once avoiding her and now she couldn't get rid of him. She'd have to ask him to stop the nonsense tomorrow, or at least slow it down but for now, it was time to get whatever peaceful sleep her body would allow.

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"Until tomorrow Tifa"

Her fork made a loud unwelcoming clatter on her breakfast plate at his answer. Tomorrow? It was too soon! Not tomorrow!

"Tomorrow? B-but why?" Tifa clenched onto the tablecloth between her nervous fingers on her lap.

"This isn't our world Tifa. We can't stay here forever" As usual Cloud was calm and collected when he spoke. This only fueled her anger.

She palmed the table loudly in protest, "Oh now what's the rush Cloud! You were taking your time when I was looking for you!"

This seemed to punch Cloud in the gut as he gulped the lump in his throat uncomfortably. Still with arms crossed he stood firm in his decision.

"Tifa, I'm sorry. I made a decision to stop chasing Sephiroth and my darkness so that I could tend to the life I have in our world and to the children in the orphanage. I am sacrificing this for you-"

"Cloud, all I'm asking for is a little more time"

"The children need you"

"I just-"

"Tifa! You can't wait here forever for something that you don't know is coming back! You need to make a sacrifice if you're going to continue living on peacefully!" Cloud's raised stern voice caused her lips to pinch between her teeth. They hadn't spoke of his commitment to her and the family ever since he mentioned the thought of a child and now that it was subtly brought up, there seemed to be a thin line of patience between the two.

It made her angry that he so eagerly wanted to take her back to their world and move on. It made her angry that she really had no say as to whether she could stay or go because unlike her, he was able to travel through the realm because of his own darkness. She was angry because he wouldn't give her anymore time to wait.

What angered her the most was that he was right. Every painful word he said to her about returning to their world and waiting for something that may be pointless, he was right.

She ran out of words to defend herself. She ran out of options and he must've realized how helpless she felt at that moment because his hand reached out to brush aside her bangs covering her fear-coated eyes.

"Tifa, I just wanna protect you and give you whatever happiness you'll allow"

Tifa reached up and grabbed his fingers, brushing them against her eyes. He stiffened at her actions but didn't pull away. He felt the moisture in her eyes on his fingers.

"I know Cloud. I'm sorry for being so stubborn. All this time all I ever asked of you was to make me happy and now that you are, I'm just pushing you away. I guess the tables are turned"

He knew what she meant. He always pushed her away whenever she tried her hardest to please him and now she was doing it to him.

"I hear Sora was successful at defeating the remaining organization members and restoring peace to the worlds" Cloud was attempting to lighten the atmosphere. Had she been so locked away in the Inn or in her daze that she hadn't noticed the celebration and excitement of everyone because Sora had once again saved the worlds? She knew the answer to that.

"Really? I'm glad" She released his hand and he pulled away, getting up from his chair.

"We can return to our world tomorrow safely. Rumors say that Sora had found his friends and they are now living happily in their own world. Don't you want to do the same?"

Images of all her friends back at home flashed through her mind. Yuffie, Cid, Barrett, Marlene, Denzel, Vincent, Cait Sith, Red XIII and all the orphans pulling on her legs. She would give anything to have the children wrap their arms around her neck and welcome her back or to be back in her bar, passing drinks to her faithful customers. There was no place like home she had to agree. She had finally made the decision that tomorrow, she would move on.

She nodded, "Yes, I wanna do the same"

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She didn't know how but her legs led her up to the rooftop of the Inn that night. She managed to sneak by Cloud and in her pajamas she rested on her knees as she stared up at the moon. She breathed in the surroundings of that world, one last time.

One last single tear slid down her cheek as she whispered, with all the meaning and emotion left in her heart.

"Axel, I'd give anything to see you one last time, even if it's the light in my heart. I will give myself into the darkness"

What a sin this love of hers was but she no longer cared…

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It didn't take her long to pack some belongings. She didn't come to this world with any belongings in the first place but she managed to get attached to some things during her stay. She stuck the bundle of comfy covers from her Inn bed into her pack. The Inn Keeper said she didn't mind. She wished there was a way to pack Sea Salt ice cream but Cloud assured they'd pick some up on their visits. Rinoa gave her a pendant and Yuffie gave her a stuffed moogle. The Yuffie back home was just like the Yuffie here. It made her smile at what Yuffie's reaction would be if she knew she had a twin in an alternate world.

The elderly man blushed three shades of red as the brunette hugged him goodbye.

"Goodbye Merlin. Thanks for everything"

He fumbled with his glasses nervously, "O-oh w-why yes of course. It was n-no trouble at all"

Cloud waited for her outside the door until a familiar figure approached him and gave him a reassuring pat on his shoulder.

"How you holding up?" Leon asked his friendly rival.

Cloud nodded, "I think she's gonna be okay

Leon eyed Tifa inside, laughing along with the girls inside. He smiled, "Tifa's a strong woman. I think she'll make it through. Will you?"

Cloud turned his attention to Tifa as well but before he could answer Aerith appeared and waved at the both of them. "Just wanted to wish you well"

"You can come back with us if you like?"

"No thanks. I think I was put here in this world for a reason and if I'm still here, I think it's because somehow I'm still needed. I'm sure Zack will be fine watching over you guys in the life stream"

Just then Tifa came out, awkwardly meeting Aerith's eyes, the woman she had felt so compelled to compete with over the past few years. The woman that had shared a love for Cloud even in her death. Tifa's eyes widened in shock as Aerith rushed forward and wrapped her arms around her neck. Tifa hugged her back.

It was weird but at the same time, the warmth in her arms was relieving, almost motherly. Although she tried not to harbor any ill feelings towards Aerith, a small part of her always felt like it was her that ruffled the possible blooming relationship between her and her childhood friend. At the same time she couldn't be angry because she had loved her too as her friend and was also hurt when she died. No matter what happened, Tifa couldn't hate her for things that were beyond her control.

"Take care of yourself Aerith"

She was surprised when she felt Aerith's fingers clutch her tighter as she whispered into her ear like they were two gossiping girls sharing a secret.

"I feel the darkness in your heart. What you seek can be found there although you may have to make a great sacrifice"

It took a moment for her to register what Aerith had said to her. She blinked and stared blankly at Aerith now releasing her hug on her. She smiled widely masking her concern.

"You too Tifa"

It was then that she felt it. Within the depths of the darkness staining her heart, she felt it. It was throbbing. She looked up surprised and scared as Rinoa stepped out from Merlin's house. She too seemed to sense something.

"See with your heart," Rinoa reminded and Tifa obeyed.

Tifa closed her eyes in concentration as the others watched in anticipation. Cloud unfolded his arms beginning to sense what Aerith did. He was surprised that he didn't sense it before. Leon shook his shoulder, both knowing what would probably happen next and Cloud nodded in defeat.

"That damn Nobody is a manipulator after all"

Within seconds Tifa's belongings crashed to the floor as she darted away from them into the direction of the Market Place.

"Goodbye Tifa…"

Those were Cloud's last words before he walked toward the opposite direction she had ran in with the belongings she had left behind. Maybe she'd come back for them someday. He didn't fight it. He didn't try to stop her. It was just like she said. The tables were turned. Tifa was jumping into her darkness just as he had done before except unlike her, he wouldn't jump in after her. It was better this way.

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Fresh tears she had held in for days streaked freely down her cheeks. Surely she had never shed so many tears in her life until she came upon this world. She had been such a strong willed woman until this world and its events had broke her free to release her emotions that were always bottled up.

No, it can't be- is it really-

The wind blew past her hair as she ran as fast as she could towards the Market Place. She felt it, so strong, so clear.

It pumped in her heart so loudly it was as if her ears and everyone else's could hear it. It pulsed through her, his presence resurfacing and burning more livelier than ever.

Her eyes went wide as she heard it, a voice inside of her. It was his voice.

I'm waiting, in the depths of your darkness…

She couldn't explain how she was hearing this inside of her and she didn't care. She was just glad she heard it. It almost made her legs weak but she forced herself to keep running to the source of this powerful presence.

People began to gather and whisper at the brunette dashing through the crowds of shoppers and into the center of the Market Place where Rinoa and Leon had reunited. Funny how this seemed to be a popular spot for that sort of thing.

Arms raised into the air, Tifa looked up into the bright day light sky, a new glimmer of hope now burning wildly inside of her. She yelled with all her might.

"Axel!"

It was then that a black figure emerged from the realm opening from the sky. The cloaked figure, hooded in mystery hovered above her, glaring down at her. She looked up at him, fists clenching in hopes that this was who she thought it was and everything that was happening wasn't just a dream.

As the figure lowered down gracefully and dramatically, Tifa brought her trembling fingers to her lips. "Is it really-" She could barely find the words.

Finally he landed and everyone in the Market Place seemed to come to a halt to watch the scene. Tifa cautiously approached the figure, timidly lifting a hand to grab his hood. He didn't pose any threat or move to stop her. Taking a deep breath as she prepared herself for anything, she slowly began to unveil the mystery man.

She almost fell to her knees at the first signs of fiery red hair but his strong arms caught around her body kept her from falling. Her fingers clutched onto his collar as her blurred vision tried to focus on his familiar green eyes.

"H-how- where-"

"I'm not sure. I think it's because you still believed in my existence"

Tifa shook her head as his hand reached up to hold her face. "I thought you were gone. I thought I'd never see you again. Last night I-"

"You called for me in the darkness. You said you'd sacrifice your own light"

She nodded as her fingers rose to his face. She began to trace lightly over the edges of his jaw. He closed his eyes, allowing her to test his flesh if it was warm and real. Her fingers traced over the lines beneath his eyes and down the bridge of his nose.

"That's a pretty big sacrifice Tifa. This won't come without a price," Axel whispered between the both of them.

"I know. I'm already prepared for that. I'm not worried because I have you to be my light in the darkness"

Axel smiled. God she loved that smile. She missed it so much she just wanted to kiss it right off of his face.

Letting his smile become serious he let his lips lean down to meet hers. Surprised gasps and conversations buzzed around them. Axel raised his fingers in the air and with the snap of his fingers, a black cloak identical to his appeared on her body. She was now giving herself into the darkness, into the realm she'd go with him.

Still interlocking their lips in a passionate kiss he pulled her hood up over her head and pulled his up as well. Both figures now hooded in mystery rose up into the air towards the open realm floating in the sky.

"Into the darkness we go babe. Hold onto my hand"

"Gladly"

The two black figures disappeared into the realm, never to be seen or heard of in that world again except through rumors and in the darkest corners of night.

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Optional finishing lines (may ruin the seriousness and intensity of the ending so feel free to disregard but I couldn't resist)

"Oww Tifa what was that for?"

Axel rubbed his pain throbbing shoulder from where she had mercilessly punched him. Tifa also decided that a fistful of sand at his chest would also suffice as punishment. He guessed the moonlight on her favorite island didn't ease her anger at him.

"Don't ever do that again, you scared the blazes out of me"

"Ok I'm sorry, what can I do to make it up to you?" he shifted his body closer to her as they sat in the cool grains of sand together.

Tifa eyed him roguishly. "Hmm, show me how real you are again because I'm still not sure" She beckoned him with her finger and he seemed to give in.

Axel gave her his signature jester-like grin, wide as ever as he pulled her body to his and leaned his lips to graze over hers lightly like a feather. He was such a tease. It sent familiar and welcoming shivers up her spine and she loved it. He hummed with approval between their almost touching lips.

"Burn me baby"

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I couldn't resist that little optional piece I put at the end. I thought it would be cute. I honestly like both endings a lot. The first one because of all the intense emotion and the last because of the cuteness and fluff. I'm gonna miss you guys and once again thank you so much for reading this story. Until next time, keep Axel luvin!