If I Ever [Kadaj]

[Tifa Lockhart]

The days were long, far too long. But it wasn’t like Tifa paid much attention. The concern and worry was getting to her already. The state of Midgar...it was really awful. She couldn’t remember the last time she last pictured it as a happy place. It was no longer the same and it never would be..But now, the feeling and atmosphere just felt..worse. Even in Edge. An odd sense of despair filled her to the brink, despite them trying to rebuild sanctuary. It didn’t help that she couldn’t find the children. Or the fact she actually woke up in the ruins of the city after a day out..

And Cloud, he was nowhere to be seen. It was worrying, of course it was. She was lost, confused and had no idea where to look. She wasn’t even sure he was still in Midgar anymore. That was the feeling she got. But Tifa had to believe that she would see him and the kids again. Praying wasn’t enough, as what had happened before. Sighing, the brunette walked along rather quietly through the barren streets.

It wasn’t a happy sight, seeing barely anyone out and about anymore. It was rather sad, she had to think. Troubled thoughts entered her thoughts as she tried to push them back. In no way where they needed now. Not when she was desperately searching for the ones she cared about. Her optimism was struggling to shine though, to calm down the fears. Hands by her sides, they seemed to clench up tightly. Something was behind her. No..was that..footsteps?. She tried not to flinch, as she shook the panic from her head. It was just her imagination..was it ?

[scryingphantomi]

Midgar was boring as ever, or at least to Kadaj it was. It had grown bored of tormenting what little citizens dared to venture out. The male sat near a building, once more gazing at the sky. Hell, half his life here that’s all he seem to do. It was beginning to drive him up a wall, he ached to play more games. Why couldn’t people see all he wanted to do was have fun?

Once his gaze left the sky and to stare straight ahead, he had spotted something in the distance and let his eyes narrow. The ‘something’ was a woman. Like a kitten, the platinum hair male cocked his head in curiosity. Now why would a woman be out on a stroll in this place? It was hardly even worth it anymore. His lips spread into a genuine smile; he just had to see where she was going. Yet, something told him to keep a distance…

Kadaj picked his pace, after forcing himself off the ground, letting himself catch up to her. He mused, taking in the mid-length hair in his vision. The black, loose yet form fitting, clothing that shifted when she walked. All the descriptions about her seemed vaguely familiar. Where had he heard about it before? He gave a light huff, the child getting flustered in his own thoughts of Loz whining about a woman before. Of course, Yazoo never helped on that with his constant remarks. Kadaj released a chuckle, remembering about Loz (apparently) crying on the phone.

Still…the ‘kitten’ kept up. This couldn’t possibly – but, he could’ve sworn he grasped quick gazes of a brunette before with ‘brother’. Hell, half of the faces on that day where all a blur. He came to a halt when Tifa did. Once more, he tilted his head. Though it was extremely faint, he could pick up the indication of her tensing. Anticipation had finally flooded into her veins? Or was it the instinctive reaction of realizing she heard footfalls.

”You look quite tense there!” he commented quickly, a laughter filling the air soon after. He knew he’d seen her before. It was obvious, it had to be (or so he concluded). Wasn’t she one whom helped ‘brother’ during his evasion how long ago? Though he was standing within earshot, he could only judge by the brunette hair still – which could’ve been longer (he wouldn’t know, his memory was fuzzy)? Much like a child, the teen failed to realize any possible 'aggression' for advancing (from behind) a ‘stranger’.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Go home her instinct was now. But..was there much point? Edge wasn’t all that better, the atmosphere still as miserable, children still orphans, wandering the streets. Pure awful. She hated what the planet had become although e hadn’t been too surprised. As this had happened before. But...what did they possibly to deserve this. It was alot worse, as friends of her hers were missing. It made her feel so much more on edge, despite her desire to stay optimistic. It was getting more and more difficult.

As was the reason to not return back to shelter. She couldn’t call it home anymore because it really wasn’t the sae. Not without him...Tifa really did want to turn round, but it was the slight footsteps behind her that made her decide against it. At first, she shook it off, but the feeling of being followed was overwhelming. It was perhaps a crazy thought as there was no one around. But the sound of footsteps made it clear. Her fear were infact realized. But why would anyone want to follow her? She wasn’t important, didn’t stand out in anyway. Her walking stopped, as she picked up the nerve to turn around, finally. Her eyes glanced over the silver-haired figure before her, her fists not easing up one bit. As she swore she had seen this ‘thing’ before. Or at least, his remnant brothers. Especially that one that fought her before.

Was this one..Kadaj? She was sure that was it..But..why? She only stared at him, in confusion mostly She did not answer his question, quickly annoyed by being snuck up on. "What could you possibly want?” she asked, albeit not in a happy tone, her hands still balled in her fists by her sides. Whatever he was up to, she was ready to counter it. Though, she wasn’t sure what he was playing at, with his playful and unconcerned comment.

[scryingphantomi]

”What could you possibly want?” The teen caught wind of the sour tone. He had lifted his chin as he gave a confused expression. Even her voice had a ring to it that he vaguely remembered. It wasn’t as angelic as he expected – yet it could rival said angels. He shifted weight on his toes as he leaned forward. She had her palms clasped into balls. Kadaj let a smile slide with having caught the nails that dug into the palms. She was tense, yes, but she knew how to fight.

”I was out walking is all!” A quick spat as Kadaj shifted weight to the balls of his feet. He continued the repetition of shifting weight,”I saw you and you look like someone I’ve seen before is all. Er, someone who told me a story before of a girl like you. A girl who looked like you, ah-” The teen licked his lips as he found he was lacking in words to explain it. Without giving the whole past situation away, that is. ”My brother always made fun of my other because of him losing to a girl.” The teen released a snicker.

”It’s quite funny, really,” the teen paused. ”Since you look familiar even without the story.” The expression slipped, as the cat-pools narrowed briefly. Emerald contrasted against rich maroon as Kadaj felt he recognized those eyes. Something about her losing those around her – but the teen wasn’t sure himself. He shook his head, letting silver hair dance. Once he had finished, he let his mouth agape. Wait…she couldn’t – she couldn’t –

”Wait. You know who brother is, right?” the teen’s eyes brightened with curiosity. Lips curled into a vigorous smile, as he continued,”You know both my brothers, I bet! You’re her! You know both brother Cloud and Loz! Don’t lie to me!” A moment of silence as Kadaj recollected his thoughts. It was her. He knew it was.

He cocked his head once more, his tone rivaling poison itself,”I was going to just play with you, but it seems your fist tell me a different story. You going to drop them or will we have to settle this another way?” With that, his left hand began to reach for Souba. He wouldn’t draw, unless she gave him meaning too.

________________________________________________
"Together, we sink back into our bad habits…”
// "Murderer" by Lin Guan Yin (Lin Kuanyin)
Rough translations? Founded through Google. xD So, if they’re not right then sorry!

[Tifa Lockhart]

The air was tense. And the determined look on Tifa’s lips did not fade. Despite her head not maybe being with it, she remembered him. He took her Denzel, and the other, Marlene. She was so thankful that they were unhurt, yet if anything had happened..She daren’t think of that consequence. Grudges, Tifa never usually kept them. But..these..things did piss her off. Which was a rare thing indeed. Her determination ran deep, to protect her friends, her family. Though..that was not needed at the moment. As it was just her, alone. Although she was not at all threatened. She could take him, easily. But..he just wouldn’t shut up first.

”Right..” her answer was not at all interested in his ramblings. Even if it did bring back memories, of pretty much owning that other remnant, whose name she had almost forgot. Until he mentioned, in his half ramblings. She fortunately hadn’t the displeasure of meting him before. Not like now. It was a pain..but she couldn’t feel any danger from him. Stupidity maybe....although she was careful to be somewhat weary. Because of what he a remnant of.

”Maybe I do, maybe I don’t” she scowled, not really in the mood to give anything away. Although it looked like he finally caught on. Shoot...And a quick exit wasn’t quiet plausible. The fists by her sides trembled. Was she really going to fight him, given no real reason? She tried to think plausibly for a second, past her mind numbing headache.

”Don’t’ tell me what to do, stupid remnant. You don’t know anything” her words came through without thinking, voice stubborn and unmoving. The hands by her sides didn’t flinch, looking at him carefully.

”If you touched them again..I swear” she shook her head, eyes furious. On edge was not the way to describe the way she was feeling. It was more than that.

[scryingphantomi]

” Don’t’ tell me what to do, stupid remnant. You don’t know anything”

”’STUPID’!?” the voice was a notch off being a shrill. Much like a child, Kadaj had drawn Souba. He had taken a feral stance, similar to a feline ready to pounce,”LIKE YOU HAVE ROOM TO TALK!” the tantrum had yet to cease, it seems, a lack of an attack proved the teen was unsure if he should advance. Nevertheless leather bounded fingers clenched the hilt, as breathing was hitched. Once more his temper had gotten the best of him – and, if he would’ve taken a strike, Kadaj would’ve struck blindly. Blindly that meant a swift beat down.

Tension hung in the atmosphere. Her fingers dug, still, to her palm. As equal did his fingers dug into Souba’s hilt. Kadaj could taste the tension, as it seemed they both kept testing one another. Who would drive who into a fight, wouldn’t be decided until one had enough. Once more his breath was steady, yet beads of sweat still clung to his brow. Tifa had begun to speak, as the remnant found himself straightening his posture.

”If you touch them every again…I swear”

Souba hung diligently in a weak grasp now, as Kadaj gave the most bewildered expression. Had she some connection to the children Yazoo had brought to the Forgotten Capitol? His pools skimmed her figure, as if it would help him solve the dilemma that was brought up. The foggiest memories still floated in his conscious, as he discreetly remember a woman using her form to shield a child. Emerald casted against rich maroon, that fierce glare that could tear through him – it was far too familiar.

The kitten let a forced purr loosely into the thick atmosphere, attempting a forced pleased expression to her heated glare. Lips parted, as his voice told a different emotion, with a scratchy tone,”I have no interest into them. There’s no point, right? They just didn’t get it – that their bodies denied Mother’s gift.” A weak scowl had replaced the previously mocking smirk. Stating that was a smack in the face. Even with a new wave of Geostigma, more had begun to reject Mother’s influence. Could they, possibly, be labeled as brethren once more? Hardly…

A breeze sprang forth, with the scent of rain lingering. Kadaj perked only slightly, nearly forgotten he was playing a game. Had he been played by Tifa’s words – causing a wave of displeasure coursing through his veins? Lips revealed a frown, as if the teen hated where this conversation went too. Silver locks danced with another breeze, as he locked with rich maroon once more. This game isn't fun anymore,

[/colour] he had concluded.
[/blockquote]

________________________________________________
" Heaven help in all our battles
Heaven see love, heaven help us…”
// "Europa" by Globus

[Tifa Lockhart]

Brown eyes surveyed the quiet area, noticing that she really was alone. Typical. Nether less, it was only a brat. Yes, she was not too fazed by his childish movements. She could tell, he was a bit different to the other one she fought. But..that didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous. It just meant, she had to be more careful at his rash movements. She was not put off, she never was. If she could just focus she could take on anything. Or, she could at least try. Her eyes closed briefly, concentrating/ mostly, on her plan of action. She had every mind to just take him, right now. his mouth was already pushing her towards that answer.

Her fists refused to uncurl out of defence. She couldn’t relax, not now. She did not dare to react to his little outburst. It, in its own way, pretty much proved her point. She had to remember that were just children in a sense, very immature and prove to impulsive actions. She eyed his weapon curiously, knowing that he could easily strike. Luckily, she was quick on her feet. And could counter, perhaps.

She couldn’t give in, make this worse. She had to hold back, just for now. The young martial artist could only scowl as he spoke again.”Right...” her voice trailed off, hoping that he was right. And that her children were save, for now.

But she couldn’t let him go on. The darn disease that almost took the lives of innocent children could not be called a ‘gift’. It was terrible, unneeded. But not something that would surprise her. ”It just meant..” her eyes grew wider now, her whole body on tenterhooks. She moved ever so swiftly to the side and managed to flip behind him. Fighting was never the answer, nor did she want to be apart of his ‘game’. She remembered this from her last fight with the other, emotional remnant.

”We’re stronger, we’re one step ahead of you and Sephiroth and Jenova. And you just don’t get that, do you? You can’t beat us, never in a million lifetimes” she whispered behind him, shaking off the shudder she felt. Not in a long time had she felt this confident, so in trouble.

”I’ll never be a pawn in your twisted little game” she forewarned, already drawing her fist to his face.