Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Coming Home ❯ Chapter 1 ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT… REPEAT DO NOT OWN FF7 OR THE CHARECTERS THEY ARE ALL PROPERTY OF SQUARE-ENIX… I ONLY OWN LILLI WHO IS MY OWN ORIGONAL IDEA ^^ THANK YOU!

Chapter 1: Arrival

Tifa brushed her bangs out of her face. She could feel her cheeks getting flushed. Never had the bar been so busy on a Tuesday… she felt as if her legs would fall off.

Her eyes scanned table to table, making sure everyone's drinks were full. When her gaze fell upon Cloud, he lifted up his empty pitcher and winked at her.

“Oh shit!”

Tifa grabbed a bar towel and hurried to his table. “I'm so sorry hon… damn it hasn't been this busy in a long time.”

The blonde warrior smiled up at her.

“No problem Teef… I'm not worried about it.”

Tifa lifted Clouds' empty beer pitcher and wiped the table clean.

“I'll get you a…re..fill.” Her voice faded as the atmosphere in 7th Heaven became hushed. People all around the bar were slowly turning to look towards the front doors, conversations becoming quiet murmurs. There was a commotion outside and it was getting louder by the minute.

Cloud furrowed his brow as he slowly rose to walk around the table and stand next to Tifa. “What the hell?”

The noise outside had moved down the street and was now halted in front of 7th Heaven. Tifa could see a crowd of people outside through her windows.

Suddenly the doors flew open and Vincent barged in, carrying what appeared to be the limp body of a young girl.

Tifa dropped the pitcher from her hands in surprise as Vincent made his way towards them, sweat running down the bridge of his nose. Cloud met him halfway. “Vince what-“

“Take her, quickly.”

Cloud lifted the girl from the ebony-haired gunman and carefully held her close.

“Take her upstairs… I will explain as soon as you do.”

Cloud nodded and started up the steps, as Vincent shook the tension out of his arms. He then realized that everyone inside the bar was staring at him as did the people outside who peered through the windows. Valentine wrinkled his nose as he remembered this was why he hated crowds.

Tifa ran upstairs leaving Vincent to back up, nodding to his audience.

“Afternoon.”

When the crowd just sat motionless, he grunted and went upstairs. Idiots!!

* * *

When Vincent found them, Cloud had unwrapped the girl from the blanket surrounding her and laid her on the couch in the living room. Tifa had a bowl of warm water and started wiping the dirt off her still face.

Cloud stood up as soon as Vincent entered the room.

“What's going on?”

Valentine crossed his arms and shook his head.

“I'm not sure… I found her outside Nibleheim… she was just laying in a heap by the road. I was able to wake her but only for a moment.”

Tifas' eyes were full of concern. “Did she say anything?”

Vincent shook his head. “Not much… the only words I understood were: `Hurry… they'll find me.”

He dropped his arms and shrugged in his own dramatic fashion. “And then she was unconscious again.”

Cloud turned to look at the girl who laid so still before him and spoke. “Then she's running from someone.”

Tifa shook her head as she examined the girl. “She's got some really bad scars on her arms… They look like puncture wounds.” As Tifa scanned over the girls arms, she paused. “Planet! Look at this!”

Both men strode over to see what Tifa had found.

“What is it?”

She lifted the girls' left hand and turned it so they could see the underside of her wrist. There was a mark of some sort…like a tattooed serial number. Vincent stood straight.

“The scars… it makes sense… she's an experiment.”

Cloud was alarmed. “What?”

“A guinea pig… nothing more.” Vincent strode to Tifa's kitchen and got himself a drink of water. Cloud followed, his voice hushed.

“But that all died with Hojo….didn't it?”

Vincent lowered his glass and stared out the kitchen window. “Who said this has anything to do with Hojo?”

Cloud shrugged. “I dunno… who else would it have been?”

“There are suspicious goings on that would suggest otherwise.” Vincent set his empty glass down and turned to look at this friend sharply.

“I feel the earth move… and I don't like it.”

Cloud had always regarded Valentine as a rather strange person from time to time… but none more then right now.

“Wouldn't somebody be looking for her? Family? Someone?”

Vincent shook his head. “I doubt it… Most specimens are orphans… or grown people with no families…. No one misses them and they can do what they want with them.”

Cloud crossed his arms. “They? You know who did this? Shinra?”

Vincent leaned back against the counter and chuckled. Cloud was always the first to jump down Rufus' throat.

“One would wonder… but again… I highly doubt it.”

“In the meantime gentlemen…. I'll watch over her here.”

Tifa strode into the kitchen, setting the bowl of water on the countertop.

“But Teef… the bar… you can't take care of her and run the business too.” Cloud was indignant.

Tifa tossed the towel in her hands into the sink and nudged Vincent over to get herself a drink of water.

“I'll manage… besides, I'm gonna need some help regardless… if I got her to work it would help both her AND I out.”

Vincent strode back to the livingroom and lingered by the front door. “If you need anything, I'll be around. I'm going back to Nibleheim… see if there is anything to be found out… I'll be back tomorrow.”

Cloud nodded. “Will do.”

As soon as Valentine was gone, Cloud walked over to the couch and stood over the sleeping girl. Now that she was cleaned up, he couldn't help but notice the similarity. It wasn't completely the same, but he knew it was close enough to send a certain person he knew into a flurry.

Tifa sat down on the edge of the couch at the girls' feet and looked up at Cloud.

“Hey…. Spacey!”

The warrior jumped out of his thoughts and turned to her. “Hmm?”

Tifa smiled. “You see it too, don't you?”

Clouds' brow furrowed. “Huh?”

“She looks so much like her… I thought it was her.”

Cloud regarded Tifa's expression… she looked troubled in a way as she spoke again.

“I mean her hair's different… and she's younger… but-“

“I know what you mean Teef.” Cloud ran a hand through his hair. “How old you think she is?”

Tifa stood and crossed her arms. “Eh… maybe just shy of 26? Maybe 27.”

She paused to walk closer to Cloud, taking hold of his arm with a hand her voice became urgent.

“Sooner or later he's gonna come by Cloud… he always does… What's he gonna do when he sees her?”

Cloud shook his head. He played with the toe of his boot with the heel of the other one.

“I don't know, but if you and I can see the resemblance… he's gonna see it too.”

* * *

Tifa sat alone in her apartment completely exhausted… after Cloud left she closed the bar early much to her regulars dismay. But when she explained the situation at hand, everyone understood. Now she relaxed, enjoying herself a cup of coffee as the watched the lights come and go from the cars below. Her apartment was dark except for the small lamp that hung from above her dining table.

Tifa regarded the events of earlier. An experiment? How cruel! Who knows how long she had been held prisoner? Her gaze fell on the girl residing on her couch. Tifa was stunned at how long her hair was. If the girl was standing, her black locks would just barely touch the backs of her ankles. If her hair was any tell-tale sign of how long she had been used in such ways…well… the mere thought made Tifas' insides lurch.

* * *

Cloud made his way up the stairs struggling to balance a bag of groceries and a new box of whiskey for Tifas' bar. As he rounded the corner, Yuffie came bounding out of Tifas' door. “Hey Cloud!”

The warrior grunted his reply and moved over to let her by, but she moved with him trying to do the same thing. So he moved over the other way…as did she. After a moment of it, both were flustered.

“You gonna dance with me or ya gonna move?!” Cloud finally bellowed.

Yuffie jumped and turned sideways so he could pass.

“Gawd Spikey, what gives?”

As Cloud entered Tifas' abode he looked back.

“What are you doing here so early for anyway?”

Yuffie followed, closing the door behind her. “I came to see her!”

Cloud immediately set down the box of whiskey.

Tifa sat with her guest at the kitchen table. Both were enjoying a cup of tea together. The young girl was stunning. Her ebony hair hung to the floor, it was so long. Her eyes were a stunning green, the deepest green Cloud had ever seen and her face was nothing short of beautiful. Of course to Cloud, no one was as beautiful as his Tifa… but well, he was a guy!

“Hey!” Tifa greeted him. “Just put the groceries on the counter OK?”

He silently did as Tifa requested and then proceeded to pour himself a cup of tea.

“So, ya gonna introduce us Teef?”

Before she could answer him, a soft voice was heard.

“You're Cloud… right?”

He looked up at the young girl and smiled. “You are sharp aren't you?”

She blushed. “Tifa told me.”

Tifa stood. “Cloud, could I talk to you downstairs for a minute?”

When he nodded in reply, she gently touched her guests' shoulder. “I'm gonna go with Cloud, you just enjoy your tea ok sweetie?”

She smiled up at Tifa. “Thank you.”

Yuffie, eager to help, dove into Tifas' empty chair. “Well, it's just you and me now!”

She leaned forward. “Hey… you ever head of Materia?”

* * *

“So… who is she?”

Cloud inquired as he helped Teef put away her delivery of whiskey.

She shrugged. “I could tell you if she could tell me… Cloud… she doesn't remember anything… not even her own name.”

Clouds face was stone as he took her information to heart. He crossed his arms as Tifa continued.

“She's the sweetest thing I've ever met next to Aerith. She's quiet, kind and she seems to already trust us… which is a good sign.”

“Does she remember Vincent?”

Tifa nodded as she wiped of the Bar counter. “Yeah she does… he was the first person she expected to see here actually… but she's ok with him being gone.”

Suddenly they heard a screeching of car tires, honking horns and yelling voices out in the street. Then… a familiar voice was heard.

“What the HELL ya think yer doin?!! GOD DAMN Sunday Drivers!”

Clouds eyes flashed. “It's Cid!”

Tifa threw down her bar towel and hurriedly grabbed the empty whiskey box.

“Well come on! I sure as hell don't wanna be down here when he goes upstairs… he might scare her!”

Cloud ran up the stairs behind her.

“Teef, Cid scares everybody… tell me something I DON'T know!!”

Once the two were upstairs, they knew they had moment before Cid came up. He always smoked a cigarette beforehand.

Yuffie smiled widely at them like she'd just struck a goldmine.

“Hey, guess what?”

Cloud hurriedly washed his hands. “What?”

“Her and I picked the perfect name to call her until she remembers her real one that is.”

Tifa sat down next to her new found friend and smiled. “Which is?”

“Lilli!” Yuffie announced.

Cloud nodded in agreement. “I like it.”

“Yeah well you should!” Yuffie crossed her arms. “It was my cousins' name!”

He dried his hands and raised an eyebrow at the little ninja. “You had a cousin?”

Bubbly as always, the floodgates of blabber were opened.

“Well actually, she was my 2nd cousin on my mothers' side… or was it my 1st cousin twice removed? Well anyway-“

“Yuffie.” Cloud was too wise in his ways to get rid of her. “You do know that Cid is on his way here?”

Her eyes darted open wide. “Nope! Hand no clue and thank you for tell' in me! Bye!”

The little ninja jetted out of the apartment. No sooner had she left, when Cids' voice came booming up the stairs over stumbling footsteps and Yuffies' shrieks.

“GOD DAMMIT TA HELL!!! Brat, this is a new shirt, confound it all!!”

Yuffies' squeaky voice was heard as she ran out of the bar.

“Sorry! Send me a bill! Gotta Run!!”

Cid burst through the door, a fresh stain covered the chest of his shirt. His eyes never left it as he brushed the access liquid off, stalking to the kitchen to get himself a towel.

“What the hell is wrong with people Strife? I git myself almost run over outside the bar and then Yuffie, flitt'in `round like some Pixie makes me spill my tea!”

Tifa exchanged humored looks with Cloud.

Cid, still occupied with the situation at hand, didn't even look at them while he chucked the dirty towel in Tifas laundry basket.

“Cripe… I just wanted to take me a peaceful walk and…”

His voice trailed off when he finally looked up. Tifa took in a sharp breath and looked at Cloud. Cids reaction was just what they feared it would be. For the first time in years, Cids hard features softened and he just stood in the kitchen, his eyes wide staring straight at Lilli. He took a step closer and finally spoke.

“Shera?”

Tifa put a hand on Lillis' forearm as if protecting her. But for whatever reason it was… she didn't want her to be scared. Lilli looked nervously at Cloud and then her eyes shifted to Tifa.

Cid reached up and pulled his goggles off his head, his eyes never leaving her face. When Lilli didn't respond, he took another step closer.

“Hey… it's me.”

Tifa stood up quickly, pushing back her chair.

“Cid, this is Lilli… Vincent brought her here. She'll be staying with me for a while.”

Like someone had slapped his face he finally pulled his eyes off her and looked at Tifa. “Her… Her name is Lilli?”

Cloud stepped foreword and gently nudged him to move out of the kitchen into the livingroom.

“Come on old man… we gotta talk.”

Cid, still somewhat in a daze, backed up still facing Lilli.

As they neared the door, she shot out of her chair startling Tifa.

“It was nice to meet you Cid!”

Nice to meet you?? Tifa shot a glance at Lilli. Jesus… if that was me I'd been petrified! She thought.

Cids eyes lit up at her voice and he smiled. Cloud, exasperated, nudged him out the door, until the two girls heard Cids voice.

“Shit Strife! Get off me Dammit! I'm mov'in aren't I?!”

* * *

“I know I've got some old clothes in here somewhere!”

Tifas' muffled voice echoed from the back of her closet as she rummaged through boxes of pants and random shirts.

“You sure you don't mind?” Lilli sat cross-legged on Tifas' bed, her green eyes taking in every inch of the bedroom.

“No not at all!” Tifa paused to peek out and smile at her friend. “I've got gobs of stuff in here that-whoa!”

She crawled out backwards from the closet. “I totally forgot I still had these.”

She stood holding a pair of black cargo pants. She held them out in front of her. “If we hem the legs shorter, they should fir you just fine.” Lilli took them gratefully as Tifa turned to continue her hunt for buried treasure. Lilli couldn't wait to wear some real clothes. She had been stuck in Tifas bathrobe all morning.

There was a moment of silence. Only the sound of boxes scooting, material rubbing against hangers… Lillis' wheels were turning.

“Why'd he call me that?”

“Hmm?”

“Why'd Cid call me Shera?”

The ruckus in the closet came to a halt. Tifa ran her top teeth over her bottom lip and then bit it…hard.

Shit…damn you Cid.

Tifa pushed a big box of clothes out from the back of the closet and then stood to pull it over to the bed. She sighed and flopped down next to Lilli.

“Well…umm.” She scratched her nose in thought and then proceeded to mull through the box. “Cid's just… well.”

“Just what?” Lilli was insistent.

Tifa lifted an armload of clothes up onto the bed and smiled quietly at her.

“It's no big secret he misses her… Shera was an important person in his life.”

Dammit why doesn't she just tell me? Lilli thought harshly. Tifa cleared her throat before continuing.

“Shera worked for a big company named Shinra when Cid met her… she was there when Cids' space program was in the works… when the rocket they were working on failed to launch Cid blamed her for it.”

Lillis' brow furrowed. This sounds interesting! “Was it really her fault?”

Tifa shrugged. “In a way yes… but only because it couldn't be helped. Shera really never was a fast worker. Diligent as all hell but slow. And when the rocket was in the countdown to launch, she was still working on one of the oxygen tanks… the rocket failed and well, like I said… it infuriated Cid.”

The young girl fingered the clothes in her lap and looked up at Tifa. “So… what happened?”

“Cid blamed her… but as kind as she was she agreed with him... I'll never forget meeting them for the first time. Cid was nothing short of cruel to her.”

Lilli was stunned. “That bad?”

“Yeah… treated her like a dog. He relented a bit when they were married… I think he finally forgave her because he loved her… we could tell he did… but after awhile we could see that it wasn't going to work no matter what he did. When they started fighting, he began drinking… and smoking again… that really made her mad. We told him to stop but… he never did… So she left.”

Tifa took in long breath handing Lilli some more clothes. “She left and never came back… that was awhile ago… and since then Cid's changed quite a lot.”

They were both quiet for a moment before either one spoke again.

“So… why'd he call me that?”

Tifa smiled. “It's no secret you look like her at first glance.” She paused to wave a hand and roll her eyes. “I know, I know, but you do… you really do.”

Lilli blushed slightly as her friend rattled on.

“Shera had way different hair and her eyes were a different color… but I think you reminded him of her. He really thought she'd come back for him.”

Lilli nodded. “He didn't seem too bad when you told him who I really was though.”

Tifa nodded. “You're right… heh… who knows? Maybe he's finally healed.”

* * *

Cid sat down at the bar while Cloud poured himself and his friend a drink. Cid tapped out a cigarette from his pack and lit it. There was a moment of silence before Cloud spoke.

“Something bothering you?”

Cid kicked back the shot of gin Cloud served him and hissed as the liquor hit the roof of his mouth.

“Nah just thinking… that maybe you `an Teef knew I was gonna act like I did up there.” He gestured upstairs as he spoke.

“Sorry I did that there... uhh… that there freaky shit… just hope I didn't scare the girl none.”

Cloud leaned back against the wall. “Naw… she didn't seem too scared at all… you're in the clear old man.”

Cid chuckled as he took a drag of his smoke. “So what ya wanna yammer at me about?”

Cloud walked around the bar and sat down next to Cid.

“Listen… I know you miss Shera… we all do Cid… I and Teef were just worried that having her here might wear on you.”

Cid scratched the back of his neck and then rubbed the spot. “Shit Strife…y'all don't have nothing to worry `bout with me… I'm just fine.”

Cloud slapped Cid on the back and stood up. “That's it really… just makin sure you're ok with her bein here.”

Cid blew a few smoke rings at the ceiling before replying. “What's she doin here anyways?”

“Vincent found her outside Nibleheim… she was experimented on Vincent thinks…. We don't know how long she went through all of this… or what kind of things were done.”

“Ya mean, Ya don't know who did it?”

Cloud shook his head. “No… Vin's looking into it today.”

Cid whistled. “Damn… that's some shit right there… poor girl… Hell though, for go'in through all that, she sure is a sweet thing.”

Cloud downed his gin and nodded. “Mmm, I'll give her that… but what can effect you when you don't even remember it.”

Cid took another drag of his cigarette.

“Really now? She don't remember noth'in?”

“No… Tifa's been talking to her but so far… nothing.”

Like a wind of change, Cid spoke again.

“Damn she has some hair huh> I ain't never seen a lady with hair like that.” He shook his head, eyes on his smoke.

Cloud regarded the pilot carefully for a moment and then decided to ask a more personal question.

“Cid…. Do you still love Shera?”

He cleared his throat and shifted his weight on the bar stool. He took a drag of his cigarette and scratched the grizzle on his cheek before replying.

“I reckon sometimes I think I still do… that shit's kinda obvious…But since Kadaj… I've become like you is with Aerith.” He looked Cloud in the eye. “You still love Aerith right?”

Cloud nodded and Cid tapped his cigarette in the ashtray before continuing. “But at the same time y'all, you `n Teef… you have a life together now… I guess I'm the same…still love her… but if the right woman came along ta fill the hole I got right here…” Cid tapped his chest and winked at Cloud. “Why shit… course I'd take that… though I dunno who'd want me now.” Cloud was about to laugh but he saw that there was not one ounce of humor in what Cid was saying. He had made so many mistakes in his life… so many people hurt... and that was what stung… it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Cid rubbed his forehead with a hand and took another drag of his smoke.

He'd never been too good with words; everyone knew that… in fact Cloud believed it was the lack of no-how that made him swear like he did.

Cloud smiled encouragingly. “Well, we all gotta make our own paths right?”

Cid ground out his cigarette. “Like Lockheart says, `No dilly-dally-shilly-shally eh?”

Footsteps on the steps made both men look up suddenly.

Lilli came wandering down the stairs. She wore a pair of Tifas' cargo pants and a black tank top. Her hair was pulled back in a shiny braid that hung almost below her ankles. She smiled shyly at both men as she approached. Tifa soon followed behind her.

Cid stood up much to Clouds surprise and held out a hand to his now empty seat. Tifa looked confused. Was he being…. polite???

Lilli cleared her throat as she sat down in the seat offered to her and gestured to the open pack of cigarettes on the bar.

“May I?”

Cid fumbled to grab the pack and retrieve a smoke for her.

Cloud looked back at Teef and smiled. She walked to him and contently laid her head on his shoulder.

“Thank you.” Lilli smiled at him.

Cid stood nervously for a moment and then spoke. “Well kids… I reckon I oughtta git movin… late as it is.”

Cloud craned his neck to look up at the clock. “Highwind… it's only 11am.”

A chuckle escaped Lillis' lips as she raised her cigarette to her lips. Cid saw his cue and lit it for her. Cloud noticed that the pilots eyes traveled all over the young girls face…. Almost as if he wanted to take every detail in. The corner of Cids' mouth curved up into a half smile as he watched her.

Tifa saw it too and nudged Cloud, leaning up into his ear. “Ok… he's scaring me Cloud… this isn't like him at all!”

Her whisper sounded worried. Cloud knew Tifa was quite fond of the `ol crusty bird… but it was apparent that she was also fond of Lilli… like she was her own baby girl.

Cloud leaned into her ear and whispered his reply. “It's ok… let them be… remember Teef.. I was once him too.”

Tifa pulled back to look into his eyes. Her gaze was wondering, but she trusted him.

Cid stuffed his lighter into his pocket and stood for a moment watching Lilli take a drag gracefully. He cleared his throat.

“Something wrong Smokestack?” Tifa leaned in towards him.

Highwind jerked out of his thoughts and rubbed his nose. “Hell… naw… just seems like forever since I seen a woman smoke ya know?”

Tifa sighed inwardly. Planet, I can't believe I'm even suggesting this… “Highwind, ya know Vincent IS coming back really soon… To let us know what's going on… Barret's coming too…. Sure you don't wanna stick around?”

Lilli looked at him with a soft inquisitive fashion that made his heart beat faster.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Reckon I'll do that.” He began to back up to the front doors and Tifa noticed that the armpits of his shirt were soaked with sweat. “I just gotta git down to the store real quick like `n pick me up another shirt… be back in a jiffy.”

Lilli lifted her cigarette to Cid and smiled. “Thanks.”

He held his arms behind him, fidgeting with the back of his belt. When she smiled like that it felt like somebody punched him square in the gut.

“Anytime girlie.”

Lilli watched him go and then turned back to finish her smoke. Cloud regarded her thoughtfully for a moment.

“So… how are you doing? You like it here?”

She nodded eagerly as Tifa sat down next to her.

“It's like I've been here before… feels like home.” She yawned and stretched her arms before grounding out her cigarette.

“Mind if I take a nap? I'm still really bushed.”

Tifa gave Lilli a sideways hug. “Sure you can, but don't you wanna stick around too? This meeting IS about you ya know.”

Lilli stood and smiled. “Vincent found me, I have no memory… and I've just moved in with the sweetest people I could ever meet… There's what I know… fill me in on anything else later… I'm really worn.”

Tifa laughed. “Smart Ass…” she muttered as Lilli wandered up the stairs.

She then looked at Cloud, an eyebrow raised. “Ok… you talked to him… is he sick?”

“Who, Cid? No…. why would he be sick?”

Cloud said this all with a smile playing around his lips. Tifa glared at him in a playful manner. “You SAW what just happened! Cloud… the man is almost 36 years old and he was bumbling like some damn 15 year old!”

“Who was bumblin' like a 15 year old?”

Barret strolled into the bar, Marlene in tote.

“Auntie Tifa!!” Marlene lept from her dads' arms and into Tifas'. Lockheart stood up with Marlene in her embrace and sat her on the bar stool beside her.

“Hey Spiky, how goes it?” Barret bellowed as he made his way to them. Cloud scratched the back of his head and guffawed, “Oh well… same old same old... heh”

Wallace glanced at Tifa and sensed tension.

“What's goin on?”

“A lot more then we expected.”

All of them knew that voice. Vincent strode in and sat down at the bar. Cloud was about to speak when Yuffie came rushing in, Cid adorned in a new shirt, on her heels.

“Fine for you, Vinnie Valentine! Leave me behind with the ogre!”

“HEY! Who you callin' ogre ya self-centered lil twit?”

Tifa found it time to intervene.

“Alright you two, enough!”

Yuffie was indignant. “But-“

“Shh!” Tifa was firm. “We gotta be quiet!”

Barret was confused. “Why? Whadda Hell-“

“Hey!” Cid cut in. “Where's Lilli?”

Tifa looked at Cloud and gestured at the pilot. “See? I told you!”

“HEY!!!” Barret had quite enough. “What the HELL is goin on?”

Vincents' monotone voice cut through the sudden silence.

“There is much to say Barret. It would be better if you heard it from the beginning.”

“Well while you do that, I'll fix us all something to eat.” Tifa held Marlines' hand and together they made their way to the kitchen.

Cid yanked out a cigarette irritably and lit it.

“Dammit ta hell… where's Lilli?”

Cloud, surprised at how insistent the pilot was, finally answered him. “She's upstairs sleeping.”

Barret slammed a hand down on the counter, sending Yuffie almost into Vincents' lap. “Who da hell is Lilli? Dammit people, talk to me!”

Vincent stood up and walked over to one of the larger tables in the bar. “I will shed light on that in a moment, if you all want to take a seat… this will take time.”