Making her way through the crowd, Tifa did her best to try and make her way around, doing her best to try and find Cloud. The Halloween themed party had started to go into full swing, despite the both of them just making it inside. At first the couple had made it to the entrance together. But as they had dealt with security, Tifa was able to get in, but Cloud was denied completely. All due to the main thing he was carrying with him on his back.


'Damn it, Cloud. I told you bringing your sword will cause problems...'


Knowing Cloud, Tifa knew that despite not getting in the normal way, he was going to find a way. And there was no better spot to try and wait for him was at the bar area. When she made it to the bar, Tifa quickly took a seat, as she ordered herself a drink. But as she was doing this, a bald man wearing a red shirt and had a beard quickly sat beside her, looking right at her.


Unknown man: Well hey there, good lookin'. That's a pretty good costume you have.


Tifa didn't know who this stranger was, but just as he appeared she felt very creeped out by him. But not wanting to seem rude, she gave a response.


Tifa: Oh. Thank you.


Unknown Man: Oh it's no problem. My name's Joshua. And you are?


Tifa: My name's Tifa. Nice to meet you.


Joshua: Pleasure is all mine. But let me guess. You came to this party all by yourself, didn't you.


Tifa: What? No. I didn't come alone. I'm just waiting for him, that's all.


Joshua gave out a chuckle, not buying into Tifa's answer.


Joshua: Oh really? Because seeing you going through that crowd on the dance floor and not partying to the music, I don't really buy that. Now come on. Why don't we both have some fun together. What do you say?


As Joshua was speaking to Tifa, he had made his right arm lean forward. Up until the point where his hand was over hers. But just before their hands could go further, Tifa immediately retracted her arm away.


Tifa: Excuse me but can you get your hands to yourself?!


Tifa tried to get some distance from the man, but he immediately got off his seat, and his other arm quickly took a firm hold of Tifa's other arm. All while his expression went from being casual, to serious.


Joshua: I don't think you know the situation you're in. I'm good friends with the owner of this place. And let's just say, when there's a girl I have my eyes on. I get what I want! Now we could do this the easy way out at the back. Or we could do this the hard way and nobody will hear about your whereabouts again!


Joshua held a tight grip on Tifa's arm, as he started to lean forward towards her face, ready to give her a forced kiss on the lips. Tifa was just ready to break the creep's arm, knowing that she wasn't going to get out of this without starting a fight. But before she could, a man's arm took a firm grip on Joshua's wrist grabbing Tifa.


????: You better let go of her and walk away, asshole. Or i'll make you regret ever approaching her!


With the grip on Joshua's wrist tightening, he winced, and stepped away from Tifa and her saviour. When Tifa saw who had just saved her, she saw them wearing a Halloween costume, had blonde spiked hair, and carried a big sword on their back. It was Cloud, and he had just gotten to her just in time.


Tifa: Cloud!


Joshua: You prick! Who the hell do you think you are getting in my way!


Cloud: I'm her boyfriend. And you're some creep who tries to score with any chick around you. And when they say no you get forceful with threats toward them. You really make me sick!


Joshua: And you think you're going to stop me walking out of here without her?!


Without warning, reaching at the back of his pocket, Joshua pulled out a gun. And had it aimed right at Cloud. Despite a loaded weapon being pointed right at him, Cloud didn't hesitate to keep Tifa by him, as he drew out his Buster Sword. With the brandishing of steel being brought out into the open, someone caught a glimpse of the gun and the sword, and began to scream. This caused a panic for everyone to evacuate the party. However, the only ones not moving were Cloud, Tifa, and Joshua.


Cloud: Last chance for you to back off, dumbass. You're way in over your head.


Joshua: Does this look like I'm way over my head?!


Pulling the trigger, Joshua fired from his gun. However, at that moment, Cloud immediately dashed towards the crazed gunman, as he brought his sword in front of his body. The bullet was easily deflected by Cloud's sword, as Cloud charged towards Joshua, with his right hand free and clenched into a fist, as it hit directly at Joshua's face. The hard punch caused him to stagger, as blood started to come out from his nostrils. However, he still had a grip on his gun. That was when Cloud finished things off by swinging his sword, slashing Joshua's right arm. A large slash appeared across his entire arm, as blood came out and his gun was gone from his grip. The fight was immediately over, as Joshua was on the ground, writhing in pain.


Joshua: You son of a bitch! I'll get you for this! You and your whore of a girl! SECURITY!!!!


Screaming for security, several men looked towards Cloud and Tifa. This was the sign that they had to go. Now.


Cloud: Tifa! Follow me! I know a way out of here!


Tifa: Okay!


Not wasting time, Cloud held onto Tifa's hand, as they started to make a run for it towards the back, with several men chasing after them. What started for them as a night of fun and hanging out, has turned into a night of survival and horrors.

---

I want to give my greatest thanks to  Usagiforehead for doing this Halloween pin-up of Cloud and Tifa for me :) . really nice work :) . I will say, I took this turn for this Halloween picture with these two is mostly due to trying out for the #terrortales challenge. And when it comes to horror tales, I felt that it would be a unique take on it being something modern and in a way could be a situation that can happen. As for how Cloud and Tifa will get through this night, will truly be a mystery. As for Joshua, he was mostly inspired by someone who I was once friends with, and that would be  Ori-Firehammer . Since he is a creep, will backstab anyone who sees him as a friend, and will throw any of his friends under the bus just to save his own skin. He is also friends with a man named Shadowblackfox ( https://x.com/SBFoxArt ) , who is a scammer. But regarding this pic, it still came out nice in the end :) .


Feel free to leave a comment below.


Artwork by  Usagiforehead


Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart are both owned by © Square Enix / Final Fantasy 7. All Rights Reserved.