A Fragile Rose Reborn

Written by: SorrowoftheHeart

Beta'ed by: PinkMarshmallows

Disclaimer: I hate to say it, but I do not own Final Fantasy VII, nor anything relating to the actual game and such. The ONLY thing I claim as my own are any original characters and newly named or created towns. That is all, thank you.

Author's Notes: Hello and welcome to my story, FF readers. This is the eagerly awaited revision of Fragile Rose Reborn, a rewrite of one of the first Final Fantasy fanfictions I had ever really written. This story won't be completely like Fragile Rose Reborn, but it'll be a better, improved version! At least, that's what I am hoping for. My knowledge of Final Fantasy and writing have grown so I hope to show what I can do now.

There will be a few noticeable changes, aside from the slight tweaking of the title. Which in truth, all I did was add 'A' before the original title. Things will be happening a bit differently than how it happened in the original but I hope it will still be loved. Also, as much as I adore 'Aeris' and the memories that accompany it, I have decided to go with 'Aerith' for this story.

I hope you enjoy reading this fanfiction and let me know what you think of it. I will be doing my best to keep this updated and edited so that it can be as close to full potential as possible. Sorry, I know I'm ranting. And yes, if anyone was wondering, this first chapter has been edited. I wanted to spend more attention to the details and plot in the first two chapters. I've also acquired a beta, who happens to be a dear friend of mine. So, she'll be helping me proofread the story and such.

Chapter One

A pair of deep emerald eyes gazed up at the sky above her, attention solely fixed upon the white, fluffy clouds that drifted lazily in a clear, blue sky. It was so simple and natural, and yet, it fascinated her and filled her with a mixture of awe and happiness. She may not have quite understood it entirely, though she did not question it further.

Her eyes fluttered closed, long eyelashes kissing the skin beneath her eyes as she sighed softly in response to a sudden breeze that whipped up and playfully brushed against her. She could almost hear voices whispering to her as the unseen force pulled and ruffled her long unbound brown locks. It was only a second later before her eyes opened once more, a smile breaking across her lips.

Aerith couldn't remember much about herself, much less her past. She had no idea why she was here, wherever this was, or even how she had gotten here. Yet, the young woman wasn't too concerned with this lack of knowledge. No, a voice within her mind assured her that everything was fine. That her memories would soon return and she would realize her reasons for being here.

Truthfully, the 'voice' she heard within her mind wasn't entirely one voice alone. It was difficult to explain it, but she understood that it was really a chorus of voices, of various ages and genders. She could understand it and if she listened, there was this one voice among the others that seemed to stand out to her, though she couldn't quite place the gender. Nonetheless, she knew this was her Friend but nothing further than this.

Back to the topic at hand, the only thing that she really remembered was her name, which seemed to be her first name. She didn't know her surname, but her Friend assured her that everything would come back to her, once more. Despite this obvious amnesia that plagued her, the cheerful girl did not let it consume her.

She tore her gaze from the sky and looked around, reaching up with a somewhat pale, slender hand to tuck some stubborn strands of hair behind her ear as she tried to figure out what to do. Now that she was done admiring the scenery, it was now time to move on... but where to?

Go, child... Be at peace, for you live again. That town... do you see it?

Aerith turned, focusing her curious gaze upon the town ahead of her and absently noting that she hadn't noticed it before. However, she had been rather distracted by the beautiful setting around her. She tilted her head, clasping her hands behind her back as she bent forward just a tiny bit, another smile blooming on her lips.

"I do, my friend. Perhaps I shall go there?" She asked aloud, comfortable with speaking aloud to the voice that she alone could hear. Besides, there wasn't anyone around and when did she care if people thought she was odd? At the soft confirmation, she straightened and strolled right up to the gates.

She didn't bother sparing the two guards anything more than a bright smile, not noticing their shared look before staring back ahead. They weren't going to stop her such a fragile looking girl and they had more important things to look out for, such as vicious monsters.

The brunette paused for a brief moment, unclasping her hands from behind her as she turned around to study her new surroundings. Her eyes widened slightly, easily giving away her thoughts of the structures surrounding her. Her mouth nearly fell open, but she managed to keep her composure as she pushed down the slight unease that threatened to erupt at the new sight.

Such an interesting place. It's so big and full of life, with tall structures and busy people! It's like nothing I've ever seen before... what if I get lost, friend?

A slight frown tugged at her lips as she stepped to the side in order to get out of the path of the walking citizens. She had a thoughtful expression on her face, brows furrowed slightly and emerald green eyes distant.

Fear not, child. You are never alone, never... That store, do you see it? To your left, yes... go inside.

Allowing her gaze to drift to the left, she noticed the store and peered up at the sign with curious green eyes. A puzzled look flashed across her innocent features, but she shook her head slightly and allowed a smile to return as she did as told. Her gaze darted up at the sound of a bell softly tinkling above her as she opened the door, noting that it must have been to help announce the arrival and departure of customers.

Aerith looked around, once more distracted by the change of scenery once more. She did not notice the elderly woman sitting at the counter, who was peering curiously at her after the bell had chimed. In fact, she hadn't even realized she had spaced out until a tap on the shoulder broke her from her thoughts and she jumped slightly, squeaking in surprise before fixing her startled gaze on a concerned woman.

Before she could stutter out any apologies, the woman cracked a smile as she peered up at the taller girl. She was short and obviously an elder, yet time had still been somewhat kind to her. It was obvious this woman had a kind heart and her tone of voice only confirmed it along with the smile.

"Hello there, dear! I don't believe I've seen you around these parts before... Are you perhaps a tourist?" The woman asked curiously before beaming when Aerith nodded to her. "Just as I thought." Being who she was, she studied the girl and it didn't take much to deduce her reason for coming into her store.

"Oh dear... your clothes... You must have been through a rough time, hm?" She paused briefly before gesturing at Aerith, continuing to speak, "Come, let's see if we can find you something new to wear, yes?" Turning she hobbled off down an aisle that housed women's clothing.

The brunette blinked briefly in mild confusion before she found herself trailing after the kind woman. However, she soon came to a realization that caused her cheeks to turn pink as she came to a halt.

"I... I don't have any money," She murmured softly, obviously embarrassed and distressed with such a realization as she took a moment to peer down at herself to assess her attire. With a grimace, she realized that she really did need new clothes, though she couldn't afford them. Hesitantly, she bit her bottom lip and lifted her gaze to see how the store clerk was reacting to this news.

The woman had stopped as well, slowly turning around to look at Aerith and figure out what was wrong. Though she didn't have to wait long and for a moment, she looked contemplative as she remained silent. Finally, her brown eyes softened as she came to a decision, a smile tugging at her lips. "No money? Tell me, Miss...?" She trailed off, vaguely fishing for a name.

Realizing what the elderly woman was silently asking her, she snapped to attention and bowed slightly. "I'm Aerith! Just... Aerith." She straightened and gave a sheepish look at the raised eyebrow of the owner but she wasn't questioned. Besides, she soon laughed softly, amused by the girl's antics.

"Very well, Miss Aerith... Tell me, how long do you plan to stay here in town? I believe I've come up with an idea that can benefit the both of us and still allow you to get some new clothes. That is, if you're interested, dear." She paused, gauging Aerith's reaction before she decided to continue at the sign of curiosity showing on the girl's face.

"I'm getting old and things that once were easy when I was younger are now becoming difficult to accomplish as I get older. My husband who created this store in our youth has left the Planet and rejoined the lifestream, thus leaving me alone to run the store." She paused for a moment once more, gathering her thoughts before continuing once more.

"What I'm saying is that I could really use some help around here, but I'm not so keen on caving to my weakness. You seem like a nice, hardworking girl and you could use some help as could I. You don't need to be able to sew, but if you would help me out with just stocking shelves or handling the counter, it would be appreciated. In return for this offered job, I can provide clothes and anything else you may need, along with paying you so you can eventually get back on your feet. Of course, you're welcome to stay with me until you decide otherwise."

Aerith was quiet for a long time, taking the time to digest all of this information. However, it didn't take long for it to click in her head and for a smile to blossom on her lips as she focused on the woman. "That sounds so wonderful, I would be honored! Thank you, ma'am, I truly appreciate it."

The woman laughed and waved a wrinkly hand in dismissal, though her expression of mirth didn't falter. "Please, call me Anna, child."

"Well, Anna, please call me just Aerith then! I look forward to working with you!" She bowed once more, before straightening as she beamed at the laughing lady.

Author's Note: So, what did everyone think of the first chapter? I ended up rewriting it after I wrote chapter three, deciding to pay more attention to detail and the like. Things are short at first still, but I'm just trying to get the story started. Not to mention, trying to get myself back into the whole groove. Be sure to let me know what you think in a review. Well, keep your eyes peeled for the next chapter which will also be edited. See ya~