Disclaimer: I do not own...

Final Hope

CHAPTER 1

With peace surrounding all those close to him. An unsettled Cloud roamed freely about the countryside. Taking odd jobs here and there, continuing in the delivery service. Package after package he ensured were delivered to their destination safely. After three months of basic solitude, Cloud became restless. Why? Everything was in order, Sephiroth was finally gone, rid of this world. Checking his voicemail, 18 missed messages. Invites to parties over a month ago. A bunch of nonsense he had no desire for. The last message intrigued him though. It was Tifa, she didn't grant any pleasantries, just said that she was coming for him. What had her nerve, he wondered. Again, he set off, deciding at that moment he was finished with deliveries for the time being. He drove off on Fenrir, in no particular direction. Anywhere but where he was. He felt anticipation, for what, he knew not. Just that he was searching, always searching. Hopefully he would find it, before it would be too late. Aerith? Even the visions of her had disappeared from him. He feared his soul would never be settled, his heart never tamed. What was he looking for?

The Gullwings just returned from their latest mission, a long journey to Zanarkand. They found a sphere of Lenne and Shuyin before their disaster so long ago. They were laughing and dancing around, Shuyin teased her to no end. Yuna felt both happy and sad to see the sphere's contents. Lenne was able to reconnect with her lost love. But Yuna…he was still gone. The Fayth told her they would do their best, and she would have her answer soon. Months gone by with no result of that fateful journey, ending with the defeat of Vegnagun.

But when the Gullwings came back to Besaid, nothing was the same. An uneasiness settled over Yuna, who now sought and favored her solitude. Being a famous Summoner/Singer/Savior to all of Spira made it near impossible for her to find her needed peace. Often she would walk about the shores of Besaid, looking out over the ocean. Especially at night, she would lay in the still warm sand and look at the stars for hours. During the day, she would first see her dearest friends Lulu and Wakka, and their newborn son. The baby was growing fast, almost 6 months now. Lulu and Wakka couldn't be happier. Yuna would then check in with the Gullwings ship, the Celsius and talk with Brother and Buddy. She would also check in with Rikku and Paine to get an update. Yevon, it was all so much a routine to her, she started to despise it. Her skin would crawl in the evening, needing to just get out of there. Off the island. Often at night she would gaze at the stars and imagine she was with them, anywhere but where she was. She needed to escape. She needed…change.

In the middle of a blazing desert, in the middle of summer. Still Cloud felt a chill, with almost a sense of a challenge on the horizon. The feeling of this…anticipation would not settle. He looked up, found a trail of dust clouds forming, coming in his direction. He stood still, it must be her. He waited and then watched as she climbed down her bike. Clad in leather, her raven hair pulled back, she walked to him. He remained still, letting her come to him. She stopped just in front of him, with an expressionless face.

"About time Tifa, I was beginning to think you would never show."

"Don't mock me, Cloud. I have something you need to see."

"What could you possibly have for me, that you had to seek me out?"

Tifa pulled the sphere from her bag, and gave it too him.

"What is this?"

She pulled another contraption from her bag, and placed the sphere on it. She clicked a button, and the vision, almost a video started to play. It was hard to see it with the glare of the sun. Yet, he most certainly made out the images. A woman with long brown hair, tied in a braid at the back, with two pink bows. She had on a pink dress, and a red jacket. Her hands were bound, and she was blindfolded. Cloud tensed, watching the video unfold. A man came into view, next to the afore mentioned woman. He was wearing black shorts, and a whitish yellow top. Bright blonde hair, and he was also blindfolded and bound. The angle in the vision changed from here to there. Then finally turned off completely. Cloud stood silently, waiting…was this what he was waiting for?

"What does this mean Cloud?"

"I don't know Tifa, how did you come by this."

"You won't believe me. I was just walking along the shoreline, and this washed ashore right in front of me. Like it was meant for me to find. I took it to Cid to see if knew anything about such a thing. He placed it in this machine here, and the video played. Is it her Cloud? Is it Aerith?"

"I don't know. What else did Cid say, I'm sure he saw the video through?"

"Of course, and he knows someone…it was difficult to catch what he was saying. A man named Brother, he is part of a team called the Gullwings. They search for spheres. There could be others like this out there. It could lead us to…to whoever these captured people are. They are in a world called Spira. We must find them Cloud.""Call Cid and get more information on this Brother. A world called Spira? I have seen other worlds, but Spira is not one I'm familiar with?"

Tifa only shook her head, already listening as her cell phone rang for Cid. Obtaining the information they needed, they were quickly off to find Cid. Cloud formed a team of himself, Vincent, and his newest ally Reno. Reno's partner Rude, was to stay behind and protect Tifa and Yuffie. Much to the women's disapproval, they could quite protect themselves. The three men started on their journey.

The days faded into each other, the nights blended one by one. Yuna spent her days in Besaid to remain close to her friends. Yet she felt they were all growing further and further apart. Yes, Rikku and Paine tried to keep close with her. Yes, she enjoyed her time with Wakka and his family. Even the occasional visits from Khimari. She felt so empty inside, she felt maybe things would be easier if she were just on her own. The thought came and went, like most days. Lately she yearned for it more and more. What was holding her back? She could always return when she was ready. She decided then, after a long night staring up into the stars. She made her arrangements, much to the disappointment of her fellow Gullwings. They tried for hours to change her mind. Eventually Yuna explained that it was best for her. And her ship was to set out the next morning, and make Kilika in a few days. She was so excited for her upcoming journey. But more excited that she could go at her own pace, see what she longed to see. How she yearned to escape the traps of everyday life. Unfortunately, her plans were waylaid by an unexpected event.