"Then, I'll be going now," Aeris Gainsborough turned around to look the blonde boy in the eyes, waving her hand happily, as if nothing unusual was happening. "I'll come back when it's all over," she quickly spun around and ran towards the green light in the middle of the forest.



I know what I'm doing, she told herself. This'll work, it has to. No, I've got to have faith, for Cloud. Tears started flowing from her eyes, she knew what was going to happen. But it was for the best right? She could save the Planet -- and him.



He was 'the one' for her, she knew it. But she was the only surviving Cetra, the only one who could use the power of Holy. The only one who could give the Planet hope. Even if it meant sacrificing her own life. Everyone else would live, they were strong. All of them.



Tifa had an amazing knack of being optimistic. Tifa had said it was because of all the time they'd spent together. She doubted that. They were best friends. Always there for each other. Even if the both did love the same guy. Aeris giggled. Life's plan had a funny way of bringing two very different roads together.



What about Red XIII? What had they called him at Cosmos Canyon? Nanaki? That was it. Nanaki. He was so cute. Like a little dog. Aeris loved to pet him on the head and run her fingers through his 'mane.' She'd never had a dog or any pet. She thought that was why she'd always liked him. He was so brave and strong. He would turn out just fine!



Then there's Barret. Geez, what an interesting man! Always acting macho and brave. He was a kind-hearted person, even if his actions or looks didn't show it. Well, with a gun for an arm, how intimidating do you get? Aeris giggled through her tears again. Barret and Marlene's future was bright.



What about Cid? Phew, that man could make your ears fall off with his curses. She wished he wouldn't curse so much, a few times here and there maybe. Hey, she'd even sworn a couple times. He was too funny though. When you heard the cursing you just hung you head and let the sweatdrop roll down your forehead. Oh, don't mind that. It's just good old Cid Highwind. That would be the only explanation for him. He was a sweet man at heart too. If only he would realize his feelings for Shera. Aeris had sensed the bond between the two, but Cid's pride wouldn't let him tell Shera anything anytime soon.



Then Cait Sith. Aeris sighed. If only he wasn't working for Shinra. Aeris knew behind the tough 'I work for Shinra, don't stand in my way' attitude there was a man. The man controlling Cait Sith. He wasn't just any old heartless creep working for Shinra. No. He was different. He wouldn't leave Shinra for fear what would happen the people in Midgar. Someone had to be there to see they didn't slaughter the human race. He was that man. Aeris knew it.



Of course, who could forget Vincent. Poor Vincent. He had such a harsh past. Losing a lover, losing his dignity, losing pretty much everything. But he had them now. Well, he had everyone except her. Vincent would pull through. He'd been through worse. Aeris knew he could do it.



How about Yuffie? That hyperactive ninja was like someone's annoying little sister. Full of enthusiasm and spunk. Too much spunk for some people. Yuffie would steal everyone's materia at the drop of a hat, and Aeris knew it. She'd learn though. The others would have a positive effect on her. Aeris giggled. Yuffie was so much like her when she was little. Always full of energy.



Then, last, but certainly not least, there was Cloud. Aeris sighed. Cloud was so, so handsome. So cute. So perfect. Well, she knew he wasn't perfect, no one was, Cloud still had a few things in his past to sort out. He'd pull through. He was strong, brave, and....beautiful. Aeris sobbed.

I'm so sorry Cloud. But I have to do this. If you were in my position, you'd do the same.



Aeris stopped on a hill to catch her breath. She'd been running the whole way here. But now she saw it. The Ancient City. It was just down the hill. Aeris continued to pant as she started down the hill. All of a sudden, she gasped and spun around. Standing on the bridge, the entrance to the Ancient City, she felt something. She felt him. Not Cloud. Sephiroth.









A/N: Cliffhanger! Yeah! Hehehehe! I'm so evil. Don't worry, I've written the entire story. I'm gonna upload the second chapter ASAP! But pwease review. I want to know if I'm doing a good job. Comments, good or bad, are welcome, as long as you're not mean. You know what I mean! See you in the next chapter!