Chapter 8

Cloud looked everywhere for the boy, asking around Kalm. Trying to get anything, a trail. He finally found what he was looking for when he questioned at the inn. It seemed that he was from Crater City. Cloud headed that way right away, taking a boat from Junon to the shore of the North Continent. He stopped at Shell village, the city of the ancients. As he moved through the trees, he found the place he was looking for, the lake where he had buried Aeris. Sitting down on the shore, he spoke to her.

"You know, I could really use your help right now." He explained "A lot has happened, Edge is completely gone now, because of me. Denzel is dead; of course you probably know all this. I'm so lost, I can't think of what to do next. I'm looking for this kid, Marlene really likes him, and Barret probably wouldn't approve. Once again, you probably know all this. I just want to know, can I really do this? Can I go on like nothing has happened?"

-----

Cloud stared at the mutated Sephiroth, not believing his eyes. Rufus moved slowly, trying to climb to his feet, but the creature kicked him in his side. Then he looked at Cloud, and opened its mouth. Instead of words, it let out a horrible screech and lunged at him. It collided against him, knocking him to the ground. Cloud kicked at it, but it wouldn't budge. That's when he heard the familiar voice.

"Got your back Spiky"

Barret rushed into the room, and began firing into the beast, which stood up and charged him instead. Barret was ready for this thought, and shot a charged blast into him. The creature exploded on impact. Cloud climbed to his feet, and turned back towards Rufus.

-----

" I just can't forget what happened, can't forget what I did. I look for forgiveness, but I can't find it. Please Aeris help me."

He waited for a minute, but no answer came. This didn't surprise him, as this wasn't the first time he had tried this. He missed her so much, a void that even Tifa couldn't fill, but he knew she was finally gone. He stood up and continued his journey to Crater City.