I'll love you always mommy- part 2
*Groan*, do I really have to keep saying this? I guess I have to as long as there's lawyers that want to sue little ol' me in this world. Anyway I still don't own Final Fantasy VII and/or it's characters and locations, the only character that I do own is Iris Gainsborough Strife, Cloud and Aeris' amazing daughter who like or not will be in my future writings.
Iris' friends and several other characters I also do not own, as I said before in the last chapter, I am only borrowing the names of my reviewers for being so nice to me and helping me reach this stage of writing.
I dedicate this story to my usual readers and to anyone else, who is interested in reading it, I also dedicate this story to great Aeris/Cloud fan, Aeris Strife who like me is a Canadian, I always appreciate another Canadian reader. :)
Oh yeah I decided to add something new in most of my stories and add a Final Fantasy-like battle system into it, just to add more authentic feel for Final Fantasy in my story.
Now on to the story:
________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTER 1: A Fight and forgiveness between friends
The last time we left Iris, she was going into a personal depression. She always felt something was missing in her life, she than discovers what it was, her own mother. She than learns from a few of her father's friends the very special person that she was, however the knowledge only left her in a great curiosity to learn more, today she is going to visit the place of her own birth the Promised Land. However the dark forces are growing what is going to happen?
*Scene starts in Nibelheim, Iris is hanging out with her friends*
Iris: I'm telling you my mommy was the coolest, she was kind, very smart and she always placed others before she considered herself.
Lena: yeah suuuuuure Iris, you can come to all that conclusions of that all by what people tell you, next thing you'll be telling us that your mother was a Cetra
Iris: but she was
Lena: riiiiiight, Iris we believe you don't we?
Christi: not sure, like Iris you usually never lie to us like this before so I'm not sure whether your telling the truth or not
Jennifer: I believe you Iris
Lena: well I don't, no offense Iris but like it's a lot to take in for a person to not exist one day and suddenly you act like you personally know her it's kinda weird
Iris: I guess your right, but my daddy promised to take me to where I was born today to show me more of my mother's past and history
Jennifer: yeah that reminds me, we like know so much about you but we don't know things like this, so where were you born?
Iris: well.....I want to tell you but you will all laugh at me
Jennifer: come on we won't, were you born in Junon?
Iris: no
Christi: Kalm?
Iris: no
Lena: Costa Del Sol?
Iris: well daddy has a villa there but no
Lena: than where?
Iris: daddy told me.....I was born in the Promised Lands
*the three friends all look at Iris in shock*
Iris: you can start laughing at me now
Jennifer: did he really tell you that you were born there?
Iris: yes, oh no...I promised I was not supposed to tell anyone that
Lena: I think your making that up, your not really born there
Iris: I was so, if my daddy told me I was than I am
Lena: yeah right, if your daddy told you that you related to chocobos you'd believe that
Iris: you take that back!!!!
Lena: make me
Iris: ggggrrrrrr
(Battle Mode)
Iris- lv 1 HP 100 MP 0
Lena- lv 1 HP 90 MP 0
Iris: take that back!!!!! Your so mean Lena!!!!!
(Iris attacks, Lena damaged 10 HP)
Lena: ow, hey quit it Iris
(Lena attacks, Iris damaged 9 HP)
Jennifer: LENA!!! IRIS!!!!! STOP THIS!!!! Your friends
(End Battle mode)
Iris: your right...I'm sorry Lena
Lena: it's okay, but I never knew you could throw a punch like that Iris
Iris: neither did I, daddy always told me that I should never fight
Lena: I'm sorry, I shouldn't make fun of what your daddy but I couldn't help it
Iris: maybe I can convince daddy to take us all there
*Cloud enters*
Cloud: take you all where, honey?
Iris: daddy you promised me that you were going to take me to the Promise Land, can I take my best friends too?
Cloud: Iris, you didn't tell them
Iris: I'm sorry but it kinda slipped, but can I take them too? *makes puppy eyes* PWEESE? They won't tell anyone else and I want to show them
Cloud: how can I resist that look? Okay, I guess they can come along IF their parents say it's okay
Lena, Christi and Jenn: YAY!!!!
*a few hours later, on the Highwind*
Cloud: thank you, for taking us there, Cid
Cid: no problem Cloud but did you have to also bring Iris' little entourage?
Cloud: well she kinda convinced me
Cid: I'm telling ya kid, your letting your own daughter push you around
Cloud: perhaps your right but she always means well *smiles at her as she is playing on the deck* she reminds me so much of her mother, the way she looks, the way she always give people hope
Cid: dammit, Cloud you gotta one day forget about her and continue with your life, you know more than anyone else I hate seeing you as a wreck
Cloud: I don't know what to do anymore Cid, I just don't know
Cid: hey something troubling ya?
Cloud: well it's just that...
*Meanwhile*
Iris: it was so cool that your parents said yes you can come along but tell me how were you able to tell them without telling them where we were going?
Jennifer: well I told mine that we were going to the Gold Saucer
Christi: I told mine we were going to the mall
Lena: I told mine we were going to the museum
Iris: that's great
Jennifer: what do you think the Promised Land is like?
Iris: well I don't remember what it's like, the last time I was there I was only a baby
Christi: but I bet it's gonna be cool
Iris: yeah and we're going to see it together as we are friends, forever
*Scene back to Cid and Cloud*
Cid: so you keep dreamin' that Iris gets killed each and every time?
Cloud: yes, normally I wouldn't worry but the dream is so real, I never felt this way ever since Aeris...
Cid: kid it's only a dream, they don't mean anything
Cloud: I hope your right, Cid but
Cid: but what? Do you doubt me? When was the last time I wrong?
Cloud: do you want that alphabetically or chronologically?
Cid: well still I feel that what your worrying about is just plain stupid
Cloud: I REALLY hope your right Cid...
Chapter 2: The Reunion
*The scene is outside the Forgotten Continent*
Cloud: wait for us Cid, we won't be gone for more than a few minutes
Cid: how can you visit another world in only a few minutes
Cloud: I'd try and explain but I think that might do more harm than good just wait here, *turns to the children* well let's go kids
*After going through the temple to it's main shrine, (yep folks we all know what happened here)*
Cloud:.....we're here now all we do now is wait
Iris: is something wrong, daddy?
Cloud: no it's nothing, nothing at all
Jennifer: *whispers* wow your daddy doesn't seem to like being here
Christi: *whispers* especially in this room in particular
Lena: *whispers* what do you suppose happened here?
Iris: *whispers* I'm not sure, but I know it's something not good, father won't tell me if I ask him so I'll ask the Planet later
Jennifer: ask the Planet?
Iris: I'll explain later
*just than a bright light fills the area*
Voice: it has been awhile Cloud
Cloud: too long, Ifalna
Ifalna: (have you come for a visit?)
Cloud: yes, I brought my daughter and her friends, I want to show Iris her race
Ifalna: (Iris, my it has been six years since I last her in your time of course)
Cloud: in your time it should have been longer
Ifalna: (yes, it has been a very long time, I'll take you here just wait)
Cloud: okay
*There is another flash and this time the group is taken to the Promised Land*
Christi: okay, what just happened?
Jennifer: where are we?
Iris: are we? Daddy?
Cloud: yes, this is the Promised Land, you where you were born here in that town
*Iris takes a good look at the place it is a clean and filled with vegetation and flowers, there is a small town where there are people chatting happily amoung each other*
Iris: wow...this place is more beautiful than I thought, so where are we going first?
Cloud: to meet a relative of ours
*Cloud than leads the girls into the town, past several houses, stores until finally they reach a very bigger pretty white house*
Cloud: *knocks on the door*
*The door opens and Ifalna stands before them, she looks very much like a wiser version of Aeris she hasn't aged ever since her own death*
Ifalna: Cloud, is that my favorite son-in-law?
Cloud: I see you haven't lost your own charming demeanor, Ifalna usually the mothers HATE their sons in laws
Ifalna: how can I hate you? You looked after my daughter very well, gave our race another chance to live and saved this Planet...so where is that daughter of yours I haven't seen in awhile?
Cloud: over here *calls Iris and her friends over* Ifalna, this is Iris, *points to Iris* and these are her friends Jennifer, Christi and Lena
Ifalna: *smiles* oh my, you've grown up to be more like your mother than I had thought
Cloud: Iris this is your Grandmother, Ifalna Gast
Lena: *whispers* she looks WAY too young to look like a grandmother
*That response earned an elbow to the chest by Iris*
Lena: heh heh sorry
Ifalna: well before we get to introductions let me show you to your rooms
Cloud: rooms? No we aren't staying THAT long
Ifalna: nonsense your guests here and for not helping you that would be really rude, follow me, my husband and I will take you there
Chapter 3: Can We Ever Forgive Ourselves For the Past?
*After everyone got settled in, Iris and her friends are all sitting in the kitchen listening to Ifalna, Cloud is not there he is brooding in his room*
Iris: so you are my mother's mom?
Ifalna: that's right
Iris: than what about my other Grandmother back on the Planet?
Ifalna: yes her, Elmyra Gainsborough is your foster grandmother she took care of your mother when...I passed on
Iris: that is so sad, it must have been hard to give her up wasn't it?
Ifalna: yes it was, but I know I did the right thing well I'm going to go check on your father *gets up and leaves*
Iris: she must have went through a lot and suffered so many types of pain I feel really sorry for her
Planet: (she did went through a lot but she had no regrets, she did it for the love of her daughter and she would have done it again if it meant protecting her, your mother wanted to do the very same thing regarding you)
Iris: oh hi Planet
Jennifer: Planet?
Christi: who are you talking to Iris?
Iris: the Planet, The Planet can speak to me in my mind that's why only I can hear it
Lena: wow your so lucky Iris, you can hear what the Planet says what's it telling you now?
Iris: about my mother and her mother, so is this a family thing? Like grandmother sacrificed herself so that my mommy can live and my mommy sacrificed herself so I can live, will I ever need to do the same thing?
Planet: (when you are a mother you will find out but if you share the same heart as they do you will know that you will do anything for your family)
Iris: please Planet, I had a question to ask you earlier, why does daddy hate going to the Forgotten Capital so much?
Planet: (that was the place were your mother died at the hands of Sephiroth)
Iris: so that's why, but why is he still so sad about it, hasn't he overcome his sadness?, like he always seems so happy
Planet: (no, your father still has an enormous sadness in his heart....the reason why is because your father hasn't forgiven himself for the past)
*As Iris and the Planet talked (with Iris' friends all asking what's happening) Ifalna has reached Cloud's room*
Ifalna: so how is he, Henry?
Professor Gast: all he does is sit there, I've never seen anyone so depressed in my life
Ifalna: I'll talk to him *Ifalna enters Cloud's room* Cloud, are you going to sit there all day?
Cloud:....
Ifalna: now come don't you have ANYTHING to say?
Cloud: no
Ifalna: well you said something at least that's a start, anyway Cloud something is really troubling you, I can see through your mask of happiness you seem to put on every time you are with Iris
Cloud: what makes you so sure?
Ifalna: Cloud I'm your mother-in-law if I can't sense how your feeling than I'm not fit to mother anyone aren't I? Now please tell me your problems
Cloud: very well, it's about Aeris
Ifalna: is that all?
Cloud: no that's only part of the reason, seeing you again just reminds me so much of Aeris, heck you even look like her and I miss her a lot
Ifalna: *laughs* Cloud, the Planet tells me news everyday on how your doing when I ask, EVERYTHING seems to remind you of Aeris
Cloud: *blushes* okay you just remind me more of Aeris than anything else, *becomes serious* but you are so full of life, always happy just like Aeris was but now every time I see her it seems so weird because she's not. I always ask myself what would have happened if I was stronger?
Ifalna: why is that?
Cloud: well Sephiroth wouldn't have been able to toy with me and I would have been able to get to her in time and she would have still been alive, but I am so weak even today
Ifalna: Cloud what happened was not your fault you couldn't have prevented the events that happened and besides Aeris willingly sacrificed herself for you, Iris and everyone on the Planet. While I'm not a fan of her decision myself I respect it, besides she did it so you can be happy what would she have said when she sees you now?
Cloud: maybe she can tell me how much of a loser I am and how I can't keep my promises
Ifalna: your not even close Cloud
Cloud: sigh, I wish Aeris was still with me she always seemed to know more things than I did
Ifalna: tell me Cloud what are you waiting for?
Cloud: huh?
Ifalna: you didn't build an alter for my daughter in your own home and every night tell her the events of your day for nothing, so tell me what are you waiting for?
Cloud: how did you know about that? Oh right the Planet right, I'm not sure what your question means
Ifalna: take time to think about it, than tell me okay?
Cloud: *in a playful whiny tone* yes ma
Ifalna: *playfully punches him and laughs* now that's the mood I want to see you in
Cloud: I have to admit I feel much better, thank you
Ifalna: that's what mothers are for Cloud
Cloud: so what's up with you?
Ifalna: well the people here decided to vote for a mayor and apparently asked me to run
Cloud: and what did you say?
Ifalna: well I said I'll think about it
Cloud: I think you should you really are deserving of the role
Ifalna: well I'm not going to these things without a little time to think about it, it is a big responsibility
Cloud: well I think your up to it
Ifalna: so do you want to take Iris, sight seeing?
Cloud: okay
Ifalna: good I'll tell her and her friends *turns to leave*
Cloud: wait, Ifalna
Ifalna: yes?
Cloud: one more question, what happened to Aeris? Did her soul come here or is it coming here?
Ifalna: *shakes her head* no, but I know Aeris went somewhere even more special than here
Cloud: oh, I think she really deserves I guess that I'm not going to see her again
Ifalna: Cloud, stop thinking like that everything will work out you'll see
Cloud: I hope your right.....
As Cloud watches Ifalna leave his room Cloud can be heard saying
Cloud: for the sake of my sanity, I hope your right
Chapter 4: I'll Never Leave Your Side
*It is a few hours later, and Iris and her friends have seen a lot of the sights from the busy yet peaceful village, the many types of rare flora and fauna that live there and now they are heading for another destination on their tour the oldest Cetra Temple in the Promised Land*
Lena: *in a really excited voice* wow I never thought in my whole life I would EVER get to see the mythical Promised Land but I get to be friends with a real Cetra, this is SO cool *starts taking pictures with her convenient digital camera she brought*
Christi: I've never seen a place so quiet and peaceful this is the perfect vacation spot
Jennifer: I always knew you had something special Iris, but to be born in a place like this must be so incredible
Iris: aw shucks, I'm blushing *smiles*
Cloud: I know that this may seem like a great story to tell everyone but when you get back you can't tell anyone of this place
Christi: aw why?
Cloud: well back before any of you were even born there was an evil corporation that wanted to exploit the Mako of this place, they would have made this place like another wastedland
Lena: woah that's awful
Jennifer: why would anyone want to spoil a place like this?
Cloud: they don't care, they only want to make money (they were demons just like I was before I met you Aeris, only cared about money and nothing else)
Iris: so girls you won't tell anyone of this place, right?
Jennifer: I won't
Christi: you can count on me
Lena: neither will I, but I will have to develop the pictures I got here
Iris: you guys are the greatest friends anyone can ever ask for
Ifalna: well we're here this is one of the Cetra's oldest temples
Iris: wow, this place looks enormous
*Indeed it does in fact it looks like the Temple of the Ancients, well only more cheerful and old looking*
Ifalna: this temple was built by the very first Cetra people who came to the Promised Land they built that temple as a way of saying thank you to the Planet for everything it's done it's almost 4-5 thousand years old
Christi: man, at my house anything a few weeks or even months is considered old but a few thousand and it's still standing
Ifalna: well just barely, there is several people working on it's restoration every so often oh and here they are
*Just than a man and a woman come out of the temple*
Ifalna: this is Mel she's a historian and she determines what used to go where and what some rooms were used for
Mel: I usually write them down and file reports on how things should be made when I tell the workers when they work on the restoration, landmarks like this should be kept alive for many generations like you guys to see
Iris: doesn't it ever get lonely?
Mel: maybe a little but I don't consider this a job I consider this a passion
Ifalna: and this is Jordan he's head of the building work he receives the reports that Mel makes and instructs his team to follow exactly what was written down
Jordan: it's a tiring job but someone's gotta do it
Ifalna: would you like a look inside?
Iris: do you even need to ask? Let's go in daddy *runs excitedly in*
Cloud: *laughs and runs after her* easy we have all day
Mel: as much as we like to help with your tour, Ifalna we unfortunately have work to do
Ifalna: that's all right I was planning to do it myself, well let's go inside *Ifalna enters with the rest*
*Inside the temple, in a very ceremonious room that has many angel statues above it*
Ifalna: they say in this room our ancestors did most of it's praying
Iris: cool, what did they pray for?
Ifalna: they prayed for the well being of their loved ones that were still living on the Planet
*Just than Cloud gets one of his bad feelings*
Cloud: (something's wrong, why am I feeling this way?) *looks up at the ceiling to see one of the angel statues about to fall with Iris standing underneath it* HUH??!! IRIS!!!!!
The next few moments that happen seem to go in slow motion as Cloud is able to dive and push Iris out of the way but in the process gets crushed by the angel statue. Cloud is alive but in a lot of pain, he is able to whisper the name of his daughter before passing out.
Iris: DADDY!!!!! *runs up to Cloud* DADDY, ARE YOU ALRIGHT? Please say something to me, please you have to be alright
*One hour later, help came and the statue was moved off of Cloud and he was taken to Ifalna's house, Cloud was alive but had several broken ribs*
Iris: daddy, he almost got killed trying to save me
Ifalna: it wasn't your fault Iris, Cloud was doing the thing he does best and that is protecting people
*Just than Professor Gast exits Cloud's room*
Ifalna: how is he doing?
Gast: he's going to make it, and he'll be fine in a few days but he's unable to walk till then he's still too badly shaken up to move on his own but he requested that Iris and her friends to go home and he'll follow
Iris: *shakes her head* no, I'm not going home yet
Ifalna: aren't you going to do what your father said?
Iris: I know but I don't want to leave his side, I'll wait till he gets better
Jennifer: than we'll stay with you too, Iris
Iris: no, I want you guys to go you all have families back there but mine's right here and I don't want to leave him, I hope you understand
Jennifer: all right I guess
Christi: well I guess you don't need us
Lena: well it was fun while it lasted we'll see you later, Iris
Iris: thank you guys
Ifalna: I'll arrange for someone to take you back to the Forgotten Capital, where you can rendezvous with Cid
Lena: oh, I almost forgot about him
Christ: well see ya later
*Later, the three girls are than taken back to the Forgotten Capital and are met by Cid*
Cid: huh? Back so soon, you were only gone for 10 minutes
Jennifer: 10 minutes? But we were gone for hours
Lena: time moves faster in the Promised Land remember?
Jennifer: oh yeah
Cid: hey where's Spike and his kid?
Christi: there was an accident and Mr. Strife is hurt, Iris decided to stay behind till he gets better
Jennifer: I hope he's okay
Cid: hey don't worry, I've known Cloud to get through even worse situations he'll bounce back before you know it, um what did happen to him anyway?
Lena: a statue crushed him
Cid: ow
*Later on the Highwind*
Jennifer: hey Christi when you said that was an accident that happened to Iris' father you don't really think?
Christi: I know what you mean, what happened there was no accident, someone intended to kill Iris
Lena: but who would do such a thing? And does Iris herself know?
Jennifer: Iris is my best friend, and I think she does know her life's in danger but....
Christi: she doesn't want to leave her daddy behind
Lena: let's all pray that Iris will come back alive
*Back at Iris and Cloud, Iris has entered her father's room and she is glad to see him sleeping soundly and peacefully*
Iris: *smiles and is able to take her father's hand* daddy, I'll never leave your side, I'm going to stay with you till we can go home and be a family again
*Meanwhile in the place of Darkness*
Sephiroth: you have failed
???: my apologize, Lord Sephiroth but the girl's father got in the way and I couldn't reveal myself just let me have one more chance the girl will die the next time her so called "love" for her father has left her in a state of vulnerability that leaves her exactly where I want her
Sephiroth: very well but if you fail again don't even think about coming back, the girl Cetra must be eliminated
???: yes my lord *turns and leaves*
Sephiroth: *laughs evilly* Cloud you have done it again, you've proved to me how stupid you really are, don't you realize you can't protect her forever? However on to bigger things once the child has been successfully eliminated, soon my love you'll come back and together we'll show the entire Planet retribution
*This dark scene is concluded by more of Sephiroth's evil laughter and many unanswered questions*
To be continued?
Man this story is taking me a lot longer than I expected, I was hoping to have concluded it in this chapter, oh well good things always comes in threes so stay tune for part three and the conclusion to this story :)
Mallow has finally come back from the dead after so long, so how does he feel? Feel's good that I've finally found time to write, for anyone who thought I would continue thank you, just know this I'll always write no matter what ANYONE says or does to me, finding the time to do it well that's another story I won't go into.
Also including to the people I wanted to say hi at the top in the authors notes I also want to extend a great thanks to my personal friend: The Big Schmoe. (you know who you are) who always kept telling me: "don't talk to me till you've written something so I can review it". Yeah so don't deny that you didn't say that Schmoe you know you did, it's true it's true and that my friend is true :) (also another personal thing that he would know)
PS: if you Schmoe go by ANY name starting with Pokemon when your reviewing this you know what I'll say and do
And to everyone else peace and I hope you guys aren't annoyed of me being Missing in Action for so long, my bad :)
*Groan*, do I really have to keep saying this? I guess I have to as long as there's lawyers that want to sue little ol' me in this world. Anyway I still don't own Final Fantasy VII and/or it's characters and locations, the only character that I do own is Iris Gainsborough Strife, Cloud and Aeris' amazing daughter who like or not will be in my future writings.
Iris' friends and several other characters I also do not own, as I said before in the last chapter, I am only borrowing the names of my reviewers for being so nice to me and helping me reach this stage of writing.
I dedicate this story to my usual readers and to anyone else, who is interested in reading it, I also dedicate this story to great Aeris/Cloud fan, Aeris Strife who like me is a Canadian, I always appreciate another Canadian reader. :)
Oh yeah I decided to add something new in most of my stories and add a Final Fantasy-like battle system into it, just to add more authentic feel for Final Fantasy in my story.
Now on to the story:
________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTER 1: A Fight and forgiveness between friends
The last time we left Iris, she was going into a personal depression. She always felt something was missing in her life, she than discovers what it was, her own mother. She than learns from a few of her father's friends the very special person that she was, however the knowledge only left her in a great curiosity to learn more, today she is going to visit the place of her own birth the Promised Land. However the dark forces are growing what is going to happen?
*Scene starts in Nibelheim, Iris is hanging out with her friends*
Iris: I'm telling you my mommy was the coolest, she was kind, very smart and she always placed others before she considered herself.
Lena: yeah suuuuuure Iris, you can come to all that conclusions of that all by what people tell you, next thing you'll be telling us that your mother was a Cetra
Iris: but she was
Lena: riiiiiight, Iris we believe you don't we?
Christi: not sure, like Iris you usually never lie to us like this before so I'm not sure whether your telling the truth or not
Jennifer: I believe you Iris
Lena: well I don't, no offense Iris but like it's a lot to take in for a person to not exist one day and suddenly you act like you personally know her it's kinda weird
Iris: I guess your right, but my daddy promised to take me to where I was born today to show me more of my mother's past and history
Jennifer: yeah that reminds me, we like know so much about you but we don't know things like this, so where were you born?
Iris: well.....I want to tell you but you will all laugh at me
Jennifer: come on we won't, were you born in Junon?
Iris: no
Christi: Kalm?
Iris: no
Lena: Costa Del Sol?
Iris: well daddy has a villa there but no
Lena: than where?
Iris: daddy told me.....I was born in the Promised Lands
*the three friends all look at Iris in shock*
Iris: you can start laughing at me now
Jennifer: did he really tell you that you were born there?
Iris: yes, oh no...I promised I was not supposed to tell anyone that
Lena: I think your making that up, your not really born there
Iris: I was so, if my daddy told me I was than I am
Lena: yeah right, if your daddy told you that you related to chocobos you'd believe that
Iris: you take that back!!!!
Lena: make me
Iris: ggggrrrrrr
(Battle Mode)
Iris- lv 1 HP 100 MP 0
Lena- lv 1 HP 90 MP 0
Iris: take that back!!!!! Your so mean Lena!!!!!
(Iris attacks, Lena damaged 10 HP)
Lena: ow, hey quit it Iris
(Lena attacks, Iris damaged 9 HP)
Jennifer: LENA!!! IRIS!!!!! STOP THIS!!!! Your friends
(End Battle mode)
Iris: your right...I'm sorry Lena
Lena: it's okay, but I never knew you could throw a punch like that Iris
Iris: neither did I, daddy always told me that I should never fight
Lena: I'm sorry, I shouldn't make fun of what your daddy but I couldn't help it
Iris: maybe I can convince daddy to take us all there
*Cloud enters*
Cloud: take you all where, honey?
Iris: daddy you promised me that you were going to take me to the Promise Land, can I take my best friends too?
Cloud: Iris, you didn't tell them
Iris: I'm sorry but it kinda slipped, but can I take them too? *makes puppy eyes* PWEESE? They won't tell anyone else and I want to show them
Cloud: how can I resist that look? Okay, I guess they can come along IF their parents say it's okay
Lena, Christi and Jenn: YAY!!!!
*a few hours later, on the Highwind*
Cloud: thank you, for taking us there, Cid
Cid: no problem Cloud but did you have to also bring Iris' little entourage?
Cloud: well she kinda convinced me
Cid: I'm telling ya kid, your letting your own daughter push you around
Cloud: perhaps your right but she always means well *smiles at her as she is playing on the deck* she reminds me so much of her mother, the way she looks, the way she always give people hope
Cid: dammit, Cloud you gotta one day forget about her and continue with your life, you know more than anyone else I hate seeing you as a wreck
Cloud: I don't know what to do anymore Cid, I just don't know
Cid: hey something troubling ya?
Cloud: well it's just that...
*Meanwhile*
Iris: it was so cool that your parents said yes you can come along but tell me how were you able to tell them without telling them where we were going?
Jennifer: well I told mine that we were going to the Gold Saucer
Christi: I told mine we were going to the mall
Lena: I told mine we were going to the museum
Iris: that's great
Jennifer: what do you think the Promised Land is like?
Iris: well I don't remember what it's like, the last time I was there I was only a baby
Christi: but I bet it's gonna be cool
Iris: yeah and we're going to see it together as we are friends, forever
*Scene back to Cid and Cloud*
Cid: so you keep dreamin' that Iris gets killed each and every time?
Cloud: yes, normally I wouldn't worry but the dream is so real, I never felt this way ever since Aeris...
Cid: kid it's only a dream, they don't mean anything
Cloud: I hope your right, Cid but
Cid: but what? Do you doubt me? When was the last time I wrong?
Cloud: do you want that alphabetically or chronologically?
Cid: well still I feel that what your worrying about is just plain stupid
Cloud: I REALLY hope your right Cid...
Chapter 2: The Reunion
*The scene is outside the Forgotten Continent*
Cloud: wait for us Cid, we won't be gone for more than a few minutes
Cid: how can you visit another world in only a few minutes
Cloud: I'd try and explain but I think that might do more harm than good just wait here, *turns to the children* well let's go kids
*After going through the temple to it's main shrine, (yep folks we all know what happened here)*
Cloud:.....we're here now all we do now is wait
Iris: is something wrong, daddy?
Cloud: no it's nothing, nothing at all
Jennifer: *whispers* wow your daddy doesn't seem to like being here
Christi: *whispers* especially in this room in particular
Lena: *whispers* what do you suppose happened here?
Iris: *whispers* I'm not sure, but I know it's something not good, father won't tell me if I ask him so I'll ask the Planet later
Jennifer: ask the Planet?
Iris: I'll explain later
*just than a bright light fills the area*
Voice: it has been awhile Cloud
Cloud: too long, Ifalna
Ifalna: (have you come for a visit?)
Cloud: yes, I brought my daughter and her friends, I want to show Iris her race
Ifalna: (Iris, my it has been six years since I last her in your time of course)
Cloud: in your time it should have been longer
Ifalna: (yes, it has been a very long time, I'll take you here just wait)
Cloud: okay
*There is another flash and this time the group is taken to the Promised Land*
Christi: okay, what just happened?
Jennifer: where are we?
Iris: are we? Daddy?
Cloud: yes, this is the Promised Land, you where you were born here in that town
*Iris takes a good look at the place it is a clean and filled with vegetation and flowers, there is a small town where there are people chatting happily amoung each other*
Iris: wow...this place is more beautiful than I thought, so where are we going first?
Cloud: to meet a relative of ours
*Cloud than leads the girls into the town, past several houses, stores until finally they reach a very bigger pretty white house*
Cloud: *knocks on the door*
*The door opens and Ifalna stands before them, she looks very much like a wiser version of Aeris she hasn't aged ever since her own death*
Ifalna: Cloud, is that my favorite son-in-law?
Cloud: I see you haven't lost your own charming demeanor, Ifalna usually the mothers HATE their sons in laws
Ifalna: how can I hate you? You looked after my daughter very well, gave our race another chance to live and saved this Planet...so where is that daughter of yours I haven't seen in awhile?
Cloud: over here *calls Iris and her friends over* Ifalna, this is Iris, *points to Iris* and these are her friends Jennifer, Christi and Lena
Ifalna: *smiles* oh my, you've grown up to be more like your mother than I had thought
Cloud: Iris this is your Grandmother, Ifalna Gast
Lena: *whispers* she looks WAY too young to look like a grandmother
*That response earned an elbow to the chest by Iris*
Lena: heh heh sorry
Ifalna: well before we get to introductions let me show you to your rooms
Cloud: rooms? No we aren't staying THAT long
Ifalna: nonsense your guests here and for not helping you that would be really rude, follow me, my husband and I will take you there
Chapter 3: Can We Ever Forgive Ourselves For the Past?
*After everyone got settled in, Iris and her friends are all sitting in the kitchen listening to Ifalna, Cloud is not there he is brooding in his room*
Iris: so you are my mother's mom?
Ifalna: that's right
Iris: than what about my other Grandmother back on the Planet?
Ifalna: yes her, Elmyra Gainsborough is your foster grandmother she took care of your mother when...I passed on
Iris: that is so sad, it must have been hard to give her up wasn't it?
Ifalna: yes it was, but I know I did the right thing well I'm going to go check on your father *gets up and leaves*
Iris: she must have went through a lot and suffered so many types of pain I feel really sorry for her
Planet: (she did went through a lot but she had no regrets, she did it for the love of her daughter and she would have done it again if it meant protecting her, your mother wanted to do the very same thing regarding you)
Iris: oh hi Planet
Jennifer: Planet?
Christi: who are you talking to Iris?
Iris: the Planet, The Planet can speak to me in my mind that's why only I can hear it
Lena: wow your so lucky Iris, you can hear what the Planet says what's it telling you now?
Iris: about my mother and her mother, so is this a family thing? Like grandmother sacrificed herself so that my mommy can live and my mommy sacrificed herself so I can live, will I ever need to do the same thing?
Planet: (when you are a mother you will find out but if you share the same heart as they do you will know that you will do anything for your family)
Iris: please Planet, I had a question to ask you earlier, why does daddy hate going to the Forgotten Capital so much?
Planet: (that was the place were your mother died at the hands of Sephiroth)
Iris: so that's why, but why is he still so sad about it, hasn't he overcome his sadness?, like he always seems so happy
Planet: (no, your father still has an enormous sadness in his heart....the reason why is because your father hasn't forgiven himself for the past)
*As Iris and the Planet talked (with Iris' friends all asking what's happening) Ifalna has reached Cloud's room*
Ifalna: so how is he, Henry?
Professor Gast: all he does is sit there, I've never seen anyone so depressed in my life
Ifalna: I'll talk to him *Ifalna enters Cloud's room* Cloud, are you going to sit there all day?
Cloud:....
Ifalna: now come don't you have ANYTHING to say?
Cloud: no
Ifalna: well you said something at least that's a start, anyway Cloud something is really troubling you, I can see through your mask of happiness you seem to put on every time you are with Iris
Cloud: what makes you so sure?
Ifalna: Cloud I'm your mother-in-law if I can't sense how your feeling than I'm not fit to mother anyone aren't I? Now please tell me your problems
Cloud: very well, it's about Aeris
Ifalna: is that all?
Cloud: no that's only part of the reason, seeing you again just reminds me so much of Aeris, heck you even look like her and I miss her a lot
Ifalna: *laughs* Cloud, the Planet tells me news everyday on how your doing when I ask, EVERYTHING seems to remind you of Aeris
Cloud: *blushes* okay you just remind me more of Aeris than anything else, *becomes serious* but you are so full of life, always happy just like Aeris was but now every time I see her it seems so weird because she's not. I always ask myself what would have happened if I was stronger?
Ifalna: why is that?
Cloud: well Sephiroth wouldn't have been able to toy with me and I would have been able to get to her in time and she would have still been alive, but I am so weak even today
Ifalna: Cloud what happened was not your fault you couldn't have prevented the events that happened and besides Aeris willingly sacrificed herself for you, Iris and everyone on the Planet. While I'm not a fan of her decision myself I respect it, besides she did it so you can be happy what would she have said when she sees you now?
Cloud: maybe she can tell me how much of a loser I am and how I can't keep my promises
Ifalna: your not even close Cloud
Cloud: sigh, I wish Aeris was still with me she always seemed to know more things than I did
Ifalna: tell me Cloud what are you waiting for?
Cloud: huh?
Ifalna: you didn't build an alter for my daughter in your own home and every night tell her the events of your day for nothing, so tell me what are you waiting for?
Cloud: how did you know about that? Oh right the Planet right, I'm not sure what your question means
Ifalna: take time to think about it, than tell me okay?
Cloud: *in a playful whiny tone* yes ma
Ifalna: *playfully punches him and laughs* now that's the mood I want to see you in
Cloud: I have to admit I feel much better, thank you
Ifalna: that's what mothers are for Cloud
Cloud: so what's up with you?
Ifalna: well the people here decided to vote for a mayor and apparently asked me to run
Cloud: and what did you say?
Ifalna: well I said I'll think about it
Cloud: I think you should you really are deserving of the role
Ifalna: well I'm not going to these things without a little time to think about it, it is a big responsibility
Cloud: well I think your up to it
Ifalna: so do you want to take Iris, sight seeing?
Cloud: okay
Ifalna: good I'll tell her and her friends *turns to leave*
Cloud: wait, Ifalna
Ifalna: yes?
Cloud: one more question, what happened to Aeris? Did her soul come here or is it coming here?
Ifalna: *shakes her head* no, but I know Aeris went somewhere even more special than here
Cloud: oh, I think she really deserves I guess that I'm not going to see her again
Ifalna: Cloud, stop thinking like that everything will work out you'll see
Cloud: I hope your right.....
As Cloud watches Ifalna leave his room Cloud can be heard saying
Cloud: for the sake of my sanity, I hope your right
Chapter 4: I'll Never Leave Your Side
*It is a few hours later, and Iris and her friends have seen a lot of the sights from the busy yet peaceful village, the many types of rare flora and fauna that live there and now they are heading for another destination on their tour the oldest Cetra Temple in the Promised Land*
Lena: *in a really excited voice* wow I never thought in my whole life I would EVER get to see the mythical Promised Land but I get to be friends with a real Cetra, this is SO cool *starts taking pictures with her convenient digital camera she brought*
Christi: I've never seen a place so quiet and peaceful this is the perfect vacation spot
Jennifer: I always knew you had something special Iris, but to be born in a place like this must be so incredible
Iris: aw shucks, I'm blushing *smiles*
Cloud: I know that this may seem like a great story to tell everyone but when you get back you can't tell anyone of this place
Christi: aw why?
Cloud: well back before any of you were even born there was an evil corporation that wanted to exploit the Mako of this place, they would have made this place like another wastedland
Lena: woah that's awful
Jennifer: why would anyone want to spoil a place like this?
Cloud: they don't care, they only want to make money (they were demons just like I was before I met you Aeris, only cared about money and nothing else)
Iris: so girls you won't tell anyone of this place, right?
Jennifer: I won't
Christi: you can count on me
Lena: neither will I, but I will have to develop the pictures I got here
Iris: you guys are the greatest friends anyone can ever ask for
Ifalna: well we're here this is one of the Cetra's oldest temples
Iris: wow, this place looks enormous
*Indeed it does in fact it looks like the Temple of the Ancients, well only more cheerful and old looking*
Ifalna: this temple was built by the very first Cetra people who came to the Promised Land they built that temple as a way of saying thank you to the Planet for everything it's done it's almost 4-5 thousand years old
Christi: man, at my house anything a few weeks or even months is considered old but a few thousand and it's still standing
Ifalna: well just barely, there is several people working on it's restoration every so often oh and here they are
*Just than a man and a woman come out of the temple*
Ifalna: this is Mel she's a historian and she determines what used to go where and what some rooms were used for
Mel: I usually write them down and file reports on how things should be made when I tell the workers when they work on the restoration, landmarks like this should be kept alive for many generations like you guys to see
Iris: doesn't it ever get lonely?
Mel: maybe a little but I don't consider this a job I consider this a passion
Ifalna: and this is Jordan he's head of the building work he receives the reports that Mel makes and instructs his team to follow exactly what was written down
Jordan: it's a tiring job but someone's gotta do it
Ifalna: would you like a look inside?
Iris: do you even need to ask? Let's go in daddy *runs excitedly in*
Cloud: *laughs and runs after her* easy we have all day
Mel: as much as we like to help with your tour, Ifalna we unfortunately have work to do
Ifalna: that's all right I was planning to do it myself, well let's go inside *Ifalna enters with the rest*
*Inside the temple, in a very ceremonious room that has many angel statues above it*
Ifalna: they say in this room our ancestors did most of it's praying
Iris: cool, what did they pray for?
Ifalna: they prayed for the well being of their loved ones that were still living on the Planet
*Just than Cloud gets one of his bad feelings*
Cloud: (something's wrong, why am I feeling this way?) *looks up at the ceiling to see one of the angel statues about to fall with Iris standing underneath it* HUH??!! IRIS!!!!!
The next few moments that happen seem to go in slow motion as Cloud is able to dive and push Iris out of the way but in the process gets crushed by the angel statue. Cloud is alive but in a lot of pain, he is able to whisper the name of his daughter before passing out.
Iris: DADDY!!!!! *runs up to Cloud* DADDY, ARE YOU ALRIGHT? Please say something to me, please you have to be alright
*One hour later, help came and the statue was moved off of Cloud and he was taken to Ifalna's house, Cloud was alive but had several broken ribs*
Iris: daddy, he almost got killed trying to save me
Ifalna: it wasn't your fault Iris, Cloud was doing the thing he does best and that is protecting people
*Just than Professor Gast exits Cloud's room*
Ifalna: how is he doing?
Gast: he's going to make it, and he'll be fine in a few days but he's unable to walk till then he's still too badly shaken up to move on his own but he requested that Iris and her friends to go home and he'll follow
Iris: *shakes her head* no, I'm not going home yet
Ifalna: aren't you going to do what your father said?
Iris: I know but I don't want to leave his side, I'll wait till he gets better
Jennifer: than we'll stay with you too, Iris
Iris: no, I want you guys to go you all have families back there but mine's right here and I don't want to leave him, I hope you understand
Jennifer: all right I guess
Christi: well I guess you don't need us
Lena: well it was fun while it lasted we'll see you later, Iris
Iris: thank you guys
Ifalna: I'll arrange for someone to take you back to the Forgotten Capital, where you can rendezvous with Cid
Lena: oh, I almost forgot about him
Christ: well see ya later
*Later, the three girls are than taken back to the Forgotten Capital and are met by Cid*
Cid: huh? Back so soon, you were only gone for 10 minutes
Jennifer: 10 minutes? But we were gone for hours
Lena: time moves faster in the Promised Land remember?
Jennifer: oh yeah
Cid: hey where's Spike and his kid?
Christi: there was an accident and Mr. Strife is hurt, Iris decided to stay behind till he gets better
Jennifer: I hope he's okay
Cid: hey don't worry, I've known Cloud to get through even worse situations he'll bounce back before you know it, um what did happen to him anyway?
Lena: a statue crushed him
Cid: ow
*Later on the Highwind*
Jennifer: hey Christi when you said that was an accident that happened to Iris' father you don't really think?
Christi: I know what you mean, what happened there was no accident, someone intended to kill Iris
Lena: but who would do such a thing? And does Iris herself know?
Jennifer: Iris is my best friend, and I think she does know her life's in danger but....
Christi: she doesn't want to leave her daddy behind
Lena: let's all pray that Iris will come back alive
*Back at Iris and Cloud, Iris has entered her father's room and she is glad to see him sleeping soundly and peacefully*
Iris: *smiles and is able to take her father's hand* daddy, I'll never leave your side, I'm going to stay with you till we can go home and be a family again
*Meanwhile in the place of Darkness*
Sephiroth: you have failed
???: my apologize, Lord Sephiroth but the girl's father got in the way and I couldn't reveal myself just let me have one more chance the girl will die the next time her so called "love" for her father has left her in a state of vulnerability that leaves her exactly where I want her
Sephiroth: very well but if you fail again don't even think about coming back, the girl Cetra must be eliminated
???: yes my lord *turns and leaves*
Sephiroth: *laughs evilly* Cloud you have done it again, you've proved to me how stupid you really are, don't you realize you can't protect her forever? However on to bigger things once the child has been successfully eliminated, soon my love you'll come back and together we'll show the entire Planet retribution
*This dark scene is concluded by more of Sephiroth's evil laughter and many unanswered questions*
To be continued?
Man this story is taking me a lot longer than I expected, I was hoping to have concluded it in this chapter, oh well good things always comes in threes so stay tune for part three and the conclusion to this story :)
Mallow has finally come back from the dead after so long, so how does he feel? Feel's good that I've finally found time to write, for anyone who thought I would continue thank you, just know this I'll always write no matter what ANYONE says or does to me, finding the time to do it well that's another story I won't go into.
Also including to the people I wanted to say hi at the top in the authors notes I also want to extend a great thanks to my personal friend: The Big Schmoe. (you know who you are) who always kept telling me: "don't talk to me till you've written something so I can review it". Yeah so don't deny that you didn't say that Schmoe you know you did, it's true it's true and that my friend is true :) (also another personal thing that he would know)
PS: if you Schmoe go by ANY name starting with Pokemon when your reviewing this you know what I'll say and do
And to everyone else peace and I hope you guys aren't annoyed of me being Missing in Action for so long, my bad :)