It was dark, there. Only a minute ago it had been bright, but now it was dark, graying, with swirling edges. And it was cold. She couldn't really feel it, yet she knew it was cold. How do I know, if I can't feel anything? She couldn't explain. But it was dark, and it was cold. And she couldn't see, and she couldn't feel, and it didn't matter. It wouldn't matter even more in a moment. She knew that. And it didn't bother her. Why don't I cry out? Why don't I say something? Reach out to him?

But she was too frozen, and her body didn't want to rally itself to move anymore. It was time to lay down and rest. And she knew, without really caring, or understanding why she didn't care, that she'd never get up again. Everything was dimmed, and she could hear people calling her name. Tifa? Yuffie? Cloud?

Cloud. She thought. I wanted to know him, to understand him. To love him, she admitted to herself. I could have thawed him. He was cold...but I could have thawed him. I could have warmed his heart. He wasn't really cold. Just lost...alone...where is he now? I can't see him...Cloud? I...I loved you. You were always so brave. I wish...I could see you now.

Take care of him, Tifa. She felt her inward self smiling. I know he never loved me. He loved you...but that's all right. It's better, now, anyway. Take care of him for me. Make him happy...and be happy...and prosper. With the planet...

The planet. Have I saved the planet? Will my prayers be answered? Was I...too late? She strained to see, but her eyes wouldn't obey...eyes? Where were her eyes? Her arms, her legs...she couldn't feel them. Was I too late? It is too late, now. Everything's so...cold...where am I? Why can't I hear them anymore? Cloud?

And the ancients? I'm the last...there aren't any more. I'm the last...and then...the ancients are gone, forever? Was I...supposed to live, to live on and replenish the ancients? Was I supposed to bring them back...with Cloud? It was getting darker, and she was having trouble formulating thoughts. Maybe...I was supposed to...die. Maybe I have saved the planet...by going back to it.

It was pitch black now. I'm slipping away. It really is too late, isn't it? What about the others...what will they say when they know I've failed? Will they hate me? Or will they just...forget me? I don't want to be forgotten...Cloud? Tifa? Yuffie? Barret, Red? Where are you? Tell me you won't forget me...I want to be remembered...or I'll really die...don't forget the ancients...I've failed?

Suddenly, a stream of light invaded her senses. She could feel herself being lifted, her eyes...closed yet open to the world. And there was a voice...something wet fell on her cheek...Cloud?? You're...here with me...I haven't failed? Have I...no...I've...saved them, then? They're alive? And...it darkened again, but not with the same decisiveness as before, more with a glimmer of hope shining through. I haven't failed...Cloud...I love you...I'm alright...I won't...be forgotten...

And it was black. And she felt nothing. But it wasn't cold anymore, it was warm...Goodbye...