Chapter 2
"What's that sound? What..where am I..it's so dark." She started running forward as if a blind person, not knowing where she was going. The sound of gunfire she heard.
"Ahh..stop it..war..how evil.." She stopped, falling to her knees.
"What's it all for..what is this place? Ah.." She started crying again, with the sound of so much destruction, it was unbearable.
"Why am I here..was it because I followed him? Maybe he was right, I have sealed my fate here.I don't want to be here..damn war, damn him, damn everything!"
"Please don't say that. You were brought here because of destiny, and destiny cannot be changed. What happens, happens," said a beautiful young girl, a pink dress, smiling so sweetly.
"Who are you..?"
"My name is Aeris."
"Yes, and my name is," she stopped.
"Iris," the girl replied softly, "Correct?"
"How did you know?"
"Like I said, I knew you were coming, it was destiny and fate that brought you here. It cannot be changed."
"Where are we?" she asked, "It's so dark here.."
"We are inside the planet, spirit energy, we are inside the place labeled by humans as Lifestream.
"Lifestream? The planet? What is this world.."
"You are on Earth. Another Dimension. There are 6 Dimensional Shards. And there is a Defender from each of these. Once all of them are together.The Dimensional Sphere shall appear and the Dimensional Shards shall no longer exist. The Dimensional Sphere shall open the very gateway to heaven, which shall behold the ultimate warrior to stop Death... our Saviour."
"Heaven?"
"Yes..it's a lot to take in at first. Your friend, Zex Marius, was created to protect this person, and you and four others are created to protect him."
"What..I don't believe this..it's all a dream."
"It's a lot to take in, I know Iris, but... you must hurry and find Zex. You wonder what that black hole was? I see.... It was Dimensional Travel, it took all his energy to create it, and you happened to be there with him." Aeris smiled as if it were all so simple.
"Here, you must find the Defender. In the course of finding him, you will change history. Ultimately, in order to be applicable to be a Defender, your existance must not have a major impact on the Earth. In example, the planet would be destroyed if you were not there at all times. And a Defender must be away from their actual Sphere for a period of several years."
"Death is coming in the year 2010 A.D. on your Earth. You and Zex are not strong enough to take it head on. You must find the others to open the Dimensional Sphere. It is our only salvation.." Aeris said finally concluding, sounding like a maniac.
"It sounds so much like a fantasy, so unreal. You know all this at once..how..."
"I speak with your planet as well as mine, they tell me, they know the future far more then any of us, and you should not underestimate them. Now, go, leave Lifestream and return to the outer world." Aeris said this with one final smile, and a little wave with her petite fingers.
"What about you.where am I going.I have no idea where this place is.." And the world started moving past her, the darkness turned into green light as she was pushed upward toward an opening, where finally, she emerged. The light was no longer green, but red..much larger than the sun.
"I see you've finally made it." Again, it was so dark and confusing.
"Where are we?"
"The world in which the ancients were created. Some say this was the first dimension to be created, because the ancients first lived here. Hah. Jenova was also created from this place. You're so naïve of this knowledge for the person Aeris says you are."
"Who IS Aeris anyway? Who are you? Where are you?" Iris asked random questions in confusion and anxiety.
"I'm right here. Don't you recognize me? As for Aeris, she is the guardian of this dimension."
"Guardian?"
"Yes, she is the guardian of this planet. She protects and nourishes its soil, its blood. She is the one who makes the grass green."
"Oh..the guardian of the planet..." said Iris softly to herself.
"Naive child. Now, I've got business to attend to. Coming?"
"Yes," she said, looking around at her surroundings. Not so dark, the meteor lit up the planet. She looked around.
"The grass, it's so green here, it glows so brightly.."
"It's called the promised land. We are not quite to the true world yet. As I said, we'd best get going. Take my hand, Iris."
Iris had to step back, as bright white light surrounded Zex, it covered his whole body, she couldn't see anything but his dark, brown hair. And then, the white light took form of wings, and released Zex from their grasp; he rose into the air, the green grass swayed in all directions away from him.
Iris took his hand, "Don't be afraid, Iris, you'll be just fine. Lets hurry now." They both started flying upwards into the air, his wings were so beautiful; perfectly white.
"We're really flying, aren't we?"
"Yes," he smiled for the first time. He put his arms around her, his wings flying them safely towards the new world.
"You know.. when I first met you, you were so cold, and now you seem so warm." She closed her eyes against the darkness.
The force against them began to increase, even with her eyes closed, she could feel they had entered the planets atmosphere; the wind blew heavily against them. She had not dare open her eyes, because the pain would be intense.
"I can't wait to get to the planet to see what its like.... The wind is too much for my eyes." She giggled impatiently.
"That's not a problem," he said, flapping his wings against the gravity, stopping further movement.
"You can look now. You'll probably get a better view from the air than down there.
"Wow.it's beautiful.it must be winter here, the snow is so pretty. So are the trees." Zex chuckled. "There's the Icicle Inn, we'll be stopping there temporarily, alright?"
"Whatever you say, Zex." She closed her eyes and Zex flapped his wings, flying down below again, their destination reachable within minutes.
Zex flapped his wings once again, for the final time, as he landed perfectly. He let Iris down gently, and his wings disappeared into the snow.
"Here we are. We'll be making a stop here. I know we've been on a long journey, and we can't do our mission without some rest. Right?"
"Gotcha." Iris giggled, giving him thumbs up.
They both walked through the wooden door, taking a look around. "Seems like a pretty nice place.warm enough,"Zex said.
Iris nodded.
They walked up to the counter, "Do you have any vacant rooms?"
"Yes, it will be 100 gil please."
"Yes, here it is," he handed her several coins.
"Your room is up the stairs, third room on the right Sir."
"Thank you." He nodded to Iris, and they walked over to the stairs.
"You want to go look around a while, or go on to bed?" Zex asked her politely. "I'm going to go take a look around.you coming?"
"No, have fun. Don't stay out too late. We have to get an early start." "Right." He chuckled, and turned his back to her, slowly walking up the wooden stairs.
"This is such a beautiful place. I wish we could stay here forever!" Iris said gleefully, dancing around in the snow. She picked up some snow, and threw it up into the air.
"You like the snow, Miss?" said a man in a dark, red cloak.
"Yes.where I come from, the snow is not so beautiful."
He smiled, and nodded. "Yes, it's quite beautiful, I agree. It's not quite like this anywhere else. it's really a wonder, Miss."
"You can call me Iris," she giggled.
"Vincent." He smiled so much like a gentlemen.
"Vincent, what are you doing here?"
"We are following a man with a black cape and a long sword. Perhaps you have seen him?" Vincent asked questionably, obviously here for that very purpose of finding him.
"No. May I ask who he is?" Iris asked equally curious.
"Sephiroth. He is.. of great interest to my party."
"Who's in your party?" Iris asked curiously.
"Those people right over there," he answered simply. Iris looked over in that direction in shock. There was a large, red dog... And there was also-
Vincent interrupted her thoughts. "Hey. I'll talk to you later. You indicated you were going somewhere. Right?"
"Yea.I must be going now, Vincent. I have to get an early start tomorrow. Really wish we could stay here forever."
"Who are you going with, Iris?" Vincent asked curiously.
"This guy.Zex. Really a great guy, you know. He's showing me the sites." Iris giggled merrily again.
"Ah. You're climbing the mountain?" Vincent asked with curiosity.
"What mountain.oh.that.I don't know. We just got here. Zex hasn't said a thing. I've really got to go. Thanks, Vincent. Hope you have a nice trip too."
Vincent nodded, and walked slowly through the snow. Iris walked her own path as well, back to the Inn, to meet Zex again.
"Hey. I met this guy.He was really odd but.. He was such a gentlemen, he had a beautiful smile, and I think you should try it sometime."
Iris giggled, Zex looking slightly annoyed.
"I'm just kidding. You're more handsome, and have a more beautiful smile, you just need to let it out more."
Zex smirked, and stood up to Iris. "Think so?"
"Yea, really!"
"My smile.you're the one with the beautiful smile. You're always smiling. You're so happy. You should be talking about yourself. I have no need for such things," Zex said.
Zex was shaking. "No.I'm talking about you."
"Iris.I.Have no interest for that. We have much more important things to do."
"You don't have to say it. I know what you're feeling. I feel it too! I didn't just drag you out of the street for no reason, it's too unrealistic. But you're afraid to admit it, I felt something about you. I know it. You're so calm and peaceful, so thoughtful, and you try so hard to hide your smile, to hide your feelings. I'm just trying to bring it out, Zex. I feel it for you." Iris sighed.
"Iris.I do...care for you.but.I'm so lost trying to complete all these missions to save the.planet.And I don't even notice these feelings...Iris.
"It's ok. Just let it out, stop being so defensive," Iris giggled.
"Sorry.I've just...never felt like this before. I can't handle this.
"You'll be alright." Iris nodded.
"You are so beautiful, but until now I've tried to ignore it because I'm so focused..."
Iris nuzzled into his arms, "No.I knew you cared for me a while ago.please don't try to hide it anymore. You do a horrible job trying to say no." Iris grinned, and Zex was speechless. He just nodded.
They looked into each other's eyes for several minutes, he wanted to kiss her, and now that he knew what he felt was true.
"Iris.lets be together forever, ok? Lets promise each other that. I want to protect you. If you die, I die."
"You feel so much for me.in such a short time.it's so weird.It's more than sexual lust.I just know this is like...a pre-made fate. Shall I be the one for you? Yes." she sighed, and hugged him eternally.
"Its such a weird place to fall in love. In another dimension.Iris.I don't know why I didn't tell you. I tried to throw you off. I'm sorry."
"Zex, do yourself a favor. Be quiet, and close your eyes," she said.
"If I close mine, you close yours." They both did so. And as their lips touched, they both felt it more powerfully than ever. They truly knew they had to be together...it was like a strange pre-determined fate.
"I promise," they both said. She threw her head into his arms, and started crying.
"I've never felt this way about anyone in my entire life. And all this has happened in less than a week!" Zex knew what she felt. He felt it too...
Zex nodded as he stroked her hair, "Your so beautiful, mentally and physically." She cuddled into a relaxed position, and rested next to him.
"Eternally Forever, Iris...." He continued to stroke her hair.
"Iris.you all right?" he asked.
"Yes.I'm fine.but tired." She answered in a low voice.
"Then have sweet dreams, Iris dear." Zex whispered softly into her ear.
Iris was asleep just like that. She fell asleep smiling, he could already tell.
Zex continued to stroke her hair, now knowing the effect of love. He cared about her, he really did.
"If you die, a part of me will die. And I won't be able to live any longer Iris; I will protect you.I promise. Eternally Forever."
Zex whispered silently to her, until he finally fell asleep with her, dreaming about.Iris.
"What's that sound? What..where am I..it's so dark." She started running forward as if a blind person, not knowing where she was going. The sound of gunfire she heard.
"Ahh..stop it..war..how evil.." She stopped, falling to her knees.
"What's it all for..what is this place? Ah.." She started crying again, with the sound of so much destruction, it was unbearable.
"Why am I here..was it because I followed him? Maybe he was right, I have sealed my fate here.I don't want to be here..damn war, damn him, damn everything!"
"Please don't say that. You were brought here because of destiny, and destiny cannot be changed. What happens, happens," said a beautiful young girl, a pink dress, smiling so sweetly.
"Who are you..?"
"My name is Aeris."
"Yes, and my name is," she stopped.
"Iris," the girl replied softly, "Correct?"
"How did you know?"
"Like I said, I knew you were coming, it was destiny and fate that brought you here. It cannot be changed."
"Where are we?" she asked, "It's so dark here.."
"We are inside the planet, spirit energy, we are inside the place labeled by humans as Lifestream.
"Lifestream? The planet? What is this world.."
"You are on Earth. Another Dimension. There are 6 Dimensional Shards. And there is a Defender from each of these. Once all of them are together.The Dimensional Sphere shall appear and the Dimensional Shards shall no longer exist. The Dimensional Sphere shall open the very gateway to heaven, which shall behold the ultimate warrior to stop Death... our Saviour."
"Heaven?"
"Yes..it's a lot to take in at first. Your friend, Zex Marius, was created to protect this person, and you and four others are created to protect him."
"What..I don't believe this..it's all a dream."
"It's a lot to take in, I know Iris, but... you must hurry and find Zex. You wonder what that black hole was? I see.... It was Dimensional Travel, it took all his energy to create it, and you happened to be there with him." Aeris smiled as if it were all so simple.
"Here, you must find the Defender. In the course of finding him, you will change history. Ultimately, in order to be applicable to be a Defender, your existance must not have a major impact on the Earth. In example, the planet would be destroyed if you were not there at all times. And a Defender must be away from their actual Sphere for a period of several years."
"Death is coming in the year 2010 A.D. on your Earth. You and Zex are not strong enough to take it head on. You must find the others to open the Dimensional Sphere. It is our only salvation.." Aeris said finally concluding, sounding like a maniac.
"It sounds so much like a fantasy, so unreal. You know all this at once..how..."
"I speak with your planet as well as mine, they tell me, they know the future far more then any of us, and you should not underestimate them. Now, go, leave Lifestream and return to the outer world." Aeris said this with one final smile, and a little wave with her petite fingers.
"What about you.where am I going.I have no idea where this place is.." And the world started moving past her, the darkness turned into green light as she was pushed upward toward an opening, where finally, she emerged. The light was no longer green, but red..much larger than the sun.
"I see you've finally made it." Again, it was so dark and confusing.
"Where are we?"
"The world in which the ancients were created. Some say this was the first dimension to be created, because the ancients first lived here. Hah. Jenova was also created from this place. You're so naïve of this knowledge for the person Aeris says you are."
"Who IS Aeris anyway? Who are you? Where are you?" Iris asked random questions in confusion and anxiety.
"I'm right here. Don't you recognize me? As for Aeris, she is the guardian of this dimension."
"Guardian?"
"Yes, she is the guardian of this planet. She protects and nourishes its soil, its blood. She is the one who makes the grass green."
"Oh..the guardian of the planet..." said Iris softly to herself.
"Naive child. Now, I've got business to attend to. Coming?"
"Yes," she said, looking around at her surroundings. Not so dark, the meteor lit up the planet. She looked around.
"The grass, it's so green here, it glows so brightly.."
"It's called the promised land. We are not quite to the true world yet. As I said, we'd best get going. Take my hand, Iris."
Iris had to step back, as bright white light surrounded Zex, it covered his whole body, she couldn't see anything but his dark, brown hair. And then, the white light took form of wings, and released Zex from their grasp; he rose into the air, the green grass swayed in all directions away from him.
Iris took his hand, "Don't be afraid, Iris, you'll be just fine. Lets hurry now." They both started flying upwards into the air, his wings were so beautiful; perfectly white.
"We're really flying, aren't we?"
"Yes," he smiled for the first time. He put his arms around her, his wings flying them safely towards the new world.
"You know.. when I first met you, you were so cold, and now you seem so warm." She closed her eyes against the darkness.
The force against them began to increase, even with her eyes closed, she could feel they had entered the planets atmosphere; the wind blew heavily against them. She had not dare open her eyes, because the pain would be intense.
"I can't wait to get to the planet to see what its like.... The wind is too much for my eyes." She giggled impatiently.
"That's not a problem," he said, flapping his wings against the gravity, stopping further movement.
"You can look now. You'll probably get a better view from the air than down there.
"Wow.it's beautiful.it must be winter here, the snow is so pretty. So are the trees." Zex chuckled. "There's the Icicle Inn, we'll be stopping there temporarily, alright?"
"Whatever you say, Zex." She closed her eyes and Zex flapped his wings, flying down below again, their destination reachable within minutes.
Zex flapped his wings once again, for the final time, as he landed perfectly. He let Iris down gently, and his wings disappeared into the snow.
"Here we are. We'll be making a stop here. I know we've been on a long journey, and we can't do our mission without some rest. Right?"
"Gotcha." Iris giggled, giving him thumbs up.
They both walked through the wooden door, taking a look around. "Seems like a pretty nice place.warm enough,"Zex said.
Iris nodded.
They walked up to the counter, "Do you have any vacant rooms?"
"Yes, it will be 100 gil please."
"Yes, here it is," he handed her several coins.
"Your room is up the stairs, third room on the right Sir."
"Thank you." He nodded to Iris, and they walked over to the stairs.
"You want to go look around a while, or go on to bed?" Zex asked her politely. "I'm going to go take a look around.you coming?"
"No, have fun. Don't stay out too late. We have to get an early start." "Right." He chuckled, and turned his back to her, slowly walking up the wooden stairs.
"This is such a beautiful place. I wish we could stay here forever!" Iris said gleefully, dancing around in the snow. She picked up some snow, and threw it up into the air.
"You like the snow, Miss?" said a man in a dark, red cloak.
"Yes.where I come from, the snow is not so beautiful."
He smiled, and nodded. "Yes, it's quite beautiful, I agree. It's not quite like this anywhere else. it's really a wonder, Miss."
"You can call me Iris," she giggled.
"Vincent." He smiled so much like a gentlemen.
"Vincent, what are you doing here?"
"We are following a man with a black cape and a long sword. Perhaps you have seen him?" Vincent asked questionably, obviously here for that very purpose of finding him.
"No. May I ask who he is?" Iris asked equally curious.
"Sephiroth. He is.. of great interest to my party."
"Who's in your party?" Iris asked curiously.
"Those people right over there," he answered simply. Iris looked over in that direction in shock. There was a large, red dog... And there was also-
Vincent interrupted her thoughts. "Hey. I'll talk to you later. You indicated you were going somewhere. Right?"
"Yea.I must be going now, Vincent. I have to get an early start tomorrow. Really wish we could stay here forever."
"Who are you going with, Iris?" Vincent asked curiously.
"This guy.Zex. Really a great guy, you know. He's showing me the sites." Iris giggled merrily again.
"Ah. You're climbing the mountain?" Vincent asked with curiosity.
"What mountain.oh.that.I don't know. We just got here. Zex hasn't said a thing. I've really got to go. Thanks, Vincent. Hope you have a nice trip too."
Vincent nodded, and walked slowly through the snow. Iris walked her own path as well, back to the Inn, to meet Zex again.
"Hey. I met this guy.He was really odd but.. He was such a gentlemen, he had a beautiful smile, and I think you should try it sometime."
Iris giggled, Zex looking slightly annoyed.
"I'm just kidding. You're more handsome, and have a more beautiful smile, you just need to let it out more."
Zex smirked, and stood up to Iris. "Think so?"
"Yea, really!"
"My smile.you're the one with the beautiful smile. You're always smiling. You're so happy. You should be talking about yourself. I have no need for such things," Zex said.
Zex was shaking. "No.I'm talking about you."
"Iris.I.Have no interest for that. We have much more important things to do."
"You don't have to say it. I know what you're feeling. I feel it too! I didn't just drag you out of the street for no reason, it's too unrealistic. But you're afraid to admit it, I felt something about you. I know it. You're so calm and peaceful, so thoughtful, and you try so hard to hide your smile, to hide your feelings. I'm just trying to bring it out, Zex. I feel it for you." Iris sighed.
"Iris.I do...care for you.but.I'm so lost trying to complete all these missions to save the.planet.And I don't even notice these feelings...Iris.
"It's ok. Just let it out, stop being so defensive," Iris giggled.
"Sorry.I've just...never felt like this before. I can't handle this.
"You'll be alright." Iris nodded.
"You are so beautiful, but until now I've tried to ignore it because I'm so focused..."
Iris nuzzled into his arms, "No.I knew you cared for me a while ago.please don't try to hide it anymore. You do a horrible job trying to say no." Iris grinned, and Zex was speechless. He just nodded.
They looked into each other's eyes for several minutes, he wanted to kiss her, and now that he knew what he felt was true.
"Iris.lets be together forever, ok? Lets promise each other that. I want to protect you. If you die, I die."
"You feel so much for me.in such a short time.it's so weird.It's more than sexual lust.I just know this is like...a pre-made fate. Shall I be the one for you? Yes." she sighed, and hugged him eternally.
"Its such a weird place to fall in love. In another dimension.Iris.I don't know why I didn't tell you. I tried to throw you off. I'm sorry."
"Zex, do yourself a favor. Be quiet, and close your eyes," she said.
"If I close mine, you close yours." They both did so. And as their lips touched, they both felt it more powerfully than ever. They truly knew they had to be together...it was like a strange pre-determined fate.
"I promise," they both said. She threw her head into his arms, and started crying.
"I've never felt this way about anyone in my entire life. And all this has happened in less than a week!" Zex knew what she felt. He felt it too...
Zex nodded as he stroked her hair, "Your so beautiful, mentally and physically." She cuddled into a relaxed position, and rested next to him.
"Eternally Forever, Iris...." He continued to stroke her hair.
"Iris.you all right?" he asked.
"Yes.I'm fine.but tired." She answered in a low voice.
"Then have sweet dreams, Iris dear." Zex whispered softly into her ear.
Iris was asleep just like that. She fell asleep smiling, he could already tell.
Zex continued to stroke her hair, now knowing the effect of love. He cared about her, he really did.
"If you die, a part of me will die. And I won't be able to live any longer Iris; I will protect you.I promise. Eternally Forever."
Zex whispered silently to her, until he finally fell asleep with her, dreaming about.Iris.