Chapter 12

TWO CETRAS, ONE DESTINY

Today I'm gonna bring her to find out what happened. Finally I did it. This is my reason why I'm here : to solve this trouble. I already know the matter, but there are still unexplained things happened. I got a vision from my meditation last night, a cruel vision. I found myself walking with no direction within darkness, and then I found a glittering green light. Did it mean Lifestream ? Heck… is there another answer ? But that's not it that made me have uneasy feeling, until now. There, I saw her half-flying, unconscious. When I tried to touch her, a strange bright light suddenly appeared and then wrapped her body, or…devoured her ? I saw her face showed a pain expression. I've tried to rescue her, but that wrapping light pushed me back with unseen energy. I tried and tried until suddenly I felt pain inside my mind, like crowd voice whirled into my brain, until I heard someone or something tried to tell something. I was sure that wasn't Planet. I'm SURE about it ! It sounded so…cold, so cynical, but I didn't have any idea who or what it was. It only said she made her mistake in the past, and must be  purified. I didn't really understand it, but I am sure this related to our problem.

I have to succeed on this mission. She's my future after all…if I said it at this moment. I hope that everything goes well. If I fail, then the cost is too high to pay. This is what a Cetra must do.

About my strange physical change…gosh…what really happened to me ? This isn't supposed to be like this…Should I tell Aeris ? Is it a good idea ? She will surely ask for more explanation…(I know her, how she cares about other people)…but that's something I want to conceal from her…until the right time comes.

Vic reads his writing once more, and with gentle motion, he closes his journal and puts it inside his jacket. He turns his face to the dawning sky outside, savoring the beautiful east horizon nuance. At a moment, a little thought drops by his mind, telling that he should enjoy this view since this might be his last chance. Vic only smiles faintly on such thought. He knows it may be right.

It's dawning already…I should go now….Vic stands up and reaches his masamune sword laid on the table. Carefully, he draws it from its sheath, revealing a long sparkling blade. He studies it with glaring eyes as if he has already shared part of his life with his sword.

I'll be counting on you, my sword, Final Glitter…Perhaps this time you will face different enemies…

Vic puts his Final Glitter back into the wooden sheath with care. After glancing once again into east horizon, he then prepares his belongings and some Materias. Finally, he steps toward outside room.

…………………..

Aeris finally reaches Midgar's outskirt area. After reaching a grass area, she manages her breath as she runs out of it.  Her eyes scan her surrounding to find someone she is looking for, probably has been waiting for her. Eventually she wipes her sweat from her forehead, and it makes her look exotic, reflected by the morning sunlight.

"You made it here…". A familiar voice suddenly pops up from behind. Quickly, Aeris turns her body and her eyes find a man is leaning on a big rock, watching her behind his sunglass. She grins at the man.

"Hi…been waiting long ?", Aeris greets Vic with embarrassed expression . "I'm sorry…I just needed to see Elmyra… my foster mother…". She then looks at Vic, giving him a sorry look.

Vic chuckles. "It's okay, Aeris…Actually I've just came here too…". He walks approaching Aeris. "So, you've made your mind…".

Aeris nods her head. "But I need more explanation Vic…I know it's dangerous, and I need to know what kind of danger it is". Vic stares at her for a moment, he rubs his chin, thinking.

"Well..maybe a short brief will make things clearer…", he mumbles. "All right. We both know that Planet is in danger…again. Planet has contacted you, but it didn't clearly tell the message. I, somehow, knew that danger already. I've told you some days ago that Planet suffered because its leakage. Frankly speaking…your revival played a major role on it…", Vic's voice trails off. He needs to know Aeris' response upon reaching a bitter fact. Aeris sits on top of small boulder, with a bold tone, she responds, "Go on, Vic". Vic gazes at her for a while, and he concludes that she is ready for further explanation from him.

"I must tell you that isn't something bad after all…It was Planet's wish that you've been resurrected. No…the real threat is not the Planet's hole, but as I told yesterdays…there is something beneath Lifestream that tries to exploit Planet's leakage for a plan….". Vic pauses for a moment and then stares at the dawning sky. "I don't know anything about that…but I'm quite sure that isn't something good for us…So we must investigate it before too late…yet this will be a dangerous thing".

"I'm ready, Vic…just stop worrying me like a mother warns her kid…", Aeris exclaims cheerfully. Vic is very surprised to know Aeris' response. When he first told her about the situation, she seemed very shocked, but now, she is very different. Vic thinks that something must be happened. Finally, he speaks up again, "Aeris, do you trust me ?".

With innocent expression, Aeris replies, "I do, Vic…that's why I'm here…don't you agree ?", Aeris asks him back. Vic nods his head. Aeris giggles a little, and it makes Vic puzzled. "What's the matter ?", he scratches his head, unable to understand her. "No…it's just…", Aeris replies in middle of her giggling, "…sometimes you're just like him…Cloud…". Vic's eyes grow wide to hear Aeris' answer. A surprised expression is clearly depicted on his face at first, but he then smiles, a meaningful smile.

"Yeah…whatever…", Vic responds lightheartedly. Vic feels very sure now that she has done something about him. Aeris looks calm today, different from last time he saw her.

"Where are we going now Vic ?", Aeris asks Vic what to do next. Vic replies with his thumb pointing to two golden chocobos not far from them. "Let's try Mideel", he adds his gesture answer.

"Wow ! Chocobos ! Golden ones !", Aeris cries out shortly, her eyes sparkle to see  two chocobos are standing on top of grass area. "It's been long time since I rode that bird !", she exclaims excitedly.

…………….

Cloud slumps his back on the chair. He sinks himself in deep contemplation. Chirping birds in the morning does not seem to be able to distract his attention, yet he feels this time it is annoying him. Eventually he squeezes a paper on his hand. Short time later, he runs his hand through his spiky hair. Impatiently, he reads writing on the paper. Actually he has done it several times since he found the paper laid in front of his door this morning, yet he is very bothered by writing on that paper. Slowly, his Mako-blue eyes read every word written in front of him.

Dearest Cloud,

You might not understand why you find this letter in front of your room this morning, but you can't ask me since I won't be here by the time you finish reading my letter. I have an important thing to do, and once again, it's only me who could settle it. If you ever ask about my important thing I mentioned, then honestly, I can't give you answer, because I also find it is still misty. It is Vic, my new friend, who understands more about the matter. He's Cetra too…just like me. Several days ago, I got unclear contact with Planet, and it was Vic who told me what really happened now.

Cloud, Planet is suffering again. Seems we left a lot of trace since our first adventure, huh ? I don't know what danger is awaiting for me, but I'm very sure I can solve it, at all costs. Cloud, this event was ever happened in the past, do you remember ? Sleeping Forest….Now I'm not going there, but I still go for other's sake, and for Planet's sake. The difference is….I can't promise you that I'll be back when it's all over….

My knight Alfred, I'm sorry I might not be able to come to your wedding day….Be with Tifa, she loves you very much…but if you ask me, I'll never forget our first, and also the last date at Gold Saucer. I can still remember every moment when we were there, they were so nice and beautiful. Thank you Cloud, for bringing me happiness and joy, even it was just for a moment.  Be strong, Cloud Strife…and I want to meet you…always…

With all my heart,

Aeris

Cloud closes his eyes and bites his lip, fighting his own mixed feeling. Fear, regret, lost, sorrow, those feelings scramble within his heart wildly. He knows he must find explanation for Aeris' leave, but he does not know where to start. Aeris did not mention where she headed, thus it makes him completely clueless. Moreover, he asks himself about her leave. Sure, it is something that hurts him. For a reason, he always wants to see her, and more, he wants to be close to her.

"CLOUD !! Aeris' …she's gone !!". Suddenly Yuffie gets out from her room and dashes toward Cloud. She looks very shocked yet worried. Cloud just looks at her with blank look, although he does not know how Yuffie knows about Aeris' leave. Yuffie shows a piece of paper on her hand to Cloud, and with her gesture she tells Cloud to read it. Surprised enough, Cloud skims the writing on Yuffie's paper. On the other side, Yuffie also notices there is a paper on Cloud's hand, resembling to hers. They then look at each other, and finally they know.

"She wrote letters to everyone here…", Yuffies stutters. Cloud nods his head, reluctantly, he responds, "Yeah…I think so….".

"Hey, kid !! What #$^%@ happened to Aeris !!??", Cid's famous cursing suddenly fills the air around Cloud and Yuffie. Cid quickly goes down and joins his friends.

"She wrote a letter to you, right ?", Yuffie asks Cid, as if she already knows what will Cid do next. Surprised, Cid asks her back, "How do you know…?".

"Spikey !!! What dis letter mean !!??", Barret's gruff voice now echoes at every corner as he approaches the rest. There is a piece of paper in his hand, resembles to the others'.

"Hey ! What's going on ? Why is everyone gathering here ?", suddenly Tifa pops up from kitchen. Cloud glances at her for a while, and then to the rest of the Avalanche with blank look.

"Cloud ?? Are you okay ?", Tifa and Yuffie asks him almost in unison. Cloud looks spiritless, yet depressed. After taking a deep breath, he then announces, "Guys…let's call the others and talk about this…now !".

……………..

"So….she's going to save the world again…", Red XIII mutters to himself. He then spreads his look to his comrades who remain in silent. All Avalanche members except Aeris gathered and discussed about what happened to their lost friend. They knew it after finding their letters this morning. Surely Aeris prepared everything, she had written letters to everyone in The Avalanche.

"She cares us very much….she wrote different letters for everyone here…", Cait Sith joins in. "She told me to do some more practice on my fortune-telling…what a caring girl…", the cat continues.

From her silence, Tifa finally speaks up with low voice, "Actually…I didn't receive letter from her…but last night…we talked a lot and it was more than farewell letter for me…". All eyes are on Tifa now after she finishes her words. Tifa then continues, "Last night she talked about something...that she'll eventually leave for us…she said she had a responsibility as being Cetra, so did Vic. From her, I now understand that we left so many things behind since our first adventure.". She strokes her hair backward as she finishes her words and hangs her head down.

"Did she ever mention where she'll go ?", Cloud asks with hopeful tone. If no one else knows where Aeris now is, even him, then it's up to Tifa now, who hopefully will reveal a clue for him. Cloud really puts his hope on Tifa. Tifa remains silent, she replays last night event with Aeris inside her mind, trying to find anything, even very small thing, that may lead to a clue where Aeris went. After thinking a moment, Tifa shakes her head slowly, her eyes look so sad. "No…", she responds shortly, yet sadly.

Cloud lets out a sigh from his mouth and slumps his back on a chair again. "Good…", he chides the situation. "What now, Cloud ?", Cait Sith asks him. Considering several things for a moment, Cloud then stares at his friends who are waiting for his response.

"We can't let her go…Our past experience has taught us not to let her go alone….", Cloud answers the question, his voice is rather trembling. "Now…we should go look for her !!". He slams the table in front of him impatiently as he finally concludes what to do next.

"Good answer…but where ?". From a dark corner, Vincent asks all of a sudden, with his cold tone. "I've considered it", Cloud replies quickly. He then looks at the cold man with serious expression. "If we're looking for her regarding Cetra and Planet matter…then there'll be some places to visit ! Maybe it'd be like finding a needle in haystack, but hell…if that's what supposed to be, then let it be !". Cloud's tone sounds very enthusiast now. "How about that, guys ?", finally he asks back his friends, demanding a feed back.

"Guess that's best thing to do, kid !", Cid is the first who responds, "I'll have Shera gets Highwind here, and then we'll go together. That's the fastest way, trust me !".

"Yo man, yer right, but it'll take time to get yer Highwind here…meanwhile, we can only do nothing !", Barret gives his opinion. Nodding his head, Cid agrees with Barret, "Heck…that's right…let's just hope nothing #$*#& bad happened to Aeris while Highwind is on the way here !".

"Then all of you should wait for Highwind here, meanwhile I'll start my search on my own ! ", suddenly Cloud exclaims. "I'll use my chocobo", he adds, "Whoever finds her earlier, please inform each other with PHS. How about that ?". The rest of the team suddenly goes quiet. They find Cloud is very eager to find Aeris as soon as possible, but they also captured a worried feeling on him.

"Cloud…that's dangerous !", Tifa rises her objection. Cloud looks at her and replies calmly, "Tifa…you know me…I won't be easily beaten…After all, we're experienced fighters, right ?". Cloud's answer makes Tifa give up. She knows he can be very stubborn if he has decided to do his plan on his own. After letting out a sigh, she then says, "All right, but take care Cloud…and contact us wherever you go !". Cloud nods his head, his heart feels relieved. "Thanks Tifa, you understand me very much….".

Quickly, he stands up from the chair and rushes toward his room to prepare his backpack. The others can only see their leader's swift movement. They know why he acted like that.

…………………

"Vic…", Aeris calls Vic while they are on chocobo's back. No answer. Her voice is swallowed by noisy running steps of chocobos they ride on.

"Hey, Vic-cie !!", Aeris calls him again with louder voice. This time she makes it, Vic turns his face to her with questioning look. "What's the matter, Aeris ?", Vic asks her. "You called me with that silly name again !", he grumbles a little, but he is not angry at all. Aeris only giggles.

"Are you okay ?", suddenly Aeris asks a question that Vic never think before. "Me…what ??", Vic's eyes grow wide to hear her question. Thinking that Vic cannot hear her clearly, Aeris repeats her question again with loud voice, "I ask you, are you okay ? ", she then adds, "You don't look so well…You look more pale than yesterday !". Aeris knows that their conversation would not be effective since they are on ride, but she cannot hold her question longer.

"I'm all right ! ", Vic responds with loud voice too, "I know you're right…but I don't know why I'm like this…but I just feel healthy…". He tries to ease Aeris with his answer, but he knows it is better to tell her the truth that he does not understand his physical condition. Eventually he holds his chocobo tighter when it passes rough land.

"You should take care your health then…", Aeris responds, she feels sorry that she cannot help anything about Vic's pale condition. "Hey Vic…these chocobos…they're different from others ! I never ride chocobo that runs so fast like this !". Aeris tries to change the subject. "Maybe they're three four times faster than usual golden chocobo !".

"Yes, they're multi-breed golden chocobos ! Golden amongst the goldens !", Vic explains to Aeris shortly. Aeris only nods her head. She thinks that Vic is not just mysterious, but he also has a lot of knowledge that she does not.

"Why did you choose Mideel ?", Aeris asks again, she wants to know more about their destination. Vic turns his face to her again and replies, "Because I sense the disturbance came from there…Mideel's Lifestream lake, got the idea ?". Hearing Vic's reply makes Aeris grow more curious. "Really ?", she blurts out a question.

"We'll find a lot of new things once we reach there…just be patient now", Vic replies, his voice is almost gone, replaced by chocobos' running steps. Aeris lets her mind imagines what will be happened there, but she dares not to imagine worst thing, yet she must prepares herself for it.

……………..

"Cloud ! This is Cid ! Finally ! For propeller's sake ! Where #@*(@%^ are you now ?", Cid's voice comes out from PHS. Quickly Cloud picks his PHS and replies the badass pilot. "Yes Cid, this is Cloud's talking. I'm on my way to Ancient Temple now…where are you ?". Short time afterwards, Cloud hears a lot of curses are spitted out from Cid's mouth through his PHS. He then stops his chocobo from running.

"WHAT !!!??? You're there !!? We've been waiting for your incoming call for hours, kid, but you didn't contact us ! We tried to contact you, but you didn't pick up your @#!(*^ PHS !!". Cid's heavy curses are clearly heard even from PHS. After he finishes, silence rings for a moment. Cloud waits for next curse from Cid, but he then receives a soft female voice he knows. "Cloud ! You're at Ancient Temple ? We're at Sleeping Forest now, but we can't find her !". That is Tifa's voice. Cloud is relieved a little to recognize her voice. He usually does not bother to hear Cid's curse, but this time, when his heart feels like in junk, he'd rather to speak with Tifa.

"Cloud, we've been waiting for you this morning after Highwind reached Midgar, but we couldn't find out where your direction was…so we took initiative to find Aeris o n ourselves", Tifa explains current condition. Cloud nods his head. "Go on", he tells her to continue.

"We've been searching her but couldn't find her…guess she's not here, near Sleeping Forest, nor Ancient Forgotten Capital", Tifa continues her explanation.

"And she's not here either…", Cloud informs her. From her spot inside Highwind, Tifa notices a desperate tone in his voice. "Cloud…", she calls his name tenderly, "We'll find her…and she'll be safe..". Tifa tries to calm Cloud, but she also has doubt on herself whether her friend is really fine. "Now, where should we go now ?", she asks again for opinion. Cloud lifts up his head and sees crimson red sky.

It's getting dark soon…and it'll be harder to find her…Where is she now ? If only I know a little more about Cetra race….He thinks for a moment. Suddenly, his brain catches an idea. A less chance to hit, but there is nothing to lose to try.

"Tifa…", Cloud calls her via PHS. "Come in Cloud…", Tifa responds. Cloud continues, "Tell Cid to drive his Highwind to Mideel…We'll gather there…". Without waiting Tifa's response, Cloud turns off his PHS and puts it back on his backpack. He stares at the west horizon for a short moment, and then drives his chocobo toward the small village he just mentioned.

AUTHOR'S POST-CHAPTER NOTE :

Now, what will be happened at Mideel ? How about Aeris ? She is traveling with Vic, and get closer to him…and they are Cetras…heeheehe…but hey, Aeris wrote a romantic farewell (at least that's what I thought when I tried to depict her mind while she was writing) letter to Cloud, didn't she ? Now what does it mean ? If you're careful enough, you'll know what type of fanfic this one is before it reaches the end…^_^. Anyhow, I still try to make entries in a chapter shorter so you readers, won't be boring reading my fanfic, thus you could drop me a review, critic, or anything else for me ! I always appreciate it ! See you on next chapter !