DISCLAIMER: The characters of FF7 belong to their creator, Squaresoft. Ha, I managed to do a serious disclaimer for a change!! ^_^
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Umm.. If you thought last chapter was depressing, you've seen nothing yet! This one's pure angst!! I'll try to lighten up the atmosphere in chapter 20.. Expect something cool!!! *smirks* Sorry, this chapter's gonna be real confusing, and oh yes, quite long!!!
CHAPTER 19.
A slumber did my spirit
seal;
I had no human fears:
She seemed a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years.
- William Wordsworth -
"Damn you, Jenova.." Sephiroth muttered, and stared into the flames of a large camp-fire. He had been sitting outside, uncomfortable with the thought of returning to the others. He was not a cetra, after all.. It seemed so obvious now that Sephiroth thought about it. Jenova looked nothing like Aeris, and she hated her - yet had refused to explain why. So what was he, Sephiroth thought as he tilted his head gently to the side. What was his purpose of life? The flames cast their warm glow on his face, as he continued to ponder the thoughts racing through his mind. Fire had always been an element Sephiroth liked. He admired it's sheer destructive force, but also the way it renewed all life. Fire was a symbol of rebirth to Sephiroth, but he never realized how much fire reminded himself. Anyone who got too close to it, would ultimately get burned..
Now as his gaze sunk to the black, cracking pieces of wood placed neatly in the fire, Sephiroth realized he was yet again at a crossroad. The path he'd choose would shape the rest of his life. Sephiroth wished he knew what to do, what was the right thing to do. Should he follow his mother, despite her lies? None of this changed the fact that Jenova was still all the family Sephiroth had. Did it really make the decision easier, now that Sephiroth knew Jenova wasn't the rightful heir to this Planet? If anything, it made things more difficult. How could Sephiroth stay with Aeris either? His mother had caused so much suffering to Aeris' people. It was now more clear to Sephiroth than ever, that Aeris was supposed to be his enemy.
It was strange though, Sephiroth thought, back at Bugenhagens room where Aeris had looked at him.. Her eyes had shone with such pity and worry. It had certainly not been hate, nor amusement. Maybe that's why Sephiroth didn't really feel enraged by the news, but sad. What was he supposed to do?? If he returned to Jenova, would it really feel right anymore? Could he really enjoy her company, now that he knew the truth? Sephiroth threw a log into the fire, gently correcting it's position in the fire with the help of a branch. Sephiroth wondered, why hadn't Jenova told him that she wasn't a cetra? Why had she allowed her own son to believe such a lie? The only explanation Sephiroth was able to come up with, was that Jenova had never really cared about him as a person.. She had just wanted a pawn, someone to do her dirty work for her. Sephiroth closed his eyes as the direction of the wind momentarily changed, blowing smoke at him. Jenova had just used him, shamelessly. Sephiroth snorted, a smirk appearing on his lips. Not much surprise there, he mused, people usually treated him like that. He had thought Jenova was different, after all they were related. Obviously he had mistaken of Jenova's personality.
But to stay with AVALANCHE.. Sephiroth opened his eyes, and listened to the wood cracking. He just couldn't. Sephiroth had believed the things he had done at Niebelheim were justified, that all those lives were wasted for some cause he could not even recall anymore. Now he didn't have any reasons, any explanations. He had killed all of them for nothing.. For foolish dreams. He felt so stupid, so naive.. So horribly guilty. How had he ever convinced himself, that the world could be looked at from such a black and white point of view? Why had he believed such an obvious lie? None of it made any sence anymore.. After Niebelheim, Sephiroth had been so convinced he had discovered the ultimate truth of himself. Now as he learned he had merely accepted a lie as an ultimate truth, Sephiroth didn't really dare to believe in this new information. What if he'd find out yet again, that he had made wrong choises? Sephiroth sighed in frustration, as his thoughts came to a full circle. What was the right thing to do?
Sephiroth stood up, dusting his long black coat. The night had decended hours ago, yet he didn't feel tired. The questions gnawing his mind kept him wide awake, and Sephiroth felt like walking. He figured a little fysical strain would allow his mind to take a break. He was so tired of constantly battling against his own doubts, a trait he had had ever since he was a small child. He turned his back at the fire, and wandered towards the gate of Cosmo Canyon. The only thought in Sephiroth's mind was, that he had to get away from everyone. The thought of sharing his thoughts with anyone seemed so foreign to Sephiroth, he didn't even consider it as he walked out of the small town. The Canyon was so cold at night, and the air was still as he took deep breaths. A few dark cloud's wandered past the pale form of the moon, casting such strange shadows on the ground. Sephiroth walked without any particular destination, his head bowed towards the ground. A strong gust of wind blew against him, as Sephiroth took one last look at Cosmo Canyon. He saw a light go off in one of the windows.. Maybe it was Aeris' room?
* * * * *
Aeris opened her eyes, squinting in the sunlight flowing in through the window. She turned her head away from it, and tried to ignore the ticking of a clock nearby. It was already morning.. Aeris sat up on her bed, yawning with her hand covering her mouth. She glanced around her room, searching for Sephiroth. He was nowhere to be seen, and his bed looked like it had not been slept in. Aeris sighed, it wasn't really a surprise to her. During their time together, Aeris had noticed a certain trait in Sephiroth: whenever he was troubled, he always withdrew from everyone. Aeris didn't like the idea of Sephiroth tormenting himself with thousands of unanswered questions, but she could hardly make him feel better if he kept running from her. Getting to know Sephiroth was really a struggle, it was as though they were sitting on bench; with every move Aeris made to get closer to Sephiroth, the further he backed away. She was frightened, that one day she'd drive him away..
Aeris stood up, and walked to the mirror. She grabbed her red jacket, and quickly brushed her hair. Her hand suddenly stopped, as Aeris stared deep into her eyes. She watched herself, how exhausted and alone she looked like. Feeling tears burning in her eyes, Aeris turned her back at the mirror. Why did everything always have to be so difficult? Where was the fairytale romance she had expected? She was supposed to meet her knight in shining armor, and live her life happily ever after.. Yet here she was, crying alone in her room, over a man she was hopelessly in love with. Still, Aeris couldn't bear the thought of discarding all hope. She wanted to believe, that there was still a chance for her and Sephiroth. She had to keep her faith in that, otherwise it would just be too difficult to continue.. Aeris quickly wiped the tears from her eyes, and nervously dusted her pink dress though it was spotlessly clean.
"Are Yuffie and Red there?" Tifa asked suddenly, while knocking on the door.
"No.. I'm sure they've left for breakfast already." Aeris said, and opened the door.
Tifa walked in, and checked if Sephiroth was around. "Is.. he here?" Tifa asked with a quiet voice.
"No.. I don't think he slept here at all." Aeris swallowed hard, and made her bed. She then walked over to her staff, and held it tightly. Aeris stared at the mastered earth-materia orb, smiling as it shimmered in the morning sun.
"Where is he then?" Tifa asked, standing in the doorway.
"I don't know." Aeris said quietly, not wanting to burst into tears in front of Tifa. Somehow, she felt Sephiroth slip through her fingers.. All she could really do was watch it happen - and it was sheer torture.
"You don't think he-- I just.. The way Bugenhagen talked.. I'm surprised he didn't--" Tifa began, and noticed Aeris turn to face her.
"He's left, hasn't he.." Aeris said, a sad tremor in her voice.
She always seemed so cheerful and carefree, it was a shock to see her so sad. Tifa felt like saying, that there was no point crying over Sephiroth, but she held her tongue. Aeris was upset already, and Tifa didn't want to make her feel worse. "We should go.. find the others.." Tifa spoke, and waited patiently as Aeris walked to her and then out of the room.
"Yeah.." Aeris tried her best to smile, as they walked out into the lobby of the Cosmo Canyon Inn.
* * * * *
"Have you seen Tifa anywhere?" Cloud asked Barret.
"Naw, man.. I figure she went over to the Inn, to wake up Aeris." Barret spoke, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Cosmo Canyon. He had always felt like coming here, since it was here that the thought of a resistance movement against Shin-Ra had been created.
"Yeah.. I just don't like it that she's walking around alone.." Cloud muttered. He had not seen Sephiroth anywhere, but that didn't mean that he wasn't around. After the information Bugenhagen had revealed last night, it could very well be Sephiroth was preparing for another violent outburst. No matter what, Cloud wasn't going to let history repeat itself.
"You mean 'cos of Sephiroth?" Barret asked, blinking at the thought. It seemed strange to him, that the man they had been travelling with for quite a while, was suddenly their enemy again.
"Yeah.." Cloud nodded.
Sephiroth wasn't the only person that troubled Cloud's mind, though. Zenobius was an equal threat to them, and Cloud wasn't going to allow him to harm anyone, not on his watch anyway.
"Ya know, I don't think dat General is such a threat to us." Barret spoke, noticing the glare Cloud gave him while he spoke.
"Not a threat? He's insane, not to mention a cold-blooded killer!" Cloud raised his voice at the taller man, who just shrugged in reply.
"I was just thinkin'.." Barret said, noticing Red walking closer to them.
"I just heard a rumour that Sephiroth had wandered out of here, sometime past midnight." Red told Cloud, wondering who'd have to tell Aeris. Red realized, it would be painful for Aeris to hear the news.. She obviously cared for Sephiroth, and she'd not want him to leave, no matter how crazy he'd become.
"Umm Red, or Nanaki.." Cloud began, trying to figure out which name to use.
"Red's fine.. I've sort of grown used to it." Red clarified, and Barret and Cloud nodded at him in affirmative.
"Did you hear in which way did he go? I don't think we can just forget about him.. Sephiroth might be going back to Jenova or burning down some unsuspecting village.." Cloud thought aloud, glancing at Barret, as if to say it was stupid to believe Sephiroth could change.
Cloud was quite frankly glad that Sephiroth had left, since being around him was only a reminder of how much the former SOLDIER General had taken from Cloud. His mother, many of the people Cloud had grown up with and not to mention: his innocence. When seeing all those bodies, burned up and dead, Cloud had realized what a fool he had been when he had admired Sephiroth's skills. Cloud didn't want that Aeris would be forced to go through the same ordeal.
"No, all I found out is that he's gone.. Anyway, I haven't seen Aeris or Yuffie anywhere.." Red continued to speak, sitting down on the stone ground.
"Aeris is probably with Tifa, they should be coming over here any minute now.. But I'm not all that sure where Yuffie is.." Cloud explained, a little worried tune to his voice. He didn't want to even consider the possibility, that something had happened to the young ninja. He'd feel responsible, after all, he was the leader now.
* * * * *
"God he walks fast." Yuffie stopped a while, to catch her breath. She had been following Sephiroth for hours. After she had seen him walk out of Cosmo Canyon Yuffie's curiosity had won, and out of an impulse she had taken off after him. Yuffie wished she'd have had enough time to write a note to Aeris. Yuffie noticed Sephiroth walk determined towards a medium sized village located at the base of tall mountains.
"Niebelheim.." Yuffie gasped. She remembered what the others had said about Sephiroth's past, and what had happened in Niebelheim five years ago. Why was he going there again? Hopefully not to relive the past, Yuffie gulped, as she followed him. Sephiroth seemed to be so deep in thought he didn't notice Yuffie. As he entered the town, Yuffie noticed the strange, frightened looks the villagers gave him. Unconcearned, Sephiroth walked towards a gloomy looking old mansion.
That must be the Shin-Ra mansion Cloud talked about, Yuffie concluded, and walked carefreely towards a well at the middle of the town. Everything looked so peaceful, yet something about the place unnerved Yuffie. "Creepy.." She muttered, and rubbed her arms. The air was so cold near the mountains..
What could Sephiroth want from the Shin-Ra mansion? Yuffie thought, as she watched Sephiroth enter the bleak looking, large building. There was that library, of course.. She remembered. But he knew Jenova wasn't his mother, didn't he? Maybe he had really gone insane.. There was really no way for Yuffie to know unless she dared to talk to Sephiroth. She'd have to somehow convince him to return. Oh, what am I thinking? Yuffie shook her head. She had really never been the kind to sacrifise her own comfort for the happiness of others. That was the way Aeris operated.. Yuffie sighed.
On some level, Sephiroth intrigued Yuffie. She wasn't sure what had motivated her to follow him, but she knew that it was too late to doubt her decision. She'd have to see this through.. Yuffie walked around the well, now certain Sephiroth could not see her approach. She walked past old-looking houses, that seemed recently renovated, and shuddered. Dead leaves rolled against the stone pavement of the ground, and pale, frightened looking people glanced at her behind the curtains of their windows. The streets of Niebelheim looked abandoned and empty, as though some unnamed horror lingered upon them. Maybe it was not all because of the events that had taken place five years ago, but also because of the reactor and Shin-Ra, that everyone seemed scared of even their own shadow. Yuffie hoped Sephiroth had taken off towards Costa Del Sol instead, she senced there was something seriously wrong with Niebelheim.
Yuffie walked past a picket fence, entering the front yard of the Shin-Ra mansion. The whole building seemed like a ghosthouse, some of it's windows were broken and the torn, dirty looking curtains swayed lazily in the air current. Yuffie opened the heavy wooden door, and as it opened the hinges shrieked. "Hrr.." Yuffie stepped in, jumping a little as the door closed behind her with an ominous thump. Yuffie scanned the large main hall of the mansion. Everything seemed to be covered in a thick layer of dust, some of the furniture were covered with old white cloths. As Yuffie looked at the floor, a set of footprints was visible in the dust. Sephiroth, Yuffie realized. Her heart was pounding as she took the first steps in the hall. Her footsteps echoed loudly, as she walked across the floor. She studied the decorated glass in the tall windows, and the carpets covering the staircase at the end of the hall. At some point, Yuffie thought, this place must've been a magnificent sight. Everything seemed so expensive and glamorous. At the middle of the floor, Yuffie suddenly heard a chord of a piano, the sharp echo sent shivers down her spine. The noise clearly came from upstairs.. Yuffie placed her hand on a railing, and walked slowly higher, one stair at a time. After the chord came another and another, as they blended into a sad melody. Yuffie swallowed hard, stopping on the platform below the large decorated windows. The staircase devided into two, and Yuffie walked left, towards the noise of the piano.
As she listened to the melody, Yuffie felt there was something familiar about it.. As though she had heard it before. At the end of the stairs, Yuffie suddenly heard the music stop. Her courage suddenly drained, Yuffie rushed to the nearby room and hid behind a tall cupboard. She listened to the footsteps passing the room she was in, and held her breath. What if Sephiroth would be angry she had followed him? Had she really any chance of beating him on her own? Yuffie gulped, maybe it had not been such a wise idea to go after him alone.. Her fears seemed to magnify in the old building, where every shadowy corner seemed to be filled with ghosts.
"..help me.."
Yuffie heard a faint whisper, that made her freeze with fright. She had just imagined it, Yuffie concluded, there was no such thing as ghosts. "..he's coming.." The voice continued, and as Yuffie looked behind her, she saw a pale woman walking towards her, her feet never touching ground. The womans arm was reached forward, while her head remained tilted to the side. She had lost almost all her hair, and her eyes were opague, colourless and grey. As Yuffie backed up with a horrified look on her face, an evilish grin spread across the translucent womans face. Yuffie quickly ran from the room and shut the door behind her, breathless. The adrenaline pumping in her veins made Yuffie glance around her nervously, half expecting other creatures to appear any moment now.
She was desperate to find Sephiroth, because even if he was insane, at least he was alive. "Yikes. A note to myself: avoid creepy ghosts." Yuffie took a few quick steps forward, soon nearly running towards the other side of the second floor. She remembered, that there was supposed to be a secret door in the room on the other side. Yuffie felt frustrated, that Cloud had been so vague about it - Yuffie wanted to find the secret stairway as fast as possible. What if that ghost-woman would appear again? Yuffie looked behind her, nervous and frightened by the building. She wished she wasn't alone. It would be so much easier to do this, if only I had someone with me for company, Yuffie thought.
She searched the room for the switch, until she finally discovered it. A part of the wall slid aside, revealing a long, narrow passage going down towards the basement. "Great." Yuffie thought as she entered the stairway. She walked cautiously forward, so it took her a long while to reach the ground level. There was a long hallway, oil-lamps scattered on the walls. Yuffie noticed some of them had flames in them, since they shone some light in the hallway.
She walked forward, noticing two doors. The other one was locked.. She took a closer look at it. The door had metallic frames to support it, so nobody'd be able to enter the room without a key. Yuffie smirked, unless they were master thiefs like her. She took out her lock-pic, unable to resist the urge to check what was inside. Images of huge piles of materia flashed before her eyes, and she decided Sephiroth could wait awhile. After a few attempts, the lock finally opened, allowing Yuffie to enter the room. As she switched on the lights, she was gravely dissappointed.
"Caskets? Candles? What is this place..?" Yuffie thought, as she walked to a cupboard veiled by red velvet cloth. There were some old tissue samples in glass bottles, hidden from prying eyes. She turned around, and walked to one of the caskets. "I sure hope there ain't some big scary mummies or anything here.." Yuffie said, as she opened it. The casket let out a hiss, then forcefully opened up. Yuffie blinked, as she saw a man sit up, a strange look in his eyes. The man had such dark brown hair it looked black, and his eyes were of a rare crimson colour. He was also very pale, and clad in old-fashioned clothes. A blood-red cape cascaded down his back as he stood up and jumped gracefully onto the floor, next to Yuffie.
"Who might you be, young lady, and why hast doth awoken me?" The man asked, with a cold tune in his voice.
"I'm err.. Yuffie Kisuragi." She answered the strange man. "I'm sorry.. I didn't realize someone was sleeping in.. there." Yuffie spoke, still a little bit stunned. "Who.. are you?" She asked, stepping a little closer to the man. Now that he stood still, Yuffie noticed he had a metallic arm.
"I am.. but a shadow.. A tortured soul, eternally repenting for past sins, too painful to be forgiven.. nor forgotten." The man spoke, turning his back at Yuffie. She couldn't help but wonder why he was down here.. The place looked like nobody could possibly live in it.
"Hey, that's all great and all, but how about your name?" Yuffie rolled her eyes.
"Vincent Valentine.. It has been so long since I've last spoken those words.." The man introduced himself, and glanced at his casket longingly. "Now I must return to my troubled sleep.. At least in my dreams, plaqued by visions of my lovely Lucresia, I can momentarily find peace.." Vincent took a few steps toward his casket.
"H-hey!! Listen, you haven't seen General Sephiroth around?" Yuffie asked the man. She desperately wanted some company when she'd meet Sephiroth, in case he'd not be happy to see her.
"..Sephiroth?" Vincent turned around, such a sad look in his eyes.
"Yeah, you know, 'cos I followed him down here and--" Yuffie began, noticing the puzzled look on Vincent's face.
"He's here?" Vincent asked.
"You're not some sick fan of his, are you?" Yuffie thought aloud, wondering why Vincent was showing such unusual interest towards Sephiroth.
"I once knew someone called Sephiroth.. He was then a newborn baby, named by his mother.." Vincent explained. "I've slept so many years.. He'd be a grown man by now." Vincent kept talking, his voice faraway and thoughtful.
"Named by his mother..? Then it can't be the same guy." Yuffie shrugged.
"Why would you say so?" Vincent asked.
"Well.. Sephiroth's mother's this big ugly alien thingy. He didn't even know about her until like five years ago." Yuffie spoke, noticing Vincent clench his fists in anger.
"Lucresia is most certainly not a big ugly alien.. thingy." Vincent spoke, and the words sounded so weird coming from him. "She was the love of my life, my angel.." Vincent talked, bowing his head in respect.
"Lucresia? Don't you mean Jenova?" Yuffie's voiced her thoughts.
"No! What do you mean by that? Jenova is the name of the vile creature, whose cells were injected to Sephiroth before his birth.. But Jenova's certainly not Sephiroth's mother!" Vincent raised his voice a little, almost offended by Yuffie's innocent questions.
"Oh.. Well Sephiroth seems to think otherwise." Yuffie blinked.
"You mean Sephiroth does not know the identity of his mother?" Vincent was still bewildered.
"Yep. I don't think he knows anything about himself right now.." Yuffie sighed. "Which means you'll have to tell him." She lifted her gaze to Vincent.
* * * * *
"So, are you dating anyone yet?" A red-haired girl asked Aeris.
"Kiara.. I really wish you'd stop asking me that." Aeris laughed in reply, though behind her happy facade her friend's innocent question made her extremely sad. She was sixteen, and had not dated anyone yet. All the nice boys avoided her, as they believed the wild rumours of Aeris. Someone had seen Turks members at Aeris' house, and someone had heard her talking by herself. They thought she was either a criminal, insane or both, and not that many people wanted anything to do with her. Kiara was Aeris' only friend, but even she didn't know much of Aeris' past.
"Com'on, I'm just curious." Kiara chuckled, as they walked ahead on a busy shopping street. Once in a while, they were able to save enough money to take the train to Midgar's upper level, where all the best shops were located. It was so much fun to prowl from one shop to the next, and hang around - even though neither Aeris or Kiara hardly ever bought anything.
"Oh, I bet you are. How are things going with you and.. who was that latest.. Gary?" Aeris asked her friend, and listened as she begun a long explanation of the relationship that seemed to be falling apart at the seems.
"You know Aeris, I think you're just a little too picky. I bet there are lot's of guy's who'd be interested in you!" Kiara proclaimed.
"Yeah, right." Aeris rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"No I mean it, don't wait forever. They're not just gonna--" Aeris listened to Kiara, as she suddenly bumped into someone. "Sorry." She quickly apologized, and raised her eyes to meet the strangers gaze. He was dressed entirely in black, and had long silver-coloured hair, that cascaded down his shoulders. Aeris felt drawn to his eyes, that were staring coldly down at her. He didn't reply to her voice in any way, just took a step to go around Aeris. Unfortunaly, Aeris took a step in the same direction, simultaneously with the stranger.
"Hehe.." Aeris laughed nervously, and then took a step to the right, only to see the silver-haired man do the same as well. "Just go. I'll stay put." Aeris smiled at him, but the man just gave her a cold glance as he walked past her further down the street.
"Wow, whatta honey." Kiara stared after the stranger.
"Yeah.." Aeris felt her cheeks fluster slightly.
"You're such a sucker for the cool one's.." Kiara laughed, and Aeris joined her laughter as they continued their walk.
* * * * *
"Yuffie? I don't know. I haven't seen her since last night." Tifa explained Cloud.
"You don't think Sephiroth..?" She continued quietly, not wanting her words to reach Aeris.
"It just doesn't seem like him.. Besides, Red said that he was seen alone.. Not with anybody. And not to mention, if it was me choosing travelling company, I'd prefer to take Aeris." Cloud said, noticing the angry look on Tifa's face.
"WHAT did you say?" She tapped her foot, while folding her arms protectively.
"I mean, if I was Sephiroth! Of course if I was me I'd prefer you!" Cloud quickly corrected.
"If you were you?" Red glanced at Cloud amused.
"Just forget it." Cloud glared at the red-furred creature.
"Hmph." Tifa turned her back at Cloud, feeling terribly jealous due to his innocent remark. She realized there was probably nothing in it, but now that Sephiroth was gone Aeris and Cloud would have more time to spend with each other. Even though Tifa was still frightened of Sephiroth, she wished he hadn't left.
"Maybe Yuffie just decided it was time to leave, you know, she is pretty impulsive." Cloud shrugged.
"I dunno. It's possible.." Barret answered him.
"Anyway, we'd better go see Bugenhagen now.." Red muttered, watching Aeris, who was standing at a window alone. She was in a difficult situation, because even if she needed someone to comfort her, there weren't many who cared to hear what she had to say about Sephiroth.
"Aeris?" Red walked over to Aeris, while Tifa, Cloud and Barret began to climb the ladders.
"Yeah?" She asked, smiling at Red. In spite of her brave facade, Aeris looked sad.
"We're going.." Red pointed up with his paw.
"OK.. Just give me a minute." Aeris took a deep breath. Red turned and walked over to the ladders.
"Red?" Aeris suddenly asked.
"What?" He glanced at Aeris over his shoulder.
"You don't think.. Sephiroth went to Jenova?" Aeris asked cautiously, afraid her words might be true.
"I don't know, Aeris.." Red shrugged. "I guess we'll find out soon enough.." He continued, and climbed up the ladders. Aeris followed him after a while. Up at Bugenhagens house, everyone were already sitting down, waiting for Bugenhagen to continue his talk about the Ancients.
Aeris listened to the others making comments and asking questions, yet she couldn't concentrate on anything. Before she even noticed, Cloud and Red were already discussing what to do next.
"We should head to the Temple of the Ancients, and stop Hojo from using the KeyStone." Red suggested.
"What about Sephiroth?" Tifa asked. "If something happens, it's partially our fault. Because of us, Sephiroth found out about Jenova.." She continued.
"Yeah, and what about dat Yuffie? She might be kidnapped, by Zenobius or someone.." Barret thought.
"I think we should leave for Rocket Town.. That's where we could borrow an aeroplane. There's no point in going after Sephiroth or Yuffie, we don't even know where they went!" Cloud reasoned.
"Yeah.. Yer probably right." Barret nodded, and glanced at Aeris briefly. She had been silent throughout the meeting, staring at her hands with a sad frown on her lips. "Whatta ya think, Aeris?" Barret asked.
"I think Cloud's right.." Aeris lifted her eyes and smiled at Barret. "We should probably go towards Rocket Town." She nodded.
"Oh." Cloud blinked, a little surprised by Aeris' comment. He had been sure Aeris would want to go after Sephiroth. "Well then, we should go eh?" Cloud cleared his throat, happy that his suggestion had been accepted.
"Yeah.." Red glanced at Aeris. She was smiling mysteriously, as though she knew something the others didn't. Aeris often appeared to be that way.. Red had decided to stick with AVALANCHE, as he had had a long talk with Bugenhagen. The old man had convinced Red he should continue his journey with the others. And he was curious to see what would happen - was Sephiroth an ally or an enemy? That was a question Red felt would determine the future of the Planet.
"Hey Red.." Aeris walked beside the lion-like creature as they exited the town of Cosmo Canyon.
"Yeah?" Red asked, feeling a little homesick already. He had planned to stay at Cosmo Canyon for a longer period of time, to spend a little time with his grandfather and the other residents.
"I was just thinking.. I think Sephiroth's in Niebelheim." Aeris spoke, smiling at Red.
"You know, we're gonna have to go through Niebelheim to get to Rocket Town." Red smiled back at Aeris, realizing the reason for her mysterious smile.
"I know." She replied, as they kept walking on the stone ground of the Canyon.
Heh!!! A minor cliffhanger here! I just felt like writing one, and besides: this chapter would have gotten too long, if I hadn't ended it.. Anyway, I really liked writing that Shin-Ra mansion scene. It was so different from the usual atmosphere of this story. At least, I hope it is. Well, stay tuned for my massive 20th chapter! It might take me a while to write it, though.. ^_^