A.N.: Hello. Sorry about the delay. I've had major writers block lately. Hopefully I've got that straightened out. And I finally got a computer capable of letting me use the internet regularly. Updates should be more frequent from here on out. Well here it is.

Thoughts of Disarray

The dark had finally settled. Though the moon was well lit, stars beyond a human's fathom shown vividly on the deep purple plain of the night. The small putter of the hover craft's engine broke the silence of the vast sleeping plains of grass.

"I'm hungry..." said a soft, breathy whisper. Aeris stretched her arms out, feeling the wind streamlining through her heavy outer cloak.

Cloud turned back and gave a small smile. "Finally awake huh Aeris?" He said firmly. He sat steadily in the seat of the hover car, clutching the handles with his tightest grip.

"It's dark already? I must have slept straight through the day. I'm sorry." She said. She put her arms around Cloud's waist, holding him tightly.

Cloud again turned and grinned to Aeris.

Does he know? He knows what he must do. I can't bare to see him after this burden is placed on him. I'm so sorry Cloud. If he goes to confront Sephiroth.... No... he cant!

Aeris's mind began to ponder what would happen beyond the confrontation with Sephiroth. Slowly a tear slithered down her soft cheek. She quickly swiped it away with her rough sleeve.

"We are almost there Cloud. I can see the mountain now." Said Aeris calmly.

Cloud drew his attention to the snowy mountain tip, which inched closer and closer much faster than he imagined.

Sephiroth. Are you in there? What are you doing? This is all my fault. I sent you to this paradise, sending it to its destruction. I'm so sorry Aeris. I'm sorry to everyone. Gia has been destroyed by meteor, and now.....the promise land will soon meet its dismal fate. He used me. He wanted death in Gia. Achieving a god like power on Gia was simple for you. You needed to assume your destiny as ruler here. You will turn this peaceful place to your fertile nesting grounds for evil. This place which so many people hold dear. How can you bring your evil here?

Aeris? What will you do if I fail. If I fail to bring an end to Sephiroth's madness.

Cloud continued in thought for several minutes, pondering the upcoming confrontation. His mind wondered to fatal conclusions, conclusions of his death, or worse, the death of this beautiful place.

The mountain now seemed to tower above the riders, its crooked crags and snow covered tips solemnly lurking over them. Slowly a morning light began to softly peer over tip of the mountain. Rays seemed to blast around the mountain's edges. The grasses morning dew glistened as the sun made its way to the highest cliffs of the mountain.

Soon the valley floor was well lit, and a small path leading to mountain entrance was seen as worn, matted down grass. Cloud stopped the car and turned it off, leaving it sit near the cave entrance.

"Who comes here?" he asked curiously, looking to Aeris who was still sitting on the hover craft.

"Men, wishing to fulfill their destinies as kings. But, they were wrong. They did not return." Her face began to show signs of deep sadness.

"I'm sorry." He replied.

"We must hurry Cloud." She got off the car and walked towards the cave entrance. Her face grew in shock. Suddenly she sprang away from the door, hiding against the wall. "Cloud!" she said in a harsh whisper. "Shhhh!! Get over here."

Cloud ran to the wall and leaned his back against the rocks, looking at Aeris.

"What? What is it." He asked.

"Come on lets go maggots!" hollered a harsh voice.

Through the wind and howling of the cave, strong, heavy foot steps could be heard. Footsteps in great numbers, and many raspy male voices rang throughout the cave.

"They're coming this way!" whispered Aeris in concern. She turned her head to the other side of the door. Sitting on the far side of the entrace was a large boulder, at least large enough to provide some cover. She swiftly grabbed Cloud by the color and yanked him across the walkway, landing him solidly behind the bolder. Peering over the rock she could see the shadows of the men coming to the edge of the cave entrance.

"Alright lets go! You!"

"Yes sir?"

"Take your men to the nearest village. Find the one they call Aeris. She may have a man with her. He is to come if you find him. I want them alive!" said the deep raspy voice.

"Yes sir."

They know her name? And ...they know of me. Sephiroth must wait for us inside. Suddenly another voice entered Cloud's internal conversation.

Yes Cloud. I wait for your arrival. My faithful servant. Cloud cringed and nodded his head slowly.

"Move it!"

With that the two man walked out of the entrance. Both were large, wearing black cloaks. Their faces could not be seen but from their structure and hair it was clear they were Sephiroth Clones.

"Aeris? The men that came here? Were they Clones?" asked Cloud in surprise.

Aeris nodded her head. "Yes. They come here when they die because they too have ancient blood, like you Cloud. They come here, waiting for him."

"Him?...Sephiroth?"

"Mhm" she answered. We cant get in now!! And they're bound to find our car!"

Cloud laughed and grasped the handle of his buster sword. He arrogantly smiled and then looked over the bolder at the two men.

"Oh yes we can!" he answered. Aeris laughed and tightened her cloak. At once the both jumped! Leaping with force from behind the boulders. Cloud landed and sat one knee on the ground, pulling the buster sword forward. Aeris landed to his left and pulled her hands forward, facing her palms towards the clones. A green light began to illuminate her palms and shown brighter and brighter until it nearly blinded to two men.

The two clones covered their eyes with their forearms.

"What?!? Who are you!" they screamed.

Cloud let his sword down at ease, annoyed that Aeris was about to have all the fun.

"I am Aeris, just a girl. A girl whose about to kick your butts!" with that she gave a quick scream and let the balls of energy from her palms loose. They flew towards the clones, knocking both onto the ground.

"There. They will sleep soundly for a while." She said, smiling at Cloud.

"Can I do that too?" he asked. She laughed at him and walked towards the entrance.