Cloud rode on through the night. His mind was full of Tifa and their time together in the room above the bar. He could still smell her on his clothes where she had laid her head on his chest, even as the wind rushed past him. The scent brought back the feel of her under him and his body responded to the memory, causing him to shift in his seat. Her voice whispered gently in his mind.
"So you are ok now?"
Cloud heard the words in his mind. At first he thought it was Tifa's voice he heard, but then he realized it was someone else . . .
"Aeris?"
The wind stopped howling past his face and Fenrir disappeared from beneath him. He stood now in a field of flowers, their scent rising to meet him. He stood still, listening for the voice again.
"So you are ok now?" Her voice sounded like a thousand tiny wind chimes blowing in the breeze.
"I think so . . . yes," he said quietly to the emptiness around him.
"Good. I have other children to worry about without having to worry about you," Aeris whispered softly.
"Aeris, I need to say . . .," Cloud stammered. He didn't really know what he needed to say.
"What?" He could feel her smiling at his embarrassment.
"I need to say that I am sorry. I'm sorry that I let you die." Cloud sighed. He had finally said it. It was off his chest and he felt 100lbs lighter.
He heard her laughter. It sounded like a waterfall tumbling down grass covered rocks.
"You didn't let me die, silly boy. That was my choice. Remember, Cloud, I am one of the Ancients. I belong here"
Cloud stood there, listening to her words. Her voice changed to something darker.
"Tifa needs you now. She will be lost to you for a while and she will have to endure much pain before this is over. You will need all your strength Cloud. Stength for Tifa, for the planet."
"Why?" Cloud's mind became full of foreboding. What was she saying?
"Because Tifa is the mother Kadj is looking for!"