The very next morning Tifa awoke early once again and sent an email to Reno regarding the issue. Hopefully the Turk wouldn't get smart about it. She turned off the computer and clapped her hands together.

Time to make breakfast, she thought to herself.

As if the breakfast acted as an alarm clock, both Aerith and Cloud stumbled down the stairs the moment she was done. Apparently it smelled good enough.

They all ate in silence. No one dared to bring up the issue of Aerith's health. The only words spoken were to ask one another to pass this or that across the table. When they were done Aerith rose and called dish duty. Tifa was thankful. She wanted a chance to talk to Cloud alone.

Once Aerith was busy in the kitchen Tifa turned to Cloud.

"I sent Reno an email. I know you're mad, but it was the best thing to do."

"I hope you are right Tifa. For her sake." He turned towards the kitchen.

"It was our only choice. Should I tell her?"

"No. No reason to alarm her."

Little did he know that Aerith had turned off the sink and had heard his last words. A silent tear slipped down her face and she wiped it away angrily.

Why am I so emotional?! She thought angrily.

Aerith entered the room after she had gathered herself together.

"So what are you guys going to do today?" Aerith inquired.

Cloud shrugged and Tifa replied, "Well, we could go to the Golden Saucer. Or go chocobo riding."

Aerith's face lit up at that and Tifa knew instantly what their plans were to be.

"Chocobos it is then." She declared.

"Hey Billy, can I saddle up Zach and Butterfly? And we need a third Chocobo as well."

Billy eyed Aerith suspiciously. The girl looked vaguely familiar. But in the end he acquiesced to Cloud's request and soon enough all three of them were riding.

It was a beautiful day. The sun was out and there were no clouds in sight. Other than Cloud, of course. They were all good riders due to their whole saving the world from Sephiroth adventure two years prior. It was a very peaceful day.

"I forgot how fun this was." Aerith said while giggling.

"Yeah, it's so beautiful out!" Tifa exclaimed.

Cloud nodded in agreement.

They rode for hours, but eventually exhaustion got the better of them and they returned to the stables. Afterwards they headed home to have lunch.

The first thing Tifa did when she got in the door was check her email. No response.

Damn Turks, she thought as she banged her fist.

Cloud instantly knew the Turks hadn't responded. Oh well quickness had never been their strong suite. He was surprised they even knew how to work a computer at all.

After lunch Aerith said she was tired so she went upstairs for a nap.

"Cloud, do you think it's normal that she's sleeping so much?"

"She's been through a lot, Tifa. Give her some time to adjust."

"All right. You are probably right. I just hope it's not connected somehow."

They gazed at each other with fear in their eyes.

"She'll be all right, Tifa. She has to be."

And that was that. Aerith, the women who had come between them was going to be alright. Cloud was going to make sure of it. And if Cloud was on the case it was going to work.

"Let's check the email again." Cloud suggested in order to break the tension that has formed in the room.

Tifa went over to the computer and turned it on. A few moments later she was thrilled to see a reply from the Turks. Se read it out loud:

"Hey big breasts,

Reno here. You know the handsome gentlemen? The one with the shocking red hair? Anyways, Rufus says that those grey patches happen sometimes. It's just a sign that the body is decaying. Hey cloning is not perfect science here. He says he'd need to examine her in person to conclude anything else. He may be able to construct a new body but he warns that the soul weakens each time it makes a transfer and hers has already made two. So it's up to you. The address with a map is attached.

The jack of all trades,

Reno."

"Damn them!" Cloud's hands automatically became fists.

Tifa turned to him and placed her forehead against his. His fingers slowly uncurled.

"Shhh Cloud. Aerith is sleeping. Everything'll be alright. I promise." She didn't know if she could hold this promise, but maybe it would ease his mind.

"I hope your right Tifa."

END OF CHAPTER IX