-Aerith-

Tears welled up in my eyes as I whispered goodbyes to every room of my beloved inn. I treasured every nook and cranny of this ancient house because it holds dear memories in my heart. But, fear overcame my sadness. I have never gone beyond 20 yards from my home except when I visited Yuffie's parents in the mountains.

The mere thought of leaving my inn to Yuffie brought another strung of tears to my eyes. Not that I don't trust her, well, partly, but a sense of duty to my parents strongly hindered me. I cannot burden others with my responsibility.

My thoughts wandered for far too long that the blonde behind me coughed most noticeably. He woke up very early to prepare for our trip. He helped me do my final errands so that our departure would be quicker. I don't blame him though; he only had 15 days to deliver me to the institution. He never shared the info; I took an accidental peek through his things and read his mission on a piece of paper.

"Ready to go, Aerith?"

I nodded at the blonde-headed SOLDIER. He was especially bright today, which may be because he'll be finishing his mission without any hindrances. For my part, the feeling wasn't mutual. I don't know what is ahead of me, but I know one thing: I will find what I seek, then after that, I'll return home, and even Cloud could not stop me.

"Are there any vehicles that pass through this area?"

I giggled, at which cost me a glare from him. "We'll take Boco with us."

Clearly dubious, Cloud raised a brow at my statement, but he was apparently interested. We walked over to the barn then the blonde saddled up the big black chocobo. Boco was pretty excited at the prospect of going out on an adventure for he was jumping and nipping at me. When Cloud placed a hand on the chocobo's neck to lift himself up, Boco snapped at his fingers—which made the blonde jump back. Then Boco walked in front of me and snorted at Cloud.

"I guess that means 'ladies first' Cloud," I laughed, but my humor was short-lived when I was about to climb up the big chocobo.

While I was giggling off at Cloud's rejection, my foot missed the stirrup iron, which ultimately led me to fall down the ground. I closed my eyes as I waited for my back to collide with the cold, hard soil; but, what hit me wasn't rocky at all. It was a strong steady hand that cradled my back gently, like it was afraid I would bruise from the impact. I fluttered my eyelids and saw the colour of the sky in a pair of surprised eyes. Cloud and I locked our gazes for a few seconds before quickly helping me straighten up and finish saddling the frenzied chocobo. I could see from behind that his ears and neck were turning red, out of embarrassment maybe? I giggled and stepped forward to try climbing up Boco again. This time I was lucky and I sat comfortably on Boco's back.

"I'm coming up," Cloud said, his skin tone returning to normal.

I nodded and the SOLDIER quickly swung his leg around Boco's back. When we were settled, Yuffie came out of nowhere with a smiling face.

"Take care both of you!" She stated before hitting her chest with her fist, proudly. "Don't worry Aerith I'll take care of everything here." Then she gave a menacing glare to my companion. "You better not trying anything, Mister. I will know and I will hunt you down."

While Cloud grunted, I beamed at her and waved as we took off. My eyes were fixated upon my warm, gentle inn until it disappeared from my sight. Then a cold breeze engulfed our bodies that made me shrink towards the only source of warmth I have now. Somehow, Cloud felt the uncertainty I felt that moment for he moved a bit closer to me.

"Aren't you afraid at all?"

I stared at him. He was looking forward, the whole world in his eyes. For a minute I saw Zack again… He'd always talk about the great beyond and how he'd take me there; but in his stead, here is this confused blonde SOLDIER that will fulfil the his vow two years ago. I don't know what adventures would face me, what answers this journey would bring me. The sun's rays were starting to warm us as it peeked from the mountains. It seemed to promise us something.

"It's a big world out there..." I closed my eyes, breathed the last of this land that I loved and smiled at him. "...but at least I have you right?"

-Cloud-

That… that damn witch has poisoned me!

Beads of sweat trickled down my temples as I awoke into the darkness of the night. When I opened my eyes, all I see was nothing. It took seconds for my eyes to adjust to my new surroundings. My hands blindly felt for something that I could use for illumination; unfortunately, I found none. How and when I got here was a blur. Everything was foreign, hazy. My body could not move, my senses altered.

"Damn her, she must've escaped while I was unconscious—the scheming witch!"

Then, suddenly, I could hear twisting of metal against metal. The doorknob! An assassin! I sat up within milliseconds, but later regretted the action for my head throbbed against my skull like it was about to explode. Her magic was still functioning. I can't… I slumped down beside the bed, my muscles weary and tired.

"Cloud!"

A sweet, gentle voice called my name? Ah… I looked up and saw her staring at me, horror-struck—hypocrite!

"You… you did this to me…?" It was supposed to be a statement, but why did it come out as a question? Why do I have to question her betrayal? It's so damn obvious! I guess, I trusted her too much; believed that she was not the type of person to do this kind of treachery. I assumed… Damn her.

She looked at me with her green eyes that sparkled even in darkness; but I didn't see any accomplishment in them, rather I saw… concern? Within the pause between heartbeats, she stood next to me, held out her hand and supported me while I staggered to sit on the bed. I felt her eyes scan my whole features like a hawk, but I couldn't bring myself to look at her. It felt like I was wrong, like I did something unforgivable.

"You fainted when we were about to rest. We're in a small village a few miles from Golden Saucer," she explained whilst taking a cloth from a bowl on the bedside table. She drained the excess water from it and attempted to place it over my head. Thanks to my reflexes, I slapped the cloth away from my body. Who knows what could happen to me when it touches my skin. When I was about to smirk at her foolish attempt, I froze when I saw her expression. Something in her face made me regret what I just did. For the second time, I couldn't bear to stare back at her. I felt guilty…

"Cloud, you have a fever. Let me help you."

With those words, my heart pounded hard against my chest. There was a feeling within me that crushed my ribs, tearing me apart. Even so, I felt… light. I felt warm. This new feeling… It doesn't suit me. I lied down on my bed, my body giving way to the sickness, this 'fever' she was talking about. Her pale hands were illuminated by moonlight, and a little later her fingers glowed green like the time when she healed my bruise. She took the cloth again and placed it atop my forehead. It was warm. Her hands found their way on my aching head, soothing me. Then, a sound came out of nowhere. It was gentle, relaxing. It came from her. My eyelids drooped no matter how hard I tried to fight it. At last, I fell asleep in her warmth.

"Let me take care of you, Cloud."