Hope

Cloud held his breath, hoping that Tifa's guilt about AVALANCHE's role may have created a real wedge between her and Barret ... but no such luck. He sighed internally, before delivering hope.

"Barret. Marlene's fine. Aerith found her."

"Aerith? Is that the girl they took? The hell's going on!?" Barret looked incredulous.

"I asked Aerith to find Marlene and take her somewhere safe," Tifa said. Barret smiled, dumbfounded.

Cloud chuckled, starting to jog towards Aerith's home.

"We're headed to Aerith's house. It's in the Sector 5 slums," Cloud said, as Barret started to pant.

"And that's where Marlene is?"

"Where we hope she is."

"Tell me she is! Give me something to hang on to! Even if she's not. I won't blame you for it, I swear! Who am I kidding. I'd probably try to tear your head off."

They jogged in silence, getting closer to the lush greenery that signified the most special slot in the slums. Cloud thought about to what the Turk said.

"Hey, Tifa. Know anything about "Ancients"?" Cloud asked.

"I know I've heard of them at least. I think Daddy would know more though," Tifa offered.

"They come up in planetology books. Meant to be the original stewards of the planet. Could even "commune" with it. Talk to it and stuff." Barret said.

"That must be why the Turks wanted her so badly," Cloud said. He wanted ...no he needed, to rescue her. But that was no small proposition. And then the headaches returned ... but he wasn't even thinking about the past ...

Sephiroth's voice.

"Within my veins flows the blood of Ancients. This planet… is my birthright," Sephiroth said, regarding Cloud coldly. "You have failed again, I see. But through suffering, you will grow strong. Isn't that what you want? To earn your place at my side ... as my pet."

And just as quickly he was gone. Tifa looked at him, concerned, but she stayed silent. Cloud shook his head, then looked around the verdant paradise.

"We're here."