Hidden Identity (Book Two)-Complete

Year Five, Day Twenty-Eight

Cress POV

The next morning, we all gather in the main square to decide where to go next. Tunnels to all the different parts of the tree-like park branch off from here. There's chocobo racing, a gondola, a roller coaster, an event hall, a battle arena, a game room, and a museum of sorts displaying old artifacts and trophies. Food vendors are scattered about everywhere, too.

"You know, since we're here, we might as well have some fun," Aerith suddenly suggests. "I know this isn't the best time, but  we could all use some time to relax and enjoy ourselves. If we want to be able to succeed, we need to be in top shape, both mentally and physically."

"I agree with Aerith," Tifa says, stepping forward. "One day won't be so bad."

Cloud and Barret don't look too convinced that this is a good idea. However, the former relents, sighing, "one day. That's it."

The latter, on the other hand, scowls, "well, while you're all off wasting your time frolicking, I'm going to go find some clues to where that damn bastard, Sephiroth, went."

With that, he stalks off down the tunnel leading to the museum. Yuffie runs off towards the game room on her own, shouting with glee. Tifa and Aerith go over to the information board to see all that's offered.

I exchange a look with Red who looks like he has absolutely no inclination to go anywhere in this noisy, crowded park. "Um, I think I'll hang out here with Red," I tell them. "I'm not a big fan of crowds..."

"Oh no you're not. You're coming with us. Cloud and Red, too," Aerith says authoritatively, hands on hips. She strides over and grabs my hand. "You're going to have fun with all the rest of us!"

"No, really, I have claustrophobia," I try to tell her, but she isn't listening. I vaguely remember the time when we all crammed into the elevators at the ShinRa building and shudder. "I won't be able to any of it at all..."

Tifa grabs my other hand as well as Cloud's. "At least ride the roller coaster with us."

"What's a roller coaster?"

"It's a ride where you're strapped into this little car that zooms around this ginormous track up in the air that twists and loops and flips upside down."

"I don't know..."

The roller coaster turned out to be just as terrifying as it sounded. The entire time, I feared that I'd slip out of the straps and fall to my death. I'd rather go one on one with Sephiroth again than ride that horror again.

"That was so exhilarating!" Tifa shouts delightedly. "Let's go again."

"No thank you," I say, shying away from the horrific ride.

Aerith smiles sweetly at me, but her eyes hold a mischievous glint. "We won't do it again if you come with us."

This was their plan, wasn't it? What a sneaky move. "Fine. I'll go with you guys."

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Cloud POV

Aerith and Tifa lead the way to the next attraction: the game room. Cress and I exchange glances as we step into the crowded room a little ways behind the others. She looks really uneasy about being around so many people.

Before we can go any further, our way is blocked by a largish black cat wearing a red cape and a gold crown and riding on a big white blobby creature with large feet. "Hey, you! What're you lookin' so down for!? How 'bout it!? Want me to read your fortune!? A bright future! A happy future! But don't hold it against me if it doesn't come true!"