Hidden Identity (Book Two)-Complete

Year Five, Day Thirty-One

Aerith POV

We finally got out of the prison town yesterday. Cloud won the chocobo races for us to win our freedom. We explained the truth to the guy who runs the Gold Saucer, and he apologized and revoked our banishment, which was very nice of him. He also lent us a buggy, a type of car that can cross deserts and fit a ton of people.

We're not entirely sure where to go next. That's what we're doing now. Debating:

"We should go to my hometown of Cosmo Canyon. It isn't far from here. My grandfather might even be able to give us some insight. He's very knowledgeable and wise," Red suggests.

"I don't know," Cloud murmurs, frowning. "I have a feeling Sephiroth isn't there. The likeliest place he'll go on this continent is Nibelheim, or what's left of it. Finish things where it all began."

"That does make sense," Tifa says, biting her lip. "I don't know if I'm ready to see the ruins of where I grew up yet, though. And are we sure we're ready to face him? Our supplies are looking pretty depleted. We'll have to make a stop along the way."

Red snorts to get everyone's attention. "Cosmo Canyon is on the way."

I look to Cress. She hasn't said a single word since we left the Gold Saucer. I'm kind of worried. What's on her mind? Is she worried about Cait's prediction?

"Where do you think we should go, Cress?" I ask her, trying to bring her out of her shell.

"Um...well...I've been thinking...of going to Gongaga. On my own. You all can continue to Nibelheim without me..." she says in a soft voice. "I want to know more...about Sam. The girl I might've been in the past...I know it's selfish...and I know it isn't as important as saving the Planet and stopping Sephiroth...I want to stop Sephiroth, too...but I want to remember why."

Again, I feel a touch of guilt. I should be doing all I can to help her remember, but I can't at the same time. I don't know what it'll do to her if she remembers that Sephiroth was her boyfriend. I don't want to hurt her.

"We can't let you go alone," Cloud tells her, not even trying to convince her not to go. "I-"

"Hell no, you're our leader. We need you here with us. If we run into Sephiroth...I hate to admit it, but you're the one most likely to bring him down. You or Cress," Barret growls, jerking his head at Cress when he says her name. Then, under his breath, he mutters, "damn Mako enhanced humans."

"I appreciate your concern, Cloud. I really do. But I'm not exactly helpless. As Barret so kindly indicated, I'm a Mako enhanced human capable of bringing down Sephiroth. I think I can handle any monsters that come my way," the silver-haired girl says, patting her twin blades under her cloak. "The worst that could happen is I could end up with a couple scratches. Plus, I'd be able to go at my top speed if I'm on my own."

Tifa cocks her head in confusion. "Top speed?"

"Yeah. I can run pretty fast due to the Mako enhancements...can you, Cloud?"

Our blond leader shrugs in answer. "I can. When I want to."

"Suddenly, I have the urge to see them race each other," Yuffie announces, looking excited at the prospect.

I nod eagerly. "Yeah, me, too."

"Okay, how about this. If I win, I get to go to Gongaga alone. If I lose, Cloud can pick someone to go with me," Cress suggests.

"Deal," Cloud agrees.

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Cloud POV