Aeris Gainsborough Turns to Tifa after Seph and Cloud flew off

Aeris Gainsborough says, "you let him get the Materia?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Cloud told me to... He said you needed me... he was... hinting at something"

Aeris Gainsborough looks down at the ground

Aeris Gainsborough says, "I do need you ... but, that materia is.... Well, better to give one life to prevent it's use ... once Sephiroth calls it, we will all die...."

Tifa Lockheart says, "Cloud was trying to stop him... but he can't seem to see reason"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "Sephiroth..."

Aeris Gainsborough looks back up and at Tifa. Walks over to her

Aeris Gainsborough says, "I think we should get back to the Highwind, the others are waiting on us...."

Tifa Lockheart says, "Cloud loves him... I don't think he'll be any help.... At stopping him...."

Aeris Gainsborough nods

Aeris Gainsborough says, "I know"

Tifa Lockheart says, "I hope we don't have to end up hurting Cloud...."

Tifa Lockheart starts to walk towards the Highwind

Aeris Gainsborough walks too. Heads into the Highwind, glancing at Tifa as she does

Rufus Shinra is standing on the bridge

Tifa Lockheart climbs the ladder... and goes to the bridge

Rufus Shinra says, "What happened? We lost contact after Cait was destroyed..."

Tifa Lockheart says, "Sephiroth got the Black Materia..."

Rufus Shinra flicks back his hair

Rufus Shinra says, "this is very bad...."

Tifa Lockheart says, "I had it... but cloud made me give it to him..."

Aeris Gainsborough stands next to Tifa

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "Cloud remembers everything then..."

Tifa Lockheart says, "What did you guys do to him anyway?"

Rufus Shinra says, "It was not me ... well, I only approved of the project... it was Hojo's project. Now Hojo is out on his own, and we cannot find him"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Know anything about the project... don't you have files or anything?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Hojo took them. It was an experiment in memory manipulation"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Yeah they screwed with my head too...."

Rufus Shinra says, "Sephiroth must be stopped"

Tifa Lockheart says, "What was the point anyway? Was it really worth resurrecting two nearly dead people to screw with their memories?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Apparently"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Yeah.... Apparently"

Rufus Shinra says, "I do not know ... Hojo seemed to think it was important"

Tifa Lockheart shrugs and sighs

Tifa Lockheart says, "That guy was scary... still is scary"

Aeris Gainsborough looks at Tifa

Rufus Shinra says, "who?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Hojo"

Rufus Shinra nods

Rufus Shinra says, "He'll never be as great as Gast"

Tifa Lockheart says, "So how are we gonna stop sephiroth?"

Rufus Shinra says, "any way we can"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Hmm... What if we get cloud and threaten him?"

Aeris Gainsborough sighs a little, looking at Tifa

Rufus Shinra shakes his head

Rufus Shinra says, "Cloud..."

Rufus Shinra sighs

Tifa Lockheart says, "I mean... not really hurt Cloud.... Just use him to keep Sephiroth at bay until we can figure out what to do"

Aeris Gainsborough turns, sighing again. Starts to walk away

Tifa Lockheart says, "Aeris?"

Aeris Gainsborough looks back

Aeris Gainsborough says, "yes?"

Rufus Shinra still looks as if he has not slept ... and does not sleep ... or even eat for that matter

Tifa Lockheart says, "Where you going?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "oh... well..."

Aeris Gainsborough stops

Tifa Lockheart walks over to Aeris and whispers

Aeris Gainsborough listened

Tifa Lockheart says, "You think that guy ever sleeps?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers* Rufus? Why do you ask?"

Rufus Shinra directs the pilot to lift them off

Tifa Lockheart says, "*whispers* Look at the bags under his eyes... "

Rufus Shinra flicks back his hair and watches out the front

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers* good point ... maybe you should talk to him"

Tifa Lockheart says, "*whispers* Go head and eat... I'll catch up with you later"

Aeris Gainsborough nods. Walks out of the room to join the others

Tifa Lockheart walks over to Rufus

Rufus Shinra stands there, his arms folded

Tifa Lockheart says, "Can I ask you a few questions?"

Rufus Shinra turns to her

Rufus Shinra says, "go ahead"

Rufus Shinra unlike his father, is visible very thin...

Tifa Lockheart says, "You're probably not gonna like this first one... but when I suggested nabbing Cloud... you sighed... you.... Have feelings for him?"

Rufus Shinra says, "He says he owes me a favor ... but... in truth ... I had really owed him.... And you too I suppose ... considering your town died cause of an order I gave"

Tifa Lockheart Frowns

Tifa Lockheart says, "If you can stop Sephiroth... I think I'll forgive you"

Rufus Shinra nods. His clothing looks rather loose on him

Tifa Lockheart says, "have you eaten? You are looking kinda gaunt"

Rufus Shinra shakes his head

Rufus Shinra says, "Food has lost interest to me..."

Tifa Lockheart says, "Aeris said Cloud got really upset when he saw that tape of you...."

Rufus Shinra says, "tape.... Did you see it?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Doubt he would have gotten that way now though... Yes... it was.... Inhuman ... what they did to you...."

Rufus Shinra nods. Takes up the sleeve of his left arm. Shows her the scar that goes right through his wrist

Tifa Lockheart says, "How did you survive it?"

Tifa Lockheart frowns

Tifa Lockheart says, "So... what do you feel about Cloud? Im just wondering... He seems to have stolen everyone's heart"

Rufus Shinra says, "I'm not sure..."

Tifa Lockheart says, "Well can you tell me what you feel when you think of him?"

Rufus Shinra says, "..."

Rufus Shinra looks down

Rufus Shinra says, "..."

Tifa Lockheart says, "Hmm... Why'd you look at me that way when I asked if you survived anyway?"

Rufus Shinra looks back up at her. Looks at her as if to say 'survived? Look at me ... '

Tifa Lockheart says, "Why'd you look at the floor always? You embarrassed... or just.... Too confused for words by that question? And what did that look mean?"

Tifa Lockheart has a feeling she is asking too many questions at once

Tifa Lockheart says, "You're so empty... are you telling me you didn't survive?"

Rufus Shinra doesn't seem to sleep or eat

Rufus Shinra says, "what do you think?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Probably not... But you seem to think something of Cloud... whenever I talk about him you look uncomfortable"

Rufus Shinra turns from her and looks at the sky

Rufus Shinra says, "two years ago ... he sort of... touched something inside of me ... something that is now gone ... as you pointed out ... but, the echo ... the memory, remains"

Tifa Lockheart nods

Tifa Lockheart says, "You want it back?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I can't get it back ... you saw the tape..."

Tifa Lockheart looks at Rufus

Rufus Shinra is staring out at the sky

Tifa Lockheart says, "If you could have it back.... All that you lost... would you want it?"

Rufus Shinra looks down

Rufus Shinra says, "I can't get it back...."

Tifa Lockheart says, "That's sad. I still think we should nab Cloud... it would keep Sephiroth busy..."

Rufus Shinra says, "Perhaps"

Tifa Lockheart says, "How come you starve yourself... you gotta eat don't you?"

Rufus Shinra sighs again

Rufus Shinra says, "food has no taste for me..."

Tifa Lockheart says, "None?"

Rufus Shinra nods

Tifa Lockheart says, "How do you keep going?"

Rufus Shinra looks back out at the sky

Aeris Gainsborough comes walking back onto the bridge. Looks over at Tifa and Rufus

Tifa Lockheart looks at Aeris and shrugs

Aeris Gainsborough says, "What's going on"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Asking questions"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "and what have you learned?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "It appears he may have had feelings for Cloud... and.... that he's dead inside"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "dead... yes, I saw the tape ... and... Cloud said that too"

Aeris Gainsborough looks over at Rufus

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers to Tifa* did you find out about... well, whether he... "

Tifa Lockheart says, "I don't know what to make of him though. He seems to have something... but god knows what.... Inside. Perhaps just "echoes" as he put it"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "oh?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "He doesn't seem to eat either... said food just didn't taste anymore...."

Aeris Gainsborough sighs

Aeris Gainsborough says, "echoes..."

Rufus Shinra flicks his hair back

Tifa Lockheart says, "Even though his orders destroyed my town... I can't help but feel a tad.... Of pity for him"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "does he sleep? I was talking to Cloud on the boat, we didn't think he slept ... and that was ... days ago now"

Tifa Lockheart says, "I don't think so... By the way... when did you get to sleep with Cloud?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "oh, he just slept in my bed, nothing else. It was at the Gold Saucer"

Aeris Gainsborough looks at Rufus again

Tifa Lockheart sighs

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers to Tifa* if he goes on like this, he's going to die...."

Tifa Lockheart says, "*whisper* What can we do? He doesn't seem to have the will to live"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers* that's true.... Sort of odd seeing he killed his own father to become Prez..."

Tifa Lockheart says, "Hmm *whisper* well he may be able to help us get Sephiroth.... So we gotta try something"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whisper* like?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "*whisper* No clue... what do you think would perk him up?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers*.... Nothing as far as I can tell"

Tifa Lockheart says, "*whisper* How bout Cloud? He showed mild interest there..."

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers* true...."

Rufus Shinra sits down. Seems weak maybe from no food or sleep

Tifa Lockheart says, "*whispers* God knows where Cloud is though..."

Aeris Gainsborough looks at Rufus again

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers to Tifa* do you think he's dying?"

Tifa Lockheart shrugs

Rufus Shinra flicks his hair back, forcing his eyes to stay open

Tifa Lockheart says, "Mebbe we should put him to bed...?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "Want to go try?"

Aeris Gainsborough grins a little

Tifa Lockheart says, "He doesn't look like he has much fight left. You get his arms... I'll get his legs?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "hmm, ok ok "

Aeris Gainsborough walks over to Rufus

Tifa Lockheart walks over as well

Rufus Shinra looks up at them

Tifa Lockheart says, "We have come to the conclusion that you need rest Rufus-sama"

Rufus Shinra shakes his head

Rufus Shinra says, "I do not wish to rest"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Come now... you can hardly keep your eyes open"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "Aww, come on"

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "they've been that way for days now..."

Tifa Lockheart says, "First tell us who we can send to hunt down Cloud... then its beddy time for you"

Rufus Shinra says, "Beddy?"

Tifa Lockheart sighs

Tifa Lockheart says, "Nobody ever took care of you when you were little did they?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Turks... the remaining three, can find him. Meaning?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "You don't recognize the word beddy... all parents use that"

Rufus Shinra says, "no..."

Tifa Lockheart looks at Aeris

Tifa Lockheart says, "Alright... we have to tell them to find cloud and not to hurt him.... Think they can handle that?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I was usually beaten until I passed out then thrown in bed by my father.... My mother didn't know though ... most likely"

Tifa Lockheart frowns and pats Rufus on the head

Rufus Shinra blinks

Tifa Lockheart says, "I bet you have terrible dreams"

Rufus Shinra says, "yes ... but, I don't dream any more"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "everyone needs to dream.... And sleep ... or they go mad"

Tifa Lockheart says, "I think.... He's broken Aeris"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers* meaning?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "*whispers* He's gone... beyond help... perhaps he never was help-able.... But we need him for now..."

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers* then what?"

Rufus Shinra would stand up, but is rather weak right now

Tifa Lockheart says, "*whisper* who knows"

Tifa Lockheart says, "C'mon Aeris... lets get him to bed.... He doesn't look like he can even move"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "Fine"

Tifa Lockheart hands Rufus a PHS

Aeris Gainsborough helps Tifa pick Rufus up

Tifa Lockheart says, "Contact the Turks please.... The probably wont listen to me"

Rufus Shinra takes it, and wonders why he's being picked up. Talks into it to Reno. Gives him his orders. Puts the PHS away

Tifa Lockheart says, "Alright Aeris... you lead... "

Rufus Shinra says, "why are you picking me up?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Can you walk yourself?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "ok Tifa"

Rufus Shinra says, "..."

Aeris Gainsborough helps her carry Rufus off the bridge. No one in the crew seems to mind, as if they've wanted to do this but were too scared of him

Tifa Lockheart says, "Never thought I would be carrying the President of ShinRa around..."

Rufus Shinra says, "and where are you two taking me?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Your quarters"

Rufus Shinra says, "why?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Whatcha think we're gonna throw you overboard?"

Aeris Gainsborough finds Rufus's quarters

Rufus Shinra says, "Why are we going here?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "You need Rest... you cant even stand up"

Rufus Shinra says, "but ... I don't want to rest"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Aeris... you should see if we have some Tranqs... he isn't gonna rest willingly"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "ok"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Rufus... think of it this way... see how easily manipulated you are when you're exhausted?"

Aeris Gainsborough lays Rufus down on the bed.

Tifa Lockheart says, "We picked you up and carried you off..."

Rufus Shinra says, "what do you mean?"

Aeris Gainsborough looks for some tranqs, then looks at Rufus worriedly. Looks back at Tifa

Tifa Lockheart says, "Look Rufus... if you don't sleep and eat you'll be weak right?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "*whispers to Tifa* I'm not sure tranqs are a good idea... he doesn't eat, one of these could, well, kill him..."

Rufus Shinra says, "so?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Do you really want Aeris and I to carry you around like a baby?"

Rufus Shinra says, "no"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Then rest"

Rufus Shinra says, "why?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Because you need it!"

Rufus Shinra says, "why do I need it?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Look at yourself!"

Aeris Gainsborough puts the tranqs away

Tifa Lockheart says, "Sleep Rufus-sama"

Rufus Shinra looks rather pale under this light as well

Rufus Shinra says, "hmmm"

Tifa Lockheart says, "If you save this world... perhaps it will forgive you of your sins against it"

Rufus Shinra yawns

Tifa Lockheart smiles

Tifa Lockheart says, "Perhaps we won't have to tie him down after all...."

Rufus Shinra says, "..."

Tifa Lockheart says, "C'mon Aeris... lets let him rest... he isn't going anywhere"

Rufus Shinra can't keep his eyes open any more since he's lying down. Is out like a light

Aeris Gainsborough says, "yeah.... We also need to get him to eat ... he seems to be starving himself or something"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Hmm... We could en-tube him... Or figure a way to coax him into eating..."

Aeris Gainsborough chuckles

Aeris Gainsborough says, "I guess. You know.... Do you think he's suicidal in a way?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Perhaps. Over what though?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "but, that would be a horrible way to die"

Tifa Lockheart says, "All that's happened to him?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "I have no idea ... but most likely that"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Poor guy"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "he's so empty. His soul looks like it was demolished. And, you saw the tape too"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Those are hard to rebuild too..."

Aeris Gainsborough says, "that last part of his treatment...."

Tifa Lockheart says, "He knew he was gonna get hurt though.... Yet he let Cloud go... It makes me wonder..."

Aeris Gainsborough says, "it technically killed him ... but it also kept him alive"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Perhaps he was a misjudged man..."

Aeris Gainsborough looks at Tifa

Aeris Gainsborough says, "misjudged...."

Tifa Lockheart says, "Well he let Cloud go... meaning he had some compassion.... Right?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "yes ... at one time"

Tifa Lockheart frowns

Tifa Lockheart says, "How come all the cute ones are gay?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "I have no idea. Maybe that's why they are cute"

Aeris Gainsborough giggles. Heads out of Rufus's room

Tifa Lockheart follows Aeris

Tifa Lockheart says, "you're cute.... What's your story?"

Aeris Gainsborough goes into her room and sits down on the bed. Chuckles

Aeris Gainsborough says, "I'm cute? Why thank you"

Tifa Lockheart leans on the doorframe and sighs

Aeris Gainsborough says, "come on in"

Tifa Lockheart walks into the room

Aeris Gainsborough says, "I had a boy friend once ... he was a SOLDIER 1st class even ... but, he dissapeard 5 years ago. Most likely ran off with another girl... he was a real ladies man"

Tifa Lockheart says, "Hmm... Same time Cloud disappeared... weird..."

Aeris Gainsborough nods

Aeris Gainsborough says, "I don't really care about him any more though.... I just remember. What about you?"

Aeris Gainsborough looks over at Tifa

Tifa Lockheart says, "He had this adorable pony tail.... Before he left... town... it was fun to pull... I never realized I liked him till he was gone... and it was too late...."

Aeris Gainsborough says, "Aww, poor you. Come, sit down. You look tired"

Tifa Lockheart sits down

Aeris Gainsborough smiles

Tifa Lockheart says, "That temple was confusing.... And poor Rufus... he's confusing too..."

Aeris Gainsborough says, "why's he confusing?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "He seems to have something... but what it is eludes me"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "have something?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "I dunno... Mebbe I'm wrong..."

Aeris Gainsborough lies down on her bed

Tifa Lockheart says, "They way he acted when I mentioned Cloud... made me think he had more than just echoes"

Tifa Lockheart looks at Aeris

Aeris Gainsborough looks back

Tifa Lockheart says, "So what do we do now?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "you can stay and keep me company if you like"

Tifa Lockheart frowns slightly

Tifa Lockheart says, "I am lonely..."

Aeris Gainsborough says, "so am I"

Aeris Gainsborough smiles slightly at Tifa

Tifa Lockheart sits down on the bed...

Tifa Lockheart says, "This is kinda weird... but... doable"

Aeris Gainsborough smiles again

Aeris Gainsborough says, "that's good"

Tifa Lockheart says, "You ever thought about this Aeris?"

Aeris Gainsborough says, "this?"

Tifa Lockheart says, "ah nothin...."

Aeris Gainsborough yawns. Reaches a hand out towards Tifa

Tifa Lockheart takes Aeris' hand

Aeris Gainsborough pulls her gently down onto the bed. Yawns again and hugs onto Tifa, falling asleep

Tifa Lockheart says, "Cute..."

Tifa Lockheart cuddles up with Aeris and dozes off