Only a life lived for others is a life worth while.


- Albert Einstein


Prologue:



I held on tightly to Gray as the gondola was brought back up to the surface. Crying silently, knowing that I will never see him again, in this life anyway, and held on tightly.
Tight, ever so tight.

I felt the warm rays of the nurturing sun caressing my cheeks, Gaia's sun, not some alien planets. The life giving warmth felt so strange compared to the desolate wastelands that it almost felt like I was waking up from a dream. Only Gray's cold, lifeless hands made me realize all to well that it wasn't a dream. But god, I wish it was a dream. Then I wouldn't have to hold on to the precious memories I still had about Gray. His warm smile, his persistent nature, and most importantly, his faith in me.

When I woke up from my dream it felt like I was testing my senses for the first time. I felt the wind blowing through my hair, and when I opened my eyes I could see towering mountains in the distance. The scent of pine trees clung to the early morning air, and the sound of a hawk cried out in the distance. Like the hawk was telling me, Don't be sad Aki, look around you and you'll see that Gray still lives on.

For the first time a thought crossed my mind to give up and stay with him, make my dream a reality. I felt ashamed with my suicidal impulses to end my life right here and now, but if I did I could stay with him. Stay with him and never have to worry about being alone again.....but a stubborn voice in the back of my head would not hear of it. The voice seemed to whisper to me to get up and help rebuild this world. The world you fought so hard for.

At that moment I realized that I must let go of him, let go of the past and go on with my life....... no matter how much time it took to heal.

I'll be back Gray, I whispered softly and slowly made my way back towards the Black Boa. It was going to be a long journey home.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chapter One
Unspoken Words

I opened the door and immediately noticed Aki's eyes. They were wet and filled with sadness. From those tell tale signs I realized what happened.....Gray was gone.

I'm so sorry, I whispered.

Aki was suddenly overcome with emotion and hugged me, letting go of unshed tears. I gently held her, like a father would hold a child, it was the only condolence I could offer.

I heard a familiar voice ask, He's gone....isn't he.

The question was more of a statement that seemed to have a different meaning. A question that said, Don't tell me anymore than you have to.

She let go of me, wiping the tears from her eyes and replied,

Neil looked back at her with sad eyes. It was strange to see Neil sad, one would even find it depressing almost. Aki must have felt the same way because she momentarily glanced away from him.

How's Ryan? She asked trying to make the pain bearable.

As if on cue Jane stepped into the room and replied, He's fine, I just gave him some medication. He''ll be alright until we reach New York.

I noticed that Jane looked oddly calm.....
Neil also seemed to notice this and was about to say something but must have known that now wasn't a good time.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Jane sighed warily, wiping the beads of sweat from her forehead as she placed the heavy machinery onto the platform. For the past two weeks she's been trying to forget it ever happened by keeping herself occupied, but now she was running out of things to do.

Suddenly, a blast of music was heard coming from the garage. She groaned in frustration as she recognized that it was Neil's. He's the only one that listens to System of a Down. Not like she had a thing against them or anything, but it would be nice to know what their screaming to once in awhile.

For christ sakes, Jane muttered as she stormed towards the garage.

Neil was underneath the Black Boa trying to repair the damages to the ship before General Hein went trigger happy. The music helped Neil put the past behind him, but not much.

He thought about the day when the Phantoms first arrived and death surrounded him like an all consuming fog. How people lived in fear and did not worry about trivial matters such as appearences and the attitude of others. For the first time ever, Neil felt like he could start his own life again. It was like a heavy burder was finally lifted off his shoulders.

His thoughts were interrupted as the music was turned off. He ducked his head out from underneath the bulk of the ship to see Jane leave.

Hey! Do you mind? I was listening to that.

Irritated Jane swung around and sharply replied, At that volume I'm surprised you're not bleeding out your ears.

Neil, angrily tossed the oil rag aside and went to go catch up to Jane.

What's your problem? Ever since the Gaia incident you're acting as if no one.....

He looked away, realizing what he just said, immediately regretting those brash words as Jane looked back at him with teary eyes.

Died, is that what you were about to say? Well I'm sorry if you feel that way Neil but I do give a damn. What makes you think that you know me?



What, you don't think I have feelings too? You must think Oh there goes Jane out in front again, yeah she must be really strong, she probably doesn't notice the dead bodies lying all around her.....'

Listen Jane I.....

No. I think you've done enough damage, she harshly replied.

Jane quickly left the room, but not before Neil saw her cry for the first time.

I'm sorry, Neil whispered to silent ears.



Note: This takes place after the movie and a few changes were brought to the conclusion to allow more character development.

Disclaimer: All Final Fantasy characters are property of Square Pictures and are for entertainment purposes only.