"I'm not strong enough to stand beside you, mother. So…
…just wait for me to become stronger."
Aerith could really only take in a deep breath as she heard her son's words. Aerith wasn't going to lie to herself—Gary will never be strong enough, he will grow old and die…but the only thing that Aerith could really do was nod and smile.
"I love you, Gary," Aerith whispered as she touched Gary's cheek, "You are my son, no matter what."
"Hm," Gary just wryly smiled as he too, nodded, "Let's stop here, too many death flags being raised."
"Right," Aerith then looked at Claudyne, "Protect New Theran."
"Of course, Your Highness," Claudyne nodded before flying away, taking Gary and the rest of her classmates with her.
"I've seen worse mothers," Xra let out a quiet chuckle as soon as they were gone, "But no time to reminisce, here they are. And judging by the bloodlust I am feeling, they're not really friendly this time around."
