[ She takes another sip of her tea, its warmth blossoming out in her chest and flowing through her very veins. Combined with the warmth of Maika at her side, she feels a lot less like she's got a cloud of gloom hanging over her, even if this conversation isn't exactly full of sunshine and rainbows. ]

Oh, they will, that's for sure.

[ Aerith glances at Maika, a small smile on her lips, though it's full of resolve. ]

But they know me well enough by now to understand where I'm coming from. I'm no hero or anything, but they fill me with a strength that makes me feel like I can do anything. If I don't do anything good with that feeling, then what's it all for?

[ She knows how that sounds, though, like she's resigned to her death, but... ]

I'm not worried about getting too hurt, though. They'll protect me. If anyone's got my back, I know they do.

[ To face scary things with confidence, that's what friends are for. That's what the important people in your life are for. They carry you through it. It seems like Maika understands that much, despite the harsh ideals she grew up under, so Aerith can't help but wonder: ]

Who do you fight for, Maika?