Darkness Falls Chapter 22
By Gemini83
North Corel was certainly growing. Not the squalor and wreckage it once was,
the city could almost be considered a booming metropolis. Although not even
half as large as Midgar, this was one of the biggest cities on the
map.
Cid whistled, “Nice place Barret.”
Reeve nodded, “It’s good to see people are rebuilding the mess
Shinra created.”
Elena gave Reeve a knowing look, “That was the old Shinra
Reeve.”
“Yeah,” agreed Barret, “besides, I believe Shinra invested
in this town, gave us funds to rebuild.”
The President of Shinra simply shrugged his shoulders and
smiled.
Of course, one of the biggest attractions of North Corel was the ropeway.
Or, perhaps the place where the ropeway led to...
“The Gold Saucer,” said Cloud, “it’s been a while since
we came here.”
Kaede was staring at the wondrous lights and sounds from the ride.
“Impressive,” he said.
“We haven’t even gotten inside yet,” smiled
Aeris.
The group went their separate ways. Kaede allowed himself to be dragged along
by Aeris, following Tifa and Cloud as they related the events and amusements
from their first trip.
Rude and Reno went off to Battle Square, choosing to test their new skills
and see what they could win. Reeve was escorting Elena through the Gold
Saucer.
“I can’t believe those guys,” said the Turk, “they have
no sense of fun.”
“Oh come now Elena,” smirked Reeve, “what could be more fun
than fighting monsters for hours on end?”
She gave him a wry grin, “perhaps doing paperwork for hours on
end?”
Reeve winced, “touché.”
The two took in the sights as they walked through the Wonder Square, gazing
at all the neon lights and concession stands. Reeve bought Elena some cotton
candy and walked on with her, showing the various rides and
amusements.
They entered the arcade room, and saw that a new wing had been added to the
Square just beyond the other side.
“Well,” said Reeve, “what do you want to do?”
“Uhm...how about the Snowboarding Game?”
“Oh wow,” choked Reeve, “I’m not THAT
brave!”
“Come on,” said Elena, “it will be fun.”
“Very well, I’ll go first...may the Planet have mercy on my
soul.”
Elena laughed, “it won’t be that bad!”
Reeve warily got on the board and decided to take the beginner level. The
President didn’t get far before he crashed. He managed to get up and
snag a few points before the game was over, but the result was
laughable.
Elena was trying desperately to cover her smile, but it wasn’t working.
Reeve could see the wide grin playing across her face.
“Told you I was no good. Okay hotshot,” he retorted, “let’s
see you try it.”
Elena got on the board and decided to be a little more daring, choosing the
Crazy difficulty level. Reeve began to whistle funeral music as Elena arched
her eyebrow at him.
Reeve laughed, “good luck.”
Elena smiled and turned to the monitor, “this brings back
memories...”
Elsewhere, Yuffie was dragging Vincent through the food
court...again.
“Why do you always bring to these places Yuffie?” asked Vincent,
“in fact, why do you drag me anywhere at all?”
“Questions, questions, questions,” chided Yuffie, “learn to
live a little.”
“This to the man who’s lived in a coffin?” asked
Vincent.
Yuffie gave him a strange look before laughing, “at least you’re
getting a sense of humor.”
Vincent blinked against the bright lights, “could we go somewhere
else...please?”
The young ninja rolled her eyes, “oh fine, you big baby, where
to?”
“Some place peaceful,” suggested Vincent.
“Hmmm,” thought Yuffie, “okay, how about the
Gondola?”
Vincent shrugged, “very well.”
Yuffie stared in winder at all the fireworks exploding over the neon stands
below. From here, they could see the Gold Saucer in its entirety. Vincent
contented himself with sitting quietly and enjoying the relative
quiet.
Yuffie gazed at the lights in rapture, but tore her gaze away long enough
to see the quiet man sitting across from her. The young ninja sighed
mournfully.
“Don’t you ever relax?” she asked.
Vincent shrugged his shoulders, “I’m not sure what you
mean.”
Yuffie looked into his deep, eyes, “sure you do, it’s as if
you’re carrying some great burden.”
“What do you want from me Yuffie?”
The ninja shrugged, “I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to know
a little more about you.”
Vincent nodded gamely, “very well, ask.”
“Okay,” returned Yuffie, pensively, “what’s with that
cave of yours?”
Vincent arched his eyebrows in question, “excuse me?”
“You know, that cave where we saw Lucretia’s ghost, you haven’t
forgotten have you?”
Vincent closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall of the gondola.
He let out a deep sigh and fell silent.
Before Yuffie could comment, he answered her question, “a long time
ago...it was my dream...to build a house near that cave, to...”
“Yes?” prodded Yuffie.
“I...wanted to spend the rest of my life there, with the one person
in the world who could make me feel whole. Then I met Lucretia, and my heart
soared. I just wanted to take her with me, to live out on a cabin...by the
lake, just her and I...and eventually...”
Vincent let out a ragged breath, “but that dream died a long time
ago.”
“I’m sorry Vincent,” stammered Yuffie, “I-I didn’t
know.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he smiled, “and what about
you?”
“What about me?”
“What was your secret wish, what did you used to dream
of?”
“Oh, you know me,” laughed Yuffie, “fame, glory, materia,
et cetera.”
“I don’t know,” said Vincent, “I think there’s more
to it than that.”
“And why do you think that?”
At this, Vincent smiled, “well, Lucretia used to say I had the remarkable
ability to read people, it drove her crazy.”
Yuffie laughed, “well, you know me all too well.”
“So?” asked Vincent.
“Yeah?”
“Your dream.”
“I was hoping you’d forget,” answered the ninja.
“Not a chance.”
Yuffie shrugged, “all that glory stuff was my father’s legacy,
his dream. But then the village was reduced to a ghost of its former
splendor.”
Vincent nodded, “you wanted to see your father’s dreams come true,
to see his pride restored. You wanted him to be whole again.”
Yuffie gave Vincent a strange look, “Lucretia should have pegged you
as a psychic too.”
Vincent smiled.
“Yeah, you’re right,” answered Yuffie, “you know, my
favorite place to think was on the cliffs near the fire caves. I could see
the entire town.”
“Sounds peaceful.”
“It was,” she continued, “I used to think about what would
happen once Wutai regained its former glory. I guess I always wanted some
peace , some rest after it was all over. Don’t ask me why, but I’ve
always been searching for something, for that special something that would
finally make me feel like I was home...that I was finally at
peace.”
“Why do you tell me all this now?” asked Vincent.
“I can’t answer that one either.”
“This isn’t like you Yuffie,” said Vincent, “where’s
the spirited Yuffie we all know?”
“She’s weary, quickly fading,” sighed Yuffie, “she’s
the exterior I use to hide away from the world when I feel cold and
lonely.”
“Sounds like Kaede, why don’t you talk to him?”
He caught the glimmer of a laugh in her eyes, “wait, don’t answer
that. Why not Cloud? Isn’t he like your big brother?”
Yuffie raised her hands in futility, “I don’t know, I guess it’s
like Lucretia said.”
Vincent looked at her, begging the question.
The ninja sighed, “you understand people, no, that’s not right.
You KNOW people Vincent, almost better than they know
themselves.”
“Yuffie...”
“Please, let me finish. I guess it’s because you’re always
around, you know exactly what to say, exactly what to do...not a screw up
like me.”
“Don’t say that Yuffie.”
“Why not?” she demanded, “I don’t even know what I want
to do with my life! Our planet may be destroyed by God knows what...and I
don’t even know what I want, even less... who I am...”
“You know Yuffie,” stated Vincent, “you and I are extremely
alike.”
“Oh really,” asked Yuffie sardonically, “and how is
that?”
“Because you’ve been searching for something you’re entire
life,” started Vincent, “you don’t know what it is, but it’s
always eluded you, always slipped by.”
Yuffie felt her eyes water as Vincent continued to speak.
“All the while, you’ve been searching for yourself, for what’s
inside. And despite every success you’ve had, every accomplishment
you’ve made...you feel every bit as barren and desolate...as I have
felt my entire life.”
Yuffie’s breath caught in her throat as she tried to reply.
“You don’t need to say anything Yuffie,” said Vincent, brushing
away her tears, “your eyes say it all.”
She simply nodded.
“Look out that window, what do you see?”
Yuffie looked, and shrugged.
“You want to know what I see? Hope. I see a world unafraid to live.
I see a planet that will stand up to anything that’s thrown at
it.”
Vincent raised her chin, so that he was looking at her eyes again, “and
now I see you, and I don’t have to go it alone. I have friend like you,
I have people I want to be with, who fill in that void.”
“Vincent...”
“No Yuffie,” replied Vincent, “now it’s your turn to
listen to me. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to face the
darkness alone...believe me, when this is over...you’ll find your peace
and quiet, I promise.”
The young ninja smiled, “for a recluse, you understand a lot about people.
Why do you always know what to say?”
“You said it yourself...I’m psychic,” smiled Vincent,
“remember?”
Yuffie could feel his warm breath against her face, his eyes calm and so
alive. Lucretia had been right, he COULD read people. Annoying, maybe, but
it was definitely charming. She smiled up into those deep eyes, so intense,
and yet so gentle.
Vincent smiled back, and saw a friend looking back. He saw someone to talk
to, to trust. He had told her things he had never thought of telling anyone,
and he couldn’t understand why. One look into her eyes told him he
didn’t care either, as he lost himself into those depths. She understood,
perhaps more so than anyone he had known for a long time...and she
cared.
A jarring of the gondola signaled the end to the ride. Yuffie was lost for
a moment, was the ride over already? She didn’t even notice as Vincent
helped her out of the cabin and walked her outside. Her heart was still beating
like a drum, and she moved without thinking about it. Oh well, at least she
had been able to talk to him. Surprisingly, she felt better, and her spry
nature quickly came back.
Vincent smiled as he walked with her through the streets. He had enjoyed
talking to her. It had been strange, but he felt better. One thing was for
sure though, he wasn’t letting Yuffie out of his sights anytime
soon...
Elena shrieked in dismay as the snowboard jerked heavily. The Turk had been
setting a record when she completely wiped out. Elena could barely gasp as
she was thrown through the air.
The first thing that she could think was, ‘this is going to
hurt.’
Pain must have been a relative thing, for she felt nothing upon impact. In
fact, she felt a strong pair of arms grab her, supporting her fall as she
was hurled through the air. They held her still, as she struggled to her
feet.
“Are you alright?” asked Reeve.
“I’m fine,” gasped Elena, “help me get up.”
Elena allowed Reeve to help her. Through some quirk of fate, she found herself
staring the President of Shinra straight in the eyes, with inches to spare
in between. What’s more, his arms were still around her waist.
He stepped back, giving her some room, “uh, sorry.”
Elena straightened her hair and ran her hands through her hair, “oh
no, I’m sorry, thanks for breaking the fall.”
“So...you were saying, ice master?”
The Turk smiled, “hey, you can’t say anything. You didn’t
do much better.”
Reeve shrugged, “so, what next?”
Elena saw huge signs advertising a new attraction, “let’s check
out the ballroom.”
“Very well,” answered Reeve.
The pair walked through the doorway and into a great hall. Golden rafters
hung from the ceiling, neon lights came into the room through tinted windows.
And up above, a full moon was shining through the glass ceiling, the lights
reflecting off the marble floor.
“Care to dance?” asked Reeve, gesturing to the twirling figures
on the floor.
“Why not?” replied Elena.
As they began to waltz to the beautiful music, Reeve and Elena grinned at
each other.
“It’s much better doing this when you’re not falling through
the air,” said Reeve, “oh Planet, that sounded
corny.”
Elena laughed, “no it didn’t, and you’re right, it is better.
We should do this more often.”
Elena and Reeve stopped laughing and looked at each other, wondering what
the other would think. A smile crept into the Turk’s features, encouraging
the President to smile back.
“You’re right Elena,” answered Reeve, “I WOULD like to
do this again sometime.”
The pair allowed themselves to lose track of time as they danced the night
away.
Barret and Elmyra were showing Marlene around the gift shops and new rides.
Cid and Shera followed not far behind. Everywhere, merchants shouted, selling
their wares to the passersby.
“Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!” shouted a vendor, “win prizes at the
Tower of Power!”
The man was next to a contraption, one where person would take a hammer and
swing as hard as possible to hit the bell at the top of the ‘tower,’
thus winning prizes.
“Daddy,” said Marlene, “could I have a teddy?”
The little girl pointed her little fingers at one of the prizes for winning
at the ‘Tower of Power.’
Barret grinned his response, “sure Marlene, just you
wait!”
The tall man handed his daughter over to Elmyra while he bought a ticket
for the hammer swing.
“Yeah Barret,” encouraged Cid, “show ‘em who’s
boss!”
Barret cracked his knuckles and grabbed the hammer in both hands. Just before
he could swing however, Barret was distracted by the vendors yelling to other
customers. He faltered as the hammer fell.
The mark rose all the way up to the level...“wimp.” Cid doubled
over with laughter at the display.
“Ha-Hey Barret,” he struggled to say, “not gettin’ enough
vitamins?”
Barret glowered at Cid icily.
“Hey, get this next one,” Cid replied, “and I’m buyin’
the drinks next time.”
“Betcha I’ll beat you at the contest though,” returned
Barret.
“Oh come now Barret,” chuckled Shera, “you two were so inebriated,
neither one of you could tell who won.”
“Honestly,” Elmyra shook her head, “some men...”
Barret grumbled under his breath and bought another try at the hammer swing.
However, he did have something to say to the vendor before he
started.
Barret glared into the merchant’s eyes, “I suggest, for your personal
safety, that you stay quiet this time.”
The man nodded nervously.
Barret picked up the hammer again and swung indifferently. The mark hit the
bell, then landed, then bounced up again, this time breaking past the bell
and flying through the air. It disappeared into a back street, followed by
the clanking of metal and screeching of cats. Cid stared open mouthed at
Barret, who simply grinned back.
Marlene bounced along on her father’s shoulders, holding two giant teddy
bears. Elmyra laughed at the dumbfounded looks Cid gave to Barret. Shera
pouted at Cid playfully, asking him to win a prize for her.
“Oh come on,” joked Shera, “can’t you win a prize for
little old me?”
“Oy,” Cid scratched his head, “okay, how about sharp
shooting?”
Barret shook his head, “aw come on man, that’s too
easy.”
The captain pondered some more, “hammer swing?”
“Barret broke it,” smiled Elmyra.
“Okay, I got it,” said Cid triumphantly, “the pie
throw!”
“That works,” replied Shera, the others nodded agreement.
The group walked up to the pie throwing stand, and Cid bought three tries
to hit the clown behind the board.
“Come on,” shouted the clown, “let’s see what you
got.”
The pilot threw the first pie, which hit the target board hard.
“Not even close,” taunted the clown.
He threw again, and missed again.
“Hah,” laughed the clown, “close, but no cigar.”
“Or in your case,” laughed Barret, “no cigarette, eh
Cid?”
The former leader of Avalanche was enjoying his opportunity to taunt, “hey,
if you need help-”
Cid didn’t even reply as he picked up the last pie and threw it at the
clown. It hit him straight in the face, the impact sending him flying backward
several feet.
The pilot turned to the now gawking Barret.
“You were saying?” asked Cid.
Tifa, Cloud, and Aeris showed Kaede around the streets of the Gold Saucer,
and finally came to the Arena in Event Square. The doorman congratulated
Cloud and Tifa as the hundredth couple.
“Oh no,” groaned Cloud, “not this again.”
“Please sir,” said the doorman, “you have to help us out
here.”
Tifa tugged on Cloud’s arm, “come on, it’ll be
fun.”
“Okay,” sighed Cloud, “but under one condition.”
“What is that?” asked the doorman.
“You have to let them come with us,” said Cloud, pointing at Kaede
and Aeris.
“Hey,” protested Kaede, “I said I could play music, I never
said I could act.”
Aeris jabbed him in the ribs, “where’s your sense of
adventure?”
The Planeswalker shook his head as Aeris dragged him after Cloud and Tifa,
“I must have left it back home with my better
judgment.”
“Once upon a time,” said the narrator, “there were two great
brothers, heroes of the land.”
Kaede and Cloud jumped onto the stage, decked with medieval armor.
“They were to marry two beautiful princesses...,” continued the
narrator.
Eventually, the story reached the point where the evil Dragon King took the
brides away to his castle, whereupon Kaede and Cloud were sent to save them.
The evil dragon came out of hiding, holding Aeris and Tifa prisoner, wearing
exotic dresses. Tifa was decked in a silky skirt and blouse, with slits along
the sides that were a tease to the eye. Aeris was similarly clothed, revealing
nothing, yet showing off enough of her shapely legs and arms to draw attention.
They looked more like captivating nymphs, mystical and beautiful sprites,
than the princesses they had been dressed as not too long ago. Kaede and
Cloud gawked while everyone waited for the next line.
“Excuse me sir,” whispered the man in the dragon costume, “your
line?”
“Oh,” said Cloud, “right...AVAST YE EVIL DEMON, RELEASE MY
LOVE!!!”
Silence...
“Uh,” whispered Cloud, “Kaede?”
The Planeswalker was still staring at Aeris.
Tifa and Aeris snickered, hands covering their faces.
“Cat got your tongues?” whispered Tifa to Cloud.
He blinked and smiled sheepishly, “you look great Tiff...”
She waggled her finger at him, “don’t get frisky with
me.”
“Oh come on,” said Aeris, trying desperately to stifle her laugh,
“the audience is waiting.”
“Right,” said Kaede, “I have an idea. Come here
Cloud.”
Cloud listened as Kaede whispered his plan to him, and smiled.
“Should be...interesting,” answered Cloud.
He walked up to the ‘dragon,’ “touch my
shoulder.”
“What?” asked the actor.
“Touch my shoulder,” repeated Cloud.
“Okay...”
As soon as the dragon touched Cloud on the shoulder, the ‘knight in
shining armor’ began to convulse.
“ALAS,” shouted Kaede, “HE HAS BEEN POSSESSED BY THE EVIL
DRAGON KING!!!”
Cloud ran at Kaede, slashing his sword. Kaede parried as he circled his
‘opponent.’ Sparks flew as their swords clashed. The audience
hadn’t been expecting such a show, and began to cheer the fighters
on.
Cloud jumped over Kaede's head, landing behind him, and thrust his sword
at the exposed back. The Planeswalker jumped to the side, swiping his sword
as he leapt, forcing Cloud to jump back in defense. Kaede followed the roll
and leapt back towards Cloud, who did the same.
The clashed sword in midair, and kept on thrusting and parrying as they landed.
Their swords were a blur as they attacked each other, neither giving ground.
The crowd was mad with excitement.
“Not bad,” grinned Kaede.
“You’re not too shabby yourself,” returned Cloud
“As much as I’m enjoying this, I think it‘s time for the
finish.”
“I agree,” said Cloud.
“Let’s do it.”
Cloud left an opening on purpose, which Kaede used to disarm the swordsman.
He knocked away Cloud’s sword and punched him with an energized fist.
Kaede let the energy flash into a blinding light for added effect. It was
a pulled punch, so it didn’t hurt Cloud as much, but it did send him
hurtling into the ‘evil dragon.’ The actor fell backwards as he
released the two ‘princesses.’
Tifa cradled Cloud’s head in her lap, “Oh Cloud!”
“Kiss me,” whispered Cloud.
Tifa blinked in surprise, “what?”
“It’s all part of the act,” replied Cloud, “kiss
me.”
She grinned in response, “you rogue.”
Cloud’s answer was silenced as Tifa stifled him with an electrifying
kiss.
“TRUE LOVE HAS CONQUERED THE SPELL,” shouted Kaede for the benefit
of the audience.
He kneeled on front of Aeris, taking her hand in his, “NOW WE CAN ALWAYS
BE TOGETHER!”
He kissed her hand, then got to his feet, brushing her cheek with his hand.
Aeris was about to close the distance for another kiss when the ‘evil
dragon’ came up again.
“BAH!” he shouted, “I WILL DESTROY YOU ALL, I CANNOT STAND
TRUE LOVE! THE EVIL DRAGON KING SHALL BRING ABOUT YOUR END!!!”
Aeris glared at the actor, “beat it,” she whispered, “I’m
busy.”
The actor seemed not to have noticed, for he continued to rant as he got
closer.
Aeris gave Kaede a frustrated look, “okay...that’s
enough.”
She turned around to face the dragon, “GET OUT OF HERE!”
“YOU CANNOT DEFEAT-”
The actor never finished his line, for Aeris punched him off the stage. The
dragon stumbled backwards, as Tifa stuck out her foot. The actor tripped
over the extended leg and fell into the orchestra pit below, sending up a
discordant shrill of off-key instruments.
“Tsk, tsk,” said Tifa, “bad move buddy.”
“Don’t...you...DARE INTERRUPT A WOMAN DURING A ROMANTIC
MOMENT!!!” shouted Aeris.
The group eventually made it to the center of the Gold Saucer, where there
was now a cafe and bar. It was one of those affairs where a person could
sit on the edge, next to the windows, while it turned, thus showing them
a panoramic view of the entire outside world. Right now, however, the cafe
was stationary. Moonlight shined from the glassed ceiling above.
Barret and Cid had been about to have another one of their drinking contests.
However, Shera and Elmyra would have none of it. Elmyra warned Barret not
to set a bad example for Marlene, while Shera said she couldn’t stand
to see her husband in such a state in public. So...they settled for egg nog
and a staring contest. The first one to blink would be the loser. Shera and
Elmyra simply went to their hotel rooms in mock frustration, taking Marlene
with them, as it was past her bed time.
None of this stopped Rude and Reno from drinking though. They had come back
from their trip to Battle Square, donning an array of prizes, and were currently
holding each other up in a secluded corner, fighting the drunken stupor that
threatened to overtake them.
Elena shook her head, “some men...”
Reeve laughed, “at least they’re fun.”
The Turk blinked at Reeve, “wait a minute, did I just hear the workaholic
President of Shinra just say ‘fun?’”
“Oh, come on Elena,” groaned Reeve, “I’m not THAT
bad.”
“You’re right,” said Elena, looking at him critically,
“you’re worse.”
Reeve gave Elena an odd look before the two broke out into
laughter.
Vincent and Kaede sat at a table, alone, watching the others talk and laugh.
They simply brooded in silence as they nursed their cups.
“It’s nice to see them enjoying themselves,” said
Kaede.
Vincent nodded, “we needed a break.”
The Planeswalker nodded, looking at Aeris laugh at some joke from
Tifa.
“She’s special,” said Vincent, “isn’t
she?”
Kaede nodded, “much like Yuffie is to you I’d wager.”
He tipped back his glass as Vincent widened his eyes in surprise.
“Is it that obvious?” he asked.
Kaede shrugged, “it’s the little things really, the way you look
at her, the way your bodies attune to each other...”
“The way your eyes sparkle,” continued Vincent, “how you feel
at peace whenever she’s around.”
Vincent gave the Kaede a meaningful look, indicating his obvious feelings
for Aeris.
The Planeswalker smiled and raised his glass,
“touché”
“How do you deal with it?” asked Vincent, “how do you force
yourself to feel it, knowing that...”
Kaede stared at Vincent realizing what he meant, “...knowing that the
beast lurks deep within you?”
Vincent nodded, raising his fists, “these hands...they’ve caused
so much pain, spilled so much blood...”
The Planeswalker smiled, “that’s what I told Aeris, not long
ago.”
“What did she say to it?”
Kaede smiled, “she said, ‘your hands may be stained, but your soul
is pure.’”
“Do you believe that?” asked Vincent.
“I don’t know what to believe,” answered Kaede, “all
I know is that I love her.”
Vincent nodded, “makes you wonder, doesn’t it?”
“I’ve gone most of my life without these emotions, I lost them
a long time ago...”
“And now that you’ve found them again,” continued Vincent,
“you can’t imagine being without it.”
Kaede nodded, “how did you deal with it Vincent, having lost your
love?”
Vincent sighed and looked out the window.
“It doesn’t pain you to talk about her?” asked the
Planeswalker.
Vincent shook his head, “I was lost for so long...I just took it a day
at a time. I’d go to sleep...force myself to wake up every
morning...”
“Then you’d try to remind yourself to breathe in and out,”
said Kaede, “to keep on going.”
Vincent nodded, “and eventually, I was able to get over how perfect
my life had been, whenever she was near...just to see her face, to see her
smile, see her hair caressed by the wind...”
Kaede continued, “and forcing yourself to be better because of her,
to protect her, although every tear she shed made you die
inside.”
“And make sure it never happened again,” Vincent nodded contemplating
his friend across the table, “you needn’t have asked me Kaede,
you know how it feels.”
The Planeswalker shrugged, “it was just nice to know someone understood,
although it doesn’t make the cold, dark nightmares any
better.”
“Kaede,” said Vincent, “like you, I shut myself out emotionally
for the longest time, until...”
“Until?” asked the Planeswalker.
“Until I learned that these feelings were natural, essential even, they
are what makes us feel alive, what makes us human.”
Kaede stared at the ex-Turk, “human?”
“You know what I mean,” he replied.
The Planeswalker nodded.
Vincent shifted in his seat, deep in thought.
“What is it?” asked Kaede.
“Kaede,” said Vincent, “what were your last thoughts...back
at Cosmo Canyon...when you...nearly died?”
The Planeswalker let out a deep sighed and took another sip of his drink,
“they were torn, mixed, confused. But I felt...oddly at peace, as if
simply being in Aeris’ arms was all that mattered. And a dark side of
me actually laughed.”
“Laughed?”
Kaede nodded, “for how could I, of all people, feel love? How could
I, a cold spirit, feel something a machine should be incapable
of?”
“I can relate to that,” smiled Vincent, “I felt much the same
before Cloud and the others woke me. And what else...?”
“I was...afraid...I suppose,” Kaede struggled to find the words,
“but not for myself. I did not...could not...know what would happen
to her once I was gone. All I had was hope. But in that dark abyss I was
in, before Aeris pulled me out, there was no room for hope. There was only
emptiness.”
Vincent nodded, “we have both been the monsters we fear, we have both
lied dormant in our own crypts, hiding the evil deep within.”
Kaede continued, “it tears me apart, you know? If I ever lost control
to that madness...”
“But you haven’t,” replied Vincent, “like me, you force
yourself to control it, if only for the sake of the one you
love.”
Kaede gave Vincent another knowing look, “you should tell her, you know,
before it’s too late.”
“I plan to, I won’t let her slip away,” replied Vincent,
“not this time.”
The Planeswalker nodded.
Vincent gave Kaede a critical look, “You should tell Aeris as well.
And don’t just say it, vow it, shout it out, let it be written in
stone.”
The Planeswalker grunted in uncertainty, “and if it’s too
soon?”
“Trust her,” said Vincent.
However, the man couldn’t help but feel slightly hypocritical. Why was
he telling Kaede to do this, when he couldn’t even bring himself to
do the same for Yuffie?
‘What is this I feel,’ thought Vincent, ‘is it
fear?’
Vincent laughed inside, thinking it strange...for first time in so long that
he actually felt afraid, it was over love.
Yuffie, Aeris and Tifa talked happily together, Cloud simply content to listen
as he sipped his drink.
Aeris caught sight of Vincent and Kaede talking quietly in the
corner.
Yuffie followed her gaze, “it looks like those two are brooding
again.”
The Cetra shook her head, “I’ve tried to get him to open up more,
do something.”
“He loves you Aeris,” replied Tifa, “be thankful for
that.”
“I know Tifa, and sometimes he can pleasantly surprise me, you know?”
asked Aeris. Then she stopped, eyes downcast.
Tifa nodded, “but it pains you every time you think about the scars,
about what he’s gone through.”
Yuffie laughed, “we can sure pick them, can’t we
girls?”
Cloud stopped his drinking to chime in a response, “hey, I thought women
liked the strong-yet-sensitive, silent type.”
“We do,” smiled Tifa, “it’s just that you boys can be
such a handful at times!!!”
They looked on as Kaede said something to Vincent, causing the ex-Turk to
smile and nod. The two men got up as they walked towards the girls’
table.
“What do you think he said?” asked Yuffie.
“We’ll find out,” answered Tifa.
As he neared, Kaede took Aeris’ hand and kissed it, causing her to blush,
“perhaps the lady would care to dance?”
Vincent repeated the gesture with the young ninja, “come with me
Yuffie?”
Tifa laughed, “what was it you said about ‘pleasant
surprises?’”
Aeris smiled, then turned to Kaede, “I’d love to
dance.”
“I’ve never really danced before,” replied Yuffie
sheepishly.
“I can teach you,” smiled Vincent.
The two girls smiled as they allowed themselves to be taken to the ballroom
below.
“Will wonders never cease,” said Reeve.
“Let’s give them company. Care to try it again?” asked
Elena.
“I’d be delighted to,” answered Reeve.
Tifa smiled at Cloud and raised an eyebrow in question.
He laughed, “I can’t let the other loners outdo me, can I? Besides,
if you think I’ll miss a chance to be with you, you’re
crazy.”
She smiled as Cloud took her hand and led her to the ballroom.
Moments later, several new figures were dancing under the starlit sky, light
shining through the glass above.
“Brings back memories, doesn’t it?” asked Tifa.
Cloud remembered that night before they entered the crater...resting under
the starlight. He had been content simply to be near her that night...oblivious
to everything but the sweet sound of her breathing...the gentle caress of
her hair against his skin.
“I could never forget,” replied Cloud.
Tifa noticed Kaede talking to the musicians, while Aeris was ordering a something
from the drink stand. The two had been lost in the music before, simply staring
into each others’ eyes.
“What’s he up to?” asked Tifa.
Cloud turned around, “Oh, don’t tell me he’s going to do
it!”
“Do what?”
Kaede picked up the microphone, his voice reverberated through the
speakers.
“Excuse me,” he started, “but I’d like to do something
for someone very special.”
A spotlight shined on Aeris. She turned, still trying to gather what was
happening, and blinked against the glare of the light.
Kaede waved to Cloud, “I think my friends won’t have any more requests
in the way of this kind of thing for a while after this fiasco. And I think
this qualifies as winning our bet.”
Cloud raised his glass in mock appreciation. The spotlight moved away from
Aeris, allowing her to blush without anyone noticing. Kaede conversed some
more with the band before beginning to play a few warm up tunes. The audience
clapped encouragingly. Then Kaede began to sing, while his guitar weaved
its tune through the ballroom.
Beauty and grace is what touches me most,
Good times can put me in fear,
I always feel safe when things are bad,
So I cannot let you come near,
It seems that I thrive on the dark side of things,
I always feel alive when the death bell rings,
Now you come and bring out the tears in me.
Pain never makes me cry, but happiness does,
It's so strange to watch your life walk by...
Wishing it was,
Wishing it was more like fantasy,
Where every day surprises me...
Wishing it was.
Wishing it was...
Wishing it was...
This feeling won't last 'cause I cannot survive,
I tell you I've been here before,
When it's movin' this fast,
It's a matter of time,
One of us walks out that door,
It seems that I thrive on the dark side of things,
I always feel alive when the death bell rings,
Now you come and bring out the tears in me.
Pain never makes me cry, but happiness does,
It's so strange to watch your life walk by...
Wishing it was,
Wishing it was more like fantasy,
Where every day surprises me...
Wishing it was.
Wishing it was...
Wishing it was...
Give this some thought,
And I'm sure you will know,
This is the way it must be,
Emotions will rise, emotions will flow,
You bring out the tears in me...
Pain never makes me cry, but happiness does,
It's so strange to watch your life walk by...
Wishing it was,
Wishing it was more like fantasy,
Where every day surprises me...
Wishing it was.
Wishing it was...
The audience cheered uproariously, demanding more.
Cloud smiled knowingly, “he always seems to be able to capture the spirit
of things.”
Tifa turned to Cloud, “what do you mean?”
“Well,” explained Cloud, “in order to become a soldier, one
has to shut himself out emotionally.”
Cloud lowered his head, remembering memories from what seemed like a lifetime
ago.
Tifa squeezed his hand reassuringly, “Go on.”
“That song,” he continued, “is what I felt, and undoubtedly
what he felt, when we forced ourselves to open up again. We had to kill a
part of ourselves, and it was frightening to bring it back.”
“Why?”
“Because,” said Cloud, caressing Tifa’s face, “we could
not bear to hurt the one’s we love...”
Tifa’s eyes began to water, “Cloud...”
Kaede’s voice rang over the speakers again, “I would also like
to dedicate this next song to the one person who can unlock my soul and send
it flying, just by looking at me...”
In the audience, looking at Kaede, Aeris’ reaction mirrored that of
Tifa’s.
Yuffie jabbed Vincent in the ribs, “that Kaede, what a sweet
talker.”
Vincent smiled, “he put it succinctly though.”
Yuffie raised a questioning eyebrow at his direction.
“Well,” shrugged Vincent, “who else would I rather spend time
with, than the one who completes the void in here?”
Vincent took Yuffie’s hand and rested it against his heart. She was
speechless as he caressed her, raking his long fingers over her silky black
hair.
She tried to stammer a response, but was interrupted by the opening twangs
of Kaede’s guitar.
“I’d say this had been a fun night,” asked Reeve, “how
about you?”
Elena laughed in response, “yeah, I can’t remember the last time
the either of us really relaxed.”
“Oh, I don’t know Elena,” answered Reeve, “I always feel
calm whenever you’re around.”
Elena’s sigh was swallowed by Kaede’s words, as he began the words
to his song.
There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea,
You became the light on the dark side of me,
Love remained a drug that's the high not the pill.
But did you know that when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen?
Baby.. I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave,
Ohh...the more I get of you the stranger it feels.
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the grave.
There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain my power.. my pleasure.. my pain.
Baby...to me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny.
Won't you tell me is that healthy baby?
But did you know that when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be
seen?
Baby...I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave,
Ohh...the more I get of you the stranger it feels.
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the grave.
I've been kissed by a rose on the grave.
I've been kissed by a rose on the grave.
And if I should fall...
I've been kissed by a rose on the grave.
I've been kissed by a rose on the grave.
There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain my power.. my pleasure.. my pain.
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny.
Won't you tell me is that healthy baby?
But did you know that when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen?
Baby.. I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave.
Ohh...the more I get of you the stranger it feels.
Now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the grave.
Yes.. I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave.
Ohh...the more I get of you the stranger it feels.
And now that your rose in in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the grave.
Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom...on the grave.
Kaede concluded his song to a roar of applause, as he made his way to Aeris.
She was speechless, but gathered enough presence of mind to jump into
Kaede’s waiting arms, which only heightened the cheering.
“Did you like it?” smiled Kaede.
“It was wonderful,” replied Aeris before kissing him.
Between the loud cheers and the beating of her heart, she could barely even
think, and simply melted into the kiss.
Up in the cafe, Reno and Rude were slowly coming out of their stupor, wakened
by the cheers coming from below.
“Argh,” groaned Reno, “what’s with all that
racket?”
The two yawned tiredly.
“Hey,” shouted Rude groggily, “where’d everybody
go?”
They all decided to spend the night at the ghostly hotel, to enjoy the relaxation
of the Gold Saucer for a while yet.
During the night, while everyone else was asleep, Kaede left the hotel to
seek Dio. Reeve came with him, and in short order, gained audience with the
owner of Gold Saucer.
He was overjoyed to see Reeve, and clapped the President of Shinra on his
shoulder.
“Good to see you again,” bellowed Dio, “how are
you?”
The returned a hearty handshake, “well, and you?”
“I can’t complain, what can I do for you?”
Reeve turned to Kaede.
The Planeswalker looked grim, “I have to ask you to ground the Gold
Saucer.”
“WHAT?!?” demanded Dio.
Kaede explained to him about the Drahk threat. Word had traveled around the
world that planetary forces were mounting, but nobody yet knew the true gravity
of the situation. Unless he wanted the Saucer to come crashing down on the
cities below, it would have to be grounded, kept safe on the planet until
such time as the Saucer could rise again without fear of attack.
“Very well,” answered Dio, “I have always had backup plans
should there be a need to do this. But wished there would never be a
need.”
“So did I,” sighed Reeve, “will you be alright?”
“I’ll be fine,” replied Dio, “just give me a couple of
days, you take care.”
“You too,” returned Reeve.
Kaede and Reeve returned to their rooms, not a whisper disturbed the quiet
in the hallways.
Reeve breathed heavily, “will it be enough Kaede?”
“It has to be,” replied the Planeswalker, “are the planetary
forces ready?”
Reeve nodded, “just a few odds and ends to work out.”
“Very well, goodnight Reeve.”
“Goodnight Kaede.”
But the tired warrior didn’t feel like sleeping. In him was a bone deep
weariness, the kind that ate at him inside, but wouldn’t allow him to
sleep. So, he chose to go to the balcony outside, and gaze at the
stars.
As Kaede neared the balcony, however, he noticed someone was already
there.
“Couldn’t get any sleep?” he asked.
Aeris turned around, “Oh, Kaede, what are you doing up?”
“We had some important business,” he answered, “and
you?”
She simply shrugged, “just looking at the stars.”
“Mind if I join you?” asked Kaede
“Why not?” she replied
And together, the two watched at the spectacle of heaven’s
portrait.
The Planeswalker let out a great sigh.
Aeris turned to him, “Something on your mind?”
Kaede shrugged, “just remembering.”
“Remembering what?”
“Places I’ve gone,” he answered, “people I’ve
seen.”
Aeris nodded, “what’s it like...out there?”
Kaede leaned against the railing, gazing at the starlit sky, “oh Aeris,
where to begin?”
He gathered his thought before speaking.
“Despite the war, you’d be surprised how many planets live on like
nothing is out of the ordinary...”
Aeris looked at his questioningly.
“I guess you would call them...neutral territory, places too important
for either side to campaign against. I’ve seen planets where the blood
flows through the streets like water, I’ve seen entire worlds, nothing
but empty, burned-out shells. And yet...there are so many places that remain
relatively untouched. Where wonders abound.
There are countless worlds, Aeris, where the soul purpose is to do nothing
but to enjoy life. I’ve seen places dominated by trade, an intergalactic
bazaar...a market so large, it spans entire planets. I’ve seen stations
in space, so astounding they make the Gold Saucer look like a child’s
playpen.”
Aeris looked into Kaede’s eyes, noticing how his eyes beamed.
“Oh Aeris, you should see those sights, the Star’s Cradle nebula,
boasting fluorescent showers of light like you’ve never seen. The meteor
and ice constellations of Coruscant. There are planets where the entire
civilization lives in underwater cities, or places where all the cities are
in the skies, and no one lives on the surface. I’ve been to planets
so beautiful, you couldn’t tell where the ground stopped and Heaven
began.”
“What’s our homeland like?” asked Aeris, “how is the
planet of the Cetra?”
Kaede gave her a knowing look and sighed, “our planet...is beautiful.
I cannot explain it any other way. A sky so blue, it’s intensity can
only be matched by the shining seas. Hues of blues and green, life everywhere
you look. It has forests so thick, there are actually cities in the trees.
Entire coastal cities, underwater cities, and island cities abound, much
like the Fortress of the Ancients. To see their legacy to this planet is
to understand but a fragment of their splendor.”
“You’ll have to take me there sometime,” said Aeris.
“I will,” vowed Kaede.
“Okay then,” smiled Aeris, “it’s a date.”
The Planeswalker smiled, “you know, I’ve been meaning to ask
you...”
“Yes?”
“Back at the Fortress, how did you know what to do?”
“You mean how did I activate...whatever it was that
occurred?”
Kaede nodded.
“I don’t know,” conceded Aeris, “it was so natural...almost
as if...”
“It was deep inside?” hazarded Kaede, “as if it were
reflex?”
“I guess so,” agreed Aeris, “it almost felt like coming
home.”
He nodded, “...coming home...”
Aeris caught a strange glimmer in his eyes, something that signaled his mind
was far away, in the past.
“Hello, Kaede, are you there?”
He blinked a few times before turning his gaze to her.
“What were you thinking?” she asked, “was it about your
home?”
Kaede shook his head, “not now...ask me again sometime.”
“Alright.”
“So,” continued Kaede, “did you like my little tribute to
you in the ballroom?”
Aeris smiled and covered her eyes in mock embarrassment.
“Shall I take that as a yes?” grinned Kaede.
She raised her hands in surrender, “yes, yes, I give up, although I
would be grateful if you didn’t make me feel like the center of attention
every time YOU are expressing yourself for a change.”
“Can’t help it.”
Aeris laughed, “well, I’ve enjoyed the talk, but I think we should
get some rest.”
Kaede nodded, “good night Aeris.”
“Good night Kaede.”
She left him, gazing at the stars. Off in the distance, Kaede heard a door
being closed. He sighed as he brought up the memories of long ago, but soon
grew weary. He returned to his room not long afterwards.
Much of the rest of the day went uneventfully, but the entire Gold Saucer
was busy due to preparations for the grounding of the airborne attraction.
Cloud and the others left before sunset, preferring to relax at Villa Cloud
for a few more days before final preparations for planetary defense took
them away.
As always, Cid and Shera decided to test out the new Highwind, while the
others shopped in the city or amused themselves with the other townsfolk.
Reno and Rude, of course, went to the bar, while Reeve and Elena opted to
play soccer with the children in town, keeping an eye on the two
Turks.
Along the beach, four figures stood looking at the sunset.
Tifa hugged herself as she looked at Cloud beside him.
“So,” asked her husband, “did you have fun?”
Tifa nodded, “I’m surprised those people at Event Square let us
leave after the popularity of the play!”
Cloud shrugged, “actually, one look from Kaede, and the director pretty
much wet himself trying not to annoy us.”
Tifa laughed in response, and looked in the distance as Kaede stared into
the eyes the woman before him, oblivious to his surroundings.
“She’s the only one who can make him smile like that,” said
Tifa, nodding towards Aeris.
“She’s unlocked his soul,” answered Cloud, “she makes
his heart feel complete.”
“Gee Cloud,” joked Tifa, “that was almost
profound.”
He grinned at his wife, “you know, I found someone that does that for
me.”
Tifa arched an eyebrow, “care telling me who?”
Cloud laughed, “you have to ask?”
Tifa smiled back at him, “let’s give them some
space.”
Cloud gave her a sly look, “what do you have in mind?”
She raised an eyebrow in response, “you know, we were kids together,
I’ve been married to you for the better part of a year, and I’m
still finding things out about you.”
“Such as?” he asked.
“What’s say we go dance inside?”
“Couldn’t think of a better idea.”
Soon afterwards, Kaede and Aeris heard the music coming from the
villa.
Aeris laughed, “I think she’s enjoying our new discovery about
you two.”
He wrapped his arms about her waist, “I think I am as
well.”
And together, the two danced to the soft sounds of the shore mixing with
the entrancing rhythm of the music.
Once they stopped, Kaede turned to the sunset again, and sighed longingly.
Once more, Aeris saw that same strange look in his eye...the one she had
seen on Gold Saucer.
“You told me to ask you later...” started Aeris.
“Don’t finish that sentence,” replied Kaede softly,
“I...think I can tell you now.”
Aeris looked into Kaede’s eyes expectantly, “it has something to
do with your ‘home,’ or a previous one.”
“You know me too well,” sighed Kaede.
“Don’t you have a home?” asked Aeris.
“Not a real one, not anymore. But I did once, I returned to it...after
I was freed from the Drahk. It was a quiet place, a coastal village, several
light-years away from the Cetra homeworld where I was born.”
“And what did you find?”
Kaede looked away, “nothing...it was all gone, destroyed years
before.”
Aeris gasped, “nothing was left?”
He shook his head, “mostly vegetation...growing over the ruins and ashes,
but I did find a chest, buried beneath the remnants of the
dojo.”
“What was in it?”
Kaede took the sword from his shoulder strap, “I found a letter, my
master’s last will and testament.”
“What did it say?”
The Planeswalker breathed heavily before continuing, “I said that if
I was reading the letter, he had died before passing to me his legacy. He
entrusted to me this sword...his sword...that I might go out and do good
with it, carry on in his memory.”
Kaede lowered his head, “a fine corruption I became of his
work.”
Aeris shook her head, “don’t say that.”
“It’s true Aeris. Sometimes...I fear what he would say...if he
saw what I became.”
Aeris took his face in her hands, “no Kaede, he would be proud, proud
of what you have become. He would glory in what you have made yourself
into.”
He raised his eyebrows dismissively, “oh really?”
“Kaede, you’ll have to realize, one day, that what counts is
what’s in here,” Aeris touched her hand to his heart, “whatever
the Drahk did...whatever you did, I will never lose faith in what’s
in your heart and soul...what’s deep inside.”
Kaede stared at her, “how can you say that?”
“What about me?” demanded Aeris, “can you imagine how I felt,
when that monster had
control over me...forcing me to...to hurt you? Do you know how I agonized
over every blow-”
She buried herself in his arms as she sobbed, unable to continue.
Kaede tried to comfort her, “hush Aeris, it’s
alright.”
He raised her face, brushing away her tears, “it wasn’t your fault,
no one blames you. It’s over now.”
‘Why can’t you realize that Kaede?’ thought Aeris, ‘nobody
blames you for what you did.’
“Do you trust me?” asked Aeris.
“Of course,” he answered.
“Well...I trust you,” she smiled, “so you should trust
yourself.”
Kaede sighed, “ah Aeris...why do I deserve you?”
“Because you’ve got a strong heart,” she replied.
“And you’ve captured it,” Kaede shook his head, “and
here, in my moment of despair, you try to give me hope and
forgiveness...”
Aeris caressed his hair, “it is what a person does for the one they
love.”
Kaede smiled sadly, “there is more yet that you should know, before
you so blindly give me that gift...which brings me to this...”
He reached beneath his shirt, and drew out a chain. On it hanged a silver
ring.
“I knew I felt something there under that shirt,” grinned Aeris,
“what is it?”
Kaede drew back, as he took off the silver trinket, thumbing the ring in
his hand.
“This chain,” he said, “belonged to my father. My mother must
have given it to Sensei, before she had to leave. When I found the sword,
this chain was attached to the scabbard. It’s the only thing I have
to remember him by.”
Aeris looked at the ring Kaede was holding, “and that?”
He slid the ring from the chain and held it up, “this ring...belonged
to my mother. It was returned to me by Talon and Kyra...upon my coronation
into the Planeswalker order...as the heir to my parents’
legacy...”
Kaede looked away, unable to continue.
Aeris could see he was troubled, “Kaede, what’s
wrong?”
He gripped his hand into a fist, to stop it from trembling, “do you
remember what I told you when this started? When you thought I could still
be under Drahk control, and Cloud wanted to kill me?”
She pondered for a while before replying, “yes...you said that killing
you would be a favor...that many of your own kind tried...tried to
kill...”
Aeris trailed off, finally realizing what Kaede was implying.
“Now you understand,” he nodded, “my coronation had little
to do with honor and respect for me, it was more out of reverence to my parents.
My position, my rank, it had everything to do with them...and nothing to
do with me. Talos and Kyra saw to it that I was treated with respect. But
no one can control thought and emotion. Many cursed me as a...a mockery of
their legacy...of my parents’ legacy.”
Aeris shook her head, “but you achieved great heights, you had other
allies, Bahumet and-”
“Yes, you’re right,” Kaede interrupted, “and for the
support of what friends I had, I am grateful, but their were always mixed
feelings when it came to me. The High Council grudgingly applauded my efforts,
but were ever fearful of me, for I was an unknown, an enigma, a loose cannon...I
knew the secrets of both sides, so I was unpredictable. The Drahk cursed
me as an abomination and a traitor, but there would always be those among
the Planeswalkers that would never trust me, that would brand me as a hidden
viper.”
“They feared what they did not understand,” deduced Aeris.
Kaede nodded, “I can’t blame them, it’s the nature of living
beings to fear the unknown...and in my case...there’s something else
that you should know.”
“What does it matter,” asked Aeris, “you’ve got a good
heart.”
“I’m not sure I deserve such praise,” returned Kaede.
“Why?”
Kaede sighed, “do you remember Veletta, the Mistress of
Evil?”
Aeris nodded.
“Long ago, when I was still with the Drahk...I was betrothed to her,”
said Kaede, downcast.
Aeris gasped.
“Now you see,” he continued, “why they hated me so much. Veletta
is one of the most feared and powerful of the Drahk. Millions have died at
her whim, she is a feared and hated butcher of worlds. In the eyes of the
Council, a would-be consort to such a demoness could never be honored. And
yet, the Drahk curse me forever for spurning her and the
Emperor.”
“Aeris,” said Kaede, “I’m not complaining about the hand
fate dealt me, although I may not like it at times. I’ve seen and done
too much to ever be pure again. But I did want you to know what kind of a
person you were trusting.”
She remained silent, then something clicked in her mind. She shook her head
in denial, “did you marry her?”
“No,” answered Kaede.
“Did you love her?”
“Never,” spat Kaede.
“Did you enjoy killing all those innocents?” she continued, baiting
him.
Kaede’s eyes flared, ‘why is she doing this? Does she really hate
me then?’
That had to be it. He loved Aeris, but had forced his emotions on her when
he had no right to do so, for she had yet to know the truth. It wouldn’t
be fair to force her to love him...not after this. He felt himself go cold
inside. He had never wanted these emotions again, but once he found them,
he discovered he could not let go. They had become a part of him, just as
much as she had.
He kept calm in the face of his fears, knowing that without her, he would
surely be lost in the cold, icy depths within himself. But he’d endure,
as he always had...if only for her sake.
Aeris widened her eyes in fear. Why wasn’t he answering, had she pushed
him too far?
‘Please,’ she thought, ‘anything but that, never let ME be
the source of his pain...’
After a disturbing silence, Kaede answered her question, “never, each
dead soul was ever like a weight...bearing down on me.”
Inwardly, she sighed in relief. Now it was time to put an end to this useless
self-doubt.
Aeris raised her hands , “then stop torturing yourself! You are not
to blame!”
She grinned at Kaede while the man blinked, unsure what to make of this
unexpected response. And looking at his surprised features, Aeris knew she
was finally getting through to him.
“Why...are you smiling?” asked Kaede confusedly, “if anything,
you should be...outraged.”
“Oh Kaede,” Aeris shook her head, “will you never
learn?“
“But-”
“No, no, no,” exclaimed Aeris, “you were never hers, you never
loved her. You were manipulated, it was not of your own free will. Kaede,
can’t you understand? Just by being alive, by doing what you do...just
by loving me, you are defying the evil that yearns to capture you. I dare
say, that the Drahk Emperor is tearing his hair out because you’ve made
such a fool out of him...since his work is ashes.”
Aeris saw her reasoning had worked, for a smile crept its way into his features,
he was obviously amused at Aeris’ idea, “you don’t belong
to them anymore Kaede...you never did.”
“Let’s not worry about it anymore,’ she continued, “I
don’t care about your past troubles. I love you...not because of your
position or power, but because of your heart...you are mine now, you reside
in here.”
She tapped her heart, as if showing him, forcing him to realize that she
would never be whole without him.
“Aeris,” sighed Kaede, “you fill my soul, but you must be
able to see the monster that lurks inside me, the abomination others have
cursed me to be.”
Aeris shook her head, but Kaede silenced her by resting his finger on her
lips.
“Don’t try to deny it Aeris, I feel complete when I am with you,
but you have seen into my mind. My life has been full of struggles, both
inner and outer. And the subsequent changes haven’t been
pretty.”
A tear rolled down Aeris’ cheek, as she caressed Kaede’s face,
“but you’ve done so much. Please, I can’t say anymore to you.
Can’t you feel it at all? We need you Kaede, I...need you. I
couldn’t...”
Aeris fell silent and looked down, but Kaede brought his hand to her face,
lifting it up.
Those tears broke the shell that had been covering his heart. She shed these
tears for him...they were tears of healing. And he knew now, that he would
never let her go, for she was as essential to life as the heart inside him
that she had captured.
He smiled, “Thank you Aeris... thank you for being able to see past
this weak shell.”
“Kaede,” cried Aeris.
“Hush,” soothed Kaede, “I just wanted you to know. I promise
Aeris, that I’ll try it your way, try to keep hope...because of one
very special reason.”
She raised her head, “and what’s that?”
“You make me want to be a better person. You inspire me to keep fighting,
to wake up every day if only to see your smile and hear your voice. You are
a part of me now Aeris, and you always will be, which is why I want you to
have this...”
Taking his other hand, he opened up her palm and placed the ring inside,
closing her hand around it, “would you take care of this for
me?”
Aeris gasped as she looked at the ring...it was beautiful. The stunning silver
artifact was stylized into the shape of angelic wings.
“It is made of a rare metal mined from the Cetra homeworld,” explained
Kaede, “it...it is as much a part of me as my heart, and I give it to
you...I want you to have it.”
Aeris looked up at Kaede, she was stunned into silence. Kaede returned her
stare with a rather expectant one, tense and unsure.
“Kaede,” gasped Aeris, “is this your way of proposing to
me?”
He coughed and looked away, rubbing his head. For the first time in his life,
Kaede found himself emotionally at a loss for words, “well, uhmm,
I...yes...”
Aeris surprised him by laughing.
He blinked nervously, “did I do something wrong?”
She managed to calm herself and shook her hand in denial, “no, no it’s
not that, it’s just that...”
She reached into her pocket, and drew out the ring she had gotten for Kaede,
“...I have one for you too.”
He stared at her aghast, “how...how did you know?”
“That’s the funny thing,” she smiled, “I didn’t,
I just thought it would go nicely with that chain, and I wanted you to have
it.”
Kaede took the ring from her grasp and looked at it. The craftsmanship was
undeniably excellent, the silver flames would have looked real if not for
the color. The finely cut gem looked like lightning trapped within the
sea.
He placed the ring on his chain, “I will keep this as safe as I keep
my love for you.”
Aeris mirrored Kaede’s movement, placing the angelic ring around her
necklace, “and this I keep as near to my heart, as much a part of me
as you are.”
“Does this mean,” pleaded Kaede, “that you
accept?”
“It does,” she answered breathlessly.
Kaede blinked nervously, “I apologize if I startled you, it’s just
my...we can make it...I just had to do it like this-”
Aeris silenced him with a tender embrace, “Kaede, it was
perfect.”
And the two joined souls stayed like that until long after the sun had
set.
Tifa and Cloud looked at them from the Villa.
“I didn’t know he had it in him,” smiled Tifa.
“Neither did I,” agreed Cloud, “bravo Kaede.”
Tifa sighed.
“What’s wrong,” asked Cloud, “jealous?”
She smiled wryly and jabbed Cloud in the ribs, “now why would I be
jealous?”
Cloud gave her a sly grin and raised his hands, “Oh, I’m gonna
get you for that!”
Tifa’s eyes widened as Cloud began to ti
kle her, “hah, hah, no, no-ha, Cloud, st-stop!”
The two roared out in laughter as they toppled together on the floor.
Cloud had her pinned, “do you concede?”
She smiled back at him, “meanie.”
He flashed her a wolfish grin, “do you concede?”
Wrapping her arms about his neck, she replied, “only to
you.”
Barret heard the commotion from his bedroom and came out to see what had
happened. What he found was Tifa and Cloud sprawled on the floor, kissing.
The two hastily looked up in embarrassment.
“Uhm...hello Barret,” stammered Tifa.
“We were just-,” started Cloud.
Barret shook his head and raised his hand, “don’t say another word,
please, I really don’t want to know.”
Reno had also heard what was happening, and came through the doorway to
investigate as well.
He stared wide-eyed when he saw Tifa and Cloud, “whoa, GET IT
ON!!!”
Barret rubbed his temples with one hand while pushing Reno back through the
doorway.
“Go back to sleep fool!” roared the tall man.
“I go where the action is!” retorted Reno.
“You’ll get more action than you can handle unless you zip it right
now!” snapped Barret, “besides, there’ll be plenty of work
for us tomorrow.”
Sounds of their bickering faded into the distance as they went to their
rooms.
Cloud looked back to Tifa, who was blushing.
“Hmm,” quipped Cloud, “remind me to thank Barret sometime.
Now, where were we?”
Tifa smiled back, “you rogue.”
“But a lucky rogue,” he returned.
Tifa stopped any further response with another kiss...
Author’s Note: Good lord! I hope that no other chapter gives me as much
trouble as this one did! I can safely say that his chapter alone has taken
me longer to write and revise than all of the fight scenes combined!!! The
strange thing is, I still keep thinking it could be better, but I really
needed to write some more about their personal lives. Oh well, I hope I
haven’t disappointed you guys too much, forgive the cheesiness. Anyway,
I finally start the fight scenes. Next chapter starts the prelude to festivities,
then it’s just a few long battles, more plot twists, and origin
explanations. After that, it’s just ending and epilogue. As of now,
I am planning on two separate endings, but I’ll see later if I’m
up to it.
A word about the songs: some of the lyrics are probably wrong. However, I
think I will paraphrase Seal when I say that these lyrics are more applicable
because this is what I thought they said, which is why I posted them here.
Sorry if this bothers you. Anyway, the songs are “Wishing it Was,”
by Santana and Eagle Eye Cherry, and “Kiss from a Rose,” by Seal.
Don’t worry, no more lyrics from here on.
Like I said before, the writing is done, but it’s all skeleton-work.
The real fleshing in begins prior to my revising and posting, plus I want
to see how the ending works and adjust other chapters accordingly if needed.
By the time I’ve posted this chapter, I should hopefully have the entire
story ready for final revision. Thanks for sticking with me, and keep those
ideas and comments coming!
.