I re-uploaded this chapter cause there was some character names I wanted to change. Kairi and Namine are now sisters, and Roxas and Ventus are now brothers.
Please enjoy! I love hearing from you!
The End
"We want to thank Sarah McLachlan for playing for us tonight. Your beautiful songs are very touching." The Mayor of Twilight Town bowed towards the second stage where said singer was standing. People around us clapped, and yet, the table my friends and I sat at was silent. When the clapping died down, the Mayor cleared his throat.
"Three months ago, on an island, about a days plane ride from Destiny Islands and two days plane ride from here, 24 students from Twilight Public High School were rescued from their month and a half living hell. They experienced things no child should ever go through. 11 of the 35 students sent on this trip… sadly, didn't survive the ordeal." Mayor Ansem explained. "One of them… being my own son."
Beside me, my best friend, Dani, squeezed my hand. I could feel the tears stinging my eyes at I looked over at her. She gave me a small, sad, smile.
Mayor Ansem turned towards our table to address us, "Would you like to speak?" The 24 of us rose from our seats to make our way to the stage. Cloud Strife, my boyfriend, walked in front of me. While Dani Kenyon, who I mentioned before, held my hand beside me. As we walked, Sarah started to sing.
'Spend all your time waitin' for that second chance.'
We lined up in single file, facing the crowd on the stage. I was dead center with the mic in front of me. I leaned forward and place one hand on the mic. "Um… hello," I said nervously. Dani prodded my stomach with her elbow, signaling that I needed to continue talking.
'For a break that would make it okay. There's always some reason, to feel not good enough.'
"I'd like to start off by saying thanks for supporting us. Each and everyone of us is grateful for all the help. And, for reasons unknown to me… my friends have decided that I… should be the one to speak."
'And it's hard at the end of the day. I need some distraction, Oh beautiful release. Memories seep through my veins.'
"Some of my best friends died on that island. And I… we… will never… EVER, forget them. Or their bravery." I could feel my throat tighten to the point that it hurt. Beside me, Cloud grabbed my hand to reassure me.
'Let me be empty, oh weightless and maybe, I'll find some peace tonight.'
"And so… I would like to list the names of our friends who are not with us today. Axel Pierce, age 17. Lucretia Crescent… age 18."
'In the arms of the angel, fly away from here."
"Sephiroth Masume, age 18. A… Aer-Aerith Gainsborough… age… age…" I couldn't do it. Despite her slightly annoying voice, I was rather close to Aerith.
"Aerith Gainsborough, age 16." Tifa Lockhart, one of my close friends, spoke for me. I stood there, mentally thanking her.
'From this dark cold hotel room and the endlessness that you fear.'
Dani stepped up to the mic. "Demyx Melodious, age 17." She said. Everyone else gather a little close, hoping they'd get to say a name of someone important.
"Xion Hikari, age 14." Sora, Xion's older brother and Dani's boyfriend, announced in a shaky voice. I looked at him and he had tears at the corner of his eyes.
'You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent revere. You're in the arms of the angel, may you find some comfort here.'
Roxas Skye stepped up next. "Ventus Keys, age 18." Another of my best friends, Squall Leonhart was next… announcing the death of the girl he loved so much.
"Rinoa Heartilly, age 17."
'So tired of the straight life, and everywhere you turn, there's vultures and thieves at your back. The storm keeps on twistin, you keep on building the lies, that you make up for all that you lack.'
Cloud stood a little closer to me and I could feel him shaking. "Zack Fair, age 18." Zack was Cloud's best friend. I understood why it was so hard for him to say it.
Seifer Almasy was the last of my friends to come up, he was announcing the mayors son. "Xemnas Straight, age 16." And so, everyone looked at me to utter the final name. I wasn't ready for this. I wasn't ready to admit that this person… whom I loved so much… had died on that hell.
'It don't make no difference, escaping one last time. It's easier to believe, in this sweet madness, Oh this glorious sadness, that brings me to my knees.'
I gulped. "K-Ki… um, excuse me…" And I took a sip of water that was sitting by my feet. I thanked whoever had put it there in my head. "Ki… Kimi… Kimi Porter… age, age… 12."
And I cried. And I saw my parents and siblings crying. And the parents and siblings of my friends crying. And even people who had no relation to the names we had said were crying. And it was for everyone that had died. They would be missed greatly.
'In the arms of the angel, fly away from here. From this dark cold hotel room and the endlessness that you fear.'
I finally calmed myself down enough to speak again. I grabbed the hands of Cloud and Dani for support. And looking down the line of the people who most mattered to me, they were all holding hands. Even Seifer, who was a rival of Squall, was solemnly holding his hand. "My name is Raelynn Porter. I should have introduced us first. I am a survivor. We are survivors. And I'd like you all to meet the 24 of us. So, my friends, when I say your name… please do something to acknowledge who you are." It felt funny, ordering the people I loved to do this. After what I had put them through.
"Dani Kenyon. Cloud Strife. Tifa Lockhart. Sora Hikari. Roxas Keys. Squall Leonhart. Seifer Almasy. Vincent Valentine. Reno Grey. Kairi Xena. Yuna Breta. Naminé Xena. Denzel Lockhart. Yuffie Kisaragi. Rikku Al Bhed. Terra Gonali. Hayner Price. Riku Light. Tidus Blitz. Paine Zuka. Aqua Hoshi. Olette Kashimoto. And Pence Wakka. We are the survivors." I stated proudly. We were met with claps.
'You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent revere, and in the arms of the angel may you find some comfort here.'
"I'm so very sorry about what I have caused. You see, I am the one who planned the trip. I organized everything… except the plane crash. No one could foresee that. And in the past month or so…my friends and I have been honored for our bravery. We have attended concerts and benefits, and all asked us what we went through. But until today, only our families have heard the story. No one else. So today, we will tell our story. And for what you are about to hear… I am forever sorry." And I bowed my head.
'You're in the arms of the angel… may you find some comfort here.'
And I began.
Please R&R it makes me feel good!
~LUNA
