Book 1: AWAKENINGS
Chapter 1: Marlene
It has been five years since 'He' last tried to destroy the planet and four since Omega was called forth; but just as all lessons taught and learned, it has brought about a profound and lasting change for the greater good of us all.
President Rufus Shinra, having been a young man full of bitterness and an over inflated ego, when he first took up the reigns of leadership for the company his father had built. Now has realized the real responsibilities he had inherited; To guide and support the people of our world. He and his personal team, The TURKS, have lead and guided us into a way of living that allows us many of the comforts we had before the Jenova Wars; while maintaining the utmost respect for the delicate balance of the planet. His first task, after rebuilding and reestablishing The Shin-re Corporation, was to order and categorize each division and assign Commanders to them who would report directly to him.
Reeve, having established and lead a military order under the name 'WRO" World Regenerate Organization. Now is officially the Commander (taking Heidegger place) of the Shin-ra Military. This division of the company is responsible for recruiting and training personal in many different areas from policing, security and infantry. The headquarters was re-established in Junon.
Tseng is still the leader and most senior member of The TURKS. Their division although apart of the Military is a completely separate branch and has been redefined as The Elite Security Force. Still small in numbers it has grown to be larger then it had been in the previous presidents time. Their primary objective is the safety and security of The President and Shin-ra employees. Although they may be tasked to help in other duties.
Cloud is now officially SOLDIER 1st class. and holds the Rank of Colonel. Having taken the position at Rufus insistent urging. The class of SOLDIER, no longer is a group of infantry personnel who exhibiting exceptional combat skills, are turned into Super Soldiers by infusing them with Mako; Or by genetically manipulating them. It is given to those people who show high aptitude in leadership, strategy, and skill in combat.
Uncle Vincent, Strangely enough, has agreed to resume his potion within The TURKS. He is a senior member and head of security in Niblehiem. President Rufus, after having many long talks with Vincent, agreed to convert the Shin-ra Mansion into the largest library and research facility in the world. Here Vincent and his adopted daughter Shelke gather and store information, much of it sensitive in nature. Yuffie also works with Vincent now as a field agent. Gathering as much information as she can on why we no longer have any active Materia.
Daddy, Uncle Cid and Shera are the heads for the Department of Exploration, Research and Development for sustainable energy. Daddy now has a team who all work together to find sources of usable materials like coal and oil. Uncle Cid is the Commander for the Shin-ra air fleet and provides air transport for many departments. Shera is the head scientist in charge of developing the ways and methods to safely convert these methods into usable energy. To that end many of the old Mako reactors have been converted into energy stations. This alone has created many new jobs and people who didn't know what their futures held, now being able to work, have had their hopes restored.
Cloud and Tifa, Denzel's' and my foster parents. Still own and operate the Bar/cafe 7th Heaven and Strifes' Delivery service. I help Tifa a lot during the afternoon as my mornings are dedicated to school. Denzel, despite his youth, has taken over much of the running of the Delivery business. With the help of Uncle Cid he has turned it into a world wide success. The best part though was when Cloud clued into reality and proposed to Tifa. Yes he really did. It was right after they had all defeated Sin Bahamut, The Remnants and 'Him' and the children who where left with Geo-Stigma had finally been cured. Just before everyone departed to go their separate ways Cloud said he like to talk to everyone first. Having everyone's attention; He got down on one knee, holding a ring in the palm of his hand, and quietly states. "Tifa i have carried this ring with me for a long time now... At one point i had forgotten why I even had it but i still hung unto it hoping I would remember" Looking up into her eyes "Will you agree to become my wife?" It took a whole five minutes, all of us so quiet, afraid to break the spell, before she replied (very enthusiastically) "YES"
The wedding was a small quiet affair. Denzel stood with Cloud and I stood with Tifa, a witness to their vows. The few close friends they have where all in attendance. It was truly beautiful in its simplicity. And now Tifa is gonna become a mom for real; but she has had so much practice with Denzel and I, I know that she is going to be an amazing mom. I am so excited to have a new baby brother or sister.
It was after the wedding that The President (who was also in attendance) took Cloud aside for a private talk. The end result was Cloud received The rank of Colonel and promoted to SOLDIER 1st Class; and was now employed by Shin-ra. It does seem strange that after every that has happened that Cloud would have agreed to this but you know it truly seems has if he has found a true peace within himself and is honestly at peace with himself.
And last but not least Nanaki, he still travels the world; looking to gain wisdom, knowledge and understanding. And possibly to find a mate for himself. We do see him from time to time but those visits are brief and few. I do find I miss him and the stories he has to tell. It seems to me that he is one of the smartest people I know.
And me?... Well, so much has changed for me in these last few years. I am sitting here in this garden; where her flowers still bloom. The Lifestream still reaches through the small pool of water that was left behind after the last conflict. The waters of the Healing pond, now open to the sky, reflect in the sunlight. Sadly the church that once stood here has been taken down. Its' structure having become too unstable and unsafe. I am now its' care taker in honor and in memory of Aerith.
At first I had started coming back here because I didn't want this garden, the brightest spot in Midgar, to wither away and die. But as I grew older, I realized the gentle whisper in my mind was Aerith speaking to me; teaching me and guiding me. "Listen Marlene, listen to the voices of the planet with your heart not just your ears. Look with your mind not just your eyes. Open yourself to the mysteries of life and you will be able to understand. Feel the thoughts, more then just words, that is the heartbeat of the planet. For within all humanity there resides a piece of the Cetra!"
It hadn't been as easy for me as it was for Arieth but she patiently lead me through the process of being able to hear all the voices that make up our world, how to differ one voice from another, and how to communicate back. It was frustrating at first and I was slightly overwhelmed but now it is as easy and as natural as breathing.
f anyone, at this moment, who had the 'sight' had been watching her.
(They would have seen her deftly pulling strands of the Lifestream and using them to infuse the flowers, grass, trees; the birds, mammals and insects that now made up the garden.)
I now possess the materia 'Holy'. How? I'm not to sure really, it was just here. SHE has asked me to safeguard it and so I do! SHE also told me that for my own protection to tell no-one of this or that I can commune with the planet. So it has been my cross to bare; Denzel being the only person with whom I have entrusted this secret with as the children who once heard her voice no longer are able to. Normally this is the one place that I can go to, to find peace and tranquility. But of late there has been a strange current running through the Lifestream. A darkness trying to thread its' way into the fabric of existence.