cLerith raven:
gosh! It's been ages since I've updated my story... sorry for those who've waited for a very, very Long time.. I've been busy with school work LateLy...
anyways.. this is the third chapter.. hehe.. hope this wouLd be able to Live up to your expectations.. ^^
[[EDIT]]
So, it's been two years since I actually started Meant To Be, so I'm writing this chapter as it left off. I'm not so sure how the story will go from here, but I'd definitely let my imagination flow freely.
This particular chapter is dedicated to xXClerithFan1Xx. She's such a sweetie, encouraging me to continue on with this story. Thanks hunn! It's readers like you that make writers feel happy with their creations.
[[EDIT]]
I'm also dedicating this chapter to Animefan111. Such a sweetheart. :) I do hope you like this one.
And I'll start using Aerith instead of Aeris from here on. Hope you understand. She's still the flower girl we love.
Meant To Be
Chapter 3: Their Lives
The scent of… Flowers…
The wind blew softly on the curtains as Prince Cloud slowly gained his consciousness. He opened his eyes, blinked once, twice, then abruptly sat up. His senses were on high alert as memories of last night flooded his mind. He expected to smell the scent of beer, trash and sin, but instead smelled the scent of flowers, toast, bacon and eggs. Surprised, he looked around. He was neither in the alley, nor in the bridge from where he remembered he stood last. This was a room, a female's by the touch and feel of it. Someone had obviously seen him and taken him home.
Cloud got up from the bed and slowly walked towards the vanity mirror just beside it. That's when he noticed that he wasn't wearing his palace garb. He was now in a plain blue shirt and denim shorts. Wanting to check on his injury, he took off his shirt for an inspection. He half expected the wound to run deep and long across his abdomen and worse, stitches, but what he saw was a shallow cut, not even 4 inches long.
The warm breeze touched his cheeks, as if a caress. His head turned toward the window, where pots of flowers lined the sill. He looked around the room. The room was simple-the wall was of a faded pink color, dried flowers kept in frames decorated the wall. The bed was near the window, away from the door, with the vanity table inches beside it. There was a dresser and a closet on the far side of the room, just beside the vanity table. A shelf stood not far from the door of the room. Cloud stepped closer to the shelf, wondering if he could get an idea of what kind of a person his savior was. The books looked old and worn out-possibly because of being read over and over again. He took out one book about gardening. Many pages were either dog-eared or folded as bookmarks. He could see that time had made its mark on the book, but he felt as if the book was truly cared for.
As Cloud looked through the pages, he saw a glint of light from a picture frame out of the corner of his eye. It was on top of the dresser. It was a picture of a man, about his age, maybe older. He was sitting under a tree, holding a book against his chest and a wide smile on his face. It must be a lover.
The prince was so focused on the picture that he didn't hear the knock on the door. The knob turned, and the door swung open, too hard that it hit the wall with a loud 'bang'. Startled, the Prince immediately went to his fighting stance, ready to defend himself if the need arises.
"You're scaring me," a girl's voice said. It was Marlene who peered inside the room, hiding half of herself from Cloud's view. An older woman peered inside next to Marlene.
"Sorry."
"My, so you've come to," the elder woman said. She must be the mother of Marlene, seeing as how the child clings on to her dress. "I am Elmyra Gainsborough. My daughter brought you here this morning. You were so beaten up. How are you feeling now?"
"Daughter?" Cloud seemed dazed. He couldn't remember any woman from last night's fight, so how could a woman have brought him here?
"Aerith. The flower girl," Marlene said. "She saw you in the church. She called for help. You were very heavy."
Cloud was confused-the girl seemed to have a first-hand basis on her statement. She must've tried to help Aerith carry him. Some Prince I am. The thought that Aerith had carried him was embarrassing, absurd even. "I'm sorry if I troubled you."
"Oh no, Sire," Elmyra quickly said. "It was anything but trouble. We are just sorry we cannot offer you anything more than a bed and breakfast."
Cloud looked down on the floor. He was tempted to ask about how he at their home. "The clothes, and the wound…"
"Aerith changed your garments herself. She cleaned the wound too," Marlene said. Cloud blushed at the thought that Aerith undressed him then clothed him. He looked at Marlene. The kid didn't look like she was teasing him, but color rose to his neck nonetheless.
"Where is she?" Cloud had to thank her. But thinking about it, he wasn't really sure how he could face her knowing she changed his garments herself.
"She's cooking," the little girl said. "Let's eat. I'm hungry." With that, she turned around and started descending the stairs.
Cloud hesitated, still unsure of how he could face the flower girl. She was his savior, when it should've been the opposite. He felt admiration for the flower girl. She helped him, saved his life, when she could've overlooked the matter. How is it that she found me anyway?
Elmyra looked at the Prince, waiting for him to move. If she wasn't actually speaking to him, she would say he was frozen stiff. He was still, very still. Maybe, he's hurting somewhere? Elmyra contemplated whether she'd ask him or not. She let out a sigh. "Does anything hurt, Sire?"
Cloud's attention went back to the older woman. "No, I'm sorry if I continually worry you. I was just…" he thought of a word that would fit, "thinking."
"Breakfast will be ready soon, Sire," Elmyra informed him. "If you wish to join us, we'll be dining downstairs. If moving is not comfortable for you, then Aerith may bring up a tray for you." Elmyra bowed down then left the room.
Cloud pondered on the thought of Aerith bringing him a tray of food. It didn't feel right. The young woman had already done so much, and making her bring food to him was too much. He looked at the mirror once again, checking to see if he looked… presentable. Sure enough, he was satisfied with what he saw. His spiky hair was a bit disheveled; the corner of his lips was bruised from the punches; there was a cut on his left eyebrow; other than those, he looked fine.
Cloud raised his hands to his waist. Where there was so much pain last night, none of it was left. Aerith took it, all of it, away from him. He should repay her somehow. He should, and he would. That was the least he could do.
As Cloud stepped out of the room he remembered the picture. Aerith had a lover. Of course she would have. She was beautiful. The knowledge brought uneasiness in him. He didn't want to find out why. He sighed then closed the door behind him.
Aerith hummed her favorite song as she prepared the dining table. It was the song of the Cetras, a song of love, healing and hope. Her mother had always sung it to her before she slept-a lullaby. She could still remember how her mother stroked her hair lovingly, humming the same song to her each night. And there was always the scent of irises around her mother. The Queen had loved those flowers, the same love Aerith has for her flowers now.
"He'll be down in a moment, dear." Elmyra came into the kitchen with Marlene. The little girl smiled at her.
Marlene had always been in their care. Her father was Dyne, one of the Great Three, the Generals of the King's Army of SOLDIER. Sadly, Dyne had died when Marlene was only 6 years old. Her mother fell ill because of the depression. And after a year of hanging on to life, the poor woman followed after her husband. The child was left to the care of Barret, another of the Great Three, and a friend to Elmyra's old lover. But since Barret was commanding the Army, Elmyra took Marlene in.
Aerith would never forget the smile on Elmyra's face and the glow of her aura when the latter took Marlene in their house. "It would be nice to have a little girl in the house again. Since Genesis left, all I could cuddle was you. And I can't exactly baby you now Aerith. Thankfully, Marlene's here now." Those were Elmyra's words, and Aerith understood the woman's need for another child, a little happiness-a relief from worrying about her biological son, Genesis, who was currently fighting in the war.
The sound of heavy, hesitant footstep brought Aerith's thoughts back to the present. Her vision was blurry and she knew that if she rubbed her eyes, they would be damp with tears. Thoughts of Genesis, her brother, could do that-bring her to tears almost instantly.
"Good morning," Cloud greeted softly. It was almost a whisper. He sat down the chair nearest the window, needing the fresh, cool morning breeze on his skin. He felt hot, as if he was running a fever.
Aerith sensed Cloud's discomfort. She could tell the Prince wasn't used to so many people at the same room. After all, he was the Prince. They were always inside the Palace walls, never meeting much of the people.
She had heard that the Princes were trained for SOLDIER at an early age. The memories of the rumors made her gut twist. Who was cruel enough to subject children to the pain and pressure of training to fight, and possibly even kill? Sighing, she tried to calm her mind before attempting to carry the plate of bacon to the table.
"Good morning, Prince Cloud." Aerith remembered to call him by his name, as it was his request. She didn't know why, but she wanted to at least please him that way.
Cloud looked up at her then smiled, slowly. She had remembered his request, and was granting it. The thought sent his gut somersaulting. There was always something about Aerith to make him react that way.
"Sire, should you be up walking?" Elmyra asked. She carefully helped Marlene to her seat before pulling out a chair for herself. "You could tell us if you would like to rest more. Aerith could've just brought up a tray for you."
"I'm fine." Cloud wasn't used to talking to anyone other than his family, or the people at the Palace. What did people talk about when they had conversations outside of the Palace? It felt unsettling. Cloud was damned great at everything, except social skills. Damn him for ignoring his tutor back then.
"Mother, you're gonna make the Prince uncomfortable with the questions." Aerith laid down the plates for everyone. She took the other seat near the window, beside Cloud. She felt Cloud straighten up, tensing. She let out a chuckle then held Cloud's hand which he kept on his lap, under the table. "Loosen up."
Cloud was sure he was blushing now. Aerith was so near, whispering softly into his ear. She was calming him. Cloud sighed. He was never going to get better at this. Other than his aunt Lucrecia, Cloud had never talked to women before. Now that he thought about it, he needed help from his aunt Lucrecia. He wanted to know what would please a lady… such as Aerith. Damn. What was he thinking? He couldn't even talk to the lady properly the last time, now he was thinking of pleasing her? He must've gotten beaten up badly.
"Sire, you should eat now," Marlene said. She was looking at him with a small, tentative smile. It must be awkward to have him there.
"I…" Cloud tried to find his voice. He didn't realize that he was holding Aerith's hand tight, as if asking for support. He felt relieved that she hadn't pulled away from him, and instead, held his hand tighter. "Thank you for your kindness." He managed a slight bow of his head.
"Let us eat then," Elmyra said. She smiled then started helping Marlene with her food.
Aerith let go of Cloud's hand and started getting food in her plate. Cloud mimicked her. He wasn't really sure of how things worked in this setting. He was used to eating his meals alone in his room. Though Zack sometimes joins him, he doesn't talk much when they eat-Zack did most of the talking.
Cloud sighed. He just has to like through it at the moment. But still, he was looking forward to spending more time with Aerith. And that might not be so good.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Back in the Palace, Zack couldn't help but pace back and forth, worrying for his little brother. No news had come from the search parties they had sent the night before. The fact that his brother didn't have any weapon added to the strain on his mind. They were the Princes of Midgar, but that didn't ensure their safety, quite the contrary, it made their lives more dangerous.
Most of the citizens respected the Royal Family, but others didn't, or wouldn't. Their grandfather had made several enemies among the smaller factions, rebels to his rule, opposing him in whatever little way they could. And the greatest damage they could do was to cut the line to the throne-remove the Princes from the world. Zack would know; there had been so many attempts on his life, being the eldest, the Crowned Prince. Zack had grown accustomed to those threats, but now, he fears for his brother. Who knows what kind of people stayed in the shadows, lurking in the corner, waiting for a chance to strike down the young Prince who was oblivious to the pain of the world?
King Rufus watched his eldest son move around the throne room. This was the first time he had seen his son so agitated, among other times. Cloud had gotten himself into many dangerous situations before, but he had always had his brother behind his back. That was what made him proud of his sons-one would never be away from the other. Inseparable, that's what they were.
From the time they were kids, they were trained as one of SOLDIER, the army of Midgar. Zack was nine by then, but Cloud was only five. They were trained for SOLDIER per Sephiroth's request; how his brother managed to make him agree, he can't remember. Zack, being the older brother, watched out for Cloud, never left him alone. They helped each other develop-sparring with one another, teaching each other techniques. He often heard that the brothers were as one, moving, talking and deciding as if they were only one individual; 'two halves of a whole' was what he once said to the general.
"Zack, sit down," Rufus commanded. "Nothing will come of your pacing. I know this is hard for you, but you have to calm down."
Zack stomped one foot, then about faced. His eyes were a mixture or worry, guilt and anger. "I should've made him come with us. I didn't think he'd go out without me. Damn him for going out alone without his sword! Damn me for leaving him here behind!" Zack fell on his knees and gripped two fistfuls of his hair. He was worried for his brother, and the guilt of leaving him alone fueled his anger at himself.
"Zack, Cloud is not a little boy anymore. He would be able to handle himself now. You can't treat him like he needs help all the time. Trust your brother that he would use his training in SOLDIER, just as I trust that you would find him." And the King did. He knows how persistent-stubborn may be the right word-his son was.
Zack let out an exasperated sigh then shook his head. "You have too much faith in us."
The young Prince walked over to the windows where he can see the kingdom. The Palace was built higher than everything else-a show of supremacy. And it sickened him. Only his grandfather loved it. The man was arrogant, selfish and hungry for power. He was powerful, and he took every chance he had to show it, impose it on others. He was ruthless and cunning, merciless and cruel-everyone feared him.
Zack sighed. Everywhere, people feared their family, the Royal Family of Midgar, the greatest Empire ever built. He would've been proud had he not known the history. Many people had died for the foundation and glory of Midgar. His grandfather even went to extreme lengths, eliminating the one race that scared him, could defeat him-the Cetras.
The Prince fisted his hair, agitation welling up inside him. Memories always did. His memories. He would never forget the expression of his grandfather's face-his eyes, wide with glee, filled with triumph and arrogance. He would never forget the way the Old King laughed, like a maniac who had made his greatest kill. The image had been tattooed in his mind.
A bird flew by the window, gaining the agitated Prince's attention. He was glad of the distraction. Slowly, he turned around to face his father.
"If the search party can't find him, I will." There was conviction in his voice. He made sure he would make his father understand. They knew him, knew that if his mind was made up, no one, absolutely no one can make him change his mind.
"You know I will not allow that. That is the reason we arranged a search party in the first place." Rufus stood from the golden chair and slowly walked over to his son's side. Zack faced the throne, while Rufus faced the window. They were shoulder to shoulder, or maybe his son's was higher. He didn't know anymore. He had been caught up in his search for the last Cetra, the princess of the great mages.
The King wanted nothing else but to atone for his sin, his lack of courage to stop his father. But honestly, the King didn't know what he would or could do for the Princess once she'd been found. He could only pray that she won't hate him for what his father had done, and what he had not done in the past.
"With every passing hour that Cloud is missing, your anxiety grows. I feel it, son." Rufus lay a hand on his shoulder. "What makes you so anxious about your brother's disappearance?"
Zack stayed silent, unsure of how to answer. Or was it rather he didn't know what to say? Ever since they were kids, he had always looked after his brother. Cloud was too weak back then, tumbling over the smallest of roots, crying over the simplest things, and even having temper tantrums at times. He could understand that it was because Cloud was only a child back then, so young yet already exposed to the cruelty of war. Cloud, barely even six, made many mistakes and it was he who always stepped in for his brother. And of course they were given special treatment, being the Princes to the Empire. That earned them a few jealous comrades.
"Trust in your brother Zack. He can handle himself." Even as he said it, the same anxiety racked his senses. His dream had disturbed him-his youngest son, all alone. He had prayed last night that his son was spared from the cruelties that raged the world, shook it, turning it over and over.
Zack could feel his father's hand tremble slightly but said nothing of it. His father was doing it again, acting all tough when all he wanted was to break down. He had seen the mighty King on the brink of tears before. Once when his wife had died, and another when a disease had caught Cloud in a death grip he barely survived. Even up to this day, Cloud wears a brand of that disease-Geostigma, they called it.
Without warning, the palace doors burst open. Vincent came walking rather hurriedly toward the King and whispered something in his ear. Zack had a knack for reading lips, and he got each word the Advisor had uttered.
They're here. Zack felt himself tense. Their guests were early. They had expected them to come the following week. What had made them some this early? Were they too eager to have one of the most powerful rulers in their line? Or did they just want to end the war quickly?
"Vincent, send our best men left to accompany them safely," Rufus commanded. "Have someone arranged to give them a tour of the Palace when they get here. Have Shera make the chambermaids prepare for our guests." Vincent nodded then excused himself. That's when Rufus faced Zack. "Leave if you want Zack."
Zack straightened up. He was being given permission to leave while he still can. He could just leave to find Cloud, but he doubt if he could do anything better than the search parties. What could one man possibly do?
"I'm staying. I couldn't leave my old man to entertain our guests, now could I? They might get bored and leave without talking about the engagement." Zack put on his goofy grin.
"Zack." That hadn't sounded like a reprimand. Rufus shook his head. It was so like Zack to try to brighten the atmosphere. And in times, Rufus was thankful he had Zack by him to keep the tension off.
"I know, Father. I know." Zack smiled then went out of the throne room. He could only do one thing at the moment. He should keep their guests busy until his brother comes back-for the sake of their meeting, and the end of the war.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
"I heard that… you were my savior." Cloud had said it in a very low voice that Aerith almost missed it.
They were at her room. He sat near the edge of the bed as she watered the plants on the windowsill. She was humming to herself, the same lullaby she was humming that morning. Cloud heard her then before he had entered the kitchen.
Aerith stopped humming then turned to smile at him. "Oh I hardly think I can be called your savior." Aerith lifted her hand near her mouth, as if about to shout then said, "'Help!', that's all I said. Thankfully, Marlene stopped by the Church at that time. You were kind of heavy for Marlene and I to carry. So I asked her to call Nanaki. He's our… pet."
"Where is he?"
"Out. Running with friends, I think." Aerith turned her attention back to her plants. Once she was satisfied that they were well hydrated, she sat down the chair in front of the vanity table. "He doesn't stay here much. He'd much rather run wild and free."
Cloud couldn't picture a dog or even any other kind of pet carrying his unconscious body to the house. Their pet must be big, large enough to carry him on its body.
Aerith smiled. Somehow, she got an idea of what was Cloud thinking. "We had to put you in a cart. Nanaki pulled it while we pushed. He couldn't exactly carry you on his back." Although, he did try, she added inside her head.
"Oh." Cloud cleared his throat. "Thank him for me then."
"You can thank him yourself. If you're still here when he comes back." Aerith couldn't help the tinge of sadness in her voice. Reality was catching up on Aerith. Cloud was the Prince. He couldn't-wouldn't-stay with them. He belonged to the Palace. And she didn't.
"I still have to thank you, Aerith. If you hadn't come…" Cloud trailed off. He couldn't imagine surviving after what had happened to him.
"I found you lying on the flower patch in the Church. I tried helping you up, but I didn't have an inch of hope that I would be able to carry you. I had to ask help from others." Aerith's heart pounded against her chest. She wasn't nervous, she was just embarrassed at the thought of being Cloud's savior. "I didn't do much really. All I did was ask for help from whoever I saw." Aerith turned to smile at him.
Cloud felt himself relax. He wasn't the only one who was having a hard time with things. He wasn't uncomfortable, but he didn't know how to act either.
"So, Prince Cloud…" Aerith started, "what happened? Why were you in the Church?" She had wondered why Cloud was lying unconscious on her flowers. The Prince was supposed to be safely sleeping in his bed at the Palace, not the bed of flowers she owned.
Clound winced inwardly, gaining a look of worry on Aerith's face. She was about to go to him, but he raised his hand. "I'm fine. Nothing's hurting. I was just… Your question was…" Cloud had expected the topic. He was even ready to answer with the story he made up a while ago while eating. But somehow, telling Aerith his fabricated story felt so wrong to him.
Aerith sighed. "It's fine if you don't want to tell me. I was just worried. If you were attacked, it's frightening to think that one of those who live here in the Slums could've done it."
Aerith grew up in the Slums. The dark alleys and crowded streets had been her playground; she was used to the danger that came with it. But no one harmed her because of Genesis. Still, she knew how to defend herself. But her knowledge would not compare to that of the Princes's. That made Cloud's situation even mysterious. Someone from the Slums couldn't have been a match for Cloud. A group maybe, but that seems unlikely.
Cloud was powerful, and the Cetra was sure of that. She could feel it, feel someone's energy. The Cetras were known to be able to communicate with Gaia, their planet, through the planet's energy, the Lifestream. And each one of the people had that same energy imbued in their bodies, the source of everything they are. Each energy pattern was unique, yet somehow similar enough to enable them to connect with one another. That was how the Cetras were able to use the Lifestream for their magic.
Cetran legend says that their abilities to use the Lifestream had been a Gift to them by the Goddess. At that time, famine had wrought the land, which was still small back then. The Princess saw how the people suffered from starvation and sickness. And so the Cetran Princess prayed to the Goddess, asking for the deity's help. Her plight was answered, and she was given the power to use the Lifestream to bring back life to the land and heal the sick. The news of the Princess's ability spread throughout the land like wildfire. People from other kingdoms asked for the Princess to heal their sick. The Princess did her best to help them, but her body was weakened due to the constant use of her body. The Goddess appeared to her in a dream and told her to teach the Cetras how to use the Lifestream for healing and magic, and the Princess did as she was told. It was not long after that the Cetras catered to the need of the sick and wounded, gaining much respect from other kingdoms. The Kings and Queens of the other kingdoms gave part of their lands to the Cetras as their thanks for their help. Soon, the Kingdom of the Ancients flourished and grew stronger, forming many alliances. It was in Queen Ilfana's time that the Cetras reached their full potential as healers and mages, the Golden Age. Sadly, that came to an end with the rise of the Midgar Empire.
Aerith turned around and looked out the window. She stared at the flowerbeds she had outside on her windowsill and went to pick one of the white ones. The scent had always managed to calm her when every bad memory came back to haunt her in her dreams and thoughts.
What if…? Aerith thought of Cloud's situation. If her flowers could calm her, would they have the same effect on Cloud?
With her back towards Cloud, she asked, "Cloud, w-would you close your eyes?" She closed her eyes and silently prayed that he would.
Cloud hesitated to answer. "Um, yeah," he agreed. He sighed before doing as the brunette said.
Aerith slowly walked towards Cloud, holding the white flower in her hand. She would try it. Try what she remembered her mother doing whenever her father was anxious. "Imagine the most beautiful thing you remember. When you do, keep the image in your mind, okay?"
Cloud nodded in agreement. Somehow, Aerith's voice sounded more… magical with his world in darkness. He started thinking of what he thought was beautiful. He tried remembering anything from his past which could be considered a beauty.
His mother? He couldn't remember her anymore. She had died when he was just a year old.
How about friends? Zack or Vincent didn't look beautiful. He shuddered at the thought.
His training? That could never be something of beauty.
Then… Aerith? Cloud held his breath for a second. Aerith… Yes, she was beautiful. Come to think of it, she was the only beautiful thing he had in his world. She had that wonderful aura about her that keeps him wanting to be near her always. Yes, he would keep Aerith's image in his mind.
Aerith saw Cloud's mouth twitch, as if hiding a smile. Whatever the Prince was thinking had that effect on him. I wish it was me…
The thought caught Aerith off guard. She shook her head to dispel the thought and slapped her cheek softly as if waking herself up. Focus, Aerith… This is for Cloud, right? Aerith took a deep breath before stepping forward. She remembered what her mother would always say…
"Troubled soul, find comfort in my voice. Listen well, and find peace in the fragrance of the flower at bloom." Aerith blew softly on the flower and green dusts flew toward Cloud's face. She closed her eyes and started singing the Hymn of the Clerics, 'Healing Wind'.
The windows shot open as a powerful gust of wind entered the room. The wind carried with it waves of green energy as it caressed the pair. Aerith continued to sing the Cetra's hymn of healing as she held the flower.
Cloud saw images of Aerith flood his mind-her smile, her eyes, her laugh. Images of a meadow full of flowers came with each memory of her. Everything calmed in him, healing the remnants of last night's battle in his mind and heart. That was all because of Aerith. She was everything Cloud never had, and maybe everything he would need.
Crap… It's sounding more like something from a cheesy novella…
Aerith sang the last line of the song as she slowly opened her eyes. Cloud looked at ease. She was so engrossed in looking at him that she didn't notice Cloud stir.
The Prince was surprised to find Aerith staring right at him. He was lost in her green eyes in an instant. It was hard for him to look away. She was looking at him with such intensity that it was like she was staring right into his soul.
"I love your eyes," Aerith said. "They're like the sky-so blue." She smiled.
Cloud could swear his heart flipped with Aerith's honest statement. He coughed lightly then turned his head towards the door. He remembered the picture Aerith had on her dresser.
"You…" Cloud was hesitant to ask. He wasn't sure why, but he felt like if Aerith told him she had a lover, it would hurt. "Who's the man in the picture? The one above your dresser."
Aerith's smile faded and was replaced by a small frown. She inclined her head to the side as she rested her chin on her closed hand. "You mean Genesis?" She walked towards her dresser and took the frame in her hand. "So you've seen this."
"Genesis?" That must be his name.
"Yes. Genesis is my brother," Aerith tried to smile, but failed. "He's Mom's real son." She tried to smile once again, and succeeded before facing Cloud.
"Where is he? I haven't seen him around here."
"He's part of SOLDIER. 1st Class. Impressive isn't it?" Aerith put the picture back on top of her dresser.
Cloud heard the note of bitterness in her voice. She must resent the idea, but was trying to be proud of her brother. Few could make it to being a 1st Class SOLDIER.
"Don't you like that he's fighting for Midgar?" Cloud had a feeling he already knew the answer.
The brunette looked at Cloud with a smile, but she was sure the Prince would see the sorrow in her eyes. "Fighting was never a good idea for me, what more of the war. I lost my parents that way-my real parents. Hey were killed when-" Aerith suddenly stopped. She would reveal herself as the last Cetra if she had carried on. "When I was only a year old."
That was close… She feared what would happen if she were found out. Cloud was kind, but she didn't know anything about his father, King Rufus, except that he was looking for her.
"I'm sorry I asked," Cloud said. "It must be hard for you, for Elmyra."
"It's fine. It was Genesis's dream anyway." Aerith could still remember Genesis's last words as he left. "'Just you wait; I'm gonna be one of SOLDIER's Generals!' was what he said." She had imitated how her brother had his fist in the air as he faced his mother and sister.
"I don't doubt that he will."
That seemed to lift Aerith's spirits a bit. "Really? Do you really think so?" Cloud nodded in response. She clapped her hands together then smiled. "Thank you." She bowed her head then said a silent prayer to the Goddess.
Cloud smiled with Aerith. He couldn't understand how the flower girl could affect him in so many ways. One thing was sure though, he liked the feeling.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The guests from Nibelheim were waiting in the Royal Hall. An orange-haired man in a suit stood facing the window, while a black-haired female in an all-black outfit stood beside the chair intended for honored guests. Another man in a suit, this one bald with sunglasses on, stood not far from the door.
"This waiting thing is boring," the orange-haired man said. "How long do we have to wait for that Prince to come meet his so-called 'Bride'? Oh wait I forgot; we're not sure which Prince marries our Princess."
"Reno, if you can't say anything nice, better stay quiet," the black-haired woman reprimanded.
"Tifa, it's no use reprimanding Reno," the other man said. "You know how stubborn he is." He adjusted his glasses then placed his hands together near his abdomen.
"Thanks for the support, Rude," the man called Reno said sarcastically.
"Enough, all of you," a soft voice said. "We are to wait patiently, as my father has said."
"Yes, Princess Elena," the three chorused as they bowed.
The doors of the Royal Hall swung open as a third man in a suit walked in with Prince Zack and Vincent following him.
"Tseng," the woman called out. She immediately went to the man she called Tseng.
Tseng held his hand up before Tifa could reach him, and the latter stopped her approach. "I have with me His Highness, Prince Zack Strife, and the Royal Adviser, Vincent Valentine," he said with a bow towards Elena.
Zack's eyes followed the direction where Tseng bowed to. But his eyes caught a glimpse of Tifa. He found the raven-haired girl staring at him as well, and the brown met the blue. It was Vincent who got Zack's attention back.
"Princess Elena, I present to you Prince Zack Strife, eldest son to King Rufus and the Crowned Prince," Vincent said as he bowed.
Elena stood up from her seat then slowly turned to face Zack and Vincent. She smiled at the two as she courteously bowed back.
"And may I present to you Princess Elena of Nibelheim," Tseng said.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you Prince Zack," Elena said, "I will be in your care for the next weeks."
Zack's eyes widened for a moment. Weeks? He immediately recovered before giving an answering smile. Clever old man. This will be a long meeting.
clerith raven:
I've finally managed to finish this chapter! Yay!
Sorry about some things, for one, my writing style has changed so this chapter is longer than the past. I do hope I get feedback about it so that I can make it better for you all.
Don't be stingy about reviews! Hehe! ^^,