Just Keep Smiling
Letting Go
Vincent stood up eyes not meeting anyone's; he retreated to a corner he had consolation at the very least and there was still a promise for a future, but how did he know she would agree later on? How did he know it wasn't just a lie? A means for her to mend her own guilt? Was it all just for his sake or her own? Even if it was all true when one was left alone with their thoughts Vincent knew they could consume them. He shook his head turning towards the flower girl the same bright smile plastered on her face, but he could see she wasn't exactly the same.
"It's been a while hasn't it."
Cloud stirred and pushed himself from Tifa's lap he never broke eye contact with her there was so much left to be said, but for now they would have to cast it aside for the sake of their revived friends. He pushed himself to stand offering Tifa a hand which she accepted gratefully. Tifa was watching Aerith the flower girls eyes went from one to the while finally settling on Cloud then herself. Tifa returned the smile warmly, but it wasn't enough. She moved forward till she was face to face with her old friend; Tifa glared at Aerith and crossed her arms.
"It's about time!"
And she threw her arms around the girl bringing the woman she regarded as her best friend, closest confidant and beloved sister. Tifa's flood of emotions were hard to contain, but she did so nonetheless; she just wanted to enjoy this moment of having Aerith back in their lives. As she pulled away Tifa looked at Zack and scowled moving back and crossing her arms angrily at the Soldier.
"I am tempted to blame you for everything, but it's good to have you back."
"Nice to see you too Tifa; I must say you've... grown."
His eyes went down to her chest a wolfish grin playing at the endd of his lips.
"Zack!"
Aerith turned to the side and smacked him on the arm, but the joy of their reunion was cut short by the sad look on Aerith's face following Cloud's question.
"What was this all about?"
While she didn't feel like talking about the topic Marlene and Denzel huddled away from the all made her realize they needed to hear it more than anyone else in the room. Tifa beckoned them over the two shuffling glancing at Cloud as if fearing that if they spoke he would revert to how he was moments ago.
Marlene stared at Aerith and like Tifa she hugged the woman who had saved her life all those years ago. Her face was bright and for a moment the child forgot everything that happened not long ago.
"You're back, you're actually here! Now Cloud can stop being so sad all the time!"
The words stung Tifa more than they should and even Aerith noticed the shift in Tifa's expression. Aerith smiled and leaned down towards Marlene wrinkling her nose.
"Cloud's just acting like a big baby."
"What else is new."
The girl turned to Cloud finally glaring into his blue mako eyes. Marlene stepped forward and kicked him in the shin.
"You had us worried Cloud!"
Despite Marlene being able to easily accept that things were fine it was Denzel who still never looked up he stood beside Tifa surveying Matt who was being looked at by the Turks. It seemed he would be fine just exhausted.
"I'm sorry about my father; Jenova's corruption seems to know no bounds."
Her voice had grown more serious and even Zack seemed intent on listening they assumed he knew, but judging by his expression he was just as confused as all of them.
"When Hojo tried to kill my father he never realized that the shot had only knocked him unconscious. He wasn't really dead, but judging by the blood loss it wouldn't be too long."
Aerith tapped her chin as if trying to put it all together herself.
"I don't really know how he was able to stay alive for so long; maybe my mothers will had lifestream keep him alive a while longer, but when she died... her lifestream merged with his body and kept his... consciousness alive. I guess when they buried him his body never deteriorated and eventually much like Lucrecia lifestream created a crystal shell protecting him."
Aerith shook her head sadly.
"It's unfortunate because lifestream was tainted with Jenova's cells and it corrupted him. I never knew him, but when I met mother on the other side she said he was a good man the only ShinRa employee with good intentions- no offence."
Aerith turned to the Turks apologetically.
"Nah don't worry about it pretty lady we were kinda jerks weren't we."
"And don't you forget it."
Reno raised his hands in the air defensively at the scowling Zack.
"Either way; when Rufus woke him up my father had gone insane and had learned things from the lifestream most people didn't know. The AEON materia had been long forgotten and was the secret all Cetra took with them to the grave. Father learned of it's location and used it to bring Zack to life. Somehow thinking it would please me."
"Aw come on Aerith admit it; how could you live in this world without me makin ya smile. Cloud would bore you to death with that serious look he's always got."
Everyone except for Cloud laughed at this; he just rubbed the back of his head timidly only now understanding how much he had missed his old friend especially the teasing.
"I'd assume life would be pretty calm and quiet never having to worry about forcing conversation."
Zack crossed his arms and pouted childishly at her; Aerith extended an arm and placed it on his shoulder.
"Never said I'd enjoy that particular lifestyle."
And like a puppy dog Zack was back to his goofy smile.
"So I'm guess he used this materia to recreate all these clones as well?"
"He used DNA from Zack and the remaining samples of a SOLDIER named Genesis. I think my father had the intention of using all first class SOLDIER DNA to create an army of these things, but had to settle with what was available. Either way merging the two DNA's with those of WEAPON created those beasts."
The mention of Genesis made Zack frown the named seemed familiar to Cloud as well, but it was hard to place it. There was no time to really think about it for Aerith shook her head sadly looking over at Lucrecia's crystal form and continued.
"She saved the world you know. With the majority of AEON materia inactivated OMEGA had no reason to return. You killing all those clones was the end, but stopping this poor child from being the last trigger..."
Aerith turned to Vincent and placed her hand on her chest where the materia remnants glowed brightly.
"I can feel her; I can hear everything she say's she really loves you Vincent; never doubt it for a second."
It was enough to bring a hint of a smile to Vincent's face and even Cid clapped the man on the shoulder.
"Hey look at that ya do smile after all- shit go back to not smiling I got so used to the cold look it's more terrifying seeing ya like this!"
Vincent was hardly listening anymore Aerith confirmed it for him and it gave him strength knowing that one day she would be with him no matter what else was to come for him.
"What I don't understand is why was I so convinced that what I was doing was right. Heck it was like he completely manipulated my consciousness meanwhile Cloud was aware he was screwing up and he had no control of over your consciousness."
"Must be cause you're weak kid."
Barret's booming voice would have startled anyone else and it did the Turks, but AVALANCHE was so accustomed to it no one flinched. Zack hung his head once again pouting like a puppy dog denied a treat.
"When you die your consciousness is completely lifestream it's easier to manipulate with AEON materia since it's primarily a lifestream manipulating materia. Cloud was alive his consciousness was bound to the tangible world and the only was to control him was through the crystal imposing Gast's will on him; not manipulating his lifestream. As for me... I guess it's easier for Ancients to resist."
Aerith was about to continue, but the were distracted by the grunt of the child. He pushed himself up and stared at all of them cowering when he saw Zack and Aerith.
"It's ok Matt; they weren't themselves."
"I'm sorry; Tifa is right. We had no control, but I promise I wont hurt you."
Matt didn't move he just stared Denzel and Marlene making their way to him checking to make sure their friend was alright and giving him support just by their presence.
"So that's it right? We can all go home and our team even bigger than before?"
Aerith looked at Yuffie sadly then turned to Zack and knowing expression passed through them.
"It's... not that easy."
Dread. It washed over the whole team Tifa and Cloud sharing a look no matter how close they got to their friend a complication was thrown their way.
"Our consciousness is lifestream forced into our bodies; when Gast created my clone he stripped a piece of my soul to bring it to this world. If we stay I'm afraid we wouldn't be able to handle it. Our souls belong in the lifestream not chained to this world."
"But what could go wrong? Why would it be so bad to have you guys stay even if it's just a year, two or three! You can't just give up so easily!"
The frustration in Tifa's voice made everyone turn away sadly even Aerith and Zack took a while to meet her looks.
"Cloud please! Make them stay! You love her don't you! We all love her can't you convince her to stay!"
Tifa knew that Aerith staying would mean losing the man she loved, but he was never her's and if it took Aerith's return to make him happy she would never deny it to him. Hell, she'd have her best friend back and that was enough for her.
"Tifa... you don't understand."
Aerith placed a hand on both shoulders ignoring the conflicted look Cloud was giving the flower girl, but it was Zacks expression that was out of place- he looked at Cloud amused.
"If we stay we don't know what could happen. The planet could translate our presence here as another threat. It would think lifestream was forcefully stripped away from it and it's true. As long as AEON remains active we can't be sure OMEGA will not return. Even without AEON there is still a chance, but this makes it harder"
Tifa didn't want to listen she held the womans shoulders pulling her into a hug it was all she could do to convince the woman to stay.
"We were happy in the lifestream in the promised land with my mother with Biggs, Wedge and Jessie. With the family and friends we lost; Cloud and Tifa your parents love you so much and miss you. Barret your wife and friend are waiting for you when it's your time. You guys have to understand that everyone you ever lost ourselves included with be waiting for you ready to greet you, but now is not that time."
Tifa pulled away wiping away at the tears in her eyes. Her mother, her father, Biggs, Wedge and Jessie. Just that fact made her crack a smile. They were all happy and that was what mattered.
"When you see them again will you let them know that I'm sorry I failed them?"
"They know you didn't Barret you've done great things and they're all thankful for that. Your wife wants you to live on she's proud of you."
Tifa stepped back Barret squeezing her shoulders.
"So what's next."
"Y'all gotta get this crap outta our bodies just stick your hand in our chest and our lifestream should be released. Do me a favor Cloud bury me beside this pretty thing."
Aerith rolled her eyes and smiled; her fingers caressing his arm affectionately. Tifa realized that the relationship Zack and Aerith had was deeper than she ever knew. Was he the SOLDIER she spoke about all those years ago? Looking at Zack he winked playfully at Tifa as if he was answering some unspoken question. Tifa turned to Cloud wondering if he noticed; his eyes caught the moment and he turned away looking at the flower girl and Zack his face never betraying a single emotion. After a few moments of silence he nodded his head.
"Yeah guess we can."
"Perfect. Well I guess it's goodbye then buddy."
Zack stuck his hand out to Cloud who looked at it for a moment before smiling it was clear he understood that it had to be done.
"No; more like see ya."
Taking Zacks hand there was a moment of understand they didn't need to speak; the friendship they had was strong enough for them to understand without speaking.
"We want you two to do it. Tifa, Cloud... nothing would put me more at ease than knowing it was my closest friend to set me free. Just as you set Cloud free in the lifestream."
Tifa looked down; she didn't want to do it- it was too much for her to ask, but Tifa understood the notion it would help her let go.
"Wait; Aerith before you go... can you ever forgive me."
Tseng stepped towards her no one could really understand Tseng's intentions but Aerith smiled at him knowing full well that of everyone in the Turks he was the only one who actually cared for her.
"You did what you had to do Tseng. You will always be a treasured friend to me."
He nodded satisfied and turned back to his team his hand holding onto Elena's as the girl leaned against the wall exhausted by the long day.
"Thank you for watching over us Aerith."
"And I always will Marlene."
Aerith looked over at the young boy named Matt.
"His parents are still alive you know they're in Junon Meera and Jorah I think it's well past time they learned they're little boy is alright."
Matt looked at Aerith eyes wide the news made him smile brightly as he looked from Marlene to Denzel unsure of how to explain the emotions he was feeling.
"Hey guys I think it's time to say goodbye and take the kids to the ship."
Tifa didn't want them to have to witness what was to happen next. Moving away she watched as everyone exchanged goodbyes the sad faces as they hugged the flower girl for the last time. Marlene lingered a while longer wrapping her arms around Aerith's waist sniffling. Turning around she ran to Barret who lifted the child in his arms and walked off. Even Denzel and Matt said goodbyes Denzel staying a little bit longer.
"Hey you're Zack that Cloud told me about right?"
"Yea kiddo that's me."
"Ya think one day I could be as strong as you were?"
"I don't doubt it for a second; you seem like a strong little kid. Stronger than blondie over here; he was a weak wimp and now look at him."
Denzel turned to look at Cloud, then back at Zack and nodded. He was clearly still upset and felt betrayed by his father figure. At least it meant he would one day be ready to move past everything that had recently transpired... she hoped so.
Denzel ran after their friends grabbing hold of Cid's outstretched hand while burying his other in Nanaki's fur.
They waited till even the sound of everyones footsteps were gone.
"Ill take her with me."
They hadn't realized that Vincent was still there. He lifted the crystal encased Lucrecia holding the rigid body carefully.
"Till next we meet."
"Indeed; I have faith in you Vincent whatever it was that Lucrecia foresaw... don't forget you have friends."
He nodded his head and left after the rest of the team.
"This is it I guess."
"Never realized you were so sentimental kid."
Tifa pulled Aerith into one last hugt the flower girl turning her head so that her lips were inches away from Tifa's ear.
"You've been so strong for everyone; it's time you try fighting for the one thing you really want."
As Aerith pulled away she turned to look at Cloud and back at Tifa her pink lips upturned into a smile once more. Tifa grabbed the flower girl by the arm ignoring Zack and Clouds conversation which was basically just Zack teasing.
"Aerith he loves you just as you love him."
"Silly Tifa. I admit I loved Cloud very much and when I saw Zack again at first I thought I was over him."
Aerith glanced taking in the goofy smile his confidant stance then turned back to Tifa.
"But as time went on I realized that even though I loved Cloud I loved the Zack in him and was only slightly infatuated with the real him; it made me fall back in love with that goofball. All those years I was angry that he left without saying a word, but the letters he wrote me..."
Tifa wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a comfort; if anything it made her sadder to know that the woman Cloud loved had returned to the one she was always meant to be with. Would Cloud have to suffer the same dejected feeling she carried with her all those years. Tifa never said anything before Aerith grabbed Tifa by the shoulders and gave her a little shake.
"Whatever he felt towards me then is different now. He's really Cloud now and until you try you wont really know if he reciprocates your feelings or not."
Nodding Tifa grabbed Aerith by the hands and gave them a little squeeze.
"Thank you Aerith."
"No, thank you Tifa for being everything I couldn't be and more. Just keep smiling okay?"
"I knew it was you."
"I'll never leave you sis-"
"Ladies ya done over there?"
"We're ready Zack. Guys you know what to do right?"
"Yea it's pretty simple kid ya just reach in and pull the shard from our chest."
Cloud walked towards Aerith and hugged her goodbye her face buried in his neck. Tifa looked away chewing at her lower lip before Cloud returned to Zack.
Tifa looked at Cloud when both were ready they turned to their friend and reached deep into their chest. There was no sign of pain with every movement deeper it was if they felt more at ease. Once their hands clenched on the shard they pulled it back Tifa and Cloud never losing eye contact with their friends. When their hands emerged from the chest their bodies went limp. Tifa caught Aerith's body in her arms watching as a stream of lifestream emerged from both Aerith's and Zacks limp bodies. The lifestream intertwined before shooting up into the sky; Tifa praying that they were finally happy.
After seeing you again of course we are.
As Tifa cradled Aerith's body Cloud urged her to bring Aerith over to the pool lifting Zack onto his shoulder. Tifa cradled Aerith in her arms and brought her over to the same pool they lay her to rest all those years ago.
As the water was waist deep for both Cloud and Tifa they lay the two side by side in the water and reminiscent of all those years ago the two sunk down to the bottom both faces peacefully smiling up at them till they faded into the dark blue.
"Ready to go?"
"I'm really going to miss them Cloud."
"We'll see them soon."
"Yeah..."
"Hey Tifa about earl-"
"Not now Cloud for now let's just be happy everything's alright."
"You're right."
A/N: Another chapter down questions answered and I can now focus on the CloTi so many have accused me of lying about. Anyways hope you enjoy this if things are going the way I have it planned in my mind and on paper should be two more chapters to go. If I get another idea might be three although highly unlikely. Thanks for sticking around reviews are appreciated and so are constructive criticism.