Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (Yuffie/Yukami's memory)
Narcissist Cannibal by EarlyRise
May it be (From the Lord of the rings) Lisa Kelly Oasis by Tarja
I did my best to keep everyone in character. I even add some background information on Reeve. I'm trying to make the characters seem more believable, more human. Also, Yuffie will be getting memories from when she was Yukami. I may do one or two for Vincent but not sure that would be a smart idea. So we'll just have to wait and see.
Before I forget, the image in the upper left corner, plays a part in this chapter.
It will most likely be after the fourth of July before I post the next chapter.
PuertoRicoLove1998, thank you for your review.
Super Tifa, thank you for your review. I agree with you, that Deimos deserves a painful death. So I'll do my best not to easy on him.
Anju Styx, thanks for adding this story to your favorites.
Hang On Edit 7/7/13
The light of the full moon shone bright down upon the flowers from a cloudless sky. Past a large iron gate that read, Kenroku-en* Garden, the moon illumined the gravel paths and cast the trees into the shadows. A cool summer's breeze slithered over the paths and through the black trees daring go where no mortal would. Wandering through the garden, Yukami felt herself begin to relax. She spun around, her arms outstretched, her head thrown back. Her hat tumbled to the ground and her hair fell free of its confines. Giggling, she picked up her hat from the ground and began her walk; again.
The heavenly scent of the flowers seemed like they were working its magic on her. Rounding a bend, she found a bench amidst it all. Lowering herself to the smooth dark wood, she closed her eyes and just absorbed the fragrances, with the wind tossing around strains of her long dark hair, ruffling the feathers on her wings. The sound of trickling water and the whir of insects were the only sounds. With her eyes closed, she could imagine herself lying in a field, her everyday worries flying somewhere miles away. She could forget her betrothal to that horrible, unpleasant man.
When ever thoughts of Kado invaded her mind, a smile would light up her face. She'd breath in the love she had for him, who she shouldn't care for, but did nonetheless. Why was life so hard and unfair?
Shadows of a young man crept down the maze of paths. He walked with stealth, his hand at his side, the other resting on his sword. The wind sent cooling air through his entire body as he approached the bench.
"Hello, my sweet one," He whispered. At the familiar intruding voice, Yukami's eyes shot open, to see him standing before her. "Sorry I startled you." He held his hands, palms out and gave her a gentle smile.
"Kado," she breathed, standing. He wrapped her in his secure arms. Breathing in her scent, honey and cherry blossoms, mingled with the smell of wild flowers, the smell intoxicating him.
A rush of overpowering emotion hit her, flooding her scenes. The same rush she felt each time she merely thought of him. He released her to the bench and sat beside her. Kado took her hand in his and caressed it gently.
Letting out a small laugh, the man's eyes danced with amusement. "Did you miss me, my dear, Yukami?" She looked from her hand to his moving lips.
"Yes," she nodded moving her gaze to his dazzling reddish-brown eyes.
"I love you," Kado whispered bringing her hands to his lips. Her breath caught.
"I love you, Kado," she returned with everything she felt. Everything she stood for. Everything she wasn't. She never tired of hearing those words upon his lips and it amazed her how they had the power to fill her completely. Her world was tumbling upside down and she leaned against him, wrapping herself in his warmth. Her heart ached for the love she wasn't supposed to give and yet she couldn't help giving it all to him.
Tears slid silently down her round face, her own tiny pains reflected in her eyes. Kado pulled back, lifting her chin "Please, look at me." She does as he asks. His heart saddens to see her beautiful eyes glazed and watery by unreleased tears. He dipped his head, placing his lips upon her cheek kissing her tears. Their salty wetness settled on his wise tongue. "Please, don't cry."
His hand found the other side of her face. He wiped her free of her tears, for they too mirrored what his heart-felt. "They're mine too," He stated softly, his hand pushing back her hair. She smiled weakly. He cupped her face in both of his hands as he lowered his head. The kiss was soft. It always overwhelmed her with just how soft and gentle but how intense the need to want more was always present. The wind blew intensely blowing Yukami's hair around the two of them. Yukami kissed him one last time as she pulled away. As he drew back slowly to catch his breath, she did the same without flinching. Then, he moved on again, faster this time, and pressed his lips firmly against his.
Her legs began to no longer support its weight, but Kado slipped his arms around her waist and pressed her against him. She exulted in the feeling when its warm, soft lips moved over hers.
Yukami pulled back, when she sensed someone was coming.
"What's wrong?" Kado asked perplexed. She stood, tugging on his hand to bring him to his feet.
"Someones coming," She panicky whispered looking over her shoulder. "You need to leave before you're seen." Standing up, he squeezed her hand.
"I don't want to leave, but I understand" He answered, stepping forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. It sent a chill all through Yukami. "Goodnight my love," He whispered almost sadly digging his hands into his pockets. He turned and began walking slowly down the path. Yukami had the urge to follow him like she did every night but she knew she couldn't. She watched him disappear from view.
"Yukami, dear," came a greeting from behind. Yukami turned to see her mother, Lady Fuzen, standing before her. Others often told her, she favored her mother in looks and how lucky she was, marring into the wealthier upper class family than her own. She wanted none of that. The money, the jewels, none of that could make her happy but she knew the only way to escape the impending marriage was to condemn herself, give up everything but the man she loved. Could she leave her parents and siblings in the background? Leave them to remain only in her past; wipe them out of her future? What she did know, was she couldn't see herself living in a loveless marriage; much like her own parents.
She dearly loved her mother, however while her mother was soft-spoken and followed society's beliefs to a tee; she found that she hated everything do with society's rules and the way they expected you do what ever they deemed fit. Her father repeatedly told her you never question the High-Council but that often made her angry. Who were they to decide what was right or wrong? Who to marry? How many children to have? According to them, women were to stay quiet and fade into the background. 'We are thought to only be good for warming their beds and birthing children.' She thought, disgusted with the rules placed on them by the High-Council. "Daughter, I've looked all over for you."
"Mother," Yukami returned warmly. Her mother looked at her in silent question. She could sense something was awry. Yukami tried to make her believe differently. "Walk with me," Yukami urged. She hoped her mother would follow and forget the strangeness of before.
"Of course, my daring daughter. It's the prefect opportunity to discuss your upcoming wedding." Yukami only smiled and nodded. Her mother Lady Fuzen continued to talk, following her daughter up the worn down footpath. 'Mother, I can't keep pretending I'm happy. I don't want this marriage.' Yukami sadly thought.
*o*
"Yuffie, are you even listening?" Startled a bit, the ninja brought her attention back to the present and looked across the table to meet the similarly glowing eyes of Cloud.
Yuffie shook her head, muttering. "Sorry...Just got lost in thought for a moment."
Gathered in the conference room of the WRO, Avalanche, along with Reeve sat in black office chairs placed around a large dark cherry table, except Nanaki since he was an animal. He sat beside Reeve on the floor. On the walls hung pictures of different parts of the world.
In the last hour, Vincent and Yuffie recounted their time in the safe-house, to when Yuffie jumped off the cliffs and what Deimos motives possibly could be.
Cloud rubbed at his head, letting out a faint sigh. "Anyway," Cloud went over what Tifa found. Sliding Vincent the journal. "As I was saying, besides the journal Tifa discovered in the basement library of the Shinra Mansion; Nanaki found a book that he believes will be an interest to you, Yuffie." Clearly still annoyed at the ninja.
"Cloud, is correct. We uncovered the history book deep in my grandfathers personal library; so please be careful. No one but I, has seen it. So, before, everyone else gets a chance to look at it, I want Yuffie to go first." They nodded in agreement followed with a few words like 'of course, and we agree.' "Barret, could you please hand it to her?" Barret pulled the cloth wrapped book from a leather saddlebag, sliding it down the table to Yuffie.
Picking it up between delicate fingertips, she gently pulled back the soft cloth, revealing a navy blue cover, 'Artifacts and Portraits of Ancient History'. Placing the cloth to the side, she carefully opened the book, removing a thin white sheet of paper marking the page.
Yuffie's eyes widened as she sat in shock. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. "Nanaki, is this for real?" Yuffie asked in stark disbelief.
"Yes. Although it's believed the original painting was either destroyed or stolen after Meteor. As there was not much left of the museum in Midgar, they couldn't be sure." Yuffie bit her lip, nervously playing with the bottom button on her shirt. Her eyes remained focused on the page. 'This entire ordeal, felt like some twisted version of Wonderland.' Yuffie thought.
Vincent cast his crimson orbs in her general direction in concern, wondered what exactly was in that book, that had Yuffie bewildered. As if she could read his mind, Yuffie slightly pushed the book over, allowing Vincent excess to the page.
A painting of Yukami, looked right back at them. Besides the large wings and slight wave of hair, her physical appearance was identical to Yuffie's image. Yukami stood, hands clasped in prayer position, looking up slightly to their right, with her wings partly curled inward. The wings were in various hues of purple. Yuffie's attention went to the angels eyes, lacking expression, empty almost, but then if one looked closer, then one could see the vivid emotions captured with the stroke of an artist's brush.
A brief description read underneath, Yuffie turned her head, locking her eyes with Vincent's, asking him a silent question. With a nod from him, Yuffie began to read it out loud.
*o*
"Found in 1818, by archaeologist Henry Jones, deep in the jungle cliffs of Okushiri Island, just five miles southwest of the main continent of Watai, among ancient castle ruins. Written across the paintings backing were symbols, it took a year for Dr. Tomas Michael, expert in dead languages, to decode them."
Year 91
Yukami Hokkaido,
Age: twenty-five
Tsuyama Castle
Then in 1820, displayed for the first time to the public, the completed restoration of the portrait made its appearance in the National Museum of Arts, in Midgar.
In 1956, rumors circled around, saying scrolls belonging to Yukami's mother surfaced, hidden behind cobblestone walls, in what is known today as Tsuyama Castle.
Telling a small portion of the tragic tale of her daughters last year of life, however soon after they mysteriously disappeared. So, it's anyone's guess if these scrolls really had even existed in the first place."
*o*
Vincent took the book, passing to Tifa on his right side. Yuffie shifted a little next to him, still looking like she was in disbelief.
Tifa and Cloud sat back dumbfounded, this Yukami was almost a carbon copy of their little ninja. What were the odds?
Passing the book around, nearly everyone had the same reaction. Cid muttered a few curse words, while Barret repeatedly looked back and forth from the book to Yuffie, like he couldn't believe what it was he was seeing.
On the verge of tears, Yuffie closed her eyes for a second. "I've had dreams of this woman...No that's not right, their memories...her memories, mine, or who ever they belong to," she paused. "They were so much in love, only for it to end in tragedy." Suddenly, Yuffie latched her hand on Vincent's, seeking comfort. Vincent squeezed her hand reassuringly. This entire situation was beginning to feel like some bizarre fictional story.
Tifa turned her tired eyes to the large windows, admiring the view as twilight gave away to the hues of oranges, purples and pinks in the sky, coloring the backdrop of the city. She wondered if any of them would really find true peace. Why did it seem as if faith liked toying with their lives? Why them?
"This is udder bullshit! Every last bit of it," Cid cursed. "I say we find this Deimos and give him a taste of AVALANCHE."
"Although I agree with Cid that Deimos needs doubt with. However, we need to look at this from all angles first and truth be told, the more information we have on what we are dealing with, the better." Reeve commented, tapping a blue ink-pen on the edge of the conference table.
"Guys, Reeve's right. I propose we go searching the ruins of Tsuyama Castle." Cloud stated, resting his folded arms on the table.
"Now why in blazes hell would we need to search crumbling rocks?" Cid huffed, feeling cranky, because of the 'no smoking' rule in the WRO building.
"Two reasons, this Yukami once lived there and that was where Vincent rescued Yuffie from. So, anymore questions?" Cloud waited a moment, when no one did, he continued. "Okay, let's go over everything we do know about this situation. First, Yukami was an angel, and although it was forbidden to mix races, she fell in love with a human man by the name of Kado. Someone discovered their love affair, which end in tragedy with the death of Kado while Yukami suffered with banishment from her people, as well as stripped of her wings and made mortal. Second, we know their bond was never fully completed, so their souls search each other out in every new life but are always torn apart for one reason or another; always ending in tragedy for one of the pair. Third, this Deimos wants Yuffie for himself, claims to have been the fiancé of...Yukami. Fourth, we know for a fact Yuffie and Yukami are the same woman, at least their souls are and share identical looks. And last, we have good reason to believe Vincent is in fact the reincarnation, Kado. Do you agree with this, Vincent?"
Vincent nodded. "Yes."
"But why now? I mean, why is this Deimos picking now to come after Yuffie?" Tifa voiced what everyone else was thinking.
"I don't know," Cloud answered. "That's why I want to search this Tsuyama Castle." Yuffie rubbed her arms violently to rid them of the Goosebumps that suddenly seemed to appear all over them, despite the warm room.
Reeve sank deeper into his plush leather chair. "Cloud has a good point. Tsuyama Castle may hold answers were looking for. I wonder what this man, Deimos expects to gain from this? And I'd like to know who that woman is, who was with him. On a brighter note, Vincent, Yuffie, I should have everything set up for your upcoming wedding as soon as everyone gets back from searching, that is if you haven't changed your minds."
"No way in hell." She leaned back in her chair and breathed deeply. "Vinnie already agreed, so he has no choice." Everyone laughed.
"Very well. If there are any problems, I'll let you know but since Tifa and a few other lady's have volunteered to help with your wedding."
"Thank you. Yuffie and I are grateful for every ones help." Vincent politly spoke, thankful that he and Yuffie had such caring friends.
"As along as there's alcohol served, we're good." Barret shouted, drumming his fingers on the table.
"I agree to that statement." Cid replied, as he itched to get the hell out of there. It had already been an over an hour since he had a lit cigarette.
"Vincent, you and Yuffie can decide to stay here or come with us. Either way we'd understand."
"I'm coming!" Yuffie blurted out before Vincent could reply, however he nodded, agreeing with what his ninja exclaimed.
"When we get there, we'll break into teams, that way we can cover more ground. Reeve, do plan to send Cait Sith with us?"
"Yes, that way I can stay informed faster."
"Okay. Does anyone have anything they'd like to add?" Everyone shook their heads no. Cloud stood up, "alright then, we'll get some rest tonight," pushing his chair to the table. "Then we'll head out early tomorrow morning. Be ready at sunrise."
OoOoOoO
Tifa hummed to herself as she brushed her hair. "Cloud, I'm worried about Yuffie and Vincent?" Tifa expressed her concern, sitting on the edge of the bed, her head bent to the side, giving her easier excess to brush her hair. "Do you think everything will turn out alright?"
Cloud shrugged his shoulders, slipping on his navy blue sleep-pants before slipping under the covers. "I really don't know," he answered, scratching the back of his neck. "But I'm sure everything will be alright." He adjusted his pillow, as he stretched out his legs.
"I hope your right." She reached over, laying the hairbrush on the nightstand. Lifting the covers, Tifa shifted her body beside Clouds, laying her head on his shoulder, her arm lazily laid across his chest, her hand resting on his heart. "What do you think of Vincent and Yuffie's upcoming wedding? I mean their getting hitched before we do. Not that I want to rush."
Cloud interrupted. "I understand what you're saying. I don't want to rush things either...As for them two, I believe this whole...reincarnation business is playing a big factor in their shot-gun wedding, not that Yuffie's pregnant or anything. At least I don't think so."
"She's not. She told me they were planning to wait until the wedding to get that close to each other." She giggled at Clouds grossed out expression. She knew Cloud thought Yuffie as his little sister he was glad to have never had in his childhood nevertheless he didn't want to imagine his a little non-sister having sex. "Besides, if I was in their shoes, I bet I'd be wanting a hasty wedding. Also, Yuffie has been in love with Vincent for Years."
"Really?"
"Yes, but she was afraid to tell him. I don't blame her, I felt the same way about you for a long time but it worked out for us in the end. And I have faith, it will work out for our friends, too." A content silence fell between them as they digested everything that had gone on between their friends.
Cloud yawned, "I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted." Cloud reached out, turning the table lamp off. "Good night."
"Goodnight, Cloud."
OoOoOoO
Unable to sleep, Yuffie walked quietly down a few halls, over to the WRO housing kitchen. She hoped to find a snack to curve her sweet-tooth. Pushing the door open, Yuffie searched the cabinets, got the coffee maker going, then raided the refrigerator. Lifting out what was left of some one's birthday cake from the bottom shelve. She cut a large slice along with a cup of fresh brewed coffee, she took a seat at one of the small kitchen tables. Glancing at the wall clock, half past five in the morning. Just great, she groaned. She was so tired but her mind refused to shut down. 'Insomnia sucks,' she thought. She wondered vaguely if another slice of cake would be a bad idea. 'Probably.' She was known not being able to hold her food down on Cid's airship. So, another slice is most defiantly a bad idea, she mused.
Her body began to relax, as she inhaled the heavenly aroma of her fresh brewed coffee, enjoying the smell as it filled her nose. Her thoughts drifted once more to the crazy mess that was her life. Vincent and her friends was the only sane things in it. And even that could be questionable at times.
She stared out the window, transfixed on the to sunrise. Watching as the sun rose slowly, gliding gracefully from below the horizon, bringing colour with it. From up here, you could see beyond the concrete buildings, admire the beauty of the distant mountain tops laced in hazy shadowy hues of purples and blacks.
She thinks back to when she would sit and watch the sunrises atop Da-Chao. It was always so peaceful up there, it often left you feeling like you were unruffled from time and age. It made her forget, for just a moment, of her past mistakes and failed attempts at restoring her country to its former glory.
Glancing at the clock once more, six-thirty it read. The others would soon be up, she realized.
She was nervous about what they would find in that castle. At least in the daylight, it wouldn't be as creepy or hard to navigate. She shivered, when she thought of how Kado, who more than likely lost his life in that place some two-thousand years ago. All because he was human and fell in love with an angel. Life could be so cruel to you one minute, then show you a miracle the next, something she knew herself real well. For every death there would be a new birth to take its place. Something her mother taught her at an early age. It made perfect sense when you thought about it.
Yuffie stood up, pouring herself another cup of hot coffee, pondering what part of the bond was left to complete. When she recalled Elena's words referring on the poem. Was it that simple? If that was true, then that would be completed on the honeymoon. But if that was the case, then a child would be born from that union. She bit her lip and rubbed her arm subconsciously before taking her cup back to the kitchen table.
She wanted children but had always pictured herself older. More matured. More responsible. Of course, little Vinnie's and Yuffie's running around would be nifty, a whole adventure in itself. She could picture her little family. She could see herself teaching their children how to be ninjas while Vincent taught them to shoot a gun. Then, when their daughters became of dating age, Vincent and their sons, would scare any suitors away. She giggled at that thought.
"Good morning." Yuffie jumped at the unexpected voice, spilling coffee on the table as her left hand leapt to her heart.
Reeve chuckled a little, then yawned.
"What the...Reeve are you suicidal? You almost gave me a heart attack. Vincent, would shoot you, if I died from one."
Reeve smirked. "We wouldn't want that, now would we?"
Yuffie smiled, "your lucky, I'm your friend...And could you please hand me something to clean this up? It was your fault after all." Reeve handed her a few napkins without complaint, then reached into the dish drainer to retrieve a coffee cup.
Reeve yawned again. "Reeve, did you even go home to sleep? You look like crap and that's an understatement." She really meant it, too. Reeve's appearance looked worn down. His once stylish pressed suit was now wrinkled, his hair fell loosely in disorder, and there were even dark bags under his eyes. This was a side she had never seen and she wasn't to happy about it.
"No, miss ray of sunshine." He muttered sarcastically.
"Why?" She asked, concerned.
"Hiding from my ex-wife, for one." He poured himself a cup of coffee, adding milk and sugar. "Then, we've given aid to Watai."
"I'm sure Godo appreciates all your help..."she trailed off, tilting her head, staring at Reeve as if he was some difficult mathematics problem. "Someone actually married you?" Yuffie asked, in disbelief. Reeve came off as someone who'd be the type to only ever be married to his job.
"Yes, her name is Rosalia Mera. She is a beautiful woman; at least on the outside. I was twenty-two and she was twenty when we married. It was an arranged marriage and there was never any real love betwwen us. We both came from old money, and our parents thought it'd be a good investment. So we agreed to the marriage but I soon found out after, she was a cold, undependable, deceitful and spent money like it was yesterday's trend. If she didn't get her way, she'd run to daddy, lie about what ever would paint me as the bad guy. After a year-an-half of marriage from hell, was when I announced I had a enough and walked right out; serving her two weeks later with divorce papers. That didn't go over so well for a lot of people, if you can guess," he paused. "The only reason I have any contact with that woman, is because we share a son." Reeve replied with much bitterness. "My son was the only positive thing to come out of my bad marriage."
"Wow...that's an interesting story." It never failed to amazed her, how people wouldn't realize how much they reveled when they weren't fully awake. It was a great way to get blackmail. "Where's your son? Why haven't we ever seen him around?"
"He's what one would call mentally challenged. While he can do most daily things for himself, he'd never be able to live on his own. So, he lives with his mother. " Reeve explained. "If you can call her that." He muttered. "Well, I gotta go. See you later."
"Bye." The sun was now fully over the horizon. 'Rise and shine you lazy folks, the bacon is running away.' She laughed to herself, the lack of sleep was making her slightly loopy and finding stupid things funny.
Tifa entered the kitchen, arms stretched over her head, "good morning." Tifa yawned.
"Morning."
Tifa pulled out a carton of orange juice and a small tub of butter, setting them on the counter. Taking out a few slices from the bread box, she placed them in the toaster. Then, filled her glass with juice. Taking a sip, she turned towards Yuffie. "What were you laughing about a moment ago?" Tifa slightly jumped when the toaster buzzed, popping the bread up. Tifa buttered her toast, setting them on a plate before placing the carton and tub back into the refrigerator.
Yuffie, waved a hand absently, never taking her eyes off the sky. "It was nothing important."
"Okay...Have you packed your stuff?" She asked, sitting across from Yuffie.
Setting down her coffee cup, she answered. "Yea, Vinnie made sure I didn't forget anything. Even found some pills to help ease off my air-sickness."
Tifa nodded her head, nibbling on her buttered-toast. "Good, because Cloud, Cait Sith and Cid are already at the Shera. I passed Barret on the way, stated he was head that way. So, that leaves you, me and Vincent. Were is Vincent, anyway? He hardly lets you out of his sight these days."
Yuffie leaned back in the chair and stretched her short legs. "Don't know. Last I saw him, he was still asleep in bed," she yawned, "and that was about...two hours ago?"
Tifa frowned. "Why were you up so early? Your usually the last one to wake up."
Yuffie snorted. "I never went to sleep in the first place?"
Tifa raised an eyebrow. "Why?" She asked, taking a bite of toast.
She groaned, taking a sip of her coffee then muttered. "One word, insomnia."
Tifa nodded her head. "Aye..got ya!" Gulping the last of her juice. "Are you going to be okay searching today?"
"Yea, I think so." Tifa noticed something on Yuffie's hand and she knew it wasn't there yesterday during their meeting.
Slowly, Tifa leaned forward. "Is that what I suspect it is?"
Yuffie's eyebrows pushed together. "What?"
Tifa pointed, "On your finger...that ring." Yuffie grinned, lifting her hand, so Tifa could get a better look.
"It's a custom made keepsake engagement diamond ring. There are twenty-three individual ruby gemstones that accent the gorgeous central white diamond."
Tifa looked at Yuffie happily. "Congratulations, Yuffie. It's gorgeous. I bet it was expensive."
"Probably. I asked Vincent but he refused to tell me how much." Yuffie shrugged.
"I'm happy to see two of my best friends find some happiness. Anyway, how did he propose?" Tifa asked.
"Oh, Tifa it couldn't have been more romantic. Last night, Vincent dressed in black slacks, and button shirt, even wore normal shoes. He asked me to wear something pretty because he had a special surprise for me." Yuffie gushed with shining, playful eyes. "Anyway, he blindfolded my eyes then led me to the rooftop. It was beautiful, like a fairytale. There were twinkling lights strung up, a small table for two with delicious food and red wine. I never thought I'd ever have a chance to have a romantic dinner under the stars. Once we ate, he asked me to dance and on cue classical music started to softy play." Yuffie dreamy recounted. "Tifa when the music ended, he got down on one knee, and he proposed. Although there weren't much words, he just got to the point and asked those four words, Will you marry me? I was so overwhelmed, that when I went to speak, I started crying instead, so I just nodded yes. Later, I told him he could have just ask me without all the fancy flare and I would've still said yes. I mean we had already decided to get married but he disagreed, said, as a beautiful princess, I deserved a proper proposal with a ring and nothing less. But that's Vincent for you and I wouldn't have him any other way."
Tifa sighed in awe, "Who would thought Vincent could sweep a girl off her feet."
"I know. It was so sweet and enchanting. Just perfect. So, no complaints from me."
Tifa smirked, "Of course, you wouldn't have any complaints. It's not everyday we girls get engaged to hot men." Tifa commented, fanning her hand in front of her face.
"Amen, for hot men!" Yuffie shouted. Both girls howled in laughter, wiping tears from their eyes.
"Ladies, Cid is ready to depart." Both woman turned to the doorway. "Yuffie, I'll find you later." Vincent gracefully turned, his cape fluttering in his sharp movement, and left through the door.
Both girls looked at each other, then back to the door, only to look back at each other.
How long had he been standing there, Tifa wondered. Yuffie shrugged as if she read Tifa's mind, before they both busted into a fit of giggles.
*Kenroku-en means "garden which combines six characteristics"[3] – the six aspects considered important in the notion of an ideal gardens: spaciousness, serenity, venerability, scenic views, subtle design, and coolness.