"Be near me when I fade away,
to point the term of human strife,
and on the low, dark verge of life
the twilight of eternal day."

'In Memoriam A.H.H.'
Canto 50, final stanza

Chapter 27
A Light Ever Lasting - Part 4


The skies came roaring into life with a series of thunderclaps, drawing ever closer as Yuffie and Cloud retraced their steps back to the funeral pyre in the distance. Having enjoyed a pleasant meal using what sparse means they had available at their little shelter, they were headed back to the Highwind to catch a few hours' sleep before the morning broke.

It had been a welcome change from the past few weeks' toil, spending a moment of repose in each other's company, away from the commotion of the rest of the group. They had been tempted to stay longer, but as the weather only seemed to be growing worse at the night drew on, they had deemed it best to head back for the time being. Packing away what remained of their food supplies, they had set off again, but now it was starting to seem that they would be too late to avoid the coming storm. The first drops of rain were already touching down on the sand, and it was becoming clear that they would not reach their destination before being deluged by the rain. Seeing that there was no chance of reaching the other side of the shore before being overtaken by the storm, they decided instead to retreat to the safety of their shelter once more.

They hurried back to the shelter, breaking into a run in order to avoid the worst of the freezing rain, only to find that a strong gust had torn the sheet halfway from the canopy, leaving it flapping in the cold wind. They did their best to fasten the sheet and repair the canopy, tethering its corners to a more secure position, but the damage was already done. The tear wrought by the wind had allowed the downpour through long enough to soak up the kindling, leaving it, as well as themselves, dripping wet in the cold night. The fire had been extinguished, and it was unlikely that they could get another one going with the heavy rain and the wind. Cloud shook his head, standing up again, throwing the flint on the ground next to the wet ashes, whose sputtering remains still generated a thin trail of smoke in spite of the damp air.

"Well... so much for keeping warm," he said, sighing, looking over the drenched campfire.

As he rose up, he felt Yuffie's hand on his arm. "I can think of another way," she said. She spun him around, then drew him in closer for a kiss.

Cloud smiled as they broke off. "Do tell," he replied, leaning in for a second kiss.


"..Wait here."

Tifa led Vincent back inside the regal bedchamber at the top of the palace, then sat him down on the bed in its centre, before disappearing behind one of the folding screens. For a moment, all that could be seen of her was her silhouette being projected against the thin paper frames as she undressed, before emerging again, clad in a silk night-robe.

"Well... what do you think?" she asked, looking over at Vincent.

"You know," Vincent said, "if I didn't know better, I might suspect that you're trying to seduce me."

"Who? Me?" Tifa replied with a coy smile, feigning innocence. "Would I do something like that?"

"I think you might have it in you, yes, Miss Lockheart," Vincent said, getting up, walking over to where she stood by the window.

"Mr. Valentine," Tifa replied, reaching up to give him a kiss as he approached her.

"What say we forget our troubles for a few moments?" Vincent said, brushing his hand against her cheek.

"I was just thinking the same thing," Tifa said. She pushed past him, letting her night-robe fall to the floor, glancing over her shoulder as she did, beckoning, teasing him as she guided him back to the bed.

"Come on," she said. "Let's make this a night to remember.."


Lightning and the distant rumble of thunder tore through the encroaching darkness, the wind whipped at their clothes, and the torrential rain continued to inundate the beach all around them, but they were by now oblivious to the heavens' wrath. All they could sense was each other.

Cloud pressed another kiss against Yuffie's lips as he cupped her face in his hands, brushing his fingers through her short locks, dripping wet with the rain. She held her hands against the back of his head, pulling him closer still, sighing with satisfaction at the myriad sensations and the heat generated by their movements. Despite the freezing cold, she felt as though she were burning up.

He reached down, removing her grey jacket, then pulled her camisole shirt over the top of her head. She reciprocated by pulling down the zipper of his navy blue sweater, discarding it to the ground. They did all of this without breaking stride, indulging in a succession of kisses, each more passionate and intense than the last, as they continued to peel each other's clothes off in the pouring rain, leaving them in a pile on the sand.

Soon they were but two indistinct figures, shadows moving through the cool blue of the night, their movements growing more frantic, more urgent as they continued to push against each other. Theirs was not an act of of mere desire, but one of necessity, the fulfilling of a hunger for something which they both realized had long been missing. And so, they allowed themselves to lose control, giving themselves over to the moment as their bodies melded together.

He staggered back as she pushed forward, letting out a slight grunt as they hit the far wall, nearly tripping over their stack of supplies as they moved up against the stone edifice, which afforded them some shelter from the worst of the storm. She let up her advance, allowing him to take control as they half-fell, half-slid to the ground below.

No longer in their minds were the numberless accidents and events which had brought them here, only the moment that they now shared. There were no more names or identities. Just him and her. He and she. Two free souls, unfettered by the petty concerns of the world around them. All else was washed away, lost in the rainfall.


What were they, then?

An idealistic youth, heading out into the world in the hopes of a proud record of military service, followed by a triumphant return home, only to be met with a world half-empty, encircled by madmen and run by charlatans and fools. The daughter of a once-proud empire, reduced to thieving and foraging in the wilderness, left without so much as a single ally to call upon in her time of need.

Was that all? Two messed-up children thrown together by the vicissitudes of fate?

No.


Yes.

It was decided, then. Their struggle would continue, if only out of a refusal to let their accumulated sacrifices and efforts be in vain. To do any less would be to cast aside everything they stood for.

Tifa walked out onto the balcony, looking out over the city. The rain had subsided at last, giving her the opportunity to study the sprawling ruins from her high vantage point once more. Vincent moved up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Neither of them said anything, for fear of sabotaging the moment with foolish prattle. There was no need for either of them to speak. They each knew what the other wanted to say.

Ravaged though the scenery was, there was an eerie kind of beauty to it. Some of the Cetra from the underground city, they knew, were dwelling on the surface again, helping the planet to regain some of its former lustre. There was a real change coming over the place. There was hope for the future yet.

They had reclaimed one world. Now it was time for the other.


The sun shone upon two naked forms lying on the beach, enfolded in each other's embrace. A gilded dawn on the horizon stirred them from their sleep, which they awoke from with reluctance. Despite the night's heavy rainfall, the morning greeted them with a warm breeze, the sultry temperature not unlike that of tropical climes.

Cloud raised himself up to one side, caressing Yuffie's cheek as her eyes fluttered open. "Good morning, your highness," he said, smiling at her.

"I told you not to call me that," she replied with an impish smile, pressing a finger against his lips.

"I know," Cloud replied, gently pushing her hand aside. "I wasn't paying attention," he added, teasing her.

She cocked her head to one side, playing along. "Well, in that case, I think you owe me an apology," she said, giving him her best look of feigned disapproval.

"Believe me," Cloud said, placing a kiss on her shoulder. "I am very.."

He paused, sidling up closer to her, placing a second kiss upon her neck, the tickling sensation causing her to giggle as he worked his way up towards her lips.

"...deeply.."

She continued to giggle uncontrollably, pushing him away in a playful manner, resisting his advances, but at the same time urging him on.

"...truly sorry," Cloud finished, giving her a long, full, luxurious kiss on the lips.

"...your highness," he added, in between kisses.

As they broke off, his smile gave way to another, more somber look on his face, as though he had recalled something unpleasant.

"What's wrong?" Yuffie asked.

"Nothing," Cloud replied, running his hand through her hair. "There's just something I need to take care of before we head back."

"..Okay," Yuffie said.

The two of them got up, and began to search for their clothes, which were still scattered all over the beach. A few moments later, they were fully dressed, and occupied with cooking a simple breakfast. They exchanged few words while they ate, feeling both rested and exhausted from the night before.

As he finished his breakfast, Cloud got up and wandered off to the shore nearby. Yuffie waited for a moment, contemplating whether to follow him or not. She considered giving him some space, but her curiosity got the better of her and, after a few minutes, she found herself trailing after him.

She found him sitting by the shore, looking out at the sun peering over the horizon. It was clear that something was weighing on his mind, though he seemed reluctant to impart what it was.

It was a moment before either of them spoke.

"It's been a hell of a ride, hasn't it?" Yuffie said.

"Yeah... it has," Cloud replied.

"What's on your mind?" Yuffie asked, sitting down next to him.

"Just something I need to do," Cloud said. "Something I should have done a long time ago.."

He said nothing further for the time being. She waited for a moment, watching the waves lapping the beach. After another moment of silence, he drew a pink ribbon from his pocket. The ribbon was tattered and matted with blood, but still recognizable as the one that had once belonged to the flower girl from the slums.

"You think she's still watching over us?" Yuffie asked, looking at the frayed ribbon as the wind swept over it, threatening to tear it from his grasp.

"Considering everything we've been through," Cloud replied. "Yeah... sometimes I get the feeling we've got a guardian angel looking out for us."

Yuffie placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come on," she said. "Talk to me. What's really bothering you?"

"I've been thinking," Cloud said. "About the past. About what we're doing here. And I realized that I haven't been fair to you."

"What do you mean?" Yuffie asked.

"Remember what I said to you down in the catacombs?" Cloud asked. "About walking on her grave?"

Yuffie nodded, but said nothing.

Cloud shook his head. "I guess I've realized how foolish I've been. I've been blinded by the past for so long that I couldn't see the present. I couldn't forgive myself for what happened to her, and.."

"What happened wasn't your fault," Yuffie said, interrupting him.

"I know," Cloud said. "That's what everyone told me. What I kept telling myself. I just never could believe it."

Yuffie remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I've been carrying this with me for a long time," Cloud said, looking at the pale ribbon. "Perhaps too long. I never wanted to let go. I never could. But maybe it's time.."

He raised his hand in the air, about to release the ribbon and let the wind carry it out to the sea, but before he could let go, Yuffie caught his arm, stopping him. "No," she said, closing her hand over his. "It's okay. Keep it."

Cloud looked at the young ninja, surprised by her reaction.

"I don't want you to let go", she said. "I want her to stay with us."

"Yuffie.."

"It's not about letting go," Yuffie said. "It's about going on, even when you think you can't."

Cloud was at a loss for words, startled to see Yuffie displaying a maturity and wisdom far beyond what he had expected from her. But the young ninja had always been full of surprises, he reminded himself.

"The light that she left with us is still here," she continued. "That was her gift to us. We can't let it go out."

So saying, she took the ribbon from his hands, tying it around his upper arm.

"What are you doing?" Cloud asked.

"Holding on," Yuffie replied, leaning in closer, pressing her lips against his.


Cid lay on the beach next to the blaze, watching as the last of its embers drifted out towards the sea. He drew out a crumpled photograph of Shera from his breast pocket, studying it for several minutes, before burning a hole into its centre with the stub of his cigarette. He took a long, slow drag from it, then discarded the stub and threw the photograph onto the fire, watching it deform in the scorching heat.

Nanaki, who had been walking past, sat down next to him, watching the captain go about his odd gesture with seeming indifference.

"You're wondering why I burned that photograph, ain't ya?" Cid asked.

"The thought had crossed my mind, yes," Nanaki replied.

"It's the only reminder I have of her, you know?" Cid said. "Not a day has gone by that I haven't found myself lookin' at it. But that just ain't enough anymore."

"I think I understand," Nanaki said.

"I never did see all of this coming," Cid said. "It's a goddamn mess, is what it is. But I'm going to see her again. I'm gonna get us all back home, even if I have to chew my way through half of Hell to get there."

"Glad to hear it," Nanaki replied.

"Well... enough yacking," Cid said, getting up and dusting himself off. "Come on. We've got work to do."


Cloud and Yuffie walked down the length of the shore, heading back to the rest of the party. They were still some distance away from the airship when she stopped, looking out towards the horizon once more. Despite the warm wind, she shivered.

"You okay?" Cloud asked.

Yuffie nodded, rubbing her arms, as if to ward off the cold. "Listen..." she said, looking up at him. "Forget what I said last night. I do want you to tell me everything's going to be okay. Even if it's not true."

Cloud looked at the young ninja with a gentle expression. She had shed her mischievous veneer, leaving herself sincere and vulnerable. Her impishness, he knew, was her way of keeping the rest of the world at bay, just as aloofness was his. But it seemed that, for a brief moment at least, they could be honest with one another, without any need for pretense.

"Some day, this will all seem like a bad dream," Cloud said. "We'll stop Comus, then find our way back home. Simple as that."

"And after that?" Yuffie asked.

"After that, I guess it's back to a normal life," Cloud said.

Yuffie let out a wry laugh. "A normal life? What's that?"

Cloud shrugged. "Hell if I know."

He walked over, placing one hand on her shoulder. "But we'll figure it out together," he added. "After we get back home."

"I know we keep saying that," Yuffie replied. "We keep talking about what comes after, but... where do we stand, really? You and me, I mean."

"You know how I feel about you," Cloud said.

"...I know," Yuffie said. "But I'd like to hear it, all the same."

Cloud looked deep into her eyes, studying her face for a long moment. It was hard to believe that it had already been two, nearly three years since their first encounter in the forests outside Junon. He remembered how she had always been at odds with the rest of Avalanche, never quite fitting in with the group's disparate members. Then came her little escapade in Wutai, where she had tried to make off with everyone's equipment. Her attempt had backfired, of course, and she'd ended up having to return everything she had stolen from them, after making a series of heartfelt apologies. In spite of everyone else's protests, he had forgiven her and let her back into the group, wanting to give her one last chance to prove herself. He knew he was taking the risk of being let down by her again, but despite her betrayal, he had believed in her. And his faith had not been misplaced.

Their early relationship had been a tumultuous and unexpected one. But through their shared struggles, they had become firm friends. And now, they were something more.

He reflected upon how much she had changed, and yet, how little. She was a little older and wiser now, but still the same headstrong and irrepressible hellion he had always known, never one to let anything dampen her spirits or cause her courage to waver. At least, that was how it seemed. But these past few days, she seemed a little quieter than her usual self. There seemed to be a change coming over her, as well as the rest of the group. The war was changing all of them, in one way or another. Their halcyon days, they knew, were long past. Everything was coming to a head soon. They could all sense it. The end was drawing near, yet victory seemed farther away than ever before.

He studied her face for a moment longer, taking in her fine features. Even back when they had first met, tumbling through the grime of endless forests and deserts, her natural good looks had shone through, but in the radiant light of the infant dawn, she looked more beautiful than ever.

For the longest time, it seemed as though there was nothing left for him to do but to make the noble sacrifice, when the time came. In a way, it was what he had always desired, and how he had expected things to end. But now, it felt as though he had a real future to fight for again. Being with her gave him a reason to keep on fighting. To live, not just to survive.

"I love you," he said.

Yuffie let out a slight gasp, not quite believing that she was hearing the words. "S... say that again," she replied, looking up at him.

He brushed his hand against her cheek, smiling, peering deep into her eyes as he spoke. "I love you, Yuffie Kisaragi," he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Nothing's ever going to change that."

He had never seen her look happier than she did in that brief moment. Her delight, however, soon gave way to her usual, mischievous demeanour. He couldn't help but notice the change in her smile, however subtle it was, and the way she was looking at him now.

"What?" he asked.

"You're cute when you're being serious," she replied, flicking his nose with her index finger.

Cloud chuckled. "Come on," he said, taking Yuffie's hand. "I'm sure the others are starting to wonder where we are."

"If they're even awake yet," Yuffie replied.

When they arrived back at the Highwind, they found the other Avalanche members already awake and hard at work, gathering their equipment and moving it back inside the ship. The fire had died down, leaving thick plumes of black smoke rising from its ashes. The music, too, had subsided, as if in keeping with the morning's solemn mood, although a few wistful notes being strummed on an acoustic guitar could still be heard echoing throughout the beach.

"Hey, good morning," Tifa greeted them as they returned to the group.

"'morning," Yuffie said, stretching her arms and yawning.

"Everyone rested?" Cloud asked.

"Yeah... I slept like a baby," Reeve said.

"You mean you woke up every two hours and cried?" Yuffie replied, grinning.

Reeve rolled his eyes, deciding to ignore the young ninja's quips.

"About time you two showed up," Cid said, ushering the late arrivals back inside the airship. "Grab your things and get a move on. We've got a war to win."