Five years later

It has been five years since that fateful day at the Northern Crater, where we sent a misguided spirit back to where he had come from and laid to rest four tortured souls. A story, so I've been told that started over two thousand years ago. I look out over the assembled crowd, as I stand with the other executives waiting for the President to deliver his speech. And I ponder all that has happened since that day.

Marlene Wallace, now sixteen years old, has grown up to be a very independent young lady. She has also become the most influential mage on this planet. So proficient in her knowledge and capabilities, Marlene no longer needed materia as a focus. But she is still very humble as she stands beside her father, Barret.

Next to them stands Tifa and Cloud with their twin boys, Mathew and Mark. And with them, Denzel. The birth of the twins bringing this family even closer than before. It is interesting to note that when Shelke confirmed that Cloud and Rufus were indeed cousins, the two of them collapsed into a fit of laughter at the irony. But since then, they have established a bond between them that ties both their families together.

Rufus, holding his two-year-old son, Devon, stands next to his life partner, Tseng. Their adopted daughter, Liz, standing on Tseng's other side as Dark Nation guards in front of them. Behind them, the full complement of senior Turks was assembled. I smile as I notice Cissnei slipping her hand into Reno's and Reno gently giving her a squeeze of encouragement. It had been a difficult transition for her back into society and work. But with support from her fellow Turks and Kunsel. She soon had her back into the saddle and the swing of things.

Shan was the biggest surprise to come out of the conflict. The only persons who knew his story at that time where His Grandmother, Tseng, Rufus and Kunsel. But having revealed his true capabilities. He felt it in his best interest to tell his coworkers what had happened to him. He had been fearful that if people knew he too was a Jenova experiment, that people would not only hate him but fear him. But the Turks, being who they are, accepted him. Reno had gone so far as to ruffle his hair and state. "We all have things or have done things; we're not exactly proud of. You are still a Turk, and that's all that matters!"

I could see the others standing here and there throughout the crowd, but mostly they had gone back to living their lives pretty much the same way the had done before, but the friendship they all shared made sure that they never drifted too far apart.

The dedication ceremony was at the Garden of Reflection. It was where the old church stood in Sector Five — has become the place known for healing, flowers and Zack Fair's memorial. Everyone agreed this would be the perfect place to erect a monument to honour those who had died. The garden's flower and plants had all died off in preparation for winter. And the pond glistened from the light coating of ice. A chill autumn wind blew through those who had assembled.

The front of the stone base had had the original SOLDIER and DeepGround symbols carved into it. With the phrase. "They were not the monsters." Behind where the Buster Sword was placed, accurate replicas of Sephiroth's Masamune and Genesis Rapier were crossed and embedded into the stone base.

Rufus tapped the microphone and looked to make sure he had everyone's attention. He then began to speak.

"Five years ago today, we saw the end to a conflict that covered almost two decades. A conflict that never should have been!" He paused as he let those words sink in.

"In our greed and ignorance, we took that which was not ours to take. But the biggest tragedy was the manipulation and loss of innocent lives!" Rufus's eyes, going to the monument as he spoke.

"Let it be known that today will be forever known as the Day of Silence. A day where we remember all the hurt and pain. The tears and shed blood. The lives lost too soon to the madness that could have been prevented!"

Rufus' voice softened as he began to recite the names; "Angeal Hewly, SOLDIER 1st Class. Zack Fair, SOLDIER 1st. Class. Aerith Gainsborough, Sephiroth Cresent SOLDIER 1st Class and Genesis Rhaspodos, SOLDIER 1st Class."

Looking up and at the people who had gathered, "The people of Benora, Kalm, Midgar and Edge. The men and women who were Turk operatives or Infantry. To those who sadly were used as human experiments."

"Let us never forget! Let us never repeat this mistake!" Rufus bowed his head, and everyone followed suit as we all sent silent prayers to those who had returned to the planet. As we promised them and ourselves never to let this tragedy happen ever again.

After a minute or so, Rufus stepped off the platform and went to where the monument stood. Lighting a single white candle, he places it on top. Marlene, coming up beside him, casts a barrier spell around the candle. This, being the signal, that the ceremony had ended. And, slowly, the crowd dispersed.

I stay on the podium and watch the crowds leave. I, feeling not truely apart of this world. didn't want to intrude on their sorrows. Then I heard a voice echo cheerfully through my mind. "But you have made friends, and they have included you in their lives. Gaia is your home, young one!" I chuckled at being referred to as young. But compared to a God, I guess I was!

Shan, coming up to her. "So, Miss Raven. Are you ready for that drink and rematch, you promised me?"

Her smile broadened at seeing him. "Yes, Let's go!"