Chapter 8
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Aeris is kneeling beside her flowers, inside her old church. Her face looks sad, her eyes are wet. She was crying…alone. All she needs now is time for her own. She does not care the sun today shines warmly after last night's heavy rain. Chirping birds are just also passing her mind. She simply does not care anything. She mourns for herself, for her unlucky fate. Although she pretends to be strong, she knows when it comes to Cloud, she is weak. If only Sephiroth did not kill her, maybe she will not be as sad as right now. If only Sephiroth did not kill her, she would surely be with Cloud, following up the way she was with him when she was alive.
Aeris plays flower petals with her finger, recalling an event short days ago when Cloud put a flower on her hair. Everything seemed so nice, so lovely at that time. Now, she can only keeps those events as beautiful memories to her. Memories that cannot be erased. Never.
Cetra…I sense you are very sad…Suddenly Planet's voice comes into her mind, breaking her mourning. Aeris only nods as if Planet can understand her gesture. She is rather surprised that Planet asks about her feeling, yet she feels Planet still cares about her. Short time later, a warm sensation wraps around her, calming her. She knows it is Planet's way to ease her when she is downhearted. Maybe it tries to hug her. This makes her heart lighter. She does not feel so lonely anymore. Aeris closes her eyes and enjoys the sensation, trying to relieve her heart.
Planet…how about you ? Aeris sends her signal back, asking Planet's condition. Silence. Planet does not reply, but Aeris still feels Planet's hug on her, warm and relaxing.
Cetra…I still need you…Planet's voice slowly fades out as well as the sensation Aeris experienced before. Aeris opens her eyes and stands up.
Planet is still suffering…I wonder what really happened ? Aeris thinks.
"Aeris…you are here !". Again, a voice startles Aeris on her spot. Aeris' heart feels like being stopped for a moment.
Is he here ? she asks herself in doubt. She has felt a dejavu before, will it be happened again ? She does not have courage to answer it, but she keeps her expectation anyway. Slowly, she turns her body to the church entrance door. Much to her dismay, this time she does not find a person she is always waiting for, like a few days ago. A rather spiky hair, black jacket with white shirt inside, and a circle-shaped sunglass on the nose, this person is no other than Vic. Aeris is disappointed a bit, but knowing that Vic is worried about her from his tone makes Aeris feel better.
But…why him…? Aeris asks to herself, puzzled. Vic walks approaching Aeris who stands still. "I've been looking for you everywhere !", he exclaims. Aeris swipes her wet eyes. She does not want being caught that she was crying.
"Yes…? What's the matter Vic ? Anything wrong with your umbrella ?", Aeris asks him, trying to act normally. Vic shakes his head. "No, that's not it, Aeris…my umbrella is fine…you already gave to me after breakfast….". He then stares at Aeris' emerald green eyes for a moment.
"You…you have been crying….", he whispers softly yet with sad tone as he notices her eyes are still wet. Aeris turns her face away shyly and walks to the bench. Vic just watches her confusedly.
"Aeris…?", he inquiries her condition. He knows that it is not usual her, at least the girl she knew two days ago. "I am…all right…now….Don't worry about me….I'm fine….", she replies with low voice. She then takes a seat on the bench and stares at the flowers, avoiding Vic's look through her eyes. She just wants to hide her sadness. Aeris simply does not want to bother other with her burden. However, she starts to realize that Vic cares about her. Maybe she needs a shoulder to cry on, and he came at the right time.
Vic approaches Aeris and takes a seat next to her. He says nothing, just sits there. They both keep in silence for some moment. For some reason, Vic knows this way will make her better.
"You….love him, don't you ? I can see it…". Vic's low voice finally breaks the silence. Aeris turns her face to him, surprised. She never thinks Vic can conclude the fact although she just knows him for two days. Although there are some men on her group, it seems that Vic obviously knows who 'him' is. Aeris wants to shake her head and says 'no', but she knows it is useless. Faintly, she nods as reply.
"Well…that's surely a bitter reality…", he comments out. After a sigh, Vic continues, "I know it must be very hard to face such condition, when you love someone, but your beloved is already engaged to other….Sometimes it's better if your beloved does not love you, but it turns to be like living in hell when you know that your beloved actually has feeling for you too….". Vic spoke his words softly and with full of sense, as if he actually faces the circumstance. He turns his face to Aeris, and with low voice he says, "Aeris…I am sorry for you….I am sorry I cannot help you but to be here, to accompany you…if you don't mind…". His voice trails off at the end. Aeris just stares at Vic. She cannot believe this. She does not hope that she will find another person who can understand her feeling, but a miracle happened. A stranger she found two days ago now turns to be her shoulder to cry on, and it only took a breakfast and an announcement from Tifa. Aeris feels Vic's affection toward her. She feels that Vic can understand her feeling well.
After taking a deep breath, Aeris then responds, "Vic…I…appreciate your sympathy…but let me tell you this…I blame nobody…It's nobody's fault….I do love him…but he had his childhood friend on his side, and she loves him too….I just can't…I just can't tear them apart…Although I was close to him before…I left him….and it was his childhood friend who consoled him…That's why his childhood friend deserves him than I do…". Aeris hangs her head down. Half of her heart feels relieved to be able to express her emotion, while the other part she is still in wonder how she told what she kept so far to the new guy next to her.
"So….Cloud chose another woman instead of you, the last of Cetra…", Vic concludes the subject, lifting his head to see church's ceiling. He places his arms on back of his head. Aeris' face suddenly shows a shocked expression. Not so many people know she was brought back to life, yet not so many of them know that she has different race blood from the others, but Vic knows it. Aeris grows curious, and a bit suspicious. Vic knows much…maybe too much. Slowly Aeris moves herself away from him. Her mind flashes their last fight with Sephiroth, in which he had ability to transform himself to another person. Now, comes Vic Skye, a man she just knew but he already knew too much. Realizing this potential danger, Aeris quickly jumps from her seat, taking a distance from Vic who is still sitting on the bench.
"Who really are you…?", Aeris asks him with sharp tone. She bets for the worst. She prays whoever Vic really is, it does not matter as long as he is not Sephiroth in different form. She can handle him although her Princess Guard is not at her hands right now. Her fighting experience has taught her a lot, besides she keeps several Materia inside her pocket.
Vic only looks at Aeris with cool look. He does not move, but he does not seem to be intimidated. He remains calm. However, he is quite surprised to see the girl who was in sorrow before, now faces him with sharp and suspicious look. She clearly prepared herself for the worst.
"I guess I slipped my tongue…", Vic sighs, but stays cool. After fixing his sunglass position, he speaks again, "I know why you're suspicious about me, but all I can say is…I am not your enemy !". His words are clear, filled with heavy intonation to draw Aeris' attention. Aeris does not let her eyes go from Vic. She tries to figure his mind out. However, she senses no threat from Vic. She has a strange feeling that Vic is telling the truth. Vic notices that Aeris is considering his words, he then says again, "Now…what did Planet tell you ?".
Aeris is stunned on her place being asked that question. Her eyes go wide in disbelief. First, her eyes turned to a shocked look, then turned to doubtful look, and finally they turn into sharp look at Vic, sharper than before. Vic continues before Aeris reacts, "I know that, Aeris…I can feel…how should I say this…the nuance after a Cetra had direct communication with Planet…". Aeris cannot believe what she heard.
How could he know that ? That's impossible ! Aeris talks to her mind. She wants to ask more questions to Vic, but she senses that Vic offers no harm to her, and he told the truth. However, she is very sure that Vic has a specific intention. This is a thing she must find out.
Vic just stares at Aeris, waiting for her response. Finally, Aeris sighs and speaks with softer voice, "Okay Vic…Can't say that I'm not surprised ! Now, would you tell who really you are ? I need your explanation !". Vic smiles to Aeris, he then stands up. Aeris waits for him rather impatiently. Finally he replies, "Aeris, you may not know before, but, as long as I stand here, then you are… not the last Cetra.". After Vic finishes his sentence, Aeris' mouth is already opened. She does not say even a word, but her eyes tell that she requests further explanation. Vic then continues with calm tone, "To make it simpler : I AM an Ancient too, descendant of Cetra race, just like you, Aeris Gainsborough".
……………
"So, this is it, Cloud, what we need for the wedding !", Tifa exclaims, pointing her finger to a list written on a paper. Cloud takes a look on the writing and then a confused look paints his face. Tifa smiles upon looking at his face. She then leans into Cloud's arms and giggles happily.
"What do you think ? Is there anything left ?", she asks Cloud with flirting tone. Cloud only shakes his head and responds, "Um…that's okay…but don't you think this is…a little…too much ?". He asks carefully, not to make Tifa mad. Tifa lays her arm around his neck and presses her cheek to his so she can also read the note she just wrote.
"Well…you can say that from one view, but what if I want those things to make an unforgettable wedding party ? Come on Cloud…we can afford them…we are not in lack of money, aren't we ?". Tifa says to him playfully. Unnoticed by Cloud, she then glances meaningfully to Cid, Cait Sith, Yuffie and Red XIII, requesting for their agreement.
"This is your most important event, Cloud, spoil yourself sometime !", Cait Sith gives his advice. Yuffie nods playfully as a sign that she agrees with the cat. She then adds, "Yeah, Cloud, don't let yourself regret after the party ! We are also curious waiting for that day !". Cid takes a deep inhale on his cigar first, then he gives his part, "We're ready to help you two, as long as we're invited, kid ! And you don't need to worry about the transportation…you know me well kid, right ?". He then puts his cigar on his mouth again.
"Looks like we have no trouble here…", Tifa exclaims happily after knowing the other's opinions, still in flirting tone. She looks very happy, and everyone knows why. Cloud makes a sign with his hands that he gives up. "Okay…okay…let's follow this plan…", he finally speaks up.
"Yay ! Now that's my real Cloud !", Tifa cries out happily and gives a quick kiss on Cloud's cheek. Cloud was not ready to be kissed yet, he starts to blush after Tifa's lips landed on his cheek. Tifa only gazes at him lovingly with a smile curved on her lips.
Look on how happy she is..finally she will become bride of her beloved man…Red XIII thinks about what he sees. He is truly happy that his friends will be married soon, but he also feels sorry for his fellow specimen, the flower girl, Aeris.
They are really a nice couple ! I wonder when I will be like them…Yuffie smiles to herself. She imagines what will be happened if Tifa's position is replaced by her and Cloud's position is replaced by Vic.
Although I was wrong on my fortune-telling, I am still happy to see Cloud and Tifa together…Cait Sith, the fortune-teller cat speaks to his mind. When he did his fortune-telling, it was told that Cloud and Aeris were a cross-star lovers, and he felt sorry for Tifa at that time. Now, things turn upside down.
Finally, that darn kid made a decision ! Heck, I hope everything will be fine ! Although he does not seem to care, Cid has his own thought about the couple. He quietly admits Cloud's decision, and it makes him feel like chicken that he does not have courage to do the same thing to Shera.
"What about your wedding gown, Tifa ? You didn't write it in the list !", Cloud asks Tifa as he finds one of the important things is not listed within the note. With a broad smile, Tifa replies, "Of course I've prepared it ! But…no no no…you cannot see me in that gown before the day, Cloudy honey…Let that be a surprise !". Tifa moves her finger left and right, like a mother warns her kid, but of course she does not mean what she said to Cloud. "I'll make you drooling on our wedding day…", Tifa continues her words with teasing tone. Cloud laughs a little.
Finally, she is very happy…finally I fulfill my promise to her….Cloud says in his thought. This is something he wants to do, to make his childhood friend happy, but on other side of his heart, he feels sorry that it takes other's happiness as well : Aeris' happiness. Now, he has a guilty feeling emerges in his heart for not settling done his matter with Aeris. However, he suppresses his feeling to keep the cheerful situation.
…………..
Vic's eyes stare at Aeris from behind his sunglass. His face remains calm, like a still water surface. On the other way, Aeris looks at him with a mixed expression. Her emerald green eyes sweeps Vic's figure from his hair to his toe, studying his feature.
"Well…?", finally Vic opens the conversation again. His voice is heavy, a sign that he is serious. He is waiting for Aeris' response, and he knows she is quite surprised, yet she seems cannot believe what he said easily.
"Prove what you said, Vic…", Aeris responds shortly. She just cannot simply trust someone she knew just two days ago. She needs more, although she cannot sense any danger from him. As he has anticipated that question, Vic simply replies, "Just try calling The Planet…you'll know later…". Not letting her attention go from Vic, Aeris does what he said although she does not catch his idea.
Planet…do you hear me…? She tries to send her communication signal to Planet. A moment passes. No response from Planet.
Planet…please answer me….Aeris tries to call Planet again. She hopes that she would find an answer from Planet since it is only Planet who can tell her if there is another Cetra. However, Aeris only finds a silence in her mind.
Planet…what really happened ? Suddenly, another voice enters Aeris' mind. Aeris cries out shortly, surprised. What…was that ? Aeris asks herself in amazement. Last words she heard were absolutely not coming from her. That was not her voice, that was not her mind. She knows there must be someone…or something else. Driven by her instinct, she concludes that it was because of Vic although she does not have idea how he did it. The man, Vic, is just smiling to Aeris again. He catches a puzzled expression on her eyes.
"Did you hear my voice in your mind ?", he asks Aeris.
So it was really him…Aeris concludes what really happened. Somehow, Vic entered the channel she used to communicate with Planet, therefore he could join the communication with Planet. This is the first-time experience to Aeris. So far, she assumed that she is the last Cetra, and she never expect that other may join the way she talked to Planet. Now, she cannot be sure that her conversation with Planet is exclusively for her, last event has taught Aeris a lesson.
"Y…yes…I heard someone's voice inside my mind…is that really you ?", Aeris asks in hesitation. She knows that Vic will say 'yes', but she hardly believes that he is a Cetra like her too.
"Although I see doubt in your eyes, you know there isn't other answer…", Vic replies calmly. He then adds, "I am Vic Skye, descendant of Cetra race…We are a pair of Cetras, Aeris".
Gradually, Aeris' uncertain feeling fades away from her heart. She tries to think rationally about the situation. Vic told her to call The Planet, and he then join the communication she used to call Planet. No matter how hard she tries to deny, the fact was already laid. Realizing this, Aeris decides to trust Vic, at least until she finds another matter that would change her decision. When she asks her heart, she is like being asked to trust Vic by her own heart.
"There aren't many people who could talk to Planet nowadays…", Aeris speaks up, giving her comment. "It's okay, Vic…I trust you…". Vic only shows his thumb to her with smile on his face. Before he says anything, Aeris already cuts him off, "But Vic, I sense that you have an intention to me…I mean…you have something to talk to me, don't you ?". Aeris stares at him with investigating look. Vic just lets his hand run into his hair, he then replies, "Actually, I was looking for you…I have something important to tell to you…but…after I found you in very downhearted feeling, I thought I had to cheer you up first…". Vic clears his throat before he continues, "I know you, Aeris, you are a wonderful person, you always try to rise up other's spirit, no matter how you feel…that's why I can't stand to see you sad….I was looking for you everywhere after that breakfast….I just wanted to make sure that you…are fine…". The man takes a deep breath after finishing his words. Aeris just stares at him, but now her eyes emit a grateful aura. A smile paints her face, turning her back to the lovely flower girl.
"Thanks for your caring, Vic…", she whispers. Vic nods his head and says, "We'd rather in hurry now, but…I prefer to see you are better….after that, I want to tell you something".
"It's okay…I'm fine Vic…Now, tell me what is that 'something' you mentioned", says Aeris. With a little flash on Vic's eyes, he then speaks excitedly, "All right…now listen to me…".
………………………….
Cloud is about to leave the bar when suddenly Tifa's voice calls him, making him turn his head to the voice source.
"Yes, Tifa ? I just want to go out for a while, to prepare some things for the wedding", Cloud explains to Tifa as he already knows what question will be out from Tifa. Tifa only giggles. "Hey, Cloud…I just want to remind you to be careful". Cloud smiles on such affection, he then nods his head and walks toward outside.
"Going out again ?", Yuffie suddenly asks him after he is outside. She was outside the bar too. "You're going to find her…is that right, Cloud ?", she asks again in teasing tone. Surely, Yuffie's words make Cloud frown.
"Come on, Yuffie…I need to make sure that she is…fine…", Cloud replies faintly. Yuffie places her hands on her waist and says, "So you're still giving her false hope ? How cruel you are, Cloud…". Yuffie's comment makes Cloud scratch his head. Her question was like a sharp blade to him. Desperately, he replies, "Yuffie…Yuffie…that's not it…I was the one that hurt her heart, so I have to restore her..". Cloud tries to explain to the Wutai girl.
Yuffie's eyes suddenly form a teasing look. "Are you sure ? Maybe she is already cheered up…", Yuffie speaks innocently, "I saw him confused when he asked me where she had gone…until I told him to find her in the church…I guess he cares her very much."
Cloud looks at Yuffie with wide eyes after listening her response. He looks amazed. He then asks carefully, "Who did you mean 'him' ?", he pauses for a moment, "…Is 'him'…Vic ?". Cloud sounds concerned. To his surprise, Yuffie nods her head. "That's right, Mr. Cloud Strife ! Vic was looking for her after breakfast !", she replies boldly. Again, she adds, "He also looked so concerned about Aeris…just like you now. The difference is, he made his step ahead from you, Cloud !". Yuffie points her finger to Cloud's chest. Cloud cannot say anything, his expression tells her that the fact is shocking him on his spot. He feels something strange is going on. Ignoring Cloud's reaction, Yuffie continues her words, "I don't know what's the matter between him and Aeris, but…I swear I saw him glanced at Aeris several times at the breakfast, especially after Tifa announced your wedding news". Hearing Yuffie's words absolutely make Cloud grow curious, but still he cannot say anything.
"Hi, Cloud, Yuffie !!". Suddenly another person's voice rushes in. Cloud and Yuffie turn their face to the caller. "Aeris !!", almost in unison, Cloud and Yuffie say her name in surprised tone. There, Aeris is coming to them, her face is not as sad as before. Cloud cannot say that she is fully relieved, but he knows she is better now. Yuffie is very eager to know what will be happened next when she recognizes another person walks beside Aeris. He is Vic. Slowly, she glances at Cloud, she really wants to know how he will react to this situation.
"Aeris…are you okay ? Please think about it again…", Vic says to Aeris after they reach Cloud and Yuffie. Aeris looks at him and nods. "Don't worry, I will think about that, Vic…and…thanks…". Vic smiles at her. "So be it…Take care yourself, Aeris…". He turns to Cloud and Yuffie who stares at them with puzzled look. "Well then, I am leaving now…Cloud…Yuffie…see you again…", Vic asks for leaving. With a slight motion, Cloud nods his head. "Umm…it's okay…be careful…", Yuffie responds with smile. Vic then spins his body and walks toward the street.
After he is out of their sight, suddenly Aeris speaks up, "Well guys, I need to go inside…see you later…". She then moves her legs to go inside the bar, leaving both Cloud and Yuffie. Cloud just watches her without any words or action.
Maybe he is too shocked to say something…Yuffie thinks. "Hey, wake up, Mr. Cloud Strife !", with playful tone, Yuffie shakes Cloud's arm. As if he is being awakened abruptly from his daydreaming, Cloud just lets out a 'hemm' sound. His eyes are still on the door Aeris just has passed.
"Now you see that, Cloud….", says Yuffie. From her sound, she seems a bit concerned. She knows that Cloud must have no idea what to do. Cloud just keeps quiet. He cannot explain his feeling now, even to himself. He only knows that a strange feeling urges inside, but this new feeling is much like described as 'fire' inside his heart. This is reflected on a pair of his Mako-blue eyes, giving Yuffie a clue on what happened to him.
Whew…this is the first time I saw him like this….she thinks in such disbelief. Cloud…Is he…jealous ? Yuffie finally gets the point. With a caring pat on his shoulder, she tries to say to Cloud that everything will be fine.
On the street of Midgar, Vic stops walking for a moment. He feels dizzy, but it is not usual headache. He looks at both of his palms for some seconds, his face looks worried. After taking a deep breath, he tells himself that he is all right, and everything will be fine. He then walks again toward a direction.
AUTHOR'S POST-CHAPTER NOTE :
Hi, everybody ! Thanks for your reviews ! I hope I could depict another spicy things about the love triangle : Cloud's strange feelings. Teeheeheehee….Cloud's jealous with Vic ? Because Aeris gets close to the new guy ? Anyhow, at this chapter I assume you already guess the direction of this love triangle…but I tell you now : I always love surpriseeee !!! ^_^
About Vic's appearance, when I created the character, I imagine he resembled Enishi Yukishiro, a character from Rurouni Kenshin. He (Enishi) is Tomoe Himura's younger brother, and he has rather messy and spiky hair, with circle-shaped sunglass on his eyes. If you ever know Enishi Yukishiro, you can "borrow" his appearance to clearly depict Vic Skye's physical look. But of course, Rurouni Kenshin is not mine ^_^
If you ever find something to express, such as your opinion, I'd like to know it, so please R&R and let me know ! Thanks a lot !