"I'll admit, I had more fun than I thought I would," Elmyra said. "I'm glad you talked me into coming."
Aeris smiled. "I'm glad you came. I've missed you."
"Oh, no you haven't," the woman laughed. "You spent all your time missing him." She nodded towards Sephiroth, who stood awkwardly by them. "What do you care about this old woman?"
"Mom, you know that's not true," she stated, giving her mother a brief hug. "I mean, maybe I missed him more than you, but I still thought of you every now and then. I kept thinking, 'Now she'd probably call me crazy.' You never did before, but..."
"That whole waiting business," Elmyra said with mock disdain. "You're not the only one who's gone through that, dear. But perhaps you've had it the toughest."
Aeris shook her head and hugged Sephiroth from the side. "With each day that I'm with him, those four years seem like less and less of a big deal. He was worth the wait."
He looked down at her thoughtfully. "I am glad to hear it," he murmured.
Elmyra smiled. "Yes, you do make a lovely couple, though certainly not a conventional one. Aeris, you'll keep in touch from now on? I'd love to hear about how your marriage turns out."
"I'll keep in touch," she confirmed. "And do you think you could come to our wedding? We're only asking you and a few others..."
"Of course I'll come."
Aeris smiled. "Thanks."
"Well. I should be going." She nodded to Sephiroth. "I... I apologize for any truly harsh words I said to you. I only..."
He held up a hand. "There is no need for apologies. I am well aware of my reputation and my actions. You had every right to say what you did, and I have ever reason to feel grateful to you for choosing to approve of me in spite of everything. Thank you."
Elmyra blinked, astounded. "You're perfectly welcome," she managed. "Goodnight, both of you."
"Goodnight," they both answered.
Aeris laughed once she had left. "You certainly made a good impression, Seph," she said. "I'm proud of you, I really am."
"If the people in Wutai were so forgiving, I would have it simple, wouldn't I? But I know they will hold grudges..."
"Don't worry about that now. Smile. Laugh. Enjoy this night."
Sephiroth did smile, though not in deference. "I am enjoying it, Aeris. Almost as much as that one night in Cosmo Canyon."
She tilted her head. "Almost?"
"Almost," he repeated, tracing her face with a fingertip. "There are moments this night when you've seemed as though you were trying too hard. Then, you were completely honest. I liked that. But I know you don't want them to notice that you're not fully healed."
She nodded slowly. "...we'll talk about that later, all right? Not here, in this bar."
"And certainly not with people watching us," he added.
Blinking, she looked around. Indeed, a good handful of the guests were watching the pair by the door. "...I hadn't noticed," she said sheepishly. Her gaze turned to Barret and Marlene as the two got up and headed over towards them, the latter with heavy reluctance.
"It's Marlene's bedtime," the huge man explained. He made even Sephiroth seem small and thin, and he certainly dwarfed Aeris and Marlene. Aeris noted for the fifth time that night that he had replaced the gun on his arm with an artificial hand. She wondered why she found it so difficult to remember.
"I don't know why he won't let me stay up later, just this one night," Marlene said, pleading her case to both Aeris and Sephiroth.
"You already got an extra hour," Barret told her. "Ya shouldn't complain."
"But how often to all of you get together?" the girl asked. "This is the first time in nine years, isn't it? Nine years..." She trailed off, her shoulders slumping a bit when she saw that her father's expression had not changed.
"Well, goodnight, Marlene," Aeris said, with an undertone of apology in her voice.
"Goodnight," she replied politely, then nodded to Sephiroth. "Happy birthday, Seph. And congratulations to both of you."
"Yeah, good luck," Barret added, sincerely if a bit hurriedly. He turned to usher his daughter out the door, Marlene looking back over her shoulder and waving.
"Thank you. Goodnight," both Aeris and Sephiroth called after them. They looked at each other in puzzlement for a moment before Aeris laughed.
"Now we're even starting to speak at the same time," she said.
"Well, farewells are fairly simple..." he replied hesitantly. "It is easy to say them in unison."
She shook her head. "All right, I'll agree with you there. But I'd like to think we know each other well enough to finish each other's sentences and voice the same thoughts."
"We probably already do it without noticing," Sephiroth remarked.
Aeris smiled. "Probably."
They rejoined the others, and not until several hours later, some time past midnight, did everyone come to the agreement that it was time to turn in. Reno and Minerva met the two Cetra at the door.
"We'll see ya next week," Reno said, the usual wide grin on his face. "Thanks for agreeing to help out."
"It's our pleasure," Aeris replied.
"Sephiroth..." Minerva began falteringly. "I have not told anyone, about what she said."
"You were that certain that I could tell them myself?" he asked in reply, without hesitation.
Aeris glanced at him in surprise and confusion. She had no idea what they were talking about, and it amazed her that he had understood such a vague remark so quickly. She resolved to ask him about it later.
Minerva nodded. "I had to be certain. Otherwise..."
"I understand," he interrupted. "I will tell them."
She nodded again, glanced at Reno, and smiled at the redhead's quizzical expression. "Let's go," she said simply, and he followed her out the door, too bemused to remember a farewell.
Elena came up next, merely nodding her farewell and intent on heading out.
Sephiroth stopped her with a hand placed awkwardly on her shoulder. "We will... ask the Planet about Tseng," he told her. "I can give you no guarantees, though. I suppose we'll check with you at the inn tomorrow morning, and you can come north with us if we can..."
Her face lit up with a smile, and Aeris thought she might hug Sephiroth, but she restrained herself. "Really? That's wonderful! I'll... I'll see you guys tomorrow!" She waved and ran out, calling after Reno and Minerva to wait up for her.
"I sincerely hope that we do not have to disappoint her..." Sephiroth remarked.
"Yes, so do I," Aeris agreed.
"Still," Reeve said, stepping up to them with Rude, "any kind of resolution to this will be good for her. Do you know what I mean?"
She nodded. "All too well, I'm afraid..." She hesitated, not having meant to say that. "Well, Reeve, I'll see you tomorrow, all right?"
He smiled. "Right. Goodnight, Aeris."
Rude echoed his 'goodnight,' and the two left the bar.
Katrina and Delphine stopped on their way out. "Unless you guys are headed off somewhere, we'll probably see you around for the next couple days," Katrina said. "We're staying here till Tuesday."
"I'm not sure how long we're staying," Aeris admitted. "It all depends. I know we will be leaving for Junon in a week, but practically everyone will be."
"I can't believe they're finally getting married," Delphine said. "They've been engaged for years."
"Indeed they have," she replied.
The girl fidgeted. "Well, I'm looking forward to seeing it happen."
Katrina smiled. "We all are. But come on, it's late."
"Yeah," Delphine agreed. "These two are probably anxious to chase everyone out and have some alone time."
Something in her friend's tone made Katrina eye her quizzically. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nevermind," she said, adjusting her glasses. "I've spent far too much time around Reno... Let's just go."
"Goodnight, you two," Aeris said, mildly amused by the little exchange. Sephiroth did not appear to share the sentiment.
"Goodnight!" the girls replied, turning to head for the inn.
Lucrecia walked up to them, Vincent just behind her. "Oh, think," she said to Aeris, "soon, you'll be my daughter-in-law." She turned to Sephiroth. "And you... my son, married! I used to imagine it, you know. But I think it will be quite different from what I imagined. Will you tell me about your wedding?"
"You're invited, Mother," Sephiroth told her. "As is Vincent. You can see it for yourself."
"Oh really?" she asked, clasping her hands. "We'd love to come! Where will it be? And when?"
"Not long after Reno and Minerva's wedding, I think," Aeris replied. "I'm not sure about the place yet, but I do have one in mind..."
Vincent nodded as if he knew what place she was thinking of. It was possible that he did. He had been there, afterall...
"Oh," said Lucrecia. "All right. You'll tell us when you're certain?"
"Yes, we will," Aeris confirmed. They exchanged goodnights, and found Cid and Shera standing nearby once Vincent and Lucrecia had left.
The pilot clapped Sephiroth on the shoulder, startling him, and said, "You know, I thought the whole damn thing was crazy from the start, but you're probably saner than I am. Congrats. You're lucky to have her."
"Yes, I am," Sephiroth replied slowly, eyeing Cid almost warily.
Aeris could have laughed. Saner than he is? he was probably thinking. "Come now, Cid," she said aloud. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He scratched his head. "I don't have a damned clue." He put an arm around Shera. "But I've got her, so who cares?"
"Right, Cid," Shera laughed. "Let's go before you make a fool of yourself."
"It's a little late for that," he muttered as she guided him out the door.
Aeris watched them go, shaking her head. She glanced down when Nanaki bumped her leg, and bent to stroke his face. "Tired of us two-legged things yet, Nanaki?"
"Tired of you?" he queried. "You are really quite fascinating creatures."
"Well, you're fascinating, too, if that counts for anything," she replied, smiling and standing.
Yuffie was standing near Sephiroth, her hands shoved in her pockets. "So, when should I be expecting you guys?"
"We'll come to Wutai in about two weeks," Aeris answered. "But, um..." She motioned the ninja closer and cast Sephiroth a warning look. She knew how good his hearing was, and she did not want him paying attention to her words. He nodded and strode farther down the entryway towards the door.
"What I bought for Sephiroth," Aeris went on in a whisper. "I had it shipped to Wutai; I didn't think you'd mind... It should arrive there in a few days. Just as a heads-up, you know..."
Yuffie nodded. "I got it." She grinned and gave Aeris a hug. "I'll see you later." She paused near Sephiroth. "...be prepared for a big fight when you meet my dad," she warned. "He has a huge grudge against you."
"I thought he might," the swordsman replied dryly.
She laughed and headed out the door, waving. Nanaki followed soon after. Sephiroth closed the door after them.
"Well," said Tifa from where she leaned against the counter. "This is actually a lot earlier than we usually clear people out and close up."
Aeris wondered when they spent time with their son. The child was spending this one night at a neighbor's house, but what about all the other nights? Or did the bar not open until fairly late? She refrained from asking.
Cloud stood beside his wife, hands behind his head. "It'll be nice to get a good night's sleep for once."
"It's two AM, Cloud," Aeris stated with a glance at the clock. "How could you make this a 'good night's sleep'?"
"By sleeping till noon," Tifa answered, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, we're going to lock up and head home, all right?"
"All right." She headed for the exit, and Sephiroth held the door for her. The remained just outside the bar while Tifa and Cloud headed down the street to their villa. Aeris watched them go, then glanced up at the sky. A thin sheet of clouds stretched across most of it, and the moon was able to glow blurrily even behind it. A few stars were visible through gaps in the clouds.
She turned back to Sephiroth. "Do you want to go for a walk along the beach?" she asked. She still did not feel tired.
"Certainly," he replied.
Aeris took his hand, and they walked the short distance to the beach. She took a moment to remove her boots and carried them in her free hand, letting the sand caress her bare feet. The ocean stretched away to their left, dark and cool with the dimmed light of the moon brushing the wavetips.
"I don't believe I have ever heard 'goodnight' said so many times in one night," Sephiroth remarked finally. It seemed unusual for him to start a conversation.
She smiled. "Same here. But it was good to see them all again... So very good to see them, now that I'm in high spirits again."
"Mm."
She glanced up at him. "What were you and Minerva talking about?"
"Talya," he answered without hesitation. "There were some things that she said before she died..."
"Oh..." She paused before asking gently, "What did she say?"
His voice was softer now. "She told me to tell Vincent that she was sorry she never helped him, to tell Mother she was sorry she did not do a better job, and to tell Minerva that she loved her. She also told me to take care of you."
"But you would have done that anyway," Aeris added, almost regretfully. "I'm guessing you haven't mentioned it to Vincent or Lucrecia."
Sephiroth shook his head. "No, not yet. I'll tell them at our wedding."
"...you know where I want to be married, don't you?"
"Yes."
"And it's all right with you?"
"Yes. I think it means more to me than to you even."
Aeris smiled. "I'd hoped you'd see it that way."
Sephiroth nodded. She watched him silently for a long time; he was aware of her gaze, but did not return it. It did not bother her. Costa del Sol was some distance behind them, and the beach was bare of brightly-colored umbrellas and abandoned towels both. The sand stretched pale into the distance.
Sephiroth seemed more alert than before, and she realized that while she had told him that there were considerably fewer monsters now than during Shinra's time, he still kept an eye out for them, instinctively.
"Whatever happened to that song Minerva was to write for you?" he asked absently, his eyes still on the landscape.
She started, almost surprised that he had remembered that. "Oh, she did write it..."
He looked back at her. "Really?"
Aeris nodded. "Yes. Although she refused to sing it for me, just handed me a sheet of music and quietly walked off. I had to get Lucrecia to play the notes for me on her piano; I never learned how to read music."
"And I've no idea where Minerva learned to write it..." he remarked.
She shrugged.
"...could you sing it for me, if that is not asking too much?"
Aeris slowly came to a stop, and he paused at the same moment. She said nothing, staring out at the deep black of the ocean.
"Nevermind, I'm sorry," Sephiroth said quickly.
She gasped a little and turned back to him. "Oh, no, I... I'll sing it. I was just thinking... it doesn't quite fit anymore."
He tilted his head.
She smiled. "I think you'll see what I mean." She looked down at her feet. "Hopefully I'll manage to hit the right notes..."
"Of course you will."
His confidence in her was contagious, and she threw her head back to look at him as the words came out in a soft melody.
"Excuse me, but might I ask you
how you're feeling?
You look a little sad,
so I thought I could bring you some healing.
"No, don't worry about me;
I'm fine on my own.
This ache in my heart
is something I'll deal with alone
"But today it seems so much harder.
My own heart is harder to read.
You're kind and you're cruel,
you let me in and make me bleed.
"Looking at your face,
the torment makes me cry,
and the love there makes me smile;
to you, I could never lie.
"I've given you kindness,
You've given me devotion.
I've shown you the truth,
You've shown me your emotion.
"Now you stand tall,
and only with you do I feel whole
Where in your eyes,
did I lose my soul?
"So I've one request of you--
and I hope it cures your rue--
Stay here one more moment,
To let me say I love you."
Sephiroth stared at her, his eyes clear blue, their glow even more apparent in the darkness. Aeris found herself blushing, but she could not tear her gaze away from him.
He smiled slowly. "You're right--It does not quite fit anymore. And I am glad of it." He traced her cheek with a finger. "But it is still beautiful, especially in your voice."
She smiled back. "Thank you, Sephiroth... But, it surprises me that she saw all that then."
"She is very observant. She notices nearly everything."
"Nearly everything? What has she missed?"
"She underestimates just how deeply you have been scarred. I can tell."
"Nn... But..." she said hesitantly. "Sephiroth, I've been wanting to confess something."
He tilted his head. "Confess...? Whatever it is, it can hardly be terrible, coming from you."
She shook her head. "Oh, it is terrible, but you should know. I don't want there to be any secrets between us. None at all..." She looked up at him. "During that long wait... I almost did give up on you. I thought about just burying your body and moving on with my life. Oh, gods, to think I could have..."
"That isn't so terrible," he said softly. "I would have been happier to come back and find you healed. To find you no longer attatched to me..."
A cold feeling gripped her heart. "Would you really?" she asked faintly.
Sephiroth blinked. "...I would rather not have hurt you like this, Aeris. If you had left me behind... certainly it would hurt, but you would not be scarred so."
The feeling left her, and she smiled. "I don't mind, Sephiroth, I don't mind. I don't want anyone else. I'm immeasurably glad I didn't move on. It was more than worth it... just to have you back. I love you."
"As I love you," he replied, and bent down to kiss her softly. He held her against him for a long moment, and she closed her eyes. Sometimes she thought she just wanted to stay like this forever...
"...perhaps we should head back to the villa," Sephiroth suggested after a long moment. She did not know how long. "It is late."
"You're right," she said.
Neither of them moved. It was a long time before they finally did return to the villa, quietly making their way down to the basement room and going to sleep.
Sephiroth awoke to find Aeris sleeping in his arms, and he smiled. How lucky he was to have her, he thought. After all he had done in his life, the only punishments he had recieved were numerous deaths and the hatred he had shown himself. Far greater were the punishments put upon Aeris, for no reason at all.
No, there was a reason... The world punished her because it was easy to do so. It was easy to take advantage of her willingness to help others and her strength. It was easy to fool oneself into thinking that she could take anything, survive any blow to her heart.
If only he had known about the actual Promised Land; he might not have killed her then.
But then she would have belonged to Cloud, and he would have died again in trying to atone or let Hojo have his way with him. Or would she have tried to help him, had she lived?
What did it matter, as long as she was here with him now? One could not change the past, so what use was there in wondering what would have happened if things had gone differently, if one small catastrophy had been averted? It was his regret tugging at him, he knew. The guilt remained as strong as ever. How he had hurt the ones who loved him!
Talya had known quite well what a torture it was to have those kinds of memories. She had accepted death to be free of them. He had respected that wish. Better that he take the blow of her death than she live on with the pain of her memories. And still he regretted letting her die and wondered if perhaps she could have recovered had she lived.
Sephiroth shook his head slightly. He had other things he should have been thinking about. Like Tseng. He recalled this with heavy reluctance. He did not want to have to tell Elena it could not be done...
And he recalled Ira, the unfortunate gatekeeper whose death had been for an elaborate illusion that fooled no one. Did he dare hope that Ira's death, too, could be atoned for?
Quit stalling and find out, he snapped at himself.
Closing his eyes, he retreated into himself as Aeris had taught him, searching for that part of his soul that he shared with the Planet.
"Planet?" he queried in a whisper, not wishing to wake the angel in his arms.
Yes? it answered, its voice sounding nearly as faint as his own. He could not hear it nearly as well as Aeris could, but at least he could hear it.
"I need to ask you about Tseng and Ira... about reviving them..."
You would need some help from me to do it, and I cannot spare enough energy for both of them. Is reviving Tseng enough?
Sephiroth frowned. "...Ira was a good man... he did not deserve to die..."
The Planet sent its equivalent of a reassuring smile. When I told him that after I was finished healing myself and Sephiroth, I might not have enough energy to allow for one ressurection, much less two, he told me he would rather it be Tseng, if either of them. Ira said that his death had meant something while Tseng's had not. Besides, he told me, there was no one waiting for him as Elena awaits Tseng.
"I see..." He hesitated. "What was done with his body, do you know?"
They buried him, I believe. Aeris probably had some idea of what this would do to me. After you retrieve Tseng... Ah, I am looking forward to the rest.
"I am sorry to have to ask so much of you..."
I do not mind. Aeris is happy now, is she not? That makes me happy, too. And you have done much for me anyway. Do you know what it is like to have a wound left open for two thousand years?
"No, Planet, I don't," Sephiroth chuckled. "I have not lived for two thousand years."
But you have had open wounds. I think you still do.
"Oh? I am surprised you noticed."
Of course I noticed. Your tears seemed like my cries.
"You remember that, do you?" he asked, opening his eyes to look at Aeris.
Yes. I watch my children, and I know them as well as I can. I do not have many left. Only you and Aeris... and your mother, but she does not know it, and that makes me sad, just a little.
"I'll tell her then. Aeris can teach her to listen, and you will have the three of us."
And more, later...?
Gods, even the Planet...! He laughed this time, softly. "Perhaps, Planet. I think Aeris would like that."
You think it silly of me, but you and Aeris are my only friends. Sometimes Ifalna will talk to me. And Ishiri, and a few of the others. But most prefer silence in their minds... Probably because I have not been happy until lately. Only Aeris and that human... Bugenhagen... would listen to my cries.
"It must be so frustrating to know so many and have so few listen..." he mused.
You understand that, too?
"A bit, perhaps."
It is nice to be able to speak to you. And not just about important matters either. Aeris usually only talks when she needs me...
"Really? I thought you were much closer. She missed you."
Did she?
"Yes. I am surprised she does not talk to you more often."
"Mm.. Seph...?" Aeris lifted her head to look up at him.
I will have to bother her often then. If you think she will not mind.
"Good morning," he said to Aeris, then replied softly to the Planet, "I don't think she'll mind."
Ah, you two bring me such joy. But I will leave you alone now.
Aeris blinked at him sleepily. "What are you talking about?" she murmured.
"I was talking to the Planet," Sephiroth answered.
"About Tseng?" she asked, lifting a hand to rub her eyes in an attempt to wake herself.
"Among other things, yes. It said that Tseng could be revived."
She smiled, resting her head back against his chest. "I'm sure Elena will be happy... Actually, with how she reacted last night, she'll probably tackle whoever tells her."
"Probably."
"Do you want me to tell her then?"
"No. You would most likely get knocked over, and I don't want you hurting yourself."
Aeris laughed. "My Sephiroth, guarding me from such dangerous things as overjoyed former Turks."
"Something like that."
"What time is it anyway?"
"Ah... ten-thirty, I believe," he answered.
She pushed herself up to sit beside him, the blanket falling to her waist. She hugged herself, looking as though she would rather get back under the covers. "We should be getting up... We told Elena we'd check with her this morning."
"Yes, we did." Sephiroth sat up, turning away from her and sliding his bare feet to the floor. After a moment, he stood and went to retrieve his shirt. He hesitated, opened the box from Yuffie, and donned the Wutain-style shirt instead.
Behind him, he heard Aeris pulling the nightgown up over her head, and he made quite certain that he did not turn around. Ever since she had mentioned it, the thought had crossed his mind whenever he had the opportunity to see her naked. He was not certain what to make of this, so he told himself he wouldn't, and that was that. But he did wonder.
When he no longer heard the soft rustle of fabric, he did turn around, watching her sit down on the edge of the bed, brush in hand, and start working through her thick locks of brown hair. She wore a deep blue dress she had borrowed from Tifa, as most of her clothing was too heavy for Costa del Sol's climate; even the winters here were warm. It was a little loose on her slight frame, sleeveless, and stopped just above her knees.
Sephiroth stood watching her, tying his own hair back into a long silver ponytail. It had been a long time since he had done anything with it. He smiled slightly, recalling how he had let Aeris braid his hair the other day. She had told him it was fun to play with, and he had laughed.
Aeris stood up, tying her own hair back with a pink ribbon, fingers deftly pulling it into a neat bow. She slipped her feet into a pair of flip-flops and turned to face him, smiling. "Shall we?"
He nodded and went ahead of her, on up the stairs and out of the villa. She took his hand as they walked along the street to the hotel. He was barefoot and found the sun-heated stone warm and sandy beneath his feet.
Elena was waiting for them just outside the inn, leaning against a wall in the shade. She straightened when she saw them, a tentative grin coming to her face. "Hey, guys," she greeted.
"Hi, Elena," Aeris answered.
The blond shifted anxiously. "So?"
Sephiroth glanced at Aeris, then said, "The Planet says that Tseng can be revived."
Elena's eyes widened and her grin became genuine. "Really!? When?"
He held up his hands. "Tomorrow, I suppose."
"Oh, that's wonderful!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Sephiroth in a fierce hug while Aeris watched in amusement. "Thank you, thank you, thank you...!!"
The swordsman shifted uncomfortably, not returning the embrace but not pushing her away. He wondered if she remembered that he was the one who had killed Tseng to begin with.
Finally she pulled back, looking sheepish, and straightened some imaginary wrinkles in her shirt. "I'm coming with you, of course. When will we be leaving tomorrow?"
"Come over as soon as you wake up," Aeris told her. "Just barge right in and wake us up if we're not up already."
Elena nodded, beaming again. "Imagine, I'm going to see Tseng again! Oh, but I wonder what he'll say? I've spent so long thinking about him... and I don't even know if he likes me back. Isn't that silly of me? But, I don't think I'll mind, as long as he's back."
"He likes you back," Sephiroth stated, smiling faintly as the two women blinked at him in surprise. "He told me so, after the trial."
The blond clasped her hands. "Really? He likes me? Oh, gods, I can't wait to see him! Tomorrow, only one more day. Only one more. Oh! I have to go tell Reno and Rude and Reeve and... I'll be right back. And I'll tell Reeve you're here. It's almost lunch time, isn't it? Right, yes, it's almost lunch time." And then she dashed off inside.
Aeris smiled. "I'm glad we can bring her certainty like this. The waiting must have been awful for her."
Sephiroth put an arm around her and pulled her close. No words were needed. She knew he understood.
Reeve emerged from the inn some time later, smiling when he saw them. "It's really great news..." He laughed a little. "I can't remember ever seeing Elena so ecstatic."
"I know," Aeris replied. She carefully slipped out of Sephiroth's embrace. "Well. It's a little after eleven, right? Where's this restaurant you told me about?"
"It's not far. Easily walkable." Reeve glanced at the swordsman. "You don't mind, do you? I know I asked before, but... she's obviously yours, and..."
"I don't mind. If she made you a promise, she should keep it."
Aeris smiled at him. "I'll see you later, Seph."
"All right."
She waved, then walked along the sidewalk at Reeve's side.
Sephiroth watched them go, then returned to the villa, sitting down on the steps outside and leaning forward slightly, his arms across his knees. He had a clear view of the beach from here, between the two buildings across the street. The tide was receding, and there was a fair number of people lying about in various positions of relaxation. A somewhat smaller number splashed about in the water.
The sunshine was bright on the ocean, and the crests of the waves glittered. The sand looked nearly white, and the buildings were not much less brilliant. It was the first time that such brightness had ever bothered him, but he did not let it show and kept his gaze on the water.
"Hey, Seph," Katrina called, attracting his attention. She had come down the street in a bathing suit, towel, and flip-flops, on her way to the beach. She had come over to stand below him, one arm resting on the side of the step.
"Hello," he replied.
"Where's Aeris?" she asked.
"Reeve took her out to lunch."
"Reeve did?"
He nodded. "Apparently, they made a deal some years ago. I don't know what his part was, but she agreed to give him one date. She certainly keeps her promises, no matter how long it takes."
Katrina smiled. "You keep yours too. You promised Aeris you'd come back, and lo and behold, you came back. And from the dead at that."
Sephiroth shook his head slightly. "I could not have kept that promise without Aeris and the Planet to help me. I owe them both so much... I owe everyone quite a lot, it seems..."
"You're making up for it. And fast, too."
"...by the way," he began awkwardly, "I always meant to thank you..."
"What for?" Katrina asked, looking a bit startled.
"For standing up for me in the beginning, before anyone else would," he went on, not dropping his gaze as he might have weeks... years... ago. "Even though I hardly paid you any attention."
She spread her hands wide. "What are friends for?"
He regarded her with mild astonishment. "Did you really consider yourself my friend then?"
"Sure. You looked like you needed one."
"Thank you, then, for being one of the first to notice that."
She shrugged it off. "Think nothing of it. Besides, you saved my life when I first met you, and that kinda thing tends to make guys really attractive to girls."
He blinked and raised an eyebrow.
"I mean, not... romantically," she faltered. "Well, okay, it can seem kind of romantic... But not to me. I meant more attractive as a friend... More trustworthy..."
"Of course," he said. "But why isn't the opposite true?"
"Huh? Oh... It usually is, but Aeris is a special case, blessed with infinite understanding and kindness... or something."
"Not quite infinite," Sephiroth amended. "But close enough."
Katrina nodded a bit. "So... Do you want to come down to the beach with us?"
"Us?" he queried.
She glanced back over her shoulder. "Um... Delphine's coming... Ah! There she is."
And sure enough, Delphine hurried a little to join them. She, too, had donned a swimsuit and carried a towel. She had taken off her glasses and wore a broad-brimmed hat to keep the sun out of her eyes. It seemed to be working some, for she did not squint as much as Katrina did.
"Hi..." she said to Sephiroth with some uncertainty.
"Hello," he replied.
The girl looked around. "...where's Aeris?"
The swordsman laughed softly. "Have we truly become that inseparable? She's having lunch with Reeve."
"We just figured that she'd want to be with you almost constantly now that you're back," Katrina explained.
"She has been with me almost constantly," Sephiroth said. "But there are some things that she has to do without me."
"Anyway, do you want to hang out with us until Aeris comes back for you?"
He hesitated, then hopped over the side of the stairs to land in the street between the two girls. "All right."
"We were gonna try building a sand castle," Katrina began as they started towards the beach, "but... well..."
"Aeris always said he was good at everything," Delphine cut in. "So, Sephiroth, maybe you can help us out. Are you any good at building sand castles?"
"I would not know," he replied, amused.
"But everybody builds them when they go to beaches!" she declared, though it was obvious she knew it was ridiculous for him to have taken part in such a childish activity. "It's not like you haven't been to a beach before, so what did you do when you went?"
"Deployed armies," he stated.
"Oh."
Katrina glanced over at him. "You're kidding, right, Seph?"
The swordsman shook his head. "No. There was a beach in Wutai which we landed at once during the war."
"Huh. Well, you'll have plenty of positive memories to associate with beaches after this week."
"I already have some," he admitted.
"Oh?" Delphine queried.
Sephiroth glanced at her. "...they are mine and mine alone. Not for sharing."
"Ohhh..."
Katrina sighed, giving her friend a little tug on the arm. "Yes, you spent way too much time around Reno."
The Knowlespole's winds were even more unforgiving than those of the City of the Ancients. They carried with them tiny flakes of ice that stung bare skin and a cold that penetrated to the bone. Aeris huddled against him, her hood pulled up to cover her face, and he held her close, drawing as much warmth from her as she did from him. The snow in the air stung his face and his hair whipped about, long strands pulling loose from his ponytail.
Sephiroth wondered how Elena stood it, walking some distance behind the pair with only a thick coat to warm her. Her friends had chosen to go on to Junon and wait just one more day or two for Tseng's return. With this bitter cold, no one could really blame them.
Elena took the lead once they reached Snow Village, leading them down the icy paths and back towards the forest. Behind the last house, just before the trees began, stood a little marker, almost completely buried by snow.
The swordsman glanced down at Aeris, then at Elena.
"...I'll dig him up," Aeris said finally. He could sense the weave of her spell as she used the biting wind to cut away the snow and the earth, forming a barrier around the site so that that same wind could not return with the snow. When she had finished, the coffin lay beside the whole she had pulled it from.
Sephiroth reluctantly let go of Aeris and crouched down to lift up the lid, pushing it aside. As they had hoped, the cold had prevented all decay. Nothing ever changed in the Knowlespole, it seemed; the snow never melted, no one ever touched Gast's old house, and nothing could decay and fade away. Even the Cetra had held on longer here than anywhere else.
He reached down to touch Tseng's cold hand, tentatively. "Planet...?" he queried softly.
I am ready. I can give you some power, but not much... You will still be very drained afterwards, I am afraid.
"That is quite all right."
Sephiroth closed his eyes, taking a brief pride in the fact that this was one skill Aeris had learned from him, not the other way around. He sent his consciousness casting far out into the Lifestream, searching for that pattern that was Tseng's soul and calling out to it.
Flash.
Taking the effort to lift his hand and touch her face. He wanted to embrace her, somehow to comfort her... But he was fading away.
Flash.
Darting suddenly forward. The way......lies here. Only death awaits you all. But do not fear. For it is through death that a new spirit energy is born. Soon, you will live again as a part of me.
Flash.
Don't try to act innocent. I'll never forget it!!
Flash.
No, you're not going to die!
Flash.
Tseng...
Flash.
Tell Aeris... that I'm sorry. I should never... have become a Turk...
Flash.
I'll be back with the snow.
Flash.
Back with the snow...
Flash.
With the snow...
Flash.
Snow...
Flash.
...and yet, you always wanted them to know...
......you wanted to let down your guard, if only for a moment, and let them help you......
Warmth returned slowly to Tseng's hand, but Sephiroth did not yet open his eyes. There was the wound to attend to. While it had been bandaged, dead skin could not be made to fuse back together. He probed the long gash with his mind, then set to healing it, knitting muscle and flesh back together before the injury proved fatal a second time.
Sephiroth sat back finally, wearily forcing his eyes open as Tseng pushed himself up. "Thank you, Planet," he said under his breath. "Without your help, I would have been unconscious before I could heal him..."
You are welcome, friend. I am glad to be able to aid you in keeping a promise.
Aeris came to kneel by his side, her eyes on the other two.
Elena had hurried to help Tseng to his feet and out of the coffin, her mouth half-open and her eyes searching. For once, she was speechless.
Tseng laid a hand on her shoulder, looking at her silently for a long moment. "...are we still on for dinner?" he asked finally.
She laughed and fell against him, crying at the same time. "Yes, yes, as often as you want...! I missed you so much! Why did you have to go and get yourself killed just then, huh?"
"I'm sorry. I tried not to die." He paused and glanced over at Sephiroth. "...thank you."
He nodded stiffly.
Tseng reluctantly pulled out of Elena's embrace. "Do you need any help? That... it drained you, didn't it?"
Sephiroth shook his head slightly and climbed to his feet. "I will manage."
"Do you think you can make it back to the docks, or should we stop and rest at the inn for a while?" Aeris asked him, standing also.
"No, let's head back if you all are ready." He pulled Aeris against him again, glad to have her to warm him. And now Elena had Tseng.
Tseng sat on the bed, leaning back against the wall at the head of it. Sephiroth and the Planet had given him enough energy to make the trip home and still be awake by the end of it, but not much more. Sephiroth had collapsed from exhaustion once they arrived. They had had to carry him back to the apartment, drawing numerous inquisative stares.
He turned his gaze to Elena, who sat on the edge of the bed, watching him with a slight smile on her face. He shook his head slightly.
"I thought it was incredibly stupid of you to wait for me when I found out you had been," he told her, his tone not harsh at all. "But I suppose I'm glad you did. I shouldn't be, but I am."
"What do you mean you shouldn't be?" Elena asked him.
"Didn't it hurt to keep yourself living in the past like that? I know I couldn't have done it."
She smiled a little. "Well, I had Reno, Rude, and Reeve to help me through it. They thought it was pretty crazy for me to hope, too, until Sephiroth came back. But they're great guys, really."
"Even Reno?" Tseng queried, raising an eyebrow. Those two had never gotten along.
"Well, I'm not so sure about Reno," she admitted. "I hate his guts when he's here, but I miss him when he's gone."
"Gone?"
"Oh, right..." Elena faltered, blinking. "You don't know about how he and Minerva stayed up north with Aeris. She waited for Sephiroth up there, and they kept her company."
Tseng nodded to himself. "...it seems like Reno's the only one of us who's moved on."
"Because he snagged a girlfriend, and they'll be married within the week?"
"Among other things, yes. Strange, isn't it? He was always the least responsible of us."
"It did seem that way," she agreed.
"...how... is Aeris anyway?" he wondered.
Elena smiled. "Amazingly happy now that Sephiroth's back. I think I can understand how she feels for once."
"Really? You're that happy to see me?"
She laughed. "You can't tell? I'm barely keeping myself from jumping for joy and hugging and kissing you like a madwoman." She realized what she had just said a moment later and blushed fiercely, murmuring a quiet, "Oops," something quite familiar to him.
Tseng smiled. "Elena, you talk too much," he said fondly.
"I know," she replied, grinning tentatively.
He closed his eyes. "Do you mind if we put off that date until tomorrow night?" he asked. "I'm tired."
"Oh, I don't mind at all, Tseng," she answered quickly. "Do you want me to leave so you can get some sleep?"
"No, you can stay."
Elena hesitated. "Well, I'll at least tell the guys not to come barging in while you're resting," she decided, getting up.
Tseng opened one eye to watch her leave the room, then closed it again and smiled slightly. It was good to be back. And he'd do things right this time.
Minerva and Reno were married on a beach not far to the south of Junon Harbor. A steady wind blew off the sea that afternoon, carrying a cool scent of salt and moisture with it. The day was warmer than most that winter, but still a bit chilly. The wedding was simple; nothing had been set up save plain folding chairs and tables, all white, and no more than were necessary. The sole decoration was a small sand castle that Marlene had built just out of reach of the waves while the adults were setting up.
Minerva had agreed, after much protesting, to wear a dress for the occasion, though it was very plain. The white fabric hung from her shoulders, hardly shaping itself to her body at all, so that its lack of horizontal seams made her appear even taller. The bottom of the dress was left unhemmed and purposefully thinned and frayed, making the fabric become translucent and seem to disappear. In her hair was a single yellow flower from Aeris's church, still fresh and bright.
Reno had found his old Turk suit, and while no one had been able to make him wear a tie, he had at least buttoned his shirt and tucked it in. Out of all those present, only Minerva and Rude knew why he had chosen to wear it and dredge up old memories with it. It was a blatant display of the fact that he had come to terms with his past. Minerva could not help but feel proud, and somewhat embarrassed that she had helped him come to this.
They had asked Aeris to marry them, and she had consented happily. Little save the bride's walk down the aisle was conventional about the wedding. Only three of the people present knew exactly how conventional it was to have Sephiroth walk Minerva to where Reno stood. Reno was not one of them.
The Planet provided an appropriate accompaniment of joyous song, clearly discernable to two, and causing some confusion in a third; Aeris seemed particularly happy, the joy of the Planet and those around her adding to her own; Sephiroth was awed and pleased to be able to hear the Planet's song; Lucrecia let it puzzle her for a few moments before shrugging it off.
Minerva and Reno exchanged their vows, Aeris pronounced them husband and wife, and the two kissed, something that no one had seen before. Afterwards, there was much laughter and ruining of garments in the sand. Many of the guests went wading in the ocean, though not very far because the water was quite cold. Only Yuffie actually decided to go for a swim, much to everyone's shock, and insisted through chattering teeth that the water was warm. Nanaki refused to join her.
Evening fell with a glorious sunset over the ocean, and everyone gathered close around the tables for the last few hours to talk. Just before it was completely dark and when some of the guests were getting quite anxious to turn in, Reno and Delphine persuaded Minerva to sing for them. Everyone fell silent, and she sang quietly, eyes downcast, face expressionless, while they listened in awe. Afterwards, she stood from the table and announced softly that it was time to clean up and return to Junon.
Only Reno noticed the faint astonishment and mingled pride on her face.
Silence reigned in the Forgotten Capitol, and the eight who carefully made their way down the crystalline staircase into it had no desire to change that. Aeris and Sephiroth led the way, side-by-side, hand-in-hand, to the smooth stone floor.
Aeris wondered if Sephiroth found their state of dress ironic. Over her golden party dress, she wore her long black coat, while Sephiroth wore the white healer's cloak Nanaki had found for him over his Wutain shirt and black pants. Despite everything, he still sometimes thought of them as opposites, she the light and he the darkness. Yes, he probably did think it ironic.
Sephiroth helped her across the stone pillars to the altar, and the others hung back, remaining on the stone platform. It had been explained to them that all of them save Lucrecia would not be able to comprehend the full goings-on during the quiet ceremony. Aeris had asked the Planet to marry them, feeling that it would bind them more closely than any human's words could. It had been more than happy to oblige her.
They stood in the center of the altar where Aeris had prayed and Sephiroth had killed her, and they faced each other, deep green eyes locked with pale blue.
You have brought yourselves here to reweave the threads of Fate, threads that first brought you here in opposition, and now will be made to bind you. Neither of them had told the Planet why they had chosen this place, nor had they instructed it on what to say. It simply knew.
It is not an easy thing, breaking Fate's bonds. You both followed them exactly in your first lives, and you were rewarded and punished with death. But second chances abound for those with such strong wills. I was glad that you could be allowed those chances, and glad that you used them to change what Fate had decided for you.
You, Aeris, you chose to forgive your killer and greatest foe. You chose to overcome your fear and save him from himself. You supported him through every twist and turn.
You, Sephiroth, you chose to live and atone for the wrongs you had done. You chose to aid those who had been your foes, those who hated you, and to destroy those who had once had absolute control over you.
I am very, very glad to be able to join you this way. My two greatest friends, my two greatest protectors. I know there are promises that you wish to make and that you wish to keep...
"Yes, there are many, Planet," Sephiroth agreed, smiling softly as he continued to hold Aeris's gaze. "I promise you, Aeris, that I will never hurt you again, and I will do my best to repair what damage I have done. I will protect you always, but I will take care to look after my own life as well. I will never leave your side, in life or in death, and I will fight to keep that privilege if I have to. Most importantly, I will always love you."
She wanted to kiss him right then and there, but she restrained herself and kept her voice calm and steady. "And Sephiroth, I promise you that I will never let you sacrifice yourself for me again, nor will I do the same for you. We will face everything together from now on, not separately. I will stand by every decision you make. I will help you to atone until you realize that you don't need to anymore, and then I will help you be the healer that you are. Through everything, I will always love you."
Oh yes, you two have learned from your mistakes, the Planet remarked with its equivalent of a smile. Such bright children of mine. I doubt it will be necessary, but I will make certain that you keep these vows of yours. You are bound by them as surely as your souls are now bound. They have been bound. Set against each other by Fate, but now set together by me.
It paused. Oh, what is it? I now pronounce you man and wife?
Aeris laughed. "Yes, Planet, that's it."
Yes. I now pronounce you man and wife. Sephiroth, you may kiss your bride.
Sephiroth smiled and bent down to kiss her as she slipped her arms around his neck. Their lips met, and he pulled her closer, one hand at her waist, the other against her face.
As they moved apart, their small audience down below applauded, and Aeris started, having forgotten their presence entirely. She smiled and lifted a hand to wave when Sephiroth swept her off her feet and into his arms. He carried her down to join the others, leaping gracefully from pillar to pillar.
He set her down gently on the stone platform, and she looked up at him, surprised and pleased that he would do such a thing.
"That was the truest wedding I've ever witnessed," Lucrecia said, wiping away a tear.
"I didn't even hear all of it, and I agree with her," Elmyra put in.
"It was so sweet!" one of the three women from Cosmo Canyon exclaimed. The other two voiced their agreement. Inviting them to this ceremony was another promise kept. It would certainly give them something to talk about, she thought.
"Congratulations," Vincent said simply. He was the only man among the witnesses.
Yes, congratulations, Aeris. I'm glad you're not alone anymore. It certainly took long enough.
Aeris nodded slightly in response to Ifalna's words. "Thank you, everyone," she said aloud. "And I'm sorry about you all not being able to hear most of it... The Planet is really so wonderful."
So are you, it told her, laughing like a brook over pebbles and stones.
"It's all right," Elmyra told her. "It's nice to see you being so open about these things."
"And anyway," added the youngest of the Cosmo Canyon women, "I thought I could almost hear someone singing." She hesitated, as if thinking over her words again and wondering why they were relevant.
"Then maybe you heard the Planet's song," Aeris suggested.
"Do you think? But... I'm only human."
"Human's aren't all completely deaf," she told her with a smile. "Now let's head back to my house. It's warmer there."
She reached for Sephiroth's hand and found it easily. Found it gloveless. She loved to be able to hold his bare hand in her own. It seemed so intimate somehow. She recalled, vaguely, that his hands had been bare when he killed her. She did not know why she remembered that one detail, but it seemed important. Like the feel of his hand now.
Aeris shook her head slightly, smiled up at her husband, and led the way back up the crystalline staircase with him at her side.
Leaning against a railing, Aeris watched a crew of seafarers unloading crates from a ship that had just come in. Vincent stood silently beside her, leaving a polite distance between them. They were at the tiny costal village to the south of Bone Village which had sprung up with the increasing number of ships that found their way to the northern continent.
Few lived here, but the woman at the local general store had told them that the little town was growing. This seemed to be the case with so many towns, even so long after Meteor had sent refugees from Midgar looking for new homes. Life on the Planet flourished. People no longer had to worry about reactor explosions or Shinra troups or Mako-mutated creatures claiming lives. Children grew to young adulthood, and when they left home, there was no great city of Midgar to swallow them.
Lucrecia had wanted to talk to Sephiroth alone, and now Aeris and Vincent waited at the docks for the other two to join them. From here, Vincent and Lucrecia were to return to Nibelheim by way of Costa del Sol, and she and Sephiroth would take another ship from there to Wutai.
"So, what's Nibelheim like these days?" Aeris asked of her silent companion.
"Quiet, as usual," he replied. "But at least now it is a pleasant sort of quiet."
"Mm. That's good. I remember it felt so edgy there, like everyone was peering suspiciously out of their windows and all the doors were locked."
"It is no longer like that. People do not go out of their way to be friendly, but they will exchange greetings and small-talk. They are no longer afraid of me, even."
Aeris glanced at him. He had long since cut his hair short again, and while he still dressed in dark colors, it was all fairly casual, and certainly nothing like that intimidating crimson cloak. He looked much as he had as a Turk, actually, though his eyes were red and they betrayed his age, and he could do nothing about his claw.
She smiled slightly, and her tone was lightly teasing. "I don't see why they should be, Vincent. Now that you dress like any normal person and smile every now and then, you're really not so scary-looking."
"Hmph. They should be afraid of me... and not because of this." He lifted the claw, displaying its sharp digits, then lowered it again.
"...you're worried about Chaos, aren't you?" she asked softly.
"Yes. I told Lucrecia about it, and about the other voices in my head, but she only smiled and told me I shouldn't worry so much. I suppose she thinks me in control, but I am not so certain. What if Chaos did break free? What if it hurt her?"
Aeris frowned thoughtfully. "...Chaos only grows beligerant when you are angry, doesn't it?"
Vincent looked at her and answered slowly, "Usually yes. Either that, or right after I regain control."
"What reason do you have now to be angry or call on it for aid, if Lucrecia is by your side? You've no great enemies left, no one to protect her from, and you certainly wouldn't get angry at her. You should be fine."
He nodded slightly. There was a lengthy silence between them. "Lucrecia... is aging now. Perhaps you've noticed..."
Aeris shook her head. "No, I hadn't. But... why do you mention it?"
"Because I am not. I am still physically the same. And..."
"And that means that she will grow old and die, but you don't seem like you will," she concluded with a sigh. She shook her head again and offered him a smile. "You shouldn't worry about that now, not when it's so far off."
"Aeris, I do not wish to live forever. I do not wish to live without her. When she dies..."
"You won't go back to your coffin, Vincent," she told him firmly. "I won't let you."
"Then what? You expect me to continue on without her? How? She is my lifeline. Without her, I do not belong in this world, yet I am unable to leave it."
"You'll have to learn to stand on your own."
Vincent met her gaze, his crimson eyes searching. "...will you help me?"
"If I'm still alive then myself, yes," she answered. "I'll help you to move on, though I can't imagine what it will be like for you, to live forever..."
"I wonder if there is a way for me to die," he mused, looking out at the ocean. "Perhaps Hojo knew, since he made me this way."
"...you could ask Minerva," Aeris said quietly. "Although, I don't think... Vincent, please, if there turns out to be a way, don't give up on life until you truly cannot go on."
"I won't."
She hesitated. "Promise me?"
He glanced at her. "I promise."
She nodded, satisfied, and joined him in watching the waves.
"You know," he began, and she was surprised that he was starting up the conversation again; he must have had a lot he wanted to get off his chest. "Most of the time, it feels as though she is serving my needs... I should be able to deal with my own problems and focus on her, shouldn't I?"
"Vincent, you have to understand something--she wants to help you. She finds joy in just being with you, and making sure that you're well. And don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about; I feel the same way about Sephiroth. The best thing in the world to me is seeing him happy. The most precious sound in the world is his laughter. The rest doesn't matter."
He shook his head slightly. "But Sephiroth is helping you in return. He is healing you..."
"As long as you listen to Lucrecia whenever she wants to talk about something, as long as you keep no secrets from her, you'll do fine. And I'm sure you're doing that."
"Yes..."
"Then you shouldn't worry about being selfish. You're anything but."
Vincent nodded slightly. "Thank you, Aeris."
"You're welcome."
They stood watching the docks and the ocean for some time, before Vincent turned away from the railing. Aeris followed his gaze to see Sephiroth and Lucrecia approaching. She smiled and waved.
"Hey, you two. Are you all set?" At Lucrecia's quiet 'yes' and Sephiroth's nod, she straightened and started for the docks. "Let's get going then."
Sephiroth stopped when Wutai was in sight, and he could sense Aeris's concerned gaze on him. He had had a bit of trouble at the small coastal town; most who recognized him warily moved away, but a few had tried to block his path and demanded why he was there. Aeris had managed to calm them down while he had remained silent and watching as though he were not really there at all.
The main town, however, would be a different story... Here were the people who had not moved on since the war, those who had had their lives destroyed by it, those who had buried their anger deep and never allowed themselves to vent it. The anger of one who often lashes out was nothing to be feared, but the anger of one who has never lashed out... an entirely different story indeed.
He turned to Aeris, who had been waiting patiently, if anxiously. "Let's go," he said simply.
She nodded, and together they started for the town.
As they entered, a woman with greying hair who meandered the streets lifted her lifeless eyes from the water she had been watching to look at them. Her gaping mouth slowly settled into a harsh frown, and anger sparked in her eyes. She stepped aside silently, but grudgingly, an old wounded pride making her straighten her thin, slumping shoulders and lift her chin in a defiance given up long ago.
Sephiroth spared her a single glance. He could find no compassion in himself for this poor creature, only pity. Had he done this to her?
Yes, you did this to her.
They crossed a bridge over the water, and a little boy standing just outside the weapons shop called for his father and pointed to the 'strange man with funny hair,' asking 'didn't he look cool?' The boy's father turned to look, and the harsh frown that the woman's face had echoed marred his face. He met the swordsman's gaze with a sharp glare, then called the boy inside and turned his back on the intruder.
Sephiroth did not look to Aeris for comfort. She was at his side, and that was enough. Had he inspired such hatred in that man's heart?
Yes, you made him hate.
Aeris had always said hatred was a terrible thing.
They crossed another bridge to another building artfully suspended over the water--the Turtles' Paradise bar. The drunkards whose lives had been destroyed and never reclaimed glared sullenly out at him through the open doorway. The barkeeper seemed torn between watching in silence and snatching something up to attack him with.
Yes, you took away their will to live. You took away their competence and desire for action.
One last bridge brought them to solid ground again, and as they walked by the item shop, the woman sweeping the entryway lifted her head to watch them. She brandished her broom and shouted something obscene and insulting. When Sephiroth failed to reply, she went back to sweeping, muttering something under her breath in Wutain.
Yes, I killed this town. Wounded it fatally. But perhaps even this wound can be healed... Perhaps I can make amends.
The face of the old man leaning on a fence outside Godo's house told him otherwise. He chose to ignore it and continued his determined stride up the steps to the house, knocking on the red-laquered wooden door.
Yuffie opened it, her bright, welcoming face dispelling the beginnings of the emotionless shield Sephiroth had begun to erect. He had no need of protecting himself from this friendly gaze.
"Hey, guys!" the ninja greeted cheerfully. "I've been expecting you. Come on in." She opened the door wide and held out a hand in a broad gesture that seemed to say that the whole house was open to them.
"Hi, Yuffie," Aeris replied, smiling as she stepped inside. "How are you?"
"Great," she answered as she let the door fall shut behind Sephiroth and turned her gaze to him. "Come on, I've got something to show you."
He followed her down the hall and around a corner. He saw a shrine to the water god Leviathan beyond an open doorway at the end of the hall. A young man sat crosslegged on the floor, and he glanced over his shoulder when he heard them coming. His eyes went immediately to Sephiroth, and he leapt to his feet, moving to stand in the doorway.
Yuffie moved to slide open the door to a room on the right, ignoring him until he cleared his throat loudly. "Yeah?" she asked, glancing at him.
"What, exactly, is going on here?"
"Shake, you must be blind," she replied casually. "These are two of my friends and they're going to be staying here. I'm showing them around."
"You're a friend of Sephiroth?" he asked incredulously. "Geez, that seems pretty low, even for you, Yuffie-chan."
She glared at him. "Get out. You will not insult any guests in my house."
"Okay," Shake said amicably, not moving. "This is Lord Godo's house. When you get one of your own, I'll keep that in mind."
"This is as much my house as it is Dad's," she replied heatedly. "Now get out."
"Make me."
Yuffie growled in frustration, and almost looked as though she would drag him bodily from her home.
"Don't you know, Shake-san," Sephiroth interrupted, his voice quiet and level, "that it takes a great amount of courage and insight to be able to forgive someone you once hated? You ought to be awed that Yuffie has been able to do so. I know I am."
The young man studied him for a long time, unable to think of a come-back. Finally, he shrugged. "Whatever. I'll leave--I don't want to be around when Yuffie-chan and Godo start going at it." He pushed past them, trying to shove Sephiroth out of his way and not succeeding, though the swordsman stepped back voluntarily.
"I really hate that kid," Yuffie muttered once he was out of ear-shot.
"I can't imagine why," Sephiroth remarked sarcastically.
The ninja grinned at him, then turned to the room on the right, entering it. "Anyway, come on. You've gotta see what Aeris got you."
The swordsman glanced at Aeris with raised eyebrows, and she smiled, motioning him into the room.
It looked like Yuffie's bedroom, actually. The casual, almost-but-not-quite haphazzard placement of the meager furnature and decorations, the lack of frills or presumptuous grandeur, and the subtle suggestion that she had no need of them to announce her importance. There was one incongruity, however, shoved uncertainly into a corner--a piano.
Sephiroth stared at it, knowing this had to be what he was supposed to see and failing to grasp the concept that it was his. It was most definitely not brand-new, but the worn, well-used quality of it made it seem almost familiar, like something he had once owned. But he had never owned a piano, and he knew he had never set eyes on this particular instrument before. He looked to Aeris, silently asking for an explanation.
"I didn't expect to find it either," she admitted. "Especially not in Midgar. But there it was. The man at the shop said it had been salvaged recently from the wreck of sector 8, repaired, and given a fresh coat of paint."
He nodded, wondering how she could have afforded it and not asking. He decided he would rather not know. "I see. And... it's mine?"
"Yes, it's yours."
"I shall have to learn how to play," he said, smiling faintly.
Yuffie looked at Aeris incredulously. "You got him a piano, and he doesn't even know how to play?"
"He knows," she replied. "He just can't read music, so he likes to think he doesn't know how to play."
"Oh, I get it. Just Seph being Seph." She turned to him with a grin. "Why don't you play something for us?"
He glanced at her. "All right." He walked to the piano, set down the pack he carried against the wall, and slowly settled himself on the small bench. What could he play? he wondered. He cast out with his mind until he could hear the Planet's song, and as he lay his fingers on the keys, they began to play an accompaniment.
Sephiroth could sense the Planet turning its attention towards him, curiously. He could sense the two women's eyes on his hands and the keys that they flew effortlessly across. He played until a loud, familiar voice demanded:
"What's going on here?"
The notes died in the air. The knowing smile fade from Aeris's face. Yuffie's appreciative gaze gave way to anxiety. Sephiroth slowly stood up and turned around to see Godo standing in the doorway.
The swordsman bowed his head slightly. "I was only playing the piano, Lord Godo. I apologize if it was not to your liking."
"Not to my liking?" Godo asked incredulously while Yuffie cast Sephiroth a look of amusement. "What does your piano playing have to do with anything? What are you doing in my house?"
"I was invited," was the calm response.
"Yuffie?"
She did not flinch when his angry gaze turned upon her. "Yes, Dad. I invited him. Both of them. This is Aeris," she went on, gesturing to the other woman. "You remember, I told you about them."
"Yes, I remember," he replied slowly. "But I do not remember you telling me that they would be coming to my house."
"Well... I was worried about what you'd do if I did tell you..."
"As opposed to my finding them here unexpectedly?"
Yuffie fell silent.
Godo turned back to Sephiroth. "I have heard about all the things you've done. I have also heard that you've changed. I know the war was a long time ago. But I want you out of my house. Leave, now."
"Wait a minute, Lord Godo," Aeris interceded. "Sephiroth's come to atone for what he did here when he was part of Shinra. You should know as well as any of us that he wasn't the one who started the war. He was only doing his job as Shinra's general. You condemn him because he did his job well. You--"
"He did not have to do his job at all," Godo interrupted. "Any man who worked for Shinra was no better than President Shinra himself."
She shook her head. "That's not true. People needed jobs that paid well. A job with Shinra meant security."
"And Sephiroth needed security?"
"He--"
"Aeris, please." Sephiroth glanced at her, conveying through his gaze that he wanted to do this on his own. "No, Lord Godo, I did not need security. I needed a purpose. Young men outside of Wutai were encouraged to join SOLDIER. Who was I to go against it when I knew nothing, at the time, of Shinra's deeds?
"I admit, I could have quit when I found out about them, but I did not. I expect no forgiveness from you for my actions, or lack thereof."
Godo raised an eyebrow. "Then what do you expect?"
"A chance."
"A chance? Do you expect any Wutain, much less the man who had to surrender to you, to be able to give you a chance?"
"Your daughter did," Sephiroth replied calmly.
"My daughter can be irrational."
"I don't think so."
Godo snorted. "Then you're a fool. Especially for thinking you could come back here and come into my house. Get out."
"What right do you have to order me out of this house?"
"What!? What do you mean, what right do I have? What right do you have in refusing to go?"
"This house belongs to the leader of Wutai, does it not?"
"Yes. Exactly."
Sephiroth nodded. "Exactly." He gestured to Yuffie. "She is Wutai's leader now, not you. You gave up that title a long time ago, when you gave up on Wutai. I've seen the people of this town. I know I was the one who inflicted these wounds on them, but I know you were the one who failed to aleviate their pain. Your daughter, at least, has tried."
Godo's eyes had narrowed. "Get out of here!" he ordered.
"You have no right to order me from your daughter's house," the swordsman insisted.
"It is my house!"
"You've given up the privilege to call it yours. You are not Wutai's leader anymore."
"Yes, I am! How dare you come here and denounce me!? How dare you come into my house and insult me!? Get out of here before I have to drag you out myself!"
Sephiroth stood his ground, appearing calm and unimpressed. The two women remained silent, watching, their expressions not unlike awe. "You are fooling no one but yourself. I will remain unless Yuffie tells me otherwise."
"You impudent fool!" Godo cried, looking as though he was about to move forward and strike the taller man.
Yuffie quickly intervened, hurrying over to lay a hand on her father's arm. "Dad, calm down."
"Calm down!? But he's--"
"I know. I know what you think. It's hard hearing it from him, huh? But it's true."
He looked at her in horror. "How can you say that?"
"Look, it's been true. What have you done to help Wutai since the war? You sleep practically all the time, and when you're not sleeping, you just stay in your room anyway. I don't know what the hell you do in there all day, but I'm the one who's been trying to get this country back on its feet. And I've made progress. You know I've made progress."
Godo nodded in silent admission, but he still eyed her warily.
"So I thought I had earned the right to invite my friends into my home. My home. So what if one of them is the man who led the armies against us? So what? That was fifteen years ago. Fifteen years! Sephiroth's been through a lot since then. He has changed. He wants to help, and frankly, I think I could use his help. It's for Wutai, Dad. Is that so wrong?"
"But, he's... he's Sephiroth. I had to surrender to him. Do you have any idea what it will look like if it's known that he's living in my... our house?"
"And do you know what it will look like if it's known that he's helping us?"
He fell silent.
"I know it'll hurt your pride. But he's not asking you to forgive him; he's said that himself. He just wants a chance. I think he deserves it. It's been a long time since he stood up for himself, you know. That says something."
"And just what does it say?"
"That he's been able to forgive himself. You might think it silly, but that's a huge thing. He used to hate himself, more than I used to hate him, more than you hate him."
Godo scoffed. "How do you know?"
"I'm not blind," Yuffie replied, rolling her eyes. "Now, what do you say?"
Her father sighed, and he turned to look at Sephiroth. His gaze was no less hostile than it had been, but it was hostility held in check. "All right. You'll have your chance. But don't let me see you too often."
Sephiroth bowed his head. "Very well, Lord Godo."
Godo's gaze swept around the room, as if trying to establish ownership over it, and, failing that, he turned and left.
Yuffie sighed in relief and plopped down in the middle of the floor. "Gods."
"Well," said Aeris. "He consented, and that's something."
"Indeed," Sephiroth agreed, still quite calm.
The ninja looked up at him. "Thanks. For what you said about me, I mean. And for everything else, actually. He's needed to hear it for a long time, but I've been too scared to tell him."
He shrugged it off. "Thank you for helping me convince him. I was wrong to think I could do it on my own."
"Yeah, he's a stubborn old goat," Yuffie agreed.
Aeris laughed a little. "In any case, Sephiroth, it was nice to see you stand up for yourself."
He turned to her, a half-smile on his face that made him look considerably younger. "Was it?"
"Oh yes. Because I know what Yuffie said is completely true."
He smiled more broadly and nodded.
"Anyway," Yuffie said. "He interrupted you. Finish the song, why don't you?"
"But, Yuffie, he can't finish it."
"Why not?"
"Because the Planet won't stop singing."
The ninja tilted her head. "What does that have to do with... Oh. Well, play some more of it then. And end it better this time."
Shaking his head, Sephiroth walked back to the piano bench to comply.
If Sephiroth's arm had not been firmly around her, Aeris might have worried about falling. It was a long fall from where they sat on one of the curved rock fingers of a figure carved in Da-chao Mountain. But as it was, his strong hand on her shoulder let her forget her fear and concentrate on the view.
Wutai stretched out below them, a study of red-highlighted buildings against the clear blue water. In the spring and summer, the green of the forests contrasted with the crimson, but for now the trees remained bare-limbed and fragile. Beyond the town, plains reached out to meet the mountains to the west.
"It certainly is beautiful," Aeris remarked.
"Yes," Sephiroth agreed.
"I told Yuffie so, and she said 'wait until you see it in the fall.'"
He nodded slightly. "It is lovely in the fall."
"You've seen it?"
"Yes. Though I was not paying much attention to the view."
She did not reply to this. "I think things have been going much more smoothly than when we first came. It's only been a week, but I can already sense the difference."
"That woman at the item shop actually smiled at me today," Sephiroth told her.
"They'll all be smiling at you after a few months," Aeris assured him.
"You think so?"
She nodded. "Yes."
"They accepted you from the beginning," he said, almost fondly. "It does not bother them in the slightest that you're my wife."
"And why should it?"
"Some people do judge you by your friends."
Aeris smiled slightly. "I know. But not these people. And you know what? They seem so much more... alive, than when I first came here."
"You must be having an effect on them," he told her.
"I think you're helping, too," she said.
"Oh?" Sephiroth queried.
"Mmhmm. You're not just reopening old wounds. You're a sign that those wounds can be healed. Anyone who isn't blind can see that just by looking at you."
"Well, that's entirely your fault," he told her, but she knew he was joking. You can't help someone unless they want to help themselves.
Author's Note: The last chapter! Look at it, isn't it pretty? *_* Okay, well... maybe it looks that way to me. (Wutai = fun++) But anyway... you get another of Yinza's lovely made-it-up-herself songs. Joy of joys. It'll be downloadable on her site shortly. Go read the afterwards. There's a good person.