After the Storm
Chapter 6
As it will, night came and went. It seems to do that a lot. Nearly every night in fact.
The rain had stopped several hours ago, and the ground was finally starting to dry out a little. The sky remained gray, but it showed signs of getting lighter eventually. With the promise of sunlight, the whole forest seemed alive once more.
Reno and Yuffie awoke early that morning to the sounds of the birds singing in the trees. Because they were hearing it for the first time upon entering the forest, only now did they notice that it had been missing all along.
They were both cold and stiff, but Yuffie seemed none the worse for the wear. Hunger had set in after the terror of the previous night had left, but there wasn't much of a question about going back. Reno had his suspicions that even were they to do so they wouldn't find anything at all. Whatever had been following them the night before seemed to have disappeared with the stars however, and he wasn't about to complain. Yuffie was trying her best to be irritable, but so close to home she just couldn't bring herself to it.
Yuffie had had the same dream again, and it left with that strange feeling again. It had been stronger this time, and she felt a strange pull from the depths of her mind. The guy in her dreams seemed to be reaching for her as the morning pulled them apart, and she'd felt her heart wrench to abandon him to the cold waters, alone and terrified.
She'd woken up to find Reno beside her, and though she knew she should at least be ticked off with him, she just felt grateful. But for some reason he seemed further away today. . . It wasn't him exactly; it was more like she was somewhere else. Her dream haunted her waking mind and she couldn't throw it off.
She tried to fix her damp hair and even damper clothing but soon gave it up as a lost cause. Reno was in slightly better condition; his hair always seemed to look unruly no matter what. No petty hairbrush or night in the rain was going to make a difference. Yuffie smiled because it was something she knew she'd always remember about him. That was a strange thought but she couldn't quite figure out where it'd come from. Oh well, probably nothing important.
"Reno, how far do you think we are from Wutai? I'd kinda like to be getting home soon."
"Well, since you asked babe, I figure we should be there by late morning or early afternoon. We came further than I thought yesterday."
"Finally, some good news!" She leaned against a tree trunk nearby. "So, Turkey, given any thoughts to what you'll be doing afterwards?"
"Well, I thought maybe I'd find the biggest building project in Wutai, swear until everybody else leaves and then start over from scratch."
Yuffie grinned at him.
"Sounds like a good plan. You know Reno. . ." She dropped her eyes a little. "I was just sorta wondering if you're doing anything now that you could put off maybe permanently?" Reno gave an inquiring smile. "Well, I was just thinking I could probably get you a job with the weapons shop or maybe even my father's personal retinue."
To Yuffie's surprise, Reno flushed a little.
"Don't make any mistakes, babe. I don't accept charity from no one. I've got a steady job to go back too and I don't need your kindness." Now it was Yuffie's turn to get angry.
"No, you're making a mistake! You think I'd recommend you as a favor!? My father only takes the best, and I've seen first hand that you a damned sight more competent then most!"
"Listen, I'm sorry. I didn't mean. . ."
"No, just forget it."
For reasons neither could really understand, they didn't discuss the night before. It was like a whole different world and neither wanted to go there again. And so, to avoid the questions that were sure to ask themselves sooner or later, they settled into bickering as they started once again picking through the forest.
It was slow going at first, but they were nearing the edge of the forest and after that it was a straight march up to Wutai. The country was largely flat, but they were approaching Wutai from the southwest where a large hill rose above the city and hid it from view. Yuffie fondly remembered sliding down that hill as a child. Nearby was a small group of trees that she had also spent a long time in, playing hide and seek with the other children.
A half hour of walking saw them to the very outskirts of the forest, Yuffie felt as if she'd never been happier in her life. Running out onto the plain, Yuffie held out her arms and twirled around while laughing. Reno joined in the laughter, and he smiled at her in a way that made her knees go weak.
"So, babe, if I'm going to be in Wutai for a while you're going to have tell me a little about it. All my previous adventures there largely involved Turtle's Paradise, and I've heard it's changed a lot since then."
They strolled along, enjoying the open sky. It wasn't blue, more like a dingy gray, but it was a lot better then trees. They both laughed as Yuffie told stories about her life in Wutai, and Reno listened.
Three years ago lost in a black depression Reno had thrown away his chances at a real life. Maybe this was the second chance they always told you about. He drank in Yuffie's words.
"There was this one time my friend Tess got really drunk, she was only seventeen, don't ask how that happened. Anyway, Vincent was over visiting because, you know, he likes to drop in from time to time, and Tess just saw him walking along. She grabbed this black sheet and wrapped it around herself screeching that she had to destroy the 'minion of darkness'. Then she jumped on him and before starting to imitate a bat. Poor Vince was traumatized and hid in my house for three days."
Reno joined in her laughter. Real friends, real family, a real home. Sounded nice. He'd never had it to lose and Reno definitely decided it was something he'd have to try. The great Turk working real hours? Well, if the shoe fits, he thought with a grin. And, looking at Yuffie, Reno felt like wouldn't be any doubt.
The hours wore on, but Yuffie's chatter filled the day with the sort of fierce joy that only memories like those could bring. Reno only broke in once in a while to make a bad joke, and Yuffie would swat him before they started laughing again. There may have been nicer ways to spend an afternoon, but Yuffie wouldn't have counted on it.
The hill grew closer and closer until they could see it silhouetted against the sky. When the reached the base of the hill however, they paused before starting the climb. They were both in top shape and could have walked for hours longer, but Yuffie just wanted to savor the moment.
"C'mon Reno, this is it! The last part of our very strange little misadventure!"
"Your point?"
"Oh, I know every romantic part of you is dieing to make this last few minutes special."
"Since when do I have a romantic side?"
"You mean I noticed and you didn't!?"
Reno grinned. "Well, if that really is the case, then. . . I'll race you there!"
He raced off before Yuffie could close her mouth again. She couldn't help herself. Breaking into helpless laughter she took off after him.
The hill was steep and Reno was running slowly for her benefit. She caught him easily and tackled him before he could get away. Play fighting on the ground, Reno tried to shake her off.
"Hey, hold on! If you're not careful we'll roll all the way back down the damned hill!"
"Would that be a bad thing?"
Laughing again, Yuffie managed to get up first but was quickly followed by Reno. Looking behind her, she put on an extra burst of speed as she cleared the top of the hill. Breathless with excitement, Yuffie turned to view her city for the first time in what felt like years.
There was nothing.
Black smoke curled up against the melancholy sky, painting a sad portrait of the charred ruins that laid sprawled across the plains. Black ashes floated through the air and the smell of burning rose like the flames it had surly followed.
Wutai had been burned to the ground.
Yuffie stared out in horrified non-comprehension. "This isn't. . . This can't be. . . can't be real. . ." Her scream reached the uncaring sky.
* * * *
Reno had half dragged Yuffie down the hill and into the tree line. His heart had also dropped when he'd seen it, but Yuffie was beyond devastated. He sat her against a tree, and she stared blankly in front of her.
"Babe, come on. . . Please!" He could hear the pleading in his own voice. "You've gotta come back!"
Yuffie made no response or even any sign that she'd heard him. Hating himself, Reno shook her shoulders hard. Her head fell forward but when she raised it again, her eyes stared into Reno's. There was a terrible anger there, and for a minute it almost scared him.
"You utter bastard. Why didn't you eve do anything!? Why!!" She screamed the last word and Reno winced.
"I don't understand what you mean."
"Am I not good enough for you!? Tell me goddamnit!"
Understanding dawned on Reno's face, and then a sickly expression.
"You don't know. . ."
"You've had your fun with every other woman you've ever met, what the hell is wrong with me!?"
Reno choked. "Yuffie, I've wanted to hold you since I first saw you. . ."
"Then why?" She was sobbing now.
"Because. . . Because I'm six bloody years older than you, because I'm a bastard, because. . ."
Suddenly tears were falling freely down Yuffie's cheeks, her face a mask of complete loss.
"I want my dad, my home my bed, my life. . ." She began to cry even harder.
To her astonishment, she suddenly found Reno's lips meeting hers. He gathered her into his arms as their mutual despair took its course.
And, because nature doesn't want to become predictable, there was a moment of beautiful sunlight before total darkness swallowed the sun.
* * * *
Yuffie was awash in the dark sea as the storm tried to drown her again and again. Only the man she was clinging too was stopping her from slowly sinking into the eternity below. And she him.
No noise could be heard except the pounding of the waves in her ears and the lightning tearing the sky in two. But somehow, Yuffie could hear him calling her name, asking her not to leave him to drown all alone. She could feel his fear and sadness knowing that she would inevitably leave him again.
The tears rolled down Yuffie's face in her dream as she knew the choice she would make. It hurt her so much, but she had to do what she thought was right. The man reached out to her and she to him - and then she awoke.
When she opened her eyes, her face was wet. She lay in Reno's arms, their clothing lying nearby. Unselfconsciously, she arose and left him to sleep. She dressed quickly, after drying her cheeks. Now her eyes were steely and there was no hint of giving in no matter how much it might hurt.
She stood facing the rising sun. She and Reno had spent the afternoon together and slept entwined in each other's arms. Now he woke up to find her gone. Frowning slightly, he yawned and sat up. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he looked around to see her standing there with her back to him.
Deciding she must be recuperating from yesterday, Reno gave her a moment's quiet as he got up and dressed. After throwing on his shirt Reno walked over to Yuffie with a smile on his face and the full intention of taking her in his arms.
When he went to touch her, however, she spun around to face him. The expression on her face was what stopped him dead, however.
"Good bye Reno."
"W-what. . .? I don't understand. . ."
"I'm going. Leaving. I can't stay here, not with you. I'm so sorry, but then again, there'll be someone else. There always is for you Reno."
"You can't be serious!? Not after everything that's happened!"
"I said I'm sorry. . ."
"No! Yuffie, you're the most amazing person I've ever met! For the first time in years I feel like I'm alive again! When I'm with you I feel happy, I feel scared, I feel head over heels in love with you!" Yuffie didn't answer.
"You gave me a life after I wasted all my chances! You can't just walk away now. You can make me laugh like no one else ever could!"
"Reno." She started quietly. "There was someone else in that storm. He saved me from the darkness and now he needs my help. It's him, Reno. Not you."
Her last sentence hurt him like he'd never imagined anything could.
"Goodbye."
Without looking back she turned again and began to walk away towards the ruins of once had been the mighty Wutai. The rising sun silhouetted her figure before the glare made Reno look away. When he looked back she was gone.
His eyes stung. He wished he still knew how to cry.
~*
Chapter 6
As it will, night came and went. It seems to do that a lot. Nearly every night in fact.
The rain had stopped several hours ago, and the ground was finally starting to dry out a little. The sky remained gray, but it showed signs of getting lighter eventually. With the promise of sunlight, the whole forest seemed alive once more.
Reno and Yuffie awoke early that morning to the sounds of the birds singing in the trees. Because they were hearing it for the first time upon entering the forest, only now did they notice that it had been missing all along.
They were both cold and stiff, but Yuffie seemed none the worse for the wear. Hunger had set in after the terror of the previous night had left, but there wasn't much of a question about going back. Reno had his suspicions that even were they to do so they wouldn't find anything at all. Whatever had been following them the night before seemed to have disappeared with the stars however, and he wasn't about to complain. Yuffie was trying her best to be irritable, but so close to home she just couldn't bring herself to it.
Yuffie had had the same dream again, and it left with that strange feeling again. It had been stronger this time, and she felt a strange pull from the depths of her mind. The guy in her dreams seemed to be reaching for her as the morning pulled them apart, and she'd felt her heart wrench to abandon him to the cold waters, alone and terrified.
She'd woken up to find Reno beside her, and though she knew she should at least be ticked off with him, she just felt grateful. But for some reason he seemed further away today. . . It wasn't him exactly; it was more like she was somewhere else. Her dream haunted her waking mind and she couldn't throw it off.
She tried to fix her damp hair and even damper clothing but soon gave it up as a lost cause. Reno was in slightly better condition; his hair always seemed to look unruly no matter what. No petty hairbrush or night in the rain was going to make a difference. Yuffie smiled because it was something she knew she'd always remember about him. That was a strange thought but she couldn't quite figure out where it'd come from. Oh well, probably nothing important.
"Reno, how far do you think we are from Wutai? I'd kinda like to be getting home soon."
"Well, since you asked babe, I figure we should be there by late morning or early afternoon. We came further than I thought yesterday."
"Finally, some good news!" She leaned against a tree trunk nearby. "So, Turkey, given any thoughts to what you'll be doing afterwards?"
"Well, I thought maybe I'd find the biggest building project in Wutai, swear until everybody else leaves and then start over from scratch."
Yuffie grinned at him.
"Sounds like a good plan. You know Reno. . ." She dropped her eyes a little. "I was just sorta wondering if you're doing anything now that you could put off maybe permanently?" Reno gave an inquiring smile. "Well, I was just thinking I could probably get you a job with the weapons shop or maybe even my father's personal retinue."
To Yuffie's surprise, Reno flushed a little.
"Don't make any mistakes, babe. I don't accept charity from no one. I've got a steady job to go back too and I don't need your kindness." Now it was Yuffie's turn to get angry.
"No, you're making a mistake! You think I'd recommend you as a favor!? My father only takes the best, and I've seen first hand that you a damned sight more competent then most!"
"Listen, I'm sorry. I didn't mean. . ."
"No, just forget it."
For reasons neither could really understand, they didn't discuss the night before. It was like a whole different world and neither wanted to go there again. And so, to avoid the questions that were sure to ask themselves sooner or later, they settled into bickering as they started once again picking through the forest.
It was slow going at first, but they were nearing the edge of the forest and after that it was a straight march up to Wutai. The country was largely flat, but they were approaching Wutai from the southwest where a large hill rose above the city and hid it from view. Yuffie fondly remembered sliding down that hill as a child. Nearby was a small group of trees that she had also spent a long time in, playing hide and seek with the other children.
A half hour of walking saw them to the very outskirts of the forest, Yuffie felt as if she'd never been happier in her life. Running out onto the plain, Yuffie held out her arms and twirled around while laughing. Reno joined in the laughter, and he smiled at her in a way that made her knees go weak.
"So, babe, if I'm going to be in Wutai for a while you're going to have tell me a little about it. All my previous adventures there largely involved Turtle's Paradise, and I've heard it's changed a lot since then."
They strolled along, enjoying the open sky. It wasn't blue, more like a dingy gray, but it was a lot better then trees. They both laughed as Yuffie told stories about her life in Wutai, and Reno listened.
Three years ago lost in a black depression Reno had thrown away his chances at a real life. Maybe this was the second chance they always told you about. He drank in Yuffie's words.
"There was this one time my friend Tess got really drunk, she was only seventeen, don't ask how that happened. Anyway, Vincent was over visiting because, you know, he likes to drop in from time to time, and Tess just saw him walking along. She grabbed this black sheet and wrapped it around herself screeching that she had to destroy the 'minion of darkness'. Then she jumped on him and before starting to imitate a bat. Poor Vince was traumatized and hid in my house for three days."
Reno joined in her laughter. Real friends, real family, a real home. Sounded nice. He'd never had it to lose and Reno definitely decided it was something he'd have to try. The great Turk working real hours? Well, if the shoe fits, he thought with a grin. And, looking at Yuffie, Reno felt like wouldn't be any doubt.
The hours wore on, but Yuffie's chatter filled the day with the sort of fierce joy that only memories like those could bring. Reno only broke in once in a while to make a bad joke, and Yuffie would swat him before they started laughing again. There may have been nicer ways to spend an afternoon, but Yuffie wouldn't have counted on it.
The hill grew closer and closer until they could see it silhouetted against the sky. When the reached the base of the hill however, they paused before starting the climb. They were both in top shape and could have walked for hours longer, but Yuffie just wanted to savor the moment.
"C'mon Reno, this is it! The last part of our very strange little misadventure!"
"Your point?"
"Oh, I know every romantic part of you is dieing to make this last few minutes special."
"Since when do I have a romantic side?"
"You mean I noticed and you didn't!?"
Reno grinned. "Well, if that really is the case, then. . . I'll race you there!"
He raced off before Yuffie could close her mouth again. She couldn't help herself. Breaking into helpless laughter she took off after him.
The hill was steep and Reno was running slowly for her benefit. She caught him easily and tackled him before he could get away. Play fighting on the ground, Reno tried to shake her off.
"Hey, hold on! If you're not careful we'll roll all the way back down the damned hill!"
"Would that be a bad thing?"
Laughing again, Yuffie managed to get up first but was quickly followed by Reno. Looking behind her, she put on an extra burst of speed as she cleared the top of the hill. Breathless with excitement, Yuffie turned to view her city for the first time in what felt like years.
There was nothing.
Black smoke curled up against the melancholy sky, painting a sad portrait of the charred ruins that laid sprawled across the plains. Black ashes floated through the air and the smell of burning rose like the flames it had surly followed.
Wutai had been burned to the ground.
Yuffie stared out in horrified non-comprehension. "This isn't. . . This can't be. . . can't be real. . ." Her scream reached the uncaring sky.
* * * *
Reno had half dragged Yuffie down the hill and into the tree line. His heart had also dropped when he'd seen it, but Yuffie was beyond devastated. He sat her against a tree, and she stared blankly in front of her.
"Babe, come on. . . Please!" He could hear the pleading in his own voice. "You've gotta come back!"
Yuffie made no response or even any sign that she'd heard him. Hating himself, Reno shook her shoulders hard. Her head fell forward but when she raised it again, her eyes stared into Reno's. There was a terrible anger there, and for a minute it almost scared him.
"You utter bastard. Why didn't you eve do anything!? Why!!" She screamed the last word and Reno winced.
"I don't understand what you mean."
"Am I not good enough for you!? Tell me goddamnit!"
Understanding dawned on Reno's face, and then a sickly expression.
"You don't know. . ."
"You've had your fun with every other woman you've ever met, what the hell is wrong with me!?"
Reno choked. "Yuffie, I've wanted to hold you since I first saw you. . ."
"Then why?" She was sobbing now.
"Because. . . Because I'm six bloody years older than you, because I'm a bastard, because. . ."
Suddenly tears were falling freely down Yuffie's cheeks, her face a mask of complete loss.
"I want my dad, my home my bed, my life. . ." She began to cry even harder.
To her astonishment, she suddenly found Reno's lips meeting hers. He gathered her into his arms as their mutual despair took its course.
And, because nature doesn't want to become predictable, there was a moment of beautiful sunlight before total darkness swallowed the sun.
* * * *
Yuffie was awash in the dark sea as the storm tried to drown her again and again. Only the man she was clinging too was stopping her from slowly sinking into the eternity below. And she him.
No noise could be heard except the pounding of the waves in her ears and the lightning tearing the sky in two. But somehow, Yuffie could hear him calling her name, asking her not to leave him to drown all alone. She could feel his fear and sadness knowing that she would inevitably leave him again.
The tears rolled down Yuffie's face in her dream as she knew the choice she would make. It hurt her so much, but she had to do what she thought was right. The man reached out to her and she to him - and then she awoke.
When she opened her eyes, her face was wet. She lay in Reno's arms, their clothing lying nearby. Unselfconsciously, she arose and left him to sleep. She dressed quickly, after drying her cheeks. Now her eyes were steely and there was no hint of giving in no matter how much it might hurt.
She stood facing the rising sun. She and Reno had spent the afternoon together and slept entwined in each other's arms. Now he woke up to find her gone. Frowning slightly, he yawned and sat up. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he looked around to see her standing there with her back to him.
Deciding she must be recuperating from yesterday, Reno gave her a moment's quiet as he got up and dressed. After throwing on his shirt Reno walked over to Yuffie with a smile on his face and the full intention of taking her in his arms.
When he went to touch her, however, she spun around to face him. The expression on her face was what stopped him dead, however.
"Good bye Reno."
"W-what. . .? I don't understand. . ."
"I'm going. Leaving. I can't stay here, not with you. I'm so sorry, but then again, there'll be someone else. There always is for you Reno."
"You can't be serious!? Not after everything that's happened!"
"I said I'm sorry. . ."
"No! Yuffie, you're the most amazing person I've ever met! For the first time in years I feel like I'm alive again! When I'm with you I feel happy, I feel scared, I feel head over heels in love with you!" Yuffie didn't answer.
"You gave me a life after I wasted all my chances! You can't just walk away now. You can make me laugh like no one else ever could!"
"Reno." She started quietly. "There was someone else in that storm. He saved me from the darkness and now he needs my help. It's him, Reno. Not you."
Her last sentence hurt him like he'd never imagined anything could.
"Goodbye."
Without looking back she turned again and began to walk away towards the ruins of once had been the mighty Wutai. The rising sun silhouetted her figure before the glare made Reno look away. When he looked back she was gone.
His eyes stung. He wished he still knew how to cry.
~*