"Life After Death" by idura-chan
A Final Fantasy VII Fanfiction
Author's notes: Zack will make his appearance soon, folks. Thanks for your patience. :)
Chapter 3: The Crystal Oracle
"Good morning, Mother!" Aeris bounded down the stairs of her new home. She sauntered into the kitchen towards her mother and kissed the older woman on the cheek. "Mmm...something smells good. Can I help you with anything?"
Ifalna shook her head and smiled at her daughter. "I have things covered here. Breakfast will be ready soon. Why don't you go look for your father? I think he's outside, watering your garden."
"What? The intelligent professor of science is watering flowers? This I have to see!" Grinning the whole way out, Aeris silently walked up behind her father and poked his side, startling him. She jumped to the side to avoid getting wet. "What do you think you're doing, Father?"
"Whaa...? Oh! It's you, Aeris. I'm...umm... watering your plants?" Professor Gast grinned sheepishly and scratched behind his head. He looked at his giggling daughter and couldn't help but laugh along with her. Ever since his reunion with Aeris a month ago, he took an interest in her love for flowers. He lost the chance of knowing his own daughter and watching her grow, all because of the evil and power-hungry Hojo. Now that Ifalna, Aeris, and him are a family again, he wanted to make sure that they would not be taken away from him ever again. He wanted to love things that his wife and daughter loved. He wanted to be an important part of their lives from now on. "I was just walking in your garden to see how the flowers were doing, dear. They looked so beautiful, but lonely, so I decided to keep them company and give them their own breakfast." He bent down and coiled the water hose and put them aside.
"Aww...that's so sweet, Father! Thank you." Aeris smiled and walked to her flowers, looking at them lovingly. "Speaking of breakfast, Mother said ours is almost ready. Why don't we go help her set up the table?" She plucked one white daisy from the throng of colorful flowers and tucked it behind her father's left ear. "My, my! Don't you look cute?" She laughed.
Professor Gast rolled his eyes and pointed to his face. "Now I'm cute, huh? Heh. You should see me when I was younger. Girls couldn't tear their eyes away from me." He flexed his arms like Mr. Universe and wiggled his thick eyebrows. Aeris laughed harder.
"Hey, you two! What's so funny? Come on, breakfast is ready." Ifalna called out from the kitchen window. She shook her head slowly and chuckled at her husband's antiques. "Oh, it's good to be a happy family again," she thought. When the professor and Aeris finally came in and settled themselves at the table, she joined them with their warm and fragrant meal. "So, what are your plans for today, Aeris?" She asked her daughter as she sat down.
"Oh, I think I'm going to go to the Tower of Wisdom today. I want to check out that special section you told me about. Do you think I could see my friends down at the Planet in that section? I just missed them and wanted to see how they're doing."
"I think that's a wonderful idea, dear." Professor nodded in approval. "But I think you should head there early because the section, which is called the Crystal Oracle, is only opened at certain times of the day. The guardians at the Tower of Wisdom wanted to avoid the overuse of the Crystal Oracle, so they only open it up three times a day, I think. And the morning slot is opened at 9am, so you should have about half an hour to finish up your breakfast and go."
"The Crystal Oracle..." Aeris murmured to herself. "The name sounds so archaic and prophetic," she thought. As much as she wanted to stay and finish her breakfast with her parents, she couldn't wait any longer to go to the tower. She quickly finished her meal and drank her juice in three gulps, and then got up to wash her dishes. "I think I'll go there now, if that's alright with you guys. I just can't wait to see my friends." She wiped her hands with the dried kitchen cloth near the sink, kissed her parents goodbye and headed out in quick strides.
Ifalna and Professor Gast looked at each other and smiled knowingly. Ah, to be young and free again.
*****
When Aeris reached the Tower of Wisdom, it was still closed. But the guardian on duty told her that it would be opened in about ten minutes. Aeris decided to walk around the tower and admire the lake surrounding it. She found some white daisies just like the ones in her garden and decorated them prettily at the top of her head. They complemented the baby blue, long sleeved dress she was wearing today. She opted to let her hair down, instead of her usual braid, making stray wisps flutter at her cheek by the gentle morning breeze. Aeris looked up when she heard the guardian unlock the tower's main doors. She quickly got up and ran around the tower and was surprised to note that she was the first visitor.
The guardian gave her a deep bow and greeted her with a warm smile, "Good morning, Aeris. Seems like you're the first one here. Hope you will find what you're looking for. Just don't forget to sign in at the sections that you're going to."
"Thanks, David. I won't forget. I'll see you later!" She rushed in and headed straight for the directory in the middle of the lobby. "Hmm...seems like the Crystal Oracle is on Level 3. I should probably hurry up before anyone gets there before I do." Aeris took the winding stairs two steps at a time, thinking she would reach the third floor faster, but she slowed down when she got to the second level, partly because she was out of breath, and partly because she realized that she was the first visitor there, so there's no need to rush. So this time, she took the steps at a normal pace, evening her breath. When she finally got there, she quickly headed to the entrance to sign in.
The room of the Crystal Oracle was dark, with a deep green glow lighting the atmosphere. It seems like the glow is emitted from a large crystal ball, which was roughly seven feet in diameters, in the center of the room. Aeris walked slowly towards it, mesmerized by the ethereal glow. She tentatively touched the crystal ball and felt its warm texture, soothing her whole body. Suddenly, a deep echoing voice filled the room and Aeris pulled back her hand out of surprise.
"Welcome, Aeris, the last Ancient and newcomer to the Promised Land. I am the Crystal Oracle. How do you wish to seek my wisdom?"
"How...how did you know my name?" Aeris whispered.
"The Crystal Oracle knows every newcomer to the land of supreme happiness. He is the caretaker and ruler of the Promised Land. He also knows when the Planet is in danger."
"Is the Planet in danger now?" Aeris suddenly felt anxious to see her friends.
"No. The Planet is in the state of healing itself with the help of its inhabitants, mainly a group of eight brave warriors, who were responsible of disposing the enemy within the Planet. Aren't those warriors your fellow comrades, Aeris? You wish to see them, don't you? Even from such a long distance?"
"Yes...yes. I miss my friends dearly. Please, Crystal Oracle. I wish to know how they are and whether they are safe and happy." Aeris answered.
"Very well. The Crystal Oracle shall grant your wish. Behold..." The green glow of the crystal ball whirled like smoke for a few seconds before vanishing to reveal her friends, who were all gathered around the lake in the Forgotten City.
They were all dressed up in dark suites and were holding roses in their hand. They had a sad look on their faces and Aeris noticed that Cloud was speaking at the lake. Then the crystal ball zoomed in on each of her friends, including Shera, Marlene, and Elmyra. Aeris gave a low gasp and walked closer to the ball and touched the surface where her adopted mother's face was focused on. "Mom..." Then she heard Cloud's voice, "...Aeris, we want you to know that things are fine here. We are moving on with our lives as best as we can. But you should also know that we would never forget you. You will always be a part of our lives and have a special place in our hearts. Wherever you are, we hope you are happy. And please don't forget about us." At those words, tears streamed down her cheeks. "Oh, Cloud. I will never forget any of you." She replied, even though she knew that he could never hear her. Then the "movie" ended with a view of Cloud alone by the lake, leaving his roses and whispering, "We'll be back next month, Aeris. And we'll bring you more flowers. You take care now."
After that final scene, the crystal ball returned to its normal gentle glow. Aeris touched it, hoping that her friends would appear again. But nothing happened. She sighed and turned towards the door to leave. However, the voice of the Crystal Oracle stopped her. "You have such admirable and loyal comrades, Aeris. The Crystal Oracle could feel their deep love and respect for you." The voice paused a few seconds before continuing. "Is there anything else that you need from the Crystal Oracle?"
Aeris shook her head slowly. "Thank you, Crystal Oracle. I think I'll be heading home now."
"Very well then. Do not hesitate to come by again. The Crystal Oracle is here to help his people in every way he can." Slowly, the glow of the crystal ball began to dim and then died out completely, leaving the room dark once more. Aeris left the room in slow steps, Cloud's words still lingering in her mind.
"Oh, Mom...Cloud...everyone, thank you so much for keeping your memories of me alive." She smiled and let the tears spill again. "Oh man, you're being so emotional, Aeris. You don't even know whether you're crying out of joy or sadness! Get a hold of yourself, girl!" She chided herself. Wiping the tears with her sleeves, she walked faster, but then bumped hard into someone at the top of the stairs and fell flat on her buttocks.
"Whoa! Careful there, miss. Are you alright?" The man reached out his hand to help her up. When he heard her quiet sobs, he quickly rushed to her side. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry. I didn't hurt you, did I? I didn't see you when I was coming up the stairs and then you-" he stopped abruptly and stared at Aeris when she looked up. His eyes widened. "Aeris...? Is that you?"
Aeris blinked a few times at the man and studied his face. I know this man from somewhere...Why does he look so familiar? Suddenly she gasped. "Zack...?!"
End of Chapter 3
A Final Fantasy VII Fanfiction
Author's notes: Zack will make his appearance soon, folks. Thanks for your patience. :)
Chapter 3: The Crystal Oracle
"Good morning, Mother!" Aeris bounded down the stairs of her new home. She sauntered into the kitchen towards her mother and kissed the older woman on the cheek. "Mmm...something smells good. Can I help you with anything?"
Ifalna shook her head and smiled at her daughter. "I have things covered here. Breakfast will be ready soon. Why don't you go look for your father? I think he's outside, watering your garden."
"What? The intelligent professor of science is watering flowers? This I have to see!" Grinning the whole way out, Aeris silently walked up behind her father and poked his side, startling him. She jumped to the side to avoid getting wet. "What do you think you're doing, Father?"
"Whaa...? Oh! It's you, Aeris. I'm...umm... watering your plants?" Professor Gast grinned sheepishly and scratched behind his head. He looked at his giggling daughter and couldn't help but laugh along with her. Ever since his reunion with Aeris a month ago, he took an interest in her love for flowers. He lost the chance of knowing his own daughter and watching her grow, all because of the evil and power-hungry Hojo. Now that Ifalna, Aeris, and him are a family again, he wanted to make sure that they would not be taken away from him ever again. He wanted to love things that his wife and daughter loved. He wanted to be an important part of their lives from now on. "I was just walking in your garden to see how the flowers were doing, dear. They looked so beautiful, but lonely, so I decided to keep them company and give them their own breakfast." He bent down and coiled the water hose and put them aside.
"Aww...that's so sweet, Father! Thank you." Aeris smiled and walked to her flowers, looking at them lovingly. "Speaking of breakfast, Mother said ours is almost ready. Why don't we go help her set up the table?" She plucked one white daisy from the throng of colorful flowers and tucked it behind her father's left ear. "My, my! Don't you look cute?" She laughed.
Professor Gast rolled his eyes and pointed to his face. "Now I'm cute, huh? Heh. You should see me when I was younger. Girls couldn't tear their eyes away from me." He flexed his arms like Mr. Universe and wiggled his thick eyebrows. Aeris laughed harder.
"Hey, you two! What's so funny? Come on, breakfast is ready." Ifalna called out from the kitchen window. She shook her head slowly and chuckled at her husband's antiques. "Oh, it's good to be a happy family again," she thought. When the professor and Aeris finally came in and settled themselves at the table, she joined them with their warm and fragrant meal. "So, what are your plans for today, Aeris?" She asked her daughter as she sat down.
"Oh, I think I'm going to go to the Tower of Wisdom today. I want to check out that special section you told me about. Do you think I could see my friends down at the Planet in that section? I just missed them and wanted to see how they're doing."
"I think that's a wonderful idea, dear." Professor nodded in approval. "But I think you should head there early because the section, which is called the Crystal Oracle, is only opened at certain times of the day. The guardians at the Tower of Wisdom wanted to avoid the overuse of the Crystal Oracle, so they only open it up three times a day, I think. And the morning slot is opened at 9am, so you should have about half an hour to finish up your breakfast and go."
"The Crystal Oracle..." Aeris murmured to herself. "The name sounds so archaic and prophetic," she thought. As much as she wanted to stay and finish her breakfast with her parents, she couldn't wait any longer to go to the tower. She quickly finished her meal and drank her juice in three gulps, and then got up to wash her dishes. "I think I'll go there now, if that's alright with you guys. I just can't wait to see my friends." She wiped her hands with the dried kitchen cloth near the sink, kissed her parents goodbye and headed out in quick strides.
Ifalna and Professor Gast looked at each other and smiled knowingly. Ah, to be young and free again.
*****
When Aeris reached the Tower of Wisdom, it was still closed. But the guardian on duty told her that it would be opened in about ten minutes. Aeris decided to walk around the tower and admire the lake surrounding it. She found some white daisies just like the ones in her garden and decorated them prettily at the top of her head. They complemented the baby blue, long sleeved dress she was wearing today. She opted to let her hair down, instead of her usual braid, making stray wisps flutter at her cheek by the gentle morning breeze. Aeris looked up when she heard the guardian unlock the tower's main doors. She quickly got up and ran around the tower and was surprised to note that she was the first visitor.
The guardian gave her a deep bow and greeted her with a warm smile, "Good morning, Aeris. Seems like you're the first one here. Hope you will find what you're looking for. Just don't forget to sign in at the sections that you're going to."
"Thanks, David. I won't forget. I'll see you later!" She rushed in and headed straight for the directory in the middle of the lobby. "Hmm...seems like the Crystal Oracle is on Level 3. I should probably hurry up before anyone gets there before I do." Aeris took the winding stairs two steps at a time, thinking she would reach the third floor faster, but she slowed down when she got to the second level, partly because she was out of breath, and partly because she realized that she was the first visitor there, so there's no need to rush. So this time, she took the steps at a normal pace, evening her breath. When she finally got there, she quickly headed to the entrance to sign in.
The room of the Crystal Oracle was dark, with a deep green glow lighting the atmosphere. It seems like the glow is emitted from a large crystal ball, which was roughly seven feet in diameters, in the center of the room. Aeris walked slowly towards it, mesmerized by the ethereal glow. She tentatively touched the crystal ball and felt its warm texture, soothing her whole body. Suddenly, a deep echoing voice filled the room and Aeris pulled back her hand out of surprise.
"Welcome, Aeris, the last Ancient and newcomer to the Promised Land. I am the Crystal Oracle. How do you wish to seek my wisdom?"
"How...how did you know my name?" Aeris whispered.
"The Crystal Oracle knows every newcomer to the land of supreme happiness. He is the caretaker and ruler of the Promised Land. He also knows when the Planet is in danger."
"Is the Planet in danger now?" Aeris suddenly felt anxious to see her friends.
"No. The Planet is in the state of healing itself with the help of its inhabitants, mainly a group of eight brave warriors, who were responsible of disposing the enemy within the Planet. Aren't those warriors your fellow comrades, Aeris? You wish to see them, don't you? Even from such a long distance?"
"Yes...yes. I miss my friends dearly. Please, Crystal Oracle. I wish to know how they are and whether they are safe and happy." Aeris answered.
"Very well. The Crystal Oracle shall grant your wish. Behold..." The green glow of the crystal ball whirled like smoke for a few seconds before vanishing to reveal her friends, who were all gathered around the lake in the Forgotten City.
They were all dressed up in dark suites and were holding roses in their hand. They had a sad look on their faces and Aeris noticed that Cloud was speaking at the lake. Then the crystal ball zoomed in on each of her friends, including Shera, Marlene, and Elmyra. Aeris gave a low gasp and walked closer to the ball and touched the surface where her adopted mother's face was focused on. "Mom..." Then she heard Cloud's voice, "...Aeris, we want you to know that things are fine here. We are moving on with our lives as best as we can. But you should also know that we would never forget you. You will always be a part of our lives and have a special place in our hearts. Wherever you are, we hope you are happy. And please don't forget about us." At those words, tears streamed down her cheeks. "Oh, Cloud. I will never forget any of you." She replied, even though she knew that he could never hear her. Then the "movie" ended with a view of Cloud alone by the lake, leaving his roses and whispering, "We'll be back next month, Aeris. And we'll bring you more flowers. You take care now."
After that final scene, the crystal ball returned to its normal gentle glow. Aeris touched it, hoping that her friends would appear again. But nothing happened. She sighed and turned towards the door to leave. However, the voice of the Crystal Oracle stopped her. "You have such admirable and loyal comrades, Aeris. The Crystal Oracle could feel their deep love and respect for you." The voice paused a few seconds before continuing. "Is there anything else that you need from the Crystal Oracle?"
Aeris shook her head slowly. "Thank you, Crystal Oracle. I think I'll be heading home now."
"Very well then. Do not hesitate to come by again. The Crystal Oracle is here to help his people in every way he can." Slowly, the glow of the crystal ball began to dim and then died out completely, leaving the room dark once more. Aeris left the room in slow steps, Cloud's words still lingering in her mind.
"Oh, Mom...Cloud...everyone, thank you so much for keeping your memories of me alive." She smiled and let the tears spill again. "Oh man, you're being so emotional, Aeris. You don't even know whether you're crying out of joy or sadness! Get a hold of yourself, girl!" She chided herself. Wiping the tears with her sleeves, she walked faster, but then bumped hard into someone at the top of the stairs and fell flat on her buttocks.
"Whoa! Careful there, miss. Are you alright?" The man reached out his hand to help her up. When he heard her quiet sobs, he quickly rushed to her side. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry. I didn't hurt you, did I? I didn't see you when I was coming up the stairs and then you-" he stopped abruptly and stared at Aeris when she looked up. His eyes widened. "Aeris...? Is that you?"
Aeris blinked a few times at the man and studied his face. I know this man from somewhere...Why does he look so familiar? Suddenly she gasped. "Zack...?!"
End of Chapter 3