Author's Note: Finally the conclusion. I'll be writing an epilogue after this, but this is really the last chapter. Hope you like the ending!
Chapter 21 – Coda Act II
"Perhaps it's time to test my theory," he said coldly, struggling to stand. The bullet wound stung, but it would only be a matter of time until it healed.
He reached for the gun automatically, trying desperately to steady the shaking of his free hand.
Do not fear...
"I figured this time would come," Tiveph conceded, relaxing his tensing, "I made Chaos a little too strong. I should have separated you before she came..." Vincent cleared his throat.
"Enough. Tell me what you were going to do with her," he said sternly, gun held steady. Tiveph sighed.
"I never wanted to become a god," he began, eyes searching Vincent's expression, "I was more interested in the humans, with their strong will to survive. The Cetra never had that; they relied too much on the Planet's favor. So when I found them, their primitive scribbles about this 'Heaven'...and this 'Hell'...I sought the means to bring it to reality."
"I said enough. Answer my question," Vincent said irritatedly, adjusting his grip on the handle. Tiveph smirked.
Please, stop mourning...
"Your kind was originally meant to be their guardians," he continued, wiping his forehead, "To protect them. You were Lucrecia's...but when she did not take well to you, preferring my student, I had to put you with all the rest...demons. You are a failure, Vincent Valentine, and you always will be."
"So are you," Vincent replied venomously.
"Perfection," Tiveph strained, "She was that unexpected bit of genealogy, from a line I thought would be useless. Lucrecia's aunt had a child that burgundy eyes; an abnormality. The child's granddaughter...she was the last piece of the legend. Her sacrifice would bring about my rest." Vincent raised an eyebrow.
Wait for her, she is fighting...
"You would have killed her, then?" he asked monotonously pulling back the hammer on the outdated gun. Tiveph shook his head.
"No, you would have killed her, much like you did now...I would have freed her," he answered coldly, "Freed her from what life had done to her. I only wanted a place where I could exist...where Jenova could exist, free from the tyrannical grip of this putrid planet!"
Can you feel her? Now!
He pulled the trigger, the sound of the bullet rushing through the air. Vincent's vision was turning black, and he felt heavier, like he was being pulled into water...
"You can live in oblivion, then," he whispered, feeling his eyelids fall over his eyes.
Why do you still hold on to me?
She wrinkled her nose and struggled to hold back a sneeze as the dust was disturbed. He looked up, seeing her odd expression, and then flicked his eyes over to the blond man, who was staring. He scowled, agitated by the disturbance. Then her face grew soft, as she looked at the blond man wistfully...
Because I failed. As I have failed again.
She was staring into the fire, when he silently came to sit across from her. She smiled at him cautiously, trying to take a peek at what lay behind his collar. He stiffened and pulled it up higher. She sighed and smiled broadly as the blond man sat next to her, his form expressing confidence. Then other girl then walked over, carelessly plopping herself between the two...
Why do you think that?
She was standing on the deck, her dark hair whipping behind her. He cautiously approached, standing a few feet away. She smiled broadly, chattering to him with a friendly voice. Her eyes were tired, and he knew she had stayed up watching the man again. She gave him a quick thumbs up, the word "friend" echoing through his mind...
She came for me, but I could not protect her.
She looked tired, absently wiping the counter down. He sat on a stool near the end, eyes focused on the empty glass. Her movements reflected in its depths, giving him a wry grin. She playfully flicked the towel at him, laughing. He pried it off his shoulder gingerly, waiting until she turned her back to aim...
My soul can be at peace, but you must let go.
She held out the box, a light blush on her cheeks. He had a hard time steadying himself, for the effects of alcohol made balance difficult. He opened it slowly, and grabbed for the small object. The necklace dangled from his claw hand, revealing its secrets. Tears flowed hastily down her cheeks, and he reached for her shoulder...
I can let you go...but will I ever see her again?
She was smiling...he often noticed her smiling, when she thought he wasn't looking...
I have forgiven you, please, open your eyes.
He saw burgundy first, opened wide. Her hands were positioned on his chest, suggesting she had been attempting to revive him. Her face was close, like she had breathed the life back into him.
"I'm so glad you're alright, Tifa."
Author's Note: Game quote. Had to end it with a game quote. Couldn't help but bring that little CPR bit from earlier back...it's such a nice image in my mind...yes mush...ugh... The person with the bold italic text is none other than...Lucrecia! Mirrors Tifa's hearing Cloud's voice. So, ya, she can go to the Lifestream now...as can Hojo. He may be a baddie, but he deserves some rest. The blocks of italic are memories of Tifa... God, I love this little story, I'm sad to see it end...well, there's always that little epilogue...I have a few loose ends to tie up :) I'll have more to say in the epilogue's a/n, so stay tuned!
Oh, and Cobalt Dragonfly...I didn't kill them...well not for long. I like them to much to let them stay dead. Your reaction was exactly what I wanted...I like creating an emotional response...sorry if I scared you.