Disclaimer: The following characters belong to SquareENIX. Should you find any modifications as to their position or character, that's all for the sake of AU. :)
Author's Note: I'm back after sleeping for two years. ;; Anyway, the whole fic is REVISED. I needed to do it to finish this thing. I'll do it pretty slowly, though. College is taxing, so please be patient. ;; I also removed all reviews since I look like such a cheater if I keep them still. ;; Muchos gracias to Onna and Paranoia-shoujo for beta-reading my fic. :)
Sweet Sacrifices - 1 By: Liv
The glossy white limousine reflected the light of the sun as it passed through the black gates of the Shinra Mansion. Greenery adorned the huge space as a curving path of cement was driven over by the vehicle. It ended its long trip in front of many people, most of which are soldiers, maidservants, and other helpers.
The chauffeur pushed the door open and stepped out of the car closing it behind him. He approached the door behind his and opened it making way for the president's child to exit her ride.
Her brown boots, pointy-heeled and carpeted in material, moved from the car mat to the gray ground where the car had stopped. She lifted her hand and received the assistance of the chauffeur. She bent her body as she made her way out of the vehicle, her left foot being the last one to step on the ground. Her sparkling emerald eyes matched her beautiful smile at the people who welcomed her. Of course, the soldiers wouldn't go waving around and saying 'Ms. Shinra! Welcome back!' like the others would. Her movements were so modest; no wrinkles could be seen on her pink dress and red knitted jacket.
The general of the army, dressed with the most morbid color of black made his way to the arriver. "Ms. Aeris," He gave a hand salute.
Aeris Shinra looked up to the tall silver haired man and saluted back. She saw his hand move from his forehead to an offer of assistance. Her left hand, as if in tradition, settled over his palm. "Thank you, General Sephiroth."
Sephiroth Hojo nodded, as if to signal her that it was time to enter the mansion. Like the whole thing was planned and rehearsed. "How have you been, Cousin?"
Aeris giggled. "I knew you'd break out of your stature soon." She teased. Together with Sephiroth they made their way towards the mansion. The crowd broke as if to reveal a pathway.
The mansion hadn't changed much. It was as she had remembered it before she left almost a year ago. Aeris heard the booming voice of her father. From the stairway, the red suited man appeared. Of course, with his tobacco. "Father!" She removed her hand from Sephiroth's and jogged towards him.
"Aeris, my dear!" Alex Shinra gave out a laugh and accepted his youngest daughter--in fact, child, in his arms. "It has been so long! Welcome back, Aeris." His embrace was warm, for Aeris was special. She was a close replica of her mother who died right after her last birth.
"I'm so glad to be home, Daddy!" Aeris snuggled onto his soft top. She broke the gesture still with a wide smile on, her brown braided hair swaying in jiggly motion. "Where's Rufus?"
"Oh, he's just on his way to Junon." Alex smiled at her.
Aeris pouted. "I don't believe you. He promised me he'd keep himself free to accompany me today."
Alex laughed with a loud voice. Without a need of introduction, footsteps were heard from the stairs. "Excuse me, I'll tell the maid to ready our lunch." He left automatically after Aeris nodded.
"Aeris!" The double-breasted and white suited man called out the name of his young and only sister. Though he looked snotty with his handsome red hair and blue eyes, many girls have fallen for him. Outside, he was 'business-as-usual', inside, he was the family man.
"Rufus!!" Aeris squealed and rushed over to her brother who was on the stairway. Great joy was very visible.
Rufus Shinra gave a laugh and caught Aeris who had thrown herself over to him in his arms. "Aeris! I missed you so much!!"
"Me, too!" Aeris squeezed him tightly. She felt Rufus' arms around her soften and she let go.
"How was Midgar University?" Rufus asked, holding her education in high priority. She had completed her freshman year and will be a college sophomore in 3 months.
"It was okay." Aeris answered typically. "It was no fun without Tifa."
"Have you met any boys?" Rufus leaned close to his sister's face. He knew it was a tease to her.
Aeris playfully hit on her brother. She was a growing woman and just like her brother, she was admired (and often envied) by many. "Of course not! There are too many books to read." She pretended to pout.
"That's my sister." Rufus patted her head. He turned his head and saw Sephiroth watching the little family reunion. "Please join us for lunch."
Sephiroth nodded. "Thank you, sir."
"In the house, it's more proper to call me 'Rufus'. It's like we had not graduated together!" Rufus stretched out his left arm gesturing the invitation for the approaching Sephiroth. His other arm was on Aeris' shoulder.
"Which reminds me," Aeris looked at Rufus. "How's the vice presidency?"
"Oh," Rufus said almost blandly. "I can almost count the number of days I go home in my fingers! Luckily, Heidegger decided to let me off this day." Heidegger was his guide as he was young and inexperienced. In two years time, or whenever his father thinks Rufus is ready, he will not need him anymore.
"Ohh, that's too bad...tell me more!" Aeris pinched her brother as they entered the dining hall where they talked more.
The warm afternoon sun brightened the fine grasses and porcelains on the marble table in the garden. Aeris listened to the white-gray clay fountain and the sprinkler's water as she was seated on one of the marble chairs around the table. A tent stood to cover her from the heat. She was waiting for her childhood friend to arrive. Rufus had told Aeris about how constantly Tifa Lockhart calls him for news about her. She had also heard about how excited she is to meet Aeris.
A dark green hummer-type vehicle slowed down in front of the black Shinra gates. The woman seated beside the driver, her father, leaned over to see Aeris and waved happily. She was the most unusual friend for a presidential daughter to have. With the skimpy outfit of a white sleeveless top that does not cover her abdomen and the brown skirt that hadn't even reached half of her thigh, she looked more like a hostess in a bar. But she was a fighter; the equipments around her arms are testament to that. And also a friend with a very pleasant and enjoyable attitude at that.
Aeris waved back with a bright smile. She watched Tifa lean back to the jeep and kiss her father's cheek before she got off the vehicle. Her heavy red shoes hit on the ground hard as she jogged over to the gates. Aeris stood up watching Tifa wait for the guard to open the gates. She heard Tifa squeal as she rushed over to the grass and hug her old friend tightly. Aeris hugged back. "Tifa! I missed you so much!!"
"You don't know how silent I've been in Junon University!!" Tifa spoke as if it was the most unbelievable occurrence one could have. She had not loosened her arms around Aeris for quite a long time. Soon, they were seated in front of each other while a maidservant serves them juice. "How's Midgar University??"
"Headache! I hardly slept!" It was as if Aeris boasted of how hard she worked while the glasses of juice were settled.
"That's funny; I hadn't experienced THAT much pain." Tifa took a sip of her orange drink. "Did you get any awards for excellency?"
"Well, I ranked first in our class." Aeris showed a proud smile while pretending to be innocent.
"Wow, that's amazing!" Tifa was in awe. But she was NEVER jealous of the intelligence of her friend. "Anything else?? Did you make it to the Dean's List??"
"Believe it or not, I did!" Aeris announced happily. Both girls had squealed in joy.
"That's just SO amazing!" Tifa said. "What did your family say??"
"They said they were proud of me, so I feel like they've expected it." Aeris took a sip from her juice while Tifa spoke.
"Of course they did! You were valedictorian in Shinra High. Besides, didn't MU personally request your family to have you study there?"
"I guess..." Aeris shrugged. "Oh!" She whispered with a wide smile worn. "Did Rufus call?"
"Aw, he would never call me." Tifa pouted and rested her head on her left hand, elbow on table. Ever since first grade, when she met Rufus, she had already this undying crush on him.
Aeris laughed beautifully. "Please excuse him, he's always like that. I DID leave your number in his desk, though."
"He probably threw it away." Tifa groaned. "But I can't blame him, can I? I mean, he's the vice president, after all." Tifa took another sip.
"...So!" Aeris rested her arms on the table. "Let's talk about you. How's JU?"
"Junon University? I was the all around party girl!"
"And you said you were silent??" Aeris gave a comedic mother look. "Now what did you do??"
"Well," Tifa leaned on her seat. "I and a group of people organized all the mixers, dance nights...y'know, party stuff." She shrugged.
"And you WERE still able to study??"
"Time management, that's what you need." Tifa winked. "So, it was enjoyable. But not as enjoyable as Shinra High! You weren't with me!" She stomped on the grass a few.
"What can we do? Daddy had already booked me in MU even before we had graduated high school."
"And before I know it, Culinary Arts is booked up! Papa said it's better that I take the course in ANOTHER university rather than spend my time with you without passion of whatever course I'll take."
"Though it sounds mean, Mr. Lockhart is right." Aeris agreed. "So, tell me more!" She listened as the talkative girl told her more of her life in the past months.
Contrary to the warm drive way, the lobby to the Shinra Hospital was cool. Aeris had come to visit one of the friends she made for being the presidential daughter. She was a nurse in the hospital, the head of them. Rufus had come along with her according to her request.
Families were around, it was a mixture of joy, sorrow, worry, and relief. Patients can also be seen in waiting but there were too many of them to provide proper seating to.
This was what Aeris observed. War is tough, she knew. Everything nowadays is scarce. After her visit, she decided it would be nice to run a program for the unfortunate.
By the counter, one could see a brown-haired woman talking to a man with short black hair in business suit with his body leaning over to the counter. This man was obviously her admirer. She smiled as the ruby eyed man talked to her, her blue eyes complimenting his. By the corner of her eye, she saw the two newcomers and shifted glances from them to the man. "Ummm..." Her hand slowly rose to point.
"Hm?" The man turned to wherever she is pointing and jumped to see the vice president. "Sir!" He saluted frantically.
Even Rufus himself was surprised. "V, Vincent!" He let it all out with his handsome laugh and gestured his bodyguard to be at ease. "This is your day off, Vincent. Your salutes can wait tomorrow."
"Ummm..." Vincent Valentine looked at his hand before he had convinced himself to lower his raised arm. He gave Rufus a sheepish smile. "Sorry, sir." He heard the angelic voice of a muffled laughter from the nurse by the corner.
Aeris was giggling, too. But seeing that it won't do anything, she decided to take notice of the nurse while attention was undivided. "Lucrecia, it's been so long!"
Lucrecia Gast held herself from laughing further and gave Aeris a smile. "How was your trip?" She leaned over to the white counter.
Before Aeris had spoken, Rufus heard ambulance sirens behind them. He turned around with a gasp. The door swung open and medics in plain green top and pants burst in, carrying a stretcher, stained with patches of blood, with a blond man on it. He was badly wounded and very dirty. Rufus could only distinguish two wounds, though, the one on the chest and the leg. The loud voices fighting against each other for attention covered Aeris' gasp and shriek.
As Vincent immediately set to work to clear the area towards the emergency room, Lucrecia had rushed out of the counter and followed her fellow medical workers at their race to the wide open doors. "Get Dr. Gast, now!" She instructed to a random nurse staring aghastly to what was happening. She took it for a fact that she had automatically obeyed her orders and rushed towards the counter.
Rufus was confused over what was happening. More stretchers came in with critically wounded men. They were all from the army. His hand was settled on something. It moved close to him and held his hand tightly. Then he knew it was Aeris.
Many stretchers were left on the hospital's lobby and hallways as the emergency room could no longer house any of them. Their hurting bodies, long moans and desperate weeping all came to Aeris at once. She felt pity on all of them. She pitied their fates and their families. Slowly she felt herself moving away from her brother and passing by them. She ignored Rufus' call. She wanted to help. She's a Shinra! These men worked for her! Yet she could only watch and pray for them.
"Aeris!" Rufus called, once more. But the woman was focused on heading for the E.R. He knew how sensitive Aeris was to life. It was him who taught her how to cherish it and save it to the best that she could. He could only stand and watch her. Deep inside, he was ignoring all the desperate cries for his help from the soldiers. It made his heart beat loudly and quickly. How was he to help them when he was taught to leave such things to the medical workers? It was at these times that he felt anger towards himself...his wealth and status in life.
He could not sympathize with them.
Vincent stayed outside the E.R. to guard it from anyone's unnecessary entrance, himself praying silently for the soldiers around him. He smelled flowers and turned to see Aeris arriving with stunned eyes. "Ms. Aeris, this area is off limits."
"I thought the war was over, Vincent." Aeris peeked into the E.R. from behind thick glasses. Everything in it was a blur. She turned to Vincent. "What happened?"
Vincent shook his head. "I don't know, Ma'am. I'm sorry."
Aeris fell silent. She turned to the blurry images behind the hard plastic, once more. She saw Lucrecia on top of the victim pushing his chest with her hands and listened to his mouth. She shouted something to the medics--or at least that was what Aeris thought she saw. Then she got off. An old doctor entered the room, walking briskly from one of the doors inside the E.R.
But despite all the commotion that was happening, Aeris was looking at one of the patients. He had an unruly blond hair, and his blue eyes were looking at her.
Blue? Green?
"I'm tired." Aeris stumbled backwards and held her head. "Vincent, take me to Rufus."
"Yes, Ma'am." Vincent called for a male nurse to stay guard on the door while she took Aeris to her brother.
"His breathing and pulse are faint!"
"Prepare the patient for ICU!"
"Hand me the syringe!"
Those were only the dialogues he could collect from the blurry images that moved quickly around. His blue eyes tried to focus on one image but then it will hide itself behind another. He felt someone leap on him. He felt his chest being pushed. He felt the image come close to his mouth and shout something he could not decipher any longer. Every minute that passed, his grip on reality was slipping away. He tried to hold on to it in hopes of finding the answers to his questions. What's going on? What had just happened? Will I survive? Where am I? Next thing he knew, his weak blue eyes settled on something a distance away from him. He saw emerald orbs looking at him. Everything went dimmer and more silent. Then nothing was heard, felt nor seen.
- End of Part 1 -
Author's Note: I'm back after sleeping for two years. ;; Anyway, the whole fic is REVISED. I needed to do it to finish this thing. I'll do it pretty slowly, though. College is taxing, so please be patient. ;; I also removed all reviews since I look like such a cheater if I keep them still. ;; Muchos gracias to Onna and Paranoia-shoujo for beta-reading my fic. :)
Sweet Sacrifices - 1 By: Liv
The glossy white limousine reflected the light of the sun as it passed through the black gates of the Shinra Mansion. Greenery adorned the huge space as a curving path of cement was driven over by the vehicle. It ended its long trip in front of many people, most of which are soldiers, maidservants, and other helpers.
The chauffeur pushed the door open and stepped out of the car closing it behind him. He approached the door behind his and opened it making way for the president's child to exit her ride.
Her brown boots, pointy-heeled and carpeted in material, moved from the car mat to the gray ground where the car had stopped. She lifted her hand and received the assistance of the chauffeur. She bent her body as she made her way out of the vehicle, her left foot being the last one to step on the ground. Her sparkling emerald eyes matched her beautiful smile at the people who welcomed her. Of course, the soldiers wouldn't go waving around and saying 'Ms. Shinra! Welcome back!' like the others would. Her movements were so modest; no wrinkles could be seen on her pink dress and red knitted jacket.
The general of the army, dressed with the most morbid color of black made his way to the arriver. "Ms. Aeris," He gave a hand salute.
Aeris Shinra looked up to the tall silver haired man and saluted back. She saw his hand move from his forehead to an offer of assistance. Her left hand, as if in tradition, settled over his palm. "Thank you, General Sephiroth."
Sephiroth Hojo nodded, as if to signal her that it was time to enter the mansion. Like the whole thing was planned and rehearsed. "How have you been, Cousin?"
Aeris giggled. "I knew you'd break out of your stature soon." She teased. Together with Sephiroth they made their way towards the mansion. The crowd broke as if to reveal a pathway.
The mansion hadn't changed much. It was as she had remembered it before she left almost a year ago. Aeris heard the booming voice of her father. From the stairway, the red suited man appeared. Of course, with his tobacco. "Father!" She removed her hand from Sephiroth's and jogged towards him.
"Aeris, my dear!" Alex Shinra gave out a laugh and accepted his youngest daughter--in fact, child, in his arms. "It has been so long! Welcome back, Aeris." His embrace was warm, for Aeris was special. She was a close replica of her mother who died right after her last birth.
"I'm so glad to be home, Daddy!" Aeris snuggled onto his soft top. She broke the gesture still with a wide smile on, her brown braided hair swaying in jiggly motion. "Where's Rufus?"
"Oh, he's just on his way to Junon." Alex smiled at her.
Aeris pouted. "I don't believe you. He promised me he'd keep himself free to accompany me today."
Alex laughed with a loud voice. Without a need of introduction, footsteps were heard from the stairs. "Excuse me, I'll tell the maid to ready our lunch." He left automatically after Aeris nodded.
"Aeris!" The double-breasted and white suited man called out the name of his young and only sister. Though he looked snotty with his handsome red hair and blue eyes, many girls have fallen for him. Outside, he was 'business-as-usual', inside, he was the family man.
"Rufus!!" Aeris squealed and rushed over to her brother who was on the stairway. Great joy was very visible.
Rufus Shinra gave a laugh and caught Aeris who had thrown herself over to him in his arms. "Aeris! I missed you so much!!"
"Me, too!" Aeris squeezed him tightly. She felt Rufus' arms around her soften and she let go.
"How was Midgar University?" Rufus asked, holding her education in high priority. She had completed her freshman year and will be a college sophomore in 3 months.
"It was okay." Aeris answered typically. "It was no fun without Tifa."
"Have you met any boys?" Rufus leaned close to his sister's face. He knew it was a tease to her.
Aeris playfully hit on her brother. She was a growing woman and just like her brother, she was admired (and often envied) by many. "Of course not! There are too many books to read." She pretended to pout.
"That's my sister." Rufus patted her head. He turned his head and saw Sephiroth watching the little family reunion. "Please join us for lunch."
Sephiroth nodded. "Thank you, sir."
"In the house, it's more proper to call me 'Rufus'. It's like we had not graduated together!" Rufus stretched out his left arm gesturing the invitation for the approaching Sephiroth. His other arm was on Aeris' shoulder.
"Which reminds me," Aeris looked at Rufus. "How's the vice presidency?"
"Oh," Rufus said almost blandly. "I can almost count the number of days I go home in my fingers! Luckily, Heidegger decided to let me off this day." Heidegger was his guide as he was young and inexperienced. In two years time, or whenever his father thinks Rufus is ready, he will not need him anymore.
"Ohh, that's too bad...tell me more!" Aeris pinched her brother as they entered the dining hall where they talked more.
The warm afternoon sun brightened the fine grasses and porcelains on the marble table in the garden. Aeris listened to the white-gray clay fountain and the sprinkler's water as she was seated on one of the marble chairs around the table. A tent stood to cover her from the heat. She was waiting for her childhood friend to arrive. Rufus had told Aeris about how constantly Tifa Lockhart calls him for news about her. She had also heard about how excited she is to meet Aeris.
A dark green hummer-type vehicle slowed down in front of the black Shinra gates. The woman seated beside the driver, her father, leaned over to see Aeris and waved happily. She was the most unusual friend for a presidential daughter to have. With the skimpy outfit of a white sleeveless top that does not cover her abdomen and the brown skirt that hadn't even reached half of her thigh, she looked more like a hostess in a bar. But she was a fighter; the equipments around her arms are testament to that. And also a friend with a very pleasant and enjoyable attitude at that.
Aeris waved back with a bright smile. She watched Tifa lean back to the jeep and kiss her father's cheek before she got off the vehicle. Her heavy red shoes hit on the ground hard as she jogged over to the gates. Aeris stood up watching Tifa wait for the guard to open the gates. She heard Tifa squeal as she rushed over to the grass and hug her old friend tightly. Aeris hugged back. "Tifa! I missed you so much!!"
"You don't know how silent I've been in Junon University!!" Tifa spoke as if it was the most unbelievable occurrence one could have. She had not loosened her arms around Aeris for quite a long time. Soon, they were seated in front of each other while a maidservant serves them juice. "How's Midgar University??"
"Headache! I hardly slept!" It was as if Aeris boasted of how hard she worked while the glasses of juice were settled.
"That's funny; I hadn't experienced THAT much pain." Tifa took a sip of her orange drink. "Did you get any awards for excellency?"
"Well, I ranked first in our class." Aeris showed a proud smile while pretending to be innocent.
"Wow, that's amazing!" Tifa was in awe. But she was NEVER jealous of the intelligence of her friend. "Anything else?? Did you make it to the Dean's List??"
"Believe it or not, I did!" Aeris announced happily. Both girls had squealed in joy.
"That's just SO amazing!" Tifa said. "What did your family say??"
"They said they were proud of me, so I feel like they've expected it." Aeris took a sip from her juice while Tifa spoke.
"Of course they did! You were valedictorian in Shinra High. Besides, didn't MU personally request your family to have you study there?"
"I guess..." Aeris shrugged. "Oh!" She whispered with a wide smile worn. "Did Rufus call?"
"Aw, he would never call me." Tifa pouted and rested her head on her left hand, elbow on table. Ever since first grade, when she met Rufus, she had already this undying crush on him.
Aeris laughed beautifully. "Please excuse him, he's always like that. I DID leave your number in his desk, though."
"He probably threw it away." Tifa groaned. "But I can't blame him, can I? I mean, he's the vice president, after all." Tifa took another sip.
"...So!" Aeris rested her arms on the table. "Let's talk about you. How's JU?"
"Junon University? I was the all around party girl!"
"And you said you were silent??" Aeris gave a comedic mother look. "Now what did you do??"
"Well," Tifa leaned on her seat. "I and a group of people organized all the mixers, dance nights...y'know, party stuff." She shrugged.
"And you WERE still able to study??"
"Time management, that's what you need." Tifa winked. "So, it was enjoyable. But not as enjoyable as Shinra High! You weren't with me!" She stomped on the grass a few.
"What can we do? Daddy had already booked me in MU even before we had graduated high school."
"And before I know it, Culinary Arts is booked up! Papa said it's better that I take the course in ANOTHER university rather than spend my time with you without passion of whatever course I'll take."
"Though it sounds mean, Mr. Lockhart is right." Aeris agreed. "So, tell me more!" She listened as the talkative girl told her more of her life in the past months.
Contrary to the warm drive way, the lobby to the Shinra Hospital was cool. Aeris had come to visit one of the friends she made for being the presidential daughter. She was a nurse in the hospital, the head of them. Rufus had come along with her according to her request.
Families were around, it was a mixture of joy, sorrow, worry, and relief. Patients can also be seen in waiting but there were too many of them to provide proper seating to.
This was what Aeris observed. War is tough, she knew. Everything nowadays is scarce. After her visit, she decided it would be nice to run a program for the unfortunate.
By the counter, one could see a brown-haired woman talking to a man with short black hair in business suit with his body leaning over to the counter. This man was obviously her admirer. She smiled as the ruby eyed man talked to her, her blue eyes complimenting his. By the corner of her eye, she saw the two newcomers and shifted glances from them to the man. "Ummm..." Her hand slowly rose to point.
"Hm?" The man turned to wherever she is pointing and jumped to see the vice president. "Sir!" He saluted frantically.
Even Rufus himself was surprised. "V, Vincent!" He let it all out with his handsome laugh and gestured his bodyguard to be at ease. "This is your day off, Vincent. Your salutes can wait tomorrow."
"Ummm..." Vincent Valentine looked at his hand before he had convinced himself to lower his raised arm. He gave Rufus a sheepish smile. "Sorry, sir." He heard the angelic voice of a muffled laughter from the nurse by the corner.
Aeris was giggling, too. But seeing that it won't do anything, she decided to take notice of the nurse while attention was undivided. "Lucrecia, it's been so long!"
Lucrecia Gast held herself from laughing further and gave Aeris a smile. "How was your trip?" She leaned over to the white counter.
Before Aeris had spoken, Rufus heard ambulance sirens behind them. He turned around with a gasp. The door swung open and medics in plain green top and pants burst in, carrying a stretcher, stained with patches of blood, with a blond man on it. He was badly wounded and very dirty. Rufus could only distinguish two wounds, though, the one on the chest and the leg. The loud voices fighting against each other for attention covered Aeris' gasp and shriek.
As Vincent immediately set to work to clear the area towards the emergency room, Lucrecia had rushed out of the counter and followed her fellow medical workers at their race to the wide open doors. "Get Dr. Gast, now!" She instructed to a random nurse staring aghastly to what was happening. She took it for a fact that she had automatically obeyed her orders and rushed towards the counter.
Rufus was confused over what was happening. More stretchers came in with critically wounded men. They were all from the army. His hand was settled on something. It moved close to him and held his hand tightly. Then he knew it was Aeris.
Many stretchers were left on the hospital's lobby and hallways as the emergency room could no longer house any of them. Their hurting bodies, long moans and desperate weeping all came to Aeris at once. She felt pity on all of them. She pitied their fates and their families. Slowly she felt herself moving away from her brother and passing by them. She ignored Rufus' call. She wanted to help. She's a Shinra! These men worked for her! Yet she could only watch and pray for them.
"Aeris!" Rufus called, once more. But the woman was focused on heading for the E.R. He knew how sensitive Aeris was to life. It was him who taught her how to cherish it and save it to the best that she could. He could only stand and watch her. Deep inside, he was ignoring all the desperate cries for his help from the soldiers. It made his heart beat loudly and quickly. How was he to help them when he was taught to leave such things to the medical workers? It was at these times that he felt anger towards himself...his wealth and status in life.
He could not sympathize with them.
Vincent stayed outside the E.R. to guard it from anyone's unnecessary entrance, himself praying silently for the soldiers around him. He smelled flowers and turned to see Aeris arriving with stunned eyes. "Ms. Aeris, this area is off limits."
"I thought the war was over, Vincent." Aeris peeked into the E.R. from behind thick glasses. Everything in it was a blur. She turned to Vincent. "What happened?"
Vincent shook his head. "I don't know, Ma'am. I'm sorry."
Aeris fell silent. She turned to the blurry images behind the hard plastic, once more. She saw Lucrecia on top of the victim pushing his chest with her hands and listened to his mouth. She shouted something to the medics--or at least that was what Aeris thought she saw. Then she got off. An old doctor entered the room, walking briskly from one of the doors inside the E.R.
But despite all the commotion that was happening, Aeris was looking at one of the patients. He had an unruly blond hair, and his blue eyes were looking at her.
Blue? Green?
"I'm tired." Aeris stumbled backwards and held her head. "Vincent, take me to Rufus."
"Yes, Ma'am." Vincent called for a male nurse to stay guard on the door while she took Aeris to her brother.
"His breathing and pulse are faint!"
"Prepare the patient for ICU!"
"Hand me the syringe!"
Those were only the dialogues he could collect from the blurry images that moved quickly around. His blue eyes tried to focus on one image but then it will hide itself behind another. He felt someone leap on him. He felt his chest being pushed. He felt the image come close to his mouth and shout something he could not decipher any longer. Every minute that passed, his grip on reality was slipping away. He tried to hold on to it in hopes of finding the answers to his questions. What's going on? What had just happened? Will I survive? Where am I? Next thing he knew, his weak blue eyes settled on something a distance away from him. He saw emerald orbs looking at him. Everything went dimmer and more silent. Then nothing was heard, felt nor seen.
- End of Part 1 -