Disclaimers: Final Fantasy VII © under Square-Enix, as well all other Final Fantasy references. Everything else under their respective owners.
Seasonal Quartet - Autumn Symphony
Jason M. Lee
/"...Kita no... sora o... mezashite ikeba..."/
"Zax!"
She looked about the stable, absentmindedly stroking a gold chocobo's head.
"Aeris!"
Another swept, noting the bales of straw, greens, and tools. Quiet giggles suddenly became shushed.
One black chocobo gave a "wark", nudging its head for some attention.
"You two better come out or I'll let the other kids have the rest of the mochi Yuffie sent us."
Two squeals of delight came tumbling out of the straw, startling some of the younger birds in the stables. A doublet pair of shining sky blue peeked out from the pale yellow strands, mischief twinkling in their eyes.
"What were you two doing?" Mock anger, although a smile on her face.
"Hiding," the younger sibling chirped, her sun hair matching her father's.
"Yeah! From the big dragon!" Black locks bobbed in agreement.
Tifa blinked, pausing on plucking straw from both her children.
"Dragon?"
"Uh-huh! It was big, and yellow, and had four wings, and horns--"
"Slow down, Zax and take a breath. Where did you two see this dragon?"
Aeris pointed in the direction toward Sector 7 and the newly completed Neo-ShinRa Tower. "Then it flew past that and went bye-bye!"
Giving a sigh, Tifa shook her head.
"Go inside and clean up. We're going on a trip."
"WAAII!"
With that, the two ran inside the tavern, chatting away with the other orphans who had also seen the large creature.
Smiling to herself, she went to the largest gold in the stables and tickled behind its ear, earning a pleased warble.
'Not yet laid to rest, are you... Cloud?'
x x x x x x x
"Road trip with the squirts, Miz Teef?"
Checking her Materia, she gave a nod.
"It'll probably be for a few days, maybe a week. Keep an eye on the kids, will you."
Zidane grinned widely. "No problem, ma'am. I'll make sure that the monsters are in excellent condition by the time you and Chocobo-Boy gets back."
A snort of laughter as Tifa zipped up her pack. "Try not to call him that for awhile after we return; he might be a bit moody and you better watch your step."
"Easily done." Gangly legs danced out of the way as several children tumbled down the hallway, sky blue looking on in wistfulness. "Wish I could be as carefree as they are."
"Don't we all?"
Childhood for Zidane Tribal wasn't completely unkind, even though he grew up as a larcenist in the Slums of Midgar's Sector 3. Reno had remembered meeting the young man from earlier years of patrolling the streets a little after his inductment into the Turks. Rather turning in the pickpocket, the two worked out something where the blonde was Reno's eyes and ears down below.
Tifa caught the then teenager trying to break into Gospel Heaven's safe, resulting a good scuffle, mangling some furniture in the process. That quickly ended with the ex-SOLDIER pointing a very large and sharp blade at the cat burglar. After a great deal of nagging for some time, Zidane discovered that a paying job with a roof over his head was preferable. When Cloud began taking in orphans after Meteo's assault, the younger blonde found himself as the kids' permanent babysitter. Not that he minded, as the ex-thief was a natural around children.
"Mama?"
Looking down, Tifa saw both of her -- their -- children already dressed for the road.
Shouldering her pack, she held out both hands. "Let's go, kids. We'll be riding Boro."
"YAY!"
After saddling the twins properly and getting on herself, she looked back at Zidane, who returned a mock salute. Several of the gathered children waved from the doorsteps, yelling out well wishes.
With a nudge to the bird's side, the three departed for the cold mountains of Nibelheim.
x x x x x x x
The whole trip took only five days with the help of a ship ride from Junon, in which Tifa was grateful for since the two kids were curious about almost EVERYTHING they saw. If it wasn't a nest of wild chocobos, then it was being nearly attacked by various monsters that saw small children as meals. On the other hand, the twins had never went further than Kalm and would therefore be naturally inquisitive of what they've never seen previously. She had never been more exhausted than ever, having to keep an eye on both kids and defeat whatever creatures that popped out of the woodwork.
"Ne, Mama, where are we?"
Tifa tried to smooth out Zax's hair but it was just as spiky as his father's in the exact fashion.
"This is where your Papa and Mama were born and grew up."
Teeth chattered, eyes of brilliant sapphire looking around, trying to take in everything.
"It's cold!"
A wink, tugging a coat onto Aeris.
"That's why I told you to wear a jacket, sweetie. We're up in the mountains and it's a bit cooler up here once autumn rolls around. You two stay close to me, you hear?"
"Yes, Mama," chorused two voices.
A quick check at the Mansion found a not-so surprised Vincent answering the door.
"Tifa." He nodded in greeting.
She sheepishly grinned. "Hope you don't mind us crashing here for awhile."
"Crashing? Are we gonna break something, Uncle Vinny?" Zax piped up.
"No," the ex-Turk answered, going down to the twins' level. Crimson eyes studied the two, a small smile on his lips. "'Crashing' in this case means you'll be staying here instead of the inn."
Aeris shyly peeked out from Tifa's legs, noticing the now toned down gold claw. "Hi, Uncle Vinny."
Seeing her lingering reaction, Vincent gently placed a human hand onto the tiny blonde's hair. That earned him a confused blink and then a childish smile that nearly lit up the place.
"Come in. The children's first time outside of the Eastern Continent?"
"Yes."
Tifa looked around, listening to the twins' jubilant cheers on exploring the large rooms.
The Mansion was so much brighter, as if none of the experiments from the Jenova Project had ever existed. The old wood floors were replaced with half tatami and half brand new sanded flooring, depending on the accommodations. The peeling paint stripped and fresh beige stained the walls, scroll paintings hanging alongside with restored picture frames. The piano looked repaired and a quick scale run revealed it was also properly tuned. Flourishing plants dotted where the wilted ones once sat, a mix of native Nibelheim and some species known to survive the cold from Wutai. The windows that were once covered in near indestructible grime, was replaced with new frames and plates of glass, filtering in the dim sunlight. All of the monsters that had used to occupy the Mansion were exterminated, save those down below in the old labs.
Despite the cheery decor, it still didn't help with some of the memories. A fist clenched, then loosened.
As if knowing what she was thinking, Vincent gestured toward the kitchen. A steaming pot sat on the table, several Wutaian cups surrounding it. Even the kitchen was remodeled with Wutaiese and Midgarian cooking accoutrements laid out in an orderly fashion.
"I assume this isn't just to show the twins your hometown."
"If I can still call this place my 'hometown' anymore," she sighed, graciously accepting the tea. "I came because I figured Cloud's here."
A sable eyebrow rose, setting down a tray in which four tiny hands promptly snatched several of the treats before running off again. A low chuckle from the older man as he sat down himself.
"Ah, yes. Several of the residents here reported a sighting of a dragon flying over three days back."
She looked up from the steaming liquid.
"Where is he now?"
Orbs of blood looked at garnet-brown. Blinking, Tifa realized how old those eyes appeared, even with Vincent's youthful look. The red mantle was hung but he still wore dark clothing: a simple button down navy shirt and black trousers. Sable tabi in indigo slippers replaced the gold tipped boots, and his hair was tied back into a low ponytail.
Sighing, he looked out the window, watching several birds flocking to roost in the dimming sky.
"Where the resting place of those gone resides, search him there."
x x x x x x x
"Hey, Mom. It's been a long time since I visited."
A gentle breeze, yellow, red, and orange floating.
"I know, I should've came to see you when I came back but... I couldn't."
Chriping in the distance, chittering from the nearby trees.
"Reiko-san told me that you're fine, wherever you are. Yet, I still can't help it."
Gusty sighing.
"Back then, I didn't feel like I could save anyone. Not my friends."
In the distance, a Nibel Wolf howled loudly, the call returned by other members of its pack.
"Not my family. No one."
He knelt down, placing a small bouquet of purple hyacinth into the grave's cold metal vase. Calloused fingertips lovingly touched the blank headstone before lifting away.
"I'm don't know whether or not Thau has visited you but if he hasn't, I'll make sure he does. Maybe I'll bring Reno and his family some other time. You'd love to meet everybody else, 'specially our twins."
Another shift in the airs ruffled his hair, almost caressing.
"Most of all... I'm sorry, Mom."
Sound of crunching leaves.
A warm hand slipped into his, coal locks resting against his shoulder.
"Should've told me."
"Didn't want to worry you."
"Since when DON'T I worry about you?"
Cloud chuckled, catching a stray crimson leaf and tucking it into her hair.
"The kids?"
"Vincent's watching them."
"Hm."
Peaceful silence, only the wind gently blowing.
"Papa!"
Turning around, the ex-SOLDIER was attacked by duo bundles of energy children were known for. Both immediately started jabbering away at high speeds only rivaled by Yuffie's own kids.
Crossing through the stones, Vincent gazed on with a look of wonder and that was meditative. Nodding to the younger man, several white chrysanthemum rested alongside the hyacinths.
Looking at his offspring, Cloud knelt down once again and set both Zaz and Aeris in front of the grave. Noticing their father's solemn mood, the two quieted down, curiosity in their eyes.
"Mom, I'd like you to meet Zax and Aeris," the blonde spoke soberly.
"Papa, who were you talking to?" Zax asked innocently.
A small smile. "Your grandmother. Someone I can't quite compare to anyone else on the Planet, except a few."
"Why is she here?" This one from Aeris.
Tifa scraped away some of the moss that had grown on the stone. "She's taking a very long sleep."
"Was Grandma pretty?"
Cloud's heart ached when he picked up his daughter, brushing aside gold strands. "Yes, she was very pretty. In fact, you look a lot like your grandmother."
/...river eyes twinkling amidst bright honey locks.../
A sneeze shaking black spikes had them leaving from the grave, parental concern taking over. Vincent was the last to leave, still looking at the grave while his large coat flapped about.
Finally, a low bow.
x x x x x x x
"How long will we be staying, Papa?" Zax asked, perched on a couch's arm next to Vincent, who was reading a book.
Cloud looked up repairing his sword holster. "Maybe a week. Why do you ask?"
Before the boy could answer, the younger twin came running in with Tifa's glove in her hand.
"Ne, Papa, what's this pretty stone? It's so sparkly."
A small smile. "That's Materia, used to create magic."
Both children looked at each other.
"Magic?"
"What kind of magic?"
"Different kinds of magic can be used (I think that one is Fire)," Tifa replied, coming downstairs with a towel on her shoulders fresh from the shower. A quick check confirmed it was a Fire, thankfully a newborn.
Aeris squealed, her brother snatching the glove without notice. "Do magic, Mama, do magic!"
A chuckle, sword-calloused fingers reaching out. "Careful with it there (I'll take that back)."
Zax plopped the weapon onto his head, dancing out of his father's reach. "Fuaia-a!"
A flash of orange, yellow, and red.
Three sets of eyes from the adults blinked simultaneously.
"Ah, Papa's burning," the spiky-haired boy quipped.
One cricket chirped from underneath the grandfather clock.
Several minutes later...
Vincent was barely doing a good job of hiding his amusement, yet for those who knew him would definetly notice the rare gleam in his eyes. The ex-Turk was still shaking his shoulders in quiet laughter, one hand covering his mouth while the other around his stomach.
"These kids even have the ability to use Materia?!" Tifa gaped, disbelief on her face.
Cloud looked cross-eyed at the wet, melted portion of his bangs.
He then glanced at his son and daughter, both whom stared back with innocent eyes.
A look that was a cross between parental sternness and bewilderment.
"NO. MATERIA."
He paused.
"AT. ALL. Not until you two are older."
Two disappointed pouts. "AWWW! WE WANNA PLAY MORE!"
The cold wind whistled through the bare trees outside, as if laughing warmly.
x x x x x x x
At the children's insistence, the group agreed for a walk through the surrounding forest and mountain trail to show the youngsters some of the sights. Passing by the graves once again, all three adults noticed that a small corsage of rosemary that wasn't there before laid nestled with lavender and white.
"Remembrance," the gunman later replied softly to the unasked questions.
Cloud nodded absentmindedly, watching the bright leaves fall like snow. Beside him, Tifa dozed on his shoulder, their children napping on them.
"Vincent..."
A page turned from around the tree.
"...yes?"
"Do you think... a person can be forgiven?"
Sounds of autumn flowing around them.
"I don't believe I really had the pleasure of that experience. It appears that I have received some form of condonment, although I have yet to figure out what it is." Awe, thoughtfullness, and various emotions laced the older man's voice.
Rough digits capable of wielding a sword the size of his body and easily break a man's neck now gently stroked spiky hair colored ebony as if it was glass. A sense of peace settled onto the ex-mercenary's face, glowing navy variegated with gold gazing at the tiny being he literally held in his hands. Low words were murmured from Tifa as she cuddled her body closer for warmth from the chill.
"I think..."
Crimson looked around the tree toward bright yellow swaying in the breeze. A relieved look graced Cloud's features, causing Vincent to blink.
"I think that we're all forgiven."
"Completely?"
"Maybe, maybe not."
"But..."
A faint laugh. "It's better than being gloomy all the time like you were."
At those words, Vincent had to chuckle at that.
"Aa."
Closing his eyes, Cloud titled his head up and just enjoyed the tranquil feeling.
A/N: End of "Seasonal Quartet." I had fun doing these four pieces, especially the chapters regarding the kids. Much appreciation from everyone, especially from an accomplished writer such as Sabriel41, whom I consider one of my many seniors here at FF (dot) net.
Zax and Aeris is © Square under the US release (Japanese names Zack and Aerith), though there are some discrepancies in regards to Zack/Zax. The twins themselves are partially the product of my sanity running amok. They're based off of a FFVII doujinshi where I pulled on the, urk, cuteness factor; "Baby Yeah!" by Mio Namiki, ring Classica. Zax is Earl (Earu in katakana) with his father's spiky hair while Aeris was Nana, who loves Mom and gives Dad a hard time. Especially the Fire Materia scene; Tifa questions on the kids' MP and capability of using Materia. -chuckles-
Cloud's lines of "not able to save anyone" quoted directly from FFVII: AC. I've watched the trailers way too many times and was almost able to memorize the entire fourth trailer by heart.
Lyrics of "Pure Heart" © Rikki from Final Fantasy X single "Suteki da Ne", as well Square. I suggest listening to it for a good reason.