". . . make no mistake, we are gravely aware that the World Regenesis Organization is a temporary solution to a long-term problem. Our goal is not to establish rule, but to establish peace, so we may see a world in which the people ultimately decide who speaks for them and their interests . . ."
Reeve looks out into the crowd of people who listen very carefully to Charlotte's voice, which booms out across the street. Though he stands behind her and can't see her face, he can picture her expression to be one of absolute professionalism, no matter what she's feeling.
". . . at this time, we continue to take into consideration the wants and needs of the people, and we will be prepared to willfully relinquish the burdens as an interim government when the time and people call for it . . ."
The first few days had been a disaster, truthfully. Word had spread quickly that Charlotte Shinra was showing her face again in Junon, and word spread even quicker when it was found out that Charlotte Shinra was partnering with the WRO. People had swarmed the outside of Headquarters for nearly a week, demanding to see evidence of Charlotte's arrival and demanding restitution and answers about what had happened to Midgar, Rufus, and the Shinra company in general.
". . . the Commissioner and I condemn the actions of the late President Shinra and his son, Rufus Shinra. I have since cut all ties with the Shinra company and maintain that my highest priority is rebuilding the world after the tragedy that was Meteorfall . . ."
It had been Charlotte's idea to give a speech, to lay rest to any rumors that may be building steam. Reeve had needed some convincing, afraid that it would only encourage assasination attempts or a full-blown riot in the streets, but she was confident in her ability to appease the public, and was confident that she could say the right things without twisting the truth too terribly.
Neither of them had wanted to lie, but the truth about Rufus needed to be concealed, and they agreed on that much. It had made them think, made them wonder if this little white lie was the start of something bigger, but they came to the conclusion that they were doing what was best for the people, not lying for their own personal gain.
". . . furthermore, in contrast to the measures taken by the former Shinra company, the World Regenesis Organization will continue to operate with the utmost transparency, and will make our ledgers publicly available so the people can see what it is that we are spending our budget on, in the hopes of promoting a sense of trust . . ."
Reeve can't believe he had doubted her for a second. He had been amazed at the way she had transformed herself within a few hours, stepping onto the stage a grown woman with high hopes of winning the public's favor once again.
She had decided to not wear something so expensive, and decided not to paint her face with the amount of makeup she might have worn once many years ago. There is a vulnerability to her that she wanted to play off of, to show the people that not only has her appearance changed, but that she has changed.
". . . the World Regenesis Organization is not, and will never become, a military organization. We are, and will continue to be, a peacekeeping organization, and we promise to hold ourselves to the highest standard that has been set by the peoples' expectations of us, and there should be no fear of us initiating martial law . . ."
While speaking on behalf of the Shinra company, there had always been a team of speech writers. Charlotte had been given some writing and was paid to stand in front of a camera and read it prettily, putting emotion behind the words and making them her own.
But this speech comes directly from her heart. It had taken her days to reach a final draft, and Reeve has to admit that it's better than anything he could have written.
". . . should the day come that the people call for my immediate resignation from the World Regenesis Organization, I will have no choice but to adhere to their wishes and step down from my position, even if my crime is nothing more than being born a Shinra . . ."
Reeve tries to read the crowd at this point, but it's hard to get a grasp on what they're thinking.
". . . but my heart is, and always has been, with the people. It was with the people when I made the decision to pass company secrets to AVALANCHE. It was with the people when I helped evacuate the Sector Seven slums before the plate dropped. It was with the people when I fought against my family's company and when I evacuated Midgar before Meteorfall. And it is with the people now, as I help rebuild the world my father had sought to rule and ultimately destroyed, and I have decided to dedicate my life to the people . . ."
He holds his hands in front of him, trying to find any familiar faces within the crowd. He sees Veld and Felicia, standing against the wall of a building, where people hang out of windows on every story, huddled together and listening closely, watching Charlie upon her makeshift stage.
". . . it is time that you are given the truth, in the hopes of clearing my name for crimes I did not commit, and to offer you the transparency I have promised . . ."
Reeve holds his breath. He hadn't argued against this, but hopes the people are willing to believe her.
". . . AVALANCHE had no involvement in the destruction of Sector Seven and the slums beneath it. The culprit was the Shinra company and my father, who used the tragedy to turn the world against AVALANCHE, the very people determined to save the people who were suffering under my father's reign. It was my father who orchestrated the murder of all those people, and forced me to read my false confession while he held my fiance at gunpoint behind the camera . . ."
There are audible gasps that ripple throughout the crowd. Some people cover their mouths with their hands, people who likely are refugees that fled Midgar and hold this event in their hearts.
". . . though I was able to ensure the safety of some, I regret not being able to save more people. I regret feeding the citizens of Midgar such horrible lies. I deeply regret my part in such an awful tragedy."
There's some murmuring, but it doesn't deter Charlotte from continuing, and the crowd becomes silent as she speaks again.
". . . I will not beg for your forgiveness or for you to believe me. You may make of my confession what you will, but I, Charlotte Shinra, promise you all this . . ."
Reeve looks at the back of Charlotte's head, wondering if she will be smiling when she turns around to face him when she finishes, just like she always used to do.
". . . you may all have faith and put your trust in me, and the evil things my father did before me will never happen again. I will forever bear the weight of my father's crimes, and will dedicate my life to atoning for them."
There is a moment's silence after she finishes that Reeve thinks the crowd is not convinced. And just as he's about to sigh, the clapping begins, one-by-one, growing louder all the while as people cheer and wolf-whistle, waving flags in the air with the WRO logo emblazoned on them, a sign of hope during such tumultuous times.
Charlie stands tall and proud, turning slightly to face Reeve. Her eyes are blazing with pride, her chest heaving as if she's just run several miles, one hand still touching the podium where the crumpled speech notes are weighed down with a golden paper weight that had been found in Rufus's old apartment, combating the wind that rushes from off the sea.
Reeve takes that as his sign, stepping up to the podium and clearing his throat. "As of this day, the World Regenesis Organization has voted unanimously to clear Charlotte Shinra of all charges made against her by the former Shinra company."
The crowd erupts again, but Charlotte doesn't look out to see the spectators. She keeps her eyes fixed on Reeve, smiling in a way that indicates she's holding back tears. After a few seconds of holding her gaze, her smile widens to reveal her perfectly white teeth and her eyes fill with tears.
He can't remember ever seeing her so happy.
In the days following the speech, Charlotte and Reeve take some time for themselves.
They spend most of their time in bed, making up for lost time, and in between sessions they work from the comfort of Rufus's old apartment, which they've taken over completely as their own, beginning to hang pictures and fill the closets with clothing to really make it home.
Reeve begins to draw again—nothing technical or professional, but little sketches when the scene calls for it, and within days, the apartment is littered with scraps of paper left on counters and nightstands and tables, all depicting the same image: Charlotte.
There's sketches of her with her clothes off and with her clothes on, sketches of her face with different expressions, sketches of her hands and eyes. He finds that she enables his creativity again, and he can't say he isn't pleased.
It's like he has to learn to draw her body all over again, it's changed so much since before she left for her little adventure.
Not only is she thinner, but there are scars all over her body that range in size, most of them relatively small, deep cuts cured by mediocre materia or a mediocre suturing job while riding in the backseat of the buggy or the Tiny Bronco. Reeve promises himself that he'll memorize the shape and location of each one, each scar telling a story, holding a memory.
Though Charlie talks little about her friends from AVALANCHE or the Turks and brother she had left behind, he doesn't fail to notice her constantly checking her phone, and once expresses the fear that Rufus will die without her knowing.
"Tseng would call," Reeve assures her, and she seems to believe him, promising that she won't leave without telling him, promising him that she's happy here in Junon, and the only time she plans on returning to Cliff Resort is in case of emergency.
To celebrate their newfound happiness, they even invite Veld and Felicia over for dinner one night, and Reeve is thrilled to see how well the two women get on, spending most of their time in the kitchen together, cooking dinner and shooing both he and Veld away when they come too close.
"I'm thinking of taking her to Costa del Sol before our little vacation is up," Reeve confesses to Veld that night while the women are preoccupied, not bothering to listen in on their conversation.
"Oh?" Veld cocks an eyebrow, an almost knowing look on his face.
Reeve shifts uncomfortably on the sofa, cheeks flushed slightly from wine. "Well . . . that place, it's special to us. It's where things between us became quite serious, and I thought . . ."
"Girl's been back for a little less than two weeks and you're already dead set on proposing again?"
Reeve flushes more furiously, hoping that Veld's comment wasn't heard all the way in the kitchen. "She still wears the engagement ring, just around her neck now. I was hoping to make it a little more official."
"A very public engagement between you two would possibly boost morale around her, though I daresay Charlie's little speech has already done much and more where morale is concerned, don't you think?" Veld asks casually, not half as drunk as Reeve is, able to hold his liquor far better than Reeve will ever know how to.
"Well, the mobs outside of Headquarters have subsided," Reeve replies quickly, grateful for something good to have come from Charlotte's speech. "I think everyone assumed that she had less involvement with the plate drop than her father wanted them to think, but hearing it spoken aloud likely convinced them far more than I ever could have."
"You should have had security up there with her," Veld remarks.
"Are you scolding me?"
"I'm telling you what I would have done if I had any say in the matter, but it doesn't matter at all anymore." Veld reaches over to clap and hand on Reeve's shoulder, giving him a small shake. "She likely felt very liberated after giving that speech and finally being acquitted."
"She's happy," Reeve tells him, lowering his voice and hoping Veld takes the hint. "Which is why I think the timing is right, no matter how long she's been here in Junon."
Veld hesitates. "And what happens when her brother dies?" he asks softly. "The boy's on borrowed time. He's getting sicker by the day."
"A bridge we'll cross when it comes." Reeve feels sorry saying it. "If it comes. There's still time for a cure to be developed."
"Rufus doesn't have that kind of time. The doctor they've got leading the operation is addicted to his own medication, and they simply don't have the resources to work any quicker." Veld frowns. Though he knows as well as Reeve does that Rufus is not a good-hearted person, Veld had spent many years around him, caring for him in President Shinra's stead. "It's unfortunate, but it's the sad truth."
"So what are you saying?" Reeve asks, scoffing and sinking back into the sofa, not feeling as confident as he had been a few minutes ago. "That we should wait to be married until her brother dies?"
"I'm not trying to discourage you, all right? I'm only trying to rip the rose-tinted glasses off your face for a minute." Veld sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Rufus is the only blood relative Charlotte has left. We don't know how she's going to react."
"She knew he was dying when she left Cliff Resort. She could have stayed. She's happier here, away from all the sickness and death." Reeve glances towards the kitchen, where Charlie and Felicia still seem to be busying themselves over the stove. "I'm not asking for your advice, Veld. I'm asking for your blessing."
"My blessing? You've got it already, haven't you? You think I don't want to see that girl married off and birthing a few babies?"
Reeve blushes, looking away from Veld.
"That's all I want in this world is to see Charlotte live a normal life. That's all I've ever wanted. The girl's been through enough, and as much as I love Felicia, I am not optimistic about her chances at something similar."
They both sip at their drinks. Veld has chosen something much stronger than wine.
"You want to know something?"
"I don't know. Do I?"
"After you left Midgar, we were staying at some shitty little shack, hidden in plain sight. I woke up one night and she was gone. Freyra didn't need to track her to know where she'd gone."
Reeve narrows his eyes, listening hard.
"We found her at the ruins of her old apartment building, standing on the debris in the pouring rain with a gun to her head, crying about how no one would want her, that the world didn't want her." The memory makes Veld misty-eyed. "She was prepared to die to make things right, to carry her family's burdens and crimes to the grave."
"I . . ." The idea of Charlotte doing such a thing makes his stomach turn. She's been nothing but smiles since returning to Junon. He can't imagine her doing such a thing now. "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't she call?"
Veld's expression twists into one of confusion. "She did. She called you from my phone the moment we returned to that piece of shit hiding place."
Reeve closes his eyes. He remembers, and it pains him.
Hey, it's me, she had opened the message, in a quiet voice that didn't seem very like her.
Things are fine here with me, she had said.
I've been so busy lately, she had lied.
I love you, she had finished.
What had he been doing that he never answered the call or never called her back?
You idiot, he tells himself, you were too busy drinking with Rufus, making plans that would never come to fruition, daydreaming and scheming.
"I haven't been the perfect friend to her. I know. Why are you telling me this?" Reeve snaps, feeling more irritated with himself than with Veld.
"To let you know that Charlotte has always been a severely unhappy girl, and just because she's been in a chipper mood these past few weeks isn't going to mean shit when reality sets in."
Reeve considers it, really considers it.
He thinks of going through her phone after she had run away, reading all of the messages between her and Tseng, the ones filled with grief and regret over Veld, a certain openness that Charlotte had kept hidden around Reeve.
So that night, after Veld and Felicia leave and Charlie is halfway through doing the dishes, Reeve asks her himself: "Are you happy?"
She jumps at the sound of his voice, turning off the water and spinning on her heels to face him. "As happy as I could be, all things considered," she answers, tilting her head. "Why?"
"I just . . . well, if there's anything that would make you feel more comfortable—"
"It's only been just shy of two weeks. Why don't you let me settle in first?"
Reeve sighs, but feels a slight flutter of hope in his chest when he catches sight of her little smile. She's only teasing him. He has to stop worrying so much, but sometimes it's difficult not to worry about Charlotte. "You're right. I apologize. A lot has happened since . . ."
"Since?"
"Since we were together. Truly together."
Charlie's smile fades and her face falls. "I am happy. I'm happy here, with you, in this apartment. I'm happy with the work I've been doing, and I'm happy that my name has been cleared." She looks him very steadily in the eyes. "But if you think that things are going to be the same as they were, then I'm afraid you're going to be in for a rude awakening."
"Don't you want things to be the way they were?"
"I'm not the same person I was," she tells him, shrugging her shoulders and inhaling deeply, looking around the kitchen as if searching for someone else to look at. "You know as well as I do what I've seen and done. My hands are bloodied now, and I've lost people important to me."
Reeve knows that his experiences were quite different, hidden behind the eyes of Cait Sith, but he understands. He's not the same person he used to be, either.
"I don't want things to go back to the way they were," she continues, holding her hands to her heart as if the idea pains her. "I don't like the person I was before. I don't want to be that person ever again. That person was sad and pathetic . . . and weak. I was scared all the time, afraid of what my life would become in time. And when I left Cliff Resort, I . . . I wanted that part of my life to be left behind."
"And what do you want life to be like now, then?"
"I don't know." Charlie smiles. "But isn't it wonderful? Life can be anything I want it to be now, and you've given me that opportunity. There are no more shackles now. I'm free, aren't I?"
Reeve doesn't know what to say. He knows that all she's ever wanted was to be free. Isn't that why she ran away? Isn't that why she wanted to stay with AVALANCHE? Midgar was a prison—her family company was a prison, and he will ensure that the WRO will never be that for her.
She shakes her head as if in disbelief, the smile still glued to her face. "I'm free."
Costa del Sol is, unfortunately, put on hold as duty calls them both back to work.
And to Charlie's great disappointment, the airship is put on hold, as well.
Reeve keeps an eye on the public opinion and polls put out in every local newspaper, and while the majority of the people are not unhappy with Charlotte's newfound rise to power, there is a very vocal majority that insists on making their displeasure known. He insists that Charlotte continue with the WRO, and plans are soon made to put her back into the spotlight slowly.
He knows that her insecurity about not being welcomed back with open arms is not unwarranted, but Reeve has made it a top priority to do something about the negative press without force, violence, or threats.
It is Charlotte's own idea to take on a bigger role in the community instead of within Headquarters. She begins to volunteer at the nearby hospital, caring for diseased patients several hours of each day, and though it is tiring and depressing work, she genuinely enjoys the time spent with each and every person within the hospital.
Some call it a publicity stunt, but neither she nor Reeve comment on these accusations. What matters is that she delivers the highest standard of care she is capable of, and both the patients and doctors vouch for her kindness and dedication.
Between her shifts at the hospital, Charlotte becomes more active within the community of displaced orphans that have either lost parents in Midgar or have been living on the streets of Junon for years.
"I think we should construct a proper orphanage," she proposes during a meeting one day, seated at the table with several other higher ranking members of the WRO, many of them former Shinra employees who hold Charlotte in high regard already. "I've already drawn up the figures for it, and thought maybe you would be the best person to ask for some sketches, Commissioner."
No one argues against the idea, certainly not himself. He promises to survey the land she's proposed they build on, and begins sketching ideas the following day, not wanting to disappoint her. Several volunteers come forward when the idea is leaked to the local press, offering to care for the children as housemothers and educators, cooks and groundskeepers, in exchange for little money and a place to live within the orphanage, or for a decent salary and for the WRO to hear out their own ideas and suggestions.
Charlotte offers food to the homeless and to the refugees, meets with former Shinra military veterans disillusioned by the old company, checks-in with the Turks about the progress they've made with a cure for the disease, helps with construction in Edge, and helps Reeve with the WRO's massive budget.
She returns to the ruins of Midgar with a task force of volunteers to comb through the ruins of the Shinra building, hoping to find still-working tech or documents that could be of importance to the World Regenesis Organization. She brings back several hard drives that Reeve is able to break into (though they don't offer much information that he hadn't already known) and has more volunteers break down bits of metal and steel from the building to ship to Edge.
But sometimes he catches her in rare moments of vulnerability, too.
He finds her sitting on the edge of the airport alone sometimes, staring off to sea with her knees hugged to her chest as her hair is blown around by the harsh ocean wind.
He visits the hospital one day in between meetings to surprise her, only to find her crying quietly into her hands, in a room where a patient lies unresponsive in a bed, a sheet pulled over them.
Another time he catches her asleep at the orphanage, in a large bed full of dirtied children who are curled up beside her, limbs covering limbs, keeping her trapped against the mattress as they all sleep soundly.
And once, on their way home from Midgar, Charlotte takes him atop a cliffside that overlooks what's left of their old city, where Cloud's—no, Zack's—Angeal's—sword is stuck firmly in the dirt ground. She leaves flowers there, flowers she had found growing in Aerith's old church. He knows the wind will take them, or curious animals will come sniffing around sooner or later, but it makes her happy to pay tribute, and Reeve holds her hand the entire drive back to Junon.
Sometimes Reeve can't help but find it ironic—that with her newfound freedom, she chooses to serve another government, keeping herself in the public eye and doing charity work as she might have done with her father's company.
But he doesn't question it, and Charlotte smiles more often, and he supposes that she must be happy with her work. He's proud of her, and she knows that she's doing good things.
They make time to have dinner with Veld and Felicia once a week. Charlotte always drinks a little too much wine, and after their guests leave, she asks Reeve to carry her to bed, where they make love.
She tinkers, she smiles, she works and researches and negotiates.
But he knows that she is always waiting for the call—the call that will inevitably inform her of her brother's untimely death.
Reeve doesn't speak with the former president much, preferring to speak with Tseng where business is concerned, as the Turk's mind is untainted by disease and slightly more regulated.
But he does speak to Rufus once since Charlotte settled in Junon.
"How is she?"
"Well," Reeve replies, beginning the process of closing up his office for the night, shutting down computers and cleaning off his desk.
Rufus doesn't answer, but Reeve hears his shaky breath on the other end of the call.
"I plan on proposing soon," he continues, wanting to be upfront about his intentions. "I'm just waiting for things to settle down with work."
"I thought you might." Another long pause. Reeve can't tell if it's because of Rufus's weakened state, or if it's because of a surge of emotion. "Father would be proud of her, even if he would never admit it."
Reeve chooses not to answer this particular comment. "Are you doing all right?"
"I'm dying, Reeve. What do you think?" The words are not thick with bitterness or resentment, but almost said like a half-hearted joke. He even chuckles softly. "But I'm not dead yet. There are still things I need to do before then."
"Such as?"
"Have a drink with my brother-in-law, to be sure. Watch the sunset with a lovely woman at my side. Travel the world . . . preferably not in a wheelchair, albeit."
"Quite the wish list. What are you really planning to do?"
"I want to see what the world becomes when it is not under Shinra rule," Rufus answers, more serious this time. "I want to see what becomes of the world with Charlotte as the figurehead."
"We don't plan to govern forever, you know."
"A shame, then . . . seeing as you two govern so well."
Truthfully, Reeve had anticipated more people coming forward, beginning careers as politicians as the world began to turn once more, but he and Charlotte have found themselves in power for much longer than he expected when he founded the WRO, meant only to be an interim government until the people got back on their feet.
But for the moment, people are happy with their government. The economy is doing better and more currency begins to flow through hands again, with bartering and trade confined mostly to Edge, where people are still attempting to restore order in a brand new city, but food and supplies start to become more easily accessible, and trade between cities once closed off to Shinra Incorporated have opened their gates to the World Regenesis Organization.
Often, Reeve allows himself moments of quiet reflection, hardly able to believe how much he and Charlotte have been able to do for the world, things they've wanted to do for so long, but unable to while working for her father's company.
He doesn't mind the attention that's been put on Charlie, to be honest. She shines much brighter than he does, and can't deny that she's much prettier on stage than he is.
He continues his work from the shadows, budgeting for Charlotte's big plans, focusing on the construction in Edge, making sure that Elmyra is cared for back in Kalm, working closely with Barret and Cid in the hopes of finding new energy sources that may not have yet been discovered, and all the while determining how he's going to properly propose to Charlotte when the opportunity arises.
"Welcome to Junon, Your Majesty. We're so glad that you were able to make it."
"Never thought I'd live to see the day when a damned Shinra bowed to me. Stand up, the both of you! I want to get a good look at you, Miss Shinra." Godo Kisaragi scoffs as both Charlotte and Reeve stand up straighter from their very-practiced bows, her cheeks flushed pink. His eyes rove over her face for a moment. "You remember my daughter, don't you? She was very excited to see you, Madam President."
Yuffie stands behind her father, dressed in more traditional wear than her little ninja costume that she was so fond of during their travels. She exhibits quite the self-restraint, but rocks back and forth on her feet as if ready to leap onto Charlotte.
Charlie smiles at her kindly. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," she replies, inclining her head politely, "but I'm no longer president."
"Then what should I call you then? Which one of you is the commissioner?"
"That would be Reeve," she says, gesturing towards him. Reeve gives an awkward little smile. "Truthfully, I've not been given a proper title within the WRO, nor do I want one. You can call me Charlotte."
Godo and Reeve shake hands firmly. "Sorry to say that this city isn't quite what I expected," Godo chuckles.
"It's certainly no Wutai, Your Majesty," Reeve answers, looking around the city center.
Charlie can't deny that Junon must seem a very bleak place compared to Godo and Yuffie's home, full of bright colors and ancient architecture that is more detail-oriented than the blocks of gray buildings that make up Upper Junon.
"More reason to get these peace-talks over with quickly, so I can go back to Wutai and appreciate the city all the better." Godo Kisaragi smiles at them both. "But I would like to speak with you privately, Miss Shinra, if your counterpart doesn't mind."
"She's a far more practiced diplomat than I could ever hope to be," Reeve jokes, making Charlie blush harder, "and I believe Yuffie and I have some catching up to do, don't we?"
Yuffie scrunches her nose. "Can I stay with you, dad? I wanna talk to Charlie, too."
"Go on, girl. There'll be time enough for you to speak with Charlie when we're through discussing business matters. Is there somewhere private we might be able to go?"
Charlie brings Godo Kisaragi to the nicest place in Junon, just on the outskirts of the city, where a brand-new park has been constructed for the nearby orphanage to allow children to play. It's been vacated and blocked off the day's events, but is a prettier sight than within the confines of the actual city.
Atop a slight hill, wildflowers are beginning to grow for the summer and saplings have been planted to make the area look more welcoming. The groundskeepers had worked hard to ensure the place looked perfect for the king's arrival, trimming the grass and placing benches for them to sit and look out at the calm ocean, seemingly going on forever.
If Godo is hardly impressed, he chooses not to say anything, sitting on one of the benches that Charlotte gestures to.
"Sit with me, Miss Shinra," he says when she continues to stand at his side. "I can promise you . . . you are in no danger with me."
"Yes, your Majesty." She sits.
"Let's drop the formalities, shall we? It's just us now." Godo looks out to the sea, sighing heavily. "Frankly, I know a good deal about you. My daughter likes to talk, you see, especially about you."
"Hopefully all good things, sir." Charlie smiles weakly, still feeling slightly anxious about this meeting. "If I'm being honest, it took Yuffie a very long time to warm up to me."
"Is that so?" Godo seems genuinely surprised by this, glancing sideways at her. "I would think the both of you would have found common ground quite early on. Both the daughters of important men . . . and rather resentful of it, does that sound right?"
"Yes, sir."
"I see much of her in you, and vice versa. My Yuffie has always been possessed by a determination that I lacked for a long time, full of pride for her homeland. She is known to be rather outspoken, as well, and, well . . . I hear you've been making quite the name for yourself with your own outspoken spirit."
She doesn't quite know what to say to that. She doesn't want Godo to think that she's carrying on the Shinra legacy through the World Regenesis Organization. "I've only been attempting to show the people that I am, and always have been, different from my father and brother."
Godo hums in response. "Do you know much about the war your father started?"
"I was never involved with military plans," she says truthfully, "but I do know that Shinra Incorporated wanted to build a mako reactor in Wutai, and I know the war was put on hold due to a ceasefire."
Charlie knows slightly more than that, but the general information she has was fed to her by Angeal, who saw things through rose-tinted glasses, and had more to do about his own travels and experiences than fighting.
"Yes . . . and now that mako is no longer a viable resource, there is no point in continuing the war."
"I agree. The World Regenesis Organization is no military," she tells him. "We have no plans to invade, oppose, or combat any other nations. As we do not intend to continue as the world's central government, as my father once did, the Commissioner and I have no desire or need to start a war."
This makes Godo laugh lightly. It's odd to see someone so serious do something like that. "The first time I met your old man, he was still relatively a young man . . . handsome, charming, intelligent, quick with a joke . . ."
Charlotte doesn't think any of those things about her father, but chooses not to say so.
"My father had died several months before, and I had just been officially crowned the new king of Wutai. I was a man, but still a boy in many ways.
"The Shinra company had just found ways to extract and harvest mako at that point, not quite in the capacity as the reactors could harvest, but it was enough. Your father became far more interested in what he could do with it and his newfound riches. We discussed his idea for a new city, a floating city that would be the capital of the world, in which hopes and dreams could be achieved, and its people would thrive under Shinra, who would bear the heavy crown that comes with leadership."
Heavy is the head that bears the crown. Isn't that what Rufus used to say?
"Your father returned a few years later, telling me that he had found some sort of boy genius that designed something called a 'reactor'. Reactors could power the world, and there was an infinite supply of mako beneath our feet that could be harvested by these machines. I hardly believed it of a boy . . . that a boy could accomplish something so impressive and terrible, but your father was beside himself . . . more excited than I had ever seen a grown man."
He's talking about Reeve, she realizes. Reeve was the boy genius. Reeve had designed those reactors only as a child, as a teenager nearing adulthood, and it had earned him the life he had only ever dreamed of before then.
"Your father came again towards the end of Midgar's completion," he continues, his voice steady and terribly calm. "Several more mako reactors had been built around the world, and your father encouraged us to consider having a reactor of our own built near Wutai. But we Wutaians are a very traditional people . . . and we saw the price of extracting mako . . . and understood what it would do to our lands. I declined, and your father left me again, hoping I would change my mind when I saw the great city of Midgar for myself."
Charlotte listens carefully.
"The next time he returned, he was a changed man. Midgar had become the epicenter of the world, and he insisted that a reactor be built in Wutai without so much as a smile.
"I declined once again, and explained that we would not forfeit our land. Before he left, he promised he would return with an army, and would take our land if I did not concede."
Godo lowers his head, as if the memory is painful. Charlotte won't pretend to understand, but the thought makes her stomach turn.
"And that's just what he did . . ." he sighs. "We were trained and battle-ready . . . yet I could do nothing but watch as my nation folded under the sheer numbers that Shinra sent . . . I was helpless as my people were slaughtered in the streets, in their homes, even the women and children . . . our generals were no match for his super soldiers or weapons, and I knew that if I insisted we continue fighting, Wutai would be burned to the ground . . ."
She remembers what Tseng had told her about his family, how Shinra soldiers had butchered his mother and father, murdered his little sister as they slept.
"So I met with your father once more and begged for mercy. 'This is what you wanted', he told me. But I continued to plead with him . . . I only wanted our lands to continue to prosper. I wanted freedom for our people . . . I did not want a war . . ." He wipes a sole tear that falls down his cheek. "I had to beg for a ceasefire. Villages were destroyed and much of our military was dead. I told him that if he did not agree, I would ensure our lands would yield no mako for him myself . . . that I would make it uninhabitable . . . I would do anything for the brutalizing to stop . . ."
She wants to ask what made her father agree. Shinra was going to win the war, and they could have done so if President Shinra had declined the ceasefire.
"I thanked him on bended knee, nearly kissed his feet, and I asked him what made him agree . . ." At this, Godo Kisaragi looks directly at her with solemn eyes. "He said that his daughter was working on something that could change the fate of humanity, and he intended to see it through, to see if mako could be found in other places . . . such as outer space . . ."
Charlotte's breath hitches. He agreed because of . . . me?
"But my rocket launch failed," she counters, breathing a little too hard. "We didn't get the chance to go to outer space."
"Maybe the war did not resume in its full entirety, but I no longer governed my people. Shinra kept a close eye on Wutai business from then on, and I was only a puppet for many years."
Charlotte doesn't know what to say to this man who had witnessed such evil. She feels guilty, like it was her fault there was a war in the first place. All of that killing and evil because of a stupid reactor? All because of mako? "I am so sorry for the brutalization of your people," she says breathily, knowing that her words will never be enough. "I promise that it will never happen again . . . not while I live."
"I believe you, Miss Shinra, but . . ." He smiles weakly, but it's a painfully sad smile. "Power does things to men. Every man who has power is susceptible to corruption, just like your father. Perhaps those of us who have witnessed corruption may be dissuaded, but . . . men are born with evil in their hearts, and are weak."
Reeve wasn't born with evil in his heart. She knows that. It has to be true. That's why she was going to marry him, because he was good.
But then she thinks of Rufus. Had it been the company—the power?—that changed him so?
It's your being a girl that makes you soft-hearted.
Isn't it enough that your mother birthed a daughter instead of a son?
You're too soft-hearted, what with your woman's heart . . .
I made your brother my vice president because I was afraid of what it would make you become.
Did her father know from the start? Did her father know that the company would corrupt her as it corrupted Rufus? Or did he, too, know that men had evil deep within their hearts?
"Then . . . I suppose it's lucky I was born a woman."
At this, Godo Kisaragi smiles in earnest, and there are tears flooding his eyes. She smiles back at him, and holds up her hand to him. He takes it in his own, and the both of them shake on it very slightly, holding each other's hands very tight.
"I have heard rumors that you are very close with the son of a great general that once fought for Wutai."
"Yes," she answers, hoping that Godo does not think too ill of Tseng, but she knows the terrors that her friend had committed and knows that Tseng is a Shinra through and through now. "He is a brother to me. Moreso than my own blood."
"So he still lives?"
Charlotte tenses. She hadn't even thought to try and keep Tseng's status a secret. She blinks stupidly at the old man beside her, but sees no anger or regret or maliciousness in his own expression.
"You are a good woman, Charlotte Shinra," he tells her, after she can't find an adequate response to his question, and the words immediately have her in a chokehold. "I look forward to seeing you in Wutai sometime. I'm sorry your last visit was so unpleasant, but we no longer allow such scum within our nation."
Charlotte stands first, helping Godo to his feet.
"Oh! And one more thing . . . a parting gift . . ."
"Oh?" she asks, embarrassed that she hadn't thought to get anything for him.
"My daughter, Yuffie . . . she'll be staying with you. Consider her the Wutai's live-in diplomat. I'm sure you'll find room for her somewhere." He winks at her and lowers his voice, leaning in slightly. "She also happens to make an excellent spy . . . should you need such a thing, of course . . ."
"Ready to go, darling?"
"Just a moment. I'm almost done with my report."
Reeve smiles, watching Charlotte squint at the bright computer screen, typing furiously with a very serious look on her face. "It hasn't even been a year and you've already brokered peace between the world and Wutai."
"Hardly," she says dismissively, never looking away from the computer. "The war truly ended with the death of my father. I just made it official."
"Shall we make the announcement tomorrow?"
"I thought of leaking it to the press," she answers. "I don't have the time to write a proper speech."
"Tseng would like to know."
"I've already messaged him, my love." Charlie glances quickly at him, offering him a smile to match his own. "He's very pleased."
Reeve leans against the doorframe, folding his arms over his chest. "Leading suits you."
She scoffs, typing a few more words before putting her hands in her lap and giving him her undivided attention. "I'm no leader. You're the one who made all of this possible. You've put the Shinra inheritance to better use than I would have."
"I'm proud of what we've been doing." He takes a few steps into the office, closing the door behind him. Most of the staff have retired home for the night, but a few stragglers remain. "I had a hard time being proud of the work I was doing under your father."
Charlotte sighs, pursing her lips. She doesn't say anything until he's seated across her desk, one leg crossed over the other.
"Something on your mind?" he asks, feeling the faint and familiar fluttering of anxiety in his chest.
"What makes us different from Shinra?" she asks, and he has to admit that he's surprised she's so upfront about it. "I mean, what if we're no different from the company at all? What's stopping us from turning into my father?"
"We're helping the people," Reeve answers firmly, sure of himself. "Your father was only ever in it for himself—for money."
"But how will we know when we aren't needed anymore? How will we know when to step down?" She fires off these questions seemingly without even considering his answer. "And with all that we've done, and with the things we could still do, what if we didn't want to step down?"
He thinks for a moment. He won't deny that it would be difficult to relinquish his title and company to someone else. It would be difficult to dismantle it completely. The WRO has gained much more traction since its founding than he has hoped or anticipated. When he first began recruiting volunteers, he had no idea that it would turn into something of this scale, assuming they would be doing more charity work than governing.
"You're not your father, if that's what you're concerned about," Reeve says gently, wanting to defuse the situation before it blows up in his face. "We are not self-serving. The WRO is not a business first."
"What happens when we run out of money? We'll have to turn to commodifying something eventually if we want the WRO to survive."
"When that day comes, we will discuss it. We can promote fair pricing of material goods without gouging, as your father did with mako, but we have a near unlimited supply of funds for the time being, surely you know that. The economy is not what it used to be, and your inheritance—along with Rufus's—will be more than enough to set us up for the next few years."
"But I'm saying—"
"I hear what you're saying, Charlotte," he tells her kindly, "and I think you're worrying too much. The WRO is well-liked and the public's trust in us is strong. There is nothing to imply we are going down the same route as your father and his company did, and I don't think we ever will."
She doesn't answer. She lowers her eyes, and he can tell she doesn't believe a word he's saying.
"The fact that this idea brings you such concern proves to me that you are far different than your father." He leans forward, trying to get her to look into his face. "Do you think your father ever paused to consider how the people felt about him? Do you think he ever stopped to consider his actions and whether or not they were cruel?"
"No," Charlie admits with a sigh, looking rather exhausted. "All he cared about was that people feared him."
Reeve nods, reaching across the desk to touch her hand. She squeezes lightly. The engagement ring around her neck catches the lamplight for a split second, half-hidden underneath her shirt.
When she catches him looking at it, she touches it with the tips of her fingers. "Would you like it back?"
She doesn't wait for an answer, removing the silver chain around her neck and holding it out in front of her, allowing the ring to slide off and fall gently into the palm of her hand. Charlie lets it sit there for a moment, waiting for him to take it.
Reeve does take it eventually, noticing that it's still in pristine condition. There are no scratches, no rust, and the diamond is still perfectly embedded into the band.
"Seeing you through Cait Sith's eyes . . . I felt like I was really seeing you for the first time," he confesses, remembering the softness to her, the quiet sensitivity.
"Does it make you want to marry me any less?" she asks, causing his heart to leap. "Knowing who I really am?"
"No," he says quickly. "In fact, it makes me want to marry you that much more. And it . . . makes me understand why you valued your friendship with Cid so highly."
"I'm sorry for hurting you. None of it was ever meant to hurt you."
"You don't have to apologize."
"I know, but I wanted to." She truly does look remorseful. "And I'm glad I'm here. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world with anyone else."
He sighs heavily, looking back into her face. She is so beautiful, even after so much change. "I love you," he tells her, knowing that this will be the second time that his grand plans for a true proposal will be ruined, but he refuses to wait any longer, afraid the opportunity might get pushed back further and further with their current workload.
"I love you, too," she replies, blushing faintly. "I'm really happy here, with you."
"Good." Reeve takes her left hand in his own, sliding the ring onto her fourth finger. It fits a little more loosely than it had before, but that can be fixed. It's perfect for now. "I think I'd prefer a quiet wedding, you know. Something a little private."
She smiles with her teeth, flexing her fingers to admire the ring. "Me too."
The ring reminds him of Midgar. It reminds him of Shinra. It reminds him of everything they have endured to reach this point—of the hardships and pain, of the loss and grief, of the adventure and reflection.
"Let's go home," she whispers, turning off the lamp and leaving them in near total darkness, the only light streaming through the wide windows from the full moon. "I'm tired."
"As you wish," he breathes, getting to his feet, his heart still pounding despite her being receptive to his half-hearted marriage proposal, "Miss Shinra."
