Please Read First: Hey guys, sorry about the delay. Trying to keep up with all the work ive gotta do and writing this. Not many reviews lately. Ive seemed to be struggling with this story. I don't seem as motivated for some reason and I know the first one was a lot better. Sorry! Im trying my best to kick it up a notch and make it more interesting and adding in more romance for you all, but not getting reviews doesn't help. Let me know if im on the right track. What do you like, don't like? More action? More dialogue? Anything youd like to see happen between characters or events? Let me know, your guy's opinions are what makes me a better writer and I want this story to be as enjoyable if not more than the first! Thanks! –Annubis
The Decision Between Life or Death:
A Second Chance
Chapter 15
"So, you're going to be empress of your country?" Aeris asked the exhausted Yuffie. The woman looked out the window, staring at the nearing country of Wutai.
"Erm…something like that." The young girl held her stomach. "I've been called many things: princess, duchess, empress, brat. You know pretty much any title. More like being the head of my clan. My father is a lord. As I get older he keeps bugging me to learn to be a better ninja. That's why he insisted on me joining with Cloud and the others." The young woman sighed and sat on the floor.
"Sounds like a lot of responsibility." Aeris crouched down looking at the very nervous girl.
"It is. I'm not ready for it. But my birthday's coming up and my father insists on me going through the ceremonies so I can take over for him in the future." The girl groaned, holding onto the sides of her head. "Cid! Haven't you learned to fly this thing yet!?"
"Shut yer trap! I'm the best pilot there ever was! You don't like it, I can boot yer ass out. You can swim home." The pilot spat.
"I hate that man sometimes. " Yuffie struggled to keep her breakfast down.
"You get airsick?" Aeris asked.
"Yeah. Damn Cid's flying always makes me sick." The ninja rolled her eyes. "Last time I listen to Zack."
"Zack?" A smile crossed the woman's face.
"Told me to eat breakfast. Said it'll help." She scoffed. Aeris giggled. "What?"
"Oh nothing…" She waved her hand.
"You laughin' at me?" the ninja asked sourly.
"No! I was just laughing about Zack's poor advice." The green eyed woman giggled.
"You're blushing." Yuffie pointed.
"No!" she covered her cheeks. "Am I really?"
"You are always blushing lately." Yuffie laid her head on her knees. "Always when you're around him."
"Well...I…." the Ancient stood quickly. She glanced back out the window. Wutai was very close. She could see tiny dots roaming on the land. "It's nothing, really."
"Really?" Yuffie stood. She smiled as she saw the snowy linen land. "I'd say it was something."
"Ok." Aeris grinned. "He's cute."
"Only cute?" Yuffie pried.
"Oh it's none of your business!" The woman nudged the younger, giggling.
"Fine! Don't share anything with me." Yuffie stuck out her tongue.
"I barely know the man. It's nothing but a school girl crush."
"So you do have a crush on him." Yuffie said smugly.
"And what about you and Vincent?" Aeris eyed the girl.
"What!?" the brown eyed girl turned to her. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I think you do." Aeris sang. She had seen the two talk for hours the night before, Yuffie giggling and blushing herself the entire time.
"There's nothing between us." The future ninja clan leader folded her arms. Her pouty face quickly turned into a frown. "Even if there was, there shouldn't be."
"Why is that?" she asked curiously.
"…My ceremony." Yuffie turned her back to the woman. "Requires me to find a husband."
"Oh no!" Aeris gasped. She looked about the plane, not sure what to do. "Have you told the others?"
"No." Yuffie faced her, a fake smile plastered on her face. "I'm sure it's not a big deal. My father probably found me someone wonderful."
"You don't even get to choose?" she twirled a finger in her brown locks.
"He has to be approved." The girl glared at the wall across the room.
"…Is there no way around it?" the Cetra asked.
"Probably not." She pushed herself away from the window. "It's not a big deal. It's been done this way for centuries."
"What if you talk to your father-?"
"It wouldn't matter anyways. I don't have anyone lined up that I would prefer." The girl headed for the stairs. "I'm going to get my things. I'll see you later."
"Ok…" Aeris hung her head. She glanced out the window. Tiny white flakes bounced against the glass. It made her smile, not remembering the last time she had seen snow.
"Everyone gather yer thangs! We'll be landin' in Wutai in a few minutes!" Cid's accent rang out over the intercom.
"Will, will I be able to leave the plane this time?" A voice asked from over Aeris' shoulder.
"Kadaj? Of course! Why wouldn't you be able to?" the woman was shocked by the young man's question.
"I always have to stay here. I don't think they trust me." Kadaj glanced over his shoulder. He saw Cloud and Zack at the top of the stairs having a conversation. "Especially them."
"Zack and Cloud?" the woman leaned to the side to catch a glimpse of the two men.
"Yes." He leaned in close and whispered into her ear. "Especially Zack. I think he hates me."
"Why would you think that?" she gasped.
"The way he looks at me and yells at me. He tells me to stay away from you." Kadaj looked off to the side, his brows furrowed.
"Stay away!?" the woman stared at Zack uneasily. "Why?"
"I think he's jealous." Kadaj smirked.
"Jealous?"
"He doesn't like me talking to you. He's trouble. He's trying to keep me away from you." The silver haired man stared at Aeris, his eyes full of sadness.
Aeris looked back and forth between Kadaj and Zack. She felt lost as to what to do. Kadaj seemed innocent enough to her. Why wouldn't he be able to join the others on their journey? Why would Zack be jealous of him?
"I'm sure there's some explanation. Zack doesn't seem like the type to…yell." Aeris chewed on her nails.
"It's all an act." Kadaj growled. "He's different when you aren't around. I…I think he's crazy!"
"Crazy!?" Aeris backed away. Zack certainly didn't seem crazy to her at all. "Kadaj, I don't think-."
"Don't be angry with me." The man grabbed her hands. "I don't want to get in trouble. I shouldn't be talking to you. They may yell at me again." He shivered.
"They won't yell-."
"Cloud…he'll kill me again! He'll do it all over again if I ever did anything wrong to you." Kadaj whimpered and turned from her quickly. He darted to the corner of the room.
"Kill!? Wait! Kadaj!" her heart pounded inside her chest. "What's going on!?"
"Aeris!" The two men called. They waved her over to them. She reluctantly approached them.
"Y, yes?" she muttered.
"What's wrong? You not feel good?" Zack questioned.
"We're landing. Why don't you get your things? You always did like Wutai. We will be staying here for a few days so we'll all stay at an inn." Cloud explained.
"Kadaj too?" she rattled off quickly. She wrung her hands.
'Why is she so nervous?' Zack raised an eyebrow.
"…Sure. I think it will be fine." Cloud nodded slowly. He kept his blue eyes on her as he did so.
"Ok." She smiled. "I'll get my things then." She walked between the two men and skipped down the steps cheerfully.
"What was that all about?" Zack scratched his head.
"I have no idea." He eyed Kadaj suspiciously. "Did he say something to her?"
"I don't like having him here, Cloud. I don't think we should have brought him with us." Zack cleared his throat.
"I don't like it either, but Aeris would have it no other way. You know how she is. I doubt because she lost her memory she would respond any differently if he left him behind." The blonde frowned.
"She'd really freak out on us, wouldn't she?" the black haired man sighed.
"Who would?" Aeris' voice called out.
"Huh!? Oh that was fast." Zack laughed nervously.
The woman stood at the top of the stairs. Her arms were full of her luggage, her hair a mess in front of her face. She was a shade of pink as she struggled to lift the items over the last step.
"I got up early this morning. I was so excited. I packed everything up immediately." She grinned.
"Let me help!" Zack grabbed one of the bags while Cloud did the same with the other.
"Seems you're packed to live here." Cloud smirked.
"Oh! Well, you never know how many layers you'll need when it snows." Aeris giggled. "Besides I have some empty space for souvenirs."
The two men looked at each other a moment and laughed. They certainly weren't used to going places just to relax. Souvenirs were something they never thought of.
"Perhaps I should have packed more then." Cloud kicked the small bag at his feet. "I'm used to only packing the essentials."
"Did I pack too much?" the woman blushed.
"Nope! You're just thinking ahead." Zack shook his head. "We never get to go on vacation, so this is something new to Cloud and I."
"Never get to go on vacation? Really? So you two never got time to enjoy the locations you journeyed to?"
"Nope. We were always on missions." Zack shrugged.
"Or chasing Yuffie…" Cloud shook his head.
"Chasing Yuffie?" Aeris walked with the men towards the door of the cabin.
"Long story. We'll talk about it over dinner." Cloud smirked.
"Oh! Dinner! I can't wait! I've never had Wutain food before!" she clapped her hands.
"Jackets!" Tifa's voice called out.
"Uh oh. Mother…" Zack grinned.
"Someone's gotta watch over everyone and make sure they don't catch colds." She threw the men's coats at their faces. "I'm not takin' care of you if you get sick." She placed her hands on her hips.
"Hmm." Cloud set his luggage down as he complied with the woman's demands.
"Here's your, Aeris." Tifa grinned. "I can't wait to go shopping!" She squealed. "The stores here are amazing! You're going to love it!"
"Really! How exciting! And the food?" she rattled off questions as she put on her coat.
"Your favorite!" the other woman headed for the door. She pulled it open, letting in a flurry of flakes.
The sight was breathtaking. The foreign trees and buildings were lit up with orange lanterns. The snowflakes glimmered like glitter as they fell upon the village. Aeris smiled, thinking it looked like everything was covered in sugar.
"What an amazing place!" Aeris hopped into the snow. She glanced upward at the sky, something she felt she hadn't really seen in ages.
"Everyone says Wutai is beautiful this time of season." Yuffie led the group through the town. "I don't think so. I hate the cold." Her voice was bitter.
"It is very beautiful. Even more so than the last time we were here." Tifa had visited Wutai a couple times over the years, but it mostly was during the same time of year. She had always been around when it was smoldering hot. Yuffie often left her village around the time of her birthday to visit Tifa in Edge.
"The inn is up ahead. There should be plenty of room. I called up in advance to make sure you all had the best rooms possible." Yuffie placed her hands on her hips. "You won't have to pay, either."
"Won't have to pay!?" Zack cheered.
"That's great! Thanks, Yuffie!" Tifa clasped her hands together.
"Shall we go then?" Red XIII headed toward the building.
"Go on. I'll meet back up with you later." Yuffie waved.
"You're not coming?" Aeris asked.
"Nope." She shook her head. "I…need to stay with my father during this time. We have many things to go over while I'm here."
"…" Vincent eyed the girl suspiciously. He could tell there was something wrong.
"Will you be able to join us for dinner?" Shelke asked. It was the first words Shelke had really spoken since the accident.
"…Dinner will be held at my estate. Please come by around six." Yuffie smirked. Her tone and gestures were very different than her usual behavior.
"We'll see you at six-o'clock then." Cloud nodded. With a wave, Yuffie turned and darted down the snowy path towards her father's home.
"Her estate? Then that means we'll get to meet her father?" Aeris asked.
"We've already met her father." Vincent replied. "But yes, you'll be able to meet him again."
"Oh…" Aeris chewed on her lip.
"Hmm I wonder what'll be for dinner?" Zack muttered. He daydreamed as the luggage in his hands began to drag in the snow.
"I wish I could be there with you all." Reeve's voice sounded through Cait Sith's PA system.
"You're voice changed." Aeris stopped and lifted the cat from the ground.
"Hello, Aeris. I have heard about your accident. I hope you remember everything soon." Reeve said. "For your convenience, I'll reintroduce myself. My name is Reeve. I was once a member of the Turks. I met up with you all years ago on your first adventure. Cait Sith is a robot I made. He is used for undercover work. Through him I can see everything that happens and I am able to communicate with you all, like I am doing right now."
"I see." Aeris nodded. "Sounds convenient." She carried the cat in her arms. She didn't know what to think, knowing Reeve was once a Turk. She knew it had been years since she last could remember anything, but she still couldn't help the distrust she held for the man.
"I'll keep in touch. I would very much enjoy hearing about Yuffie's ceremony. Pick me up a souvenir will you?"
"Sure thing!" Aeris beamed.
The group entered the building where Yuffie had reserved rooms. It was very pagoda-like and touched the sky at about seven stories. It was extravagant and painted in rich colors. Golden statues of gods and creatures lined the walls. Out of season plants were kept neat and tidy around the small fountain in the lobby and corners of the room. No doubt a place meant for royalty or snobbish rich nobodies who thought they were somebody. Aeris marveled at the beauty.
"Amazing!" She gasped, afraid to touch anything.
"Sure is!" Tifa stared at the details in one of the sculptures.
"May I help you?" A rich voice sounded from behind the counter.
"We are Yuffie's guests." Cloud stated. The man gave him a distasteful look, obviously from the informal way he spoke of Yuffie.
"Yes. I remember her making reservations for you all." The man opened a large book and jotted down something in a different language. "She reserved the entire seventh floor for you all. You have your own choice of rooms. It overlooks the entire city. All royalties have been paid for as well; unlimited room service and you have access to the spa."
"Spa!?" Tifa squealed. "Yuffie's outdone herself!"
Zack cheered at the unlimited room service. He was throwing himself a party tonight.
"Spa…" Shelke smirked. "Seems unnecessary."
"Nothing's unnecessary when you're on vacation." Aeris grinned at the girl. She grabbed her hand. "You should go shopping with Tifa and me! We'll get swimsuits!"
"Swimsuits!?" Shelke glanced around at the men in the room. The thought made her very uncomfortable. She may have mentally been about twenty-one but her body was only that of a nine year old.
"Of course!" Tifa and Aeris grinned. Shelke didn't like the idea. She knew those two women only wanted to cause trouble with the boys. "Come on! Let's pick out our rooms!" the women grabbed each of Shelke's hands and led her up the stairs to the top floor.
"Seems they are enjoying themselves." Vincent stated.
"So…" Zack rubbed the back of his head. "Think we'll see them in their suits?"
"…" Cloud eyed the man a corner of his lip lifted.
"Don't think about it." Barret folded his arms.
"Sheesh. You're never any fun anymore, Barret." Zack placed a hand on the man's shoulder.
"Yeah. You need to relax a bit." Cid drawled. "Though I doubt Shera would appreciate me tellin' her that I was hangin' out with a buncha young girls in the hot tub."
"You think they allow 'pets' in there?" Red asked.
"No!" the man behind the counter eyed the beast on the floor as soon as he heard the last comment. "No animals allowed. Please take that thing out of here."
"But he's part of our group!" Barret slammed a fist onto the desk.
"No pets allowed." The man was not shaken at all by Barret's protest, which upset the large man very much.
"Excuse me, but I am not a pet of any of these people." Red XIII growled. "I belong to myself."
"Who?" the man looked down at the beast as he stretched and placed his front paws on the desk, looking up at the man. "You?"
"You heard me." Red looked at the man with his good eye. His fiery tail twitched impatiently.
"You talked!" the man pointed.
"Yes. I think we've established that." The animal dug a claw into the wooden surface.
"B, but its policy."
"I am sure Yuffie would be very upset with the treatment my friend has received here." Vincent pulled the flap of his jacket out of the way, revealing the silver glint of his revolver. His golden claw sat next to Red's repeating his previous actions, digging the pointed tips into the surface.
"My mistake!" the man shut the book. "I'm very sorry for the trouble. Miss Yuffie did not mention one of her guests was…one like that."
"Can you give us all a call when it's a quarter till six?" Red asked as he headed up the stairs.
"As you wish." The man bowed. The rest of the group said their thanks and headed up the stairs as well to pick out their rooms.
During the rest of the day the girls ran around Wutai shopping at every store they could find. They tried on the silk robes and dresses covered in foreign symbols and designs. They visited the small market on the edge of town and tried out as many spices, cheeses, and fruits as they could fit in their stomachs. Tifa was so enthralled by one of the wines she decided to spend twice as much as she originally wanted for the drink. When they were finished for the day they ventured back to the hotel and spent the afternoon at the spa, getting their nails and hair done, massages, and bathing in the hot spring. They were almost disappointed when it was time to head to Yuffie's estate for dinner. As they reached their rooms, excitement once again took over them, discovering brand new dresses on their beds sent by Yuffie's father to wear to dinner.
"Aren't they lovely!?" Tifa ran out into the hall and jumped into Aeris. The two women giggled and grabbed each other's hands.
"It is something I'm not quite used to." Shelke muttered as she stared at the long silk sleeves of her dress.
"But it looks perfect, Shelke. Do you not like it?" Aeris stared at the small girl's frame.
"No, I do like it very much. I've just never been able to wear anything like this…or do what we did today." The girl, for the first time the ladies had ever seen, grinned. "It was the most fun I've ever had!"
"Look at you ladies!" the women turned towards the intruding voice. Zack stood out in the hall; he had Cloud by his side. The two men were wearing formal clothing suited for Wutai.
"You got clothes for dinner too?" Tifa gawked at the men. It was the first time she had ever seen any of those boys wear anything formal. Their suits were dark and lined with golden and silver designs. Cloud shuffled his feet uncomfortably. "Something you're not used to?" she giggled.
"Not really." Cloud tugged on his collar. "I'm a country boy, never really had to wear anything like this."
"Well I'm a country girl and I absolutely love it!" Tifa clapped her hands together.
"You two look very nice!" Aeris curtseyed.
"Oh!" Zack and Cloud stumbled, bowing to the ladies. "You all look very beautiful! It will be a pleasure dining with you tonight." The women giggled at their awkwardness.
"I'm not really used to this either." Zack murmured. He messed up the back of his hair.
"How long do you suppose we gotta wear this?" Cid's voice called out. He walked out of his room quickly, taking long strides. His suit was decorated with blue and silver designs.
"Who cares, the food better taste as good for how dressed up we gotta be." Barret stared at his waist. His outfit was decorated with an accent of green. "Does this make me look fat?"
"Everything makes you look fat." Cid reached into his pockets, looking for his cigarettes.
"I don't mind the clothing. It does seem a little unnecessary, but I suppose it is a very special occasion for Yuffie." Vincent stepped out into the hall. His clothing was accented in a deep red. His long dark hair was kept down without his typical red headband.
"…" Aeris frowned. She remembered the situation Yuffie was in. While they all were having fun, Yuffie was getting ready to marry a man she most likely never met.
"Even I had a gift awaiting me." Red XIII padded out into the hall. His mane was decorated in a bright yellow and black headdress, fitting his tribal style. His neck was adorned with a similar collar. "It really is too much."
"You think it's too much? Look at me!" Cait Sith barged out into the hall. He had a shiny new crown on his head and a matching cape. "I look like a king!"
"Um…" Kadaj's voice sounded. "Did I put this on right?" he stumbled into the hall. His clothing was black and white. His hair was pulled back out of his face.
"Let me…help you Kadaj." Aeris giggled. She walked up to the man and helped him with his buttons and ties.
"We probably should hurry. We may be late, and that would be rude of us after accepting such gifts as these." Vincent strode down the hall.
The group was brought to the center of the city where Yuffie's estate was by carriage. Everyone was expecting to walk. Once again, the girls were ecstatic while the men cleared their throats uncomfortably, not used to living so high class. The estate was large, full of gardens. Lanterns lit up all the paths and tiny candles were set randomly amongst the statues of Wutai's religion. The hot wax spilled to the ground, dying the snow.
"Welcome." A voice sounded as the large wooden doors slid open before them. "Lord Godo and Miss Yuffie are awaiting you in the dining hall. Please follow me."
"Wow…look at this place." Tifa whispered.
"It's even more magnificent than the Inn!" Aeris giggled, placing a hand to her lips.
"They are like giggling school girls." Zack whispered to Cloud.
"At least they are enjoying themselves." Cloud whispered back.
"You're not enjoying yourself?"
"Not in these clothes." The man made a horrible face. Zack snorted.
"You don't suppose it'll be like this the entire time we're here?"
"I hope to God it's not." The blonde sighed desperately.
The dining hall had shining wooden floors. The walls had relief sculptures carved into the wood and stone, some covered in gold leaf. The table seemed to stretch for miles, lit by candles and covered with platters of food. Everyone seemed to gasp into silence at the sight.
"Guys!" Yuffie's voice called out excitedly. The young woman darted across the room. Her yellow dress had a long train and orange colored robe. She wrapped her arms around Tifa and Aeris. It certainly was unusual to see the young ninja woman in something so extravagant.
"You look wonderful, Yuffie!" Tifa exclaimed.
"You all look great!" Yuffie grinned. "Thanks…I know that all of this…fancy stuff isn't what you're all used to."
"No! It's wonderful! We're having the time of our life!" Tifa giggled. "Well at least we girls are."
"And the boys aren't?" Yuffie gave a sarcastic look.
"Um, we're really enjoying the hotel. It's just these clothes are a little…more formal than we're used to." Zack rubbed the back of his head. "But it's alright! We need to be cleaned up more often!" he laughed nervously.
"We appreciate the gifts, Yuffie. You don't have to do so much for us, you know that." Vincent bowed to the young woman. He was fitting the formal atmosphere perfectly.
"Oh…" Yuffie's cheeks turned a shade of pink. "It's just…"
"This is a very important ceremony for Yuffie. I apologize if the gifts were too much for you, but I wouldn't expect any less treatment for her guests during this time." Lord Godo approached the group. Everyone exchanged their bows.
"We appreciate it very much." Tifa smiled. "It's more than I could ever have imagined, we're grateful for your kindness."
"I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable." Godo looked at the men. "Usually the women don't mind these frivolous things, but men usually have distaste for events such as these."
"We'll be fine. For having us as your guests, it is the least we can do." Vincent stated.
"I'm glad." The lord turned toward the table. "Shall we eat then? I have important matters to discuss with all of you."
The group was seated at the table. They passed the plates to one another, trying all the delicacies placed before them. As dinner commenced they talked of their adventures to Lord Godo, also sharing the information for Aeris. Time passed and dinner came to desert yet Godo mentioned nothing of Yuffie's ceremony. The young woman seemed the more uneasy as time went by. Vincent eyed her suspiciously. Was she turning red with frustration?
"Yuffie." The man interrupted the conversation.
"hm!?" She dropped her fork, her eyes wide. She stared at the group around her, her face now contrasting greatly with her yellow dress, giving off its own heat with her embarrassment. Lord Godo stood from his chair.
"I suppose it's about time I told you all about this ceremony." He cleared his throat. Everyone's attention was to the man. "It is the time for me to announce my heir. Of course, with Yuffie being my only child, the decision was made once my wife had died. But as formalities go, I still have to undergo all ceremonies as tradition states. Usually it is preferred the heir is male, though that's a problem." The man laughed.
'Hmm…how is it a problem she's not male?' Tifa furrowed her brows.
"But for me, I don't see it as so. It's just the protests of some past generations. They say I need to find a male suitor, but I refuse. I think Yuffie is more than capable of taking my place in the future." He looked at the young woman. She smiled back nervously, wringing the napkin in her hands. Vincent raised an eyebrow at the gesture. "I choose Yuffie to be my heir. The ceremony will take place on her birthday in two days. She will finally be at the age where she will have to choose whether or not she is strong enough to except this responsibility." He eyed her again.
"…" the group remained silent.
"This of course would require her to stay here. She won't be able to run around the world freely like she used to unless times call for it. She'll have to work every hour of the day and night. Her responsibilities will be endless…and she will eventually have to start-."
"Ah ha!" Yuffie blurted out a laugh. Everyone stared at her curiously. "Sorry…I guess I'm a little excited. You know, dad. I think you can skip all of this. I think they get the idea of what's going on. Why don't you go ahead and tell them about their part in the ceremony."
'Phew…' the young woman took a gulp of the wine next to her.
"Our part?" Tifa asked.
"Of course, you being Yuffie's closest friends and tutors, I request you attend the event and be present for all the rituals." Lord Godo began.
"Tutors?" Cid asked.
"You all taught her very much about life, survival, caring, and helped her mature and grow wonderfully as both a woman and as a ninja. Of course, you will have to once again be asked to wear something you are not used to, I hope this isn't a problem." He continued. "They will be ceremonial robes but you won't have to really do anything, just be present."
"Sounds wonderful." Aeris smiled. "I would be delighted."
"I'm sure you girls will love this event." Lord Godo grinned, showing every tooth.
"Tifa…You'll die when you see what you gotta wear." Yuffie rolled her eyes. "Dresses, robes, hair, makeup, the works."
"Really!?" the dark haired woman's chocolate colored eyes lit up.
"Is this okay for all of you?" Godo eyed the men. Yuffie placed her hands together and lipped 'please'.
"We have no problem at all with attending Yuffie's ceremony. Whatever we have to wear does not matter." Vincent glanced at the other men. Their fake smiles and cid's scowl were turned into nods and quick compliant answers.
"Good!" Lord Godo announced happily. "Well then. If you do not mind, I shall retire. Yuffie, you shall do the same. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Yes, sir." Yuffie muttered. "Sorry, but I can't join you for dinner tomorrow. I will be dining with others, but I hope you are alright with the free room service I requested. I imagine you would enjoy that more than another formal meeting." She winked.
"Sure thing!" Tifa punched the air.
"Okay… well I will see you guys in two days. I will send out a messenger tomorrow to let you all know when to come here the next day. You can stay here a while longer and check out the place. Thanks for coming you guys. I really am glad you're all here." Yuffie nodded her head quickly. She turned and left the room in a hurry.
"She seems to have a lot on her mind." Shelke stated.
"Her life is about to change completely." Cloud mumbled. "Something I wouldn't want to have. Too much responsibility."
"Strange, that coming from a man who's saved the world." Tifa gave him a smug look.
"At least I was given a choice." Cloud sighed. "Or was I?"
"You're just a good guy, that's all." Zack patted the other man's back.
"But doesn't she have a choice?" Cid asked.
"Yeah, but I don't think it's that easy." Red XIII padded to the exit of the room.
"What d'ya mean?" Cid sputtered.
"She'd have to live the rest of her life knowing she let go of something very important. Her father probably wouldn't like her saying 'no.' He's not the nicest man in the world." Tifa whispered.
"He isn't?" Aeris asked timidly.
"I thought he was cool! Every time he smiled, you could see his molars!" Kadaj stretched out his cheeks. "He looked like a shark!"
"Kadaj…" Cid patted the silver haired man on the shoulder. "You ain't allowed to drink no more."
"He's very strict. He's hard on Yuffie." Tifa explained.
"But he does it to make sure she is the one he wants to take over. He is right, Yuffie has grown. She may seem irresponsible at times, but she knows when to take things seriously. I think she has what it takes to rule this country." Vincent opened the door.
"I think that's the first time I've ever heard you say sumthin' nice about her." Barret shrugged. "I guess I never say anything nice either."
The group went their separate ways, some went back to the hotel to rest, and others explored the estate checking out the art and giant rooms. Zack somehow ended up in the kitchen.
"What are you doing in here?" one of the cooks asked.
"Oh! Um…my compliments to the chef!" Zack nodded quickly and left the kitchen. 'How the hell do you get outta here?'
The dark haired man journeyed across the hall. He figured if he followed the wall he'd find some door that would take him outside. He opened door after door finding bathrooms, more halls, the music room, and once a bedroom. Finally he found a door which led into the gardens.
'Thank you!' he looked up to the sky. He decided a small walk through the gardens wouldn't be a bad idea. He could at least figure out how to get back to the hotel now that he was outside that labyrinth called a home. He took a few steps and paused. On a bench before him was Aeris. She sat with her back to him. He smiled, remembering something he wanted to do earlier. He watched her a moment, analyzing her form. Her dinner dress was a jade colored green and made of a thick knitted material. It had long sleeves and widened below her hips. She had a pink and gold shawl wrapped over her
shoulders. Snow flurries floated around her, some slept in her long curls of brown hair that flowed down her back. Zack shivered slightly and pulled the collar of his thick, navy pea coat. It was something like he had to wear when he became a member of SOLDIER and was required to wear his dress uniform.
"I wouldn't imagine finding you here." Zack's voice rang out.
"Zack?" Aeris turned her head quickly. He smirked at her. "I love gardens."
"Anything in particular you like?" the man asked.
"Hm…those. I've never seen those before." She pointed at a flower that grew around a pole which held a lamp. The tips were a bright red; the color faded into a light pink and then into a white as the pedals reached the center. "It's strange how they can grow in the winter time. It takes a lot of care and time to keep them alive and looking so beautiful in this weather. I love the snow, but at the same time I dislike it because it usually kills the beautiful flowers I grow. But, living in the slums, it's rare to see them anyways or keep them alive. Something that beautiful…needs so much love and care." Aeris stared at the flower.
'Like you…' Zack sighed. He stared at her neckline. The dress curved in a 'U' down below her collarbone. She wore the black ribbon around her neck.
"Hey. Do you like magic tricks?" Zack asked.
"You know a magic trick?" She giggled.
"Of course!" Zack reached into his pocket as he leaned forward. He kept his eyes on hers. She stared back in interest.
"Something they taught you in SOLDIER?" She grinned.
"Perhaps." A corner of his lip turned upward. "Clear your mind."
Aeris grinned and took a deep breath. "Ok."
"Now, I want you to think of something. Something that's important to you. Something you can't imagine living a day without."
"Alright." She gave a confused look.
"Ok. You got it? Alright. Um think of its color." Zack held his hands over his head.
"Ok." She giggled.
"You thinking hard about it?" Zack asked.
"Yup. I got it." Aeris nodded. She bit her lip.
Zack's hands flew downward. He shook them back and forth. "Are you sure you're thinking about it hard enough? Cause I'm not getting anything yet. I can't bring it to you unless you think hard about it." He smiled.
'But what I want is already here…' Aeris grinned.
"Ok. I'll think about it harder." She closed her eyes a moment. Zack quickly held a hand out to her face.
"Wait! Don't close your eyes! Was it yellow?" he questioned.
Aeris opened her eyes quickly. "Oh!" she covered her mouth. "How'd…how'd you do that!?" She stood quickly. In Zack's hand was a yellow flower identical to the ones in her garden back in her church.
"Not much of a magic trick, really." Zack laughed.
"But, it was what I was thinking of!" Aeris giggled. He handed the flower to her.
"I know!" he poked the side of his head. "Can read you like a book."
'Worked the first time the exact same way.' The man laughed.
"You can't read minds!" She gave him a tiny shove.
"No? But I just read yours." He stepped forward. He was very close to her.
"But can I read yours?" Aeris asked. Her eyes drew a line from his chest to his face. His coat collar fluttered in the wind. The scar on the side of his jaw made a line up to the serious line of his mouth, a look she hadn't seen on his face yet. His blue eyes stared intently at her. His dark hair followed the actions of his coat collar.
"Can you?" Zack asked barely audibly.
"…" her heart beat furiously in her chest. She had no idea what this feeling was. She gasped as her mind flickered and a series of images and memories flashed in an instant. The woman fell forward into Zack's arms.
"Aeris!?" he held her up. "Aeris!? What's wrong? Are you alright?" he was frantic.
"Zack…?" the woman whispered.
"Yeah…I'm here. What's up?" the man brushed a hair from her face. She looked up at his, her face very pale. He was worried about her and she knew it.
Then, the woman giggled. "Zack!" she laughed.
"What?" he straightened up as she held onto him.
"You! I remember! You fell through the roof!" She stared at the flower in her hand. Her giggle was almost maniacal. "You fell through the roof of my church! I was so scared!"
"…" his eyes darted back and forth. He stared at her, his mouth gaping. "Y, yeah….Yeah! I did! Aeris I fell through the roof of your church!"
"But…you weren't hurt?" she looked up at him, not letting go.
"No." Zack muttered. "You don't remember anything else?"
"…No…I'm sorry." She frowned, her amusement gone. "I don't remember anything else. Just you falling through the roof and lying in my garden." Tears stung her eyes.
Zack was disappointed. He didn't want to show that to Aeris. It was good that she remembered something; he couldn't be selfish for wanting more from her.
"That's great!" Zack hopped up and down. He held onto her hands. "Aeris! You remembered something. You should be happy for that." He looked down at her.
"Yeah… I suppose." She sniffled as a tear slid down her cheek.
"Woah…hey. None of that." Zack wiped her tear from her cheek. He lifted her chin. "Don't worry about not remembering things. You will. I know you will. We just have to find trigger mechanisms."
"My church. I saw that flower and it reminded me of my church. And then for some reason I remembered you." She gave a weak smile.
"I'll take you to your church, to see if you remember anything else." Zack saw her teeth chatter. "But for now I think we should get you back to the inn. It's getting cold out." The man escorted the woman to the front of the estate. Luckily, there was a chariot awaiting them to take them back. Even Zack was afraid of walking all the way back to the inn. He was getting tired of the cold already and was worried Aeris would freeze before they even made it half way there.
"I'm sorry I couldn't remember more, Zack." Aeris rested her head against his shoulder. She already felt closer to him, knowing there was a connection with just the two of them together.
"Don't worry about it. I'll see to it you figure out more things." Zack unconsciously kissed the top of her head. He froze, scared to death he made the wrong move, but Aeris did not stir. He saw her eyes were closed and let out his breath. She always was a fast sleeper.
'Zack…is there more between you and I?' Aeris' mind went a mile a minute.
Well I'm going to end it here tonight. Sorry for the delay, hope I didn't disappoint any of you! Thanks for reading and please leave me feedback! -Annubis