Thanks everyone for the fantastic reviews :D Much appreciated!
By the way, song requests would be appreciated for the last few chapters, as I've (sadly enough) run out of ideas...
Anyways--Enjoy. Those Wings...
Flint walked into the bar, where a young woman was staring at a picture.
She was rather pretty, but looked slightly worried about something, her mouth set in a firm line, a hint of a smile on her lips as she looked at the photo.
Her eyes, above which was a creased brow, had a frazzled look about them, slightly confused and submerged in memory. Her eyes were slightly red, as if she'd been crying, or hadn't
slept in awhile- or both.
She looked up, startled when he entered.
"I'm sorry sir, we're closed."
"I came to see a friend." He said quietly. "Zack Fair said he'd be here with Cloud. Are-they here?"
The woman looked down, holding the photo to her chest. "Zack didn't- he was- Cloud came alone."
Flint nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the floor.
"Came alone?" he asked.
The woman nodded. "He was injured, and barely able to walk. He stayed conscious only long enough to tell me that- Zack..." her voice faded. "He- was a friend of yours?"
Flint nodded, his eyes filled with sadness.
"I'm very sorry." The woman said, bowing her head.
"So am I."
Flint hesitated-
"Is he- still here?"
"Upstairs, sleeping. He hasn't woken up yet."
Flint took out a small battered envelope from his pocket and placed it on the bar.
"Give this to Cloud when he wakes up."
The lady nodded- "Wait- who should I tell him it's from?" Flint paused.
"A friend. He'll know."
He tipped his hat to cover his eyes.
"By the way Miss Lockhart, it's unsealed." He said softly, and left, walking out onto the quiet streets of Midgar, where rain had begun to fall from star spattered skies.
I'm sorry Angeal.
Flint had known when they'd set out, something like this would happen. He had considered seeing Cloud when he woke, but was afraid of what the boy would say. Afraid Cloud would be
mad at him, knowing that he'd failed in keeping his promise to Angeal.
He'd failed to protect Zack.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Tifa picked up the envelope, looking at its battered paper.
The mouth of the envelope gaped, the top of the letter sticking out from the fold like a tongue, waiting to be pulled. She pulled the corner, and unfolded the paper which appeared as if it'd
been crumpled up various times.
She looked down at the neat writing, wondering if the letter would reveal anything to do with Cloud's sudden appearance.
I now know the meaning of devotion.
I never understood how Zack, who had lost so much, could still wear a smile on his face, and carry his past as if it were weightless whereas I, who have lost little, cannot.
Angeal had always admired him for that, he was proud to have such a unique and willing student, who no matter what the circumstances, faced all his challenges with a confident approach.
I always admired Zack for that as well, but seeing him carry you unconscious across Gaia on the back of a Chocobo was something else.
I hope you realize how lucky you are to have someone like that by your side.
He would fight to his last breath for you, and I know you'd do the same for him.
I apologize for what I've put you through, and hope you can forget the past and forgive me.
As for the Black Mako- Tell Zack it will be destroyed. It's been on Gaia for long enough.
He'll know what I mean.
As for me, I'll go into hiding, Take Fenrir someplace nice. He's seen enough of war and chaos. Soon, Shinra will come up with some other sick scheme to take the place of your imprisonment, and
they'll lose interest. Zack will have to lie low, but it'll blow over. Once it does, all of us will be able to walk free on Gaia, and we may live regularly, it will be a thing of the past, and Shinra will forget.
Take care of Zack for me. He thinks he should be the one protecting, but he never thinks about himself.
I'm sorry for everything Cloud.
Flint
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Flint walked into the ruins, stepping over rotten wood, ridden with moss and wildflowers.
The bathhouse had never been rebuilt after Angeal and Zack's final battle.
His body was removed and there had been a burial, but still, this always seemed like Angeal's true place of rest.
There was a wooden cross, shoved deep into the mud. It had been crudely made from a tall piece of plywood, nailed to a shorter one.
It had no markings, save for those the wind and rain had contributed over the years, and at its base, a white lily lay, freshly picked. Flint looked around, wondering who'd put it there, but
only a warm breeze greeted him.
'Flint, it's nice to see you again.'
A voice mumbled in his ear. He jumped, searching for the source.
'You call yourself a SOLDIER? Didn't I teach you not to let your guard down?'
"Angeal?"
'Mm.'
The voice grunted in an amused tone.
'Finally I have a visitor. Zack hasn't even come to visit me yet...
He paused.
I guess- it would be hard for him. He's always had a gentle spirit. How is he?'
"That's why I came. To- apologize." Flint began, choosing his words carefully.
'For what?' He asked simply.
"Zack is-" His voice was shaking uncontrollably now. The final word never passed his lips.
Angeal was quiet.
Flint waited. For words of anger, disappointment, fury, but none came.
'I've felt it... for a time now. The fading of his presence. His spirit is strong; he didn't give up without a fight. I shall- aid him in his journey to the Lifestream.'
"I've broken our promise."
'Everyone dies at one point in their life. You did all you could, and nothing less. You have honored our promise to its full extent, and for that, you should be proud.'
"Thank you Angeal." He said, standing. He paused.
"Angeal, what's the Lifestream like?"
'It is everything and nothing at the same time. The true place for a fallen angel.'
_____________________________________________________________________________________
"Zack."
Angeal's voice interrupted Zack's slumber. "Time to go." He said.
"Open your eyes, and take my hand." Zack opened his eyes, watching the rain fall steadily.
The pain was gone, and the skies were bright before him. "Already?"
His mentor nodded, holding out a gloved hand. Zack reached forward, taking his hand.
The light from the skies bathed his body in warmth, and Angeal brought him forward, pulling him into the endless haven of light.
Zack saw Angeal's face, just as he'd remembered it, and a long white wing fanning out behind him.
"Those wings- I want them too."
A bit of a disapointment for me actually, but I hope you all enjoyed. Thanks for reading:)
Lucifer