A young boy wandered through the museum's 'Shinra' wing until he found the display case he and many others could not believe had been added that very day. Even though there was a moderate crowd in front of it, he still waved to his dad to follow him. When they pushed through to the front of the crowd, with many people complaining, he turned to his father.
"I told you it wasn't a hoax," the blue eyed boy stated.
"So you did," his father asked quietly.
They both looked at the large bullet proof glass case that held artifacts that had been impossible to retrieve for many centuries. The seven foot long Masamune, with every chip, scratch, and sign of constant use on the handle. The white steel pauldrons, scratched and dented from countless hits. The long black coat, with a large oval hole punched in the back, where the wing sprouted from. Lastly, one pristine massive black feather that was far too large for any bird including chocobos.
The screen on a near by wall flickered to life a few minutes before the scheduled, and heavily publicized, event hosted by Primarch Yaag Rosch. The boy and his father drifted towards the screen, as did many other museum goers.
Rosch read over the notes for his speech but could not focus on them. He was still in shock over what he was about to say to every citizen of the two worlds. After all, he had looked up to Avalanche growing up, along side most of the populace, and the few former l'Cie that had freed Cocoon from being destroyed by a rogue Fal'Cie.
The door opened and his assistant walked in. Finally it was time for the event.
"Primarch Rosch? We are ready for you." The Primarch nodded his confirmation to his assistant. He still could not believe it had only been six days since that battle in Bodhum. Only six days since nearly four thousand gave their lives to protect Cocoon, and many more were taken in the city's destruction. But this was what Cocoon needed more than ever.
As Primarch Yaag Rosch, former commander of PSICOM, stepped out onto the stage and headed for the center he looked out to the crowd of reporters, cameras, and citizens, crammed into the large arena like area of Palumpolum and felt nauseous. The sight of the entire arena like area filled to capacity, with the exception of fenced off aisle leading out, was a truly stunning sight. When he reached the center of the stage, some aerial cameras flew in closer, and a tide of flashes rolled by. The thought of his voice booming over the crowd from speakers and his form on the jumbo screens, made him feel small. He settled his nerves, took a few deep breaths, wet his lips and began his speech.
"Almost five and a half centuries ago, the once legendary hero, Sephiroth went rogue and tried to destroy Pulse. The team Avalanche, lead by Cloud Strife, rose up against the Shinra Corporation in order to fight Sephiroth and stop Meteor. Several years later, the Geostigma plague erupted throughout the world and caused the War of Transgression. After moving the population to Meteor, Cocoon, Shinra founded the Sanctum, PSICOM, and the Guardian Corps. Two years ago, a small group of six were made l'Cie and they lost everything. However, they refused to give up and refused to destroy Cocoon, with the help of Avalanche, who were crystallized by Holy after their battle with Sephiroth, they were successful in completing their focus and keeping Cocoon safe."
Rosch let the unpublished information sink into the crowd so he could take a few breaths.
"Six days ago, Bodhum was completely destroyed. Not by an earthquake, tsunami, or rogue Fal'Cie like Barthandelus. Compelling evidence, such as the mysterious transmission, proves that Sephiroth, the One Winged Angel, returned and leveled the city. I don't know how he returned and it is unlikely that we will ever find out, but it was him and many heroes gave their lives to end his. It has been decided that Bodhum will not be rebuilt. The construction project on the town of Kalm, will be named New Bodhum. Every survivor of the battle of Bodhum will be the first residents of New Bodhum and every new home will be paid for by the Sanctum. The wreckage of Bodhum will be cleared and a memorial for those who lost their lives will be erected and the broken form of the giant Sephiroth will be moved and repaired, as it will stand as a monument to our past mistakes. No more will we bend to the will of a select few beings, be it Fal'Cie, terrorists, or even the Sanctum. No more will the truth be ignored when it is right in front of us. No more will false stories influence our decisions."
Cheers echoed through the crowd and Rosch could see many people crying as he spoke of the brave soldiers that had died in Bodhum.
"However, today is not a day for tears. On this day, we are finally free from the grasp of beings far beyond the realm of human. On this day, our new lives truly begin. Today we shall officially honor the heroes that helped save us all from several tyrants," Rosch extended his right arm "Avalanche, the group we grew up learning about,"
As the Primarch spoke a large curtain slid sideways revealing Cloud, bandages covering most of his body. Tifa, with her right hand in a cast. Barret, with a lot of bandages. Aerith, with a few cuts and bruises. Zack, on a crutch, keeping his Fal'Cie powers secret. Yuffie, the same as Aerith. Vincent, the only member who was uninjured. Cid, his right arm in a sling and left foot in a brace. And Nanaki, with bandages around his middle. Applause erupted through the crowd. The Primarch extended his left arm when the applause started to die.
"The group NORA, who helped citizens throughout the tragedy of the Purge and the former l'Cie who saved us from the corrupt Fal'Cie."
The large curtain to the Primarch's left slid sideways to reveal Lightning, bandages covering most of her body. Snow, unscathed because of his absence from the fight with Sephiroth. Serah, completely unscathed because of Snow. Sazh with Dajh beside him, and minimal bandaging. Hope, who was in Palumpolum at the time of the battle. Fang, with two fingers on her left hand in a splint and a knee brace on her right leg. Vanille, with many cuts and bandages but not as much as some of the others. Then Lebreau with bandages around her hips for the severe burns on her right hip. Finally, Gadot, Yuj, and Maqui who had been with Snow and remained uninjured. Each member of both groups was wearing the clothes they were most known for.
"Each one of these brave souls will be awarded every honor that can be bestowed by the Guardian Corps. But that is not nearly as much as they deserve. What they want is a simple request that we should allow, all these heroes want is to live their lives in peace with those they love. And on that note, let us begin the one event that will be remembered forever."
After the Primarch spoke, Cloud and Lightning walked forward until they were in front of Rosch and turned to each other. They joined hands with each other and the Primarch pushed a hidden button is his palm to turn off his microphone, so he could share a few private words.
"Thank you for choosing to do this. This will definitely raise the morale of the citizens. Also this is the first time I've ever done this so bear with me," absolute silence fell over the crowd as they figured out what was happening, Rosch pushed the hidden button again to reactivate his microphone "Cloud Strife, you defeated Sephiroth and saved Gran Pulse more than five hundred years ago. Lightning Farron, you defeated Barthandelus and saved Cocoon only two years ago. Together you two killed Sephiroth six days ago and ensured that the citizens of Cocoon could live long happy lives. Today, the two of you will begin a new journey, one that will last the remainder of your lives, bring you ever closer and will bring challenges far different than what you have faced in the past."
Rosch paused, seemingly for dramatic effect but in truth, he was frantically searching his mind for the information he had been trying to memorize for three days prior. After two deep breaths, the information surfaced and Rosch continued.
"We are gathered here to celebrate these two history changing heroes, who met under the most extraordinary circumstances, uniting in marriage. It is one of life's richest surprises when the accidental meeting of two life paths lead them to proceed together along the common path as husband and wife. It is one of life's finest experiences when a casual relationship grows into a permanent bond of love."
Vincent, Tifa, Snow and Fang, stifled a laugh or chuckle at the Primarch's words. Only those four knew what really happened when Lightning and Cloud first met.
"Lightning Farron and Cloud Strife, will you take vows here before all of us which symbolize the manifested vows you have already made and will continue to make to each other throughout your lives?"
"We will," Cloud and Lightning answered together, their voices magnified by Rosch's microphone.
"I promise you Claire Farron," Cloud started, he knew Lightning wasn't happy about him using her real name with all of Cocoon watching "That I will be your loving and loyal husband from now on. I will share with you all of life's joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, until death parts us."
"I promise you Cloud Strife," Lightning started, she felt embarrassed that she was so close to crying from happiness "That I will be your loving and loyal wife from now on. I will share with you all of life's joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, until death parts us."
After reciting their vows Lightning and Cloud placed matching rings on each others left ring finger. As they exchanged rings Rosch continued speaking.
"As a ceaseless reminder of this hour, and of the promise you have made to each other, these rings also speak of the oneness you now experience as husband and wife. Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now you will feel no loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, to enter the days of your life together. And may your days be good, and long upon Gran Pulse and Cocoon.
Because they have so affirmed, in love and knowledge of the other, so also do I declare that Cloud Strife and," Lightning threw a quick look at Rosch "Lightning Farron are now husband and wife."
The two warriors stepped into each others embrace and shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Wild cheering and applause erupted through the crowd and some cheers came from the two groups. The two groups closed around the new couple and the Primarch for the of pictures, and they all knew it was going to be a long time before they could leave.
Two Days later, The Highwind
Avalanche and the former l'Cie stood on the the flight deck watching the land of Gran Pulse slowly roll by. Each couple was standing on their own leaving all the single members to congregate.
"So Kadaj, how did Loz and Yazoo survive getting shot by Vincent?" Vanille asked the silver haired Oerban.
"Well with how much power Sephiroth gave each of us, we can probably die two or three times each," Kadaj replied with a shrug.
"But can't Sephiroth use one of you to come back?" Vanille asked with genuine worry.
"If he could, wouldn't he have already done that?" Kadaj retorted. Vanille just nodded to agree with him.
At the same time as Vanille's discussion with Kadaj.
"So are you ever going to explain what Sephiroth said about Ragnarok preventing him from using me?" Fang asked Vincent, her tone was hiding the knives Vincent could feel at his throat.
"I am using the Protomateria, a materia Lucrecia gave me to control Chaos. So I am using it to keep Ragnarok under control as well. I did not combine Ragnarok with you, I am keeping it dormant," Vincent explained.
"Well take Ragnarok and shove it back where it came from," Vincent could tell that Fang was having a hard time controlling her tone.
"I would if I could. But on the bright side, we are nearly invincible. Not to mention near immortal as well," Fang threw him a questioning look "I haven't aged a day since I became a host for Chaos."
"Huh," Fang muttered "Immortality. Not sure what I think of that."
"Neither am I," Vincent replied with a thoughtful tone.
Silence fell over the group as the Highwind drifted over New Bodhum. The massive construction project was going well.
"Oh, Cloud!" Zack shouted across the deck. Zack, who had fully healed himself and the others an hour before they got on the Highwind, walked across the deck to blond with spiky hair "Here is my wedding gift to you," Zack held out his hand and blue gem appeared. It was slightly larger than a materia and it had the same shape as the steel wolf head Cloud wore on his leather pauldron.
"What's this?" Cloud asked. Lightning knew it was an Eidolon crystal, but Zack spoke first.
"Fenrir. Your Eidolon. I chose him for you and I designed my Fal'Cie form after him," Zack forced the crystal into Cloud's hand "Go ahead and summon him, he is quite friendly."
Cloud squeezed the crystal until it broke and vanished. Large symbols appeared in the air and spread out and away from Cloud. A large black robotic wolf, with some gold plating, leaped out of the largest symbol and landed in the middle of the sky deck. Everyone turned to look at the wolf that had suddenly appeared. The wolf looked around at all the people standing around it.
"Tell it to go into Gestalt form," Zack said to Cloud. Cloud just shrugged in response.
"Fenrir, Gestalt form," Cloud commanded.
The wolf jumped up off the deck and quickly transformed. The wolf was now a large black and gold motorbike, type vehicle. Two wing-like flaps opened and several small sheath like arms jutted out. Zack grabbed Cloud's and Lightning's sword and slid them into two of the sheaths and the wings closed. Lightning and Cloud just stared at the huge motorcycle for a few moments, along with everyone other than Zack and Aerith.
"Well, take him out for a spin," Zack said to Cloud and Lightning "Oh, since its an Eidolon, no fuel is required and it will go very fast. And that engine will roar."
Cloud climbed onto the the bike, Lightning climbed on behind him and wrapped her arms around Cloud's middle. Cloud revved the engine and drove it off the the sky deck, when the bike landed, it shot across the ground. The others watched as Cloud and Lightning drove off into the New Bodhum construction site.
" Damn kids and their new toys," Cid said to earn a laugh.
"There is no hate, only joy. For you are beloved by the goddess. Hero of the dawn, healer of worlds." a man in red armor quoted as he watched the two warriors speed off into the distance "Rest well guardians of Gran Pulse. You have emerged victorious from this battle," With a wave of his hand, the summoned image blew away like mist. The man looked out towards the water, away from the city and drew his red bladed sword "But a war is on its way."
And so ends Remnants of the Past. Please send a thank you to Devil Hunter Kira F Sparda, without his help and idea's chapters 16 and 17 would have yet to be written.
Concerning chapter 16, I may go back and rewrite it to extend the fight scene.
As always, please leave a Review.
The story continues in 'The Kalm Before the Storm' a cooperative effort between Devil Hunter Kira F Sparda and myself. It is published under his name, so give it a read and leave a Review on it.