A Day in the Life

Collection of drabbles.

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AN: Possibly a prequel to part 9—sequel might be part 23.

l l l Part 16 l l l

Reno stood back from the massive doorway, just close enough to see inside the weathered church to observe the SOLDIER operative within. He tapped his EMR idly against his leg—he didn't like waiting. Soft voices drifted slowly to where he stood, though he could only vaguely make sense of it.

"…back soon… yes… promise…"

"…flowers… together…"

It made Reno cringe. Sure, the girl was cute, but SOLDIERs weren't meant to be distracted like this one was.

Fair's getting sloppy, he sighed.

From his perch outside, he could see the flower cart tucked away near the side of the building. Flowers. Reno wanted to roll his eyes at the colorful objects, but he was painfully reminded of how vibrant they actually were. Midgar was dirty, dull, and drab—there were no flowers in the city. Midgar was polluted just as darkly as its sky was, and flowers held no place within its borders.

For some reason, he felt the flowers held a deeper significance than they presented themselves to have. It was no coincidence, Reno believed, that she was the Cetra. The only living Ancient—destined to usher forth the Promised Land.

What is the Promised Land? Reno returned his confused gaze to the flower cart hoping it could provide answers to his line of thought. The flowers merely swayed in the subtle breeze, catching what little light illuminated their petals.

With one last look, he turned away and stepped resolutely inside the building. The young woman looked past the dark-haired SOLDIER and locked eyes with him.

"Fair," he commanded, "let's go."

Zack turned to look at him before embracing the girl one last time.

"I'll see you soon."

She nodded slowly, a small smile gracing her features, but a deep sadness was etched within her eyes.

"Okay," she willed herself to say. Then she watched as he turned around and headed towards the redheaded Turk.

"Don't worry," Reno grinned, "We'll return him in one piece."

Aerith wasn't so sure.

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to be continued.