Days of Exile

This is technically the last chapter for the main plot in "Days of Exile". Just like how I began the story with a first-person perspective, I will write in Meia's perspective once again. Please read till the end to see what's in store for Meia and the others.

Chapter 51 – Cleaning Up

21 January 0008 (Meteorfall)

To put it literally, we were saved by millions of souls in the Lifestream.

I wish I could say that all of us ran out into the streets, cheering and dancing joyfully. However, it was not like that. The minute Meteor disappeared from the face of the Planet, Legend and I sprang into action and searched for any straggling survivors in Sector Eight.

There were none.

Of course I had expected it. It would be too naïve of me to expect a crisis without casualties. Just that… who wouldn't hope for that?

I don't think that I can ever forget the feelings that I felt. Joy, relief, anxiety, panic… I never knew that I could feel so many emotions at once.

There were so many things going through my mind. Is everyone safely evacuated to the lower plates or in Kalm? Are there any survivors that we have missed out? How are we going to stop the fire that is spreading through Midgar? Where would the thousands of people live after this is over? Who is going to take over and take charge? Would the people still trust Shinra if they step up to take over?

Most importantly, where is everybody?

Where is Reno?

Despite the many questions swimming in my head, all I could do was to drag my weary feet and wipe the dirt off my face. I could not afford to be distracted about anything else apart from what were the most immediate concerns.

It was one of the longest days I have ever gone through. Perhaps it was because we woke up so early in the morning and worked, without stopping, until the following morning. The rain, dirt and mud made nothing better. We were directing as many people as we could to our temporary refugee-location in the Sector Two and Three slums. Some of us went out to find food – in Kalm, in Junon; some of them even resorted to hunting. I would love to say that the people of Midgar saw us in a different light, but I was simply too tired to notice.

When the day was over, we gathered at Rod's garage. This time, even with Tseng, Reno, Rude and Elena. Despite our exhaustion, all of us cheered at the sight of their faces. We could have slept immediately; after all, work is far from complete. However, the possibility that we would not gather like this anymore kept us awake, even if it was just for an hour or two more.

We discussed endlessly about the future – our plans and our dreams. It was amazing. For all our lives as Turks, none of us would have ever believed that we could talk about a future outside Shinra. Yet here we were, tired beyond recognition, hair and clothes untidy, half-full from our meagre dinner… but we were living that moment of freedom.

All of that ended as quickly as it came. After Tseng and the Turks left, Veld gathered us together quietly. "What are your plans after this?" He asked of everyone in the room.

"Whoa, are you chasing us out already?" asked Haato good-naturedly.

"No," Elfe said, shaking her head. "Daddy wants to know how many of you intend to return to Midgar permanently. I'm sure the citizens of Midgar are grateful for what you've done for them, but we've got bigger plans to make."

I could not help but be in awe as Elfe spoke. The former leader of the first-generation ecoterrorist group, AVALANCHE, Elfe inherited the same steel determination and no-nonsense attitude from her father. Although she was shy and generally quiet, there was always some kind of appeal to her speeches.

Veld nodded. "Everything that I am going to say is not an order. You are no longer bound to anyone and you have to make your own decisions. I've approached Kido, Rod, Cassandra, Alana and Katherine about my plans, but I would like to hear of your plans first before I continue."

Why didn't he ask me? I wondered, feeling a little hurt at that moment. Surely he knew that I won't be going anywhere. A brief thought of the snowy Icicle Inn distracted me. Perhaps that's why.

The room was silent for a brief moment. The first person to speak was Rod. "Well, like what Veld said, I'm going to be here. I mean, it's pretty obvious." He gestured at the living room. "This is my freaking house."

"I should be running between Midgar and Mideel," answered Cassie. "Gotta visit the old folks and my cute brother once in a while."

"I'll be returning to Gongaga," said Cissnei. "Dannie and Annie are waiting for my return."

"Me too," added Legend. "Back to Wutai."

"Really?" I exclaimed. "But we've just become great partners!"

Legend laughed. "Maybe you should consider coming to Wutai with me, eh? Work with me in my weapons business?" I shook my head in response. It will be such a shame if this would be the last time I saw Legend. We had really gotten off well as partners.

Haato and Leia exchanged glances. "I'm heading back to Icicle Inn," announced Leia.

"We're heading back to Icicle Inn," added Haato, pulling Leia closer to him.

"It's pretty obvious that I'm returning to my family in Bone Village," said Jasper sheepishly. "My father should be jumping mad that I'm not returning yet."

Mason grinned. "Seeing so many leaving Midgar makes me feel that I should stay. But Costa del Sol beckons me too." He scratched his head. "Sorry, boss."

I realized that I was the last person who had not spoken. I was so shocked with the responses that I could not answer properly. "Oh… I actually half expected all of us to be here, for a little while longer. Looks like you guys are leaving much faster than I thought. I haven't exactly thought about my future plans, actually."

"It's okay, Meia," said Veld. "You have some time to think about it still. As for all of you… I won't hold you back," he smiled. "Looks like we don't have many people on our hands, then."

"But having some of us outside Midgar could be an advantage to us, too," Elfe said to Veld.

"Can someone please explain to me what is happening?" asked Cissnei with a confused look that was bordering on annoyance.

Veld cleared his throat. "It is clear that Midgar is badly damaged from Meteor. Restoring a city of this size would take many years to rebuild."

"No way," interrupted Haato. "Are you saying that you intend to rebuild Midgar?"

"No, it's not me." Veld shook his head. "Someone else will eventually take up the job to rebuild Midgar." There was a slight pause. We stared at Veld curiously, wondering if he had somebody in mind. "This is what I want you to do. Start a mercenary service."

There were a very small chorus of "ohh"s as some of them understood what Veld implied. I nodded my head in understanding. Veld had also thought of the concerns that some of us were wondering about, but did not speak it out. Indeed, becoming a mercenary service might be a good idea for now.

Jasper turned to me. "What did I not understand?" He asked. His blue eyes were wide in surprise that he seemed to be the only person in the room that did not understand what Veld was trying to say.

"Veld wants us to become mercenaries," I explained. "On the surface, we look like we are your odd-job freelancers. However, we are going to use that as a façade to gather information."

The heir still looked clueless. "… On?"

I sighed. "On what's to happen in the future. Don't you see? The powerhouse, Shinra Electric Company, has fallen. The throne that governs the future Midgar and possibly the Planet will be most sought after by big powers of the other countries."

"I could not have said it better myself," agreed Veld with a smile. "Meia is more perceptive than I thought."

"Gee, sir," I made a face. "I don't know if I should be flattered that you think of me this way now, or upset that you never thought I was perceptive enough." Veld chuckled in reply.

Cissnei still had a doubtful look. "So why are we involving ourselves in this?"

"You can choose not to," rejoined Rod.

"I know, but what's the purpose of this group that you are creating, then? I doubt it is because you are after that power for yourself."

Veld smiled. "This afternoon, Reeve and I went to visit Rufus Shinra in Kalm. We had talked a lot about what we needed to do in the long run."

"Wait a minute," interrupted Mason. "I thought we are not on talking terms with Shinra, if you know what I mean?"

I agreed. "In fact, I thought just a few days ago, Reeve was anti-Shinra and pro-AVALANCHE. So… we are working together now?"

"Yes, and no." Veld paused to drink from a cup by the table. "Yes, we are working together because it's all in the interests of building a new place for the Midgar citizens. You cannot have them populate the Sector slums and Kalm forever." We nodded. "No, we are not working together because the three of us ultimately have very different ideals."

"Shinra being interested in taking back what he had owned," suggested Kido.

"Reeve wanting some kind of world peace, I assume," added Leia. I smiled at Leia's accurate guess.

"What about us?" asked Alana. "Which side are we on?"

With that question, Elfe glowed. "Our group will be siding on whoever that is supporting the Planet, not destroying it."

My heart sank. If Reno was to continue to follow Rufus Shinra…

"Knowing Veld, we seem to share more common ground with Reeve Tuesti, that's for sure," Cissnei commented.

"I have a question, sir." I raised my hand, asking. "Is that the reason why you did not approach me initially?"

Veld had a sad smile on his face. "Yes. I understand that you may face a dilemma."

"… I understand."

"I really hate to say this," said KK, patting me on the back. "But you and Reno are one heck of a pair of starcrossed lovers."

"Thanks for putting it so bluntly, KK." I pouted.

"I reiterate," said Veld. "I will not force anyone to join this. I want all of you to live the lives that you want to live. However, I want you to know that my invitation will always be open towards you, as long as you need."

The room was quiet as the former Turks thought about Veld's invitation. It was Leia who spoke the words for everyone. "We need time to think about it. It's not that we don't want to work for you anymore-"

"You do not need to explain," said Veld. "You are not accountable to me, nor anyone, anymore."

As I sat in the midst of them, my thoughts were in total disarray. All of them led to one big question: What do I do now?

22 January 0008

"It's over…" I muttered under my breath.

Reno and Rude, who were sitting with me, glanced at me. Reno shook his head. "That's the third time that you've said this since we sat here. Are you still in shock?" He asked, tapping my head playfully. "It's been one full day since Meteorfall, yo?"

"Nevertheless."

"… You're right."

We sat on top of a fallen metal fender in silence for some time. Usually, Reno and I did most of the talking. There were times that we preferred silence, and we were quite comfortable with it. Today was not the case, though it was mostly my fault.

"So…" I trailed off. "What now?" Reno looked at me and raised an eyebrow at me, so I quickly continued. "What are your plans?"

Rude gave Reno a glance. "I told you that you have to tell her sooner or later." Reno mumbled something unintelligible while I waited. I did not like the sound of it, but I had to be patient. Then, the bald Turk stood. "… I'll be over there when you guys are done talking."

As Rude walked away from us, I turned to Reno. "So what's happening on your side?" I asked.

Reno gritted his teeth and scratched his head. That never meant a good sign. "We will be staying with the President."

I expected that answer from him, but it still felt like someone had just punched the air out of my lungs. I took a deep breath, trying hard not to show that I was already ruffled by that. "As a Turk?" He half-nodded, half-shrugged. "For how long?" I demanded. Reno kept quiet. My eyes widened at his response. "Reno, you are not a Turk anymore," I pointed out as clearly as I could.

"Well, at least until things over here died down. Until we can get him up and going. I mean, we can't exactly leave the President alone, can we? Not with his broken bones and homelessness."

I knew that. I looked away. I knew that he would put his Turk job above everything else. Why did I even ask him? I am such a fool for believing in anything otherwise.

"What about you?" asked Reno.

I did not feel like answering him. "Not sure. Whatever that comes, I guess."

"Meia?" He touched my shoulder. "Are you-"

"I'm fine," I cut him off, a little more brusquely than I intended.

"Meia," said Reno firmly. "Don't give me that kind of emotional games. You know that I don't like them. If there is something on your mind, just spit it out."

I kept quiet still, shaking my head. This time, Reno did not reply. He simply sat beside me in silence.

That sneak. He knew that I could not hide anything from him. But how do I even tell him? What if he leaves me because of this?

All of a sudden, my eyes were wet with tears. I struggled to keep them in, but it was too late because Reno noticed them. He turned to me and held me. "What's happening, Meia? Why can't you tell me?" His voice was soft but I could hear the sadness in them. He knows of our circumstances too. "Are our circumstances so unfavourable that it's impossible to think about a future together?"

"… How…" I sobbed. "How do I tell you how I feel when I'm not even sure if I'm still going to see you? Where am I in your plans? Where are our plans?" I was not sure what to conclude from Reno's shocked expression. "I don't mean to be sticky-wicky, but at this moment, I really… I really don't know."

"…" And suddenly, Reno started chuckling. "Oh good Gaia!" He groaned. "I don't know if I should kiss you or strangle you, yo?"

I blinked at him. "… I… I prefer the first option," I mumbled.

Still laughing, Reno reached over and kissed me. I leaned in, feeling all my worries overtaken by affection. "I really should strangle you though," he commented lightly. "I'm telling you my plans. Of course you are included in my plans. Your presence and involvement are a given."

"So what? You know that I do not condone what Shinra believes and does."

"Well," Reno grinned. "Guess what?" He leaned over and kissed my forehead this time. "Neither do I." I stared at him, blinking and gaping at what he just said. He jumped off the fender and gave a good stretch. "I'm working for Rufus Shinra now, without drawing any salary. I expect to have some liberties to my own opinions." He turned to face me. "So it's got nothing to do with bribery or blackmail. Tseng and all of us just hang around the President because we want to."

"… So… it's like… being a Turk but you get to choose your jobs?"

Reno made a face. "I still wouldn't put it that way… but we'll work something out. Anyway, we work under the President. Outside of that, my life is my own." He lifted me off by my waist. "And you are in it," he declared boldly. Setting me down, he poked my cheek. "So don't go trotting off in different conclusions."

I hugged him tightly. "… Yeah, you're right. I should've asked instead of assuming. You were always running here and there so…" I shook my head. "Alright. I'm sorry I'm such a girl about this." I mumbled sheepishly.

Reno smirked. "Well… you ARE a girl."

"I can't believe I'm THIS possessive." I grumbled.

"I can't believe that I like such a possessive girl." Reno ruffled my hair.

I smiled. "… I'm glad that you are alive, safe and here with me."

His smile matched mine. "… Me too."

I hugged him closer. "We will be together always, right? For as long as we can tolerate each other?"

"… For as long as we can tolerate each other."

"… Even if we end up being enemies or something?"

"…" Reno kept quiet. Clearly, he had considered that possibility too. "Yes, even if we end up being enemies," he said finally, pressing his lips against my head.

"Is that a deal?" I asked, grinning.

There was a short silence, and when I turned to look at Reno, we were facing each other. Reno picked up my hand and pressed his lips against the back of my hand. He gazed at me, triggering my memory of how I had once imagined this to be, just weeks ago when we said goodbye over the PHS after Zirconiade's destruction. "No," he said again, soft but serious. "A promise."

Let us all cheer together, "DAYS OF EXILE IS FINALLY OVER!"

Okay, actually that's not true. What's happening next?

It's going to work a little like the ending of "I Want To Be A Turk!" Remember how after the 'last' chapter, I posted one more chapter with snippets of what happened in that week after the destruction of Zirconiade? It's somewhat similar.

From here on, I will post snippets of what happened from here till the end of Dirge of Cerberus. However, they will come in long chapters, so it's still a lot of content. Treat them like side stories, if you like. There are many loose ends that needs to be trimmed or tied up so that the story is as complete as it gets. However, whether you read them or not does not affect any future story plots. But come on, you've come so far. Just read them, yo? However, on fanfictionnet, I'll change this story to "Complete".

No thanks and gratitude yet, because the story has many chapters to go.

I really loved how the last part turned out. I managed to link it back to Chapter 62 of "I Want To Be A Turk!" It was not planned, but I'm glad that it worked out that way.

Do read and review, because it still means that much to me!