3rd POV:
Aerith huffed in frustration watching Nox walk out. After a while of staring at the door she turned back around and tended to her flowers.
She understood why she couldn't go with him THIS time, considering the circumstances, but still.
She wasn't some porcelain doll that needed to be protected. Pretty much everyone in her life wanted to keep her safe. For various reasons, granted. And from people like her mother and Zack she appreciated it even, unlike with Shinra and the Turks. Not like their protection didn't come with baggage and clauses. Or the fact that it was forced on her, when she didn't ask.
So the fact that Nox didn't object to her accompanying him to danger and he even let her in on his plans, made her really appreciate him. Though they clearly were not equals in terms of power, he still treated her like a partner. Now more so then before, since they were together.
Of course, she was reasonable about the danger she could put herself in. That is why she didn't complain when she was relegated to the back line and told to fight from there. Though she may train a little with Tifa, she wouldn't suddenly be able to punch and kick and tank damage like Nox does or SOLDIERs.
For now. Maybe one day she could do more then be in the backs and cast magic, considering one grows stronger the more monster one kills. One day, maybe.
Now, being here, once again relegated to the side lines, she was reminded of how good she has it with him. Sure, he still protected her, she wanted to protect him too, as good as she could, but not in the way all the others in her life did by babying her.
...Aerith sighed again. All that said, that didn't make things any easier.
She understood, but that didn't make it easier. Guess, she'll just have to wait.
After a while she hummed and then frowned, when she noticed something strange happening.
She undid her ribbon, letting her hair fall around her and inspected the White Materia that she hid in her hair.
It was always white. But it was more so a white-ish almost completely transparent color. Calm. Present. Serene. But by and large, there was nothing more remarkable about it. Well, aside from it's purpose.
Now? Now it was filled to the brim with white color, no longer transparent. The substance in it swirling around violently and small green particles emitting from it. Aerith put the White Materia in her hands and then into a prayer to try and immediately commune with the Planet to try and get answers. Hopefully.
''There is no need. I can answer what is happening, since this is technically my doing,'' came the voice from behind her making her turn around.
Only to come face to face with...herself. Aerith stepped back, nearly jumping back in fright only to remember the flowers in time, and summoned her staff, storing the White Materia in her Store Materia for now.
''Who are you?,'' Aerith asked her with some suspicion.
''Well...I'm technically you, just...from another ...world. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say I'm a time traveler, but considering some of the differences here, this is clearly not my past,'' 'Aerith' tried explaining and looked apologetic, wincing knowing how little sense it made. For now.
''I'm... totally not confused,'' Aerith replied back flatly.
'Aerith' pursed her lips and put her fingertips together in a thoughtful manner, before moving them all towards Aerith.
''It's like this. The Lifestream is essentially the thoughts and memories of all living beings. Usually, the rule is that one Lifestream is contained to one world. But because the Lifestream is not only a universal constant, but also magical in nature, there is a faint connection between all worlds. One could, with sufficient enough power, use that fact to 'move' past the barriers. Not literally of course. But by using the Lifestreams innate nature as a 'cupholder' of memories to send them to another version of yourself. You know, because time flows differently yet not between two different worlds,'' 'Aerith' tried explaining.
Aerith blinked. That...made her just a little less confused.
''That still doesn't explain why you are here,'' Aerith reminded her.
''Well... For the sake of my explanation I'm going to refer to it as the 'Original Timeline'. It's not. Since there are almost infinite worlds, no one is really the 'original', it's just for my explanation it will make things easier.
Sephiroth is alive-,'' 'Aerith' began.
''What? Seriously? I though he was supposed to have died in an accident,'' Aerith interrupted. That is the first time she ever heard of it. Nox would have surely told her otherwise. Or was it that he didn't know. He did say, that on certain matters Shinra kept almost or no track records making it almost impossible to discern the truth from the puzzle pieces.
''He didn't. Long story short. Our friends defeated him, when he wanted to destroy the world, because he went off the deep end,'' 'Aerith' huffed and crossed her arms.
''Well, that is a good thing. No?,'' Aerith relaxed a little.
''We were the only one who died, impaled by Masamune,'' 'Aerith' told her.
''Oh.''
So that was her fate, huh? This is how she was meant to die? No. Aerith's expression hardened.
''Normally that would have been the end of it. But then, remember what I said about Time Travel, Parallel Universes and how once could use the LIfestream to ferry memories from world to world?,'' 'Aerith asked her.
''Yes?''
''Sephiroth was defeated in the Lifestream and...there was also another thing, called S Positive Cells. So long as they existed he would never be truly dead, but THAT would have only kept him to one world. No, the fact that he was defeated in the Lifestream was the worst of it.
For a time, the Planet, my Planet in my world, tried to counteract that fact by giving me memories, playing the same game as Sephiroth, to try and make me stop him. I...kind of failed and lost the memories, because I came in contact with corrupt version of the Arbiters of Fate, also Sephiroths doing. In spite of it, things turned out well... for a time. And now I'm technically dead-''
''Technically? How does that work out?''
''-...Cloud saved me. But because Sephiroth interfered too much, and too many memories were transferred the barriers between the two worlds, mine and the 'originals', was loosened and reality was...interlaid atop of each other,'' 'Aerith answered keeping her face incredible neutral. Knowing herself she would pick up on the smallest facial twitch and start suspecting. 'Aerith' wanted to spare her that.
The relationship between her and Cloud was theirs, this Aerith had no obligation to do anything. But they NEEDED her help, this worlds help considering it's circumstances. And besides, in the 'orginal' Cloud never loved Aerith and ended up with Tifa. They were just really good friends. So, really, this Aerith could do without that information.
Aerith wanted to ask about Cloud, considering she promised to look for him for Tifa, but she had more important matters to see to. Tifa would understand, knowing her nature. But at least she now knew that eventually they WILL find Cloud.
''Ok...I'm still very confused, but why are you here for ME? What can I do?,'' Aerith asked her.
''The story keeps repeating itself. Sephiroth is always one step ahead and keeps thwarting the planets attempts to outmaneuver them. Make no mistake, he is still being defeated, but he is like a ...cockroach who refuses to stay dead. And slowly but surely the window the planet can use to defeat him, gets smaller and smaller. And worse, no one knows what his ultimate end goal is. If he still wants to destroy the world in the 'original timeline' or if he wants to destroy all worlds-''
''No pressure,'' Aerith joked trying to calm herself down. It did jack shit against the dread settling in her gut, slowly but surely.
''Heh, yeah. No world is exempt from memory transference...Except this one. This world is a blank slate,'' 'Aerith' told her.
''How come? And what does this mean?,'' Aerith asked her.
''Imagine the worlds all flowing like rivers, at the same speed, at the same time-''
''I thought, time flowed differently yet not inbetween worlds?,'' Aerith asked her.
''Yes, that is still true. But... Imagine it like...both states existing at the same time. I KNOW it is confusing and weird and hard to make sense off, but that is just how it is.
In any case, the reason this world is a blank slate, in a sense, is because someone is controlling time here. Somebody, keeps reverting the flow of the river, the flow of time, making this river lag behind all the others. That in itself doesn't mean much, not immediately, but the fact that somebody can do it in the first place is incredible helpful.
Every time it happens memories either get deleted or get thrown out from the Lifestream. Memories that no one has access to anymore.
However, we don't know who it is, we don't know who to even suspect. But we do suspect that Sephiroth has narrowed down the list of candidates or at least suspects who it could be. We need to get to them first, before he infect them with Jenova cells. If that happens he has access to their memories and then there will no longer be any chance to stop him,'' 'Aerith told her, finally finishing her explanation.
Aerith frowned and finally stored her staff back. She summoned her White Materia back from the Store Materia and began doing her hair, while sorting through everything this version of herself has told her.
''You intend to turn this world into a war zone, a final stand against Sephiroths machinations,'' Aerith finally said.
''Yes and no. The Planets won't lay all their eggs in one basket. But... yes, things have gotten dire. And they want to resort to the other eggs as a last resort. At least look at it positively. They are stacking all the cards in your favor, you, your party and this Planet. You also have that Time Traveler, I will be there to give advice and guidance to you, just in case you need it, and, of course, there is also Nox to consider,'' 'Aerith' tried cheering her up.
''Is there something special about Nox?,'' Aerith asked her...self. Was she talking about him being a Cetra?
''That... you need to ask the Planet,'' 'Aerith' evaded the question.
Aerith was displeased, but she will do just that. She would also use that opportunity to confirm everything this version of herself told her.
''Nox will probably think me insane when he hears all this,'' Aerith joked and shook her head. Hell, she was still skeptic even if she was giving 'Aerith' the benefit of the doubt and still she was asking herself if she was insane.
''No! Look, you CAN NOT tell anyone. I know you don't like that, but the more it is talked about and the more people know, the more likely Sephiroth will find out about our plant. You will have to...force certain decisions and hope your allies trust you enough to follow without asking too many questions,'' 'Aerith' got agitated, trying to quickly shot down such an idea.
With Cloud having S Positive Cells, that was almost a certainty. But, he will have his own role to play and he WAS instrumental in defeating Sephiroth in spite of some of the drawbacks he brought along. Also, she couldn't in good conscious just...have him killed. He was not her Cloud, but it was still not easy to bring herself to do it. And from what the planets told her, knowing Nox, he could very likely kill him on the spot once he finds out that information.
Maybe. It was a 50/50, considering he only existed in this world, strangely enough, so there was no precedent to how he will treat Cloud upon that information.
Wait. Run that back.
'He only existed in this world, strangely enough.'
This world.
The only world that was a blank slate.
Shit. She wanted to kick herself at how obvious it was.
Should she...No. They still didn't know the extent of Sephiroths reach to all the Lifestreams. For all she knew, by telling the Planets that banded together she will deliver the information straight to him on a silver plater.
Or was it more a confirmation? He was pretty smart, she had to give him that.
(She wasn't wrong exactly, just missing out on some details. Some of the other Planets also arrived to her conclusion, but they didn't dare acknowledge in in the hope that Sephiroth didn't know, because he couldn't know. The only Planet out of the loop, somewhat, was this one, since Nox turning back time undid her memories.)
''He is my boyfriend, you can't just expect me to-,'' Aerith frowned.
''You HAVE to. Do you trust each other?,'' 'Aerith' asked.
''Yes,'' came the immediate reply. Sure, he was keeping secrets, about his past as he alluded, but he was upfront that he had secrets. And aside from that? He was pretty open with her, including her in most of his plans.
But still...
''If you two trust each other, then he will understand. Especially since he is pragmatic,'' 'Aerith' firmly told her.
''...You know, is that how I came across to other people, before I learned when to keep my mouth shut? Knowing too much personal stuff, too cryptic fro my own good?,'' Aerith asked her and crossed her arms.
''Yup,'' 'Aerith' replied, yet couldn't help but smile.
''Huh. No wonder most people kept their distance from me after a while,'' Aerith muttered.
''Fine. I...Look, let me first talk with the Planet and if what you say is true then... I will comply. I won't like it, but I will,'' Aerith told her.
''By all means,'' 'Aerith' gestured toward the flowers and left, disappearing from the world in small green particles. Like an apparition.
...
Aerith waited a moment, before she turned back around and knelt in front of her flowers, hands clasped in a prayer.
'Is what she said true? All of it?,'' Aerith asked.
'Yes, all of it. She is still confused... you both are, I understand. And a heavy burden was placed on both your shoulders, but you must rise up to the task. Not simply because you are a Cetra, but because it is a matter of all living beings,' came the reply.
'Please, tell me about Jenova,' Aerith requested.
'Jenova. The name given to her by the Scientist...discovered her. She was sealed in the Northern Crater by the Cetra after long battle. Her true name was 'The Calamity from the Sky'. She took on the appearance of brothers and sisters, 'integrated' ... among the population and then infected them. She used her cells in them to turn them against those who resisted. And the she fought them. And killed them. Until she was finally defeated and sealed. But by then, the Cetra were near extinct and she caused so much damage that lingered that finished off most of the rest, until very few remained,' came the explanation.
'Can I share that information with Nox?,' Aerith asked her.
'Yes. When you think the time is right... You have gotten better at hearing my voice. I'm proud of you,' the Planet told her with a motherly tone.
Yes, it was true. In the past two years she made great strides in hearing the planet. Oh, she still faltered here and there, but she was so much better. And soon, she won't falter at all.
'What is the relationship between Sephiroth and Jenova?,' she asked next.
'The Scientists took her cell injected an embryo with it. Sephiroth was the result,' was the Planets reply.
'Is he in charge or is she controlling him, like she did the infected Cetra? Did she turn him against humanity?,' Aerith asked.
'No. Those who have a strong enough will can resist her. But even in her weakness, she is still manipulative in other ways. He thinks of her as his mother. Technically the truth and so he does her bidding willingly,' the Planet replied.
'The other Aerith said that there are several things special in this world, which is why the Planets decided to stack the cards in our favor. Nox is one of them. In what way did she mean that. You said he was a Cetra. No?,' she asked her.
'Child,' the Planets tone was gently, a little hesitant as if afraid to hurt her feelings,' We talked during a time where you still had some trouble hearing me in full. What did you think you heard?'
'Yes,...ally. Or something along those lines, I don't remember exactly. I assumed you meant to say 'Yes, that is why you can consider him an ally' or something like that,' Aerith replied.
'Oh, child. You didn't hear much of my answer. Come closer,'' the Planet instructed her.
Aerith leaned forward a little more towards her flowers, almost to the point where she would have to end her prayers and use her hands to support herself. She could only lean so much forward while on her knees, without losing her balance.
She began listening attentively as the Planet spoke.
'....'
'Oh,' she remarked with a disappointed sigh, ignoring the other implication.
Well, at least they could be still unique together, she supposed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tseng stared at the scene before him. Reno and Rude have found it and felt the need to call him. He had a thousand thoughts going through his head.
''You think this was Zack? Or Cloud?,'' Cissnei, who accompanied him here, asked him.
''Zack was a First Class SOLDIER. This means that he can face most things anyone throws at him. But with how many people were sent to intercept him, even he would have struggled. As a First Class SOLDIER he can cast powerful magic, but he was always more interested in physical power. And there is no reason to believe Cloud Strife could cast magic like this. He was only an Infantry Trooper when he was sent to Nibelheim.
No.
This was someone else. Either that or Genesis somehow returned from the dead and was here with them,'' Tseng told her, Reno and Rude listening to him, after having done their investigation. They could only do some brief investigation, since technically they shouldn't be here now. Any moment now Heidegger would send someone to investigate the scene and the last thing they needed was to be found here.
''But...you think that he is alive. No?,'' Cissnei asked him.
Tseng cast a brief look at her, before turning around walking to the chopper, the others hurrying up after him.
''Yes, I think they are alive. Both Cloud and Zack. And whoever else was with them, if there was any. Knowing him, I have an idea where to look for him,'' Tseng replied.
---
''Here,'' Nox said and handed Zack a cap.
''What am I supposed to do with it?,'' he asked, only to receive a flat stare from Nox.
''It's a cap. What do you think? Or have you forgotten your situation. Wear it, but act casual. Often times trying to hide oneself attracts more attention, meaning the best way to hide is in plain sight with minimal obscuring material. And give me Cloud for a moment,'' Nox instructed. Zack grumbled a bit, but Nox was totally right so he took the cap after leaning Cloud against the wall after putting him down.
Nox quickly removed his hoodie and made Cloud wear it, making it hide his hair.
''The sword,'' Nox held out his hand.
''What? No! Angeal gave it to me, I have to take care of it,'' Zack stepped a little back.
Nox closed his eyes for some patience.
''It's distinctive. Don't be stubborn. I will hide it for a few moments in a Store Materia and then give it back to you, when we are out of sight,'' Nox explained holding out a yellow Materia.
''Store Materia? The name is telling enough, but since when do these exist? A new Shinra invention?,'' Zack asked taking the Buster Sword in his hands and handing it over reluctantly after some hesitation.
He watched it flicker out of sight and then took Cloud back on his back.
''Yes. They made some breakthrough in developing new Materia. They wanted to keep it for themselves, but then someone leaked their existence and since then everyone knows about them,'' Nox explained, his mouth twitching a little in amusement for some reason, Zack noted.
''It can carry some kilograms in it, making it easier to transport smaller objects. Not so much the larger ones. You have been on the run for long? How do you not know about them, considering they are being sold everywhere now, what with their popularity?,'' Nox asked him.
''We have been on the run for a year and generally tried avoiding villages, cities or towns. Especially human interaction. We...Eh, I guess I reasoned that our best bet was Midgar. So we are kind of out of the loop. A bit,'' Zack answered. Nox hummed in understanding.
They walked in silence for a bit.
''So what's the plan anyway?,'' Zack asked him. He wanted some more specifics.
''Give me a moment,'' Nox grabbed his PHS and wrote something in it quickly. After a while Zack assumed he received an answer, since he put it back.
''We need to separate you two,'' Nox began.
''What?! No! I'm not leaving my best friend out of sight,'' Zack hotly replied. He felt immediately guilty and awkward. Wait. Were he and Nox still best friends? Zack relaxed a bit when Nox seemed to move on, not giving his claim any thought. In a way he was a little hurt.
''We must. I just received a report. The Turks know that you two are alive. Or are pretty damn sure. Things are a little hot now and so the best thing we can do is try to wait until things cool down a bit. Which means separating you. Well, not really. We don't HAVE to.
But if you want to reunite Cloud with Tifa then you have to. Because whatever the case you can't come with him to her. Oh, any you two need to avoid places were you are expected to show up. More so you than him,'' Nox nodded at him and then at Cloud.
''...For how long?,'' Zack asked reluctantly. He was fighting a war with his mind and feelings. He wanted one thing, but he knew he had to be smart or go about it in a roundabout way. Didn't make things any easier.
''Two days. Give or take. I can give you a place to hide in, a temporary home if you will. Cloud doesn't really need that until he wakes up and until then he will probably be kept in Tifa's home and taken care off. But he too has to avoid certain places and stuff,'' Nox explained. There is actually so much that one needs to be mindful off when fleeing a government or hiding in plain sight under their noises, he wasn't about to list them all. Or explain himself.
''How is Tifa doing any way?,'' Zack asked him suddenly.
''Good. She is prospering, depending on how you consider it,'' Nox replied. Certainly more now, since Barret and the others no longer accept free drinks from her. Or better said, they are more mindful that their actions can have consequences on her.
''Good. Good. And you? How do you know what the Turks are thinking or doing or... anything. Really?,'' Zack asked next to distract himself.
Two days? That sounded like so long, but he could do it. And it wasn't like he didn't speak sense. If Tseng knew he was alive, he was probably watching the church even more now.
''...Do you feel like a hero yet?,'' Nox asked instead.
''What? Why do you ask?,'' Zack shot back. It did not escape him how he evaded the question.
''Or have you finally realized why I never wanted to come with you and join SOLDIER? They are not here to help people, just there to advance the companies interest. That has been the status quo for a while now. Old men having an interest and young people dying for it.
So. Do you feel like a hero yet?,'' Nox asked him somewhat cruelly, considering he circumstances.
Zack frowned.
''...Yes, you are right. Guess, it took a while for me to get it. But Nox, I haven't always advanced company interests. Often times, I genuinely did help people,'' Zack answered.
''Then it is a testament to your character. That you tried to help people, despite always having something else as the first priority as an objective. But I assure you, any help you did give was minimal. The company was holding you back from giving people the true extent of your help that you could have given them. No?,'' Nox pressed with a small smirk.
Zack pressed his lips together and looked away, making Nox feel satisfied. Though he kept if from showing on his face.
He caught himself shortly after wards, realizing that his alter ego was influencing him too much.
''Chin up, Zack. Now with nothing holding you back you can live up to your dream. I suppose that was always one of your better qualities. You were just to stubbornly fixated on the path you wanted to walk to truly see things as they were. Now nothing should hold you back from being a hero. But, maybe wait for a bit before running all over the place. Yes?,'' Nox joked, making Zack him an appreciative smile.
''And to answer you question. Since I left, I have done a lot of things. I needed to be up to speed on certain matters. So, I'm paying some information brokers for information. Expensive, but it is money well spent,'' Nox lied easily. It helped that it was technically the truth.
Which was always the best kind of correct.
Zack nodded after receiving his answer. The two resumed walking in silence for a bit.
''So how exactly do we do this? Do I hand Cloud over to you? Because I want to see Tifa too. And Aerith. I guess some other people too, but primarily these two,'' Zack asked him.
Nox took a calming breath.
''There is no connection between you and Tifa. And Shinra doesn't know Tifa or has any reason to keep an eye on her.... But they are keeping an eye on me, every now and then, so they do catch her in passing,'' Nox replied. Until AVALANCHE makes their debut and Shinra finally does lay an eye on AVALANCHE and by extension her.
''Why would they keep an eye on you?,'' Zack asked.
''I slayed a Black Dragon and wasn't too throughout when hiding my identity during that fight. In my defense it was attacking civilians so I didn't have too much time to waste. But only the Turks now. They haven't shared that info with the rest, despite Hojo wanting me as a specimen for my displays,'' Nox replied truthfully, making Zack blink.
''Slaying a Black Dragon is no easy feat,'' Zack pointed out. He believed him, but still.
''I know,'' Nox shrugged.
''And are you friends with the Turks? Because if not, there would have been no reason for them to not relay that intel to their superiors,'' Zack asked. Probably not, considering he felt the need to keep an eye on them to try and stay ahead of them. Then again, did that count for much? He was hiding from them after all and did not dare contact them in any form.
''No. Point is Cloud can stay with Tifa. Considering that the Turks are looking for you two, you two have a brief window to drop around by her. Only now, but afterwards it is back to hiding. So? Do you want me to drop him off or should I show you your hiding place and then drop him off myself,'' Nox asked him.
''I'm suprised you haven't asked what happened to us?,'' Zack asked him.
''There is no point. Bottom line is that you have done something against company interest. No?,'' Nox shooed him off.
''Yes...,'' Zack replied slowly, questioning where he was heading with this.
''Then the matter is closed. That is all I need to know. You are saved from explaining the story several times, considering several people need to gather anyway to hear it too. For me however, anything besides my conclusion is just extra detail,'' Nox shrugged.
Just like this, huh? No more questions? Zack appreciated that a little, but still.
''...Show me the hiding place. And do you promise to bring him to Tifa?,'' Zack asked him.
''Yes,'' Nox nodded.
''And you will arrange a meeting between us all? Aerith and Tifa and Cloud? Anyone else?,'' Zack asked him.
''Anyone else you want to add?,'' Nox asked him.
''No,'' Zack immediately replied. Well, maybe Kunsel, but he wasn't sure if he was a TRUE friend or was just writing those messages on his phone to try and lure him our and then deliver him to Shinra. Either way, he was not taking the risk. Not with Cloud on the line.
And frankly, now that he was just a little less desperate since he found Nox, he doubted he would. It was also nice to be allowed to relax a little instead of shouldering it all alone.
---
They have found themselves in Sector 8. And for a brief moment, if it weren't for the plate confirming that they were indeed in the slums, Zack was about to ask why they were top plate.
Was this truly the slums? They entered and went trough Sector 1. Sure it was the waste deposit for all of Midgar, but Nox knew a way through to Sector 8 and no one was keeping an eye on Sector 1 right now.
How did they go from waste deposit to this?
They took some alleys until finally they arrived at what Zack presume to be his hiding place.
...
''Catch,'' Nox told him and threw something at him, interrupting Zack from inspecting the modest apartment.
Zack looked at the yellow Materia and knew instinctively what it was. A Store Materia. Guess, whoever prepared this hiding place also added a Store Materia to it.
''Two days. I just need you to hide two days here, I hope you are not as impatient as you used to be, so don't leave,'' Nox told him and put Zack's Buster Sword against the wall for him, leaving without waiting for Zack to reply.
He took the Buster Sword and inspected it a little before resting his forehead against it, in an effort to seek strength. And then he stored the sword in the Materia.
Two days, huh?
....
....
....
He took out the final letter from his pants and read it again.
Well...maybe he should make sure Nox actually delivered Cloud to Tifa in the first place. Just to be sure. And since he was already out and about, maybe he could...
If he was careful and no one knew then surely there was no harm in what he was about to do.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tifa left the train with her bags in the hand. She was top plate to buy some ingredients for her bar. She could do it like Nox and have the delivery guy deliver ingredients close by for her to pick up from the street in Sector 7 regularly, but she didn't want that. She actually enjoyed going out of her way to handle it like this, considering it training.
She doubted she could keep it up forever thought. When she was older, she would have definitely have to do it like Nox does with his pharmacy. But there was still a decade or two till then.
Then again, she didn't have much to do. Most of her social circle only dropped by in the evening, so there wasn't really any reason to hurry back, not that she resented them. They all had duties. If she wasn't free and had to help someone out, she wouldn't have bought the ingredients today, of all days.
In any case, there also wasn't a reason to hang out at another time then they currently did. She also appreciated that of all places they chose to relax it was with her in her bar.
Point is, she liked the current arrangement.
...
She entered her bar, ready to sort out all the ingredients from the bags.
Tifa hummed in wonder as she heard the bell ring and she turned around to see who it was.
''Nox? Hello, did you wait for me? Is that why you came in so shortly after I did? What do you need? How can I help you?,'' Tifa asked quickly and rapidly. This was a deviation from how things usually played out.
''Breath. I see you are currently occupied. Do your thing and then I will tell you what I came here for,'' Nox calmed her down and sat at the counter.
Tifa took a deep breath. Right. There was no reason to get agitated like she did. It helped that he was so calm.
''Do you want me to fix you something. It really won't be any trouble,'' Tifa offered, before she would resume her activity. She could always watch one glass later, after all. It was one glass.
Nox closed his eyes in brief contemplation.
''Sure, you know my usual order,'' Nox replied.
''A Cosmo Canyon coming right up,'' Tifa smiled and began mixing the drink.
''Thanks,'' Nox replied and handed over the money, when she put it down in front of him. She pocketed it and then resumed sorting the ingredients.
...
''So? What can I help you with?,'' Tifa asked him, after putting his empty glass in the sink. She tried to dissuade him, but she was done faster then he was done drinking, so he drank up the rest of the drink in a few gulps.
''Could you come with me to my condo?,'' Nox asked her.
''Of course,'' Tifa easily agreed. Did he need the water filtration system changed or something? Or just the water filter changed?
...
''Oh. When you enter, could you please not yell or anything. That would be very helpful,'' Nox requested.
Tifa frowned a little in confusion.
''I will try,'' Tifa promised.
Nox hummed.
''I guess that is good enough for me,'' Nox remarked and opened the door allowing her to enter.
She stilled.
''Cloud?,'' she whispered, seeing who was on the bed. She bolted ignoring everything else going on in the room and knelt at the bed to inspect him, feeling elated. She grasped his shoulders to shake him a little making him groan, which was enough to make her give up on trying to force any other reaction from him.
''I don't know all the details. Yet. But you and I will in a few days. There is much going on right now, so while unfortunate you will have to be patient. He has been trough the ringer and out for a while. Well, a long time, really. Until he wakes up, could you take care of him? Feed him, wash him, all that stuff. If you want I can help you wash him, at the very least,'' Nox stepped beside her and talked.
...
''Tifa?,'' Nox asked her when she didn't reply. He put a hand on her shoulder making her jerk and look away from Cloud up to him. She looked devastated.
''Get a grip, Cloud needs you right now. You think moping will help him? Can you take care of him or not?,'' Nox asked a little more harshly. Not because he was cruel, but sometimes people don't react from shock. Being very direct can help them get moving again.
Tifa jerked again, but this time more like she was slapped bacl to reality.
''I...I can. I will feed him and wash him and give him everything else that he needs. Did you find him? Thank you?,'' Tifa thanked him from the bottom of her heart. She was thankful that Aerith promised to keep out an eye for Cloud for her, but she didn't think much of it. Did Aerith ask him to look out for Cloud on her behalf? She couldn't thank them both enough for that.
''I didn't find him, I just stumbled upon him. Someone else took care of him in this state. Don't worry you will meet him and then we will all hear their story. But right now it is a bad time. Let me help you move him to your room. I will buy you a second bed later,'' Nox told her.
''Thank you. And there is no need, I can sleep on the ground,'' Tifa shook her head.
''You will sleep on the bed. Both of you. End of discussion,'' Nox told her firmly. Might as well take Cloud's measurements and buy him some clothes as well. A few would do, considering he won't do anything for a while and so he won't get dirty. Leaving plenty of time to wash the clothes he wasn't currently wearing.
''...Thank you. Really. And whoever took care of him up till now,'' Tifa thanked him from the bottom of her heard, while she opened the door to her own condo.
''Don't mention it. I'll drop by later in a bit. I don't know when he last had something to eat, but it is noon, so... Try to give him some soup, considering I doubt he can chew. Food like that will be good for him. Will you be alright till then?,'' Nox asked her.
''Yes,'' she replied absentmindedly, already fretting and fussing over Cloud and trying to make him as comfortable as possible. Adjusting pillow and blanket for him.
For Nox that answer was good enough and he stepped out.
Guess Aerith will have to wait just a little bit more.
---
Zack released a sigh of relief. So, Nox did keep his word. Tifa looked good. Clearly, she made a life for herself here, after the Nibelheim incident. He wondered if she knew that Shinra rebuilt it, trying to hide everything.
He watched as Nox left the condo after dropping Cloud off in her own condo.
Wherever he may go now, Zack didn't care. He was satisfied with what he has seen, so now he had somewhere else to go.
He adjusted his cap and pushed himself away from the wall he was leaning on. He contemplated hiding and moving across the rooftops, but kept in mind what he heard from Nox about hiding in plain sight. It wasn't really how he imagined hiding in plain sight, right under Shinra's nose, together with Cloud. But, he supposed, it wasn't bad advice.
Still, it was certainly a surprise to hear Nox' excuse whenever he was asked about the person over his shoulder.
He had a pharmacy and was relatively well known. People trusted him and didn't question him too much about his intentions, so they believed him when he said he was bringing the person to a physician. That...may be what they needed, but he doubted there was a doctor, scientist or physician who could help them. There was no way Nox had access to someone like that on hand.
His parents will be glad to know their son was doing good. Hell they will be glad to know he was alive in the first place.
Zack had to walk, same as Nox with Cloud, considering that tacking the train could see them exposed and caught.
---
Zack sighed with longing. He knew that if someone knew what he was doing, he would be considered a stalker or a creep. But he was watching Aerith speak with some children from a very long distance, as inconspicuously as possible. Sector 5 looked...green. It was an apt way to describe it. It changed since he was last here, five years ago. Well, green and more colorful. And there was also less clutter and more structure to the buildings. Still nothing on the level as seen in Sector 8, but much better then he remembered.
He wondered how rich she was by now, what with all flowers that she sold down here.
He wanted nothing more then to approach her, explain himself to her and just talk to her. To have closure, but also to hear her voice. He NEEDED to hear it from her and not just be told IT via a letter.
But he knew that he was already pushing it, being out and about, instead of waiting for two days like he was told to. He didn't want to cause any trouble to anyone, so he would wait. He didn't like it, but he would wait.
Hm?
Ah, Nox was approaching her. He must be arranging things to gather them all as he told him.
Good old Nox. Still as reliable as ever, even if he made one want to rip their hair out, because it could be frustrating to interact with him. Sometimes. But only sometimes.
Zack felt his heart break and his expression sour as he saw...it. Like someone sucked out all the air from his lungs and put a stone in his guts.
Why...why didn't Nox say anything?
Zack slowly stood up, a part of him wanting to go over there and fight with Nox, but another, the rational kind, knew that it was not surprising that Aerith moved on.
And Nox, probably wanted to spare him the pain or whiplash that he would have gotten from just being told he was now together with Aerith.
They probably wanted to ease him in or something. Or Nox. Since Aerith was probably being told right now, who he found outside of Midgar.
He began slowly making his way back to the apartment, feeling like a kicked puppy.
---
''Aerith, 'sup? It's actually good that I found you so soon. There is some things we need to talk about,'' Nox walked over to her, seeing her talk to some children.
Instead of replying she stepped up to him and kissed him making him reciprocate and some of the children gag. Aerith stepped around and wagged her fingers at them, while hugging Nox' arm.
''Hey! None of that, when you are older you must learn to make your partner feel appreciated and loved,'' she chastised them.
Nox was silent, feeling embarrassed. He wasn't good at public affection. Never was. The only exceptions were settings were it was acceptable to do that. Like restaurants or dance floors or ferries or a bunch of other stuff.
Still, he was not about to say no, if she wanted to initiate and kiss him.
The children only gagged harder. More like the boys, while the girls cooed finding it very romantic.
''Don't forget what I told you about the flowers. Feel free to come by the church if you ever need to find me, because you have more questions,'' Aerith told them, before shooing them off. She didn't want their attitude to ruin her fun. But also she wanted to talk with Nox and have answers.
The two watched the children scurry off for some time, till they were far enough.
''So?,'' Aerith asked him, the two starting to walk to the church.
''Subject Z and C. Zack and Cloud,'' Nox told her, making her widen her eyes.
''Did you save them?,'' Aerith asked him pointlessly.
''Who do you take me for? Of course I did,'' Nox scoffed confidently. Although one required a little more effort then the other, technically speaking.
''It would be nice to hear why Zack didn't reply to all my letters,'' Aerith said out loud. She moved on, but even so, a part of her was happy that Zack was back. Not as a lover, but as a friend. Happy memories, didn't just disappear on a whim.
Nox hummed, offering nothing more.
''Are you jealous?,'' Aerith asked on point.
''No,'' Nox crossed his arms making her giggle. She leaned forward with her hand near her mouth to whisper conspiratorial.
''Psst. Come here. That's alright. I'm jealous too, when other women look at you,'' Aerith leaned back and spoke more normally afterwards,''I moved on a long time ago, but I do think I deserve an explanation anyway, why he didn't reply to my letters. Whether he is at fault or it was just how circumstances turned out, no longer matters. I just want an answer. A form of closure, if that makes sense. Not that I really need it per say, but still... you get what I'm trying to say?''
Aerith looked at him, hoping to have conveyed her feelings clearly.
''I understand, but like I said, I'm not jealous,'' Nox reassured her.
Aerith raised an eyebrow and then rolled her eyes. She huffed finally. He could do being a little more honest sometimes.
Like herself. She really liked that for all that woman gave him a lot of attention, he either didn't care an iota or didn't notice it. Either way, she got to enjoy his handsomeness all for herself, in ways the other women couldn't.
''And you said you found Cloud as well?,'' she pumped her fists enthusiastically.
''Stop. I know you want to play matchmaker, but you need to understand the current situation. Cloud is comatose and has been like this for a long time. I don't know EVERY detail, especially since I didn't ask, but they both suffered greatly and Cloud took the brunt of it. First we should make sure he is fine. To that effect, I'm preparing some things. In a few days, we all will meet together and then we can talk, with or without Cloud being in a coma, then we will see where we go from there,'' Nox explained to her, making her sober up.
He was right, she wanted to enjoy helping Tifa and Cloud get together, but if that was the situation then there were other priorities on hand.
''We should drop by Tifa's place. Knowing her, she will probably forget about anything else and work and worry herself to death while trying to take care of him. I want to remind her that she needs to take care of herself too,'' Aerith spoke out loud with some worry.
''Hm. Meaning she won't open the bar probably. That is a first I guess. How long has it been since they last saw each other, anyway?,'' Nox asked her the two finally entering the church. Both took a seat on the bench, closest to the flowers.
''Seven years,'' Aerith replied.
''Seve- And she still carries a flame for him?,'' Nox asked with disbelief.
''Hey. I don't have all the answers, but I'm not blind to how it sounds. Even when I planned to 'play matchmaker' as you say, I had every intention on keeping an eye on things. To see if the two would actually click,'' Aerith defended herself making Nox hum.
The two were silent for a bit basking near each others presence.
Aerith began to fidget.
'Don't do it. PLEASE,' came the voice in her ear, the other 'Aerith' having an idea why she was fidgeting.
''Are you alright?,'' Nox asked with concern.
''Say...what if I stumbled upon something that... I can't share with you. Like, at all. But it is important information anyway and I will make decisions based on that... Do you... Will you mind?,'' Aerith asked him.
Nox looked at her for a while.
''I admit I'm very curious, but you said it yourself. Just because we are together, doesn't mean we forfeit our right for privacy. I have my secrets and you have yours now and maybe one day we will tell them to each other. On that day we will know more about each other then before, but that doesn't change why we fell in love with each other,'' Nox comforted her kindly.
''Using my own words against me,'' Aerith shook her head fondly.
''If the shoe fits (*he shrugged*) and the words do fit for this situation,'' Nox replied.
Aerith took his hands and hers and looked him in the eyes, back and forth, trying to look for something. Deception, maybe. If he meant the words or was just saying them.
''Ok,'' she eventually replied with relief and gave him a smile.
''Until then, just know that there is a reason why I'm making some strange decisions and that you will find them out one day,' Aerith assured him, receiving a nod from him.
'Happy?,' Aerith thought back as she leaned her head on Nox' shoulder and him kissing her head.
'You still played with fire...But I guess I'm not all that surprised. I would have done the same. Just...understand that as unjust as it may be, you will have to carry that burden and the responsibility. Multiple worlds rely on you to save them,' 'Aerith' reminded her.
She told her that she won't show herself and instead Aerith would hear 'Aerith's' voice in her ear. Some people could see her under certain circumstances, so this way was just safer.
'No pressure,' Aerith joked back.
'Indeed. Just the fate of the world, hanging in the balance. More of the same. Really.'
(A.N.: 8305 words. I formed my own theories while playing the games. And I researched a little on the forums. Personally I don't really see the reason why there is so much hate for what the remake trilogy is trying to do.
Could it have just been a remake without the changes? Sure. But Personally I don't hate the changes either, even if it does make things, at times needlessly, complicated. We still have the Original in any case. So some people need to chill in those forums, considering the vitriol and hate they spew.
Anyway. I stumbled upon theories that were the same as mine and heard some that I didn't consider. And until we get the third part of the remake trilogy we won't have an explicit answer, so I decided to take some liberties.
Ergo, and keep that in mind, it is not ACTUAL time travel. Just memory transference. The only one actually physically time traveling is Nox, but now things got complicated and the course of Canon is now officially diverted. Some things will be similar, some different.
Well, in any case. I hope you enjoyed reading the chapter. Cheers and stay safe out there.)