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Post by Aerith on Jan 26, 2007 16:56:51 GMT -5
If you looked close enough,the image of a young woman seemed to be tending to some flowers.The sunlight that peeked through the darkened clouds,glistened off the pool of clear water which helped so many during the Geostigma incident.A soft song drifted through the empty chapel,echoing off the beams which we're fallen or still in place.
She was the last of the ancients,her name was Aerith.She had helped so many even in death,but she was revived and still carried on with what she was always loved to do.There was two men whom she had loved,Zack who was a solider in Shin-ra long ago but died and then was revived.There was also Cloud Strife who she aided and forgave when Sephiroth killed her,but now there was Rufus who she sees good in.
Hearing a scurrying sound,Aerith slowly stood and looked behind her seeing nothing.Then again but all that was seen was a simple little mouse,who was scavaging around for crumbs or something to eat.
"Even those less fortunate deserve food,come here little mouse I have something you may like".
Taking out a small pouch,she pulled out some cheese crumbs and bread the put it away leaving it for the mouse.Looking up to the roof of the chapel,her curious gaze wondered why the sun wasn't shining too much today.
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Post by rufus on Jan 27, 2007 17:53:19 GMT -5
People said he was a very capable man. They said that he could handle so many things without having to take a break or without facing any strenuous fatigue or other means of stress. However, this was as much of a lie as saying the Planet was flat. He was as human as the citizens of Edge and faced the same responsibilities and needs as the next man. And this time, the stress from threats, well-wishers, and other paperwork was about to drive him over the edge.
Rufus had needed a way to escape, at least for a few hours.
The first place that came to mind was, in fact, the derelict old church.
The old doors creaked loudly and in a moment of fear, he tempted to turn back, but the view he was offered through the crack showed no one inside. Why should there be? The church was practically destroyed. The roof was in pieces across the flowerbeds, the ceiling threatened to cave in.
At one time, he had considered patching it up and repairing what needed to be fixed. That was before everything seemed to try and vye for his main attention all at once. During that hassle, the church seemed to slip from his mind.
Staying as silent as he could, aside from his footsteps, he approached the glistening pool of water that had saved so many and knelt down, staring at his own reflection. He looked tired: the dark shadows under his eyes threatened to overtake the paleness of his face. He was not in the best of shape, it was plain to see.
Frowning at the malnourished image that glared back at him, he stood up rather quickly and brushed off the nonexistent dirt from his clothes and went to turn to leave.
Then he caught sight of a flash of pink in the gloomy colors of the building.
Pausing, his curiosity got the better of him and he turned towards the source of the color, taking an involuntary step back upon seeing someone whom he hadn't planned on meeting anytime soon. Regaining his lost composure, he cleared his throat slightly and gave the woman a casual nod.
"Oh. I'm terribly sorry, Ms. Gainsborough. I didn't know you would be here today. If I've intruded on something, please forgive me." He was proud of himself for hiding his shock that well. Floundering like that in front of a lady was not something he was known for, nor would he be left to forget it if such a thing was caught.
[(I'm sorry, princess. That was horrible.)]
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Post by Aerith on Jan 27, 2007 18:04:43 GMT -5
((I loved it))
"It's not trouble at all Mr.Shinra,i'm glad people do still visit this place.I'm happy the water that healed the geostigma is still here,but it not only helped the children and Cloud it also aided you as well.Are you sure your well enough to be out,from the features on your face you seem tired".
Aerith couldn't help but point things out,or just guess from people's expressions of how they we're feeling.But inside her she felt sad,to see such a beautiful place as this in such ruins except for the pool which gave everyone hope.She was not afraid of the crumbling roof or broken floorboards,all that mattered to her was keeping this place safe.
"I get called back here,I know I am needed in so many ways.Tell me Mr.Shinra are things well in the newly rebuilt building,do you still wish to use the lifestream to power to the reactors which have also been rebuilt.The lifestream protects the planet,and I am it's messenger....don't do anything the people will hate you for".
She turned and began to walk away,but stopped and looked over her shoulder.
"Did you ever seek forgiveness.....".
((sucky post by me))
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Post by rufus on Jan 28, 2007 14:15:45 GMT -5
Her answer elicited a soft smile to draw itself upon his lips. It was such a typical response from such a kind soul that it was almost enough to make him laugh. Instead of following his first intuition, Rufus simply nodded in her direction in understanding. Everything she said made perfect sense.
"You've saved many people since you sent that rain. We owe our lives to you." Her next statement, as innocent as it was, took him by suprise. "I assure you, I'm fine. As you said, I'm simply... tired. Times are hard," he added as an afterthought, sighing sadly. The world have have become a better place since the final defeat of JENOVA's children, but that didn't mean it was any easier to live through the day.
Tell me, Mr.Shinra: are things well in the newly rebuilt building? Do you still wish to use the Lifestream to power the reactors which have also been rebuilt? The lifestream protects the planet, and I am it's messenger... Don't do anything the people will hate you for.
Offended, he narrowed his eyes at her retreating back and resisted the urge to clench his fist. "Madam, I am not my father," he hissed, still managing to retain an air of aristocracy about him. "I was nearly killed twice for mistakes: one that was his, one that was mine. I do not intend to repeat that again."
Turning his head in a haughty manner, he turned an angry gaze to her once again. "Unlike my old man, I attempt to fix what I've done wrong. I've said it before, and I will say it once again: All I want is to rebuild our world."
Her final question diminished his anger with shame. He cast his eyes to the water once again, hating the similarities he saw in himself and that horrible man who could never be called his father. "You ask if I've ever sought to be forgiven. I have. More times than you would ever believe. Those who accept what I'm doing are few and far between, and among those few who support this are even less. It's... hopeless." That was not a word he used often, and the sound of it hung in the air like a plague, stealing what little pride he retained.
[(Your post was wonderful.)]
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Post by Aerith on Jan 28, 2007 15:55:16 GMT -5
She couldn't help but smile abit more,he sounded just like someone she knew.Forgiveness came for those who have sinned,or wish to put the past of what they have done behind them.Aerith had seen many people come,asking that they be forgiven and have they're sins forgotten.
"I'm sorry I did not mean to be rude,I know your not like your father at all.Even though you seem harsh,I know deep inside your heart that you've got a kind side...rebuilding our world is what i've been praying for so much".
She hoped her words weren't getting carried away,her heart was happy that the world would be somewhat healed.But could the scars really be healed,washed away like the tides of the ocean...no those would remain in some.
"If you wish for my forgiveness then you have it,but a favor perhaps....please rebuild the church".
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Post by rufus on Jan 31, 2007 21:30:42 GMT -5
Carried away? That was hardly the phrase for it. She was always the hopeful type of girl, from what little he had known about her, and she was speaking her true feelings. Something, he noted with scorn, he had never been able to do. Anger would get him injured or beaten within an inch of his life, and happiness was not allowed to be seen. Any other emotion had its punishments, as well.
Her smile, as small as it was, eased some of the tension in his chest. Just that expression made him feel better, like it was sign that she understood and forgave him. Sighing softly, he ran a hand through his blond tresses, attempting to restore order to his frazzled appearance.
"I try," he replied, keeping his voice low. He was still the man "no one has ever seen bleed or cry" and he intended to keep his title as such. Clearing his throat, he straightened himself and regained a businesslike facade once again. "Thank you for your concern. I'm... glad I have someone who seems to understand me." Bashfully, he smiled at her and listened intently to her requested favor.
"Let me assure you, I'll do everything I can to rebuild this for you." So saying, he reached out a hand and let his fingers trace over the intricate pattern on the nearest marble column. "Something that means so much to the citizens... It should be cared for to the best of our abilities, don't you think?"
Perhaps getting this sentimental wasn't so common with him, but it was at least something that those could respect. Unlike his father, Rufus had developed a tendency to actually care about things and get them done in order of importance to the people. Thanks to Diamond WEAPON and the geostigma, he was able to see just what was happening because of his family's selective vision. He was the one to open his eyes and try to change it all.
Maybe his effort would be noticed and things could straighten out again... Being glared at every time he left the building was not something he took kindly.
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Post by Aerith on Jan 31, 2007 21:44:09 GMT -5
"Is something still troubling you Mr.Shinra,or would you prefer that I call you Rufus.I thank you for doing everything you can,this place means so much to me but is shared by all who live in this city.I do my best to keep smiles where they belong,to see such a sad face troubles my heart".
Aerith had watched from the lifestream,and heard the people's cries when things had gone wrong.She could only do so much there,but now to be returned to life is but a blessing she would not let go to waste.Walking over beside him,she put her hand ontop of his and looked up at the marvel before her.
"While other things in here might be broken,true beauty can't be hidden from the eyes of believers.When people come here they don't see rubble,they see hope and can feel the warmth of safety within these walls just as I had felt".
Her gaze fell upon Rufus,those emerald eyes fixed upon his features.Aerith simply tilted her head to the side,giving off a warm glow and a sweet smile which never seemed to fade away.It was part of who she was,and who she always will be.
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Post by rufus on Feb 2, 2007 21:41:58 GMT -5
"Please. Call me by my name," he said immediately. It was an instantaneous reaction to an age-old situation he had never been willing to let go. When they called him "President Shinra" they were calling him by the same title his father had. He was not his father. He wouldn't allow anyone to forget it. His surname was a curse, at least in his opinion.
Her question went by ignored. He didn't want to bother her with petty worries and business matters that the public wasn't even supposed to know about to begin with. It was better left unsaid, anyway. It was how he had handled things for years
He was jolted from his morbid thoughts by the gentle gesture from her, flinching slightly. Whether as an immediate reaction or as a bad response to physical contact, he didn't know. But it was certainly rather awkward. Doing nothing to indicate any sense of discomfort, he nodded to her small speech. What she said was true. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, after all.
He caught her gazing at him from the corner of his eye. Curious as to why she was looking at him like that, he turned and attempted to ask what was wrong, but the words just didn't seem to come for a few moments. "Wh-what's that look for?" he finally asked, grimacing at the easily-noticeable stutter and crack in his voice. She had an odd effect on him.
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Post by Aerith on Feb 2, 2007 22:01:38 GMT -5
"Oh i'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you,being called the angel of the people grows on you abit.I've always been a gentle person,the only time I ever fought was when I joined Cloud and his friends to help them defeat Sephiroth".
Aerith turned away her back to Rufus,ever since her return from the lifestream she's been wanting to just be the gentle and kind angel everyone thought she was.It felt kind of strange talking to Rufus,but she was also glad to have someone to talk to as well.
"Sorry......".
((bleh writer's block))
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Post by red on Feb 11, 2007 15:27:11 GMT -5
Walking into the Chapel Red starts to get emotions rushing back to him that he had soon forgotten since the last time he was here with his friends laughing, and having a good time. Continueing to walk he stops noticing all the new flowers that grew in with a smile on his face "Heh Aerith has worked hard on these I wish my pups could see these." He said noticing the pool of water in the middle nodding
"ahh yes the lifestream still flows strong here." Sniffing and smelling a familar scent he ignores it and lays down slowly moving his tail side to side "Soon my pups will see this magnificent sight and they will tell there pups the stories I told them ahhh yes." With a smile on his face Red slowly drifted off to sleep
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