"Vianca..."

That voice. It was so familiar. Yet, as much as she wanted to, Vianca couldn't seem to wake up. She was trapped in an endless field of crystal flowers, sitting among them. It wasn't unpleasant, but it was rather lonely. She didn't know how or why she was there. But the absolute silence was broken by that voice. Her voice.

"Why are you still waiting here?"

The girl lifted her head, her pale violet gaze locking onto rainbow ones. "Aegis..." She sighed. "I...don't really know. I guess I'm just tired. My body feels heavy."

Aegis hummed, sitting down on her knees in front of the girl. "You're recovering. Given the circumstances, I suppose it can't be helped." She smiled lightly, her golden hair flowing behind her like waves in the breeze. "My task is finished now. I can rest for eternity."

Vianca cocked her head to the side, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"We stopped Omega. The planet and all life she harbors is safe. I am no longer needed here." Aegis stood, turned, and started to walk away.

The white-haired girl was quick to jump to her feet, snatching the being's arm. "Wait. What are you talking about? You've always been a part of me. What will happen once you're gone?"

Aegis looked back at her with a smile. "Do not fear. Your body has been enhanced through experimentation, and I will leave my power with you even after we part. Nothing will change." A gust of wind blew over them, and Aegis looked out at the horizon longingly. "The planet calls to me. It's time for me to sleep." She looked at the girl, lightly pulling her arm free from her grasp. "It has been quite an intriguing experience. Mankind has shown me that life is precious. I will cherish every second, every memory."

Vianca suddenly felt the ground under her give way. She fell, watching Aegis and the flower field slowly fade as she dropped into a white void. She felt almost weightless. The gentle smile of Aegis was imprinted on her mind, and she steadily closed her eyes.

"Live, Vianca," Aegis spoke, her voice resonating in her ears. "Life is a beautiful thing. Never forget that."

Vianca smiled to herself. "Life...is precious..."

"Now, open your eyes."

Vianca's eyes snapped open and she gasped. She found herself enclosed inside a cocoon of crystal. It was like being woken from her long slumber all over again, except she wasn't greeted by Tsviet faces this time. Instead, she only saw old metal and rock piled up around her. She could feel a somewhat emptiness that told her Aegis really was gone. She clutched at her chest only to find something missing. She looked down, realizing her pendant was gone.

"No... No!"

Crystals erupted around her, violently throwing the rubble off. Her cocoon shattered once she was unburied. She frantically began looking around, her legs a bit shaky from sleeping. She spent several minutes just scanning the area, checking under every piece of rubble she came to. She finally collapsed on her knees, crying softly.

"No... Did I really lose it? This can't be happening."

A glint of something in the sunlight caught her eye. Lifting her head, she saw something silver hanging from an old pipe up above. Vianca stood, created her crystal wings, and shot straight up to snatch the object. She landed on a ledge and stared at it. It was a decorative chain with a Cerberus charm. She recognized it.

"Vincent."

Finally, she took in the state of her surroundings. She was still in Midgar, or at least the remains of it. There was rubble and debris scattered about, and every building was dilapidated and falling apart. The bright sun shined in the cloudless sky, and it seemed to be a rather pleasant day. Though she did notice massive remnants of Omega in the sky above. There wasn't a single sign of anyone around, no voices or traces of life. It made the girl wonder just how long she'd been asleep. Where was everyone? Did they survive? Was Vincent okay?

She hung her head only to spy the glitter of her pendant on a ledge nearby. She swooped down to grab it, hugging it to her chest with a slight smile. Thank goodness, she inwardly sighed. Now I just need to figure out where to go. Please, let everyone...let Vincent be alive and well. She fastened the necklace around her neck, then tied the Cerberus chain around her wrist like a bracelet. She flew up to a higher ledge to give herself a better view.

"Hello?!" she yelled. "Is anybody out there?!"

She waited and listened, but the response she got was a couple of crows cawing. She watched the two birds fly up high and to the east. She shielded her eyes from the sun and squinted, seeing another section of city in that direction. If she remembered correctly, that was the city known as Edge. She'd never been there, but it was supposed to be populated. Maybe she could find Vincent there, or Shelke, Yuffie even. Just someone she recognized. Taking off, she soared over Midgar's ruins, catching sight of something outside of Edge just as she passed over Midgar's wall. She spied a person on a motorcycle leaving the city.

"Hey, excuse me!" She headed straight for them, gliding down closer to the ground. The blond on the bike slowed to a stop, and Vianca landed on her feet in front of him. "Sorry to bother you, but I have a few questions."

The blond lifted his goggles, a surprised look on his face as he glanced at her wings. "You're the one who helped stop Omega. Vianca, right? I heard about you from Yuffie, but we didn't think you survived."

The girl blinked, tilting her head to the side. "You know Yuffie?"

The guy nodded. "I'm Cloud. Yuffie's a friend. And since you fought alongside us, I guess you're alright in my book. Now if we could just track down Vincent."

Vianca frowned. "I was about to ask about him. So, you haven't seen Vincent? You don't think...he's..."

"He's alive, I can promise you that." Cloud sighed. "But he sure isn't making this easy on the rest of us." He slid his goggles back over his eyes. "Look, if you want more information, go to Seventh Heaven over in Edge. Shelke can fill you in. I've got someone to find." He revved up his bike, swerving around the girl and speeding away.

Vianca watched him go. "Seventh Heaven."

She took off and flew into Edge. The place was bustling with people building up homes and businesses. All the survivors of Midgar had gone there to start fresh. It took a little time, but Vianca finally found the large sign of Tifa's bar. She landed on the doorstep, shattered her wings, and pushed the door open to step inside. She immediately saw a black-haired woman behind the bar.

"Welcome to Seventh Heaven! How may I-"

"Vianca?" a voice interrupted. Looking over at a table by the window, Shelke was sitting there looking dumbstruck. "You're...alive."

Without saying a word, Vianca went over and collapsed in the booth beside the redhead, wrapping her in a hug. "Shelke. I'm so glad to see you. I woke up all alone. I thought...something happened."

Shelke lightly pushed the older girl off, smiling lightly. It was the first time Vianca had ever seen her smile. "What a relief to see you. We all thought you were dead." There was actually emotion in her tone.

"Wait, you're Vianca?" Tifa questioned, hurrying over to meet her. "The one who took part in the fight against Omega? Wow, I... It's a pleasure to meet you! I'm Tifa!" She took her hand and shook it.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Vianca, but I guess you already knew that." The girl smiled. After Tifa released her hand, she looked at the redhead again. "I woke up under rubble in Midgar's ruins. Could you please tell me what happened?"

Shelke nodded, smiling as Tifa left them to speak privately. "Everything with Omega occurred almost a week ago. The Lifestream has returned to the planet and has begun to flow normally once again. After the battle, you and Vincent simply...vanished. We looked all over for you two. And you were buried alive the whole time?"

"Apparently," Vianca answered. "At least everything has returned to normal. And you? How have you been, Shelke?"

"I have started to fill the ten year hole in my life. Or at least, started to try. I've learned so much in the past weeks thanks to you and Vincent, and Shalua." The melancholy in her eyes made it obvious that her sister hadn't made it. "Now that I realize I'm not alone, I think I may be a little stronger than I was before."

"That's great to hear. I'm happy for you. I, for one, will always be here for you. But..." She hung her head, a disheartened expression on her face. "I'm really worried about Vincent. If no one knows where he is, then when will I..." She trailed off, clasping her hands together.

"I know where he is," Shelke quietly muttered just loud enough for her friend to hear. Vianca perked up. "I didn't want to tell anyone because I'm certain he needs time alone. He's probably crying his eyes out over you, but also, making peace with the past." She opened up her phone and pulled up a location on a map. "Here. The Crystal Cave. Go to him, Vianca."

The older girl smiled. "Thank you, Shelke." She had barely gotten the words out before she was already rushing out of the bar.

~~~~~

The peaceful sounds of water droplets was a peaceful ambiance in the otherwise quiet cave. The vibrant, dazzling crystals never ceased to amaze. Vincent enjoyed the atmosphere, even if that place did bring back painful memories. Not only had he spent days alone in mourning, but he was also ready for one final goodbye. He sat there in front of the crystal Lucrecia was encased in, his feelings for her all but gone.

"Lucrecia. Everything's alright now. Omega and Chaos have returned to the planet. Thank you for giving me a second chance at living." He gazed at her with slight resentment in his crimson orbs. "But unlike you, I've learned to move forward. And now, I have someone important who needs me." He rose to his feet. "This is goodbye, Lucrecia." He turned to leave, oblivious to the single tear that slid down the woman's cheek.

His next goal was tracking down Vianca. He couldn't believe that she was dead. He couldn't accept that. She was out there somewhere, he just knew it. All he had to do was find her. Easier said than done. The planet was a big place, after all. He'd just have to start at Midgar and work his way from there. As he neared the exit of the cave, he froze. Someone was outside singing. He recognized the song and that angelic voice.

"You're gonna make it all the way
Just wait and see"

Vincent's legs started moving on their own. He walked briskly toward the bright light entering the cave.

"You've carried so much
And something else is gonna lift you up"

The warm sunlight hit his face as soon as he exited the Crystal Cave. His eyes widened and a silent gasp escaped his lips.

"You're gonna make it out of this
And you will be free"

Vianca was there, her back turned. She stood at the edge of the rocky cliff, lost in her own song.

"It hasn't been easy
And it will be worth it"

"Vianca..."

The female slowly turned toward him, a joyful smile on her face. She must've picked up some new clothes because she was garbed in a beautiful blue and white dress with thigh high boots.

(This is the outfit)

"Hi, Vincent," she greeted simply, holding back the urge to tackle him with a hug. She figured he wouldn't like that. "You know, after all this time, I finally understand that song. After all, we made it through everything. And I'd say it was all worth it in the end."

Vincent didn't respond. With a couple of tears slipping from his eyes, his stoic expression twisted to one of relief and happiness. He approached the girl and embraced her without hesitation. One arm went around her waist, and the other went to the back of her head. He held her firmly against his body, as if assuring himself that she was really there. Vianca was taken aback, feeling his strong yet gentle hold. He even rested his chin on top of her head.

"I was... I was so worried." His voice cracked a little. "I thought I'd lost you. After I finally learned to love again...I was afraid of reliving the heartbreak all over again."

Vianca hugged him in return, her arms going around his lithe yet powerful torso. "I'm sorry I worried you so. I was asleep again, regaining my strength." She buried her face into his chest. "I was afraid something happened when I woke up all alone."

"I'm sorry, Vianca. I'm so sorry. I had to clear my head. I had to make peace with the past before I could accept a future with you in it."

The girl slowly looked up at him. "What do you mean? Aren't I already in it?"

He couldn't keep from chuckling at her clueless questions. "Yes, but not in the way I mean." Peering into her pale violet eyes, he lost himself for a moment. "Vianca, in these past weeks that I've known you, I've grown to care for you more than you realize. You're becoming a part of my life I don't know if I can live without."

Vianca thought of Nestor at that moment. He'd told her similar things. But unlike before, she understood and she reciprocated those feelings. Her arms tightened around him and she smiled brightly. Before she could reply, she felt drops of water running down her cheeks. She brought her hand up to wipe them away.

"I feel the same, Vincent." She sniffled softly. "I don't understand why I'm crying though. I thought sadness brought tears."

The male softly rubbed the tears from her cheek with his thumb. "Sometimes extreme joy can make you cry as well."

"Why are our emotions so complex? It's like you're teaching me something new every day. Not that I mind though." She laughed lightly. "Like how I don't know why I want to try that lip thing with you again."

Vincent's smile grew. "It's called a kiss. It's a gesture for people to express their love. You really want to try it properly this time?"

The girl nodded. "I'd like to, yeah."

Without another word, Vincent lightly placed a finger under her chin, keeping her head tilted to face him. Since he was tall compared to her, he had to lean down slightly. His eyes steadily closed as his face drew near. Vianca watched him until she felt his lips on hers. It was such a blissful sensation that her eyes fluttered shut and she melted right into it, her heart pounding wildly. When the man pulled back, Vianca was unintentionally blushing.

"Wow..." She hugged him again, unable to stop smiling. "That was better than I remember."

"That's because you have a better understanding of it than you did before." Vianca's pendant suddenly caught his eye, and he realized that his charm was fastened to her arm. "That's..."

The female followed his gaze. "Oh, right." She untied both the chain and the pendant. "I found them both in the rubble. I wanted to return this one to you." She took his hand and placed the Cerberus charm in it.

"Thanks, but it wasn't a big deal." Vinent turned and went back over to the cave entrance, kneeling before it. "If anything, this charm is just a link to my past. I'd rather put it to rest." He placed the chain on the rocks.

Vianca went to his side and sat on her knees, clutching the little crystal in her hand. "Maybe...it's time I do the same. This pendant always made me think of Nestor, but now..." She shook her head and placed it beside the charm. "I don't want to keep dwelling on it. He wanted me to live, not weigh myself down with memories."

Vincent slowly took her hand, looking at her softly. "Then let's move forward together and live."

The girl nodded in agreement. She abruptly leaned over to kiss his lips just as he'd done to her. They could finally let go of the past, especially now that Omega had returned to the planet. No more ultimate weapons. No more beings like Chaos and Aegis. The world could finally be at peace.