The Other Side of The Mirror

By T'Shael

Chapter 12

It was a beautiful day in Kalm. The church was decorated with flowers and candles. Guests were arriving from villages all over the planet to see the wedding of the year. Although the bridal party hadn't planned a such a huge wedding, they received more than bargained for when the date for the ceremony was announced.

In return for an open invitation to the wedding, each village sent a wedding cake and volunteers to decorate the church, set up chairs and erect refreshment tents. They also chipped in to cook all the food and supply the drinks. The Icicle Village School sent their best musical students play the wedding music. Over three hundred guests were in attendance. Those who didn't fit inside the church were ushered to seats outside, where video monitors allowed them to take part in the ceremony.

Elmyra sat in a place of honor holding baby Cid in her arms. The baby, wrapped up in a white blanket decorated with yellow and blue airplanes, was asleep with a pacifier in his mouth.

Everyone was talking and looking around to see who else was in attendance when the musicians began to play the first bars of the wedding procession. Sephiroth entered first, mainly because he'd distracted Cloud and stepped through the vestibule before Cloud realized he'd been tricked. Cloud hurried to catch up before Sephiroth had taken too many steps. A few people chuckled. Cloud kept his face neutral as Sephiroth flashed a grin in his direction. He fought the urge to take a swing at his silver haired companion.

They walked side by side down the aisle wearing black tuxedos, white shirts, a grey vest and bow tie with black shoes. Each wore a white flower in his lapel. Sephiroth had taken extra special care with his hair. It flowed down his back looking more silver than usual under the lights above. Cloud's blonde hair had always had a mind of its own but he'd had managed to control it, so it wasn't overly spiky today. Both of them looked exceptionally handsome and debonair. Single females who'd never noticed them before, or in Sephiroth's case, were too afraid to make themselves noticed, cursed themselves for failing to catch either man's eye before it was too late.

They took their places at the altar. The bridesmaids were next, each on the arm of a groomsman in dressed like the men before them. They wore beautiful pink dresses that fell to their ankles. The scoop-necked bodice was held up by two straps that went over the shoulder and met in a pink bow below the shoulder blades. The sash of the bow fell to the hem of the dress.

Yuffie, who was also the maid of honor, came first on Rude's arm, carrying a silver bouquet holder filled with pink and white carnations, baby's breath and matching ribbons.

Behind them, Elena smiled as she walked on Reno's arm. Reno looked very handsome in his tux and the single women sent "dying calf" looks his way. He caught more than one "Hi Reno," or "Looking good Reno," remark as he kept pace with Elena. Although Reno didn't female attention, he wondered how he'd ever let Aeris talk him into this. He could hardly wait till it was over so he could get out of what he considered to be a clown suit, and dress more relaxed.

Barret came next with Shera. A local tailor had designed the suit especially for Barret's muscular frame and gun arm. Elmyra couldn't help but think how handsome he looked.

Red XIII was next in line with a pretty girl from Icicle Village. His coat was beautiful under the lights and he wore a gray bow tie around his neck.

Reeve came next. He looked very elegant as strolled arm in arm with his bridesmaid from Nibelheim.

The next six pairs of bridesmaids and groomsmen were from either Icicle Village or Nibelheim.

It was time for the main event. The guests strained their necks as the musicians began to play "Here Comes the Bride."

The flower girls stepped through the doorway. Marlene and Priscilla were wearing knee length pink dresses. They wore their hair up in curly ringlets, captured in a halo of pink and white baby's breath. Each girl carried a white basket trimmed with white lace and pink ribbons. They walked solemnly, dropping pink and white and rose petals on the floor as they went.

Severian Miller came next carrying rings on a pillow. His attire was a miniature replica of the groomsmen. He tried hard to walk straight and proud. He couldn't help but grin as he heard people whispering about how handsome he looked. He felt very proud. Who would ever have thought letting someone use your snow board would reap a reward like this?

There were loud exclamations of "Oh's and Ah's" from the guests as Aeris and Vincent appeared. Special contact lenses protected Vincent's red eyes from the bright lights in the church. Like Barret, his suit was especially made to accommodate his claw hand.

Aeris was a beautiful bride. Her hair was piled on top of her head in an old fashioned style. The soft curls on her crown were encased in a halo of fluffy white boa-like fur. Curly tendrils hung around her face. Her white satin dress had a floral brocade bodice with rhinestone buttons. The same boa-like fur in her hair made up the trim on her cuffs and low cut neckline. Around her throat was a white three strand pearl choker interwoven with rhinestone stone bars that matched her rhinestone earrings. Her full skirt flowed around her feet as she walked, carrying a bouquet of white and pink roses and baby's breath. Her green eyes sparkled with happiness. Her lips matched the color of the pink roses she carried. When they reached the altar, Aeris and Vincent moved to slightly to the one side. Sephiroth smiled at Aeris and winked. She smiled and blushed.

There was another round of "Oh's and Ah's" as Tifa stepped up to the vestibule on Cid's arm. Cid looked dashing in his tuxedo. Shera smiled, remembering her wedding day. She knew Cid would get out of his tux the first chance he got.

Hair parted on one side and swept up into dark curls, Tifa wore a chapel-length veil on the back of her head. Her scalloped edged gown, backless with off the shoulder straps, was made of layered ivory chiffon, accented with trailing pale pink satin and fabric roses. The teardrop pearls in her ears hung from rhinestones surrounding a single white pearl. Her pearl necklace ended in the same design so the teardrop was perched directly over the center of her bodice. The skirt of her gown rippled around her feet and trailed slightly in her wake. Her dark eyes sparkled with joy. She carried a bouquet that was an exact duplicate of the one carried by the bride before her. Like Aeris, Tifa's lipstick perfectly matched the shade of her pink roses. When they reached the altar, Cid and Tifa move to one side, opposite side of Vincent and Aeris. Cloud smiled at Tifa and she blushed.

The minister spoke to the gathering. "Who gives these women in marriage to these men?"

Vincent and Cid spoke up. "We do."

Vincent moved away from Aeris and Sephiroth took his place.

Cid moved away from Tifa and Cloud took his place.

The minister stood before them.

"The union into which you are about to enter is the closest and tenderest into which human beings can come. It is a union founded upon mutual respect and affection. Your paths will be parallel, your responsibilities will increase, but your joy will be multiplied if you are sincere and earnest with one another. If it is your intention to take each other as husband and wife, please unite your hands and step forward.

Aeris gave Sephiroth her hand. They took a step forward. Tifa and Cloud did the same.

The minister turned to Marlene. "May we have the rose please?"

Aeris and Sephiroth released each other.

Marlene took a long stemmed white rose from her basket gave it to Sephiroth.

The minister removed a water filled bud vase from the altar and gave it to Aeris. He addressed the guests. "Aeris and Sephiroth are going to recite their vows to each other."

Sephiroth's eyes were glowing as he turned to Aeris and held out his rose to her. Aeris reached out and placed her hand on the stem above his. She held it there as he spoke to her.

"Aeris, take this rose as a symbol of my love. It began as a tiny bud and blossomed, just as my love has grown and blossomed for you."

Sephiroth let go of the rose.

Aeris smiled and placed the rose, Sephiroth had given her into the vase, and held it with both hands.

"I take this rose, a symbol of your love, and I place it into water, a symbol of life. For, just as this rose cannot survive without water, I cannot survive without you."

Sephiroth looked deep into Aeris' eyes. "In remembrance of this day, I will give you a white rose each year on our anniversary, as a reaffirmation of my love and the vows spoken here today."

Aeris gazed back at him. "And I will refill this vase with water each year, ready to receive your gift, in reaffirmation of the new life you have given me and the vows spoken here today."

They joined hands around the vase.

Sephiroth spoke the words in his heart. "And so, this rose will be a symbolic memory of my commitment to you this hour; I vow to be a faithful husband to you, to comfort you, honor you, and respect you and cherish you all the days of my life."

Aeris' eyes were bright. "And I commit myself to you, to be a faithful wife, to comfort you, honor you, respect you, and cherish you all the days of my life."

Together they placed the rose bud on the alter next to a three tier candle holder that held a single white candle in the middle. They stepped back to their places, holding hands.

The minister turned away from Aeris and Sephiroth to look at Priscilla.

May we have the unity candles please?"

Priscilla stepped forward pulling two white candles from her basket. She gave one to Tifa and one to Cloud.

The minister indicated the candle holder with a wave of his hand. "This center candle stands alone."

He held his hands above the candles Cloud and Tifa held.

"These outside candles represent the separate lives Cloud and Tifa have lived until now. But from this time forward, they shall live together as one.

To find true happiness, and to accomplish your full assignment of marriage, your two lights must merge into one light with one purpose, each to put the other before yourself.

This is not just a one-time occurrence, but a continuing daily choice. As you light the center candle, let it represent your choice to be in unity forever.

Cid stepped forward with a silver lighter and clicked a flame into life. He lit Tifa's candle first, then Cloud's. He extinguished the flame and moved back into place.

Cloud and Tifa turned toward the candle holder and lit the center candle together. Tifa placed her candle in the right holder, Cloud placed his in the left. They stepped back to their places, holding hands.

The minister turned to look at Tifa. "Please repeat after me."

Tifa spoke her vows to Cloud. "I, Tifa Lockhart, take you, Cloud Strife, to be my lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, forsaking all others, till death do us part."

The minister turned to look at Cloud. "Please repeat after me."

Cloud spoke his vows to Tifa. "I, Cloud Strife, take you, Tifa Lockhart, to be my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, forsaking all others, till death do us part."

The minister turned to one side. "May I have the rings please?"

Severian stepped forward with his ring pillow. Sephiroth removed a ring from the pillow. Severian moved to Cloud. Cloud removed a ring from the pillow.

The minister faced the couples again. "As a token of that you will faithfully perform these vows, you will now exchange rings. The ring is an endless circle, a symbol of the covenant you are making here today."

Sephiroth turned to Aeris. She offered him her left hand. He looked into her eyes as he slipped the ring over her fingertip. "As I place this ring on your finger, I pledge myself to you. I am yours."

Cloud turned to Tifa. She held out her left hand. Her eyes were moist as the ring slipped onto her finger. "As I place this ring on your finger, I pledge myself to you. I am yours."

Severian moved to Aeris. She removed a ring. He stepped up to Tifa. She took a ring and Severian moved back to his place.

Aeris turned to Sephiroth. He gave her his hand. "As I place this ring on your finger, I pledge myself to you. I am yours."

Tifa turned to Cloud and took the hand he offered. "As I place this ring on your finger, I pledge myself to you. I am yours."

The minister spoke for the last time.

Forasmuch as Sephiroth and Aeris, Cloud and Tifa have consented together in wedlock and have witnessed the same before this company, and have given and pledged their vows to each other and have declared the same by joining hands, I therefore, by virtue of authority vested in me as minister of Kalm, pronounce both couples husband and wife. You may now kiss the brides."

The guests whooped and hollered as Sephiroth took Aeris in his arms and kissed her. Cloud took Tifa in his arms and kissed her. Camera's flashed and there was wild applause. Cloud released Tifa and turned to face the guests, only to find them were still cheering. He glanced over at the couple beside them. Sephiroth held Aeris supported in his arms, almost parallel to the floor, locked in a passionate kiss.

"Show off," he muttered under his breath.

"Sh-h-h-h-h!" Tifa squeezed his arm.

When Sephiroth let Aeris up, there was hardly a dry eye in the church . . . or outside it for that matter.

It was time to leave. Cloud started forward with Tifa on his arm, but somehow Sephiroth managed to cut in front with Aeris. They hurried down aisle under a shower of rice. When they reached the door of the church, they were in for the surprise of their lives. Thirty members of Sephiroth's old Shinra troop had donned their uniforms and were waiting in formation on either side of the walkway. When Sephiroth and Aeris stopped on the threshold, the ex-SOLDIERS saluted him. Someone gave the order and as one, they drew their sword and formed a arch of shining blades above the path of the newlyweds.

Sephiroth grinned at Aeris. "Are you ready?"

She smiled back. "I'm ready."

Together, arm in arm, they walked through the arch as the crowd roared and snapped pictures.

Cloud and Tifa paused at the doorway.

"Oh Cloud! This is wonderful!" cried Tifa.

Cloud beamed as arm in arm he walked through the arch with his bride.

Both couples climbed into a gaily decorated chocobo coach which carried them to the Kalm Community Center for the reception. The community center was too small for so large a crowd, so it was reserved for family, closest friends and village neighbors of the bridal parties. The other guests piled into the refreshments tents and tables set up in the town square. Video cameras in the community center kept the crowd outside, in touch with the reception. For the next four hours the newlyweds danced, took pictures and mingled with their guests.

To Sephiroth's surprise, and Aeris' delight, representatives from Nibelheim took him aside and told him he'd been forgiven for his part in the Nibelheim fires. Having learned of the extenuating circumstances from Cloud, all they asked was that he return to the village after his honeymoon to spend two weeks helping a construction crew rebuild the two homes he had burned. He was also asked to pay a preset restitution fee to the displaced families to help them replace their belongings. Sephiroth agreed.

The highlight of the reception was watching the newlyweds slowly dance to a song called "There Is Love."

"I can't help but think your father and Lucrecia knew this would happen if they convinced Sephiroth to come back with you," said Vincent as he danced with Aeris. "Wherever they are, I know you've both made them very happy."

Aeris blushed. "I hope so."

"I wonder if Sephiroth would have gone off the deep end if he'd known you before Jenova stepped in?" wondered Vincent aloud. "You've certainly made an impression on him if he was having such a hard time following Jenova's orders to kill you the second time around."

"I don't know," said Aeris. "Maybe he wouldn't have noticed me at all. He didn't have feelings for anyone after my father died."

"That's not true," said Vincent.

Aeris looked at him curiously. "Why do you say that?"

"Sephiroth and I had a lot of time to talk when we shared a room in Nibelheim," answered Vincent. "He told me, he hesitated when he saw you on the altar."

Aeris looked surprised. "He did?"

Vincent nodded. "Up until then, he'd never really paid much attention to you, but when he saw you kneeling there, with the light shining in your hair, he didn't want to hurt you."

"He didn't?" Aeris blinked. "He's never told me this."

"He's learning to share his feelings, but it's a slow process," said Vincent, thinking of himself. "Give him time."

"You were talking about the altar," prompted Aeris. "Go on."

Vincent smiled at her. "He was attracted to you even then."

"He was?" Aeris blinked.

Vincent nodded. "He told me there was something about you that made him want to give up his quest for power and stay with you."

"Really?" Aeris glanced Sephiroth, who was dancing with her mother.

"Really. Sephiroth went to the Ancient city to kill you because his "mother" told him he had to do something about the girl," said Vincent, "When he got there, he found himself attracted to you instead. He hesitated."

"And that put a glitch in Jenova's plans." Aeris shuddered. "She didn't want any interference."

"She killed you for two reasons," answered Vincent. "To stop you from releasing Holy and to keep him away from you. She would have had a real problem on her hands if she couldn't get you out of his head. Although Sephiroth no longer thought of himself as human, there was still a tiny piece of him left that did. In time, his attraction for you would have made that obvious. Jenova couldn't afford to let you live."

Aeris thought about that in silence.

"If Professor Gast had managed to escape with Sephiroth and successfully hide his family, you and Sephiroth might have ended up together anyway," said Vincent. "Maybe Hojo and Jenova interfered with something that should have been, and it's taken all this time for things to be set right."

"That's something to think about," said Aeris.

"You're perfect for each other," said Vincent. "And I get dibs on being the godfather to your baby. Don't you forget that."

"I won't," answered Aeris, giving him a hug. "The job is yours."

In time, Cloud had a chance to dance with Aeris too.

"You look absolutely beautiful Aeris," he said. "Are you happy?"

"I've never been so happy in my life she answered.

"When is the baby due?"

"In six months," she answered. "I'm glad we had the wedding today. Any longer and I would have had to get my dress altered!"

"I'm happy for you Aeris," said Cloud. "And believe or not, I'm happy for Sephiroth too."

"You are?" Aeris laughed. "I never thought I'd hear you say that."

"I always thought Sephiroth was a cold emotionless bastard," said Cloud. "When you told him about the baby, I saw him show emotions for the first time. You really are the best thing that could have happened to him."

"Thank you," said Aeris. "That means a lot coming from you."

Tifa was dancing with Sephiroth.

"I thought it was wonderful how your men came to wish you well," she said.

Sephiroth changed the subject. "I'm happy you and Cloud were able work out your problems. You bring out the best in him."

"Do I?" Tifa blushed.

"I think you do." Sephiroth gave her a rare smile. "In SOLDIER, he never knew what he really wanted or what he was doing. That's why he had such a hard time adapting to military life. He went into service for the wrong reasons. You helped him find himself and his goals."

"Thank you." Tifa blushed again.

The music ended and Cloud came up leading Aeris.

"If you're through stepping on my brides feet," he said to Sephiroth, "I want her back."

"I just hope Aeris can still dance after that foundering you were doing out there on the dance floor," said Sephiroth. "She's probably forgotten what real dancing is."

"You call that stiff legged trot you were doing out there dancing?" asked Cloud, frowning. "I've seen cripple men dance better than you!"

"That's probably because they were giving you lessons at the time!" snapped Sephiroth.

"Oh yeah? Well-" began Cloud.

Aeris took Sephiroth's arm and pulled him away.

"Come on Sephiroth," it's time for me to throw my bouquet!"

Cloud started to go after him but Tifa caught his arm.

"Aeris is right, she said. We're not finished with our reception duties yet. Let's get going!"

Standing on the balcony of the community center, both couples waved to the guests below. Aeris turned her back to the crowd and tossed her bouquet over her head.

There was a flurry of flying fists, pushing and shoving as the women below tried to claim the prize. Yuffie emerged, hair askew, with the bouquet in her hand. Some of the losers clapped for her. The rest gave her dirty looks.

Tifa turned around and the women braced themselves again. Tifa closed her eyes and tossed the bouquet over her head. The scuffle was so ferocious this time, the bouquet bounced off several outstretched hands before it dropped on the floor in front of Elmyra. She picked it up and waved it over her head. The disappointed bridesmaids clapped for her. Elmyra cast a shy smile at Barret.

Aeris raised her skirt and Sephiroth slid a white eyelet lace garter covered with seed pearls and silk ribbons off her calf amid cheers and whistles from the men. He raised it high and tossed it over the bannister. Standing with his hands upraised, deep in conversation with Rude, Reno was stunned when the garter slipped over his wrist. While he stared at it with a puzzled look on his face, several women edged closer with sly inviting smiles.

Tifa raised her skirt and Cloud endured his share of cheers and whistles as he slid a white silk garter with a cluster of pearls and ribbons in the center, from her calf. He held it up and tossed it over the bannister. Reeve beat out the competition with a flying leap. He waved the garter victoriously over his head.

The grooms kissed their brides again while cameras snapped as fast as their owners could work the shutters.

Tifa and Aeris found a moment to talk.

"I really wish we could all go to Costa Del Sol together and celebrate our new lives," said Tifa.

"I know," said Aeris, "But you know as well as I do, we'll spend most of the time pulling Cloud and Sephiroth apart. Who wants to go through that?"

"What's wrong with them anyway?" asked Tifa. "Even after they saved each other lives, they still don't get along."

"I've come to the conclusion they just like to fight with each other," said Aeris. "Talking to them doesn't do any good. We'll just have to put up with it until they find something else to do."

"If they don't kill each other first," muttered Tifa.

"That crossed my mind too," said Aeris. "We'll do our best to prevent that!"

"Maybe things will change after the baby gets here," said Tifa. "I hope I'm in your shoes six weeks from now."

"I hope you are too," smiled Aeris. "Shera says changing diapers can sober a man up quick!"

Tifa smiled and hugged her. "It's time to go. Enjoy yourself and don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Aeris hugged her back and gave her a sly smile. "I'll think about it."

Cloud eyed Sephiroth. "It's too bad, we didn't have time to open all the presents. When you get to the one that feels like a long handle with something heavy on the end. That's from me to you."

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow.

"It's a dust mop," said Cloud. "Now you won't have to wallow around on the floor."

Tifa and Aeris looked each other.

"And if you start getting the urge to take over the Planet again while you're on your honeymoon," added Cloud, "Call me. I'll come and beat some sense into you."

The girls stared at Cloud.

"Before or after you put on a wig, dress, makeup and perfume?" Sephiroth took in Cloud's shocked expression and gave him a lazy smile. "That's right. I know all about that little episode. Tifa had better keep a close eye on you, or she won't have a much of a wardrobe left after you stretch everything out of shape."

The girls stared at Sephiroth.

"By the way," added Sephiroth. "When you get to a little gold box with a white ribbon, it's from me to you. It's lip gloss."

Cloud turned beet red.

Aeris and Tifa looked at each other again.

Moving quickly, they stepped between their grooms just as Cloud and Sephiroth took a step toward each other.

"See what I mean?" said Aeris pressing her back against Sephiroth.

"I sure do," answered Tifa pressing her back against Cloud.

She turned quickly and tugged at Cloud's elbow. He let her lead him away, after giving Sephiroth a sharp glance.

Sephiroth just smiled at him.

Aeris relaxed and turned to face him. She shook her head.

"What am I going to do with you?" she asked.

He gave her a warm smile, and raised her left hand. "You've already done it."

He led her down the stairs behind Cloud and Tifa.

The Highwind was waiting to take the newlyweds to their honeymoon locations. Elmyra stopped Aeris and Sephiroth before the could board. She hugged them.

"Take care of my little girl," she said to Sephiroth.

"I will," he answered.

"And Aeris," her mother warned. "You listen to your husband. You know how hardheaded you can be."

Aeris laughed.

"She laughed." Sephiroth turned to Elmyra. "Does this mean I'm in trouble?"

She nodded. "You're in trouble. Keep eye out for her or she'll find some mischief to get into."

"Oh Mom!" cried Aeris. "I'm not like that!"

"Come on you two," called Cid. Cloud and Tifa are already here. I've reserved places for both couples on OPPOSITE sides of the ship and I expect you to stay there! There'll be no fighting on MY ship!"

Sephiroth saluted. "Aye, aye captain."

Cid gave him a sour look and disappeared into the Highwind.

Sephiroth grinned.

"Bye Mom!" Aeris hugged Elmyra again. She and Sephiroth ran to the big airship pelted by rice all the way.

Elmyra sighed. Aeris and Sephiroth were going to spend a week at the Gold Saucer. Cloud and Tifa were going to Costa Del Sol. She was so glad Aeris and Tifa had threatened to call off both weddings unless Sephiroth and Cloud agreed to a double ceremony. Everything had turned out just wonderful. Elmyra wiped tears from her eyes as the Highwind rose and headed for its first destination. The guests were beginning to disperse. The clean up crews were moving in.

Her little girl was married now. It was time to start living for herself. She thought about Barret and blushed. There had to be life after Brian.

Elmyra stood watching the Highwind until it became a speck in the sky and disappeared.

She wasn't the only one. Dark eyes watched from the cover of heavy vegetation . . .