The light around them cracked, beginning to dissipate as the sable sky filled with stars and rain returned, but Strife stayed on his single knee until Charlotte finally picked herself up, brushing the dirt that stuck out vibrantly on her otherwise pristine gown.
With a smile indifferent to the past, she extended her hand down, placing it softly on the man's crown of silver hair.
"You can do whatever you want, you're free now so you can return to your--"
"What I want is to be by your side, Madam Charlotte."
Strife's words were concise; there was little room to sway his mind. It was clear that the once brooding, distant man was now one of conviction with his memories returned.
"...If that's truly what you want, I won't try to deny you. But...are you really willing to fight against your former allies…?"
