A year passed really quickly as the war continued on. The twins were quite busy, leading the army of Shinra.
The electric company has been pouring tons of resources into the war. While also dealing with the quickly growing insurgent group of Avalanche that's been proving to be more than a nuisance.
"Hmmm? A little update from Gast? Why don't he just call me or something?" Ramiel received a message from 'Gast'
Hojo has been communicating with Ramiel in order to not give rise for suspicion. Even going as far to send pictures of Aerith in intricate environments that were made by Hojo to imitate Nibelheim.
"Huh? What a crazy bastard, he finally got enough confidence to try Minerva cells on Ifalna and Aerith?" Ramiel was astonished and was quite satisfied with their progress.
Due to Ramiel and Gast's research, Hojo was able to make more Jenova cells from their storage in Shinra HQ. And it was pretty easy as well, with Jenova being like cancer and all.
Hojo also had the idea of contacting Ramiel regularly so he could bounce ideas with him. He was the only one that had enough knowledge about the subject after all. Even more than Hojo from years of research.
"I guess I just need to augment Alexandra later again. It's apparently a massive success, I can rest easy with that issue I guess." Ramiel sighed and prepared to have another expedition.
"Ramiel-nii, what's the hold up? You're backing up our schedule." Alexandra checked up on him and was curious about what was happening with her brother. As he never gets late for anything.
"Ahhh, Gast sent me a report. It's about project Minerva. He apparently completed it already and even tested it on Ifalna as well as Aerith. He's goddamned crazy." Ramiel shook his head in exasperation.
"What? Is he insane? I guess he is, that old man's weird as heck. Anyways, just by looking at you. It was a success?" Alexandra was worried about Aerith. Ramiel shrugged and Alexandra sighed in relief.
"Let's go then, time to continue this valuable, but pointless war." Ramiel stood up and would continue their efforts to produce a balance in the war.
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At Shinra HQ, in a hidden lab that was deep inside the massive labyrinth of the company. Ifalna and Aerith were being kept there. With Ifalna receiving a plethora of experiments everyday from Hojo.
She was always undergoing testing on the experimental Minerva cells that Ramiel and Gast managed to research about.
Ifalna looked at Aerith who was drawing on the walls with her crayons. As they were able to ask for anything really. Except gadgets, electronics, and Materia.
"Honey, come here. I have something for you." Ifalna was still more thankful than ever to Ramiel as due to his contributions on the Jenova project. Aerith wasn't suffering extreme side effects from the experiments being done to them.
"What is it mom?" Aerith was dissatisfied with their stay in their prison. Hoping that Ramiel and Alex would be able to find them so she could reunite with Cloud and Tifa.
"Here, this. It is called the white Materia." Ifalna took out a spherical gem that had a greenish glow, similar to the lifestream itself. As the last Cetra, Ifalna is the only one that can be entrusted with it. Not that anyone can use it besides Ifalna, Aerith, and Ramiel if Ifalna teaches him how to.
"Wow, it's so pretty. What's it do?" Aerith tilted her head and was curious about exactly what it was. "It can be used to cast holy. A magic spell that coaxes the planet to protect it. So life can continue on." Ifalna patted her head and smiled at her.
She had a plan to escape Shinra. But she wasn't sure that she would be able to leave, alive. So she has given Aerith the legacy of the Cetras.
Ifalna was just waiting for the right opportunity to consolidate her strength. The augmentation of Minerva cells to her body has given her strength that was unimaginable for her. And she is a Cetra, Midgar is surrounded by a gigantic Mako reactor. Which she can use to cast magic without using Materia as a conduit.
"Here's how you're gonna use it if needed alright?" Ifalna taught her how to commune with the planet. Hoping that she could at least save Aerith and give her a life devoid of exploitation.
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At Nibelheim, on the ruins of the manor that Gast took with him. One Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart were lingering there still even after a year has passed.
"I still wonder what happened a year ago... Ifalna, Aerith, and old man Gast just disappeared like ghosts." Cloud kicked the rubble and was still a bit depressed that they suddenly disappeared.
"Shinra gave us a report about it. They told us it was a gas leak that uncle Gast noticed and they are currently in Midgar. I miss them too, Cloud. Let's just wait for them to visit." Tifa gave a sad smile.
While they were preparing to go back to the village. They felt some movement under the rubble. Cloud stood in front of Tifa and furrowed his brows. Remembering their time in playing their rpg.
"You think it's an enemy, Tifa?" Cloud stared at it in suspicion and Tifa equipped her gloves. As they don't really have much of a sense of danger, being kids and all.
A hand suddenly appeared from the rubble and Cloud got startled. Making him sit on his butt as Tifa went wide eyed, seeing that it was a person.
"Cloud, come on! Let's go and help this person!" Tifa went to the hand and started pulling on the hand.
"Tifa, don't you think that's a bad idea?" Cloud went near her and was quite apprehensive in doing so. "Stop being difficult, Cloud. Come and help me." Tifa rolled her eyes at him as she pointed at the obviously human hand.
Both of them pulled on it the best they could and another hand exited the rubble. "Uwah! That's a person alright. But don't think I trust that this guy under here isn't 100% human! They might have multiple hands you know?" Cloud huffed at Tifa.
After a couple of minutes, they were able to pull out a man with long black hair. Deep red eyes stared at the two children. (pic)
They were spooked, but Tifa noticed something. "Hey, mister. Who are you? Are you related to Ramiel-nii and Alex-nee? You look just like them."
The man suddenly lost consciousness and dropped down on the ground. "Hey, hey! Cloud, come on. Let's get him back to the village, he might know where Aerith and her family are." Tifa tried pulling the man and Cloud helped her, putting him on their shoulders as they began their journey back to the village.
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Thanks for reading everyone, ciao.