Simplicity, Sin, Depression...and everything else.

Apocalypse

'     That moment when I saw everything in total ruins and froze. Not because a building fell on me so movement wasn't much of a choice. Not because my whole planet is blowing up in front of me and I can't do shit about it. Not because I don't know how to stop this madness. There's only one good reason why I froze in that moment.

The realization sunk in that I really am truly alone.

      The chill that runs down my spine despite the sweat on my forehead. Because I couldn't find comfort in anyone's embrace. Mostly in part because no one else remained. I couldn't begin to start questioning why I got stuck here, watching the end of everything I care about. I was confused as to how I was still alive to even be witness to a tale I couldn't tell anyone.

There was a beam of the fallen Shin-Ra building stuck through my back. How was I still alive?

       And why was I strangely thankful for still existing on this incinerating planet? Because I could finally let go of all my regrets? I could finally repent for all the terror I had helped in causing to this place I once called home? I could finally say all that I had wanted to say to the people I cared about? Whisper them to the dead bodies I was surrounded by?

       When the only reason I could say them was because they couldn't reject me? Because they couldn't waste their breath to be-raid me with their insults, their cruel judgements. In a way it was cathartic despite being pointless. It was a way to finally gain closure, to be at peace with myself and my past. Everything will be behind me, and I will finally be able to see my family...'

"Reno? Reno! Please man you've gotta wake up..."

'Oh shit my head...why does everything hurt so much? And who the hell's talking? Sounds familiar...'

"Reno, you've gotta wake up...you're all that's keeping Tseng together, please come back..."

'Holy shit Tseng's still alive. They're all still alive!"

I sprung up from wherever I was siting and immediately regretted it as a pain bloomed in my side.

"Dude take it easy you just woke up from nearly dying." I felt a hand gently push me back into whatever I was laying on.

I blinked and rubbed my head, letting out a heavy groan. "Guys...w-what the hell...h-happened?"

"You risked your life to save me...you managed to save everyone else, including Mr. Shin-Ra...the shooters are already being pursued by Elena and Rude."

A shaking voice brought me to my full attention; I knew that voice all too well.

I carefully turned my head to stare straight into Tseng's warm brown eyes, brimming with tears. "You have done well today, but promise us, promise me one thing?"

I nodded. "Anything."

Tseng kissed me deeply. "That you'll never behave with such carelessness ever again."

I smiled and gave a sloppy salute. "Of course bossman."

Rufus walked in with a slight limp, my form immediately bolting up to salute him. "Hello Mr. Shin-Ra."

Rufus let a kind smile grace his stone features, something that hasn't happened in a while. "At ease Mr. Sinclair. You have done well."

I nod and lean back into the bed. "How are you doing?"

Rufus leaned on the cane he was using, a light chuckle escaping his lips. "I have seen much better days, but I would not be able to continue seeing those days if it was not for you and the rest of my trusted Turks."