Aerith's Farewell
That same afternoon, warm light peeked through the gaps in Midgar's pillars, illuminating the flower garden at Aerith's house. Aerith stood in the middle of a field of lilies swaying in the gentle breeze. Her face was still a little pale, but her eyes radiated a new calmness.
Ivalera flew low, touching the flower petals one by one as if saying goodbye. Aerith knelt, her slender fingers gently stroking the damp soil.
"I have to go away for a while," Aerith whispered to her flowers. "Take care of Mother while I'm not here. Don't wither before I return."
Elmyra watched from the porch, holding a small basket of clean cloths. She saw Aerith begin packing a few keepsakes into her small bag—a spare hair ribbon, an old photo, and some cooking spices.
Aerith didn't bring much besides her clothes and her small bag, because she knew Johnny would handle most of the logistics. However, for Aerith, leaving this garden felt like leaving a part of her soul. Ivalera perched on Aerith's shoulder, emitting a warm yellow glow that seemed to say everything would be alright.
At almost the same time in Sector 7, the aroma of tea and roasted meat filled the kitchen of Garrick and Marilla's house. Johnny entered wearing his armor and his Dragon Slayer. His face was dull from lack of sleep, but his broad-shouldered physique still radiated authority.
Johnny's Farewell
After Johnny walked out the door of the Kazan blacksmith, he bought various logistical supplies. He bought several spare jerry cans of gasoline specifically designed not to explode easily. For rations, Johnny chose long-lasting military canned food, high-protein dried meat, and a few bottles of water purifier. Traveling across the continent could take weeks if they had to take a detour.
"Put it in the left saddlebag, Puck," Johnny ordered as he arranged the supplies so the motorcycle's weight remained balanced. Then he returned to Sector 7, to his parents' house.
When Johnny entered, Father Garrick was sitting reading an old newspaper, taking a break from watching the workshop, while Mother Marilla was setting up lunch. As soon as Johnny sat at the dining table and slung his Dragon Slayer sword aside, the atmosphere suddenly went silent. They knew there was something odd today.
Mother Marilla observed her son. "Johnny, why does your face look so gloomy?" Seeing Johnny clad in armor and his Dragon Slayer weapon was nothing new to her. However, that cold, smile-less expression made the mother feel worried.
"Dad, Mom," Johnny began, his voice low. "Three days from now, I will take Aerith away from Midgar. We have to head West, to Nibelheim."
Marilla dropped her spatula. She turned around with an anxious face. "Nibelheim? Johnny, that is very far. The news says the roads out there are full of wild monsters and Shinra patrols."
Garrick lowered his newspaper, staring sharply into his son's green eyes. "You know the risks, Johnny. Taking that girl out of the city means making yourself Shinra's number one enemy."
"I know," Johnny answered firmly. "But the Lifestream is calling us. Aerith is in pain, and I can't just sit by watching this world burn. I've prepared the sidecar motorcycle for her journey. I just need your blessing."
Garrick fell silent for a long time. He let out a long sigh, then reached out a hand to pat his son's broad shoulder.
"If you have made up your mind, bring Aerith and her mother here before you leave," he said in a low tone. "I won't forbid you. But promise me one thing: stay alive to return to this house."
Garrick stared intently into Johnny's eyes. "Ever since you gained Cetra powers, you can hear voices that we don't understand. As your father, I always watch you—sometimes you smile, sometimes you laugh to yourself. But today, I see something very different in your eyes. If it is indeed the Lifestream calling you, I have no reason to hold you back."
Marilla hugged Johnny tightly, hiding her tears against her son's broad chest. In that moment, Johnny realized that this blessing was the strongest provision he had.
Marilla slowly released her embrace, her hands shifting to tidy Johnny's collar, which was covered by armor. "You always want to protect other people, Johnny. That has been your nature since childhood. But remember, you can't protect anyone if you yourself are broken."
She looked at the Dragon Slayer beside Johnny, then looked back into her son's eyes. "Take good care of Aerith. She is a fragile but strong girl, just like you. Don't let her feel alone out there. And please... don't push yourself beyond your human limits."