Part One: The Slumber
Chapter One
By L u f i a
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....d...
Cloud
Wake up, Cloud
Who's there?
Ha, you forgot? Well, doesn't matter I have something to say to you
A soft, yet a note of teasing in that voice as if it contain million laughter
Am I dreaming?
Oh, yeah you are you probably won't remember even if you wake up
Remember what?
Oh, everything
A sigh. Yet another smile she seemed to be happy. Cloud now was certain who that person was.
He murmured, relief washing over him. The voice giggled. Oh, well, might as well as let you see. She said as if she's doing him a favor.
Suddenly, Cloud was plunged into the place he had never been before. What's more, Aeris was standing not far away from him. She said in light greeting which was very much her way. Cloud glanced around.
Where am I? He asked. The place was new for him. It was quite peaceful. Though Cloud couldn't see it very clearly, he saw the forest, the trees, and the bright light that shone from afar. The trees were tall and majestic, and it looked down upon them with hospitality. If he didn't know better, it seemed as if they were watching them, observing them. Cloud looked at Aeris once more, who were watching him with her hands clasped behind her back and her eyes dreamy.
Is this real?
Aeris shook her head with a smile. Why did she look so happy, yet so sad at the same time?
Cloud remembered that he was dreaming. But it seems so real He murmured, looking around at the mist around him. And this air?
That is the proof that you are dreaming right now, Cloud. Aeris told him. It won't let you move, it won't let you do anything that you wish to do. Not in your dream. In dreams, you just have to go along what it has in stored for us.
Cloud tried moving his legs. They didn't feel quite attached to him, but it was moving, and that's what counted.
At least my sub-consciousness has let me walk. He commented, walking over to her. Aeris laughed. And make mildly funny remarks about them, huh, Cloud? Then, she subdued her tone. This place is called The sleeping forest'. She said softly. The path starts from here.
Cloud glanced at the way Aeris was looking. It was the path made by the dark hovering trees, and the entrance was giving out mysterious light that made almost impossible to see what it leads to. Cloud looked at Aeris once more.
The path?
Yeah, my path. Aeris answered. This might be the only way.
What was she talking about? Cloud wasn't sure whether he wanted to hear this.
Sephiroth has got to be stopped. Fortunately, I think I know how.
You do? Cloud suddenly felt nauseated. He had this nagging feeling behind his head that was yelling at him to do something. And there was this one shred of unclear memory that felt so strong in his heart. Sensing this, Aeris glanced at him and smiled. I told you, you wouldn't be able to remember this. The more you try, the more confused you'll get. And it'll leave you in another dream more complicated than this.She warned in a teasing way.
How can you be here, Aeris? Cloud asked, stopping himself from thinking of another pang of feelings of urge that refused to take shape in his head. How can you exist in my dream, and yet, act on your own free will?
Aeris took a step forward towards the light. A wisp of silent wind swept past her, making her long dark brown hair fly behind her. Because I am praying right now. She said. I was just praying and I felt like talking to you. I just wanted to see you before I go.
The pang tightened its knob on his chest. He wanted so much to go over to her and stop her from whatever she was going to do next. –and explain the things he had done earlier. The memory was briefly back in his head. The voice inside his head, her face, the beating
Cloud suddenly remembered.
I hit you, didn't I?
Aeris smiled. Doesn't matter now. I'm okay.
Cloud felt terrible. I'm so sorry. I couldn't help it. The voice of Sephiroth in his head it felt like a curse. An inevitable curse.
Aeris sighed. I have to go. Suddenly, she raised her head and looked at Cloud with an odd smile on her face. I really enjoyed that date, Cloud. With that, she waved her hand and started to run towards the bright light.
Her sudden departure dismayed Cloud. Wait, Aeris! He shouted and he started to run after her.
She was going so fast. Cloud tried so hard to gain the distance between them, but it seemed as if he was put into a barrier. As if a huge wall blocked him. Aeris was hardly visible now. The light didn't seem to bother her as she ran without looking back. Cloud felt sweat tickling down his face. He felt exhausted. His desire to run and the lack of will power to do so, made him almost raging mad.
...Damn! What's wrong with me?!
And Aeris was gone. She disappeared the moment she entered the light. Cloud stopped running and stood there, panting and gasping.
He murmured. Where'd she run off to?
She's really not giving up, is she? A familiar voice spoke beside him. Cloud jerked his head in that direction.
Sephiroth–
Cloud's heart stopped. No, it actually started to beat faster. Sephiroth, standing only a few feet away from him, was leaning on the tree. His sea-green eyes were cold. It brought a chill in his heart.
With his face lowered, Sephiroth looked at Cloud with a steady, yet sharp gaze that seemed to penetrate his very thought. He grinned, a wicked one. The side of his mouth curved upward.
We've got to stop her soon. He said.
Then everything went black.
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She was wrong.
He remembered every single detail. Their conversation, her smile and his voice.
Everything.
Cloud slowly returned from his sleep, feeling groggy with this unusual experience. Also, he was sweating. The beating of his heart had not slowed down. Sitting up on the hard mattress that was supplied by Gongaga inn, Cloud noticed his friends standing.
Tifa and Barret were beside him, looking down with worried expression on their faces. Cloud sensed another concern that was beside himself.
Tifa stepped up. Cloud, Aeris is gone. She said, her face troubled.
Something in Cloud's heart died then. The news didn't surprise him. But the confirmation of what his dream has predicted killed something in his heart. Perhaps it was his hope. Perhaps it was his faith. It didn't matter. It had already happened. Tifa didn't seem to sense the tremor going under his skin. She coughed. I was just wondering, Cloud. I was just thinking–
Quit beating around the bushes, Tifa. Just say it–
Do you think her running away is somehow related to that act you did –to her?
Barret shook his head. For the first time, he didn't have that tough look. He seemed genuinely concerned. We are not blamin' you or anythin', Cloud. Jes wonderin', that's all.
There you go again, Barret, forgetting your ing' word.
Barret, he knows that! You don't have to give him any ideas.
Swell, and you were being so subtle, huh?
Hell, I know that, Tifa! Don't patronize me.
Cloud couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed his head. She's gone –to take on Sephiroth. He moaned.
Both of them stopped. Tifa gasped.
She's in the Sleeping Forest. Up North.
And how'd you know that? Barret asked, skeptical. Cloud didn't blame him. She came into my dream.
Tifa asked in disbelief. She came into your dream? Are you sure?
She said I probably won't remember. But I do. I'm sure, Tifa. Cloud lowered his head. Sephiroth's after her, too.
Barret shook both his fists in the air with the impatience. Then what the hell's the problem? Let's go to that damn Sleeping Forest!
Tifa looked at Cloud. A fresh concern was spreading across her pretty face. Are you okay, Cloud? She asked.
No
An answer was better than nothing, she must have decided. Tifa didn't probe for more elaboration. She merely straightened herself. Shouldn't we be going?
Cloud suddenly felt like going back to bed. I don't know. He murmured. Barret stopped his usual rampage and stared at him. What's that? You aren't goin'? Did Aeris hit you on the head in that dream of yours?
Cloud, what's wrong– Tifa implored.
Cloud clutched his head and shook it vigorously. The ringing in his head the fear in his heart was more than he could bear. He wished Aeris would give up on whatever she was intending to do. He hoped she was standing right outside the room, flashing her usual smile, giving her usual glint of intelligence in that pure green eyes
A part of him desired to go. A desire to save her before it's too late But the desire of withdrawal was as much as his former desire. A desire to run away- an unthinkable consequence if he did otherwise
He feared for her safety.
And he remembered the slip of paper he had taken out from the fortune telling machine that Aeris had urged him to take. It costed him 200 gil but seeing Aeris happy after getting the rectangular piece of paper had satisfied him somehow. He had managed to read the passage over her shoulder. A brief message.
What you persue will be yours. But you'll lose something dear.
A message he had scoffed at. Why'd it have to come back alive now? And Aeris, she was gone already
I'm –I'm scared, Tifa. He managed to utter. His strained voice was enough to shake Tifa. Whatever happened to her old Cloud? Where was his cocky manner and where was that over-confident smile of his that he usually flashed to her? She didn't recognize the guy sitting in front of her.
Barret was disgusted. Whadd'ya mean yer scared, Cloud? He thundered. His voice seemed to shake the whole inn. Ignoring him, Tifa kneeled in front of Cloud and looked into his face. He refused to make eye contact with her, which hurt, but she had always been used to his evasiveness.
She began carefully. I know you'd lost your self control before and nearly killed Aeris, but you've got to stop this self-torment. It's not your fault that you can't keep control over your own self!
I know, Tifa, but, when he's near, I, I– Cloud sputtered. I feel like I am losing myself. He hung his head, which was quite pitiful. It took her everything she owned to keep herself from madly hugging him and bursting into tears at the same time. With a slight lump in her throat, Tifa gulped.
So much had happened so fast she no longer felt like he was her friend. Perhaps this was meant to be. Perhaps this was her destiny. She wasn't sure and she swore not to let go until she find out what it meant exactly.
Barret was nudging Tifa from the back. Looking back, she understood what he was saying.
Leave him alone for a while. He'll come to his senses. His eyes were saying.
But
Sighing, Tifa stood up. Cloud made no move to stop her. He just sat there with his whole features slumped like a broken man losing his will to live. A man about to crumble down and disappear. With a last worried glance at him, Tifa left the room and joined Barret outside. He was lost deep in thought, standing there with his hands on his waist.
Well, did he say something? He asked slowly. Tifa shook her head miserable. Only the last thing you heard him say. Barret, I'm worried.
About Aeris or about Cloud?
Tifa looked at him quickly. You are not giving me an easy question, Barret. What's your point?
Barret shrugged. I'm saying he'll come to his senses soon enough. It's you I'm worried. This whole mess and on top of it all, you're–
I am what? Tifa challenged, putting her hands on her hip and facing Barret directly.
Barret tightened his face; the usual expression when he was about to give anybody a hard lecture. And now, he had that look on his face.
I ain't saying it's wrong but Tifa, you've changed! Ever since that freak came into our group, you've been chasing him here and there like a newly found lost puppy. And it gets on my nerve. All you do is stare at him or sigh or act like a damn school girl!
Tifa's face flushed red but quickly got a hold of herself.
Well, I hadn't seen him for such a long time! Wouldn't you do the same, Barret? Oh, what about that LADY down the road who went away and came back. Weren't you always trying to talk to her and stuff??
It was Barret's time to flush. Barret quickly opened his mouth to defend himself when his words were cut off by the opening sound of the inn door. Both of them spun around.
Tifa cried in relief. Are you all right?
Cloud looked different. The moment of crisis had washed away from his face. The drooping shoulders were back on its place and his eyes were again penetrating. Whatever solution or comfort he found while pondering what to do with himself, he must have decided not to think about it that much. He was definitely back to normal. Her question was answered by a resolute nod of that spiky head of his. Barret seemed relieved to have him back. Obviously, he didn't have much faith in his own affirmation about Cloud's condition.
It was evident on his face that he was glad it turned out okay. Now, what should we do? He asked as usual.
Aeris is alone by herself. Cloud said, looking across at Tifa and Barret. And Sephiroth is after her. Whatever he wants to do to her, it's not going to be a pretty sight. I'm pretty sure she is unaware of the gravity of the situation.
We must act quick, you're saying. Tifa finished. Cloud glanced at the place where Aeris was standing after when she heard about the news of her old boyfriend, Zack.
X marks the spot. Tifa thought dryly. Obviously, he was thinking about Aeris. She prompted, annoyed that he hadn't answered her question. Cloud shook his head. Sorry. I was just thinking about what Aeris had said.
The path starts from here.
I'm not sure what it meant
I was just praying and I felt like talking to you
But what?
I wanted to see you before I go
Barret was impatient to get started. Let's go to that damn forest! She could be in danger right now, ya know?
Cloud nodded. You're right, Barret. Let's go.
Before they headed out, Cloud looked back at the place one last time. Aeris's voice seemed to be carried in the wind as it blew from the horizon and tickled Cloud's nose. The soft breeze, the warmness that he felt
I really enjoyed that date, Cloud
Please wait up for me, Aeris. Cloud murmured, reminiscing the smile Aeris had flashed before she went away.
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The sleeping forest was not hard to find.
After steering the Tiny Bronco due North, they encountered a remote island with small beach landing site. The place seemed deserted. When they made a landing, Barret pointed out the forest near the beach. That seems like the forest you saw in your dream, Cloud. Cloud merely nodded.
Yuffie was busy complaining about her sore legs and RedXIII was keeping her piped down. But look at this place! I don't care if Aeris is in there! I'm staying here! When Tifa and Cloud looked at her, she gave a stubborn pout. I'm serious.
RedXIII looked at Cloud with rueful smile. I'd better stay in case Yuffie tries to drown herself of boredom.
Barret glanced at the forest. I'm going. At least, I want to go. He said. Cloud remembered how he had acted the first time they started to work as a team. How he had ignored him and how Barret tried to show that I-AM-THE-BOSS-AROUND-HERE look. Cloud couldn't remember the last time Barret tried to show that. He had changed. And so did Cloud.
Tifa quietly brushed her front hair back. I'm going too. She said serenely. Cloud nodded. Okay. I think the rest of you should stay back in case something comes up.
The rest nodded in agreement. Only Yuffie seemed overjoyed to stay behind. Vincent showed no emotion to the situation. Cloud still had a lot to learn from that mysterious man in red cape.
Cid threw his cigar in the water. Go ahead. And stay alert.
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The forest did not open right away as Cloud and others had anticipated. First of all, there were dozen people digging up the place and making hell of a noise with the small bomb they inserted into the ground before they all hid themselves and finally pressing the small remote control and blow up the area. The blowup was actually not visible to them. Just a little rumbling on the ground and it was over.
Over the shouts of the gruff looking men, Cloud glanced through the blinding dust that made his eyes itch for any sign of pink robe or a glimpse of brown hair, but he couldn't.
His eyes settled on a fat man standing with his arms akimbo. He seemed like a person in charge of this place. Cloud walked over to him.
What are they doing? He asked. A little bit surprised, man looked over at him.
Dust covered face with fat belly. He probably worked out a lot. He had a thick red tan down till his neck and the only sign that he washed himself was his face. Other place, well, they were not so clean. The man looked at Cloud in a single, yet scrutinizing way that showed his suspicion. Why wouldn't he be? He was not dressed normal. Plus the huge sword at his back This time, he had changed it into Yoshiyuki, the sword he got from that weird man from the rocket town. It was intimidating.
Cloud shifted his weight on his right leg.
I doubt there's going to be any chance for a trees to grow if there are such commotion going on around like this. He commented.
The man didn't flinch. He wasn't scared easily. You from the company or what? He asked. Cloud shook his head. No. What are they doing? He asked again. The man sighed and pointed to the huge dragonhead that was near the site. That's out latest excavation. We use the latest excavation system to make our work more efficient and more effective. He shifted his finger towards the men working under the glaring sun with sweat pouring down their faces. They are my men, in case you didn't notice. They set the bomb underground and detonate them. After the massive explosion underneath the earth's surface, you will be able to acquire the various treasures hidden beneath.
He rubbed his scrubby hands together when he glanced at Cloud again. Course, we can help you dig some stuff if you want, –for a price, that is. You interested?
Cloud shook his head. Later. But I'm looking for a friend. She's –
By any chance wearing a pink skirt and has long brown hair? The man interrupted. Cloud couldn't resist his relieved smile. Yeah, is she here right now? His smile faded when the man shook his head.
She came around before you guys arrived here, sayin' she has to go into that forest. He pointed towards the far north where the trees had started to grow. There was a small opening among the bushes. She went in there. Tried to stop her, but she insisted to be allowed to go in. Quite persistent, that woman. The man coughed. Cloud turned back to his friends. We have to follow her. He said firmly.
Tifa looked at the entrance of the forest with worried expression. Are you sure, Cloud? That Aeris is there? That Aeris spoke to you in that dream in this very place?
You seem uncertain? Cloud looked keenly across at Tifa.
Hard gaze, deep set blue eye. Tifa gulped. She sensed displeasure in them. His eyes didn't stay long. He started to turn. Then stay. I'm going in whatever happens. I don't care.
He made his way in the other direction, towards the forest. The man standing next to Tifa yelled at him. Hey, be careful there, son! They say a monster lives there! Kjata or something!
Tifa turned to Barret. I am in doubt. But I wasn't doubting Cloud. You understand, Barret, don't you?
Barret shrugged. At this point, I don't think I should be the judge. He started to follow Cloud, whom didn't glance back to check if they were following. Trust your heart, Tifa. But I advise you not to hassle Cloud about it. He's already on the edge because of Aeris.
Tifa stared after Barret. And her eyes shifted to Cloud. Then the entrance of the forest, where Aeris is, at this very moment.
She was trouble from the beginning. And Cloud, he –he wanted to protect her from the beginning
Tifa glared at the fat man leering at her and started to follow the guys.
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The altar, from where she stood, held breathtaking scenery. Aeris stood there with wide eyes. The water that shimmered from below reflected in her eyes, making her green eyes glow. She took a deep breath. The air was quite stuffy and a bit warm, but there was definitely an air of Holy in the place.
The sacred atmosphere. The unimaginable power beneath.
The era of Ancient –her race
Aeris leaned on the fence that surrounded the small altar. She leaned her head back and looked at the sky that was visible through the small hole on the ceiling of the snail house.
She felt like she was at home. Home with her resilient flowers and her mom, Elmyra. The warm air surrounded her whole body like a soft feelings she always felt when she held on to her white materia. The place felt quite familiar to her, even though she had never been to this place. Her heartbeat refused to slow down even though she had walked to get to this place. Aeris felt excited as if something's going to happen here.
Aeris straightened herself. No time for daydreaming. She reminded herself softly. Cloud would be here any moment. She had told him that she would be here, but she had given him the benefit of doubt that he wouldn't remember her words. Knowing him, he would already be near the entrance of the forest with his friends.
God knows how he could remember, but he would. Aeris was sure. He always knew. Every detail.
She allowed herself to reminisce the time when they had mounted the gondola together. He hadn't resisted when she suggested the ride, but then, the moment they stepped in and closed the door, there was absolutely nothing to say to each other. She had avoided his gaze with her arms resting on the windowsill so she didn't get to know where he was looking, whether he was bored out of his head or enjoying himself. The air had suddenly become uncomfortable and in the corner of her eyes, she felt that Cloud glanced at her several times. But they shared the fantastic view of the Gold Saucer together and that was enough. For her.
Aeris knew she was being too pushy, too outspoken to him. Maybe too much. She knew Tifa was annoyed at her several times because of that. Thinking of Tifa put different thoughts into her head. The girl was a mystery. She was funny, beautiful and an old friend of Cloud, but she refused to accept the fact that she liked Cloud, just like Aeris felt for him. Several times, Aeris caught her staring at him. Several times, Aeris noticed the sigh that escaped out of her mouth. Yet, when Aeris pinpointed that out in open, she immediately jumped and denied that she even did those acts.
And Cloud –Cloud was indifferent to the whole situation. Sometimes, Aeris wondered what their relations were. She sometimes got the feeling that whenever Cloud looked at Tifa, he had always been trying to squeeze something out of his brain. As if to remember something. Maybe it was love. Maybe he loved Tifa.
Aeris sighed. She was an Ancient. She had a mission when she came to this world. And that time has come and here she was, thinking and pondering about something as corny as love. But she was a human being, aside from the fact that she was a different human. She needed love, just like everyone else!
But every time she fell in love, it was someone tied inevitably to the hands of fate.
Like Tseng.
Like Zack.
Aeris sighed and slowly kneeled on the hard floor of the altar. She closed her eyes and briefly let out a breath.
Like Cloud
Especially Cloud
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She was there. Right below his feet.
When she looked up, she failed to see through the air, through the atmosphere, to recognize him standing only a few feet up in the air, breathing the same air as her.
She didn't know.
She didn't feel.
She was as ignorant as when he saw her at the Temple of Ancient. Just looking forward, never looking back
Still thinking about Cloud
He didn't like her. Cloud could never care for anybody. He couldn't possible. How could he –a mere shadow of his self?
Yet, she cared for him. Even now, when her own life was in danger and the whole planet depended on her prayer, she thought of him.
Pathetic excuse for an Ancient.
Not like himself.
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I can hear Aeris's voice Cloud murmured.
He sat up on his bed and groggily looked around. Next to his bed, Barret groaned. Tifa, on the far corner of the room, got up at his voice.
He didn't hear her. He stood up with his ears strained. He mumbled. Tifa slowly stood up and nudged Barret who was snoring quite loud. Barret stirred. Huh? What's goin' on, Tifa?
Tifa shushed him and pointed at Cloud.
Look.
Barret glanced at Cloud standing on the middle of the small room of the City of Ancient and his eyes widened. Cloud? What's wrong? He asked. At first, Cloud stood with dazed expression on his face. But then, he jerked his face towards them. I can hear Aeris talking! He exclaimed. Tifa rubbed her tired eyes. But, Cloud, we had searched everywhere. The forest and this City of Ancient, too. There was no Aeris, remember?
Cloud firmly shook his head. No, I can hear her voice. She's– He briefly closed his eyes. –she's praying
Barret groaned again. This is spooky, Cloud. And why the hell Aeris can only be heard –or seen- by only you? He asked, annoyed.
Tifa stiffened at the comment.
True– Tifa chewed on that for a moment meaningfully. Very true–
Cloud shook his head. I don't know. Then, he started to climb the ladder that leads to downstairs and outside. It was already dark. The sun had set. Tifa wondered where Cloud is thinking of going. Cloud! Where are you going?
Cloud was already opening the front door. Out. To Aeris. He responded shortly. And he was gone.
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Due North Cloud calculated. It's not far It's very near very
Where was he going? To where?
To Aeris? To Sephiroth?
Cloud had absolutely no idea what's going to happen once he find Aeris. She was silently praying, her soft voices surprisingly articulate in his head.
She's calling to Holy
Cloud's heartbeat quickened. Aeris was way ahead of him. She always had been and now, she was putting herself in danger because of him.
Sephiroth was near. Cloud was certain about that, too. And Aeris she was in danger!
Cloud gasped for breath. He hadn't realized that he was running around like a lunatic. The place was dark and empty, the beautiful shell houses all gloomy among the darkness. He didn't know where he was heading. He didn't know what he was expecting. But, he could feel his instinct arousing his every nerve to go to that place.
At last, Cloud reached the far northern part of the city where there was small clear pond in front of the small shell house. The voice was near.
Cloud entered the small shell house and to his surprise, he found the opening in the midst of the small room. A large fish statue that had look so real had blocked it. But now, there were small leading stairs that seemed to go down. Cloud took the stairs without further hesitation.
The stairs seemed to last forever. The transparent stairs made Cloud almost lose balance and fall headlong down the small house underneath. It coiled downward like a back of a huge python and led further down. Cloud took two steps at a time. He wasn't afraid anymore.
He had to find Aeris. And the voice was very near, as if Aeris was whispering right beside his ears.
Cloud was quite breathless when he reached the end of the stairs. In fact, he was gasping for air. His heart seemed to jump out of the throat as he tried to slow down his breath. Then he realized the special atmosphere of the place. It had a glint –yes, a glow around the place. It felt comfortable and very precious. It softened Cloud's heart as he glanced around to feel it around him. It almost felt real.
Then he saw her.
She was kneeled on the middle of the small altar. Her eyes were closed, her hands clasped together and her lips moving in a gentle murmur of her prayer. She seemed absolutely oblivious to his presence and she didn't look up when he took a step towards her. Then, he heard running footsteps behind him that halted only a few feet away from him.
He heard Tifa exclaim in disbelief. Barret stopped her when she tried to follow Cloud onto the altar. When she looked at Barret questioningly, Barret shook his head.
Leave them alone for a while.
Of course, Tifa knew Cloud wanted to talk to Aeris alone. But
Cloud mounted the round supports that connected the altar to where he stood. Beneath his feet, Cloud realized that the clear pond water was somehow connected to the clear water he was seeing now.
He reached the altar and stood still. Aeris still showed no sign of recognition. Her prayer, her closed eye lids and her solemn expression Cloud realized how precious each element was. She was praying for the planet. How she knew the way, Cloud had no idea, but he felt frustrated that she had not told him, nor did she tried to discuss it with him before running off to this remote place. Obviously, Aeris didn't care or she was quite selfish to make him or his friends suffer.
Then, suddenly, Cloud heard someone's voice.
Well, it's about time you showed up
Huh?
We've got to stop her soon
You again Sephiroth? What are you
Wake up!
So many words flashed through his head. So many unspoken, yet clearly understood words all passed right through Cloud's head as he stared down at Aeris praying.
The time seemed to stop. The flapping of the gentle sound of the water ceased. No sound was heard except for the hammering of his own heart. The ringing inside him seemed to get louder as Cloud grabbed the side of his head and shook it to make the voice go away.
You know you can do it, Cloud
Stop, STOP!!
You don't have any choice and you know it
What are you saying? That I should?
That's right be a good boy, Cloud
Cloud's whole body shook as he tried desperately to get a control of himself. His body slumped forward and shook his head violently as if he was in too much pain.
Please Aeris
You can't do otherwise now, be a good boy
I can't hold on much longer
CLOUD! DO IT!
RUN!!!
Tifa and Barret watched in silent horror as Cloud suddenly bolted upright from his position. Frantically, Barret started to hurry on the alter.
With the sound of his shaky breath from the struggle he went through, Cloud drew his sword from the back in a single motion. Still, the voice was throbbing through his mind like a razorblade.
That's it cloud
Aeris
Cloud slowly adjusted his sword. Tifa screamed. Barret almost went out of his mind. He yelled, running up to the altar.
No, too late
He poised his huge sword at Aeris's head. A few seconds seemed to pass as Cloud stared at Aeris with empty and cold eyes. Tifa's cries didn't bring his mind back to focus.
His mako eyes flashed.
The sword cut through the air in a single motion. That moment, Aeris opened her eyes. Her eyes widened for a brief moment. She didn't have a chance to shout for help.
Tifa screamed.
Please, Cloud, you don't know what you are doing!
Cloud! Stop!!!
Good boy
Barret finally reached Cloud when he brought it down. Without thinking, Barret banged the back of Cloud's head with his gunarm. The metal sent Cloud lose his grip on his sword.
The sword fell next to Aeris with a loud clash.
Aeris
Last word he uttered before he fell face down, on top of terrified Aeris.
I'm sorry