*AN- Just a few words before we get started. One, this is an AU fic- meaning, I've taken the characters and situations, throwing almost everything to the wind to create my new, alternate world. However, there are similarities; I'm trying to keep people in character, refer to some of the events that happened, and I've used a couple of things from the game to form ideas.

That being said, do NOT expect this to be related to the game other than setting and characters! I have taken liberties to change the plot, and so I want you to read this as though it's a story in which the characters from FF7 have all decided to partake. I hope you enjoy this 'alternate view' of FF7, as it was originally intended to be a Mary Sue, but ended up as an Ax?? instead.

Yes, that's the third bit of info I've got to say. This is an Aerith love story, so if you don't like her, don't read. The pairing will be a surprise for everyone, as will the ending. So please, no flames for that.

Fourthly , I have no idea how long this story will be. I'm thinking ten chapters tops, but I have a tendency to get really into a story and go on forever... So, we'll count on ten, though there might be more or less. That being said, also know that I've counted about 16 other stories I'm currently working on. This story will not be abandoned, but chapters might take a while to get out. . Emailing me to prod me to write more of this one works, however, because I love hearing from people, and the more I hear from people, the quicker the chapter usually comes out.

Fifthly and finally, know that I have never completed the game. I didn't get to the temple of the ancients, I wouldn't have seen Aerith's death if not for a friend making me watch as he played. I've read fanfics, yes, but they don't tell me everything, which can cause errors on my part. So, if there are inconsistencies that are so horribly character-reducing or place-deteriorating that you cannot stand to read anymore of the fic, please email me and tell me what I should do to amend the error!!

This being said and done, please enjoy the story, and don't forget to tell me what you think!! ~ SirLadySketch@hotmail.com ~ 11-03*




'Like the perfect ending

it won't be too long

til everything I've ruined

has seen me gone

In time, I pray you'll forgive me

Now you know the man I am

Can you forgive me?'

~ "No Reply", Cowboy Bebop 'Future Blues'




The Flow of Life


It seemed fitting that where everything had started, so would it end.


Here, in the depths of the planet, where the lifestream's pulse resounded in the cavern like a primaeval heartbeat, and the essences of all living things waiting to be reborn lit the walls with their soft glow; here would be her tomb. And he would join her in her eternal sleep, allowing his being fade into hers. Together, their essences would mingle until it was no longer him and her, but them, a part of the ever-flowing stream of life, never to be separated again.

He laid her down gently, a part of him still wondering if he had been mistaken, and she was only asleep. As he gazed on her silent form, he could almost see the rise and fall of her chest, hear the soft murmurs of her breath, feel her heat warming him. Her mouth was slightly open, just like when she used to sleep. If not for the blood that had trailed down those perfect lips hours ago before he had washed it away, no one would have looked upon her face and thought her death to be one of pain. She looked like an angel in her wakeless slumber- an angel that knew no sorrow, no pain, no suffering or loss. His angel.

But his gaze would fall from those inviting lips, tracing down her throat, over her bosom, and then they would stop. Halt at the one sight that spoke of her mortality, and the gruesome death that had taken her away from him. Though he had tried to wash away the blood, wash away any imperfections on his silent angel, the hole was still there, evidence of her passing. He closed his eyes, willing the memory of her death to well up even as his heart despaired at the very thought.

Fate had put them together by chance, only to cruelly rip them apart. The gods had given him a glimpse of what true happiness was, what it meant to love another, what it meant to live. Then, they snatched away his salvation in the most bitterly ironic way, leaving him aching for the light he had grown to need, had never know existed until she came.

Their time together had been too brief, their love too passionate, too deep. Had she lived, the flame of love that had engulfed them both would have burned their souls, welding them together with a bond nothing could destroy.

But she was gone, and his own death was fast approaching. Even now, the footsteps of his adversary echoed dimly in the cavern, the thuds becoming louder and louder with each step. Though he no longer considered his opponent a friend, neither had been particularly hostile to the other. They simply did not cross paths; when they did, words were few and brief. They would go about their separate ways, and nothing would change between the two.

Until she came.

The footsteps stopped, though he didn't bother looking up. He didn't need to. The other knew he was aware of him- he could almost hear the anger in the man's heart, and feel the withering glare he was receiving. He didn't care. Nothing mattered anymore.

Drawing himself up to his full height, he still didn't bother opening his eyes. Why bother? He knew what lay ahead of him. The death that he would embrace with open arms, willingly letting himself fall into the darkness once again, to search for his angel of the light.

"I've been waiting for you."

He could hear the whisper of a blade being drawn, the blade and its owner both lusting for his blood. His own sword hummed by his side, asking him to draw and fight once again. His fingers played on the hilt, toying with it as he drew it out in one slow, fluid motion. The blade's thirst for battle made him open his eyes, allowing him to capture the gaze of pure hatred from the other man. He let out a low chuckle, his feet shifting to battle stance. Goading the other to have him make the first move, allow the battle to begin. Though he had already accepted the fact that he would die in this fight, he would do his best. The soldier in him refused for any less than his best.

"Come, then. I'm waiting."

A roar of anger erupted from his opponent, and their final dual began.



*End of the Introduction, how did everyone like it? Expect the next chapter within a week or two! SLS 11-03*