Title: Beyond Life
Disclaimer: I own nothing; Squaresoft and all those producers have it!
A/N: This bit always made me cry, it was just so sad! Why did she die? Why?!
The waters lapped gently against Cloud's waist as he waded slowly into the lake, gently carrying the limp body. How could someone be so alive and then become so lifeless? Tendrils of her chocolate brown hair played ripples across the calm blue surface and Cloud stopped, staring down at the Ancient, his mind wandering back to when they first met.
She had been so sweet, almost childlike, with this fiery strength behind her spirit. Her will was only to do good in the world, and because of it she was now dead. The one who was ready to put her own life in danger when she protected Marlene, was the one who had given her life for the planet.
And slowly she had become so wise but joyful traveling with Cloud and the others. She had developed in herself, she had grown more mindful of who she was.
Memories brought Cloud back to the Gold Saucer, when they went on the date she had promised him for being her bodyguard. The flashing colours and fireworks they saw from that glorious view. The play, how foolish but so fun it had been.
And in the Temple of the Ancients, she had been far quieter, and seemed so knowledgeable. She understood what she had to do, and that it was only her that could do it.
Cloud gazed down at the peaceful figure in his arms. She could almost be sleeping, but for the cold seeping through her skin. Her hands were folded modestly across the wound Sephiroth had caused when his sword ran through her so fast. So fast, Cloud had never got to say goodbye. Never got to tell her that he loved her.
How strange it was that when you lost something, you realized how precious it was to you.
And gradually the sparkling blue waters accepted her form into its embrace as Cloud let his arms fall to his sides. The reflection of sun on water mirrored in the former Soldier's blue eyes as the woman drifted down into the inky depths.
And for a tiny second, Cloud thought he almost saw a faint smile on her lips, before the darkness swallowed her and Aeris was gone.
Gone.
Forever.