Stop acting as if you were sad.
There's no need to act as though you are angry either…
Because Cloud, you are…… a puppet.
I'm…… a puppet?
Those words constantly replayed in Cloud's mind that night, every time he closed his eyes - those same images appeared. The moment his perspective on life changed, his shining light taken away from him - his one true moment of weakness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As hard as he tries, the moment always ends in the exact same outcome, what seems like a part of him is lost in conflict.
Another victim of Sephiroth's psychotic path of destruction.
Cloud's eyes then slowly opened, adjusting to the light - it was almost dawn. He turned his head around slightly, noticing the Highwind overhead - but also he noticed Tifa peacefully asleep beside him, her head laying gently on his shoulder.
He looked at her silently, admiring not only her beauty - but it was as if she had no care in the world, as if this one moment was all that mattered to her.
He glanced over to the sunrise, it was at this point that he remembered what was going to take place today. The assault on the Northern Crater, the do or die mission. Win and finally stop Sephiroth from unleashing Meteor on the planet, lose and it was all over for humanity. The choice was that simple.
"… Tifa, wake up." Cloud muttered softly. "Dawn has arrived."
Tifa's eyes fluttered open, she turned and looked at Cloud, she gazed into his slightly determined yet melancholic eyes.
"… Did I fall asleep?" She asked curiously, though she already knew the answer.
"We both did…" Cloud replied, seemingly unfazed by the situation. "Not that it could be helped - that last battle with Hojo left us exhausted."
Tifa blushed a little, then immediately straightened up. "You know what must be done today… don't you."
Cloud nodded in reply. "… Judgement Day…"
The two stood firm as they looked on into the horizon.
Somehow, someway… I will destroy you Sephiroth… For my hometown… For my friends… For Aerith…
