Disclaimer: I do not own the song. Against All Odds by Phil Collins.
Oneshot. It is a sadder look at what would have happened in AC didn't happen. CHARACTER DEATH!
Against All Odds
I remember the day you died. I remember when you left me alone. I remember how you broke your promise. How could you leave me, Zack?
How can I just let you walk away, just let you leave without a trace
All that is left of you is this sword and my life…
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh
You promised to always protect me Zack. You swore someday we could get married. Where are you now when I need you? No one understands what's happening…
You're the only one who really knew me at all
-x-
I remember when you whispered that you loved me as you died. I had waited over six years to hear it and you finally say it with your last breath? Was it meant to cause me pain? Cause it nearly tore my heart out.
How can you just walk away from me?
You said we'd be married one day… Now all I have is an empty proposal to Tifa… I don't want her Zack. I can't want her. I only wanted you. Now she thinks we will be married and I can't even face her.
When all I can do is watch you leave
Gaia I wish you could hear me. Right now cause Shiva knows I have a lot to say. I have Geostigma, Zack. I'm dying. Alone.
Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain and even shared the tears
Do you remember when you carried me half way across Gaia to these cliffs? We stuck together. I should have killed myself then. You would have been angry, but I know you would have gotten over it. Cause you loved me…
You're the only one who really knew me at all
-x-
So take a look at me now, oh there's just an empty space
All that is left of me is a shell of your former life. I was a vessel through which you could continue to live at my expense. I wanted you to be here. I didn't save Gaia. Your memory did.
And there's nothing left here to remind me,
Just the memory of your face
The Buster Sword is rusted and tarnished. I didn't take good enough care of it. Now with me dying it will be come all that is left of us, Zack. Soon we will both be memories.
Ooh take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space
It's raining Zack… Just like it did when you died. I'm glad… I don't want to look like I am crying. Cause Gaia knows I am.
And you coming back to me is against all odds and that's what I've got to face
-x-
I wish I could just make you turn around,
Turn around and see me cry
I love you Zack. Please hear me.
There's so much I need to say to you,
I wanted to say good bye to you. But now all I want is to say hello.
So many reasons why
I've been to hell and back Zack. I need some rest please. Don't stop my fate.
You're the only one who really knew me at all
-x-
So take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face
Now take a look at me now, cause there's just an empty space
An empty shell is all I am. I hope Tifa can forgive me. I didn't want her to see me struggle with Geostigma… Or Denzel. Let someone else be the hero now. I never signed up for a wife and kids… They just fell into my lap and I was too weak to say anything. I should have told them no from the beginning so they wouldn't get hurt. Cause I don't love them. Tifa, Marlene, or Denzel. They are just there. I am emotionally dead. I want to love them, but I can't.
-x-
But to wait for you, is all I can do and that's what I've got to face
I can't love them because I'm still waiting for my true love. My hero. That's you Zack.
-x-
Take a good look at me now, cause I'll still be standing here
Here I am standing on the same cliff. At the same spot where you left me. And here I will join you.
And you coming back to me is against all odds
"Cloud?"
It's the chance I've gotta take
"Hey Zack."
"Are you ready for your break Cloudy?"
"Yeah, I am."
"Good. Take my hand."
"I trust you."
"I know. I love you Cloud."
"I love you too Zack."
Take a look at me now…
I finally close my eyes and reach forward. I feel Zack take my hand and I feel lighter instantly.
"Good night."
