Phoenix Hearts
(Part 3- I Love You!)
By Alria
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the FF 7 characters or setting.
Author's Note: WOOOWZIES!! It's been a long time! I'm sorryI know it's been awhileit's just my two FF 9 fics are totally rocking right now. I hope you haven't forgotten meNeways, it's good to be back. For all my fellow Cleris fans, you'll like this chapter ; )
Toodles!
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As the rusty airship landed roughly on the small stretch of grass outside of the ruined Medeel, Cloud could hardly keep still. Medeel had been the first place to pop into his mind when he thought of the life-stream, and as much as he hated having to wait through the long airship ride, it was a small price to pay. His hands were clutching the small bottle of Phoenix blood so tight that not even BARRET could have pried it loose. This was his chance to finally tell Aeris how he feltand he wasn't going to lose it.
Cloud sighed with happiness as the doors of the old ship opened, revealing the glistening green life stream. Cloud's heart was pounding heavily in his chest like a drum. It was almost too wonderful to be true! He could almost see Aeris's beautiful blue eyes again; alive and full of compassion. Just a little longerand he could hold her again. With a confident smile on his face, Cloud stepped out of the airship.
The green water of the life stream rolled and gurgled in a small river through the ruins of the old city. It looked exactly the same as it had the last time he had seen it. Green, liquid splotches bubbling up every which way. Earlier, that water had only brought deathnow it was the key to life.
Walking away from the airship so he was sure no one was looking, Cloud took the bottle with the Phoenix blood and carefully removed the stopper. As Cloud gazed at the thick, golden liquid, he began to feel the least bit nervous. The old woman had mentioned a curseand he could be anything. What if it was something horrible, like agonizing torture?
Cloud shook his head. Whatever the curse was, he was sure it was nothing compared to the joy of seeing Aeris again. He would go through anything to let her know how he felt. And so, with this in mind, Cloud turned his attention back to the bottle.
Doing the only thing he could think of to make sure and get only one drop, Cloud stuck his finger into the bottle. Pulling it out, he let some of the excess blood drip back down. Finally, when he was sure that it wasn't dripping too fast to control, Cloud carefully lifted his finger above his mouth. He squeezed his eyes shut, waiting for the blood to drip. Then, all at once, he felt the small, wet drop hit his tongue.
The golden drop tingled against his tongue, and even though it had been in the bottle for who knows how long, it was strangely warm. The thought of blood from any animal in his mouth made Cloud shiver, and he quickly swallowed it. At least he wouldn't have to feel it swishing around in his mouth now.
Almost at once Cloud began to feel a quire sensation come over him. His body felt extremely light, almost as if he were floating. Was this the curse? Cloud smiled. If it was, it certainly wasn't anything to be afraid of. And so, feeling quite confident, Cloud smiled and stepped into the green life stream
It's one thing to go into the life stream and be knocked unconscious. It's completely different to jump in with the aid of Phoenix blood. When the green liquid touched his skin, it was almost as if it wasn't there. As if the air had just turned green. He could breathe perfectly fine, but he could also swimbut that wasn't the strangest part.
All around him; above, below, and beside, were hundreds and thousands of ghostly people. They were completely transparent, yet you could clearly see the startled expressions on their faces as they watched Cloud swimming by. No wonder they're surprised, Cloud thought. I must be the life of the party around here.
As Cloud passed by the millions of ghostly apparitions, his spirits began to dwindle. If there were so many ghostshow in the world was he going to find Aeris? Every being that had ever died was floating around in this big river, what were the odds that he was going to be able to find one specific girl? One, specific, wonderfulperfect girl. Cloud shook his head. He had come this far for her; he wasn't giving up now.
Cloud swam and swam, gazing hopefully at every ghostly face that passed him, only to look away in dismay. Hour after hour he continued, relentless in his search. But, after so long, even the most persistent begin to lose faith, as was the case with Cloud. Was Aeris really here? Perhaps she had gone to the Promised Land, like the Cetras of ancient times had said. Cloud felt his eyes begin to water. Had he really come this far only to have his last hope shot to the ground? It wasn't fair! For less then a day he had been deluded with the joyous thought that he might actually get to hold Aeris againkiss her soft skinjust to be able to tell her he loved her was enough. Dear God, to let her know! That would be have been medicine to his tortured soulbut he was even denied this simple request. Aeris
Suddenly, Cloud felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Startled, Cloud spun around to meet his addresser. But even before he had gotten all the way around, Cloud knew who was floating behind him. Even in the faint light of the life stream he could make out the familiar pink dress and long braid. Cloud's throat caught in a tearful lump. Aeris.
She was smiling her beautiful, bright red-cheeked grin for Cloud, her blue eyes shining like diamonds. She looked as if she hadn't aged a day in the year that had passed; she was still wearing the buttoned dress with the red vest.
All Cloud could do was stare at her, his eyes drinking in her beauty. The joy of seeing her again, even as a ghost, was too wonderful for him to take in all at once. Tears of joy streamed down his cheek. Was it really her? After so longcould it really be her? His Aeris? The two stood there, staring at each other for what seemed like hours. Then, Cloud finally broke the silence.
"Icame to take you back. Will you come?" he asked. The ghostly Aeris nodded and held out her hand to him. Cloud smiled with relief, and took her transparent hand in his own. It felt as if there was nothing in his handit was completely weightless. Yet he knewthat something WAS theresomething special and precious. And so, a ghostly Aeris in hand. Cloud began to kick towards the surface.
When Cloud's head finally popped out of the life stream, his heart was so full he feared it would burst. He had Aeris back; finally, after all those months of dreaming and longing, she was back! Cloud, a wide smile upon his face, slowly pulled himself up onto the solid ground, still clutching Aeris's hand. Once he was up, he began to pull Aeris out of the life stream.
As Aeris's spirit was pulled out of the water, the strangest thing happened. As she broke the surface, instead of being transparent and weightless, she began to solidify. The first thing Cloud noticed was the warm, soft feel of her smooth hand against his skin. Next, her long braid turned in the soft, bushy hair he knew and loved. Everything else slowly followed, until the toes of her shoes became real cloth. Cloud pulled her onto the grass, warmed by the blazing sun, and the two collapsed next to each other.
The sound of Aeris's deep breaths made Cloud's heart sing. She was really back! Flesh and bloodit was truly her. Finally, after they had caught their breath, Cloud broke the silence.
"AerisI never thought I'd see you again," he said quietly. Aeris, brilliant blue eyes brimming with tears, smiled back at him.
"Neither did I. Oh, Cloud" Aeris's throat suddenly lumped. Cloud sighed. The sound of her melodic voice was like a beautiful song to his ears. Suddenly, Aeris grinned and crawled over next to him. Nuzzling her head gently against his strong chest, she sighed contentedly and closed her eyes. Cloud began to gently stroke her long, brown hair. Then, he slowly moved down and very so delicately caressed her soft cheek. It was warm and pink now, not like the pale, cold it had been at her death. To have her with him again, snuggled up to his chest was greater then all the treasure in the world. But there was one thing that still bothered himand he had to ask the question before another moment passed.
"Aeris?"
"Yes, Cloud?"
"How did you find me? I saw so many ghostshow did you see me swimming around?" There was a slight pause as Aeris nestled closer to him.
"I heard your wishes. They were calling me. I don't know how; maybe it was my Cetra powers. Or maybe it was my love for you," she said. Cloud heart was beating faster then a humming bird.
"Soyou know that I"
"Yes. I know you lo-" Cloud put a gentle finger to her ruby lips, a coy smile on his face.
"Oh, don't spoil it. I've been waiting so long to say thislet me do it," he said. Aeris beamed, and she slowly reached over and clutched Cloud's large hand in her own.
"Fine with me," she said softly. Aeris looked up into Cloud's face, and their eyes met with a sudden spark. Ever so slowly, they moved closer to each other until their faces were only a finger's width apart. And just before their lips met, Cloud was finally able to tell Aeris what he had waited so long to say.
"I love you."
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Well, I didn't really like the beginning of this chapter, but I thought the last part was sweet! Is this the happy ending Cloud and Aeris have been waiting for??? It seems sobut what about the curse.???