"Cloud, are you ready?"
Cloud nodded. Red XIII pointed the Hades summon materia on the table. Cloud walked towards the table and picked the materia. They were going to summon Hades again to know more about the truth.
"Wait!"
Red XIII and Cloud turned theirs heads. They saw Yuffie running towards them.
"I know it's stupid to say this but I saw this materia glowing the time you were attacked. Maybe it was linked to what's happening."
Yuffie said and handed Cloud a materia. Cloud examined it and found out it was a destruct materia. He had only one of this and it was nearly mastered.
"Gotta go."
Yuffie said and quickly get out of the room. Cloud suddenly realized something. He left this materia in his room. This means that...
"Cloud, should we start?"
Red XIII said and got ready. Cloud wanted to pursue the thief Yuffie but he didn't. Yuffie won't get far; she will probably run into Cid or worse, Barret.
Cloud walked into an emptier space and held the summon materia in his hand. He closed his eyes and mumbled something. When he opened his eyes, he was in a very dark place and saw only Red XIII and himself. He looked around and saw a figure forming. Hades appeared right in front of him.
"We come to seek your knowledge again."
Red XIII greeted Hades. A puff of smoke rose from Hades' pot. Hades then slowly stirred the stuff inside it.
"We found the one that was sent to eliminate Cloud. Who sent him?" Red XIII asked.
"It was the planet who sent the one to take out this young man, but it wasn't the one you found who was sent to take him out." Hades said and cast a spell on his pot.
"Then who was it and why Reno kept on trying to kill me?" Cloud asked with an eager tone.
"The planet sent 'something' that has no actual form to eliminate you. That 'thing' possessed those who are capable of destroying you and he will change form once the host was incapable to continue the task." Hades answered with a deep tone.
That explained why Reno was trying to kill Cloud. Reno was possessed by something sent by the planet, but why? Why the planet wanted to do this?
"Why did the planet did this to me?" Cloud wanted to know more about this matter.
"Then I have to start explaining from how you were revived and what happened after that. Do you really wish to know?"
Hades asked Cloud for confirmation. Cloud nodded without even thinking.
"Everybody living creature's body generates a link to hold the soul and that keeps someone alive. If the body was destroyed and incapable of generating that link, the soul will flow freely and enter the lifestream. That's how life and death work. To revive someone, the death body must regain the ability to generate the link to pull to soul back to the body. But that was impossible because the body can never work again." Hades explained and paused for a while.
"There are two ways to revive someone. The first way was to find a life-generating source. That source emits something that made the body generate a link to pull the soul back and the person who possesses this source will keep on living until the source was taken away." Hades said and waited for a while.
"I don't possess something like that, so what is the second way?" Cloud asked.
"The second is probably the way you were revived. When you die, if the planet somehow wishes you to keep on living, you will be revived by feeding on the planet's life source. You will take up part of the energy of the planet generate everyday. Even if the planet one day doesn't wish to support you anymore, you can still be alive be because you already had a strong link with the planet's life source and if the planet cut it off just like that, it will affect the entire lifestream. Unless..."
Hades stopped suddenly.
"Unless what?" Cloud asked with an eager tone.
"Unless the planets succeed in destroying your body." Hades continued.
Now Cloud finally understood what was happening. All the time the planet was trying to get rid of him. But why?
"You might be wondering why the planet did this to you. You were revived because the planet was facing a threat, and that was the revival of Sephiroth. Sephiroth doesn't belong to the planet, he was half alien from outer space, he can't be absorbed into the lifestream, and that was why you were revived at the same time with Sephiroth. Because revival shouldn't exist and it seldom done before, a soul could easily enter the wrong body, and cause body exchange."
Hades stopped for a moment again. Cloud rubbed his chin. That explained why he was in Sephiroth's body and Sephiroth in his. It also explained why Aeris was in a different body after she was revived.
"The planet will keep on supporting you, until the threat was over."
Cloud was shocked after hearing Hades' words. Could Sephiroth had once again...
"I can see the fear towards Sephiroth in your eyes. Yes, Sephiroth will once again be revived but probably not in his own body. He will probably be revived in another body and if that body is weak he cannot do anything about it."
Hades ensured Cloud not to worry and Cloud took a deep breath. He was glad Sephiroth wasn't such a threat now.
"What can you tell us about this materia?"
Red XIII said and showed Hades the destruct materia. Hades stood up and took a clear look at the materia. He looked like he was shocked to see it. Although Hades was covered with a cloak, Red XIII could see fear in Hades the moment Hades saw that materia.
"Where did you get this?" Hades asked Red XIII with a rush tone.
"Sephiroth dropped it at Nibelhelm. It wasn't that useful and that was why we only have one of it. What's wrong?" Red XIII asked after seeing Hades that shocked.
"This materia shouldn't exist. The magic contained inside was so powerful and the planet banished it forever. But somehow it seeped into this materia, and turned into a death spell, that means..."
"Death? The successful rate to cause instant death was so low that we hardly even used it. Why was it so powerful?" Red XIII interrupted Hades.
"There was actually a summon creature hidden in this magic, it has no form and it's sole purpose is to cause death, instantly." Hades said and stopped for a while.
"Long ago, an ancient possessed this materia and released that creature, he at first found it useful in defeating his foes because it cause instant death without even have to move his muscles. This creature has the ability to cut off the link between the human body and the souls and that made an opponent fall immediately. But..." Hades rested for a while and took a breath.
"One day, he wasn't able to control that creature and it went loose, causing mass catastrophe by killing anyone that came into its way. If it weren't because the planet banished it with holy, there wouldn't even be a single life on this planet." Hades finished his story.
"About this materia..." Cloud attempted to asked but was cut off by Hades.
"Use it with extreme care. Somehow this creature managed to seep into this materia and turned into the magic death. You found it's successful rate low because you haven't really mastered the skill to control it. And without that skill, it will destroy those who stand in its way and obey those who are fully capable of controlling it." Hades added a little more about this creature.
"This materia was glowing the same time I was attacked by Reno, was this linked to the planet's will to take me out?" Cloud asked.
"That you have to look for yourself. I hope all that I can provide was sufficient." Hades said and slowly disappeared.
"Wait!"
Cloud shouted but he then realized he was back in Cosmo Canyon again. Red XIII was beside him looking at him. Now the planet wanted him dead, and he will have a tough time solving this problem. Cloud put the Hades materia into his bag and walked to the room where they held Reno hostage.
"Cloud."
Barret and Cid stood up after seeing Cloud entering. Cloud looked at them coldly and then looked at Reno.
"What did Hades said?" Cid asked.
"Set him free." Cloud demanded Barret and Cid to release Reno. Barret and Cid was astonished to hear these words.
"What in the..."
Before Cid could curse, Cloud nodded again to confirm his demand. Cloud then walked out of the room and left the three alone.
"You are the %&(*@(# luckiest guy in da world!" Barret shouted at Reno and released him. There was no way Barret was going to like this.
CHAPTER 9
Cloud was lying down on the bed inside his room. He was rethinking what Hades told him. He can't believe the planet wanted to eliminate him now, after he done so much for the planet. It just wasn't fair!
"Hey Cloud!"
The door opened and Cait Sith hopped into the room. Cait Sith hopped next to him and sat down on the floor.
"I am sure we can overcome this, we been through so much and I am sure we can work miracles again."
Cait Sith comforted Cloud by trying to cheer it up, but Cloud didn't give any reactions. He just lay on his bed staring at the stars outside the window.
Suddenly Cloud felt a chill wind blew by. Cloud looked at Cait Sith and saw him felt that too. Cloud walked towards the window and checked it. It was closed shut. There was no way the wind could blow in.
Then the furniture started to make strange noises. The furniture was vibrating slowly, like there was an earthquake going on. Suddenly, the window smashed opened and made a loud bang.
"Ah!!!"
The lights suddenly went out just before Cait Sith cried out. Cloud can't see a thing and he used his hands to feel where Cait Sith was. Cait Sith wasn't that timid and there was something wrong with why Cait Sith made that cry.
"Your time is up."
Cloud heard someone talking to him. He looked around but all he saw was darkness. It wasn't Cait Sith's voice. There was someone else in this room.
"Who is it?"
Cloud shouted and tried to find the person who was talking to him. He stood on his place and readied an attack position with his fist. He wasn't a martial art expert but that was the only defense he had without his sword.
"Come out now and face me!"
Still nothing happened. Cloud used all his senses to track the one talking to him. There were no footsteps or what sort ever. He was like alone in the room.
"Cait?"
Cloud tried to look for Cait Sith and the lights suddenly came back. Cloud found Cait Sith standing a few feet behind him. Cloud walked towards Cait Sith and asked about that strange incident.
"Cait, did you..."
A powerful blow suddenly knocked Cloud off his feet and he his back was slammed against the wall. Cloud tried to get on his senses and saw Cait Sith running towards him. Cait Sith then jumped and attempted to smash on Cloud with its enormous feet. Cloud quickly evaded and the floor where Cait Sith landed sank down with a loud crack.
"Cait! What are you..."
Before Cloud could finish, Cait Sith grabbed Cloud's collar and slammed him in the floor. Cloud felt all the bones in his body breaking and he lay down on the floor not moving. Cait Sith don't possess this kind of strength in the past, what had happened to him?
"Cait, stop it. Stop..."
Cait Sith prepared for a finishing blow. The mog's fist emitted a bright glow and it was getting brighter every moment. Cait Sith could kill Cloud anytime.
"What's happening here?"
The door opened and Aeris entered.
"No!"
Aeris quickly dashed towards Cait Sith and pushed him away. Cait Sith's charging up was interrupted and he prepared to charge up again.
"What are you doing?!"
Aeris stood in front of Cait Sith trying to defend Cloud. Cait Sith towered over Aeris and stared at Aeris coldly. This wasn't the Cait Sith they used to know.
"Stand aside. The planet doesn't wish you dead." A deep voice came from Cait Sith and he walked a step towards Cloud. Aeris tried to push Cait Sith but she failed.
"I won't let you hurt him." Aeris gave up pushing Cait Sith and stood in front of Cloud that was lying on the floor wounded.
"It's the planet's will. There is nothing you can do. Cloud must be eliminated." Cait Sith said and walked another step towards Cloud.
"Why is the planet so cruel? Why did the planet wanted to kill him after all he done for the planet?" Aeris expressed her question.
"Cloud was demised and he shouldn't be alive. The planet kept him alive only to face a threat. After it was over the planet need not support him anymore." Cait Sith said and walked until he was right in front of Aeris. He can kill Cloud anytime now.
"Why? Why?"
Tears formed in Aeris's eyes and fell onto the floor. She can't believe the planet was going to take Cloud away from her, forever.
Aeris slowly looked up and saw Cait Sith holding his head with his arms. He looked like he was doing telepathic communication.
Suddenly Cait Sith let go his arms. He bent down looked at Aeris. His face came closer to her until they were just inches away.
"The planet had felt your sorrow, it had allowed Cloud to live..."
"Really?" Aeris cried out happily and interrupted Cait Sith.
"For another four more days."
Cait Sith continued and stood up. Aeris eyes were filled with horror. The planet only allowed Cloud to live for another four days?
"At that time, I will be back to finish the job." Cait Sith and walked backwards. Cait Sith suddenly screamed out loud and fell onto the floor from his mog. At this time, the other came rushing in to see what was happening.
"What happened?"
The other members of the party asked when they saw Aeris's eyes filled with tears and Cloud and Cait Sith on the floor. Aeris was petrified for the moment. She didn't want to say anything right now.
"What happened?"
Cait Sith asked when he forced himself up. Aeris looked at him with astonishment, Cait Sith was back again. Did the thing that possessed Reno possess Cait Sith too?
CHAPTER 10"I don't feel good. Ah!!!!!"
Cait Sith shouted when Shera cast a cure spell on Cait Sith. She used too much strength and it hurt Cait Sith. Cait Sith was a machine but he could feel pain too.
"Look at Cloud! He was whacked so badly by you and he didn't even complain." Cid scolded Cait Sith.
Cloud was much better after Tifa healed his wounds with curative magic. Most of his wounds were quite okay and he can start moving again.
"Four days left. I only have four days left to live. What am I going to do?" Cloud asked the others. The atmosphere became quiet at once. The others don't know what to say. Come to think that he will be dead in four days time was quiet a dilemma. He was going to die and that was for sure, the question was how.
"Cloud, I am sure we will think of something else." Tifa tried to comfort Cloud. But she knew she failed to do so. They had no idea how to solve this and they don't know what this thing was capable of.
"Cloud, whatever happens, we will be there for ya!" Barret said and patted Cloud's shoulder.
"I think that wasn't such a good idea. Any of us might be the one that will be killing Cloud in four days time." Vincent suddenly spoke.
Everybody looked at each other. Vincent had a point there. When that thing possessed them, they won't know who it will possess and they will probably kill Cloud without even knowing it. What are they going to do?
"We can't leave Cloud alone!" Tifa protested Vincent's suggestion.
"We have to think of something else. Something that can stop this thing or defeat this thing." Red XIII said and lay on the floor.
"Where is Aeris?" Cloud suddenly asked. Everyone looked around. Aeris was missing. They saw her a moment ago but now she wasn't here. Where did she go?
"Cloud!"
Yuffie ran down the hallway towards the others. She was holding a short note in her hand.
"I found this on the table!"
Yuffie said and handed Cloud the note. Cloud read through the note and his expression changed dramatically. He gave the note to the others and the others squeezed around to read the note.
"Cloud. When you read this I had already left Kalm. I can't bear to see you go again. It hurt me so much the last time and I am not going to go through it again. Don't worry about me and don't look for me. Farewell."
Aeris
Everyone looked at Cloud. They saw him sitting on the couch not moving. He didn't say anything but they can see shock in his eyes. Cloud didn't thought that Aeris would leave him in a time like this. He couldn't easily accept this cruel fact.
"Where do you guys think Aeris went?" Shera asked the others.
The others looked at each other. The world is so big and Aeris could go anywhere she wanted with only an ocean chocobo. They had to narrow down the places that Aeris would go and then try their luck by guessing the last few options.
"I know! She will go to the Icicle Inn! She have a house there, remember?" Cait Sith suddenly suggested.
"I don't think so. That will be the first place we will look and I don't think she will thought of hiding there." Red XIII replied.
"What about Gungaga? She can live with Zack's parents?" Tifa suggested.
"No point looking there. She knew that Zack's parent will contact us when she's there and I don't think she will go there." Red XIII replied again.
"So now we are gonna look fer a place where we won't thought she would go and it should be deserted. Where can it be?" Barret wondered.
Something went through Cloud's mind. He looked at the others and spoke.
"The city of the ancients." Cloud said.
Everyone looked at Cloud. It was a possibility. First of all it was deserted. Second, that place was part of her ordeal and she probably think that the others would think that she wouldn't want to go back there. That place was huge and it was very suitable as a hiding place.
Cloud stood up and walked to his room. He looked like he was going to pack up and head towards the city of the ancients. Suddenly he stopped. He turned around and looked at Tifa. There was a sad look on her face. There was only four days left and she can't be with him. Cloud stared at Tifa for quite sometime and the others started leaving them alone.
"Cloud, must you go?"
Tifa asked. Cloud didn't know what to say. His heart kept on telling him to go but he was afraid that would hurt Tifa's heart. Now he had to make a decision. Aeris or Tifa.
Cloud just stood there quietly. Time went by and the two didn't say anything. They were afraid that if they say something wrong everyone would be embarrassed. But this must be settled now. Cloud must choose, now.
"Tifa..."
Tifa looked at Cloud straight in the eye. Her heart was beating faster every second. She needed to know the answer, now.
"I am sorry, Tifa."
Cloud apologized and Tifa tiled her head down. Cloud choosed Aeris over her. All her hopes and all her dreams with Cloud, shattered into pieces.
"Tifa..."
Cloud walked towards Tifa and comforted her. He know he can't do anything helpful now but he had to try his best to comfort her, please her.
"Cloud..."
Tifa sniffed. She hold her tears from flowing down and looked up at Cloud. She held Cloud hands and put something on his palm.
"Keep this...as a memento of our relationship."
Cloud took a look and saw a ring. It was the engagement he gave her when he proposed to her. Tifa still wore it after Cloud left her at the church. She still had hope for him.
Cloud recalled the happy moments with Tifa. He could still remember the smile on her face that time. But now, she will not be able to smile like that for quite some time.
"I am sorry, Tifa. I really, really am." Cloud apologized again.
"Don't be. Love was a strange thing. You can't force someone to be with another person. It has to be natural to both sides, no matter how much one of them loved the other one." Tifa replied.
"I know you are worried. Please don't be. You hurt me so much at our wedding day. This was nothing compared to that. At least now you finally admitted that you love her more than me. You finally stopped doing it behind my back. Go, Cloud. Aeris is a nice girl. Go."
Tifa encouraged Cloud to find Aeris. Cloud nodded.
"I will never forget our days together." Cloud said and entered the room to get his gear. Tifa looked as he shut the door. She took a deep breath and sigh.
"I will miss you." Tifa said to herself and walked away.
CHAPTER 11Deep in the city of the ancients, there was a girl in a house built out of crystal. She was folding her clothes that she brought from Kalm. She will be staying here for a quite some time and she need to take care of herself for the meantime.
The girl kept on folding those clothes and kept on recalling her past. She remembered the time she was on the top of the Shinra building in Midgar. She was knocked out cold and when she woke up, she saw Tifa crying over a body. It was Cloud's body. He was gone, leaving the others behind, forever.
Aeris stopped folding her clothes and looked up into space. She can't bear to go through it again. It was painful, so painful that she wished that she was dead too. But she didn't commit suicide. She live on with that pain and when it slowly heals back, he came back again, turning her world upside down.
"Aeris."
Aeris didn't bother that voice. She had been hearing a lot of voice in her head lately and she was so used to it. This place was deserted and there was nobody here. Those were only voices in her head.
"Aeris put the folded clothes in her backpack and turned around. To her astonishment, she saw Cloud standing behind her, staring at her straight into her eyes.
"Cloud, I thought I told you..."
Before Aeris could finish, Cloud put his finger on her lips and Aeris stopped. Cloud walked closer towards her and caressed her cheek.
"Aeris, there was something I must tell you." Cloud said and held Aeris's hand with his another hand.
"All the while, I have feelings for you but things are always keeping us apart." Cloud said.
"I know there is only three more days left but I have to do this." Cloud continued. Aeris just kept quiet and stared at Cloud.
"Will you, Aeris Gainsbourgh be the one..."
Aeris kept on listening.
"that will take Cloud Strife, as your lifetime companion....."
Aeris's eyes widen and shock filled her eyes.
"Through sickness and sorrow..."
Aeris was even more shocked to hear this. She didn't expect Cloud to say something like this. Less than three days left now, what the hell was he thinking?
"To love and to cherish......"
Cloud pulled out a handkerchief and placed it on Aeris's hair like a bride's head dressing. Aeris just stood there, not moving, staring at Cloud.
" as your wedded husband?"
Aeris can't believe her ears. It happened too quickly. A minute ago she was alone, and now Cloud actually proposed to her.
Cloud finished his question and waited for Aeris's answer. Aeris just stared at him and didn't say anything. A moment of silence occurred.
Cloud continued waiting. He needed to know the answer, now.
Finally, Aeris's lips moved. Cloud thought she was going to say 'I do' but she didn't. Aeris just brought her face closer towards Cloud's face and then their lips met. They soon hugged each other and slowly caressing each other's back. It was a moment of eternity. They felt the time stopped when they kissed. It was magic.
"I do."
Aeris said after she brought her lips back.
"Really?"
Cloud asked for confirmation with joy. Aeris nodded and smiled. Tears formed in her eyes but this were tears of happiness. Tears that haven't flow for a long, long time.
"I now pronounced us husband and wife."
Cloud said with a smile forming on his lips. Aeris giggled a little.
"You are not a priest, and you suck being one." Aeris commented.
"The heck with it. I do things my way." Cloud replied with an even broader smile.
"Now what?" Aeris asked but was actually hinting Cloud.
"This isn't a bad place for a honeymoon, right?"
Cloud said and then bent down. He slowly lifted Aeris and carried her in his arms and Aeris wrapped her arms around Cloud neck. Cloud slowly walked towards the mattress Aeris will be sleeping for these few days and put her down on it. Cloud then leaned on her and slowly brushed her hair, caressing her cheek and then removed the button on Aeris's collar.
"I love you."
Aeris closed her eyes and pulled Cloud face towards her face. Their lips met and then they caressed each other. After that.....
Well. Cloud and Aeris could have a wedding cum honeymoon in minutes while other people took days. Three days left.Every second matters.
It was dawn already. Cloud rubbed his eyes and slowly opened them. He was in found himself on a mattress, with someone on his side. This someone is someone he truly loved. He wished to live like this for the rest of his life. But he knew he couldn't. He only had two days left. After that he will be gone, forever.
He looked at Aeris that was sleeping soundly beside him. She was probably worn out because of all that happened. He couldn't believe that two days ago she wasn't even his girlfriend and now she had became his wife. His marriage would only last for three days and he had to make use of every second that came by.
Aeris looked so calm when she sleeps. Cloud hadn't seen her so peaceful before. When he first knew her, she was a cheerful, sweet but mysterious girl. After she was revived, she became more matured but became a girl full of problems and sorrow. Now, she looked so calm, so quiet and yet so beautiful, probably even more beautiful than her previous form. Cloud felt so lucky to have her now. He enjoyed every moment with her, he will be enjoying for...only another two days.
"Hmm..."
Aeris hum and slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Cloud next to her. She felt so warm to have Cloud beside her. She didn't want to be alone again.
"Morning."
Aeris greeted and smiled. Cloud brought his face near to Aeris's face and kissed her. It was just a short one. Nothing much. Just to show how much he loved her.
"How was your sleep last night?" Aeris asked Cloud.
"I was worn out because of all that action." Cloud teased and Aeris smiled and punched Cloud lightly on his shoulder. She brushed her hair and wrapped herself in a blanket and got out of bed.
"Where are you going?" Cloud asked and attempted to get out of bed.
"Making you breakfast."
Aeris turned around and smiled when she said this. Cloud just smiled back and looked at her. Aeris walked out to put on her clothes and went to prepare breakfast. Aeris making breakfast... Not something he gets to see in the past. He felt so good to see her doing this. He really hoped that this would last, forever.
Cloud put on the clothes he wore yesterday and went to look for Aeris. He saw her wearing something different than usual. She was wearing one of those really simple clothing where housewives usually wear. She tied her hair differently too. She covered her hair with a piece of cloth and it made her look so...simple.
"Hey."
Cloud wrapped his arms around Aeris's waist and greeted her. Aeris stopped opening a can of beans and unwrapped Cloud's arms. She then turned around and looked at him.
"How do you like my new look?" Aeris asked with affection.
Cloud rubbed his chin. He looked at her from her toes to her hair.
"You looked like your mother." Cloud replied.
"Shut up!" Aeris smiled and pushed Cloud away. Cloud knew she didn't actually mean it and helped her with what she was doing.
"Canned food..." Cloud said and looked at the table full of canned food.
"There is no fresh food or fridge here. Eat this or don't eat at all." Aeris replied.
"You are starting to nag..." Cloud said and walked backwards a few steps. Aeris looked at him and walked towards him.
"Oh yea? You are starting to mess around so why don't you get out and leave all this to me?" Aeris ordered but was actually making fun out of it.
"Okay, okay. I will come back in a while." Cloud said and left the place. He took a last look at her before he left. Aeris really was his wife now.
Cloud sat in front of the lake nearby their 'house'. He dipped his ultima weapon into the water and slowly stirred the water for fun. He brought his weapon just in case something happened, just in case he was in trouble and he need to fight his way out.
Cloud looked at the place they stayed. From the lake, he could see Aeris through the window. Aeris was busy making breakfast but it took her quite some time because it was her first time. Aeris seemed to like what she was doing. She was humming while doing it and she looked like a really young housewife in that outfit she was wearing. Cloud felt he was the luckiest guys on earth to have someone like this as a wife, if only it could last forever.
Cloud looked back at the lake and continued meddling the water with his sword. He then saw something glowing in the water. He pulled out his sword and the glowing stopped. An illusion? Cloud dipped his sword into the water again and waited for a while. Again, a glow appeared. Cloud took a clearer look and saw the glow coming out of the sword. When he pulled the sword out again it stopped. Cloud was astonished to see this happen. He hadn't seen such a reflection or phenomenon like this before. It was something extraordinary. It must be something special to make this happen. Cloud quickly strapped the sword to his back and ran back to look for Aeris. He had a feeling that finding out what was going on will keep him alive.
CHAPTER 12"Aeris!"
Aeris turned around and saw Cloud rushing in. He was huffing and puffing and he seemed that he used all his strength just to make it back. Aeris served canned food on plastic dishes for traveling purpose on the table and sat down.
"What's the rush?"
Aeris asked. Cloud walked to the table and sat down. He rested for a while and then picked up his fork. He ate at his average speed although he wanted to ask Aeris about that incident, fast. He didn't want to spoil this moment and after a while, he finished everything Aeris prepared and got ready to ask her.
"There was something wrong, right?"
Aeris asked before Cloud could say anything. He felt so transparent. Aeris could read his mind by only looking at him. Cloud only nodded.
"Where did the water in that lake outside came from?" Cloud asked.
Aeris thought for a while. She felt that it was strange for Cloud to ask such a question. Cloud usually doesn't give a damn about the surrounding areas, and now he was asking her a geographical question?
"I am not very sure but I think it flow from a higher place not far from here." Aeris said and took away the dishes to wash.
"Can you bring me there later?"
Cloud asked. Aeris looked at Cloud and stopped what she was doing. She looked at Cloud with a strange way.
"What's going on Cloud?" Aeris asked with a worried tone.
Cloud just stared back at Aeris. He didn't want to go through all the trouble explaining what he discovered at the lake.
"Can you, please?"
Cloud requested Aeris again. Aeris got worrier. Every time when Cloud acted this way something was bound to happen. She really hoped it was only herself being too suspicious.
"I will be ready after I washed these dishes."
Aeris said and walked towards a pail of water she took from the lake yesterday for cleaning purpose.
"I will go get our gear."
Cloud said and went to get ready. Aeris looked at him as he left. She felt worrier now. Why did Cloud acted like this? Yesterday he was fine and now he was like a different person. Aeris started washing the dishes and sighed. Something was going on.
Deep in the city of the ancients not far from the place Cloud and Aeris stayed, there was a crystal cliff that came out from part of a crystal mountain. There was something on top, but it couldn't be seen clearly. It looked like it was part of the mountain but the lighting was different. It looked suspicious.
"Is this the place?"
Cloud asked and Aeris nodded. Cloud looked at the cliff and noticed that thing on top.
"How did you know about all this?" Cloud asked.
"I don't know. I somehow felt like I was here before. It was probably an ancient's birth instinct. We know every part of this city even though we haven't been here before." Aeris explained.
Cloud listened and then he looked around.
"I see no water around here." Cloud said.
"It can't be. My heart told me that this is the place."
Aeris replied and started looking around. Cloud observed the surface of the crystal mountain and put his ear against it. He could hear water flowing beneath the surface.
"You are right. The water is flowing from here beneath the crystals. I am going up." Cloud said and put on his climbing gear.
"Be careful." Aeris replied and watched Cloud climbing his first step up.
It was a tough climb. Cloud usually climbed rough surfaces with rocks or solid soil but this crystal surface was smooth and hard. He can hardly make a foothold in the crystal and he must look for a place safe enough for gripping and slowly make his way up.
After quite some time, Cloud finally made it to the cliff. He rested on the cliff for a while and signaled Aeris to tell her he's all right. While resting, Cloud looked at the thing that caught his interest. It was a semi transparent part of the surface different from the other semi-transparent part of the crystal surface. Cloud stood up and moved close towards it. He looked through the glass-like surface and saw a dark cave inside. Cloud took out his sword and banged it at the surface with the handle of his sword. The surface didn't break and not even a crack was seen.
Cloud banged it a few more times and gave up. He slowly checked the wall around and hoped to look for a switch. Nothing was found, not even a slightest clue. Cloud sat down and started thinking about how to open this surface.
Suddenly, he saw his ultima weapon started glowing. Cloud picked it up and observed it. It emitted a glow brighter than what he saw in the lake. Cloud then touched the glass-like surface with his ultima weapon and the glass-like surface disappeared into thin air. Cloud was astonished to see this. What he did was only touching the surface with his sword. Without wasting much time, Cloud switched on his flashlight and explored that cave.
The cave was dark, very dark. Cloud had difficulty seeing even with his flashlight. He kept on walking and suddenly he stumbled into something. Cloud bent down to look what it is and to his shock, it was a skeleton lying in front of him.
Cloud was shocked for the moment and step backwards. After his fear subsided, Cloud approached the skeleton and examined it. It was in a very old robe and he looked like he was dead for a very, very long time.
Cloud examined more and saw the skeleton holding a book in his hand. Cloud took it and flipped it. It was all in ancient language, there was no way he was going to understand that. Cloud checked the area around and saw something flowing under him when he pointed his flashlight at the crystal floor. It was water flowing under him. Cloud remembered what he discovered earlier, there was water flowing beneath the crystal surface. It was flowing through here too. Cloud checked around to ensure he left nothing else here and went down to meet Aeris.
"What's up there?"
Aeris asked as soon as Cloud came climbing down from the cliff. She was glad to see him coming down safely. Thank god nothing bad happened to him.
"Look."
Cloud showed Aeris the book he found in the cave. Aeris flipped through the book and looked at Cloud.
"This looked like a diary." Aeris told Cloud what she thought about this book.
"Can you translate it?"
Cloud asked Aeris to do him a favor. Aeris cleared her throat and started translating.
"Day one. Today I left the city in search of the mythical holy fountain. The elder told me that the only was to save our town from that creature that haunted our town was to seek for the holy fountain here. The elder said the only way to defeat that creature was to dip a weapon into the holy fountain and the weapon can be used to defeat that creature. That creature had taken many lives and I have no choice but to seek for the fountain to defeat it. But before we left, we faced a big problem. We didn't know where to start finding. We heard that in the ice mountains there were many holy sources there. We decided to start looking there."
Aeris read out and flipped the pages. She just looked through but didn't read it out. She flipped a few pages more and then she started translating again.
"Day six. Today after we returned to the city after coming back from the Ice Mountains empty handed, we found out that more lives had been claimed again. No one knew what creature it was. Nobody even saw it before. People kept on dying and the others kept on panicking. I do hope to find the holy fountain as soon as possible, this way I could save my people and my family from that creature. Again I left town to the south, in search for the holy fountain."
Aeris stopped for a moment and continued flipping the pages. Suddenly something caught her eyes. She quickly read through it and started translating again.
"Day fifteen. I can't believe what I discovered today. On our way back to the city empty handed again, we met an old man that told us the location of the holy fountain. It seemed that it was located in the city, our city! I can't wait to go back and look for it. All the time we had been looking all around the world and now we were told that the fountain was in our city itself! I could only hope that my family was still safe and they can wait for me to come home, to defeat that creature."
Aeris flipped that page and there was only one page left. This page was different and the handwriting looked like scribble and looked totally different from the pages before. Aeris read through it and translated.
"Day sixteen. I have failed. I have failed my people, my family and everybody I know. I found the holy fountain today in this cave. It looked as if it was so close but yet it was actually impossible to achieve. I discovered this cave and entered it. When I saw the holy fountain, I was filled with joy and dipped my sword into the fountain. Nothing happened. I was extremely disappointed. It was then I found an inscription nearby. It stated that only the one who hold the sword obtained from the guardian of the planet was able to make the sword usable to defeat the creature. Having with a little hope, I attempted to exit the cave but a glass-like barrier blocked the exit. I had tried every possible way to get out but I couldn't. The glass-like barrier couldn't be broken or shattered. I was trapped in here, forever. To anybody who find this book, please tell my family, if they are still alive, that I love them very much."
"It ended here."
Aeris said and closed the book. Cloud was so tuned in to what Aeris was saying that he even forgotten to blink. Aeris gave the book back to Cloud and looked at him curiously.
"My sword glowed when I dipped it in the lake outside."
Cloud finally explained to Aeris what had been bothering him. Aeris finally understood and became less worry.
"When I was very small, my mother told me story about an invisible creature in the city of the ancients. I thought it was just a fairy tale but now I think that it was true." Aeris replied.
"My sword glowed when it touched the water. Is this ultima weapon the weapon mentioned in the book?" Cloud wondered.
"Or can the invisible creature be the one that was haunting you?" Aeris suddenly asked.
Cloud and Aeris stared at each other with their eyes and mouth wide opened. They just discovered some big, something real ancient here.
CHAPTER 13
Cloud once again climbed and entered the cave again. This time, he searched more thoroughly to look for the holy fountain mentioned in the book. Cloud used his flashlight to explore the area around. But he still couldn't look for something that looks like a fountain.
Cloud rested and sat on the floor for a while. He used his flashlight and pointed it at the floor. He could see water running under him. Suddenly something struck him in the mind. Cloud stood up and followed that underground stream. It was leading somewhere.
Cloud traced and traced and then he found a wall blocking the way. The stream looked like it came from behind. Cloud used his flashlight and examined the wall. He then looked at the ceiling on top. In front of him was a large chunk of crystal that fell from the ceiling above! It was so big that it looked like a wall!
Cloud put on his climbing gear again and climbed over it. This surface was even tougher to climb. It was solid crystal and very smooth. He can only rely on the rope that was tied to the grappling hook he shot just now that get caught up there.
Cloud slowly climbed and in about fifteen minutes he finally reached the top. Cloud looked and saw a large area in front of him. This place can fit an entire airship in it! Cloud looked into the distance and saw something. It looked like a...
Cloud quickly climbed down the other side of that large chunk of crystal. This climb was easy. It only took him less than three minutes. Then Cloud ran towards the thing he saw in the distance. It slowly looked clearer and clearer. Cloud was absolutely sure of what he was seeing in front of him, it was the holy fountain.
This fountain shot up at the height of about five meters high. It glowed in the dark cave and it was an impressive sight. Cloud walked closer to see, he saw a few more skeletons near the holy fountain. These must be the few follower of the body he found earlier.
Cloud put down his backpack to get his sword. He held it in his hands and looked at it. It was emitting a glow brighter than before. It was a pure white glow and it was getting brighter when Cloud approached the fountain.
Now Cloud was just in front of the fountain. He at first touched the fountain with the tip of his sword. He can feel energy flowing into his body. He put his sword a little deeper in and he can feel it trembling in his hands.
After a short moment, a burst of bright light appeared in front of him. It almost blinded his eyes and Cloud closed his eyes. Then after a while, the bright light disappeared. Cloud slowly opened his eyes. He saw something emitting a very bright pure white glow in front of him but it wasn't the fountain. The fountain looked like it had died down and stopped glowing. It was his sword that glowed so bright and lit up the surrounding area. Cloud stood in the huge area, holding his new acquired sword high in the air, creating a symbol of holy power, and became the one that will defeat those that came from the dark side.
It was very late at night already. After all that happened that day, after Cloud had made his sword holy, the couple lied on their solid mattress trying to sleep. The two had been trying to sleep for the past few hours but they couldn't. Cloud only had less than a day's life left. Their marriage will break up in less than twenty-four hours.
Cloud looked at the sword next to the bed. Now it looked like an ordinary sword again. It was only when Cloud held it in his hand it will emit that bright pure white glow. Cloud looked at it, thinking about the story in that diary. He wondered whether what was written was true, whether he could use the sword to fight the thing that was haunting him all the time with this sword. Even if he could use that sword to fight against it, can he win and prevail in the end?
"Cloud?"
Cloud turned around and saw Aeris calling him. Although in the dark he couldn't see clearly, he could feel there was something Aeris wanted to tell him, something that she couldn't tell him.
"Are you going to fight against that thing?" Aeris asked with a tone with fear.
Cloud didn't reply. He just looked at her quietly. It looked like she didn't want him to fight against it. She didn't saw it but he could read it through her eyes. The reason? Cloud didn't want to know.
Aeris turned around facing the opposite direction after Cloud didn't reply. Cloud pushed himself nearer her and pat on her shoulder. He slowly pat it her to comfort her, to subside her sorrow.
"Hold me."
Aeris requested. Cloud tried to look into her eyes but Aeris just kept turning her head away.
"I am scared."
Cloud slowly wrapped his arms around Aeris's shoulder. He brought his face closer to Aeris's face and kissed her on her cheek. Aeris held Cloud hands and she held them tighter every second. Slowly, Cloud can see tears forming in Aeris's eyes. She didn't care to wipe it away. She just kept on holding Cloud's hand tightly, afraid that he will suddenly go away.
"I think we should go back to Kalm tomorrow. I wanted to have a last look at the others."
Cloud asked with a soft voice. Aeris didn't give any reaction. She didn't let go Cloud's hand. She kept on holding to them and didn't care about Cloud's question. Cloud didn't wanted to disturb her and kept on hugging her.
This was the last night for this loving couple. Tomorrow, Cloud will be fighting against something virtually impossible to win and Aeris had to live with that fact. For tonight, she just wanted to spend the whole night together with Cloud, making it feel eternal, in the arms of someone she loved, one last time.
From the outskirts of Kalm, two chocobos that were riding across the horizon was seen. The two chocobos looked tired as they started their journey from the city of ancients early this morning. The chocobos didn't stop and kept on running. After some time, the two chocobos made it into Kalm.
"We are here already."
Cloud jumped off the chocobo and tied it to a lamppost. Aeris followed behind Cloud. She too jumped onto the ground and parked her chocobo next to Cloud's.
"What's the time now?"
Cloud asked. Aeris on her PHS and looked at the clock inside.
"Half past nine."
Cloud nodded. He looked at the sky. It was quite dark now. The thing will come at midnight. He still had about two and a half hours left.
"Come on. Let's meet the others at Cid's house."
Cloud said and led Aeris towards Cid's house. Aeris suddenly pulled Cloud's hand. She stopped him from going any further. Cloud turned around and looked at Aeris. He could feel something strange in the way she looked at him.
"What's up?"
Cloud asked Aeris. Aeris just approached him and suddenly she kissed him in the lips. Cloud didn't resist and kissed back. He was caught up at the moment. He never thought that Aeris would something like this in such a time.
After their lips parted, Cloud felt something strange. He didn't know what it is, but he felt something. Now the way Aeris looked at him was even stranger. He had never saw Aeris like this before. There was something strange going on.
Suddenly, Cloud couldn't feel his legs. They just suddenly went numb. Cloud looked at his legs and he got the shock of his life. His legs had become stone. Cloud looked at Aeris and saw her holding a materia in her hand. She just cast petrified on him.
"Aeris! What are you doing?"
Cloud shouted and tried to get his hands on Aeris but Aeris kept some distance away from him. Tears flowed down her cheek and she looked at Cloud.
"Cloud, there was something I haven't told you yet."
Aeris said. Cloud didn't want to hear. He just wanted Aeris to free him from this spell.
"I lied to you all the time. The planet didn't revive me. I was revived by somebody else." Aeris continued.
Cloud started to stop struggling, this wasn't because he calmed down, but it was because he was stunned.
"I shouldn't be alive all the while. After I was revived, so many things happened and it shouldn't be this way."
Aeris continue explaining. Cloud just stared at Aeris with shock. Now even Cloud lower part of the body had become stone too.
"I have to right things wrong."
A thought came into Cloud's mind. Somehow Aeris found a way to save Cloud. But to successfully do it, she had to sacrifice herself. One life for another, fair and square.
Aeris said and walked towards Cloud. Cloud didn't say or do anything. He was too stunned to see this happen. Aeris walked till their faces were just inches away and she kissed Cloud. Tears didn't stop flowing down her cheek and wet Cloud's face.
"Go back to Tifa. She needed you."
Aeris said after their lips parted. Aeris slowly walked away and left Cloud in a petrified state. She slowly walked into a dark alley and stopped for a moment to look back.
"Aeris! Don't go! Don't do this to me!"
Cloud shouted at Aeris to make her stay. He wanted to live, but not with the cost of Aeris's life! After shouting for a while, he couldn't shout anymore. His mouth had become stone too. It was slowly petrifying his nose and ears.
"You forgot to say something that day. You forgot to say till death do us part."
Cloud couldn't do anything as only his eyes weren't stone yet. He looked at Aeris and tried with all his might to get to her.
"The time is now."
Aeris said and disappeared into the darkness. Cloud caught a last glimpse of her face, and then everything went into darkness. Now he could only wait for someone walking by to help him.
CHAPTER 14
In the dimly lit streets of Kalm, A couple and a small kid were walking together. It was Cid and Shera bringing Marlene out for a walk. The couple had promised to take care of Marlene for these few days because Barret was busy comforting Tifa. It was fun to do this, as the couple hadn't got any kids yet.
"Come on! You two are walking way too slow!"
Marlene said and skipped happily along the street. Shera kept an eye on her so that she won't get lost. Marlene was a cheerful and nice child. She knew what was right and what was wrong. Barret was lucky to have a daughter like her.
"So...Cid. Would you like a kid?"
Shera said while holding Cid's hand. Cid scratched his head. He didn't really thought about that question before. Cid having kids...Not really a pretty picture.
"So?"
Shera asked and hinted Cid. Cid just shrugged his shoulder to express uncertain. This was a big decision. He couldn't just make a decision like that.
"Uncle Cid, Auntie Shera, look! It's uncle Cloud!"
Marlene shouted from in front and caught Cid and Shera's attention. Cloud's back? That was good news! Everybody had been worried about him; he probably found a way to save himself.
Cid and Shera increased their speed and quickly caught up Marlene. All they saw in front of them was a stone statue, with the figure of Cloud.
"Look! It looks so real!"
Cid and Shera was a little suspicious with this statue. What was a stone statue doing out here at a moment like this? Cid examined the statue. Something crossed his mind; no one can carve a statue out of stone this real, Cloud was been cast by a spell!
"Shera, do you have any soft or dispel materia with you?" Cid quickly asked Shera.
"I have some soft with me. Here, let me do it." Shera took out a tube filled with soft paste and put it all over Cloud. Cid was right, the statue slowly turned organic and after a while Cloud could move again.
"What's the time?"
Cloud asked as soon as he could talk. He looked very nervous and his breathing was heavy.
"Half past eleven. Why?"
"Damn!"
Before Cid could say anything, Cloud cried out and ran into the alley. After a while, he ran out of it again and shouted at Cid.
"Get the others! Ask them to look for Aeris. It's urgent!"
Cloud quickly commanded and dashed into the dark alley. Cid looked at him disappeared He didn't know what was going on. Without wasting much time, he carried Marlene on his shoulder and ran back to his house with Shera to carry out Cloud request.
Somewhere in the alleys of Kalm, there was a girl standing facing a wall. She was just standing still. Suddenly, a bright light was seen but nothing appeared. After that a deep voice was heard.
"You looking for me?" The voice asked.
Aeris nodded. She took a prism like artifact out of her backpack and showed it to the bright light.
"Ah, the life source! Very well, what do you wish to do with it?"
The deep voiced asked. Aeris thought for a while and cleared her throat.
"I wanted to exchange my life for Cloud's."
Aeris requested. So this was what she was planning all the time. At first she left Cloud and went to the city of ancients to actually do this exchange quietly. But Cloud turned up and spoiled everything. Now she had to do it in Kalm.
"You understood that once this exchange is made, you couldn't change or take it back again, right?" The deep voice asked. Aeris nodded.
"You too understood that once this exchanged is made, you couldn't live for more than half an hour?"
Aeris lowered her head. She kept quiet for a while. Then, she slowly nodded.
"Let the exchange begin."
The deep voice said and the prism in Aeris's hand floated in the air. It spun for a few times and it started emitting a bright yellow light.
"No!"
Aeris turned her head and saw Cloud running towards her. Cloud readied his sword. His sword glowed bright in the dark. He was going to strike at any moment.
"Step aside!"
Aeris stepped aside and Cloud slashed at the bright light. The bright light quickly disappeared before Cloud could slash it and the prism floating in the air fell onto the floor. It broke into pieces.
The light in the prism somehow flowed in the air like gas. At first there was only a little, but later on it started to become brighter and brighter and surrounded Cloud. It slowly seeped into Cloud's body. Cloud felt a surge of energy in him and he was astonished. Then suddenly, the light disappeared. All the light had seeped into his body. Now the planet didn't need to hunt him down anymore.
A thump was heard just after the light disappeared. Cloud turned around and saw Aeris collapsed on the floor.
"Aeris!"
Cloud ran to her and held her in his arms. She looked very weak and her face started to look pale. Cloud was shocked to see this. Aeris was going to leave him. Aeris wouldn't live for long. She traded her life for his.
"Aeris...Why?!"
Cloud's tears dropped on Aeris's face. Aeris forced a weak smile and touched Cloud's face with her hands.
"Don't be sad. Just don't be. I know it's hard for you but soon you will forget me." Aeris said and cough. Cloud's heart was tortured to see her suffer. He just couldn't take the fact that she will be leaving him, forever.
"I won't let you go." Cloud said with determination and put down Aeris. He strapped his sword to his back and looked around. He had to save Aeris, no matter what it takes.
Suddenly he heard footsteps. Cloud left Aeris alone for a while to get help. He hid her so that if something happened she wouldn't be harmed first. He hoped that someone helpful would come along.
"Cloud!"
Cloud saw Vincent running towards him. He looked nervous.
"Where is Aeris?"
Vincent asked. His had a nervous tone. Strange. Vincent usually didn't sound like that.
"She is with me. Quick, we have to save her." Cloud replied.
"Bring me to her." Vincent said and looked around.
"She in the alley. You go first." Cloud said and Vincent ran into the alley. Suddenly, he felt something cold touching him in the back. Vincent turned around and saw Cloud pointing his back with short knife.
"You did a bad job in manipulating Vincent." Cloud said attempted to knock Vincent out cold but Vincent ducked. He pulled out his gun and fired a few rounds. Cloud quickly ducked to somewhere safe.
"Hand Aeris over." A deep voice was heard. It wasn't Vincent's voice. It was the voice he heard in Cait Sith that day in cosmo canyon.
"The only way to her is through my dead body."
Cloud said and drew out his sword. He dashed towards Vincent and deflected a few round Vincent fired. He dashed towards Vincent, then pushed Vincent towards the wall and Vincent was knocked out cold.
Cloud saw Vincent that was lying in front of him. He couldn't trust anybody now. That thing might be manipulating the next person he will meet.
Cloud went back to check on Aeris. He hid her in a well-hidden dark corner. To his surprise, he saw nobody there. Cloud was really shocked. That thing with Vincent was just a decoy.
CHAPTER 15
Cloud ran out into the streets to look for Aeris. They must had brought her somewhere. Somewhere where the thing can appear in its original form.
Cloud ran around the town looking for Aeris. He didn't know where to go. He only know that he had to find her fast, before its too late, before they claimed her life.
Suddenly he saw two figures in front. One was helping the
other to walk. Cloud ran towards the two figures and saw whom the two was. They
were Tifa and Aeris. Tifa was helping Aeris to walk. But was she actually
helping her or she was manipulated too?
"Tifa!"
Cloud shouted but Tifa didn't stop. She just walked faster. Cloud kept on chasing and chasing. There was something wrong here. He felt like he was walking into the lion's den.
"Tifa! Stop!"
This time Tifa stopped. She turned back and looked at Cloud for a moment. Cloud didn't know what was going on. He was standing in a cross-junction and Tifa was only a few yards away.
Then he heard footsteps. A lot of them. He looked around him and saw a horrific sight. People from Kalm were coming from all directions. They were manipulated, with only one sole purpose, to stop Cloud. In the crowd, Cloud could see many people he knew. Barret , Shera, The bartender, even Marlene was manipulated too. Cloud couldn't bear to kill them. There was a soul in every one of them. He had to think of something fast.
"Aeris will be gone in a short while, what did you need with her?" Cloud shouted at Tifa.
"You wouldn't bother to know." Tifa said and walked away with Aeris.
Cloud was trapped. People were coming slowly towards him. He had to stop them before they get to him but he couldn't hurt them. There must be a way; there must be a way...
Suddenly something crossed Cloud's mind. He straightened his arm and closed his eyes. He didn't mumble anything. He just concentrated.
In a short moment, darkness eluded the surrounding area. White fog was seen everywhere and it became extremely cold. Immediately, shouts were heard and clashes were heard. When the fog cleared, everyone except Cloud and Aeris were trapped inside huge chunks of ice. Sephiroth used this spell to trap Aeris and Tifa once, now Cloud used it to stop the others from coming without hurting them.
Cloud looked around to ensure it was safe and ran towards Aeris, he carried Aeris in his arms and ran off towards nowhere.
Cloud ran and ran but he didn't actually know where he was heading. He had no idea where to get help and where to go. He only hoped for a miracle to happen.
Cloud could feel the warmth in Aeris's body slowly fading. Her face became paler every minute. Cloud started to panic. He really hadn't an idea to save Aeris. He could feel her life slowly slipping away.
When Cloud was in an alley, he stopped and put down Aeris. Running around wasn't a good idea. He had to think of something, something that could save Aeris from all this. It was then he heard something, something approaching in extreme speed. It sounded like it was coming from above.
Cloud looked up and saw something falling down. His eyes were wide opened when saw this thing approaching. It was a vast ball of fire. Cloud quickly drew his sword out and pointed it at the fireball. A fireball with the size of a car could easily kill the two but it didn't. Cloud absorbed the fireball through his sword into his body. Hades was right. He was invulnerable to all elements of the planet.
Then he heard something burst. It sounded like a pipe that burst but there was no sound of water splashing. He looked around him and saw the fire hydrant shot up into the sky and the water shot out of it. The water didn't splash onto the floor. Instead, it formed an arrow like form and suddenly, it shot towards Cloud.
Cloud readied his sword and readied to intercept. He slashed at the water and the water split into two and then it float into the air as small drops.
Cloud looked up and saw the small drops of water filled the air above. Something was bound to happen. Cloud was right. The water turned into ice and fell onto Cloud and Aeris as sharp little objects. Cloud quickly shielded Aeris from this attack. After a while, he closed his eyes and concentrated again, immediately, the surrounding area became hotter and the ice that fell onto them turned into water. Cloud stood up and readied his sword. He closed his eyes and concentrated. The drops of water were sucked towards the tip of his sword and it slowly gathered and formed a ball of water.
Cloud looked back checked if Aeris's all right. She wasn't hurt but she was actually dying. Then, Cloud can see the tiles not far in front of him floated up as if there was nothing between the tiles and the ground. It slowly approached him like a wave, and then gained speed. At first there was only a little but then he noticed there were more behind that wave of tiles.
Cloud gathered more water with the tip of his sword and waited. He waited for the wave of tiles to arrive. When the wave was just in front of him, he flung the ball of water and smashed through the wall of tiles making most of the tiles fall onto the ground. The few tiles that made the way through knock at Cloud and made him fell onto the ground.
Suddenly he saw a flash of light in the sky. Cloud immediately realized what will come next and put his hand high into the sky. At that second, a lightning struck down at Cloud because he was higher after he lifted up his hand. If he hadn't did that, it was probably Aeris that will be struck because she was sitting with her back leaning against the wall.
Cloud felt energy flowing in his body after he was struck by lightning. He stood up and then he saw something white in color coming from above. He put his hand high up into the sky and shouted. The white stream of light came striking down like a laser beam. It completely lit up the entire dark alley and shook the entire place. Cloud kept on shouting till the light went out. He absorbed most of the holy energy and made Aeris safe from this attack. Charged with energy again, Cloud carried Aeris and walked deeper into the alley.
CHAPTER 16
Cloud put Aeris down again after they walked deeper into the alley. He needed to move her away from that dangerous place to somewhere safer. But he actually knew that what he was doing was pointless. The planet could attack him from anywhere, and Aeris will be gone in another few minutes.
Cloud kneeled down and caressed Aeris's face. She was very weak now. She even had difficulties talking. Cloud hung his head and gave up all hope. He couldn't save her. He had to go through the ordeal seeing her go, again.
Suddenly Cloud heard something approaching from behind. He turned his head but he saw nothing. Cloud stood up and looked around. There was nobody in this alley besides the two of them. It was then he felt something approaching, slowly and sneakily. Something invisible?
"No!"
Cloud shouted suddenly and turned around. He lifted his and slashed in front of Aeris. A clang was heard. He struck something, which was invisible.
After blocking that killing blow that would take Aeris's life, Cloud slashed, trying to hit the invisible attacker by luck but he failed. Instead, he was struck in the chest and was sent flying away. This gave the attacker a chance to take Aeris's life. But Cloud's reflex was too good. He kicked the floor before he landed and dashed towards the attacker before he could do anything. Cloud's sword was pointed in front and there was a high chance it will hit the attacker. But it didn't. Just before he could feel his sword stabbing into something, he had a sudden halt and he just floated in the air not moving. The attacker was holding the tip of the sword, lifting Cloud in the air.
Cloud pulled the sword and fell onto the floor. He quickly recovered and slashed the attacker a few times. But every time all he hit was air. He couldn't see the attacker. He could only depend on his instinct now.
"Why are you doing this?"
Cloud shouted when there was a pause in battle. Nothing replied. Instead, he was answered with a blow on his chest again and he was sent flying and landed in front of Aeris.
Cloud coughed blood out of his mouth after this blow. This was a heavy one. What actually was this thing? It had the strength much more powerful than Sephiroth's. It was invisible. What was it?
Cloud was helpless now. There was no way he could defeat this thing. He pushed himself and shielded Aeris from all sides. He supported himself but holding onto the sword stabbed at the ground. He waited for the thing to arrive.
"Who are you? Aeris will be gone already, why do you need to do this to us?"
Cloud shouted at the air. He couldn't see the attacker and looked around hoping for a reply, footsteps or what sort ever. If he could know its location, he could kill it with a finishing blow, once it came near.
"Why are you doing this?"
Cloud shouted and hoped for a reply again. This time he saw something appeared in front of him. It was a dark shadow slowly forming. It slowly formed into a figure in a black, old robe. It was holding a reaper and it gave Cloud the chill. It was a character he heard when he was still a kid-the grim reaper.
Cloud slowly waited for the thing to approach. He held his sword tighter and he was ready to strike at the right moment, at the right time. When the figure was just in front of him, Cloud attacked. Cloud was so convinced he will get to chop off the figure's legs. But Cloud was wrong. The figure didn't have legs. Cloud chopped nothing. He was now off guard. The figure approached Cloud and lifted him up by grabbing his collar. He threw Cloud far away and Cloud banged himself against the wall. More blood came out of Cloud's mouth. He was even more badly injured.
Cloud's vision started to fade but he tried to focus his eyes. He could see the figure kneeling down in front of Aeris, lighting emitting in his hands and ready to cast a spell. Cloud had to stop it.
Cloud searched for the sword around him. It landed something around. Suddenly he could feel it. He lifted it up, and with his last ounce of energy, he threw his sword as hard as he could at the figure.
To Cloud's surprise, the figure managed to catch the sword. It stabbed the sword into the solid ground, burying half of it into the ground. Cloud was now useless. He had no energy to fight and his sword was far from him, he had to see Aeris go, again.
A bright light appeared in front of Cloud. The figure had cast the spell.
"No!!!"
Cloud shouted and looked at the light that slowly faded. The figure stood up and Cloud saw a body lying in front of the figure. Aeris was...
Cloud closed his eyes and tears flowed down his cheek. He was strong, but he still couldn't bear to go through all this. Aeris was now...gone.
"Cough!"
A cough was heard. He opened his eyes and looked. He saw Aeris coughing and slowly pushed herself up. She was...
Cloud couldn't believe his eyes. Wasn't Aeris gone? How in the world could she be alive? What did the figure actually done to her?
"Cloud!"
Blur, Cloud could see Aeris running towards him. She was so real, it didn't looked like a dream, it really didn't.
"Cure."
A green light surrounded Aeris. In just a moment, Cloud felt the pain in his body subsided. Exhausted, he slowly lifted his hand and touched Aeris's face. She was real all right. Aeris was holding his hand and then she hugged him. He heard her sniffing. He comforted her by stroking her hair. The two of them miraculously survived.
Cloud soon found out that they weren't the only ones still here. The figure hadn't left yet. It was standing behind the two. Looking at them, observing them.
"What's happening?"
Cloud asked curiously. He had no idea why it ended this way.
"The planet wished to kept you alive in a sudden but the girl trade her life for yours. We tried to heal the girl but you stopped us from doing this. We tried to inform you but you ignored us."
The deep voice that Cloud heard before actually came from this figure standing in front of them. Cloud recalled a little. The figure was right. Vincent and Tifa tried to tell him but he didn't believe. He thought they were lying to him.
"Then why are you attacking me?" Cloud asked.
"The only way to her is through you. And if we didn't immobilize you we can't get to her." The figure replied coldly.
Cloud thought for a moment and nodded. He tried to defend Aeris with all his might, even against those who are willing to help. If he defeated this figure, there was no way he could save Aeris.
"Farewell."
The figure said and slowly walked away. Cloud suddenly shouted to stop it.
"Thanks." Cloud expressed appreciation.
The figure looked at Cloud. It turned away and slowly disappeared.
"Save it for next time."
The figure said before it left. Cloud and Aeris were shocked to hear the last sentence. Next time? They are going to meet them again? Aeris helped Cloud up. Cloud, with the help of Aeris, slowly walked out to the path of brightness, hope, and uncertainty.
THE END...FOR NOW
Something from da author!
Hm...hope you like this fic. I put a hell lotta effort in it. There might be better fics in the future, but now I am gonna take a deep rest...
Oh yea, one more thing, watch out for the sequel. I started working on it.
