To See the Children Smile
Everyone needs a reason to fight. This is the reason for one such warrior.
Disclaimer: I don't own it in this lifetime. Nor will I ever.
(Cloud's POV)
Can sins be forgiven? That was the question that I wanted to know. Is there forgiveness? Can someone like me be forgiven?
I snort. Why is it that I cannot let the past go?
Where am I?
I can't see anything. Oh, that's right! I didn't open my eyes. Why can't my eyes open? Is this death?
I feel a hand on my forehead. It's so warm. "kaa-san?" I ask. Whoever has their hand on my forehead laughs softly. I know that voice. Aeris.
Why is it that she could be so easy around me? I failed her.
I could see Sephiroth standing over her with Masamune hanging overhead. There was no way that I could make it time. I watched her slump over dead.
And yet, here she is! "Hm," she snorts. "There have been a lot of people calling me that."
There is a voice next to her. "Is it so wrong to be loved by many?" I remember his voice. Zach was his name. He was my partner when we were a part of SOLDIER. But that would all change when he was shot. It was my fault. I should have protected him. So I guess that because of this failure, I became him.
Aeris laughs at Zach's comment. "But I don't want a big baby like him." So, even in Death's folds, I am not wanted. Why did I fight? I know the first time it was to save the world from Sephiroth and avenge her death. I saved the world again from Jenova's 'children' but why did I do it this time?
I don't remember anything afterwards. Coolness rubbed against my skin. The coolness felt wet also. I open my eyes. It is my home. Quite fittingly, it is the same place that I met her. It seems that I am floating in a pool and there are children surrounding me. Their Geostigma seems to be gone.
They crowd me. Why is that? Why would they find me, a lone-wolf, so appealing that they would crowd me?
Marlene's friend stands by Tifa. Once again, I am amazed that my compatriots would waste their time with someone as stained as myself. The boy seems to understand who my true figure is, a potential Sephiroth. His Geostigma has not gone away. I motion for him to come. There is apprehension on his face, naturally. Would you immediately trust someone whom you witnessed fighting?
But Tifa encourages the kid. And with slight hesitation, he moves forward and I take his hand. I lead him into the water.
Cupping my hands into the water, I pour the water on his head, similar to a baptismal. Within an instant, the Geostigma disappeared and he smiled.
That smile affected me. It warmed my heart. Here was a kid who was marked to die and when I healed him, he smiled.
It is reminiscent of what I told the One-Winged Angel. There is nothing that isn't important to me. A child's smile! I could start here.
There are many reasons that one has to fight. One is to preserve their life. Another is to preserve others. Still others fight for causes and for power.
I decide that my power will be used to protect.
I still do not know if sins can be forgiven. But I do know this! I will fight so that my sins can be erased. I will fight so that others do not have to. I will fight for one purpose: to see the children smile. If I can do that, then perhaps, I too can find forgiveness.
Tadaima! I tell my compatriots. I'm finally home!
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