Walking Corpses - A Final Fantasy VII Fanfiction by Kuroda Kumiko

Chapter Two: A troubled groom

I know this chapter's a little short and it took a while to write, but I have severe writer's block and can't think of a damned thing to write. xD I assure you, the next one will be longer!

Author's Note: Yes, all the birthdays are correct. I know my favourite game characters' birthdays, don't worry. D

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or any of its characters, nor am I making any money off this. I do own the plot, although it is based slightly on the film 'Corpse Bride'

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Sitting nearby the large lake, propped against a tree, the young man still sat. Spikey blonde hair blew slightly in the calm breezes, defying gravity. His eyes were deep as usual, gazing out into the water, wondering why on earth he was there.

Suddenly, the breeze strengthened. Wind billowed around his motorcycle, the Fenrir, which had also been positioned against a tree. Cloud narrowed his eyebrows as the water began rippling, and started to get up to his feet. The treetops billowed, leaves scattering the air as they cascaded down to the ground. Then the breezes stopped, and he realised what was going on. Settling back down, he smiled.

' Aeris, ' he greeted. Indeed, the ghostly image of the former flower maiden was standing on top of the water, bearing no burden as a weightless corpse. She showed no signs of age, ever preserved in her neat, beautiful profile. She shook her head sadly, and suddenly a branch from above landed squarely on Cloud's head. ' Ow! ' Aeris giggled, and Cloud folded his arms and glared at her, but his expression held fondness.

' Cloud, you didn't come out here alone on the day before your wedding! ' Aeris cried exhasperatly.

' Aeris, I can't do this. I'm not ready to be married, ' Cloud confessed.

' Then why on earth did you propose? '

' I.. '

' I see. You want to be with Tifa. She has deep affection towards you.. '

' Aeris, I.. '

' Oh, stop it, Cloud! Go back there right this instant and tell her how much you love her. You can do this, Cloud! Tifa thinks you still love me, you know, ' she added wisely.

' ..who said I loved you? ' Cloud answered suspiciously, but blushed slightly. Aeris giggled again. ' I like you both, you know that. '

' Listen, Cloud.. Tifa's crying. Look what you've done to her! '

And sure enough, Aeris had brought the sound of tears far away in Tifa's bride chamber. Since Aeris was dead, she could see everything and go everywhere. Suddenly Cloud hung his head. How can I do this? Aeris is gone, but Tifa is here. I love them both.

' Alright, I'm going back, ' Cloud declared, standing up. Aeris giggled.

' You've changed a lot since you were my bodyguard! ' Cloud said nothing, but Aeris could have sworn she had seen a slight smile. Turning to face her, he raised his hand, as did she. They touched them together, Cloud's peach-ish warm skin against Aeris's cold, dead, ghostly-blue skin. Then he turned and clambered onto his motorcycle, and switched on the engine, readying to go. He turned to her one last time, Aeris smiling. Suddenly, before he went out of sight, Aeris called over him.

' Oh, and there might just be a baby on the way! '