Welcome to the final chapter of Crossfire! I thank you for joining me. Your support means the world to me! Before I begin, though, I must remind you of something. This chapter will be an altered version of MGS4's epilogue, and not just because of Cloud Strife's presence. The original dialogue of the epilogue will remain left inside of MGS4, for I do not wish to ruin ANYTHING for the lady Zephyr. She recently became an owner of Metal Gear Solid 4, and hasn't yet found the ending. Despite her distance from the end, ruining ANYTHING-especially when it concerns the epilogue-would be a crime worthy of the most painful punishment. So please enjoy the altered version I wish to share. I will put my heart and soul into it, not only to commemorate the the turbulent origin of this tale, but to commemorate the pristine beauty of MGS4's end.
Warning: If you don't know what goes here by now, I'm afraid you'll forever be lost. XD It's the same old shindig, with Old Snake, emotions and boy/boy love! And yesh, Snake is still Old Snake. Remember, kiddies!
They would forever remain as one, holding each other's hands and hearts. Their periods of silence would be marked by the simplicity of immortal love, glowing with the divine essence of never-ending contact. They would forever remain as one, able to speak of eternity with a single glance. Their wedding ceremony may have taken place on mortal grounds, but their vows were the vows of angels. The promise of unyielding love draped a heavenly ribbon about their newborn union, blessing each of their steps for years to come. Never again would they release one another, determined to hold one another even if Hell threatened to kill them both.
Dressed in black tuxedos, Cloud and David Strife walked side by side. They had made a departure from the wedding scene a short while ago, leaving their endlessly energetic friends to themselves. Upon their exit, the bride Meryl Silverburgh-Sasaki was occupied in a life-or-death struggle against Cid Highwind. Of course, the struggle was a part of an arm wrestling contest, but both competitors took the challenge seriously. Sunny was playing piggyback with Yuffie Kisaragi, Barret was becoming the best of friends with Drebin, and Hal was sealing his tie to Tifa. The otaku hadn't lost his adorable clumsiness, but he attained inspiration from his dearest friend's relationship to the Strife. Realizing he couldn't cling to the painful past any longer, and fully aware of new life, Hal Emmerich spoke to Tifa about his lifelong aspirations. With the undying curiosity of a kitten, the Lockhart listened as he spoke of rebuilding the world-with her at his side. As he went on, nervousness was gradually replaced by child-like excitement. David had a new lease on life, a world-wide war was at an end, and Cloud was married to the pillar of his life. In addition to that, Sunny expressed a wish to remain with him-and her two 'outside friends' promised to uphold their friendship, regardless of circumstances. Life, for Hal Emmerich, was an incredible parade!
While rambunctious balls bounced off the walls of life, David and Cloud held one another. Their bodies melted into one another, transformed into an entity that knew nothing of boundaries. Hearts held one another in the warmest embrace, caressing each other underneath the crystal-clear heavens. Not a single word was spoken as Aerith, Drebin and Zack spread flowery bliss, until David felt the need to speak. A wish emerged from his lips, spoken in a whisper that conveyed all-encompassing love.
"There's just one more mission I have to complete."
The Strife acknowledged his wish with a silent nod, scratching the underbelly of David's chin. He shared David's wish with the others shortly after, without extensive details on his final mission. His husband refused to supply additional details, but Hal didn't feel cheated by an explanation's absence. The otaku provided his oldest friend with a smile, paying his respects to the upcoming mission. Carrying that smile near and dear to his heart, the old legend walked off with his beloved knight-lost in gentle, invigorating silence. Heaven's silence remained with them, even as they stepped into their chosen destination. David wished to pay respects in a graveyard-one in the presence of Heaven's flower petals. Petals descended from the golden skies of sunrise, brushing against their bodies and souls with the tenderness of an eternal friend. While David held a firm, mournful salute, Cloud gripped his free hand-and both had their eyes closed. Breezes washed over them as they held one another, gazing at a grave site in perpetual remembrance.
As the world's golden orb rose for the first time, footsteps invaded holy serenity. Both Strifes stiffened and whirled around, alarmed by a stranger's sudden appearance. Cloud squeezed David's hand as the stranger's physical attributes were quickly studied. He was a male that seemed to be around David's age, bearing a black eye patch and a mahogany brown overcoat. Not a single word was spoken, despite the intense heaviness of the atmosphere, but the stranger shattered the shackles of silence. He took several steps forward, causing David to tighten his grip on Cloud's hand. "Don't fear me, Snake," the graveyard's newcomer said, his voice a soft rumble. "There's no need to fear me. Relieve yourself of the fear you once felt, and embrace the life you have been given."
Looking very much like a confused dog, Cloud's soul mate frowned. His mind made a frantic search for the stranger's identity, but discovered nothing-other than their apparent similarities in appearance. Cloud gave him a babyish expression of fear, worried about fate's next moves. "You don't have to fight anymore, Snake," the unidentified male said amidst coughs. "Your battle has come to an end. This world's battle has come to an end, and so you can now rest."
If 'Snake' had been a canine, he would have been growling in a defensive manner. "Who are you?"
Several more coughs were followed by words that were mournful, yet filled with everlasting light. They were spoken carefully, cautiously...as though they held enough power to annihilate an entire world.
"I am...your father."
The word 'what?' echoed in the eyes of Cloud and David Strife. Petals made gentle landings on all three pairs of shoulders, capturing ribbons of refreshing sunlight. "I am...the one you know as Big Boss," the frail newcomer explained, exerting every last bit of strength in order to spread his message. Coughs came prior to his next words, each conveying the fierce pain of his body. The younger Strife rushed to his side, then gently draped his arms about him to provide assistance. In return, he earned a smile of appreciation. "I was once the leader of a great organization," he went on, studying the shock in his son's eyes. "I was once a god among gods...deities that believed themselves to unstoppable. I was a part of an old era...an age that lived off of power. Greed. We were...stupid, moronic souls that drank from the cup of youth. Now, as you can see, that age has crumbled...and you are the survivors. You are beacons of a new era...a new world order."
Eyes glazed over in sadness, David kept himself focused on the one called Big Boss. Silence bloomed between all three hearts, glowing with so many emotions. Confusion, relief, happiness and love were as one, glowing with the luminousity of a diamond. Heaven and the mortal civilization became one, breathing underneath the same sky. "You...are...f-f-free..." Big Boss pressed on, slowly placed onto his knees by Cloud's arms. Into his son's eyes he peered, lifting every mile of David's pain into his soul.
"No longer shall you be a tool. You are no longer anyone's pawn. You are free, Snake...free to do as you please. Free to live...a life without guns. Free to live...a life without manipulation. You and your husband are enabled to live in this new world...without pain, without fear."
"How do you know about me?" Cloud asked gently, blue eyes filled with the purity of a saddened child. Big Boss gave him a smile that sent a dagger into his son's heart, reminding him of the peaceful smile Liquid held. His brother held the same smile as his father, shortly before he drifted away on Aerith's wings. "Your friend spoke to me," David's father explained, his smile quivering in a black sea of pain. Life was ebbing out of his eyes, leaving them with a listless yet divine pallor of peaceful acceptance.
"Or should I say...your mother spoke to me."
Both Strifes exchanged a fretful glance. "She told me everything," Big Boss stated, then issued a few coughs into his fist. "You found my son and changed his life. You brought him to life, Cloud, and I thank you. You saved him. You did far more than I ever could for him...and I thank you. If only souls of your nature had been with me in my day. My pain wouldn't have been this strong...and I wouldn't have been such a despicable, inexcusable father."
Rising to his feet, a father gazed into the saddened eyes of his son. David still had the persona of a canine, fearful and grievous all at once. "I never acknolwedged you as a son," the father said, quickly gathered into Cloud's arms. "But I always saw you...as a soldier. I always respected you...as a man. In my eyes, you were always a pillar of impenetrable strength...something that couldn't be broken. And now, even as tears teeter on the edges of your eyes...I still see you as an unbreakable rock of steel. Love has forever shaped you...and with your husband's love, you will remain invincible. A true god among men."
Violent coughs ripped themselves from Big Boss' chest, rendering him unable to even blink. Arms caught him before he could fall to the ground, but they didn't belong to Cloud. They were the arms of his last child...the arms of one that forgave him, and only wished to love him. "I am the remnant of a meaningless era," he whispered, eyes withering away. "You were once doomed to be a part of that same era, but that young man brought you to life. He saved you, my son...and so you shall live. Live...as the man you were meant to be, not as a snake. This world...has no need of snakes. Their time has come to an end."
In his son's arms, Big Boss turned to Cloud. "Take care of him," he pleaded, the final miles of life drifting from his warm eyes. "Continue to give him your love. Uplift him. Teach him everything you know...of the world you inhabited...so your worlds can become one. Please...remain with him...forever and always."
"The Devil himself can't tear me away from your son," the younger Strife said with a smile. Those were the last words Big Boss heard, before slipping into slumber's eternal embrace. Right then and there, Cloud's sole concern became David. His lover's eyes were glistening, shining with a million tears...and filled with a lifetime of lost dreams. He looked as if he wished to burst into sobs, but suppressed loud sobs into sniffs and whimpers. Cloud attempted to join him in Big Boss' final embrace, but his husband swept the lifeless legend off the ground. Onto the nearest grave he was placed, and placed as though he had become a feather. Cloud instantly swept his forever love into his arms, running his hands over his trembling body. "She sent him here, didn't she?" David asked, bearing the tearful eyes of a brokenhearted canine. He received a nod in return, which was accompanied by warm raindrops.
"There's nothing left. I'm all there is, baby."
The deliveryman shut his eyes, tears rising and heart throbbing. His beloved star was referring to his family-a family that no longer lived, a family that could no longer share their story with the world. "You're wrong," the younger Strife said with the valor of a king's knight, hands landing on his mate's hips. "We are left. We are the beginning, my darling, and we shall be the end. We are the present and the future. We will live to see this world's new age...and we will see it together. All of us...will see it together."
Smiling through radiant tears, David nuzzled his forehead against Cloud's. "What will you do?" he asked, his tearful voice brimming with a child's sweet innocence. Already set on the path of healing, due to his husband's words, he knew grief would be ephemeral. Hopefully, Cloud had no desire to return to his previous life in Midgar. What would come of their bond-their marriage?
"I shall do what I wish to do. I shall remain by your side...and give you my world. Did you forget what I said, about the Devil being unable to break me away?"
"No," a puppy said, voice hoarse yet joyous. "Just making sure. You did have your own life, and your job, and-"
Sobbing, overflowing with love, David Strife embraced Cloud Strife-and held onto him as a baby gripped a mother. The blonde Strife nuzzled his body against David's, eyes closed and heart savoring all. He spoke, and his words were issued in whispers of love's sweet melody.
"Forever mine...forever thine...forever love."
"I love you," an old legend wept, hands caressing Cloud's back. Those three words had boiled inside of his heart for an eon, suppressed by overwhelming fear and shyness. The outbreak of immortality caused his heart to explode. "I love you. I love you, baby. I love you I love you I love you..."
Two souls, both from different worlds, held one another as Aerith lifted another mortal into her arms.
One month elapsed.
Despite Cloud's persistance towards a honeymoon, David expressed a desire to assist the reconstruction of Midgar. Dissastisfied with his inability to pamper his new husband, Cloud reluctantly agreed to fulfill David's desires-and off they went to Midgar, set on the path to its revival. And of course their loved ones followed, more than happy about fixing a broken city. The ephemeral reign of Kadaj, Loz and Yazoo caused a beloved city to crumble, but valiant souls were prepared to rebuild lost dreams. In the midst of reconstruction, Cloud slathered love at its greatest all over a reborn legend. Kisses and embraces were frequent between the two, along with the sweetest of whispers. All of Midgar quickly learned of Cloud's marriage, and adored it feverishly.
The solidified family worked together to breathe new life into Midgar, working alongside the locals in issues of construction. Hal worked alongside his fiancee to nourish Midgar's orphans, while Sunny and her small pals supplied the locals with hand-made lemonade. Cloud soon made his exit from his newborn family's plans, speaking of his enlistment in another project. A group of young musicians wished to build a stadium, in honor of music's endless magic. Known as the Knights of Melody, they pulled the Strife to the side and asked for his assistance. They also promised him the chance of a lifetime, giving him the ability to create a monument-
-to everlasting, unbridled love.
The monument's creation required daytime secrecy, but Cloud took the offer. The Knights would stand as his band mates, but an infant had more experience in singing than he did. Nevertheless, there was always a first time for everything.
After all, he was married to Heaven's most precious angel-a soul that had been born lightyears away from him.
Anything was possible.
This was composed to 'The Call' by Regina Spektor, 'The Door in the Air' by Harry Gregson-Williams, and the ending theme of Final Fantasy X. All songs were perfect compliments to the spirit of this chapter. XD And now I have Switchfoot's 'This is Home' playing, which came at the end of the Prince Caspian film. XD That alone was an emotional sight to behold!
As I said in the beginning, the original dialogue of MGS4's epilogue was left untouched-for the most part. A small handful of similarities were featured, such as the emphasis on newfound life, but MANY other elements were left untouched. Now that you have read this, I hope you will do yourself a favor and watch the original epilogue. Every second of it is unbelievably beautiful. The Snake/Otacon dialogue that follows the credits is nothing short of priceless, by the way. XD
The 'post FFVII: Advent Children' detail was just added at the end of this chapter, with the mention of Kadaj and his gang. XD
The ending of this wonderful, emotional journey will transport you to 'Breathe', a oneshot that will not only solidify Snake's happy ending-but will also pay tribute to a dearly departed musician/dancer. You may be surprised at what Cloud does (and his makeover, which will be inspired by Noctis' character design of FF Versus XIII), but it's what I can do to pay my respects to a lost friend.
Thank you, my friends, for following this journey. Crossfire has come to an end, but Breathe will follow-and then, that will be the end of the first Cloud/Snake journey. I send you forever love!