Author's final notes (concluded at the end of the story): Well this was a long time coming! Sorry I took so long making the final tweaks to this final chapter of Cloudless. It will always be special to me because it was my first story and I appreciate everyone's patience so that I could make those changes that I did. Of course since it was m first story there are probably many more things I could tinker with but I think I will leave it alone now. I left the credits at the end, again to keep much of the original intact as possible. For those who have taken time to read my story, thank you so much! I would also like to give a special thank you to those who took time to review, put the story on alert or favorites. I appreciate all of you very much. I hope everyone enjoyed the story.
It was like one of her surreal dreams, he was here making a dramatic entrance and all she could do was lay there flabbergasted. Aerith honestly has no idea where he came from, but is extremely grateful for his timing. The two enemies shove away from each other and Cloud smirks at seeing Sephiroth hunched over; bleeding, bruised, and squinting as he breaths in and out. There are a few moments of tense silence and then swiftly and efficiently Sephiroth pulls out a bottle, swigs it down and yells curaga before Cloud can react. The move has helped and now Cloud knows that Sephiroth has one final hard battle left in him.
"Ah, hello Cloud...been wondering if you would make an appearance. You seem to have an annoying habit of doing that over and over again."
"And you have an annoying habit of not ceasing to exist, no matter how many times I thoroughly kick your ass."
Sephiroth laughed, "Well then shall we see if we can finally finish this epic never ending battle that is going on between us?"
"Absolutely."
Aerith holds her breath as they charge at each other and becomes memorized by the sparks from their swords and the, dare she say it beauty of their movements.
The fighting between them is fierce and swift. They move flawlessly through the air and the ground and she can barely keep up with their fighting pace.
Then there is one moment where Cloud gets knocked back but not without knocking Sephiroth down in the process. Aerith knows she is not able to rejoin the battle but she is strong enough to heal Cloud and cast regen. Cloud takes his eyes off Sephiroth for a second and looks at her and she gives him a nod of reassurance.
He nods back and then attacks Sephiroth again and then a light around him begins to glow. Without missing a beat Aerith begins to focus and then she begins to glow as well.
She smiles and glances at Sephiroth who is perplexed by what is taking place. It appears Cloud's journey has paid off; Cloud was able to find the light within himself and now allows it to shine brightly. Aerith then tells Sephiroth, "He has found his inner light, and now that light is connected with mine."
She then focuses on Cloud and her light transfers to him and a new limit break is born for Cloud, Redemption. Cloud spins around and throws all the light at Sephiroth who falls to his knees and is paralyzed by the light. Cloud dashes behind him and as he slides his sword into Sephiroth's stomach he speaks to him.
"You may be darkness in the flesh or maybe you are just my darkness, but I have now found and connected with all the versions of my light . I know you cannot be completely destroyed so remember this, I will always fight to make sure light conquers darkness."
Aerith sees that Cloud is looking at her as he speaks and she realizes how many meanings that statement really has. Then Sephiroth dissolves back into darkness and disappears. Aerith knows that though Sephiroth was not completely destroyed it is okay because without darkness there can be no light and vice versa. The both have to exist to sustain each other and balance must always be maintained. She knew Cloud now understood that too.
Cloud drops his sword and begins to move quickly towards her, but both of them end up being distracted by all the commotion that was developing around her and Cloud. Sora, Donald and Goofy were running toward them. Cid was landing the Gummi Ship. People were starting to move from their hiding spaces in the seating areas. As Sora ran up to Cloud; Yuffie, Vivi and Leon were the first to her. But she continued to keep her eyes on Cloud and watched Tifa run towards Cloud and semi-punch him in the stomach while scolding him for continuously running off. That was cut short because Marlene was in hot pursuit of Tifa and after a few moments tackles Cloud. Questions were coming from all directions as Aerith tried to get to her feet. People were gathering around them and Cloud eventually disappeared into the masses. Once this happened Aerith realized there were so many people around her that she could barely move at all, she was completely surrounded. She called out for Vivi and he came to her; stealthily moving in between legs and at one point did a very weak lightning spell to move two people who were not paying attention out of the way. Aerith couldn't help but chuckle. Finally he was to her and just as he had a few hours ago, he was looking down and fixing his hat.
"I'm sorry I didn't listen to you, I...I hope you can forgive me."
Aerith leaned down and hugged Vivi. "There is no need to ask for forgiveness, you saved my life...thank you Vivi."
Vivi raised his head a looked at Aerith."I, I didn't make it worse, I...I helped? I am so glad I could help you!"
Vivi then quickly looked down, "Oh... sorry, you're welcome."
Aerith giggled and then said "Just don't make a habit of disobeying me okay?"
After thanking the others for their help and laughing and teasing about each others fighting skills she realized that she still hadn't spoken to Tifa or Cloud. She begins to excuse herself but at that moment she feels a tap on her shoulder. She turns around and there is Tifa. Tifa embraces Aerith tightly.
"Thanks for the help out there Tifa."
Any time, you know I can't let you have all the fun. Tifa giggles slightly and then leans and whispers into her ear, "Don't you think you should go to him, I think you've waited long enough."
Aerith pulls back and she and Tifa share a moment, one of respect and love, and Aerith is more grateful to her than she will ever know. She quickly mouths thank you to Tifa and then begins to push her way through the crowd. After a few moments of looking a many unfamiliar faces she finally sees Cloud, still surrounded, but fidgeting and looking around until his eyes meet hers. As she looks at him all of her feelings and emotions she had suppressed and not allowed herself to feel begin to surface. She runs to him but stops short of embracing him, still holding on to a sliver of fear that she will be rejected. He had said things to Sephiroth, and more importantly the way he had looked at her during and after the battle. She was almost positive but so much time had past, different lives had been lived and then destroyed for a new beginning, and so many times they had been separated. And in their last meeting he had been somewhat cold...so what would he say to her now?
Tears began flowing freely now from her emerald eyes, there is so much she wants to say, so much she needs to say but in the end all that she could say was, "Cloud you saved me, I..."
The next moment she realizes Cloud has taken her into his arms and he holds her to his chest as she cries. Her body freezes, as if afraid the moment is temporary, afraid to accept what his embrace is telling her.
Cloud softly says, "I'm just happy I was finally able to return the favor."
Aerith looks up at him, slightly confused. Cloud lets out a slight laugh and Aerith cannot even describe how happy it makes her to hear him laugh. She couldn't remember the last time she had heard his laugh. Aerith is so overwhelmed all she can do is bury her head in his chest again and this time she allows her arms to wrap around him and squeeze him tight, letting go of her fear and doubt. Cloud returns the embrace with full force.
Cloud's voice is only loud enough for Aerith to hear. "You see...you saved me first."
She finally looks up at him and as they smile at each other. Cloud leans down and kisses her with all the passion and love he has held onto for so long; buried beneath the self loathing and doubt. Aerith returns the kiss two fold and the two lovers take these moments to enjoy the fact that they have finally been reunited, body and soul; giving them a second chance to live out their lives together.
The End...and a New Beginning
Author's notes: This story was made from the inspiration of FFVII, FFVII:AC, FFVIII, FFIX, Kingdom Hearts, and Kingdom Hearts 2 which are the property of Square Enix. The author would like to thank in particular Tetsuya Nomura for inspiring fans everywhere due to his creations.
The author would also especially like to thank my husband Eric (Acehawk74) for his editing, copyright listing and support. Thank yous also go out to ImaginaryGirl, LadyNelZelpher, NekoDono, Goddess in Pink07, and Candice for their support and/or research.
The author would also like to recognize the Cloud and Aerith Forums whose topics and discussions helped me decide to write this fanfic.
1-This scene is taken directly from KH2 and the dialogue is Square Enix's property. The descriptions surrounding the dialogue is my interpretation of the dialogue written for KH2.
Final Fantasy, Advent Children, Kingdom Hearts, and all characters named within are copyrights and trademarks of Square Enix and Walt Disney Corporation 2006. All rights to said characters are exclusive intellectual property of the aforementioned companies, and may not be used for profit without their expressed written permission. These characters were used in this story for entertainment purposes only. The author, editor and reader claims no ownership of the character names, expressions, and trademarks associated with this story. All rights reserved by said companies. This story, excluding character(s) and said trademarks and intellectual properties of the aforementioned companies, is property of Amy DuBose (a.k.a. aerisbolt). This story may not be reproduced with any changes without her expressed written permission. You may distribute this story as is, and no changes whatsoever.