Dilly Dally Shilly Shally CxA

People say when you have true terror, you're literally frozen in place and can't scream at all. Cloud proved this true as he opened his mouth to scream, though no noise came out. He watched a silver curtain of hair fall around his enemy and her killer. He wore a smirk as he always did and in the same fashion: satisfied. He always looked satisfied. This was no different of course.

Her lips moved to form one word as the sword pierced her chest. 'Cloud'. Cloud felt his cheeks grow hot with overwhelming emotion as the woman's green eyes shut  a second later after her body bent at the waist and her palms hit the stone alter. He felt tears well in his eyes as she slipped off the cold silver of Masamune and fell unto the floor. She didn't move, but Cloud did. He ran to her.

Those beautiful green eyes once reflecting The Lifestream itself were dim and lifeless. It tore Cloud apart to see his closest friend like this. The man still standing with blood on his blade let out a horrid laugh that sent shivers down everyone's spine.

Her ribbon came undone as Cloud turned her over onto her back, looking into her eyes in nothing but pure desperation, looking for any signs of life. Any indication he could save her. A reason /not/ to kill that man.

Nothing.

He shook her once.

Nothing.

He shook her twice.

Nothing.

"This can't be real!" Cloud exclaimed, tears slipping down his face. Hair feel from her eyes as he stopped shaking the lifeless Cetra's body. The man behind them lifted both arms to the Alter's upper levels.

"Do not worry. Soon, that girl's energy will satisfy The Planet. All that's left is to head North. The Promised Land awaits in it's snowy fields. There I will be come a new being--"

"Shut up.."

"--by uniting with The Planet. As for this girl..."

Cloud turned his head, blood pumping in his ears and tears in his eyes, "The cycle of nature and your stupid plan mean NOTHING!" he shouted in anger, feeling his throat grow dry. It got softed soon, "Aerith is gone."

He continued further, his eyes narrowed upon Sephiroth. "Aerith will no longer laugh, cry... or get angry..." He pulled the woman to his chest and felt his hot steamy tears drip onto her clothing. "What about us... what're WE supposed to do now... without you, Aerith..."

Her head simply fell to the side.

"What about my pain... My fingers are tingling.." Cloud lowed his head to her stomach, feeling his fingers tense and shake. "My mouth is dry. My eyes are burning!" Cloud's shoulders began to shake with silent sobs.

Sephiroth slowly glanced down to him. His cat-like eyes held no sympathy. "What're you saying? Are you trying to say you have feelings, Cloud?"

Cloud lay Aerith on the floor and stood, his hand out to the side, "OF COURSE! WHO DO YOU THINK I AM?!"

"Stop acting like you're sad. Or angry. You're a puppet."

And with this... Sephiroth disappeared.



---

"You're here again."

Cloud glanced up, coming face to face with a young woman. A familiar young woman with a head of brown hair and a pink ribbon at the back to tie it together. She wore pink and boots. And a smile. The happy expressions always looked the best on her.

".... Guess so."

"I see you around here a lot, Cloud." she whispered, sitting with him.

"...."

"It's not a bother, I promise it's not."

"You said you'd come back when it was all over, Aerith.. why did you leave? Why did you go? I could have protected you! I could have kept you alive!" Cloud exclaimed. Aerith didn't so much as flinch at his strong voice. She simply smiled.

"I had work to do..."

"But you /lied/!"

"... Yes. But you know I only lie when there is no other choice. You couldn't have let me go otherwise could you?" she asked, tilting her head in his direction. Cloud took this into consideration for a couple of long moments an sighed, nodding. She rubbed his head of spiky blond hair. "Cloud.. it all worked out."

"But I let you die."

"...."

"I can't forgive myself."

"What if I forgave you?"

"No."

She chuckled.

"Dilly Dally - Shilly Shally..."

Cloud gave her a very funny look. She giggled at this and pressed her lips to his skin, creating a wisp of wind over the skin that resided there. Cloud blinked and looked at the woman as she stood, leaving him once more to his thoughts. She turned back once.

"It'll work out. You'll see."