FINAL FANTASY VII- Chapter Four: A Cloud in Air is... * * * The Masamune went through Aeris' fragile body without resistance. The Ancient's hair ribbon became loose as her White Materia bounced along the steps leading to the Water Altar. Sephiroth gave Cloud a speech about his destiny. Cloud was too distraught at the death of Aeris to pay any attention at all. He could not understand what Sephiroth was trying to tell him. Sephiroth cackled, "Because you are..." Cloud fought the Jenova segment Sephiroth had left behind. Though the beast put up a rather mediocre and nearly pathetic fight, Cloud easily defeated the monster. As Jenova vanished, she echoed Sephiroth. "Because you are... a puppet." Cloud's party now grieved over the fallen Ancient at their feet. Neither Vincent nor Cid had known her well, yet sadness filled both their hearts over Aeris' death. Barret had already faced the loss of his wife and his best friend Dyne. Aeris had taken such good care of Marlene for him. Red XIII had her to thank for beginning to understand humans. He knew she was returning to the Lifestream soon, but he was sad to see a friend die. Yuffie had looked upon Aeris as a big sister and a friend. She whispered a soft prayer and shed some tears. The playful Cait Sith looked down sadly at the innocent body. He had promised to do anything for Cloud and Aeris, and now it was too late. Even as one of the Shinra he felt pain and anger. Tifa had known Aeris well in a short amount of time. She sobbed endlessly and ran from the altar to hide her tears. Finally, Cloud stood over Aeris, seeming unemotional as usual, but he was very sad over the event and even more angry at Sephiroth for the murder. The others all walked from the altar and left Cloud alone with Aeris. Cloud suddenly opened his heart for once and looked at the slain Ancient lying on the altar. Cloud wanted to give Aeris a proper burial at sea. He looked longingly at her face. The cheerful expression he had taken for granted was no more. She had treated him like a god, but he had ignored her. He regretted not having paid attention to her. He vaguely remembered their date together at the Gold Saucer. She had poured her heart out to him, but he had said and done nothing for her. Cloud wanted to make up for his rudeness to Aeris somehow. He kneeled down by her side and held her right hand between his two. She slept so peacefully, her soul having returned to the Planet. Cloud held her cold hand to his face. Cloud lifted her head with his arms. Aeris had was so beautiful. Cloud wanted to say good-bye to Aeris. He kissed her on the lips. Cloud then shed a single tear from the outside of his left eye. It couldn't end this way. She had such a bright future. They had such a bright future together. Cloud didn't know what to do. For the first time, he was overcome with grief. Aeris had been there for him. Even though they never talked about it, Cloud could tell she loved him. Why didn't he listen to her? Why did he ignore her? It was too late now. She was dead. Sephiroth had torn Aeris' soft pink dress with his Masamune. Cloud ripped at her dress in anger and regret. He caught sight of the hidden flesh. His penis immediately became firm and erect. He didn't know what to do. He began caressing her breasts. He treated them with great care even though she was no longer alive. Aeris had wanted him so badly. Cloud knew that in the back of his mind. Cloud carefully removed Aeris' clothing and wiped up her blood. He then dropped his own pants, revealing his elongated tissue. He whispered gently into her ear, "I love you, Aeris..." Cloud spread Aeris' legs out and slid his penis between them. He instantly felt an indescribable pleasure. A torrent of fluid shot from Cloud into Aeris' body. Cloud held Aeris' cold body close to him as he expressed his underlying feelings for her. "Aeris..." he moaned in both despair and ecstasy. Cloud felt a cold, sticky residue coming from the walls of her soft, warm vagina. After a long time, Cloud withdrew from Aeris and quickly redressed her as best he could. He then lifted her lifeless body to an empty pond. Carrying her body to the middle of the lake, Cloud said his final farewell to Aeris and let her body sink into the cold water. Though Aeris had perished, Cloud had left a part of him that would forever lie with her. The party had little time for further mourning. They had to follow Sephiroth as he began making his way through the snowy lands of the northern continent. * * * The great Cait Sith had predicted that Cloud and Aeris were perfect for each other. Unfortunately, they never got a chance together. I found that rather depressing. This was the story of Cloud's last chance, and he of course took and relished it. You can e-mail me sailor_terra@hotbot.com By the way, I'd be happy to hear of any theories on reviving Aeris (They're all fake, but I find them humorous).