by Eregil (eregil@usa.net)
I lifted my head and opened my eyes. I knew he would come. I met his blue eyes which emitted their own light. The Mako in his eyes would never let them stop shining. It's the knowledge of my ancestors emitting its light from his eyes. SOLDIER might be an organization of the evil Shinra, but it created these two beautiful shrines in which the lore of the Cetra lives on.
I knew he would come. He had promised me. He never did that with his words, but all the time we've been together, the way he talked, the way his eyes glowed... there was the sign of SOLDIER, but along with it was the sign of love.
I knew he would stay at my side. It hadn't been so easy for me to part from him, either. Who knows how, Sephiroth was taking over his mind. I didn't mean to leave him alone to fight it, I wanted to stay by him, I wanted to be the one to help him now that he was the one in trouble. I can't forget what he did for me and I just wish I was able to do something more for him.
He says he doesn't want to get help from a girl, but I know he would have accepted mine. Love is trusting each other, comforting each other, sharing both joy and worry. Love means living for each other. He would have accepted help from me. He, Cloud. I know he's there and he hasn't beat me at the Temple.
I know I'm looking at Cloud. It's him. I feel it. Now that I've met him, I won't leave him a second time. He needs help, from me, and I'll stay at his side.
There's a light... a light on his face. Makes him look even better, yet the light from his eyes gets dim. But he's still looking at me. I can still see the love in his eyes, nothing else matters. Tomorrow, there's still going to be a Planet for us to live on.
Now, as he looks at me, he saves me again from the dragon and kisses my hand. But this is the real thing. He's not acting... he loves me. Cloud... I love you too... Tears are coming to my eyes. I feel so happy...
His eyes might be less beautiful with this light, the knowledge of the Cetra might fade, but I wasn't born to love only who and what is Cetra. And what's the difference between us and them anyway? I was born to love this kind, to protect the Planet so that they can live on. Life will survive, that's most important.
The knowledge of the Cetra might fade, but his hair, his face, his shoulders, they won't disappear, for Cloud is truly here for me. This is no dream, this is no image created by Sephiroth. Cloud is here.
And I no longer hold the White Materia; Holy is here, among my curls, within my ribbon. If I can release its power too, the Black Materia will disappear and Meteor will never be summoned. Mother... won't you help me?
No good... I don't understand a thing.
I know you would... so why don't you? Here, I should be able to hear from you. This sacred place, the only shelter we did build, we, the Cetra, the wanderers, the nomads in search for the Promised Land. Yes, the Promised Land... is it possible that Sephiroth has found it?
No, it's not possible... Sephiroth is different. No matter how long he has travelled the Lifestream, only a Cetra could tell the Promised Land from yet another unhappy one... so what was he talking about back at the Temple? Was he just trying to fool us? Possible... but wait... what he was taught about the Promised Land... was told by the Shinra... no, he actually believes he has found the Promised Land, but he hasn't...
But no matter that... the Black Materia is in his hands anyway. So... Mother... won't you help me? Won't you help me release Holy's power? I love this Planet, I know you love it too... Please help me...
Sorry... I don't understand.
The Planet is full of crowd and noisy. That's why I can't figure out what they're saying. I can only hear the cry of the Planet.
And what is this light on Cloud's face after all? It's getting more intense. No matter the cry of the Planet, a noise comes from above me. Like the flap of a wing. What is it?
...I don't understand.
What?
...Sephiroth?!?
...Cloud... the light on your face... Now I know my end is near. I've prayed for Holy; you can do the rest even not being a Cetra. I hoped this wouldn't happen... but I'll die with a smile on my face. I know I can count on you: the Planet is safe with you.
I raise my head... and smile...
...
...
Before me, two glowing eyes are looking for the love mine showed. Behind me, two glowing eyes are looking for the dawn of an unlucky star.
Holy be the light to shine on the Planet and defeat the Meteor. I've brought Holy into the world. Cloud... it's up to you to release its power.
And Cloud, don't you worry... I'll be at your side, till the end.