Unwritten

Together, We're Stronger

Dawn arrived in a faint shade of pink, illuminating Midgar just enough for Cloud to begin his journey alone. He decided last night, as he lay wide awake in a hotel bed, he would continue without the others. He'd made a messy situation even messier and there was no point in worsening the situation.

Liar. Coward. You think you can't protect them. You're using any excuse you can to run away. Some hero you are.

The streets were primarily barren, with only a handful of shopkeepers preparing to open for business. He should be able to slip through the slums undetected; when his friends realized he was gone, Cloud would be halfway to Kalm.

A pang of guilt caused him to pause; he looked back toward the direction of Aerith's house, then shook his head and continued walking.

Cloud slipped through the slums but noticed a shadow shift in his peripheral vision. With cat-like reflexes, he whipped around to confront the assailant. His chest tightened; Cloud suddenly wished it was anything other than the woman piercing him with green daggers. His head hung low in shame. 

"What do you think you're doing?" questioned Aerith, her voice thick with accusation.

"Go home," he directed softly but firmly, knowing all too well that commanding Aerith to do anything was futile.

"Sure!" she cheerfully agreed, grabbing his hand, "Let's go!"

"Why are you out here," he grumbled, pulling away and brushing past her, hoping she'd take the hint and turn back. However, the florist was never easily dissuaded.

"I know you, Cloud. I knew you'd try to pull something silly like this," she replied, trailing after him as he walked down the dirt road, "I'm not going to let you do this alone."

What could he do to convince her to let him go? What could he say? Cloud pivoted, locking eyes with her. "You'll only get in the way, Aerith. I can't take on Sephiroth and worry about keeping you and everyone else alive."

"But who's going to keep you alive?" she countered, leaning forward with her hands on her hips. "Who's going to support you and watch your back if you run off alone?"

"I don't need you," he grunted, resenting the chill of his tone. Aerith's glare melted as Cloud's chest throbbed. He just needed her to go home—whatever it took. He needed them to be safe. Alive.

A vision of Cloud cradling Aerith's corpse infiltrated his mind. He couldn't risk that future coming to fruition. He refused.

"You don't mean that," she whispered, green eyes glistening. "I know you just want me to go away. But it won't work."

"I do mean it," he asserted, struggling to spit the words out. Aerith took his hand and stepped closer, flashing a comforting smile.

"You're strong, Cloud, but so are we. And all together, we're even stronger. I know you think I'm just this delicate little flower merchant, but I can hold my own, too."

He grimaced, lowering his gaze, "The things I've seen—"

"What did I tell you about that?" Aerith reprimanded gently while placing a finger against his lips to silence him, "All of that has been erased. Nothing's set in stone. Not anymore."

Cloud pulled her hand away, his expression pained, "You say that like it's supposed to be comforting. The unknown can be just as terrifying."

"Cloud," Aerith sighed.

"I don't know if I can defeat Sephiroth. I don't know if I'll bring Barret back home to Marlene. I don't know if I can be the friend Tifa needs, if I can protect her or the planet. I don't know if I can..."