Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Forgiveness ❯ Chapter 1

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Your face is burned into my memory. Even Jenova can't erase it, either. I do not know whether it is a blessing or a curse, to see such a frighteningly beautiful visage in my dreams every night…one way or the other, I don't want to lose it. It's all that's keeping me somewhat sane. I…I only regret that we parted on such bad terms. I had made it my duty to protect you from getting hurt, and…then I go and do that exact thing.

It's ironic, isn't it? I've probably jaded you from moving on now, haven't I? From the beginning, I only wanted your happiness, but I even took that away from you. But then again, you never could stop smiling. No matter what was going on, you always had a playful smile on your face. Like you were hiding something from me, and perhaps you were. But I'll never find out now, will I?

Ah, I remember when we met. I thought you were adorable, truth be told. Just a little wisp of a thing that barely met my shoulder. I felt drawn to you. You were mine-mine to protect, mine to take, and mine to comfort. Despite that smile you always wore, I could still see some pain hiding in those glowing eyes of yours. I made it my job to figure out what made you so sad and take it away.

I know now. You were afraid. You knew nothing of what you were. I thought that maybe if I made it clear to you…but I couldn't. I didn't know really, either. Not then. Now I do…I'm sorry. Sorry that I couldn't stop your ordeal. All that you had to go through to find your purpose…

Images of that whole scene in the City still haunt me. In hindsight…how I regret it. I do. I truly, truly do. I saw the dawn of realization cross your features when you saw me on that tower. Yet you did nothing to stop me. When I jumped down and…

I never thought I'd regret anything this much. Knowing what it cost you…I'm not sure I can live with myself anymore. Not that I could without you, mind.

Cloud, please…become stronger. Extract your revenge. Forget my horrible deeds and me. Move on. I hope you will finally kill me before I kill you.

Perhaps I'll meet you in the Lifestream, my little one. I'll be back to being the General, not the One-Winged Angel. Perhaps we can start anew.

I hope that with my death, you can forgive me.

Please forgive me, Cloud. Please.

A/N: ^.^ Well? What'cha think? Review!