Fanfiction: The Past, The Present, The Future

I love you.
I loved the past you.
I love the present you.
I'll love the future you.

My past?
Tainted with blood, dirtied with treachery and soiled with deaths.
My present?
Undecided, lost, still searching for something to grasp on.
My future?
Empty, null, void...in short, nothing.
Do you still love me?
Do you still love the past me?
I was a murderer, I was a killer.
I took lives, I took souls.
I stole happiness, I stole joy.
Do you still love the present me?
I am lost, amidst the events that transpired.
I am still undecided...what should I do?
I am all alone now, and I need something, or someone to hold on.
Do you still love the future me?
I have null, void to bring with me to the future, no past, no present,
I will be empty inside, for I am alone and will be alone.
I will be nothing without the magic.
Do you still love me?

I love you.
I loved the past you.
I love the present you.
I'll love the future you.
I love you.
I loved the past you.
I loved you because even now you regret your past actions, eventhough you were not yourself when you did all those horrible things. It shows to me that you are a compassionate person, one who cherishes life to the maximum.
I loved you because you are willing to right the wrongs of your past actions, like now, when you are willing to get down and dirty to take care of the orphans the war helped create. It shows to me that you do not condone what has been done but is wise to know that the past cannot be changed, so you take care of the present.
But most of all, I loved you simply because the past you helped create the woman I love very dearly now, the past you created you.
I love the present you.
I love you because while you are lost and seeking a way out of the maze of turmoil that plagues you, you will not allow any other to suffer like you, just like when you stood bravely by my side to face the evils of the world, just because you did not want any other to suffer like you. It shows to me that you care, and that caring makes you more than a fighter, more than a tool, it makes you human.
I love you because you are true with yourself, you are true with your strengths, you are true with your weaknesses, like now, baring whatever that worries you to me. It shows to me that you know yourself, and with that, you are capable of conquering your wrongs and freeing yor rights.
But most of all, I love you simply because your present you is part and parcel of the woman I love very dearly now, the presaent you is you.
I will love the future you.
I will love you because you, being of magic, is learning how to cope without magic, and you are coping very well. It shows to me that you are an adaptable person, and that you are willing to sacrifice something that is very important to you for the sake of the world, for the sake of humankind, for the sake of me.
I will love you because you do not give up and give in easily. It shows to me that you struggle for what you think is worth struggling, and I know, even if I do not love you as much as I do now, you will not give in to life, but you will still live life to the fullest.
But most of all, I will love you simply beacuse the future you is who the woman I love very dearly now will be, the future you is who you will be.
So, I love you, I loved you, I will love you. Do you love me?

I love you, you who loves me very dearly now.
I loved you, you who have stood faithful to your love, until you seeked her permission to love another.
I will love you, you who will be who you will, simply because you are who you are.
So, I love you, I loved you, I will love you.

We love each other, we loved each other, we will love each other.
That is enough.

Is it?
Was it?
Will it?
To survive all the hardships, to endure all the obstacles...?

It is, it was, and it will.
Because I love you and you love me.
Because I loved the past you and you loved the past me.
Because I love the present you and you love the present me.
Because I'll love the future you and you'll love the future me.
So take my hand and be my wife, Terra Branford.
Will you marry me?

Yes...I will, Locke Cole.
I will.

Fanfiction: Them

They were an odd couple.

Straddling the huge black bike of theirs and speeding past the various settlements across town, they attracted attention where ever they went.

Be it due to his almost perpetually stern face or her almost perpetually hyperactiveness, not many could forget the odd duo, even if they had only stopped by for a couple of minutes.

"I saw them zooming past the Town Center...she was hunched against his back, looking sick..."

"Them? I remember them, the brat and the fierce looking guy...The brat stole my apples...though that man returned them somewhat with a sorry look on his face..."

"Ah, that young couple...they told me they were hitch-hiking across the continents...the wonders of youth...why, even I did some travelling during my days of youth with Ben...poor Ben..."

"Oh...you're friends of them? Good...good...now you'll have to pay for the damages that they've caused...'specially the front doors...oh, my mahogany front doors...What happened? Some lechers were looking the young missy up...the 'hero' who was with her didn't liked it one bit, so he promptly decided to smash them up against MY front doors...oh my poor doors..."

"You say the motorcyclists that sped here weeks ago? I remember them...particularly that young man...what a hunk! With his long blonde locks...and his blue eyes..."

"The most miss-matched couple, in my opinion! He's so serious and dull...she's so sprightly, so energetic, so hyper...wonder how they'll get along...That's a couple headed for separation..."

"Cute! That's the only thing that went past my mind when I say them walking to that monstrous bike of theirs...She was prancing around prattling about something...and he was just looking at her with a dreamy gaze...So cute, don't you think?"

"They're a couple? Wait just a sec...when I saw them, they were arguing and fighting, fighting I tell you, with swords and shurikens, like nobody's business...Heck, it was NOBODY's business, 'coz whenever anyone tried to interfere, she'll switched targets immediately and start banging that poor person up while he would just cast an indifferent eye...A couple, you say? What a scary couple, then..."

"Them? The last time I saw them, they went to Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend over there for something...The girl came out happy though..."

"Oooh...the Princess, you say? She went in there with the handsome looking boyfriend of hers...and came out with her face all red...his too, come to think of it..."

"Them? What the hell do I want with them? Those damn bastards came waltzing in and started peppering me with questions of about marriage...As if I knew anything about being a good husband...And she...that...that brat started asking Shira about bed...Can you imagine that? Asking MY wife about MY perfomances in bed! What the hell did they came here for anyways? Why the hell did they choose us amongst all our companions? And ask us about our sex life! Damn them..."

"Oh, you mean both of them? They came here...he was looking for some kind of permanent job, so I told him to ask Reno about that...Looks like he wants to settle down, no? Then you should be glad, right? WHAT??? With HER? Are you pulling my leg? WITH HER? I though she was there because she had nothing else to do...you know how she's like, I still can't forgive her for pulling my Cait Sith's tail just because she was bored...God bless that man's poor soul...Why of all the people did he choose her?"

"Saw them? Yeah, I did...told me a few things I didn't know...told me a few things I didn't WANT to know...but...guessed it can't be help...Anyways, can I follow you in your journey to find them? Seems a little fun...well, it's certainly more fun than watching this cave, no?"

"I missed you guys! Saw him and her? I did...she was so pretty...Did you know she wants to unbraid her hair? She said he said that she looked good without those ugly constraints...she bashed him up a little, but afterwards she did as he said...Isn't that so cute? When I grow up, I want a guy just like him! You hear that, Denzel? I want a guy just like HIM!"

Yes, they were an odd couple.

Yet, they can't seem to be happier whenever they're with each other.

There will be fights, there will be quarrels...but I guess if they just love each other hard enough, nothing can upset their lives.

So, where ever you are, Cloud and Yuffie, good luck and have fun...I'm wishing you guys all the best.

"I d....ACHOO...o!"

"Yep, m...Achoo..e too!" They both said and sneezed simultaneously.

They looked at each other, smiling. "Tifa!"

The minister cleared his throat.

"The heck with ceremonies! You're mine, Spikes, and I'm not letting you go!"
With that, she stood on her tip toes and kissed him.

"I'm not letting you go either." He said, breaking off the kiss before taking her hand and leading her out of the chapel and onto his bike.

They've got a new mission.

Their lives together.

He keyed the ignition, reved up the bike.

Glancing at her, he smiled.

"We've got Reno and Elena to catch...so hold on tight."

"Go slow, Spikes, please..."
"Will do, Your Highness..." he replied cheekily and sealed it with a kiss.

And they sped off into the sunset...together.

Both of them.

Fanfiction: Questions

"Can I trust you?" she asked him, uncertainty evident in her large emerald eyes.
"Trust is a crystal vase. It is exquisite, precious but it is also fragile. Like a crystal vase, you have to choose who to give your trust, too. Give it to the wrong person, and it crumbles easily...like it was never there. Give it to the right one; and it will serve as a memory for you, and that person for the rest of time. But no one should tell you who to trust. You have to decide on your own." He told her as he led her into the common room of the inn. Pain was evident on his face, both physically and emotionally.
She made up her mind. The next day, they left that small town together.

"Where do you find the strength to forgive someone who has done you such great harm?" he asked; his pale eyes boring into her green ones.
She was casting Cure spells on his numerous wounds, after a particularly harsh battle with a large group of water beetles. "I see what is in here," she said as she placed her hand directly on his chest, where his heart is, "and if it is big enough to accept my forgiveness, then I forgive that person. And yours is big enough to accept two, so I grant you both mine and my mother's forgiveness."
She gave him a big smile.

"How do you love a person?" she asked him, her face full of concern as she watched the Prince of Damcyan mourned the loss of his love.
He thought solemnly for a while before replying, "I think to love someone is not just to love what is in front of you. To love someone is to love the past and the future as well. I guess you must be able to hold all of that if you love someone." She pondered his answer for a while.
"To love...then it's a serious commitment?"
"Yeah."

"Why does it have to rain...NOW?" he asked mournfully, as he trudged through the soaked plains of Baron, under the harsh storm.
"Rain? I like rain. No, I LOVE rain!" she exclaimed happily, dancing in the wet, wet rain.
"What's so fun about rain? You get soaked, your sword rusts, your cloak feels like it suddenly weighs ten tons, and if you're lucky, you get a cold!" He grumbled irritably, wringing his damp cloak.
"There's always rain in Mist!" She said indignantly.
Her voice softened, "Besides, when it rains, it feels like the sky's weeping, so whatever worries you have will be washed away. Like now, you're no longer worried sick about her. You're able to joke, to smile, to laugh...and if you're lucky, you get to see a rainbow, and that is hope!"
She consoled her irritated leader, taking his hand and forcing him to dance with her.

"What happens when snow melt?" she asked him, watching with rapt fascination at the icy peaks of Mt. Hobs, her attention diverted from the mob of monsters roaming the trails, suddenly reminded of the wintery season in Mist. He raised an eyebrow, heaving his blade, preparing to cleave the sandworm accompanying the scrounging feline-like creatures.
"Water?"
"Wrong...it becomes spring!" she said gleefully, whipping out her staff and bonking an inattentive goblin in one go.

"When will I ever achieve my own happiness?" he thought, unaware that he actually spoke the question aloud, as he watched the antics of Yang and his wife.
"Happiness is relative," she replied succinctly, following his gaze towards the happy couple.
"It is a simple matter of wanting what you have, and not having what you want. So, what do you have?"
He was startled. Yet, he answered softly after a moment of thinking, "I have friends who are family. I have love. I have the ability to breathe, meaning that I am still alive."
"Do you want these things?" she asked again.
"Yes."
"Then, you are happy." She left him with that statement.

"Why did you come back to us...to me?" he asked, staring deep into the emerald eyes of the once-child now-woman.
"Where else am I to go? Who else do I have in this world? And...," her reply was cut short when he flung his powerful arms over her slender frame.
A muffled "Thanks," was all she heard next.

"What do you see when you look at me?" he asked her, his expression thoughtful.
It has been like that with him ever since he discarded his black armor at Mt. Ordeals, silent, thoughtful, preoccupied.
"I see someone who has a heart. I see someone who is willing to give that very heart away for the sake of anyone and everyone. I see someone who deserves more than everyone else a heart in return. That is simply how I see you. No matter what armor you wear, no matter who or what you follow, you will always be that someone," she replied before standing on her tip-toes to ruffle his blonde hair affectionately.

"Why is there death in this world?" he asked gravely, as he watched the Eblan prince weep over the death of his parents. "I am a Paladin, one of believes in the Light, yet, all Light has proven to me is that death is still the victor, no matter what."
He stared disgustedly at his holy adornment.
She walked over to him, taking his hands in her small dainty ones. Then, she said, "I think death is very much a part of life, and no amount of Light can change that. Death is present because without it, what is life?"

"Why is Evil let to live on this world?" she questioned him before their fight with Zeromus, the others taking a much needed breather after several tough fights with the Behemoths.
"Well, someone once told me that without the night, we will never see the stars...and I guess that is quite true." He was polishing his Excalibur.
"But if the stars were bright enough, there would not be any night anymore, right?"
They pondered over her statement the rest of the night.

"Are you happy?" she asked him again, on his wedding night.
"I have her, I have a family, I have peace," was his reply.
"Then, I am happy for you."
"But..." he spoke to an empty corridor, "I want you."

"Why are you here?" she asked him, surprised at his presence in the Royal Hall of the Land of Summons.
"To see you," he replied easily.
"Where is your wedding band?" It was not strange that she noticed the absence of the very of her happiness.
"With him." Again, he replied easily.
"Who are you talking about?" She was getting impatient, angry with his care-free attitude, angry with herself for daring to hope.
"Kain." He tilted her face upward with his long hands.
"W-w-what are you doing?" She was beginning to feel flustered.
"What I should have done a long time ago," he said before pressing his lips on her soft ones.
hile she tried to push him back, push back the feelings that his mere presence aroused, she could only fight so much. As much as she wanted to deny it, for it pained her so, she knew she was still in love with him, and forever will be.
She melted into his arms, content that this time, he would not be leaving.
"When did you start loving me?" he asked curiously, a brief respite after their kisses.
"Honestly, I was in the middle before I knew I had begun."
"How is it that you can ever love someone like me?" His tone softened to a whisper.
"Because you make me happy. You make me want you. And now that I have you, I am happy." She breathed into his ear.
"So am I. So am I."

Fanfiction: Seasons Of Change

Winter.

The season of frost, of ice and of death.

His season, or so that was what she said.

He was frost, he was ice and he was death.

She had a point, he conceded when she proposed that he was a wintry type of guy.

After all, he did enjoy winter more than any other season.

He did.

Surprisingly, he slowly came to enjoy the brief summers that shone on the perpetually icy continents of Trabia.

The hot season which was actually not very hot at all offered a brief respite from the harsh coldness.

Gone was the cold, gone was icy waters and gone were the snow.

Sun, the glorious sun, actually shone on the forsaken continent.

He was actually glad for it.

And he had her to thank for.

And that he did, walking up to her and offering his gratitude one day after a long and boring
meeting.

To the amazed expressions of his fellow underlings.

After all, he guess it wasn't an everyday occurence he would actually initiate any sort of
conversation.

Though it soon became a routine for him to chat her up, to watch her, to be with her.

To care for her, to enjoy her company, to comfort her.

To smile with her.

To laugh with her.

And the winter around him thawed into spring.

And so goes the saying that spring is filled with love.

And so he came to realize that his feeling for her were stronger than friendship.

Deciding to be cautious, he concluded that his feelings just breached the friendship line.

Fine and dandy with him, he thought.

So he decided to play it slow.

He walked with her.

He talked with her.

He ate with her.

He trained with her.

And he found out that he was enjoying her presence more and more.

Like the summer she introduced to him, he was beginning to warm up more to her, to his friends.

And like the summer she introduced to him, he was beginning to like her more.

Spring came and flitted, and summer stormed his life.

Summer, with its intensity, was like his affection for her.

He couldn't live without her, he couldn't breathe without her.

People began to notice.

How desperate he was to be with her.

How crazy he was for her.

People, but her.

She was either totally ignorant about his feelings for her, or she was simply wanting to keep their
friendship where it was.

He tended to think the latter.

And the summer raged on, brought on pest, irritance.

The uncertainties.

The probabiliies.

He was sinking back into his gloom, and with it summer gave birth to autumn.

Trees lost their leaves, just as his eyes lost their tears.

The dead leaves that floated softly down were very much like his dead tears which trailed his
angular cheekbones.

The hollow trees were his hollow feelings, emptiness, null, void.

But suddenly, she came to him.

She took his long slender hands into her small ones, and pressed them to her heart.

"This is yours."

"This has always been yours."

"This will always be yours."

That was what she said to him.

He took her in his arms and kissed her softly but deeply, fiercely but gently, passionately but lightly.

She is his.

She was his.

She will forever be his.

He repeated them in his head.

He repeated them during the winter, for the winter still came.

He repeated them during spring, when everything is carefree.

He repeated them during summer, when confusion over the indecisiveness of the season sets in.

He repeated them during autumn, when darkness seems to beckon.

Though the seasons would always change, though both good and bad times lie awaiting their coming, he knew, she will be the summer that he longs for.

That much he knew.

And he was satisfied.

A change of seasons was inevitable. It was common, predictable.

Yet, a season of changes for each and every man is uncertain. Unique and different. Very much like summer.