∞ The Cloudy Wolf ∞

partner: let's do this

me: i'm ready!

partner: how we startin

Even if he wanted to, Cloud could not forget.  The Lifestream had produced miracles before, and he should have had more faith in the power behind it.  However, the Planet's anger was stronger than any of them thought.  In a way, being cursed with Geostigma was fitting, because it reminded him of the part he played in Meteorfall.  And to this day, he could only blame himself, for not only did he lose a good friend, but Aerith as well.

That voice had a profound effect on Cloud, and even after two years, it still seemed to do the same.  His head straightened up, then lowered once more, having confirmed that his eyes and ears weren't playing tricks on him.  Abandoning Fenrir where it stood, he began his approach, where what wind and sunlight was available illuminated their presence here.

"...Yeah."

It seemed his doubts were starting to disappear.  Of course, this left Cloud with an important question, however small it was in words.  Yet it needed to be asked, because this was nothing short of a bittersweet reunion.

Now that was a face he was not expecting.  Then again, every now and then, fate decided to throw a curve ball.  It also explained his facial expression, which could only be described as a cacophony of emotions.  While he was overjoyed to see Aerith, it also reminded him of his failures.

Day by day, the amount of residents in Lumen and Tenebris grew, and for the Strife Delivery Service, that meant more monetary gain.  Of course, this did not mean it would not lead to trouble down the road.  Even if it wasn't mentioned vocally, there wasn't a single person who did not want to escape this hell.  Fortunately for Cloud, he didn't need to get involved too heavily until it was necessary.

Cloud could sense it in the air, whenever he walked the streets, or made deliveries via Fenrir.  The people that now resided in the dark canopy over Tenebris were anxious, even frightened, of their new living arrangements. Cloud however seemed oblivious to it.  Though the sunlight was welcome, he had gotten use to the fact that a shadow would be cast over the sky.  It reminded him of Midgar, before Meteorfall took place; it was also why a lot of people had dubbed the suspended city above the slums as "that fucking pizza."

"...Here you go."

With another successful package delivered, Cloud adjusted the goggles back onto his face, revved up the engine, and proceeded down the streets again at a speed that wouldn't risk collision or pedestrian injury.  To his knowledge, most of the residents here were branded with a virtue, much like his own.  He had yet to cross the bridge to the other side, but he suspected sooner or later, a request would take him there.  As mundane as this life seemed, Cloud was biding his time, waiting for an opportunity to unravel the secrets of Pandora and break free from this place.