This is probably ... the most tragic, heart-wrenching story for Final Fantasy I have ever read. And I have read some really, //really// tear-enticing ones.

I've cried a lot for them too, but none of them have left the same impact as this. I half-expected Cloud to commit suicide after Tifa's ... *gulp* death, but your ending is much, much more fitting.

The impact you've made is so ... intense. And untouchable. Impossibly unforgettable ... yet it already feels as though it's drifting. I think it's because I'm feeling really numb right now from the shock you put me through in almost every chapter (I even scared my family once night with my silence), but you never know ...

I guess the only thing I can say tonight that will make sense is ... YOUR STORY IS AMAZING.

I warn you: almost everything else I'll say in this will be attempts at expressing my thoughts - usually I fail at that. I can't even find the right adjectives! (Uh oh, something's seriously wrong then) :$

I think that because it's in the future ... it makes it all more frightening. Sure, it's fictional, and Square Enix would never go that far (at least I desperately hope not), but still. I'm terrified. This world you've shown me through cerulean eyes of a tainted man ... I can't walk away from this.

Oh, I think I've found some adjectives. How should I start ... Oh what the heck, I'll just list them:
*Heart-wrenching
*Tragic
*Heart-stopping
*Depression-enticing
*Horrifyingly perfect
*Realistic
*and just downright terrifying.

... I think you can see what you've done to me. :\

Well, anyway, I could go on forever about this, but it's getting late now. Really late. So, your story is impossible to forget - and although your story terrifies me beyond reason, I don't //want// to forget it. I absolutely love - and hate it. Needed to read it - and wish I hadn't. Glad I read it - and hate myself for it

Wow - and I hate you, but I love you.

x|

I'm going insane here, for sure! DX

But thank you for it (oh yeah - I've definitely lost it),
-Syzeria

I finally got to review the changes you made. This fic is a truly a heartbreaker, and a gem. Great job again. :)

Finis.

I cannot begin to describe this story. I have no words for it, your words have been enough for a long time. I'm glad to see it come to an end, and yet I'm remorseful. I've never been one for happy endings, but I was hoping that the others would discover the entire truth.

Is this the finis final?

This ending... it's so heartbreaking and yet it really couldn't be any other way for Cloud. Not after everything. There's so much I want to say, but the words seem inadequate. Possibly one of the best AU fics I've ever read and I'm so, so glad I did! Thank you for sharing!

*goes to corner and slits wrists* =[
it was depressing as hell. However, it
felt almost like art... Again, you have a
a talent in completely losing myself in the
the pool of feelings the character is feeling.

Can't wait for your future work...
Thank you for writing.

xX-Hipathya-Xx

Your portrayal of Cloud's introspective thinking and constant internal conflict is effective and thought provoking. At times, I thought it was mundane and questionable to instill Cloud's hesitation to tell the truth when it was deemed necessary (could have saved Tifa from impending death). But, I think that this your mold of him and it is unique from other authors' characterizations of Cloud.

I think you should continue to use a delusional and pessimistic Cloud in future stories because I think you capture his thoughts in a different light. In addition, I think you're trying to develop Tifa into a more grounded character rather than her being idealistic and somewhat naive (as seen in "Obscurity"); it seems like she's progressing in each story you write. Anyway, I could be wrong about my perceptions and I'm hoping to see more of this dark, visceral Cloud in your future works.

Lol you really killed her. And you made Cloud go back. I did think that this fic would be dark, when I read the "not fluff" on the description - but I didn't quite imagine *that*. I enjoyed it though, very refreshing from all those happy ending fics ;)
Too bad we didn't see more of Cloud's withdrawal during those 3 months where he supposedly quit. But, oh well, you made him start again and that's all that matters XD

I just sat here and read your story striaght through. I was confused on the whole mako drug and how it infected Cloud. I thought he didnt experience the withdrawls?

On another note:

This story has reduced me to tears. I honestly did not see her death coming. I thought for a second that you were going to have Denzel kill Cloud out of anger and blame. Like a twisted ironic ending.

This story kind of reminded me of the whole Star Wars aspect of Aniken turning to the dark side.

I've finally caught up with reading all of this (my inbox was full of alerts...oops I've been busy hehe) Anyway, I basically have no words to explain how wonderful this is. It is just so beautiful and awful and angsty and perfect. I spent the better part of a night reading this. I stayed up until around 4am, and then spent another half hour trying to stop crying. This story has really moved me. It's so beautiful and the way you describe everything is SO Cloud and it really hits home hard. I think your characterization of Denzel and his reaction to Tifa's death was perfect. Heart-breaking, but perfect.

I think it's incredibly tragic that a wonderful person like Tifa should die for nothing. But then, I think, she really died to save Cloud from himself and all his demons. It just remains to be seen whether it was all in vain.

I'll tell you, though, what really gets me about your writing: it's in the first person. Many professional writers would frown upon that or snob it off. And I will admit that a lot of stuff I've read in the first person is trash and completely fails at getting any sort of point across. But this, wow, this is so amazing. The whole time I feel like I'm in Cloud's head, and every thought he has, whether you state it explicitly or not, is so clear. Every emotion he feels comes through so strongly without you having to say "I'm sad" or "I'm so angry". It's truly skilled writing and I can only imagine you've had an awful lot of practice. To draw emotion, pain and the entire atmosphere of a world from words on a page is a rare skill and one that takes a lot of work. I commend you for doing it, but more importantly I thank you for sharing this truly beautiful piece of writing with the world. You have really moved me deeply and helped to pull me out of a bit of a rough time, so thank you with all my heart.

And a final word: I do hope you finish this soon. I can hardly wait for the end. Unless of course it's already finished...but it seems like it could do with an epilogue. Just my two cents worth! Whatever you do, you've done a wonderful job. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

-misanthropic angel

Interesting, it really sets up for a conclusion; now I need to know how this will end.

Yet another amazing update. I don't believe there was any poor one no matter what happened. It's still hard to believe that Tifa's dead. A part of me is really hoping it all turns out to be a really cruel dream just to know she's safe but I know that chances of that are pretty much impossible at this point. Another heartbreaking update because now everyone else knows of Tifa's death, especially since the kids are heartbroken. But I must say Denzel is taking it very well but I guess that's because he's always been closer to Cloud in a way and he still has him.

So I've rambled a lot. I loved it and please update soon!

WHAT WAS THAT? WHO WAS IT THAT SAID HIS NAME? TELL ME! YOU MEANIE! KEEPING ME IN SUSPENCE!
I honestly feel silly leaving you reviews, there is nothing more to say about you and your skill, you're an amazing writer and captivate me in each update. I'm guessing the fanfic is coming to an end? It will be a sad moment when it does, now... will Cloud get over his mako addiction? Questions questions...only you have the answers.

xX-Hipathya-Xx

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. You, my friend, are a true author. Hopefully, you'll be a kind author and update this story as soon as possible. Excellent portrayal of everyone...though somewhere, I think I'm still in denial over Tifa's death. Good job, and keep up the good work.

So...Sad :(
i cried all night
can't wait for more bye.

OMG! This story is amazing! I almost cried :( Tifa is dead...:( what will happen to Cloud?!?!?! I need to know!