it rains ashes on golgotha
is a Final Fantasy VII fanfic written by harmony
Summary: To Cloud’s astonishment, a previously undiscovered Materia pulls in Zack from a parallel world – a timeline where Cloud was the one who’d died on the cliff, and Zack had lived.
This Fanfiction contains tropes of:
- Apocalypse Not: Everyone noticed the strangeness of the Planet from blood rivers to falling ashes, all of which was Zack's own DNA. The scientists believed the Planet is confused because this person was supposed to be dead and was not supposed to coexist alongside the dead person in the Lifestream.
- Character Development: In the part of the fic's intent, it's Cloud's recovery from his depression and other mental illnesses he suffered. According to the author, he deserves happiness after all the suffering he went through.
- The Charmer: While noticing Zack flirt with some ladies, Cloud himself was charmed by his charisma.
- Clingy Jealous Girl: Averted. Cloud wasn't jealous of Zack's flirtations with women. He was charmed by Zack's easy-going manner and charisma just as they are, even if he isn't the one being flirted at.
- Cool Bike: Zack considers Fenrir to be such. It's hinted Zack would later get his bike to impress his boyfriend.
- Everyone Can See It: When they saw Cloud laughing, the team knew instantly. Vincent indirectly gave Zack his blessing by asking him to take care of Cloud.
- For Want Of A Nail: As said in the summary, it's Cloud who died, not Zack. As a result of this, changes to the storyline changed from the innocuous to the dramatic. For example, instead of crossdressing, Zack dressed up as a stripper mailman.
- If You Ever Do Anything to Hurt Her...: Averted. The team gave Cloud and Zack their blessing and before the relationship became a reality, Cloud was encouraged by Tifa to pursue Zack.
- In Spite of a Nail: However, at the same time, every storyline had been approximately the same. It's just Zack who is a different character from Cloud.
- Interdimensional Travel Device: The unknown materia Reno found. It later acts as a form of travel between the parallel dimensions.
- Making Love in All the Wrong Places: Zack and Cloud's favorite place to make love is at Aerith's church.
- Official Couple: Cloud and Zack
- Once Done, Never Forgotten: Cloud never lived down his cross-dressing stint. The author didn't forget either as they made it clear they have an equivalent for Zack, who wouldn't pass for one.
- Second Love: Zack and Cloud are this for each other.
- Shipper on Deck: Tifa for Cloud and Zack, mainly because she can see it.
- Sleep Cute: Before actually doing the dirty, one of their favorite pastimes were to cuddle sleep at their favorite spots
- Sole Survivor: Tifa ended up being this of the Nibelheim Incident in the parallel dimension due to Cloud's death four years later. It's hinted that she will share a tearful reunion with the Cloud in the other dimension.
- Supreme Chef: Downplayed about Cloud. It's implied he and Tifa take turns cooking and we later learn his cooking is really good from his friends' compliments.
- Their First Time: Cloud and Zack's first romp is in-between the pews of Aerith's church.
- Took a Level in Badass: Zack noted this alongside Cloud's confidence. He was absurdly proud of him.
- When She Smiles: Cloud's friends noted Cloud was smiling and laughing more often, something that only happens once a blue moon. Tifa saw this as a sign of Cloud's feelings for Zack because it's just so rare or not at all that he even laughs.
