QuickNavigation - FF Odyssey Fan Fiction Cloud's Finale, Syrus's Beginning

            It has been eighteen years since Cloud and gang saved the world from destruction. Many of the members have become normal people with normal jobs and lead lives that keep them alive and happy. Cloud and Tifa have married and have a son named Syrus and live in the town of Kalm. Cloud and Tifa run a dojo where they teach weapon using and hand to hand combat. Syrus works with Cloud as the demonstration person and a second hand for watching the kids to make sure they don’t get out of hand.

            Vincent, Barret, Nanaki, Yuffie and Marlene all live in Costa del Sol in Cloud’s Villa. Barret is the bar tender and bouncer of the bar and Marlene is a waitress. Nanaki and Yuffie work at the materia shop and Vincent runs the weapons shop. He also makes his own guns. Cid lives with his wife Shera in Rocket town and run the inn/shop. Cid and Shera are working on the Tiny Bronco and building a personal rocket.

            None of the members have heard from one another in years, they all say that they want to but they never do. It wasn’t until Syrus’s 19^th and Marlene’s 21^st birthday that they finally got together and celebrated. They all met up in the bar at Costa del Sol and Barret cleared the room.

            “I see you haven’t changed much Barret.” Cloud said walking into the bar.

            “HaHa, neither have you, you spiky ass clod. Come here!” Barret grabbed Cloud with his good hand and hugged him.

            “So this is you’re son eh?” Cid asked looking at Syrus. Syrus was the spitting image of Cloud but with Tifa’s hair and eyes. “Nice to meet you, I’m Cid.” Syrus shook his hand. “I’m Syrus.”

            “Heehee, can’t keep you’re names out of the sky can you Cloud?” Yuffie asked.

            “Well, you know got to keep the general ideas going. You let go of me now, Barret.”

            “Hate to be the damper of high moods...” Vincent started to say from his table on the second floor.

            “Too late.” Cid yelled quickly.

            “...But you should come look at this.”

            They all headed up and looked out the window.

            “Who the hell is that?” Barret asked.

            “Looks like a manger of some sort.” Tifa said.

            “Strange, I thought Shin-Ra was destroyed.” Yuffie said.

            “He’s coming in, outta my way!” Barret said clambering down the stairs. “Get behind the bar kids.” He said to Syrus and Marlene. Marlene, knowing her father’s tones of danger grabbed Syrus and led him behind the counter. Everyone else sat on the second floor and looked over waiting to see who it was.

            The man entered and he was well dressed in a black suit and a brief case. Barret towered over the man as he introduced himself.

            “Hi. My name is Guro; I am here on business and want to offer you a deal for this place.”

            “Ain’t for sale.” Barret answered quickly.

            “That man looks like he’s from Wutai. But, we are not business people.” Yuffie whispered to Nanaki.

            “Indeed. Listen to what he is saying and maybe you’ll figure it out.” He whispered back. Yuffie looked up and was about to say something but then decided not to.

            “Please, hear me out.”

            “No.”

            “I can pay you handsomely.”

            “And I can make your face mincemeat. The answers no.”

            “Why don’t you want to sell?”

            “Why do you want to buy?”

            “Alright, I can see that I am going to get nowhere with you, like this. So, here it is. We want this place...”

            “Hold it right there, who is we?”

            The man sighed. “I work for the Neo Shin-Ra stationed in Wutai.”

            Yuffie’s mouth dropped and Tifa covered her mouth before she could say anything.

            “Shin-Ra? Goddammit! I thought you guys were run out of business with the president and his son dead.”

            “Well, yes and no. You see, when meteor was coming down some of us executives ran and went to Wutai and we waited for the madness to calm down and then we started to slowly build ourselves back up, and now we are trying to buy places that will help us with our income.”

            “Just like the damn Shin-Ra. The answers still no. I own this place now and I ain’t going to let it go, just like that, not for you anyway.”

            “Sir...” Barret shoved his gun arm into the man’s face. “Please...do you really want to be a bar tender all you’re life?”

            “I’ve already saved the world once. This is the life that I want.”

            The man smiled. “Indeed.” He whistled.

            All of a sudden the doors bust open and troops stormed in.

            “Ah Goddammit!” Barret yelled as he was pulled away from Guro.

            “All right, I want this man arrested and this place searched for the others.”

            The troops scattered and started to tear the place apart. Marlene and Syrus snuck out through a trap door that Barret had installed incase something like this happened.

            Some troops went up stairs and found Vincent sitting there waiting for them. “Hi.” He said coldly. “Sir...you have to come with us.” One of the troops said nervously. Vincent smiled and his eyes went red. “I don’t imagine hence.” The officers looked at each other and in that second there was a flash and Vincent transformed into his demon form and threw the troops to the first floor and out the window. Afterwards, he flew down and took out some others. When the troops that were holding Barret got distracted, he threw one over the counter and smashed the other on the counter top and then shot one in the leg as he raised his gun. Barret’s gun took off the man’s leg at the knee. Barret ran over to him and stomped on his hand that was reaching for his gun and crushed it. Guro ran for the door and was stopped by Vincent, who landed in front of the door and lifted the man by his head.

            “Don’t kill him Vincent.” Barret yelled dropping a troop that he was holding by the throat. The troop hit the ground and clasped like a bag of potatoes.

Vincent threw the man back and turned back to his normal form. The man pulled out a small pistol and fired at Vincent. Vincent caught the bullet with his metallic arm. The man fired again, out of nerve and Vincent caught that bullet. Now out of anger, Guro fired again and again until his gun was empty; Vincent caught every bullet and then extended his arm and knocked the gun out of the man’s hand.

Vincent then proceeded to grab the man and bring him to his face as his arm retracted. “Now tell me, what are you’re plans after you’ve raised enough money?”

Barret tromped over and joined Vincent at his side. Cloud, Cid and Nanaki came down and searched around the unconscious troops. Tifa and Yuffie met up with Syrus and Marlene. While Barret and the others questioned Guro; Tifa and crew sat in the inn having a drink or two or three. Three in Yuffie’s case.

 Yuffie has become the tramp that still holds a good girl persona, but still wants a good time. Most of the time she gets picked up by suffers that come in at night looking for a good time as well. A lot of the time she gets bailed out by Barret and Vincent and a lot of the time she ends up with Vincent for the night.

Vincent, himself has cleaned up. He got rid of the hoody thing that he wore and the cape. Not he wears a long coat and looks very presentable. His hair is always slicked and taken care of. His eyes have lost a lot of their demonic glow, but some one like Vincent can never truly come to grips with what he is. But he is making an effort. And Nanaki helps him out.

Nanaki is well, Nanaki. His mane has gotten bigger and he himself has gotten bigger. He is about the size of a lion. His fur is still the fiery red and his tail flame has gotten brighter and longer. Barret feeds him constantly.

Barret has become the biggest man to ever live. And his beard has gotten bushier. Not big as in round big, but as in muscle big. He’d have to wrestle a Behemoth to get a good workout. But since he can’t get to a Behemoth, the usual ten suffers a night keeps him in good shape. Not only is he protecting Yuffie, he is protecting Marlene as well.

Marlene has grown to a beautiful young woman and has picked up Dynes attitude, which pleases Marlene, though, for her he frets the day that he has to tell her the truth about what happened to her father. In fact, Vincent, Nanaki and even Yuffie have all helped raised her. She has Nanaki’s share of wisdom and insight. Vincent’s coolness and hidden strength that allows him to scare people off without actually ever saying anything. Yuffie’s contribution to Marlene’s up bringing has well, not been the best. To say that least Yuffie isn’t the best role model, but she does have one good quality that shines through to Marlene and that is her spunk. The spunk that attracts everyone and overall makes her lovable. Tifa marveled in this, since it has been so long since she has seen Marlene.

Tifa is still the same, in her caring and openness and in her impossible breast size. It is a miracle she can fight as well as she can with those things and since she became a mother, they’ve gotten fuller. Cloud loves it.

Cloud, though he is a father and husband; has a good business going for him and the sex has never been better for him. He still feels that there is something missing from his life. He can only find a substance when he and Tifa spar against each other, which ultimately leads to the bed. His spiky hair has become even more of a mess and his Mako eyes get brighter and brighter as the years pass. Though he does feel like he is holding himself back on his training of Syrus, perhaps since he fought with Sephiroth for so long and so hard that he is feeling an emptiness because of it, like there is no greater challenge that will ever match up.

Syrus on the other hand has become quite the strong man and is growing quickly. He has Cloud’s cockiness and strength; as well he has Tifa’s uppity ness and determination. Syrus, is a quick learner as well, it only took him a few years to master his fathers Buster sword, while it takes men years upon years to train for SOLDIER and gain the strength for that kind of weapon; also, Syrus has no Mako infusion, only the genes that he inherited from his father.

And then there is Cid, who has become a very senile man and is quite humorous with it. He has lost his ability to fight hand to hand wise, his smoking finally caught up with him and thus, because of his stubbornness, he keeps going and pushing himself. Shera tries to get him to quite and has made some progress.

Guro let slip that Neo Shin-Ra are planning for an excavation once they get enough money. They plan on digging and testing the Northern Crater for any signs left of Sephiroth and/or Jenova. And with that they plan on bring the two back through cloning and genetic alteration. They say it is all for science, but we all know that it is for knowledge and with knowledge comes power and with power comes drives to dominate the world. That is why Cloud and the others all looked at each other with a panicked look when Guro told them of his plan.

Back in Wutai the Neo Shin-Ra executives waited for Guro’s return, in their office, with nice chairs and fancy windows that looked out at the mountains.

“He’s late.” One said sitting down in a comfy chair. He was dressed in very nice business attire and had a fine trimmed beard.

“We’ve lost contact with the squad of troops that went with him. The last thing we heard was, “I don’t imagine hence”. It sounded a lot like Vincent.” Another said while walking into the office. The man was rounder and very hyper.

“If they ran into Vincent, then that means that they must have ran into the others and that means that they are once again fighting.” The man in the chair said.

“If I may sir? But, the only reason that Guro ran into them is because Barret runs the bar in Costa del Sol and they all happened to be there because it is Cloud’s son’s birthday.”

“A birthday eh? Well, I am going to have to pay my respects. Palmer, get Cait Sith ready.”

“Immediately, boss Reeve.”

“So Cloud and the others think they can stop the Shin-Ra. Pity I have to turn on them again. But things must be done and sacrifices must be made.” Reeve got up and headed for the door.

Back in Costa del Sol, the gang helped clean up the bar. The dead troop bodies were taken outside of the town so that the wild beasts could have a meal. Guro was tied to the wall with poison materia, which was specially made by Yuffie to inflict the poison to those that used it. So, they gagged his mouth with one and tied one in each of his hands. They weren’t going to let him go until he nodded in apology, he had ten more minutes before his lungs and blood stream filled with the poison.

Marlene and Syrus kept an eye on him while the others discussed the course of action.

“I wonder who could be running the Neo Shin-Ra.” Tifa stated.

“Indeed. This comes as a surprise to us all; I have a feeling that there will be only bad coming from this.” Nanaki said.

“No shit. Please tell me that we don’t keep this walking pile of fur around for this kind of insight.” Cid said taking a puff of his cigarette.

“That’s enough Cid. There must have been a reason they came to us....but who would know?” Cloud reflected.

“Cait Sith.” Barret said suddenly.

“No, he was deactivated a long time ago.”

“No you spiky ass moron, Cait Sith is standing at the door.” Barret said pointing at the door.

Everyone turned and sat the enormous stuffed mog and tiny cat peering through the door way.

“Hi all!”

“What the hell do you want, ya damn cat?” Cid asked.

“I’ve come to pay my respects to the birthday boy.”

“How would know about Syrus’s birthday?” Tifa asked looking back at Syrus. Guro was shaking his head violently; his eyes were staring directly at Cait Sith. Tifa looked at Barret so he would notice it too, then she whispered to Cloud was going on. Barret looked back at Guro his eyes staring at Cait Sith.

“The hell is going on here?” Barret asked raising gun arm at Cait Sith. “If you’ve come to betray us again cat, you’ll regret it.”

“Barret, this is no time for rash actions. Syrus untie Guro.” Tifa said. Syrus did. Guro fell to the ground and coughed so hard it sounded like he was going to cough up a lung.

“Would you listen to that? I haven’t heard a man cough like that since Cloud fell into the life steam.” Cid said.

There was a slight chuckle around the room.

“Back to the point. How the hell do you know about it being Syrus’s birthday?” Cloud asked.

“Have you all already forgotten who I am?” Cait Sith asked.

“I haven’t.” Cid yelled from the background.

“You’re Reeve. For the Shin-Ra...” Cloud reveled.

“Bingo.” Cait Sith said.

“Goddamn cat! I knew it!” Barret aimed his gun arm once again at Cait Sith.

“Wait! Let me, do what I came to do.”

With that Cait Sith bounded through the door and landed in front of Guro and then the mog raised one of its enormous paws into the air and then brought it down on Guro’s head, smashing it into the floor.

“If I was against you guys would I have killed one of my own men?” Cait Sith asked.

Everyone pondered the question. Vincent came to Cloud’s side and whispered. “Don’t trust him. His voice has trickery in it. There will be no good to come out of this.”

“Perhaps not, but if we act harshly now, it’ll be worse than if we wait it out.” Cloud whispered back. Vincent backed off and went to the shadows.

“Please friends...trust me as you once did.” Cait Sith pleaded.

“I never trusted you.” Cid shot back still puffing on his cigarette.

“Why the hell should we cat? I’m in the mind now to blast your stuffed body away.” Barret threatened.

“Wait Barret, this won’t solve anything. Reeve, what are you trying to accomplish? You know as well as we do what will happen if anyone sets foot in the Northern Carter again.” Cloud said.

“A sacrifice I am willing to make. This is for science.”

“Science? That has been said before, but not by you.” Vincent cut in.

“If you are comparing me to Professor Gast...”

“Not Gast, you overgrown toy. Hojo.” Vincent snapped back. There was silence.

“Awww...I hated that guy.” Cid’s voice sounded from the back ground.

That night, everyone was in Cloud’s Villa and there was a party. Barret had brought up some kegs from the basement of the bar. Some of Marlene’s surfer stalkers were outside trying to get a peek in. Nanaki was playing peek-a-boo with them. Then Cloud, Tifa and Cid went to the basement of the Villa and came up with some gifts. Nanaki opened the window, ever so slightly and when one of the surfers popped his head in, Nanaki popped up and head butted him sending him back. Afterwards he joined the others.

From Barret, Syrus received a full enemy skill materia.

            From Cid, he acquired a ribbon.

            From Nanaki, he was given an onks pendant.

            From Vincent, he was bestowed a mystile armlet.

            From Yuffie, he received, all, added cut and elemental materia.

            From Marlene, he was given counter materia.

            From Tifa, he received mastered contain materia.

            And from Cloud, he was given a Murasame sword and mastered Bahamut summon materia.

            Syrus marveled in his gifts and a tear came to his eye.

            “Thank you all for your gifts, but the best one of them all is...”

            “Mine.” Cid said relighting his cigarette. There was a room round laugh.

            “Yes Cid, yours.” Syrus said sarcastically. “Save for the gift of all you being here.”

            “Awww...how sentimental.” A voice sounded from the background. Everyone turned and looked at Cid.

            “What? I didn’t say it.”

            Nanaki careened his neck around and saw the surfers peeking in again.

            “Surfers.” He barked.

            Cloud motioned Syrus to come close. “Why don’t you try out your new gifts?” Syrus pulled back, “But...” Cloud winked at him. “No buts, go on you’ve earned a fight. I’ve held a back long enough, time to try out what you’ve learned. Just don’t kill them.”

            Tifa leaned into Cloud. “Do you think it wise?”

            Cloud rested his head on hers. “He’ll be fine.”

            Syrus grabbed his stuff, equipped the armlet and materia, strapped the sword onto his back and put on his necklace and then headed out.

            Everyone headed for the window to watch. Even Vincent.

            “How do you think he’ll fair?” Marlene asked.

            “I think he’ll do just fine against them. He probably doesn’t even need all of that stuff we just gave him for those punks.” Cid said.

            Vincent and Nanaki looked at him. “What?”

            “They’ve surrounded him. Cloud how does he fair with you?” Yuffie was getting excited.

            “In the dojo he is stronger than all of the other students. I agree with Cid, I don’t think that he will need any of that stuff. If anything, the armlet will be the only thing utilized.”

            “It’s started.” Nanaki yapped. Again all the attention was turned to the window.

            Syrus was surrounded by five surfers, all edging for the fight. Syrus smiled and shook his head at them. They all cracked their knuckles and necks. Then the first one attacked, running at him from the side. Syrus stepped back and grabbed his arm and flipped him over his hip. The next came from the back and Syrus ducked, in the process snapping the surfer’s hand that he had flipped. Syrus rolled back as the next one came in with a kick; Syrus rolled up and caught his next attacker’s fist. Syrus used that control to hit the next attacker. Syrus side kicked the man that he caught in the chest and sent him back. His next attacker came with a knife and started swinging it around relentlessly, Syrus dodged the blade and when the guy stabbed, Syrus moved to the side and grabbed his arm in the course of action and with he pulled back and then kicked the man in the back while pulling on his arm, dislocating it.

            The last three, tried to convince each other that it would be a good idea to leave, but all were unwilling to. Syrus stood his ground and waited for their attack. Then one ran off and the other two ran at Syrus. Their punches were horrible, they were reaching for the hit and all Syrus had to do was redirect them and they took themselves out. But they kept coming.

 Not too long after, the third one returned with three surf boards. They were smaller and thinner and the fin was longer.

Cloud and Tifa watched intently.

“Persistent bastards.” Barret said.

“Indeed.” Cloud agreed.

The three ran at Syrus again and this time they were much better off. Yet, Syrus was able to always be a move ahead of them. There was a lot of twirling, and spinning, and fancy moves to dodge the boards. Finally Syrus was able to get a hold of one and he raised it up and kicked the surfer away from the board. Then he spun it to his back and blocked an attack. Syrus moved forward and brought the board with him. He pushed it up so that his attack punched it instead of him and then he kicked it out and up into the man’s jaw. Syrus then spun it around himself so that the other couldn’t touch him, and when he was far enough away from the last one he shot it toward him and followed. The surfer dodged it and spun around. Syrus jumped onto the man’s board and did a back flip kick off of it, kicking the man in the jaw. Syrus landed and the surfer landed on his back, with a dislocated jaw.

            Syrus looked around at his work and smiled a cautious smile. The surfers rolled on the ground in agony. Syrus looked back at the house and saw everybody watching him; he also saw Marlene’s face disappear just as he looked at the window.

            That night, there was a party for Syrus. Everyone was sitting around sharing memories of the old times and what has been going on in the years leading up to the present. During the sharing Syrus couldn’t help but notice that Marlene was giving him some bashful, yet flirty looks. Syrus looked around and when he thought that nobody was paying attention he went for the move, but Barret’s huge hand grabbed his shoulder and sat him back down. Syrus looked at Barret and all Barret did was shake his head.

            The party lasted until about one in the morning and then the group dispersed. Cloud and Tifa headed toward their room; Cid and Shera headed to the basement; Nanaki went outside and headed to the beach; Vincent went to his room in the attic and Yuffie went to her room, soon to go up to the attic. Marlene headed to her room and Syrus went to his. Barret went to the bathroom.

            Syrus waited for about a half an hour until he attempted to go to Marlene’s room. He had made it past every room and was at the front door and was about to make it out, when he felt Barret’s hand on his shoulder again.

            “Where do ya think you’re goin’?”

            “I couldn’t sleep...thought I’d get some air.” Syrus said trying to keep cool.

            “HaHa, don’t play me kid. I know that you were going to pay Marlene a visit. You can put that aside, until I approve she can’t see nobody.”

            “Barret sir...I wasn’t going to see Marlene. I was just going to get some air.”

            “I was young once too, ya know.”

            “So you know the needs of teens.”

            “Yeah, and your gonna have to take a rain check. Because it ain’t happen’”

            “Okay, okay, okay. I’ll go back to bed.”

            Barret let Syrus go and Syrus went back to his bed. Barret flopped down on the couch and snored away.

            Up in the attic, Vincent sat tapping his metallic fingers against the table up there. Thoughts of Lucrecia filled his mind and he became filled with his sorrow again. He slammed his arm against the table and it crumbled to the ground. He stood up and scratched a message in the table top.

            “Forgive me friends...I thank you for all of your hospitality, but I must return to my seclusion, my nightmare.”

            He jumped out of the window and landed safely on the sand. He headed out of the town and to the Mt. Corel hills. Nanaki saw him leave and saw Yuffie run out and look around for him. Nanaki ran ahead and cut off Yuffie before she could catch up to Vincent.

            “Let him go girl. You won’t be able to change his mind, not now. Let him come to his terms on his own. We’ll go after him in the morning.” Nanaki said calmly.

            Yuffie watched as Vincent’s figure faded from her sight and then she sulked back to her room. Nanaki stayed up the rest of the night and watched over the Villa and Coast del Sol.

            Vincent strolled over the mountain, across the tracks and made his way through Mt. Corel. The monsters on the mountain were deflected by the evil that Vincent let off. His anger and jealousy that clouded his mind brought out the evil that was within him and he walked on. When he arrived at the Mt. Corel town, he felt an uncontrollable urge to destroy the town. But he couldn’t bring himself too, thoughts of Yuffie came to his mind and he became even more confused and frustrated with himself and before he could do anything, he ran out of the town and back to the mountains.

            On the mountain he made his way across to the mountain tops of Mt. Nimble and on the way he burned with his rage so much that the monsters of the mountain did everything they could to get away from him. But evil attracts evil and it was only a matter of time before Vincent attracted one of the many monsters of Mt. Nimble. It was the Yin-Yang, a single monster with two bodies and was a monster that thrived for the souls of the living. Usually a simple monster to defeat, especially for someone like Vincent. But this one was different; this one had defeated and devoured the soul one of Hojo’s mutant humans from the Mt. Nimble reactor.

            It jumped out at Vincent and leaped at him. Vincent was able to throw it off of him. The creature sprang up and came at him again; they grabbled and flung each other into the side of the mountain side. Vincent’s metallic hand wasn’t crushing this beast and he was gaining his demonic anger, but it only seemed to beckon the monster’s strength more. Vincent wanted to change into his Chaos form, but every time he tried he saw Yuffie and he held himself back, for he knew that if he changed, he would never be able to come back to human form and thus he would never be able to see Yuffie again. So, he fought on relying on his cunning and the skills of fighting that he had learned from Tifa.

            The two headed monster was now, trying to bite him and if bitten Vincent would be paralyzed, knowing this he did what he could to prevent teeth from penetrating his flesh. The Yin-Yang was able to trip Vincent and pin him down on his back. Just when Vincent thought it was over, a Valron swooped down and lifted the Yin-Yang off of him. The Valron was a winged-demon that flew around looking for other monsters the he could destroy and suck the very being out of, to gain its strength. Vincent watched as the Yin-Yang fought and was able to gain the upper hand. The Yin-Yang was able to get the Valron to fly close to the mountain side and then it pushed off it, making the Valron let go and then have to grab the Yin-Yang again, this time it was a tighter hold and the Valron’s head was closer to the Yin-Yang’s two heads. The Yin-Yang slammed both of its heads’ into the Valron’s and they dropped. The Yin-Yang got itself around and the Valron slammed into the mountain trail and the Yin-Yang was able to survive. The Valron lay unconscious from the sudden stop and the Yin-Yang sank both sets of teeth into the Valron’s throat. There was an ear piercing scream from the demonic Valron and Vincent wasn’t able to control his mind and in a few mere seconds, Vincent’s eyes turned blood red and his whole form contorted into the Chaos that tormented his mind.

            Vincent’s power radiated from him and he now saw neither shape nor being, only blood. In what seemed to a flash of lightning he was upon the Yin-Yang like a spider on the fly. He flung an energy beam which sliced off one its heads and he shoved his hand through its two bodies. The Yin-Yang made a last attempt to fight but Vincent was now way too powerful for it. Vincent made a fist with the hand that was protruding from the Yin-Yang and then released it and tightened it back again and the whole form of the Yin-Yang was destroyed.

            Vincent looked around and couldn’t see anything and he made his tortured way to the mansion in Nimbleheim. He was unable to change back to his normal form, he feared now that he was stuck in this form forever and he wanted nothing to do with the outside world, seclusion was his only resolve.

            When the sun rose the next morning Nanaki was there to welcome it. But it was not a warm welcome; the deeds that happened on Mt. Nimble came to Nanaki as the sun rose. Cloud and Cid found Nanaki sitting at the edge of the town.

            “What’s up Nanaki?” Cloud asked.

            “Not him.” Cid cracked.

            “Not now Cid.”

            “Vincent has transformed.” Nanaki said.

            “So?” Asked Cid.

            “His Chaos form has become too powerful. He won’t be able to get back to his real form....” There was a moment of hesitation. “...at least not easily.” Nanaki finished with a hint of confusion.

            “What’s that?” Cloud asked.

            “He seems to be fighting himself. He’s trying to change...perhaps his will is stronger than we think...but he needs help.”

            “So we help.” Cloud said.

            “Wait, how the hell do you know this?” Cid asked.

            Nanaki and Cloud looked at him and Nanaki flicked an ear. Cloud did the eye shift thing that said, “You idiot.”

            “He needs moral help....Yuffie....he seems to crying for her...and Lucrecia.”

            “Goddamn, that guy needs to get over that woman.”

            “She was the only woman that he loved...and she died with there nothing for him to do to prevent it. I feel that you would be tortured as well if what happened to him, happened to you.” Tifa said coming up to them. “Breakfast is ready. You boys can go after Vincent afterwards.”

            They all followed behind her and Cid followed after thinking about what she said. They ate and Nanaki explained to Syrus, Marlene, Tifa, Barret and Yuffie the situation. There was a moment of silence while they all thought about what was going on.

            “Well I’m defiantly going.” Yuffie said.

            “I’m going too.” Cid said.

            “As am I.” Nanaki said.

            “What the hell. You guys’ll need an extra man.” Barret said.

            “Cloud? Why don’t you go as well?” Tifa asked.

            “Alright.”

            “All right, guys lets go. Cid, get the Highwind warmed up. Everyone else...take care.”

            Everyone got up and went their separate ways. Barret pulled Tifa aside.

            “Listen, I know that your son is after my girl. Do me a favor and keep him away from her. I’m not havin’ any kind flirtin’ while I’m away.”

            “Don’t worry Barret. I won’t let anything happen while you’re away.” Tifa said sheepishly.

            “Uh...okay, thanks...” Barret said not catching onto Tifa’s sarcasm.

            All those that were heading to Nimbleheim, headed to Nimbleheim. When they got there and into the town there was an evil aura that filled the town. The town’s people were all sullen and depressed.

            “It’s coming from the mansion.” Nanaki panted.

            “His evil is so great.” Cloud said.

            “Soo that is what that it is.” Cid said.

            “I don’t like the feeling coming from that place.” Yuffie said.

            “You’re not supposed too.” Nanaki replied.

            “The sooner we stop him, the faster we’ll be able to liven this place up and get the hell out of here.” Barret said.

            They all headed toward to the mansion and then started be drawn down from the aura. And before they could reach the door they were propelled back, away from the mansion. Except for Yuffie.

            “None may enter. For your own benefit...leave...leave me be...what I have done I have done to protect you all...now go before I am forced to kill you!”

            “Vincent, don’t you recognize your friends?” Yuffie asked.

            “Yuffie don’t be foolish! You can’t reach him!” Cloud yelled.

            “No wait, Cloud. She is reaching him. His aura is weakening.” Nanaki said. “Huh?”

            “What is it Nanaki?” Barret asked.

            “Behind us.”

            Cid looked behind them trying to be careful but it came too soon. What he saw were the mutant humans coming down in numbers. “Shit guys. We have a problem.”

            They all turned and saw the mutants.

            “Vincent must be controlling them.” Nanaki said. “Yuffie, go inside! We’ll take care of these things! Do it!”

            Yuffie ran at the door and smashed it down with her shuriken and then ran into the building. Nanaki, Cloud, Cid and Barret got up and got ready.

            “It never ends does it?” Cid asked moving his cigarette to the left side of his mouth.

            “Nope.” Barret said arming his gunarm.

            Cloud stared at the creatures and thoughts of Sephiroth and his first visit to the Mt. Nimble reactor flashed in his mind again. “Now it’s personal.” He mumbled to himself, shouldering his buster sword.

            Nanaki walked up to the front and howled into the sky.

            Yuffie ran through the house knocking aside the monsters that came at her. She made her way up the stairs of the mansion; she jumped around using the railings and the wall to help her get around the monsters. She reached the secret opening and ran down the stairs into the basement. At the archway to the basement there sat waiting a manifestation of Vincent’s evil. Yuffie reached it and was suddenly attacked. She lifted her arm and blocked too venomous barbs that shot out at her; they stuck into her armguard and started to pull her up. She pulled out a small knife and cut the string that was connected to the barbs. She fell to the ground and threw her knife at the spider that came out of the shadows. The knife found its target and the spider recoiled. Yuffie grabbed her Shuriken and ventured further down the hallway.

            Outside, the creatures were making their tortured way toward Cloud and the others. “Barret, when they reach the first post...max your anger.” Cloud said.

            “You got it!” Barret said readjusting the setting on his gun arm.

            “Cid, get ready to pounce.” Cloud said.

            “I was waiting for you to say that.” Cid said, doubling back to the roof of the Mansion.

            “Nanaki how’s the earth feel today?” Cloud asked.

            Nanaki cracked a smile. “It’s feeling broken up.”

            “How are you feeling Cloud?” Cid yelled from his post.

            “Beaming.” Cloud answered.

            He lifted his sword up and then slammed it down onto the ground. A beam of energy shot toward the monsters. Barret let out a laugh as he grasped his gunarm and braced himself and let out a massive amount of bullets. The beam and the bullets struck at the front line and the monsters were ripped apart. The beam dispersed from the original beam and found other targets. Barret’s bullets kept going. Nanaki sleeked to the crack in the earth that Cloud had made and planted himself there. Cloud looked up at Cid and Cid got his spear ready. Barret pulled his arm away and ran to the side. Nanaki let out a howl and Cid leaped off of the roof and came down in the middle of the monsters, he impaled one and then sent out a shock wave that sent the surrounding monsters to the ground. The ground itself and the mountain sides that created the gateway to Mt. Nimble weakened. Cid jumped out of the way and Nanaki lowered his head and then sent a massive amount of energy at the rest of the monsters and the mountain side. It clasped and the way to Mt. Nimble was shut off forever, in the process it crushed the remaining monsters. 

Yuffie threw her Shuriken down the hall and it struck down bats and all manners of beasts that had made their living down there. She ran through the path that it made and she caught her Shuriken as it came back at her, she ran past the door that Vincent had locked himself into and she crashed through the door at the end of the basement. The door that lead into the library/science lab. She rolled to the side as two more barbs shot in after her. Damn that thing. Yuffie thought to herself. She looked around the corner quickly and saw the giant spider there waiting for her. There’s got to be weakness...come on Yuffie think! Assess the situation! What is its weakness? The barbs, the poison...the mouth. Yuffie got her Shuriken ready and pulled out another small knife and dabbed some antidote juice on the knife. She got up onto her feet, in a crouched position and counted to three. At three she jumped out and threw her Shuriken at the spider. It shot out its barbs and knocked the Shuriken away. Yuffie then jumped to the side and threw the knife at the spider’s open mouth. The knife went in and stuck into the spider’s throat. It convulsed and shook and clasped and spat blood out of its mouth as tried to cough up the knife, the antidote fluid that Yuffie had rubbed on it and it was now drying out the spider’s blood and poison. The spider died within a few seconds. She walked over to her shuriken and dabbed some the antidote on it just in case and then she picked it up and smashed down the door that Vincent was lurking in.

“Yuffie...why are you here?” Vincent asked his red eyes meeting hers.

“I came to free you. Vincent, please, you’re better and stronger than this. You can fight this.”

“Yuffie, go away. I can not.”

“You can!”

“No!” Vincent flew at her and wrapped one of his hands around her throat.

“Now what? Are you going to kill me? What will that bring you? Just more suffering, more torture, more nightmares. You are better than they are. Vincent, come back to me.”

He released her throat and stepped back. He started to shake and he hugged himself. He fell to his knees and then he let out a shout and his wings disappeared, and his eyes tamed and then he lay upon the ground as Vincent. His clothes were torn and he was unconscious.

Yuffie ran over to him and picked his head off the cold ground. Cloud and the others arrived and found them.

At Costa del Sol, Tifa, Marlene and Syrus were attending to the tourists and the surfers that came in. Marlene and Syrus were bustling around serving the tables, while Tifa attended the bar. When it finally calmed down, Tifa poured herself a beer and right when she had relaxed, in walked a very nervous, red haired man who came up to her and started to hit on her.

“It’s sad that a gorgeous girl like you has too sit here alone.” He said.

Tifa almost choked, but got control and turned to see that man. “Johnny?”

“Ah! Tifa!” Johnny gasped and he jumped back and bumped into Syrus.

Johnny swung around and punched out; Syrus caught his arm and pushed back to the counter. He rebounded back and went to attack him again, but Tifa caught him arm and swung him around to the ground and pinned him there.

“Hey! Tifa! That punk attacked me!” Johnny whined.

“That punk is my son, Johnny.” Tifa said. 

“You’re son?” Johnny looked up at Syrus. Syrus was standing there with Marlene next to him. “He looks just like you.”

Tifa let him up. And as soon as she did he sprang up and grabbed Tifa from behind. “Now you’re mine. Not another move boy! She gets her neck snapped if you try anything!”

Marlene inched away from Syrus toward a dish tray and Syrus stood his ground. Tifa fought his grasp and then when Marlene reached the tray, she stomped on Johnny’s foot and then threw her head back into his face. Johnny let her go and stumbled back, Syrus grabbed Tifa and got in front of her, and Marlene threw the tray and hit Johnny in the chest. He fell back and started to cough pathetically; when he saw that Tifa wasn’t falling for his fake suffering he crawled out of the bar.

“He always was a pussy.” Tifa said.

“I didn’t even throw the tray that hard.”

“You didn’t have to. If you flicked him, he’d start crying, all to get sympathy from some near by girl. As hard as he tries to get laid, I’d be surprised if wasn’t a virgin.” Tifa said with a glint in her eye.

“Mom.” Syrus said picking up the tray.

“What? Don’t think that I don’t know about these things. I see what has been going on between you too. Barret isn’t just being an overprotective father, Marlene. Well, he is, but he just doesn’t want to lose you. His past is a troublesome one, and keeping you from Syrus is just him doing his last as a father. He’ll give in, eventually.” Tifa said.

Marlene smiled at Tifa and Syrus looked confused. Tifa picked up the last of the fallen dishes and brushed herself off. “Go on you two. Do what you will. I’ll take care of Barret when he gets back.”

With that Syrus and Marlene took off and headed to the beach.

Reeve, Palmer, Professor Tsen and a group of troops arrived at the Bone village, where the most experienced diggers lived digging for lost treasure.

“We are here to hire you all.” Reeve said.

“What for?” Asked a man sitting in a chair over some rusty metals.

“We have a job for you. Of course, it won’t be for free.” Reeve said, snapping for Palmer.

“We are willing to pay you 10,000 Gil to help us dig at the Northern Crater.” Palmer said.

“20,000.” The man said.

“15,000.” Palmer said.

“19,000.”

“30,000.”

“Okay. What are we digging for?”

“Sephiroth.” Tsen said.

“No way. Not for 30,000.”

“50,000.” Palmer said.

Reeve lifted his hand to silence Palmer and the man. “50,000 will be a down payment. You will receive another 50 when the job is done.”

The man looked at Reeve, Palmer and Tsen and then smiled. “You guys got your’ selves a crew. Come on people look alive, we’s gots a job!”

The crew jumped forward and ran toward the helicopter.

Reeve and his group stayed behind for a minute. “ ‘We’s gots?’” Tsen asked.

“Not everybody is an educated man like you Tsen.” Reeve said walking to the copter.

“Hey, hey, hey. You can’t blame them, they’re rednecks. All they do is dig and eat.” Palmer said.

“No, all you do is eat, fat man.” Tsen said heading to the copter.

“Hey! I am not fat...but I sure am hungry!” Palmer said.

“Fatso! Get you’re lard ass over here!” A troop yelled.

Palmer came running and jumped onto the copter and threw the troop off as the copter was lifting off. The copter reached the Northern Crater and landed near the edge. It was completely filled in with dirt and such.

“Damn it.” Palmer said.

“Not exactly. This can be easily dug up; look it’s rather loose soil.” The lead excavator said.

“How long?” Reeve asked.

“I’d say about 3 days before we reach the hard stuff and about week before we get anywhere near the bottom. Granted we have no idea where Sephiroth is buried.”

“He’s somewhere down there.” Tsen answered.

“Somewhere could be anywhere.”

“Listen-”

“Tsen that enough.” Reeve said before Tsen could finish. “Do what you must. We must return to Wutai. I will leave a squad here incase anything happens. You are under Shin-Ra protection.”  Reeve turned to the squad leader. “Leave ten of your best men here, report if anything happens, and I mean anything.”

“Sir? Who do I appoint to lead them?”

“Nobody, because you are going to be leading them. I’m putting a lot of trust into you. Can you handle this?”

“Yes Sir!”

“Good. Palmer, Tsen. Let’s go.” The three boarded the copter and flew off.

Johnny had crawled back into his house and was rubbing his wound pathetically. He paced around the house and beat his chest in frustration.

A son? What the hell was she thinking? With that spiky ass head? Jesus, I’m much better than he is. That’s right, much better. If I am going to get Tifa...I need to get rid of Cloud and his son...but how? I can’t do it...no, they’d rip me apart. So what? Johnny looked around his room, there were posters and letters about the deeds of Cloud and his friends. But mostly there were stalker pictures of Tifa, working at the bar, her and Cloud, her in her pj’s getting into bed, her in a towel just after getting out of the shower. I love you Tifa. I will have you for my own. He opened a drawer and dug through it frantically he stopped when he found a little note. It was a name and a number. The name was Yojimbo, and the number was an address. The address was in Wutai. But now, how to get to Wutai. Johnny sat there rocking back and forth gripping the letter. Yojimbo. Yojimbo. He repeated to himself, the name rang in his head and he was scared to even try to imagine asking Yojimbo for his help.

How much do you love her? I love her, so much that I would die for her. Then you know what must be done. Yes, but I fear Yojimbo. I don’t know what else would happen if I hire him. Do you love her? Yes! Then you must do what must be done. Sacrifices must be made. But if it gets you want you want then go for it. You’re right. Of course I’m right. Do you promise that he’ll stop once this job is done? Yes. All right. Now what? Go get him, you idiot. Right.

Johnny slipped out of his house and went to the harbor. There he went to he copter pad and talked to the attendant.

“How much would a flight to Wutai and back be?”

“How many passengers?”

“Just me.”

“Luggage?”

“None.”

“500 gil.”

“Great.” Johnny pulled out the amount and paid the man.

Johnny got on board the copter and they took off to Wutai. There Johnny got off and headed to the back part of Wutai. He arrived at the Dojo and stood still. He couldn’t move his body wouldn’t let him. What the hell are you waiting for? I can’t do it. Yojimbo is too powerful. I can’t let him lose on the world. Not after what it took for them to contain him. Contain, Schtain. It doesn’t matter, as long as the job gets done, that is what is important isn’t it? Yes. Well? What are you waiting for? I don’t know.

Johnny got a foot forward and the other steps followed. He walked into the Dojo and met Gorki.

“What can I do for you?” He asked.

“Umm....er...” Johnny gathered up his strength. “I’m looking for Yojimbo.”

The walls of the dojo shook. Gorki lowered and turned his head away from Johnny as if he had just said something that he shouldn’t have said. 

“Sir, don’t say that name. He is not for hire anymore.”

“Please, I need his help.”

“The help of Yojimbo does not come lightly.” Godo said coming down the stairs. Gorki backed off. “You must be prepared for his betrayal. The last person that hired him died by his sword and Yojimbo ran free. It wasn’t until a few years ago that we were able to contain him.”

“I know. I know. But he is the only one that can help me.”

“What is the nature of your dilemma? Why do you need his help?”

“I need him to help me right some wrongs in the world.”

“Hiring Yojimbo out of jealousy will not solve your problems. He will only add to it.”

“I know, I assure you that it is not out of jealousy.”

Godo stared at Johnny with relentless eyes. Johnny shied away from them and couldn’t look at Godo. “You lie. Yojimbo will not work for you nor will he ever get to see the light of day again. Get him out of here.”

Gorki grabbed Johnny and lead him to the door. Godo walked up to the top floor. Gorki threw Johnny out onto the ground and walked back inside. Johnny stood up and then fell back down.

Well that failed. Now what? I don’t know. Why didn’t you tell me that he wasn’t going to be easy to get? I figured that you were smart enough to figure that out on your own. You give me too much credit. I guess I do. Despite of that, you can just free him anyway. What do you mean? Godo gave you Yojimbo’s location. He did? Yes. Think about it. Where could one possibly be, where he can’t see the light of day? ...Underground? Precisely. What would I do with out you? Don’t know.

Johnny ran around town talking to all the natives, trying to get more information on where any kind of secret underground place would be. Nobody knew. Until he found a young girl that came to him.

“You’re looking for Yojimbo right?”

“Yes I am.”

“I can lead you too him. What they did to him is wrong. He doesn’t deserve the punishment he got.”

Now Johnny was really confused. He was under the impression that Yojimbo was a murderer and was incredibly dangerous and now he was  being told that he was just mistaken. Now Johnny had to find him and had to find what was going on.

“Can you lead me too him?”

“Yes.”

“How much?”

“No price, I’m doing it for my own reasons. And I thought that I would help you out too.”

“Thanks.”

There was something about this girl. She wasn’t normal. She looked too...he couldn’t quite place it. But he wasn’t about to question the things that were going on around there. As he was walking back to the Dojo he saw some Shin-Ra troops in the woods. He winked it off and continued on following the little girl. She lead him to the pagoda that was on the left side and she pointed up at a lever that looked like a telescope. Johnny pushed it and it opened up a hidden door on the side. They ran to it and snuck in. They went around place and the girl lead them down further into the ground. She seemed to know where she was going. Johnny couldn’t get it. ‘How the hell does this little girl know  where she is going?’ He asked himself. Don’t know. We’ll find out.

They kept on going until they found themselves at a long corridor and at the end was an arrangements of bars. They went to them and the little girl stopped about five feet from the bars. Inside was an assortment of papers that seemed to be barring off another room. On the stands of papers were strange characters.

“What are those?” Johnny asked.

“They are barrier spells. They keep him within that – ” The girl disappeared.

“What? Hey little girl. Ah shit.” Johnny said seeing Godo. 

Several minutes ago, up stairs on the five level of the Dojo. Godo sat and meditated. He opened his eyes and got up and ran down the Dojo. On his way he grabbed his friends and told them that someone was down in Yojimbo’s prison. They scattered and Godo headed down to the prison.

Godo stood staring down Johnny. “I tried to warn you away from him. But since you chose to ignore my warnings and are willing to throw your and everyone else’s lives away. I will not stop you. It is not my place.”

Johnny stood dumbstruck and then a sense of happiness came over him.

“That is unless you feel that the means of your actions don’t matter. Do you?”

“Umm...no...”

“Good.” Godo turned quickly and saw the little girl. “No.” He turned again and looked at Johnny. Johnny looked stunned and then in a desperate move he jump aside as Godo threw a punch at him. Godo’s hand went threw the bars and hit a strand of paper. It wavered and then fell then the others fell. “Oh no.”

As soon as the last strand fell, there was a moan and a very small blade flew out and hit Godo in the shoulder. Godo pulled back and tripped over the little girl. Yojimbo stepped out and bent the bars so that he could walk through them, with out effort. The little girl jumped and spun around until Yojimbo touched her and she transformed into a small dog.

“What the-?”

Yojimbo turned and saw Johnny’s awe struck face.

“Who are you?” Yojimbo asked. He was tall, thin and dressed a traditional Wutaian dress with a huge hat. His face was the only part that one could really see of his body. And it wasn’t a friendly face. Johnny was starting to second guess his action of setting the path of Yojimbo’s release. 

“Johnny.”

“Why are you here?”

“I...I came here to set you free. I want you to help me get rid of somebody.” Johnny said.

“I don’t work for free.”

He started to walk away with the small dog following him. Johnny got up and pulled out a rather hefty bag. “I have 600,000 gil, in this bag.”

Yojimbo stopped. “What exactly is the job?”

“I know this girl that is married to a guy that is no where near her league. But she doesn’t do anything to get away from him, he even forced a child on her. She should be with me, I knew her first. He is a very bad person.”

Yojimbo walked forward and towered over Johnny. His eyes pierced into Johnny and then he turned away. “No deal.”

“What?”

“You’ve lied to me. You’re lucky that I don’t kill you right now.”

“Please. You must help me.”

“No. You want me to kill somebody that has done nothing. You changed your story to make you sound like the good guy. Where you are the one that is in the wrong. You are the one that should be killed. But since you freed me. I will let you live and I owe you. So, what is the job?”

Johnny got up and brushed himself off. “The man’s name is Cloud. He is the one that you must kill.”

They walked off and Johnny got into the copter. Yojimbo stood away from it. “I do not ride these. Where is this Cloud?”

“Costa del Sol.”

“I will meet you there in two days. Look for my coming at noon on the second day. Look to the Mountains.”

The copter flew off and Yojimbo walked out of the town.

Godo pulled the small blade out of his shoulder and walked out of the room and made his way to the Da-Chao Mountains he stood on the very top and waited for the wind. “Nanaki, if you hear this. Be careful, a great danger is coming. He is after Cloud.” The wind blew off and Godo returned to his Dojo.

Cloud and the others returned and were welcomed by the warm arms of Tifa and Shera. Tifa had drinks waiting for them and Shera had some food waiting for them. Vincent was welcomed home warmer than the rest. He was grateful and reclined it. But they insisted and he reluctantly agreed to have a drink or two, or three. It ended up being that he drank the most.  The night came around and everyone went to bed. Tifa stayed some time after with Cloud and enjoyed the moonlight on the beach with him. Nanaki sat on the cliff above them and watched over them. Barret and Yuffie were the quickest into bed. Vincent stayed in the living room that night. Syrus and Marlene went to their own rooms. But not too long afterwards, Syrus snuck out and went to Marlene’s room. Cid and Shera stayed up in the bar and shared the night together.

On the beach Cloud and Tifa stared out at sea. The night was perfect, the warmth, the air everything was perfect. Tifa snuggled closer to Cloud and they shared the moments in silence. After a good half hour of them just sitting there embracing each other; Tifa finally said something.

“Syrus and Marlene are in love.”

“I know.”

“And?”

“And what? They’ve been trying to see each every night since we got here. It only hasn’t happened because Barret’s been stopping them.”

“You are not going to talk to him?”

“No. Because, if we were in their shoes we would be doing the same thing; only I wasn’t around at their age, so we couldn’t do it. That was awfully odd of you to bring up.” Tifa looked at him. “Please. Don’t think that I don’t know that you are supporting it too. Why else would you of passed up the chance to go back to Nimbleheim? There is something else on your mind Tifa, don’t hide it from me.”

Tifa looked out at the sea and then back at Cloud. “You’re right. While you were gone, Johnny came by and tried to pick me up and hurt Syrus. We were able to fight him off. But his jealousy, I fear it has driven him mad.”

“Johnny...that bastard is still around?”

“Unfortunately,” Tifa sank into Cloud’s arms and rest her head against his chest. “I’m afraid, Cloud. I’m afraid that he is going to do something unreasonable and hurt someone.”

“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to you. I’ll see to that.”

Tifa tightened her embrace on him. “That’s what I’m afraid of. He’s not out to hurt me. He’s out to hurt you and Syrus.”

Cloud just held her after that and didn’t say anything. She looked up and saw that he was concerned, she moved her arms to around his neck and their lips met.

Nanaki saw this and turned his head to look at the villa. He got up and headed toward it, when the wind blew in and he heard the voice of Godo. “Nanaki, if you hear this. Be careful, a great danger is coming. He is after Cloud.”

“Godo.” Nanaki whispered to himself. What is happening here? The villa door opened and Vincent stepped out and found Nanaki.

“Did you hear the wind?”

“Yes.”

“Who do you think Godo is talking about?”

“I don’t know. He sounded really worried too.”

“Indeed. Not like Godo at all.”

“No.” Nanaki turned his ears toward the Mountains. “Something is coming.”

“What?”

“Don’t know.”

“Human?”

“Can’t tell. It almost seems that there are two...its faint, really faint.”

Vincent looked around and saw Johnny’s house with a light on and went over to check it out. He stood by the window and listened.

Johnny sat in his house rocking back and forth. What have I done? Only what you know had to be done. Yeah, but I didn’t think that he would be so...creepy. What did you expect from a man that has murdered hundreds of people for no apparent reason? There must have been a reason. I mean, that little girl...dog, thing....said that he was just misunderstood. Of course it did, because it is in league with Yojimbo. Do you expect something that is part of something else to betray its other part? No. I guess not.  Hey, why are questioning me? This was you’re idea. Don’t blame me. I’m you. Blaming me would be blaming your self. Are you really going to hold yourself responsible for this? Yes. It is my doing after all. You are really going to guilt yourself into thinking that Yojimbo’s freedom is your fault. Yojimbo is my fault!

Vincent’s eyes shot at Nanaki. He snuck over to Nanaki. “Yojimbo.” Vincent whispered. Nanaki closed his eye and layed down. “So he’s free. Leave it to that idiot in there to find a way to release him. No wonder why Godo is frightened.”

“So what do we do?” Vincent asked.

“There is nothing we can do. Yojimbo moves freely. Not even I can sense his movement. At least not at this range...I fear we can do nothing until he is here.”

“There seemed to something else up with Johnny.”

“What do you mean?”

“He talks to himself.”

“So does Barret.”

“No....wait, really?”

“Yeah, only when he’s only though. He got into an argument with himself once and lost.”

Vincent suppressed a laugh. “About what?”

“Whether or not it would be okay for him to allow Syrus quart Marlene. He inevitable came to the reason with himself that he would not stand in their way.”

“About time.”

“So Johnny has a few screws loose?”

“To say the least.”

“We must be on our guard for the next few days. You can never know when Yojimbo will make his move. My guess is that he is after Cloud and/or Syrus. Watch them both Vincent.”

“Like an Allemagne.”

“Well, not quite like that.”

“You get what I mean.”

Vincent didn’t anything; he just got up and walked away. “He does.”

            The morning brought nothing new for the ten friends. Only Vincent and Nanaki hesitated to tell the others about what was going on. So the waited until the others decided to go around for chores and what not and they stopped Cloud and Tifa before they could do anything.

            “We have news.” Vincent said, stepping in their path.

            “What’s up?” Cloud asked

            “As you already know, Johnny is a mental case and that he is obsessed with Tifa.” Nanaki said.

“Yeah, figured out that a long time ago.” Tifa said.

            “His jealousy runs deeper than you think.” Vincent said.

            “What do you know?” Cloud asked.

            “Something has driven him to free Yojimbo. Vincent overheard him arguing with himself about it.” Nanaki said.

            “Like Barret.” Tifa said.

            Cloud, Nanaki, Vincent and Tifa stopped for a brief minute to let the moment pass and try not to burst out laughing.

            “Wait.” Cloud finally said. “Yojimbo?”

            “Yes.” Vincent said. “The very man that is responsible for the massacre at Juno. Hundreds died by his sword. He has no remorse. No guilt for his actions.”

            “He was once a very highly named guardian. Very one wanted his sword to protect them during the war, 25 years ago. But no one could meet the price he demanded. So he became a free agent, feeling a lack of action. He went out and did what he could. The war ended in Juno’s favor despite his attempts. The anger burned within him and he was constrained by Godo for years after the fact. Even through our journey. Though he got out about seven years ago and completely ruined Juno. Nobody knows how he got out or who hired him, if anyone. Again Godo contained him, this time with spell sheets that suppressed his power. But, now that ass had to go and ruin it. Now Yojimbo is free and coming here. This is not a safe place. We must get out of here.” Nanaki said.

            “And go where? If we run, he’ll find us. I have to put a stop to this once and for all. He won’t stop until either I or he is dead. So, there it is. Run if you want, I’m going to fight him.” Cloud said.

            “I knew you would say that. Please, allow me to do what I can, I owe you for coming to my aid when I was out of control.” Vincent said.

            “All I can ask of you, of all of you, is that you watch Syrus and Tifa. I must deal with Yojimbo alone.” Cloud said.

            “You can’t handle him alone.” Yuffie said. “He’s too tricky.”

            “She’s right. ‘Sides, we can’t let you do anything alone anymore. All of us are in this together, remember?” Barret said.

            “Have you forgotten our pact?” Cid asked.

            “No.” Cloud replied.

            “Well, there you go. If you have to fight Yojimbo alone. We understand. But don’t let us just sit back and watch, when we could do something.” Cid said.

            “All right. I want all of you, to keep Tifa, Syrus and Marlene safe. And kick Johnny’s ass.”

            “Stubborn to the end.” Barret said.

Yojimbo walked calmly forward. His little dog following him closely; they walked on down the path that lead to the mountains of Wutai and beyond. At the base of the mountains the Neo Shin-Ra had set up a post to bar anybody from traveling the mountain trail. Yojimbo didn’t pay attention to it and just walked on. As he reached the post the troops stationed there shot into the air and at the ground to get Yojimbo to turn back. But he didn’t. He reached the post and then stopped. The troops held their gun at him and shouted at to step away and turn around. He didn’t; he just stood there. Eyeing each and every one of the troops, there were five in all. His dog barked at them as he silently moved his hand up to his cloak. And faster than any of the troops could blink he pulled out five small blades and threw them at the troops. Each was hit in the head and each fell quicker than a bullet flew. Yojimbo walked on. He ripped the gate apart with his bare hands and sauntered on with his little dog following him closely.

On his trek on the mountains he was not bothered by the monsters that prowled the path. They allowed him to pass as if he was a god. When Yojimbo reached the end of the trail and came upon another post. He did the same thing. When he reached the end of the island and there was no other way to go other than back to where he came. He waded out to sea with the little dog following him closely. The Shin-Ra troops that arrived to see why the posts weren’t answering; they arrived only to see him fade into the sea. Yojimbo was off the island. Yojimbo was free. Yojimbo was back upon the world.

 That night Johnny made the final plans on what he was going to do. He was going to grab Tifa and hide behind Yojimbo. Cloud wouldn’t stand a chance; Johnny had convinced himself that it was true. He had forgotten that Cloud was not the only one around, he forgotten that Cloud was not a wimp, like him. But despite that, Tifa was going to be his.

Nanaki, Vincent, Cloud, Tifa and Syrus met that night in the living room, when everyone else had gone to bed. They discussed what was going to happen.

“Do we know when this guy is going to show up?” Syrus asked.

“Not exactly, but I have an idea. I was able to pick up a sent not too long ago that could have only be him. My guess is that he will be here around noon tomorrow.” Nanaki answered.

“Just when the sun is at its peak and there are no shadows to hide in.” Vincent said.

“So what do we do?” Tifa asked. “I mean, it would be pointless to run. Wouldn’t it?”

“It would. So we stay, but since this is Cloud’s fight, we will let him do what he has to do, but the rest of us will stay and make sure that Johnny doesn’t get his hands on you or Syrus.” Nanaki answered.

“Dad, what do you think about this?” Syrus asked.

“I like it. I know that I can handle Yojimbo. Also I know that I can’t protect you and Tifa and fight him and Johnny at the same time. So this is the only thing we can do.” Cloud replied.

“Mom?”

Tifa sighed. “This is the only solution.”

“I hate to be Sephiroth’s advocate here, but what should we do if something happens that we haven’t planned for?” Vincent asked.

There was a pause.

“We improvise.” Syrus said,

“I like it.” Cloud said,

“So do I.” Tifa said.

“Works for me.” Nanaki said.

“Whatever happens, happens. I’ll follow nonetheless.” Vincent said.

“Glad to see that we have you’re support.” Cloud said to Vincent.

“Of course you do. I owe you more than just my service.”

Noon came around and Nanaki posted himself in the middle of the street. Barret, Cid, Vincent and Shera hung out in the bar, like nothing was going on. But they were keeping their eyes open for anything odd. Barret manned the counter like he always does. Cid and Shera acted like they were waiters and bus people. Vincent sat on the upper level and watched the people mingle around. Syrus and Marlene were posted in the attic where Vincent used to stay. Cloud and Tifa sat in the living room of the Villa waiting for Nanaki’s signal.

Johnny was sitting in the bar and when noon came around he bolted out of the bar and almost tripped over Nanaki. Vincent moved toward the window and watched from there. Barret saw that Vincent wasn’t watching the floor anymore and he gave a thumbs up to Cid and Shera and they continued on but more relaxed and focused.

Nanaki got up and moved to another location, so that he could see Johnny. Johnny ran to the entrance of the town and looked at the mountains. Nothing. The noon sun was starting to get hot. Johnny started too sweat nervously as he stared at the mountain. But something didn’t smell right. Nanaki out of instinct turned to see what was behind him and there stood Yojimbo watching Johnny amusedly. Nanaki pounced out of the way and yelped at the Villa. Cloud and Tifa ran to the window and saw Yojimbo standing there. Vincent ran back to the over few of the bar and held his metallic hand out. Barret caught Cid and Shera’s attention and made the universal plan b sign. They nodded and posted themselves at certain spots in the bar. The people there tried to leave, but Vincent jumped down and blocked the door.

Johnny turned around with a hopeless look on his face and saw Yojimbo standing there.

“Wha...where the hell you come from?”

“When told to look one way, look to the other.”

Johnny stared blankly at Yojimbo and by some uncontrollable force he started to walk toward Yojimbo. He reached Yojimbo and stood face to face with him. They stared at each other and then Yojimbo put his hand on Johnny’s head. “Your betrayal runs deep. I am ashamed of you.” Yojimbo grabbed onto Johnny’s hair and in one quick movement he moved Johnny’s head to the left and there was a loud snap and Johnny fell to the ground like a lump of coal.

Barret, Cid, Shera, Vincent, Yuffie, Nanaki, Cloud, Tifa, Syrus and Marlene all stared in awe as Yojimbo stood over Johnny’s body. “However, I said that I would do what you paid me to do.” He bent down and picked off a hefty bag of gil from Johnny’s person. “Where is the one called Cloud?”

            Cloud walked out and faced Yojimbo; he planted his sword in the dirt and they stared each other down. Yojimbo placed his hand on his sword and he left his other to hang to his side.

            “What do you want?” Cloud asked.

            “I want you. I have been paid to do a job and I am going to do it.”

            “But you killed your benefactor.”

            “Yes. But I have the money; I was going to kill him anyways. I thought it would be best to do now. In case he tried to escape.”

            Cloud winced at Yojimbo’s words and in that second that past, Yojimbo flicked his sword out and swung it up at Cloud. Cloud was able to get his arm up so that the sword hit his armguard, he was sent back and he fell to the ground. Yojimbo reached into his cloak and threw three small blades. Cid jumped out of the window and landed behind Cloud, he spun his spear around and created a barrier. The small blades deflected off. Yojimbo ran at the two. Yuffie leaped out of the attic window and threw her Shuriken down at Yojimbo. Yojimbo jumped out of the way as the Shuriken shot past him and came back to Yuffie; Yuffie landed and Yojimbo was upon her. Cloud got up and grabbed his sword and stepping in the path of Yojimbo and he blocked Yuffie from Yojimbo’s blow. They stood there fighting for the upper hand and Cid came in and grabbed Yuffie.

            Cloud and Yojimbo pushed against each other until Yojimbo pulled away and Cloud fell forward. Yojimbo then swung again at Cloud’s back. Cloud knowing that this was going to be Yojimbo’s next move, put his sword behind him and blocked the blow. Cloud then, put one of his hands on Yojimbo’s chest and called up a fire spell, it sent Yojimbo flying back; Yojimbo skidded across the sand and looked up at Cloud and then whistled silently.

            Nanaki heard the whistle and bolted around the corned and body checked Yojimbo’s little dog away from Cloud. Nanaki and the little dog then fought. Nanaki was completely offensive, he was not going to let that little dog get anywhere near Cloud.

            Yojimbo stood up and smiled. “I see that you have some pretty strong friends. They are very loyal to you indeed.”

            “Leave them out of this.”

            “I may have been hired to kill you, but for those that get in my way; I will not hesitate to kill.”

Yuffie tried to run at Yojimbo, but Cid held her back.

Cloud and Yojimbo stared at each other and then moved at each other. Their swords met and they pulled back and then they met again and again. They clashed and the sand flew up around them. They were all over the place; they were moving so fast that it was hard to see them, between that and all the sand.

Syrus watched in amazement. He had heard stories of his father’s strength and speed in battle, but has never actually seen him in action. As he watched he saw that as the battle pressed on, Cloud and Yojimbo were starting to anticipate each other’s movements. Cloud finally broke it by dropping his sword when Yojimbo and he were locked in a pushing contest. Yojimbo lost his balance and Cloud did a reverse round house that he had learned from Tifa to Yojimbo’s head. Yojimbo spun to the ground and looked up at Cloud. He stood up and threw off his hat. He sheathed his sword and started to concentrate. Cloud picked his sword up and ran at Yojimbo, he swung to end the battle once and for all, but Cloud was propelled backwards and he rolled on the ground until he was able to get a hold of himself and he rolled back and landed on his feet.

The wind changed and the sand around Yojimbo started to blow away from him. Cid put Yuffie over his shoulder and carried her inside. Nanaki and the little dog were still fighting and Nanaki sensing that something was going on, batted the little dog so hard that it rolled down to the beach and Nanaki then followed.

In front of Yojimbo there started to form a sword. When it was fully formed Yojimbo grabbed it and started to laugh slightly. “You were able to with stand the Wakizashi, which is notable. But can you with stand the Zanmato?” With that, Yojimbo unsheathed the sword, dropped the sheathe and started to walk toward Cloud.

      Yuffie started to yell: “There is no defense against that sword! We have to get Cloud out of there! He won’t be able to stop Yojimbo!” Vincent and Cid both held her down and Barret ran outside. He readied his gunarm and opened fire at Yojimbo. Yojimbo turned and twirled his sword around, knocking every bullet away. Cloud ran at Yojimbo and knocked his sword away. But Barret pulled away at the same time. Yojimbo and Cloud spun around each other and their swords met again just at their faces. “So you can with stand the Zanmato. But I wonder for how long!” Yojimbo pushed Cloud back and they clashed again. Barret stumbled back inside and sat down. “Every bullet.” He mumbled.

Cloud and Yojimbo were clashing so hard that the sounds of their swords banging together was starting to make the birds around the area go crazy, even Nanaki and the little dog were having trouble focusing because of it. Syrus and Marlene were now down stairs watching the battle with Tifa. They were all amazed at Cloud’s performance. “I didn’t know that your father could still move like that.” She said to Syrus and Marlene. “He seems to be loosing steam.” Marlene said.

And sure enough, Cloud was slowing down. Yojimbo noticed this and used it to his advantage. He swung and Cloud blocked. He swung again and Cloud blocked. He started to swing so fast that there were no delays between his attacks and all Cloud could do was block. Yojimbo was finally able to hit Cloud’s sword hard enough to knock him down. Yojimbo stood over Cloud and smiled. “Looks like you are no match for the Zanmato after all. I wonder what the number of deaths that you will make for this sword.”

Syrus grabbed his sword and ran out of the Villa and headed full speed toward Yojimbo. Yojimbo had his sword in the air and swung it down; Syrus jumped in front and blocked it. Yojimbo kicked Syrus away, “Fool!” Cloud sprung up and pushed Yojimbo back, Cloud picked up his sword and swung it up, Yojimbo stepped back and Cloud’s sword just missed his face. Cloud spun around and swung his sword at Yojimbo’s chest. Yojimbo blocked and was sent flying back. Syrus joined his father’s side. They nodded at each other and ran apart and at Yojimbo from both sides. Yojimbo saw this and pulled out his Wakizashi. 

            Cloud and Syrus stood on both sides of Yojimbo. Yojimbo held his two swords pointing at them. The few seconds that passed seemed like an eternity to those watching. Because with those seconds Cloud, Syrus, and Yojimbo moved so quickly and fluidly that it was like watching lightning flash. If one of the heroes were knocked out of the fray, he was back in it faster than one could say ‘hey’. Yojimbo was starting to get careless in his attempts to attack and was leaving openings all over. But he was fast enough that he could block. Syrus and Cloud both were knocked back, in a desperate attempt to get them away from him.

            “He’s weakening.” Syrus said.

            “Yes. We can get him. I need to run straight at him and when he swings, move.” Cloud said.

            “Got it.”

            Yojimbo stood there thinking; they are going to charge...one is...but how? Syrus made his move. The small one. Perfect. Syrus made like he was going to go through with his frontal assault and when Yojimbo made his move to counter, Syrus jumped to the side and Cloud was right there with a blow that sent Yojimbo flying back into the wall. Syrus then followed up and shoved his sword into Yojimbo’s chest. Yojimbo let both of his swords go and Syrus pulled back and fell over his own feet. Tifa and Marlene ran to him and Cloud went to Yojimbo.

            Nanaki came up carrying the small dog in his mouth and he dropped it. Cid, Shera, Barret and Vincent ran out to see what was going on. Vincent went to Nanaki. “What happened?” “He just suddenly stopped and died. I did nothing to him.”

            “Cloud?” Yuffie asked.

            “He’s dead.” Cloud said as he looked at Yojimbo’s lifeless body. “Syrus, you killed him.”

            Syrus panted on the ground and turned his head in shame. “I don’t know what came over me. I saw the opening and took it.”

            Cloud went over to him and kneeled. “I’m not mad at you for what you did. Only concerned, you have already fought people that are weaker than you and you have fought and killed someone that was said to be unbeatable. I don’t want this to get to your head.”

            Syrus looked up at Cloud. Then at Tifa, then at Marlene and then at everyone else. “I know. I won’t let it.”

            Cid nodded at it and walked away. Shera followed. Nanaki and Vincent left. Barret thought about the words and then looked at Marlene; she was so worried about Syrus. Barret nodded and looked toward the sky and smiled and then walked back to the bar. Marlene helped Syrus up along with Tifa and Cloud. Yojimbo was dead, and yet they felt like it something terrible had come out of it.

            That night the gang sat around and there was a great hesitation in the air. They were all trying to figure out if Yojimbo’s death was a good thing or not. Granted that it was, but the context in which it happened. Syrus drove his sword into Yojimbo so blindly and carelessly, Cloud and Tifa were now worried that Syrus would somehow become subject to the curse of all fighters; to live only to fight. They talked for hours, while outside, the corpse of Yojimbo drew more and more attention, same as Johnny’s body and the little dog. But more than anything, there was a strange call resonating from the Zanmato. Nanaki’s ear twitched to it.

            “Yuffie,” He barked. “What power lies in the Zanmato sword? Why did Yojimbo have to summon it from the elements?”

            “The Zanmato is just a sword. It is the hands of the user that depends on the swords power. In the hands of Yojimbo, the sword was an incarnation of his ill tempered mind. His summoning it is a means of summoning all that is his power...so the sword became a physical representation of that.”

            “Then why didn’t the sword dissipate when Yojimbo was killed?” Marlene asked.

            “Yojimbo’s body was killed....” Cid said.

            “But not his spirit.” Vincent said.

            “Dammit, I knew he wouldn’t of gone down so easily.” Barret said.

            “So what happens if a person grabs that sword?” Syrus asked.

            “Depends on the person.” Yuffie answered. “If it is a common person, easily manipulated, then the sword may be dangerous depending on that person’s true heart. Like if that person has some kind of inner demon then the sword will bring it out.”

            “What about the Wakizashi?” Cloud asked.

            “Harmless, the Wakizashi is just a sword.” Yuffie replied.

            “So, the Zanmato is the thing that we need to worry about.” Cloud stated.

            “Right.”

            “I just need to speculate.” A strange, yet familiar voice said. “What if this sword was to fall into the hands of a power like Sephiroth, let’s say.”

            “Then the power would unfathomable.” Yuffie replied by reflex. “Wait, you are you?”

            Cait Sith waddled into view. There was a pause while everyone stared at the giant mog and cat.

            “Goddammit! Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse.” Barret roared.

            “What do you want Cat?” Cid said standing up.

            “Nothing at all. There were reports of a man that tore through our posts and we traced that man here. Your father is freaking out because of Yojimbo’s release, Yuffie.”

            “I am aware of that. But that is no business of yours.”

            “What happens in Wutai is my business. I am the only thing that is keeping Wutai alive right now.”

            “How dare you say that!”

            “Maybe if you would return to Wutai, you would see that I am right.” Yuffie got up and went to attack, but Vincent sat her down. “Always resorting to violence. I thought for sure that you would be past all of what went down between us.”

            “You betrayed us Cat, twice. That is not easily forgotten.” Tifa said.

            “True, however, I am here to take this Zanmato sword out of your hands.”

            “How the hell do you know about that sword Cat?” Barret asked.

            “I listened.” Cait Sith made his way into the room more. “Please, I can not be affected by the sword, I am a toy, and I can take it somewhere where it won’t be found. Ever. Please, wasn’t it because of me that you were able to get the black materia?”

            “Where is this safe place?” Yuffie asked. “No games Reeve. This is not something to be played with.”

            “I know. That safe place is back where Yojimbo was originally kept. Under your fathers protection, isn’t he the one that caught Yojimbo in the first place?”

            “Yes.”

            “Then you agree that there is no better place.”

            “Yes.”

            “Yuffie, what are you doing?” Vincent asked.

            “The only thing I can do.”

            “It must be destroyed!” Cloud yelled.

            “How? The sword can’t be destroyed; it is the spirit of Yojimbo and as we all now, spirits can not be destroyed.” Yuffie said.

            “Then it is settled. I get to take the sword back to your father.” Cait Sith said.

            “I will go with you.” Yuffie said.

            “No need.” Cait said quickly. “I mean, do you really distrust me that much?”

            “You did betray us.” Vincent said.

            “Twice.” Cid added.

            “As much as it pains me to say this. We have no choice but to trust you Reeve. You did help us against Shin-Ra and Sephiroth. Do what you will with that accursed sword. But remember that it is cursed and that it should not be toyed with.” Cloud said firmly.

            “As you wish Cloud. Thanks.” There was a sound of malice in his voice.

            Cait Sith hopped out of the Villa as they all watched him grab the Zanmato and hop away into the distance.

            “I fear that you have made a mistake, Cloud.” Vincent said coolly.

            “Perhaps.”

            “Dammit Cloud. You’ve made what could have been as easy job into what is going to be a disaster! ...Again!” Cid yelled.

            “I have to agree Cloud. You have made this situation more complicated than it should be.” Barret said.

            “Whatever. We can fix it, just like we did last time.” Cloud said.

            “We’re not getting younger, Cloud. We can’t keep doing this.” Tifa said.

            “I know.” Cloud’s voice was different.

            Cloud got up and left. The rest just sat around with heavy faces.

“What’s up with him?” Yuffie asked.

“I don’t know.” Tifa said sadly.

“I think that he is planning something.” Nanaki said.

“Like what?” Syrus asked.

“Difficult to say. It could be anything; he has been acting quite strangely lately.” Vincent said.

“I’ve noticed it too.” Marlene said. “He seems preoccupied by something.”

Tifa got up and left.

“I think it best that we our separate ways, for now.” Nanaki said.

They all agreed and separated.

Tifa found Cloud standing on the beach. He was holding his sword and was looking sad.

“Cloud, what’s wrong?”

“I can’t say. But I feel that Sephiroth may be coming back....and that I have just given him a sword that will give him more power than ever....I will not come back from this fight Tifa.”

Tifa wrapped herself around Cloud.

“Why did you let Cait Sith take the Zanmato sword?”

“I wanted to fight Sephiroth with a sword that would make him a real threat. I fear that I have sealed my fate. Don’t follow me on this. This is of course if Sephiroth is woken up.”

“Don’t talk like that Cloud. I don’t think that I could cope without you.”

“You won’t lose me. I’ll always be with you, just like how Aerith is watching us now.” He put his free arm around her.

Tifa embraced him harder. Nothing more was said, by either of the two. It was a hard time for the entire group, because the time of their union and friendship was approaching its final test, all the bonds that they had made with each other was going to be challenged; would they hold or would they break? The fight against the Neo Shin-Ra and Sephiroth is the only thing that could tell.

            “Dig you bastards.” Palmer commander a group of excavators.

            “Palmer, don’t abuse your position.” Tsen said. “And don’t loose sight of what we are here for.”

            “Yes sir.”

            “Remember, if we allow ourselves to open to the evil within us, Sephiroth will be able to use that to manifest himself, back to our world. We need him to be brought back by genetics, not emotions.”

            “Point made. You heard him, dig with your hearts!”

            Palmer and Tsen had been called to the excavation site because the diggers had hit the depth mark where Sephiroth was estimated to be at. Palmer watched as the hired diggers dug, blasted and scraped through the dried mako and earth that encased the Northern Carter surface. The excavation went on well into the night and it wasn’t until sunrise that there was a call. Reeve, Palmer and some troops rushed to see what had been found. And there he was. Sephiroth, in all his glory, still intact was enclosed by mako and earth.

            “Extract that carefully, do not puncture the surface.” Tsen commanded.

            “Reeve will be most pleased with this.” Palmer said.

            “Indeed. We must get this back to lab as soon as possible. Palmer, I’m putting you in charge of that. See that it gets back safe and sound. Don’t screw up.”

            “Yes sir.”

            On a very high ledge, that looked at the moon and was very narrow; Nanaki sat and listened to the cries of the planet. Behind him, sat Vincent in a sniping position. Nanaki asked the planet about the actions of the Neo Shin-Ra and their intentions. He had heard Cloud talk of a final fight; he had to know what the Shin-Ra were up too. The planet told him about the events at the Northern Crater and whom they had dug up.

            “You might want to hurry it up.”

            “You can’t rush the planet.”

            “Then fill in what the planet is saying. We have company.”

            The wolves of Mt. Corel were closing in. Vincent picked one off.

            “You’re angering the planet.”

            “Well, I can’t just tell them to go away.”

            “Fine.”

            Nanaki turned around and the wolves backed off. Nanaki turned back to the moon and continued on listening. Vincent started to fall asleep and right when he did and saw Lucrecia. Then Nanaki yelled, “Time to go!”

            “Goddammit Nanaki. You were waiting for me to fall asleep weren’t you?”

            Nanaki panted and winked at him.

            “I despise you.”

            “What?”

            “Nothing.”

            Vincent shouldered his gun and they headed down the mountain. 

            Meanwhile, back in Costa del Sol, Cloud and the others mingled around. Cid and Shera sat on the beach, watching the moon coming up. Barret, Yuffie and Marlene served the usual customers; the surfers that fought with Syrus sat with Yuffie trying to get her sympathy, but only got laughed at. Cloud and Tifa sat with Syrus giving him the responsible fighter speech.

            “Now you know Syrus, what it feels like to fight. The rush of it, and now you see where so many become lost in the fight.” Cloud said.

            “Syrus dear, we just want you to be careful.” Tifa said.

            “First you tell me to go out there to fight. And now you’re telling me that it’s immoral. What’s wrong with you people?” Syrus defended.

            “Honey please, we just don’t want you to abuse it.”

            “Sephiroth and Yojimbo abused his fighting power and looked at happened to him.”

            “And what is that? Buried in layers and layers of mako and earth.”

            “No, I…we destroyed him. There is nothing left of him to be buried.”

            “Guys! Guys! Cloud!” Nanaki’s voice howled from the distance.

            “I wonder what’s gotten him so worked up?” Cloud said getting up.

            “I don’t know.” Tifa said.

            Cid and Shera hiked up the stairs, just in time to see Nanaki rush past.

            “Cloud! You’ll never believe this!” Nanaki panted. By this time everyone was there at the Villa waiting to hear. “Sephiroth…has been dug up. Reeve found him and he’s back at their lab. They are planning on reviving him in a few hours.”

            The room went silent.

            “Goddddd….dammit!” Cid said after awhile.

            “How the hell do you that?” Barret asked.

            “The planet told me.” Nanaki refuted.

            “Of course. Always forget about the planet’s voice.” Barret mumbled.

            “Then why doesn’t the planet do something about it?” Cid asked.

            “Because, we destroyed the Weapons and there is nothing the planet can do -” Nanaki started

            “Well why the hell not?”

            “Cid that’s enough. Nanaki continue.” Cloud said.

            “You see the plan is to use the most powerful summons to gain total control. Like

Alexander, Bahamut Zero, Phoenix, and Knights of the Round, against the planet. So that the life stream will once again focus in one area. But, instead of Sephiroth, Reeve will be there. The planet says for us to let it happen, because Reeve has no chance of withstanding that kind of power. So the planet wants Reeve to try it so that the planet can destroy him. Plus we gave him the Zanmato sword.” Nanaki explained. 

            “Sounds like a deception to me.” Vincent said barley audibly.

            “What’s that Vincent?” Barret asked.

            Vincent joined the group. “They just dug up Sephiroth. They have yet to revive him, the only reason they need him is to control the summons that are needed. Reeve doesn’t have the strength or understanding of their power, so he needs Sephiroth. But the plan won’t work, because once Sephiroth figures out he was used, he’ll surely kill Reeve and once again be at the center of the life stream.” Vincent explained.

            “So matter what happens, it’ll only lead to bad?” Yuffie asked.

            “Unfortunately.” Vincent said.

            “Wait a minute, how come the planet doesn’t see that coming?” Tifa asked.

            “Because Sephiroth is not awake yet, so his thoughts can be heard. Don’t worry I have warned the planet about the possibility of what we just discussed.” Nanaki replied. 

            “And?” Cid asked.

            “And…I didn’t get a reply…perhaps the planet is thinking about it.”

            “We can’t rely on a perhaps, Nanaki. I’m going to stop this before it happens.” Cloud said getting up and heading for the door.

            “No you won’t.” Barret said grabbing Cloud from behind. “Not alone that is.”

            Everyone got up and gave Cloud thumbs up.

            Professor Tsen examined the cocoon closely and carefully. Reeve and Palmer stood on the sidelines watching him go about his business. Tsen was much like Hojo in appearance and manners, but his intellect and understanding for science was that of Gast.

            “Very interesting. It seems that Sephiroth has some how gotten a bit of Jenova in this tomb as well.” Tsen said, after a few minutes.

            “What does that mean?” Palmer asked.

             “It means that Jenova is still alive and thus so is Sephiroth. They have merged.”

            “That’s impossible. Sephiroth and Jenova were both destroyed. I was there, I watched it happen.” Reeve said.

            Tsen smiled. “You were mislead; as you can see, he is very well intact.”

            Cloud wouldn’t like this…wait…that’s how I can get them to come here and finally get them out of my way. I’m a genius. Reeve thought to himself. “Out of my way.” He said pushing Palmer to the side. “Commander Wedge. Assemble a squad and come with me. Palmer, stay here and make sure nothing goes wrong, if anything does, contact me at once.”

            “Aye Aye sir.” Palmer said. Reeve and Wedge headed out. After they had left, Palmer turned to the scientists. “Hey, hey, hey do you guys have any food, or how about lard? I’m starving.” They looked at him. “What?”

            Reeve sat at his desk and looked at the Wutai Mountains. Wedge and his leading office Biggs came in.

            “Sir, the squad you wanted is assembled. We are awaiting your next command.” Wedge said.

            “Can you believe that this place was once a very small and yet highly spiritual place, before the war? Now look at it. Crawling with sight seers and tourists.”

            “Sir?”

            “Wedge, Biggs; you two have been with me since we came here. It has been your advice that I have relied on, not Palmers. Now tell me, honestly, is what I am doing a good idea?”

            “Sir it is my experience that once you set your mind to something it is prudent that you don’t look back or hesitate. Once one of those are done it assured that the mission will be forfeit.” Biggs said.

            “When the hell did you become the man of morals?” Wedge asked after a pause.

            “Sir, I have always had these insights, but I have never been given –”

            “Yeah, whatever; shut up. Reeve, what is your command?”

            “…Go ahead. Bring them to me. If all else fails, call me.”

            “Sir, if I may?” Biggs asked.

            “Go on.”       

            “That is the negativity that I was talking about. The mission will not fail.”

            “Good to hear.”

            Cloud and the others had just gotten done getting set. All their materia, weapons and armlets have been equipped and they were ready to role. The Highwind was parked outside and as they were heading toward it, Wedge’s squad pulled in on helicopters.

            “You there! Where do you think you are going?” Wedge boomed over the loudspeaker.

            Cloud made some hand motions at the cockpit of the Highwind and then the speaker of the ship clicked on. “Go sit on your thumb.” Cid’s voice came back. Cloud on the ground shook his head. As did everyone else.

             “We are here to tell you that Reeve wants you at the Neo Shin-Ra…now.”

            “Great, because we’re heading there.” Cid replied.

            “But…we’re supposed to bring you there…”

            “Too bad you Shin-Ra bastards, we’ve already decided that we are going there. You can escort us if you want.”

            “Goddammit, why can’t you people just cooperate?”

             “Because we can’t. Bye.” Cid waved down to Barret. Barret raised his gunarm and fired at the propellers. It hit and the helicopter started to spin out of control. The copter’s circuits also went wacky, so Cloud and the others could hear everything. Like,

“Shit! Why the hell did I get this mission?” Wedge asked in panic.

“Because, you wanted it.” Biggs ventured.

“Goddammit shut the hell up! Quick call Reeve!”

“Oh damn, they weren’t bluffing.” Barret said. He looked down and saw everyone staring at him.

“Shit.” Cid said watching the helicopter crash into the side of Corel Mountain.

Reeve pulled his phone away from his ear as the sudden static shot out. He slammed it down and paged Palmer. Palmer came rolling in, stuffing his face.

“Hey, hey, hey. What can I do you for, boss?”

There was a pause while Reeve thought deeply. And Palmer licked the lard off of his lips. “Call Reno and Rude.”

Palmer stopped in mid lick. “What’s that?”

“You heard me. If we are to keep them back, we need all the help we can get.”

“I thought we wanted them here.”

“Change of plans.”

“…Come again.”

“Sephiroth is nearing his awakening. Now all we need to do is let him do what is needed.”

“How did you know?”

“The materia is glowing the glow of when the one that is powerful enough to summon them all at once has arrived. This is why we need what’s left of the Turks.”

“But, Reeve…we don’t know if they are alive or even if they are; if they’ll help.”

“That is why you are going to get them.”

“Sir…”

“No excuses. They are staying at Gongaga.”

“Yes sir.”

Palmer and three troops flew into Gongaga and walked in. The town was well repaired from the last time he was there. The houses didn’t have holes in the roof and the old reactor had been repaired into a house. The town its self wasn’t as depressing either. The people there were getting on with their lives and it all seemed rather pleasing to be in. A villager walked by and Palmer stopped him.

“Excuse me, do you know Reno and Rude?”

“I do, they are the ones that fixed up this town. We are very grateful to them. They live in that house there.” The man pointed to the old reactor.

“Figures. Are they there now?”

“Should be. Skip walking around and hop over that little fence, they won’t mind.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Palmer and his troops headed to the reactor and when the reached the fence they heard Reno.

“Hey Rude! It’s fat man Palmer! Come on man, get off your ass!”

Rude mumbled and they both poked their heads out. “What the hell do you want Palmer?” Reno asked.

“Hey, hey, hey, I’m not fat and the Neo Shin-Ra needs you.”

“What the hell for?” Rude asked.

“We need you to watch the gate, so that Cloud and the others don’t get in our way.”

“Still feuding over the same old difference again, fat man?” Reno asked.

“In a way, yes. Will you help us?”

“How much?” Rude asked.

“What, what, what?”

“You heard me fat ass.”

“Arrrg…500,000,000 gil.”

“Wow, you guys must be desperate.” Reno and Rude tucked back in and there was some mumbling. “Alright, we’ll do it. We’ll be right down.”

Palmer waited for a few minutes and then the two came out in their usual suit. They waved as they walked out of the town and the towns people shouted their good byes, good lucks, we’ll take care of the house for you while you’re gone, ect.

They got into the helicopter and flew back to Wutai. When they got back, Reeve was there, waiting for them.

“Reno, Rude. Great to see you guys back for some action.” Reeve said.

“We have a score to settle with those punks.” Rude said.

“Of course. Now, you two’s jobs are to prevent them from getting into the main complex. Undoubtedly they will use the back doors or even a secret route. That is why you two need to be separated and have your own squads. We are going all out on the defense of this place.”

“What for?” Reno asked.

“You don’t need to know.”

Rude grabbed Reeve. “Hold on, if you want us to risk our necks for you. You’d better tell us, what the hell we are protecting.”

“You’re right, we are reawakening Sephiroth and Cloud and the others might be on their way. So we need you two to stop them. It’s that simple.”

“What if they don’t come?” Reno asked.

“If they don’t then you get to leave with your gil and that is that. If they do, than you get to settle the score. Either way, you get what you want.” Rude let Reeve go and nodded at Reno.

“We’ll do what is needed.” Reno said.

“Perfect.” Reeve said with a smile.

Professor Tsen had opened the cocoon with Sephiroth and had him on the table, when Reeve returned to the lab. Sephiroth looked younger, his hair was shorter and his body was buffer.

“When do you think you can have him awake?” Reeve asked.

“Difficult to say. It could talk a few minutes or a week.”

“Make it happen now.”

“Sir, with all due respect. I can’t play nature.”

“Do it anyway!” Reeve said storming out. Reno and Rude walked in.

“Can I help you two?”

“Yes, we are here to make sure that Sephiroth is awaken soon.” Reno said.

“I can’t play nature.”

“Either you attempt it or you’ll have an unfortunate accident with that machine over there.” Rude said. Tsen looked over; there was nothing there.

“What -?”

 “My fist.”

“Rude, that’s enough. Continue and try to hurry, Cloud and the others are on their way here.” Reno said. And after pulling Rude off and calming him down they left.

“Strange people. Hand me that scalpel will you.” Tsen said to his aid.

“They were part of the Turks, you know?”

“They were the Turks. Every mission that the Turks were assigned to, they did.”

“Not just them.” The cocoon peeled away violently and the two scientists composed themselves a few minutes afterwards.

“True, there was Tseng, who lead them and the girl, Elena. But they were nothing to Rude and Reno, those two did everything. I’m surprised that Reeve was able to get them to sign back on.” Sephiroth’s hand moved slightly.

“Professor! He moved!”

“What?”

“His hand! It twitched!”

“Probably nerves. Mo, call Reeve! Tell him Sephiroth is waking up!”

“Yes sir!”

“Okay, keep an eye on him. I am going to get a sedative…just in case.”

Mo picked up the phone after putting some files away and dialed Reeves office.

“Hello?”

“Sir, this is Mo from the lab. Sephiroth’s cocoon is off and he has been moving slightly. Tsen wants you down here.”

“Alright, thank you. Palmer! Get off your ass and come on.” Reeve said getting up and heading for the door. Palmer threw his pie tray onto the table and got up to follow. The two, headed down the hall and ran into a troop.

“You there, tell Reno and Rude that step A has commenced. And for them to be on their toes from now on.”
            “Yes sir!”

The troop got onto his radio; “Reno, Rude, if you hear this, Reeve says that step A has commenced, he also wants you two to be on your toes. Over and out.”

“Sounds like, Sephiroth has finally awakened.” Reno said.

Rude cracked his knuckles. “I just hope that Cloud and his buddies come.” 

            Reeve and Palmer arrived at the lab and found it a mess. Sephiroth was standing over all the scientists’ bodies holding the aid by the back of the collar, the front of it ripped open and Tsen with the sedative needle sticking out of his forehead. Reeve and Palmer stopped abruptly and started to back out. Sephiroth turned around and smiled at them. He let Tsen and the aid go and jumped and landed in front of them and grabbed them both. He threw Palmer to the side and held Reeve to his face.

            “Where am I?”

            “You are in the Neo Shin-Ra complex. In Wutai…we’ve brought you back so that you can have another chance at your dream…” Sephiroth eased his grip on Reeve’s throat.

            “Oh?”

            “Yes, but since the black materia has been destroyed. We are going to give you Alexander, Bahamut Zero, Phoenix and Knights of the Round summon materia, all mastered and ready for your control and we have the Zanmato sword for you.”

            Sephiroth paused and studied Reeve. “Why?” 

            “Because, only you can control them together and this will give you the chance you need to get back at Cloud.”

            “That’s not it. Not all of it, anyways. Why give me the most powerful summons and the sword of Yojimbo? Don’t lie.” He tightened his grip on Reeve’s throat.

            “All right, with the summons I want you to help me gain power of the land. You will use the summons to terrify the people and they will have no choice but to bow to the Neo Shin-Ra and you. And the sword of Yojimbo will help you defeat Cloud and who ever else gets in your way.”

             Sephiroth let Reeve go. “And what about Cloud?”

             “He should be on his way here, and he is all yours.”

            Sephiroth nodded at Reeve and walked out. Reeve followed and lead him to where he kept the Zanmato sword. Sephiroth took it and then punched Reeve and walked out of the building and headed for the weapon shop.

            “I want the Murasame sword.”

            “Why you already have a sword.”

            “Just give me the sword.”

“Okay, that’ll be 6500 gil. Please.” The guy behind the counter said.

            “What?”

            “The sword, I can’t just give to you for free.”

            Sephiroth reached across and grabbed him and threw him to the floor. He hopped over it and grabbed the sword.

            “Hey! You can’t do that.” Sephiroth leapt over the counter again. “Sir, I can’t let you just walk out of here with that.”

            Sephiroth grabbed the man by his shirt and stabbed him and then kicked him off. The assistant grabbed the Slash Lance off the wall and the Oritsuru. He threw the Oritsuru and it hit the wall by Sephiroth’s head. Sephiroth smiled and turned around. The guy was standing with the Lance in the traditional Wutaian strike pose. Sephiroth rolled his wrist and flicked his hair behind him and flipped his sword around so the hilt was facing forward.

            “Can’t just let you walk out with the sword for free. And if you insist on a fight, than you came to the wrong place.”

            The man jumped up and came down. Sephiroth moved to the side and redirected the Lance into the floor. Sephiroth then swung it at the man’s head. The man ducked under it and pulled the Lance out of the floor and attacked. Sephiroth blocked and dodged, but the man kept coming and was getting closer with each advance. Sephiroth caught a stab and spun around it, grabbing the shaft and kicking it out of the man’s hands and then swinging it around hitting him in the face the man spun to the ground and landed on his back, then Sephiroth brought it down on him length wise so that the blade slapped his crotch. Sephiroth then tossed the Lance to the side and turned to walk out. The man rolled to the weapon wall and put on the tiger glove. He got ran at the door and punched out at Sephiroth. Sephiroth moved to the side and grabbed his arm and flipped him over his hip and than drove his sword into his chest.

             Sephiroth pulled the sword out and walked outside and found the all the men of the village surrounding him. Which were about seven people. In the background was Godo, Yuffie’s father. 

            “Godo, you’re still alive?”

            “Sephiroth, why have you plagued us with your presence?”

            “Such harsh words, Godo. Pity though, I always respected your power and the power of this land, too bad it has to end.”

            “No Sephiroth. It is you who will be defeated! Omnichange!” Godo said.

            “Speed Change!” Gorki said.

            “Power Change!” Shake said.

            “Magic Change!” Chekhov said.

            “Weapon Change!” Staniv said.

            The other men pulled out katanas and they rushed at Sephiroth. In one swing he took out the weaker men. But the pagoda warriors were tougher. They slammed into Sephiroth with their magic or physical attacks. Godo still stayed in the background as the others pounded him. Gorki flew around and threw demi balls at him, while Shake danced around distracting him and occasionally slamming into him with the rage bomber attack. Chekhov sleeked around and tried to get his eyes on Sephiroth’s, but Sephiroth moved around too much, and he was the first to be taken out. Sephiroth spun around, kicked Shake away and caught Chekhov with the point of this sword and shoved it though him and then kicked him off. Staniv, then came in with his ball and swung it furiously at Sephiroth. He knocked the sword away and then brought it back, just missing Sephiroth’s head; Gorki flew down and shot a demi 2 spell at Sephiroth and caught him in it. While the spell was draining him, Shake built up his rage and then jumped at him. Sephiroth blew the spell away and swung his sword down slicing Shake in two. Staniv attacked and kept Sephiroth at bay while Gorki drew power for a demi 3 spell. Sephiroth caught the chain with his sword and twisted it around, Staniv pulled back and Sephiroth let his sword go so that it went straight into Staniv’s face; and to finish it, Sephiroth was right there to push the sword all the way through and then pull it out while kicking Staniv back. Gorki shot his demi 3 spell at Sephiroth and flew at him following the spell. Sephiroth sliced the spell away and Gorki dropkicked Sephiroth in the chest, sending him flying back. Sephiroth shoved his sword into the ground to stop himself. Gorki flew at him and would fly off every time Sephiroth would swing at him, and to add the slap to Sephiroth, Gorki was able to get a quick hit in every time Sephiroth missed. Sephiroth finally got him when he flew at him and instead of swinging he jumped and because of the sudden change, Gorki was caught off guard and Sephiroth was able to come down behind him and shove the sword through his back. Sephiroth pulled his sword out and Gorki fell back, Sephiroth put his foot on Gorki’s head and pushed it down and over, snapping his neck.

            “I’m disappointed in your students Godo. I expected more from them.”

            “You fiend Sephiroth! You won’t get away with this!”

            Godo sent a Trine spell, which engulfed Sephiroth. Godo then swung his sword at Sephiroth. Sephiroth caught Godo’s sword, and the Trine spell was still around Sephiroth; Sephiroth then pushed Godo’s sword away and then pointed his sword at him, sending the Trine spell back at Godo. Godo turned his head three times and dispelled the Trine. He then turned his head again and slammed his sword into the ground. Sephiroth jumped out of the way as a fire well opened up and scorched the land. Godo, with his four arms and omniattacks, went for the gold on attacking Sephiroth with the speed and power that one has with four arms. Sephiroth found himself on the defensive end of the assault. No matter what Sephiroth did, Godo was there to block and counter the attack. Sephiroth was hit back and plunged into the small river. He stood up, his white hair mopped to his head; he shook his head violently and flicked his hair back behind him, his blue eyes were glowing even brighter than ever. Godo danced around changing his face and twirling his weapons. Sephiroth stepped back onto the land and ran at Godo. Godo turned his head again to the warrior and slammed the sword into the ground again creating the fire well, Sephiroth jumped straight at Godo, avoiding a swing from the second arm on the right side. Sephiroth landed on Godo’s shoulder and raised his sword to strike, Godo swung his upper left arm across to hit Sephiroth off, but Sephiroth turned and caught the open mace and redirected it so that it hit Godo in one of his faces. Sephiroth jumped off and rolled out of the way as on of Godo’s enormous arms crashed down after him. Sephiroth stood and smiled at the lumber giant.

            “Come on Godo, I thought that you would have gained a lot more power than you are showing me by now! I don’t even have to try and hit you, you hit yourself for me.”

            “Sephiroth! I don’t know how you keep gaining so much power, but it cannot beat the power of the Da-Chao Mountains! With my last bit of strength I summon Leviathan. Our God, he will put a stop to you and your organization that has plagued this land! I would rather see this land destroyed than in the hands of the Shin-Ra!”

            Godo raised all four arms into the air and then he brought them all down at once and he went into a crouched position. Then the water around started to rise in level, Sephiroth turned around to see the statues on the Mountain start to move away from the Mountain and open the side of it. Then in a rush of water and fire the blue serpent Leviathan burst out of the Mountainside and looked down at the hapless town. Sephiroth stared in awe at the great serpent and he turned back to Godo, who was on his back, in normal form and was bleeding badly.

            Reeve scrambled around until he found an old armlet with one materia slot. He then torn his office apart to find one of his summon materia. He finally found Phoenix and called him the second the materia hit the slot.

            Leviathan raised his head and extended all his fins and took in a very deep breath; and just as he was about to release the energy he called upon himself, Phoenix appeared in a flash of fire and flew straight into Leviathan. Leviathan continued on his attack and instead of the water rushing forth, Leviathan exploded from the inside and the statues of the Da-Chao Mountains crumbled. Sephiroth dove for cover as tremendous amounts of rock and stone crashed down onto the town and large water bubbles that were once Leviathan slammed down as well.

            Sephiroth stood up and looked toward the Mountains, there floating above them was the fading apparition of Phoenix. Phoenix looked around and when he saw that Sephiroth and the Neo Shin-Ra building were okay he dissipated. Sephiroth turned to see if Godo was still lying there, but a huge boulder was there instead.

            All the way back at Costa del Sol, Yuffie suddenly felt nauseous and she clasped against the side of the Highwind. Vincent caught her head and guided her to the floor. “Cloud! Tifa! Come here.” He yelled.

            Cloud and Tifa came as soon as they heard the cry.

            “What happened?” Tifa asked.

            “I don’t know, she just all of a sudden fell.” Vincent replied.

            “She looks...”              

            “Like something terrible has happened.” Cloud said.

            “Cloud, you’d better come and take a look at this.” Cid’s voice sounded over the radio. “I’m in the debriefing room.”

            Cloud got up and headed there. Tifa and Vincent helped Yuffie to a bed. Cloud entered the room and on the wall was a picture of Wutai.

            “This is a picture that was taken of Wutai from our spy satellite orbiting the planet. This picture was taken exactly 5 minutes ago.” Cid said.

            “Where the hell did you get a satellite?” Barret asked.

            “Shera and I built it and launched it. But that doesn’t matter right now Barret.”

            The picture showed Wutai in ruins and in the middle of the town stood Sephiroth, looking straight up at the Mountains, making it seem like he was smiling at the satellite. Cloud stared at the picture for a solid minute. He closed his eyes and swallowed hard.   

            “Get the ship running. We head out as soon as the ships ready.” Cloud said in a soft, controlled voice. A voice that was meant to hide the burning rage inside. Cloud walked out of the room and punched the door on the way out, making a good-sized dent in it. Nanaki ran in afterwards and stopped when he saw the perplexed faces of Cid and Barret.

            “What’s wrong?”

            “Cloud seems really angry.” Cid said.

            “No shit. Sephiroth is alive, that is a major slap in the face for Cloud.”

            “So you guys know?”

            “Yes. We know.”

            “Guys!” Syrus said running into the room and paused after seeing the dent. “Cloud just rode off on his Gold Chocobo.”

            “Damn it!” Cid said.

            They left the room and went outside; and looked around.

            “Syrus, did he say anything to you?” Cid asked.

            “Err…he put his hand on my shoulder and said not to follow him. That there was something that he had to take care of by himself and that it wasn’t any of our fights. Then he rode off.”

            “That arrogant, spiky assed, fool.” Barret said.

            “Come on, let’s get the ship going.” Cid said.

            “But Cloud said that –”

            “Listen kid, Cloud has a score to settle with Sephiroth that is true, but he can’t take on the entire Shin-Ra force by himself. We need to keep them off his back for as long as is needed so that he can kill Sephiroth once and for all…again.” Cid said taking one last puff of his cigarette and then threw it to the ground. “Don’t ever smoke kid, it’s a nasty habit, and it’ll kill you some day.”     

            The Highwind took off and flew straight for Wutai. Yuffie woke up and started to get up. “No Yuffie, stay here. You must brace yourself before you see what Wutai has become.” Vincent said; he was sitting next to the bed, in the light.

            “Vincent your in the light.” Yuffie said amazed.

            “Never mind that. Wutai is not what it used to be. And you need to understand that before you see it.”

            “Vincent, please I’m 34.”

            “If you insist.” Vincent got up and they headed out. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He said under his breath.

            They came to the platform and joined the others; they all stared in awe at the wreckage. Yuffie’s mouth dropped. Cid edged his way over to Vincent.

            “I thought you said that you could break the news to her.”

            “I did.”

            “It didn’t work.”

            “I know. She didn’t listen.”

            “Figures.”

            “There’s Cloud!” Tifa yelled.

            Everyone looked and sure enough there was Cloud riding in at incredible speed heading straight for the town, the fact that it was ruined didn’t seem to faze him. His eyes could only see Sephiroth.

            “What’s wrong with dad?” Syrus asked.

            Barret laid his good hand on Syrus’s shoulder. “Syrus, I know this will be difficult for you. But your father was once a very confused person and had a very tough past. That past was the man we are facing, Sephiroth. He is the cause of all your father’s pain, and many of ours. But your father had a final battle with him and defeated him. But now he has return and the pain that your father had all those years ago has returned. So don’t worry, this will be the final battle-.” Barret said.

            “Again.” Cid filled in quickly.

            “In another words Syrus, this is not your fight. We have to focus on getting Cloud through the lines. Now, let’s go!” Barret said.

            Everyone ran off the ramp and headed toward Wutai. Yuffie didn’t move, Vincent doubled back and went to her side. “Yuffie we have to go.”

            “My town…”

            “Yuffie, we must go.”

            “My father…is dead…”

            “Now’s your chance to avenge him. Come on.”

            “You’re right.”

            “Of course I am.”

            Vincent grabbed Yuffie as he ran off.

The storming of the Neo Shin-Ra in Wutai has begun. The target, Reeve and Sephiroth. Cloud ran around the back and hopped off his Chocobo in time to beat down two troops and then dive behind some tables to avoid more on coming gunfire. The troops weren’t letting up and his tables were getting thinner. Then, a blast from sounded like a cannon sounded and the troops stopped firing. Cloud peeked over and saw Barret. Who gave him a heads up and Cloud took off for the window. A troop aimed but was taken out, by a very well placed shot by Vincent.

Cloud climbed up the building side, his sword hanging from his back. He reached the top floor and his blood was stirring more than ever. Sephiroth stepped out from behind an exhaust vent, he was shirtless and his sword was gleaming in the steam.

“Incredible isn’t it?”

“What is?”

“That every time we meet its because you want to kill me.”

“That’s because you are always trying to destroy the planet, and I am not going to let that happen.”

“It’s a shame really. That we are always fighting. I was hoping that this time it would be different.”

“Why? So you can stab me in the back later? Not going to happen, Sephiroth.”

He pulled out his regular sword. “I know.”

Sephiroth jumped at Cloud and Cloud dove to the side as Sephiroth came down, Cloud got up and swung at his back. Sephiroth blocked it and spun around. Cloud backed away as Sephiroth’s sword came inches from his face. Cloud swung up and Sephiroth fell onto his back and put his sword on his foot and shoved it at Cloud. Cloud was in the about to bring his sword down, but had to move out of the way, by reflex he caught Sephiroth’s sword and spun around with it, bringing both down. Sephiroth rolled back and Cloud hit the roof, smashing it in. Cloud brought them up and spun like a helicopter at Sephiroth. Sephiroth ducked and went in, he wrapped Cloud in a full nelson and then spun him away to the left, where Cloud was holding his sword; Sephiroth held on his wrist and pulled Cloud forward as he side kicked him in the chest. Cloud let go of Sephiroth’s sword and flew back. Sephiroth started to laugh as Cloud got up.

“I expected more out of you. All these years and you’ve gotten weaker.”

“Damn you Sephiroth.”

They posed for their attacks and there was a huge explosion on the ground level that shook the building.

 Barret laughed as he watched the smoke clear and the bodies of the Shin-Ra troops were scattered everywhere. But his smile turned into a frown when he saw that there were more troops coming. “Goddamn, where the hell are they all coming from?” He mumbled to himself. In the very background Reeve was there giving them orders and Reno and Rude appeared. Syrus snuck around the furniture and followed Reeve. “Damn it! Where is Syrus going?” Nanaki asked.

“Probably going after Reeve. We can get through these guys. Vincent, do you’re thing.” Barret said. “Tifa, get down!”

Tifa ducked as a bullet wised by her head. Vincent got up and held out his metal hand. “Fire!” Reno shouted and all the guns sounded off. Vincent caught every single bullet. “Damn.” Rude said. “Alright guys, use your clubs.” All the troops threw down their guns and took out their clubs.

Barret and the rest stood and got ready.

“Well? What are you waiting for? Get them.” Reno said.

“Charge!”

The entire fleet of troops ran at the group. They all jumped out and went into battle. Cid jumped up and came down in the middle of the company, impaling one; he then went onto take out those around him. Yuffie and Tifa followed his lead. Vincent sat back and picked off those that came to close to his friends. Barret came crashing into the front lines and pounded away at the troops and he shot some as well. Nanaki, made his away around taking on whom ever he had to, but he was heading for Reno and Rude.

Syrus continued to follow Reeve and followed him closely. Reeve went into his office where Palmer sat stuffing his face.

“Palmer what the hell are you doing?”

“Hey, hey, hey, we’re all gonna die so why not go out with some gusto.”

“You’re a fat ass, you know that don’t you?”

“Hey, hey, hey! I’d rather be fat than dead.”

“Too bad.” Syrus said.

“AH! Son of a bitch!” Palmer yelled pulling out his mako gun and firing it at Syrus. Syrus dove out of the way as a bolt of lightning came out of it and struck the wall. Palmer kept firing and Syrus kept diving out of the way. Palmer drove Syrus out of the room and back into the fray.

Tifa was taking on four at once, spinning around and round housing and punching. Yuffie sliced and diced. Cid twirled and struck. Barret hammered away at on coming troops and blasted away those that he didn’t want to punch. Vincent sat back and enjoyed himself as he picked off those that got to close to him and those that he wanted to pick off.

Syrus dodged and dove away from the lightning bolts. Palmer laughed hysterically as he kept Syrus on his toes. Cid saw this and jumped up and came down, shoving his spear through Palmer. He looked down and smiled at seeing the fat man dead. He turned toward Syrus and was hit a very hard, black fist. Cid flew into the wall and saw Rude straightening his jacket before he blacked out. Syrus got up and ran at Rude; he drew his sword and swung it down. Reno stepped in and caught Syrus and pushed him aside. Nanaki pounced from shadows and tackled Rude, they rolled around as Syrus came at Reno and they clashed, Syrus with his sword and Reno with his electrorod.

Cloud and Sephiroth stared each other down and there was nothing anybody could do about it. This was a battle of minds now, guessing the move the other was going to make, so that they could counter and have the final strike. But since they were both such highly powerful fighters they figured out every move that they could do and the counter so that it just came down to them standing there staring each other down.

Rude had Nanaki’s jaw in his hands and was keeping him from chopping on his head. Rude finally was able to twist his head and before it snapped Nanaki let off and Rude rolled them over so that he could get the upper hand, but before he could a bullet found his forehead. Nanaki rolled over and looked up and saw Vincent aiming in his directing and then move over to Syrus and Reno.

They went back and forth, the electrorod seemed not to affect Syrus. They went back and forth, it was amazing, and their speed was constant. Reno gained the upper hand when he imprisoned Syrus in a triangle. Vincent saw his chance. Finally he would be able to rid the world of the Turks once and for all. He shot. The triangle around Syrus dissipated and Reno fell to the floor, with Syrus’s sword sticking out of his back.  

  Reeve came out and pointed a gun at Syrus. “Anybody moves and the kid dies.” Vincent aimed quickly, but couldn’t get a good shot, because Barret was blocking the way. Barret moved just enough for Vincent to see that Cid was now in the line of fire and that Reeve was about to fire. Vincent threw down his gun and jumped up. Reeve fired and Syrus closed his eyes expecting to feel the sudden fiery pain. But instead there was the sound of the bullet hitting metal. Syrus looked and saw Vincent standing in front of him. Reeve ducked back into his office and there was a loud bang; and a large hole blasted from the wall. Syrus, Vincent, Cid and Nanaki ducked for cover and when the smoke cleared they saw Barret holding three troops in his good hand and aiming his massive gunarm at the door direction. Barret threw the troops aside and joined the four. 

“Damn he got away.” Barret said getting to their side.

“Yeah, and you busted the door so now we can’t go after him, you big oaf.” Cid said after banging on the door.

“Hey, I ain’t an oaf!”

“Stop it you two, look at Tifa and Yuffie go.” Syrus said.

The two girls were moving lightning fast and taking on every troop left in the army, which was enough to be a threat, but not enough to be a concern.

“Damn, damn, damn, how the hell does she move like that with those things?” Barret asked about Tifa.

“I’ve been wondering that myself.” Cid said.

“I’d hate to get hit by one of them, they could probably take you out.” Vincent ventured.

“Indeed.” Nanaki panted.

“Hey, that’s my mom you’re talking about.” Syrus said.

“Haha, kid; we’ve known your mom for a long time and we’ve been through a lot with her.” Barret said.

“Plus, we’re adults with young minds, so don’t mind us.” Cid said with a smile. Barret started to laugh heartedly and Vincent cracked a smile, Nanaki shook his head slightly.

Tifa and Yuffie were all over the place fighting the troops. They were too close to use any kind of spell so they had to rely on their physical prowess to save them. And quite frankly, some of the hits that Tifa got in were more powerful than any spell. She was snapping the troops necks with one kick, crushing their sternum with her fist and smashing their face with her head. And she wasn’t even using her limits. Tifa round housed one and when she came around she caught the next and spun him around so that she could dislocate his arm and then pull him so that she could send her fist into his chest. She jumped and pushed off on so that she could get momentum for her scissor kick and when she landed she tripped the one she pushed off of and broke his neck while doing a cartwheel over him avoiding an attack. When she landed she flexed back so that another attacker missed and on her way up she blocked another attack and head butted the guy in the face and then did a spinning reverse round house taking out the guy behind her. This improvisational fighting continued for as long as the troops tried to attack her.

 Yuffie was spinning and taking out legs with her Conformer. She would spin up and stab them in the balls and take it out and spin around to slash the troop behind her in the throat. She flipped one over her and brought her weapon down on his face, three points of it stuck into him. She pulled it out and rolled back to avoid an attack and kicked up and threw it impaling another. She grabbled a guy and got his stick away and beat him with it and then took on others with the stick and as she did she made her way to her weapon and got her hands on and then continued with her fun. She seemed to be on her “Doom of the living” limit constantly.

On the rooftop, Cloud and Sephiroth were still staring each other down, but the time of the day was running out, the sun was going down. Sensing that his time was short, Sephiroth attacked with an earthquake spell. Cloud jumped to avoid it and Sephiroth jumped to meet him. They clashed and landed, they both landed with suck force and since the rooftop was already damaged from the earthquake spell the roof clasped and they fell to the floor below them. The dust cleared and they clashed again.

At the ground level, Tifa and Yuffie were running out of steam and the troops kept coming. “Tifa! I’m maxing!” Barret yelled. Tifa ducked under an attack and backhanded the attacker and then spun around kicking another. “Yuffie, Barret is maxing!” She yelled ducking another attack. Yuffie chopped a man down and nodded at Tifa and they both hit the deck as Barret grasped his gunarm, he clicked a few switches that opened the gun hole wide and then he cracked his neck. He braced himself and then let the bullets fly. Every troop that was standing was hit at least twenty times. Barret pulled his arm up and the firing stopped. Tifa and Yuffie got up and looked back, it was a mess of bodies, blood and limbs.

Cid patted Barret on the back and they laughed. There was a crash behind them and a huge white paw busted through the wall. It grabbed Vincent and slammed him into the wall. Then the other paw came crashing down at Barret and Cid. They dove to the sides and Cait Sith tore through the rest of wall and laughed. Syrus ducked behind Cait Sith and went to find Reeve.

The little black cat looked around, saw the mess and clambered on into the room. The Mog he was on was bigger and made of tougher material. Cid ran back and grabbed his spear out of Palmer. Barret shot at Cait Sith and the Mog deflected the shot. Nanaki went behind it looking for the zipper but there was none on this one and the Mog turned and stomped down at Nanaki. Nanaki jumped out of the way and then jumped for the cat, but was hit away by the Mog. Tifa and Yuffie got up and joined Barret and Cid. Vincent shook off the pain and got up. Nanaki contorted himself in mid air and landed safely.

“How the hell are we going to beat this thing?” Yuffie asked.

“Good question. There’s no zipper.” Nanaki said joining them.

“Well that’s a disillusionment.” Vincent said.

 “I guess we’ll just have to get the cat.” Tifa said knocking her fists together.

“Easy girl. We have to plan this one, a frontal assault will only get us stomped or smashed.” Barret said holding Tifa back.

“Or both.” Cid said.

“So what the hell are we going to do?” Yuffie asked getting anxious.

“Feisty.” Cid said looking at her.

“If we all attack it, it’ll become cross and one of us will be able to get the cat, right?” Tifa asked trying to fight off Barret, but it was no good.

“That could work. I’m for it.” Nanaki said.

The rest shrugged and nodded. Cait Sith stood there waiting for the next move and the six standing in front of him all of a sudden broke and went to all sides of him and Vincent charged from the front. Cait Sith realized what was going on and stomped on the ground causing an earthquake spell to happen all around him. His attackers were caught off guard and the attack failed. Vincent jumped and came down brandishing his metal fingers to slash at the cat. The Mog reached up and caught Vincent by the head and slammed him into the ground headfirst. The Mog came up and started to helicopter around keeping everyone at bay. Barret went in and ducked under one arm, came up met the other one with his powerful arm and then raised his gunarm up and fired at the Cat. But the Cat was too fast and ducked under the Mog’s head and the blast hit the Mog. Compared to the Mog, the Cat was nothing. The steam disappeared and the Mog face smiled at Barret and then Barret was sandwiched between two gigantic paws.

Tifa came in with a jump kick to the Mog’s head and Barret was let go. He fell to the ground and landed next to Vincent. He grabbed the back of Vincent’s shirt and pulled him out of the dirt. The Mog reached up to grab Tifa, but she was too quick and flipped over its arm. The Mog then reached for her, but was suddenly poked from the side and was pushed away from Tifa. Cid pulled his spear out, and the Mog caught it and pulled it forward. Sensing what was going to happen, Cid let the spear go. The Mog threw the spear away and tromped toward Cid. Nanaki jumped onto the Mog’s back and forced the Cat to go else where to hide, the Cat jumped to the front and Barret seeing the black streak fired and blasted the Cat off of the Mog. Nanaki jumped off the Mog and went after the Cat, but the Mog grabbed Nanaki by the tail and swung around and threw him in the other direction.

Yuffie scrambled around trying to find the Cat, but the Cat was too elusive and kept dodging her at the last second. She finally caught the Cat by the tail and went to strike it, but the Cat turned around and meowed into its microphone loudly, Yuffie let it go to cover her ears. The Cat ran off. The Mog, hearing the Cat’s call; thrashed toward it.

Syrus snuck around the building and went into every room looking for Reeve. Then it dawned on him. That the Mog was strangely large and the Cat seemed too important; so he doubled back and headed for the rampage-recked room. When he arrived the Cat was back on the Mog and the Mog had Tifa and Cid in his gigantic paws. Barret was back trying to get a good shot. Nanaki was trying to get a good angle to jump and grab the Cat. Vincent was sprawled on the ground, his head buried in the sand again. Yuffie was next to him, her shirt was ripped off and she was badly mangled.

Syrus ran to Barret’s side; “Reeve is inside the Mog.”

“I knew it.”

Barret shot a heavy blast and it hit the Mog square in the chest. Cid and Tifa were let go of as the Mog crashed down. The quake woke Vincent up and he looked around and saw Yuffie lying there, exposed and hurt. He suddenly felt an uncontrollable hate come over him. His eyes turned red and the air suddenly became very heavy. “Oh no, Vincent is changing.” Barret said. “I fear that this time is going to be a hazard to us all. Let’s get absent from here kid.” Barret grabbed Syrus and threw him behind a table. “Tifa, get Yuffie and get out! Nanaki, distract the Cat! Cid, help him!” Belted out Barret.

  Tifa ran around and grabbed Yuffie and then ran away; Cid and Nanaki danced around the giant Mog and then backed off as soon as they saw that Tifa was gone. Vincent shook and then looked up as the wings grew from his back. He stood and the Mog turned to him. The Cat but the microphone to his mouth and shouted. The sonic wave did nothing to Vincent. In a ring of fire that exploded afterwards and reveled Vincent in his full Chaos form. He flew straight at the Mog and embraced him. He laughed and gathered all his strength and power and there was a huge explosion.

Tifa covered Yuffie, Cid and Nanaki ducked under the wind, Barret covered Syrus until the wind, fire and noise was over. When the smoke was clear the Mog stood there and the Cat cheered in happiness. Vincent was gone.

“Vincent....no!” Syrus yelled. He got up and Barret grabbed him and sat him back down.

“Honor his sacrifice, kid. He did it so that we could have a chance against the Mog.”

“But to what extent?” Tifa asked joining them with a crying Yuffie. Cid and Nanaki joined them as well.

“Vincent’s life wasn’t going to last that long anyway. After this transformation his soul was doomed any ways.” Nanaki said. “So it was better for him to do what he did. For his soul.”

“Barret, can you load off another one of those heavy blasts?” Tifa asked.

“Not for another few minutes. It takes awhile to charge.”

“We don’t have another few minutes!” Cid yelled as the Mog trudged toward them. “Jump!” Tifa grabbed Yuffie and jumped. Cid and Nanaki dove to the side and Barret grabbed Syrus and jumped to the side. The Mog’s giant paw smashed down and Nanaki jumped for the Cat. The Mog stood up and hit Nanaki aside. Cid ran in and shoved his spear into the back of the Mog. It went throw and got stuck. The Mog swung around and Cid went flying across the room. The Mog reached back and pulled the spear out and then threw it at Cid. Nanaki jumped and caught it in his mouth. Cid rolled away as the Mog shoved its hand through the wall. Barret took the opening and fired another one of his heavy shots that hit the Mog in the square of the back and sent the Mog tumbling down. Cid and Nanaki got out of there and joined with Barret, Nanaki gave Cid back his spear.

“Don’t waste your energy on empty shots. When you use it, try to hit him where you’ve hit him before, it’ll weaken the armor.” Nanaki said.

“I hit him where Cid put this spear through.”

“That should be pretty weak now.” Syrus said.

“Indeed.”

“Yuffie passed out....” Tifa said joining them.

“Where is she?” Nanaki asked.

“She’s safe.”

“So what do we do about that fluffy walking behemoth?” Barret asked.

“It’s obvious isn’t it?” Syrus asked. “We smash the thing and get to Reeve who is inside.”

“Easier said than done, kid.” Cid said.

“So I guess we just have to hit it as hard as we can, as much as we can.” Tifa said.

“Let’s do it.” Syrus said taking out his sword.

“Barret how long until you can hit him again with the heavy blast?” Nanaki asked.

            “Not too long. Keep him distracted for another two minutes and all will be good.”

            Cid and Nanaki jumped out from the left and saw that the Mog was still down. They paused and the Mog suddenly sprang up with incredible hydraulic force. It headed straight for where Cid and Nanaki stood. Barret got up and aimed his gunarm and charged it. “Barret what are you doing?” Syrus yelled running to him. “No time to explain!” Barret yelled grabbing Syrus and a pushing him back as he released the energy, it smashed into the Mog and sent it away from Cid and Nanaki. The Mog crashed down and seemed to be malfunctioning. Barret fell back and didn’t look good. Tifa ran to him as Syrus tried cure spells. “They are not working.” Syrus said sadly. Tifa put her hand on Syrus’s shoulder. “Keep at it.” Tifa then ran out to join Cid and Nanaki.

            The Mog swung up and hit Cid away. It got up and Nanaki jumped at the Cat, and knocked it off the Mog. He chased the Cat around as the Mog thrashed around. Cid danced around it trying to keep it away from Nanaki and the Cat. Tifa joined Cid and they were able to really to keep the Mog occupied. It thrashed around blindly as Cid and Tifa picked away at it. Syrus kept the cure spells going but they weren’t working. “Syrus. Give it up. No cure spell can heal what I am lacking now. I used my last in that shot....it’s only a matter of time, now....HaHa....go help your mother, kid. I’ll see if I can gather some more.” Barret said.

            “Barret, don’t push yourself...hang on.”

            Syrus grabbed his sword and ran to help Cid and Tifa. Tifa dodged as the Mog tried to stomp on her, she was able to keep away, but she was overwhelmed and tripped. Syrus threw his sword and hit the Mog in the back. It turned and swung around, Syrus ducked under it and then ran at it; the Mog hit him away on the back swing. Tifa stood up and was about to hit the Mog, but before she could she was knocked away by Cid as the Mog’s huge paw came crashing down. The Mog pulled its paw up and Cid laid in the indent in the ground, motionless.

            Tifa, Syrus and Nanaki paused and saw Cid. “Damn you, Reeve.” Nanaki said. Barret let out a roar and got up, his eyes were blood shot and he was grinding his teeth, fighting the pain of his lack of energy. He saw Cid lying there and slammed his good hand down on the table in front of him and it crumbled under his force.

            “Barret don’t do it!” Tifa yelled.

            Barret couldn’t hear her. He just stood there; all the dust and loose particles around him seemed to be drawn to him. He raised his gunarm and aimed it straight at the Mog. “The Cat doesn’t matter. Reeve is in the Mog.” He said. The Mog turned to him and start at him. “Come on, you son of a bitch.” The Mog towered over him and raised both of its arms over its head and brought them down. And just when they were three inches from Barret head, he released the energy that he was gathering. Tifa grabbed Syrus and covered him. Nanaki dug his claws into the ground and braced himself. There was an enormous explosion that echoed through the room and engulfed the Mog.

Cloud and Sephiroth faltered because of the tremor that it created; the hell was that? Cloud asked himself. As he shook it off and Sephiroth did the same. They moved for each other and fell through the floor again and fell through two more, until they finally stopped.

The smoke cleared and reveled the Mog standing there sparks flying from the front and bolts of electricity crawling around the body of it. Barret was standing there as well, but he soon fell back and lay dead. His gunarm was blown and his entire front was singed and bloody. Syrus opened his eyes and saw that his mom was on top of him unconscious. He helped her off of him and quickly covered her with his jacket, for her top had been torn to shreds from the blast. Nanaki shook off the blast and ran over to Syrus. “Is she alright?” Nanaki asked, keeping his eyes on the Mog. “She’s breathing.” Syrus replied wiping the dirt from her face. “Where is he?” Nanaki asked about Reeve.

Right when Nanaki asked that, Reeve fell out of the front of the Mog and shook his head. Reeve, saw Barret and laughed. Nanaki heard and ran at him. Syrus let his mother’s head down gently and ran after Nanaki. Reeve had just gotten up when he was body checked by Nanaki. He went flying to the side and rolled on the ground. He got up again and was hit again by Nanaki. Reeve tumbled back and got up, this time when Nanaki charged him, he pulled out a small gun and right before he was able to shoot his arm was severed from his body by a Shuriken. Syrus looked back and saw Yuffie standing there, she was breathing heavily and her breasts were coming out of her shirt, she didn’t even bother to redress. Reeve stumbled from the pain of the wound and was again hit by Nanaki. He flew backwards and this time he didn’t bother to get up. Nanaki jumped on him and readied his jaws to crush Reeve’s throat.

“Nanaki wait!” Syrus yelled as he and Yuffie ran to Nanaki.

“Wait for what? He deserves death!” Nanaki barked.

“Maybe, but wouldn’t killing him be too easy? You have always said that taking the easy path in a situation would ultimately make you the fiend that you are trying to better.” Yuffie said, not caring that she was exposing herself.

“HaHaHa...” Barret voice trailed. “Syrus.....where are you kid.....”

Syrus ran over to Barret and kneeled down by him. “HaHa....you fought bravely....you remind me so much of your father.....it’s kinda scary.....always doing what is the right thing to do in the situation......despite the odds. I want you to know.....that can think of no one better.....to take care of my daughter, than you. Take care of her....” Barret gasped and laughed and then his life left him.

Yuffie looked away hiding her tears. Nanaki lowered his head in respect. Syrus clenched Barret’s vest. “No....you can’t die. Come back here Barret! Why? Why did this happen?” Syrus hit Barret’s chest and started to weep. Nanaki and Yuffie joined him. “Syrus, he’s gone, there’s nothing we can do. They’ve gone to join Aerith in the land of supreme happiness. He’s left you the grace of Marlene. Don’t forget that, she is yours now; honor him and his sacrifice for us, by granting his wish.” Nanaki said.

There was a moan behind them, Yuffie looked behind her and saw that Reeve had gotten up and had grabbed his gun, he aimed up at Syrus. “Die spawn of Cloud!” Reeve yelled. Yuffie shoved Syrus aside and took the shot in her shoulder. Tifa heard Syrus’s name, the gun shot, and the thud of a body. She threw off Syrus’s jacket and sprang up. She ran at Reeve and hit him so hard in the face that his jaw dislocated and his brain was given such a jolt that it completely died. Reeve collapsed like a bag of bricks. She went over to Syrus and the others, she saw that Yuffie had been shot and that Syrus was alive and then she looked at Nanaki who was panting. She suddenly remembered that she had no top on. Tifa wrapped her arms around herself and ran back to Syrus’s jacket.

Cloud and Sephiroth bashed away at each other and were making quite the mess of the office that they were in. Pushing each other into walls, smashing their swords into everything, throwing things at each other and just sending incredible amounts of energy around the room when their swords connected. Cloud pushed Sephiroth away and swung his sword at his feet. Sephiroth jumped and swung his sword down; Cloud flexed back and caught the sword with his. Sephiroth pushed it down and then shoved his sword straight at Cloud. Cloud moved to the side and grabbed Sephiroth’s arm and pulled him forward and lifted his sword at the same time. Sephiroth broke Clouds hold on his arm and flipped in mid air over Clouds sword. He landed and rolled out of the way as Cloud bashed his sword down. He hit the ground and sent a shockwave that tore the floor apart and when it hit Sephiroth it sent him flying through the wall into the next room.

   Cloud jumped to him and they clashed again. Sephiroth spun around Cloud and went for his back. Cloud blocked and then lifted his foot, lifting the sword and throwing Sephiroth off balance. Cloud then kneeled down and swung his sword at Sephiroth’s feet. Sephiroth fell back and when the sword went by him, he kicked up and swung his sword down. Cloud rolled out of the way and then rolled back and kicked his feet up and back, kicking Sephiroth in the face. Cloud landed and swung his sword down, Sephiroth, now on his back, split his legs and pushed himself back, Cloud’s sword struck the floor and the floor cracked and caved in. They both fell through and Sephiroth took the open window to get the hell out of there. But the dust was so much that he couldn’t see. Cloud shook off the fall and looked around. Then by reflex he swung his sword around and caught Sephiroth’s attack.

They struggled against each other and then Sephiroth was able to push Cloud away. They clashed back and forth trying to get the upper hand, but they were always a step ahead of each other on their attacks so no matter what they did, the other always found a counter or was able to dodge the attack.

 The energy flying around the room was out of control, glass didn’t stand a chance, everything that was loose or wasn’t firmly in place was sent crashing into walls. Cloud and Sephiroth swung at each other and their swords clashed, they pushed against each other and everything around them was ecstatic. Cloud moved and Sephiroth sword slipped and he lost his balance. Cloud swung his sword around and blunt sided Sephiroth in the back, the force of the hit sent him crashing into the wall. Sephiroth didn’t go through this one, but he laid in an indent that he made. Cloud ran at him and swung his sword at his head. Sephiroth pulled himself out and ducked under the blow, he wrapped Cloud in a nelson, Cloud went with it and was able to reverse the move and he threw Sephiroth over his hip and to the ground. Sephiroth caught himself and kicked Cloud in the face, Sephiroth came around and stood up, Cloud shook off the kick and they stared each other down again. They both were without their swords now, so now it was a battle of brawn and determination.

Cloud and Sephiroth were tangled up now, trying to break each other’s balance and get the upper hand. Cloud, head butted Sephiroth in the nose and then kicked him in the gut sending him back. Cloud ran at him and went to close line him, but Sephiroth ducked and took out his legs. Cloud rolled up and grabbed a chair. He swung it around and caught Sephiroth, who came in for a punch. Cloud pulled him around and the foreword then pushed him back and when Sephiroth came back on rebound, Cloud jumped and kicked the chair down. Sephiroth followed. Cloud landed and went to kick the chair again, but Sephiroth pulled his head out and shoved at Cloud. The chair hit the leg that Cloud was balancing on and Cloud was taken down. Sephiroth got up and grabbed the chair and picked it up and swung it down at Cloud. Cloud caught the chair and then kicked it away. He kicked up and Sephiroth ducked and spun around as Cloud punched; Sephiroth came around with a right hook and then jabbed Cloud in the gut, Cloud grabbed the next punch and went under Sephiroth’s arm and then kicked in the back, sending him into the wall.

While Sephiroth was shaking off the blow, Cloud went and grabbed his sword. He thrust it at Sephiroth and Sephiroth rolled out of the way, Cloud shoved the sword into the wall and it got stuck. Sephiroth kicked Cloud’s hands and then went to close line him, Cloud flexed back and Sephiroth missed. Cloud came back up and decked Sephiroth in the face and then again. Sephiroth kicked at Cloud’s side, Cloud caught it and picked Sephiroth up and threw him against the wall. Sephiroth grabbed the floor lamp there and kicked up while pulling it down, it swung up and hit Cloud in the jaw. Cloud fell back.

Sephiroth pulled out the Zanmato sword. Cloud looked up and shook off the blow. Sephiroth looked at the blade and marveled. “Quite a remarkable sword don’t you think, Cloud.” Cloud stood up fully and worked a kink out of his shoulder and neck. “I beat Yojimbo when he had that sword. I can beat you.” Sephiroth laughed. “Not unless you have your sword! Which you don’t!” Sephiroth laughed and struck at Cloud. Cloud rolled to the side and Sephiroth missed, he dragged his sword following Cloud and Cloud sat up. The Zanmato missed; Sephiroth swung it forward. Cloud rolled back and the sword swung clear of Cloud. Sephiroth swung it back at Cloud. Cloud kicked up and Sephiroth swung under him. Cloud ran to his sword and heaved it out of the wall and swung it around blunt siding Sephiroth in the temple and sending him flying into the wall. Cloud ran at him and swung his sword to behead Sephiroth, but at the last second Sephiroth ducked under and brought the edge of the Zanmato across Cloud’s gut.

Cloud pulled out of the wall and faced Sephiroth. They glared at each other and then they ran at each other again. Sephiroth was unbalanced with the Zanmato and Cloud was able to really let lose on him, despite the wound. Cloud swung his sword up with great force that knocked the Zanmato out of Sephiroth’s hands and split his right hand from the wrist to the area between the ring and middle finger.

The Zanmato sword flew up and stuck into what was left of the ceiling. Of all places Sephiroth thought looking at the sword stuck in the ceiling. Cloud, not hesitating, swung his sword and took off Sephiroth’s head. Cloud dropped his sword afterwards and fell to his seat. The wound on his gut was deeper than he thought and he had made it worse by fighting like he did. He was fading fast, but he refused to give up until he saw Syrus and Tifa one last time. So, he made his way down the building and when he came to the terrace and saw Barret, Cid, Reeve and all the other bodies he stopped and fell to his knees. Syrus, Tifa, Yuffie and Nanaki ran to him.

“Cloud,” Tifa said holding him. “Are you alright?”

“No, but I couldn’t go until I saw you and Syrus one last time.”

“Dad, don’t talk like that.” Syrus said.

Cloud smiled and laughed. “Syrus....take care of your mother.”

“Cloud.” Tifa said.

“Tifa, I have always loved you. I will always love you. Yuffie, sorry about your father and friends. Nanaki....make sure that nothing ever happens to these guys eh?”

“You got it.” Nanaki said.

“Cloud.” Yuffie said turning her head away.

“I’ll say ‘hey’ to Aerith for you guys. Destroy the foundations of this building before you leave. This will be my grave, so I can keep Sephiroth contained. Cid, Barret and Vincent can help.”

With that Cloud closed his eyes and everyone got up and walked out. Syrus and Tifa walked out with their arms around each other. When they got out, Syrus and Nanaki set to the task of destroying the base of the building and they all stood around watching the building clasp. When it was done, they all returned to Costa del Sol.     

Tifa landed the Highwind with Yuffie’s help. Shera and Marlene were waiting for them. When only, Nanaki, Syrus, Yuffie and Tifa appeared at the opening, there was a lull in time as they looked at each other. Shera knew at the minute why Cid wasn’t there. The four entered town and immediately Syrus embraced Marlene. Shera knelt down and Nanaki put his head on her lap. Tifa went over to Marlene and Syrus and put her hand on Marlene’s shoulder. Yuffie went over to Shera and held her hands.

“Where are the others?” Shera asked rhetorically.

“Cid, Barret, Vincent and Cloud...gave their lives for the greater good.” Syrus said.

“What?” Marlene asked pulling away.

“Your father, Marlene. He died so that we could have a fighting chance against Reeve. He died so that we could have a fighting chance. His last words to me, were telling me that it was my job now to protect you, to take care of you.” Syrus said.

“Cid died saving my life.” Tifa told Shera.

“He always was like that...always seemed like he wouldn’t care, but when it came to it, he was already ready to give his life for others. He gave up his dream to protect me. And I loved him for it and owed him my life for it. And now he died to protect you. So, I owe you all that I am now.” Shera said and Tifa embraced her.

“The greatest sacrifice of all was Vincent’s. He was able to control his Chaos form on the transformation that should have consumed him. He was the one that gave us hope.” Yuffie said

“I should have told you this sooner, Yuffie. You were unconscious at the time, and that is why he transformed. He saw your body there, he thought you were dead. That is why he transformed. His sacrifice, though seeming that it was for all of us, was actually for you. He loved you, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell you. If he did than you would have been a target of his nightmares, and he couldn’t let that happen.” Nanaki said.

Yuffie sat down and wept, Nanaki nudged her with his nose.

“What of Cloud?” Marlene asked.

Syrus looked at Tifa and Tifa nodded at him. “Cloud...he died so that his soul could fight with Sephiroth eternally. That is where they all are now. They are fighting to keep Sephiroth away from us forever.” Syrus said embracing Marlene again.

They went inside and the next day brought again a new day. Syrus and Marlene never parted after that. Shera and Yuffie did what they could around the bar while Tifa ran the counter. All this went on for years and all the while Nanaki watched over them. Nothing went on that his ears didn’t hear or his eyes didn’t see. Time after time he was the one that protected Syrus and Marlene. When Tifa, Yuffie and Shera fell ill, it was Nanaki that brought them food and that kept them alive for as long as he could. But when the inevitable stroke of death hit them, he turned his focus on Syrus and Marlene. This was their time and Nanaki was there make sure that it was a good time.

The lifestream continued its flow and the spirits of Cloud, Barret, Cid and Vincent awoke. They looked around and saw that they were all there together. Sephiroth appeared and they all looked at each other and then at him and they rushed at him. Aerith was there too, she gave them the strength to endure and when it was over, she granted them what was needed to rest in the Promised Land, together.