I own none of the characters or the game mentioned in this story, except Ryu Orochi.

Everything from here down, in bold, is the information on the new character, and not entirely part of the story. I'm just giving you a description on what he looks like and his weapons.

Ryu Orochi

[Dual Swordsman]

Uses two identical swords, along with a mastery of wind to vanquish the warriors of Chaos

Ryu wears a black hooded zip-up sweatshirt, with the sleeves being ripped off around the middle of his upper arms, the sweatshirt being left unzipped. Underneath the sweatshirt is a blank white short-sleeved t-shirt. He also wears somewhat skinny black jeans, with holes in the knees, along with black boots that only go up a little past his ankles. He has a light blue and light green bracelet on his right wrist and a silver bangle on his left wrist, about an inch wide. His hair parted to the right and his bangs, and the hair on the sides, are a little longer than his chin, with the hair on the back of his head is a little longer than where his shoulders are. His hair is a dark brown color with a slightly dark brown blonde streak on the right side of his head. His hair is mostly straight, while also being slightly frizzy on the sides. (Sorry if this character description is undescriptive, I was trying my best and I hope I didn't forget anything.)

Ryu carries two longswords, both which have a scarlet red cloth wrapped around their handles, with the extra cloth hanging off in two trails (meaning two trails from each sword). The crossguard was a vermillion color and was spiked up, down, and straight out. The actual blade part of the longswords was thicker than most and was spiked up the blade (on the side that faces him if he holds his sword normally). (I want to mention that Ryu will be part of the 6 new characters party already. I wanted to mention that so there would be no confusion. Also, I managed to get the beginning to the 012 storyline down, word for word, with my own little changes. I won't be this good with making characters this good the entire story. I'm sorry… Let's get on to the story).

-Part 1: Intertwined Fates-

The divine conflict between harmony and discord rages on, the fate of the world its promised prize. Fighting to secure it are brave souls summoned for that solitary purpose. Champions, cut from a cloth different from those which form the fabric of our world. These warriors from afar are helpless but to do as bid, waging battle after endless battle for the gods who called them here, granted neither respite nor reprieve. Relying on what fragments from their shattered memories remain, they fight to end the conflict, and for a chance to return home, to the worlds they once knew. What they cannot know is that they fight in vain. The war is one without end, and it is their fate to serve forever, until, at last, their ebbing strength gives way…

"Hey, uhh, Tifa…" Vaan said, sounding a little worried. "You figure they all made it to Cosmos by now?"

Tifa looks at Vann and says, "Hmmm, I guess they could have. You must be tired, huh?"

Vaan leans back a little and puts his hands on the back of his head and said, "Of course I am. Laguna lead us down the scenic road. I don't know what you were thinking."

Laguna walks over and says, "Yeah, I, uh, could sworn this was the quick route. Guess not." He shrugs at Tifa.

"Uh huh, sure Laguna," Ryu said, smiling a little.

"Well, it can't really be that much farther from here, can it?" Yuna asks, and looks off into the distance. "I think I've seen this place before."

"Right!? See there? Yuna knows what's up. We went a little out of our way, but we're still on track, no need to complain," Laguna says, trying to keep the group up-beat.

"Yuna? You oughta let him know what you really think. It's for his own good," Vaan says, taking his hands off the back of his head.

"Vaan, he's just trying to make us feel better about what happened," Ryu says.

"Lightning, time to stop sulking," Kain says to Lightning. Lightning is standing a ways away from the group along with Kain. She has her arms crossed and seems like she's unhappy with the group.

"Who's sulking?" Lightning uncrosses her arms and looks angrily and Kain.

"Had Laguna not taken charge, we might well never have made it this far. Perhaps his words were mostly false," Kain says walking over to Lightning. "But even so, they moved us, and that's why we're here."

"I know that. Thanks for the refresher," Lightning says, turning away from Kain. "Kain," Lightning pauses as she talks, "Cosmos called us again. Why do you suppose that is?"

Kain crosses his arms and says, "Who knows?"

Lightning closes her eyes and says, "I want…I intend to win this fight. I win, and I get my memory back. I get to go back home. I keep telling myself that, just like everyone else. But you know…now that I've been here awhile… Sometimes I have to wonder if winning this really means we'll get to go back home at all. It it might be that winning…won't change a thing. I just…I can't help but wonder."

Kain sighs and Laguna and Ryu walk over to Lightning and Kain."What's this? Is it really possible our Lightning's as human as the rest of us?"

Lightning looks over at Laguna, shocked, and says, "Wha-?!"

"Look, we've all got out worries, but we're trying to do what we can. You gonna lead us now? Or you leavin' that up to me?" Laguna says, looking off into the distance, than over at Lightning.

"Anything but that," Lightning glares at Laguna.

Laguna laughs and says, "Don't sweat it. We'll figure something out. Long as we stay alive, things are bound to work out, right?"

"I'd trust our once wayward guide. He speaks from experience," Kain says.

"…Thanks?" Laguna says, looking at Kain.

"Have you anything to say about this? Who do you think should lead?" Kain asks, looking at Ryu.

"Well, Laguna did lead us here instead of where we are intending to go," Ryu says smiling at Laguna.

"Hey, come on now. I thought we were passed that," Laguna says laughing a little.

"I'm just messing with you, Laguna. But, in all honesty, Lighting seems to be a natural party leader, I think she should lead us," Ryu says, looking at Lightning.

"I think we should be more focused on getting to Sanctuary than 'messing with each other,' but I appreciate it," Lightning says, crossing her arms again.

"Shall we then? Relax. Our battle will not be ended so easily," Kain says, walking towards the others.

"No…that it won't," Lighting says. Lightning, Laguna and Ryu follow Kain. Then, Lightning leads the group onward.