Chapter 10 - Gagazet Climb
After passing through most of the Calm Lands the group stopped at a small Al Bhed shop. Cloud spoke with one of the Al Bhed and they told him that Cid said the airship had to be repaired and they would pick them up later. Something at the stall caught Cloud's eye. Two identical lockets were what caught his interest. "For lovers." The Al Bhed shopkeeper informed Cloud who nodded and said "I'll take them."
As Cloud put one of the lockets around his neck Rikku popped up from no where and asked "So are you and Yuna an item now?" full of curiousity "That's right." "It's about time!" Rikku exclaimed sarcastically with a grin on her face. Cloud smirked and turned to face the group. They were talking to some guy wearing a green robe, he looked like a priest of some kind. "Any idea who that is?" Cloud asked Rikku and she just shook her head. The man walked away just as Cloud approached the group. "Who was that?" he asked them and Lulu was the one to answer him. "Father Zuke. He was my second summoner, Wakka's first." "Ya, Father Zuke's Pilgrimage was cut short. After he made it here something just made him change his mind." Wakka explained. So this was Wakka's second pilgrimage and Lulu's third. Cloud wandered what happened to her first but he wasn't going to ask her now. Instead he asked "What was he doing here?" "We are now deemed as traitors of Yevon and we are to be killed on sight. That's what he told us." Auron told Cloud which made everyone go silent.
Yuna turned to Cloud and said "So, we're officially traitors...". Cloud shook his head in disagreement. "The way I see it, the maesters are the traitors not us. They're the ones who have murdered and gone against their own teachings which makes them the traitors," Cloud said which comforted Yuna a bit. "By the way. I got you something." he continued as he took the other locket out of his pocket. "That's beautiful!" Yuna said expressing her gratitude with a kiss. The locket was the shape of an eye and had an ancient emerald like gem on it with a pattern carved into it. Yuna opened the locket and there was a picture of Cloud. "I have one too but with your picture inside so now we'll never truly be seperated again. We'll always be with in each others hearts." Cloud said as he helped her put it on. "Hey Bubby! Come here a sec!" Wakka shouted seeming rather excited. Cloud glanced at Yuna who told him to go.
As he left her side he could see Lulu asking her questions, no doubt because of their kiss. Cloud chuckled as he made eye contact with Yuna who tried her best not to start laughing. "What is it Wakka?" he asked and Wakka pointed into the distance. Cloud looked over and saw some kind of arena. "It's a monster arena!" Wakka explained and Tidus asked "Can we go!?" which made Cloud smirk "Just like kids."
As soon as those words left his mouth a chill went up his spine. His mind flashed back to his days as a Shinra soldier. 'Just like kids'. Sephiroth had said those exact words to Cloud and Zack before when they were excited about a mission. He heard cold laughter in the back of his mind which pierced through his brain like an icicle. Cloud held his head and his eyes narrowed as he relived the Nibelheim incident in his head. Flames surrounded him. Blood was everywhere. How could one person cause such destruction? The roar of the flames, the screams of the people, the cries of help from his mom. All of this caused by that one man. Sephiroth. "Are you ok Cloud?" Wakka said with concern in his voice. Cloud was pulled out of that nightmare and back into the real world, of course he was ok. "I'm fine. Let's get moving to that arena." Cloud replied which made Wakka and Tidus punch the air in success.
They arrived at the arena and saw groups of people waiting around outside. Cloud noticed they were all in groups of 3 and it looked like they were waiting for something. He and the guardians walked inside and went to the counter. "You here to sign up for the tournament?" The old guy said at the desk and Cloud shrugged "Tournament?" "You mean you don't know? Huh a tough lookin' guy like you not knowing about this tournament surprises me. Ok I'll explain it to you." the man decided. Cloud scratched the back of his head and said "I didn't ask wh-" "Warriors from all over Spira have gathered here to win a legendary sword. No one knows where it came from, but when it was found the sword was stuck in the ground just in front of some flowers almost like a memento to something. Cloud's eyes widened "Can I see this sword?" he asked and the old man nodded.
Cloud tensed up as the old man presented the sword to them. "Experts have found out it's name, but I can't remember it. The 'Basher Sword' or the 'Blunder Sword', something like that." "The Buster Sword." Cloud muttered and the man nodded frantically "That's it!". The other guardians could sense Cloud's anger as they all back off slowly however Yuna remained by his side. "You had no right to take that sword." he said quietly which made the old man burst out laughing. "Look kid stop acting as if you know why it was there alright. Now do you want to sign up or not?". Cloud looked behind him a few were shaking their heads a few were nodding their heads. Tidus Wakka and Rikku were all nodding, which was obvious, Auron and Lulu were shaking their heads and Kimahri didn't seem like he cared. The only opinion that mattered was Yuna's so he looked to her. "Go for it!" she shouted and Cloud smiled. "Sign me up." he said and the old guy replied "Actually you're required to have a team of three. Maybe two of your friends would join you." After Cloud made his decision it seemed as though there were enough teams to get started. The old man gave a stupid speech, which Cloud ignored, and then he announced that the tournament was under way.
Cloud, Tidus and Wakka waited for their first opponents. He had chosen Tidus and Wakka as he felt that they would have the most fun which is something everyone in the group needed at the moment. As they waited the other contestants gathered around the outside of the arena. Cloud stretched his muscles and prepared for the fight until he heard shouting. Tidus and Wakka were arguing with another team so Cloud went to investigate. "Look at them! They don't even have any armour!" one of them shouted while the others laughed. Cloud moved in front of Tidus and Wakka. "Is there a problem here?" he asked and they started laughing again. "What is this guy wearing!? You do realise it'll take a lot more than a shoulder pad to defend against attacks don't you!?". Cloud chuckled at their comment "And just who are you guys?" "We're the Musketeers of Luca! The name's Gunner." The leader said and the other two followed with "Mills." and "Xander.". Cloud chuckled to himself "Just watch us fight and then try to mock us."
Their opponents finally arrived. They met in the middle of the arena to shake hands. Cloud wasn't worried. "Tidus you take the small one, he'll be quick and agile so you will be able to keep up with him. I'll take the big one and Wakka you're take out their mage got it?" "Got it!" they both shouted. Cloud took out his sword and glanced over at his friends. They were all cheering for them and Cloud made eye contact with Yuna. He gave her a wink which made her blush and then smile. There was a small section for the referee where he stood and said "Ready? Fight!"
Cloud charged straight for the muscular warrior who was carrying a two-handed battle axe. He saw him readying a swing and knew exactly what to do. Cloud slide on the floor and went through his legs dodging the attack. The big guy managed to turn around just in time to block Cloud's strike. Cloud swung a few more times and backed him into a corner where he put his sword underneath the axe. He then pulled away disarming his opponent and swept him off his feet. It was an easy fight for Cloud and turning around to see Tidus and Wakka finish off their opponents as well made Cloud smirk. "Winners!" the referee shouted and Cloud walked straight towards the Musketeers. "See you in the final." was all Cloud said before praising Tidus and Wakka.
All the other fights were easy enough for Cloud, however Tidus and Wakka had been struggling since the quarter finals. They had managed to make it to the final and Cloud couldn't have been happier with his opponents. The Musketeers were to be their opponents. Cloud, Tidus and Wakka met them in the middle to shake their hands. Cloud made sure his grip was tight when he shook Gunner's hand. He made it very clear that he wasn't going to lose. The three of them went back to their corner and Cloud gave them their orders. "Alright I've been watching their fights and I've figured out all of ther fighting styles. Gunner is a long range attacker, Mills is close combat and Xander is a battle mage. Gunner will stay at the back while Mills and Xander take the fight to us so watch out for his attacks. You know how much that sword means to me so let's win this." Tidus and Wakka nodded and the three of them took out their weapons.
As soon as the ref shouted fight Cloud dived straight in. Just as he expected gunner stayed back while the other two came in close. Xander had some kind of spell that gave him a weapon and Mills just had a sword. Cloud blocked both of their attacks which allowed Tidus and Wakka to come in and get a clean hit on them. A range attack came in and Cloud barely stopped the electrical arrow from hitting Tidus. "You two focus on Gunner I'll take these two." Cloud ordered.
Rolling out of the way of a lightning blast Cloud sent his own lightning spell back at Xander. It landed and made him stumble backwards which gave Cloud time to fight Mills one on one. Cloud's first strike came in and Mills blocked it. He wasn't the fastest of people so Cloud used that to his advantage by launching a flurry of attacks. Eventually Mills couldn't keep up and Cloud managed to hit him to the ground disarming him at the same time and putting him out of the fight. A few ice spikes came in but Cloud was able to turn his body and dodge them. Cloud kept countering the spells with the opposite element or by blocking them with his sword. He slowly advanced on Xander and finally got him into a corner. Cloud struck his weapon and it immediately fell out of Xander's hands. With Xander's weapon on the floor Cloud swept him off his feet easily. When Cloud turned he saw Tidus and Wakka on the floor. How could they have been beaten by this idiot? Gunner was equipped with a bow and arrow. The bow was nothing special but he had many different arrows ranging from elemental to poisonous. Arrows came flying in at Cloud but he was able to deal with them easily. Cloud charged and just as he did an arrow was shot straight at him. It was only thanks to the mako in his blood that he was able to pull off such an impressive maneuver. Time slowed down as he examined the angle and speed of the arrow. He raised his sword and swung downwards slicing the arrow in half. Cloud lunged and attacked. His sword cut straight through the wooden bow like a knife through butter. Gunner was hit to the floor and Cloud was victorious.
"The tournament is over! The winners are Cloud, Tidus and Wakka!" The announcer exclaimed "Where's the sword?" Cloud asked and the old man walked towards the centre with the sword in his hand. Cloud was surprised at how the old guy was able to carry it so easily. He made his way to the centre and the old man said "Here is your prize. You've earned it Chocoboy!" as he handed Cloud the Buster sword. "How do you know about..." Cloud didn't finish his sentence. The old man flickered and Zack appeared for just a moment. Cloud sighed and muttered "God damn you Zack.". Zack laughed and said "I had to make sure you were ready for it. Anyway it gave you the chance to show off in front of your girlfriend, you should be thanking me." "Shut up." Cloud replied with a smirk on his face.
Cloud sheathed the Buster Sword as they continued to walk. "I knew you would win." Yuna said to Cloud with a smile on her face. Their hands came together again and they locked like two jigsaw pieces. "They were all amateurs. Nothing I couldn't handle," Cloud said playing it cool but Yuna just giggled "What's so funny?" he asked "You!" she replied full of laughter. Cloud smirked "So that's what it's gonna be like?" he said sarcastically. They made eye contact and Yuna's eyes widened "No!" she shouted while giggling. Cloud grabbed her and pulled her down to the floor. They started rolling down a hill and when they stopped Yuna was on top of Cloud. Grass was in both of their hair and both styles had been messed up. Yuna leaned in and kissed Cloud which he didn't complain about. "Get a room you two!" Wakka shouted from a top the hill. Everyone was staring at them and Yuna got up very quickly. She blushed a bit and laughed off her embarrassment. Cloud kicked up and landed on his feet. Judging from the big mountain towering over them Cloud knew that Gagazet wasn't far away. "So after Gagazet what's next?" he asked and what he heard was the worst thing he had heard in a long time. "Zanarkand." Lulu muttered.
It was Cloud's job to make sure Yuna wouldn't die and yet he still didn't figure out how he was going to do that. He had thought about trying to defeat the final aeon but if it could take down Sin what chance did he have? Cloud noticed that it had gone silent. Everyone was looking at Cloud, waiting for his big plan to save Yuna but he didn't have squat. "Let's keep moving." Cloud said as he turned to face Mt Gagazet.
Mt Gagazet. Home of the Ronso tribe. Cloud knew they were being watched, although he didn't know why. Suddenly two of the Ronsos jumped down from the mountain preventing the group from advancing. An older Ronso appeared from the entrance to the Gagazet climb he looked familiar as did the two that jumped down. "Summoner Yuna and guardians, you may not pass! The mountain will not bear the footsteps of infidels!" the older Ronso declared and one of the two bigger Ronsos added "Enemy of Yevon is enemy of Ronso! Leave, traitors!". Cloud recognised the two bigger Ronsos as Biran and Yenke, Kimhari had told him about the pair when Cloud first encountered them in Luca. "I have cast aside Yevon! I follow the temple no more!" Yuna stated boldly which seemed to hit a nerve as the older Ronso shouted "Then you will die by those words!"
Cloud knew that this wasn't the place to start a fight so he didn't take out his weapons as all the others did, instead he simply said "We are not the traitors. The maesters of Yevon are the traitors. They have gone against their own teachings and don't care what happens to their people." "Lord Kelk Ronso have you not also turned your back on Bevelle?" Lulu added which clicked Cloud's mind. He had heard of Kelk Ronso, he was a maester of Yevon however it seemed like he had left that position behind in Bevelle. "They're nothing but a bunch of low-down tricksters, eh?" Wakka said which was the statement Cloud had been waiting for. Wakka had finally turned his back on Yevon and accepted the truth. "We will not flee! We will fight and continue our journey to defeat Sin!" Yuna proclaimed "You have been branded a traitor, but still you would fight Sin? Lost to the temple, hated by the people, yet you continue your pilgrimage? Everything lost! What do you fight for?" Lord Kelk asked puzzled by their intentions. Yuna remained silent for a second and glanced at Cloud who nodded. She nodded back and said "I fight for Spira. The people long for the Calm. Defeating Sin, ending their pain and suffering... this I can do." The former maester looked down for a few seconds before turning his back and ordering the Ronso to stand down.
As they made their way up the mountain they were stopped almost immediately. The two idiots Biran and Yenke were waiting for them looking to cause trouble. "What do you two want?" Cloud asked and Biran began to speak "Summoner may pass. Guardians may pass. Kimahri not pass!" Yenke then said "Forget his people, forget his mountain. Little Ronso! Weakling Ronso!". Cloud was about to speak up until Kimahri beat him to it. "Then I must prove my strength!" he disclosed which seemed to surprise the two Ronso. "You think you will win? You not forget who took your horn?" Biran boasted and Yenke piled on with "Hornless! Hornless! Kimahri never beat brother Biran!" "This time, I win. I will win!" Kimahri declared. Cloud stopped Tidus from jumping in. "This is Kimahri's problem and he will handle it." Cloud told Tidus who didn't seem happy about the decision.
Kimahri showed great strength in his fight. Although he was half the size of Biran and Yenke he matched them for strength easily. It was obvious that his time traveling with Cloud and the others had greatly improved his skill as a warrior as he struck down the two Ronso. "Strong is Kimahri. Biran is Happy." Biran said as he knelt on the ground. He stood to face the mountain and clamoured "Sacred Mount Gagazet! I honour the name of strong warrior that defeats Biran! Remember always Gagazet! That name is Kimahri!"
Although Kimahri's victory was impressive Cloud didn't think it was necessary for the entire Ronso tribe to sing the Hymn of the Fayth to them. Despite this they continued their climb. The winds were brutal. It was like a thousand knives were being impaled into Cloud's skin, although he didn't complain. "I can't take this cold anymore!" Tidus complained "Ya me too! I think my fingers are about to freeze!" Wakka added. Cloud chuckled and said "Wimps. I've been in far worse than this." "Shut it Bubby!" Wakka said with a grin. "Yeah Cloud shut up!" Yuna said with a giggle as she threw a snowball at Cloud's face. A grin crept on his face as he wiped the snow off. Soon enough there was an all out war. Snow flew through the air and it was every man for himself. Everyone was laughing and this time it was genuine. Rikku and Yuna had ganged up on Cloud. They sent wave after wave of snowballs and Cloud barely dodged them. He took cover and Yuna closed in. She jumped on him and they rolled through the snow in each others arms. They were both laughing and having a good time. Cloud sat up and looked over at Tidus and Rikku who were in a similar position to him and Yuna. "Hey, check it out." Cloud said to Yuna while pointing at Tidus and Rikku who were kissing each other.
It looked like Tidus had finally made his move. Back in the Calm Lands Tidus had asked Cloud for some advice on girls. Cloud had told him to just be himself and when the time seemed right just go for it. It seemed that that time was now as they got up with their hands interlocked. Tidus made eye contact with Cloud and Cloud winked at Tidus in a teasing fashion which made Tidus give him a sarcastic face. Cloud chuckled to himself, he was happy for them both. "I told you they would end up together." Cloud said Yuna who shook her head and protested "I told you!". The two of them grinned and shared a kiss before carrying on their tedious climb up the mountain.
After defeating countless fiends they had almost made it to the top of the mountain. They made it to a bypass where Rikku stopped Cloud and Tidus. "What's this about? I hope I'm not interupting your lover time." Cloud taunted with a wink which was met by a punch in the arm from Rikku. "It's about Yuna. Zanarkand is just on the other side. Have either of you two thought of anything yet?" Rikku asked and they both shook their heads. Cloud didn't want them to worry so he said "Don't worry. It will all come together." they both nodded however their faces dropped as they pointed behind Cloud. As Cloud turned he saw the blue haired freak himself. Seymour.
"You dare show your face in front of me?" Cloud asked. Seymour just smirked and then he began to laugh. "Stand back." Cloud ordered Tidus and Rikku who protested. "We're fighting too!" Rikku exclaimed but when Cloud gave them the look they went silent and ran to get the others. "What is it you want Seymour?" Cloud asked and Seymour laughed "Spoken with confidence just like a true member of SOLDIER. Oh wait forgive me, you were never in SOLDIER." Cloud's eyes widened. He made a fist and drew the his fusion sword "How do you know about SOLDIER? Answer me!" Cloud demanded but Seymour just laughed. "You bastard!" Cloud shouted as he raised his sword "Save some for Kimahri" Cloud heard from behind him. Seymour raised his eyebrows and said "Allow me to say something to the last Ronso before I leave. Yours was...a truly gallant race. They threw themselves at me to bar my path. One...after another.". Kimahri's grip tightened and he roared with anger. "I have joined forces with Sephiroth to become a god and rule over all worlds! None of you will stop us!" Seymour bellowed and Cloud replied "Can't you see he's using you!" "No one uses Seymour Guado!". Cloud couldn't knock any sense into Seymour using words so he raised his sword and charged into battle. As he did Jenova ascended from behind Seymour from the edge of the cliff. "You fool! I will crush you all!" Seymour exclaimed as he merged with Jenova creating a new beast that had the combine powers of both Seymour and Jenova.
Cloud launched himself at the beast and swung his sword. Seymour's giant lance intercepted Cloud's attack and staggered Cloud backwards causing an opening for Seymour to strike him. He was sent flying backwards through the air and hit the rocky mountain wall. Cloud landed in the snow on his stomach. Blood dripped from his lip and stained the white snow red. The others had engaged battle with Seymour using all of their strength to keep him at bay. Cloud used his sword to help pull himself up to his feet. his vision began to clear up and his eyes were fixed on Yuna. She was holding up well and Cloud was impressed. At that moment Seymour hit her and sent her flying backwards. All of the guardians turned their attention to her and stopped fighting Seymour. Seymour was just laughing behind them and Cloud watched with anger. His eyes had began glowing brightly and flames had surrounded him from his aura of pure anger. Seymour had just made the biggest mistake of his life! Cloud focused on Seymour and lunged towards him. He blocked Seymour's feeble attempt to hit Cloud and struck Seymour. Cloud kept attacking Seymour again and again and again.
Seymour's body had completely dissolved and Cloud finally stopped swinging. Cloud walked over to Yuna's side and asked "Are you alright?". His question made her chuckle. She sat up and said "I'm fine don't worry." "How did you do that!?" Wakka exclaimed. Cloud shrugged "I've learnt to channel my anger and make it increase my strength rather than just aimlessly swinging my sword. Although you couldn't see it I thought about where I was swinging and when I needed to block Seymour's attacks." "The sign of a true warrior. Maybe it is possible." Auron muttered under his breath. Cloud turned to him "Huh?" "Let's keep moving." Auron said as he walked to the cave just past the by pass, to the entrance...to Zanarkand.