Chapter 21

Cloud POV

"There's the signal," Cloud noticed and sprang into action. Vincent flew down and provided cover with his supernatural abilities as Barret showered bullets from somewhere above. Before Tifa could reach the Lifestream's surface, Yuffie jumped across and brought Tifa to safety, sticking her tongue out at Sephiroth's rage below. Noting Tifa's safe proximity, Cloud leapt deftly onto the platform, landing in front of Kadaj. His shocked look of annoyance was priceless as Cloud launched at him with his Buster sword and sparks flew between the two 'brothers.'

Vincent got a good strike at Loz for Yuffie and Tifa before taking on a power more equal to his in Yazoo. The young man smirked as Vincent cockily pointed his gun and fired, only to be disappointed as Yazoo feinted and got a few good shots of his own in.

Barret landed on top of Loz after launching himself off the platform, only to be surprised by a shock of electricity through his leg and pulled back. Loz laughed at this and went on the offensive as he blocked Barret's bullets before receiving a kick to the chest and flying backwards. Landing gracefully, Loz stared at Barret. "Is that all you got pops?"

Tifa POV

Yuffie was quickly untying Tifa as she watched the spectacle unfold before her. Tifa hugged the girl before turning back to the battle.

"Let's go." She made as to jump but Yuffie caught her arm.

"Cloud said to wait here."

"Do you always do what you're told?"

The ninja's eyes widened at the thought and she glared at her stubborn friend before jumping into the brawl, Tifa on her heels.

It's good to be back she thought as she helped beat Loz, Barret standing back as her limbs flailed.

"Damn girl," was all he said, in awe at the wailing she had just given.

"I owed him," was all she said in explanation as she left him to finish up and headed to lend Vincent a hand.

Vincent POV

"What are you doing?" Vincent asked Tifa, sounding sharper than he meant to.

"Good to see you, too." She remarked sarcastically as she stood by him, facing Yazoo.

"You're not supposed to be here," he clarified, slightly grateful for her nearness and assistance, though he would never admit it. "Yuffie was assigned to-"

"Yuffie is not my keeper and neither is Cloud," she answered defiantly.

"Fair enough."

"Are you two done yet or do you need a few more minutes?" Yazoo asked, slightly bored.

"You in a hurry to get your ass kicked? Fine by me." Tifa said and shared a look with Vincent before aiming a high kick at Yazoo's head. He side stepped it as expected and was met by Vincent's bullets on his other side, frantically trying to block them. Tifa and Vincent continued on the offensive, both playing to their strengths as Yazoo grew tired of being on the defensive but still didn't fold, ever determined.

Cloud POV

Kadaj flailed irrationally until Cloud had him backed into a corner before he jumped to the lower level below the tank, disappearing from view. Quickly, Cloud followed, only to see that something was terribly wrong.

His allies were spread out in the middle of various battles; Yuffie and Barret were against Loz while Yazoo was faced with Vincent and Tifa. Tifa? Before he could react, he watched as Kadaj stabbed Vincent in the shoulder, effectively pinning him to the wall.

Vincent POV

Vincent grunted in pain as Kadaj's long blade pierced through his shoulder blade clean to the wall behind him. He couldn't move and watched helplessly while Tifa faced off against the skilled maniac. She got in a few good kicks and threw him against the side of the tank, satisfied that Kadaj's weapon was out of reach.

"Tifa!" Vincent yelled as she turned towards him, distracted. Kadaj grabbed her from behind and pinned her arms behind her, placing a small blade from his hidden sheath across her throat.