Chapter XXV: All Guns and No Glory

His wings erupted from his back and Hell Raiser appeared at his side. He spit blood from his mouth in rage. The cave's cage wasn't going to hold this demon. Shadow threw his gun at the cell door and let off a devistating round that blew the iron barred door off its hinges and into the cave wall across the passageway. The angry angel stepped out of the small cavity and took a look to its left and then its right. He had to find the others and get them out of this place. But where was he anyway? The ashen skinned being walked through the passage, cutting corners left and right. Lights aligned the walls of the long halls, illuminating his way. His silver eyes glimmered through the shade of his hood as they searched for sign of anyone, until the roaring sound of masses began to be heard. Shadow quickened his steps searching for what sounded like a passive crowd. What could possibly be going on to cause such a noise. Shadow reached a breach from the passage to find a colossal dome. The deafening claps and thunderous roars of the croud of thousands echoed through the massive cave arena, suddenly stopping for a quick moment for a gunshot to sound and began to blare again. Shadow searched for the cause of this glee from the strange looking beings. His eyes narrowed toward the center of the arena where five people sat on their knees and many others that he instantly knew what had happend to them. The smell of death was in the air. Shadow's eyes narrowed with anger as he gave a growl from the pit of his throat.

Shelke turned to the others who all had a grim expression in their faces. Cloud who had been beaten to the point of near death, due to rebelance, tried to himself up so the soldier gaurding him wouldn't begin the onslaught on him again. Tifa, second to last, just stared at her knees saying a prayer under her breath. Cid mummbled curses under his breath at the men behind him. Yuffie sat expressionless, as if she was awaiting her invitable end. It was clear none of them wished to watch what was about to take place. The first two men where enough of a sight. Shelke lowered her head in hearing the gun lock and load. Its was her turn. She slowly shut her eyes waiting for eternity. The crowd grew silent as a man that took his place as a king, raised his arm for silence. "Good bye, everyone..." She mannaged to let out with a whimper.

BOOOM!

Shelke paused for a moment before opening her eyes. Cerberus fell to her side, giving her a shiver from the cold steel. She was still alive. Two spike toed boots landed gently before her. She slowly lifted her head to find the brother of Chaos glaring down at her with his daunting silver glowing eyes. The crowd gasped in astonishment by the sight of him. Shadow turned to the man who looked to be in charge. He seemed to be of importance due to his strange tribal outfit. Bright yellow eyes watched Shadow as he began to draw nearer to him.

"What is going on here!?" Shadow boomed, commanding an answer.

"So you are The Shadow?" The man asked with a skeptical expression. "This thing isn't something to worship...He is just all guns and no glory!" He said aloud for the crowds to hear.

"Just because I left you in charge, Mentiroso," a voice said walking down the walkway between the seats of spectators. "Does not mean you can doubt the following!" Kain stepped onto the rocky podium making his way infront of Shadow and fronting the leader. The anger was clear in his face. "My father wouldn't think fond of it... Nor would he be fond of the killings of innocent people... What are you doing!?"

The man lowered his head in a bow. "I am sorry, Minister Kain. Forgive me. I thought sacrifices were necessary."

"For the willing!" Kain howled back. "You know no one is to be sacrificed unless they are part of the clan and have gone through years of study!"

"Please forgive me of my foolishness, Minister Kain." The man repeated.

"Foolish is what you are!" Kain blurted in anger. "You are relieved of your duties, Mentiroso! Leave my sight!" The man bowed his head lower and made his way from the podium and out of sight. Shadow followed him leave. Something about this Mentiroso made him feel uneasy. After a moment of studying the man, he turned to the dead crew members of the Shira and then to the others, a look of relief overwhelming them. The

"Let them go..." Shadow said picking up Cerberus off the stone floor.

"You must first show me your keeper... Salem..." Kain returned.

Shadows eyes shifted from one guard to another. There were a total of six, one being killed by his shot and then to his friends.

"They will not be harmed. I give you my word, my lord."

"Very well..." He said as a wing began to retract into his back, and then the other. His arm guards began to follow through back to the wrist band around his wrist and Hell Raiser vanished with a show of light. After being fully altered into his normal self. Salem's red eyes opened to look apon Kain.

"What the-" Salem said stunned. "Kain!?"

"Yes! It is me!" Kain said with a laugh, waving his hand for the others to be released. "I have heard of your travel... It has been a long one..."

Salem's eyes shifted with his body. "Where in the hell are we?" He asked plainly.

"The Northern Sand Mountains... Our living place."

"I didn't know there were more of you... How have you been?"

Mentiroso

"Great my friend." Kain looked over at the beaten Cloud. "Take him to get medical help... And give all of them a great meal." Kain shook his head in shame. "Damn that Mentiroso. I am sorry for what has happend today... I have been looking for you. I have much to notify you about."

"About what?" Salem asked. Watching the others being lead away. "Wait... I'm going with them."

"If that is what you wish..." Kain smiled before leading Salem behind the others.

"So what do you need to talk to me about?"

"Why your brother along with my father and a few others from the clan have been taken and why Genesis wants you..."

"What is a Genesis?" Salem asked loading Cerberus.

"He is The Angel of Despair... The last of Underground... But in recent weeks our scouts have seen Underground Soldiers searching the desert for us."

"Underground is-"

"A organization that tried to destroy the earth nearly a year ago. But your brother stopped them and the Tviets..."

"I heard..." Salem said setting the gun in his holster, as they reached a massive passageway for high rank tribe memebers. "So what do they want with me and Vincent?"

"You are only two of the Angels of Ending, The earths last preparation for the end." Kain said grimly.

"What exactly do you mean?"

"The planet has started its failsafe plan. When Omega fails, the earth starts the second plan of action to end itself thus up bringing the Five Angels."

"And we are suposed to end it along with the other three..."

"But you are the key, Salem..."

"What do you mean?"

"There are only three angels walking the earth." Kain explained. "You; Shadow, Vincent; Chaos, Decimus; War, and Genesis, Despair. Decimus and Genesis are looking for you."

"Why?" Salem said stopping. He stood at the doorway of a massive dining room. Though it still had the requirments of a cave, it was a place for a king. Tapestries hung from the wall stopping only inches away from the marble floor. The table was gigantic and even before anyone had sat down, food was being placed on it.

"Because the last angel does not walk the earth... Yet... Havok; The Eternity Angel... The true Harvester of Souls." Kain returned. Salem gave a grim look, fear in his eyes even hearing the name. "I know you know where he dwells... You are the only one capable to walk between realms... They need you to release him..."

"I won't... They can't make me-"

"You don't understand... You yourself know what happend to us over thrity years ago, Salem... You were chosen by him, not me... He comes and goes when he pleases... You won't be able to stop him from giving them the chance to use you..." Kain's face became more serious than ever. It was clear he cared for him as if he was his own brother. "You cannot continue to find, Vincent. Thats just the opportunity they need."

Salem paused. It was true, he couldn't control the beast inside of him. Though, what had happend only hours ago had made him think. He over came him, used Shadow to his own advantage. Salem watched his friends as they ate. He felt sorry for bringing them into this... And even felt sorry for Cloud, just a little bit. "I'll find a way, Kain..." He said before turning to Kain. "But he's my brother... I have to find him..."