Author's Notes: Thank you all so much for the wonderful feedback you have left me on the last couple of updates! I do apologize if I miss any comments, I have meant to post this sooner but keep distracting myself with other works and I hope that those who are still following this story can enjoy this new chapter. Thanks for reading! More is coming soon!
"I think both of you should concentrate on the spellcaster while I take on the swordsman head-to-head."
The leader of the Powerhands was standing over a circular table discussing strategy for the next match with the other two members of his team.
The three figures standing together all wore sophisticated metal armor, each person in a different style. The leader had a full set of equipment covering his arms, legs, and chest made from steel and a helmet linked to some type of wireless technology. The armor looked indestructible, and the weapons attached to his gear looked capable of tremendous damage.
The fighters were standing in a waiting room outside of the battle gate. The space was empty except for a few chairs, a television on the wall, and a table used as the centerpiece of a meaningful conversation.
"Do you think that's the right move, Tony? The guy looks really strong, and we can defend better if we stay in formation during the match."
The man known as Tony looked back at the woman in the group and answered with a grave nod.
"From the research I've done and the scouting given for each team in the group bracket, it looks like the girl has more firepower than the swordsman, don't worry, we aren't underestimating either of them, but I need you both to keep her pinned down while I take him out first. After I neutralize the guy, we can finish her off together and move on to the next round. This match will have to end quickly if we want to advance."
The other two members of the Powerhands nodded in agreement as the third fighter asked his question in response.
"Should we go on offense or defense against the magician? If she packs as much of a punch as you say maybe def-"
Tony interrupted the suggestion.
"Offense… Don't let her build up any energy or momentum for a spell. If she can find an opening, she will punish all of us for it. Hit her with everything you have so she has to defend…otherwise, we will get blasted with something we are not expecting. Beck's Badasses had them outnumbered twelve to two, and she obliterated most of that group in one shot."
The door connected to the room opened, and the gatekeeper made his announcement.
"Powerhands; after this last semi-final match in the solo bracket is done, your group will be fighting against Cloud and Aerith. I'll call you to the arena once the field is ready. The match between Stone Heart and White Widow will be available on TV in here if you want to watch."
Kyle made his departure as the group acknowledged the warning.
"So, we are agreed on the plan? Keep the girl pinned down until I neutralize her boyfriend. After he is knocked out, we can surround her and finish the round easily enough."
Tony and his allies agreed on their battle strategy as they turned on the nearby television to watch the solo tournament's last semi-final match.
"Does this screw up anything we have planned?!"
The angry behavior of Don Corneo was barreling through the enclosed room as the crime lord showed impatience and worry from the outcome of the previous battle that had taken place within the last hour.
The funny-shaped boss was shouting and bouncing up and down in his leather chair as the cigar moving around in his mouth came dangerously close to falling to the floor.
Scotch and Kotch were standing in Corneo's executive suite near the press boxes in the coliseum arena as the chaos of the last battle's ending hovered over the atmosphere of the naturally jubilant sounds that came from within the circular structure. The somber ambiance moved through the airspace as the crowd stayed quiet in stillness and attentiveness from the last battle's outcome.
"Not really boss, it might affect the amount of Gil that goes into the next match because gamblers typically don't like to see draws in the outcome but overall, it won't change much from our end."
The gangster put a hand to his forehead; his patience with the events running through the week was about to reach its end as he thought about what to do next. Anxiety and frustration sounded through every word as the boss shouted his orders through the room.
"Both of you need to get back out there and fire up the crowd for the next round! It's time for our dark horse in this whole event to show us why we are betting on her to take it all."
The final match of the semi-finals was about to begin. The White Widow was going to face off against Stone Heart for one of two spots in the solo bracket's Finals.
"But before you both do that, I have an idea…we need to get everyone back into the spirits of Wall Market glory."
The two announcers looked at each other with puzzled expressions. Scotch asked what their leader meant by his last sentence.
"What did you have in mind, boss?"
"You look worried, Cloud."
Aerith was sitting on a bench in a different waiting room by the battle gate. The power couple went inside to sit down after learning about the other two warriors' demise from the earlier match. While deaths were not uncommon in the coliseum, hearing about two mighty gladiators' fatal fate brought worry and fear into the mind of the mercenary from sector seven.
He had promised Elmyra he would protect Aerith, he was now dangerously close to putting her in harm's way again, and if anything happened to the flower girl, Cloud would never forgive himself. Learning of such powerful fighters' deaths within the last hour reminded the swordsman how easy it would be to lose the person who mattered more to him than anyone else.
The blonde fighter continued to pace the room as he answered Aerith's concern.
"I am thinking about what's coming next; we are about to fight the best of the best…. I don't know if-"
The Cetra spoke over the fear that was building in Cloud's mind. She had a strong point she wanted to get across.
"You and I are fighting together for a reason, Cloud…We aren't doing this for the money…. we are not fighting for fame or to see Don Corneo's stupid mansion. You have a person who needs your help, a friend who is trapped in that big house, and I'm going to help you win these next couple of matches so you can save her. Please don't be afraid."
Cloud was about to speak as the flower girl shot up and stood right in front of him. They were standing face to face as Aerith continued.
"You won't let anything happen to me just like I won't let anything happen to you. We are a team, remember?"
The SOLDIER didn't need to be reminded that they were indeed a team; his fear still stayed bottled in the depths of his heart as he stared at the face of this mysterious girl he cared deeply for. There was only one more thing to say as the conflicted young man struggled with the intense emotions that stayed buried in his chest.
"Promise me we will both make it to the end together…... We will enter Corneo's mansion together."
He didn't mean to do it, but the stoic fighter found himself holding Aerith's hand. While they were both familiar with the concept of holding one another's hands, the situations outside of Wall Market had not been construed as intimate whenever the action would take place.
This abstraction seemed to have changed as the spellcaster looked into her bodyguard's eyes while realizing the man standing in front of her was holding perfectly still and was shining with powerful confidence waiting on her answer. This was a definitive change in the person she had started to spend time with only a couple of days ago. Still, the difference in behavior was incredible to witness as the magical girl understood what was happening.
The man whose eyes shook nervously back in their hotel room was gone. He had evolved, the events of the week had brought him to stare into the face of the person he fought side by side with, and time had a funny way of showing what was most important to you when staring into a field of danger.
Aerith smiled at Cloud's determination, she knew a conflict was brewing inside of Cloud's brain, but that was to be expected when his primary fear was her safety. The spellcaster nodded as she held onto the swordsman's sturdy grip.
The two fighters held onto one another as Aerith returned her partner's sentiment with one of her own. Her smile lit up the entire room as she responded.
"We will enter the mansion and leave Wall Market together; I know we will."
The girl from sector five made the promise because she knew it would happen. The energetic partner felt deep down in her heart that their strength would overcome any obstacle or opponent thrown at them because the two partners could rise above any challenge that met them head-on. The confidence Aerith held in her relationship with Cloud far outweighed any fear or hesitation that could meet up with either of their worries.
A familiar voice opened the nearby door and made an announcement.
"Hey; Cloud, Aerith. Your match with the Powerhands will be coming up soon. You will both be called to the field after the last semi-final match in the solo round. If you wish to watch the White Widow fight against Stone Heart, you can see the action on TV in here."
Kyle finished his instructions and shut the door as Cloud and Aerith returned a thank you for the warnings.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we know you are ready for another round!"
The crowd's sounds were much lower than expected, as many empty seats showed for the first time since the tournament had started. Scotch and Kotch had their work cut out for them as death and gloom hung over the balance of excitement and joy that was usually pouring out from the glory of battle inside of Wall Market.
"We both felt the pain of the final ending from the last match, but the Don never disappoints!"
As the scattered sounds of small cheers started to rise within the crowd, an unexpected act that was a once-in-a-lifetime event caused the entire group of spectators to focus on the spotlight.
Don Corneo opened the door to his suite and waved to the masses in person from the front balcony to his private room. Guards, tournament officials, and thugs were flocking him on both sides for added security. Still, the Don himself was waving to the crowd to restoke the fires of competitive gambling and interest in gladiator combat.
As many stragglers in the public corridors and lobbies rushed back to their seats to get a physical view of the criminal warlord himself, Kotch made the following announcement over the sound system.
"We know our wonderful Don is a generous and giving man! But he has a message for all of you. HE WISHES TO SAY HIMSELF!"
The softened tones of the crowd started to disappear as the volume intensified inside the arena. The strategy Corneo and his lackeys were using was brilliant. Don Corneo was the equivalent of a folk hero for the mysterious underside of Wall Market. The criminal mastermind's exploits were discussed in hushed tones, and everyone in the slums knew who he was. Despite all of these truths, very few people had the privilege or ability to see him face to face. The sight before the crowd broke many barriers that had never been pushed before the events of the evening.
As pandemonium started to encompass within the stands, everyone quieted down to listen to Don Corneo discuss the tournament's status as the excitement built inside the unique structure in the sector five slums.
"My fellow citizens of sector six! I hope you are having a wonderful time here this evening!"
There was an explosion of applause as the crowd rejoiced at listening to the big man himself. Listening to Corneo speak in person was worth the admission price to a majority of the people standing in the building.
"Just like in life, we have unexpected outcomes that challenge us every day. But know this; we can never let the setbacks of our day keep us from enjoying the rest of the week!"
The cheering continued; a few people in the crowd looked annoyed at the attempt to restore positive emotion for battle. Still, the bulk of the mob in the stands was hanging on every word, and the desperate attempt to reinvigorate the thirst for violence appeared to be working.
"I know many of us will keep a space in our hearts for Shockwave and Tradewind as they were both experienced fighters who kept us entertained for years here in our beloved home of Wall Market, but I assure you, I know myself that their wish would be for all of us to keep going on this wonderful adventure together!"
The sentiment shared by Corneo had lit the spark. The large portion of the crowd cheering on the powerful slum boss had started to chant for more destruction and bloodshed as the shouts of encouragement rained down into the depths of the arena.
"We will honor their memories by continuing in what their final wishes would be for all of us to keep going into battle just like it's the last day! Just like in life, my friends! I bring you the last semi-final match of the solo round myself! Give it up for the White Widow and your very own gladiator Stone Heart!"
The spotlight had lifted from Corneo's body as the floor of the arena filled with lights that shined overhead, and the two fighters walked to the center of the circular ring below.
The speech had done its job; Don Corneo had everyone cheering and gambling again; the criminal mastermind had seemed to not lose any steps over the years and was still a master at manipulation and misdirection. The large boss continued to wave and smile as the crowd cheered on the announcers who spoke over the rise of mayhem within the stands.
"We knew the generous Don would bring us the words of wisdom we all needed tonight! Ladies and Gentlemen, please give it up for our next two fighters as they begin their match!"
White Widow calmly took a bow in appreciation towards her opponent.
The fighter known as Stone Heart towered above as he stood at least a foot taller than his competition. He wore leather armor with a metal helmet and carried a massive two-handed axe that appeared to be old-fashioned as the fighter had no firearms or materia on his body.
This was going to be a traditional slugfest, at least from one side.
The tall warrior returned the bow given by his enemy as the music volume increased, and the crowd roared for the start of the battle.
The announcers quickly spoke through the introductions.
"With a record of two wins and zero losses, give it up for our special newcomer, The White Widow!"
There was a scattering of applause and cheers as the graceful fighter took a stance in front of her enemy. She was preparing to attack.
"And with a record of eleven wins and five losses, let's hear it for our legend of the axe! STONE HEART!"
The cheering difference was easy to witness as the spectators' mob clapped loudly for the well-known fighter as Scotch and Kotch shouted over the encouragement. The gong was struck as the words were spoken loudly over the speakers.
"LET THE FIGHT BEGIN!"
"What do you think about this fight, Cloud?"
Aerith had asked the question as the swordsman stood still with his arms crossed, looking at the spectacle being broadcasted on the television.
"They appear to be evenly matched, but I would say it all depends on whether or not the faster fighter has materia in her weapon. If she does, this won't be a long battle. Stone Heart relies on toughness and strength. Those elements can only get you so far in today's fast-paced world."
The flower girl agreed as she leaned her head against Cloud's shoulder. The power couple watched the fight with interest as they both remained quiet while studying the event playing on the screen.
"WHOA! What a move! Look at her go!"
White Widow had done an impressive backflip as Stone Heart made a vertical chopping motion with the broad axe pounding into the ground with full force. Chunks of rock and dirt splintered to scatter in all directions as the crowd yelled for more.
"Get her Stone Heart! Keep chopping away!"
The masked fighter appeared to be faster than her opponent and was using her speed to wear down the impressively sized enemy as the match continued.
The impressive specimen was robust and didn't let the misses slow him down as the axe-wielder chopped away at the mysterious fighter over and over again. None of the attacks found their target as the girl known as White Widow made the afternoon's first connection.
The quick fighter used her speed and reflexes to counterattack the powerful opponent over the side of the head and contacted the large man's temple.
The giant hero almost toppled over as he dropped his weapon and reached for the side of his head in agony.
The warrior was not precisely soft by any means. His body appeared to be all muscle, and he handled his heavy weapon with power and experience, but the small fighter appeared to be ready for his attacks and countered with a perfect opening and incredible precision.
The White Widow knew how to fight; she also learned how to analyze her opponents' weaknesses, which made her dangerous. Scotch and Kotch reacted to the events that had just occurred.
"The newcomer has shown she belongs in the finals! Can Stone Heart overcome this setback, or will we get another upset today?!"
Stone Heart looked pissed off and miserable. The massive warrior took his helmet off and threw it at White Widow, who calmly ducked, so the projectile flew over her head without making any contact. The piece of armor clattered in the background as it landed on the ground in the distance.
The angry fighter once again picked up his weapon and shouted with frustration as the attacks started to pick back up.
White Widow waited for another opening with patience before finding the next place to strike. The opportunity presented itself as a horizontal swing was ducked, and the fast fighter hit the tall opponent across the face with a powerful strike with the rod that was now held in her hand.
While the counterattack was successful, White Widow didn't realize her opponent's strength as he dropped his axe and grabbed onto her arms with his massive hands. The crowd started going nuts.
"Crush Her! SMASH HER STONE HEART! FINISH HER OFF!"
The setback was dangerous for the new fighter, but she was stronger than she looked as Stone Heart tried to smash her frame in his grip. White Widow's mask almost flew up as she used her teeth to bite at the large man's wrist, which caused the massive opponent to loosen his hold on her and the smaller gladiator used the opening to swing her body and kick the tall foe in the head.
Stone Heart could have used his helmet in this scenario as the muscular fighter started seeing stars from the blow he took above his eyes. White Widow fell out of his arms and used her rod to strike into the enemy's weak point multiple times with fantastic agility and strength.
The angry giant fell to the ground with a large thud as the crowd starting screaming. The result was mixed as many citizens sensed the upset growing in the arena.
"COME ON, STONE HEART! DON'T LET HER WIN! GET UP!"
The giant stirred as he struggled to regain his balance; blood was trickling down from the top of his head as he had taken multiple blows from the fast-paced opponent.
The announcers were in on the action.
"What a round! Can Stone Heart keep it up?! Do not look away, my fellow lovers of mayhem! This fight is everything we asked for and more!"
The smaller fighter held her weapon out horizontally and issued a grave warning.
"Please stop this…the battle is over…I don't want to keep hitting you. Surrender with pride, or you will get dragged out of here."
The hometown hero shouted in defiance as he started running towards his opponent. His arms were outstretched as he closed the distance between the two of them.
"YOU WILL DIE!"
The crowd cheered in support as the big fighter ran at full speed. The White Widow remained rooted in her stance as she allowed the space to close before unleashing her first magic attack of the afternoon.
"Then I am sorry…. but I have to do this…... I didn't want to…"
A lightning spell fired from the rod hit Stone Heart at full strength as the tall fighter was blown backward, landing on the earth and crashing with a loud thud as the entire arena stood speechless at the final attack.
Scotch and Kotch stood open-mouthed, and the entire space in the coliseum fell quiet for a second before the cheers and booing started.
"My fellow spectators! WE HAVE A WINNER! WHAT AN UPSET! Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for our finalist! WHITE WIDOW!"
The relatively unknown fighter was solemn and quiet as she walked back to the gate. She showed no interest in taking in the crowd's cheers or boos and calmly walked back to a waiting room outside of the metal barrier.
Cloud stayed still as he processed the fight that he just witnessed on the screen. Aerith looked at the television, then back at the mako-infused eyes, then back at the screen again to try and understand what her partner was thinking. She had stopped holding onto his hand and shoulder and was calmly walking around the room as the solo fight came to an end. The flower girl wondered if she should speak up before the SOLDIER broke the silence.
"Are you bored? Standing in here, waiting with me?"
Cloud asked the question with concern as he finally took his eyes off of the screen and looked at Aerith's face. This caused the Cetra to smile as she realized her partner was trying to bond with her now that his research of the previous fight had come to an end. The quick-witted girl shook her head before speaking up.
"Just trying to pass the time. Our fight is coming up soon. Are you nervous, Cloud?"
The mercenary was definitely nervous, but something in his partner steadied his concern. The stoic swordsman was far from ardent in many situations but felt the need to explain himself as he felt a strong desire to express his feelings. He calmly walked over and amazed the girl from sector five by calmly embracing her.
Cloud was always full of surprises, but even Aerith wasn't expecting him to hug her at this moment as she looked up to see the brilliant blue eyes glow. His expression could only be described as…...happy? Was Cloud Strife actually satisfied at this moment? It was a lot to take in as the bodyguard spoke over his action.
"I am terrified of what might happen…...but there's no one else I'd rather have fighting with me today… You were right, you know…."
There was a slight smirk on his lips, the buster sword laid up against the wall as Cloud's hands were on Aerith's back as she laid the inside of both of her hands on the solid chest muscles that supported her small frame. At the same time, her emerald orbs studied the affection that caressed her spirit and body as the last ancient responded.
"Hmmm?... What was I right about Cloud?"
The smiling woman tilted her head to the side in an adorable fashion while loving every minute of the embrace the two fighters were sharing together. She rarely felt the affectionate side of her partner, even though the two had gotten closer as the events of the week brought them together in so many different ways. The relationship aspect of their interactions had always been one-sided, as Aerith had always been the one who initiated any physical contact that occurred between the two of them.
Cloud taking charge was definitely a change of pace as the quiet bodyguard answered the question.
"…...That I wanted to kiss you."
Aerith's brain was exploding even though she kept a calm expression on her face with a small smile that slowly started to increase as her partner's desire was audibly brought into the room. The smirk Cloud held on his own face didn't go away.
"And do you still feel that way now?... Hmmmmm?"
There would be no more talking as Cloud closed his eyes; the flower girl echoed this action herself as their lips came dangerously close before something snapped both of them back to reality. The door to the waiting room had opened, and Kyle was addressing both of them.
"OK guys, you ca-"
The gatekeeper stopped midsentence as he realized he had just walked in on something he shouldn't have walked in on.
"Oh…damn…sorry you two. Didn't mean to interrupt. Well, uh….yeah….You guys can go out to the field now…. I'm rooting for you both…..take good care of each other and all that…..yeah, I'm gonna go."
The awkward moment passed as the door closed and Cloud let go of Aerith. He walked over to the buster sword before swinging it onto his back. The flower girl could have sworn she heard a grunt of frustration as she shouted profanities in her head.
("SERIOUSLY! COME ON! Can we not catch a break?!")
Cloud walked over to the door before turning back around to his partner. The smirk was gone as he addressed the deflated moment of frustration.
"Maybe it's like the time you taught me how to high five…. Don't worry…... we'll get there together."
Aerith's smile returned in full force as she skipped over to the mercenary and landed right in front of him. Her happiness blossomed above the atmosphere as she gave her rebuttal.
"Yes…. We will."
Cloud opened the door, and the power couple walked over to the gate together.
"YES, YES YES YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!"
Don Corneo was looking at the receipts for the last match's gambling results, and as he expected, the gangster was swimming in the triumph of an enormous victory.
Scotch and Kotch added numbers and brought in extra hands to help process all of the confusion as the giant boss shouted in glee.
"I TOLD YOU, BOTH! DIDN'T I?!"
Scotch set down his phone to pick up another clipboard as the phone in the office started ringing again. Another lackey picked it up to answer calls from the pit bosses below.
"Hey boss, the field crew is ready to bring in Cloud and Aerith. Did you want to do any gambling on that match before we open the odds to the public?"
Corneo waved his hand in disapproval as the criminal mastermind showed disinterest at the question.
"Oh please, I'm not worried about those two anymore. We have got a big pool in on the Powerhands now, and one of my equipment managers got them new armor that will toast the amateur couple. I was interested before, but now I'm just reveling in the spoils of victory! That match won't even be close. The Powerhands are a lock, and I just need to count all of my Gil."
The lackey turned down the offer for a counter-bet as he finished the call. Corneo was pumping his fist in the air and shouting questions over the mass confusion in his suite.
"HOW MUCH SCOTCH?!"
The announcer was adding up a lot of numbers and hesitated before giving a non-answer to the question.
"We don't know yet, boss…...the results are still coming in."
The gleeful leader continued to revel in the amounts of money he was making as the day carried on.
Kotch interrupted the excitement and tapped Scotch on the shoulder.
"Time to go down below, let's leave the boss to celebrate…. we have our other job to do."
The other announcer nodded as they left the executive suite and walked over to the press boxes to announce the next match's introductions.
"That wasn't expected, but I guess the final result showed how much materia plays a role in today's matches."
The leader of the Powerhands, who was known as Tony, looked down at both of his weapons after acknowledging the outcome of the match that was watched on the television. The short swords were housed in attachments carried on both of his wrists, and they held two materia orbs each. The powerful circles gleamed in the room while another member of the team spoke up.
"We have embraced a lot of changes since the war, Tony. We're doing the right thing; no matter what happens, we have to keep going so we can bring that money back home. I know we will win if we work together."
The woman brought herself into the encouragement, and all three members of the Powerhands put their arms together to acknowledge the trust they placed in one another. There would be no turning back as the door opened, and Kyle spoke his final announcement.
"Your opponents are taking the field. You have about three minutes before we introduce you guys. Come to the gate, and we can get started."
Tony looked at both of his allies before putting his helmet on as the other two fighters followed his example.
"You both have lost so much…...you understand what it means to fight against impossible odds. I am honored to have you here with me. Today will be the hardest fight we have ever encountered, my friends. These two warriors fight for love, but we fight for our family and our people."
The crowd started to cheer as Scotch and Kotch shouted the introduction above the jubilant atmosphere.
"MY FELLOW LOVERS OF DESTRUCTION! DO WE HAVE A TREAT FOR YOU TODAY!"
The crowd quickly started cheering for Cloud and Aerith; the power couple had already made a name for itself.
"With a powerful statement in the quarter-finals, welcome your favorite lovebirds to the ring! With a record of two victories and zero losses! OUR FAVORITE SPELLCASTER AND SWORDSMAN! Give it up for CLOUD AND AERITH!"
Pandemonium had reached the forefront of the coliseum as the crowd roared in approval as Aerith smiled and followed Cloud, who calmly walked to the center of the ring as they both carried their weapons in their hands at the ready.
The other gate started to open as the music increased, and Scotch began introducing their opponents.
"AND NOW! Let's hear it for our very own POWERHANDS! With a record of eighteen wins and four losses, the trio of fighters who know no limits!"
While Cloud and Aerith's popularity appeared to have increased since the last battle, there was no denying the encouragement and support the trio of opponents across from them was receiving as the three fighters calmly walked to the front of the ring.
The leader of the enemy group pointed at Cloud and motioned for him to step forward. The SOLDIER obliged, seeing no harm in the action.
The enemy stood a few feet from Cloud and spoke over the noise of the crowd.
"I must warn you both that we will show no mercy in this fight unless you surrender now, we don't want to hurt either of you, and I cannot guarantee both of you will survive when the bullets start flying."
The mercenary scoffed as he looked at the other two enemies before sizing up the man speaking in front of him.
"Neither will we; I'll make you the same offer you just made us."
The opposing man held in a small smile before responding to Cloud's rebuttal.
"Sorry then, my friend…it looks like destruction awaits both of us. Good luck to you."
Cloud nodded in respect, and the two fighters went back to their side of the ring.
"What did he want to say?"
Aerith was asking Cloud what the conversation was about.
"Just asked if we wanted to surrender now…. I offered him the same deal."
The flower girl scoffed and was preparing for the match to start by changing her stance.
"That was nice of you, Cloud…...they should have taken you up on your offer."
Scotch and Kotch spoke once more as the crowd was on its feet, preparing for one hell of a match.
"The most badass couple this side of Midgar vs. the most incredible trio of talented warriors the coliseum has known in years! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! IT DOESENT GET BETTER THAN THIS!"
The gong was struck as both teams started their initial attacks. Aerith had gotten used to seeing gunfire and projectiles as Cloud held his sword in front of him to block the bullets and an incoming missile that fired from a wrist rocket attachment from the enemy on the left.
Two giant yellow shields that resembled flowers were summoned in front of Cloud and Aerith as the crowd screamed from the familiar defensive spell that Aerith liked to use in many different situations.
"SHE'S PUT UP THE BARRIER! DO IT NOW!"
Cloud heard the leader of the other side shouting orders; as he spun to his right, he realized the man in charge of the three had already moved to flank his position, so he would have to respond by facing the point of contact.
Tony had drawn both of his short swords and was now fighting in close range combat against Cloud as their blades were clashing back and forth. In the background of the swordfight, Aerith stood behind both flowers, preparing a fire spell when something crazy happened.
("WAIT…. they are trying to separate us…...!")
An explosion of incredible strength was set off as the two flowers disappeared under a barrage of firepower Cloud and Aerith had yet to see up to this point in the tournament.
The crowd was going insane as the two announcers were shouting above the fighting and noise.
"WHAT IS HAPPENING?! CAN AERITH GET AWAY FROM THAT FIREPOWER?!"
The other two members of the Powerhands had shot off bombs that must have had mako infused into the cores because of the effect the explosions had on Aerith's defensive magic. Regardless of the circumstances, the flower girl barely got away from the point of attack in time and summoned a defensive ally that would help her defend from fighting two enemies at once. Kotch reacted to the move and shouted over the loudspeaker.
"A SPECIAL GUEST HAS ENTERED THE ARENA TO KICK THINGS UP A NOTCH!"
Carbuncle had joined the match and was casting barriers and magic spells around Aerith to prevent future attacks from connecting as Cloud watched helplessly in the distance. Unable to overcome his opponent, who was on equal footing with his strength.
"It's no use! GIVE UP!"
Tony shouted and slashed at Cloud's buster sword repeatedly as the SOLDIER defended and kept pace with the onslaught of duel swords. The mercenary returned the last strike with a counterattack that pushed the opponent away but caused minor damage.
Assessing the battle going on in the distance brought worry to Cloud. Aerith was mainly defending against two opponents and had brought a summon onto the battlefield. Summons drained her magic very quickly, and the action must have been done as a last resort because they were on opposite ends of the battlefield. Cloud needed to get his one-on-one match over quickly so he could help his ally.
Tony had another trick up his sleeve as the melee continued. Cloud blocked another attack before he realized the enemy knew how to use magic.
"Fooled you, didn't I?"
The swords emitted a soft glow before casting a shocking spell onto the buster sword, which acted as a giant lightning rod as the current flowed into his arms and chest. Cloud went down to one knee as the effect of the spell shocked him to his very core, and he dropped his sword while catching himself falling to the ground.
"Cloud just took a shock to his system! Can he overcome it?!"
Cloud was breathing heavily and was on the verge of being defeated, which meant Aerith would be on her own, and there was no way she could overcome three opponents of this caliber without help. He could see her fighting with everything she had on the other end, but their enemies were just too experienced and powerful.
("It's like they knew everything about us…...who are they?")
Tony appeared to read his concern as he spoke over the subdued opponent.
"You know, I've seen eyes like yours before. You are a special kind of fighter… aren't you, brother?"
Cloud looked up into the eyes of his opponent…he had never realized…. there was no way.
A SOLDIER looked back into Cloud's gaze before turning his head to study the battle happening in the distance. The strategy the Powerhands had used in the beginning was working; Aerith was stuck playing defense as she couldn't get any shots off against the two opponents that were tiring her and her magic out as the fight continued.
Cloud tried to stand up but failed as he grimaced in pain before falling back to one knee. His body had about all the pain it could take as his breathing increased, and his heart struggled to keep up with the intensity of his blood pressure reaching extremely high levels.
Tony felt compassion in the act of standing over his defeated opponent. He was about to knock Cloud out but decided to speak before doing so as the blonde protested in anguish.
"You have known pain just like us, brother….you know it's not the pain that we are afraid of… it's the feelings that surround it….the hurt we can deal with…..the burns, the scars, the wounds we have no fear of…but the loneliness…the isolation…..the emptiness….."
Cloud tried to fight against the urge to pass out as Tony held him to the ground with a hand on his shoulder.
"The knowledge that you will never…"
He had to fight back; he couldn't give in. He had to protect Aerith.
"BE…"
This was his last chance; it was now or never.
"ENOUGH…"
Tony was about to hit him over the head with one of his swords when Cloud struck the man with a point-blank headbutt right underneath the chin that was the only weak spot in the enemy's armor as the other SOLDIER was caught entirely by surprise.
The crowd shouted in unison as Tony's helmet came flying off his head, and the leader of the Powerhands hit the ground hard before slowly standing back up. The leader was furious and had blood coming out of his mouth. He must have bit into his tongue hard; lecturing Cloud was a mistake, and he realized this match was not yet over.
Aerith gave a little cheer off in the distance for Cloud's counterattack as she resumed her defensive stalemate against the other two members of the Powerhands.
The mercenary of sector seven slowly stood up before picking up the buster sword and staring down the enemy that had already gotten the better of him once.
"You won't fool me again, I'm ready for you now. It's time to finish this…"