The Iris Chronicles Book#1

Hi Mallow here, once again with another chapter of my own PERSONAL Final Fantasy and if I had my way it would be a REAL Final Fantasy and all these characters will be on the gaming screen. Sigh like I wish, oh well I'll keep dreaming

Yadda yadda don't own Final Fantasy yadda yadda blah blah

A word to Flower Girl FF7, I am very proud to be a Cleris fan and I'll keep writing things to support it. While I'm not the type to bash other fans of other couplings I don't want to hear any crap they have about my ideals. I say keep your ideals away from mine and I'll keep mine from yours. All I have to say to you Flower Girl FF7, thank you for all your kind words and continue to write what you are proud of.

Okay in response to what Yunalesca Strife said: "How do you get such good ideas that quickly?" Well lets go behind the scenes with Mallow!!!!
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We are taken to a computer in a basement. The room is really messy with papers on the floor and boxes of junk surrounding the area our attention is taken to Mallow typing furiously at his computer.

Mallow: okay now what should happen? Should Sephiroth fall to his death or get impaled by the spikes? Should the next scene be a Cloud/Aeris lemon? Nah someone's already going to do that, decisions decisions...oh hi there, welcome to Behind the Scenes with Mallow where I get to tell you where some of the semi-movie magic secrets that go to creating a chapter of the Iris Chronicles. To answer the question I received why don't we ask the star of the series? Iris

Iris: thank you, as we all know this isn't the first story I was put in, I made my debut in Sleeping Beauty

Mallow: one of my greatest classics

Iris: yeah well (show off), originally that was the only story I was supposed to star in but thanks to my contract with him and how Mallow half jokingly added at the end of the story: "should he write a sequel?" The result was that Sleeping Beauty did so well and many did want a sequel that Mallow got off his lazy butt and wrote one

Mallow: HEY! I resent that wait when did you have a contract?

Iris: it's amazing what you can get off you when you're on a sugar high anyway "I love you Mommy" got written

Mallow: in that story, Iris got to travel to the place where she was born and raised, while I was writing I had a thought to my head, wouldn't it be cool if Iris had an adventure of her own?

Iris: gears started turning in Mallow's head even after the sequel's completion and by the looks of it my contract looked like it was going to be extended

Mallow: so during the months, I began writing the Iris chronicles in my own head. I assembled a story, a plot and conflicts but there still was a void that needed to be covered and that was the character's roles in the plot

Iris: He wanted to make them special and at the same time almost alive like how I was created. To answer that he extended invitations and e-mailed people whom had enjoyed his work.

Mallow: I got many replies (okay I'm exaggerating there) and slowly piece by piece I was able to fully assemble a full story. So in short, how was I able to get ideas so fast? I didn't it was thanks to months of work, lots of planning and special thanks to people who supplied the characters. What was short however would have to be how I arranged the ideas into a story.

Iris: I hope you enjoyed this edition of Behind the Scenes with Mallow

Mallow/Iris: now on to the story!!!!
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Chapter 5: Assault on Nibelhaim II and The One With no Past

Last time the group had reached the Palace of the Forgotten Cetra, along the way they met 2 new allies, Leo the now self proclaimed rival to Iris and Heather a Cetra princess of the past. The journey getting there was difficult but the fruits of their effort were worth it, they are even stronger and more or less ready to take on Sephiroth.

Iris: we finally accomplish what we traveled so far for...now we can bring the fight to Sephiroth himself, I only hope we are ready for this

Heather: I know you feel that you are ready to do battle. But just one question, do you know where he is?

Suddenly Iris felt sheepish she was so wrapped up finding the power to fight that she forgot she had no idea where he was.

Iris: oops, um you're got me there...

Lena: while you were celebrating Iris, I have been reading the cards...it tells us to wait a solution will present itself

Iris: well I do feel a little tired

Heather: it was from receiving the new power, people have been known to experience slight fatigue from it because their bodies are not adjusted to it. So I guess it's settled we'll rest for now, come I show you all to your rooms.
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IRIS

Iris was lying in her bed in deep thought she was now ready to fight the greatest battle of her life so how was she feeling? Was she scared? Angry? Iris herself didn't know. All she knew was that her mother needed to be found and Sephiroth needed to be stopped. It wasn't long however that the fatigue of her new powers caught up to her and she fell fast asleep.

(Flashback-Nibelheim 2 years ago before the wedding of Cloud and Aeris)

Iris: [Auntie Tifa? Can I ask you a question?]

Tifa: [go ahead]

Iris: [do you love my father? The same way he loves mom, please I have to know]

Tifa: [how can I lie in front of those eyes? You may have your mother's eyes but they definitely have your father's look of wanting to know the truth. Yes I do love him, I loved him ever since we were children and I still love him now but I can't have him because I wasn't worthy enough for him]

Iris: [that's not true, you're still one of his greatest friends]

Tifa: [than tell me, who would you rather have been your mother, Aeris or me?]

Iris: [please don't make me choose I'll end up hurting somebody with my answer]

Tifa: [you're right, I'm sorry that was really selfish of me...I guess the pain of not having him does that to me]

Iris: [you'll find someone one day I know you will, and when that happens mom and dad will be there to see your wedding and you'll be wearing a beautiful white dress and everything!!!]

Tifa: [okay but under one condition]

Iris: [what?]

Tifa: [you'll be the flower girl]

Iris: [okay, just don't be sad, kay?]

Tifa: [I'll try and I'll be there at your parent's wedding, why did you want to know my feelings for your father...don't you love your mother?]

Iris: [she's the greatest mother anyone could ever ask for but I don't want you to be sad as well so I wanted to hear your problems...]

Tifa: [always the little helpful angel, Cloud...is lucky for having you as a daughter...]

Iris suddenly wakes up

Iris: Auntie Tifa? Have you forgotten your promise? Why did you choose to run away? I hope you find someone just as cool as dad
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JEN

Jen: Lance...why can't I stop thinking of you? You're such a jerk at times flirting at girls and yet you are willing to risk your life the way you do...I don't want you to get killed that's all it's not that I like you or anything. I wonder if he has dreams? What am I saying? We all do, even I did at one time

(Flashback-Nibelheim 2 years ago)

Instructor: [NO NO NO!!!!! How can you expect to be good with a voice like that?]

Jen: [I'm trying to my best]

Instructor: [well you're BEST is not good enough, well I heard for today I'm leaving we'll meet again same time and work on that voice!!! You'll never hit the big time like that]

The instructor leaves Jen's room. It is not until she leaves the room that Jen shows the visible tears on her face.

Jen: [she's right, I'll never get it...I just can't sound good, why did I choose such a hard dream? A dream that I can't even come close to accomplishing?]

The scene ends with Jen unable to take it and breaking down completely in tears.

Jen: I'm such a fool at times, just like you Jennifer Gabrielle Messina to pick a dream that you can't achieve...but still it's would be nice to get to see my dream a reality, oh who am I kidding? Some dreams just aren't meant to be fulfilled. Well since I can't see my dreams I won't rest until all my friends see theirs.
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LENA

Lena: the future...our futures are all created by our pasts

(Flashback-Nibelheim 2 years ago)

Man: [we regret to inform you that your mother died in that accident, we'll inform you in the passing days when her funeral will be, it is right now being arranged by your older sister]

Lena's father: [I understand, I'll be there]

Lena: [what? What happened to grandma?]

Lena's father: [she was driving home when she got into a horrible accident, she didn't survive, I'm sorry]

Lena: [grandma was such a strong woman, why did she have to die?]

Lena's father: [don't look at it like that, she's in a better place now. I don't want to believe this as much as you do but that's fate I guess ]

Lena: [fate? You mean it was fate that made her die?]

Lena's father: [perhaps, but the thing we must remember is not that she's dead but the long fulfilling life she lived and the happiness she gave, I'll never forget her and always be proud she's my mother]

Lena: [I didn't want her to die either, but I won't be sad...I know grandma wouldn't have wanted me to be, is our lives predetermined? I want to know]

Lena's father: [that is a big mystery, we live our lives never knowing what's going to happen but it is a scary thought living our lives just to find out we're nothing more than puppets]

Lena sees one of her cards faced up, its her LOVERS card she picks it up and stares blankly at it.

Lena: [love, there's no such thing in a world like this]

And mysteriously it automatically gets set on fire as Lena stares at it with blank eyes.

The scene ends and now we look on at Lena in the present looking at the DEATH tarot card

Lena: maybe I really do fear the future, I don't want to lose others to fate like how I lost grandma...it's scary, one day I could very well lose my friends, maybe what I'm really scared is that I just don't know
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CHRISTI

Christi is sitting in her room sword cradled in her lap, she is thinking of the past and the words of advice she was given.

Christi: let go of my sorrow...if it only knew how I got it it's something I can't easily part with...Tony I wish you were here to see how strong I've gotten

(Flashback-Wutai 4 years ago)

We see a younger Christi standing her ground sword drawn against her opponent whom looks like a teenage male version of her, also with a sword. The two charge and begin to fence looking at first evenly matched, however the teen is slightly quicker and with one well made slash he knocks the sword out of Christi's hands. She looks in awe as her sword flips into the air and lands in the dirt blade first, her opponent points his sword at her before drawing it away.

Christi: [you win again, Bro]

Tony: [you've been practicing, I can tell you have improved a lot]

Christi: [yeah but not enough to beat you, you'll always be stronger than I am, soon you'll inherit everything the Nonomura's name, it legacy and its pride. So why do you still want me to train with you? You're ten times stronger than I am and it looks like everything is in good hands with you]

Tony: [Christi, I do not want you to speak like that. I am still only human and something could happen to me and if it does I want you to be the heir to our name]

Christi: [nothing is ever going to happen to you, no one can beat you you're practically immortal]

Tony: [immortality? That means nothing to me, but I want you to take this duty more seriously I don't want you to be weak when the time comes]

Christi: [it won't come I'm still sure of it]

Tony: [very well but let's still continue, pick up your sword]

Christi: [all right]

Christi: Tony, why did you have to die and leave me alone?

This was too much for even the cold Christi who was on the verge of tears but they didn't fall, she wouldn't let them.

Christi: I will be strong
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LANCE

Lance meanwhile was busy repairing Heather's sword; he was using his custom-gun as a blowtorch to wield the pieces together. He wanted to do it by himself but that didn't keep JON away who was sitting a few feet away from him. Lance lifted his protective mask (who knows where he got that) covering his face and wiped some sweat away from his brow.

Lance: whew, I amazed by the magnificent craftsmanship that this sword has, even from long ago. I should finish the repairs in a short time

JON: do you require assistance?

Lance: nah don't worry about it, when I get started on a project I usually like finishing it alone, well I'm going to start on the sword's upgrade

JON: upgrade you made no mention of upgrading it

Lance: yeah well a weapon of this caliber doesn't deserve to be simply repaired, it's going to take a little longer but I'm going to make it even better than before

JON: do you think she'll mind, Sir Lance?

Lance: don't know but I have a feeling for these things

JON: how do you know your feeling is right?

Lance: hey I'm still here aren't I?

Just than there was a knock on the door

Lance: who is it?

Heather: Heather, um Lance can I talk to you?

Lance: sure go ahead

Heather walks in (wearing a dress now) strides over to Lance and sits next to him curious at what he is doing.

Heather: what are you doing?

Lance: I'm upgrading your weapon, by the time it's done it'll be even better than before, but I still need a little more metal

Heather: there should be some at the Smithy's storage area it's in the basement

Lance: okay I'll go get some

Heather: no please, I still need to speak to you, can you go JON?

JON: affirmative

Lance: okay bring back the strongest alloy you can find JON

JON nods and leaves, Lance pulls back his mask on and continues to work, Heather is still sitting next to him.

Lance: so what do you want to say to me?

Heather: I want to ask you, why are you so kind to me? We barely know each other and yet you help me

Lance: my mother always told me to be sensitive towards girl's feelings...she told me a lot of things as well

(Flashback-5 years ago, Lance home)

The scene is in a house and there is a woman lying in a bed who looks like she is dying. Next to her is a younger version of Lance, he has a great trace of sadness in his eyes.

Woman: [my dear dear son...]

Lance: [you're going to be all right, right mommy?]

Woman: [I'm sorry...I want to promise you that...]

Lance: [NO YOU CAN'T DIE!!!!! I don't want to be alone]

Woman: [you'll never be alone, I will always watch over you and protect you...my son.....]

After saying those words she closed her eyes, Lance tried shaking her (a common reaction for a little kid) but to no avail. She wasn't going to open them again.

Lance: [MOMMY!!!! Why...why do you have to go? I still need you
Heather: she sounds like a wise woman]

Just than a man walks in

Man: [your mother is dead young master, come your father wants to see you]

Lance: [WHY DOES HE CARE??!! WHERE WAS HE??!! Mom only died because he wasn't there]

Man: [I'm sorry your father was busy, he wanted to come but...]

Lance: [but he didn't come!!!!! FATHER KILLED MOTHER!!!!]

Man: [I'm sorry but your father's condition]

Lance: [I don't care, let the old fart croak see if I care, mom did everything she could for dad and what did he do for her, huh?]

Heather: earth to Lance...

Lance: she died some time ago but she'll always watch over me, I'm convinced she's my guardian angel

Heather:...!!!

Lance: Heather?

Heather: huh oh sorry, it's nothing don't worry

Lance: okay...so is there anything else ya need?

Heather: what are you making my sword into?

Lance: it's called a gunblade, it will be even more dependable when it's finished, I hope you don't mind I kinda wanted to surprise you

Heather: it's all right I'm sure it will be great when it's finished.
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JON

JON: target found, I will now return this alloy sample to Sir Lance

JON had arrived to the Smithy's basement and found some titanium alloy that Lance could use, while JON was pretty amazed they were able to make titanium back then (and keep it in such good condition). JON was starting to head back to give Lance the material and as he walked he thought of the past.

(Flashback-year unknown)

The scene is in a lab, JON or at least when he was still fully human is lying on the table apparently having trouble breathing, there are a few people talking about this.

Man#1: [if he condition continues to decrease like this there is no doubt we'll lose him]

Woman: [no I refuse to admit defeat, it's my fault this happened]

Man#2: [I don't want to say this but we might have to resort to alternative means]

Woman: [if it's the only way to save him, than so be it]

JON: JON still does not understand, what happened? When did that happen? This does not seem to compute...will JON ever know? My memory banks are still damaged will they ever be repaired?

JON than stopped thinking about the past and headed towards Lance's room to deliver the alloy.
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LEO

Leo was sitting in his room, doing the obvious thinking about how he can beat Iris and horribly massacring Sephiroth. While Leo had received comments in the past that normal children don't think that way Leo shrugged them off, he wasn't normal, he had the potential to be greater than a normal child.

Leo: I still cannot believe I lost to a girl, but what did grandfather mean by what he said? She can teach me things that I'll never know about myself what does that mean?

(Flash back-the Sleeping Forest 4 years ago)

Celestials: [all right assume fighting stances, begin]

The younger Leo looked down at his opponent he was about to spar with. His opponent looked like a teen and had that cocky look like he was going to easily win against a kid, he had no idea how much he's lost. The teen attacked Leo with a full-fledged combo that could have stopped a bear but Leo crossed his arms, closed his eyes and successfully dodged every blow. The teen backed off tired looking at Leo horrified, what was he?

Leo: [are you quite done? My turn]

Leo walked towards the teen and before he could fend himself, Leo had belted him in the stomach HARD. Leo knew that was his weakest punch and if he applied any more force on that weakling he could have easily ripped a hole through his stomach, he watched as his opponent fell to the ground unable to get up still clutching his now pained stomach.

Leo: [no one here challenges me anymore, where is the challenge in the fight? I keep winning with ease]

Celestials: [strong in power you are but in heart and spirit you have failed]

Leo: [why?]

Celestials: [it is how you look down on people at all living things, they don't deserve such treatment you give them]

Leo: [serves them right for being weak]

Celestials: [Leo it is this attitude that disappoints me, fighting should always be about the heart not the fist]

Leo: [that is such a weak statement]

Celestials: [Leo let me tell you a student I once had, he was a powerful one but he held no compassion and what I ended doing was creating a monster. I don't want to make that same mistake, I don't want to see you my grandson fall down the wrong path...you need to have feelings and emotions, Leo...and even if you have those you would still need one last thing]

Leo: [emotions just simply get in the way, I can do without them...what is the last thing you mention though?]

Celestials: [I cannot tell you what it is right now, but remember when you find out what it is be sure to include it for if you don't no matter how strong you get, you'll always feel empty inside]

Leo: [...]

Celestials: [but enough of that, let's stop training for today]

Leo: [NO!! I will keep training, I'm going to be the strongest]

Celestials: [as you wish but remember, keep going on like this and one day you will lose. For it is possible to beat you]

Leo: [no one can beat me]

Celestials: [I can]

Leo: [hmph, that's different you are my master]

Celestials: [I have a feeling there is someone out there that can beat you, so remember my words and never lose your compassion or you'll suffer a fate worse than death just like that failed student]

Leo: what did he mean by that? Oh who cares, Iris has the thing that is making me feel so empty and is my rival and I will keep on fighting her until I beat her or till the day I die!!!
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HEATHER

Heather was still watching Lance work but this time she was silent. JON had delivered the titanium from the basement and now Lance was working with it to remodel her sword. He was so kind and skillful with his hands Heather couldn't help but let out a content sigh.

Heather: (what is it I feel for Lance? Why do I feel so safe when I'm around him...could it be?)

Heather leans closer to Lance but was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice her pendant slipping off her neck and falling to the ground. Lance stops what he's doing and picks it for her while admiring the pendant.

Lance: Nice pendant, I like the angel design on it...it's very beautiful (of course not as beautiful as you or Jen)

Heather: this old thing? It's a gift I was given a long time ago by a very dear friend...

(Flash back-300 years ago, Leonheart castle)

Heather remembered her life many years ago and how her hated for the one called Sephiroth got started and that dear friend that gave her the pendant it was still all like a dream to her even now. Heather remembered that it all started when her older sister had gotten herself involved with a knight.

Sephiroth: [I will eternally pledge my allegiance to you King Leonheart]

Heather stared coldly at the man he was in his 20's the same age as his sister Stephanie. He had been for some time trying to enchant her sister and seemed to be working but Heather didn't like him he seemed too cold, too evil for her liking just to see her sister married off to that man.

Sephiroth: [I ask of one more favor, I would like to ask your daughter Stephanie's hand in marriage]

King L: [you are a fine man and a courageous knight, you have my approval all you need is my daughter's consent]

Stephanie: [please excuse me kind sir, but this is all so sudden, will you give me at least one more day to think of this?]

Sephiroth: [as you wish, my lady]

That night didn't make Heather feel any better, all Stephanie talked about to her was Sephiroth's proposal she sounded like a giddy schoolgirl.

Stephanie: [can you believe this sister? He actually wants to marry me!!!!!]

Heather: [I don't like him, sister he seems too cold to actually possess feelings for you, I think he doesn't like you at all]

Stephanie: [please sister, you're just jealous you don't have anyone to share your feelings with]

Heather winced at this comment, as it was true. Back then it was considered all right for girls even at Heather's age to have a very "close" acquaintance but still Heather had none but she didn't want to see her sister married off to some cold-hearted man. However she still couldn't convince her sister who was still talking about him, frustrated Heather decided to take her mind by doing what she always did when she needed to think and she headed for the knight's training room. Despite the fact she was part of the royal family her own family actually trained and learned along with the knights, it was felt that if the knights couldn't protect the royal family that they should know how to fight themselves.

Heather: [dammit, why won't she listen to me? Or is she right, I really am lonely]

Heather shook away the thought and drew her own personal sword, her father himself had made it especially for her and Heather was proud of it. She took a few practice strokes at the practice dummy and soon she was a blur of motion hacking and slashing away at it. She imagined it was Sephiroth who was trying to steal his sister from her and attacked the dummy almost with a passion, however when she was making her final stroke she was so mad that she missed the dummy completely and accidentally hammered a shield hanging on the wall. The force of it caused her prized sword to break into two.

Heather: [this is not my day, why is this happening to me?]

However one of the knights took notice of her and walked up to her. His aqua blue eyes looked at her with a hint of concern as he let one hand go through his blond hair. He looked barely older than she was and in fact the boy looked amazingly like Lance in the present day.

Boy: [What appears to be the matter, young maiden?]

Heather: [none of your business, I don't want to talk to you]

Boy: [it's because you broke your sword, right? I can fix it for you if you want]

Heather: [r-really? Do you mean that?]

Boy: [I never lie in front of maidens]

Heather: [thank you kind sir, I don't even know who you are]

Boy: [I'm Sir Lance of the 10th knighthood, I've just signed up because I want to defend this country]

Heather: [so that makes you a cadet]

Lance: [ouch, that hurts coming from his Majesty's daughter Heather Leonheart]

Heather: [I'm sorry it's just that I've been going through stress lately]

Lance: [it's all right, now let's go see if we can't fix your sword]

The knight Lance was as true to his word, he repaired the weapon and gave it back to Heather.

Lance: [here you go, good as new]

Heather: [you fixed it, you're incredible]

Lance: [aw it was nothing]

The next few days the knight and the princess spend a lot more time with each other whenever they could. They talked, played and did what any other child their age would do and for every moment they spent with each other they both forgot their titles of princess or knight. However all good things must come to an end and it did, one faithful day when Lance told Heather him and his knighthood was going to engage in battle with the creature known as Jenova. Heather was crushed to hear this but she asked Lance one question.

Heather: [will I ever see you again?]

Lance: [yes, I don't know if it's tomorrow or many years down the road but I will see you again you are very special to me, in fact I want you to have this]

Lance removes his pendant on his neck and slips it over Heather's neck he smiles as she starts to admire it.

Lance: [this was a pendant my mother gave me when I was very young before she died]

Heather: [kind Lance I can not keep this]

Lance: [please I want you to, there was a poem my mother said that came with the pendant "May our bond remain forever like the angel to its wings" whenever you wear this, I'll always be at your side. I always felt safe when I wore it like my mother was watching over me, I'm convinced she's my guardian angel]

Heather: [I do not have a guardian angel, everyone I need are always with me]

Lance: [nonsense everyone does, it only takes time to realize who it is. Now I want you to have it and remember me]

Heather: [I don't need a pendant to do that, you'll always be my best friend Lance]

(End Flashback)

Heather: (could it be that my beloved friend and the Lance of this time are one and the same? He looks so much like him, those eyes shining of kindness, that blond hair, that kindness he always displays. Maybe the gods have answered my prayers to see him again, oh who am I kidding? Even if he were, he wouldn't remember me. This is so unfair I promised to find him again and when I do you don't remember me)

Finally Heather was able was able to let the tears fall after all those years, but she quickly fled the room before Lance could see them. Lance couldn't help but feel guilty for what he did to Heather even if he himself didn't know what he did.

Lance: Heather...I'm sorry for whatever I've done
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Later that day after her little nap Iris decided to take a stroll through one of the castles many hallways.

Iris: *yawn* that was refreshing, Jen what's wrong you look like you haven't slept a wink

Jen: I saw "her" go into Lance's room...

Iris: oh I see, are you sure you're not interested in him?

Jen: what? You too? I thought Lena was the one who teased me about this thing

Iris: look why are you so worried? If you're not interested in him than why a do you keep showing your concern for him

Jen: I just don't want to see him get hurt that's all, he's got a lot of beautiful dreams and I know he can't afford to lose them

Iris: right, look Jen I don't know what you're thinking but listen to your heart not what your thoughts tell you about Lance

Jen:....

Just than a girl enters the room, the two girls jaws drop it wasn't one of their friends but they still knew whom it was.



Liete: excuse me, Iris...I wish to speak to you, if you are as kind as Sephiroth describes you, you will hear me out

Iris: .......okay, what do you wish to tell me?

Liete: Sephiroth's fears have grown even higher than before especially since he found out you obtained the power, he is planning another assault at Nibelheim to lure you into a trap

Iris: WHAT??!! Are you sure?

Jen: when is this going to happen?

Liete: I'm not sure when it is but if you hurry back you can make it before the trap has been set

Iris: Liete, thank you...you are risking a lot by telling us this

Liete: I know, but I won't regret this...I'm tired of sinning, of hurting others. I want to give up the way of fighting and I know you are the only one who can stop him now to fill you in on the details

Meanwhile

Lance: hey HEATH! WAIT UP!!!!

Heather: Lance?

Lance: yeah it's me...puff puff, you're a pretty fast runner even in a dress, look I'm sorry for whatever I did I didn't realize I was hurting your feelings

Heather: (you are kind as always Lance) you didn't, it was just that seeing you reminded me of someone that I knew long ago

Lance: was he the same guy who gave you that pendant? Wish I could meet him he sounds like he treated you well

Heather: (you know him better than you think) yeah he did

Lance: yeah well I also came here to give you this, I finished remodeling your sword

Heather: hm?

Heather takes the newly finished blade from Lance and takes a few practice swings before she draws it.

Heather: amazing, you made it even lighter than it was before

Lance: hey so you like it?

Heather: love it

Lance: that's good, okay I made your sword into a new special issued gun-blade they're pretty simple to use, like any other sword but they have a new feature on them...see that trigger near the handle?

Heather: yeah

Lance: okay while striking the target pull that trigger to increase damage

Heather: pull trigger while striking, I can remember that. Now let's go see our friends...oh and Lance I'm sorry...

Lance: hey it's all in the past don't worry

Heather: (you're right it IS in the past)

Heather manages to smile as she snaps her fingers and in an instant she is wearing her t-shirt and short outfit.

Lance: well we should be heading back

Heather: okay

Meanwhile still

Leo: I can't believe those weaklings don't realize what is going to happen

Christi: so you sense it too? But I know my friends better than you do, I'm sure they are fully aware and prepared for it

Leo: very well, just stay out of my way

Leo and Christi also rush off to go rendezvous with the rest of the group.
________________________________________________________________________________
Back to Iris, Liete and Jen

Liete: so are you going to trust me? Many people's lives depend on your decision

Iris: okay, I know it sounds strange but I believe you're sincere with this warning

Liete: very well all I ask you is one thing, Sephiroth's army took my best friend I want you to help me save her

Jen: this is starting to make sense; I knew someone like you wouldn't help someone like Sephiroth, so he was blackmailing you to do all this

Liete: it was Blaze actually but Blaze is nothing more than a lapdog to that fiend

Lance and Heather soon after walked in on the three (Lance and Heather still hand in hand)

Lance: hey girls did I miss the party? Hey who's this girl? A new friend of yours? I like working with this group; girls seem to pour in like water

Jen: Lance! Oh um hi, Heather...oh I forgot, Lance you never saw Liete, she works for Sephiroth

Liete: used to, but I grow tired of his evil ways

Lance: so you decide to join the winning side, I can live with that

Liete: I find your attitude sir, to be quite rude

Lance: yeah well I can't help but be who I am

Jen: Heather, just what were you doing with Lance?

Heather: we were talking

Jen: about what?

Heather: something private, I believe I do not need to tell you what I talk about he is my friend

Jen: he's mine too!!! I feel that I have a right to know a little that goes on if we want to trust each other

Lance had heard enough, he turned to face Jen with a look of concern in his eyes

Lance: hey, Jen what's wrong? You're never like this...what happened to the smiling trusting girl that I know? Something's troubling ya isn't it?

Jen: nothing's wrong I think Heather's acting suspicious

Lance: look Jen all I did was teach Heather how to use her new sword that's all

Jen: r-really?

Lance: look I don't like seeing you sad, you're really special to this group and well you're special to me as well, if you need anything or want to know anything you can ask me

Jen: thank you, Lance...I guess I'm just stressed after all that's happened with Sephiroth that's all, I feel better now

Lance: you got a pretty smile, Jen (reminds me of my mother's...)

Heather:...

Liete: okay, I'm glad every "personal" problem has been settled now for matters at hand, now all you...

???: I've heard enough, I knew that if I followed you I would learn your true intentions Liete, I charge you with betrayal and if you don't surrender I will be forced to terminate you

Liete: no not now!!! I've come too far

The owner of the voice stepped in, it was an exotic looking lady with flowing green hair.

Skye: I am Skye, the second strongest of the Elemantals and controller of wind

Iris: Sky?

Skye: THAT'S SKY WITH AN "E" YOU LITTLE BRAT!!!! GET IT RIGHT

Iris: ooookay

Liete: I'm not going to surrender, I'm tired of seeing innocent people get hurt if you want to fight me, than come on

Liete draws her rod as her and the rest of the group assumes, fighting stances.

Skye: very well elf, prepare to have your ashes be blown away

(BATTLEMODE)

Skye stares at the group a smirk covering her face

Skye: please 5 on 1? That's not fair so lets even these odds shall we? WIND RAIDER

Suddenly the wind picked up strength and slammed Iris, Jen, Lance and Heather onto the walls only Liete seems to be unaffected.

Iris: I can't move

Heather: what magic is this?

Lance: it hasn't effected Liete I think that thing can control the wind to hurt the people she wants, incredible

Skye: I hate you the worst, Liete so I think it's only fair to kill you first

Liete: bring it on

Liete draws her rod and the two go at it. However they both seem equally matched as they match blow for blow, Liete backs off.

Liete: this isn't working, damn I don't think I can win this way

Skye: sigh, this is getting SSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOO BORING!!!

However in the distance

-Christi: KATANA BEAM
-JON: HEAT SEEKER
-Lena: CONFUSE CARD
-Leo: SATTIGURIUS ARROW

Skye was so preoccupied that she didn't notice a blade-shaped beam, a small missile, a glowing charged card and an arrow shaped beam all coming towards her. She is hit by all these attacks and is weakened this releases the others.

Christi: take that

JON: I apologize for our lateness

Lena: what did I miss?

Leo: hm, looks like you need me to save your skin again

Iris: thanks guys now it's our turn

-Iris begins to charge her energy and fires PLANET BEAM
-Jen wraps her whip around her fist and pounds the ground with FURY WHIP AGGRESSION
-Lance removes a bomb out of his pocket and throws it at Skye and blows it up with his REMOTE BOMBER
-Heather charges her newly acquired gun-blade and slashes with HEAVEN'S GATHER

Skye is still too weak and takes these attacks as well, she is really hurt and pissed

Skye: DAMN YOU!!! You shouldn't be this strong you're just children

Liete: never underestimate your enemy no matter what

Liete begins chanting a spell and points at Skye, the sky turns black as several large meteors begin crashing down.

Liete: METEOR SHOWER!!!

Skye was able to utter one more curse before the meteorites collide into her and turn her into dust.

(END BATTLEMODE)

Liete: yes I was right, you are powerful allies...perhaps you can destroy Sephiroth and restore peace to this world gone mad

Iris: we'll do what we can

Liete: I only hope it's enough
________________________________________________________________________________
Later the group is standing on the beach and they watch as the waves close back up and continue to flow as if nothing happened.

Heather: farewell father, farewell my home

Jen: what's wrong? You can still come back here right?

Heather: no it's a taboo for me to leave once I was chosen to be the "Sleeping Princess" now that I've left I can't come back, it's hard to say goodbye to a part of my life but I'll live with it

Lance: well our "limo" waits

Heather: what?

Sees the SUV buggy and goes absolutely hysterical

Heather: BY THE GODS!!!! I've never seen a monster like this!!!!

Lance: what? Oh that's right born in past right, well how can I say this? It's a form a transportation

Heather: but won't it eat you?

Lance: it's not even alive

Heather: but how does it move?

Lance: this could take awhile, look let's all get in, move back to Nibelheim and I'll tell you there

Heather: okay!!!!!!
________________________________________________________________________________
HOME AGAIN

Meanwhile in the buggy Iris is complaining about the speed they are going

Iris: can't this thing go any faster? At this rate we'll be too late

Lance: well I could activate the boosters but that might damage the engine but I guess you're right, what's one engine compared to a town of innocent people?

Lance pushes a button clearly marked "DO NOT PUSH" and the sounds of the engines increasing in power can be heard. It starts to shoot off 10 times faster than before.

Heather: such a remarkable device to be able to move this fast...

JON: according to my estimates we should be able to reach Nibelheim in 10 minutes if we don't crash into anything unfortunately our engines will also die within 10 minutes

Lance: luv a challenge, HANG ON!!!!!

10 minutes later...

Iris: gee Lance, I have to give you a lot of credit you did it and we got here before Sephiroth as well

Lance: what can I say? I'm that good too bad for the engine though no worries I can fix it later

They have finally arrived at Nibelheim and were already heading into town and at the same moment after walking away from the buggy, the engine chooses that moment to blow completely in a deafening explosion and a huge ball of fire.

The group (except Lance and Leo): YOU IDIOT!!!! WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!!!!!

Lance: well I did not anticipate this oh well I guess repairs will take longer

Leo: what do you expect from a weak idiot, anyway? That was no surprise

Liete: okay okay never mind, now we worry about this town's defense we don't have time to extensively prepare so we'll try to get as much people out and fend off the enemy as much as we can with our own discretion. The target of this attack is your own father, Iris and in his condition he's totally defenseless

Iris: I wouldn't count on that, I know dad he'll not go down without a fight

Christi: where is the enemy now?

Liete: they've stationed themselves on Mt. Nibelheim we'll fight off their front-line and than destroy their camp in the mountains but I must warn you there will be at least more than 100s of soldiers

Leo: hmm, I like those odds

Iris: why would anyone be so stupid to join his army?

Liete: his soldiers are not all human, some are Sephiroth-clones so don't let your ties to humanity stop you. You aren't killing anything real

Leo: thanks for the moral support now to find what I'm looking for

Leo begins to run off on his own

Iris: LEO! WAIT! WE SHOULD FIGHT TOGETHER!!!!

Leo: I don't need you weaklings help, I can do it on my own besides I have my own personal score to settle

Iris: that creep is gonna get himself killed

Liete: leave him, the 8 of us should suffice for now as cruel as that sounds

Lance: so what are we waiting for?

After the first attack that occurred in Nibelheim the people were scared, why would anyone want to attack this town of all towns. When it all died down, the people began to resume their lives as normal, however you can imagine the people's reaction when they see a second army much like the first marching into town it was utter chaos. The people were fleeing for their lives and escaping town very much like the first time and you could also imagine how hard it is to enter a town with escaping people.

Lance: gee I feel like an idiot everyone's trying to leave and here we are trying to enter

Liete: quiet, the fighting is starting...


(BATTLE MODE)

All was quiet for a moment after the scared townspeople fled but after that quick moment Blaze (read chapter 2 if forgotten) and his men at least over a 100 clones stood in front of the group of warrior kids.

Blaze: LIETE!!! YOU TRAITOR!!!! FIRST YOU DESERT AND THAN JOIN THE ENEMY!!!! HOW DARE YOU DEFY SEPHIROTH

Liete: consider this my discharge, "general"

Blaze: hmph, so you stupid kids think you can challenge me? Didn't you learn anything the last time? YOU CAN'T BEAT ME!!!! Even though you have some new faces you still can't win

Iris: oh yeah? We're even better than before

Blaze: whatever, ATTACK AND SHOW NO MERCY!!!!! Report to the camp back at Mt. Nibelheim once you're done

Solders: YES SIR!!!

The soldiers begin to charge at Iris and friends and the fighting begins

Lance: damn we can't fight em this close, we're going to need to give us a little breathing space...follow me JON

JON: coming, Sir Lance

JON and Lance begin to run one direction and very predictably some of the clones follow them as well.

Heather: Lance!

Jen: don't worry about him, from what I've learned about him is that he can take care of himself but he is right we're going to need more room

Heather: are you applying something?

Jen: I know this town like the back of my hand, so wanna come?

Heather: lets

Heather and Jen run another direction reducing more of the numbers of clones

Iris: that is all we needed CETRA SLASH,
-Iris knocks several down and turns to face several more

Iris: PLANET BEAM
-Iris fires her trademark blast blowing several up

Christi: ODIN ZANTESUKEN
-More fell to Christi's sword as she dashed through and sliced several more up

Christi: these things aren't very bright

-Lena's cards knocks more down
Lena: but they're persistent
-Lena uses LIFE CARD to restore some energy to herself as she continues her attack

Liete: we can't let up the real fight hasn't even begun yet
-Liete blasts the remaining clones with METEOR SHOWER and nods at the other approvingly

Liete: okay this sector's clear

Iris: right, I'm going to go check on dad

Liete: I'll come with you

Lena: guess I'm working with you again Chris

Christi: ha lucky me, we'll handle the clean up of any more we see

Iris: okay good luck

Christi: shouldn't I be the one telling you that?
________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile

Soldier: SERGEANT!!!!

Sergeant: what is it that's so important that you're not following Sir Blaze's orders?

Soldier: there's this kid heading towards here, he's destroying everything

Sergeant: one kid? We are the creation of Sephiroth and you're having problems with one kid?

Of course those were the last words out of his mouth before an expertly tossed knife nailed him in the chest, the Sergeant fell down dead.

Soldier: he's here!!!! WHERE ARE YOU SHOW YOURSELF!!!!!

Leo: DDDDDDDDDDDIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE

Leo leapt out of seemingly nowhere and in no time at all was on top of him, Leo threateningly held his sword at his throat as he asked one question

Leo: WHERE'S SEPHIROTH??!!!

Soldier: I don't know please don't kill me

Leo: only the weak beg for mercy and either way you're not getting it, hmph you're not worth my time SCORPIO STRIKE

Leo impaled the cowering soldier and pulled out his blade as he continued to stalk his target, killing anything that tried to attack him.

Leo: SHOW YOURSELF SEPHIROTH!!!!!!

Sephiroth: very well since you insisted

Leo: huh?

Leo whirled around as he saw Sephiroth appear right in front of his eyes, Leo stared at him with a very apparent hatred towards him in his eyes.

Leo: you, finally I'll get my chance to avenge Grandfather, prepare to die you bastard

Sephiroth: I like the way you fight, so expertly skilled and with a killers instinct maybe this will be interesting

Leo: I don't care DIE, SCORPIO STRIKE
Leo tried to rush and impale Sephiroth with his sword but the evil lord was easily able to teleport out of the way behind the young warrior.

Sephiroth: tell me child. Who is your enemy?

Leo: What the hell do you mean by that?

Sephiroth: is it me? The man who murdered your grandfather? Was it the Cetra girl, Iris? The only person to taint your honor by defeating you?

Leo: SATTIGURIUS ARROW

Leo completely ignoring Sephiroth aimed his trademark one-handed beam attack at him, however Sephiroth again was able to teleport out of the way.

Sephiroth: or..........is it yourself? Wanting to be the greatest fighter but not knowing why just doing it because you feel it's right? So boy who is your enemy?

Leo: Again I'll say it that's a stupid question, anyone who gets in my way is my enemy, anyone who threatens my life is my enemy and YOU are definitely MY ENEMY!!!!!! SCORPIO STRIKE

Leo charges again but this time Sephiroth is unable to move again as Leo's sword is up to it's hilt into his chest.

Sephiroth: argh, you've made the right choice, now let's see how long you can continue to feel alive farewell kid...

Sephiroth slumped to the ground, dead but unfortunately he changes and is no longer Sephiroth but rather one of his clones disguising himself as him.

Leo: DAMN! That was only a shape shifter....DAMN YOU SEPHIROTH!!!!! HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN HOW TO FIGHT THAT YOU'RE SENDING IN YOUR CRONIES???!!!! I will kill you and I will fight longer than anyone else on this planet, even longer than Iris Strife
________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile still

Jen: FURY WHIP AGGRESSION

Jen punched the ground as the Kunochi smiled in satisfaction as she took more enemies down

Heather: HEAVEN'S GATHER

Behind Jen Heather was also knocking more of the enemy down, however as successful as they were more still kept on coming.

Jen: not liking these odds...

Heather: you think this is bad? You should see the battlefield in my time

Jen: that bad huh?

Jen lashed out her whip again and coiled her whip around the leg of another soldier and pulled hard enough to cause him to bowl over several more. Heather slashed several more in turn but despite how hard they were fighting the growing numbers still was wearing them down. Jen was smacked across the face by the flat side of a sword and Heather was kicked in the face also being knocked down.

Heather: of course the enemy was never this strong...

Just when it looked like it was all over a blade shaped beam sliced through several more of soldiers, both girls turned to see where that came from and there was Christi standing there calmly, Lena behind her.

Christi: enough of this, now you all die! ODIN ZANTESUKEN

Christi's trademark dash move passed through every soldier that was still standing and in an instant they were all dead as Christi also drew her sword away.

Lena: aw, you didn't leave any for me

Christi: sorry, maybe next time

Jen: Christi, Lena are we glad to see you

Heather: where is Iris? And Lance? Are they okay

Christi: we don't know yet but we finished off any soldiers in this area

Jen: we finished off as many as we could as well, the only areas we haven't covered are Iris' house and the Shinra mansion

Christi: than what are waiting for? Let's get going
________________________________________________________________________________
Luck was unfortunately was not on Lance's side as he and JON were pushed to their limits fighting off the enemy clones. In fact there were so many they were forced to retreat into the Shinra mansion of course the clones still relentlessly continued to attack them, while they were holding their own ground as best as they could there was a problem.

JON: VULCAN GUN, HEAT SEEKER, VULCAN GUN

Lance: damn don't these things ever stop? LANCER

JON: there are approximately 50 enemy units left

Lance: damn, that bad? Well we're not going to give up, right JON?

JON: affirmative, VULCAN GUN

However when JON tried to shoot more bullets he arm-gun made a click, his missile gun also made the same noise.

JON: ammunition depleted

Lance: damn this is not what we need

Lance aimed at another clone and pulled the trigger unfortunately it also made a clicking noise. Lance reached for his belt for spare ammo clips but couldn't find any.

Lance: damn I'm out too, well this looks like the end, course I'm not going down without a fight

Lance reached into another pocket and pulled out another of his remote bombs and threw it at the clone's feet, he also pulled out his remote detonator and held it menacingly enough for the clones to see, as they stood confused determining if Lance had gone crazy.

Lance: if I have to go down, I'm taking all of ya with me to hell

JON: Sir Lance this is illogical, think this through

Lance: don't worry JON according to my calculations your armor should be able to survive this explosion

JON: I know that but haven't you considered your own life?

Lance: look I'm doing what has to be done

JON: perhaps but you are very important, you will make people sad if you die

Lance:....

JON: Jen and Heather, they care about you, Lance can you live with yourself if they are sad?

Lance:...no you're right, I won't be able to

And with that Lance threw the detonator away

Lance: heh I'm guess I'm way too much of a nice guy

JON: you made the correct choice

Lance: however there's still the matter of those guys

JON: do not worry, I will deal with this, unlike you my life is expendable

JON raised his robotic arm as a scythe blade popped out, JON looked determinedly (well as determined as a cyborg can be) and charged at the enemy soldiers

Lance: hey wait, DAMN
________________________________________________________________________________
Iris House

Iris: made it

Liete: good, I never thought those clones would stop coming

They were about to enter just than an explosion from the inside rocked the house

Iris: FATHER!!!!!

Liete: I think the actions already started

Inside a few seconds later

Yuffie: so you ugly freaks want to kill Cloud? You're going to have to get by me first ALL CREATION

Yuffie's blast was successful in clearing out several of the enemy soldiers but more seemed to take their place, Yuffie groaned she had been fighting for hours now this is not what she needed.

Yuffie: damn, where are these things coming from? I don't think I can finish off the rest of these things, GAWD what a dumb way to die

Without warning a beam of light shot out and cleared out the rest of the clones, a living room table, a lamp and a huge section of the wall. Yuffie turned her head to see it came from Iris holding her hands after firing a Planet beam. She looked at the damage apologetically.

Iris: whoops, I guess I applied too much power, oh well I think dad wanted to redecorate anyway

Yuffie: KID!!! Where have you been? You had me and your father worried sick

Iris: I'm sorry Auntie Yuffie but I had to leave to find mom, anyway how is he?

Yuffie: he's still resting I was about to go check on him before those freaks attacked

Iris: good I'm going to go see him

The excited Iris quickly ran towards her beloved father's room despite Yuffie's protests but when she opened the door things wasn't what she expected

Iris: no...I don't believe it I can't be too late now
________________________________________________________________________________

The situation for Lance and JON was not good, out of any means of ammunition and JON critically damaged not to mention the clones still trying to get to them really wasn't helping, Lance punched a clone, collapsed on his back and sighed.

Lance: out of ALL the places the clones had to gang up the most it had to be where I am

JON: systems...damaged...left...arm...immobilized...damage...70%...all primary...functions...failing

Lance: you and me both, buddy...damn it looks like we're not going to survive this one buddy

JON: I...am...sorry I was not...any...more...help Sir Lance

Lance: ah forget about it, I should have reloaded all your ammunition before we got in first. You did great, my only regrets is that I'm not going to admit how I feel about them

Lance looked up to see a clone raise a sword over his head, it was going to be over very soon. Lance closed his eyes to accept it but rather than feel any pain he heard a loud shotgun blast ring out, when Lance opened his eyes the clone was a heap on the floor. Lance turned his eyes toward the gunman.

Lance: CHIEF!!!! Am I ever glad to see you

Chief: you didn't report back to work and since we had nothing better to do, me and the boys decided to go look for you

Lance: the boys?

Lance looked out the window to see the rest of his colleagues from the Mechanic Corps shooting any clone that moved, Lance breathed a sigh of relief.

Chief: it would appear that this town's got a bad infestation problem not to worry we'll help clear it out

Lance: thanks

Chief: BUT!!! You going to have to work overtime tonight when we get back to the garage

Lance: d'oh! All right but Chief can ya fix him up? I'd do it but my help's still needed

JON: Lance?

Chief: say, he looks like in the need of major repairs don't worry he'll be in good hands with us

Lance: good, um do you also have any ammo clips for my gun? I'm kinda out

Chief: you and your favors I've got one more but that's all you'll get for now

Lance: don't worry one is all I need, hang tight JON this time you're the one who needs my help

JON: thank...you...Lance, you...are...a...true...friend

Lance: ah don't get mushy on me now; it's what I do
________________________________________________________________________________
Iris was shock at what she saw: absolutely nothing. Cloud was not resting peacefully, in fact it was empty with the look of Cloud recently leaving out the window of his room.

Iris: HOW CAN HE BE GONE??!!! He's still injured

Yuffie: damn, Cloud's always been a determined guy when he sets his mind on something like protecting you or Aeris than there's no stopping him even in a weak condition like he's in now, we have to stop him before he hurts himself

Iris: I'm sorry Auntie Yuffie but there's not going to be a we, I'm going to find him you're going to rest cause you're hurt too

Yuffie: and how may I ask are you going to stop me?

Iris: like this, SLEEPEL

Yuffie: what the? How...did...you...do...that...kid?

After letting out a small yawn Yuffie collapses on the floor, Iris helps her into a bed before revealing a small material orb she was able to smuggle that caused Yuffie's sleeping effects.

Iris: sorry I had to borrow your material Auntie Yuffie, but you taught me to well and I know that I have to do this on my own you'll thank me later

Yuffie: zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

With a solemn look and more added determination in her heart of stopping the madness Sephiroth has caused Iris leaves her home once more to rejoin her friends.
________________________________________________________________________________
Christi: KATANA BEAM

Jen: FURY WHIP AGGRESSION

Lena: CONFUSE CARD

Heather: HEAVEN'S GATHER

Liete: METEOR SHOWER

The last remaining attacks rained down on the enemy soldiers, they are able to make one last angry cry before being turned into dust by the girl's powerful attacks.

(END BATTLEMODE)


Jen: phew, I think that's the last of them

Liete: in the main offensive at least, there's still a camp in the mountains we need to attack to finish them off once and for all, hey I think I can see the rest of our allies now

The girls turned a direction to see Lance, Iris and a somewhat reluctant Leo coming towards them

Leo: hmph that was too easy, I expected them to put up a better fight

Lance: EASY!!!??? YOU CALL THAT EASY??!!!

Heather: hey Lance where's JON?

Lance: his systems got damaged in the fight, he's fine but he can't help us right now

Liete: as I was saying before our fight is not over yet, there's still Blaze hiding up in the encampment in the mountains, we should be able to defeat the remaining clones, I know Blaze he expected his first assault to have already leveled this place so we have the element of surprise. The defenses at his base shouldn't be as strong as his frontal assault and if we're strong enough we can beat Blaze himself

Jen: but should we go now? Maybe we should rest up and attack later

Heather: no if Blaze learns we defeated his assault force he may escape and come back in even bigger numbers

Leo: fine by me, I'll take those weaklings on anytime

Iris: shut up Leo!

Leo: don't you dare talk to me like that you idiotic girl!!!!

Iris: I'll talk to you in any matter I need to, will you stop thinking with your fists and think rationally for once?

Leo: my way is the way of the strong and I feel you're taking the cowards' way out

Iris: I'm surprised you can even feel at all, hasn't this bloodshed affected you at all? Is fighting your only solution? We must take a path that will make this fighting end

Leo: if you feel so strongly of not fighting than why do you fight?

Iris: I fight for my own reasons Leo, that's what makes us different I believe fighting shouldn't be the first resort if you have other options but since we don't than I believe we must fight to make this all end

Leo: your ideals are so weak! I still can't believe you consider yourself strong

Iris: whatever, I have a feeling that my father is going to attack Blaze in his weakened condition so I say we climb the mountain and stop him before he hurts himself and also defeat Blaze once and for all, if you want stay than I won't force you to fight but I'm going to

Jen: I'm your best-friend your problems are my concern too

Lena: if we work together than maybe the future won't be so bleak

Christi: if there's going to be a fight than I'm not going to be left out

Lance: hey I don't stay with you lovely ladies for nothing, count me in too

Leo: fine, we'll do things your way for now but I work alone

Heather: like I said Iris, we Cetra have to stick together

Liete: my mission's still not complete I'm in as well

Iris: than it's settled let's go!!!!!
________________________________________________________________________________
(Just than Mallow enters the scene)

Mallow: hi folks I just want to say that yes Iris and her friend's are seemingly able to do lots of things that would be consider impossible for normal children at their age. Children being able to fight at the skill level of a master may seem farfetched but you must remember that the setting is similar to that of a popular Japanese anime. So if I bend reality than it's all right and its legal just as long as I give credit to the appropriate people I CAN'T GET SUED!!!! However this is a reminder that if you're a young child ages 1-12 NOT to do anything my stories may suggest no matter how much it may inspire you. Like if you're that age and you act like Lance the girls are going to be really scared, if you're only 12 and wield weaponry such as katanas, guns, etc that you're really going to scare people. In conclusion climbing a mountain at young ages no matter how big of a group you are traveling in it would be still be considered a VERY stupid idea so don't do it!!!! Now back to my story...
________________________________________________________________________________
Iris: guys did you hear something just now?

Jen: nah you're probably just hearing things Iris

Iris: I guess you're right

Climbing Mount Nibelheim was no picnic but everyone seemed to be in high spirits and determined to take on future challenges. However while climbing up one of the high ridges problems arises, as usual Lance is the first one to see it.

Lance: hhhmmmm, I wonder what this sign says? Damn moss maybe...there, "CAUTION proceed slowly up this pathway, slippery rocks" whew luckily I caught this sign

Meanwhile behind Lance

Liete: just beyond this pathway above this ridge should be the enemy base

Iris: GREAT!!! THAN WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?

Of course Iris JUST had to run past Lance to the pathway...

Lance: hey wait Iris don't...

Iris: AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

And of course Iris had to slip and fall off the ridge and down into a seemingly bottomless pit.

Jen: IRIS!!!!!

Christi: YOU BAKA!!!! WHY DIDN'T YOU WARN IRIS THAT PATHWAY WAS SLIPPERY??!!

Lance: I tried...

Leo: LANCE!!! YOU BAKA!!!!!

Heather: huh Leo? I didn't know you cared

Leo: NOW I CAN'T FINISH HER OFF MYSELF!!!!

Heather: figures...but I don't know Iris as well as you do but I won't believe that another of my race is dead without seeing it for my own eyes

Iris: GUYS?

In a flash everyone was peering over the edge of the pit to see if she was all right.

Jen: IRIS!!! ARE YOU OKAY?

Iris: DON'T WORRY, LUCKILY SOMETHING WAS ABLE TO BREAK MY FALL BUT I CAN'T CLIMB OUT MYSELF DO YOU HAVE ROPE UP THERE?

Christi: what a relief, she's fine okay who has the rope?

Lance: darn I KNEW I was forgetting something

That was than everyone was staring with a death glare at Lance with the look that seemed to say "WHAT?! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU"

Lance: eep

Meanwhile at the bottom of the pit

Iris: gee that wasn't so bad all I have to do is wait for my friends to pull me out huh this bottom is a little watery than I thought...

Iris than looks at the "liquid" she instantly freaks out when she realizes it's blood and she's landed on top of a corpse of some sort and it was beginning to stir.

Iris: oh my...GAWD!!!!!

Iris backs off the body quickly and notices something

Iris: that blood it's not mine but it's not the bodies either there's not even a scratch on it...what's going on?

The body than began to rise and Iris was now staring into the brown eyes of a tall boy he was staring at her with a puzzled look on his face. Iris now was able to get a good view of his face he was no doubt older than she was with long black hair that was tied back into a ponytail he was wearing clothes that looked like that it would belong to a hunter maybe a nomad? Iris tried not to stare at his left hand for it was a claw-like gauntlet that was not too difficult for her eyes were drawn to his face she let out a sigh he was very handsome she thought.

Iris: um sir, are you alright?

Boy: yes I think I'm okay but where am I?

Iris: we're on Mount Nibelheim or rather we seem to have fallen into one of its caverns

Boy: I see, this blood is it mine?

Iris: I don't know I wasn't bleeding and I found you without a scratch so I don't know oh how rude of me I'm Iris who might you be?

Boy: me?



Iris: so um what are you doing in Nibelheim?

Andy: that is no concern of yours

Iris: geez you don't have to be so cold, I already have a friend like that

Andy: (so it may be true that's why I'm not dead yet but my suffering is not at its end yet)

Iris: what? What's going on?

Andy: like I said it's no concern of yours

Iris: oh...well I guess we're both stuck here for now

Andy: we?

Iris: yeah the only exit is up there and this not a very climbable surface

Andy:.......

Iris: what you can at least talk to me a little

Andy:......

Iris: okay suit yourself (and I thought Leo was anti-social)

???: wwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhooooooooooosssss ttttthhhhhereeeeee?

Iris: uh-oh I know that voice

Spider:yyyyyyyyyooooooooooouuuuu aaaaaaaaaagggggggggggaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnn?

Iris: great it's that dumb spider again look I'm not trying to take your home and I'm kinda NOT in the mood to deal with you

Spider: ttooooooooooo baaaaaaddddddddddddddddddd I waaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnntttttt rrrrrreeeeeeeeeevvvvvvvvveeeeennnnnnnggggggggeeee

(BATTLEMODE)

Andy:........

Iris: don't worry I'll take care of this thing...ow

Iris falls to the floor the moment she tries to get up

Iris: ow darn I must have sprained my ankle

Iris looks up to see one of the Giant spider's big legs coming down to crush her but in a flash Andy moved in front of the way and deflected the attack hunting spear in hand.

Iris: huh?

Andy: no, let me handle this

Iris stared in awe as she watched the "supposed" fighter move with lightning speed in executing the next following attacks the spider stared in awe too as he wasn't able to attack something he can't follow.

Andy: I gave you a chance to attack guess you didn't accept my generosity my turn, GAUNLET GASH!

Andy than leapt on top of the spider and slashed the spider with his claw-like gauntlet through the spider's skin actually piecing its exoskeleton easily causing it a lot of pain.

Spider: hhhhoooooowwwww? Hhhhuuuuuummmmmmaaaannnnnnnsssss dddddoooooooooonnnn'tttt hhhaaaaavvvveee tttttthhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaatttttttt sssoooorrrrttttttt oooooffffffff pooowwwweeeeeeeerrrrrrr!!!

Andy than

Andy: now you die...WOLF PACK

Andy than began glowing a blue aura and his eyes started glowing a haunting red color; he started chanting something inaudible to Iris and soon after unleashed several wolf-shaped beams at the weakened spider. It was able to unleash one last pained cry before being disintegrated completely into dust.

Andy: hmph, it's no longer a challenge

(END BATTLEMODE)
Andy gains a level, Andy learns GUNLET GASH and WOLF PACK

Iris: (unbelievable he completely destroyed that thing and I felt it...he wasn't even using his full power in fact he wasn't even trying)

Andy: what's the matter?

Suddenly Iris face turned from shock to a huge smile.

Iris: THAT WAS GREAT! I've never seen anyone fight that well!!!! I felt you, you weren't even using your full power

Andy: and how would you know? Maybe I made it look easy

Iris: no it can't be that, I felt you were hiding an enormous amount of ki in you; wow I had to team up with my friends to beat that thing the first time

Andy: I'll take that as a compliment, you are also a powerful warrior too

Iris: but I didn't even fight

Andy: I don't need to see you fight like you I can feel it in you

The comment caught Iris off guard as she quickly hid her face from view concealing her blush that was on her cheeks.

Andy: now I getting tired of this place shall we go?

Iris: how? The only exit is up there

Andy: oh right I forgot you have a bad ankle do you want me to carry you?

Iris: huh? What?

Before Iris could protest anymore Andy had lifted her off her feet and was carrying her close to his chest.

Iris: oh and I suppose you can fly?

Andy: no but I can do the next best thing

Andy than leapt towards the wall and amazingly bounded up it, he jumped to the opposite wall and bounded up that too, soon Andy was making progress as he gradually continued moving up by bouncing off the walls and soon they were both out of the pit where Iris' friends were waiting (well not exactly waiting they were trying to break up Christi from strangling Lance to death).

Lance: um Christi...you...gak...can...stop...strangling...me...

Christi: DIE DIE DIE!!!!

Andy: friends of yours I presume

Iris: um yeah

Jen: IRIS!!!!! And some creepy guy

Andy:....

Christi: huh? Hey you're alright who's the creepy guy?

Lance: good...NOW...please...stop...losing...air...

Christi: huh? Sorry

Liete: who might you be, sir?

Andy: my name is Andy Hunters,

Iris: you will not believe what I went through...ow

Lena: are you okay?

Iris: just a sprained ankle that's all

Lena: I'll take care of that LIFE CARD

Iris: thanks Lena, I feel like a new girl now

Andy: now can I ask you a question?

Iris: okay

Andy: you seem to be in some sort of fight, may I ask where are you going and what are you trying to do?

Iris: it's a long story

Andy: I've got time

Iris: well it all started when...

After a stories worth of an explanation later...

Andy: I see, so you're guessing this Sephiroth is connected to your mother's disappearance and you need her to heal your father you are risking certain death you do know this don't you

Lance: oh sure make the whole adventure sound more gothic why don't ya?

Andy: I'm only implying that don't go over your head you still may not be strong enough to defeat Sephiroth

Iris: I'll do whatever it takes

Andy: your bravery is certainly something else; you may have what it takes well my job is done here there is still more of the world I want to see and things I would like to experience

And with that the mysterious boy Andy turns around to leave but not before making one last comment

Andy: we may meet again but until then try to stay alive

Heather: gee I'm SOOOOOO glad he has confidence in us

Lena: if you want my personal opinion he seems way to cold and anti-social for me

Iris: leave him alone he helped me out so I know he's not a bad guy

Lena: you know what I think Iris has a thing for older, anti-social boys...ha ha ha

Iris: shut up Lena I do not!!!

Lena: yeah you do than why do you hang out with Leo?

Iris/Leo: WHAT?!

Jen: um I think that was a bit too much there Lena
________________________________________________________________________________
Later over the ridge sure enough there was Blaze's encampment but something wasn't right

Christi: I don't like this it's way too quiet

Liete: all the tents are empty I don't believe this but I think it's true

Heather: what?

Liete: Blaze sent his entire army in his first assault and there are no more soldiers left

Lance: that doesn't make any sense so why leave this place unguarded?

Liete: no not totally unguarded Blaze is still here and his strength is greater than many armies but I admit I don't see the logic in his decision he's up to something

Heather: hey what's that over there?

The group turns to see two figures yelling at each other feeling it was better to see what was going on before attacking they hid behind several rocks to see what was happening and plan their next attack (even Leo admitted this was a good plan but he didn't say anything).

Blaze: so I'm glad you made it this far but this mountain will be the place of your tomb, Cloud Strife

Iris couldn't believe her ears and felt like screaming but was stopped by Jen

Iris: dad!

Jen: I know it's hard but please Iris don't give us away yet

Iris:...okay

Cloud: I'll ask you only once more, where are my wife and daughter?

Iris:!! (He thinks I'm in trouble, dad...I'm so sorry)

Blaze: why should I tell you? My master's attack has left you weak you won't live to do anything about it anyway

Cloud: your master has to resort to cheap methods like poisoning to beat me but I won't give up as long as there are people I love to protect, I may be weakened but I can still beat you and destroy Sephiroth

Blaze: somehow I doubt that, now Cloud say goodbye

Cloud's only response was drawing his Ultima Weapon and preparing for yet another battle

(BATTLEMODE)

Blaze: RAGING INFERNO!

Blaze's explosion of fire traveled towards Cloud like a huge comet but at the last minute Cloud nimbly jumped out the way, Blaze fired another and another but both were easily avoided by Cloud. Blaze now getting frustrated charges towards Iris' father and began punching and sword slashing at him like there was no tomorrow but once again Cloud was still able to dodge every blow. Blaze back's off to see Cloud having a cocky smile on his face.

Blaze: DAMMIT WHY CAN'T I HIT YOU????!!!! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE HURT!!!!

Cloud: is that the best you've got? I feel sorry for Sephiroth having to send in jokers like you

Blaze: (damn, I'm using my full power and Cloud can only use 1/4 of his due to the poison and yet he's still strong enough to fight...)

Cloud: BRAVER

However hesitating is not a good idea with Cloud as he took the opportunity to leap into the air and slash down for his level 1 limit break

Cloud: CROSS-SLASH

It was followed by Cloud's quick 3 hit combo which to Blaze's surprise left him paralyze

Cloud: BLADE BEAM

Cloud let his first level 2 limit break fly as the beam hit Blaze head on

Cloud: CLIMHAZZARD

Cloud followed BLADE BEAM with a charge and stabbed Blaze and leapt away while the blade was still in him further injuring him

Cloud: METEORAIN

After that Cloud jumped and let the meteors fly colliding into him

Cloud: FINISHING TOUCH

Cloud than spun a typhoon with his sword catching Blaze once again and letting him fall to the earth even more hurt

Blaze: damn, he's still strong

However in the distance Iris noticed something even though Cloud had executed consecutive limit breaks and damaging Blaze a lot each move where taking it's toll and Cloud was getting winded.

Blaze: (if he does OMNI-SLASH than I'm finished, time to call in the secret weapon)

Suddenly the earth began to shake throwing everyone off balance what was going on?

Cloud: what the?

Suddenly out of the rocks came a huge dragon, it was as big and fearsome looking as Bahamut Zero and it didn't look too friendly.

Blaze: ha ha you think you've won? Meet my secret weapon, Lily Zero

Upon hearing that name Liete reacts badly to it as she stares at the "weapon" with shock in her eyes

Liete: no it can't be...

The dragon turned it's attention to Cloud and fired an energy blast from its mouth, Cloud barely had time to get his sword up and block the blast but was able to but it knocked Cloud away. Cloud tried to get up but unfortunately couldn't the effects of the poison were strong and it took everything Cloud had to fight it and the strain he was putting on his own body by fighting wasn't helping.

Blaze: good, now finish him off

Iris: NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Acting upon emotions Iris leaped away from the rock and joined the battlefield

Leo: baka, well there goes our element of surprise

Lance: hey lay off she's only trying to help her dad, she doesn't want to lose him wouldn't you feel that way around anyone special to you?

Leo:...

Liete: let's go ________________________________________________________________________________
Iris: I won't let you hurt dad, you're nothing but a coward if dad wasn't injured you he would have grounded you to dust easily

Blaze: you've got a big mouth and I hate kids with big mouths

Iris: whatever I'll finish what my dad started and beat you

Blaze: is that a challenge kid? How about it? You and me, one on one

Iris: what's the catch?

Blaze: no catch if you think I'M a coward than prove it

Iris:....

Leo: Iris, do it

Iris: huh?

Leo: Blaze has made the battle personal between you two; I say you finish the job; we'll take out the dragon

Iris: Leo, thank you

Leo: don't you dare get mushy with me!!!

Iris: hey hey don't get any ideas or anything I was just thanking you

Leo: hmph whatever

Iris: you always don't have to be like that, you know you can lighten up

Leo: I WILL LIGHTEN UP JUST AS SOON AS AN ANNOYANCE NAMED IRIS IS OUT OF MY LIFE!!!!!!

Iris: well you're not exactly a picnic to team up with either

Leo: who says we teamed up? I work alone

Iris: gggrrr you don't have to be so arrogant

Lena: those two make such a lovely couple don't they?

Jen: you better not tell them that otherwise they might hurt you

Christi: well they already sound like a married couple

Lance: I KNEW Leo had to interested in some girl

Due to their bickering neither Iris nor Leo seem to hear these things

Blaze: STOP IGNORING ME!!!!!!!

And so the battle commences
________________________________________________________________________________

Light vs Fire: Iris vs Blaze

Blaze: don't you love these X-potions?

Blaze takes out a vial and than takes a sip he's back to full health, Iris doesn't seem to notice as she calmly takes a fighting stance and makes a confident smile

Iris: that's good you're going to need all your strength if you want to even touch me

Blaze: RAGING INFERNO

Blaze's trademark fire attack lashes out towards Iris, who seems to make no attempt to avoid it, just when it's about to touch her she extends her hand and actually bats the flames away thus canceling the attack out.

Iris: is that all you've got? Fight with your full strength

Blaze:!!!

Iris: that's right, I've gotten a lot stronger since we last met, since you showed the people you attacked no mercy I'm going to do the same

Blaze: you little BRAT

That was all Blaze was able to say before Iris with her guard stick in hand rammed it in his stomach

Blaze: argh

Iris: you're way too slow, that's your flaw you focus way too much on strength and not anything else like my dad I find it no challenge in defeating you...CETRA SLASH

Blaze still stunned after Iris' last attack was unable to counter this as Iris in a blur of motion hit him with speeding blows from her guard stick, Iris finishes it off with a final slash from her staff which actually cracks Blaze's armor.

Blaze: that's impossible...you aren't capable of this type of power

Iris: all my life people like you have underestimated me, they all made the same mistake

Blaze stares in awe as he sees Iris actually beginning to glow she was preparing yet another attack

Iris: PLANET BEAM

"NOOOOOOOO" Was the last thing Blaze said before the white beam fired from Iris enveloped him. Almost just as quickly as the battle started it was over, Blaze laid defeated on the floor totally drained while Iris stood confidently not even breaking a sweat.

Blaze: h-how?

Iris: I could answer but the likes of you would never understand

Blaze: are you?

Iris: no, I'm not like you...while I said I won't show any mercy that doesn't mean I'm going to sink to your pathetic level I want you to remember this humiliation

Blaze: you brat have made the biggest mistake sparing me, there's still Lily Zero

Iris: my friends will beat it, they don't even need my help I know they can do it

Iris than smiled at her friends fighting in the distance this entire experience seemed to have changed Iris she seemed more grown-up.
________________________________________________________________________________
The Invincible monster?

Lance: you know what? I'm getting REALLY tired at enemies who keep shooting at us and finding out that we can't do a dent to it

Jen: chin up Lance we've been through worse

The group was in a spot of trouble this creature seemed to have an armored scales and seemed to be immune to anything the group fired at it, what's worse it's attacks were incredibly devastating.

Jen: all right all together our best attacks, give it all you've got

JEN: HEAVEN'S SURPRISE

Lena: CONFUSE CARD

Jen's whipped spark and Lena's mystical card are sent flying but no effect

Christi: KATANA BEAM

Lance: LANCER

Two beams are sent by the weapons of Lance and Christi, they hit and cause the dragon to flinch a bit but only succeed in making it angrier.

Leo: SATTIGUARIUS ARROW

Heather: HEAVEN'S GATHER

Leo's trademark beam and Heather's trademark jumping slash all hit directly they both cause Lily Zero to flinch even more but it responds by firing a energy blast from it's mouth at the two warriors which they narrowly avoid.

Heather: damn is there anything that can slow this thing down?

Liete: this isn't the way

Lance: oh and I suppose talking to it would help

Liete: yes

Lance: hey I was only kidding!!!!

Liete ignore Lance and steps in front of the dragon's path and begins to speak

Liete: Lily please stop, don't you recognize me?

The dragon takes a look at Liete and at first it looks like it's about to stomp on her, but it takes another look and it seems to calm down.

Liete: yes, Lily it's me Liete...I've never given up on you, I can't believe they did this to you please let me help

Lily:

Liete: LILY!!!! You're back

Lily:

Liete: what?

Lily:

Liete: I understand Lily...I won't let you down...METEOR SHOWER

Meteors coming out of nowhere collide into the stunned dragon's head actually hurting it

Liete: Guys' aim for the head

Everyone nods in an agreement and aim more attacks at Lily

Jen: HEAVEN'S SURPRISE
Lena: CONFUSE CARD
Christi: ODIN'S ZANTESUKEN
Lance: REMOTE BOMB
Heather: HEAVEN'S GATHER

The five attacks all seem to rain down at the same time Lily was unable to fend it off this time hurting her even more

Leo: my turn, SCORPIO STRIKE

Leo swiftly jumps up charges up his blade and stabs it but is soon after knocked away just when he is about to hit the ground a swift figure comes out of nowhere and catches him.

???: shall I be of assistance?

Jen: hey you're that Andy guy, when did you show up?

Andy: I decided to help fight for your cause your young leader has intrigued me, these threats that inflict our planet cannot be ignored and I've decided to fight as well

Leo: yeah yeah that's great NOW put me down

Andy simply drops him and assumes a fighting stance he charges energy and fires an attack

Andy: WOLF PACK

The wolf-like beams hit Lily multiple times and it looks like it's going to stop it but it's still standing it looks like it's preparing another attack that the group had no time to defend however...

Cloud: OMNI-SLASH!

Cloud who was out of commission for a while takes the opportunity to use what seems to be the last of his strength in finishing off Lily. Lily falls to the ground as Cloud too faints from exhaustion.

(END BATTLE MODE)
The party gains a level

Liete: LILLY!!! Did we kill her? Please don't let that be

However a flash of light appears over the dragon corpse and soon after it passed Lily was standing and alright again...she was (except for Liete) not what they were expecting for you see Lily was a baby dragon

Liete: LILY!!!!

The excited Liete scoops up the dragon in her arms as it knocks her down licking her in a dog fashion everyone seems to have a sweatdrop on their heads.

Lance: Lily's...a lizard?

Liete: dragon, she's a dragon and she takes great offense to being called a lizard

Lance: oh and what is the wittle wittle lizard gonna do?

In response Lily breathes a tiny flame onto Lance's face

Lance: AAAAAAAHHHH MY FACE MY FACE MY BEAUTIFUL FACE

Jen: heh heh, serves you right Lance

Lance: you're mean Jen

Iris: guys!!! Hey I see you defeated that dragon, aw so cute where'd that baby dragon come from...it's not the...

Christi: yep it was, I still can't believe that this tiny thing caused us so much trouble

Liete: I'm terribly sorry, I didn't know...Lily meant no harm those evil people did that to her

Iris: that's right, more reason to make Sephiroth pay for everything that's he's ever done

Andy: hm not a very popular guy this Sephiroth

Iris: HUH!? Oh you scared me, I didn't see you there...

Iris turns around to see Andy and tries to hide her shocked look on her face)

Iris: (OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD IT'S HIM!!!!!!!!!) you're Andy aren't you?

Andy: yes, I realized from our last encounter that what is happening to our Planet cannot be ignored I want to fight on your side and maybe prevent more lives being lost

Iris: (REALLY!!!!!!) oh I'm glad to hear that, we can use another strong fighter on our team

Leo: this is great, another baka joins if this keeps up we might as well start offering free membership and a dental plan

Iris: just ignore that idiot

Andy: I see

???: fools...pant...pant, did you think you can beat me?

Iris: oh great not him

Blaze: I...will...pant...destroy...you...all

Iris: look we already have, you don't have an army, we proved that we can beat you and you don't have anything left to stand let alone fight so why don't you give up?

Blaze: never!!!!

Another voice: you are indeed a fool Blaze

Everyone: HUH?

Iris: there's another one?

Everyone turns his or her heads behind them to see a heavily cloaked figure with a hood completely covering their face. From hearing its voice it sounded like a strong female's voice and she didn't sound happy.

Blaze: L-ady Athena what are you doing here?

Athena: Lord Sephiroth didn't approve of this attack Blaze, this was completely intolerable and what have you accomplished? Nothing!

Blaze: Lady Athena please tell Lord Sephiroth to give me another chance

Athena: he will not and neither will I, you will die at the hands of the fated children

Iris: ("fated child"? Is that us?)

Blaze despite his injuries began charging up his remaining power

Athena: you want to fight me? Your puny powers won't even be able to touch me before you die

Blaze: true, but if I'm am to die today than I'll take someone with me

And his remaining fiery power was sent flying towards the only person on the field unable to defend himself...Cloud! (He's unconscious remember)

Iris: DAD!!!

Athena: hmph what a cheap bastard

No one could have prepared himself or herself to what happened next, the mysterious woman known as Athena stepped in front of Cloud and it looked like she was going to take the shot for him. There was huge explosion even bigger than Blaze's normal power and soon the air was filled with dust and smoke.

Blaze: HA HA I killed 2 birds with one fireball I love it!!!!

However his laughter turned into cold fear when the dust cleared. Athena looked like she was holding on to Cloud while casting some sort of magical barrier over the both of them, both escaped without even a scratch.

Athena: was that all you've got? Pity, you're finished Blaze...

Athena extends an arm and points one of her fingers at Blaze and shoots a thin beam at him which pierces through his heart, Blaze was able to let out one last dying cry before instantaneously blew into dust.

Heather: amazing

Lena: why did you do that? Wouldn't it be easier to let him die?

Athena: there are very few people on this Planet that possesses Cloud Strife's fighting spirit. He is a hero and a true fighter and he deserves to live out the rest of his life, children take him back and try to prolong his life as much as you can...Cloud has given so much for the Planet and never asked for anything back...and afterwards if you feel up to it my master wishes to speak to you

Iris: what does he want?! He was the one who did that to me dad

Ignoring her Athena reaches into her cloak and pulls out a crystal orb and throws it to Iris, which she catches.

Athena: this is the key to my Lord's abode; go there when you feel that you're ready...

And almost as mysteriously as how she came she was gone.

Heather: Liete, who was that?

Liete: I don't know...the only people I know that worked closely for Sephiroth was the Four Elemntals

Lance: but we beaten those guys

Liete: true, but I can honestly say I've never seen her before...

Iris: well let's go back to Nibelhiem guys, we need to get my dad medical help, than we'll decided on what to do about Sephiroth

Jen: I don't like it, sounds like a trap

Leo: if there's any traps we'll crush it just like we'll crush Sephiroth

Andy: (I know that I've not yet met Sephiroth but I'm more concerned about that woman...I feel she may be even stronger than Sephiroth is...if that's so why is she working for him? This doesn't make any sense)

Iris: Andy? What are you thinking?

Andy: oh nothing

Iris: okay...let's head back

This fight if you want to call it that has gotten a lot more interesting who will win in this struggle?
________________________________________________________________________________
END: Chapter 5: Assault on Nibelheim II and the one with no past
NEXT: Chapter 6: Sephiroth's duel?

Now we're nearing the end of Book 1!!!!! Be prepared for the last chapter of Book 1 and stay tuned for Book 2, which will come afterwards, an entirely new adventure!!!!! Well see ya!