After the Storm
Chapter 15
Reno could feel his back against the wall, his white shirt pressing against his skin. The circle advanced, trapping him, forcing him back where he would not be able to fight back. A shock of startling red hair fell in his face, and he brushed it aside quickly. This was no time for hesitation; he had to make his move. It seemed that for now Yuffie was out of the game, so he might as fell take his chances and roll the dice.
The enormous white room stretched around him, but offered very few possibilities. A few chairs lined the walls, but they were far out of reach and wouldn't offer much help anyway. The long oak table still sat at the far end of the room, various papers still lay on it as they had when Reno and Yuffie had come bursting in. It was as if the two were of no importance, and the more important matters would be dealt with as soon as the distraction was dealt with.
For some reason, seeing this made Reno angrier than he had been before, even when he'd been forced to watch all of Yuffie's illusions stripped away. How could they treat them as if they weren't important!? Events had forced them here to what would seem to be their last stand, and now he was expected to take this!? Reno may have been a lot of things, but he would always be proud.
The man in red had brought them here for reasons yet unrevealed, tying all the threads of his plot together. The destruction of Wutai, the sinking of the ship, the pain Yuffie didn't know - couldn't know - how to deal with; it all traced back to him. Yuffie had never been anything but innocent, compared to Reno at least, and then she watched everything she loved and believed in disappear into darkness because of one man.
Not that the man in question was entirely human. A Jenova clone created in the Shinra laboratories before the events that had led to Meteor and the destruction of Sephiroth. Created with the full knowledge and consent of Rufus Shinra. Created while Tseng, the one man Reno had ever looked up to, was sent to his death. No, he wouldn't let this happen. Not now that he knew the truth.
And Yuffie. . . Well, she was out of the picture for now. There were some things that just couldn't work. She'd made that abundantly clear, he thought bitterly. Even if he wanted to. . . No. Just. . . no. He still could never, would never give up on her, though. They'd both been manipulated like puppets, but now Reno refused to dance anymore.
And Hwen. That damned Wutaian who didn't seem to know when to die. He was behind this too, and he would pay dearly for betraying Yuffie. He had turned his back on his own country the moment danger threatened and gone over to the enemy. He had opened the doors for the shadow army and watched with satisfaction as the people he'd known every day of his life were routinely killed, because he knew he was on the winning side. Well, it was time to show him the error of his ways. The 'winning side' could often change in the blink of an eye. Sure it was two against thousands, but he'd go down fighting and he'd sure as hell take Hwen with him.
It was time to stop thinking and just start acting. Reno was good at that.
Four of the shadow monsters had been brought in to do what the man in red called 'evening the odds'. Whose odds these were, Reno didn't need to ask. He had fought these things before, and they were more or less invincible, or at least so he'd thought. Yuffie had said something about it, but he couldn't remember if she'd actually elaborated at all. Still, he'd give it his best shot because that's all he knew how to do.
He had his electromag-rod and his gun; it wasn't like he was helpless or defenseless, after all. With a grim smile, he didn't even glance down as he flicked the electromag-rod into life. Electricity surged through it, and Reno could feel a tiny flicker of hope dancing somewhere just out of reach. He had to find a way and get Yuffie out of this. Part of him felt responsible, and no logic would ever banish that guilt on his soul.
Raising his arms, he twirled the nightstick expertly until it became a blur of quicksilver. Although he had lost a lot of ground, he nevertheless took a step forward. He was tightly ringed in, but it wasn't the first time it had happened. The Turks were the best there were, and he bet even the renowned Cloud Strife would have given his right arm to be a member of the group back in his Shinra days. And that Vampire-Valentine guy had been a Turk once, too, hadn't he?
He had speed, and he had unpredictability. Not exactly surprise, but if you never knew what your opponent was going to do then there was no way to counter in advance. He paused for a moment in seeming indecision, although in truth he was only barely concealing a grin. No, Reno would never change, not even when facing down death itself.
Suddenly, with no warning, Reno lunged to the right. He never gave the barest hint of a suggestion as to his intentions, not until he struck. He remembered that once, long ago, Rude had jokingly called him a snake. They'd argued about it and then went out for a drink. Gods, he missed those days. He'd give almost anything to live like that again. Anything except his few days in the cabin. Those were the ones he would always have, even if he died today.
With power and speed he struck the nearest shadow creature - or at least he should have. It was with horror that he passed though it as if it were smoke. True, he had battled them with the same results before. But, still, he'd been hoping against hope. These four seemed somehow. . . more solid than the ones before had. He couldn't put his finger on it, but it was as if they were lower class, lower grade than the ones they had seen before. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be making a huge amount of difference.
Reno shot forward, propelled by his own misjudgment. Still, trying to look on the bright side, he'd managed to break through the ranks of the shadow things. They were hunched, although they looked vaguely humanoid. They almost looked as if their outline had been blurred so that they blended in with the shadows. They had no discernible features, except two dark sockets where their eyes should have been. Reno had no honest clue as to how they managed their sibilant speech.
The one he had lunged at pulled back, and although it was obviously unhurt in the least it still managed to look uncertain. Still, with a hiss the others lurched forward toward Reno and the other one had no real choice but to follow. They fanned out again, and to the Turk's anguish, long claws extended slowly from their previously formless arms. Although they could have no expression, Reno couldn't help but sense the danger radiating from them.
Involuntarily, he shot a glance back at Yuffie. The festivities had yet to really begin, but he had a feeling that fireworks weren't far away. The ninja herself was standing at the opposite end of the room near the large chair Reno had come to think of as 'throne'. The very air around her seemed to be bent, as if the man in red had created a prison out of nothingness itself. Yuffie was pounding on what he supposed were the walls in vain. She was trapped with the man in red himself, but as of yet he seemed to mean her no harm. Instead, he seemed to be watching Reno with a smug satisfaction.
Hwen had simply backed away, and was watching Reno and the dark monsters intently. He almost seemed to take a cat-like delight from watching Reno's desperate plight. Then again, reflected Reno, he would.
He turned his attention back to the immediate danger. His red hair tied back in a ponytail fell a little way down his back, and for some reason he couldn't fathom he wished he still had his sunglasses. He'd lost them in the shipwreck, and besides the jacket and the alcohol habit, they were the last memento he had of his Turk days. Right now he needed all the strength and prowess the Turks had to offer. Now more then ever.
Two approaching shadows told him he didn't have time to stand there wishing the present away. Taking a ready stance, he glared at the approaching figures. Their long, blood red claws extended, they were the worst sort of nightmare creature. This time, the two stuck together, determined to throw a coordinated attack where the minor effort before had failed. It would have been nice to say there was an evil glint in their eyes, then at least you could say they were human. Instead there was nothing.
The high-pitched screech that Reno could never forget suddenly drove nails through his skull. He winced, but fought to keep alert as he saw the first one lunge forward. Fighting to keep his head from what felt like exploding, Reno lunged to the right just in time to avoid the deadly stroke. He was suddenly and painfully reminded that his side was not in good shape. Before being taken in he had fought like a devil, but had been captured in the end. Still, cracked ribs or no cracked ribs, he had to fight.
He acted quickly, not taking the time to think it through. There was no time! As the first creature's claws struck the air where he had stood a moment before, the ex-Turk slid his right foot hard against the floor and pushed off. Timing was everything. In the air, he spun over the shadow monster's arm, to land just the opposite side near the other creature. In a heart beat the electromag-rod sliced the air through the second creature.
Suddenly something painful and incredibly strong connected with his right shoulder, just outside his field of vision. With a sharp cry Reno was sent spinning to the floor where he slid a few feet.
He looked up, his eyes wide. Three creatures stalked forwards, the fourth bringing up the rear just a little ways behind. Reno tried to push himself upwards quickly, but his side screamed in response. With a short gasp, he settled for just scrambling backwards towards the wall. The important thing was just to stay back, and maybe he'd find a way. . . maybe a bolt of lightning would incinerate Mr. Vampy while it was at it. He might as well be holding his fingers crossed, waiting for a miracle.
Reno felt his shoulders hit the wall, and he pushed back against it, sliding himself up so as not to torture his side any more. Still, he never once took his eyes off the advancing line of darkness. The center one of the three raised it's arm a little, and with a strange blur, the claws faded and the entire appendage was replaced by a long red sword. Reno bit his lip and glared bloody murder at the one in question.
The two flanking the center one separated and headed to the left and right. The fourth still lurked behind the middle one. It seemed almost as if they could communicate with one another without having to actually speak. Each seemed to know where all the others were at any given moment. This couldn't bode well for any future efforts. But what else could he do? Maybe trying to break them up would work. If he could just force them apart, their offensive strategy would be forced to back down, maybe it'd even disintegrate.
Without warning, the one to Reno's immediate right jolted forward, claws splayed for the kill. Running on pure instincts, Reno ducked and rolled straight through the creature's legs. Not under them, straight through. The strange chilling feeling was disconcerting, but he could live with it. The whole point was to live, after all. He rolled to his feet, and turned around to instantly send a killing blow the creature's way by jerking his arm around backwards and lashing out with his elbow. It was a technique he's practiced many times.
Of course, it did nothing. The creature spun to face him, but Reno was ready for it. He skid backwards, his arms up in fighting position. He refused to be caught unawares again. A feint from the top right sent him ducking back towards the other one, however. The one with the sword arm had swung his way, but missed widely. Not pausing, Reno sent a rolling tackle into the one before him, and fell through it.
Regaining his feet, Reno found himself once again surrounded by the three, the fourth just out of sight. The monster with the sword arm snaked towards him, slashing madly. It took all his attention just to dodge the sharp blows raining down from the one in front, and it was with great relief that the two on the sides stayed where they were. They seemed content to just flash their claws ominously. The sword whistled overhead, and Reno ducked. It was springing back up that his mistake caught up with him.
A pair of sharp red claws hissed through the air, catching him in full stomach. An arm extended through the center of the creature in front of him, the one with the sword. The arm retracted, and Reno could see for the first time, the fourth creature standing behind the other. His breath temporarily knocked out, Reno heard Yuffie shriek. Time paused for a moment, and he looked down to survey the damage.
Three red gashes were scored across his skin, his shirt in tatters. Hatred burning in his eyes, Reno stared disbelievingly at the creatures.
"Dammit! I LIKE this shirt!"
Alright, so when all else failed, run away. Minor detail: there was nowhere to run to. It wasn't like he could leave Yuffie here. Even if he could, there was nowhere to go. In all likelihood the door was locked and barred from the outside, and there were no windows into this room. Still, better to give it some space. Ignoring the burning sensation, Reno dashed forward.
He barreled straight through the monsters, and raced forward. The opposite wall reached up, and veered slightly towards Yuffie in the right hand corner. He needed her help! She could hurt the damned things! He'd seen it first hand!
His steps carried him towards Yuffie. She stood, pressed against the unseen barrier. Her eyes were a little wild, and one fist still beat against her prison wall every once in a while. As Reno flew towards the invisible wall, Yuffie's eyes lit up, and she yelled to him.
"Reno! Help! Get me the hell out of here!"
The ex-Turk slammed his fist into the air, and was rewarded with bloody knuckles.
"Fucking hell. . . Yuffie, I don't know how! What do I do!?"
"I don't know! Just help me, please!"
As Reno threw himself against the wall, he felt a prickling sensation. Stopping, he looked up slowly. Two eyes, black as midnight stared back at him. The man in red smiled lazily at him, and seeing Reno's face, his mouth twitched up further. The silent laughter echoed through the room. With ice-cold fear sliding down his spine, Reno slowly turned around.
All four of the shadow demons stood less then ten feet away, their featureless faces adding to the terror Reno slowly felt taking hold. He pressed back against the wall.
"Reno! Listen to me!"
He heard Yuffie's voice hiss in his ear, barely more than a whisper.
"You can hurt them! I'm not sure I totally understand, but you have to believe!"
"What. . .?"
"If you believe you can hurt them, you can! These ones are weaker! For the stronger ones, it takes Materia to focus that belief, but you don't need it now!"
"This isn't some crappy fairytale, Yuffie! I refuse to descend to believing in 'the human heart' or any other clichéd, melodramatic crap."
"Just trust me! I know you can!"
It wasn't like he had a lot of choice, Reno reflected. So Yuffie thought there was some trick to this? It sounded stupid, but heck, so did a lot of things. That didn't mean they weren't worth a try. Believe that he could hurt them? Yes, Yuffie would certainly do that. She had a power of belief, and he knew that it was probably the reason she could dice the monsters up while he couldn't even touch them. He didn't have the strength to believe like that. But maybe. . . maybe if Yuffie believed in him too. . .
He closed his eyes for a moment, and took a tentative step forward. Yes. If Yuffie knew he could, then he could. She knew everything would be all right in the end, that good would triumph over evil. She didn't doubt, she didn't fear. And that was why she was five times the person he'd ever be; why he loved her.
Reno looked back over his shoulder, and stared straight into Yuffie's eyes. His were pleading, desperate even, but Yuffie's showed nothing other than certainty and strength. Looking at her, Reno could feel something click somewhere in his mind. He didn't want to let her down, didn't want to disappoint her. Someone in this stupid world had to prove that a girl's dreams could be real. He wanted to see her laugh again, see her cry again, see her smile. . .
"Yuffie. . ." His voice was barely audible. "If I can't. . ." He couldn't finish the sentence.
"But you can, you know. You always could. You were just never allowed to see. Shinra took everything away from you and gave you the blue suit in return. Nothing can wash away those years, but you can still save yourself. You can."
Reno clenched his fingers around his electromag-rod, and he felt the cold, smooth metal under his fingers. Yes, there was power here. Power for good or for evil, even when there was often no distinction between the two, it was power to do what you believed. And Reno would do just that. Daring to let his crooked smile touch his face, Reno got ready to go head to head. And this time there was no reason to hold back, no reason to fear.
Because this time he knew he could.
Electromag-rod at the ready, Reno began a slow, complex hand pattern that sent the nightstick whirling through the air for the second time that night. It was sure of itself, and there would be no stopping it now that it was in motion. Reno sent a nod to Hwen, crouched man still loitering around the back wall. Hwen's lip curled and he snarled in response. Reno took a deep breath.
There were two shadow creatures just a few meters away, just a little to his left. There was no better time then now to settle up, and Reno took another step forward. To his disappointment, the creatures showed no response, but he just kept the pattern moving and turned his shoulder away from the target. Now he was facing another one - the one with the sword arm. He didn't make a move, not yet. Reno was happy just to stand there, setting the air around alight with sparks of electricity.
Suddenly he whirled to the left, not even letting his foot lead as a warning. Breaking the pattern for the first time, Reno whipped out his arm, and sent the electromag-rod sizzling to the right. He saw the attack speeding towards the creatures, shadowy and insubstantial, and he instantly regretted it. Doubt assailed him, and he could feel certainty deserting him.
"Reno! You CAN do it!"
Yuffie's shout mixed momentarily with the doubt, but compared with the power of those words, petty fear hadn't a chance.
The electromag-rod struck it's target, and Reno knew that he could make a difference when it really counted. Still, he was unprepared for the shock of the blow. Although he still passed through the monster a little, it was more substantial, and the impact ran up his arm and grounded itself in his shoulder. Cursing he pulled away. But now, he had done it once and would never be able to go back
He danced away, his shoulder aching. The shadow demon left behind had it far worse, however. The super charged rod had sent enough electricity singing through its shadowy form to floor a regular man in mere seconds. A hiss of intense pain crept into Reno's head, and he could swear he saw the same thing happening behind Yuffie's eyes; Hwen's too. The man in red only smiled.
The creature took a shuddering step forward and doubled up, its form wavering and condensing in the air. The electricity seemed to seep out of it again, and instead crackled around the outside of it like silver; a network of living silver. It raced around and through trying to find somewhere to ground itself, and instead finding only empty air that yet somehow kept it bound. The creature straightened up again, but bent itself backwards and clawed at the unseen sky above.
Finally, with a shriek that made no sound, the monster made of darkness itself could no longer contain the electricity. It's shape sparkled for a moment, and then exploded silently into the air before fading into nothingness. Even in the minutes following the creature's terrible finale, every person in the room could still hear it's last scream in their mind.
Reno couldn't contain the shudder. It was too awful for any one person to watch and then just shake off. Even one as hardened as an ex- Turk. Shaking his head a little, Reno decided that delaying wouldn't make it any better. There was nothing to be done except everything. When you are given no choice at all then the only thing you can do is curse fate and hope she isn't listening too closely.
The electromag-rod still hung in Reno's hand, and he tried to reconcile himself with that fact. Yes, it was still ready to give the same end to the other three as their compatriot had received. Yes, it was still ready to kill even after so recently tasting life. But. . . it had no life of its own. It had nothing except what Reno gave it, and he had instead used it time and again to take. He was a Turk, goddammit! This was what he did, but somehow, it didn't seem like it was so simple anymore. Why did moral crises always have to arrive in life or death situations!? It just didn't seem fair.
No, he had been right all along. It was a weapon, and Reno was a Turk. Sometimes you just had to swallow the hero inside yourself and remember what it meant to be heartless. Even if he had decided to do the good guy thing, it didn't mean he was anyone other then himself. A part of him would always be a Turk, just like a part of him would always lie dead in Tseng's casket. It was interesting discovering yourself, really. You got to meet all sorts of new and interesting people.
Yes. He would fight because if he didn't then he would end up having to hurt a lot of other people, probably including Yuffie. No hero fought to save the world unless they had serious neurological problems. In the end, everyone did it for themselves. Themselves, the people who cared about them, and what they believed in. The people they cared about who believed in them.
Some one had once told Reno that he shouldn't be afraid of the monsters that slept under his bed. Yeah, he hadn't understood the metaphor then, but now he was suddenly starting to see that there is more then one type of monster. There are shadow demons, and then there are the demons inside. It is too easily debatable which one is worse. It was kind of funny if you thought about it.
There are the bad things that lurk in the dark, but more often then not they are only people's imaginations. Yes, there are monsters. See exhibit A, shadow creature wing, for proof. But what people frequently fail to realize is that blaming your problems on them is counterproductive. You're not happy with your life? Well, I'm sorry but I don't see any Zolems running evil electricity companies bent on world domination. No, it takes the finesse of a human mind to be that terrible. Even Sephiroth was human. . . Well, mostly. It was human weakness that caused him to fall over the brink of insanity and out the other end.
Just because you are human doesn't mean you don't have the right to be as horrible as any other species. Not to say humans are essentially evil or any other such crap. No, just when you thought you had them pegged as the scum of the Universe, they'd turn around and show more grace then Heaven could ever dream of. A particular young flower girl comes to mind. And you know, the funny thing is, usually the same individual is involved. It's this free will thing, you see. It was a real bugger.
Reno had already made his choice. Happiness and frolicking in the flowers could wait. For right now he had to think about the present, and not the future. He could repent for the rest of eternity if he wanted, but the point was that he still had to be alive to do that. Among other things, that was the top contender for his consideration.
He squared up to the three remaining creatures. They didn't seem afraid, but neither did they give any indication of wanting to rush him. Well if they weren't going to make the first move, he sure as hell would. He still owed them for what they'd done to his favorite shirt, after all.
His electromag-rod felt cool to the touch, but he knew it packed serious heat. Oh, the scores to be settled. Rolling it over in his hand, Reno glanced up from the weapon to the waiting audience. With a toss oh his head, he stared at the monsters, blue meeting black. He could feel a tension in the room, and he knew that for the first time the demons were feeling something akin to fear. That was powerful knowledge. It sent white- hot energy through his veins. Fear! He had power over them, and they knew it. Yes it was time to end this show, and make sure the final act was an explosive one. The curtain would fall leaving only the best man standing, and now Reno had no doubts that it would be him.
Finally.
He lunged forward, reveling in the new found energy. The strain of the previous, albeit short encounters had left him unsure of himself and in pain. Now that he was moving again, he felt all the old stamina and the 'high' of a Turk coming over him. Sure he'd pay for it later, but later was a long time away.
He didn't waste time with the elegant backhand he'd tried before, instead just slashed down at the nearest creature. It rose up to meet him, but his feet were faster than it could react and he twisted out of range. Without stopping to look to see if the attack had been successful, Reno continued his whirl to the right and sent the nightstick flying into the side of the next creature. It too lashed out in retribution, but the crimson claws were too slow to do serious damage. He felt something brush past the back of his right shoulder but that was all.
The only creature still standing was the one with the sword arm. It seemed to be the fastest and strongest of the four, and Reno dove towards it prepared to give it his all. His first attack was to the thing's left side, but it easily deflected the blow with a flick of the arm. Reno did not hesitate. He dropped and swept his right leg out and under the creature in an attempt to bring it to the floor. Unfortunately, brawling techniques didn't seem to be that effective.
A large overhand sweep came down towards the ex-Turk's head. Thinking fast, Reno dropped and rolled; the only thing he could think of in the instant given. He brought his knee up and rolled into a crouch. The monster started towards him, but Reno was in full out offensive mode. He launched himself up and towards the shadow creature.
Reno flew forwards, to tackle the monster in the air. It reeled backwards, but managed to hold onto its concentration as it lost its balance. Thrusting upwards with its sword arm, Reno was forced to let go and fall forwards. As they clattered to the ground, Reno thought he heard someone yelling far away. Everything outside this circle, this moment, was unimportant. He scrambled to his feet, ready to go back into attack the second he saw an opening.
The shadow creature was up again quickly, and it slithered towards Reno. It's empty slits that passed for eyes almost seemed to glow with rage. It's sword slammed out towards the man, but Reno managed to catch it on his electromag-rod. The nightstick crackled, but held under the onslaught. Hissing even more angrily, the monster pulled back in apparent rage. Swinging its strange, jointless limb backwards, it prepared to deliver the final crushing blow.
Too bad for the creature that it underestimated its quarry so atrociously. Reno struck before it even had a chance to thrust it's arm forward again with all the pent up energy. The electricity flowed into its shape, expanding, burning. Like its predecessors, the nameless monster wailed angrily at the world it was being withdrawn from, before gently exploding anti-climactically into the air.
Stepping away, Reno refused to look back at the empty space where his foe had existed only seconds before. Instead, he hid the shiver by turning his eyes towards the back of the large room. Hwen stood with his back pressed against the wall, a slightly wild look in his eyes.
Not stopping to breathe, Reno lifted his nightstick up visibly. He smiled faintly at the bemused Hwen before flicking the weapon off. Suddenly, all life and light drained from it. Carefully folding up the long rod, he reached back and slid it into his back pocket. With a cool look, he drew the sleek, small black gun. Now it was time to get serious.
His shirt was in tatters, and he bled from numerous places including his shoulder. It seemed that the last effort of one of the clawed soldiers hadn't been totally in vain. These and more he blocked out of his mind. He ignored Yuffie's shouts from behind him. He would come back to help her after. Right now he didn't need anyone, just his gun and his instincts.
Yes, Hwen would die. He would take this wretch down alone.
~* Not from the Author: Recap!! I love those things! Wow. . . this is a long chapter! I actually ended up rewriting this chapter three times, that's why it's so late. And I'm still not happy with it. Oh, well. As things are getting faster, I promise to get the next chapter up by next weekend. I already have a good start on it, so there'll be no more of this 'once a month' stuff, you hear? And if I take too long, I urge you all to email me and then hit me over the head until I get it done! Well, I guess that's it for now;
Heather Cat
Chapter 15
Reno could feel his back against the wall, his white shirt pressing against his skin. The circle advanced, trapping him, forcing him back where he would not be able to fight back. A shock of startling red hair fell in his face, and he brushed it aside quickly. This was no time for hesitation; he had to make his move. It seemed that for now Yuffie was out of the game, so he might as fell take his chances and roll the dice.
The enormous white room stretched around him, but offered very few possibilities. A few chairs lined the walls, but they were far out of reach and wouldn't offer much help anyway. The long oak table still sat at the far end of the room, various papers still lay on it as they had when Reno and Yuffie had come bursting in. It was as if the two were of no importance, and the more important matters would be dealt with as soon as the distraction was dealt with.
For some reason, seeing this made Reno angrier than he had been before, even when he'd been forced to watch all of Yuffie's illusions stripped away. How could they treat them as if they weren't important!? Events had forced them here to what would seem to be their last stand, and now he was expected to take this!? Reno may have been a lot of things, but he would always be proud.
The man in red had brought them here for reasons yet unrevealed, tying all the threads of his plot together. The destruction of Wutai, the sinking of the ship, the pain Yuffie didn't know - couldn't know - how to deal with; it all traced back to him. Yuffie had never been anything but innocent, compared to Reno at least, and then she watched everything she loved and believed in disappear into darkness because of one man.
Not that the man in question was entirely human. A Jenova clone created in the Shinra laboratories before the events that had led to Meteor and the destruction of Sephiroth. Created with the full knowledge and consent of Rufus Shinra. Created while Tseng, the one man Reno had ever looked up to, was sent to his death. No, he wouldn't let this happen. Not now that he knew the truth.
And Yuffie. . . Well, she was out of the picture for now. There were some things that just couldn't work. She'd made that abundantly clear, he thought bitterly. Even if he wanted to. . . No. Just. . . no. He still could never, would never give up on her, though. They'd both been manipulated like puppets, but now Reno refused to dance anymore.
And Hwen. That damned Wutaian who didn't seem to know when to die. He was behind this too, and he would pay dearly for betraying Yuffie. He had turned his back on his own country the moment danger threatened and gone over to the enemy. He had opened the doors for the shadow army and watched with satisfaction as the people he'd known every day of his life were routinely killed, because he knew he was on the winning side. Well, it was time to show him the error of his ways. The 'winning side' could often change in the blink of an eye. Sure it was two against thousands, but he'd go down fighting and he'd sure as hell take Hwen with him.
It was time to stop thinking and just start acting. Reno was good at that.
Four of the shadow monsters had been brought in to do what the man in red called 'evening the odds'. Whose odds these were, Reno didn't need to ask. He had fought these things before, and they were more or less invincible, or at least so he'd thought. Yuffie had said something about it, but he couldn't remember if she'd actually elaborated at all. Still, he'd give it his best shot because that's all he knew how to do.
He had his electromag-rod and his gun; it wasn't like he was helpless or defenseless, after all. With a grim smile, he didn't even glance down as he flicked the electromag-rod into life. Electricity surged through it, and Reno could feel a tiny flicker of hope dancing somewhere just out of reach. He had to find a way and get Yuffie out of this. Part of him felt responsible, and no logic would ever banish that guilt on his soul.
Raising his arms, he twirled the nightstick expertly until it became a blur of quicksilver. Although he had lost a lot of ground, he nevertheless took a step forward. He was tightly ringed in, but it wasn't the first time it had happened. The Turks were the best there were, and he bet even the renowned Cloud Strife would have given his right arm to be a member of the group back in his Shinra days. And that Vampire-Valentine guy had been a Turk once, too, hadn't he?
He had speed, and he had unpredictability. Not exactly surprise, but if you never knew what your opponent was going to do then there was no way to counter in advance. He paused for a moment in seeming indecision, although in truth he was only barely concealing a grin. No, Reno would never change, not even when facing down death itself.
Suddenly, with no warning, Reno lunged to the right. He never gave the barest hint of a suggestion as to his intentions, not until he struck. He remembered that once, long ago, Rude had jokingly called him a snake. They'd argued about it and then went out for a drink. Gods, he missed those days. He'd give almost anything to live like that again. Anything except his few days in the cabin. Those were the ones he would always have, even if he died today.
With power and speed he struck the nearest shadow creature - or at least he should have. It was with horror that he passed though it as if it were smoke. True, he had battled them with the same results before. But, still, he'd been hoping against hope. These four seemed somehow. . . more solid than the ones before had. He couldn't put his finger on it, but it was as if they were lower class, lower grade than the ones they had seen before. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be making a huge amount of difference.
Reno shot forward, propelled by his own misjudgment. Still, trying to look on the bright side, he'd managed to break through the ranks of the shadow things. They were hunched, although they looked vaguely humanoid. They almost looked as if their outline had been blurred so that they blended in with the shadows. They had no discernible features, except two dark sockets where their eyes should have been. Reno had no honest clue as to how they managed their sibilant speech.
The one he had lunged at pulled back, and although it was obviously unhurt in the least it still managed to look uncertain. Still, with a hiss the others lurched forward toward Reno and the other one had no real choice but to follow. They fanned out again, and to the Turk's anguish, long claws extended slowly from their previously formless arms. Although they could have no expression, Reno couldn't help but sense the danger radiating from them.
Involuntarily, he shot a glance back at Yuffie. The festivities had yet to really begin, but he had a feeling that fireworks weren't far away. The ninja herself was standing at the opposite end of the room near the large chair Reno had come to think of as 'throne'. The very air around her seemed to be bent, as if the man in red had created a prison out of nothingness itself. Yuffie was pounding on what he supposed were the walls in vain. She was trapped with the man in red himself, but as of yet he seemed to mean her no harm. Instead, he seemed to be watching Reno with a smug satisfaction.
Hwen had simply backed away, and was watching Reno and the dark monsters intently. He almost seemed to take a cat-like delight from watching Reno's desperate plight. Then again, reflected Reno, he would.
He turned his attention back to the immediate danger. His red hair tied back in a ponytail fell a little way down his back, and for some reason he couldn't fathom he wished he still had his sunglasses. He'd lost them in the shipwreck, and besides the jacket and the alcohol habit, they were the last memento he had of his Turk days. Right now he needed all the strength and prowess the Turks had to offer. Now more then ever.
Two approaching shadows told him he didn't have time to stand there wishing the present away. Taking a ready stance, he glared at the approaching figures. Their long, blood red claws extended, they were the worst sort of nightmare creature. This time, the two stuck together, determined to throw a coordinated attack where the minor effort before had failed. It would have been nice to say there was an evil glint in their eyes, then at least you could say they were human. Instead there was nothing.
The high-pitched screech that Reno could never forget suddenly drove nails through his skull. He winced, but fought to keep alert as he saw the first one lunge forward. Fighting to keep his head from what felt like exploding, Reno lunged to the right just in time to avoid the deadly stroke. He was suddenly and painfully reminded that his side was not in good shape. Before being taken in he had fought like a devil, but had been captured in the end. Still, cracked ribs or no cracked ribs, he had to fight.
He acted quickly, not taking the time to think it through. There was no time! As the first creature's claws struck the air where he had stood a moment before, the ex-Turk slid his right foot hard against the floor and pushed off. Timing was everything. In the air, he spun over the shadow monster's arm, to land just the opposite side near the other creature. In a heart beat the electromag-rod sliced the air through the second creature.
Suddenly something painful and incredibly strong connected with his right shoulder, just outside his field of vision. With a sharp cry Reno was sent spinning to the floor where he slid a few feet.
He looked up, his eyes wide. Three creatures stalked forwards, the fourth bringing up the rear just a little ways behind. Reno tried to push himself upwards quickly, but his side screamed in response. With a short gasp, he settled for just scrambling backwards towards the wall. The important thing was just to stay back, and maybe he'd find a way. . . maybe a bolt of lightning would incinerate Mr. Vampy while it was at it. He might as well be holding his fingers crossed, waiting for a miracle.
Reno felt his shoulders hit the wall, and he pushed back against it, sliding himself up so as not to torture his side any more. Still, he never once took his eyes off the advancing line of darkness. The center one of the three raised it's arm a little, and with a strange blur, the claws faded and the entire appendage was replaced by a long red sword. Reno bit his lip and glared bloody murder at the one in question.
The two flanking the center one separated and headed to the left and right. The fourth still lurked behind the middle one. It seemed almost as if they could communicate with one another without having to actually speak. Each seemed to know where all the others were at any given moment. This couldn't bode well for any future efforts. But what else could he do? Maybe trying to break them up would work. If he could just force them apart, their offensive strategy would be forced to back down, maybe it'd even disintegrate.
Without warning, the one to Reno's immediate right jolted forward, claws splayed for the kill. Running on pure instincts, Reno ducked and rolled straight through the creature's legs. Not under them, straight through. The strange chilling feeling was disconcerting, but he could live with it. The whole point was to live, after all. He rolled to his feet, and turned around to instantly send a killing blow the creature's way by jerking his arm around backwards and lashing out with his elbow. It was a technique he's practiced many times.
Of course, it did nothing. The creature spun to face him, but Reno was ready for it. He skid backwards, his arms up in fighting position. He refused to be caught unawares again. A feint from the top right sent him ducking back towards the other one, however. The one with the sword arm had swung his way, but missed widely. Not pausing, Reno sent a rolling tackle into the one before him, and fell through it.
Regaining his feet, Reno found himself once again surrounded by the three, the fourth just out of sight. The monster with the sword arm snaked towards him, slashing madly. It took all his attention just to dodge the sharp blows raining down from the one in front, and it was with great relief that the two on the sides stayed where they were. They seemed content to just flash their claws ominously. The sword whistled overhead, and Reno ducked. It was springing back up that his mistake caught up with him.
A pair of sharp red claws hissed through the air, catching him in full stomach. An arm extended through the center of the creature in front of him, the one with the sword. The arm retracted, and Reno could see for the first time, the fourth creature standing behind the other. His breath temporarily knocked out, Reno heard Yuffie shriek. Time paused for a moment, and he looked down to survey the damage.
Three red gashes were scored across his skin, his shirt in tatters. Hatred burning in his eyes, Reno stared disbelievingly at the creatures.
"Dammit! I LIKE this shirt!"
Alright, so when all else failed, run away. Minor detail: there was nowhere to run to. It wasn't like he could leave Yuffie here. Even if he could, there was nowhere to go. In all likelihood the door was locked and barred from the outside, and there were no windows into this room. Still, better to give it some space. Ignoring the burning sensation, Reno dashed forward.
He barreled straight through the monsters, and raced forward. The opposite wall reached up, and veered slightly towards Yuffie in the right hand corner. He needed her help! She could hurt the damned things! He'd seen it first hand!
His steps carried him towards Yuffie. She stood, pressed against the unseen barrier. Her eyes were a little wild, and one fist still beat against her prison wall every once in a while. As Reno flew towards the invisible wall, Yuffie's eyes lit up, and she yelled to him.
"Reno! Help! Get me the hell out of here!"
The ex-Turk slammed his fist into the air, and was rewarded with bloody knuckles.
"Fucking hell. . . Yuffie, I don't know how! What do I do!?"
"I don't know! Just help me, please!"
As Reno threw himself against the wall, he felt a prickling sensation. Stopping, he looked up slowly. Two eyes, black as midnight stared back at him. The man in red smiled lazily at him, and seeing Reno's face, his mouth twitched up further. The silent laughter echoed through the room. With ice-cold fear sliding down his spine, Reno slowly turned around.
All four of the shadow demons stood less then ten feet away, their featureless faces adding to the terror Reno slowly felt taking hold. He pressed back against the wall.
"Reno! Listen to me!"
He heard Yuffie's voice hiss in his ear, barely more than a whisper.
"You can hurt them! I'm not sure I totally understand, but you have to believe!"
"What. . .?"
"If you believe you can hurt them, you can! These ones are weaker! For the stronger ones, it takes Materia to focus that belief, but you don't need it now!"
"This isn't some crappy fairytale, Yuffie! I refuse to descend to believing in 'the human heart' or any other clichéd, melodramatic crap."
"Just trust me! I know you can!"
It wasn't like he had a lot of choice, Reno reflected. So Yuffie thought there was some trick to this? It sounded stupid, but heck, so did a lot of things. That didn't mean they weren't worth a try. Believe that he could hurt them? Yes, Yuffie would certainly do that. She had a power of belief, and he knew that it was probably the reason she could dice the monsters up while he couldn't even touch them. He didn't have the strength to believe like that. But maybe. . . maybe if Yuffie believed in him too. . .
He closed his eyes for a moment, and took a tentative step forward. Yes. If Yuffie knew he could, then he could. She knew everything would be all right in the end, that good would triumph over evil. She didn't doubt, she didn't fear. And that was why she was five times the person he'd ever be; why he loved her.
Reno looked back over his shoulder, and stared straight into Yuffie's eyes. His were pleading, desperate even, but Yuffie's showed nothing other than certainty and strength. Looking at her, Reno could feel something click somewhere in his mind. He didn't want to let her down, didn't want to disappoint her. Someone in this stupid world had to prove that a girl's dreams could be real. He wanted to see her laugh again, see her cry again, see her smile. . .
"Yuffie. . ." His voice was barely audible. "If I can't. . ." He couldn't finish the sentence.
"But you can, you know. You always could. You were just never allowed to see. Shinra took everything away from you and gave you the blue suit in return. Nothing can wash away those years, but you can still save yourself. You can."
Reno clenched his fingers around his electromag-rod, and he felt the cold, smooth metal under his fingers. Yes, there was power here. Power for good or for evil, even when there was often no distinction between the two, it was power to do what you believed. And Reno would do just that. Daring to let his crooked smile touch his face, Reno got ready to go head to head. And this time there was no reason to hold back, no reason to fear.
Because this time he knew he could.
Electromag-rod at the ready, Reno began a slow, complex hand pattern that sent the nightstick whirling through the air for the second time that night. It was sure of itself, and there would be no stopping it now that it was in motion. Reno sent a nod to Hwen, crouched man still loitering around the back wall. Hwen's lip curled and he snarled in response. Reno took a deep breath.
There were two shadow creatures just a few meters away, just a little to his left. There was no better time then now to settle up, and Reno took another step forward. To his disappointment, the creatures showed no response, but he just kept the pattern moving and turned his shoulder away from the target. Now he was facing another one - the one with the sword arm. He didn't make a move, not yet. Reno was happy just to stand there, setting the air around alight with sparks of electricity.
Suddenly he whirled to the left, not even letting his foot lead as a warning. Breaking the pattern for the first time, Reno whipped out his arm, and sent the electromag-rod sizzling to the right. He saw the attack speeding towards the creatures, shadowy and insubstantial, and he instantly regretted it. Doubt assailed him, and he could feel certainty deserting him.
"Reno! You CAN do it!"
Yuffie's shout mixed momentarily with the doubt, but compared with the power of those words, petty fear hadn't a chance.
The electromag-rod struck it's target, and Reno knew that he could make a difference when it really counted. Still, he was unprepared for the shock of the blow. Although he still passed through the monster a little, it was more substantial, and the impact ran up his arm and grounded itself in his shoulder. Cursing he pulled away. But now, he had done it once and would never be able to go back
He danced away, his shoulder aching. The shadow demon left behind had it far worse, however. The super charged rod had sent enough electricity singing through its shadowy form to floor a regular man in mere seconds. A hiss of intense pain crept into Reno's head, and he could swear he saw the same thing happening behind Yuffie's eyes; Hwen's too. The man in red only smiled.
The creature took a shuddering step forward and doubled up, its form wavering and condensing in the air. The electricity seemed to seep out of it again, and instead crackled around the outside of it like silver; a network of living silver. It raced around and through trying to find somewhere to ground itself, and instead finding only empty air that yet somehow kept it bound. The creature straightened up again, but bent itself backwards and clawed at the unseen sky above.
Finally, with a shriek that made no sound, the monster made of darkness itself could no longer contain the electricity. It's shape sparkled for a moment, and then exploded silently into the air before fading into nothingness. Even in the minutes following the creature's terrible finale, every person in the room could still hear it's last scream in their mind.
Reno couldn't contain the shudder. It was too awful for any one person to watch and then just shake off. Even one as hardened as an ex- Turk. Shaking his head a little, Reno decided that delaying wouldn't make it any better. There was nothing to be done except everything. When you are given no choice at all then the only thing you can do is curse fate and hope she isn't listening too closely.
The electromag-rod still hung in Reno's hand, and he tried to reconcile himself with that fact. Yes, it was still ready to give the same end to the other three as their compatriot had received. Yes, it was still ready to kill even after so recently tasting life. But. . . it had no life of its own. It had nothing except what Reno gave it, and he had instead used it time and again to take. He was a Turk, goddammit! This was what he did, but somehow, it didn't seem like it was so simple anymore. Why did moral crises always have to arrive in life or death situations!? It just didn't seem fair.
No, he had been right all along. It was a weapon, and Reno was a Turk. Sometimes you just had to swallow the hero inside yourself and remember what it meant to be heartless. Even if he had decided to do the good guy thing, it didn't mean he was anyone other then himself. A part of him would always be a Turk, just like a part of him would always lie dead in Tseng's casket. It was interesting discovering yourself, really. You got to meet all sorts of new and interesting people.
Yes. He would fight because if he didn't then he would end up having to hurt a lot of other people, probably including Yuffie. No hero fought to save the world unless they had serious neurological problems. In the end, everyone did it for themselves. Themselves, the people who cared about them, and what they believed in. The people they cared about who believed in them.
Some one had once told Reno that he shouldn't be afraid of the monsters that slept under his bed. Yeah, he hadn't understood the metaphor then, but now he was suddenly starting to see that there is more then one type of monster. There are shadow demons, and then there are the demons inside. It is too easily debatable which one is worse. It was kind of funny if you thought about it.
There are the bad things that lurk in the dark, but more often then not they are only people's imaginations. Yes, there are monsters. See exhibit A, shadow creature wing, for proof. But what people frequently fail to realize is that blaming your problems on them is counterproductive. You're not happy with your life? Well, I'm sorry but I don't see any Zolems running evil electricity companies bent on world domination. No, it takes the finesse of a human mind to be that terrible. Even Sephiroth was human. . . Well, mostly. It was human weakness that caused him to fall over the brink of insanity and out the other end.
Just because you are human doesn't mean you don't have the right to be as horrible as any other species. Not to say humans are essentially evil or any other such crap. No, just when you thought you had them pegged as the scum of the Universe, they'd turn around and show more grace then Heaven could ever dream of. A particular young flower girl comes to mind. And you know, the funny thing is, usually the same individual is involved. It's this free will thing, you see. It was a real bugger.
Reno had already made his choice. Happiness and frolicking in the flowers could wait. For right now he had to think about the present, and not the future. He could repent for the rest of eternity if he wanted, but the point was that he still had to be alive to do that. Among other things, that was the top contender for his consideration.
He squared up to the three remaining creatures. They didn't seem afraid, but neither did they give any indication of wanting to rush him. Well if they weren't going to make the first move, he sure as hell would. He still owed them for what they'd done to his favorite shirt, after all.
His electromag-rod felt cool to the touch, but he knew it packed serious heat. Oh, the scores to be settled. Rolling it over in his hand, Reno glanced up from the weapon to the waiting audience. With a toss oh his head, he stared at the monsters, blue meeting black. He could feel a tension in the room, and he knew that for the first time the demons were feeling something akin to fear. That was powerful knowledge. It sent white- hot energy through his veins. Fear! He had power over them, and they knew it. Yes it was time to end this show, and make sure the final act was an explosive one. The curtain would fall leaving only the best man standing, and now Reno had no doubts that it would be him.
Finally.
He lunged forward, reveling in the new found energy. The strain of the previous, albeit short encounters had left him unsure of himself and in pain. Now that he was moving again, he felt all the old stamina and the 'high' of a Turk coming over him. Sure he'd pay for it later, but later was a long time away.
He didn't waste time with the elegant backhand he'd tried before, instead just slashed down at the nearest creature. It rose up to meet him, but his feet were faster than it could react and he twisted out of range. Without stopping to look to see if the attack had been successful, Reno continued his whirl to the right and sent the nightstick flying into the side of the next creature. It too lashed out in retribution, but the crimson claws were too slow to do serious damage. He felt something brush past the back of his right shoulder but that was all.
The only creature still standing was the one with the sword arm. It seemed to be the fastest and strongest of the four, and Reno dove towards it prepared to give it his all. His first attack was to the thing's left side, but it easily deflected the blow with a flick of the arm. Reno did not hesitate. He dropped and swept his right leg out and under the creature in an attempt to bring it to the floor. Unfortunately, brawling techniques didn't seem to be that effective.
A large overhand sweep came down towards the ex-Turk's head. Thinking fast, Reno dropped and rolled; the only thing he could think of in the instant given. He brought his knee up and rolled into a crouch. The monster started towards him, but Reno was in full out offensive mode. He launched himself up and towards the shadow creature.
Reno flew forwards, to tackle the monster in the air. It reeled backwards, but managed to hold onto its concentration as it lost its balance. Thrusting upwards with its sword arm, Reno was forced to let go and fall forwards. As they clattered to the ground, Reno thought he heard someone yelling far away. Everything outside this circle, this moment, was unimportant. He scrambled to his feet, ready to go back into attack the second he saw an opening.
The shadow creature was up again quickly, and it slithered towards Reno. It's empty slits that passed for eyes almost seemed to glow with rage. It's sword slammed out towards the man, but Reno managed to catch it on his electromag-rod. The nightstick crackled, but held under the onslaught. Hissing even more angrily, the monster pulled back in apparent rage. Swinging its strange, jointless limb backwards, it prepared to deliver the final crushing blow.
Too bad for the creature that it underestimated its quarry so atrociously. Reno struck before it even had a chance to thrust it's arm forward again with all the pent up energy. The electricity flowed into its shape, expanding, burning. Like its predecessors, the nameless monster wailed angrily at the world it was being withdrawn from, before gently exploding anti-climactically into the air.
Stepping away, Reno refused to look back at the empty space where his foe had existed only seconds before. Instead, he hid the shiver by turning his eyes towards the back of the large room. Hwen stood with his back pressed against the wall, a slightly wild look in his eyes.
Not stopping to breathe, Reno lifted his nightstick up visibly. He smiled faintly at the bemused Hwen before flicking the weapon off. Suddenly, all life and light drained from it. Carefully folding up the long rod, he reached back and slid it into his back pocket. With a cool look, he drew the sleek, small black gun. Now it was time to get serious.
His shirt was in tatters, and he bled from numerous places including his shoulder. It seemed that the last effort of one of the clawed soldiers hadn't been totally in vain. These and more he blocked out of his mind. He ignored Yuffie's shouts from behind him. He would come back to help her after. Right now he didn't need anyone, just his gun and his instincts.
Yes, Hwen would die. He would take this wretch down alone.
~* Not from the Author: Recap!! I love those things! Wow. . . this is a long chapter! I actually ended up rewriting this chapter three times, that's why it's so late. And I'm still not happy with it. Oh, well. As things are getting faster, I promise to get the next chapter up by next weekend. I already have a good start on it, so there'll be no more of this 'once a month' stuff, you hear? And if I take too long, I urge you all to email me and then hit me over the head until I get it done! Well, I guess that's it for now;
Heather Cat