*BY: TIFA_TRIBAL**
Meanwhile, Jessica is amazed by all of the kowledge she has just obtained.
JESS: You b*stard...
SEPH: I am quite surprised you have accepted it all so quickly, Tifa.
JESS: Stop calling me that!
Sephiroth swung and slit one side of her face open, blood pouring down her cheek. It dripped from her chin and onto the pendant she wore, which began to glow faintly.
SEPH: I can call you whatever I wish; you are in no position to defy me!
JESS: The only reason you have me chained like this is because you're afraid of my power!!
Sephiroth drew back and slapped her hard. She yelped and fell to one side, blood smeared across her cheek. Sephiroth took the Masamune and held it over her, positioning the blade at her heart.
SEPH: DIE!!!
Floating in a white abyss...silent...eyes closed tight in pain. Alexander lay comatose. The sounds from the human world were muffled, echoing around him faintly.Then they begain to rise. A man and a girl. A blade was drawn and swung.
A warm droplet landed on his cheek. Alexander winced and slowly opened his eyes.
More voices.
He touched the liquid on his face. It was warm and sticky; he brought his hand in front of his face.
There was a crack, like dull thunder. It reverberated through the whiteness. His dazed, cloudy eyes suddenly opened wide, blazing a furious cobalt blue.
Curses.
Blood.
A slap.
Jessica was in trouble.
ALEXANDER: .........Jessica!
The tip of the blade reached her flesh, and a white light exploded up around them. Sephiroth recoiled, crying out in shock. The white pendant she wore radiated brilliantly, and a figure was taking shape in front of them. The light was fading slowly, and Sephiroth lowered his arm from shielding his eyes. Alexander rushed him, and Sephiroth barely had time to lift his sword in retaliation.
Cloud, Bob, and Kuro burst in suddenly, looking around at the situation.
BOB: Jess!!
He ran over to her, still chained to the wall.
BOB: Jess? Jess! Hang on!
JESS: .....Bob?
Alexander and Sephiroth clashed blades several times.
CLOUD: Back off! He's mine!!
Cloud drew his Ultima Weapon and all of a sudden, the three were a mass of clashing blades and yells. Kuro just blinks, watching.
KURO: Wow, he's good! GO SEPHY!!!
BOB: Hey!! Who's side are you on?!
KURO: Oh right, sorry; GO CLOUD!!! GO ALEXEY!!!
Bob shook his head and returned to keeping Jessica conscious.
BOB: You have to keep talking to me!
JESS: ...you're always telling me to shut up, and now that I have...you want me to talk again...?
BOB: Jess, I'm serious!!
A bright orange-red Flare Star attack shot across the room and knocked Alexander and Cloud away from Sephiroth. The silver-haired man looked up.
SEPH: Thank you for finally deciding to come to my assistance!
They all follow his gaze to the purple cloaked figure walking into the area.
KUJA: You seemed to be enjoying yourself rather well.
KURO: YOU?!
KUJA: Yes, me. I thoguht Zidane was up to something, so I followed him, only to find Sephiroth. Naturally, I couldn't resist the power of the Darkside.
BOB: Oh haha.
Kuja merely grinned and then his eyes fell on Jessica.
KUJA: So this is Tifa.
CLOUD: Let her go. This is all because of me; it's me you want!!
Sephiroth jumped forward and brought the blade down across Cloud's back. He screamed, falling to the ground. Kuro yelped and scurried toward him, but Sephiroth was suddenly attacking her.
KURO: Ack!!! Help!
Alexander tackled Sephiroth and they both went crashing into the wall, Alexander--unfortunately--head first. Sephiroth stood, eye twitching.
SEPH: You've caused enough trouble!
Cloud rushes to Alexander's aid, perfoming his deadly Omnislash. The 21 strikes cut deeply, making Sephiroth bleed profusely.
Cloud fell to one knee at the attacks end, Sephiroth collapsing into a pool of his own blood. Cloud wiped his eyes and helped Alexander to his feet. They looked at one another, then went over to Jessica, Bob, and Kuro.
BOB: She won't come out of it...
Alexander kneels before her and places a hand to her forehead.
ALEXANDER: My lady white mage, return to us.
Her eyes slowly cleared and she looked up.
JESS: Alexander?
ALEXANDER: I am here.
JESS: Bob? Kuro?
KURO: Jess!!
BOB: Welcome back.
JESS: Where's--?
Sephiroth was storming toward them, the Masamune gleaming brightly, fury blazing in his eyes.
JESS & KURO: Yipe!!!
Alexander kissed Jessica's wounded cheek and stood.
ALEXANDER: You will no longer be able to summon me until the final battle. Farewell, m'lady.
Then he turned to Sephiroth and grabbed the arm holding the sword.
SEPHIROTH: Move...or DIE.
ALEXANDER: You shall now face the wrath...of Holy Judgement.
Alexander flicked his wrist and snapped Sephiroth's arm in half. The man howled in pain, the Masamune clattering to the ground. Alexander's wings glowed bluish-white and encircled him. Kuja merely watched, grinning slightly.
The Holy Judgement attack shot from the wings, swinging around and pelting Sephiroth. They heard him scream, his voice echoing in the light. Alexander was chanting something clearly, softly, rapidly.
Then he released Sephiroth, and the silver-haired man fell for the last time. The angle turned slowly back to the group. There were tears welling in his eyes.
ALEXANDER: Goodbye....Jessica.
JESS: (lunging forward) Alexey!!
The chains held her, but Alexander was already gone. Her pendant dulled.
KURO: Jess, are you alright?
JESS: Yeah, I'm fine...
BOB: We need to get you out of here!
CLOUD: Step back.
Kuro and Bob backed. Cloud looked at Jessica sloemnly.
CLOUD: Tifa, trust me.
Jessica can only nod and watch as the Ultima Blade is drawn up above her head.
BOB: You'll hurt her!!!
KURO: I can't watch!
Cloud swings his sword and chops all the chains. Jessica's arms fall to her sides and the manicles clank against the floor. She jiggles her wrists and looks up at him.
JESS: Thank you.
Cloud helps her to her feet, and both Bob and Kuro hug her tightly. She almost collapses, but hugs them back.
JESS: I missed you guys too.
BOB: Come on! We have to get out of here!
CLOUD: Valefore's still outside--we could have a quick escape.
KUJA: I think not.
They turn to him. He has summoned a very nasty-looking silver dragon, which looks rather hungry.
KURO: Bob, Cloud, get Jess to Valefore; I'll stay behind and fight Kuja.
JESS: You're crazy! We're all going back together!!
KURO: .........I'm going to kill him, for good.
They look at her, shocked.
JESS: Kuro....we need all eight summons for that to happen.
BOB: I can kill him now...
Jessica elbows him.
JESS: You're not helping matters!
BOB: Well, I can stay behind and hold him off.
JESS: Don't you get it?! We're leaving TOGETHER!!
BOB: Don't worry, I'll catch up.
JESS: Bob, I'm not leaving you behind.
He grins at her.
BOB: Don't worry about me.
JESS: But I do worry!!
KURO: You two sound married....
They glare at her; she silences, but giggles.
BOB: I'll catch up, I promise.
JESS: ......
Kuja was suddenly upon them, the dragon roaring and spewing fire. The girls shrieked and Cloud grabbed their hands, pulling them outside. Bob pulled out his sword and bow staff. The dragon snapped at the girls as they were pulled by, and Bob hit it in the snout with a flare attack.
BOB: Oy!! Over here!
The dragon reared and shrieked, building up a fire attack. Bob braced himself, but the flames washed harmlessly over him. He looked to the door where Kuro waved with her staff once before running off.
BOB: She can cast fire and repell it...incredible.
Then he leapt forward, twirling his bow. Another flare attack hit the dragon, and then his sword found its flesh. It screamed, smacking him away with its long claws. Bob hit the wall and winced, clutching a bleeding gash in his chest. He flipped back onto his feet and ran at them again. His staff and sword began to glow.
Bob thwaked Kuja in the back of the head with his staff, at the same time releasing his third flare attack. Kuja fell away, grunting in shock and pain. Bob ripped the sword through the dragon, an Ultima spell ripping through its chest. It roared weakly and collapsed to the floor, and he stepped back, panting. Jessica ran to him, grabbing his arm.
JESS: Come on!
BOB: But--
JESS: NOW!!!
She drags him outside. Kuro and Cloud are already on Valefore. Bob and Jess leap on, and the aeon takes off to the sky.
Roy paced in front of the temple entrance.
ROY: Mages only...bah!
With a heavy thump, Valefore landed before him, and the passengers slid off. Cloud dispelled it with the pendant, then they all turned to see Roy gaping.
ROY: Another one?!
KURO: I miscounted, hon. Cloud found Valefore here on Moonforest road.
Vivi, Zidane, Tidus, Yuna, and Dagger ran up from where they had been setting up camp. All of them begin talking at once. Roy's eyebrow twitches, anime-fashion.
ROY: One at a time please!!
CLOUD: Here, take him.
Cloud hands Yuna the green pendant. She blinks.
YUNA: For me? But he's yours...
CLOUD: Nope. I just found him. He was loking for you.
Yuna smiles and puts on the pendant. Cloud turns to address them all.
CLOUD: I fought Sephiroth, and he was defeated. So now I'll be off.
GARNET: Wait! How did you know Jess was in trouble?
ZIDANE: Yeah, I still don't get that...
CLOUD: Tifa was brought here by Sephiroth. Sephiroth travelled with the power of the lifestream. How would he transport another person who is not dead?
TIDUS: Um....by doing stuff?
Yuna elbows him.
TIDUS: Ow!
JESS: .....by taking her soul.
They all look at her. She blinks, then shivers.
CLOUD: Exactly.
KURO: Wait wait wait. So...you're saying...that Tifa's soul is trapped in Jess's body?
CLOUD: Yep.
ALL: ...........
Nightfall. The stars had never held more radience, and Bob lay on his back, staring up at them in deep thought. He didn't hear her approaching until she spoke.
JESS: You saved me...again.
BOB: Nope. Cloud and Alexander did.
Jessica sits beside him and he turns away from her. She looks saddened, but continues.
JESS: I know it was you who convinced them to come back.
BOB: They decided on their own.
JESS: But, you came for me, and you saved us by holding off Kuja--by yourself!
BOB: Yeah, so?
JESS: I'm trying to thank you!
BOB: Well, save it.
JESS: Why are you acting like this?!
BOB: Go away, Jessica.
She recoiled as if slapped. Bob bit his lip, shutting his eyes. Then he turned back to face her.
And stared.
JESS: You don't...mean that...do you?
BOB: ....no. No, I just--
JESS: What's wrong?
He sat up, cupping one hand on her face. She blinked and he leaned forward. Their lips met for one small moment, then he parted and leaned his forehead against hers.
BOB: I love you.
JESS: You....?
He could only manage a nod. A blush began to creep into her cheeks. He opened his mouth to say something, but then he was being kissed again. After a long moment, he pulled away from her.
BOB: So, this means you love me back, right?
JESS: No, I just usually kiss people I dislike.
BOB: Do you now?
JESS: .....idiot.
BOB: I just want to hear it from you.
JESS: I love you.
They resumed this very passionate kiss.
Jessica walked back toward her tent, thinking. She was abruptly tackled.
JESS: ACK!!
KURO: Shh! It's me!
JESS: Don't do that!
KURO: I have some stuff to tell you, so I went looking for you.
JESS: What is it?
KURO: Two things.
JESS: I'm listening...
KURO: One, the temple which holds the last summon only allows mages in.
JESS: But Roy has to go!
KURO: I was thinking I could let Vivi and ....Bob train him for a day, just enough so he can pass as one.
JESS: Sounds like a plan.
KURO: Good. Okay, number two.
JESS: Go for it.
KURO: (looks away) You have to go with Cloud back to Gaia so you can restore Tifa.
JESS: *blink* How...?
KURO: He can get you there, but....
JESS: But...?
KURO: You might not be able to return.
Meanwhile, Jessica is amazed by all of the kowledge she has just obtained.
JESS: You b*stard...
SEPH: I am quite surprised you have accepted it all so quickly, Tifa.
JESS: Stop calling me that!
Sephiroth swung and slit one side of her face open, blood pouring down her cheek. It dripped from her chin and onto the pendant she wore, which began to glow faintly.
SEPH: I can call you whatever I wish; you are in no position to defy me!
JESS: The only reason you have me chained like this is because you're afraid of my power!!
Sephiroth drew back and slapped her hard. She yelped and fell to one side, blood smeared across her cheek. Sephiroth took the Masamune and held it over her, positioning the blade at her heart.
SEPH: DIE!!!
Floating in a white abyss...silent...eyes closed tight in pain. Alexander lay comatose. The sounds from the human world were muffled, echoing around him faintly.Then they begain to rise. A man and a girl. A blade was drawn and swung.
A warm droplet landed on his cheek. Alexander winced and slowly opened his eyes.
More voices.
He touched the liquid on his face. It was warm and sticky; he brought his hand in front of his face.
There was a crack, like dull thunder. It reverberated through the whiteness. His dazed, cloudy eyes suddenly opened wide, blazing a furious cobalt blue.
Curses.
Blood.
A slap.
Jessica was in trouble.
ALEXANDER: .........Jessica!
The tip of the blade reached her flesh, and a white light exploded up around them. Sephiroth recoiled, crying out in shock. The white pendant she wore radiated brilliantly, and a figure was taking shape in front of them. The light was fading slowly, and Sephiroth lowered his arm from shielding his eyes. Alexander rushed him, and Sephiroth barely had time to lift his sword in retaliation.
Cloud, Bob, and Kuro burst in suddenly, looking around at the situation.
BOB: Jess!!
He ran over to her, still chained to the wall.
BOB: Jess? Jess! Hang on!
JESS: .....Bob?
Alexander and Sephiroth clashed blades several times.
CLOUD: Back off! He's mine!!
Cloud drew his Ultima Weapon and all of a sudden, the three were a mass of clashing blades and yells. Kuro just blinks, watching.
KURO: Wow, he's good! GO SEPHY!!!
BOB: Hey!! Who's side are you on?!
KURO: Oh right, sorry; GO CLOUD!!! GO ALEXEY!!!
Bob shook his head and returned to keeping Jessica conscious.
BOB: You have to keep talking to me!
JESS: ...you're always telling me to shut up, and now that I have...you want me to talk again...?
BOB: Jess, I'm serious!!
A bright orange-red Flare Star attack shot across the room and knocked Alexander and Cloud away from Sephiroth. The silver-haired man looked up.
SEPH: Thank you for finally deciding to come to my assistance!
They all follow his gaze to the purple cloaked figure walking into the area.
KUJA: You seemed to be enjoying yourself rather well.
KURO: YOU?!
KUJA: Yes, me. I thoguht Zidane was up to something, so I followed him, only to find Sephiroth. Naturally, I couldn't resist the power of the Darkside.
BOB: Oh haha.
Kuja merely grinned and then his eyes fell on Jessica.
KUJA: So this is Tifa.
CLOUD: Let her go. This is all because of me; it's me you want!!
Sephiroth jumped forward and brought the blade down across Cloud's back. He screamed, falling to the ground. Kuro yelped and scurried toward him, but Sephiroth was suddenly attacking her.
KURO: Ack!!! Help!
Alexander tackled Sephiroth and they both went crashing into the wall, Alexander--unfortunately--head first. Sephiroth stood, eye twitching.
SEPH: You've caused enough trouble!
Cloud rushes to Alexander's aid, perfoming his deadly Omnislash. The 21 strikes cut deeply, making Sephiroth bleed profusely.
Cloud fell to one knee at the attacks end, Sephiroth collapsing into a pool of his own blood. Cloud wiped his eyes and helped Alexander to his feet. They looked at one another, then went over to Jessica, Bob, and Kuro.
BOB: She won't come out of it...
Alexander kneels before her and places a hand to her forehead.
ALEXANDER: My lady white mage, return to us.
Her eyes slowly cleared and she looked up.
JESS: Alexander?
ALEXANDER: I am here.
JESS: Bob? Kuro?
KURO: Jess!!
BOB: Welcome back.
JESS: Where's--?
Sephiroth was storming toward them, the Masamune gleaming brightly, fury blazing in his eyes.
JESS & KURO: Yipe!!!
Alexander kissed Jessica's wounded cheek and stood.
ALEXANDER: You will no longer be able to summon me until the final battle. Farewell, m'lady.
Then he turned to Sephiroth and grabbed the arm holding the sword.
SEPHIROTH: Move...or DIE.
ALEXANDER: You shall now face the wrath...of Holy Judgement.
Alexander flicked his wrist and snapped Sephiroth's arm in half. The man howled in pain, the Masamune clattering to the ground. Alexander's wings glowed bluish-white and encircled him. Kuja merely watched, grinning slightly.
The Holy Judgement attack shot from the wings, swinging around and pelting Sephiroth. They heard him scream, his voice echoing in the light. Alexander was chanting something clearly, softly, rapidly.
Then he released Sephiroth, and the silver-haired man fell for the last time. The angle turned slowly back to the group. There were tears welling in his eyes.
ALEXANDER: Goodbye....Jessica.
JESS: (lunging forward) Alexey!!
The chains held her, but Alexander was already gone. Her pendant dulled.
KURO: Jess, are you alright?
JESS: Yeah, I'm fine...
BOB: We need to get you out of here!
CLOUD: Step back.
Kuro and Bob backed. Cloud looked at Jessica sloemnly.
CLOUD: Tifa, trust me.
Jessica can only nod and watch as the Ultima Blade is drawn up above her head.
BOB: You'll hurt her!!!
KURO: I can't watch!
Cloud swings his sword and chops all the chains. Jessica's arms fall to her sides and the manicles clank against the floor. She jiggles her wrists and looks up at him.
JESS: Thank you.
Cloud helps her to her feet, and both Bob and Kuro hug her tightly. She almost collapses, but hugs them back.
JESS: I missed you guys too.
BOB: Come on! We have to get out of here!
CLOUD: Valefore's still outside--we could have a quick escape.
KUJA: I think not.
They turn to him. He has summoned a very nasty-looking silver dragon, which looks rather hungry.
KURO: Bob, Cloud, get Jess to Valefore; I'll stay behind and fight Kuja.
JESS: You're crazy! We're all going back together!!
KURO: .........I'm going to kill him, for good.
They look at her, shocked.
JESS: Kuro....we need all eight summons for that to happen.
BOB: I can kill him now...
Jessica elbows him.
JESS: You're not helping matters!
BOB: Well, I can stay behind and hold him off.
JESS: Don't you get it?! We're leaving TOGETHER!!
BOB: Don't worry, I'll catch up.
JESS: Bob, I'm not leaving you behind.
He grins at her.
BOB: Don't worry about me.
JESS: But I do worry!!
KURO: You two sound married....
They glare at her; she silences, but giggles.
BOB: I'll catch up, I promise.
JESS: ......
Kuja was suddenly upon them, the dragon roaring and spewing fire. The girls shrieked and Cloud grabbed their hands, pulling them outside. Bob pulled out his sword and bow staff. The dragon snapped at the girls as they were pulled by, and Bob hit it in the snout with a flare attack.
BOB: Oy!! Over here!
The dragon reared and shrieked, building up a fire attack. Bob braced himself, but the flames washed harmlessly over him. He looked to the door where Kuro waved with her staff once before running off.
BOB: She can cast fire and repell it...incredible.
Then he leapt forward, twirling his bow. Another flare attack hit the dragon, and then his sword found its flesh. It screamed, smacking him away with its long claws. Bob hit the wall and winced, clutching a bleeding gash in his chest. He flipped back onto his feet and ran at them again. His staff and sword began to glow.
Bob thwaked Kuja in the back of the head with his staff, at the same time releasing his third flare attack. Kuja fell away, grunting in shock and pain. Bob ripped the sword through the dragon, an Ultima spell ripping through its chest. It roared weakly and collapsed to the floor, and he stepped back, panting. Jessica ran to him, grabbing his arm.
JESS: Come on!
BOB: But--
JESS: NOW!!!
She drags him outside. Kuro and Cloud are already on Valefore. Bob and Jess leap on, and the aeon takes off to the sky.
Roy paced in front of the temple entrance.
ROY: Mages only...bah!
With a heavy thump, Valefore landed before him, and the passengers slid off. Cloud dispelled it with the pendant, then they all turned to see Roy gaping.
ROY: Another one?!
KURO: I miscounted, hon. Cloud found Valefore here on Moonforest road.
Vivi, Zidane, Tidus, Yuna, and Dagger ran up from where they had been setting up camp. All of them begin talking at once. Roy's eyebrow twitches, anime-fashion.
ROY: One at a time please!!
CLOUD: Here, take him.
Cloud hands Yuna the green pendant. She blinks.
YUNA: For me? But he's yours...
CLOUD: Nope. I just found him. He was loking for you.
Yuna smiles and puts on the pendant. Cloud turns to address them all.
CLOUD: I fought Sephiroth, and he was defeated. So now I'll be off.
GARNET: Wait! How did you know Jess was in trouble?
ZIDANE: Yeah, I still don't get that...
CLOUD: Tifa was brought here by Sephiroth. Sephiroth travelled with the power of the lifestream. How would he transport another person who is not dead?
TIDUS: Um....by doing stuff?
Yuna elbows him.
TIDUS: Ow!
JESS: .....by taking her soul.
They all look at her. She blinks, then shivers.
CLOUD: Exactly.
KURO: Wait wait wait. So...you're saying...that Tifa's soul is trapped in Jess's body?
CLOUD: Yep.
ALL: ...........
Nightfall. The stars had never held more radience, and Bob lay on his back, staring up at them in deep thought. He didn't hear her approaching until she spoke.
JESS: You saved me...again.
BOB: Nope. Cloud and Alexander did.
Jessica sits beside him and he turns away from her. She looks saddened, but continues.
JESS: I know it was you who convinced them to come back.
BOB: They decided on their own.
JESS: But, you came for me, and you saved us by holding off Kuja--by yourself!
BOB: Yeah, so?
JESS: I'm trying to thank you!
BOB: Well, save it.
JESS: Why are you acting like this?!
BOB: Go away, Jessica.
She recoiled as if slapped. Bob bit his lip, shutting his eyes. Then he turned back to face her.
And stared.
JESS: You don't...mean that...do you?
BOB: ....no. No, I just--
JESS: What's wrong?
He sat up, cupping one hand on her face. She blinked and he leaned forward. Their lips met for one small moment, then he parted and leaned his forehead against hers.
BOB: I love you.
JESS: You....?
He could only manage a nod. A blush began to creep into her cheeks. He opened his mouth to say something, but then he was being kissed again. After a long moment, he pulled away from her.
BOB: So, this means you love me back, right?
JESS: No, I just usually kiss people I dislike.
BOB: Do you now?
JESS: .....idiot.
BOB: I just want to hear it from you.
JESS: I love you.
They resumed this very passionate kiss.
Jessica walked back toward her tent, thinking. She was abruptly tackled.
JESS: ACK!!
KURO: Shh! It's me!
JESS: Don't do that!
KURO: I have some stuff to tell you, so I went looking for you.
JESS: What is it?
KURO: Two things.
JESS: I'm listening...
KURO: One, the temple which holds the last summon only allows mages in.
JESS: But Roy has to go!
KURO: I was thinking I could let Vivi and ....Bob train him for a day, just enough so he can pass as one.
JESS: Sounds like a plan.
KURO: Good. Okay, number two.
JESS: Go for it.
KURO: (looks away) You have to go with Cloud back to Gaia so you can restore Tifa.
JESS: *blink* How...?
KURO: He can get you there, but....
JESS: But...?
KURO: You might not be able to return.