Disclaimer: All characters and locations that appear in any of the Final
Fantasy games belong to Square-Enix. (Note: This is only a filler chapter,
beg my pardon if it's not really exciting.)
Chapter Three: The Zero World Tournament
Vincent began to walk toward Necron when Cloud blocked his path.
"Move Cloud, don't be foolish."
"Foolish huh, isn't that an emotion? An emotion Yuffie will never express again."
".You said something like this before, haven't you? In the Forgotten City, right after Sephiroth killed Aeris."
"How did you know?"
"Stand aside, now!"
Vincent immediately pulled Death Penalty on Cloud.
"I won't say this again, stand aside!"
"Alright, I will just don't kill anyone else."
"A smart choice, I actually think there might be hope for a chicken- wuss like you after all. Now, Necron I propose we have ourselves a little tournament."
Necron descended from his throne to answer Vincent's plea.
"I believe that can be arranged, and the winner will be sent to the Living world."
So it was, Necron's bidding, that there would be a tournament held in the center of the Zero World. The Zero World Tournament would determine the one worthy to go back to the Living world. Necron's grand coliseum descended from its place in the sky in order to create the perfect battle arena. The colossus stone architecture was large enough for many to fit in, and Necron could judge the battles from his throne. After many training sessions and thoughts, the matches were decided.
Match One: Cid vs. Tifa
Match Two: Cloud vs. Vincent
Match Three: Barret vs. Necron
Match One:
Crisp straw-blonde hair reflected the sunshine that now settled upon the arena. Ice blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight as Cid peered at his challenger. Weak, he could easily dispose of Tifa. Smiling, he gripped the Venus Gospel with a desire that none could see. He desperately wanted to go back, to be alive. Even after experiencing the once unfathomable death, even knowing he'd face death once again, he wanted to go back.
Cid walked out into his place, the sunrays that decided to stay in the arena warmed the navy blue Air Force jacket he wore. Feeling a sense of renewal, he picked the Venus Gospel high above his head and held it there for all to see. He must have been pleased at his rejuvenated weapon, no battle scars, not yet. The brilliant mahogany shaft of the Gospel was cut along the grain correctly, very precise.
He gazed into the spear tip, directly at the Venus Flame as the sunlight created a flame inside it. The same flame burned inside him, but not a flame of craftsmanship, a fire no water could vanquish, his pride. He lowered the weapon to his side as his opponent took their place upon the battlefield.
The battle started off slowly, Cid was preparing a strategy and one of Tifa's Tekketsu's talons began to glow a faint green. Tifa started the fight, running at Cid without hesitation. She was following Cid's plan perfectly. He waited until she was in close range when he jabbed at her with the Gospel. She dodged but not far enough, a part of the blade pierced the top of her left shoulder.
Cid quickly switched his grip on the Gospel and tried to stab Tifa with the spear, but she rolled and the spear sank into the clouds. This was Cid's only mistake the entire battle, Tifa got close to Cid and stabbed him with the green talons directly in his side. The wound was small, he hardly noticed it. But on the inside, the poison was spreading throughout his bloodstream.
Cid would never give up, the blood that drained from his wound was a blackish color, because of the poison, but he paid to heed to it. Tifa continued to avoid his every attempt on her life, hoping that the poison was doing its job. Eventually Cid tired out from all his attacks. That is when he glanced down at his hand. The veins were becoming a faint purple, so was his arteries. He gazed into the blade of the Gospel, only to notice that the veins in his face were also purple.
He began to grow cold; he placed a hand on his left side. Carefully lifting his hand to his eyes he noticed a black liquid. Cid realized that it was poisoned blood, but it was too late. His eyes faded to a light grey as he fell onto the clouds, staining them a crimson black. The Venus Gospel fell to the clouds as well, with a loud clank.
"It is over," announced Necron as he revived Cid, "Tifa is the victor. Cid you are disqualified. But as a bonus for all who enter the tournament, if you lose, I will not absorb your energy."
Tifa walked over to where Cid stilled laid faced down upon the clouds.
"Sorry about that."
"What are you talking about? I was the one who ignored my wound. If I would have checked it I would have forfeited, knowing I would lose anyway."
"You did a good job after all; you managed to cut my shoulder."
"Sorry about that Tifa, I was actually aiming for your heart."
"Don't worry yourself about it; it was a battle to the death. You just wanted to win. I understand, come on, we get to watch Cloud and Vincent next."
"What? Heh, that wimpy ass Cloud versus Vincent, that will be another short match, I feel sorry for him. Vincent will clean Cloud's damn block."
Match Two: Cloud vs. Vincent
Match Three: Barret vs. Necron
Match Four: Tifa vs.
Match Two:
After the first match, a dark rain cloud extended upon the vast sky of the Zero World. It had just begun to rain; yet, the second match was to commence. Vincent was silently crouching upon the top of a pillar in the coliseum. The rain didn't bother him one bit, he was too busy studying his opponent. Vincent watched as Cloud walked out into the arena from the south corridor of the coliseum.
Cloud stepped out into the rain that now drowned the battle arena. The droplets of rain clinked upon his armor and soaked his shirt. His boots splashed mud like clouds everywhere. It's strange how the clouds were hard as stone and seem to take on several different personalities. He walked out to his rightful spot in the arena and looked about for Vincent. Slung over his right shoulder was the Ultima Weapon, glowing a faint blue because of the rain.
Once Cloud's blue-emerald eyes caught the glimpse of Vincent on top of the pillar, he was gone. He couldn't see where Vincent had gone, he had the advantage of strength, but Vincent had the speed. Cloud quickly grasped the handle of the Ultima Weapon and drew it forth. Stepping back into an offensive stance Cloud was prepared to fight Vincent.
Noticing that Cloud had seen him, a flash of lightning provided Vincent the perfect opportunity to move and he jumped to the pillar on the opposite side. Cloud withdrew his sword and Vincent slowly took out Death Penalty, loaded it, and aimed at his back. Another flash of lightning blinded Vincent from his shot, so he decided to just fight. But he would fight with his mind not his strength, Cloud was the stronger one, and Vincent knew that.
A second flash of lightning allowed Vincent to jump back to his side of the arena. He fell from the sky as the thunder boomed, providing cover over his cloak's swishing noise. Vincent landed in a crouched position, his back turned to Cloud. He stood up and Cloud noticed the glare in his blood red eyes. Drops of water trickled from his hair and splashed against the clouds.
".It's over." Vincent muttered to himself.
Vincent closed his eyes and a white aura formed around him. Not even the rain managed to penetrate the aura barrier. Cloud ran to Vincent and swung the sword at him. The sword's blade hit the barrier and stuck. Cloud just stood there thinking of what to do now. Vincent then opened his eyes very quick, and a white light engulfed his eyes. Immediately in unison with the opening of his eyes a gust of wind formed.
Both Vincent and Cloud were uplifted several inches above the clouds. Vincent's white aura glowed blue and his cloak was propelled upward with another gust of wind.
"..Lets see you defeat me now.." stated Vincent with a maniacal smile.
In a flash Vincent disappeared and Cloud fell to the ground. Quickly, as to give no opportunities to Vincent, he stood back up. Cloud heard the gunshot from Vincent's Death Penalty and turned in the direction of the shot. Cloud; being an excellent swordsman and thanks to the width of the Ultima Weapon, he blocked the bullet. He stared at Vincent through the clear sword and watched as he continued to fire at the sword.
"You'll never hit me like this Vincent!" yelled Cloud.
".We'll see." thought Vincent.
Vincent stopped shooting at Cloud randomly, and carefully aimed the Death Penalty at one spot on the Ultima Weapon. He fired two shots simultaneously and then hit the sword. The first bullet yet again bounced off the sword, but thanks to the second bullet, penetrated the sword slightly. A crack formed in the sword where the bullet had entered. Without pause, Vincent fired two more simultaneous shots. The bullets hit dead on target and the sword began to crack even more.
Cloud knew he couldn't move the sword or else he'd get hit with a bullet from the Death Penalty. Finally Vincent shot the two remaining bullets in the Death Penalty, simultaneously as before. The first bullet shattered the Ultima Weapon's blade, greatly catching Cloud off guard. He held before him, only the handle and hilt of the once magnificent weapon. The last bullet struck Cloud directly in his wind pipe.
The light that engulfed Vincent's eyes was now gone, and the sullen crimson eyes were in their place. The aura barrier was gone and Vincent was now walking toward Cloud. As Cloud lay on the clouds gasping for breath as his crimson red blood spewed forth from his wound, Vincent walked right up to Cloud's head and shot him.
".I'll never hit you." stated Vincent with a tint of irony in his voice.
"Congratulations, you're the victor of the second match Vincent." Necron congratulated, as he fixed the sword and brought Cloud back to life.
Match Three: Barret vs. Necron
Match Four: Tifa vs. Vincent
Match Five:
Match Three:
"How am I supposed to beat you?" questioned Barret.
".You're not." replied Necron as Barret's body was engulfed in blue flames.
"You supposed to lose."
Match Four: Tifa vs. Vincent
Match Five: vs. Necron
Match Four:
Tifa and Vincent both took their places on the battle arena's cloudy floor. Once Necron announced the official beginning to the battle Tifa charged Vincent. Vincent just stood up at full posture and closed his eyes once more. As she grew closer to Vincent, he did not even bother to open his eyes. She charged at him with several tiger claws, back fists, and thunder kicks. Vincent dodged them all, still keeping his eyes shut.
A couple of times she nearly hit Vincent head on in the face and ribs, but he felt the rush of wind from her hands and dodged in the nick of time. Eventually Vincent grew tired of this game and jumped up into mid- air and finally opened his eyes. His eyes were piercing blue as ever and a white aura had already formed around his new body. He once again assumed the form of Guardian, Tifa knew she was in trouble, but was not expecting what was soon to come.
Vincent floated there in the sky of the Zero World for a few minutes before he call out for all to hear him.
"Behold! Sephiroth is no longer the only one with a golden form!"
His Guardian form began to glow faint silver and then the white aura around him disappeared. His eyes closed once more as he let out a deafening roar. His hair rushed upward and began to glow with the color of the sun, his wings shattered and two massive golden wings took their place. His cloak began to grow a golden color as the rest of his body was now surrounded with a gold aura. He finally opened his eyes when he assumed the Golden Guardian form. His eyes were bright gold with a tint of emerald.
Vincent immediately dropped from the sky and landed once more in a crouched position, perfectly unharmed. Tifa, knowing that this was in the bad thing category, charged Vincent one more time anyways. She threw a chambered punch to Vincent's center torso. Her fist never quite reached the destination point of contact. The golden aura surrounding Vincent incinerated her hand. Then it began to spread like a poison through her body until the heat radiated from the aura disintegrated her.
Her ashes fell before Vincent as Necron announced him the winner. Necron reluctantly revived Tifa, once more missing a chance for more energy.
Match Five: Vincent vs. Necron
Match Five:
"Vincent, I congratulate you. I never thought you'd make it this far. You may go to the living world, on my treat. This ends the Zero World Tournament."
Chapter Three: The Zero World Tournament
Vincent began to walk toward Necron when Cloud blocked his path.
"Move Cloud, don't be foolish."
"Foolish huh, isn't that an emotion? An emotion Yuffie will never express again."
".You said something like this before, haven't you? In the Forgotten City, right after Sephiroth killed Aeris."
"How did you know?"
"Stand aside, now!"
Vincent immediately pulled Death Penalty on Cloud.
"I won't say this again, stand aside!"
"Alright, I will just don't kill anyone else."
"A smart choice, I actually think there might be hope for a chicken- wuss like you after all. Now, Necron I propose we have ourselves a little tournament."
Necron descended from his throne to answer Vincent's plea.
"I believe that can be arranged, and the winner will be sent to the Living world."
So it was, Necron's bidding, that there would be a tournament held in the center of the Zero World. The Zero World Tournament would determine the one worthy to go back to the Living world. Necron's grand coliseum descended from its place in the sky in order to create the perfect battle arena. The colossus stone architecture was large enough for many to fit in, and Necron could judge the battles from his throne. After many training sessions and thoughts, the matches were decided.
Match One: Cid vs. Tifa
Match Two: Cloud vs. Vincent
Match Three: Barret vs. Necron
Match One:
Crisp straw-blonde hair reflected the sunshine that now settled upon the arena. Ice blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight as Cid peered at his challenger. Weak, he could easily dispose of Tifa. Smiling, he gripped the Venus Gospel with a desire that none could see. He desperately wanted to go back, to be alive. Even after experiencing the once unfathomable death, even knowing he'd face death once again, he wanted to go back.
Cid walked out into his place, the sunrays that decided to stay in the arena warmed the navy blue Air Force jacket he wore. Feeling a sense of renewal, he picked the Venus Gospel high above his head and held it there for all to see. He must have been pleased at his rejuvenated weapon, no battle scars, not yet. The brilliant mahogany shaft of the Gospel was cut along the grain correctly, very precise.
He gazed into the spear tip, directly at the Venus Flame as the sunlight created a flame inside it. The same flame burned inside him, but not a flame of craftsmanship, a fire no water could vanquish, his pride. He lowered the weapon to his side as his opponent took their place upon the battlefield.
The battle started off slowly, Cid was preparing a strategy and one of Tifa's Tekketsu's talons began to glow a faint green. Tifa started the fight, running at Cid without hesitation. She was following Cid's plan perfectly. He waited until she was in close range when he jabbed at her with the Gospel. She dodged but not far enough, a part of the blade pierced the top of her left shoulder.
Cid quickly switched his grip on the Gospel and tried to stab Tifa with the spear, but she rolled and the spear sank into the clouds. This was Cid's only mistake the entire battle, Tifa got close to Cid and stabbed him with the green talons directly in his side. The wound was small, he hardly noticed it. But on the inside, the poison was spreading throughout his bloodstream.
Cid would never give up, the blood that drained from his wound was a blackish color, because of the poison, but he paid to heed to it. Tifa continued to avoid his every attempt on her life, hoping that the poison was doing its job. Eventually Cid tired out from all his attacks. That is when he glanced down at his hand. The veins were becoming a faint purple, so was his arteries. He gazed into the blade of the Gospel, only to notice that the veins in his face were also purple.
He began to grow cold; he placed a hand on his left side. Carefully lifting his hand to his eyes he noticed a black liquid. Cid realized that it was poisoned blood, but it was too late. His eyes faded to a light grey as he fell onto the clouds, staining them a crimson black. The Venus Gospel fell to the clouds as well, with a loud clank.
"It is over," announced Necron as he revived Cid, "Tifa is the victor. Cid you are disqualified. But as a bonus for all who enter the tournament, if you lose, I will not absorb your energy."
Tifa walked over to where Cid stilled laid faced down upon the clouds.
"Sorry about that."
"What are you talking about? I was the one who ignored my wound. If I would have checked it I would have forfeited, knowing I would lose anyway."
"You did a good job after all; you managed to cut my shoulder."
"Sorry about that Tifa, I was actually aiming for your heart."
"Don't worry yourself about it; it was a battle to the death. You just wanted to win. I understand, come on, we get to watch Cloud and Vincent next."
"What? Heh, that wimpy ass Cloud versus Vincent, that will be another short match, I feel sorry for him. Vincent will clean Cloud's damn block."
Match Two: Cloud vs. Vincent
Match Three: Barret vs. Necron
Match Four: Tifa vs.
Match Two:
After the first match, a dark rain cloud extended upon the vast sky of the Zero World. It had just begun to rain; yet, the second match was to commence. Vincent was silently crouching upon the top of a pillar in the coliseum. The rain didn't bother him one bit, he was too busy studying his opponent. Vincent watched as Cloud walked out into the arena from the south corridor of the coliseum.
Cloud stepped out into the rain that now drowned the battle arena. The droplets of rain clinked upon his armor and soaked his shirt. His boots splashed mud like clouds everywhere. It's strange how the clouds were hard as stone and seem to take on several different personalities. He walked out to his rightful spot in the arena and looked about for Vincent. Slung over his right shoulder was the Ultima Weapon, glowing a faint blue because of the rain.
Once Cloud's blue-emerald eyes caught the glimpse of Vincent on top of the pillar, he was gone. He couldn't see where Vincent had gone, he had the advantage of strength, but Vincent had the speed. Cloud quickly grasped the handle of the Ultima Weapon and drew it forth. Stepping back into an offensive stance Cloud was prepared to fight Vincent.
Noticing that Cloud had seen him, a flash of lightning provided Vincent the perfect opportunity to move and he jumped to the pillar on the opposite side. Cloud withdrew his sword and Vincent slowly took out Death Penalty, loaded it, and aimed at his back. Another flash of lightning blinded Vincent from his shot, so he decided to just fight. But he would fight with his mind not his strength, Cloud was the stronger one, and Vincent knew that.
A second flash of lightning allowed Vincent to jump back to his side of the arena. He fell from the sky as the thunder boomed, providing cover over his cloak's swishing noise. Vincent landed in a crouched position, his back turned to Cloud. He stood up and Cloud noticed the glare in his blood red eyes. Drops of water trickled from his hair and splashed against the clouds.
".It's over." Vincent muttered to himself.
Vincent closed his eyes and a white aura formed around him. Not even the rain managed to penetrate the aura barrier. Cloud ran to Vincent and swung the sword at him. The sword's blade hit the barrier and stuck. Cloud just stood there thinking of what to do now. Vincent then opened his eyes very quick, and a white light engulfed his eyes. Immediately in unison with the opening of his eyes a gust of wind formed.
Both Vincent and Cloud were uplifted several inches above the clouds. Vincent's white aura glowed blue and his cloak was propelled upward with another gust of wind.
"..Lets see you defeat me now.." stated Vincent with a maniacal smile.
In a flash Vincent disappeared and Cloud fell to the ground. Quickly, as to give no opportunities to Vincent, he stood back up. Cloud heard the gunshot from Vincent's Death Penalty and turned in the direction of the shot. Cloud; being an excellent swordsman and thanks to the width of the Ultima Weapon, he blocked the bullet. He stared at Vincent through the clear sword and watched as he continued to fire at the sword.
"You'll never hit me like this Vincent!" yelled Cloud.
".We'll see." thought Vincent.
Vincent stopped shooting at Cloud randomly, and carefully aimed the Death Penalty at one spot on the Ultima Weapon. He fired two shots simultaneously and then hit the sword. The first bullet yet again bounced off the sword, but thanks to the second bullet, penetrated the sword slightly. A crack formed in the sword where the bullet had entered. Without pause, Vincent fired two more simultaneous shots. The bullets hit dead on target and the sword began to crack even more.
Cloud knew he couldn't move the sword or else he'd get hit with a bullet from the Death Penalty. Finally Vincent shot the two remaining bullets in the Death Penalty, simultaneously as before. The first bullet shattered the Ultima Weapon's blade, greatly catching Cloud off guard. He held before him, only the handle and hilt of the once magnificent weapon. The last bullet struck Cloud directly in his wind pipe.
The light that engulfed Vincent's eyes was now gone, and the sullen crimson eyes were in their place. The aura barrier was gone and Vincent was now walking toward Cloud. As Cloud lay on the clouds gasping for breath as his crimson red blood spewed forth from his wound, Vincent walked right up to Cloud's head and shot him.
".I'll never hit you." stated Vincent with a tint of irony in his voice.
"Congratulations, you're the victor of the second match Vincent." Necron congratulated, as he fixed the sword and brought Cloud back to life.
Match Three: Barret vs. Necron
Match Four: Tifa vs. Vincent
Match Five:
Match Three:
"How am I supposed to beat you?" questioned Barret.
".You're not." replied Necron as Barret's body was engulfed in blue flames.
"You supposed to lose."
Match Four: Tifa vs. Vincent
Match Five: vs. Necron
Match Four:
Tifa and Vincent both took their places on the battle arena's cloudy floor. Once Necron announced the official beginning to the battle Tifa charged Vincent. Vincent just stood up at full posture and closed his eyes once more. As she grew closer to Vincent, he did not even bother to open his eyes. She charged at him with several tiger claws, back fists, and thunder kicks. Vincent dodged them all, still keeping his eyes shut.
A couple of times she nearly hit Vincent head on in the face and ribs, but he felt the rush of wind from her hands and dodged in the nick of time. Eventually Vincent grew tired of this game and jumped up into mid- air and finally opened his eyes. His eyes were piercing blue as ever and a white aura had already formed around his new body. He once again assumed the form of Guardian, Tifa knew she was in trouble, but was not expecting what was soon to come.
Vincent floated there in the sky of the Zero World for a few minutes before he call out for all to hear him.
"Behold! Sephiroth is no longer the only one with a golden form!"
His Guardian form began to glow faint silver and then the white aura around him disappeared. His eyes closed once more as he let out a deafening roar. His hair rushed upward and began to glow with the color of the sun, his wings shattered and two massive golden wings took their place. His cloak began to grow a golden color as the rest of his body was now surrounded with a gold aura. He finally opened his eyes when he assumed the Golden Guardian form. His eyes were bright gold with a tint of emerald.
Vincent immediately dropped from the sky and landed once more in a crouched position, perfectly unharmed. Tifa, knowing that this was in the bad thing category, charged Vincent one more time anyways. She threw a chambered punch to Vincent's center torso. Her fist never quite reached the destination point of contact. The golden aura surrounding Vincent incinerated her hand. Then it began to spread like a poison through her body until the heat radiated from the aura disintegrated her.
Her ashes fell before Vincent as Necron announced him the winner. Necron reluctantly revived Tifa, once more missing a chance for more energy.
Match Five: Vincent vs. Necron
Match Five:
"Vincent, I congratulate you. I never thought you'd make it this far. You may go to the living world, on my treat. This ends the Zero World Tournament."
