A/N: Hey again. It has been too long since I updated. I have had so many
ideas that it was hard to choose which way to go. I really should get a
beta. Anyway I have had a fairly sucky weekend. (My favorite show is
getting canceled). So to work through my grief I am going to torture my
characters. Enjoy and please let me know what you think.
Apocalypse Rising.
Chapter 15: Consequences. ............................................................................................................
The air was cold in Wutai. The stench of blood and ash had not left the streets. The roads were, once again, coated in the blood of the innocent. Screams and yells were echoing throughout the city. Yet Tifa stood could not hear them. Her mind was in shock. There was just too much to process. Only a couple of weeks ago life had made sense. She had been living in Kalm, Cloud had come home, and Vincent had been sane. Well maybe not sane, but normal anyway. Now she was a continent away from home, Cloud was evil, and Vincent had just slaughtered an entire district of innocent people. Nothing made sense anymore.
Vincent had been standing right in front of her. Only seconds had passed, yet it felt like an age. He had talked to her, ranting like a madman. He had held her for a moment. Then he had changed. His body, which had once been so strong and warm, had become sharp and cold. Her cheek still bled from his demonic embrace.
He had risen into the gray clouds. He had looked like a mutilated angel. Without a word her hope, maybe even the world's hope, had left them. Leaving in its wake a tired mass of broken souls.
Tifa's musings were interrupted by a voice calling out to her. Yuffie's voice. The young girl tried to pull her away, to drag her from the encircling crowd. She let herself be pulled, the shrieks and wails of mourners just now reaching her ears. It was then that she realized that tears were pouring down her face. She couldn't focus, wouldn't focus on the victims. The tried to ignore the harsh reality, but it would not be ignored. Vincent had done this, and Vincent would have to be stopped.
............................................................................................................
The time had come at last. Crassus walked to the first of the six stars. It had lost all of its light. Slowly the star dissolved and in its center was a body. It looked like man from a distance, yet it wasn't. Its skin was too pale, its body too thin, and its too feral. Crassus suppressed his smile. The first of his lieutenants had returned to him. The final war would soon begin.
The body began to convulse. Black energy began to spread around it. Soon all was still. The peak of the crater was silent, until the creatures gasping breaths echoed like an unholy chorus.
" Welcome back Moebius." Crassus whispered.
The creature did not respond quickly. Rather, it took its time. Slowly rising, the creature's eyes scanned everything. Finally the creature spoke. " Crassus? Why do you awaken me?" The creature known as Moebius asked. His voice as sweet as babbling brook.
" It is time. The war is about to begin. The others will arise shortly."
" What do you want with now?" Moebius asked, as he began to walk around the crater.
" I want you to go to a city named Nibelheim. There is a sleeping warrior there. I want you to turn him."
" Turn him? My he must be quite a foe. What did he do to deserve such a fate?" Moebius asked laughing.
" Do not laugh. He has killed Thaddeus, and though he sleeps, he is still a threat."
" So Thaddeus is dead. He was a weakling. Very well I will do as you command. Just show me the way."
Crassus just nodded his head and faded into the shadows, and with a small chuckle Moebius followed.
............................................................................................................
" We have to kill him." Tifa yelled. She had been arguing with Yuffie for an hour now.
" And I said no! Now shut up before I kick you out of my country!" Yuffie yelled from another room.
" Look you saw what he did, heard what said. Something is wrong with him. He has to be stopped."
" Couldn't agree with you more Tify, but he won't be killed." Yuffie growled, her voice cold as steel, and for moment Tifa was actually afraid of the younger warrior.
" Look I understand that you are close to him, I am too but...."
" Don't give me that shit. If you cared about Vincent you wouldn't have turned your back on him. You would have gone with us rather than stay with Cloud."
" That's not fair and you know it Yuffie!" Tifa spat.
" Isn't it? You don't even really know him. When did you spend real time with him? Never!"
" I know him well enough to tell he is not himself. We have to kill him. We don't even know what he is anymore. You've seen his new transformations, he has become something different."
" It doesn't matter, I won't kill him."
" Then what do you suggest?"
" I lead a group of soldiers. We find him and contain him, and try and find out what is going on."
Tifa laughed. " It isn't that simple. You are in charge of a nation now Yuffie, a nation that has just survived a major battle. Your people need both its army and its leader.
" Wutai doesn't need me. An army yes, but not a teenage ruler."
" Where are you going to get the troops then?" Tifa growled and Yuffie headed for the door.
" I know a guy who might help us out." Yuffie said as she walked out into the street, leaving Tifa to stand and fume for a while before running after her.
............................................................................................................
Cloud walked the halls of the Shinra building. The fifty story skyscraper a perfect residence for a future ruler. When he looked down on the city he could see the clouds of smoke coming from the factories, hundreds of factories, each making thousands of war machines. Soon he would have an army the likes of which the world had never seen. He nothing would stop him.
Avalanche was a problem though. Their minds were beginning to reject his control. If his last invention was not completed soon, then he would have a real situation.
" Heavy is the heat that wears the crown isn't it?" Came a gravely patronizing voice.
Cloud turned to face the direction of the voice, finding only shadows.
" Who is there? Who dares to bother me?"
" My aren't we full of ourselves? A boy gets a sudden bit of power, and thinks he is a god." The voice chuckled again.
" I may not be a god now, but give me time and I will become more than you could ever imagine." Cloud said calmly, his voice never wavering.
" That's what I wanted to hear. I have come to offer you that time. If you fight for me, help me get rid of some unsavory warriors, then I won't interfere with your little plan." The figure said, as he walked from the shadows.
From Cloud's perspective the man was a giant. Well over seven feet tall and a body like a statue. His hide covered in black armor. " Who are you?"
" Let's just say I have a mutual hatred for a Mr. Vincent Valentine. I want him dead, and I want you to help me."
" What do you want me to do?"
" Nothing special. I just want the use of your troops in Nibelheim. Don't think for a moment that this is a request. I know a man who has a special interest in your death. It is only my will that keeps him from you."
" Well aren't you nice? However, you are right that I would enjoy Vincent's death. If all you want are soldiers then I suppose I could arrange it. That is of course if you leave my presence right now!"
" Very well, I thank you for your cooperation young one." The figure whispered before fading away into the shadows.
Cloud paced for a moment. What was that creature? Why did he want Vincent dead? And most importantly, was he being played for a fool. With a sigh Cloud sat in one of the many chairs in his office. He would just have to wait and see. He might even make a visit to Nibelheim soon.
............................................................................................................
Shade sat alone. He was always alone it seemed. No that wasn't true, he had his guild. Though he wasn't sure how long they would remain loyal to him. The military had been here last night, trying to recruit his brothers and sisters. The sad thing was that many accepted the invitation.
If Eva had been here they never would have left. No! It wasn't wise to go down that path again. She was gone, and thinking about her wouldn't help anything. All he had was the darkness and quiet of his chambers.
That quiet did not last long however. The sound of running and yelling echoed from the halls seconds before the young empress and her skank of a friend came tumbling in.
" Ah young empress, I knew you would come here. Not many women can resist my charm. Ah I see you've brought a friend as well. A little kinky for my taste, but I can change. Anything for royalty." Shade tried to joke, but the words sounded hollow even to him.
" We need your help. You will give us some of your men." Yuffie demanded.
" Hmm let me think about that for a moment. How about no? Didn't enough of my men die for you in the last battle? Isn't the battle over? What possible reason would you have to need my men? Unless it has to do with that demon bastard you set loose on your own people." Shade ranted, some of his old spirit returning.
" Shut up. I am not asking for your permission. You will give me your troops, or else. " Yuffie demanded again, her voice cold, just like Vincent had taught her.
" What are you going to do to me child? Bore me to death? You haven't the skill, nor the nature to kill me in cold blood."
" You think I am joking?" Yuffie growled as she pulled out her Conformer. " Then try me."
" So you're serious? This could be interesting. Fine let's see what you've got little girl" Shade muttered more to himself than to Yuffie. Admiring the girls determination he drew 2 shurkiens.
He didn't have much time for musing, for in a split second Yuffie was upon him and the battle began.
............................................................................................................
Aeris walked through the realm of the dead. She rarely visited this plane. Not many souls existed here; rather they preferred to be reincarnated. However, somewhere in this barren waste was the soul she sought.
" Looking for me dear girl?" Came a sweet and kind woman's voice.
" Yes, it seems you have been quite busy old one." Aeris said calmly walking to the short, slightly pudgy figure.
" It has been quite a while since I've seen you. What do I owe this honor?"
" Vincent. " Aeris said coldly.
" Who?" The woman asked in fake ignorance.
" Don't play games with me old one, or I will force your soul out of this realm!" Aeris growled, her patience already wearing thin.
" So it is not Aeris I speak to, but Gaia? How interesting."
" Answer me woman, what are you doing with Vincent?"
" I am still not sure what you mean Gaia, I am trapped in this realm as you well know."
" Don't lie to me! Twice you have made your presence known to him. You have even saved him. I want to know why?"
" Very well, yes I did see him. I have every right to. If I hadn't interfered then he would have died last time."
" Vincent is my tool, you will not bother him again. " Aeris stated and turned to leave.
" You know what he is don't you?" The woman called to her.
" I have my suspicions." Aeris said coolly, not bothering to turn.
" He is full of surprises isn't he?" The woman said fondly.
" That he is. However, it makes not difference." Aeris said and began to walk again.
" You won't be able to use him. If you continue to try he will fight back." The woman yelled again.
" He may try but don't forget he is only a pawn, and I am the player. He may be an important pawn, but if he fights my will then I will swipe him from the board myself. He may be powerful, but I still can kill him in an instant." Aeris called back as she opened a portal to Nibelheim.
" Don't underestimate him my girl." The woman said, but she was already gone.
............................................................................................................
Crassus was alone in his chamber deep in the earth. Here he could hear the voice of the world. He knew all that went on outside of this room. It was his greatest resource. Only he, Zack, and his Lieutenants knew of its existence. Now he was performing an unusual ritual.
He kneeled in the center of the room. His eyes focused on the floor. His master he knew was looking at him now, yet he was the only one in the room.
" Everything is going as planned. Valentine was a bit of a surprise but I promise you he will be dealt with shortly. Soon the war will begin Goddess of the Earth." Crassus whispered, his voice filled with reverence.
" Excellent." Responded a gentle feminine voice.
............................................................................................................
A/N: Well that was a fun way to spend a horrible valentines day. I know not much happened here, but the next one will be filled with action. I know this probably wasn't worth the wait, but I promise the next one will be much more interesting. Anyway thanks for reading, and please give me some feedback, I can't make it any better if you don't tell me what you think. Thanks again for reading.
Apocalypse Rising.
Chapter 15: Consequences. ............................................................................................................
The air was cold in Wutai. The stench of blood and ash had not left the streets. The roads were, once again, coated in the blood of the innocent. Screams and yells were echoing throughout the city. Yet Tifa stood could not hear them. Her mind was in shock. There was just too much to process. Only a couple of weeks ago life had made sense. She had been living in Kalm, Cloud had come home, and Vincent had been sane. Well maybe not sane, but normal anyway. Now she was a continent away from home, Cloud was evil, and Vincent had just slaughtered an entire district of innocent people. Nothing made sense anymore.
Vincent had been standing right in front of her. Only seconds had passed, yet it felt like an age. He had talked to her, ranting like a madman. He had held her for a moment. Then he had changed. His body, which had once been so strong and warm, had become sharp and cold. Her cheek still bled from his demonic embrace.
He had risen into the gray clouds. He had looked like a mutilated angel. Without a word her hope, maybe even the world's hope, had left them. Leaving in its wake a tired mass of broken souls.
Tifa's musings were interrupted by a voice calling out to her. Yuffie's voice. The young girl tried to pull her away, to drag her from the encircling crowd. She let herself be pulled, the shrieks and wails of mourners just now reaching her ears. It was then that she realized that tears were pouring down her face. She couldn't focus, wouldn't focus on the victims. The tried to ignore the harsh reality, but it would not be ignored. Vincent had done this, and Vincent would have to be stopped.
............................................................................................................
The time had come at last. Crassus walked to the first of the six stars. It had lost all of its light. Slowly the star dissolved and in its center was a body. It looked like man from a distance, yet it wasn't. Its skin was too pale, its body too thin, and its too feral. Crassus suppressed his smile. The first of his lieutenants had returned to him. The final war would soon begin.
The body began to convulse. Black energy began to spread around it. Soon all was still. The peak of the crater was silent, until the creatures gasping breaths echoed like an unholy chorus.
" Welcome back Moebius." Crassus whispered.
The creature did not respond quickly. Rather, it took its time. Slowly rising, the creature's eyes scanned everything. Finally the creature spoke. " Crassus? Why do you awaken me?" The creature known as Moebius asked. His voice as sweet as babbling brook.
" It is time. The war is about to begin. The others will arise shortly."
" What do you want with now?" Moebius asked, as he began to walk around the crater.
" I want you to go to a city named Nibelheim. There is a sleeping warrior there. I want you to turn him."
" Turn him? My he must be quite a foe. What did he do to deserve such a fate?" Moebius asked laughing.
" Do not laugh. He has killed Thaddeus, and though he sleeps, he is still a threat."
" So Thaddeus is dead. He was a weakling. Very well I will do as you command. Just show me the way."
Crassus just nodded his head and faded into the shadows, and with a small chuckle Moebius followed.
............................................................................................................
" We have to kill him." Tifa yelled. She had been arguing with Yuffie for an hour now.
" And I said no! Now shut up before I kick you out of my country!" Yuffie yelled from another room.
" Look you saw what he did, heard what said. Something is wrong with him. He has to be stopped."
" Couldn't agree with you more Tify, but he won't be killed." Yuffie growled, her voice cold as steel, and for moment Tifa was actually afraid of the younger warrior.
" Look I understand that you are close to him, I am too but...."
" Don't give me that shit. If you cared about Vincent you wouldn't have turned your back on him. You would have gone with us rather than stay with Cloud."
" That's not fair and you know it Yuffie!" Tifa spat.
" Isn't it? You don't even really know him. When did you spend real time with him? Never!"
" I know him well enough to tell he is not himself. We have to kill him. We don't even know what he is anymore. You've seen his new transformations, he has become something different."
" It doesn't matter, I won't kill him."
" Then what do you suggest?"
" I lead a group of soldiers. We find him and contain him, and try and find out what is going on."
Tifa laughed. " It isn't that simple. You are in charge of a nation now Yuffie, a nation that has just survived a major battle. Your people need both its army and its leader.
" Wutai doesn't need me. An army yes, but not a teenage ruler."
" Where are you going to get the troops then?" Tifa growled and Yuffie headed for the door.
" I know a guy who might help us out." Yuffie said as she walked out into the street, leaving Tifa to stand and fume for a while before running after her.
............................................................................................................
Cloud walked the halls of the Shinra building. The fifty story skyscraper a perfect residence for a future ruler. When he looked down on the city he could see the clouds of smoke coming from the factories, hundreds of factories, each making thousands of war machines. Soon he would have an army the likes of which the world had never seen. He nothing would stop him.
Avalanche was a problem though. Their minds were beginning to reject his control. If his last invention was not completed soon, then he would have a real situation.
" Heavy is the heat that wears the crown isn't it?" Came a gravely patronizing voice.
Cloud turned to face the direction of the voice, finding only shadows.
" Who is there? Who dares to bother me?"
" My aren't we full of ourselves? A boy gets a sudden bit of power, and thinks he is a god." The voice chuckled again.
" I may not be a god now, but give me time and I will become more than you could ever imagine." Cloud said calmly, his voice never wavering.
" That's what I wanted to hear. I have come to offer you that time. If you fight for me, help me get rid of some unsavory warriors, then I won't interfere with your little plan." The figure said, as he walked from the shadows.
From Cloud's perspective the man was a giant. Well over seven feet tall and a body like a statue. His hide covered in black armor. " Who are you?"
" Let's just say I have a mutual hatred for a Mr. Vincent Valentine. I want him dead, and I want you to help me."
" What do you want me to do?"
" Nothing special. I just want the use of your troops in Nibelheim. Don't think for a moment that this is a request. I know a man who has a special interest in your death. It is only my will that keeps him from you."
" Well aren't you nice? However, you are right that I would enjoy Vincent's death. If all you want are soldiers then I suppose I could arrange it. That is of course if you leave my presence right now!"
" Very well, I thank you for your cooperation young one." The figure whispered before fading away into the shadows.
Cloud paced for a moment. What was that creature? Why did he want Vincent dead? And most importantly, was he being played for a fool. With a sigh Cloud sat in one of the many chairs in his office. He would just have to wait and see. He might even make a visit to Nibelheim soon.
............................................................................................................
Shade sat alone. He was always alone it seemed. No that wasn't true, he had his guild. Though he wasn't sure how long they would remain loyal to him. The military had been here last night, trying to recruit his brothers and sisters. The sad thing was that many accepted the invitation.
If Eva had been here they never would have left. No! It wasn't wise to go down that path again. She was gone, and thinking about her wouldn't help anything. All he had was the darkness and quiet of his chambers.
That quiet did not last long however. The sound of running and yelling echoed from the halls seconds before the young empress and her skank of a friend came tumbling in.
" Ah young empress, I knew you would come here. Not many women can resist my charm. Ah I see you've brought a friend as well. A little kinky for my taste, but I can change. Anything for royalty." Shade tried to joke, but the words sounded hollow even to him.
" We need your help. You will give us some of your men." Yuffie demanded.
" Hmm let me think about that for a moment. How about no? Didn't enough of my men die for you in the last battle? Isn't the battle over? What possible reason would you have to need my men? Unless it has to do with that demon bastard you set loose on your own people." Shade ranted, some of his old spirit returning.
" Shut up. I am not asking for your permission. You will give me your troops, or else. " Yuffie demanded again, her voice cold, just like Vincent had taught her.
" What are you going to do to me child? Bore me to death? You haven't the skill, nor the nature to kill me in cold blood."
" You think I am joking?" Yuffie growled as she pulled out her Conformer. " Then try me."
" So you're serious? This could be interesting. Fine let's see what you've got little girl" Shade muttered more to himself than to Yuffie. Admiring the girls determination he drew 2 shurkiens.
He didn't have much time for musing, for in a split second Yuffie was upon him and the battle began.
............................................................................................................
Aeris walked through the realm of the dead. She rarely visited this plane. Not many souls existed here; rather they preferred to be reincarnated. However, somewhere in this barren waste was the soul she sought.
" Looking for me dear girl?" Came a sweet and kind woman's voice.
" Yes, it seems you have been quite busy old one." Aeris said calmly walking to the short, slightly pudgy figure.
" It has been quite a while since I've seen you. What do I owe this honor?"
" Vincent. " Aeris said coldly.
" Who?" The woman asked in fake ignorance.
" Don't play games with me old one, or I will force your soul out of this realm!" Aeris growled, her patience already wearing thin.
" So it is not Aeris I speak to, but Gaia? How interesting."
" Answer me woman, what are you doing with Vincent?"
" I am still not sure what you mean Gaia, I am trapped in this realm as you well know."
" Don't lie to me! Twice you have made your presence known to him. You have even saved him. I want to know why?"
" Very well, yes I did see him. I have every right to. If I hadn't interfered then he would have died last time."
" Vincent is my tool, you will not bother him again. " Aeris stated and turned to leave.
" You know what he is don't you?" The woman called to her.
" I have my suspicions." Aeris said coolly, not bothering to turn.
" He is full of surprises isn't he?" The woman said fondly.
" That he is. However, it makes not difference." Aeris said and began to walk again.
" You won't be able to use him. If you continue to try he will fight back." The woman yelled again.
" He may try but don't forget he is only a pawn, and I am the player. He may be an important pawn, but if he fights my will then I will swipe him from the board myself. He may be powerful, but I still can kill him in an instant." Aeris called back as she opened a portal to Nibelheim.
" Don't underestimate him my girl." The woman said, but she was already gone.
............................................................................................................
Crassus was alone in his chamber deep in the earth. Here he could hear the voice of the world. He knew all that went on outside of this room. It was his greatest resource. Only he, Zack, and his Lieutenants knew of its existence. Now he was performing an unusual ritual.
He kneeled in the center of the room. His eyes focused on the floor. His master he knew was looking at him now, yet he was the only one in the room.
" Everything is going as planned. Valentine was a bit of a surprise but I promise you he will be dealt with shortly. Soon the war will begin Goddess of the Earth." Crassus whispered, his voice filled with reverence.
" Excellent." Responded a gentle feminine voice.
............................................................................................................
A/N: Well that was a fun way to spend a horrible valentines day. I know not much happened here, but the next one will be filled with action. I know this probably wasn't worth the wait, but I promise the next one will be much more interesting. Anyway thanks for reading, and please give me some feedback, I can't make it any better if you don't tell me what you think. Thanks again for reading.
