I'm done with the stupid beginning parts I'm going to get right to the
story thanks to my reviewers I will follow this story to the end.
"The worst foe lies within the self" parasite eve
Chapter 9: Men Who Refuse to Die a Search for Answers. (My titles have become a lot like chrono cross I just realized that)
"You know he is outside"
Stephen stared at the blue light that stood before him.
"Yes I know I can feel it."
"You know he will stop at nothing to destroy you and he is much stronger than Jade."
"I am aware of that. That is why no one will know I have left to fight him."
"Do you think that is wise? You are still inexperienced you might need the help."
"Having Marlene there would only cause me to worry I won't be able to fight at full strength with her near and I don't want anyone else put in danger."
"Very well then I suggest you go and face him the sun is starting to rise."
"I guess your right now is the perfect time bright enough to see yet dark enough to slip away"
"Then go now!"
Stephen woke up from his dream he knew whoever the light was meant to be would help him. He woke up feeling the warmth from the cosmo candle and took his sword from the ground he then tightened his gloves and place several materia in his escort guard which immediately grew bright as they touched his skin and snuck past Marlene who was sleeping in a sleeping bag next to the fire as well the others had gone to the inn but Marlene refused to leave Stephen's side until he cheered up.
She could be kind of annoying that way.
Stephen looked at her.
She was even more beautiful when she slept her hair spread in every direction and her breathing was soft and gentle.
Stephen looked at her for a few minutes more then reluctantly turned away.
Her beauty was that of a gem when you look at one you don't want to turn away from it.
He made it to the cliffs of the canyon away from the entrance when he knew he was far enough that no one in the canyon could hear him he spoke out.
"I know you are here so please safe yourself the embarrassment of an attempted surprise attack."
Ryo jumped down from the cliff.
"So what they say is true your eyes give you sense."
"I know you came to kill me so if you must fight then lets."
The man put away his weapon.
"I think we should talk first."
Stephen kept a firm grip on his weapon if he could avoid a fight he would but if he had to fight he would hold nothing back.
"Tell me Stephen have you felt any changes lately maybe in power or speed perhaps?"
Stephen didn't even blink he stayed completely focused on Ryo but he answered the question.
"If you must know I have."
"I see. I shall tell you what you wish to know if you can defeat me if not"
Ryo drew his staff the blades of each end sparkled in the rising sun.
"Then I take your life."
Stephen drew his sword
"Nothing will stop me from finding out the truth and killing Sephiroth"
"I see so now you have a sensible goal as well and a blinding one lets see if they balance each other out in the end. Of course if you cannot kill me then it will all have been pointless."
Stephen drew his sword
"That is fine with me"
________________
"Morning."
Marlene walked into the inn the others were just waking up.
"Yeah what's so good about it?"
Marlene laughed
"I take it your not a morning person."
"Gee what give you that idea?"
"By the way have any of you seen Stephen?"
"We thought he was with you."
"No he was gone when I woke up"
"He's left cosmo canyon"
"What?"
Red turned around.
"He left at sunrise while you guys were still asleep he is fighting."
"How do you know"
"I can hear the metal hitting."
"I got to help him."
Marlene tried to run but Shadow stopped her.
"Let me pass!"
"Marlene I know you want to help him but if he went alone he did it for a reason just wait here."
"But I just-"
"Relax I'll go Marlene I'll be there when he gets his ass kicked."
Everyone looked at Reno who had volunteered.
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"Just trust me"
With that Reno walked off.
_______________
Stephen couldn't hit him.
Every time he tried he knocked the sword away with his rod.
The same went the other way.
They were perfectly even physically.
Stephen was breathing heavily.
"I was right you are a lot stronger then Jade."
"Yes but your aren't as strong as I thought we seem to be warmed up lets say we bring this up a notch."
"Stephen said nothing he just remained focused charging his energy into his sword."
"BLADE BEAM"
The energy from Stephen's sword was shot out as Stephen slashed downwards and the blade of energy charged at Ryo.
"Humph so predictable."
Ryo shifted his weight to the right and just as the blade beam came he knocked it aside with his rod it hit one of the canyons ripping it in half amazingly neither side collapsed.
Ryo's eyes widened slightly.
"I take back what I said your skills are growing rapidly I didn't expect your power to grow so rapidly."
Stephen gripped his sword tighter he was growing impatient.
"I don't know what you are talking about so just shut up!!!!"
" I can't believe after all this time you wouldn't notice and you seem like such an intelligent man as well. Wait!!!! I get it you don't want anyone to know that's rich hahahaha"
Stephen held his sword in front of him.
"STOP LAUGHING!!!!! I have had enough!!!!!!!! I never thought I'd use this but now I just want you dead!!!!!!"
"It not good to bluff."
Stephen didn't even reply he just charged forward with his sword in both hands and went to slash but this time just as Ryo went to block he pulled his sword away and drove it under locking it with Ryo's staff as the two weapons locked Stephen immediately drove his sword down and flipped over the rod hitting Ryo directly in the face with both legs after then landing in the area between Ryo's arms and his staff he then drove the sword up impaling Ryo through the chest. He then jumped into the air causing a direct line from the chest wound through the shoulder blade similar to climhazzard only much quicker. As blood shot out from the wounds, he then flipped and landed behind Ryo where he immediately turned and slashed Ryo in the back.
Ryo coughed blood and fell to the ground what else could you do in that situation.
Stephen sheathed his sword a turned to face the dead man.
"I hate using that style."
Reno stood wide-eyed he had watched the battle up to that point.
What style is that? I've never seen anything like it!
Stephen went to turn away back towards the man but he immediately snapped back.
"No how can he possibly?"
Nothing else really needed to be said as Ryo stood back up he wounds healing completely.
There was no way he could cast cure in his state so how?
"I know what your thinking it's only natural to think this. I have the three forces to thank for my little abnormality. When they collided they cause a reaction with my cells increasing and strengthening them rapidly. This gave me two effects the first my physical endurance and strength was raised much higher. The second I am immune to attacks for my energized cells will just multiply replacing the dead ones at an incredible rate healing all injuries."
With that the man charged forward weapon still lying on the ground. Stephen didn't even have a chance to react as Ryo sent Stephen flying with a strong cross he hit a canyon wall causing a nice dent where he landed.
Stephen coughed up some blood and fell to the ground.
"If that was all it took to defeat you then your hopeless"
Stephen got back up wiping the blood from his lip a smile on his face.
"Who said anything about defeat you just caught me off guard. Personally I was kind of hoping this would be a fist fight."
Stephen sheathed his sword and tightened his gloves.
"Oh I see so you want to continue this pointless brawl? Very well it should be entertaining."
Stephen went into his defensive stance and charged forward using the chain limit breaks of beat rush, somersault, water kick, meteodrive, meteorstrike, and final heaven (what kind of guy would use dolphin blow?) causing him to fly back landing flat on his back
Then Stephen finally put his own limit break into the mix. One that was even more powerful then Final Heaven.
"SONIC DIVE"
Stephen's legs glowed a bright energy as he jumped in the air the energy then transferred to his arms as he drove down into a driving punch onto Ryo as the energy was released and a huge amount of energy was dispatched causing a huge explosion. Stephen then used the remaining energy in his arms to drive the second arm down causing a second less intense explosion.
The attack left Stephen down on one knee.
He immediately got up his breathing heavy as he saw Ryo get up he wasn't even breaking a sweat.
Dammit it didn't even faze him
Ryo then charged forward Stephen didn't have time to react as he received the full force of Ryo's uppercut to his abdomen.
Stephen coiled in pain as Ryo then used both fist to slam Stephen in the back of the head making him quite familiar with the ground.
Ryo then went for the kill as his leg charged up Stephen's attacks had only done him a favor.
His limit break was full.
"AXE"
Ryo drove down his leg in an incredibly powerful axe kick ready for the killing move.
Stephen managed to roll out of the way just in time but he was unable to escape the energy that followed the devastating kick as he was thrown onto the ground few good feet away.
That gave Stephen enough time to cast cure on himself as he stood up healed but tired.
Damn everything I throw at him could have killed a man ten times over but he just heals and gets up.
Stephen tried to get up his head started spinning as he fell back to the ground Ryo slowly walking up to him confident in his win.
As a memory quickly flashed in Stephen's eyes of a day of his training.
But this time it wasn't his father nor his mother but someone else entirely.
----------------------
"Your doing much better today I haven't seen anyone fight the way you do."
"I was trained well."
"Yeah I guess that is obvious but your parents made a mistake."
"Mistake?"
"Yes they should have stressed the teachings of materia a bit more."
"I know how to use it it's enough."
"Yes I have no doubt you would know how but you have a strong magic ability I don't know how but your physical and magical attributes are amazing. But you have to understand both must be in perfect balance your physical skill can't always aid you."
"Why not?"
"You need to understand. One day you may face an enemy who is immune to physical attacks even one with such high caliber as yours that is when magic comes in."
"I understand"
---------------------
I do understand but even if I were to use magic those energized cells would. . . .wait a minute energized cells! That's it!
Stephen got back up a smile formed on his face he had a plan.
Stephen arranged his materia into his sword making sure that elemental-bolt combo was in his gloves and quadra magic-bolt was in his sword.
He then waited for Ryo to get a little closer in range.
He then attacked with a flurry of punches with a final uppercut sending Ryo flying.
Ryo got up a smile on his face until he looked at Stephen.
For he was smiling as well.
Ryo finally realized why as he put his hand to where Stephen had sent the final blow of his attack.
Blood.
His lip was bleeding it hadn't healed.
"H-how did you do that!?!?!?!?!"
Stephen smiled if anything he wasn't an idiot.
"You said it yourself your energized cells help you heal fast and accurately but of course energy runs on a certain amount if I overpower that amount of energy your cells have then like anything they crash."
"Hmmm I see so you figured it out. Very well I will accept that but heed my words I won't get that close again."
"Fine with me."
Stephen focused on his sword and aimed at Ryo.
"Bolt 3!"
"Nice try"
Ryo grabbed his staff and started to spin it just as the four lighting bolts consecutively came down they all became attracted to Ryo's staff. When the lightning bolts dissappeared Ryo stopped spinning his staff.
Stephen's eyes widened to find Ryo unfazed and his staff glowing.
Ryo the swung his staff quickly releasing all four lightning bolts at Stephen who just barley dodged out of the way.
"Do your like it? I had this weapon specifically made from the factory in Junon before you destroyed it. It is specifically designed to protect my little weakness. When spun fast enough it creates a mako induced electromagnetic pulse absorbing all magic attacks and giving me the ability to send it back."
"Do you have to brag about every detail I kind of figured out what it did you didn't have to drag on about it!"
"Hahaha but of course let me get down to the kill now shall we."
Damn there goes plan B what now?
Stephen thought this as Ryo charged forward but then opened his eyes slightly wider.
I forgot about him. I was wondering when he was gonna intervene
Ryo managed to stop just before an electrical energy blast hit him.
"Sorry to interrupt but this seemed a little one sided thought I'd make it interesting."
Reno flipped the switch on his electric nightstick bringing the sparks higher up.
"About time you showed up did you enjoy watching me get my ass kicked?"
"Hey I still had liquor left. Getting drunk comes before all else"
Stephen laughed
"I should have known. So shall we then?"
"Yes lets"
The two then separated Stephen casting bolt on the front and Reno using his nightstick on the back.
But for some reason Ryo only focused on Stephen's attack.
Eventually they saw the reason as Reno turned off his nightstick.
Ryo's back wasn't even fazed.
"If you think that stupid stick will hurt me you have another thing coming. I think it's time you see my strongest attack!"
Ryo then started to spin the rod over his head as the blades of his staff started to shoot out the bolts from Stephen's attack much like that of Ramuh as the bolts hit every area with incredible speed.
Stephen easily blocked it with his escort guard but the force was enough to send him back a bit.
Reno managed to get out of the way but the lightning knocked the nightstick out of his hand causing it to fly quite a far distance from him.
Reno held his arm I slight pain
"Damn!"
Stephen charged at Ryo his fist drawn as he started a fistfight with Ryo and his weapon.
"Hmm I see you've gone to that tactic I won't let you perform it again."
Ryo started moving backward quickly giving Stephen no time to dodge and attack at the same time so like any smart fighter he dodged.
Damn I can't believe how strong he is his back wasn't even affected by Reno's weapon maybe he's immune to back attacks. Maybe a front attack by Reno will be enough!
Stephen thought this dodging just by instinct now. He could see in the distance Reno had recovered his nightstick and was going to try another back attack.
"Now or never."
Stephen switched his stance and drove forward letting the staff drive into him.
"STEPHEN WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?!?!?!?!"
Stephen ignored Reno's stupid question for he knew Reno knew what he was going to do.
Stephen let the blade cut through his arm and slash his elemental materia from his glove as his whole arm was cut he winched in pain but did not stop his movement. Using his good arm he grabbed Ryo's weapon and drove it behind Ryo's back locking him and the staff in place Ryo tried to break free giving Stephen a very hard time.
"Reno! Attacks from the front now while he's vulnerable bring your nightstick to full power and zap us both we have no choice!"
Reno stood spell bound shaking in fear.
"I-I can't!"
"Reno do it or he will kill us both if you don't do it now he'll attack the canyon next do you have any clue how many will die because of you!?"
"But..."
"DO IT GOD DAMMIT I CAN'T HOLD HIM MUCH LONGER PLEASE!!!!!!! If he makes it to the canyon he'll get to Marlene and the others. Please!!!!! I can't hold on much longer!"
Reno nodded and slowly flipped his weapon off.
"Reno please"
"No more hiding"
Stephen heard his words but didn't understand what he meant.
"I let Rude down I let Elena down I let my sister down."
Reno dropped his nightstick his hands shaking with rage as he hands started to spark.
"NO ONE ELSE WILL DIE BECAUSE OF MY FEAR!!!!!!!"
Reno's hands started to glow sparks flying everywhere around his body as he walked forward just as Stephen was finally tossed to the side into another canyon wall this time he didn't get up he didn't have the strength all he could do was lean against the wall clutching his arm as the blood gathered in his hand.
Reno's entire body was wrapped around his body as they formed a spiral pattern.
"I won't let you leave this battle!"
"Please are you still going on about your stupid friend Rude"
Reno glared at Ryo
"Yes it was me Jade had no idea of what Rude was conspiring that is until I realized and informed her"
Reno's eyes widened but not in surprise but in malice
"YOU!!!! You killed Rude! You will not leave here! Rude stares at us from the heavens and either you or me or both shall join him you hear me?!?!?!?!?"
Rude then focused all his energy and sent 20 lighting bolt flying at Ryo.
"This pathetic trick again please"
Ryo began to spin his sword as the lightning bolts gathered around the staff but did not absorb into them as before.
"No it can't be!"
Stephen realized this unique attack as well as Ryo had.
Reno still had control over the lighting bolts it was over.
"THIS IS MY LIMIT BREAK RYO WITH ALL MY HATRED AND THE AID OF THE THREE FORCES GIVING ME POWER OVER LIGHTNING MY FEAR HAS FINALLY BEEN OVER COME BY RAGE I WILL DIE BUT I WILL MAKE SURE YOU AND SEPHIROTH COME WITH ME!!!!!!!!"
The lightning bolt started to spin around Ryo so quickly not even Stephen's eyes could catch up
"ELECTRO FUSION"
The lighting bolts then stopped and wrapped around Ryo causing electrical charges throughout his whole body. Ryo cries of pained were silenced when the electrical charges cause an immense explosion.
Stephen finally focused enough energy to heal his wounds with cure and brace himself from Reno's incredibly powerful attack.
Stephen ran up to Reno who was on his knees breathing heavily.
Stephen blinked a few times as the sparks diminished.
"That was different."
"I received the abilities of Rumuh during the collisions of the lifestream, meteor, and holy I didn't want it in fact this entire time after Sephiroth had taken over I was too afraid to use them I thought I'd be controlled by Sephiroth and end up killing Rude and Elena. Kind of ironic that the very people I tried to protect died because of me."
Stephen helped him up
"I know how that feels"
Stephen patted Reno's shoulder even though he was injured it was still strong enough as he lost his balance Stephen couldn't help but laugh.
Stephen then snapped around he finally sensed Ryo he had almost forgotten about him
Ryo was on the ground his leg was twisted parallel to his other it was obvious it was broken his healing powers were dead he wouldn't survive long with the injuries Reno had given him.
"Ok I won Ryo now tell me what you know about me what is happening to me?"
Ryo laughed during the process he coughed up blood but he still laughed.
"You fool you know nothing. Your abilities are so pathetic despite how rapidly they have grown and you still can't use them to their full potential. What a pathetic failure."
"What are you talking about my abilities."
"The abilities Hojo generously gave to you."
"Hojo what are you talking about?"
"Ha you poor naïve fool you don't understand you energy your ability to use any limit break you desire it's only the tip of the iceberg."
"What are you talking about only the tip"
"Oh sure those abilities are quite powerful I will admit that but if you want to defeat Sephiroth they are nothing compared to what Hojo gave you."
"My abilities?"
"Yes. Your abilities you see before Sephiroth rebelled and Shinra fell I was Hojo's apprentice. Hojo was brilliant just brilliant his running of the Jenova Project, the training of Sephiroth, Vincent Valentine's enhancement and then there was you."
"What are you talking about?"
"Hojo he went all out on your creation it made the Jenova project seem like a joke he finally succeeded with you where he failed so many times."
Stephen grabbed Ryo by the neck and shoved his sword through Ryo's stomach he had heard enough.
"What did he succeed in!?!?!?!?!?!?"
Ryo finally succumbed to his injuries he was a dead man without his healing abilities.
"He succeeded in making the perfect weapon your heartless you kill without regret your trained your perfect mentally and physically but once your power is released you will truly be unstoppable. Hojo, you . . . were brilliant to the end."
Ryo's eyes closed and his breathing dropped he was dead.
Another chapter down so please review and tell me how ya liked it.
"The worst foe lies within the self" parasite eve
Chapter 9: Men Who Refuse to Die a Search for Answers. (My titles have become a lot like chrono cross I just realized that)
"You know he is outside"
Stephen stared at the blue light that stood before him.
"Yes I know I can feel it."
"You know he will stop at nothing to destroy you and he is much stronger than Jade."
"I am aware of that. That is why no one will know I have left to fight him."
"Do you think that is wise? You are still inexperienced you might need the help."
"Having Marlene there would only cause me to worry I won't be able to fight at full strength with her near and I don't want anyone else put in danger."
"Very well then I suggest you go and face him the sun is starting to rise."
"I guess your right now is the perfect time bright enough to see yet dark enough to slip away"
"Then go now!"
Stephen woke up from his dream he knew whoever the light was meant to be would help him. He woke up feeling the warmth from the cosmo candle and took his sword from the ground he then tightened his gloves and place several materia in his escort guard which immediately grew bright as they touched his skin and snuck past Marlene who was sleeping in a sleeping bag next to the fire as well the others had gone to the inn but Marlene refused to leave Stephen's side until he cheered up.
She could be kind of annoying that way.
Stephen looked at her.
She was even more beautiful when she slept her hair spread in every direction and her breathing was soft and gentle.
Stephen looked at her for a few minutes more then reluctantly turned away.
Her beauty was that of a gem when you look at one you don't want to turn away from it.
He made it to the cliffs of the canyon away from the entrance when he knew he was far enough that no one in the canyon could hear him he spoke out.
"I know you are here so please safe yourself the embarrassment of an attempted surprise attack."
Ryo jumped down from the cliff.
"So what they say is true your eyes give you sense."
"I know you came to kill me so if you must fight then lets."
The man put away his weapon.
"I think we should talk first."
Stephen kept a firm grip on his weapon if he could avoid a fight he would but if he had to fight he would hold nothing back.
"Tell me Stephen have you felt any changes lately maybe in power or speed perhaps?"
Stephen didn't even blink he stayed completely focused on Ryo but he answered the question.
"If you must know I have."
"I see. I shall tell you what you wish to know if you can defeat me if not"
Ryo drew his staff the blades of each end sparkled in the rising sun.
"Then I take your life."
Stephen drew his sword
"Nothing will stop me from finding out the truth and killing Sephiroth"
"I see so now you have a sensible goal as well and a blinding one lets see if they balance each other out in the end. Of course if you cannot kill me then it will all have been pointless."
Stephen drew his sword
"That is fine with me"
________________
"Morning."
Marlene walked into the inn the others were just waking up.
"Yeah what's so good about it?"
Marlene laughed
"I take it your not a morning person."
"Gee what give you that idea?"
"By the way have any of you seen Stephen?"
"We thought he was with you."
"No he was gone when I woke up"
"He's left cosmo canyon"
"What?"
Red turned around.
"He left at sunrise while you guys were still asleep he is fighting."
"How do you know"
"I can hear the metal hitting."
"I got to help him."
Marlene tried to run but Shadow stopped her.
"Let me pass!"
"Marlene I know you want to help him but if he went alone he did it for a reason just wait here."
"But I just-"
"Relax I'll go Marlene I'll be there when he gets his ass kicked."
Everyone looked at Reno who had volunteered.
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"Just trust me"
With that Reno walked off.
_______________
Stephen couldn't hit him.
Every time he tried he knocked the sword away with his rod.
The same went the other way.
They were perfectly even physically.
Stephen was breathing heavily.
"I was right you are a lot stronger then Jade."
"Yes but your aren't as strong as I thought we seem to be warmed up lets say we bring this up a notch."
"Stephen said nothing he just remained focused charging his energy into his sword."
"BLADE BEAM"
The energy from Stephen's sword was shot out as Stephen slashed downwards and the blade of energy charged at Ryo.
"Humph so predictable."
Ryo shifted his weight to the right and just as the blade beam came he knocked it aside with his rod it hit one of the canyons ripping it in half amazingly neither side collapsed.
Ryo's eyes widened slightly.
"I take back what I said your skills are growing rapidly I didn't expect your power to grow so rapidly."
Stephen gripped his sword tighter he was growing impatient.
"I don't know what you are talking about so just shut up!!!!"
" I can't believe after all this time you wouldn't notice and you seem like such an intelligent man as well. Wait!!!! I get it you don't want anyone to know that's rich hahahaha"
Stephen held his sword in front of him.
"STOP LAUGHING!!!!! I have had enough!!!!!!!! I never thought I'd use this but now I just want you dead!!!!!!"
"It not good to bluff."
Stephen didn't even reply he just charged forward with his sword in both hands and went to slash but this time just as Ryo went to block he pulled his sword away and drove it under locking it with Ryo's staff as the two weapons locked Stephen immediately drove his sword down and flipped over the rod hitting Ryo directly in the face with both legs after then landing in the area between Ryo's arms and his staff he then drove the sword up impaling Ryo through the chest. He then jumped into the air causing a direct line from the chest wound through the shoulder blade similar to climhazzard only much quicker. As blood shot out from the wounds, he then flipped and landed behind Ryo where he immediately turned and slashed Ryo in the back.
Ryo coughed blood and fell to the ground what else could you do in that situation.
Stephen sheathed his sword a turned to face the dead man.
"I hate using that style."
Reno stood wide-eyed he had watched the battle up to that point.
What style is that? I've never seen anything like it!
Stephen went to turn away back towards the man but he immediately snapped back.
"No how can he possibly?"
Nothing else really needed to be said as Ryo stood back up he wounds healing completely.
There was no way he could cast cure in his state so how?
"I know what your thinking it's only natural to think this. I have the three forces to thank for my little abnormality. When they collided they cause a reaction with my cells increasing and strengthening them rapidly. This gave me two effects the first my physical endurance and strength was raised much higher. The second I am immune to attacks for my energized cells will just multiply replacing the dead ones at an incredible rate healing all injuries."
With that the man charged forward weapon still lying on the ground. Stephen didn't even have a chance to react as Ryo sent Stephen flying with a strong cross he hit a canyon wall causing a nice dent where he landed.
Stephen coughed up some blood and fell to the ground.
"If that was all it took to defeat you then your hopeless"
Stephen got back up wiping the blood from his lip a smile on his face.
"Who said anything about defeat you just caught me off guard. Personally I was kind of hoping this would be a fist fight."
Stephen sheathed his sword and tightened his gloves.
"Oh I see so you want to continue this pointless brawl? Very well it should be entertaining."
Stephen went into his defensive stance and charged forward using the chain limit breaks of beat rush, somersault, water kick, meteodrive, meteorstrike, and final heaven (what kind of guy would use dolphin blow?) causing him to fly back landing flat on his back
Then Stephen finally put his own limit break into the mix. One that was even more powerful then Final Heaven.
"SONIC DIVE"
Stephen's legs glowed a bright energy as he jumped in the air the energy then transferred to his arms as he drove down into a driving punch onto Ryo as the energy was released and a huge amount of energy was dispatched causing a huge explosion. Stephen then used the remaining energy in his arms to drive the second arm down causing a second less intense explosion.
The attack left Stephen down on one knee.
He immediately got up his breathing heavy as he saw Ryo get up he wasn't even breaking a sweat.
Dammit it didn't even faze him
Ryo then charged forward Stephen didn't have time to react as he received the full force of Ryo's uppercut to his abdomen.
Stephen coiled in pain as Ryo then used both fist to slam Stephen in the back of the head making him quite familiar with the ground.
Ryo then went for the kill as his leg charged up Stephen's attacks had only done him a favor.
His limit break was full.
"AXE"
Ryo drove down his leg in an incredibly powerful axe kick ready for the killing move.
Stephen managed to roll out of the way just in time but he was unable to escape the energy that followed the devastating kick as he was thrown onto the ground few good feet away.
That gave Stephen enough time to cast cure on himself as he stood up healed but tired.
Damn everything I throw at him could have killed a man ten times over but he just heals and gets up.
Stephen tried to get up his head started spinning as he fell back to the ground Ryo slowly walking up to him confident in his win.
As a memory quickly flashed in Stephen's eyes of a day of his training.
But this time it wasn't his father nor his mother but someone else entirely.
----------------------
"Your doing much better today I haven't seen anyone fight the way you do."
"I was trained well."
"Yeah I guess that is obvious but your parents made a mistake."
"Mistake?"
"Yes they should have stressed the teachings of materia a bit more."
"I know how to use it it's enough."
"Yes I have no doubt you would know how but you have a strong magic ability I don't know how but your physical and magical attributes are amazing. But you have to understand both must be in perfect balance your physical skill can't always aid you."
"Why not?"
"You need to understand. One day you may face an enemy who is immune to physical attacks even one with such high caliber as yours that is when magic comes in."
"I understand"
---------------------
I do understand but even if I were to use magic those energized cells would. . . .wait a minute energized cells! That's it!
Stephen got back up a smile formed on his face he had a plan.
Stephen arranged his materia into his sword making sure that elemental-bolt combo was in his gloves and quadra magic-bolt was in his sword.
He then waited for Ryo to get a little closer in range.
He then attacked with a flurry of punches with a final uppercut sending Ryo flying.
Ryo got up a smile on his face until he looked at Stephen.
For he was smiling as well.
Ryo finally realized why as he put his hand to where Stephen had sent the final blow of his attack.
Blood.
His lip was bleeding it hadn't healed.
"H-how did you do that!?!?!?!?!"
Stephen smiled if anything he wasn't an idiot.
"You said it yourself your energized cells help you heal fast and accurately but of course energy runs on a certain amount if I overpower that amount of energy your cells have then like anything they crash."
"Hmmm I see so you figured it out. Very well I will accept that but heed my words I won't get that close again."
"Fine with me."
Stephen focused on his sword and aimed at Ryo.
"Bolt 3!"
"Nice try"
Ryo grabbed his staff and started to spin it just as the four lighting bolts consecutively came down they all became attracted to Ryo's staff. When the lightning bolts dissappeared Ryo stopped spinning his staff.
Stephen's eyes widened to find Ryo unfazed and his staff glowing.
Ryo the swung his staff quickly releasing all four lightning bolts at Stephen who just barley dodged out of the way.
"Do your like it? I had this weapon specifically made from the factory in Junon before you destroyed it. It is specifically designed to protect my little weakness. When spun fast enough it creates a mako induced electromagnetic pulse absorbing all magic attacks and giving me the ability to send it back."
"Do you have to brag about every detail I kind of figured out what it did you didn't have to drag on about it!"
"Hahaha but of course let me get down to the kill now shall we."
Damn there goes plan B what now?
Stephen thought this as Ryo charged forward but then opened his eyes slightly wider.
I forgot about him. I was wondering when he was gonna intervene
Ryo managed to stop just before an electrical energy blast hit him.
"Sorry to interrupt but this seemed a little one sided thought I'd make it interesting."
Reno flipped the switch on his electric nightstick bringing the sparks higher up.
"About time you showed up did you enjoy watching me get my ass kicked?"
"Hey I still had liquor left. Getting drunk comes before all else"
Stephen laughed
"I should have known. So shall we then?"
"Yes lets"
The two then separated Stephen casting bolt on the front and Reno using his nightstick on the back.
But for some reason Ryo only focused on Stephen's attack.
Eventually they saw the reason as Reno turned off his nightstick.
Ryo's back wasn't even fazed.
"If you think that stupid stick will hurt me you have another thing coming. I think it's time you see my strongest attack!"
Ryo then started to spin the rod over his head as the blades of his staff started to shoot out the bolts from Stephen's attack much like that of Ramuh as the bolts hit every area with incredible speed.
Stephen easily blocked it with his escort guard but the force was enough to send him back a bit.
Reno managed to get out of the way but the lightning knocked the nightstick out of his hand causing it to fly quite a far distance from him.
Reno held his arm I slight pain
"Damn!"
Stephen charged at Ryo his fist drawn as he started a fistfight with Ryo and his weapon.
"Hmm I see you've gone to that tactic I won't let you perform it again."
Ryo started moving backward quickly giving Stephen no time to dodge and attack at the same time so like any smart fighter he dodged.
Damn I can't believe how strong he is his back wasn't even affected by Reno's weapon maybe he's immune to back attacks. Maybe a front attack by Reno will be enough!
Stephen thought this dodging just by instinct now. He could see in the distance Reno had recovered his nightstick and was going to try another back attack.
"Now or never."
Stephen switched his stance and drove forward letting the staff drive into him.
"STEPHEN WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?!?!?!?!"
Stephen ignored Reno's stupid question for he knew Reno knew what he was going to do.
Stephen let the blade cut through his arm and slash his elemental materia from his glove as his whole arm was cut he winched in pain but did not stop his movement. Using his good arm he grabbed Ryo's weapon and drove it behind Ryo's back locking him and the staff in place Ryo tried to break free giving Stephen a very hard time.
"Reno! Attacks from the front now while he's vulnerable bring your nightstick to full power and zap us both we have no choice!"
Reno stood spell bound shaking in fear.
"I-I can't!"
"Reno do it or he will kill us both if you don't do it now he'll attack the canyon next do you have any clue how many will die because of you!?"
"But..."
"DO IT GOD DAMMIT I CAN'T HOLD HIM MUCH LONGER PLEASE!!!!!!! If he makes it to the canyon he'll get to Marlene and the others. Please!!!!! I can't hold on much longer!"
Reno nodded and slowly flipped his weapon off.
"Reno please"
"No more hiding"
Stephen heard his words but didn't understand what he meant.
"I let Rude down I let Elena down I let my sister down."
Reno dropped his nightstick his hands shaking with rage as he hands started to spark.
"NO ONE ELSE WILL DIE BECAUSE OF MY FEAR!!!!!!!"
Reno's hands started to glow sparks flying everywhere around his body as he walked forward just as Stephen was finally tossed to the side into another canyon wall this time he didn't get up he didn't have the strength all he could do was lean against the wall clutching his arm as the blood gathered in his hand.
Reno's entire body was wrapped around his body as they formed a spiral pattern.
"I won't let you leave this battle!"
"Please are you still going on about your stupid friend Rude"
Reno glared at Ryo
"Yes it was me Jade had no idea of what Rude was conspiring that is until I realized and informed her"
Reno's eyes widened but not in surprise but in malice
"YOU!!!! You killed Rude! You will not leave here! Rude stares at us from the heavens and either you or me or both shall join him you hear me?!?!?!?!?"
Rude then focused all his energy and sent 20 lighting bolt flying at Ryo.
"This pathetic trick again please"
Ryo began to spin his sword as the lightning bolts gathered around the staff but did not absorb into them as before.
"No it can't be!"
Stephen realized this unique attack as well as Ryo had.
Reno still had control over the lighting bolts it was over.
"THIS IS MY LIMIT BREAK RYO WITH ALL MY HATRED AND THE AID OF THE THREE FORCES GIVING ME POWER OVER LIGHTNING MY FEAR HAS FINALLY BEEN OVER COME BY RAGE I WILL DIE BUT I WILL MAKE SURE YOU AND SEPHIROTH COME WITH ME!!!!!!!!"
The lightning bolt started to spin around Ryo so quickly not even Stephen's eyes could catch up
"ELECTRO FUSION"
The lighting bolts then stopped and wrapped around Ryo causing electrical charges throughout his whole body. Ryo cries of pained were silenced when the electrical charges cause an immense explosion.
Stephen finally focused enough energy to heal his wounds with cure and brace himself from Reno's incredibly powerful attack.
Stephen ran up to Reno who was on his knees breathing heavily.
Stephen blinked a few times as the sparks diminished.
"That was different."
"I received the abilities of Rumuh during the collisions of the lifestream, meteor, and holy I didn't want it in fact this entire time after Sephiroth had taken over I was too afraid to use them I thought I'd be controlled by Sephiroth and end up killing Rude and Elena. Kind of ironic that the very people I tried to protect died because of me."
Stephen helped him up
"I know how that feels"
Stephen patted Reno's shoulder even though he was injured it was still strong enough as he lost his balance Stephen couldn't help but laugh.
Stephen then snapped around he finally sensed Ryo he had almost forgotten about him
Ryo was on the ground his leg was twisted parallel to his other it was obvious it was broken his healing powers were dead he wouldn't survive long with the injuries Reno had given him.
"Ok I won Ryo now tell me what you know about me what is happening to me?"
Ryo laughed during the process he coughed up blood but he still laughed.
"You fool you know nothing. Your abilities are so pathetic despite how rapidly they have grown and you still can't use them to their full potential. What a pathetic failure."
"What are you talking about my abilities."
"The abilities Hojo generously gave to you."
"Hojo what are you talking about?"
"Ha you poor naïve fool you don't understand you energy your ability to use any limit break you desire it's only the tip of the iceberg."
"What are you talking about only the tip"
"Oh sure those abilities are quite powerful I will admit that but if you want to defeat Sephiroth they are nothing compared to what Hojo gave you."
"My abilities?"
"Yes. Your abilities you see before Sephiroth rebelled and Shinra fell I was Hojo's apprentice. Hojo was brilliant just brilliant his running of the Jenova Project, the training of Sephiroth, Vincent Valentine's enhancement and then there was you."
"What are you talking about?"
"Hojo he went all out on your creation it made the Jenova project seem like a joke he finally succeeded with you where he failed so many times."
Stephen grabbed Ryo by the neck and shoved his sword through Ryo's stomach he had heard enough.
"What did he succeed in!?!?!?!?!?!?"
Ryo finally succumbed to his injuries he was a dead man without his healing abilities.
"He succeeded in making the perfect weapon your heartless you kill without regret your trained your perfect mentally and physically but once your power is released you will truly be unstoppable. Hojo, you . . . were brilliant to the end."
Ryo's eyes closed and his breathing dropped he was dead.
Another chapter down so please review and tell me how ya liked it.