Chapter 20: Ascension.
Yuffie sat dejected in the corner while Cloud distributed the recovered materia. 'He didn't even blink.' HE was leaning in the corner, his face expressionless even as Aerith carefully approached him and gave him his allotted materia. He nodded slightly to show Aerith his thanks. 'Why? You nearly died saving me from the bridge, why not now?' Yuffie glared at the tall crimson figure. For some reason beyond her, it hurt so much that Vincent had done nothing when Corneo threatened to drop her. Even now she couldn't see if he even noticed her evil stare.
Unbeknownst to her Vincent had noticed but chose to ignore. His own thoughts tormented him. 'Demons, why did you prevent me from moving?' The demons only laughed in response, as always. 'Damn you all.' He thought angrily at them, 'You would have added her innocent life to my sins!' The demons laughed louder, Vincent snorted quietly and pushed them from his mind, thoroughly irritated.
"Okay now for you Yuffie." Cloud stood in front of the huddled ninja. "What do you guys think?" He turned back to the group.
Yuffie sank deeper into her knees, 'No way they'll let me stay.'
"Can't trust 'er anymore." Barret grumbled, his trust was betrayed, that cut him deeply.
"No f#$& s!# Sherlock." Cid added with a puff from his ever-present cigarette. He hadn't the time to even learn Yuffie's last name lest get to know her.
"Come on guys!" Tifa pleaded, "We've all made mistakes before." She defended Yuffie as if they were sisters.
"Yeah, please give her another chance." Aerith's eyes filled with hope, 'We need Yuffie, she has some part to play,' Aerith glanced quickly at Vincent, 'but how I don't understand.'
'They're standing up for me?' Yuffie looked up in surprise.
'They're standing up for her? After she betrayed their trust?' Vincent was startled, but pushed the emotion down.
"Okay that's two for and two against." Cloud tallied, "Cat Sith, Nanaki what's your votes?"
Nanaki opened his golden eye from his assumed sleeping position, "I would miss her antics." He said simply.
'Thanks... I think.' Yuffie's grin crept back onto her face.
'Would I miss her antics?' Vincent asked himself.
Cait Sith took on grim expression; the mog mimicked the action but also brought its huge hand up to its mouth in contemplation. "You have to be able to trust your friends, I don't think we can trust her."
Yuffie ignored Cat Sith's comment entirely, 'Three of them want me to stay! Even after all I put them through!' She rose slowly, her entire body starting to regain her normal (extremely high, but normal for her) level of energy.
Cloud shook his head, "A tie, great. Now what?"
"You forgot to ask Vincent." Aerith reminded him.
Cloud looked slightly embarrassed as he looked to the shadow in the corner. "Sorry." Cloud scratched the back of his head, "What's your vote?"
'Oh no.' Yuffie's energy started falling, 'He doesn't care, he'll just get rid of me.' Her stormy eyes began to fill with tears as she looked toward the darkness of Vincent Valentine. 'I'm doomed.'
'She's going to cry.' Vincent's bloody gaze met her gray. 'Can it mean so much to her to continue with us?' He stood and walked across the room to Yuffie. She shrank away from him slightly. When he was in front of her, he lowered his crimson gaze to her gray one. There he stood; seemingly searching her soul. Vincent saw fear, anger, and something else in her stormy eyes. An inner passion shone through her eyes. In a quick turn that caused his cape to circle him he returned to the corner. "She may be of use." He felt miniscule warmth deep within himself, one that died as quickly as it came, when he noticed Yuffie's reaction.
Yuffie jumped for joy, 'He said... he said... I could STAY!' Yuffie danced about, "YES! That's four for me! I'm staying!" She ran behind the screen separating the room. When she reappeared, she tossed a small blue orb to Cloud, "That's a special gift from me. Its only a loaner mind you, so I expect it back!"
Cloud grinned before reaching into his pocket, "Here's your allotted materia. Had a feeling you'd be staying." He handed her the materia, when she had placed it all in her armor and weapon she giggled happily. "Back to normal!"
Cloud shook his head, the action mimicked by everyone but Vincent and Nanaki. "Let's mosey." He said as he led them out of Yuffie's house.
"Don't like that phrase." Cid said as they filed out of the house.
'What was that feeling?' Vincent brooded as he stood and followed his allies.
'What was he looking at?' Yuffie glanced back at the crimson darkness behind her, 'What was he looking for?'
The odd assortment walked toward the exit of Wutai, but was stopped by a line of spear-carriers. "What's going on?" Cloud looked between the warriors. "We just want to leave in peace." The warriors stood solid.
"Yuffie Kisaragi daughter of Godo Kisaragi, you may not leave Wutai." One of the warriors shouted.
Yuffie immediately stepped up to the front of the group, "My foot. Who gave that order?"
"I did." A voice rang from behind the formation. Quickly the warriors parted and revealed a man dressed in blue and black ceremonial robes. "You will not dishonor me further daughter."
"Godo!" Yuffie's jaw dropped, but she quickly recovered. "You dishonor all Wutai by YOUR actions!"
"SILENCE!" Godo yelled enraged. "Until you prove yourself you will never leave Wutai again." Godo walked past the stunned group toward the Pagoda. "Face the Gods to be freed." He said before leaving them behind.
Yuffie's face turned red with rage, "You dirty old fart! You can't do this to me! Come back here you wrinkled turnip!" Cloud and Barret had to physically restrain the ninja.
"Calm down Yuffie!" Cloud yelled. Tifa gave Yuffie a quick slap. Yuffie looked at her stunned.
"Sorry Yuffie, had to snap you out of it." Tifa apologized. "Why don't we go and talk about this somewhere else." Tifa motioned to the ring of tourists staring and snapping photographs.
Yuffie snorted, "Fine, let's go to the Turtle's Paradise, we can lock the door." She tried to move from the circle tourists but none of them would move.
"Get the !$ out of the way!" Cid yelled, again no one moved.
Vincent silently approached the crowd, "Move." Vincent's single word parted the crowd, fear radiated from the people. AVALANCHE stared after their dark comrade before following his crimson form into the bar.
"Thanks." Cloud nodded before turning his attention to Yuffie. "What's going on." His words were a statement more than a question. "Tell us everything, no more secrets."
Yuffie sighed as she sat down, "This is going to be long." Everyone sat, leaned, or lay down. "Here goes..." Yuffie proceeded to tell of how she began her quest to help Wutai by collecting materia. Of her father Godo and her journey before she meet them.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER.
"That's it." Yuffie finished her tale. "And now Godo won't let me leave until I face the Five Mighty Gods."
'They're still alive?' Vincent wondered why Shinra didn't kill them when they defeated Wutai. They were the most feared warriors in the world. Even the Turks studied them for fighting tips. 'Why leave the leaders alive?'
"The who?" Aerith asked perplexed.
"The leaders of Wutai," Yuffie sighed, "Supposedly the best warriors in Wutai."
The group looked between each other and finally to their leader Cloud. "How does the challenge work?" He pressed Yuffie.
"I have to start at the bottom of the Pagoda, I must fight up to the top non-stop. I am not allowed to use healing magic either, no matter how bad I'm hurt." Yuffie explained, "Five one-on-one fights." Yuffie griped her hands together, her last statement nothing more than a whisper.
Cloud kneeled down in front of her and looked her square in the face, "Can you win?"
Yuffie looked at Cloud and then to the others around the room. Everyone's face showed confidence in her, minus Vincent. He simply leaned in the corner, seemingly unconcerned with her predicament. Her face and resolve hardened. 'Who cares about him anyway?' Yuffie returned her gaze to Cloud, "Of course I can Spike. I'm the Great Ninja Yuffie!" She stood up and pointed to herself confidently, her trademark grin spread across her face.
'She is going to fight the Gods? Does she really believe she can win?' Vincent's thoughts returned to his fragmented memories. 'They were feared warriors, can this slip of a girl defeat all of them?'
Aerith laughed, "Finally back to normal."
Tifa nodded her head, "Yep, glad to have the old Yuffie back."
Cloud stretched his aching muscles, "I think today's done. Do you want to challenge the Gods tonight or tomorrow? Its up to you."
Yuffie looked between Cloud, Tifa, and Vincent. Tifa and Cloud were obviously exhausted, the cure spells had healed their wounds, but sleep could only restore their inner strength. She couldn't even guess if Vincent was tired, he seemed to be fine, even his clothes were looking less hashed. 'How did that happen?' Yuffie questioned herself. "Let's rest for tonight, I need time to prepare." Yuffie finally answered.
Cloud breathed a sigh of relief. "Know where we can stay?" Yuffie nodded and led them through the dark back to her house.
"We should all be okay here." Yuffie said as she began to shove stuff to the edges of the room. Suddenly she stopped and looked up at them, "Girls upstairs, boys and toys downstairs." Cloud simply shrugged and walked down the stairs followed closely by Nanaki and Cat Sith.
"Don't you trust us?" Cid put on an innocent face.
Tifa walked up to him, stared him straight in the face, and said "No." She flicked the cigarette from his mouth and out the window. "Now get downstairs." Barret roared in laughter as a furious Cid began a stream of curses.
"Come on. Least we inside." Barret disappeared down the steps with Cid in tow.
Tifa turned her gaze to the last member, "You to Vincent." Vincent gave no complaint and disappeared down the stairs, quietly pulling the screen closed behind him.
Yuffie could have sworn she heard a Good night, from behind the screen; but quickly dismissed it. It just wasn't what Vincent would do, 'Or would he?' Her own question surprised herself. 'It was probably someone else.'
Aerith quickly turned on Yuffie, "Did you enjoy that?"
"What?" Yuffie looked confused.
Aerith's face broke into a small grin, "Having some tall, dark man stare deeply into your eyes." She finished with a storybook sigh of awe. Yuffie's jaw dropped and she started sputtering.
Tifa joined in quickly, "How deep were his eyes? Did they make you think weird thoughts? Like
'I must obey.'" Tifa put her arms up as her face assumed a hypnotized grin.
"No way!" Yuffie finally found her voice as her face reddened, "He's just scary is all. I don't even know what he was looking for." Yuffie slumped onto her futon. "It felt like he was looking into my very being." Yuffie began to gaze into space.
Aerith and Tifa giggled, Aerith changed the subject. "So how are you going to get ready for the fights?"
Yuffie shook her head to clear it, "Uh, deeeep meditation." She said mystically.
Tifa quirked an eyebrow, "Oh really? Can you even focus long enough to stay awake?"
"Of course!" Yuffie pouted, "I am a ninja after all!"
"Okay. See ya in the morning." Tifa and Aerith disappeared behind the screen laughing.
Yuffie stamped her foot in anger, "I'll show you!" She promised. 'Although I never was good at meditating.' She chided herself. She set about getting ready; first, she pulled a bundle from the closet.
Yuffie smiled as she unfolded her ceremonial mat. A huge intertwining crest of Leviathan was sewn in golden thread upon the blue silk mat. This mat always made her happy when she used it. Gorki had given it to her when she was small. He said it came from some Wutai family that had been close to the Kisaragi family. Even now, she felt calmed as she removed her arm and leg guard. She undid her bandana and held it to her chest. 'Help me mother. I don't want them to leave without me.' Yuffie carefully folded the bandana and set it upon her discarded armor. She folded her legs and sat upon the mat. She took several deep breaths as she concentrated upon her fighting spirit, 'Leviathan empower me.' She continued to concentrate into the night.
Vincent lay staring at the ceiling. He heard Aerith and Tifa's giggles as well as Yuffie's comments. 'Formidable spirit, even in the face of sheer defeat she still makes jokes. I was looking for that within your eyes.' After several hours passed he sat up and redressed himself, absently noting how his clothing had fully repaired itself, he ascended the stairs. He carefully slid open the screen. One eyebrow rose at the scene before him.
Yuffie lay curled upon a blue mat, soundly sleeping. A smile plastered across her face, 'An innocents dreams.' Vincent thought as he noticed the crest upon which Yuffie lay. 'That symbol... its... familiar?' Vincent shook the thought away. 'How could it be? I've never been to Wutai before now.' Vincent soundlessly crossed the room and exited the house.
He looked over the now silent town of Wutai. The moon shimmered its pale light across the town, turning all color to a pale gray. Vincent turned his gaze to the moon, 'Always watching, always giving light, but never revealing the truth.' Vincent looked back to the town; even with the pale color, he knew the moon's light was a cover. Color burned true eventually, no matter what it was. Even the moon's light couldn't stop his monstrous claw from glinting gold. 'Even the moon can't hide it.' Vincent continued to stare out over the town, as lost as he was he failed to notice the gray eyes watching him.
'What are you up to?' Yuffie thought from within the house. 'How did his clothes mend? What is he thinking? What is he staring at?' Yuffie continued to stare at the dark man. As she did she felt a strange sensation come over her. It felt like a small fire within her chest. Yuffie noticed Vincent's eyes, he stared as if the town wasn't there, as if he wasn't there. A small red shimmer trailed from Vincent's eye, it left a dark path down his cheek and chin; before finally being swept away by a gloved hand. Yuffie gasped and ducked back within the house. 'He was crying...? Red tears...? What is he? Is he still human?' Yuffie returned to her mat and curled up once more. "What causes you so much pain?" She asked her question never reaching the one asked.
DAWN.
Cloud stretched his sore limbs. He had spent some of the night repairing his suit before sleep claimed him. He held up his nights work, "It'll do." He sighed before struggling into the repaired pieces. He slipped his armor on followed by sheathing his buster sword.
"Where does your !#$ sword go!" Cid asked waking the others.
Cloud looked to him startled. "It's this armor, it shrinks anything placed in the straps. SOLDIER designed it to accommodate the more diverse choice of weapons used." Cloud explained as he pulled on his boots and ran his hand through his spiky hair.
Cid looked curiously at the armor, seemingly disassembling it in his mind, "!#$ it." He cursed before starting to dress as well.
Cloud stood and stretched again looking around the room he stopped suddenly. "Where's Vincent!" Cloud was still concerned about Vincent being so close to the new Turks.
"Probably went to take a piss." Cid said putting an unlit cigarette in his lip.
Cloud shook his head embarrassed by the simple answer Cid gave. "You're probably right. I'll go wake the girls." Noticing the sleepy glares the others were giving the loud-mouthed Cid. Cloud turned and went up the stairs, when he reached the screen he quickly slid it open and his jaw hit the floor. Before him stood the three girls, each in the midst of changing, only their delicate unmentionables covered them.
"GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!" The three screamed and sent a wall of blankets and pillows toward the stunned Cloud. He tumbled down the stairs as Yuffie slammed the screen shut. Cloud bounce unceremoniously into a heap at the bottom of the stairs. The others in the basement laughed wildly, gathering what happened from the screams and Cloud's current state.
"So were they up?" Cid grinned evilly.
"Shut up." Cloud groaned from underneath the mountain of fabric.
UPSTAIRS.
The girls quickly finished dressing. Tifa and Yuffie fuming with anger, Aerith only slightly less. "How dare he come up without knocking!" Yuffie began angrily, "I mean come on! Doesn't he have any manners!"
Aerith giggled slightly, "Weren't you in his shoes just a few days ago? In Rocket town?" Tifa's anger simmered down as she too saw the truth in Aerith's statement.
Yuffie blushed crimson in embarrassment, "That was an accident! Besides, Vincent said it was his fault for not locking the door!" She answered snidely.
Aerith and Tifa just giggled a quick, "Okay. Whatever you say." before continuing to pack.
Yuffie just fumed, "Its completely different. It really is!" Neither Aerith or Tifa seemed to be paying any attention to her. Yuffie just stamped her foot, "That's not fair!" Yuffie continued to try to annoy the two older women as Cloud knocked very loudly on the screen.
"Is it safe to come in?" Cloud said cautiously.
"Yeah we hungry!" Barret added.
"Its okay! Come in!" Aerith laughed. Cloud slowly opened the door, being careful to avoid any more barrages of pillows. As the girls laughed the men slowly filed up the stairs, "Is there any breakfast?" Cloud asked carefully.
Yuffie jumped up, "Let's go eat at the Turtle's Paradise! It's got the best breakfast! Besides I need a big meal for my fight today!" She said as she slid open the door. "Hurry up gu- oomph!" Yuffie fell to the ground. In the doorway stood the stoic Vincent, with a quick look to Yuffie he offered his hand to her. She stared for a moment before taking his hand, "Thanks Vinnie." She said with downcast eyes.
Vincent nodded, "We are to eat at the Paradise?" Cloud gave a quick nod. "Then let us go." Vincent turned, his cape catching the wind as he walked down the steps.
Vincent watched his companions eat from his position in the corner. They had asked him to join them but he declined. 'I haven't felt any hunger, even after all the battles.' He looked down at his mended clothing. 'How did that happen? What other things did Hojo do to me?' He continued to stare at the others. He could feel apprehension from each of them. They all talked nervously amongst their meals, as the realization of what Yuffie was about to do sunk in. She was about to take on the most feared warriors in Wutai, and she sat shoving egg rolls into her mouth, as if it were just any other meal. 'Such innocence.' Vincent thought as the team finished their meal.
Yuffie leaned back in her seat, "That was great!" She absently rubbed her stomach. Everyone else gave her odd looks, "What? Do I have something in my teeth?"
Cloud shook his head, "No. We just don't know why you're acting this way. You've got to fight for your freedom in just a little while." Yuffie gave him a confused look. "Shouldn't you be more... worried?"
Yuffie stared at him intently a moment before bursting out in laughter. After she calmed down slightly she explained, "I'm the Great Ninja Yuffie! What do I have to worry about?" She broke down into laughter again. The rest of the table stared at her incredulously until one by one they joined in Yuffie's mirth. Vincent just shook his head slightly.
LATER.
Yuffie stood resolutely in front of her challenge, before her lay the Pagoda of the Five Mighty Gods, behind her stood her friends. 'I can't lose.' She thought as she walked proudly into the towering structure. 'I will not lose.'
"Welcome Yuffie Kisiragi. Have you come to challenge us so soon?" A stout man in robes asked from across the wide room.
"Well duh!" Yuffie laughed, "Why else would I come into this stuffy old place Gorki?"
The plump man laughed loudly, "You haven't changed a bit! If your ready, step onto the carpet." When Yuffie complied lines of light sprung up from the edges of the woven masterpiece. Everyone jumped as the light cut them off from Yuffie.
"Don't worry." Gorki laughed at AVALANCHE's antics. "It's just a barrier. It will prevent any attacks from damaging the building or you." He turned to Yuffie, all humor fading from his chubby cheeks. "She however will feel the full brunt of my attacks."
"Hold it!" A small voice called from the stairs, "No one challenged for a while, I want to watch Gorki pummel her!" The owner of the voice bolted into the room.
Gorki chucked slightly, "As you wish Shake." Gorki looked to Yuffie again, "You can still back out."
Yuffie just smiled, "No way, your fat butt is mine!"
Gorki's eyes took on a dangerous glint, "MAGIC-CHANGE!" A pale light consumed his body, when it faded Gorki no longer stood, he hovered above the ground. His skin had now gone a sickly violet, his head had elongated into a monster's, and dark wings beat the air.
"Be careful Yuffie!" Aerith cried. Yuffie just gave her a thumbs up and then turned to face the flying fiend.
'Indeed.' Vincent agreed silently. 'These must be powerful fighters to be able to transform.'
Yuffie threw a barrage of knives at Gorki. He easily dodged them and charged her. Yuffie was barely able to avoid him with a quick cartwheel. Gorki rose into the air and grinned at Yuffie as he released a dark ball at her. Yuffie jumped away but the ball followed her. She yelped in pain as the dark sphere sucked energy out of her and disappeared. Yuffie stumbled slightly as the last dark wisps faded. Gorki dived again, but this time he cried in pain as a bright flash filled the room.
Yuffie appeared to be in two places at once for a moment. As one of her images faded, Gorki landed and turned to face her, holding his arm. He growled as he unleashed another dark sphere. It charged at Yuffie, but just before it collided with her it burst into smoky shards and disappeared. "Nice one Yuffie!" Cloud called, "Glad I gave her the Barrier materia."
Gorki growled again and charged Yuffie once more. Yuffie jumped into the air to avoid him, but fell back to earth as Gorki latched onto her foot. He grinned evilly before flinging her into the barrier. Yuffie collapsed to the ground as Gorki laughed. "Even better!" Shake called, he then noticed the glares from AVALANCHE, "Gorki can have a peanut gallery too!"
Yuffie slowly rose to her feet as Gorki charged for a finishing blow, his foot aim directly for her head. At the last moment, Yuffie ducked causing Gorki to crumple against the wall and to the floor. "Nice one ya brat!" Barret hollered.
Yuffie didn't pause to notice, she began a furious barrage of kicks and punches, intent on not letting Gorki regain flight. He blocked some but increasingly more slipped through his defenses, until Yuffie grabbed his wings and fell to the ground, throwing him into the barrier again. As she approached him, he held up his hand. The same pale light surrounded the fiend and then Gorki reappeared. "I yield."
"YES!" Yuffie's victory cry was echoed by AVALANCHE. "I did it! I did it! I beat Gorki!" Yuffie danced happily, although slightly unsteady. The barrier's light faded as AVALANCHE gathered around Yuffie to congratulate her.
'Well fought.' Vincent thought from his place in the shadows.
"SHE'S STILL NOT DONE YET!" Shake exclaimed. "She still has 4 fights to go! Although she won't make it past me!" He continued as he disappeared up the stairs.
Gorki officially broke up the celebration. "He's right Yuffie. You must continue." Yuffie motioned for AVALANCHE to be silent.
"I know. Come on guys." Yuffie began walking toward the stairs, followed by her friends.
"Hold it!" Gorki's face was once again filled with mirth, "Only two may accompany Yuffie any further up the Pagoda." Yuffie's jaw dropped along with the rest of AVALANCHE. "Your leader and one other to be chosen by me." Gorki finished.
"You mean I don't even get to have my friends with me? Or chose who comes? That's not fair!" Yuffie objected.
Gorki shrugged with his good arm, "That's tradition. Now before you whine more, who's the leader?" Cloud stepped forward. "At least you have chosen a good leader to follow." Gorki started to laugh but quickly stopped and grabbed his ribs. "Now for the other. If the rest of you will gather in a circle." Vincent remained in his shadows. Gorki looked at each of them then sighed. "And you chose good companions, they all have good spirits about them." He suddenly grinned, "Oh well! Only one way to decide!"
Gorki pulled a bottle from within his robes, "Here we go! Destiny decides!" he placed the bottle on the ground and gave it a twirl.
Yuffie turned red, "I'm fighting for my freedom and you want to play spin the bottle!" Gorki shrugged his one shoulder again and returned his attention to the bottle. Everyone stared at the spinning bottle intensely. 'Destiny my foot!' Yuffie thought angrily as the bottle decelerated. The bottle finally came to a rest, when everyone followed the bottle's point. It neatly pointed in between Aerith and Cat Sith, directly at the figure in the shadows. "VINCENT!" Everyone gasped. 'Why did it have to be him?' Yuffie sighed to herself.
"The bottle has spoken!" Gorki snickered before walking over to Vincent. "Lucky you! You get to go with Miss Talk-o-matic!" Gorki continued to stare at Vincent. "What do you think of that!" Vincent gave the smallest shrug. "That's the spirit!" Gorki tried to smack Vincent in the shoulder but only caught air as Vincent moved away. Gorki stared after the dark man for a moment before turning back to the group. "How about tea for the rest of you? I make very good tea!" Gorki shuffled the rest of them to the corner as Cloud, Yuffie, and Vincent ascended the stairs.
'Destiny my foot!' Yuffie repeated as she glanced back at her companions. 'He's not even gonna notice I'm fighting!'
"You took you're sweet time!" Shake hollered as they rounded the corner. "Chekhov is already down here to watch!"
Chekhov glanced at the group from her position from the opposite stairs. "You actually beat Gorki. It's been a long time since anyone beat him."
Yuffie answered snottily, "Of course I did! I'm the Great Ninja Yuffie!" She glanced at her next small opponent, "I shouldn't even have to fight a kid!"
"I am a skilled fighter!" Shake defended himself, "I'm the one facing a child."
"I am not a kid!" Yuffie glared at the small individual.
"That just proves that you are!" Shake shook his head, "Shall we get going?" Yuffie gave him a curt nod with her tongue out. "Fine. SPEED-CHANGE!" The barrier rose as Shake was covered in the same light as Gorki. This time what emerged was not a flying fiend, but a penguin. Yuffie laughed at the sight of the 2-foot tall, red crested, green tailed bird. Her laughter was cut short when Shake beat his wings furiously and dived at her. His sudden attack caught Yuffie full on, she was sent skidding across the mat. Anger burned in her eyes when she looked up.
Once again Shake charged but Yuffie was able to avoid the attack. This pattern of cat-and-mouse continued for several rounds until Yuffie slipped and once again was sent flying into the barrier. Shake just stood in the center breathing heavily as Yuffie struggled to rise. He squawked happily when she suddenly punched the ground, evidently in exhaustion. "So soon?" Chekhov seemed disappointed.
"Don't give up Yuffie!" Cloud called but his yell was never heard. The mat beneath Shake suddenly bulged and shook before exploding in a boom of energy. Shake was thrown into the barrier with a loud CRACK! The pale light surrounded him and he was human before he hit the ground. The barriers light faded.
"Yuffie wins." Chekhov said before heading up the stairs. Cloud ran to Yuffie's kneeling form while Vincent cautiously approached Shakes prone form. Yuffie gave a weak smile to Cloud.
"That was amazing Yuffie." Cloud congratulated her as she caught her breath. "Is Shake ok Vincent?" Vincent removed his human fingers from Shakes neck and nodded. Cloud turned back to Yuffie, "Can you make it?"
Yuffie stood shakily, "Yep. I'm the Great Ninja- oww!" She held her tender ribs. "Just need to catch my breath is all." She said as she pushed Cloud away.
'She's hurt.' Vincent noted. His enhanced hearing had let him hear her ribs crack from Shake's attack and Vincent could detect the slightest odor of blood in the air. When he looked to Yuffie's side, he noticed that she was holding her hand over a gash left by Shake's rough hide. Vincent felt a small sense of anger within him, 'No. I can't feel that she brought this on herself.' He berated himself silently for allowing himself to begin to care for his comrades well being. 'They won't ever consider me anything more than a monster.' The demons laughed at his internal struggle.
Yuffie finally stood straight, hiding the blood from Cloud's sight. "Three left to go." She breathed as she carefully ascended the stairs; followed by a concerned Cloud and a brooding Vincent. "Only three left."
"Only one." Chekhov greeted her. "Pain will be interesting to feel again." Yuffie stepped onto the mat and the barrier rose. "POWER-CHANGE!" Chekhov cried and crouched to the ground. The pale light appeared and disappeared, the new Chekhov disentangled itself. Yuffie audibly gasped at the form before her. It's many arms wriggled in the air as its many eyes scanned the room. Yuffie pulled her shuriken and cautiously approached the writhing beast. Suddenly all the eyes locked onto Yuffie and flashed. Chekhov slowly crawled toward a motionless Yuffie.
"Move Yuffie!" Cloud yelled.
"She cannot." Vincent said quietly as Chekhov reached Yuffie. "The beast paralyzed her." Cloud slammed his fist against the barrier as Chekhov began her assault upon the frozen Yuffie. Blow after blow landed against Yuffie's body, welts began rising from the young teens skin as the attack continued. 'Yuffie, fight back.' Vincent silently willed the ninja onward.
'I'm in deep #$!' Yuffie thought wildly. She could feel each of Chekhov's punishing blows, but couldn't react. 'Can't take much more of this!' She cried within her mind. 'STOP!' Yuffie's body was suddenly covered in a blue light. Chekhov screeched in pain as she desperately released the ninja. A pillar of light sprang from Yuffie and pushed outward, Chekhov continued to yell in pain as she was slammed against the barrier. Slowly the light faded and Yuffie collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath. The barrier lowered as Chekhov resumed her normal form.
"Excellent." Chekhov gasped. "You have defeated me. Continue to Staniv's floor." She said as she pulled herself to the wall and continued to breath heavily. Cloud rushed to Yuffie's side as Vincent walked over.
"I'm ok." Yuffie answered Cloud's unasked question. "Two left, more than halfway there." She grinned. Sweat plastered her hair to her face and she continued gasping for air. 'Help me Leviathan.' She pleaded. Bruises began forming across her body from Chekhov's blows. The gasp Shake had opened now oozed blood freely.
Cloud's eyes widened. "Yuffie your hurt. Are you sure you'll be alright?"
Yuffie pushed him away as she forced herself to stand. Cloud stared after her as she limped toward the stairs, pain wracking through her body as she forced the tears back. 'I won't cry.' She ordered herself. On the fourth stair she slipped. Yuffie squeezed her eyes shut waiting for more pain, but it never came. When she opened her eyes she expected Cloud to be holding her, but jumped when Vincent's red eyes stared at her. "Thanks Vinnie."
Vincent nodded and steadied the ninja on the stairs. As they continued up he stared at her form, 'Beaten, bleeding she continues. Such a formidable spirit, do all Wutaiese have the same inner strength?' Vincent wondered.
"Welcome the final floor." Staniv greeted them, "I know you think the Pagoda has five floors but that's only partially true. The fourth is the top since I've never been defeated!" He bragged, "Come Yuffie face the master of weapons!"
"Shut up." Yuffie squeaked out, "Can we just get this over with?"
Staniv laughed loudly as the barrier rose. "Whatever you say! WEAPON-CHANGE!" The same pale light surrounded Staniv and then faded to reveal a grey orge swinging a massive sphere of metal. Yuffie immediately touched an orb within her armor, a metallic gray cube surrounded her then faded from sight. Only to reappear as the sphere crashed into it. Yuffie stumbled to the side under the force of the blow. Every time she tried to get in close Staniv would knock her back with his sphere, laughing all the while.
Suddenly Staniv charged Yuffie, his weapon coming from her left. Unable to dodge Yuffie set herself for the blow. She cried in surprise when her barrier shattered under the blow and the sphere collided with her armguard. She was slammed in-between the barrier and the metal. With a laugh Staniv pulled the deadly weapon away and watched as Yuffie slumped to the ground. "Give up?" he called.
Yuffie used her shuriken to rise, "No way." She gasped. Staniv shrugged and swung his mace. Yuffie disappeared just before it collided. She reappeared behind him and delivered a swift slice with her shuriken. Staniv yelled and swung his mace again. Again, she disappeared, this time appearing and giving him a powerful kick to the side of his head. Staniv continued to chase the vanishing ninja. Each of his attempts was met with a powerful counter, until Yuffie appeared directly in front of him. She crouched momentarily before she jumped into the air with an uppercut. The blow knocked Staniv into the air. He fell to the ground with a crash before returning to his normal form. "You win." He smiled before he passed out.
Yuffie continued to stand even thought her entire body shook from the pain she was in. "One more battle." She said as she continued to the final level with a worried Cloud and an unnoticeably concerned Vincent in tow.
'She won't last much longer.' Vincent thought to himself, 'She's just barely able to stand, how will she fight the most powerful fighter?' Vincent immediately pushed his emotions away, he was a monster; monsters don't care about others. The small group turned the final corner to come face to face with the most powerful fighter in Wutai, Lord Godo.
"Hello my daughter. I am surprised you could even defeat Gorki, much less the others." Godo sneered, "You being such a miserable daughter." Yuffie looked as if she was going to retort but Cloud answered first.
"She is not miserable!" Cloud's blue mako eyes glowed fiercely. "She is a good friend and a powerful fighter! She may have a few problems but we all do!"
Godo laughed loudly, "Such emotion! At least you have the sense to find a good leader!"
This time Yuffie spoke first, "Something Wutai didn't have when they chose you! You let Shinra win! You let Wutai become the way it is now! Leviathan and Da Chao are dishonored by your actions!"
Godo's face hardened as his eyes took on a dangerous light, "How do you explain your actions! You abandoned Wutai! You left all that you are behind! I made choices so Wutai could survive! How dare you defy me!" He shouted.
Yuffie tried to stand taller but the gash in her side prevented her, "I will restore Wutai. I will honor Leviathan and Da Chao. With or without your help." Her voice hovered just above a whisper and her tone was deathly even. "I will defeat you." Yuffie walked across the mat and took her battle position, waiting for her father. Cloud and Vincent were both stunned by the little ninja's actions, neither had ever expected that from her.
Godo shook his head as the barrier rose from the edges of the mat, "Come at me as if you want to kill me, for if you don't, I will kill you." Godo took one last look at Yuffie before shouting, "OMNI-CHANGE!" The pale light surrounded him and began growing. Suddenly a sword pierced the light and parted it. The light flew from the room revealing the final Mighty God. It towered above Yuffie, it's four arms moving in intricate designs, the hand opposite the sword held a mystic staff. It's head was formed of three faces each more fierce than the other. He stood staring down the small shinobi.
"What is that!" Cloud shouted in dismay.
"That is Godo, leader of Wutai." Chekhov's voice came from the stairs. Each of the other fighters filed into the room. "Undefeated in battle." Cloud stared at her before returning his gaze to the inhuman figure before him.
Vincent's eyes however were locked upon the challenger of the fearsome thing. Yuffie stood ready. His eyes could see her muscles tightening under her skin. Sweat made her skin glisten; her breaths were steady but labored. Her chocolate hair hung limply, he could see she was favoring her left side. Her entire body was on the verge of collapse but Yuffie's stormy eyes crackled with her will. She was going to fight with everything she had, even at the cost of her life. A single word floated through the dark man's mind, one he thought could never enter his tortured soul again. 'Beautiful.'