Chapter 14
Kefka's spirit floated outside the Highwind. Some force was keeping him from entering the craft. He could sense great power from spirits he once controlled. The espers no doubt. He cursed under his breath as he searched for a way into the craft. He would have his revenge for what they did to him. How could they possibly destroy a god? The world they spoke so highly of lay in ruin. How they hugged and laughed and fixed cities. It sickened him to the very core. He felt like vomiting, even though it was an impossibility for him in his current state. Then something else caught his attention, a large flaring of power from somewhere down on the landscape. He 'floated' down to a mountain region and came across a cave. The cave was the source of the power he felt. What was more, he could sense magical energies that had recently been cast. Inside the cave he saw a giant floating… brain? Though it had eyes and was capable of speech. This was made quite clear when it started asking who had entered it's cave. Though Kefka had no direct way of responding, he knew this brain would be able to communicate with him another way. He floated over to the chamber and started his possession process. Their minds started to merge, but he was blasted back by a wall of force. This one would never allow him to become his mortal shell. He once again returned to the chamber and placed his hands near the brain. She could see who Kefka was, what he had done, why he was like he was. He also learned a great deal about the Mother Brain. He saw her plans and knew they would cause disruption but in the end they would fail. She did not know Terra and the others like he did. He knew how friendship and loved worked. She had only dealt with Samus, a lone warrior with what seemed a heart of ice. He told her of his ability to capture Terra's body, but only if she was even somewhat alone. He also fully briefed her on magic and it's capabilities. He then broke the link and went after the Highwind. He could sense Terra's presence, so he knew exactly where they were. He flew towards them at great speed and eventually saw the parked Highwind. It was near a town, and it was empty. Now was the time to hunt out Terra once more.
* * *
"I don't know why you put up with her." Sepiroth said to Ridley as they searched out Cloud.
"I owe her much, but it's only a farce. I would rather see her destroyed then serve under her, though she does have some benefits." He said. Sepiroth could see that Ridley would be a great leader, but lacked the power to control an army the way the Brain could. He began to wonder what this demon could possibly owe such an incompetent leader.
"Did you bring the device?" Sepiroth asked. Ridley revealed a small grey orb clutched in his talons. They were getting close the Cloud now. His sense materia glowed brightly as it homed in on Cloud. They could see a town on the horizon so they slowed their approach.
"How are we going to get this to work? This town will see us coming a mile away and I'm sure they won't be thrilled to see either of us." Ridley asked, landing on the ground. Sepiroth smiled evilly.
"It'll be easier then you think. What good is being evil if you can't have a lil fun?" He gripped his sword and a green materia flared. A small house exploded in flames.
"I like you're style Sepiroth. Let's go to it. Just remember to stay to the plan!" Ridley said as he lept into the air and veered towards the town. He flew by a house and slashed his tail through the roof. He was beginning to enjoy himself when he saw the blur of a missile scream just left of his head.
"You're getting slow Samus! You're usually quicker to action then that!" Ridley said, diving in. He dodged another missile and grabbed her with is left hand.
"Sorry to disappoint you, I was busy!" She said in a mocking tone. Ridley sneered and threw her into a brick wall. The wall gave in and collapsed on top of her. He chuckled, but only briefly as a rather large boulder fell on top of him. Mog stopped his dance just long enough to smile, then went back into his 'Earth Blues' routine. Ridley smashed the boulder and flew into the sky. His eyes darted back and forth. Where was the target? He couldn't complete his mission if the target didn't appear. For that matter, where was Sepiroth? He looked back outside the town to see him still cackling with laughter, incinerating one house after another. A small group of the heroes were on their way to face him. Ridley dodged left as Samus pulled herself free and fired a charged ice beam. Then he found his target. Or rather his target found him. Once again an Aura bolt blasted Ridley from behind, knocking him to the ground.
"Blast you humans. You'll regret that!" Ridley swung his spiked tail at Sabin, who nimbly dodged. He struck out again and Sabin jumped, only to be caught in Ridley's right hand. He grinned as Sabin disappeared in a flash of light.
"SABIN!" came a cry from the left. The green haired one came running at him, then something about her changed. Her skin became more like fur and she lost most of her human resemblance. She then 'flew' at Ridley, catching him in mid-air. She was now almost equal in size to him and twice as strong. He was flung to the ground and his right hand forced open. The device had been cracked and was useless. His tail knocked the woman from him and he managed to get back into the air.
"Sepiroth! Mission accomplished! Let's get out of here!" he said as he retreated. Sepiroth however took the time to torch on more building before fleeing.
"Cid, Tifa, Everyone, get those fires out! Save the town!" Mega man called as he equipped his water cannon. It wasn't very powerful, but it would quickly generate water of it's own, therefore an unlimited supply. The magic users started using water spells as fast as they could, while Samus used her ice beam. Eventually all the fires had been put out, though there wasn't much left of the town. A great silence fell over the group. Terra was sobbing on the ground, back in her human form. What had become of Sabin? Why such a blatant attack with such a weak goal? Sepiroth could have obliterated the town easily, yet they made a point of searching out Sabin. Something wasn't right, yet no one knew what. Terra stopped crying and walked back towards the Highwind. However no one seemed to notice the odd way in which she walked. It seemed almost forced. They returned to the Highwind after doing what they could to comfort the people that had survived the attack. Terra had gone to her room, and they felt it best to leave her alone for now.
"So now what do we do?" Tifa asked. No one seemed to know. Sepiroth and Ridley had disappeared into the plains, and since neither could be scanned, they couldn't follow them. At a loss, they lifted off and made their way back to the falcon. At least they might be able to accomplish one goal. Besides, two airships were better then one. They'd have more options that way. They just hoped Sabin would be okay. Wherever he was.