Disclaimer:I don't own anything in this story, even the stuff that I made up, because it's all based on stuff that I "borrowed" from the original games, various movies, and even Street Fighter's Akuma.
Notes:Let's see, I last updated on this fic on the 25th of June, oh well. Here's another chapter. Enjoy! Also, please view the notes following this chapter.
Final Fantasy 7/8: Lord of Weapon
Chap 10: Bugenhagen
Esthar Presidential Office
The SeeDs, Tifa, and Cloud were standing in various places surrounding Laguna's desk. They still were pacing back and forth as they did the day before. It had been five days since Operation Weapon Waker had been initiated. The combined forces of Gaia had managed to perform their task of defeating five Weapons in a little less than two days, with some of them spending another day in the hospital wing. The group that was supposed to fight the two Weapons on the other planet, the group for whose skill Cloud and Tifa had vouched, had still not returned to Gaia.
"Damn it, I should have come back to help them," said Cloud who had actually said those same words several times in the past two days.
Squall replied, as usual, "It's my fault. I can't believe I didn't give Cid the other Holy War.
The group had all been planning for the combined trip to the mysterious planet that supposedly housed the one who controlled the Weapons, but their diligence in that task was extremely worthless in the current situations. Everyone was worried, mostly Tifa and Cloud; both felt that they had abandoned their friends.
Laguna continued to think of comforting words, but in two days, he had still failed to say anything more than: "would like a cup of tea?" or "nice weather we're having."
Suddenly, the phone on his desk began ringing.
"Hello?"
"Mr. President, the Gravitor has been sighted," said Gavin from LITS.
"Ah, yes, thank you, wait, WHAT?"
"Uh, Sir, the Gravitor has been sighted, you know, the one with the aliens who came to visit recently."
"Oh, okay, just checking, can you please relay a transmission telling them to meet with me at the Presidential Office. They should know where it is by now."
"Of course."
Laguna excitedly placed down his phone and turned to the others. "They're back." There was a slight pause. Tifa smiled and said, "Thank God," and everyone else quietly joined with verbal indications of relief.
Twenty long minutes later, the door leading into the office was knocked twice.
"Come in," said Laguna.
The doors opened, revealing Cid, followed by a Black man with a gun for his right arm, a red dog-like animal, a creepy man clad in red and black, a girl dressed in shorts and a green tank top, and lastly, a man in business attire.
"Hey guys, glad to be back. We would have come earlier, but the Alpha Weapon was a really tough, so we had to rest for a few days. Anyways, here's the group," said Cid, motioning to the others behind him.
On a distant planet
A loud, human-like scream can be heard for miles. The source is the tomb bearing the graphic of a white dragon. The lid of the coffin begins to budge…
Inside the Gravitor, flying above Balamb
The new group from Earth had spent the last couple of hours getting to know the aliens. Everyone had agreed to take a quick break and pause to enjoy the views of Gaia from the air. Although it was originally planned to immediately venture towards the unknown planet, Nanaki told Cloud and Squall about Bugenhagen's wishes to meet with the both of them.
"Knowing him, he'll probably have answers about the dreams. By the way, have you continued to have these dreams?"
"Actually, no," said Squall, who was trying to get used to the fact that he was speaking to an animal, "But who is this Bugenhagen?"
"He's a wise man, also my grandfather," answered Nanaki, immediately adding upon seeing the bewildered look on Squall's face, "but he's a human." The final comment did nothing to soothe Squall's befuddlement.
The others were all trying to have one last period of relaxation before the great fight. They were talking, taking naps, or just lounging around. A few, like Tifa and Zell, spent the time being active, in this case, they continued to duel, with the others casting bets on the winner. Reeve was speaking to Quistis, Seifer, Raijin, and Fuijin about the Gardens and the way they generated energy. Unfortunately, they replied that no one really knew how the systems worked; they had been created from a super intelligent civilization of the past.
"If our Centra and our Cetra are one and the same for some odd reason, why couldn't there be some Gardens on our planet?" asked Reeve rhetorically.
Cid, putting the ship on autopilot, was examining the coordinates of the alien planet, tapping into the satellite imaging as well.
"Hmmm, does it look threatening?" asked Cloud, who was looking over Cid's shoulder at the various angles of the planet.
"Can't tell, but it does look like a ruined planet though, pointing to massive areas of debris on the surface. Speaking of it, we should get going soon," said Cid switching on the intercom.
"Attention everyone, time's up. I'm going to drop off the residents of Gaia in order to get their affairs in order, except for Squall that is, who has to speak with one of the elders from our planet. We're going to head back to our world, then immediately return here to retrieve all of you for the battle. I will be landing in ten minutes' time."
His speech was followed by mock-war cries (though the loud ones were primarily from Seifer, Raijin, Zell, and Irvine), derived from intense feelings of nervousness. They were all trying to mask the fears they held inside. Over the course of the last couple of hours, they had all agreed that the Weapons were very powerful, especially the Alpha and the Omega. Upon realizing that, they wondered what type of power could exert control over such fearsome beasts.
Cosmo Canyon: Bugenhagen's Observatory
Once again, everyone nestled around the small, but comfy room below Bugenhagen's telescope. On this occasion however, only Squall, Cid, Vincent, Nanaki, Tifa, and Cloud were present. Barret had wished to return to Marlene, Yuffie wanted to continue her profitable business at Casa del Sol, and Reeve was immediately called to return to Midgar to solve an urgent problem regarding a lifestream leakage into one of the slums. There were some people that still tried to live in those poor, ruined areas, no matter how much Reeve tried to relocate them in suburban towns, such as Kalm.
Nanaki was lying on the floor next to Bugenhagen's chair. Vincent had taken to standing in the far corner. Cid was leaning on the sofa on which Cloud and Tifa were sitting. Lastly, Squall found himself a comfortable doorjamb. After a few minutes of silence, the elevator that reached the telescope in the above room came down, revealing the mystical Bugenhagen.
When he emerged from the platform he carried a smile, then instantly clenched his teeth and shut his eyes in pain.
"Grandpa, are you okay?" said Nanaki who quickly rushed to his side.
"I am fine, child. I was just, surprised, I have never seen anything like this in all my years," said Bugenhagen, who stared at Cloud, then Squall, then Cloud again. Suddenly, his eyes darted to Vincent, who politely said, "What?" Bugenhagen closed his eyes and shook his head, turning back to the other two.
"Nothing, just my imagination. I thought I saw something. Anyways," said Bugenhagen, addressing Cloud and Squall again, "I have called the both of you here today, Cloud and the one called Squall from the planet called Gaia, because your destinies are intertwined, in a way that few are able to claim. There is an amethyst line connected your souls."
"Okay," said Squall, "what does that mean exactly?" He turned to the others, thinking they had known Bugenhagen long enough to understand his assertion. But obviously, from the confused expressions on their faces, they did not understand the old man's words anymore than Squall did. Even Nanaki looked as though he wished to ask his grandfather a question of clarification.
"Don't worry," started Bugenhagen who had looked to the others, "I know those words are unfamiliar to all of you, even those of you who belong to this world."
He paused for a moment, as though he was choosing his words carefully.
"It is an ancient skill, an ancient study derived from the Ancients, the Cetra, to examine the elements of reality. Whether it is the stars and planets of the universe, or the souls and emotions of social relationships between people, a small, but highly advanced class of scholars would be able to visualize and examine these elements. It takes experience, much wisdom, and much training. It also requires an innate sensitivity to the way things truly are. I have been lucky enough in my long life to fill these requirements, and see the elements of the world. Consequently, I can see the souls of different individuals."
Bugenhagen paused, allowing his words to permeate his audience. Confusion was found apparent in their eyes, even those of Vincent.
"I apologize for digressing, but can you see my soul?" asked Vincent.
"Vincent, your soul is surrounding by light. You must quit worrying, for the biological changes that have been inflicted upon you have nothing to do with the nature of your spirit."
Squall turned a questioning eye to Cloud, who subtly waved his hand side to side, signaling him not to inquire further.
Cloud then asked, "So what have you discovered that requires for Squall to be here? What exactly is an amethyst line?"
"Everyone, you must obviously realize how you have all affected each other in some way. Your paths through life have been drastically tilted by some action committed by another. All forms our life our connected in some way. Every move we make in life will transmit to every other entity in existence. The ramifications are difficult to see, obviously, but there are a near-infinite amount of results that stem from choices. The souls inside of us, observed by those who can see them, do not dwell entirely within us. They are constantly moving, but," Bugenhagen paused again, wearing a small expression of frustration, "but they are all together. What I'm trying to say is that, our souls are all adjacent at the same time, even when our physical forms may not be close."
Squall suddenly shouted, "That's it! It works. That's how soulons work!" Seeing how his abrupt interjection coupled with a mysterious new word perplexed everyone else in the room as when Bugenhagen coined the phrase "amethyst line", he explained, "Our scientists on our world have discovered two new particles. You've all heard of protons, quarks, and all that, right? There are also fabricons and soulons. Soulons are what makes soul, and fabricons form the dimensional fabric. The scientists have found that they repel each other, which is why Ultima is so powerful. It's full of soulons and so hurts, um, the dimension, the reality in which we live. That must mean then even when there's a small amount of soulons, there's a tiny tear in reality, and that's how all soulons are connected, which is why all life isconnected."
This new revelation, which was rapidly stacked upon the equally enigmatic declarations delivered by Bugenhagen, didn't startle the group as much as it bewildered them. These new pieces of information given by Squall and Bugenhagen seemed so strange, and so meaningless at the moment.
As the silence following Squall's speech continued for a few seconds, he quickly apologized to Bugenhagen.
"It's quite all right. That is truly new to me. Now that you all have the concept of the connections between life understood, somewhat, try this. Lives that are tremendously close—friends, lovers, family, or even rivals—are linked by "lines", which, listening to Squall, I believe these lines are made of free-flowing soulons, or perhaps some even stranger cosmic force. I see these lines between people. They are all different colors. Some colors depict love, some hate. But reading documents left behind by the Centra, there is a color that I had not yet seen until I met Cloud several years ago. But as with some lines, I am unable to see the recipient of the line if the person is not present. But now, looking at both of you, Cloud and Squall, I see an amethyst line. I have to admit, it's not as clear as other lines, it's rather fuzzy actually, but it's there. But since you are all wondering what it means, I will tell you now. An amethyst line is the most rare of all lines. According to the Centra records, there had been no one in the history of this planet to bear the mark. Rather, an outwardly visitor who appeared during their time carried the line. Anyways, the existence of the line represents a bond between two or multiple people whose destinies are linked in such a way that there will come a time in their lives when they will help decide the fate of the universe. The closeness of your destinies, the closeness of your souls, is probably the reason why you both have been having dreams regarding the other's past. Both are you are approaching a vital battle in the destiny of the universe and everything within it."
Bugenhagen smiled and finally stopped talking, leaving everyone else even more lost that before, especially Squall and Cloud.
"But do not worry, the amethyst line is not referring to the immediate battle. I have decoded several puzzling prophecies and I have found that—,"
He was interrupted by an alarm. It wasn't an electronic one, but a man shouting "ALARM" at the top of his lungs from the campfire at the canyon's bottom. Everyone immediately exited the Bugenhagen's tower and walked towards the cliff.. However, rather than looking at the source of the sound, their attention was focused at the majestic view before them. There were massive tornados sweeping far beyond the reddish horizon. Trees were uprooting, tossed indiscriminately miles into the sky, then slammed downwards only to brought up once more before touching the ground. They had not yet reached the canyon, but judging from their rapidly increasing size, it didn't take expensive equipment to prove that they would arrive in less than an hour.
"Guys, uh, look over to the west," said Tifa.
The ocean west of Cosmo Canyon, although they couldn't actually see the waves, had countless hurricanes swirling. Water twirling upward was evidence of the twisters' source. Unlike the terrestrial variety, these were moving away from the canyon. However, its occupants were not relieved. These were proof that the winds must be everyone.
"You don't think?" asked Squall.
"It's gotta be that thing that can control Weapons," said Cloud, "Hey, wait a sec, where's Cid?"
"Hey you guys!" yelled a voice from the bottom of the canyon. It was Cid, standing at the Gravitor. "I just checked the coordinates. These storms are all coming from that one planet. The Esthar guys gave uploaded the information to the ship's computers, and that's where it's all pointing to. It doesn't make any sense, but the readings show only that. There is an intense gravitational pull a few hundred miles around the planet there, but suddenly, some very strange forces are acting around our planet, but only on the areas facing the other planet. We have to go NOW."
"Crap," said Squall, "we don't have time to get the others."
"Don't worry," said Vincent, "I'm sure they have their hands full. I'm betting these tornados are on your planet too."
"So I guess it's just us six," said Cloud, looking around.
"No," said Tifa.
"What are you talking about?" asked Cloud
"There is too much destruction going on. As the former saviours of the world, we have a respect that no military force has on this planet. Someone has to evacuate everyone to safety."
"But…"
"She's right," said Nanaki, "You are definitely the strongest of all of us, especially with your Omni-Slash. Squall's not from here, and Cid has to pilot the ship. I've also heard great things about Squall. His power seems to be enormous, besides, who else except someone of your fighting caliber could share an amethyst line with you."
"But how will you guys travel?' asked Cloud in a desperate attempt to bring his comrades along.
Suddenly they had noticed Vincent was missing because he had executed a massive jump onto the cliff from below and stood before them.
"I just finished speaking with Cid. I was correct in my thinking that he has the Highwind around him at all times on this planet. We can use that to fly around and pick up any loose stragglers who are in danger."
"See, Cloud? It'll work out this way, trust me," said Tifa.
"But don't you think this new enemy will be really powerful?" asked Squall, "We need all the help we can get."
"But if we don't save the people here, there would be no point in you guys defeating this creature."
"If we don't stop this alien from the other planet, there is no hope for anyone," said Cloud.
"WOULD YOU GUYS HURRY AND GET DOWN HERE! WE DON"T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!" yelled Cid.
"Just go and win," said Tifa speaking directly at Cloud this time, "Besides, Squall has one holy war left. I believe in you guys. Even though this thing controls the Weapons, I don't think he can be much stronger. Otherwise, he wouldn't need them. He's either weaker or has the same amount of power. Either way, he's just another bad guy, You three can do this. Especially you, believe in yourself."
"All right. Let's go, Squall," said Cloud.
Squall and Cloud quickly went into the mountain to climb down towards the Gravitor.
Then Nanaki noticed Bugenhagen was smiling.
"You seem confident in their success, Grandpa."
"Of course. It will be impossible to fulfill the prophecy written about their amethyst line if they die in this fight. That battle will come another day, but the final tablets are missing so I cannot be sure about the results with the demonic man. However, I do know that they will succeed in this one."
"We should be going now, Tifa," said Vincent,
"Right," said Tifa absentmindedly. She was looking at Cloud and Squall, who had both climbed down the ladder and were walking onboard the vessel.
Endnotes:
This is the first time I've done this, but it takes a little bit more thought so I put it afterwards so you can read the chapter without having to do this. I was going to put it out on gaiaonline but it's down. Anyways, I need some information for my new fics after this one. Some require actual facts from the game that I forgot. Some require your well-reasoned and feasible guesses. PLEASE REVIEW THIS FIC FOR THE SAKE OF ANSWERING AT LEAST SOME OF THESE. I IMPLORE YOU ALL.
1.How old is Sephiroth? (take into account Vincent's age, even if you don't belong to the school of FF7 fans who feel Vincent is Seph's father)
2.How many years before the game FF7 did the incident at Nebilheim (sorry, never could spell this correctly) occur?
3.Where do the members of SOLDIER train? (anyplace in the world, if Midgar, where in there?)
4.How old is Vincent? (is he truly 27 as the instruction booklet says? see question 1)
5.How is it possible for Sephiroth to be whatever age you put in question 1? (give me anything, whether it being his growth is accelerated from Jenova cells, or Vincent was 27 before his experiments, whatever)
6.Do you think Sephiroth died at the incident at Nebilheim? If not, what happened exactly?
7.What the hell happened with Lucretia?
Thank you for reading and please answer these questions, at least the one about the years between the incident and the present day.
Later,
silversquall