Chapter 25
Squall, Rinoa, Zell, Quistis, Ellone, Vincent, Shadow, Nida, Xu, Irvine, and Selphie stood with Edea and Headmaster Cid in his office.
"The Shinra troops have taken over much of the city but there are reports that the largest concentration of them are near the Gilgamesh Auditorium where the Gaia Summit is being held" said Headmaster Cid.
"They are holding the leaders hostage" said Edea.
"We must rescue the leaders at the Gilgamesh Auditorium"
"What about the citizens of Square City?" asked Vincent.
"Mr. Valentine I assure you we have not forgotten the citizens. The police have rescued several people and are holding them in a shelter. Alkaiser and some others have been reported taking out large groups of Shinra soldiers…" said Headmaster Cid.
"Alkaiser is the hero that replaced you" whispered Quistis in Vincent's ear.
"The large amount of Shinra soldiers at the Gilgamesh Auditorium poses a great threat to the rest of the city and we have the man power and fighting skills to eliminate them" said Headmaster Cid.
"We can't totally ignore the citizens. The police shelter can only hold out for so long. I believe we should get there as quick as we can and eliminate the Shinra soldiers there" said Squall.
Many of the others agreed.
"This doesn't have to be an either or decision….it could be possible to do a little of both…" said Headmaster Cid.
"How are we going to get through the city when it's swarming with troops?" asked Irvine.
"Well….I suppose it's time we used this…it's for emergencies and this is definitely an emergency" said Headmaster Cid as he looked at his wife.
"We're going to mobilize the Garden" said Edea.
"Mobilize the Garden?" asked almost everyone in unison.
Headmaster Cid walked over to his desk. He felt around for a button under his desk and suddenly a rectangular console began to ascend from the floor in front of his desk.
"Squall, you must tell everyone to brace themselves" said Edea.
"Umm….alright"
Squall walked over to the desk and spoke into the PA box. His voice was soon heard all over the garden.
In the infirmary Dr. Kadowaki a short older woman looked after some of the injured which included Seifer. Seifer was stretched across a bed while Dr. Kadowaki examined him.
"Everyone brace yourselves for…mobilization?" said Squall in an unsure tone.
"What is he talking about?" asked Seifer.
Back in the office Headmaster Cid pressed a button on the console. At first nothing happened but after a few moments the entire Garden began to shake.
"Holy Crap!" yelled Zell as the ground began to shake.
Everyone around the Garden tried to brace themselves. In the infirmary several of the beds began to slide around and Dr. Kadowaki ran about trying to keep them steady.
On the outside the Garden began to lift off the ground, leaving behind the stairs and the front gate. Soon the Garden was several feet in the air.
"We're flying!" yelled Selphie as she ran to a window.
"Nida get over here and fly this" said Headmaster Cid.
"Yes sir" replied Nida.
Nida walked over to the console and intuitively began flying the Garden. The large circular building floated slowly through the air.
"We also have air to surface stinger missiles so there is a chance we can protect some citizens as well" said Headmaster Cid.
(Next Scene)
The police barricaded the section of town near their headquarters and successfully held Shinra forces at bay. Throughout the fight with Shinra, Aya made great use of the mysterious power she felt through her body.
"Aya another group of them are coming up the street!" yelled Fuse.
Fuse, Aya and several other officers were dressed in combat gear and kneeling behind the barricades. Shinra troops carrying machine guns came running toward them and behind them was a very large tank.
"They have a tank this time!" yelled Fuse.
"Doesn't matter, we can't let them through to the shelter" said Aya.
Aya held a high powered rifle in her hands and looked through the scope.
"I guess I'll have to be the one to take the tank out" thought Aya.
"Everyone we have to hold this position! On my yelled Fuse.
The officers all aligned across the barricade began firing at the Shinra soldiers. The soldiers began firing back. Both Square City police officers and Shinra soldiers were hit and fell to the ground wounded or dead.
"Shit there are more of them this time and the tank is powering up!" yelled Fuse.
The large Shinra tank stopped and its turret turned toward the group of officer's.
"The pilots head should be right about….there" thought Aya.
Aya aimed the high powered rifle at the base of the tank and estimated where the pilots head would be. Aya began to concentrate and energy formed around the barrel of her rifle. She didn't know the origin of this power that she acquired but with practice she had learned to use it well. Aya fired and the bullet flew past the crowd of Shinra soldiers and straight toward the tank. With the power infused into it the bullet it penetrated through the armor on the base of the tank. Going through the tanks armor the bullet shot the pilot of the tank straight through the forehead.
"Ughh…"
The pilot slumped over the controls dead. The turret shifted quickly to the upper right and the tank and fired a powerful shot that missed the officers and blew up the side of a small building.
"What just happened?" asked Fuse puzzled. He then looked at Aya. Aya didn't look back she picked up a semi-automatic pistol and began firing at the soldiers.
(Next Scene)
Cloud, Zack, and Red XIII decided to help fight as well. Dressed in their uniforms and ready for combat they ran down the street.
"I have to get to my Grandpa!" said Red XIII frantically.
"Red XIII we'll make it there. There are tons of soldiers around and we need to be careful" said Cloud.
The three of them ran up the street a few blocks. Around the city gunfire and explosions could be heard. As they ran Red XIII caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye. In an alley across the street Red XIII saw a flaming red tail like his own dart around the corner.
"What?" thought Red XIII as he stopped. Cloud and Zack ran a few more feet then looked back at Red XIII when they noticed Red XIII had stopped.
"Red XIII what's wrong?" asked Zack.
Red XIII was so caught up in what he saw that he didn't even notice Zack was talking to him. Red XIII ran off across the street toward the alley.
"Where's he going?" asked Cloud.
Cloud and Zack were about to run after him when they heard someone behind them.
"Cloud, Zack!"
They turned around to see Tifa standing there.
"Tifa what are you doing here? Get someplace safe!" said Cloud.
"You know I can take care of myself" said Tifa.
"Tifa where's Aeris?" asked Zack.
"She's at the police shelter. It's safe there for now but I don't know how long they can keep the Shinra away from that place. Barret and I left to go see what we could do but now I've lost Barret" said Tifa.
"We have to do whatever we can" said Cloud.
"Where's Red XIII?" asked Tifa.
"He ran off over there just now. Let's try to find him" said Zack.
Zack, Cloud, and Tifa ran across the street toward the alley. Once in the alley there was an intersection splitting both ways.
"Dang, we lost him" said Zack as they all looked around.
"Which way should we go?" asked Tifa.
"Let's keep going straight" said Cloud.
The three of them went down the long alleyway but saw no sign of Red XIII. They came to the end of the alleyway and over into the next street.
"Dammit, I hope he's alright" said Zack.
"Look who we have here"
The three of them heard a voice as they stepped out into the street.
"It must be our lucky day. I've been waiting to settle the score with these guys"
Cloud, Tifa, and Zack looked up to see the Turks Rude, Reno, and Elena. Rude smiled and cracked his knuckles while Reno held his Electro-mag rod on his left shoulder. Elena stared at Tifa.
"Rude is this that Tifa broad? Damn she does have a nice rack…" continued Reno as he looked Tifa up and down.
"Rude what's the matter with you? Why is the Shinra doing this?" yelled Tifa.
"I'm just doing my job….." said Rude.
"You guys ready for another beating like last time?" asked Zack.
"Yeah, I heard you had to spend a few nights in the hospital" said Cloud.
The expression on Rude's face was very angry.
"Yeah, you two got lucky last time with those cheap ass moves. This time we're not going easy on ya! Enough talk let's finish this! Hey! Me and you!" said Reno pointing his rod at Zack.
"Let's dance" said Zack readying his sword.
"You sucker punched me last time. Let's see how you do in a real fight" said Elena.
"Sucker punched? As I recall you rushed at me and I dropped you….and I'm about to do it again" said Tifa raising her hands in her fighting stance.
"…Claude" said Rude once again intentionally mispronouncing Cloud's name. Rude's hands became shielded with the special metal gauntlets he wore.
"…Crude" said Cloud messing up Rude's name on purpose.
Each of them stood a few feet away from their opponents. It was clear that now was the time for old scores to be settled.
Tifa lunged at Elena with a straight right punch towards Elena's face. Elena blocked the attack with her left hand and Tifa followed up with a left punch. Elena blocked this punch with her right hand and Tifa executed a front kick towards Elena's midsection. Elena side stepped to her right and evaded the kick. Tifa punched again with her right fist and this time Elena caught Tifa's fist in her left hand.
"I don't see what Rude liked about you…" smirked Elena as she tightened her grip on Tifa's fist.
Elena side kicked Tifa in the stomach with her left leg. Tifa winced as the wind was knocked out her. Elena then executed a front kick but Tifa leapt back and avoided it.
"What was that about dropping me again?" mocked Elena.
"…girl…I'm just getting warmed up" said Tifa cracking her knuckles.
Tifa ran at Elena. Elena did a left kick towards the right side of Tifa's face as she approached. Tifa blocked with her right arm which knocked Elena off balance a bit. While Elena was off balance Tifa landed a powerful right uppercut into Elena's stomach and then a left hook to Elena's right cheek. Elena surprisingly shook off the hits.
"Skank" yelled Elena as she grabbed Tifa's hair with her left hand and pulled her toward her. She then punched Tifa on the left side of her face.
Elena reared her right fist back to hit Tifa again as she held on to her hair. Tifa grabbed Elena's hand that held on to her hair then kicked her in the stomach just as she was about to punch Tifa again. Elena stumbled back a bit.
"Skank? I'm not the one that was trying to get it on in a hospital bed!" yelled Tifa.
Tifa lunged forward and grabbed Elena's hair with both hands. Tifa then forced Elena's head downward as she raised her right knee and kneed Elena straight in the face.
At the same time Zack and Reno started fighting. Zack swung his sword at Reno but he dodged it so easily. As Zack swung horizontally Reno ducked and when Zack followed up with a downward vertical strike Reno quickly stepped to his left and evaded.
"You said you wouldn't go easy on me. You're just running away" mocked Zack.
Reno smiled as he pointed his rod at Zack. Soon a big bolt of blue energy shot out of the end of it and flew at Zack's head.
"Whoa!" yelled Zack as he barely dodged it.
"Who's running now?" laughed Reno.
Zack charged at Reno and slashed upward vertically. Reno moved to his left quickly and evaded. He then struck at Zack diagonally with his rod. Zack brought his sword up diagonally and both their weapons clashed. After a brief stalemate they pushed each other back. Zack stood in a puddle near the street curve. Reno charged up his Electro-mag rod and shocked the puddle. Zack quickly leapt to his left in order to avoid the shock.
"Time to try something new" smirked Reno.
Reno's rod extended into a full battle staff. Each end sparked with electricity. Zack and Reno circled each other. Reno struck at Zack with the upper end of his staff and Zack blocked by hold his sword diagonally. Reno then struck at Zack with the lower end of his staff and Zack brought his sword down to block. Reno then thrust the upper part of his staff at Zack's face. Zack brought his sword up horizontally and blocked. Their weapons pushed against each other. Reno's rod sparked at the tip as he tried to push it toward Zack's face.
Meanwhile Cloud and Rude fought with furious blows. Cloud delivered a powerful horizontal slash which Rude deflected with his left hand gauntlet. The blow knocked Rude a little off balance but he followed with a strong right punch. The blow was quick and Cloud was barely able to bring his sword in front of him to defend. Rude's punch hit the flat of Cloud's blade and knocked him back a bit.
Cloud ran back at Rude ready to fight again. The look on both of their faces was very angry. Cloud leapt a bit in the air and brought down an overhead strike. Rude crossed his arms above his head and blocked the strike. Cloud pushed against Rude's gauntlets. Rude pushed Cloud back and punched at Cloud with his right hand. Cloud slashed to his right diagonally which knocked Rude off balance as it hit his punching arm. Cloud slashed in the opposite direction towards Rude's head but Rude ducked.
Cloud slashed again at Rude vertically and Rude stepped to his right and avoided it. Cloud slashed horizontally at Rude's head again and Rude ducked and executed a special attack.
"Grand Punch!"
As Rude struck the ground it shook a bit and Cloud staggered a little. While Cloud was off balance Rude ran up and punch him straight in the stomach. Cloud fell back to the ground. Rude then prepared to strike him while he was down. Cloud rolled to his right and the punch missed and struck the ground. Cloud got up quickly and struck Rude across the face with the hilt of his sword. Rude's sunglasses went flying off.
"I managed to get those stupid sunglasses off of you again" said Cloud.
(Next Scene)
Red XIII had in fact taken the right turn at the intersection in the alleyway. If Cloud, Tifa, and Zack had taken a right instead of going straight they probably would have caught up with him. While they settled the score with the Turks Red XIII chased after what he thought he saw. Red XIII ran down the alley and as he approached the end of the alley his heart sank into his stomach at what he saw.
"Oh my…"
At the end of the alley there was five of his race gathered. Two were male with headdresses similar to Red XIII's and three were female. The three females did not have manes and their headdresses did not have feathers. Red XIII approached slowly. He did not know what to say. The last of his people that he had ever known was his mother and his father.
"There he is Kaz" said one of the females.
The larger male turned to Red XIII. He was slightly bigger than Red XIII, his fur was a darker red and his mane was more developed that Red XIII's. Red XIII assumed that he was a little older than he was.
"Brother…I am Kaz son of Koru. We followed you to this great city but it seems a great evil has come here.
"I am Nanaki son of Seto. You were the ones that rescued me?" asked Red XIII.
"Seto!" said Kaz in shock. The others looked at each other in surprise.
"Nanaki you are the son of the great warrior Seto?" asked the female that stood next to Kaz.
"Yes…" said Red XIII shyly. He was still overwhelmed by seeing people like him and even more overwhelmed by seeing a female of his race.
"Stories of your father were told to us as children. The tale of his courage will live on forever. Nanaki this is my sister Azelia" said Kaz.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Nanaki" said Azelia.
Azelia was slightly smaller than Red XIII and her fur was a lighter red. As Red XIII looked at her he felt something he had honestly never felt in his entire life but he quickly pushed the feeling aside. He had to figure out a way to rescue Bugenhagen.
"Bugenhagen…the elder of Cosmo Canyon has been captured" said Red XIII.
"Cosmo Canyon….our ancestral home" said Azelia.
"Then we must go and save him" said Kaz.
"I am Roban son of Varkus. I was with Kaz and Azelia when they rescued you from the Bottomswell. My teeth and claws are yours. I will fight with all I have to rescue Bugenhagen" said Roban. Roban was close to Red XII in size but he had several scars across his face and body. He looked like he had been in several fights.
"As will I. Seren daughter of Saeon" said another female. Seren was a little smaller than Azelia.
"…and I Amir daughter of Raimuz" said the last female. Amir was the largest female.
"We are the descendents of those that had to flee Cosmo Canyon during the Gi war. The time has come to take on our role as protectors of Cosmo Canyon and its people! Nanaki lead us onward!" said Kaz.
Kaz, Azelia, Roban, Seren, and Amir let out a loud howl in unison. It was possibly a war cry for their people. After a moment Red XIII joined them and howled at the top of his lungs. Red XIII felt so good at that moment. He almost felt like he was dreaming. He finally found his people. For the first time in his life he didn't feel alone. Kaz, Azelia, Roban, Seren, and Amir then ran down the alleyway. They were led by Nanaki….the son of Seto.
(Next Scene)
"Grrr these guys are really pissing me off!" yelled Reno.
The fight had been going on with neither side really gaining an advantage. Rude, Reno, and Elena panted and so did Cloud, Zack and Tifa.
"We've wasted too much time on them already. We have things to do" said Elena.
"Let's finish it then" said Rude holding up his fists.
"You two ready to take it to them?" asked Zack.
"Of course" said Cloud.
"I sure am" said Tifa raising her fists.
The two groups stared at each other for a moment.
"Now!" yelled Reno.
Cloud, Tifa, and Zack ran at the Turks. The Turks held their ground and executed their most powerful attacks.
"Flame Light!" said Elena as she held out her right hand.
Several balls of fiery energy shot at Tifa. Tifa ran toward Elena and easily weaved in and out of the line of fire.
"This is it for you" said Tifa as she got close to Elena.
Tifa began a vicious combo. Tifa unleashed a quick combo of two punches to Elena's face and a kick to her leg. She then continued with a somersault kick. As she flipped the kick connected with Elena's chin and knocked her back. Tifa continued her combo with a powerful spinning kick which looked like it added elemental water damage as a small wave of water washed over Elena.
Tifa then grabbed Elena by the waist and did a suplex on her. Elena's head hit the pavement but she tried to get back up. Tifa then executed a powerful uppercut straight into Elena's stomach. It looked almost as if the after image of a dolphin could be seen after the strike. Elena was about to fall to the ground but Tifa grabbed before she fell. Tifa held on to her and leapt in the air. As Tifa came back down she slammed Elena into the ground.
"I told I'd drop you again" said Tifa.
Tifa held up her right fist and gathered large amounts of energy.
"Final Heaven"
Tifa hit Elena with such force that there was a mini explosion. Energy shot up from the ground and Elena was blasted back several feet.
At the same time Reno and Zack went at it.
"Turk Light!"
A powerful blue beam of energy blasted toward Zack. Zack executed his limit break.
"Comet Blade"
Zack began to twirl his sword around in front of him very fast. Reno's Turk Light attack hit Zack head on but his technique seemed to absorb the energy.
"What the hell?" said Reno puzzled.
Zack stopped spinning his sword and held it up high over his head. He then slashed forward and then a bolt of energy that took on the shape of a comet sped toward Reno. The energy engulfed Reno as it hit him and blasted him back. His suit was seared.
Rude and Cloud faced each other.
"I've been saving this just for you" said Rude.
Rude lifted both hands and began punching the ground furiously.
"Power…Geyser!" yelled Rude.
Suddenly huge waves of blue energy shot toward Cloud.
"..and I've been saving this for you!" said Cloud as he leapt high into the air.
The wave of energy missed Cloud and crashed into a building behind him. Cloud was suspended in the air as he did one of his Limit Breaks.
"Meteorain"
Cloud unleashed a barrage of small meteors on Rude. Each one crashed into Rude causing a lot of damage. Rude slumped over and knelt to the ground after the attack. Cloud then landed on the ground. The Turks were hurt but still standing. They had a lot of bruises and their clothes were tattered.
"Dammit!" said Reno.
"What was that about this not being like last time?" asked Zack.
"Lucky for you we have work to do…later asshat" said Reno.
Rude, Reno, and Elena ran off.
"Should we follow them?" asked Tifa.
"Nah, let's not be distracted by them anymore we have work to do too" said Cloud.
"Dang Tifa you really handle yourself well in a scrap" said Zack.
(Next Scene)
Rikku's father Cid, Brother, Buddy, Rikku, Paine, Shinra and a few other Al Bhed were being fired upon by Shinra soldiers. They sat crouched behind several destroyed cars.
"Cid, drao yna hud maddehk ib" (Cid, they are not letting up) said one of the Al Bhed.
A few of them held machine rifles and fired back when they could.
"I am ashamed to share the same name as them…" said Shinra.
"Well we have to get away from them somehow pops! We have to save Yunie!" yelled Rikku.
"Alright…I'll draw them out at me and you all make a run for…."
-BOOM-
Cid was interrupted by a large explosion that hit the Shinra soldiers and destroyed all of them.
"What in the.." said Cid.
All of them looked up to see a huge Shinra tank. The tank had taken out the Shinra soldiers and now moved toward them.
"No! I can't die yet" yelled Brother.
"They obviously came to save us" said Shinra.
The tank rolled up closer to them and out of the top hatch Cid Highwind appeared.
"Baldy what are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be at that Gaia Summit?" said Cid Highwind.
"Cid Highwind! What are you doing in a Shinra tank? I overslept and missed the Gaia Summit!" laughed Cid.
"All of you hop in there's plenty of room left" said Cid Highwind.
"Cid we need to get at least one of our airships up in the air. Think we can make it to the airport?" asked Cid.
"Hmm, that's not a bad idea. It sure would be easier to take out those Shinra from the sky. I think we can if we keep a low profile. The Highwind is almost ready now" said Cid Highwind.
A door opened on the side of the tank and some stairs came down. The group piled into the tank and sure enough there was a lot of room on the inside.
"Wakka!" said Rikku.
"Wakka, Lulu, and Vidina" said Paine as she walked into the tank.
Seated around the tank along with Lucca, Shera, and Barret were Wakka, Lulu, and Vidina.
"Rikku! Are you all alright?" asked Wakka.
"We're fine but we need to save Yunie!" said Rikku.
"We need to get Vidina someplace safer too" said Paine.
Vidina sat in his mothers lap and was actually pretty calm during this ordeal.
"We're dropping them off at the Police station shelter first" said Barret.
"Ok everybody ready?" asked Cid Highwind as he got back in the pilot seat.
Cid Highwind then drove the tank up the street.
(Next Scene)
In the basement of the Cindy Campbell building Cindy Campbell approached the throne of the Black X leader. It was still dark there and only a bit of his image could be seen. Cindy knelt down before him.
"Master, the Empires troops have been wiped out and the Shinra troops grow thin. They've met with much more opposition in this city than they expected. Rufus is more than likely still in the Shinra building"
"Good Arachne…let us show Rufus the power of the Black X" said the master.
"I have the Magi-Sphere my master" said Cindy as she pulled out a small crystal ball.
"Very well…" said the master.
The large figure on the huge throne began to fade and soon it was nothing but a large cloud of vapor. The vapor traveled across the room and entered the crystal ball. Cindy put the ball in her coat pocket and began to leave the room.
(Next Scene)
The police had held their ground at the barricade but now it looked like they were about to be overrun.
"Damn" said Fuse.
Several large Shinra tanks crept toward them.
"I can't take all those tanks out" thought Aya.
"Ok everyone….give 'em all you have!" yelled Fuse.
The police officers began firing wildly at the tanks but they knew it was all in vain. There were simply too many of them.
"This can't be it…if only I could have found a way to expose Shinra before all this…" thought Aya as she readied her rifle.
Aya aimed at one of the tanks in the distance and just as she was ready to fire…
-BOOM-
The tank exploded.
"What?..."
The tanks then began exploding one by one.
"Look up there!" yelled Fuse pointing in the air.
The SeeD Garden was shooting air to surface missiles as it floated high in the sky overhead. The Shinra tanks had been obliterated in a matter of seconds.
"It's the SeeD's" said Aya.
"Alright!" yelled Fuse.
The other officers began yelling and cheering while waving their guns in the air.
(Next Scene)
In a high rise building in Square City Kefka walked into a very large room. At the center of the room three large statues were placed. They were statues of three women. Kefka looked around the room in amazement.
"They were hard to find" said a voice behind Kefka.
Kefka turned around to see Seymour Guado along with two other Guado males.
"I can only imagine Seymour" chuckled Kefka.
"You are the only one that can use there power effectively…with the power you've extracted from the Espers" said Seymour.
"Woo hoo hoo" cackled Kefka as he looked at the statues.
"We shall leave you now" said Seymour.
Kefka seemed to be in a trance as he watched the statues.
Seymour and the two Guado men began to leave the room.
"Lord Seymour do you think it was wise to give him access to such power?" asked one of them.
"His thirst for power will be his undoing….he'll be out of our hair soon enough. They way they've turned on each other…we'll have them all out of our hair soon enough…" said Seymour.
(Next Scene)
In the Gilgamesh Auditorium the leaders were still being held captive. Shinra troops were walking through the aisles and even outside of the Auditorium there were a large amount of troops. On the stage Yuna, Braska, Auron, and Jecht sat down in some chairs. They had a few Shinra soldiers around them as well.
"Father, I just noticed something" whispered Yuna.
"What is it Yuna?" asked Braska.
"Uncle Cid isn't here" said Yuna.
Braska scanned the area and sure enough he noticed that Cid was not there.
"That's odd" said Braska.
"I'm sure he's working on a way to save us" whispered Yuna.
"Don't forget Tidus" whispered Auron.
"My boy?" asked Jecht.
"Tidus is as stubborn as you are Jecht…he won't give in so easily" said Auron
"Hey Quiet!" yelled a Shinra Soldier.
"My apologies" smirked Auron.
Near where the Ronso were sitting a Shinra Soldier walked up.
"Garik Ronso?" asked the soldier.
"Hmm?" grunted Garik.
"You may go. Our captain would like to thank you for all your help" said the soldier.
Garik got up from his seat. Kimahri and the other Ronso stared at Garik.
"Garik?" asked Kimahri.
"Garik grow weary of hornless Elder's ways. Garik take destiny in own hands" said Garik.
Garik walked away with the soldier. Kimahri had a look of disbelief on his face.
"Garik…traitor?"
Marle sat close to Crono. Near them were Garnet, Beatrix, and Steiner.
"Why do these kinds of things always happen to me?" thought Marle.
"Your Majesty, do not be afraid. I will not let any harm come to you" said Steiner to Garnet.
"I hope Zidane is alright" thought Garnet.
Elsewhere in the crowd Freya and Fratley tried to keep Puck calm.
"Prince Puck there is nothing "cool" about being held hostage" said Freya.
"But they have big guns and stuff! Wow, I thought this was going to be boring!" yelled Puck.
(Next Scene)
In a hallway in the Gilgamesh Auditorium a Shinra soldier patrolled the hallway. The soldier stopped in front of a storage closet.
"What? I could have sworn there were a lot more people patrolling this hallway"
The storage closet behind him slowly opened. His back was turned but when he finally heard the squeaking of the door he turned around.
"What was that nois…AHHH!" yelled the soldier as someone pulled him into the storage closet and shut the door.
Muffled screams and yelling could be heard outside the door.
"Hey let go! No! Ow! My clothes! How did you take them off so fast?"
"Knock him out!"
-THUMP THUMP-
Inside the storage closet the soldier was sprawled across the floor unconscious. Standing over him was Locke, Celes, Gau, Cyan, Setzer, Tidus, Zidane, Vivi, and Yuffie. While running through the city the returners met up with Tidus, Zidane, Vivi, and Yuffie who were willing to help them. Every one of them had on Shinra uniforms that Locke had stolen one by one from passing guards. Gau was putting on the uniform that was just stolen.
"That's some expert thievery if I ever saw it" said Zidane.
"Remind you of Tantalus days?" asked Vivi.
"…somewhat" said Zidane.
"Ok Celes and Yuffie try to put a little bass in your voice if someone talks to you. Cyan try to hold off on the proper speaking if someone talks to you" said Locke.
"Thou art correct Sir Locke. Our cover must not be blown" said Cyan not even thinking.
Locke just looked at Cyan with a blank stare.
"My apologies" said Cyan.
"Oh yeah Zidane you might want to tuck in your tail" said Setzer.
"Oh yeah almost forgot" said Zidane who started tucking in his tail.
"Gau, please at least try to stand up straight" said Celes.
Gau had his uniform on but he was still hunched over.
"Should we go over the plan one more time?" asked Yuffie.
"Alright, once we're in there head to the people you're there to rescue and give them the heads up. Tidus we need your summoner friends to summon some Aeons that'll help a lot. We're really outnumbered. Once we're all in position Vivi you give the signal. Simple plan yes? We'll take them by surprise" said Locke.
"You're right, If we get Yuna and her dad to summon some Aeons we'll be at a great advantage" said Tidus.
"Ok everyone let's move out" said Locke.
The nine of them filed out of the room and began walking down the hallway.
"Gau please stand up straight" said Celes.
Gau was still hunching over in his normal manner. He wasn't really paying any attention to Celes. Soon they all made it to the entrance of the main auditorium. Three Shinra guards were standing at the entrance. The nine of them went marching up to the door in single file.
"Gau please…" whispered Celes.
Gau tried to stand up a little straighter.
"Hey who are you?" asked one of the guards.
"Um we're just finishing our patrol of hallway B" said Locke.
The Shinra guards began looking them over suspiciously. One of them looked at Vivi. Vivi tried to hold his head down so they couldn't get a good look at his face.
"Why's that soldier so short?" asked one of the guards about Vivi.
"Um he has a little gland problem tee hee" said Yuffie in a very non masculine way.
"Why's your voice so high pitched soldier?" asked a guard.
"His voice gets all high when he's excited….about taking over the world…and stuff" said Zidane.
The guard scratched his head.
"Is something wrong with that soldier?" asked the guard as he looked at Gau.
Gau was being really fidgety and uncomfortable because apparently the uniform was more clothing than he was used to wearing.
"He has to…use the bathroom but we told him he'd have to hold it" said Tidus.
"Yeah that's right. It's no time for bathroom breaks we have a job to do. You all go on inside the auditorium" said the guard.
The other two guards opened the door for them. The nine of them marched into the auditorium.
"Ok everyone great job. Now commence with the rest of the plan" whispered Locke.
Locke, Celes, Cyan, Setzer, and Gau made their way toward Edgar and Sabin. Tidus and Yuffie made their way toward Auron, Jecht, Yuna, and Braska while Zidane and Vivi made their way toward Garnet.
"I think I see him over there" said Setzer.
The five Returners walked toward the opposite end of the large auditorium. They made their way down the aisle to where Edgar and Sabin were seated. There were a few guards watching the area.
"You're relieved. We'll watch this area now" said Locke.
The Shinra guards left and the five of them stood near Edgar and Sabin. Edgar nor Sabin looked at them. Edgar had his head down with a sad look on his face.
"Now Edgar if we're going to bust out of here you're going to have to have a more cheerful look on your face…" whispered Locke.
Edgar and Sabin recognized the voice and looked up.
"Oh my…" said Edgar seeing Locke in a Shinra uniform.
"Shh…" whispered Locke.
Locke nodded his head toward the others and Edgar noticed that Cyan, Setzer, Celes, and Gau were there as well.
"We knew you'd come through" whispered Sabin.
"Was there ever any doubt? Listen, get ready. It's not going to be so easy getting out of this place" whispered Locke.
"Friends of yours?" whispered Laguna.
"Yep we're on our way out of here" said Sabin.
Tidus and Yuffie walked down an aisle toward the center stage where Braska, Auron, Yuna, and Jecht were. There were a few more guards here. Perhaps the Shinra felt it was necessary to make sure the High Summoner was guarded well. After all he could possibly be the most dangerous.
"All those guards" whispered Yuffie.
"I know. There probably not going to let us relieve them" whispered Tidus.
"We just have to get close enough to give them the heads up" said Yuffie.
Yuffie and Tidus made their way to the stage. There were about ten guards surrounding them.
"We're here to help you guard the High Summoner" said Tidus.
"Good. The more the merrier this guy is giving me the creeps" said one of the guards.
Tidus and Yuffie began standing guard. At first Tidus couldn't get Yuna's attention. After a few moments Yuna looked up and saw Tidus standing there. Yuna held back her surprise and gently nudged her father. Soon Auron and Jecht had noticed Yuffie and Tidus standing there too.
"Yuna when the time is right summon an Aeon as quickly as possible…." whispered Braska.
Zidane and Vivi walked over to where Garnet was seated and joined the few guards that stood over there.
"Zidane, these clothes are too big I'm about to fall out of them" whispered Vivi.
"Keep cool Vivi" whispered Zidane.
"Soldier you don't meet the minimum height requirements. How did you get recruited?" asked one of the soldiers to Vivi.
When the soldier addressed Vivi, Garnet looked over and noticed Zidane. Zidane cracked a small smile and lowered his head.
"Um…um…I…um" stuttered Vivi.
"I'm waiting for an answer" said the soldier.
Vivi was afraid. He didn't know what to say. Zidane figured it was now was as good a time as any…
"Now Vivi!" yelled Zidane.
Vivi waved his hands and shot a massive fire spell at the group of soldiers. They were engulfed in the flames and then Vivi shot several Firaga spells into the air.
"That's the signal!" yelled Locke.
All at once the entire place went into utter chaos.
"Fight back everyone! Never give in!" yelled Edgar.
On the Stage the fight had just begun.
"It's materia time baby! Ice3" yelled Yuffie.
Yuffie's spell shot a massive block of ice at the soldiers and took out three of them.
One of the Shinra guards raised his gun to fire on them. Tidus pulled out his sword and struck the gun with it just as he fired. The soldier let loose a spray of bullets to the floor. Tidus then punched the soldier in the face. Auron pulled out his weapon.
"I don't have a weapon" said Jecht.
A soldier rushed at him and swung his sword vertically. Jecht grabbed the hilt of the soldiers sword as he was about to strike. The two struggled for a moment then Jecht kicked the soldier in the stomach. As the soldier leaned over Jecht punched him in the face and retrieved his sword.
"Never mind I got one" said Jecht.
Tidus slashed two soldiers across the chest as they ran up to him. A soldier to his left raised his gun and began firing. Tidus, utilizing his superior athletic ability, leapt in the air. The soldier was surprised at how high Tidus jumped. Tidus began spinning around rapidly like when he did the Jecht shot. Tidus spun closer to the soldier and struck him across the face with a powerful kick. The soldier was knocked back and began spiraling as he fell into a group of other soldiers.
"Where'd my boy learn to fight like that?" asked Jecht.
"I've been training him a little" chuckled Auron.
Now several elite Shinra SOLDIERS ranked 3rd class, many of them carrying swords began attack along with the normal Shinra troops.
"Shinra SOLDIERS…protect the Summoners!" yelled Auron.
Auron and Jecht ran forward into a group of Shinra SOLDIERS.
A SOLDIER rushed at Auron and let loose a fury of slashes. He struck overhead first and Auron blocked. He then slashed diagonally and Auron blocked. The SOLDIER continued to slash rapidly but he could not penetrate Auron's defense. When the SOLDIER slashed overhead again Auron deflected his sword by raising his horizontally. The SOLDIER stumbled back a bit.
"Give purpose to every attack…" said Auron.
Auron swung his huge sword at the SOLDIER horizontally. He held his sword up vertically to block but the blow as so powerful that it knocked him back several feet.
"That's how it's done…" said Auron.
Another SOLDIER approached Auron from the side.
"Confuse!"
Yuffie cast a mystify spell on the SOLDIER and he began spinning around in circles confused.
"Hah I love that one! I'm glad I raided the materia closet before I left!" yelled Yuffie.
"Yuffie get your shuriken out and stop relying on materia!" scolded Auron.
"Awww…" moaned Yuffie. She then hurled her shuriken at two approaching guards.
The shuriken came back to her hand after it slashed the guards. Yuffie concentrated and hurled her shuriken straight into the air. Utilizing a technique Auron had taught her she guided her shuriken with her energy. Two SOLDIERS came at her on the right and left. Yuffie made her shuriken spin around her rapidly and the SOLDIERS couldn't get close to her.
"Gauntlet!"
A stream of blue light shot from beneath the SOLDIERS feet and soon a surge of blue and white energy engulfed them.
Tidus ducked at a SOLDIERS slash toward his head. The SOLDIER then quickly slashed overhead. Jecht rushed in and blocked the strike. The SOLDIER was pushed back a bit and Jecht leapt in the air. Jecht began flipping backward and when he came down his foot collided with the SOLDIERS nose and sent him reeling back from the blitzball maneuver.
"Not bad…for an old man…" laughed Tidus.
"Hmpf…I'll show you what this old man can do" laughed Jecht.
In the midst of this terrible ordeal Tidus and Jecht seemed to have a father/son moment. They stood side by side as more Shinra troops attacked.
With Tidus, Jecht, Auron and Yuffie keeping most of the soldiers at bay it gave Braska and Yuna enough time to summon Aeons. Stretching his arms in the air Braska the highest and most powerful Summoner in all of Gaia summoned two Aeons at the same time.
"Bahamut king of all Dragons…protect us with your might….Yojimbo the blade of vengeance…deliver us with your sword" yelled Braska.
Two large portals opened one was high above Braska and the other was near him on the ground. Bahamut the humungous Dragon Aeon flew through the portal and crashed into the ground. The ground shook at his massive size and many soldiers scattered. Yojimbo the samurai Aeon slowly walked through the portal. Next to Yojimbo was Daigoro his dog. Bahamut crashed through the auditorium and began attacking immediately. Yojimbo stood there and looked at Braska.
"-sigh- I swear Yojimbo I don't know why I even bother with you sometimes…." grumbled Braska as he reached in his clothes for some gil. Braska handed Yojimbo a handful of gil and finally Yojimbo and his dog walked away to fight.
"Valefor…"
Yuna summoned her favorite Aeon Valefor. She stroked the birdlike Aeon on its beak and then it flew off to fight the soldiers. Several Shinra soldiers ran away as Bahamut crashed through the auditorium seats. A few brave (or foolish) soldiers remained and fired their guns at the Aeon. Bahumut seemed unfazed by bullets as they ricocheted off of his armored skin. Bahumut swiped with his right hand, swatted them all like flies and they went sailing through the air.
"Bahumut, you're doing well" yelled Braska.
Bahumut spread his wings and flew up to the upper parts of the Auditorium. Yojimbo walked slowly up an aisle as several soldiers let loose a spray of bullets. Yojimbo stopped and gestured to his dog. Daigoro ran at the group of soldiers. Many of them ran off but Daigoro managed to pounce on one of them. Yojimbo reached into his robe and pulled out several shuriken. Yojimbo then hurled them at the fleeing soldiers. The shurikens stuck them in the back and they fell to the ground dead. A soldier in the upper levels of the auditorium aimed a rocket launcher at Valefor who hovered in the air.
"Move away quickly!" yelled Yuna.
The soldier shot the rocket and it flew toward Valefor. Valefor managed to dodge the rocket but it went whizzing past. Valefor then flew toward the soldier and grabbed him with his claws. Valefor flew up a few more feet then dropped the soldier to the ground below.
The rocket the soldier shot crashed into one of the columns. Near the column Freya and Fratley fought to protect Prince Puck. Puck was a few feet behind them and closer to the column. When the rocket hit the column it began to topple over toward Prince Puck. Freya blocked a SOLDIERS horizontal strike then pushed him back.
"Prince Puck!" she yelled but she and Fratley were too far way from him.
The large column came crashing down toward Prince Puck.
"AHHHHHHH" Puck was too terrified to move.
As the column came crashing down Puck lowered his head and closed his eyes. A few seconds later Puck realized he was still alive. He opened his eyes to see Sabin standing over him holding the column up.
"Whoa you're strong!" yelled Puck in amazement.
Sir Fratley came and pulled Puck away from the column. Sabin threw the column to the side and Edgar walked up.
"If you think that's amazing you should have been there the time he held a house up…" said Edgar.
There was no time for "thanks" because more soldiers approached them. Edgar, a lover of machines pulled out a small device and with the press of a button the device transformed into a crossbow. Edgar aimed at the group of oncoming soldiers and shot a hail of bolts at them. The bolts lodged into their necks and chest and they all fell to the ground. A SOLDIER prepared to strike Edgar from behind.
"Look out bro"
Sabin ran and grabbed the guy by his collar and hurled him down to the lower parts of the auditorium. Edgar's device had now transformed into a strange type of gun that shot poison. Edgar blasted several soldiers the strange green substance and instantly made them sick. Edgar and Sabin were now back to back. Sabin cupped his hands together at his side and focused his energy.
"Aura-bolt!"
Sabin pushed his hands forward and shot a huge blast of white energy at a group of soldiers. Nearby Freya and Fratley stayed near Puck.
A SOLDIER ran at Fratley and swung his sword. With blinding speed Fratley leapt in the air and gently landed on the SOLDIERS shoulders.
"Wha..?" said the SOLDIER in shock.
Fratley brought the blunt end of his spear down on the SOLDIER'S head knocking him unconscious. Another SOLDIER swung his sword at Freya's head. Freya ducked and dodged the attack and thrust at the SOLDIERS midsection. He parried and prepared an overhead strike but as he was about to attack Valefor came and scooped him up in its claws. Valefor flew high in the air and dropped the SOLDIER.
Near them Laguna fired a machine gun he snatched from one of the Shinra guards. With a spray of bullets Laguna took out several guards.
"Wow it's been a while since I held one of these" yelled Laguna.
Kiro's and Ward fought near Laguna. Ward picked up a chair and smashed it into one of the Shinra guards head. He then smashed it into another one that approached from the side.
'Too bad Ward doesn't have his old weapon around...but I've still got mine" said Kiros.
Kiros fought with two long knives that had a horizontal grip. Kiros slashed horizontally and cut into a Shinra soldier's neck. Kiros leapt at another soldier and plunged both of his knives into his neck.
Elsewhere Locke dodged a vertical strike from a soldier's sword and plunged his dagger into his side. Celes, Gau, Cyan, and Setzer all fought near each other.
"Royal Flush"
Setzer began throwing several sharp objects that looked liked playing cards. The cards stuck into their hands and most of them dropped their weapons.
"Flare!"
Celes cast a flare spell that blasted the soldiers back.
"Look out!" yelled Locke.
Behind them a large group of soldiers raised their guns.
-RAAAAAAARRHHH-
Bahamut flew down and into the group of soldiers and smashed them as it planted its feet on them. Bahamut grabbed a running soldier with his right hand and threw him over its shoulder. Bahamut then turned its head and shot a huge flare of blue colored energy into a distant group of Shinra soldiers. Bahamut then flew off.
"You know the Aeon's are sort of taking the fun out of this…." said Locke.
Zidane stood near Garnet and protected her. A SOLDIER slashed at Zidane who did a back flip and dodged it.
"Want to try again?" mocked Zidane.
The SOLDIER angrily rushed at Zidane. Zidane sidestepped the SOLDIER and managed to wrap his tail around his right leg and tripped him.
"Whoops"
Zidane pulled out his weapon, a double sided dagger and stabbed one end into an approaching guards stomach. Zidane kicked the guard off his dagger. Another guard aimed at Zidane a few feet away but soon a crossbow bolt was shot in his chest. Zidane looked back to see Marle holding a crossbow.
"Where'd you hide the crossbow?" asked Zidane.
"Don't ask" said Marle.
Marle reloaded more bolts in her crossbow and began firing around. Crono blocked a diagonal sword strike with his katana. Crono and the guard held a stalemate for a few moments. Crono leaned forward and headbutt the soldier then kicked him back. The soldier immediately ran back toward Crono with his sword raised high. Crono quickly thrust his sword into the soldiers gut.
"Firaga"
Vivi cast a powerful fire spell and some of the fire landed on Crono's sword. The blade became engulfed in fire. Crono then rushed into a group of Shinra guards and began spinning around extremely fast. The flames spread to the soldiers and they went running away trying to get the flames out.
Also near Garnet, Steiner and Beatrix were fighting side by side. Steiner delivered a powerful horizontal strike which slashed a guard across the chest. Beatrix deflected an overhead strike with her sword. The SOLDIER was knocked back a bit but he recovered and followed up with another overhead strike.
"Shinra's best? Ha!" mocked Beatrix.
She sidestepped to her right and kicked the SOLDIER straight in the….
"Ohhh" groaned the SOLDIER as he held his crotch.
Steiner punched the SOLDIER in his face and his hard metal gauntlet knocked him out.
"Well played m'lady" complimented Steiner as he tipped his helmet to her.
"Why thank you" smiled Beatrix.
"I'm ready" said Garnet.
Garnet had been concentrating to summon an Eidolon.
"Odin! Defeat our enemies with the swiftest blade!" yelled Garnet.
The surrounding area got a little darker and soon the Eidolon Odin appeared. He wore a helmet that had what looked liked deer antlers on it. The horse that he rode was very large and white and it had six legs. Odin reared back on his horse as it neighed then rode forward down the aisle. Odin pulled out his sword and rode into a group Shinra troops and let loose several quick slashes that one could barely see. Odin then ran past them and vanished. The troops stood there for a moment very silent then they all split in half suddenly. Everyone stood there in amazement.
"Whoa…Garnet, remind me never to make you mad…" said Zidane.
Bugenhagen floated near the upper part of the Auditorium near some columns to avoid the fighting.
"…this is a sad event indeed …" thought Bugenhagen.
"Where you going grandpa?" said a Shinra soldier.
He pointed his gun at Bugenhagen.
"…only I can call him grandpa…"
The soldier turned around and Red XIII leapt on him slashing him with his claws.
"Nanaki!" said Bugenhagen.
"Grandpa, are you hurt?" asked Red XIII as he ran up to Bugenhagen.
"Ho ho thankfully I am fine. The Shinra forces have grown thin now" said Bugenhagen.
As they looked down in the auditorium there were few Shinra soldiers….and Bahamut was taking care of the rest…
Red XIII's new friends approached from behind him. Bugenhagen's eyes lit up as he saw them.
"Grandpa this is Kaz, Azelia, Roban, Seren and Amir" said Red XIII.
"Elder Bugenhagen it is an honor to meet you" said Kaz.
Kaz and the others bowed their heads in respect.
"Ho ho ho Kaz the son of Koru…. I remember you as a cub" chuckled Bugenhagen.
"Let's take out the rest…I thirst for battle…" said Roban.
"..and Roban …always feisty even as a cub. I remember you all Ho Ho Ho" said Bugenhagen.
"Grandpa we'll handle the stragglers" said Red XIII.
The group of Cosmo Canyon protectors ran down the aisle to the lower part of the Auditorium. Many of the Shinra soldiers that were left were trying to get out of there. As a few of them ran up the aisle Red XIII and the others leapt on them. Red XIII leapt on a guard and knocked him to the ground. A nearby Shinra SOLDIER slashed his sword at him but Red XIII leapt back and avoided the blow. Red XIII stepped back and with surprising speed rushed forward in a perfectly straight line. He slashed the SOLDIER as he passed him and the SOLDIER fell to the ground. Near Red XIII Azelia reared up on her hind legs and slashed at a running guard. She looked over at Red XIII.
"You fight well Nanaki" complimented Azelia.
"Thank you Azelia" said Red XIII.
Roban, Seren, Kaz, and Amir chased after a group of running Shinra troops.
Down by the stage there were a few Shinra troops left. Braska and Yuna instructed their Aeons from there. Behind them a Shinra SOLDIER crept up to them ready to strike them both down. No one had noticed this SOLDIER.
"Die Summoners!" yelled the SOLDIER as he rushed at them.
"Grrrrrr"
Kimahri appeared out of nowhere punched the SOLDIER with a powerful blow across the face. Kimahri grabbed the stunned SOLDIER by the collar and growled in his face.
"Kimahri protect Yuna"
Kimahri threw the SOLDIER and he flew several feet. Before he hit the ground Valefor scooped him up in its claws and flew up high…then dropped him again…
"Now that was just overkill" said Tidus as he watched.
The Shinra troops in the auditorium had been defeated. The place that was supposed to be a gathering of peace had turned into a war zone. The place was a mess. The Shinra troops that were left were being rounded up.
"Yuna safe?" asked Kimahri.
"Kimahri, I'm fine. Are you alright?" asked Yuna.
"Kimahri alright….Kimahri must find Garik…Garik betray Ronso…"
(Next Scene)
Far away on Mt. Gagazet
President Rufus wants us to prepare to fire the gun again. Just in case the leaders don't comply" said Ansem.
He and Kuja sat in the control room of the Mt. Gagazet weapons facility.
"Our next target?" asked Kuja.
"More than likely Bevelle" said Ansem.
-AHHHH-
"What was that?" asked Ansem standing up from his chair.
In other parts of the facility screams of pain could be heard and a few shots were fired as well. All of a sudden there was silence. A few moments later the door to the control room slid open.
"Who's there?" asked Kuja.
Out of the dark hallway Sephiroth slowly walked through the doorway.
"…it's Sephiroth?" asked Ansem puzzled.
Sephiroth walked into the control room with his head looking down at the floor. After a few moments Sephiroth looked up at Ansem and Kuja. For a few moments there was complete silence and then finally Sephiroth spoke.
"You're mere shadows of your former selves…there's much darkness in your hearts…but you can't unleash it here…" said Sephiroth as he began walking around the room.
Near the control panels was the device that provided energy for the cannon. This technology was something that the Shinra did not fully understand. The energy provided for the weapon was not of this world. The back of the device was large and oval shaped. A red energy field was suspended in the center of this oval. This device acted as a portal and when the weapon fired, energy was extracted through this portal and into the gun. Sephiroth walked up to it and began looking at it.
"Sephiroth what's the meaning of this?" asked Kuja.
Sephiroth just continued his weird rambling.
"We're so weak here…once we were powerful…now were shadows…this whole world is a shadow. I'll give you the opportunity to reclaim what you've lost in this world…" said Sephiroth.
"What are you talking about?" asked Kuja.
"Sleep"
Sephiroth cast a sleep spell and both Kuja and Ansem fell unconscious. Sephiroth walked over and grabbed both of them. The strong Sephiroth easily held both Kuja and Ansem up as he walked over to the portal. Sephiroth stopped for a moment in front of the portal. A smile crept across his face.
"I am a shadow no more"
Sephiroth stepped through the portal with Ansem and Kuja.
(End Chapter 25)
Hello there folks. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Things are really heating up now. The troops in the auditorium have been taken out but the battle isn't over yet. Some easter eggs this time around would be Rude using Terry Bogard of Fatal Fury's Power Geyser attack, Setzer using Gambit's Royal Flush attack from Marvel vs Capcom and the guard in the hallway saying "What was that noise?" which is what a guard always says when they hear a sound in Metal Gear Solid.
Seymours been pretty quiet in this story but he definitely has something up his sleeve. Some of the names for Red XIII's new companions are from some other stories I've written. Do you think Braska will be able to get Yojimbo to fight without paying him? I know I never could. Sephiroth has finally reached his destination and has decided to take Ansem and Kuja with him. What awaits them? I hope you'll check out next chapter. Take care.