Final Fantasy VII: The Man in the Black Cloak

CHAPTER XVII

THE TOYSAURUS OF WONDER SQUARE

No sooner had the brilliant glare of the landing beacons outside drawn the attention of the party from Barret's tragic account, the Skytrain's loudspeaker erupted into life. The dull whir of the propellers was suddenly replaced by an infuriatingly jovial melody, filling the airborne gondola with song and superficial cheer. This raucous concerto did little to ease the disconsolate atmosphere, and left Red XIII grimacing on the floor of the pinewood aisle as he covered his ears, his gold barrette and plume of eagle feathers pinned down by his paws.

Cloud exhaled irritably as he glanced out of the window, the many shades of dusk slowly creeping up to consume the heavens to the east while the lowering sun still blazed in the west. They had come so close to the towering amusement park now that he could only see a section of the colossal trunk that rose from the desert, noting the huge gilded panels on its exterior and the various layered segments which caused it to appear crooked. The remnants of Old Corel were scattered like debris around its roots, all the more desolate now that he knew the town's history.

The ropeway terminus was located on one of the highest of the tree's eight branches; several of the others were suspended at somewhat random angles below. Each of these gargantuan limbs carried what had previously looked like a giant nest of sorts, with domed walls of golden plates and observation galleries, and atop which rested the floodlights that were guiding the Skytrain. However, from this height, it was possible to peer down into them and discover that they were in fact great arenas: the wacky routes of extravagant chocobo racetracks; a flamboyant open-air amphitheatre for stage productions and similar events; the tight loops and wild bends of a speedy rollercoaster; a spooky hotel at the heart of a graveyard wandered by ghosts and skeletons.

"We are now approaching Station Square at the Gold Saucer," the male voice said over the PA as the craft gave a small jolt and began its smooth deceleration. "Please remain seated until the shuttle has come to a complete stop, and ensure you have all personal belongings with you when departing. Thank you again for travelling with us on the Gold Saucer Ropeway. We hope you enjoy your visit."

As the music once more engulfed the gondola, the underside of the station loomed before the front window of the cabin. The branch's outstretched fingers were themselves not unlike plant roots, holding aloft the circular base of the vast nest, and dividing for the twin tension cables to ascend into a landing bay. Multiple advertisement screens and glowing animated images of stars and moons and flying saucers lined their path, all of them outdone by the spectacular neon sign at the head of the entrance channel which flashed three simple words: 'Welcome! Gold Saucer'.

There was a grinding sound as the wheels of the car touched down on the inclined tracks, and the brakes were automatically applied while the Mako engines simultaneously relinquished their power. They emerged from the darkened shaft moments later, and trundled to a halt against the artificial oak tree buffer of the terminal. The five sluggishly collected their weapons and backpacks from beneath the seats of the booth, and made for the exit of the carriage.

Stepping onto the platform, the evening air chilly at such an altitude, Cloud was met by as surreal a sight as he could have ever imagined. An overwhelming abundance of noise and bright colours filled Station Square as laughing children frolicked about the main concourse, running in rings around the comical illustrated murals on the floor, or darting in between the costumed entertainers. The spacious outdoor precinct was encircled by lofty walls decorated in fabulous 3D designs to create a mesmeric wonderland, the cartoonish forests occupied with a plethora of fabled beings and fairy-tale characters.

Four central erections dominated the atrium like the points on a compass, each of them a familiar and beloved creature from mythology or the real world. Directly opposite their position was the southbound Skytrain bay, the blue gondola waiting to take off through the yawning beak of an enormous chocobo. To the east were the souvenir and merchandise stores at the feet of a dancing cactuar, and to the west was the entrance to the park itself, situated within the upturned shell of a magic pot. The ropeway from North Corel had arrived in the cavernous mouth of an oversized moogle, and from there a painted red carpet crossed the quad to the ticket stalls.

"Just like the one at Green Park," Aerith commented to Cloud as she gazed fondly upon the moogle, admiring the pompom-crowned babies huddled on its rosy head.

He chose not to respond - the playground slide in question had been badly damaged during the collapse of Sector7 - but his pause went unnoticed as the group was presently hailed by an usher wearing a fat chocobo outfit. The man pranced towards them gaudily, flapping his wings and enthusiastically directing them to the magic pot gateway. With a bemused shrug, Cloud led the company as instructed, and was greeted at the turnstiles by an attractive female attendant wearing a black waistcoat over a pink blouse.

"Welcome to the Gold Saucer," she beamed. "Are you all together?"

"Yes," grunted Cloud.

"And do you have a Lifetime Pass?"

"No."

"Can I interest you in one?"

"No."

"Alrighty, so that's one, two, three, four adults…and a pet," the woman continued chirpily as she counted the party members, her amiable smile faltering as she saw the scars and tattoos on Red XIII's face and body. "Is he, uh…domesticated?"

"Very," Aerith assured her, patting the beast's fiery mane. He reacted with a gentle purr for added effect.

"Well, he'll have to be kept with you at all times," she insisted, not once taking her eyes from the rare animal. "He's, um, a bit larger than what we're used to."

"Of course," bowed Aerith.

"Then, let's see," the assistant accepted, tapping her monitor. "Hmm, that comes to…one-thousand-and-three-hundred gil altogether."

"Excuse me?" spluttered Cloud.

"That's the admission fee, sir."

"But-"

"It's okay," whispered Tifa, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We have to find out if Sephiroth came this way, right?"

"Yeah," he sighed, pulling a coin purse from the pouch on his leather braces and muttering under his breath. "These guys are bigger thieves than that godsdamn Ninja girl…"

"Thank you very much," said the attendant as he grudgingly surrendered the money. "Here are your tickets. When you're ready, please make your way to the escalators of Station Branch behind me; these will bring you to the Golden Foyer. And be sure to enjoy yourselves."

Cloud had barely stuffed the change back into his pouch when Aerith scurried past him through the turnstiles, closely followed by the lumbering form of a sulking Barret. The former SOLDIER grumbled in displeasure; they did not have time for either childish excitement or short-tempered distractions; they needed to work efficiently as a team to gather information on the whereabouts of the man in the black cloak.

The crowded walkway beyond was illuminated overhead by custom-shaped lamps and the lingering ochre hue of sunset that filtered in through the long windows. Aerith squealed and gasped in amazement as she skipped a few paces ahead of the others, her behaviour yet another betrayal of the somewhat conservative life she had led in Midgar. Tifa could not help but grin affectionately at this, but Red XIII simply rolled his eye.

The high arcing walls on both sides, as expected, were adorned by billboards and promotional posters for current or forthcoming events: theatre adaptions of Loveless or Sir Alfred and the Evil Dragon King; the exhilarating new G-Bike arcade game; the Challenger Tournament at the Battle Arena; the cinematic releases of Midnight Express and Stranger's Melody; the sold-out concerts of The Moogles' world tour; prize holidays to Costa del Sol; the annual 'Enchantment Evening' to mark the anniversary of the amusement park.

After approximately two-hundred feet, the company came to a pair of moving staircases that were signposted as descending to the hub of the complex. The escalators were slow and loud, but their mechanical drone was drowned out by the surrounding bustle as young families and rowdy teenagers and dreamy lovers were transported hither and thither from Station Square. At the base of the steps was a grand portal whose rim was the ever-changing colours of a rainbow, and opened into a great hall of radiant light and vibrant activity.

The Golden Foyer was an immense cylindrical forum at the very core of the central structure, from which every part of the theme park could be accessed. Seven more rainbow archways spanned the circumference of the lobby; each led to a separate branch, and alternated between rising skyward and adopting a slight decline towards the lower arenas. Clockwise from his position, Cloud read the names above the portals: Event Square; Speed Square; Round Square; Ghost Square; Battle Square; Wonder Square; Chocobo Square.

Partitioning the entrances of the branches were lavish doorways to external observation decks, a selection of brand restaurants and a Turtle's Paradise bar, all overlooked by rows of magnificent stain-glassed windows. The gleaming floor was a sprawling mosaic that depicted several moogles of varying sizes, and the footsteps and chatter of hundreds of revellers were echoed in the vaulted ceiling. At the heart of it all was a miniature sculpture of the Gold Saucer, standing about fifteen feet tall, with information screens on the tip of each arm.

"Wow!" exclaimed Aerith as she strolled aimlessly among the throng of people. "This place is so cool. Let's have some fun!"

"I ain't in no fun-havin' mood," Barret growled back.

"Oh, cheer up," she called dismissively, spinning on her heels and putting her hands on her hips.

"I ain't in no cheery mood neither," he barked furiously. "Leave me alone!"

"Really?" Aerith leaned forward as if to antagonise him, a teasing expression on her face. "That's too bad. We're gonna go play-"

"So play!" Barret exploded, startling those nearby. Numerous attendants in the same pink-shirt-black-waistcoat combination glared warily at him and his gatling-gun, as did a duo of cobalt-uniformed security guards who were loitering by the tree monument. "Messin' 'round assholes! Don't forget why we're here."

"Whatever," she scoffed.

"I'm done with this shit!" he roared, hurling his backpack to the ground and barging past Cloud. "Outta my way!"

Not waiting for a retort, he stormed into the crowd, his shaven crew-cut and muscular shoulders elevated above everyone else. They watched him leave in stunned silence, their gazes trailing him until he had completely vanished into the interior of the Chocobo Branch. It was only then that Aerith returned to the others, her mischievous persona now replaced by a troubled demeanour.

"Wasn't that a little harsh?" hissed Tifa, appalled by what she had witnessed. "He just told us about how his wife and best friend were murdered. What you did was insensitive!"

"I know it doesn't seem like the right time," she answered softly, biting her lip, "but trust me, his grieving will pass quicker if he's angry. It's best to act normal in these situations."

"You…you think so?" Tifa was dumbfounded; she had not considered that Aerith was surreptitiously showing Barret a kindness.

"Of course," nodded Aerith. "He's mad, though. It might take him a while to forgive me…"

"I didn't know about what happened at Corel," Tifa admitted guiltily. "All this time and he never said a word. I feel like such a fool."

"He'll be fine," Aerith consoled her, staring vacantly at the display monitors as footage of children screaming aboard the rollercoaster appeared on them. "I wish we really could just forget about everything and have some fun. What do you think, Cloud?"

"I'm gonna have a look around," he considered, "see what I can find out about Sephiroth. You should too. But, be careful, he might still be here."

"Then, none of us can go alone," said Aerith.

"I'll go with you, Cloud," Tifa blurted out.

"You three stick together," he shook his head, his tone firm and final. He had no intention of being accompanied; there was scant threat in such a public space. "If you notice anything suspicious, call me on my PHS."

"Fine," Tifa frowned unhappily, folding her arms and glancing away, "do what you want."

"Stay vigilant," instructed Cloud, disregarding her petulance as he stooped to pick up Barret's bag, handing it to her. "Meet back here in an hour."

He abandoned the trio to their own devices, striding across the congested foyer, tightening the straps on his own backpack as he went. The myriad of lights and colours and electronic messages was hypnotic; it felt like everyone in the hall was a slave to the magical unending spectacle of entertainment and showbiz. Pausing to let a small brother and sister scamper by, he ignored the hollers of the vender at the candy stall, and ventured into the Wonder Branch.

Wonder Square was set upon the lowermost of the eight limbs, and so the journey there began immediately with another pair of downward escalators. The ceiling was a soft shade of violet, dotted with twinkling stars, and the stairs were again flanked with advertisements. Cloud's heightened senses and acute bearings told him he was bound northwest, but he could only guess at the altitude.

The passage ended after a substantial descent at yet another walkway, but the slope beyond was almost horizontal. Large plasma screens lined the curved walls in a special presentation feature for the G-Bike motorcycle simulator, creating the illusion that he was inside a virtual world. The setting was a generic city highway, dull and grey against a hazy midnight skyline. Had it not been for the rampaging behemoth crashing through barriers on the road in front, he might have compared the image to his escape from Shinra Headquarters on the Hardy Daytona.

"Boy!"

The booming voice stopped Cloud in his tracks, demonstrating abruptly that his mind had wandered. A towering man loomed in his path, a glint in his dark eyes and a broad grin on his strong jaw. But for the snug boxing shorts and championship belt around his waist, he was naked, his bronze skin oiled and smooth. Each and every muscle seemed to be perfectly moulded by a lifetime of bodybuilding, supplemented by a sleek mullet of receding hair and a thin moustache that had been combed precisely.

"I'm sorry?" stumbled Cloud.

"You having fun, boy?" the man asked, flexing his bulging biceps as if to impress him.

"Boy?"

"So, you are having fun?" he continued inattentively, clearly preoccupied with maintaining his ludicrous posture. "Well, good; good for you, boy."

"That's not my name," snarled Cloud. "Stop calling me 'boy'!"

"Ha, you've got class, boy," the man erupted with resounding laughed. "I like you."

"Whatever…"

"I say, I've never seen you around here before, boy," he pondered. "Is this your first visit?"

"What's it to you?"

"Me?" the bodybuilder smirked and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm Dio, proprietor of this fine establishment. So, you're thinking of entering in the Challenger Tournament, yes? You'll do well, boy. I know a competitor when I see one."

"I hadn't planned on it."

"That's a good one, boy," he chuckled again, "but there's no point in lying. You can't fool me."

"Huh?"

"Your mouth tells me one thing, but that glorious blade on your back tells me another. May I see it?"

"Why?"

"I am a collector of rare and interesting artefacts," Dio cocked his head, peering curiously at the flowing gilded design on the hilt of the weapon. "It would please me to examine it."

With a sigh, Cloud lowered his backpack, and reached over his shoulder to disconnect the Buster Sword from its magnetic holder. His movement was deft and delicate, cautious of the people scurrying all about him in the massive channel of the Wonder Branch. With habitual reluctance, he offered the leather grip of his precious steel companion to the Gold Saucer's superior, who gently welcomed it into his grasp. Dio stroked his fingers over the battle-scarred metal, wheezing with delight as he appreciated every inch of the mighty blade and its intricate carvings.

"Magnificent," he mumbled, entranced. "Truly unique; the size, the balance. How much could I offer you for it?"

"It's not for sale."

"That's a pity," conceded Dio, returning the greatsword to Cloud. "It would make an impressive trophy for my exhibition chamber at the Battle Arena. Much of my collection is on display there. You should stop by sometime, maybe check out my famous combat diary."

"We'll see."

"It details some of my fiercest encounters," Dio carried on, unperturbed by his apathy. "You'd like it. I found a boy about your age reading it earlier today. He seemed pretty engrossed, though I suspect he may have taken a tranquiliser or two; he was mumbling and moaning and asking odd questions."

"About what?" Cloud felt a sudden urge to investigate, the leering face of Sephiroth flickering in his subconscious.

"Oh, I forget now," said Dio, "but he was very strange. Hooded in a black cloak, he was, with a tattoo on his hand."

"A…tattoo?" stammered Cloud, his breath catching in his throat.

Didn't the girl at the North Corel ropeway station mention that…?

"Exactly, my boy," Dio confirmed. "The number '1' I believe."

"Where did he go?"

"I have no idea," he shrugged. "I would expect that he's still at Battle Square."

"Noted."

"Well, then, if you'll excuse me, there are some things I must attend to," the proprietor patted him forcefully on the arm. "Enjoy your visit, boy. I hope to see you again."

He marched past Cloud towards the escalators with an arrogant swagger, puffing his chest out for the benefit of a nearby quartet of teenage girls. Rolling his eyes, the ex-SOLDIER swung his weapon onto its magnet once more and retrieved his bag, then proceeded along the branch amid the unfolding virtual motorcycle chase. The eager yells of a group of young men stole his attention briefly as they rushed by, taunting one another; the victim was primarily an overweight friend in dungarees that lagged behind.

"Hurry up, Kwedge, I bet I can win more GP than you!"

Cloud emerged from the tunnel at last in the outdoor atrium of Wonder Square, a relatively peaceful locale in comparison to the Golden Foyer. Plastic benches and rows of cropped hedges marked the perimeter of the forecourt, overlooked by a duo of chunky concrete columns and the tinted glass façade of the main arcade. The central amusements was a multi-tiered marvel of contemporary architecture, its uppermost levels segmented into oval discs, and currently cast in the ruby and magenta of the twilight.

A carpet of rich burgundy crossed the short distance to the building, whose entranceway was an ascending staircase beneath an ample assortment of beaming monitors. Previews of simulation games and attractions such as Glacial Boarder, Super Dunk, and Torpedo Attack looped on the televisions, interrupted only by fast food commercials or the prizes available by gambling at the casino. As Cloud glanced up at a couple seated on a bench on the opposite side of the quad, he caught sight of something by one of the concrete monoliths that was so bizarre he did a double take.

"Hey you!" the creature shouted to him through a megaphone, his voice squeaky and laden with an outlandish northern accent. Cloud froze on the spot, his thoughts spinning as he tried to comprehend the spectacle. He gaped in utter disbelief; this was no mistake: it genuinely was talking to him. "What ye lookin' so down for, laddie?"

The furry black cat was approximately three feet in height, with snowy markings on his face, tail and underbelly. Though his features were predominantly feline, he was humanoid in stature; his head was abnormally large and rather than having traditional paws, he wore gloves on his hands and boots on his feet. To complete the absurd appearance, a tiny golden crown was nestled between the animal's pointed ears, while a cerise cape was tied around his neck. He was very much alive and brimming with enthusiasm, waving spiritedly at Cloud from atop a fat mechanical moogle.

The hulking toysaurus was as rotund as it was tall, with ivory tusks and beady obsidian eyes, and a placid, goofy expression. Long arms hung by its squat thighs, each bearing fists so huge they could crush the cat's skull if it were so inclined. The robot's entire body was covered in a thick white pelt but for two stumpy, bat-like wings that protruded from its back, flapping clumsily and out of sync. The little feline spoke a few words into his megaphone and, with a forceful swing of its fleecy forearms, the toysaurus lurched forward, traversing the atrium in seconds.

"What do you want?" Cloud demanded as it approached; he was quickly losing patience with the Gold Saucer.

"The real question is: what do you want?" the cat countered feistily. "How 'bout it, eh? Want me to read yer fortune? A bright future? A happy future? But, don't hold it against me if it isnae a great prediction."

"What?"

"Och, I'm so sorry," he slapped a palm to his whiskered cheek, "where's my manners? I'm the resident fortune-teller. This big guy here's my bodyguard an' fortune-tellin' machine. The name's Cait Sith. And yours?"

"Cloud."

"Well," he smiled, "it's a pleasure to meet ye."

"So, you're a soothsayer, right?" Cloud frowned reflectively. The ancient practice of clairvoyance meant nothing to him, but his mother had been a believer when he was a child. He saw it as a fantasy invented to lure people into a false sense of hope but, regardless, he discovered an idea formulating in his mind. "Do you only read the future?"

"Ye kiddin'?" snorted Cait Sith, throwing his hands out in feigned offense. "I can find missin' objects, missin' folks…anythin'."

"Can you tell me where a man named Sephiroth is?"

"Certainly," he replied confidently. "But, it'll cost ye."

"I figured this was a scam," Cloud grumbled, turning away in frustration. "Keep your predictions."

"Okay, okay," Cait Sith said hastily. "I like ye, so the first one's free. How's that sound?"

"Whatever."

"Sephiroth, right?" the cat muttered aloud, crooking his neck in preparation. "Okay, here goes. Stand back."

Despite his eyes being almost wholly contracted anyway, Cait Sith pressed them tighter shut as the toysaurus began to rock back and forth in a rhythmic motion. The moogle's arms swung in unison, kicking its padded feet in sequence as part of the performance. It came to rest after a number of seconds, and a thin card popped out of the slot at the machine's mouth. Hesitating, Cloud bent over and picked out the strip of paper.

"Ordinary luck," he read with scepticism. "It will be an active fortune. Give in to the good will of others, and big things will happen after the summer. Wait, what the hell is this?"

"Uh, that one's a wee bit vague," gulped the mystic feline, flustered by his customer's growing irritation. "Let me try again. No charge."

"I'm not interested," hissed Cloud, but it was too late; the toysaurus was already repeating the process at a marginally more hurried pace. When it had finished, he accepted the next divination aversely. "Be careful of forgetfulness. Your lucky colour is blue-"

"What?" Cait Sith spluttered agitatedly, pounding on his bodyguard's head. "That cannae be right. Another chance-"

"Forget it."

"Please, just gimme one more chance," cried the cat.

He gripped the moogle securely as it started to heave for a third time, much harder and faster than before. Passers-by slowed to watch the peculiar method, giggling as they continued to the central arcade building. The toysaurus halted abruptly, instantaneously producing the card which Cloud snatched up, making no secret of his annoyance.

"What the…?"

"Huh?" Cait Sith probed anxiously. "What does it say?"

"What you pursue will be yours," Cloud recited, a cold shiver cascading down his spine, "but it will take from you something dear..."

"Hmm," he grunted with deliberation, "I'm no sure if that's supposed to be good or bad. To tell ye the truth, I've never got anythin' so intense in all my years doin' this."

"What does it have to do with Sephiroth?" snarled Cloud.

"I dunno," he admitted, shrinking in shame, "but we could always go find one o' his followers instead."

"His…what?" Cloud's jaw dropped.

"Y'know, Sephiroth's fans," clarified Cait Sith, a perplexed look on his furry little face. "Those folks've been 'round here hero-worshippin' him for days."

He's not a hero! He's a godsdamn executioner!

"Who are you talking about?"

"The guys with the hoods," scoffed the cat as if it was obvious. "Ye havnae seen 'em? There was one in here a few hours ago. He wouldnae shut up 'bout Sephiroth."

"Was he wearing a black cloak?" Cloud asked.

"Aye, he sure was. Ye know 'im?"

"I need to speak with him," he mumbled, dazed by the revelation. "It's important."

What's going on? Who is this figure? What's his connection to him? This is getting more complicated by the minute…

"Last I saw, he was headed for Battle Square," Cait Sith stated decisively, gesturing towards the exit of the precinct. "That's where he'll be."

"Okay, thanks."

"Then, shall we?"

"Excuse me?" Cloud glowered at him.

"As a fortune-teller, I cannae just ignore that readin' o' yours," he said. "I'm gonnae help track down this hooded character, so we can learn where Sephiroth is."

"No way, cat!"

"Ye cannae stop me," responded Cait Sith, his fangs contorted in a gleeful smirk. "I'm comin' no matter what ye say, so there's no point in arguin'. Now, let's go, we don't wanna lose him."

Cloud clenched his teeth in abhorrence, but said nothing; the soothsayer was correct: he was free to come and go as he pleased within the Gold Saucer, even if that meant casually stalking the patrons. Exhaling, his shoulders sagged in defeat, he trudged back in the direction of the Wonder Branch, the cumbersome footsteps of the toysaurus resounding dishearteningly behind. The persistent, childlike feline and his bulbous mount were the least of his concerns for now, so he tasked his brain with deducing how he might address Sephiroth's disciple.

Cait Sith babbled the entire journey to the Golden Foyer, only pausing to greet selected individuals in the tunnel or on the escalator. He spoke of a girl whose high score was recently added to the Wall of Fame at the Shooting Coaster, and how Mr. Hangman at the Ghost Hotel was running both the reception and shop due to staff shortages, and of the internal politics that were disrupting the organisation of Enchantment Evening. All the while, he was paid no heed; Cloud's focus was set determinedly on his former Captain of SOLDIER.

They eventually arrived at the hub of the theme park, finding it to be as boisterous as ever. Scantily clad barmaids of the Wusheng-styled Turtle's Paradise wandered nearby, distributing free cocktail samples, and the man at the candy stall was being harassed by a party of kids. A swift scan of the forum told Cloud that Tifa, Aerith and Red XIII were currently elsewhere; there was no rush to involve them in his plan just yet, and it was unlikely Barret had reclaimed his composure.

Anti-clockwise, the rainbow archway to the Battle Branch was the next portal along from their position. Cait Sith led the way, granting his new acquaintance a glimpse of the large silver zip between the purple wings on the moogle's back; it hinted that the robot's circuitry could be accessed from there. Cloud made a mental note of this as the pair negotiated the crowds, and soon began down the corridor beyond.

Battle Square was at an altitude above the Corel Desert that was roughly parallel with the Golden Foyer, and the incline of the channel was trivial, though it did twist southward. Walls of eerie jade and black stripes were cast in odd shadows from the flickering lanterns above, deliberately designed to generate an unnerving environment for all those who dared to test their combat skills at the infamous arena. A predictably naked Dio gazed upon them from scaling posters that promoted his private museum, the choice of poses mirroring his egotistical persona, while the setting was made further surreal by Cait Sith's soft purring as he rode his protector, whistling the same jolly tune that had played on the Skytrain.

Only when the passage opened onto the small forecourt of Battle Square did Cloud sense something was undeniably amiss. The walkway had been void of activity - that was enough to disturb him - but an unnatural silence now hung on the deep scarlet heavens. His nostrils detected the faint scent of gunpowder, lingering in the night air as if to announce the aftermath of a fireworks display. However, the stillness of the piazza persuaded him that all was not well; he recognised the feeling that so often preceded a grim discovery.

A trio of immense iron plinths soared in a triangular formation around the vast atrium, the largest of which supported a castle of artificial basalt. Limp vermillion flags were tied to stout poles atop each of its turrets, while banners of striking indigo had been draped from the ramparts, their insignias alternating between a longsword and a vial of magic potion. Spotlights swept to and fro over the exterior, illuminating its medieval detail before fading like spectres into the darkened skies. A lone staircase rose across the daunting chasm that lay beneath the platforms to the portcullis of the fortress, handsomely carpeted as if to venerate approaching competitors. At its base was the body of a security guard, crumpled awkwardly against the railings; this was the source of Cloud's unease.

Despite knowing intuitively that the man was already dead, he skulked towards the steps, wary that the perpetrator may be close by. Kneeling by the side of the corpse, his Mako eyes skimmed over him, absorbing as many tell-tale signs as he could. There was a pleading expression on the sentry's features which suggested he had witnessed the killer coming. His cobalt uniform shirt was shredded by bullet holes, and torso stained with blood; it was still wet, so the murder had occurred within the last hour.

"Oh my," whimpered Cait Sith, wrapping himself in his cape. "Is this…did Sephiroth do this?"

"No," Cloud replied coldly, standing, "he's been shot. Sephiroth would never use a gun, but-"

Barret!

No sooner had the damning thought entered his mind than Cloud was on the move, tearing up the stairs as rapidly as his legs allowed. He heard the lumbering thumps of the toysaurus as it hastened after him, commanded by the panicked yelps of Cait Sith through his megaphone. The castle's battlements loomed above them like a formidable bastion as they reached the summit of the tower, the spotlights creating crooked illusions on the jutting parapets as if to beckon the duo to their doom. Across the drawbridge and through the vaulted arch they sped, skidding to a halt as they were met by a horrific scene.

The main antechamber of the building was a spacious area with little in the way of décor. High walls of grey stone slabs buttressed a cloister ceiling, and the entire floor was black-and-white chequered marble, divided by the same noble carpet as outside. Terrible smears of splattered blood had engulfed much of the foyer, while crimson pools had formed around the distorted bodies of two Shinra infantrymen and two members of the Gold Saucer security staff. Each had been slain by what appeared to have been an erratic volley of bullets - a random spread of slug holes could be seen on the surrounding walls - but the soldiers' own Quicksilver rifles had fallen without being discharged aside their helpless masters.

"What in the name o' the Gods?" Cait Sith gasped in shock, holding a gloved hand to his mouth.

Elevated hallways flanked the antechamber, their ingresses adorned with weighty vintage curtains, vanishing into the wings towards the monster enclosures and Dio's showroom respectively. At the rear of the lobby was a grand bank of steps ascending to a balcony, and beyond that an ominous doorway that presumably led to the Battle Arena itself, for it was embellished by a fearsome skull and sign that read 'Challenger'.

In the corner to their right, a female receptionist was slumped over the counter, her pink cap a number of feet from her blonde head. She groaned weakly when she heard the cat's voice, dragging herself along the desk to her chair. Cloud ditched his backpack and darted over at once, assisting her into the padded seat. She gawked blankly at him, straining to focus. The colour had seeped from her face, partially hidden by her blood-soaked hair, yet she forced a smile.

"Thank you," she breathed, wincing with the effort.

"What happened?" asked Cloud, analysing her stomach injuries; the wounds were terminal.

"A man…with a gun…" she croaked, stifled by the pain, "on his…arm…"

"A gun on 'is arm?" gulped Cait Sith. "Are ye sure?"

"Positive," the girl nodded. Cloud's heart began to pound harder. He had to find Barret, and fast.

"I don't like this," urged the tiny feline, tugging at the metallic spikes on his companion's shoulder pauldron. "We better get outtae here. What if-"

"Hold it right there!" came a thunderous demand. "And stay quiet."

Cloud turned as a squad of guards swarmed into the castle lobby, tactically organised and pistols brandished. The men swiftly inspected the antechamber as they advanced, with confused and maddening eyes glancing from the corpses of their colleagues to he and Cait Sith, and then accusingly at the Buster Sword. The captain of the security personnel immediately aimed his weapon at Cloud, and the others followed suit. The ex-SOLDIER slowly raised his palms in voluntary surrender as the safety catches on the firearms were simultaneously released; their behaviour clearly indicated that he was now the prime murder suspect.

"Run!" shrieked Cait Sith. "This's gonnae get ugly!"

Before he could react, Cloud felt the huge paw of the mechanical moogle clamp around his wrist, yanking him in the direction of the Battle Arena. Ducking low as the first shot rang out, he scrambled up the steps after the toysaurus, snatching the grip of his greatsword and drawing it in time to deflect the hail of bullets. The receptionist let out a muffled scream as the monitor behind her exploded, spraying glass and plastic across the counter. Furious yells and a stampede of boots pursued them to the balcony and through the doorway, echoing in the narrow corridor beyond the 'Challenger' skull.

"Stop!" bellowed the superior.

"Hold them!" added another.

Cloud and Cait Sith rocketed into the dungeon-like amphitheatre as sparks danced and slugs ricocheted against the cold stone, the duo leaping the barrier and descending to the combat ring itself. The square arena was a sunken island encircled by a moat of glistening neon water, bordered on all sides by spectator stalls. Dingy lighting and countless barbaric linked chains fashioned a sinister atmosphere, as did the cries of crazed monsters from the cages somewhere nearby. Cloud scanned the room hurriedly, searching in vain for an exit.

"We're trapped," wailed Cait Sith as the moogle scampered back and forth between the edges of the ring.

"That's as far as you go," the captain called from the passageway, sneering triumphantly as he watched the agitated toysaurus.

Cloud retreated to the centre of the dungeon, the Buster Sword aloft, and adopted his fighting stance. Fleeing had been a mistake - especially given his innocence - but he wanted no part in the imminent investigation; Sephiroth was out there and he had little desire to suspend his crusade to explain this situation. He glared fiercely at the commander as his subordinates arrived, assessing their accuracy and how quickly he could incapacitate them to escape. With a condemning chuckle, the man suddenly stretched out a hand and grabbed the rusted lever on the wall beside him, winking as he hauled it down. Cloud was powerless as the trapdoor split beneath his feet, and he and Cait Sith toppled into the concrete pen below.

He could only guess how many hours had elapsed when the security staff finally removed him from the blackened isolation cell in the depths of the Gold Saucer. His eyes had burned even in the dimness of the grimy tunnel, and the trembling flames of mounted candles sent hideous shadows prancing about the brickwork as he was marched in manacles to the sentencing chamber. His mind had still been groggy from the sleeping gas they had pumped into the pit; the last thing he remembered before waking up in jail was the steady rush of tawny fumes from the vents above. He had fumbled hopelessly for his weapon or his belongings, all of which had been confiscated by Dio's cronies.

No sword. No backpack. No phone.

Now, Cloud was stood at the midpoint of the cramped space, inside a depressed hollow that bore the ironic words 'Gateway to Heaven'. He had been freed from the shackles, but rifles were trained on him from all four corners by cobalt-clad guards. Their captain lingered by the computer station, eagerly anticipating his moment to dispense justice on behalf of his deceased comrades. Despite the seriousness of the offence Cloud was accused of, there did not seem to be a more senior figure. This peculiar circumstance roused his wits somewhat.

"Anythin' to say?" taunted the man, spitting at his prisoner. "We've already sent your furry friend down to visit the Deathdealer."

"Wait!" hissed Cloud, seeing half a dozen fingers tense on gun triggers. "Listen to me: you've got it all wrong-"

"There's no need to listen," he snorted. "You got a problem? Tell it to Hades when you meet him."

"Get Dio!" Cloud growled desperately. "I wanna speak to Dio!"

"Dio can't help you now," the captain laughed menacingly.

As he slammed his fist onto the protruding red button of the control terminal, there came an almighty rumble of machinery, soon accompanied by a grinding screech. The Gateway to Heaven leisurely began to part, blasting Cloud with a current of warm air and a howl of wind from the shaft underneath. Adrenaline raced through his veins and his thoughts throbbed with urgency, but he could do nothing; all that was left was to prepare himself for the long plunge into the desert. He would have to pay for a crime he did not commit.

57