Vincent growled as he looked at the black smoke-like substance blocking the gate they needed to use to return to Edge. Cloud exchanged a glance with his girlfriend as his friend stepped forward into it, immediately being surrounded by it as it started to consume him. But he gave a snarl, turning into Galian Beast, and tore through the thickening smoke. It dispersed as he clawed through, absorbing into his skin. When it finally cleared he returned to himself, looking over at the two in confusion before his eyes cleared.
"I hope I don't have to do that again…"
Lightning shrugged. "Just be glad the monsters didn't appear like they usually do."
Cloud gulped, understanding the message in Lightning's voice. 'Be glad CHAOS didn't appear again.' "I don't think that will happen Light."
"I hope not." she gave him a nod before activating the gate. The men yelped as they were absorbed by the object, being thrown from Valhalla and into the Crux. Lightning chuckled at their surprise, knowing full well that weren't expecting it. After all, the last time they entered the Crux they had been teleported by Lightning's powers, not thrown into it by a gate. Vincent relaxed as he floated through the air, following Lightning as she led them toward their destination. She gave them a reassuring glance, pointing out a warm glow ahead.
"You see that? That's where my world is."
Cloud looked around. "And ours?"
She pointed to a sickly green glow, watching as black slowly seeped into it. "There, and now you see why we have to hurry… The battle's already begun."