Me: Hehe! Torturing Jenova is fun!
Lloyd: Yeah, she's a pain in the ass.
Me: true.
Lloyd: So what you gonna write now?
Me: Hmm…you'll just have to wait and see now won't you!
Lloyd: (sigh) fine, Jen Rem doesn't own ToS, FF, or Ash.
"Kratos, Yuan, are you ready?" Terran asked as the two Seraphim opened their wings and nodded. "Good, we need to reach the reactor soon."
"Why is that Terran?" Oblivion asked as the two angels picked them up and began to fly south. The spirit smirked at the wolf with a michevious glint in his eyes.
"You'll see." Terran teased, looking forward. Oblivion sighed as Yuan and Kratos exchanged curious looks.
After several hours of flying, the group returned to the earth for a break to the wait for Oblivion's wolves before starting south once more. By nightfall, they could see the mountains that bordered the area near Heimdall and the odd green glow that signified Mako and its production. The small group set camp near the base of the mountains where they observe the happenings of the reactor without being sighted. They kept only a single fire, as more wolves, some of which Kratos noted, were those that he had battled as monsters before.
"Is this going to be enough to get in the reactor?" Yuan asked as he counted almost one hundred of the fierce canines patrolling around the camp.
"I'm not sure. But my warriors will fight at their best, I promise you that." Oblivion answered, polishing Lunar Punishment for the upcoming battle. "Should we attack tomorrow?"
"Yes," Terran nodded, looking at the green glow on the mountain range. "Where are they?"
"Who?" Kratos asked nervously as he noticed Terran gazing at the reactor as he said that.
"You'll see, if they ever make it." Terran sighed, looking back at the camp before glancing at the sky with wide eyes. "It's Neo and Zero!"
Everyone in camp watched as the two dragons landed with Leviathan still in Zero's talons. They looked the group over before bowing, silent as they waited to be spoken too.
"Were you sent be Jenova?" Oblivion asked, glaring at the normally trustworthy dragons.
"Originally yes, Lord Oblivion. But we have been given a mission by our brother and Master Kratos' son to aid you." Neo explained, lifting his head to look at the main group of four with golden eyes.
"Wait, your brother? Are you talking about Bahamut?" Kratos asked, remembering that the kind dragon had died against Sin.
"Yes Master Kratos. Bahamut is alive once more and is traveling with your son and his friends." Leviathan nodded causing Kratos to smile. "And now we are here to help you defeat Jenova."
"Don't leave us out!" a voice said as dozens of small spikes of mana shot from the ground and materialized into people, all of which were armed. "Sorry we were late Terran." The silver haired swordman said, looking at the spirit who just seemed relieved to see everyone.
"Don't worry about Sephiroth. What matters is that everyone is here. Now I believe we stand a good chance of success." Terran sighed, scanning the group of newcomers to check that everyone was there. "Hm…Seph, Zack, Cloud, Aeris, Tifa, Barret, Red, Cid, Yuffie, Squall, Riona, Quistis, Zell, Irvine, Selphie, Edea, Kai, Sivu, Kiros Laguna, Ward, Tseng, Elena, Rude, and …Reno. I believe everyone is here."
"Who are all of these people?" Kratos asked, recognizing only a few of them as he scanned the group.
"We could ask the same of you." The Turk leader Tseng replied, hand ready to reach for the hilt of his katana that he had strapped to his back as he ignored the wolves and kept his eyes on the two Seraphim. "Why do you have Tiamatt's sword?"
"She dropped it when she was taken to Hojo." Kratos answered back, hand on the hilt of the Flamberge. "Why does that concern you?"
"Once a Turk always a Turk, yo." Reno smirked. "Whether Tia likes it or not, she's one of us."
"I see, so you are all the friends of Tiamatt's past." Yuan noted. "So it is safe to assume that we are all after the same goal?"
"If you mean the destruction of Jenova then yes." Cloud said, arms crossed over his chest. "You have yet to tell us who you are?"
"Kratos"
"Yuan"
Their answers were simple but effective and the Lifestream group seemed to respect and accept that. It was soon decided, that in the morning, the small army of wolves, spirits, and the two Seraphim would attack the reactor and free Tiamatt from Jenova…
Next Morning, Inside the Reactor
Your crazy if you believe that junk Hojo said about the Memorial!
"Why? Because I want to get rid of you?!" Jenova retorted looking over the ancient blueprints for the tower that was used to seal away the Sorceress, Adel.
Hojo is just trying to get you out of the way. He's going to seal us both in the Memorial.
"And why would he do that Tiamatt?"
You treat him and the rest of your subordinates like dirt. A true leader would respect her underlings and treat them as equals. It's no wonder why Hojo hates you.
"Jenova," Hojo said as he stepped to the doorway. "Are you ready?"
"Are you sure this will work?" Jenova asked, standing up from her desk and approaching the still grinning scientist.
"Of course."
"… You better be right Hojo." She sighed, following him down the hallway to the launch pad. As they walked across the paved surface, alarms started to blare and shouts could be heard. "Intruders?"
"Ignore them Jenova. We must hurry if we are to reach the Sorceress Memorial." Hojo warned as she turned away and looked back towards the main building. "Jenova!"
"Quiet Hojo!" She snapped as several roars filled the air and Neo, Zero, and Leviathan swooped down onto the launch pad with Oblivion and Terran on their shoulders and Yuan and Kratos following on their own wings. "What is this? The rescue party?" Jenova grinned as the group drew their weapons and the summons left to attack the main building.
"I never thought I'd have to face you again!" Oblivion growled, Lunar Punishment raised and ready to attack or defend.
"Are you saying you want to be the first to die Oblivion?" Jenova taunted, two swords appearing before her as she gripped the hilts. The wolf king's eyes widened in recognition and fear as he realized what the Calamity was planning. "Yes, Oblivion, these are the very swords that I killed you with the first time."
"What is she planning?" Yuan asked as he noticed how nervous Oblivion had suddenly become.
"You always were notorious for mind games!" Terran growled Ryukinogami ready.
"Tiamatt!" Kratos yelled, hoping that she'd pull through like she had before but Jenova just laughed.
"It's hopeless Kratos." Jenova laughed as a shimmering barrier surrounded her and Oblivion. "Now watch what you too will soon experience!"
Oblivion glared at the Calamity as she grinned and charged at him, swords flashing dangerously as she swung at him with one sword, which he was kicked away. Oblivion now raced at Jenova, screaming as he leapt into the air and swung down only to have his attack blocked by the twin blades that Jenova now used. Grinning, she pushed him upwards and away from her as she disappeared only to reappear above him and kick Oblivion back to earth with her heel.
"Dammit.." Oblivion muttered as he slowly stood up and glared at the Calamity who had yet to be hit by his blade. "…Haste!"
The wolf king used the materia he had gained from one of his soldiers only the night before and rushed at the grinning woman. But as he ran at her, the ground beneath him suddenly became slick with ice and he was forced to dig Lunar Punishment into the ice to prevent himself from running headfirst into Jenova's waiting swords. Once his momentum was canceled, he felt the searing heat as a fireball slammed into him, knocking him back as the ice around him melted. As Oblivion fell back, Jenova disappeared once more and reappeared directly behind him, crouched down low before kicking him skywards.
"How weak you've become Oblivion! Is this honestly the best you can do!?" Jenova taunted spinning in midair and slashing at him with the twin swords before slamming him back into the ground. Oblivion moaned as he tried to stand up once more but he was now bleeding from several areas and had several broken bones. "You haven't even laid a scratch on me Oblivion, and you truly expect to destroy me?"
"…Curaga…" he mumbled, spiting up blood as the spell began to heal some of his major wounds. Oblivion stood up, most of his wounds now healed and glared at Jenova. "I will not give up Jenova. Not while I still live. Meltdown!"
A strange mass of green and black matter surrounded the Calamity, flashing orange and yellow as the miniature explosion hit Jenova, causing her scream out in pain. Oblivion rushed forward, Lunar Punishment in hand as he swung at her head, attempting to knock her out with the flat of the blade but as sword was about to make contact, it stopped. Oblivion gasped as one of the twin swords sliced through his stomach and backed away, tearing the blade from his gut. Jenova grinned from a few feet away as he threw the blade away and shakily raised his sword once more. He was struggling to remain on his feet as he charged once more at the Calamity, screaming his rage before there was silence. Oblivion now had the second sword embedded into his gut as he lost strength to stand and slumped forward, head resting on Jenova's shaking shoulder.
"…Tiamatt…I'm sorry…" Oblivion whispered, his vision fading as he heard a sob come from Jenova. The Lunar Punishment fell to the ground from the hand of the now dead wolf and despite Jenova still being in control for the most part, she could not stop crying, Tiamatt's sorrow being strong enough to reach outwards as Jenova slowly removed the corpse from her sword.
"Foolish wolf…" She muttered, setting the body on the ground with surprising care before retrieving her other sword. Once Jenova had the other sword in hand, the barrier dissolved and she glared at the three remaining men, tears still pouring down her face. "Whose next?"
Inside the Reactor…
The Masamune was tinted red as blood dripped from the blade and Sephiroth led the way through the reactor. Kai slashed through the Remnants with ease with his bladestaff, Ocean's Flame as Sivu raced at his enemies, leaping at their throats with feline fangs as he maintained his cheetah like Yeria form.
"How many of these freaks did Hojo make?!" Kai yelled as another swarm of Remnant's approached.
"Hundreds." Sivu replied, electricity sparking off his fur as he prepared to release an electric blast at the approaching enemy.
"Damn." Kai muttered, swinging Ocean's Flame easily as a phoenix like Remnant attacked him.
Down the nearby hallway, the Turks were also handling their own group of Remnants. One Remnant swiped at Rude who leaned back to avoid the blow but his black shades were hit and sent flying towards Tseng's katana which was swinging towards the head of another Remnant. Rude blinked in surprise as he shades were cut cleanly in half before pulling out another pair from his jacket and cracking his knuckles. Reno grinned as the Remnant was sent screaming towards him and then silenced by his Electro rod.
"How many pairs have you lost yo?" Reno yelled at his partner. "Not counting the three I broke!"
"Two." Rude replied simply, turning to block another Remnant.
"Thought so." Reno grinned, returning once more to the battle.
Several hallways down, Cloud's group was also battling another group of Remnants. The Buster Sword easily cleaved through the experiments as they went deeper into the reactor till they finally reached the core where hundreds of capsules held human captives.
"Damn that freak!" Cloud growled as he looked around the chamber at the capsules.
"Cloud are you going to-" Tifa asked as cloud raised his sword.
"What else can we do Tifa? We can't let them live as what they are now, after what Hojo has turned them into." Cloud nodded. "You don't want to help me then I understand."
"We'll help ya Spiky." Barret sighed, raising his gun arm to the closet capsule. The blonde swordman nodded and leapt at the capsules with his friends behind him. Within minutes, the chamber was in ruins and the group left to rejoin the main fight.
Finally, Squall's group was also making their way through the mass of Remnants, following Sephiroth's small group further into the mountain. The group of elite Seed mercenaries easily finished what the silver haired swordman ahead of them didn't get and made small journeys down nearby halls to ensure that a Remnant did not ambush them Kiros, Laguna, and Ward moved down once such hallways as they noted several Remnants.
"It's like the old days, eh Kiros?" Laguna asked as Ward hefted his anchor off of a now crushed Remnant.
"Yeah except we were fighting humans, not monsters." Kiros sighed slashing at his own Remnant with his wrist blades.
"…" Silent Ward merely nodded as he threw his anchor once more and a bullet ripped through the head of an attacking Remnant.
"Too true Ward!" Kiros laughed, somehow able to understand what the larger yet silent man had wanted to say.
Outside the Reactor, on the launch pad…
"Jenova quit playing with them and just finish them off!" Hojo snarled, angry that his plan was being delayed.
"Quiet Hojo!" the Calamity snapped, her face red from crying. She looked the small group that remained over quickly before pointing at Terran with one of her swords. "You shall be my next opponent!"
As she said this, Terran was yanked forward by her sorceress magic before the magic barrier was set back up once more. Jenova glanced at Kratos once with a snarl before facing Terran. The spirit looked nervous as he gripped Ryukinogami tightly and raised it slightly.
"I never thought I would use a sword against my own child." He mumbled, as Jenova smirked at him. "I…can't do this…"
"You coward! Don't tell me you are going to abandon your daughter once again!" Jenova sneered, as Terran glanced around nervously for some way of escape. "You talk tough Terran but deep down you are just a coward. One who will now die at the hand of his own daughter!"
Terran stiffened as Jenova launched at him. Ryu was swung upwards, blocking the first of the blades before twisting and stopping the second. Terran crouched down and kicked outwards, trying to knock Jenova off of her feet just she leapt back easily and continued to grin. Muttering a quick word to herself, Jenova rushed at Terran with magic enhanced speed and began to thrust her swords at him which were blocked skillfully with Ryu before being swung at her and swiping through her arm.
"AHHH!" Jenova screamed as the blade went through her arm, not cutting the flesh yet forcing her to drop one of her swords. "Dammit Terran! You will pay for that!"
With one arm now useless to her, Jenova muttered yet another spell under her breath, causing her remaining sword to glow a golden hue which she swung at Terran who dodged with Haste and circled around her as a blur. Jenova growled angrily at herself for underestimating the spirit as his cowardice disappeared.
"Thundaga!" She screamed, as electricity built in the air and bolts of lightning bounced around the dome, hitting Terran who yelled in pain as he was hit.
Outside of the dome, Hojo was contemplating whether or not he should allow Jenova to kill the two remaining Seraphim as he reached inside his jacket for his pistol. After a moment Kratos found himself staring down the barrel of the firearm as a small click signaled it was loaded. Yuan began to reach for his bladestaff but the glint in Hojo's eyes and his finger on the trigger of the gun caused him to stall, especially as he watched a silver haired swordman, rush at Hojo and thrust his abnormally long sword into the scientist gut.
"Sephiroth!" Hojo screamed as his gun arm fell and the Masamune pulled from his stomach as his son's Mako green eyes glared at him. Sephiroth turned his father around forcefully, grabbing him by his lab coat collar as he hefted him into the air. "What are you doing?! Put me down!"
"You will no longer interfere in the lives of others!" Sephiroth growled, raising his sword. "Rot in hell father." Hojo's eyes widened as the Masamune once again entered his body and with a single swipe, was cleaved in two. He dropped the remains of the scientist and turned to face the awestruck angels. "He will not torment Tiamatt nor you again."
"Thank you." Kratos nodded, watching as the SOLDEIR wiped the blood off his blade with his coat. Sephiroth nodded back and turned back towards the dome, pain in his eyes as he watched the fight between Terran and Jenova, who still maintained Tiamatt's form.
None of them noticing the blonde angel that watched the fights from the air.
Terran had now taken multiple blows from Jenova's one remaining sword and various spells, but Jenova was now limping, struggling to remain standing on a leg that had been hit with Ryukinogami. Terran leaned against his sword breathing heavily as he eyed Jenova's uneasy movements. He picked Ryu up once more and glared at Jenova as he moved to finish her but the air around him began to twist and he movement was stopped. He screamed as he was caught in the pocket of Time Compression and his limbs seemed to be slowly torn from his body.
"Mighty Eternal Sword, Reverse the magic that holds this man!" Yggdrasil yelled as the purple sword glowed, destroying the barrier as well as releasing Terran his torment.
"Yggdrasil! How dare you interfere in this!" Jenova growled, looking up at the angel who returned the glare. "You will pay for you-----"
Jenova stopped midsentence as Terran swung Ryukinogami. Instantly, the green eyes cleared, returning to Tiamatt's electric blue as she stumbled before regaining her balance and a thump was heard behind her. Turning sharply, Tiamatt looked at her father who was now on the ground smiling at her as Ryukinogami took it's payment as it glowed softly.
"Dad!" Tiamatt fell to her knees beside her father, grabbing his hand as Kratos, Yuan, and Sephiroth came up behind her. "Dad!"
"Tiamatt…I'm sorry…I wasn't there when you needed me…the most…" Terran mumbled weakly. "Be strong Tiamatt… my beloved daughter…"
"Dad!" the now free Cetra screamed as her
father's grip loosened and Ryu lost its glow. "Dad no! Please
come back!" She felt hands rest on her shoulders as she continued
to call out to her now dead father.
Dad! Please!"
"Tiamatt…" Kratos said softly, gently pulling the woman away from the corpse and embraced her as she now sobbed into his chest. "It's alright now…"
"They're both dead…all because of me…they're dead…" Tiamatt whimpered as Kratos continued to hold her tight.
"So it's all over now. All because that man used that diamond sword on Tiamatt?" Yggdrasil asked, turning away from the crying woman to look at the small yet bloody battlefield.
"Yes, Jenova is locked away and Tiamatt is free. All that remains is to finish off the Remnants." Sephiroth nodded, looking at the Cruxis leader with mistrust.
"If that is true then shouldn't those that were controlled by Jenova now be free as well?" Yuan asked looking towards the entrance to the main building from the launch pad to see dozens of injured and tired people and wolves come out from the building.
"Many Remnants are not truly controlled by Jenova. They merely follow her ideals." Sephiroth explained as several wolves spotted the body of Oblivion and began a mourning howl.
"But Tiamatt herself is no longer a threat?" Yggdrasil asked, Eternal Sword still in hand. Both Sephiroth and Yuan nodded. "Then I see need to kill her unless she wishes to continue Jenova's plans."
"Never!" Tiamatt snarled, glaring at the angel with red tinged eyes. "That bitch can rot in hell along with Hojo!"
"I see." Yggdrasil muttered. "Kratos, I want you to return to Derris Kharlan in one week, once we have made the nessacary repairs."
"Sir?" Kratos was shocked by his leader's words.
"You heard me Kratos! Return in one week, understand!?" Yggdrasil snapped to which Kratos just nodded. "Good. Yuan the same goes for you."
"Lord Yggdrasil, may I ask why?"
"After this last week of chaos, I think we all need time think things out. Besides, Derris Kharlan is in bad shape after that explosion of monsters Jenova triggered. I'm afraid that until the minimum repairs have been made, it is useless to us." Yggdrasil sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Thank you." Kratos bowed his head slightly in thanks.
"Just don't expect this to happen again." The Cruxis leader growled before flying off back towards the Tower of Salvation.
"Tia, are you ok?" Sephiroth asked carefully, seeing as Tiamatt still seemed upset as she sobbed quietly with her head on Kratos shoulder.
"Yes. Thank you Seph. Thank you everyone for helping…" She answered looking up a little at the group of spirits that now surrounded her.
"It's no problem kid!" Cid said, giving a small smile, bending down and ruffling the woman's hair slightly. "You know we'd do anything for ya."
"Cid! I hate it when you do that!" She huffed, batting his hand away causing everyone in the group to laugh.
"You've changed so much Tiamatt. You used to be so serious and kinda cold all the time." Riona laughed. "This world must have done you some good."
"I don't think it's this world Riona." Zell snorted as Kratos helped Tiamatt back to her feet.
"We can't stay much longer." Zack warned suddenly as a soft green glow began to emanate from the spirits. Most of the group said their good-byes and returned to Lifestream till only Sephiroth remained.
"Tia…" Sephiroth said quietly as she stepped towards him. "I'm glad I got to see you one more time."
"What do you mean?" the Cetra asked, confused by his words.
"The higher ups are no longer allowing anyone to return to the world of the living after this." The silver haired man explained with a sigh, running his fingers gently down the side of her face. "I've missed you so much but am happy that you have found someone who loves you as much as I do." Sephiroth glanced at Kratos who gave a small nod before Sephiroth dared to pull Tiamatt towards him. "I will miss you so much Tia."
"Seph…" She could feel the tears begin to fall once more as she returned his embrace before he pulled her away.
"You better take good care of her Kratos!" Sephiroth warned as he began to fade. "Take care Tiamatt." Tiamatt nodded as Sephiroth finally dissolved completely and disappeared, leaving only her, Kratos, Yuan, and the surviving wolves.
"We should leave before more Remnants decide to show up." A wolf warned as his comrades carried the bodies of Oblivion and Terran away. Tiamatt nodded and looked at Kratos and Yuan who already had their wings out before spreading her own.
Tiamatt POV
I had no idea how long we flew, all I knew is that I wanted to get as far away from that cursed place as possible. When we did finally make camp, Yuan was kind enough to help us bury my father and Oblivion before wishing us luck and leaving. The wolves, with their king dead, also gave us their blessing before scattering to search for any missed Remnant. Neo, Zero, and Leviathan also returned and after apologizing for initially following Jenova's orders, returned safely to the small pocket of a dimension that the summons seemed to be pulled from until only Kratos and I remained.
"Tiamatt, are you ok?" Kratos asked, putting an arm around my shoulder as I looked at the campfire.
"…I've lost my best friend and my father and now have learned I'll never see my friends again till I die." I muttered, my eyes burning as tears threatened to come once more. "I've lost everyone…"
"Tiamatt…" I felt my hair being lift as Kratos put a metal chain around my neck and then had the Oblivion Blade placed in my lap. I then felt Kratos gently turn my head till I was facing him and looking him in the eye. "I'm still here."
I couldn't hold back my tears as I clung to him and cried into his shoulder. "Thank you Kratos. Thank you for never giving up…"