I do not own Final Fantasy VII or Final Fantasy X

Remember folks certain events will happen as they were in the game

Chapter 13

Mushroom Rock Road 1

Cloud was once again thankful that Yuna was around. Seeing and sensing what was going to happen, the older blonde male knew that whatever it was that was going to happen.

Would not end well...

Already a small fight had broken out between Wakka and Luzzu over a past between them and Lulu apparently. Promises of a discussion after whatever happens made, Cloud does not have the heart to tell them that more then likely.

They will never see their red headed friend again.

Auron sharing the same belief with him as does Kimahri, the small group of guardians loosely stands around Yuna and Seymour. The latter of which speaking now as Wakka violently protests this action it is only the quiet voice of the young woman's words that stops it.

Hearing her say her soft words to believe, to let them try, Cloud could not help but smile in approval. Her gentleness diffusing as did Aerith and Tifa's words for himself long ago. Wakka remained silent from then on in. A slight grumble every now and then emanating as they watched as more and more machina were set up....

Tidus silent most of the time, the younger man stood next to Cloud with a quiet and solemn expression on his features.

"They... they are all going to die aren't they?"

"More then likely." Cloud replied softly. "They may still do it as Yuna stated for miracles can indeed happen."

"But here we are...we are in the safe zone aren't we. It doesn't...doesn't feel right."

"Unfortunately that is a part of battle. There is always some who are safe and others who are not. If you notice those of Yevon are placed well away from the main battle area. As if keeping them from the brunt of the attack that is to come..."

Silence his response it is then that the two watch along with others how the fiends and sinspawn that were captured are deliberately agitated.

"What are they doing?"

"Calling for Sin." Cloud stated simply. "It is believed that the cries of the fiends and sinspawn will attract him to the shore. The thing is..."

"What?"

"Sin's been here the whole time. It's been waiting for us to finish...getting ready." The older blonde replied simply as the waters at the beach began to rise. Reaching for his sword, he clicks his switch upon it and grasps two separate one in his hands. The power alone of the beast rising as it shoots more spawn at those on the beach and the upper levels. The others rushing ahead now, Cloud remains next to Tidus as the younger blonde brings out the blue sword, that Wakka had given him.

"Stay close to Yuna if you can Tidus." He said quietly as hundreds of fiends landed. "Remember we are guardians and without her...we have nothing to protect."

That said the older blonde proceeded to run and jump off the cliff. His swords gleaming in the sunlight, Cloud fought to save as many as he could from what was inevitably coming.

Death...

-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-


Three hours later

Battered, bruised, and looking the worse for wear, Cloud managed to come to. Tidus and the others yelling his name, a part of him is angry as he did not die. Yet, a small smile crosses his lips as an excited yelp of joy is heard.

"YUNA! FOUND HIM! HE'S OVER HERE!"

The younger blonde bounding over to him, Cloud finds himself being supported against the stone with aide. Still in a bit of a daze, the former SOLDIER was relieved as he surrendered to the healing magic being bestowed upon him.

Warm and gentle, Cloud can't help but close his eyes as his strength slowly but surely returns to him.

Minutes later and with a tired Yuna perched on Kimahri's back, the young woman smiled as Cloud got up. "You are better now?" Her blue and green eyes looking at him tiredly as he can tell she expended a lot of her power to heal as many as she could.

"Yes." The older blonde replied with a gentle smile as he looked towards her. "Thank you...how are the others?"

"We are all fine." Lulu stated softly. "Those who were on the higher levels of the road did not take as big a hit when Sin let loose."

Her voice a little broken, she and Wakka seem to have gotten closer as if...

"Luzzu didn't make it did he."

Surprised at his intuition, the two nodded their head in response. Yuna resting at the moment upon Kimahri's back, she was drifting in and out of exhaustion. Being the only summoner available at that moment besides Seymour himself, the young woman had been busy performing sendings and healing as many as she could when the battle was done. Having had to fight herself against a few fiends and Sinspawn that had landed beside her, Lulu, and Auron, she would be out for a while to recuperate.

"No...damn idiot..." Wakka muttered. "I wanted to hit him lots more for what he did. But the fool had to go and die on us."

"It was his time." Cloud whispered painfully. "I...I envy him that. He will at least be with those he loves."

Sorrow on each and everyone of their faces save for Yuna who had given in and was out cold now, it was Tidus who spoke up moments later as he noticed something rather odd. His words distracting them all from the pity that was not wanted or needed anymore by the man who despite his hurt spirit was getting up to stretch out his body. "Hey? What's that over there?!"

Turning to see what the younger blonde had spotted, Auron and the others notice what he sees. Although sighing somewhat as Tidus had already started moving towards that shining metallic glint in the wall, where the massive Al Bhed Weapon had fallen gainst the onslaught of Sin's power.

A large amount of debris scattered around the area, where it seemed to be coming from. it was hard admittedly getting to it at first. But as they stepped closer, Cloud recognized the faint glowing green energy that was being emitted from what could only be doors as they get closer. The small slit that was visible where it was emanating from, he actually could feel the mako energy....

Something that could be called hope was on his features now. He did what he could to tear at it the centuries of dirt that was on it. The others watching and puzzled at what he was doing, they observed as he just kept at it not stopping even to breathe.

But as Tidus started to come forth and help as well with his sword, Auron not to far behind the three backed up immediately as Wakka yelled.

"BAHHHHH.... back up, I think I can help break that up for you a bit faster ya!"

Nodding their heads, the three backed away and wait as Wakka begins to spin. Releasing the spiked blitzball weapon in his hand, minutes later, the ball's spikes penetrate the parts of earth still covering the door. Large cracks emerging, it is repeated several times before the man stops. Slowly but surely most of the dirt begins to fall off slowly.

"You have my thanks Wakka." Cloud said simply as he approached to tear out what remains along with Tidus and Auron. The blitzball player waving off his kind words, as he allowed Lulu to fuss over him. The older blonde chuckling as he could see the growing relationship between them, he turned back and eventually got the doors clear along with a small pad. Cloud looking at what was apparently a handprint lock, he sighed.

"It would not surprise me if you knew I would come looking for you eventually old friend." He stated simply as he took the glove off of one hand. Placing it upon the grey pad, the others were shocked as they heard a faint mechanical voice speak up.

Access Granted, Cloud Strife. Please proceed... Subject Valentine, Vincent is within Section B, Room A.