SONIC HEROES: THE SERIES
Final Fantasy VII © Square Enix
Note: I have placed a sneak preview of my next series. Try to guess what it is.
Chapter Sixty-Four: Angel of Death
The scene opens to a far-off region in the central parts of Japan. Hidden beneath the wide forest was a winding dirt road that only very few people could find. It is here that we find Howl the Wolf dashing across the treetops. Unlike his usual demeanor, Howl seemed worried to the point where he would lash out at anything that would move.
"How is this possible?" Howl thought. "Such a thing has never happened before."
A few days ago, after returning from a mission with Marine, Howl received a letter from his old master. It's been over a year since the honorable wolf had heard from him and felt overjoyed when he received the letter. But when he read the paper, he had fled the country immediately. Even now, Howl stared at the letter he brought with him.
Dear, Howl.
I am glad that we will have a chance to speak,
but this is not the time for such things.
Many of the elders have felt a disturbing presence coming from the central statue.
The elders fear that the Masamune may be reacting to an unknown entity that has entered our realm.
You are the only one who has been able to wield the Masamune without being eaten by its darkness.
Howl, please return to our land and fix this crisis.
Master Nyrox
"How could the Masamune become active?" Howl thought, jumping from one branch to another. "Whoever touches the Masamune would be consumed by the darkness; just like Xenot."
Howl stopped for a moment, reliving a terrible memory that played in his mind. He shook his head for a moment and jumped above the trees. Not far away, he could see the hidden path coming to an end and sighted his former training grounds. Unfortunately, what he found was not what he hoped. Mounds of smoke arose around the crumpled walls that once stood around the temple, but the temple itself remained intact.
"No!!" Howl exclaimed. "Please, don't let them be dead!"
Howl jumped down and ran faster in the direction of the temple. He ran across the steel doors, which were now slammed into the ground, and entered the training grounds. Howl had to cover his nose to prevent the intoxicating scent of blood from knocking him out. Everywhere he looked, dead bodies of fellow swordsman was torn or slashed across the ground.
"Hello!" Howl called. "Is anyone still here?!"
"A little help here!" A voice called from a pile of rubble.
"Hold on." Howl said.
Howl ran over towards the rubble and unsheathed his sword in assistance. Kicking off the ground, Howl flipped into the air and started spinning in a whirlwind. Howl's attack easily cut through the mass of rocks, landing back on his feet, and returned his blade back to its sheath. He turned back to his ally as he started to rise from the rubble.
"About time someone came." The figure groaned. "Man, I'm gonna need a chiropractor after this."
"You can worry about that later." Howl stated. "By the way, it's nice to see you again, Xenot."
The one called Xenot turned to Howl as the wolf addressed him. Absolutely no part of his identity could be seen, which added to the mystery of this character. He wore a black battle suit that covered his entire body and several red markings on the sides. He also wore white boots, gloves, and a black helmet with white marks across the sides. On each of his gloves, he had the symbol of the same symbols as the Heartless and the Nobodies.
"Well, well, well." Xenot shook his head. "If it isn't Howl the Wolf. Long time, no punch."
"Still as arrogant as ever, Xenot." Howl said, rolling his eyes.
"Arrogance and pride are two different things." Xenot stated. "What are you doing back here? I thought you left to the west to hone in on your skills"
"I did and I have." Howl replied. "I'm now using my abilities to aid those in needs as a member of Team Virtex."
"Oh yeah, I heard of them." Xenot commented. "Some freak named Armand accidentally wandered in here and told us about you guys."
"I think we're getting a bit off track." Howl said seriously. "I received a letter from Master Nyrox saying that the Masamune was reacting again. I rushed back as fast as I could and I return to find this. What happened?"
"It's all kind of a blur, but I'll do my best to remember." Xenot muttered. "I remember the feeling the Masamune beginning to react. It's very hard to ignore something like that after you've experienced."
"Did anyone else know about this?" Howl asked.
"Only me." Xenot shook. "I informed Master Nyrox at once and he informed the rest of the elders."
"Where is Master Nyrox?" Howl said worried.
"He left a few hours ago." Xenot answered. "And just a few moments after he left, the temple came under attack. It was a human, so we didn't expect much. But after only a few seconds, he blasted down the doors and killed off all the guards."
"What was he doing here?" Howl questioned.
"He said he was here to reclaim something that belonged to him." Xenot stated. "We figured he was the reason the Masamune was reacting so wildly. Once the guards fell, the masters fought back alongside their students. But somehow, the man managed to kill all of them with his bare hands. It looked more like he was playing with them."
"Where is he now?" Howl asked.
"I didn't hear anyone leave, so he's probably still inside the temple." Xenot said.
"Then we better hurry." Howl said, running past Xenot.
"Hurry to where?" Xenot asked, racing alongside Howl.
"To the central statue." Howl said seriously. "The Masamune is in danger."
The two swordsmen dashed and swerved past the trails of dead bodies left behind; Howl still covered his nose, towards the center of the temple. As they reached the chamber of the central statue, they edge around the corner and stared into the room. It was a large room with red wall held up by eight massive columns. At the end of the room, there was gold statue of a human with angel wings that reached to the ceiling. Surprisingly enough, this was the only room in the whole temple that wasn't damaged.
"Do you see anything?" Xenot questioned.
"No, not a single person in sight." Howl replied.
"Maybe you can sniff him out." Xenot suggested.
"There is too much blood in the air." Howl said disgustedly. "If I try to catch his scent, the blood will knock out my senses."
"Well, that's great." Xenot said sarcastically. "Now what do we do?"
"Perhaps you should come out of hiding."
At the sound of the voice, the duo looked back towards the chamber. A man walked out from behind one of the columns and presented himself. He was a human man that appeared to be in his thirties with long silver hair. He wore a long black coat with silver pauldrons, black boots, and black clothing underneath. To many people, he would hardly be considered a threat, but Howl was the exception. Just looking into the man's sinister green eyes, he could tell he was powerful.
"Are you done hiding yet?" The man questioned. "I have some questions to ask."
"And so do we." Howl replied as he and Xenot moved out into the open. "For starters, who are you?"
"My name is Sephiroth." Sephiroth answered.
"Why did you come here?" Xenot demanded. "What did you hope to gain by attacking our temple?"
"As I said before, I am here to reclaim something that I've lost." Sephiroth said.
"You mean the Masamune." Howl glared.
"Preciously." Sephiroth said darkly. "A weapon that was long ago forged by the seeds of darkness. Only those who hold a strong heart and will shall be able to wield such a weapon." He smirks as he looks to Xenot. "Similar to a fate as his."
"You filthy..." Xenot growled.
"You won't find the Masamune." Howl stated confidently. "You've already killed the elders and they were the only ones who knew of its location. You quest has come to an end."
"Has it?" Sephiroth said menacingly. "Or is it truly the start of a new test?"
"What do you mean?" Xenot questioned.
"I can feel the Masamune calling out to me." Sephiroth explained. "I can feel its desire to return to its true master. But I could also feel that another master was attempting to take my place."
"Then that means..." Howl said horrifically.
"I've been waiting for you, Howl." Sephiroth said sinister.
Sephiroth holds his arm out to the golden statue and opens his palm as to call something. Suddenly, the started began to shake and crack until something burst forth from the head. It lunged at Sephiroth, who caught the item in question without even looking. He now wielded a six-foot katana that exhibited a dark aura around the steel of the blade.
"Ok, that's bad." Xenot commented casually.
"You think?!" Howl exclaimed.
"Show me what power you possess." Sephiroth smirked.
As Sephiroth stepped forward, Howl unsheathed his sword and held the blade in reverse; his usual way of fighting. It looked as if Xenot was about to draw his weapon, but before he could make his move, Sephiroth appeared in front of them.
The scene alters to the outside of the temple, where a large explosion could be seen from the side wall. From that explosion, Howl and Xenot were thrown out of the temple and tumbled across the training grounds. Since the scent of blood was more powerful outside, Howl was forced to create a makeshift mask from a piece of his clothing. As the dust cloud lifted, Sephiroth calmly walked outside with a confident expression.
"Man, what is this guy?" Xenot panted.
"I haven't seen such power since Nazo." Howl said tired. "And I doubt he even put any effort into that attack."
"You are more intelligent than I expected." Sephiroth said humorously. "Of course, that was without the Masamune." He slowly reached for his reacquired sword and drew it out. "Now the true horror begins."
Sephiroth drew the Masamune to his level and swiftly dashed across the field. If not for the extensive training sessions with Rector, Howl would have never been able to spot the silver-haired man. Howl quickly raised his blade and started swing it around at blinding speeds. Apparently, Sephiroth threw more than one swing as he passed by, but Howl blocked everyone of them. The noble wolf thrust back his foot, which Sephiroth blocked, but spun around and swung his blade backwards. Sephiroth held out his palm and effortlessly caught the sword in his grip. Sephiroth grinned and slowly pushed the blade backwards, forcing Howl to fall back along with him.
"Is that truly the best you can do? Sephiroth questioned. "I would have expected the Masamune to choose a stronger wielder than this."
"I'm...not one...to give in." Howl grunted.
"And for what reason would that be?" Sephiroth questioned.
"Here's one for starters!" Xenot shouted.
As the powerful swordsman looked over, he suddenly stepped back as a black rope-dart lashed past his face. This distraction allowed Howl the opportunity to escape. After he avoided the assault, Sephiroth cut across the rope-dart with the Masamune. Sephiroth looked over and saw Xenot, who was holding the other half of the rope-dart. As he stepped closer, Sephiroth suddenly realized that the rope-dart dissolved into spores of darkness and vanished.
"So, the Masamune did leave you with some gifts after all." Sephiroth commented.
"When I failed to wield, I was turned into living darkness." Xenot explained. "I was unable to exist in the light and was forced to shield myself in this suit. I've lost the ability to truly live, but I've gained others as well. Now, I can forge weapons from pure darkness and fight with the knowledge of a thousand warriors."
"Then this should prove to be an interesting outcome." Sephiroth smirked.
Xenot crossed his arms, clouds of darkness surrounding his hands, and summoned multiple black shuriken. The dark swordsman tossed them across the field, but Sephiroth easily caught them with one hand. Suddenly, a black chain wrapped itself around his arm with Xenot pulling the end. Xenot tugged at his end of the chain, hurtling the warrior forward, and called a black-bladed sai into his hand. Xenot stabbed forward at Sephiroth's face, but the dark warrior kicked off the ground and flipped over his opponent, wrapping the chain around his neck. As Sephiroth brought down the Masamune, Xenot dissolved the chain and summoned a black-steeled double-bladed sword, which he used to block.
"I must admit, you're power is formidable." Sephiroth complimented. "But that's only for a short while."
"Evil madman says what?!" Xenot said frantically.
All of sudden, Sephiroth's piercing green eyes begin to glow. At that moment, Sephiroth began push Xenot so far back that he slammed the masked swordsman into the wall of the temple. Xenot slumped to the ground; his weapon vanishing from weakness. Sephiroth held out his palm to deliver the finishing blow, but Howl jumped in and cut his across the wrist. While Sephiroth winced in pain, Howl grabbed Xenot and jumped to the other side of the training grounds. Once he knew that his friend was safe, Howl stood up and glared at the silver-haired swordsman.
"You are a persistent one." Sephiroth stated. "I am beginning to see why the Masamune doubted itself."
"My heart is strong because of my friends." Howl stated. "I know they provided the power I need to fight on."
"Is that your secret?" Sephiroth smirked. "Funny, you sound a lot like that boy with the Keyblade."
"Huh?" Howl said confused.
"Farewell." Sephiroth said darkly.
Before Howl could even react, Sephiroth suddenly appeared a few feet in front of Howl. The noble wolf raised his blade in defense, but it proved to be in vein. Sephiroth slashed the Masamune upwards, cutting across Howl's chest and shattering his blade in half. Howl fell backwards into the ground; his makeshift mask flying off. As Howl staggered to stand up, a sudden rush of blood scent entered into his sensitive nose. The overwhelming smells caused Howl to fall to his knees and hold his head in pain. Howl's vision also suffered as everything he saw doubled.
"I see, your weakness is your senses." Sephiroth said intriguingly, holding the Masamune to Howl's shoulder. "But such weaknesses are the reasons why the Masamune chose me." Sephiroth raised the Masamune over Howl's head, but, for some reason, did not bring it down. "Might I ask who you are?"
"No one." A voice said. "Just innocent bystander."
"That voice..." Howl thought surprisingly. "Could that be...?"
Though his senses were adjusting, Howl forced his vision to return to normal to see a figure standing near the destroyed doors. The man was a grey fox with silver lining roaming down his eyes. He wore a long red coat with a golden dragon on the back, black fingerless gloves, black boots, and a metal chain wrapped around his waist.
"Master Nyrox." Howl moaned.
"The master?" Xenot asked weakly. "He's back?"
"Hello, Howl." Nyrox greeted happily. "It's a pleasure to see you again."
"So, you're the master I've heard so much about." Sephiroth said, lowering his weapon. "Funny, but I expected you to be older from what the others have told me."
"Age is merely an illusion." Nyrox said wisely. "When one defies the illusion, they can transcend to greater possibilities."
"So that's the reason." Sephiroth said intriguingly. "You went against the laws of nature and you were able to retain a youthful body for so many years. But such an experience does not come without a price."
"It's true." Nyrox said nonchalantly. "I am currently paying for my crimes. But I will use what little time I have to live life to its fullest and protect those I hold close to my heart."
"Then you shall quench my thirst for a challenge?" Sephiroth requested.
"It that's what satisfies you." Nyrox bowed.
"It does." Sephiroth nodded.
For a moment, Sephiroth actually bowed to the master in respect. When both stood back up, Sephiroth skipped off the ground towards Nyrox. He swung the Masamune down on the aged fox, but it was suddenly halted. Light particles surrounded Nyrox's hand and formed into the shape of a yellow staff. With one hand behind his back, Nyrox knocked Sephiroth's hand away and swung around for a direct kick to the chest. None of Howl or Xenot's attacks affected him, but Sephiroth clutched his chest from that one kick. Clearly, Nyrox was a master for a reason.
"Your defiance has made your truly gifted." Sephiroth stated. "Then it would appear I no longer have a need to hold back."
"I merely seek to ensure my student's safety." Nyrox said. "There is no need to continue this fight."
"But there is." Sephiroth grimaced. "I must be stronger to complete my destiny."
While Nyrox looked interested, Sephiroth held his hand to the sky. Suddenly, several flaming meteors rained down from the sky and swarmed around the master. Nyrox merely slammed his staff to the ground, which formed a barrier of earth to protect himself. Sephiroth looked frustrated as his attack failed with every shot. Once the attack was over, the earth wall crumbled and Nyrox remained untouched. Sephiroth's eyes glowed in fury and thrust his hand out to shoot a sphere of pure darkness. Nyrox did not appear threatened and merely held out his open palm. Suddenly, a cluster of ice crystals appeared in his hand, which reflected the attack back at its creator. For the first time, Sephiroth appeared frightened and held his arms in defense. The attack made contact and exploded with mass effect.
"You did it, master!" Xenot cheered. "You truly are the greatest!
"Not so loud." Howl whined.
"I wouldn't be too sure, Xenot." Nyrox said monotone.
Both his students looked confused until he directed their attention to the sky. What they saw was something they never thought possible. Sephiroth was still alive, but now possessed a black angel wing that protruded from his right shoulder.
"That's impossible." Howl muttered.
"I have underestimated you, Master Nyrox." Sephiroth said respectfully. "I have much to learn before I can defeat you."
"What is it that you are really after?" Nyrox asked seriously.
"My existence is greater than others." Sephiroth stated. "I knew from when I was a child, I was destined for a greater purpose. My mother told me of my destiny and I have set out to complete it." He stares into the vast blue sky above. "I am destined to transcend beyond mortality and bring true order to the universe." He looks back to the trio below. "But if I am to truly bring order, I must get rid of those who hinder the peace I try to create."
"Your trying to exterminate all life in the universe." Nyrox summarized.
"What?!" Howl and Nyrox exclaimed.
"Exactly." Sephiroth nodded. "But before I can bring peace, I must eliminate the one man who continues to defy my mother and I." Sephiroth's black wing moves to cover his entire body. "Farewell."
Slowly, the feathers of his wings begin to fly off and Sephiroth faded away.
"Now what, Master Nyrox?" Howl asked.
"I do not believe he will be back for a while." Nyrox stated. "But we cannot take any chances. Xenot and I will begin our travels and hope to become stronger. I never hoped this would happen, but I must fight to protect my loved ones."
"But master!" Xenot shouted. "Your condition is..."
"There is nothing that can change my fate, Xenot." Nyrox said earnestly. "My heart is slowly giving out. One day, I will no longer be able to continue." He turns to Xenot. "By that time, I hope I will be able to find a cure for you, Xenot."
"Master..." Xenot whispered.
"It's been an honor fight alongside you, Master Nyrox." Howl said respectively, bowing to the master. "I hope that one day I will be able to reach your level of prowess."
"I'm sure you will, Howl." Nyrox said. "But it would seem that your blade was destroyed in the fight. You will require a replacement."
Nyrox holds out his hand and forges together a weapon from the particles of light. It was a katana similar to the one Howl previously owned, except the handle was bright yellow and the steel of the blade was pure white. Howl looked stunned at the gift he had received and hesitated to accept it. But once Howl touched the katana, it felt as if he had belonged.
"This is amazing." Howl said amazingly.
"I will hope it serves you well." Nyrox smiled.
"Good luck, Howl." Xenot said.
"Same to you." Howl grinned.
After saying their final good-byes, Howl, Nyrox, and Xenot went their separate ways. Howl decided it was time to head back home and practice his new katana; Rector was in deep trouble now. But with Master Nyrox and Xenot, the aged fox looked unsettling for a moment. It was a while before he finally addressed his student.
"Xenot, there's something important I need to tell you." Nyrox said seriously.
"What is it, master?" Xenot asked curiously.
"It's about your brother." Xenot stated. "He's still alive."
"He is?!" Xenot exclaimed joyously.
"Yes, your mother is currently searching for him." Nyrox informed.
"I can't believe it." Xenot murmured. "Kyuta is still alive."
The scene alters to Station Square...in another dimension. As a limo arrived at one of their mansions in the city, the butler opened the door for his master. He was a sixteen year-old boy with shoulder-length white hair and piecing yellow eyes. The boy looked bored as he walked toward the mansion, but suddenly stopped halfway.
"Geoffrey, please leave us for a moment." The boy commanded.
"As you wish, sir." Geoffrey said. "If you need me, I'll be on the phone with my therapist."
The butler known as Geoffrey wandered past the boy and entered into his mansion. It was a moment later when the boy turned to face his attention towards the entrance gates of the mansion.
"You know, you could ring the bell like everyone else." The boy said humorously.
Upon further inspection, we could see a man that did not appear to be in place. He looked about twenty-one years old with spiky blond hair. He wore half of a black coat over his left side with a wolf medal near the shoulder, black biker gloves, black pants, shoes, and a dark sweater underneath. The one thing that made his more unusual was his bright green eyes.
"So, how's it going, buddy." The boy chuckled.
"Don't call me that." The man said seriously.
"Whatever." The boy shrugged. "Anyway, have you found what I'm looking for yet?"
"Not yet." The man growled. "But I'm still looking."
"That's too bad." The boy grinned. "If you can't complete your end of the bargain, how do you expect me to keep mine?"
"I need this!" The man yelled. "I have to find him so I can go back home!"
"Well, that's too bad." The boy grinned.
The man clutch his fists in anger and charged forward in fury. He reached behind his back and pulled out a large broadsword wrapped in bandages. He jumped and swung down at the boy, but was suddenly knocked back when a column of earth suddenly slammed into his chest. The man tried to get back to his feet, but was suddenly held down when shackles made of rock wrapped around his wrists and ankles. The man growled as the boy kneeled down to his level with a superior expression.
"Did you really think that would work on me?" The boy grinned, releasing the rock shackles from his captive. "Or have you forgotten who you are dealing with?"
"Just because you're the Avatar doesn't mean you'll receive any special treatment from me." The man glared.
"Whatever." The boy yawned. "Just do your job, delivery boy."
"And where do you expect me to find you someone who can teach you how to control fire?" The man questioned.
"I'm sure you'll come up with something." The boy grinned. "You're a smart guy, Cloud."
New powers and new dangers begin to emerge. Will Sephiroth return to seek his revenge? Who is this mysterious boy? And why do I keep asking these questions? Find out on the next Sonic Heroes!
Please, read and review.