Bizarre Occurances Chapter 26
The Search
By Dino Pollard
Shen leapt at the robot drone, slicing it in two with his Eternal Blade.
Another began spraying bullets at him.
He easily evaded them, then threw his sword at the drone, hitting it dead-center
in the center.
More came up. Using his incredible agility, he leapt into the air and brought
his foot forward, delivering a large amount of force into a kick that sent
another drone reeling.
Leaping back, he drew his sword from the second drone and grinned as the
others surrounded him. Running at breakneck speeds, he spun around each one,
slicing them in two.
Then, silence. Shen sheathed his blade and heard clapping.
Bravo, a man said, standing in the doorway. Very nice indeed,
Shen Long.
Frost, Shen said, nodding. Thank you.
I didnt come here to compliment your fighting skills, however,
Frost said. Have you seen Striker?
No, Shen replied. Why? Is something wrong?
Ever since I granted him and Zyx a few hours leave from the base about
two days ago, hes been acting very edgy. Almost anxious. Know anything
about that?
Cant say that I do, Shen answered. But I do have
something to ask you, however.
What would that be?
When is Tsunami going to receive a mission? Shen asked.
When the Tribunal sees fit, Frost replied. You will tell
me if you find out anything more about Striker, right?
Of course, Shen replied.
Good, Frost said. He turned and walked out the door.
Shen hated that man. It was mostly his mysterious demeanor. While he himself
could be considered a man of mystery, he was nowhere near the same as Frost.
He didnt have that all-mighty attitude.
Are you through here?
Shen looked to see the newest member of Tsunami standing in the doorway.
The half-woman, half-snake slithered inside. Her name was Indigo Bleu, but
that was all Shen knew of her.
Yes, Indigo, Shen replied.
Call me Bleu, she requested.
As you wish, Shen said. Enjoy your training.
He then walked out. He needed to talk with Striker or Zyx.
*****
The team is falling apart, Sara, Ray said.
Calm down, Ray, Sara said. Stop pacing, youre making
me nervous.
Sorry, he replied, running his hands through his blonde hair.
But first we join up with these Seido people, and almost automatically,
both Squall and Rudy leave the team. I know that snake woman is with us now,
but its not the same. She looks more like our enemy than ally.
No argument there... Sara muttered. She put the book she was
flipping through back on the shelf. Damn, they must have everything
ever written in this library!! Look at this. Every legend of the Ancients
is here also. But with these guys, Im not sure if its real or
not.
Im still confused how this Seido group came to power, Ray
said. How in the world could they have amassed so much without anyone
ever knowing?
God only knows, Sara replied. Unless they are God
You guys worry too much.
Striker! Ray exclaimed.
Hows it going? Striker asked.
You sound awfully happy, Sara noticed. Whats up?
Especially since Frost has been looking for you, Ray added.
Whats going on, Striker?
Things are finally looking up for me, Striker said. If
all goes well, we may be getting a new member.
Who? they asked in unison.
Zack Trimmer, Striker replied with a grin from ear to ear.
Jesus H. Christ!! Sara exclaimed. Dont tell me
youre STILL holding on to the ridiculous notion that hes
alive!!
Why is it so ridiculous? Striker asked.
I got a little curious about this Zack guy so I ran a search on him,
Ray replied. It said that he was classified as dead.
Seido could be wrong, Striker said. Besides, Ive
got the best guy looking for him.
And who might that be? Sara asked.
A private investigator named Hannibal King, Striker replied.
If anyone can find Zack, hes the man to do it. Hes got
more connections than Shin-Ra.
Dont get your hopes up, Ray said.
*****
Zyx calmly strolled through the corridors of Seido HQ.
Wow
he began. This place is so damn boring.
What are you doing out of the stables? a Seido agent asked.
Stables? Zyx asked angrily.
It TALKED?!? the agent exclaimed.
Thats right!! Zyx replied. The names Zyx!!
IIm sorry, the agent stuttered. II
didnt know it wwas you!!
Ya better be sorry! Zyx shouted. Now get outta my face
before I fuck yours up!!
The agent slowly backed off.
Temper, temper.
Who said that?!? Zyx asked, spinning around.
I did, Bleu replied. Ssso, youre that talking Chocobo,
eh?
Yeah thats right, Zyx replied.
Why can you talk? Bleu asked. Were you experimented on?
Experimented? Zyx asked, cock-eyed. Hell no!! I was born
like this!!
I wasss once human, Bleu began. But that insssuferable
Hojo locked me in the Jenova chamber. I wasss supposssed to assssist him
with Project: Indigo. But he double-crosssed me. He had planned to make me
the experiment all along. That isss how I became the sssnake woman you see
before you. I wasss found by Frossst who brought me here. The Tribunal made
me a Ssseido agent.
OK, OK, Zyx said. I dont need to hear your life
story.
He began to walk off.
Women, he muttered. Cant live with em, cant
kill em.
*****
Frost has been tracking this Hannibal character for some time. An agent he
assigned to follow them told him about Strikers transaction.
Hannibal continued on, looking at the documents in his hands. If Zack Trimmer
was alive, he certainly didnt want to be found. Or he had lost his
memory. Either way, Hannibal was paid to find Trimmer. One way or the other.
Frost took out his PHS and hid in an alley.
Follow him, he whispered into the device. I need to get
back to Headquarters.
*****
A loud ringing sounded throughout the room.
Striker rolled out of bed, landing flat on the floor.
Oh shit
he cursed. Who the hell turned the alarm
on?
The ringing continued. Then Striker realized what it really was. He grabbed
the PHS and flicked it open.
Hello? he asked hastilly.
{{Striker Kerig I presume?}}
Who is this? Striker asked.
{{Hannibal King.}}
Man, that was fast!! Striker exclaimed. Did you find him?
Did you find Zack?
{{I found
. Something. You should just get to my office right away.}}
Ill be there in a flash!! Striker replied. He turned off
the PHS and went to dress.
*****
Shen noticed Striker walking towards the exit of Seido HQ.
That boy is going to get himself into trouble, he muttered. Moving
as stealthily as possible, Shen slowly began to follow his teammate.
*****
Striker climbed into one of the cars, and turned on the ignition. Midgar
wasnt too far from here. He should be there within the hour.
However, if Striker had been paying attention, he wouldve noticed the
sudden shift in weight as Shen Long climbed in the trunk.
*****
You were right to be suspicious, Agent Frost.
Agent Kerigs recent actions could jeopardize our purpose.
We grant you leave, Agent Frost.. The Tribunal must discuss this
matter.
Frost slightly bowed and walked out the door.
It was a mistake to hire Tsunami in the first place.
Whats done is done. The Ascension is near.
We must still stop Seraph.
Let the Avalanche handle it.
Are you sure they can defeat him?
Positive.
Theyre powerful warriors, and they have Sephiroth with them.
Tsunami must be kept in line. We must make an example of Agent
Kerig.
*****
Speed reaching 90. Tires screeching on turns. The smell of burning rubber.
And the sight of darkness.
This is everything Shen felt. Striker was obviously very excited about something.
Every turn he made caused Shen to hit the roof of the trunk. Maybe stowing
away in the trunk wasnt as great an idea as he thought.
Suddenly, the vehicle came to a screeching halt, as Shen hit the roof of
the trunk once again.
He listened carefully for a door to open followed by the sound of retreating
footsteps. This was his chance.
He opened the trunk and slipped out, slinking around the car. It was dark.
Good. That would make it easier for him to follow Striker.
But then Shen noticed lights in the distance.
Midgar. Why would Striker come to Midgar?
*****
Hannibal took a long drag on his cigarette, letting the smoke fill his lungs.
He knew it was a dangerous habit. He knew it would probably give him lung
cancer or heart disease. But with Meteor hanging up in the sky and monsters
running all over the place, then smoking was pretty damn safe compared to
all that.
Hannibal!! Striker shouted. Whats up? What did you
find?
I checked my sources, called in a few favors, sent Trimmers picture
around, Hannibal began.
And? Striker asked, cutting him off. What did you find?
Slow down, Hannibal replied. There are several different
names matching his description. William Reyes, Michael Collins, Robert Suiter,
Karl Haromi, and Calvin Mayer. These men have all been circulating across
the world for the past five years. He goes into a town, stays there for a
few months, then disappears. He then appears in a new town with a new
identity.
What are you saying?
What Im saying is this, Hannibal said. Either all
these men are impersonating your friend, hes lost his memory and just
makes up identities hoping that one will be his own, or hes running
from something or someone. Of course, it could just be a coincidence, but
thats very unlikely.
So where is he now? Striker asked.
Off in the distance there, Hannibal replied. Kalm. And
hes currently using the alias of.... Russel Thompson.
Thanks Hannibal, Striker said. For all your help.
*****
Shen had overheard Strikers entire conversation with this Hannibal.
Zack? Alive? Was it possible? No, it couldnt be. Hannibal mustve
been lying.
But Striker believed it. Naturally. He would be willing to listen to anyone
who said Zack was alive.
He had to keep following. Shen moved slowly, following Striker.
*****
As Hannibal entered his office, he noticed a man sitting behind his desk.
Hannibal King, the man said. Private investigator
extrodanaire.
Who are you? Hannibal asked, flicking on the light switch.
Nothing happened.
Oh, sorry about that, he said. You see, I accidentally
cut off the power.
Hannibal drew his .45 and aimed it at the man.
All right, asshole, he said. We can do this one of two
ways. Either you tell me who you are right now, or I kill you here and now.
Which is it gonna be?
You win, he sighed, standing up. I surrender.
There was a small device in his hand. There was a click and the lights turned
on.
How did you do that? Hannibal asked.
Electro-magnetic pulse, he replied. It cancels out all
electricity. Its short range, however. Which is why it only affected
your office.
What do you want?
He dropped a file onto Hannibals desk. It read, Trimmer, Zack.
What is this? Hannibal asked.
Our file on Zack Trimmer, he replied. You see,
Trimmer has been alive all these years. We just covered it up.
But after you discovered hes still alive, that kind of fucks up our
plans.
Who are you people? Hannibal asked.
Who are we? he asked. Well, I think you already know that
were your death, Hannibal.
Dont move!! Hannibal ordered, raising his gun.
BLAM
Oops, I forgot to take the safety off, he said to the fallen
Hannibal. Silly me.
He walked back over to the desk and picked up the Hardedge sword he left
there.
Now, for the finishing touch.
With that, he shoved the Hardedge into Hannibals stomach over the bullet
wound. He then bent down and picked up the bullet that took Hannibals
life.
He took out a PHS and dialed.
Mission accomplished, he said, brushing a strand of blue hair
out of his face.
*****
{{ATTENTION ALL TSUNAMI AGENTS!! REPORT TO THE HANGER!! REPEAT: ALL TSUNAMI
AGENTS REPORT TO THE HANGER!!}}
Sara sighed and headed toward the hanger.
What kind of a mission could Frost possibly have for us? she
asked.
Not sure, Ray replied, picking up his Star Sword. But Im
actually kind of glad to see some real action for a change.
Lets just get this overwith, Zyx said, running past them.
*****
Very good, Frost said. Your timing was perfect.
Wait, Ray said, looking around. Arent we missing
a few people? Where are Striker and Shen?
I granted them both leave, Frost replied. Theyre
out on an assignment.
And whatsss our asssignment? Bleu asked.
Theres a private investigator by the name of Hannibal King in
Midgar, Frost began. Hes been sniffing around Seido. Its
your job to keep him quiet.
You want us to kill him? Sara asked.
No, no!! Frost exclaimed. Nothing like that. Just tell
him to back off.
Thats it? Sara asked. And you need all of us to do
that?
You four are far more threatening than any mere Seido agent,
Frost replied. Now go. Your chopper is waiting.
*****
Excuse me, Striker said. Have you seen this man?
He held up a picture of Zack to the innkeeper.
Sorry, he replied. If he is here, he hasnt come to
this inn.
Thanks anyway, Striker said, putting the picture in his pocket.
He walked back outside and glanced around the town. It wasnt very big.
If Zack was here, it wouldnt be hard to find him.
Striker! a voice exclaimed.
Huh? Striker asked, turning to face Shen Long. Oh shit.
What do you think youre doing? Shen asked. You
cant just leave Headquarters without permission!!
Butt out, Shen!! Striker commanded. I havent seen
Zack in six or seven years!! Now I found out that theres a chance that
hes still alive and living in Kalm under the name of--
Russel Thompson, Shen finished. I know. I heard. I followed
you here and overheard your conversation with Hannibal. But you cant
do this! Its unhealthy.
Man, fuck you!! Striker exclaimed. This is none of your
goddamn business!! Zack is still alive, and Im going to find him!!
Were under strict orde-- Shen began.
Fuck the orders!! Striker shouted. You can take your orders
and shove them!! Im through with Tsunami!! Im gonna find Zack
and take him back to Gongaga with me!!
Striker turned away.
There was a sound of a sword being drawn. He turned to see Shen standing
in a battle position, clutching the Eternal Blade.
Dont even THINK of walking away, Kerig!!
*****
Hannibal King, Sara said, knocking on the door. Is anyone
here? We want to ask you a few questions.
No answer.
Oh for the love of... Zyx said. Step back an let
a MAN do this!!
He then ran into the door, knocking it down.
Ow... he said.
You know, Sara said. I couldve just as easily picked
the lock with the Witchblade.
Zyx cursed under his breath.
Blood, Bleu noted, pointing to a red trickle.
Oh shit, Ray said. Im guessing thats Hannibal
King.
He pointed to a man in a trench coat lying on the ground, a gaping wound
in his gut. There was a .45 lying by his hand.
Who couldve done this? Sara asked, examing the body.
It wasss done with a sssword, Bleu replied. A Hardedge
by the looksss of it.
A Hardedge? Ray asked. Isnt that the sword Striker
carries?
Youre right, Bleu said. Better report to Frossst.
Sara took out the PHS and put it to her ear.
{{Frost here.}}
We found Hannibal King, she said. But hes a little...
dead.
{{Can you identify the wound?}}
Bleu said it was done with a Hardedge sword, Sara replied.
{{Striker carries a Hardedge.}}
Yes, I know, Sara began. But--
{{Put him under arrest.}}
Wait a minute, Sara protested. Striker hired Hannibal.
Theres no way he would kill the man he was paying to find his
friend!!
{{Agent Kerig is known to have a temper. Especially when people tell him
that Zack Trimmer is dead. Obviously, Hannibal must have found Trimmers
body. Once he told Striker that Trimmer was dead, and had solid proof, Kerig
most-likely snapped. Then, he killed Hannibal. Put him under arrest. Thats
an order!}}
Frost, wait!! Sara pleaded.
Click.
Dammit! Sara exclaimed.
Whats wrong? Ray asked.
We need to put Striker under arrest, Sara replied. For
the murder of Hannibal King.
Hmm.... Bleu said, looking at the body.
Something wrong, Bleu? Ray asked.
Itsss nothing, Ray, she replied. Jussst thinking.
The familiar ring of the PHS went off, signaling an incoming call.
Sara immediately brought it up to her ear.
Hello? she asked.
{{Sara! Its Shen! Get to Kalm immediately! I may need your help to
contain Striker!!}}
Well be right there, Shen!! Sara exclaimed, hanging up
the PHS. Lets go. Shen said hes having a problem with
Striker!!
Where? Zyx asked.
Kalm, Sara replied.
*****
I dont want to fight you, Striker, Shen said.
Then go away, old man! Striker spat, bringing his Hardedge to
the ready. This is none of your business!!
Striker ran at Shen, prepared to bring his Hardedge down.
It never got to its intended target, nor did Shen block it. Instead, tendrills
wrapped around Strikers arm, pulling it back.
Thats enough, Striker!!
Who?
Do you really need to ask? Sara replied. How many people
do you know who control the Witchblade?
Enough of thisss, Ssstriker, Bleu ordered, holding her staff
defensively. We have ordersss to put you under arressst.
Arrest? Striker asked. For what?
Oh come on, Ray replied. You killed that private investigator
you hired!!
Hannibal? Striker said. Hell no!! I wouldnt kill
him!! Not after he told me Zack is still alive here!!
Strikers right, Shen said. He didnt kill
Hannibal.
But then why was he attacking you? Sara asked.
Im the one who initiated the battle, Shen replied. I
told him not to look for Zack because he was disobeying orders.
But then who wouldve killed Hannibal? Ray asked. This
doesnt make any sense.
Look, Striker began, sheathing his sword. Right now, I
need your help. Zack is here somewhere under the name of Russel Thompson.
Please, help me.
Tsunami looked at Shen intently, waiting for an order, looking to him for
guidance.
Well help you, he said.
*****
Dammit!! Frost exclaimed, slamming his fist on his desk. This
isnt going well at all!!
{{Im sorry I wasnt able to stop them, sir.}}
Thats all right, Frost said, calming down. Just make
sure that you eliminate Trimmer once they find him.
{{What about Kerig?}}
Kerig is expendable, Frost replied. But make sure you get
Trimmers body. His DNA will be of great use to us.
{{Yes sir.}}
Dont disappoint me, agent, Frost ordered. I know
your connection to them.
{{I wont have any problems.}}
Good, Frost said, hanging up the PHS.
*****
Have you seen this man? Ray asked, showing a passer-by Zacks
picture. His names Russel Thompson.
Sorry, no, the man replied.
Thanks anyway, Ray said, turning away.
Then, something caught his eye. A man with spikey hair.
Cloud....?
He stopped before shouting out to his former leader. The mans hair
was black, not blonde like Clouds.
Ray looked at the picture Striker had given him.
Thats him!! he exclaimed. RUSSEL THOMPSON!!!
Eh...? the man asked, turning towards Ray. Who are you?
Ray Blaze, Ray replied, running up to him. Your name
wouldnt happen to be Russel Thompson, would it?
It is, Russel replied.
STRIKER!!! Ray shouted, motioning for his friend.
*****
Striker glanced at Ray when he heard his name called. Then he noticed the
dark-haired man standing beside him.
ZACK!! Striker exclaimed, running up to them. Its
you!! Youre alive!!
Who are you? Russel asked.
Zack, its me, Striker replied. Striker. Striker Kerig.
Remember? We were best friends in Gongaga.
Whos Zack? Russel asked. My names Russel
Thompson.
No, Striker replied. You just THINK thats your name.
Your real name is Zack Trimmer.
I dont know what youre talking about, Russel said.
Look, Ive gotta go...
NO!! Striker exclaimed. Youve had many different
names in the past five years, right?
Who are you? Russel asked. The police? SOLDIER?
No way!! Striker replied. It... gets complicated. But I
do know this.
Striker grabbed Russels arm and pulled his sleeve back.
Look, he said, pointing to a scar on Russels wrist. He
then pulled up his sleeve and showed Russel a similar scar. When we
were 10, we gave each other these scars. We touched the cuts together, making
us blood brothers. Or what about this?
He pointed to a thin scar along Russels cheek.
When we were 5, I got mad at you and threw a rock at your head.
Striker lifted up his pants leg revealing a scar on his knee.
We were 8 and playing baseball. I slid to home, and there was a nail
on the ground. It really cut up my leg. The other kids ran off, but you went
to get help. And theres one more thing...
Striker grabbed Russels shirt and ripped it open.
Five years ago, you were shot by Shin-Ra MPs on the outskirts of Midgar
while trying to defend Cloud Strife. They left you for dead, but you
survived.
Follow me, Russel said, leading Striker into his house.
Striker motioned for the rest of Tsunami to follow.
*****
Here, Russel said, tossing an old SOLDIER uniform at Striker.
All I remember is waking up with that uniform on. I was in pain, no
doubt about that. But somehow, my wounds were healed. I made my way into
Midgar and took on the name of William Reyes. Soon after, I moved away again.
Ive been travelling from town to town. One time, while I was near Cosmo
Canyon, I stopped by this weapon seller. For a good price, he made this sword
for me.
Russel reached into the closet and pulled out a Buster Sword.
I knew I would need a weapon on my travels, and this one suited me
good, he said. I cant explain why, though.
Your memory is slowly returning, Zack, Striker said. But
theres one place we need to go.
Where? Russel asked.
Gongaga.
Just a minute, Russel said, grabbing the uniform and walking
upstairs.
Striker, are you sure this is wise? Shen asked.
Youre wanted for murder, Sara said. How are we gonna
get the pilot to take us to Gongaga?
Lets see... Zyx began. Seven of us against one of
him.... and weve got fighting skills while he has bupkiss.
Im ready.
Striker turned to see Russel standing on the stairwell, in his SOLDIER uniform,
the Buster Sword held on his back.
Thats Zack, all right.
*****
Zack fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat. He was anxious, that was for damn
sure.
Everything that had happened today caused his head to go spinning. After
all these years, hell finally learn the truth about his past.
This isnt good, the pilot said. Seido will have your
asses.
Pipe down, flesssh-bag, Bleu ordered, pressing her staff to the
pilots throat. Jussst get usss to Gongaga.
I dont like this, Shen, Sara said. Someone killed
Hannibal King with a Hardedge sword, but who couldve done it?
I fear the answer is one we wont like, Shen replied solomly.
*****
You guys wait here, Striker said. Ill show Zack
around.
Do what you must, Shen replied. We need to insure that
our friend here doesnt fly off on us.
Thanks Shen, Striker said. Shen nodded and closed the chopper
door.
*****
Look, Striker said, pointing to an old baseball field. We
used to play baseball there every single day. And over there was where we
went to school.
This place.... it seems familiar, Zack said. He pointed over
to a destroyed Reactor in the distance. Whats over there?
That was the Mako Reactor, Striker replied. It blew up
years ago. Remember?
I remember a funeral.... Zack replied.
Yeah, Mike, Striker said. He was only like 20. Damn, was
he a lot of fun to hang out with. Remember how excited he was when he got
promoted to the position of supervisor in the Reactor?
Zack stood there, looking around the town.
Your parents are still alive, though, Striker noted. So
its not all bad.
My parents... Zack said. No, I cant. Not now. I
cant remember a lot.
We should probably get you to a doctor to find out why you cant
remember anything, Striker suggested. I hate to see my best bud
like this.
No, Zack said. No doctors. Just keep telling me stories
and pointing things out. Itll slowly come to me.
Striker looked skeptical. He had never seen Zack like this. So paranoid.
*****
The agent continued to watch Striker and Zack. He lifted up his sniper rifle and got into position, putting the crosshairs on Zack.
*****
Bleu looked around suspiciously, her staff at the ready.
Sssomethings not right... she said.
What do you mean? Sara asked.
Shes right, Shen noted. I sense a disturbance.
BANG
Shit!! Zyx cursed. What the hell was that?
Itd be wise for us to find out, Shen replied. Ray,
stay here with the pilot!!
Sure thing, Ray replied.
*****
Striker had heard the bullet go off. And he instantly knew who it was meant
for. With his quick reflexes, he was able to extend his sword out in front
of Zack, deflecting the bullet.
You okay? he asked.
Y-yeah, Zack replied, drawing his own sword.
Someones out to get you, Striker said, getting into a battle
position.
Well arent I the popular one, Zack said with a smirk.
Who fired the bullet, though? Striker asked.
*****
Saras eyes darted from side to side.
There!! she shouted, pointing to the agent with the rifle.
Shen leapt into action, his sword poised to strike.
*****
The agent heard Saras cry, but didnt move. Instead, he steadied
his gun, getting the crosshairs on Zack once again.
Then, he squeezed the trigger.
*****
Shen leapt on the agent, knocking him down. But not before the bullet was
fired.
STRIKER! ZACK! he shouted.
*****
Striker looked up, the bullet hurtling towards them.
ZACK, GET DOWN!! he exclaimed, shoving Zack out of the bullets
path.
Striker! Zack shouted, as the bullet hit his friend.
*****
Shen lifted the agent up, his sword ready to strike.
Give me one good reason why I should--YOU?!?
You can put me down, now, Shen, the agent said.
RUDY?!? Shen asked, in shock. Why?!?
Why? Rudy asked. Ill tell you why. After I fell from
that bridge in Nibelheim, I was found by a Seido agent named Barek Siamo.
He sent me back to Seido HQ, where I met the Tribunal. They trained me well,
and I eventually became a full-fledged agent. Then, the Tribunal assigned
me to join up with Avalanche so that I could put a stop to Sephiroth. But
I never got the chance too. You had to drag me along with you to join
Tsunami!
Is that why you said you didnt want anything to do with Seido
when Frost brought us before the Tribunal?
Of course, Rudy replied. We had it all planned out. This
way, I could function better as a Seido agent.
You killed Hannibal, didnt you? Shen asked.
Yep, Rudy replied. Then I framed Striker for the murder.
And now, I was going to kill Zack.
But why? Shen asked.
Simple, Rudy replied. Zack was supposed to remain dead.
Once Hannibal found out the truth, we couldnt let him walk around with
it. And now that Zack is starting to get his memory back, he must be eliminated
as well.
WHY?!? Shen asked, angered.
Why ask why? Rudy asked. I was given an order, and I obeyed
it. Gladly. I owe my life to Seido.
You son of a bitch, Shen spat, slamming Rudy against a house.
*****
Striker! Sara shouted, running up to her teammate. She lifted
up his wrist.
Hes alive, she said. Barely. We need a Restore
Materia!!
Its too far gone... Striker muttered.
Shen walked over, dragging Rudy by his hair.
Heres the man who fired the bullet, he said, throwing Rudy
in front of them.
Rudy?! Sara asked in shock.
He was an agent of Seido all this time, Shen noted.
You didnt know that? Bleu asked.
He was once a member of Tsunami, Sara replied. But when
we were brought before the Tribunal, he said he didnt want anything
to do with them.
He lied, Shen noted.
I had no idea... Bleu said. I didnt know he wasss
one of you.
There was no way you couldve known, Shen said.
Could you guys leave us alone? Zack asked. Striker
doesnt have much time left, and Id like to speak with him a little
more...
Of course, Shen replied. Well be waiting at the chopper.
Come along, Rudy.
Shen grabbed Rudys hair once again and dragged him back to the chopper
with Bleu and Sara following.
Looks like this is it, Striker said. Hey, do you remember
Aeris?
Yeah, Zack replied. I remember I was walking back to my
apartment. Thats when the most beautiful woman on the planet came up
to me and asked me if I wanted to buy a flower. Naturally, I did. As the
days went by, I always ran into her more and more. We slowly became friends,
walking and talking. And one day I brought up the courage to ask her out.
And.... God, do I miss her. Id give anything to hold her in my arms
again.
Shes with Avalanche, Striker said. Clouds leading
them.
Cloud? Zack asked. Its good to know hes still
alive.
Yeah.... Striker said, his breaths becoming shorter. Zack....
Im glad youre not...not... dead.
So am I.
Do me a favor, Striker said.
Anything.
Rudy.... Striker began. Kill that bastard..... slo-
Thanks Striker, Zack said, looking at his dead friend one last
time. Thanks for giving me my memories.
*****
Leave Rudy here with me, Zack said.
Are you sure thats wise? Shen asked.
Positive, Zack replied. Go back to Seido. Tell them Rudy
met with an... unfortunate incident. No one needs to know the truth.
What are you going to do? Sara asked.
Im going to try and find myself, Zack replied.
Good luck, my friend, Shen said. If you need us, just
call.
With that, Shen got into the chopper as it began to lift off.
Yeah, Ill do that.
Zack looked down at Rudy.
Now its just you and me, you bastard, he said, lifting
his sword up. Striker told me to kill you slow, and I have every intention
of fulfilling his last wish.
*****
Dont even THINK of going through those doors!! Frost ordered.
Out of my way, Frost!! Shen exclaimed. We need to speak
with the Tribunal. As Striker would say, take your order and shove
it!
Youre NOT passing, Frost said, standing firm.
Dont you dare challenge me, little man, Shen spat. Not
after what Ive been through today!!
Shen grabbed Frost by the collar and threw him into the wall. He then stormed
into the room.
Shen Long, that is most unacceptable.
I dont care, Shen said. You sent Rudy to kill Zack.
You had him kill Hannibal and frame Striker.
That is correct.
Agent Roughknight is one of our best snipers.
Weve had enough!! Shen shouted. From now on, we will
stop any missions which may cause innocents to come to harm, or other members
of Tsunami. Striker was innocent. So was Hannibal. Do we understand each
other?
These terms are unacceptable.
You will do what we order you to do.
You belong to Seido now, Tsunami.
Well see about that... Shen said, narrowing his eyes. He
then turned and walked out followed by Sara, Zyx, and Ray.
Bleu turned to follow, but was stopped.
Just a moment, Agent.
What do you want? Bleu asked.
Seido saved your life.
Are you intent on opposing us as well?
Especially after all weve done for you.
I do what I feel isss right, Bleu replied. Regardlessss
of if youve sssaved me or not.
With that, Indigo Bleu slithered out the doors.
This is most unfortunate, indeed.
We cannot allow this to continue so close to the Ascension.
Tsunami will serve us when the time comes.
What of Zack Trimmer?
Yes, his DNA wouldve been very helpful.
Let Trimmer roam for now. He will be ours at the time of the
Ascension.
_____________________________________________________________________________
AUTHORS NOTES: A longer chapter, I know. But in my recent poll, a lot of people chose Shen and Striker as two of their favorite original characters, so I felt it was right to write about them a little bit. Well, Zacks back, and I hope you Zack fans liked how I brought him back (youre welcome, Joe). Anyway, the Tribunal is definately up to something. And whats this Ascension thing they keep talking about? Youll just have to wait. Anyhoo, Chapter 27 centers on the readers favorite original character, Garrison.
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