Bizarre Occurances Chapter 27
Vengeance
By Dino Pollard
Garrison delivered a quick swing to the indigo mans head.
This is it, Demur!! he said. I may not be in SOLDIER, anymore.
But Im still gonna take you down!!
Youre a fool, Garrison, Demur said, delivering a quick
roundhouse kick to Garrison. Without your sword, youre
doomed!!
Garrison dodged the kick--barely. Demur was right. Without some sort of weapon,
he was as good as head.
Demur was an expert martial artist, one of the best ever. His attacks were
fast as lightning, and Garrison couldnt dodge forever. To make things
worse, the brass markings on his body were a form of mystic armor which protected
him from harm.
Garrison flipped back, his eyes darting from side to side, searching for
some form of defense.
A small metal pipe was the only thing he could spot. It wasnt much,
but it could at least help him fend off Demur.
Grabbing the pipe, he swung just as Demur approached him.
The pipe hit Demur right across the face with a clang. There was no blood,
but he was definately stunned.
Garrison took advantage, hitting him again, beating Demur down.
Careful, Garrison, Demur said.While youre wasting
time fighting me, whos there to protect your little woman?
Garrison stopped.
Vionna.
He dropped the pipe and ran off.
*****
Barek hated jobs like these. Eventhough Demur was paying him well, he still
had a great moral objection to it. True, he was trained to be a killing machine
when he worked for Seido, but assasinating an Ex-SOLDIERs fiance
wasnt worth it. It was just.... wrong. A defenseless woman against
a well-trained assasin.
The house was virtually empty. Barek wondered if she was even here.
Then, he heard the sound of the television. She was here, all right.
Carefully, he pushed open the door of the room that the sound was open.
She turned to look at him, a grin on her face. She was probably expecting
Garrison. Instead, the last thing she saw was the barrel of Bareks
gun as he opened fire.
*****
Garrison ran through the front door of his house, looking around furiously.
Vionna!! he shouted.
He ran through the house, calling her name. The door to the living room was
open. He burst through just in time to see a strange man fire two shots off
at Vionna. HIS Vionna!!!
VIONNA!!!!! Garrison exclaimed.
Barek spun around, bringing his gun up.
You son of a bitch!! Garrison cursed, leaping at Barek. The gun
was instantly knocked out of Bareks hands.
Garrison swung at Barek, hitting the assasin in the face.
Who are you? Garrison asked. TELL ME!!!
Barek was screwed. It was a mistake to take this job. Demur assured him that
he would keep Garrison occupied.
Reaching into one of the pouches on his belt, Barek threw a smoke pellet
on the ground, using it for escape.
Once the smoke cleared, Barek was gone. Garrison ran over to his loves
side.
Vionna.... he said, cradling her lifeless body in his arms.
Im sorry.
*****
Garrison awoke at his desk.
The same dream. The dream of the past. Only recently has it begun to haunt
him.
Why?
That was something he couldnt understand. But he had more important
things to worry about. Shin-Ra is finished. Rufus and Hojo are dead. Kyoske
is missing. Reeve is off in Kalm. And Scarlet and Heidegger dont know
what the hell to do.
He had granted his team leave. SOLDIER was finished as well. His squad was
done with.
All except for Calibretto, that is. The war golem was still in the deserted
Shin-Ra Headquarters.
Garrison overlooked the papers scattered on his desk. Crime was running rampent
now that there was no SOLDIER or Police Force.
He didnt like it. He had to do something about this.
The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the halls. Too big to be human.
The door opened and Calibretto stood there before Garrison.
Hmmzt... I have some disturbing news, Calibretto said.
It always shook Garrison that Calibretto had a gravely, yet non-synthesized
voice. It sounded almost human. That hmmzt always seemed to bother
the SOLDIER, though.
What would that be? Garrison asked.
I know of your past with the criminal Demur.
What about Demur? Garrison asked, a tone of anxiousness in his
voice.
Hes been spotted in Midgar, Calibretto replied. He
and Barek Siamo were responsible for the death of your fiance, correct?
Garrisons head lowered.
Yes.
You quit SOLDIER because of her, didnt you?
Yes.
If I may ask, then why did you return?
Maestro.
Hmmzt, these one-word answers are beginning to disturb me.
Garrison sighed, looking down at a picture of Demur. Thoughts of his former
master came into his head.
*****
You must master your rage, Maestro said. Lest your rage
become your master.
Garrison grunted as he tried to keep his rage in check, fighting against
the robot drone. It was fairly weak, only used for training. He was 18, and
still training to be in SOLDIER.
Harder!! Faster!! Maestro demanded. Show no mercy!! Take
control of your rage!!
Garrison gritted his teeth, rushing the drone. The drone replied by knocking
Garrison back.
Stop, Maestro said, pressing a button on a small device in his
hand. The drone went limp.
Garrison stood and slammed his fist against the wall.
DAMMIT!! he cursed.
Maestro put a hand on his students shoulder.
Youre letting your emotions control you, he said. You
cannot fight that way. If you do, then you will lose. The more you let your
rage command you, the less chance you have of making it into SOLDIER.
Maestro turned away walking out the door.
Ill be in my office if you need me.
*****
I need to find Demur, Garrison said.
Hmmzzt, easier said than done, Calibretto replied.
What do you mean?
Our numbers are severly depleted.
Shit, Garrison cursed. Wait, I may know someone who can
help us.
Who? Calibretto asked.
An old.... someone I used to know a long time ago, Garrison replied.
Ill be back soon.
He ran off to the elevator.
Hmmzzt, Calibretto said. What an odd man.
*****
Garrison kneeled before the gravestone, placing flowers down on it. He looked
at the name inscribed on it.
Vionna Cohn.
Technically they werent married, but she said in her will that she
wanted to take his last name even if she died before they were married. No
matter what, she wanted to be known as a part of him.
Lord, he missed her so much.
Whats done is done, a deep voice said from behind. You
cant change the past.
You.... Garrison said, turning to face his former teacher.
Yes, Maestro said, standing. Did you hear about what
happened?
What? Garrison asked.
Sephiroth is dead, Maestro replied. Leaving the position
of General of SOLDIER open.
And that affects me how?
President Shinra wants you for the position.
President Shinra can go fuck himself!! Garrison cursed.
Strong words, Maestro said. This position requires someone
with great physical skill as well as superior leadership qualities.
If its so important, then why dont you take the job?
Garrison asked.
Because Im no longer the man I once was, Maestro replied.
I dont have all the skills needed. Im getting reckless
in my old age. The position requires someone who is also young.
Im through with SOLDIER, Garrison said, anger building
in his voice. You can take your precious position and shove it!!
Youve forgotten, my student, Maestro said, calm as ever.
And it is time for one final lesson. A lesson in responsibility. Vionna
is dead. You must come to grips with that.
Dont you EVER mention her name again!! Garrison shouted.
Im responsible for nothing!! I promised Vionna to never go down
that path again!!
You cannot run from your destiny, Garrison, Maestro said, drawing
his sword. In a lightning fast motion, he cut Vionnas gravestone across
the center, causing the top to collapse.
Standing there was a large broad sword. The one used by Garrison. The blade
was dug into the ground with the hilt sticking straight up.
Look, Maestro ordered. Look at the sword. It is your future,
Garrison. It is your destiny. It is your salvation.
Maestros retreating footsteps didnt even register in Garrisons
mind. He was just sitting there, staring at the sword.
*****
The hike was long and harsh. But Garrison still pressed on. To him, it was
like a nature walk.
Up this cliff, at the top of the summit, he knew there was a cave there.
He remembered who was still inside.
Garrison just prayed he was still alive.
He pulled himself up, onto the ledge.
*****
Garrison slowly entered the cave, his hand going to the hilt of his sword.
Are you in here? he asked, his voice echoing.
What are you doing here?
Looking for you, Garrison replied. Maestro.
Maestro stepped out from the shadows. But to Garrison, it looked more like
he was limping.
What do you want? Maestro asked, sitting at a table.
Demur is out, Garrison replied grimly. But Shin-Ra is finished,
and I have no resources to help me find him.
So you need me, Maestro said, rubbing his chin. He chuckled a
bit. Ironic, isnt it?
You can gloat later, Garrison cursed. I need your help,
and thats all there is to me.
Maestro stood, looking at the sword which hung on the wall.
I have no desire to fight alongside you, though, he said.
Understood.
And I will only help you on one condition.
Which is...? Garrison asked.
You leave me in peace, Maestro replied. No two ways about
it.
Deal.
Maestro collapsed in his chair, eyes closed, the tattoos covering his body
beginning to glow.
His eyes snapped open. The pupiless left eye still glowing brightly.
Sector 5 Slums.
Where in the slums? Garrison asked.
The church.
*****
Are the trains operational? Garrison asked, walking back into
Shin-Ra HQ.
Yes, Calibretto replied. Why do we need a train?
He said Demur was in the slums of Sector 5, specifically the church,
Garrison replied.
Hmmzzt, why the church?
No one would look for a bloodthirsty killer in a church, Garrison
said. It makes perfect sense.
Shall I accompany you? Calibretto asked.
No, Garrison replied. This is my fight. My revenge.
Hmmzzt, as you wish, Calibretto said.
*****
Im glad you decided to come back to us, Garrison, President
Shinra said.
You can shove your compliments, Shinra, Garrison spat, glaring
at his former, and new, boss.
Thats what I like about you, Mr. Cohn, Shinra said.
Youre fearless. And thats exactly the kind of person we
need in charge of SOLDIER.
What happened to your prized soldier, Sephiroth? Garrison asked.
Thats classified, Shinra replied.
Even to the General of SOLDIER?
Precisely, Shinra said. Your old uniform is waiting for
you.
I despise that uniform, as well as this sword, Shin-Ra, SOLDIER,
Garrison began. And most of all, I despise you.
President Shinra simply laughed a deep, throaty laugh.
Garrison uttered a low growl and walked out the office.
*****
The train ride was relatively short. Garrison took the locket off his neck
and stared at the picture of Vionna in it.
Soon, my love, he said. Your death wont go
unavenged.
The train came to a screeching halt. The conductor came over the PA system
announcing the location. Garrison stood and walked out.
The station in the Sector 3 slums was quiet. Not a lot of people were using
the trains, anymore.
Garrison began the walk to Sector 5 slums.
*****
Demur stood in the church, looking at the flower bed. So beautiful.
If you liked that sort of thing, that is.
Flowers didnt belong in Midgar. The city was dark, bleak, and hopeless.
No bright spots belong in there. Demur would insure that.
He stomped on the flowers, destroying them. Demur grinned, the light shining
off his brass plates, illuminating his dark blue skin.
The door slammed open.
Demur grinned.
Hes here.
*****
Garrison slowly walked in, his sword drawn. With Demur, he couldnt
be too careful. The man was a maniac, a relentless killer. And now, Garrison
would put him in his place.
Hello Garrison.
Garrison spun around on the balls of his feet instantly, his eyes darting
from side to side.
Ive been expecting you.
Show yourself, murderer!! Garrison commanded.
Very well, Demur said, dropping to the ground. It is time
we ended this silly little feud.
FEUD?!? Garrison exclaimed. YOU KILLED MY WIFE, YOU
BASTARD!!!
Technically, she wasnt your wife, Demur replied with a
grin. Just your fiance. And Siamo killed her. I simply paid him to
do the deed.
Garrison uttered a low growl, getting into a fighting stance.
Do you recall when we first met, Garrison? Demur asked, leaping
at his enemy. I was standing knee-deep in a pool of human blood!! Do
you recall the tears you shed that day? Do you remember how many times you
swore you would make me pay?
Demur, delivered a few expert martial arts moves at Garrison, causing the
SOLDIER to be pushed back.
Yet, all you ever did was place me in prison, Demur continued.
And what really set you off? The death of one woman!! Because of that
woman, you quit SOLDIER. And once that woman died, you rejoined. Face it,
Garrison. YOU ARE WEAK!!!! Demur threw another punch at his fallen
enemy.
Enough.
Garrisons hand cupped over Demurs fist.
This ends now.
Garrison delivered a swift uppercut to Demur, forcing the murderer to fall
back. Garrison picked up his sword and began slashing at his enemy.
Pathetic, Demur said, grabbing the blade. These markings
on my body protect me from your blade.
Thats why I have some extra surprises this time around,
Garrison replied. His eyes began to glow as the sword crackled with energy.
Within seconds, the blade turned white hot, energy emitting from it.
The sensation burned. It was too much for Demur to handle, he fell to his
knees.
Its over, Demur, Garrison said, preparing to deliver the
killing blow. I promised I would make you pay. And now its time
for collection.
Demur looked up at Garrison, just as the blade plunged through his heart.
He was still breathing, but in an incredible amount of pain.
Garrison grabbed the blade, pulling it out.
Now, you suffer, he said. The sins of your past being reflected
on you.
Garrison sheathed the blade, then walked towards the exit.
And Demur, a man who had wasted his powers by committing murder, ends his
pointless, ugly life in a pointless, ugly way.
No one is around to hear his final screams of anguish.
*****
Garrison returned to Shin-Ra HQ to the waiting Calibretto.
Hmmzzt, did you find him?
Yes, Garrison replied.
Then where is he? Calibretto asked.
Suffering.
Hmmzzt, we have a problem, Calibretto said. Meteor is drawing
very close to Midgar.
Evacuate the city, Garrison ordered. Not much else we can
do.
That is incorrect, Calibretto noted.
What do you mean? Garrison asked.
If we can defeat the one who summoned Meteor, then perhaps Meteor will
be destroyed.
Let Avalanche and Sephiroth deal with that, Garrison said.
Its their problem.
They could use the extra help, Calibretto said. And if
we dont, many innocents may die.
Garrison stopped, the war golems comments ringing in his head. Many
innocents may die.
No, he wouldnt let it happen. No one else would suffer like Vionna
had.
Ready a chopper, he ordered. Were heading to the
Northern Crater.
_____________________________________________________________________________
AUTHORS NOTES: More Garrison!! I received some comments on why didnt Garrison kill Barek back in Chapter 24, and this is the reason!! Sephiroth mentioned the name Demur before, and now you can see why its more significant for Garrison to kill Demur instead. This also gave some more insight into Garrisons past. A lot of people just saw him as a really evil guy, when he wasnt that at all. Thanks to all who voted him as the favorite character. But after this chapter, I doubt that hes going to be leading in the villian race, anymore. Anyway, Chapter 28 will shift back to Avalanche heading to the Crater, but not before a quick stop in Cosmo Canyon.
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