Bizarre Occurances Chapter 29
The Birth of a God
By Dino Pollard
Rufus slowly made his way out of Shin-Ra Headquarters. He didnt want
anyone to see him. At least not now. Not when he was at his weakest moment.
He just wanted to get home. To his mansion.
Once he found his car parked, he took off the MP uniform, leaving it in a
corner. Shin-Ra was in shambles. He knew that somewhere in the pits of Hell,
his father was looking up at him. Laughing.
Bastard... Rufus muttered, getting into his car. You always
said that I could never run the company as well as you. Damn you, you were
right.
As he pulled out, he took one last look at Shin-Ra HQ, the 70th Floor still
gone. He saw the end of a dynasty. He would never return to Shin-Ra HQ again.
He was through playing God.
*****
The bodies of First Class SOLDIER Officers littered the Crater. This told
Sephiroth that the monsters guarding his brother were blood-thirsty and extremely
powerful. If they were powerful enough to take down Shin-Ras finest,
then the four teams would be in for quite a battle.
Aeris.
Thats all he could think of. It was driving him insane. He couldnt
be with Aeris. It would never work out. They were just too different.
But she had been able to see the good in him. If it wasnt for her,
he wouldve let all those people in Mideel die instead of saving as
many as he could.
God, this was tearing him apart inside.
*****
Deadpool looked around the Crater as they walked, ready to draw his weapons
at a moments notice. For the first time in his life, he was actually
being serious. But it was really hard to do. He kept feeling the urge to
crack a joke or play a prank or something.
Ol Seraph needs a new decorator, he finally said. I
think the one he has now is a satanist.
Not now, bloke, Lara snapped. This is serious.
Lay off him, Lara, Kristi broke in. Pools just
trying to lighten the mood.
Yeah, Reno said. Why are you people acting like somebody
died?
Somebody did die, Kuro replied.
More than one person, too, Shen said. We lost both Striker
and Rudy.
And we lost Barek, Tetsuo noted.
Weve all got some personal feud in this, Garrison said.
Weve all got some anger. The key is to master our rage
or our rage will be our master, Sephiroth finished.
Maestros teachings.
Garrison nodded.
You remembered as well, I see.
Sephiroth didnt reply, just continued on.
Keep your eyes open, people, Cloud said. We dont
know what to expect in here.
Talk about deja vu, Sara muttered.
Why do you say that? Knolan asked.
We were around this area once before, Sara replied. Tsunami,
Avalanche, and the Turks. That was when we tried to stop Seraph from summoning
Meteor. Now were back, this time trying to stop Meteor from destroying
us. We failed the last time. I wonder if well fail this time
.
Ssstop talking like that, Bleu commented. Youre making
me nervousss.
Sara grinned slightly.
Sorry Bleu.
*****
Zack didnt know why he came here. It was suicide. But after what Tsunami
told him about Meteor and Bizarro-Sephiroth, he knew he had to come. There
was no other option.
He looked down at the Crater. This ones for you, Striker.
With that, Zack Trimmer began the journey inside the Crater, prepared to
face the worst.
*****
A fork in the road. Cloud sighed. The last thing he wanted to do was split
up the team. They would probably need the added strength.
Okay people, Cloud said. Weve got a little problem
here. Two paths, a left and right one. We need to split up.
Ill take Tsunami, Strike Force, Garrison and Knolan on the left
path, Shen said.
Then Avalanche, the Turks, and Calibretto will come with me on the
right, Cloud said. Its a good plan.
*****
Shen was more cautious than usual as he led his team through the Crater.
It was because of the Tribunal.
Why didnt they want Tsunami involved? Were they that confident in
Avalanche, or was it something else? And why did Frost help them? Shen always
saw him as the Tribunals lapdog.
But now. Now things have changed. He looked back briefly at his team. The
only ones he knew were those who were with Tsunami. Strike Force, Garrison,
and Knolan were all strangers to him.
Keep your weapons drawn, he ordered. We dont know
what well encounter down here.
*****
Cloud didnt have any idea why he allowed this. The Turks and Calibretto,
working with his team. Again, he found himself forced into an alliance with
his enemies in order to fight for a common goal.
The fact that Tseng and Vincent were brothers didnt help much, either.
Neither did Aeris claims that the Turks werent evil, they just
worked for an evil corporation. Now, he had to fight alongside seven of his
enemies in order to defeat one.
Not to mention the fact that the one enemy is on the verge of becoming a
god.
Cloud had to have been insane to do this, to entrust his life in the hands
of those who have tried to kill him many times in the past.
*****
Aeris walked briskly, her Princess Guard present in her hands. She was prepared
for anything. She was determined to win in order to save the planet.
Vincent stopped suddenly in front of her.
Whats wrong? she asked.
He said nothing, just looked around.
Did you hear that? he asked.
Hear what? Reno asked, spinning around. He brought his nightstick
up, ready to face whatever it was that was following them.
Hmmmzzt, Calibretto said. Allow me to see what my scanners
can find.
Anything? Tseng asked, drawing his Mako Gun.
Yes, Calibretto replied. One man. With a large sword.
Seraph? Tifa asked.
Hmmmzzt, possibly, Calibretto replied.
Show yourself now, Cloud ordered, bringing up his Ultima Weapon.
A figure stepped out of the shadows, a large sword in his hands. Cloud leapt
at him, bringing his own sword down. The man blocked it with his own.
Cloud!!
Zack!!
The two lowered their weapons. The others looked at Cloud and Zack stunned.
Shen told us about you, Cloud said.
Yeah, I thought he might, Zack said. Where is he,
anyhow?
Theyre off on another path, Cloud replied. So, they
filled you in on everything?
Yep, Zack replied. They told me about how Sephiroth was
now a good guy, and about Meteor and Bizarro-Sephiroth.
Seraph, Cloud said.
What? Zack asked.
Turns out his name is Seraph, not Bizarro-Sephiroth, Cloud replied.
We thought he was
A clone, Zack finished. Thats what Shen said.
Hes actually my brother, Sephiroth broke in.
Youve got a brother? Zack asked.
Its a really long story, Cloud replied.
And right now, we dont have time, Zack said. He was about
to open his mouth to speak again when he caught someone standing near Sephiroth.
Emerald, caring eyes. Chestnut hair. A pink dress.
Aeris
he said.
Hello Zack, Aeris said, slowly stepping up to him. Once she did,
he immediately pulled her into an embrace.
I missed you so much, he said, glad to have his arms around her
again.
Sephiroth turned away from the group.
I missed you too, Zack, she said, slowly getting out of his embrace.
But things have changed. A lot.
Yo, lovebirds, Barret said. Wed best get a move
on.
For once, the morons right, Yuffie said. Weve
got this little thing called a planet that needs to be saved.
*****
The two teams met at the center. They were deep inside the Crater now. There
were stone steps leading furthur down.
This is it
Cloud said, looking down. He turned back to
the team. All right everyone. Lets mosey.
Damn, again? Cid asked. Stop sayin it like a wimp!!
Cant ya say move out or somethin?
Cloud looked down, then back up at the team.
Move out!! he ordered, his voice more commanding this time.
Suddenly, there was a deep roar.
What the fuck was that?!? Cid asked, pulling out his Venus Gospel.
Look, Red said. Look at the number.
Clones
Sephiroth said.
Hundreds of them, Shen added. Cloud, take a small team
with you.
Im fighting here, too, Cloud protested.
It wont do us any good if everyones stuck up here,
Garrison said. Were going to need someone to go down there and
take the fight to Seraph.
Garrisons right, Knolan said. So hurry up and make
your choice!!
Cloud looked over his choices. So many people, their lives depending on him.
His life depending on them. And the life of the Planet depending on all of
them.
Theyre already on the level next to us!! Zack exclaimed.
Cloud, were running out of time!!
OK, Cloud said. Sephiroth, Shen, Calibretto, Knolan, Aeris,
Red, Cid, Reno, Rude, Barret, Vincent, and Deadpool come with me. Everyone
else.... later.
Yeah, Ray said. Later.
If we survive that long, Elena muttered, drawing her gun.
*****
Cloud led his team deeper into the Crater. How were they ever going to find
Seraph in here? They were already well into the Planets core. If they
kept moving like this, the chance of being absorbed by the Lifestream became
more apparent. True, he and Sephiroth could survive, and possibly Calibretto
and Deadpool. But what about the others? Aeris, Red, Cid, Barret, Vincent,
Knolan, Shen, Reno, Rude. They wouldnt last long at all.
How big is this blasted thing? Knolan asked, jumping from level
to level. Im getting too old for this shit.
It shouldnt be much longer, Aeris said. She turned to Cloud.
Right?
Cloud shook his head.
I honestly have no idea.
Were getting closer, Sephiroth said. I can feel it.
Dont you feel it? As if something were pulling at you?
Cloud didnt quite understand what Sephiroth was saying.
What do you mean? Deadpool asked. You mean like a
calling?
Sephiroth nodded.
Yeah, Deadpool said. I feel it. Only thing is, I dont
know how to hang up on the person. Or at least put them on hold.
Cloud tried hard not to smile at his brothers joke. No matter how grim
the situation, Pool would always be able to find humor in it.
Look, Vincent said, pointing a clawed finger down. There was
a large stone platform there. It looked as if they had reached their destination.
Cloud moved faster, jumping over platforms to reach the center.
Shi
. Shi
. Shit
. Cid cursed, panting. The
next time the fucking Planet is about to be destroyed, let me stay in bed.
He took a drag on his cigarette.
Maybe if you quit smoking, Red said.
Cid flicked him off.
Nothings wrong with smoking, Reno said. Weve
all gotta go sometime.
Fuckin A, Cid said, motioning at Reno.
Hmmmzzt, Calibretto said, landing on the large platform. My
sensors detect a being of immense power. The level of Jenova cells in the
being is 100%.
Butbut thats not possible, Shen said.
Unless
Aeris began.
Suddenly, a large creature flew towards them, tentacles for arms.
Jenova!! Cloud exclaimed, drawing his sword.
Its coming! Sephiroth shouted, bringing the Masamune up.
*****
Garrison slashed at the clones, one by one.
We should be thankful they dont have replicas of the Masamune,
he said. Otherwise wed be in it deep.
Just be glad Im with you, Sara gloated, the Witchblade
gauntlet firing blasts of mystical flames at the clones. The Witchblade
is pretty effective.
People! Tseng shouted. Were on a clock here! Just
kill them!
Yes sir! Mercedes exclaimed with a mock salute.
Watch your mouth, Elena snapped.
Maybe you should watch yours, Kuro warned.
Thats enough of that, Zack said. Were a team
now. Why dont we start acting like it?
Zacks right, Tifa added. Remember that for once,
were not fighting each other. Without each other, we probably dont
stand a chance. So we might as well get used to working together.
One more thing, Garrison said, his eyes beginning to glow.
Its time I show these clones my trump card!!
His sword began to crackle as energy gathered into it, changing metal into
solidified energy. As he drove it into a clone, his opponent cried out in
pain and agony as it died.
Now, lets show these second-rate Sephiroths what REAL warriors
are made of!!
Or as Striker would say, Zack began. Its time to
kick some ass!!
*****
Jenova-SYNTHESIS launched the opening attack against the heroes, whipping
its tendrils at them.
Watch out for those tentacles!! Shen warned, dodging one of
Jenovas attacks.
We all know the risks, Shen, Sephiroth said. Now its
time to see if were really ready for this!!
Sephiroth lept into the air, bringing his blade down across Jenovas
chest.
First blood. Jenova screeched in pain.
Cloud followed up with a thrust into Jenovas abdomen.
The creature fell back, green energy circling it.
This isnt good... Reno muttered.
Jenova let out a battle cry, releasing a powerful Ultima spell at the group.
Everyone was nearly blown off the ledge!!
Spells would kinda help right about now!! Deadpool exclaimed.
Right, sorry, Knolan said. He began speaking in an odd tongue
as the entire team was encircled with yellow energy.
Haste spell, Knolan said.
Aeris knelt down on her knees, bringing her hands into a position of prayer
as she shut her eyes. Her lips began moving, but no sound came forth. Once
again, energy encircled everyone as they all felt a sudden rush of power.
What did you do? Red asked.
An Ancient spell, Aeris replied. Itll make us
invulnerable for awhile, and it restored our strength.
Good, Reno said. We need all the help we can get.
I suppose thats my cue, Cloud said. MEGA FLARE!!!
The Master Summon Materia orb on Clouds armlet flared up, causing a
red aura to appear around Cloud.
A large, winged dragon appeared, high above the planet. His wings spread
open as an orb of energy is gather at his mouth. He then releases it, sending
it straight down to his target: Jenova-SYNTHESIS.
Locked on target, Calibretto said, his arms shifting into cannons.
Weapons activated. Deploying.
Dozens of rockets erupted from the war golems cannons, striking Jenova.
The creature continued to roar in pain.
You have not won yet, mortals!! it shouted.
No... Vincent said, his voice becoming low. We have!!
Vincents body began to expand, tearing at the fabric of his clothes
as purple wings sprouted from his back. His face became contorted, changing
to that of a demon. Once the transformation was complete, Vincent was gone.
Now there was only Chaos.
Die!! Chaos spat, slashing at Jenova with the Chaos Saber that
appeared in his hand.
You are embracing your true origins, Jenova said as it began
to fade. Because of that, my son and I shall succeed!! Prepare for
your death!!
There was an electronic hum. Jenova looked over to see Reno and Rude pointing
Mako Guns at it, as well as Barret taking aim with his Missing Score.
Shut up, Reno said, as he, Rude, and Barret fired their weapons,
which pushed Jenova back, off the ledge, and deep into the planets
core.
Bitch, Reno said, looking over the edge.
What next? Cid asked.
As if on cue, the ledge began to crumble from underneath the team, causing
them to fall as well.
*****
Zack performed a series of powerful sword attacks on the clones, cutting
through them one by one.
He could only think about avenging Strikers death. He wouldnt
let his friend have died to save him, just so that Zack could live a few
more days.
Then, everything went white.
*****
Aeris found herself falling for what felt like an eternity. Time seemed to
slow down. Then, a bright, white light appeared below her, however it
wouldnt illuminate the darkness. She couldnt see any of her
teammates. Just her and the light.
Holy... she muttered to herself. Is that... Holy? This
means theres still help for the Planet. We can still stop Meteor if
we defeat Seraph!!
There was bright flashes of light. Then, Aeris found herself on a small ledge.
She could now see her surroundings. They were in the Planets core.
The Lifestream was all around them. There were various rock ledges which
held each member of the team, including the ones who werent in the
battle with Jenova-SYNTHESIS.
Oww... Barret grunted. Damn man.
Barret? Cloud asked.
Yeah, Barret replied. He slowly got to his feet and looked around.
So, looks like everyones together again, huh?
But where are we? Tseng asked, looking around.
The Planets core, Red replied. This is where it all
begins and ends.
Suddently, the team was suspended in the air, unable to move. Then, in the
center, blocking the light of Holy, a figure appeared.
Seraph!! Cloud shouted.
Is this... Seraphs true power? Shen asked.
This and much more, Sephiroth replied.
This isnt good!! Cait shouted. Hes way outta
our league!!
My body!! Cid shouted. I cant move my fucking
body!!
Oh man... I cant die yet!! Yuffie said. I want more!!
I want this and that and everything!! All mine!!
Cloud.... Tifa said, looking over to the man she loved.
Ugh... ugh... was all Cloud could say. Hol--
Cloud...? Tifa asked.
Holy... Cloud said. The Holy is shining!! Aeris, your prayer
is shining!!
Holy... Tifa said.
We need to keep on fighting!! Cloud ordered. We cant
stop now!!
Shin-Ra may be gone, Tseng said. But the Turks will stand
by you until the end!!
So will Calibretto and myself, Garrison added.
Tsunami started off as part of Avalanche, and we will continue that
tradition!! Shen exclaimed.
Not just Aeris, Barret said. Holy is the prayer of Marlene
and Dyne. And everyone in the slums!!
Materia Hunter Yuffie sounds like the last chapter of Materia
Forever, Yuffie said. But Im not gonna give up!! Ill
still fight!! That Materia is MINE!!!
Striker gave his life so I could live, Zack said. I wont
let his sacrifice have been in vain!! Memories of him will help me in this
battle!!
We lost Barek, Deadpool said. But weve found a family!!
And this sounds pretty damn corny, so now its time to kick some
ass!!
Mother.... thank you for helping me see the error of my ways,
Sephiroth said. Now, as I go into this battle, I realize that I have
finally gained the redemption I have been searching for. For the planet,
for its people, I would gladly give my life!!
Deep inside the planets core... Red began. I see
now, grandfather. I now understand why you wanted me to stay with Avalanche.
I now know what my true mission is!! I know who I am!! I am Nanaki!! Son
of Seto, defender of Cosmo Canyon!!
Memories of Barek, memories of Striker, Cloud said. We
came to tell you our memories. Come Planet, show us your answer!! And Seraph!!!
To the settling of everything!!
Seraph began to draw the team in, then pushed them back, repeating it a few
times. Then, everything swirled into nothing.
When the image came back into view, the team was on the ledges, this time
with full control over their movements. There was no sign of Seraph, though.
Whats going on here? Knolan asked. What happened?
Hes here... Sephiroth said. I can feel him.
Correct you are, brother-mine, a booming voice said. It belonged
to Seraph, however, it was different... it carried a sense of power with
it, beyond anything the others had ever experianced.
You are now witnessing the birth of a god!! Serpah said, slowly
rising up from beneath. However, he was different. A large, bulky creature,
whose facial features resembled Seraphs. His arms were now wings. His
legs seemed to merge together. And there was a human-esque figure on his
head. Possibly the true Seraph?
This isnt his final transformation!! Sephiroth shouted.
Hes only begun!! Hes in mid transformation!! You can see
that from the humanoid figure on his head!! We must stop him now, before
he reaches omnipotence!!
No problem there, Cloud said, the Master Summon beginning to
glow. Ready Knolan?
Knolan nodded.
Red? Cloud asked, turning to his fire-furred teammate. The son
of Seto nodded.
ULTIMATE END!!! Cloud shouted.
*****
A void appeared underneath Seraph, transporting him to what appeared to be
another dimension. It was empty and black.
Then, a light at the end. It was a figure. A knight--very large. It immediately
slashed at Seraph.
11 other similar Knights followed, each perfoming similar attacks, weakening
Seraph one by one.
Then, the final one. The largest of all, came above Seraph, a red cape covering
its white armor. The cape suddenly blew open as the knight brought its massive
white sword up, then brought it down across Seraph.
Then, the void and the knights vanished. Seraph was back in the Crater, with
his opponents surrounding him.
Knolan and Red summoned the Knights of the Round as well.
After the third summon, Seraph slowly felt himself getting weaker, but also
felt a feeling of omnipotence.
HA HA HA!!!! he exclaimed. YOU FOOLS ARE TOO LATE!!!
Slowly, Seraph sunk down, until he vanished.
Did--did we win? Yuffie asked.
I think we did, Ray said.
No... Aeris said. Cant you feel it? The Planet.
Its still in pain. Seraph is still alive.
Very perceptive of you, Ms. Gast.
Seraph!! Sephiroth exclaimed. Show yourself!!
As you wish, dear brother.
The darkness of the crater slowly became lighter. The rocks shifted into
clouds. They were in the sky. And slowly lowering down before them, very
majestically, was a set of four wings. Attached to a naked torso. The mans
right arm was a wing, his left normal. His silver hair was flowing up above
his head, with numerous golden rings covering it.
You are too late!! Seraph exclaimed. Now, feel the wrath
of the One-Winged Angel!!!
_____________________________________________________________________________
AUTHORS NOTE: Took me awhile, but I finally finished. Only one more chapter to go!! Bet youre all excited that this is almost finished. I mean, this has been a year-long project. Well, Im sure you can all imagine whats in the next chapter, but there WILL be a surprising climax!!
.