Darkness Falls Chapter 36
By Gemini83
Kaede and Methos circled each other, two brothers swept up in a conflict
steeped in blood and generations long.
The two brothers cut and slash at each other, rage and pain fueling their
blows. Kaede swept his sword at the Chaos Lords head, Methos ducked
the attack, then brought his knee up to Kaedes unprotected stomach.
Kaede reeled back, and jumped to the side, hitting Methos squarely in the
chest. The two landed on the ground, breathing harshly, then picked themselves
back up again, preparing themselves for battle.
Glad to see you havent lost your touch brother, sneered
Methos.
Kaede grinned back, I try. Tell me Methos, is their anything left in
you of the brother I once knew?
The Horseman glared back coldly at his brother, the smile gone, no
Kaede. I havent been him for a long time. I cut out what little was
left of that child ages ago.
The Planeswalker nodded sadly, I never understood why you betrayed
us Methos. You could have come to me anytime, we could have-
It is YOU who betrayed ME Kaede, spat Methos, you were
always so understanding, so patronizing. Then that old fool chose you to
be his first disciple, not me. That was the last straw really.
You didnt have to go to the emperor Methos, said Kaede,
that monster had our parents killed...
Do you think I care? snapped Methos, power is all I care
about, all Ive ever cared about!
Kaede coldly stared back I can see youve taken up with Veletta.
Do you harbor any illusions that she may actually have feelings for
you?
Methos sneered back, hell no. Do you take me for a fool? It is simply
a matter of practicality Kaede, nothing more, nothing less. Emotions and
such other weaknesses are simply useless appendages for those such as
we.
You cant mean that, said Kaede.
Oh really? laughed Methos, are you telling me you never
shut yourself out? Never forced yourself to become the cold, calculating
warrior you had to be in order to carry on?
No, Im just saying that I was wrong, reasoned the Planeswalker,
and so are you.
Oh please, replied the Horseman, spare me your worthless
sentiment. You and I have been dead inside for a long time. We can no longer
be what we once were. You bury yourself in the past, while I have embraced
my own dark future. We are warriors Kaede, the beast lies within us, dark
and ever-present. You can never run away.
Kaede nodded, unimpressed, I see you still enjoy long
speeches.
I promise you, it must be a strictly a familial trait, since I learned
it from you.
Kaede calmly faced his brother, I will not give in to my hatred for
you brother, for despite everything, I still care.
That was always your problem Kaede, I tire of your sympathy,
said Methos, allow me to rid you of your misery.
Kaede nodded once more, very well, you and I are warriors, we do have
beasts locked away within us...lets end this.
The two brothers came together in a clash of swords. Methos aimed for
Kaedes head. The Planeswalker weaved to the side. Methos brought his
sword around, and Kaede had to duck to keep from being decapitated. The Chaos
lord swept his sword along the ground, and Kaede made his move. He jumped
over the attack, extending his leg. Methos flew backwards as the kick battered
into his chest.
He landed on his feet, and immediately parried Kaedes following attacks.
The Planeswalker circled his brother as he twisted his sword, trying to find
any weaknesses. Methos lifted his sword in a rising slash, narrowly missing
Kaedes neck. The Planeswalker punched Methos exposed gut while
he was in midair, and the Horseman retaliated with a downward swipe. Kaede
dodged, but the blade cut cleanly through one of his belt straps. Mthos landed
and kicked his brother. Kaede flew back against the far wall. The White Materia
fell away from him, and bounced out the hold in the wall caused by Cloud
and Sephiroths duel.
Kaede landed on his feet, looked back. He couldnt go after the materia
now, he would have to make his own luck. The Planeswalker ran forward, ignoring
the pain as he continued his attack. And so the two brothers fought, calling
upon the cold fury and warriors talents they had acquired since
childhood...Planeswalker versus Drahk, good versus evil, brother versus brother.
Their swords were flashes of light, sparks flying as their blades clashed.
Methos swept his sword high, then viciously uppercut Kaede when the Planeswalker
ducked. Kaede answered with a reverse spin kick, catching Methos in the back
of the head. Both fell once more to the cold, hard marble, panting for
breath.
You always were my best rival, said Methos as he rose to his
feet.
Im honored, replied Kaede sarcastically.
The Horseman raised an appreciative eyebrow, ah, I see youve
developed a sense of humor?
Kaede sniffed, beckoning Methos to attack. The Drahk lord screamed his rage,
slashing at Kaede with all his might. The Planeswalker had to make an effort
to parry each blow. Seeing his chance, Kaede thrust his sword into Methos
midsection.
However, Methos had deliberately left an opening, and sidestepped the attack.
Opening his palm, Methos flashed Kaedes eyes with a blinding light.
The Drahk lord yelled in triumph as his blade sheared through Kaedes
ribs.
The Planeswalker let out a cry of pain, but managed to grab Methos
sword arm. Summoning his energy, Kaede let fly with a powerful blast of energy,
thrusting Methos several feet away. The Planeswalker limped backward, grabbing
the aching wound at his side. He brought his other hand up to his mouth as
he coughed out blood.
Methos stood up and laughed, I have drawn first
blood...brother.
Kaede grimaced through the pain, forcing himself back into ready position.
He raised his sword, ignoring the burning in his ribs.
Kaede smiled coldly back, then I shall draw last.
Aeris swung her staff in wide, sweeping arcs. Veletta met each blow with
her own staff. The Mistress of Evil grinned into Aeris eyes as they
met in a lock of weapons. Then Aeris cried out as a wound burst from her
side.
She stepped back, grabbing at the gruesome cut in her side,
what...happened?
Veletta laughed, do you not understand the true nature of the Rite
of Blood? Fool, you are joined with that weakling Kaede now. His hurts are
now yours.
Aeris brought herself to her feet, shaking her head wearily. If Veletta was
telling the truth, then Kaede was in trouble. However...
If that is so, grinned Aeris, all I have to do to help
him defeat Methos...is hurt you...
Veletta laughed at her, impudent Cetra, do you honestly think you can
defeat me?
Aeris brought her staff up, daring Veletta to defy her, only one way
to find out.
Barret and the others saw the fires in the sky, and barely had time to scatter
before it came crashing down in the midst. Somke billowed from where the
flames had landed, and coughing could be heard.
Ugh, groaned Cid, is everyone alright.
Yeah, answered Yuffie.
Were still here, followed Elena.
Somebody get the number of the truck that hit us, moaned
Barret.
Vincent walked closer to the smoke, now beginning to dissipate. There was
a huge crevice in the large staircase leading to the top. But that was not
what caught Avalanches attention. Within the heart of it all, a dark
figure was moving.
Poor bastards been fried, said Barret.
Ive seen better days, answered the voice, but Ill
be alright.
The figure brushed himself off, and the moonlight glowed down on the figure,
revealing him as...
Cloud! shouted Reeve.
The swordsman nodded, glad to see you made it.
He looked at Red and the other, nodding at them, Ill ask later,
but Im glad to see youre alive. I hope our luck holds
out.
Whats going on up there? asked Reno.
Cloud became silent, as he remembered Tifas screams. He clenched his
fist, and turned around.
Cloud? asked Yuffie.
A hard, emotionless voice answered back, Im going up
there.
Well help you, offered Red.
No, answered Cloud, this is personal. I will personally
see each of them die kicking and screaming for what they did to
Tifa.
Shera gasped, Is she...?
Cloud closed his eyes, I dont know...I just
dont...
Then there was no tome for words, as Cloud screamed his rage, running up
the stairs and leaving the others behind.
Great Planet, said Barret, I dont think Ive
ever seen him that pissed before.
What he said about Tifa, shuddered Elena, do you think
shes...?
I dont know, answered Barret.
Wed better get up there quickly, suggested Cid, before
its too late for all of us.
Sephiroth laughed into the night sky, howling like a wolf at the full moon.
He was invincible, he would be the undisputed ruler of the cosmos. But his
cries were soon eclipsed by a louder sound. It was the sound of some...beast.
It sounded feral, wild, and the Horseman of Death had barely enough time
to wonder what it was, before a screaming figure leapt into the air to dethrone
him.
You think you are so high and mighty Sephiroth, spat Cloud,
you think you are Death? Im here to personally send you to meet
the real thing.
Sephiroth stared in shock for a moment, then smiled evilly at his
enemy.
Bravo Cloud, he conceded, I must say, you have been more
fun than I expected.
No more games Sephiroth, said Cloud darkly.
Very well, sniffed the ex-Soldier, then it is time to
die!
Cloud felt more than heard something from behind, and leapt away just as
the ground where he was standing vanished. The marble vaporized, and Cloud
squinted past the haze to see Morbius leering at him.
Dont you people know how to fight fair? demanded
Cloud.
There was no answer, and suddenly, Cloud was beset by the two Horsemen.
Surprisingly enough, he held them both off, but he was quickly tiring. Cloud
knew he couldnt keep this up for long.
Then the inevitable happened. Cloud was forced back as Sephiroth launched
a brutal offensive, and Morbius caught Cloud, slicing into the mans
back with his claws. Cloud struggled to stay conscious as Sephiroth slammed
his fist into Clouds temples, causing him to see stars. The two Horsemen
watched with satisfaction as Cloud staggered back, gasping for breath. He
fell to one knee, completely at the mercy of the two dark figures.
Morbius, offered Sephiroth, if you would like to do the
honors...
The Horseman of Pestilence flashed Cloud a blood hungry smile, and raised
his hand to cast a spell. Cloud closed his eyes, bracing himself for the
pain. However, he opened them again as he heard Morbius
screams.
The Horseman looked at his gut, unable to make sense of what he saw. A fist
was protruding from his stomach. Morbius yelled in pain as a powerful blow
crashed into the back of his head, flinging him away.
I told you never to underestimate me, said Tifa
Lockheart.
Cloud felt tears of joy stinging in his eyes, Tifa.
She smiled at him, watch your back next time love.
Cloud laughed back, Ill keep that in mind.
Morbius rose to his feet, cradling his wound, impossible, you should
be dead.
And you should never have harmed this planet, retorted Tifa,
but life is full of surprises, isnt it?
Fool! screamed Morbius, I shall kill you!
He ran at Tifa, gathering his energies as he screamed with raged. Tifa yelled
out her own cries as she attacked. This was her home, her planet. She had
fought to protect the lives of innocents from madmen like this. That was
all she needed to give her the will to fight. That, and her love for
Cloud.
Morbius raked his claws downward, and met nothing but empty air. Tifa dodged
behind him, and the Horesman turned around as Tifa brought her foot squarely
into his ace. She launched a furious series of punches, her raw emotions
fueling every blow. Morbius tried to behead her with another claw strike,
but Tifa jumped into the air, catching him with a roundhouse before he had
time to react. Then she vaulted herself foot first into Morbius chest,
forcing him back. She used her momentum to bring up her feet, jumping away
and kicking him in the process. The two flew through the air, away from each
other. Tifa landed on her feet. Morbius landed painfully on his arm.
Tifa ran to follow her attack, but Morbius was already on his feet, frothing
with rage. With all his might, Morbius thrust his clawed hands into Tifas
midsection. The woman grabbed the arm, but grunted with pain as the claws
hit home.
Morbius laughed cruelly, and now you die.
I dont think so, breathed Tifa.
What? demanded Morbius incredulously.
Tifa glared up at him, blood leaking from her mouth, Ive seen
that move before, if thats all youve got, you are in deep
sh-
Morbius withdrew his claws, causing Tifa to gasp slightly in pain. He backed
away from he, fully expecting her to topple over. She didnt. Instead,
defiantly, she stood up straight, ignoring the pain from the huge gashes
in her side. Raising an upturned finger, she beckoned Morbius to attack her
again.
The Horseman howled in fury, raising his hands to crush his enemy once and
for all. Tifa let out a short scream of rage, jumping back and bringing her
fist forward, drawing her energies into her hand. Morbius ran onward after
her, and Tifa surged forth to meet him. Their two fists met, energy crashing
upon energy. And then a blaze of light surrounded them both, and a ear splitting
whine cracked the walls, as the light blinded all who saw. The flames swarmed
around Tifa, engulfing her, flowing in and out of her body. She screamed
as she felt herself being torn apart...
When the light cleared, Tifa, bloody, worn, and ragged, was still standing.
There was no trace left of Morbius, none at all...
Dont ever mess with my husband again, croaked Tifa, her
throat dry from screaming.
Tifa, whispered Cloud.
Slowly, as if trying to understand the meaning of the words she heard, Tifa
turned to look at Cloud. She smiled reassuringly, then closed her eyes and
fell forward.
Quick as lightning, Cloud was by her side. She slumped forward into his arms
boneless and exhausted.
Did I...get him? whispered Tifa.
Tears were streaming freely down Clouds eyes, hush now, you got
him. Im safe now, thanks to you.
Tifa opened her eyes once more, and smiled up at her love. Cloud tried to
smile back bravely, but she was hurt so badly, she had lost so much
blood...
Im sorry Cloud, breathed Tifa, I love
you...
Dont you dare say goodbye to me Tifa, cried Cloud.
She closed her eyes tiredly.
He raised her face to his, Listen to me. Listen to me!
She slowly opened her eyes once more.
We are going to go home, we are going to raise a family, pleaded
Cloud, dammit Tiff, you cant leave me now. I swear Ill
come after you and scold you if you leave me.
Tifa laughed, but stopped because it hurt her to much, slave
driver...dont worry Cloud, Im here.
Cloud smiled, kissed her, and held her close, cradling her in his
arms.
I think Im going to pass out now, whispered Tifa.
You do that, replied Cloud, Ill wake you when this
is over.
No dice, answered Tifa, youre hopeless without me,
probably need me to save your backside before this is over.
Cloud smiled down at her.
And such a cute backside too, added Tifa.
Cloud laughed again, Ill be back.
Tifa nodded, then closed her eyes. Cloud gently lowered her to the ground,
and stood up.
How sweet, mocked Sephiroth, maybe I should kill HER before
your eyes this time.
Cloud quickly spun around, his eyes glowing with fury, you...freaks...have
done enough to us. Time for you to leave us forever.
Sephiroth grinned, nodded, as raised his sword, come then Cloud. Let
us finish this fight.
Cloud was beyond feelings now. His cold warriors heart had kicked in.
These bastards had dared to hurt HIS wife.
Now your madness ends. The line must be drawn here, said Cloud
prophetically.
Cloud drew his sword, and ran forth to meet his destiny...
Authors Note: I was having a little trouble with the last couple of
fight scenes. I mean, I had everything planned out, but I was falling over
myself not to repeat anything. Anyway, I liked the direction I was heading
in towards the end there. Oh, you are so not expecting what I am going to
do next. Heck, I didnt even expect what I was going to do next until
a little while ago, one of those last minute changes...
Keep reading, and as always, thanks.
.