Valhalla

[double post]

Vincent arched one dark eyebrow, listening to Caius, mulling over his words. He hinted at the curse of immortality... that was something to which Vincent could relate. Easily. How many times had he wished that it would simply... end? Not many hours before he had been sure that it would, as he lay at Rosso's feet with a gaping hole in his chest. What was it that she had heaved out from where his heart should have been. Some glowing orb, a large materia, but Vincent's eyes had been blurring already by the time he saw that. He could not be sure what he had really seen.

It did not matter. If this place was not some hell he had been sent to for his sins, it certainly seemed a hell in its own way. Normally Vincent would have resigned himself to this punishment... but he had people waiting for him back home. A city, and a world, relying upon him to destroy Deepground. To stop them from bringing about whatever tyrannical end they sought. His friends were waiting for him.

A piercing pain, like a gunshot, shook through his chest. He grunted quietly, more emotion than he generally showed in a day compacted into that once instant. In an instant it had gone. He had felt it before, something fighting from the inside to escape. It was not something these men, still complete strangers, needed to know anything about. He drew a deep breath and pressed past the lingering pain, meeting Caius' eyes steadily. He did not draw Cerberus. What good would it do him to fight the purple-haired warrior? He wanted out of this world, back to Rosso, back to battle... back to the path to the truth about Lucrecia.
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Yuna hovered slightly behind Fang, watching the others with wide eyes. True, she had always been a very friendly girl, but the young summoner was also painfully aware of her own inability in battle. Her aeons did the fighting for her. That was why guardians were so important to a summoner - they could not survive on their own. She kept her place behind Fang, for the strong woman was the closest thing she had to a guardian just then.

"Hello," she whispered to Lightning, then to Genesis. Genesis Rhapsodos... that name was even stranger than Lightning. Where had these people come from, to have such remarkably odd names? She could not imagine the worlds where they had been born. She had to struggle, really, to imagine anywhere that was much different from Spira. Her world was the only place she had ever known.

Caius:

Caius nodded at the one warrior's verbal agreement, and the other warrior's silent consent. That went remarkably well. It was not like Caius was cheating them, but he had expected Etro's new champions to be as stubborn as Lightning. Instead they seemed as reasonable as they were strong. Caius had no intention of making the mistake of trusting them, but couldn't help being happy at removing an obstacle non-violently. Furthermore if these warriors chose to fight alongside him that would just be an agreeable bonus. However that was their call, Caius had no intention of stealing their free will as Etro had done to him.

"Be forewarned, Etro is powerless to protect herself and yet she has at least one mighty guardian. Indeed I fear Lightning will be gathering other warriors to help her cause. She herself is not evil, but just believes aiding Etro will garner her favor and a ticket home. Because she believes she is in the right, I have a long and unpleasant fight ahead of me." Caius turned and started to walk towards the tower, but stopped and looked back over his shoulder. "I will not presume to tell you what to do, but may I know your names in case we chance to meet again?"

Lightning gave a slight nod as Genesis spoke his name, then walked over to the balcony. “Not everyone here is willing to protect Etro as I am...” She said, searching for any sight of Caius. That purple haired man who loathed this place... “There's a man here by the name of Caius. This man, for whatever reason, hates Etro, and wants to see this place destroyed. He may even be searching for allies as we speak.” She said, not liking that idea.

“I have... fought with him for so long, but he just doesn't want to die... I don't really think he can.” She said, eyes scanning every building in sight. Even the SLIGHTEST hint of purple was going to get shot full of holes.

“I believe protecting Etro is the way to go, and finding some way to kill Caius. Those are my battle conditions. I win if he falls.” Lightning said, her voice almost a whisper. “You're free to believe me or not. Im not going to force any of your hands. Take as much time as you need.”
…

Fang turned to Yuna, studying her again, “Well, what do YOU want to do?” She asked, walking over to stare out at the sky. “A girl like you doesn't stand a chance on her own.” She said, pondering what her own decision. Saving Etro seemed good... it would mean teaming up with Lightning, but killing Etro may possibly undo her summons, and let her go back to Pulse...

She turned around to sit on the railing of the balcony, looking at the others. Genesis... in her language, that meant 'beginning'.... not that that really mattered, but it was good to think back to her lessons at pulse. He seemed... well, not insane, and not mad... obsessed? Ya, that was the word. Obsessed. Not one to go up against unless necessary.

This other girl... Yuna, who sort of reminded her of Vanille... she knew she couldn't go against her now that she had made that connection. “You look like someone who needs a guard. Who knows, maybe we can guard each others back. Whaddaya say?” She asked, then turned to look t the barren city. This was the battle ground. So many plans and tactics that it was scary. So many places to hide or too lay traps...
This wasnt going to be easy

Vincent watched Caius as he prepared to leave, eyes steady. For a moment he was silent, cape and hair flickering in a wind he barely felt. Then, moving without warning, without even seeming to think about it, he stepped forwards to walk alongside Caius. He was not a social person. He was not an idiot, either. This purple-haired warrior knew the land, knew the enemy, knew how things worked here. Until Vincent had a better sense of this... Valhalla, and of this warrior he called Lightning, he could not afford to strike out on his own.

"Vincent Valentine," he answered in his deep, gravelly voice. “I will go with you.”
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Yuna hesitated for the briefest of instants, staring from Fang, to Lightning, to Genesis. They all looked like competent warriors, something that Yuna was not. Apart from her aeons, Yuna’s greatest talent was in healing, supportive magics. White magic. She was meant to stand aside and aid the warriors while they took the brunt of the battle. Fang was right – she would not stand a chance on her own.

“I’d… like to stay here,” she answered softly, brow furrowed slightly in thought. “I’d like to fight with your friend.”

She nodded then, more confident in her decision now that she had said it out loud. “Yes,” she said in words that seemed suddenly stronger, raising her rod to the others. “I will help you protect the Goddess.”

Auron, thought for a moment, Unguarded? He thought about the possibility of defeating this Etro and ending this violent cycle as well but, this really isn't Auron's place to do such a thing. Then Caius spoke of this woman named Lightning, odd enough name but hearing how Caius described her reminded him of the other followers of Yevon and how they where blinded by their religion. Perhaps this Lightning woman is the same way but like the others she may not be inherently evil...yet things change...I've seen what devotion can do to you..., Auron thought about many faces and many battles. He began to think about Seymour, Yunalesca, Auron was snapped out of his thought when Caius turned around and asked for their names.

Auron thought it was only curteous to reply since Caius had given his name without asking. "My name is Auron." He then heard the Red-Cloaked Man call himself Vincent Valentine. He then saw Vincent walk next to Caius, they seemed to be headed for the tower, this world is strange but it is similar to the dangers he fought against in Spira, perhaps Auron was called to fight but fighting just to fight is unreasonable, maybe his calling is to help end the fighting, not perpetuate it. As he saw the two walk off he decided if he has to fight to leave then he will fight to break this cycle, for Caius' mission seems just, much like the pilgrimage to end Sin, perhaps this is a new pilgrimage to end Etro. These two obviously didn't need a guardian, but perhaps they could use assistance, if this Lightning garners more capable warriors then this could be difficult. Auron picked up his katana and rested it on his shoulder as he walked beside the two warriors. "If this story is to have an ending then I shall help you find it." With that Auron decided to assist the two in this mission to end Etro and return whatever balance that used to be present in this world.



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Kefka found another entrance around the back of the tower as he made his way up it. He then kept to himself in the shadows as he could hear faint voices in the distance. Ah yes at last signs of life...I wonder what they're like? With my luck there a bunch of goody two-shoes that would spoil my fun but who knows maybe I'm thinking about the worse of things...actually thats a lie I could think up even worse things.Kefka thought to himself as he came to a shaded balcony above the throne room as he looked down at all of the new faces. Well thats quite a bit of people mostly little girls who probably think they 're all grown up especially that one in the armor. And then there is the overgown bird I saw come flying in, but wait!? WHERE'S HIS WING!? Did I say wing shouldn't be wings? No I only saw one wing...odd, so we have a gimp over-grown bird. Kefka began tho think about devious thought on how he should make a splendid entrance, perhpas he should start blowing up the place? He should he start cracking jokes? Or maybe he shoud say hello? Nah thats too over done. Hm, they seem to be crowded around that Throne, are they waiting for some king or emperor to sit there? Eh, that would ruin it anyway if anyone can make that Throne look good, it would be me sitting upon it! Kefka thought as he decided to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Caius:

Caius was pleased as Vincent and Auron fell in step with him. Caius had been so long without companions that he felt a little awkward and was at a loss for words. They had walked some distance before he settled on, "Your assistance is appreciated." It sounded a little ungrateful, but it was the best Caius could do. An eternity of torment had left him more guarded then he had realized. Not sense Noel... Caius suddenly wished the boy guardian was here. Only he could truly stop this madness, but that would have to wait.

He steeled himself and looked ahead to Etro's tower, with its huge green arches on top. He was in for a fight he knew, but he didn't really want one. He held no hatred in his heart for Lightning, she was just doing what she thought best. What he would do under the same circumstances. He knew no amount of talking would dissuade her, but the others... Maybe he could get them to stand aside. He turned to his companions, "I fear we are in for a fight regardless, but I must ask you two to stay your weapons until I am able to offer them an alternative. I am loath to fight more than we have to. Also I must warn you, there is no death in this realm, only a testing of strength. The one rule of Valhalla is the strong rule the weak. If one falls in battle the loser will be compelled to fight for the victor. Be careful, I have no knowledge of who Etro has summoned and what their goals are."

Auron nodded in agreement as Caius' course of action seemed the most peaceful and sensible. Auron too doesn't much wish to have a battle on his hands, he is already prepared to fight this Lightning woman who seems to be the most apparent obstacle between Caius and Etro. Yet, Auron wasn't unprepared to fight more foes but if Caius can eliminate the amount of threats by merely speaking with them then Auron had no objections. He just wondered what Lightning is like, as Caius said she is not evil but believes she is in the right. She sounds confused perhaps blinded by this Etro, deities have such away of corrupting the minds of good people, Auron almost flet sorry, but he shouldn't let pity cloud his mind, if this Lightning is as though as Caius explains then she will not hesitate to defeat him or his fellow comrades. The one thing though that bothered Auron is this rule of the strong ruling the weak, Auron wished not to turn on these two men, sure he has no knowledge of them except their names, in fact he is not wholey trustworthy of either of them, but what he does believe in is this cause, to stop Etro. He does not wish to hinder Caius' mission, so if he does not wish it then he must make sure he comes out the victor. As they approached the tower, a strange feeling apprehension came over Auron, for he was unsure of who he might meet inside of the building.

Zorn crashed into a pile of rumble with a groan and was about to stand when Thorn landed on top of him. "oof get off" grumbled Zorn.
"Sorry I am" spoke Thorn as he hopped off off his comrad then offered a hand to help him up.
"Where are we?" asked Zorn
Thorn shruged "This I know not." he answered

Zorn and Thorn looked around themselves it was like nothing they had ever seen before. "This is not our world" stated Zorn
"Our world this is not" agreed Thorn
"Are we dead?"
"This I know not, remember I can not."

They looked around again till they saw a tower shining with light. "It is Bright!"
"Bright it is!"
"We must go there!"
"Go there we must!"

With that it was agreed and the two set out though the ruined city blissfully unaware of the danger that awaited them at the tower.

Lightning nodded her thanks to everyone, “I hope we can just fight Caius without having to fiight the others... if we cant kill him, then maybe we can tie hidm up...” She said, already looking ahead to the next move. “You should all be aware: there is no death in Valhalla. If you are defeating, your are forced to help out. If this happens, I suggest you get out of sight as soon as they try and impose on you.” She said, doing her best to explain the rules of the battle field. If the others decide to fight then, ideally, we can use this to get them to fight and surround Caius...”

She looked out, still scanning, when she finally saw it: the telltale purple hair. Caius was here and, as she had feared, he managed to get some of the warriors over to his side. “They're here... I hope your here.” She said, aiming her gunblade, and squeezing the trigger, firing 6 shots. 2 of them were warning shots, telling the other warriors to back off, and she knew they wouldn't meet their mark. She DID hope, however, that the bullets would hit Caius dead on.

“CAIUS BALLAD!” She said, “You're not welcome here. Leave!”

…

Fang leaned over the railing, then looked to Yuna, “So, if Etro called you, you must have SOME way of fighting... I'd like to see you in action sometime.” She said, raising a finger, “You need me, just call for me, okay?” She said, then turned to attention when Lightning said they were coming, and she looked over the railing, debating on what she should do,, and she flipped her lance, “Lets assume Yuna is either a Ravager and Medic, and take Solidarity or Delta Attack. I'll take Sentinel.” She said, walking over to the door.

Lightning nodded, and Lightning Jumped off a balcony to a nearby roof, landing to get a better view of offense

“Oh, I bet that was confusing.” Fang said to Yuna, “When me Lightning and the others fought, we switched our battle roles to keep the enemy off balance. Medic means someone who focus on healung the others, Ravager means your focusing on casting spells.... Sentinel means i'm taking a guard position, so i'm focusing on guarding this area. Soldarity and Delta are names for paragdims... we often had to change, so we made up names so we'll know what to switch to... its confusing at first, but you get used to it.

She kept her lance at the ready, “I'm trusting you with my back, Yuna.

Vincent nodded slowly in understanding. Forced into servitude, loss of control over one's self. He was familiar with it. He did not enjoy it. He would avoid it, end of story. He had more power packed into his body than most would guess by looking at him - he feared little in life, and less in death. This realm was not one of death, apparently. At least, that was what Caius claimed. Perhaps there was something for him to fear him...

Absently, as they drew nearer to the tower, Vincent began to wonder if the Lifestream even ran here. Was it possible that a realm could exist where the Lifestream did not flow? That would certainly explain the lack of death... How would one die if one could not return to the Lifestream?

His attention was diverted then, by a shout from the tower. He looked up, zeroing in on a woman with pink hair, dressed in plate armor. Normally he would have sniped here then and there, would have taken no risk, but Caius had warned against such immediate action. Talk first, shoot later.
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Yuna listened attentively to Fang's explanation, nodding every once in a while in understanding. It was fairly easy to understand. Sentinel, Medic, Ravager... hastily she drilled these terms into her mind. She had to learn to understand Fang and Lightning's commands if she was going to fight at their level - if she was going to help protect her new companions.


She kept her lance at the ready, “I'm trusting you with my back, Yuna." Fang told her, and Yuna felt that familiar skip of fear. What if- No. She did not have time for what ifs. She swallowed her fear and raised her rod, preparing to cast her spells.

"I've got it," she answered firmly.

Auron stopped as the bullets flied it missed him and Vincent and barely missed Caius. He then heard shouting from above, “CAIUS BALLAD!” She said, “You're not welcome here. Leave!” Auron turned his attention to a pink-haired woman, whom he believed to be this Lightning woman. Auron was about to draw his blade, acting as a guardian and defend Caius from the bullets but thankfully they missed their intended target. Besides Caius did specifically warn them against using their weapons. Since Vincent didn't draw his weapon Auron wouldn't either. Instead he waited for Caius to make the first move, after all Auron could see another woman exiting the building, she was carrying a lance and she too looked formidable. As Caius said we may have to fight regrettably but hopefully he could ask the other warriors to stand down. As the events began to unfold Auron waited to see what Caius may do, after all depending on how he handles this shall help determine more of Caius' character to Auron. Which shall also help Auron cement any type of trust in this mysterious warrior from another world.

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Kefka eavesdropping couldn't help but wrap his head around the idea of not dying. IF what they say is true then everyone INCLUDING me is invincible! The only bad part that is if you lose you have to play guard dog for someone...ewwww. Kefka shivered at the idea, Kefka Palazzo does not play second fiddle to ANYONE! BUT, having a bunch of powerful dogs at my command however, will make me more powerful!! Yet, who should I make my lackey first!? Before Kefka could decided he heard the Pink-Haired Woman shout out the name Caius Ballad and fired her weapon. Hm, this Caius sounds like an interesting fellow and judging by the amount precaution this guys are towards him, he may be a good first lackey...hm.

Caius:

Caius saw a flash of movement up in the tower. "Here she comes, stay sharp. I am going on ahead, don't engage unless you have to." Two warning shots rained around them followed by Lightning's familiar challenge.

CAIUS BALLAD! You're not welcome here. Leave!

Her ultimatum was followed by four shots aimed perfectly between his eyes. Caius held out his hand and a sphere of grey burst outwards, stopping all time. Caius smiled, he was fond of using Etro's gifts to bring about her downfall. He walked casually around the bullets and jumped to the roof Lightning had just landed on. He glared at his nemesis as she was frozen. "Why can't you understand my pain?" She was helplessly frozen before him, but Caius couldn't attack without time resuming. Even if he could he would never resort to such underhanded tricks.

He walked past her and jumped up to the balcony she had just vacated. Caius scowled at the sight of Etro's throne, but quickly turned to evaluate the new arrivals. Two were female one with brown hair, and the other Caius recognized from his time traveling as Fang. She was dangerous. She had been strong enough to become Ragnarok and blast a hole in cocoon. What was more she was already a good comrade to Lightning, not a good sign. The third was yet another man dressed all in crimson, but this time it was leather. Caius thought the brown-haired woman and the crimson warrior looked unassuming, but looks can be deceiving. Caius supposed he was about to find out.

Caius let time resume its normal flow. He knew suddenly appearing on the balcony would likely garner him some hostility so he held up his arms, palms out, as a reassuring and non-threatening gesture. He hoped Lightning would take long enough figuring out what happened that he could say what he had come to say. "Ah I see some more new faces, don't worry my quarrel is not with you I mean you no harm. I simply come to beseech you to stop this mindless violence. This is not your fight, stand aside and no harm will come to you. Etro has imprisoned us here, is it so wrong for me to despise my jailer?"

Genesis:

Genesis listened to Lightning's explanation of the world with indifference. A slight problem, but it wouldn't change how he acted. He would merely do his best and hope that the Goddess smiled upon his actions. As Lightning jumped into action at the sight of intruders Genesis didn't move. He did not doubt Lightning's hatred for this Caius, but he preferred to see the hostility with his own eyes. Plus Lightning seemed more than capable. He watched Fang bolster Yuna's courage. Some part of him wanted to also pledge to protect the fragile woman, to play the hero. Yet that had passed, he was a monster and nothing would change that. All he could do was follow the will of the Goddess and hope for the best. Maybe one day...

All of a sudden a purple-haired man materialized from nowhere onto the balcony. Genesis reacted in the blink of an eye, stepping between the intruder and the throne. He held out his hand and his Rapier appeared as he had somehow knew it would. This world was indeed made for fighting. He pointed his weapon toward intruder, but made no move to attack. He waited to hear him out. Genesis deduced that this must be Caius. After listening to his plea Genesis shook his head gently never taking his eyes off his foe. "Just cause or not, I will not stand aside," he said in barely more than a whisper. He was a monster who could aspire to nothing more than destruction. Thankfully it seemed those talents could be of some use to the Goddess here.

Vincent sighed quietly as time released him, shaking his head slowly. Now where had that man gone? The one with the purple hair? He could only assume that Caius had headed up into the tower - how, he could not possibly have said. It did not matter to him, in the end. He had seen enough strange people and strange powers in his half-century. Nothing could really surprise him anymore.

He glanced around to Auron, his face emotionless, but his eyes fierce. Prepared. Vincent was always, always, ready for a fight. He looked, for a moment, like he might say something to the other.
Then he shook his head slightly once more and hitched forwards towards the tower, cloak billowing and metal-clad feet chinking softly against the stone. He drew Cerberus as he ran, quickly checking it for ammo before tucking it back into its sheath. By the time he got there the fight would probably already have started.
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Yuna squeaked quietly when the man appeared in front of them, hands tightening on her rod. She almost - almost - called out to Valefor, but she relaxed at the last instant. The man was holding his hands up. He wasn't fighting. At least not yet.
She sucked in her breath and waited for the moment when her prayers would become necessary.

Damn that time manipulation trick of his, Lightning cursed, and twisted around to act, but refrained from shooting while Caius was so close to both the throne and her new allies, , she instead turned to face the other warriors, both cloaked in various shades of Red. She hopped down to speak to them, “Why are you helping Caius? Etro called you all to take Caius out, not join with him. “ she asked, “Doubtless he said I was brainwashed or something similar...”

She paused, looking at themm both, “ I would ask that if you dont help Etro, that you stay out of the fight. I have no wish to fight those Etro summoned.”

…
Fang studied the purple haired freak... Caius, and studied him, “Wrong to hate, no its not.” She said, after he finished, “Wrong to try and kill, yes. This is more than a Fal cie, This is a goddess we're talking about. Why are you trying to kill such a being for your own desired?”

Fang took a few steps, and readied her lance, “We have to finish you quickly so I c an return to Vanille. On you.” She said, tired of mincing words, Entrenching herself, preparing to counter strike.

….

Sephrioth stirred from the ally near the building, before getting up, and walking towards the building. They were more or less distracted now, and now was the best time to act. A black wing unfolded from his shouler, and he rose into the air, landing on the balcony to gaze at the throne that must be his target, and he spoke as he actually reconized one person. “Well, now. Genesis.” He said, then focused on his target again,, advancing to it.

Fang Intercepted, and Sephiroth raised his sword to block the first thrust, then the second, before spinning to dish a counter, witch Fang rolled out of the way, then advanced to follow up. Sephrioth hopped out of the way to get ready , and the two exchanged blows, for for a few seconds, before Fang relented, hoping back to face both Caius and Sephiroth. Fighting a double front was NOT what she had in mind.

Caius:

Caius frowned, this was not going well. The red-coated man had refused him, Fang wanted a fight, and the brown-haired girl didn't even say a word. It seemed Caius would find no reason here. He lowered his arms, scowling at Fang, but made no move to draw his weapon. "What makes you think defeating me will allow you to go home? The Goddess has summoned you here to serve her for all eternity." Well Caius had said what he had to say, if they would not see reason then they could be shown reason. He was about to beat a retreat to reunite with Auron and Vincent when the situation turned to chaos.

The silver-haired warrior suddenly appeared on the balcony. He moved toward the one called Genesis, but exchanged a flurry of blows with Fang. This new warrior was obviously powerful. Caius was at a loss for his actions. His main enemy was behind him, if he could separate Lightning from her comrades he might be able to subdue her quickly. "Thank you my friend," he said to the new arrival before turning and jumping off the balcony. That aught to turn everyone in the room against the silver-haired man. He appeared capable of stalling them.

This situation could hardly get more chaotic, but Caius was determined to press ahead. He saw that Lightning had begun to talk to his comrades, and he alighted on a nearby roof. He was interested in what they had to say so he didn't announce his presence yet.

Genesis:

"Sephiroth?!" Genesis suddenly struck by confusion lowered his sword. In his previous life he had only two friends, and here one of them stood before him. But was this Sephiroth the hero or Sephiroth the monster? Like Genesis, Sephiroth had also learned of his fate as a monster. Unlike Genesis, Sephiroth had done nothing to fight against his new-found roll. Indeed he seemed to revel in it. Genesis felt a pang of guilt punch him in his gut, he was partly responsible for Sephiroth's descent into madness. They were so similar these two men. Yet all Genesis had ever wanted was to be Sephiroth, to be the hero.

The evidence pilled up against Sephiroth as first he traded blows with Fang, and then he was acknowledge by Caius who promptly left. Genesis shook his head, suddenly at a loss. "Sephiroth my friend, must we brandish weapons at each other?" Genesis recited:

[My friend, your desire

Is the bringer of life, the gift of the Goddess]

Genesis knew Sephiroth would recognize the Loveless, and hopefully would reconsider his actions. "You see? The thing we seek is here, our journey is over at long last. I have no desire to fight you."

Auron merely gazed at the woman whom appeared to be Lightning as Caius disappeared. He understood her reasons for trying to convince him and Vincent that Caius is the enemy, but anyone who is blinded by faith would try and protect their beliefs. Auron could see that this woman is not evil, from the look in her eyes she seemed honest and determined, admirable qualities, unfortunately she is sworn to Etro, the very person perpetuating this senseless fighting. Although he doesn't wish to fight her he can't exactly turn back either, and it seems Caius' attempts to persuade Lightning's allies failed as he noticed Caius leaving the balcony. Where Caius left to he did not know. He turned his attention back to Lightning, he isn't sure what to do with her, he was warned that a fight with Lightning was unavoidable, but until he heard from Caius about attacking, Auron is at a stand still. Auron could disregard Caius' instructions, after all he really has no ties to the man but Auron isn't one for disobedience either. This crucial moment could either cement loyalties or break them. Auron continued to say nothing to Lightning obviously trying to rationalize anything with her would probably bet met with failure, so in the mean time Auron said nothing to Lightning as he isn't entirely sure himself of who he should trust.

Yuna was beginning to get the sense that there was a lot going on between the people around here. And she did not understand any of it. At all. She hesitated for one long instant, before realizing that one of her allies - Lightning - had left the room. If Yuna could not see the pink-haired woman, her spells would do no good. The Summoner needed a new vantage point, somewhere she would be able to see both Fang and Lightning at all times. Sucking in a deep breath she made a mad dash for the rooftops onto which Lightning had first leapt. It was only a miracle - once she would have said from Yevon - which kept her from getting herself killed half way there. As it was, when she reached the slanted surface she nearly slipped and fell to her death, spotting the two quiet warriors Lightning had confronted. She scrambled to regain her footing, to check what she had seen. They both wore red... one she did not know...

The other she did.

"Auron!" she cried in absolute shock and something close to horror. Lightning was down there... and the confrontation did not look friendly.
Could Yuna fight her Guardian? She was not sure...
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Vincent narrowed his eyes at Lightning, but remained just as silent as Auron beside him. Sounds of battle had started up overhead... negotiations had failed. He pulled out his gun and fired at Lightning, not letting the shrill cry of a girl distract him. Tifa was not here so far as he had seen, nor were Yuffie or Lucrecia or Shelke, and those were the only girls he could think of off-hand whom he cared anything about. Whomever it was this time, he assumed it was an enemy, and continued his assault on the woman who had confronted them.

Caius:

Caius had done enough sneaking around. His companions were obviously steadfast, there was no reason to doubt them. I did not intend for violence during this confrontation, but that ship has flown. All of Caius' plans seemed to be going awry lately. All I can do is keep moving forward, plan or no. The moment Vincent sprung into action Caius did as well, moving to help. He grabed Ragnarok from his back and held it out in front of him. The eye on the hilt opened and Caius felt the power of Chaos flow through his body. Without waiting to see if Vincent's attack connected he walked off the building.

Falling from ten stories up Caius took the time to gather a mass of Chaos into his blade. "Now! Now is the time to bring eternity to an end," Caius shouted more to Yuel then to anyone present. Smashing into the ground Caius winced as his legs absorbed the impact, making a large crater in the road. Using the momentum of his fall, Caius slammed Ragnarok into the ground. The moment it connected the Chaos in the blade burst forth as a blast of energy, aimed straight for Lightning's heart.

Gabranth:

Gabranth's armor clanked as he was deposited from a portal onto an empty street. He scanned the area, not recognizing anything. Where am I? The last thing I remember is attacking Basch, and then.... Gabranth grunted in frustration, his memory was failing him. Did I finally take revenge on my brother? No, I would remember if I had. Gabranth slammed his gauntleted fist into a nearby building, sending spiderweb cracks up and down the wall. He felt his confusion be replaced with the familiar pit of rage in his gut.

So what is all this then? Gabranth appeared to be in an island city, but this city was deserted. One thing was for sure this was nowhere in Archadia. The giant tower at the center of the island drew his gaze, and he faintly heard sounds of fighting. Not alone after all then. Gabranth began to walk slowly in that direction. Where there is fighting a Judge must preside, and maybe I will find Basch. Gabranth continued steadily on, ominously proceeded by the echo of his clanking armor.

Auron immediately was surprised by Vincent's actions as he attacked Lightning. Already Auron could see that violence was about to come to pass but he never expected Vincent to launch an attack so soon, yet Auron realized that fighting definitely could not be avoided. Before he took an aggressive stance he heard the shout of a very familiar voice. Could it be? Auron quickly looked towards the direction to voice orginated from and from his surprise the owner of the voice looks like....Yuna! No! Can it be!? Yuna!? Before Auron could react Caius came crashing down from the sky and created a huge blast of energy from the crater he recently imprinted in the city's streets. Auron quickly lept away from Lightning's position as he made a good distance away from her as he saw the blast flying straight for her. Such power...just who is this Caius? Auron thought as he slid across a sidewalk. Then he turned his attention back to the woman upon the balcony, without a doubt it looked like Yuna...So I'm not the only one then...I wonder. Auron thought as he also wondered if anyone else from his world made it, perhaps Tidus did, maybe Jecht?

Kefka

Kefka was more than overjoyed at the sudden rashness of the woman. She began to attack the One-Winged Warrior with brilliant frenzy. The Silver-Haired Guy parried the blows with great finesse. Yet, while Kefka found the action amusing it just wasn't destructive enough. This was a controlled frenzy, despite the aggression. Also the words of the Crimson Warrior did little to help quell Kefka's boredom. Why not brandish your weapons!? Preposterous! Any excuse is good enough to begin fighting but not everyone is so...liberated.

Kefka noticed though that the man did want to fight this Genesis and well the woman was in the way. Kefka placed on a devilish grin as he thought he might as well aid in this fight. "FIRE!" He shouted a launched a fireball but it spontaneous spilt into four smaller balls. Each fireball hit the arch the lead from this room to the balcony. The fire exploded on impact. Soon apart of the ceiling came crashing down separating Fang and Yuna from Sephiroth and Genesis. "No need to thank me pal!" "Just pay it forward next time!" Kefka manically laughed as he jumped from his hiding spot, revealing himself to Sephiroth and Genesis. "Don't mind me, continue on with your fun!" "But if you want to tag me in, I won't object!" Kefka chuckled.