Vincent Valentine's Story

In a flury of scarlet Vincent plummeted out of the sky, falling from a shower of blue-green strands. To him they resembled strands of the Lifestream, but he could not personally recall the last time he had heard a story of the Lifestream dumping someone out of the sky. Generally, people did not re-emerge, at least for a very long time.

Wind whisked through his hair as he fell, whipping about the tattered ends of his crimson cloak and calling him back from his irritable train of thought. It mattered little why or how the Lifestream seemed to have dumped him in the middle of the sky – what mattered was landing. Vincent had fallen from higher before – now, barely a hundred feet from the ground, he was in no danger. Still, if he did not bother to land, simply thought and fell, even Vincent was going to find himself a rather large mound of crushed bone on the pavement.

He twisted around, cloak whisking out behind him with a sharp snap. Silently he pulled Ceberus from its sheath at his thigh, pulling his legs down underneath him just in time to strike the pavement. He could not deny that it hurt – he would have said it hurt a lot, if he had not been nearly killed on several occasions. No, Vincent knew what true pain was. Landing on pavement, when you knew how to do it, was not true pain.

No… not pavement. Stone.

He frowned slightly, straightening up and raising Cerberus. A quick sweep of the great plateau which surrounded him left him certain that he was alone. Nothing moved, nothing breathed. There were no buildings, only silhouettes in the distance. A good half-hour’s walk, even for a practiced traveler like Vincent. He had not been expecting to have to walk far today. He’d almost been looking forwards to spending the evening with Tifa and Cloud in Seventh Heaven. Well… that hadn’t worked out very well. He drew a rough sigh, shaking his head. Sometimes he wondered if fate was holding a grudge against him. An unreasonable speculation, but it applied nonetheless. Vincent never seemed to get a day off.

He shook back his waves of dark hair, lowering Cerberus slowly to his side. A mile and a half to the city, he judged, but that did not matter. Even at this distance, were the city alive he would have heard the rush of cars, the sounds of invasive human life, something. This place was dead silent. This place held no life. He doubted that he would find any help in the city.

No matter. Perhaps the city was the closest thing in view, but it was not the only think that Vincent could see. Beyond the dark-cut shapes of the building stood a tower ten times as tall, encased in a pillar of light. He had mixed feelings about pillars of light and other such signals of inhabitance, of blessing. Sometimes they were good things… others they could be disastrous. That was the way Vincent’s world worked, though, and so far as he could see that pillar was the only sign of life in this desolate world – wherever this desolate world happened to be, for it most certainly was not any place he had ever been before. That pillar of light was probably the only place where Vincent was going to get any answers.

Swallowing his hesitations, Vincent struck out across the stone, alone in the company of the metallic click of his metal-booted feet. In barely half an hour he had reached the city, and beyond it he could see his path to the light. Perhaps, if he was lucky, he would not meet anyone hostile between here and there.

Before the purple-haired man could answer, Auron heard another person arriving at the street. He turned to acknowledge the presence a black-haired man with a long scarlet cloak billowing in the air. Something about this new stranger seemed off...but his appearance does give him an aura of mysteriousness.

"Do you know where this place is?" the new stranger asked.


Auron wasn't quite sure what to make of the red cloaked man but one thing is for certain...he doesn't know where he is either. So, are other people lost here as well? Auron thought of the possibilites of other people appearing, he thought of the possibility that someone he knew may appear here. Unfortunately, Auron could not answer the man's question, for he knows not where he is either. All of the answers, Auron hopes, lies in the hands of the Purple-Haired Man. Auron's hand ever still delicately resting upon the hilt of the sword, ever-ready for anything to happen. Auron really does wish for it to not come to fighting, but he will oblige if either one of these men give him provocation to do so. Yet, even if it does come to bloodshed, he could tell that either one of these men will not go down easily.

Caius:

Spira? Well that definitely confirmed that these warriors were from a different realm. Caius briefly entertained the idea that he could also pretend to be from another world, lost and confused. But no, cloak and dagger was never for him. Yeul was waiting and he had to end this game, now. Before he could answer another man walked up, stranger than the first. This one was also dressed in crimson, but he was pale and rather menacing. He had a gauntlet on one arm and a strange gun strapped to his side. He definitely wasn't from Pulse, and it didn't appear as if he was from Spira either.

Yet another man walked by, with the longest sword Caius had ever seen. Despite how unwieldy it was, this silver-haired man carried it with ease. He sensed great power from the man, and prepared for the worst. However the newcomer ignored them completely and walked right by. A slight smile came to Caius' lips, that man could be trouble. Shrugging inwardly he turned his attention back to the two crimson strangers. "Fear not for I have the answers you seek," Caius shook his head, "Yet I am afraid the answers are not pleasant. You have been summoned by the Goddess Etro to this hell." Caius swept his arms wide for effect, "This is Valhalla, and you have been caught up in the eternal conflict without end."

"Goddess Etro?" "Valhalla?" "The eternal conflict without end?" Auron, repeated to himself as the situation grew stranger and stranger still. Auron never heard of this Goddess or of Valhalla, but apparently that is how he came here and where he is. Did this Goddess pull me from the Farplane? Auron thought as the arrival and subsequent departure of the silver-haired man with the long blade made Auron uneasy. Something about him, a lethal air about him is what one could say. This was all rather confusing as it seems more people have been dragged from their homes by this supposed Goddess this Purple-Haired Man spoke of. Then talk of an eternal conflict without end, was Auron dragged from the Farplane just to fight another battle, to be apart of another story? Yet, who is the enemy, is it the Purple-Haired Man before him? Could it have been the Silver-Haired Man that just passed us? It can't be the Red-Cloaked Man, he didn't even know where he was either. Or maybe it is someone Auron had yet encountered?

"What is this conflict you speak of?" Auron asked as it would seem this man has knowledge of this place, maybe he actually lives here. Either way if Auron is going to figure out anything it would seem the Purple-Haired Man is his best source at the moment.

Caius:

Caius lowered his arms as a slight frown formed on his face. His hatred for this realm was so inherent he wasn't sure he could put it into words. Caius despised the endless test of strength that was Valhalla. He was no stranger to conflict but he was a guardian, he preferred to fight for his ward or not at all. What if these strangers felt differently? Caius clenched his fist, why was he always plagued by so many doubts? Probably a product of his longevity. No matter, if these warriors wanted to embrace this world he didn't want their help. They would simply have to be removed.

"Yes you are observant to notice enmity. This realm leaves no reason to fight, but for the sake of mere fighting itself. If Etro thinks she can imprison me here and play with mortal's lives, I mean to see that she is mistaken. My name is Caius Ballad, and I have been fighting to rid myself of this Goddess and her curse for centuries beyond counting. I had almost succeeded, but now you have arrived. Warriors from mysterious times and places. If you have been summoned here to revel in meaningless battle without end, then draw your weapon and be done with you. Otherwise I mean to rid ourselves of this Goddess and return our lives back to how they should be." Caius was slightly winded, he never spoke to anyone for such an extended period of time. He had laid it all out on the line, the truth. Now all that was left was to see how they would react.

Auron was surprised of the answer, it was strange. To fight for the sake of fighting itself? It seemed sort of foolish to fight without reason, as if it is an unending cycle. Auron gasps, as this Caius's words reminded him of the unending cycle of Sin. Sin, he remembers that monster so well, he remembers failing as a guardian, losing his friends to that unending nightmare. Could this Goddess Etro be as corrupted as Yevon? Auron thought of the possibility as this Etro could be just another Sin, forcing people to enter this so-called hell as Caius described it as. Perhaps, Caius is like Braska, who only wished to free Spira from Sin's destruction, just as he wishes to save Valhalla from this Etro's crazed machinations. Maybe he does live here, maybe its because of this Etro that there is a lack of people. If that is so then Auron could sympathize with Caius, as he remembers the masses destroyed by Sin on Spira. As he thought about it, it would seem unwise to fight this Caius, as he puts it doesn't seem he is the problem but this Etro...perhaps she does need to be stopped, what if Tidus or Yuna is dragged into this mess...they just broken Sin's cycle, it would be unfair for them to suffer through another endless cycle.

"Caius is it?" "There is no need for you to raise your blade against me, I have no intrest in stopping your cause, stopping your story." Auron answered so Caius can understand that he means him no ill-will.

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?"

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.

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?"

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.

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.

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?