Shake and Oddity's CYOA

Romaji Sector, Aeris's tent Two lonely beds. Lonely as in different from the others. Different then before. Aeris and Samus were in no condition to join the fighting anytime soon. As they were now, they were a burden rather then a convenience to the team. This affected Samus greatly. She was bothered by her new role as patient as she had always been independent, more so then most. After the initial Resistance had failed and Crono was presumed dead, she had left her friends to seek her own council and fight the Alliance single handedly. She felt more alone now then she had ever felt then. Maybe alone wasn't the word. Helpless.......useless.........powerless......... Samus thought back to the old days when every battle was met with shining confidence and the force to back it up. Samus felt a smile forming on her face as she remembered the many glorious victories and narrow escapes she had experienced against the Alliance, all by herself. Then she looked down at her leg as the smile changed into a sad half-smile. And now.......I am nothing but a cripple. But I have to keep my chin up, if not for the guys then for Aeris. The poor girl may never walk again; never use her arms again even. I can't understand what it means to command the power of magic and I never will, but it must be a thrilling sensation. One that can very easily be taken for granted if it’s been with you all your life. Aeris is facing the possibility of never using that power again, yet she must feel it is still within her. She just can't utilize it because of this damned paralysis. Maddening. And on top of that Cloud is off to the edge of the world. That brave smile of her doesn't fool me for a second. She's hurting, and I should help in any way I can. Samus even felt a little guilty about the irritation she displayed back at the base when Aeris was healing Snake. She knew she shouldn't , but it was nagging nonetheless. The guilt extended whenever she thought of Ryu, for whom she had less hurt then for Aeris. That isn't right.........but he was such a private man. A proud, independent warrior who lost a battle against overwhelming opposition. Against a monster. That unnaturally pale face........I have never seen anything like it. If he really found Kefka , I don't want to be in his shoe's. Id.........I can't imagine even Kefka standing up to him. I wasn't born here, have never seen Kefka in battle and neither have the lads. We know he is stronger then Sephiroth, but that is all . I just can't imagine anyone beating that........thing. "You're brooding again." Aeris told her with her usual pouty face, her body prepped up with cushions Ryu had taken from the dojo. "Why don't you tell me what is bothering you?" The girls were quickly becoming close friends, and this was unusual for both women for different reasons. Samus because she wanted to be independent and avoid showing weakness, many times holding on to an alter ego that buried her softer side. Aeris because she was too kindhearted to show anything but a warm smile and a friendly word. Whenever she was in a bad mood or didn't feel like talking about something she hid her frustration and put on her nicest face for anybody. But both of them felt they could be themselves with one another, really open up. Maybe it was because they were women, maybe it was because of the identical circumstances. Samus laughed it off , and not very convincingly. "Nothing that can be helped, Aeris, I was just thinking about Ryu. We really didn't know him at all. Not nearly well enough. I liked what I saw of him, and how he fought. " "I should have protected him," Aeris confessed. "It’s my job to keep the party safe. I should have reacted when...........you know.......when..h..he was flying through the air. I could have done something. I should have done something," Aeris said in that tiny voice of hers. "We all tried, Aeris. Nobody was expecting that kind of power. Ryu chose to fight him up close, because he was confident in his ability. He died like he lived. I think if he had too, he would have wanted to die this way. In battle, I mean. He struck me as that kind of man................." Around the fire Two men sat in the darkness, the flickering light of the fire illuminating the features of their faces briefly before abandoning it again, only to begin the process anew. There was a brisk wind today, and Crono was reminded of the currents that wiped out Romaji. That evil was absent in these winds, and he was thankful for it. "You stay here with the girls and Magus, Crono. We have to know where Kefka is, even if we abandon the mission," Snake said after an intake. He exhaled and the smoke immediately vanished as the cruel winds made contact. "We don't know what's going on with Spikey and co. I hope they’re alright." Crono shook his head. "The last scout we sent out on a mission vanished, Snake. And you are my most valued officer. I am not about to order you to go in the same direction as Id went. You are too important to me for that." "Even if that blue rodent was here, I would still be the best man for the job and you know it. You're not getting soft in your old age, are you Crono? "Snake displayed something that approached a smile. "Hey, you're older then I am. But I guess I can't refuse an oldtimer his last wish," Crono countered with a definite grin on his face. "Just be careful Snake. I want you back here." "Alright. I'll go and check on the girls before I go," Snake stood up to gather his equipment and needed items. Earlier... These winds.........the fraud came here for sentimental reasons, and these winds liberated me. I must find the source, and use them to conquer the coward. I am feeling stronger with every yard I get closer, I can't be far from it now. A crimson-haired fiend was flying through the air, arms outstretched, fists clutched at the end. He was going fast, at the end of the horizon the first peak of the castle was emerging. That must be it. "They will give me the power.....or.................Ha hah...Hyah ha ha....." the warrior with the gold and brown armor began laughing hysterically while the insane twinkle in his eyes grew larger as he made his way to Kefka's castle............ Just outside Aeris’s tent Snake had finished packing his equipment. He wanted to travel light, for he had a long way to go. He had packed only what was needed. The loud chattering and laughter that reached him from the nearby tent seemed oddly misplaced. In this cursed land of despair and dread, two badly hurt girls were enjoying a brief moment of happiness. Snake shook his head, a small upward curl of his lips visible. They really are two of a kind........ Snake entered the tent as the chattering stopped and both Aeris and Samus were looking in his direction. ."Hey, if it isn't soldier boy," Aeris said while she looked at Samus and burst into a laughter again. Samus had a hard time keeping her face straight, and she couldn't. The girls were heartily laughing at Aeris’s bad attempt at a joke. Snake sat down on the end of Samus bed, as it was the only free place to sit. Snake looked on amused, and then decided to tell them what he came for. He didn't want to waste any time. "I came to say goodbye. I'm going to go on ahead and locate Kefka's base." Silence came quick. "You're going after Id?" Samus asked with incredulous anger in her voice. "No, I'm not. I am going to locate Kefka's base." Snake said state-of-factly. Samus wasn't satisfied with that. "You know that's where Id went, Snake. And you're going to pay a visit to Kefka as well?! You must be mad. You could be killed!” "This is war. Everyday there is a chance to get killed. I have to do my job! Snake said harshly. He almost immediately regretted his tone. That grating voice could be a blessing and a curse. Aeris looked at Samus with a worried expression as Samus looked down at nothing in particular. Samus had been feeling down in spite of all the sillyness with Aeris. She was injured, she had been feeling vulnerable because of it. The guilt she had toward Aeris, even the worried feeling that Snake might have been angry because she laughed at Aeris stupid little joke all contributed to the feeling that was emerging within her now. The more she looked at Snake, she realized more then anything in the world she wanted his support. Her softer side was getting the best of her. She wanted him to hold her, just for a little while. If there was one being in the world who could make her feel secure, it was the man who was so excruciatingly close to her now. Now, in the time when she felt all her barriers weaken, when she didn't feel like she had to hold the pretense up, now was the time Snake was going to leave and perhaps never come back. She felt like the world was collapsing all around her. He's going? Why him? Samus thought. Because he is the best man for the job, thats why. And I know that, but I just don't ...................want him to go. Samus looked at him, and noticed his chest swell as he inhaled his breath. The drops of sweat forming on his forehead. What is this I'm feeling? Get a grip. But she felt herself leaning in as she was thinking, she couldn't help it. It was like a third party had shoved her in the back, it wasn't her who did this. But it happened. Samus Aran was kissing Solid Snake. She woke up from her thoughts the moment her lips touched those of Solid Snake. Everything had seemed like a dream up to this point. What the hell am I doing? Don't show him you're nervous, just stay cool. Solid Snake didn't move an inch when Samus leaned in and planted her lips on to his. He didn't back away, but it would be a stretch to say he was kissing her back. He just..........stayed there. Aeris looked on with a twinkling happiness in her eyes as she tried to control her giggle. Samus broke the kiss and slowly backed away from the soldier. He still had his trademark serious expression of indifference, but his eyes showed surprise. Samus showed her concern in her face as she whispered: "Don't get killed." The silence and awkwardness lingered for a while until Snake's face softened and he showed a faint smile. He put one hand on her thigh. "Don't worry, Aran. I'll be back soon," His voice transmitted a warmth and kindness she had never heard before. With that, Snake stood up and left the tent. Samus sighed. She was relieved seeing his reaction, but still shocked at her own action. She looked to her right to see Aeris expectantly looking back. "I knew it, ever since that look of jealousy back at the base I knew it. A cripple and a Snake, might be one for the history books." Both girls surrendered to the laughter again, but Samus laugh was false. While she was happy with all that had transpired, her heart was bleeding as she thought of the possibility that this beautiful moment might be all they would ever have. Just come back, Snake. Just come back............. Around the fire Crono was sure sending Snake to scout was objectively the best decision. But the encounter with Id had made him wary of new disappointments. He didn't want to lose any more men. In spite of all that Snake had persisted and Crono didn't feel a good leader should stand in the way because of sentiment. He watched Snake as he nodded and left the con vines of the campfire's light, leaving it with a brisk pace that Crono knew could last for hours. Despite all of Crono's jokes about age, nobody could rival Snake's physical condition when it came down to long breath and endurance. Another emerged from the darkness just as the soldier vanished within it. Magus slowly walked towards Crono, and sat down beside him near the fire. After a silence Magus voiced the question Crono had been expecting, "Where have you sent the barbarian?" "He is going to locate Kefka's base. We have no place to go with the wounded we have, not until we have rested ourselves," Crono said with a sigh. "Not a base..........Beoulve castle," Magus revealed with certainty. "Beoulve castle? It would be a logical choice, but we can't be sure. How do you know?" Crono exclaimed, surprised. This wasn't the first time Magus knew something the rest didn't, but he had no way of knowing this. He wasn't psychic. "Schala told me...................before she died." Meanwhile... Id was descending on the castle that held his interest. He could feel the mental power washing over him. The castle itself seemed frightening and sad at the same time. It was surrounded by a deterring metal fence with sharpened points to discourage people from climbing over. This had of course been done by the Beoulve family, Kefka had no need for sharp objects to defend his territory. The castle was blackened, like it was mourning, and four towers stood tall in each corner, humbled by the bigger one in the middle. No blue lights or wandering corpses were nearby. It was a symbol of absolute power and control. Id landed softly, he was getting excited. He walked up to the gate and gripped it bars with his hands. "Now let’s get his attention..." With a mighty roar and a display of sheer strength he ripped the gate from the fence and held it above his head. "No reaction yet.....heheheh.....lets change that." Id threw the massive gate with one swift movement into the direction of the castle with enough force to totally destroy the wall it was headed for. A fraction of a second before impact, the gate crumbled to pieces like it encountered a sawmill, a blue field briefly seen just as the gate made contact. Such delightful power.......but I won't be denied. Id picked up a piece of wood that was lying around in the garden of the castle, and flew up to a window. He threw the chunk against it, and it was vaporized. Well..........let’s see how much power you truly have....... Id flew back far, until the window he was aiming for was nothing more then a hard to see dot. He started flying towards it, gaining momentum as he flew faster and faster. "KEFKA !!!!!!! " Id screamed as he collided with the force field in a blast of energy and will..................... Just outside Romaji forest. A single blue light wandering aimlessly , unbeknownst of the peril he is in. Suddenly he stops, and falls down as the lifeless heap he was but refused to acknowledge, to reveal Solid Snake with his Socomb with silencer aimed where the undead was just a moment ago. He was looking down at the neck of the zombie, the target of choice on this occasion. Thats the last one I can see. Jesus Christ, they don't even bleed. Clear path to the forest now. A lone man running from darkness to darkness, illuminated only by the flashlight he carried, coming to a controlled halt. There it is. Romaji forest. Doesn't look as bad as Crono told me. Better be careful though. Better safe then sorry. He had been thinking about his incident with Samus. There's not much a man can do while running, except thinking and keeping your eyes open at all times. I can't believe how poorly I handled that. The girl was hurt and needed a shoulder to cry on. And I go and put all kinds of ideas in her head that I............sigh. I shouldn't have done it. Damnit, this is war, we don't have room for unnecessary distractions. I won't make that mistake again. Of course it had been Samus who initiated it, but it was easier to blame himself. He didn't have to handle it if he was the bad guy. He could just act as if it never happened, and be done with it. Truth is Snake wasn't very comfortable with anything in this area, it just wasn't his nature. And Samus of all people.......he didn't see her as a woman, but as a comrade and a fighter. A good one. Samus was the only woman he truly respected , in ways he couldn't respect other women. She was strong, independent, she didn't need anyone. Aeris was a nice girl, but Snake's respect didn't come easily. You had to earn it. And now he had complicated things with the oldest friend he had left. "Just quit it already, concentrate on the mission" he berated himself. Snake took a sip of water from his flask and entered the ancient forest, and expected the worst. To his surprise the forest was as quiet as the world outside of it. Nothing but leaves whistling with the winds, and a distant roar or two. This was what Snake did best, avoiding detection from the animals. The first thing he did was deploy a decoy, one with a very strong odor. He knew how to stay out of sight, but these were animals. Dead animals, yes, but just in case they had retained their sense of smell he used it anyway. Making his way from tree to tree, sneaking and crawling past noises he ignored as if he wasn't there. Suddenly, the leaves up ahead began shaking. Snake saw a tree being cast aside as if it were no heavier then a matchstick. Crono warned me for him......Nizbel . Better to get some cover. A giant figure emerged from the depths of the forest, growling and snorting as the behemoth ran past Snake without ever noticing him. Thanks, buddy. You've just done me a favor. Snake smirked. He headed in the direction Nizbel had come from, figuring most of the animals would have fled from that route. Snake had barely started to follow that decision, when he felt uneasy. Something seemed wrong. Following his gut he started to walk away from the path he had chosen. Suddenly a dreadful roar came from the direction he previously intended to venture in, and a second later he saw where it was from. Snake was thrown to the side following a massive collision with a shin as the creature roared again, turning around to inspect what it was that had grazed his left leg. Snake felt the pain in his ribs as he looked up to the creature that was surely going to end his life. My God...................... Around the fire Magus and Crono were sitting around the fire while Magus' revelation danced around in Crono's thoughts. If Schala is dead.........why is he so calm? I don't understand. I have to be careful with this.........I don't want to upset him. Crono shifted his way and cleared his throat as he prepared the question. "How—“ "Do I know my sister is dead? The boy you saw.....Janus........me........whatever you want to call him, he was an illusion." Magus began to explain, still very calm. "I knew that. I asked you before, what a younger image of you was doing here. He vanished into thin air the first time I encountered him, " Crono explained. "That was when he told me one of us was going to die soon....." "Schala never sent me any clear messages, only poems and visions. I am still going over those in my mind. I don't know what they mean, or why she only used such cryptic means," Magus lied. He knew exactly what they were about. "If Schala is dead ...........why are you so calm? Crono asked softly. " I don't want you to go on a crusade to kill Kefka.........I need to know what you are about to do. And don't lie to me, you know I can tell." No you can't. "I have no need to go after Kefka. It’s Id I want........" Magus said with determination in his eyes. Crono looked baffled at Magus revelation. "Kefka is the one who massacred the entire Romaji sector, and has killed you're sister. I didn't know you were that fond of Ryu." Crono said, going on the logical conclusion. But logic and Magus had often very little to do with one another. "I don't need to go after him, because Lord Kefka is no more......................" Kefka's Castle Id's hands were burning as they made contact with the force field. Flashes of light found their way into the sky as the battle of the physical and magical wagered on. Suddenly Id could see a face with the same blue hair as the wizard he had knocked out. The girl was laughing at him, as if his attempts were feeble and futile. Id became enraged to the point of frenzy and started to bring in his legs, powerful kicks left and right damaging the field. "Coward.............laughing behind your force field. We'll see how good it will protect you!" The pain was becoming unbearable now, the girl behind the window was sweating with closed eyes and her arms outstretched in the direction of the window. She was frantically trying to hold up the force field. The pain.......must......get through.........AAAAAHH!! With a scream and a last ditch effort form Id the force field collapsed, and Id found himself staring in the big blue eyes of the girl. She turned and ran away. "Not so fast, little girl. I won't let you get away ! " Id launched himself through the window and grabbed the girl from behind by the hair, and pulled her back so her body was up against his. "Ha hah...Hyah ha ha........oh my little sweetheart, you are going to be sorry you had the nerve to laugh at me...." Id whispered in her ear. He turned her around, and the girl spoke. "I serve Lord Kefka. He is the ultimate power, you are nothing compared to him. Id grinned. "We will see, little girl. We will see....... Id held her by the shoulder with his left hand and gathered all her hair in the other. "Stay still now, this may hurt a bit." Id suddenly pulled the hair with all the force he had in him and tore it off with the skin, leaving nothing but a bloodied mess. The girl's expression hadn't changed at all through the whole ordeal. "I serve Lord Kefka. Surrender to him, or he will force you to," The girl said again with the same flat voice. "You're no fun at all," Id said with a mock sad face. With his right hand he grabbed her neck, and with the left her right leg. "Farewell, little girl," He lifted her up and above his head, and with ease he tore the girl in two pieces, blood spilling over his head and already red hair. He threw the lifeless pieces to the ground, reveling as the sudden winds of power he felt earlier increased in strength. Flash! A flash blinded Id, and as he looked to the other side of the large room, there stood a small and frail man, with a face as pale as his, blood covering the left side of it. Another minion?...........no.........feel that power.........that glorious power..... "You killed Schala? Idiot!! You killed the sister? You know what this means, you creep?!! Big red, ugly creep!!" Kefka spat, mixing walking with jumps that were unpredictable to say the least. Id slowly adjusted to the raw powers he felt washing over him. He couldn't imagine that these currents were coming from the feeble, hysterical person who was insulting him now. "You........you are the one who imprisoned the coward and the fraud........I must have this power so the warrior can control them.......you will give your secrets to me. " Id said slowly and menacingly, for he wanted Kefka to hear him in spite of the insults he was still throwing at him. "You want to know my secrets?!! I am a living God, you foolish red herring!!!! Uuueeehehehehehe" Kefka spat as his hands began to glow. "You killed the bait, CROSSDRESSER!!. Look at that girly long hair of yours, and going off killing other girls. You aren't a warrior, you're I.D SIMPSON !!!! You COWARD!!!!!" Id's eyes were radiant with burning anger as he heard that last sentence"..................What did you call me ?" Kefka's latest jump took him right before Id. He began dancing back and forth and pointing at him as he repeated his last insult :"A coward!!! A big, red freakin' coward!!!! That's all you are, killing little girls for no reason. Or maybe you had a reason. You pulled out her hair too, you sadistic IDIOT!! Its not her fault she has nicer color hair then you !!!!" Kefka screamed. "She has the same color hair as the master, the one who should take the bait. But you stole it, you shoplifting piece of pus!!!!! You look more like a WART then a warrior!!!" I am growing tired with his insults. He is so close.....I'll let him taste true power. Romaji forest T-Rexaur was roaring above Snake, his massive legs with their frightening claws ready to impale him. The monster curiously lowered his enormous head as the foul breath of the dinosaur blew his hair back. "Eat me already......or take a mint first," Snake said with gallows-humor. He still had his Socomb ready. It was now or never. In a flash Snake pointed and fired his weapon. The monster let out a growl of agony, and rocked his head trying to shake the stab of pain in his nose away. Uh-oh. Looks like I've made him angry. What's that I hear behind me? T-Rexaur was fierce now, opening his mouth preparing to close it around the brave soldier, as a figure jumped from a tree upon and mounted T-Rexaur on its back. "You come now, Ramura, need to see miss Una NOW. No playing 'round with Nizbel." A woman's voice......but a loud one. The dinosaur growled in acknowledgement as he moved his giant paws in the direction the woman pointed. The forest shook and oak's fell as the animal cleared a path. I don't believe in fortune.......but this time I just got lucky. My ribs......again the ribs.......my throat is dry..........damn smokes..........I need some water. Snake took a bottle out of his backpack to drink a bit, but soon found out the bottle cap had come off because of his fall. "That's just great. Just my luck. I guess it evens out." Snake just kept quiet for a little while, listening for any predators or animals that could come his way. He didn't hear what he was listening for, but he was happy with it nonetheless. The sound of a small stream entered his ears. Snake rolled over on his belly and began crawling towards the sound, being care full not to make any himself. Natural water often invites animals, and he was in no shape to fight. Nevertheless he had his trusty Socomb ready. He came into a clearing, and there was a bright light here that he could find no source of. Everything here was in a beautiful lively green and yellow, and the stream was a crystal-clear blue. No animals or hideous monsters here, but there were carcasses all around. Snake tried not too think about it and took some water in his hands. It was glistening, it almost felt alive. Snake took a small sip.......!!?? He felt a sharp pain, and everything went dark as the soldier lost consciousness. Around the fire "How do you mean, Kefka is no more?!!!" Crono asked. Just before he had been afraid of upsetting Magus, and the cool exterior of the wizard was a far cry from the excited state of himself. "I mean that Lord Kefka is dead. Id must have killed him, I can see no other explanation for Schala's death. " Magus explained. He just can't see the larger picture. Never could, never will. Not like I can. "I was impressed with Id too, but I can't imagine him getting the best of Lord Kefka. " Crono said. "I couldn't lay a scratch on him, and neither could you. Who knows what he is capable of? And will you stop calling him Lord all the time, its just Kefka, plain and simple. You're starting to irritate me with that," Magus said. Somehow, he wasn't quite himself. Something's bothering him. It could be Schala.......it should be Schala, but I get the feeling there is more to it then this. "You're right, we don't know the extent of Id's powers. But we know what Kefka can do, and that may not even be his limit. He has the greatest magical power I have ever seen in a man. I still can't believe—“ Magus was growing annoyed at Crono's praise for Kefka. He just sat there, shaking his head until he suddenly stood up and began shouting in front of Crono. "I TAUGHT HIM, CRONO!!!!!!!.............It was all me, I took him to the woods as a child and taught him how to reach inside him and put that power to use. I taught him how to do damage, how to fight his mother and Sephiroth. They made him what he was, Crono, he was just a child when they started treating him like a piece of human garbage. I was 5 years older; I wanted to teach him how to protect himself. "I sensed the power in him as we trained—he was incredible, far more talented then I ever was." Magus continued. "I got too caught up to see they were corrupting his heart, I took his sadistic traits as a yearning for power, to control something, anything. And I hoped in time that would extend to Jenova and Sephiroth. I knew he could become stronger then them, then me, then everybody...............................................if it hadn't been for me, none of this would have happened. " He let himself slump back into a seated position, looking at the ground as if his neck muscles couldn't carry the burden and all the guilt this man carried inside him. Magus’s had the saddest look Crono had ever seen on a man, and he had never seen one on Magus. Annoyed, irritation, mystery, teasing grins and superiority smiles, but not sadness. Crono knew that he was right, this world would be better if Magus had never lived, so he couldn't interfere. But it didn't matter how hard he thought about it, he couldn't blame Magus for Glenn, Ayla and Lucca and all the other people of Romaji. He had payed dearly himself. He acted with good intentions, no matter how disastrous it turned out. Magus was one of the oldest friends he had left, and he would stand by him no matter what. "I think we can keep this between us. No need to tell the others." Crono said softly. Magus lifted his head and looked at Crono with tears in his eyes. My God.....he's almost crying. The unwavering Magus...........but I can understand. I blamed myself for Dante and for.......Marle. He blames himself for everything that happened here, and now Schala.........I need to help him. "I don't care if you tell anyone. But I am going after Id, Crono. With or without you," Magus said, but he didn't have the unwavering defiance he normally had in his eyes. He was asking for help. "Oh, I'll be there, my friend. You can count on it. " Crono said while he gave Magus a pat on his shoulder. "I'll be there........" Kefka's castle Id looked at Kefka while he contemplated how and where to strike him. He didn't think long. In a flash it was over, the kick from his right leg hit Kefka with full force. The Lord of the undead flew through the air until he was about to hit the wall, and then he vanished. "Heheheheheh........Are you fleeing, Kefka? You cannot hide from me,” Id taunted as he looked around to see where he was, hoping he would react to the accusation. Id was growing frustrated with the retreat of Kefka , as he turned around once more and his nose almost touched Kefka's. "Did you miss me? Son of a sperm donor!!!!!" Kefka screamed with blood flooding out of his mouth as he swung his flail and hit Id squarely(TM) on the head. Id was surprised by the force of the blow, which knocked him backwards. He quickly launched a punch, but Kefka vanished again, to appear on the other side of the room. “Slowpoke!!! You couldn't hit a turtle if you were flying in a jet!!!!! Lights........out." Suddenly the room became pitch dark. "So this is how you want to play it, warlock? Come close and I'll rip your little head off." "My HEAD?! You'll rip off my head? No you won't!! I won't let you!! And don't you come near my hair!! Kefka screamed from the dark. "MUAhahahahahah" Kefka cackled. "Taste some of this, coward. Bolt 2!!!! " Id felt his body being punished by crackling waves of electricity, reminding the martial artist this was serious, despite Kefka's ludicrous behavior. Once Id had recovered he was listening intently for any sound in the room.......Kefka was sure to make a lot, with the insults he was spitting at him. "Come out, clown faced freak. Or turn on the lights and fight me face to face, like a man." Id tried. "Did you just say, like a man???!! You are standing there with your GIRLY long HAIR and you're telling ME to fight like a MAN?!!" Kefka exclaimed. Then suddenly he felt a a pain in his stomach as he crashed into the wall, unable to teleport in time. "You hurt me, you big red monkey!! You're nothing but a brute!!!!" Kefka complained. Id began to run in the direction and dived in Kefka's direction with all he had . "Hyahahahahah........MISSED ME!!!!!! " Kefka screamed. Oh no...... Id put his hands before his face as he crashed through the brick wall. His own physical power used against him, he came to a halt in the next room. He slowly got up as he heard Kefka ranting behind him.......at least there was light in here. "You SEE !!! I'm a GOD.......YOU CANNOT BEAT M— HEEEEY" Kefka screamed. Before the wizard could finish, Id had grabbed hold of him and was thrusting his body into the wall, Kefka's head pouring out blood, over and over again. "MERTOOOOOOOON !!!!!!!!" Kefka screamed as pain seemed all he would ever feel again. The explosion threw Id to the corner of the room.....and Kefka was standing 10 feet away, hands outstretched. A new , massive wave of magic energy hit Id with full force. Id strained to stay conscious, this was an agony no enemy had ever put him through. It left him lying there, his body battered, but his spirit was not broken yet. "That’s what you get for fighting me, IDIOT !!!" Kefka said as he turned around to leave. "You are a better fighter then I gave you credit for, wizard." Id said as he got up, all cut-up from the magic attacks and bloodied beyond recognition. "Heheheheh. Whyuhuhehehehe. You want to go again? You stupid, stupid superwoman!!!!" Kefka spat at him. "No............I want you to join forces with me........together we can repress the coward and the fraud, and control this world together." "You want to rule with me?!! " Kefka burst into a uncontrollable laughter. Id started laughing again, as the unimaginable scene of two bloody and battered fighters just stood there, face to face, maniacally laughing.................... Romaji forest A beautiful clearing, with a lone soldier unconscious by a serene stream. He was waking up. Snake opened his eyes and was shocked as he realized where he was. What happened.....the water. Snake stood up. !!? I can stand.........the pain in my ribs.....its gone... Snake was looking at the innocent stream—could it really be that one little sip of water completely healed him? I don't know.....but I better take some with me. Snake whipped out the bottle that had failed him last time, and put it in the water. He was surprised as he saw the scar he had on his right hand vanish as soon as it touched the water. Crazy magic tricks..........I bet that grunt Squall would want to wash his face in this one..... Snake thought to himself as he smirked. He waited until the bottle was completely filled and turned the cap on tight. Snake looked around. The world was pitch black outside the bright circle he found himself in. All kinds of eyes he saw peering from the outside in, walking around the bright circle like wolves too afraid to come near the fire. Oh boy........how will I get out of this one. Shoot first, Snake, ask questions later. Snake pulled out his Socomb and fired at the first set of eyes that remained still, and with a yelp it confirmed he had aimed correctly. The wounded creature jumped inside after him, and Snake backed off. It looked horrible; it was a dog with long sharp claws, and long fangs that he was displaying while he glided through the air. Snake readied his gun and aimed.............but it wasn't needed. As soon as the undead dog touched the ground, its feet began to burn, the creature dancing in panic, unleashing black smoke and finally burning up all together, leaving another carcass. Well, at least that explains something. Let’s try the other ones...... An hour later Snake had just escaped the forest, and he could see the castle on the horizon. Suddenly he could see the huge form of Ramura and the barbarian woman to his right, heading for God-knows-where. Well, I've completed my mission. What should I do? -------------------------------------------------------------------- Choice 2 1: Snake should turn around and report back to Crono 2: Snake should follow Ramura and the barbarian woman CHOSEN 3: Snake should carefully scout Kefka's castle, going no further then the garden. 4: He should scout Kefka's castle boldly, and try and get as much information as he can. Authors: Shake & Oddity Back Home