| Shake and Oddity's CYOA |
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Maral Sector "We will go to the Karinta sector and ask for shelter in Ken and Ryu's Dojo. I am sure they will help us." Crono decided. He knew Ryu and Ken to be honorable men. The arms-dealer was the other viable choice, but even when buying the necessary weapons Mario always cheated him. He couldn't be trusted completely, although his loathing for Link and the empire seemed genuine. "I'll go and tell those karate chomps to prepare for us. Its not every day they get VIP's to stay. " Sonic chattered in his usual cocky manner. "No, Sonic. Let Knuckles take care of that. I have a more important job for you. " Crono beckoned him over, away from the others. With a whisper Crono made his intentions clear to the hedgehog: "I want you to keep an eye out for me—for Max I mean." Crono explained. Sonic replied, " Come on, Max is a jerk but he isn't a traitor." Crono shrugged : "We thought the same thing about Sam. This isn't a request Sonic, just do what you're told." The redhead began to lose his temper again. "Alright, I will. But did it ever cross you're mind Sam was right? You killed him over a glove, Crono. A glove! I just hope you know what you're doin'" With that, Sonic walked away from him and back toward Knuckles. Crono addressed the entire group: 'We need every man we have, and Max has proven to be loyal to our cause in the past. He HAS shed blood for us, Cloud, and we won’t forget that just because he lost it for a minute." Crono said. “I don’t want anyone to give him a hard time about this." He warned. If Max really is another Fischer, I don’t want him on his toes. He should feel safe and comfortable, that way Sonic might have a chance of catching him in the act." Crono sighed once more. The adrenaline from the incident was still surging, and just as he was thinking about the thing foremost on his mind before he heard about Fischer's betrayal, the object of his thoughts spoke up. "If we can free Sephiroth from Lord Kefka's control, he might be grateful enough to join our cause. He could shift the tide in our favor. Are you brave enough? "Magus said with a provocative look towards Crono. Crono seemed irritated." Magus, I want to speak with you in my room now." He nodded toward his ready room and led the way. Samus shared a look with Knuckles , sharing a moment of understanding before Knuckles went on his way. "Sonic, take my things with you when the group heads out for Karinta. I need to travel light, Ryu and Ken should know about our arrival as soon as possible. "Sure thing, Rad. Now get your ass moving! " In the ready room Crono was getting worked up. "I can’t really argue with you going off on your own again, as it probably saved Snake's life, but why did you take Marle's pendant with you? If you hoped it would lead you to your sister, think again. We need this pendant Magus, and the barriers we can create with it. I won’t let you take it near Lord Kefka, it is too dangerous. If you got killed they would have had access to the base!" "The pendant has never been safer then it was in my possession. I am immortal Crono, don't you know that." Magus replied with a careless attitude. He began speaking in earnest now: "Besides, I won’t argue with fate. If it is my fate to be destroyed....... "I will simply laugh in your face!" Crono shot at him annoyed. "Don’t comment on my speeches if you are going to use that cliché of yours again." Magus flashed that grin again: "hehehe.....There may be hope for you yet. But remember, if the truth is repeated enough, it will become clichéd. Nothing becomes a cliché if it is not worth repeating. " Magus handed Crono Marle's pendant back with a triumphant smile. "Thank you......now let’s get going, shall we?" Crono said while dashing out of the room. "Samus, wake up Snake. He should be almost healed by now. Carry him if you have to, but somehow I don’t think he would like that," Crono said with a smile. “Start packing everybody, we are moving out!” Central Hub, Link's chamber. A marvelous study, decorated with art, pottery and majestic bookcases. A fire crackled to the sweet sound of a familiar melody. An overweight elf sat in front of a screen, glancing over flashing numbers. He was flanked by a beautiful girl, dressed like royalty that blended in rather well with the sheer richness of the interior. Both had the same pointed ears. "Link, can you stop looking at those battle statistics? I can't see how you can worry about fighting this war and that little resistance while the whole community is starving. Your people need you, love. I feel their pain," Zelda diplomatically stated. Soft spoken and polite, Zelda seemed the very essence of innocence. Link turned to his wife with a patient, condescending demeanor. As if he was explaining to a child. "Zelda........this resistance is the very reason I can’t help my people better. I send food supplies, only to be robbed by those blasted freedom fighters who think they know what the people need better then I do. Clothes, even medical supplies at this moment have no chance of getting through. I try and try again, but it has to stop one time. This resistance is a cancer and it is spreading through Bhaktar. We have to win this war so we can make everyone happy" Link announced this with a smile. This kind of self-serving arguments had worked in the past when dealing with his good-natured, naïve spouse. Zelda looked down at the floor with her hands folded together while she mumbled a response "I know you always say that, Link, but all the people I talk to are always really happy with the resistance. They seem to think the Alliance is to blame." It was a question more then an answer. Link turned away from his screen and looked at Zelda intently. "And who have you been talking too, dear?" The way he said it made it sound like an accusation. "They don't want me too tell you," Zelda said nervously. "Why are they afraid of you, Link? I hear all kinds of stories ............ that there are people being tortured right here in this building." Zelda was almost in tears now. She didn't want Link to think she didn't trust him, but she couldn't forget the impressions the people in the slums had made on her. Link kneeled before Zelda and held her hand. *sigh* "You can't honestly believe I would allow such a thing? These are desperate times, my dear, and rumors are easily born." Link stroked one hand along Zelda's cheek and wiped away a tear. "Do not worry yourself with these liars. The Alliance has simply been questioning people that support the Resistance. They support the very people that keep food and medicine away from the children and the ill. But even then I assure you the interrogation is nothing short of gracious." "I......I...know that Link, it’s just that these people......" Zelda struggled to find the right words. Link's face showed a reassuring smile before standing up and taking a more aggressive stance. "How many times should I tell you not to venture outside? Those people are corrupting you! It is easy to blame me for the famine and poverty, instead of facing that the Resistance is at fault. They make promises they cannot keep. This famine.........we can turn this around, but the Resistance is creating a division between me and my people, and now you believe their lies?! We have a son, and we are joined forever. I EXPECT YOU TO STAND BY ME!" Link shouted. "If my own wife starts doubting me, I either have a fool for a wife or the Resistance lies are spreading even farther then I projected" Link added with his hands wide, as if he didn’t know what to do anymore. Suddenly CATS came through the door. "I interrupt not want, critical Megaman is." Link turned to Zelda "Leave me now. Go to your room and don't you dare leave until I tell you to." Zelda marched from the room, face looking down to hide her tears. I don't know who to believe anymore.......he's changed so much... She ran through the hallway to fall down weeping on her bed "Megaman damaged heavily is. Android salvageable not, brain new suit need minutes 14 within." CATS reported in his own indecipherable way. Link was used to it. "Duke Nukem down. The last android we build for Mark was supposed to last forever, the fool destroyed it within a year. This has cost us. What went wrong, CATS? "Unstable Megaman tactics fault at." CATS replied simply. He was still ranked below MM027 and had no shortage of ambition. "He is risky to have around, CATS. But he is still vital to the Alliance, and I find your lack of confidence not entirely without bias." Link said casually. "I need him strong. The people as well as the Resistance fear him. I need a host at least as strong as the 027th was. What can you get me within 10 minutes? " "Way no impossible is. Android regular can best do." CATS replied. "I might have an idea........how is the MC Project coming on?" Link knew he was mixing CATS rival with CATS personal lifelong dream of making the ultimate soldier, but right now he didn't give a damn about CATS dear Project. He had come to rely on Megaman a great deal, and any sign of diminished power would encourage the Resistance. "Mageman waste Project will allow not.....Project without yet AI but all done research." CATS dismissed frantically. "You will allow what I tell you too. I want you to use Mark for the Project.............and I don’t want any "unfortunate accidents".......not like last time Mark was under your care." The sarcasm was practically dripping from Link's insinuation. "I am pretty sure his instability was a direct result of your negligence. Be...........careful this time. I will show the same care for you as you will for this Project." Link's barely hidden threat was not lost on his sub-commander. CATS was boiling inside, and he didn't feel intimidated with the threat the fat elf had posed. He knew he would never get a chance like this again. Link had been unquestioned in the past and dubbed even stronger then Megaman and Sephiroth, his legend only surpassed by Lord Kefka's—the one who reigned supreme in the old abandoned Romaji sector. The ruthless Sephiroth had traveled deep into Romaji with the sole intention of slaying Kefka and claim supremacy. Link had been relieved he had failed, the maniac was sure to come after him if he had succeeded.. All these incoherent thoughts raced through CATS' mind as he tried make the most important estimation of his life. How much power had Link retained? "There are only 15 minutes left CATS....get moving." Link ordered without looking up from the figures on his screen, which he was yet again scrolling through. In a flash CATS made his decision. Lifeswork not will I up give! His cybernetic nature helped him deliver a roundhouse kick too fast for Link to duck. The champion of old times went to the ground hard. Link wiped the blood from his mouth and began laughing, "Have you gone mad? " Link said as he unsheathed his blade and got up. He had no time to contemplate the thought. Cats swung again with another high kick, but Link blocked it effortlessly with his sword, turned CATS around and kicked him in the small of his back dropping him flat-faced on his chest. Link whipped out his bow and with controlled hand speed pinned CATS to the floor with 2 accurate shots in each limb. "DIN'S FIRE" Link yelled as he pointed his sword at the fallen CATS. Beautiful tails of fire enveloped the trapped body of CATS, consuming the skin that surrounded the cybernetic skeleton, as he screamed in an seemingly endless agony. CATS stayed on the ground motionless, only a few scorched trails of blackened flesh and exposed strings of muscles surrounding the cyborg underneath. CATS second in command of the Airforce came rushing in the office. "God.......what happened here?" "Get to the lab and see to it that Mark is merged with the Project. If you fail to do it in time, you will end up like him!!" Link shouted. Suddenly the lifeless heap that was CATS moved. Slowly but surely it was getting to its feet, the horrific sight of the man-machine accompanied by a screeching of its joints. " But......bu....he's...." Fox stuttered in angst. "Get to the lab !!!!!! " Link yelled while turning his sword upwards in front and above his head, clasping it gracefully with both hands. As Fox scurried out of the room, Link began turning and turning in a whirlwind of elegance until finally releasing a stream of energy in the direction of CATS. Metal bits flew to every corner of the room as CATS was no more................................ Link stood there panting, barely realizing he had just destroyed the leader of his airforce. “Fool,” spat Link at the remains. “Why.......I need to see Zelda........why is everyone against me.........treason........that's what it is.........nothing but traitors...’ Link hurried to Zelda’s bedroom with anger in his heart. He often took out his frustrations on the frail body of his wife, and he was in a dangerous state of mind. He slammed open the door and stared in disbelief into an empty room with Zelda’s dress, earrings and jewels on the floor. An open window welcomed him with a cold winter’s breeze....... Karinta Sector August 19, 6.30 AM The large party traveled to the Karinta sector as soon as the patrols left the streets in a closed construction flyer they got from the collaborators working on the stadium. It would seem nothing more then a routine morning trip to gather supplies and what not. Crono led the way in as they entered Ken and Ryu's Dojo. Ryu went up to meet them. He bowed before Crono and said, “My home is your home. Ken and me were surprised to learn you were still alive, but also glad. We have closed the Dojo as soon as Knuckles got here. We want to join you in your quest to rid the world of Link. I would be honored to fight alongside you." Ryu said with a stern, solemn voice. "I thank you. And gladly accept your proposal. We can really use the help,” Crono looked worn out, but he was happy to gain another 2 fine warriors . Ryu and Ken could make the difference in a pinch. At this moment Ken walked in from the back. "Hey, Crono. It’s been a long time, buddy. I should have known you wouldn't go down so easily.” Ken said with his usual familiarity. Samus raised an eyebrow as she interrupted Ken: “If the Dojo is closed, then why is that woman training there? She looks quite good though.” “You bet she is!” Ken said proudly. “She's the best student me and Ryu here have ever had. And she doesn't even train as much as the others. She always leaves before night fall and comes in early morning. Well, except for today that is. This is turning out to be a day full of surprises!!” Ken said laughing out loud. Everyone was watching the woman work on a heavy bag, punching and kicking with incredible speed and a power one would not expect within such a frail exterior. “She really looks impressive. What is her name?' Snake asked. He was still feeling his ribs but he could push through the pain. “Sheik,” Ryu answered. “I can introduce you to her. We made an exception because we know she can be trusted, and she has a healthy hatred for the Alliance and especially Link. She can't stand that guy.” Ken added. “And she won’t be my sweetheart either, maybe she's a lesbian.” Ken joked with his earthy laugh again. “That's alright,” Crono said. “The troops are tired and myself, Auron, Snake and Cloud should discuss what to do next.” Magus was certainly qualified to join them, but he so often demurred and only chipped in when something he had on his mind needed to be said, that it seemed pointless to invite him. There was only one place he wanted them to go. Rumaji. “I will prepare some beds,” Ryu nodded and left. Knuckles chose the room up the stairs directly to the left. Everyone said their hellos and goodnight's while the three sword bearers and the soldier went into a private room at the very top of the Dojo to discuss what to do next. Everyone else went back to bed. Everyone except Max....Sonic thought. While most were sound asleep he saw the gunman sneaking outside . For a moment, Sonic didn't know what to do. He would like to tell someone he was going to tail him, but Max could be long gone before that happened. Besides, my speed can get me out of any situation. Always has, and always will. I wish Rad Red were here though..... Upstairs, the tactical meeting was on in full force. 'We shouldn't dismiss anything. As unlikely as it sounds, we should consider Magus' suggestion. Sephiroth would be a major asset to the Resistance. Dante never won a battle from him when they were young, remember?" Cloud tried on Magus behalf. He was very impressed with the dark wizard, always had been. But then again, Cloud was easily influenced. Auron responded, “Even if we could somehow break the control Lord Kefka has over him, I don’t believe he would join us. He would just go after Kefka again. The struggle between the Alliance and the Resistance never interested him, he only wanted to test his power against the best. And he did.....and failed. Sephiroth's story has reached its conclusion. We should not open the pages again.” 'I am not afraid of Kefka. If we could convince Sephiroth he could test his powers against Link.....he might join us,” Cloud insisted. "If you do not fear Kefka, then you are a fool. The point is to let your fear empower you, instead of ruling you.” Magus spoke from the corner of the room. Nobody knew how he got there or how long he had been listening. “If we learn to do this, we can take Kefka, free Schala, and take Sephiroth in one swift strike,” Magus gestured with an outstretched hand quickly transformed into a fist. He grinned at Solid Snake while he made the gesture. “Forget this. The benefit is too low against the risk. We could suffer major losses,” Snake grunted. ”I say we prepare to attack the *CAM* tomorrow. It isn't as heavily guarded as the hub and we still hand out a major blow to the Alliance if we can destroy it.'Snake argued. “We could seek out the King of Thieves. He is hiding from the Alliance but remember when we heard he might have set-up his Thieves Den at the edge of the Western border?' Crono offered another option. “He hate's Link's guts. His troops of thieves as well as the sorcerer himself could be useful additions. The only problem is that the man who delivered us this information died by my hands....” Auron: “We should make use of the fact we have a lot of men at our disposal. We can take two of the options, or totally focus on the CAM mission. A large group would not be beneficial in Kefka's realm nor is it needed to ask the aid of Ganondorf.” ----------------------------------------------------------- *Cam* Center of Android Manufacturing. ----------------------------------------------------------- Choice 1 What should Sonic do? (If option 1 is chosen Knuckles will not be involved in any of the missions in Choice 2) Path 1 : He should alert Rad Red before going after Max. Path 2 : He should go after him relying on his speed to get him out in time. Path 3: He should alert the group at the tactical meeting. Chosen Choice 2 Path 1 : They should split their forces between the mission to Lord Kefka and the mission to CAM. (Crono, Snake, Magus, Samus and Aeris to Lord Kefka. Cloud, Auron, Knuckles, Squall and Ken to CAM. Path 2: They should split their forces between the mission to Cam and The Thieves Den. ( Cam group : Crono, Snake, Ryu. Samus, Aeris and Magus. Thieves Den: Auron, Ken ,Cloud , Knuckles and Squall.) Path 3 : They should split their forces between the mission to Lord Kefka and the mission to the Thieves Den.( Crono, Snake, Ryu, Samus and Aeris to Lord Kefka. Thieves Den: Auron, Ken, Knuckles, Cloud and Squall.)Chosen Path 4 : They should split their forces between all three options : Crono, Aeris, Magus and Cloud to Lord Kefka. Snake, Ryu, Samus and Ken to CAM. Auron, Knuckles. and Squall to The Thieves Den. Path 5 : They should use all their forces to attack the CAM from different points. Back Home |