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Description
FFVII
Ambush

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Emotive themes
Setting: 3 years after DoC
Rating: M
Status: WIP
OCs:   25%
Disclaimer: All related Final Fantasy VII names and characters are copyrighted © by Square Enix. However, this story and the OCs are mine. Thank you.

AMBUSH

The shouts of men grew louder as Cloud descended the dark slanting tunnel. The others followed him; the only sound was their feet running on the packed earth. Another roar from the distressed beast reverberated against the rocks with desperation. Suddenly the tunnel opened up, and Cloud skidded to a halt at a short rise of rocks and a sloping dip. Reaching his arm wide, he stopped Shelke, who had been keeping pace with him, from flying over the 10 foot drop. On a quick scan of the massive cavern they had entered, Cloud ducked down, level with the rocks along the ledge. Shelke did the same. Cloud put a finger to his lips at Veld and Denzel as they arrived and he pointed towards the other side of the cavern. Cait Sith was no where to be seen. Damn that unpredictable cat, Cloud grumbled to himself.

On top of a 30 foot high outcropping of iron rock was a white marble open floor space that spanned at least 60 feet across. Slanted twisted pillars held up remnants of a ceiling that might have been in the shape of waves at some point, but now fallen to ruin. A smaller upper mezzanine also had the pillars, and its undulating ceiling was still in good repair. The columns, plus a curved staircase, connected the balcony to the bottom floor. Ranging from one to three feet, white scalloped walls, appearing to be seamless, edged the temple-like structure, giving it the semblance of a dish. At the center of the floor, a basin of florescent life-stream gushed upwards past the balcony and up to the cavern ceiling in a beautiful cascade of living color.

More interesting to Cloud than the otherworld complex, was the commotion occurring between the elaborate pillars on the second level. Men in black leather garb, armed with swords and other weapons, appeared to be attacking an opponent obscured from Cloud's line of vision. He stared with puzzlement at the men, attempting to discern if they were Deepground. Under the shimmering light from the open flow of life-stream, he could see that a couple of them were overly muscular with thick necks, and limbs double the width of a normal mans'. Amongst the men were hideous black and grey four-legged creatures with scaled snouts and whip-like tails. Cloud recognized the beasts instantly. It was a good indication the men were not friendly. Beside him, Denzel had dumped his pack and already had his blade equipped, and he whispered, "Who are they? Deepground?"

Shelke studied the men and beasts, her brow scrunching in thought. "I've seen men of that enhanced physique in Deepground, but the creatures... no."

"I've fought those creatures before," Cloud said. "They're fast and annoying."

"Yeah," Denzel added with a sigh, "I remember them."

Veld shifted to stand up. "I can't see clearly who they are attacking."

Whoever they were attacking was out numbered severely, and it appeared they were just toying with their victim. Cloud responded, "They aren't attacking, they're just... playing." A ball of fire erupted around the men, and an animal dashed around them to the side. It stumbled and struggled to its feet. Its singed orange fur was bloodied along its side, and it limped, appearing to have an injured leg. Cloud took a sharp breath.

Denzel whispered, "Is that - Nanaki?"

As Cloud watched the lion-like beast pace back and cast another spell, he could see colored feathers and beads, but something about the way the beast moved was different, and it was missing Nanaki's familiar mane. "No, but one of his kind." The red beast's fire discharged a yellow haze, but lacked the power needed to provide an opportunity to escape. It was now cornered by the two foot arched wall on the second platform and greatly weakened. The only reason the animal was still alive was due to the men toying with it. Growls and shouts came from a tunnel to the left of the ledge, ground level of the chamber. Alert to the new threat, Cloud creased his brow in thought. "Sounds like more of those things." He considered Shelke and Veld who were watching him.

Veld nodded towards the top of the high temple. "I can take the first shot."

Cloud's gaze went between the activity around the beast and the oncoming enemy approaching from the tunnel. "Alright." Time was everything. "Shelke, you take care of whatever comes through there and Veld can cover you." He looked back the way they came, up the empty tunnel. "And if Cait ever shows up he can help you." He could sense Denzel's frustrated expression and his eyes drilling into him. He could guess what he wanted to do. "I'll go up there."

"There appears to be only one way up." Shelke eyed the white staircase winding through jagged rocks from the ground to the first largest level.

Crooking his head to look at Denzel by his shoulder, Cloud said with a glint in his fair eyes, "Are you ready to work up a sweat?" He would feel a lot more confident having Denzel where he could see him. It was more than keeping him safe, he had made a decision, he wanted to push him harder, force him to his limit. Now was as good a time as any.

Denzel blinked, his pout transforming into an animated grin. "Yeah, I'm ready."

He hoped he hadn't over excited him too much. In hindsight, it might not have been the best idea, using the familiar term that signaled a training session between the two of them. Cloud's eyes flicked back to the drama occurring under the glow of life-stream. The beast, that looked like Nanaki, fell, and a long-haired man, clothed in black, lifted his pistol, aiming for its head. "Veld—"

Veld, already on his feet, leveled his arm with his eyes and fired. A sharp boom sent a red flare speeding towards the gathering mob around the lion-beast. The man about to shoot crumpled to the stone, a fiery hole in his back. "Too bad it's not a sniper weapon." Veld re-cocked his heavy double pistol, his eye set on a second man, looking for the shooter's presence.

"Let's go." Cloud glanced at Denzel over his shoulder.

Shelke skipped back, letting Cloud leap down the jut of rocks to the bottom of the chamber. Behind him, Denzel stopped in his tracks and looked down at her, his blue eyes shining with an emotion she couldn't discern. He winked at her, and his mouth spread into a contagious grin as he followed Cloud over. She stared after him agape, recognizing that mischief seeking smirk. Her lips twitched at the corners with a stirring sensation that was new to her. She was worried about him and not simply a concern for his safety – she was worried about him. Shaking her head to ward off the rousing emotions attempting to invade her heart, she slid her sabers from her holders and tuned into the enemy approaching the cavern from the tunnel. Whether she could control it or not, her inner walls were rising, closing her mind off to superfluous feelings. Emotions caused you to fail, failing meant death. She prepared her mind, quickening her augmented senses to fully activate. She was programmed to win and she would win at any cost. She connected with the power of her materia, and the fortified glow spilled over her and Veld briefly as she cast a Shield spell.

Veld stood rigid, his gun aimed at the opening that echoed with guttural snarls and shouts. Amid a steadying calmness, he spoke. "Are you ready?"

The heat of battle was more familiar to her than anything else she had experienced in life. She was more comfortable with cutting down opponents than the touch of a friendly hand. Angling her blazing orange sabers in preparation for defense and attack, she gave Veld a quick glance and wondered how much she could trust him. His face had a tanned softness, despite it being lined deeply from age, and his piercing eyes held an alert wisdom. She knew enough about Turks to know they were good at what they did. Over the last year, she had worked with them on a couple of missions. Their teamwork skills, even their abilities were similar to the Tsviets, but there were differences. Unlike the cool resentment the Tsviets had for each other, the Turks seemed driven by a do or die attitude to protect their teammates and at whatever cost it brought to the mission. It had surprised her that they would even dare put their fellow Turks above their own leadership. She wondered if the man before her had instigated such an unconventional method of working. She looked straight ahead, fixing her eyes on the shadows moving at the entry. "Is there a strategy you wish me to adhere to?"

"The plan's simple. You cover my front and I'll cover yours."

She nodded. He made it clear. He had to trust her as much as she him. Within seconds, the same grey-black creatures loped through the gap in the rock, their attention centered on the fierce activity on the temple platform. Veld, making the most of their distraction, fired into the first one headed for the stairs. It flew back on fire, colliding with the rock before disappearing.

Shelke spotted wolves, and men with the enhanced physique among the group. Once Veld had gained the enemy's attention, they bounded in a raging surge towards them on the ledge. Her petite body somersaulted though the air, slashing at the leaping Shadow wolves as she went, every fiber of her existence moving effortlessly into the old recognizable pattern of automation. The dance between life and death. She landed on nimble feet, not stopping the flow of her sabers' fluid reach for a moment. Calming her racing heart, she concentrated on the beasts and relied solely on her heightened senses to defend and parry each biting mouth and veering claw. Surrounded by the supernatural creatures, she didn't need to count the number of them; she assailed them as one mass. Lunging and cutting into rock-solid hide, she pivoted in a sweeping arch, not wasting any stab or thrust on open space.

Veld's black-metal gun boomed into the midst of them, loosely picking targets towards the back of the glut, and what she assumed were the men with firearms. They fired back, and she didn't have the opportunity to see if Veld was seeking cover from them. He was just as great a threat as she, and the enemy were scraping and mauling their way to get at him. Keeping one eye fixed on the ledge, her main intent was preventing the monster's ascent to Veld. Her back towards the rocks, her sabers swung wide and high against snapping ferocious wolves. Her speed outdid them, their teeth only managing to leave cuts on her limbs, but she had to kill them all or they would start resurrecting each other. They were more a nuisance than a real threat. Killing the larger supernatural wolves took two hits, and she wouldn't have cared about them, except they appeared to keep coming at her. Was someone summoning them?  Crowding in too close now, the beasts blocked her line of sight and she could hardly see beyond the wall of moving black and grey.

The wolves of flesh and blood, hurdled with more speed, aiming for her, attempting to yank her head off with their slavering teeth. A running swipe with her saber disposed of the monster, but every hit took moments for her to rotate to meet the next one. Her position was non-negotiable and she hewed them down, feeling their soft flesh burn from her mako blades. Breathing hard, she stabilized her beating body and attempted loosening her limbs, seizing from her cramped position. She was cornered, striking more out of defense than attack. All her energy went into her speed, accelerating it to abnormal levels. She thrust across the chest of another shadow wolf, disintegrating it into fine vapor.

She flipped up and away, swiveling to guard against another. Slashing it hard and down, she landed and clashed with claws, intending to pin her to the ground. It seemed no matter how many she disposed of, more were there to take their place. And there was no chance to seek out the summoner of the unnatural creatures. Through the declining number of wolves and shadow monsters, she detected hulking grey creatures, flinging chained balls overhead, entering the fray.

"Screamers." Veld's voice carried down to her in a composed warning.

Claws and teeth charged in on her, frustrating her range. She vaulted high, careening into the midst of hunches and back-ends. Hands outstretched, she stabbed into shadow wolves on either side. She swung her swords through the black vapor, not hesitating or slowing for a moment to slice into another monster.

Gun-fire blasted overhead and she smelt the tang of electricity. It gave her more leeway to move where she wanted to go and she needed the space. Her muscles burned with every thrust and parry, but she remained focused on her mindless attackers. Within her aching bruised body, she sensed a pulsating energy, struggling against her fatigue, seeking to override all resistance. Expanding her reach, she struck the last of the wolves, casting them off into death and she prepared for the new enemy lumbering straight at her. Dense iron balls, wielded by the oily skinned humanoid monster, whizzed through the air at a chaotic speed. She jumped, spiking upwards, her saber rang on the metal and propelled it off course. It wasn't the only ball set on her. Suddenly she felt swamped again. The wolves lay dead, but the superior beasts did not decrease.

Out from behind, a ball slammed into her upper back. It ripped at her flesh and sent her staggering forward. She rolled in time, under snapping teeth and regained her feet, and raising her swords, she blocked the next downward swing. Ignoring the pounding pain in her shoulder blade, she managed to repel the Screamers ball and chain, flinging it high and redirecting its accelerated path.

"Here you all are!" -- A high pitched squeal followed - - "What the bloomin' blazes is this?!"

Relief filled her on hearing the eccentric tune of Cait Sith shouting, not far away and from the opposite tunnel. Finally. Fending off the arduous attacks of the Screamer, she darted from under its bulk and lengthy range to give herself some breathing space. Her body was cramming with penetrating energy. In the same instance, a comforting light poured into her aching muscles, healing her open wound.  The heady pull of her inner power was stronger after her restoration. Her body was stretched to its full capacity and she palpitated with intense energy.  No longer able to control the force of supernatural power, her spirit flew from her body and transcending the natural laws of the flesh, she attacked simultaneously on five sides. Without the hindering weight of her flesh, she moved, jumped, attacked as if carried by air. She could hear and see with clarity, yet physically she felt nothing, as if guarded by an ethereal invincibility. It would not last and she had moments to spare before exhaustion took over. At the speed of thought, she struck in multiple locations, eradicating what was left of the wolves and decimating one of the Screamers. It fell, face forward into the dirt.

The surging power within dropped away, and her spirit fell back into her body with an onerous jolt. Almost collapsing with fatigue, she faltered, but prepared her guard against the remaining Screamer and the impact of the ball and chain, looping at her head. Stepping closer, she stretched her sabers at the stomach and chest of the hulking monster. Hearing its deafening warble, she froze and could only watch its fist as it headed towards her face. A blast sounded from behind and up. The monster reeled back and its ball hurled in a circle, missing her head by inches. It screamed a cantankerous cry, and a sharp whizz preceded its head toppling from its neck, cut through with a large shuriken, shutting it up for good. Shelke fell to her knees, aware of the voices on the ledge as Veld's teammates appeared. Her breath came in rapid gasps and she steeled her giddy body that was trying its hardest to make her throw up.

"Shelke!" The shrill voice of Cait pervaded her frazzled thoughts and cool refreshing energy dampened the aches and cuts. Though, it didn't do much to restore the great expenditure of spiritual energy.

The crashing of stones and urgent shouts caused her to scan the higher platform. It appeared empty, except for a black mass at the top. She watched it swell to a thick haze, her panic increasing at its sudden size. She lacked the energy to run up the stairs to investigate. After some time, it dissipated, leaving Cloud standing in its midst.

Veld, still on the ledge, eased his gun down and cast his voice down to her and Cait. "The enemy, it seems, has been destroyed." He scanned the top, creasing his brow. "I can't see the boy…"

Cait offered Shelke a furry paw. She took it and stretched to her feet and stared at what she could see above, looking for Denzel. A shot of anxiety tightened her throat and made her heart leap.

~~ 7 ~~

Angry voices shouting in panic echoed against the rocks as the men on the upper platform dived for cover. Cloud ran the short sprint to the stairs, a hand on each hilt at his back, sliding out his already separated swords. He called with urgency over his shoulder, "Denzel, put your Barrier on. Now." Hearing a slight shift in the air and a tinge of power behind him, he was thankful that Denzel was listening to him at least.

It wasn't long before those up top noticed Cloud rushing to the steps to meet them. Creasing his brows with concentration, Cloud prepared for the enemies descent. Two black scaled monsters plunged over the top steps. One leaped towards Denzel, and the other at Cloud. Its claws raking for flesh and its tail flicked forward attempting to whip his face. An explosive burst came from behind Cloud, and the other monster flew through the air, hitting the stone floor and fading to vapor. He smiled at the sight as he punched his sword through the one on him and continued up the steps. On arriving at the top, he first scanned the upper balcony for the stricken animal, and than considered the several men, equipped with double swords and long-handled blades, all focused on him and Denzel, from the upper level. Swords at the ready, Cloud tensed his body, and positioned himself in a fighting stance, preparing for any form of attack, and hoping to hell they didn't have any materia.

Two men, swords in each of their hands, bounded straight from the balcony above, while another bulkier man hurdled down the stairs. Cloud bolted from gun-fire coming from a man above as he blasted away at him and Denzel. Amid a vacuous whoosh, deep red flames shot up the gun-man's legs, engulfing his whole body. He staggered back, writhing in pain. Glad to see Denzel making the most of the materia, Cloud intercepted the three men running towards him and Denzel, a few steps behind. It had been a while since he had to fight men trying to kill him. He veered out of their range, and rotated back to slash at two of them without interference from the third. They swiveled, assailing him with whirling blades and fast paced defenses. One fought as a seasoned fighter, while the other, Cloud noticed, was only a couple of years older than Denzel, and did not have the weapon proficiency of the older men. Still their exceptional strength and reflexes were warming Cloud up real quick, but he wasn't going to let them set the pace. Keeping his reach, he weaved and parried the incoming blades, and taking advantage of the whole platform, he controlled the fight so he only had to face two at a time.

The stout attacker on Cloud switched his attention to Denzel. Wielding two broad serrated blades with arms so thick they appeared unnatural, the big-chested man charged at Denzel with accelerated speed despite his body mass. Moving adeptly from the swing of the sharp weapons, Denzel kept his feet light and his blows rapid, hitting low into the man's thickset abdomen. The well placed hit did not appear to slow the man in the least. Not intimidated by his huge size, Denzel attacked with swift jabs delivered with exuberant energy.

There was not much Cloud could do to help him, except clear the space of attackers. His reflexes working more than they had for along time, he concentrated on the two men, intent on their movements as they encircled him on either side. That was not going to work for him. Increasing his speed, he evaded the thrusts of the two blades, seeking to corner him, and dividing his attention between his two foes, he drove one of his swords into the man on his right. The young man barred his left sword, and in the instance, Cloud hesitated, reluctant to cut into him. Amid ringing metal, he slashed down on the teenager's sword, sending it spinning through the air. In the heat of a fight and trying to break through, there was nothing else he could do. Disarmament seemed the best action right than. In the same moment, the teen raised his hand, and a shroud of green vapor began circling the space. Poison.

With the second man bearing down on him and the new threat, Cloud couldn't let him get away. Swiftly, he cut into the teenager, causing him to fall meters away with a clean slice across his chest. The remaining assailant did not flinch at the loss of his comrade and continued striking with enhanced precision while the green vapor seeped round him. Cloud whiffed the sulphuric stink. He was not affected by it, but he hoped Denzel was aware enough to notice it. Without hesitating, Cloud fenced off thrusts racing towards his chest, and tracked his opponent's sword with his blade, utilizing his deflection to shove hard into the man's guard. Blocking a hit headed for his neck, his Defender blade clashed and buffeted on the enemy's, bringing him face to face with his attacker.

The enemy's eyes shone an aquamarine against his deathly pale face, and squinting at Cloud, he said, "Why do you fight us?" The man's voice was smooth and calm, despite the effort of battle. "You should join us, brother."

Almost losing his hold on his opponent's sword, Cloud went rigid, his throat tightening in shock over the ominous words. Now he understood; the situation was a lot more serious than he realized. Although these abnormal men lacked the potency of the pure spiritual power of the Jenova remnants from years past, they still fought with heightened reflexes and inhuman strength. He hefted the man off him, casting him meters from his presence where he scuttled to a staggering stop near the jet of life-stream. "That's not going to happen." Cloud scooted back and realigned his fighting position to assess the remaining man on him, and looking up, he was not happy with the men above, hanging back from the fight. Where he really wanted to go was up.

A blast tore through the air and the large man on Denzel flew up, hitting a pillar, destroying it. Chunks of rock fell on the man who appeared passed out. Denzel looked pleased for a moment, until the grotesque looking man shook his head and watched his own chest, through the rent in his leather vest, reform. Shaking the stones from his head and body, he got to his feet once more, appearing more infuriated than injured, and ran at Denzel with more vigor. Cloud swore under his breath, and shouted, "You have to make the hit count." He could only hope Denzel was taking it in, because the kid was too wound up to answer.

Denzel didn't have time to shoot again before he was dashing from the line of poison and blocking the man's hits that Cloud knew would be supernaturally strong. A giant of a man jumped from the second balcony, cracking the stone of the floor with his massive leg strength. Swinging a wide long-handled blade, he headed for Denzel, already fighting an unnaturally formed man.

Now that Cloud knew the power and capabilities of the enemy, he was more concerned about watching Denzel and keeping him from being swamped. Provoking the second heavy man, intent on Denzel, to swerve and attack him, Cloud blindsided him, causing him to pitch and parry him instead. Maintaining the deft speed of his feet, Cloud slammed into four weapons once more. He split his vision between the two men, his bigger, Defender blade, keeping pace with the attacks of the multiple weapons, swiping at his legs and chest, while his faster blade, Shadow, doubled around, flicking into his opponents' space, connecting with flesh. But the fight was taking too long. He had to get rid of his opponents - fast. Rage had been coursing through his body, building to an overflow of supernatural power he was now ready to control and direct. Taking advantage of the seconds he could spare, he maneuvered a distance from the two men, and gathering all the inner strength he could, he pummeled his sword through the air, pounding the floor. The marble cracked under the force and a shock of formidable energy burst forward, shooting into the men. The overly muscled man slid across the floor and through a pillar. Amid falling debris, he flew off the platform.

Raising his two swords waist high, Cloud sprinted at the remaining weapons, wielded by a man, steadying himself from the stone shaking jolt, to catch his sweeping blows. He was now ready and eager to take the one man on. His assailant raised his lip, and his blue-green eyes squinted with fury as he circled his elaborate blade in an arc, before pointing the tip at Cloud.

Cloud's eyes gleamed blue with a similar wrathful intent, but looking past the enemy to the scene beyond. Denzel was guarding against rock-hard hits pulling down on his weapon. The man's solid neck muscles and arms pumped with bulging veins as he cursed in anger. Denzel's worse weakness was remembering to keep his distance, and right than it was obvious. "Keep your reach, Denzel," Cloud cried as he wheeled back, feinting the killer blows from the long blade, aimed at his chest and gut, while extending his own long blade inches from the man's neck, causing him to recoil.

"I wouldn't worry about them if I were you." The enemy on Cloud struck purposefully, forcing him to lurch from the twirling blade and thwart its descent with the tip of his sword.

The pale skinned man, attacked with the same level of proficiency as Cloud, confirming he certainly wasn't a normal human. Whatever or whoever he was, Cloud just wanted to shut him up. Hedging in on his assailant's radius, Cloud prevented him from drawing cover from the pillar. Impeding his charging parries, Cloud growled, "You worry about yourself," and making sure his hit count, he cut him down, sending his body skimming across the stones, cracking through the scooped edge of the platform. An abrupt movement above caught Cloud's attention. The man who had gone down in flames stood and flicking his gun to Denzel, already injured, with a slash on his shoulder, he aimed. Cloud's face drained with fear. There was nothing he could do to stop the shot. Without firing, the shooter fell, and his gun landed on his smoldering chest.

Cloud sensed his heart start beating again and he exhaled a shaky sigh. At least Veld could bring down the numbers for them, but by the sounds of the growls and commotion down below he couldn't rely on that completely. Dashing to the man on Denzel, Cloud punched his sword towards his back. The man scuttled back, flinging his serrated blades at their heads and rounding to stump Denzel's speed.

The man, his bald head glinting in the materia light, snarled like an animal and included Cloud in his arching reach. At least two heads taller than Cloud, he was slower, but he didn't need to be fast, he just needed to be tough. His hulking arms thumped hard with his massive weapon. Blood seeped from gashes along both of his exposed arms and across his ripped vest. An open cut on his thigh, slowed his impetus. Denzel had been busy – busy doing damage. Cloud was proud of him, but even so, after all those wounds, the guy was still standing.

Denzel's normally wavy hair was matted to his forehead from sweat and with his eyes lowered and piercing with commanding resolution, he panted, "You go up."

Cloud nodded, having seen that look before, usually at times when Denzel was determined to master a new technique and would not give up until he had, sometimes to the point of complete collapse. Cloud knew better than to distract him.

The one man left above, looked down at Cloud and lifting his hand high, he spoke a word Cloud couldn't discern. Cloud could see nothing, but he felt the hit in his chest and arms as it constricted and froze his muscles for moments. Straining against the freezing power of the spell, he worked his flesh to break the constraint. His heat dispersed the effect and glaring up at the lone man, he locked his blades together and crouched. Directing energy into his leg muscles, Cloud leaped up to the second platform. He landed with a solid thump and without time to spare, he dived, his sword outstretched, halting the long blade about to plunge into the beast's side. Forcing his fused sword up, he rose to his feet, his raging blue eyes fixed on the man with violent intensity. He sensed the strength of the man as he forced the sword back. Cloud scrutinized his glowing eyes, and his white hair, cropped close to his head, and he raised his blade, waist high, his eyes fixed on the man's slightest inclination.

The enemy lifted his hand once more. Cloud slashed at him, slamming him from his objective. Amid the silvery ring of the blades, it was a burst of rapid blows and deft feints. A crushing bang startled Cloud. He could see nothing below, but heard the chaotic rumbling of rocks falling. This fight had gone on too long. He stepped forward, as the man tried forcing him further to the edge, and with his sword extended for a forward thrust, he wanted to finish it.

As if sensing his defeat looming, the man, dressed in the same black leather as the others, jumped back, and pointed his long slender sword at Cloud. "Traitor."

Cloud flicked his sword forward, "Who are you and where do you come from?"

"We are your destroyer." He arched his arms and crouched, and switching his glare from the lion-beast back to Cloud, he bent his knees, preparing to attack. "You should be more concerned with where we are going."

Cloud pierced his gaze with scrutinizing intensity, "Where?" He stood alert in a guarded position, ready for anything.

His surging chuckle was an unwelcomed surprise. Cloud questioned whether he could take him alive, even though he wanted to knock him flat and never see him get up again. Instead of rushing at Cloud, the man flourished his hand, and spoke a word. Cloud was covered by darkness. He remained vigilant in the dim shadows, listening, anticipating some attack. Abruptly, fear for Denzel started to choke him. A muffled clang from the lower level broke through the cloying supernatural darkness. Rocks toppled to the floor below, followed by a short cry. "Shit," Cloud, clenching his sword hard, muttered with anxious strain. The darkness slowly dissipated, and he could see the orange beast by his feet, but his enemy, it seemed, had fled.

Description
FFVII
Ambush

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Emotive themes
Setting: 3 years after DoC
Rating: M
Status: WIP
OCs:   25%
Disclaimer: All related Final Fantasy VII names and characters are copyrighted © by Square Enix. However, this story and the OCs are mine. Thank you.

AMBUSH

The shouts of men grew louder as Cloud descended the dark slanting tunnel. The others followed him; the only sound was their feet running on the packed earth. Another roar from the distressed beast reverberated against the rocks with desperation. Suddenly the tunnel opened up, and Cloud skidded to a halt at a short rise of rocks and a sloping dip. Reaching his arm wide, he stopped Shelke, who had been keeping pace with him, from flying over the 10 foot drop. On a quick scan of the massive cavern they had entered, Cloud ducked down, level with the rocks along the ledge. Shelke did the same. Cloud put a finger to his lips at Veld and Denzel as they arrived and he pointed towards the other side of the cavern. Cait Sith was no where to be seen. Damn that unpredictable cat, Cloud grumbled to himself.

On top of a 30 foot high outcropping of iron rock was a white marble open floor space that spanned at least 60 feet across. Slanted twisted pillars held up remnants of a ceiling that might have been in the shape of waves at some point, but now fallen to ruin. A smaller upper mezzanine also had the pillars, and its undulating ceiling was still in good repair. The columns, plus a curved staircase, connected the balcony to the bottom floor. Ranging from one to three feet, white scalloped walls, appearing to be seamless, edged the temple-like structure, giving it the semblance of a dish. At the center of the floor, a basin of florescent life-stream gushed upwards past the balcony and up to the cavern ceiling in a beautiful cascade of living color.

More interesting to Cloud than the otherworld complex, was the commotion occurring between the elaborate pillars on the second level. Men in black leather garb, armed with swords and other weapons, appeared to be attacking an opponent obscured from Cloud's line of vision. He stared with puzzlement at the men, attempting to discern if they were Deepground. Under the shimmering light from the open flow of life-stream, he could see that a couple of them were overly muscular with thick necks, and limbs double the width of a normal mans'. Amongst the men were hideous black and grey four-legged creatures with scaled snouts and whip-like tails. Cloud recognized the beasts instantly. It was a good indication the men were not friendly. Beside him, Denzel had dumped his pack and already had his blade equipped, and he whispered, "Who are they? Deepground?"

Shelke studied the men and beasts, her brow scrunching in thought. "I've seen men of that enhanced physique in Deepground, but the creatures... no."

"I've fought those creatures before," Cloud said. "They're fast and annoying."

"Yeah," Denzel added with a sigh, "I remember them."

Veld shifted to stand up. "I can't see clearly who they are attacking."

Whoever they were attacking was out numbered severely, and it appeared they were just toying with their victim. Cloud responded, "They aren't attacking, they're just... playing." A ball of fire erupted around the men, and an animal dashed around them to the side. It stumbled and struggled to its feet. Its singed orange fur was bloodied along its side, and it limped, appearing to have an injured leg. Cloud took a sharp breath.

Denzel whispered, "Is that - Nanaki?"

As Cloud watched the lion-like beast pace back and cast another spell, he could see colored feathers and beads, but something about the way the beast moved was different, and it was missing Nanaki's familiar mane. "No, but one of his kind." The red beast's fire discharged a yellow haze, but lacked the power needed to provide an opportunity to escape. It was now cornered by the two foot arched wall on the second platform and greatly weakened. The only reason the animal was still alive was due to the men toying with it. Growls and shouts came from a tunnel to the left of the ledge, ground level of the chamber. Alert to the new threat, Cloud creased his brow in thought. "Sounds like more of those things." He considered Shelke and Veld who were watching him.

Veld nodded towards the top of the high temple. "I can take the first shot."

Cloud's gaze went between the activity around the beast and the oncoming enemy approaching from the tunnel. "Alright." Time was everything. "Shelke, you take care of whatever comes through there and Veld can cover you." He looked back the way they came, up the empty tunnel. "And if Cait ever shows up he can help you." He could sense Denzel's frustrated expression and his eyes drilling into him. He could guess what he wanted to do. "I'll go up there."

"There appears to be only one way up." Shelke eyed the white staircase winding through jagged rocks from the ground to the first largest level.

Crooking his head to look at Denzel by his shoulder, Cloud said with a glint in his fair eyes, "Are you ready to work up a sweat?" He would feel a lot more confident having Denzel where he could see him. It was more than keeping him safe, he had made a decision, he wanted to push him harder, force him to his limit. Now was as good a time as any.

Denzel blinked, his pout transforming into an animated grin. "Yeah, I'm ready."

He hoped he hadn't over excited him too much. In hindsight, it might not have been the best idea, using the familiar term that signaled a training session between the two of them. Cloud's eyes flicked back to the drama occurring under the glow of life-stream. The beast, that looked like Nanaki, fell, and a long-haired man, clothed in black, lifted his pistol, aiming for its head. "Veld—"

Veld, already on his feet, leveled his arm with his eyes and fired. A sharp boom sent a red flare speeding towards the gathering mob around the lion-beast. The man about to shoot crumpled to the stone, a fiery hole in his back. "Too bad it's not a sniper weapon." Veld re-cocked his heavy double pistol, his eye set on a second man, looking for the shooter's presence.

"Let's go." Cloud glanced at Denzel over his shoulder.

Shelke skipped back, letting Cloud leap down the jut of rocks to the bottom of the chamber. Behind him, Denzel stopped in his tracks and looked down at her, his blue eyes shining with an emotion she couldn't discern. He winked at her, and his mouth spread into a contagious grin as he followed Cloud over. She stared after him agape, recognizing that mischief seeking smirk. Her lips twitched at the corners with a stirring sensation that was new to her. She was worried about him and not simply a concern for his safety – she was worried about him. Shaking her head to ward off the rousing emotions attempting to invade her heart, she slid her sabers from her holders and tuned into the enemy approaching the cavern from the tunnel. Whether she could control it or not, her inner walls were rising, closing her mind off to superfluous feelings. Emotions caused you to fail, failing meant death. She prepared her mind, quickening her augmented senses to fully activate. She was programmed to win and she would win at any cost. She connected with the power of her materia, and the fortified glow spilled over her and Veld briefly as she cast a Shield spell.

Veld stood rigid, his gun aimed at the opening that echoed with guttural snarls and shouts. Amid a steadying calmness, he spoke. "Are you ready?"

The heat of battle was more familiar to her than anything else she had experienced in life. She was more comfortable with cutting down opponents than the touch of a friendly hand. Angling her blazing orange sabers in preparation for defense and attack, she gave Veld a quick glance and wondered how much she could trust him. His face had a tanned softness, despite it being lined deeply from age, and his piercing eyes held an alert wisdom. She knew enough about Turks to know they were good at what they did. Over the last year, she had worked with them on a couple of missions. Their teamwork skills, even their abilities were similar to the Tsviets, but there were differences. Unlike the cool resentment the Tsviets had for each other, the Turks seemed driven by a do or die attitude to protect their teammates and at whatever cost it brought to the mission. It had surprised her that they would even dare put their fellow Turks above their own leadership. She wondered if the man before her had instigated such an unconventional method of working. She looked straight ahead, fixing her eyes on the shadows moving at the entry. "Is there a strategy you wish me to adhere to?"

"The plan's simple. You cover my front and I'll cover yours."

She nodded. He made it clear. He had to trust her as much as she him. Within seconds, the same grey-black creatures loped through the gap in the rock, their attention centered on the fierce activity on the temple platform. Veld, making the most of their distraction, fired into the first one headed for the stairs. It flew back on fire, colliding with the rock before disappearing.

Shelke spotted wolves, and men with the enhanced physique among the group. Once Veld had gained the enemy's attention, they bounded in a raging surge towards them on the ledge. Her petite body somersaulted though the air, slashing at the leaping Shadow wolves as she went, every fiber of her existence moving effortlessly into the old recognizable pattern of automation. The dance between life and death. She landed on nimble feet, not stopping the flow of her sabers' fluid reach for a moment. Calming her racing heart, she concentrated on the beasts and relied solely on her heightened senses to defend and parry each biting mouth and veering claw. Surrounded by the supernatural creatures, she didn't need to count the number of them; she assailed them as one mass. Lunging and cutting into rock-solid hide, she pivoted in a sweeping arch, not wasting any stab or thrust on open space.

Veld's black-metal gun boomed into the midst of them, loosely picking targets towards the back of the glut, and what she assumed were the men with firearms. They fired back, and she didn't have the opportunity to see if Veld was seeking cover from them. He was just as great a threat as she, and the enemy were scraping and mauling their way to get at him. Keeping one eye fixed on the ledge, her main intent was preventing the monster's ascent to Veld. Her back towards the rocks, her sabers swung wide and high against snapping ferocious wolves. Her speed outdid them, their teeth only managing to leave cuts on her limbs, but she had to kill them all or they would start resurrecting each other. They were more a nuisance than a real threat. Killing the larger supernatural wolves took two hits, and she wouldn't have cared about them, except they appeared to keep coming at her. Was someone summoning them?  Crowding in too close now, the beasts blocked her line of sight and she could hardly see beyond the wall of moving black and grey.

The wolves of flesh and blood, hurdled with more speed, aiming for her, attempting to yank her head off with their slavering teeth. A running swipe with her saber disposed of the monster, but every hit took moments for her to rotate to meet the next one. Her position was non-negotiable and she hewed them down, feeling their soft flesh burn from her mako blades. Breathing hard, she stabilized her beating body and attempted loosening her limbs, seizing from her cramped position. She was cornered, striking more out of defense than attack. All her energy went into her speed, accelerating it to abnormal levels. She thrust across the chest of another shadow wolf, disintegrating it into fine vapor.

She flipped up and away, swiveling to guard against another. Slashing it hard and down, she landed and clashed with claws, intending to pin her to the ground. It seemed no matter how many she disposed of, more were there to take their place. And there was no chance to seek out the summoner of the unnatural creatures. Through the declining number of wolves and shadow monsters, she detected hulking grey creatures, flinging chained balls overhead, entering the fray.

"Screamers." Veld's voice carried down to her in a composed warning.

Claws and teeth charged in on her, frustrating her range. She vaulted high, careening into the midst of hunches and back-ends. Hands outstretched, she stabbed into shadow wolves on either side. She swung her swords through the black vapor, not hesitating or slowing for a moment to slice into another monster.

Gun-fire blasted overhead and she smelt the tang of electricity. It gave her more leeway to move where she wanted to go and she needed the space. Her muscles burned with every thrust and parry, but she remained focused on her mindless attackers. Within her aching bruised body, she sensed a pulsating energy, struggling against her fatigue, seeking to override all resistance. Expanding her reach, she struck the last of the wolves, casting them off into death and she prepared for the new enemy lumbering straight at her. Dense iron balls, wielded by the oily skinned humanoid monster, whizzed through the air at a chaotic speed. She jumped, spiking upwards, her saber rang on the metal and propelled it off course. It wasn't the only ball set on her. Suddenly she felt swamped again. The wolves lay dead, but the superior beasts did not decrease.

Out from behind, a ball slammed into her upper back. It ripped at her flesh and sent her staggering forward. She rolled in time, under snapping teeth and regained her feet, and raising her swords, she blocked the next downward swing. Ignoring the pounding pain in her shoulder blade, she managed to repel the Screamers ball and chain, flinging it high and redirecting its accelerated path.

"Here you all are!" -- A high pitched squeal followed - - "What the bloomin' blazes is this?!"

Relief filled her on hearing the eccentric tune of Cait Sith shouting, not far away and from the opposite tunnel. Finally. Fending off the arduous attacks of the Screamer, she darted from under its bulk and lengthy range to give herself some breathing space. Her body was cramming with penetrating energy. In the same instance, a comforting light poured into her aching muscles, healing her open wound.  The heady pull of her inner power was stronger after her restoration. Her body was stretched to its full capacity and she palpitated with intense energy.  No longer able to control the force of supernatural power, her spirit flew from her body and transcending the natural laws of the flesh, she attacked simultaneously on five sides. Without the hindering weight of her flesh, she moved, jumped, attacked as if carried by air. She could hear and see with clarity, yet physically she felt nothing, as if guarded by an ethereal invincibility. It would not last and she had moments to spare before exhaustion took over. At the speed of thought, she struck in multiple locations, eradicating what was left of the wolves and decimating one of the Screamers. It fell, face forward into the dirt.

The surging power within dropped away, and her spirit fell back into her body with an onerous jolt. Almost collapsing with fatigue, she faltered, but prepared her guard against the remaining Screamer and the impact of the ball and chain, looping at her head. Stepping closer, she stretched her sabers at the stomach and chest of the hulking monster. Hearing its deafening warble, she froze and could only watch its fist as it headed towards her face. A blast sounded from behind and up. The monster reeled back and its ball hurled in a circle, missing her head by inches. It screamed a cantankerous cry, and a sharp whizz preceded its head toppling from its neck, cut through with a large shuriken, shutting it up for good. Shelke fell to her knees, aware of the voices on the ledge as Veld's teammates appeared. Her breath came in rapid gasps and she steeled her giddy body that was trying its hardest to make her throw up.

"Shelke!" The shrill voice of Cait pervaded her frazzled thoughts and cool refreshing energy dampened the aches and cuts. Though, it didn't do much to restore the great expenditure of spiritual energy.

The crashing of stones and urgent shouts caused her to scan the higher platform. It appeared empty, except for a black mass at the top. She watched it swell to a thick haze, her panic increasing at its sudden size. She lacked the energy to run up the stairs to investigate. After some time, it dissipated, leaving Cloud standing in its midst.

Veld, still on the ledge, eased his gun down and cast his voice down to her and Cait. "The enemy, it seems, has been destroyed." He scanned the top, creasing his brow. "I can't see the boy…"

Cait offered Shelke a furry paw. She took it and stretched to her feet and stared at what she could see above, looking for Denzel. A shot of anxiety tightened her throat and made her heart leap.

~~ 7 ~~

Angry voices shouting in panic echoed against the rocks as the men on the upper platform dived for cover. Cloud ran the short sprint to the stairs, a hand on each hilt at his back, sliding out his already separated swords. He called with urgency over his shoulder, "Denzel, put your Barrier on. Now." Hearing a slight shift in the air and a tinge of power behind him, he was thankful that Denzel was listening to him at least.

It wasn't long before those up top noticed Cloud rushing to the steps to meet them. Creasing his brows with concentration, Cloud prepared for the enemies descent. Two black scaled monsters plunged over the top steps. One leaped towards Denzel, and the other at Cloud. Its claws raking for flesh and its tail flicked forward attempting to whip his face. An explosive burst came from behind Cloud, and the other monster flew through the air, hitting the stone floor and fading to vapor. He smiled at the sight as he punched his sword through the one on him and continued up the steps. On arriving at the top, he first scanned the upper balcony for the stricken animal, and than considered the several men, equipped with double swords and long-handled blades, all focused on him and Denzel, from the upper level. Swords at the ready, Cloud tensed his body, and positioned himself in a fighting stance, preparing for any form of attack, and hoping to hell they didn't have any materia.

Two men, swords in each of their hands, bounded straight from the balcony above, while another bulkier man hurdled down the stairs. Cloud bolted from gun-fire coming from a man above as he blasted away at him and Denzel. Amid a vacuous whoosh, deep red flames shot up the gun-man's legs, engulfing his whole body. He staggered back, writhing in pain. Glad to see Denzel making the most of the materia, Cloud intercepted the three men running towards him and Denzel, a few steps behind. It had been a while since he had to fight men trying to kill him. He veered out of their range, and rotated back to slash at two of them without interference from the third. They swiveled, assailing him with whirling blades and fast paced defenses. One fought as a seasoned fighter, while the other, Cloud noticed, was only a couple of years older than Denzel, and did not have the weapon proficiency of the older men. Still their exceptional strength and reflexes were warming Cloud up real quick, but he wasn't going to let them set the pace. Keeping his reach, he weaved and parried the incoming blades, and taking advantage of the whole platform, he controlled the fight so he only had to face two at a time.

The stout attacker on Cloud switched his attention to Denzel. Wielding two broad serrated blades with arms so thick they appeared unnatural, the big-chested man charged at Denzel with accelerated speed despite his body mass. Moving adeptly from the swing of the sharp weapons, Denzel kept his feet light and his blows rapid, hitting low into the man's thickset abdomen. The well placed hit did not appear to slow the man in the least. Not intimidated by his huge size, Denzel attacked with swift jabs delivered with exuberant energy.

There was not much Cloud could do to help him, except clear the space of attackers. His reflexes working more than they had for along time, he concentrated on the two men, intent on their movements as they encircled him on either side. That was not going to work for him. Increasing his speed, he evaded the thrusts of the two blades, seeking to corner him, and dividing his attention between his two foes, he drove one of his swords into the man on his right. The young man barred his left sword, and in the instance, Cloud hesitated, reluctant to cut into him. Amid ringing metal, he slashed down on the teenager's sword, sending it spinning through the air. In the heat of a fight and trying to break through, there was nothing else he could do. Disarmament seemed the best action right than. In the same moment, the teen raised his hand, and a shroud of green vapor began circling the space. Poison.

With the second man bearing down on him and the new threat, Cloud couldn't let him get away. Swiftly, he cut into the teenager, causing him to fall meters away with a clean slice across his chest. The remaining assailant did not flinch at the loss of his comrade and continued striking with enhanced precision while the green vapor seeped round him. Cloud whiffed the sulphuric stink. He was not affected by it, but he hoped Denzel was aware enough to notice it. Without hesitating, Cloud fenced off thrusts racing towards his chest, and tracked his opponent's sword with his blade, utilizing his deflection to shove hard into the man's guard. Blocking a hit headed for his neck, his Defender blade clashed and buffeted on the enemy's, bringing him face to face with his attacker.

The enemy's eyes shone an aquamarine against his deathly pale face, and squinting at Cloud, he said, "Why do you fight us?" The man's voice was smooth and calm, despite the effort of battle. "You should join us, brother."

Almost losing his hold on his opponent's sword, Cloud went rigid, his throat tightening in shock over the ominous words. Now he understood; the situation was a lot more serious than he realized. Although these abnormal men lacked the potency of the pure spiritual power of the Jenova remnants from years past, they still fought with heightened reflexes and inhuman strength. He hefted the man off him, casting him meters from his presence where he scuttled to a staggering stop near the jet of life-stream. "That's not going to happen." Cloud scooted back and realigned his fighting position to assess the remaining man on him, and looking up, he was not happy with the men above, hanging back from the fight. Where he really wanted to go was up.

A blast tore through the air and the large man on Denzel flew up, hitting a pillar, destroying it. Chunks of rock fell on the man who appeared passed out. Denzel looked pleased for a moment, until the grotesque looking man shook his head and watched his own chest, through the rent in his leather vest, reform. Shaking the stones from his head and body, he got to his feet once more, appearing more infuriated than injured, and ran at Denzel with more vigor. Cloud swore under his breath, and shouted, "You have to make the hit count." He could only hope Denzel was taking it in, because the kid was too wound up to answer.

Denzel didn't have time to shoot again before he was dashing from the line of poison and blocking the man's hits that Cloud knew would be supernaturally strong. A giant of a man jumped from the second balcony, cracking the stone of the floor with his massive leg strength. Swinging a wide long-handled blade, he headed for Denzel, already fighting an unnaturally formed man.

Now that Cloud knew the power and capabilities of the enemy, he was more concerned about watching Denzel and keeping him from being swamped. Provoking the second heavy man, intent on Denzel, to swerve and attack him, Cloud blindsided him, causing him to pitch and parry him instead. Maintaining the deft speed of his feet, Cloud slammed into four weapons once more. He split his vision between the two men, his bigger, Defender blade, keeping pace with the attacks of the multiple weapons, swiping at his legs and chest, while his faster blade, Shadow, doubled around, flicking into his opponents' space, connecting with flesh. But the fight was taking too long. He had to get rid of his opponents - fast. Rage had been coursing through his body, building to an overflow of supernatural power he was now ready to control and direct. Taking advantage of the seconds he could spare, he maneuvered a distance from the two men, and gathering all the inner strength he could, he pummeled his sword through the air, pounding the floor. The marble cracked under the force and a shock of formidable energy burst forward, shooting into the men. The overly muscled man slid across the floor and through a pillar. Amid falling debris, he flew off the platform.

Raising his two swords waist high, Cloud sprinted at the remaining weapons, wielded by a man, steadying himself from the stone shaking jolt, to catch his sweeping blows. He was now ready and eager to take the one man on. His assailant raised his lip, and his blue-green eyes squinted with fury as he circled his elaborate blade in an arc, before pointing the tip at Cloud.

Cloud's eyes gleamed blue with a similar wrathful intent, but looking past the enemy to the scene beyond. Denzel was guarding against rock-hard hits pulling down on his weapon. The man's solid neck muscles and arms pumped with bulging veins as he cursed in anger. Denzel's worse weakness was remembering to keep his distance, and right than it was obvious. "Keep your reach, Denzel," Cloud cried as he wheeled back, feinting the killer blows from the long blade, aimed at his chest and gut, while extending his own long blade inches from the man's neck, causing him to recoil.

"I wouldn't worry about them if I were you." The enemy on Cloud struck purposefully, forcing him to lurch from the twirling blade and thwart its descent with the tip of his sword.

The pale skinned man, attacked with the same level of proficiency as Cloud, confirming he certainly wasn't a normal human. Whatever or whoever he was, Cloud just wanted to shut him up. Hedging in on his assailant's radius, Cloud prevented him from drawing cover from the pillar. Impeding his charging parries, Cloud growled, "You worry about yourself," and making sure his hit count, he cut him down, sending his body skimming across the stones, cracking through the scooped edge of the platform. An abrupt movement above caught Cloud's attention. The man who had gone down in flames stood and flicking his gun to Denzel, already injured, with a slash on his shoulder, he aimed. Cloud's face drained with fear. There was nothing he could do to stop the shot. Without firing, the shooter fell, and his gun landed on his smoldering chest.

Cloud sensed his heart start beating again and he exhaled a shaky sigh. At least Veld could bring down the numbers for them, but by the sounds of the growls and commotion down below he couldn't rely on that completely. Dashing to the man on Denzel, Cloud punched his sword towards his back. The man scuttled back, flinging his serrated blades at their heads and rounding to stump Denzel's speed.

The man, his bald head glinting in the materia light, snarled like an animal and included Cloud in his arching reach. At least two heads taller than Cloud, he was slower, but he didn't need to be fast, he just needed to be tough. His hulking arms thumped hard with his massive weapon. Blood seeped from gashes along both of his exposed arms and across his ripped vest. An open cut on his thigh, slowed his impetus. Denzel had been busy – busy doing damage. Cloud was proud of him, but even so, after all those wounds, the guy was still standing.

Denzel's normally wavy hair was matted to his forehead from sweat and with his eyes lowered and piercing with commanding resolution, he panted, "You go up."

Cloud nodded, having seen that look before, usually at times when Denzel was determined to master a new technique and would not give up until he had, sometimes to the point of complete collapse. Cloud knew better than to distract him.

The one man left above, looked down at Cloud and lifting his hand high, he spoke a word Cloud couldn't discern. Cloud could see nothing, but he felt the hit in his chest and arms as it constricted and froze his muscles for moments. Straining against the freezing power of the spell, he worked his flesh to break the constraint. His heat dispersed the effect and glaring up at the lone man, he locked his blades together and crouched. Directing energy into his leg muscles, Cloud leaped up to the second platform. He landed with a solid thump and without time to spare, he dived, his sword outstretched, halting the long blade about to plunge into the beast's side. Forcing his fused sword up, he rose to his feet, his raging blue eyes fixed on the man with violent intensity. He sensed the strength of the man as he forced the sword back. Cloud scrutinized his glowing eyes, and his white hair, cropped close to his head, and he raised his blade, waist high, his eyes fixed on the man's slightest inclination.

The enemy lifted his hand once more. Cloud slashed at him, slamming him from his objective. Amid the silvery ring of the blades, it was a burst of rapid blows and deft feints. A crushing bang startled Cloud. He could see nothing below, but heard the chaotic rumbling of rocks falling. This fight had gone on too long. He stepped forward, as the man tried forcing him further to the edge, and with his sword extended for a forward thrust, he wanted to finish it.

As if sensing his defeat looming, the man, dressed in the same black leather as the others, jumped back, and pointed his long slender sword at Cloud. "Traitor."

Cloud flicked his sword forward, "Who are you and where do you come from?"

"We are your destroyer." He arched his arms and crouched, and switching his glare from the lion-beast back to Cloud, he bent his knees, preparing to attack. "You should be more concerned with where we are going."

Cloud pierced his gaze with scrutinizing intensity, "Where?" He stood alert in a guarded position, ready for anything.

His surging chuckle was an unwelcomed surprise. Cloud questioned whether he could take him alive, even though he wanted to knock him flat and never see him get up again. Instead of rushing at Cloud, the man flourished his hand, and spoke a word. Cloud was covered by darkness. He remained vigilant in the dim shadows, listening, anticipating some attack. Abruptly, fear for Denzel started to choke him. A muffled clang from the lower level broke through the cloying supernatural darkness. Rocks toppled to the floor below, followed by a short cry. "Shit," Cloud, clenching his sword hard, muttered with anxious strain. The darkness slowly dissipated, and he could see the orange beast by his feet, but his enemy, it seemed, had fled.