FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

Disclaimer: 1

All Final fantasy characters and locations are the exclusive property of Square Enix and do not belong to me.

Every thing else is me and my friends.

CH.8 LIFE'S LEASONS IN MIDGAR OR THE TIES THAT BIND

If there was one thing Xavier hated more than waking up in the infirmary, was waking up in a place he didn't know. Slowly he turned his head.

"I think he is finally waking up."

He knew that voice, though it wasn't one of his team mate's voices. As he rolled over the owner of the voice came into view, and he had to admit it was quite a view. Bent over him was a very beautiful woman dressed in a black halter top and black dress. Her waist length brown hair, complimented her liquid brown eyes that were staring into his reflective eyes. But what had his eye was the site of her massive breasts about to fall out onto his face.

"Well this sure beats staring up at the ceiling." He said with a shit eating grin on his face.

She made to punch him square in the face, but was brought up short by another voice.

"That is enough Tifa. He doesn't need to be out for another three days"

Xavier looked past Tifa to see that his old master was also there. Cloud stood leaning against the wall. Arms crossed, looking like he didn't care. Xavier had no delusion that Cloud didn't care. He knew that Cloud knew that Sephiroth was back. He more than likely felt his Mako signature, and came to investigate. But who really knew. To be honest Xavier didn't care one way or the other. He had gotten what he wanted out of Cloud. On top of that he knew that Cloud had almost no use for him. After all it was Cloud that walked out on him.

Xavier couldn't blame him though. He knew what it felt like to just wanna be left alone, and the world won't leave you be.

Slowly Xavier got out of the bed he had been placed in. He really didn't care that he was in his boxers when the covers fell from his body. Cloud and Tifa both had seen him nude plenty of times, what was one more time.

"When you finally get dressed, your team is down stairs eating dinner." Cloud said leaving the room.

Tifa was close on his heals.

All things considered, Xavier felt great. He wrote it off as being in such a Mako rich environment. Grabbing his goggles, Xavier made his way down stairs. True to Clouds word there was his team and Clouds sitting around a huge table eating like pigs.

Xavier shook his head, and took a seat next to Drake. With out word Xavier was handed a plate of food. Feeling rather hungry he dug in. He knew of course that Cloud had not taken his eyes off of him, or even touched the food in front of him. Xavier also noticed that some one very important was not there either.

Drake wolfed down every thing in site. He didn't know what it was, but it was the best thing he had ever eaten. He was well aware that Xavier and this Cloud guy were weighing and measuring each others actions. He was kinda surprised that Cid Highwind wasn't there, but oh well. The old man was more than likely working on his precious Highwind, or giving it to the woman. More food was brought, and more food disappeared in front of Drake. Drake was totally oblivious to the teen age girl who was sitting across from him eyeing him as hungrily as Drake eyed his plate.

"Z" liked Tifa. There weren't many female fighters in the world. Those she knew of were either Man-beasts, or so tom-boyish they might as well have been men. Or they were girly, girls that could hit fairly decent. But Tifa, she was like her self. Neither a grrrrl nor a girly, girl. Just her self. So she was top-notch in "Zs" book. The food wasn't half bad either. Though she seemed to recall Xavier saying that you should never ask what it was you were eating. Oh well, eat up and then get to business.

Clip poked the mass of stuff on his plate that was supposed to be food. When it hadn't stopped moving he had asked for a simple salad. He had received the oddest looks from all the members of Avalanche that were present. So he had just asked for some water. When he got his glass the contents frightened him. He couldn't place the color if he tried, and there was stuff floating in it. So he just sat there and watched the others.

Ava and Drew didn't know what to make of Avalanche, than again neither could decide what to make of Midgar in general. The place was so dirty, run down and polluted that had it been any where else the entire place would have been condemned. But according to their host the conditions of the entire realm was one hundred percent better than it had been fifteen years ago.

Ava found it hard to believe that any one would willingly live in such squalor. But to each their own. She could tell that they were deeply attached to their realm and cared for it deeply.

With out a word Cloud suddenly got up and left the table, his food untouched. No one bothered to stop him. Barret just scooted his chair in a little to let him past. Any one who happened to have Tifa in their line of sight could almost see her pain as Cloud just brushed past her as he went out side.

Deciding that if he was going to get any kind of information out of Cloud, Xavier got up as well. When he got out side Cloud was already on his bike, getting ready to go.

"You know, you could at least acknowledge her existence Cloud." Xavier said walking right in front of the bike.

"Not every one can go traipsing around the world, like a love-sick puppy, Xavier. Some of us have decided to grow up."

Xavier didn't let this phase him. Cloud had always been like this. He could never tell though if it was jealousy, or just plain dick headedness that drove Cloud to make such comments to him about his search for Shyri.

"Your right, some one did have to grow up. It is just pretty sad that I did it before you."

Cloud got off his bike and right in to Xavier's' face.

"You have no idea about the pain I have gone through Xavier. You know nothing of the sacrifices I have made for a world that doesn't give a good God-damn about you after you have saved it."

"Is that what you want, Cloud, recognition for saving the lands of Midgar. And here I thought you were an over baring ass-clown because you held some one you loved while they died."

"Like I said Xavier. You will never know."

"And how would you know, you never listened to me, you hardly trained us, and when we learned your signature move, and then could do it better than you, you abandoned us. How long did you stay gone? Huh? How long did you make your Friends, and team mates worry about you that time."

Cloud didn't answer.

"That's what I thought. You just got back into town now, and off again you go just because I am here."

Xavier was aware that every one from the bar had come out to witness the argument. He was also aware that some one else had just arrived as well.

"I have found you at last Xavier."

Xavier looked up to the roof of Tifa 7th Heaven, and there he was just how he remembered him.

"I didn't have to look for you. I knew you would eventually show up." Xavier replied to the man on the roof.

"Yes it would seem our fates can not help but converge over, and over again."

"Keep it up, and you'll put me to sleep."

The man grinned and slid the arms of his gi off and let it hang around his waist revealing a long jagged scar on his upper body. The scar ran from his upper right shoulder to just under his left peck. Slowly he drew a four-foot katana from his hip, and pointed it at Xavier.

"The last time our swords crossed you gave me this scar, and then ran. The time has come for retribution."

Just as slowly Xavier drew his Gunblade, reaching up he pulled off his goggles and tossed them aside.

"It is about time you acted. I thought you were going to stand up there a lecture my ear off."

The rest of team X-treme watched the verbal confrontation not knowing what to make of it. But when both men drew there weapons, every one reacted.

"Xavier, keep your team out of this. This is our business and ours alone."

Xavier lifted a calming hand towards his team.

"Stay back guys, I can handle him alone."

Team X-treme stood down.

With out warning the man leapt off the roof at Xavier. Xavier grinned as he watched the man descend on him, his long black pony trailing behind him.

With a loud crash the two blades collided, but the man didn't land. Instead he used his Upper body to propel himself from Xavier's blade. Flipping over Xavier's head, he did a bird step on the way over.

Xavier blocked the double kick with his fore arm. Quickly he than reached out and grabbed an ankle. As quickly as he could he whip snapped the man to the ground.

However his hands were up, and he caught himself before he hit the ground. Just as quickly as Xavier had, he wrapped his legs around Xavier's head and pulled him over.

Xavier went with the throw. Flipping over in mid-air he landed on his feet. He whipped around just in time to see the man kip to his feet.

The two combatants rushed each other again. There swords always meeting mid swing. Every swing swung was countered. Every sword technique was matched.

With great speed the man swung his Katana, and more often than not the next attack was either him spinning on his hands kicking at Xavier's head, or punching at Xavier. Xavier blocked every swing, every kick, and every punch.

Like wise the man countered every swing of Xavier's. Every Knife thrown was deflected away. Every grapple was gotten out of. With blinding speed their swords flew through the air. Any thing that got in the way of the swords fell apart in threes or fours, well after they were hit.

All at once there fight carried them into Tifas' bar. It didn't take long for the customers to clear out.

With a back flip Xavier landed on a table quickly stepping over several quick thrusts. All at once the man planted his hands on the table and flipped upside down sending several spinning kicks at Xavier's upper body. Xavier grabbed one foot, spinning around to build momentum, he hurled the man up in to the rafters. He didn't make the rafters be fore he fell back down again.

"Oh shit." Was Xavier's only thought as the man flipped over and landed hard on the other end the table sending Xavier himself up into the rafters.

With a flip Xavier landed on a beam. It didn't take long for the man to get up there himself. Xavier was impressed with the mans improvement in balance. He was actually doing well on the beam. They both looked down as Tifa came out of the kitchen carrying a tray with two large mugs of ale. All it took was an eye brow wiggle.

Just as suddenly as they were in the bar, they were out again, both holding large mugs of ale.

"You bastards had best pay for those!"

"Yes Tifa." They both replied.

As they fought they drank, as they drank they fought.

Those in the team who drank thought the fight couldn't get better. Those who didn't drink thought they were seeing the most amazing thing. The on lookers who knew the combatants thought them show offs.

As the last drop of beer was drunk the mugs were tossed at one another. But they too met there fates in three separate pieces. The man lunged at Xavier, and he jumped back to avoid the slash. As he landed Xavier him self lunged forward.

"Finishing technique, STRIKE PURPLE LIGHTNING!"

As he charged Xavier's Gunblade had angry purple energy dancing all along it. As the distance closed Xavier winked out of existence. The man knew this move well. He had seen it work. More importantly he had felt it work. With precision timing he raised his sword to his left and deflected the first swing. Xavier disappeared again. He took a half step back and brought his sword up in front of him. This time two Xavier's swung, the three swords collided in the middle. The Xavier's disappeared. He knew this is where the fatal flaw lied in strike purple lightning. If the next set of swings missed Xavier was screwed, because the last set of swings took place in the air. But if the opponent wasn't up there from the third set of swings Xavier would be up there alone. And once Strike Purple Lightening was started he couldn't stop mid swing. With blinding speed him self he dove at the ground. Xavier's swings went harmlessly over his head. It worked Xavier was now in the air realizing that he messed up.

Collectively every one watching gasped as they watched the man nip to his feet and sheathed his sword. Xavier hung in the air and got ready for what he knew was next. He knew that to block this next move he would have to block twice in the span of less than the blink of an eye. Xavier started to fall head first at the man. The man crouched low and got ready to draw his sword. Green energy started to well up around the sheath, as the man drew more and more Mako to him self.

"Finishing Technique MAKO ESSENCE."

With lightening fast speed the man drew his sword at Xavier, it left an angry green trail of Mako in its wake. There came a loud clang as Xavier met the swing. But then the second stage of the move happened and three people knew what was happening as the man started to spin away from Xavier. They were Xavier, the man, and one other watching. As the man spun away from Xavier he felt the vacume created by the mans momentum. Xavier strained with all his might to hold his Gunblade right where it was. With more speed than the first swing the man whipped around and slashed again, the same angry trail of Mako following his sword. By luck alone Xavier blocked the second swing and was forced back by it. Every thing behind Xavier was hit with hurricane force as the energy of the move washed over it. The man stood and stared at Xavier as Xavier nipped up to his feet.

The two warriors grinned at one another and both their swords up in front of them horizontally, cutting edge up. Then simultaneously they snapped there blades vertical and gathered a large amount of Mako to the tips of their respective blades. With blinding speed they charged each other. Over and over again there blades met as they both did Omni-slash at the same time. Each swing was punctuated by a mini explosion.

Team X-treme couldn't believe what they were seeing. Who ever Xavier was fighting was just as strong, just as skilled, and just as fast as he was. Every thing Xavier knew, this man knew as well. And vise versa. There wasn't any thing the other could do that the first didn't anticipate.

They swung at each other with there Mako charged swords. Swing for swing was met. However the man was the first into the air. So Xavier decided to stay right where he was on the ground.

He was shocked, Xavier had not gone into the air. He wasn't going to finish the move. Then it hit him. Xavier was going to finish the move just from a different angle. He grinned, Xavier had apparently learned much, and was able to adapt at blinding speeds now.

Both combatants froze where they were and collected the Mako necessary for the last swing. The man came crashing to the ground with blinding speed, a large ball of Mako energy on the tip of his blade. Xavier spun around once to gain the momentum necessary for the last swing. As he did his ball of Mako kicked up a large dust trail. On the completion of his spin he was rising towards his opponent. With a defining explosion the swords met in the air.

The force of the two swings made them lose grip of their swords. As they fell to the ground they snatched for there spinning swords. When there feet hit the ground again they charged each other. This time holding the others weapon. He decided it was his turn to be surprising and winked out of existence. Xavier was stunned but ready if barley.

He swung and disappeared again. Xavier blocked but was surprised at the power. He blocked again as the man winked into existence for the second set of swings, and as should be there was two of him. He whipped the katana up in front of him in just the nick of time. Again shocked at the power. Then he dove to avoid the third set of swings. The man-made the same mistake Xavier did and ended up in the air alone. As Xavier nipped to his feet he got it, and felt stupid. The man had always been able to draw more Mako than him. But Xavier still had a few tricks left up his sleeve. He placed the Katana at his hip and crouched low to draw it.

The man watched as Xavier crouched and started to draw Mako to himself in large amounts. He grinned.

"I can see that you still can't draw as much as Me." he thought to himself as he fell ready for the move to come.

With blinding speed Xavier drew the Katana at the man, an angry green trail of Mako followed the blade. It was blocked. But Xavier was already in motion, and continued to spin. The vacume drew the man in, but it wasn't as power full as his had been, and he wasn't thrown back when the second hit came.

They stood there blades locked.

"You are weak Xavier. Admit it."

"You only wish I was weak, if just to give you false hope that you aren't getting too old."

They broke and Xavier immediately drew three Kunai and charged them Chakra. He whipped around and unleashed the three knives. The man brought up the gun blade and deflected the Knives. But he wasn't ready for the shock wave part of the Onikage special and was blown away by it.

Xavier stood there his chest heaving.

"Very nice Xavier. Now for my new move."

The man brought his blade up and placed one hand by the tip, already gathering Mako. With blinding speed he whipped around and hit Xavier with a large beam attack totally composed of Mako. Xavier was thrown back to the ground. Like Xavier had before him, he stood there heaving.

Tiredly they approached each other. Every one held there breathes as they stood toe to toe staring at each other. They both through there head back and laughed the exact same time, then embraced each other in a tight brotherly hug.

"Xavier, my brother, it has been too long."

"Ashlin, how have you been."

As one team X-tremes' collective jaws hit the floor. Just as quickly as the fight had started it was now over and they hugging each other calling each other brother.

"My god Xavier you look great, and your skills have improved greatly."

"Like wise Ashlin, I can not believe how powerful you have become as well."

At the same time both men held the other sword out in front of them and bowed to one another. And at the same time they took there swords back and sheathed them.

"What the hell did you hit me with Onisan?" Ashlin asked.

"It is called the Onikage Special. I tech copied it from the man I am hunting. And what about you. That new move felt kind of raw."

"It is a move in progress I call it Wrath of Mako."

They heard a throat clear behind them. Together they turned and found the collectively pissed off faces of team X-treme.

"So um Xavier are you gonna introduce us or what. I mean we were sure the earth was gonna blow up from that fight only to have it be a friendly display." "Z" said barely containing her anger.

"Oh, um, yeah. Every one this is my Friend, training partner and Brother Ashlin Kuroaki."

Ashlin walked right up to "Z" and took her hand and lightly kissed it. "Z" blushed eleven shades of red.

"Excuse me miss for my rudeness. But I was wondering if you could help me out."

"Umm, uh. Sure what?"

"Would you bear my first male child."

"Z" went from shocked, to astonish to pissed in the span of a heart beat. Xavier was not surprised when "Z" decked Ashlin.

LATTER THAT NIGHT

Shock had worn off hours ago. How any one could drink as much as these three was beyond human reason. Clip, and Drake were sure that alcohol poisoning should have set in a long time ago. Ava, and Drew had lost count of the number of times that Tifa had changed the kegs under the counter of her bar.

In back Moogles had been working triple time washing Mugs and plates to keep up with the guests.

"ONE MORE ROUND TIFA: " Xavier shouted in a slurred voice

Drake, and "Z" had ducked out long ago. "Z" was now passed out in a booth, snoring loudly.

Tifa brought three more large mugs of ale. Cloud, Ashlin, and Xavier raised there mugs, gave a cheer, and started chugging. The further back Cloud tilted his mug the further back his body went. Till finally with a loud thud he hit the floor out cold.

_"Pussy......"_Xavier slurred, than passed out him self, his head hitting the table with enough force to splinter it.

Ashlin howled with laughter till he fell off his chair, out cold.

Clip, Drew, and Ava watched as the Moogles from in back came forward, casted a float spell on the three and carted them upstairs to bed.

With out a word Tifa started to clean up the mess, the still awake members of Team X-treme lent a hand.

"Are they always like that?" Ava asked looking at the mess in disgust.

Tifa cleared a spot to sit as she started to tell her tail.

"No, Xavier used to look up to Cloud, as much as he looks up to Ashlin."

"What happened?" Clip asked sitting as well.

"Cloud never really wanted to train either of them, but seeing the raw potential in both he decided to any way."

Tifa got a far away look in her eyes as she pushed her rag around the table. Every one noticed the pain in her eyes, even though she hid it well.

"It didn't take long for Cloud to realize that both of them had the potential to be stronger than him. He also didn't like it that they were both previously trained. Xavier by his cousin, this Tidus guy, and some puts named Zidane. As for Ashlin, Cloud really didn't like the fact that he had been not only trained by, but also controlled by Sephiroth."

Tifa had every ones attention.

"It also didn't take long for "X", and Ash to notice that Cloud didn't like them. It also didn't take long for Cloud to abandon them. Of course those two followed him all over the world. So Cloud trained them harder than he was ever trained himself, hoping to scare them away. You can guess how well that worked. Xavier, and Ashlin are driven like no other men I know. So the harder Cloud pushed them, the harder they trained."

Moogles brought forth food and drink for the four of them.

"Cloud thought he could break Xavier's spirits first, since he was not from these lands. So he started to infuse Xavier with mako any time he made progress. Xavier weathered every bout with mako poisoning as best he could. He more than likely would have died had Ashlin not also been there, helping him through every spasm, and trial."

Tifa paused to take a bite of her sandwich. Clip, Drew, and Ava noticed that their food was actually recognizable, and the water clean. They dug right in as Tifa continued.

"As you can see they have developed a friend ship that is more like brotherhood, and just as impossible to destroy. Well to the point, the only thing they could all agree on was alcohol. You seen the way they drank, they have always drank like that, and always fall in that order. Well one time during their drinking Xavier got Cloud to show him Omni-slash. Xavier, and Ashlin instantly tech copied it. Cloud was pissed, so he decided to get back at them both. He took them to Nibelheim, once there he put Xavier in to a stasis pod and jacked him with so much mako that it is still a surprise that he didn't die.

Ashlin tried to get Cloud to stop, he was always playing the referee between those two. Cloud simply told him that if he wanted to save Xavier he would have to do it himself. He than abandoned them to their fates."

Tifa lost interest in her sandwich.

"Ashlin did eventually free Xavier from the pod, but like with so many others the Mako had driven Xavier mad. They fought. Ashlin came back to Midgar alone baring that scar and a deep loneliness. This is the happiest I have seen him in nearly seven years."

A FEW HOURS BEFORE DAWN, ROOF TOP NEXT DOOR

Ashlin stood and watched as the sun rose over the waists of Midgar. He watched as the sun shone brightly on the dead lands, so leached of mako that nothing would grow on them again for another three hundred plus years, but that is another story for another time.

As the sun started to show on the upper levels of Midgar. Stray beams shown through to the slums bellow. A gentle breeze blew through the slums kicking up dust as it did. Ashlin felt the wind blow through his long black and blue hair as it hung unhindered by his customary pony tail.

"There is no need to slink about Xavier, I knew you were there from the second you woke up."

Xavier walked up behind Ashlin and watched the sun rise with him. Ashlin could tell that Xavier had none of his gear with him, he was willing to bet that if he turned around now Xavier was standing there in nothing but his pants and sandals. His own scars exposed to the world.

"I didn't see Yuffie last night. You two were always so close, where is she?"

Ashlin took a moment to answer.

"I asked her to marry me five or so years ago."

Xavier watched as Ashlin stood, there his hair blowing in the wind.

"And?"

"She laughed at me, and left the next morning. I received a letter from her a few months later. She was in a place called Traverse town, perusing some body named Sora."

Ashlin started to chuckle.

"It turns out that the guy has no interest in her other than as a friend, but she is still there perusing him."

A long silence stretched between them before the next words were spoken.

"He truly is back isn't he?"

Ashlin didn't have to speak his name, Xavier knew who he was talking about.

"It would seem that way. I can't tell for sure though, I never knew the guy like Cloud and your self did. But who ever it was handed our asses to us without breaking a sweat."

Ashlin hung his head not saying a word.

"You know Cloud won't help you."

"I figured as much, the coward."

Ashlin faced Xavier.

"Not really, every time he has faced him he has lost something, or some one."

Xavier stood there thinking about it.

"And I'm not too sure I want to pursue him either. For the same reason."

Xavier hung his head as Ashlin walked past him and jumped off the roof.

A FEW HOURS LATTER, ASHLIN'S SHOP

Ashlin watched as the dirty water ran down the drain, taking with it his aches and pains from morning training. It also took the grease and dirt from his work down the drain. He watched transfixed as the water circled round, and round taking its filth away from his body. His and his alone.

However he could distinctly hear a very tiny, almost none existent voice in the back of his head calling to him. He felt a undisribable want to head towards the northern crater. His tattoo itched to emphasize the point. However his enduring nightmares had taught him how to ignore the voices, to throw off the calls, to push aside the itch.

Ashlin reached out and shut off the water. Imeadiatly the condensers in the ceiling started to pull the moisture out of the air, and the recyclers started their daily process of purifying the water used to wash his body.

Stepping in front of the sink Ashlin looked deep into his own glowing eyes. They looked so much like his it was scary.

"Ah so your awake. Great now the fun can begin." Ashlin heard from deep with in his own head.

"Shut up, I don't need this right now."

"Are you comfortable, my little guinea pig. No? good." The voice continued to coo in his ear.

"Don't bother trying to struggle. You will never get out of those restraints."

Ashlin shut his eyes trying to force the memory from his mind.

"Why are you here? What dose it matter? I have selected you to be the next. You my pet will be greater than even Sephiroth. What's that? It doesn't matter what you want. I am going to make you more than you ever were before."

Ashlin could see the needles moving toward him. He felt them puncture his skin, and force his eyes open. He saw the mako start to flow through the hoses."

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Ashlin screamed reaching back and putting his fist through the mirror.

Ashlin stood there panting as if he was breathing his last. He watched as blood flowed from his hand into the sink. Looking up into the broken mirror he back peddled a few steps. The mirror had shattered in such away that it was no longer his reflection, but that of Sephiroth.

"You will never be rid of me until you finish your mission. You will never be at peace until you kill Sephiroth." Hojo laughed in his subconscious.

All at once Ashlin found his sword in his hand, and the mirror in a million peaces on the ground. Reaching up Ashlin grabbed all his hair in to his fist. In one slice he cut it off at the base of his neck. He angrily thrust the pony tail at the shards, squeezing so hard his finger nails cut into his palm.

"I will never follow your commands again you sick-son-of-a-bitch."

Silence.

TIFAS 7TH HEAVEN

Ashlin stood in the center of the main room looking at the surroundings. He felt deep in his heart that he may never see the place again. Slowly he turned to leave.

"You're going with Xavier aren't you?"

Ashlin didn't have to turn around to know that Tifa was standing at the foot of the stairs. He didn't have to look to know that her beautiful eyes were filling with tears as she stood there.

"I have no choice. Xavier can't defeat Sephiroth on his own. And I will never be at peace till he is finally dead."

Ashlin felt Tifa walk up behind him and wrap her arms around his mid section.

"I understand, Ash. You must do what you must. But don't you dare die on me."

Ashlin turned around to look at the love of his life. True they had only been together for a few years, but he loved her more than life itself.

"I promise my love that I will return to you, and you know I always keep my promises."

She didn't respond. Not with words at any rate. Ashlin found himself in the most passionate kiss he had ever experienced. With out hesitation he returned her love, never once regretting his choice to love this woman with every fiber of his being. If only Cloud knew what he had missed out on.

"Oh well his loss, my gain." Ashlin thought as he stepped away from Tifa, and out the front door.

Tifa fell to the ground as soon as the sound of Ashlin's bike could no longer be heard, and cried harder than she ever had in her entire life.

"So this is what Xavier, and Cloud must feel every day of there lives. How can they continue to live." Tifa thought as her tears flowed forth on to the floor.

THE NORTHEREN CRATER

They were screwed. They knew that it wasn't going to be easy, but they hadn't expected what they found. None of them had fought a flesh golem before. They were like zombies, they just kept coming. For every one that they killed, two more would rise to take there place.

Drake prayed on his summoning circle, bringing forth Ifrit. He rode the force of Ifrits explosion well into the air. With all his might he hurled his spear through another golem. However his spear got stuck in the golem. As he landed he drop kicked the thing. It flew off of his spear into another golem. But Ifrits fire had the opposite effect he wanted it too. They were now flaming flesh golem.

"Oh great spirits of the sky, help me now."

They didn't answer Drakes prayer.

Rakeios fought as hard as he could. He granted that he was not as talented at fighting as "Z" was, but he was doing well. Every once in a while he would summon forth Ifrit, or even Rumah to help him. But they were not the summons he needed. He needed Ice, but neither him nor Drake knew how to summon Shiva.

"Use Ice mages. Ice!"

Ava, and Drew didn't question, they immediately started casting blizzard spells on the flesh golems. It worked they froze solid right where they were.

"Shatter them now!"

"Z", Rakeios, and Xavier needed no prompting. As one the team started to shatter the flesh golems where they stood. When they were done frozen chunks of flesh golem laid every where.

"That sucked." Clip said brushing golem entrails off his trench.

No one had a chance to celebrate. All at once a dark mist seeped into the chamber seeking out all the little chunks of golem. Every one watched as the chunks liquefied, and started to move at each other.

"This time you will not live."

Every one started looking around for the voice of John Onikage, to no avail. Every one watched as the liquid flesh crept and crawled all over it self. Wet slurping sounds started to come from the mass of flesh as it started to take on a roughly humanoid form.

As it grew the flesh golem shattered some random boxes spilling their contents. A plethora of multicolored crystals spilled across the floor. With out thought Xavier scooped up a large hand full. His head Imeadiatly flooded with the information that each piece of Matieria contained. He started throwing aside the ones he felt were useless. Till he was left with a precious few red ones. Xavier was surprised beyond speech. The five crystals he held were mastered Matieria of the summons Rumah, Shiva, and Pandamona. Xavier forcefully handed the Summons to Drake.

"Here take what you need, give the rest to Tech boy."

Drakes head was flooded with the knowledge of the summons. Instantly three of the Matieria disappeared and the summoning circle gained three new crystals. Drake was almost over whelmed with the power of Rumah, Shiva, and Pandamona. Drake shoved the last two at Rakeios.

"Here Tech boy. Be quick."

Rakeios took the last two pieces of Matieria and they instantly absorbed into his skin. Just as instantly he was filled with the Knowledge of Shiva, and Pandamona. And none too soon. The Flesh golem finished forming. With a below it charged headlong at the group. Every one dodged out of the things way.

Clip was the first to react. As quickly as he could he cast Heal on it hoping that it was undead. It was unaffected.

Xavier dug into his pouch of holding for the one item that might give them a glimmer of hope. Xavier brought out of his pouch an object about the size of a soft ball. He gave the ball a few twists, and pressed a button. With all his might he tossed the ball at the flesh golem.

Every one watched as the scan ball flew through the air and struck the flesh golem in the face. Imeadiatly the monster was put in a stasis field as it was scanned. All of its information was sent to the various P.D.A.s

Xavier's was the only one that could be read at the moment, and the things stats were frightening. They would need a miracle to survive.

"ICE, ICE IS OUR ONLY HOPE" Xavier yelled.

He knew damn well that the thing had no one weakness. He was just hoping that ice would freeze it again. All at once Rakeios and Drake summoned Shiva. Ava, Drew, and Xavier started casting Blizzard.

It slowed a little but not much.

Clip was the first one to go down. If any one had to guess, the thing was getting instructions.

Rakeios charged in. The monster swung at where he had been but missed. It was all the opening he needed.

"Finishing technique BLITZ RUSH!"

Rakeios ran up to the golem and preformed a rising uppercut. As he and the monster rose into the air he continued to punch and kick at it. With tremendous force Rakeios flipped over and drop kicked the golem back to the ground.

Rakeios landed on shaky legs and watched as the golem got back to it feet, unharmed.

"Well shit."

The golem rushed Rakeios. As with Clip he didn't stand a chance.

Ava knew she stood no chance with her current level of magic, but she had to try. She gathered Manna to her self in large amounts and started casting everything that could come to mind.

"Finishing technique MAGIC FURRY!"

Her spells had little effect on the flesh golem. With out missing a step it started to advance on her. Ava experienced dread unlike any she had felt since the day her mother was brutally murdered. Something caught the golem's attention. Ava became aware of the sound of a mini-gun. She knew though that it was Drew and her guns going to work.

"Finishing technique TRIGGER HAPPY!"

Ava watched as tens of thousands of rounds hit the Golem with dead aim accuracy. As fast as each gun was emptied, it was reloaded and spitting death again. The golem advanced on Drew, but she refused to back down. Than both of her guns dry fired. Drew watched in horror as the golem advanced on her. Ava chose that moment to star firing off spells. The golem turned ever so slightly. With blinding speed its arms elongated and struck both of them. They went flying in different directions. Drake took the momentary distraction and charged in. But the golem stomped its foot right in to Drakes chest. Xavier and "Z" heard the distinct sound of breaking bones.

"Z" pulled her fathers EHRGEIZ fighting gloves from her pouch of holding and started putting them on.

"Two questions "X". And I want honest answers."

"Shoot."

"Did we ever stand a chance?"

"No." Xavier answered replacing the lost knives on his gauntlet.

"Second question."

"Z" synched the straps on the gloves and faced Xavier, looking up into his eyes.

"Did you ever love me?"

Xavier's hand faltered as he was placing the last knife in its holster. "Z" waited as Xavier regained his composer. When he finally spoke it was in careful measured words.

"I have always loved you. You are the sister I never had, and a friend I will never forget, in this world or the next."

"Z" hung her head.

"That is not what I asked, and you know it."

Xavier walked up to "Z" and drew her to him. "Z" wrapped her arms around his midsection already knowing in her heart the answer.

"I might have once or twice. But I can never love you the way you want me to." Xavier said holding his friend as she wept in to his chest.

"Why not?" her tears came freely now.

Xavier just stood there holding "Z" more tenderly and passionately than she had ever been held by anyone ever. She felt extreme envy for every woman Xavier had ever held this way. Especially this lost friend of his.

"Because I never want to lose any of you ever again. I would rather die a thousand deaths, and never carry out my goals than lose any of you."

Than he heard it. The faint sound of an engine. He became instantly aware of another presence, another Mako signature. Xavier's eyes shot up the length of the crater and were instantly drawn to a single headlight moving down the wall like a bat out of hell.

Xavier thanked every god he believed in, and a few he didn't. His miracle had arrived.

Ashlin's sights were set on the flesh golem as he careened down the face of the crater. He thanked his foresight to bring some riding goggles as stray bits of dirt and stone flew at him. With a last burst of speed Ashlin, bike and all were air born. Ashlin let go of the bike and let gravity do the rest taking the bike to its final destination. The head of the flesh golem. The bike detonated on impact.

Ashlin watched the golem stager a bit. Reaching in to his pouch of holding he brought out a mega phoenix. He gave it a shake to activate it and tossed it. With a brilliant burst the vial of life-giving potion rained down on the unmoving members of Team X-treme.

With impossible grace and agility Ashlin came to a landing in front of Xavier and "Z".

"This is no time to be saying good-byes, brother."

Ashlin tilted his head to look at Xavier.

"Or were you just using this as an excuse to cop-a-feel?" Ashlin said with a roguish grin.

Xavier and "Z" instantly let go of each other.

"Come little brother, there is killing to be done." Ashlin said discarding his gi and drawing his sword.

Xavier moved up along side Ashlin and got in to his fighting stance.

"Ain't there always something to kill?"

Ashlin set his feet apart at about shoulders width, and brought his sword up alongside of him.

"I would like to think that some day we will be able to set aside our weapons, and live our lives to there fullest with the ones we love."

"Z" joined them, giving both a once over.

"I'll buy the pizza and beer when we get back."

"She said it, not me. You heard her say it." Ashlin said elbowing Xavier.

"Yes I did. She doesn't get paid enough for that promise."

"Z" gave them a questioning look. Than it hit her.

"Oh shit."

Xavier and Ashlin grinned at her, and charged the flesh golem. With blinding speed both Ninja, and Samurai converged on the monster. Xavier leapt into the air to attack its head, while Ashlin concentrated on its mid section and legs. "Z" took what was left, its back.

Xavier never once touched the ground. Every time he laid steal to its face he used his momentum to spin around and deliver successive kicks to its head as well. He than would bounce off an arm and launch into another attack on the head.

Ashlin found himself dodging as much as he was striking. Every time he would land a successful hit he would find him self having to dive to the ground, than spin back to his feet kicking at the same time. This was followed by jumping over another attack and laying steel to legs and mid section. But he noticed quickly that his and Xavier's attacks were being quickly healed or absorbed.

"Z" wasn't having much luck either. Its back wasn't as unprotected as she would have liked. Her attacks were easily absorbed, or out right defended by flesh tentacles. All too often she found her self dodging flesh tentacles.

"This needs to end soon guys, I am almost spent." "Z" shouted dodging another tactical assault.

"Any bright Ideas Ash?" Xavier asked jumping over a hand that had suddenly appeared to swat at him like a fly.

"Maybe, just one though." Ashlin gave a mighty spin kick to its midsection and jumped back to avoid a vicious kick.

"Well let's hear it." Xavier said finally landing next to "Z" behind the Flesh golem severing several flesh tentacles that had grabbed her.

Ashlin brought his sword up in front of him horizontally. Xavier got it, and brought his Gun blade up in the same position. Together the two of them drew unheard of amounts of Mako energy to there swords. As one they charged the Monster from both sides.

"Z" watched openly stunned as both Xavier and Ashlin did Omni-slash. She watched as the two men mirrored each other perfectly in an intricate waltz of certain death. Every where they hit the flesh golem, the miniature mako explosions left craters.

All at once Ashlin jumped up into the air, and Xavier stayed on the ground. "Z" dove for cover as Ashlin, and Xavier gathered more Mako for the final hit.

With an earth shattering explosion the two swords met half way through the flesh golem. And with an ear-splitting scream the flesh golem Exploded.

"Z" Imeadiatly took a mega-potion from her pouch of holding threw it into the air. Its life restoring contents got every one stirring. With one look at Drake though Xavier knew that he would have to be carried out. He immediately got on the communications tool in his P.D.A. and sent an emergency evacuation signal back to Balamb garden.

He stood there and watched as a shift gate was opened in the room they had just fought for there lives in. He watched with detachment as several SeeD E.M.T.s carry Drake off as fast as they could. He watched as Clip, and "Z" helped Drew pass through next. He almost cracked a smile as Rakeios, and Ava out right refused help and stumbled through the shift gate.

"So where does that leave us Ashlin." Xavier said turning to face his friend, and Brother.

"I don't know Xavier, where does this exactly leave us." Ashlin said wiping goo off of his sword.

"I won't lie to you man, we could really use the help. None of us can stand up to Sephiroth, much less this Xiedie bitch. I have a feeling that all lands will suffer her wrath eventually. And she seems to have started collecting rare and powerful allies." Xavier said pointing at the crates of Matieria.

Ashlin looked at the crates, all nice and neat by the lip of a chasm that no doubt led all the way down to the Life Stream itself. With out hesitation Ashlin unleashed his Wrath of Mako Limit Break.

Together Xavier and Ashlin watched as tiny, useless fragments of Matieria rained down the length of the chasm, more than likely to land in the Life Stream.

Xavier watched Ashlin watching the useless crystal shards fall. He could almost read the thoughts taking place behind Ashlin's glowing green eyes.

"If you don't wanna leave her man I can understand. I wouldn't want to either."

Ashlin looked at Xavier; there was no surprise in his face just a lingering question.

"I guessed, before you ask. She didn't try to stop Cloud yesterday, and I can smell her perfume on you."

"No, I will go with, Xavier. I promised her I would come back to her, and she knows that nothing will stop me from getting back to her."

Ashlin and Xavier walked up to the shift gate, both stopping to look back at the devastation that once again had rocked the great northern crater.

"Let me ask you Xavier. Dose it always hurt this much to leave the one you love?"

Xavier looked right at Ashlin before he spoke.

"Let me ask you this Ash. Is it every thing you hoped it would be?"

With out hesitation Ashlin answered.

"Absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt."

"There is your answer brother, and nice hair cut."

Xavier and Ashlin walked through the shift gate. Leaving the mess for some one else to find.