CoN 25th Anniversary: 1997-2022
Final Fantasy IFinal Fantasy IVFinal Fantasy VFinal Fantasy VIFinal Fantasy VIIFinal Fantasy IXFinal Fantasy TacticsChrono Trigger
 
 

by wyvern14

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Part 1 (2008)
Part 2 (2008)
Part 3 (2008)
Part 4 (2008)
Part 5 (2008)
Part 6 (2008)
Part 7 (2008)
Part 8 (2008)
Part 9 (2008)
Part 10 (2008)
Part 11 (2008)
Part 12 (2008)
Part 13 (2008)

Chapter 5

Frenzy


The moment of truth had come. Steadfastness submerged her mind, calling forth the mystic deluge sleeping beneath her skin. Twitches took hold of her limbs, her clothes radiating heat and borderline smoking. With war cries, the warriors of the group jumped forward, Kain literally up, to join the fray and defend their world to the very end.

At last...

The hymns of calling fell from smiling lips, a song unnoticed while the carnage raged and distorted all perceptions. The ground and high ceiling of the large cavern had all but disappeared, cloaked in otherworldly forces that twirled and wavered. This glowing nightmare would make her nauseous if she so much as focused on it.

Overriding her survival instincts, who screamed at her to run and take cover, she plunged headfirst into monstrous ties, roaming the unseen spirit world until she could take hold of a known presence. It responded in all eagerness and Rydia exhaled a breath of icy tendrils, which rapidly took the shape of a tall woman in bluish hues.

A loud shriek pierced the fray and frost shots from the eidolon's magicks stuck to the chitinous hide of Zeromus. It was not enough, but it was a start. Shiva, aglow with pride, looked at her with a smile, already disappearing from this world.

Thank you...

Hellish flames coursed through her eyes and affectionate growls resonated. Ifrit begged release, imploring the young woman to guide him through her and let him help them. Hands outstretched to the heavens, she called forth a circle of flames at her feet and pushed the devil with the strength of her will. The beast jumped and materialized while attacking, aiming horns ablaze to gore the evil presence.

Lord of the Feymarch...

As cinders flew in all directions to signal Ifrit's leave, Rydia was already singing again, tugging at the torrential rush that swam in her blood. The eternal tides would strike efficiently and with more force than simple elemental anger. Her surrogate father responded instantly to her calls, growing in presence and humidifying the air around her.

Water seeped from nothingness, extinguishing ambient sparks and rapidly rising until the green-haired mage floated on the crest of a wave. The lord of the seas took shape and opened its jaws, twisting his serpentine body to create motion, unleashing a violent tsunami that drenched her in recoil. Proud, it lowered the tip of his nose to her hands in farewell, eyes fierce and encouraging.

Cut, bruised and seeping opalescent ooze from a hundred wounds, Zeromus shook with inner tremors and turned its many faceted eyes on her.

.........................................................................................................................................................

Brow covered in sweat, golden hair clinging to her face, Rosa prayed yet again for holy blessings. Her mouth was dry, her throat raw, yet she never stopped. One word followed another in endless litany for life and healing, supporting her friends and loved ones with the might of her faith. A vision of wonder broke the scenery, raining hail on the battlefield.

Kain staggered, almost dropping his spear in fatigue, and her thoughts darted to him. A flicker of her hand, a trust of magic and fresh winds of serenity embraced him.

Kain...

He bowed his head in curt reply, acknowledging her help and started to run, using his spear like a spring pole to rush his body in the air. A second shape leaped soon after, boiling with flames and smoke. Frantic, she turned to Cecil, joining her thoughts to his parries and trusts in hope of hasting his reflexes.

Ragnarok flashed bright in the air, smoothly sliding forward and piercing the thick hide, splashing the paladin with gore. His finesse increased tenfold as the enchantment took effect and increased his speed.

I'm with you, Cecil!

A rush of water welled up high, crashing in on the other side of their foe. A few droplets of cold dew reached Rosa, despite the considerable distance. Her love shook his head to clean his drooping face, and then took a step back, unsure, once the vast bulk of Zeromus started to tremble. The white mage looked around, on alert, muttering a few words to summon barriers for the knight and herself. She glanced up, but could not see the dragoon in the thick mists.

Where are you?

The hideous beast turned its maws and azure globes away from the blades, sensing a more potent threat. The meaning of the maneuver was not lost on the blond woman, who sprinted to a different angle, seeking more range and hoping to see...

Something metallic flashed from the other end of the platform, slashing the air with a high-pitched boom. It drew a bright arc, exploding in hundreds of deadly silver stars who lodged themselves deep on every visible surface, but failing to catch the attention from the vast shadow.

"Dammit!" The ninja shouted, already dipping into his pouches for another throw, while Zeromus growled, trembling violently.

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She struggled with her inner fury, burning eyes like amber unseeing and locked on above. Nails raked empty air like claws, her legs locked in steel below her shaking body. Perspective and gravity lost all meaning as she felt herself float within herself, grappling with the frantic inner animal most humans fear to embrace.

Lord of all dragons... Hear my plea...

Never before had she dared make this appeal, however needed. Despite its close distance and the forged pact, there was something primal and devoid of emotions about the most powerful of eidolons. No affection would serve for a call to appear as with Asura and Leviathan and she knew it. Nothing short of pure need and crazed acceptance of all he represented would reach the legendary creature.

Her mind blanked and raw emotions took over. Flashes and memories of painful moments, past ordeals and deaths imposed themselves, closing on her heart in a deathgrip. The need to bare fangs, show superiority, irradiate might and presence in the face of destruction unlocked her natural magicks. The ground around her combusted in blue-white ribbons, crackling discharges broke the crystal tiles and exploded in a blinding aria.

Unaware of the impending attack, Rydia called forth oblivion.

.........................................................................................................................................................

Edge pumped his legs, desperately trying to cover the distance in short time before it was too late. His fingers took hold of another shuriken, he briefly glanced up and tossed it, sure of his aim.

At least someone has the right idea...

On cue, Kain lunged down at break taking speed, skewering an appendage with enough force to rip it off. He landed with grace in the blind spot of the beast, seeking cover from the oncoming attack with their last precious seconds. Unfortunately, he himself had no such option and neither did she. Exhausted but unable to stop, he sprinted hopelessly.

Thunder rumbled and pressures shifted, forcing him to fight against the changing gravity that menaced to drive him away from his course.

No.. you.. don't!


Her smile was beatific, despite death looming in front of her. The whole background was ablaze and she moved as if dancing, screaming high and clear with sheer passion. Smoke burst from her fingers in long, erratic tendrils, as mystic flames rose to meet her flesh like a second skin. Twin emerald suns opened wide, possessed.

He stopped moving, horror-struck. This was just as... Exactly like...

No... NOOOO!

Zeromus heaved, his tendrils and jaws glowing in onyx hues as energies from the nether gathered and grew. Unthinking, Edge leaped into her destructive aura, shielding her as the fabric of reality tore itself and imploded.
Caves of Narshe: Final Fantasy IV
Version 6
©1997–2024 Josh Alvies (Rangers51)

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