15 - Back in Midgar

[Shadow Phoenix]

Bax, with his sword sheathed once more, was taking off down the hall. He closed his eyes upon seeing a large open stretch before him and allowed his concentration to wander elsewhere in the hospital. Lynx was definitely here - Bax could sense the dark energy of his feline comrade. And right next to him was an even darker and, perhaps, more powerful aura. This power made Bax shudder a little as he continued his surge through the halls of the hospital. It was merciless and cruel, perhaps even heartless. It almost seemed to draw Bax in, but he once again focused on Lynx. Bax couldn't pinpoint him exactly, but...

Bax felt the wave of dark energy ahead and he opened his eyes, slamming his heel into the ground ahead of him and bouncing back. With a fluid motion, he drew both of his swords and bounced back, landing on his right first and crouching back. His swords banged together lightly in an X and Bax blew lightly on them in the center to warm them up should he need to use them. He waited for the wave to become visible, gritting his teeth in anticipation.

But somehow, this creeping wave of darkness didn't seem to be harmful. It was...it was a call. Not necessarily a cry for help - not at all in fact. It was sort of a signal. Bax read into it a little bit and tried to figure out the origin. It was...it was definitely Lynx. Bax had been right about Lynx's life-force. Lynx was calling to him from somewhere in the hospital. Wherever he was, he was still all right. A little apprehensive, perhaps, but he knew that Bax was there as well and he desired to find him for some reason. So, Bax decided to respond.

Bax ran forward once more, rounding the corner and dashing to a corroded stairwell with care. He sheathed both swords and kept on following the remnants of the dark wave. Lynx had allowed it to seep all over the hospital. Bax couldn't tell how long ago it had been sent, but hopefully he would reach Lynx before it was too late to respond.

Bax smiled lightly to himself. It was quite interesting how everyone who he had met here on Earth exuded a much different aura. He himself, a master of the flame, gave off a very chaotic neutral aura, righting itself between the light that a flame sheds on all things that come near it and the darkness of the destruction to all things that touch it. Such was the nature of the flame. Zack's inner essence always comforted Bax, being extremely light and barely showing any darkness. His happy-go-lucky attitude had definitely kept Zack going hard through their adventures. Lynx, on the opposite end of the spectrum, was a very reserved and dark aura. He wasn't necessarily destructive and evil, but darkness had a hold on him. He could handle himself just fine, but it appeared as though he may have considered Bax an ally. At the same time, this unknown darkness next to Lynx was most definitely evil and destructive. Prodigi seemed to strike another sort of neutral balance similar to Bax's, and yet at the same time completely different. Sephiroth, too, was on the darker side, perhaps more towards the neutral side of things than Lynx was, but he was still somewhat chaotic and destructive. It was absolutely amazing now that Bax thought of it, the stark contrast of all those he had come in close contact with. Then there was Mike, the Senator, and others he had come in contact with, who were all different but who Bax had not taken the time to think of too much.

As Bax rounded the corners of the stairs, he laughed a little bit to himself. What a cast of characters were in this amazing play on Earth. Bax felt honored in some way to have been tossed by fate into this mix so that he could play his part in the history of this planet.

Bax felt Lynx close up ahead. He was very close. He wouldn’t draw his sword yet for fear that he may anger the other dark power with Lynx. After all, he did not yet know the nature of the call. With a slight smile on his face, Bax charged down the hall towards where he felt Lynx.
“I’m coming,” he said simply to the dust and blood-filled shadows of the hospital’s vile halls.

[The Waffle King]

Pyramid Head would have cocked an eyebrow if he had any at Lynx's strange actions, but dismissed it, it was probobly nothing. "Also, if you leave me to my work I will be one step closer to overthrowing the Senate and finding that Senator and making him undo this curse." He clenched his free hand, "I do admit that having this amount of power is quite intoxicating, but I wouldn't wish this sort of life on anyone else other than myself. Always having to hide, having no company other than the mindless creatures that dwell here. Now if you'll excuse me, I've had my eye on a nice little hotel on the other side of town."

[CursedDragoon]

Dragoon gave a slight smirk at the question. He was on the spot. The real reason he got out of there was that the Senator let him. But he couldn't tell Zack that. He closed his eyes. "I didn't. They sent many armed soldiers after me."
Dragoon opened his eyes and looked directly into Zacks.

"I killed every last one of them. They never saw what hit them."

Zack was speechless. He was nervous, maybe even a little scared. He certainly didn't want to get on this guys bad side.

Dragoon spoke again. "Interesting things seem to happen around you and your friends, and I have been bored recetnly. I was planning on investigating some powers I had felt to the west. If you would like to tag along, you can."
He then started walking westward. He thought to himself, "I did not expect to run into one of them so soon. This is a unexpected turn of events."

[ForeverZeroUltima]

Lynx twitched another whisker.
"You're going after a hotel after this? It is none of my concern," he said, lowering his scythe a bit. "However..."
Lynx stopped mid-sentence. Yes, Bax was definitely getting closer. He obviously had felt his aura and was answering it quickly. He could feel Bax's fiery energy drawing closer and closer...almost burning...
"However...there is business i must take care of before that...which is..." He stopped again, because he didn't know whether to add "to dispose of you", or "to dispose of the Senate". After all, Zack and the other man was waiting for him and Bax elsewhere, and he himself had accepted an assassination job which he hadn't exactly completed yet. There were many things riding on what the final decision here would be. If he did not escape this alive...
Lynx withdrew his aura a bit, but not all of it - just enough so that only Bax will be able to follow it.
His attention snapped back to PH. Both of them had some things in common. Both possessed a frightening amount of dark energy within themselves. Both were shunned for what they were, being non-human, and both wanted to take revenge on the Senate. Even then...there could be no way that...
His grip on his scythe suddenly grew tighter. Whatever his (his or PH's) decision would be, it would affect a lot to come...

[ZaCloud]

Zack stood frozen in place for a moment. He knew he couldn't just follow this stranger. And yet, the man was obviously so frightfully strong that losing track of him felt like he would be turning his back on a wolf in this city; it was not in his nature to ignore a possible threat, to himself or to others. Nor would it feel right to just abandon someone with some sort of connection to himself and his friends, a witness to the Senate's evil.

Finally, he sighed and said, "Um, well Dragoon, sir, I have somewhere I gotta be right now... I really would like to come along an' stuff, but I can't... How far west d'you think you're goin'? Maybe I can catch up if I got nothin' better to do?"

[CursedDragoon]

"I wouldn't try to catch up with me, I'll be done before you get to where your going."
He pulled his hood back over his head. A few feet from Zack he stopped and turned his head. "I'll see you later" he said it with a tone like he was planning on them meeting again.
He then walked away from the pair.

[Shadow Phoenix]

Bax saw Lynx up ahead and decided not to call out for him for fear that perhaps he may endanger the both of them. He slowed down slightly and calmly jogged through the passage that separated him from Lynx and this other unknown figure. He barely had time to utter "There you are Lynx" before his jaw dropped at the sight of what was obviously the origin of the second dark aura he had felt before. Standing before Bax was a monstrosity of a creature dressed in what appeared to be a bloodied lab apron and clutching a blade that was probably around the same size as Zack's Fjalar. The creature was covered in blood, and Bax could tell very little of it was his own despite all the tears and cuts displayed over the ghastly looking skin. It looked as though this creature fit in perfectly in this demonic hospital, and that he would have fit in well in the regular hospital if it weren't for a few things. The dead skin was one. The gigantic black boots were another. The massive blade was, of course, yet another.

But, the biggest thing that proved that he was perfect for this hospital was the gigantic pyramid-shaped head that adorned his tattooed shoulders. Bax was taken aback by the sheer size of this creature. Bax, standing at 6' 4" was thought to be fairly tall, but this thing towered even him. It was absolutely amazing, this thing standing before him. Bax wasn't sure whether to be in complete awe or whether to crumble in horrified fear (though the second option seemed to be weighing heavily on his mind as the most logical thing to do). The expression on Bax's face was not one of fear, but one of awe, though it was definitely on the verge of the former. Bax, however, was frozen where he stood, unable to move at all. He was certainly unsure of what to do now, so he wasn't going to chance anything.

[ZaCloud]

Zack watched the man go with puzzlement and apprehension. He still didn't like something about the guy, or about him leaving, oddly enough. He hoped he had said the right things... That was all he could do now though, for he was still feeling the pull to keep going and find Bax, hopefully Lynx as well.

After Dragoon was out of sight, he scampered back to Prodigi, managing to look unshaken. After all, what was done was done, so worrying about it was useless now.

"What was that about?" Prodigi wondered.

"Well..." Zack said, "That guy said his name's Dragoon and he's kinda creepy an' dark but what's kinda cool is that he killed a buncha Senate dudes who came after him cuz he was leavin' their base-thingie cuz he saw when me an' Bax got captured so it sucks but it's cool *inhale* An' I dunno if it's good or bad but he said he's gonna check somethin' powerful out in the West but should be back quick, I hope he's not up to somethin' bad, oh he asked who you were an' stuff but I didn't tell him, I hope that's alright?"

Prodigi blinked a few times. "Uh... yeah. I think."

Zack smiled his bright smile. "Okie. Anyway, my feet say let's get movin'! I won't stop an' bother stuff anymore; I'm a teeny little bit worried about Bax. Hey, in fact let's jog. I'm always up for a good brisk jog!" He accelerated, his steps light and springy despite the big blade on his back. He glanced back to make sure Prodigi was following, his spiky hair blowing around in the wind of motion. "Last one there's a rotten egg!"

[The Waffle King]

Pyramid Head looked to the new guest, slightly suprised by the fact that he had already found them. Then he looked back to Lynx, "one of your friends perhaps? No matter..." He raised his left hand towards Lynx, the doors behind him creaked open letting in a wedge of sunlight. "Go if you like. I won't stop you. But..." He looked to Bax, "I have yet to find a reason to let you live. Might there be a reason for me to spare you as well?" Pyramid Head raised his large weapon so that the tip hovered above the ground in front of him.

[Shadow Phoenix]

Bax heard the doors creak open and he turned his head to see the same opening he had come through, or at least what looked like it. He turned his head back and still saw Lynx and this other dark power standing there. Was it possible that he had overlooked them upon coming in here and run around in a circle? Or was there something darker happening here - something that distorted the walls of one's mind and the walls of the reality...or anti-reality, rather, around them? Did this new creature control this dark domain now? Bax looked from Lynx, to the creature, to the door once more. He didn't understand it, really. How could he have come through the same door, travelled a great deal, and then come right back around to it after having traveled up a flight of steps? Perhaps he was hallucinating.

No matter, though. His life was now being threatened. And that simply would not do.
"I have no quarrel here. I came to find Lynx. Nothing more."
Bax slowly drew both of his swords and looked intently at Pyramid Head. "We separated and I thought Lynx may come here. So I follow. Is long story. Let us both go."
Bax narrowed his eyes. He had to employ some tactics to make sure this being didn't sense any of his apprehension. He looked towards Lynx and tried to gauge what he would do. He didn't know him well enough yet to say for sure, but he wasn't going to jump to any conclusions yet.

[ForeverZeroUltima]

Lynx glanced momentarily at Bax and withdrew his aura completely. "I came here to find you....huh...no matter...I will ask about Zack and the other man later..."
He looked at PH again. He pondered about PH's offer to let him leave just like that, but...what about Bax? What ABOUT Bax? He didn't know whether he cared about Bax or not enough to want him to leave alive too, but...
He glanced at Bax, the door, and at PH. He slowly moved his scythe back. He was pretty sure that he could take on PH if Bax did too...he wasn't so sure if Bax could handle PH by himself though...
He hesitated. On one hand, he would risk his life to try to save someone he hardly knew. On the other, he could go and retrieve the assassination money and live his life without caring about anyone else...
But then again...
He glanced at PH again. He had a keen memory, like all others beyond the human level. And he definitely remembered PH saying: "I like to know the names of my most formidable prey..."
Prey. This definitely wasn't over yet. Not so soon. Not so easily. There was definitely something up...
He pulled his scythe out again and held it in a horizontal position, across his chest, with the blade pointing away from him. A black wind began to circle him, swirling faster and faster...

[The Waffle King]

Pyramid Head thought for a second, then lowered his sword again. "If your intentions are the same as his, then you must be spared as well. Anyway, I do not wish to lose my hold on this place, I only have a few more key points to aquire before I'm ready." He took a few steps back, then turned and headed for a hallway leaving the two to their own devices...

[Shadow Phoenix]

Bax watched in intense silence as Pyramid Head walked down the hall. The tension was high and Bax could practically taste it - or was that the fresh air mixing with the stale mold and filth that covered the innards of this demonic hospital? Whatever it was, it was definitely bitter-sweet and Bax looked at Lynx. He wasn't afraid, but apprehension seemed to be the dominating emotion for the both of them. It seemed as though Lynx was not ready for this to be over yet. He still had his scythe up next to him and the dark wind was still flowing in a small whirl around him. It was clear that he wasn't quite content with how things had played out.
"Come on," Bax said, taking a step towards Lynx. "Let's go. It is over."
Lynx didn't budge. His look was trained almost exactly where it had been when Bax had first come into the room. Right towards the hallway where Pyramid Head had walked down and away from them, but slightly cast down and to the side.
"Lynx, you hear me?" Bax calmly said again. "Let's go. It is over, now."

Lynx seemed to growl deep in his throat like a cat, and before Bax could even register that he was moving, he had his scythe whirled around with the tip pointing at Bax's jugular vein without even looking at him. Bax's eyes widened and he inhaled sharply, raising his chin a bit. He watched Lynx to see what he was doing and tightened his grip on the swords just in case. Slowly, Lynx turned his head and shifted his eyes to meet Bax's. The stare was icy cold and it sent goose bumps rushing up and down Bax's back.
"It's not over yet, you buffoon," Lynx scoffed just above a whisper. "It won't be over until he's dead or we are."

Lynx's scythe disappeared and he began walking past Bax. As he did, he growled deep in his throat again. "Come on already, you wanted to go," he said with disgust. Bax turned around and joined his...was Lynx his companion or not? Bax wasn't quite sure anymore...was he going to be able to trust this dark feline who seemed to know more about the art of killing than Bax ever would have imagined possible? Would he be able to trust him with his life? Would he be able to trust him at all? Bax kept in step behind him and quickly sheathed his swords.

He didn't know what to think.

[ForeverZeroUltima]

Lynx growled angrily as they stepped out of the dark hospital into the outside world. He blinked; it was morning already? How long had they been in there?
Oh well it was pointless to ask now; he had to move on.
Bax followed him closely and cautiously. Lynx noticed this and asked, without turning around, "Doubtful?"
Of course, Bax either could not or would not answer. One answer would be a lie, and the other would state that he feared him.
Before Bax even had an opportunity to answer, Lynx stepped into the alley. He reached down , concentrated for a moment, and withdrew the bag from the ground.
He turned around to a very surprised Bax. "What? I took up an assassination job."
Bax was silent as they walked on. The man that Lynx was supposed to give the money to suddenly came into sight (or at least, Lynx's sight. He knew the man, and also he has very sharp eyes ).
"Wait here," he ordered Bax. Lynx proceded and reached the man, glaring down at him.
The man, weary and tired, glanced up at him and asked, a bit fearfully, "D-Did you g-get it?" He looked at the bag Lynx held in his hand. "Oh that's it!"
Lynx twitched a whisker as he handed it over. The man thanked him heartily and promised, "As soon as I get back to Zion, I will come back and give you the reward I promised..."
"No thanks. You do not have to give anything." The shadow beneath him seemed to stretch a little, forming a cat-like appearance, which then merged into the dark shadow of the alley.
"But..i insist..."
"NO, thank you very much. Bax, let's go."
The man stared at him as Lynx and Bax moved on, unaware of what Lynx had left behind.

Once out of earshot, Bax asked him, "You took up a job for nothing?"
Lynx glared at him coldly and stated, "Do not worry about anything. It will come...soon."
Bax blinked. "I wasn't worrying..."
Lynx ignored him. They were well away from that man now, and now they heard a scream of pain.
Bax whirled around. "What was that?!"
"Just ignore it."
"...huh?"
"I said, just ignore it. Geez, you're all uptight about everything."
Bax blinked. (after the episode in the hospital, who wouldn't be?).
They walked on in silence. Lynx knew, of course, that that man in the alley no longer lived. He had created one of his cats back there and ordered it to kill the man once they were well away. The cat would rip his throat out and take the money, and give it to Lynx later.
Lynx stopped. "Where is Zack and the other man?"
"Well...we were staying at a hotel and I left them a note saying that I was looking for you, but I don't know if they're still there...."
"Perfect," said Lynx sarcastically. "First I receive unwanted help and now two comrades are missing..."
Bax blinked and stared at him, confused and doubtful.
Lynx saw that look and quickly said, "...sorry."
Now Bax was REALLY confused. Lynx's personality sure did change rapidly.
"*sigh*...let's move on."