The Last Shinra Soldier ➝ Final Fantasy VII ✓

Is That All You Got?

I flew up the staircase leading to Sector Eight, my hands trailing along the icy railings as I raced at full speed toward the source of a vicious growling. The deep, resonating rumbles cut through the air and I hastily loosened my sword from it's scabbard as I neared the square in which the beast was taking refuge.

I swung my blade through the air with a hiss, just as I leaped up the last three steps and flung myself round the corner. I was met by a menacing beast, roaming freely around the deserted square, occasionally grinding its claws on the stone slabs of a building and rearing out its head to utter a menacing cry. I studied the beast for a few minutes, getting to grips with its strengths and weaknesses as I identified it with the aid of my mental bestiary. The horrendous creature prowling before me was clearly a Behemoth; its well-defined bulky, muscular, body, coloured a steel blue, moved heftily; tufts of flame-red maned it's distinct, grotesquely formed face; two horns emerged from it's skull, and arched forward like a scorpian's tail; it's mouth bristled with rows upon rows of jagged teeth.

After my eyes had scoured every aspect of the beast, I paced into the centre of the square and allowed my longsword to perform a deadly duo with crackling flames before me, drawing the beast's attention away from some tattered rags fluttering restlessly in the wind. A spark of interest kindled in the Behemoth's dull eyes, and I chuckled softly, beckoning it forward.

Accepting my coax, the giant beast threw back its head, emitted another menacing snarl, before throwing itself forward, claws outstretched. I dodged away skilfully from its bloodied talons, grinning patronizingly at the enraged beast.

It lurched forward again, this time cracking open its vast jaws, introducing me to a set of grotesque jaws, gleaming red with blood. It's mouth snapped at the air, directly where my head had just been, before I skirted away from the clumsy beast. I sighed in disappointment, shaking my head jestingly at it. "Is that all you got?" I scoffed, pouting at the frenzied enemy. Time to show it some real action!

Arching my blade towards the Behemoth with my right hand, I shot out sparks of fiery entrails from my free one and let them veil my sword, just as it penetrated the impervious beast. It howled in protest, lurching back from my poisonous blade. I grinned as it cowered away, retreating back to the shadows. I sighed and swung my blade about lengthily as I turned my back on the monster, pretending to lose interest.

After a moment, I heard its claws grinding along the floor as it hurtled toward me, and I quickly turned on my heel to meet it head on. The only problem was the distance between us was shorter than anticipated, and I was forced to abruptly caper backwards as it let it's claws fly free toward my face.

I frowned as the tip caught my cheek and grazed it slightly. Embracing the pain, I set on dispatching of my enemy quickly. I thrusted the sword towards the Behemoth's stomach, only to be parried by its serrated talons. I growled in frustration, tightening my jaw, and hastily spun away from more snapping teeth.

Forcing all my strength to flow into my attacks, I let out a brief relentless assail, slashing my sword in a fearless assault. My weapon caught the target on the shoulders and foreleg, yet it was showing no sign of fatigue. It kept slashing out with vigour and fury, mostly aiming for my head. At one point, it's spiked horn raked across my stomach, ripping through my thin armour and lightly penetrating the skin beneath. I winced with pain, stumbling backwards slightly, but quickly recovered and continued my berserk stance.

As I dodged, ducked, parried, sliced and bit, my hair fell loose from my helmet and swished lightly along my back, and over my shoulders, making me grunt in annoyance. Growing impatient, I eventually retreated to the shadows, contemplating my next move. Merely slashing at the beast with my sword wasn't going to do much at the moment; I needed to weaken it first. I nodded to myself and quickly summoned a vibrant flame in the palm of my hand, straining for it to enlarge. When it was a little smaller than the size of my head, I shot the immense fireball forward, chuckling with satisfaction as it enveloped the Behemoth and exploded in the mass of flames.

The beast dropped to the floor, howling in agony, and I rushed to dispatch it with my dwindling strength. I approached the flailing hound hesitantly, bracing myself against the immense heat radiating off the fiery beast. Leaping through the haze, I threw all my force into my final attack and sunk my sword deep into the Behemoth's exposed stomach. It let out a final raspy breath, before falling motionless amid the scorching blur. I staggered away from the fog that had begun to clog my lungs, coughing violently.

As I stumbled forward and collapsed to the floor, feeling the strength draining from my body, the scene around me began to fade into the familiar blue and green pixalated bricks, and the Behemoth and deserted square of Sector Eight vanished from sight, just as I heard a faint, 'Mission Complete!'

I was back in the training room of the Shinra Building, stood upright and still clutching my longsword with clammy hands. I dropped the weapon with a sigh and dragged the abstract goggles from my face.

"Well Done, Rowan."

"Huh?" I muttered, whipping my head toward the direction of the sudden voice. Angeal was leaning casually against the wall, his arms folded tightly across his chest, his narrow eyes never wavering from my sharp gaze. "Angeal, sir!" I abruptly stood to attention, raising my gloved hand to my head in a hasty salute.

Angeal pushed off from the wall, waving his hand mindlessly in the air in front of him as he dismissed the greetings. He twitched his head toward the door. "You're needed in the Briefing Room."

Suprise overcame me, and I almost stumbled back. I scoffed suddenly. "Not an assignment already?!" I exclaimed.

Angeal shrugged indifferently and nodded, a grin threatening to break out on his usually-impassive face.

"Looks like they're interested in you. Come on!"

The 1st Class left the room without another word, and I collected my sword before running to join him.