Chapter Text
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐎𝐑!
Due to registering for the Super Smash Brothers Tournament, both Roy and Cloud were allowed into the Battlefield for a limited amount of time. To get there, they strolled through the Last Corridor, the regal red carpet of the enclosed space leading to the light that forewarned nothing but surrealness.
“So this is where the champion will be?” Cloud asked, hands in pockets.
“Indeed.” Roy answered, “I was able to get the information from Fox since he’s a champion. I was surprised to see you wanted to tag along.”
Cloud looked off to the side, seemingly offended by Roy’s small revelation, “It’s the Smash Champion, after all. I’d rather see the man in person, and judge him from there. Plus, this is where the last of the battles are gonna be held.”
“Well, we aren’t there yet, but,” Roy coursed his eyes over to Cloud, the sky blue within them outlined with shadows. There was something out of character about it. “Do you know who he truly is?”
“...Hm?”
“The Fire Emblem.” Roy mentioned suddenly, “The unknown energy that apparently was the source behind the scattering of the One-Hundred and Twenty Spirit Weapons. From transcripts, those at the Heavenly Bureau were able to discover that Its origins date back to the days where dragons reigned—and in order words, where the very first Spirit Weapons appeared.”
“The Binding Blade.” Cloud realized, “It was created right after that.”
“But not during it.” Roy asserted, one finger in the air, “See, the Fire Emblem’s true power was fully realized when humanity was at war with dragons. The magic they contained, combined with an immense amount of Lebenskraft, could only be used once by a human. After the war, both properties diminished, hence why people like Marth and Chrom can use Falchion without much of an issue. With no war against the unspeakable, they were merely weapons above others weapons. However, there has been one exception.” … “...Ragnell.”
“Ike’s sword?” Cloud blinked.
“Ike’s ancestors were the ones who brought up a dormant, ancient form of magic during the struggle between humans and dragons. A magic that transcended the boundaries of humanity’s selfishness and greed, and the dragons that reaped the benefits of those flaws. The power that was presumably thought to be lost after the Great Flood destroyed all of the races for a new world.” Roy took a deep breath, and then, “The lost flame of humanity’s potential… The Radiant Dawn. The power… of the First Fire Emblem.”
The tale of a legend brought them into the world of soaring lands and angelic waters. On the flat bridge, the regalness stopped for something far, far greater. The mending of properties from a past world to bring the levity needed for a battle that was claimed worthy of this land.
Cloud paused, taking in the beauty. A calm wind passed by, lightly touching the spiky strands of his hair. For the first time a while, his blue eyes had softened, discerning the exterior of a stoic soldier.
And speaking of soldiers, Roy brought Cloud’s attention to where the bridge ended. It merged with the Big Battlefield, where in the center, a legend moved with the obligation of a lifetime, his bludgeoning blade that carried a heavy weight, constructed by nature with anodized gold and solid aluminum, not slowing him down in the slightest.
In the immersive dance of steel, blue flames trailed each swing, their unparalleled radiance never burning the user. The one who moved as if his name held no presence was none other than the red capped warrior clad in super armor - the masterpiece of a god.
“That man isn’t just the Super Smash Brothers champion, Cloud.” Roy corrected, eyes full of respect, and also a subtle desire to overthrow the world. “He’s the holder of one of the world’s most powerful Spirits, Ashera. The Spirit of Order that allowed Tellius, his land, to exist.” … “The only one in the current generation to hold the power of the Fire Emblem!”
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎 - 𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐖𝐀𝐍
Cloud didn't believe in the ideas of heroism truly prevailing, and yet, when he gazed into the champion’s eyes… he was empowered.
That mixing of soul-energy and Magic… it isn't natural.
Roy smiled with pure, uncontrolled glee. “The True Hero King!”
Cloud hardened his gaze, recognizing that the person before him was the largest stepping stone in his path. “Hey.”
Those words brought him to Ike’s attention. “Student of Lars Alexandersson.” He acknowledged, “I do hope you came to talk.”
“Not too big of a chat, champion.” Cloud assured, the footstep marking the end his approach booming, and causing a silence between the two warriors momentarily.
—An electrifying staredown!—
“But the former champion is at Goodwill right now.” Cloud brought up, smirking, “Tell me. Are you gonna follow through with this tournament, or abandon it?”
Ike didn't respond for a moment, maintaining the severity of their staredown. All of the sudden, embers of blue flickered in and out of existence as he raised Ragnell. The heightened senses of the shinra soldier kicked in! Clink! He gripped his Buster Sword, preparing for an attack, when…
Tint!
It never came. The motion the champion proceeded was plundering his blade deep into the stone ground, a magical wind rushing passed him only as if the might of this hero was so great that even nature couldn't help but express their admiration.
Then, everything calmed down, yet the silence of everything in the vicinity only ramped up the anticipation within Cloud's mind.
Ike crossed his arms, leaving his sword where it was. The soul-energy he exuded was so powerful, and yet, there was no hint that it contained any form of malice.
“I'll say this, Cloud.” His tone, although still carrying that friendly feeling, now had an intimidating allure underneath. “You, as a Spectral, help save humanity each and every year. Since everyone is working so hard, adopting a mentality that hinges on the absence of strong feelings is an easy way to progress. It's not wrong, I'd say. Whether your heart is pure or not, you're helping people.”
With a swift movement of his right hand, he lifted his blade off the floor, the wound it created healing instantly. Then, grasping the hilt with two hands, he raised it up into the sky - creating a subtle eclipse.
“However…” The beams of the sun basked the hero with a light that even from where he stood, Cloud knew he had no chance of reaching it. “...As the Radiant Hero, I fight for my friends. That's the only reason I've been able to survive for so long. When you've traveled with people for so long, and experienced hardships, you forge a bond that's unbreakable. Bringing together a group of remarkable people means that when you face the world, you're not alone.”
Cloud peered intenlty at Ike. “...What are you trying to say?”
“If you believe that good actions lead to nothing while evil actions lead to success, then I suppose being a hero seems meaningless.” … “But if everyone isn't worth saving…”
𝕋𝕨𝕚𝕟𝕘!
The radiance contained with a single glance empowered the two Spectrals. The trembling intensity of the never-ending journey of reformation.
“Then, there is a point to it all.” Ike declared, bringing his sword to the center. “To drag those from the darkness into the light.” … “And as for your question, I won't be going to Goodwill.”
So many words, and yet, that last sentence was the only thing Cloud responded to. “And why?”
“Because…” And to bring an end to the aura of his heroism, Ike's face twisted into a calm, peaceful smile. “...I'm not alone.”
So that settled it.
However, Cloud wasn't disappointed in the slightest, and nor was Roy.
Cloud, with the thrill of confronting the absolute totality of unwavering courage.
Roy, with the thrill of confronting the future version of himself that had surpassed any and all limitations.
The only reason the Spirit of Envy didn't form into existence was because of the barrier of kindness Ike created.
“Good.” Cloud released the handle on his Buster Sword. Now, he held a smirk that burned with the indisputable flame of competition. “That way, my path will end with you.”
There was something about Cloud that intrigued Ike. “I look forward to it, Cloud Strife. That is, if Roy doesn't take your spot.”
“Huh?”
When he turned to look at Roy, he had left.
He was back to walking through the Final Corridor, the shadows consuming all of his face but a single, conniving grin.
Turning back over to Ike, he too was on his leave. To add a sense of finality to their encounter, he waved his hand, and said: “In the meantime, prepare yourself.”
And then, in a combustion of blue flames, he vanished.
Now, the shinra soldier was back in his solitary world, reshaped slightly by the excitement of an upcoming battle.
GOODWILL INVITATION: DENIED!