Final Fantasy

Operation Meltdown

By Teen Strife a.k.a. Josh Martin

Chapter 1: Showdown in Nibelheim

It was a hot summer’s day, nearly ninety six degrees, and in the small town of Nibelheim the Military Police began to do their rounds. The sounds of birds singing could be heard throughout the town, it was peaceful. One of the Military police stopped and stared admiringly at the well in the center of the town. The well was quite a site; it stood there at the height of at least twenty meters. The Military policeman’s eyes slowly settled on a new target. Standing by the well was a boy who appeared to be in his late teens. He had long spiky black hair and was approximately five foot seven. The boy began to walk towards him. He walked with such a light carefree manner… He appeared harmless.

“Hey, what are you doing?” The Military Policeman said to the boy. He slowly reached for his tonfa. The look in the boy’s eye sent a chill down his spine.

“Huh? Did you say something?” The boy said as he sat down on the cobblestone. The boy slowly drew a knife, keeping it out of view.

“Yes I said something!” The Military Police said with a slight hint of annoyance.

“Tell me what you are doing here and we won’t have any trouble!” He said as he took three steps towards the boy.

The boy shrugged, and gave a little yawn. “I am just here to get rid of a few things that don’t belong in my town.” The knife came fully into view. He smiled, “Haven’t you noticed how empty this town has been? He began to laugh “Where is the rest of your unit?” He stood up, his face slowly changed from the harmless expression to that of a cold blooded assassin.

“What are you talking about?” The Military Policeman said as he began to scan the area for his comrades. They were no where to be found. “That’s not possible! There is no way that a little boy like you could kill trained soldiers.” He took two steps back and pulled out his tonfa. “I’ll show you why!”

The Military Policeman rushed at the boy his tonfa at the ready. The boy stood calm as the distance between them closed. The Military Policeman swung his tonfa as hard as he could at the boy’s chest. The boy gave a quick shudder as he took the hit. The Military Policeman stood there triumphant, he felt like a gladiator absorbing all the cheers from the crowd. He looked over to where the body lay, but was startled… The body was gone. He looked all around, but he saw no sign of the boy. He took a few steps backwards.

“Where did he go? I could have sworn he was right there a minute ago.” His eye’s scanned all around… still he saw nothing. “Where are you? I know you’re out there!”

Suddenly he felt something sharp touch his throat. Before he realized it he was bound. “I’m right here, are you feeling lucky?” The boy said as he slowly began to put pressure behind his blade.

“What do you want?!” The Military Policeman cried out in fear. “I’ll do anything! Please don’t kill me!” He broke down, tears and snot streamed down his face. He was truly afraid.

“What I want is for Shinra to stay out! It’s bad enough that they built a reactor here, but now there are rebel armies trying to take them out. With you guys here what’re the odds that they’ll come here next!” He put his knife down slowly. “I’ll tell you what I want. I want you to die!” The boy quickly grabbed a hold of the Military Policeman’s head and snapped his neck, the body collapsed onto the ground. The boy slowly walked away his head facing the ground.

Little did the boy know but the murders had been captured on a surveillance camera. The footage was forwarded to the military station that the Military Policemen had stationed at. There the captain of the unit looked at the footage in shock, his cigarette dangling from his bottom lip. His burly shoulders sagged as he mourned the loss of his unit.

“How did this happen… Why, my men!” The captain shouted at the top of his lungs. He lunged towards the gun rack and grabbed his favorite weapon, a fully loaded M16. “I’ll show that little kid! He’ll never mess with Shinra again!” The Captain took one last drag on his cigarette and marched out the door… His mind was filled with thoughts of revenge.

At about this same time there was another boy training to one day join SOLDIER. He had long spiky blonde hair, and stood about the height of five foot seven. The boy was jogging down by the well when he bumped into a friend of his.

“Hey Tifa.” The boy said nervously as he shifted his eyes away from her. The strikingly good looking girl just smiled. Her long brown hair blew slightly in the breeze. They stood there watching each other for several minutes. The tension for the boy was intense. What should I say? He fidgeted a little. “Hey Tifa… Will you meet me at the well tonight?”

She smiled and said “Ok Cloud.” She then walked away a couple feet and turned around. “I’ll be waiting!” With that Tifa gave a final farewell and walked towards her house on the other side of town.

“Awesome, she said she would come!” Cloud said full of excitement. He ran his fingers through his spiky hair. A grin grew across his face. Unfortunately his excitement would be short lived. The captain saw Cloud standing by the well; and he automatically assumed this was the boy he was looking for.

“Hey you!” The captain shouted. Cloud whirled around and saw him. “Did you think you could get away with it?” He muttered as he closed the distance between them.

Cloud took a few steps back. “What did I do?” He asked as the Captain continued to walk towards him. I don’t know what he’s talking about… I better be careful, he looks tough.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about! The Captain said enraged. “You killed all of my men!” The captain dashed at Cloud his fist clenched. Cloud gasped as the fist hammered him in his unprotected diaphragm.

“I don’t know what I did to you! But if you want to fight I’ll be happy to oblige!” Cloud yelled as he slammed his fist into the captain’s jaw. The captain stood there unfazed and slammed his nee into Cloud’s gut. What the hell, that was my hardest hit! The Captain continued to break through Cloud’s defenses, pummeling him left and right. Oh my god! Who is this guy? Fatigue began to grip Cloud. Finally he jumped back and broke away from his opponent. He stood there breathing heavily, fear shone in his eyes.

“What? Is this all you got?” The captain mocked, as he wiped away the sweat that began to gather on in forehead. “If my men got killed by a runt like you, then they deserve to be dead.” The captain dashed at Cloud once again this time he reached for his M16.

No way! I’m not losing to this guy! Cloud prepared himself to strike. The captain pulled the trigger. “Ugh!” Cloud groaned as he was pelted with bullets. He collapsed to the ground. “Why?” Slowly a mist began to form over Cloud’s eyes, his life hanging in the balance.

“You were no problem at all.” The captain said with a spit. “My men have been avenged, its time that I report the news to the boss.” The Captain grabbed his radio and delivered his message. “Sir, the assailant has been taken care of, permission to return home?”

The radio buzzed a reply “Denied, you are to wait there until further orders, I’m on my way to see this so called assailant.” The radio went quiet and the captain began to think. His thick brows became knitted together as he heard a voice call out to him.

“Hey! Why did you attack my brother?” A voice shouted in fury. The captain slowly turned around half expecting to see a kid with tears streaming down their face. He looked in disbelief; he looked just like the boy he had just taken care of moments before. The only difference was the hair color. “Why did you do it? Damn it, I’m going to kick your ass!” The boy shouted as he sprinted at the captain.

“Here we go again…” The captain said with a sigh as he grabbed the boy by the shirt and hurled him at the well. The boy’s body made a loud thud against the wooden planks. The captain smiled as he watched the boy stand up. “Wow kid I’m surprised it looks like you are much stronger then your brother.” The captain began to laugh thunderously. “You are stronger, but it doesn’t mean a thing, you don’t stand a chance.”

“Mock me all you want! I killed five of your men today I’ll gladly make it six!” The boy said as he charged at the captain at a full sprint. The boy moved at an incredibly fast speed, he reached the captain at the blink of an eye. The captain was dazed, and the boy used this to his advantage. The boy slammed his fist into the captain’s gut and he let out a shout. “I’ll show you! You can’t mess with my family and get away with it!” The captain gasped as the blow connected.

“I can’t believe it! I mistook that blonde kid for this guy?” The captains moaned as he caught his breathe. “Alright kid it’s time I take you serious.” The captain threw his arms around the boy and constricted tightly. The boy let out a wail as he felt his ribs cracking under the force. “Ha, just as I thought you are weak!” The captain said with a laugh. The boy closed his eyes, and began to focus.

Come on, I can take this guy! Think! There has to be an opening somewhere. That’s it! The boy’s eyes shot open. “Oh I’m not done yet!” He slammed his forehead against the captain’s. The captain lost his grip as intense pain gripped him. The boy quickly took advantage of the opening. He leapt into the air and slammed his foot into the captain’s gigantic Adam’s apple. The captain fell to his knees. “Time to finish you off!” The boy laughed as he grabbed a hold of the captain’s throat and slammed his head into the cobblestone. A loud cracking sound echoed throughout the town. The boy left the mangled corpse on the ground and looked towards his brother’s body.

The boy ran towards his brother’s body. “Oh my god what did they do to you…Cloud!” He shook his brother hoping against hope that he would wake up. “Please don’t die on me Cloud, I can’t lose you!” The boy’s head rested on his brother’s chest. Cloud’s breathing was slow and raspy. Tears began to stream down the boys face. “Please Cloud… You’re all Mom and I have… Please wake up!”

A man in a suit ran to the boy’s side. He had long brown hair that reached halfway down his back. “What happened?!” The man said as he pulled out a shining orb from his pocket.

“That guy over there attacked my brother! My brother is dying and I can’t do anything!” The boy groaned in sorrow as the man pulled him away from his brother.

The man looked over at the captain’s dead body. “Looks like even he was too weak…Wait is this kid…The assailant?” He thought. “Okay stand back I’m going to help your brother. The man placed the shining orb on Cloud’s chest and it began to flash brightly. A greenish light surrounded Cloud’s body, his wounds were healing!

“What is that?” The boy said as the man pulled the orb away from Cloud and quickly deposited in his bracelet.

“I will answer your questions, but first you must answer mine.” The man said as he lifted Cloud onto his shoulder. “First off where can I take your brother?”

“Is he going to be alright?” The boy asked as he pointed towards his a house that was near the big mansion at the end of town.

“He will be fine, he just needs to rest.” The man said as they walked towards the house. “What is your name?”

“My name is Josh… Josh Strife.” The boy said hesitantly. Who is this guy? Is he a friend? Or is he my enemy? He thought as they rounded a corner.

“Well Josh, can you tell me who killed the guy in uniform?” The man said in an unsuspicious manner.

“I did!” Josh said triumphantly. “He and all the other Military Police work for Shinra, I had to protect my town. People from rebel groups could have targeted us. I don’t hate Shinra, but I hate all the trouble caused by the rebels.”

“I see… You killed him? Your reason astounds me, such loyalty for your hometown; you were risking your life just so your town could stay at peace. Shinra could use a soldier like you.” The man said stopping for a moment to place his hand on Josh’s shoulder.

“What! You’re with Shinra!” Josh said in alarm as he jumped away from the man.

“Yes, my name is Tseng, I am a member of the Turks. My job is to find candidates for SOLDIER, and I think you have the potential.” The man said smoothly.

“What why? I just killed six of your men! Why do you want me to join?” Josh said in a piercing tone. “I don’t get it! Leave me alone I don’t want to join.”

“Oh is that so? You will join; I’ll make sure of it.” Tseng said as he pulled out an electric rod. The weapon buzzed and crackled as the electric current flowed through it. “Are you sure you won’t reconsider Josh?”

“I’ll take you on Tsung or whatever your name is!” Josh yelled as he leapt at Tseng. Tseng easily side stepped and whacked Josh on the back. Thousands of volts surged through his body. “Ugh!” Josh groaned as his body hit the cobblestone. “That’s it, now I’m mad!” Josh roared as he sprung to his feet. Pulling a knife out of it’s sheathe, and lunged. The wrist flew towards Tseng the blade aiming for the throat.

“You still are too naive.” Tseng said as he slammed the knife out of Josh’s hand. Things began to go in slow motion for Josh. Tseng’s rod hurtled towards Josh’s chest. The rod struck and electricity surged through Josh’s body. He fell to his knees. “Will you join or will I have to beat more sense into you.” Tseng said with very coaxing voice. Josh rose to his feet and looked at Tseng with mixed emotions. On one hand he was upset that Tseng was able to beat him up with little trouble; then on the other hand he was a little excited, after all Josh had always had a desire to become stronger, even if he had to join SOLDIER to do so.

“Fine… I’ll join…but there is something I must do before.” He said as his hopes of escape dissipated with the coming sunset.

“Good, you will report to the Junon SOLDIER command post in three months from today. I recommend you train your self hard before then. If not, the tests will surly kill you.” Tseng said as he turned and walked away.

Cloud slowly opened his eyes and looked around. “What happened?” He looked to the sky and noticed that it had now become dark. “Oh no, I need to go meet Tifa!” Cloud jumped to his feet and ran towards the well.

“Well I’m glad he’s alright.” Josh laughed “Ha I’ll show SOLDIER I’m more then capable.” Josh shouted as he flexed his biceps. “But first things first, I need to become stronger. He said calmly. “I remember Master Zangan always talked about a powerful nation to the north-west of here. I can’t remember what it is called but he should know!” Josh said in delight as he headed off towards his Master’s place.

He walked until he saw a small tent set up on the outskirts of town. From the distance Josh could see a dim light leaking out. “Master Zangan, are you there?” Josh asked as he poked his head inside the tent. The tent was highly organized in a military fashion, and leaning on a wooden table was a muscular man who appeared to be in his late forties. His bushy grey hair was tied back into a ponytail. He wore an old brown monk robe, with a cape hanging down from his shoulders.

“Ah, Josh what brings you here? I hope you didn’t forget that you mastered the way of the Zangan Ryu martial arts; there is nothing more I can teach you. I was amazed at how fast you learned, you were even able to become my equal in combat.

“No master I haven’t forgotten what you taught me. I am here for your guidance.“ Josh said as he humbled himself onto his knees. Zangan smiled and pulled Josh up to his feet.

“My guidance, what is it that you need to know?” Zangan said as he seated himself on the ground.

“Master I remember before that you mentioned a nation of powerful warriors to the north-east of here. What is it called, and can you tell me why they are so powerful?” Josh said lowering his eyes away from his master.

“The nation that you speak of is called Wutai. You are correct in its location; its power comes from the spirit of the people. Wutai is full of Ninjas all of them are extremely skilled, I don’t think even I could defeat the weakest among them.” Zangan said as he rose to his feet. “It is obvious to me that you wish to journey there… Correct?” Zangan asked.

“Yes Master.” Josh said with a nod. An enormous smile grew across Zangan’s face.

“Josh the only way you will make it to Wutai is if you can prove to me that you are capable of protecting yourself against them.” Zangan said barring Josh’s escape with his muscular arms.

“Master… I accept your challenge.” Josh said with a nod. Slowly he and Zangan walked outside. The moon shone brightly as the two combatants prepared them selves. Josh stretched and felt a slight tinge of pain in his ribs. Oh no! I forgot about the wounds from earlier. I can’t let him get any hits on me. Josh moved a strand of his spiky black hair away from his eye and got into his ready stance.

Zangan smiled and said “Alright… It’s time.” Alright Josh, let us see if you are capable of those grand dreams of yours. He dashed towards Josh and made a jab for his ribs. Josh saw the attack coming and quickly blocked the strike and followed it with a hook to Zangan’s jaw. Zangan laughed as he ducked under the blow and delivered a powerful uppercut. “Josh what are you doing? Are you even trying to fight me?” Zangan asked as he jumped away from Josh.

“Master… I don’t mean to.” Josh said with a sigh. What is wrong with me, I can defeat him. I just need to focus! Josh began to slowly circle around Zangan. He is no longer my master, I must win! “This is it; I am not going to hold back!” Josh yelled as he sprinted towards Zangan.

“Yes! Show me what you can do!” Zangan cheered as he dashed at Josh. The two clashed and began to exchange blows. Zangan slammed his fist into Josh’s jaw sending him reeling back into the darkness. Josh stood up and stared at his master. “Josh your mind is clouded; you must clear your mind if you hope to win!” Zangan shouted as he leaped high into the air. Zangan flew like a hawk and dove towards Josh at an incredible speed.

Josh prepared himself to counter attack. Alright he is using the Fire palm technique. My only option is to dodge to the left. Wait a second that’s what he wants me to do! I know what I must do! A smile spread across Josh’s face. He leapt towards his master preparing to use the exact same technique. Both fighters’ fists began to glow with a red aura. As the distance between the two closed Zangan laughed.

“What are you planning?” He said as the two clashed. Both palms struck releasing an explosion that sent Josh flying higher into the air. “Josh?” Zangan said as he landed on the ground. Very good Josh, you used the Fire Palm technique to counter so you would be able to vanish with the explosion. I’m not going to make it easy for you though. Zangan scanned the area looking for any signs of Josh’s whereabouts. You were always good at disappearing. It must be fate that you are called to go to Wutai. Zangan felt a gust of wind behind his back; he whirled around but saw nothing.

Josh silently moved towards his master. Alright master it is time I show the technique of the Shadow strike. Josh quickly began to gain speed; soon he was at a breakneck sprint. Zangan continued to scan the area for Josh. Josh leaped high into the air and flipped. His body began to emit a dark aura as he descended towards his master. Zangan looked up.

“Found you!” Zangan shouted as he leaped towards his student. Zangan clamped his fist tight and leapt towards Josh. The distance between the two closed in no time at all. Zangan struck at Josh’s rib, Josh took the hit and winced.

No! I cannot give into the pain! I can’t! They continued to plummet towards the ground. Zangan rained blow for blow on Josh’s ribs. Josh closed his eyes tightly. The pain! No! I WILL NOT LOSE! Josh’s eyes shot back open. His once brown eyes were replaced with a glowing red. Josh had reached his limit break. Josh and Zangan landed on the ground, only five meters apart.

Zangan watched his pupil closely. What will you do now? You have reached your limit. I better stay on my guard, who knows what techniques he is capable of. Zangan rushed at Josh and swept at Josh’s legs. Josh easily dodged the attack and grabbed a hold of Zangan’s leg. Josh hurled Zangan into the ground, leaving a massive crater behind.

“This is it my master. I am going to finish this!” Josh shouted as he vanished in a giant flash of light and appeared behind his master. “Ultima Strike!” Josh shouted as his fist began to pummel his master. Massive energy was released with every blow. Josh’s hands were now engulfed with a greenish aura. Josh leapt back and channeled the energy. “This is it!” Josh shouted as he shot the energy out of his hands towards his master.

Time froze and Zangan stared in awe. Such power… Even beyond my expectations. Josh… a great destiny awaits you. Farewell! Zangan focused the last of his strength into creating an aura that would shield him from the attack. A blue aura surrounded Zangan as the green torrent of energy struck. The two energies clashed and struggled. Zangan’s power waned and the energy broke through.

Josh collapsed onto the ground too exhausted to move. “M..aster.” Josh’s eyes slowly closed and darkness overtook him. Zangan slowly rose to his feet and limped away.

“Well done Josh.” He Zangan said as he slowly walked towards his tent. Zangan slowly turned and looked at his student one last time. He then continued to limp slowly toward his tent. Great things await you Josh…Wutai waits. Zangan disappeared into his tent.

Josh had laid on the ground until dawn. His eyes slowly opened and he saw Cloud. He slowly sat up and was gripped by an intense pain. “My chest…” Josh groaned as he gripped his side. Cloud only smiled at him. Cloud handed him an X-potion. Josh looked at it then at Cloud. “Where did you get this?”

Cloud smiled and said “Zangan gave it to me. He told me that you couldn’t go to Wutai in such a pathetic state.” Josh sprung to his feet. Once again the pain made him collapse. “You better drink this before you do anything else.” Josh nodded his head and slowly downed the potion. A warm tingling feeling spread through out his entire body. And soon he was back to normal. Josh jumped to his feet and grinned. “So you are going to Wutai?” Cloud asked.

Josh nodded his head “Yup… I probably won’t see you again for a long time.” Josh slowly embraced his brother in a hug. “I want you to take care of Mom for me.” A tear went down Cloud’s cheek.

“Why do you have to go?” Cloud sobbed.

“I have to become stronger to even hope to stand a chance in SOLDIER.” Josh said with a sigh. Cloud jumped back.

“You’re joining SOLDIER?” Cloud said in disbelief “Since when?!”

Josh sat down on the cool pavement and told Cloud of all the events that took place the day before. Cloud listened closely as he learned of Tseng proposal and of how Josh had to leave for Junon in three months.

“Wow, there is only one problem Josh…How are you going to convince Mom to let you go?” Cloud said with a sigh.

“I don’t know, I guess that is going to be the fun part.” Josh said with a grin. “Take care of yourself Cloud.” Josh said he rose to his feet. I hate long goodbyes so I better hurry. Josh sprinted towards home.

Cloud watched his brother go and shouted with tears welling up in his eyes. “Take care Josh!”

Chapter 2: Painful Farewell

Josh ran toward his house, adrenaline pulsed through his veins; his desires to become stronger and seemed to be in reach. He rushed through the door into a cozily lit house. The walls shone proudly as they reflected light to every corner. Josh saw his mom in the kitchen preparing dinner over a hot stove.

“Hey mom! I have something important to tell you!” Josh shouted from behind. His mom jumped. Her light blonde hair shot up as she winced.

“Josh! How many times do I have to tell you not to do that! You should be more like Cloud and be quiet more.” She said with a scowl. She turned away from the oven, and slowly smiled at her eldest son. “Now, what is it you wanted to tell me?”

“Mom I have to go to Wutai for a while.” Josh said hesitantly. “I hope she doesn’t freak out…” Josh thought as he watched his mother’s complexion go pale.

“You have to do what?!” She scolded “Why do you want to go there! Josh I don’t know if you realize it but Wutai is across the ocean.”

“Mom I know. I have to go its important.” Josh pleaded.

“Absolutely not! You and Cloud are all I have left in this world. Do you want to break my heart?” She yelled tears began to form in her eyes.

“I’m sorry…Mom.” He said as he sulked away to the garage.

“My son… Why don’t you realize that your dreams are impossible to reach…My dreams were shattered when I was raped by that lunatic.” She thought back, it all flashed before her eyes.

It was sixteen years ago…When he appeared. She had met him when she was passing the old mansion. He was handsome, but pale. He always wore a white lab coat; his long black hair was always tied back in a pony tail. She remembered seeing him several times. After a few visits she had invited him over to her house. She remembered talking for what seemed like hours, and then he told her about a scheme of his. He always talked about creating the ideal soldier, a man who could surpass all the limitations of mankind. She remembered asking him why he desired this so much. He told her about how his predecessor Professor Gast had created the perfect soldier. He became quite violent when he talked about his predecessor’s work. Then one night he came over and brought with him a vial of a mysterious green liquid, and other scientific equipment.

It was that night that her life would be changed forever. She had let him into the house and it was then that he struck. He knocked her onto the floor, she was dazed. He violated her body, and injected a weird green substance into her womb. She remembered the pain, and the sorrow. She watched him dance around; he clearly had lost his mind. He kept ranting; he continued to chant this one phrase “I’ve done it! Ha Gast you fool! I’ve done it, the Perfect soldier, one even stronger then Sephiroth!” She didn’t know what he meant but she did the only thing she could. She screamed, soon some military police ran through the door. They stopped looked at her then looked at him. They saluted him and said “Well done Hojo, you make Shinra proud.” Hojo slowly walked towards her and gave her a shot of tranquilizer. The next thing she knew was…She was pregnant; it was going be twins. She remembered the pain of labor, but still she had no regrets… She slowly came back to reality and sighed.

I’m proud of you Josh; I just wish you would listen to me.”

Josh sat in the garage and looked at the corner. In the corner sat a motorcycle. He stared at it for about five minutes. The bike was an old Shinra motorcycle, it had massive black tires, and the bike itself had been repainted from the Shinra blue to black. Josh rose to his feet and walked towards the bike, eyeing it carefully he examined the gauges and tire pressure. “The bike hasn’t been ridden in about two years, it probably won’t run, but besides that if I can get it fine tuned then fuel won’t be a problem.” Josh looked to an old wooden shelf. Cobwebs hung all over it but he saw it. “Wow we still have a Mako in our fuel can, it even looks full!” Josh thought as he grabbed a hold of the can and brushed off the cobwebs. Josh coughed a little and looked towards the bike. “All I need to do is fine tune you…”

Josh walked towards the bike and began to do what he could to get the bike running. He pulled out the dipstick on his bike and saw that the bike needed some Mako. He reached over for the can and poured it all into the bike.

Ms. Strife heard a low humming sound coming from the garage. What’s that noise? She walked headed towards the garage to see what was causing the noise.

“I feel really bad about doing this, but I have to go.” Josh whispered to himself as he pulled the tarp off his motorcycle. “I’m sorry mom…” He mounted the vehicle and revved the engine. Its roar broke the silence and Ms. Strife let out a cry as she ran towards the garage. As soon as she got to the door Josh floored the throttle and he zoomed off towards the street.

“Josh! Please don’t go!” She screamed but it was no use.

Josh raced off into the distance. My first stop is Cosmo Canyon. I feel pretty bad about just leaving like that, but its better this way. Josh’s bike zoomed over the grassy plains. After several miles of traveling Josh stopped and looked back. In the distance all he could see was the Nibel Mountains surrounded by a mist. Josh’s stomach growled. Josh groaned “I better hurry to Cosmo Canyon or I’ll die of hunger!” Josh stared his bike once again and raced off towards the red lands in the distance.

Chapter 3: Cosmo Canyon at last

Josh saw a rural village come into view, it was an amazing sight. The village itself was carved into the canyon and on top he could see an observatory. He reached the canyon and let out a howl of joy. He parked his bike out towards the entrance and sprinted up the tall set of stairs that led to the town. He was stopped by the guard posted at the front.

“Do you know much about the planet?” The guard said as stopped Josh from entering. “This canyon is a holy place only few people can come here to study the planet.”

“I don’t know much about the planet, but I do know that if I’m going to survive I’m going to need to eat something. I won’t stay long, so can I please get supplies so I can I continue my journey to Wutai.” Josh pleaded as he tried quiet his stomach’s growling.

“I see that you speak the truth.” The guard said with a smile. “Come; feel free to explore the town.

“Thank you so much!” Josh exclaimed in joy. He walked passed the guard and towards the eatery in the middle of the town. He walked over the rocky surface of the canyon and discovered an awesome sight. In the middle of the town in front of the eatery was a giant bond fire. He gazed at the flame as it danced across the sky. He was so absorbed with the flame that he lost track of time.

“I see that you are interested in the Cosmo Candle.” An old man with a grizzly beard said.

“Huh?” Josh’s eyes finally turned away from the flame and settled on the old man. He was a site. He wore a green robe, and wore a peculiar pair of spectacles. What really surprised Josh however was the fact that the old man was floating. “Wow how are you doing that?” Josh said curiously.

“Ho ho, I see that you’re unaccustomed with Materia.” The old man chuckled.

“Materia, what’s that?” Josh asked eyeing the old man suspiciously.

“How should I explain it? Maybe I should just show you.” The old man said as he pulled out a shiny orb from his robe. “This is Materia.”

“I’ve seen one of those before!” Josh shouted. “This one guy I met had one, it healed my brother!”

“Ho ho, I see you have witnessed the power of the life stream.” He said with a smile.

“Life stream? Ok now you have lost me.” Josh put his hand across his face; a frown began to grow.

“Ho ho, do not worry young one. Go to the observatory tonight after you get something to eat and I will explain everything to you.”