City
-Luis-
Did you want to say something?
-Suzy-
Yeah, what, you get lost on your way to a historical re-enactment society?
"Then down the wide lane betwixt the two columns a lone figure strode; a tall, slim figure with the young face of an antique Pharaoh, gay with prismatic robes and crowned with a golden pschent that glowed with inherent light. Close up to Carter strode that regal figure; whose proud carriage and swart features had in them the fascination of a dark god or fallen archangel-"
-His lips twitch suddenly with mirth, and Chris looks at him, clearly thinking and looking worried-
"and around whose eyes there lurked the languid sparkle of capricious humour. It spoke, and in its mellow tones there rippled the mild music of Lethean streams."
-He smiles-
I did enjoy meeting Carter. At first, anyway.
Another thing you never seemed to wonder about. Just why the dreamlands were so hostile to you.
In any case, one of you asked before why I was telling you this. That's quite simple. To give you a chance at success.
-Chris blinks in surprise and John tilts his head-
What the hell are you talking about?
-The path back where you came is clearing up-
-As the zombies continue to stream along, paying you no heed-
Battlefield
-Imuka-
That will take hours for it to eat away... but it might take hours to crack the lock Barkley set up in any case.
-Assassin-
Nothing. At this stage the damage has been completely internal. I was hoping that it would last that way and we would have some time to recover... but I see we have more traitors than I would have thought.
-He turns to a loudspeaker, and his hand hovers over the button-
Go get ready. I'm going to give an address.
Battlefield
-At the edges of her consciousness, Kath feels a strange familiar feeling, for but a split second-
-Something like-
-Dark glee-
-Barkley depresses the button-
This is your General speaking. Today, we have come under attack, and been dealt a crippling blow. But we are not yet defeated. In our moment of weakness, the demons hope to launch another attack. They think they will wipe us out once and for all, that this world will be theirs for the taking.
We are not going to let that happen.
Though we fight in dangerous ground, so do the demons. We have a way to close the TEAR, to stem the tide.
The demons think that this battle will be the one that decides everything.
I think they're right.
Remember what we are fighting for. Remember that the hopes of mankind rest on our shoulders.
And don't let the bastards gain an inch without paying for it.
-He turns back to the others-
Wake up your allies and go back up to the surface. We'll mobilise while we have the tim-
Sir!
-The intercom speaks-
What is it?
The anomaly, behind the demon camp! The room that they came in has reappeared, and we're detecting bends in timespace similar to the TEAR!
... Thank you, officer.
The stage is set then.
City
-Fen-
How sorry to disappoint.
-Others-
Well, think of it like this. I have... very strong beliefs about the nature of man, of sapient life. And really, if I just pop you in a pocket dimension and leave you there, that doesn't prove anything.
So, I want to give you a fighting chance. So that when you do fail, you know that it was only your fault, and yours alone.
Man already is causing this through his own selfishness. Why not go for the failure of mankind's heroes too?
-Cloud-
I thought we didn't know each other, so you must be mistaken.
Oh... Wow, you're really messed up. But alright!
-Looks over at Cloud- Sorry, Cloud... But I'm already a certified hero. Olympus and everything!
-Then turns back to Nyarls with a smirk and points his Keyblade at him-
I still don't know what the heck you're talking about, but if you want a fight I'll give you it!
mario is red, i am green, i try my best, but everyone's meanBattlefield
Indeed.
I wonder if the demons know that if they kill you they'll be sealing themselves here.
-He turns to Sam, giving her-
-A Gun-
You don't have to join them on the battlefield if you don't want to. But you should have something to defend yourself with anyway. Particularly if they do break through.
-He turns to the konked out Kosuke and others-
Sorry to wake you so early, but we need to move.
...
I didn't tell them about this "Messian" infiltration. People can't be doubting each other on the Battlefield, not when their lives are on the line.
City
-Suzy-
Is that really a productive question to ask? What is a god, Suzy? What would it mean to you if I said that I can pluck the gods of earth away from their sunset city and make them dance?
-Sora-
I just said I wouldn't fight you directly, not yet.
-Cloud-
Well. If that's our attitude then I hardly had to do anything.
Shut up.
I don't think-
Just shut the hell up, you self absorbed prick. I don't care what you think about the nature of man, or how you're a god compared to us, or how we're doomed to failure. We're wasting time here talking to you, and you know it.
All I do know is that you're standing in our way, the way we need to go to protect my city. And if you don't get the hell out of our way, then we'll give you a helping hand.
I always thought the last of the Pharaohs died in Ancient Egypt. If you don't shut up, well, that might be likely to change.
-He just smiles-
Just keep in mind your weaknesses... and what you haven't noticed.
-He walks away-
-Chris lets out a breath-

"... w-what's with the getup, anyway?"
her tone gives off some vague attempt at being threatening
"..."