York fled down the mountain, stumbling over the uneven ground.
He had no attention to spare for the developments in the aerial battlefield behind him.
Having just completely "disconnected," he was already considered "dead" by his original body.
In his current situation, once he was exposed, he would become "a liability that had to be eliminated."
-Waaaah! What am I supposed to do now? I don't want to end up homeless!!
Never mind becoming a Celestial Dragon; even his old carefree life of eating, drinking, and having fun was no longer guaranteed.
-WHOOOOM!!!
Suddenly, a roar far louder than any before erupted in the sky behind him, followed by a blast of air that knocked him forward.
"Urgh-"
Unable to keep his footing, he fell to the ground, feeling even more aggrieved.
York struggled to his feet and found the sky completely clear. After staring blankly for a few seconds, he shook his head and staggered deeper into the forest, away from the battlefield.
-At this point, all I can do is...
York remembered that both the Great Angel and the Flame Angel had intended to save him.
Although the Flame Angel had ultimately attacked, it was entirely understandable under the circumstances.
-Besides, with the Great Angel's reputation...
"...I'll take a gamble..."
York muttered to himself.
He was selfish and cunning, following the desires of his heart.
He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals and could make some sacrifices himself, provided his life wasn't endangered.
Meanwhile, where York couldn't see them, two cloaked Praying Hands had been following him all along.
...Meanwhile.
In the sky above the battlefield.
Sephiroth looked at the star-filled sky and let out a breath.
The little stage play that old bastard Sengoku had invited him to perform was finally over.
"..."
He silently