Alucard hopped into an F-16 fighter jet. Sam hopped on top of it.

“So many aircraft on this carrier, and you choose the one that’s already occupied,” said Alucard.

“No worries,” said Sam. “Not like I’ll be taking up any space in the cockpit.”

Alucard lowered the canopy. Even inside, his voice echoed loud and clear for Sam. “Do you not find it wasteful to simply ignore all these perfectly good weapons of war?”

“They would be even more wasteful in my hands,” said Sam. “My father’s dojo wasn’t known for its pilot lessons.”

“Very well. Don’t hold me responsible should you fall.”

“Trust me,” said Sam. “I won’t fall.”

“Ha! I like your confidence.”

With that, the engines flared to life. The jet rumbled. Sam gripped tightly to the edge of the right wing with one hand and held his sword with the other. He activated his mask.

The jet sped across the runway, and was finally airborne.

[...]

Sam returned to the canopy and fastened himself in again. He’d make their crash course nice and smooth. He kept his full attention on the cannons ahead and split apart whatever missiles would make direct contact. Some— no, many grazed its wings. But the moment they did, Alucard wrapped his fiery shadow around the wounds in the steel. They were the missile now. And they wouldn’t be stopped.

Impact imminent. Wind screamed past Sam and stabbed his eyes.

The Barque drew closer now. The deck was in full view, an empty and pure platform of pure gold. With the speed they were going, he would have to jump in three… two...

A figure stood on the deck. A head of long white hair blew behind him. In his hand was a long, slender blade.

Sam jumped. And the moment he did, the jet split in half. Blood sprayed out from the two half cockpits before the jet crashed into the deck. It painted a path of flame as it tumbled and exploded into shrapnel. Sam used his locusts to slow his descent, but the landing was still rough. He slammed into the deck and rolled from the port to the starboard. He regained his composure and looked at the smoldering remains of what was once Alucard and his jet.

He was probably fine.

“So you’re finally here. The President has talked so much about you.”

Sam looked up. A ghastly pale silhouette against the flame.

SECRETARY OF STATE: SEPHIROTH

- Ragnarust Round 4