“Bird of Hermes is my name, eating my wings to make me tame. Heavenly King of Fortitude, your master calls upon your power.” He pressed down his thumb. “Bang.”

An eruption of white flame tore towards Sephiroth. Its blazing wake tore the deck asunder and the gilded shell evaporated. In a brilliant flash of light, the searing flame slammed into Sephiroth, set him alight, and sent him skidding across the Barque’s length. Sam looked at the flame. He could just make out a toothy grin, as white as the flames surrounding it. It gave a thumbs up and melted back into Alucard’s shadow.

“Give Shinra my thanks, won’t you?” said Sam.

Alucard emerged from the wreckage. “No need. It’s all part of the job for him.”

But the Secretary of State would not go down so easily. He returned with vengeful speed, and with no shirt.

- Ragnarust Round 4