Okay not quite 10,000 words. I did a crap load of editing and I also wanted to save some things for the next chapter which I suspect to go up by Wednesday. Maybe sooner depending on how many comments I receive. Hope you like this chapter.
Chapter 4: Before the Abduction
*****One Year Earlier. ********
Hojo stood in the genetics lab testing three different vials of blood before taking a small sample and gently placing them between two sheets of glass. He carefully proceeded to label each glass sheets. He then placed each of them under separate microscopes for examination.
Shinra entered the lab just as Hojo set the corresponding clip boards next to the microscopes. "Have we found a subject to take on the DNA transformation?" He said as he pulled out a chair.
Hojo stared at him. "Go fuck yourself Shinra. This is complex work I am doing here and if you want results then you better leave me the hell alone." Hojo snarled at Shinra as he pulled out an ink pin. Hojo went to work quickly examining each microscope.
"Sooo..." Shinra said in an annoyed voice as he sat waiting patiently for over an hour. Hojo groaned as he finished writing on the last clip board. "The boys will not be able to take on any more genetic transformation. As I said before the latest alteration they won't be able to become that new entity because of their gender." Hojo stated in his aggravated voice.
Shinra sighed before smiling. "We could use Aeirth." He stated. Hojo looked over at Shinra before frowning. "It wouldn't work. Aeirth isn't… well you say you want someone that can fight and doesn't have a qualm about killing. Plus I already did a test with some of her blood and well let's just say it wouldn't be to pretty." Hojo said as he walked across the lab to the file cabinet.
"What do you mean it wouldn't be to pretty?" Shinra asked as he leaned back in the chair. Hojo pulled out Aeirth's file then walked over to the very large computer. He typed some things in before pulling up a very graphic diagram. "Aeirth's DNA wouldn't correspond with Jenova's. It would in fact twist Jenova's DNA creating a complete monster that couldn't nor wouldn't comply with basic orders. Plus I had another idea." Hojo said as he showed hypothetical pictures to Shinra as he went over the files.
Shinra turned away from some of the pictures in complete disgust. The monster would look something like a large blob mixed with a toad. It was very horrible. "Please turn off that diagram and continue with you idea." Shinra stated as he began gagging.
Hojo just smiled as he flipped through the file. "Well what if we not only changed the DNA, but we changed the entire being. Perhaps we could make another Jenova, except we could control her without the problems. She would be able to have all the same powers as Jenova. Hell I bet we could use her much more greatly." He said.
Shinra thought about that for a moment. "What would we do with the boys? What would we do with Aeirth?" He asked as he thought of all the possibilities Hojo's idea could work for them. They could use the woman they chose to hunt down Sephiroth or perhaps use her as an assassin.
"We could awaken the boys and use them to be your new SOILDERS. Aeirth, well I am not sure what to do with her… Oh now I know. We can use her to make the boys comply with our demands." Hojo said as he pulled out a stool.
"That sounds good. I guess we should start setting up a place for them and then we should wake them up. Perhaps we could start looking for the perfect candidate. I suggest we use a woman from the military. I know for a fact that they have blood samples in the system." Shinra suggested. Hojo looked up at him in surprise. "I didn't peg you for being that intelligent. Well you get started on finding them a place to stay and I will start waking them up. Then we can go through the database records." Hojo said as Shinra nodded. That is where they both separated.
*Angeal's point of view*
One Year Ago
I stood in a state of dreaming and sleeping. I wondered why I was here and what my purpose was. In some phases it was like drowning. Then all of a sudden that stopped and I gasped in a deep breath. There was no pain in my experience as I fell to the stone cold floor.
My lungs pushed out a lot of vile tasting liquids as warm hands wrapped around my arms. "Angeal, welcome back to the land of the landing." Hojo said to me. I was instantly pulled up from the ground. "Take him to his private cell and monitor him closely. If he is doing fine then we will wake up the others. I he doesn't die because then I will be regretting waking him up first." Hojo said as someone began dragging me across the floor.
I was disoriented about it all that I didn't have to will to say anything against being dragged. It drove me insane being dragged.
*Genesis's point of view.*
11 months ago
The weakness overtook me almost immediately as I felt my eyes open. The pain was minimal and I barely remember anything that happened during. After my eyes opened, I remember falling to the ground. The floor was as cold as ice and there was nothing to prevent feeling so utterly cold. It was like I was a bare babe that just had been born.
Ah, perhaps that is the reason I don't remember much. I have been reborn! Wait, then why can I remember everything from before?
"Take him to Angeal's cell. Don't forget to get a blood sample before you leave." Shinra said before I begun losing consciousness once again.
I woke up again shortly when something heavy hit me in the head. "Genesis, wake your lazy ass up. I need to speak with you." Angeal said in his mean voice. I didn't like it when he used his mean voice. It didn't sit well with me at all.
I lifted my head slowly opening my eyes to see Angeal crouched in front of me. His mouth was set in a distinctive frown that did not make him all too attractive. "Have you ever heard that frowning makes you age faster?" I said thinking of some phrase a woman said to me once before I killed her for Shinra.
My comment awarded me another kick in the skull. I swear I heard something crack, but Angeal didn't let me think about it with his ridiculous questions. "Did Shinra say anything to about where we were or anything about anyone?" Angeal prodded. I grunted as I attempted to level myself with him.
"No, he just told his flunkies to get my blood before they left this place. What the hell happened?" I asked as I rubbed my face. I was starting to get tired once again. Angeal kicked me again. "Genesis listen very carefully before you pass out again." He said. To respond, I just gave a curt nod.
"I remember dying and I bet you remember it as well. I don't know how they brought us back, but we are alive again and I don't know how it is possible. I think they have something planned." He stated. When he mentioned death, I remember something. I don't know the exact time period. Be it during my death or when I was out, but it was real.
The pale light surrounding a shadow of a man was the first part. The second was of them whispering. One name came up during the two men's discussion. That name was Jenova. I felt my eyes widen as I looked up at Angeal. "Mother," I whispered before passing out again from pure exhaustion. No matter how many times Angeal would kick me to get an answer; I would be asleep once more until I was energized.
*Zack's point of view.*
10 months ago
Everything was blank and gray for awhile after the bullets leaked into my body. I remember handing my buster over to Cloud and saying something important to him. Then I died and wound up in this gray world.
It was peaceful for awhile until little pieces of darkness leaked into the gray world. As time continued on the darkness grew at a rapid pace. Soon the darkness began to overwhelm me and there were no strips of gray light.
When the darkness completely took over and I had no more will to fight it, I let the darkness sink into myself. The darkness devoured my memories and began replacing them with rage, hatred, and many other horrible things. Those replace things had created Monster. He was not a happy person. When there was only a shred of my humanity and memories then that was when a bright piercing white light ripped me from the darkness. I was brought to the land of the cold and let me begin by saying that I was not happy.
I landed on my feet crouched like an animal ready to attack whoever. My eyes wide open to the chrome colored lab. Hojo and Shinra were behind some sort of glass having a heated conversation while three men in full bodied white suits walked towards me. Their action seemed to set me off in some sort of weird way.
I jumped at the closest man grabbing his thick neck between my hands. In one quick motion I snapped his neck like some sort of twig. The man dropped to the ground quickly as I lunged towards the lab table grabbing some wicked looking knife. The second masked man came at me and I slammed the knife straight into his chest twisting it with a cruel smile.
I yanked the blade free and let the second man drop to the ground like he was nothing important. "Hojo! Shinra! The subject has gone berserk." The third man yelled as he backed away from me. My smile intensified as I moved closer to him. His back hit a corner next to a mirrored wall. The Monster inside me was happy. This would be another easy kill. The Monster thought that making this kill slow and painful then monster would be happy.
I trapped the third masked man. Monster could smell his fear. Monster wanted his blood. Wanted his blood all over Monster's face. With one quick movement, the wicked knife was lodge in the man's shoulder. Monster twisted again then pulled the knife out. Blood leaked out, but did not sputter. That made Monster sad. Monster stabbed in the stomach, in the shoulder, and in the thighs. Blood did not squirt out. This made Monster furious.
Moving in one motion the knife was lodged in the man's throat. Monster pulled the knife off relishing in the blood that squirted upon Monster's face. Monster couldn't help but stabbing the man again and again. One more time was the man stabbed in the throat and then he slumped to the ground.
Monster let out a loud laugh. Out of the corner of his eye Monster saw something. He stopped and turned his full attention. The mirrored wall with his image. The blood soaked knife slipped through his fingers as he stepped closer to the glass.
The man in the reflection was not Monster. The man in the reflection was human. A human with a bloodied face and an X marked scar on his chin. This man… was… This man…
Before Monster could finish his thoughts, a fourth guard was sent in with a gun like thing. The guard aimed the gun at the human's back and shot. When the dart hit his shoulder the darkness shattered vanquishing the Monster. "Take Zack to be with Angeal and Genesis. Take a blood sample from him before you lock them up again. Zack's waking has been the most interesting so far. I would like to see how this happened. Be cautious but not afraid." Shinra commanded before I fell to my knees. My eyes shut sending me into a blissful sleep.
It seemed like hours until I woke up and when I did I found myself staring into Angeal's eyes. "What the hell did you do Zack?" He murmured as he cleaned off my face with a rag. I blinked a couple times before the reality hit me. "I killed three people after waking up. Well at least I think I did. I may have been possessed." I stated as I raised my hand to rub my head.
When I pulled my hand away, my hand was covered in blood that didn't belong to me. That is very gross. "What do you mean you were possessed?" Genesis said from behind Angeal. I glanced around Angeal to see Genesis sitting on a hospital bed reading what looked like a brand new copy of LOVELESS.
"It was like I was there physically, but completely absent mentally. I remember calling myself Monster before they have me tranqed." I said as Angeal tossed a rag into a bucket. He rose from the ground. "Well no matter what happened the first thing you need is a shower. As soon as possible. After we all woke up we were covered in some nasty slim stuff. Plus you're covered in blood which adds to your stink factor." Genesis said as he closed the book. He rose from the hospital like bed. He walked over to a dresser pulling out clothes.
Angeal held out his hand to help me. I accept graciously as I looked down at my condition. I was naked and practically covered in someone else's blood as well as some gooey stuff. Yep definitely disgusting. I would need scalding hot water to get it all off.
After my scalding hot shower and several rinse the repeat cycles, I sat on one of the three hospitals like beds. Angeal set a tray of food in front of me. Genesis made a loud snort at Angeal's actions. "You baby him too much." Genesis stated as he turned his attention back to LOVELESS. Angeal turned and faced Genesis. "I don't baby him. I was his mentor once. Plus I helped you out after your waking." Angeal retorted.
Genesis looked up at Angeal. "You did not help me out. You tossed me in the shower after the second day and turned on the cold water. Then you made me clean up the molding slim. You also did not bring me food." Genesis snarled. Angeal was about to respond when I made my own personal comment. "Alright mom and dad. If you two get a divorce who do I go with?" I said in my joking humor to lighten the violent mood for not only their benefit, but mine as well. The violence stirred something dark inside me. I was not ready to lose control again and kill my two comrades.
Angeal smiled as he took a seat at the end of my bed. Genesis even smiled himself as he continued reading. "I am surprised you haven't passed out yet. Genesis couldn't stop passing out. It took two full and complete days before he woke back up. Believe me when I say he stunk worse than a sewer." Angeal said to me as he gave me another smile that reminded me why he was such a good friend. I swear his smiles could melt the fan-girl's hearts and made fathers go out to get a gun back in the day when I was still an apprentice.
"Yeah, yeah. I know I stunk and couldn't stay awake. It didn't mean you had to keep on kicking me. I looked like I had gotten into a fight with a baseball bat and the baseball bat had won. Just remember, Angeal, who got stripped searched by the guards after one of our training sessions." Genesis replied. I smiled as the attacked each other verbally. As I ate I couldn't help but think how their witty banter could always bring a smile to my face.
Once I finished eating and doing up my dishes, Shinra had his unmasked guards enter the room. I kept the Monster at bay. "Shinra wishes to speak with you all." The lead guard said. We all nodded and complied when they slapped handcuffs on us. "I didn't think Shinra liked it rough and kinky. It does explain a bit." Genesis stated as we marched down the hallways. His comment made Angeal and I burst into laughter. Even some of the unmasked guards cracked a smile.
We entered Shinra's office moments later. Shinra stood behind his desk looking at a file like he was actually doing work for once instead of having people do his work for him. "Angeal, Genesis, and Zack welcome back to the land of the living. Guards, you may leave. Boys I have a proposition for you." Shinra said and then the guards stepped out. "Shinra, I don't think we play that way. Nor do we want to participate in your kinky adventures." I said. Angeal and Genesis began laughing. Genesis even gave me a hive five before Shinra glared at us.
"No not that kind of proposition. I wanted to ask if you three would want to reenter civilization. The only downside is that everyone you knew wouldn't be able to see you again. You would also have to work for me again. I do add that you will receive some pretty fat checks." Shinra stated. He just said it without waiting for the dramatics like usual. Just got straight to the point for once.
"If we do this then how do you know we won't just escape?" Angeal asked. It was a valid question. Shinra just smiled."I have trackers imbedded in your brain. If you so much as leave your designated area then I will flip the switch which will trigger the kill chip and you go bye-bye. I also have another bargaining chip. Her name is Aeirth. If you so much as step out of line then she will get punished." He stated. The Monster didn't like what he just said. The Monster in me struggled to break free and kill that man, but I fought to stay in control.
I gave Genesis and Angeal pleading looks. That must have worked because the nodded their heads respectfully. "Oh good. That is splendid news. Well I have your first assignment right here. You will go to this place and kill this person. When that is done report back here and I will tell you where you are living." He said as he slide three folders across his desk.
*Shinra's point of view.*
They picked up their files, read through them, took the money I gave them, and then left the building after I gave them keys to an inconspicuous vehicle. I hid a smile until the door had been shut. I made sure to have my assistant send my best Guard to follow them and make sure they didn't step out of line. Now was time for my victory dance. So far the plan was playing out perfectly. Even my investor was pleased. If I kept the investor happy by having his jobs done then he would keep paying for our research.
Once we found the perfect female candidate then I would back in business. My investor would be even more pleased if we could produce a new Jenova. Ah I cannot wait until we find her. A knock at my door told me that the gloating time was over.
I sat down behind my desk. Perhaps I could reel in some private investors for some private jobs. As long as they didn't interfere with my primary investors plans then all would be great. "Come on in." I commanded as I made myself look busy. I looked through a random magazine lying on the corner of my desk that my assistant had placed out.
Hojo entered my office carrying a stack of papers. "Why Shinra I didn't know you read Cosmo. Maybe I should leave you to fill out your quizzes and come back later." Hojo teased. I stared up at him then looked at the cover of the magazine. I cursed loudly throwing it in the trash.
Hojo smiled at me and I waved him to continue with the reason for his being here. "I have a blood and DNA diagnostic of Zack and let me tell you that he is no longer a good boy. Let's just say his blood and DNA has more violent strands. He has a more killer instinct than before. Don't be surprised when he snaps one day and goes on a rampant killing spree." Hojo continued on but his speech started to bore me so I just tuned out thinking about random things.
*Angeal's point of view*
Six months ago
We just finished with our eleventh or twelfth mission and let's just say we all are in desperate need of a vacation. At least two or three days off. Ever sense our first mission. Shinra showed us to our new home then sent us on another mission not even two hours later.
I sent Genesis and Zack to the warehouse then drove to Shinra's building. I made my way to his office in a rush. Once there I entered his office after knocking. "What do you want Angeal?" He asked while he was writing something down. "We completed the last mission and I have come to ask for a vacation for us." I said. Shinra looked up not even startled by my demand. He smiled quickly. "Of course. You have a week off then it's back to missions. Be warned that I will start splitting your party up if I feel the need to. Go on and enjoy your week long vacation. Be back first thing Monday morning." He said.
I smiled turning to leave when all of a sudden Hojo rushed in. His lab coat was covered in blood. His eyes were wide with alarm. "Shinra, the test you had me do failed miserably." He stated. Hojo eyed me as he spoke. When he finished his sentence he eyed me to leave the room immediately.
*Shinra's point of view.*
One month ago
Lightning Farron. That is the name of our next candidate. She should be absolutely perfect. She has all the qualities we are looking for. She was also a L'cie so she should be used to power gifted by the gods. Hojo had me get a blood sample from her military.
Let's just say it was not very pleasant for our investors to have to grease their palms. Uh, I missed the good old days where I didn't have to pay anyone off. I just scared them with the threat of the first class SOILDERS. Now I have to resort to bribery. I fucking hate this job.
The loud clacks of stilettos roused me from my mental loathing. I glanced up at my open door to see her walking down the hall. She had shoulder length blonde hair, a curvy body, and piercing eyes. I always looked forwards to seeing her, but I did not look forward to her rants.
She entered my office in that usual manor. Slam the door shut and purposely drop a heavy metal file on my desk. Then she would proceed with her dam questions. I seriously would like to have her killed right now. I wonder why my investor hasn't had her killed yet. She worked for him and was around him much longer. She must act sweet towards him or be screwing him.
"Shinra, I have a new list for you. Have these people taken care of by the end of the month. Have you found your candidate yet? No I didn't think so." She snarled in her snarky voice before letting me answer. Her voice reminded me that her looks were the only thing I like about her.
"Yes we have found someone. The perfect candidate in fact. Your investor will be pleased when we are done." I said lying about the fact that our candidate was the exact person we were looking for. We weren't sure yet.
"Good work Shinra. The king will want to see this transformation happen. I certainly want to after all your failures. I want you to be assured that if this one fails then you're over here. First, however, take care of these people and when the procedure is ready contact me." She said. She turned her back and I flipped her off.
She didn't turn around to face me as she left. I smiled and dropped my hand. I opened the folder and smiled. The information in this was very interesting. I picked up the phone and gave Angeal a call. That was my summons for them to get there asses here as soon as possible.
2 WEEKs AGO
Hojo stormed into my office. "The blood has arrived. I even preformed the tests. She is absolutely perfect. She will make a lovely Jenova." Hojo said. Thank goodness no one other than myself was in here or they would have heard something they were not supposed to here.
I gave Hojo a bright smile. I picked up my phone to summon Angeal and Genesis. Then after that call I called my investor's assistant. I told her that we were done with taking care of people and we were going to deliver the girl to our lab. We scheduled there private viewing to be in fifteen days. How glorious that this was going to happen soon.
Who is this mystery investor? What musical is Genesis going to star in? Questions. Questions. Okay that was as much as I could write in one day. It's late at night now and I am going to go pass out after posting this. Hope you liked it. Let me know and stay tuned for the next chapter which shall be up by Wednesday. Perhaps Tuesday. Maybe later tomorrow.
XOXO,
VIX VIK.
