I don't own ff7 if I did I would not live in the hellhole I live in now
Stephen: Hi for those who have read chapter 8 I am sorry I didn't want that chapter up it was a rough draft really more of an outline I took a reviewers advice to make one. So it really wasn't the final copy.
Sephiroth: Sure it wasn't.
Stephen: Shut up! Anyway it wasn't my fault my friend updated this stupid chapter instead of my final draft I shall never ask him for a favor again he erased my final copy so I had to revise the rough draft so think of this chapter as a remix lol. I just read the old chapter recently so I'm sorry I never like to rush chapters it's all my stupid friend's fault.
Sephiroth: Why is he stupid?
Stephen: If I gave you every reason you would die of old age so I'll give you one he's a BIG Aeris fan and he thinks that she is cooler and hotter than Tifa.
Sephiroth: -_- stupid mortal
Stephen: Yep. So anyway if you read this chapter ZACK thanks a lot you dumbass I shall make you pay as you suffer with eternal torment you pathetic mortal MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sephiroth: O_O when you don't get sleep it scares me!
Stephen: GOOD!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah I want to thank Emi-chan and Ultimagirl my most loyal reviewers thx for reviewing so far ^_^.
Sephiroth: Big deal you only have about 26 reviews and the only reason that you are thanking them is because you like them.
Stephen: *turns red* N-no I don't
Sephiroth: Yes you do
Stephen: *eye twitches* SHUT UP MORTAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And besides it's not the quantity it's the quality of reviews plus UltimaGirl and Emi-chan have said nothing but good things about this fic and reviewed the most.
Sephiroth: Your reviews have no quality
Stephen: How about if you don't shut up I'll put you in a cage of insane Sephiroth fan-girls.
Sephiroth: O_O
Stephen: That's better! Also, I would like to thank demon star for bringing that horrible accident of a chapter to my attention. Now that that is settled we cue the music. (Vincent's theme starts to play)
Sephiroth: O_O where did the music come from?
Stephen: I have the powers of the author I can do whatever I want. Well it's finally time. Stephen finally meets Vincent sorry u had to wait so long.
Sephiroth: Big deal
Stephen: You're just jealous that people like Vincent more then you!
Sephiroth: No they don't the girls love me. *Flips his silver hair*
Stephen: *controlling urge to take out katana* Don't kill him squaresoft will sue you Yeah sure they do. Anyway Vincent is cool.
Sephiroth: But not as cool as me.
Stephen: FINE!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHATEVER!!!!!!! Can I do my job now?
Sephiroth: Fine.
Stephen: Thank you oh conceited one anyway on with the fic and ----- is flashback thought like always ____scene shift.
Chapter 7: Energy and Remorse: A Demon is Finally Found
Cosmo Canyon didn't seem to change at all. Its mountains remained the same as Cosmo Canyon's main structure stood above the red rock with the observatory at its peak.
"There it is"
Stephen looked at the massive area though rocky the terrain seemed to incline in a small slant it would be easy to climb.
He walked the others following until finally he stopped just a few feet away from the entrance. Causing the others to bump into him. Having Reno fall on his ass.
"Ow! Why did you stop you bastard?"
Marlene couldn't help but laugh at Reno. Stephen stayed quiet.
"We aren't alone something is coming"
"Yeah my foot up your-"
Reno was interrupted when a monster pounced on him aiming for his neck and knocking Reno down fortunately Reno managed to flip the monster off of him before the finishing blow was struck.
The monster gracefully landed on its feet. The monster looked like a sort of lion with a scar on his left eye and the mark XIII on his right front leg. And a crystal pin seemed to be attached to the beast's mane as if poised as a type of weapon.
It attacked again this time Reno wasn't so lucky as the beast grazed his stomach with his claws.
Shadow jumped at the beast ready to drive down but the beast easily sidestepped his attacked then tackled the dragoon at full force knocking Shadow straight into a hard rock rendering him unconscious.
Marlene aimed her pistol at the beast and fired but left not a single mark as if the beast were protected. She then cast fire 3 on the beast.
But then it did something that ended the battle almost immediately.
The beast then used reflect and ultima sending both attacks at the party sending everyone flying into the nearest rock.
Stephen was the only one who got back up.
He then charged at the beast and leaped in the air about to use a limit break. His chain finally coming out of his jacket.
"BRAVE-"
"Wait!"
Stephen landed on the ground using his hand as a balance a lifted himself up. He stared at the creature for a moment in wonder.
Did he just talk of did I hit my head to hard?
"Forgive me I thought you were one of Sephiroth's men I'm sorry Strife"
Stephen blinked a few times before replying still debating whether he was unconscious or not.
"Allow me to introduce myself I am Nanaki"
"Nanaki?"
"Yes I traveled with your father all those years ago when Sephiroth tried to destroy the world with Meteor."
"You knew my father?"
"Yes"
Nanaki walked past him his mane brushing against Stephen's skin and his flaming tail heating it up with its warmth.
He went to the others casting revive and cure and went to the entrance to the canyon.
"I suggest we talk inside in safer more friendly conditions shall we?"
Stephen nodded as they followed Nanaki inside.
Cosmo Canyon was always completely easy to navigate so no one needed any tours.
"Wow there aren't any soldiers or bounty hunters here" Marlene stood amazed at the thought
"We have managed to keep Cosmo Canyon safe from Sephiroth he doesn't seem to care much about this place. I guess he believes that we are too small a people to cause any rebellion."
"Yeah I guess so" Marlene trailed off after he looked at Stephen
He didn't say a word; he just stared at the fire that glowed in the middle of the canyon.
"Nanaki noticed this as well and just stared at him as if he were prey."
The silence was finally broken as Stephen finally spoke.
"If you need me I'll be at the bar."
Reno followed close behind him.
"I'm going with you I haven't had a drink in over 2 hours I gotta refill."
"Fine I don't care what you do."
Reno went ahead but before Stephen left he looked a Nanaki one last time
"You said your name was Nanaki am I correct?"
"Yes"
"I'll need to speak to you tonight privately."
Nanaki nodded as Stephen left for the bar.
Reno and Stephen arrived at the bar after a few moments it wasn't very crowded and an old man was serving the drinks.
"So what will it be?" The old man asked
"I take a shot of tequila"
Reno ordered next.
"Just a beer old man"
"Humph kids these days have no respect for their elders"
The old man turned to fix the drinks. After about a minute he gave them what he had asked for.
Reno took his beer and drank about a quarter of it before setting it down.
Stephen took his tequila and drank it in one quick moment not even flinching he then signaled the man for another.
He drank about five more while Reno stared amazed at how well the man handled his liquor.
Damn even Rude couldn't do that without at least flinching.
"Reno?"
Stephen called Reno's name snapping him out of his trance.
"Yeah what is it."
"Tell me. You are a Turk right?"
Reno blinked at the question for a moment then lowered his head.
"Was a Turk never again."
"Tell me what did the Turks do"
Reno sighed he never wanted this subject brought back up.
"We did whatever the president of Shinra wanted us to do we killed, kidnapped, protected stole, bribed, anything he wanted we were feared by all us and SOLDIER but mostly us we were the men without souls."
Stephen took another tequila and gulped it down.
"I see" Stephen looked at the bartender
"You have anything stronger?"
The bartender looked at the fifteen empty shot glasses that stood in a pile around the drinker.
"I'm sorry I don't"
Stephen sighed and looked at his glass
"Fine then give me a bigger glass and fill her up again"
The bartender obeyed he wanted to stop the lad but just looking at him gave the man the feeling that these two especially him had good reason to drink. These were hard times and people took any escape they could he couldn't take that away from them.
" . . .Very well sir right away."
"Thank you"
He turned back to Reno
"So basically Turks were trained to kill and intimidate."
Reno chuckled slightly
"I wish that was all we were taught we were trained to handle any situation to kill without second thoughts when you joined the Turks you lost you soul even if you intentions were good you had to lose it. If you showed emotion you were disposed of you were always disposed of. If you didn't obey an order you were disposed of slowly your whole life would be torture and death the only escape."
"Sounds like a horrible job so what made you join."
" . . .I was born in the slums of Midgar before Sephiroth took over I was very poor and had no parents all I had was a sister she was maybe 4 years younger then me. I had no way to take care of her but I tried my best. Eventually she got sick and had to be rushed to a hospital. She had suffered some kind of horrible heart condition that only an operation could fix."
"So you joined the Turks to save her?"
"Yes and by the time I received enough money to save her it was too late and by that time my soul was gone I was a full fledged Turk I was too afraid to leave. I killed so many for one man's greed."
"We've all done things we regret"
"Why did you ask me this?"
"With all the people I've met in my life I think I have the most in common with you. Tell me when you killed did you . . . fell anything regret, remorse, anger anything?"
"No I didn't"
"Then, I'm not the only one. Tell me one more thing, what happened to Rude?"
"Reno stopped drinking and stared at Stephen his eyes flared."
"What do you mean?!?!"
"Relax no need to get mad I overheard you and Marlene talking when we left Junon that's all."
Reno spaced out for a moment remembering the last time he saw his friend.
----------
"Rude don't be foolish you will never pull this off!!!!!!"
"He killed my fiancé I refuse to let him get away with this Reno"
"She was my friend too but we can't take on Sephiroth even his generals are too powerful!"
"How do you know!?!?!?! Have you ever faced one?"
". . . .No but they're inhuman one of them has supernatural speed I think she runs the factory in Junon."
"Then that's where I will start"
Rude put on body armor and a heavy semi-automatic.
"I'll go in as a bounty hunter who wants to guard the complex then I will eventually find my way to the power source and destroy it."
"Rude please reconsider I know he killed Elena but think about this even if you pull this off you will get killed by Jade when she finds out she'll know it was you you'll never get out alive. Please Rude is revenge worth this? I miss Elena too she was like the sister I lost so many years ago I told you that just please reconsider!"
Rude put on his sunglasses and stepped out the door.
"My mind is made up Reno goodbye my friend."
"RUDE!!!!!!! RUDE!!!!!!!"
---------
"I called but it was too late he was gone. I finally managed to get a membership from a bounty hunter and get into the city but by the time I had gotten there he had already been discovered. When Marlene went inside the factory I hoped beyond hope he might have somehow survived but I knew he was probably dead. That is why I joined you to get revenge on Sephiroth I lost everything to him and Shinra I have nothing else left to lose."
Stephen listened to the whole story. Part listening to him part listing to the piano man in the corner.
The piano seemed to cue Reno's story like it was a theme for him or something. The piano man played a melody of sadness and desolation of a world without hope. Stephen could always interpret what a person was feeling by the music they played it was something he picked up from his mother. He then gazed at the door the light from outside had faded it was getting dark.
"I'm going to the library"
Reno nodded and Stephen left saying nothing else ______________
Marlene sat with Nanaki staring at the Cosmo Canyon she was bored out of her mind and the only thing she could do here was read at the library or sleep.
"Nanaki it's been a long time."
"Yes it has tell me how goes Barret."
"Marlene lowered her head at the question tears left then slowly as she thought back to the day he was killed and how Stephen showed up a year after."
"I see . . . I'm sorry."
Red could easily tell what she was thinking his tail glowing violently.
"So I am the only AVALANCHE (ever wonder why it's all capitals?) member left. If only I hadn't deserted them for my own selfish desires then maybe we would have stood a chance."
Marlene scratched behind Nanaki's ear causing him to purr slightly he back away quickly after his blushing covered by his red fur.
Marlene laughed and spoke.
"Relax Nanaki it wasn't your fault you didn't know and you probably wouldn't have made a difference and besides I'm sure someone had to survive. Maybe they're just hiding and Vincent is still alive in fact Reeve told me so."
Nanaki snapped up for a second Of course Vincent I forgot about him Stephen will probably want to meet him soon.
"Yeah I guess so-"
Nanaki blinked what Marlene said just reaching his ears.
"Wait Reeve's alive!?!?"
Marlene sighed.
"Not for long he suffered horrible internal injuries from Jade he was able to last long enough to destroy the Junon weapons factory but bets are he is dead by now.
Nanaki sighed. So we are the only ones left
Nanaki looked at the sky
The sun had set and nightfall had hit leaving a beautiful trail of stars in the sky that were incredibly easy to see.
"It's getting late Marlene why don't you get some rest."
Marlene nodded and left.
The fire crackled in the center of the Canyon where Nanaki laid waiting for his meeting with Stephen.
He wanted to know of the son of his lost companions but one thing interested him above all else.
He had talked to Shadow and like him he found the fact that Stephen could use limit breaks at will fascinating.
Stephen left the bar after one last shot of tequila Reno continued to drink as Stephen found his way to the flame where Nanaki was laying who noticed him almost immediately.
"So you came. What was it that you wanted to talk about?"
Stephen looked at the night sky for a moment where he noticed the observatory.
"Is there a place more isolated where we can talk?"
"Yes please follow me."
Stephen followed Nanaki up a series of stairs and caves that lead to the highest point of the canyon where the observatory laid there they went to the star display where Cloud and the others had kept the huge materia.
Red turned and Stephen nodded they knew they were alone.
"What is it that you want to know?"
"Yeah I'll get straight to the point I know of your race I read of it a few hours ago in the library that you have."
Nanaki blinked he had no idea where this was going but he had a feeling it would be interesting.
"A race of incredible intelligence that lives for hundreds of years at a time and can manipulate the stars and element into attacks. Who have lived as long as the cetra am I right?"
Nanaki stared at Stephen in amazement he had known Cloud for over 17 years and his son knew more about his race then cloud ever had.
"Tell me what is it that you want?"
Stephen took a deep breath and looked at the artificial sky.
I want you to tell me of the SOLDIER program I read some of it in the library but something tells me there is a crucial part I am missing.
"What do you want to know?"
"I want to know if the information I have is right."
"Go on I will see how much you know to the best of my ability."
"If I am correct the Soldier Program involved the infusing of a man with mako in order to increase strength and speed which led to the eventual victory over Wutai in the Midgar Wutai war."
"Yes that is correct."
"Yes and the only side effects of the Jenova Project that were known were the fact that the eyes of the infused glow much brighter than those who do not have mako in their systems?"
"That is correct as well."
"Then if I'm right why do I feel like there is something missing in those files."
"There is something missing and it involves your father and Sephiroth."
"Tell me please!."
"Alright a while back there existed two great minds Professor Gast and Professor Hojo. Gast was an amazing man who wanted the improvement of all mankind. Hojo was the same. But there was a difference between the two"
"What was that?"
"Hojo was a psychopathic monster. He demanded the perfection of humans and resulted to any means to do so he experimented on many people and ruined many lives your father was one."
Stephen tightened his fists.
"Sephiroth was another."
Stephen wanted more than anything for Nanaki to stop but he had to continue he had to know what he was looking for.
"I am not aware of all the details but Sephiroth was experimented on before he was born only Vincent has the full details for he was alive before that time."
Stephen blinked
"Vincent was another subject to Hojo's cruelty he was given eternal life and he suffers everyday because of it."
Stephen said nothing.
"Your father was experimented on in order to make a perfect replica of Sephiroth but fortunately this was a failure."
Stephen finally spoke out.
"Did these experiments give my father any enhanced abilities?"
"Well yes as far as I could tell they gave your father incredible speed (i.e. cross slash and omnislash) and Sephiroth was given incredible power as well such as flight and incredible spiritual or magical abilities."
"All this done by mako?"
"No actually these experiments were cast in secret away from the SOLDIER program it was known as project JENOVA."
"Jenova?"
"Yes allow me to explain over a long course of time a strong force had hit our planet causing it a huge injury. The object was known as Jenova. Jenova was a being of pure evil. As hideous as she was on the outside she was ten times worse on the inside. She was the reason most of the monsters on this earth exist."
"Go on please."
Stephen was fascinated by this he had no idea of such a creature.
"Jenova was eventually contained and crystallized by the cetra after nearly wiping them out. Eventually she were found and her incredible physical and magical abilities were discovered thus the Jenova project ensued.
"So my father and Sephiroth were injected with these cells?"
"Yes."
"I only have one more question. The cells and mako. . . are they genetic?"
"Yes. The mako inside your father was of genetic nature it was passed down to you."
"The materia you told me of that was stored here do you think you can show it to me?"
"Yes but I don't understand what that has to do with-"
"Please you will see"
"Very well."
Nanaki took out the huge materia and placed it in each corner.
"Watch"
Stephen touched all 4 materia then stood in the middle of them. After a moment the materia started to glow and react violently and glow intensely until they lost their color and was completely white until eventually they shattered.
Nanaki stood amazed not once in his life had he ever seen such a spectacle.
"That is what I wanted to show you. It happened when my eyes turned from bright to dark I have incredible energy I don't understand where it is all coming from or how to control it in fact all I know about it is I can master any materia I touch I guess a mastered huge materia is too much energy to stabilize everyday my eyes get darker and the energy stronger I don't know how to handle it anymore and I'm afraid what will happen if I can't control it."
"I don't understand you should have had bright mako eyes and your father never had such access to such energy not even Sephiroth I believe had that kind of energy."
"Then tell me one thing. Then if that was so what happened to me?"
Nanaki bowed down his head slightly lower at the question.
"I'm sorry but I don't know"
Stephen sighed once more.
They walked back to the Cosmo Candle Stephen has shown Nanaki what he needed to show so there was no more reason to be up there.
"I have no idea what could be happening to you but I think there is someone here who does."
Stephen stared into the fire.
"It's Vincent isn't it."
"Yes."
"Where is he?"
"Follow me."
Stephen followed Nanaki up a flight of stairs and into a room with a steel door. He then pressed a button that opened the steel door and led to a huge hole leading down by a series of ropes.
Neither one needed them as they just jumped from ledge to ledge.
Stephen then followed Nanaki through a series of tunnels that lead to one huge exit.
Nanaki continued through the exit Stephen once again following until they reached a cliff.
Stephen looked up to see what he had been looking for.
There stood Vincent on top on a stone figure.
"So Nanaki he finally showed up"
"Yeah"
"So you are Vincent?"
Vincent jumped down from the cliff and faced Stephen.
The man wore a black no sleeve shirt and black pants his cape was red and his unrestrained raven black hair flowed in every direction the wind took it. At his right side a large gun stood holstered and where his right arm should have been there was a golden claw in his hand.
He then fired at Stephen hitting directly on his arm.
Stephen held his arm in pain as blood trickled down it.
Damn why didn't I sense the attack
Vincent fired again this time Stephen was ready as he avoided the blow and took out his sword grasping it in both hands ignoring the wound.
Stephen then ran up to the cliff where Vincent aimed and fired.
This time Stephen blocked the bullet with a quick parry of his sword.
He then got close enough and slashed a Vincent.
Vincent caught it with his claw and aimed his gun.
But this time Stephen was ready.
Stephen used his free arm to take Vincent's wrist and pulled it too him giving him no mobility or opportunities making it impossible to move.
At that moment they just stared at each other waiting for one of them to move or slip.
For a moment Stephen and Vincent stared at each other Stephen's dark eyes and Vincent's crimson met not for one second did they lay eyes off of each other.
Their stares could kill a man with fear it was as if they were reading each other's souls with their eyes.
After an extremely long moment Vincent let go of the sword and did Stephen let go of the gun and both turned away they had said nothing yet they fully understood each other.
"If you want to know what is happening to you and how to stop it then meet me at Lucrecia's falls in three days."
"Very well"
With that Vincent went back toward the edge of the cliff where the stone figure resided and Stephen jumped of the cliff toward Nanaki and stood there for a moment. Then he watched Vincent as he fell over as if in pain then he started a sort of morph. Wings sprouted from his back and he transformed into a kind of beast then flew away."
Stephen turned with Nanaki to head back to the canyon.
Stephen now had finished his goal to find Vincent but now a new goal presented itself.
Find a way to control his energy or be consumed by it.
So umm that's the end of the fixed chapter I hope it was a little better review plz I'll have the next chapter up by Thursday hopefully.
Stephen: Hi for those who have read chapter 8 I am sorry I didn't want that chapter up it was a rough draft really more of an outline I took a reviewers advice to make one. So it really wasn't the final copy.
Sephiroth: Sure it wasn't.
Stephen: Shut up! Anyway it wasn't my fault my friend updated this stupid chapter instead of my final draft I shall never ask him for a favor again he erased my final copy so I had to revise the rough draft so think of this chapter as a remix lol. I just read the old chapter recently so I'm sorry I never like to rush chapters it's all my stupid friend's fault.
Sephiroth: Why is he stupid?
Stephen: If I gave you every reason you would die of old age so I'll give you one he's a BIG Aeris fan and he thinks that she is cooler and hotter than Tifa.
Sephiroth: -_- stupid mortal
Stephen: Yep. So anyway if you read this chapter ZACK thanks a lot you dumbass I shall make you pay as you suffer with eternal torment you pathetic mortal MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sephiroth: O_O when you don't get sleep it scares me!
Stephen: GOOD!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah I want to thank Emi-chan and Ultimagirl my most loyal reviewers thx for reviewing so far ^_^.
Sephiroth: Big deal you only have about 26 reviews and the only reason that you are thanking them is because you like them.
Stephen: *turns red* N-no I don't
Sephiroth: Yes you do
Stephen: *eye twitches* SHUT UP MORTAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And besides it's not the quantity it's the quality of reviews plus UltimaGirl and Emi-chan have said nothing but good things about this fic and reviewed the most.
Sephiroth: Your reviews have no quality
Stephen: How about if you don't shut up I'll put you in a cage of insane Sephiroth fan-girls.
Sephiroth: O_O
Stephen: That's better! Also, I would like to thank demon star for bringing that horrible accident of a chapter to my attention. Now that that is settled we cue the music. (Vincent's theme starts to play)
Sephiroth: O_O where did the music come from?
Stephen: I have the powers of the author I can do whatever I want. Well it's finally time. Stephen finally meets Vincent sorry u had to wait so long.
Sephiroth: Big deal
Stephen: You're just jealous that people like Vincent more then you!
Sephiroth: No they don't the girls love me. *Flips his silver hair*
Stephen: *controlling urge to take out katana* Don't kill him squaresoft will sue you Yeah sure they do. Anyway Vincent is cool.
Sephiroth: But not as cool as me.
Stephen: FINE!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHATEVER!!!!!!! Can I do my job now?
Sephiroth: Fine.
Stephen: Thank you oh conceited one anyway on with the fic and ----- is flashback thought like always ____scene shift.
Chapter 7: Energy and Remorse: A Demon is Finally Found
Cosmo Canyon didn't seem to change at all. Its mountains remained the same as Cosmo Canyon's main structure stood above the red rock with the observatory at its peak.
"There it is"
Stephen looked at the massive area though rocky the terrain seemed to incline in a small slant it would be easy to climb.
He walked the others following until finally he stopped just a few feet away from the entrance. Causing the others to bump into him. Having Reno fall on his ass.
"Ow! Why did you stop you bastard?"
Marlene couldn't help but laugh at Reno. Stephen stayed quiet.
"We aren't alone something is coming"
"Yeah my foot up your-"
Reno was interrupted when a monster pounced on him aiming for his neck and knocking Reno down fortunately Reno managed to flip the monster off of him before the finishing blow was struck.
The monster gracefully landed on its feet. The monster looked like a sort of lion with a scar on his left eye and the mark XIII on his right front leg. And a crystal pin seemed to be attached to the beast's mane as if poised as a type of weapon.
It attacked again this time Reno wasn't so lucky as the beast grazed his stomach with his claws.
Shadow jumped at the beast ready to drive down but the beast easily sidestepped his attacked then tackled the dragoon at full force knocking Shadow straight into a hard rock rendering him unconscious.
Marlene aimed her pistol at the beast and fired but left not a single mark as if the beast were protected. She then cast fire 3 on the beast.
But then it did something that ended the battle almost immediately.
The beast then used reflect and ultima sending both attacks at the party sending everyone flying into the nearest rock.
Stephen was the only one who got back up.
He then charged at the beast and leaped in the air about to use a limit break. His chain finally coming out of his jacket.
"BRAVE-"
"Wait!"
Stephen landed on the ground using his hand as a balance a lifted himself up. He stared at the creature for a moment in wonder.
Did he just talk of did I hit my head to hard?
"Forgive me I thought you were one of Sephiroth's men I'm sorry Strife"
Stephen blinked a few times before replying still debating whether he was unconscious or not.
"Allow me to introduce myself I am Nanaki"
"Nanaki?"
"Yes I traveled with your father all those years ago when Sephiroth tried to destroy the world with Meteor."
"You knew my father?"
"Yes"
Nanaki walked past him his mane brushing against Stephen's skin and his flaming tail heating it up with its warmth.
He went to the others casting revive and cure and went to the entrance to the canyon.
"I suggest we talk inside in safer more friendly conditions shall we?"
Stephen nodded as they followed Nanaki inside.
Cosmo Canyon was always completely easy to navigate so no one needed any tours.
"Wow there aren't any soldiers or bounty hunters here" Marlene stood amazed at the thought
"We have managed to keep Cosmo Canyon safe from Sephiroth he doesn't seem to care much about this place. I guess he believes that we are too small a people to cause any rebellion."
"Yeah I guess so" Marlene trailed off after he looked at Stephen
He didn't say a word; he just stared at the fire that glowed in the middle of the canyon.
"Nanaki noticed this as well and just stared at him as if he were prey."
The silence was finally broken as Stephen finally spoke.
"If you need me I'll be at the bar."
Reno followed close behind him.
"I'm going with you I haven't had a drink in over 2 hours I gotta refill."
"Fine I don't care what you do."
Reno went ahead but before Stephen left he looked a Nanaki one last time
"You said your name was Nanaki am I correct?"
"Yes"
"I'll need to speak to you tonight privately."
Nanaki nodded as Stephen left for the bar.
Reno and Stephen arrived at the bar after a few moments it wasn't very crowded and an old man was serving the drinks.
"So what will it be?" The old man asked
"I take a shot of tequila"
Reno ordered next.
"Just a beer old man"
"Humph kids these days have no respect for their elders"
The old man turned to fix the drinks. After about a minute he gave them what he had asked for.
Reno took his beer and drank about a quarter of it before setting it down.
Stephen took his tequila and drank it in one quick moment not even flinching he then signaled the man for another.
He drank about five more while Reno stared amazed at how well the man handled his liquor.
Damn even Rude couldn't do that without at least flinching.
"Reno?"
Stephen called Reno's name snapping him out of his trance.
"Yeah what is it."
"Tell me. You are a Turk right?"
Reno blinked at the question for a moment then lowered his head.
"Was a Turk never again."
"Tell me what did the Turks do"
Reno sighed he never wanted this subject brought back up.
"We did whatever the president of Shinra wanted us to do we killed, kidnapped, protected stole, bribed, anything he wanted we were feared by all us and SOLDIER but mostly us we were the men without souls."
Stephen took another tequila and gulped it down.
"I see" Stephen looked at the bartender
"You have anything stronger?"
The bartender looked at the fifteen empty shot glasses that stood in a pile around the drinker.
"I'm sorry I don't"
Stephen sighed and looked at his glass
"Fine then give me a bigger glass and fill her up again"
The bartender obeyed he wanted to stop the lad but just looking at him gave the man the feeling that these two especially him had good reason to drink. These were hard times and people took any escape they could he couldn't take that away from them.
" . . .Very well sir right away."
"Thank you"
He turned back to Reno
"So basically Turks were trained to kill and intimidate."
Reno chuckled slightly
"I wish that was all we were taught we were trained to handle any situation to kill without second thoughts when you joined the Turks you lost you soul even if you intentions were good you had to lose it. If you showed emotion you were disposed of you were always disposed of. If you didn't obey an order you were disposed of slowly your whole life would be torture and death the only escape."
"Sounds like a horrible job so what made you join."
" . . .I was born in the slums of Midgar before Sephiroth took over I was very poor and had no parents all I had was a sister she was maybe 4 years younger then me. I had no way to take care of her but I tried my best. Eventually she got sick and had to be rushed to a hospital. She had suffered some kind of horrible heart condition that only an operation could fix."
"So you joined the Turks to save her?"
"Yes and by the time I received enough money to save her it was too late and by that time my soul was gone I was a full fledged Turk I was too afraid to leave. I killed so many for one man's greed."
"We've all done things we regret"
"Why did you ask me this?"
"With all the people I've met in my life I think I have the most in common with you. Tell me when you killed did you . . . fell anything regret, remorse, anger anything?"
"No I didn't"
"Then, I'm not the only one. Tell me one more thing, what happened to Rude?"
"Reno stopped drinking and stared at Stephen his eyes flared."
"What do you mean?!?!"
"Relax no need to get mad I overheard you and Marlene talking when we left Junon that's all."
Reno spaced out for a moment remembering the last time he saw his friend.
----------
"Rude don't be foolish you will never pull this off!!!!!!"
"He killed my fiancé I refuse to let him get away with this Reno"
"She was my friend too but we can't take on Sephiroth even his generals are too powerful!"
"How do you know!?!?!?! Have you ever faced one?"
". . . .No but they're inhuman one of them has supernatural speed I think she runs the factory in Junon."
"Then that's where I will start"
Rude put on body armor and a heavy semi-automatic.
"I'll go in as a bounty hunter who wants to guard the complex then I will eventually find my way to the power source and destroy it."
"Rude please reconsider I know he killed Elena but think about this even if you pull this off you will get killed by Jade when she finds out she'll know it was you you'll never get out alive. Please Rude is revenge worth this? I miss Elena too she was like the sister I lost so many years ago I told you that just please reconsider!"
Rude put on his sunglasses and stepped out the door.
"My mind is made up Reno goodbye my friend."
"RUDE!!!!!!! RUDE!!!!!!!"
---------
"I called but it was too late he was gone. I finally managed to get a membership from a bounty hunter and get into the city but by the time I had gotten there he had already been discovered. When Marlene went inside the factory I hoped beyond hope he might have somehow survived but I knew he was probably dead. That is why I joined you to get revenge on Sephiroth I lost everything to him and Shinra I have nothing else left to lose."
Stephen listened to the whole story. Part listening to him part listing to the piano man in the corner.
The piano seemed to cue Reno's story like it was a theme for him or something. The piano man played a melody of sadness and desolation of a world without hope. Stephen could always interpret what a person was feeling by the music they played it was something he picked up from his mother. He then gazed at the door the light from outside had faded it was getting dark.
"I'm going to the library"
Reno nodded and Stephen left saying nothing else ______________
Marlene sat with Nanaki staring at the Cosmo Canyon she was bored out of her mind and the only thing she could do here was read at the library or sleep.
"Nanaki it's been a long time."
"Yes it has tell me how goes Barret."
"Marlene lowered her head at the question tears left then slowly as she thought back to the day he was killed and how Stephen showed up a year after."
"I see . . . I'm sorry."
Red could easily tell what she was thinking his tail glowing violently.
"So I am the only AVALANCHE (ever wonder why it's all capitals?) member left. If only I hadn't deserted them for my own selfish desires then maybe we would have stood a chance."
Marlene scratched behind Nanaki's ear causing him to purr slightly he back away quickly after his blushing covered by his red fur.
Marlene laughed and spoke.
"Relax Nanaki it wasn't your fault you didn't know and you probably wouldn't have made a difference and besides I'm sure someone had to survive. Maybe they're just hiding and Vincent is still alive in fact Reeve told me so."
Nanaki snapped up for a second Of course Vincent I forgot about him Stephen will probably want to meet him soon.
"Yeah I guess so-"
Nanaki blinked what Marlene said just reaching his ears.
"Wait Reeve's alive!?!?"
Marlene sighed.
"Not for long he suffered horrible internal injuries from Jade he was able to last long enough to destroy the Junon weapons factory but bets are he is dead by now.
Nanaki sighed. So we are the only ones left
Nanaki looked at the sky
The sun had set and nightfall had hit leaving a beautiful trail of stars in the sky that were incredibly easy to see.
"It's getting late Marlene why don't you get some rest."
Marlene nodded and left.
The fire crackled in the center of the Canyon where Nanaki laid waiting for his meeting with Stephen.
He wanted to know of the son of his lost companions but one thing interested him above all else.
He had talked to Shadow and like him he found the fact that Stephen could use limit breaks at will fascinating.
Stephen left the bar after one last shot of tequila Reno continued to drink as Stephen found his way to the flame where Nanaki was laying who noticed him almost immediately.
"So you came. What was it that you wanted to talk about?"
Stephen looked at the night sky for a moment where he noticed the observatory.
"Is there a place more isolated where we can talk?"
"Yes please follow me."
Stephen followed Nanaki up a series of stairs and caves that lead to the highest point of the canyon where the observatory laid there they went to the star display where Cloud and the others had kept the huge materia.
Red turned and Stephen nodded they knew they were alone.
"What is it that you want to know?"
"Yeah I'll get straight to the point I know of your race I read of it a few hours ago in the library that you have."
Nanaki blinked he had no idea where this was going but he had a feeling it would be interesting.
"A race of incredible intelligence that lives for hundreds of years at a time and can manipulate the stars and element into attacks. Who have lived as long as the cetra am I right?"
Nanaki stared at Stephen in amazement he had known Cloud for over 17 years and his son knew more about his race then cloud ever had.
"Tell me what is it that you want?"
Stephen took a deep breath and looked at the artificial sky.
I want you to tell me of the SOLDIER program I read some of it in the library but something tells me there is a crucial part I am missing.
"What do you want to know?"
"I want to know if the information I have is right."
"Go on I will see how much you know to the best of my ability."
"If I am correct the Soldier Program involved the infusing of a man with mako in order to increase strength and speed which led to the eventual victory over Wutai in the Midgar Wutai war."
"Yes that is correct."
"Yes and the only side effects of the Jenova Project that were known were the fact that the eyes of the infused glow much brighter than those who do not have mako in their systems?"
"That is correct as well."
"Then if I'm right why do I feel like there is something missing in those files."
"There is something missing and it involves your father and Sephiroth."
"Tell me please!."
"Alright a while back there existed two great minds Professor Gast and Professor Hojo. Gast was an amazing man who wanted the improvement of all mankind. Hojo was the same. But there was a difference between the two"
"What was that?"
"Hojo was a psychopathic monster. He demanded the perfection of humans and resulted to any means to do so he experimented on many people and ruined many lives your father was one."
Stephen tightened his fists.
"Sephiroth was another."
Stephen wanted more than anything for Nanaki to stop but he had to continue he had to know what he was looking for.
"I am not aware of all the details but Sephiroth was experimented on before he was born only Vincent has the full details for he was alive before that time."
Stephen blinked
"Vincent was another subject to Hojo's cruelty he was given eternal life and he suffers everyday because of it."
Stephen said nothing.
"Your father was experimented on in order to make a perfect replica of Sephiroth but fortunately this was a failure."
Stephen finally spoke out.
"Did these experiments give my father any enhanced abilities?"
"Well yes as far as I could tell they gave your father incredible speed (i.e. cross slash and omnislash) and Sephiroth was given incredible power as well such as flight and incredible spiritual or magical abilities."
"All this done by mako?"
"No actually these experiments were cast in secret away from the SOLDIER program it was known as project JENOVA."
"Jenova?"
"Yes allow me to explain over a long course of time a strong force had hit our planet causing it a huge injury. The object was known as Jenova. Jenova was a being of pure evil. As hideous as she was on the outside she was ten times worse on the inside. She was the reason most of the monsters on this earth exist."
"Go on please."
Stephen was fascinated by this he had no idea of such a creature.
"Jenova was eventually contained and crystallized by the cetra after nearly wiping them out. Eventually she were found and her incredible physical and magical abilities were discovered thus the Jenova project ensued.
"So my father and Sephiroth were injected with these cells?"
"Yes."
"I only have one more question. The cells and mako. . . are they genetic?"
"Yes. The mako inside your father was of genetic nature it was passed down to you."
"The materia you told me of that was stored here do you think you can show it to me?"
"Yes but I don't understand what that has to do with-"
"Please you will see"
"Very well."
Nanaki took out the huge materia and placed it in each corner.
"Watch"
Stephen touched all 4 materia then stood in the middle of them. After a moment the materia started to glow and react violently and glow intensely until they lost their color and was completely white until eventually they shattered.
Nanaki stood amazed not once in his life had he ever seen such a spectacle.
"That is what I wanted to show you. It happened when my eyes turned from bright to dark I have incredible energy I don't understand where it is all coming from or how to control it in fact all I know about it is I can master any materia I touch I guess a mastered huge materia is too much energy to stabilize everyday my eyes get darker and the energy stronger I don't know how to handle it anymore and I'm afraid what will happen if I can't control it."
"I don't understand you should have had bright mako eyes and your father never had such access to such energy not even Sephiroth I believe had that kind of energy."
"Then tell me one thing. Then if that was so what happened to me?"
Nanaki bowed down his head slightly lower at the question.
"I'm sorry but I don't know"
Stephen sighed once more.
They walked back to the Cosmo Candle Stephen has shown Nanaki what he needed to show so there was no more reason to be up there.
"I have no idea what could be happening to you but I think there is someone here who does."
Stephen stared into the fire.
"It's Vincent isn't it."
"Yes."
"Where is he?"
"Follow me."
Stephen followed Nanaki up a flight of stairs and into a room with a steel door. He then pressed a button that opened the steel door and led to a huge hole leading down by a series of ropes.
Neither one needed them as they just jumped from ledge to ledge.
Stephen then followed Nanaki through a series of tunnels that lead to one huge exit.
Nanaki continued through the exit Stephen once again following until they reached a cliff.
Stephen looked up to see what he had been looking for.
There stood Vincent on top on a stone figure.
"So Nanaki he finally showed up"
"Yeah"
"So you are Vincent?"
Vincent jumped down from the cliff and faced Stephen.
The man wore a black no sleeve shirt and black pants his cape was red and his unrestrained raven black hair flowed in every direction the wind took it. At his right side a large gun stood holstered and where his right arm should have been there was a golden claw in his hand.
He then fired at Stephen hitting directly on his arm.
Stephen held his arm in pain as blood trickled down it.
Damn why didn't I sense the attack
Vincent fired again this time Stephen was ready as he avoided the blow and took out his sword grasping it in both hands ignoring the wound.
Stephen then ran up to the cliff where Vincent aimed and fired.
This time Stephen blocked the bullet with a quick parry of his sword.
He then got close enough and slashed a Vincent.
Vincent caught it with his claw and aimed his gun.
But this time Stephen was ready.
Stephen used his free arm to take Vincent's wrist and pulled it too him giving him no mobility or opportunities making it impossible to move.
At that moment they just stared at each other waiting for one of them to move or slip.
For a moment Stephen and Vincent stared at each other Stephen's dark eyes and Vincent's crimson met not for one second did they lay eyes off of each other.
Their stares could kill a man with fear it was as if they were reading each other's souls with their eyes.
After an extremely long moment Vincent let go of the sword and did Stephen let go of the gun and both turned away they had said nothing yet they fully understood each other.
"If you want to know what is happening to you and how to stop it then meet me at Lucrecia's falls in three days."
"Very well"
With that Vincent went back toward the edge of the cliff where the stone figure resided and Stephen jumped of the cliff toward Nanaki and stood there for a moment. Then he watched Vincent as he fell over as if in pain then he started a sort of morph. Wings sprouted from his back and he transformed into a kind of beast then flew away."
Stephen turned with Nanaki to head back to the canyon.
Stephen now had finished his goal to find Vincent but now a new goal presented itself.
Find a way to control his energy or be consumed by it.
So umm that's the end of the fixed chapter I hope it was a little better review plz I'll have the next chapter up by Thursday hopefully.