Chapter Seven
The Final Battle
AN:
GoldAngel2: Again, I thank you so much for your help on this chapter. This chapter wouldn't be possible without you! Thank you for your compliments and everything you have done for me!
Tala Ishtar: I'm glad you're enjoying this story! I hope you like this chapter as well and thank you for the compliment!
Lil Rose Angel: I'm so happy that you're enjoying this story so much, Katherine. Yes, I know that in Fire, Christina's the target. That's why the next two stories I'll have to change a lot. The next story will NOT be like Snow at all. I want to go with an idea that came to me one of these days instead. ^_^ I can't copy Mrs. Cooney all the time! I hope to talk to you soon but I know you're probably mad at me for what happened on Friday. I'm sorry. I won't insult myself anymore! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Serene Faerie: Oh I'm SO sorry for missing your name last time! I feel so guilty now! I won't miss it again, promise! Thank you for the compliments and I hope you enjoy this chapter, Sakura!
Wolfwood11: Whoa, I'm surprised. You didn't leave a long review this time. I used to love your long reviews! Thank you so much for you compliment! Well I hope your usual talkative self comes back and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
CheetorX : Aw, thank you so much for reading this chapter as well as Once Upon A Romance! I hope you enjoy this chapter and that your computer gets better!
Jenny644443855: What do you mean it'll have no meaning if I don't continue? Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS! I GOT MORE THIS TIME SO I'M HAPPY! I THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING PATIENT, KIND, AND LOYAL REVIEWERS!
I got a new idea for this chapter in a dream. I liked what happened in my dream better then what I had in mind for this chapter before. I would rather go with what went on in my dream because that looked more interesting and easier to write for me. I also would like to thank GoldAngel2 who helped me greatly with this chapter and gave me incredible advice. This chapter wouldn't be possible without you, GoldAngel2! And I also would like to thank all of my loyal readers who have supported me all along! I hope you all enjoy this chapter! Review when you have the time!
--SDA 009
Disclaimer:
I do not own Cyborg 009 or Caroline B. Cooney's wonderful book, Fog.
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The following morning was bright and sunny, to Françoise's surprise. It would be impossible to tell that today was the day for the battle. The final battle, as 0019 had described it. Françoise sighed and sipped her coffee. It was going to be a long day so she might as well have some caffeine. Like before, she was outside on the porch, leaning on the wooden rail. She rubbed her temple and hoped that everything would go as planned. Though she still had her doubts. She shook her head and yawned.
Last night was just horrible. The team had stayed up almost all night drawing up a plan and discussing tactics. It was probably the second night of no sleep and they hadn't eaten a thing. Her body ached for sleep and food but she wanted to be loyal to her team and stay up too.
How stupid I was, she thought.
Now, thanks to the lack of sleep and food, she woke up from an hour of sleep with a terrible head ache. And no pill could make it go away. She sighed. She felt uneasy. She felt a strange sensation in the pit of her stomach telling her that the worse was yet to come. She gulped.
Please let me be wrong, she thought.
She noticed that her hands were shaking uncontrollably. She was more nervous then she thought. She was trembling so much that without warning, the mug of coffee slipped out of her hands and thankfully, fell on the sand rather then on the hard wooden floor. The fall made hardly any sound and she thanked goodness that it didn't fall on the wooden floor because it would had caused her team mates to come to her side and start asking questions like " Are you okay?" or stuff like that. She sighed and walked down to the upside down mug and picked it up.
There goes breakfast, she thought.
Chang obviously wasn't going to make any breakfast anyway. Food was not on his mind. It was surprising how he or G.B could be serious for once and determined without arguing about every little thing. At this very moment, they were talking about some important issues about the battle with the rest of the team in harmony. She smiled to herself. It was definitely nice to see her team mates like this but she knew that the cause of this all was the battle. She wondered how that would go. She was so sleepy last night that she wasn't really listening to the plan. So she was clueless. They probably won't let me fight, she thought, bitterly.
She sighed, sadly and placed the mug on the wooden rail and stared out at the horizon and of course, the beautiful sea. Her facial features softened and she walked softly to it. The clear water slightly wet her black boots and her long yellow scarf danced with the soft, calm wind. As she closed her eyes that resembled the ocean, she put her hand on her chest and the other held it's elbow.
I wish, she thought, I was special. I wish I could help my team mates. I'm so weak.. I'm nothing compared to their magnificent abilities. What am I compared to them? Was I only made to be some sort of spy for you, Black Ghost?
Salty tears gathered up in her eyes and she tried to blink them away. Her ocean blue eyes were so much like the ocean. They were both the same color and they both produced salty water. She could be calm like the sea or furious. Her skin was like the white sand in the beach and her golden hair was like the sun above that reflected itself upon the sea. She was more like the sea then she thought.
But I don't want to be like the sea! She thought, tears flowing past her eyes and onto her rosy cheeks. I want to be like my team mates!
Oh but to dream never did her good. She dreamed of dancing beautifully in front of a large audience and receive praise from everyone. But that didn't happen, did it? Why did you make my life so sad God? Why did you allow Black Ghost to put their filthy hands upon me? There was no light in the dark for her. Her life was dark and sad. Nothing about it was special. Nothing was special about her.
" I can make it special," A mysterious voice soothed in her ears. " You are special to me, Françoise Arnoul. I can make your life wonderful and with me you can dance forever. You can have an audience and praise. You can have warmth, love, and tenderness all at once, I promise. Come with me Françoise. Come with me."
She clasped her hands together and stared at the sea that seemed to stretch for miles and miles forever. She didn't feel tired or tense anymore. Never had she felt so.. So wonderful. So safe and the words the voice spoke touched her in a amazing way and she believed the voice. The voice she knew belonged to none other then the sea. Her suitor. 0019. Her lips trembled and the tears ceased.
" I- I want to," She said, without thinking.
She didn't think about her friends. Her wonderful team mates. She didn't think of Dr. Gilmore or Dr. Kazumi. She didn't think of Black Ghost or the battle. She only thought of the life of wonders she would live with the sea. With 0019. And when she realized what she said with wide eyes, it was too late..
***
" I need air," Joe said. He said this more to himself then to his team mates.
It was so stressing to think abut a battle so risky as the one they would have to do later on in the day. He was surprised that 0019 had not told them the time or location. He wondered if 0019 would contact them later on. He walked out the living room, leaving his coffee on the table. He had a head ache and his body was begging for sleep. His stomach was also begging for food. Coffee was all he could give his stomach for now.
I'm sorry, Joe told his stomach. His stomach grumbled in response.
He rolled his eyes as he walked outside. It was awfully bright and calm outside. Too calm. But when he saw what was happening close to the shore, his eyes widened. A strange gust of wind and water revolved around Françoise, like a small tornado. How could this be possible?
" Françoise!" Joe yelled, running to her. But by the time he got there, Françoise disappeared. The hunger and exhaustion he felt were instantly replaced by anger and rage. He clenched his large fists and his bangs covered both of his eyes.
" 0019!" He bellowed, angrily.
Why did I leave her alone? He thought, guilty. Tears stung his crimson eyes. Why? He felt guilty, angry, and empty. He felt so lonely. He felt as if a large piece of his heart had been torn off, brutally. The one part of his heart that belonged to his one and only love, Françoise Arnoul. And now she was gone. This was like the third time some one had taken Françoise away from him. And somehow, this time it seemed permanent.
No, he thought. I have to save her! I can't let 0019 put his filthy hands on her! I won't..I won't let him.
" 009! What happened? Where's 003?" G.B said, running towards him, the team and Dr. Gilmore closely behind.
" 003 has been kidnapped," Joe said, through gritted teeth. " By 0019."
***
" 0019, why did you act so stupidly?" Scarl asked his son, annoyed.
" What do you mean?" 0019 asked.
" You kidnapped the girl! Why did you have to do that? There was no point!" Scarl said, rolling his eyes.
" I have my reasons. I do not wish to continue this conversation Father," 0019 said, walking away. " I cannot leave my beloved unaccompanied for too long."
0019 walked away with a smirk. I'll send the cyborgs a note. I would love to see their reactions.
***
009 read the small note from 0019 over and over again. It had just arrived and it told them the place and time they would meet.
" Read it! Read it!" Chang begged. Joe grunted and rolled his eyes.
" He wants us to meet him in an hour in the same place we encountered 0010," Joe said.
" In an hour?" Albert said, in disbelief. " Do you think we'll be ready, 009?"
" Well," Joe said, firmly. " You won't have to worry about that."
" What do you mean?" Pyunma asked.
" Well, you're all going to stay here. I'll go by myself," Joe said firmly.
" Now you listen here, 009. Don't you think that you're the only one that cares for 003. We're all coming," Jet said, his eyes narrowing.
" I'm going by myself, 002. Don't be so stubborn," Joe said and by the look on everyone's face he added, " And that's an order."
" So you want to be the hero, huh?" Jet said, not willing to give up and stay quiet like the rest of the team. " I'm sick of this, 009. You're always the hero. The hero always gets all the praise and the girl. It's no fair!"
" Do you think I want to be the hero, Jet? I wasn't the one who choose this life, okay? But when someone takes someone that I care about away, I have to be the hero. Don't you understand? I'm not going to let 0019 take Françoise away," Joe said, firmly.
" But you're not the only one who doesn't want 0019 to take Françoise away, Joe," Jet said. " We all care for her!"
" But none of you care for her as much as I do," Joe said. He turned around and was about to walk out the living room but stopped. He held the door knob tightly. " Please, let me go on my own. I'm begging you all."
This was harder then Joe thought. But of course it wasn't going to be simple. Joe sighed when there was so response and he walked out the room, his long yellow scarf following closely behind. With a glint of determination in his eyes, Joe walked out the house but stopped when he noticed the mug of coffee. It was empty and sand covered most of it.
My poor Françoise, Joe thought bitterly. If only I had been with you.
The determination was replaced by guilt and he just stood on the porch, with a sad look on his face. The day darkened, as if knowing that a battle was soon to come. As if knowing that tragedy had struck. That his precious love had been taken away by evil. By 0019. Joe clenched his fists.
I'll save you Françoise, he thought. Tears flowed past his eyes and his bangs hid his eyes. I need you Françoise. I don't know what I'd do without you. I don't know what I would do without your optimism and pretty face. I don't know what I would do without hearing your calm breathing when you are asleep in our room. I don't know what I would do without your tender lips which I've only had the courage to touch with my own once. What would I do without you, my Françoise? He whimpered in pain and loss. Would he ever see his lovely crush again?
***
In her dream she saw Joe, the boy she was so fond of. The boy that made life worth living. The boy that had lighten her life for so long. How she loved him.
I love you with everything I am, she thought in her dreams. I love you Joe. I will always love you and no one else.
***
You won't love him for long, 0019 thought, reading her thought in her sleep.
How dare she think of that despicable annoying boy in that way?
0019 cursed under his breath and watched his beloved sleep on top of a flat rock that made her look like Sleeping Beauty or Snow White waiting for their handsome prince to come and give them a kiss of life and love.
But your prince won't be HIM if that's what you're thinking.
That idiot doesn't deserve you.
He clenched his fist.
We'll see who she ends up with 009.
Don't keep your hopes up though, he thought with a smirk.
***
An hour had past, and the sky had darkened. The animals fled, their instincts telling them that there was trouble. Joe knew that too. Joe accelerated to the place they had first met 0010.
How could I forget you, 0010, Joe thought. You threatened Françoise. You got what you deserved.
Punctual, 0019 stood on top of one of the rocks, his silver hair blowing along with the wind. His violet eyes stared at Joe, amused. He smirked.
" Why 009," 0019 said. " What a pleasant surprise to see you here alone without your team mates. Well, you are making this battle easier. But no matter, my friend. We can have fun anyway. 003 is sleeping over there. Isn't she precious?"
Joe scowled. His eyes searched for 003 until he found the motionless girl sleeping on a large flat rock, soundly. His gaze soften and he wished he could go to her side and avoid the battle.
" 009 have you come to fight or what? You seem more preoccupied with 003 then with me. But no matter. She's not going with you, of course," 0019 said.
" What do you mean she's not coming with me? You're wrong. She's coming with me you filthy rat," 009 said, clenching his fist.
" I have an idea, my friend. Who ever wins gets 003. How about it?" 0019 said, amused.
Joe stared at 0019 and then at Françoise. I can't let you go with him, Françoise. I can't lose. I have to win now. I have to beat Black Ghost once and for all and most importantly, save you from HIM.
" Fine then," 009 said. " But I don't have all day, 0019. I want to end this once and for all."
" Why don't worry, 009. I'll be sure to end this quickly and painlessly," 0019 said and snapped his fingers. At the end of his finger, a gust of sand and wind started to form slowly, getting larger by the second.
I don't know how I'm going to beat 0019, Joe thought. Nevertheless by myself. I shouldn't have come alone. It's too late for that. I'm going to have to find a way to bring him down.
" This will be a little painful," 0019 said and released the gust. It instantly hit Joe's face and the sand went inside his eyes. He grunted and tried to get it out while trying to keep his balance but suddenly two fists started punching his stomach. He punched him so hard and fast, that Joe wasn't sure if his stomach would ever be the same. Joe couldn't see from the sand and bitter liquid started dripping from the corner of his lips. Joe grunted, painfully.
0019 kept on punching and kicking that Joe's body started aching badly. It had become so painful that Joe just kicked anything and to his surprise, ended up kicking 0019 off. He knew that it had caught 0019 by surprise because he heard something fall hard on the ground with a loud 'thump' and rocks fell. Joe brushed the sand off his face and saw that 0019 stood up, holding his hip.
" You caught me by surprise 009 but I assure you that that won't be happening again," 0019 said.
" That's what you think," Joe said, through grit teeth. Before 0019 could move or do any move, Joe activated his Acceleration Mode by clicking his back tooth with his tongue, ignoring the taste of bitter blood in his mouth. Without hesitation, Joe quickly jumped over a couple of rocks and from behind 0019, kicked the back his neck which caused 0019 to fall over the small, sharp pebbles.
" You fool. You think you're the only one with Acceleration Mode?" 0019 said, grimacing. With smirk, he licked the blood from the corner of his lip and ran his fingers through his sweaty, silver hair. " I simply felt sorry for you 009. You don't have a chance, you know."
" Stop flattering yourself 0019. You have been bragging so much that you're not even fighting! Start fighting!" Joe said, his eyes narrowing. He shot a quick glance at Françoise to make sure she was okay. Of course, she was still sleeping.
" Well if you insist," 0019 said, smirking. He snapped his fingers twice and said a couple of words under his breath. He smirked at the bewildered look on 009's face.
What is he doing? Joe thought but soon he found out. Harsh cold wind hit Joe's body with such force that 009 was blown off his feet and fell on the ground, his back hitting a large rock instantly. Small pebbles fell from above the rock and scratched Joe's face. This only made the pain he felt all over his body worse. Sweat mixed with the blood in his face and neck. Grimacing, he stood up. He wasn't sure if his legs would be able to support him any longer.
I can't give up, he thought painfully. Please, hold on. I need you more then ever, he told his legs mentally.
" I got to hand it to you 009. You do have dignity but you do have to learn how to die with dignity as well. It's not too late to give up and let me finish you off, 009," 0019 said, slyly.
" I'll never give up." Joe said. " Never."
***
It's going to take a lot more to convince us to stay in a rotten living room while you get killed 009, Jet thought to himself.
Ignoring the fact that Joe had ORDERED them to stay in the beach house, they had followed Joe to the location of the battle. It had been a long time since they had last come to the rocky place where they had fought 0010.
" I think we should split up," Albert said. " That way we can all have a different view of the fight. We'll all talk to each other by using these walkie talkies, okay?"
" Okay," They all said, nodding. Albert handed everyone a walkie talkie.
" Make sure that you get a good spot where you could see everything perfectly without drawing attention by either of them. If things get bad, we'll have to interfere, got it? But not without my permission," Albert continued. " Remember don't get caught or-"
" We get it, 004!" G.B said, grinning. " We won't get caught!"
" You better not," Albert said firmly. " Now, spread out. Make sure to not be close to each other."
" Got it," Pyunma said and with that everyone started looking for a place to watch the fight without getting caught. But when Jet was about to leave, Albert grabbed him by the end of his long yellow scarf.
" 002, I need you to do something," Albert said.
" What is it?" Jet asked, annoyed.
" I need you to watch the battle from above," Albert said. " I think that would give you an excellent view of everything that's going on. I know there's probably a higher risk of you getting caught but your sly and I think you can handle this. Please don't let this go to your ego. Unfortunately, you're the only one that can fly so we have no other choice but to let you go."
" HEY-" Jet started.
" Please just say yes and go," Albert said, rolling his eyes.
" Fine," Jet grunted, angrily and took off.
It felt good to be up in the sky and although it was cold, the wind still felt great on his face. When he was high enough, he stoped and looked down. His eyes widened.
Oh 009, he thought annoyed, you're getting beat up. There's no way you can win this without dying!
" Guys," Jet said bringing the walkie talkie close to his mouth so they could hear him clearly. " We got to help him."
Jet winced as he saw Joe getting pushed towards a rock. He heard the sound of rocks falling and tumbling over each other and he heard whimpers coming from 009. Joe, Jet thought, why didn't you let us come with you! Why'd you have to be so stubborn!
" No," He heard Albert reply. " Give 009 a chance."
" We're just going to stand here and watch our friend getting hurt? We can't give him a chance to die, 004! There'll be no use to stepping in the fight if that happens!" Jet said, angrily. He was surprised to hear Albert chuckle.
" 002 don't be so ignorant. We know Joe better then that. We can't start underestimating him now," Albert said, firmly. " Give him a chance 002."
" All right," Jet said and watched the fight carefully almost without blinking.
This is going to be difficult for you 009, Jet thought. Be careful.
***
" I'll never give up." Joe said. " Never."
" And tell me 009," 0019 said. " Why can't you give up? It's simple."
Joe shook his head. He bit his lip and again, his bangs covered his crimson eyes. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath, ignoring the pain he felt throughout his body.
" I made a promise to 003," Joe said and closed his eyes in reminisce.
*Flashback*
(Chapter Five: Thoughtful Rain)
" Do you think that there will ever be an end to this? Do you ever wonder if we'll be alive by then? Is our future to live here in sadness, sorrow, and distress?" She had asked, sadly.
Joe stared at Françoise, surprised. He sure wasn't expecting this from her. She was usually so optimistic. The things she said made him slightly shudder.
" I," Albert said. " I honestly don't know, 003."
Joe bit his lip and tried to think of something to say to cheer up Françoise. She looked so upset that it made him sad too.
" And it doesn't matter Françoise. We'll fight to the end, no matter what. We'll live the present and await the future. As long as we believe and keep on trying, we'll succeed. We'll have a bright future, you'll see," Joe had said.
Françoise's eyes filled with happy tears and she smiled. Her bright eyes stared at him full of hope, joy, and awe.
" I'll believe in you and in your words, 009," Françoise said. Joe smiled at the petite French girl. He stared at Françoise with so much love that day. He felt the love he secretly stored in his heart burn his chest. He never loved her so much. Secretly and wordlessly, he made a vow that he would ALWAYS protect Françoise and NEVER give up in a battle. Sadly, he broke the one that he would always protect her and was on the verge to brake the other vow.
*End*
" A touching story, I must hand it to you. But I must tell you that what you feel for 003 is utterly impossible. There is no way two men could feel the same way for a beautiful girl like 003. She deserves the best, not some half human boy. You see, what 003 feels for you is pity. She feels bad for you, 009. Face it. Why would a girl as graceful and as elegant as Françoise want to be with an orphan who has no Mother and knows nothing about his Father or why he was so unfortunate to be abandoned by his own Mother," 0019 said. " Do you really think you have a chance with Françoise? I think not, 009."
What 0019 said stabbed his heart. He felt as if a sharp knife had sunk deeply into his heart brutally and slowly and painfully, slicing it in half. His eyes widened. 0019 was-
" Wrong. You're wrong 0019!" Was all Joe could manage to say.
" Hah, you really think I am wrong? You told me to stop flattering myself while it is you who is flattering yourself. You think so highly of yourself. Your pride and ego has gone to your head. Françoise deserves a better man," 0019 said, rolling his eyes.
" And don't you dare think for one minute that you are that better man. I'm not going to let some filthy disgusting rat take Françoise away!" Joe said, angrily.0019 turned red from anger.
" Enough of this. I'm not going to let you insult me anymore. I'm going to end this once and for all," 0019 said, his eyes narrowed.
" Finally," 009 said and at once, clicked his back tooth. Everything slowed down but to 009's surprise, 0019 was the only thing that didn't slow down. He smirked.
" As I said before, you're not the only one with Acceleration Mode, 009," He said.
Before Joe could say a word, 0019 disappeared. Or so it seemed. Joe looked around his surrounding and saw nothing but a young girl sleeping on a rock.
Where'd he go? He thought. He couldn't have just disappeared!
009 was right. Before he could look up or do anything at all, large boulders fell from the sky out of nowhere and pilled up over his body, His body ached so bad now that he was sure he would never make it. Luckily, he had covered his head in time otherwise he would have been unconscious by now.
" Those boulders are too big and heavy for 009 to get out of. Even if he does have super strength, he will never make it out of all of those boulders," 0019 said, a smile of victory on his face. " I guess this proves who's the better man 009. Rest in peace."
It was clear that 0019 was celebrating victory too early when out of now where, the weak bloody boy, slowly, came out of the heavy boulders. His teeth were grit in pain and he grimaced as he stood up straight. 009 was surprised that his legs could even move nevertheless carry his heavy body.
" You can't get rid of me like that," He said. It took so much effort to say that sentence from all the pain he felt all over his body and the blood he was forced to swallow in his mouth.
" You had enough strength to come out of those boulders but you don't have enough strength now to bring me down. You're so foolish, 009. You were better off just staying there. You would have died eventually," 0019 said, rolling his eyes, annoyed. " You have to accept the fact that you'll never beat me. There is no strength left in you to fight. Just call it a quits and I'll understand."
" No, I'll n- never give u-up," Joe said, through grit teeth.
" What a fool," 0019 said, shaking his head. " As you wish. Just keep believing in yourself. You'll eventually HAVE to lose hope."
Joe whimpered as he stepped off the boulders and on to the rocky ground. 0019 smirked and shook his head. He clenched his fist and punched the air or an imaginary 009. 009 was left clueless until he felt the same pain you would feel if someone punched you on the jaw. Joe whimpered when he fell on top of the large pile of boulders and small, sharp pebbles.
Like he did all this time, he ignored the pain he felt throughout his beaten up body and stood up on his tired, aching feet. His red uniform was so torn up by the rocks and pebbles that Joe wasn't sure if there was a way to sow it back together. 0019 rolled his eyes, annoyed. He grunted angrily and swung his arm in the air. Joe knew what would happen next. An imaginary arm hit his stomach very hard and he was sent flying in the air and again, fell on the large pile of boulders. This time more rocks and pebbles fell over his body. Now his body wasn't willing to stand up anymore. 0019 was right. He should had just stayed under the pile of rocks and wait for death to fall upon his bruised body.
No! He thought. I can't give up now!
But his body paid no attention to him and remained in the position it was in. Joe wasn't in control anymore. His body was functioning by itself. As much as he fought to keep them open, his eyes closed in defeat. It was taking his mind a harder time to give up that easily. But his body paid no attention to his mind. Without warning, it began to rain. It surprised Joe on how similar this battle was to the one with 0010. The clean water that the dark clouds above produced soaked his body, stinging and cleaning it at the same time.
The water felt good and washed the blood and dirt he had all over his body but it stung the cuts he had got from the sharp rocks and pebbles. The pure water cleaned the sweat out of his hair and soaked his uniform. Joe heard two feet climbing the pile of boulders and stop when they were close enough. A boot rested on 009's broad chest. His chest hurt so badly now that he was practically gasping for air. Joe painfully opened his eyes and noticed that 0019 was staring at him with a smirk. He held a gun similar to the one all the 00 Cyborgs had only that the one he had seemed more advanced.
" Finally you give up 009. You don't know how long I've been waiting to bring the great 009 down. You were always the first person I wanted to kill, you know. Your friends will be easier to beat anyway. They're all weak but you were always the persistent one. And I can't allow Françoise to be close to you any longer. So, say good-bye 009. It has been a pleasure beating you," 0019 said, pointing the gun to 009's head. Joe was so weak, he didn't fight back. He just laid on the large boulder uncomfortably and waited for the trigger to be pulled.
It's over, Joe thought. He felt tears in his eyes. I let you down, Françoise.
" No Joe!" They heard a female voice say. Joe would always recognize that sweet angelic voice anywhere. He turned his head over, blood dripping off his forehead and on to the rocks, and he wasn't surprised that Françoise was talking in her sleep. " Don't leave me Joe! I need you!"
She whimpered and even through rain, Joe could still see the clear salty water flowing past her cheeks. Seeing her cry made him feel guilty. To hear her say that made him realize that he couldn't die and leave Françoise with 0019. His eyes narrowed.0019 was so angry he turned his attention from Joe to Françoise. It was obvious that he didn't like what Françoise said one bit.
This is my chance, Joe thought. Joe didn't know where he got the strength from to actually stand up straight. His back hurt like everything else in his body but he didn't care. All that mattered now was to beat 0019 and rescue the girl he loves from 0019's clutches.
I have to get the gun out of his hands first, Joe thought.
" It's not over yet, 009," Joe said.
" Huh?" 0019 said and was surprised to see Joe up.
" Give me the gun," Joe said and tried getting the gun out of 0019's hand but 0019 was reluctant to give it to him so easily. It seemed for a long time that they fought for the gun but then-
" Stop it! I won't let you take away the gun! You'll die before you get your hands on it," 0019 said.
Suddenly, the trigger was mysteriously pulled TWICE and the loud sound of two bullets escaping a gun was heard. And it clearly hit one of them. Joe's eyes went wide in pain.
It's all over now, Joe thought..
TO BE CONTINUED..
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AN:
Well, at least this battle didn't suck as much as the last one I wrote. I hope you guys enjoyed this LONG chapter ( It took me forever to write) and the cliffhanger I left! But darn, I think you know who died too. How unfortunate. I forgot that I left a clue inside another chapter. Oh well, review please!
--SDA 009
P.S This chapter was only Part One. There's a Part Two. But don't worry. The rest of the battle won't be too long. There's a fluffy treat after that too. That's for you, Katherine!
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REVIEW! NO FLAMES!
NEXT CHAPTER- THE FINAL BATTLE PART TWO- Who will die? Who will stay with Françoise? Who did the bullets hit? Is it 0019 or our hero, Joe? LAST CHAPTER
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The Final Battle
AN:
GoldAngel2: Again, I thank you so much for your help on this chapter. This chapter wouldn't be possible without you! Thank you for your compliments and everything you have done for me!
Tala Ishtar: I'm glad you're enjoying this story! I hope you like this chapter as well and thank you for the compliment!
Lil Rose Angel: I'm so happy that you're enjoying this story so much, Katherine. Yes, I know that in Fire, Christina's the target. That's why the next two stories I'll have to change a lot. The next story will NOT be like Snow at all. I want to go with an idea that came to me one of these days instead. ^_^ I can't copy Mrs. Cooney all the time! I hope to talk to you soon but I know you're probably mad at me for what happened on Friday. I'm sorry. I won't insult myself anymore! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Serene Faerie: Oh I'm SO sorry for missing your name last time! I feel so guilty now! I won't miss it again, promise! Thank you for the compliments and I hope you enjoy this chapter, Sakura!
Wolfwood11: Whoa, I'm surprised. You didn't leave a long review this time. I used to love your long reviews! Thank you so much for you compliment! Well I hope your usual talkative self comes back and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
CheetorX : Aw, thank you so much for reading this chapter as well as Once Upon A Romance! I hope you enjoy this chapter and that your computer gets better!
Jenny644443855: What do you mean it'll have no meaning if I don't continue? Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS! I GOT MORE THIS TIME SO I'M HAPPY! I THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING PATIENT, KIND, AND LOYAL REVIEWERS!
I got a new idea for this chapter in a dream. I liked what happened in my dream better then what I had in mind for this chapter before. I would rather go with what went on in my dream because that looked more interesting and easier to write for me. I also would like to thank GoldAngel2 who helped me greatly with this chapter and gave me incredible advice. This chapter wouldn't be possible without you, GoldAngel2! And I also would like to thank all of my loyal readers who have supported me all along! I hope you all enjoy this chapter! Review when you have the time!
--SDA 009
Disclaimer:
I do not own Cyborg 009 or Caroline B. Cooney's wonderful book, Fog.
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The following morning was bright and sunny, to Françoise's surprise. It would be impossible to tell that today was the day for the battle. The final battle, as 0019 had described it. Françoise sighed and sipped her coffee. It was going to be a long day so she might as well have some caffeine. Like before, she was outside on the porch, leaning on the wooden rail. She rubbed her temple and hoped that everything would go as planned. Though she still had her doubts. She shook her head and yawned.
Last night was just horrible. The team had stayed up almost all night drawing up a plan and discussing tactics. It was probably the second night of no sleep and they hadn't eaten a thing. Her body ached for sleep and food but she wanted to be loyal to her team and stay up too.
How stupid I was, she thought.
Now, thanks to the lack of sleep and food, she woke up from an hour of sleep with a terrible head ache. And no pill could make it go away. She sighed. She felt uneasy. She felt a strange sensation in the pit of her stomach telling her that the worse was yet to come. She gulped.
Please let me be wrong, she thought.
She noticed that her hands were shaking uncontrollably. She was more nervous then she thought. She was trembling so much that without warning, the mug of coffee slipped out of her hands and thankfully, fell on the sand rather then on the hard wooden floor. The fall made hardly any sound and she thanked goodness that it didn't fall on the wooden floor because it would had caused her team mates to come to her side and start asking questions like " Are you okay?" or stuff like that. She sighed and walked down to the upside down mug and picked it up.
There goes breakfast, she thought.
Chang obviously wasn't going to make any breakfast anyway. Food was not on his mind. It was surprising how he or G.B could be serious for once and determined without arguing about every little thing. At this very moment, they were talking about some important issues about the battle with the rest of the team in harmony. She smiled to herself. It was definitely nice to see her team mates like this but she knew that the cause of this all was the battle. She wondered how that would go. She was so sleepy last night that she wasn't really listening to the plan. So she was clueless. They probably won't let me fight, she thought, bitterly.
She sighed, sadly and placed the mug on the wooden rail and stared out at the horizon and of course, the beautiful sea. Her facial features softened and she walked softly to it. The clear water slightly wet her black boots and her long yellow scarf danced with the soft, calm wind. As she closed her eyes that resembled the ocean, she put her hand on her chest and the other held it's elbow.
I wish, she thought, I was special. I wish I could help my team mates. I'm so weak.. I'm nothing compared to their magnificent abilities. What am I compared to them? Was I only made to be some sort of spy for you, Black Ghost?
Salty tears gathered up in her eyes and she tried to blink them away. Her ocean blue eyes were so much like the ocean. They were both the same color and they both produced salty water. She could be calm like the sea or furious. Her skin was like the white sand in the beach and her golden hair was like the sun above that reflected itself upon the sea. She was more like the sea then she thought.
But I don't want to be like the sea! She thought, tears flowing past her eyes and onto her rosy cheeks. I want to be like my team mates!
Oh but to dream never did her good. She dreamed of dancing beautifully in front of a large audience and receive praise from everyone. But that didn't happen, did it? Why did you make my life so sad God? Why did you allow Black Ghost to put their filthy hands upon me? There was no light in the dark for her. Her life was dark and sad. Nothing about it was special. Nothing was special about her.
" I can make it special," A mysterious voice soothed in her ears. " You are special to me, Françoise Arnoul. I can make your life wonderful and with me you can dance forever. You can have an audience and praise. You can have warmth, love, and tenderness all at once, I promise. Come with me Françoise. Come with me."
She clasped her hands together and stared at the sea that seemed to stretch for miles and miles forever. She didn't feel tired or tense anymore. Never had she felt so.. So wonderful. So safe and the words the voice spoke touched her in a amazing way and she believed the voice. The voice she knew belonged to none other then the sea. Her suitor. 0019. Her lips trembled and the tears ceased.
" I- I want to," She said, without thinking.
She didn't think about her friends. Her wonderful team mates. She didn't think of Dr. Gilmore or Dr. Kazumi. She didn't think of Black Ghost or the battle. She only thought of the life of wonders she would live with the sea. With 0019. And when she realized what she said with wide eyes, it was too late..
***
" I need air," Joe said. He said this more to himself then to his team mates.
It was so stressing to think abut a battle so risky as the one they would have to do later on in the day. He was surprised that 0019 had not told them the time or location. He wondered if 0019 would contact them later on. He walked out the living room, leaving his coffee on the table. He had a head ache and his body was begging for sleep. His stomach was also begging for food. Coffee was all he could give his stomach for now.
I'm sorry, Joe told his stomach. His stomach grumbled in response.
He rolled his eyes as he walked outside. It was awfully bright and calm outside. Too calm. But when he saw what was happening close to the shore, his eyes widened. A strange gust of wind and water revolved around Françoise, like a small tornado. How could this be possible?
" Françoise!" Joe yelled, running to her. But by the time he got there, Françoise disappeared. The hunger and exhaustion he felt were instantly replaced by anger and rage. He clenched his large fists and his bangs covered both of his eyes.
" 0019!" He bellowed, angrily.
Why did I leave her alone? He thought, guilty. Tears stung his crimson eyes. Why? He felt guilty, angry, and empty. He felt so lonely. He felt as if a large piece of his heart had been torn off, brutally. The one part of his heart that belonged to his one and only love, Françoise Arnoul. And now she was gone. This was like the third time some one had taken Françoise away from him. And somehow, this time it seemed permanent.
No, he thought. I have to save her! I can't let 0019 put his filthy hands on her! I won't..I won't let him.
" 009! What happened? Where's 003?" G.B said, running towards him, the team and Dr. Gilmore closely behind.
" 003 has been kidnapped," Joe said, through gritted teeth. " By 0019."
***
" 0019, why did you act so stupidly?" Scarl asked his son, annoyed.
" What do you mean?" 0019 asked.
" You kidnapped the girl! Why did you have to do that? There was no point!" Scarl said, rolling his eyes.
" I have my reasons. I do not wish to continue this conversation Father," 0019 said, walking away. " I cannot leave my beloved unaccompanied for too long."
0019 walked away with a smirk. I'll send the cyborgs a note. I would love to see their reactions.
***
009 read the small note from 0019 over and over again. It had just arrived and it told them the place and time they would meet.
" Read it! Read it!" Chang begged. Joe grunted and rolled his eyes.
" He wants us to meet him in an hour in the same place we encountered 0010," Joe said.
" In an hour?" Albert said, in disbelief. " Do you think we'll be ready, 009?"
" Well," Joe said, firmly. " You won't have to worry about that."
" What do you mean?" Pyunma asked.
" Well, you're all going to stay here. I'll go by myself," Joe said firmly.
" Now you listen here, 009. Don't you think that you're the only one that cares for 003. We're all coming," Jet said, his eyes narrowing.
" I'm going by myself, 002. Don't be so stubborn," Joe said and by the look on everyone's face he added, " And that's an order."
" So you want to be the hero, huh?" Jet said, not willing to give up and stay quiet like the rest of the team. " I'm sick of this, 009. You're always the hero. The hero always gets all the praise and the girl. It's no fair!"
" Do you think I want to be the hero, Jet? I wasn't the one who choose this life, okay? But when someone takes someone that I care about away, I have to be the hero. Don't you understand? I'm not going to let 0019 take Françoise away," Joe said, firmly.
" But you're not the only one who doesn't want 0019 to take Françoise away, Joe," Jet said. " We all care for her!"
" But none of you care for her as much as I do," Joe said. He turned around and was about to walk out the living room but stopped. He held the door knob tightly. " Please, let me go on my own. I'm begging you all."
This was harder then Joe thought. But of course it wasn't going to be simple. Joe sighed when there was so response and he walked out the room, his long yellow scarf following closely behind. With a glint of determination in his eyes, Joe walked out the house but stopped when he noticed the mug of coffee. It was empty and sand covered most of it.
My poor Françoise, Joe thought bitterly. If only I had been with you.
The determination was replaced by guilt and he just stood on the porch, with a sad look on his face. The day darkened, as if knowing that a battle was soon to come. As if knowing that tragedy had struck. That his precious love had been taken away by evil. By 0019. Joe clenched his fists.
I'll save you Françoise, he thought. Tears flowed past his eyes and his bangs hid his eyes. I need you Françoise. I don't know what I'd do without you. I don't know what I would do without your optimism and pretty face. I don't know what I would do without hearing your calm breathing when you are asleep in our room. I don't know what I would do without your tender lips which I've only had the courage to touch with my own once. What would I do without you, my Françoise? He whimpered in pain and loss. Would he ever see his lovely crush again?
***
In her dream she saw Joe, the boy she was so fond of. The boy that made life worth living. The boy that had lighten her life for so long. How she loved him.
I love you with everything I am, she thought in her dreams. I love you Joe. I will always love you and no one else.
***
You won't love him for long, 0019 thought, reading her thought in her sleep.
How dare she think of that despicable annoying boy in that way?
0019 cursed under his breath and watched his beloved sleep on top of a flat rock that made her look like Sleeping Beauty or Snow White waiting for their handsome prince to come and give them a kiss of life and love.
But your prince won't be HIM if that's what you're thinking.
That idiot doesn't deserve you.
He clenched his fist.
We'll see who she ends up with 009.
Don't keep your hopes up though, he thought with a smirk.
***
An hour had past, and the sky had darkened. The animals fled, their instincts telling them that there was trouble. Joe knew that too. Joe accelerated to the place they had first met 0010.
How could I forget you, 0010, Joe thought. You threatened Françoise. You got what you deserved.
Punctual, 0019 stood on top of one of the rocks, his silver hair blowing along with the wind. His violet eyes stared at Joe, amused. He smirked.
" Why 009," 0019 said. " What a pleasant surprise to see you here alone without your team mates. Well, you are making this battle easier. But no matter, my friend. We can have fun anyway. 003 is sleeping over there. Isn't she precious?"
Joe scowled. His eyes searched for 003 until he found the motionless girl sleeping on a large flat rock, soundly. His gaze soften and he wished he could go to her side and avoid the battle.
" 009 have you come to fight or what? You seem more preoccupied with 003 then with me. But no matter. She's not going with you, of course," 0019 said.
" What do you mean she's not coming with me? You're wrong. She's coming with me you filthy rat," 009 said, clenching his fist.
" I have an idea, my friend. Who ever wins gets 003. How about it?" 0019 said, amused.
Joe stared at 0019 and then at Françoise. I can't let you go with him, Françoise. I can't lose. I have to win now. I have to beat Black Ghost once and for all and most importantly, save you from HIM.
" Fine then," 009 said. " But I don't have all day, 0019. I want to end this once and for all."
" Why don't worry, 009. I'll be sure to end this quickly and painlessly," 0019 said and snapped his fingers. At the end of his finger, a gust of sand and wind started to form slowly, getting larger by the second.
I don't know how I'm going to beat 0019, Joe thought. Nevertheless by myself. I shouldn't have come alone. It's too late for that. I'm going to have to find a way to bring him down.
" This will be a little painful," 0019 said and released the gust. It instantly hit Joe's face and the sand went inside his eyes. He grunted and tried to get it out while trying to keep his balance but suddenly two fists started punching his stomach. He punched him so hard and fast, that Joe wasn't sure if his stomach would ever be the same. Joe couldn't see from the sand and bitter liquid started dripping from the corner of his lips. Joe grunted, painfully.
0019 kept on punching and kicking that Joe's body started aching badly. It had become so painful that Joe just kicked anything and to his surprise, ended up kicking 0019 off. He knew that it had caught 0019 by surprise because he heard something fall hard on the ground with a loud 'thump' and rocks fell. Joe brushed the sand off his face and saw that 0019 stood up, holding his hip.
" You caught me by surprise 009 but I assure you that that won't be happening again," 0019 said.
" That's what you think," Joe said, through grit teeth. Before 0019 could move or do any move, Joe activated his Acceleration Mode by clicking his back tooth with his tongue, ignoring the taste of bitter blood in his mouth. Without hesitation, Joe quickly jumped over a couple of rocks and from behind 0019, kicked the back his neck which caused 0019 to fall over the small, sharp pebbles.
" You fool. You think you're the only one with Acceleration Mode?" 0019 said, grimacing. With smirk, he licked the blood from the corner of his lip and ran his fingers through his sweaty, silver hair. " I simply felt sorry for you 009. You don't have a chance, you know."
" Stop flattering yourself 0019. You have been bragging so much that you're not even fighting! Start fighting!" Joe said, his eyes narrowing. He shot a quick glance at Françoise to make sure she was okay. Of course, she was still sleeping.
" Well if you insist," 0019 said, smirking. He snapped his fingers twice and said a couple of words under his breath. He smirked at the bewildered look on 009's face.
What is he doing? Joe thought but soon he found out. Harsh cold wind hit Joe's body with such force that 009 was blown off his feet and fell on the ground, his back hitting a large rock instantly. Small pebbles fell from above the rock and scratched Joe's face. This only made the pain he felt all over his body worse. Sweat mixed with the blood in his face and neck. Grimacing, he stood up. He wasn't sure if his legs would be able to support him any longer.
I can't give up, he thought painfully. Please, hold on. I need you more then ever, he told his legs mentally.
" I got to hand it to you 009. You do have dignity but you do have to learn how to die with dignity as well. It's not too late to give up and let me finish you off, 009," 0019 said, slyly.
" I'll never give up." Joe said. " Never."
***
It's going to take a lot more to convince us to stay in a rotten living room while you get killed 009, Jet thought to himself.
Ignoring the fact that Joe had ORDERED them to stay in the beach house, they had followed Joe to the location of the battle. It had been a long time since they had last come to the rocky place where they had fought 0010.
" I think we should split up," Albert said. " That way we can all have a different view of the fight. We'll all talk to each other by using these walkie talkies, okay?"
" Okay," They all said, nodding. Albert handed everyone a walkie talkie.
" Make sure that you get a good spot where you could see everything perfectly without drawing attention by either of them. If things get bad, we'll have to interfere, got it? But not without my permission," Albert continued. " Remember don't get caught or-"
" We get it, 004!" G.B said, grinning. " We won't get caught!"
" You better not," Albert said firmly. " Now, spread out. Make sure to not be close to each other."
" Got it," Pyunma said and with that everyone started looking for a place to watch the fight without getting caught. But when Jet was about to leave, Albert grabbed him by the end of his long yellow scarf.
" 002, I need you to do something," Albert said.
" What is it?" Jet asked, annoyed.
" I need you to watch the battle from above," Albert said. " I think that would give you an excellent view of everything that's going on. I know there's probably a higher risk of you getting caught but your sly and I think you can handle this. Please don't let this go to your ego. Unfortunately, you're the only one that can fly so we have no other choice but to let you go."
" HEY-" Jet started.
" Please just say yes and go," Albert said, rolling his eyes.
" Fine," Jet grunted, angrily and took off.
It felt good to be up in the sky and although it was cold, the wind still felt great on his face. When he was high enough, he stoped and looked down. His eyes widened.
Oh 009, he thought annoyed, you're getting beat up. There's no way you can win this without dying!
" Guys," Jet said bringing the walkie talkie close to his mouth so they could hear him clearly. " We got to help him."
Jet winced as he saw Joe getting pushed towards a rock. He heard the sound of rocks falling and tumbling over each other and he heard whimpers coming from 009. Joe, Jet thought, why didn't you let us come with you! Why'd you have to be so stubborn!
" No," He heard Albert reply. " Give 009 a chance."
" We're just going to stand here and watch our friend getting hurt? We can't give him a chance to die, 004! There'll be no use to stepping in the fight if that happens!" Jet said, angrily. He was surprised to hear Albert chuckle.
" 002 don't be so ignorant. We know Joe better then that. We can't start underestimating him now," Albert said, firmly. " Give him a chance 002."
" All right," Jet said and watched the fight carefully almost without blinking.
This is going to be difficult for you 009, Jet thought. Be careful.
***
" I'll never give up." Joe said. " Never."
" And tell me 009," 0019 said. " Why can't you give up? It's simple."
Joe shook his head. He bit his lip and again, his bangs covered his crimson eyes. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath, ignoring the pain he felt throughout his body.
" I made a promise to 003," Joe said and closed his eyes in reminisce.
*Flashback*
(Chapter Five: Thoughtful Rain)
" Do you think that there will ever be an end to this? Do you ever wonder if we'll be alive by then? Is our future to live here in sadness, sorrow, and distress?" She had asked, sadly.
Joe stared at Françoise, surprised. He sure wasn't expecting this from her. She was usually so optimistic. The things she said made him slightly shudder.
" I," Albert said. " I honestly don't know, 003."
Joe bit his lip and tried to think of something to say to cheer up Françoise. She looked so upset that it made him sad too.
" And it doesn't matter Françoise. We'll fight to the end, no matter what. We'll live the present and await the future. As long as we believe and keep on trying, we'll succeed. We'll have a bright future, you'll see," Joe had said.
Françoise's eyes filled with happy tears and she smiled. Her bright eyes stared at him full of hope, joy, and awe.
" I'll believe in you and in your words, 009," Françoise said. Joe smiled at the petite French girl. He stared at Françoise with so much love that day. He felt the love he secretly stored in his heart burn his chest. He never loved her so much. Secretly and wordlessly, he made a vow that he would ALWAYS protect Françoise and NEVER give up in a battle. Sadly, he broke the one that he would always protect her and was on the verge to brake the other vow.
*End*
" A touching story, I must hand it to you. But I must tell you that what you feel for 003 is utterly impossible. There is no way two men could feel the same way for a beautiful girl like 003. She deserves the best, not some half human boy. You see, what 003 feels for you is pity. She feels bad for you, 009. Face it. Why would a girl as graceful and as elegant as Françoise want to be with an orphan who has no Mother and knows nothing about his Father or why he was so unfortunate to be abandoned by his own Mother," 0019 said. " Do you really think you have a chance with Françoise? I think not, 009."
What 0019 said stabbed his heart. He felt as if a sharp knife had sunk deeply into his heart brutally and slowly and painfully, slicing it in half. His eyes widened. 0019 was-
" Wrong. You're wrong 0019!" Was all Joe could manage to say.
" Hah, you really think I am wrong? You told me to stop flattering myself while it is you who is flattering yourself. You think so highly of yourself. Your pride and ego has gone to your head. Françoise deserves a better man," 0019 said, rolling his eyes.
" And don't you dare think for one minute that you are that better man. I'm not going to let some filthy disgusting rat take Françoise away!" Joe said, angrily.0019 turned red from anger.
" Enough of this. I'm not going to let you insult me anymore. I'm going to end this once and for all," 0019 said, his eyes narrowed.
" Finally," 009 said and at once, clicked his back tooth. Everything slowed down but to 009's surprise, 0019 was the only thing that didn't slow down. He smirked.
" As I said before, you're not the only one with Acceleration Mode, 009," He said.
Before Joe could say a word, 0019 disappeared. Or so it seemed. Joe looked around his surrounding and saw nothing but a young girl sleeping on a rock.
Where'd he go? He thought. He couldn't have just disappeared!
009 was right. Before he could look up or do anything at all, large boulders fell from the sky out of nowhere and pilled up over his body, His body ached so bad now that he was sure he would never make it. Luckily, he had covered his head in time otherwise he would have been unconscious by now.
" Those boulders are too big and heavy for 009 to get out of. Even if he does have super strength, he will never make it out of all of those boulders," 0019 said, a smile of victory on his face. " I guess this proves who's the better man 009. Rest in peace."
It was clear that 0019 was celebrating victory too early when out of now where, the weak bloody boy, slowly, came out of the heavy boulders. His teeth were grit in pain and he grimaced as he stood up straight. 009 was surprised that his legs could even move nevertheless carry his heavy body.
" You can't get rid of me like that," He said. It took so much effort to say that sentence from all the pain he felt all over his body and the blood he was forced to swallow in his mouth.
" You had enough strength to come out of those boulders but you don't have enough strength now to bring me down. You're so foolish, 009. You were better off just staying there. You would have died eventually," 0019 said, rolling his eyes, annoyed. " You have to accept the fact that you'll never beat me. There is no strength left in you to fight. Just call it a quits and I'll understand."
" No, I'll n- never give u-up," Joe said, through grit teeth.
" What a fool," 0019 said, shaking his head. " As you wish. Just keep believing in yourself. You'll eventually HAVE to lose hope."
Joe whimpered as he stepped off the boulders and on to the rocky ground. 0019 smirked and shook his head. He clenched his fist and punched the air or an imaginary 009. 009 was left clueless until he felt the same pain you would feel if someone punched you on the jaw. Joe whimpered when he fell on top of the large pile of boulders and small, sharp pebbles.
Like he did all this time, he ignored the pain he felt throughout his beaten up body and stood up on his tired, aching feet. His red uniform was so torn up by the rocks and pebbles that Joe wasn't sure if there was a way to sow it back together. 0019 rolled his eyes, annoyed. He grunted angrily and swung his arm in the air. Joe knew what would happen next. An imaginary arm hit his stomach very hard and he was sent flying in the air and again, fell on the large pile of boulders. This time more rocks and pebbles fell over his body. Now his body wasn't willing to stand up anymore. 0019 was right. He should had just stayed under the pile of rocks and wait for death to fall upon his bruised body.
No! He thought. I can't give up now!
But his body paid no attention to him and remained in the position it was in. Joe wasn't in control anymore. His body was functioning by itself. As much as he fought to keep them open, his eyes closed in defeat. It was taking his mind a harder time to give up that easily. But his body paid no attention to his mind. Without warning, it began to rain. It surprised Joe on how similar this battle was to the one with 0010. The clean water that the dark clouds above produced soaked his body, stinging and cleaning it at the same time.
The water felt good and washed the blood and dirt he had all over his body but it stung the cuts he had got from the sharp rocks and pebbles. The pure water cleaned the sweat out of his hair and soaked his uniform. Joe heard two feet climbing the pile of boulders and stop when they were close enough. A boot rested on 009's broad chest. His chest hurt so badly now that he was practically gasping for air. Joe painfully opened his eyes and noticed that 0019 was staring at him with a smirk. He held a gun similar to the one all the 00 Cyborgs had only that the one he had seemed more advanced.
" Finally you give up 009. You don't know how long I've been waiting to bring the great 009 down. You were always the first person I wanted to kill, you know. Your friends will be easier to beat anyway. They're all weak but you were always the persistent one. And I can't allow Françoise to be close to you any longer. So, say good-bye 009. It has been a pleasure beating you," 0019 said, pointing the gun to 009's head. Joe was so weak, he didn't fight back. He just laid on the large boulder uncomfortably and waited for the trigger to be pulled.
It's over, Joe thought. He felt tears in his eyes. I let you down, Françoise.
" No Joe!" They heard a female voice say. Joe would always recognize that sweet angelic voice anywhere. He turned his head over, blood dripping off his forehead and on to the rocks, and he wasn't surprised that Françoise was talking in her sleep. " Don't leave me Joe! I need you!"
She whimpered and even through rain, Joe could still see the clear salty water flowing past her cheeks. Seeing her cry made him feel guilty. To hear her say that made him realize that he couldn't die and leave Françoise with 0019. His eyes narrowed.0019 was so angry he turned his attention from Joe to Françoise. It was obvious that he didn't like what Françoise said one bit.
This is my chance, Joe thought. Joe didn't know where he got the strength from to actually stand up straight. His back hurt like everything else in his body but he didn't care. All that mattered now was to beat 0019 and rescue the girl he loves from 0019's clutches.
I have to get the gun out of his hands first, Joe thought.
" It's not over yet, 009," Joe said.
" Huh?" 0019 said and was surprised to see Joe up.
" Give me the gun," Joe said and tried getting the gun out of 0019's hand but 0019 was reluctant to give it to him so easily. It seemed for a long time that they fought for the gun but then-
" Stop it! I won't let you take away the gun! You'll die before you get your hands on it," 0019 said.
Suddenly, the trigger was mysteriously pulled TWICE and the loud sound of two bullets escaping a gun was heard. And it clearly hit one of them. Joe's eyes went wide in pain.
It's all over now, Joe thought..
TO BE CONTINUED..
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AN:
Well, at least this battle didn't suck as much as the last one I wrote. I hope you guys enjoyed this LONG chapter ( It took me forever to write) and the cliffhanger I left! But darn, I think you know who died too. How unfortunate. I forgot that I left a clue inside another chapter. Oh well, review please!
--SDA 009
P.S This chapter was only Part One. There's a Part Two. But don't worry. The rest of the battle won't be too long. There's a fluffy treat after that too. That's for you, Katherine!
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REVIEW! NO FLAMES!
NEXT CHAPTER- THE FINAL BATTLE PART TWO- Who will die? Who will stay with Françoise? Who did the bullets hit? Is it 0019 or our hero, Joe? LAST CHAPTER
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