Somewhere in Alabama's forests...
"I'm sure as Hell glad, It's going to feel much better when The President gets he-"
Right before the Soldier could finish his sentence, a southern sounding voice came from right behind the Soldier.
"Oh Hell brother there ain't nothin ta worry bout anyways, what's got you so worried boy? There ain't a thang out here."
"Sergeant! I didn't think you were out here..."
"Boy just cause I'm older ain't mean I can't do nothin. You don't need to worry bout me Private. Seems like ya got enough ta worry bout, in yer own thoughts."
"It's nothing Sarge..."
The young Soldier just looked up to the trees. Thinking of what chaos people have been saying is going on throughout the world.
The Sergeant sat down, right next to the Private, on the stone wall that surrounded the Mansion like Safe House.
"I'm not so sure bout that boy... You look as low as a bow legged caterpillar. It smells like a crock oh shit you sayin it's nothin."
"Guess I can't lie to save my life."
The Sergeant chuckled at that remark.
"Well Boy where ya from, you certainly ain't look like ya from round here. Was born here in Alabama myself, but sure as shit I can tell you seem to from somewhere else, cause you ain't got no twang."
"Yeah you're right about that, I was born up in New York. My family came from Venice Italy. Though my parents moved here for better opportunities, land of the free and all."
"Hell, sounds like you ain't like it here. Though can't blame even America has her problems, can't deny that anymore than I can say I'm a hooker. Every place has it's shit somewhere boy ain't never not gonna be like that. But shoot, I sure as fuck wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world sides here. Merica has least problems outta everyone."
The private smiled, looking up at the sky, happy to have man like the Sergeant around.
"I guess you're right. Every place has something that goes wrong... Sarge I got a question, what's your name?"
"Ha been a while since anyone's asked me that question. Everyone here knows me, then again you're new here aintcha. Welp Private, my name is John, John Gally. Been serving for quite a while now, take it you must like The Country even with it's problems since you're here at the President's Safe House."
Mista looked up, seeing how dark and cloudy sky, wondering what to say to the Sarge, and how to articulate it
"Yeah.. You're right about me caring.. I definitely do like America, even with the problems that I've faced here.. Not many people like Italians here Sarge.."
John Gally closed his eyes, remembering well how quite a few treat foreigners terribly in America. John, grimaced, disgusted by it. Raindrops falling on his head.
"It's.. It's fuckin bad.. Makes my blood boil like a stew Boy.. With how many just can't put that shiet away.. Thinking they're better than everyone who ain't like em."
Both soldiers sighed. Not knowing what to make of situations like this. Both just confused as to how other's are like this.
Raindrops falling making noise all around, another noise broke through, metallic bumbling, and ground being kicked up. John Gally, and Mista both looked onwards to the forest ahead, seeing what was making all the racket. An automobile one of a newer type, like a metal wagon with a cockpit.
A larger man stepped out of the vehicle, the man wore a black suit with black dress pants, and a black bowler hat, he wasn't too tall either only standing about 165cm. The rotund man spoke with a gruff yet happy voice to the soldiers on the stone wall.
"Hello gentlemen, is Mr. Valentine here today? I've been trying to see him for the past week now, but he seems to have been busy, he has responded or returned the letters I sent to him."
This man was a Senator, and quite a liked one at that, he had quite a bit of sway in many different states. Senator Phillips has always been quite active in the communities he partakes in. Only makes sense, one community in particular caused the Sergeant Johny Gally to hop to his feet from the wall, John Gally was a big user of Cigars. Just so happened Senator Phillips was too.
"Well I'll be damned! Senator Phillips it's great ta meet ya! I'm Sergeant John, and this is Private Mista."
Senator Phillips gave both of the men a kind smile, and put his hadn out. The Sergeant was the first to shake his hand, faster than a bullet he took his hand and said it's a pleasure. Mista shook Senator Phillips hand afterwards, however not nearly as enthusiastic as Sergeant John.
"Always great to meet fine defenders of this country! The pleasure is all mine Sergeant, I'm glad that some still remember this washed up athlete."
John gally chuckled quite a bit at that. Remembering Phillips Baseball career.
"Well kinda hard ta forget tha fastest pitcher I ever done seen."
Mista decided to speak up to let The Senator know Valentine isn't here but he is on his way as they speak."
"Mr. Valentine isn't here right now, however he is on his way by train right now. It shouldn't be too much longer before he arrives."
The Senator looked quite relieved. Happy that he can finally get a chance to speak with President Valentine about the different things going on lately around America, and all these other weird stories in the papers.
"That's great! That's the best news I've heard this past week! Well how about we go inside Gentlemen, there's nothing out here to see. All of this rain is surely irritating to be in."
The Sergeant took this opportunity to say "Hell yes" since he did have some say over who can enter the House.
All three of the men walked to the entrance' however Mista was still looking at the forest, disturbed somewhat inside for some reason unbeknownst, the sky only getting darker, Mista had a sickening feeling that these stories just might be true.
Seven kilometers away from reaching the Safe House
Valentine was wandering through the train cars, looking to make sure everything was in correct order for everything being brought to the Safe House. Many different items were aboard the train cars.
Valentine was currently looking in a Train Car near the back of them all, it was almost completely dark, it had no lights due to the explosives being kept in this car as well.
'Hmm... Everything seems like it's in order, all the rifles, ammunition, and explosives are all in the same Car... D4C! Hmm, look around and see if anything is out of place, we can't risk any problems on this Train, it's currently going around sixty miles an hour, anything out of place might cause unforeseen consequences...'
Valentine wasn't risking anything, paranoia running deep in his blood due to his past month, only speaking in thoughts to himself and his stand. Valentine just felt something strange as he brushed his hand in a crate, something fully metallic, and very light too.
'What's this? Is this Hot Pant's stand? How did it manage it's way into this car? I had it with me the entire time, there's no way I wouldn't of noticed putting it down somewhere... Hmm... Perhaps Lucy kept some of the Corpse's power... She might of gotten this from my pockets then, if she does... Steven doesn't have a Stand to my knowledge, in other universes he has one sometimes... It's possible then...'
D4C Walked back over to Valentine from the other end of the Train Car, about fifteen feet away from him, Valentine was lost in thought currently. D4C shook Valentine's left shoulder lightly, getting his attention D4C handed it's user a mask with a rainbow painted onto it. Valentine's expression turned sour, remembering that Blackmore one of his beloved agents was dead, Valentine took the Mask and put it between his pant's leg and coat tail, The Mask simply disappeared, gone... Entirely...
'Good job D4C. It's best we keep Catch the Rainbow safe, we don't need anyone using this against us, it will come in handy as well too... Although I could of sworn it was with me as well... Hmm... It seems like D4C's ability must have taken affect, neighboring worlds must of overlapped... It was protecting me, if it did so without my command.'
Valentine, was fatigued by all these memories of his. Not knowing what to make of all these stories he has heard and read, as well as Cream Starter and Catch The Rainbow both being inside the train car he was currently in. Feelings of confusion and paranoia had already deeply set into Valentine because of all these factors.
'D4C, do not go back into dormancy, stay out for the foreseeable future, I feel as though I will need you at a moment's notice... Many strange things are going on... Nothing can be risked right now with all these circumstances, even if other's have abilities like me, I'm confident they will easily be taken down by me...'
Valentine walked out of the train car that had all of the items needed for the Safe House soldiers defense of the Bunker. He had proceeded to look through four other train cars, medicine, food and water, alcohol, blankets, pillows. Those were all found throughout the train cars, he went through. Everything seemed like it was in order. All strapped down, secured well to the floors of the train cars.
Valentine's shoes clacked against the wooden floors. Looking in every direction he can to find all things are in order, making sure all is well. Valentine's hands were both in each pants pocket, still on edge, but prepared to fight should the need arise.
There were lights in every train car, except for the one with explosives, so he had not needed D4C to look around for him, although the Stand was still looking around for anything out of the ordinary, to make sure nothing would cause any problems for it or it's User.
D4C Itself would look everywhere it could, though just around seven feet away from Valentine it had it's full power, should it need to fight or defend Valentine. It looked very calmly through all the crates it came across to make sure nothing was disturbed by it.
D4C could easily feel Valentine's cautiousness, knowing well what he was thinking due to the mental bond they both had, though not known to many some Stands' did have their own thoughts, this caused D4C to be weary of anything they came across.
'Everything is in order so far, there isn't any cars left to check. We should get back to Steven and Lucy. We don't need them wandering around or getting hurt. There are fourteen soldiers on the train however... Seven are defending the car that Steven and Lucy are in since I was in that car as well... The other seven I ordered should be up with the conductor, making sure no one tries to board us...'
Valentine was finally at the Steel's and his train car, looking quite plain on the outside, it seemed like most of the others. When opened however it was quite a well furnished area, with four booths and seats two on each side of the car, elegant lights on the walls, alongside a large metal tub with ice and many different things to drink in it, even a large woven basket with bread and cheese inside, fruits of all types as well.
It was overall very distinguished on the inside. A smart ploy, it looked like all the others so no one would expect there to be people inside, making for a easy way to attack anyone who would raid the train, as it would cause quite a surprise.
Opening the sheet metal door, Valentine walked through
Lucy and Steven both looked up from the table they were currently at, over towards the end of the coach where Valentine had just entered from.
Steven was worried, wondering what Valentine was doing in the train cars that could of possibly taken that long. He was currently thinking of anything Valentine might have planned back within the bowels of the train.
"Valentine what took you so long? There's no way that you were only checking the train cars... You've been gone for the past three hours..."
'I'm not sure what Valentine's planning, but I need to be careful, he could kill me and Lucy at any time.'
'Hmm... Steven is still suspicious of me, I can't blame him. It seems it's time to play my cards.'
Valentine walked down the coach's hard wooded floors, boots clacking every step he takes.
He stopped right next to the table that Steven and Lucy were at. Valentine's eyes looking down at both of them at the table, thinking of his next words carefully, he decided what to tell them both.
"Steven you should know, more so than anyone else that I'm a very cautious person. After all, we planned The Steel Ball Run Race together. I prefer to be prepared for anything that happens. After I became President two years ago many things have changed, many people have tried to kill me... Not all approve of how I go about keeping this Country safe. Everywhere I look, I can see a possibility of something going wrong. I take time in doing many things, in order to satisfy my need to know everything is fine. I'm sure you remember the problems you had while running the race?"
'I know he will take my bait, Steven always does.'
"Yes... I do remember all the... Problems I had, while trying to keep it, from turning into a disaster..."
"Then you've experienced why I took so long yourself. You know how much you need to do, in order to keep everything you've worked for to keep from falling apart. I can tell you're nervous, Lucy as well too. I already made a promise with her."
Lucy perked up at hearing this, remembering quite well the deal she made with Valentine, sealing both Gyro and Johnny's fates. She had promised to go along with Valentine's plan, to not stop him from winning his fight with Johnny and Gyro, in return... No harm would befall her or Steven, in any way by Valentine.
"I see you remember our deal, Lucy. Of course you do, I promised you that no harm would come to you or Steven by me in any way. I aim to keep that, look into my eyes and You'll see for yourself."
Lucy, and Steven, looked into the Oceans of a light crystal blue that were Valentine's eyes... They were... Calm, Valentine's eyes were calm, like a peaceful clear blue sky. They promised... Promised that Valentine will make good on their arrangement, a soothing assurance in them.
"I'm unwavering on that promise, Lucy. You and Steven have nothing to fear from me, at least so long as you do as I suggest. That of course being what we already discussed... Staying out of my affairs at least in a way that would hinder me in any way."
Valentine gave a glance to both of them, one that seemed to feel like it was asking them if they agree.
Valentine extended his hand to Steven in that instant.
"Do we have a deal, Steven? I can assure yours and Lucy's safety should you make this deal with me. I can tell you this... I can tell you it is no deal with the Devil. You have no small print to read, or something that will haunt you should you shake my hand... In the end it's yours and Lucy's choice, I'll even give a gesture of good will, to both of you."
Valentine pulled his right hand seemingly into his left pants pocket underneath his coat, with it coming back out from underneath his silver white coat, a revolver was pulled out and put onto the booth table, both Lucy and Steven sat at.
'This is something that they can't pass up, in their eyes, this is utmost proof of my intentions. At least from the situation they find themselves in.'
"If at any moment, you feel as though I am deceiving either one of you two, you can shoot... To KILL." 'Steven very well will take this chance, Lucy is likely to as well too. This might just shock both of them. That's what I'm hoping for at least.'
Valentine brought a chair from the other side of the coach down, and sat it right in front of the booth, and took a seat, his left leg over his right knee, both hands held together fingers interlocking with one another.
Valentine stared right at both Lucy and Steven, with a look of complete honesty. Ready to lay down his life should it be required to convince them.
"As I said, if at any second you feel like I am deceiving you in any way, whether it be lying, hiding something, only telling half truths... Anything of the sort, you may shoot to Kill me. It's in your hands, the fate of this country that is, It's up to both of you, my choice has been made. So? Let's continue this dialogue." Valentine finished his sentence with finality, an air of cold seemed to fill the coach as Valentine finished his piece.
Almost instantly both Steven, and Lucy reached for Valentine's revolver.
Steven, and Lucy both were shocked, and recoiled at each other's almost instant decision, to try and Kill Valentine.
This was the moment Valentine was waiting for, this specific moment. The pieces of his plan all falling into place perfectly.
"It seems as though neither one of you are as kind as you once were, are you?" Valentine looked intently at both of them. "I can see it in your eyes, you're aware of that correct? The intent to kill, I haven't said anything that would even suggest that I lied so far, have I?" Valentine put his left leg back on the floor and putting his right leg on his left knee. "Then again, I suppose I did say if you felt like I was lying, I should of been prepared for something like this."
Valentine's eyes were still, a calm ocean of blue, but there were waves in them... His eyes were starting to look like a storm was brewing, right beyond the horizon. One that promised to destroy everything in it.
"Go ahead, shoot me, see what outcome that brings. I've known both of you long enough to at least understand what type of people you are. I know, for a fact, that you don't think I've lied once yet." Valentine had a calm yet burning intent to have this play out.
Eyes were locked onto Valentine from both Lucy and Steven, both sweating profusely. Sweat dripping onto the table.
Steven's hand was trembling, even just the thought of going against Valentine, horrified him in every way, he knew Valentine wouldn't hesitate. Not, for one second.
'Go ahead Steven, make your choice.'
Valentine's thoughts were calm, but still filled with his desire.
At almost the same time, both Lucy and Steven tried to grab the Revolver, but right as their hands touched the Revolver, it disappeared from sight. As though it was never there at all.
"I didn't think you two would reach for it once again. It seems I was wrong..." Valentine stopped for a moment and looked at both of them with a questioning look. "Is something the matter? You look as though you just saw Death..." A smile reached across Valentine's lips, one that could make someone's very soul sink into a pit of despair. "It seems neither one of you have realized that the other has fallen so far from grace. That's quite amusing, both of you are no better than I am in your own eyes, you should realize this."
Lucy spoke up with a frightened voice. "No! You forced us to be like this!" Lucy had fear and anger pooling inside her eyes. "This is all your fault!" Lucy yelled out, as loud as she could muster, surprisingly loud for such a small girl.
'Well now... I wasn't expecting a reaction like that from Lucy, I suppose I should respond in kind.' Valentine was ready to take down the Queen of this heated situation. Taking the role of the Bishop.
"All I have ever done, was to keep this Country safe. I have done everything to keep this Nation protected. Prosperous. In every way I can, none of my actions have been clouded. Every thing I have done wrong, in your eyes was a response, a response to what others do towards this Nation. In the same words, that you used, Lucy Steel, this is your own fault. So you can live with your idea, that I am evil, but you will have to reconcile with yourself. If, you can live with being evil, as well. I fought for a greater, purpose, you fought for yourself, and the friends you had. I fought the greater battle, my actions were determined, to protect this country. Nothing you can do, or say will change that."
Before anyone could speak however, they all felt the train come to a halt. Metallic screeching, could be heard from from every direction. "It seems we have finally arrived, so... what wil-" Footsteps quickly approaching at a fast pace, like the sounds of Hooves stampeding. Finally within just a couple seconds, a Soldier came almost crashing through the coach door.
"Mr. President, Sir, we've made it to the Safe House, Sir!" Valentine looked over to the right with a smile on his face, one that betrayed his tone just a minute ago.
"At ease, Soldier, go tell the Conductor that we are on our way off the train. Tell the rest of your company that it's time to move the supplies to the Safe House." The Soldier gave a proud Salute with a brightened expression. Valentine stood from the booth he was in, giving a Salute of his own back to the soldier. Before the soldier could go though Valentine spoke up. "Soldier. Tell your company as well, that they are free to rest for the next week. Whatever is in the house, to eat or drink, are fair game to who gets to it first... Oh as well, the beds are on the second floor, get some rest you all earned it."
The soldier looked like he was just given his first paycheck, a look of starstruck shock on his face. "Well. What are you waiting for soldier, get a move on. The crates won't move themselves. Those beds are just sitting inside, you don't want to keep them waiting do you?" Valentine finished with a smirk on his lips, both hands in his Jacket pockets. "Yes! Of course Sir!" The soldier left with a slam of a door, and footsteps fast moving away from earshot.
'That should give me enough time to convince Steven, and Lucy to come with me. They don't need to perish, I only hope, they will see they only have to cooperate.'
"I urge you both to listen carefully to what I have to say next."
"I only have so much patience, and it is starting to lessen. Although… it isn't quite on the edge of breaking, it is coming to a point, that it is showing signs of stress…" Valentine took out a handkerchief from his pocket, looking at it, as though reminiscing on the past that has flown by. "I've already seen all I've needed to see, from both of you. I'm giving you this last chance to make the right decision. I have already said you have nothing to fear from me, and shown that as well too." Valentine looked over at Steven, only Steven. Valentine walked forward and stretched his arm out forward, his hand stretched outwards as well too. His piercing blue eyes, showing emotions indecipherable, staring right at Steven.
"It's your call, as I've already said many times before. Now it's your turn, make your move, Steel." 'This is your final chance, Steel, make it count.' Valentine's thoughts, already focused on his task at hand. Valentine threw the handkerchief from his left hand, onto the table, and afterwards, picking it up just as quickly. A brand new revolver, of the same style, as the one Valentine put on the table once before, came out from underneath it.
Valentine's eyes, now looked as though a raging flood, was about to sweep everything on the world, away, should they misstep, even once. Steven Steel, was nerve racked, and mortified, as though he was staring at the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. His eyes stuck on Valentine, and the revolver, that had just appeared on the table. Emotions swirling around inside, as though they were whiskey, inside a flask. "Y-you have a deal Mr. Valentine, I… Concede…" Valentine's outstretched hand was finally met with a similar gesture, Steel had shook Valentine's hand.
The fight against Joestar, and Zeppeli, had finally come to an end, now that their last remaining compatriots were dealt with. After Valentine, and Steel, finished shaking each others hand, a smile made it's way onto Valentines face. Not a large smile, a slight one at that, but none the less, a smile was across his face. Valentine looked over to Lucy, only a couple seconds, after he finished his deal with Steel.
"Lucy, it's your turn now, what will your decision be? Will it be War, or will it be peace? It's in the best interest of all involved, that you choose, the correct path. The one of who decided first, your husband, you would do well to heed the choice he made." Valentine looked at Lucy, with a smile, and his hand outstretched, waiting for her move, in this game of manipulation.
Lucy, herself looked as though there was no life in her eyes, as though she had been shot straight through her heart, and that the last of her life was crumbling away. Sullen, and depressed as though she did everything right but still found herself in Hell. In a soft voice that had a great sadness to it, Lucy finally gave her response. "I… Concede… as well too." That was all that she said.
"I'm glad you both made the right choice, you will soon see just how important this was." Valentine moved behind the booth that Lucy, and Steel were now standing in front of and picked up multiple fabric bags. Valentine handed off a particular bag that was leather and painted bright pink over to Lucy. "Surely you can carry your own purse, I would assume. I'm already carrying most of your other belongings right here, a woman's purse is her own world. On another side, we wouldn't want to have the soldiers hurt themselves, laughing over their President carrying a woman's purse, now would we?" 'It's always in one's best interest, to keep their guests happy. Even if the situation is quite uncomforting, in most ways.'
Valentine's remarks earned an honest laugh from both Lucy, and Steven, though as soon as they saw Valentine motion them to follow him out of the train, they did so at a moderately fast speed.
Valentine stepped out of the locomotive, onto the solid dirt ground, a look of nostalgia held in his eyes, at the sight of the Safe House.
'It has been a bit since I was last here, it seems construction has gone well. I should take a look around soon to see if everything is in order.' Valentine continued on his way to the Safe House, turning his head every so often to take the sights of the surrounding area in. Though he hasn't been here in only two months, many things can change even over a course of a couple days, so staying diligent is something engraved into his actions. 'Good, Steven and Lucy are still behind me. I can worry about checking everything around the Safe House once I get them settled. They nor the soldiers need to know what I am doing, it would only cause distress. I already have enough of my own thoughts to worry about for the time being, I don't need anyone else's right now.'
The three had already walked past the stone walls surrounding the Safe House, Valentine saw that there were some guards on the perimeter of the walls. Though there was no guard at the entrance post, Valentine was confused by this since there was always a guard at the entrance to keep it secure. 'Well I suppose I now have another thing to check on, of course I would.'
"We're picking up the pace now. I've kept you both outside long enough, time to get you settled. You've already enough trouble for quite some time, I'm going to make sure that changes." as Valentine finished his statement, he picked up his pace, walking quite a bit faster causing both Steven and Lucy to fall behind by around ten feet. Though they did pick up their pace, Valentine already made it to the door and opened it, pointing his head for a second motioning for them to get inside.
As soon as their were inside however Valentine, Lucy, and Steven were met with three others inside the large main hall room.
To Be Continued...
Author's Note
Hey everyone sorry for not updating, I've been trying to figure out how to write this and do it better as well. My grammar will probably be something you might notice as not being too great so I've been trying to improve it. The reason it took so long to update is because I wanted to make chapter from now on be 10,000 words but I decided against that just today and decided at least 5,000 words minimum per chapter should be decent. I'm already working on the next chapter currently.
Don't worry either there will be some fight scenes soon in the next chapter at minimum or next two chapters at maximum.
You'll notice as well some call backs to some characters from the previous reality of JoJo in the Steel Ball Run Universe as well.
Also if you are wondering (like one of the reviewers down below) this is very much a crossover, we just haven't gotten to seeing that part up close yet, apart from the stories in the newspaper.
I can also tell you this, D.4.C.'s true potential and extent of it's abilities are going to be explored, trust me it's much more terrifying, than it already seems throughout all of Steel Ball run.
Until next time my friends!
Responses.
Jajo Camello: Thank you my friend I am most definitely continuing this story. Also yes I have noticed that a decent few fans have problems with Overlord characters being portrayed as antagonists, reading the light novel, watched the show, and reading the manga, all of this will play a part into how they are portrayed, also thank you very much for the kind words and advice I appreciate it.
llaube: Indeed, good my dude.
Ar. Fan: I understand your concerns and those will be part of this, trust me when I say, I'm not making this cut and dry as to who is good and bad. I'm writing both sides as morally gray, with merits, and things that detract from them. I also did not make a mistake as having this be a crossover, I can tell you this as well I like Overlord quite a bit. I hope to keep writing it well based on what you have said.
Guest: Thank you for the kind words! I will do my best to keep up at this