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Chapter 11: The Hopeful Princess
4 Hours Earlier…..
The fiesta music blared loudly as John Valentine took another sip of tequila. He was sitting at the far corner of the bar, slumped of the counter knocking back shots like there was no tomorrow. It had been at least a week since the NECRO WEAPON incident, John hadn't been home or made contact with anyone ever since. He had come to sunny Costa Del Sol in hopes of drowning out his misery as of yet he had only made it grow. As he finished his third bottle, he promptly requested yet one more from the bar tender. John thought about the last thing he said to Izumi and wished to God things had gone different, but he couldn't change what had happened anymore than he could change what he was.
As John began work on his fourth bottle of tequila, a big tough looking biker guy came into the bar, surrounded by all his buddies. They were laughing and yelling shoving people every which way. John sighed as the leader of the crew sat next to him at the bar and confiscated his bottle.
"I hope ya don't mind buddy!" he stated gruffly as he laughed to his friends
John motioned to him to proceed with his drinking. As time progressed John found it harder and harder to relax as the crew of bikers continued to get rowdier. After a while John sat up and moved away from the counter to a small table in the back. The bikers looked at him and laughed.
"What…we scare you boy!" asked the biker
John ignored them as he asked the waitress for yet another bottle of tequila. As the waitress came around the counter with John's order the head biker grabbed her around the waist and pulled her toward him.
"Hey baby how bout a real man, unlike that shrimp over there. What'd ya think yer better than the rest of us? What's ur deal anyway, yer not from around here?" Stated the biker
John continued to ignore him. The biker in anger grabbed a nearby empty bottle of tequila and tossed it at John. It collided with the wall next to him sending shards of glass everywhere, John remained unmoved, unstirred. The biker threw his hands up in frustration as he as he ridiculed John's lack of action. The biker turned his attention back toward the pretty waitress as he continued to force himself on her. John ignored her pleas for help as the bartender tried to calm down the group. One of the bikers simply punched in the face forcing the bartender to back away. The waitress shrieked in terror as the biker began to practically molest her right there in the bar. One of the other patrons finally got tired of the scene and stood up in defense of the waitress, he was then thrown head first into the many bottles of liquor on the other side of the counter. The gang started to laugh in delight as the other patrons quickly ran out in fear of their safety. John had finally had enough and stood up from his seat much to the surprise of the bikers.
"Showing some back bone huh?" shouted one of them
"You spilled the booze!" stated John calmly
"Well I'm sorry here's a bottle on us!" shouted another thug as he through a bottle of beer straight at John's head
To the shock of everyone in the bar John merely stood his ground and caught the bottle with one swift motion of his arm. He held it in his hand for a moment before opening it up and guzzling down the contents. The head thug was fed up with John's antics and sent in to of his buddies who ran head on toward John. John side stepped the first one, then swiftly delivered a spinning back kick to the side of his head knocking him across the floor. The second thug came up behind John, who merely turned around smashing the beer bottle in the side of his face, John finished the goon off by kneeing him in the gut. The bikers stood in awe as John slowly made his way toward them, the leader then motioned to the rest of his buddies to attack him. As they ran at John one by one the fell faster than the blink of an eye as John delivered blow after crushing blow.
From out of no where the head thug smashed a bar stool against John's back bringing him to his knees. The thug then proceed to deliver a series of punishing kicks to John's gut as the rest of the thugs joined in on the beat down. John cried out in pain as the thugs continued their assault. Suddenly John roared out in anger as he tossed the thugs off himself nearly across the room. John stood up as his normally crimson red his signaled a new bloodlust that boiled within him. The thugs made it to there feet and stared at John in disbelief. The head thug laughed at him as he threw a punch at John, without even looking at him John caught the thug's fist and proceeded to snap his arm with a mere flick of his wrist. The thug cried out in pain as John grabbed him by the throat and glared at him with his cold demonic eyes, as The thug struggled to break John's grip he was flung several feet through the window of the bar landing head first of the ground outside. The remaining thugs ran in fear of this monster that stood remorseless in front of them. When they were gone John finally regained his senses, he looked on in horror at the what he had done. John stumbled his way over to the bar where he proceed to pick up the nearest bottle of alcohol and begin to drink away his problems once more.
"So this is what you've been doing….getting drunk and starting bar fights." Smirked Lucy as she walked into the now wreaked bar
"I didn't start this." Replied John solemnly
"No….no you didn't. But you sure as hell finished it." Remarked Lucy
"Congratulations you found me Lucy now what do you want?" asked John slightly annoyed
"What do you mean what do I want? I want my brother, you've been missing all this time! Your family's been worried about you John. You just can't disappear!" shouted a disgruntled Lucy
John just sighed and headed over to the bar where he grabbed himself another drink.
"Do you think drinking is gonna make everything go away?" asked Lucy
"No….no I don't..." replied John
"You know….Izumi's been doing nothing but crying ever since you left." Stated Lucy sadly
John dropped his drink, he stared off into the distance for a while before turning to look at his sister with a smirk.
"So…..why should I care?" asked John
"Don't play with me John I know about you two." Replied Lucy sternly
"She told eh." Chuckled John not daring to face his sister as he admitted it
"She didn't have to….the way you two played kiss face all over Wutai I'm surprised nobody else has noticed yet." Retorted Lucy
"So what do you want me to do about it?" asked John as he chuckle to himself
"You know what you have to do, come back to us… to your family….to Izumi." Pleaded Lucy
"And do what…start this shit again….I can't….I can't do this any more. Every time I push it away….every time I avoid the subject…it just…comes back worse than before. If I go back now nothing will have changed….I'll only end up…hurting everyone." Answered John reluctantly
"Listen to yourself John…look at what you've become."
"Where have you been Lucy….this is how I've always been. You were just to good natured to see me for what I really was. You made the same mistake as everyone else in my life…..You thought there was something good in me…I'm sorry."
John turned away from his sister headed back toward the bar to start drinking once more.
Lucy grunted in frustration as her phone started to ring. She was glad for the interruption at least something would take her mind off her stubborn brother. However the news she received on the other only sought to further complicate Lucy Valentine's life. It was Shelke, she had phoned Lucy to inform her on all the current developments of the investigation. However, the biggest piece of news to Lucy was that Alex was with Shelke and that they were on their way to an abandoned Mako reactor. Lucy sighed, it was time to deal with the second most stubborn man in her life.
"I'm going now John, but don't think that this is over!" declared Lucy
"What ever." Sighed John
Lucy slowly walked over to her brother and gave him a tender hug from behind, before heading off into the distance. John sat there for a while staring off into the distance, unmoving. Suddenly he reached into his pocket to pull out his wallet, he opened it up to reveal pictures of his family and friends. He pulled out two of the pictures, one was of Lucy, the other of Izumi. He placed the two pictures side by side on the counter in front of him and sighed, John started to drink again as he sat there, unmoving, staring at the photos.
An hour later Shelke, Alex, Red 13 and Cait Sith had reached the Northern Crater with the WRO investigation team. The began investigating the outer area, with little progress.
"This would have been easier if Reno had told us exactly where the thing was hidden." Stated Alex in frustration
"We'll he was kind of preoccupied…with dying and all." Retorted Red
"What's with you?" asked Alex puzzled
"The better question is what's wrong with you….all this time it's been nothing but attitude, attitude, attitude with you and I'm tired with it. So get your head out of the clouds and focus, we don't an emo-fueled aganst fest thank you!" growled Red
Alex glared at Red and walked off toward the opposite direction as Shelke moved in to consol Red.
"You could have been more tactful about it." Stated Shelke
"I know…it's just that kid has so much potential…it's a shame to watch him waste it all." Sighed Red
"Aye, but it's best we give him time ta figure things out for himself." Chimed in Cait
Alex walked over to the edge of the near by cliff and looked out over the northern crater, over 20 something years ago his father had fought a climactic battle against Sephiroth on this very spot. Alex wondered for a bit where his own journey would take him. Suddenly Alex started to feel funny, he couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he could sense something nearby. He could see it or smell it or hear it, but for some reason he knew something was near by. Alex started to follow this strange sense down the rocky cliff and down the beach. The WRO crew looked at Alex confused as he slowly made his way down the beach. Alex then noticed a small Alcove about 4 miles from the crater, wedged between it was a small metal structure that had seemed have gone unused for many, many years. As Alex approached a gunshot rang out in the distance, Alex barely had anytime to dodge it as a crimson red streak shot out of the distance and landed in front of Alex and pointed a gun straight in his face.
"Hey Lucy, how you doing." Chuckled Alex
"Fine Alex and what about you?" questioned Lucy with a look of murder in her eyes
"I've been better. You know I must say you are by far the most beautiful person to ever point a gun at my head." Sated Alex sarcastically
Lucy pulled back the hammer of her gun as Alex took a big gulp.
"What do have to say for yourself." Stated Lucy gruffly
"I'm sorry." Replied Alex sadly
"Sorry isn't good enough." Replied Lucy as she holstered her gun
Alex looked away from Lucy to focus on the structure before them.
"Now's not the time…..besides I think I found what we're looking for." Stated Alex
Lucy sighed then proceeded to round up the rest of the party. After taking a few minutes to scan the outside area and make sure everything was safe they cautiously preceded inside. The dark corridors were filled with cobwebs and dirt; the creak of the rusted metal under their feet signaled that no man had set foot here for many years. Shelke silently signaled to the WRO investigators to split up and search the area. Alex, Lucy, Red, Shelke and Cait proceeded down the main corridor until they reached a rather large set of steel doors. Shelke checked the computer panels, slowly they blinked to life as Shelke tried to open the door.
"So this place still has power." Whispered Red
"Yeah, but the question remains why are the lights on when nobody is supposed to be home." Stated Alex
"The facility is probably still using up its last bits of Mako reserves," stated Lucy
"That's not possible according to Shinra protocol when a reactor goes off line the valves are shut, mako flow is cut off and the reserves are pumped to be used else where." Replied Shelke as she finally opened the door
The group stood back in awe as they viewed a massive room, at the bottom flowed a massive river of glowing blue liquid in a gigantic tank across the room in another tank was another liquid-like substance that also seemed to glow. A catwalk extended from the door connecting it to the door on the other side, overlooking the massive tanks.
"Mako, what's going on here? That's enough ta power all of Edge for at least 5 days." Exclaimed Cait Sith
"That's not all look at the tank over there." Stated Lucy as she pointed to the tank in question
"It's the Lifestream!" exclaimed Shelke
"What do you mean the Lifestream? Isn't it underground inside the planet": asked a confused Alex
"Normally yes, but someone must have siphoned of part of the Lifestream and brought it here." Answered Shelke
"For what?" asked Red
"Only one way to find out" said Alex slowly starting to make his way across the catwalk.
Along the way he noticed a series of tubes leading from the tanks to the next room. What ever answers lied in this facility where behind the door to the next room.
Meanwhile a small group of the WRO investigation team had just entered one of the research rooms. As the searched the area one of the investigators noticed a computer terminal that was still on. Cautiously he accessed the terminal opened the most recently accessed files. His eyes widened as data on NECRO WEAPON, Mako, the Lifestream and various other Shinra projects popped onto the screen. Suddenly the investigator heard a sound. As he spun around to see what it was he noticed, all the members of his team that were in the room….were gone. He readied his gun shakily as he paced the room slowly. He couldn't see anything in the dark room and the light from terminal provided minimal help. The investigator breathed heavily as he heard yet another sound, almost like the sound of foot steps. He proceeded slowly toward the door feeling out the wall along the way as he kept his gun ready. Suddenly, the investigator was pulled into the shadows screaming in fear. When his cries of agony were silenced a shadowed figure carefully made his way over to the terminal and shut it off. He then pulled a phone out of his pocket and dialed a number.
"Area secure." He stated gruffly, he took one last look at the room before exiting and heading down the hallway
After Alex had safely made it across the catwalk the rest of the team joined him. Shelke once again began to press buttons on the keypad until she opened the door. They carefully stepped into the room to find it pitch black, suddenly the lights switched on to reveal a massive lavatory. There were tanks and tubes set up everywhere, toward the back was a massive vat of an unknown liquid with some sort of empty pod suspended over it. Shelke ran over to one of the nearby terminals when suddenly she was stopped by a gunshot. Through a door on the other side of the room stepped Rufus Shinra accompanied by his new Turks. Alex growled as he pulled out his sword Lucy drew her gun and Red prepared himself for a battle. Rufus merely stood there smiling as three of his five Turks surrounded him.
"I should have known. What are you up to Rufus." Shouted Alex
"Mind your temper Strife. I'm impressed that you managed to find this place. Over 23 years of planning went into getting to this point…and I'm so close to finally realizing my vision. 23 years….that's about how old you are isn't it Strife. It's funny how I've been planning this very moment for that long, every action, every step, everything I've done up until now way ALL…..part of my plan." Replied Rufus arrogantly
"I'm not going to ask again, TELL ME WHAT ARE YOU DOING RUFUS! WHAT IS THIS SO CALLED PALN!" shouted Alex angrily
"Watch your temper boy…..Now if you remember I told you that I was dying from a rare type of cancer, well the that's true, however what I didn't mention to you is that I have known for quite awhile, in fact it's partially self inflicted." Replied Rufus calmly
"What do you mean?" asked Lucy as she pointed her gun straight as Rufus
"Part of the research and development of all this led to a few….mishaps, but in the end it was all worth it. And now here I stand on the threshold of becoming…….A God." Answered Rufus
"You're a MADMAN!" growled Red
"Perhaps, you see after my unfortunate bout with geostigma and the Deepground incident I uncovered some old Shinra files and delved into the research…that's how I learned about NECRO WEAPON the first key to my plan." Stated Rufus
"So it was you who activated the fail safe in the under water lab…..but how?" asked Alex
"Through a back up remote device, handed to me on the day I became president of Shinra." Replied Rufus
"But why did you awaken him. What part did NECRO WEAPON play in your plan?" asked Shelke
"You see I needed samples of the WEAPON's physiology, but I also needed to make sure it still worked…so I waited for the right moment then turned him on, once you guys were done, I just picked up the piece." Replied Rufus
"Nice story, but get to the point Rufus!" commanded Alex
"Very well then My plan is to use massive amounts of Mako energy, the remains of NECRO weapon, research from SOILDER, DEEPGROUND, and Shinra in order to create myself….a body." Answered Rufus
"What kind of a body?" asked Cait confused
"One that can rival the power of the great Sephiroth, and placed inside of that body will be my glorious mind. I will have become a GOD. I've already begun preliminary tests….in fact my new Turks were all created from my past experimentations. I would believe that their strength would even rival your own." Stated Rufus
"Your such a fool Rufus, like could control that much power. You think to highly of yourself." Retorted Alex
"On the contrary I know I can control it because I have these Jenova cells aquired from Dr.Lucrecia Crescent herself, and this protomateria, the final two pieces of my plan." Replied Rufus
"Where did you get that Protomateria, there's only one know in exsistance and it belongs to my father!" shouted Lucy
"True, this protomateria is synthetic, It was created in the Mako spring under mount Nibel, I used the info I learned from deepground to learn how to make it. It took me this long to get it right." Answered Rufus
"So you think you can just get a away with this?" asked Alex
"I have been for the last 20 years; I've been getting away with this!" Shouted Rufus
"Not if we stop you!" exclaimed Alex as the group rushed the Turks
The Turks pulled out their boom sticks and spun them around quickly sending a wall of sonic energy straight at the team. Alex barely had enough time to block the bulk of the attack before being knocked down. Alex made it to his feet as the Turks watched his movements carefully. Lucy and the others checked to make sure that he was ok and started to back away toward the exit door.
"Lucy take the others and go get help!" exclaimed Alex
"I'm not leaving you alone!" replied Lucy
"Please Lucy, I don't know how long I can delay them, but we need re-enforcements to stop Rufus." Answered Alex
"I'm still not leaving you!" exclaimed Lucy
"Lucy please…go I need you to. You said you wanted to help me….. then help me GO!" shouted Alex as he quickly opened the door and ushered out his friends
"Stop them!" shouted Rufus
The Turks rushed toward the group, but Alex swung his Tsurugi creating a wave of energy, forcing the Turks to leap back avoiding the attack.
"GO!" shouted Alex
As Lucy ran out the door she turned back to face Alex. Their eyes met briefly as the door started to close
"Lucy…I…."
"Alex….I…."
Both of them were cut off as the door slammed shut sealing Alex inside. Lucy and the others ran past the catwalk into the main corridor. When they reached it they were shocked to find the dead bodies of the WRO investigators.
"Quickly we have to get to the Trucks!" Shouted Shelke desperately
Lucy pulled out her phone, but to her dismay the signal was dead. They quickly rushed out of the facility and made their way to the WRO vehicles. Shelke checked the radio and quickly tried to radio Jr. Suddenly the signal went dead and Shelke noticed a ticking sound emitting from the Truck. She gasped as ran away from it alerting her friends to the danger. The Trucks exploded one by one as they barely made it to safety.
Lucy breathed heavily as she tried to regain her composure. Suddenly a large explosion came from the facility a pillar of smoke arose from a hole in the wall and out walked two of the Turks.
Lucy pulled out her gun and fired a few shots at them, but they were too fast. The Turks spun around their boom sticks launching a series of sound attacks at them. Shelke, Lucy and Red dodged the first attack but Red was knocked down by the second and Shelke by the third. In the blink of an eye of the Turks rushed up to the group and delivered a series of kicks to Shelke, Red, and Lucy. Lucy felt like she had been hit by a Truck. She looked around to find Shelke and Red unconscious, Lucy pointed her gun at her attackers.
"Stay back or your dead." She stated
They briefly glanced at each other people rushing toward Lucy, however they were stopped when from out of nowhere a series of throwing stars shout through the air barley missing the Turks. Lucy looked up at her would be savior to she the smirking face of her brother, Katana in hand ready for battle.
"You guys wanna party…then let's dance!" Shouted John as he leaped into the air Katana raised high, ready for a fight.
To be continued...
Next Chapter: Unleashed