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Description

FFVII
The Enemy's Plan

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Emotive themes
Setting: 3 years after DoC
Rating: M
Status: WIP
OCs: 25%
Disclaimer: All related Final Fantasy VII names and characters are copyrighted © by Square Enix. However, this story and the OCs are ALL mine. Thank you.

THE ENEMY'S PLAN

After speaking with Yuffie, Reeve called Massam, who was in charge of the Edge base while Reeve was away, to find out what happened. The damage was extensive to a couple of levels, and they were trying to make the building secure. They also had to evacuate the medical lab. Reeve left instructions, including Yuffie calling him straight away when she was up, and they were to lock all the exits out of the building. No-one was to leave. He hung up with a despondent sigh. The attack at Edge might be a coincidence, or timed perfectly.

One of the operatives, head-set on, cried out with alarm, “Armed troops sighted. Highgate Square. We are engaging.”

Reeve took a breath. Cloud was right after all. He almost felt relieved. “South. The older district.”

She continued, “Division B3 say they have opened fire.”

Across the room, a man said, “Communication tower on Barkell Street, east, has been hit,” he paused, “I’m informing the nearest division.”

“Buildings along upper east are on fire. Division C4 is engaging the enemy at the south east tower.”

The phones started ringing.

“It’s time to sound an alarm across the city.” Reeve stood and examined the map of the city. “It would seem they are coming from this direction.” He pointed to an area east of the town.

Jennel trailed her finger along the mountains. “There might be old mines here?”

“That must be where they are coming from.” Pin-pointing their direction gave Reeve some hope at least. “We’ll focus on this section of the city.” His phone rang, and he turned away to answer it.

“Sir, we have a problem.”

“Yes, Hansen, we have so many problems. What is it?”

Her voice was unusually tense. “There was an explosion in the lower floors, and one of the delegates is gone, and his two assistants.”

“What?! A bomb? What a time for it. Did you call down to Security?” Were they being assaulted within? It was becoming a sinister turn of events.

“I tried. Couldn’t get through.”

“That’s not good. I’ll call them.” Reeve calmed his sudden racing heart at the situation. “Have you checked the floor for the delegate?”

“We checked. Not here.”

“They left? Where would they go?” His irritation mounted over the men’s threatening actions.

“They have limited access to other floors.”

Reeve sighed. It was the last thing he wanted to deal with. Wayward Delegates wandering around. “Hold on.” He picked up another phone and called Security on a private line. “Reeve here. What’s happening?”

“Director, we are having trouble getting connections. There’s been an explosion ground level in the elevator. We’ve sent security down there.”

“Good. I need you to check the monitor on the elevators on the Class A Accommodation level. Who got in and where did they go. Now.”

“Right.” The man on the line took some moments. “That explains things.”

“What is it?” Reeve’s impatience was at breaking point.

“They shot the camera out. No picture. They must have blown the lift up.”

Reeve’s mood suddenly turned dark with foreboding. “Where did they go?” Surely the floor number would be listed digitally.

“We’ll find out. But the explosion came from the ground floor. That doesn’t mean they got off there, but there’s a good chance.”

“Damnit!” Reeve punched the desk. “Check every surveillance footage on every elevator exit. Find them.” He picked up the phone to Hansen. “Consider those three armed and hostile. Which levels can they access?”

“Accommodation levels. Ground, Medical, second level. Most levels on this wing.” Hansen took a breath and attempted to reassure him. “They don’t have access to the bridge that joins the wings, or to any sub levels.”

He hoped. Previously he thought it wise to separate the Operations wing from the Civilian building, after their first conflict with Deepground, but had he inadvertently endangered all the civilian staff? “But they are in the Civilian wing, loose, somewhere, and doing only Gaia knows what. Maybe finding a way across here.”

“You think they’ll take hostages?”

“If they are from Deepground, I wouldn’t put it past them.” It seemed the enemy’s plan really was well devised. “But they didn’t attack the other delegates or the guards there, which makes me think they had some prior plan and did not wish anyone to be aware of their absence. They should and would have been scanned for weapons.”

“But they got something through?” Hansen paused, “Maybe they have other people who have infiltrated the building?”

“Gaia don’t tell me that.” He moaned with vexation. “Who is the delegate?”

With a sudden spiteful tone, she replied, “Sudranma from Banora and his henchmen.”

“Banora, I see,” he muttered.

“You know, he looked suspicious to me. Something in his eyes wasn’t right. And that huge bodyguard, it’s unnatural.”

“Well, it’s too late for that,” he snapped, he hadn’t considered the men at all, he could barely recall the councilor. Now he wished he was more thorough in his meetings. A great boom came through the phone. “What was that?”

Hansen replied, her voice tight with apprehension, “Another explosion. It’s bigger, shook this floor and cut the power. The lights are out.”

“Are they blasting their way into something?” He growled “We have to find them before they destroy the building and do grievous harm.”

~~ 7 ~~

Darkened life-stream twisted and snaked upwards from a hole in the polished rock. The opaque tendrils drifted up to the high rock ceiling and through an opening into the daylight. The cavern was large and other black streams spurted up from the earth, but none as potent as the one from the center chasm.

Weiss stepped up to the fount and raised his hands in worship. The streams were an outpouring of the Goddess’ immense power, growing stronger over the planet. She had become his reason and purpose for existing.

He hadn’t always worshipped her. Previously he resisted her voice and denied her, even hated her. It was his beloved brother, Nero, who gave him the ability to resist Jenova for so long. His brother embodied the tremendous power of Chaos. A power Weiss sought for himself, to enable him to overcome the voice of the Goddess, and to master it.

But since Genesis revealed to him the omnipotent force of Jenova, and how to use it, he understood the true path. He now had the means of controlling the Planet. There was only one way forward, purging souls and everything that lived on the earth, to herald in the dominion of Jenova across the Planet. Then he could take whatever he desired, even the protomateria.

It hadn’t taken long to build his new empire. Jenova brought human resources and provisions, including the intelligence to equip the new kingdom, for all their needs from around the planet. He was the Emperor, the Immaculate, all of them did what he commanded, even those who once imprisoned him. The ones called the Restrictors. Now they served him as his slaves. It was the will of the Goddess, Jenova.

Throwing back the hood of his white robe, he walked into the life-stream. The toxic current washed over his hands and ran down his arms in a cascade of energy. Her intense force consumed him with its need for a vessel. But as always, the other voice spoke over his own thoughts.

Brother, you are too complacent.

Weiss creased his brow at the intrusion into his mind. “Everything is going according to plan.”

He seeks to rule and overthrow you.

His lip curled in an angry scowl. “He would be nothing without me.”

Do not trust him brother.

The sublime voice was noxious to his senses. The blackness twirled around him, and unlike the life-stream, it caused him to burn with turbulent hatred.

He makes plans against us.

“I will not be cast down,” his teeth clenched, he seethed with jealous wrath, “Not now.”

You can rule without him. I will aid you.

He ignored the voice and said into the life-stream, “Goddess, Mother, am I not your beloved servant?”

Another voice spoke through the stream. “Who is it who possesses the black materia? Who will summon my form? Who will birth my dominion? Such a one will rule.”

The black materia has the power. His brother’s voice taunted him with the underlying truth. We know where it is.

In revelation, Weiss clutched his chest in sudden anxious pain. “Genesis?”

“My birth approaches with the activation of the black materia,” the voice said, “All will be mine.”

Weiss rumbled with rage. But, he had the White materia —

“No,” the voice sparked with malice, “it is gone from my possession. They have taken it.”

Weiss let loose a furious shout.

You see, you have not been alert.

A figure in a black coat with high collar and face masked by a black and blue helm, stood silently waiting in the shadows.

Weiss turned to see the figure, “I hope you bring me good news on our progress?”

The former Restrictor walked forward and knelt before him. “Sire, we have launched our attack on the people’s largest base.”

“Are they destroyed?”

“The battle continues.”

It was taking too long. His tone boiled with fury, “There is something you are not telling me. What of the other ambush from the Cetra city?”

“Communication from the city is dead. Currently their activity is unknown.”

Weiss growled with disdain. Attacking the people of the planet was an aggravating waste of resources, and time wasting. He wanted to move forward into the Goddess’ reign over the earth. His forces would eventually overwhelm, especially under the cover of stealth and darkness. He looked out at the speck of blue sky. It was already day, and were they still fighting? “How did this happen?” Everything should be his. Now. But he sensed it in his spirit, the planet continued to struggle and fight against the Goddess. He tightened his fist, and energy surged through his limbs, and flared in his hands.

The servant said, “We will overthrow them.”

Weiss let the bolts off through his hands. The energy exploded on the rock behind his servant, and spread across the cavern. He would not let his enemy win. Not again. If they had the white materia they would try to use it against the Goddess.

You must not let them use the white materia.

“Make ready to leave,” he said to his servant. “There is something I need to retrieve. No, make that two things.”

“And the Cetras?”

“Their time has come to an end. I’ll deal with the last of them.”

~~ 7 ~~

After a helicopter ride and a boat trip, Vincent, Reno and Rude, finally arrived on the outskirts of Banora. Banora was on the same continent as Mideel which Vincent had visited before and after the catastrophe that occurred there. Mideel was rebuilt and continued to expand, but on a new site a couple of miles from the old location. It was far to the east beyond the mountain range. But Banora, he had never been to, nor did he ever consider it a place worthy of visiting. As far as he knew, it was simply another fledgling town, trying to establish itself in the new era.

According to Reno, Banora was also not on its original site. Reno failed to elaborate why that was. Vincent suspected it had something to do with Shinra’s “Classified” information. Vincent wasn’t concerned with the town, all he wanted was to investigate the company, Alpha-Life. A name that had been in the back of his mind for some time, but he had not pursued further. That was no longer the case. He was here to find out exactly what they were doing. He hoped he wasn’t too late.

Reno and Rude chatted together ahead of him as they walked through fields along the hilly range. Travelling with Turks was not ideal, but at least they got him to the island. Perhaps they would prove more useful than he gave them credit for. But that was yet to be seen.

The day was getting on and still no sight of the town. Although it was a wise move landing at a distance.

Reno asked with irritation, “How far is it?”

Rude unfolded the map and flicked it straight. “Should be around here, near those hills…”

Vincent came alongside him and took the map. A small circle with new Banora written by it, was around a space, but nothing definite. Another black mark represented old Banora. “Who wrote these?”

“Tseng,” Rude replied.

Reno added, “He should know.”

Vincent grunted. “Is there no official map?”

“Nope.” Reno raised his brow. “See why we’re suspicious.”

“Rufus is interested because the town’s not on the map?” He admitted it was odd, but many towns were being erected across the planet.

“Not just that.” Reno kept walking. “It’s the energy they’re selling, and nobody comes out of Banora.”

Rude stopped to emphasize his point. “Nobody.”

Vincent frowned at their backs, his thoughts processing this significant information with what he had learned about missing people. But was that even possible? “How do they transport their energy supplies?”

“By ship, rail, however,” Reno shrugged, “Their workers aren’t normal Joe Bloes, they’re armed and they don’t talk. For anything, or anyone.”

“Very cagey,” Rude affirmed.

“Right. They aren’t helpful at all.”

Vincent had the impression the two had tried and were unsuccessful. Yes, it was probably a good thing they were walking into town.

Reno continued, “They hype the place up – ‘Banora’s the new paradise blah, blah… ‘ and every sucker ships themselves and their families out here, and once they’re here… that’s it. Goodbye life.”

They walked further and eventually distant buildings came into view. Under the line of trees, Reno said, “Let’s stop here. I’m going to call my contact and get some intel.” He pressed a number on his phone. After some moments waiting, he said, “Hey, pal—“ — “—it’s me. You know, Reno,” he sounded annoyed, “I know, I know, man, I’m working on that. You’re got to play it cool. Don’t do anything to get yourself offed. So, how’s it going?” A look of shock came over his face. “Really?!” Some moments passed, “Sound’s like a freekin’ mess.” — “You what?! They make you! What a bummer, man.” — “Where is it?” The conversation continued with the one on the other end doing a lot more talking. Finally Reno hung up, his face somber.

“Your man want’s out?” Rude gave him a knowing nod.

“Yeah,” Reno said, “Don’t blame him. This place must suck.”

“Where is Alpha-Life?” Vincent’s patience was waning over the delay.

Reno put his hand up to him. “Getting to that. Alpha-Life is outside the town. Map.” He took the map from Rude and examined it. “Probably through here. Behind these hills.”
Vincent nodded and started off.

Reno said, “Hold on, don’t you want the run-down of this joint? You can’t just shoot your way through.”

Vincent paused and stared him down. “What do you propose?”

“It’s a huge compound, that’s guarded. Most of the workers live there.” Reno creased his brow in consideration. “He thinks. Those who go to work there aren’t seen again.”

“Mmm,” Vincent frowned with disgust. “And no-one leaves the town.” Banora was sounding more deadly by the minute.

“Yeah…” Reno looked around him, spying out the surroundings. “We had another operative here, and they were on their way back.”

“We never heard from them again,” Rude said, “They disappeared.”

“But that’s classified,” Reno added with a warning glance at Rude.

Vincent put his hand on his pistol and his eyes simmered with sudden anger. “It’s time to find this Alpha-Life.”

“I’m with you on that,” Reno said.

Rude, his sunglasses still on, looked up at the fading sun. “It will be dark soon.”

“Good.” Vincent started walking towards the hills with an aim of getting higher up.

“Hey!” Reno called and ran to catch him up.

“I need to see the surroundings,” Vincent said without looking back. He eventually found a trail up the mountain. As he climbed higher, the potency of the life-stream grew more distinct. Soon, he was able to see the expanse of the town. It was larger than he expected and with his excellent vision, he noted the dwellings were poorly built and some sections were in bad repair. A great square building, with three levels stood out amongst all the other structures.

Reno pointed at it. “Must be the temple.”

Vincent gave him a puzzled glance.

“Worship of Gaia is big here,” Reno said, “They are required to worship the ‘Goddess'. It’s the law.”

“Have to?” Vincent said, “If they don’t?”

“There’s trouble,” Reno shrugged, “But my man doesn’t want to find out.”

Vincent shook his head, getting a clearer vision of what may be going on. “Let me guess. They disappear.”

“You’re catching on quick.” Reno nodded with a smug grin.

“I’m surprised anyone is left in this town,” Rude said.

That might be a matter of time, Vincent speculated to himself. He walked from the edge to see the other side of the hills, and along to get a better view. The compound spread out below the mountain. Bound with walls and high fencing, the perimeter was a massive stretch in the valley. Within it were numerous warehouses and buildings, along with service trucks and armed vehicles. There appeared to be one gateway with heavy guns alongside and on the walls at intervals. Armed men were at places on the wall and many more walked in patrols within the facility.

“Holy Ifrit!” Reno cried, “It’s a friggin’ army base.”

“I don’t think we brought the right equipment.” Rude felt around inside his jacket.

“Yeah, we need a mega boss-arse-canon.” Reno sighed.

The sight of Alpha-Life’s set-up was shocking, but not a surprise to Vincent. This was bigger and more significant than he planned for. He had to get inside more than ever.

Reno said, “Maybe we can circle around the back…” He and Rude started discussing ways of getting in.

Vincent ignored their conversation, and turned his attention across the land. He spied a rusted heap of metal in the far distance. Perhaps an old reactor? The old Banora? Darkness swelled up from it, darker than the coming night. Finally he said, “I’ll meet you inside.”

“Hey? Where?” Reno grumbled, “This place is huge.”

Vincent quickly scanned for a possible reactor. “Under that.” He indicated two imposing metal domes, humming with light and power.

“Under?”

“It’s a hunch,” Vincent replied, “Can you get in?”

“Yeah, easy.” Reno winked at Rude.

Rude smiled. “Easy.”

Vincent hoped that was correct, he didn’t want to have to rescue them.

“If we can’t find you, I’ll call.” Reno flashed him his phone.

Vincent frowned at the thought of the Turk calling him. How did he get his number anyway? He stepped off the cliff and away, leaving them to it.

Reno dashed to the edge and looked down. Nothing but blackness. “Shit! Did he just fall off the cliff?"

Rude stood near the edge looking down. “He jumped.”

“Godamnit, that guy!” Reno muttered, “He’s one strange sonofabitch.”

“Maybe he flew,” Rude glanced around the air.

“Wouldn’t surprise me.” Reno took a long breath. “Alright, let’s get down there.”

~~ 7 ~~

Vincent moved fast through the night. His intentions set on the position of the destroyed reactor. He had already wasted too much time, he could not bear delaying any longer.

The closer he got, the stronger the taint of Jenova became. He arrived at a great tear in the ground with rusted, twisted metal rising up from the collapsed earth. The rocky hole lead down into the planet. He paused and observed polluted tendrils of life-stream snake upwards. Jenova had infected this place and it was dead to life.

He leaped down onto the ruins of the metal structure and into the murky darkness below. The palpable manifestation of evil became more potent as he descended. He landed light on the ground deep under the earth. His gun at the ready, he assessed the cavern, dense with the unseen life-stream. If it weren’t for his enhanced vision, he would be in darkness, but spying an opening in the rocks, he started in the direction that would take him to Alpha-Life.

Moans and guttural sounds echoed through the tunnels. Prepared for any type of confrontation, he held his weapon at his shoulder. He entered a wider cavern. Black ooze poured up from the earth. The glutinous mass formed pools that he avoided. Boulders and the rock wall dripped with the heinous pollution. He examined it quickly, but moved on without touching it.

Nausea hit him, like a punch to his gut, and it took him moments to regain control over his body. But his chest ached at the oppressive weight of Jenova pressing down on his humanity. He could not turn back now, no matter the injury. Ignoring the burden, he went forward, following a semblance of a track. The earth continued excreting the poisonous substance as he navigated the tunnels. Rage crept into his thoughts, like a burning pain. He resisted the urge to let the dark despair overtake his reason. He knew its methods, and he had taken steps to learn to control it. And normally he could, but this taint was a mire of dread, seeping into his peace of mind.

Chaos rumbled within him, seeking an outlet to erupt. Alongside it, the protomateria hummed into life, making him aware of its supremacy over the bedlam. Without it, he would be lost to the turmoil, but even so, in this dead forsaken place, the balance was a fine line. All his emotions wanted to explode out of him, in a chaotic rush of agony.

No – remain calm. Focus. Locating the base of his enemy was more crucial. Eventually he brought equilibrium to his soul, although the darkness was there, as if waiting for any opportunity. He had to be alert, not only to his surroundings, but to his own soul.

No creatures assailed him, even though he sensed their presence prowling in the deeper shadows, watching. They were afraid. Possibly of him, but more likely it was the ominous entity awakening within that kept them at a distance. What monsters existed in this infected hole, he could only guess, and he would rather not see. Perhaps the manifestation within him would serve a purpose, for he did not wish to waste time by fighting troublesome beasts.

Soon Vincent came to a space and he spied a single iron door across from him. The earth shook under his feet and rocks fell from the ceiling, and thumped to the ground, sending black ooze flying. He stumbled forward for a moment and caught himself. A loud crack came from over the door, and out from the massive split, a giant torso with a snake-like head appeared. The demon creature had pointed teeth snatching for prey and its clawed hands were searching for him.

Vincent gave a groan of consternation at the unexpected spectacle. That he should meet one of these here, probably shouldn’t be a shock. The creature’s hide was black, and pus and sores were on its neck and arms. Diseased, like everything else in the tunnels.

Once more the earth quaked and Vincent fired at the horror, while diving for cover from the falling rocks. He would have to fight it, it would not be afraid of Chaos, it was too ignorant. But more paramount, it was guarding the way into Alpha-Life. He was sure of it.

Description

FFVII
The Enemy's Plan

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Emotive themes
Setting: 3 years after DoC
Rating: M
Status: WIP
OCs: 25%
Disclaimer: All related Final Fantasy VII names and characters are copyrighted © by Square Enix. However, this story and the OCs are ALL mine. Thank you.

THE ENEMY'S PLAN

After speaking with Yuffie, Reeve called Massam, who was in charge of the Edge base while Reeve was away, to find out what happened. The damage was extensive to a couple of levels, and they were trying to make the building secure. They also had to evacuate the medical lab. Reeve left instructions, including Yuffie calling him straight away when she was up, and they were to lock all the exits out of the building. No-one was to leave. He hung up with a despondent sigh. The attack at Edge might be a coincidence, or timed perfectly.

One of the operatives, head-set on, cried out with alarm, “Armed troops sighted. Highgate Square. We are engaging.”

Reeve took a breath. Cloud was right after all. He almost felt relieved. “South. The older district.”

She continued, “Division B3 say they have opened fire.”

Across the room, a man said, “Communication tower on Barkell Street, east, has been hit,” he paused, “I’m informing the nearest division.”

“Buildings along upper east are on fire. Division C4 is engaging the enemy at the south east tower.”

The phones started ringing.

“It’s time to sound an alarm across the city.” Reeve stood and examined the map of the city. “It would seem they are coming from this direction.” He pointed to an area east of the town.

Jennel trailed her finger along the mountains. “There might be old mines here?”

“That must be where they are coming from.” Pin-pointing their direction gave Reeve some hope at least. “We’ll focus on this section of the city.” His phone rang, and he turned away to answer it.

“Sir, we have a problem.”

“Yes, Hansen, we have so many problems. What is it?”

Her voice was unusually tense. “There was an explosion in the lower floors, and one of the delegates is gone, and his two assistants.”

“What?! A bomb? What a time for it. Did you call down to Security?” Were they being assaulted within? It was becoming a sinister turn of events.

“I tried. Couldn’t get through.”

“That’s not good. I’ll call them.” Reeve calmed his sudden racing heart at the situation. “Have you checked the floor for the delegate?”

“We checked. Not here.”

“They left? Where would they go?” His irritation mounted over the men’s threatening actions.

“They have limited access to other floors.”

Reeve sighed. It was the last thing he wanted to deal with. Wayward Delegates wandering around. “Hold on.” He picked up another phone and called Security on a private line. “Reeve here. What’s happening?”

“Director, we are having trouble getting connections. There’s been an explosion ground level in the elevator. We’ve sent security down there.”

“Good. I need you to check the monitor on the elevators on the Class A Accommodation level. Who got in and where did they go. Now.”

“Right.” The man on the line took some moments. “That explains things.”

“What is it?” Reeve’s impatience was at breaking point.

“They shot the camera out. No picture. They must have blown the lift up.”

Reeve’s mood suddenly turned dark with foreboding. “Where did they go?” Surely the floor number would be listed digitally.

“We’ll find out. But the explosion came from the ground floor. That doesn’t mean they got off there, but there’s a good chance.”

“Damnit!” Reeve punched the desk. “Check every surveillance footage on every elevator exit. Find them.” He picked up the phone to Hansen. “Consider those three armed and hostile. Which levels can they access?”

“Accommodation levels. Ground, Medical, second level. Most levels on this wing.” Hansen took a breath and attempted to reassure him. “They don’t have access to the bridge that joins the wings, or to any sub levels.”

He hoped. Previously he thought it wise to separate the Operations wing from the Civilian building, after their first conflict with Deepground, but had he inadvertently endangered all the civilian staff? “But they are in the Civilian wing, loose, somewhere, and doing only Gaia knows what. Maybe finding a way across here.”

“You think they’ll take hostages?”

“If they are from Deepground, I wouldn’t put it past them.” It seemed the enemy’s plan really was well devised. “But they didn’t attack the other delegates or the guards there, which makes me think they had some prior plan and did not wish anyone to be aware of their absence. They should and would have been scanned for weapons.”

“But they got something through?” Hansen paused, “Maybe they have other people who have infiltrated the building?”

“Gaia don’t tell me that.” He moaned with vexation. “Who is the delegate?”

With a sudden spiteful tone, she replied, “Sudranma from Banora and his henchmen.”

“Banora, I see,” he muttered.

“You know, he looked suspicious to me. Something in his eyes wasn’t right. And that huge bodyguard, it’s unnatural.”

“Well, it’s too late for that,” he snapped, he hadn’t considered the men at all, he could barely recall the councilor. Now he wished he was more thorough in his meetings. A great boom came through the phone. “What was that?”

Hansen replied, her voice tight with apprehension, “Another explosion. It’s bigger, shook this floor and cut the power. The lights are out.”

“Are they blasting their way into something?” He growled “We have to find them before they destroy the building and do grievous harm.”

~~ 7 ~~

Darkened life-stream twisted and snaked upwards from a hole in the polished rock. The opaque tendrils drifted up to the high rock ceiling and through an opening into the daylight. The cavern was large and other black streams spurted up from the earth, but none as potent as the one from the center chasm.

Weiss stepped up to the fount and raised his hands in worship. The streams were an outpouring of the Goddess’ immense power, growing stronger over the planet. She had become his reason and purpose for existing.

He hadn’t always worshipped her. Previously he resisted her voice and denied her, even hated her. It was his beloved brother, Nero, who gave him the ability to resist Jenova for so long. His brother embodied the tremendous power of Chaos. A power Weiss sought for himself, to enable him to overcome the voice of the Goddess, and to master it.

But since Genesis revealed to him the omnipotent force of Jenova, and how to use it, he understood the true path. He now had the means of controlling the Planet. There was only one way forward, purging souls and everything that lived on the earth, to herald in the dominion of Jenova across the Planet. Then he could take whatever he desired, even the protomateria.

It hadn’t taken long to build his new empire. Jenova brought human resources and provisions, including the intelligence to equip the new kingdom, for all their needs from around the planet. He was the Emperor, the Immaculate, all of them did what he commanded, even those who once imprisoned him. The ones called the Restrictors. Now they served him as his slaves. It was the will of the Goddess, Jenova.

Throwing back the hood of his white robe, he walked into the life-stream. The toxic current washed over his hands and ran down his arms in a cascade of energy. Her intense force consumed him with its need for a vessel. But as always, the other voice spoke over his own thoughts.

Brother, you are too complacent.

Weiss creased his brow at the intrusion into his mind. “Everything is going according to plan.”

He seeks to rule and overthrow you.

His lip curled in an angry scowl. “He would be nothing without me.”

Do not trust him brother.

The sublime voice was noxious to his senses. The blackness twirled around him, and unlike the life-stream, it caused him to burn with turbulent hatred.

He makes plans against us.

“I will not be cast down,” his teeth clenched, he seethed with jealous wrath, “Not now.”

You can rule without him. I will aid you.

He ignored the voice and said into the life-stream, “Goddess, Mother, am I not your beloved servant?”

Another voice spoke through the stream. “Who is it who possesses the black materia? Who will summon my form? Who will birth my dominion? Such a one will rule.”

The black materia has the power. His brother’s voice taunted him with the underlying truth. We know where it is.

In revelation, Weiss clutched his chest in sudden anxious pain. “Genesis?”

“My birth approaches with the activation of the black materia,” the voice said, “All will be mine.”

Weiss rumbled with rage. But, he had the White materia —

“No,” the voice sparked with malice, “it is gone from my possession. They have taken it.”

Weiss let loose a furious shout.

You see, you have not been alert.

A figure in a black coat with high collar and face masked by a black and blue helm, stood silently waiting in the shadows.

Weiss turned to see the figure, “I hope you bring me good news on our progress?”

The former Restrictor walked forward and knelt before him. “Sire, we have launched our attack on the people’s largest base.”

“Are they destroyed?”

“The battle continues.”

It was taking too long. His tone boiled with fury, “There is something you are not telling me. What of the other ambush from the Cetra city?”

“Communication from the city is dead. Currently their activity is unknown.”

Weiss growled with disdain. Attacking the people of the planet was an aggravating waste of resources, and time wasting. He wanted to move forward into the Goddess’ reign over the earth. His forces would eventually overwhelm, especially under the cover of stealth and darkness. He looked out at the speck of blue sky. It was already day, and were they still fighting? “How did this happen?” Everything should be his. Now. But he sensed it in his spirit, the planet continued to struggle and fight against the Goddess. He tightened his fist, and energy surged through his limbs, and flared in his hands.

The servant said, “We will overthrow them.”

Weiss let the bolts off through his hands. The energy exploded on the rock behind his servant, and spread across the cavern. He would not let his enemy win. Not again. If they had the white materia they would try to use it against the Goddess.

You must not let them use the white materia.

“Make ready to leave,” he said to his servant. “There is something I need to retrieve. No, make that two things.”

“And the Cetras?”

“Their time has come to an end. I’ll deal with the last of them.”

~~ 7 ~~

After a helicopter ride and a boat trip, Vincent, Reno and Rude, finally arrived on the outskirts of Banora. Banora was on the same continent as Mideel which Vincent had visited before and after the catastrophe that occurred there. Mideel was rebuilt and continued to expand, but on a new site a couple of miles from the old location. It was far to the east beyond the mountain range. But Banora, he had never been to, nor did he ever consider it a place worthy of visiting. As far as he knew, it was simply another fledgling town, trying to establish itself in the new era.

According to Reno, Banora was also not on its original site. Reno failed to elaborate why that was. Vincent suspected it had something to do with Shinra’s “Classified” information. Vincent wasn’t concerned with the town, all he wanted was to investigate the company, Alpha-Life. A name that had been in the back of his mind for some time, but he had not pursued further. That was no longer the case. He was here to find out exactly what they were doing. He hoped he wasn’t too late.

Reno and Rude chatted together ahead of him as they walked through fields along the hilly range. Travelling with Turks was not ideal, but at least they got him to the island. Perhaps they would prove more useful than he gave them credit for. But that was yet to be seen.

The day was getting on and still no sight of the town. Although it was a wise move landing at a distance.

Reno asked with irritation, “How far is it?”

Rude unfolded the map and flicked it straight. “Should be around here, near those hills…”

Vincent came alongside him and took the map. A small circle with new Banora written by it, was around a space, but nothing definite. Another black mark represented old Banora. “Who wrote these?”

“Tseng,” Rude replied.

Reno added, “He should know.”

Vincent grunted. “Is there no official map?”

“Nope.” Reno raised his brow. “See why we’re suspicious.”

“Rufus is interested because the town’s not on the map?” He admitted it was odd, but many towns were being erected across the planet.

“Not just that.” Reno kept walking. “It’s the energy they’re selling, and nobody comes out of Banora.”

Rude stopped to emphasize his point. “Nobody.”

Vincent frowned at their backs, his thoughts processing this significant information with what he had learned about missing people. But was that even possible? “How do they transport their energy supplies?”

“By ship, rail, however,” Reno shrugged, “Their workers aren’t normal Joe Bloes, they’re armed and they don’t talk. For anything, or anyone.”

“Very cagey,” Rude affirmed.

“Right. They aren’t helpful at all.”

Vincent had the impression the two had tried and were unsuccessful. Yes, it was probably a good thing they were walking into town.

Reno continued, “They hype the place up – ‘Banora’s the new paradise blah, blah… ‘ and every sucker ships themselves and their families out here, and once they’re here… that’s it. Goodbye life.”

They walked further and eventually distant buildings came into view. Under the line of trees, Reno said, “Let’s stop here. I’m going to call my contact and get some intel.” He pressed a number on his phone. After some moments waiting, he said, “Hey, pal—“ — “—it’s me. You know, Reno,” he sounded annoyed, “I know, I know, man, I’m working on that. You’re got to play it cool. Don’t do anything to get yourself offed. So, how’s it going?” A look of shock came over his face. “Really?!” Some moments passed, “Sound’s like a freekin’ mess.” — “You what?! They make you! What a bummer, man.” — “Where is it?” The conversation continued with the one on the other end doing a lot more talking. Finally Reno hung up, his face somber.

“Your man want’s out?” Rude gave him a knowing nod.

“Yeah,” Reno said, “Don’t blame him. This place must suck.”

“Where is Alpha-Life?” Vincent’s patience was waning over the delay.

Reno put his hand up to him. “Getting to that. Alpha-Life is outside the town. Map.” He took the map from Rude and examined it. “Probably through here. Behind these hills.”
Vincent nodded and started off.

Reno said, “Hold on, don’t you want the run-down of this joint? You can’t just shoot your way through.”

Vincent paused and stared him down. “What do you propose?”

“It’s a huge compound, that’s guarded. Most of the workers live there.” Reno creased his brow in consideration. “He thinks. Those who go to work there aren’t seen again.”

“Mmm,” Vincent frowned with disgust. “And no-one leaves the town.” Banora was sounding more deadly by the minute.

“Yeah…” Reno looked around him, spying out the surroundings. “We had another operative here, and they were on their way back.”

“We never heard from them again,” Rude said, “They disappeared.”

“But that’s classified,” Reno added with a warning glance at Rude.

Vincent put his hand on his pistol and his eyes simmered with sudden anger. “It’s time to find this Alpha-Life.”

“I’m with you on that,” Reno said.

Rude, his sunglasses still on, looked up at the fading sun. “It will be dark soon.”

“Good.” Vincent started walking towards the hills with an aim of getting higher up.

“Hey!” Reno called and ran to catch him up.

“I need to see the surroundings,” Vincent said without looking back. He eventually found a trail up the mountain. As he climbed higher, the potency of the life-stream grew more distinct. Soon, he was able to see the expanse of the town. It was larger than he expected and with his excellent vision, he noted the dwellings were poorly built and some sections were in bad repair. A great square building, with three levels stood out amongst all the other structures.

Reno pointed at it. “Must be the temple.”

Vincent gave him a puzzled glance.

“Worship of Gaia is big here,” Reno said, “They are required to worship the ‘Goddess'. It’s the law.”

“Have to?” Vincent said, “If they don’t?”

“There’s trouble,” Reno shrugged, “But my man doesn’t want to find out.”

Vincent shook his head, getting a clearer vision of what may be going on. “Let me guess. They disappear.”

“You’re catching on quick.” Reno nodded with a smug grin.

“I’m surprised anyone is left in this town,” Rude said.

That might be a matter of time, Vincent speculated to himself. He walked from the edge to see the other side of the hills, and along to get a better view. The compound spread out below the mountain. Bound with walls and high fencing, the perimeter was a massive stretch in the valley. Within it were numerous warehouses and buildings, along with service trucks and armed vehicles. There appeared to be one gateway with heavy guns alongside and on the walls at intervals. Armed men were at places on the wall and many more walked in patrols within the facility.

“Holy Ifrit!” Reno cried, “It’s a friggin’ army base.”

“I don’t think we brought the right equipment.” Rude felt around inside his jacket.

“Yeah, we need a mega boss-arse-canon.” Reno sighed.

The sight of Alpha-Life’s set-up was shocking, but not a surprise to Vincent. This was bigger and more significant than he planned for. He had to get inside more than ever.

Reno said, “Maybe we can circle around the back…” He and Rude started discussing ways of getting in.

Vincent ignored their conversation, and turned his attention across the land. He spied a rusted heap of metal in the far distance. Perhaps an old reactor? The old Banora? Darkness swelled up from it, darker than the coming night. Finally he said, “I’ll meet you inside.”

“Hey? Where?” Reno grumbled, “This place is huge.”

Vincent quickly scanned for a possible reactor. “Under that.” He indicated two imposing metal domes, humming with light and power.

“Under?”

“It’s a hunch,” Vincent replied, “Can you get in?”

“Yeah, easy.” Reno winked at Rude.

Rude smiled. “Easy.”

Vincent hoped that was correct, he didn’t want to have to rescue them.

“If we can’t find you, I’ll call.” Reno flashed him his phone.

Vincent frowned at the thought of the Turk calling him. How did he get his number anyway? He stepped off the cliff and away, leaving them to it.

Reno dashed to the edge and looked down. Nothing but blackness. “Shit! Did he just fall off the cliff?"

Rude stood near the edge looking down. “He jumped.”

“Godamnit, that guy!” Reno muttered, “He’s one strange sonofabitch.”

“Maybe he flew,” Rude glanced around the air.

“Wouldn’t surprise me.” Reno took a long breath. “Alright, let’s get down there.”

~~ 7 ~~

Vincent moved fast through the night. His intentions set on the position of the destroyed reactor. He had already wasted too much time, he could not bear delaying any longer.

The closer he got, the stronger the taint of Jenova became. He arrived at a great tear in the ground with rusted, twisted metal rising up from the collapsed earth. The rocky hole lead down into the planet. He paused and observed polluted tendrils of life-stream snake upwards. Jenova had infected this place and it was dead to life.

He leaped down onto the ruins of the metal structure and into the murky darkness below. The palpable manifestation of evil became more potent as he descended. He landed light on the ground deep under the earth. His gun at the ready, he assessed the cavern, dense with the unseen life-stream. If it weren’t for his enhanced vision, he would be in darkness, but spying an opening in the rocks, he started in the direction that would take him to Alpha-Life.

Moans and guttural sounds echoed through the tunnels. Prepared for any type of confrontation, he held his weapon at his shoulder. He entered a wider cavern. Black ooze poured up from the earth. The glutinous mass formed pools that he avoided. Boulders and the rock wall dripped with the heinous pollution. He examined it quickly, but moved on without touching it.

Nausea hit him, like a punch to his gut, and it took him moments to regain control over his body. But his chest ached at the oppressive weight of Jenova pressing down on his humanity. He could not turn back now, no matter the injury. Ignoring the burden, he went forward, following a semblance of a track. The earth continued excreting the poisonous substance as he navigated the tunnels. Rage crept into his thoughts, like a burning pain. He resisted the urge to let the dark despair overtake his reason. He knew its methods, and he had taken steps to learn to control it. And normally he could, but this taint was a mire of dread, seeping into his peace of mind.

Chaos rumbled within him, seeking an outlet to erupt. Alongside it, the protomateria hummed into life, making him aware of its supremacy over the bedlam. Without it, he would be lost to the turmoil, but even so, in this dead forsaken place, the balance was a fine line. All his emotions wanted to explode out of him, in a chaotic rush of agony.

No – remain calm. Focus. Locating the base of his enemy was more crucial. Eventually he brought equilibrium to his soul, although the darkness was there, as if waiting for any opportunity. He had to be alert, not only to his surroundings, but to his own soul.

No creatures assailed him, even though he sensed their presence prowling in the deeper shadows, watching. They were afraid. Possibly of him, but more likely it was the ominous entity awakening within that kept them at a distance. What monsters existed in this infected hole, he could only guess, and he would rather not see. Perhaps the manifestation within him would serve a purpose, for he did not wish to waste time by fighting troublesome beasts.

Soon Vincent came to a space and he spied a single iron door across from him. The earth shook under his feet and rocks fell from the ceiling, and thumped to the ground, sending black ooze flying. He stumbled forward for a moment and caught himself. A loud crack came from over the door, and out from the massive split, a giant torso with a snake-like head appeared. The demon creature had pointed teeth snatching for prey and its clawed hands were searching for him.

Vincent gave a groan of consternation at the unexpected spectacle. That he should meet one of these here, probably shouldn’t be a shock. The creature’s hide was black, and pus and sores were on its neck and arms. Diseased, like everything else in the tunnels.

Once more the earth quaked and Vincent fired at the horror, while diving for cover from the falling rocks. He would have to fight it, it would not be afraid of Chaos, it was too ignorant. But more paramount, it was guarding the way into Alpha-Life. He was sure of it.