I didn’t write this story, but I did play a part in it’s making. The story is based upon an ongoing RP on another site, it occurs in a video game world, which some people may or may not find familiar. Anywho, as I said, I didn’t write this, but merely played a role in it’s creation, as one of the main characters.
Oh and it’s kind of long, sitting at about 11 chapters right now me thinks. Try to guess which character I am.
Final Fantasy - ShinRa: The Next Generation
Written by Satsugai Kaze
Original work by the guys in the ShinRa HQ RP on Adventchildren.net.
It has been nearly 100 years since Crisis. Much has changed, and yet too much stays the same. As Gaia reaches the centennial anniversary of Meteor’s summoning, its heroes have all passed on, or have disappeared into the fog of the past.
ShinRa remains. The hopeless masses search for normality in a changing world and cling to the last surviving remnants from the old times. Seizing the opportunity, ShinRa quickly regains its strength. As a testament of their eternal stability against the tide of time, Midgar has been reconstructed. Oil has failed as a natural resource, but with a promise of “safer” and “more efficient” use of the planet’s energy, Mako has taken its seat once again as the ultimate source of power.
Mistakes of the past have begun to repeat themselves. The people have looked to ShinRa as their champion of justice, but at what cost did they buy their hope? Forgotten are the sacrifices made to defeat evil so long ago. Forgotten are the lives lost, and the promises broken. As the planet slowly rots from within, darkness moves to shroud the fading light.
Who can stop it? ShinRa claims to have changed its ways. Will it lead Gaia to the light, or seal its fate?
Chapter 1
— -A Beginning — -
“This is SNN... News team, bringing you reports upon the inauguration ceremony in front of ShinRa Tower.
”It has been two days since the last attack and assassination plot upon President Shwah’s head and finally with the ceremony in progress, things have finally died down. All of ShinRa, no, all of Midgar and Junon are celebrating the promotion of their new president and head of ShinRa. The young scientist turned CEO Vincent Shwah, now considered to be the most powerful on the planet is taking the place of President Rufus whom after falling ill has retired his position as head of ShinRa. He is still with us today ready to welcome the ambitious new president.
“The atmosphere in the streets is chaotic and joyous. The parades, parties, music, and the sheer number of people hitting the streets and having a good time... well it can almost be described as a holiday celebration. It hasn’t been this exciting since the mako reactors went online. And the same can be said for Junon, in fact across the world... wait, President Shwah has just arrived on the podium and is ready to speak to the crowd.”
Shwah raised his hands as the crowd died down. He was wearing a marvellously tailored uniform almost like he was a general of sorts. His wife, Kitty stood by, a few feet away. Shwah adjusted his glasses and began to speak, a silence falling over the massive crowd.
“Hello my people… can anyone remember the day ShinRa was created...? Can anyone remember the day when mankind ascended to a place fit for gods? When we shown the universe what we were made of.
We’ve conquered illnesses, we’ve conquered monsters, we’ve conquered even the great and powerful 'weapons.' It is only a matter of time before we conquer the heavens themselves.
“How did we do this? Because we are human, and with the power of science, with the power of knowledge that whatever god has generously bestowed upon us, we can move the stars themselves if we wish it. But with the loss of our leader, we have encountered so many hardships, so much danger, and yet we have survived and stand stronger then ever. And now I come forth to lead our race into ever more incredible future.”
He paused, an awed hush now emanating from the crowd.
“It is a new dawn, a new beginning. This world will change. I promise that in our lifetimes, we will reach the stars, we will tame the wilderness, we will make a world that is safe and secure for us. For in ShinRa’s eyes, that is what we were meant to.
“To make a better future for generations to come. A future of security, wonder, and progress. A future that can look back upon what we did now, and thank us for all the work we had to endure for them. Making things better. That is worth any price, and I, no ShinRa is here to see it done.
“I thank you all. You’re the reason why ShinRa exists."
The crowd roared with applause as Shwah bowed his head and lifts his hands. He turned a bit before going back to the stand.
“Oh and have fun... that’s an order." He smiled as the crowd cheered more and the music picked up again.
“Well there you have it, great words from a great man. Well be back in a few moments to give you more as it happens. This is the SNN news team reporting from ShinRa Tower.”
Meanwhile, Shwah met with his colleagues and staff members. He greeted them before going up to Jen. “Great now I have to go to one of the boring blue-collar balls again." He sighed and loosened his tie before speaking out loud. “All of you at ease and go have fun. Report back to work tomorrow. We have a world of work ahead of us."
***
Jen hadn’t stood far from the podium during the speech, keeping an eye out for trouble. As one of the last remaining Turks, she’d started taking the job extremely seriously over the part couple of days.
Jen Alchemis was now the Head of the Turks, something that could easily get high-profile at times. She was born in the slums, and it made her as cold as her icy-blue eyes. Being a Turk was nothing, really, but there were little dirty things that Turks were entrusted to doing – an assassination or so. Yet, after all that, she was just another Turk, on another mission.
When Shwah approached and told everyone to have fun, she just had to know something.
“What about security, sir? A ball would be the perfect opportunity for a would-be assassin to try killing you," she asked, hands clasped behind her back, her expression all business.
***
Drake stood up after the speech and started to clap his hands before everyone else. He was in the mood today…
Everyone else soon followed, clapping like the gradual arrival of rain.
Drake didn’t really stand out from the crowds, despite his appearance. Everybody was too busy cheering the President anyway. The burn scars along his left side, a testament to his unnatural love for fire, stood out like a neon sign, but still, everyone was too busy having fun. His long black coat swirled around him in the breeze, as he walked up to the president.
He was standing beside Jen when the president gave his 'orders'.
“Have… fun, eh? Sounds like a plan to me!" Drake turned towards Jen, a wide grin blossoming across his face. “Hey, Jen, lighten up, only a fool would try to attack the president on a day like this."
He turned around and began to walk off. He stopped.
“Have a little fun. God knows that this will be the last time we get to do this for a while”, Drake then proceeded to head down to the local bar.
***
Slader had been relaxing in a local bar before the speech was given. He knew that a parade was the best excuse to go get some thing to drink. He had been drinking for a while, and at one time forgot where the speech was going to be given. Being a ShinRa SOLDIER didn’t seem to faze him in the least, a laidback demeanor at all times seemingly natural for him.
Fifteen minutes before the speech Slader knew he should be heading there. As he set off he looked at the bartender and smiled, “Put it on my tab”. The bartender, a fat, sweaty singlet-wearing man, just sighed, and Slader walked out the door, heavy leather boots clunking loudly on the wooden floor.
He looked around and saw his black motorcycle he had modified himself. Slader reached into his pocket and pulled out the keys. He jumped onto the bike and started it up.
He opened his eyes up wide and looked around. “Okay, I’m good. It’s just a couple blocks away." he said as he took off.
When Slader got a block away he parked his bike in front of a shop; Slader ran the rest of the way there. He had made it just in time for the speech too. Shwah had just begun when he arrived. Slader was just amongst the crowd, like any other civilian. After the speech ended, Slader walked up to where his co-workers were. Shwah had told them to take the day off basically. Slader didn’t want to say no to an offer like that and smiled.
“You’re the boss…" Slader said as he started walking away. As he walked through the crowd he looked around at all the people enjoying themselves. Slader smiled, “Not too many days like this..."
***
Ani Egan met the speech with little emotion whatsoever, standing in the shade of the building behind him, blending with the crowd. He was all business, but maybe, just maybe, he could… rest for a while.
He distanced himself from the others, taking in Shwah’s words. He left, without a word to anyone, now just another wisp in the wind of Junon.
The helicopter lifted off, and Ani stared out the window, down onto the massive crowd below. He sighed and thought about home, back at Icicle Inn. His face remained impassive, yet his mind raced.
It would be soon that destiny would be fulfilled for him.
***
The Ceremony had been a huge success, better than anything she had imagined. For each new President, the city majority had reacted differently, depending on their speech and promised actions. Rufus and his father, they hardly cared what the public thought, using their power to do as they wish.
But Shwah… he knew what he was doing, and on a whole, the rest of the population were pleased.
After the staff had dismissed, Fallen had chosen to stay by the podium, watching the people around her with a half-dazed expression. They were right, things would get very hectic after today, so it was best to enjoy the peace while it lasted.
The wind picked up its pace around her, her hair getting into her eyes. She shook the glazed expression off her face, and got down from the podium.
Tomorrow, the basic structure for Sector Seven would be finished. They would be able to begin applying paint, floor planks and furniture... and of course, get rid of the extensive graffiti...
***
Dr. Phi stood aside, clapping where appropriate, and keeping that ShinRa smile plastered on his face. After the speech, the cameras turned to the marching soldiers, and other activities of the day. It was all going very splendidly for ratings, the economy, and ShinRa’s image.
One of Phi’s old colleagues, who had flown all the way from Icicle Inn, fought his way through the crowds to speak with him. He finally reached him, a slightly breathless look on his face.
“Dr. Phi! Oh good, you’re here. Quite the show, eh?"
“Good crowds. Looks like our new president has made quite a reputation for himself. Everyone loves the peasant turned war hero story."
“A new dawn, a new beginning?"
Dr Phi smiled, and paused to search for an answer. “President Shwah is young. Let him be.” He stopped, a frown creeping across the corners of his face.
“Is she here?”
The other scientist looked confused momentarily. Then, realisation struck across his face. “Oh, that! Yeah, right on schedule. We had some difficulty with the soldiers. You know how it is. I heard about Amador. Tough break, huh?"
“It was his decision. He made the mistake. He had to pay for it." Phi’s expression blanked out as Amador’s name was mentioned.
“Geez, that’s kinda hard on him. I thought he was your friend? Don’t you care that he died?"
Phi raised a thin, hazel eyebrow. “Who said he died?”
“The news report!"
Phi snorted. “Oh, well, the news report… It takes more than a little aerial strike to kill him. We need him if we’re going to lead the world into that 'bright new tomorrow.' Off the record. In any case, take her to the hospital, and thaw her out.”
“Really?! Does this mean that..."
“Indeed it does. Tell the guys to come back home. I’ll have Katlyn back to them ten days from now. Count on it."
As his colleague ran off, Phi sighed, a little of fatigue. That was one thing sorted out, and now he had to attend that bloody meeting.
***
Back in the staffroom, Shwah was addressing Jen’s concerns. She was a little agitated at how lax the situation seemed to be currently, and she refused to sit, arms crossed.
“I understand your position, Jen, but I’m inclined to agree with Drake. After the incident with Amador, everyone knows that we’ve stepped up security. It is unlikely that anyone would attempt something with the entire army here."
Clearly finished talking to her, he looked down to his papers on his desk, and continued to read them for a while. She was dismissed, and Jen Alchemis walked out, still slightly disappointed by the answer. Later however, Shwah talked to her again, a slightly apologetic smile on his face.
“As the last Turk from your original unit, I know you must be under a lot of stress. Try and relax a little today. We’re not being careless by any means."
“Yes, sir," she said with a nod, acting like she had just been given an order, then turned on her heel and left the room.
She headed for the Turk Lounge, deciding that now would be a good time to take a nap. Until new Turks were recruited, she’d have to do the job of an entire team on her own. The thought was slightly disconcerting, and she warded it off her mind, smoothing her Turk clothing.
She would probably go about getting Turk recruits tomorrow, and it would probably be her first priority. When she reached the Turk Lounge, she took up her old position on the couch, laid down and gradually dozed off.
Chapter 2
— -Spreading Out — -
Drake arrived in the bar about 10 minutes after he left. He picked out a chair in the corner and ordered a beer.
He drummed his gnarled fingers on the table. “I wonder if anyone would be stupid enough to try something?" he asked himself, seemingly tempting fate.
He sat there thinking intensely for a few minutes.
“The large crowd would have been a perfect cover, any unorganized group would have gone for it right there, I think we are dealing with something very dangerous..."
After that thought he waiter brought him his beer, he sat there for about another hour and then started back to the party.
“Whatever it is we are dealing with, I’ll be ready this time."
He flashed some fire between his fingers and continued back to HQ.
***
He’d wanted to head straight to the hospital, now that he knew of Katlyn’s safe arrival. But he also knew that he had things to take care of. As soon as that was finished however, he was rushing to ShinRa’s Intensive Care.
Amador slowly opened his eyes, and instantly regretted it. He didn’t know it, but he looked terrible, despite the surgery. His world was pain. Light hurt. Sound hurt. Staying still hurt.
“I’m still alive..."
Visions of what had happened came flooding back to him. Had he really done all those things? Didn’t fit the formula. He must have... lost the formula again...
There wasn’t really a name for the condition he shared with several other people, most of whom were already dead. Even when it was just a weapons developing company, ShinRa had been good at covering up its mistakes. Rather, covering up things that they didn’t want the general public to know they were doing. Whatever name it was given, it had changed the mental states of over a dozen people.
Amador shook his head, despite the searing pain that it caused him. No excuses. He suspected that he’d hurt a lot of people, because of his lack of self-control. He wondered why he’d been kept alive. Probably to receive a public execution. Whatever satisfied them.
He was suddenly aware of someone else. He turned his head to look at the bed beside his, and saw a familiar face.
“K-kate..."
Her eyes were closed. She looked like what he imagined angels looked like when they slept. Her cheeks were rosy, and even asleep, her smile was everything he imagined in his dreams.
Dreams? He closed his eyes, shaking his head again. This was a dream, wasn’t it? He’d imagined hearing her voice up on the balcony, too. Just an old fool, wishing for memories of the past. He tried to go back to sleep...
… And woke up a second time. Dantis was standing over him.
Amador turned his head to look at the bed next to him. It was empty. He must have imagined Kate again, and he shook his head painfully for a second time.
“Feeling any better?"
“Living is pain."
“I meant, are you quite finished abandoning the formula?"
“I thought you said not to-"
“Yeah well, I was a little angry with you when I said that. You did try to kill my sister, and everything. But I figured that letting you get knocked around by ShinRa would more than even the score, yes?"
"!?!?!...Did you say TRY to...?" The twitch in Amador’s eyes became more frequent.
Dr. Phi smiled. “I’ll tell you about it later. Let’s just say I’ve always had to fix your screw ups, and I’m not about to stop now. On that note, I’m trying to fix your most recent one. It is difficult to help someone, when they’ve attempted to assassinate the president of ShinRa. I’m working on it, though."
Amador paused, and looked away, in the direction of the empty bed next to him. "...I’m sorry, Dantis."
“Yeah well, I guess I can understand why you did what you did to Kate. But you need to apologise to her, not me. And before that, you have to apologize to the president. You can start by giving me the sentience barrier code for MUI."
Amador snapped his head back towards Dantis, the stitches on his face taking a strain. “You know the risk, Dantis. It’s unpredictable. There’s no telling what could happen."
“But you’re going to, regardless. It’s the only thing you can offer to ShinRa now. Please, Ethan. It’s all I can think of to save your sorry arse."
Amador sighed. He really wasn’t in a position to argue.
"...Alright, then. Here’s what you’ll have to do..."
***
Ani Egan pulled a bunch of supplies into his bag and then headed back to the helicopter. He really didn’t want to go back, but it wasn’t really like he had a choice. The world kept moving, and Sector 7 was being rebuilt. He wanted to make sure that there were enough men to patrol Midgar, and he definitely wanted to be on the safe side. He didn’t want anything to go wrong during the construction.
He looked out of the window again as the helicopter set off for HQ once more. He was, after all, the Head of Peace and Preservation. Just… trying to keep peace and preservation on his side.
***
Slader had been wandering around the city for some time now, and was getting a little dry. Slader decided to walk to the local bar, seeing as how his legs were guiding him in that direction. Slader stopped for a second and thought, “Do I really need another drink? I mean, how many other people are going to get drunk today? Would I be ashamed of myself in the morning?". He looked around and saw a large group of men drinking; Slader smiled. “I was never before, why start now?"
Slader continued his way to the bar. As he was getting closer he saw Drake coming from the direction the bar was in. Slader walked up to Drake and did a lazy salute. “Afternoon sir. I’m just on my way to the local bar." Slader hoped he didn’t smell like alcohol.
Drake saluted Slader back.
“Going to the bar, eh? Well… it’s a good night to have a couple of drinks soldier, have at it."
Drake then saluted him again and continued his stroll back to HQ.
When Drake finally arrived back at ShinRa headquarters, it was a little quiet.
“Now where was the cafeteria?" Drake scratched his head, and started to walk around for a while. A while later, he finally gave up. “I’ve been here for months and I still can’t find my way around…"
“… I’ll just go to the exercise room again…”
***
After speaking with Amador at length, Phi went to Katlyn’s private room, where he’d had her moved earlier. She was still asleep, so he let her rest, and heads back to HQ, to his office. He wanted to speak with Shwah later, and get MUI up and running, but with everything else going on, that would have to wait. Still, he really wanted to see this go through. There was no telling what ShinRa could do, with the power of a fully functional S.E.L.F. Operating System at its disposal.
“MUI… I’m going to make you the most advanced software on the planet.”
MUI, bless her metaphorical little heart, was a bit distracted at that moment, and wasn’t paying attention. She was busy singing (off key) to herself, on his computer, while her chibi avatar merrily danced in the bottom right corner of his computer screen. If anything, the comical chibi danced even faster and MUI was singing louder than before.
“Oh IIIII... could tell ya WHYYYYY... de ocean’s near da shooooore..."
Phi let it pass for now.
He started to work, trying as hard as possible to ignore MUI’s singing. It was quite… disturbing, really. He finished his report as fast as possible and now headed out in search of Shwah…
Please don’t be at the party. Please don’t be at the party…
***
Ani had finally made his way to the HQ. He started to look for his office.
Ever since the incident from before, Ani kept himself from the rest of the group, wanting solitude, always contemplating his deeds…
Since the Northern Crater expedition, he’d only fought as a group. Once. Then they fought Amador. Ani had changed after that.
He’d received an email telling him about the forest near the Temple of the Ancients. It wasn’t something that he knew too much about, so he decided to tell Shwah about going there tomorrow. Not tonight, he was probably very busy anyway.
Maybe I should tell Dr. Phi about what happened. About that incident with Amador. I’m sure that Phi would probably want to know, and he and Amador are close friends. But then again… I didn’t have much of a choice, and I would have to fulfill my destiny through some other means…
***
Slader watched Drake walk off, then continued his way to the bar. As Slader was walking he hoped that he wouldn’t have any more run-ins with more of his comrades. Not that he doesn’t want to see his co-workers… it was just that... he was so dry. He needed a drink.
As Slader reached the bar, he walked in and looked around. He saw the people that were just like him....people who loved the drink. Slader walked to the counter and looked at the bartender.
“I was wondering when you’d come back…”
“Hmm… well, I am part of ShinRa you know. I have more important things to do then drink all day.” A frown crossed Slader’s face.
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“You actually believed me?” Slader grinned mischievously. “C’mon, gimme a beer…”
The barman looked at the mug he was cleaning with his rag, shrugged, and started to pour beer into it to the brim. He dumped it in front of Slader, who shrugged, and took a swig.
“I’m going to be pretty busy after tonight, anyway…”
***
After searching the whole building, Dr. Phi decided that Shwah must be at the dinner party. At the same time, he also decided that he really didn’t need to see the president tonight.
“Damnit.”
God… he hated parties. So he left a message with Shwah’s secretary, asking to speak with him as soon as possible. He called the hospital.
Kate was still asleep.
He sighed, hanging up the phone.
Shocker of a day.
“So much to do... no one to do it with..."
Still deciding what to do with the rest of the evening, he suddenly remembered Jen. But she had the rest of the evening off, so he couldn’t bother her either. He hated having nothing to do.
When there’s nothing to do, the next best thing to do… is to drink a lot of alcohol.
So that’s what he did. When he found his way to the bar, he saw Slader, getting drunk over another drink.
He gave a nod of recognition. He wasn’t exactly in a talkative mood.
But where else are you going to sit?
So he took a seat on the stool next to Slader’s, flashing his ShinRa Card at the tender. (He wasn’t a regular at bars, but being a member of the senior staff had its perks.)
***
Slader looked over at Phi and nodded back. He was so drunk he could barely recognise him. Slader had ended up having to get kicked out of the bar because he was drunk.
It took eight men to get him out and keep him out. Slader had put up a fight, but was so drunk he didn’t stand a chance. Slader got a few punches in, but in the state he was in, he wasn’t throwing much around except for himself.
As Slader walked the streets he looked around. He saw that there was confetti on the ground, trash everywhere, and all the people had gone home. Apparently the trash would be picked up later the next day.
Talk about a rubbish dump.
Slader recalled earlier in the day how the people were celebrating about the president. The more sober (or more accurately, the less drunk) parts of his brain told him that he needed to get his motorcycle. Slader looked at the street address. He had no clue where he was, but hoped that he was going in the right direction, the most beer-sodden parts of his mind giving him pointless encouragement.
A couple hours of wondering the streets Slader found his motorcycle. He searched his pockets for a while, and eventually found the keys. He looked up at the velvet night sky and rubbed his eyes.
Now… just need to get home...
Slader hopped on to his motorcycle and started it up. He revved the engine and took off, occasionally wobbling onto the footpath.
Slader made his way to the HQ with enough time to get a couple hours of sleep. As Slader walked in through the main entrance, it was lucky that he was starting to sober up a little, because he almost tripped on the door frame. He shuffled his feet to the elevator. He pulled out his card and slid it in the slot, the elevator doors opening. Stepping in, Slader pressed his floor number and waited in the elevator for it to reach. While in the elevator Slader looked out the window and unto the city of Midgar, his mind clearing a little more.
It’s had some problems in the past, but it seems things are turning out for the better.
The elevator stopped and the doors flung open. Slader stepped out, hoping that no one heard the elevator stop on the floor. Slader found his sleeping quarters, and found his bunk, falling asleep in less than a minute.
I’m not going to post the rest here, I’m only doing this because I think that the guy who wrote it did an excellent job in retelling the story we did. If you’re interested in the rest of it, you can read the first 11 chapters, which is about half of the entire story so far, here.
http://forums.adventchildren.net/showthread.php?t=75716 ---