Cole Hoffman was a simple kid who lived a simple life, but things take a turn for the worst when a member of his family is without a job. When everything else turns against him, the disturbed young man embarks on a fateful journey and a murderous ra...
"Yup, we're all ready to board on your command." Detective Banks told responded.
The squad of SWAT and Umbrella officers stood near the top the helipad and awaited the near-arrival of the helicopters that would take them to Romania to retrieve Cole and return him to Texas.
Captain Garza winced as the bright Texas sun shined down on the helipad.
"I can't believe it's gotten to this point. Then again, I will say personally, that I do really care about Cole as much as Zeke does, so I hope this is gonna go well."
"I know. Couldn't get possibly bigger than this."
Strahm then walked up to River, Trevor and Antonio. He looked at them with as much firmness he had on the day he first questioned them.
"You boys ready? We're basically entering an unknown region of Romania here."
"Yeah." Antonio responded. "We have to be."
"Shit, I'm worried about Cole, man. We legit haven't heard from him since."
"Let's just hope for the best he's alive and well." River added.
Strahm then eyed Antonio in his worried state.
"Hey, Antonio. What's on your mind?" Strahm asked.
"I... dunno how to feel about this thing as a whole. Cole's my best friend and when I shipped him out, I felt there's nothing I wouldn't do for him. He's someone who's been through so much and yet here we are. I always expected this to turn out perfectly without you guys knowing, but I guess life isn't on your side sometimes. I'm just... lost."
Strahm took some sympathy on Antonio's decision, but that didn't change his view of it based on the law.
"Look kid. I get having a best friend and wanting to do anything for them. I get having a vision for yourself and wanting it to better your life in a certain way. There's times where it doesn't work out... but you can still make the best out of it. I'm sure Cole's gonna be real happy to finally see you after so long."
"God, I hope so." Antonio muttered.
Antonio looked over at Roman, who was just as uneasy as he was with this mission, much like the sight of him alone.
"Are we seriously bringing him of all people with us?" Antonio sulked about Roman's presence.
"Like I said, I don't like it either, but we need all hands on deck." Strahm grimaced.
Then, the roaring and whirring of 2 helicopters sounded out from overhead. And the soldiers stood ready to board.
"Alright men! It's now or never! Time to bring Cole home!"
And with that, some Umbrella soldiers, a group of Texas PD and FBI agents where off across the seas to bring Cole back to Texas.
Little did they know, the unknown that awaited them was what could be their undoing.
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(Castle Dimitrescu)
Cole and Alcina set foot back in their bedchamber. Both still amazed of Cole's newly awakened capabilities after another analysis by Mother Miranda.
"Gotta say, when I thought of an Arcana, this ain't at all what I thought it to be." Cole chuckled.
"It fits you perfectly my love." Alcina caressed his cheek.
Cole smiled once more. Alcina's luscious words always got the most out of him.
"Hey honey... Is there another... reason, you hate men so much? I'm not being pushy, I'm just asking." Cole questioned.
"Well... I did not wish to reflect on this, especially since I believed you might not understand; but I suppose I can tell you."
Cole sat beside Alcina as she began to unravel her final bit of backstory.
"I... was born into a time where men were men held superiority over homes and their wives. Mine was very... abusive. I was ordered around, forced into intercourse, and suffered physical abuse if I ever could not complete something he asked of me."
Cole yet again felt a yank on his heart strings. Alcina, just like him, had suffered abuse from a loved one, even if it seemed like her husband never really loved her or kept her around for anything other than servitude.
"I'm sorry about all that, I... It's like our stories are... almost the same."
"...Yes." Alcina shed a single tear as Cole looked on at her.
Cole takes Alcina hand and looked into her eyes.
"I get it, love. We all have our inner darkness. Our inner... fear, but Alcina, no matter, what happens, I want you to know, I will never leave you. I'll always be here for you no matter what. Don't be afraid to tell me of what you feel."
Alcina smiled and pulled Cole into a hug and kissed him deeply once more, covering him in her unearthly warm and love.
Cole knew it could go much farther, but whatever lied ahead for him, was simply a greater life to look forward to.
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(And the final act begins!) 3 Chapters remain! Stay tuned and patient, people!
