The Story of Victoria Strife

Chapter 22: Secrets on the Dark

The night was still, with the Safe Haven bathed in shadows, The rest of the group has retired for the night, the quiet hum of the base settling into a deceptive calm. But Victoria couldn't sleep. Too many thoughts swirled in her mind, haunting memories of the revelations from the past few weeks, her confrontation with her father, and the constant threat of Sephiroth lurking just out of sight.

She had to know more—especially about Genesis.

Slipping on a black cloak, she quietly crept through the halls of the Safe Haven, her footsteps soft against the stone floors. She knew her destination: the underground cell where Genesis had been imprisoned by the WRO. He had been held there since his capture after their last battle, and despite her questions, she had never confronted him directly. There was something about him, some piece of the puzzle she hadn't yet unlocked.

As she descended into the lower levels of the facility, her heart quickened. The dimly lit corridor leading to the cells felt colder, more oppressive. She stayed close to the walls, listening for any sound, any sign of movement.

When she finally reached the cell, she paused just outside, pressing herself into the shadows. She could hear voices—Reeve was inside, speaking with Genesis. Victoria peered through the bars, careful to keep out of sight.

Genesis was sitting on the edge of his cot, his wrists chained to the wall but still radiating the same calm arrogance he always had. His fiery red hair caught the low light, and even in confinement, he exuded a sense of power. Reeve stood near the door, arms crossed, his tone firm but carrying a trace of frustration.

"You know you're running out of time," Reeve said, his voice low and serious. "The WRO can only hold off on interrogating you for so long. They want answers, Genesis. They want to know what your connection is to Deepground and why Sephiroth keeps showing up."

Genesis chuckled darkly, lifting his eyes to meet Reeve's. "And you think I'll just hand over everything? That I'll betray my own kind for a few more days of peace in this miserable cell?"

Reeve narrowed his eyes. "I don't think you have much of a choice. Sephiroth doesn't care about you, Genesis. He never has. You're just another pawn in his game, the same way he uses everyone else."

Genesis leaned back against the wall, smirking. "Oh, I'm well aware of that. But I'm not like the others, Reeve. I have my own plans, and Sephiroth... he's merely a part of the bigger picture."

Reeve clenched his fists, clearly growing more frustrated by Genesis's cryptic responses. "You're playing a dangerous game. If you don't cooperate—"

Genesis cut him off, his voice dripping with condescension. "What are you going to do? Kill me? Torture me?" He raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "You're not as ruthless as the others, Reeve. That's your weakness."

Reeve said nothing for a moment, the silence between them thick with tension. Finally, he sighed, shaking his head. "You're making a mistake, Genesis. You think you're in control, but you're not."

Without waiting for a response, Reeve turned and walked toward the door, his boots echoing on the cold floor. As he left, Victoria remained hidden, her breath shallow as she pressed herself further into the shadows, watching him pass. She waited, her heart pounding in her chest, listening to the distant footsteps as Reeve's presence faded.

Once he was gone, the room fell into an eerie silence. Victoria was about to step away when Genesis's voice cut through the air.

"You can come out now, Victoria. I know you're there."

She froze, her breath hitching. How had he known? She hadn't made a sound. For a moment, she considered leaving, but something inside her urged her to face him. With a steadying breath, she stepped out of the shadows and into view, her eyes locking onto Genesis's.