The Story of Victoria Strife

Chapter 24: Into the Depths

The hum of Cid's airship filled the silence as the team soared through the skies, en route to one of Deepground's old hideouts. The atmosphere was thick with tension, each member of the group mentally preparing for the battle that lay ahead. Everyone knew the stakes, and no one could afford to fail. Vincent's life depended on it.

Victoria stood by one of the windows, staring out into the darkening sky. Her mind was swirling with thoughts of Vincent, of what he might be going through. She felt Cloud's presence behind her before he spoke.

"You ready for this?" his voice was calm, but she could hear the concern underlying it.

Victoria turned to look at him, nodding. "I have to be. We need to get him back, Cloud. I can't let anything happen to him."

Cloud placed a hand on her shoulder, offering her a small, reassuring squeeze. "We will. We'll find him and bring him back."

She managed a small smile at her brother's words, appreciating the comfort, though the anxiety still gnawed at her. The thought of Vincent being held, tortured—experimented on—it made her stomach churn. She had seen first-hand what Shinra and Deepground were capable of. And the idea of Vincent suffering in their hands... she couldn't let her mind linger there.

"Everyone, gather up!" Cid's gruff voice broke through the tension, calling the group's attention. "We're closing in on the hideout. We drop in five minutes."

The team gathered, weapons at the ready, faces grim and determined. They had fought together many times, but this felt different. This was personal, and everyone knew it.

As they descended towards Deepground's abandoned facility, the tension only grew. The structure was a looming, steel fortress built into the cliffs, its entrance obscured by a waterfall. It was the perfect place to hide something—or someone.

The airship hovered just above the entrance, and one by one, they jumped, landing stealthily at the edge of the hideout. Victoria and Cloud led the way, their movements silent but purposeful as they crept into the shadowed facility.

Inside, the air was thick and cold, the faint buzz of electricity echoing off the metal walls. They moved quickly and quietly through the corridors, splitting off into groups. Victoria and Cloud headed towards the lower levels, following their instincts that this would be where Vincent was being held.

"We'll cover the upper floors," Tifa whispered as she, Barret, Yuffie, and Cid branched off. "Be careful."

"You too," Cloud replied before he and Victoria descended deeper into the facility.

The lower levels were eerily quiet. Victoria could feel the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end, a sense of dread creeping in. Something was waiting for them down here. Something dark.

As they rounded a corner, the soft murmur of voices reached them. Victoria froze, signalling for Cloud to stop. She pressed herself against the wall, edging closer to the doorway. Peeking inside, her heart lurched.

There, in the centre of the room, was Vincent, chained to a wall. His body hung limp, his head slumped forward. Scientists in white coats were scurrying about, setting up equipment for a large experiment—a grotesque machine that pulsed with unnatural energy. It looked like something designed to break down every part of a person's mind and body, and Victoria knew instantly that this was meant for Vincent.

No...

Her blood boiled. They couldn't let that happen. Without thinking, she tightened her grip on her weapon and moved to storm in, but Cloud grabbed her arm, stopping her.

"Wait," he hissed. "Look."

Standing at the other side of the room, observing the preparations, was Rufus Shinra himself. Hojo stood beside him, eyes gleaming with mad excitement, while Genesis lounged near the far corner, a smug smirk on his face.