The Good Life: Wellness Check (ch. 100) (Patreon)

“Thank you,” Sephiroth uttered, a quiet relief in his voice that conveyed the depths of his gratitude far more than words ever could convey. “Thank you for helping him.” 

“It's temporary,” I replied, leaning forward as I slid a case of vials that I had prepared in advance for our little road trip across the desk that I was seated behind. “Maybe I can find a more permanent solution, but at this stage… we're pushing back the inevitable.” I made sure to sound like a concerned and well meaning doctor as I gave a cure that would only send Genesis over the edge. 

“Time, in this case, is hope,” Sephiroth said, his tone still grateful as he accepted the case. Inside were vials that would cultivate a paranoid psychotic break -- not in isolation, of course. Certain things needed to be pushed in that direction, but that was something that I could handle personally. Me, or Hojo. I would be the good cop and he the bad, all to send Genesis closer to that breaking point. 

I was still unsure when exactly Sephiroth was meant to have his mental breakdown, but I was guesstimating two years from now. It was currently the year 2000, but starting next year with the scheduled announcement of the Wutai War’s ‘official’ end, the calendar was going to be reset to year ‘1’. A new era to go with the new world order. 

It was largely due to Tifa that I was dragging out the mental break -- there was some guy named Zaga-something, I didn't remember, or care. What was important was that it took two years to become an ‘initiate’ in his martial arts style, and I knew Tifa was a punchy girl. 

It'd also be long enough for Cloud to go through SOLDIER training. So, it all just kinda worked out pretty nicely that way. 

“He can't miss a dose, Sephiroth. They'll make him feel awful, cause mood swings that'll range from catatonic depression to murderous rage. He's going to give up, he'll hate you for forcing him to take his medicine, and say every hurtful thing he can think of. But if he is going to have a chance at surviving this… then you need to make sure he takes every dose, right on time, no deviations.” I warned, and Sephiroth nodded gravely. 

“And Angeal?” He questioned and I gave him a small reassuring nod. 

“We caught his degeneration early. His treatment plan is going to be a bit unpleasant, but not to the same extreme. It's easier to prevent degeneration than it is to reverse it,” I offered and his lips thinned. “As for yourself -- you are in perfect health. No signs as of yet, but given the others, that is something I want to monitor. Some preventative measures would be in order in any case, now that we’ve isolated the cause of the degeneration.” 

He felt bad about not being sick like the others. It was rather adorable, if I was being completely honest. He didn't want to feel left out. 

But no such luck. I had other plans for Sephiroth. 

“I'll ensure that he takes them. That we all take this medicine. You have my word,” Sephiroth replied, inclining his head to me as some of the tension bleed out of him. “Again… thank you.” 

“Ah, no problem. I'm a doctor. It's what I'm here for.” 

…

With the Genesis detour out of the way, the trip went back to normal, though both Genesis and Angeal were sent back for the sake of monitoring by Hojo. In their place, Zack ended up joining us as we toured the countryside and searched a number of spots that had potential. Some of them were hits. Others weren't. But, little by little, my stash of Materia was growing. 

Some that I expected to be where they were in the games were exactly where I expected -- such as Odin, which was inside of the Nibelheim Manor, Kujata, which was inside of the Sleeping Forest, and the Phoenix, which was at the top of a mountain. 

Others, however, were a surprise when I found them, such as Ifrit and Hades. Ifrit was in one of the misses when it came to finding Huge Materia, while Hades was an old heirloom in a random ass village near the border of Wutai. 

As for Huge Materia, my search paid off there. North Corel had the one that was in the game, another was near Fort Condor near where I found the Phoenix summon. While the third was found at the bottom of the sea, inside of a submarine that got blown up on the way back to Midgar after they stole the Huge Materia from Wutai. An event that I was pretty sure was supposed to happen a bit differently later, but my little hunt for the Huge Materia had apparently set it off early.

All told the entire trip was quite successful, enough so that the President had been more than happy to extend it several times over because I kept finding gold. By the time of our eventual return to Midgar, six months had passed. A number of things had changed during our world tour -- such as the war with Wutai. 

It was still ongoing at the moment, but an armistice was being drawn up and peace was within sight. A peace that radically favored Shinra, and was the equivalent of the Treaty of Versailles with Wutai being the WW1 Germany equivalent. So, it was really only a matter of time before war flared up again, but that was a problem for later. 

It was a treaty that was being pushed forward because other SOLDIERs were showing signs of degeneration. So, they were being taken out behind the barn before they could stir up too much trouble. Suicide missions against monsters that were out of their weight class, assignments against Wutai to force them to agree to the terms, and so on -- the old guard of SOLDIER was being quietly killed off, all the while they drafted new blood. 

By the time that I arrived back at Midgar, Cloud Strife was on his second attempt at passing SOLDIER training. He’d washed out the first time because he couldn't keep up physically. The second time he was going to fail because he didn't match the genetic profile that lent well to SOLDIER enhancement. But, a word to Hojo got him pushed through for another one of his SOLDIER adjacent projects -- cloning Sephiroth. 

The other changes were a bit more subtle in nature.

I traded out my attire and wore one of the false faces that the Turks utilized to walk amongst the slums under the plates of Midgar unrecognized. The slums themselves showed subtle changes, largely in the terms of graffiti -- in the slums gang activity had always been rampant, but in the past year and a half one gang had started to edge out all the others. As one would expect, blue was featured prominently. 

I didn't really need to walk the streets, but it felt nice every once and a while, just to see the effect that we were having on the unassuming mundane population. And that effect was less than good. The people looked a bit rougher than they had a year ago, but I couldn't claim credit for that on my own. 

The side-effects of harvesting the Lifestream were making themselves known. Mass monster migrations were happening while soil failed across the continent. Small villages and towns were forced to relocate, either from monsters claiming their homes or because they simply couldn't sustain themselves. Midgar was a beacon of progress, so most ended up coming here, but they sure as hell weren't welcome on the upper plates, so the slums grew overcrowded with everyone trying to eke out a living, even if it meant drawing blood from a stone. 

It was only going to get worse, and a handful of people were in position to take advantage of that fact. And those people? They had Sectors of the slums firmly under their thumb, allowing their territory to prosper while others faltered to infighting over scraps. 

Sector 6 was one of the few Sectors that wasn't in a state of rapid decline. It guarded that success jealously, with checkpoints set up to allow those with gil inside, and keep those without away. I was allowed through, and I was greeted by a sea of neon lights. 

Wall Market. I had vaguely recalled it before I jogged my memory of the game, though I'd misremembered its name as Wall Street thanks to its similar name. Which was about the only thing the two places had in common -- there were no stuffy suits bartering over the speculative value of a company, margin calls, or stock prices and whatever. Instead, there was entertainment of all kinds. Strip clubs, fighting rings, auction houses, game rooms, hostess and host clubs, karaoke bars, movie theaters, opera houses, theater stages, and circuses. All of them jumbled into one chaotic mess so you never knew what you were getting into when you turned a corner. 

And, at the beating heart of it all, was the architect of the mad house. 

“Compliments of Don Corneo!” A barker exclaimed, handing out tickets to a lottery. “Take your chance to win the grand prize! The first ticket is free, but the second only costs ten gil!” He called out, pressing tickets into people's hands while another took orders for those that wanted to increase their odds. “Fifteen gil for a chance to win a million! Today is your last chance to try!”  

I drifted through the streets, letting myself get swept up in the crowd as they led me to my destination. That destination was a grand arena that stood out like a sore thumb in the slums, and after stealing a ticket I made my way into the arena and was greeted by the sound of cheering and violence. Approaching the railing, I leaned on it to get a good view of the arena and the full audience that roared with approval as a half dozen gladiators fought. 

It was a blood sport, plain and simple. A handful already laid dead in the sand that was dyed red. Some were a bit more impressive than others, but none in particular caught my attention as their numbers whittled down. When a champion was declared, the stadium that could seat fifty thousand roared with such force that the stadium trembled. 

“And we have our champion of our first event! But now, let us see another contest! For as long as there have been monsters, man has resisted them! We built walls, hammered out weapons made of steel, and then guns! Today, under the guiding light of Shinra, we have entered a new age of weaponry! Let us see how the pinnacle of modern technology fares against the king of the monsters!” 

A light smile was tugging at my lips as a Behemoth, a giant horned tiger creature was forced into the arena. It was covered in a scarred purple hide, bound in thick chains that it bucked against while it snarled hatefully at the crowd. 

Meanwhile, across the arena, a Arachne-like machine entered the arena. Beneath it were eight spider legs, each thick and heavily armored, while a human torso sat at the convergence point. The arms were less arms, and more of a shield and sword built into the limbs while the torso was covered in armor and weapons.  

On cue, they both rushed towards one another with the robot firing several high caliber guns that did little more than pepper the Behemoth. The missiles that streamed from its shoulders and back did more damage, sending up colorful explosions as they clashed near the middle. The Behemoth was battering the robot, the thick armor doing little to resist the impossibly sharp claws and teeth, but at so close, the sword arm of the machine could slash and stab at the beast. 

The people were working themselves up into a frenzy as beast clashed against machine. Apex predator against two thousand years of cumulative knowledge. 

The fight wasn't a long one. It couldn't be when it was a race to deal damage to one another. An arm was torn off the robot, and a leg was snapped while others stopped working. Meanwhile, the dark red blood of the Behemoth spilled in rivers from bullet wounds and the chunks of flesh missing from missile impacts. It was closer than I expected, but with a final roar, the Behemoth collapsed, leaving the sparking mess of the machine to deliver the final blow. 

The crowd cheered once more, even louder this time. And while the cleaning crew started hauling ass to remove the dead beast and the immobile machine, the announcer offered an excellent distraction. A platform extended itself across the arena, at eye level with the closest of the audience while projector screens came alive to give everyone a good view of the red curtain that fell at the start of the runway platform. 

“The victor has been decided, but this next battle will be fought on a different battlefield! This year's Mrs. Corneo must be selected, and with a generous heart, the victor will be decided by you, the audience!” The announcer informed, and while the cheering wasn't to the level as before, they were still plenty excited. Largely because the curtain parted, revealing a pretty scantily clad brunette who strutted down the walkway like she owned it. All the while, the announcer hyped her up, “Introducing Elaine Verden! Nineteen years old, her ideal date is a quiet dinner with her one true love, and her hobby is painting!” 

The announcer went on, informing the crowd of everything about her short of her social security number as she walked the length of the stage where she began to dance sensually as her opponents, a busty blonde and another brunette were brought out. 

They had about five minutes to introduce themselves, so they did what they could to make an impression on the crowd as the process was repeated two more times. Once all the contestants were introduced, the three of them appeared on the screens with a vote counter next to their profiles. 

“You met three lovely ladies! Now, decide which one will be the loving bride that our dear Don deserves!” The announcer declared as the voting began. A smile tugged at my lips as I realized it wasn't rigged, but the votes were delivered in bursts so the three always remained neck and neck until the very end when one began to pull ahead. Elaine. “And we have our bride! Say hello to Mrs. Corneo!” 

The girl was all smiles, waving and blowing kisses to the crowd. The other two clapped for her politely, but their smiles were a bit strained. Pissed that they lost. 

By the time that was decided, the corpse of the monster and robot were dragged away. The announcer moved on to the main event, but I cared little about that, content to watch the three women through my Room as they were swiftly ushered out of the arena by men wearing sharp blue suits. With a quick Shambles, I followed them as they were brought through Wall Market, to the lone mansion amongst the muck of the slums. 

Don Corneo was a figure that was known to me, as even before Midgar went to hell in a handbasket he was one of the winners. A career criminal with well established Shinra connections as the Turks liked to use him as a way to monitor criminal activity. And to flag down any problematic illegal dealings, such as purchasing or selling giant war machines. As far as criminal overlords went, there were few that could hope to match his reach within the city. The only ones who could match him were also Turk associates to prevent him from getting too big for his britches. 

As I welcomed myself into Corneo Manor I had to admit, I was a little jealous. It was something of a missed opportunity for me, something that I only recognized in hindsight. Back when this journey began, I had been sloppy. Over eager. Taking over the criminal underworld… I’d only really cared about the appearances of it so I could have my showdown with Homelander. The day to day stuff I just left to Robin since I dismissed it as busy work. 

Stan Edgar had taught me to appreciate it more. It took a little bit for me to learn that lesson as I had been mourning Homelander, but my experience in Runeterra gave me a renewed appreciation for the man. 

As I arrived in the manor, I was greeted by quite the sight -- the tasteful high class decor of the manor was splashed over with familiar artwork. Jagged violent splashes of spray paint of various colors that only revealed what the subject was when looking at it at the right angle. 

A blue haired woman on a throne. 

I hummed as I walked the halls, easily stepping past the security that continued their patrols unaware of me. The graffiti continued the further I went into the manor, giving the appearance that the place had been vandalized. Angry and sad faces were splashed over the statues, alterations were made to fancy paintings -- all of it was a chaotic mess. 

But that changed once I opened a set of double doors to the owner's inner sanctum. There, I was greeted by a naked woman who was gagged and blindfolded, bound in place by a series of ropes while a tray with a few glasses was kept in place by a thin chain attached to her nipple clamps. She was completely unaware of me, even if I hadn't eliminated the sound of the doors opening, as the sounds of flesh on flesh, moaning and jeers would have drowned the sound out. 

Walking down a hall and up a short set of stairs, I arrived at the source. 

It was a loft bedroom. In the lower half was an orgy -- the two women that didn't win the competition were bound and gagged like the one outside the door, and we're getting railed by two other women. Who didn't hold back anything as they delivered powerful thrusts to the failed beauty contestants, spanking and pinching in a display of domination. It was quite the scene when there were four other women arranged around the room like statues. All bound, gagged, and arranged in bondage positions. 

And, at the very top were two women. Both familiar. 

Elaine was bent over the railing, a hand grabbing a fist full of her hair, and she was getting fucked with such force it was a wonder she didn't go over. Her tits bounced with every thrust, the sound of flesh on flesh echoing out harsher than the other two women. 

“Yeah!” The other familiar woman shouted, delivering a spank to her ass as I walked up the steps unnoticed. There, I saw Jinx hammering a strap on into her newest bride until her hips were a blur. “Welcome Mrs. Corneo! That's also Mrs. Corneo, and Mrs. Corneo! One big happy family-” 

Jinx caught a glimpse of movement out of her eye, and from a holster that was on the strap on, she whipped out her favorite pistol and leveled it at me. Murder shone in her eyes for just a moment before they were flooded with joy, “Law!” She pulled out of the woman with a ‘plop’, leaving her to collapse where she stood while Jinx threw herself at me. 

I caught her bridal style to avoid getting poked with a dildo that looked suspiciously like my dick. “Jinx. You seem to be enjoying yourself,” I noted, taking another look around the room while Jinx snuggled into my arms. 

“Ol’ Don liked collecting trophy wives, so gotta keep up appearances,” Jinx said with a dismissive shrug in her voice. “He tossed the losers to his goons, but that seemed a little wasteful. Same with his Mrs. Corneo -- tubby always wanted to be in the honeymoon phase, so as soon as it wore off, he got a new one and tossed the old one out! I've been collecting them instead. Do you like it?” There was a dangerous glimmer in her eyes that told me there was a right answer. 

“It's great, Jinx. Everyone needs a hobby,” I said, giving an encouraging smile. She was bending the truth, just a little bit. Jinx was unstable as it was, but I think her brief exposure to Taylor infected her with Taylor's brand of crazy. She saw… whatever the fuck Nuka-World was now, and she saw my approval. So now she was recreating it. “Especially when you've been so busy. Caught the fight between the robot and Behemoth. That couldn't have been easy to arrange.” 

“Ugh!” Jinx dramatically sighed, wrapping her arms around my neck even as she threw her head back. “It's the worst! I dunno how Silco put up with this stuff -- its so boring. And a lot of dealing with a bunch of shmucks who all think that they're the smartest in the room and got the biggest dick.” 

“I can imagine,” I replied, amused with her obvious annoyance. Don Corneo had been taken out of the picture soon after we arrived -- I’d thought about just synthing him to get the criminal underworld under my thumb, but Jinx showed some initiative. A corporate job with Shinra wasn't for her, so she took an alternate path. 

As far as the Turks were aware, Don Corneo was still alive. He just took a step back, putting more distance between himself and the day to day operations. And that was where Jinx stepped in. Don Corneo went away, and she took over Sector 6, but as far as they were aware, she was just managing things for him. 

“How are you feeling about that?” I asked, walking over to the throne that Jinx had made for herself and taking a seat with her in my lap. Elaine was staring at us with confused eyes until Jinx made a shooing gesture. “About Silco?” 

The question took the edge of her smile, but it remained there as she cuddled into me. “Alright, I guess? I mean… it feels like I'm doing him proud? He was always talking about how I was going to replace him in the Undercity and how I needed to pay attention and blah blah blah. I never really wanted it- I just wanted him to be proud, so… I think I'm good. Gone through all the stages of grief and stuff.” 

I hummed, not really believing her, but she was better. Better than she was, at any rate, but that wasn't exactly a high bar. But, before I could comment on it, she flicked my nose and put a smile back on her face. “And speakin’ of crime boss lady stuff -- I got a big scoop for you.” 

“In regard to how exactly you got your hands on a Shinra war machine? They're pretty protective of those,” I noted, making Jinx giggle as Elaine stumbled down the steps to join the other… wives, I suppose I should call them, in gang banging the girls that had lost the popularity contest. 

“Exactly! Shinra is doing a big downsize in the whole military sector on account of the whole world conquest thing being done. So, they're shuttering their weapon factories. And guess who isn't too happy about that?” I opened my mouth, but Jinx kissed me before I could say a word, and pulled back to pretend she hadn't interrupted. “Scarlet. Unhappy is kinda a misnomer, though -- I'd say she's more in the realm of… Extremely, earth-shatteringly, unreasonably fuck-ass mad.” 

I tilted my head at that and nodded, “Makes sense. Shinra is focusing on Mako enhancement and Materia. Less a budget to spare for big robots,” I mused, feeling like I had committed a cardinal sin. That was a result of me, I suspected. I’d proven my worth in finding the Huge Materia and I’d dangled the possibility of immortality in front of them. If it was a choice of living forever and big robot, I could understand the decision to choose immortality. Even if I didn't approve. 

“Yup!” Jinx beamed, tracing a smiley face into my chest. “So, she's getting a little creative with where she gets her funding. She didn't sell the thing to me whole, but in bits and pieces. And at a huge mark up!” 

“What are you feeling on how to use this information?” I asked her, my hand going to the straps of her strap-on and undoing a hook. She felt a flash of arousal as she bit her bottom lip. 

“A little emotional blackmail, some actual blackmail… she was super snooty with me just cuz’ her designs don't totally suck,” Jinx mused, slipping out of her toy and dragging my hand between her legs, where my fingers slipped into her slick folds. “I wouldn't mind seeing her down there, all stuffed up,” she said, slinking out of my lap and making her way to the railing, guiding me by the hand. “Especially if we were the ones stuffing her up.” 

I chuckled, wrapping my arms around her as she leaned on the railing and rested my chin on top of her head, both of us drinking in the sight below as Elaine fully joined in on the fun and shoved the tear-streaked face of her blonde rival between her legs. 

Jinx was heading in the right direction, and even better, she was doing it of her own accord. I didn't ask about her feelings about her sister yet. A year and a half wasn't enough to handle that emotional landmine yet. But, little by little, she was getting there. 

“I wouldn't mind that either.”