Cyborg 009 Fan Fiction ❯ Ante Mortem ❯ Chapter Seven ( Chapter 8 )

Ante-Mortem

By: Wildfire Sky

Now that the Roman date is over, we can get back into the groove of what is going on with poor Joe and what the hell this acid is doing to him. And, thank god, it's back to slightly shorter chapters. I finish up Chapter Six: Part Two the night before it submitted it, and it gave me a headache…

Anyways, on to the fic!! Let's get this party started baby…

Ante-Mortem

Chapter Seven

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Joe stood out on the deck of the Dolphin, staring out over the crystal blue sea as the ship cruised along the surface. The sun was just rising over the eastern horizon, filling the sky with a dazzling display of yellows, reds, and oranges. A display viewed by uncaring eyes.

Joe lifted the bottle to his lips again, flinching slightly as the liquid burned down his throat. He sighed miserably, his glazed eyes falling towards the sea below. He could end all of his pain and suffering now…just fall into the sea and drift aimlessly until he either starved to death, or was eaten by some shark. He wouldn't fight it, the shark might be hungry. It could be his last good deed before he left this cruel Earth.

Francoise still wasn't talking to him, which was fine with Jet. In fact, all of the cyborgs seemed a little relieved that their once happy relationship had gone to hell. Of course Francoise had told them all about Rome, mostly due to Albert's inquiring when she'd returned in tears. The moment Joe had walked through the door; Jet was on top of him, doing his best to grind the drained cyborg's head into the ground. No one had moved to stop the fight except for Dr. Gilmore, and even he seemed a little reluctant.

"Can't say you don't deserve it," 007 had said once Jet got off of Joe.

But even when he tried to explain himself, it fell on deaf ears. Francoise ran to her room sobbing, Jet following after throwing Joe a deadly glare, and the others simply dispersed, not saying another word to the bewildered boy.

And now here he was, alone on the deck of the Dolphin, downing beer as if it was the last thing he'd ever drink.

Joe tilted back his head and allowed the last few sips of the alcohol to slide down his throat and into his waiting stomach. He righted himself, staring at the empty bottle before chucking it into the sea with a harsh cry. Collapsing against the rail, he began to sob horribly, tears running down his cheeks in streams. He was so stupid! How could he have let Black Ghost in like that?

"Huh. I figured you'd be up here again."

Joe didn't bother turning to face the speaker, "If you want to kill me now, go ahead and do it…I really don't care anymore."

002 smirked, "Naw, I think you've killed yourself enough. Jeeze, 009, you must be extremely drunk to say something like that!"

"Can't a cyborg drink a little?" Joe snarled sarcastically, staring down at the sea.

"Apparently."

Joe closed his eyes, sniffing softly, "What do you want?"

"Well," Jet started, walking over to where Joe was bent over the rail, "First off, I want you to apologize to 003."

"I already tried to, she won't talk to me."

"I wouldn't either. You'd have to be a real asshole to say the things you did."

Joe finally looked over at Jet, setting the smiling American with a harsh glare, "Anything else?"

"Yea, one more thing…" Jet leaned down closer to Joe, "After you apologize to Francoise, I want you to stay away from her. Don't ever go near her again."

"And what if Francoise comes near me?"

Jet's eyes narrowed, "Oh, don't you worry about that. The only time you'll ever be near her is when I'm around…and trust me; it'll be a very short visit."

Joe pushed away from the deck railing, swaying slightly, "Is that all? Fine. I'll leave you two alone forever."

"I wouldn't want anything less."

Joe stared at him a moment longer before staggering over to the roof door, and stumbling down the steps, leaving Jet out on the deck alone. He stepped into the living room where GB and Pyunma were playing cards. 008 looked over at him momentarily before turning back to the game.

"Your turn, 007."
Joe blinked and walked through the dining room and into the kitchen. 006 was there at the oven with Francoise, both bent over a meal. 003 turned, staring at Joe angrily. The Japanese boy stared back, his eyes brimming with tears again. It was now or never. A chance like this might never come again so he'd better make the best of it while he still could.

"Fran-I mean…003…"

Francoise turned away, ignoring 009. The cyborg leader faltered for a moment, considering giving up on apologizing. But now, Francoise had nowhere to go…she'd have to listen now, and Joe had a witness to his apology. He knew she'd listen. No matter how angry she could get, she could never stoop so low as to be blatantly rude to a man trying to apologize.

"003…I just wanted to say that I'm sorry, for everything that I did the other night. It was foolish and stupid, I know…and I don't expect for you to forgive me. It's not like I deserve your kindness anyways." Joe took a breath, closing his eyes to gather his thoughts. He could hear 006 exit the room, leaving the two alone. Aw hell…well, there's no turning back now… "I was just thinking…about you and I and Jet, and I figure that…well, maybe Jet right after all…about me and you…I mean...."

He couldn't find the words to express what he was thinking…could bring himself to apologize. To him it was hopeless…she would never want him back so why even try?

He sighed and looked over at Francoise. The French girl had stopped working, she head bowed, staring down at the counter. Joe could see he body shaking and he yearned to reach out and hold her to him.

He slowly walked over, raising his hands to touch her, but thought the better of it and let them drop to his sides.

I can't do this…it would be wrong to take advantage of her right now. She hates me and there's no way I can change it…just leaving her alone would be the best for both of us…

Closing his eyes tightly, he braced himself for his next words. "I will never bother you again, Francoise…"

Francoise's head jerked up and she turned to look at him. For a moment, Joe could see the softness return to her eyes. Her mouth moved, trying to form words, but all she could manage was a tiny: "Why?"

Joe blinked, not expecting a response. She was talking to him…finally…he had to say something before he lost his chance!

"I just don't want to hurt you anymore, Francoise…" Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Why the hell did you say that?

"Hurt me?" 003 turned her face away, wrapping her arms around herself and shaking as though a sudden chill hit her body, "Don't you think you'd hurt me more if you just stopped talking to me?"

Joe was at a loss for words. Here she was, flipping things around again. A sudden fury washed over him, "I'm just trying to do what I think is best for everybody!"

"This doesn't involve everybody, Joe…this is between you and me only."

"You said yourself you wanted me to leave you alone…to never come near you again."

003 dropped her hands slightly, "I…I know I did…"

Joe felt a ray of hope soar through his heart. Maybe things could turn out right after all, but he had to be sure. He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer, his chin resting on her shoulder as he whispered in her ear, "Do you really want me to leave you alone? I have to know, Francoise…"

The woman sighed softly, as Joe's lips met the skin of her neck.

No fair…

The way he was holding her and caressing her skin with his hands and lips were amazing. White spots flashing before her eyes as he moved down to lap at the curvature between her neck and shoulders, her body nearly melting in his arms at the touch.

"Joe…"

"Mmm…" Joe's reply was muffled, his mind and body too engrossed in their task of pleasing. To him, this might be the only leg up he had on Jet…his ability to please.

Francoise arched her neck, exposing more of her white flesh to Joe searching mouth. Joe hungrily accepted the invitation, immediately attacking to silky flesh shown to him. He was enjoying this…he'd admit it…this was extremely pleasing to him. All he wanted to do now was take her back into his room and really show her how much he loved her…seal his promise of ever lasting love.

He grinned as 003 softly moaned again, her hands coming up to clasp his face, holding him down. She was enjoying this too…

He barely heard the door creak open, but he did feel another presence in the room. Glancing towards the doorway he spied the furious intruder. His breath caught in his throat and he quickly moved away from Francoise.

Jet's eyes blazed with fury, but he didn't say a word, the unspoken message hanging in the air.

Francoise's eyes blinked open, her head turning towards Joe's tight face. Joe wasn't looking at her anymore, his stare focused on the kitchen door, a strange glint in his visible red eye. She glanced over at the empty doorway, she face scrunching in confusion.

Walking over to 009, she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing the bottom of his chin, trying to urge his strong arms around her again. She wanted to feel his heat against her body again, the love flow from his butterfly kisses against her neck. It had felt wonderful and she wanted more…maybe even take it further if they could get a moment alone together. The ancient primal urge to continue life with a mate was almost overpowering in her mind, the hormones of her body firing off like explosives. It was an amazing, but frightening, feeling.

But Joe seemed to have turned into a statue, unmoving, his eyes hard and cold.

"Joe..." she whimpered lightly, "Why did you stop?"

Instead of a response, Joe gripped both of her arms in his hands, pulling them from around his neck, his eyes blazing as he pushed her away, stepping out of reach.

"Joe!"

"This was a mistake," Joe snapped stiffly, cutting off any complaints that Francoise might utter, "I came here to apologize and I take advantage of you…it might be better if we end this relationship before it gets too far, 003."

Quickly he turned on his heel and strode from the room, letting his voice hang in the air above the stunned woman. She began to move after him, but a gentle hand held her back.

"Let him go, 003," Albert said softly, "He's in a lot of pain right now."

Francoise stood frozen for a moment before shaking off Albert's heavy hand, "Well good, let him suffer. I don't care."

Albert looked at her, pity filling his hard blue eyes, but not saying anything. She'll come to her senses eventually.

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Albert found 009 propped up against the far back wall of the main corridor, head bowed, eyes closed tightly in thought. Slowly he approached the down cyborg, leaning against the wall beside him.

"So does she hate me?"

Albert chuckled dryly, "She'll never truly hate you, 009. She's just a little upset, that's all. Give her some time to calm down and then try talking to her again, one on one."

"You think she'll listen?"

"No," Albert said with a small smile, "But, hey it's worth a try, right?"

A cold shiver rippled down Joe's body, his hands involuntarily clutching. His usually warm eyes were glazed over as the remains of the alcohol worked its way through his body system, affecting his every move and weakening his mind.

He'd come here to be alone and unbothered, but it seemed that everyone was near him now, wanting to talk, or in Jet's case, threaten him. Now he was questioning his sanity…

Black Ghost was ripping him apart. Ruining his life and setting his friends against him. It looked like the evil man had succeeded in turning at least two people against him. Would the others follow? Did Black Ghost have some diabolical plan to completely destroy his life forever?

If only he could seek refugee somewhere…somewhere away from everyone else. His room was an option, but even then he would be constantly disturbed.

"You look tired, 009," Albert said, cutting into his thoughts, "Maybe you should go lie down for a while…at least until breakfast is ready."

Joe looked over at the living arsenal, piercing through him with harsh, uncaring eyes. Albert was shocked at the emptiness that seemed to fill the depths of the once active and cheerful gaze that was now locked on him. Joe was changing, Albert could tell. And in the back of his head, he had the sneaking suspicion it wasn't just Joe behind these strange mood swings.

Black Ghost…

No, it was impossible…they definitely would have detected something by now. And Dr. Gilmore would be aware of any effects that a Black Ghost weapon might have on a cyborg. Besides, to tamper with a person's body like that would take a lot of time and energy…definitely something Black Ghost didn't have the patience for, so it couldn't have been him.

The poor kid's just homesick again…

That would explain it perfectly. Joe had stared acting strange just before the trip to Tokyo, and visiting the magnificent city had only made things worse, no doubt bring back harsh memories of the Japanese orphan's lonely life. Things had only gotten worse afterwards, the trip to Rome spiraling out of control and then his coldness in the kitchen…yes, 009 was homesick…

"009," Albert started, hesitating slightly. "You do know that I'm here for you…all of us are. What ever problems you might have, like homesickness…" 004 trailed off, hoping that the silent youngster next to him would catch on to his offer. When a response didn't come, Albert sighed, pushing off the wall so he could look directly at Joe. "Just know, 009, that if you ever want to talk, I'm here for you. What ever problem you're fighting, we'll beat it together."

"I don't think you could help me," Joe mumbled, finally speaking. "No one can help me now…"

"Hold on, 009, it can't be that serious."

The cyborg leader let out a harsh laugh. It was so uncharacteristic; Albert took a step back, eyeing his long time friend warily. Joe stared back into the icy blue eyes. "I wish you could help me, 004…but I don't want you to get involved."

"I told you…"

Joe quickly pushed off the wall, brushing past 004 in a rush to get to his room. "Just drop it. Please."

Albert moved to restrain 009's retreat, but at that moment the entire ship was thrown into darkness. The cyborg froze, gazing ahead into the darkness. "009…are you there?"

There was a rush of air and suddenly Albert felt a hard object connect with his stomach, sending him sprawling backwards into the wall. He bent over, trying to regain his breath, but moments later a fist solidly connected with his jaw and he toppled to the cold, metal floor of the Dolphin. He couldn't see where the attacks were coming from. Albert struggled to his feet, his metal hand locking into place as he leveled it in front of him. He could feel the presence of another…the rasping breath loud.

There was another whoosh of air and 004 distinctly made out the shape of a person in the shadows. He glared viciously, crouching and ready to fight.

"Give it up, 004…you could never beat me…"

Albert froze at the voice…it sounded like…no, it couldn't be. The voice was just too empty and devoid of life…

"I told you to stay out my life…not to get involved, but you just kept coming at me. Can't you just leave me alone for once?"

Albert stood, his eyes locked on the silhouette, "Come out of the shadows!"

Instead of answering, the figure turned away and began running down the hallway. Suddenly they stopped, seeming to hesitate in confusion as if they didn't know what they were doing, and turned back.

Albert could see a change already as the person bent towards him, grasping his shoulder. The German flinched slightly, but stared up at the figure.

Even in the dark, 009's red eyes were clearly visible, and now they had that life again, even if it was slightly subdued by the vile liquid that saturated the boy's veins.

Joe bent over Albert, felt him jerk from his touch slightly. Then time, however, he wasn't hurt by the gesture…he could guess what had happened to make him react like that. Black Ghost had reared his ugly head once more and lashed out at one of Joe's few allies. He would have to be careful now. He knew that with everything that was happening, his was treading on very thin ice.

"004…are you alright? I'm sorry about-"

"004! 004!" Chang's voice cut through the darkness. "Where are you?"

Albert pushed 009's hand off his shoulder. "I'm here, 006…what happened?"

The cook laughed slightly, "Black out…I think it may have been my fault....I had nearly ten things going at the same time."

"Yea and I warned him about it!"

Chang's voice fell as he turned to the new intruder, "You shut your mouth 007! I'll have you know that it takes a lot of skill and management to do so much at one time."

"I'll give you some credit…it's not everyday someone short circuits an entire ship!!"

"Why thank y---what?!? How dare you!! 007, if I could see I would…"

Their arguing voice traveled down the hall as the two started back in the direction from which they came, leaving 004 and 009 alone once more.

Albert and Joe stood facing each other in the darkness, Joe's face cast downward so he wouldn't see 004's piercing gaze. He wanted to say something…break down and tell Albert everything, but that would only make this difficult for everyone. They would undoubtedly quarantine him; lock him up in the infirmary under heavy guard until they could find a cure.

But he might never have their trust again. In fact, he wasn't sure he had it now. Joe sighed miserably. Some leader he was turning out to be.

Slowly the power came back on; the footsteps of the other cyborgs moving through the ship, echoing down the corridor.

Jet came around the corner, Francoise closely following behind. As Joe turned to face them, Francoise's eyes locked on his, holding the heated gaze longer than Joe would have liked. Sheepishly he turned away, staring pointedly at the wall.

"Are you ok, 004?" Jet asked, his gaze rolling over Joe uncaringly. He'd seen the look that passed between Joe and Francoise, and it pissed him off to say the least. The American shifted so no other eye contact could be made between the two.

"What happened to make the power fail?" Albert questioned.

"Hell if I know," Jet snarled, "However it happened, we'll get to the bottom of it." The flame haired cyborg's gaze shifted to Joe, his brown eyes narrowing accusingly as if the Japanese boy had something to do with the strange event.

"Yea, I think you should get to it, 002," Albert quickly said, following Jet's gaze. He had his own suspicions and they too included Joe…but probably not to the cruel extent of Jet's. The American glared at him momentarily before wrapping an arm around 003's shoulders and pulling her away.

"We'll go check the bridge with Dr. Gilmore…see you later."

Albert waited until Jet was gone before turning to Joe. The leader looked so downtrodden that a wave of pity washed over the German and he clamped a hand down on the brown mane of hair before him, giving it a gentle pat.

"Go get some rest, 009," he said kindly, "We'll handle everything else."

Joe looked up, "But…"

"No 'buts'," 004 said firmly, "You haven't slept in days and I know that with all of the drinking you've been doing, it's only making things worse. So go to bed for once…I'll make sure nobody bothers you."

Joe opened his mouth to protest again, but quickly thought the better of it, nodding gratefully before turning to go to his room. He needed the rest…

Joe opened the door to his room, stepping in as it hissed closed behind him. His bed looked so inviting…he couldn't keep away from it. He slipped out of his cloths, leaving on his black and red boxers, before pulling back the covers and sliding under the warm sheets. His head barely touched the pillow before he was thrown into a deep slumber.

"See you in your dreams 009…"

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Jet quickly walked down the bleak corridors of the Dolphin, his eyes shooting back and forth and through doorways as he moved, alert and ready for any danger that might present itself. He would never openly admit it, but the power outage was unnerving not only in the fact that it was unexpected, but that it seemed so very random.

A slight shudder rolled down his back as he walked, cautiously picking his way through the hall. The fact that he was in this position only served to fuel his anger. He much rather would have preferred to be outside of the Dolphin, scanning for any enemies in the area, but Pyunma had been graced with that job. He'd even suggested to Dr. Gilmore to allow him to go to the surface and scan from the air, but that was quickly rejected as well.

Jet snarled inwardly. He wanted to get off the ship and away from this cold feeling that seemed to grip his body. What the hell was it that was making him so nervous?

The American paused briefly as he passed an all too familiar doorway, a harsh scowl crossing his features.

Joe was in there. Asleep of all things. It wasn't fair that that little punk was able to rest at a time like this while everyone else was forced to work. Britain and Pyunma out scouring the sea, Geronimo and Albert at the helm while Francoise checked the radars. Even Chang was busy checking the vessel for any strange entry points or damage to the main components.

But was their fearless leader helping?

Hell no.

Well he would be soon enough; Jet was going to make sure of it!! 002 reached out a hand, his brown eyes burning fiercely, anticipating giving 009 one hell of a rude awakening.

"Don't you dare, Jet."

Instantly, Jet's arm fell to his side and he glanced at Francoise out of the corner of his eye. The female cyborg stood glaring at him, a reproachful frown on her face.

"Why would you wake him up? He's tired."

"Yea, well so am I!" Jet snapped, "He needs to help, especially since he's our 'leader'."

003 walked over to Jet, pausing just out of reach, staring into his deep eyes, "Just because he's our leader doesn't mean he doesn't deserve a break now and then. You know as well as anybody else he needs this rest more than anything. So just leave him alone for once."

Jet's eyes narrowed, "Interesting how you're sticking up for him after what he said to you."

Francoise's face darkened and she turned away, "……I know he didn't mean it……"

"Please," Jet snorted, "The way you told it, he sounded pretty damn serious to me!"

"You weren't there…you wouldn't understand…"

"Understand?" Jet said, "What's there to understand? He told you off, 003! Embarrassed you…even call you a bi-"

"He didn't mean it, Jet!" Francoise said, cutting off the hawkish cyborg before he could finish, "I don't know what it was, but…when he tried to apologize that night…"

Jet stepped closer, his eyes glinting, waiting for the French girl to continue. Francoise could feel his eyes burning holes in her, almost daring her to say something in support of the Japanese cyborg. But could she really? After everything she'd done to push him away? After he pushed her away?

In the depths of her heart, she tried to convince herself that she'd done the right thing by getting away. Something was definitely wrong with Joe that night; she'd seen it in his eyes when he yelled at her.

But there was something else, wasn't there?

Yes. Behind the harsh, cruel glare he had shot her, there was also a glimmer of absolute panic. It seemed as if someone else was forcing him to talk…forcing him to bring her down. Yet, another part of Joe seemed to combat that control and push it away. When she'd slapped him, all of the cruelty and anger instantly melted away and she was there with the real Joe.

The Joe she loved.

There. She said it. She finally admitted it! She was hopelessly in love with Joe and there was nothing she could do about it.

You hypocrite! If you're so madly in love with him, then why did you push him away like that?

I don't know…

Go ahead and say it. You're terrified…terrified of him-of Jet- and what he might do…

He would never hurt me.

But he'd be angry.

He'll get over it.

Will he?

Yes.

You know he won't. You can see it can't you? That fierce possessiveness. You've gone about this in completely the wrong way, honey. If you leave him, then the fighting will be even worse.

Not if I explain it.

To him?? Are you crazy??

I'll take Joe with me…he'll protect me…

You've messed up Francoise. You've messed up badly. I suggest you clean this up before it gets too out of hand. Pick one or the other and stick with it!! Suffer through your choices. Each one has something to offer…just pick right.

She shook her head slowly, her eyes tightly closed as she argued with her inner self. It was right. She had to choose and quickly. As sure as she was about the man she really wanted, it did have some consequences. Unless she could figure out what exactly was wrong with Joe, both of their lives may never be truly happy.

Jet stood watching Francoise, silently brooding. She never finished what she was going to say and as cruel as it sounded, he almost enjoyed watching her mentally torture herself, the confusion in her eyes pleasing to him. He knew she loved Joe…it was plain as day.

Even after the two had arrived from Rome and Francoise had told them what had happened, she still couldn't take her eyes off of Joe. It was even more adamant when 003 had restrained him from confronting 009 outright the moment he'd walked onto the Dolphin.

The look in her eyes. He knew it and he was sure she knew he knew…

As much as he hated feeling like he was losing the girl of his dreams, he found this an opportunity to get back at 009. If Joe wanted to take Francoise away from him, Jet would be sure it was the most painful experience of his young life!

Never taking his eyes off Francoise, he watched as she slowly walked back to where she came from, her head down as she thought, and a small smirk crossed his face.

Even though he and 009 never really saw eye to eye, he still had a lot of respect for a man who could find a girl like that. Jet turned away from Joe's door, rapping it softy with his knuckles as he walked past, eyes forward and the wheels in his mind turning.

He saw this as a challenge by 009. The Japanese youth was challenging him for Francoise's heart.

All right then, two could play at this game. Jet would have to be patient, a trait he never really enjoyed flaunting about, but he would have to learn to if he wanted to win…

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Nugh…so tired…so stressed!! Argh! Apologies for this taking so long, but I've pretty much been going from school, to play rehearsals, to work, to homework, to bed, all on top of a doctor's appointment in Houston of all places with my SATs tomorrow…well, it just doesn't leave me with a lot of writing time!

And if you thought this chapter was not too good, I'd readily agree. However, for the moment I am completely brain drained so I won't be submitting again until sometime next week when I have time to sit back and relax and let my brain recharge.

School and work are a bitch.

So, anyways, as much as I hate to say it, don't expect an update until sometime next week once I get more energy, ok?? Enjoy the fic!!

GoldAngel2: Muahahaha!! I am a vixen aren't I?? I kinda expected everyone to think that Joe and Francoise would get together, and I originally planned to do that…but then I was like, naw, I don't think so…lets keep em on the edge of their seat a while longer!! You're right. Looking back over the chappie, I did notice they were a little OOC, but, mind you, I've never been on a real date before, so I tried to play off of what I might feel had I been in the same position…which is probably why I don't have a BF. Sigh…oh yea! Thanks for the input about my idea…it's a pity I'll have so many problems with it.

Wolfwood11:*bows to the master of compliments* Heh. You made me feel really special right there. And yes YOU ARE WORTHY!! You are worthy of all…and don't shout too loud, might hurt your friend's eardrums!!

Holli: I don't know if I've satisfied you with Jet's reaction. Hey, I got a private question for you…does this chapter seem a bit…I don't know…awkward? To me it does, but I would like a second opinion on the matter…I fear I may have to redo the entire thing!! *sob*

ANIMEGURL04:Hurray to you too.

PROVEIW:Yes sir/ma'am! I will update…later…

Fantasygirl:Yea it is too bad that you're spring break is over…mine just ended too and I'm still feelin' the effects, but I'm glad I could bring so much joy to your life!! Thanks a bunch for your review!!

Starlight16:Well, I'm glad that I could give you a more open opinion of Joe. And yes, Black Ghost is a bastard…he's the biggest bitch of them all.

CC1F:Errr………I couldn't kill Jet. That would be bad…but I can make him suffer!!