Chapter 1

I sat motionlessly by the water's edge, my reflected face just outside of my view. Darkness had engulfed my surroundings, yet I could easily suppress the menacing forces at work around me. For too long had I been shut inside with it and eventually had it not only resulted in ridding me of all fear, but also somewhat of my identity. Despite I knew I had been altered physically during my time confined, what I didn't tell most people was the mental change that I felt had been triggered in me. No matter what others said and the time now spent in the outside world, I could still not completely identify myself with other humans and no longer felt any affinity to the term of my supposed race. If I still was human, it was hidden away pretty deep inside somewhere and most likely forever out of my reach.

I gently leaned forward and peered into my own face reflected in the water. The reflection was almost identical to that of the moon, located just a few feet away from mine. The darkness of my hair gently whipped at my face in the faint breeze, making the two images reflected startlingly similar. Pale as the finest fabric of silk, both cloaked inside the dark safety of what was our veil. Somehow, I felt like there would never be a time where I would have anyone I really could identify myself with, no matter how long that I searched. All that was left for me seemed to be lifeless beings, while deceased people were left in my wake.

"Vincent!"

I turned my head slightly, just to signal that I had heard the call. I did not have to turn around to identify this person. Not her.

"What are you doing here all by yourself?"

"Nothing" I answered, not looking away from the scenery. I could hear her utter a small sigh.

"It's so hard when you are so stealthy all the time. You slip away before anyone has a chance to notice"

I blinked slowly, unmoved by her harsh tone. I worshipped the time I could spend alone and still struggled a bit to get used to crowds. Just having friends was a newfound joy for me, but I was still a bit uncertain in how to express it most of the time. When I did not answer, she sighed again.

"So obnoxious…" she breathed, and leaned onto a nearby tree trunk, crossing her arms. I peered over at her. She was almost impossible to see in the darkness of the forest as she was dressed completely in black. I could only make out her white undershirt and her delicate fair skin, which was a large contrast to the dark background.

"If I am such a bother to you, why can't you just leave me alone?"

She scoffed slightly at my reply, looking a bit more irritated.

"Why you, that's exactly why I can't leave you alone! You are part of the team, of our group! I just want you to act as one, that's all. And not wander about by yourself all the time."

I fell silent, slightly awed by her motives. It was still a bit unfamiliar for me to be treated as if I mattered. Before I got to open my mouth for an answer, she continued.

"It's just that, every time we have a mission to complete or some work going on, you're always there to aid us. But when the work is done and the danger over, you always retreat back into yourself again. I just think that's really sad Vincent… We are your friends after all."

I felt her words pull at something deep inside my stomach, something my common sense screamed I had to deny. Never the less, I could only keep my guard up for a limited amount of time when it came to her. If she kept on being this persistent, in the end I would have to give in to her kindness. It was hard to imagine however, that I of all people could be worthy of anyone's concern.

"Don't you think Cloud will be worried about you if you stay out here for too long?"

I was surprised to feel how much my sentence hurt myself. She however, seemed indifferent.

"You're talking as if I was his wife or whatever… Besides, he's not in. He's working late"

She paused and I somewhat regretted what I said. Despite her hard exterior, I knew of her still strong feelings for Cloud. That however, didn't keep me from always playing upon them when cornered.

"You do realize that there's just not going to happen anything between me and him? How he still acts oblivious, even though I am trying so hard? Oh he'd be worried about me, sure. Just as worried as he would be for a stray Chocobo chick about to wander into a road filled with traffic. I'm nothing special to him, and if I am, it's as his beloved sister… It is a fight I have lost Vincent; it's really no secret at all…"

I felt a sting in my abdomen at her words and the emotion in them. I knew I should know better than to rip at already open and bleeding wounds, yet I always found myself hurting other people while shielding myself. I had become far too familiar with being selfish after everything that had happened to me. Especially with Lucrecia.

"I apologize if I have spoken out of place" I tried my best at sounding sincere, yet I didn't really know if I succeeded or not. I dared taking another look over at her, a slight feeling of relief filling me up. She looked bothered, yet not as much as I had feared.

"No, don't worry about it. It's me who shouldn't let it get to me. I have to get over it, sooner or later."

I didn't comment further, unsure if I would burst out more hurtful matters for her if I tried.

"Are you sure you won't come back with me?"

I hesitated. I realized refusing would mean she would have to go back alone in an area that was dangerous even in the daytime. Then again, she had never proved herself to be the typical damsel in distress.

"Would it not be a bit sad if I now refused and made all of your effort just be a waste of time and energy?" I asked. She sighed again.

"If that's your answer I'll just go ahead and excuse myself"

She turned on her heel and proceeded to walk into the trees, heading for the plains. I felt myself give in.

"Tifa!"

She stopped and turned towards me, startled at my sudden outburst. I had to admit it sounded more like a growl due to my deep voice, but that could not be helped. I got up from my seat, pulled out my trusted Cerberus from its leather holster, and started to walk towards her with slow steps, loading the gun as I walked. Despite my pace, the length of my legs made me catch up with her quickly. I hovered over her, digging my crimson eyes into her reddish brown. She seemed slightly surprised by my sudden approach, yet I could not bring myself to look away from her.

"You have the regular room available? "

She smiled slightly. "Yes, as always waiting for you."

I returned her smile with a gentle nod, before backing slightly, putting my gun back at my hip where it belonged.

"Seventh Heaven it is then"

Her face lit up in an instant and I felt my insides twist slightly at the sight. Despite my harsh appearance and attitude towards her, there was nothing that warmed my supposed heart more than seeing her happy. It was a shame she would never get to know.