Before I Go
I'm sorry that it's like this…
[There is a Father in all men. It takes one child to show us that. Based off of AC
With the exception ofthe occasional drip from the window and soft tapping of rain it was silent. That silencewas driving Vincent to the brink of insanity. Taking a sip from the tea he had just made, the red clad man sighed.
"I must go to Midgar one last time," He said to nobody in general. Vincent knew there were people in the kitchen but they wouldn't hear him or care if they heard. Not needing a response he got up and worked his way into the bustling kitchen.
"Mornin'" The younger girl said quickly. He nodded and began to set the table for them. The two other girls took their spots after all the food was placed, and the table was set.
"Hey, Vincent, pass the sugar, please." The other asked. Vincent nodded and the two girls exchanged looks.
"Um…Vincent…what is wrong?" Shelke asked. He picked up his fork and began to eat.
"Lovely spread as always, Yuffie, Shelke," he said coolly. The girls exchanged looks again and sighed. Vincent Valentine could be a pain sometimes. Yuffie put down her fork and slumped her shoulders.
"Alright Valentine, what's wrong?" Yuffie questioned. Vincent blinked and took a bite of his meal.
He swallowed and sighed, "Your food is yet again delightful, Shelke, Yuffie." Yuffie rolled her eyes and took a spoonful of eggs. Shelke was beginning to eat her fruit salad, when Vincent got up from his seat and placed his half eaten meal in the sink Vincent slowly spoke again, "I will be in my study. If I am needed, please knock." The girls only glared and looked away.
As Vincent slowly made his way to the door he heard the once quiet table erupt into happy chatter between the two young women. He almost smiled at the living arrangement he had happily provided for the two girls; Yuffie not wanting to return home and Shelke not wanting to burden Reeve with memories of Shalua.
He admitted inwardly that having Yuffie and Shelke stay for a few months was helping him cope with the final loss of Lucrecia Crescent. Yuffie's endless chatter reminded him of how Lucrecia would always talk with him, and the constant expansion of Shelke's education was reminiscent of how she would always have her little "fun fact" of the day.
Vincent worked his way down to his study, while there he looked through the papers Hojo had written all those years ago. Finally free, Vincent began to think about getting rid of the papers for good. Nobody should have to read about what Hojo had done, and noone should try to recreate what Hojo made.
With that thought, Vincent began packing his bag for the trip to Midgar. He would take the LuckPlus Materia, a Cure 3 Materia, one Mastered Fire Materia, along with Cerberus and Quicksilver. Packing would be the easy part. Equip the three Materia into the slots Cerberus heldholster Cerberus, and put Quicksilver in a cloak pocket. Then Vincent would just have to get some Gil from his stores, and place that in his cloak as well.
The hard part was…leaving.
The troubled man hesitantly walked out the study door and grabbed his cloak off of the rack. He packed quietly and quickly, and then placed the cloak on his shoulders. Subconsciously buckling his red accesory, Vincent walked to the kitchen. Once there he grabbed the Manor key. This earned him stares from both Shelke and Yuffie.
Yuffie slung a towel over her shoulder and said, "I speak for both myself and Shelke. We wanna know where you're off to this time."
Alas, as sad as it was, Vincent had pulled this act before. Yuffie had knighted it "The Cloud Act". The ex-turk would leave for weeks on end, not telling Yuffie or Shelke where he was headed. Most of the time it was WRO missions, and they understood about that. What they did not understand was why Vincent continued his travels after the missions were completed.
Vincent sighed and said, "This is the last time. I am leaving…for my own reasons. But, before I go," He paused and sighed, "I'm sorry that I have been a bad friend to you." Shelke and Yuffie nodded and smiled at him.
"Go ahead Vincent, Yuffie and I will be here when you return," Shelke reassured him. Her smile remained intact. Yuffie nodded in agreement. Vincent sighed and began to walk down the Manor hallway. With the slam of the main door, he was gone.
Once outside he swung himself over his motorcycle and drove off. The ride was cold and quiet. No dripping from the window, no laughter from Yuffie, and none of Shelke's pesky questions. The solitary man liked the quiet. He could think. He could atone. Vincent rode for a while before he finally stopped at Costa Del Sol. His purpose there was to take an Airship to outside Midgar. He was almost there.
When he arrived in the cave, Vincent almost expected to hear Lucrecia's voice calling from the Mako. But today there was silence, she was finally gone. Dr. Crescent was in the Lifestream, her body, her beauty, everything, was locked away. Lucrecia Crescent was no more.
"Lucrecia." He started wearily, "I…am sorry." He paused for a moment before continuing onward. "I needed to see you one more time. I needed to tell you. I am taking your advice. I am going to live. I believe I will be able to step out of the dark. Cloud has done it, I will as well." He bowed his head in silence. Vincent knew there was more to be said, "But...before I go...Lucrecia, I still feel at fault. I do not know if this is just my nature or if I am still heart broken." He looked at the crystal and sighed. He stood and shook his head, "Lucrecia. Remember, I may move on. But in my heart, you are and will be forever my first love." He bowed once again and walked out of the cave.
As he started up the motorcycle, Vincent thought of the family he could have had with Lucrecia. He imagined them together, raising children, growing old, dying together. "But together," he mumbled aloud. Shaking the thoughts from his mind, he sat on the motorcycle seat and started the ride through Midgar.
The long journey would take him past Edge, then into Kalm. From there he would take a ferryboat to Bone Village, and take another ferryboat to Costa Del Sol. Once there Vincent would drive to Corel and then finally make it back to Nibelhiem. This time, he planned to drive into Costa Del Sol and maybe pick up gifts for Yuffie and Shelke. Shelke was like a daughter to him, and Yuffie was…Yuffie. Shelke would want something along the lines of a book, and Yuffie would want something useful around the home.
That was an area where Vincent failed. He always seemed unable to help Yuffie and Shelke. 'Maybe staying around the house more?'. He thought about that for a while. No, that was something that Cloud needed to do. Cloud thought he had more important things to do, but Cloud could spare 10 minutes to help out his family. Vincent sighed, 'And I could do the same'
As Vincent exited Midgar, he noticed that the sun was about to set. 'Beautiful', He thought, 'How is it that everything can feel just right if something is beautiful enough?' He paused for a moment before a flood of memories washed over him. 'Beautiful enough…Lucrecia', He would think about it later. Right now Vincent needed to concentrate on getting to Edge. The first step to doing this was finding a viable route.
On his way, Vincent reflected on what he'd just experienced, Midgar. What was there to be said about Midgar? The place was cold and dead. Nothing colorful or vibrant lived inside the crumbling city walls. The entire metropolis was succumbed to a life of bleakness and solitude. Vincent shuddered. Few, if any, SOLDIERS lived there, if you could even call their existence life. They were stuck in a constant cycle of fear and grief. "Death in life" was a common phrase used to describe their lives. They hid from their futures, and could not face their pasts. 'I.' he thought, 'cannot live like them any longer. I mustn't.'
As he entered Edge many people remembered his role in AVALANCHE and shouted things like 'thank you', 'thanks', and 'you rule'. None of these words seemed to impact Vincent at all. Realizing that He needed a place to stay, the thoughtful man decided to rest at Seventh Heaven. He stopped at the bar and found Reno sitting on the steps. The red haired man sat with a beer in hand and his eyes closed.
"Bar's closed Red." Reno said as Vincent walked up the stairs. Vincent nodded and knocked on the door of Tifa's Bar. "Hey I said the bar is closed- Agh! It's you!" Reno said, "Damn bright light!" Reno said covering his eyes as Vincent opened the door to Seventh Heaven. When Vincent walked into the bar, he had the pleasure of witnessing father's day for the Strife-Lockheart family, or whatever name Denzel had taken after Tifa and Cloud adopted the boy. Marlene was still a Wallace, but Barrett was nowhere in sight. Vincent walked farther into the room and then suddenly found himself on the floor. "HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DA- oh. Uncle Vinnie!" Marlene had tackled the older man. Vincent smiled inwardly at the little girl, "Happy father's day Uncle Vinnie!" He heard Marlene giggling at her 'Uncle'. Vincent picked himself and the girl off the floor.
He sighed, "Thank you Marlene. But I am not a Father." Her mouth became thin as she began to pout. "But pay no mind, thank you, Marlene." The small girl smiled and jumped out of his arms.
"Come on Uncle Vinnie!" Marlene grabbed his claw and yelled for Tifa, "Tifa, Uncle Vinnie is here!" Tifa walked in from the kitchen and Vincent nodded.
Tifa gaped, "What's the occasion?" she asked. It was no occasion, minus Cloud's Father's day. Vincent shook his head. Tifa's face then was mixed with two emotions, sadness and anger. "Did Yuffie know that you went there?" Vincent nodded, "And would you like a place to stay?" He nodded again and found himself being hugged by the brunette bartender, "It's good to see you." A cough was heard as Cloud entered the room.
"Oh Cloud!"
Tifa avoided the embarrassment crisis with some kindly placed words. Vincent Valentine sat at a table drinking the Red Wine Tifa had served him. As he twirled the glass in his hands a small voice made its way known, "Why are you doing that?" Denzel asked. Vincent closed his eyes not angry but merely laughing.
"Well it's not really needed when it comes to Goldleaf Classic Red, but it releases the aroma and taste. It's more of a habit now," Vincent said.
"Wow! Where did you learn this Mister Vincent?" Denzel asked. Vincent placed the wine glass on the table and turned to the boy.
"My father, Denzel," He stopped, and before Vincent could say anything else, Denzel began to speak.
"It's all right if you don't want to tell me anymore," Denzel stopped and looked at the man. Vincent knew what the boy had gone through; it was a heavy load Denzel Strife-Lockheart had endured. Vincent could relate.
"You are very much like Yuffie, do you know that?" the dark haired man said.
Denzel smiled, and sat down on the other side of the booth, "Mom tells me that all the time. She says I'm too much like Miss Yuffie for my own good."
"Do you know why I say this?" Denzel blinked, "It is because you assume that because I choose not to talk about my past at certain times you automatically think it's too painful, and are silently apologetic to me. My silence doesn't mean that I will never share my past." He paused, "I merely search for an opportune moment." Denzel smiled.
"So that's why you're always silent?"
"Mostly, now would you like to hear about my father?" Denzel smiled.
"Sure!" Vincent sighed and smiled a bit.
"My father was a Wine enthusiast. Every summer since I can remember…we always went to Gongaga to get wine and live with my Uncle for the summer," Tifa then walked into the room, stopping in her tracks her eyes asked Vincent for permission to listen. He nodded and began again, "I must have only been about your age, when my father bought a summer home in Gongaga. We had always lived near Wutai after we fled the reign of Yuffie's grandfather Shiro Kisaragi. It was a big move for me and my family."
Soon the other residents of the home filled the room listening to Vincent's tale of his father's wine antics. That story led to one very important question.
"Uncle Vinnie, where is your Daddy?" Marlene asked clutching the hem of a blanket she had curled up with, "Shouldn't you be with them, and your Daddy for Father's Day?" Vincent sighed.
"Marlene, my parents died long ago," then he paused, "Don't say it Tifa."
Tifa opened her mouth to speak but merely stuttered, "I wasn't going to say anything!"
Vincent stood up, "I knew what you where thinking though, and frankly I have had it with all the 'I'm so sorry-ies' in my life." He took his plate and his wine glass, "And I should leave…" Vincent placed a hand on his head and sighed, he was getting a migraine, and he shook his head he couldn't be getting sick now. He still had to get to Kalm.
Packing his bag, Vincent Valentine began making the necessary adjustments to his bike. As he started to work Marlene walked into the garage. "Uncle Vinnie?" His head jerked up, "Daddy called, he's not coming tonight." Her small body began to shake, "I miss him, Uncle Vinnie." Thinking quickly Vincent stood up and picked up the small girl.
"Marlene it's alright," She buried her face into his cloak and began softly cry. Vincent bit his lip; handling children was Yuffie's strong point…. What would Yuffie do?, he asked himself.
Vincent closed his eyes and began to say a few words from his native language to the distressed child. "Ittai nanno tame ni umaretekita no ka..." Marlene's face, now red poked up.
"What was that?"
"Just a few words in Wutaianese, it means 'What in the world was I born to do...'" He paused and thought for a second, "Come on. I think I may have a solution to your problem." Marlene smiled and laid her head back on his shoulder.
"Uncle Vinnie?"
"Yes Marlene," the girl shifted.
"I love you," she closed her eyes and sighed. A small smile graced Vincent's features and he continued to walk. Soon the duo approached Tifa.
"There has been a change in plans for me. I'm taking an Airship to Costa Del Sol, then I will drive to Corel. I would like to take Marlene to see Barrett. Also, this will take some time off my travel," Vincent said. Tifa nodded.
"I'll pack her things," she turned away, "Oh and Vincent," Vincent turned back around, "This may be noble, but it's no excuse for not being there for two others that need you," The words stung, "Vincent, stop being Cloud, it doesn't suit anybody." Vincent sighed and took a seat. He placed Marlene on the couch. Folding his hands, the sorrowed man began to think.
'People that need me.' Vincent tossed a look to Marlene and sighed, he knew that he was running from the two people that needed him most.
Tifa trudged down the stairs, Marlene's bags in her hands. She smiled at the sight of Vincent and Marlene.
"Vincent have you ever considered having children?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I would make a poor father." Tifa walked towards the sleeping girl and placed a hand on her head. Vincent took the bags from Tifa's hands and said, "Tifa, go get some sleep." She nodded.
"Stay safe, tell Yuffie that I say hello," she paused, "Don't run away from the future anymore." Vincent nodded and picked up the sleeping girl.
"I don't intend to run. But Tifa…Before I go…Thank you," Vincent said with a bow. He carefully picked up the sleeping Marlene and walked to the door; nodding to both Cloud and Denzel. He walked out the garage door and placed Marlene on the back of his bike and buckled her in. He sighed and started the bike. To his surprise, the loud noise didn't wake the unconscious girl. Vincent drove out into Edge and headed for the Edge Landing Strip.
Taking the bags in his hands, Vincent watched as a Crewman wheeled his bike, Hades, up the ramp. The red-cloaked man then readjusted himself slightly, tying not to wake up Marlene. He made it to his quarters and opened up the room they were assigned. Slowly pushing open the door he tried to walk in, but was stopped.
"Is she your daughter?"
Vincent blinked at the young woman, "She's very cute, you must be proud. Happy Father's day." The woman walked off. Vincent thought that was strange, and walked into the room. It contained two beds, a window, and Bath commodities. Placing Marlene down on the bed and covering her with a blanket, Vincent whipped out his cell phone and dialed home.
"Hello, Valentine residence, Shelke Rui speaking," the girl said.
"Shelke; It's Vincent, how are you?" He heard shuffling and then a reply.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm on an Airship. Just how are you?"
"Fine. Do you want to talk with Yuffie?"
"Yes please," Vincent said, and then he heard a shuffle, followed by a yell and a click.
Yuffie picked up, "Listen, Old Man! I am NOT marring Jai Wu! I would RATHER marry, Cloud, than the bastard you have set me up with. AND DON'T YOU DARE SAY 'but it's Father Day!'" She was then cut off by Shelke, and the phone dropped, "Oh My GOD!" Vincent chuckled.
"Hello Yuffie, how are you? I need some advice," Vincent paused. He heard a scratching noise.
Yuffie sighed, "I have good days and bad days. Today is a good day. Advice? Well I'll try. Shoot. Just don't shoot me!"
"I'm taking Marlene to Corel and…and I would like some advice on what to do for Marlene." A small tapping sound and Vincent dragged out, "I feel that I am going to make some kind of mistake, Yuffie."
Yuffie snorted, "With an attitude like that you will. Okay Vincent, just remember. If you think that you won't mess anything up, you won't mess up." Vincent snorted, "Gods Vincent, just…when does the Airship take off?" Vincent turned the clock on the nightstand around.
"We take off in about three minutes," Vincent said, "Why?"
"No reason. But when the Airship takes off, her ears will pop," Yuffie sighed and more tapping followed.
"So what should I do to help her?" Vincent asked. He heard now a loud chop come from the other end, "and what is going on?"
"Well, I'd give her some gum, or something to bite on, since she's younger she'll be able to feel her ears pop, you and I on the other hand wouldn't be able to feel it at all," Another chop, "Because we where on the Highwind and the Shera so much, also we respond differently to it. Oh and the chopping? I'm cooking alone tonight. Don't ask. You'll see when you get home." A laugh came through the phone, "Don't raise your eyebrow at me, Valentine." Vincent smiled inwardly; somehow, she always knew how he would respond.
"Thank you Yuffie."
"Anytime!" This was followed by a click. Yuffie ended the call, as the intercom clicked.
"Hello passengers, and welcome to EDGE-Air. I am your pilot, Angelo Dewitt. We may be experiencing turbulence during this trip because of the Cold Front that is moving in from Nibelhiem. We will be taking off in just a few minutes so if you are in the living quarters, meeting rooms, or game room, please be seated. Our first stop will be in Corel then we will head for Wuati." Vincent grabbed her bag and found a note from Tifa.
'Vincent,
When on the Airship, have Marlene chew on these, they are hard candies from Gold Saucer. There is also ice water in there, clothes, blankets, her moogle, a coat and a little something for Yuffie and Shelke as well. I took a book from Cloud's study that you might like and threw it in there for you.
- Tifa'
Vincent raised a brow at the letter and folded it up neatly and placed it by his side. He took the candies and placed a hand on Marlene's head as the Airship took off. "Marlene, wake up." Marlene turned over and put her hands over her ears.
"It hurts." Her hands were over her ears. Vincent's eyes went wide, she was already in pain? Where was Yuffie or Tifa when he needed them?
"Here eat these," He said handing her the candies. A shaky hand took the candies and popped them into her mouth.
'Fank 'ou Uncle 'Innie." She was now chewing on the candies and starting to try going back to sleep, "Uncle 'Innie?" She yawned, "'Fank 'ou." Vincent nodded sat back down on his bed. Pulling out the book that Tifa had put in the pack for him, he read the title. Memories of the Forgotten, it read in lacy script. He groaned at Tifa's humor and opened the book. It was going to be a long flight.
"We are now experiencing turbulence. Will all night passengers please report to the meeting room," the intercom clicked. Closing the book, Vincent grabbed his cell, picked up Marlene, and hurried to the Meeting room.
A moan. Lighting flashed. "Uncle Vinnie please don't leave me." She was awake. Vincent felt Marlene wrap her small arms around his neck, though he wasn't really comfortable with this, the tired man didn't say anything. Lighting flashed again and the Airship toppled. Vincent grabbed the rail with his clawed arm. Marlene screamed loudly and Vincent flinched at the noise. His grip tightened on the rail as she screamed. He also had to tighten his hold on Marlene. Letting out a small groan the ex-turk pushed his whole body against the rail. Marlene buried her face into the crook of his neck. "Uncle Vinnie!" She was crying. The poor kid feared for her life.
Eventually things slowed down, and the Airship made landing in Mid-Corel. Once on landed, Vincent looked around as he and Marlene walked down the ramp. The town was newly redone and the street lamps were coming on. The two-hour time difference didn't do much; it was still getting dark wherever he went. Sighing Vincent felt Marlene slip her hand into his claw; the only people brave enough to touch it were at home.
"You're not scared of it are you?" Vincent asked. She smiled and shook her head no. "Well, then you have nothing ever to fear." Marlene giggled and smiled. Vincent watched as they wheeled Hades out of the Airship. He quickly paid the man and placed Marlene on the motorcycle. She giggled, this caused "Uncle Vinnie" to smile behind his cloak. Mounting Hades, Vincent started the ride towards Barrett's home. He soon found himself searching the town for souvenirs for Shelke and Yuffie; he was not doubling back to Costa Del Sol for anything. Not even if Chaos was attacking the bars.
"Uncle Vinnie what are you looking for?" Marlene asked. He didn't respond. "Well if you're looking for something for Shelke, then you should ask Daddy. He'd know what to get." Vincent nodded as they came to a halt near a painted home. The house boasted white with blue shudders, and a small woman was working in the yard tending flowers. She had obviously heard the engine of Hades shut off, so she turned around and looked at Vincent and Marlene.
"Marlene? Marlene!" , shouted Elmyra, "Barrett! Barrett!" Aeris's mother rushed to Marlene and picked her up and off the bike. Hugging her adopted daughter the woman smiled, "Oh thank you Vincent!" Barrett walked out of the house. The large man looked rather sickly, something that Vincent couldn't believe. Barrett's eyes went wide as he saw Elmyra hugging his daughter and Vincent sitting there witnessing the whole thing.
"Well I'd be damned," he coughed, "Vamp Valentine delivers my daughter home? It must be a snowin' in Corel." He lifted his real hand checking for the snow and then continued to walk over to Vincent. "Thank ya, Vincent, Thank ya for bring her a home to me," Barrett clapped him on the back and smiled, "How can I a help you now, Valentine." Vincent shook his head.
"Barrett I must go, I hope you have a good Father's Day, Barrett," Vincent said as he began to kick start the motorcycle.
"Wait!" Marlene yelled, she bounded over as Vincent stopped Hades' engine, he leaned over and she smiled, "Bye Uncle Vinnie," She kissed his cheek, "I love you!" Vincent nodded and smiled.
"Vincent?" Elmyra asked, "Where will you go? What will you do with your life?"
"Miss Elmyra, I intend to…live," Vincent said showing respect to the woman who had raised the young Cetra who had saved the planet, "But before I go, I would like to tell you, that I am sorry, and I will be in contact." Bowing his head, Vincent re-started Hades, and drove in the direction of Nibelhiem.
He rode past many small pop-up towns that thrived off the land and lakes dotting the continent's landscape. When stopping in one village he went to a small bookstore and grabbed, Mysteries of Heart and Wutainese Cooking. He paid for the books and threw them into his bag. Now what for Yuffie?
"Sir?" Vincent turned to see a girl, "Your bike is ready. I hope you have a good Father's Day." He nodded. "Oh and here sir." She handed him a wind chime.
"A wind chime?" He asked.
"Yes Sir, our town makes them. I thought you would like one; give it to your daughter, or your wife. Goodbye!" He raised an eyebrow as the young girl ran off. He sighed and put it in his bag. He bowed his head, "Before I go…Thank you…" Mounting Hades he started the engine and rode off towards his home.
The time zone change had no affect on him. When he reached Nibelhiem it was dark. Scratch that, it was worse than dark, for it always seemed dark in Nibelhiem, it was quiet. Yuffie was not out and about with the other townsfolk and Shelke was not with the children who gathered at the newly built fountain.
"Good evening Mister Valentine!" A young shop tenet chimed, "Where is Miss Yuffie? She hasn't come out today. Is she ill?" Vincent froze. Had he caused them to lock themselves up?
"I…don't know…Marie…" Marie that was her name, Yuffie has always bought things from her, "I just got home." Vincent had gotten off Hades and was walking towards the young woman.
"I have her order ready, please take it, no charge, and tell her that she needs to get better," Marie handed him the package. He nodded and put that in his pack as well.
"Thank you. She will hear what you have said," Vincent said tonelessly. Marie smiled and retreated back into the shop. Vincent remounted, hopefully for the last time, and headed for his home, the Manor that had brought him despair, was now the manor that he called home.
He stopped and unlocked the clad Iron Gate and wheeled Hades to the garage. Walking slowly back to lock the gate, he stopped and turned. Then he began to head for the door. The gate would wait. Vincent had something more important to do. Someone to see. His family.
Author Comments: This little gem,took me quite a while. This was not an English project, but a personal challenge for myself. This was a tough thing to write because my father has been in and out of town as of late, and I could put myself in Marlene's shoes. He missed Father's Day because he was on a Mission (in a country), I was able to call him and talk for about a minute or so. I'm thinking of a follow-up...but nothing that would consume me.
Random Reviewer 2: Thank you so much!! RR2 Beta'd this for me. And this document was nine pages in Word...and ten on the Mac in NeoOffice. And she beta'd it all in 24 hours! throws Random Reviewer a cookie
Okay my rant is done. Well um...hit the purple button on the bottom right of your screen and review! Comments make the world go round! And yes I am working on Duet. Shifty eyes I'm lazy I know.
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