Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, ideas, worlds, ect. of FFVII.
Author's Note: Please review! I love hearing what people have to say about my work! Criticism is also welcome.

* Edited: 01-31-15

CHAPTER 1: The Fear

Yuffie knelt silently on the glass-coated concrete, blood seeping from her knees as she pressed her weight against the rigid shards. The dark grayness of the sky above her swirled with thunderous clouds, sweeping her hair in disarray, obscuring her vision. She shivered as the icy steel of a blade pressed down on the back of her bare neck.

"Any last words?" Came the rueful rasp, and the sharp edge bit deeper into tender flesh.

Yuffie winced, but still managed to careen her head back to look up at the opaque black figure and reveal a dark, defiant scold.

The shadowy body raised the blade above his head. "So be it."

The whir of bitter steel sliced through the air as it descended. Her heart was pounding rapidly against her chest, eager to break free, when an overwhelming realization gripped her soul: her love would not save her this time.

Razor edge hit flesh with a sickening thud...

Yuffie's whole body convulsed within the tangle of her bed sheets. Her eyes shot open as she suddenly awoke from the nightmare. Quickly she collected her knees to her chest and leaned against the cool wooden headboard, welcoming the comforting warmth from the hearth. She trembled uncontrollably as the aftershocks of the nightmare slowly ebbed away.

This had been going on for weeks, now, and she was growing frustrated with the constant lack of sleep. The fear was beginning to take root in her mind as the nightmare recurred, relentless. She knew it had something to do with Tifa's disappearance, but she could not place it entirely; it still made no sense. The disturbing illusion was messing with her head.

Yuffie buried her face in sweaty palms and growled as if it would rid herself of the tembling. She swiped her hands back through her long brown hair and looked over at the digital clock at her bedside.

4:15 AM.

"You have got to be kidding me…" she whispered. She glanced down at the empty space next to her on the bed, realizing that Vincent was still on the night shift patrolling the airship.

'I should switch to night shift. Then maybe I'd catch a break from these fucking nightmares.' Yuffie sighed. If sleep was no longer on the agenda, then she might as well get up and prepare for the harsh day ahead.

As she slid out of bed and made her way to the bathroom, the bedroom door opened. Yuffie quickly jumped askance and crouched low, ready to pounce on the antagonist from her dreams.

Vincent stepped through the threshold, halting at the sight of the poised ninja. He stared at her, bewildered. "…Good morning."

"Um… morning." The adrenaline had spiked so suddenly that she didn't even realize she was practically gasping for air. Slowly she came back to a stand, and fought off the paralysis of fear. "I-I couldn't sleep."

Crimson eyes pierced through her own, and she wilted. His gaze, although beautiful, was incredibly disarming. But if he had any inclination of its effect, he didn't show it. Instead he said, "It seems there is activity in the mountain ranges. Cloud wishes to head out soon. And..." - he abruptly turned and cast his eyes downward - "...And seeing as you are already awake, you may want to dress more suitably for snow. We leave in 15 minutes."

Yuffie looked down and blushed profusely. She hadn't even realized she was wearing nothing but a tee-shirt and underwear. "Um... y-yeah, will do. Thanks Vince."

The swoosh of his tattered cloak and the clink of his golden boots signaled Vincent's leave, but it wasn't until she heard the click of the closing door that Yuffie had the courage to look up. She smiled, despite her embarrassment.

"Oh my Gods. So awkward."

Coquettish Siren