Disclaimer: None is mine except for the plot.

Vincent sat on one of the window benches in the library of the giant mansion he called home. He had on leg pulled up, chin resting atop his knee as he stared out the window. It was how he had, unconsciously, started spending more and more time, seated in the library and staring at the village that resided outside the woods. He closed his ruby eyes and let his head fall back against the wall.

He hated being trapped inside the large mansion. The only residents being himself and his father, Grimoire. He understood that his father wanted to keep him safe, yet at the same time he just wanted to know what life outside the mansion was like.

Grimoire Valentine and his son Vincent Valentine were of an ancient race of powerful demons. Few were left of them, especially ones as powerful and with blood as pure as them. Most likely they were the only real purebloods left on Gaia.

Contrary to popular belief they were a gentle race, preferring to hide in the shadows rather than attacking people for the sole reason that they were capable of doing so. They had been happy to live undisturbed and go about their own business. Until a group of youngster decided that, since they were better and more powerful than humans, they should rule the planet and every mortal should be no more than a slave. Due to these few young demons, the humans regarded them as a great evil that had to be destroyed. Fanatic demon hunts were the result. The few that managed to survive hid themselves far away from humanity.

This was the main reason Grimoire didn't want his son to leave the mansion. If any of the townspeople would find out just what they were they would most likely be murdered. That was not a fate Grimoire wanted to befall his only child.

Vincent watched as the sun sank behind the horizon, shadows claiming the village bit by bit. All he wanted was to have a look. See how life outside the mansion would be. Maybe even fantasize that one day, he might be able to live like that as well. No more hiding in the shadows, no more cold stone hallways and musty rooms filled with dust and forgotten treasures. It was an idle fantasy, that he knew, but it was one he enjoyed. It took his mind off of his dull and dreary life, hollered up in the big, old stone keep. If only he hadn't been born a demon.

He had never known friendship, had never really been into contact with anyone beside his father. His mother having passed away shortly after she had given birth. He had read about matters as friendship, even love, but didn't have any real understanding of what exactly they meant. What it represented. And it were exactly those tales and concepts that made Vincent feel as if there was a large hole inside him. He knew he could most likely never have any of those things, experience them, and it haunted him. It was a feeling akin to that of realizing you had lost something important, only, he had never had anything to loose.

He stood up after the last rays of sunlight had faded, red eyes glowing softly in the dark. He had made up his mind.

After wandering through the dark halls for a bit Vincent made his way over to the part of the mansion where he knew his father would be. The lower level of the house had been transformed into a big laboratory with an equally as big adjoined study. Grimoire would spend day after day in there, often forgetting to eat and or sleep. Despite being a pureblood demon who could function without food or sleep quite a while, they were still basic needs. Therefor Vincent would often check on his father whenever he was having one of his moments, having to prove some theory.

Vincent didn't really understand his father's fascination for science. In fact, they didn't really had all that much in common, beside their looks, and of course their fascination for guns. Grimoire had learned his son how to handle all sorts of guns from a very young age. Ever since the age of seven he had never missed a target.

A small smile graced his stoic features when he thought about how his father had one day handed him his favourite gun, Cerberus. Vincent had been a little intimidated by the weight and size of the triple-barrelled gun. Grimoire had stood behind him, arms around his little body as he helped him into the right position, clasping big, calloused hands over Vincent's small ones. The recoil of the mighty gun had surprised him, but not enough to wipe the big smile off his face. Holding a gun as old and powerful as Cerberus, it had felt amazing.

He shook his head softly to dismiss the happy memory as he continued on his way. He stopped briefly in the kitchen to make his father a cup of tea and something to eat. The big, heavy wooden doors that lead to Grimoire's study were slightly ajar. Vincent opened them sore more, stepping inside and placing the food and tea on the big, paper covered desk. Making sure he hadn't accidently dropped any of the papers he walked into the giant laboratory.

Most of the laboratory's equipment was a little out of date, but no so much as to make it Grimoire too hard to pursue his various theories. It's to be expected, really. Vincent's father was more than a little paranoid about people finding out about what he and Vincent truly were. So, going out to buy the most recent technology was a little difficult.

Vincent made his way over to his father who stood hunched over in front of a table filled with test tubes, erlenmeyer flasks, glass bottles, papers and something distilling through a liebich cooler. Other experiments were running in other parts of the room and Grimoire was hurrying from one to another, making sure everything went well and writing things down when necessary.

"Father." Vincent said, making his father aware of his presence. He knew better than to just walk up to Grimoire, who would often be so engrossed in one of his experiments that he would fail to notice anything else. Vincent had learned that the hard way. Getting a full beaker of acid spilled over his left arm had not been a pleasant experience. Now he knew never, ever to startle Grimoire Valentine again when he was working.

His father being a scientist had been a blessing in disguise. The nerves in his arm had been too damaged to ever be able to fully function again. Therefore, Grimoire had made his son a brass gauntlet. It had taken lots of time and hard work but with the gauntlet on Vincent was able to use his arm normally again.

"In a minute, Vincent." Grimoire replied after a few moments, distraction clear in his voice. He made a few changes on something Vincent had absolutely no idea what it was or did. Grimoire stood back for a few moments, looking at the thing and at last pleased with what he saw turned to face his son. "Yes?"

"I brought you some tea and something to eat. I've put it on your desk." Vincent gave his father a small smile. Despite having almost nothing in common and his overprotectiveness of him he was very fond of the man. Grimoire turned briefly to look out of the window. "Been up here all day again, haven't I?" He said at seeing the star littered sky. "Luckily I've got you to make sure I don't just drop dead." He shook his head and chuckled softly. "I wouldn't know what to do without you, Vincent."

Vincent kissed his father's cheek, smiling as well. " Don't let it get cold." Grimoire nodded. "I'll try." Knowing his father, he would most likely just continue whatever it was he had been busy with and only remember the food and tea when he would come into the study to get something or put some papers away. Vincent shook his head softly. He closed the heavy doors and made his way upstairs towards his own room.

Once there he walked over to one of the big windows and looked down at the village. It looked devoid of life. The only thing indicating that there were people living there was the street lightning. Good. Vincent took a piece of red fabric from a dresser and wrapped in around his head in an attempt to keep his heavy, black mane out of his eyes. Next he strapped his holster to his thigh. The woods surrounding the mansion were filled with all sorts of creatures, most of them active after dark. He picked up Cerberus, looking the treasured gun over with a skilful eye before putting it in the holster. The gun was a family heirloom. It had been passed down from father to son for many, many generations.

Last came his crimson cloak, which he elegantly swung over his shoulders, nimble fingers quickly closing a few of the buckles.

Ready at last he made his way out of the house and into the thick, ominous looking forest. He drew a deep breath, relishing in the night air. It felt good to be out of that old, stone keep. Made him feel less like a caged animal.

As he walked through the forest Vincent made sure to stay unnoticed by anything possibly dangerous. It was a pretty long walk, at least half an hour, but Vincent enjoyed every moment of it. He had never been so far away from the mansion. A whole new world opened itself to him. When he finally reached the edge of the forest he hid in the shadows of some trees. Making sure no one was out. It wouldn't do if he were to be seen. People would most likely question him on who he was, where he came from and what he was doing, sneaking around in their village in the middle of the night.

Declaring the coast clear Vincent emerged from the shadows. A light breeze caused his cloak and hair to flutter lightly, ruby eyes glowing ever so lightly. He made sure to stay hidden inside the shadows as much as possible as he wandered about the village. When he was on his way back he noticed a big hangar, it's door ajar. He peered around, making sure no one was around. It wouldn't hurt to look, would it? And the door was open, so it wasn't like he was breaking in. A combination of scents assaulted his sensitive nose as he approached. There were various smells but the most dominant ones were of motor oil and paint.

Having reached the hangar he peeked inside through the opened door. A normal human being wouldn't have been able to see a thing but Vincent could make out the forms of large vehicles of some sort, as well as several parts and other things.

He silently made his way inside. Careful as not to accidentally break something Vincent made his way over to a small aircraft, it's lettering reading 'Tiny Bronco'. He wondered at the little plane, having only read about them until he caught sight of the massive craft in the centre of the hangar. He immediately forgot about the Bronco and walked over to the giant airship. Eyes wide and mouth slightly agape he walked around and underneath the ship. It appeared it was named 'Highwind' judging from the red lettering on the side.

From descriptions in books he had known that airships often had massive dimensions but actually seeing one made it look even bigger. He had never thought he would ever see an actual airship, not whilst hollered up in the mansion he called home.

Too engrossed with the ship Vincent failed to notice the presence of another person. "She's a real beauty, isn't she?"

Vincent jumped in surprise, turning quickly and right hand going for Cerberus. Red eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed the silhouette of a man. Almost immediately after a wave of panic hit him. He had been seen, been found out. His eyes shifted from the man to the door and back again. Too far. He was practically at the end of the massive hangar. Damn.

"Sorry, didn't mean to spook ya." The man said, light amusement resounding through his voice as he took a few steps towards a wall and flicked on a light switch. Vincent briefly closed his eyes in pain as the bright, artificial light filled the hangar. When he could see clearly again he took a good look at the man who was still standing beside the wall. He was smaller and stockier that himself, with short blond hair. A pair of goggles was placed upon his forehead and an unlit cigarette dangled from between his lips.

The blond man looked Vincent over as well as he slowly made his way over to him. Vincent took a few steps back as the other came closer, hand still resting on Cerberus. The blond stopped and raised his hands for a moment before dropping them. "I won't do anything, but I have to ask, what're you doin' here?

Vincent just looked at him for a few moments, saying nothing. "I was just curious." He finally said. "And the door was open." He turned his head a little, looking The Highwind over once more before bringing his attention back to the man in front of him. The man followed his gaze. "Yeah, she's pretty impressing. Name's Cig Highwind by the way." He said, extending a gloved hand.

Vincent just looked at the extended limb for several silent moments before withdrawing his hand from his gun and shaking Cid's hand. "Vincent Valentine." Vincent felt himself relax slightly as Cid nodded. It didn't look like the man knew what he was. "You're not from around here, are you?"

He shook his head. " No… not really." Cid nodded, grinning. "Good, 'cause this place is as boring as boring gets." Vincent couldn't help but smile a little at the remark.

"Before this, I had never seen a real airship. They're much larger than I would have expected." He had walked over to the craft and let his gloved fingers trail over the smooth surface. "Hmm, that's what most people say." Cid said, a thoughtful look in his blue eyes as he looked at The Highwind.

After a while Vincent made his way back over to Cid. " I should be going. Goodnight Cid."

" 'Kay. Should probably get some sleep as well." Cid replied. " 'Night Vince, and if ya want you can come over whenever you like." Vincent raised a hand as he was already on his way out.

Once outside he immediately headed towards the forest, turning once he got there and looking at the hangar. He shook his head softly as he began his trek home.

Cid waited a little before he went outside as well, just in time to see a red cloaked figure disappear between the trees. He pulled out his lighter and lit his cigarette as he leaned back against his hangar. 'Such an odd fella.' He thought. 'Wonder where he came from.'

AN: Just another odd plotbunny that didn't want to let go. Valenwind this time. I've want to write a Valenwind fic for quite a while now but never had any real inspiration for one.

Please tell me what you think of it.