Vincent sat at the kitchen table, mulling over a cold cup of coffee. He hadn't slept since his encounter with Sephiroth. There was no choice. He had to help him, but what was he going to tell his family? It wasn't too easy to come up with any reason to leave that Cid wouldn't flip over. There had to be some way for him to be able to escape. His boys' lives were on the line.

"Mr. Valentine?"

Vincent jumped, from his broken thoughts, turning to see the long haired remnant standing in the doorway. His face seemed paler than usual, an almost aged drain to his young features.

"Yazoo. Good morning. You're up early."

The boy didn't speak another word, until he was sitting neatly next to Vincent. "Is something wrong?"

Vincent's eyes widened, soon settling down. "I was about to ask you the same."

"Huh?" Yazoo seemed a bit surprised at the inquiry. He hadn't realized his own worry. The green eyes shifted away, as he fiddled with his fingers. "I guess I just couldn't sleep last night." He turned back to Vincent with a hollow gaze that nearly sent a chill through the gunman's body. "None of us could."

Vincent's brows furrowed. Did they somehow know? It'd make sense really. They can feel each other's presence, so why wouldn't they be able to feel Sephiroth's?

"You never answered."

Vincent jumped again, unaware that he'd trailed off.

"Are you alright?"

He forced a smile, sipping from the chilled contents, nearly gagging as he did so. "I am." He set the cup onto the table, his smile turning a tad more genuine. "Guess I couldn't sleep well either."

"What the hell?"

They turned to the stairs. It seemed Cid was awake. The pilot came bounding down the stairs. "I think we got some ghost walkin around. There ya are." He slid over kissing Vincent as he settled into the chair next to him. "I ain't used to you not being there when I wake up."

Vincent smiled, pushing the cup away. He didn't understand why he was still holding the stupid thing. "Sorry, Chief. I couldn't sleep, and I didn't want to wake you up."

Cid waved a hand to him. "Pssht. I don't care if ya wake me up." He grinned broadly. "Maybe I could help ya sleep."

Soon after, Kadaj and Loz slunked down the stairs, looking just as drained as their brother.

"Well, if it ain't the children of the corn. What's with you two?" Cid leaned back in his chair.

They both settled into the chairs, and exchanged looks. Kadaj shrugged, while Loz dropped his head down on the table. He obviously just wanted to sleep.

"Whelp." Cid clapped his hands together, beginning to stand. "Ya'll sit there and have yer little emo party. I'm in such a good mood, that I think I'll fix breakfast." He jumped from the chair, heading over to the fridge, pulling out eggs and other various findings that usually went on the breakfast plate.

The other four exchanged confused glances. It was one thing to be in a good mood, but the pilot seemed completely oblivious to the thick dread in the air.

And where does he get off making breakfast? Was he happy, or just completely lost his mind?

xXx

Cid seemed to be a counter balance throughout the whole family. It appeared that the darker and more down the other four got, he just piped that much further, so he could cheer them up. It was comforting, in a rather annoying manner, but at least he tried.

Eventually Vincent plastered on his bravest smile to try and help him bring the boys around. He felt somewhat responsible for the dark cloud looming over their heads, and wanted to help lift it.

Nothing seemed to work though. The boys eventually ended up locking themselves in their room, to escape from the oncoming threat of family game night.

Cid scratched his head. "I dunno what's up with those boys. I can usually get a snigger outta Loz for my chopstick trick, but they're actin like Kitty died… or worse." He threw his hands up, in near defeat. "I'm runnin outta ideas."

Vincent moved in behind Cid, sliding his arms around his neck. He leaned down over the chair the pilot had flopped in, nestling into the side of his neck. "I just don't think it's the kinda down you can bring up, Chief." He squeezed him affectionately, placing a kiss to his cheek. "Why don't I talk to them. See if I can figure out what's going on." Vincent stood, heading up the stairs.

"Careful they don't drag you back down with them." The pilot called after him. Not that it'd do much good to make that warning. He still thought he was the one who activated the 'down' in the first place.

He reached the door to the boys' room, knocking softly. "It's Vincent. Can I talk to you?"

"We don't feel like playing Yahtzee." Loz was the first to answer in protest.

Vincent smiled, shaking his head. "It's not about that. Cid's downstairs. I just wanted to talk to you."

There was silence on the other side, broken by the rattle of a lock being turned as Yazoo opened the door. He peered out, his green cat eyes still foggy.

Vincent leaned his head to see him better. "May I come in?"

Yazoo's gaze fell to the ground, then back up to Vincent's gentle face. He stepped outta the way, opening the door enough for him to get through. Loz looked up from where he was lounging on the bed, nestled in the corner on the wall. Yazoo settled on top of the small desk, his legs folding in. "Is something wrong, Mr. Valentine?"

The ex-Turk just shook his head. "You tell me." He made his way over to the bed, where Loz was seated, settling down on the edge. "Cid's starting to really get worried about you boys. Frankly, so am I?" He placed a hand on the eldest remnant's forehead, checking for a fever. He wasn't warm, but frighteningly a bit cold.

"We're not sick, Mr. Valentine." Loz responded, recognizing the gesture.

Vincent retracted his hand. "So it would seem. But there's obviously some kind of tension. Did you three get into a fight or something?"

Yazoo shook his head. "No. Nothing like that."

"Then what's wrong?" As if he didn't already know, but this was his chance to see how much they knew about the situation.

Loz shrugged fiddling with his fingers. "Not too sure ourselves."

Vincent's eyes widened on him. "Really? You boys are just depressed and you don't know why?"

Yazoo stretched his legs out, watching as they swung over the side. "We just woke up last night, with an odd feeling. It was kind of frightening, but we're not sure what caused it, or even why the feeling hasn't gone away."

"It's like a black hole readying itself to pull us in."

All eyes shifted to the solemn Kadaj who was curled up in the opposite corner. His knees were drawn to his chest, and an even more drained expression than his brothers'. It wasn't until that moment that Vincent realized he had not heard Kadaj's voice all day. In fact, he hadn't even seen him since breakfast.

"Kadaj?" The ex-Turk felt his eyes sting, as he stood to make his way over. Of course it had to affect him far worse than the other two. Sephiroth had actually come through his body before. Kadaj probably had the closest connection to the ex-General, turned psychopath.

Vincent knelt in front of him, stroking a hand gently though the soft silver strands. "I think I know what's causing you to feel this way. And you're not going to have to worry about it anymore. Ok?" He took his chin, tilting his head to look at him, and smiled. "I'm here to look after you, now. And I promise… I won't let anything hurt you." Vincent nearly choked on the words. He had remembered making that same promise to the very source of these boys' anguish. He had failed him then, but he wasn't going to fail again.

Tears slid from the crimson eyes from the dread of the past, and fear of what may happen in the future. Still, he kept that serene smile. "Do you understand?"

Kadaj stared at him for a moment, not even bothering to brush away the tears now streaking down his own face. He pulled his head from the tender grasp, burying it in his knees.

Yazoo and Loz noted the move and slid from their perches to come to their brother's aid. They flanked him on either side, throwing their arms around the fragile form. Yazoo stroked his brother's hair, glancing over to Vincent. "We can protect each other. We've done it so far."

Vincent sighed, laying a hand on his shoulder. "But you don't have to do it alone anymore. Cid and I are here to take care of you as well."

Loz wiped the tears from his eyes. "If you can make this fear go away, then we don't care what you do."

The smile found Vincent's lips again. "I'll make it go away. But I need you three to try and relax for me." Vincent laid a hand against Kadaj's head. He was going to fix this, no matter the cost. "It's getting late, so you need to try and get some sleep." He stood, starting to leave.

Vincent had just opened the door, when he heard Kadaj call after him. "You try to do the same." He turned back, a bit surprised to hear a concern directed at him, then smiled. "Good night, boys."

xXx

Despite the warning, Vincent lay awake in his bed, facing the wall. He highly doubted that the boys had been able to sleep either, considering he was still so wound up. Still what was he going to do? There was real win in this situation. If he helped Sephiroth get another body, he could very well be handing the world back over to him. But if he didn't then one of his beloved children could be sacrificed to that monster.

"Figure out what's up?" Vincent felt that familiar weight shift as Cid slid into bed behind him. He'd gone straight to their room, not even bothering to inform Cid of what was going on. Honestly, he didn't know how to tell him.

"Not too sure."

Cid nestled in behind him, leaning his head around the slender shoulder. He pulled him back into him, squeezing tightly. "What about you?"

"What?" Vincent glanced up at his lover.

"Tsht." Cid rolled his eyes. "Don't start that with me. I can feel your gloom a helluva lot better than I can theirs'. I know when ya ain't smiling right. So what's up?"

Vincent couldn't help but smile at the pilot's perception. Rolling onto his back, he slid his arms around Cid's neck, pulling their lips together. "You'd be sad too if your husband had gone a whole day without touching you." He smiled mischievously, kissing him again, with hopes to get the pilot's mind off of delving into his troubles. It seemed to work in the past. When in doubt, distract him with sex.

"Hmm, yea… bullshit."

Vincent groaned. That man's stubbornness never ceased to amaze him.

"So, what's going on?"

"Nothing you need to worry about."

"Oh, don't start that again. You know damn well it's my business to worry if you're unhappy. Now tell me."

"But."

"No buts. I hate being outta the fuckin loop."

"What loop?"

"You know what loop."

"Cid it's really nothing to worry about. Just a foul mood in the air. I think the boys had a fight."

Cid eyed him, a bit skeptically. "Really?"

Vincent rolled his eyes. "Yes really. Have I ever lied to you?"

"Hmm… well… not directly. But ya have been known to give me half truths. And that's pretty damn close ta lyin."

Vincent's smile deepened, as he took his lover's head in his hands. "What could I possibly be omitting?"

"I dunno. Hell! I never know."

"Shh. Keep your voice down. The boys are trying to sleep."

"… oh."

Vincent pulled Cid back down, wrapping their lips in a tight embrace.

xXx

The next day, the three remnants hadn't come out of their room at all. There was still the thick fog of dread seeping from the door, and barely a sound could be heard throughout the house. Except for occasional banging on their door, as Cid tried to get them to come out and eat something. Finally, he gave up, and went to go tweak his Highwind.

Vincent enjoyed finally having peace and quiet in the typically noisy household. It gave him a chance to fully consider his options, and do what he had not yet been able to – address the problem to the council in his mind. As much as he didn't like to admit it, the demons typically had a good handle on problem solving, and have never really led him astray… on purpose anyway.

(ok, this may get kind of confusing, so ima try this ok? GALION, ~Gigas, ^Hellmasker, and *Chaos… got it… hope so.( oh yea… typically NEthing that is worded like "(this)" is in the speakers heads… and that doesn't just apply to Vincent.))

^ "I say ya just kill the bastard. Where does he get off threateningly you like that? You don't owe him shit."

"(What are you talking about?)" Vincent argued inwardly. "(You were there when all of this happened.)" His eyes fell to his feet, lounging on the other end of the couch. "(You know what I did.)"

*"Oh Please. What the hell did you do? You tried to save him, right?"

"(But, I failed.)"

"THAT'S BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T USE US."

"(I didn't even know what the hell you were.)"

*"You listened to me well enough."

"(That's just because you told me how to use this thing.)" He raised his left arm. "(That doesn't mean I knew who you were, or even what was going on. Either way, we're getting off subject. What am I supposed to do?)"

^"I already told you. Kill him."

"(I can't do that.)"

^ "I can."

"(Shut up, or you're out.)"

^ "You can't do that."

*"I can, shut up. Either way, I think he's right. The only options you have are to kill him, or let him attack the planet again."

"(That may not happen. This Sephiroth isn't the one that attacked it in the first place. Maybe he doesn't intend to. Maybe he just wants a second chance at life.)"

"HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT FOR SURE?"

"(I guess I don't. Maybe I could ask him.)"

Vincent didn't even need the stubborn demon's mocking to tell him that was a foolish notion. Even if he swore not to, there's no way of truly telling if it was the truth or not.

"(Then what do you suggest. Besides killing him. The idea's already filed away.)"

~ "If you don't help him, he'll take one of the boys."

"(I know.)" Vincent slowly began to realize that he was pacing.

*"Looks like you'll have to kill him. We could definitely lend you enough strength to do it."

"(But i.)"

^ "Yea. And if worse comes to worse, I can always play with him a bit. You wouldn't let me fight him."

"LIKE YOU'D ACTUALLY STAND A CHANCE."

^ "Keep barkin, dog-breath. I could send you packing. I could probably even take Chaos."

*"What was that?"

^ "You heard me."

*"If I could fully get a shot at you I'd show you who's boss here."

^ "It sure as hell won't be you."

"IF YOU TWO ARE SO DAMN STRONG, THEN WHY DOES OUR VESSEL USE ME THE MOST, IN BATTLE?"

^ "HA. Simple. Because you're the weakest one, and he can control you."

"BITE ME!"

^ "I won't have to." The chainsaw could almost be heard revving to full strength.

*"Will you two just shut up!"

Vincent's eyes flashed from yellow, a more orange-ish color, and an ultraviolet, as the three demons continued to argue. His natural crimson barely able to break free. He clutched his head, trying to stop it from spinning. "(shutupshutupshutupshutupshutup.)"

Finally, falling to his knees he screamed. "SHUT UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP!"

"Vince?"

His head fell quiet, as he looked back to see Cid standing in the doorway, that familiar glimmer of worry reflecting in his eyes. Cid hurried to Vincent's side, scooping him up in his arms. "You alright?"

Vincent curled into the warm embrace becoming aware of his panting and the sweat cutting the heat of his face. He slid his arms around Cid's waist and sighed. "I'm ok, now. They just started having a petty squabble."

"Bout what?"

Vincent smiled. "Who was stronger."

Cid chuckled at the childishness of these ancient beasts. "If ya ask me, it's no contest." He took the gunman's chin gently in his hand, lifting his head to look up at him. "You are." Vincent returned the smile, leaning up to kiss him. Soon, Cid's eyes landed on something over his head. "Well, well. Look who finally decided to emerge."

Vincent turned to see three pairs of gleaming green cat-eyes peering around the corner. Loz leaned out over his brothers. "Is Mr. Valentine ok?"

"I'm ok, boys." He sat up, brushing his face. "Come on out here. You three have been hiding all day."

Loz and Yazoo came out from around the corner, but Kadaj still hung back, eyeing Vincent skeptically.

Of course Cid was the first one to address the momentarily wanted-to-be outcast. "What are you doing? Get yer butt in here."

Vincent sighed, as Kadaj reluctantly entered.

"All three of ya, sit yer butts down on the couch and tell me what the hell if goin on. You've been actin like hermits since yesterday. I wanna know what's goin on, and I wanna know now." The three silver-haired teens exchanged awkward looks, and sat. Much to Cid's annoyance, none of them said anything.

Vincent just shook his head, excusing himself from the room. He felt bad for leaving them at the mercy of Cid, but there was a more pressing matter that needed his attention.

Vincent climbed the stairs up to his room, settling down on the bed. Folding his legs in, he dropped his head into his hands, trying to rub away the knot in his forehead.

Fortunately the demons were keeping quiet. Maybe they felt guilty? Childish? Who cared? As long as they were quiet.

The ex-Turk continued to mull over the ideas in his head, tears squeezing from his eyes. He had to meet with Sephiroth tomorrow, and there seemed to be no solution in sight.

~ "Do you still want to help him?"

Gigas' gently rough voice came out of nowhere, and it made Vincent jump. He sighed, speaking aloud. "I do."

~ "Then I believe I have an idea of how you can, and maybe still keep the world safe."

Vincent's human hand rested over his lips, trying to think of ways this was at all possible. "I'm all ears."

xXx

"What!? Yer leavin!?" Cid's arms were firmly planted around his lover, not wanting to let him go. "Where ya goin?"

"I'm sorry, Chief. I can't tell you that."

"The hell you can't. As your husband, I gotta right ta know these things."

Vincent slid his arms around Cid's neck, kissing him deeply. "I'll explain when I get back, I promise."

"No." He squeezed stubbornly. "You'll explain now."

Vincent sighed. "It's personal. An old friend has asked me for help, and I have to go."

Cid's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "Old… friend? As in… past?"

Vincent nodded, barely able to hold back his smile. "Mm hmm."

"Huh?... How's that possible?"

The gunman shrugged, still trying to pry off the stubborn grip. His deadline was up, and he didn't know how much longer Sephiroth would wait. "Guess he somehow figured out I was still alive and looked me up."

"Oh…" The thick-headed pilot, just tightened the finally loosened grip. "How do you know he's actually a friend? How do you know you can trust him?"

Vincent's face turned slightly flushed. He hadn't been expecting a question like that. It wasn't like Cid to be so pessimistic. Suddenly he started to regret telling Cid that he didn't remember anything before the experiments. "Just a feeling I got when I talk to him. Something just tells me I can."

Cid's eyes narrowed, examining his face. "When did you talk to him?"

Vincent groaned. "You worry far too much, Chief." He kissed him, finally breaking free from the grip.

Cid reached out, snatching his arm. "Why you trying to hurry out so fast? Aren't ya gonna miss me?"

Vincent sighed, sliding his arms around him. "Of course I am. I'm just short on time. I promised I'd be there by now."

"How long ya gonna be gone?"

"I'm not completely sure. However long it takes."

Cid frowned. Something about this didn't smell right. What was Vincent getting himself into now? "I don't want you to leave."

Vincent groaned at the full grown man clinging to him like a frightened child. "Cid, listen to me." He grasped both sides of the pilot's head, turning his face up to him. "I promise you, I'll be back as soon as I can. Every minute away from you will seem like an eternity, but I have to go, now."

The pilot eventually let him go, still wanting to push his kiss on further. When it was broken, Vincent looked past him to the door, to see their adopted children staring straight at him. The weight on their shoulders seemed to have lifted, though their eyes still shone that same hollow expression.

Cid turned back to them. "Least you came out to say good-bye."

They ignored the brash pilot, heading straight towards Vincent. Kadaj nearly ran over, throwing his arms around the ex-Turk's waist. The others followed close behind, all three embracing him tightly.

Vincent was a bit caught off guard by the sudden show of affection, but soon smiled, wrapping his arms around them as best he could.

Kadaj squeezed tighter, soon heard sobbing into his chest. "Thank you."

xXx

Vincent finally managed to escape, arriving in Nibelheim about mid-afternoon. He walked into the mansion to see Sephiroth lounging on the banister, his leg dangling idly over the side. His arms resting behind his head. "Y'know Yazoo actually looks the most like me. Then again, Loz does have a very strong physic. "

"I'll help you."

"Too bad he's not all that attractive."

"I said, I'll help you."

"Hmm… guess I'll just have to choose between strength and beauty. Ooh… tough one."

Vincent growled, his eyes flickering that threatening gold again. "Did you hear me!?"

"Huh?" Sephiroth glanced down at him, as if he had just realized the gunman was down there. "Oh. Hi, Vincent." He slid off, gliding down with on almost feather like quality. His hands jammed into his pockets, stepping closer. "So you've decided to help me?"

"I already said that I would. Like I have a choice."

"Do I have your word?"

Vincent groaned. Why did he have to keep making him repeat himself. "You have my word that I will help you find another body."

Sephiroth grinned, clapping his hands together. "Great. Now there's just a few requirements I'd like you to see to. First off-"

"Under one condition."

Sephiroth growled, with being interrupted. "I won't touch them."

"That's not what I meant. Afterward, I want you to do something for me."

Now the ex-general's curiosity was perked. What could he possibly want from him? "Do tell."