Disclaimer: I own random people in this fic. Just the weird ones.
Yoru: Woot! Bet you thought I died or something, didn't you?
Kuronue: She completely forgot about this fic once she started on some new ones.
Yoru: And then I decided, can't leave the readers hanging! So we're back. And this time I'll try to keep it going…
Vincent got into the base easily enough by hiding in the garbage truck. However, after that, he had no idea where to go to find Sephiroth. It was quick work to get a guard uniform by digging in the laundry, stuffing his bundle (stolen from the costume shop) under his shirt, and then he pulled his hair back and went into the base.
"So the lieutenant's not done yet?"
"No. You know, I'd almost think he and Sephy were lovers or something, the way this goes on for hours."
"Yeah, but we know better." The two guards guffawed. Vincent clenched his fist in his pocket. No wonder Sephiroth had tried to get away from here. Finally the lieutenant came out, looking very satisfied.
"Any good, sir?" one of the guards asked.
"Always." As the evil man passed, Vincent kept his head down. He was glad for his height; it made him look like an older man. The last thing he wanted was for the lieutenant to recognize him…he headed into the hallway the lieutenant had come out of. The guards didn't stop him; in fact one handed him a key, he assumed to Sephiroth's cell.
"Have fun!" the other called after him. He threw a hand behind him in answer, inwardly seething.
Sephiroth's cell was easy to find. It was the last one. When Vincent saw the state Sephiroth was in, his heart simply broke.
"Sephiroth…" he whispered in horror. The boy was obviously unconscious, lying on his side. His clothes were in tatters, and he was bruised all over. Vincent used the key and got in quickly, hurrying to Sephiroth's side. He bit his lip when he saw Sephiroth's back.
"Oh, God," he murmured. He pulled off the stolen uniform and started ripping his shirt for bandages. Sephiroth moaned, then his eyes fluttered open.
"Vincent?…you came…"
"Yeah. Now hold still. If we're going to be getting you out of here, you can't be bleeding all over the place." Vincent worked quickly, then helped Sephiroth sit up.
"Vincent…"
"Can you walk?"
"Yes." Sephiroth got up and walked for Vincent, who eyed him critically.
"Okay. Good. Now take off your clothes and put on that uniform."
"Why?"
"Please, Sephiroth." Vincent turned as Sephiroth did what he was told. He felt the tears forming in his eyes…he could run now…no. Sephiroth had to get out of here.
"Okay. Now here's a wig." Vincent handed Sephiroth a brown wig. Sephiroth blinked at it.
"Why?"
"With that hair, you expect to be able to just walk out of here?"
"Good point." Sephiroth put the wig on. Vincent helped him make sure that all his silver hair was in it. Then he took out a pair of contacts.
"Put these in and then put the guard's hat on. Then take the key and leave." Vincent turned away and started pulling his clothes off. Sephiroth stared at him.
"What are you…"
"Do what I say." Vincent started pulling Sephiroth's clothes on. Sephiroth seemed frozen.
"No. Vincent, I can't let you…"
"Yes, you can. Please. I want to save you without you having to run for the rest of your life. Please go." He'd known Sephiroth would be difficult. But he had to make him see…
"Vincent…"
"Do it." Vincent started pulling his hair under a silver wig. He knew it wouldn't fool the guards for long, but maybe they'd take him instead. Sephiroth still hadn't moved.
"But…"
"NOW!" The intensity of Vincent's voice startled Sephiroth into movement. He put the brown contacts in hesitantly.
"Keep your head down. No one should glance twice at you, but be careful. Just pretend you're me, coming back from hurting you." Vincent put in green contacts. They didn't match Sephiroth's eyes, but then lighting was dim here. He figured no one would notice for a while. Sephiroth watched him for another moment, then grabbed him and kissed him. Passionately and desperately, he kissed him. Vincent, shocked, didn't respond for a moment, and then he gave back the kiss with equal fervor.
They broke apart after a minute or so. Sephiroth looked like he was about to cry.
"I'll save you, Vincent. Someday when I'm strong enough to kill them all." He ran out of the cell. Vincent sat against the wall, sighing. The torment would begin soon enough.
The sadistic lieutenant kicked Vincent awake.
"Good thing you heal so fast. Can't even tell you had a beating. Up, Sephy. Time to go." He reached down and grabbed Vincent's arm, pulling him up. Dragging him out of the cell, he pulled him into the bright lighting of the laboratory. Vincent hung his head, not wanting them to see.
"Lieutenant, who is this?" A doctor came around and grabbed Vincent's face, forcing it up. The lieutenant looked down.
"Oh sh…EVERYBODY GET GOING! SEPHIROTH'S GOT OUT AGAIN!"
"Wait, Lieutenant." The doctor holding Vincent's face pulled the wig off, smirking, "Who are you?"
"He's that homeless kid, Vincent or something," the lieutenant replied. The doctor smiled wider.
"You described him well, as I'm sure those are contacts. Take them out, boy, we know who you are."
Vincent did as he was told, inwardly shaking with terror.
"Why did you take Sephiroth's place?"
"So he could get away from you," Vincent spat. The doctor laughed.
"Then we'll respect what seem to be your wishes and use you instead. How's that?" He patted Vincent's face.
"Th-that's fine," Vincent said shakily.
"Good. So now you'll be punished for Sephiroth's escape as though you were him." The doctor smirked and pulled Vincent over to the tethering post. Vincent tried to hide his fear as his wrists were bound to the ring at the top.
"Let's begin." As the first blow landed on his back, Vincent screamed. Sephiroth's nightmare had become his, and there was no going back.
Sephiroth didn't know where he was. He'd been walking for hours, but the thought of Vincent had kept him so preoccupied that he'd gotten himself lost. The boy had sacrificed his life for Sephiroth's.
"I won't leave him there forever. I'm going back when I get strong. Wait for me, Vincent. I won't abandon you."