I'm back with another chapter. Thank you guys so much for all the love and support you've given me so far. One thing I will like to point out is that I'm a huge music fan, and that will reflect my writing in some chapters, like this one. I guess you can say it's 'our' music. Just a heads up. I don't own anything but my imagination.

The young boy yawned as he stretched his limbs in different directions. He shifted his body to get more comfortable in his bed, but soon found himself shifting again. A soft tune played in the distance from the front room down stairs. A woman's soft laugh filled his ears followed by a man's soft voice. The boy knew those voices. He's heard them all his life. With curiosity getting the best of him, he slowly tip toed out of his bed, being sure not to alert the adults down stairs. He went down the hall and quietly began walking down the steps. He knelled down and saw the two adults dancing freely in front of a lit fireplace. The woman took a sip of her wine as another soft laugh escaped her lips. The man gently grabbed her head, whispered something in the woman's ear, and she laughed again, this time a little louder than the first.

The boy smiled. He hoped to achieve this happiness one day. The boy sat comfortably on the step and continued to observe the two lovers without them knowing. They continued to dance, drink wine, and laugh for a few more minutes, until the pair paused. The boy frowned and quirked his eyebrow towards the pair. A man's voice played on the small stereo system that was hooked up to speakers that were mounted on the walls throughout the living room.

"Unforgettable." The man began to sing. "That's what you are."

The woman smiled and replied. "Unforgettable. Thou near or far."

Another soft laugher echoed through the living room and the singing continued. The boy admired the pair in amazement. For as long as he could remember, the couple was always happy. Smiling and playing with each other like children. He sometimes wondered if he would ever have such a bond with someone. The laughter seized and the tall, slender man pressed his lips gingerly against the woman's. The boy covered his mouth to smother his laugh. The man smiled as he slowly pulled away from his wife to look at the now caught, blushing boy at the top of the stairs.

"Enjoying the show, Vincent?"

Vincent burst into giggles as his father did the same. His mother punched his father's arm softly to get his attention. "We really shouldn't show affection in front of him."

"Liberty, it's completely fine. It's better him catching us kissing than seeing other things. Besides," The tall man motioned for his son to come down the stairs. Vincent hugged his father tightly around his waist as the two smiled at each other. "One day he'll understand what we have." The elder said, finishing his sentence.

Liberty couldn't stop herself from smiling. "If you say so, Grimoire."

Grimoire gave her a quick peck on her lips and turned his attention to his son. "Isn't it past your bedtime kiddo?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"Hmmm. How about we have some vanilla ice cream and then you go to bed?"

The young boy's eyes lit up. "Sure!"

The young boy didn't hear his mother's protests as he dashed to the kitchen. "It's only a little ice cream. I'll be back in a few minutes." Grimoire quickly replied when he noticed his wife's playful frown.

The elder man began walking up the stairs with the young red-eyed boy dashing pass him. The boy opened the door and began scooping out portions of ice cream into the bowls. He stuffed his mouth full of ice cream after he put some ice cream into the bowls. His father caught him in the act.

"I hope you're not double-dipping."

The boy smiled and closed the ice cream container and hopped into bed. His father grabbed his bowl and began eating in silence with his son. This was one way for the father-son duo to bond. They didn't talk to each other much but they were there for each other. Some days, the two could watch television all day and not say a word to each other, but have the time of their lives because they were with each other. As a man, Grimoire was always busy and often had a hard time expressing how much he loved his wife and son, and at times, that caused problems to arise in the house. As time went on, Liberty and Vincent understood Grimoire; he wasn't the lovey-dovey type of man, he was the type of man to provide and be there for them whenever they needed it; a show-one-better-than-one-can-tell-one type of man. A man filled with little words but had so much love for his wife and child.

"All done!" Vincent chirped.

"I think you froze your brain there." Grimoire mused as he noticed the slight frown his son made as soon as he was finished with his ice cream.

Vincent placed his bowl on the small desk on the side of his bed and got comfortable while Grimoire placed the bowl together along with the spoons.

"Think you can sleep better now?"

Vincent nodded. "Nothing like a bowl of ice cream before bed."

Grimoire chuckled. "Don't get used to it, son. Good night."

Grimoire tucked his son into bed and got up. As he began walking to the door, he heard Vincent shuffling around in the bed. His hand was on the door knob when he turned to look at his son. The elder man was aware of the constant bullying his son endured on a daily basis. He could only hope that one day it would seize and the damage would make his son a stronger man. There have been plenty of times where the young child would call his father to pick him up from school because a kid did a horrible prank on him. Now the calls were less frequent but he knew the pranks were still occurring; he noticed Vincent coming home one day stanched in a pickle-like smell. The boy didn't even have the courage to face his father; he ran up the stairs and immediately got into the shower to rid his body of the stench. Grimoire sighed heavily, refusing to reflect on the pain his son endured, and left the bedroom. As his father, it's his duty to support and protect his son, but at times, he felt his best wasn't good enough.

Liberty stared at him with a perplexed expression when her husband came downstairs with heavy footsteps. The man sighed heavily and plopped into the recliner chair. Liberty gave a weak smile over to her husband and began to message his shoulders. A cool evening, a man consumed by his thoughts whose family is also his number one priority is a recipe for a long night. She was aware of the constant stress her husband went through. He was such a worry-wart.

"What's the matter?" Liberty's soft voice broke the silence. Her ministrations never fell short.

"Vincent….." Grimoire's mind trailed off as he mentioned his son. He carefully thought about his choice of words. Liberty waited patiently. She knew from the beginning that this man was full of complexities, and she accepted that. "…..I worry about him every day." Grimoire finally said. "I wonder would he ever fit into this society."

"Society doesn't have to accept him. As long as we do, that's all that matters."

She gently kissed her husband on the cheek and continued her ministrations. For the next twenty minutes of the night, the couple remained silent, both on their own wave of thought. For Grimoire, it was about Vincent. Vincent was no ordinary twelve year old boy. He has seen the look in his son eyes. Mere words cannot erase the pain and hurt he's enduring. Grimoire fears that Vincent would turn violent and that violence would lead to something more dangerous. All he could do was love and support Vincent.


Vincent's eyes shot open. He slowly rose up from the floor and felt the stiffness in his back. He grunted as he began to lightly hit his back. Glancing around the living room, he noticed Yuffie and Tifa were gone. The sound of running water was coming from upstairs. Since Tifa didn't live here, he concluded that Yuffie was upstairs taking a shower. He heard soft singing coming from the kitchen and soon after a sizzling sound. The smell of bacon began to make its presence in the house. Vincent got up and folded his blanket neatly and placed it on the couch where the other blankets were at.

Placing one foot on the step, Vincent glanced in the kitchen to see a pink blur. Assuming it was Tifa, he went up the stairs towards his personal bathroom that was connected to his bedroom. There were wet footprints on the floor coming from the bathroom to Yuffie's room. He frowned at the scene; Vincent was a very tidy man. It's a trait he got from his late father. As if on cue, Yuffie came from her bedroom with a towel in her hands. She knelled down and began cleaning up the mess.

"I know, I know. I'm getting to it."

"I don't see why you would use the guest bathroom when you have one in your room." Vincent retorted.

"Besides last night, when have we had a guest in our home?" Yuffie shot back. "Besides, as long as I clean up after myself, all is good."

Ignoring Yuffie, Vincent went into his personal bathroom to do his bathroom routine. After that, he got dressed in a simple black t-shirt and black sweats and went downstairs. As he was going to, he heard the radio playing and three voices; two was familiar with but one he wasn't. Furrowing his brows, Vincent eased up on his pace and began to slow down.

"You saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy I'm craaaaazzzzzyyyyy. Cause you don't think I know what you've done." Yuffie clapped her hands to match the slow-paced beat.

"But whhhhheeeennnnnn you call me baby, I know I'm not the only one." Tifa mimicked Yuffie as she pulled the biscuits from the oven. The pair continued to sing as Yuffie grabbed some plates and Tifa began placing the food in serving bowls. Their voices were soft and beautiful. Not like shower singing but true soul and in-tune. Yuffie began setting the table while Tifa began to bring the food to the table. The two women were still singing, and from what Vincent could hear, it was the fading portion of the chorus. Yuffie grabbed the water and orange juice pitchers, and Tifa grabbed some silverware.

"Alex! Breakfast is-"

Yuffie stopped in her movements. Tifa noticed the paused and turned her attention to the source. She clasped her hand over her mouth to muzzle her giggles. A pair of red orbs was staring at the women with what appears to be mirth.

"How long have you been standing there?" Yuffie questioned.

"Long enough." Vincent replied. Is he trying to hide his smirk?! Yuffie thought. Tifa broke into a fit of giggles while Yuffie playfully rolled her eyes and motioned for Vincent to sit at the table.

Tifa and Yuffie carried the rest of the food to the table. Silverware began to make clinking noises as the trio began to dig into their breakfast. A silent breakfast was tradition for Yuffie and Vincent; absolutely no talking during breakfast. This was something Tifa wasn't used to. She always had a bubbly conversation with her Papa. Papa….. She was worried sick about him. Sadness filled her heart as she thought about Papa worrying where she was at and if she was all right. The sudden movement from Tifa made Yuffie and Vincent look at her suspiciously.

"I'm sorry." Tifa noticed the looks from them. "I have to call my Papa."

Tifa hurriedly left the kitchen. Vincent and Yuffie continued to eat their breakfast in silence.

"She's so family-oriented." Yuffie noted as she took a bite out of her biscuit.

Vincent didn't say anything; he just continued to eat his food. He too had noticed how the young woman carried herself. She was so professional, nice, and seemed the type to tend to others needs before hers. Unbeknownst to Vincent and Yuffie, Tifa was that type of woman. Tifa was always last in her life. Her mother was before her, and after her demise, Papa was before her. Deep down it was grueling and tiresome for the brunette to take care of family while working and pursuing a higher degree in her field. She is a therapist and it was an honor for her to help people. Somewhere along the lines of helping people, she forgot to tend to herself.

"I'm so sorry, Alex and Naomi! I totally forgot about work not to mention my Papa had to call an electrician over because the power outage last night caused a few electrical problems."

Tifa began rushing around the house, grabbing her clothes from last night and putting on her shoes hastily. She didn't realize that she still had on Vincent's borrowed pajamas.

"I promise to wash and return these as soon as I can."

"Hold on Tifa. You're giving me motion sickness with all this rushing." Yuffie stood from the table. "I don't think your car will get you through the day. At least let me make sure you get home."

Tifa's eyes were softened by Yuffie's kind offer. "Thanks Naomi. Thank you for your kindness and you too, Alex."

Vincent nodded and Tifa left to make sure she didn't forget anything. Yuffie grabbed a container and placed Tifa's food inside the container. The woman will need to eat something later on. Yuffie left to put on something decent while Vincent stayed behind and began cleaning the kitchen.

"I'll be back soon Alex!"

The door closed behind the pair. Vincent's stare was on the two before he continued to cleaning the kitchen. After he was done, he dried his hands with a piece of paper towel, and reached into his pocket for his phone. As much as he hated it, he had to call Reno. Though he doubt there were any movements made by Genesis and Elena because of the thunderstorm, he had to check in with Reno to see if he knew anything. The problem with Reno is well…..everything. He was an irritant to Vincent and he avoided contact with him as much as he could. The red-haired man was still immature about a lot of things in life. The younger man simply just needed to grow up a little. Vincent dialed his number and grabbed a piece of paper for future references.


Tifa thanked Yuffie for all of her help before she pulled away from in front of her home. Tifa bolted in the home and saw an electrician inside of the kitchen inspecting an electric socket. She called her Papa's name and second later she heard heavy footsteps dashing down the stairs.

"Tifa! Oh I'm so glad you're okay!" He hugged his daughter tightly and Tifa began explaining what happened to her and how Yuffie and Vincent opened their homes to her.

"I'm glad they were able to help you. I'm fine. You need to get to work."

Work completely slipped her mind again. She darted up the stairs and hurriedly got ready for work. Hopefully Rufus won't be upset.

Two Days Later

The rays from the sunlight peered inside Cloud's car as he drove to his destination: Nibelheim. As promised, Cloud is taking Amanda to the station to make a statement to Reeve Tuesti. The ride was quiet, as to be expected from both ends. Nibelheim brings back a lot of memories for the blonde; some memories were bad, and he was the cause of them. For his sake, he could just come and go without any tender moments emerging from within him.

The sign read 'Welcome to the Town of Nibelheim' in bright red letters. Cloud slowed his pace as he began driving more cautiously looking for the station. Reeve had given the blonde directions, but even with help, the streets were a little foreign for him. He managed to find the station and on their way in, Amanda was immediately intimidated. Several people were walking about; some were on the phone while others were talking to one another about a case. It didn't appear to be as busy as typical police stations such as Midgar and Junon.

Cloud went to the front desk to tell the secretary about the situation while Amanda hung back and looked at the bulletin board. There were a few 'Have You Seen Me' signs. None of the people in question were from Nibelheim, nor were they abducted in Nibelheim. She thought about moving to Nibelheim. It seems like nothing too much happens here but maybe a few snatched purses.

Moments later Cloud motioned for Amanda to follow him and the secretary to Reeve's office. She walked slowly behind them with her head low. She felt uneasy as she entered Reeve's office. Reeve politely closed the door, giving Amanda a small smile before going behind his desk and motioning for his guest to sit in the two chairs in front of him.

"Please excuse my office. I've been really lazy as far as tidying this place up." He noted. There were several of papers and folders misplaced. Reeve was usually tidy and well-organized within his workplace. There have been a number of attacks in Rocket Town and even Junon. Don't get him wrong, the money is great, but it's dirty money if one isn't able to complete the task one is paid to do.

Noticing Reeve's attempt, though weak, attempt on breaking the ice, Cloud simply replied with a nod and thank you. Returning the gesture, Reeve turned on the 'serious button' within himself.

"Now, from what I hear from Mr. Strife, you were attacked a few days go correct, Ms. Gainsborough?"

Terrified eyes met with a pair of cerulean eyes, silently asking was this okay. "His reputation speaks for itself." Cloud said firmly.

Amanda's eyes roamed the office. Several awards and trophies were perfectly placed. All of the degrees Reeve had ever earned were mounted behind him. There was a picture on the desk that showed a much longer Reeve and a woman he was holding tenderly. It looked like he was back in his college days and the woman he was holding was his lover.

"Rosemary….she was such a lovely woman." Reeve spoke as he began to reminisce about his days with her.

"Was a lovely woman?" She noticed the choice of words Reeve used to describe her.

"She was shot and killed in an armed robbery." Amanda clasped her hands over her mouth. She didn't mean to bring about terrible memories. "It's okay." Reeve smiled. "Her death was the reason why I took my studies very seriously to be in the position I am now. And you wanna know something else?"

When Amanda didn't reply, Reeve continued. "The police didn't catch the guy. For years the man that took the woman I loved away from me got away until eight years ago." He slowly leaned back in a more comfortable position and sighed heavily but it wasn't filled with sadness. It was more like a wave of relief. "Don't get me wrong, I do miss her but she had shown me that people need to get put behind bars for the things that they've did. They shouldn't be allowed to roam around so freely."

Amanda nodded without saying a word. She now understands why Reeve is able to do the things he do. Cloud felt a wave of relief himself. He was right to bring Amanda to him.

"This is why I need you to tell me what happened a few nights ago." Reeve concluded and waited for Amanda to tell him the tale.

For the next ten minutes, Amanda explained what happened to her that terrible night. She wasn't even sure why they choose to abduct her. As she began telling Reeve the descriptions of her abductors, she realized that she didn't get a real good look at them. Sure, she'd seen them but she gave the best description she could. When it came to her savior, tall, slender, and hazel-like eyes though she could tell they were a deeper shade of hazel than normal. She mentioned that small detail to Reeve in case it may come in handy.

"Believe it or not, this is a pretty solid statement." Reeve said as he glanced over his notes. "I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this, but you didn't get to hear their last names did you?"

Amanda sorrowfully shook her head. Reeve gave her a small smile and jotted down a few notes. "I'll start looking into this personally. Cloud, if you can, I'll appreciate it if you stay in town for a few days. Just until I can kick start this investigation."

"I'll be vacationing in Rocket Town for two weeks. If you need me, I could come here."

Reeve nodded happily. "Thank you so much, Cloud." He glanced at Amanda and then back at Cloud. "Protect her."

"Aeris will have my head if I don't."

The two men nodded respectfully and got up. "Amanda, do you mind waiting at the entrance for me? I have to speak with Reeve for a moment in private."

Amanda nodded and left the office. Reeve was slightly confused as to why Cloud wanted to speak to him privately. Once the blonde felt the young woman was far away, he turned his attention to the taller, short-haired man with a serious look upon his face.

"There have been recent murders in Midgar lately."

"You think they are somewhat tied to this particular case?" Reeve questioned.

"Yes and no. As you know, I work in the homicide department, but the murders are so bizarre. The victims have a troubled past, and by looking at the crime scenes, multiple people are committing these crimes."

Reeve thought about Cloud's words for a moment before responding. "Hmm. Do you think this Genesis and Elena have anything to do with it? In my professional opinion, they are sex-crazed fiends and killing is a last resort deed."

"Again, yes and no. This crime happen between Rocket Town and Nibelheim, more closer to Rocket Town. Isn't it bizarre that something like this just randomly happened so closed to Nibelheim?"

"It is bizarre." Reeve agreed. The press would be at the station soon and once he makes his statement, the people here will begin to get uneasy. "I have to solve this soon. I can't have the citizens in this town worry."

"I'm joining you." The blonde didn't leave any room for a debate. "If this isn't solved in two weeks, I'll ask for an extended stay from my boss and a statement from you saying you need my assistance. Seeing as you're the sheriff, you have that sort of power."

Reeve smiled. "That I do. All right then. Have it your way Cloud. This crime seems a little personal for not only for you but for Midgar and Amanda as well. I want you to know that this case may require extra work."

It was now Cloud's turn to be confused. The questioning look he gave Reeve made the older man chuckle. "If we're to catch these two in the act, we need to do a little spy work is all."

Cloud's features softened upon hearing this. "Leave that to me. You just give me the information."

"I'm glad to see that you're adamant and determined to solve this case."

The two men nodded towards each other and shook each other's hand. Cloud left the office and guided Amanda to the car while Reeve stayed behind and began his research based on the information he was given. Hopefully the two people who committed this crime live in Nibelheim. If they do, the search would be easier but catching such criminals won't be and he had prepared for the worse.


"I think I did to seek some professional help."

Cloud was driving back to Nibelheim after dropping Amanda off back at Rocket Town. He told Aeris that he needed some fresh air. He could tell he didn't buy her story not one bit, but she let him go. Here he is, supposed to be on vacation, but instead, he's working. He could never rid himself from work. He wanted to solve this case as quickly as possible and maybe it'll help solving the other cases back in Midgar. Behind every evil doer, was a psychological background. That's where the professional help comes into play. Sure, Cloud could make a general profile about a criminal but only a person who specializes in psychology can really understand a murderer, maybe even sympathize with them. Acting sympathetic towards a criminal always rubbed Cloud the wrong way. How can one feel empathy towards a criminal, especially one that takes the lives of others. Shaking his head furiously, he pushed such derogatory thoughts out of his head and continued towards Nibelheim.

When he got there, he parked outside of a youth center that, according to the locals, a bright young woman works Monday through Friday. He heard she was a dedicated, young woman whose passion oozes when psychology is being talked about. He needed that type of person to help him. He walked inside the center and was amazed how tidy, clean, and warm-inviting the center was. Several vending machines were about along with little pamphlets about advice. He noticed some directions leading to a clinic, human resources, and therapy.

"Excuse me ma'am. I'm with the Midgar Police Department, and I heard the therapist here was great. I wanted her professional opinion about a case I'm working on."

The secretary and smiled in response. "Just give me one second, sir."

Cloud thanked the woman and waited patiently for the secretary to do what she needed to do. Moments later the secretary spoke to Cloud. "Sir, just go down the hall to the left, and she'll be waiting for you."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Cloud went down the hallway and knocked on the door. A soft voice told him to come in but he paused. That voice sounded so familiar. It can't be…. The voice told him to come in again but this time with slight hesitation. The woman wasn't sure if she heard a knock or not. Slowly opening the door, Cloud saw the one person he never wanted to see again.

"….Tifa…"

The brunette looked at the blonde with shock. She never thought she would see him again. "….Cloud?"