All rules apply. I dun own Final Fantasy VII, it belongs to Square and its respected owners.

Chapter 14

He deliberated whether to knock on the wooden apartment door or just ring the tiny bell beside it. The seven-year-old inhaled deeply as he placed his tiny fist in the air and gently rapped upon the oak door.

His blue eyes watched in trepidation as no one answered it. Perhaps, his so-called father was not at home; that could be a good thing. Conceivably, he could go home to everything that he knew and loved. Why stay in an area so foreign and out of place?

The boy almost smiled to himself before he heard the door open. His eyes trailed from his proprietor's feet to his face. The man was almost a splitting image of Vincent, but at an older age.

His black mop of hair was tussled and everywhere even over his icy-blue-eyes. His olive skin brought a more attractive look within the stoic man. Overall, his appearance seemed to be the thing women dreamed of in their lust for the perfect man.

The tall man cast his eyes to the trembling boy. "I see…you have finally arrived, you look like your mother." He paused a moment and continued. "Come on, you must be hungry."

Vincent said nothing as he followed the icy man into the small apartment. He noticed the entrance being surprisingly quite clean. Everything seemed to be in place in the tiny abode. It was strange the man that he had never known seemed to be so familiar.

Vincent eyed his surroundings, a sense of rustic elegance thrown into the modern era. How lovely.

His father seemed to have a taste for reading, since rows of shelves were filled with a myriad of books and scrolls. He could tell the older man also had a fetish for antiquities of art and weaponry.

His father's apartment also had cases of weapons ranging from swords, staffs, and other strange armaments Vincent had never seen before. Truth be told, his so-called father must have at least had a steady paying job to afford such small luxuries.

It made the seven-year-old wonder what his father actually did. His mother never really wished to grace upon the subject of his father; it pained her too much.

Vincent could only guess; it did not matter anyway. Sooner or later this man would tell him his place and be expected to obey. He knew it was to be anticipated, since he had taken orders thus far in his short life. But still, something nagged at the boy's mind, something faded and almost forgotten.

Of course, he knew this man was his biological father, and he had never known him growing up. However, the irking feeling of memories long since passed surged through his tiny mind. This man was indeed familiar. The forgotten memory brought back and ever so vividly within his mind.

The faded memory revamped itself into a perfect photographic scene. A thousand neurons working a second brought back the vivid layout of what he had almost in truth, actually forgotten. Vincent was trapped in a daze of a replicating memory.

Four people together on a warm sunny day in the rolling fields of Wutai with the radiant sun setting in the distance, a true ending to a perfect day. Vincent could make out the beautiful face of his mother and older brother. In the background, stood an oddly familiar man.

This man, his father, was smiling in front of the rays of the golden sun. It was the only day Vincent felt like he was welcome. However, this wonderful feeling changed when the man left Wutai leaving his mother, brother, and himself on the tiny isle.

He could remember the look his mother gave the tall man when he left on a tiny steamship. It was the first his mother shown sadness in public. It was irrelevant to show emotion, especially sadness in front of others. Tears were a symbol for showing weakness, and Vincent wasn't weak.

He would be damned if this man brought him to tears as he had his mother. He would live with him, obey him, and do what this paternal figure desired, but in no circumstance, forgive him. The man could never acquire that absolution; Hell would have to freeze over first.

"Here." The tall man handed Vincent something that looked like a bowl.

Vincent broke out of his thoughts and took the bowl of soup. He murmured a small 'Thank you,' and bowed his head to his father.

The icy man looked at his son briefly and turned. "I don't expect for you to call me 'Father,' I'm not deserving of that title, Vincent. It you wish whether to call me 'Father' or 'Richard', I'll leave that objective up to you. Oh, and I have a place for you. Your room is down the hall, the first door on the right."

Vincent nodded and stood in his spot before he spoke. "Um, I was wondering if I could still…"

Richard glared into Vincent's eyes as he finished his son's stuttering sentence. "Contact your mother? You may, I do not mind if you do. One thing, I wish for you not run up my phone bill with calls there."

Vincent happily nodded and took a seat at a vacant table. He placed down the bowl of soup and stared at the simple yellow stew with noodles. He nervously placed his spoon in the liquid and hesitantly took the first bite. The simple meal was good to say the least.

Richard left the room for a moment so his son could eat in peace. It seemed odd to leave in courtesy for another especially, in his household, but needed to none-the-less. The weapons specialist slightly felt a small desire to bond with the son he never knew. The truth was, could he?

He knew he was a bastard of a man for abandoning his love and child the way he had. It was his nature to keep a cold front from people, especially the ones he truly concerned himself with. He believed his supposed one-nightstand with the resplendent Wutainese maiden would be a happy memory not an obsession that plagued his mind.

And now, after all these years of believing he was doing what was best for the small family he cared for was thrown back into his lap. He smirked at the thought, ironic indeed.

"Um…Sir…I'm finished." A tiny voice whispered behind the brooding man.

Richard turned his attention toward Vincent. "I'll take that off your hands then. Listen Vincent, it's getting late, and I believe you should go to sleep for the night. I know you have had a long journey and you need your rest. I shall enroll you in a public school in a couple of days, so be ready…"

Vincent looked at the man puzzled. "Sch…school?! Sir, I never went to a 'school' before. Momma taught us at home."

The older man frowned for a moment and shook his head. "Vincent listen, I cannot teach you at home, alright? I have a job and you cannot stay with me like that. There is no other choice but for you to go to school and learn."

Vincent cast his eyes to the floor in defeat. He knew he could not argue with this man, it felt useless to. Besides, God only knew what his 'father' would do to him if he refused to obey. What a marvelous first impression he could make on back-talking the first day.

"Yes Sir." He mumbled to his paternal figure. "I'll go to school when you enroll me."

"Good. Now, get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day for the both of us." He said waving Vincent off with a serious look and turned back to his thoughts.

"Goodnight…" Vincent whispered and turned to his new room.

'Goodnight…son'. Richard thought but said nothing. How could he?

Vincent looked into the tiny makeshift bedroom. Obviously, he could tell it was some sort of storage facility just by looking at it.

The light-blue walls of the tiny room corresponded with the dark wooden floor. He had figured it would take the turn-style of the title 'boyish'. Did his father do this on such short notice? It did not matter, he expected no less than this on the trip over.

The seven-year-old took his traditional Wutainese kimono off and placed it neatly on the tiny wooden nightstand beside his bed. Frowning, he pulled on a pair of black gi pants and slipped underneath the thin sheets.

It felt odd to sleep on a bed that was off of the floor; it sort of made his back hurt. The cottony mattress made squeaking sounds and metal springs seemed as if they would penetrate through the material.

Vincent could only sigh at his 'new life' and shudder. What had he done that was so fucking wrong to merit a punishment such as this? Was dreaming of a beautiful angel such a transgression? He didn't know.

The boy finally shut his magnificent blue-eyes and tried to dream. Perhaps, his angel would visit him again and give him a sense of relief from these oncoming nightmares. He inwardly knew he would be swallowed in the darkness, lost forever in a void of detached emotion.

It would just as well for him. He had nothing to offer the world. Who would want a shunned bastard child hat was held low with in the social ranks, answer, none.

The boy cast his morose thoughts aside and tried to sleep for the hell of it. He had nothing better to do and rest was needed for him to continue in this everyday strife to live. At that moment, it clicked within his bewildered mind. He was alone.

The boy finally fell asleep with the thought fading from his tired mind. Sleep, yes, sleep. It was the only release he had from the life he shamefully portrayed. The life he would always have…

****

The orange dawn peered through the tiny window and hit Vincent's sealed eyes. He squinted them tighter in attempt to salvage more sleep but the sun repudiated his silent request. He turned his face toward the wall and escaped the sun's audacious rays. His little triumph didn't last long as he heard his door open and someone step in.

The boy opened his reddened eyes as he tried to make out the blurry image of his father. His hazy vision finally focused as he seen his father staring at him levelly. He automatically rose from his bed and nodded in respect.

Richard did nothing in reaction to his son's gesture. He merely stood as before, motionless. He finally gathered his voice and shut the door behind him. "Vincent, get ready. I am taking you to work today. Tomorrow, I shall enroll you in school."

Vincent nodded as he seen his father leave the room the same way he came, soundless.

"Are you ready?" Richard glanced at the boy in the kimono garb.

Vincent stayed silent as he silently agreed. Richard could already tell his son was going to be just like him, emotionless.

The boy was a flawless carbon copy of himself, the same mannerisms fit his son to a perfect T; it almost frightened the weapons specialist.

Richard shook the slight apprehension out of his mind as he gathered his things and nodded for Vincent to exit first. Today would be very interesting since he had no one to work with him in five years.

****

Vincent silently followed his father into a gray building and stood beside the doorway. He looked at his surroundings of various items that his father sold. He was no more than amazed to see rows of swords behind glass gases and a myriad staffs lying idly beside the wall. He noticed the various types of potions and elixirs in another corner of the room but what caught his attention were the strange mechanical metal devices that hung on the walls.

His mouth dropped in awe as he gazed at the cool black metal of each object. His father had different selections to choose from. Ranging from tiny ones to a few that took both hands to hold. Vincent was no less than astounded to see such intriguing objects.

His concentration was broken when a cold hand clung to his shoulder. The boy turned around to see the icy stare of his father. "Um…"

"I see that you have taken an interest in those, Vincent. Let me warn you now, those are very dangerous and I do not want you to touch them without my permission, understood?"

"Yes…Sir."

"Good, now just sit over there in that chair while I work."

Vincent could only nod as he headed to the tiny wooden chair. He inwardly knew this was going to be a long day and his ass would be sore on the return home. Why did the gods have to give man the idea of making hard wooden chairs in the first place?

"Ah, Richard! It's great to see you again!" A man with blonde hair greeted as he opened the door.

"Julian? My God, is that you?"

"The one and only! Listen, I'm in town permanently! I'm even opening my own business!"

Richard could only stare at the exuberant man in shock. "You're…you're staying here?! That's wonderful!"

"Isn't it though? Dad says that I cannot control anything worth shit, let alone a company! The silly old man doesn't realize I have it all planned out!" The blonde headed man laughed heavily.

"I'm certain you will make an excellent CEO! What are you doing anyway?"

"Oh! I am going into the power industry! Richard, this tiny city just survives on what little resources are available here, no? I believe I can expand this place into a metropolis! Just think of it, the power and technology will be envied everywhere else!"

Richard placed a hand in the air. "Wait, you mean to tell me that you're going to make this entire thing possible? I never imagined Midgar being more than just this…"

"Richard, believe me, I can do it! Just have faith, and all will be good! I already have the floor plans laid out for the company!"

"That's wonderful Julian! I hope that you are very successful!"

"Thanks…" Julian trailed off as he seen a boy staring at him in the background. "Hey…who's the kid? Richard, is there something you're not telling me?!"

Richard deeply sighed; this explanation was going to be a little difficult. "Um…um…that's Vincent. He's my…son…"

"No shit?! Richard, who did you do? Are you married or what?"

"Julian, I don't wish to discuss this right now, alright? Let's just say Vincent is going to stay with me for a while."

"Oh, I gotcha! The mother doesn't want the brat anymore, eh?"

Richard's eyes suddenly pierced deeply into his friend. "Don't say that ever again, do you understand me?!"

"Uh…Richard, I was only joking, alright? Besides, I didn't mean to upset you. Jesus, that be the last thing would intend to do…"

"It's fine. Look, I'm very tired. I didn't get a lot of sleep and I'm sorry if I was no less than friendly today."

"Hey, it's fine. Besides, I need to run. I may need your business later on for weapons and supplies, that is, if you wish to help?"

Richard nodded. "Certainly, Julian. Let me know when you wish to purchase something and I shall make sure you get it immediately."

"You're such a brother to me, Richard! I'll see you later!"

Richard waved his old friend off and turned to Vincent. "Would you like to look at my weapons, Vincent?"

The boy could only nod in astonishment as a small appeared on his rosy lips. "Good! I plan to make you learn how to use a gun. You never know when you may need one."

****

"Hey, Marcus, did you see that new kid over there?"

"Quit calling me Marcus! God! Yes, I saw him! Why do you care?" The pudgy boy sneered at his friend.

"Guah hahaha! He's funny-lookin'! I've never seen a boy wear a dress before, unless he swung the other way! Hehe!"

"You're awful! Besides, I thought you liked the guys!"

"You wanna knuckle sandwich? Say shit like that again and I'll send you on your merry way to the Lifestream!"

"My, my, my aren't we a little touchy, Claude?"

"Shut-up! Come on! Let's bother the brat! I haven't had any good bullying today!" The burly bully chuckled deeply.

Marcus could only look at his comrade in revulsion. Why would a boy of Claude's stature wish to drag him into a fight? Personally, he wasn't very good at defense, the truth was; he sucked at it. And besides, he personally liked to read about space and scientific theories. God forbid he told his voluptuous friend his personal hobbies.

He watched in disgust as Claude made his way to the new student. Shaking his head, he decided to leave the small playground and go back to the schoolroom. His eighth grade studies were calling him. Being the top in school was a hard job, especially as someone work-oriented as Marcus Palmer.

"Hey Kid, nice dress! Did your mommy make it?" Claude said with a smirk.

Vincent looked at the tall boy and cast his blue-eyes away from him. He said nothing as slowly turned and tried to leave his apparent interrogation.

Claude's eyebrows pursed together in sudden anger. No one left him like that! Not even, small boys who wore so-called girly 'dresses'.

"Listen here, Brat! No one turns their back on me and gets away with it! It seems your mommy didn't teach you any manners or maybe your mother was a slut and couldn't tell to them to you! Tell me, was she a good prostitute, hn?"

Vincent turned to face this newly made enemy. It was fine to make fun of his clothes and origin but no one shamed his mother like that, ever! Vincent's cerulean-eyes turned icy as he stared at the haughty boy.

With a smile, Vincent whirled away in an abrupt movement knocking the bully down. His sides-weep move knocked the breath out of Claude. Vincent looked at the breathless boy and turned, leaving all to see his astonishing retaliation.

Claude glared at Vincent with contempt. This boy was going to pay. No one ever humiliated him lie that and lived without paying the price.

"Now you will see who is boss here, Brat!" Claude whispered malevolently into Vincent's ear.

"Claude Heideggar, get off of him this instant!" A voice said behind the boys.

Claude obeyed and hastily got off of Vincent. He cast his eyes to the ground, both portraying shame and fear. He knew he was in trouble…again.

"Are you alright?" The blonde headed woman asked as she held out her hand to Vincent.

Vincent took her gentle hand and pulled himself up. He smiled to the kind teacher and nodded.

"Good." She grinned lightly and turned attention to Claude. "I want you inside the principal's office…now!"

Claude mumbled to himself as he left for another session with the oh-so joyous principal of Midgar's education system.

The blond turned back to face Vincent and led him into the brick building. She opened a door and advocated for him to follow. Pointing to seat, she beckoned him to take a seat for apparent questioning. He knew what was coming, trouble.

"What's your name?"

"Vincent."

"Ah! That's a very lovely name! Do you know what it means?" She smiled lovingly.

Vincent was struck dumbfounded; his name meant something? Odd. "No. Does it mean something?"

"Of course! Every name means something! Would you like to know?"

Vincent nodded for her to continue. "It means, victor or conqueror. Very nice for a boy like you, I would not doubt!"

"I guess so." He whispered.

"So, I see that you are new to this school. Tell me, do you like it here?"

"It's livable. I wish to go home."

"I could arrange that if you like."

Vincent's eyes widened. "Can you?! You can send me back to Wutai?!"

"Not that far. I can call your mother and get her to pick you up from school today."

Vincent cast his eyes to the tiled floor. "I live with my…father now."

The blonde nodded sadly. "I see… Do you like living with your father?"

"It's okay."

"Well, I'll tell you what. How about if I take you home myself since I have no more classes today?" She offered with sympathy.

Vincent noticed her apparent pity and remotely welcomed it. "I don't need your kindness…Miss?"

"Oh how silly of me! I am Miss Heartilly! You may call me Miss Heartilly or simply Elaine!"

"Okay."

"Come on, I'll take you home."

Vincent could only agree. The truth was, he wanted to leave. He needed to get out of this impermeable hellhole before it consumed him into madness. He took her hand once more as she lead him out of the institution of hell faceted by learning.

****

(8 Years Later…)

"Get the fuck off me, you bastard!" Julian fumed.

"Sorry Sir, but it appears that you have a stalker." The man in the navy suit whispered.

"Good God! Not again! How many times do I have to tell you to have a control on these raving lunatics! What am I paying you lowlifes for? Are three bodyguards not enough to protect my life?! Perhaps, I should hire someone worthy to execute my orders!"

"Sir." The dark-headed man urged, his tension showing.

"No more! I shall not hear another lie from your mouth! Either you straighten your up act or you and your comrades shall kiss your jobs and ass goodbye! I will not have another mistake!"

The man nodded. "Yes Sir, it shall not happen again."

"Good. You know, I have one more thing to ask." Julian sneered.

The man turned to face his superior once more, deeply fearing the question. "Yes Sir?"

"What does your son think of his daddy being a killer? An assassin for his boss who does everything he desires?"

The man cast his eyes to the floor. He hesitated before answering the personal question. "He does not know, Sir. I do not find it important for him to acknowledge my occupation."

"Very good! It is not a child's place to know what their father does behind the shadows of fallacy! I am very proud of you!"

The dark man nodded. "Sir, shall I take my leave?"

Julian smirked. "Yes, do so. You need a break. Take a day off and see your son. It appears you are not home for him anymore. That may cause, what is it? Family problems? Go, and take a vacation. Think of it as a bonus!"

"Yes Sir." He bowed and left the illustrious office.

'Silly Bastard.' Julian inwardly thought as he watched the receding figure.

****

"Again? What did you do this time, Young Man?"

"Look, I don't have to tell you what I do, alright? Like it matters!"

"It does matter! I grow tired of your lewd behavior! Do you have any idea where your actions will soon lead you?!"

"I could care less…" The fifteen-year-old fumed.

"That's it, Young Man! I have had enough of your smart-ass remarks and immaturity! This vandalizing public property with whatever you call friends; will stop! I will not have you ruin your life like they have theirs! Vincent, you will be something, even if I have to force you kicking and screaming! Think of your mother! What would she think if she seen your heinous actions?! She would be ashamed of you!"

Vincent glared at his father. "Don't you dare bring Mom into this!"

"I am! Vincent, as of tomorrow, you will be attending an all boys' school. And it's not negotiable!" Richard turned from his son as he un-holstered the gun from underneath his suit.

Vincent sneered at his aging father. "Fine! I'll go along with your little idea! But let me warn you, it will not help!"

"Warn me? You warn me? Don't make me laugh! Vincent, I will not have you turn out to be some other demented asshole in this city! Now go to bed, it's late."

Vincent said nothing as he turned and slammed his door in anger. Richard could only shake his head in desperation as to what his son was becoming, just like him.

The man placed his silver gun on the table as he poured himself a drink of Brandi. He was not an alcoholic, but at times his job and son's actions stressed him so much he needed some relief.

His blue-eyes skimmed over the small glass of golden-brown liquid. It seemed to entice him into a blissful paradise momentarily. He needed a vacation.

Perhaps he could take his son and leave this hell. Unfortunately, he knew he was forever bound to live the rest of his life here, chained against his adamant will. The demons had already bound his soul and life by paper and brash deals to insure his lifestyle. Such a pleasure of what material things could bring.

His true concern now was to keep his promise to her by making sure Vincent stayed the course, as she had called it.

Richard could not understand the lively Wutainese woman's intentions at times. He truly wished he could see her, to hold her one more time. Staring at her behind glass grew to dissatisfy him; he needed her.

Richard finished the burning liquid and placed the crystal glass in the sink. He would not fail her, if it meant his life, he would make sure his son had the thing he could never obtain, contentment. He would be damned if he failed her and Vincent otherwise.

His blue-eyes looked at the idle gun that lay upon the table. He remembered the first time he had drawn the weapon to kill. It wasn't the fondest of memories, the ghosts of those lives he ended always came back to haunt him.

He felt guilty for taking his friend's offer. He never wished to kill another being, he never considered himself a violent man. But now, he felt the invisible wake of guilt lay before him, a hundred thousand sins he wished to redeem but alas, could not.

He feared his sins would come back to haunt him. The dark premonitions of his son carrying on his sins and guilt gave him a sense of dread. Vincent deserved to be happy.

It was partially why he planned to send Vincent to Kalm's school for boys. He needed his son to have the chance he never had. It was time for another night of insomnia, a trait he picked up from his job. He knew his son would soon realize the double life he portrayed, perhaps even hate him more for it.

His son had to have realized the recent change from middle class living to one of the up-town aristocratic lifestyle. Sure, he was not as powerful as his older friend, but his existence was to be envied by many.

He sold his soul to demonic madmen with power in order for his son to be free. Richard knew Vincent was made for something more. He could tell by the boy's actions and atmospheric personality. He could only wish he did not interfere with whatever had planned his son to accomplish.

This start would be the breaking point in the cycle of their lives. With Richard's enslavement, his son would be free. It would be the emancipation he was searching for. Perhaps, his son would at least forgive him for never being there when he needed him the most.

He was hopeful.

Author's Note: Sorry it has taken me so long. I hate my sister's computer! Anyway, chapter 15 should be out soon. That is, if this stupid thing cooperates with me. Sigh. Please let me know what you think of it so far. ^_^