Sorry I took me a while to write this. And it's also amazingly short but . .

Chapter 4 - Two of a Kind

Vincent swirled around. Behind him, long hair flying free stood Eryll, armed with two daggers, one of which was stained with blood. Slowly she stepped forwards. Vincent glared at her, daring her to take another step. Eryll sighed and raised her hand.

"Please listen to me. I won't hurt you." She stepped forwards. Vincent felt around for his gun, then realised he hadn't got it anymore. He could feel anger rising inside him. He had trusted the girl twice and each time, she had betrayed him. But, she was just so . . . .trustable.

"Please, I won't hurt you. I'm trying to help you. I didn't mean to . . . . I mean it wasn't my faul - Oh what does it matter?" Eryll muttered to herself, and stepped forwards again.

"Stay away." Vincent slowly wiped the blood from his neck with his good hand.

Eryll stopped walking and started shaking. Somewhat concerned Vincent was about to step forwards, but thought better of it. She looked up.

"You should've let me help. I have no control now. If I kill you it is your fault. You should have listened. No! Hojo!"

Suddenly flames erupted around the girl and gale force winds blew around her. Vincent shielded his face with his arm. When the flames had died away he found himself looking into two blood - red eyes. Where Eryll had stood, was now a winged monster, eyes gleaming against it's ebony skin. A tail scattered fire around it's body. At the top of the creatures head amongst all the black, were two long, white wings - like an angel. For what seemed like forever, Vincent stood there watching the creatures two dark wings blow endless flames in his direction. The two white wings swayed with the air.

Without warning, the beast attacked.

Sharp claws cut Vincent's chest as he was flung backwards. He noticed, once again, blood pouring onto his shirt. The creature charged again, and Vincent felt himself slipping out of consciousness.

"Too . . . strong." Gathering all of his remaining energy he had left he stood, watching the beast as it just stood there, waiting for him to move. What had happened? Where was Eryll? Questions spun around in his head like there was no tomorrow. He swayed slightly, catching himself just before he fell. He felt himself shaking. He didn't want to transform he hated it, but he wasn't prepared to die just yet. His met was set. In a flash Vincent was gone, and the Chaos Beast stood, ready for battle.

The beasts flew at each other, fire scattering everywhere, wings beating and the occasional ripping of skin. The skies darkened and rain fell onto the two monsters - neither one about to give in easily.

As thunder rumbled and lightening flashed, Chaos gave one last roar before disappearing and Vincent reappeared. Weak, exhausted and unable to move he watched the beast approach. Once again it exploded in flame and Eryll reappeared. She smiled nervously.

"I win" she whispered.

Vincent stared. "Who . . are you?" She moved forwards and pulled him to his feet.

"Same as you. A little amusement toy of Hojo's. In beast I am Fate. I anem meta hasto lim, mi Eryll - Now I am myself, I am Eryll. And Eryll has a job to do."

" . . . . Fate . . ." Vincent was confused and bewildered. Same as me? How did she know? His mind filled with questions, he drifted into unconsciousness, not even remembering to ask Eryll how they were in the air.

~*~

Barrett awoke drowsily. Confused and more than slightly annoyed he looked for the others - who weren't there.

"Could've least kept us together." he muttered. "Give us something to do, take our minds off this foul place."

A whining filled the room he was in, and the floor started to shake. He fell, and trying to keep in one place he looked around. Two eyes stared back at him.

~*~

Vincent awoke to find himself being dragged back to Hojo's place. Eryll was pulling him along, mumbling angrily to herself. Her eyes brightened when she saw his face.

"Oh good, you're awake. You can walk the rest of the way."

Vincent frowned, a question coming to mind. "You also have a beast inside you? Tell me . . how is it that I cannot transform here?"

"Well, Hojo made this barrier in this place that stops magic from being used, and also stops you transforming. I think he's sacred." She laughed slightly.

"Eryll . . what do you want from me?" Eryll stopped and looked at him.

"Me? I do not want anything, well, not from you. Hojo on the other hand. . . ." She sighed and took a step towards him.

"Hojo often mentions something about a crystal, inside you. I dunno what it's called, though, but it's supposed to have special powers, I think. Healing powers, immortality something around that. Hojo wants to get this crystal, and use it." She looked at him.

"Do you know a Tifa?" Vincent stared at her.

"Yes, I did. Why?"

Eryll shook her head. "No reason. Come on, I've got to get you back to Hojo."

Vincent stood still. "I refuse to come."

Eryll smiled slightly. "Once again you leave me no choice. I'm sorry Vincent." Eryll leapt in the air and her right foot connected with the back of his head. She looked down at the body on the floor. "I'm really sorry." she whispered, to no one in particular as she dragged the body up to Hojo.

"It's not my fault."

~*~



Yuffie made her way through the mountains. She had been attacked by no end of monsters, and just escaped with her life. Now she was tired and thirsty and slightly agitated. She heard soft footsteps behind her. She turned sharply to look around - and saw nothing. She turned back around. In front of her stood a young girl, wearing a T-shirt and shorts.

"What do you want?" Yuffie asked.

"I was about to ask you that, but now there is no need. You are a prisoner."

Yuffie drew out her Conformer. "Who are you?"

"Please. Put your weapon away. It will do no good against me. For I am Eryll."



Finished. R/R please!!