Chapter 4: Hidden Demons
Vincent eyes flashed, feeling like he had wasted all his efforts to seek out his opponent. He had visited all of his opponents known favorite locations, from his hometown to favorite brothel, which hadn't been pretty. Vincent shuddered internally, banishing that thought from his mind. He had more important things to worry about, like Tifa. How was she? He needed to know, and since his 'quest' if you will, wasn't going as planned, he might as well check up on her. Besides, even though he hated to admit it, even to himself, he cared for her enough to rival, or possibly surpass his feelings for Lucercia. No, she had already surpassed them, that is why he had this nagging feeling for a week to see her, if only a glimpse. Vincent gave a soft sigh, flicking his cape out of his way, he started down the road, thoughts of Tifa flooding his mind, and for the life of him, and he couldn't stop them.
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Tifa frowned, a slender finger tracing the rim of her mug, her chin nestled on her hand as she starred straight ahead, worrying. Vincent had been gone for at least a week now, she wasn't so sure. Ever since he had left, she had been worrying each day by, wondering where he went. Surely he would have 'atoned for his sin' by now. Tifa sighed and closed her garnet eyes, trying to think of something that wouldn't lead to worrying about him. Um, the sky. It was nice outside, and she should be on the roof, enjoying the breeze, Vincent- Tifa's lips curved downward. It had been like that ever since he left. She couldn't stop worrying, even though Kakyuu and Kojin declared it wasn't healthy for her. Tifa's eyes flickered over the crowded room, watching as the party went on around her, in full swing. Even Kakyuu was out there, flirting with some of the girls who seemed to like older men. Tifa sighed, and then looked around, almost disbelieving. Ever since she had got here, someone had always been by her side to make sure she didn't run off, and now, now. Tifa gave a slight grin as she tossed down some gil and got up from the bar, her eyes burning with the determination to find the man who was driving her crazy. In what seemed like no time to her, the surface of the wooden door was under her palm, and with a slight push, as to not to arouse suspicion, she was out, the cool night wind pushing back her hair, and as the door shut, the music was cut off, and once again she was free. The last couple of days she had felt trapped, and worried, not knowing what the heck was going on. But now, knowing that she might be able to find Vincent, the first real smile painted itself on her lips.
"Now, where do they keep the chocobos?" Tifa asked softly to herself, knowing full and well she wouldn't be able to get far on a chilly night like this without *some* assistance. And she had thought Kakyuu had been gentlemanly for offering to put the chocobos away. Was it a safety precaution? After a moment of searching, Tifa found a peculiar looking doorway, which certainly didn't seem to lead into the hideout. Curious, she opened it, grinning widely to see she had found the chocobo stables, however, there was an air of distress among the over sized birds. Tifa whispered soothing, when she picked out her precious Haru, though the bird still ruffled her feathers nervously, eyes darting around the stable. "Sshh! Someone might hear you, Haru!" Tifa scolded silently, when she felt a rough hand fall on her shoulder, startled, she looked back, expecting to see Kojin or Kakyuu, though the shadows the person's features well.
"Someone already has. It seems that my work hasn't been a total waste. Heh, the hideout of Shinra workers and Valentine's woman. Two birds in one stone." The man said, and Tifa didn't need to see his face to know he was smirking victoriously. Tifa paled, instantly feeling guilt working. They had found out Kojin's hideout because of her? Tifa felt the sudden effects of guilt working in her system, but now wasn't the time for it! Tifa got in a battle stance, her eyes flashing. She wouldn't let this man get in her way; she wouldn't let him get to Kojin or Kakyuu, not while she was around. "Oh, I see. A fighter. Well, I haven't had a good fight in a while, and fighting a legendary savior of the planet will be interesting." The voice sneered, and Tifa's eyes narrowed. This guy. was way too cocky for his own good. With the rustle of the wind, Tifa jumped, narrowly missing a. sword? Coming down, Tifa put out her foot, hoping to catch her enemy on the head. Suddenly, a hand snapped out of the shadows, and twisted her foot, leaving Tifa to fall painfully on her side. Not wasting a second, she was up again, rushing into a frenzy of kicks and punches, and it was impossible to stop them all. The man was on the ground, out cold before even a minute was over. Satisfied she hadn't lost her touch, Tifa stooped down beside him, checking for any clue to his identity. Suddenly, an arrow shot forward, embedding itself in the wall before her, and she whirled around, barely blocking the oncoming blow.
"Heh, you have to be pretty good to defeat Alex that quickly. Well now girlie, try five of us." The voice said smugly, and a booted foot came also from the shadows, and startled, Tifa jumped back, only to feel a chain bite into her back. With a startled cry, Tifa fell forward, spinning around with her back to the wall to see five different shadows, each with different auras. This would be a challenge. With a cry, two darted forward, one with the chain, and another with his fists. The other three spread out, waiting for her to jump to their side if she tried to escape. With a small sigh, Tifa got into a stance, crouched and waiting. The first with a chain jumped forward, swinging the chain in what looked like an attempt to get her neck, but Tifa dodged, catching the chain in her hand and tugging its owner to her, who met her elbow. Delivering a kick in his stomach, he crumpled, and she turned her attention to the other, who pulled out a dagger. Wielding it with apparent difficultly, the man charged forward, raising the dagger like one would a sword, and slashing downward. Tifa hadn't fought alongside the famous Cloud Strife for nothing, and she dodged, snapping her hand down on his wrist, disarming him of his dagger. A roundhouse kick left him beside his other comrade.
"I suppose we underestimated you." One of the shadows said, a woman from her tone of voice. "Don't expect this to be easy now that we know your moves." The woman said haughtily, and the three shadows split up, the woman in front of her, and two men on her sides. Tifa's eyes darted around, wondering who would attack her first. Surely they'd be as easy to defeat as their companions? With a cry, the woman dashed forward, in perfect union with her partners, and Tifa closed her eyes and took a breath. Punching upward, she caught the first on his jaw, and sent him reeling, and she barely managed to dodge the fist that was aimed for her cheek, only to get kicked in the knee by the woman. How could she have forgotten about her? The knee buckled, sending Tifa down to the ground, gritting her teeth in pain. She felt the tip of a sword press against her throat, and Tifa swallowed, eyes wide. She had to do *something*! She couldn't let the resistance Kojin had worked so hard to establish go down because of *her* of all people. She only growled, causing the woman to laugh. "Feisty are we? Well, I suppose the boss will have a good use for you." The woman cackled, and Tifa said nothing, concentrating on the orb in her bracelet, sweat dribbling off her brow. She didn't want to resort to this, but. The woman let out a startled shriek when her outfit mysteriously caught on fire, and it was all Tifa needed. With a quickness that only came with practice, the woman was on her knees, barely conscious, and the man next to her, twitching from the blows Tifa had dished out.
"Still haven't lost my touch!" Tifa beamed, dusting off her hands.
"And its gone to your head!" A man cried, and Tifa had just enough time to dodge the fatal blow, only to get hit in the stomach. Wind rushing out of her lungs, she collapsed, in the arms of a battered and cloaked man.
"We have. to go." His comrade panted, and the man nodded, hoisting Tifa up painfully as he stood to his full, intimidating height.
"The hideout?" The woman asked, tossing back her short hair, wincing slightly as her ribs creaked. That woman sure packed quite a punch.
"We won't be able to take it out now. Let's go back and send word to the boss." The man said, whistling, and six black chocobos appeared. Mounting one gracefully despite his injuries, the six rode off into the night, an unconscious Tifa leaning against the tallest man.
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"Where is she?" Vincent hissed, his eyes flashing a murderous blood red, and Kakyuu stuttered, trying to think up an excuse that would save his life.
"I don't know! I take my eyes off her for one second and- ack!" Kakyuu choked, as Vincent gripped his collar and shoved him off the ground, the force leaving Kakyuu choking.
"You said she'd be safe." Vincent said in a deadly calm, voice, though his eyes betrayed him. Kakyuu said nothing, just continued his feeble attempts to get Vincent's grip off of him.
"Enough!" Kojin snapped, unlatching Vincent's death like grip on Kakyuu's collar, and glaring at them both. "Admittedly, we all share some of the blame for this, but you forget Vincent, we do not baby-sit, and we do not keep young ladies here at their own will. I am sure she'll be fine." Kojin reasoned, though he felt his words were falling on deaf ears. Vincent was still fuming, and regretting, while Kakyuu was glaring at Vincent, rubbing his very red neck. Kojin gave a tired sigh, rubbing his temple with force. "Walker?" He asked tiredly, and the veteran pilot gave a grin. Other than being an excellent pilot, his dream had been to be a detective, and as such, he had sharpened his observation skill to the fullest, without being on the level of the Turks of course.
"There was a scuffle in the chocobo pen. Haru's still there, but." Walker took out an arrow, a small note attached to it, with a familiar seal. Vincent narrowed his eyes, along with his companions at the image. Shinra. Snatching it out of his hands, Vincent's blood red eyes scanned it, widening slightly, unnoticeably to all those who were around them. He had her. Vincent growled silently to himself, feeling Chaos stir within him, feeling the anger boiling inside of his host.
Meet me, Valentine. She is waiting in the hellish past of yours.
Vincent crumpled the letter, wringing it out, as if to make the words drip from the paper that they weren't true, that Tifa wasn't in danger. Oh, but she was. Instead of protecting her by bringing her here, he had foolishly endangered Kojin and his resistance, and Tifa. *He* had probably already known what Vincent had planned to do to keep Tifa safe. It was possible. Vincent's enemy was no one to be taken lightly, but the true could be said about him. Angering the demon would do no good for someone who wants revenge, for it seems there are more demons than angels.
"Vinnie?" Kakyuu asked after a second, seeing the almost visible anger stirring in the man. And believe him, seeing that wasn't a good sign at *all*. Vincent looked up at him, his eyes a fire of regret and boiling rage, the shadows of a restless demon.
"He will pay." Vincent said simply, though the force and emotion hidden behind his words froze the occupants in the room.
~*Author's Notes*~ Hooray! Long enough for ya? *giggles* Mwahahaha! I got Tifa to kick butt! *pauses* hopefully. Anyway, not very good with battle scenes, blah blah. Well, anyway, sorry the first couple of chapters were rough, school isn't very forgiving. *bows* Sorry! Anyway, the plot is actually moving forward! Whoopee! Well, read and review.
Vincent eyes flashed, feeling like he had wasted all his efforts to seek out his opponent. He had visited all of his opponents known favorite locations, from his hometown to favorite brothel, which hadn't been pretty. Vincent shuddered internally, banishing that thought from his mind. He had more important things to worry about, like Tifa. How was she? He needed to know, and since his 'quest' if you will, wasn't going as planned, he might as well check up on her. Besides, even though he hated to admit it, even to himself, he cared for her enough to rival, or possibly surpass his feelings for Lucercia. No, she had already surpassed them, that is why he had this nagging feeling for a week to see her, if only a glimpse. Vincent gave a soft sigh, flicking his cape out of his way, he started down the road, thoughts of Tifa flooding his mind, and for the life of him, and he couldn't stop them.
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Tifa frowned, a slender finger tracing the rim of her mug, her chin nestled on her hand as she starred straight ahead, worrying. Vincent had been gone for at least a week now, she wasn't so sure. Ever since he had left, she had been worrying each day by, wondering where he went. Surely he would have 'atoned for his sin' by now. Tifa sighed and closed her garnet eyes, trying to think of something that wouldn't lead to worrying about him. Um, the sky. It was nice outside, and she should be on the roof, enjoying the breeze, Vincent- Tifa's lips curved downward. It had been like that ever since he left. She couldn't stop worrying, even though Kakyuu and Kojin declared it wasn't healthy for her. Tifa's eyes flickered over the crowded room, watching as the party went on around her, in full swing. Even Kakyuu was out there, flirting with some of the girls who seemed to like older men. Tifa sighed, and then looked around, almost disbelieving. Ever since she had got here, someone had always been by her side to make sure she didn't run off, and now, now. Tifa gave a slight grin as she tossed down some gil and got up from the bar, her eyes burning with the determination to find the man who was driving her crazy. In what seemed like no time to her, the surface of the wooden door was under her palm, and with a slight push, as to not to arouse suspicion, she was out, the cool night wind pushing back her hair, and as the door shut, the music was cut off, and once again she was free. The last couple of days she had felt trapped, and worried, not knowing what the heck was going on. But now, knowing that she might be able to find Vincent, the first real smile painted itself on her lips.
"Now, where do they keep the chocobos?" Tifa asked softly to herself, knowing full and well she wouldn't be able to get far on a chilly night like this without *some* assistance. And she had thought Kakyuu had been gentlemanly for offering to put the chocobos away. Was it a safety precaution? After a moment of searching, Tifa found a peculiar looking doorway, which certainly didn't seem to lead into the hideout. Curious, she opened it, grinning widely to see she had found the chocobo stables, however, there was an air of distress among the over sized birds. Tifa whispered soothing, when she picked out her precious Haru, though the bird still ruffled her feathers nervously, eyes darting around the stable. "Sshh! Someone might hear you, Haru!" Tifa scolded silently, when she felt a rough hand fall on her shoulder, startled, she looked back, expecting to see Kojin or Kakyuu, though the shadows the person's features well.
"Someone already has. It seems that my work hasn't been a total waste. Heh, the hideout of Shinra workers and Valentine's woman. Two birds in one stone." The man said, and Tifa didn't need to see his face to know he was smirking victoriously. Tifa paled, instantly feeling guilt working. They had found out Kojin's hideout because of her? Tifa felt the sudden effects of guilt working in her system, but now wasn't the time for it! Tifa got in a battle stance, her eyes flashing. She wouldn't let this man get in her way; she wouldn't let him get to Kojin or Kakyuu, not while she was around. "Oh, I see. A fighter. Well, I haven't had a good fight in a while, and fighting a legendary savior of the planet will be interesting." The voice sneered, and Tifa's eyes narrowed. This guy. was way too cocky for his own good. With the rustle of the wind, Tifa jumped, narrowly missing a. sword? Coming down, Tifa put out her foot, hoping to catch her enemy on the head. Suddenly, a hand snapped out of the shadows, and twisted her foot, leaving Tifa to fall painfully on her side. Not wasting a second, she was up again, rushing into a frenzy of kicks and punches, and it was impossible to stop them all. The man was on the ground, out cold before even a minute was over. Satisfied she hadn't lost her touch, Tifa stooped down beside him, checking for any clue to his identity. Suddenly, an arrow shot forward, embedding itself in the wall before her, and she whirled around, barely blocking the oncoming blow.
"Heh, you have to be pretty good to defeat Alex that quickly. Well now girlie, try five of us." The voice said smugly, and a booted foot came also from the shadows, and startled, Tifa jumped back, only to feel a chain bite into her back. With a startled cry, Tifa fell forward, spinning around with her back to the wall to see five different shadows, each with different auras. This would be a challenge. With a cry, two darted forward, one with the chain, and another with his fists. The other three spread out, waiting for her to jump to their side if she tried to escape. With a small sigh, Tifa got into a stance, crouched and waiting. The first with a chain jumped forward, swinging the chain in what looked like an attempt to get her neck, but Tifa dodged, catching the chain in her hand and tugging its owner to her, who met her elbow. Delivering a kick in his stomach, he crumpled, and she turned her attention to the other, who pulled out a dagger. Wielding it with apparent difficultly, the man charged forward, raising the dagger like one would a sword, and slashing downward. Tifa hadn't fought alongside the famous Cloud Strife for nothing, and she dodged, snapping her hand down on his wrist, disarming him of his dagger. A roundhouse kick left him beside his other comrade.
"I suppose we underestimated you." One of the shadows said, a woman from her tone of voice. "Don't expect this to be easy now that we know your moves." The woman said haughtily, and the three shadows split up, the woman in front of her, and two men on her sides. Tifa's eyes darted around, wondering who would attack her first. Surely they'd be as easy to defeat as their companions? With a cry, the woman dashed forward, in perfect union with her partners, and Tifa closed her eyes and took a breath. Punching upward, she caught the first on his jaw, and sent him reeling, and she barely managed to dodge the fist that was aimed for her cheek, only to get kicked in the knee by the woman. How could she have forgotten about her? The knee buckled, sending Tifa down to the ground, gritting her teeth in pain. She felt the tip of a sword press against her throat, and Tifa swallowed, eyes wide. She had to do *something*! She couldn't let the resistance Kojin had worked so hard to establish go down because of *her* of all people. She only growled, causing the woman to laugh. "Feisty are we? Well, I suppose the boss will have a good use for you." The woman cackled, and Tifa said nothing, concentrating on the orb in her bracelet, sweat dribbling off her brow. She didn't want to resort to this, but. The woman let out a startled shriek when her outfit mysteriously caught on fire, and it was all Tifa needed. With a quickness that only came with practice, the woman was on her knees, barely conscious, and the man next to her, twitching from the blows Tifa had dished out.
"Still haven't lost my touch!" Tifa beamed, dusting off her hands.
"And its gone to your head!" A man cried, and Tifa had just enough time to dodge the fatal blow, only to get hit in the stomach. Wind rushing out of her lungs, she collapsed, in the arms of a battered and cloaked man.
"We have. to go." His comrade panted, and the man nodded, hoisting Tifa up painfully as he stood to his full, intimidating height.
"The hideout?" The woman asked, tossing back her short hair, wincing slightly as her ribs creaked. That woman sure packed quite a punch.
"We won't be able to take it out now. Let's go back and send word to the boss." The man said, whistling, and six black chocobos appeared. Mounting one gracefully despite his injuries, the six rode off into the night, an unconscious Tifa leaning against the tallest man.
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"Where is she?" Vincent hissed, his eyes flashing a murderous blood red, and Kakyuu stuttered, trying to think up an excuse that would save his life.
"I don't know! I take my eyes off her for one second and- ack!" Kakyuu choked, as Vincent gripped his collar and shoved him off the ground, the force leaving Kakyuu choking.
"You said she'd be safe." Vincent said in a deadly calm, voice, though his eyes betrayed him. Kakyuu said nothing, just continued his feeble attempts to get Vincent's grip off of him.
"Enough!" Kojin snapped, unlatching Vincent's death like grip on Kakyuu's collar, and glaring at them both. "Admittedly, we all share some of the blame for this, but you forget Vincent, we do not baby-sit, and we do not keep young ladies here at their own will. I am sure she'll be fine." Kojin reasoned, though he felt his words were falling on deaf ears. Vincent was still fuming, and regretting, while Kakyuu was glaring at Vincent, rubbing his very red neck. Kojin gave a tired sigh, rubbing his temple with force. "Walker?" He asked tiredly, and the veteran pilot gave a grin. Other than being an excellent pilot, his dream had been to be a detective, and as such, he had sharpened his observation skill to the fullest, without being on the level of the Turks of course.
"There was a scuffle in the chocobo pen. Haru's still there, but." Walker took out an arrow, a small note attached to it, with a familiar seal. Vincent narrowed his eyes, along with his companions at the image. Shinra. Snatching it out of his hands, Vincent's blood red eyes scanned it, widening slightly, unnoticeably to all those who were around them. He had her. Vincent growled silently to himself, feeling Chaos stir within him, feeling the anger boiling inside of his host.
Meet me, Valentine. She is waiting in the hellish past of yours.
Vincent crumpled the letter, wringing it out, as if to make the words drip from the paper that they weren't true, that Tifa wasn't in danger. Oh, but she was. Instead of protecting her by bringing her here, he had foolishly endangered Kojin and his resistance, and Tifa. *He* had probably already known what Vincent had planned to do to keep Tifa safe. It was possible. Vincent's enemy was no one to be taken lightly, but the true could be said about him. Angering the demon would do no good for someone who wants revenge, for it seems there are more demons than angels.
"Vinnie?" Kakyuu asked after a second, seeing the almost visible anger stirring in the man. And believe him, seeing that wasn't a good sign at *all*. Vincent looked up at him, his eyes a fire of regret and boiling rage, the shadows of a restless demon.
"He will pay." Vincent said simply, though the force and emotion hidden behind his words froze the occupants in the room.
~*Author's Notes*~ Hooray! Long enough for ya? *giggles* Mwahahaha! I got Tifa to kick butt! *pauses* hopefully. Anyway, not very good with battle scenes, blah blah. Well, anyway, sorry the first couple of chapters were rough, school isn't very forgiving. *bows* Sorry! Anyway, the plot is actually moving forward! Whoopee! Well, read and review.