Chapter 12: A Demon's Cry
"Are you ready, Valentine? I hope you said your goodbyes." Masson hissed, and Vincent's face continued to shift, though, Kakyuu was no longer holding him back, and had walked the safe distance to the two other ex-Turks.
"Words are nothing if you cannot back them up." Vincent stated with a semblance of calm, letting his cape fall to the ground. He had no time to waste. Tifa could be in trouble, and who knew what had happened to her. That alone made him edgy, and it was harder to control Chaos, who was bursting to get revenge. The demon just needed an excuse to get out, and Vincent was all too happy to give it to him.
"Vinnie's going to crack." Kakyuu said to Kojin, who was nodding, put pointed over to Masson.
"Look at him, he doesn't even seem phased. He has something tucked away in his sleeve." Kojin observed, and Reno shrugged, still trying to look around to see if there was another door, though the only one there was the one behind Masson, and it looked like the dark haired man wouldn't let them pass without getting his revenge.
"Let's begin!" Masson snapped, dashing forward, his sword drawn, and Vincent swung to the side, barely avoiding the blade, raising his gun and firing, barely nicking Masson, who ignored the thin line of blood that had appeared. He jumped up, sword above his head, and with a yell, brought it down hard, Vincent rolling to get out of the way, getting a slash in his leg, though he winced, feeling the anger build in him. Chaos was clawing out, and he didn't have the will power to fight two battles at the same time. He raised his gun again, taking aim as he fired, flipping back to avoid Masson's slash that aimed for his arm. Not anticipating Masson's side slash, Vincent was thrown to the side, a deep slash in his side, and he panted, getting back up. Letting lose another round of bullets, nicking Masson on the neck, arm, and legs, though not getting a clean hit, Vincent dashed forward again, his eyes blazing with fury, his features shifting. Kojin blinked, turning to the other two.
"Notice anything suspicious about him?" Kojin asked, gesturing to Masson, and Reno tilted his head to the side, his sunglasses blocking his eyes from the world, though they could tell from the slight slope in his mouth that he was thinking.
"His face. it's. shifting." Reno said, then he jolted from his relaxed position on the wall, turning to Kojin.
"You're saying that this man can do the same s*** as Vinnie?" Kakyuu asked, his fists shaking, as he turned back to where the two already bloody and bruised men fought, his eyes suddenly concerned. Even if Vinnie didn't say much, he would still consider him a friend. Masson stood up, a bullet embedded in his stomach, blood flowing freely, while Vincent was panting, his face still shifting every once in a while. A smirk played on his lips, and his sunglasses broke in half in one loud crack, sending both pieces thudding to the floor. It broke the silence that had descended the crowd, the only sound was both men's labored breathing. Masson's smirk grew wider, and Vincent blinked, his eyes widening a bit in surprise. Masson's eyes glowed in mako enhancement, and his once brown eyes were deepening into a blood red, his face shifting from human to demon.
"I sacrificed everything to avenge Christina. Even my humanity." Masson laughed, and Vincent's eyes widened in realization. As if on cue, demonic wings, torn and ripped black translucent curtains, ripped from Masson's back, his glowing red eyes sneering as he started transforming, into a beast that was similar to Chaos. Vincent felt more anger boil in him, Chaos easily clawing his way to the surface, since Vincent knew he didn't stand a chance against the demon that was also caged within him. Instantly wings sprouted from his back, both men crying out in pain as the demons ripped through them, and suddenly two demons stood off, animalistic anger and snarls coming from them. The men eyes widened, and Kakyuu looked at Kojin, his eyes narrowed.
"We should step in." Kakyuu demanded, though their guide, who was still there surprisingly, shook his head, looking back at the three.
"It's a duel, and it is a rule that you do not interfere, y'know?" The guide said, a bit shakily under the glares he was given, though no one said anything, turning back to the fight, where demon fought demon, snarling, clawing, biting, both neither winning or losing. The guide, sure that no one was looking at him, turned and slipped out of the room quietly, turning and going into full sprint as soon as he was out the door.
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Tifa blinked and looked up, her eyes fluttering open as she heard noises, or more likely, a soft, far away growl. Instantly she stood up, going to peek out the small opening in the door, looking around, though the corridor was empty. Vincent. she thought, her heart fluttering in her chest, a smile growing on her lips. He was here, he had come after all. She turned back to Rude, the only one awake at the time, smiling with an almost giddy, school girl look on her face.
"Vincent's here!" She said happily, turning and looking back out the window, and Rude gave a slight nod, though he wasn't listening. He remembered, with frightening clarity, why he had fallen for her. She was beautiful, smart, kind, and amazingly loyal to those she loved. He sighed, closing his eyes, though one couldn't see from behind his sunglasses. Vincent was lucky to have someone like her, and he hoped that unlike that dense idiot Cloud, who had probably died in the bombing at Halidon, that he would take care of her. It didn't matter either way, since he supposed he was lucky to have someone like Elena. Both understood the other, both having lost a loved one in an almost tragic way, and being in certain circumstances like the one they had been could have that effect on bringing two people together. Tifa was still straining to hear anything, trying hard to stand on her tiptoes, though nothing was in her line of sight, and her ears could no longer pick up anything. Suddenly, a hideous roar was heard, and Tifa's heart stopped for a minute. That was the sound of a demon in pain, and instantly, she feared the worst. Vincent! Without a second thought, her desperation and fear for Vincent taking over her, she gave a hard kick to the metal door, and after countless beatings from Rude and a healthier Elena, the poor condition it was in, and not to mention the force of Tifa's boot thudding against it, it creaked, opening a bit, a dent where Tifa had connected with the door. With another roundhouse kick, the rusted door flung off its hinges, and she turned to Rude, who had already picked up Elena. "Do you know your way around here?" She asked, and Rude nodded, and she was a bit surprised, but she supposed that was the Turk way. Be aware of your surroundings, and possible escape routes. She blinked, following Rude full sprint as he ran through the twisted corridors and halls, a maze of concrete, though Rude seemed to know where he was going. Finally, he stopped, looking around for a minute, though saying nothing, she knew that was the extent of his memory of this place. About to open her mouth again, she was stopped as another pained roar rang through the corridor, and she was off again, her legs pumping as she ran toward the sound. Vincent please! She pleaded, feeling her eyes mist over, please, be okay! She almost passed a wooden door, but was stopped when a weak roar was heard through the door, and she instantly flung it open. "Vincent!" She cried, horrified to see her beloved sprawled on the floor, numerous cuts, bruises, and wounds on his body, and he was coughing up blood as an angered demon hovered over him. Instantly she flung herself in front of Vincent, her arms spread protectively in front of the injured Vincent.
"Tifa, get out of the way. He'll kill you." Vincent said weakly, though trying to stand up, but he just held his side, blood still spilling from the wound on his side. It warmed his heart and soul uncontrollably to see her again, alive and well, and he could not let her be killed just because of a monster like him. She deserved better. The demon, whom Tifa suspected was Masson, just growled down at her, but didn't attack her.
"Stop! I won't let you kill him! You'll have to go through me!" Tifa shouted angrily, her eyes blazing, and the demon faltered a bit, though gave Tifa another glare. She closed her eyes, sighing, as she sat down next to Vincent, wrapping her arms around him, careful not to hurt his many wounds, and glared straight back up at Masson, whose demon's eyes blinked, and suddenly Masson was standing in front of them again, his breathing ragged.
"This doesn't concern you." Masson stated, wincing as his numerous wounds appeared again, and he fell to his knees, and Tifa closed her eyes, snuggling back closer to Vincent, who was breathing raggedly, his eyes dropping, a small look of contentment on his face, though his eyes were still glaring protectively at Masson, telling him he was willing to push himself to the edge to save her.
"It does. because I love him." Tifa whispered, and everyone looked at her a bit startled, Vincent especially as he looked at her, his eyes wide. She deserved so much better, yet, he felt a peace settle over him knowing she loved him back, and the selfish part of him rejoiced, though the sensible side warned something might happen to her because of it. Vincent reasoned to himself he would protect her at all costs, and would not hesitate to give his life for her. Everyone was just getting over their shock as Rude and Elena entered the room, Elena still in his arms. Reno said nothing, but a small sigh of relief escaped his lips. He knew reunions could be held later. Masson closed his eyes, sighing softly. Even if she wasn't his beloved Christina, even if. it was so ironic. They could have been cousins, or maybe even sisters. Masson shook his head, directing his next words to Vincent.
"I'll let you live Valentine. Not for your sake, but for Tifa's, for. Christina's." Masson trailed off, and Vincent still tried to breathe regularly. Tifa looked down at him, eyes instantly going wide with concern. "You're hurt! Do you have a potion on you?" Tifa asked, directing her question to the three men over by the door, and Kakyuu shrugged, walking toward them, while Reno strode across the battle arena, clapping a small hand on Rude's shoulder.
"See you and 'Lena are still good. I thought you two were goners." Reno said with a grin, though his eyes showed his concern, and Rude gave a slight shrug.
"Turks stick together." Rude said simply, and Reno let out a little chuckle.
"Once a Turk, always a Turk." Elena said weakly, Rude letting her stand, though she still leaned against him for support. The trio let lose a nervous laugh, a kind of 'good to be alive' laugh. Masson blinked, looking around at the people who were still alive and with people who cared for them, and he felt his eyes drop. Tifa blinked and looked up from Vincent, and over at Masson, who was swaying. She felt sympathy surge through her, and she looked down at Vincent, who nodded his head, and she let his hand go for a moment, giving him a slight kiss on the forehead before walking the short distance to Masson as he collapsed against her, and she gave a startled sound, both of them going to the floor. She sighed, letting his head rest on her lap, looking down at him.
"You okay?" She asked, though she knew the answer. He didn't look okay, mentally or physically, though she figured some concern is what he needed right now. He gave a slight cough, and looked up at her, the light in his eyes fading rapidly. Horrified, she called Kakyuu over, but Masson shook his head.
"I'll be with Christina now. I'm sorry, for everything. Valentine is lucky. Christina. I'm coming." Masson gave one last shudder, before closing his eyes and his breathing stopped. Tifa closed her eyes, somehow feeling happy for him. He had never done anything wrong to her, even if he tried to kill Vincent, but in the end, she had been able to stop him. At least he'd be happy with his love. She felt Vincent clap a comforting hand on her shoulder, a small, sad smile tugging on his lips.
"Who was Christina? How did you know her?" Tifa asked, and Vincent sighed, relieved now that she was safe and willing to go through the whole painful process of battling Masson all over again if it meant she was all right. He felt her hand come over his, and he blinked and looked back down at her, seeing she was smiling softly at him.
"She was one of Hojo's experiments. She was to be a female Sephiroth, though she was a failure. Theodore Archer never had a child, so he adopted her as his own, and she and Masson meet there. I was assigned to make sure she never escaped Shinra." Vincent said, and Tifa nodded, closing her eyes as she leaned back into Vincent's grip. Finally, after all this. maybe, they could live in peace now, or maybe. visit everyone else, or save the planet again all over. All with Vincent by her side.
"Mr. Masson!" Everyone looked up, startled, to see their guide with his eyes wide with horror. Suddenly they narrowed, and he stepped into the room, his eyes cold. It was obvious he had looked up to Masson, since his eyes had held admiration during Vincent's and Masson's fight, and the look in his eyes showed that he clearly wouldn't let them get away. Angered, he strode over to a wall, and instantly Reno's eyes widened in realization.
"Get out of here!" Reno cried, though it was too late, for the boy had pulled a lever down, and the floor beneath them creaked, splitting open. With a slight cry of surprise, Tifa clutched onto Vincent, the last thing she remembered before the darkness took her was the reassuring feel of his presence as he hugged her protectively closer.
~*Author's Notes*~ *blows nose on tissue* I killed Masson! *wails* I'm so cruel! *sniffles again* Okay, I know now none of you people read this crap anymore except for three people! *waves* Anyway, it's near the end, I promise, I just threw that in for a twist. I mean, I love this fic too much! *hugs it* I don't want to stop writing it! *sighs* But I guess I have to. Well, anyway, I was thinking about doing another fic, maybe Vincent/Tifa, but I'm not sure. Anyone care to drop me a line, or review, and I'll think about almost any pairing. Oh right! A contest! I want to see if I can get to seventy reviews, and whoever is the seventh reviewer, make sure to tell me what you want, like a fic or something. Hehe, and I'll check it out. Well, anyway, read and review people, and thank you to all who reviewed and stuck through this so far! *tears*
"Are you ready, Valentine? I hope you said your goodbyes." Masson hissed, and Vincent's face continued to shift, though, Kakyuu was no longer holding him back, and had walked the safe distance to the two other ex-Turks.
"Words are nothing if you cannot back them up." Vincent stated with a semblance of calm, letting his cape fall to the ground. He had no time to waste. Tifa could be in trouble, and who knew what had happened to her. That alone made him edgy, and it was harder to control Chaos, who was bursting to get revenge. The demon just needed an excuse to get out, and Vincent was all too happy to give it to him.
"Vinnie's going to crack." Kakyuu said to Kojin, who was nodding, put pointed over to Masson.
"Look at him, he doesn't even seem phased. He has something tucked away in his sleeve." Kojin observed, and Reno shrugged, still trying to look around to see if there was another door, though the only one there was the one behind Masson, and it looked like the dark haired man wouldn't let them pass without getting his revenge.
"Let's begin!" Masson snapped, dashing forward, his sword drawn, and Vincent swung to the side, barely avoiding the blade, raising his gun and firing, barely nicking Masson, who ignored the thin line of blood that had appeared. He jumped up, sword above his head, and with a yell, brought it down hard, Vincent rolling to get out of the way, getting a slash in his leg, though he winced, feeling the anger build in him. Chaos was clawing out, and he didn't have the will power to fight two battles at the same time. He raised his gun again, taking aim as he fired, flipping back to avoid Masson's slash that aimed for his arm. Not anticipating Masson's side slash, Vincent was thrown to the side, a deep slash in his side, and he panted, getting back up. Letting lose another round of bullets, nicking Masson on the neck, arm, and legs, though not getting a clean hit, Vincent dashed forward again, his eyes blazing with fury, his features shifting. Kojin blinked, turning to the other two.
"Notice anything suspicious about him?" Kojin asked, gesturing to Masson, and Reno tilted his head to the side, his sunglasses blocking his eyes from the world, though they could tell from the slight slope in his mouth that he was thinking.
"His face. it's. shifting." Reno said, then he jolted from his relaxed position on the wall, turning to Kojin.
"You're saying that this man can do the same s*** as Vinnie?" Kakyuu asked, his fists shaking, as he turned back to where the two already bloody and bruised men fought, his eyes suddenly concerned. Even if Vinnie didn't say much, he would still consider him a friend. Masson stood up, a bullet embedded in his stomach, blood flowing freely, while Vincent was panting, his face still shifting every once in a while. A smirk played on his lips, and his sunglasses broke in half in one loud crack, sending both pieces thudding to the floor. It broke the silence that had descended the crowd, the only sound was both men's labored breathing. Masson's smirk grew wider, and Vincent blinked, his eyes widening a bit in surprise. Masson's eyes glowed in mako enhancement, and his once brown eyes were deepening into a blood red, his face shifting from human to demon.
"I sacrificed everything to avenge Christina. Even my humanity." Masson laughed, and Vincent's eyes widened in realization. As if on cue, demonic wings, torn and ripped black translucent curtains, ripped from Masson's back, his glowing red eyes sneering as he started transforming, into a beast that was similar to Chaos. Vincent felt more anger boil in him, Chaos easily clawing his way to the surface, since Vincent knew he didn't stand a chance against the demon that was also caged within him. Instantly wings sprouted from his back, both men crying out in pain as the demons ripped through them, and suddenly two demons stood off, animalistic anger and snarls coming from them. The men eyes widened, and Kakyuu looked at Kojin, his eyes narrowed.
"We should step in." Kakyuu demanded, though their guide, who was still there surprisingly, shook his head, looking back at the three.
"It's a duel, and it is a rule that you do not interfere, y'know?" The guide said, a bit shakily under the glares he was given, though no one said anything, turning back to the fight, where demon fought demon, snarling, clawing, biting, both neither winning or losing. The guide, sure that no one was looking at him, turned and slipped out of the room quietly, turning and going into full sprint as soon as he was out the door.
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Tifa blinked and looked up, her eyes fluttering open as she heard noises, or more likely, a soft, far away growl. Instantly she stood up, going to peek out the small opening in the door, looking around, though the corridor was empty. Vincent. she thought, her heart fluttering in her chest, a smile growing on her lips. He was here, he had come after all. She turned back to Rude, the only one awake at the time, smiling with an almost giddy, school girl look on her face.
"Vincent's here!" She said happily, turning and looking back out the window, and Rude gave a slight nod, though he wasn't listening. He remembered, with frightening clarity, why he had fallen for her. She was beautiful, smart, kind, and amazingly loyal to those she loved. He sighed, closing his eyes, though one couldn't see from behind his sunglasses. Vincent was lucky to have someone like her, and he hoped that unlike that dense idiot Cloud, who had probably died in the bombing at Halidon, that he would take care of her. It didn't matter either way, since he supposed he was lucky to have someone like Elena. Both understood the other, both having lost a loved one in an almost tragic way, and being in certain circumstances like the one they had been could have that effect on bringing two people together. Tifa was still straining to hear anything, trying hard to stand on her tiptoes, though nothing was in her line of sight, and her ears could no longer pick up anything. Suddenly, a hideous roar was heard, and Tifa's heart stopped for a minute. That was the sound of a demon in pain, and instantly, she feared the worst. Vincent! Without a second thought, her desperation and fear for Vincent taking over her, she gave a hard kick to the metal door, and after countless beatings from Rude and a healthier Elena, the poor condition it was in, and not to mention the force of Tifa's boot thudding against it, it creaked, opening a bit, a dent where Tifa had connected with the door. With another roundhouse kick, the rusted door flung off its hinges, and she turned to Rude, who had already picked up Elena. "Do you know your way around here?" She asked, and Rude nodded, and she was a bit surprised, but she supposed that was the Turk way. Be aware of your surroundings, and possible escape routes. She blinked, following Rude full sprint as he ran through the twisted corridors and halls, a maze of concrete, though Rude seemed to know where he was going. Finally, he stopped, looking around for a minute, though saying nothing, she knew that was the extent of his memory of this place. About to open her mouth again, she was stopped as another pained roar rang through the corridor, and she was off again, her legs pumping as she ran toward the sound. Vincent please! She pleaded, feeling her eyes mist over, please, be okay! She almost passed a wooden door, but was stopped when a weak roar was heard through the door, and she instantly flung it open. "Vincent!" She cried, horrified to see her beloved sprawled on the floor, numerous cuts, bruises, and wounds on his body, and he was coughing up blood as an angered demon hovered over him. Instantly she flung herself in front of Vincent, her arms spread protectively in front of the injured Vincent.
"Tifa, get out of the way. He'll kill you." Vincent said weakly, though trying to stand up, but he just held his side, blood still spilling from the wound on his side. It warmed his heart and soul uncontrollably to see her again, alive and well, and he could not let her be killed just because of a monster like him. She deserved better. The demon, whom Tifa suspected was Masson, just growled down at her, but didn't attack her.
"Stop! I won't let you kill him! You'll have to go through me!" Tifa shouted angrily, her eyes blazing, and the demon faltered a bit, though gave Tifa another glare. She closed her eyes, sighing, as she sat down next to Vincent, wrapping her arms around him, careful not to hurt his many wounds, and glared straight back up at Masson, whose demon's eyes blinked, and suddenly Masson was standing in front of them again, his breathing ragged.
"This doesn't concern you." Masson stated, wincing as his numerous wounds appeared again, and he fell to his knees, and Tifa closed her eyes, snuggling back closer to Vincent, who was breathing raggedly, his eyes dropping, a small look of contentment on his face, though his eyes were still glaring protectively at Masson, telling him he was willing to push himself to the edge to save her.
"It does. because I love him." Tifa whispered, and everyone looked at her a bit startled, Vincent especially as he looked at her, his eyes wide. She deserved so much better, yet, he felt a peace settle over him knowing she loved him back, and the selfish part of him rejoiced, though the sensible side warned something might happen to her because of it. Vincent reasoned to himself he would protect her at all costs, and would not hesitate to give his life for her. Everyone was just getting over their shock as Rude and Elena entered the room, Elena still in his arms. Reno said nothing, but a small sigh of relief escaped his lips. He knew reunions could be held later. Masson closed his eyes, sighing softly. Even if she wasn't his beloved Christina, even if. it was so ironic. They could have been cousins, or maybe even sisters. Masson shook his head, directing his next words to Vincent.
"I'll let you live Valentine. Not for your sake, but for Tifa's, for. Christina's." Masson trailed off, and Vincent still tried to breathe regularly. Tifa looked down at him, eyes instantly going wide with concern. "You're hurt! Do you have a potion on you?" Tifa asked, directing her question to the three men over by the door, and Kakyuu shrugged, walking toward them, while Reno strode across the battle arena, clapping a small hand on Rude's shoulder.
"See you and 'Lena are still good. I thought you two were goners." Reno said with a grin, though his eyes showed his concern, and Rude gave a slight shrug.
"Turks stick together." Rude said simply, and Reno let out a little chuckle.
"Once a Turk, always a Turk." Elena said weakly, Rude letting her stand, though she still leaned against him for support. The trio let lose a nervous laugh, a kind of 'good to be alive' laugh. Masson blinked, looking around at the people who were still alive and with people who cared for them, and he felt his eyes drop. Tifa blinked and looked up from Vincent, and over at Masson, who was swaying. She felt sympathy surge through her, and she looked down at Vincent, who nodded his head, and she let his hand go for a moment, giving him a slight kiss on the forehead before walking the short distance to Masson as he collapsed against her, and she gave a startled sound, both of them going to the floor. She sighed, letting his head rest on her lap, looking down at him.
"You okay?" She asked, though she knew the answer. He didn't look okay, mentally or physically, though she figured some concern is what he needed right now. He gave a slight cough, and looked up at her, the light in his eyes fading rapidly. Horrified, she called Kakyuu over, but Masson shook his head.
"I'll be with Christina now. I'm sorry, for everything. Valentine is lucky. Christina. I'm coming." Masson gave one last shudder, before closing his eyes and his breathing stopped. Tifa closed her eyes, somehow feeling happy for him. He had never done anything wrong to her, even if he tried to kill Vincent, but in the end, she had been able to stop him. At least he'd be happy with his love. She felt Vincent clap a comforting hand on her shoulder, a small, sad smile tugging on his lips.
"Who was Christina? How did you know her?" Tifa asked, and Vincent sighed, relieved now that she was safe and willing to go through the whole painful process of battling Masson all over again if it meant she was all right. He felt her hand come over his, and he blinked and looked back down at her, seeing she was smiling softly at him.
"She was one of Hojo's experiments. She was to be a female Sephiroth, though she was a failure. Theodore Archer never had a child, so he adopted her as his own, and she and Masson meet there. I was assigned to make sure she never escaped Shinra." Vincent said, and Tifa nodded, closing her eyes as she leaned back into Vincent's grip. Finally, after all this. maybe, they could live in peace now, or maybe. visit everyone else, or save the planet again all over. All with Vincent by her side.
"Mr. Masson!" Everyone looked up, startled, to see their guide with his eyes wide with horror. Suddenly they narrowed, and he stepped into the room, his eyes cold. It was obvious he had looked up to Masson, since his eyes had held admiration during Vincent's and Masson's fight, and the look in his eyes showed that he clearly wouldn't let them get away. Angered, he strode over to a wall, and instantly Reno's eyes widened in realization.
"Get out of here!" Reno cried, though it was too late, for the boy had pulled a lever down, and the floor beneath them creaked, splitting open. With a slight cry of surprise, Tifa clutched onto Vincent, the last thing she remembered before the darkness took her was the reassuring feel of his presence as he hugged her protectively closer.
~*Author's Notes*~ *blows nose on tissue* I killed Masson! *wails* I'm so cruel! *sniffles again* Okay, I know now none of you people read this crap anymore except for three people! *waves* Anyway, it's near the end, I promise, I just threw that in for a twist. I mean, I love this fic too much! *hugs it* I don't want to stop writing it! *sighs* But I guess I have to. Well, anyway, I was thinking about doing another fic, maybe Vincent/Tifa, but I'm not sure. Anyone care to drop me a line, or review, and I'll think about almost any pairing. Oh right! A contest! I want to see if I can get to seventy reviews, and whoever is the seventh reviewer, make sure to tell me what you want, like a fic or something. Hehe, and I'll check it out. Well, anyway, read and review people, and thank you to all who reviewed and stuck through this so far! *tears*