Hello everyone. (Scratches head in thought) Well it seems something very interesting is happening. In my last updates for all my stories there have been one or two reviewers asking if I proofread my work. To be honest, no I don't. I tend to be lazy about it lol. Well I actually went back and read some of the chapters and I too noticed a lot of grammar errors. So I decided to give the proofreading a shot. LOL It also appears one or two of you have actually mentioned my mistake on Red's name. Yes I DO know that it's Red XIII, but I tend to shorten it because I miss a I. I just didn't realize I was doing that because as you all know, I don't proofread. Well anyways, I'll proofread this chapter before posting it and see how it turns out.
Disclaimer- (Crumples up new plan and begins with a new one. Looks up.) What? Hey sorry but making plans are hard ya know? All I was able to do so far is have Sephiroth CoughattackCough someone. (Smiles) To get her out of my way of coarse.
Chapter 45- They're Alive!?
Yuffie sighs for what seems like the hundredth time today. Her two silent companions making frustrated in their own ways. Vincent, even though he usually is silent, looks spaced off in his own little world. His face seems a bit paler then usual, if that's even possible. His attention is definitely not on anything in this world seeing how his head is bent low as he stares down at his feet, watching himself walk.
Yuffie shakes her head as she blows a lock of hair out of her eyes. She glances over to her left where her other travel companion is. Rima walked back into camp early this morning. Yuffie could tell then that something is obviously bothering Rima. She would of asked her what's wrong if it didn't look like Rima wanted to kill something. Now, Rima no longer looks like she wants to kill something but she's as shut out as Vincent, muttering a few curses every now and then as she walks.
Yuffie has about enough of the two already. She is not the type of person who can stand silence for long periods of time and she's nearly at her breaking point. The only thing that was conversed through the group was that they should head out. So here they are, a mile or so away from Gongaga. In Yuffie's opinion, they shouldn't even bother going into Gongaga. The place has been in ruins as long as Yuffie can remember and nothing important ever happens there. But Vincent made it clear that they should stop at each town and make sure that none of their comrades are residing in the area. Yuffie argued that no one with any shred of self respect for themselves would live in such a place. But with a glare that made Yuffie feel like shrinking into a hole and never to be seen again, Vincent won the argument.
Yuffie notices that Rima stops walking out of the corner of her. Yuffie in turn stops causing Vincent to do the same. Yuffie tilts her head to the side as she looks over at Rima, "What's wrong?"
Rima quickly sits down on the ground, confusing both Yuffie and Vincent, "I'm tired." She states quietly.
"You're tired?" Yuffie asks, disbelief clearly in her voice. Can you really blame her? This is a woman who transforms into some kind of vampire that can rip a zombie's head off, leap high in the air, run at an inhuman speed, and walk on water. And here she is claiming she's tired after the few miles they trekked from Corel.
Rima shoots Yuffie a glare from her spot on the ground, "Yes I'm tired. I'm human aren't I?"
Yuffie decides not to answer that question. She know for a fact Rima isn't human. Well not a normal human that is. Yuffie glances over at Vincent seeing him just stare at the two, crossing his arms over his chest, a clear sign to Yuffie that he's growing impatient. Yuffie shrugs her shoulder and gives a small grin, "Okay. I guess we can stop for a few minutes."
"No.." Rima cuts in before Yuffie can sit down. The ninja gives her a questioning look. Rima shakes her head before lowering her gaze to the ground, "You two go on ahead. I'll meet up with you at Gongaga."
Yuffie's brows lower in thought, "Really Rima, It's no problem. We can wait."
"Dammit just leave!" Rima shouts causing Yuffie to jump back startled. Rima takes a deep breath before looking up to Yuffie, "I need to be alone." She says in a lower tone.
Yuffie stands there starring at the woman on the ground, trying to figure out what her problem is. Yuffie stares into Rima's eyes trying to find the answer, and she did too. She got the explanation she needed when she saw the brief change of Rima's eye color. For an instant they had turned crimson. Yuffie knew what that means, something is seriously wrong with Rima if she's telling them to leave. Yuffie quickly turns around, grabs hold of Vincent's claw and begins dragging him off towards Gongaga, "Uh... come on Vinnie. She'll catch up with us later. Once she gets some.. uh rest." Yuffie gives a nervous laugh.
Vincent looks back at Rima, seeing her sitting on the ground still. He looks back at Yuffie with a suspicious look, "Yuffie..." He begins getting her attention. "What is it you're keeping from me?" His tone telling her his suspicion.
Yuffie glances back to the man she's dragging away, "Nothing at all Vinnie. I just want to get to Gongaga. The sooner we get there the sooner we can leave. Right?" She says while turning around to give him a reassuring smile.
Vincent's crimson eyes narrow just the slightest as he gives her a small nod. He can see right through the ninja's lie but he can't very well force the answers out of her. Whatever Yuffie is keeping hidden from him, he'll find out soon enough. After all, Yuffie is not the type to be able to keep secrets for long.
The two make it through Gongaga's forest quickly without any problems. The two end up staring at the fork in the road as the debate which path they should take. If they take the right path, it will lead them to the ruined reactor. If they take the left path, then they can go to the town and see how much the place has changed.
Yuffie glances up to Vincent to see which way he thinks they should take. Instead of answering her unspoken question, Vincent walks down the left path, towards town. Yuffie quickly follows him as they make their way through the wooded area. They pass the town's graveyard, a few people there paying a visit to their deceased loved ones. "So uh.. Vinnie. What are we going to do in town anyway?" Yuffie finally asks.
Vincent remains quiet for a moment before answering her question, "We'll split up and gather information."
Yuffie slowly nods. On an after thought she tilts her head to the side questioningly and asks, "Information on what?"
Vincent stops in his tracks, he sighs before turning around to face the ninja. "We'll gather any information we can. About whether or not our comrades have been seen, the town's situation since Vain has formed his army, and anything else they can tell us."
"Oh." Yuffie replies lamely. Vincent gives a nod before turning back around and walking towards one of the buildings. Leaving Yuffie in the middle of the town. Yuffie's eyes scan the town as she tries to decide which building she'll enter first. Yuffie's eyes fall on the building furthest to the right. She nods as if agreeing with herself as she walks over to the building.
"So you haven't seen any of them?" Vincent asks. Vincent is standing in front of the ladder on the second floor of the shop. The man he's talking to, the weapons dealer shakes his head, no.
"To tell you the truth. I'm the wrong person to ask. I don't get out much." The weapons dealer says.
Vincent nods in understanding before he turns around and climbs down the ladder. He descends to the first floor, giving the items seller a nod he leaves the shop walking out into town. He walks to the next nearest building. The town's inn. Vincent spots the inns manager in his usual spot, in a chair behind the table. He has his face resting in his arms looking like he's sleeping. Vincent walks over to the man and taps him on the shoulder.
The manager slowly looks up to see who's trying to get his attention. His gaze falls upon Vincent's crimson eyes, "WHOA!" The manager jumps back in surprise. Vincent stands in his spot silent. The manager blinks a bit in surprise as he looks at the gunslinger's features. He scratches the back of his head embarrassed, "Sorry, you just gave me a bit of a scare." He explains. He stands up from his seat, stretching out his arms and yawning. "So you need a place to stay?" He asks hopeful in having a costumer.
"I looking for my comrades." Vincent says.
"Oh, uh.. well what do they look like? Maybe I can help." The manager replies.
Vincent nods and begins describing each of the member's of AVALANCHE. The manager shakes his head each time Vincent describes Cloud and Red XIII. Then Vincent describes Zack and Tifa. The manager falls silent thinking about the descriptions. He walks over to the shelf hanging on his wall and picks up a book. He opens his book, "What are the names of the last two you described?" The manager asks.
"Tifa Lockheart and Zack..." Vincent blinks, his thoughts trailing off. What is Zack's last name? HE doesn't recall ever hearing it. Cloud has never mentioned Zack's last name whenever he talked about him during their journey before. "I do not know Zack's last name."
The manager pauses a moment, "Wait a minute... Zack?" Vincent nods his head. The manager begins laughing all of a sudden, confusing Vincent. What would be so funny that would make the manager laugh? Does he know something about Zack?
Yuffie slams the door shut, stumping out of the building. If she had to stay in that house any longer she would of died in annoyance. She can't stand listening to an old man's mumbo jumbo about his early days. How did they even manage to get into that conversation anyway. She merely asked him if anything strange has happened. He goes off talking about his younger days and Yuffie has the honor of having to listen to the old man's past regrets and endless what ifs.
Yuffie growls in annoyance, that had to be the most boring thing she had to sit through. Even more boring then listening to any of Godo's lectures. "Senile old man." Yuffie mumbles under her breath. Yuffie lets out a sigh as she leans her back against another building. 'This is BORING. Damn Vinnie and his stupid ideas.' Yuffie pauses in thought then corrects herself, 'Wait don't damn him. He just may enjoy that.' Yuffie chuckles to herself.
"Isn't it nice dear?" Yuffie hears from the building behind her. She realizes the building is actually a house.
"What is honey?" She hears a lady say.
"Our son living with us again. And bringing a woman home to boot!" Yuffie raises an eyebrow.
"You know what they said five months ago. They're just friends." The lady replies as she lets out a laugh
The man inside the house laughs as well, "Do you still actually believe that?"
"I never believed it."
"It has been so many long years without so much of a word from him. Then he shows up one day with a woman." The man starts laughing.
"And here I thought he died." The lady says her voice full of remorse. Soon she begins crying.
"It's alright, it's alright!" The man says.
Yuffie decides she has heard enough of the couples conversation and decides to leave. She stands up and looks around trying to find Vincent. She spots him walking into the town's inn. She goes after him.
"Why didn't you say that in the first place?" The manager asks regaining his composure. Vincent stands silent waiting for the man to continue. The manager nods his head as he sits down, "Yea I've seen Zack. I should, I mean he lives here. He showed up here five months ago with a rather attractive woman. She does look familiar now that I think about it." The man rubs his chin in thought before giving a shrug, "Anyway the point is he stayed in this inn for two nights five months ago. I don't know where him and the woman went afterwards."
"I thank you for your time." Vincent says before turning around and opening up the door.
"Oof!" Vincent glances down on the ground where Yuffie is sprawled out. Vincent slightly raises an eyebrow. Yuffie give a small laugh before jumping to her feet. Dusting herself off she gives Vincent a small smile, "So did you find anything out Vinnie?"
Fighting the urge to rolls his eyes at the nickname he nods his head. "It seems that Zack stayed in the inn for a few days five months ago." Yuffie nods her head. "Have you gathered any information?" Vincent asks.
Yuffie quickly nods her head with a triumphant smile across her face, "Did I ever!" Yuffie exclaims, "And you better be grateful because I got stuck listening to the old mans rambling afterwards." Yuffie shivers as she remember the immensely boring stories she had to sit through. "And I am never doing that again. That's for sure."
"Yuffie. Get to the point." Vincent says, growing impatient with the ninja's complaining.
"Anyways" Yuffie says pretending she didn't hear Vincent, "The old man said something about hearing strange noises coming from the old ruined reactor. So I think we should go and investigate it since I know you'll make me anyway. Look how predictable yo-" Yuffie blinks in surprise before looking to her left to see Vincent already leaving. Yuffie growls in anger, "DAMMIT VINNIE! HASN'T ANYONE EVER TOLD YOU NOT TO LEAVE A LADY BY HERSELF!" She shouts while running after him.
The two head towards the reactor while Yuffie, thinking it's her duty to lecture Vincent on why it's rude to just leave a lady while she's talking to him. Vincent just chooses to ignore Yuffie's ranting as they arrive near the ruined reactor. "And furthermore, the next time you do that to me, I'll take my Conformer and shove so far up your a-" Vincent suddenly covers Yuffie mouth and quickly drags the struggling ninja behind a large piece of metal.
"Quiet" Vincent whispers as he peeks out from above the scrap metal. Yuffie nods her head and Vincent releases his hold on her.
"What is it?" Yuffie immediately asks. Vincent shoots her a glare that plainly says, shut-the-hell-up. 'Oh riiiiight.' Yuffie mouths. Instead of waiting until Vincent tells her what's going on. Yuffie decides to figure it out herself and peeks above their hidden spot to see what Vincent finds so interesting.
Many men are digging through the rubble of the reactor. Strapped on there backs are machine guns. The men are dresses in camouflage, making them look like terrorists. They seem to be searching for something through the reactor's ruins. "Has anyone found it yet!?" A man shouts. He's standing in the center, watching all the men work. Yuffie figures he's the commander of the group since he's not helping with the digging.
"It's not here sir!" One of the diggers shout.
"It must be. He says it's here. Keep searching" The commander orders.
"I FOUND IT!" Someone shouts. All the men run over to the left side of the reactor, circling the digger who found whatever it is they're looking for. Yuffie squints her eyes to try and see what the man is holding.
"Let's bring it back. He will surely be pleased." The men begins lining up to leave. They head towards the entrance to the reactor.
Yuffie tries to find the man who found the item they were searching for. She wants to know what it is they were looking for. She stands up higher to get a better view. .Vincent covers her mouth and pulls her down to get out of view, the sharp digits of his claw resting on her cheeks. Vincent pulls the Death Penalty out as the large group of men pass by the scrap metal the two are hiding behind. Yuffie just remains frozen in her position, afraid that if she moves, Vincent's claw may end up cutting her.
"What are these things anyway sir?" A man says.
"Dregon has not told me. But he requires them for something."
Yuffie's eyes begin to water as a strange of Vincent's hair tickles her nose. She tries to hold it until the group is gone. She has to hold out or else they may be discovered. She tires to take deep breathes to fight it off. Her lets out a sigh of relieve when she feels the tickling sensation disappear. Then she lets out a sneeze.
"What was that!?" A man yells.
Vincent slowly glances down at Yuffie as he releases his hold on her. Yuffie scratches the back of her head as she gives a cheesy grin. 'Oops.' Is all Yuffie can think of. "Go check it out!" The commander shouts. Yuffie's face pales as she here a single set of footsteps heading towards them. 'Crap! Crap! Crap!' She glances over to Vincent to see him quickly changing the Death Penalty's bullets with bigger ones. Yuffie raises a questioning eyebrow.
The footsteps stop in front of their hidden place as they here a click, the sound of the safety on the gun being switched. Yuffie holds her breath as she pushes her back against the scrap metal like Vincent is doing. She looks up in time to see a man look down. Yuffie gives a nervous laugh, "Hi!" She waves at him.
"What the!?" The man looks over just in time to have Vincent's fist crash into his face. The man falls back a few feet. Vincent quickly stands up and shots a single shot towards the group. It hits the ground and explodes making a few men get thrown off the ground.
"OPEN FIRE!" The commander yells.
Hundreds of shots are fired as Vincent ducks behind their hiding place. "Way to go Vinnie!" Yuffie yells over the shots. "You always get us into trouble!" If Yuffie didn't know better she could swear that Vincent is smiling. Why he'd be smiling she has no idea.
"It works." Vincent suddenly says. More to himself then Yuffie.
Yuffie rolls her eyes, "That great Vinnie. But what the hell are we going to do?" Yuffie yells. Vincent glances at her and holsters the Death Penalty. He pulls out another gun. The Outsider, Yuffie thought he got rid of that. A small smirk spreads across Vincent's face. Yuffie blinks in surprise at the prospect of Vincent smirking, 'Does he find this fun!' "Why don't you just turn into Chaos and tear them to shreds?" Yuffie asks a bit nervously.
Vincent's face becomes expressionless as he stares into Yuffie's eyes. Yuffie doesn't like the look in his eyes. Vincent closes his eyes in thought, "Chaos and the rest of the demons are gone. The serum you gave me got rid of them." He explains.
Yuffie eyes widen, "WHAT!" Her voice rings throughout the area. The gunshots stop as the men stand in confusion. Vincent quickly stands up and fire a few shots, the bullets soar through the air and hit a couple of men in the legs, making them fall to the ground. Vincent ducks back down as the gunshots start up continue. Yuffie just sits there with her mouth hung open. Yuffie shakes her head getting out of her shocked state, "What do ya mean the demons are gone! If they are gone then what are we going to do?"
Click! Vincent replaces the magazine out the Outsider. The smirk returns to his face as he turns back around towards the shots. Yuffie eyes widen as she realizes what he wants to do, 'Oh hell no.' Is all she can think. In what Yuffie believes would be the worst idea to do in this situation, happens, just like she thought it would.
Vincent leaps from the side of the scrap metal and dashes across the area, firing shots as he makes his way across the path. All the men try to shot him with their automatics weapon. Bullets whiz by his head and hit the ruins of the reactor behind him. Vincent fires rapidly with the Outsider, each shot hitting its mark dead on. Soon the magazine is empty and Vincent leaps behind some cover as all the shots are directed to him.
Yuffie peeks out as they all seem to be firing at Vincent. 'I can't believe I'm doing this' Yuffie thinks to herself. She stands up and throws her Conformer at one of the men. It slashes his right side and flies back over to Yuffie. "OVER THERE TOO!?" Some men redirect their shots at Yuffie. "AHH!!" Yuffie quickly get behind her cover, hiding her head underneath her arms as bullets fly above her. 'Stupid Yuffie! They have guns!'
All Yuffie can do is listen to the gunshots and the shouts from the men who are firing at her and Vincent. Yuffie as her eyes tightly closed as she tries to think of a way out of her predicament. 'This is all Vinnie's fault! And where the hell is Rima when you need her!' Yuffie shouts in her head.
"AHH!!!!" Yuffie hears so men yell as she hears metal clashing together. "Where the hell did he come from!" Yuffie hears as the gunfire is redirected from her spot. Yuffie opens her eyes and blinks.
"Earth's Fury!" Yuffie hears a shout. Yuffie quickly stands up and looks out from behind her cover just in time to see the summon, Titan, appear. The giant earth god looks down at the men as they fire at the huge man. Titan grabs hold of the ground and lets out a groan as it lifts the ground the men are standing on up. The men stop firing as they attempt to run away. Titan folds the huge piece of the planet's crust over the men, smashing all those to slow to get away.
"RETREAT! LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!" The commander shouts. The remaining men quickly retreat out of Gongaga.
Yuffie watches the men disappear and smirks, "AND DON'T COME BACK!" She shouts at the retreating men. A triumphant grin spreads across her face, 'Titan kicked their butts!' She thinks. Then on an after thought she looks out into the clearing to see who summoned Titan. Her gaze falls upon a single warrior standing in the clearing, looking straight at her.
The swordsman stands there with his massive sword resting on his shoulder. A grin spread across his face as his mako blue eyes shine with amusement. He's still decked out in a mercenary uniform. He waves a hand in the air as a greeting. Yuffie mouth drops as she sees who's standing in front of her, "Zack!?" She calls out.
"Hey!" Zack calls out.
Yuffie and Vincent come out from their cover and walk over to the swordsman. Yuffie runs up and wraps her arms around him in joy, "It's GREAT to see you! You saved mine and Vinnie's asses!" She exclaims.
"Actually I think I did." Someone says from behind Yuffie. Yuffie jumps up in surprise by the familiar voice and turns around to see Tifa standing there staring at her with one hand on her hip and a warm smile across her face.
"TIFA!" Yuffie runs over to the older woman and the two give each other a hug. Well Yuffie was going to give the fist-fighter a hug if it wasn't for the bon-crushing hugs Tifa gives.
"It's great to see you Yuffie!" Tifa says laughing.
"Can't...breath..Tifa" Yuffie manages to choke out. Tifa releases her hold on Yuffie, laughing a bit. Yuffie begins to laugh too only to have Zack follow.
"It's good to see you too Vincent," Tifa says. Vincent gives her a nod, hiding the small smile he has underneath his cloak.
"Where have you two been?" Yuffie immediately asks.
"Here" Zack says referring to Gongaga.
Tifa nods her head, "Yea, Zack brought me here when we all split up during the battle." Tifa says a bit shyly as a faint blush spreads across her cheeks.
Yuffie holds in her laugh and tries to make a comment about Tifa's blush but is cut off before she can get a word out, "Is there anyone else with you?" Tifa quickly cuts in before Yuffie can make the comment she knows that was coming.
Yuffie pauses in thought for a moment as the question sinks in. She shakes her head, "No." Yuffie replies regretfully. Tifa and Zack from a bit, they were hoping everyone would be gathered now. "Wait! There IS someone!" Yuffie announces.
"Who?" Tifa and Zack ask in union.
"Rima." Yuffie replies.
Tifa and Zack share a look then turn back to Yuffie, "Who?" Zack asks.
Yuffie rolls her eyes, "Rima!" She taps her chin with a finger as she thinks, "I wonder where she is right now."
"I'm right here." Comes Rima's quiet voice from their left.
Zack and Tifa quickly turns their gaze to the newcomer. "Whoa." Zack says upon seeing her. 'She's almost as creepy looking as Vince.' He thinks.
Tifa tilts her head slightly to the side as she examines the woman, "Are you... sick?" She asks as she notices Rima's pale skin. Rima doesn't reply, she just stands there, her gaze unfocused.
Yuffie chews her bottom lips as she kicks the dirt nervously. She gives a quick glance at the woman, "Um.. are you uh... refreshed?" Yuffie asks, hoping the woman would understand the meaning of the question.
Rima crosses her arms and turns her gaze to the side. Vincent brows lower once more as he tries to figure out what Yuffie is talking about. "I refuse to give in to my cravings." Rima states. That comment makes three sets of eyebrows raise in confusion. Yuffie looks at her three friends and laughs nervously.
Zack gives Rima a weird look, "O..k. Um.. perhaps we should leave? Maybe we should head south."
"Leave so soon?" Tifa asks then she adds, "Shouldn't we tell your parents first?" Tifa says teasingly. Yuffie laughs at the question.
Zack scratches the back of his head as he fights off the blush that threatening to break, "Nah.. they'll understand. I just want to get out of here. I could never really stay in one place too long." He says before sheathing the Buster Sword.
"Then LET'S MOSEY!" Yuffie shouts pointing a finger forward, mimicking their leaders famous words. Tifa rolls her eyes shaking her head. So the group makes their way outside of Gongaga. Vincent, leading the way, followed closely by Tifa, Zack, and Yuffie, and Rima lagging behind a bit.
The growing group making it passed the forest and through the river just as the sun is setting. Now they are walking on the cliffs towards Cosmo Canyon. Each anxious to find out whether or not Red XIII's home is still standing. Yuffie glances back behind her to see Rima still lagging behind. Excusing herself from the conversation her Tifa and Zack are having she stops to wait for Rima.
"You alright?" Yuffie asks when Rima reaches her. Rima doesn't reply, she just keeps on walking. Yuffie frowns a bit, "Is it because you need blood?" Yuffie whispers low enough so no one can here her. Rima shoots her a deadly glare, but after a while she just sighs and drops the glare. Yuffie nods, knowing that's the problem.
"I've never gone this long without giving into my cravings." Rima says quietly. Yuffie remains silent waiting for Rima to continue. Rima lets out a long breath as she rubs her temples, "I'm growing weaker with each passing day. I don't know how long I can hold out."
"Then why don't you just feed, you know off some creature or something?" Yuffie asks confused.
Rima's brows lower in anger, her fists clench at her sides, "I hate what I am." She says stopping. Yuffie stops also and stands in front of her. "I don't understand him." Rima says, speaking more to herself. Yuffie figures it's best not to question who she's talking about, Rima is in a different time now, one that Yuffie can't bring her back from. "What he said... I don't understand what he's trying to say. What is it that I'm missing? He seemed so confused when I told him the truth." Rima shakes her head blinking rapidly as she realizes she was daydreaming again. She glances up to see Yuffie looking at her with sympathy. Rima lets out another long breath as she wipes the sweat off her forehead before walking again, "Forget what I said." Rima says.
"You guys coming or not!?" Zack shouts back at them impatiently.
"Yea, yea, yea!" Yuffie says in annoyance.
Zack shakes his head and turns back around. He stops as he notices Vincent just standing silently in his spot seemingly lost in thought. "Yo uh, Vincent, you alright?" Vincent's stare is broken as he blinks. He looks down at Zack giving him a short nod before walking ahead.
"What wrong with him?" Tifa asks as she watches Vincent walk ahead. Zack shrugs shaking his head.
The group finally make to their destination, Cosmo Canyon. Yuffie's eyes light up in excitement when she sees the place seems perfectly fine. They begin walking up the stairs that lead to the village. At the top of the stairs looking down at them is none other then Red XIII. Tifa and Yuffie run up the rest of the way when they see the fiery beast.
"RED!" Yuffie wraps her arms around his neck.
"Hello my friends." Red XIII says as he's hugged by Tifa next. Red XIII gives a beastly smile as the rest of his friends walk up.
"You act like you were expecting us." Zack comments.
"I could smell you all coming from the north. I knew you were on your way here." Red XIII explains. "Who's this?" Red XIII says glancing towards Rima.
"Oh!" Yuffie says just remembering, "That's Rima. Rima this is Red XIII a.k.a. Red or Nanaki." Yuffie says introducing them.
Red XIII steps in front of Rima and holds out his paw, "A pleasure." Red XIII says. Rima looks down at the beast before crouching down and shaking his paw. Red XIII's snout crunches up as he sniffs her hand, "Yes..." Red XIII begins, "A real pleasure indeed." He says in confusion. Rima looks at him questioningly before standing back up.
Yuffie looks scans the area before taking a step forward, forgetting that she has a step left. Yuffie lets out a surprised yelp as she trips on the step and scraps her right knee on the stone step. "Ow.." Yuffie whines. "Damn that stings." She says looking down at her bloody knee.
Red XIII looks at the scraped knee, "You may clean it up in Grandfather's observatory." Red XIII states. Red XIII's nose catches whiff of a new and unusual scent. He turns back around to look at his friends. He notices someone missing, "Where Rima?" Red XIII asks.
The group turns around just realizing she is there anymore. "She was here just a moment ago." Tifa says scratching her head.
Yuffie stands up and walks away, "I'm going to go clean this up now." She says giving a nervous laugh, 'Oh GAWD! Yet again you just made things worse Yuffie. This is all that damn step's fault!'
Red XIII turned back to the remaining people of the group. He gives the questioning look, "Now where did Vincent go?" Red XIII asks. Zack and Tifa look behind them to see that he too is gone. Red XIII shakes his head, "Well before more of my guests disappear I have something to tell you Tifa."
Tifa gives him a look of confusion, "Me?"
Red XIII nods as a grin spread across his face, "Marlene is alive and well. She's asleep right now."
Tears well up at the corner of Tifa's eyes, "May I see her?" She says anxiously.
Red XIII nods, "Yes but first I have some people who claim to be friends of yours."
"Who?" Tifa asks.
"I show you. They're in the pub right now." Red XIII shows begins walking towards the pub as Tifa and Zack follow in confusion.
Vincent stops at the shoreline and looks off in the distance. 'We'll be there soon.' Vincent thinks to himself, 'Then I may be able to get the demons back.' Vincent's eyes look up to the stars, his crimson eyes filled with sorrow, "Lucrecia..." He whispers into the night. The sound of footsteps catches Vincent's attention as he turns around, quickly grabbing hold of his Death Penalty.
He sees Rima walking towards him, her head hung low as she looks to the ground. Vincent lowers his weapon, "What are you doing out here?" Vincent asks as he puts the Death Penalty in its holster.
Rima gives a wicked laugh, "Searching for food." Rima answers her voice dark. Vincent raises an eyebrow at the different voice. Rima's shoulders shake as she laughs silently, she stops walking a few feet away from him. "I've found my food." Rima says looking up.
Vincent draws back as he sees her own set of crimson eyes. He blinks in confusion as he stares into her crimson eyes. Her eyes are brighter then his own though. That's when he notices other differences in Rima's appearance. Her hair has turns black and her skin became a grayish color. Instinctively, Vincent raises his weapon but is surprised by how quickly Rima moves as she knocks his weapon out of his hand and slamming him a few feet back.
Vincent catches himself before hitting the ground and quickly sends a powerful kick at Rima as she slashes at him with a pair of daggers. Rima is knocked back, giving Vincent the time he needs to stand back up. Rima moves in all different directions, trying to confuse Vincent and using the night to her advantage. Unbeknownst to Rima, Vincent can also see perfectly in the night, thanks to the experiments Hojo has done to him.
Rima dives at Vincent from the side, throwing the two daggers at him. Vincent jumps backwards, dodging the daggers as he performs a pin kick hitting Rima in the side of the head. Rima hits the ground and curses, "Seems I've underestimated you." She says as she get up. Vincent glances towards the Death Penalty that sits a few yards away from him. Rima follows his gaze and smirks as she sees the weapon. She runs for it.
Vincent quickly pulls out the Outsider as Rima takes his bait. He fires multiple shots towards her. Rima jumps back, away from the Death Penalty, as Vincent runs towards it, firing at Rima at the same time. The Outsider goes empty as he reaches his Death Penalty. He turns towards Rima just before she kicks him in the chest. Vincent lands down in the water, at the shore.
Vincent stands up in the water and looks scans the area looking for Rima. His brows lower questioningly as he sees that she's gone. "Looking for me?" Vincent turns around to see Rima behind him, standing on the surface of the water. Rima smirks and sends a kick, hitting him in the jaw. Vincent skids back onto the grass out of the water.
Vincent quickly gets back up ready to defend himself for the next attack. Two powerful arms wrap around his sides, pinning his arms to his sides. "You're mine." Rima says. She opens her mouth, her fangs growing longer and sharper. Vincent struggles to break free. In one swift motion Rima bite down into the side of Vincent's neck. Vincent's eyes go wide in pain. His body jerks as every muscle in his body twitches. Blood rushes into Rima's mouth, some of ii escapes form the corners of her mouth and drip down the side of Vincent's neck. The Death Penalty slips from his grasp and falls to the ground.
"They're in here." Red XIII says as he stands at the side of the entrance to the pub.
Tifa nods as she walks into the pub, Zack in tow. Her eyes scan the pub for anyone she recognizes. Then she sees them. Tifa's eyes go wide in shock as she gasps. Three sets of eyes glance over to her, "Tifa?" They say in union.
'But. how? Did Vain do this?' Thoughts race through Tifa head as she stares at three of her friends from a few years ago. Friends she was sure are suppose to be dead. They sit there looking at her just as shocked. Tifa couldn't believe what she's seeing before her. There's no way this is possible. These people are dead, how and why would they be here.
Biggs...
Wedge...
and Jessie...
Bet you didn't see that coming now did ya! MWHAHAHAAHA! Lots of twists and turns in this here chapter. My my my, was this ever long. But at least I finally finished this chapter. Took me a whole week to write this. So what you think? Surprising? How are these three alive? Did Vain revive them? If he did then why? Or were they always alive? And what about Vincent? How will he get out of HIS predicament. Heeheehee. God I love doing this to you people but I can't tell ya. Well Review and tell me what ya'll think! TTNC!