Chapter 35: Hope restored.
Yuffie sat up slowly from the bed in the infirmary. She rotated her arm and stretched out the sore muscle. 'I'm gonna whack Barret next time I see him.' She thought to herself. But that gunman wasn't the one truly occupying her thoughts. "Vinnie." She said quietly. Yuffie swung her legs over the side of the bed and tried to stand, only to fall back. "Whoa." She steadied herself and looked around.
All the walls were steel, tightly riveted. The windows were portholes like on the ships she had been on before; but when she shakily made her way to the window and looked out she gasped out loud. Clouds and open ocean were all she could see, but the ocean wasn't lapping at the sides of the ship; the clouds were. The ship rocked suddenly and caused her to fall away from the porthole. "Where am I?" She tried to recall how she came here. She remembered the airport and Barret turning to make a last stand against the Shinra guards.
"Come on!" Cait Sith had called to them before bouncing farther down the runway towards the mighty Highwind, pride of the Junon air force. The ship dipped almost lazily in the wind as if the ship itself had become bored of being tethered to the ground. Cait Sith quickly, awkwardly but quickly, began climbing the ladder. "This way! Our ride is waiting!" Barret's jaw dropped.
"Pick up yer $-#$ jaw and get the &( up here!" Cid called down to them from the railing. Without further delay they all followed Cait Sith up the ladder and the Highwind took to the air.
"URK!" Yuffie had immediately felt her motion sickness overwhelm her as the Highwind dived downwards. She leaned against the wall and slipped down to the floor. Unable to concentrate on anything except for keeping her stomach in place, she barely noticed Barret pointing at the Junon cannon.
"Yuffie." Vincent's voice caused her to immediately look up. "Cid has asked me to take you to the infirmary." Vincent held his organic hand out to her. Yuffie took his hand and he pulled her up. They quickly made their way to the infirmary, Yuffie forgot about her stomach as she leaned against the gunman. Yuffie felt Vincent's arm firmly hold her as the Highwind dove and then began rising.
When they arrived Vincent quickly helped her onto the cot. With only minor searching found several chemicals and medical tools, Yuffie groaned as her sickness returned when the ship rocked suddenly. She felt herself slipping to the side when a strong arm caught her. Yuffie shook of the dizziness and looked up to Vincent. His eyes, normally cold and empty, held some spark of emotion but it vanished too quickly.
"Yuffie hold still." Vincent cautioned her, "I must remove the bullet." He said as the Highwind steadied and cheers could be heard from the deck above. Vincent carefully began cleaning Yuffie's arm.
"OW!" Yuffie cried out.
Vincent looked up from her shoulder, "Please hold still, the bullet needs to be removed." He said coldly before returning his attention to retrieving the bullet.
"Ow ow ow!" Yuffie continued to shout but held still. "This really hurts!"
CLINCK. Vincent deposited the bullet into the trash before concentrating on the cure materia in his hand. With a small breath a sparkling mist descended on Yuffie and the wound in her arm sealed itself, leaving only blood and a thin white scar. "Lay down, you'll need sleep to recover." Vincent said before turning to leave. He suddenly felt a hand on his claw.
"Um.. Vinnie?" Yuffie stuttered, "Thanks... for everything."
"You are welcome Yuffie." Vincent answered quietly and Yuffie blushed deeply as she looked to the floor. Her eyes widened in surprise when two metal clad boots appeared. "What is wrong Yuffie?" Her face went an even deeper shade of red when she felt his organic hand lift her chin. She stared into his blood-red eyes as he stared into her storm-gray ones. Slowly he lowered his face to the same height as hers.
"Vinne?" she whispered but let herself fall into his eyes. Her entire body tingled when he gently stroked her face with his gloved hand, only to shiver when he gently placed his metal claw on her back. She almost cried out when his hand fell away from her face to come to rest on her knee. Slowly he leaned in and their lips met, Yuffie felt overcome with shock; but soon she melted into the kiss. She felt as if they were frozen in time, each becoming one and the other. Everything she ever thought seemed to seep away as she lost herself in the softness of his lips.
She slowly lifted her left arm and wrapped it around his back; she could feel his muscles shift underneath her touch. Yuffie slowly closed her eyes and completely lost herself to him. Vincent broke the kiss but before she could protest he began placing gentle kisses across her cheek and down her neck. Her excitement rose higher as she felt his hand slowly moving up her thigh. His fingers were as a ghost's, barely there yet she was fully aware of their movement. Yuffie shuttered when Vincent gently nibbled on her earlobe, breathing soft words of love as he did. His claw left threads of sheer pleasure as he ever so cautiously stroked her back.
Vincent's hand stopped when it came to the hem of her shorts. Vincent began to lean away from her, Yuffie desperately encircled him with her arms to try and keep him from leaving. "Yuffie..." His voice was filled with concern. Yuffie fell against him as he began to speak, "... I ... cannot take your... innocence from you. My soul... could not bare it..." He again began to lean away and stand. Yuffie let her arms drop from around him; she felt her heart dying as he turned to walk away. "VINNIE!" she cried suddenly and jumped after him; he turned in just enough time to catch her. They stared into each other's eyes, Yuffie's were overflowing with love as his were lit by the same emotion. Her eyes closed as he once again leaned down and they shared another passionate kiss.
Yuffie's eyes suddenly shot open and she sat stark upright breathing heavily. She looked around to find she was still in the infirmary. "Just a dream... just a dream..." She repeated to herself as she brushed some of her hair from her face, absently noticing that she was covered in sweat. Yuffie slowed her breathing to normal and began sorting the dream from reality. "Everything was ok up until..." She couldn't help but blush at the thought of her and Vincent kissing. 'He just said, "You're welcome" and left. That's all, he just left.' She reassured herself.
Yuffie remembered that Tifa had come back in shortly after Vincent had gone. After Tifa had checked Yuffie over she then found some tranquilizer for the very woozy ninja. Yuffie downed the bitter liquid but almost instantly felt drowsy. Tifa helped the ninja remove her armor before gently covering her and slipping out. "Pleasant dreams." Tifa said before disappearing through the door.
"Oh yeah REAL pleasant." The now fully conscious ninja grumbled. "Funny Tifs, real funny." There was a knock on the door. "Come in." Yuffie answered.
Barret slowly walked in with his head hung slightly. "I jus' wanted ta tell ya I'm sorry Yuffie. I din't kno' the bullets wouldn't do anythin'."
Yuffie slipped down to the floor, noting to herself that without shoes the metal floor was very cold. She walked over to Barret with a small grin on her face. When she was next to the big man she slugged his arm hard, "There." She grinned widely at his confused face, "Now we are even." She jumped and gave him a big huge. Although confused for a moment he smiled and returned the hug, as his eyes began filling with tears.
"Thank ya." Barret said quietly. Before Yuffie could respond Nanaki appeared in the doorway.
"Tifa has called a meeting on the bridge." Nanaki said before he continued up the hallway, his claws clicking lightly on the metal floor.
"We betta' get goin'" Barret's normal stern exterior resurfaced. He put the ninja down and began to leave, "Hurry up Brat." He called from outside the door.
"Shut'up ya marshmallow!" Yuffie yelled back in defiance. Yuffie quickly put on her orange sneakers before following the big man. When she arrived on the deck she made her presence known, "OKAY! The Great Ninja Yuffie is here! We can start the meeting!" A rippling chuckle from the group and the Highwind crew is all she got in response.
"Alright, lets begin." Tifa turned from the massive front windows of the Highwind. "What are we going to do now?" She had asked the one question that none of the group had a true answer for. Silence hung over them for several minutes before Tifa answered her own question. "We'll have to find Cloud." She stated.
"Wha?" Barret spoke up, "How are we goin' to do that? We don' even kno' if Spike is even alive." Barret received several glares for the last line of his statement. Cid was about to speak but Tifa started first.
"I know Cloud is alive." She held up her hand in order to silence them, "I don't know how but I just know. Cloud is still alive, we've got to find him." Her words were filled with so much conviction none dare oppose her.
"Where do we begin searching?" Nanaki asked before silence overcame them again.
"I think we'll have to separate." Tifa answered, "Someone somewhere has to know something about the Lifestream. And since that's what Cloud disappeared into..." Tifa began losing her confidence as the situation and the grim faces of her comrades began to take their toll.
"I'll go ask Grandfather!" Nanaki spoke up, "He may know something."
"Good idea Nanaki," Cid began, "None of us can read the runes at the City of the Ancients but maybe one of the researchers in Bone Village can. Barret and the brat can check that out." Cid ducked the wad of paper the "brat" threw at him.
"I'll do what I can from where I am." Cait Sith spoke up. "I have some access to Shinra's computer network. I'll have to shut down this doll to do so though."
"Then Cid, Vincent, and I can go to Icicle Inn and see what we can find." Tifa smiled broadly, "Since the town is close to the City of the Ancients there may be some legends we can use." Tifa's excitement spread to the others as they chattered between one another, save Vincent who remained in his shadows.
'They have such hope when there is none.' Vincent had long ago accepted that comrades were lost in a moment. His Turk days had drilled that into him very well. The actions of his newest comrades perplexed him. 'Maybe... even when it is darkest... there could still be...' Vincent shook off the rest of the thought before he finished it. 'I have lived otherwise. Hope is fragile, easily taken away.' But as he glanced at the slightly green-faced Yuffie and the way she danced about with the others; her actions momentarily created doubts in his mind. His inner demons wasted no time in using his own memories to destroy those doubts.
The trio of Vincent, Cid, and Tifa entered Professor Gast's abandoned home late that evening; the sun had barely left the horizon. Even as the Highwind had arrived and dispatched the others to their assigned tasks, the earlier energy remained among the group.
"I'd forgotten how cold it gets at night here." Tifa shivered between clattering teeth.
"I'm just glad no one has taken over this house." Cid said while he lit the fire with his cigarette. "Stupid #$s." He added with a chuckle. "So what's the plan?" He turned his head toward Tifa as she huddled closer to the growing flame.
"I guess its probably too late to really start anything." After Cid gave her a nod Tifa continued. "Then lets get some sleep and start tomorrow." Cid nodded again but his eyes were silently pleading. Tifa withstood his eyes for only a few minutes. "Alright!" she laughed, "I'll make us dinner first." Cid only grinned from ear to ear as Tifa rose and began rummaging through their packs.
No trace of light remained in the sky and the house was filled with the wondrous aroma of Tifa's cooking. "Almost ready?" Cid asked as he attempted to sneak a taste, but quickly withdrew his hand under the assault of a wooden spoon.
"Not yet." Tifa smirked as the pilot nursed his stinging hand. "But nearly, so please go tell Vincent." Cid found the dark man staring out the upper window, seemingly searching the night sky.
"Hey Vamp!" Cid called to him, "Foods ready, Tifa says come eat."
"Thank you but no." Vincent answered quietly, "I am not hungry."
"Whatever." Cid answered quickly as he turned down the stairs, "That guy would give #$&# Dracula the creeps."
"Hmm?" Tifa looked up from their dinner, "What was that?" Although from the look in her eyes Cid knew she had heard.
"Vincent isn't hungry." Cid covered, "Just like every other #$ day."
"He hasn't ever eaten with us has he?" Tifa's brow furrowed momentarily, "I don't remember ever seeing him eat."
"Ah #$ it." Cid leaned back and put his feet on the table, "Probably has something to do with those #$ creatures inside him."
"I worry about him though." Tifa put the pot down on the table and slapped Cid's feet off, "Vincent doesn't share his problems, just like Cloud..." Tifa's eyes began misting at the mention of their lost leader.
Cid stood and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "We'll find the boy." He reassured her, "You said you knew he was alive, so he has to be." Tifa dried her tears and smiled appreciatively. "Now lets eat. I'm #$& starving!" Tifa laughed as she spooned them both out the steaming stew.
They talked for a while more before wishing each other and Vincent a good night. The night continued on, only the dim light of the dying embers of the fire pierced the darkness. Suddenly a small candle fought off the darkness to give its user just enough light to begin reading. As the reader turned the pages the small breath of air created by the action nearly extinguished the small candle but it shined on.
Vincent's glowing crimson eyes poured over the writing before him. He quickly read over the writings of Professor Gast. Vincent thought back over his meetings with the scientist as he quickly skimmed through the man's work. Vincent remembered meeting the brilliant man shortly after becoming leader of the Turks. Their relationship had quickly turned from one of convenience to friendship. Vincent and Professor Gast were very much alike in that they both sought to know as much about everything that they could.
Vincent barely read the words left by Gast about the Jenova Project and the Ancients as he had discussed the issues with the scientist face to face. Vincent put aside the notebooks labeled "Nibelhelm" when he came to it, not desiring to relive those moments, even through another's eyes. Vincent was intrigued when he came to the notebooks concerning Gast leaving Shinra and his marriage to the Ancient Ilfana, Aerith's birth mother. He also viewed the video images when the books came to an end. "Hojo." He growled quietly when he observed the deranged man ordering Gast's death and Ilfana's capture.
As the video's came to an end Vincent sat in the near darkness, staring at the last item. The notebook "Nibelhelm" was all that remained for him to read. Vincent fought with himself as the night drew on until he finally picked up the book.
XX Month XX Day XXXX Year.
We've arrived in the mansion today under the "Protection" of Valentine. Shinra really must be worried about this project or its just Hojo's own insecurity acting up again. I truly worry about that man's stability at times. But I don't have a choice in the matter.
On a different note I've never seen Vincent look at anyone the way he stares at Lucrecia. Those two would be very good for each other, and the funny thing is that Lucrecia has the same look in her eyes. Although I fear that Lucrecia's true love would always be her science.
Vincent was shocked at Gast's statement, 'Lucrecia loved me as I loved her.' His mind wandered to when she had run from him to Hojo, doubts formed. 'No! I didn't deserve her, my hands are covered in too much blood.' Vincent continued reading.
XX Month XX Day XXXX YearThe Jenova tissue samples are amazing. Even though the specimen was frozen for centuries the cells are still active. Even separated from the body they continue to pulse with energy. Hojo wants to begin fusing Jenova cells, mako, and human tissue. I have the same curiosity, Hojo wishes to use human beings as test subjects neither Lucrecia nor I would permit it. Hojo relented and we all continued the experiments, yet I fear Hojo will not forget the idea.
I saw Vincent and Lucrecia walking in the garden the other night. I remember chuckling and thinking to myself "Ah, young love." But I slapped myself for sounding like the movies.
XX Month XX Day XXXX Year
Hojo is mad, completely mad. No woman would ever agree to this project. Injecting Jenova cells directly into an unborn child? How could he even think of it? I was firmly opposed to the idea although Lucrecia agreed with me; I could tell she was not so rooted. This project is on the very thin line of crossing into areas that man shouldn't delve.
XX Month XX Day XXXX Year
Everyone has lost their minds! Lucrecia agreed to the project! Herself as the test subject! I thought Vincent would forbid it but he stood silently to the side, Lucrecia wouldn't even look at him. Something happened between the two of them, now she is Hojo's. I am afraid of the ramifications of what is about to happen, but I dare not leave the project. I've got to find a way to convince them to stop it. I just wish Vincent would help, but he seems to have lost his own inner desire.
'I only wanted to make her happy.' Vincent felt even though it was only a book he had to defend himself against his old friends words. 'What else could I have done?' Vincent nearly pushed the book away but his curiosity forced him to continue.
XX Month XX Day XXXX Year
Lucrecia confirmed she was with child this morning and Hojo immediately started the Jenova injections. Although only weeks into this world, the child is nothing more then a plaything in the name of science. What have I allowed to happen?
XX Month XX Day XXXX Year
Lucrecia is only weeks from delivery. The Jenova injection regimen has weakened her terribly, I don't know if she would survive the birth. Hojo is only concerned with the state of the child though. Endlessly monitoring its state. I have tried speaking with Vincent and Lucrecia but neither is willing to listen.
XX Month XX Day XXXX Year
Lucrecia lost conciseness this morning, Vincent immediately stormed towards the Mansion. Although I don't know his true goal I feel it is to stop the project. Finally someone else has come to their senses.
It was hours after Vincent disappeared and my worry had only grown. The door to Lucrecia's room had creaked open I had thought Vincent would be standing there, but Hojo was in his place. I could feel something in the air about him; he had done something truly terrible. Yet he only smiled and checked on Lucriecia's status. When I asked if he had seen Vincent, Hojo only gave me that vile grin of his and shrugged saying that Vincent had left this project for another. Satisfied with Lucriecia's slow heartbeat, the man, I feel revulsion calling him that, left again.
I felt completely lost now. My own science had betrayed me, my colleagues had gone mad, and my friend had abandoned me. I must leave Shinra soon, before I am part of anything this disturbed again.
"I never abandoned you. I was killed." Vincent said aloud as he closed the book. For the remainder of the night Vincent sat thinking over what had happened in Nibelhelm. New thoughts began forming, some conflicting with his long held beliefs. Confusion reigned within him as the demons and his own mind fought. 'Did I... truly commit... those sins?'
Over the mountains and through the sleeping forest, huddled inside a very ill constructed tent a small ninja smiled in her sleep. Timid warmth had formed within her; something had begun to shift for the better.
The morning rays lighted the crude tent set on the outskirts of Bone Village. Its occupant turned away from the light in an effort to ward them off. Her efforts were in vain however when, "YUFFIE! WAKE UP!" Barret hollered from his tent a few feet from hers. "Lets git a move on!"
Yuffie sat up from her warm blankets, "Shutup ya big marshmallow, its way too early!" She began their usual bickering.
"Whatcha know ya brat." Barret answered, "These miners are already up an' goin'. We can talk ta them all day."
"UGH!" Yuffie despaired, "Why did Cloud have to stick me with you? Anyone else would still be asleep."
Barret gave a deep rolling laugh, "Nough o that, lets' get goin'." She heard his bootfalls walk away from the tents, effectively ending their argument.
"QUITTER!" She yelled after him. She sat still for a few minutes as the morning sun warmed the planet. 'Better get going.' She looked to her normal clothes and shuttered. They were in serious need of washing; monster blood and road grim covered them in layers. 'Ok today's agenda: 1. Wash clothes. 2. Ask old farts about legends. 3. Plan revenge on Barret for waking me up so early.' She grinned evilly to herself.
Yuffie stripped herself of her chocobo print pajamas and began pulling on some normal attire. She chose a pair of faded jeans and a loose shirt with hanging sleeves. "Much better then the normal stuff!" Yuffie jumped out of her leaning tent and was blinded by the morning rays. "GAH!" She shielded her eyes with her forearms until her vision returned.
"Ok time for number one on the agenda." She sighed deeply when she looked to the pile of clothes and armor before her. She knew it would take most of the morning to clean, oil, and dry all of her clothes and equipment. "Better get started..." She rolled her eyes as she gathered the pile to herself and made her way into the boomtown.
"Need ta do sum laudry do ye?" An old voice cracked at her.
"Yeah I do," Yuffie huffed back from beneath the weight of her possessions. "Can you tell me where I can go or do I got to find it myself?"
The old voiced laughed hoarsely, "Folow me." Yuffie could barely see the man but was able to follow him to a small pool of water. "Tis where we do r laudry." Yuffie dropped her pile of clothes.
"You guys do laundry?" She glanced the old man up and down, "Sure don't look like it."
The man examined himself before breaking into his hoarse laugh again, "Naw we jus' shake ourselfs out once er twice a mont." Yuffie couldn't help but laugh with the man. "By ta way I'm George an' ya r?"
"Just call me Yuffie." Yuffie stated as she stared at her task, in no mood for her normal boosting.
"Ya came in wit' tat big feller din't ye?" George asked, when Yuffie nodded as she began washing her clothes he continued. "May'et not be none of me business but wha ya lookin' fer?"
Yuffie glanced up to the man, "Who says we're looking for anything?"
George only chuckled, "Na one comes ta' da Bone Village unless dey lookin' fer sometin." He waited patiently for Yuffie's response. His patience was rewarded very quickly.
"Nothing really," Yuffie stated as she worked oil into the joints of her leg armor, "Just old legends about the Lifestream and if it surfaces anywhere."
"Ahh is tat all?" George laughed, "Tat be one migty tall rder."
"Yeah I know." Yuffie sighed as she moved on to removing blood from her sweaters.
"Gut ting ya asked me." George laughed, "I eard sum rumers tat da Lifestream sufaces on da ther side of da world, jus south of Mideel."
Yuffie looked up to him in surprise, "What?"
"Ya need me ta repet it?" George asked.
"No no, how do you know about the Lifestream?" Yuffie quickly stopped him.
George's hoarse laugh rung out again, "Ya do learn a few tings from all da scientists tat come up ere. Jus got ta listen is all." George stood up and brushed the dirt from his pants, "Now if you'll excuse me I need to return to my duties." With a quick nod he walked away from Yuffie, leaving her speechless at the information she had received and in sudden loss of the heavy accent.
"YOU OLD FART!" Yuffie yelled after him.
"DAS ME!" George hollered back.
Yuffie wasted no time in digging her PHS out from her belongs, "Hello Tifa? I found out something!" With that the Highwind was soon airborne and flying full speed toward Mideel. All of its occupants having the light of hope rekindled within them.