Gunslinger And The Swordsman

"This years festival was as much fun as last years." The little girl glances up to her mother, stormy gray eyes gleaming in happiness that can only be compared with the wide smile across her round childish face. "Wasn't it, momma?"

"Of course, Yuffie." The Lady of Wutai glances down at her five year old daughter and smiles lovingly as they continue down the beaten path through the woods. The cool night air is a welcoming change from the usual hot days in Wutai. "It's a shame your father wasn't here to accompany us, however."

The smile on Yuffie's face lessens at the mention of her father, "When will father come home from fighting the bad men?"

Yuffie's mother gives a small smile, "War can last a long time Yuffie." Glancing ahead of the path her gaze follows the small speck of light flying through the air. She pulls her daughter to a stop and points to the small glowing bug, "Look Yuffie. A lightening bug."

"I'm going to catch it!" Yuffie announces, releasing her mother's hand to run ahead. Yuffie giggles as she chases the little bug, trying to catch it before it stops glowing. As she reaches for it, it's little light goes out, disappearing into the darkness. "Drat." Yuffie says. She stands in her spot, waiting for it to blink it's light back on. When she sees it, she leaps at it, not caring if she dirties her new kimono. "Ah- ha!" Yuffie exclaims before peeking into her closed hands to see the little lightening bug. "I got it!"

The sound of scraping steel echoes in the silent forest, a moment later, there's a dull thump as something drops to the ground. "Momma?" Yuffie turns around and walks right into someone. "Momma?" She says uncertain as she glances up to the persons face, however, she's only able to make out their silhouette. Something short and sharp is pressed at the bottom of her chin.

"What about the child?" A woman's voice asks out loud.

"... Leave her. We got our target."

Yuffie glances around her, trying to find out where the man's voice came from, while wondering what these two want. Just as quickly as the woman appeared, she vanished, leaving Yuffie alone in the forest. The little girl glances around frantically, the darkness becoming an unwelcome sight to her, "Momma?" She calls out, walking back from where she left her mother.

"Momma, where are you?" She calls out a little louder as she grows more and more frightened by the second. She begins to run as fast as her little legs can carry her, frantically looking all around her from any sight of her mother, "Momma! Momma! MOM-APH!"

Yuffie blinks as she sits herself up, having tripped over something that's in the middle of the path. Through the darkness, Yuffie can make out her mother's features, "Momma? Why are you on the ground?" No response. Yuffie puts her hands on her mother's shoulders and shakes her, trying to get a response, "Momma why aren't you-"

Yuffie stops what she's saying as she feels something warm and wet on her hands from her mother. Taking her hands away from her mother's form she rubs her fingers together, trying to figure out what the substance is. She raises her hands up closer to her face. She squints her eyes, trying to make out what it is. She sniffs it, but finds that it doesn't have a noticeable sent. She sticks her index finger in her mouth and tastes it...

Blood...

Yuffie's eyes snap open, awaking from her nightmare. At first, she's dazed and confused as she tries to remember where she is. Through her dazed confusion she makes out someone's voice calling out for some 'doctor'. She hears footsteps heading towards her. Blinking a few times, her vision begins to focus. That's when she remembers where she is. She's captured, strapped down to a medical table. She begins struggling, trying to escape from her binds.

"It seems you need another dose."

Yuffie's eyes dart forward, her gaze landing on Hojo. Her eyes travel down to his right hand where he holds an ejection needle. He steps up to her, raising the needle up to her neck, just as he did before, "Wh-what is that?" Yuffie asks, her voice cracking from her fear.

A smirk spreads across Hojo chapped lips, "Just a sedative. Time to continue dreaming. Tee! Hee! Hee!" He jams the needle into her neck and inject the sedative. Yuffie's eyes grow heavy as she slips into unconsciousness. Hojo turns towards his lackeys, "Continue to monitor her brain patterns. We're getting close."

"Professor!" One of the men calls for his attention, "Mr. Dregon has radioed in sir. He's on his way back."

Hojo glances over his shoulder to the sleeping ninja, "Hmm... we should have what we're searching for by the time he arrives."

-

"Any ideas?" Cloud whispers hopefully to his companion as they look at the compound, keeping their attention on any patrolmen near them. They had managed to hike their way towards the base, keeping out of sight from any soldiers wandering around in the forest. They found cover behind some bushes, hiding their forms while allowing them to see everything ahead of them.

Vincent turns his gaze towards the spiky-haired swordsman and slightly raises an eyebrow at him, "You were the one planning on going alone. Have you not planned ahead?"

Cloud scratches the back of his neck, bowing his head in embarrassment, "Well.. no." He admits, "I'm not one for strategizing. It takes me some time to come up with a plan, and that's time we don't have."

For a moment, Vincent remains completely still, keeping his crimson gaze on Cloud. Vincent gives a short nod in understanding, and shifts in his crouched position, in favor of getting in a more comfortable one. He turns his head to glance back out into the compound, "There's multiple soldiers patrolling every side of the base, each armed with standard issued rifles that Shin-Ra gives their MPs. The base appears to be sealed up tight. The only way in is through that door." Vincent explains, referring to the thick steel door in the middle of the compound.

Cloud nods his head, paying close attention to what the Ex-TURK is telling him, "There's a digital code panel next to the door. We'll need the code to go in. There's also several security cameras that are set up around here. I would assume that the security camera's have night-vision as well. There's tripwires set up all around the forest, as you are aware of."

Cloud scratches the bridge of his nose. On their way towards the base, Cloud had just about walked into a tripwire, which would have let everyone within a mile radius know of their presence had the mine gone off. Luckily for Cloud, Vincent had stopped him and pointed it out to him. Then he pointed out the claymore that was delicately placed three feet away from them. Vincent had disarmed it, having learned about various bombs and mines from his TURK days. Once everything appeared to be safe, Vincent grabbed the claymore and placed it inside his cloak. Where exactly, Cloud will never know.

"Okay..." Cloud replies after a moment, "So do you have a plan or not?"

"..."

"Um... Vincent?"

Vincent closes his eyes and releases a long breath, "No."

Cloud sighs and runs a hand through his blonde spikes. "If we get to the door, I may be able to get us in." Vincent says after a moments, "That's saying, if we can get to it. The security is tight."

Despite the situation, Cloud can't help the half-smile that plays across his face, "So we have to 'loosen' up security as silently as possible." Vincent turns his head to share a look with Cloud, signaling his silent agreement. "We'll split up." Cloud suggests, "Makes us less noticeable. Take out any soldiers, disable the security cameras, watch for the trip wires. When alls clear, we'll meet outside the entrance to the base." Vincent gives a short nod. After taking a moment to think, Cloud adds, "Remember, there's some soldiers wandering around in the forest. Best to keep our ears sharp and eyes peered."

Vincent nods his head once again, "Very well." Glancing above the bushes, Vincent makes sure it's clear before he stealthily moves away.

Cloud stays low to the ground, paying extra attention to what he's stepping on and where his foot falls. After all, he doesn't want everything to be blown by such a simple mistake as snapping a twig. He slowly makes his way around the perimeter. Standing behind a tree; he waits silently as a soldier walks by. When the soldier walks pass his hiding spot, Cloud strikes.

-

A single soldier strays off towards the entrance of the forest, his gun hanging loosely on its strap at his side. Pulling out a box of cigarettes, the soldier decides it's time for a smoke. As he lights it, the bushes ahead of him rustle. The soldier tosses his cigarette onto the ground and grabs hold of his rifle. With cautious steps, the soldier creeps over towards the bushes. Standing in front of them, he watching as the bush begins to rustle again. A second later a squirrel takes off into a tree. The man shakes his head, giving a short laugh before turning around.

A hand reaches out, grabs hold of the man's ankle and pulls him into the bush. The soldier's eyes go wide in fear. However, before he can shout for help, a golden claw tears out his throat. A few moments later the soldier is dead.

Vincent stands up from his bush and looks around, making sure no one saw anything. His crimson gaze checks out the area, seeing that the other soldiers didn't hear anything. Not given a second glance at the dead man, Vincent steps out of the forest and runs towards the compound, diving behind some crates to get out of the surveillance camera's sight as it turns his way.

While keeping his eyes and ears strained for any sight of a soldier nearby, Vincent takes out his trusty Peacemaker. With a silencer attached to the handgun, it's a much preferable gun than his Death Penalty which is loud as a quarter stick of dynamite exploding. With his Peacemaker and blood dripping claw, Vincent is more than ready for this sneaking mission. Peeking out of the side of his hiding place, Vincent quickly shoots the surveillance camera before it's able to spot him. Sparks fly from the camera, the green light above the lens blinks out as the camera dies.

"Huh? What was that noise?" Vincent ducks back behind the crates at the sound of a soldier's voice. He listens to the man's footsteps as he walks towards the crates. Vincent gets ready to fire his Peacemaker if he needs to. The soldier stops in front of the crate and looks around, "Hmm..." As the soldier turns around and walks away, Vincent stands up and fires his gun.

-

Cloud made sure to get rid of the soldier's body before continuing on around the base. Luckily the lush forest provides plenty of places to hide a body. Finding some oil drums to hide behind, Cloud takes the time to check his surroundings. 'Heh... Vince must of taken care of most of them already.' Cloud thinks to himself, noticing the sudden lack of soldiers in the area. Cloud turns his gaze towards the entrance to the base, "Speaking of which." Cloud says to himself as he catches sight of the gunslinger crouched in front of the steel door. Cloud checks one more time to make sure no one is around before running towards Vincent.

At the sound of Cloud's heavy footsteps, Vincent glances up from his delicate work. With a short nod of acknowledgment, Vincent turns back to his work with the mine. Cloud crosses his arms; tilting his head to the side. His voice is filled with curiousness as he watches the Ex-TURK work, "What are you doing?"

For a moment, Vincent doesn't reply as he set's the mine on the ground at the side of the door, "I was unsuccessful at getting the proper code out of the soldiers. Therefore our only option is to blast the door open." Vincent explains. He sets up a tripwire an inch above the ground from the mine, that travels across to the other side of the door. "Although it will be more affective if we can blast the door off completely. However, in order to do that, someone must first open the door. When another soldier opens the door, the mine will set off. We will not have to worry about the door being closed if the door is no longer attached."

"Oh..." Cloud says after a moment's contemplation. He glances around the area, still worried that a soldier will see them out in the open like this. "So you uh... take care of the soldiers? I only got one."

Vincent stands up from his crouched position and runs his hand through his hair to brush a few black strands out of his eyes, "I took out a security camera and two soldiers."

Cloud's brows raise in obvious surprise, "That's it? Where are the rest? Before this place was swarming with them."

Vincent gazes out into the forest, "Perhaps they're patrolling the forest at the moment." To prove Vincent's theory, gunfire erupts deep in the forest, followed by several screams of soldiers. Both Cloud and Vincent glance to the forest then at each other. "Have the others arrived?" Vincent says questionably.

Cloud shakes his head, "It's not possible, it would take them another two hours to fly from there back here without having stopped at Midgar first. And since they are, it'll take them longer." A couple dozen men continue to fire rounds in the woods, "There's something else out there."

"Shall we investigate?" Vincent asks.

Cloud opens his mouth to agree when all of a soundly the firing stops. Cloud shrugs his shoulders, "I guess they got it, whatever it was."

Vincent closes his eyes in thought, "Or 'it' got them." Both fall into silence as they think of the possible outcomes of the battle that took place just a few moments ago. In the distance they hear a helicopter approaching. "We should seek cover." Vincent suggests. Cloud agrees and the two race towards the forest. Not a moment too soon either, the helicopter appears from above the forest, and lands down in the clearing.

"It's Dregon." Cloud practically hisses as he sees the mentioned man step out of the helicopter, "He must have found the last piece. How could he have found it so soon? Damnit! So much for attacking while he's away."

"We have a bigger problem." Vincent says suddenly. "Dregon's going to see the mine I planted. He'll know someone is here if he does." Again Vincent is correct. Dregon had indeed noticed the mine before opening the door. He made quick effort of dispatching the mine before calling into the base for more soldiers to search the premises.

Like a colony of ants, soldiers filter out of the base and spread out. Cloud and Vincent try to sneak away, but their efforts are in vain. They're spotted and are soon surrounded. Before they can shoot both of them, Dregon stops them, "Halt!" He calls out, walking over towards him, a knowing smile spread across his face, "Ah... Mr. Strife and Mr. Valentine. Seems you found my little base of operations. I must say, I'm curious about how you found it." Dregon glances around, expecting to see the rest of AVALANCHE, "Tell me, where is the rest of your group."

"Preparing to come swarm this place." Cloud replies, struggling a bit in his bondages.

Dregon laughs, his voice filled with mirth, "Really now? They can prepare as much as they want and they'll still fall. I've gotten everything I need. There's nothing you can do."

"Sir! What should we do with these two?" A soldier asks.

Dregon looks between the two in thought, "Hmm... Throw them in the cells for now. I might find a use for them." Cloud and Vincent glance to one another before they are directed towards the base. As they disappear into the base, Dregon turns his gaze towards another group of soldiers as they walk out of the forest, with a man they captured, "Who's this?" Dregon asks.

"Sir! This man attacked few of our men. We apprehended him. Shall we execute him?"

Dregon gives the man a look over, "Who are you?"

"..."

Dregon raises an eyebrow, "What are you doing here?"

"..."

"I see... refuse to answer my questions." Dregon turns over to the teams leader. "Two others are being sent to the cells as we speak, put him with them."

"Sir!"

-

Cloud growls and kicks the wall of the cell in irritation. He wasn't suppose to be captured, he's suppose to be saving Yuffie! But he's stuck in this cold godforsaken cell. Vincent, more or less, hasn't spoken from his spot across the cell. They were stripped of their weapons and armor, leaving them without a means of fighting their way out. "Damn... what are we going to do?" Cloud asks out loud.

"We'll wait for the others to show up." Vincent answers.

"Can't you let Chaos break us free?" Cloud asks hopefully.

"The demon is too large for such small areas. He won't be much use."

"Damnit."

"Here's some company you two." A guard says as the door is unlocked.

Cloud and Vincent turn their gaze towards the door to their cell as someone else is pushed into the cell. Cloud's eyes widen as nearly jumps in surprise, and surprisingly, so does Vincent. Cloud points a single finger, "Wh-wh-why and what are you doing here?" He exclaims.

Malice graces him with a smirk.

Sorry folks... That's it for now. I'm too tired to write more. Well.. I'll admit... This isn't one of my best chapters lol. I'm kind of just anxious to get to the final showdown. It's causing me to become a bit sloppy as you can clearly see. I already have a bunch of ideas as to what I want to happen. Especially in the last few chapters heeheehee! Well, either way, leave me a review even if it's to tell me how bad the chapter was, it's still all good 0) TTNC!