'Tis a bit of a long chapter, but I just got really excited and I couldn't
stop typing. Therefore, you have this long, hysterical, excited chapter. I
am having SO much fun with this. I have never in my life had so much fun
writing a story! Thanks for the R&R, all you people out there! Love ya!
Chapter Five
Vincent watched Maena worriedly. He knew that she was frightened. It was now that she needed him the most and it was now that he was at his weakest. He tensed up against the waves of pain that washed over his body. His side burned where the bullet was. That couldn't be good... But no, he wouldn't worry about himself. It was Maena who needed concern. And now she had his. How could he have been so stupid as to wish death? If he died, he would leave her. No, he determined NOT to die. He had to stay and protect this beautiful, graceful creature who was at the same time fragile and strong.
"Hello?" Cid called. His rough voice echoed back at him, bouncing off of the canyon walls.
"Captain..." Shera gave her husband a worried look.
Yuffie's hands tightened on her shuriken. "Get ready, you guys. This could be bad."
Maena felt like she was smothering. It was awful. Never in her life had she been so afraid, not when her parents had disappeared, not when her friends had betrayed her, not even when Thorn had come after her in Nibelheim. No, this was much worse. She looked at Vincent. His encouraging smile gave her some strength.
Yuffie moved to stand in front of Maena. "I'll take care of ya, buddy," she whispered with a wink.
Maena nodded tightly. "Thanks, Yuff," she said.
The stillness was eerie. There seemed to be no living thing in Cosmo Canyon. The flame flickered and a breeze rustled curtains made of palm leaves, but there were no people and no animals.
"Thorn..." Vincent whispered suddenly.
Maena caught on. "A trap!"
Cid and Shera began backing towards the steps, supporting Vincent between them. "Uh... maybe we should leave..." Cid suggested. "You guys could be right."
Yuffie frowned and began walking backwards. "But... Nanaki... He could be in danger!"
Maena frowned. Who in the world was Nanaki?
"Cid... She's right," Vincent spoke up quietly. As usual, it was his coolness and quietness that caught everyone's attention. "We can't just abandon our friend."
Cid stopped walking. Shera didn't, and she almost stumbled, but finally she righted herself. Cid sighed. "All right. All right. Stop makin' me feel like a %$#$ fool. We'll see if we can find Nanaki."
"And the huge materia!" Yuffie exclaimed, as usual concerned for the safety of materia.
Maena brightened with understanding. "Yes! That's right! All that huge materia that Shinra was after—I remember now. Avalanche brought it here!"
They were all quiet for a moment, not sure what to do.
Cid finally spoke. "Well, I guess the only thing for us to do is to get up there to Bugenhagen's old rooms and the huge materia. If Nanaki's anywhere, he would be there. And for sure that's where the huge materia is."
Vincent was quiet, thinking. Something was certainly wrong... about everything. Usually, the canyon was full of people who had come there for peace and refuge and an opportunity to learn more about science and magic. How could they have just vanished?
Maena was studying him. "Vincent?" She peered intently at him, wondering if now he too was feeling the horrible sense of dread that she felt.
Vincent just looked at her quietly.
"Well, I say, if we're gonna go, we go!" Yuffie exclaimed, stepping forward. "The materia needs... I mean Nanaki needs our help!" She cleared her throat, trying to cover her slip.
Cid and Shera followed her, dragging Vincent along.
Maena hesitated. What were they doing? Did they not feel the evil in the air? Perhaps not. Perhaps she was just a coward, and the only one experiencing such overwhelming fear. So she followed along.
Yuffie reached the steps first and led the way into the caves. Maena was thankful that the young ninja was at least going at a cautious pace. To rush in headlong would be certain death, she was sure.
When they reached the ladder that would lead up to the rooms of the late Bugenhagen, Vincent spoke up. "Wait," he said quietly, his voice a bit hoarse. "We can't just... climb up there. Death may lie in wait above. We must have a plan."
Cid shrugged. "That's easy. I use my spear, Yuffie uses her shuriken, Maena uses her magic, and Shera takes care of you."
Vincent shook his head. "It's not so easy as that..." He trailed off, not sure how to persuade Cid Highwind.
Maena spoke up. "Cid, I believe Vincent is trying to say that we can't just rush in and attack. I feel the same. Something is wrong here. It could be a trap, possibly laid by Thorn. We must use extreme caution." She shivered as a chill ran up her spine. "I think the magic inside me is responding to something ahead of us—something evil. And it's making me afraid..." She bit her lip.
"She's got a point, Cap," Yuffie said. "It would be TOTALLY stupid to rush into this."
Cid finally nodded, frowning. "All right. Fine. We sneak up there."
Yuffie wrinkled her nose. "Vincent's the best sneaker. And he's hurt."
"No matter. I shall go." Vincent stepped gingerly away from Cid and Shera.
"Vincent..." Shera began.
"No, I have to. I'm the slinker, remember?" He gave a cynical smile. "I will go up the ladder and into Bugenhagen's quarters; there I will search out any signs of danger. Then, I will return and give my report." His eyes were drawn to Maena, who was looking at him with her eyes wider than he had ever seen them. She stood stiffly, her arms rigid at her sides. He smiled slowly at her, feeling a rush of gratitude towards her. She had explained his very thoughts to Cid. How had she done that? But... this was no time for such thoughts. There was a mission at hand.
Vincent grabbed onto the ladder and quietly went up it.
Maena watched him go, trying to memorize his graceful, feline movements, his thin build, his long, black hair. She was so afraid for him.
At the top of the ladder, Vincent slid immediately and silently into the shadow of the canyon walls, wishing it was night, wishing that he was at full strength. He slinked slowly and cautiously towards the door that led to the rooms that were now Nanaki's. So far, he had seen nothing that would pose a threat to him or his companions. So far. He continued forward, soon slipping up against the door. He put his ear to it and concentrated all of his energy into listening. It was almost too much for him and he sagged weakly against the door. He winced, waiting for the door to creak under his weight. It didn't. He sighed and relaxed, listening.
There were voices. Lots of them.
"What are you going to do? Are you mad?"
There was a sudden demonic laugh. Thorn. The evil man spoke. "I am keeping all of you here as a trap. Those soft-hearted friends of yours will of course come to save you. And when they do..." There was a loud banging noise. "I'll be waiting." Then came the demonic laugh again.
"You underestimate them."
Vincent's ears perked at this voice. Nanaki!
"You fool," came Thorn's voice. "You OVERestimate them. You honestly think that they will give all they've got to save some... beast... like you?"
"Yes." Nanaki's voice was calm and full of confidence. "They will come to save me." His chuckle floated through the door to Vincent's ear. "Except for Yuffie. She will come to save the materia."
Vincent smiled slowly. Nanaki was perceptive, as ever. Sudden loud footsteps made his smiled disappear. The footsteps were getting louder. Someone was coming for the door.
Vincent slid away from the door and into the shadows, muffling a gasp of pain. This quick movement was not helping his wounds to heal. He leaned up against the wall, straining to hear what was going on.
"Mercy! Mercy! Let us out!" came a frightened voice.
"Let you out!?" roared Thorn, his voice laced with cruel amusement. "Why, I'd sooner KILL you!" He laughed again.
And the door handle turned. Vincent sucked in his breath and slid as closely as possible against the wall.
Thorn stepped onto the platform, accompanied by four guards. The five materia hunters stood there for a moment, then one turned and locked the door. Another held up a huge sack that was overstuffed with something... Vincent couldn't see what.
Thorn laughed and drew a metal flask from his pocket. He took a swig of it, then just stood there, staring at the clouds.
"So... what now, Thorn?" the man who had locked the door asked. He was a tiny, red-haired man whom Vincent immediately recognized. It was Reno of the Turks!
And the man with the sack... It was Rude! The big, bald man with big, black sunglasses was unmistakable!
And there was Elena, her short yellow hair shining in the sun!
How odd...
But... who was the fourth man? His cloaked form was turned from Vincent.
Thorn turned to Reno. "We wait, kid."
Vincent saw Reno stiffen. Kid. He smiled. Haha. It was good to see Reno humiliated. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
"But sir, should we not--?" Elena began.
"We wait!" Thorn shouted.
Rude just grunted. As usual, he was no talker.
Vincent suddenly panicked. They were blocking his way to the ladder! He couldn't go down to warn the others! He cursed inwardly.
Elena was pacing—and pacing dreadfully near the place where Vincent was hiding. "Boss," she said to Thorn, still pacing, "why don't we wait for them a little lower down. If they even suspect something... wouldn't they expect us to be waiting up here?" She stopped pacing.
Reno nodded, catching on. He put his hands on his hips. "Yes, Thorn. They'd just run crazily up here to save their friends until they got to this point, then they'd get cautious. So... if we waited at a lower level, then we'd certainly surprise them."
How right you are, Vincent thought bitterly.
Rude grunted his agreement to the plan of Reno and Elena.
The fourth guard just stood there, silent. He had his face turned from Vincent.
Thorn pocketed his flask of liquor and rubbed his big jaw. "Hmmm..." He turned to the fourth man. "Do you agree with them?"
The man just shrugged.
Odd, Vincent thought. He treats the Turks like his personal slaves, but this man he politely consults.
"We wait lower down," Thorn said finally.
Vincent felt his throat constrict. Maena! Cid! Yuffie! Shera!
Elena eagerly led the way to the ladder. Her foot touched the top rung...
Vincent could take it no more. He could not let his friends be slaughtered without warning. He leaped from the shadows with a cry, half from pain, half from rage, his mighty rifle brandished.
Thorn, Reno, Rude, and Elena gasped in surprise and drew their weapons.
The fourth person, masked and hooded, just stood there with crossed arms.
Thorn raised his pistol. He and Vincent stood directly across from each other, each aiming his weapon at the other.
The fourth man stepped forward and held out a hand to Thorn, who immediately lowered his weapon. The masked man stood to face Vincent. "Why hello, Vincent Valentine. Don't you remember me?" The sarcastic voice was chillingly familiar and it filled Vincent's heart with the fear he knew Maena must have been feeling.
"You—you're..." Vincent was caught off-guard.
The man suddenly clasped his hands together and raised them in front of him, his palms facing Vincent. Fire and lightning shot out at Vincent!
The magic barrier Maena had created blocked most of it, but enough came through to drop the already weakened Vincent to his knees.
Vincent knelt there for a moment, swaying, his eyes red with hatred for the man before him. He tried to lift his weapon, but it was too much for him. The rifle clattered from his hands to the ground. He swiftly summoned up some magic of his own and tossed a fireball at his enemy.
Thorn and the Turks just stood there, in shock.
It was enough. Enough to give Vincent strength.
Vincent's foe staggered back, giving Vincent time to pick up his rifle and climb shakily to his feet. He aimed his rifle at the man before him. "I am finished with you and your evil. The whole world is."
His opponent just laughed wickedly, all the wounds he had received from the ball of fire healing.
Suddenly, Maena and Yuffie burst up from behind Elena, knocking the female Turk to the ground. The two girls immediately began attacking the Turks!
It had begun.
Cid and Shera joined in, Cid with his spear, Shera with her small pistol.
The sound of gunshots crackled in the air. Fire flashed. Ice spun on the wind. Lightning flashed. Weapons clashed. It was a battle of strength and a battle of magic.
Maena fought her way to Vincent's side, brandishing her silver staff. She grabbed hold of Vincent's arm. He had just stood there the whole time, staring at his foe, who had also just stood there.
"Vincent... what's going on?" Maena asked. She delivered a sharp crack to Reno's backside, sending the Turk sprawling.
Vincent continued to stare at the man across from him. "Maena..." he said quietly. "Get in that door and get everyone out. Have Yuffie get the huge materia. Then run."
"What?" Maena was confused. Lightning suddenly shot from her hands, striking Elena, who staggered back—right under Yuffie's feet.
Vincent turned to her and grabbed her roughly by the collar of her long, white coat. "Just go!" he shouted.
Suddenly, Maena was torn from his grasp. Suddenly, she was in the arms of another—the masked man.
The masked man, ignoring the fight behind him, held Maena closely to him, stroking her hair with his long, slender hand, the other hand around her waist, pressing her against his muscular chest. "What are you going to do now, Vincent Valentine?" he taunted.
The fear... It was coming from this man, Maena now knew. She was trembling in his grip. She was too afraid to move or to speak. Her staff suddenly fell from her limp hands, crashing loudly at the feet of this terrifying man.
"Vincent? What are you going to do? You see... I hold here in my arms something you value more than anything else in the world. I know you do; don't deny it. I saw how you looked at her. So... what are you going to do? Will you fight me for her? I could kill her before you got here. Will you negotiate? What if I want her for myself?" The man suddenly spun Maena around in his arms to where her back was against him and she was facing Vincent.
The look in her eyes filled Vincent with fear and rage. "Let her go!" he shouted. He could feel the beast within him rising up. His eyes burned red. He was beginning to change. He smiled suddenly, seeing that this was something his enemy feared.
"Oh no you don't!" the masked man cried. He gripped Maena tighter with one arm, so tight she could barely breathe, and raised the other arm.
Behind him, Yuffie, Cid, and Shera were triumphing over the Turks and Thorn. But this man didn't care.
From the masked man's raised hand shot a bolt of darkness, a stream of shadows. The bolt struck Vincent hard, its darkness going into him, tearing at him. Vincent fell, the shadows still surrounding him, trying to smother him, seeping into his wound. They were killing him. At first he fought back, crying out with rage and pain, then, abruptly, he fainted. The bolt of darkness was too much for him.
And it was too much for Maena. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" she screamed. And it came to her. The power, the magic. It was at her fingertips. She launched lightning and fire and ice and water at the man holding her so tightly. He fell back, releasing her, screeching in rage. She turned to face him, suddenly unafraid. She saw him glance at Vincent, who was lying on the ground, the shadows still all over him.
"Let him go." Her voice was slow, deliberate... powerful.
The masked man hesitated, his eyes full of anger—and admiration—inside the eye-holes of his mask.
"Do it!" Maena shouted. "Twice he has been willing to give his life for me—and twice I will do all that is within my power to save him. LET HIM GO!!!!"
Suddenly, everything stopped. There was a sudden darkness, as if the sun were flickering out, then... it was light.
The masked man and Thorn were gone. The Turks were now the prisoners of Yuffie, Cid, and Shera.
Maena immediately turned to Vincent. The shadows had left him, but he was not moving. She ran to him and lifted him gently into her arms. Her heart suddenly lifted. She could hear him breathing. He was alive!
Yuffie was running to the door. "I'll get you out!" she yelled to the people inside. She began madly beating and kicking the door. Finally, she chopped at it with her weapon.
Maena was oblivious to this. All she knew was that Vincent was alive and they were at Cosmo Canyon. Now... he could be healed.
Chapter Five
Vincent watched Maena worriedly. He knew that she was frightened. It was now that she needed him the most and it was now that he was at his weakest. He tensed up against the waves of pain that washed over his body. His side burned where the bullet was. That couldn't be good... But no, he wouldn't worry about himself. It was Maena who needed concern. And now she had his. How could he have been so stupid as to wish death? If he died, he would leave her. No, he determined NOT to die. He had to stay and protect this beautiful, graceful creature who was at the same time fragile and strong.
"Hello?" Cid called. His rough voice echoed back at him, bouncing off of the canyon walls.
"Captain..." Shera gave her husband a worried look.
Yuffie's hands tightened on her shuriken. "Get ready, you guys. This could be bad."
Maena felt like she was smothering. It was awful. Never in her life had she been so afraid, not when her parents had disappeared, not when her friends had betrayed her, not even when Thorn had come after her in Nibelheim. No, this was much worse. She looked at Vincent. His encouraging smile gave her some strength.
Yuffie moved to stand in front of Maena. "I'll take care of ya, buddy," she whispered with a wink.
Maena nodded tightly. "Thanks, Yuff," she said.
The stillness was eerie. There seemed to be no living thing in Cosmo Canyon. The flame flickered and a breeze rustled curtains made of palm leaves, but there were no people and no animals.
"Thorn..." Vincent whispered suddenly.
Maena caught on. "A trap!"
Cid and Shera began backing towards the steps, supporting Vincent between them. "Uh... maybe we should leave..." Cid suggested. "You guys could be right."
Yuffie frowned and began walking backwards. "But... Nanaki... He could be in danger!"
Maena frowned. Who in the world was Nanaki?
"Cid... She's right," Vincent spoke up quietly. As usual, it was his coolness and quietness that caught everyone's attention. "We can't just abandon our friend."
Cid stopped walking. Shera didn't, and she almost stumbled, but finally she righted herself. Cid sighed. "All right. All right. Stop makin' me feel like a %$#$ fool. We'll see if we can find Nanaki."
"And the huge materia!" Yuffie exclaimed, as usual concerned for the safety of materia.
Maena brightened with understanding. "Yes! That's right! All that huge materia that Shinra was after—I remember now. Avalanche brought it here!"
They were all quiet for a moment, not sure what to do.
Cid finally spoke. "Well, I guess the only thing for us to do is to get up there to Bugenhagen's old rooms and the huge materia. If Nanaki's anywhere, he would be there. And for sure that's where the huge materia is."
Vincent was quiet, thinking. Something was certainly wrong... about everything. Usually, the canyon was full of people who had come there for peace and refuge and an opportunity to learn more about science and magic. How could they have just vanished?
Maena was studying him. "Vincent?" She peered intently at him, wondering if now he too was feeling the horrible sense of dread that she felt.
Vincent just looked at her quietly.
"Well, I say, if we're gonna go, we go!" Yuffie exclaimed, stepping forward. "The materia needs... I mean Nanaki needs our help!" She cleared her throat, trying to cover her slip.
Cid and Shera followed her, dragging Vincent along.
Maena hesitated. What were they doing? Did they not feel the evil in the air? Perhaps not. Perhaps she was just a coward, and the only one experiencing such overwhelming fear. So she followed along.
Yuffie reached the steps first and led the way into the caves. Maena was thankful that the young ninja was at least going at a cautious pace. To rush in headlong would be certain death, she was sure.
When they reached the ladder that would lead up to the rooms of the late Bugenhagen, Vincent spoke up. "Wait," he said quietly, his voice a bit hoarse. "We can't just... climb up there. Death may lie in wait above. We must have a plan."
Cid shrugged. "That's easy. I use my spear, Yuffie uses her shuriken, Maena uses her magic, and Shera takes care of you."
Vincent shook his head. "It's not so easy as that..." He trailed off, not sure how to persuade Cid Highwind.
Maena spoke up. "Cid, I believe Vincent is trying to say that we can't just rush in and attack. I feel the same. Something is wrong here. It could be a trap, possibly laid by Thorn. We must use extreme caution." She shivered as a chill ran up her spine. "I think the magic inside me is responding to something ahead of us—something evil. And it's making me afraid..." She bit her lip.
"She's got a point, Cap," Yuffie said. "It would be TOTALLY stupid to rush into this."
Cid finally nodded, frowning. "All right. Fine. We sneak up there."
Yuffie wrinkled her nose. "Vincent's the best sneaker. And he's hurt."
"No matter. I shall go." Vincent stepped gingerly away from Cid and Shera.
"Vincent..." Shera began.
"No, I have to. I'm the slinker, remember?" He gave a cynical smile. "I will go up the ladder and into Bugenhagen's quarters; there I will search out any signs of danger. Then, I will return and give my report." His eyes were drawn to Maena, who was looking at him with her eyes wider than he had ever seen them. She stood stiffly, her arms rigid at her sides. He smiled slowly at her, feeling a rush of gratitude towards her. She had explained his very thoughts to Cid. How had she done that? But... this was no time for such thoughts. There was a mission at hand.
Vincent grabbed onto the ladder and quietly went up it.
Maena watched him go, trying to memorize his graceful, feline movements, his thin build, his long, black hair. She was so afraid for him.
At the top of the ladder, Vincent slid immediately and silently into the shadow of the canyon walls, wishing it was night, wishing that he was at full strength. He slinked slowly and cautiously towards the door that led to the rooms that were now Nanaki's. So far, he had seen nothing that would pose a threat to him or his companions. So far. He continued forward, soon slipping up against the door. He put his ear to it and concentrated all of his energy into listening. It was almost too much for him and he sagged weakly against the door. He winced, waiting for the door to creak under his weight. It didn't. He sighed and relaxed, listening.
There were voices. Lots of them.
"What are you going to do? Are you mad?"
There was a sudden demonic laugh. Thorn. The evil man spoke. "I am keeping all of you here as a trap. Those soft-hearted friends of yours will of course come to save you. And when they do..." There was a loud banging noise. "I'll be waiting." Then came the demonic laugh again.
"You underestimate them."
Vincent's ears perked at this voice. Nanaki!
"You fool," came Thorn's voice. "You OVERestimate them. You honestly think that they will give all they've got to save some... beast... like you?"
"Yes." Nanaki's voice was calm and full of confidence. "They will come to save me." His chuckle floated through the door to Vincent's ear. "Except for Yuffie. She will come to save the materia."
Vincent smiled slowly. Nanaki was perceptive, as ever. Sudden loud footsteps made his smiled disappear. The footsteps were getting louder. Someone was coming for the door.
Vincent slid away from the door and into the shadows, muffling a gasp of pain. This quick movement was not helping his wounds to heal. He leaned up against the wall, straining to hear what was going on.
"Mercy! Mercy! Let us out!" came a frightened voice.
"Let you out!?" roared Thorn, his voice laced with cruel amusement. "Why, I'd sooner KILL you!" He laughed again.
And the door handle turned. Vincent sucked in his breath and slid as closely as possible against the wall.
Thorn stepped onto the platform, accompanied by four guards. The five materia hunters stood there for a moment, then one turned and locked the door. Another held up a huge sack that was overstuffed with something... Vincent couldn't see what.
Thorn laughed and drew a metal flask from his pocket. He took a swig of it, then just stood there, staring at the clouds.
"So... what now, Thorn?" the man who had locked the door asked. He was a tiny, red-haired man whom Vincent immediately recognized. It was Reno of the Turks!
And the man with the sack... It was Rude! The big, bald man with big, black sunglasses was unmistakable!
And there was Elena, her short yellow hair shining in the sun!
How odd...
But... who was the fourth man? His cloaked form was turned from Vincent.
Thorn turned to Reno. "We wait, kid."
Vincent saw Reno stiffen. Kid. He smiled. Haha. It was good to see Reno humiliated. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
"But sir, should we not--?" Elena began.
"We wait!" Thorn shouted.
Rude just grunted. As usual, he was no talker.
Vincent suddenly panicked. They were blocking his way to the ladder! He couldn't go down to warn the others! He cursed inwardly.
Elena was pacing—and pacing dreadfully near the place where Vincent was hiding. "Boss," she said to Thorn, still pacing, "why don't we wait for them a little lower down. If they even suspect something... wouldn't they expect us to be waiting up here?" She stopped pacing.
Reno nodded, catching on. He put his hands on his hips. "Yes, Thorn. They'd just run crazily up here to save their friends until they got to this point, then they'd get cautious. So... if we waited at a lower level, then we'd certainly surprise them."
How right you are, Vincent thought bitterly.
Rude grunted his agreement to the plan of Reno and Elena.
The fourth guard just stood there, silent. He had his face turned from Vincent.
Thorn pocketed his flask of liquor and rubbed his big jaw. "Hmmm..." He turned to the fourth man. "Do you agree with them?"
The man just shrugged.
Odd, Vincent thought. He treats the Turks like his personal slaves, but this man he politely consults.
"We wait lower down," Thorn said finally.
Vincent felt his throat constrict. Maena! Cid! Yuffie! Shera!
Elena eagerly led the way to the ladder. Her foot touched the top rung...
Vincent could take it no more. He could not let his friends be slaughtered without warning. He leaped from the shadows with a cry, half from pain, half from rage, his mighty rifle brandished.
Thorn, Reno, Rude, and Elena gasped in surprise and drew their weapons.
The fourth person, masked and hooded, just stood there with crossed arms.
Thorn raised his pistol. He and Vincent stood directly across from each other, each aiming his weapon at the other.
The fourth man stepped forward and held out a hand to Thorn, who immediately lowered his weapon. The masked man stood to face Vincent. "Why hello, Vincent Valentine. Don't you remember me?" The sarcastic voice was chillingly familiar and it filled Vincent's heart with the fear he knew Maena must have been feeling.
"You—you're..." Vincent was caught off-guard.
The man suddenly clasped his hands together and raised them in front of him, his palms facing Vincent. Fire and lightning shot out at Vincent!
The magic barrier Maena had created blocked most of it, but enough came through to drop the already weakened Vincent to his knees.
Vincent knelt there for a moment, swaying, his eyes red with hatred for the man before him. He tried to lift his weapon, but it was too much for him. The rifle clattered from his hands to the ground. He swiftly summoned up some magic of his own and tossed a fireball at his enemy.
Thorn and the Turks just stood there, in shock.
It was enough. Enough to give Vincent strength.
Vincent's foe staggered back, giving Vincent time to pick up his rifle and climb shakily to his feet. He aimed his rifle at the man before him. "I am finished with you and your evil. The whole world is."
His opponent just laughed wickedly, all the wounds he had received from the ball of fire healing.
Suddenly, Maena and Yuffie burst up from behind Elena, knocking the female Turk to the ground. The two girls immediately began attacking the Turks!
It had begun.
Cid and Shera joined in, Cid with his spear, Shera with her small pistol.
The sound of gunshots crackled in the air. Fire flashed. Ice spun on the wind. Lightning flashed. Weapons clashed. It was a battle of strength and a battle of magic.
Maena fought her way to Vincent's side, brandishing her silver staff. She grabbed hold of Vincent's arm. He had just stood there the whole time, staring at his foe, who had also just stood there.
"Vincent... what's going on?" Maena asked. She delivered a sharp crack to Reno's backside, sending the Turk sprawling.
Vincent continued to stare at the man across from him. "Maena..." he said quietly. "Get in that door and get everyone out. Have Yuffie get the huge materia. Then run."
"What?" Maena was confused. Lightning suddenly shot from her hands, striking Elena, who staggered back—right under Yuffie's feet.
Vincent turned to her and grabbed her roughly by the collar of her long, white coat. "Just go!" he shouted.
Suddenly, Maena was torn from his grasp. Suddenly, she was in the arms of another—the masked man.
The masked man, ignoring the fight behind him, held Maena closely to him, stroking her hair with his long, slender hand, the other hand around her waist, pressing her against his muscular chest. "What are you going to do now, Vincent Valentine?" he taunted.
The fear... It was coming from this man, Maena now knew. She was trembling in his grip. She was too afraid to move or to speak. Her staff suddenly fell from her limp hands, crashing loudly at the feet of this terrifying man.
"Vincent? What are you going to do? You see... I hold here in my arms something you value more than anything else in the world. I know you do; don't deny it. I saw how you looked at her. So... what are you going to do? Will you fight me for her? I could kill her before you got here. Will you negotiate? What if I want her for myself?" The man suddenly spun Maena around in his arms to where her back was against him and she was facing Vincent.
The look in her eyes filled Vincent with fear and rage. "Let her go!" he shouted. He could feel the beast within him rising up. His eyes burned red. He was beginning to change. He smiled suddenly, seeing that this was something his enemy feared.
"Oh no you don't!" the masked man cried. He gripped Maena tighter with one arm, so tight she could barely breathe, and raised the other arm.
Behind him, Yuffie, Cid, and Shera were triumphing over the Turks and Thorn. But this man didn't care.
From the masked man's raised hand shot a bolt of darkness, a stream of shadows. The bolt struck Vincent hard, its darkness going into him, tearing at him. Vincent fell, the shadows still surrounding him, trying to smother him, seeping into his wound. They were killing him. At first he fought back, crying out with rage and pain, then, abruptly, he fainted. The bolt of darkness was too much for him.
And it was too much for Maena. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" she screamed. And it came to her. The power, the magic. It was at her fingertips. She launched lightning and fire and ice and water at the man holding her so tightly. He fell back, releasing her, screeching in rage. She turned to face him, suddenly unafraid. She saw him glance at Vincent, who was lying on the ground, the shadows still all over him.
"Let him go." Her voice was slow, deliberate... powerful.
The masked man hesitated, his eyes full of anger—and admiration—inside the eye-holes of his mask.
"Do it!" Maena shouted. "Twice he has been willing to give his life for me—and twice I will do all that is within my power to save him. LET HIM GO!!!!"
Suddenly, everything stopped. There was a sudden darkness, as if the sun were flickering out, then... it was light.
The masked man and Thorn were gone. The Turks were now the prisoners of Yuffie, Cid, and Shera.
Maena immediately turned to Vincent. The shadows had left him, but he was not moving. She ran to him and lifted him gently into her arms. Her heart suddenly lifted. She could hear him breathing. He was alive!
Yuffie was running to the door. "I'll get you out!" she yelled to the people inside. She began madly beating and kicking the door. Finally, she chopped at it with her weapon.
Maena was oblivious to this. All she knew was that Vincent was alive and they were at Cosmo Canyon. Now... he could be healed.