A/N: I hope ya'll enjoy this chapter, everyone meets. Woot! Includin' the oh-so-sexy Cloud Strife! Yeah! I'm so into this write now. Well this n' the whole horror theme. I've been so busy n' stuff this is just somethin' I can do for fun…Well, review please!
'Okay, is this the right place?' The young woman thought as she stared at the iron gates that guarded the entrance to the mansion. It was a rather spooky place; dark, twisted trees loomed over-head. The wind blew through the dead wood, it almost sounded like a killer, whispering the names of his next victim.
She wasn't sure if she had gotten the directions right, it didn't look like a place a sleep study would be held. In fact, it looked like it would cause less sleep for the people. She glanced at the directions lying on the dash board and checked the address.
Yuffie climbed out of her car and went over to the gate. She frowned when she looked at it; it was locked. 'Great, now what am I supposed to do?' She studied the lock for a moment before looking around for some kind of pick. She scratched her head in confusion, 'Maybe I got the dates wrong…' But as she was thinking that there was a noisy creak and the gates slowly swung open. Yuffie jumped back, surprised, and stared blankly at the gates.
Though she was a bit startled she didn't hesitate to return to her car and drive down the dirt road, Yuffie didn't need the gate to mysteriously close on her just as it had mysteriously opened. When she arrived the mansion, the first thing she felt like doing was throwing her car in reverse and driving back home. The building was even spookier up close. It was a dull grey color, very bleak. Dark storm clouds hung over the house and the paint was chipping.
"Looks like it came right out of an old horror movie." She mused. She scanned the area for any signs that someone might be outside to help her but found nothing. "Weird…one would think that they would come out to meet you…" Yuffie said as she grabbed her belongings from the car and carried them to the front door. She climbed up the steps and stood in front of the towering double-doors. She cautiously knocked on the door; just in case it swung open to its own accord. Just like the gate had done. It did, and Yuffie jumped back and gasped, frightened. But soon relaxed when she saw a person standing in the doorway.
The woman smiled, "You must be Yuffie Kisaragi." Yuffie nodded, "You're the last one to arrive." The woman's tone wasn't accusing, just stating. "My name is Lucrecia. My husband and I are running the studies." She explained.
"Oh, it's a spooky place to hold a sleep study." Yuffie said, laughing a bit. Lucrecia looked over at the younger woman and frowned.
"It is a remote place where you will not be bothered by stress. The creepiness, as you say, of this location has nothing to do with lack of sleep. You daily life is your issue. Correct?" She said. Yuffie shifted uneasily, she hadn't meant it to be offensive. She opened her mouth to speak but the older woman interrupted her, "We're here."
The two walked into a brilliantly decorated room, bright rich red walls, perfectly furnished.
Very welcoming despite the odd paintings and even odder statues that were placed around the area. There was a large, polished dining table in the center of the room, set with silverware and plates.Sitting at the table there were five people."There are more people?" Yuffie questioned quietly.
"Of course," Lucrecia replied, "We couldn't hold a study with just one person now could we? There would be no point in that. We needed many people with problems. To test what methods work and what methods don't."
Yuffie stared uneasily at the people seated at the table, one who was in a white coat stood up, "Ah, Miss Kisaragi, so nice of you to join us. I was beginning to wonder when you would come." He said, his tone of voice was welcoming, but them gleam in his dark eyes was far from the same comfort. "Have a seat next to Miss Lockheart." He said while gesturing to a woman with long dark hair and wine colored eyes. Yuffie obliged and took her seat next to 'Miss Lockheart' as the man had addressed her.
When everyone was seated at the table, then man spoke again, "Well now, since everyone is here I would like to welcome everyone for coming. My name is Dr. Hojo and this is my wife, Lucrecia." He said gesturing to the woman Yuffie had been walking with earlier, "Now since you know who we are, how about we introduce ourselves before we eat." He said, his face was smiling but the tone of his voice was oddly chilling. Yuffie shifted uneasily, though his smile was welcoming there was something off-putting about Dr. Hojo. Yuffie couldn't quite pin point what it was, but the look in his dark eyes was distrusting. He mentioned around the table, just like a gracious host; Yuffie felt guilty for disliking him.
Dr. Hojo stood up and began walking around the table, his hand rested on the shoulder of a red-headed man, who jumped a bit at the contact. Green eyes flooded with surprise and he glanced up.
Yuffie felt that she was granted with luck, all the guys at the table were pretty good looking. Though the red head seemed jumpy and the darker one seemed extremely nervous. She liked the blond better anyway.
Dr. Hojo removed his hand from the red head's shoulder and gave a broad smile, "Cloud would you like to start us off? Tell us about yourself, your sleeping problems."
'Cloud? Interesting name…' Yuffie took a moment to look at his face, he had incredible blue eyes. That was the first thing she noticed, they seemed even bluer because of his pale skin and purple bags that resided under his eyes.
The blond man's head snapped up and he raised his shoulders a bit, as if he was being scolded, "Well, uh, my name is Cloud Strife. I own a gym in Junon, and I have won a few national championships. But I quit sparring to become a boxing instructor. As for my sleeping problem," He said, pausing a moment and looking nervously down at his empty plate. "I'm schizophrenic. I mean, I hear voices, a lot; in fact every moment of the day, they can be pretty disturbing at times. They're really loud and I listen to music to help drown them out. I know they aren't real, but…that doesn't make them go away. Not really. I've had that problem all my life I suppose, that's uh, about it." He said.
Hojo smiled, making Yuffie even more uneasy, "And what about your childhood?"
Cloud's blue eyes narrowed at Hojo, and for someone who had just made a schizophrenic angry with him, seemed rather unfazed, "If you are referring to my impressive hospital records, my father was abusive. I was in the ER at least once a month before my mother left when I was nine." He snapped.
Looking pleased, Hojo stared at Cloud, "Very good. You might want to keep that temper of yours in check Mr. Strife. Otherwise, we'll have a long week ahead of us if you're constantly angry with me."
Cloud gave a humorless snort. It looked like he wasn't one for jokes.
Hojo's gaze moved from Cloud and snapped towards the red head, "How about we hear from you now Dr. Capellarossi? Care to share with us?" He questioned, smiling that sick smile again.
The redheaded man smirked, "Dr. Hojo. It would've been nice to know that you were running this study."
Dr. Hojo raised his eyebrows, but still kept that strange smile on, making him look rather…insane, "Dr. Capellarossi, one would think a young doctor such as yourself would want to work around his issue, regardless of the study."
Dr. Hojo seemed to dislike Dr. Capellarossi very much. Yuffie didn't feel so bad for thinking badly about him anymore, she wasn't the only one.
Hard green eyes looked up at Dr. Hojo, "Peter-" He began, automatically offending the scientist, "I've already explained what I don't like about you. Your call to science and your total disregard for the Hippocratic Oath." His words sounded like ones a doctor would say, but his accent wasn't. Yuffie had heard it in bars before.
"Reno," Hojo said, while laughing as if he had been told a joke, "If by doing some harm to some so one can learn more, then what is the issue?"
"Do. No. Harm." Reno explained, Reno- that name fit him better than Dr. Capellarossi, or so Yuffie thought anyway. "Now, are you going to leave personal matters at the door and do your study? Or should I make some phone calls and see how legit we are?"
Hojo's smiled slowly began to fade, Yuffie was beginning to question whether his emotions were sane, but so far, it had proved unlikely, "Since Reno isn't being so open about his issue as I'd like in a study. I will elaborate on his condition. See, Reno's problem is different, unlike the rest of you, it was all his doing. He was unable to handle stress and looked towards drinking to help him. Being the medical mind he is, Reno realized he had a problem, and is now standing before you due to some nasty withdrawal fits." Hojo said, his eyes were directed on all of them, but his facial expression consisted of the twisted smile and a superior look.
After that display, Yuffie didn't blame the man for standing up, he was a bit taller than Hojo and in much better shape, but as with Cloud, Hojo remained unfazed, "Ya know what?" He snapped, his already thick street accent becoming even thicker, "I don't have to put up with this. Have a great study, psychopath." And with that he shoved a cigarette in his mouth and headed towards the door.
Halfway out though, Hojo spoke again, "I hear your up for another review next month. It'd be such a shame to see a young brilliant mind such as yours go on the blacklist because you can't control yourself."
Reno stiffened and slowly turned to face him, an icy glare on his face, but he said nothing as he stead himself next to Miss Lockheart, ".""Since we both know I'm desperate, let's leave it at that." He said as he pulled a potted plant over to him with his foot and flicked an ash into it. With an ironic smirk, he muttered "Hello, I'm Reno and I'm an alcoholic."
Yuffie swallowed and glanced around uncomfortably, she wasn't sure if she liked Reno. He had an arrogant air to him, but then again; he was from the Slums and he was a doctor. She supposed he had a right to be.
Yuffie became so wrapped up in her thoughts that when Dr. Hojo said her name she ended up jumping a bit.
"Miss Kisaragi, mind speaking with us now?" Hojo asked while raising his eyebrows. Yuffie blushed a bit and nodded, 'So I was the last one to arrive, AND I wasn't paying attention. Great. What a way to make an impression.'
"Uh, my name is Yuffie Kisaragi. I'm an engineer and I work for an auto-repair shop." She paused a bit and took a deep breath, "My sleeping issue has to do with my father's death. When he was sick he had to come and stay at my house so I could take care of him; and when he needed something, regardless of what hour it was, he would knock on the wall until I got up. It was like that for a few years, but just five months ago he passed away." She said, and then paused.
"So, it's like a depression thing?" Miss Lockheart questioned.
Yuffie shook her head, "No…it's more of a…hallucination I guess…" She said hesitantly.
"Hallucination? How?" Hojo questioned, his dark eyes stared straight into hers and she gulped and tried to tear her stormy eyes away from Hojo's strange ones.
"Well, I don't know if it's a hallucination really. I like…hear him knock still. I can still hear him call my name, asking for water or something like that." She explained softly.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Cloud's incredible blue eyes widen. She didn't know why though.
"That's...different." Lucrecia spoke quietly, but no one could mistake the interest that was in her voice. Hojo cast a warning glance at his partner, but turned back to study the woman.
Yuffie drew in a breath and Hojo decided to leave it at that. Though that won't stop him from finding out more later. His eyes darted to the woman sitting next to Yuffie, "Miss Lockheart, please introduce yourself."
Miss Lockheart, who had been biting her lip due to nervousness, flinched when Hojo addressed her. Her wine eyes widened and strayed briefly to Dr. Hojo, but quickly returned to the burning candles on the table. Her expression was rather wary, "M-my name is Tifa Lockheart. I…I work at 7th Heaven Bar as a bar tender." Yuffie noticed Reno's eyes grow a bit larger, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion; he noticed her staring and smirked. So she had been right about the arrogance. With a huff Yuffie returned her focus on the very nervous Tifa Lockheart.
"A-as for m-my sleeping issue; I-I'm afraid, I mean I have a f-fear of, what I mean i-is." She stammered, her eyes still trained on the candle.
"Miss Lockheart, does the candle bother you?" Hojo said his dark eyes glinting with something like amusement. Tifa cast a brief glare at him, but continued to stare at the candle nervously.
"Dr. Capellarossi, please hand me the candle." He said. Reno grinned and Yuffie stared in disbelief. He leaned forward and grabbed the candle in front of Tifa, he turned away and blew it out before handing it to Hojo, "There ya go."
Hojo grinned, "You are going to be very entertaining Reno."
Yuffie bit her lip and chuckled a bit. Sure, Reno was arrogant, but she supposed he wasn't all that bad. In fact, it seemed he would be quite amusing.
Yuffie watched as Hojo dug in his pocket, but her gaze was broken by a smooth, cool voice coming from across the table, Yuffie realized it was coming from the dark man. His dark hair and red eyes accentuated his pale skin, giving him an unnerving look. "I think we've had enough entertainment for one day Doctor. Perhaps we should get some rest?"
Hojo looked as if he were about to object, but a look from Lucrecia told him otherwise, he smiled again, "Fair enough Mr. Valentine. We will see you all in the morning." They all stood up and shook themselves a bit, "Lucrecia will show you to your rooms." His wife gave a small smile.
"Come with me." She said quietly and they followed her up the winding steps.
Yuffie had gone to her room and quickly got changed into her pajamas and hopped into bed. She had been asleep for about an hour when she heard it.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
She instinctively got up out of bed and began walking out the door, "Coming father..." She mumbled. She walked to the room next to hers, grey eyes half open. A chilly air blew through the hallway, making her eyes snap open. She glanced around and realized she had done it again. She sighed and turned to return to her room, but what she saw made her stop. Her father was standing in the hallway, leaning on his cane with a scowl on his face.
She screamed.
She spun quickly and made an attempt to run but the carpet tripped her and she fell, her shoulder slamming into the wall. She shut her eyes tightly and took a few deep, shaky breaths. It was quiet for a moment and then she felt a cold hand on her shoulder.
Opening her eyes she saw her father's dead face next to hers. He reeked like a wet dog and is face was ghastly. She shut her eyes again and kicked out, falling again. But before she collided with the ground, two strong hands grabbed her shoulders.
Her eyes flew open and she looked up to see Cloud, his blue eyes concerned, "Are you alright?"
"You-you heard that?" She muttered while gripping onto his shoulders.
He nodded, and laughed a bit, "I always hear things."
"What the hell is going- oh lord." There was another voice; Yuffie automatically recognized it as Reno's.
They were both staring at her expectantly, seeking an explanation, "My, my father, I-he was." She stuttered.
There was the knocking of his cane again. The three heads snapped to stare down the hallway.
At one point Cloud stood and then realized Yuffie wasn't letting go of him and that his one arm was around her shoulders. "I always thought it would be better if other people heard the things I did…"
"Is it?" Reno questioned.
"Not really." He replied.
Reno seemed to open his mouth to reply, but the sound of doors being opened interrupted them. Tifa and Vincent came out of their rooms, looking spooked.
"Well, we're all here." Reno muttered while lighting a cigarette.
"Is everything alright?" Tifa asked her eyes glazed with worry.
"We heard someone scream." Vincent added.
Yuffie looked up at them and blinked, "Sorry…I-I think…I mean…I-I s-saw my…well I l-like…"
Tifa's expression turned from worried to extremely concerned and empathetic. She hurried over to Yuffie and gently took her away from Cloud.
"Bring her into a room." Reno said. Tifa nodded and they all walked into Cloud's room. Tifa sat Yuffie down on the couch and Tifa sat next to her, placing her arms around Yuffie's shaking body.
"What should we do?" Vincent asked.
"Get the hell outta here." Reno replied and headed for the door. His hand touched the door handle, but Tifa's cry made him jerk back.
Reno jumped back just as the ax mantled on the wall dropped down. Silence filled the room, they only sound that was heard was the light gasp that came from Tifa. Yuffie sat still on the couch, her big eyes wide with shock and fear.
"Fuck." Reno said as he stared at the weapon that was now lying on the ground. Everyone was quiet for a few minutes then Reno slowly turned to face them. All their faces held surprise. Vincent's steady gaze stayed on the axe, straying once to cast the frightened Tifa a glance.
"That could have killed you." Vincent stated.
"That had to be an accident. The statue holding the ax up had to be weak or old." Tifa said, as if trying to reassure everyone else. Cloud nodded and walked over to the statue that had been holding the ax; he placed his hands on it and gave the arm of the statue a hard shove. To his astonishment it was sturdy. He blinked.
"Maybe…w-we should leave." Yuffie said quietly. Cloud reached out and lightly touched her shoulder.
"Yeah." Cloud agreed. Everyone nodded and they carefully headed down the hallway and towards the steps. Tifa who was walking with her arm around the still shaking Yuffie bit her lip. The silence was a bit unnerving.
"So Mr. Valentine," She began, startling Yuffie, "Sorry Yuffie. Um…we don't know anything about you. Would you mind sharing?"
'Mr. Valentine' shook his head, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt." He paused for a moment to fall in-step with Yuffie and Tifa. "My name is Vincent Valentine and I guess you could say I'm a writer." He placed his hand on the railing as they walked down the steps, "But none of my works are published." They stopped at the bottom of the steps and watched as Reno and Cloud walked to the front door, "They were too lurid."
Tifa nodded and watched as Reno tried to open the door.
"Damn thing." He growled as he twisted the knob.
"Need help?" Cloud asked, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Bite me, Blondie." Reno snapped.
Vincent's eyes widened as a row of sharp, steel spikes started sliding down. "Look out!" He yelled. Reno blinked before jumping back just as he had done before. He stumbled a bit, and with shaky legs stood straight.
He drew in a breath, "What. The. Hell." He said slowly.
"Should we go find Hojo?" Tifa suggested.
Reno gave a curt nod and glanced at Cloud, "Come on Blondie, let's go find Hojo." He snarled.
Cloud glared, "I have a name you know."
Reno shrugged and quickly opened the door, "I like Blondie."
A/N: YES! I FINALLY UPDATED! Okay, this isn't that long, but there's another chapter comin' soon, drakon has jus' gotta revise it.
This was updated quickly, so I may 'ave missed some things, but I wanted to get it out for Cendrillo. Since she's gettin' married. . CongratulationsCendri!