Vignettes of Tifa and Vincent

Facing Truth: Part 1

Disclaimer: I do not, nor do I presume, to own FF7, its settings, or its characters. I am certainly not making a profit from this either, although I'm free for hiring if you want, Square-Enix... ... ...haha, yeah right, anyway...

Again, this switches between Tifa and Vincent's perspectives. At each line break it changes. We begin from Tifa's point of view, and I think you can all guess, once you start reading, what part of the game this is based in - only I've thrown in a few of my own little twists.

Gas. It was flooding the chamber as I sat bound to the execution chair while beyond the door the battle raged on. It was much too solid for Barret to break through with force, and the locking mechanism was in a separate room. To put it simply, I was going to die here under the present circumstances.

"Tifa, just hold your breath!" He cried from the other side, his fist banging on the barrier. "Hold on as long as you can!"

"Hurry up! I can't hold it forever." I retorted anxiously. Panic and the realities of my present predicament were slowly setting in.

I could die here.

He quieted for a moment and I could only make out muffled voices on the other side. Then he hollered back to me, "Tifa, I'll help you, I promise!" There was and nervous edge in his voice that didn't sound at all promising.

Holding my breath had become too arduous to risk a response, and my hope was thinning.

Thank the Gods for small favors. All was not lost, despite how futile the situation looked at first glance. I don't know who he was or why or how, but the guard had dropped the keys in front of me deliberately as he had walked by. I'd caught the inconspicuous flicker of his gaze my way and the vague nod of his head. He was giving me my pass to life.

It was hard to sit still with them so close and within my reach, but I had decided to wait for the door to shut before I tried for them. Then gas had started almost immediately afterwards, strewing my thoughts chaotically about in such a way that I had forgotten about the keys for a short time. A new sense of urgency coursed through my veins as my time was now counting down and I had a lot to do before I was out.

I stretched my legs out as far as I could to reach the object of desire. It was an arduous task and oxygen deprivation was sapping my energy twice as fast. Once I had the keys between my boots there was still an even more grueling endeavor waiting for me. I never imagined that I would be forced to rely on my flexibility and strength in such a way.

With my hands clamped down solidly, I could use them to brace my body and carefully lift the keys up with my legs and stomach while I leaned forward. It so happened that I could stretch just enough to nab freedom with my teeth. The worst part seemed over, until I realized that there was more than one key on the ring and that I only desired one. Even more disturbing was the fact that I'd have to undo the first clasp using my mouth, and time was running out.

My head was feeling light and my thoughts fuzzy. I rattled the first key vigorously in the lock, ignoring the bitter taste of iron in my mouth as I fought with it. There was never a sound so gratifying than that soft 'click' as the clasp flipped open and my hand was free.

It's my lucky day!

I managed to resist the desperate urge to inhale a mouthful of gas in the midst of my victory, and quickly thrust the key into the hole on the last wrist cuff. My hand trembled violently as I twisted and wrenched at the lock. It came undone at last and I bolted out of the chair away from the most concentrated area of gas.

Against my better judgement I chanced a quick breath, which served only to nearly paralyze me with such agony that I at first collapsed. I covered my mouth and nose, and staggered dazedly to the machine in the corner. There were two levers and three buttons staring up at me, probably laughing.

Which one turns off the gas? There was a serious design flaw here. Where were the fucking labels! Not one had any kind of marking that indicated an on or off switch. What the hell is wrong with these people?

In the end I settled on the age old 'Green' means go and 'Red' means stop. I punched the red button and the machine groaned. To my relief, the gas flow ceased abruptly and a rumbling noise emitted from above in the ceiling as the chamber was filled with clean oxygen again.

I exhaled sharply and collapsed against the machine, catching my breath. It was several minutes before the gas's effects had fully cleared and I felt strong enough to move without suffering a dizzy spell. I went to the door first, but after one feeble attempt at prying it open, I realized that it was utterly hopeless. The handle was probably on the opposite side, if there was one at all, and it was locked besides.

"What did you do? Hey! Open the door!" Someone shouted from the other side. It was a feminine voice, like the one earlier who had slapped me across the face.

My fingers tightened reflexively at the memory and my jaw clenched. I'd have to pay her back for that some other time though. Right now my escape was more important than revenge over a minor infraction. Right, and the fact that she tried to gas me to death doesn't warrant a major ass kicking? Not right now anyway...

"Get out of there!" She shrieked angrily.

I rolled my eyes. "You're the one who locked me in here." I retorted irritably. Like I'm going to walk out the door and back into a jail cell.

Under the current circumstances, that wasn't all that far off. There was no other way out but through that door as far as I could tell. I'd be a sitting duck in here, waiting for them to come and get me out, unless I found another way.

There has to be a maintenance hatch or something in here. I was walking back towards the inner chamber and examining my surroundings for an alternate route out of here, when the building shuddered. I stopped short, listening intently to the muffled noises coming from outside.

Missile and gunfire. Weapon was firing on Junon harbor.

At that moment the floor jerked out from beneath me as the far wall of the chamber burst into flame and splintering metal. My ears rang painfully from the deafening pitch of the explosion as a plume of heat and force hurled me backwards. I crashed to the floor by the door, and as everything was succumbing an empty darkness, a curious face materialized behind the mask of the guard that had dropped the keys.

They were glowing red...his eyes were glowing red.

"Ok, ok, time for plan B. Let's run to the airport." Cait Sith announced quickly, as Barret trailed on his heels.

Ah yes, the infamous plan B. I watched intently from a distance as the two fought their way through the crowd, providing cover fire when need be, and keeping them within sight at all times. There was more than just a little risk in this for myself, and I secretly hoped that I had not just made the biggest mistake in my entire life. One might think that couldn't be possible, considering the extent of my last most heinous mistake, but I felt distinctly more filthy in this particular case; for once, I think I would honestly take every last bit of blame if something went wrong, and no one would try and stop me.

Barret was immensely displeased at this new development, which evidently reeled me back to reality as he was cursing Cait Sith's name with a vengeance. Not that I blamed him in the least bit. "Why the airport? An' leave Tifa back there?"

"Trust me, trust me. We gotta take a chance." He replied earnestly.

Yes, of course. Trust that Vincent Valentine did his part and that Tifa was exceptionally flexible, otherwise she'll be dead. I could throttle him right then and there, if I weren't trying to remain anonymous, or wasn't so wracked with guilt that I could barely refrain from breaking into tears.

Just then a news reporter - a rather scrawny, youthful looking news reporter - nabbed Barret and Cait as they were passing by. "I know you're in a hurry, but please, if I could have a word..."

The look on Barret's face was enough to bring out a smile even from me. He was on the verge of imploding, "Shu' up. I'm in a hurry!" He snapped and brushed her roughly aside.

The reporter made a strangled, groaning noise as she ran after the uncooperative bear of a man. "Don't make so much noise... It's me, ME! Yuffie!" She insisted urgently in his ear.

Barret halted sharply and squinted down at her suspiciously. "The hell are you doin' here?"

She frowned impatiently. "Rescuing your sorry ass, that's what."

His brow furrowed in confusion. "But, weren't you guys locked up too?"

"The key word here being were." She emphasized and went running off into the crowd. "I'll explain later. Now we gotta get to the airport."

Cait Sith was right behind her. "To the launch pad!" He announced shrilly.

They had yet to notice me hovering amidst them in a deceiving Shin-Ra uniform as I followed closely behind. It would never occur to them that I, of all people, was disguised in anything but my regular attire. It was hard enough convincing myself that I was not actually in some horrendous nightmare, and that this was really happening. Only Cait Sith was aware of my identity, as it had been his idea and his incessant begging that had finally prodded me into play along in this crazy charade, if only to shut him up.

Or perhaps it was for her... My own traitorous thoughts had another opinion on the matter, one which I was refusing to acknowledge still. And yet, I knew that not even the incredible annoyance that was Cait Sith at times could not possibly put me in a Shin-Ra uniform. It would take much more than that, and it had, and it turned out that the robotic feline was not only gifted at espionage, but he was also very talented at persuasion.

Thus I was hiding behind the visor of a helm that smelled of human perspiration and greasy hair, and was wearing a fabric that was obviously not designed with comfort in mind. The deal was that I remain anonymous to the others while I carried out my task, and until I was safely free of the suit or arousing any suspicion, thus no one but Cait Sith would know of my uncharacteristic participation in his dressing up scheme. No one that is, but one other possibly, whom I had ambiguously tipped off to my identity while dropping a pair of keys at her feet before leaving her to what could possibly be death.

Gun shots alerted me back to the present. We were being met with hostility at the docking bay. Not surprising, considering the entire place was up in arms. I ducked swiftly into the shadows, avoiding everything that came my way. From my place behind them, I could just make out Barret's gravely voice barking an inquiry I'd not honestly expected to hear.

"Where's that skinny ass Vince?"

I stopped momentarily, stunned that my comrade in arms had actually noticed my absence, at which point a guard collided into me. My reflexes saved me from an unfortunate fall, though the same could not be said for the other party. I hastened away from the scene, ignoring the irritable ranting of the Soldier on the ground, and pretended not to notice the narrow look Cait Sith directed towards me as I slipped into the shadows once again.

Close, but no cigar.

An argument erupted immediately following, concerning the location of the launch pad and numerous shots taken at the robotic cat, who was sputtering in a feeble attempt to explain himself before Barret dismembered him. A battle ensued as three Shin-Ra lackeys engaged them. Barret snapped something at the Cait Sith before letting fly with a flurry of bullets, some of which narrowly missed me. While I arduously dodged his fliers, I took down a few guards on my own.

Cait Siths technique of rescue and escape left little to be desired, evidently. His little attempt and fooling the enemy wasn't really working, and who knows what was going on up in the gas chamber now as we dallied down below. Would Tifa escape long enough for us to get to her before the enemy did? Would she die slowly, as Scarlet had intended, unable to reach the keys? Did I drop the keys too far away?

All of this was going through my mind as I trailed after the others, maintaining a casual eye on Barret's hulking figure as he shoved his way towards the ship in the lead of the trio. They were almost there, and I would be right behind them. If all had gone according the plan, Cid and Nanaki would already be onboard and ready to sail the high winds. If everything went according to plan.

Got to believe, friend, got to believe.

How can I? I have long since lost faith in people...

Come on now, can't you feel it?

What?

Clearly, you're not paying close attention.

It happened so quickly and unexpectedly that I immediately collapsed onto the ground. I hadn't even reached the ship yet, and the others were already climbing onboard. My skull burst with splitting pain and the intense sensation of adrenaline fear pulsated through my veins. A rapid beat echoed in my ears, terrified yet strong and focused. The sensation was so alien to me that I knew almost instantly that these were not my own feelings, but someone else's.

See? Prompted the demon inside. You can hear it too... Tifa's heart is strong, isn't it? It always beats strong when she's fighting for survival. There's no time to think of him when her life is on the line, that's why.

I groaned, struggling to my feet. I've got to reach the ship. Before it takes off.

Yes, you do. Tifa can handle herself you know...I think.

Meanwhile...

My eyelids fluttered open abruptly and I blinked at my surroundings in confusion. I sat up, rubbing my throbbing forehead as I hazily reflected on what had landed me here and why. It all came rushing back to me as I spied the gaping hole in the wall of the chamber; the attempted execution, Scarlet, the missile attack - everything.

I bolted to my feet, heedless of the sudden eruption of pain through the core of my body, and dashed for the opening in the wall. Right when I had begun to climb, something flickered in the back of my mind, like a sixth sense of being watched by some unknown presence. It was odd and familiar at the same time, but before I could delve deeper into its meaning, the feeling was gone. I was brought back to my senses by the sensation of a dull burning in my side and warm blood trickling down my skin.

The torn and ragged edges of the steel wall had mercilessly scraped me open as I had pulled myself up, and I had sustained several injuries. Where the metal was still hot it burned my hands, and I bit back a scream as I gave one final heave. I collapsed on the outside of the dome shaped chamber, wincing as I stared tiredly up at the looming abomination in the sky.

Meteor...

After a time I kindly reminded myself that if I didn't get off of here soon, the bad guys would drag me back inside and all the pain and suffering I'd just gone through would be for nothing. So I sat up reluctantly and surveyed the area for an escape. The roof tapered off vertically at the base, making scaling the wall a difficult task, but as far as I could see it was also my only option. There was a lip where I could plant my feet if I could get to it without falling, so I began to gingerly scoot my way downwards, gripping the roof with the rubber soles of my boots. I dropped down when I could no longer hold myself in place do to the sharp decline of the wall, and swayed dangerously on the edge.

Someone hailed me from above abruptly, and I glanced up in surprise. Two blue clad Shin-Ra infantry were pursuing me down the wall, only they were taking it too fast. I had just enough time to slide out of the way as the first lost his footing and fell with a gut wrenching scream. After that, the second was none too eager to follow his comrade and commenced clinging in place for dear life.

Meanwhile, I was able to climb down from the edge and drop the remainder of the distance onto the Sister Ray cannon. The landing was not the smoothest I'd ever executed. In fact, I wound up in a crumpled heap with a sore ankle and a bruised bum. I was up and running almost as soon as I hit the ground though, wounds and all.

Gunfire and bullet ricochet resounded loudly through out the entire base of Junon. Less noticeable was the shouting of officers and civilians below as they fled for cover or belted out orders. It was like watching a nest of ants as a disaster struck. Little blue soldiers scrambled in every direction, sometimes tripping over one another, and probably shooting their own men on more than one occasion.

There was no sign of Weapon anywhere however. Had Rufus managed to repel the attack? It seemed almost too good to be true, but Barret had mentioned that the President had plans to meet Weapon head on. Maybe he had succeeded after all.

I was nearing the end of the barrel when a voice rang out behind me, crisp and clear. "This little game of cat and mouse ends here." Scarlet declared.

A shiver ran up my spine as I turned to face her. I held her gaze with mine, unflinching, and waited.

The blonde vixen-wannabe advanced a few cautious steps. "The execution may have been unsuccessful, but your death by falling from here and crashing into the water below still might be pretty exciting." She laughed haughtily.

My fingers twitched at my sides, itching to knock that stupid look of her face. I don't know what her problem was, but she was really starting to get on my nerves.

"Stuck up to the end." She huffed. For someone in stiletto heels, she moved with surprising swiftness. I had underestimated her too, and for that I earned a firm slap across the face.

The blow jarred me back to reality sharply, and I pinned her with a furious glare, "Quit slapping me you old wench!" I retaliated with as much, if not more, speed and caught her off guard. I'm not playing by your cat fight rules, I thought angrily.

I struck her solidly in the nose with a flawless right hook, reveling in the satisfying crunch that followed, and watched with secret delight as the red dressed devil staggered back in shock. Her trembling hands lifted hastily to catch the streams of blood gushing down her mouth as she let out a horrified cry.

She scrambled awkwardly to her feet in a vain attempt to maintain at least some of her wounded pride. "God! I can't stand it anymore!" She shrieked. With one hand clamped over her nose, the other violently signaled for the guards. "Now it's time to pay up. Take her away, and if you don't settle down I really will drop you."

An overwhelming sense of panic grabbed me as I realized that I had no where to run, and the two infantry were advancing quickly on my position. Even if I did manage to take them on by myself, I'd be a sitting duck out here and they could keep sending more until I collapsed in exhaustion.

"Run! Run to the end of the canon!" Somewhere a vaguely familiar voice beckoned.

I spun around in surprise, searching for the source. An enormous air ship with massive, thundering wind propellers rose majestically into view, drowning out the panicked voices behind me. A single rope dangling from the almost invisible deck as it glided towards the canon. Without wasting another second I sprinted down the last part of the barrel, crossing my fingers as I did, and sprang from the edge.

The rope was within reach, but as the speed of descent and gravity came into play, I was slipping rapidly to the end. At the last possible moment I summoned up enough strength to slow to an agonizing stop, my hands raw from the rope burns. It had gone completely through the fabric of my gloves, searing the flesh on my palms to the point where they were soaking the coiled fiber cord with blood.

As the ship slowly accelerated away from Junon harbor, I bit down hard on my lip and tried not to look down at the crushing oceanic waves below. I forced my head up. Seeing Barret hailing to me from above made me smile for the first time and I felt a renewed energy course through my body.

I'm going to make it.

Barret gingerly heaved the rope up, taking care not to jar it too much and accidently break my hold in process. That would definitely put a damper on the afternoon after having gotten this far. Thankfully, I maintained my grip and at last was within reach of Barret's hand. Together we managed to dragged my battered body over the railing where I collapsed onto the wooden floorboards with a tremendous sigh of alleviation.

"You okay?" He asked anxiously.

I nodded. "Yeah, my hands kinda hurt. But forget about that, what's all this about?" I gestured to the ship curiously, allowing my eyes to examine it more closely now that I was safe and secure onboard and not hanging from a rope for dear life.

"Ask 'im." Barret thrust his thumb over his shoulder.

Cait Sith came bounding out from behind him then. He had been completely invisible before. "We can catch up on the details later. In any case, the airship, Highwind, is now yours." He announced.

Barret whirled around at him. "Dammit! Why didn't ya tell me you could fly an airship! I thought... ...Tifa was gone for sure."

I felt a twist of guilt beneath my chest at the concern thickly woven into Barret's quiet words. He was such a good friend, and I was so ungrateful. Because you can't bare to think of anyone but him now... What's happened to me all of a sudden?

"Sorry, but I had to do something to trick the enemy." The robotic cat reasoned. "Come on. Everyone is waiting!"

My heart skipped a beat and I jerked upright. "The others? The others are here?" I breathed, my excitement getting the better of me. This was the first time I realized that they were gone. I hadn't even given a second thought to their whereabouts when I woke up in the Junon lab after being out for 7 days.

"Yeah." Barret called from over his shoulder as he followed Cait Sith inside.

I dashed after them anxiously, pushing aside the fact that I was in pain and wanted to curl up and sleep on the floor. My mind was on one track right now, and that was the people waiting for us on the bridge. I had a lot of worrying and concern to make up for, considering I'd all but forgotten about them up till now.

We reached the bridge, or the cockpit (whatever they call it), and everyone was waiting on the other side with welcoming smiles. Cid beamed the brightest of them all, launching himself at me with a glow of pride that at first I didn't understand.

"Welcome to my airship, the Highwind." He announced proudly, spreading his arm in demonstration of its greatness.

I paused, glancing around furtively at the over all emptiness of the massive cockpit. There seemed to be a serious lack of crew in relation to the size of the airship.

"What's wrong?" Cid demanded. "You should be more excited than that!"

Nanaki shook his head lightly. "Cid..."

"Yeah..." The poor man looked absolutely deflated by that.

I smiled weakly at him, giving him a soft pat on the shoulder. "I think we need more crew." I said sympathetically and immediately embarked on a search through out the ship for the missing members. It didn't take long to round them all up. Most of them were more than willing to help after I convinced them that, no, Barret wasn't really going to string them up by their thumbs and torture them mercilessly for being Shin-Ra scum.

Everyone met back on the bridge again to discuss our plan of action hence forth. There was a heavy veil of hopelessness hanging in the air and drawing the silence out till I wanted to scream. They were looking at me; waiting, hoping. Why was I suddenly nominated as leader? Wasn't there someone here more qualified?

No one had been as close to Cloud as I had. The agreement had obviously been unanimous, judging by all the expectant gazes staring my way. I was Cloud's second in command, so it was my job to take over in his absence, but the bitter truth of it all was that I really only just followed him because he was an obsession - an object of the past that I wanted to keep within reach because it was my last link.

"Do you think we aren't strong enough without Cloud? Do you think we can't save the planet alone?" Nanaki asked morbidly. His eyes shown dully, almost lifeless.

I shook my head softly, raking together all of my thoughts into a remotely comprehensible heap as I sought for an answer. "Meteor is coming. Weapon is on the rampage..." I trailed off tiredly and examined the burns in my palms. I should really do something about that... I lifted my head with a sigh, "At a time like this, I don't know what I'm supposed to do...no idea at all."

Barret frowned deeply. "Get a hold of yourself Tifa! C'mon, let's think about this! No way we can get offa this train we're on!" He said fiercely.

It was no use. Deep inside I think I'd already given up, and for what? Someone I hadn't seen for seven years? Five years? I'm not even sure how long it was now. Someone that I was so worried about I'd probably give my life to see him better, and for what? I don't know. I was failing everyone...even him.

"...If only Cloud was here, everything would be fine. Cloud would... Stand that cocky little way he did, and tell us what to do. He'd say, 'Everything's under control, Tifa'." The words were like poison as they fell off my lips. I was stunned that I'd allowed them to come out at all.

"Tifa! When'd you become such a wimp!" Barret demanded.

At least someone has his head together, unlike me. I shook my head miserably. "I'm sorry Barret. I'm kind of shocked myself. I'm just so depressed."

Cid shifted nervously from one foot to the other. "You know, I can't say I really disliked the guy." He began roughly, "Gotta admit he was a strange dude. Just when you thought he was smart, he'd show how stupid he was."

I smirked dryly. So true...

The blonde pilot continued, "Everything about him from his movements to his speech were kind of odd. Knowin' what I do now, I can see why he was that way." He trailed off thoughtfully for a moment. His shoulders shrugged, "Well, as long as you stay alive, you might see him again some day. So cheer up, sis."

If only it were that easy.

Cid perked up a bit suddenly. "If we could find out where he is, the Highwind'll get us there in no time." He ventured.

"Maybe," Nanaki mused, "Cloud is still where the ground cracked and swallowed him up. Buried in the depths of the underground."

"Deep within the earth..." I murmured softly. "Are you talking about the lifestream?"

"The lifestream sometimes gushes out to the surface from cracks in the ocean floor. I heard that such a place exists. Maybe, just maybe Cloud's-" Nanaki was abruptly cut off by the wailing of a co-pilot in training.

"Captain!" He cried in panic.

Cid winced slightly. "Sorry Tifa," He said to me as his features twisted in a scowl, "but I've got to show this moron how to land the ship before he rams us into a mountain." The pilot stalked off with a determined gate, and from the corner of my eye I thought I saw the co-pilot shiver.

"I've heard that Mideel is close to such a place." Nanaki continued abruptly from where he left off. "That's as good a place as any to start."

I nodded curtly. "Right. Then that's where we'll go. Everyone alright with that?"

There was low, apathetic murmur of agreement and then the group slowly dispersed through out the cockpit and the rest of the ship. I was left alone, standing at the front and watching the blur of the landscape below as we took off again. It melted together in a watercolor picture that was terribly mesmerizing right now.

"Hey Tif, you might wanna get patched up." Barret mentioned.

I turned absentmindedly towards him. He had been watching me, probably concerned. Who wouldn't be after the kind of behavior I was exhibiting? "Yeah," I nodded slowly. "I should probably say hello to everyone too. I had forgotten about them... I was so worried when I realized that I had forgotten them, even though at the time I knew they were alright."

He smirked. "We was worried 'bout you too."

"You shouldn't be." I said quietly and started to walk off. "I'm not much help to you guys..." If he had caught the last part, he didn't show it, so I kept going.

I'm nothing without Cloud around. He gives me the strength to fight. Right?

I wasn't certain anymore.

She was wandering aimlessly with that distant glint in her eyes while blood soaked her shirt from numerous shallow lacerations along her abdomen, and her hands lay open, covered in burns. Oddly, none of that seemed to be a top priority to her. Instead, she was visiting with Cait Sith for what looked like a leisure chit chat.

I shook my head slightly. Foolish.. She was beaten and tired, and what was she doing? Making sure we were alright.

The flaming orange feline caught the flicker of movement and I abruptly met his curious gaze. He had spied me watching her. Speaking of foolish...

"Extraordinary." He murmured. "Isn't she?"

"She is too dependent." I ascertained stoically and avoided the petty urge to look back her way. It was clear where her heart was, so why I had any interest at all in her person was beyond me. She was no more than a fighting companion.

Nanaki smirked. "Aren't we all?"

I cast a casual glance his way, gauging him carefully. "You think so?"

He flicked his tail in a knowing way as he regarded me with cunning eyes. "You know so." Argued the beast. "As do I. We are nothing without Cloud."

I grunted. "Maybe." I muttered quietly, hiding behind a cold, emotionless mask. I depend on no one.

Pardon?

I put up with you, I retorted balefully.

Right, and you'd be a rotting corpse without me.

And I'd be happy. My irritation at the demon must have shown for Nanaki was giving me an odd, calculating look, as if he could read both our minds if he gazed deep enough. The flames on the end of his tail seemed to burn even brighter than usual.

"You seem despondent." Said the feline, or whatever he was.

I disguised the inward groan at Nanaki's subtle meddling, clearing my throat evasively, and for once in my life I was grateful that Tifa had invaded my space. "So glad you are alright, Tifa."

She had snuck up behind us while we exchanged guarded looks and silent threats. Or rather, I did. Nanaki was always careful to remain neutral, neither taunting or reacting. He was simply thoughtful and curious. I suppose that is why he had so subtly taken up residence within my vicinity. The creature undoubtedly found me simply fascinating, if only for the fact that I had a demon infestation and a surgically attached metal gauntlet for a left hand.

Tifa flashed me a smile and nodded towards Nanaki in greeting. "Me too." She said, the exhaustion evident in her voice. "I was worried about you guys."

"Completely unnecessary." Nanaki announced politely. "We owe that largely to Cait Sith, of course. You were in far greater danger than we were."

The smile died on her lips. "Hmm, yeah. I guess so." She admitted reluctantly. Her forehead wrinkled thoughtfully and she looked at me directly, "Cait Sith said I should ask you about the guard who dropped the key?"

Nanaki's bushy brow's perked up at that and he slid his eyes at me skeptically. "What's this?" He inquired.

Tifa frowned slightly, cycling through her thoughts methodically. "It's just...the guard dropped a key in front of me, before he left the gas chamber. I would've died if not for that." Her eyes slid towards mine again suspiciously while the gears kicked into motion behind them.

I felt my muscles tighten reflexively as images of a stuffed mog burning at the stake filled my head. He would pay so dearly for this when I got my hands on him. Unfortunately, the present situation was far too dire for me to spend my time fantasizing of all the different ways one could torture a computerized cat, or maybe I'd just take my case to the man behind the controls. Either way, someone would pay.

"Vincent?" Tifa echoed uncertainly, concern etched in the creases of her brow. "Is something wrong? I didn't mean to-"

"I'm fine." I interrupted quickly, hopefully closing the subject for debate, but knowing Tifa that was highly unlikely. "I couldn't even begin to fathom what I could possibly tell you about the guard who dropped the keys. Perhaps you should speak with Cait Sith again." His name rolled off my tongue with more emphasis than I intended, taking me perilously close to the edge of discovery.

The confusion vanished from her eyes and she looked at me clearly now, nodding in understanding. "I see." She murmured. "You're probably right. Maybe I should go talk to him again." She smiled faintly at Nanaki and waved a brief goodbye, before pivoting slowly on her heel and walking away with a noticeable limp in her gate.

"You should tend to your wounds." I said absentmindedly as she left.

Her head twitched slightly and her stride slowed, indicating that she had heard, but she continued on as if she hadn't. She passed the robotic cat without a word and exited the cockpit to what destination is anyone's guess, though I suspect it was to pay a visit to the air sick girl throwing up on Cid's precious cargo bay. I would hate to be the fellow nominated for clean up.

Nanaki was staring after her oddly, his held titled to the side. "Now what do you suppose that was about?" He asked, cautiously speculating. "She was acting a bit strange, don't you think?"

"Indeed." I responded shortly.

He quirked his brow again, "Indeed." He repeated with an edge of awareness. "I suppose she's not sure whether to be furious with you or grateful."

If the fire cat didn't know before, he certainly could ascertain from the way I sharply glanced his way that he was onto something. I had unwittingly played right into his scheme, and now I was struggling for a hand hold as I fell deeper into an inescapable hole. "Pardon?" I managed coolly.

Nanaki grinned. "You think I don't know?" He challenged in mild amusement, and scoffed. "Come now, you were missing in action when the rest of us were each doing our respective parts. It's only logical that you must have been said guard."

I sighed deeply and gave up any attempt at denying the accusation. It was clear that he had all his information in perfect order, and quite possibly he'd even seen me in the act of sneaking onboard before I had a chance to change back into my regular attire. There would be no fooling him. "Not a word." I grated out evenly.

He chuckled. "On my honor as warrior and defender of the Cosmo Canyon." He swore sincerely, "but perhaps you should speak with her?"

"And why would I want to do that?" I inquired drearily.

Nanaki had this remarkable immunity to my belligerence and frigid reception of needling. So much that he seemed to grin more and more the harder I tried to keep him out. It was becoming maddening.

You know, between her and the feline, they've got you wrapped around their fingers quite neatly.

Your opinion is not invited.

It never is.

"She might want to thank you, or yell at you. Smoothen the edges." Nanaki suggested. "Or maybe I'm just looking too deeply into this?"

"Most definitely." I replied icily.

Ha, I can do better than that. You've already proven a worthy counselor, and I dare say she might need some counseling right now. You know you want to.

A growl emitted from the base of my throat and I barely refrained from lashing out at the nearby wall. I cast a narrow, warning glance in Nanaki's direction before whirling away and stalking out of the bridge. The door shut softly behind me, my control having returned, and I let out a strangled breath of air as I slumped back against the for an instant.

Leave her be.

I'm just looking out for our well-being.

You mean yours, I shot back.

You wound me. I'm as much a part of you as you are me, and she is obviously important to us, otherwise she would not so readily enter your thoughts on a regular basis. He chuckled smoothly. Your thoughts are also mine, boy. Don't forget that.

Go back to your hole, demon.

Go talk to her. I won't get in the way.

I grasped the railing beside me for support as I swerved dangerously at the edge of the grating stair case, my head swimming from the strain of the demon's power. My eyes closed tightly for a moment as I re-acclimated myself to the physical world and slowly descended into the cargo bay. It was conveniently quiet here, if you managed to filter out the rumbling of the engines down below, and more importantly it was empty.

The presence was lingering in the back of my mind, taunting me still, but I effectively kept him at bay now. Lately he had grown more restless, as if changing, but he refused to indulge any information regarding this shift in his persona. Perhaps it was another transformation in the making, waiting to be released. If it was, it would be immensely powerful, and thus even more difficult to control.

"Urgh...hey," A young, child-like voice beckoned weakly from a corner behind two large, wooden crates. Yuffie's face peaked out from behind one, gesturing with her head for me to come over.

I hesitated, having had enough human and demon interaction both for one day, but the way in which she was twitching implied that it might actually be urgent. Perhaps it concerned Tifa. I slowly approached while maintaining a safe distance between us.

Yuffie smiled dryly, "Don't get your briefs in a bunch." She grumbled, "I don't have that kinda distance...ugh." She doubled over, her hands braced against her knees, and groaned in pain. After it was evident that this was only a false alarm she slowly straightened herself again.

"Yes?" I drawled impatiently.

Her head tilted up at me, "Uh, yeah." She fumbled nervously, "Well, I was actually kinda hoping Barret would come down, not you, but..."

I rolled my eyes wearily. "Is there something you want or am I wasting my time here?"

She groaned. "Gawd your such a snob, Vince. I just thought...well, you know...Tifa's kinda sad and I'm definitely no good at cheerin' her up. S'maybe you could try...?" Yuffie paused, shifting closer to the crate, as if to avoid an oncoming attack. "She...she's up on deck, just incase you're interested."

When did I become Avalanche's official shrink? No one was even supposed to know that Tifa and I had shared a conversation back in Icicle Village, or that we were even remotely close, which we certainly weren't. Yet it seemed oddly enough like some secret had sprang up in their dreams and now everyone somehow knew that we were, in fact, closer than we were allowing ourselves to believe.

The cold hard truth buried beneath all o f my denial was suddenly staring me in the face now, and I was looking away shamefully. I was worried about her, and I did want to help, but admitting it to the world was not something I did easily. Not to mention, I was so guilt ridden for leaving her chained down in a gas chamber, that I was a little embarrassed to show my face. The counter on my sins was off the charts, and I was trying to add another one at this very moment by pretending that I didn't care.

"Uh...you ok?" Yuffie's wide, bright eyes were suddenly staring up at me in cautious bewilderment. "You like kinda disturbed...or somethin'."

I scowled slightly over the collar of my cloak. "Your analysis is not far off the mark." I muttered and before she had a chance to respond, I was crossing the metal bridge to the door that led up on deck, and to my impending doom.

Author's Notes: And then there was a massive cliff hanger... I realized after typing this up, that it would definitely have to be split into two parts, unlike the first little bit I did, because all of a sudden I'm at 6000(make that 7000) words and I've still got a lot to do. I'm going to start work on the second part immediately, so it shouldn't take long for me to get that out.

Anyway, this idea just sort of came up out of the blue. After reading the script I came to several conclusions: First, they really botched the translation, and Second, there were some parts that just flat out didn't make sense. "Let's leave Tifa in the gas chamber while we go abduct an airship because we all know she's got lungs of steal and will be perfectly all right as they gas her to death" - I got to thinking that since Cait Sith seemed to have a plan going on, that perhaps the guard was his lackey(I can't understand why else Cait would be so UN-concerned while Tifa is suffocating in a gas chamber, unless he somehow knew that she had a way out - how does a guard drop the keys so conveniently in front of her anyway?), and then I just decided to throw Vincent in because it would be help with building the relationship between him and Tifa. Now, if Cait Sith can dress up as a fat guy and fool people, than Vincent can pass off for a Shin-Ra guard for a cameo. Also, I'd just like to point out that I'm not entirely sure WHERE the others are when Tifa wakes up in the lab in Junon with Barret. They're not there! I'm guessing they're locked up somewhere, and that Cait Sith gets them out, but I don't know, so I just made it up as I went.

I also smoothed out some of the dialogue(some of it makes no sense in the script), as well as adding my own twist - aka, no cat fighting - Tifa decks the blonde bimbo like she really would have. Heh, anyway, I'm pretty satisfied with how this came out, even though it's not really finished yet. You like perhaps? I sincerely hope so.

Leave a review too, if it was good enough to keep you till the end.

Take care everyone,

Faerlyte