Returning Shadows

A/N: This story is getting as popular like Threads of Memories and My Little Valentine. Or maybe you all just like Vincent and Yuffie parings. P We'll see if they'll be paired.

Chapter Four

"Dead?"

"I'm afraid so."

Leon frowned as he stood there with one of the local law enforcement of Hollow Bastion. The Restoration Committee, meaning Leon, Aeris, and Yuffie, were more like the higher ups since they battled the heartless. Leon figured it was best to let the authorities handle small things like thieves, peace disturbance, and etc. Lately, Hollow Bastion hasn't been as peaceful as it use to be. Leon stepped over the yellow tape that ran from one wall to another that had blocked off the area from the citizens. One of the officers ran past him with his mouth covered making a loud gagging noise.

"Oh..oh god! That's horrible...no human could do that...urrp!"

Leon glanced back over his shoulder, before turning his vision to the ground. He eyeing the cobblestone ground as it was stained with dark red splotches that trailed over towards a lifeless corpse.

Blood.

And there was a lot of it.

He followed it over to the body, noticing it was a man. What Leon saw made his stomach twist in knots. The man's clothes was shredded along his body and imprints of claw marks etched deep within the tissue of his arm, chest, and legs. It also looked like the flesh was eaten off of the bone. No heartless could have did this. Usually, when a heart was stolen the body dissipates away not leaving a trail behind, not even blood. By the looks of it, it looked like a vicious animal attack.

"What do you make of it Mr.Leon?" The officer walked up behind him.

"Possibly an animal, a big one as a matter of fact." Leon furrowed his brow for a moment and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Keep the crowd control to a minimum. We don't need the citizen's going into a panic. And get someone to deliver the body to the infirmary and clean this mess up."

"Yes, sir." He saluted, as Leon walked away from the gruesome scene stepping back over the yellow tape line.

"Aerith's going to have a hard time with this..." Leon sighed knowing that she probably wouldn't be able to handle something like this at all. Aerith was mostly use to caring for the sick and helping the injured, but this...this just might be too much for the gentle woman to handle.

How am I going to tell her?

Leon frowned to himself. Him and Yuffie would need to do patrol around Hollow Bastion later on tonight. Just to be safe, since it seemed the killings would happen during the dead of night. He was surprised that there were no witnesses that would see any of this happen or any reports of any strange sounds heard at night. He might need to question some people later.

"Hey, Squall!"

"Hm?"

Leon snapped out of his thoughts for a moment as he saw Yuffie running towards him. She stopped short of him grinning as usual. Yuffie always seem to have a cheery disposition all the time. Though, Leon was having second thoughts about taking her on patrol with him now. He couldn't let her see something as horrible as what he just saw. God, knows how she'd react to a dead body as if seeing the death of her parents weren't enough already.

"Hey..." He said in a low voice.

"What? No correction of your name this time?" She tilted her head, "What's up? A long face doesn't suit you, ya know? Something happened?"

"You could say that."

"Well, what happened?" Yuffie asked curiously.

"Well, there was an attack." Leon said.

"Oh..." Yuffie smile turned into a frown, "So, someone was attacked?"

Leon nodded his head, "And it wasn't a heartless." He watched her shuffle her feet as he knew what else she was going to ask.

"They're dead." He folded his arms, "Tonight we patrol the area and keep a look out for an animal that has some pretty large claws and possibly as big as I am. We need to try to keep the casualties down to minimum of 80 percent."

Yuffie nodded her head a little, "All right. I'll prepare myself then."

Leon looked around for a moment and then back to Yuffie, "So, where's the tall friend of yours? Still gone?"

"Sleeping." She said.

"Sleeping?" Leon raised a brow. The man had been hanging around here for at least two weeks or so now. He had disappeared for a few days, much to Yuffie's disappointment. He didn't seem like the type to be sleeping during the day or night for that matter. The man didn't seem to sleep or let his guard down for even a moment. He slept with his gun at his side. It was abnormal that was for sure. If was as if he was waiting for something or someone.

"He just got back this morning I think."

"And you're not concerned he's been gone for a few days without a trace?" Leon raised a brow as Yuffie shook her head.

"Well, it's not like he's going to tell me where he's been, but long as he's back I'm happy." She smiled.

"I see. Well, we should go over to Merlin's and see if he knows anything about these attacks. Then we should ask Cid to do a scan of all of Hollow Bastion and see if it detects anything abnormal." Leon brushed past her making his way up the stairs that led towards the Market. Quick footfalls behind him as Yuffie jogged behind him.

"Hope so. If this keeps up we'll have to give the townspeople set curfews then." Yuffie sighed.

Leon said nothing as her words seem to go through one ear and out the other. His mind was preoccupied by the strange silent man, Vincent Valentine. It was odd that he came back just after this killing. Though, he can't jump to conclusions just because of his peculiar appearance. No, he couldn't have did any of that. By how the corpse looked, it seemed like an wild animal had just fed off of the body. Plus, there weren't any gunshot wounds at all. Well, that ruled him out...for now, but what was roaming around Hallow Bastion terrorizing innocent civilians?

---

"U..ugh..."

Vincent groaned under his breath as he was sprawled upon the couch. His cape draped over his body as his arm hung off the edge of the couch to the floor, where his hand rested upon his gun. He slowly opened his eyes focusing his vision as he tried to figure out where he was. That's right, he was in the living room, but why?

"Wha..."

Vincent put a hand to his head closing his eyes for a moment. He remembered trudging inside here at the wee hours of the morning and then collapsing upon the couch. Then he had drifted off into a deep slumber for a few hours. Everything was a little vague, what was he doing last night? He's never been so exhausted. The man slowly pulled himself up as put his back to the couch, before quickly pulling away growling in pain. His back was sore and it was very, very painful. He could feel something running along down his back, as a hot pain went up his spine. It was probably the same wound again that re-opened. Vincent stood up on both feet as he proceeded to leave the living room area and towards the front door to take his leave when he was stopped short of Aerith's voice.

"Vincent you're leaving all ready?"

"Yes..."

He turned his head slightly, seeing the pink clad woman standing at the foot of the stairs. She walked over to him and put a hand upon his back.

"Yuffie's going to be upset if you leave like that again. You just got back after being gone for a few days." Aerith frowned a little hoping she would be able to talk to him.

"...she shouldn't be so concerned for me." He said in his usual monotone.

Aerith shook her head a little, "Well, you can't help but worry about your friend. Try to keep that in mind and don't do anything to make her worry. Okay?"

"..."

He silently looked at her for but a moment, before turning the door knob as he left out front door; it closed behind him as he left Aerith alone. The woman shifted her weight to her hip sighing inwardly. She then raised a hand to brush a lock of her hair from her eyes, but noticed the wet dark stain on her hand.

"What's this...?"

Aerith leaned closer to her palm and sniffed it slowly. She pulled away in disgust at the smell, before a frown came to her lips.

"Blood...that means Vincent's injured. Vincent!"

She quickly opened the door and ran out looking around for the pale man. Her head turning back and forth as she saw no sign of him anywhere. He left as quickly as he came. How can he go around with such a wound on his back? Isn't he concerned it could get infected or worst? She had to find him. Aerith took a step forward, before a hand grabbed her wrist.

"Ms. Aerith, we need your help in the infirmary!" A officer said, before quickly dragging her away.

"B..but!" She followed him as he lead her away from the front of her house. Aerith glanced over her shoulder for a moment and then back in front of her.

Vincent will just have to wait then...

---

"Yes, well I haven't heard of such a beast I'm afraid."

The old wizard adjusted the specs upon his nose as he looked at Leon and Yuffie. Merlin flipped through the pages of one his books as a finger trailed down the page as his eyes looked over the small print.

"If I had more of a detailed description of this horrible monster I might be able to help." He said. "Not much to go on in my books."

"Well, we'll give you one as soon as we see it tonight." Leon said, before walking over to Cid who was at his computer. "Any luck yet?"

"Not, yet I'm afraid. Damn, how'd this happen with such a perfect defense system I designed? It would have picked up a threat like that." Cid spat typing in some commands before a red bar popped up with the words 'Not found' flashing upon the screen. "It slipped right through it. Dammit!" Cid's fist slammed against the console.

"Don't get too worked up over it Cid. I guess me and Yuffie will just have to track the animal down. It doesn't seem like it'll come out in the day time, so looking for it at night is our best bet. Just do a scan of Hollow Bastion again when night fall comes." Leon stated before he made his way to the front door. "I'm going to see how Aerith is doing in the infirmary. Just in case she isn't up to it."

"Wait, I'll go too." Yuffie ran over to him.

"Sorry, Yuffie, but you can't come."

"What? Why not?" She demanded.

"It's just something you don't need to see." Leon frowned and held her shoulders, "So, don't follow me all right?"

"But..." Yuffie sighed.

"Just promise me, all right?"

She looked up at him noticing the seriousness and perhaps even weariness within his eyes. It was obvious he didn't want her to go, since he was trying to protect her. Leon had always been protecting her, ever since the invasion of heartless years ago upon Radient Garden. Yuffie gave him a solemn nod of her head as he let go over her shoulders slowly.

"Thank you. I'll be back as soon as I can." Leon said, as he left out the wooden door of Merlin's home.

"I guess I'm stuck here with you two old guys I guess." Yuffie turned around.

"I'm not old!" Both Cid and Merlin yelled.

"Hehe, you two are so defensive. Nothing wrong with being old." She grinned.

"If anyone is old, it's that geezer over there." Cid gestured towards Merlin.

"What, what? An old geezer am I?" Merline fumed before pulling his wand out. "Let's see how much of an old geezer I am now!"

With a wave of his wand, various jolts of light spat from the tip of the rod like lightning. It hitting against Cid's computer as the light would burst into many sprinkles. This surprised Cid as he toppled out of his chair and the piece of straw he chew on had fell out from his mouth. Yuffie couldn't help but laugh at the hilarious scene, before Cid recollected himself and got up from the floor.

"What in sam hill was that for? What'd I tell ya, about all that hocus pocus mess!" Cid spat.

Yuffie was enjoying the hilarious scene between the two. It wouldn't be the first time they would fight like this and wouldn't be the last that's for sure. They usually would just tire themselves out as usual and go back to being buddies. Well, Yuffie was enjoying it until one of Merlin's magic balls had came at her. With quick reflexes she ducked down, as it hit the door bursting into hundreds of little sparkles. She got herself up and stomped her foot on the ground.

"Hey, watch what you're doing!" She yelled.

Her voice was unheard as they continued to bicker and throw things back at one another. Yuffie had to dodge flying objects and magic tossed in different directions. After a few minutes, she decided now would be a good time to retreat for awhile. She opened the door as she ran out looking back to make sure nothing else was flying towards her. Though she failed to look in front of her as she had suddenly crashed into someone making her fall backward, before they quickly took hold of her waist to keep her from hitting the ground.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah, sorry about that. I wasn't watching where I was..."

She lifted her head up as she realized who she had just bumped in to. A grin coming to her lips," Hey, Vinnie you're up and here I thought you'd spend all day sleeping."

He released her as he stood there, quiet as ever, just looking at the bubbly girl in front of him. She tilted her head looking at him as she put her hands on her hips.

"Geeze, a little grumpy after you nap huh?" She gave him a slap on the back. Vincent grimace as the corner of his right eye twitched from the hard slap to his backside. "You shouldn't really be outside you know, it isn't safe. Plus, it look like it's going to rain for sure today."

Yuffie gestured towards the sky that wasn't it's usual radiant blue today. Instead, it's space was populated by dark gray and white clouds that crowded one another. She only hoped it didn't rain cause she didn't want to be out side, in the dark for that matter, looking for a strange wild animal while looking like a drenched rat. Plus, it would probably be harder to pick up on any trail it might have left behind if the rain washes it away.

"Not safe?" Vincent asked.

"Yeah. There's some type of animal we think that's roaming around Hollow Bastion. It killed someone, we're thinking maybe last night." She explained.

"I see..." Vincent looked away from her as his eyes slowly scanned around the area of the borough.

"Anyhow, I need to get my gear ready. Me and Leon are going to go find and possibly kill it." She said.

This caught Vincent's attention as his eyes snapped back looking towards Yuffie, "You're...going to hunt it?"

"Yeah, no big deal I guess." She shrugged.

"You don't need to go." He said.

"Wha?" His words caught the young shinobi off guard, as she gave him a confused look. "Why not? I can take care of myself."

"If it killed someone it can kill you as well." Vincent's eyes narrowed.

"Eh? Why so serious all of a sudden? I've destroyed many heartless before this 'thing' should be no different if it's just some wild animal."

"It's just..."

"Just?" Yuffie looked up into his eyes, as he slowly closed them turning his head slightly. The hem of his cloak covering his nose a little as his head lowered.

"I'm concerned for your well-being." He said finally.

There was a soft roll of thunder from above them as the words left his mouth. Small drops of rain slowly falling down from the gray smears of clouds that sheeted the sky like a blanket.

"You're worried about me?" Yuffie asked.

Vincent Valentine wasn't really the kind of guy to show or tell his feelings. It's just always how he's been, since she knew him anyway. He was silent, clam, and pretty emotionless. Vincent Valentine definitely not cold or heartless. If he was he wouldn't have save her life years ago, though she wondered why he'd have this invisible wall around him that prevent people from getting to his feelings.

"..."

"So, you are worried about me then?" Yuffie grinned.

"..."

"Oohh, I think I'm rubbing off on you." She giggled.

"...hn"

"Hey, I haven't introduced you to Merlin and Cid yet, but..." She turned her head back, still hearing the commotion from inside. "Well, maybe another time. Since, you're so worried about me why don't you come with me and Squall. We could use the extra help."

"Is that wise?" Vincent asked.

"Oh sure! Besides, with two big strong guys protecting me there's no problem right?"

Vincent gave a silent nod of agreement. A single drop of rain hit his cheek before another drop followed in pursuit. He didn't even flinch as it rolled down along his cheek to his jaw. Another rumble of thunder echoed over Hollow Bastion, as the sky began to shed it's tears over the town gently.

"Stay right here and I'll go get my gear okay? Don't go anywhere, okay?" She said, though it sounded more like a command. The girl then turned on her heels and ran down the street through the borough as she turned a corner. Vincent sighed quietly under his breath, as he looked up towards the darkening sky watching the flicker of lightning that quietly danced behind the clouds.

It's just like that night...

TBC

Sorry, it took me awhile to get this up. Been working on some of my animation in Flash MX. Check out some of my stuff onwww.ladyk. anyhow, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Hope I made it long enough.