A/N:

I wanted to express my thanks for all of those who read and liked 'You Always Hurt The One You Love' . I decided to write a small one shot about what happened after the two lovers of destiny found each other.

Shout outs to the following kind and helpful reviewers.

Redlei- Thanks for being the first and sticking around for the second Fic as well.

Alianora Serein- Helpful comments were appreciated.

Cherry Blossum Dreamer- A kind and giving soul, to whom I am very grateful. Please know I am sorry about the problems I caused you. I still consider you my friend and that will not change. Always remember that nothing is more important than the love, care and protection of family. Ki o tsukete Sakura-san.

Saharasfury- A very unique person and very creative one. Thanks for your help and friendship.

Mitsura- Thanks for the short but nice review.

Miss Nox- I loved reading your reviews. They absolutely made me feel better than I had in a long time. Your kind words and enthusiasm were one of the main reasons for this small story. Thank you so much.

Jin-Hayter- Thank you. Very nice review.

W Lover- Thanks for the generous compliments and I am so glad you liked it.

Yokai no Miko- Thanks for overlooking my mistakes and your constructive comments. It takes someone special to see beyond the errors to the story itself.

Taggerund0254- Thank you for the very helpful review. I am grateful especially as you said that you rarely review.

Katori Tsubasa- I don't have to tell you what your help means to me. Thanks.

Miz Evil Blossums- I simply loved your review. It was like poetry on speed. I read it and reread it. It always makes me smile. Thank you so much.

Lita Lighning- I am so sorry I won't be writing a full follow-up story but I have included a few musings on what Vincent and Yuffie's future looks like.

Wildgirlxyz3- Very kind words. I hate to disappoint you on the sequel but wanted to let you know I am grateful.

Ritsuko Fukuda- Thanks. Your review was awesome too.

Jak Uzamaki 4 Eva- Thanks Bryan. Don't worry, your review was great and I appreciated it a lot.

As promised here is a brief look into the future of Vincent and Yuffie.

P.S. The reference to Saphron flowers is explained in detail in 'Beginnings'

Disclaimer: Square Soft ain't mine.

If you love do it without reservation or hesitation for there is no shame in loving too much but great regret in loving too little.

Chapter 5: Legacy

The first impression of the young woman was always wrong. She was tall and lanky. Some would say skinny; but they would only have to look closer to observe the fluid grace and sinewy muscles of her arms and legs to know the truth. Every step was taken with an acute awareness of her surroundings and a sense that she was in control no matter the situation. The room she now stood in was large with many windows looking out into a large and colourful garden with manicured paths and a central stone fountain excitedly burbling away. There was no one else in the Royal Receiving Chamber and the only furnishing was a small red brocade arm chair resting on a slightly raised platform. Whenever the young woman entered the history laden room she always expected to see her mother sitting in the chair, as was fitting for the ruler of Wutai. It was for the briefest moment and the feeling quickly passed but never without the weight of loss bowing her shoulders. The hooded white fur lined coat she wore was slightly too short for her height but was still striking in the way it draped around her. Her mother had stopped wearing it years earlier and after she left it seemed a way to maintain a bond with her. The short but stylish skirt was a bright red and was her mother's favourite on her. The collarless shirt was woven from silk harvested from the warm valleys to the south and the pale yellow sheen was accented by black pearl buttons imported from Costa Del Sol. She approached the platform and rested her hands on the back of the chair and paused for a moment.

The almost imperceptible sound of the gilded wooden door from the entrance foyer opening didn't escape her attention, but the small man entering was a familiar figure and a friend. "Your Highness doesn't meet the delegation from Rocket Town until noon. Is there something I can do for you?" His sincerity was genuine and the affection he felt for the beautiful young woman was as well.

"Always looking out for me, my dear Hagi? I think you are just afraid I may commit the ultimate sin and be late for one of these tedious affairs." She so enjoyed teasing the old man and was rewarded with a crestfallen visage from Hagi until her growing smile gave her away.

"One of these days, Little Princess, your jokes will cause my old heart to flutter to a stop." As he said this he over-dramatically clutched his chest. Hagi used his pet name from her childhood only when they were alone.

"You're far too stubborn and loyal too leave me at the mercy of the Foreign Minister." Their friendly banter would be frowned on by the nobles of the court but it was one of her few remaining joys.

Hagi seemed to take notice of where the beautiful young woman was resting her hands and became quiet. It seemed as if his next statement was painful to contemplate. "I miss her too Sakura." Saying her name was a double edge sword for Hagi. Pleasure that he was one of only a very few that could call her by her first name and sadness that the one for whom she was named was no longer here.

It seemed so long ago when word first reached the King that his only daughter had given birth to a girl child. Later when told of the new heir's name it had touched the old man deeply. It was his wife's name. She who had held the girl's mother when she was an infant and who sang to the baby in the ancient Wutainese language of heroes long ago. It took all his self control to stem the flow of tears brought on when thinking about his beloved wife. He quickly focused back to the young Monarch. The old man could see Sakura's mother in the high cheekbones and quick smile. She also had the luminous jade green eyes and Ninja skills that all Wutai rulers have had for ten generations. Her complexion was flawless and the angular features were softened by her long flowing black hair which was draped casually to one side. The long lean body she inherited from her father, as well as the deadly accurate aim with which she had won so many shooting tournaments. The trophies and ribbons had taken up a whole wall in her mother's study.

It had been almost two months to the day since Yuffie Valentine/Kisaragi had abandoned the throne and disappeared, leaving behind all but her Shuriken. A brief letter on Sakura's pillow that morning was the only explanation of why and where. Perhaps the reason she left a note instead of relating in person was she knew Sakura would surely insist on going with her

"My dearest Sakura: I do not wish to leave you at this time but there is a pressing need for me in Midgar. My old friends from Avalanche are in serious trouble, and even though they would never ask it of me, need my help. I wish I could take you with me as you are as skilled in the Ninja arts as I am. The truth is though there are still enemies of the Kisaragi Clan who would seize any chance to end our ancestral rule. It is a lot to ask of a sixteen year old but my faith in you is unbounded. Don't forget that if you are in doubt about a course of action ask Hagi. He is an adept politician and the only man I would trust with my greatest treasure. Don't worry about me as you are going to be too busy ruling in my place. Always know you are in my heart and I will return just as soon as I can. I love you."

It was about a week after word of Yuffie's disappearance had begun circulating when the first attempt on Sakura's life was made. The three assassins had entered the grounds with a group of farmers who were delivering a tribute for the Harvest Festival. The attempt might have succeeded except for the fact their intended victim could kill with a blow from either hands or feet and she was never without her silver plated revolver. The only survivor was persuaded to relate the plotter's names to the Royal House Guards and the prisons easily accommodated them after their trials. The group was headed by the Yanjura clan. They were an old Wutain family with an ancient hatred of the Kisaragi Clan, with aspirations to take the throne for themselves. It was at the trial that this same group was proven to be behind the assassination of her grandfather all those years ago and the deadly attack at the Wutai Market later. It was perhaps the futility of this coup that seemed to convince any other plotters that the Kisaragi Princess was not to be taken lightly and no further attempts were made on her life.

Thinking about that time brought a flood of memories back to Sakura. She tried not to focus on the tragedy at the Wutai Market and instead recalled the happy memories of their time in Midgar when she was a small child. They were living in the apartment near Seventh Heaven at the time of her birth but had to move shortly after because according to her mother. "We would have been fine in our old apartment but you were so long and grew so fast we had to get a bigger place or your feet would have hung out the window." Her mother found unending glee at relating this story to all and any, even at the Royal Court upon their return to Wutai. Sakura remembered the few brief years the new family spent in the relative obscurity in Midgar as their happiest.

Vincent and Yuffie had only been married two months when she announced to their friends the joyful news. Many stunned expressions quickly gave way to joyous celebrations and good natured ribbing by Cid and Barret regarding Vincent's virility. The nine months passed quickly and when it came time for Yuffie to give birth, Seventh Heaven became the focal point of numerous inquiries as to the state of the delivery and was it a boy or a girl. Tifa actually posted a sign that said "You'll know, when I do.' The word finally reached all gathered and the drinks began to flow with all members of Avalanche and a couple Turks taking turns buying rounds. By the time Vincent showed up only Barret was on his feet. The only reason being they had wedged him between the bar and the wall because if he fell none present felt they would be able to move him off the floor.

Vincent was the most attentive father and husband Yuffie could have wished for. There was never an issue of feeding, changing or entertaining his daughter. The issue was letting anyone else pick up his little girl, including Yuffie. Gradually he learned to allow others to share in the bubbly little baby's care, albeit reluctantly and never completely out of his sight. Yuffie was as loving a mother as any and Sakura thrived. Her early memories were of her parents talking and laughing around her crib and never ever feeling alone or scared. One of the first real recollections she had was at the age of three she became aware of the difference between her Dad's eyes and hers. It was not long before she began endlessly asking why she didn't have the same "pretty red eyes"as her father. Yuffie tried her hardest to explain by reason and then by simply saying 'because' but none would stop the little girls repeated. "But why?"

Then one day Vincent took his little girl to her room when the constant questioning began to wear down Yuffie. They were gone for about twenty minutes and upon their return all questions about her Dad's eyes stopped and never surfaced again. Yuffie asked Vincent but all she got as an explanation was: "It's all in how you choose your words." This was frustrating enough but ever since that day there was this apparent inside joke that only Sakura and her Dad shared. With quick glances and little smiles the two often exchanged, Yuffie knew it was at her expense but seeing the two great loves of her life so happy was all she ever needed to feel content.

There was never a time, as she grew older, that there wasn't some or all of Avalanche visiting or the Valentines visiting them. Marlene was over more than anyone else and when Sakura was two and getting to be quite a handful for Vincent and Yuffie she became their lifesaver. It was impossible to separate the two even with the age difference; it was an instant bond of love. It wasn't long before they started calling each other sister and to this day, in all their communication they always refer to themselves as such.

It was shortly after this happy time that everything changed. Not all at once but the path they started down was inexorably leading to pain, tragedy and the sorrow that comes with great loss. A very old family friend of Yuffie's suddenly appeared at their door and after some initial surprise there followed hugs and kisses and questions of how every one was. The tone quickly changed and Sakura noticed her mother for the very first time cry. Not a wailing sob but just slight shudders and the cascade of tiny droplets down her cheeks onto the collar of her blouse. Sakura instantly ran to her mother to comfort her and Yuffie seemed to gain strength from the contact. After that it wasn't long before the whole family was packed up and on a train. It wasn't until she was older that Sakura learned of the reason for the sudden dislocation from their home in Midgar. It had happened at an official audience with Yuffie's father the King. A delegation of Cosmo Canyon miners were presenting a ceremonial fire gem to the Kisaragi Clan for past services. The real miners were later found to have been murdered shortly after arriving in Wutai but that was too late to save Yuffie's father from the deadly attack. Being the next in line to the throne, Yuffie reluctantly assumed the title of ruler of Wutai.

Sakura had only met her maternal grandfather briefly on a summer visit he had made to Midgar on her second birthday. She later learned that Yuffie had married without her father's approval and worst than that, had married a commoner. There was little time for goodbyes so on the day of departure the entire Avalanche team was on hand at the train station including Marlene. After much hugging and lots of tears, including some embarrassing wails from Barret and Cid, despite their denials later, the small family began the long journey to Wutai. Sakura was very sad at leaving all of the people she loved, especially Marlene, but the thrill of her first trip was a welcome distraction. The train ride and then the ferry trip to the island kingdom proved to be a great adventure for the young girl and did much to relieve her parents of the burden, if only temporarily, of worrying about their future.

The welcome upon their arrival was understated and formal with only a few very trusted advisors and dignitaries present or even aware of the time and place of their return. Yuffie was a capable ruler almost from the moment she touched the soil of her ancestral home. The loyal and faithful Hagi was a constant presence in all matters of state, but in all decisions, Yuffie's word was final. Vincent became her advisor only when asked and always in private. He knew the politics of the Royal Court and being seen as an outside influence would have caused great problems for his beloved Yuffie.

For Sakura it was a time of new discoveries and constant schooling. Among her numerous lessons her favourite was taught by her Dad. Despite her young age, she was seven, her skill with the small calibre hand gun given to her by her father was the talk of the court. The pride her father felt at his young daughter's prowess he kept to himself: though Yuffie often asked him why he taught Sakura but never praised her accomplishments.

"When the skill is attained for the approval of others it will not be truly learned." Vincent had intoned to her in his deep and resonant voice.

Yuffie never understood this until one day when Sakura was a couple months past her tenth birthday; she watched the two shooting together. The unspoken bond was clearly evident but there was no joy in their obvious accuracy, it was more a sense of the necessity of being able to protect others and not a desire to be praised or awarded. Her pride in the both of them brought Yuffie to tears and she never brought the subject up to Vincent again.

Whenever Sakura left the Royal Palace the Queen's elite guards always accompanied her and her mother. Sometimes they would go to the market for personal gifts; sometimes to fulfill their obligations to the people of Wutai. The only exception was when Vincent left the palace. This was rare but sometimes for long periods when he went to help with some issues the Royal Guards couldn't handle. The proof of his unique efficiency at these special tasks was the fact there was never another attempt at an assassination or the overthrow of the Crown while he lived. The only other purpose for Vincent going out was the annual purchase of dozens of Saphron flowers that he placed in the Royal bed chambers. When old enough to notice that the date of the appearance of all these flowers was not a wedding anniversary or birthday or any special date Sakura asked her mother why. Yuffie only smiled and said that her father was a hopeless romantic. It was an answer but one that she didn't understand completely though it was clearly something her mother relished. She never learned of the whole story but later on gathered it was from a special night from their time together in Midgar when her father filled their room with the native flower of Wutai.

The day started like many others two rears ago, except that Sakura had marked her calendar and knew her father was going to the Wutai Market to get her mother the Saphron flowers. Her plan, hatched over several weeks, was a simple one. She would tell her father she wanted to buy her mother a gift as well. How could he say no to that? He turned out to be slightly smarter than a fourteen year old and said he could certainly get the gift for her if she would simply tell him what it was. Thinking quickly she told Vincent it was something only a girl could get. That surely would intimidate him. But no: he simply smiled and called Hagi's wife Sakura over and said. "I think your beloved Kuri-san can pick it up for you." Her dad had used the special name Sakura had for the old woman who was like a grandmother to her. Unable to reply with any sort of credible excuse she reluctantly told Sakura about the silver broach at the Metal Smith's stall she had spied in an earlier trip to the market. The old woman promised to find it and winked slyly at Sakura as if telling her she was on her side.

No one present in the market that fateful day could accurately describe what happened, but from what little information that was gathered, it was not surprising. The market was bustling even more than usual for a late morning. The venders were cajoling customers and shouting out descriptions of their wares, each being the best, tastiest or cheapest. Vincent and the older Sakura had slowly made there way to the rear of the market where traditionally the fresh flower and vegetable stalls were. Every one remembered the tall man with the golden arm serenely wandering the crowded avenues pausing to politely inspect goods or hand crafts. The nearer the two came to the rear the thinner the crowds became. This was only natural as the rear stalls were the first to be visited in the early morning by all the bargain hunters and those looking for the freshest produce. The one fact everyone agreed on was the speed and fury of the twenty hooded ninjas as they attacked Vincent. He cut down three before the space of a few seconds passed but their actual target was Sakura. They must have planned this to be carried out when Vincent was with Yuffie but decided that the old woman was good enough for their purposes. Four of the sinister figures grabbed Sakura and despite the fact she never cried out Vincent sensed the change in the situation. He dropped his gun, and this part was confirmed by two different witnesses, said: "She is nothing to you. If you are true ninjas you will leave the innocents out of this and take me."

Without a word spoken the remaining thirteen men surrounded Vincent, bound him securely and began leading him to a large transport painted to look like a vegetable vendor's truck. Sakura was released but to the utter astonishment of the ninjas, she first punched and then kneed the two nearest her. The speed of the old woman was good but the shock of surprise was not enough to prevent the third and fourth ninjas to recover quickly and brutally kill the old woman with two rapid sword thrusts. The scream of rage from within the truck when Vincent saw what had happened was alternately described as inhuman or demonic. With his arms bound behind him he still managed to kill two of his guards before the weight of the rest brought him to his knees, all the while struggling mightily but in vain. After quickly gathering their dead and injured comrades the truck drove off and disappeared into the narrow streets of the commercial district.

When word reached Yuffie she showed no public display of grief but immediately took charge of the search and investigation of what had happened. Sakura had a much different reaction. This was understandable from a young girl who loved and adored her father and expressions of grief and anger were natural. In the private chambers of the family they both grieved and each supported the other as the days after the kidnapping turned into weeks and then into months. There was never any communication or demands from whoever was responsible and it became the consensus that the only reason Vincent had been taken was to create a void in the Queen's life that would force her into mistakes and rash decisions. It didn't work and Yuffie never let her personal anguish interfere with the duties of the Crown.

After a supposed suitable mourning period it seemed that some of the elite of Wutai expected Yuffie to begin a search for a new consort. They were quickly advised in not so polite words that the Queen was still married and that was never going to change. True to her word she maintained hope for Vincent's safe return and she never shared her heart or bed with another.

The burden of these images coursing through her mind was interrupted by the rising crescendo of shouting coming from beyond the thick doors into the chamber. Hagi immediately began moving toward the noise just as a booming baritone voice became clear. "Either move your asses or I'll shoot them off."

Sakura became instantly alert and even though her guards would gladly lay down their lives to protect the throne she wasn't about to blindly leave her defense to others.

Another voice became apparent, a female one sounding more commanding even though she wasn't shouting. "Now, let's not lose our heads or any other body parts. Just relax and see who we have on the litter." A pause in the commotion was quickly followed by the twin doors sweeping inward with the two guards at either side pushing with all their might. A group of very dirty and bloody warriors began trooping into the room carrying a small stretcher with an even smaller form upon it. Hagi placed himself between them and Sakura but as he did this the squeal of glee from behind forced his head around. He was just quick enough to catch the flash of her tall form pass by and launch itself into the midst of the clearly elated group. He himself almost fainted at the sight of the familiar face of the now sitting figure being gently lowered to the marble floor.

"Mother" The tearful shout was joyful in its enthusiasm. Sakura sank to the floor and embraced her mother while sobs of happiness shook her body. Yuffie too was crying, but quietly, while cradling her daughter's head onto her chest.

"No need for all these tears my darling. I told you not to worry." The words couldn't mask the relief she was feeling at seeing her greatest treasure once again. Aren't you going to say hello to some old friends?"

Reluctantly and slowly Sakura released her grip on her mother. Taking a long look at her she noticed the bruises, cuts and bandages covering her mother's face and arms. Her left leg was in a rudimentary splint with torn linen strips binding the wooden slats together.

"Mother are you hurt, do you need the doctor?" the momentary panic in her voice caused Yuffie to place her hands on her daughter's face and capture her gaze.

"I am fine now that I am with you and back home. The wounds are not serious and Tifa made sure of my care. So there is no need to upset yourself.' Yuffie's calming tone seemed to help the young Princess regain her happy mood and she rose up to regard the Avalanche members.

Taking Tifa, Cid, Cloud, Barret and Red XIII in long and warm embraces she then noticed the beautiful young woman at the rear of the group timidly looking down at the floor. Sakura was briefly hesitant until she knew who she was regarding. Another joyful shout. "Sister" Her headlong plunge toward Marlene almost bowled over Red XIII and only his cat like reflexes saved him. "I can't believe it's you. I'm so happy I think I may burst." She released her vise like grip for a moment but thought better and they both resumed hugging while the others milled around. To fill the time Yuffie began introducing everyone to Hagi who she had just released from her own embrace.

Sakura finally relaxed her grip on Marlene and took note of the beauty she had become despite the grime embedded in her clothes and on her face. At twenty-two she was a presence wherever she went with her light, almost blond hair and a serene face that belied her strength of character. Not as tall as Sakura but still taller than Cloud or Tifa she was well proportioned. Barret often thought to himself how she was so like her mother in appearance and often silently thanked the Great Leviathan she was in his life.

"This is all great and as much as I would love to stay and get all teary eyed again, we need to get Yuffie into her bed for some rest and all of us really need a bath; especially Cid." His look of feigned hurt caused the group to laugh quietly at first and then the relief seemed to hit and they all began to roar with abandon.

The small procession began to move off to the personal quarters of the ruling family led by Hagi. The laughter had subsided to a few titters and some slightly embarrassed looks but the feel good atmosphere was infecting all. The first through the door into the residential compound was Sakura and she proceeded on to her mother's sleeping chamber and beckoned Barret and Cid to follow with the still prone Yuffie. She opened the large brass covered door to reveal a spacious room full of hundreds of aromatic flowers. To be exact Saphron flowers. Her mother upon entering and seeing the display looked at Sakura and asked. "Are you responsible for all this?" Here puzzlement was softened by the warm feelings the flowers always kindled in her heart.

Sakura was struck dumb by the display and all she managed was a slight negative shake of her head in the direction of her mother. When Yuffie turned to Hagi he began to shake his head even before she asked the question. A rather long silence followed with the rest of the group not sure what the significance of the flowers truly represented. Finally Yuffie gingerly swung her legs awkwardly over the edge of the stretcher and carefully stood. Cloud made as if to take her arms in support but a quick glance from Yuffie froze him. She moved toward the bed where the abundance of the delicate buds was strewn about and speaking more to herself than anyone in the room said. "Vincent, I never doubted you would find a way to return to me."

Sakura was finally able to move toward her mother and standing close by her side asked her. How could this be happening now? Does this mean Dad is alive? Please Mother, talk to me."

"Your father is telling us in the only way available to him right now that he is indeed alive but unable to be here with us. I know deep within my heart that whatever is preventing him from returning to his home is as nothing to him and whatever barriers placed in his path he will be back among those that love him soon." She turned to her daughter and with tears of joy streaming across their faces they embraced content in the belief all was going to be as it should be.

The End

Hope you enjoyed.