(I Just fixed this chapter with help of Lady of the Muses, so it now flows better.)

Hi, all. Thanks for the reviews and hits as well as those who put me on their watch list. I was surprise to get a 100 hits in the first week. Honestly the plotline has change a lot since I first posted. I think it is for the better. Hope you all will agree. It will have characters from all the other final fantasy 7 games. I will try to keep them in character, but that will be for future chapters. How far in the future only time will tell. Anyways here are reviewer responses.

Anonymouse 270: I didn't realize I misspelled her name. I will have it correct for now on. Thanks. I will fix the first chapter and repost it some time. I love Sephiroth/Vincent pairings as well.

Amon2: Boy was I surprise to see you as a reviewer since I read a lot of your stories. They are on my watch list. I'll try to update regularly. It should be easy with this story. My Fire Emblem is already being neglected.

Darksaphire: More will come. Until the story is complete, which may be a while.

Lady of the Muses: Thanks for the honest critique. You're making me blush, especially since I am a 'B' student when it comes to English. Let's hope I continue to do well.

Reviews are always appreciated along with honest critiques. Now on to the story.

Chapter 2: Death Discoveries

The cafeteria was crowded and larger than he remembered. It was filled with Soldiers. It suddenly occur to him how much he stood out. He subconsciously hid his claw in his cloak. He wished to blend into the shadows as he felt numerous eyes on him. Reno quickly collected food. The gunman selected his own carefully as Rude selected his usual swiftly as well. "Over here, yo."

The redhead jerked his head toward an empty table. He sat down at the table as the other two silently joined him. "So Valentine, where did ya disappear to when you were missin' in action?"

Rude eyes widened. "This is Vincent Valentine?"

The gunman got a feeling this would be a regular occurrence. He sighed and explained, "Yes I am. I would of thought you would known where I've been since he works here."

The redhead drew a conclusion quickly as he pronounced disbelievingly, "You were in the coffin we picked up from Shinra Mansion?"

The bald Turk watched the legend expectantly. The red eyed Turk was already tired of human interaction. Dislike your kind so much already. Guess I can't blame you since your own kind added us to your head. "Yes, Hojo put me there once he was done with me."

The Turks' eyes widened as they exchange glances. They looked back at the gunman who was just eating with mixed expressions. Reno was the first to break the silence, "so the red eye thing-"

Vincent interrupted, "-a gift from Hojo along with some other things."

Rude elbowed his partner for being inconsiderate when a person approached. "Who's our new friend?" asked a black hair Soldier who was leaning on the redhead.

The Turk playfully pushed back. "Hey there, puppy. How much will ya beg to get the answer?"

The Soldier mussed the Turk's red hair before sitting beside him. "How about I don't hit you with my broad sword in exchange?"

"I yield," the redhead said teasingly. "This is Vincent Valentine of the Turks. Vin, this is Zack Fair otherwise known as puppy."

The gunman's brow twitched at the nickname, but chose not to comment as he nodded his head in acknowledgment. "So," Reno continued, "how's the Firsts?"

"Angeal got his hands full with me as usual, Genesis is on vacation and Sephiroth is, well, Sephiroth," Zack replied.

Crimson eyes snapped up at Sephiroth's name. "Sephiroth," he repeated. Zack looked at him curiously; sensing the tone was one of familiarity or tenderness.

"You know Sephiroth?"

"Wait a sec, that's not possible you disappeared before..." the redhead trailed off.

Rude helpfully supplied, "He's now the general of the Soldiers."

Crimson eyes widened. "How old is he?"

Zack shrugged at the unusual question, "I wouldn't dare ask such a question."

Reno added, "He's about the same age as Angie and Gen. So, he's like 25 or something."

Vincent stood up suddenly causing the three to jump in surprise. "Impossible. I was asleep for over 20 years." he said to himself, but the three heard him anyways.

Rude looked concern. "You probably should sit down."

"I need...some fresh air," the gunman muttered as he left the table. He dropped off the tray and disappeared beyond the door. Over 20 years lost. More than I could ever imagine possible.

Sephiroth usually didn't eat in the cafeteria, but he needed a change in pace or more specifically something else to distract his thoughts from the strange whispering voice. Zack always did a fine job at distracting him. As he walked in, he noticed a red cape exit the doors on the opposite side of himself. Rude was following him. His gaze moved over and spotted Reno and Zack. He swiftly grabbed some food and headed over. His sensitive hearing caught parts of their conservation. Zack whispered, "what did he meant by asleep for over 20 years?"

"Er..." the redhead responded, "Turk business, yo."

"Is that so, Reno?" Sephiroth asked coolly.

The redhead visible paled as the General sat down. "Sephiroth," Zack practically squeaked in surprise.

"So, I assume this has to do with the strange man your partner is trailing," he stated rather than asked.

Reno sighed obviously giving up on hiding the information. "That man is the famous Vincent Valentine of the Turks who went missing. Apparently, he didn't realize how long he was within that coffin."

"Coffin!" Zack exclaimed, "why was he-"

"The one," Sephiroth interrupted, "you delivered to Hojo."

"Yep," the redhead responded, "That one."

"Wait," questioned the Soldier, "so does that mean he wasn't missing, but with Hojo the entire time."

"I guess so."

Sephiroth gets up and pulls Reno with him. "I need to talk with him now."

Reno nervously licked his lips. "Right, uh...this way." Zack got up to follow them, but they were already gone.

Vincent had reached the outside garden of the 7th floor. It looked like a typical park. He quickly jumped and knelt on the wall. He observed how much Midgar had change. It had to be true. Over 20 years. 22 years if I'm not mistaken. Chaos commented now that he was done with his nap. You knew. Of course, I've learn to keep track of time 5 millenia ago. I see. I sense anger. Are you ready to take Hojo down now? Vincent sighed. His anger was at Chaos for not telling him, but he knew better than to be upset with him. He knew his demons had a tendency to consider him one of them, a demon of sorts. One that has a strong will and semi-strong body. He was beginning to think that was true.

"Vincent!" yelled the normally stoic Turk.

The gunman turned to Rude. He came closer and asked, "are you going to be alright?"

Heh heh your guard is here. Ignoring Chaos, he said, "I'm fine. I just needed to see the truth with my own eyes."

Rude nodded and hesitantly put a hand on Vincent's shoulder. The gunman jumped at the touch, but quickly relaxed; still, the other took note of his reaction. The two without saying a word got up to leave. He liked Rude for his silent understanding and not pressing for answers. The sight of red hair halted the two. Reno rushed towards them, but that isn't what shocked the gunman. Silver hair man with a strong resemblance to his mother, Lucrecia. His green eyes were predatory, yet innocent curiosity lingered there as well. Just like when he was a child. "Sephiroth," escaped Vincent's lips.

Catlike green eyes widened in surprise as well as the Turks'. "I don't believe I know you," the General informed, "Mr. Valentine."

Reno's nervous expression screamed 'I told all I know. Hope it won't be the death of me'. My oh my looked what Reddy brought. The so called child you wanted to protect. "I prefer to be called Vincent," answered the red eyed man who was trying to ignore Chaos.

The General didn't say anything and his stern expression deepened. "You didn't answer my question."

"Technically you didn't ask a question. But I met you when you were very young."

"Then how did you recognized me?" Sephiroth countered.

Vincent sighed, "In case you haven't notice, your hair is very distinctive." He added under his breath, "Your face resemble your mother."

Before the General could ask about what only his ears heard, a phone rang. Reno shuffled through his pockets before pulling out a phone. He cocked a grin and answered, "Yo, boss...yeah... …right now?...okay yo. I understand. On it, Boss. Bye." To the others redhead said, "We gotta go, yo. Boss has a mission for ya Vince."

Vincent's eyebrow unconsciously twitched at another nickname. Wasn't one enough. He followed the redhead who headed in. He was silently grateful for the interruption. He wasn't ready to face what was probably his greatest sin. He failed the child, but he hoped the damage wasn't too irreversible. The gunman felt rather than see the green eyes follow him.

In no time, they reached Tseng's office. The head Turk ordered, "Reno, Rude, you're going to escort Rufus from Costa Del Sol to here."

The redhead asked, "The president's kid. Ya joking, right?"

"I don't joke," the Wutaian sighed, "Now hurry up you two."

"What about Vinny boy?"

"He has a different assignment," the Boss commented.

"Right then. Later, yo." With a mock salute, the redhead was gone along with his partner.

Vincent nodded his goodbye to the departing Turks before setting his attention to Tseng. "This is the mission file," began the head Turk, "I assume it is self explanatory. If not hold 2 on this phone to reach me. This is yours now."

The gunman accepted the phone and placed it next to his gun. He quickly browsed through the folder before nodding his goodbye. It wasn't what he expected, but it did explain why Hojo awakened him. This would be hard to pull off unless you've been enhanced. It was north hidden in the mountains beyond Nibelheim. An area that had snow all year round. He was given a helicopter to get up there.

There were snowstorms, but none strong enough to affect his flight. Vincent cautiously landed the copter a few miles from his destination, so he wouldn't be noticed. The pine forest was thick and the snow deep. He knew that he couldn't feel temperatures like a normal person. He could faintly tell the snow was cold. Normally the walk would be a day or two, but with Chaos's help he could get done in hour tops. Chaos. Lend you my wings? My aren't you a demanding host. Chaos.Vincent rolled his eyes as Chaos chuckled.

He felt the bones shift as black leathery wings tore though his skin. It was a bit painful, but nothing he wasn't expecting. It shifted his cloak awkwardly to the side. With a quick test flap, he began to fly low, keeping underneath the trees. After an hour of flight, he slowed down and paid closer attention to the surroundings. He landed softly in the snow and let the wings disappear with his skin already healed. Through the dark green pines, he could see a slanted roof covered in snow. It was the entrance to the underground base, hence why regular turks couldn't do the mission. He was fairly impressed that they manage to get the information they did. They had part of the laboratory layout. Of course, technology had advanced a lot in 20 years. Still, he wasn't sure if it was capable to discover underground layout without entering.

His crimson eyes spotted the hidden guard who blended into the shadows. Most would have never noticed him. It was going to be tricky to get in without arising suspicion. Vincent climbed up the tree silently and quickly gathered and held pine cones in his clawed hand. With his human hand, he threw one. It hit the tree across from himself and it rustled. The guard was alert now, but not enough to get him to leave his post. With another two throw he made pine cones from the other tree drop harshly against the ground. That did the trick; the guard ran over to investigate.

Vincent leaped down and sprinted to the doorway where he slipped inside unnoticed. He was grateful that this lab didn't seem to require any key cards or codes. He really curious why Hojo was interested in this lab, especially since it couldn't be doing anything too secretive with so little protection. He stalked through the shadows carefully maneuvering down the hall avoiding the staff. At one point he decided the vents would be quicker, especially since the doors had very small windows. It wouldn't allow him to get a good idea of what was in the room. He carefully crawled into the overhead vents. He needed to find a computer, an unoccupied one.

Finally found a lab room that was empty with a computer. He slipped down to the tile floor and walked to the computer. It was already on and someone was logged in, which he appreciated. He wasn't sure he could successfully hack the new computers. After opening a few files and skimming their contents, one caught his eye. Cetra. He knew they were an ancient race, but he thought they were extinct. This report stated otherwise. Professor Gast discovered one and fell in love with her. Their child was Aerith. It clicked into place, Hojo wanted the girl for an experiment. He was sure and could hear Chaos hum in agreement.

Sensitive ears heard the handle turn. The gunman put the computer to sleep and raised himself into the vent before the scientist entered. He pondered about checking the place out more, but decided he knew enough. Hojo needed to be stopped. Sephiroth was more or less safe from further damage. Finally now we're talking. His blood will be such a pleasing sight. Oh especially his surprise look when he realized there is nothing he can do to end his torment. His death will be slow. Vincent winced at this and only confirmed. Hojo will be stopped.

In no time the man reached the exit. This will be hard. He nudged the door opened just a crack. The guard was there in the shadows. Chaos chuckled. How about using Death Giga's wind. Vincent frowned in confusion. You're not going to transform. Just think of it as Wind Materia and pull it inwards and around. Red eyes closed in concentration. He suddenly felt light and wispy. He opened his eyes to find himself a red and black mist. He slipped through the door or maybe he should say breezed. The guard just stared as if not comprehending what he was seeing. Vincent swiftly floated past the guard deep into the pine forest. Looked like you got a hang of it. The host didn't bother to reply, but continued to use the strange wispy form until he was a good distance away.

Vincent released the winds around him and landed gracefully in the snow. He wandered towards the helicopter. He thought over the information he found on the hard drive. It was actually what he would like scientist and doctors to work on: curing different illnesses and injuries quicker, alternative energy sources. It was a pleasant surprise and reminded him that not all doctors and scientists are evil. Though he didn't plan to try trusting them anytime soon.

Crimson eyes finally noticed the fading sunset. He knew how to maneuver the copter, but he wasn't very confident in doing so at night. He climbed up a nearby tree. He raised up one knee and put his arms around it. He laid his head down using his arms as a pillow. Slowly allowed himself to doze off.

He awakened in a panic. He remembered the scalpel vividly. He anxiously checked his surroundings and remembered that Hojo no longer cut him up. The sky was tinged with a dusky pink hinting the sun would rise soon. He lightly shook his head before jumping down. He could hear Chaos muttering, but wasn't able to make out any words.

With a sigh, Vincent flew the helicopter back to Midgar. He figured he was to report to Tseng. He walked down the hallways trying to ignore the stares. He walked into the Turk office. Reno was leaning back on his chair. Aquamarine eyes stared at his own. "Yo, you're back already?"

The reinstated Turk just nodded as he turned the knob on the head's office door. He could hear the redhead's chair clank against the floor. "Wait, wasn't you on the lab mission?"

Red eyes glided over to the Turk as he nodded once again and entered the office. Tseng looked up. His chocolate eyes widen fractionally before responding, "You finished the mission?" Vincent nodded. "Go ahead and report to Hojo. I won't need paperwork for that."

Vincent's lips tugged upwards though his cloak hid it. He was glad for that. He left the office and almost walked straight into a redhead. "Reporting to Hojo?" He nodded with a sigh. "We'll be down in the cafeteria. Meet us there after."

With yet another nod, Vincent headed down to Hojo's labs. He was nervous, especially after all the nightmares or should he say memories. He is going to die today, right? ...Yes. He paused in front of the laboratory door and took a deep breath to calm himself before entering.

Sephiroth noticed Vincent's signature red cloak heading towards Hojo's lab. He quickly walked down the hall and peered around the corner. There was Vincent Valentine hovering in front of the door. He noticed the golden claw. He wondered why he didn't notice it before. That train of thought stopped when the gunman suddenly walked in. The swordsman quietly went over to the door and opened it a tad in order to observe.

Vincent spotted Hojo and headed over. The scientist turned around with a grin. "I knew that mission was a one day job. They really need to allow me to give the Turks mako." Crimson eyes glowered. "What Valentine, you're still upset after all these years." He chuckled darkly. "Myself I mostly forgotten. I was lucky to remember that I still had you locked up in the manor. Report what's in that laboratory."

The gunman frowned. "It's Doctors Gast's laboratory, but I bet you already know that. They are doing studies on alternative energy resources. Alternative medical treatments without the use of mako." He could see the irritation flicker across the other's face. Chaos on the other hand was suggesting different deaths for the man, which was thoroughly ignored by Vincent. "Gast, also, had a bit on Cetras. Mostly on their culture, which was given to him from Ifalna, a Cetra. He is married to her and have a 15 year old girl named Aerith."

"Where are they?" The madman was now very excited that it reached the subject he wished to discuss.

A smirk tugged on Vincent's lips. "Now why in the world would I tell you? You would experiment on her. Do you really think I would consciously allow you to do so? I know first hand what you do, Hojo."

The scientist was annoyed, but patiently commanded, "You will obey, Valentine, unless you want harm to come to Sephiroth."

"You already did your damage," the Turk retorted, "You thought I wouldn't figure out how many years have past? That the child I knew is now an adult? I thought you were better than that. I guess you're rusty in your old age."

Hojo's face contorted in pure fury He already had a needle with some strange purple liquid inside. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way."

Crimson eyes glared as he stated firmly, "I will not allow you to cause further harm."

Hojo sprinted forward attempting to jab the tranquilizer into Vincent. The crimson eyes became golden as he allowed the demon to take control. Chaos leaped back and shifted forms. The Turk's bones shifted, skin darken, and horns and claws grew. His height stretched an extra foot. Chaos chuckled darkly. "Missed me, Hojo."

The madman's eyes widen and the needle dropped from his hand. "Vincent let you out?"

"You thought he never learn to talk with us demons you bestowed upon him?"

His left claw struck through the scientist's shoulder. The man was raised up to the demon's eye level. "Y-you don't want to kill me," Hojo begged, "Vincent, I put them in. I can take them out. So, let's talk."

Hojo attempt to keep his face neutral as he lied, but it twitched. "He's not going to listen to you," Chaos snarled. Vincent sighed. Chaos make sure you only use your claws. Your claws are very similar to the beasts he keeps here. Chaos grinned wickedly. Making sure no one thinks it's you and draw what would appear to be a logical conclusion. Never cease to amaze me, host. Even in revenge. "I'm going to make you regret putting us on the operation table and doing your so called experiments," the demon informed the pinned man, "Maybe I should see how your heart looks, if you even have one human."

Chaos's right claw began to slice deeply through the scientist's shirt and skin while the left held him up. Chaos! Just kill him quickly. If you calculate his death it won't look like those creatures kill him. The demon growled as his claws flexed deeper into Hojo making him scream in pain. "You're lucky that my host wishes to end this quickly."

Chaos tore his right claw out of the man and slashed the madman's throat almost decapitating him. He let the body drop off his claw with a sickening thud. With the man dealt with, he stalks to the cages. He carefully tore the metal cages enough to let the beasts out. The demon also made sure the wire was facing outwards, so it would appear the monsters did it. He did the same with two other cages that held the same species. "Happy now, host?" he asked grumpily. Yes. Thank you Chaos. You did get your revenge on him. Vincent gently coax the demon's blood lust. "Want your body back?" Yes, if you don't mind. "Just try," the demon grumbled, "to let me out more often." Vincent sighed. I'll try. With that assurance, his bones forced their way back into his human form.

The Turk adjusted his cloak now that he was back in his body. His red eyes glanced at the remains. A whisper escaped, "I hope you'll forgive me for killing your husband, Lucrecia." Stop apologizing and get going already. His eyes darted from the body to the beast finally braving their way out of the cages. He sighed as he turned to leave.

Green eyes were glued to the scene that played before him. He was surprised by the events. He never would of thought it was possible for more than one entity to share a body, let alone completely transform one's appearance. It was fascinating in a sickening way. He could hear the bones move and snap. At the same time he was still stunned by the earlier conservation. It lingered in his mind that he was used as an Achilles's heel against someone and it worked. Vincent felt obligated to protect him, which was strange. He never had a family. He was raised in lab as an experiment. Only one doctor shown anything more than that was Gast, who Hojo obvious didn't like. He had to leave due to Hojo. The madman wasn't pleased that his experiment was treated as a human child. Hojo still wanted to get at Gast, otherwise why would he get Valentine to investigate?

The scientist's anguish scream drew Sephiroth out of his inner musings. He heard the demon, Chaos, mention his host wanted to end things. He couldn't help but to wonder why. Hojo definitely didn't deserve a swift end. It then occur to him that Valentine would be the first suspect, especially since he just arrived and the higher ups knew the Turk was experimented upon by Hojo. The demon set up the scenario for Hojo's death. It was definitely well thought out. He heard the bones shift and saw the demon was now a man again. The red eyes seemed to hold sadness instead of victory. A soft whisper escaped the gunman; one that even he had to strain to hear.

"I hope you'll forgive me for killing your husband, Lucrecia."

Sephiroth didn't realize the scientist was married. He briefly pondered who in their right mind would marry such a man and how Valentine was involved in all this. Maybe the Turk was Lucrecia's brother. His voice definitely held love for the woman. The Turk's movements stopped further thoughts. He quickly hid away and watch him leave to the upper floors.

The swordsman walked into the lab looking at the beast who decided to tear up Hojo's body. A cruel smile touched his lips. It was fitting for the madman's body to be eaten by his own experiments. Green eyes spotted an object out of place for the Turk's setup. The purple liquid on the floor under the table. It was still trapped within the syringe. The swordsman picked it up and tuck it into his coat. Who knows, it could be very useful.