Yo. This took a while, and I won't even begin to apologize, because in the future it will most probably take up to this long. But the chapters will come.

I tried to elaborate a little on the Yuffie/Vincent friendship as best I could. I'm sorry to all the diehard Yuffie fans if I managed to make her hopelessly annoying (which is what I think she is, but we won't get into that…….), but I tried to make her un-annoying too. I'm trying to get a feel for writing her character because she makes frequent appearances in the game, so I'm going to be forced to write her.

So read and enjoy, and perhaps leave a short note of how I'm doing……or not doing, if you find things that require some constructive criticism.

Thank you for all the reviews and

Cheers!

Kyyrin

Chapter Five

"Is it true?"

"Is what true?"

His younger self stood across from a shadowed man that was seated at a large wooden desk. The tension between the two men was quite evident.

"That Lucrecia……that Dr. Crescent is to take part in this project?"

" It's true. Why are you so surprised"

Both men turned to face a determined looking Lucrecia, who was walking towards them.

"But using your own child? For an experiment?"

He remembered trying his best to sound convincing. Plausible. Hoping that if he gave her good reasons, she wouldn't go through with what she was planning. With what that psychopath was planning. Yes. That's what that man was.

Insane.

"Ha! I don't know what you're implying, but both of us are scientists. We know what we are doing. You are the last person to have any word in this. Now leave us at once, boy!"

"But.….."

That was what he had been afraid of. He wouldn't even get a chance to voice his concern for Lucrecia. But…….she loved him, didn't she? And he her. So wouldn't she listen? But somehow, the words wouldn't come out of his mouth. Not yet.

"But what?" She fixated him with a withering glare that made him seriously doubt that this was the women he had fallen in love with. He gave a small, nearly inaudible gasp at her tone. She hadn't never spoken to him like this.

"If you have something to say, say it."

Her harsh voice penetrated through the room once more. Alright. This was his chance. He had to say something. Anything to make her understand that what she was about to go through with was beyond dangerous. For her child, and for herself. But try as he might, words failed him all the same. The speeches he had slaved over composing, to present to her were forgotten as she now stared him down as if he were one of the lowest beings on the Planet. So all that came out was…….

"Are you..….are you sure this is what you really want?"

The question came out stuttered and quivering.

He was desperate.

But her reaction was one that he would never forget.

"Am I sure? Am I sure? If this only concerns me then, yes. I am sure!"

So that was it then. She had never loved him. All the times she had told him how special he was to her, and that she cared for him had been lies. She had just said it. Lucrecia knew that this didn't only concern her, but his feelings as well. And as far as he was concerned, he loved her with all his heart. But as far as she was concerned…….science was all that mattered. And not even him and his affections could fill the void that would be left if she agree not to proceed with this experiment.

"Oh...I just..."

He just what? He just thought that all their moments spent together meant something. He just thought that maybe he did have a chance at being with someone that loved him unconditionally. He just…….he just though she loved him back.

And now, as he stood, completely ashamed in front of two masterminded scientists, he realized just how wrong he had been.

"All I did was watch.

I didn't even try and stop her.

And then."

She walked across the room, past the window where they had sat so often and admired the beauties of nature.

Suddenly, she gripped her stomach, face contorting in agony as pain seared through her body.

Green.

And then. Then, there were………

Flames. Bright and orange, burning hellishly as they consumed the surroundings.

A man stood in their midst. A glimpse of his face.

Cold, cruel eyes flooded with mako stared demonically out into the world. His hair was a long flowing mane of silver, and his skin was a hue of snow white. The image flickered, but held steady long enough for one to see the malice and insanity that was written all over the man's features.

Another scene change.

A falling piece of metal. No. A face. The metal was the shape of a women, falling. And a crimson liquid poured out of her eyes.

Once again the silver haired man.

And then………

That was my sin……

And this……

This…...

Is my punishment…...

He was standing in the lab. In the basement of the Shinra Manor. His vision swam and swayed before his eyes. He wanted to grip the table for support, but his hands were so heavy.

So heavy.

He looked down, horror and dread beginning to build.

He saw ugly, monstrous claws where his hands had once been. Claws on his feet as well. His skin was now furred and a shade of bluish purple. His breathing began to quicken. What had happened? What had that bastard done to him? This couldn't be real.

But it was. And he couldn't do anything about it.

It was all too much.

Vincent Valentine lifted his now bestial head and let out a scream of agony.

"I saw you again..."

"It was the place...the place we first met...But you were...no. I'm the one to blame. I couldn't stop you that day. I just..."

"I...found...I gave...you..."

"Lucrecia...?"

"I'm so sorry".

Lights. They were bright. His eyes hurt just trying to adjust to them. His body ached and he was tired. So tired. Vincent managed to turn his aching head to the right a bit, a movement which revealed that a white cloaked person was sitting across from him. Good. He had many questions that he needed answered. But before he could begin, the mysterious figure greeted him brightly.

"Morning", they raised a hand in greeting and seemed to be watching him intently from behind the cloak.

"Where…...?", he whispered weakly, his voice wavering slightly. But he decided to reformulate his question. It would be wiser to know who he was dealing with first.

"Who are you?"

At this, the cloaked figure stood.

"Well, I'm glad you asked! I am the champion of the earth and the sky. I am the conqueror of evil. The single white rose of Wutai!"

Oh. He should have known.

The cloaked person suddenly flung away her garment and there stood……..

"Yuffie Kisaragi!"

He really should have known.

Yuffie leaped up on the metal bench she had been sitting on, and continued her self confidant speech.

"Feast your eyes on……Whoa…..Whoa!!!"

Vincent raised an eyebrow as Yuffie began to lose her balance, and stifled a snort of amusement when she fell backwards onto a control panel, hitting her head in the process.

It had been a long time.

"Owwwww….Owwwwww", she rubbed the back of her head, a feigned expression of hurt on her face.

Vincent simply ignored her whines, and moved on the more important subjects. As much as it lifted his spirits marginally to see one of his old friends, the circumstances were now not opportune for a reunion. And besides…….Yuffie would one day drive him up every wall in sight. She was just that irritating……….

"So, where are we?"

Vincent nearly gave a rare laugh at the priceless expression that crossed her face.

"C'mon, aren't you at least a little concerned?", came the pitiful whine, obviously begging for attention.

Vincent sighed, but relented. A bit of witty banter wouldn't hurt. So he took on his emotionless monotone, and without a hint of a smile, addressed her.

"Yuffie. It's been a while. How's your head?"

Yuffie's mouth opened in surprised, and then closed again in annoyance.

"You.…..could you at least pretend to be sympathetic!?", she ranted, giving him a glare.

Vincent smiled inwardly. Teasing her was one of his hobbies. But at the moment, there were much more important matters to attend to. Leaning on his elbow, he attempted to push himself into a sitting position. Halfway up, however, a searing pain shot through his chest and he gasped, clutching at his middle in an effort to make the pain subside.

He was only partially aware that Yuffie had rushed to crouch next to him and had put a gentle hand on his shoulder. He panted weakly, attempting to clear his dizzied vision

"Hey, take it easy", he heard Yuffie's far way voice command. "That was a big hole you had in your chest."

He started. A what?

"A hole…..in my chest?", he managed painfully, trying to even out his breathing. He didn't remember having a……..wait.

"I seriously thought you were a goner, but then the wound healed itself right up", Yuffie continued, standing and twirling around in various directions. "You were always 'different', but I guess that's why you're still breathing."

She twirled again, and Vincent let his gaze drop to the ground. Now he remembered. The Shinra Manor. Rosso. That scum of a Tsviet had robbed him of something that had been embedded in his chest. And after that……..he had lost control of his most powerful demon.

Chaos.

But he would have time to think on that later. Now…..

"Yuffie, what are you doing here?

She glanced at him briefly, as if making sure he was alright. He didn't doubt that she had been worried. Very worried. He had noticed it on her features, even though she had tried to cover it with a mask of cheerfulness and humour. But……that was Yuffie.

"Me? I'm just helping out Reeve and his gang. I was poking around Nibelheim and I found you looking all corpselike in Shinra Manor. So I saved you!"

Vincent moved his gaze back to her, fighting to hold back his surprise. She had saved his life?

"Imagine that….", Yuffie went on, rubbing her nose and staring into the distance. A look of triumph and pride crossed her face. "Me, saving the great Vincent Valentine. Do I get any thanks?"

She twirled again and giggled. Vincent was fully aware that she only joking around, but still. He owed her gratitude for rescuing him. Taking on his beloved monotone once again, he voiced what he had been thinking.

"Hm. Thanks…...Yuffie".

Her smug expression changed to one of doubt and discomfort in a matter of seconds. She began to shake her head and wave her hands.

"No, no, no…..I-I didn't mean for you to take me so seriously", she stuttered. She obviously hadn't expected him to actually thank her. Vincent nodded his head slightly, and attempted to resettle himself into a more comfortable position. The pain in his chest had become somewhat manageable now, and he supported himself on both elbows, breathing deeply.

"Anyway.……", she continued on. "Reeve wanted us to contact him as soon as you woke up".

The second Yuffie said 'Reeve', Vincent suddenly recognized his surroundings. The Shadowfox. He wondered why he hadn't noticed it earlier. And Reeve. Shalua. If Vincent knew his friends well, his injury must have scared them both to death. He was suddenly very eager to contact Reeve.

Yuffie turned, and began to type some commands into the control panel she had been sitting in front of. While she was working, Vincent suppressed a smile.

"Hm. Do you think that computer still works after you fell on it, Yuffie? I'm not sure it's used to so much……..weight at one time."

He smirked behind his cloak at Yuffie's once again entertaining reaction.

"W-Whaa? Heeeeeey……Are you implying that I'm fat, Vinnie?"

At this, Vincent cringed visibly. He hated it with a passion when someone chose to call him something other than his given name, Vincent. Vince, he could still tolerate, for there was no way he could ever get Yuffie, Cid, Barret and Reeve to give up calling him that. But 'Vinnie'? That was just……wrong.

"I did not say that, Yuffie…..", he began in a calm, collected voice. "And please refrain from calling me…...that……ever again.".

He regretted saying that the minute the words left his mouth. Yuffie turned to look at him, a sly smiling playing on her lips. Planet. He had just provoked her. He should have just ignored it when he had the chance.

"Ok, Vinnie. I won't call you Vinnie ever again, Vinnie", Yuffie crowed, grinning at him like a maniac. "So, Vinnie. Why don't you try and rest a bit while I get Reeve on the line, Vinnie?"

Vincent let out a low growl. She was clearly doing this to get on his nerves. She must still think he was someone that could be teased easily. Hadn't she learned anything on their travels?

"Yuffie, stop. You are older now. At least attempt to act like a grown women. Or is that too difficult for you?"

Her grin grew, and Vincent almost groaned. When would he learn to stop provoking her?

"Yup. It is. And ya know what the best part about being a little kid is?"

"Do I even want to know?"

"That I can tease you all the time and get away with it! Lighten up, Vinnie! I know you wouldn't shoot me if I don't stop annoying you! You're too nice for that!"

"But it's a tempting……".

"Please, Yuffie. I need some space."

"No you don't!"

"Yes, I do."

"No, you don't!"

"Yuffie…….."

"Aw c'mon, Vinnie! You're always alone! Don't you like being around people sometimes?"

She had no idea……

"Yuffie, please……"

"Please what, Vinnie?"

"Please stop calling me that".

"Aw, you said please, Vinnie!"

"Stop!"

"Vinnie, Vinnie, Vinnie, Vinnie!"

"Yuffie".

"Vinnie!"

"Yuffie".

"Vinnie!!!"

"Yuffie?"

Both Vincent and Yuffie turned towards the computer screen when they heard the familiar voice.

"Vincent?"

"Reeve!!!!", Yuffie squealed in glee and whipped back to the screen, that had crackled to life and was now displaying a picture of the WRO Commissioner. "How are you? And Vincent's awake now……he's alright!"

Vincent heard an audible sigh of relief over the speakers. So Reeve had been worried.

"Vincent has come to? Excellent……"

Vincent stared intently at the screen, and then at Yuffie. He'd give anything to have a private chat with his friend at the moment. Without the annoying ninja.

"So what do ya have, Reeve", Yuffie chirped, leaning her head on her hands on the panel.

"Some good news, in fact", Reeve continued. "Using you-know-who, I was able to infiltrate Midgar….."

You-know-who. Cait Sith, obviously. Vincent deduced that Reeve was avoiding saying his creations name due to the unwanted ears that could be listening in on their conversation.

"However, what I saw wasn't the prettiest of pictures".

From there on, Reeve proceeded to tell them what Cait number four had accomplished during after he had snuck into the reactor. It turned out that the little cat had sacrificed his life after all. He had had an unannounced meeting with a Tsviet named Nero the Sable, and had disappeared without a trace. Reeve hadn't heard from the robot since.

"Omega... I should have known", Reeve's voice had become quiet and sad. He was grieving for the many people whose lives had been lost. Selfless as always.

"We cannot let them sacrifice the lives of any more people. Once we've gathered our forces, we'll launch a full offensive."

"Well that's a new one", Vincent thought idly. Reeve had never been one for violence, always preferring to solve problems in a peaceful manner. But it seemed that his friend had finally realized that Deepground wanted no peace. They wanted the destruction of the Planet.

"Of course, we'll require the help of you two as well. Please hurry back to headquarters".

Vincent snorted softly. He should have known there'd be a catch. But looking closer, he saw the look of helplessness and strain on Reeve's features. Reeve obviously knew that he couldn't attempt a siege of this magnitude single-handedly and hope to survive. He needed all the help he could get. The Headquarters had already once been damaged, so he must have had his hands full trying to repair them as well as researching Deepground's motives. The man must be exhausted.

And Vincent still felt as though he owed Reeve something. Even though his friend had told him he didn't. Reeve had saved his life after all.

Yuffie was already nodding eagerly, and Vincent looked towards the screen. Reeve's eyes now rested on him, almost pleading with him to agree. And Vincent obliged. He nodded slowly, letting his crimson orbs smile at Reeve a little to let his friend know that he wasn't alone. This action was returned by a heartfelt grin from Reeve, and a thumbs up sign from Yuffie.

"Oh", Reeve's voice echoed through the vehicle once more. "I'm analyzing the data files you sent earlier. I should have results soon."

Vincent cocked an eyebrow. Data files? He didn't remember giving Reeve any data files…….

"Yeah……"

Vincent turned to look at Yuffie, who was sporting a look akin to guilt on her face.

"Yeah, I kinda….well……took them from you and sent them to Reeve, Vinni------, Vincent. Sorry……"

Vincent's expression hardened. She had taken things from him without his permission?

"Yuffie…..", he started in a warning voice, intent on reprimanding her for her actions.

"……but you….you were unconscious….and Reeve needed information. I'm sorry. I didn't want to wake you up. You must have been in so much pain before, I just wanted to let you recover. You have no idea how worried I was--------"

"Yuffie….", Vincent cut her off, all his anger evaporating instantly. Of course. She hadn't done it to spite him. And she must have been extremely concerned not to have woken him up first. And besides. He had made Yuffie quite aware of the fact that if she stole anything from him and kept it, she would feel the consequences. And they wouldn't end up in her favour.

"It's…..it's alright. I understand."

The nervous, worried expression disappeared from Yuffie's features, and was once again replaced with a youthful smile.

"Though…….might I ask…..to speak with Reeve…..alone?"

If the request startled Yuffie, she didn't show it. She merely stood up and grinned at him again.

"No prob! I'm gonna go tell the driver where to head! Well, c'ya soon, Reeve. And say hi to Shalua and Cait for me!"

And with that, Yuffie disappeared to the front of the truck, closing the connecting door behind her.

Vincent turned his attention back to the screen. Reeve stood looking at him, waiting patiently with a half smile on his face.

"So you've woken up then. I have to admit, you did give Shalua and I quite a scare. And Yuffie too. She told me what happened. The poor girl was completely distraught when she called me. She said that…….at first, she didn't think you'd……..make it."

Vincent sighed, and attempted once again to lift himself off the bench he was lying on. He had more luck than the last time, but still had to deal with a significant amount of pain. He laboriously pushed his weakened body to stand, and limped over to the screen, sitting down hard on the bench in front of it. He gave an involuntary groan. The wound would take time to heal. Chaos had merely restored the hole on the outside. Where as internally, it might take quite some time to heal.

Reeve's relaxed expression turned to one of concern.

"Vincent? Are you in pain?"

"I can manage….Reeve", Vincent grunted, holding a hand to his chest. "It will…..take time…..but I will manage."

Reeve nodded his understanding, but the worried expression didn't fade.

"Maybe…..you should get some rest before you arrive here. I mean, it's not like you can't rest here as well, it's just………."

"I understand, Reeve. You want me to be……strong enough for the siege."

Reeve looked at him blankly, and then with a gaze of sadness.

"I……is that all you think this is, Vincent? That I'm using you to help the WRO fight against Deepground? I thought……you knew me better than that…….I know better than to take advantage of a friend….."

Vincent started at Reeve's image dumbfounded. Had that really been what his statement had sounded like? Like he felt that Reeve was using him?

"Reeve……", he began.

"But then again…….I'm starting to regret forcing you to assist me. Not that I don't welcome your help. The opposite, in fact. I cherish the fact that you were then when I needed you. It's just…...I…...I should have at least given you a choice. I mean, what kind of a friend am I, forcibly recruiting you to work for me without giving you a chance to speak your mind…...I……I'm sorry, Vincent".

Vincent's surprise had now turned to downright horror. He had never thought of it that way, and he still didn't. He instantly regretted even remotely bringing the subject up. No. Reeve hadn't forced him. If he had been completely against it, he would have told his friend so in the first place. And he had almost said no. In fact, he had technically said no. Until he had witnessed a Deepground soldier gun Reeve down before his eyes. Though it had been Cait in a Reeve costume that day, the image of his friend being torn apart by enemy bullets had been branded into his memory. It was then that he had decided he would help. He wouldn't have been able to handle the emotional pain if something like that actually happened to Reeve. Or anyone else he cared for.

"No, Reeve. Stop this. You by no means forced me into any of this. If I…..hadn't wanted to help you, then I wouldn't have told you so when you first asked. You should…..know be by now. And fact is……..that Deepground was hunting me all along. If I hadn't agreed to help you……then who knows what would have…..happened. To you. To Yuffie. To Shalua. I would have……never even met Shalua……."

Vincent finished off, beginning to think he was speaking more this month than he had in his entire life. But that was unimportant. He just hoped Reeve understood what he was trying to say…….

Looking at his friend, he saw, even through the static reception of the screen, that a weight had been lifted off Reeve's shoulders. A sincere, warm smile spread across Reeve's face.

"Oh……Planet, that's good to here, Vincent. I actually thought…….well, never mind."

"How is she?"

"Who?"

"Who do you think, Reeve?"

"Oh…..y-you mean Shalua! She's fine. Shelke hasn't woken up yet, but……she's taking it well. We'll just have to see if Shelke takes it well…….."

"And how are…..you?"

"Me? I…..well…..I'm alright. A bit tired, I guess. And there's the constant headache. But it's nothing I can't handle", Reeve finished confidently, giving Vincent another weak grin. But Vincent knew better than that. He knew his friend was completely run down.

"Reeve, I will rest. I promise. But under one condition".

Vincent saw his friend raise an eyebrow and give him a look.

"And what would that be, Vincent?"

"That…….that you rest too. And tell Shalua to as well. You both need it just as much as I do. Go on. And we will see each other soon."

Reeve grinned once more, and nodded.

"Agreed. I'll be taking my leave now. I've got half a dozen people that will be sure to rip my head off if I'm not there to help them in the next five minutes. I'll send your greetings to Shalua. Take care of yourself, Vincent. And perhaps of Yuffie too if it's not too much to ask. Tuesti out!"

And with another smile, he ended the transmission.

Vincent was left to his thoughts for no more than two minutes before Yuffie came bounding back in.

"Hey! You stole my seat, Vince!", came the indignant whine. She plopped herself onto the bench he had been lying on earlier.

"You finished talking to Reeve, I see………well, there you have it, then. I don't know what's going down, but it sounds big".

An excited look crept over her features.

"I've been waiting a long time to get my hands on those Deepground punks. They've had their way long enough. Now it's time to give them a taste of Pain a la Yuffie", her hands curled into fists and she began punching and swatting at invisible enemies.

"Just gimme a few seconds with those creeps and I could pulverize 'em all in………"

And so, Yuffie began to rant endlessly about how many "Deepground freaks", she could take on in how many minutes, leaving Vincent to stare at her blankly. She obviously had no idea who she would be up against. But he had to give it to her……she was brave.

"….two in five, or three in four, or one in two, or maybe four in three……."

"Oh Yuffie..."

"Oh Yuffie" indeed. Just another short note to let you all know that I've changed the name of Thank You For Loving Me to Any Other Day. The reason is posted in the last chapter of the story. Cheers!