Yes. Well it seems to have taken longer than I originally intended it to. My apologies, but I have had absolutely no time to write much of anything lately. For those of you who are following "Try, Try Again", I'm starting to think it may be on hiatus for a while. I'm doing my very best to keep up with this story as it is, and with all the other things I need to accomplish, so bear with me. But you have my word. I will finish it eventually. I just need a bit of time. But I may able to write the next chapter sooner than you all think, so keep an eye out.

At the moment I am extremely satisfied with myself because I decided to buy myself a birthday present (smile). The Dirge of Cerberus Soundtrack! Yay! It's amazing and I love it. I recommend to anyone and everyone. That was the best present aside from the skull and crossbones themed bikini I got…….since Pirates of the Caribbean, I'm totally in love with that style.

And enough with the ramblings…..

Enjoy and drop a note on how I'm doing if you wish.

Cheers!

Kyyrin

Chapter Twelve

Vincent wasn't one to stutter, let alone fish for adequate words, so as he stared at Reeve clutching the side of the door for dear life and fighting not to fall over, any words failed him. The next thought that crossed his mind was that he must have been sleeping quite a while for Reeve to be well enough to walk the fair distance from the med ward to this room without assistance.

So instead, he fixed Reeve with a gaze that mixed patience, worry, and relief altogether. But as much as he was sincerely relieved to find his friend somewhat better, he was starting to believe that Sam didn't know anything about Reeve's surprise visit here. Otherwise Reeve would still be lying in a bed at the medical facilities.

"How did you know where to find us?"

The question came out in a rather uninteresting manner after his voice returned, leaving Vincent to wonder why he had actually just said that. Other than the fact that it was the first thing that came to his mind. There must be a good number of people who knew the location of this room.

"I asked", Reeve replied flatly, and then, his eyes strayed over to Shalua's lifeless form in the healing tube. The look of heart-wrenching sorrow that Vincent had seen on his face earlier, replaced the blank look he had been wearing.

Vincent cringed inwardly, and ignoring Shelke's inquisitive look, strolled over and stepped in front of Reeve, blocking any line of sight to where Shalua lay. Reeve blinked, as if he had snapped out of a trance, eyes traveling to Vincent's face as he fought to return the blank, emotionless look to his face. But this time, Vincent saw a different, familiar spark in his friend's eyes. One that he knew so well.

Determination.

It may be small and weak yet, but it was there. It proved that Reeve wanted to fight no matter the circumstances. He hadn't given up on life after all. And when he spoke again, Vincent could hear a bit of that normal, feisty edge of confidence return that he had feared Reeve would lose. But he didn't raise his hopes. It could all be temporary. It could all be a mask.

"Vincent. I agree with you. This is not the time for us……to give up".

Vincent arched an eyebrow. Reeve had actually been coherent enough to listen to what he had told him back in the command center?

Reeve wasn't finished.

"But I need to know something. Those data files you recovered from Shinra Manor…..are you sure there were…..not any more?"

Reeve's voice had now taken on a bit of a hopeful tone, but the blank expression remained on his face. Vincent took a good look at his friend, and scrutinized him intently before answering.

"I'm sure….."

He was sure. There hadn't been any more than the amount he had found. And Yuffie hadn't found any either.

"I see…..", came the soft reply. Reeve almost looked somewhat thoughtful….and almost…..disheartened.

"What's wrong?"

"Well, the Omega Report.….The file was…..incomplete."

Vincent saw Reeve sway a little, and reached out a hand to steady him.

"To make any sense out of it, we are going to require the other half. If possible, I wanted to know more about our foe before we launched the attack on Midgar."

Vincent understood Reeve. He really did. But couldn't research wait just a little until his friend was at least able to go about business without being dizzy and in pain? Though he didn't dare ask. Reeve had come her from the med ward on his own, without assistance, or so Vincent assumed. Telling him to go back there would be like having a friendly chat with Sephiroth about stopping Meteor, if he were still alive.

"Are you speaking of Dr. Lucrecia Crescent's findings?"

Vincent hadn't been aware that Shelke had turned around to face them again until she spoke. He, in turn, looked at her with interest written all over his face. Finally. Someone that might possibly know something more about Lucrecia.

Reeve let out a small gasp and turned to look at Shelke as well.

"Yes. But how did you.….?", Reeve trailed off in surprise, looking at the former Tsviet in wonder. Vincent noticed an acute flash of sorrow flit across his friend's eyes for a moment. Reeve obviously saw a part of Shalua somewhere in Shelke.

"A large quantity of her mnemonic data fragments has been uploaded into my neural network. It was my prime directive to use this data to locate and retrieve the Protomateria. However, not only was the data incomplete, but part of her consciousness began interfering with my own thought processes. It was believed that the missing fragments may have been the reason for this. I can attempt to upload the WRO's files on the Omega Report. By combining it with the data I possess, you may obtain a clearer picture of what you will be up against."

Both Vincent and Reeve just stared. Vincent now in shock that fragments of Lucrecia had been stored in Shelke, and Reeve in interest at the fact that he just might be getting all the information he needed, and perhaps more than he was hoping for.

"And perhaps I can regain control of my mind."

The last statement was said with an undertone of longing. Though Vincent understood her plight completely. How long had he wanted to rid his mind of the demons that plagued him endlessly, night and day. How long had he wanted to regain control of his mind.

The moment was broken when the WRO's still somewhat intact intercom crackled to life. The voice of the enthusiastic female could be recognized instantly.

"Vincent! Reeve! You'd better get out here!!!", Yuffie's voice emitted happily throughout the room, echoing slightly without the familiar whirring of machinery and computers.

Vincent sighed. Well, at least she seemed to be feeling somewhat better after the confrontation she'd had with Shelke earlier. But he supposed she'd talk to him about it if he showed interest. But he wasn't so sure he was ready to do that yet……

He looked up to see Shelke nod to both of them, glancing longer at Reeve, then at her motionless sister, and back again. With that, she briskly walked out the door.

Vincent heard Reeve let out a soft sigh, and cast Shalua's body a sad, longing glance before turning. His friend limped out the door and down the hallway, pausing every so often to support himself on the wall. Vincent stared at Reeve's retreating back with a mild look of concern of his face. Yuffie must not have known Reeve was injured, or else she wouldn't have summoned him as she had. And the ninja had left too suddenly for Vincent to give her an update. She must just have assumed that because he came back, Reeve was safe and well.

So he silently traversed down the same hallway as Reeve, catching up to the injured man easily. He fell into step beside his friend, pausing whenever Reeve did, and steadying him gently when he swayed.

It was odd for Vincent to see Reeve like this. He had never known a time where Reeve would not ask for help if he needed it. Unlike himself, Reeve would accept help and ask for it as happily as he offered it to others. But now, his friend was unnaturally silent, breath coming out in heavy gasps. Vincent could only imagine the energy it must be taking for Reeve to be walking the state he was in. But it was Vincent's nature not to offer help unless begged, the situation in the command center being an exception. And sometimes, not even then. Even though it was Reeve……..

This changed however, when they where confronted with what seemed to Vincent was an unconquerable barrier for Reeve.

A flight of stairs.

They led upwards, to the demolished main building of the headquarters, steep and filled with every sort of rubble. Reeve stopped, and shut his eyes tightly. If this didn't melt his friend's stubbornness, Vincent didn't know what would.

But to his surprise, Reeve started to climb the steps in a painfully slow manner, clutching the rubble on the sides for support. Annoyance built in Vincent at every further step his friend took. Why wasn't Reeve asking for help? Was he so consumed by his grief that he wanted to shut everyone out? Vincent stopped in mid thought, beginning to realize that this situation sounded very much like his own. He had often felt the same way. But then, even if he had ignored everyone, that had still attempted to lend him a helping hand. He realized he just might have to start doing the same thing for others as well.

Falling back in step with Reeve, Vincent went a stride further, and forcibly moved to stand in front of his friend, blocking any attempts to keep moving. Reeve didn't meet Vincent's eyes, but didn't try to push past him either. He seemed to be waiting for Vincent to explain what he was doing.

"Reeve. Let me……help you".

The statement didn't come out quite as confident and commanding as he had planned, but it had an effect on the ex-Shinra executive all the same.

Reeve lifted his head to meet Vincent's eyes, and stared at him as if he had just lost his mind. Vincent knew he had never offered Reeve, or anyone else for that matter, assistance out his own free will, other than the time he insisted on fighting during the first siege on the WRO Headquarters. It had been him they were hunting, after all.

"You want…..you want to help me?"

Reeve's reply was weak and exhausted, but curious all the same. Vincent gave a slight nod to indicate that he did indeed want to help.

"Then get out of my way."

Vincent blanched, blinking once.

"What?"

"I mean it. Please move. I have to do this alone. You won't be here to help me once you're off fighting Deepground again, so I have to learn to conquer these obstacles myself. You're…..you're hindering me, Vincent. I'm not as weak as you think. I can…….I can take care of myself just fine."

And with that, he pushed passed a completely stunned Vincent, and continued his slow trek up the stairs. Vincent, who had never for the life of him imagined that Reeve would say anything like that, stood for a moment, attempting to collect himself. The request was by no means meant to be cruel or demeaning, it had just been calm…..almost eerily so.

So, Vincent decided to abide by Reeve's request, and walk behind him in case he stumbled. But even then, Vincent vowed not to catch him, though he knew the pain it would cause to see his friend suffer. Reeve had asked, and Vincent would oblige. To a point. At least until Reeve realized his perilous situation on his own, or in the event of an emergency. Vincent knew Reeve was strong. Everyone knew Reeve was strong. The man had no obligation to prove it to them. But if he felt he needed to……..

Vincent followed Reeve up the entirety of the stairs, and waited a bit until Reeve turned the corner that led to the main complex. It was then that he heard it. A whimper, and then a strangled cry of horror. He immediately berated himself for leaving Reeve on his own. Where had his common sense been?

Rushing forward, Vincent turned the same corner and found Reeve, tears in his eyes, staring horrified at what had once been the pristine main building of his Headquarters. It looked worse than when Vincent had left, the ceiling being now completely smashed in and the floor sporting more dents along with larger piles of flaming rubble. Dead WRO and Deepground soldiers still littered the floor, guns and ammo strewn everywhere.

Vincent took a step closer to Reeve as the man let choked sob. Did Reeve still want him to stay away now? Even after he had witnessed the depth of the destruction of his beloved organization?

Reeve turned his head awkwardly, and gave Vincent a pained glance, before holding a hand to his head and moaning softly. Tears began to drip down his cheeks again, and he turned completely to face Vincent, with a different sort of look in his eyes.

Vincent recognized it immediately.

Reeve's eyes said help. I can't do this on my own. I need someone……anyone who will help me. I was wrong to think I didn't require assistance. This is just all….too much.

"Vin……cent…."

The soft calling of his name did it. He couldn't stand by and watch any longer. Hesitating to do something due to his own self-doubt and supposed inability was something Vincent had given up long ago. After he had failed to save Lucrecia, he had vowed to himself that he would never allow something of that magnitude to happen again. And he really had tried. Sure, he had failed occasionally, but this situation was no exception. He would help Reeve, before the man did something he would regret later.

Striding over to his friend, Vincent managed to grab Reeve's swaying figure before he collapsed. As he held his comrade once more, he again racked his brain for something to say. Something that would lessen the pain. But perhaps, encouragement was all Reeve needed right now.

"They……hm. Reeve, if anything, they…..they sacrificed their lives for the good of the Planet…..they were…..loyal to you until the end. I know…..you didn't think it would come to this, but….it did. And the only thing you can do to change that now is…….fight. I have been fighting for years to avenge Lucrecia. Perhaps……too long. But I can tell you….it has…..she has….given me something of a…..reason to live…..though I'm not quite sure……."

Vincent became aware that he was rambling somewhat, a feat that he never thought he could manage. And to think. Before this whole Deepground mess, he hadn't spoken more than maybe fifteen words a day, if anyone was lucky.

"Help……."

Reeve's soft voice penetrated his thoughts.

"Help me……walk…..Vince……"

Vincent looked down at his friend, taking in his haggard, pale complexion and shivering frame. Yes. Reeve wanted to fight. And he had meant it when he had told Vincent that he wouldn't give up. There were merely some stairs everyone needed to climb in their life. Grief over Shalua's death, and the downfall of the WRO were Reeve's. Letting go of Lucrecia was his……he could do it. And now he felt he was closer to achieving it than before.

"Hm. Alright. I will assist you. Try….not to put too much weight on your injury."

Comfort had really never been his piece of cake.

So the two friends, arms around each other, traversed the remains of the Headquarters, weaving their way through demolished hallways and masses of rubble. Never once did Reeve complain that anything hurt. He merely walked forward, face set in what seemed to Vincent lines of determination, and stubbornly refused to rest for even a moment. Well, it couldn't be helped now. But Vincent would certainly see to it that his friend got all the rest he needed once they had worked out where to go from here. That much time could be spared.

They reached the entrance and were greeted by another surprise. The plaza and the two storage plateaus in front of the main building had seemingly been blown to ashes by the exploding of three helicopters, remains of which could partially still be seen. Vincent realized they must have been carrying highly explosive cargo. He spoke a silent prayer of thanks to the Planet for the fact that they didn't reach the main Headquarters.

Navigating through this rubble as well, Vincent helped Reeve towards two of the last standing pillars near the entrance to the jungle. There, he could see Yuffie jumping ecstatically and waving her arms in a frantic manner. His eyes scanned the sky, attempting to make out what she was signaling at. As they came closer, Yuffie noticed them, a sincere look of concern crossing her normally cheerful features as she laid eyes on Reeve.

"Reeve! You're ok! But…..oh my…..holy mighty Leviathan, what happened to you!"

Before Vincent could stop her, she shot at Reeve, wrapping him in a tight bear hug that produced a pained cry from the latter. Vincent immediately tore Yuffie away from his friend none too gently, gripping Reeve's arm so that he wouldn't fall over.

He glanced at Yuffie, blinking once as he took in her frightened expression.

"R-Reeve…..oh Reeve, I'm so sorry……I didn't know you….I didn't know…..are you….ok?"

As she said the last words, Vincent almost swore he could see the ninja mentally kick herself. Of course she knew Reeve wasn't "ok" at the current moment. But Vincent knew that Yuffie had no drive to speak of Shalua now either. It was just too painful. But he was wrong. For a moment, Yuffie became…..a grown up, mature individual. She moved to Reeve again, and this time, hugged him in a gentle, soft manner, rubbing his back just as Vincent had.

"I'm….I'm so sorry, Reeve. You know….I liked her…..just as much as you. I know, I know. You guys were in love…….and what happened to her…..is horrible…..I just want you to know….that I'm here….ok?"

Vincent heard Reeve sniffle, and saw him bite his lip. Hard. His friend didn't want to cry again. Not in front of Yuffie. He must be feeling the need to be stronger. Stronger for someone so much younger than himself. A movement out of the corner of his eye caught Vincent's attention then. Turning his head marginally, he saw what it was.

Shelke.

She was watching them with her normal blank expression, half hidden behind a crumbled pillar. And then……her features flickered for the slightest second. And Vincent saw a gaze of curiosity and longing. It disappeared as quickly as it came. He gestured slightly with his head, letting her know that she could come over to them, but she merely vanished from sight behind the broken pillar. Vincent understood. She didn't feel as if she belonged just yet, although he could see that she wouldn't mind being included. But that would have to wait. Vincent had no desire to see Shelke and Yuffie murder each other at such a young age.

Suddenly, his enhanced hearing picked up a new sound. It seemed to be something like……the whirring of machines? Raising his head towards the sky, his eyes widened as he saw what was coming in their direction. Airships. An entire fleet of them.

Yuffie turned around, one arm still wrapped around Reeve's waist, and began to wave frantically, hopping a bit.

"Cid!!! Hey!!! Over here!!!"

Vincent gawked.

Cid???

The massive airship, that Vincent had now recognized as the Shera, began to lower itself onto the plateau before them.

Vincent spared a glance at Reeve, who now sported a tiny smile and a twinkle in his eyes. Reeve had organized this? The gunman's brow furrowed as he assessed his friend. Where in the world did he get the gil to pay for it all? Reeve must have been working harder than he had thought.

"Wow!"

Yuffie's exclamation summed up Vincent's thoughts as he started at airship upon airship, whizzing across the skies. A smile smaller than Reeve's crossed his features.

Perhaps they did stand a chance after all.

At the helm of the new and improved Shera, Captain Cid Highwind proudly maneuvered his beloved airship to land. This was swell. Reeve had offered him a shit load of gil just to help save the Planet. Hell, now he got to fly his newly restored baby, and get paid for it. What more could he ask for?

A heartfelt grin crossed his face for a moment. Reeve had said something about the lot of AVALANCHE getting together. Planet, it had been a good year since everyone had been together. And as much as he didn't like admitting to "mushy stuff", he really missed them. Even Vince, who was one of the reasons Reeve recruited him. The WRO Commissioner had mentioned that Vincent was being hunted by some sect that called itself Deepground. They worshiped a certain Weiss. And Cid liked Vincent. He wasn't sure if Vincent liked him, but he sure liked the dark, brooding gunman. He'd grown on Cid, just like the rest of AVALANCHE had. And Deepground would pay if they managed to kill any one of his friends. Dearly.

The grin changed to a defiant smirk, and Cid gave a chuckle before bellowing his emotions throughout the airship.

"What the hell we waiting for!? It's time to get up 'n go!"

"Come on get on board!"

Watch out for the next chapter! Cheers!