This is a long one. Some familiar characters back an appearance here, so watch out for that. And Vincent's change won't be drastic, but it'll come eventually. No worries, vincent1lover. I won't make him completely different from the Vincent you know and love. And change is good, after all.
I will end this note by saying thank you for the wonderful reviews, hope you're enjoying the fic so far, and also that I hate immunizations, especially Hepatitis A, B, Tetanus, Polio, and so on. The things one does to get to China…..anyhoo……
Enjoy and Cheers!
Kyyrin
Chapter Sixteen
"Mmmmmm……."
Reeve groaned softly as something wet and soft bumped up against his cheek. It was irritating, seeing as he had just been in a deep, somewhat peaceful slumber, but reassuring all the same.
"Reeve Tuesti. I would encourage you to wake up. I realize you are more than exhausted, comrade, but Vincent asked me to wake you now, if it wasn't too much trouble. He had a few duties to attend to."
Blinking slowly, Reeve realized that Vincent's warmth was no longer beside him, but instead……..
"R-Red…..XIII…..I-I mean, N-Nanaki?"
Reeve stared bug eyed at the fiery feline next to him, who was surveying him with a sympathetic expression in those wise eyes. The only time Reeve had ever seen creature face to face had been at the celebration of Aeris' life. But other than that…..
"You may call me Red, Reeve. I'm sure it will be easier for you, seeing as you have so much…..turmoil coursing inside you currently."
They stared at each other for a few seconds, before Red broke the silence once more, pushing his nose up to Reeve's cheek again.
"I am…..so sorry for your loss. I have witnessed the deaths of many of my loved ones. I share your pain. Your grief. You have my deepest sympathy. She must have been a wonderful women."
Reeve, who had been shocked by Red's appearance now swallowed back tears of sorrow.
"S-She was…….thank you."
The memories and happenings of the day before weighed down on him once more. He lifted a hand to his face and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. Wait. Why was Red here again? He didn't remember seeing the feline on the airship before…..
"I 'ship hopped', as Yuffie called it. You seemed about to question my presence. When we landed in Junon, I was sent to the Shera by a certain Dr. Samuel Niel to see if you were doing all right. He is terribly worried about you. He asked me to check on your injuries, and to report back to him once we've reached Kalm. How are you feeling? Do you require anything to ease the pain?"
"I-I…..", Reeve stuttered, not quite sure what to make of the situation. He assessed his ailments by shifting in his seat against the wall. Biting his lip, he let out a soft hiss of pain as the wounds on his chest flared anew. His leg felt somewhat better, but he doubted that walking would be any less difficult than before. But he couldn't take any painkillers. He had to be alert for the meeting.
"That is quite alright, Reeve. Take your time. Though not too much time, if I may add. The meeting will be held whenever you are ready."
Reeve frowned and stared at Red. What did he mean, "whenever he was ready"? Cid was supposed to announce when he was finished loading in Junon and back in the air. He had been sleeping for about an hour…..hadn't he?
"Red, what do you mean by that? Cid said he would announce when he was finished in……."
Reeve trailed off as he caught the compassionate, worried look in Red's eyes. Now what?
"There is no need to panic, Reeve. Vincent told me that Cid came in here after the ship was back in the air, which was about a half hour after you'd fallen asleep. He took one look at you, and decided to let you get your rest. Cid told me it wouldn't do to have "your intelligent ass" collapsing half-way through the meeting. So he let you sleep for good two and a half hours. And I believe you needed it. You certainly do not look to be in the best of health."
Reeve sagged back against the walls of the Shera, feeling hopelessly useless. And now they were behind schedule too. He'd have to see to it that he got this meeting over and done with before they reached Kalm. And he'd have to brief Vincent with all the information he had on the Tsviets. It would make the gunman's job all the more easier. Speaking of Vincent……
"And…..where is Vincent?"
"He had various things to attend to. Though he did tell me to fetch him if you are ready to commence the meeting. He mentioned he would help you……walk."
Reeve gave a small smile, and shook his head slowly.
"No. It's alright, Red. I think I can manage the short distance myself. I'm ready when you are."
Red nodded, a faint look of concern flashing across his features, as he watched Reeve support himself on the wall and lean heavily on it as he stood shakily. He no longer had his work suit on, but rather a pair of black pants a zip up sweatshirt. As Reeve righted himself and straightened, Red could see the mass of bandages that adorned the WRO Commissioners upper body. He couldn't hide his worry. This man's injuries were severe. He was nowhere near well enough to be walking even short distances on his own. But if he insisted…….Red knew the things and feats Reeve was capable of. So if Reeve said he could do this, then Red would believe him.
And with that, they began the seemingly monumental task of walking to the bridge.
Vincent walked onto the bridge, the last stop of his inspection of the Shera.
He had left Reeve a while ago, asking Nanaki, who had come in some time before, to watch over him. He had wanted to walk around a bit, hoping it would ease the pain in his chest more than the pills already had. And even then, it was excruciating. But what worried him most was that it wasn't going away. Two days ago, it had always come and gone. But now, it stayed strong plaguing him all the time.
And that was worrying.
Leaning against one of the walls near the entrance, he stopped for a few moments to catch his breath and massage his chest. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he'd had with Shelke earlier. Somehow, he hadn't quite been able to figure out the former Tsviet yet. He supposed those were the hazards of attempting to understand a sibling of Shalua. She had been a tough nut to crack as well.
But as much as they were similar, they were also very different.
He walked into the lab of the Shera, spotting Shalua in a healing tube to the right, and Shelke hard at work at a complicated looking technological system to the left.
"After the assault begins, the headquarters' facilities will no longer be available."
Vincent was torn from his thoughts by Shelke's smooth, emotionless voice. He looked over at her, and saw that she was gazing at the unmoving body of Shalua.
"And to think, just a few days ago, I was the one who was in there."
Vincent quirked an eyebrow.
"No, forget I said anything."
Shelke abruptly turned around and continued working on the computer as if nothing had happened.
Vincent surveyed her, wondering what she was so busy with that was taking up all her time. This girl was almost like Reeve in one aspect. She never stopped working.
"What are you working on?
Not even sparing a glance at him, Shelke answered.
"I'm in the process of modifying this equipment so I can perform an SND--a synaptic net
dive.
"Synaptic…..net dive?"
"My specialty within the Tsviets. While retaining consciousness, I project an image of myself into a virtual reality called a network. I can also use this ability to negotiate with data on the subconscious planes of sentient life forms. However, this often involves a great risk to my own sanity. Shinra, the success of the SND project was crucial for their next step in.…"
Shelke halted her explanation rather abruptly.
"I'm sorry. I seem to have gotten off-track. Simply put, I'm creating a personal network terminal within the airship's main control console."
Vincent turned to the side quickly, so she wouldn't see the smirk that had appeared on his features. He let out a soft snort before he could stop himself. So like Shalua. Getting carried away talking about anything and everything under the sun.
"What?", Shelke demanded somewhat incredulously, turning to study him.
"Nothing", Vincent managed softly.
"You just remind me of your sister."
Slowly coming back to reality, Vincent sighed as the sadness that came with losing Shalua washed over him in waves. Although Shelke had similarities with the feisty engineer, the difference was that Shalua had bubbled with emotions of every kind. Sadness, happiness, compassion, anger, sarcasm, annoyance…….love.
Pulling himself together, he walked towards the front of the bridge, and looked out the massive window. There were clouds everywhere, obscuring the sight of the land below. He couldn't tell where they were. But he guessed they must be nearing Kalm.
"Hey Vince! Come up here for a sec, ya old bastard!"
Cid. He had completely forgotten that the pilot was there. But he did get the "old" part right. Shutting his eyes tightly he walked up the steps to the helm, readying himself for an onslaught of swear words and random blabberings about planes, spaceships and mechanics. But when Cid spoke, his voice was surprisingly gentle and concerned.
"Shera an' I've been worried crazy bout you, Vince. Well, mostly Shera. I mean, not like I'm not worried or nuthin…….but you know how she gets….."
Vincent gave him a irritated look that was meant to say something to the effect of "get to the point, Highwind."
"Right. So what I'm wanting to ask…..from Shera of course is…..if you've been eating right….ya know? Sleeping……taking care of yourself? Reeve told me about that killer flu you had a few weeks back. Shera got all fretful when I told 'er and she wants to know……we want to know if you're alright. Are you…..doing ok, Vincent?"
Vincent gazed at the pilot, a little shocked by this display of friendship. It had been a while since Cid had chosen to call him by his given name. He must truly be worried.
"I…..I manage…..", Vincent stuttered quietly, still somewhat surprised that Reeve had told Cid about the pneumonia. Cid must have inquired about his well being for Reeve to tell him that. It was something Vincent hadn't expected from Cid. It was then that he realized that Reeve had been right. He had ignored his friends, who had been beyond worried about him. Yet another thing he would have to set right.
But apparently this hadn't been the answer Cid had been hoping for.
"You manage? That doesn't sound very convincing, Vincent. Are you sure you're gettin along fine?"
So Vincent decided not to completely lie.
"As I said before. I manage. At the moment……my chest is giving me trouble, but I will be fine. Tell….Shera….not to worry. And you…..shouldn't worry either."
Cid gave him a strange, but sympathetic look, and seemed to decide that it would be best to leave the subject be for a while, for which Vincent was thankful. He had never liked being interrogated about his lifestyle. They stood in silence for a few moments, the whirring of machines and the voices of the crew in the background, before Cid spoke again.
"Just look at Cait.….I mean, Reeve. When the hell did he become so important?"
Vincent looked up, astounded that Cid would mistake Cait for Reeve. But then again……it must still be quite a change for many of the AVALANCHE members to see both Cait and Reeve together at once, after being around only Cait for so long.
"All this you see around you--everything here--he put up the gil for it."
At this, Vincent permitted raised eyebrows, the closest thing he gave to an astounded look. He had been pondering earlier on how Reeve could have possibly worked up as much money as he had to fund the Headquarters, the airship squad, and the rest of his army. But if Cid knew the reason, he didn't reveal it. And Vincent had no desire to dig any deeper into this at the moment. He would ask Reeve himself.
"'Course that's on the condition that I help him save the world……."
Vincent smirked behind his cloak. So like Cid. He would do almost anything if it involved gil.
"What I want to know is where he got that kind of cash……", Cid remarked thoughfully, gazing around his airship. This confirmed Vincent's questions. Cid also had no idea. The pilot was silent once more, indicating that this subject of conversation was over as well.
Making to leave, Vincent was stopped by Cid's gravelly voice yet again. He made a noise of exasperation. Would this man ever stop talking?
"When all this is over, how about we grab a couple of cold ones. Just like the good ol' days, huh?"
Vincent blinked and turned around again, floored completely by what Cid had just said.
"A couple of……cold ones?"
Cid stared at him as if he had just turned into Chaos wearing a bikini.
"Y-Yeah, Vince. A couple of cold ones? Ya know….like beer? Alcohol? Don't you tell me you've forgotten what that is. Damn. I think we left you in that coffin in Nibelheim for too long, buddy. We shoulda come dragged you out of there ourselves!"
Vincent stood there, still shocked by Cid's proposal. Had he just asked Vincent to go drinking with him? For the love of Shiva, if this wasn't insanity he didn't know what was. Vincent had just basically gone a whole year without seeing the man, let alone keeping in contact with him, and now Cid wanted to get drunk with him? This was just too good…….
He snorted softly crossed his arms, giving Cid a gentle stare. Obviously it didn't bother the pilot that Vincent had ignored him most of the time. He just seemed happy to see one of his comrades. And although Vincent had no idea what in all of hell alcohol could do to the Galian Beast, Death Gigas, Hellmasker, let alone Chaos, it had been so long since he'd properly socialized with people, he thought he just might give it a try.
"Hm. Alright…..Cid."
"Yeah, I know ya don't want to………what?"
But before a surprised Cid could reply, they were both interrupted by the sound of the door opening. A soft moan was heard, followed by Nanaki's concerned voice.
"Reeve, I implore you. Wait here while I find Vincent. You should not have attempted this by yourself in the first place. It was not wise."
Cid and Vincent shot each other a genuinely worried look, but before running down to assess the situation, Cid yelled at the co-pilot to take over the steering for a while. Then the two friends hurriedly made their way down the steps and towards the door. Vincent let out a growl of frustration when he saw the extent of Reeve's plight.
His friend was slumped against the wall, gripping his chest, eyes shut tight in agony and panting heavily, with beads of sweat adorning his face. He half opened his eyes when he heard their footsteps, fever glazed orbs moving to the general direction of Vincent's face.
Why the hell hadn't Reeve waited for him? Why hadn't Nanaki come to get him? Stalking over, he crouched down beside Reeve, and shot Nanaki a glare that could have frozen the feline's tail.
"Why did you not inform me that he was awake, Nanaki. I distinctly remember saying that I would come get him."
Nanaki returned Vincent's glare with a calm, collected gaze of his own.
"I was fully aware of that, Vincent. My apologies. But he insisted that such a short distance would do him no harm. I obliged. Now I see I was wrong to believe him. But our discussion aside, he is in dire need of medical assistance."
Vincent's gaze softened when he realized it wasn't entirely Nanaki's fault. And he couldn't quite blame Reeve either, when looking at his injured, shivering friend, so he was caught. Best to forget it anyways, and concentrate on the situation at hand.
"Cure materia. Does either one of you have an Ether?"
He instantly felt one being pushed into his hand by Cid, and pulled out Shalua's Cure 3. Just as he was about to press it to Reeve's chest, Nanaki's large paw stopped him.
"I believe it would be wise to let me do that, Vincent."
The red feline's eyes studied him, and he realized that he had mentioned his chest pains to Nanaki as well. And how they intensified after a severe loss of energy. As much as he hated admitting to weakness, he did think it would be wise to sit this one out. The pain hadn't subsided much, and he had no drive to make it worse than it already was.
"As you wish", he murmured and surrendered the Ether and the Cure 3 to Nanaki. He stuck the materia into one of the slots on the bracelets that hung on the feline's front ankle, and pushed the Ether into the large cat's mouth. He watched as Nanaki tenderly placed his paw on Reeve's chest and pushed copious amounts of healing energy into the injured man's body. Reeve's breathing eased and most of the blood from the crimson soaked bandage disappeared. The sweat vanished but Vincent could see in his eyes that he was still feverish. Materia didn't cure everything.
Frowning, he turned to Reeve, intent on reprimanding his friend for not waiting till he came.
"Vin………cen…..t………."
The airy whisper reached his ears, and he sighed softly, any anger forgotten as he reached over to feel Reeve's forehead for fever. Satisfied that the heat had dropped to a manageable level, he addressed his friend.
"Reeve. I have been made well aware by certain people that I am a stubborn individual. But what you are doing rivals even my stubborn nature. Why do you insist on doing these things by yourself?"
When Reeve didn't answer, Nanaki tried his luck.
"You do not need to prove yourself to anyone, Reeve, least of all us. We know you are strong. Just because you cannot, perhaps, fight as well as the rest of AVALANCHE does not mean that we do not accept you as one of our own."
At this, Vincent shot a rather pointed look at Cid, who turned a brilliant shade of red and studied the sparsely clad women on the floor of bridge.
"You have assisted us in more ways than you know, Reeve. You have done more for the Planet in the past three years than all of us put together. How you managed all of it to this extent is beyond me, but fact is, you managed it. And that is what counts. Not the fact that you push yourself to keep going despite serious injuries. Believe me. After this meeting, it would be in your best interest to lie down, just as Vincent has apparently been suggesting you do quite a few times now. I understand that the meeting must held, but afterwards, do yourself a favor and relax."
Nanaki ended his speech, and Reeve lifted his head to look at his three comrades.
Cid, with a look of sympathy on his rugged, kind face. Red, the wise feline, assuring him that he was just as important and strong as the rest of AVALANCHE, pleading with him to rest.
And Vincent.
Vincent was gazing at him with a look he had never seen the gunman wear before. It was…..something of a mix of deep concern, sadness, compassion, and……guilt…….Reeve looked back at him, confused. Why would be Vincent feeling guilty about this? It wasn't his fault at all. Well, he'd make a mental note to ask his friend about that later. In any case, the meeting was now way overdue. It was first priority.
"I…..understand……I will ask for help……and I'll rest……Cid……announce the meeting…..please….", he whispered, wanting to save his energy for the upcoming events. "Vince…..help?"
Vincent moved and gently gripped his arm, slinging it around his shoulders. With his other hand firmly around Reeve's waist, he hoisted his friend to his feet. This time, due to the cure materia, Reeve wasn't dead weight, and limped alongside him and Nanaki, towards the interactive globe in the middle of the bridge.
"Alright! Anyone who's takin' part in this here meetin' should move their asses up the bridge. Shelke, Cait #5, prepare for the…..S…N….um, well, whatever interact-thing you two are doin', you better get it ready now! Now get the hell goin!"
Cid finished up his rant, and quickly moved to help Vincent support Reeve the rest of the way to the globe. As they waited for everyone to show, Reeve leaned heavily on Vincent, beginning to regret the decision to stand. As WRO soldiers, Yuffie among them, started to appear on the bridge, Vincent looked down at his friend.
"Reeve. I am assuming you are not able to stand on your own."
Reeve opened his mouth to protest, but shut it immediately when he received a look from Vincent. It was true. He probably couldn't. But he also didn't want to be seen clinging onto Vincent for dear life during the meeting. Before he racked his brain for something to say, Cid saved the day.
"Vince, I'll hold onto 'im during the meeting. 'sat alright?"
Vincent nodded curtly, and entrusted Reeve to Cid, who held him upright by his arm, and let him lean on his shoulder a bit so he wouldn't meet the floor for the second time in one day. Vincent made his way around the multiple soldiers to stand with his back against a wall. Leaning his head down, he closed his eyes and waited for the meeting to begin.
"Alright", Cid started off loudly, calming any commotion in the room. " Our old buddies and the remaining WRO squads will lead the ground assault.…."
A single vehicle sped across the Wastelands at a frightening speed, leaving nothing but dust and dirt in its wake. In the driver's seat, Barret Wallace sat with a smirk on his face and beside him, Tifa Lockheart, both proud members of AVALANCHE.
"I see it!", Tifa's voice broke through excitedly, pointing to the front, where the ruins of Midgar lay. As soon as she finished speaking, the backdoors of the truck began to inch open. Once the shadows of the rear of the vehicle were chased away by the rays of midday sunshine, one could make out the figure of Cloud Strife, sitting calmly on his large motorcycle, waiting for the door to open fully.
"Time to go, Fenrir", he murmured softly to the bike, before revving the motor and driving full speed out into the daylight. He made a half circle around the truck, and took the lead, eyes focused on the ruined city ahead.
"Awright!", Barret yelled enthusiastically, pounding his hands on the steering wheel for good measure.
"Yeah!", Tifa joined in cheering, happy to be back in action with her friends.
Behind them and beside them, identical vehicles took Cloud's lead as an indication to join up with the leading truck. More and more joined, until there were more than fifteen.
All of them headed towards Midgar.
" ...While we launch our attack from the air!", an excited Yuffie finished, holding an ice pack to her throbbing head, in an attempt to distract herself from being sick all over the floor of the bridge.
"Right", Cid put in. "So Reeve, you ready?"
"Yes", Reeve managed a weak grin, and took a deep breath.
It was now or never.
In the labs, Shelke prepared herself to put on the equipment she needed to lead the meeting. Cait Sith #5 joined her, looking at the computers in mild interest.
"Alright! Take it away, Shelke!"
Shelke looked briefly at Cait Sith, before placing the helmet she held on her head, and lying down on the seat she had been waiting on.
"Very well. Data fragment link…….successful. Commencing synaptic net dive in three, two, one……"
Vincent opened his eyes to find himself no longer against the wall, but rather in the middle of the expanse that called itself the universe. He heard Cid and Yuffie's surprised voices from beside him, and checked to see if Reeve was still standing. Seeing that he was, Vincent concentrated on his surroundings.
"What the? Are we in...?"
He could understand the pilot's excitement and fascination. It was Cid's dream to travel to outer space.
"What? What?"
For Yuffie, the simulation seemed mind blowing. She stared around in awe, gaping at the colorful Planets and bright, twinkling stars whizzing by. Nanaki simply sat, observing his surroundings as if none of this was new to him.
And then, he heard it. A gentle, female voice began to speak. He recognized it instantly.
Lucrecia.
"Just as we return to the planet when our lifelight has faded, the planet returns to the cosmos when her time has come. Anything that has definite shape will one day cease to exist. The same is true for this world."
Their tour stopped at their Planet, small looking, with blue, green and white swirling in it. Suddenly three meteors came out of the starry abyss and struck the Planet head on, flames spreading over it like a tidal wave.
"Before she takes her final breath, the pure Lifestreams that flow freely beneath her crust will be brought together into one by Omega--the ultimate lifeform. His purpose: to gather all life, sentient and non, and lead it into the sea of stars, where it will embark on a fabulous journey along a road untraveled."
The green swirls of the Lifestream gathered together on the surface of the Planet, all meeting at one point, and suddenly exploding into space like shooting stars, flying farther and farther away from the small globe.
"However, when Omega has lifted the life from this planet, all that will remain will be an empty shell destined to die silently in the limitless void of space."
Their attention was summoned back to their Planet, which had now turned brown and barren, and began to crack and crumble, floating away into the abyss.
As soon as the magical tour had started, it ended, and they were back on the bridge, where Lucrecia's soft-spoken voice had now turned into Shelke's emotionless one.
"Omega is the same type of life form as the Weapons we encountered three years ago. The planet gave birth to these creatures to protect itself just as the planet will ultimately give birth to the final Weapon, Omega, when the end of the world is imminent. In essence, Omega is an elaborate safety mechanism designed solely to maintain and protect the flow of life. Normally, Omega poses no threat to us. It only manifests when the planet has detected something that may cause her danger."
"However, Deepground is attempting to awaken the beast early. Thus the kidnappings."
Reeve's somewhat stronger voice echoed across the bridge. Vincent was glad to hear that his friend had regained at least some of his strength.
Back in the lab, Cait Sith #5 took his turn in putting on the SND helmet, and waved to Shelke as an indication that he was ready to start. She gave him a curt nod.
Vincent suddenly heard the screams, moans and cries of multitudes of people in his head, all of which seemed to be in an immense amount of pain, and feared for their lives.
Looking over, it seemed he wasn't the only one who was hearing them.
"Good gracious me!", came Cait Sith's voice. Vincent realized that these must be the memories of the Cait Sith that had vanished while exploring Mako Reactor 0. Reeve's voice pierced the silence of the bridge again.
"By slaughtering thousands of innocent souls, they are creating a pure Lifestream in order to trick the planet into thinking the "end" is near."
Vincent heard Cid snarl, along with some others giving horrified gasps.
"Why, those conniving...!"
Vincent smirked. It must be hard for Cid to hold back all those swear words he knew his comrade was dying to let loose.
"I don't know what this Weiss character is tryin', but he's crazy if he thinks we're gonna let him get away with it!"
"Right", Reeve gave Cid a small smile and continued briefing them.
"Omega is being revived deep beneath Midgar in Mako Reactor 0. To increase the output of Reactor 0, all the other reactors have been tied into its mainframe. Our objective is to destroy 1 through 8 and slow the reanimation process. Mission details for each squad will be relayed separately. I've given reports with orders to each commander."
There was a small pause, and then Cid decided to end the meeting.
"Alright. We've still got some time before the big show. You got anything needs tending to, do it."
As began to file out, Vincent looked at Reeve, who was being asked some questions by Cid, and had a look of pain and grief on his face.
Yes. There were definitely some things that needed tending to.
Seeing that Vincent was looking at them expectantly, Cid gripped Reeve and helped him over to Vincent, leaning him on the wall behind the gunman.
Everyone, minus Reeve and Vincent, began talking loudly at the same time. Yuffie about how Deepground had attacked Wutai as well, and how her old man wasn't as young as he used to be, Cid about how they were counting on Vincent to face the Tsviets himself because there was no way they would let Yuffie down there on her own, and Nanaki politely inquired how Shelke was taking the death of her sister.
Vincent concentrated on answering Nanaki's question over the din of Yuffie and Cid who were now bickering over why Yuffie wasn't old and mature enough to do things by herself. Vincent rolled his eyes a little and attempted to ignore them, knowing that the argument would only end in Yuffie calling Cid a crazy old man, which would result in Cid chasing Yuffie around the Shera with his spear. The racket went on for a good ten minutes, as did Vincent's in depth explanation of Shelke to Nanaki. Eventually, the noise ended with a comment from Yuffie.
"Reeve, tell Cid that smoking kills like every brain cell in you head, just like Shalua always used to……..Reeve? Reeve???"
Everyone turned around wondering why the ex-Shinra executive wasn't answering, and it was then that they realized he was gone. Vincent's eyes widened as he scanned the room, looking for places Reeve might have gone. Nanaki padded around the corner, and towards the door, then back again, shaking his head.
"He's managed to leave. On his own. Again."
Vincent felt the familiar anger and frustration bubble up inside him like when Yuffie called him Vinnie, or when Marlene became too clingy. And it escalated. What had he told Reeve about moving by himself? Didn't his friend have any common sense at all? He gripped Cerberus' hilt tightly, not because he wanted to shoot Reeve, or any of his friends, but because he would just generally take pleasure in shooting something at the moment.
"Vincent, calm down", Nanaki's soothing voice reached his ears as the feline gently bumped his still ungloved human hand with his wet nose. "We'll find him. It seems the noise in here must have been too much for him to handle. He'll be fine. He knows he needs bed rest. He couldn't have gone far."
Vincent looked down at Nanaki, and immediately wiped the angry expression off his face. Yuffie and Cid had stepped back, both of them as pale as ghosts, looking at him fearfully. He must have looked extremely menacing to produce such a reaction from them.
"I…..I-I'm sorry…..it's just….."
He pushed down the anger that was threatening to boil over again. This was absolutely humiliating. In his days as a Turk, he had been assigned to watch over sometimes more than a dozen dangerous people by himself.
And now, he couldn't even keep track of one man.
I couldn't resist bringing Red into the story, as he doesn't have a major role, I just couldn't resist doing that to Vincent. He really can't be in two places at once. Physically, anyways. Cheers!