Chapter Ten: In a Hick Town

Turd-Worthy Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy Seven. If I did, there would be a butt-load of changes. ((Hint: There would be more Vinnie and Yuffie scenes…))

The grip on Vincent's waist had slackened suddenly, causing Vincent to slow the Chocobo's pace to look behind him. Yuffie's face was pressed into the back of Vincent's cloak with her eyes closed. They had been riding for a few hours…just enough to make Yuffie dreary. She is so…peaceful. I almost don't mind her clinging to me so.

Mortal, you at last give into your feelings?
Chaos, you must stop eavesdropping on my thoughts.
Fool, I am part of your thoughts. We are one being.
You never cease to remind me.
That is beyond the point. You care for her.
The last person I cared for…look what happened to her.
Lucrecia was only a stepping stone.
W-what do you...?

Vincent snapped out of his chat as two arms gripped him exceptionally tight. Yuffie apparently had awoken and forgotten where she was. "VINNNIIIIIEEEE!" Yuffie wailed. She squeezed tighter. For the first time since they set out, Vincent realized at how fast he was going and that Reno and Rude were nowhere in sight. He slowed the Chocobo to a halt.

"Ohmigawd, I'm gonna chuck all over you Vincent Valentine if you don't get me off of this oversized bird RIGHT NOW!" The man gently picked Yuffie up by the waist, but she wiggled out of his arms and ran to the nearest bit of shrubbery. Disgusting puking sounds came from Yuffie's vicinity. The man cringed as he fed the Chocobo, trying to do anything to drown out the horrible sound.

We really need to get moving.
I too, am curious about the possible use of my cells…

Yuffie scrambled out of the bushes holding her stomach.

"Urg, I'm fine now."

Vincent nodded.

"Good. We need to get a move on."

"Hey check it out! Baldly and Mr. Drunk Guy are here!"

Vincent began to mount the Chocobo, but Yuffie pulled him down by the cloak and said, "I'm driving this time." Before he could protest, she had already jumped onto the giant yellow bird and grabbed the reins. Vincent mounted after her.
Reno and Rude pulled up beside them.

"You two lovebirds just had to speed up so fast, huh?"

Reno burst out in laughter. Rude kept silent.
"L-lovebirds? Ohnonononono…" Yuffie hacked out.
"…" Vincent kept quiet as well.
"C'mon Yuffie, don't deny it"
Yuffie blushed and gripped the reins tighter.
"Grossness, we are not together, you pervert"
Vincent finally spoke to Reno.
"Now I regret shooting you."
Yuffie smiled inwards. Gawd, now I wish he did shoot that jerk… Yuffie leaned forward and buried her heels into the Chocobo's feathers, making it go. Rocket Town is just up ahead…then we can finally get the rest of the group together and search all the Mako Reactors to find that 'Ohmigawd I must find Chaos' dude and kick his butt all the way to the Northern Crater!

Inside an Unknown Mako Reactor:

Ashton Talbot and a young blonde haired boy stood in a make-shift laboratory, inspecting the equipment. The boy pulled himself onto a stool and waited for Ashton to finish.
"Sir, Valentine and Lady Kisaragi could be here with their friends any day now." The young boy said.
Ashton Talbot smiled.
"Patience, they will come to us"
"But wouldn't you think they would keep Valentine far away from us"
"That is true. But Chaos and his demonic instincts will find us. Anyway, it is not Valentine we need to find us first, it is the girl"
"I see, sir. Then…if the girl comes first... Valentine will follow, correct"
"Precisely"
"But…the girl needs a reason to come, right"
"The 'reason' will be at hand soon enough."

Rocket Town:

"Whoo-hoo, we're finally here! I thought I'd never be so happy to see this hick town!" Yuffie had sent the Chocobos back to the newly erected Rocket Town Stable and was now running happily through the small village to Cid and Shera Highwind's house.
Vincent, Reno and Rude followed Yuffie as she rang the doorbell. A voice from inside the house spoke.
"Who is it"
Yuffie decided to be funny.
"The Princess of Wutai, a vampire, a beer addict and some bald dude."
The door opened and the woman who answered was none other than Mrs. Highwind.

"My goodness Yuffie, it is so good to see you. Come in! And Mr. Valentine, it has been quite a while."

Her face froze when she saw Reno and Rude.

"W-what are the Turks doing here"

Yuffie smiled.

"The baldy is okay, but you've got to watch out for Reno. He's a certified perve."

Mrs. Highwind giggled lightly.

"Yes, Miss Kisaragi."

The woman unknotted her apron and folded it. "Cid, we have company!" There were thunderous noises coming down the stairs. A tall man stood in front of them with a lollypop in his mouth and a little girl on his back. "My god, if it isn't Yuffie and Vince! Dangnabbit if it isn't good to see ya'll!" He picked up Yuffie and gave her a tight squeeze along with ruffling her hair. Cid's daughter slid off of his back.

"So, Cancer-man doesn't smoke anymore? Or cuss?"
The little girl looked shocked.
"Daddy don't cuss or shmoke"
Cid nodded and whispered in Yuffie's ear.
"I haven't had a smoke since this little one was born."
He smiled. "We named her Aeris, after the Ancient who saved the Planet."
Vincent cut off the small talk. "We need you to round everyone up on the Highwind, Cid." The pilot smirked.
"You never liked reunions, Vince"
Vincent ignored that comment.
"The sooner we can get the Highwind in the air, the faster you can find out what is going on"
Shera looked worried.
"You can go, but be safe, sweetheart"
Cid smiled. "You can count on me." Yuffie winced as the married couple kissed.

I'll never be with anyone that can love me like that…to be held and worried over. Shera is a lucky woman. I'll end up being stuck with some fat tub of lard that owns a Sake company that my dad picked out...&# dad…

Reno saw his chance to make up for his behavior earlier. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "You okay?" Yuffie looked shocked. "I'm fine, Reno." He nodded. "Hey, Cid, I'm going to escort the 'princess' to the Highwind." The pilot nodded. "Suit yourself"
Vincent felt an electrical charge rush through his body.

Jealousy, I presume?
I am not jealous.
I know jealousy when I see it, host.
Then you know nothing.
Reno took your girl, that's all there is to it.
She was never mine.
Then why didn't you protest when others said she was yours?
Our concern should be Talbot.

Vincent headed toward the back door. "Thank you, Mrs. Highwind, for your hospitality." He followed Cid and Rude into the Highwind which took off into the sky only minutes later.

Author's Note: I know, I know. The last chapter was kinda off of the ball, but my mind has been acting the same way. Oh well…hope this chapter made up for it. Talbot is plotting something to get Yuffie to come to him alone…hmm…
In other news, my brother participated in his first karate tournament. It was very interesting, but not quite the most organized. Oh well. Remember to REVIEW!