Apocalypse

by Alurax

Vincent's demons are loose.

4. Chapter 3

For some reason, I keep picturing Vincent, during this part, with short hair again… in jeans… his ass looks amazing in jeans. :drool:

--

The members of Avalanche, along with the Turks, had migrated to ShinRa. They resided in the conference room, awaiting the arrival of the other members.

Barret huffed, feeling rather perturbed about the whole situation. "Dunno why we're even here. Why the hell do we need their help?"

Elena rolled her eyes. "We're not 'helping' you, idiot. You're helping us."

The big man fumed, slamming his hands on the table. "WHO THE HELL YOU CALLIN AN IDIOT!!!?"

She winced slightly. Though still responding rightfully to not show it. "THE ONLY IDIOT IN THIS ROOM! WHO ELSE!?"

"Everyone quiet down." Came a low, calm voice that all recognized upon hearing. Though not all greeted it with admiration, as Rufus rolled into the room, followed by Tseng.

Elena bowed to her boss. Reno rocked back in his chair, to take his feet off the table-top, and stood. Rude stood as well.

No one else saw a need. Rufus

"I'm rather surprised you all agreed to help us."

"Not entirely." Barret folded his arms, flopping down in an unceremonious manner. "I still don't see why we gotta be here for them."

"Because we need your help." Rufus responded cooly.

The gun-armed man still wasn't too thrilled about this, but resigned to keep his mouth shut… with a little encouragement from 'mother'.

Rufus motioned for his employees to take a seat, rolling up to the table.

Cid snickered. "Who's whipped, now?" He murmured loud enough to receive a snarl from the red-head sitting opposite him.

"Tseng." The president began. "If you'd proceed."

"Yes, Sir." Tseng stepped forward, up to the table, folding his arms behind his back.

Yuffie and Reeve sniggered at his prudeness.

"We've tried multiple attempts at attacking these creatures, but nothing we have seems to be strong enough to make any difference."

Barret, Cid, and Yuffie all snorted.

The small plush cat leapt onto the table. "I coulda tol' ya that." Reeve snatched him back, trying to contain himself from the outburst. Yuffie, however, could barely contain her snicker.

Vincent rested his elbows against the table, lacing his fingers in front of his lips. He was willing to actually hear them out, until he felt the need to set them straight.

"What all, exactly have you tried?" Asked Cloud. Seemingly one of the only ones almost willing to cooperate.

"Almost everything in our arsenal. From a frontal attack, with handheld artillery, to cannons. What we're proposing next is to try to set up a missile, from orbit, to try and take them out."

The news of such a hazardous means of resolving didn't settle too well with Avalanche. Even The fellow Turks, not having been briefed on this part of the plan, protested. Tseng waved his hands to try and calm the resistance. "We'll be sure to seclude them into a small area, so no casualties are caught in the crossfire."

"And, how exactly do you intend to do this?" Chimed in Tifa.

"That's what we need your help for. You've all had past experiences, in one way or another, with dealing with these monsters. Valentine."

Vincent, having been the only one to remain quite, raised an eyebrow to being addressed.

"Do you have any clue where they might be heading."

"Well." He lowered his hands. "Considering they want me dead, their goal is most likely Midgar. However, I don't see how it'll make much of a difference."

"Why do you say that? We've been following their path for days now. If we know where they're heading, then we'll know where to trap them."

Vincent shook his head. "Doesn't matter. They're too cunning for us to be able to contain them."

"We have reinforcements."

Vincent slammed his hands on the table. "Do you want my help, or not? I'm trying to tell you that it doesn't matter how many people you have. Numbers mean nothing to them."

"We do need your help, Vincent."

Vincent shot a glance to Rufus, eyes flaring from hearing him use his first name. At least the others respected their boundaries enough to call him 'Valentine'.

"But we inquired for your help, as long as you cooperated with us. Don't forget, you were once a Turk, yourself."

Vincent's eyes narrowed. "I haven't forgotten."

"Well, once a Turk, always a Turk. Therefore, your loyalty lies with ShinRa."

His hands balled into fists.

"So you're to do things our way, or not at all."

The gunman slammed his hands down onto the table, standing up. "I retain no loyalty to the likes of you." He slid out, making his way towards the front. "I admit that your technology could be of great use to us, but the fact of the matter is that you need me. You're about one snide comment away from me walking right out that door and leaving you to fight them on your own." His hands grasped the armrests of ShinRa's chair, causing all the Turks to tense. Vincent proceeded in a low threatening voice, ignoring that Tseng had a hand on his gun. "But you can't let me do that, can you? You need me, because I know their weaknesses, I know how to stop them. Now, I suggest you shut up, and let's do things my way. Instead of listening to the incompetent rambling of a naïve man."

"Either way, you'll still fight them, right?" Rufus gave him an ever so subtle grin. "You said yourself, that they wanted you dead."

Vincent responded with an equally sarcastic smile. "I'm aware, but I don't have to go after them, I just have to stay away, and watch you fight them all on your own. Until you've finally come to your senses. Or just face your death from your own stubbornness."

The president's smile was replaced with a look of annoyance upon this insulation. "Who do you think you are, to talk to me this way?"

"I'm Vincent Valentine. Ex-Turk. And I'm in charge of this hunt, so I suggest you just sit back and keep your mouth shut, or else I'm out of here. And I'll sit back, happily watching as Chaos rips you limb from limb."

Rufus growled, but was surprisingly struck silent.

Cid beamed with pride, the other members of Avalanche barely able to contain their sniggers. Even Reno grinned at seeing Rufus being told off like that. Rude flashed him a 'you better watch it' look, stifling it before it really started.

Vincent stood up straight, not even scared to turn his back to Rufus and Tseng. "What I'm suggesting is that we attack head on, with the members present."

"What?" Reno chimed up. "How do you suggest we handle something like that?"

"I'd be simplier to coordinate, and a large group of attack, is far easier for them to avoid than a head on fight."

"Hold on." Elena chimed in. "I'm not sure I understand. How exactly would that work?"

"They're too crafty to be caught in any kind of broad attack. It won't be as easy, but it's the only way to verify whether or not it's effective."

"But what kind of weapons do we use?" Asked Rude.

"I was just considering that. Tseng?" He glanced back at the head Turk.

Tseng stepped forward, with being addressed. "Yes?"

"Does ShinRa still have the equipment to convert energy into Materia?"

His eyes widened, about to ask how he knew… when he remembered. "We do?"

The news of this caused a slight uproar, from both sides. Tseng, Rufus, and actually Reno were the only ones to know about this.

"Why do you ask?"

"Is it still modeled the same?" Vincent asked, ignoring his question.

"I'm not sure if it's the same as you remember. Reno."

"Sir?"

He motioned towards the door. "Retrieve it."

He nodded, sliding from his chair. "Yes, sir." Reno slid out the room, catching a scathing look from his boss.

Rufus didn't much like the idea of these people knowing about that kind of technology. Though, smartly, he kept quiet.

Vincent turned back to the rest of the crowd, deciding to address Tseng's earlier question. "The reason your attempts haven't been making much of a difference, isn't merely their strength. It's the fact that all four of them are spiritual beings, made from the Life-stream."

A stream of inquisition rose from the group.

"How can that be?" Tifa asked. "The damage they did to you was substantial enough."

Vincent shook his head. "Just because they're spiritual, doesn't mean they're not tangible. It's because they're so strong that makes them different. In the end, they're only summons." His eyes fell. "When Hojo first presented them to me, I remember seeing that they were no more than four black Materia. If we can find a way to convert them back to that state, then we'll have a chance at beating them."

"That's why you suggested a small team?" Inquired Cloud.

Vincent nodded. "Yes. If we attack with a small group, we'll have a better chance of slipping through their defenses, and getting close."

"Got it." Reno stepped in, laying what seemed like a glowing water gun on the table.

Vincent stared down at the odd shape. "This is it?"

"Yep." Beamed the red-head. "This is ShinRa technology at its finest, yo."

"Hmm? Thank you Reno." Vincent ignored the shock looks, at the appreciation of the annoying Turk's actions, as he picked up to examine the gun. "It's slightly different than I remember." He lifted it, to test the aim. "But it should still work about the same." He turned to Tseng. "Is this all there is?"

Tseng nodded. "I'm afraid so."

"Hmm." The gunman, noted the bullet chamber. "I don't remember it taking bullets." He opened it to see… it was empty. "There's no bullets?"

Tseng groaned. "Reno, you forgot the bullets?"

"No." He responded, taken aback. "I got em right here." He pulled out a small box, sliding it down the table to them.

Vincent clamped a hand down to stop the box. He cocked an eyebrow to him. "You didn't think I'd need them?"

The Turk shrugged.

He rolled his eyes, opening the box. There were five large bullets, glowing with an eerie green light. The gunman lifted one from the box, they felt so much warmer than regular bullets. "I'm not sure I understand how these work."

Tseng pulled the box closer, picking at the bullets. "We upgraded the original design." He lifted one of the bullets. "Instead of sucking the form in until it completely hardens into Materia, it creates something like a small black hole upon contact with the target. It speeds up the process, to further the results." He tossed the bullet, slightly, and caught it handing it to the gunman. "In theory."

Vincent took the bullet, eyeing him in astonishment. "In theory? It's bold to say all of this without actually testing it."

"Well, this is the perfect time to test it then… right?"

Vincent actually smiled. "You sound like my superior." He dumped the bullets onto the table, drawing Cerberus.

Tseng eyed him skeptically. "What are you doing?"

"Just want to see something." He opened the chamber dumping the bullets onto the table next to the others. The ex-Turk examined the two sets of bullets, before picking up one of the glowing ones, and slid it into Cerberus. He closed it, taking aim. "Good. They fit, but I'd still like to test it, first." Lowering the gun, he opened the cartridge again, sliding the rest in.

Rufus rolled closer. He was sick of staying silent. "Those are ShinRa property. Who said you could just take them?"

"Maybe I could test on you?" Vincent turned the gun on him, causing the Turks to grasp their own weapons. In turn, causing Avalanche to ready themselves.

Vincent smirked at the startle on ShinRa's face. "You should know of your own technology, Rufus." He lowered the gun. "It wouldn't work on you." Opening the chamber again, he filled in the rest of the slots with his own bullets, pocketing the rest.

There was a kind of settlement, swirled with frustration and amusement with this.

Elena fumed, getting sick with this treatment. "Stop treating our president with suck disrespect."

Cid slammed a fist onto the table. "Maybe if he would respect us, then he'd get it in return."

"Yea." Barret chimed in. "Who cares about respecting such a pig headed dumbass, when he's been nothing but a pain in our ass from day one."

All eyes fell on Barret.

"… What chu all starin at?"

Yuffie and Reeve chuckled. Reeve spoke up, after calming his giggling, but Cait Sith still continued. "How exactly do you propose we attack, Vincent?"

"I was thinking more of a combined assault from both land and air. To hopefully try to catch them off guard."

"Good." Cid clapped his hands together. "Looks like this is where I come in."

"What are you talking about?" Reno snapped. "Do you really think that hunk of overcompensation, you call an airship, won't be seen? That thing is an eyesore, that'll be shot down before we even close in on 'em, yo."

Cid slammed his hands on the table, raising form his seat. "What'd you say about my baby?"

Reno did the same. "I'm saying, there's no way we can get in close enough for an attack flyin in on that hunk of junk."

Cid was flaring. "I'll have you know, my Shera has better maneuvering than your dumb 'ol helicopters any day."

"Unfortunately, Cid, he's right." Interrupted Vincent, before the argument could ensue. "We can't use Shera."

Cid jaw dropped, whilst Reno beamed in assumed victory.

Vincent shot a scathing look to Reno, taking the offense for the insults on Cid's airship. "But not for the reason he said. There's no doubt that, in a battle, she's the obvious choice, with you at the wheel."

Cid grinned.

"But, I need to retain the element of surprise. If they see Shera, they'll automatically know where I am. We have a higher chance of them suspecting that ShinRa is merely launching another futile attack with the helicopters, and ATVs."

The pilot flopped back into his chair, pouting.

Reno stuck his tongue out at him, enticing Cid to want to rip it from that cocky little mouth.

"But, all we have are those bullets." Cloud's eyes fell on the odd looking water gun, then back up to Vincent. "So I guess it's really up to you to take them out."

The gunman nodded. "Yes." He grasped the handle of Cerberus, now back at his side. "That's how I wanted it, anyway. I'm the reason they were released into this world, so I should take them out." His hands fell back on the table. "We have to launch as soon as possible… before they get to Midgar. There can't be any innocents lost in this."

xXx

The groups were set. Barret, Tifa, Cloud, Yuffie, Nanaki, and Elena were to take the ground assault, in two separate vehicles, to act as a distraction and reinforcements for the air group, consisting of Vincent, Cid, Cait Sith, Reno, Rude, and Tseng.

Rufus and Reeve remained at the company, retaining communication between the three units, and keeping an eye on the radar.

Cid was at the wheel of the helicopter. If he was gonna be forced to use this damn helicopter, he was at least gonna fly it. Reno spun to Vincent. "So what exactly is the plan from here on out, oh fearless leader."

The gunman ignored the sarcasm, even though Cid didn't. "We wait for the others to close in and surround them, on either side. Then I launch an attack, and you all will be my back-up."

Reno's eyes narrowed. "Kinda a flimsy plan, yo."

Vincent grinned to him. "As a Turk, you should know that most of completing a mission is improvisation. I always found the best plans are the ones half finished."

Rude chuckled slightly. "He's got a point there, Reno."

"Yea yea." The red-head turned his attention to the landscape.

"The only thing that we should try to keep set, is to take out Chaos first. But even though he's the strongest, Galion and Hellmasker are not to be taken lightly. They're more vicious than anything, and could destroy you in an instant."

"Vincent." Tifa's voice chimed over the radio.

Vincent seized it, getting some rather annoyed looks from the fellow Turks. "Go ahead."

"We're coming up on them."

"How far?"

"Just a few miles. We have them on our scanner."

"Good. Proceed cautiously. We can't have them knocking you out of the formation."

"Well, duh." Came the sarcastic voice of Barret.

"Bad news, guys." All eyes fell on the small plush cat, who'd leapt up to stand in front of them. "It seems thay're too close to tha citay. If we engage 'em here, then someone cou' get hurt."

Vincent flicked a switch, on the radio, to contact to both vehicles. "Change of plans. They're getting too close to the city. Both of you reform to the west, and try to steer them away."

"But, I thought you said that wasn't a good idea!" Rang the semi-panicked voice of Yuffie.

"Just keep your distance, and fire upon them." The gunman sighed. He really didn't want to have to resort to that. "Use magic if you have to, just drive them back out into the open. Cloud."

"Yea."

"Ready Fenrir, and get ready to deploy. A three way assault could be helpful."

"Right."

"Then what do we do?" Asked Tseng.

Reno and Rude exchanged confused looks at their superior asking this of him.

"Cid, fly over towards Cloud's car and give him some cover."

"Sure." He swerved to shift over to the ATV. Something off in the distance caught his eye. "Vince, look." Vincent turned forward to see the trail of destruction, leading up towards Midgar, lead by his alter-egos. His eyes narrowed, heart pounding. "I have an idea." He grasped the radio again. "Cloud."

"What is it?"

"Launch and keep Fenrir steady. I'm hitching a ride."

"… Alright."

Cid looked at him in surprise. "You're what, now?"

Vincent undid his seatbelt. "It's the only way I can assure they get away from the city. Get down closer."

He looked out the front window to watch for Cloud, as Cid shifted down closer. Cloud emerged from the back, swirling around to steer away from the vehicle. Vincent jumped into the back, opening the door. A huge gust of wind filled the cockpit, almost causing Cid to lose control.

Tseng grasped Vincent's arm. "How are we supposed to keep in contact?" He nearly had to shout over the roar of the wind.

"Doesn't matter. Just come out when I engage them, but one of you has to stay behind, to keep the copter air-born, in case we need it." They slid over, Cloud glancing up at the flittering helicopter.

"Vince! I can't get any closer, or I'll knock him over."

"No, this' fine, just hold it steady." He began to slide out.

"Be careful, Vince."

Vincent waved to him, slipping on out the door.

Tseng pulled the door closed.

Reno huffed. "Well, his Turkness is obvious, ain't it?"

Cid snorted. "Don't lump him in with ya'll. Obviously Turks were just more competent back in his time."

"What was that?"

Rude grabbed his partner's arm, steadying him. "Easy. Save your strength for the demons."

xXx

Vincent hung on the landing foot of the helicopter, waiting for Cloud to straighten himself. The blonde squared himself underneath him, motioning that he was ready for Vincent to climb aboard.

The ex-Turk, clamped onto the metal rail, pushing aside the hair flittering in his face. He flipped down, landing almost perfectly on the back of the bike. Cloud swirled, from the sudden new weight. The gunman settled onto the back, grasping a hold. "Alright. Try to catch up to them."

"Roger, that." Cloud spun his wheels, pulling forward fast, soon passing the vehicles far in front of them. Vincent almost marveled at the force of this bike. They were catching up quite fast.

Yuffie jumped at the sight of them. "What are they doing!?"

Elena, who was driving, shook her head. "I don't know. This whole plan sounds crazy to me."

Nanaki settled himself to look. "Vincent must know what he's doing. So let's just trust his lead."

"So what do you want me to do, exactly?"

"Try to get in front of them. Then just turn tail and run. I'll handle the rest."

Cloud zoomed forward, closing in on his target. Vincent let go, to pull Hydra from his back.

"What the hell are you doing!?"

"Just keep going." Vincent took aim, at Chaos, as Cloud slid around in front of them. He fired, gathering his full attention, then lowered the gun enough for them to see it was him, and took aim again. He fired a few more time, alternating which ones to take as his target.

Vincent settled back down as Cloud sped away, glancing back. They took the bait. "Yes. Keep going. As far as you can."

"Trust me, I wasn't gonna stop."

The gunman found it amazing that he could laugh at the comment, considering the situation.

He watched the demons closing in, his heart sinking to see only three again. A sense of worry over where Gigas may be began to wash over him.

It was amazing that Fenrir could stay ahead of them as long as it could, but there was no way for it to continue to escape the incredible speed of those demons. Fortunately they had made it out into the far open part of the field.

Vincent situated himself, readying to depart.

Cloud glanced back at him, then past to the approaching demons. "If we take down Chaos first, this should get easier?"

"A lot easier."

"Well then, good-luck. Don't get yourself killed."

"Wasn't planning on it." He leapt from the back, rolling to absorb the impact, drew Griffon, and fired, a tad relieved that he could hold a gun with his left hand again. He'd have to thank Cid in a very special way later.

The cry of the chainsaw was the first thing he heard, as it whirled by him. Vincent flipped out of the way, finding it a bit surprising how easily he really could dodge them. Obviously, Hellmasker was surprised as well, and he wasn't too happy. The beast raised his chainsaw again. "This time, I'll make sure you don't escape."

"Same here." Cloud had whirled Fenrir around, and came crashing into the demon's side. He let it go, drawing Ultima.

Hellmasker growled, situating himself. "So the swordsman wants to play… alright." He charged, chainsaw in hand. Cloud parried the hissing blade, the oscillation knocking his sword away with a force that he wasn't used to. Hellmasker took the opportunity to swing, cutting deep across Cloud's stomach. He would've sliced him in half if the swordsman hadn't leapt back. He fell to the ground, clutching his wound.

A bullet rang out, ripping through his hand. "Your fight's with me, Hellmasker."

Hellmasker winced, his eyes widening at the reminder. "Very well."

As Hellmasker went for the gunman, Galion took the opportunity to try to take on Cloud. He lunged forward, grasping the large blade, and tried to wrench it from his hands. Cloud pulled, twisting sharply, and yanked his sword from the demon's mouth, in a shower of blood.

Taking on the demented demon, Vincent began to realize that Chaos was still sitting back. He had a mix of confusion, disappointment, and somewhat relief, from this realization. What would Chaos have to gain by not fighting? Did he really think Vincent wasn't worth the effort?

Well, he'd soon change that. If only he could get a clear shot on one of the other two. Why didn't he take the opportunity to nail Hellmasker when he was attacking Cloud?

In reality there were only five bullets in the gun. He could only afford to waste one, and there was still the fear that it wouldn't work. Still, like Tseng said, now's as good a time as any. Vincent built up his magic, shooting off a bolt of fire from Griffon's barrel. Hellmasker reeled back in surprise. Using the moment of weakness, the gunman drew Cerberus and took aim, right for the demon's heart. He held his breath, and fired. The bullet penetrated into Hellmasker's chest causing him to lurch backwards. He screamed, his back arching. It was a very strange sensation to hear that high pitched voice reaching higher in pain, as his body seemed to be sucked into itself from the point of the bullet hole, until he was completely enveloped into a small grayish black orb.

A wash of glee spread through Vincent. It worked. He could hardly believe it.

Cloud got a moment when Galion stared in shock at what'd just happened.

"YES!"

The gunman lunged forward to retrieve the Materia when a hard metal collided with the side of his face. He flew back, barely staying conscious from the impact. Chaos knelt down to pick up the black summons, glaring at Vincent. He eyed the gun, walking closer.

Vincent shook his head together, lifting the gun and fired in panic. He bullet hit Chaos square in the chest, and shattered… having absolutely no effect. Chaos laughed launching forward to smack the gun from Vincent's hand. His clawed hand wrapping around the gunman's slender neck, lifting him into the air. "That's a neat little weapon you have there. How does it work?"

He waited for a response, as if Vincent could actually make one.

"Well, either way." Chaos dropped Vincent, slamming a claw into his chest, just below the ribcage. Vincent lurched forward, blood dripping from his lips. "I'll just have to correct this little problem you've presented.

The demon allowed Vincent to fall to the ground, placing a foot on his arm, to hold him in place. "Hold still, now." He knelt down, bringing the menacing Materia to the wound in his chest.

The roar of the helicopter, and Chaos was met with a spear, powered by a limit, which miraculously broke through the horned helmet. Chaos was knocked away, dropping Hellmasker a little ways away.

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU, YA FUCKING PSYCHO!!?!!" Hollered Reno who was now in the driver's seat of the helicopter. Ignoring the Turk, Cid scooped up the Materia and Cerberus, helping Vincent to his feet. "You alright?"

Vincent nodded, taking the gun. "Yea. The bullets work, but I can't get through his armor."

Chaos stood, a strong menacing aura radiating from him, as his eyes glowed fiercer than they ever had before.

"And now he's pissed."

Tseng and Rude soon came up nearby. Vincent took the Materia from Cid, handing it to Rude. "Get this on the chopper, and get it away from here. We're gonna try to hold off Chaos."

Rude glanced at the demon, more than happy to follow this order.

The two vehicles whirled closer, firing on the already enraged demon. Vincent gasped, rushing forward. "NO!"

Too late. Chaos released a huge wave of energy, sending them flying across the field.

Tseng spun around towards the wreckage. "ELENA!!"

The three ran over to try and assist their comrades. A sharp claw swiped at Vincent's head, knocking him back onto the field.

"VINCENT!!" Cid spun around, preparing to rush back.

"JUST GO, CID!!" Vincent scrambled to his feet, backing away from the demon that didn't seem to want to take those flaring eyes off of his victim. "Just help them, I'll be fine."

Chaos grinned. "That's a bold statement. Do you really believe that, or do you just not want your precious Cid to see what I'm going to do to you?"

Vincent proceeded to back up cautiously, hand hovering over Griffon. "A little of both, I suppose."

Chaos wrapped his hands around the handle of Death Penalty, firing off a few good rounds, right as Vincent drew his gun. He sent the gunman flying, as he was miraculously able to turn enough for the shots to just hit his shoulder. Unfortunately Griffon fell from his hand. Vincent whipped around to his feet, drawing Hydra, and fired off an ice beam. It wasn't nearly as powerful as the fire, but being hot blooded, Chaos hated the cold.

The ex-Turk rushed to retrieve his other gun, and torched the area surrounding Chaos in the field. He turned tail and ran, trying to get close to some kind of refuge to try and think of a plan of attack. Vincent had to think of something strong enough to break through that armor. While he was thinking, though, it'd probably be good for him to eliminate the competition.

He rushed to Cloud, whom was still fighting off Galion. He wouldn't be having so much trouble if it wasn't for the deep wound in his stomach, and the mere fact that Galion had an incredible ability to heal.

Vincent fired upon the demon, nailing him square in the back of the shoulder. Galion let out a fierce cry as he too melded into the small black ball. Cloud collapsed to the ground, picking it up. He panted, as Vincent knelt down next to him. "You alright?"

"I will be."

"Good. Come on." Vincent helped the swordsman to his feet, and they proceeded quickly to the wreckage. It seemed that everyone had managed to survive the assault. A little worse for wear, but alive.

Like a burning angel, Chaos sprang from the ring of fire, his wings spreading menacingly. Vincent and Cloud glanced back, and picked up speed.

"I had forgotten he could fly."

"I didn't. Run faster."

It didn't seem to matter how fast they ran, there was no escaping the impending wrath of Chaos. With his comrades gone, he was furious and zoomed toward them, seemingly forgetting his gun. His baser most instincts chiming in, he didn't even care to get the Materia back. He'd just kill everyone.

Starting with that meddlesome gunman.

He rammed into Cloud, actually helping him reach his destination, and seized Vincent. The ex-Turk screamed, turning his gun on him. Chaos clamped onto the metal arm, forcing him to Griffon. Chaos rose higher, just holding Vincent by his arm. "You know Vincent, this is a very nice arm. Did your toy make it for you?"

"Let me go!" Vincent pulled at his arm.

"Oh don't worry… I will. I'd just like to see how good of a craftsman that man of yours' really is." His laughter rang through the sky as he proceeded higher, still clamped onto the new hardware. He stopped, lifting Vincent up to eye level. The beast grinned maliciously, his sharp teeth glinting in the mid-afternoon sun. "Say hi to your father for me."

"What?"

He lifted him higher, and released.

Vincent screamed plunging towards the ground. He had, however, forgotten that he could no longer access Chaos' wings to fly himself.

Cid's heart sank as he ran over to under where Vincent was. Vincent reached down to him, hoping that he could catch him. Chaos flew on down faster, knocking Cid away, and caught Vincent's leg. The feel of his muscles almost tearing from the sudden stop knocked the gunman's head for a loop, but he didn't have time to even really notice as he was spun and flung towards Midgar. Chaos laughed, flying after him.

The pilot clenched his fists. "That damn demon's just playin with him."

--

AN: Sorry. This chapter was getting too long, so I decided to cut it off here.

Honestly, a lot of the stuff that the demons did was a bit unexpected to me, so I sorta kept revising my plans along with Vincent. (For one thing, Vincent wasn't originally supposed to engage them on Fenrir with Cloud.) fyi: I believe Hydra was the riffle. I may need to look this up. Honestly Vincent's the only one I could name his weapons. I just know Masemune, Ultima, and Death Penalty (which technically is still Vincent, since it's Chaos)

(something really cool is that Redemption came on when I was writing where Vincent first started to attack (which is even funnier, cuz If this was a movie (which it should be) that'd so be the music I'd put to that part.) Gackt is so easy to write to with this story.