This is the shortest chapter of all time. I apologize. But The next chapter is going to be explaining the mission and then going into training. Also I'm planning on expanding Riku and Sora's relationship. Anyway, enjoy this lovely chapter where Rufu crushes Cloud's world xP

..Irrevocable...

Impossible to be retracted or recalled; unable to be repealed or annulled; unchangeable; irreversible; unalterable; as an irrevocable fate...

...Chapter 6: Plan A...

I wondered why I had never seen this mansion before in my life.

I stood in the middle of an open room with extremely high ceilings. People walked in and out of the foyer, not paying any attention to us. I clung to Vincent's side. I knew there was no harm here, but I still felt uneasy.

"This is the place where all of Shinra's experiments come when the corporation gives up on them," Rufus explained while his hand gestured to the people wondering around the room. "Right now I have 60 residents in my home, not to mention those that live in the cabins in the surrounding forest. All-in-all we have about 280 or so visitors."

I couldn't help it. My jaw dropped. I knew Shinra conducted experiments. I didn't realize they were on people. It made sense, though. Shinra had to keep us strong some how. My eyes squinted and looked over those who were walking past. They didn't look any different, sure some were muscular, but that was to be excepted.

"Cloud," Rufus said.

"Sorry," my head shot back up to meet Rufus' gaze.

"No, no, don't apologize," he smiled warmly. "Most of my visitors have more than just physical strength. This must all be a shock to you. Haven't you been in SOLDIER for years?" As I nodded a man walking past us turned and glared. Rufus smiled at them and spoke, "He's no concern. As you were." The man muttered something under his breath and walked off in the opposite direction.

I blinked and looked to Vincent. He shook his head and mouthed, "Don't worry." I looked back to Rufus.

"Don't worry about them. They're just not used to having people from SOLDIER around," Rufus began walking toward the end of the foyer. "Axel, Riku, why don't you show Roxas and Sora to their rooms while I speak with Reno, Vincent and Cloud?"

I looked nervously at my younger brother. I had to remind myself that Riku was trustworthy and that, despite how Sora acted, he was 20 years old. He was quite able to take care of himself. I sighed and waved at Sora, who took Riku's hand before leaving the room. Roxas smiled at me before following suit.

"I think it might be best to take this conversation elsewhere," Reno said quietly, eying those who had stopped to stare. I didn't notice, but we had quite the crowd growing around us.

Rufus nodded, "Follow me." Rufus waved us to the stairs.

Vincent's arm moved from my back to my side. He took my hand and started walking behind Rufus.

"Are we staying here, then?" I asked quietly as we started to climb up stairs. I still couldn't calm my nerves. I could feel my body shake as I walked.

"For a few weeks," Vincent nodded. "You can stay inn my room. Roxas and Sora will have a room down the hall from us." He brought me in for a brief hug. "Stop worrying. Every thing's going to be ok. We're safe here."

I nodded and took a deep breath. I had to trust Vincent. I didn't have any other choice. I couldn't leave his side, not now, not ever.

I took a look around. The hall I was being led down didn't appear to have an ending. There were random pieces of Gothic art strewn on the walls. The art didn't match the otherwise bleak appearance of the mansion. Identical doors were on either side of me – names posted on each door. Some doors said nothing. I assumed those were spare room. Suddenly, we were turning into on of the nameless rooms.

The room was plain; only a table and some chairs filled the room. There was a window, but the shades were drawn shut. I guessed this was one of the rooms saved for meetings. Rufus took a seat at the head of the table, Reno on the right and Vincent on the left. I sat next to Vincent.

I tried my hardest not to stare at Rufus, but he was covered. I mean completely covered with clothing, and what wasn't covered in clothing, was covered in bandages. I closed my eyes and looked away, waiting from someone who wasn't me to speak.

Rufus noticed my staring but didn't say anything. "So, Vincent, have you told Cloud about what's going on?"

"Haven't had the time," Vincent answered with a small shrug. "He already knows about SOLDIER invading Luca next week. He was supposed to be on that trip. We worked it out, though."

"I see," Rufus looked from Vincent to me. "So, what do you think of my home?"

"It's impressive," I responded. "I had no idea any of this was out here."

"You shouldn't have," Rufus nodded. "Whenever Shinra has operations in Luca, they bypass this area and go around. We have a treaty with Shrina. A sort of 'Don't go near us and we won't tell' agreement."

"I see," I nodded. It made sense. I'd been to Luca at least four times since I started with SOLDIER, but we had only come so far by car. The rest of the way we would hike. I didn't know the roads went back this far.

"Unfortunately, that agreement is about to be breeched," Reno butted in.

I turned to my partner and rose my eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

Reno rolled his eyes and leaned forward on the table. "The Luca operation," Reno said. "We you not listening at all during Sephiroth's briefing?"

"Do you really have to ask that?" I said with a small laugh. I noticed the glares coming at me from around the table and put on a serious face. It was obviously not the time to joke.

"Cloud," Rufus addressed me. "SOLDIER is to destroy Luca and all its surroundings."

"What? Here, too?" I mentally smacked myself for not paying attention. "But why?"

Vincent grabbed my hand beneath the table and gave it a squeeze. "Because they're finally realizing how strong we've become," Vincent said, smiling.

I blinked, not entirely sure what else I was supposed to do. "But, they're only sending a few firsts..," my voice trailed off. "How do they except us to take out Luca and all of you."

"No, that's just what they told you," Rufus explained. He handed over a folder I didn't notice was on the table when I entered the room. I took it and opened it. Inside were lists and pictures of operatives I'd never met. "These are the people who are also attacking Luca. They're arriving a few days after the firsts fail."

I nodded and then my eyes flew open. "Fail? Wait..," I looked up at Vincent. I didn't want my friends, my coworkers to fail. And more importantly, Sephiroth had wanted me to fail. That realization stung.

"It's all a part of Lazzard's plan to cover up his mistakes," Reno studied my face. "Sephiroth knows nothing about the second wave of operatives." It was like he could read my mind. I knew he couldn't but the action sent a shudder through my spine.

"Lazzard wants the firsts to go to Luca and to attack their troops. Once the Lucians see how strong the firsts are, Lazzard hopes they will call to us for help. Then we'll come in and finish off the firsts, thus making these guys necessary," Rufus finished, pointing to the folder. My eyes glazed over the names once more.

I looked down at the manila folder in my hand. I didn't want to look anywhere else. Everything I had given to Shrina. To SOLDIER. I could feel angry tears build up in the corners of my eyes. "After all these years, and I'm just a pawn," I said, still looking down. A hot tear dripped onto the folder. I brushed it away quickly, but not quick enough.

"I wasn't going to let them use you," Vincent reassured, squeezing my hand. I looked up to see him smiling at me. "And we're not going to let them use the rest of the firsts."

"How?" I questioned quietly, still distraught.

"That's part of the reason you're here, Cloud Strife," Rufus said. "We need you to try to convince the Lucian generals that Shinra is coming and to ask for back up from surrounding cities. It would be pleasant if we could avoid battle altogether, but that would involve getting to the firsts before they arrive in Luca."

"Even if we could do that," I took a deep breath, trying to get a hold of myself, "we wouldn't be in the clear. Lazzard won't stop until all of you are gone."

"Cloud's right," Rufus nodded and passed more folders to us. "I've contrived a plan. While the firsts are attacking Luca, we will send some of our more gifted residents to Shinra. I could explain it all, but that would take too much time. Please read over the material and we'll meet again after dinner." Rufus stood, his expression suddenly pleasant. "Until then, please, enjoy my home." I didn't understand how this man could smile when his home was on the brink of destruction.

Reno, Vincent and I stood. Reno and Vincent went to leave the room so I followed, clutching the folder in my hand.

"Cloud," Rufus called, still sitting at the head of the table. "May I have a moment alone with you?"

"I'll wait in the hall," Vincent said as he leaned down to kiss my cheek. Vincent didn't look distressed by Rufus' request. He looked calm. I'm sure I didn't.

I nodded and faked a smile to Vincent. I walked back over to the table and took my seat. I tried to appear to be all right, even though I could feel myself trembling.

"How much pull do you have with SOLDIER?" Rufus asked in an even tone.

I thought about the question. Sephiroth always said I was a good fighter. I was sent on the most dangerous missions, but did that mean I had a say on what went on in Shinra? "I don't know," I finally answered with a shrug.

"I haven't told Vincent about this part, so let's keep it between us," Rufus smiled. "I was wondering if you would be willing to return to SOLDIER at the end of the week and pretend to go through with the mission?"

Did Rufus seriously want me to go and pretend to kill his soldiers? "I don't quite understand," I said with a puzzled look.

"If it is at all possible, it would be very beneficial to our plan if you could try to take over as head of the Luca mission. This was we could plant a device on you and know what is going on. Maybe you could even convince the firsts to not attack," Rufus explained. He looked quite serious, yet I could see that his nerves were about shot. Shinra was trying to destroy his home and friends after all.

"I don't know who's in charge, but if I get back by Friday it would leave me a day and a half to sort through things," I paused. "But I don't know yet. I know you helped Vincent. I am very thankful for that. But I would like to spend some time reviewing this plan before I agree to anything." Rufus had basically told me my life with SOLDIER was a lie.

"Of course. Take your time," he smiled back at me. "Dinner's at 6. See you then." And Rufus lowered his head to his paperwork.

My talk with Rufus was obviously over although I had so many questions running through my head. I hoped I could get some of the answers. It appeared that I would be searching for those on my own. I sighed a little and nodded. I stood and walked toward the door.

Vincent was leaning against a wall outside the door when I exited the room.

"Is everything okay?" he asked. I could tell he was worrying although I wasn't sure what about. Rufus had helped Vincent. Should I be worrying? My mind spun.

"Yeah. Can't really talk about it," I sighed again. "So, where's our room?"

Vincent smiled. I was glad I could cause him to smile. He took my hand and pulled me further down the hall to a room with our names on the door. I could tell that my talk with Rufus was now at the back of his mind. He pointed across the hall, "Roxas and Sora are staying there. Riku and Axel over there and Reno's at the end of the hall."

"Riku's room is right next to Sora's?" I winced. I shouldn't worry. I knew that.

Vincent shook his head with a small laugh. "Sora's 20 and Riku's a good guy. A tad older than Sora, but believe me, he's nothing to worry about," Vincent pulled me in to a hug before opening our door.

"How much is a tad older?" I wondered out loud as I entered the room. Our room looked surprisingly like our room back at our house. I figured Vincent had done this on purpose.

"Oh, about 100 years or so," Vincent's smirked. "But seriously, Riku will not try anything too drastic with Sora, too dangerous." He sat down on the bed and placed his folder on the night stand. He patted the space next to him.

I took a seat and leaned my head on his shoulder. I felt comfortable with Vincent. Ever since we started dating so long ago, I could tear down my walls and be whoever I felt like around him. And now I could feel myself being needy and nervous. He wrapped an arm around around my side.

"You're worried about the mission, aren't you?" he asked, stroking my shoulder.

"Yes," I nodded. I didn't know if I should go back to Shinra. If they questioned me too hard I'm sure they would get some small amount of information which could lead them here. I couldn't stand it if Vincent was taken away from me. Again. And all these people...they were only pawns used by Shinra. If I was the reason they were hurt...

"You'll be safe here," Vincent said with a smile. "I can make up a fake report saying your grandmother died and you won't even have to fight."

For a second I considered taking his offer. I could hide here and let every one else fight the battle for once. But that wasn't how I was raised. "I can't do that. As much as I would like to, I can't," I sighed.

"I know. But it was nice to dream," he sighed as well. "You look rather worn out," he pointed at my now rather limp spiked hair and crumpled clothing.

"Well, I did sleep in a car for five hours," I reminded. My spin had been reminding me all day.

"You could rest for a while. It's only just past 10 a.m.," he let go of me and laid down on the bed.

"Shouldn't we read that report? And what will you do while I sleep?" I remained seated.

"The report can wait a few hours," Vincent smiled and pulled at my hand. "And I would watch you sleep, of course."

I rolled my eyes. He really wanted me to lay down... I laid beside my fiancé. His arms pulled me against his chest. "I guess I could use a nap," I leaned my chin up to kiss Vincent's lips chastely.

"Mhm," Vincent hummed.

I felt my eye lids becoming heavier with every blink. I knew I needed sleep. But I didn't want to sleep. Vincent's cool breath tickled at my nose, reminding me that Vincent was still here. But he was different. I didn't care if he was different. He could be a witch, a zombie or a ghost and I would still love my Vincent. Still, my head continued to analyze everything.

"Something wrong?" Vincent asked. "You've been quiet for a while."

"I thought you were letting me nap," I teased, opening my eyes. He was studying my face.

"You seemed uneasy," he pointed out. "What's wrong?"

I took a deep breath in, kind of hating how easily he had always been able to read my expressions. "it's just," I looked to his eyes. They were the same red as always. "How different are you? I mean, now that you're a vampire."

Vincent's eyes widened. "Not very," his expression softened. "Besides me being practically invincible and all that, I'm still the same. Why do you ask?"

A flood of memories took over. I closed my eyes for a moment. I remembered how we were supposed to be married by now. A tinge of pain attacked my heart. "Will you still be able to marry me?"

Vincent laughed a little. Then he looked down to see my still worried face. He took my left hand and kissed my ring finger. "Nothing could stop me from marrying you. Not even me being the living dead."

I smiled softly. I could feel my heart swell. "Then we can get married after all this Shinra business is over with?"

"Of course," Vincent kissed my lips.

My mind went fuzzy for a moment. I loved kissing him. But then another harsh realization kicked in. I broke the kiss. "You're going to live forever and I'm not."

Vincent paused. "We'll fix that." I tried to read his expression and failed hard. There was something behind those eyes that I just couldn't understand.

I didn't feel like upsetting myself any more than I had already. At least I knew Vincent was still planning on marrying me. I could figure out this fixing he was talking about later. I instead nuzzled against Vincent's chest and lightly kissed his neck.

"Doesn't seem like you're up for just napping," Vincent smirked and rolled so he had me pinned to the mattress.

"We shouldn't be doing this here," I asked, mostly trying to convince myself. Vincent's lips were already making their way across my jawline and down my neck.

"I disagree," Vincent said, moving his lips to trace my own. "It's been too long since I've had you."

"But...," his kisses were fogging my head. It had been years. Quite literally. "Sora and Roxas are across the hall...," I reasoned.

"These walls are thick," Vincent's lips pulled at the skin on my collar bone. "Don't tell me you don't want me anymore."

"It's not that," I couldn't help it. A small moan escaped.

Vincent snickered and his hand moved down my chest to my waist. "It appears you do," he smiled and looked in to my eyes. "Trust me, we're safe here."

I knew Vincent didn't lie. The more I looked into Vincent's eyes, the weaker I was becoming. I could feel my body warm just from looking into his eyes, and yet cool as his body laid upon my own. I wrapped my arms around Vincent's neck and brought my lips to his, hoping he understood.

His hands moved up my sides, sliding my shirt up in the process. Vincent manage to remove his shirt and toss it aside. His bare chest pressed against my own. I gasped at how cold, yet comforting, it felt to have Vincent so close to me. My hands tangled in Vincent's hair and my lips eagerly attacked his.

"Cloud...," Vincent whispered as one of his hands grazed my chest and stomach. The hand came to rest on my waistband. "I love you," he breathed in to my ear.

"I love you, too," I said through gasps of air, pulling Vincent down on top of me.