A/: I think I'm as interested as you guys to see where this is going. I know where the end of the fic is going to end up, but not this part. I think we know what this means! Grab my boobs *Adventure* Sorry for taking so long ;_;

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy seven is not mine, ya da, ya da. Insert a witty comment here.

Chapter eleven

The usually silent gunman was anything but it at this moment. The bodies of several different men lay sprawled out across the ground, some stirring, some completely unconscious. Pure rage tore at his perfect, ivory face as he pummelled into one of the men, his gun discarded. Cloud pulled at the older man, begging him to stop.

Vincent's breath tore harshly from his lungs, his rage consuming him as he finally let the man he had half beaten to death, go. He slumped to his knees, his face in his mismatched hands.

He had been wandering the city of Edge with Tifa and Cloud, looking all over for Yuffie, when he saw it. She, the strong, annoying yet infinitely full of energy ninja, had collapsed, and had several seedy, disgusting men looming toward her. Time as stopped as his heart did, and without thought, Vincent had launched himself at them, action being the only thing he could do. It was a shock to the three of them that he had not transformed into Chaos as he tore into the vagrant looking men.

"Yuffie, please wake up," Tifa murmured, stroking the younger girl's hair. Vincent looked over at them, and his heart began to pound furiously. Yuffie's dress was torn and her body was bloody from hitting the ground and grazing herself. A multitude of emotions swept over him as he lurched to his feet, and made his way to the women in a daze.

Tifa glanced up at him, her dark red eyes softened with tears. She loved Yuffie like a younger sister, and her heart ached to see her like this. It also hurt her heart when she saw the look of sheer despair enveloping Vincent's sharp features.

"She'll be ok after some rest," Cloud mumbled, gently slapping Vincent on the shoulder in a show of comradery. Even thought Vincent's entire body was shaking, he motioned to Tifa to move her arms. The slender martial artist gently laid Yuffie on the ground, and Vincent bent down, swiftly lifting her into his arms. Tifa got to her feet with the help of Cloud, and they silently followed the disturbed man back to their home.

Her head ached like that poor Moogle's must have when its hangover kicked in. Her mouth felt like it was full of dirt, and her body was in so much pain she wanted to cry. She couldn't even open her eyes.

What had happened to her? Did those strange men get to her? Did she...where was she?

Open your eyes, damnnit! She willed herself silently. She tried lifting her arm, but seering pain tore up it. She felt tears leak from her closed eyes and softly trail down her bruised cheeks.

A little bit of fun had cost the ninja her dignity. Why on earth did she think that annoying Vincent would end well for her?

"I cleaned her up as well as I could, and I gave her a potion, but she still isn't awake," Tifa sighed, falling into one of the bar chairs, rubbing her sore neck. Vincent smashed back another shot of imported Mideel whiskey as Cloud glanced at him sympathetically.

A:N I know it's been forever, but the catastrophes begin again next chapter! And, I am FORCING myself to write, so expect it soon, because I'll probably ambush you with new chapters! And remember, I still don't have a beta to pick up on mistakes, and I've been writing this with the flu, so that may be unavoidable

~~Nacina~~