Diclaimer: Jeanneandheralters and Aeriths-Rain own nothing.
Heaving a sigh, Zack rested his hand on his stomach. Dinner had been good and entertaining. Well worth being hugged by Cloud's mom at random points.
"It was last night Zack," Cloud grumbled, glaring at the man. "You can not still be full!"
"Yes I can. It's perfectly possible. Especially when she gave me three extra portions to eat later, and 2 extra servings," Zack laughed and stuck his tongue out. "But I will eat breakfast if you want. Just don't blame me if I vomit on the grunts."
Cloud groaned, turning away from his superior. "She's late," Cloud muttered, looking around the square for Tifa. "If Tifa takes to much longer I'll--"
"Fall down a hole?" Tifa popped into view, startling the blonde SOLDIER. Laughing, the brunette helped Cloud up. "That man wants a picture before we go," she gestured towards the innkeeper.
"Pictures!" Zack cheered, pulling Cloud and Tifa into the shot with his arms slung around their shoulders and a goofy grin on his face.
Cloud sighed, standing next to him and trying not to frown. At the feel of Zack's arm around him, and knowing his friend was next to him made him smile, though not as stupidly as Zack. He was home, and with his friend. Life was good.
They soon departed, headed towards the mountains. Of course Cloud's luck dictated that Zack spot the old mansion. The raven haired man ran off, his destination ShinRa Manor.
Cursing slightly under his breath Cloud followed, Tifa right on his heels despite not having mako enhancements. "I should have known this would happen," the blonde griped as they shoved the door open, looking around for Zack.
Cloud whimpered softly as he stepped inside, trying not to shiver. He hated this place, but it was what he had to do. "Zack?" He called out, grabbing his sword. He was ready to fight any monsters, and from the growls he could hear from inside the mansion that sounded likely they would have too. He pushed aside his fear, walking forwards and preparing to fight.
In her own preparations, Tifa tossed her cowboy hat off and pulled on her old worn out leather gloves. "Try the stairs," she muttered, gesturing to the footprints in the layers of dust.
Nodding, Cloud took the lead. The blonde mounted the stairs, going up them slowly. With a huff, Tifa stepped around him and quickly arrived at the top. "This way!" with that she was gone.
Cloud sighed, running after her at top speed. Typical Tifa, moving faster than he could. He followed the two sets of footprints in the dust, ignoring the noises of monsters he could hear in the distance. He frowned, seeing Tifa busy fighting a creature, and ran over to assist. By the time he reached her the monster lay defeated on the floor. He nodded at her as they set off together to find Zack.
Down a hidden stairwell (open due to Zack most likely) they continued following the man's footprints. Finally they caught up with him and only because he appeared to be trying to open a door. "It's what door handles are for," Cloud announced, watching his friend try to headbutt it open.
"That's mean Cloudy," Zack pouted, rubbing his head. "It's locked!" Shrugging, the blonde kicked the door in without a thought. "That could be someone's room!" Zack protested but went in first.
"It's been abandoned for years Zack," Tifa said, staring at the coffins in slight disgust. "Didn't you notice all the dust?"
Zack shrugged. "Still could be someone's room." He sat down on a coffin, frowning slightly. "This place is really creepy." He didn't believe in ghosts, but this place felt like it should be haunted. The cobwebs hung thick in the air, and Zack shivered a little, sticking his tongue out.
"That was a good impression of-- HOLY BAHAMUT!" Zack screeched, tumbling backwards. The man's companions rushed over too see the coffin, none paying attention to the downed SOLDIER.
"Wow," Tifa muttered, covering her mouth in shock. Inside was a perfectly perserved male. It was odd how he almost seemed to be sleeping.
Red eyes snapped open, glaring at them slightly. With a yelp, Tifa tumbled backwars. Zack helped her up. "Who dares disturb my sleep?"
"Whoa," Zack muttered, mouth wide open. "That's creepier than Sephiroth when someone ate his strawberries!"
Cloud blinked a few times, shaking his head at Zack's comment. "So... um... wha-" he stopped himself from using what, but just barely. "Who are you?"
The man turned his gaze on Cloud but before he could respond Zack, once again, said something stupid. "He asked us a question Cloud!" Zack mumbled, looking at his normally polite friend.
"My name is Vincent Valentine. I am here to repent for the sins I've committed," the man went to lower himself into the coffin.
"You sound like someone injected Sephiroth with a major case of angst," Zack piped up, grinning. Vincent paused at the general's name.
"Cloud is it? You three know Sephiroth?"
Zack interrupted. "Yeah, he's our commander. Right little angst-ball at times too, but he's really friendly.." He stared at the dust in the room. It hadn't been disturbed for a long time. Too long. "Do you know him?" He asked nervously.
"Friendly?" Cloud whispered under his breath, sending a rather odd look Zack's way. No one heard the comment though.
"I knew his mother, Lucrecia," the man tugged slightly at his cape, and eyed the group.
"Zack didn't he say his mom was named Jenova?" Cloud inquired, head tilted to the side. The raven haired SOLDIER nodded, looking at Vincent.
"I saw a library further down the hall," Tifa interrupted, popping her head in the door. The group had to wonder when she had left the room. "There's chairs we can sit in while we continue this conversation. Come on Vincent!"
"I should stay here to atone..." Vincent answered instantly. Zack shrugged.
"But we want to talk to you.. You can help us, you want to do that." He had seen the look in Vincent's eye when he mentioned Lucrecia. "You want to help Lucrecia's son don't you?" He smiled as Vincent nodded and climbed to out of the coffin.
Settling into the chairs scattered about the library, the small group began their talk. Everyone would be in for shocking news. It's not everyday you meet one such as Vincent Valentine and got hear his story.
Aerith: Ok, this chapter nearly killed us, but we updated! I hope you all enjoy it, and Happy Christmas to those who celebrate it.
Jeanne: Nearly killed us as in I was about to spaz because I thought Colette was mad at me for saying something! Colette being mad is scary, she kills people with sporks.
Aeriths-Raine: -puppy eyes- I didn't do anything wrong.. honest. Well i did.. but it was an accident.
Jeanne: She lies! She didn't do nuthin, just me being paranoid! So please review!