Well, this has been a crazy few weeks. This would have been done two weeks ago, but well Kingdom Hearts 3 just had to go and win E3 with three trailers, tons of new info and a release date. Japan gets it four days ahead of us, which is fine, better than the month long gap we originally were going to have. I went and preordered the King-sized package. The $230 deluxe edition complete with three figures. I've never bought the big collector's edition, but you know what? I can afford it and I deserve it. I'll just consider it my B-Day gift to myself since it'll come out about a week after my B-day so YAY! :D
Anyways, this is FF, not KH. This chapter had been given me trouble until about a few days ago when I tried writing for something else. Figures right? xD
Inspiration for this chapter is called "Song on Fire" by Nickelback. I don't know which character it's directed towards, it just helped me out a lot, plus I related to the line, "I write lines down then rip them up." Cuz, that happens to many of my chapters. xD
Next chapter we see some more action, this one is setting up some future cool stuff.
Enjoy!
Three bums traveled through the trash-ridden streets of the slums, all of them wore ragged, moldy cloaks that looked like they should have been thrown away years ago. One of them had a limp to his awkward gate which appeared to be an old leg injury that had healed wrong. The other two carried themselves as if they were less than sober. They turned down a shady back alley where the one in the lead stopped and the others looked on as another cloaked figure stood at the other end of the alley. The leader of the trio held up each of his index fingers and the other responded by holding up three fingers on his left hand.
The leader nodded slowly before lifting a tarp that perfectly blended into the wall and concealed a hidden door. He opened it and allowed the other three to enter first before they refastened the tarp and closed the door behind them.
In the pitch blackness three pairs of eyes glowed in the darkness, one green and the other two blue before they deemed they were truly alone.
"Okay, enough with the creepy ambiance and the glowy-eyes, ya damn show offs. Not everyone can see in the dark."
One of the Blue-eyes struck a match and used it to light a single candle that sat on the table in the tiny room, which momentarily blinded the complacent man.
Seeing that they were secure, the first pulled down his hood, revealing brown hair and blue eyes. The others did the same revealing flaming red hair, spiky black and long silver.
"Damn Kunsel, I think this is the first time I've ever actually seen your full face," Zack couldn't help but comment.
Kunsel just smirked with a shrug. "Guess this means you three have finally earned the honor of my full and complete trust. Not even my official Shinra records has my full identity."
Reno was about to say something smart when the general cut him off, wanting to keep the meeting short. "Kunsel, you have the evidence I requested?"
The Second Class nodded. "Yes sir, though be warned; it's not pretty. I didn't show Zack because…well…"
Sephiroth saw the instant the fear and anxiety that flashed in Fair's eyes. "We will find him. I'm not ready to give up on Strife just yet."
"It's my fault, if I hadn't pissed him off and made him knock over that stupid pillar," Reno admitted.
"Blaming ourselves and stressing over what we could have or should have done won't help anyone. We need to focus on the future and moving forward. As I'm sure you're curious as to why we're meeting here and not in my office it's because Reeve had informed both Rufus Shinra and the Turks of most of the information I chose to share with him," the general stated.
The others were a bit surprised but Sephiroth kept them calm as he held a hand up. "I don't think he intended to betray us, but what's done is done. The Turks were working with the vice president all along and trying to find a way to overthrow the current president."
"So wait, then all this bullcrap has been for nothing? The Turks could have helped us," blurted Zack.
"No, like us, I believe they are under careful watch by the president and the executive board. I believe they are trying to accomplish a similar goal to ours, they just have the resources and have more freedom to operate under the radar," Sephiroth replied.
Zack looked to Reno who held up his hands in defense. "Hey, just because I was a Turk doesn't mean we knew everything. If Tseng gave you an order you rarely questioned it."
"You always question it," the Soldier argued.
"No, I complained and tried to weasel my way out of stuff, but I never questioned," the redhead defended.
"Tseng wants you to report back when you arrive in Midgar," Sephiroth cut in. "He says he's willing to overlook your betrayal as a severely undercover mission, but he also warns that if you ever consider going awol on him again he'll personally bury a bullet in your brain."
If any of them blinked they would have missed the split second that true fear flashed across the Turk's face, but it was easily covered up, though being the enhanced SOLDIERs that they were, they could hear his heart rate increase.
"Right well, I must be useful then if Tseng still wants me on board," he tried to act smug, but the three saw through his façade, though, they chose to be nice and not point it out.
"So, what's the plan now Seph," asked Zack.
The general could tell his second in command wanted nothing more than to search for his lost friend, but Sephiroth knew Zack's increased worry wouldn't allow him to think clearly and he'd more than likely act rashly if he did find Cloud and most likely share the blonds' fate. The general aimed to avoid that at all costs. He considered his options carefully before turning to Kunsel and handed him a folded piece of paper. "These are a list of names you are to research. Look up the crimes Shinra has committed against them and prepare a written report. You are also to give both your evidence and your findings to Reeve. He'll know what to do from there."
"Wait, but I thought you said he betrayed you to the Turks," asked Zack.
At this Sephiroth actually gave them a small grin that was oozing with smugness. "Oh, he and I had a little chat before I left. Let's just say he's seen the error of his ways and can be trusted now."
The three were silently terrified by the general's response, and Kunsel chose to wisely change the subject. "Okay, so if the three of us are to report back to HQ what are you going to do?"
"Field research," he replied, giving nothing away. This confused everyone and didn't satisfy them in the least, but it was clear he wasn't going to tell them anymore, so they left it at that. They went over a few more details and plans before they hid their features under their cloaks once again and Kunsel blew out the candle. The four emerged from the wall and went their separate ways.
Four days had passed since he had found that strange man in Lucrecia's cave. Vincent had needed to get away and think, retreating to one of his most secluded hideouts and to make sure she was still where she was supposed to be, he had retreated there to ponder on what to do from here. He would be the first to admit he had made some mistakes this time. In the other timeline he normally wasn't so careless, but the planet didn't seem angry with him for his choice regarding its golden-haired guardian. He received his reassurance during that first big meeting when the future Cloud had fully surfaced for the first time. He had given them important information concerning Jenova's survival, which they hadn't even considered. Vincent couldn't fault the two charged with her destruction. They were ignorant of the lengths the calamity would go to in order to survive, nor did they comprehend how resilient it was.
Another thing Vincent had felt regret for was sending his friend from the future into a coma without his choice. He tried to imagine the scene there now. Tifa was probably somewhere close by; it wouldn't have been the first time she had supported Cloud in such a time of need, even leaving the team for a short period in order to care for the wounded champion. The kids were either with Barret or hovering near their guardians. Cid and Yuffie were probably angry at him, assuming it'd be his fault and for once the hot heads would be right.
He had been interrupted from his thoughts when he found the man in red laid out on the floor in a fetal position in front of the large crystal containing Lucrecia. Vincent checked for a pulse, finding one, but was also surprised to see such an advanced case of degradation. The man's hair was nearly white it was so grey and even his clothes were degrading. His skin was so pale and it was flaking as if he was coated in a layer of ash.
I'm sorry. Help him.
Those thoughts echoed in his mind and Vincent turned to gaze at the woman he loved. Had she done this to him? He didn't sense it was on purpose. It wasn't in Lucrecia's nature to harm anyone, even as a scientist her main goal had been to heal, to help and to ease the suffering of others. The only time she had done anything classified as evil was when she went along with Hojo's plans, but he assumed he held something over her, though what it was Vincent never found out.
"I'll do what I can," he replied as he carefully took the man in his arms and headed back to Cosmo Canyon. If there was anyone that could save him it had to be someone deeply connected to the planet and Vincent could think of no one better qualified than the last living ancient.
His assumptions turned out to be correct as he had watched her heal him and fight a battle of wills against Jenova. True, the parasite wasn't at full power, but it was still impressive against a member of the race the creature had wiped out. Vincent realized while watching her trying to pull Jenova from Genesis as if drawing poison from a wound that he had misjudged her as well as the others. She was a lot stronger than she let on, whether she had realized it or not. Physically she might need help, but spiritually was another matter entirely. It was no wonder she had found the cure for a deadly disease and could revive people from the other side. Vincent didn't need Cloud to tell him that he had been killed I that explosion and brought back in the church of all places by the flower girl. The location itself gave it away, especially considering the blond had been killed on top of the old Shinra building. Anyone else would have revived him where he had fallen, but not Aerith.
Vincent had remembered questioning the vision of the flower girl before she had turned to help soothe the fears of a nervous child and asked her that very question. "Why here?"
She just turned to look at him with that gentle smile. "It was better than letting him fall through the roof again."
It was that same gentle teasing she was known for during their journey. Vincent turned then to look at his friend who seemed to finally notice he had an audience, but Vincent knew by the recognition in Cloud's eyes that he had seen Aerith as well. The relief, joy, and peace that came over the warrior was obvious, made even more so by the smile.
Once the process of healing him was over it was clear the Cetra was exhausted as Vincent continued to stand close by her side after shielding her from the intense flame that surged out from the man. Vincent wasn't sure what that was all about, but it was as if, like a phoenix, the man had risen from the ashes of his degradation, burned away all that was damaged and allowing his regenerated cells to shine through. The thought was a bit corny, but it was also fitting, the gunman had to admit.
He helped Aerith to the other room where Barret was having his arm redressed by a sweet female villager whom doubled as a nurse.
"She okay," Barret asked as the nurse asked him to move his arm and see if it was too tight.
Vincent nodded as she lay down. Aerith nodded her thanks before her eye lids fluttered slowly and she fell unconscious. "She went through a very tough trial and succeeded, but it wore her out."
Barret leaned forward, trying to get a better look at her. "Hard to believe with all the power she's got that she's still only what…eighteen?"
"Seventeen," Vincent replied before he had to really think about her age in this timeline, "maybe sixteen."
"Damn, how many more kids will have the whole damn world in their hands?"
"Let me go, you gutless cowards!"
"It's in your best interest miss, please!"
"I'm not falling for your lies anymore, now shut up and let me take care of it myself!"
Barret glared towards the door and let out a low growl of annoyance. "I rest my case."
He didn't hate Aerith in the least, nor did he really have any beef with that kid, Cloud, though he had a little too much sass if anyone asked Barret. However that little brat Yuffie was a different story.
Vincent saw how the ruckus was bothering Aerith, so he decided to intervene. He barged into the room next door and glared down at the girl who jumped at his sudden entrance, only for the ex-Turk to see her eyes start to roll back and she fell back down onto the stool she was sitting on while a nurse worked to draw out something from her arm.
"What's going on," asked Vincent.
"This little one decided to ignore the advice of the adults and went hunting in the rocks behind the village, only to stumble upon the exact nest of desert vipers that the villagers warned her about and was bitten. Thankfully it was only once. Perhaps that will teach her not to go treasure hunting when ordered not to." The nurse was concerned for the girl, but she was stern and with good reason.
Vincent approached the girl who was still struggling against the nurse's attempts to remove the poison. Yuffie looked up at him and glared. "What are you, a tree? Stop giving me shade!"
Vincent quirked an eyebrow at her remark, and somewhere in the back of his mind he heard Chaos actually chuckling at the insult. Bending down to be eye level with the girl he tilted his head. "Better?"
Yuffie glared at him, "Now you're an annoying bush. Why am I being kept prisoner and tortured? I did nothing wrong!"
"You attacked a man and then followed him to a foreign land. Those were your own choices and now you have to face the consequences."
Yuffie hated how he said it so calmly. "I was protecting my land! I am the princess of Wutai after all, gotta keep my home safe from Shinra pigs like you!"
Vincent couldn't help but smirk. Yuffie was still Yuffie no matter what age or timeline. "You are I are on the same side. Some of us may be SOLDIER, but we were all wronged by Shinra."
Yuffie glared at him as she squinted her eyes to look at his. "You're not a SOLDIER. You're eyes are red, not demon blue."
Vincent nodded. "You're correct. I was a Turk, but was betrayed by the people I was ordered to guard. I was saved however by a painful experiment, but it was either that or I wouldn't be here."
"You're happy they did that to you? I would have raised hell."
Vincent looked off to the side and glared at the floor, "Not helping."
"What," Yuffie asked with a confused head tilt.
Vincent looked back at her. "I do have a demon living within me, he is Chaos and all it stands for, and he liked what you just said."
Yuffie was about to ask what he meant when she felt the nurse pull away. "There, all done. Now please Miss Kisaragi, when a villager tells you not to go somewhere there is a reason for it."
Yuffie looked at her arm which supported a fresh bandage and huffed with annoyance. "Next time hide your treasure in less dangerous places."
Vincent watched the young future empress waltz out of the door and towards the center of town while the nurse shook her head in defeat. He headed back to the room where the man was resting after the ordeal. He was still out cold, though it seemed he was recovering nicely. Vincent wasn't quite sure who he was, but he sensed high amounts of mako, if Chaos's warnings were anything to go by. Vincent still didn't know if he was an enemy or a friend and stole himself to keep a close eye on him.
As Vincent made to leave he was stopped in the doorway by Nanaki. "My grandfather's just told me that Sephiroth is on his way here."
This took Vincent by surprise. "Why, has something else happened?"
The lion shook his head. "Not to my knowledge. He wishes to speak with Aerith about something, but he didn't specify." He then looked over to the man lying in the bed. "And what of him, I mentioned the name you told me to some of the villagers and they've confirmed that they have heard his name alongside the general's. They are of similar rank and knew each other well. Should we tell him that Genesis is here?"
Vincent looked over at the man and then back at Nanaki. "I've been reflecting on my actions and I believe I should be more open with the general. My actions have done far more harm than good and concealing his presence would be a mistake, but perhaps we should wait and see if he awakens first and ask him."
Nanaki hadn't taken his eyes off the man before taking a sniff and huffed in return. "Ask him now. He's been awake for a while, trying to play possum and listen for information."
Vincent turned as the man let out a defeated sigh. He knew the jig was up. "Well, you can't blame a man for trying."
The two approached him, yet still kept their distance. This made Genesis chuckle. "Relax, if I had the strength I would have left already."
"What were you doing in that cavern," Vincent asked.
The man shrugged, but winced as he reached over and held his shoulder, but it was a different pain he had felt from the past few months. It was more of a dull ache and not like the rusty blade sawing away at him like it he'd mentally described it as. "That was a coincidence, take my word for it. My wing buckled during flight and I took a hard landing. Seeking shelter I found the cave and the light within drew me in deeper. I saw the woman and reached out to touch the crystal she was encased in. The pain that shot through my body was unlike anything I've ever felt before physically and mentally someone was screaming in my head."
Nanaki and Vincent exchanged looks before the ex-Turk stepped forward. "Did it say anything?"
Genesis tried to sit up, but winced again and decided it was best to stay down. "It was hard to translate through the sheer volume of the rage. It was a female voice, but she was pissed. What I could make out was something about ungrateful children and something about disobedience. There were also plenty of verbal and colorful threats, but then she seemed to notice me and her voice quieted for a moment before her thoughts slithered over to me and she said, "You'd make a good son, come with me and help me dish out the proper punishment." After that I was assaulted with such an intense pain I could hear myself crying out for mercy; something I believe I'd never do. The next thing I know I'm looking up at a woman I could only assume was Minerva and I offered Loveless on my dying breath as a tribute to her. I don't know if she liked it or not, since I'm still here."
Vincent and Nanaki had listened intently to the story the man had to tell, but it was very worrisome. Jenova was indeed still alive and trying to exact revenge. It would explain why she was so aggressive against Aerith as she tried to remove the alien's cells from Genesis.
"We'll have to ask Aerith what she did to heal him when she wakes," Vincent voiced his concerns. "I'm positive Jenova still resides within Lucrecia and reacted to his cells when he reached out to touch her. If dying cells like his can have such a strong reaction then…"
"Then our friends could also be in danger of falling to her control," Nanaki finished.
"You said Sephiroth was coming here?"
The two turned their attention back to Genesis.
"Yes," the gunman replied.
"I'd rather he not know I was here. I caused him so much pain and strife and I don't think he'll be so willing to forgive me. I'd rather live my final days without worrying if they'll be cut short by a lost friend's sword. That goes double for Zackary if you know him as well."
Nanaki nodded slowly, "If that's what you want. I'll spread word around the village to keep your presence secret."
"Thank you, though I apologize for having nothing to offer in return, a dying fugitive doesn't have much of value, except for my sword and materia, but you can only have those once I'm dead."
Nanaki smirked then as he started to head out the door and Vincent shared the knowing grin. "We'll just have to find another way for you to pay us back then." With that he left and closed the door leaving Genesis alone.
He raised a sore arm into the air before pulling off his glove and looking at his hand. "Weren't my nails more of an ugly purple underneath before? And where have the black veins gone?"
He knew better than to hope for any good signs. Instead he compared himself to a light bulb. They often burned brighter before going out. Perhaps his body was trying to appear healthy and let him feel better during his last days before his flame was extinguished.
