A/N: A lot of music will be featured here; music with lyrics. I'm not certain about flashbacks anymore, but I'm fairly certain that we will be visiting dreamland with Yuffie more often as of this point. Do read and review would you kindly?
Unknown place and location…
Yuffie found herself looking up to the aftermath of that last dream…it was hard to get back up, especially since she was pinned to the floor by the shots she had taken. Apparently, she was continuing from the last dream she had of this scene…and when she saw the corpses of both Vincent and her daughter, she doubled over in a crying fit, and started sobbing into her hands. It was then that she saw a pair of clawed feet covered in form-fitting indigo feathers standing in front of her—she looked up to see the malevolent grin upon Chaos' pale blue face that he stole from Vincent as he looked down at her with red eyes…those beautiful red eyes he had also stolen from Vincent! Those beautiful pools of blood red she had fallen in love with, and he was mocking her with them! As a matter of fact, his whole naked indigo body was a twisted and beast-like mockery of her Vincent!
"That's right your majesty! Vincent's going to die, and there's nothing you can do about it…and then you're going to watch as your little girl dies with him! You shall lose your entire family, but you shall survive…and I would not have it any other way." It was then that Chaos began laughing evilly and Yuffie found herself sobbing in despair…
Real World…Somewhere in the air space near Nibelheim…
Time until Vincent's life expires: 2 days, 4 months…
Vincent looked into the sink…that red splotch of blood he coughed up in there was contrasting with the clean whiteness of the bowl, and on the countertop next to the sink was the bottle containing the prescribed medication he was to take to reduce the damage of his coughs. He didn't like those white pills…they tasted horrible and gave him cotton mouth, but they guaranteed a bit of respite from his condition. He still would cough from time to time, but at least it was a dry and much gentler cough instead of a throat-rending cough wet with his blood.
He unscrewed the top of the bottle, popped the pill in his mouth, and then unscrewed the nearby water bottle open to take a few gulps of it…it would not do for him to have cotton-mouth when he's going to be parachuting down to Nibelheim where apparently they could also find the finest wine in the world. According to the brochure, the world's top ten finest spirits were listed every year by their vintage, what sort of wine they are, and vineyard or brewery they are from. This year's top five hard drinks in Nibelheim from the lowest-ranked to highest are the "Haus Schneider" 1955 chardonnay worth around 5 thousand gil per bottle, "Chateau Monet" 1999 Champagne worth around 7 thousand gil per bottle, "Boris Cherdenko" 1967 vodka worth around 9 thousand gil per bottle, "Franz Schmitt" 1985 whiskey worth around 10 thousand gil per bottle, and finally, the "Francois St Pierre" 1895 syrah worth roughly 15 thousand gil per glass as the bottle itself is the few of its vintage left in existence—especially since the monastery that made the wine no longer exists due to a reported scandal with one of the monks…and the bottle itself is currently in the possession of a certain Shin-Ra in his new villa at the outskirts of town far away from Shin-Ra Manor.
Rufus had become quite a bit kinder in the years since Meteor…still every bit a cheapskate as his father, but kinder nonetheless…and with principles now. But even with his newfound sense of morality, Vincent doubted that Rufus would be kind enough to allow him to have a glass of "Francois St Pierre" so lightly…even if he were a dying man—and this is due to another trait he sees common in all the Shin-Ra men…they were fiercely protective of their exotic liquors. Suffice to say, this would be a bridge he'll cross when he gets there…right now, he has to spend time with Yuffie—and to make sure that the baby does not die on this endeavor.
Vincent had used the board before, and while he never did admit it, he found it to be a very fun ride. In his youth, he had done an extreme sport or two, but one thing he had always wanted to do was parachuting. The itinerary here would be that Yuffie would be strapped to him, and he would be the one controlling the parachute…they would land on the target outside of town. The next thing on his list of priorities would be to see if anyone else in Nibelheim had a bottle of "Francois St. Pierre" aside from Rufus. He inspected his attire—the parachuting suit was on, now all he had to do was to get his hands on that parachute…and to rouse Yuffie from her sleep. It seems that she has had nothing but nightmares as of late…he could tell because he could feel her heart rate go up…what could possibly be troubling her even in her sleep? And whatever it was that was causing her nightmares, it was draining on her—this was definitely not good for her, nor was it any good for their little princess. Maybe he should confront her about it—and comfort her while he was at it. Nobody deserved to have this sort of problem, least of all Yuffie…he'll find a way to help her out of this if it killed him.
Unknown time and location…
Chaos was laughing maniacally…all hope was dead now…Vincent was dead, and so was their unnamed daughter…before she could let out another moan of sadness, she heard something tackle Chaos from out of nowhere. Yuffie lifted her head to see Galian Beast in a struggle with the other spirit…his tail lashed at the imposter, but he proved to be mightier as it appeared that Chaos was getting the upper hand until Death Gigas appeared from nowhere, and clocked him in the face with a left straight and he had to roll away before Hellmasker brought his chainsaw-like sword down on his throat. The three separate spirits did not let up on the attack—they were out to get their former colleague Chaos. Why, Yuffie, didn't know; but a part of her was enjoying the show as the great demon Chaos himself was being overtaken by Galian Beast, Death Gigas, and Hellmasker as they all worked in synch to fight the demon.
Before long, Galian Beas saw an opening, and used his tail to trip up Chaos. This was done as if all three of them had been planning this from day one—as Death Gigas took advantage of Chaos landing on his back to bring his fists down upon Chaos' knees one at a time and smashing both patellae with his victim screaming in pain before he brought both of his hands up and smashed them down upon his victim's clavicles. Hellmasker then decided to add in his attack, and brought his chain-sword down on Chaos' sternum. Their victim was too tired and injured to fight back—on the one hand, Yuffie could not bear to watch that last attack as to her, it was the same as Vincent having his chest open.
After Chaos was weakened, all three of the spirits that had just opposed him looked to each other, as if confirming if they were sure with the action they were about to perform. The nods they gave out confirmed it. Galian Beast, Hellmasker, and Death Gigas all looked towards Yuffie—the looks in their eyes told her that this would be the last time she sees them…they were saying good-bye silently to her. As she reached her hand out to tell them not to go, bright lights had glowed in their empty hands. She wondered what those lights were—but before she could think anymore on the matter, the three spirits lifted their light-carrying hands, and smashed them into the gaping hole in Chaos' chest at the same time, causing a bright flash and an explosion to engulf the entire area.
Yuffie covered her eyes…
Real World…
When she opened them again, she saw Vincent sitting across from the bed they shared. The fact that he was asleep and in his parachuting suit must've meant that he was waiting for her…she simply smiled and started walking towards him before planting a kiss on his lips. It was then that she noted something strange about Vincent—sure, she had heard of people sleeping as if dead, but this was ridiculous…not to mention scary. She carefully lifted her finger under his nose, and felt not breathing. Yuffie's eyes widened as she then carefully reached a hand out and touched Vincent by the shoulder—shaking him awake.
It didn't work. This was definitely not funny! This time, she shook harder…still no response. Her fear overtook her as she ran to the intercom of their cabin, and fumbled in her terror before she finally pressed the button on the intercom. The desperation in her voice was clear and fast as she screamed into it. "SHERA GET THE FUCKING CRASH CART NOW!" She wasted no time…Yuffie moved to get Vincent to the floor, and started performing CPR on him…trying her hardest to get a pulse out of her husband.
After ten minutes of trying, the door to their cabin had opened, and in ran Shera with the crash cart. It was not long before she pulled out an epinephrine jab and injected it into the vein in Vincent's right arm. The tears in Yuffie's eyes "Vince?" Shera gently nudged her away with defibrillator paddles in her hands charged and cleared. Just as she was about to send the charge through his heart, she suddenly found herself screaming and throwing the defibrillator paddles away and over her shoulders in fear as she saw Vincent gasp for air and sit back up with a single jolt…her shock had subsided as she watched Vincent breathe trying to get his breath back. Yuffie wasted no time in getting to him, and wrapping her arms around his neck and sobbing into his shoulder.
"Vincent, I don't think you should be making this jump or making that climb…I'll tell Cid to land you two in Nibelheim."
"Shera, if you were about to die, and there was nothing to save you, what would you have done?"
"I'm telling you this for your own sake…and for Yuffie's. You don't have a lot of time left, I'm not denying that, and I'm not saying that you should not continue on with this list. But with my training in first aid and trauma care, I feel this jump could exacerbate your condition and kill you sooner…and I'm fairly certain that the climb will do a number on you, thus cutting down the quality time you should most definitely be spending with Yuffie. So please, I'm asking…no, I'm begging you to not go through with this jump, and definitely advising against the mountain climb."
Vincent knew that Shera spoke out of sincerity. Her premonition was what saved Cid's life at the cost of his dream of going into space for the first time. As he looked on at the sobbing form of Yuffie, he considered what she had said as he stroked his hand through her hair to comfort her—perhaps she was right. Luckily, he had another idea he had other things he wanted to do before dying. "Yuffie, don't worry, I'm all right for now. Let's just go pay Rufus that visit. I may not be able to do two things on my list now, but that does not mean I do not have another thing I want to do…but we are going to have to call up everybody first."
Yuffie looked back up at Vincent…curiosity had replaced her sadness and her fear of almost losing him so soon. "Why, what do you have planned?"
"Something I've had an idea for when I spotted that piano Tifa bought."
It was then that the realization had dawned upon her that Yuffie's eyes widened with surprise. "Are you going to do what I think you're going to do?"
"Of course, hence why I am looking to invite everyone to the Golden Saucer a while from now. I plan to play something for them that I had wanted to play on that night before my…condition. And besides, I never did finish that toast for Tifa, and so I might as well finish it off while I'm at it."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive…I might as well play one more song before it is my time to go. Shera, do you think you can ask Cid if he would mind if I practiced here?"
"I'll see what I can do…although I think the galley is a good place for you to practice as there is already a piano there"
"Thank-you so much. I'm only sorry if we're…"
"Vincent, you and Yuffie are not troubling us in the slightest. We're just glad that you two in some way."
Flashback…roughly 3 weeks ago…
Vincent was walking around the mall—Yuffie would be meeting him here soon so that the two of them would go shopping discretely for baby clothes for their little princess. He still had a few minutes to wait before she would come and see him—he had almost four months left, what was four minutes to him? As he continued to walk, he noted a hand-carved mahogany grand piano sitting unattended on a podium dead center in the mall. Vincent looked left and right…it didn't look like anybody was working on this area, and it didn't look like anyone cared at the moment. Perhaps he could get warmed up before he leaves for Nibelheim…after all, practice makes perfect.
With that thought on mind, he walked up to the podium, and sat at the seat for the piano. As he sat there, Vincent began to contemplate on what exactly he should play…and then he began to see images of the past he had with Cloud…the drinks he would share with Tifa, Cid, and Barrett…the philosophical discussions he'd had with Nanaki…the collaboration he had with Reeve and Rufus for the Zeus sniper rifle prototype and the sense of connection they had when they built the gun…the time he spent with the children and Shelke…and finally, his most important memories; his married life and his love with Yuffie…from that moment, Vincent knew what song to play, and because he was warming up, and nobody seemed to care at the moment, he may as well sing along…
What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
What do I do when my love is away
(Does it worry you to be alone?)
How do I feel by the end of the day,
(Are you sad because you're on your own?)
No, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Do you need anybody
I need somebody to love
Could it be anybody
I want somebody to love.
Would you believe in a love at first sight
Yes, I'm certain that it happens all the time
What do you see when you turn out the light
I can't tell you but I know it's mine,
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Do you need anybody
I just need someone to love
Could it be anybody
I want somebody to love.
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
With a little help from my friends.
By the time he was finished with the song, Vincent was surprised when heard clapping all around him…and it was then that he realized that the microphone was near his mouth all along…but his surprise upon realizing that he had just performed in front of a lot of people in his warm-up was nothing compared to the realization that Yuffie was right behind him, and listening on the song.
"You never told me that you also sang."
"This is actually the first time I've ever sung in front of anybody."
"I'll forgive you for making a scene if you do something for me."
The playful tone in his voice was clear in her ears. "Oh dear…I wonder what it is…"
It was then that she pulled him into a kiss and whispered into his ear. "You will sing for me personally…before we even think of getting nasty, I want you to sing in that voice while we're getting naked."
Oh he knew what she was talking about…and judging from the reaction he got from his wife, Vincent knew that he was going to be singing for her to pay for any hope of having hot sex with her…although he should still be careful with her…Yuffie was in fact carrying his baby, and it would not do for either of them to lose their princess. "You have yourself a deal then missy. I look forward to your offer." With that, the two of them left the area and started shopping for gifts for their yet-to-be-named little girl…
Flashback End…
Time until Vincent's Life Expires: 28 days, 3 months
Rufus sat around in his house looking at Vincent and Yuffie with an incredulous look in his eyes…it was then that the Shin-Ra head had a sort of look on his face that suggested that he did not like what his friend was asking. "I'm sorry Vincent, but I can't let you have a sip," he began, "the reason for this is because the Francois St Pierre is not an easy wine to come across…especially of this particular vintage. Is there any other way I can repay you for testing out the Zeus for us?"
The cat-ate-the-canary smile on Vincent and Yuffie's face was disturbing to say the least. While the look was natural on the latter, to think that the former Turk was even capable of such an expression actually frightened Rufus. "I figured you'd say that. That's why I am planning to tell you that you and the Turks are going to be invited to a very secret place I know of. Should you accept my offer, then that will be that…either way, I will not give up until you let me have a sip."
The look of worry in Rufus' face was replaced with that of clean confidence—as if he were going to win something. "You must be very confident if you think you can convince me to let you have a glass of the 1895 Francois St. Pierre using a verbal invitation. Prove me wrong."
"You asked for it…" With that, Vincent stood up, and walked towards the inlaid black lacquer grand piano that was kept in the room living room. As soon as he found the piano, he seated himself at the keys, and found the best song to help him out…he thought back on the time he spent with Lucrecia, and the amount of love he had for her before he met Yuffie and discovered true love…Yuffie knew who this song was addressed to, and kept silent out of respect for her husband…
There was a time
When I was so broken hearted
Love wasn't much of a friend of mine
The tables have turned, yeah
Cause me and them ways have parted
That kind of love was the killin' kind
Now listen
All I want is someone I can't resist
I know all I need to know by the way that I got kissed
I was cryin' when I met you
Now I'm tryin' to forget you
Love is sweet misery
I was cryin' just to get you
Now I'm dyin' Ôcause I let you
Do what you do - down on me
Now there's not even breathin' room
Between pleasure and pain
Yeah you cry when we're makin' love
Must be one and the same
It's down on me
Yeah I got to tell you one thing
It's been on my mind
Girl I gotta say
We're partners in crime
You got that certain something
What you give to me
Takes my breath away
Now the word out on the street
Is the devil's in your kiss
If our love goes up in flames
It's a fire I can't resist
I was cryin' when I met you
Now I'm tryin' to forget you
Your love is sweet misery
I was cryin' just to get you
Now I'm dyin' cause I let you
Do what you do to me
Cause what you got inside
Ain't where your love should stay
Yeah, our love, sweet love, ain't love
If you give your heart away
I was cryin' when I met you
Now I'm tryin' to forget you
Your love is sweet misery
I was cryin' just to get you
Now I'm dyin' just to let you
Do what you do what you do down to me, baby, baby, baby
I was cryin' when I met you
Now I'm tryin' to forget you
Your love is sweet misery
I was cryin' when I met you
Now I'm dyin' cause I let you
Do what you do down to , down to, down to, down to
I was cryin' when I met you
Now I'm dyin' to forget you
Your love is sweet
I was cryin' when I met you
By the time that Vincent was finished with the song, he knew that he had sealed the deal…because he knew that Rufus was a music fan. And because he actually poured much of himself into the song enough to actually sing along, he knew that this was a sure-kill. There was no way that Rufus would refuse him. As soon as he turned to Rufus, he noted that the younger man merely stared at Vincent with his jaw hanging. The mesmerized look in his face did not help matters any. Before long, only three words left Rufus' mouth: "Wait right here."
Within three minutes, Rufus had returned with a green wine bottle and two wine glasses. Rufus sat down and started filling the glasses. "Consider this as me sealing the deal with your invitation. Be sure to savor it Vincent, as I've heard that this is the last bottle of its vintage left." Vincent lifted his glass and toasted Rufus before the two of them downed their portions…the brochure did not do this wine justice. In the world of hard drinks, this was king of all red wines, especially for a syrah! The wine had a minty flavor from being aged in a pine barrel mixed in with cinnamon, hints of blackberry, black currant, and blueberry with a definite flavor of apple.
A/N: Kudos to and for the lyrics. Last time I used musical lyrics as part of the story, I tended to favor Queen…I'm planning to add a little more Beatles and Aerosmith this time (I rather like classic rock from the 60's to 80's).
Songs Played:
"With A Little Help From My Friends" by The Beatles—Vincent gets warmed up in the mall
"Cryin'" by Aerosmith—Vincent convinces Rufus
Vocabulary and Culture notes:
Patella—the plural form is patellae, these are your kneecaps.
Clavicle—the frontal bone of your shoulder…the back of your shoulder is the scapula.
Sternum—this is the bone directly in the middle of your chest; with bits of cartilage attached to it, it holds your rib cage together.