Rain stood nervously next to Cloud as they starred at the dark, wooden coffin at their feet. The room around them was more of a cave that a room and Rain had wondered at anyone being alive down here.
Cloud had had to fight their way though several monsters that had either wandered in through tunnels that led in from the outside or were the leftover remains of who knows what kind of experiments and considering she couldn't remember having ever seen monsters like that before not even in Cloud's memory, it was probably the latter.
Cloud had wakened her at dawn wanting to get an early start and Rain had wondered just what he all had planned that would require such an early start. The Shinra mansion was only an hour hike from the village and they had reached it just as the first light peeked over the horizon.
The mansion was impressive on the outside. Impressive as far as creepiness goes, the eight year old had thought. The mansion was covered in dust and spider webs, like no one had lived there in years, which was true for the most part. It had been abounded over a decade ago or so everyone thought, none below in Nebelheim knew about the sleeping occupant that still resided below its floors.
Rain soon realized the mansion though enormous on the outside was nothing compared to inside, for the building only covered the interact mazes of tunnels, chambers and labs below. Never the less Cloud had walked the halls with a familiarity of one who had trended these floors before, even though in this life it was the first time he had set foot in the mansion.
Now as they stood before the coffin, the childish apprehension she had felt when first laying sight of the mansion returned. Then saw it was not so childish, for Cloud was feeling the same thing. She could see it in the way he held his shoulders and set his feet.
It was at times like this that she liked to remind herself that her brother was really an adult and he would take care of her, no matter what.
She tensed as a new wave of emotions hit her. That comfort only went so far, since she felt his guilt and condemnation of the past as if it was her own and right now it was pressing heavily on him.
The last time he had seen Vincent the man had been a mangled corpse. He had gone down hard in the massacre of Edge, though he didn't have too. Chaos, the demon, returner of all life unto the lifestream was extremely protective of his host and had fought with Vincent to release him and be rid of the invading horde in one sweep.
She had witnessed from Cloud's memories the struggle Vincent had gone through as he fought to keep Chaos in control. In the end he had let himself be killed rather than inflict the blood bath of Chaos. She remembered the agony and helpless as Cloud watched unable to once again help his friends and winched at the memory.
"This time will be different."
Rain glanced up at Cloud's words and took his hand in affirmation.
Cloud glanced down as she gently raised their hands to rest on the coffin. She gave a small smile and he nodded. Together, with one small push the lid slid back.
Rain stepped closer taking in for the first time the actual image of the man she had only seen in the memories of someone else.
He looked different than she thought he would. His skin was not just white like she remembered, but was a grey hue, almost like death itself. It was the soft glow of red that was encased his body that set her body on edge even before her mind came up with the logical reason. Strong hands suddenly grabbed her from behind, pulling her back, as Cloud moved to stand in front of her. His body crouched in that warrior stance she was all too familiar with, body slightly angled to the side, feet spread and knees bent.
"Chaos, we have no wish to harm your host."
Chaos! The man in the coffin opened his eyes, and Rain gasped at the yellow orbs that turned to look at them. How was Chaos able to get control? The protomateria inside of Vincent should allow him to control the beast, but maybe the demon didn't have full control. His form still remained the same, but whether that was for lack of control or desire, Rain did not know and knew they could not afford to take the chance.
Rain just barley saw Cloud stiffen and move his weight, before they were in the air, Cloud's arm firmly around her chest. Rain could just glimpse the red fabric and black hair before the golden claw slashed at the spot they had just been in.
Cloud grunted as they landed a short distance away, one knee giving out on him and she heard him muttered a curse even Cid would be proud off. At times like this he would forget he was only a boy and therefore overestimate himself.
She squirmed out of Cloud's grasp and assumed a defensive position similar to his own beside him. Cloud though had eyes only for Chaos and Rain's let her senses follow in that direction, becoming aware of his slightest movement.
Chaos though was starring at them intently and made no move toward them. The voice was caught between the low tone that was natural for the body and the growl that came from the beast within.
"Children with the eyes of SOLIDER, how intriguing."
Rain risked a quick glance at Cloud. Sure enough his eyes were aglow, and she saw one eye move to the side toward her and assumed he must have seen the same thing in her own.
"Chaos, we need to speak to Vincent."
Cloud's voice was amazingly calm and controlled. It had to be when dealing with Chaos, he thrived on the fear and the weakness they provided.
Chaos only sneered.
"Vincent Valentine is dead. I now inhabit his body. Why not speak to me. I am mildly curious about what children with mako eyes would have to say to my host."
Cloud obviously didn't believe him.
"That is for Vincent alone, because you have no tie to the people who need his help."
The demon growled and took a step towards them menacingly.
"Valentine is gone and I have no interest of helping children. Now leave, before I kill you."
Cloud though did not back down, but was ready to move if Chaos suddenly struck.
Rain starred, as her brother and the demon, who seemed locked in a battle of wills. Slowly her confused, young mind began to make sense between the actions of the demon and the emotions and feelings of the man that resided within.
Vincent was not gone! It was his will that was even now keeping Chaos from attacking. He was hiding! Just as he kept his body hidden beneath the manor, he kept his mind hidden behind Chaos!
How could they reach him? He obviously didn't want to talk. Her mind searched through Cloud's memories desperate to find an answer. Vincent did not respond well to threats, reason or promises. What was then left?
Suddenly she saw something that she never realized before or that Cloud had never noticed before. Behind the solemn and stone mask that man held, Vincent was a very emotional man, full of guilt, and sorrow. Emotions so much like Cloud, that it was now obvious why Cloud had never seen them. Though friends the two had never been very close, both were so messed up emotionally that they rarely let anyone in, and when they did it had never each other.
Well, Rain decided, that was another things that was going to change, that is if she could get Cloud to see it in time.
Come on Cloud, think! She mentally yelled at him. Remember how you got him to step out of his prison before! Vincent is listening right now and he is emotionally unstable, use that!
Cloud though seemed oblivious to it, and Rain knew all he saw was the monster Vincent died protecting them from.
She slowly took a hesitate step forward, slipping by the hand Cloud shoot out.
"Rain get back!"
Rain ignored the panic lacing his voice and continued her approach to Chaos. She only stopped when she was right in front of the tall man and as she thought he made no move against her.
"Vincent I know you can hear me. Don't tell me he can't," she cut off Chaos's growl of denial, "because he is the only thing that is keeping you from killing me right now."
Chaos starred at the girl. How could this little twerp know? It was then that Chaos/Vincent saw more than just mako in the blue eyes that starred back up at him. Those eyes revealed someone older and wiser than the body that encased it and Chaos realized, quite possibly an understanding of how to reach the grieving, little Vincent that had confined them in this basement for far to long. Maybe this little child could do what Chaos could not and waken the Turk that Chaos knew once existed within this body. Even that person was more desirable than the pathetic creature Vincent had become. Chaos longed for him for them to become strong again.
"Vincent, I understand you're hurting."
Chaos's host reaction was surprising, anger. He felt the burning emotion deep within him and he stroked it, fanning it like a fire. How could she understand she was just a child what did she know? Were the thoughts that raged within his host.
"I know what happed to Lucrecia, what she did to you."
The anger vanished like it had just been doused in water.
"I know she betrayed you, and hut you. I know you feel like you let her down Vincent, that you never should have let her go. I also know what Hojo did to you, the experiments."
Chaos could feel his control weakening, his host beginning to take control again. Very well, this once he would not fight it.
Rain watched as the yellow orbed eyes flickered than slowly disappeared and red irises blinked down at her, right before the tall man gasped and collapsed to his knees. She reached out anf placed a hand on his should, at this position she was only a head taller than he was.
"Vincent are you-"
"I will be fine." Vincent was breathing heavily and his voice was ragged, "It is also like this when he releases control. It does not harm me physically, but leaves me disoriented. I will be fine in a minute. In the meantime what do you know about Lucrecia?"
"I know you loved her." Rain spoke softly, but still saw the flash of pain that flickered of the gunman's face at the mere mention. "I know that you let her marry Hojo, because you thought it would make her happy. That they were going to experiment on their child." She couldn't help the contempt that slid into her voice, but she forced her voice to soften at her next words. "I also know she is no longer living, at least in that way anymore."
Rain's heart clenched at the expression that crossed his face, one of pure angst and sorrow. She had seen that look on Cloud's face to many times in her dreams, but to actually see in person was ten times worse. She laid her hand on his head, shocked at the softness of the long and disheveled locks of black hair.
"Vincent you can't keep blaming yourself. It was her choice; you can't keep yourself locked down here for something that was not your fault. She wouldn't want it. She would want you to continue to live, to protect the ones you care about."
"I don't have anyone to protect! Everyone I once cared about I let die. There is no one."
The gunman spat and Rain stepped back at the sudden hatred on his face, though she knew it was not directed at her, but at himself.
"What about Sephiroth?"
Cloud's voice came from behind and Rain felt him lay a hand on her shoulder as he came forward to stand beside her.
"Sephiroth, Lucrecia's son is still alive."
Vincent's eyes went wide and he abruptly reached out grabbing both of them by the arm, pulling them down to the floor with him. Neither of them resisted, but Rain winched slightly at the feel of the cold, golden claw around her forearm, but knew Vincent would not hurt them. Vincent then seemed to get control of himself, and he released them leaning back against the wall. His red eyes seemed distant as if he was remembering something. His voice was quite now.
"How long have I been down here?"
Cloud answered.
"Nearly twenty years. Sephiroth is nineteen and already 1st class SOLIDER. He is fighting in the Wutai war right now and in a couple of months he will become General of Shinar's army."
"Nineteen?"
Vincent ran a hand though his disheveled dark hair.
"It's been longer than I thought." He mused, than looked at Cloud again.
"You say he will become general in a few months. How do you know that?"
"Because I have been there, I have lived through it."
Rain stiffened and looked at Cloud, but his eyes never wavered from Vincent's unmoving face.
"In a couple of months Sephiroth will become General, and win the Wutai war. He will become known all across the planet, woman will love him and men will strive to be like him. He will be called the Wutai hero, the Silver haired general, Shinar's greatest solider, but that is not enough for one. The one that pushed him to become what he is. You know who that is Vincent."
Vincent's eyes narrow in hate and one word hissed from his lips. "Hojo!"
Cloud nodded, "Sephiroth will become strong and Hojo's control over him will weaken, in an attempt to regain control he will use Jenova, a calamity that came to this planet thousands of years ago. In three years Hojo will falsify reports that will bring Sephiroth here. Once here he will find out about the truth that created him. He will find the creature whose cells course through his body, and she will take him and use him to try and destroy the planet. He will become the planet's greatest enemy, the living nightmare that comes back again and again from death. A never ending circle, unless we stop it now."
Throughout the entire time Cloud spoke Vincent had not uttered a sound, but he let his body language speak for him displaying his disbelief.
"I don't really expect you to believe me, because I know you don't just help anyone blindly anymore." Cloud shrugged indifferently and Rain starred at him. If Cloud didn't expect Vincent to believe them, then how could they expect his help?
Cloud suddenly gave what resembled a sad smile, "Look Vincent, I know you. You don't remember, but we fought together more times than I can count. We each had our own battles to fight Sephiroth, Deepground, but we were always there ready to help the other if need be.
Cloud then turned serious again, "I need your help now Vincent! If you can't face the fact that you can't just shut yourself away, because you're afraid you'll just mess things up again, than fine be a coward. I don't have that choice though Vincent, because I know what will happen if we do nothing, and trust me we can't do anything to make the future any worse than it already is."
Cloud stood and turned toward the door pulling Rain behind him.
"Oh, by the way," He spoke over his shoulder, "We're going to burn down that mansion, so don't let Chaos get in a knot, thinking we're trying to kill you or anything. It's not personal."
Rain followed Cloud up the stairs to the ground floor, before puling him to a stop.
"What the heck are you doing? Don't you want his help?"
"Of course, but aren't you the one that said the way to reach Vincent was not through reason, but through feeling. Leave him be, let him think it over. That is how it worked the last time I woke him."
So Cloud had figured it out, Rain smiled.
"So where are we starting this fire?"
"At the start of this whole mess, in Hojo's library."
The library was a surprisingly small room, considering the devastation its holdings would cause. Its walls were filled with bookshelves and as with everything else in the mansion it was covered with dust.
"Well, with all these books it should burn well, but I hope you brought some matches or something, or are you going to rub two sticks together."
Cloud signed, pulling out a lighter from his pocket. The roll of his eyes let her know just how immure he thought her comment was. Well, she was only eight she could hardly be expected to act like a brooding 25 year old all the time that was Cloud's job after all.
"Unless you are only planning on burning this room, it will be very hard to burn the entire mansion with just that."
A voice spoke from behind them. They both turned. Leaning against the doorway, arms crossed was Vincent. Rain couldn't help but notice that Cloud did not look surprised as Vincent uncrossed his arms and moved forward.
"There are some extremely flame resistant substances in this place, but I doubt it would survive this." He pulled something from his red clock. Fire material!
She watched as Cloud stepped forward a smug expression on his face. He took the material from Vincent, holding in his hand for a moment, before casting it, lighting the entire wall on the far side of the room in one wave of flames that burned white in the intense heat.
Cloud turned and started walking in the opposite direction as the fire spread. Vincent followed and they headed out of the mansion, which was quickly going up in flames.
"Who is Deepground?"
Cloud turned to look up at the older man and shook his head tiredly, "Just one of the many battles to come old friend."
Vincent shook his head, trying to come to terms with these children who acted older than even him.
"What are we going to do now Cloud?" The girl asked.
"There is one more thing we need to take care of."
Vincent watched as a silent exchange passed between the siblings and the girl's skin turned almost as white as his.
"Her?"
"You do not have to come, Rain." Cloud had seen the deathly pallor his sister's skin had taken and could not blame her. He hoped she would relent and choose not to come. With Vincent along, they should be able to handle it without having to involve Rain, but saw right away that was not to be. Rain shook her head and clenched her fists tightly.
"Who is she?" Vincent now asked in his monotonous tone.
Both Cloud and Rain looked up at him and their expressions were so dark and cold that Vincent wondered how it was possible for ones so young to possess such hatred.
There response was one word, but that was enough.
"Jenova!"
AN: Hey, just to let you know, I am not going to be redoing every little thing in Cloud's childhood step by step. There will be a time jump after the next chapter and Sephiroth will make an appearance after that, don't worry. Also please, please review!!!! It is hard to keep going without any feedback. Any would be helpful!