AN: Hey, oh my word it has taken me forever to update! So sorry about that! I thought the summer would give me more time to write. Not happening! I just finished getting accepted into university, signed up for my courses, found an apartment and finished planning my move half way across the country. But here it is, the next chapter hope you enjoy! Remember please review! It's knowing you all are out there and are waiting for the next chapter that keeps me motivated, when I lose steam.
The darkness was thick by the time Cloud returned from collecting reports from the various Wutai detachments. Fifty three men were lost and many were injured. But considering that Sephiroth himself had been part of the battle, they had been relatively lucky. But most significantly, he had encountered Rain, even if it was just for a moment.
Shinra had retreated back to their stronghold and seemed content with just holding position, but Cloud was prepared if they started to advance further. That was one thing to which Godo remained firm. He would not let Shinra advance any further from the southern end of the continent. Cloud had convinced him years ago to let Shinra gain certain footholds within the country for the sake of holding more strategic positions. The Wutai's pride had been their undoing before, and it was because of Cloud's influence the war had been going as long as they had.
Cloud emerged into the clearing along an outcrop of rocks where Cid had hidden the Highwind ever since the battle. As he moved closer he saw a figure emerge from the ship followed closely by three others. Cloud glimpsed the color of pink and ran towards them, grabbing Aerith by the shoulders.
"What is it? What is wrong?"
Tifa, Barret and Cid now caught up from behind.
"Something's happened! She's come back!"
Cloud's grip on her shoulders tightened, "Who has returned! Rain?"
Tifa now spoke, "Cloud we were on the Highwind, when the Sender materialized aboard the ship. We thought it was an enemy, but apparently it was returning to Aerith."
Cloud didn't understand. Aerith had a variety of summoning materia, collected when Cloud had taken Aerith to the city of the Ancients years ago. The Sender had only responded to Aerith; so what was it doing away from her.
Aerith looked at him nervously, "Cloud, I gave the Sender materia to Rain. I told the Sender to follow Rain's orders and return to me when her orders were complete. I would not let Rain leave without having some guarantee she could come back when she wanted."
Cloud felt the breath catch in his throat, but he forced his voice was remain calm and quiet, "Where is she?"
Aerith shook her head, "No one appeared with the Sender. She didn't have the strength to stay for long."
Cloud took a step back, but Aerith gripped his forearm, "It only means Rain choose to be moved to a different location, before the Sender returned."
"Where Aerith?" Cloud's voice was more desperate when he wished it to be, but he couldn't help it. He wanted Rain back!
"The Ancient city, that's what the Sender said.
Cloud abruptly turned and started walking to the Highwind.
"Take her to the air Cid."
The shadow moved silently. Its movement so fast the guards surrounding the base did not even see it enter. Only after infiltrating the main building itself, could a glimpse of red be seen moving through the halls.
When he stopped before a heavily locked door the crimson cape and black hair became apparent. There was no sound to Vincent's movements as he bypassed all the locks and slipped into the room.
Vincent never stopped moving as he surveyed his surroundings. The room was how he expected, given what little he knew of Sephiroth. Meticulously clean, everything in order, minimal furnishing even for a temporary office. From the way he kept his office it was obvious Sephiroth liked control of his environment and he liked to keep it in order. Somehow this saddened Vincent, though he could understand given his past. Actually considering who it was that had raised him Sephiroth had turned out remarkably well.
What really troubled Vincent was that even if he had been given a different upbringing, with his real father for instance, Vincent wasn't sure he would have turned out any different. Despite intentions sons often turned out to be like their fathers.
Vincent sat down at the desk and turned on the computer. After a few minutes of skimming through files he found what he was looking for. He pressed a few keys and the screen began playing a recording of a prisoner lying on a cell floor.
Vincent's eyes narrowed into red slits at the image of Yuffie. A low hiss escaped between his teeth when Rain summoned the Sender and then took the bullet to the chest. He watched intently even after Yuffie and the summon disappeared and the silver haired General appeared at Rain's side.
Vincent sat there for a moment after the screen went black. Now he knew that Yuffie was safe. The question now was what to do now.
"You know who you want to go after," Chaos's voice rumbled from within, "Go after your little ninja."
"And leave Rain in Shinra's hands?" Vincent snarled.
"No. Leave her in his hands. Look closely. She is not in as much danger as it seems."
Vincent went still at what Chaos said. It was true. The signs were there. The way he reached for her gently, cradling her limp form as he lowered her to the floor. The small lines of worry on his face as he kept his hands pressed against her chest.
"He should not trust her, but does treat her as a threat." Vincent mused.
"Of course," Chaos leered, "and that is why, for the time being, she is safe."
Before Vincent could respond, his three-barrelled revolver was in his hand and pointed at the two men in the doorway; one who was pointing a gun at him, and the other held a seven foot long blade in his hand. Vincent's eyes faltered for a moment as he met Sephiroth's.
Up close Vincent found he could actually see Lucrecia in his features. The mouth would have been exactly like hers if it would soften a little and the nose; Vincent almost smiled at the similarity.
"It appears we have an intruder," the other man said. Vincent allowed his gaze to move from Sephiroth. He had dark hair, which was long and tied back, but it was the suit that caught Vincent's attention. A Turk, and by the looks of it was Tseng, leader of the Turks.
This was a problem. Handling either one alone, Vincent knew escape was possible. Both of them together would pose a challenge. He had no desire to fight either one of them. They were both were at the top of their respective fields and Vincent suspected they would not let him get away.
Both men stepped farther into the room. Tseng closed and locked the door "As if that would do any good," Vincent thought, "I guess they don't want any interruptions."
"Did you find what you were looking for?" The General inquired softly, staring at him intently.
Vincent's expressionless stare was the only answer they got.
"Your skill in accessing this building was indeed impressive, we almost didn't detect you." Tseng answered.
Vincent scoffed in contempt, "If it takes the head of the Turk's and a SOLDIER General to detect an intruder then the Turks have indeed fallen from their formal glory. Veld would be disappointed in his protégé."
Vincent watched as a flash of anger appeared on the Tseng's face before it quickly changed to confusion.
"No one outside of the Turks could know that." Tseng muttered.
Vincent watched Tseng's brow furrow in concentration. A moment later Tseng's eyes flashed with recognition.
"Vincent Valentine," Tseng announced.
It was impressive how quickly Tseng had arrived at the correct conclusion, Veld had done well.
Valentine! The name perked Sephiroth's interest. He remembered reading that name before. It was when he had found out about Jenova and what she really was. He had read every file available on the subject. Though he believed the first name had been Grimoire, not Vincent. So who was this? A relative, maybe.
Tseng looked him up and down before meeting his eyes again, "How is this possible. You were reported dead thirty years ago, yet you look like..."
"Like I haven't aged a day." Vincent finished.
Vincent looked at Sephiroth, the reason he took a stand against Hojo all those years ago. For the first time since he woke up in that basement the emotions he worked so hard to keep hidden were rising to the surface. All the guilt, the pain and the regret at what he was not able to stop were now staring at him with Lucrecia's face. Except the eyes were cold, eyes that had also felt pain and had closed off to the world around him. What kind of person was he? He had not only been unable to save the woman he had loved, but had failed to protect his own son.
"If you are going to wallow in your self-pity, then I will take control Valentine." Chaos rumbled from within. His voice loud and getting stronger as he felt the demon beginning to take control.
"No!" He shouted, dropping Cerberus as he clenched his head in agony. "Don't come out!"
The demon now sounded exasperated, "I cannot wait another thirty years while you work your way out of your depression."
Now the mockery Vincent was so familiar with crept back into Chaos's voice, "Besides, I believe they are going to want to know more about Rain. So relax Vincent and sleep. I will take care of things now."
"Noooooo," Vincent screamed one last time as his control slipped away completely and familiar darkness took him again.
The sudden scene made both Sephiroth and Tseng lift their weapons higher. Suddenly the man seemed to stiffen. His hair and cloak were hiding his face, but after a moment he slowly lifted his head. Sephiroth's eyes widen slightly and he heard Tseng draw in a sharp breath, but neither of them moved.
The bright yellow eyes set in a face that now looked a ghostly grey. His clothes too had changed, they were still the same color, but now seemed more of a part of him then just clothes. What stood before them had just changed from human to inhuman.
Sephiroth spoke first. "Vincent?" He asked carefully.
The golden gaze latched onto him and one corner of the mouth lifted in what might have been a smirk, "I'm afraid Vincent is sleeping at the moment. You seem to have brought some undesired emotions he was not ready to deal with yet."
"Who are you?" The question now came from Tseng.
The voice rumbled in what had the vaguely similarity to a laugh, "Who am I? I think the right question is what are we? We are the result of what happens when you let a mad, ignorant scientist mess with things that are beyond his control, though I believe you have already familiar with his results."
The demon directed his gaze pointy at Sephiroth, whose eyes had narrow.
"How?"
Tseng was questioning now and Sephiroth glanced over at him. The Turk body was rigid and his hand on his gun was clenched so tightly that is seemed a wonder it had not gone off yet. He was angry!
"How could such a thing happen to a Turk?"
Chaos stepped forward. His movements, like his appearance didn't seem quite human. Chaos stopped in front of Tseng. Slowly he raised a hand, which was not a hand at all, but a golden claw. He put the clawed middle finger in the barrel of Tseng's revolver.
The demon grinned, showing sharp, pointed teeth. "I have no need for you."
Tseng's eyes widened as the demon continued, "So if you will excuse us."
Casually Chaos raised his finger and flicked the Turk in forehead. Instantly the man flew back as if he had been hit by a missile. Tseng crashed into the wall before falling to the floor utterly still.
Masamune was already hissing though the air before Tseng was even half ways across the room, but the claw came up and caught the blade in mid air.
Sephiroth blinked in surprise; nobody had ever caught his blade before. Dodging it; yes, deflecting it; yes, Genesis was an expert at doing both. Sephiroth's strikes could shatter stone, yet this creature had caught it with apparent ease.
"Now, now," The demon chided, "all I wanted was a private talk between the two of us. I did not kill the human; he shall awake in an hour or so."
Still grasping Masamune by the blade, the demon proceeded to pull Sephiroth, blade and all, to the desk. Chaos swung the computer screen around for them both to see the image of Rain lying in Sephiroth's arms as he tried to stop the bleeding.
Chaos had seen many humans and their relationships in his ageless life. His firsthand knowledge of Vincent's past was enough to recognize this all too familiar cycle. But why should he care? Was it because it involved Rain? Perhaps, or was it because he was disgusted and tired of seeing the best, the strongest the human race could offer become weak and pathetic when facing their emotions? Either way he was fed up and was going to intervene.
Sephiroth gazed at the image for a moment before returning to glare at the creature.
"What is this?"
The demon sneered, "That is what I was going to ask. You are a very careful and rational person. How is it that such a person like you, General..." Chaos made sure to emphasize the title, "show such tenderness toward a person who is supposed to be your enemy?"
Sephiroth's grip on his sword weakened. Chaos let go and the weapon clattered to the ground.
Chaos smirked; he had never been the type to dance around one's feelings and emotions. Cut hard and deep, lay everything in the open. Chaos could see he had stunned the man in front of him, but he doubted that would be enough, it was time to twist the knife a little.
"What are your feelings toward her General? Surely you have been suspicious of her from the very start, yet you did nothing?"
The silver brows drew together in what might have been confusion or anger. Sephiroth was shocked, that much was apparent, but not to the point that it actually showed on his face. Chaos doubted he man could ever be able to do that, but his actions or rather lack of them showed the extent of his shock.
Suddenly Sephiroth snapped out of his daze. It wasn't true! The kid was his subordinate. And as a General he looked after their wellbeing. Any traitorous acts against Shinra would be dealt with personally by him.
The creature sighed, "You are just like him. Refusing to face what is staring you in the face, but if you're not careful you will lose it."
Sephiroth now took a step forward, eyes narrowing, "What do you know? Where is she?"
Stumbling to his knees and Zack sat there for a moment stunned. After a moment he angrily slammed his fists into the ground, making cracks in the metal flooring. This was a nightmare! Nothing but a nightmare that he had no control over!
How could he have let this happen? How could he just leave her like that? He had never left anyone behind, much less a friend. How could he just leave her? Rain had given him no choice and he did not have the strength to fight her.
Zack didn't know how much time had passed since they had woken up. It could have been days, but it felt more like weeks. His strength had been returning slowly and only because Rain had convinced Hojo not to touch him after that first day.
He didn't know what she had said past that one word, Omega, but she seemed to have some leverage over Hojo. Hojo had not touched him since, but this mysterious deal did not extend to Rain.
Zack winced, just thinking about it. All he had been able to do was hold her when she was thrown back into the cell they shared shaking in pain and slowly regain his own strength, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Rain didn't wait until he was fully recovered to break him out; claiming she wasn't sure how long Hojo would keep his promise. His mind went back to their last conversation.
Rain collapsed halfway down the hall, falling to her knees coughing. Zack stopped to help her back up, but she shook him off.
"Go, Zack! I'll slow you down!"
Zack shook his head stubbornly, forcing Rain to her feet, "Forget it! You started this. Don't you dare quit on me now!"
She allowed him to drag her until they heard the sound of footsteps down the hall. Rain stopped and collapsed against the wall.
Zack was frustrated. They were going to get caught at this rate! Zack forced a grin and dropped his hand onto Rain's shoulder, "I'm going to carry you okay? I know you're tired, but we can't afford to rest yet."
Rain only shook her head, looking at him with an expression that he could not place, but he did not like it. The next words caused his breath to catch in his throat.
"You refused to leave him behind last time too, and it resulted in your death. I'm sorry Zack, but I will not let that happen again."
In one smooth motion Rain grabbed his hand and twisted it behind his back. Too startled to break free, Zack just stood there in shock as she leaned in close to his ear.
"Just run!"
Shoving him forward with surprising strength, he just managed not to fall. Zack turned as a loud grating noise filled his ears. A retractable steel door was closing, separated him from Rain! She stood on the other side with her hand on the control panel. He leapt forward knowing he was too late and glimpsed the guards running down the hall toward Rain before the door shut completely.
Slamming a fist against the door, he yelled in frustration. Then leaned back against the door running a hand through his hair, then made a decision. Turning back to the door, he yelled only hoping she could still hear him.
"I'm coming back! I will come back for you Rain!"
Zack shook his head at the memory, as much as it pained him, he did not have the strength right now to save Rain himself. He would need help. Perhaps Sephiroth or Angeal realized something had happened and would be looking for them.
Zack would be back and he would tear this place down! Wherever this place was, he was not sure. At first he thought it was just a lab nestled in some hole, but as he moved farther away, the sterile labs were replaced by dimly lit metal halls. For some reason it seemed familiar though Zack could not think why.
The answer came when he saw a light at the far end of the hall and he emerged into a huge cavern. He let out a deep breath and slumped his shoulders.
He stared out at the crumbling city that seemed to have sunk into the planet and at the giant pillar that stood at its center. Memories came back to him. Deepground! The last time he had found himself in this place he had wandered down here for over two months. Nightmares about this place would still cause him wake up in a cold sweat. A rescue could prove more of a challenge then he originally thought. A person could wander forever down here they weren't careful.
Noticing a pile of twisted metal, Zack walked over and slowly drew his palm along a jagged edge. He watched as the red liquid trailed in a thick line across his palm and dripped down his arm and off his elbow. He smeared the blood over his entire palm and pressed it firmly against a steel beam, marking the entrance. As the red liquid dried onto the dark metal the sharp smell remained strong in his nostrils. Satisfied, Zack headed into the dark city, making for the pillar at the center.
Sephiroth stared across the dark abyss. It had been over eight years since he had first stepped into this pit. There were numerous entrances to Deepground, but this place was the closest without requiring them to actually enter Midgar. It was a cave, no more than a hole that dropped down one hundred feet. It sat two miles on the outskirts of the city, far from prying eyes.
Angeal appeared at Sephiroth's side. Even Angeal appeared a little hesitant, but it was only noticeable because Sephiroth knew the man so well.
"You are sure this is where they are?" The question was not doubtful, just making sure. Sephiroth knew there was no force that would stop this SOLDIER once he had made up his mind, especially where it concerned his pup.
"Yes," Sephiroth replied as he thought back to his conversation with the creature in his office.
"What do you know? Where is she?" Sephiroth took a step toward the creature threatening.
The creature seemed to pause for a moment.
"She's disappeared?" The mouth twisted revealing sharp pointed fangs on either side of the creature's mouth.
Sephiroth's silence was confirmation. The creature's smirk grew wider.
Sephiroth stepped forward until Masamune poked at the creature's throat.
"What do you know?" He growled.
The creature's eyes narrowed, "You know Rain is a..." The creature paused as if he was deciding how much to reveal, "unique specimen."
Upon hearing that last word Sephiroth lip curled in disgust.
The creature took in Sephiroth's reaction. "Who might I ask could be interested in such a specimen?"
Hojo! The answer came instantly in his mind and Sephiroth cursed. He had dropped his guard thinking Hojo would back off once the cadet was made into a SOLDIER. But Hojo never gave up and had now taken not just the girl but probably Zack as well, right under their noses. Where would be take them? It would have to be someplace secluded and hidden; Hojo would have to know Sephiroth would come after him especially if he taken a fellow SOLDIER.
Deepground, it was the only place Sephiroth could think of where Hojo might have any hope of eluding him. He glanced over at Angeal who was still looking at him.
"We'll head for the compound of labs on the eastern end of the city. Hojo has probably holed himself in around there. And if that's not the case, someone there should know something."
The plan made sense. Find Hojo, find Zack and the girl. Angeal nodded, "Let's go."
Zack looked at the dead end in confusion. Where the heck was this? He was sure this was the right way this time... maybe.
He had been using the pillar as his landmark. Zack knew that there would be exits around that area but that was easier said than done. Zack knew there was no such thing as a direct path down here, and going through the city itself was a maze, he had been going in circles for what seemed like days.
Time was nonexistent down here. His body could go days without food, but he was already getting weaker and weaker. That and the blood loss was not helping matters any. Zack looked at his palm. The blood had dried and was now caked on his hand; at least until he opened it up again.
Zack turned and was about to head back up the dark hall he had come down, when soft footsteps at the other end made him stop. He cursed; he had been trying his best to avoid meeting anyone down here, not wanting to drain his strength further by fighting. It was all about endurance down here, but it appeared he was not going to get out of his without a fight. At least he would have the advantage of surprise.
Grasping a long metal beam overhead he pulled himself up positioning his body so his feet were planted on the wall and his hands on the beams in front of him so his body was suspended spread eagle over the walkway below.
As the footsteps drew closer, Zack swore again to himself. Two of them! He watched as they approached; mere shadows from this angle. They paused right below him. Whether it was because they saw the dead end ahead or because they sensed something Zack didn't know, nor was he going to take time to find out.
Releasing his grip on the wall with his feet he launched himself down feet first, aiming for the back of the figure closest to him. The man sensed the attack and turned. Zack felt a blade graze his side as he twisted his upper body in the hope to avoiding it.
The attack did not slow his descent and he plowed into the man's chest sending them both tumbling to the ground. Zack had barely moved when he felt a blade at his neck and another pointed at his heart.
Zack froze, fist still raised. The familiar glowing green looked up at him and Zack's sucked in his breath.
"Zack?" A familiar voice spoke.
"Angeal?" His voice was shaky as he gazed at the familiar face. Then behind him he saw the long silver hair, "Sephiroth?"
In an instant, Angeal was on his feet, gripping Zack by the shoulders looking him up and down. He obviously must not have liked what he saw, for a deep frown settled across his features.
Zack grinned sheepishly, running a hand through his hair nervously, "Come on Angeal, I can't look that bad!"
Sephiroth was frowning too as he studied Zack closely and wondered how it was possible for someone to lose so much weight in such a short about of time. It hadn't even been a week since he had disappeared.
As if to confirm his suspicion on his Second's health, Zack suddenly swayed unsteadily on his feet. Angeal instantly swung Zack's arm over his shoulder and had his other arm around Zack's waist transferring a majority of Zack's weight onto himself.
Sephiroth stepped forward with cure materia in his hand and cast the materia over Zack concentrating on the wound in his side.
Zack hissed as the materia activated the mako still in his system from Hojo's injection, but said nothing as his skin began to slowly draw together. The pain that Zack had kept suppressed in the back of his mind disappeared, but it did nothing to help with his strength and he sagged even more against Angeal.
"Come on Zack, we need to get you out of here." Angeal started moving, but stopped when Zack nearly fell as he tugged himself free.
"Not without Rain we're not!" Zack looked like he could barely stay on his feet, but his face was determined.
Angeal paused but then moved toward him, opening his mouth only to have Zack interrupt him before he could speak with a vicious shake of his head.
"She protected me Angeal! I don't care what you think of her or what you think she has done. She has been sacrificing herself for my sake. How else do you think I am still able to even stand?
Zack suddenly turned to Sephiroth, "You know what Hojo is like, what he is probably doing to her. How long do you think she will survive on her own?"
Angeal put a hand on Zack's shoulder drawing Zack's attention back to him, "You didn't let me finish pup."
Angeal's eyes light with what Zack had long ago recognized as amusement, "I was going agree with you. I swear Zack, you still act like you're a kid, always thinking the answer is no."
Zack breathed a sigh of relief, but neither noticed Sephiroth or how his expression had changed since Zack had turned from him.
Sephiroth felt his rage growing at Zack's words. Everything he said added fuel to the fire already burning within him. Sephiroth didn't understand where the fire had even come or why it burned so fiercely. Why did he allow Rain to affect him so strongly?
This girl, who had proven ties with the enemy, sparked a dangerous level of emotion in him, one he had never felt before. He had always had a sense of protectiveness to those close to him, but with Rain it was different. It was not just a desire to protect, but outright possessiveness.
He felt outrage that she had been taken from him by Hojo no less. The one person who was always trying to take everything from him, to control him now had what Sephiroth had tried to protect. He was hurting her. Trying to find the answers she kept secret, secrets that Sephiroth wanted.
SHE WAS HIS! His subordinate, his SOLDIER! All her secrets, strengths and weakness belonged to him and he would not share her with anyone!
"Can you find the way back?" he asked, his voice trembling with rage.
Both Zack and Angeal turned eyed him warily and he forced his emotions back into their stone silence.
"Can you take us back to her Zack?"
Zack stared at Sephiroth, who blinked but matched his gaze strongly. Zack lifted up his hand for Sephiroth to see the blood which still remained around the newly healed injury.
"I left a trail. It should be easy to follow the scent."
Sephiroth nodded. Angeal's jaw clenched seeing how Zack had used his own blood as a trail. Angeal was proud of Zack. Someone whose honour refused to allow them leave a companion, no matter the risks to himself.
As Sephiroth turned to follow Zack, his eyes were glowing. This time Hojo had gone too far. Someone would have to pay; he would make sure of it.
AN: Hope you all enjoyed! Let me know what you think as before I write anymore am going to plan in detail the rest of the story. The story has evolved a lot since I first started writing it so I want to re-work a couple of things. Also I now have a fabulously editor who is very good at keeping me on track, but it also means a more time in-between chapters since he needs time to go over it.