Chapter 29
That Meddling Ninja
Yuffie stirred, woken by the ship's shudder, and winced at the crick in her neck. She lifted her head but regretted the movement as a wave of nausea swept from her belly to her throat. Barret curled in on himself when she sprinted for the bathroom behind the small galley kitchen.
'Stay in the middle of the ship,' they said. 'You won't feel queasy,' they said. But, of course, that logic never applied to her; she felt sick anyway. Yuffie retched spectacularly for several minutes before washing her face and returning to the common area.
Barret was already dozing back off to sleep, indifferent to Yuffie's seasick breakdown. If he were a gentleman, he would give his seat to her since it was closest to the toilet. But he snored contentedly, her predicament no bother.
Tifa sat on a big-cushioned couch in the center of the lounge, deep in thought as she stroked Marlene's sleeping head in her lap. Her friend's eyes swept around the room and came to rest on a single point of interest. Yuffie followed her eye straight to Vincent's gaze, which he returned unapologetically. Tifa suddenly appeared flush and looked away with a coy smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Yuffie resolved to put her dating advice into motion immediately. Tifa shouldn't suffer through hoping for another relationship that would never happen. Yuffie was tired of seeing her friend waste her life on guys who don't deserve her or couldn't meet her on an equal playing field.
The woman visibly recoiled when Yuffie sat beside her.
"You feeling ok?" Tifa asked. It was a stupid question, and she already knew the answer. But it allowed Yuffie to deny she had a problem.
"Of course! I'm fine!" In betrayal, her nausea swelled, and she gagged, tongue protruding for a millisecond. Yuffie clamped a hand over her mouth, and Tifa smiled at her in pity. Everyone knew of her motion sickness. That didn't mean Yuffie would admit to it.
"Well, let me know if you need anything. Turbulence can make me feel bad, too." Tifa was always caring for others. It was her default setting.
The hallway door clicked shut, and Kunsel strode into the lounge. He seemed tired in that way people always did when they spent a week sleeping in a hospital chair. His worry for his Turk girlfriend was taking a toll on his boyish good looks.
"Mr. Valentine? You have a minute?" Kunsel respectfully asked.
Yuffie smirked at the deference the former SOLDIER showed Vincent. So many within the WRO stuttered in awe of him, but Yuffie found the spectacle laughable. If they only knew what a big softie the demon shifter was in reality.
"How is she?" Vincent politely asked.
"She's doing all right for now, but it's a blessing she'll be cared for at the WRO. Professor Rayleigh and her team are better equipped to treat patients in Cissnei's condition. I just wanted to thank you for coming to help us. I'm not sure I would've been able to get her out without assistance. So, thank you, sir."
"How far along is she?" Tifa asked, and Kunsel faced her with a soft smile.
"To tell you the truth, we're not exactly certain. SOLDIER pregnancies can be hard to detect at first. Kind of has similarities with Mako poisoning. Cissnei and the doctor she saw at the consulate agreed she's around five months along, and we've only known for the last two." Kunsel's face reddened slightly at the admission.
So many questions flared in Yuffie's mind, and by the calculating look on Vincent's face, he was thinking them, too. Not that she'd ever been pregnant, but a woman discovering she was expecting three months after the fact seemed a little delayed. But why the hell would his wife, girlfriend, Turk snack, or whatever even suspect she had Mako poisoning unless she'd been exposed? There are no springs near the consulate, and her father doesn't mess with the Lifestream.
And Kunsel was keeping all this secret? In full knowledge of the tenuous relationship the WRO and her father have in international affairs? Knowing that Reeve's scientists are struggling with their current load of patients?
Yuffie bristled at the late disclosure. The commissioner likely knew everything but continued to keep his secrets like a ShinRa executive. It may not be worth the argument with him, but she still felt hurt. That information would've been helpful during calls with her father. Instead, she was caught off guard and couldn't offer a diplomatic solution when the truth was finally revealed.
As though reading her mind, Kunsel continued, "I'm sorry for not saying anything to anyone sooner. Cissnei made me promise, and we had security concerns. And well—she was a little superstitious about telling anyone for fear of losing—"
Kunsel teared up suddenly and excused himself, disappearing through the hallway to head back to their private cabin.
"I'm glad they were rescued," Tifa said. "Reeve's doctors will be able to treat her. Kunsel will make a devoted father. Don't you think?"
Yuffie looked at her in surprise. How would she know? But then she realized Tifa seemed to be asking Vincent, who again only stared at her with his infamous brooding intensity. It was definitely time to interfere and guide Tifa in her romantic life.
"So, Teefs," Yuffie began, gulping a little at the swell of nausea that surged anew within her throat. "About Shad—I'll go find him as soon as we land, and we can get everything set up. You know—" she paused and said a little louder, "for your date with him."
Yuffie knew Vincent listened and turned to find him openly glaring at her. Who cares? She was doing this for Tifa's sake. And if Vincent was honest with himself, it was for his own good, too. This floundering relationship would only end in heartbreak for everyone. How did the two of them not see it?
"I sent him a message last night. And guess what?" Yuffie continued, undeterred from the searing stink eye Vincent leveled at her. "He's still interested!"
Tifa exhaled loudly, and Yuffie thought she might yell at her for meddling. But she closed her eyes and sucked in a breath before speaking. "Yuffie, that doesn't have to happen this morning. I mean, I look a mess, and the time difference—"
"Oh, don't worry about that!" Yuffie interrupted and reached out to run her fingers through Tifa's hair. "You look as gorgeous as ever. And I don't think Shad is afraid of a bit of eye booger and bed marks on your face."
The pilot's voice sounded over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are making our approach into Edge. Please find your seats and fasten your seatbelts. We will be arriving in 20 minutes."
Shortly after, a steward entered the cabin and urged Tifa to secure Marlene into a seatbelt. Barret groggily rose from his seat and woke the child, fastening her into the cushions next to the window.
Landing was Yuffie's least favorite part of flying. So, she claimed Barret's now abandoned seat, snatching a puke bag to prepare herself for the nauseous descent.
Yuffie hadn't returned yet, which suited Tifa. She'd rather not meet up with an infatuated admirer, now wasn't appropriate. They'd landed two hours ago, and Tifa had quickly lost sight of the meddling ninja, helping Kunsel as he checked Cissnei into the maternity ward. Cloud tagged along at Kunsel's request. It seemed the former SOLDIER needed the support of family. And like many in this world, friends were the closest substitute.
"I'm fine," Cissnei said for the fifth time, pushing Kunsel's hands away when he tucked the blanket around her torso. Tifa draped her fingers across her mouth, stifling a snort. She'd never seen Kunsel act like a mother hen, and he was adorably oblivious to his behavior.
"I just want to make sure," he replied and tugged on the electrolyte solution dripping into her arm via the catheter the nurse inserted moments prior.
"Sir, please don't touch that," the nurse scolded him. "I know what I'm doing." She gave Kunsel a withering look and pushed him away from the medical pole.
"Sorry," he said sheepishly, and Cissnei giggled.
The nurse shook her head at him and placed Cissnei's chart at the foot of her bed. "Press the button if you need anything, dear." She stalked out of the room, glaring at an innocent-faced Kunsel until she exited.
Kunsel sat near and grabbed onto her hand. After a few seconds, he lowered his head and rested it on the bed so he could kiss her fingers. Cissnei tenderly massaged his scalp. Tifa felt like an intruder suddenly, but they didn't seem to mind the audience, both too exhausted, either emotionally or physically, to care who witnessed their endearing affection.
Cissnei regarded Cloud as he stood near the window, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed like usual.
"Thank you, Cloud," she said weakly.
He'd mentally checked out the moment they arrived. Hanging around the maternity ward was probably torture for him, but Tifa knew Kunsel appreciated their presence.
Cissnei laughed when Cloud nodded and only replied with a 'Hm' to her.
"You're as talkative as when I met you," she teased.
Tifa thought her response puzzling, and by the look on his face, Cloud agreed. Whatever their history together, it probably coincided with his time in ShinRa. He could still be fuzzy on what happened then.
A knock interrupted the awkward conversation, and a moment later, Tseng peered inside before opening the door for Rufus ShinRa. The latter swaggered into the room like a lord of the universe. Kunsel and Cloud stiffened. The Turks showing up felt like an intrusion. Rufus—an invasion.
Cissnei tried to sit up to greet them, but Kunsel put a protective arm around her, shielding her from the newly arrived threat.
Rufus held his hand up and said, "That won't be necessary, Cissnei. Please, relax."
His smile still gave Tifa the creeps. He perused with disgust, eyeing them like they were slum trash, but said nothing. If he was shocked that she and Cloud were there, he didn't let on. Kunsel looked nervous, and Tifa felt a sudden tension as everyone seemed to hold their breath.
"Knock, knock. It's your favorite savior." Reno walked in ahead of his partner, both carrying gifts of flowers, stuffed moogles, and candy.
"My two favorite troublemakers," Cissnei said with a grin.
"It's my cute face, yo. I can't get away with nothing," Reno replied and placed a hand on her belly. "Wow, so you really got a little soldier cookin in there. Does it kick hard?"
"A little," she said, and Tifa cringed, increasing worry for Cissnei and Molly ballooned in her chest. An enhanced fetus had to be strong.
"That's enough," Rufus said, and Reno stepped away from Cissnei. "I'd like to speak with our soon-to-be mother alone."
Tseng took a step back and held out his hand expectantly, darting his eyes to Cloud and Tifa with the invitation to leave. "If you please, Mr. Strife. Ms. Lockhart."
Tifa reluctantly shuffled her way past them and waved to Cissnei. "Let me know if you need anything, Cissnei. Kunsel has my number."
"Sure thing," she said with a smile.
Tifa followed Reno and Rude to the hallway and eased into a chair. Reno gave a salacious grin, barreling into the seat next to her and unaffected when she retreated from his proximity. "So, you gonna be next in here, Lockhart?"
Tifa rolled her eyes and bit back a witty retort. Sometimes it was best to ignore the childish Turk and let him amuse himself. Less than a minute later, Kunsel followed Cloud from the room, both scowling and ripe for a fight.
"Is everything all right?" she asked as Kunsel sat on her opposite side with a huff.
"I guess so; Cissnei kicked us out," he complained and immediately rose in frustration, pacing like a caged Nibel wolf. "I knew she should've stopped working the moment she realized something was off. She wouldn't listen to me."
"Hey, nobody can stop Ciss when she's on a mission," Reno said. "Work is life for her, yo. Like all of us Turks."
"Well, let's just hope your boss gives her time to get through this pregnancy before he tries to force her into another dangerous mission," Kunsel snapped. "She had no business continuing, and he knew it."
A door opened down the hallway, cutting off Kunsel's rant as he faced the sound. A nurse pushed a wheelchair carrying a sleeping child. The closer they approached, the odder the scene appeared. Tifa grew horrified as she realized it was no child, but Liza, so deteriorated that her body was the size of Marlene's. Tifa sucked in a breath as they rolled by, unable to look away from Liza's gaunt face. She wasn't merely asleep but wholly unconscious.
"Fuck me," Reno murmured, and his partner appeared shocked too, clearing his throat and respectfully turning his head away.
Kunsel made a strange noise in his throat as he watched Liza pass and leaned back into the wall for support. Tifa reached for his arms and pulled him back to the chairs, rubbing his back in comfort.
"Cissnei is where she needs to be now," Tifa said, holding Kunsel's hand.
"I know," he replied. "She's not quite as bad off as—but I dunno. I'm still worried."
Hospitals could be nerve-wracking in the mildest of situations, but Kunsel and Cissnei's case was unusual. The maternity ward was supposed to have hope and blessings for the future, hallways ringing with cries of newborn babies and happy tears from exhausted mothers and proud fathers.
But over the last couple of years, it had turned into a place where only the lucky few experienced the joys of parenthood. Pregnancies, in general, were few and far between, with the ward hosting only a handful of normal births. Most couples could still expect to leave with a healthy baby following an average, expectedly painful, birthing process. But SOLDIER-related births were rare and extremely high risk, a gamble between life and death.
Tifa's heart ached for Kunsel and Cissnei as much as it did for Molly and Pete—and Liza and Luxiere. They deserved a family and hopes and dreams and a future, the same as everyone else. But, instead, these misfortunes seemed like undeserved, extra punishment after everything they'd been through following the fall of ShinRa.
SOLDIERs had already paid the high penalties for their employment, pledging themselves to a life of battle so others could have the comforts provided through Mako technology. Everything they'd endured under ShinRa was the price they'd paid for power and promise of glory. They were the unwitting pawns, lied to and deceived about their enhancements, lost friends on the battlefield, and suffered as victims of extremists. And SOLDIERs gave up their families, agreeing to leave their childhoods and parents behind too early in their young lives to understand all they were giving up.
Some believed they deserved their misery, now becoming targets of scorn and accused scapegoats by many who had previously showered them with praise.
Reeve tried to change all of that, whether to allay the guilt of his own involvement in ShinRa's mistakes or from the goodness of his heart Tifa didn't know—she'd never asked him. But he took in as many former SOLDIERs as he could, offering them jobs, housing, and a place of acceptance. The WRO was their chance to atone for their errors, for many of them to show that all they ever wanted was a better world.
The chair shook as Kunsel's leg jittered frantically. The Turks showing up could only mean that Cissnei was still under Rufus's thumb. Their numbers had dwindled in the years Tifa lived in Midgar until the only ones that stalked the Mako city were Tseng, Reno, and Rude. And Elena joined the ranks after Rufus came to power. Where the others had disappeared to was a mystery to Tifa and not one that she cared much about except for the obvious—ShinRa still had too many secrets.
"Listen," Kunsel finally said, squeezing her fingers. "Why don't you guys get out of here. Cissnei is settled, and Rufus only wants her computer. There's not much to do now but wait and let the staff here do their jobs."
"You sure?" Tifa asked, more than willing to stay all day and night if Kunsel needed the support. "My girls will keep the bar tonight; I can hang out as long as you need."
"I'm ok, Tifa. Go take care of yourself, and I'll call you guys later."
Cloud's phone sounded off with a notification, and he made a point to check it where the message couldn't be seen. Tifa thought he was overly dramatic. No one cared what he and Shalua talked about, even if their friendship was a little unexpected.
"I wanna stop by the labs before we head home," he said and pocketed his phone.
"Ok, let's get going," Tifa sighed and squeezed Kunsel's hand tighter. "You know where to find me if something comes up."
Kunsel hugged her. "Thank you, Tifa. Cloud. It's a huge weight off my shoulders just knowing you guys are there for me."
As they walked toward the labs, Cloud remained silent, though Tifa suspected he was thinking and wondering the same things.
"I thought there were only four Turks now," Tifa said.
"Kunsel told me that the others have been in hiding since right around the time we bombed Reactor 1," Cloud replied with a shrug. "I guess some of them still work undercover. Once a Turk, always a Turk, right?"
A surge of anger constricted her chest. Tifa knew who he was referring to but didn't acknowledge his subtle allegation.
Cloud made a beeline for Shalua's workstation, where the sisters busily typed at their computers, oblivious to the conversation on the other side of the lab. There was a flurry of activity as Dr. Steve Berry was ushered into a chair to rest from his arduous journey through the hospital corridors. His old age tired him quickly, and Tifa wondered how he would keep up with the much younger WRO scientists.
Carlos Bernard nodded excitedly and shook Berry's proffered hand. "I'm looking forward to working with you," he said to the older man.
Most of the lab technicians and scientists were huddled around Berry, eager to meet one of the first ShinRa scientists to work on the Jenova program and who had reportedly quit in protest. She had met the old doctor only briefly on the airship, where he'd retired to his private cabin shortly before takeoff.
Vincent spoke in low tones with Dr. Simon and Reeve, a slightly distressed furrow to his brows, so subtle that if she hadn't spent more time with him, she wouldn't have picked up on the expression.
The ShinRa doctor continually cast a curious eye in Vincent's direction while scanning the labs and politely asking every scientist their specialty. His presence seemed to disturb Vincent. Perhaps his age was a visible sign to Vincent how much time had passed since his troubles in Nibelheim.
Tifa shuddered. The past saturated the air like heated vapors, threading through the room like unavoidable secondhand smoke. She understood at that moment the choking feeling he must be suffering.
Vincent fished into his pocket as he turned his back to her and everyone else. He made some unseen gesture and seemed to lean into a chair for a moment before facing the room again. She was certain Simon asked him if he was feeling all right.
He looked past the scientists and found her standing near the door. Tifa held his gaze, wanting to convey her concern in her eyes if only to let him know that she would lend a friendly ear if he needed. She canted her head and mouthed, 'You ok?' He slowly nodded, answering both her and Simon's questioning.
Tifa shifted her focus to Dr. Berry and noticed him watching her. He glanced over his shoulder at Vincent and then back to her with a smile stretching across his wrinkled face. When she scanned the other faces, she saw that Simon was watching her, too—and surprisingly also glancing between herself and Vincent.
She felt like a displayed carnival attraction that she couldn't even look at Vincent without drawing unwanted attention from someone who would judge them. But what interest could the doctors have in their relationship? They had bigger problems to worry about than her now non-romance with Vincent.
He watched her as he spoke with Reeve, unconcerned with the stares their wordless exchange garnered. Then, his eyes suddenly darted past her just as she heard rapidly approaching feet stomp in her direction.
"Tifa!"
Shit! She was hoping to be gone before Yuffie could find her. Cloud was still talking with Shalua, sharing some joke as the two of them laughed.
Tifa exhaled in frustration as Yuffie grabbed her elbow. "I'm glad you're still here. You remember Shad?"
"Tifa, good to see you again," Shad greeted with a thousand-watt smile. "You're a hard chick to pin down."
She cringed at the small talk, aware that Vincent still watched. Then, from across the room, Reeve invited his employees to the conference room, and the lab started to clear.
"Well, kids. That's my cue. Don't let me get in the way," Yuffie drawled suggestively, pumping her eyebrows at Tifa before sauntering in triumph to the meeting.
"So, how about we get dinner tonight? I know this great vegan place by the college." Shad continued to flash that cocky grin, anticipating the 'yes' before she uttered the word.
"Hi, Shad," Tifa greeted and trying not to cringe as she looked up at him. What are the chances Yuffie would let this go if she declined? Probably none. "Um—yeah, we could do that."
"Sounds good. Let's trade digits, and I'll send you the deets."
Tifa stared blankly ahead to stop her eye roll, but she gave him the number anyway.
That meddling ninja. Vincent clenched his teeth at the girl, entirely unfocused and missing any information Reeve announced.
Yuffie seemed proud of herself and entirely oblivious. Convincing Tifa to go on a date with anyone was a significant achievement for the ninja. She perched so loftily on her seat next to Reeve, more than content with the turn of events and smug that Tifa would have a distraction.
Vincent didn't necessarily consider himself a jealous man. He'd been jilted most publicly many years before and endured the drama that comes with an office romance turned sour. Matters worsened when his interest sought the arms of a colleague.
Vincent inwardly laughed at himself. He'd thought at the time that was about the worst his colleagues had ever treated him. They proved otherwise.
"Thank you, everyone," Reeve stood from his seat at the head of the table. "We'll get Dr. Berry settled in, and you can all expect him bright and early."
The room broke into a rush of activity as the scientists filtered out of the room. Vincent caught sight of Dr. Simon gesturing to him and followed the man to his office once again.
"How's the serum working?" Simon asked, shutting the door behind them. "I uh—noticed you used one earlier. How does it work calming your nerves?"
"Effectively," Vincent replied and pulled the small kit from a cape pocket, opening the case for the doctor's inspection. "If I can use it quick enough, I can head off the trigger even before I feel the first shudders, and the change is avoided completely. I only have a few left, but they work as intended."
"Hmm, yes. We are on short supply, unfortunately. I don't have extra Mako product to manufacture your serum. We need as much as we can make in the maternity ward. And with another patient arriving this morning, I'll be delayed making more for you."
"Understood. Mothers take priority," Vincent replied, and the doctor nodded solemnly.
"Can I ask, Vincent—what is on your mind when you need their use? I mean, is it only general stress that triggers the change? Or something specific?"
"That's not an easy answer, Doc," Vincent answered. "A physical fight can do the trick if I get mad enough. Other stress can, too."
"Interesting. And what is the 'other' stress?"
Delving into this monstrous can of worms wasn't on Vincent's list of things to tackle today, but he knew what the doctor was after.
"Let me ask this," Simon said when Vincent didn't respond. "How was it different before? Did your control come from avoiding those situations?"
"Not at all," Vincent replied, and the doctor looked surprised. "Thing is, I could call on them at will after years of practice. Until recently, I had developed that level of control."
"And for the recent occurrences, I want you to recall what you were thinking or doing at those exact moments before the triggers struck and what's changed for you."
Tifa. And Lucrecia's journal. And the possibility of the past repeating itself and stealing a chance with—
"I imagine you were thinking of things—people maybe, that you hadn't thought of in a while." Simon studied him and brought his fingers to his lips in contemplation. "This is something we really didn't talk about on your prior visits, Vincent. But I believe all the recent delving into your personal history must be strenuous. Especially given how much it still affects your present and future.
"Perhaps this collision of past and present is reanimating a particular stressor that you were previously able to inhibit. Maybe these trips to Nibelheim and homes of long-ago colleagues are unfair to you," Simon paused for a moment, tilting his head in sympathy. "You endured—tremendous trauma, Vincent. No one would blame or judge you for—"
"It's not an issue for me. I'll do what I can." his voice was cold, and Simon squirmed under the intensity of Vincent's glare.
The doctor had noticed Tifa in labs earlier, saw Vincent's interest in her. And he'd read the files, the journal, understood what had happened in Nibelheim and what Hojo and Lucrecia had done. Lucrecia's notes clearly revealed the brief, salacious drama that unfolded in the mansion and its underground labs.
"Uh—y—yes, of course, Vincent," Simon stammered, his nerves practically chattering aloud in Vincent's ears. "What I mean is maybe it would help if you perhaps—talked to someone—about these things in your past—and present."
"Are you recommending I talk to a therapist?"
Simon flinched at the sarcasm, the incredulity of the suggestion.
All told, Vincent thought he'd always held things together reasonably well, not that he'd ever been the arrogant type. But it's always been his guilt that caused the problem—not mental stability.
He knew that wasn't necessarily the purpose of seeking professional help. Sane people sought the outlet all the time, paying a tolerant and sympathetic third party to organize thoughts and emotions. Some just so they wouldn't be driven crazy. But hell, most would've devolved into madness decades ago if they'd had Vincent's life. Cloud couldn't even handle—ok, that's unfair.
"I—what I mean specifically is if you have a friend to confide in," the doctor said in a rush. "Just someone to talk to about whatever you're feeling. Even that may help."
Tifa.
Simon knew he was right without Vincent acknowledging the truth. Those old stresses had managed to mingle in with some feelings he hadn't hoped to consider—the chance at love and life. Dealing with the past was disrupting his suddenly hopeful future.
"Thanks," Vincent finally replied to Simon's visible show of relief. "I'll do just that."
Vincent tucked the needle kit back into his pocket and shook the doctor's hand. "Message me when you're able to make more."
"Certainly," Simon said.
Vincent opened the door and peered into the labs, hoping Tifa was still hanging out somewhere, but she'd already left. As he started to exit, Simon cleared his throat.
"And Vincent," the doctor said with a careful tone. "If I may dare, have confidence in yourself and the way others see you—like maybe a romantic interest. I think it might help you regain that control you've lost."
"You think it's as easy as that, doc?" Vincent asked over his shoulder.
"Fear of rejection can cause anxiety in even the toughest men," Simon said. "Facing it and talking about it may help achieve what you want—what you desire."
"I hope so," Vincent replied and closed the door.
The only cause of his anxiety today was that damn ninja and the date she set up for his desire. Funny. Jealousy never triggered the demons, but wouldn't it be fun…
Vincent chuckled as he left the labs, thinking of all the ways he could scare the living Lifestream out of Tifa's date.