Elemental Adventure

Coming Home

Atop the roof of Merlin's shack sat Yuffie. Her gaze locked on the star-covered sky. A forlorn frown resting on her features she sighed. On days like this, her thoughts drifted to him. The man she would most likely never see again. With a feral hiss, she hurled a throwing star into the shadows.

"Damned darkness!"

Hugging her knees she let out a silent scream. Her mind flashed back to the last time she saw him. It was the night their world fell. His crimson eyes the last thing she saw of him. Suddenly the shuriken she threw planted itself at her feet.

"Something wrong Yuffie?"

At the voice, she lifted her head. Through the dark of the night eyes of crimson appeared. Scrambling back she froze in shock. In a whimper, a single word lift her lips.

"Vincent?"

With a whirl, she was engulfed in the crimson. She knew this hue the color was far too familiar. As her body relaxed she felt the presence behind her. At the feel of cold metal on her skin, she smiled. With a sly smile, she glanced up at her companion.

"Took you long enough Vinnie."

He gave a chuckle giving her a weak squeeze. Slowly he rested his head on her shoulder. For the first time in so long, he felt safe. His face buried in her shoulder he simply whispered.

"Getting out of the Realm of Darkness isn't all that easy."

With a snort of a laugh, she spun around hugging him. Squeezing him tight she could only smile. His response was a small smile of his own. Delicately his golden claw ran through her hair. Giggling with joy she smiled up at him leaning up to kiss him quickly.

"Welcome home Vinnie."

Smiling slightly he slumped against her. With a look of worry, she held him close. As she cradles him she could hear it. Quiet breathing calm breathing was coming from him. This mighty beast had fallen asleep in her arms. Smiling she sat on the roof his head in her lap.

"Have a good rest, Vinnie, all watch over you for a change."

"Yuffie!"

As the name left his lips Vincent shot awake. His breath ragged he studied the room around him. It was strange yet familiar to him. Sitting up he pushed his hair from his face. His attention was caught by the sound of an opening door.

"Finally, you're awake."

Cautiously Yuffie slipped inside a mug in hand. As she perched on the bed he could smell the coffee. With a worried smile, she glanced at him. Rigidly he took the mug taking a slow sip before speaking.

"How long was I asleep?"

she slowly reclined resting on her elbows. Flinching she couldn't meet his gaze. With the ghost of a frown, she faced him. Placing a hand on his arm she spoke slowly.

"Vinnie you've been asleep for three days almost four."

Mid gulp his eyes widened had it been that long? Finishing his coffee an image crossed his vision. Standing before him stood a demonic being. In its chest rested a silver orb that appeared to glow. One hand held a large black pistol the other hand covered in gold claws. With a beat of its blood-red wings, it spoke.

"You will never escape me, Valentine."

Ascending into the void the creature vanished. As the vision faded he found himself looking at his reflection. In a blink, his reflection changed. Now looking back at him was the face of the beast. Slowly he touched his face. Golden nails ran down his ghostly face. In the mirror, the beast mimicked his action. As he spoke he voice came out as a hoarse whisper.

"So this is the darkness within me."

At his side, Yuffie stared into the eyes of his reflection. Puzzled she spun to face him prepared to question him. Her words vanished as she saw Vincent shift into the beast. Had she blinked she would have missed it. The beast looked to be a fallen angel painted in blood and ink. Cautiously she took his hand smiling up at him.

"We'll face it together if we team up it should be easy."

Glancing down at the ninja something had changed. She radiated a golden aura from her very heart. At her very presence, he could feel the beast recoil. He couldn't help the ghost of a smirk that formed on his lips. Wrapping an arm around her he whispered one simple word.

"Together."

Suddenly he felt something off. Rushing to the nearby window. Leaning out he was met with a shocking sight. Skeletal soldiers marched into the town square. A cloaked figure leading the march. Over their shoulder, rest a brightly colored serpent. Like lightning, Vincent spun back to Yuffie.

With no exchanged the duo leaped from the window. Landing in the mass of enemies, the pair swiftly set to slaying their foes. The walking bones seemed endless as they took them down. Nearby waves upon waves seemed to fall to the might of Cloud. With a shout, Cloud cleared a large mass for enemies.

"Everyone together!"

In a flash, they had all joined together save one. Leon had remained a solo act slicing his way through the horde. The roar of a mighty lion erupted through the air as Leon raised his blade. With a yell of fury, he swung his glowing blade.

"I won't let my world be plunged into darkness again!"

With a single mighty slice, he cut through the mass of foes. As the smoke cleared the cloaked invader stood alone. In his hand, he lazily held a serpentine saber. As Leon collapsed to his knees a maniac cackle escaped the figure's lips. In a swirl of shadow, the invader vanished. Standing among the wreckage Cloud slowly turned to his allies.

"Looks like we can't rest easy just yet eh?"