Crimson Demons (FF7)

8) Those Days

THIS CHAPPIE TAKES PLACE 30-ISH YEARS IN THE PAST. SORRY IF IT'S SHORTER THAN THE OTHER CHAPTERS :) ALSO, THE BEGINNING OF THE CHAPTER TITLE LOOKS LIKE A BIZARRE SMILEY FACE

"We're almost to Nibelheim, Sir," one of the men in the car says to me. I ignore him and look out the window at the rain. We've been on this trip for days, and it hasn't been pleasant. First, no Shinra aircraft were free. Then, the Cargo Ship left my luggage behind in Junon. Finally, the car these idiots rented doesn't have air conditioning. It's broken down twice. Both times I had to get out in the freezing rain and push it out of the mud.

"Once we get to the town, you can change in the Inn. Then we'll take you to the Mansion."

"I can't go there myself?" I ask, eyebrow raised.

"Well, I suppose you could," he shrugs, the patter of the rain letting up slowly. "You wouldn't mind?" I shake my head. "Thank you, Mr. Valentine. Hopefully we can get unstuck without you on the way home!" He and his friend break into laughter and I look back out through the window. My mother's final words to me constantly cycle through my mind, the disappointment clear on her face in my memories.

"You're getting sent to Nibelheim? Vincent, dear, what sort of Shinra nonsense have you gotten into?"

I shake the voice away and try to forget the hospital room she was in when she said that. Her cold fingers grasping for mine, the light leaving her dark eyes... And I left for this Manor instead of staying until her last breath. I scowl and watch the land pass.

And hour later, we arrive in the small mountain town. The two men in charge of my traveling hand me the suitcase we managed to save from Junon. The man who was talking to me earlier is Lewis, and I think the driver is Thomas.

"Here, we rented room one twenty nine," Lewis hands me the key. "Get changed and then report to the Shinra Building."

Although I was annoyed with the fact that these two greasy men were bossing me around, I followed their direction to the inn room. The small space has only two beds and a tiny bathroom that I have to duck to stand in. Why must this room be so short, I mentally complain when I knock my head against the ceiling again. Not everyone in the world is five foot seven.

It's not long before I'm walking up to the front door of the Shinra Manor, the large gray building looking more menacing than inviting. Unsure if I should just walk in or knock first, I raise my hand to rap against the wooden doors. Then they swing open and a short, fat woman with an apron waves me.

"You must be the Turk. Let me fetch Miss Crescent for you." I nod once and patiently wait for her to return with the woman I'm to guard through her work with Shinra's science department.

It's not long before I see two people approaching, the maid and someone taller. My eyes can't leave the beautiful creature before me, from her long brunette hair to her honey brown eyes. Straightening, I concentrate on introducing myself somewhat professionally.

"Vincent Valentine, reporting for duty, ma'am." Her eyes widen and her hands draw together over her chest.

"No..." She says softly, sounding somewhat injured and confusing me.

"Huh?"

"Why would they...?" Why would who what? "Send his....?"

"Excuse me?" I ask after a moment of silence. She looks up suddenly, as if she'd just noticed me, and forces a happy attitude.

"Oh! I apologize! This is the first time I've ever met anyone from the Turks." She's lying. "Lucrecia Crescent. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Valentine." She smiles and looks back at the woman at her side before looking at me quickly and hurrying away. The maid shrugs and walks after her. Frowning at the two in confusion to Lucrecia's reaction to me, I don't notice the girl skipping down the stairs and walking toward me confidently until she speaks.