The Reason

*I do not own the song used in this chapter. It is the property of the group Rascal Flatts.*



Chapter 14

“Vincent?” Jexebel said, sitting beside him in the cart after the bike trailer had been attached.

“Yes?” He answered, not looking away from checking his gun.

“Why are there six bikes?”

He paused in his chore to stare at her with a ‘duh’ expression. “…Because there’s six of us?”

“I don’t know how to drive it.” She sighed; annoyed at the patronizing look he gave her.

“I’m sure you do, Jex. You just don’t know that you do.” He went back to checking his weapon, pausing and looking at her again when he felt her stare. “What?” He asked.

“That’s the first time you’ve ever called me ‘Jex’. You never use nicknames.” She said, reaching out to feel his forehead. He swatted her hand away.

He shrugged. “I suppose that means I’m comfortable around you. And quit messing around. This is no time to be goofing off.”

“Oh Gaia, Vincent, lighten up. We’ll be fine. I’ll be fine. If you didn’t think I’d be able to do this, you would have gone to Shelke and told her not to approve me.” Jexebel sassed.

“Had I known that you were going to go through with it, I would have!” He snapped, earning the attention of their fellow Turks.

“Are we going to start that again?! Gods, had I known that you were going to try to control me, I would have thought twice about seeing you!” His expression was instantly overtaken with hurt.

“Is that how you really feel?” Vincent asked quietly.

Everyone on the cart waited with baited breath for Jexebel’s answer.

She sighed. “I didn’t mean it like that, Vincent.” She bowed her head. “I just want a little freedom to decide what I should and shouldn’t do.”

“You know my reasons.” He said.

“And you know mine.”

“Enough. Don’t let personal business jeopardize this mission.” Tseng snapped.

“Sorry, Tseng.” Jexebel murmured. “It won’t happen again.”

From that point, Vincent would not look at Jexebel. He took every measure to avoid eye contact for the remainder of the drive to the bunker in Junon. Their plan was to attack from a different direction, in hopes of throwing any followers off.

The drive itself was uneventful; Reno and Elena argued among themselves, Reno making teasing passes at Elena, and Elena responding accordingly. Tseng and Rude were silent, Tseng occasionally rolling his eyes at Reno’s joking attempts to woo Elena. Vincent was silent also, but that is nothing new. Jexebel couldn’t bring herself to ride quietly, however. She hummed softly, a soft, longing melody. It caught Elena’s attention and she held her hand in Reno’s face to silence him.

“What are you humming, Jexebel?” She asked.

“Just one of my songs.” Jexebel answered.

“Will you sing it?”

“Well… I suppose, though it is… kind of personal. I wrote it last night.” She said, looking at her hands.

“Oh, I feel so special! One of the first to hear your latest work!” Elena chirped. She turned in her seat and folded her arms across the backrest, settling in to listen to Jexebel’s song.

Jexebel sighed and began to sing the words to the tune she had been humming.

“I’ve dealt with my ghosts and I’ve faced all my demons
Finally content with a past I regret
I’ve found you find strength in your moments of weakness
For once I’m at peace with myself
I’ve been burdened with blame
Trapped in the past for too long
I’m movin’ on

I’ve lived in this place and I know all the faces
Each one is diff’rent, but they’re always the same
They mean me no harm but its time that I face it
They’ll never allow me to change
But I never dreamed home would end up where I don’t belong
I’m movin’ on

I’m movin’ on
At last I can see
Life has been patiently waiting for me and I know
There’s no guarantees but I’m not
Alone
There comes a time
In everyone’s life
Where all you can see are the years passing by
And I have made up my mind that those days
Are gone

I sold what I could and packed what I couldn’t
Stopped to fill up on my way out of town
I’ve loved like I should but lived like I shouldn’t
And I had to lose everything to find out
Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road
I’m movin’ on.”

Jexebel finished her song and took a deep breath. The song was not about her. Well, not ONLY about her. She wrote it for Vincent, too. She had hoped to wait to sing it to him until after the crisis was over, but…the time was right. She glanced at him, knowing that he knew her words were for him, but still he did not look at her.

It frightened her. Maybe her careless words had done more than sting a little. She thought about it as the hallway they were driving down became wider, giving way to the large bunker beneath Junon.

“Okay, we stop here for the night. Sleeping arrangements are as they always have been. Clean up. Get some rest.” Tseng said, parking the cart and getting out, heading for the kitchen, probably to make coffee.

Everyone else exited the cart, each making their way to their rooms. Jexebel and Vincent walked side by side, still not speaking to eachother. Only when the door of their room closed behind them, did Jexebel speak.

“I’m sorry, Vincent. I didn’t mean for it to sound like that.” She whispered to his back as he laid his pack on the bed and began unpacking the things he would need for the night. He didn’t turn to her when she spoke.

“So I am to believe that you don’t regret what we have?” He answered.

“Vincent, I love you. I will not take that back. I’m sorry that I said what I said; I didn’t mean it. I was upset and feeling a little… chained.”

“Chained? I’m trying to protect you and you’re thinking ‘chained’.” Finally, he turned to face her. “I am not trying to control you. If you really think that this is best, fine. What upsets me, Jexebel, is that you refused to listen to reason, and you made me believe that you weren’t going to do it. Even if you had said no when I asked, I may have pushed a little more, but in the end, if it was what you really wanted, I would have stepped off. I would have helped you. What upsets me, Jexebel, is that you didn’t give me the chance. You did it behind my back.”

Jexebel listened to his speech. He was right. She really had been unfair. It made her want to cry, knowing what he must be thinking. “I’m sorry.” She muttered again. She said nothing else, just stepped past Vincent to grab a towel off of the bunk and left the room, heading for the showers.

Vincent watched her leave. When the door closed behind her, he let out a sigh. He knew he was right. He knew SHE knew he was right. So why did it bother him so bad, seeing the look in her eye? No doubt she was thinking that he was wishing that he had never met her.

‘Well, aren’t you?’ His brain asked.

‘No.’ he answered.

‘So you admit that you love her!’ his heart interjected, accusingly.

‘Yes. I have for a while.’

Vincent waited for his brain to snap at him after that thought, but nothing came. He wondered if he finally lost it. It didn’t matter. There was no denying it anymore.

‘Well, what are you waiting for?’ His heart asked. ‘Go after her!’


Jexebel sighed as the hot water eased the tension in her shoulders. She grabbed the bar of soap and lathered her neck and chest, avoiding her hair. She really didn’t feel like drying her long locks, and it really didn’t need washed, anyway. She was so caught up in her thoughts of the argument, that she did not hear the door open or close as Vincent slipped into the showering room, nor did she hear the rustle of clothing as he removed his clothes.

Vincent stepped into the shower behind her, not saying a word. He reached out and placed his hand on her hip.

Oops.

Jexebel gasped and whirled around, twisting and pushing until she had Vincent against the wall with his hands pinned behind him. He stared at her with half-shock, half-amusement, and she stared right back. After what seemed like an eternity, she released his arms and turned away from him again, going back to washing the sweat from her body. Vincent stepped close behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his head on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry.” He said.

“For what, Vincent?” Jexebel asked, “You’re right.”

“Yes, but I didn’t have to be cruel. I should have talked to you before, when it first happened, rather than sit and let it build. I just have…issues… with sharing my feelings. Forgive me?” He said, nuzzling her neck.

Jexebel inhaled sharply and pressed back against him. “Only if you’ll forgive me for being so hard-headed.” She said. Vincent chuckled and nipped at her earlobe.

“Deal.” He said.

Jexebel smiled, relieved. They had survived their first argument. She wasn’t given too much time to dwell on the conversation. Vincent trailed his fingers down her spine, his fingers splaying wide and grasping her butt in his hands. She turned in his embrace and placed her arms around his neck. He lowered his head to hers and engaged in a soft kiss. Jexebel reached behind Vincent and retrieved the soap. She pulled away from him and pressed the soap against his chest, working it into a rich lather before skirting around to wash his back.

Vincent just stood there, head tilted off to the side and eyes closed as Jexebel bathed him. Her delicate – and deadly – hands massaged the kinks out of his back and shoulders and he moaned softly, turning to face her.

“Come here.” He said, reaching for her. She complied and he once again crushed his lips to hers. His soft member slid between their slick bodies, the friction assuring that it didn’t stay soft for long.

“Vincent…” Jexebel whispered. “I want you. Now…”

Vincent nodded, backing her against the wall and lifting her with one arm. He didn’t need to bother with preparation. He could smell her arousal. She was more than ready for him. Bracing one arm against the wall, he used his other to lift one of her thighs around his waist, lowering her onto him without hesitation. She sighed happily and he groaned, resting his forehead against her shoulder. He thrust slowly, this encounter like none of the previous ones. It was gentle. Jexebel wrapped her arms around Vincent’s shoulders, burying her face in the crook of his neck and nipping and lapping at the skin there. She paused to whimper in his ear.

“I love you, Vincent.”

He moaned and thrust a bit harder, answering her in a raspy voice.

“I love you, too.”

He leaned into her harder and pressed their lips together again. His tongue rushed inside her mouth, desperate for the taste that was Jexebel and she responded in kind, her tongue dueling with his.

Vincent’s thrusts became harsh, and jerky. Jexebel could tell he was getting close. She pushed him back a bit to watch his face. He looked so amazing lost in the throes of passion, the pleasure she brought him was etched across his strong features. Jexebel reached down between their bodies and began rubbing herself in time with his thrusts, reaching her climax almost immediately. She fought to keep her eyes open so she could watch Vincent. To her delighted surprise, he was watching her, too.

Crimson orbs stared at the beauty pinned between him and the wall, amazed that such a divine creature could love him the way he loved her. He watched her face contort in pleasure and prepared himself for the unbearably tight heat as she convulsed around him. Knowing that she had found her release, he gave in to his own, bucking hard, fast, and out of rhythm. When the storm had passed, he pushed away from the wall, slipping from between her legs and pulling her against him. He hugged her tightly, pressing his face into her hair and inhaling her heavenly scent.

“I love you.” He murmured. The more he said it, the easier it became, he noticed.

“And I love you.” Jexebel answered, returning his embrace.

“Come on.” Vincent said, turning the water off and yanking her out of the shower.

“We have a big day tomorrow.”

The lovers dressed, stopping here and there to pass the other a gentle kiss, and then returned to their room. Jexebel was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. Vincent was not far behind her.

Unfortunately, her nightmares refused to leave her be.


She was dead. No. She wasn’t. She was inside a glass cylinder filled with mako. The bubbles floated musically around her, offset in the dim eerie glow of the lab. There was a man standing before her. He was an ugly man. He had greasy black hair held in a low ponytail, an unusually high forehead, and thick black glasses. Hojo.

“Ah, you’re awake, I see.” His squeaky voice called to her. “Very interesting. Lets just see if this has worked.” He continued talking as he walked to the panel on the side of the cylinder. “I’m glad you’re awake. I really wanted to see your reaction to my latest…discovery.” He pressed a button and the tube was filled with dark purple liquid. The fluid stung and burned as she inhaled, leaving her lightheaded.

Her body suddenly lurched as intense pain filled her senses. She opened her mouth to scream, but all that came out were dark bubbles as her bones tried to rip themselves from her body. Her back was on fire, the area between her shoulder blades rippling as something inside her tried to burst free. Her gums ached and for a terrifying moment, she could feel her canines elongating. The tips of her fingers exploded as her nails grew in length, curved and razor sharp like a cat’s claws. Her vision changed. Suddenly, she no longer saw as humans do. Instead of detail and color, she saw shapes and heat. She could see Hojo’s heart beating in his chest, unable to believe that the madman even had one. She screamed again and doubled over, lashing out at the glass between herself and her foe.

The scientist cackled maniacally. “Do you like it?” He said, pressing his hands to the glass, “I think she’s beautiful, don’t you? Let’s see how long you can fight her.”

It wasn’t long. Mere moments passed after Hojo’s sadistic words before Jexebel felt the strings holding her together let go. She felt her consciousness being thrown into the back of her mind and something else took over. She tried to raise her hand but failed. Her body was not her own. In a corner of her mind, she heard a noise. It was a deep purring growl.

‘What is that?’ She thought, trying hard to concentrate, forgetting momentarily about the fact that her body wouldn’t cooperate with her mind.

‘I am Death.’ The voice that answered was…not human. It was rusty and cold, but still smooth and silky. It was terrifying.

‘Death?’ she thought.

‘Yes, Death. The Finishing Blow. Quietus.’ The name was hissed; dread washing over Jexebel as the voice echoed away to nothing.

Hojo pushed a different button, this time releasing a harsh yellow serum that went immediately to Jexebel’s head, and she quickly succumbed to sleep.

She awoke to prodding fingers, the light above her leaving trials of yellow through her vision. She tried to move but found that she was once again strapped to the table. Looking down, the sight she saw made her gag and struggle. Two white-gloved hands were reaching into her body, retracting and bring her still-beating heart out with them.

She heard voices, but could not make out what they were saying. Suddenly, the hands reached into her body again, and she found that she could not breathe. He was crushing her lungs. She struggled again, harder this time; feeling her body losing strength with every jerk. The voices in the room became frantic, and she felt a needle jab into the side of her neck. It burned and she screamed, arching her back and struggling more. The effects of the serum kicked in and she felt the life leave her limbs. She could not move an inch, but she could still feel every cut and jab that the madman’s hands made on her body. She tried in vain to scream again, and felt a tight squeeze on her heart as punishment.


Vincent awoke to Jexebel’s breathing when it became harsh and erratic. She moaned and tossed in her sleep. He knew she was caught in a nightmare, but also knew that she would not want him to wake her. She had asked him days before to just let her sleep. She discovered things that way.

However, he knew this dream was different when her body suddenly stilled and he could SMELL the fear radiating from her body. Her breathing became shallow for a moment and she muttered something incoherent before shrieking loudly. Again, she was quiet. He figured that finally, the nightmare had left her alone and set his mind to going back to sleep. Just as he drifted off, she screamed again, this cry not one of pain, but of horror. He lifted her and shook her as she screamed, trying to wake her, but it was no use. Somehow, over her screams he heard the sound of ripping flesh. Terrified, thinking that her demon was about to manifest herself, he tore her shirt from her body and looked at the smooth skin of her stomach. He watched in horror and twisted curiosity as her skin split open from between her breasts to just above her navel. Just as soon as the skin tore open, it sewed itself shut, leaving behind a gigantic scar. He shook her again and called her name when her screams increased in volume. The door to their room burst open and Reno, Rude, Tseng, and Elena poured into the room with weapons drawn, ready to defend their newest recruit.

“It’s another nightmare. I can’t get her to wake up.” Vincent explained when he saw the confused looks on his co-workers faces.

“Here.” Tseng said, leaving the room and returning in a rush with a small syringe. “Shelke gave me this to give her in case something like this happened. She said it would wake her up and calm her.” He stepped forward and tried to grasp Jexebel’s arm to administer the shot. Vincent grabbed his arm and stopped him.

“I’ll do it.” He said. He took the syringe and cleansing swab from Tseng, cleaning Jexebel’s arm and then using his teeth to uncap the needle. He pulled her close and whispered in her ear: “I’m sorry, Love.” And then he stuck the needle in her arm and pushed the serum through.

Jexebel jerked awake and whimpered, grasping her arm and looking around. When she could focus and realized that she was safe, she collapsed onto her side on the bed, sobbing.

“Oh gods, Vincent… I remember! I know what he did to me…” She cried into his pillow, still screaming quietly. Elena sat down on the bed next to her as Reno, Rude, and Tseng stood by Vincent’s side. Elena gently placed her hand on Jexebel’s shoulder.

“Come on, sweetie. Let’s get you some coffee and you can tell us about it. My mother always told me that talking about your nightmares make them seem a little less important.” She coaxed Jexebel out of the bed and shooed the men from the room to help Jexebel back into her shirt. “Come on…” She said softly and encouragingly, taking Jexebel’s elbow and leading her into the main area of the bunker.

After a few minutes of sitting at the counter watching Elena prepare coffee, Jexebel began to feel…different.

“What was in that syringe?” She asked Vincent. “I feel kind of light-headed.”

Tseng answered. “Something Shelke gave me for just this reason. Vincent couldn’t wake you from your nightmare, so we used it. It was just to wake you and help to calm you down. Is it working?”

“Yes,” Jexebel said, “but will it impair me?”

Tseng shook his head. “You may feel a little dizzy right now, but it will pass. It shouldn’t impair your performance at all.”

“Okay,” Elena said, interrupting, “Tell us what happened.”

Jexebel took a deep breath, leaning into Vincent for support as she began her tale.

“I was in a tube, and Hojo was there.” She said, closing her eyes to concentrate. “He said he wanted to try a new experiment on me. He pushed a button, and…oh my god…the pain was…unbelievable…Then I heard a voice in my head…” she broke off and took another deep breath as she tried to keep calm. “I know her, Vincent!” She turned to him and buried her face in his jacket. “Quietus! She talks to me! I can hear her now, laughing at me…I think I’ve gone crazy.” She cried quietly into Vincent’s shoulder.

Vincent held her as she wept, knowing from personal experience with Chaos what she was going through.

He remembered something he wanted to ask her about. “Do you know that every time you have one of those dreams, you get another scar? Feel across your stomach.” He knew it would upset her, but he also knew that it was something she would have to deal with. He was right. It did upset her. She reached between their bodies and ran her fingers across her abdomen, gasping and sobbing against him harder when she felt the newest addition to the mutilation that was beginning to cover her once-flawless skin.

Vincent waited until she calmed again before asking: “What happened after that?”

“He gave me something that put me to sleep, and when I woke up, I was…strapped…to a table, and the first thing I saw was his hands when he…pulled…my…heart…out of my chest…” She paused and shuddered, trying not to gag as she remembered the horrific moment.

“Oh my god…” Elena whispered. She threw herself at Jexebel and hugged her, squishing her between Vincent and her own body. “You can stop. I don’t want to hear any more.”

Jexebel nodded, thankful.

“Can we afford to stay here for the day?” Vincent asked Tseng. The Wutaian man nodded.

“Yes, I think that would be best. I need to give Jexebel one of the injections that Shelke sent. I’ll radio Rufus and inform him of the situation.”

Jexebel jerked her head up from Vincent’s chest. “Do you have to? I mean, what if he wants me off the mission?” She asked.

Tseng shook his head. “I have to tell him, Jexebel. Don’t worry he won’t take you off. You are an important part of this mission. Even though Vincent has been inside Deepground before, he still doesn’t know everything. You do, though. Even if you don’t realize it, once we get there, it will come back, and I have faith that you will be able to lead us to where we need to be.”

Jexebel was humbled by Tseng’s faith in her. “Thank you.” She said.

He only nodded and went to his bag, retrieving another of the painful injections that would help to heal her. She looked warily at Vincent, but nodded in understanding when Tseng walked back to her with the syringe. “Do you need to be strapped down?” He asked.

“No!” She said, a little more loudly than was probably necessary. “No.” She said again, more controlled, “Vincent can hold me steady. Just do it.”

Vincent cringed, hating what he had to do, but took her arms nonetheless. Tseng cleaned the injection site, and didn’t even warn Jexebel before he stuck the needle into her skin. She jerked and convulsed, but made no sound. Vincent looked at her to find her jaw locked and eyes shut tightly. In a few minutes, the storm passed and she relaxed.

“You took that well.” He noted, softly.

“After you’ve felt what I just have, that silly serum is nothing. I’m sure that you, of all people, know what I mean.” Jexebel answered, only a little out of breath. Her voice sounded empty.

Vincent nodded sadly.

Dear Gaia, what he wouldn’t give for revenge.

…again.