The Reason

Chapter 17


“Concentrate, Jexebel. Feel her power surge through your body.” Vincent instructed. It had been a week sinse the events in Midgar, and Rufus had determined that Jexebel needed training to learn to control her beast. Maybe even to call it at will. Vincent was chosen for this task, as he had experience with Chaos. He accepted, however reluctant. Learning to control one’s beast is really not something that can be taught; it is something that one just has to learn. Still, he would do his best to help his love.

“Okay…I’m concentrating…” Jexebel said. She was sitting on a stool in the center of the dojo, Vincent standing behind her. He laid his hand on her shoulder, leaning down and whispering in her ear.

“Good… now even your breathing…good… can you feel her power? The energy that burns just on the edge of your soul?”

Jexebel did as she was told, keeping her breathing even; in, out, in, out. Her eyes slid shut as she tried her best to concentrate. Suddenly, she felt a rather insistent warmth overcome her senses.

Her breath caught in her throat. Vincent walked in front of her to see her face. He was amazed that he had been able to help her at all, even though they had been working for almost a week.

“You feel it, don’t you?” he asked.

“Yes…” Jexebel answered, awe in her voice.

“Good…very good…now, focus on that energy, envision it surrounding you, becoming part of you…”

Jexebel did as he instructed. She focused her mind, and imagined that warmth seeping through her body. As she did this, she was unaware that the dark, ominous aura that surrounded Quietus had begun to slowly roll to life around her body.

“Good, Jexebel!” Vincent praised. He stood back and watched the energy swirl around Jexebel. “Now, visualize yourself as Quietus. See yourself devoured by that energy, and emerging as the beast. You must have complete faith in your abilities, Jexebel. You must KNOW that you can control her. Believe.”

Jexebel breathed deeply, and did as Vincent said. She saw herself standing before the darkness, and watched as it enveloped her body. She knew she could control the demon: she had done it before. She DID believe in herself…but there was doubt. What if Vincent got too close and Quietus took control? She and Vincent had not been together sinse before Midgar, because Jexebel was afraid of possible pregnancy. What if Quietus took over and did just that?

Vincent saw Jexebel’s concentration falter and rushed to her aid.

“Believe.” He said, his voice strong. “I believe that you can do it, Jexebel. I’ve seen it…come on…believe!”

Jexebel heard his voice, and felt the reassurance. She took a final breath, and pushed forward, envisioning the darkness fading, and Quietus stepping out of the shadows.

The warm feeling suddenly left Jexebel, replaced by waves of pain. She doubled over as she felt the demon slithering beneath her skin.

“Vincent…” she whimpered, “It hurts…”

“I know, Jexebel,” He said softly, “I know it does, but you have to keep your focus. I know you can do it…you’re almost there…”

She nodded and continued, opening her eyes to see for herself if it was working. It was. Her skin was becoming that ice blue color again, and her fingernails were lengthening. She panted, still concentrating, blinking as her vision switched over from human to beast. She looked up at Vincent and could clearly see his heartbeat. It was thumping rapidly. Next to his heart was a dark spot. It held a very familiar echo to it. Her thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Quietus.

“Yes…it is him…take him…take him now…complete the prophecy…”

“No…” Jexebel unknowingly moaned aloud.

“What is it, Jexebel?” Vincent asked, stepping closer.

“Stop it…” Jexebel moaned to the beast, “I am not yours, you are MINE!” she growled. She stood her ground against the savage winds that threatened to overcome her, and seemed to win, for the time.

Vincent stood back, knowing exactly what was happening. He couldn’t quell the pride he felt hearing Jexebel’s words as she forced the beast to submission.

The fog around her cleared and Vincent watched with even more pride, as Quietus stood before him in all her tragic glory. He let Jexebel see how proud he was.

“Are you alright?” he asked, just to be sure.

“Y…yes…I think so. I feel…different…” she said.

“You will get used to it.” Vincent reassured her. “Come. Rufus will want to see for himself that you do indeed have control over her.”

Jexebel was hesitant. To get to Rufus’ office, she would have to traverse the entire expanse of the Inn. She wasn’t sure she wanted the others to see her like this…especially Marlene and Denzel.

Vincent saw her reluctance, and understood her feelings. He turned to his left and opened the sliding door that led to an enclosed garden outside the Inn. “You don’t want the others to see you, yet, correct?” he asked. Jexebel nodded, confused as Vincent took her dangerously clawed hand and pulled her outside. “So fly.” He said, gesturing to her wings.

Jexebel’s eyes widened. She had kind of forgotten she was a winged demon. That thought made her blush. Vincent led her to the center of the garden, and looked up. There was no one about, as the Inn was in a secluded area, and none of the residents were allowed out. She could do it, and no one would see her…

“Go ahead.” Vincent urged, remembering the rush that he used to get when flying as Chaos. “You know which window is Rufus’, right? Just go there. I’ll phone him and tell him, and then meet you there.”

Jexebel nodded and smiled, then shuddered, extending her wings. She wasn’t entirely sure HOW to fly, but there was only one way to find out. She lifted the silvery feathers high and pushed off the ground, beating her wings slowly. She hovered for a moment, then lost her balance and fluttered back to the ground. Vincent smiled.

“Both wings, at the same speed, with the same power.” He instructed.

Jexebel smiled and did as he said, lifting off the ground and gaining altitude. When she could clear the wall surrounding the garden, she leaned to the left, gasping and steadying herself as the movement caused her to soar in that direction. She heard Vincent laughing at her from the garden. She flew in circles, waiting until she had the basics down, and then swooped low, landing inches from Vincent.

“You’ve got it then?” he questioned.

“I think so.” She said.

“Okay. I’ll call Rufus and tell him you’re on your w-” his own gasp of surprise cut him off as Jexebel lunged forward and twirled behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pushing off the ground. She held Vincent to her tightly as she soared over the wall, gaining speed and altitude as she went.

Vincent overcame his surprise and let out a round of echoing laughter, squirming until he was comfortably nestled against Quietus’ body.

“Don’t you drop me.” He said, chuckling.

“I wouldn’t dare.” Jexebel teased back. She was still trying to get used to her own voice in this state. It was still her own, but it was distorted, more of a growl. She circled and dipped high and low around the Inn, looping around and letting out a loud whooping call of pure freedom. Vincent laughed freely with her, enjoying being so close to her and also how this experience seemed to help her forget the ‘monster’ that she thought she was.

“Don’t go too far.” Vincent lectured. “Rufus’s office is in the back of the building, third window to the right, on the top floor.” He said. Jexebel nodded and made a sharp turn to the right, quick enough that for a moment, Vincent lost his breath. He shook his head in amusement and very carefully let go of her arms with one hand to retrieve his cell phone and call Rufus.

“Tseng.” Tseng answered.

“Ah, so YOU took over as bodyguard, eh?” Vincent said to Tseng. In truth, he didn’t mind. He hated that job and was glad Rufus had passed it to someone else.

“What do you want, Valentine?” Tseng said, clearly not amused. Jexebel swooped low and they were suddenly right outside Rufus’ window.

“Open the shades and look outside.” Vincent instructed.

Tseng sighed, irritated. “Okay…why am I opening the-HOLY HADES!” he gasped, dropping his phone and grabbing at his chest as he opened the shades to reveal to the two men in the room the creature flying outside the window.

Rufus jumped up from his desk and rushed to the window. He picked up Tseng’s phone and addressed Vincent.

“She has complete control?” Vincent put the question to Jexebel. She smiled, showing off lethal, pointy teeth, and nodded her head.

“Very good. I still think you should continue training, however, until she has completely mastered the change. I don’t want her changing when she DOESN’T want to.” He said.

“Very well, sir. Can she return to active duty?” Vincent asked.

“I’ll think about it. Now get back to the dojo before you’re spotted by someone unfriendly!”

Vincent nodded his head and hung up his phone, waving to the men before instructing Jexebel to go back to the dojo.



“I haven’t done that in a very long time.” Vincent said as the two landed in the garden. “Thank you.”

Jexebel smiled and hugged him. “You are very welcome.”

“I think that’s enough for today, what say you change back and we go get dinner?” Vincent said.

“Okay, how do I do that?” Jexebel asked.

“The same thing you did to transform, only backward. Instead of envisioning yourself becoming Quietus, envision yourself becoming Jexebel again.”

Jexebel nodded, and went back inside, carefully folding her magnificent wings to her body before sitting on the stool and closing her eyes. She evened her breathing again and did exactly what Vincent said to do. It worked. Within seconds, she was herself again, just as expected.

What she DIDN’T expect was the sudden bout of dizziness or the extreme fatigue she was feeling. She swayed on the stool. Vincent rushed to her and caught her before she hit the floor.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Love. I forgot to tell you you’d be dizzy.”

Jexebel panted, trying to overcome the nausea that plagued her. “Will it pass, with experience?”

Vincent frowned. “No. It won’t, but you will learn to …put up with it. It won’t phase you anymore, if that’s what you mean.”

“Okay.” She leaned up and kissed him, letting her lips softly close around his.

Vincent sat still in shock. They hadn’t done ANYTYHING - Kiss, touch, ANYTHING - sinse they found out the dangers to them having children. The kiss threw him off, and melted him into a large puddle of crimson-Turk.

Just as he started to respond she pulled away.

“Thank you.” She said. There was so much love and gratitude in her voice. “Thank you for not leaving me. For understanding.” Their mouths were only inches away. He brushed his nose against hers.

“Don’t thank me, Jexebel. I love you. That’s all there is to it.”

Her hand wound its way to cup the back of his neck, holding him against her.

He wanted her SO BAD…he was going to die - he just knew it. He suddenly stepped away from her, helping her right herself and brushing himself off.

“I need to take a shower.” He said, turning away and marching out of the dojo.

Jexebel smiled sadly. She knew. Then, a thought struck her so hard; she almost lost her footing and fell to the ground.

Maybe Shelke could make some kind of potion…something to prevent…

She didn’t take the time to finish her thought. She rushed to the dojo, eager to question Shelke about her chemistry skills.



Shelke thought it was a bit of an odd request, but she still blushed the entire time as she put the potion together. She handed the vial to Jexebel, instructing her to take it immediately after sexual activity, and it would prevent pregnancy. Jexebel hugged Shelke tightly, surprising the woman, and then thanked her and ran from the room.

“I owe you one!” she called behind her as he ran.

Jexebel went to the bunk she shared with Vincent, intending to give him cause to take another shower, but when she got there, he wasn’t inside. Reno was walking past at the moment, and she stopped him.

“Have you seen Vincent?” she asked.

Reno chuckled lewdly. “I’ve seen him alright. He just forced his way into the community shower and made everyone else in there leave. He seemed…uncomfortable.” He said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Jexebel grinned and smacked Reno. “You’re such a pervert, Montonati. Thanks.” She said. Without another word, she took off toward the shower. When she reached the door, she looked from left to right, assuring that no one else was around, and then pushed the button on the door that would show any passers-by that the showers were out of service. Then she slipped inside and all but tore her clothes from her body. She silently crept through the dark room, searching for the stall hiding Vincent. He made it easy for her.

From a steamy stall to her right, she heard the musical sound of Vincent’s ragged breathing. She peeked inside and instantly felt a drop of wetness slip down her thigh at the sight she found.

There stood Vincent, his ebony hair wet and plastered to his neck as he stood under the stream of hot water. His left hand was braced against the wall in front of him, his right was hidden from Jexebel’s view, but his actions were obvious. His right arm moved back and forth in front of him, slowly at first, and then more quickly, matching his ragged gasps. His head tilted off to one side and the fingers of his left hand clenched tightly. He was close. Jexebel knew she had to stop him before he came, or she wouldn’t get what she wanted, but lord, did she long to watch him finish, oblivious to her presence. Would he say her name? Was he even thinking about her? Or was he just seeking release? Any other day, she would have remained silent and found out. Today, though, she was as desperate for release as her lover seemed to be.

“Well now, “ she whispered, her voice filled with lust and amusement as Vincent whirled around and blushed – actually blushed. “That’s the most beautiful thing I think I’ve ever seen.” She slipped into the stall to stand before him.

“Jexebel…” He said, still deliciously out of breath, “What are you doing? You know we can’t-”

Jexebel put her hand over his mouth and raised her other hand to show him the vial that Shelke had given her.

“Do you know what this is?” she said, huskily.

Vincent shook his head.

“It’s an anti-pregnancy serum.”

His eyes went wide, and then narrowed, a dark, predatory look overcoming his hansom features. He removed her hand from his mouth and lunged at her, pinning her to the wall.

“Is it now…” he murmured against Jexebel’s neck.

“It is…If I take it after we…you know…then it will prevent pregnancy…”

She wasn’t given time to elaborate, or to prepare for Vincent’s intrusion. Vincent spun her around and forced her chest against the wall. He reached beside him and grabbed the bar of soap, slicking his hand with the slippery substance. He reached between their bodies and let his fingers slide against Jexebel’s butt-crack, delighting at her surprised gasp.

“Do you know how long I’ve wanted to do this to you?” That was her only warning. Vincent slipped two fingers in her ass, pressing deep and scissoring back and forth.

Jexebel gasped at the initial pain, but it was nothing unbearable, and she soon came to appreciate this new pleasure Vincent forced on her. He worked at her for a long while, adding another finger when he thought she was ready. He wanted to make sure that he didn’t hurt her any more than necessary. He didn’t have to wait long.

“More…” Jexebel moaned, pressing back against him.

“Whatever you want…” Vincent answered. He slipped his fingers from her ass, then positioned his aching shaft at the soft, puckered entrance. He leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her ear, and whispered softly, “This will hurt a little.”

Jexebel nodded frantically; aware that there would be some pain, but too far gone to care.

Without another word, Vincent gave a hard shove, burying himself deep inside her in one thrust. He held still when Jexebel let out a small cry, trying to give her time to adjust to this new invasion.

“Vincent…” she whimpered.

“Hush, love. I’m sorry…the pain will pass, just don’t…move…” Vincent was finding it extremely difficult to remain still as Jexebel squirmed and wiggled against him.

Vincent was right. The pain did pass, replaced with a strange feeling…one she couldn’t describe… She pushed against him again, gasping at the jolt of pleasure that shot through her.

“Vincent!” She said again.

“It’s alright, just don’t…oh hell you moved…” Vincent’s control vanished and he pulled back, only to sink deep inside her again.

Jexebel let out what was quite possibly the hottest moan he had ever heard.

“Oh gods…” she murmured.

Vincent set a quick pace, thrusting with short, shallow stabs inside Jexebel, until she growled out her frustration and pushed against him, forcing him deeper. He was so close, having been just on the brink of climax when she had interrupted him, and he knew if he didn’t stop, she would be left unsatisfied. It took all of his control to pull out of her and spin her around. He immediately thrust three fingers inside her wetness, listening with sadistic pleasure as she screamed and arched against him. He held her close to him with one arm around her shoulders, and thrust his fingers into her, hard. His thumb rubbed frantic circles against her clit, and it wasn’t long until he felt her tighten around him. He pulled his fingers from her and thrust inside, not stopping until the soft curls at the juncture of her thighs rested against his pelvis.

Jexebel screamed again. Vincent reached down and again, rubbed against her clit, roughly.

She writhed against him, spasming and jerking as she rode out the most powerful orgasm she had ever experienced.

She screamed, sobbing his name over and over again, finally leaning down and biting into his shoulder with enough force to break the skin.

Vincent all but roared at the twisted pleasure that rushed through him as Jexebel’s teeth ripped into his skin.

“Again!” he growled, tensing and panting when she complied, then Jexebel leaned in to his ear and whispered words certain to bring him to the edge.

“I love you, Vincent…Come for me…I want to feel the heat when you explode inside m-”

His shout cut her off as he arched against her with extreme force.

She got her wish, relishing the feeling of his hot come splashing her insides.

“Oh gods…”she moaned again, dragging the word out to end in a growl.

Vincent jerked against her, holding her tightly to him and gasping into her hair.

“I love…I love you.” He panted.

“I love you too.” Jexebel answered.

They remained like that for a long while, until the water turned cold. Then they rinsed the sweat and soap from their bodies, and exited the shower. Jexebel twisted the cap off of the vial and downed the contents in one gulp. She made a face.

“That. Is. Disgusting.” She complained, smacking her lips, trying to rid her mouth of the foul taste.

“Ah, my love… it’s worth it, though, is it not?” Vincent said, helping her into her clothes. Jexebel nodded and finished dressing herself, then followed Vincent out of the shower room.

“Let’s go to the lab.” Vincent suggested. “We should have a supply of that…potion.”

Jexebel smiled and allowed him to lead the way.

‘Oh yes,’ she thought, ‘Shelke, I owe you.’