Taming the Fates Amidst Chaos

'Internal thought'

'CHAOS SPEAKING'

~ (Time and/or story focus shift)

Chapter 37

Vincent had disregarded the cooling liquid on his face, his inner battle for control forcing him to become unaware of the lithe figure approaching him. The strong smell of sex, blood and sweat filled him and his own desire fed into the rage and possessiveness building within Chaos. The demon was stirring forcefully in him, muttering and growling in a way that the gunman had not felt in several months. A small amount of fear touched the gunman as he began to worry that the constant drain of energy had begun to return the demon to a mindless state. It was strange that he had become so dependent on the very creature he had fought to control for the past thirty years.

A warm wetness on his cheek caused him to jump with surprise. He had not realized the proximity of the slender Remnant until that moment and automatically raised his human hand, though whether it was to pull the man closer or push him away, he didn't know. The collared man's actions were brought to a quick halt however as a sharp electrical current ran through his body.

A deep chuckle grated through his ears, "Now now, pet. Did I say you could touch him?"

Hissing at the pain, Vincent turned a murderous glare toward Sephiroth, scarlet flashing into gold several times. His control was quickly being worn thin. A half-smirk and cold jade eyes met the angry gaze, "If you believe you can look at me like that, perhaps I am going too easy on you. And here I thought that perhaps we were making progress." Sephiroth turned his attention toward the slender Remnant, "Step away from him little one, it is time the rebellious dog learned another lesson."

The gunman was certain he felt a shudder run through the Remnant and saw a small flash of worry in the younger man's eyes before he stepped away. 'You were right after all Chaos. He feels nothing for his own life but worries for my well-being. Damn it, he will only end up hurting himself more with this act.' A movement from Sephiroth quickly grabbed his attention once more. His eyes widened as a black gloved finger moved along the bracer to a familiar red gem and a sadistic grin grew on the madman's face, "Stand, slave. Your Master wants to see every beautiful moment of your pain."

~

Even from the calm void in his mind, Yazoo knew he wanted to look away. Nothing good could come from the look that Sephiroth was giving Vincent and from the terror-filled gaze the gunman wore, he knew exactly what was about to happen. The Remnant made sure to remain calm however, he needed to know what all the bracer could do in case he could find a weakness. He was surprised to see the normally stoic man shaking as he took his time in regaining his feet. What punishment could be so terrible to bring such a reaction when being left to bleed after impalement on Masamune had not shaken the man?

Sephiroth was acting strange as well in the Remnant's opinion. Rather than being impatient with the gunman's hesitance in following his orders, he seemed highly amused. Once the quivering man stood, the red gem was pressed and a heart-wrenching scream filled the cavern.

Yazoo watched in horror as wings forcefully burst from thin shoulder blades, blood splashing the ground with flesh mixing into the gore. Muscles bulged in his legs as bones cracked painfully, purple fur sprouting as large paw like feet formed. Another scream tore through Vincent’s throat when his back started to shift, spine becoming ridged as Sin’s tail shoot out his lower back. Clawed fingers grasped multi-colored hair, tugging painfully when fangs elongated. The slave went weak as he struggled to stay on his feet, wings quivering painfully against his back.

Then, once Sin had fully appeared, the process was reversed just as quickly, leaving Vincent with blood streaming down his back, hand, and even his mouth. He was given no reprieve as his body began to change once more, limbs elongating and skin tinting to a steely silver as the ragged wings were pushed out. The agonized screams changed to a roar as Chaos emerged, pain and rage evident on the demon's face.

Yazoo had to concentrate to keep from getting sick as the process was repeated over and over, the pool of blood growing steadily. When the screams died down, Vincent collapsed and remained unmoving in the red liquid. An amused voice turned the Remnant's blood cold as he looked into the madness of the former General's gaze, "Well, little one, that was entertaini..."

The silver-haired man froze, his eyes widening in disbelief as his body flickered. Leather creaked as he tightly clenched his fists and a scowl marred his features, "Damn it. This body is too flawed. I need more of Mother's cells but..." Glowing, jade eyes glanced at the Mako pool, "It will take time."

Sephiroth gave Yazoo a pointed glare, "You will take the slave to the other room and remain there for the time being. If I find that either of you has left that room, you will severely regret it. Do you understand me?"

"Yes Sephiroth," The Remnant replied coolly despite the curiosity coursing through him. Was it a trick of his eyes or had Loz appeared for a moment? Was Sephiroth's transformation incomplete? If so, perhaps he had a chance to save his brother after all.

As the General moved away Yazoo got to his feet slowly. Carefully, he reached down to grasp Vincent's claw arm, pulling the man to his knees. The man was limp in his arms and Yazoo assumed he was unconscious until a single eye snapped open and the golden orb focused on him. The eye moved around, as though searching for something before focusing on him again. The Remnant understood the unspoken question and shook his head after a quick glance. No, Sephiroth wasn't looking.

The dark haired man stifled a groan, blood dripping from his mouth as it fell open when he tried to breath. Pain shot through his whole being as he gathered a small amount of the pooled liquid on the ground. Reaching for a nearby stone, he made a quick symbol that resembled a strange, vertical eye. When the mark was completed, it flashed once before disappearing completely. Chaos gave a single nod to Yazoo before he too fell into unconsciousness.

'What was that all about?' Yazoo wondered. He pulled the limp body up further, staggering under the gunman's dead weight. Mustering what little strength he himself had left, the Remnant half-dragged, half-carried Vincent from the room, carefully avoiding the spot Chaos had marked. Once he had finally reached the chamber, Yazoo lay the unconscious man down as gently as possible before collapsing at his side. As he allowed his mind to fully return and assessed the damage, he gave a shudder. 'Damn, my whole body hurts. We're lucky Sephiroth sent us away. I don't think I could have kept myself from getting sick if that had gone on any longer." He looked at the scarred figure next to him. 'Why? Why does just looking at him hurt me inside? Why do I want to protect him?'

His thoughts were interrupted as golden eyes once again met his, "You're awake?"

There was no response but as Yazoo reached toward the silent figure, a harsh snarl caused him to pull back. He watched as the possessed man slowly rose to his knees, fighting to keep from collapsing once again. Chaos pushed the body into a seated position, leaning against the stone wall by the entrance, "Host...and slave...still sleep."

It took a moment for the Remnant to understand the demon's words, they more closely resembled low growls, "Are you and Vincent alright?"

The collared man gave a nod, "Host has...lived through much. Take more...to kill body, but mind..." He paused, searching for words, "The host... the host is...weak."

Struggling to sit upright, Yazoo gave the demon a questioning look, "There is something wrong with you too, isn't there? Your speech and voice has changed."

Chaos gave a humorless smile, "Too much energy...lost. Need to keep host strong or...or slave and half-breed win."

The Remnant moved toward the demon but once again Chaos warned him away with another growl, "Too close...can't control...instincts. Will feed...might kill."

The silver-haired man frowned in frustration, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Yes...but slave will see...will know and tell. Shinga-chi will...be hurt."

Yazoo shook his head, "My being hurt doesn't matter. We all have to survive as long as possible if we are gonna get out of this right?" The demon gave him a surprised look, as though he hadn't expected the younger man to understand. "Yes, I know that my life is important to Vincent for some reason. That is why I have to keep myself...amusing. I live and he doesn't give up."

"Shinga-chi smart. Host sees...first mate in you...and more. Will protect."

'First mate?' Yazoo wanted to ask more but something told him that it would be better to ask Vincent when he was awake, "Why did you make that mark earlier?"

This time the demon gave a real smile, "Watch...see glimpse of...half-breed." Chaos ran the metal claw along his own leg, gathering blood from the still oozing wounds. Then, taking blood into his human hand, he made the same mark on the wall. The eye symbol flashed but this time it did not fade away. Rather a murky, red-tinted image formed within the outline. Yazoo was surprised that he could see Sephiroth sitting by the Mako pool, "Can he tell that we are watching him?"

The mark faded away, leaving only clean stone, "Half-breed...no demon blood...will not see eye. If he passes...eye will sense...will show us...warning."

Yazoo nodded his understanding and watched the collared man fighting to keep his eyes open, "You should rest. I will keep an eye on the wall and warn you if something happens, alright?"

The demon gave a slow nod, finally giving into unconsciousness once more and leaving the Remnant to his own thoughts.

____________________________________________________________________________________


A/N: Finally beat the writer's block! Take that you meanie! WOOT! 5000 HITS! I love you guys!

SapphireDog
*mass nose bleed* O.O seph...you evil bastard :D I love you now :D Though vinny's still mine XD Hot damn I love blood play XD *fans self* jeezzzzzzzz
Frizz: Yes Seph is evil but he is too pretty to hate fully. Glad you love me despite the fact I am so mean to Vin and Yazie

SapphireDog
And what the hell! It fucking did it again D:< Bastard keeps cutting my reviews short D:< *throws paper at screen* WORK DAMN YOU! Grrrr. Now I forget what I said D: .....OH ya! Metal blooper image of Yazoo doing a face plant into vincent's crotch during his sexy crawling bit XD More plzz and damn you and your prolonging squishy goodness XD
Frizz: LOL that blooper is quite funny. Just wait until Yazoo actually DOES faceplant on Vinny hehehehe

TheBrieness
Ah... so beautiful, my love. *tears up like the drama-whore she is*

I know the squealing that burst forth from me like so many rampaging Chocobo's with a PMS complex may have been enough to tell you how much I adored not only this chapter, but every peice of writing you offer this poor slave... But, seeing as I personally thrive off of reviews, I thought it may be worth it to offer my special brand of enthusiasm once more... Ahem-

*babbles incoherently through bouts of squeeing fangirl gushes then melts into a puddle of gooey love-struck idiocy*

I luff joo, Frizzy! And I promise I shall work tirelessly to catch up with the story, even whilst I am also slaving away to bridge the gap my *coughomfgfivemonthimsosorrycoughhack* absence caused.

I'm always here if you need an energy boost as well.... ^_^ 'Cause I just have skill like that... Oh, yes.

*prances around in her not-so-patented energizer bunny outfit*
Frizz: BRIEEEE!!!!! *glomps* I've missed you hun! Hehehe, rampaging Chocobos with PMS...that was a creative one.

TheBrieness
Oh, that was just lovely.

*giggles wildly*

Poor Vincent and his cold shower.... Why can't he be drunk all the time?? At least then we'd be able to watch some amazing scenes with a Vincent that completely disregaurds his inibitions like that one time with-

*cuts off, glancing nervously at a pair of simmering scarlet eyes looming from a darkened corner*

Uh...w-with... That one time when... Um, he didn't drink at all and stayed utterly in control of his libido... heh heh... *gulps audibly*

Frizzy, help!

*squeaks and hides behind a random wall that spastically popped up via the magic of internet*

Well, it was an amazing chapter, nontheless. And despite my deep hatred for Loz and his ickyness, I thorougly enjoyed it. I probably won't review for EVERY chapter in an attempt to save time while I read like a madwoman, but you can count on the occasional attack of my oh-so-charming illogical reviews just because I can. Whoo me!
Frizz: Hey! No more hinting about some of the stuff you have been privvy to with the story. Although it will be funny hearing about a drunk Vinny. *whistles innocently* Well I am glad that you are enjoying seeing the story made real as much as when you heard about the basics.

AnimeFanGrrl-4-Life
YAY!! Some smutty yaoi! Seph x Yazzo x Vincent!!! EEEEEKKK!!!
You are a master... no mistress of descriptive writing and yaoiness. Excellent job, keep it up. As always I look forward to your next chapter.

Fan-of-U-4-Life
* * * * * * *
Frizz: It's only because I have wonderful fans that drive me to do better and better with my story writing skills.

TheBrieness
Yes, love... To answer your question I have finally caught up with the story. Considering all the distractions I had with finals, I'd say pulling this off in two days took some pretty special skill.. The likes of which only I posess. Particularly if you take in the fact that your writing has enough depth that I find myself having to re-read to assure that I fully understand what your saying.

Heh heh, It made me giggle when I started knowing what was going to happen before it actually did. I felt all special. You know, the kind of specialy-special that the Brieness only has when engulfed by your oh-so-amazing aura.

Well, then... Now that I've ranted to my hearts content, It's gushing time. Ahem:

OMGFYOUREALLAMAZINGANDSTUFFANDYOUGOTSTOSENDMETHECHAPTERORILLDIEANDTHATDBEALLBADANDSTUFF!

Ah, I feel better. Now that that is over with, I shall depart. I'll call you tonight and gush some more like the rabid fangirl (*peers around shiftly for SaphireDog and ASOTA* That's right.. I said it again... fangirl) that I am. Luff joo Frizzy!!!

P.S. That's what it would look like if Q and R weren't part of the alphabet...
Frizz: Two days really was quite an achievement. I know how busy you have been. And you wouldn't really die would you? I promise I will try to keep posting to keep you guys alive.

Anonymous Sister of the Author
why, oh why am i tweedle DUMB?!?!?!?!?!?!?! waaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!! dumb...??? why do you think so lowly of me, sapphiredog??? *sniff*

well frizz, thank you for considering my level of intellect when you had sephiroth explain!! *sniff* it means SOOOO much that you had sephy stoop down to my level!!! *tears* but that doesn't matter now because (imagine dark, evil voice and scary foreshadowing music) he's going to die!

...

i swear i'll kill him!!! no one hurts MY yazoo and lives!!!!!!! come here baby! *hugs yazoo* i've got you!! and chibi and reno are here as well!!! there, there. shh! it's alright... everything will be okay when i hire a hitman (the turks) to blow uncle sephy into millions of tiny, radioactive pieces filled with icky alien juice... (doesn't THAT make you want to shudder...) there, there... shh... *rocking motion...not THAT kind, ya pervs!*

I'M SORRY THAT THERE WASN'T A LOT OF CAPITAL (YELL~Y) LETTERS FOR YOU IN THIS REVIEW... I PROMISE TO DO BETTER NEXT TIME *turns and stares at the camera* ON TAMING THE FATES AMIDST CHAOS *award-winning smile*
ASOTA out
Frizz: LMAO Have I mentioned how much I love you ASOTA? I don't think you are dumb. I actually think it was a good idea to explain. Makes Seph all creepy and superior. And no killing him till I am done with him k?

Anonymous Sister of the Author
omg TheBrieness!!! i must so like kill you now!!! you said THE WORD!!! and yes!!! i heard you!! now you must face my FINGERNAILS!!!!!!!!!! *pounces*

!#$&*(&%@%$&*#@$%$*&%^(^@&!^^*&*%#%&($@%#&*^!$&$^*^&
*CENSORED FIGHT SCENE in which i OBVIOUSLY win!*
!&@^&*#%*&(^^(&*%&^*#&%^$^$&^(&*%&^*^((&%^*@^$@^*$(

*jumps up* woo! we won't see THAT misguided youth for a while :D
ASOTA
Frizz: Uh oh...*hides* I thought we had all finally calmed down. I must find more peace offerings!

The Brieness
Uh-huuuuh....

*stares at the epic battle from a corner of non-existence. amazing ninja escape abilities are your friend*

Having fun over there, ASOTA, love? I'd hate to go off and be the one to incur your wrath. Tell me, what did the poor mortal you just decided to smite happen to do?

*ponders the oh-so-small number of ways available to anger said less than amazing fangirl.*

Either way, I'm grateful t'wasn't I who evoked your vengeance. I couldn't imagine how I'd feel upsetting my dear Frizzy's FAVORITEST fangirl.

*sulks in a VEEEEEEERY subtle manner*

And yes, my entire demeanor DID just change... But I don't have to make sense... I'm me.
Frizz: You are a skitzo ninja girl Brie. You and I both know that. And how many times do I have to say I don't pick favorites?

SapphireDog
Hn. No love for the DoG. *idly sharpens paperclip, muttering about more people to worry about stealing my title*

And ASOTA....

ya know what? Nevermind. I'll keep this one to myself.
Frizz: ??? Now I wanna know! What did you want to say to ASOTA?