Taming the Fates Amidst Chaos

'Internal thought'

'CHAOS SPEAKING'

~ (Time and/or story focus shift)

Chapter 4

"I see you two have kept yourselves amused." Vincent was glad once more for the high collar of his cloak, a slight blush attempting to betray his calm exterior. The expressions on the two men was priceless and he had to fight to keep from smirking.

After he had left the confines of his 'prison', he had immediately punched in the code to open the other door, not even checking the screens. Realizing just how intimate the two Remnants were, he decided he would double check from now on. The gunman kept Death Penalty trained on Yazoo, "Now, I need you both to at least get your pants back on."

He received an expected glare from Loz, but Yazoo kept his gaze on Vincent. The open lust and hunger that still remained visible made the ex-Turk mildly uncomfortable as a small burn began in his abdomen and a tightness in his pants. Quickly pulling himself in check, he simply motioned with the gun for them to each get back on their cots. The men moved quietly as they followed his orders, spoken or not. Vincent waved a golden claw at Nanaki, the fire wolf quickly bringing the steel bindings back over the beds.

The red cloak billowed as he turned from the room, returning momentarily with a simple fold-out chair. Vincent reclined into the chair, seemingly fully relaxed despite being in the same room as two men who had attempted to destroy the world less than two days earlier.

Yazoo knew better though. The small details, such as the ready grip on the gun, the feet evenly placed for quick retreat, even those scarlet eyes seemed to be watching their every movement. This man was probably trained and it looked like he had a great deal of experience. "I assume, Vincent Valentine, that YOU are our captor here? Or are you watching over us for Big Brother?"

Vincent noted the emphasis on the term. 'Just as Kadaj had said it in the Forgotten Forest. Probably how they were told it from Jenova.' Before anything else though, he needed to know just how much they knew, "How is it that you know my name?" When both pairs of eyes turned toward him, Vincent shifted in the seat, something told him this was going to be a long conversation.

"When we were in the labs in Midgar, we overheard many discussions between the scientists. A few weeks before the place was destroyed, there was increased activity from something called AVALANCHE. The members were talked about and your name was mentioned quite often. Apparently, Professor Hojo had an interest in you, claiming that he desired you to be brought in to him alive. Your capture was actually to be our first mission." Vincent calmly raised a eyebrow, simply staring at the slender figure for a moment before speaking, "Well Hojo is dead and will never come near me or you two again." He noted the look of relief that was painfully obvious on their faces. He himself was all too aware of the 'good Professor's' idea of a proper experiment. "As for your original question, Cloud has not returned yet. I am the one who took the both of you in after healing you from your self-inflicted wounds."

Loz spoke up, "Why though?"

Vincent closed his eyes, that was the one question he did not have a real answer for, so he gave the only one he had, "A favor for an old friend."

The two Remnants looked at each other, confused. Who would ask Vincent to take them in? Matching blue-green eyes turned back to scarlet ones, searching for answers and finding none. The gunman used this time to study their faces. Vincent wondered momentarily if these two actually had some of Lucrecia in them as well, if they were really clones from Sephiroth. He mentally shook his head, it didn't matter. What mattered was that they were in his care and he was supposed to 'help them', though he had little clue as to how to go about that. "I am going to lay a few ground rules. Until you boys have earned my trust, you will remain in this cell. You will be free to do whatever you wish in here unless I or Nanaki have to enter. When we do, we will tell you to return to your cots. If you do not comply, I personally guarantee to make it rather unpleasant."

The cold tone in the gunman's voice left no doubt in either of the brother's minds. The man was serious and dangerous, someone to not be trifled with most definitely. 'LET ME OUT! I WILL SHOW THESE PRETTY HUMANS WHAT UNPLEASANT MEANS!' Vincent frowned, hiding it behind his cloak. 'Since when do you call humans pretty Chaos? Weak, yes; bloodsport, yes; pretty? Leave yourself out of this.'

He turned his thoughts back to the two in front of him. "Now, if you need anything, simply tap on the door. Either my companion or I will be watching the computers at all times so we will be able to respond at any point. Since you are going to stay here for a while, I know that you probably have some questions and I will answer as best I can. However, information given is information shared. For each question you ask that I answer, I will ask you one that I expect answered just as honestly." Vincent realized this was the most he had spoken in probably a month, slightly disdaining the fact that he would need to continually do so around these two. But since he would have to to fulfill his promise to Aeris, he chose to live with it.

The brother's looked at each other, seeming to communicate silently before Loz voiced the first question, "What is the creature in the cell next to us?"

Vincent sighed, this was one he would have to word carefully. "That creature is something kept within these cells from time to time. It is a demon that is contained within a human vessel. When the demon begins to get too strong, the person comes here to let it loose so he doesn't have to worry about hurting others. These cells were made for that purpose alone. Though it seems they have gotten another use now."

Yazoo watched carefully as their captor spoke, studying the minor tone changes and the small changes in his eyes. The Remnant had a small suspicion as to who the human vessel was but chose to remain quiet. Everyone deserved their own secrets. Vincent straightened as he directed his question at the two men, "Do you still hear Jenova?"

Both Loz and his brother stiffened at the name, a momentary fire coming to their eyes. It was Yazoo that answered, a mild amount of anger and shame in his voice, "Mother...does not speak to us. We have failed her," His eyes fell to the side as he battled to hide the sadness he felt, "...and our brother. We still feel her but she is distant and fading farther. Perhaps she will abandon us entirely." There was a loud sniffle and an automatic response, "Don't cry Loz."

Vincent was relieved by this information but he didn't show it. He hoped this meant the curse of the Lifestream would finally be purged. He watched as the larger Remnant fought back tears and Yazoo seemed to be sending him silent comfort. 'These two work well as a team, though it would seem their youngest brother was the real leader. Maybe his death will make it easier for them to have a chance at a life. He seemed to be more connected to Jenova while I watched them in the forest.' Vincent was brought out of his thoughts by a familiar voice, "Perhaps we should let these two rest, Vincent. They have been through much and probably need time to sort it out."

Vincent turned a grateful eye to Nanaki and nodded. Sighing as he stood, the gunman holstered his weapon, folded the chair, and pulled the food cart out with him. Nanaki nodded to both men and followed his friend out. The door slid shut and the bindings on the cots were removed as well. Yazoo immediately stood and walked to his brother's side. Curling up against the larger man, he wiped away the glimmering drops on Loz's cheeks and settled his head on the firm shoulder. He felt the larger man wrap an arm protectively around him as he drifted off to sleep.

~

"What have you learned from them while I was out Nanaki?"

"While Loz is the more vocal of the two, I believe it is Yazoo that would be the one to watch out for. He is more cunning, he knows and sees more than most people believe. When I look at that calm mask he puts on, I can't help but compare him to Sephiroth...or maybe even you." Nanaki turned his gaze toward the dark haired man. Vincent simply continued staring at the screens. "Also I do believe there is a great deal of affection between the two. It probably started in the labs, you and I both know that you take whatever pleasures you can find in those Gaia-forsaken places. Now all I have to wonder is if the world will accept them should they prove trustworthy."

"The world accepts me, barely, so I believe they will find their place." Vincent wondered if he would ever truly find his place or if he was just going to go through life waiting for the next time the world needed saving.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" The fire wolf turned and dashed up the basement stairs. The gunman arched an eyebrow at his friend's unexpected exit, but his curiosity was answered a few moments later when Nanaki returned with a piece of paper in his mouth. Placing the card in Vincent's hand, he explained, "Tseng showed up while you were unavailable. He said he wanted to thank you for saving his and his partner's life. There was something strange though. He appeared calm and professional but his scent made me believe he was very nervous about something. Then of course, Chaos interrupted."

Scarlet eyes widened, the golden center glowing with worry, "What? Does he know?"

"No my friend. I told him that you were simply holding a beast in the cell and that you would be taking care of it when you returned."

"Good, the fewer people that know, the fewer that can get hurt."

Nanaki just looked at him as he wondered. 'Yes but how much will the isolation hurt you my friend.'