Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ The Divine and Atonement ❯ Chapter Five ( Chapter 5 )

Well here is the latest chapter. I hope you all can forgive me. There isn't much Yuffie/Vincent interaction here. But I use this chapter to introduce a new side of Yuffie rarely seen. I also use it to lay the groundwork for some really BIG and IMPORTANT things that are going to take place. Take this as opportunity to see a different faucet of Yuffie's character that I don't think as really been explored. Believe me; Vincent was just as startled by it as you will probably be. But in a good way. I hope.

 

~Isa

 

Disclaimer- Still don't own Final Fantasy.

 

Chapter Five

Something Wicked This Way Comes

 

 

It was a somewhat surreal experience to see the former prankster of Avalanche assuming her role as princess. Never before had Vincent seen Yuffie demonstrate such a commanding and mature air. The person on display before him was not the same person who had teased him about yoga stretches this morning.

 

The young ninja calmly dismissed the servants in the room before turning once more to her companions. “Judoki, Staniv, Valentine, come with me please.”

 

The trio followed the young woman down a long corridor before coming to a stop near the rear of the palace. It was a wide open space that was about three stories high and had different corridors and rooms branching out from it. An ornate staircase lead to the upper levels as deep mahogany railings and banisters separated the walkways from the floor below. Sliding screens of glass were pushed aside to reveal an ornate and expansive garden. The chirping of the birds outside was contrary to the emotions running through the small group as they awaited further orders from Yuffie.

 

Two maids appeared by Yuffie's side, but her eyes remained on the men before her. “If you would please wait out here, I think it would be best if he didn't know you were here, Valentine. Xyler probably wouldn't speak to me if he did not think I was alone. Hopefully this won't take too long.” Bowing to her companions, Yuffie entered the shoji doors held open by her maids whom shut them quickly behind her.

 

Vincent leaned back against an enormous pillar that faced the doors and waited. He cast his gaze to the other men in the room and saw that they too found comfortable positions to wait in. It wasn't long before Yuffie's voice drifted out of the room and into the gunman's ears. Vincent wasn't trying to eavesdrop on the conversation, nor was it that the walls were thin enough for this to happen naturally. One simply couldn't help having demons in them that heightened certain senses. It just came with the territory. The gunman just shrugged to himself and focused his hearing a little bit more. Why not take advantage of the situation?

 

“Good afternoon to you as well, you're Majesty. I hope that everything finds you favorably?”

 

“Of course, Mr. Malakai, I can't imagine why it wouldn't.”

 

“Nor can I, Princess. I was curious though as to how the search was going on a certain former teammate of yours; a Mr. Vincent Valentine? I was most upset about the reception my people met at your country.”

 

Vincent stiffened at the sound of the man's voice. It reminded him of someone. It was almost too pleasant yet held a certain note of coldness underneath it. This was the man that was after him?

 

“I have already told your men that I have no intention of helping you in your search. I know Mr. Valentine better than any of you and know for a fact that he would never commit the crimes you and your organization accuse him of.”

 

“Now, now, now, Princess. We have no desire to hurt your friend. We only wish to question him on his whereabouts. Give him a chance to prove his innocence. Surely if he is not guilty as you say, there shouldn't be a problem in his coming here to prove it.”

 

“I was not aware your organization had been given the right to police the world. Nor had I heard of anyone granting you the power of judge, jury, and executioner if the reports I've heard about you are correct.”

 

“Careful, your Grace, you tread on dangerous ground. We only wish to see the betterment of our world. Someone must go after these dangerous criminals. I and my organization simply have the means and desire to do so.”

 

“What you do looks more like genocide to me. What about the murders committed by your own people? How do you excuse those?”

 

“I have no inclination to have this type of discussion with you like this, dear Yuffie. However, I would be more than happy to explain the purpose of my small and humble organization with you in person. You might find that our goals are actually very similar.”

 

Vincent shifted from one foot to the other. He wondered what Yuffie would say if she knew he had no intention of letting her speak to this man alone and in person. Yet before Yuffie could respond, Xyler changed the subject to one that confused the gunslinger.

 

“I wish to offer my condolences on the death of your father. Was it old age that was his final downfall?”

 

Yuffie's indrawn breath alerted Vincent to the seriousness of the question. But why? He knew Yuffie didn't have the best relationship with her father, only referring to him by his name and never any sort of endearment except Old Man. Why did the question of her father's death upset Yuffie so?

 

“Actually it was the Geostigma combined with his old age that ended his life. But that was over a year ago and since then not a single outbreak has occurred.”

 

“Geostigma, you say? I thought the Kisaragi line was impervious to things like disease and age. How old was Lord Godo when he died, if you don't mind me asking?”

 

“Where are you going with this, if you don't mind me asking, Xyler Malakai?”

 

“I was just curious. There have been rumors of your family having exceptionally long lives. Some have even hinted that Godo was over four hundred years old when he died. But then, there are many legends surrounding him, perhaps this is just another?”

 

“I don't believe in legends and rumors, Mr. Malakai. I know how old he was and he lived no longer than any other person on this planet. I would though appreciate you telling your men to stay out of my country. If I catch any of them past my borders I will have them jailed.”

 

“You are in no position, Princess to give me orders.”

 

“On the contrary, this is my country and if I say you and your followers are not allowed in, you will be kept out. My word is law here.”

 

“For now.”

 

“Are you insinuating something, Mr. Malakai?”

 

“Never, Princess. I am sorry this discussion did not go as planned. It is a real shame. I hope your upcoming coronation goes well, your Grace. I'm sure it will be…memorable.”

 

Vincent heard glass breaking and the sound of electricity sparking. He looked up when the shoji doors slammed open, causing the other occupants in the corridor to jump slightly. Yuffie stood there positively fuming and behind her was the video monitor with a kunai sticking out of the middle of it. She glared at everyone in the room, daring them to say anything about it as she stomped towards the doors opened to the gardens outside. No one said anything or moved as she stood there looking out upon the peaceful sight with her arms folded and her foot tapping impatiently.

 

“Li Jong!” she all but shouted.

 

Suddenly a dark clothed figure appeared kneeling beside the Wutai Princess. Vincent noticed the others in the room become tense upon this man's arrival. Obviously this man was a ninja and a very skilled one. Death seemed to shimmer off him as he remained kneeling before his princess, waiting her orders.

 

“Li, I want all the Wu Shang to be placed on high alert. Double the border patrol and be sure that all safe houses are in working order and the roads to them are clear. All suspicious characters are to be brought in for questioning. Send word to all the villages and towns to be ready to move at a moments notice. I want people to be prepared but not in a panic, understood? Report back to me when this has been accomplished.”

 

“Yes, your Grace.” Came the whispered reply as the ninja disappeared again.

 

“Princess, the Wu Shang?”

 

“Yes, Judoki.”

 

“But, they're supposed to be a last resort. What happened?”

 

Yuffie sighed as she turned to face her companions and Vincent noticed the wariness in her metallic gray eyes. They lingered on him for a brief moment before she shook her head. “Come, we have much to discuss and preparations to make.”

 

The three men warily followed her as she led them up the stairs into a room surrounded with weapons hanging on the walls and a balcony looking out to the gardens below. There was a large round table in the center of the room with an enormous map of Wutai set in it. Yuffie took a seat at the top most chair and laced her fingers together, resting her chin on them as she stared at the map and waited for the others to take a seat.

 

If Vincent had not listened in on the conversation that took place below, he would be shocked at the Yuffie on display before him. As it was, he could only sit back and watch the emotions that raged behind her eyes and guess the reason for them. He chooses not to sit down and instead leaned against the door frame leading to the balcony. Judoki and Staniv took seats at opposite sides of table facing each other and waiting for Yuffie to speak.

 

“I have reason to believe Wutai to be in danger. It was a veiled threat but a threat nonetheless and considering the source it is to be taken seriously. Leviathan, I'm too tired for this.” The exasperated princess said as her head landed unceremoniously with a thud on the table. Vincent almost smiled. This was more like the Yuffie he knew. “I haven't even had a bath yet! Damn Xyler Malakai!” came the muffled curse from the ninja woman whose face was still pressed against the wood of the table.

 

“I have called upon the Wu Shang because of how serious I believe this threat to be.” She continued as she raised her head and looked back and forth between Judoki and Staniv. “Apparently Mr. Malakai doesn't like the fact that I won't allow him or his lackeys into Wutai.”

Yuffie recounted most of her conversation to the men in the room but left out the questions about her father. Vincent wanted to question her about this yet figured she had her reasons. It was not his place to bring up something he wasn't supposed to know about.

 

“Also, Staniv, I want you to alert the monks at our temples that they are to be placed on high alert as well. Malakai wants something and I don't want to be caught unawares.”

 

“Princess?” there was a slight tremble to the robust man's voice.

 

“Do this quickly for me, Staniv. Then come back here as soon as possible.”

 

Staniv stood up, bowed low to his princess and walked briskly out of the room.

 

“That was considerate of you, considering.”

 

“Shove it, Judoki. You know how well those two get along. Ever since Li went through the Trials at the Pagoda, he and Staniv can't be in the same room together for more than five minutes.”

 

“You could order them to put aside their differences for something as important as this. They are both too well trained and prideful not to.”

 

“I could but the tension in the room would annoy the hell out of me. I have half a mind to make them have a rematch.”

 

“Yuffie, you cannot. They would kill each other!”

 

The young woman sighed as she glared at her advisor before sinking lower in her chair. “Why do you think I haven't ordered it yet? Valentine, are you sure you don't want to sit down?”

 

Vincent nodded as he looked outside once more. “I am sure, but thank you, Yuffie.”

 

“What is taking him so long?” Yuffie wondered out loud.

 

Judoki shook his head as he considered the troubled young woman before him. “That was tall order you gave him, Princess. Even a ninja as capable as Li Jong would need more than a few minutes to complete all the tasks given to him. I would know as I was the one who trained him.”

 

“As the former Captain of the Wu Shang I am surprised at your hesitation in my involving them, Judoki. I would have thought you would have insisted on it.”

 

A somewhat silver eyebrow shot up as the stout and gruff advisor sighed. “I just wonder if you are reading too much into the words of this Xyler Malakai. Though I do not doubt the capabilities of the Wu Shang or their new captain, I wonder if you are acting a little too preemptively.”

 

“As I said before, Judoki, considering the source, I believe I have no other choice. I will take any and every threat to Wutai seriously and act as quickly as I can with whatever I deem necessary. Whether that is increasing patrols or involving Wu Shang, I will not see harm befalling any of my people if it is within my power to prevent it. Am I clear on that?”

 

The steel under Yuffie's voice was enough to make even Vincent stand up straighter. He looked back over to Yuffie to see she had lain her head back down on the table. Vincent couldn't help but be grateful for the fact that he did not have the future of a country and its people depending on his decisions.

 

“Cloud will be here this evening, correct?”

 

Judoki cleared his throat before answering. “Yes, we are expecting him just after sundown.”

 

“Good.” Came this somewhat muffled reply as Yuffie kept her arms stretched out before her and her face still pressed into the table.

 

Judoki looked up at Vincent who shrugged and continued to look out the open balcony to the gardens below. It wasn't as if he could provide answers to the strange behaviors of one ninja woman. If Judoki hadn't figured it out after knowing her since she was a child, Vincent sure as hell couldn't help him.

 

Fifteen minutes of silence later, Yuffie's head shot up, much to Vincent's surprise as he suspected she may have fallen asleep, and she looked towards front of the large table. Seconds later, Vincent felt a presence quickly approach the room from the balcony. It was the Wu Shang Captain, and he suddenly appeared kneeling before the head of the table. Vincent allowed a small part of himself to be impressed. This man had skills that were almost comparable to his own. Almost.

 

“Li, report.”

 

“Your Highness, all orders have been carried out to the fullest. All safe houses are either ready or almost ready and the routes to them are secured. We have doubled patrols along the borders and around the villages. Your people and the Wu Shang are ready for your orders.”

 

The man had continued kneeling during this entire exchange and had yet to rise from his position on the floor before the table. He spoke in a soft voice that was barely above a whisper. His soft voice belied his deadly nature.

 

“Very good, Li” The dark clad man stood up and glanced at Vincent before turning his attention back to Yuffie. “I'm sure you are curious as to my new companion. Li Jong, I would like you to meet my friend and former comrade, Vincent Valentine. Valentine, this is the Captain of the Wu Shang and one of my personal guards, Li Jong.”

 

Both men nodded to each other as they sized the other up. The Wu Shang Captain was dressed all in black silk with a frog collared sleeveless shirt. His features spoke strongly of Wutai with his lightly tanned complexion and almond shaped eyes. Long black hair was tied in a low braid going down his back and on his bicep just below his shoulder was a black tattoo in an ornate design; a symbol marking him as a member of the Wu Shang. His steely eyes were almost black like most Wutai natives and they were assessing the gunslinger in a manner that would have made a lesser man nervous. Vincent wasn't that type of man. After a moment or so in which Vincent did not let his stoic facade slip, the Wu Shang Captain nodded once more before bowing a greeting to the former Turk and turning once again to face his princess.

 

“Finished?” she asked exasperatedly. Neither man said anything and Yuffie just sighed before mumbling something about men and birds and men again. “Good. Mr. Valentine is someone I with whom I place my trust emphatically and I expect you all to do the same. At this moment Staniv is informing our temples to go on high alert as well. I do not like Xyler making threats towards my country and my people. If he is after something, we will do everything in our power to prevent him from attaining it. As for my up coming coronation…”

 

Judoki spoke up at once, “Surely you don't mean to postpone it?”

 

Yuffie tapped her fingers impatiently against the table as she rested her chin on her other hand. “If it means preventing an attack on innocent civilians who will be lining the streets on that day, than hell yes, if I have to I will postpone it.”

 

“You're Grace, as Captain of the Wu Shang I can promise you that we will allow nothing to happen during your coronation as our Empress. It is our honor and privilege to see to the security. Your people need you, to allow this Xyler character dictate and place fear in our hearts gives him his victory.”

 

“I realize that, Li, but I will not leave my people open for attack either. Nor am I planning on postponing it. But the date does need to be changed. My people have been without an official leader for long enough, don't you think. Judoki, what preparations need to be made to move up the date? I want this to happen as soon as possible.”

 

Judoki looked shell shocked for an instant before quickly composing himself and pulling out a small PDA from some hidden pocket on his person. Vincent again was left wondering about the quality of Wutai clothing and its amazing attributes. After a few moments of searching, Judoki apparently found what he was looking for.

 

“We can have something put together for you in about three days…”

 

“Excellent. I knew there was a reason I kept you around, Judoki.” Yuffie beamed at the older man before turning towards her general. “Will three days suffice for the Wu Shang?”

 

Vincent had a feeling that if it had been within the man's nature, he would have rolled his eyes. “The Wu Shang is always ready to protect the Empress.” Li Jong said with a bow.

 

Yuffie sighed as she shook her head. “I refuse to hear or acknowledge that title from anyone for the next three days. Understood?”

 

Before either man could reply, there was a knock at the door before Staniv silently let himself in and quickly shut the door behind him. There was a tense acknowledgement between him and the Wu Shang Captain before Staniv bowed before Yuffie. Yuffie however was the type of person whose nature allowed her to roll her eyes; which she promptly did in the face of such formality.

 

“All temples have been alerted and are taking necessary precautions. High Priest Hao Shin wishes a private audience with you later, however. Something about taking guests in through the back door.”

 

Vincent looked over at Yuffie, attempting to figure out the meaning behind the words. She had told him that was her special short cut and that they had come from a sacred part of the temple. Had they committed some sort of major faux pas in using that back entrance? Yuffie hadn't made a big deal about it at the time, but then, things that most people would baulk at rarely if ever fazed the shinobi woman. He hoped she wouldn't get into trouble on his account. Yet looking at her face, Vincent could tell she wasn't worried in the least. Annoyed maybe, but not worried.

 

“You can tell that old goat that I will meet with him later but I have no intention of apologizing. I did what I felt was necessary and in no way did any of my actions put Wutai in any kind of danger. Vincent Valentine is not the enemy.”

 

Staniv lost the battle of not smiling while Vincent shook his head. “Shall I summarize that, Princess? Or would you have me tell him that verbatim?”

 

Yuffie just threw her hands in the air as she rose up from her seat. Judoki quickly rose from his while Staniv and Li Jong continued to stand at attention. Vincent made a move to stand as well and no longer lean against the door frame but Yuffie quickly spun around to face him. “Oh no, Valentine, not you too!” A somewhat dainty finger rose in the air to point at him. “You, sir, are not to move, just lean or whatever. You,” again that same finger pointed to each man in turn. “Li, continue to monitor the progress of preparing the safe houses and the patrols. If anything unusual happens I trust you to take care of it and inform me immediately. Staniv, I don't care what you tell the High Priest just tell him something. Judoki, see what preparations need to be made to get the coronation ready in three days. Yes, Staniv, we are moving it up. Get together with the other Guardians and let them know as well. I also wish to be informed the minute Cid first contacts us tonight before he lands.” All three men just stood there staring at the raving young woman. Even the imperturbable Wu Shang Captain looked somewhat taken aback by the outburst. “Well?” she said as she placed her hands on her hips. “Every one of you insists on acting formal and calling me `Princess' and yet you here you all are standing here after I have just given you an order?”

 

There were three quickly murmured apologies before each man left the room to complete their tasks. Yuffie nodded and marched over to the open door Staniv and Judoki had left through as Li had chosen to leave the same way he had come in. The young woman stood in the doorway for a moment before turning back around her face Vincent. “Aren't you coming?”

 

The former Turk tried hard not to smile. For a while he had wondered who the young woman sitting at the head of the table was whilst listening to her make plans to protect Wutai. Certainly she was nothing like the clumsy and immature prankster he had traveled with a few years ago. But after an outburst like that, Vincent felt that reality was as it should be again. “I thought you had said I was not to move.”

 

A very un-princess, but very much Yuffie like snort followed by what sounded suspiciously like `ass' was mumbled out of the ninja's mouth. “Now he wishes to joke with me. Whatever, Valentine, stay there if you want. I just thought you might like to know where your room is.”

 

Vincent nodded as he pushed himself from the wall and went after the apparently very stressed out Yuffie Kisaragi who didn't even look back to see if he would follow her. He figured it would be best to head to his quarters and stay there for a while so as to lay low and out of her `Range of Rage' as he had once heard Cid refer to it as. Something told him that the next three days would only make it worse.