# comics_content

c0title: Chapter 6 - 276
c1id: 195023
c3file: 276.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki, Vincent, and Yuffie are resting for the night at Materia Falls in the Northern Crater. Vincent is on night watch, and Yuffie has just woken up in the night.]]} {Yuffie: Well...} {Yuffie: I'm awake now.} {Yuffie: I can take over watch if you wanna get some shut-eye.}} {{Vincent: I'd rather stay awake a little longer, Yuffie.}} {{[[Both relax, Yuffie's head on her knees, and Vincent leaning back against the Materia Falls]]} <<Riiiiiiiiing>>} {{[[Yuffie lies down.]]} {Yuffie: It sounds different, doesn't it?} <<Riiiiiiiing>>} {{Vincent: What?}} {{Yuffie: You haven't noticed?} {Yuffie: The materia talks, Vince.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 001
c1id: 34094
c3file: 001.txt
c2body:
{{[[A forest canopy.]]}} <<BLAM!>> {{[[Vincent is holding his rifle out and looking angry.]]} <<fshhhhh>>} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 002
c1id: 34095
c3file: 002.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent sighs.]]} <<*sigh*>>} {{[[A dead frog is seen.]]}} {{[[Vincent tucks his gun away while looking at the frog.]]} {Vincent: I can't believe I'm doing this.}} {{[[Close-up of Vincent's eyes.]]} {Vincent: Vincent Valentine.  AVALANCHE member and arguably one of the saviors of this world.  I helped defeat the Emerald Weapon.  I protected this planet not only from Meteor, but also itself.}} {{[[Vincent's claw picks up the frog.]]} {Vincent: Yet here I am, exterminating Toxic Frogs in Gongaga.}} {{[[Vincent places the frog in a sack.]]} {Vincent: How could things have gone so wrong after that fateful battle?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 003
c1id: 34097
c3file: 003.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent reminisces.]]} {Vincent: It began after the final battle with Jenova... no, Sephiroth.}} {{Vincent: We had returned with the Highwind to Cosmo Canyon...}} {{[[The evening sky, with the moon shining above.]]} {Vincent: The sky was flawless on that evening five years ago.  Our futures, however, were not so clear.}} {{[[Flashback: Cosmo Canyon, at the Candle.  AVALANCHE members are seated around the fire.]]} {Vincent: What course could heroes of the world possibly take after having saved it?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 004
c1id: 34098
c3file: 004.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid is smoking a cigarette.]]} {Cid: Well $#!+!  I know where the %!#! I'm going!  I waited too #!&# long already!}} {{[[A fractured view of other AVALANCHE members - Tifa, Cloud, Yuffie, Vincent, Barret, Cait Sith and Nanaki.]]} {Cid: You all better $!#!$&# decide where the $+!# you wanna go, before I take the Highwind and leave you here!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 005
c1id: 34099
c3file: 005.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cait Sith is perched atop his stuffed moogle, looking worried.]]} {Cait Sith: Hey, I never thought about what would happen if we made it out alive!  You mean we aren't going to stick together?}} {{[[A paper crane knocks Cait Sith off of his moogle.  The moogle sweatdrops.]]} <<SWOOSH!>>} {{[[Yuffie, sitting by the fire, catches the crane while Cait Sith recovers. Cait Sith, rubbing his cheek, looks annoyed.]]} {Yuffie: Gawd, Reeve, it's not like you were gonna die anyway!  You're a big frickin' stuffed animal, your body wasn't even in the Northern Crater!} {Caith Sith: That's not what I mean, Yuffie!  Meteor almost hit Midgar, you know?  I would have died too, along with the rest of the planet.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 006
c1id: 34100
c3file: 006.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Cait Sith stop arguing to look over their shoulders.]]} {Tifa: But we didn't die.}} {{[[Closeup of Tifa talking, with a faded silhouette of Aeris in the foreground.]]} {Tifa: We need to go on with our lives.  It's what Aeris would have wanted.}} {{[[Closeup of Cloud's chin.]]} {Cloud: Tifa's right...}} {{[[Closeup of Cloud's face.]]} {Cloud: It's what Aeris would have wanted all of us to do.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 007
c1id: 34101
c3file: 007.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cloud stands in front of the fire, giving a speech.]]} {Cloud: The planet still needs us.} {Cloud: Maybe it doesn't need warriors anymore...}} {{[[Closeup of Cloud's face, as a montage of dead characters (Sephiroth, Jenova, Aeris, Rufus) are displayed behind him.]]} {Cloud: Sephiroth...} {Cloud: Jenova...} {Cloud: The Cetra...} {Cloud: Shinra...} {Cloud: They're all gone now.}} {{[[The planet.]]} {Cloud: The planet belongs to us, for better or for worse.  We have to take care of it.}} {{[[Cloud crosses his arms.]]} {Cloud: It's our own responsibility now.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 008
c1id: 34102
c3file: 008.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cloud stands before Tifa and Barret, in front of the fire.]]} {Barret: Yeah, well, I was thinkin' of goin' back to Corel an' helpin' them rebuild.}} {{[[Barret closes his eyes and looks peaceful.]]} {Barret: It'd be a good place for Marlene, too.  Guess it's time to go home.}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki.]]} {Nanaki: I am already home.}} {{[[Nanaki seated in front of one of the Huge Materia.]]} {Nanaki: I am Nanaki, Guardian of Cosmo Canyon.  I will stay here and protect the Huge Materia.}} {{[[Cait Sith happily points a finger up.]]} {Cait Sith: I'll stay here too!}} {{[[Closeup of Cait Sith's face.]]} {Cait Sith: Well, I mean Cait Sith will stay here.  It's time for me to stop being the toy...}} {{[[Closeup of Reeve's face.]]} {Reeve: ... and return to being Reeve, the man.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 009
c1id: 34103
c3file: 009.txt
c2body:
{{[[Overhead view of Midgar]]} {Reeve: Midgar is finished... it's a miracle any of us survived.  Aeris' miracle.}} {{[[Cait Sith is shown, once again happy.]]} {Reeve: But I'm going to Junon.  They could really use a good manager there, and that's me!}} {{[[Closeup of Cid, clenching a cigarette between his teeth.]]} {Cid: Don't make me spell it out, Strife!  I'm going back to Rocket Town as fast as the Highwind can take me!}} {{[[Cid sweatdrops as Cait Sith, Cloud, Tifa and Yuffie snicker at him.]]} <<*snicker*>> <<*giggle*>>} {{[[Cid's cigarette nearly falls out of his mouth as he yells angrily.]]} {Cid: WHAT!?}} {{[[Cid closes his eyes as he explains his reasons.]]} {Cid: "$#!+!  There's no better place to start a flight school than Rocket Town!  The world's best pilot and Shinra's best technician will both be livin' there...}} {{[[Cid's teeth clench as a sing-song voice cuts into his monologue.]]} <<GNASH>> {Voice: Together!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 010
c1id: 34104
c3file: 010.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid and Yuffie face off.]]} {Cid: ?%$!} {Yuffie: Cid and Shera sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!}} {{[[Cloud interrupts Yuffie's song.]]} {Cloud: That's enough, Yuffie.  What are you going to do, anyway?}} {{[[Yuffie pushes her fingertips together.]]} {Yuffie: Well, I sorta have to keep a promise I made to Godo before I left Wutai...}} {{[[Yuffie rubs the back of her head nervously.]]} {Yuffie: So I'm probably gonna stick around Cosmo Canyon for a while!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 011
c1id: 34105
c3file: 011.txt
c2body:
{{[[Tifa cuts in curiously.]]} {Tifa: Yuffie, you helped us save the world!}} {{[[Yuffie looks away, sweatdropping.]]} {Tifa: What more could Godo possibly want from you?}} {{[[Vincent watches Yuffie curiously.]]} {Vincent (narrating): It was hard to remember back then...}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie, looking worried.]]} {Vincent (narrating): ... that she was only sixteen years old.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 013
c1id: 34107
c3file: 013.txt
c2body:
{{[[Tifa places a hand on Yuffie's shoulder.]]} {Vincent (narrating): It was unfortunate that Aeris was no longer there...} {Vincent (narrating): But fortunate Tifa was perceptive enough to see she needed to talk.}} {{[[Tifa addresses Yuffie.]]} {Tifa: Come on, Yuffie, what is it?  You can tell us, we're your friends!}} {{[[Yuffie looks uncertain.]]} {Yuffie: ...}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's hands, folding a paper crane.]]} {Yuffie: I said...} {Yuffie (quiet): ... ... ...}} {{[[Closeup of Barret's face, with chibi-Tifa in the background looking upset.]]} {Barret: Ya have to speak louder, kid!  We can't hear ya!} <<?>> {Tifa: Barret...}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 014
c1id: 34108
c3file: 014.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie prepares herself.]]} {<<DEEP BREATH>>}} {{[[Yuffie, seated, speaks quickly while surrounded by a non-stop flow of words.]]} {Yuffie: I- need- to- keep- my- promise- to- Godo- and- it's- something- every- Wutanese- warrior- has- to- do- before- they- can- become- a- ninja- I- mean- I'm- not- really- a- ninja- yet- well- but- technically- I- am- but- I- can't- rule- Wutai- until- I- fulfill- the- vow- I- made- to- Godo- it's- a- big- one- and- well- technically- I- need- all- of- your- materia- so- would- you- give- me- it- please?}} {{[[A montage of Cloud, Tifa, Cait Sith, Barret, Cid, Nanaki, and Vincent looking confused, and Yuffie smiling weakly with a sweatdrop.]]} {<< ? ? ? ? ? ? >>} {Yuffie: ...}} {{[[Cid addresses Nanaki.]]} {Cid: What the $%#! did she just say?} {Nanaki: I think she wants our materia.}} {{[[Screams are heard as a chibi Yuffie's head panics.]]} {Everyone: WHAT?!} {Yuffie: Uh-oh...}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 015
c1id: 34110
c3file: 015.txt
c2body:
{{[[Montage of AVALANCHE members reacting badly to Yuffie's declaration.]]} {Cloud: <<*groan*>>} {Tifa: <<*gasp*>>} {Barret: <<going ballistic>>} {Cid: I knew it!} {Cait Sith: <<laughing wildly>>} {Vincent: <<checking his materia>>} {Nanaki: ...}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face, her eyes two dangerous pinpoints.]]} {Yuffie: You think I came all the way across the ocean and helped you fight that one-winged freak of nature just so I could snitch your materia again?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 016
c1id: 34111
c3file: 016.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie has Barret in a headlock, is stepping on Cait Sith, and Cid is buried under a huge pile of paper cranes.]]} {Yuffie: Your stuff's good, but it's not THAT good!} {Cait Sith: Uncle!  Uncle!}} {{[[Tifa stands up and yells at everyone.]]} {Tifa: GUYS, PLEASE!  CALM DOWN!}} {{[[Tifa's vein pops at the culprits as a beat up Cait Sith, Cid, Barret and Yuffie eye each other sullenly.]]} {Everyone: ...}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 017
c1id: 34113
c3file: 017.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cloud runs his fingers through his hair.]]} {Cloud: What do you need our materia for?}} {{[[Cloud kneels and talks to an obstinate Yuffie.]]} {Cloud: Aeris and I were there when you climbed the Pagoda, remember?  What more could you prove after that?}} {{[[Vincent rubs his chin while thinking about the Pagoda of Wutai.]]} {Vincent (narrating): The Pagoda of Wutai... I knew it involved some sort of tradition dealing with the "Five Mighty Gods," the most powerful warriors of Wutai.  But they had been broken during the war, when Sephiroth felled their leader.  She was a woman by the name of Kisaragi.} {Vincent (narrating): It didn't take much to guess the connection.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 018
c1id: 34114
c3file: 018.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie with her arms spread, casting All Creation]]} {Vincent (narrating): But I still didn't know what occured in that building. It had been three days before Yuffie reappeared and we could continue our journey, and months later that she surprised us with the attack she titled "All Creation."}} {{[[Text panel]]} {Vincent (narrating): It seemed like the right time to ask...}} {{[[Vincent addresses the others.]]} {Vincent: What did happen in the Pagoda?}} {{[[Everyone (Cait Sith, Barret, Tifa, Cloud, Yuffie) stares in shock at Vincent, who sweatdrops.]]} <<!>> {Cait Sith: He talked!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 019
c1id: 34115
c3file: 019.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks angry.]]} {Yuffe: Yeah, he talked, and of all the things to ask!}} {{[[Yuffie points at Vincent from across the campfire.]]} {Yuffie: What happened in that Pagoda is none of your beeswax, mister...} {Yuffie: And you're not gonna find it out from me!}} {{[[Yuffie turns around and yells at Cloud, who looks perturbed.]]} {Yuffie: Or from any of us!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 020
c1id: 34116
c3file: 020.txt
c2body:
{{[[Side view of Cloud's face.]]} {Cloud: Yuffie, something did happen in that Pagoda that nearly killed you, and now you're telling us that it wasn't enough?}} {{[[Closeup view of materia.]]} {Cloud: You STILL need our materia?  Why?}} {{[[Cloud pushes himself to his feet, while Yuffie looks away.  Vincent observes them quietly.]]} {Cloud: <<*sigh*>>} {Yuffie: ...} {Vincent (narrating): It was obvious that the stubborn ninja was not going to talk.} {Vincent (narrating): But we knew she had one great weakness.  Cloud decided to play his ace...}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 021
c1id: 34117
c3file: 021.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cloud looks especially serious, as feathers float romantically around him.]]} {Cloud: Please, Yuffie.  We need to know.} {Cloud: I need to know.}} {{[[Yuffie smiles and blushes while hearts pop up around her head.]]} {Vincent (narrating): There was nothing like soothing words from a young girl's idol to make her resolve crumble.  Cloud would have made an excellent politician...} {Yuffie: <<Tee hee!>>}} {{[[Vincent looks annoyed.]]} {Vincent (narrating): ... or at least a lawyer.}} {{[[Yuffie spreads her arms and happily explains her situation.]]} {Yuffie: All right, all right!  I can't tell you what happened in the Pagoda exactly, but it was part of this really long, boring and outdated ascension ritual!}} {{[[Yuffie holds up a finger while a chibi-Godo complains in the background.]]} {Yuffie: Usually only boys go through it, but since Godo managed to have me, that makes me the only heir to Wutai.  So I get to be the exception!} {Lord Godo Kisaragi: <<!@!>>  What?  It's a GIRL?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 022
c1id: 34119
c3file: 022.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie explains while a small masked ninja demonstrates.]]} {Yuffie: A warrior has to go through a buncha tests to become a full-fledged ninja...} {Yuffie: Weapons mastery} {Yuffie: Stealth} {Yuffie: And a journey to prove yourself.}} {{[[The masked ninja reveals herself to be Yuffie.]]} {<<(Guess who)>>} {Yuffie (narrating): But you have to do more than that if you want to be the next ruler of Wutai.}} {{[[Yuffie's sack is opened before her as she displays its shining, mysterious contents.]]} {Yuffie (narrating): You have to bring back something of worth during your journey.}} {{[[Yuffie rubs her chin and looks sheepish as Cloud dryly regards her.]]} {Yuffie: Well, I sorta vowed to bring back something that no one had ever seen before, something that would make Wutai great again.} {Cloud: ... our materia.}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face, yelling.]]} {Yuffie: NO NO NO!} {Yuffie: You don't understand anything, Cloud!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 023
c1id: 34120
c3file: 023.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie addresses Cloud and Tifa around the campfire.]]} {Yuffie: I promised to bring back something that NO ONE HAD EVER SEEN BEFORE.} {Cloud and Tifa: <<? ? ? ?>>} {Yuffie: I tried to steal your materia the first time, and I showed it to Godo and the others.}} {{[[Barret yells at Yuffie, who sticks her tongue out.]]} {Barret: And don't think we forgot it, brat!}} {{[[Yuffie looks incredulous.]]} {Yuffie: GEEZ!  You guys are really dense!  I showed your materia to Godo and then I GAVE IT BACK.}} {{[[Tifa notices the implication.]]} {Tifa: But Yuffie... we had already started mastering the magic materia back then... you took almost FIFTY different pieces of our materia...}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 024
c1id: 34122
c3file: 024.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks depressed while dark clouds swirl around her.]]} {Yuffie: You see what I mean?  I can't just take your materia anymore! And I don't want to, either!}} {{[[Yuffie looks up with determination and stars in her eyes.]]} {Yuffie: But I still need to bring back something of worth to Wutai, something no one has ever seen before!  That's why I need your materia.  Not all of it, just one little low-level sample of each kind.}} {{[[Barret yells at Yuffie, who grins.]]} {Yuffie: And not permanently!  I just need to borrow them, see, for a couple of years..} {Barret: A COUPLE OF YEARS!}} {{[[Cid rubs his chin while addressing Yuffie.]]} {Cid: @#!&?!, Yuffie!  What the !@#!%?! do you need all that materia for?}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie, looking unusually serious.]]} {Yuffie: Trust me, you don't want to know... but I promise to give it back, I do!  And I'll take good care of it!  You won't lose anything, I swear! PLEASE, I need to do this, and I want to do it with your permission!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 025
c1id: 34123
c3file: 025.txt
c2body:
{{[[Tifa clasps her hands together.]]} {Tifa: Of course you can have my materia, Yuffie!  Cloud said it himself. The world doesn't need warriors anymore.}} {{[[Tifa eyes Cloud sternly, who sweatdrops.]]} {Tifa: We don't need that materia, DO WE?} {Vincent (narrating): It was amusing to watch the exchange between Cloud and Tifa.  The woman might have been utterly devoted to the young man, but she still had a will of iron when it came to helping out her friends.}} {{[[Cloud shuts one eye and looks resigned.]]} {Cloud: OKAY, Yuffie.  But you're not getting any of the mastered materia. And we're going to expect you to return all of the summons and high-level magic to their rightful owners.} {Cloud: Otherwise I'M going to come looking for you.}} {{[[Yuffie grins.]]}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 026
c1id: 34125
c3file: 026.txt
c2body:
{{[[AVALANCHE members (Barret, Yuffie, Tifa, Cloud, Cid, Cait Sith, Vincent, Nanaki) celebrate around the campfire.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Of course, Cloud's declaration ended all semblance of normal conversation for that evening.}} {{[[A view of the airship, Highwind.]]} {Vincent (narrating): We parted ways the very next day.} {Vincent (narrating): And as I had desired, Cloud failed to approach me during his "interrogation" of our group.}} {{[[Present-day Vincent looking tired.]]} {Vincent (narrating): I wonder now if that had been a good idea.}} {{[[Vincent walking through the forest, carrying his sack of dead frogs.]]} {Vincent (narrating): I was the only one who successfully dodged the question of my responsibility to the planet.  If I had not been so reticent that evening, I might not be relegated to my current state...} {Vincent (narrating): A monster-killing mercenary in this post-Meteor world.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 027
c1id: 34126
c3file: 027.txt
c2body:
{{[[Tifa and Cloud, smiling.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Cloud and Tifa asked to be dropped off first in the remains of Midgar, to help the remaining survivors evacuate.  I know they eventually resettled in Costa del Sol after a few years.  Tifa now runs a successful bar there.} {Vincent (narrating): Cloud is the de facto village mayor, not that there is much to run there.} {Vincent (narrating): When he's not being called away on diplomatic business in the other budding cities nearby, he helps out at Tifa's bar.  Cloud makes a very intimidating, if a little short, bouncer.}} {{[[Side view of Vincent walking through the forest.]]} {Vincent (narrating): And as for me?  I asked to be returned to Nibelheim. I still remember Yuffie's parting call as we left Cosmo Canyon:}} {{[[Yuffie smiling and waving.]]} {Yuffie: Going back to sleep in that coffin for another 30 years, Vince?  You shoulda given me ALL your materia, jerk!}} {{Vincent (narrating): At the last minute, Cloud also gave me one final request:}} {{[[Cloud addresses Vincent.]]} {Cloud: Don't hide from the world anymore, Vincent.  Wake up.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 028
c1id: 34127
c3file: 028.txt
c2body:
{{[[The exterior of a bounty office building, with a portly balding man standing before it.]]}} {{[[A clawed hand accepts a pile of gil.]]} <<~Klink~>>} {{[[Vincent walks away from the bounty office.]]} {Vincent (narrating): This isn't being awake.  This is a living nightmare.}} {{[[Vincent ventures into the jungle, away from Gongaga.]]}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 029
c1id: 34128
c3file: 029.txt
c2body:
{{[[Overhead view of a forest canopy.]]} {<<-shhhhh->> <<rustle>> <<rustle>>}} {{[[Vincent pushes through some thick undergrowth.]]} {<<rustle>> <<rustle>>}} {{[[Broken up images of Vincent's boots and weary face.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Everyone has found their place.} <<Tromp>> {Vincent (narrating): Everyone but me.} {Vincent (narrating): What am I doing?} {Vincent (narrating): Where am I going?}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 030
c1id: 34131
c3file: 030.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent overlooks a waterfall from high above.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Here...} {Vincent (narrating): Home away from home.} {Vincent (narrating): Not quite the coffin in Nibelheim...} {Vincent (narrating): But still a grave.}} {{[[Vincent slides down a rocky hillside.]]} {<<Krrrrr>> <<Krrrrrr>>} {Vincent (narrating): Yuffie was right, I should have given her all of my materia.} {Vincent (narrating): It's not quite 30 years yet, but I already have 5 down as a dead man.  Perhaps the semblance of living is enough to fool the ones who hire me, but I'm not certain of what Cloud or the others think of me.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 031
c1id: 34132
c3file: 031.txt
c2body:
{{[[Montage image of Vincent with his gun, a business man, and flecks of blood.]]} {Vincent (narrating): The world knows me now as Vincent Valentine, the silent hunter who gets the job done.  What no one realizes is that my time with Cloud and the others has changed me.  I am burdened with a conscience now.} {Vincent (narrating): Meteor has forced people to rebuild.  New towns have been appearing over all the continents, and with them the inevitable struggles for power.  Newly installed leaders often ask for protection.  But more often than not, a client's initial request soon transforms into something darker. It doesn't take long for "protection" to turn into "intimidation" or even "assassination."} {Vincent (narrating): Mercenary work in this post-Meteor world is easy to come by.  Mercenary work for a man with a conscience is a completely different matter, though.  In the end, it all comes down to KILLING.} {Vincent (narrating): And I, Vincent Valentine, former professional killer, have lost my nerve.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 032
c1id: 34133
c3file: 032.txt
c2body:
{{[[Split panel of Vincent's head as he walks.]]} {Vincent (narrating): All that is left for me is to protect the smaller towns from their occasional wildlife problems.}} {{Vincent (narrating): This is no way for a man to live.  ...  It's not even a way for ME to live.}} {{[[Vincent stands at the bottom of the waterfall.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Home.  Not my home.  Lucretia's home.}} {{[[Vincent looks up at the falling water.]]} {Vincent (narrating): What is this feeling?  Regret?  Regret is hard for a man whose heart has shrivelled and died.  If not regret...}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 033
c1id: 34135
c3file: 033.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's hand parts the waterfall.]] <<Shhhhhhh>>} {Vincent: Lucretia...}} {{[[Vincent allows himself to be doused by the waterfall.  In the background, a faint image of Lucrecia smiles.]]} <<Vincent...>> {Vincent (narrating): Lucretia is not here.} {Vincent (narrating): Lucretia is gone.}} {{[[Vincent's cloak drips onto the floor of a cave.]]} {<<plink>> <<plink>>} {Vincent (narrating): The phantom I once met here was a restless spirit.}} {{[[Vincent stares at a shining altar, over which a faint image of Lucrecia appears.]]} {Vincent (narrating): The remains of what was once a woman, prolonged only by the unholy power of Jenova.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 034
c1id: 34136
c3file: 034.txt
c2body:
{{[[Montage of Jenova, Sephiroth, Lucrecia and Vincent.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Still, it had been long enough for her to express her discontent to me one final time.} {Vincent (narrating): And then we destroyed Sephiroth, and with him the last remains of Jenova...} {Vincent (narrating): ... And Lucretia.} {Vincent (narrating): My son and my lover, with one sweeping blow.} {Vincent (narrating): Is this love, Lucretia?}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 035
c1id: 34138
c3file: 035.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent places his human hand on his chest.]]} {Vincent (narrating): This place is beautiful, but empty.} {Vincent (narrating): This feeling, again.  I know this feeling.} {Vincent (narrating): Lucretia...}} {{[[Vincent's eyes cloud over with blackness.]]} {Vincent (narrating): You were never here.}} {{[[Wings burst out of Vincent's back as he begins to transform.]]} <<AAAAAAHHHHH!>> {Vincent (narrating): My Lucretia was never here.} {Vincent (narrating): My Lucretia...}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 036
c1id: 34139
c3file: 036.txt
c2body:
{{[[Chaos leaps through the air, smashing things.]]} <<RARRGH!>> {Vincent (narrating): ... Never was.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 037
c1id: 34140
c3file: 037.txt
c2body:
{{[[Pieces of black like broken glass fall into place, forming into an unconscious and human Vincent.]]} {Vincent: Ugh...}} {{[[Vincent sits up, rubbing his head, amidst the rubble.]]} {Vincent (narrating): What happened?  Why did the Chaos beast emerge?  Why.. why did I come here?  Why did I do this?}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 038
c1id: 34141
c3file: 038.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent notices something.]]}} {{[[Vincent's gun is on the floor.]]} {Vincent: My gun...}} {{[[Vincent picks up his gun and studies it.  Behind him, a ghostly Lucrecia leans on his shoulders.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Lucretia...} {Vincent (narrating): She was so strikingly beautiful.  Those emerald green eyes, her long, flowing hair.  I would have done anything she asked, anything at all.}} {{[[Flashback: Vincent sees Lucrecia and Hojo holding hands.  Present-day Vincent grips his chest once more.]]} {Vincent (narrating): So why did she marry Hojo?  What mistake did I make?} {Vincent (narrating): This feeling again.  It's weaker now, spent, but still trapped inside of me.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 039
c1id: 34143
c3file: 039.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent stares at a piece of crystal in his hand.]]} {Vincent (narrating): I transformed into Chaos & destroyed what was once my home.}} {{[[Vincent's hand crushes the crystal.]]} <<CRACK>>} {{[[Montage of Vincent standing back-to-back with Chaos.]]} {Vincent (narrating): But Chaos only emerges under duress... or pressure from overwhelming negative emotions.  Emotions usually of uncontrollable rage.} {Vincent (narrating): So I'm angry.}} {{[[Vincent knees and drops the broken crystal.]]} <<~Plink~>> {Vincent (narrating): It seems ridiculous that it took this long to realize it.}} {{[[Vincent looks up, weary, while a ghostly Lucrecia kisses him on the cheek.]]} {Vincent (narrating): It's a thin line between love & hate.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 040
c1id: 34144
c3file: 040.txt
c2body:
{{[[Text boxes shaped like puzzle pieces.]]} {Vincent (narrating): The reasons were always there,} {Vincent (narrating): Like pieces of a puzzle.} {Vincent (narrating): But I never saw the complete picture.}} {{[[Young Turk Vincent reminisces about his time with Lucrecia.]]} {Vincent (narrating): I was young and foolish,} {Vincent (narrating): Only 27 at the time.} {Vincent (narrating): I was moving up in the Turks, & I was sure you'd be at my side when I reached the top.} {Vincent (narrating): You must have known, though.  You were always dedicated to your career before anything else.} {Vincent (narrating): I must have infected you like a disease with my passion & fervor.}} {{[[A candle burns.]]} {Vincent (narrating): And then it happened.}} {{[[Silhouettes of Vincent and Lucrecia together in bed.  In the foreground, a small picture of Lucrecia, obviously pregnant.]]} {Vincent (narrating): 35 years of work, 35 years of a life dedicated to science were blown away like a candle in a gale force wind.} {Vincent (narrating): All for a single night of passion.  That was all you ever let me have.  But it was enough.  No wonder you hated me.  Loved and hated me, just as I loved and hated you.  Just as we loved and hated our son.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 041
c1id: 34158
c3file: 041.txt
c2body:
{{[[Present-day Vincent stands in the ruined cave, holding his gun.]]} {Vincent (narrating): My gun... It was Lucretia's gift to me during our last sally to destroy Sephiroth.}} {{[[Vincent holds the gun before his face, his eyes closed.]]} {Vincent (narrating): And yet...}} {{[[Vincent stands before the ruined altar, as the ghostly images of both Lucrecia and Jenova wrap around him.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Though she never knew him, he was her son.  But she was also a part of Jenova.  So why did she help me?  Thinking too much about the webs of deception we spun around each other makes my head ache and my heart long for simpler times.  When love was absolute, and Lucretia's actions were simply a fluke.} {Vincent (narrating): But I see now we had been dancing around each other like wolves in the hunt all this time.  30 years in the coffin only delayed our game of wits, not ended it.} {Vincent (narrating): And Lucretia's gifts were a double-edged sword.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 042
c1id: 34160
c3file: 042.txt
c2body:
{{[[A closeup of Vincent's rifle, surrounded by mist.]]} {Vincent (narrating): The Death Penalty.  A superb rifle.  Its craftsmanship unearthly in nature.  The gun responds to my will and desires, growing stronger with each foe I fell.} {Vincent (narrating): But that is the crux of the matter.  WIthout it, I would never have survived Sephiroth's final onslaught.  But using it chains me to my fate.}} {{[[Ghostly Lucrecia whispers into Vincent's ear.]]} {Lucrecia: Kill, or be killed.  Destruction is the way to power.  And you, you will always be trapped in this path.  A reminder of your bloody past, and your hopeless future.}} {{[[Vincent stares at his claw as he begins to shake.]]} {<<jitter>> <<jitter>>}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 043
c1id: 34161
c3file: 043.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent shakes and smiles at the ghostly figure of Lucrecia.]]} {<<jitter>> <<jitter>>} {Vincent: And Chaos.} {Vincent: We can't forget Chaos, now can we?}} {{[[Silhouette of Chaos.]]} {Vincent (narrating): The ultimate monster, the ultimate power.} {Vincent (narrating): My first transformation left even Cloud a little wary of me, and rightly so.  The monster within me is uncontrollable, just like all the others.  But Chaos is the only one that has a spark of intelligence, a spark of consciousness reflecting the dark side of my will.}} {{[[Faded image of Vincent, quaffing a potion.]]} {Vincent (narrating): I still remember exactly what I was thinking as I imbibed myself with the flask that unleashed its terrible power.  I'm becoming less human.  Lucretia's blessing.  Lucretia's curse.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 045
c1id: 34163
c3file: 045.txt
c2body:
{{[[Outside of the Waterfall Cavern.]]} <<sssshh>>} {{[[Vincent looks up at the evening sky.]]} {Vincent: Rest... I need rest.}} {{[[The moon and the night sky.]]} {Vincent (narrating): It's night already?} {Vincent (narrating): The stars are clear here.  It must be the proximity to Cosmo Canyon, where humans have learned to co-exist with the planet.} {Vincent (narrating): ... Cosmo Canyon.}} {{[[Vincent looks thoughtful.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Bugenhagen...} {Vincent (narrating): He'll understand my burden.  He might be able to give me some advice.}} {{[[Vincent up the rocky cliffside in the moonlight.]]} {Vincent (narrating): And I could use some rest,} {Vincent (narrating): Some blessed peace.} {Narrator: End Chapter 1}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 080
c1id: 34219
c3file: 080.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent addresses Yuffie.]]} {Vincent: Yuffie, I really had no part in this effort.  You don't have to thank me.}} {{[[Vincent sweatdrops.]]}} {{[[Yuffie stares.]]} {Yuffie (quiet): Hmm...}} {{[[Yuffie hugs Vincent.]]} {Yuffie: Oh, just shut up, Vince, shut up!  You need to learn when to keep your big mouth shut!}} {{{{color}}} {{{colored by Andy Goth}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 090
c1id: 34231
c3file: 090.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent listens silently to the conversation.]]}} {{Yuffie: So what's ol' Hargo been up to?}} {{Nanaki: He finally asked Maria for her hand in marriage.}} {{Yuffie: WHAT?  No way!  He's so old!  Talk about waitin' till the last minute!}} {{[[Vincent continues to listen as Yuffie and Nanaki chat.]]}} {{Yuffie: Speakin' of slowpokes, wanna hear what Cid said about Cloud and Tifa?}} {{Nanaki: And what was that?}} {{Yuffie: NOTHING!  Nothin's changed!}} {{[[A closeup of Yuffie's sneakers and Nanaki's paws.]]}} {{Yuffie: Can you believe how slow they're going?  Tifa must have the patience of a saint.}} {{Nanaki: Maybe they aren't ready for a relationship yet, Yuffie.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 091
c1id: 34232
c3file: 091.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie imagines herself wearing a wig and jumping on Cloud.]]}} {{<<Tifa Wig>>}} {{Yuffie: I mean it!  If I were Tifa, I'd be all over Cloud like butter on bread!  How can she stand it?  He's gorgeous!  And he obviously likes her, too.}} {{[[Clouseup of Nanaki.]]}} {{Nanaki: So you're still not over your obsession with Cloud.  Don't you think it's a lost cause by now?}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie.]]}} {{Yuffie: Oh, come on Red!  It's not like I'd ever have a chance with him anyway.}} {{[[Yuffie posing with a hand over her forehead.]]}} {{<<overly dramatic>>}} {{Yuffie: I have the luck of an icicle in the fires of the Da Chao when it comes to romance!}} {{[[Nanaki sticks his tongue out.]]}} {{Nanaki: That's only too true.  You always did pick strange sorts to develop crushes on.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 092
c1id: 34233
c3file: 092.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks over her shoulder at Nanaki.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hey, I can't help myself!  I'm just a sucker for blonde, blue-eyed, muscular hunks like Cloud!}} {{[[Young, shirtless Cid poses in Yuffie's imagination.]]}} {{<<young cid>>}} {{Yuffie: Now, if only Cid was 15 years younger... and single!}} {{[[Nanaki accompanying Yuffie down some steps.]]}} {{Yuffie: Who ever knew the old fart could be so cool?  Shera's really lucky. How many kids do they have now, anyway?}} {{[[Yuffie sweatdrops and looks horrified.]]}} {{Nanaki: Two, and I'm holding you to that bet.  I appreciate the effort you're going to put into creating your "Materia Study" essays for us.}} {{Yuffie: WHAT?!}} {{[[Yuffie and Nanaki argue at the base of the steps; some herbs are shown in the foreground.]]}} {{Yuffie: No way!  At least wait until he hits 40!  I've only got four more years until I have to go back to Wutai, and there's still a ton of materia to master!  I don't have time to write!}} {{Nanaki: Two weeks is plenty of time to start, Yuffie.}} {{Yuffie: Ugh, I knew I should have sent Shera some of those Wutanese fertility herbs.  I mean, they LOOK like tea!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 093
c1id: 34234
c3file: 093.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie talks.]]}} {{Yuffie: Cid and Shera are practically family to me now.  I'd almost consider Cid like a dad! ... well, a really foul-mouthed dad, maybe.  Still a better one than Godo, though.  Hey, you think I can get little Jesse to call me "Aunt Yuffie?"}} {{[[Nanaki imagining a girl swearing.]]}} {{Nanaki: Probably not.  You would have more success asking her to call you $#?!$# Aunt Yuffie.}} {{[[Yuffie runs off towards a pool while Vincent and Nanaki watch.]]}} {{Yuffie: You swore, you swore!  Nanaki, you bad kitty, I'm going to tell Bugenhagen all about it!  Hee hee!}} {{Nanaki: Exuberant, isn't she?}} {{Vincent: Indeed.  Where exactly are we?  This looks like an underground spring of some sort.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 094
c1id: 34235
c3file: 094.txt
c2body:
{{[[Closeup of Nanaki's profile.]]}} {{Nanaki: This cavern is fed from the subterranean spring that runs underneath Cosmo Canyon.  I use it as a personal bath.}} {{[[Overview of the pool.]]}} {{[[Vincent looks up.]]}} {{Vincent: A bath?}} {{[[Yuffie hums and strips her sweater off.]]}} {{[[Vincent looks at Yuffie and is shocked.]]}} {{Vincent: !! What is she doing?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 095
c1id: 34236
c3file: 095.txt
c2body:
{{[[Split panel of Vincent and Nanaki talking.]]}} {{Nanaki: I believe you humans call it "bathing."}} {{[[Nanaki notices something.]]}} {{[[Nanaki walks away as Yuffie steps into the pond, holding her sweater and shorts.]]}} {{Nanaki: Yuffie!  I'll be right back.  I forgot to bring the towels. I'll get you some right away.}} {{Yuffie: Hee!  Warm!}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's head.]]}} {{Yuffie: No problem!  Be sure to bring some scissors, too.  I want Vincent to cut my hair when I'm done.}} {{[[Chibi Vincent sweatdrops and is horrified.]]}} {{Vincent: WHAT?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 098
c1id: 34239
c3file: 098.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie pulls at her hair.]]}} {{Yuffie: Ugh!  My hair is like a helmet now!  Why do you think Nanaki took me all the way down here?  It takes days for the spring to recover after I've bathed in it.  That's why I don't bother using the communal bathing pools further upstairs.}} {{[[Vincent watches as Yuffie points him away.]]}} {{Yuffie: Just... sit down over there and turn around when I'm done with my hair.  It's going to take a while.}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{[[Vincent seats himself on a rock.]]}} {{Yuffie: ... damn stuff is too long, it has to go!  Ow!  OWW! %&!#?!  GAWD! Long hair sucks!  I don't know how Tifa managed to keep hers looking so pretty during that entire ordeal...}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 099
c1id: 34240
c3file: 099.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent watches Yuffie as she splashes around.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie... I'm still not entirely clear on certain details of your explanation.}} {{<<splash>> <<splash>>}} {{[[Vincent makes an about-face.]]}} {{Yuffie: Okay, turn around now.  Ugh, this outfit is so tight...}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{Yuffie: Hey!  I heard that "..."!}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face.]]}} {{Yuffie: Yeah, Vince, so whatcha wanna know?  SHOOT!  ... well, not literally. I mean, that would hurt.}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent's face.]]}} {{Vincent: Very funny, Yuffie.  Would you please try to be serious for once? It's been five years since we parted.  But Nanaki stated that you've only spent two years living in the Crater.  Your current level of mako exposure seems to confirm that.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 100
c1id: 34241
c3file: 100.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's profile slowly displays less patience.]]}} {{<<*splash*>> <<*splash*>><<*splash*>>}} {{Yuffie: Shoot, where did my shorts go?}} <<*splash*>> {{Yuffie: AH HA!  Wow... white shorts have got to be the stupidest idea I've had since trying to make Nanaki wear those stockings...}} {{[[Vincent, furious, whirls around.]]}} {{Vincent: ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?!}} {{[[Yuffie looks up from her shorts, practically naked.  Her body is very scarred.]]}} {{Yuffie: Huh?  Oh, sorry Vincent.}} {{[[Vincent turns around, a hand to his forehead.]]}} {{Yuffie: You were asking what I was doing before, right?}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face.]]}} {{Yuffie: I knew what I wanted to do with that materia from the start.}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's hand touching the water.]]}} {{Yuffie: So I asked Nanaki if I could leave some of my supplies here while Cid ferried me back up to the Northern Crater.}} {{Chibi Nanaki: 100!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 101
c1id: 34243
c3file: 101.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie explains as she imagines angry chibi versions of Cid and Nanaki yelling at her.]]}} {{Yuffie: Of course they knew it was a totally great plan right from the start!}} {{Cid: NO &$%!#!' WAY!}} {{Nanaki: ABSOLUTELY NOT!}} {{Yuffie (narrating): It took a couple of weeks to work out the details.}} {{[[Yuffie being obstinate as Cid and Nanaki yell at her.]]}} {{Yuffie: Yeah, yeah!}} {{Cid: ?!#%!!}} {{Nanaki: Hmm...}} {{Yuffie (narrating): Nanaki would come with me, and Cid agreed to pick us up after 3 months.}} {{[[Distant silhouette of Yuffie and Nanaki at the Crater, with a closeup of Yuffie and Nanaki in their battle equipment in the foreground.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): I won't lie.  It was hard being up there, just the two of us.  But we managed to survive.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 102
c1id: 34244
c3file: 102.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Nanaki waving in the distance.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): Cid arrived on schedule and we came back to Cosmo.}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki with eyes closed.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): I told them I wanted to rest up a few weeks before we left again.  Nanaki, though, he didn't want to go back the second time, see. He hadn't gotten the idea for the Cosmo Collection yet.}} {{[[Yuffie standing in the water, covering her scars.]]}} {{Yuffie: The second trip sorta didn't go so well...}} {{[[Yuffie being disembowled by a monster.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): I kinda got hurt by one of the monsters there.}} {{[[Yuffie's stomach, her hand covering the scars.  In the background, a younger Yuffie is passed out, covered in her own blood.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): Nanaki wasn't there to help me out that time.  Cid figured something was up when I didn't make it back to the usual pick-up spot.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 103
c1id: 34245
c3file: 103.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid carrying a passed out Yuffie in his arms.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): He came and rescued my sorry butt and dragged me all the way back to Cosmo Canyon.}} {{[[Yuffie, her back to Vincent, still bathing.]]}} {{Yuffie: It was a really nasty wound!  Took me about six months to recover, and there you have the first year!}} {{[[Vincent looking perturbed.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): What changed her so?  Yuffie has always been reckless, but this is unusual even for her.  She speaks of her near-death experience as carelessly as she complains about her love life to Nanaki.  Like it is a matter of little importance.}} {{[[Yuffie splashes in the water, Vincent in the foreground looks annoyed.]]}} {{Yuffie: So anyway, after that little stunt I fugured I needed some training before I could get back to the Crater.}} {{Vincent: Not only training...}} {{Yuffie: Did you say something?}} {{Vincent: No, please go on.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 104
c1id: 34246
c3file: 104.txt
c2body:
{{[[Overhead view of Junon.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): Cid and Nanaki wouldn't let me go back anyway, so I got them to take me to Junon.}} {{[[Reeve holding his arms out.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): I met Reeve there.  You should see him now!  He has the cutest little goatee...}} {{[[Reeve yelling at Yuffie, as she imagines Cait Sith yelling at her instead.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): And when he gets mad, he really does look like Cait Sith! Anyway, I convinced him to let me use the submarine, so I could start training in the Gelnika.}} {{[[The submarine and sunken cargo plane, underwater.]]}} {{Vincent: Gelnika, Shinra's sunken cargo plane?  It's still there?}} {{Yuffie: Oh yeah, you know Shinra built their war machines to last.  ...well, against everything but the Weapons, hee hee.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 105
c1id: 34247
c3file: 105.txt
c2body:
{{Yuffie (narrating): Nanaki would come down there with us sometimes, and Cid always had to drive the sub.}} {{[[Cid at the submarine controls, looking annoyed, while Yuffie holds her hands over her mouth and Nanaki looks worried.]]}} {{Yuffie: <<*hurk*>>}} {{Nanaki: Can you get us there any faster?}} {{Cid: %&!?!#!!}} {{Yuffie (narrating): Gawd!  It's worse than the airship, you know? They'd strap me down with Tranquillizers so I wouldn't yak all over the place!}} {{[[Yuffie smiling cheekily and giving a thumbs-up.]]}} {{Yuffie: I spent almost a year being ferried to that hell-hole.  Sometimes it made the Crater seem like paradise!}} {{[[Yuffie pointing at her chest with pride, while imagining a chibi version of herself slinging Cloud's Buster Sword.]]}} {{Yuffie: I got stronger and better at fighting.  I might still look skinny, but I bet I could lift Cloud's sword and swing it around a few times now!}} {{<<a little overconfident>>}} {{[[Slightly older Yuffie posing with the Conformer.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): It worked, though.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 106
c1id: 34248
c3file: 106.txt
c2body:
{{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face, Northern Crater in the background.]]}} {{Yuffie: After that, going to the Crater was easier.  It's been that way for the past two years now.  Three months in the Crater, two weeks back at the Canyon.}} {{[[Yuffie in profile.]]}} {{Yuffie: Gonna keep doing it until I've finished my quest.  But... it gets easier each time, you know?}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face, smiling wryly.]]}} {{Yuffie: Maybe it's all that mako poisoning you guys keep going on about.}} {{[[Vincent looking over his shoulder.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): It's strange... we all found our own ways to deal with difficult situations through the years.  But this...}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 107
c1id: 34249
c3file: 107.txt
c2body:
{{[[Montage of Yuffie as Vincent remembers her, Vincent's face in the background.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): Her behaviour worried me.  It was obvious that there was more to Yuffie than her jubilant attitude led us to believe.}} {{[[Yuffie holding a smiling actor's mask before her serious face.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): But she used her cheer like a wall of armour to keep the rest of the world at bay.  Intrusions into her personal life were neither welcome nor desired.  No... it was more than just defense.  She pointed her smiles at others as insolently as I might point my gun at a foe.}} {{[[Text box.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): This is my life, she was really saying.}} {{[[Yuffie looking angry.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): You better just accept it or get out of my way.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 108
c1id: 34250
c3file: 108.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looking annoyed, in the next panel Yuffie looking surprised over her shoulder.]]}} {{Vincent: Gaining power through violence isn't the answer to your problems, Yuffie.}} {{[[Vincent thinking, silhouette of Vincent in the foreground.]]}} {{Vincent: Believe me.  I know this from experience, years of knowledge I wish I had never collected, gained through pain and suffering.  You're choosing a dangerous path.}} {{[[Yuffie looking surprised.]]}} {{Yuffie: My... problems?}} {{[[Yuffie's face, masked in shadows.]]}} {{Yuffie: ...}} {{[[Yuffie's face, masked in shadows, smiling now.]]}} {{Yuffie: Funny hearing that lecture coming from YOU, Valentine.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 109
c1id: 34251
c3file: 109.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie standing in the water, looking very angry and pointing.]]}} {{Yuffie: Listen, I don't tell you how to live your life, so don't tell me how to live mine.  You wanted to leave us and do your own thing for five years? Fine by me!  You won't hear me complaining about how rude that was.  I bet Nanaki already gave you a good talking to, and you can thank your sorry ass Cloud wasn't here to do it instead.  I won't ever give you any of that !?#@! So the least you can do is KEEP YOUR OWN DAMN OPINIONS TO YOURSELF!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 110
c1id: 34252
c3file: 110.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks surprised.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{[[Vincent smiles wryly and closes his eyes.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): She was right.}} {{[[Vincent leaning over and clasping his hands together, with chains around him in the background.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): I myself hated being lectured to.  And while I was finding this brief reunion actually quite enjoyable, the last person I wanted to see at the moment was Cloud. There was still so much I had to sort out and come to terms with on my own.  Being confronted with moralizing friends wouldn't have helped.}} {{[[Yuffie in the background, Vincent looking disturbed in the foreground.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Still... the next words were difficult to form.}} {{Vincent: I apologize, Yuffie.  My comments were... inappropriate.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 111
c1id: 34253
c3file: 111.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie has her back turned, but slowly turns around.]]}} {{Yuffie: ...  Like I said, get over yourself.}} {{[[Vincent smiles in the foreground, as Yuffie gives him 'the finger' in the background.]]}} <<CENSORED>> {{Yuffie: It'll take more than a few words from you to crush my delicate feminine ego!}} {{Vincent (thinking): Hmm, still the same girl after all - quick to anger, and even quicker to forget.}} {{[[Yuffie puts her finger on her chin.]]}} {{Yuffie: Where is Nanaki, anyway?}} {{[[Yuffie sniffs her armpit.]]} {<<*sniff sniff*>>} {Yuffie: If I don't get some soap soon, I think I'm gonna scream!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 112
c1id: 34254
c3file: 112.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki comes down the stairs with a bag in his mouth.]]}} {{Nanaki: Mrph?}} {{[[Nanaki spits the bag out.  It falls open to reveal soap and shampoo.]]}} <<*ptooeh*>> {{[[Yuffie swims over as Nanaki watches.]]}} {{Nanaki: I'm sorry for the delay, but it took a little time to explain why I needed a pair of shears to Elder Bugah.}} {{[[Yuffie's hand reaches for the bag.]]}} {{Yuffie: Soap!  Lavender, too!  Nanaki, I swear you're my hero!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 113
c1id: 34255
c3file: 113.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki seats himself next to Vincent.]]}} {{Nanaki: Fickle human...  I take it you both have had plenty of time to discuss your issues.  Which leaves me with the opportunity to voice my own.}} {{[[Nanaki addresses Yuffie.]]}} {{Nanaki: Why do you want me to accompany you to the Crater this time, Yuffie?  The planet is still restless and angry there.  It makes me feel... uncomfortable.}} {{[[Yuffie scrubs herself with soap while addressing Nanaki.]]}} {{Yuffie: That's right!  With all the excitement Vince stirred up, I almost forgot to tell you my big-big news!  You're gonna love this!  I found a wandering tribe in the Northern Crater, things that weren't monsters.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 114
c1id: 34256
c3file: 114.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki looks shocked.]]}} {{Yuffie: They were just like you, Nanaki!  A tribe of giant, intelligent flaming cats!  I think they moved up there recently, and have been searching for a home for almost fifty years now!  They seemed really interested when I told them about you and Cosmo Canyon, I think they wanted to meet you. Think about it!  Your love life might actually get better than mine after this!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 115
c1id: 34257
c3file: 115.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki crouches over, his eyes shadowed.]]}} {{Nanaki: Yuffie.  What did they call themselves?}} {{[[Yuffie smiles.]]}} {{Yuffie: The Gi tribe!  Isn't it fantastic?  So, are you gonna come with me, or what?}} {{[[Nanaki growls in pain as he remembers an attack, when he was still a cub.]]}} {{Nanaki (narrating): The cursed Gi tribe.  They who robbed me of my parents, and my clan.  They live still!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 116
c1id: 34258
c3file: 116.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent and Yuffie look shocked as an angry Nanaki erupts into flames.]]}} {{Vincent: !!!}} {{Yuffie: AAH!}} <<fwoosh>> {{Nanaki (narrating): I must calm down.  I'm frightening them.}} {{[[Nanaki claws at the ground.]]}} <<shhhh...>> {{[[Yuffie covers her mouth.]]}} {{Yuffie: Nanaki?  Did I say something wrong?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 117
c1id: 34259
c3file: 117.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki crouches and shivers.]]}} {{Nanaki: No... you couldn't have known.  Neither of you were there when I discovered the truth of my past and my clan.  It is something old Cloud, Aeris and Bugenhagen would have understood.}} {{[[Yuffie addresses Nanaki.]]}} {{Yuffie: ...  I don't get it.  Why aren't you happy?  You're not the last of your kind.  There's more!  There's a chance for you to have a family, and a tribe again!  Don't you want to see that happen?}} {{[[Nanaki snarls.]]}} {{Nanaki: Enough!  So you want to know how I feel?  The Gi tribe gave me my scar.  The Gi tribe killed my parents.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 119
c1id: 34261
c3file: 119.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie weeps as Vincent watches.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{Yuffie: <<*hic*>> <<*sniffle*>> <<*hic*>>}} {{Vincent: <<*sigh*>>} {Vincent (thinking): Things were going so well.}} {{[[Vincent hunches over, looking annoyed, as chibi versions of Yuffie and Nanaki appear beside him.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): So how did I end up stuck between an angry feline and an emotional young girl?}} {{[[Vincent thinks, grimacing.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): I've never been skilled with these types of situations. Stilll, I can't just leave her like this.}} {{Vincent: It was an honest mistake, Yuffie.  It will pass.}} {{Vincent (thinking): There.  Blunt, but accurate.  My duty is done.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 120
c1id: 34262
c3file: 120.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent stands to leave, but Yuffie catches his claw.]]}} {{Yuffie: HOLD IT!}} {{[[Vincent grimaces.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): ...  what now?}} {{[[Yuffie glares.]]}} {{Yuffie: Your social skills could use some work, Vince.}} {{[[Vincent seats himself next to Yuffie, looking shocked.  A pair of scissors is shown in the foreground.]]}} {{Yuffie: That's OK, I forgive you.  I bet you're kinda out of practice anyway. Thanks for trying to make me feel better, even if you do SUCK at it.  But you can't leave yet.  I still need you to cut my hair!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 121
c1id: 34263
c3file: 121.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie holds the scissors up with a wink.]]}} {{Yuffie: C'mon, c'mon, you know you wanna do it!}} {{[[Chibi Yuffie waves the scissors around while chibi Vincent stares.]]}} {{<<woosh>> <<woosh>> <<woosh>>}} {{Vincent: Watch where you point that thing.}} {{[[Vincent sweatdrops and sighs.]]}} <<*sigh*>> {{Vincent (thinking): That girl is certifiably insane.}} {{[[Vincent glares at Yuffie, who looks surprised.]]}} {{Vincent: Fine.}} {{Yuffie: <<surprised>>}} {{[[Vincent holds his hands out for the scissors while Yuffie cheers.]]}} {{Vincent: Just give me those before you hurt someone.}} {{Yuffie: YES!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 122
c1id: 34264
c3file: 122.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent sweatdrops while staring at the scissors.]]}} {{<<never cut hair in his life>>}} {{Vincent: One of the village women would certainly be a better choice than myself...}} {{[[Yuffie fluffs her hair.]]}} {{Yuffie: No way!  I tried that before!}} {{[[Yuffie explains, while chibi images of idealized 'girl' Yuffie and 'long haired' Yuffie combine to form the idealized 'Wutanese Yuffie']]}} {{Yuffie: All the women here are really dorky, they keep on goin' on about my looks...  that I should dress nicer... or grow my hair out... just so I could be more ladylike!}} {{<<Yuffie's nightmare>>}} {{Yuffie: Gawd!  It's almost like being back in Wutai again!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 123
c1id: 34265
c3file: 123.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks over her shoulder at Vincent, who still looks uneasy.]]}} {{Yuffie: So, are you gonna help me or what?}} {{[[Yuffie complains.]]}} {{Yuffie: Well, come on, my hair's not gonna bite you.  At least I think I washed out everything that might.}} {{[[Vincent holds out the scissors.]]}} {{Vincent: ... fine.}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent's eyes.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): I can do this.}} {{[[Scary silhouette of Vincent brandishes the scissors as Yuffie panics and sweatdrops.]]}} <<WOOOOOO>> {{Yuffie: Whoa... hang on a second there, Vince!  Geez, you're so uptight. Just relax, will ya?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 124
c1id: 34266
c3file: 124.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent holds the scissors like a weapon, as Yuffie reassures him.]]}} {{Yuffie: Trust me, you're not gonna ruin my hair.  I don't care how it looks! Just make it short-short-SHORT!}} {{[[Yuffie sweatdrops.]]}} {{Yuffie: Uh... but you might accidentally decapitate me if you don't loosen up, you know.}} {{[[Vincent approaches Yuffie with the scissors.]]}} {{Vincent: Are you sure?}} {{Yuffie: ...}} {{[[Vincent begins to cut Yuffie's hair.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): It's a pity...  Wutanese hair.}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's hair being grasped by Vincent's claw.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): It always grows long and straight.  Hers is unusually thick, though.  With her lifestyle, it's no surprise she wants it gone.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 125
c1id: 34267
c3file: 125.txt
c2body:
{{[[Closeup of Yuffie's hair being cut.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Still... it is a shame.}} <<snip>> {{Vincent (thinking): If she was the type to let it grow long, I'm sure it would be a beautiful sight.}} {{[[A tuft of Yuffie's hair falls to the ground.]]}} {{Yuffie (thinking): My hair...}} {{[[Yuffie grimaces as Vincent cuts her hair.]]}} {{Yuffie (thinking): I have my mom's hair.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 126
c1id: 34268
c3file: 126.txt
c2body:
{{[[A long-haired woman smiles, as another tuft of Yuffie's hair floats to the ground.]]}} <<snip>> {{[[A young Yuffie stares upwards at a lock of hair.]]}} {{Yuffie: Ooooh!}} {{[[Young Yuffie smiles and grabs at her mother's hair.]]}} <<*giggle*>> {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 127
c1id: 34269
c3file: 127.txt
c2body:
{{[[A woman pulls back a sliding door.]]}} <<swish>> {{[[The woman gasps.]]}} <<*gasp*>> {{[[Young Yuffie pulls at her mother's hair.]]}} {{Yuffie: Pretty!}} {{[[The woman jumps between Yuffie and her mother.]]}} {{Woman: Yuffie!  Stop that this instant!}} {{[[The woman scolds Yuffie.]]}} {{Woman: You know how long it takes Lady Kisaragi to fix her hair!}} {{Yuffie: Humph!}} {{[[The woman and Yuffie look up.]]}} {{Lady Kisaragi: It's alright, Chekhov.}} {{[[Lady Kisaragi smiles.]]}} {{Lady Kisaragi: She is my daughter, after all.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 128
c1id: 34270
c3file: 128.txt
c2body:
{{[[Lady Kisaragi hefts Yuffie into the air.]]}} {{Lady Kisaragi: One day, you will have my hair too, Yuffie, and then you can do whatever you like with it.}} {{[[A bloody sword splits the peaceful tableau.  Underneath it, Sephiroth grins maniacally.]]}} <<SCRITCH>> {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 129
c1id: 34271
c3file: 129.txt
c2body:
{{[[Young Yuffie reaches out, with tears in her eyes.]]}} {{Yuffie: MAMA!}} {{[[Lady Kisaragi falls, her eyes go blank.]]}} {{Lady Kisaragi: Yu...ffie...}} {{[[Sephiroth looks down on Godo, who is crouched over his wife.]]}} {{Sephiroth: You have lost this war.  Know your place.}} {{[[Godo looks up.]]}} {{Godo: Enough!  It... is enough.  ...Wutai surrenders.}} {{[[Yuffie cries.]]}} {{Yuffie: I hate you!  I hate you both!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 130
c1id: 34588
c3file: 130.txt
c2body:
{{[[A teenaged Yuffie yells.]]}} {{Yuffie: I hate you!}} {{[[Yuffie and Godo face off.]]}} {{Godo: You're a terrible daughter!  Do you know that?}} {{[[Yuffie glares at Godo, who glares back.]]}} {{Yuffie: You're not too hot as a dad either, old man.}} {{Godo: What was that?!}} {{[[Yuffie turns her back to Godo, Godo turns his back to Yuffie.]]}} {{Yuffie: Nothin'.}} {{[[Godo closes his eyes wearily.]]}} {{Godo: This is exactly why you need more discipline, Yuffie. ...}} {{[[Godo opens his eyes, Yuffie looks over her shoulder.]]}} {{Godo: Must you really continue to blame me?}} {{Yuffie: Dad...}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 131
c1id: 34692
c3file: 131.txt
c2body:
{{[[Godo grins sneakily at a surprised Yuffie.]]}} {{Godo: <<guilt trip master>> So my daughter, does that mean you'll wear the kimono now?}} {{[[Yuffie growls as Godo points at her.]]}} <<*grr*>> {{Yuffie: Dad!  I never said-}} {{Godo: AND you'll let hair grow.}} {{[[Yuffie's eyes widen.]]}} {{Godo: It's fitting for a daughter of Wutai.  Besides, you'd look just like your mother.}} {{Yuffie: !!}} {{[[Yuffie cries as she cuts her own hair.]]}} {{Yuffie: NEVER!  I'll never grow out my hair.}} <<SNIP>> {{[[Present-day Yuffie cries as Vincent continues to cut her hair.]]}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 132
c1id: 35135
c3file: 132.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent pauses as Yuffie addresses him.]]}} {{Yuffie: Vincent...}} {{[[Yuffie looks down, her hair half-long, half-short.]]}} {{Yuffie: You're being too careful.  Do it faster.}} {{[[Vincent looks on as Yuffie plants her cheek into a palm.]]}} {{Yuffie: I don't care what it looks like...}} {{[[text boxes]]}} {{Yuffie: Just get rid of it.}} {{Narrator: Elsewhere...}} <<RRGH!>> {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 133
c1id: 35188
c3file: 133.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki leaps forward, looking angry.]]}} {{Nanaki: RRARGH!}} {{[[Nanaki races up a flight of steps towards a door, while a woman descends.]]}} {{[[Nanaki breezes by the woman.]]}} <<WOOSH>> {{Woman: Whoa!  Nanaki?}} {{[[Nanaki comes to a stop in front of the door, which opens with a hiss.]]}} {{Nanaki: Let me in!}} <<shhhhhh>> {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 134
c1id: 35255
c3file: 134.txt
c2body:
{{[[Swirls of light whirl together, a pair of glowing eyes form.]]}} <<WOOOO>> {{[[The swirls of light form a skeletal lion.]]}} {{Ghost: interloper...}} {{[[The light coallates into a ghostly lion, which attacks Nanaki.]]}} {{Ghost: Hssssss!}} {{Nanaki: Get out of my way!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 135
c1id: 36690
c3file: 135.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki snaps at the ghost.]]}} <<SNARL>> {{Nanaki: GRR!}} <<RIIP>> {{[[Nanaki lands.]]}} <<TUP>> {{[[The light dissipates.]]}} <<SHH-HH-H>> {{[[Nanaki collapses, tears in his eyes.]]}} {{Nanaki: I know you'll come back.  No matter how I bite and claw... You never die.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 136
c1id: 36849
c3file: 136.txt
c2body:
{{Narrator: Some time later...}} {{[[Nanaki emerges outdoors, next to the statue of Seto.]]}} {{Nanaki: Father...}} {{[[Nanaki looks up to the statue.]]}} {{Nanaki: Why did you and mother have to fight?  Why did you have to die?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 137
c1id: 37537
c3file: 137.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki crouches underneath the statue.]]}} {{Nanaki: Bawling like a weak little cub... would you be ashamed of me?}} {{[[Nanaki looks up at the statue.]]}} {{Nanaki: ...}} {{[[Closeup of the statue.]]}} {{Nanaki: No.  I won't give you a reason to be ashamed.}} {{[[Nanaki growls with determination.]]}} {{Nanaki: If I can't avoid my fate, then...  I'll face it with courage.}} {{[[Nanaki sits next to the statue and stares at the moon.]]}} {{Nanaki: The Gi tribe... Grandfather told me about them.  So they live... but to have moved all the way to the Northern Continent, and even into the Crater itself?  They are hiding.  But from whom?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 138
c1id: 38921
c3file: 138.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki throws himself down by the statue.]]}} {{Nanaki: Could it be me they fear?  Surely not... I am the last of my clan!}} <<whup>> {{Nanaki: But they should fear me.  This is an opportunity... a chance for vengeance.  I can reclaim the pride of our clan, and fulfill my duty as your son.}} {{[[Nanaki looks up at the shadowed statue.]]}} <<sh-hh-hhhh>> {{Nanaki: Father... you're so distant.}} {{[[Nanaki exhales.]]}} <<*sigh*>> {{Nanaki: No... you're right.  The duty of our tribe is to protect, not to hunt.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 139
c1id: 39229
c3file: 139.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki looks out over Cosmo Canyon, which shows a forest and waterfall in the canyon.]]}} {{Nanaki: I want to preserve the peace and beauty of this canyon.  It would be dishonorable to your sacrifice and mother's to throw my life away on such a pointless task of revenge.  Still, I can't ignore Yuffie's news. I don't know what I should do.}} {{[[Yuffie, long-haired, smiling, in her armor.]]}} {{Nanaki (thinking): What are the Gi searching for?  Did they send Yuffie to lay a trap for me and finish what they started so many years ago? Surely they should know that such a plan would fail.  Yuffie would never betray me, and I know that she plans to return to the Crater in any case.}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki.]]}} {{Nanaki: No, then.  Not to strike at my clan.  Perhaps...}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 140
c1id: 39842
c3file: 140.txt
c2body:
{{[[Flashback of Yuffie bathing.]]}} {{Yuffie: "I think they moved up there recently, and have been searching for a home for almost fifty years now!"}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki.]]}} {{Nanaki: Perhaps they are looking only for peace, and a place to belong. I don't know if I'd be strong enough to forgive them, father.  Maybe they just want to be left alone.  Maybe I don't need to return to the Crater with Yuffie.  The past should remain in the past.}} {{[[Nanaki, lying before the statue of Seto.]]}} {{Voice: "Nanaki..."}} {{Nanaki: Grandfather?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 141
c1id: 40505
c3file: 141.txt
c2body:
{{[[Flashback: Bugenhagen lies on a couch, covered by a blanket, while Nanaki sits by his side.]]}} {{Bugenhagen: "Look at the withering mountain grass.  Listen to the warble of the newborn chocobos.  Look always to the eternal flow of time which is far greater than the span of a human life.  It will teach you more than staying here in the valley... for what you see will eventually become a part of life's dream."}} {{[[Nanaki, in the present day.]]}} {{Nanaki: Grandfather, I remember what you told me...  but my parents died fighting to protect Cosmo Canyon.  I can't ignore that.  I want to stay here, with you and the others.}} {{[[Flashback: Bugenhagen's face.]]}} {{Bugenhagen: It's a wide world, and you must go out and see it.  You may even find your life's mate.  You never know.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 142
c1id: 41239
c3file: 142.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki claws at the ground.]]}} {{Nanaki: I have friends here.  And in a way, I love Yuffie and the others as much as I do my real family.  But I am not complete.  I will always be alone, the last of my kind.}} {{[[Nanaki in profile.]]}} {{Nanaki: Not the last.  The Gi tribe lives.  But would they accept me as one of their own?  ...can I accept them as my kind?  Father... I don't know what to do.}} {{Narrator: End of Chapter 3}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 144
c1id: 41445
c3file: 144.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent sweatdrops.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie, thank you, but...}} {{[[Yuffie grins.]]}} {{Yuffie: You're not getting out of this.}} {{[[Vincent crosses his arms, while Yuffie spreads her own.]]}} {{Vincent: I can clearly recall the most important features of this village. I don't see why you find it necessary to be my guide!}} {{Yuffie: You're such a recluse, you big dork!  If I didn't show ya around you'd probably spend your entire day in your room, starin' at the ceiling!}} {{Vincent (thinking): I would prefer to be alone...}} {{Vincent: Why aren't you more concerned for Nanaki?  He hasn't been seen for days.}} {{Yuffie: Well that's--}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 145
c1id: 41510
c3file: 145.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki comes down the stairs and addresses Yuffie, who grins.]]}} {{Nanaki: Unnecessary.  Though I thank you for your concern, Vincent.}} {{Yuffie: So you're done sulking and decided to come with me after all?}} {{[[Veins pulse on Nanaki's head.]]}} {{Nanaki: Tactful as ever, I see.  You should learn to control your words.}} {{[[Yuffie smiles at Nanaki while Vincent rolls his eyes.]]}} {{Yuffie: Control is overrated!  So are ya coming or what?}} {{Nanaki: I'm considering it, though you're not being very helpful!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 146
c1id: 42085
c3file: 146.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Nanaki argue.]]}} {{Yuffie: Yeah, whatever.  Why don't you go sulk some more, I've still got two weeks of vacation left anyhow.}} {{Nanaki: <<grrrr>> Sometimes I fail to see why I continue to tolerate your antics.}} {{[[Nanaki stalks off, Yuffie plants her hands on her hips as Vincent watches them both.]]}} {{Nanaki: Amuse yourself however you wish, Yuffie.  Just do it without me.}} {{Yuffie: Huh.  Did'cha hear that?}} {{Vincent: Yes.  It seems Nanaki is still upset with you.}} {{[[Yuffie turns around, grinning.]]}} {{Yuffie: No!  He's talking again!  That means he's totally over it! We're goin' back to the Crater together!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 147
c1id: 43767
c3file: 147.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent tries to sneak off as Yuffie watches.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hey, where're you going?}} {{Vincent: As you seem to have settled your 'difference' with Nanaki, I thought I might leave you to your plans.  I imagine you have much to do...}} {{[[Yuffie scoots up to Vincent, showing fangs.  Vincent sweatdrops.]]}} <<ZOOM>> {{Yuffie: Nice try, mister!}} {{[[Yuffie grabs Vincent's claw and starts running.]]}} {{Yuffie: You're coming with me!}} {{Vincent: Yuffie!  Where are you taking us?}} {{Yuffie: I'm gonna show you my secret.}} {{Vincent: Secret?}} {{[[Vincent and Yuffie walk through the canyon together.]]}} {{Yuffie: Well, it's not really secret-secret, but it is mine.}} {{Vincent: But why do we need to leave the village?}} {{Yuffie: There's more to Cosmo Canyon than just the village!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 148
c1id: 43780
c3file: 148.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Vincent walk through the canyon side by side.]]}} {{Yuffie: I betcha didn't know it, but this place is a materia minefield!}} {{Vincent (thinking): Materia... I should've known.}} {{Vincent: So you're going to show me some materia you've found?}} {{Yuffie: Not just crystals!  This place is loaded with materia caves! Nanaki first told me about them when I started livin' here.  We explored a few together, but I discovered a lot of them on my own!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 149
c1id: 44419
c3file: 149.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent smiles at Yuffie as she winks at him.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Maybe this won't be so bad after all...}} {{Narrator: Some time later...}} {{[[Yuffie is talking.]]}} {{Yuffie: And it was like, so totally uncool!  Right?}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{Yuffie: You don't talk much, do you Vince?  I mean, I know I talk a lot. Probably too much!  At least, that's what Nanaki says when I get back. "You shouldn't talk unless you have something to say, Yuffie!"}} {{[[Chibi Yuffie cheers and points, while Vincent grimaces.  In the background, we see them scaling down a canyon wall.]]}} {{Yuffie: But not you!  No, Vincent Valentine just takes it like a man, right?}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{Yuffie: I guess I'm being annoying, huh?}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 150
c1id: 44798
c3file: 150.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie walks, as Vincent and Yuffie talk in the background.]]}} {{Yuffie: Think of it this way.  I just want to have someone to talk to. You don't have to say anything back.  So long as you don't mind listening, it's a win-win deal here, right?  If you're not listening, though... you better not tell me or I'll have to show you my secret flying pinwheel ninja kick!}} {{Yuffie: It's not like I care, really, it's just nice to have someone intelligent around.  You don't know how insane it gets in the Crater.  The only one you can have a good talk with is yourself!  ... though sometimes... some of the things up there can speak, too...}} {{Vincent: !}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 151
c1id: 45633
c3file: 151.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie grimaces.]]}} {{Yuffie: Well, not really the way we do, but they can communicate with you somehow.  It's not the same with the monsters, Vince.  They're smart, smarter than some of us, I think.  But they're all messed up in the head. I think Holy fixed 'em up good and proper, because they're so angry with us now - I mean the rest of the world, y'know?}} {{[[Yuffie, her back turned to Vincent, talks, while Vincent watches her with worry.]]}} {{Yuffie: No, I guess you don't know...}} {{Vincent (thinking): What really happened to her?  I didn't notice at first, when she was covered with dirt.  Such pale skin and wiry musculature.  The mako poisoning is worse than I thought.  But it's not just the physical changes...}} {{[[Vincent looks suspicious.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): She hides behind the same tomboy behaviour she had five years ago.  But I can see it still... she moves like a Turk.  Like an assassin.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 152
c1id: 45873
c3file: 152.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent rounds a corner, staring at Yuffie, who notices.]]}} {{Yuffie: Huh?}} {{[[Vinent approaches Yuffie, who is smiling nervously and sweatdropping.]]}} {{Yuffie: Eh heh... well, you can try talking to those freakazoid monsters for three months in a row, but they never really listen.  I mean, you wouldn't have to KILL 'em if they listened, right?  I always miss that when I come back, having someone there to listen to you blabber without wantin' to gut you if they don't like what you're saying.  So just keep on listening, and you don't have to say anything.  I won't mind at all!  Just don't pull your gun on me, alright?}} {{[[Vincent addresses Yuffie seriously, who is still nervous.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie...}} {{Yuffie: Oh look!  We're here!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 153
c1id: 46460
c3file: 153.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie enters a cave, Vincent follows.]]}} {{Yuffie: In here!}} {{Vincent: I know you are trying to distract...}} {{[[Vincent looks up in surprise.]]}} {{Vincent: ...me...!}} {{[[Yuffie and Vincent stand dwarfed inside the cavern, which is full of large slabs of crystalline materia.]]}} {{<<diinnnng>> <<diiiinnnng>>}} {{Vincent: This place -}} {{Yuffie: Didn't I tell you it was great?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 154
c1id: 46612
c3file: 154.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent stands before a clump of materia.]]}} {{Vincent: It's the same as Lucretia's cavern.}} {{[[Yuffie looks back at Vincent in surprise, and then smiles faintly.]]}} {{[[Yuffie makes her way out of the cavern with a smile as Vincent touches some materia.]]}} {{Yuffie: Well, uh, I can see you'll need a while, so I'll just make my way back.}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{Yuffie: Got lots to plan and all, like ya said!}} {{[[Vincent looks down.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): She must have felt too exposed.  Still...}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent's lips, smiling faintly.]]}} {{Vincent: I am grateful for the time here alone.  There are still too many memories here.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 155
c1id: 47463
c3file: 155.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks up.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): The crystal is singing in a different voice, not as it does in Lucretia's cavern.  The energy contained here is natural, shaped by the planet itself rather than human hands.}} {{[[Vincent closes his eyes and smiles.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): There is no urge to unleash Chaos in this place. It is... calming, somehow.  I feel as though I am a part of something greater.}} {{[[Vincent reaches for some materia as swirls of energy surround him.]]}} {{Vincent: I see... so that is the real secret.  There is no anger here. Only...}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 156
c1id: 47464
c3file: 156.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent holds out his hands, with a smile on his face.  He is surrounded by materia and swirls of energy.]]}} {{Vincent: Tranquility.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 157
c1id: 47747
c3file: 157.txt
c2body:
{{[[The sun shines over Cosmo Canyon.]]}} {{Yuffie: Stupid stupid STUPID!  What were you thinking, Yu?}} {{[[Yuffie smacks her head.]]}} <<SMACK>> {{Yuffie: Like Vincent cares about your stupid materia and your stupid stories and your stupid problems!  Am I really that desperate?}} {{[[Yuffie wipes a tear away from her eyes.]]}} {{Yuffie: I just wanted someone to talk to... but then I had to go an' mess it all up, first with Nanaki and now with Vincent!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 158
c1id: 48502
c3file: 158.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie cries.]]}} {{Yuffie: Now everyone's upset with me.}} {{[[Yuffie grimaces.]]}} {{Yuffie: ... ...}} <<twitch>> {{[[Yuffie balls a hand into a fist before her face and shouts.]]}} {{Yuffie: So go fix it already!}} {{[[Yuffie races off through the canyon.]]}} {{Yuffie: I wonder if he'll be there...}} {{<<tup>> <<tup>> <<tup>> <<tup>>}} {{[[The statue of Seto looks down over a rocky outcrop, with the sun behind him.]]}} {{[[Yuffie looks up, shading her eyes.]]}} {{Yuffie: Heya!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 159
c1id: 49562
c3file: 159.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki's ear.]]}} <<swivel>> {{[[Nanaki is resting, paws crossed under his chin.]]}} {{Nanaki: Rrr... what does she want?}} {{[[Yuffie looks up from the base of the cliff at the statue of Seto.]]}} {{Yuffie: C'mon, Red, I know you can hear me!}} {{Nanaki: I thought I told you to leave me alone.}} {{Yuffie: Well tough bananas!  I'm not going away 'till we talk!}} {{[[Nanaki looks annoyed.]]}} <<*sigh*>> {{[[Nanaki leaps off of the cliff and lands at the base.]]}} {{<<paf>> <<paf>>}} {{Nanaki: Fine.  Here I am.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 160
c1id: 51399
c3file: 160.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Nanaki argue.]]}} {{Yuffie: Why are you mad enough to avoid me?}} {{Nanaki: I'm not avoiding you.}} {{[[Yuffie crosses her arms and looks upset.]]}} {{Yuffie: Could've fooled me.}} {{[[Nanaki turns his back on a worried Yuffie.]]}} {{Nanaki: Just leave me alone, Yuffie.}} {{Yuffie: Look...}} {{[[Yuffie crosses her arms over her stomach and leans over.]]}} {{Yuffie: I know I'm not exactly the best diplomat in the world... and maybe I was a little crude earlier.  But why are you really so mad at me?}} {{[[Nanaki looks over his shoulder.]]}} {{Nanaki: WHY?  Because you are irresponsible, immature and thoughtless, that's why!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 161
c1id: 52066
c3file: 161.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks shocked.]]}} {{Yuffie: You really think so?}} {{[[Nanaki grimaces, then looks upset.]]}} {{Nanaki: ... no, not really.  I suppose I was describing myself just now.}} {{[[Nanaki and Yuffie hug.]]}} {{Nanaki: After all, you are still here despite my fangs.}} {{Yuffie: Your fangs never scared me, Red.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 162
c1id: 52503
c3file: 162.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Nanaki sit on the edge of a cliff, talking.]]}} {{Yuffie: I'm real sorry about earlier -}} {{Nanaki: Do not apologize, my response to you was driven by anger, but you were not its cause.}} {{Yuffie: Everyone needs to blow off a little steam now and then.}} {{Nanaki: Indeed... speaking of which, where is Vincent anyway?}} {{Yuffie: I left him in one of the caves.  Why?  You think I should go get him?}} {{Nanaki: You managed to convince Vincent to visit the caves?}} {{[[Chibi Yuffie shakes a fist at chibi Nanaki.]]}} {{Yuffie: What's so unbelievable about that?  I can be convincing!}} <<grr...>> {{Nanaki: Ahh, I see.  So he had no choice, then.}} {{[[Textbox]]}} {{Nanaki (narrating): Well, perhaps that was one of your better ideas after all.  Let him be for now.}} {{[[Vincent returns to the base of the Cosmo Canyon stairs.]]}} {{Nanaki (narrating): "Vincent will return to us when he is ready."}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 163
c1id: 52625
c3file: 163.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks down.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): It has been a lifetime since I have felt such peace.}} {{[[Vincent approaches a building.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): So why have I returned?  Why did I not stay there?}} {{[[Vincent looks in through a window; Yuffie and Nanaki are playing cards inside.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Why do I feel drawn to them?  I have always preferred to remain alone.  But now I find my solitude is lacking.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 164
c1id: 53734
c3file: 164.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's hand reaches for the doorknob.]]} {Vincent (thinking): Perhaps that is the reason...}} {{[[Vincent opens the door.  Yuffie and Nanaki look up from their card game.]]} {Nanaki: Hello, Vincent.} {Yuffie: Hey!  Ya finally came back!}} {{[[Vincent smiles faintly.]]} {Vincent (thinking): What I missed all this time was simply friendship.}} {{{{color}}} {{{colored by Gabi-hime}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 165
c1id: 54387
c3file: 165.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie points, while Nanaki glares sheepishly at Yuffie.]]}} {{Yuffie: We were just talking about you!}} {{Nanaki: No, we weren't.  Why do you always have to do that anyway?}} {{[[Vincent walks towards the table as Yuffie kicks a chair out.]]}} {{Yuffie: Spoilsport!  I just don't want Vince to feel left out!}} {{Nanaki: Riiight.}} {{[[Vincent seats himself at the table.]]}} {{Vincent: So you two have finally made up?}} {{[[Nanaki grins at Vincent, while chibi Yuffie yells in the background.]]}} {{Nanaki: Yes.  I should apologize for my behaviour.  You were forced to suffer Yuffie's tender affections.  Unpardonable rudeness for a host to show his guest.}} {{Yuffie: HEY!}} {{<<hates being ignored>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 166
c1id: 55298
c3file: 166.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie drops her arm around Vincent's shoulders and gives a thumbs-up.]]}} {{Yuffie: Red, you big meanie cat!  Vincent and I have been having a fine time together without you!}} {{[[Yuffie cuddles up to Vincent looking cute, while Vincent sweatdrops..]]}} {{Yuffie: I'm a good hostess, aren't I?}} {{<<cute face>>}} {{[[Chibi Vincent nods at chibi Yuffie.]]}} {{Yuffie: ...} {Vincent: <<nod>>}} {{[[Yuffie turns blue while looking shocked, Vincent looks unamused.]]}} {{Yuffie: You enjoyed yourself?}} {{Vincent (thinking): I'm not THAT bad, am I?}} {{[[Yuffie looks away quickly, blushing.]]}} <<WHUP>> {{[[Yuffie stares into her cup, still blushing, as Vincent watches her, amused.]]}} {{Yuffie: ...}} {{Vincent: Hmm.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 167
c1id: 57242
c3file: 167.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie growls, as Nanaki teases her by addressing Vincent.]]}} {{Yuffie: <<rrrg...>>}} {{Nanaki: I should have asked you to visit much earlier.  I didn't realize how skilled you were at silencing her.}} {{[[Nanaki looks serious.]]}} {{Nanaki: There is something else you should know.}} {{[[Yuffie holds her knuckls to her mouth and Vincent looks on, as Nanaki continues to talk.]]}} {{Nanaki: I've decided to accompany Yuffie to the Northern Crater this time. If you really have found the last of my kind, then it is my duty to seek them out.  Even if they ARE the remains of the Gi tribe.}} {{[[Yuffie's hands slam on the table.]]}} <<SLAM>> {{[[Yuffie winks.]]}} {{Yuffie: SEE, didn't I say so?  I'm gonna have company when I go back this time!  Cid's gonna %#!@#! a brick when we tell him, though.  How should we deal with him?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 168
c1id: 59773
c3file: 168.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent addresses Yuffie, who looks bored.]]}} {{Vincent: Are you sure this is a wise decision?  We've seen the rate at which your body is absorbing mako energy.  I thought it was clear that it would be too dangerous for you to return.}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki's face.]]}} {{Nanaki: Even if Cid didn't agree to take her, we couldn't stop her from going by chocobo.  It would simply be easier if I joined her to speed up the process.}} {{[[Nanaki slumps on the table, surrounded by dark clouds, as Yuffie grins at him maliciously.]]}} {{Nanaki: Besides which, only Yuffie knows where to find the Gi... and she promised that she won't tell unless she's there herself.}} {{[[Vincent glares at Yuffie, veins pulsing, while Yuffie looks back innocently with a halo over her head.]]}} {{Vincent: Blackmail.}} {{Yuffie: You make it sound like it's a bad thing!}} {{Vincent: That's because it IS a bad thing.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 169
c1id: 60288
c3file: 169.txt
c2body:
{{[[Closeup of Vincent's face.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Wait... what am I doing?  We are acting like friends. It is... a good feeling.  Perhaps friendship is not a weakness after all. It is not rest I was searching for all this time... it was companionship.}} {{[[Split panel of Yuffie and Nanaki smiling.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): So this is what it means... to have friends.}} {{[[Vincent addresses chibi Yuffie and chibi Nanaki, who look surprised.]]}} {{Vincent: Very well, when will we be leaving?}} {{Yuffie and Nanaki: WE?!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 170
c1id: 60634
c3file: 170.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent holds out a hand while addressing a very shocked looking Yuffie and Nanaki.]]}} {{Vincent: We.  I will be accompanying you both to the Northern Crater this time.}} {{Yuffie and Nanaki: ...}} {{[[Vincent squints.]]}} {{Vincent: ... that is, if you will have me.}} {{[[Yuffie stands up, smiling.]]}} {{Yuffie: Heh... well...}} {{[[Yuffie leaps onto Vincent, knocking him off of his chair.]]}} {{Yuffie: ALL RIGHT!  MAJOR SCORE!}} {{Vincent: <<oof>>}} <<CRASH>> {{Yuffie: This is gonna be so cool!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 171
c1id: 61585
c3file: 171.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is straddling a disgruntled Vincent as he sits up, Nanaki is laughing at them.]]}} {{Nanaki: Maybe you should be a little more careful.}} {{Yuffie: Why?}} {{Vincent: Ugh...}} {{Nanaki: ... nevermind.}} {{[[Yuffie spreads her arms, Vincent sits up and Nanaki watches.]]}} {{Yuffie: This is your best idea ever, Vince!}} {{[[Nanaki smiles at Vincent knowingly.]]}} {{Nanaki: Yes... I'm pleased you suggested it.}} {{Vincent (thinking): Perhaps this will be a good visit after all.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 172
c1id: 61971
c3file: 172.txt
c2body:
{{[[A sunny day.]]}} {{Narrator: The next morning...}} {{[[Vincent looks uncertain.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): How did I get myself into this?}} {{[[Yuffie leans against a table, looking out the window.]]}} {{[[Yuffie turns around.]]}} {{Yuffie: Oh!}} {{[[Yuffie waves at Vincent.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hey, glad you're early!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 173
c1id: 62408
c3file: 173.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie grins at Vincent.]]}} {{Yuffie: Now all we have to do is wait for Red to show up, and then we can start!}} {{Vincent: Perhaps you could explain to me what exactly a "full consultation" is...}} {{[[Vincent's hand drops a ring and a bracelet.]]}} {{Vincent: ... and why it was necessary for me to bring my accessories?}} {{[[Yuffie looks up at Vincent and points at a box on the table behind her.]]}} {{Yuffie: You'll see soon enough.  Oh... that one's yours, by the way.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 174
c1id: 63260
c3file: 174.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent opens the box while Yuffie watches.]]}} {{Vincent: All of this?}} {{Yuffie: Remember all that materia you gave me five years ago?  Most of it's in there, so you can pick out a few pieces if you like.  I wanna see your setup before we leave, though.}} {{[[View of the box's interior, full of materia.]]}} {{[[Vincent grabs his gun out of its holster.]]}} <<GRAB>> {{[[Vincent holds out the gun and a piece of materia.]]}} {{Vincent: Hmm.}} <<TOK>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 175
c1id: 63798
c3file: 175.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki walks into the room.]]}} <<creak>> {{Yuffie: Great!  Let's start!}} {{[[Nanaki drops a bag onto the table.]]}} <<clatter>> {{[[Nanaki's equipment is shown spread across the table.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hey... what is this stuff anyway?  This isn't the Limited Moon!}} {{[[Yuffie picks up Nanaki's headdress.]]}} {{Yuffie: This isn't even one of your better weapons!}} {{Nanaki: Yuffie, please be careful with that.}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki's bracelet.]]}} {{Yuffie: And what's this?  A wizard bracelet?  Are you suicidal, Red?  Geez! At least you brought a Ribbon with you, so you must still have some sense in that tiny brain of yours!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 176
c1id: 64238
c3file: 176.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki addresses Yuffie.]]}} {{Nanaki: I know the Limited Moon is my best weapon, Yuffie.  But we need to help you finish that materia collection.  I can't do that with my best equipment.}} {{Yuffie: Don't you think I thought of that before?}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face.]]}} {{Yuffie: The Crater's only gotten worse since the last time you were there. We're gonna need all the help we can get!  Now you can save me a whole lotta trouble by just bringing your Moon and your Mystile right now, or I can fight you while you're wearing this junk just to prove how useless it'll be!}} {{[[Nanaki stalks out of the room, while Vincent watches, confused.]]}} {{Vincent: ?}} {{Nanaki: Fine, fine.  I'll bring them.}} {{Yuffie: I swear, sometimes I don't know what that guy is thinking! Since Red's being such a loser, I'll just start with you instead!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 177
c1id: 67022
c3file: 177.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent addresses Yuffie.]]}} {{Vincent: They're on the table.}} {{Yuffie: Let's see them!}} {{[[Yuffie's hand points at the accessories on the table.]]}} {{Yuffie: Not everything!  I need to see your gun, too.}} {{[[Vincent's mouth is shown, and Lucrecia's face underneath.]]}} {{Vincent: I do not let others handle the Death Penalty.  It is... personal.}} {{[[Yuffie puts her hands on her hips.]]}} {{Yuffie: Relax, Vince!  I'm not going to hurt it, I promise.  You can stand right next to me and watch if you're so worried.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 178
c1id: 67476
c3file: 178.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent taps the Death Penalty in its holster.]]}} {{<<tap>> <<tap>>}} {{[[Yuffie smiles at Vincent.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{[[Vincent looks away as Yuffie glares at him.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{[[Yuffie sulks angrily.]]}} {{Yuffie: Oh, I see how it is.  You don't trust me, do you Vincent?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 179
c1id: 67986
c3file: 179.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie turns away from Vincent and sniffles conspicously as Vincent holds his chin.]]}} {{Vincent: It is not a matter of trust...}} {{Yuffie: No... it's alright.  Really.  <<sniff>> <<sniff>> <<*hic*>>}} {{[[Vincent sweats and looks uneasy as Yuffie's lower lip quivers.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): ...I hurt her feelings.  This is no way to treat friends.}} {{Yuffie: <<wibble wibble>>}} {{[[Vincent pulls his gun out of its holster.]]}} <<shhhk>> {{[[Vincent throws the gun on the table.]]}} <<clatter>> {{Vincent: Yuffie.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 180
c1id: 69071
c3file: 180.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie grins and flashes a victory sign.]]}} {{Yuffie: GOTCHA!}} {{[[Vincent looks blue in the face as Yuffie hugs his gun.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{Yuffie: Aww, Vincent, I didn't know you were a softie!  I'll remember that the next time I want something!}} {{[[Vincent looks angry.]]}} {{Vincent: This had better be an extraordinary consultation.}} {{[[Yuffie leans over the table, while Vincent watches over her shoulder.]]}} {{Vincent: What are you doing?}} {{Yuffie: Readi1ng your materia!}} {{<<tok>> <<tok>> <<tok>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 181
c1id: 69700
c3file: 181.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks upset.]]}} {{Yuffie: Huh?}} {{[[Vincent holds his hands up as Yuffie glares at him, surrounded by flames.]]}} {{Vincent: What?}} {{Yuffie: <<grr...>>}} {{[[Yuffie speaks while a montage of materia is shown behind her.]]}} {{Yuffie: Listen, Vincent.  Reading other peoples' materia setups is a lot like reading their diaries.  You can tell a lot about a person by the kind of magic and defense they choose when they fight.  I don't know what you've been doing for the past five years, but whatever it was, it sure wasn't good for you!}} {{[[Vincent looks confused.]]}} {{Vincent: I don't understand.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 182
c1id: 70118
c3file: 182.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks at Yuffie in profile.]]}} {{Yuffie: Gawd... you might be even worse than Nanaki!}} {{[[Vincent's accessories are shown.]]}} {{Yuffie: Take a look at this.  You're using a Reflect Ring, a Ziedrich, and your Death Penalty.}} {{[[Yuffie holds up the ring.]]}} {{Yuffie: This is an utter piece of crap.}} {{[[Vincent holds his ring hand up, surrounded by swirls of magic.]]}} {{Yuffie: You obviously don't want anyone getting too close to you, to the point of throwing back whatever they might have to offer.}} {{[[Vincent, curled in on himself,surrounded by Barret, Yuffie, Cloud, Tifa and Cait Sith.]]}} {{Yuffie: But if you only rely on yourself, you end up closing yourself off from everyone, even your friends.  What's worse, you could end up getting hurt by your own attitude!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 183
c1id: 71118
c3file: 183.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent holds the ring before his face.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{[[Yuffie holds up a finger.]]}} {{Yuffie: You're probably not into the metaphysical stuff, so I'll be blunt.}} {{[[Vincent holding his ring hand up while Yuffie casts magic at him.]]}} {{Yuffie: How do you expect us to be able to heal you if you're wearing that? Reflect rings don't even stop the most powerful monster attack spells, and that's what the beasties in the Crater will be throwing at us.}} {{[[Vincent looks away, thoughtful, as Yuffie holds up his bracelet.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): All that just from a Reflect Ring?  Perhaps it was a bad choice of protection after all.}} {{Yuffie: The Ziedrich... the most powerful armour known to mankind.  It's a rare sight, I'll give you that, but it's still inherently flawed.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 185
c1id: 72467
c3file: 185.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie holds up the bracelet.]]}} {{Yuffie: But if you don't deal with it soon, your emotions might end up destroying you.}} {{[[Vincent looks upset, Yuffie addresses him.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{Yuffie: Vincent?}} {{[[Vincent glares at Yuffie.]]}} {{Vincent: You assume too much, Kisaragi.}} {{[[Yuffie looks shocked.]]}} {{Yuffie: !!}} {{[[Yuffie looks angry.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hey!  I'm only trying to help here!}} {{[[Vincent snatches the bracelet away from Yuffie.]]}} <<snatch>> {{Vincent: Do not ever metion that name to me again.}} {{Yuffie: But-!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 187
c1id: 73613
c3file: 187.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie holds a hand out, looking serious.]]}} {{Yuffie: But it's still a really good bracelet, Vincent!  I won't force you to change it if you don't want to.  It's just a suggestion.}} {{[[Vincent and Yuffie stare at each other nervously]]}} {{Yuffie: Well, uh, I guess I'll just be moving onto the Death Penalty then...}} {{Vincent (thinking): ... I would have had the support of friends - if I had bothered to maintain contact with them.}} {{[[Yuffie places a hand on the gun.]]}} {{Yuffie: Your gun, Vincent.  It's really an incredible weapon!  You know... I think I might even feel a pulse!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 188
c1id: 73753
c3file: 188.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent glares at Yuffie as Yuffie sweatdrops, her hand still on the gun.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{Yuffie: Uh... heh-heh... guess I don't actually need to touch it after all, do I.}} {{[[Yuffie holds up a piece of materia.]]}} {{Yuffie: Well, there's nothing wrong with the weapon itself, it's a fantastic choice.  But your materia chaining is all wrong!  Look, you equipped that Odin summon with the Added Effect materia I just gave you!}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent's face.]]}} {{Vincent: Isn't that what it was meant for?}} {{[[Vincent looks shocked and Yuffie looks sad.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Why is she looking at me like that?  Is that... pity?!}} {{Yuffie: Vince... you don't understand.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 189
c1id: 74731
c3file: 189.txt
c2body:
{{[[Closeup of red and blue materia.]]}} {{Yuffie: This is a protective materia chain I gave you.}} {{[[Silhouette of Odin summon.]]}} {{Yuffie: "Odin was meant to be your guardian, not your weapon."}} {{[[Yuffie yells, tears in her eyes.]]}} {{Yuffie: Is killing really more important to you than your own life?}} {{[[Vincent looks surprised.]]}} {{Vincent: !!}} {{[[Vincent drops his face into his palm, while Yuffie sweats nervously.]]}} {{Yuffie: No, sorry, that's not right.  Of course you wouldn't be able to use them like that, you've been wearing that Ziedrich...}} {{[[Yuffie laughs nervously.]]}} {{Yuffie: Just... forget it, okay?  Forget I mentioned it!}} {{Yuffie (thinking): Way to go!  Why don't I just call him ugly while I'm at it?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 190
c1id: 74947
c3file: 190.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent holds his hand before his face.]]}} {{Vincent: I am the one who should apologize, Yuffie.  Your reading was... unusually accurate.  I was not expecting it.}} {{[[Yuffie looks surprised.]]}} {{Vincent: Please, continue.  I would like to know what you think I should use.}} {{Yuffie (thinking): Eh?  He actually trusts me?}} {{[[Vincent smiles faintly at Yuffie, who returns the smile.]]}} {{Yuffie (thinking): When he's not so moody, Vince is actually kinda cute!}} {{[[Yuffie looks shocked as an image of Vincent, posing, with hearts behind him, appears over her head.]]}} {{Yuffie (thinking): Wait a sec...}} {{<<ba-bump>> <<ba-bump>>}} {{Yuffie (thinking): This is Vincent!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 191
c1id: 75993
c3file: 191.txt
c2body:
{{[[Chibi Yuffie shouts desperately as images of Cloud surround her.]]}} {{Yuffie: But I like BLONDES!}} {{[[Vincent rubs his chin as Yuffie staggers, chocobos and stars circling around her head.]]}} {{Vincent: Are you feeling alright?}} {{Yuffie: Blondes... blondes...}} {{<<coo>> <<coo>>}} {{[[Vincent watches as Yuffie blushes and holds up a Ribbon.]]}} <<rustle>> {{Yuffie: Umm, w-well...  you need a Ribbon!  I collected a whole bunch last time, so you can have one for free!}} {{[[Vincent removes the glove on his human hand.]]}} <<slip>> {{[[Vincent wears the Ribbon as Yuffie watches.]]}} {{Yuffie: The best offense is a good defense!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 192
c1id: 85394
c3file: 192.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie stares at the table critically.]]}} {{Vincent: And what of my gun?}} {{Yuffie: Hmm... that's a toughie.  The monsters we'll be facing off with are pretty strong.}} {{[[Yuffie reaches into a box.]]}} {{Yuffie: If your weapon won't let materia grow, we might as well use the mastered stuff.}} {<<\"Yuffie\">>} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face.]]}} {{Yuffie: This is from my personal collection, Vince, so you better not think you can keep 'em forever.  It took a longtime for me to make 'em!}} {{[[Yuffie holds some materia between her fingers and yells at Vincent.]]}} {{Yuffie: Not even Nanaki knows about them, so don't say anything.  The guys would have my butt if they knew I was wasting my time with this stuff!}} {{[[Vincent looks angry as he stares at some materia in his hand.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie!  This isn't just mastered materia, this is Master materia - and more than one!  And what of these others?  Master Command... Double Cut... is that a mastered Enemy Skill?  This is an incredible collection... so why are you returning to the Crater?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 193
c1id: 86931
c3file: 193.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie laughs and rubs her head as Vincent glares at her.]]}} {{Yuffie: Five years of training is a long time, and well, let's just say I'm not in a hurry to get back to Wutai.  I guess I could've finished my quest with the last trip.}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's eye, glowing unnaturally.]]}} {{Vincent: You are giving yourself mako poisoning!}} {{[[Yuffie leans over the table and yells at Vincent, while Vincent leans over the table and yells at Yuffie.]]}} {{Vincent: There are better ways for you to waste time!}} {{Yuffie: You don't know anything, and I don't want to talk about it! Now are we going to finish this materia consultation or not?}} {{[[Vincent and Yuffie have a staring contest.]]}} {{<<zap>> <<zap>> <<zap>>}} {{[[Vincent turns away from Yuffie, upset.  Yuffie looks unhappy about her victory.]]}} {{Vincent: FINE.  Hide for now if you must, but this discussion is far from over.}} {{Yuffie: ...}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 194
c1id: 87692
c3file: 194.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks at Vincent, perturbed.]]}} {{Yuffie: I'm sorry, okay?}} {{Vincent: Are you?}} {{[[Vincent and Yuffie stare each other down.]]}} {{[[Yuffie grins.]]}} {{Yuffie: Not really.}} {{[[Vincent smiles faintly.]]}} {{Vincent: Hmm.}} {{[[Yuffie kneels before the safe and opens it.]]}} {{[[Yuffie reaches into the safe as Vincent watches over her shoulder.]]}} {{Vincent: What are you doing?}} {{[[Yuffie cups something in her hands.]]}} {{[[Yuffie holds something out to Vincent.]]}} {{Yuffie: I want you to have this.}} {{[[We see the Mystile in Yuffie's hands.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 195
c1id: 94442
c3file: 195.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie holds a hand to her cheek.]]}} {{Yuffie: I think you need it more than me.}} {{[[Vincent holds up the Mystile.]]}} {{Vincent: This is Cloud's personal gift to you.}} {{[[Yuffie leans against the wall and looks annoyed.]]}} {{Yuffie: I know!  Listen, I've survived this long without it, another three months in the Crater isn't gonna kill me.}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie smiling.]]}} {{Yuffie: Especially with you two tailing after me like bodyguards!}} {{[[Yuffie throws up a hand and looks annoyed as Vincent still looks concerned.]]}} {{Yuffie: Consider it a LOAN.  I'll keep your Ziedrich hostage until we get back!}} {{Vincent: But if I take this, what will you use?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 196
c1id: 95229
c3file: 196.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks over her shoulder at a bracelet, Vincent points at it with an annoyed look.]]}} {{Yuffie: This'll do.}} {{Vincent: You told Nanaki that was "crap."}} {{[[Yuffie holds up the Wizard Bracelet and smiles.]]}} {{Yuffie: It is... when it's empty!}} {{[[Yuffie smiles cutely as Vincent glares.]]}} {{Yuffie: But I'm the Great Ninja Yuffie Kisaragi!  I can make it work!}} {{[[Yuffie snatches the Mystile out of Vincent's hands.]]}} {{Yuffie: Now gimmie that!}} <<yoink!>> {{[[Yuffie's hands move quickly, filling the materia slots on the bracelet.]]}} {{<<tok>> <<tok>> <<tok>>}} {{[[Yuffie holds up the Mystile.]]}} {{Yuffie: All done!  This setup will keep you going in the Crater.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 197
c1id: 97710
c3file: 197.txt
c2body:
{{[[Montage of Vincent's face looking worried, with Odin and Phoenix summons in the background.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): What did she give me?  Odin and Added Effect... Phoenix and Final Attack... a Ribbon, the Mystile.}} {{[[Vincent looks at Yuffie in surprise, who is smiling at him.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): No other Summons and no offensive magic.  Is she trying to protect me?}} {{Vincent (narrating): Taken together, this is an almost impenetrable defense.}} {{[[Vincent smiles at Yuffie, who blushes.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Of course... for her, it's not about death.  It's about life.  How... strange, to have friends who care for my well-being.}} {{Yuffie: <<blush>> <<noticing the smile>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 198
c1id: 99041
c3file: 198.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki walks into the room, while Vincent smiles at Yuffie, who sweatdrops.]]}} {{Vincent: I see now why Nanaki was eager to have a consultation.  Materia chaining is not the only thing you've learned these past few years.}} {{Yuffie: Heh-heh... thanks!}} {{Nanaki: ??? <<noticing Yuffie's behaviour>>}} {{Yuffie (thinking): Blue eyes, blonde hair!  Blue eyes, blonde hair! But - he does look cuter than Cloud when he smiles.  Oh, no.... BLUE EYES AND BLONDE HAIR!}} {{Narrator: End of Chapter 4}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 200
c1id: 100035
c3file: 200.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is reclining on a deck chair outside of Cosmo Canyon, wearing sunglasses.]]}} {{Yuffie: AHHHH!  What a beautiful day!}} {{[[A shadow falls across Yuffie's face.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hmm?}} {{[[Yuffie lowers her sunglasses.]]}} {{Yuffie: I've been waiting for you!}} {{[[Cid looks down, the sun shining behind him, cigarette in mouth.]]}} {{Cid: Eh?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 201
c1id: 101403
c3file: 201.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie grins and tosses a can of 'Cosmo Beer' upwards.]]}} {{Yuffie: Here Cid!  Have a beer!}} <<toss>> {{[[Cid slurps at the beer.]]}} {{Cid: Thanks, kid.  Where's Red anyway?}} <<gulp>> {{[[Yuffie chews on her sunglasses.]]}} {{Yuffie: Oh, he and Vince are getting ready.}} {{Cid: Valentine's still here?  And gettin' ready for what?}} {{Yuffie: To go back to the Crater with me!}} {{[[Chibi Yuffie ducks and cringes as chibi Cid, with a big head and flaming eyeballs, screams at Yuffie and crushes his beer can.]]}} {{Cid: WHAT!}} <<splurt>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 202
c1id: 102309
c3file: 202.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid clenches a fist as veins pop all around him; Yuffie sweatdrops in the background.]]}} {{Cid: No &#@!%#' way!  I am not takin' you back to that @!%&?#' hellhole! What the !%$# are ya thinkin', ya little idiot?  What the hell's RED thinkin'? This is Valentine's idea, ain't it!  I'm gonna &#@!%#' kill him AGAIN!}} {{Yuffie: Umm...}} {{[[Yuffie winks and holds out a hand.]]}} {{Yuffie: Calm down you old fart!  Drink your beer!}} {{[[Cid yells angrily at a chibi Yuffie, who grins and holds her chin.]]}} {{<<OLD FART?!>>}} {{Cid: I'm not gonna &!#@!' calm down!}} {{[[Yuffie walks away from Cid, who is rubbing his head.]]}} {{Yuffie: This is for Nanaki.  And it'll be the last time, I swear.}} {{Cid: Aww, @#!%!?!}} {{Yuffie: I'm gonna teach Jesse every new word you come up with today, you know.  Hey, that's a good one!}} {{Cid: Jus' tell me WHY, will ya?}} {{Yuffie: C'mon, let's discuss it over another beer.  I'm buying!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 203
c1id: 102596
c3file: 203.txt
c2body:
{{Narrator: 5 hours later...}} {{[[Outside of the Cosmo Saloon]]}} {{Yuffie: So... *hic* will ya do it?}} {{Cid: Do what?}} {{[[Yuffie, drunk, addresses Cid, who is smoking.]]}} {{Yuffie: Take us to the Crater, remember?  Geez Cid, you're plastered!}} {{Cid: You're drunker than me, kid!}} {{Yuffie: Maybe, but I still have the goods.  Special-blend Wutanese rolling tobacco, finest quality!}} {{Cid: ...}} {{[[Yuffie shakes the bag of tobacco at Cid with an evil grin.  She is sweating a little.]]}} {{Yuffie: Agree to take us and it's yours.}} {{[[Cid glares at Yuffie through his cigarette.  He is sweating a little.]]}} {{[[Cid snatches the bag out of Yuffie's hands with an angry look.]]}} <<snatch!>> {{Cid: DAMN IT!  Fine, ya little extortionist!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 204
c1id: 103833
c3file: 204.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid's face, eyes closed.]]} {Cid: But I'm only lettin' ya go if Red agrees to watch ya.}} {{[[Cid lazily opens one eye.]]} {Cid: Hmm?}} {{[[Yuffie's passed out drunk, her head sunken onto the table. Cid touches her shoulder.]]} <<ZZZZ...> {Cid: Dumb kid... When're gonna learn to take care of yerself, huh?}} {{[[Close-up of Yuffie, still slumped on the table.]]} <<SNORE>>} {{[[Cid hoists Yuffie over his shoulder.]]} {Cid: Alley oop!}} {{[[Cid carrying Yuffie out.]]} {Cid: C'mon, brat. Let's get ya home.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 205
c1id: 104080
c3file: 205.txt
c2body:
{{[[In the background, Cid carrying Yuffie. In the foreground, Vincent (wearing a red shirt, looking alarmed) and Nanaki.]]} {Nanaki: Vincent? Is something wrong?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 206
c1id: 104647
c3file: 206.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent leaps of the cliff he's been standing on, concern and determination etched on his face.]]} {Nanaki: Vincent?} {Vincent: ...} <<LEAP>>} {{[[Nanaki's face.]]} <<sigh>>} {{[[Nanaki jumps after Vincent.]]} {Nanaki: Vincent, wait!}} {{[[Vincent lands in a crouch and looks at Cid like - well, like one would look at someone one is suspecting of being about to take advantage of a drunken girl.]]} {Vincent: Cid!} {Vincent: What do you think you're doing?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 207
c1id: 105001
c3file: 207.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid, carrying Yuffie.]]} {Cid: Enjoyin' my beer buzz. What the hell are you doin' here?}} {{[[Close-up of Yuffie's face - still passed out, and thus blissfully oblivious to what's going on.]]} <<ZZZZ...>>} {{[[Vincent narrowing his eyes at Cid, while Cid gives him a "Lighten up!" smile.]]} {Vincent: Is she even old enough to drink?}} {{[[Nanaki, landing.]]} <<TUP>> {Nanaki: I hope you haven't killed anyone yet, Vincent.} {Nanaki: Hello, Cid. Yuffie's been drinking again?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 208
c1id: 107834
c3file: 208.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent, looking upset, is in a fighting stance while Nanaki pushes him away from Cid.  Cid is drunk and has Yuffie, unconscious, still slung over his shoulder.]]}} {{Cid: Kid still can't hold her liquor. What's up Valentine's craw tonight?}} {{Nanaki: ... YOU are also intoxicated, aren't you.}} {{[[Vincent looks angry.]]}} {{Vincent: You wish to know why I am disturbed?  I simply question your manhandling of Yuffie.}} {{[[Cid looks annoyed.]]}} {{Cid: What the hell is goin' on here anyway?  So now Valentine of all people gives two &#!$! about the brat but YOU don't, eh Red?  I ain't that drunk.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 209
c1id: 108711
c3file: 209.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki looks surprised.]]}} {{Nanaki: What -?}} {{[[Closeup of Cid's face, he looks serious and not so drunk.]]}} {{Cid: You heard me.  Valentine can run his mouth off all he wants, but he ain't been takin' care of Yuffie all these years.  I thought that was you an' me.  Seems I thought wrong.}} {{[[Vincent spins around while Nanaki looks guilty.]]}} {{Nanaki: So she told you of our plans.  ...I haven't forgotten about her mako poisoning.}} {{[[Nanaki closeup, he looks mad.]]}} {{Nanaki: The reason is self-evident.  I am the last.  Even as a human I'd hoped you would understand.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 210
c1id: 110984
c3file: 210.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid, Nanaki and Vincent all stare at each other.]]}} {{[[Cid, with Yuffie still over his shoulder, looks annoyed.]]}} {{Cid: ... I understand ya just fine.  Don't mean I gotta like it.}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent looking concerned, then looking very serious.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Cid... he's not angry, he's actually just -}} {{Vincent: I... I will protect her.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 211
c1id: 111638
c3file: 211.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid looks less aggressive than before.]]}} {{Cid: Eh?  You?  Why?}} {{[[Close up of Vincent thinking over a montage of Yuffie since he's seen her in the Canyon - with long hair, asking for it to be cut; spinning in the materia cave, holding up two pieces of materia for the consultation.]]}} {{Yuffie (flashback): I need you to cut my hair!}} {{Yuffie (flashback): Is killing really more important to you than your own life?}} {{Yuffie (flashback): Didn't I tell you it was great?}} {{[[Vincent addresses Cid.]]}} {{Vincent: Because we are friends.}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki.]]}} {{Nanaki: ...}} {{[[Cid grins and holds out his cigarette.]]}} {{Cid: You got the hots for the brat?  Hell musta froze over.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 212
c1id: 113076
c3file: 212.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid, obviously drunk, gives a thumbs-up.]]}} {{Cid: Great!  You must be learnin' something!}} {{[[Vincent looks really pissed off.]]}} {{Vincent: It is not what YOU think.}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki thinking, while he watches Cid and Vincent talking. Yuffie is still slung over Cid's shoulder.]]}} {{Cid: Why not?  Kid's got a great ass!}} {{Vincent: You should stop talking.}} {{Yuffie: Cid?  Wh'ya sound like Vincent?}} {{[[Cid pats Yuffie's butt while Vincent and Nanaki watch.]]}} {{Nanaki: Careful.  You should not offer what you cannot give.}} {{Vincent: ... is that a threat?}} {{Cid: Oh, you're awake!}} {{<<pat>> <<pat>>}} {{Yuffie: CID!  Put me down!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 213
c1id: 113823
c3file: 213.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki looks stern.]]}} {{Nanaki: It is a warning for her sake... and for yours as well.}} {{[[Vincent looks surprised.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{[[Yuffie is angry, hitting Cid's back.]]}} {{Cid: Alright!}} {{Yuffie: I SAID NOW!}} {{[[Cid throws Yuffie off of his shoulder.]]}} <<TOSS>> {{Yuffie: AHHH!}} {{[[Vincent looks up.]]}} {{[[Vincent rushes to a falling Yuffie.]]}} <<CATCH!>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 215
c1id: 115767
c3file: 215.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks shocked as Vincent addresses her.]]}} {{Yuffie (thinking): Vincent caught me!}} {{Vincent: Are you alright?}} {{[[Yuffie rests her head on Vincent's chest, blushing and looking upset.]]}} {{Yuffie (thinking): This would be so romantic if not for...}} {{[[Chibi Yuffie, who is still druink, addresses Chibi Vincent, who looks surprised in a bad way.]]}} {{Yuffie: Uh, Vince?  I think you better put me down before I yak all over that new shirt of yours.}} {{[[Cid laughs at Vincent as Vincent covers his face with his human hand. In the background, Yuffie bends over and vomits.]]}} {{Cid: Told ya she couldn't hold her liquor.}} <<BLAARG>> {{[[An annoyed Vincent and Nanaki walk away from Cid and Yuffie.]]}} {{Nanaki: We'll leave as soon as they're sober.}} {{Cid: Way to go, kid.}} {{Yuffie: I'm OK!  Really!}} {{{{Chaper 5 - 215}}} {{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 216
c1id: 116235
c3file: 216.txt
c2body:
{{[[View of the northern crater from above, circled with clouds.]]}} {{Narrator: The Northern Crater.}} <<WOOOOOO>> {{[[Vincent, Nanaki and Yuffie land on the ground.]]}} {{<<paf>> <<crunch>> <<tup>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 217
c1id: 117821
c3file: 217.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is shown gesturing angrily at the sky.]]}} {{Yuffie: Cid, that JERK!  He actually used the rockets!}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent looking at the rocky surroundings.]]}} {{Vincent: ... this place has not changed at all.}} {{[[Nanaki leaps over the ground.]]}} {{Nanaki: It has changed in more ways than you know.}} {{[[Yuffie and Nanaki speak, as a drop of lifestream is shown behind them.]]}} {{Yuffie: Yeah!  The Lifestream is always screwing things up here.  You can't rely on the rocks to navigate.}} {{Nanaki: ... but it is not only the landscape which has been affected.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 218
c1id: 118719
c3file: 218.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie leans over Nanaki.]]}} {{Yuffie: It's that bad?}} {{Nanaki: Worse.  Let us move.}} {{[[Vincent and Yuffie watch Nanaki stalk off.]]}} {{Vincent: What does he mean?}} {{Yuffie: Nanaki can hear the planet.  I guess the Lifestream acts like a big microphone for him.}} {{Nanaki: It isn't the planet... but rather the voice of the monsters which drown it out.}} {{[[Vincent's profile.]]}} {{Vincent: Does it not disturb you?}} {{[[Nanaki looks up.]]}} {{Nanaki: ... I will manage.  Yuffie?}} {{[[Yuffie smiles broadly.]]}} {{Yuffie: Right!}} {{[[Yuffie talks to herself as Vincent and Nananki look at the readers, unimpressed.]]}} {{Yuffie: I know this crater like the back of my hand!  <<heart>>}} {{Vincent and Nananki: ...}} {{<<not impressed>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 219
c1id: 121028
c3file: 219.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie smiles sheepishly as Nanaki and Vincent walk away from her, smiling.]]}} {{Yuffie: Okay, okay, so maybe it's more like the bottom of my foot...}} {{Nanaki: Are you coming?}} {{[[Silhouettes of Yuffie, Vincent and Nanaki as they climb down the mountain.]]}} {{Yuffie: Don't trust your eyes here.  If we get separated, come back to the surface.}} {{[[Yuffie pats a pole.]]}} {{Yuffie: I've marked the way with these posts so we don't get lost.}} {{[[Vincent looks up.]]}} {{Vincent: That post looks more like a dragon femur...}} {{[[Yuffie grins at Vincent.]]}} {{Yuffie: We're a little short on supplies here, so ya use what you can!}} {{[[Yuffie grins.]]}} {{Yuffie: Monsters don't bother coming up this far so it's pretty safe.  But if you wanna eat for the next three months, you'll get to know these real well!}} {{[[Nanaki sticks out his tongue.]]}} {{Nanaki: Gourmet dining... yet another reason to appreciate this wretched place.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 220
c1id: 125314
c3file: 220.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Vincent stand side by side.]]}} {{Yuffie: This is where the hard part starts.}} {{Vincent: We have been here before.}} {{[[Nanaki, Yuffie and Vincent stand before a dark cave entrance.]]}} {{Yuffie: It's pretty dark in there, but there's fungus and materia and stuff to light the way.  I know it's not a problem for you, Red, but I can help you out if you have trouble, Vince.}} {{Vincent: That will not be necessary.  Mako enhancements improve a human's night vision.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 221
c1id: 125658
c3file: 221.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks confused.]]}} {{Yuffie: How do you know that?}} {{[[Eyes are shown glowing in the darkness.]]}} {{<<Actual lighting conditions>>}} {{[[Yuffie grins at Vincent, who walks away with dark clouds over his head.]]}} {{Yuffie: Oops!  I kinda forgot!}} {{Vincent (thinking): I wish I could...}} {{[[Nanaki looks worried in the foreground, Vincent addresses him, and Yuffie crawls through a passage in the background.]]}} {{Vincent: She has already gained infravision?  Then it has advanced further that we guessed.}} {{Nanaki: I know.  After we find the Gi, we will leave.}} {{Yuffie: Anyway!  The monsters here aren't too tough blah blah blah...}} {{[[Nanaki grins as Vincent looks annoyed.]]}} {{Nanaki: Astute as ever, Vincent.}} {{Vincent: ...and I suppose I will have the honor of handling that explanation?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 222
c1id: 126521
c3file: 222.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki, Vincent and Yuffie crawl through a narrow passage.]]}} {{Yuffie: ... so runts can kill ya.  Big monsters are all wind and no fire!}} {{[[Yuffie thinks, and then grins and waves her hand.]]}} {{Yuffie: Actually, sometimes they do spit fire... at least it's not too hot!}} {{[[Silhouettes of Nanaki, Yuffie and Vincent walking down a narrow cliffside path.  Lifestream can be seen far below.]]}} {{Nanaki: I will lead here.  Tell me where to go.}} {{Yuffie: You remember where Materia Fall was?  We gotta get down there first.}} {{Nanaki: Simple.}} {{Yuffie: Don't get separated from us, okay?}} {{Nanaki: You are the one who needs to be kept under a watchful eye.}} {{Yuffie: Yeah, yeah.}} {{[[Yuffie scolds Nanaki, who looks unamused.]]}} {{Yuffie: Just don't cast if you see a dragon, alright?}} {{Nanaki: Yes, mother.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 223
c1id: 127742
c3file: 223.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki blows out a breath.]]}} {{Nanaki (thinking): I can see the planet's beauty even here in the scar. Is this what a world free of humans would be like?}} {{[[Yuffie and Vincent talk.]]}} {{Yuffie: This place is spooky.}} {{Vincent: It is only the wind.}} {{Yuffie: Says the man who spent 30 years in a coffin!}} {{[[Nanaki looks back at his friends, grinning, who are still conversing in the background.]]}} {{Nanaki (thinking): Beautiful... but without humans, also empty.}} {{Vincent: It was repentance for my sins.}} {{Yuffie: So you're into S&M?  Kinky!}} {{Vincent: I refuse to dignify that with an answer.}} <<*chuckle*>> {{Nanaki (thinking): We need more than just the planet to survive - we need each other.}} {{[[The gorund cracks under Nanaki's paws.]]}} {{<<crick>> <<crack>> <<shaaaa>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 224
c1id: 129246
c3file: 224.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki falls off the cliff as the ground splinters, and Vincent and Yuffie wince.]]}} <<CRASH>> {{Nanaki: RRAAAUGH!}} {{[[Nanaki looks shocked.]]}} {{Nanaki: !!!}} {{[[Yuffie and Vincent look shocked.]]}} {{Yuffie: Red!  He's too far!}} {{[[Vincent grabs onto Yuffie.]]}} {{Vincent: Hold on!}} {{Yuffie: !?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 225
c1id: 129889
c3file: 225.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent and Yuffie are soaring upwards.]]}} {{Vincent: !!!  Rockslide!}} {{Yuffie: I see 'em!}} {{[[Rocks are falling.]]}} {{<<rumble>> <<crash>>}} {{[[Vincent and Yuffie spin around.  Vincent's foot hits a rock as Yuffie twirls the Twin Viper.]]}} {{<<TWIST>> <<thud>>}} {{[[Yuffie splits a rock with her weapon as Vincent holds onto her.]]}} {{Yuffie: Ugh!}} <<shick>> {{[[Yuffie and vincent land on the other side of the path.]]}} {{Yuffie: <<hah... hah...>>}} {{Vincent: We made it, but...}} <<shhhh>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 226
c1id: 132730
c3file: 226.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki, lying unconscious at the foot of the cliff.]]}} <<*groan*>> {{Nanaki (thinking): Where am I?}} {{[[Nanaki sits up.]]}} {{Nanaki (thinking): The bottom of the cliff already?  This isn't good...}} {{[[Nanaki tries to stand, but glares at his hind leg.]]}} <<hiss>> {{Nanaki (thinking): I can't heal it until the bone is set properly.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 227
c1id: 135834
c3file: 227.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki glares into the darkness behind him, where a pair of red eyes glow.]]}} {{Nanaki: !!!}} <<shuffle>> {{[[A dragon leaps out, claws extended.]]}} {{Nanaki (thinking): I fight alone, then.}} <<RRRGGGGG>> {{[[Nanaki roars.]]}} {{Nanaki: Come on!}} {{[[Nanaki and the dragon fight.]]}} <<CRUNCH!>> <<ROAR>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 228
c1id: 136267
c3file: 228.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki is thrown against a wall by the dragon.]]}} <<WHUMP!>> {{[[Nanaki picks himself up off the ground.]]}} {{Nanaki: Ugh!}} {{[[Nanaki looks worried.]]}} {{Nanaki (thinking): No good... I can't fight it like this!  But if I could just slow it down...}} {{[[A closeup of green materia surrounded with a magic glow in the background. Nanaki in the foreground is surrounded by a green casting glow.]]}} {{Nanaki: Freeze!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 229
c1id: 136884
c3file: 229.txt
c2body:
{{[[A block of ice shoots towards the dragon.]]}} <<riiip>> {{[[The ice spreads over the dragon's head.]]}} {{[[Nanaki roars as the dragon is completely encased in ice.]]}} <<crackle>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 230
c1id: 138816
c3file: 230.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Vincent race towards the bottomof the cliff.]]}} <<CRASH!>> {{Yuffie: Hustle, Vince!}} {{[[Yuffie looks on as Nanaki faces against the dragon, who is breaking out of the ice.]]}} {{Yuffie: Leviathan's butt!  I told him not to cast!}} <<RARGH!>> {{<<krik>> <<krak>>}} {{[[Yuffie grabs onto Vincent's shoulder.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie!  What are you doing?}} {{Yuffie: Get down!}} {{[[Yuffie grabs Vincent and hurls him to the ground in a judo-style throw.]]}} {{<<grab!>> <<catch>> <<whirl>>}} {{[[Vincent and Yuffie land on the ground.]]}} <<whump!>> {{Yuffie: Close your eyes!}} {{Vincent: What -}} {{Yuffie: Do it!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 231
c1id: 139432
c3file: 231.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks on shocked, as the dragon casts a spell.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): This spell is... Ultima!}} {{[[Vincent flips himself over Yuffie.]]}} <<flip>> <<shaaaaaaa>> {{[[Yuffie and Vincent are blinded by a bright, painful light.]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 232
c1id: 140611
c3file: 232.txt
c2body:
{{[[The dragon leans over an unconscious Nanaki menacingly.]]}} <<HISSSS>> {{[[Vincent and Yuffie watch.]]}} {{Yuffie: NO!}} {{[[The dragon's left eye erupts in a splurt of blood.]]}} {{<<BLAM!>> <<splurt>>}} {{[[Vincent is shown holding a smoking Death Penalty.]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 233
c1id: 142408
c3file: 233.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent runs in the background while Yuffie brandishes the Twin Viper.]]}} {{Yuffie: Vince!  Take care of Red!}} {{[[Yuffie hefts her weapon.]]}} {{Yuffie: This one's mine!}} {{[[Vincent stares.]]}} {{Vincent: !!!}} {{[[Yuffie is shown preparing to throw the Twin Viper.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): That's not the Conformer!  What is she doing?}} {{[[Vincent slides to Nanaki's side.]]}} {{Vincent: Nanaki.}} {{Nanaki: ... that was... a ... bad ... choice...}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 234
c1id: 143114
c3file: 234.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent, surrounded by a casting glow, casts a spell over Nanaki.]]}} {{Vincent: Lie still so I can heal you.}} {{Nanaki: No!}} {{[[Nanaki growls at Vincent.]]}} {{Nanaki: My leg can wait.  Help Yuffie!}} {{[[Nanaki and Vincent address each other.]]}} {{Vincent: But she -}} {{Nanaki: Not with the dragon!}} {{[[Yuffie is shown fighting the dragon.]]}} {{Nanaki (narrating): "Do not let her lose herself to the battle!"}} {{Yuffie: Take that!}} {{<<Whoosh!>> <<rargh!>>}} {{[[Yuffie flips over backwards as the dragon rushes her.]]}} {{Yuffie: !?!  Sneaky bastard!}} {{<<swoop>> <<whirl>>}} {{[[Yuffie's eyes start to glow.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hah... hah hah...}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 235
c1id: 144120
c3file: 235.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is tossed into the air by the dragon.]]}} <<TOSS>> {{Yuffie: Ugh!}} {{[[As Yuffie falls, spinning, she laughs.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hahahahahahaha}} {{[[Yuffie falls towards the dragon.]]}} <<FWOOM>> {{[[The dragon opens its mouth as its eyes light up with a casting glow.]]}} <<SHAAAA>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 236
c1id: 144468
c3file: 236.txt
c2body:
{{[[Blinding light fills the cavern as Vincent and Nanaki watch.]]}} <<SCREECH>> {{[[Yuffie's face is shown, warped and laughing.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hahaha}} {{[[Nanaki and Vincent are shown wincing against the light.]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 237
c1id: 144989
c3file: 237.txt
c2body:
{{[[Black]]}} {{[[Dark, ominous]]}} {{[[Blood is dripping]]} <<Plip>>} {{[[Blood is pooling on the ground]]} {<<Plip, plop>>}} {{[[Yuffie is smiling, eyes obscured by blood-drenched hair]]}} {{[[Yuffie, Nanaki, and Vincent are covered in blood]]} {Yuffie: So whaddaya think?} {[[Vincent, face blue, uses healing materia]]} {Vincent: Full cure} {[[Nanaki is injured]]} {Nanaki: Hsss-}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 238
c1id: 147154
c3file: 238.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie, bloodied, grins, surrounded by stars, as she pictures herself twirling through the sky.]]}} {{Yuffie: Chainblade spin?  Razor drop?  No wait, I'll call it the Bladesaw Splitter!}} {{[[Nanaki shakes himself off.]]}} {{Nanaki: So very modest of you...}} {{<<shake>> <<shake>>}} {{[[Yuffie and Nanaki, both filthy, converse while grinning.]]}} {{Yuffie: What?  A cool move deserves a cool name.}} {{Nanaki: Yes, well... thank you both for saving me.}} {{Yuffie: Yep, I was awesome, wasn't I?}} {{[[Vincent, also filthy, brushes some dragon chunks off of his shoulder while grimacing.  Chibi Yuffie growls in the background.]]}} {{Vincent: Just how exactly would you expect us to know?}} {{Yuffie: Spoilsport!}} {{Vincent: We couldn't see a thing in that explosion.}} {{<<seriously ticked off>>}} {{<<paf>> <<paf>> <<plop>>}} {{[[Vincent sits, while Nanaki speaks to him and Yuffie grins in the background.]]}} {{Nanaki: Luckily she stopped the dragon before it cast another Ultima. The only misfortune was - the blast from its magic backwash.}} {{<<plip>> <<plop>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 239
c1id: 148433
c3file: 239.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie brags proudly.]]}} {{Yuffie: Just be glad I killed it!}} {{[[Yuffie addresses Nanaki.]]}} {{Yuffie: And Nanaki...}} {{[[Nanaki looks up.]]}} {{[[Yuffie hugs Nanaki, shaking.]]}} {{Yuffie: Don't you dare do something that stupid again!}} {{Nanaki: Shh, little one.  I am safe.}} {{[[Vincent watches, surprised, as Yuffie addresses Nanaki while crying.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Real fear.... she had none when fighting the dragon, but now...}} {{Yuffie: Just be sure to keep it that way, you idiot.}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face, on the one hand crying with relief, on the other hand, screaming like she's insane.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): She looks like child who has been caught playing in the dirt.  But that is not simply mud.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 240
c1id: 149745
c3file: 240.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent places his hand on Yuffie's shoulder.]]}} {{Vincent: Is this how you've lived for two years, Yuffie?}} {{[[Yuffie's eyes glow faintly.]]}} {{Yuffie: You do what you have to do.}} {{[[Yuffie turns away from Vincent.]]}} {{Yuffie: We should get moving.  More monsters will come soon.  We don't wanna be here when that happens.}} {{[[Vincent stands next to Nanaki.]]}} {{Vincent: Is she always like this here?}} {{Nanaki: ... she is always like this.}} {{Vincent (thinking): So the girl of cheer and smiles hides her darkness in battle.  Only recently have I begun to leave my own self-created hell. Is that why... I do not wish to watch Yuffie entering her own?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 241
c1id: 150484
c3file: 241.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie, Vincent and Nanaki are seated around a campfire.  Yuffie is polishing her weapon.  Nanaki is resting.]]}} {{<<pop>> <<crackle>>}} {{Narrator: Later that evening...}} {{[[Vincent stares at Yuffie. Yuffie notices.]]}} {{[[Yuffie sweats nervously.]]}} {{Yuffie: Stop staring at me, it's creepy!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 242
c1id: 151545
c3file: 242.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie leans her chin on her palm as Vincent points at her.  In the foreground, Nanaki looks at Vincent.]]}} {{Yuffie: ???}} {{Nanaki: Is there a problem, Vincent?}} {{Vincent: Yes.  That weapon.}} {{[[Yuffie holds up her blade, which sparkles.]]}} {{Yuffie: Huh?  Did I forget a spot or something?}} {{[[Vincent glares.]]}} {{Vincent: That is the Twin Viper.  It took me some time to remember its proper name...}} {{[[Yuffie sweatdrops and hides the Viper behind her back.  Vincent glares, and in the foreground, veins pop on Nanaki's cheek as he yells at Yuffie.]]}} {{Yuffie: Heh heh}} {{Vincent: ... because it is so old.}} {{Nanaki: WHAT?  Yuffie, explain!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 243
c1id: 152110
c3file: 243.txt
c2body:
{{[[The Twin Viper is shown.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): "Uhh... well, yeah, it's the Twin Viper.  It grows materia at twice the normal rate.  I thought it would speed things up a little, ya know?  Besides, with the two of you here, I can afford to take a few more risks."}} {{[[Yuffie holds a thumb up, winking.]]}} {{Yuffie: C'mon guys, I know you got my back!}} {{[[Vincent looks at the weapon.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): I didn't normally concern myself with others' weapons... but even I knew of the Viper's weakness.  Like all double growth weaonry, it had few slots for materia and almost no attack power to speak of - despite the wicked curve to its blade.}} {{[[Nanaki yells at Yuffie, holding the blade down with his paw.]]}} {{Nanaki: Protecting you is one thing.  Watching you fight with a butter knife is another!}} {{[[Yuffie yells at Nanaki, pulling out the Oritsuru.]]}} {{Yuffie: Calm down!  I brought the Oritsuru with me, see?}} {{Nanaki: Don't show it to me, use it!}} {{[[color]]}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 244
c1id: 154629
c3file: 244.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie unscrews her weapon as Vincent munches on a barbeque stick.]]}} <<clack>> {{Yuffie: Aww, c'mon, cut me a break here.  Vincent?}} {{Vincent: Humph.}} {{[[Vincent hits Yuffie on the head with his barbeque stick, while Nanaki grins at Yuffie.]]}} {{Yuffie: Pretty please?}} <<BOINK>> {{Nanaki: No.}} {{[[Yuffie winces and holds up the Oritsuru.]]}} {{Yuffie: Fine!  I hate this thing, you know.}} {{[[Closeup of the Oritsuru]]}} {{Yuffie (talking): It's so tiny, and it looks stupid!  How am I supposed to do Bladesaw Splitters with this bird?}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 245
c1id: 155718
c3file: 245.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie grins and spins her weapon at Nanaki, who frowns.  Vincent looks around.]]}} {{Nanaki: If you dislike it so much, use the Conformer.  Or did you even bring that?}} {{Vincent: Hmm?}} {{[[Vincent grabs the Death Penalty.]]}} {{Vincent: Something's coming.}} {{[[Both Yuffie and Nanaki look up.]]}} {{[[Nanaki sniffs the air.]]}} {{<<sniff>> <<sniff>>}} {{[[Nanaki glares.]]}} {{Nanaki: A Tonberry.  Further down the passage.  If we break camp now, we might be able to hide until it passes.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 246
c1id: 156398
c3file: 246.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie holds the Oritsuru in her mouth as she pulls her jacket on. Nanaki addresses her from behind.]]}} {{Yuffie: We're not running.}} {{Nanaki: Yuffie!  What are you doing?  Don't you remember the last time -}} {{Yuffie: I remember just fine!}} {{[[Nanaki looks uneasy.]]}} {{Nanaki: Then don't do this to yourself.}} {{[[Yuffie holds her palm before her face.]]}} {{Yuffie: I can take him.  You guys back off if you want.}} {{[[Vincent slings his gun over his shoulder.]]}} {{Vincent: I don't understand.  It's just a Tonberry - there shouldn't be any problem.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 247
c1id: 156505
c3file: 247.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie grins at Nanaki, who growls at Vincent.]]}} {{Yuffie: See?  Even Vincent agrees.}} {{Nanaki: You don't know...}} {{<<rustle>> <<rustle>>}} {{[[Yuffie looks up.]]}} {{Yuffie: We got company.}} {{[[Nanaki growls.]]}} {{Nanaki: Grrrrrr...}} {{[[A purple Tonberry appears, holding the traditional chef's knife.]]}} {{Tonberry: ...}} {{[[Vincent looks surprised.]]}} {{Vincent: What is that?  It isn't like any Tonberry I've seen!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 248
c1id: 157967
c3file: 248.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent, Nanaki and Yuffie watch the Tonberry approach.]]}} {{Nanaki: It's a Master Tonberry.  It attacks your mind.}} {{Yuffie: I've figured out how they think.}} {{[[Yuffie taps her forehead.]]}} {{Yuffie: It depends on your state of mind.  Think happy thoughts and you'll be ok!}} {{[[Bugenhagen rubs Nanaki's head.]]}} {{Yuffie (narrating): You should be fine, Red.  Just think of your Gramps, and all that time ya spent growing up in Cosmo Canyon!}} {{[[Vincent glares at Yuffie.]]}} {{Yuffie: Umm... well... just - you could - eh ...}} {{[[A vein pops on Vincent's forehead.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{[[Yuffie grins and sweatdrops.]]}} {{Yuffie: Well, you've got Phoenix, Vince.}} {{[[Yuffie tries to stop Vincent as he aims the Death Penalty.]]}} {{Yuffie: Hey, wait!}} <<chink>> {{Vincent: How comforting.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 249
c1id: 158697
c3file: 249.txt
c2body:
{{[[The Tonberry is shot and falls over.]]}} <<BLAM!>> <<FLOP>> {{<<twitch>> <<twitch>>}} {{[[The Tonberry sits up, veins popping.]]}} <<WHUMP>> {{[[Yuffie and Nanaki stare in horror.]]}} {{Yuffie: Crap!  He got its attention!}} {{Nanaki: It's too late, Yuffie!  Back off!}} {{[[Vincent turns halfway.]]}} {{Vincent: Too late?}} {{[[Flashback to Yuffie's words.]]}} {{Yuffie: "... though sometimes some of the things up there can speak, too..."}} {{Yuffie: "... I think Holy fixed 'em up good and proper, because they're so angry with us now..."}} {{[[The Tonberry raises its lantern, which is surrounded by dark swirls.]]}} {{<<chitter>> <<chitter>> <<chitter>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 250
c1id: 158727
c3file: 250.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's eyes are closed, his skin pale.]]}} {{<<chitter>> <<chitter>> <<chitter>>}} {{[[Vincent's eyes open, but his skin is healthy and his eyes are brown.]]}} {{[[Vincent as a Turk is floating in the air.]]}} {{[[Vincent looks up.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Where... am I?}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 251
c1id: 158932
c3file: 251.txt
c2body:
{{[[Empty teal-colored space; Lucrecia's back is turned away from Vincent; neither face is visible]]} {Lucrecia: Come to me...}} {{[[Two small, empty panels]]}} {{[[Close-up of Lucrecia turning to face Vincent]]} {Lucrecia: Vincent.}} {{[[Young, light-skinned Vincent in a Turk suit is reaching toward Lucrecia, who holds out her arms to him]]} {Vincent: Lucrecia?} {Lucrecia: Come to me... and I will give you peace.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 255
c1id: 159859
c3file: 255.txt
c2body:
{{[[A silhouette of a phoenix is seen rising over a fiery background.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): The burning is unbearable.  I have never known pain like it before, not even when I died at Hojo's hands.  Phoenix is unlike any other summon.}} {{[[Closeup of Cloud's face.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): To my knowledge, only Cloud had attempted it once before.}} {{Vincent (narrating): "It's not the same," he told us.  "The Phoenix... it gives you life, but it takes something away each time, too.  I don't like using it, it just feels wrong."}} {{Vincent (narrating): Cloud, master of understatement.}} {{Vincent (narrating): It is doubly painful because I did not call it willingly - Yuffie's materia chain drew it from me like poison from a wound.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 256
c1id: 159897
c3file: 256.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent lands on his knees, surrounded by flames.  He looks beat up.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): So I must remain - ... alive.}} {{[[Yuffie's hand lands on Vincent's shoulder and squeezes it.]]}} <<squeeze>> {{[[Yuffie looks down at Vincent, worried.]]}} {{Yuffie: Idiot.}} {{[[Vincent looks up, surprised.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie?}} {{[[Yuffie runs off to fight the Tonberry.  Vincent and Nanaki watch.]]}} {{Vincent: Don't -!} {Nanaki: Let her go.  You're in no condition to fight.} {Vincent: ... I wanted to die.} {Nanaki: We all do, when we face it.} {Vincent: Then why?} {Nanaki: She may be crazy, but she knows how to handle the creature better than us.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 257
c1id: 160366
c3file: 257.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent and Nanaki wince away as Yuffie and the Tonberry face off.]]}} {{Nanaki: All we can do is catch her when she falls.}} {{[[Yuffie looks up, grinning.]]}} {{Yuffie (thinking): Here it comes... it's not like I could avoid it anyway.}} {{[[The Tonberry holds up its lantern, surrounded by black swirls once again.]]}} <<SWOOOOSH>> {{[[A younger, healthier-looking Yuffie is shown with her eyes closed and her cheeks bloodied.]]}} {{Yuffie (thinking): Besides, I already know what I'm gonna see.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 258
c1id: 160384
c3file: 258.txt
c2body:
{{[[Young Yuffie is shown wielding the Conformer.]]}} {{Yuffie: Well, old man?  I already made it to the top of the Pagoda, but I'll kick your butt again if I have to!}} {{[[Godo is shown in a fighting stance.]]}} {{Godo: Insolent girl!  You never did show me proper respect!  But I am not your opponent this time, daughter.}} {{[[Closeup of Godo's face.]]}} {{Godo: Now you must face the final Mighty God of Wutai!}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie, crying, as her mother, a long-haired woman who looks like her, wearing a green kimono, appears.]]}} {{Yuffie: Why... ... mama?}} {{Lady Kisaragi: Hello, Yuffie.  Are you ready for your last test?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 259
c1id: 160942
c3file: 259.txt
c2body:
{{[[Lady Kisaragi raises her staff, which glows with energy.]]}} {{Lady Kisaragi: Lend me your strength, oh lords of the Da Chao! TRANSFORMATION!}} {{[[Yuffie holds her hand to her head, crying and trembling.]]}} {{Yuffie: No... not again!  Don't leave me, mama!}} {{[[The four-faced monster from the top floor of the Pagoda appears.]]}} {{Lady Kisaragi: Face me!  Show me you are worthy of the throne!}} {{[[Yuffie yells and throws the Conformer at the monster.]]}} {{Yuffie: Stop it!  Just stop it!}} {<<SWOOSH>> <<SPLURT>>} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 260
c1id: 160946
c3file: 260.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie's mother is mortally wounded]]}} {{[[Yuffie lands on her feet]]} {<<Tup tup>>}} {{[[Yuffie and her mother embrace.  They are covered in blood.  Mother is dying.]]} {Yuffie: Mama... I'm so sorry.} {Mother: You did well, my daughter.} {Yuffie: But I'm not ready to take your place.  I'll never be.}} {{[[Yuffie is crying.]]} {Yuffie: You think you've beaten me?  You think you've won?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 261
c1id: 161133
c3file: 261.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is morphed into Phoenix]]} <<Kreee!>> {Yuffie: You don't know anything!}} {{[[Master Tonberry is engulfed in flames and Phoenix feathers]]} <<Fwoosh!>>} {{[[Yuffie is no longer morphed but has dark circles under her eyes]]} {Yuffie: I know you can understand me.  I'm going to kill you.  But you let me see mother again, in your own stupid way.  For that, I'll make it quick.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 262
c1id: 161639
c3file: 262.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie's eyes and Command materia are glowing yellow as she hurls the Oritsuru]]} {Yuffie: Morph!}} {{[[Yuffie's Oritsuru slices into Master Tonberry]]} <<Fwoosh!>>} {{[[Master Tonberry is unhurt, sweaty, and furious]]} {Master Tonberry: Chitter chitter chitter!}} {{[[Yuffie catches her Oritsuru; she is dismayed and frightened]]} {Yuffie: Crap!  My attack wasn't strong enough!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 263
c1id: 161900
c3file: 263.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie holding the Oritsuru between her hands, eyes closed.]]} {Yuffie (thinking): Oh man... this is bad!  I hope Phoenix is ready again in time!}} {{[[A close-up of the Tonberry's face and its lantern.]]} {<<Chitter Chitter...>>}} <<BLAM!>> {{[[Close-up of the Tonberry's lantern being shot out.]]} <<SPLINTER>>} {{[[Vincent brandishing his gun, looking haunted, one arm around Nanaki for support.]]} {Nanaki: Stop playing around! Finish it!}} {{[[Yuffie, ready to strike.]]} {Yuffie: Right!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 264
c1id: 162381
c3file: 264.txt
c2body:
{{[[Blood.]]} <<slash>>} {{[[The Tonberry lying dead at Yuffie's feet.]]}} {{[[Yuffie in profile, her head lowered.]]} {Yuffie (thinking): I'm sorry... I didn't mean to lie to you.}} {{[[Vincent and Nanaki approaching Yuffie, who's wearing a shell-shocked expression.]]}} {{[[Yuffie has snapped into instant cheerfulness, her eyes closed smilingly. Vincent looks angry, as if he wanted to shake her for nearly getting herself killed.]]}} {{Yuffie: That was pretty smart, Vince, takin' out his lantern like that!}} {{[[Nanaki's face in close-up.]]} {Nanaki: How can you stand fighting those things?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 265
c1id: 163251
c3file: 265.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Vincent, she with wide-eyed fake cheerfulness, he with his hair covering his eyes.]]} {Yuffie: Well, you just -} {Vincent: You do what you have to do.}} {{[[Vincent, giving Yuffie (outside the panel) a hard look, seeing right through her.]]} {Vincent: Isn't that right?}} {{[[Yuffie and Vincent in profile - her cheerful front falters; she's defenceless against that look of his.]]} {Yuffie: Vince?} {Vincent: I saw you.} {Vincent: The next time you have a chance like that, aim to kill.}} {{[[Vincent with narrowed eyes, with Yuffie close but averting her face from him (her eyes are outside the panel).]]} {Vincent: ...I don't care where you get your ribbons from.}} {{[[Yuffie, silent, and looking like Vincent's words got to her deeply.]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 267
c1id: 163337
c3file: 267.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's face, gazing thoughtfully.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): Days turned into weeks. I think... time forgot about us. Yuffie kept a pocket watch to remind us of its passage. But without the light of the sun to guide us, words like "day" and "night" quickly became meaningless. We traveled when we were fit, we rested when we were tired. It was also not our last meeting with Tonberries, Dragons or the other residents of the Crater.  Nanaki and I adapted quickly. I still do not enjoy fighting Tonberries - but I know now what to expect, and it is not difficult for me to resist.  Easier, in fact, for me than for the others - I am used to being haunted by the ghosts of my past.  We all came to be, in this damaged place.  Still - Yuffie wasn't lying. Either you got better in the Crater, or you died.  I had no desire to summon Phoenix ever again, so I re-learned how to fight - and to survive.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 268
c1id: 183515
c3file: 268.txt
c2body:
{{Narration/Vincent's thoughts: We took turns during "evening" lookouts - guard duty aided by Yuffie's "Enemy Away" materia, while the others rested fitfully and recovered their strength.}} {{[[Vincent's face, watching thoughtfully.]]} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: It was during these times that I found the opportunity to observe my companions freely, their defenses lowered while they slept.} {[[Nanaki, looking distraught.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Nanaki fared the worst of us.  I understood now why he was so reluctant to return to the Crater with Yuffie. He mentioned that he could "hear" the voices of the monsters before, but it was obvious that he felt more than he admitted to either of us.  With his eloquence and intelligence, it is easy to forget that he is not simply a short, four-legged human. It became clearer in this place, though, where all defenses are stripped away.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 269
c1id: 185561
c3file: 269.txt
c2body:
{{[[Several different views of Nanaki, walking, sleeping, close-up.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Nanaki is a beast, a creature of the Planet unlike ourselves - a being meant to bask in the warmth of the sun and the gentle caress of a fresh breeze under the open sky. The dark, claustrophobic confines of the Crater are like a poison to his body, a constant drain on both his body and his mind. It wasn't so bad when he was awake.As he slept, nightmares fueled by the restless Lifestream would plague him.  Perhaps it was not only that alone which burdened him - every step drew us closer to our meeting with the Gi, his brethren. Yuffie kept us studiously informed of our progress.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 270
c1id: 186863
c3file: 270.txt
c2body:
{{[[At the top, Yuffie looking relaxed; below, Yuffie in battle-rage trailing a spray of blood behind her; to the side of it, Nanaki looking on in intense worry; below, Vincent's and Nanaki's faces, Vincent's expression showing concern.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Yuffie.  This place turned her into an enigma as well. She was cheerful as ever, of course, as though we weren't carving a bloody path into the heart of the Crater, but simply taking a stroll through Cosmo Canyon.  But she would throw herself violently into each battle - something even Nanaki noted with increasing concern.}} {{Vincent (thinking): He would speak with me occasionally during the watch, discussing Yuffie's crumbling sanity.  Those two were best friends, and I suspect Nanaki was scared - he was losing her, just as he lost his own family. I do not think she even realized how deeply she was hurting him - or that her behaviour was not normal.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 271
c1id: 188213
c3file: 271.txt
c2body:
{{[[The two sides of Yuffie: a warrior with a hard look on her face; and a wide-eyed girl, her expression almost vacant in its exaggerated cheerfulness.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): Yuffie's dual personality as a warrior had always been present, even during her time working under Cloud's direction. She is a trained Ninja of Wutai.  I know what this means; I have tangled with the Ninja clans of Wutai before, in another lifetime - they live and die by the blade. But the split personality was more pronounced than either Nanaki or I recalled.  She would charge into battle recklessly with any foe - she preferred to land the first strike. It wasn't the strategy itself which was unsound, even if unappreciated. It was her apparent disregard for personal safety which worried us.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 272
c1id: 190150
c3file: 272.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie sleeping on the ground, slack-jawed and with a deep scar visible on her arm; with Vincent watching her from the background.]]} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: She pushed herself to the point of exhaustion; at night she would fall into a deep slumber almost immediately.}} {{[[Vincent, looking at his claw-hand contemplatively; with his standing figure in the background.]]} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: And as for myself?} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: Perhaps strange to admit it, but I fared better than my companions. I am no stranger to long periods of solitude and darkness. The time spent away from the petty concerns of human civilization was a welcome change from my previous mercenary lifestyle.} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: But is was more than simply a chance to retreat from the rest of the world.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 273
c1id: 190263
c3file: 273.txt
c2body:
{{[[At the top, Yuffie, Vincent, and Nanaki relaxing together, looking happy; at the bottom, Vincent standing with his hair and cloak flowing in the breeze, looking happy and free.]]} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: The presence of the others, as uncomfortable as they were, gave me something close to contentment.} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: Without the hardships of the Crater to bind us...} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: ...I am not certain if the bubble of friendship Nanaki and Yuffie shared would have extended to myself.} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: Every step we took was an earned privilege into the lives of my companions - my friends.} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: For all its problems, I grew to appreciate the Northern Crater.} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: There is a strange comfort in knowing that the Planet itself still suffers and struggles; that even without Nanaki and Yuffie by my side, I would never truly be alone.} {Narration/Vincent's thoughts: It helped ease my own doubts and pain.}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 274
c1id: 192962
c3file: 274.txt
c2body:
{{[[Their backs to the viewer, Vincent, Nanaki and Yuffie stand in front of a glittering materia fall that makes a chiming sound. It is pastel-coloured, giving it an airy, beautiful appearance.]]}} {{Vincent (narrating): And for a short while, I forgot the most important lesson the Crater had to impart - there is no beauty without ugliness, no light without shadow. And my own peace came with its price.  Fitting, that I was reminded of this at the most beautiful point in our journey.}} {{Yuffie: This is it! We call it "materia falls," Vince. 'Cause it's like a waterfall, see?} {Vincent: This sound...} {Nanaki: We will make our camp here tonight.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 275
c1id: 194297
c3file: 275.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent sits against a shining wall of materia.]]} {Vincent (thinking): So peaceful here... Even Nanaki seems able to rest comfortably for once.} {Yuffie: ... ...ngg... ...ma... ...nooo...}} {{[[Yuffie sits up, her face dripping with what might be sweat, or tears, or both.]]} {Yuffie: Aeris!}} {{[[Yuffie covers her mouth with her hand and stares at Vincent.]]} {Yuffie: Oh man... I didn't mean to wake up like that,} {Yuffie: Bawlin' like a kid an' all!}} {{[[Yuffie hides her face behind her knees as Vincent addresses her.]]} {Yuffie: Sorry Vince!} {Vincent: You had a nightmare.} {Vincent: There is no shame in that.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 277
c1id: 195594
c3file: 277.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie's and Vincent's faces - she with her eyes closed like one steeped deeply in thought, he sporting a charming half-smile -, with an image of Aeris between them like a vision, surrounded by the sparkle of the materia.]]}} {{Yuffie: That's the fun part of finding natural materia caves. Every one has a different voice.  Sometimes... Sometimes - I think I can hear Aeris when I listen close enough.  It's probably wishful thinking.}} {{Vincent: No...  You are right. I can imagine any way to be closer to her than this.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 278
c1id: 196529
c3file: 278.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's face, eyes closed and half-smiling.]]}} {{[[Vincent's face, still with eyes closed, but with "spikes" appearing next to his head - probably implying that his "someone's looking at me" sense is tingling?]]}} {{[[Vincent opening one eye to peek.]]} {Vincent: Yuffie...}} {{[[Yuffie, who indeed has been looking intently at Vincent, is quickly turning her head aside, blushing.]]} <<STARE>> {Vincent: ...}} {{[[Yuffie goes chibi, putting her fingertips together and sweatdropping in embarrassment, and 'whistling innocently'.]]}} {{[[Vincent gives Yuffie a hard look, while Yuffie is still all wide-eye feigned innocence.]]} {Vincent: Why were you looking at me?} {Yuffie: Who said I was looking at you?}} {{[[Yuffie's hand points to a spot behind Vincent's head.]]} {Yuffie: For your information, there was a really interesting looking piece of materia right behind your head!} {Vincent: Really.} {Vincent: I didn't know you possessed the ability to see through my head.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 279
c1id: 196866
c3file: 279.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is chagrined]]} {Yuffie: Well OK, maybe I was looking at you.  But I wasn't thinking about you!  I swear!}} {{Vincent: Oh?  Then who were you thinking of?}} {{[[Chibi-Yuffie is thinking of Cloud]]} {Yuffie: Cloud!} {Cloud: Hey!  Why drag me in?!}} {{[[Chibi-Vincent pops Chibi-Yuffie's fantasy bubble]]} {Vincent: ...}} {{Yuffie: Yeah, Cloud!  I was just thinking about how handsome he is! Those blue eyes, that cute blond hair... and all those muscles!  He really is incredible!  You don't look anything like him!} {[[Yuffie is smiling and blushing.  Heart balloons are all over the place]]} {[[Comparison between Cloud and Vincent is shown]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 280
c1id: 200313
c3file: 280.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is shown iced over as Vincent stares at her in shock.]]}} <<FROZEN>> {{[[Yuffie sweatdrops and panics as she waves her hands wildly.]]}} {{Yuffie: I-I-I m-mean I... that is... it's not that you look bad!  Actually, I think you look kinda okay.  No wait!  I mean you look fine!  Uh, just a different kind of fine than Cloud!}} {{[[Vincent looks troubled.]]} {Vincent (thinking): I know that look.  I have suffered it enough times when I was a Turk.  They'd come often from young, inexperienced girls, things who knew nothing of who I was or what I wanted.}} {{[[Yuffie is shown staring at Vincent with big eyes, surrounded by hearts.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): It was generally followed by a declaration of their true "feelings."}} {{Vincent (narrating): I hate that look.}} {{[[Vincent's eyes are shown, angry.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie.  Don't fall in love.  You'll only get hurt.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 281
c1id: 202010
c3file: 281.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks surprised.]]}} {{[[Yuffie is taken aback, considering how to handle the situation.]]} {Yuffie: ...}} {{[[Yuffie turns haughty and angry.]]} {Yuffie: Gawd!  Someone here's got an ego, doesn't he?}} {{[[Yuffie is furious.  Her eyes flash violet.]]} {Yuffie: "Don't fall in love?"  You sure know how to assume a helluva lot from a look, Valentine.}} {{[[Yuffie gives Vincent a stern look.  Vincent is hurt but defiant.  He glares back at her.]]} {Yuffie: Well let me tell you something.  You shouldn't do any more assuming. It only makes an ass outta you, not me!}} {{[[Yuffie flops down on the ground.]]} <<Fwump>> {Yuffie: Wake me up when we're ready to leave.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 282
c1id: 202952
c3file: 282.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent stares at Yuffie, who is lying on the groung facing away from him.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): That did not go quite as badly as it might have...} {Vincent: ...}} {{[[Vincent zips up his shirt.]]} <<ZIIIP>>} {{Vincent (thinking): Still... I handled the situation poorly.  I hope this incident doesn't hinder our travel.}} {{[[Yuffie is shown, looking angry and crying.]]}} {{[[Vincent is leaning against the wall, looking discontent.]]}} <<*sigh*>> <<riiiiiiiiiiiing>> {{Vincent (thinking): Yuffie was right.  The materia song sounds different. ... Why does it no longer bring me any peace?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 283
c1id: 203563
c3file: 283.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki's feet.]]} {{{The next day...}}}} {{[[Nanaki, sweatdropping and clearly NOT pleased with the situation.]]} <<RRRR...>>} {{[[The party marching in single file, Yuffie in the lead, with her head lowered, her entire body language the very image of huffy silence, Nanaki behind her, and Vincent a few steps behind him. The background spells out "TENSION".]]} {Nanaki: ...}} {{[[Nanaki turning to speak to Vincent.]]} {Nanaki: I've come to expect this sort of childish behavior from Yuffie...}} {{[[Vincent's face, with a near-shocked expression - Nanaki's word's clearly hit home.]]}} {{[[Yuffie's face.]]} {Nanaki: But I'm surprised that you would be a part of it as well, Vincent.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 285
c1id: 208086
c3file: 285.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki covers his face with a paw.]]}} {{Nanaki: Now will one of you please tell me... what exactly this argument is about?}} {{[[Yuffie yells.]]}} {{Yuffe: Fine!  Mr. Icicle caught me looking at him last night.  Now he thinks I'm in love with him.  He's afraid I might touch him with a ten-foot pole and muss his perfect hair now.}} {{[[Nanaki looks pensive as Yuffie ducks her head.]]}} {{Nanaki (thinking): This isn't surprising... Yuffie's romantic magnet always did seem to have its poles switched.}} {{[[Nanaki faces Vincent.]]}} {{Nanaki: Well?}} {{[[Vincent looks annoyed.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie, your attentions are unwanted.  They are the capricious desires of an infatuated child.  You'd best be rid of them before they turn into an unpleasant distraction for us both.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 286
c1id: 210754
c3file: 286.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie's hand is shown balling into a fist.]]}} {{Yuffie: Infatuated child?  Unpleasant distraction?  GAWD!}} {{[[Yuffie's eyes glow.]]}} {{Yuffie: Just where do you get off thinking that, Vincent Valentine? You think the sun rises and sets for you, too?  I can't believe you!}} {{[[Yuffie and Vincent's lower torsos are shown as they face each other.]]}} {{Yuffie: Y'know what your problem is?  You take things way too seriously.}} {{[[Nanaki looks worried.]]}} {{Nanaki: Yuffie...}} {{[[Yuffie looks away, obviously upset.]]}} {{Yuffie: Maybe you're right.  Maybe I thought - and I mean THOUGHT, past tense - you were kinda cute looking.  Maybe I wondered what it'd be like to know you better.}} {{[[Yuffie's eyes glow once again as she throws an arm out.]]}} {{Yuffie: But NO!  Apparently you're too emotionally constipated to even handle that idea!  Vincent Valentine can't have a normal relationship with anyone!}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's chin.]]}} {{Yuffie: He can't even handle having friends.  It's gotta be all or nothing with you, doesn't it Vincent?  Best friends or none at all.  True love or revulsion!  You probably think of this whole damn place as one big Vincent Valentine Vacation Resort, because down here you don't have to deal with other people!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 287
c1id: 212122
c3file: 287.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks shocked.]]}} {{Yuffie: Especially the ones dumb enough to call themselves your friends! Except for us, right?  Except for me and Nanaki?  So when are you gonna start calling him an "annoying distraction," huh Vince?  Or do I get the special treatment just 'cause I'm the only girl around here?}} {{[[Yuffie doubles over, panting.]]}} {{<<huff>> <<huff>>}} {{[[Vincent's eyes are shadowed as he turns away from Yuffie, who looks worried.]]}} {{Vincent: If you didn't wish me to accompany you on this trip, you should have mentioned it earlier.}} {{Yuffie: Vincent... I -}} {{Vincent: When we return to Cosmo Canyon, I'll leave.  Until then you will just have to tolerate my presence... however detestable you may find it to be.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 288
c1id: 212522
c3file: 288.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent and Yuffie stare angrily at each other.]]}} {{[[Vincent stalks off with a clenched fist while Yuffie glares at him, looking a bit hurt.]]}} {{[[Vincent disappears into the darkness of the cave while Yuffie watches him. Nanaki is looking at Yuffie while sighing.]]}} {{Yuffie: I messed it up, didn't I?}} {{Nanaki: <<*sigh*>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 289
c1id: 213834
c3file: 289.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie sinks to her haunches.]]}} <<WHUMP>> {{[[Nanaki brushes up against Yuffie.]]}} {{Nanaki: Look on the bright side.  We still have two months to spend together. That is more than enough time to repair the damage you've caused.}} {{[[Yuffie looks angry, Nanaki gives her a stern look.]]}} {{Yuffie: Whoa, wait a second there!  It's not like he's innocent either!}} {{Nanaki: Those who have only just begun to discover their own flaws do not tend to appreciate a mirror being thrust upon them forcibly.}} {{[[Nanaki looks disappointed.]]}} {{Nanaki: If a good friend of mine had problems with attachment... and a fear of rejection, it wouldn't help to mention that lashing out at her companion's understandable reactions to her overtures would come to no good.}} {{[[Nanaki leaves a surprised looking Yuffie behind.]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 290
c1id: 214816
c3file: 290.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's boots.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): I almost forgot what it felt like... to be chained to a physical manifestation of my own anger.  But after one round of verbal sparring with a certain ninja...}} {{Not since... not since Lucrecia have I felt such anger.}} {{[[Close-up of Vincent's face, slowly transforming into Chaos.  His eyes are glowing yellow.]]}} <<GRRRRRRR>>> {{Vincent (thinking): How dare she?  How dare she flay open my inner demons and pronounce judgement as though she were my keeper?}} {{Vincent (thinking): I want to tear that expression off of her face with my claws!  I want to make her feel pain...}} {{[[Vincent is shown walking, halfway transformed into Chaos.]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 292
c1id: 217663
c3file: 292.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki looks away from Vincent, approaching his side.]]}} {{Nanaki: While I agree Yuffie often speaks too quickly for her own good, I wouldn't make the mistake of assuming that she hasn't thought about what she said.}} {{[[Vincent looks thoughtful.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{[[A framed picture of Yuffie, Tifa and Aeris from five years ago, in the background a blurred image of today's grown-up Yuffie.]]}} {{Nanaki: She's not the same 16-year-old you left behind.}} {{[[Yuffie is shown looking pensive in the foreground.  In the background, a faded image of Vincent is shown mirroring her actions.]]}} {{Nanaki (narrating): Yuffie has trouble expressing her feelings to others, Vincent.  She isn't so unlike yourself.  Perhaps you could give her the benefit of your understanding, even if you aren't interested in what she might offer. Yuffie's greatest desire is only to be heard.  I don't think that is beyond your emotional capabilities.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 293
c1id: 218252
c3file: 293.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's profile, looking pensive.]]}} {{Vincent: I do not...}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent, looking thoughtful.]]}} {{Vincent: I can not offer her the comfort she is seeking.}} {{[[Nanaki tugs on Vincent's cloak.]]}} {{Nanaki: Vincent.  You might find it beneficial to make the attempt. For both of your sakes.}} {{[[Vincent reaches his human hand towards his face.]]}} {{Vincent: ...}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent's lips, smiling, as he unfastens his cloak.]]}} {{Vincent: Wise words, Nanaki.}} <<SNAP>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 294
c1id: 220791
c3file: 294.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks serious.]]}} {{Vincent: Maybe I was a bit harsh.  I'll speak with Yuffie.  Where is she?}} {{[[Nanaki looks relaxed while pacing.]]}} {{Nanaki: She should have reached us by now.  I wonder what's keeping her?}} {{[[Transition bars separate to a new scene, and we see Yuffie sitting and spinning the Oritsuru on her fingertip.]]}} <<WHIRR>> {{Yuffie (thinking): Am I really that bad?}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie looking upset.]]}} {{Yuffie (thinking): Was I really just overreacting to being turned away? It's not like I haven't been rejected before.  It's actually happened a lot. A whole lot.  A whole lotta lot...}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 295
c1id: 222931
c3file: 295.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is inspecting the Oritsuru obliviously.]]}} {{<<TUP TUP TUP TUP>>}} {{Yuffie: Come to get me, huh, Red?}} {{[[Yuffie looks up, still unsuspecting.]]}} {{Yuffie: Nanaki?}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's eyes.  We see four spheres reflected in her pupil.]]}} {{Yuffie: !!!}} {{[[Four yellow balls speed towards Yuffie.]]}} {{Yuffie: Those weren't footsteps!  Movers!}} <<WHOOSH>> {{[[The movers speed past Yuffie, attacking her.]]}} {{Yuffie: Ugh!}} {{<<slish>> <<slish>> <<slish>>}} {{[[The movers regroup into a diamond.]]}} <<whirl>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 296
c1id: 223928
c3file: 296.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is ducking and looking a bit worried and upset.]]}} {{Yuffie: And four of them!  This is just my lucky day, isn't it?}} {{[[The movers form a box around Yuffie, while energy crackles around them.]]}} {{<<Crackle>> <<crackle>>}} {{Yuffie: Ugh, not a Delta Attack too!}} {{[[Yuffie's eyes grow clouded as stars surround her head.]]}} {{Yuffie: I can't see anything!  Which way is up?}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 297
c1id: 224602
c3file: 297.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks disoriented.]]}} <<*hurk*>> {{Yuffie: I hate motion sickness!}} {{[[One of the movers comes into focus and rushes at Yuffie.]]}} <<SHHHH>> {{[[Yuffie is beat up by the Mover in the foreground, in the background we see her spitting as she gets hit.]]}} {{Yuffie: Oof!  Aah!}} {{<<FWUMP>> <<FWOOSH>>}} {{[[Yuffie is lying on the ground, bleeding.  The Oritsuru is on the ground in front of her.]]}} {{<<*cough*>> <<*cough*>>}} {{Yuffie: Oww!  At least I can see straight again...}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 298
c1id: 226488
c3file: 298.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie winces as a Mover smashes into the ground next to her face.]]}} {{[[Yuffie rolls and tries to avoid being hit by the Movers, who are slamming into the ground around her.]]}} {{<<PAFF>> <<PAFF>> <<PAFF>> <<PAFF>> <<PAFF>> <<PAFF>> <<PAFF>> <<PAFF>>}} {{Yuffie: Augh!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 299
c1id: 227346
c3file: 299.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie's hand reaches down and grabs the Oritsuru.]]}} <<GRAB>> {{[[We see Yuffie's legs as she runs by, scooping up her pack.]]}} <<SNATCH>> {{[[Yuffie is running away towards the reader as the movers chase behind her.]]}} {{Yuffie: Sorry, but I gotta go!  I have an appointment with LIFE that I wanna keep!}} {{[[scene change]]}} {{Narrator: Elsewhere...}} {{[[Vincent looks uncertain.]]}} {{Vincent: Perhaps she is too upset to return.}} {{[[Nanaki looks tense, sampling the air.]]}} {{Nanaki: Quiet!}} {{<<*twitch*>> <<*twitch*>>}} {{Nanaki: Something's wrong.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 300
c1id: 228475
c3file: 300.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki leaps forward while Vincent jumps in surprise.]]}} {{Nanaki: Follow me!}} {{Vincent: What's wrong?}} {{Nanaki: I can hear some kind of struggle!}} {{[[Vincent looks shocked.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie!} {Vincent (thinking): If my words or actions bring her to harm -!}} {{[[Vincent has a flashback to his time in Cosmo Canyon]]}} {{Vincent: "I will protect her."}} {{[[Vincent looks very upset in the foreground.  In the background, we see the superimposed image of Lucrecia's lips over a memory of Vincent as a Turk holding a deceased Lucrecia.]]}} {{Vincent: (thinking, it sounds like Lucrecia's voice in his head): Not a very good bodyguard, are you Vincent?  You've failed again... just as you failed me.  But bonus points for effort!  Beter luck next lifetime...}} {{[[Chibi Vincent holds the 300 page marker!]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 301
c1id: 230307
c3file: 301.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki's foot hits the ground.]]}} <<THUD>> {{[[Nanaki's face, looking panicked.]]} {Nanaki: Yuffie?!}} {{[[We see Yuffie tumbling forward through an explosion.  Nanaki in the foreground is skidding to a stop.]]}} {{<<SMASH>> <<CRACK>> <<BOOM>>} {Yuffie: Waah!}} {{<<SKID>> <<SCREECH>>} {Nanaki: Rarrg!}} {{[[Yuffie is racing forward, looking panicked.  The movers are chasing behind her.]]}} {{Yuffie: Movers!  Move it or lose it!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 302
c1id: 231103
c3file: 302.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is leaping out of the way in the background, while Nanaki is leaping out of the way in the foreground.  Movers are attacking them.]]}} {{Yuffie: Red!  Duck!}} {{Nanaki: Why are there four of them?}} {{Yuffie: How should I know?  Maybe they got social!}} {{[[Vincent arrives and looks concerned.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie!  Watch out!}} {{[[Yuffie dodges one mover, but another is rushing towards her head. Vincent is moving to intercept it with his claw.]]}} <<SLISH>> {{[[Yuffie and Vincent stare at each other as their faces pass close by.]]}} {{Yuffie: Vincent?!}} {{Vincent (thinking): I WILL protect her.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 303
c1id: 231542
c3file: 303.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent grimaces as he clutches the mover in his claw.]]}} <<SCREECH>> {{Vincent: Urgh!}} {{[[Vincent's eyes start to turn gold as he growls.]]}} {{Vincent: Grr...}} {{[[Vincent is pushed back by the mover as swirls of energy surround him.]]}} {{<<CLACK>> <<CLACK>>} <<SKIIIIIID>>} {{Nanaki: Vincent!  He's transforming!}} {{[[Yuffie and Nanaki observe as Chaos emerges, still clutching the mover.]]}} {{Yuffie: That's it, come out!}} {{Nanaki: Why are you happy?  We can't win against Chaos!}} {{Yuffie: That's not the point!}} {{[[Chaos laughs as he crushes the mover with his claw.]]}} {{Chaos: Heh heh}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 304
c1id: 232194
c3file: 304.txt
c2body:
{{[[Chaos grins as he carelessly bats away another attacking mover.]]}} <<BAP>> {{[[Chaos crosses his arms as Yuffie crouches in a fighting stance before him.]]}} {{Chaos: You would challenge me?}} {{Yuffie: Let's dance.}} {{[[Nanaki looks understandably upset.]]}} {{Nanaki: Yuffie!  Are you insane?}} {{[[Yuffie looks over her shoulder.  Her eyes are glowing.]]}} {{Yuffie: Stay outta this, Red.}} {{[[Chaos laughs.]]}} {{Chaos: I will enjoy breaking you.}} {{[[Chaos rushes Yuffie, who is prepared to jump out of the way.]]}} {{Chaos: RAARG!}} {{Yuffie: Heh heh!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 305
c1id: 234536
c3file: 305.txt
c2body:
{{[[Chaos punches the ground, Yuffie leaps away to dodge.]]}} <<WHAM>> {{[[The movers gather in the air.]]}} <<SHHHH>> {{[[Nanaki runs while yelling out to Yuffie.]]}} {{Nanaki: Yuffie!  The movers!}} {{[[Yuffie, fighting Chaos, looks annoyed.  Chaos looks over his shoulder at Yuffie, darkly amused.]]}} {{Yuffie: Ugh!}} {{Chaos: Distracted, fleshling?}} {{[[Yuffie lands, twisting away from a disgruntled, upset Chaos.  The movers have surrounded both Chaos and Yuffie and are initiating another Delta Attack.]]}} {{<<CRACKLE>> <<CRACKLE>>}} {{Chaos: !?!  You dare turn your back to ME?}} <<TWIST>> {{Yuffie: I am NOT eating ANOTHER Delta Attack!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 306
c1id: 235055
c3file: 306.txt
c2body:
{{[[Chaos leaps at Yuffie's back with a look of gleeful malice.  Yuffie is shouting at Nanaki, not paying attention.  They are both surrounded by the movers' lightning.]]}} {{Chaos: THEN DIE!}} {{Yuffie: Red!  You gotta stop 'em!}} {{[[Chaos and Vincent's right hand are superimposed over each other, both reaching for Yuffie.]]}} {{Vincent: I WILL protect...}} {{[[Chaos grabs his head in pain.]]}} {{Chaos: RRG!  No!}} {{[[Vincent is seen in the same position as Chaos.]]}} {{Chaos: I -}} {{Vincent: - will NOT - lose!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 307
c1id: 235175
c3file: 307.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki slides across the floor, surrounded by a ring of magic as he casts.]]}} {{Nanaki: FREEZE!}} {{[[Yuffie and Vincent cringe as they and the movers are surrounded by blocks of ice.]]}} <<CRACKLE>> {{[[A mover is seen frozen.]]}} <<CRACKLE>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 308
c1id: 237705
c3file: 308.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie peers out from over the Ortisuru, her eyes glowing.]]}} {{Yuffie: Perfect.}} {{[[Yuffie leaps out of Vincent's arms, throwing the Oritsuru.]]}} {{Vincent: ?!} {Yuffie: Now I gotcha!}} <<SWISH>> {{[[The Oritsuru flies harmlessly between the ice pillars.]]}} <<WHIRRRR>> {{[[Vincent looks shocked.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): She missed?  Yuffie's aim is not usually this bad!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 309
c1id: 238879
c3file: 309.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks over her shoulder.]]}} {{Yuffie: Vincent?!  Duck!}} {{[[Vincent ducks backwards as the Oritsuru flies over his head, cutting off some of his hair.]]}} {<<SWOOSH>> {Vincent: !!!} <<SCHNICK!>>} {{[[A top-view of the cavern is seen - the Oritsuru is bouncing off of the walls in a star pattern as everyone ducks.]]}} <<PING>><<PING>><<PING>><<PING>><<PING>> {{[[The movers are seen being split in half inside of their ice prisons.]]}} {{<<SCHNICK>> <<SCHNICK>>}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 310
c1id: 240201
c3file: 310.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie catches the Oritsuru.]]}} <<CATCH>> {{[[Yuffie spins around while smiling.]]}} {{Yuffie: Victory!  We did it!  YEAH!}} {{[[Yuffie does a victory pose.]]}} {{[[Yuffie's legs are shown, still bleeding.]]}} <<TWINGE>> {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 311
c1id: 241739
c3file: 311.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie wobbles on her feet.]]}} {{Yuffie: Ow-ow-whoa!} {<<WOBBLE>> <<WOBBLE>>}} {{[Vincent's claw reaches around Yuffie's waist.]]}} {{[[Vincent catches Yuffie.]]}} {{Vincent: You're very clumsy for a ninja.}} {{[[Vincent casts a restorative spell over Yuffie while smiling.]]}} {{Vincent: Regen.}} {{[[Yuffie looks confused, while blushing and surrounded by magic sparkles.]]}} {{Yuffie: You didn't have to catch me!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 312
c1id: 242689
c3file: 312.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent and Yuffie are facing each other.]]}} {{Vincent: What sort of a bodyguard would I be if I didn't?}} {{Yuffie (thinking): Bodyguard?}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent's claw on Yuffie's waist.]]}} {{Yuffie: Umm... you can let go now, Vince.}} {{[[Chibi Vincent tries to pry his arm off of Yuffie as she blushes. Behind them, an annoyed Nanaki fumes quietly.]]}} {{Vincent: I need to repair my arm.  It was damaged in the battle.}} <<PRY>> {{[[Closeup of Nanaki yelling angrily.]]}} {{Nanaki: We're lucky it was ONLY Vincent's arm!  Why did you provoke Chaos?!}} {{[[Yuffie looks upset while yelling.  Vincent, behind her, looks mildly surprised.]]}} {{Yuffie: Because I was mad, okay?  I STILL AM!}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent looking guilty.]]}} {{Vincent: No... it was MY temper that started all of this.  I only wanted to keep you safe, Yuffie.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 313
c1id: 243678
c3file: 313.txt
c2body:
{{[[A surprised Vincent stands behind Yuffie, who looks upset.]]} {Yuffie: Why do you care anyway?}} {{[[Vincent turns away, hurt, as Yuffie looks guilty.]]} {Yuffie: ... I didn't mean that.}} {{[[Vincent closes his cloak collar.]]} {Vincent: I did.}} {{[[Vincent turns away from Yuffie, who looks upset at his departure. ]]} {Yuffie: Hey, wait a sec...}} {{[[Yuffie grabs Vincent's cloak.]]} <<GRAB!>> {Yuffie: Vincent, STOP!}} {{[[Vincent turns around, surprised, as Yuffie hangs onto his cloak desperately.]]} {Yuffie: Don't walk off all cold like that!}} {{{{color}}} {{{colored by Acerynn}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 314
c1id: 243680
c3file: 314.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie, blushing, looks guilty as she holds up Vincent's cloak.]]} {Yuffie: Maybe it wasn't your fault.} {Yuffie: Maybe it was kinda MY fault.}} {{[[Yuffie bonks her forehead against Vincent's.]]} <<BONK>> {Yuffie: LISTEN, I'm not saying you didn't act like a big jerk last night!}} {{[[Yuffie releases Vincent's cloak.]]} {Yuffie: But I acted like a bigger one just now.} {Yuffie: I'm sorry.} {Yuffie: So let's just forget about the whole thing and go back to being friends like before!}} {{[[Vincent looks surprised as Yuffie answers herself.]]} {Yuffie: Okay?} {Yuffie: Okay!}} {{[[Vincent smiles faintly as Yuffie runs away.]]} {<<Yuffie: COMPLETELY EMBARRASSED>>} <<DASH!>> {Vincent (thinking): Yuffie Kisaragi apologized - to ME of all people.}} {{{{color}}} {{{colored by Andy Goth}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 315
c1id: 243685
c3file: 315.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks thoughtful.]]}} {{[[Nanaki, amused, looks up at Vincent.]]}} {{Nanaki: That wasn't so bad, was it?}} {{[[Yuffie, her hands on her hips, stands silhouetted at the entrance of the passage.]]}} {{Yuffie: Are you guys coming or do I have to get a rope and drag you after me?!}} {{[[Vincent looks surprised.]]}} {{Vincent: No... it wasn't bad at all.}} {{Narrator: END CHAPTER 6}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 7 - 317
c1id: 253303
c3file: 317.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent, Nanaki and Yuffie are walking through a green-lit cave. Yuffie holds her hand out to stop the others.]]}} {{Yuffie: Let's take a break.}} {{[[Yuffie kneels down and searches through her pack.]]}} <<*RUMMAGE*>> {{[[Nanaki looks surprised.]]}} {{Nanaki: Why'd we stop?}} {{[[A large picture of the conformer is the backdrop.]]}} {{Nanaki: The Conformer?}} {{[[Yuffie assembles her newest shuriken.]]}} {{Yuffie: Relax, I just wanted to switch weapons.}} <<CLACK>> {{Nanaki: I for one would like to know what exactly you are expecting that requires the use of you ultimate weapon.}} {{[[Yuffie lowers the Conformer to look at Red.]]}} {{Yuffie: Nanaki... we're almost there.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 7 - 318
c1id: 259412
c3file: 318.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki looks down, upset.]]}} {{Nanaki (thinking): I knew this moment would come someday.}} {{[[Nanaki looks up with resolve.]]}} {{Nanaki: I'm ready for them.  But why the Conformer?}} {{[[Yuffie kneels, holding the Conformer before her.  A closeup of her face, concerned, is the backdrop.]]}} {{Yuffie: The killed your parents, right?  I didn't know... but I forced this on you.}} {{[[Yuffie pats Nanaki's head with a sad look, Nanaki accepts her affection gracefully with closed eyes.]]}} {{Yuffie: I don't want them to hurt you.}} {{Nanaki: No matter what happens, thank you.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 7 - 319
c1id: 273339
c3file: 319.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Nanaki are startled by something offscreen.]]} {Yuffie, Nanaki: !!!} {Offscreen character: I see the son of Seto is as weak as his father.}} {{[[Close-up of Vincent as he levels his gun at the interloper.]]}} {{[[Close-up of Yuffie as she prepares to attack.]]}} {{[[Borah appears.]]} {Borah: Taking pleasure in the company of these disgusting humans.}} {{[[Close-up of Nanaki who is shocked at the newcomer.]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - Cover
c1id: 163260
c3file: ch6.txt
c2body:
{{Narrator: Growth Chapter 6 - Discord} {[[Vincent's face, looking ill at ease, with Yuffie standing in the foreground.]]}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 7 - Cover
c1id: 243691
c3file: ch7.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki, in the foreground, looks concerned.  In the background, Borah looks darkly amused.]]} {Narrator: Growth Chapter 7: Encounter} {Narrator: Story & Art by Enkida}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - Cover
c1id: 41342
c3file: ch4.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent poses with his gun, Yuffie poses while curling her fingers into a victory sign.]]} {Narrator: Growth Chapter Four: Consultation}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - Cover
c1id: 99507
c3file: ch5.txt
c2body:
{{Narrator: Chapter 5: Journey} {[[Dark image of Nanaki, Yuffie and Vincent's heads, all looking worried.]]} {Narrator: Growth} {Narrator: Story & Art by Enkida}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - Cover
c1id: 34093
c3file: ch1.txt
c2body:
{{[[Final Fantasy VII logo]]} {Narrator: Final Fantasy VII Growth - Story and Art by Enkida} {[[Portrait of Vincent]]} {Narrator: Chapter 1: Post-Heroism}} {{{{color}}} {{{colored by Andy Goth}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - Cover
c1id: 34165
c3file: ch2.txt
c2body:
{{Narrator: Growth: Chapter 2} {[[Yuffie leaping backwards with the Conformer in hand.]]} {[[Monsters swarm around her.]]} {[[There is a giant fireball.]]} {Narrator: Reunion}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{color}}} {{{colored by Andy Goth}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 047
c1id: 34166
c3file: 047.txt
c2body:
{{[[A rainy, rocky landscape.]]} {Narrator: What a miserable day.}} {{[[A pair of sneakers splashes through a puddle.]]} <<splash>> {Narrator: The clouds aren't even being polite enough to stay in the sky where they belong.}} {{[[Yuffie looks up.  She has a rip on the right shoulder of her bodysuit.]]} {Yuffie (narrating): There's enough mist & drizzle down here to drive anyone crazy.}} {{[[Yuffie sticks her tongue out at the sky.  She shuts one eye and points at the other.]]} {Yuffie (narrating): Too bad the weather only works on people who aren't crazy in the first place!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 048
c1id: 34167
c3file: 048.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie racing through the rocky wilderness.]]} {Yuffie: OH MY GAWD, I'm gonna be so late!}} {{[[Yuffie leaps in delight as she sees a stream.]]} <<pshhhhhh>> {Yuffie: There it is! *heart*}} {{[[Yuffie splashes her face with water.]]} {Yuffie: Ahh!  Cold-cold-cold!} {<<scrub>> <<scrub>>}} {{[[Yuffie's reflection in the water stares back at her.]]} <<pshhhhhhh>>} {{[[Yuffie stares at herself in the stream.]]} {Yuffie: Hair's getting longer... gotta get that chopped when I get back. Not that anyone'd notice, with all the grime and monster guts all over it!} {Yuffie (narrating): It's no use.  No matter what my hair looks like, Nanaki's gonna notice.  Maybe even Cid this time, too.  Cripes!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 049
c1id: 34177
c3file: 049.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie winks at her reflection unhappily.]]} {Yuffie (thinking): Mako eyes... Yuffie Kisaragi is growing home-made mako eyes.} {Yuffie (thinking): As if you weren't enough of a freak already!}} {{[[Yuffie scoops up her bag.]]} {Yuffie: Humpfh!  Not like it matters!  Whaddaya expect, huh, spending so much time in the Crater like you do?}} {{[[Yuffie runs through the landscape.]]} {Yuffie (thinking): The Lifestream is everywhere here, trying to repair the damage we made fighting Sephiroth.} {Yuffie (thinking): That spring is probably more contaminated than all the dirt in Mideel.  The scientists would love to get their hands on you as a specimen.  If they could get through Cloud and Tifa first, heh.}} {{[[Yuffie climbing a rockface.]]} {Yuffie: I gotta *huff* reach the peak! *huff*}} {{[[Yuffie looking up and sweating.]]} {Yuffie (thinking): The Highwind's waitin' for me there.  Cid's like clockwork, he brings it around every three months on the dot.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 050
c1id: 34181
c3file: 050.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie reaches the top of the cliff.]]} {Yuffie (thinking): It's the same every time.  "@#!&?!  You must be the damn craziest girl I've ever known!  Who the hell would spend all their free time in the Northern Crater?"} {Yuffie (thinking): Then I laugh and say: "No monster can get the best of the Great Ninja Yuffie Kisaragi!"} {Yuffie (thinking): Cid's one of the people I've learned to call a close friend in the last five years.  Who would've thunk it?}} {{[[Yuffie runs while thinking of Cid with Shera and their imaginary family. There are two babies and one young girl in the family, numbered "1" through "3".  Shera is pregnant and labeled ".5".]]} {Yuffie (thinking): I was sure he was gonna marry Shera, have 3.5 kids, and start wearing golfing shoes by the time he was 35.  Okay, so Shera's already squeezed out one kid, but that old fart Cid is anything but retired!} {Cid (thinking): I must be stuck in Yuffie's imagination again.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 051
c1id: 34183
c3file: 051.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid is giving an airplane a thumbs-up.]]} {Yuffie (narrating): Rocket Town is booming under Cid's leadership.} {Yuffie (narrating): The pilot training program he runs is the best in the world!  It was actually Nanaki who suggested I talk to Cid when I started my plan.}} {{[[Nanaki is arguing with Yuffie.  Yuffie is sticking out her tongue.]]} {Nanaki: "Yuffie, a gold chocobo can only take you so far.  It's too dangerous to spend that much time alone in the Northern Crater!"} {Nanaki: "At least if you ask Cid, it will be faster, safer and he can keep an eye on you."}} {{[[Yuffie running towards the Highwind and waving at Cid.]]} {Yuffie (narrating): So, here I am, racing towards that huge contraption that's Cid's pride and joy.}} {{[[Yuffie smiling as she climbs a rope ladder.]]} {Yuffie (thinking): It sure feels good to be going back!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 052
c1id: 34184
c3file: 052.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid hugs Yuffie.]]} {Cid: @#!?##!!!  It's good to see you again, kid!  You get skinnier every time I look!} {Yuffie: And you're as ugly as ever, cancer-man!  I don't know how Shera stands wakin' up to your face every day!}} {{[[Cid pulls away from Yuffie with a look of shock on his face.]]} {Yuffie: What?}} {{[[Cid angrily points at Yuffie, who sweatdrops.]]} {Cid: What happened to your @#!&! eyes?  You're starting to look like Cloud!} {Yuffie: <<*gulp*>>}} {{[[Yuffie arrogantly flips a hand.]]} {Yuffie: Excuse me?  I don't think my hair's that bad yet!}} {{[[A silhouette of angry Cid rises over a chibi Yuffie, who sweatdrops.]]} <<WOOOOOOO>> {Cid: Grrrrr...} {Yuffie (thinking): Uh-oh... wrong answer!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 053
c1id: 34185
c3file: 053.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid and Yuffie argue.]]} {Cid: I'm taking you back to Cosmo right now, Yuffie, and this time you're goin' to !@#&#!! stay there until we figure out what the @#&!?!! is wrong with you!} {Yuffie: LOOK, can we talk about this later?  Right now there are more important things to do!}} {{[[Yuffie grins, surrounded by stars.]]} {Yuffie: You have to get the ship back to Cosmo Canyon, pronto!  I can't believe I'm saying this, but TURN ON THE JETS, OLD MAN!!!}} {{[[Cid sourly regards Yuffie, who winks at him.]]} {Cid: What the @#?!&! could be more important than your health, you damn idiot?} {Yuffie: I found something important here this time, Cid.}} {{[[Cid reaches for his pocket, and Yuffie grins over her shoulder at him.]]} {Yuffie: I found a future for Nanaki!} {Cid: <<needs a smoke>> What the hell are you talkin' about, Yuffie?} {Yuffie: I found the survivors of the Gi tribe.  I found more of his kind!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 054
c1id: 34187
c3file: 054.txt
c2body:
{{Narrator: Meanwhile...} {[[Vincent holds a cup of tea on his lap.]]}} {{Vincent: So...} {Vincent: What exactly is this "matter of importance" you wished to discuss?}} {{[[Nanaki, sprawled across a cushion, regards Vincent.]]} {Nanaki: We weren't expecting you, Vincent.  You wanted to see Bugenhagen, and I apologize that he can't be here to help you right now.}} {{[[Vincent, seated on the couch, glares at Nanaki.]]} {Vincent: ... And?}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki's face.]]} {Nanaki: I'm expecting visitors soon.} {Nanaki: Yuffie and Cid, to be exact.}} {{[[Vincent looks surprised.]]}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 055
c1id: 34188
c3file: 055.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki lazes on his cushion.]]} {Nanaki: If you don't want to see the others right now or let them know how you've been, you chose the wrong time to stop by.} {Nanaki: I think your timing is perfect.  You cut yourself off from the rest of us, and now you have the opportunity to make up for it.}} {{[[Vincent slumps over his cup of tea and Nanaki chastises him.]]} {Vincent: ...} {Nanaki: Yuffie will remain here for two weeks.  Cid won't stay long, but he'll be back before Yuffie leaves again, and bring news from the others as well.}} {{[[View of the Highwind flying over the countryside.]]} {Nanaki: It's a tradition we've been keeping for the past four years. Every three months, Cid travels the world in the Highwind, carrying the latest news and messages for all of us.}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki looking angry.]]} {Nanaki: All of us except for YOU, Vincent.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 056
c1id: 34189
c3file: 056.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent and Nanaki have a staring contest.]]} <<~stare~>>} {{[[Nanaki looks away as Vincent smirks.]]} {Nanaki: <<WHUP>>} {Vincent: <<2-to-1 Advantage>>}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent.]]} {Vincent (thinking): Why must the few fleeting moments of peace I can find always be such fragile things?  Still... nothing Nanaki said was untrue. Perhaps like my actions with Lucretia, this is a trap of my own devising.}} {{[[Vincent addresses a surprised Nanaki.]]} {Vincent: I'll stay, and see them both.} {Nanaki: <<!>>}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 057
c1id: 34190
c3file: 057.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks annoyed while Nanaki grins at him.]]} {Nanaki: You won't regret this, Vincent.}} {{[[Vincent sips at his tea.]]} <<sip>>} {{[[Vincent looks at his cup, surprised.]]}} {{[[Vincent addresses Nanaki.]]}} {{Vincent: This is excellent tea.  Where did you find it?} {Nanaki: Well, it's actually a Wutai blend recommended to me by -}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 058
c1id: 34192
c3file: 058.txt
c2body:
{{[[Chibi Vincent and Nanaki look surprised.]]}} {{Cid: YUFFIE!} {[[Cid looks very angry, veins popping on his forehead.]]}} {{[[Yuffie faces Cid at the bottom of some steps, making a face at him.]]} {Yuffie: Nyah!}} {{[[An overview of Cosmo Canyon, with Yuffie waiting at the top of the steps, and Cid climbing up slowly from the bottom.]]} {Yuffie: All that chain smokin' is finally catchin' up on your lungs!} {Cid: DAMN IT, slow down!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 059
c1id: 34193
c3file: 059.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki and Vincent stand before a window, looking out.]]} {Yuffie: Too slow!} {Cid: @#!?!  When I get up there...} {Yuffie: You mean IF you get up here!} {Cid: THAT'S IT!} {Yuffie: Hee hee!} {Cid: You're a dead girl!} {Vincent: Well, I'm glad you consulted me beforehand so I would have the TIME to make an INFORMED DECISION.} {Nanaki (sweatdropping): I'm sorry, Vincent, but I didn't realize they would be arriving so soon.  It's not usually like this; something must have happened.  Come.}} {{[[Nanaki and Vincent look up in surprise.]]} <<CRASH>>} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 060
c1id: 34194
c3file: 060.txt
c2body:
{{[[A gloved hand opens a trapdoor in the floor.]]}} {{[[Yuffie pops out of the trapdoor.]]} {Yuffie: NANAKI!}} {{[[Yuffie leaps into the room, tackling Nanaki.  Vincent dodges out of the way.]]} <<WOOSH>> {Vincent: <<dodge>>} {Nanaki: <<-yelp->>} {Yuffie: NANAKI!  I'm back, and I have huge news.  HUGE!} {Yuffie: Huger than the hugest materia in Cosmo, and you have some pretty darn huge materia here!  It was so huge I made Cid turn on the rockets, and you KNOW how sick I get when he turns on the rockets!  But this is unbelievable!  You just GOTTA hear it!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 061
c1id: 34196
c3file: 061.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie hugs Nanaki.]]} <<~SQUEEZE~>> {Nanaki: Yuffie... need... air...}} {{[[Yuffie sweatdrops while Nanaki pants.]]} {Yuffie: Oh, sorry!} {Nanaki: <<pant - pant>>}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki.]]} {Nanaki (thinking): It's always the same when she returns.  Yuffie spends so much time away from human contact...} {Nanaki (thinking): It's like she's trying to make up for lost time in one breath.}} {{[[Yuffie scratches her head while Nanaki speaks.  Vincent stands over them both.]]} {Nanaki: It's good to see you again too, Yuffie...} {Nanaki: But aren't you forgetting something?} {Yuffie: Huh?}} {{[[Yuffie finally notices Vincent, who is snapping his cloak shut.]]} <<*snap*>> {Yuffie: OH MY GAWD!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 062
c1id: 34197
c3file: 062.txt
c2body:
{{[[Cid opens the trapdoor, while Yuffie stares up in gleeful surprise. Nanaki watches.]]} {Cid: Yuffie, you little @#!?!, I told you to slow the hell down -} {Yuffie: Cid!  Look!}} {{[[Cid, halfway out of the trapdoor, loses his cigarette in surprise.  Yuffie argues with Nanaki, and Vincent rolls his eyes.]]} {Cid: HOLY MOTHER@#?!&!' @#!?%! OF @!&#?!  Is that Valentine?!} {Yuffie: Did you plan this?} {Nanaki: Yuffie -} {Yuffie: C'mon, admit it!  I know you planned this!} {Nanaki: Yuffie -} {Yuffie: I knew it!} {Nanaki: YUFFIE!} {Vincent (thinking): It's going to be a long visit after all.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 063
c1id: 34198
c3file: 063.txt
c2body:
{{Narrator: A short while later...} {[[Cid stands behind a couch which Yuffie sits on.  Nanaki is sprawled on a cushion, and Vincent is facing the window.]]} {Yuffie: So, Vince.  You finally stopped moping in Nibelheim and crawled outta that coffin to visit us?} {Nanaki: <<~sigh~>>} {Vincent: ...}} {{[[Yuffie eats a cookie while Nanaki tries to talk to her.]]} {Nanaki: Yuffie...} {Yuffie: <<clueless>> <<munch munch>> What?} {Nanaki: If you had bothered to keep yourself informed, you might have realized Vincent has been busy these past years.  He's helped various communities with their safety issues.}} {{[[Yuffie turns around and leans over the counch to face Vincent.]]} {Yuffie: Ohhh, so you've been monster hunting too, huh?  Gee, Vincent, I never would've figured ya for one to go looking for more battle experience!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 064
c1id: 34200
c3file: 064.txt
c2body:
{{[[A gloved hand slams onto the back of the couch.]]} <<SLAM>>} {{[[Cid yells at Yuffie.]]} {Cid: HEY!} {Yuffie: Cid!} {Cid: Looking for more !@#?&! "battle experience" is what got you in this mess in the first place, Yuffie!}} {{[[Cid leans over the couch to point at Yuffie's face.]]} {Cid: Don't you 'Cid' me!  You care to tell us what you're gonna do about your eyes?} <<~scoot~>> {Yuffie: ...}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie's face.]]} {Yuffie (thinking): There's no good light in the Northern Crater, but it's a lot brighter here... I was hopin' Cid wouldn't bring it up so soon!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 065
c1id: 34201
c3file: 065.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki leaps onto the couch, leaning over Yuffie.]]} {Yuffie: <<*gulp*>>} {Nanaki: YUFFIE!  Let me see your eyes!} {Yuffie: No way!} {Nanaki: <<-sigh->> You can't avoid me forever, you know.}} {{[[Yuffie cracks an eye open.]]}} {{[[Yuffie opens both eyes in surprise.]]} {Yuffie: ACK!}} {{[[Nanaki, Cid, and Vincent are staring at Yuffie.]]} <<-PEER->> {Cid: Damn!}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 066
c1id: 34203
c3file: 066.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie stares at a stern Nanaki with a worried expression.]]} {Nanaki: The mako poisoning is getting worse every time I see you.  I don't like the idea of you returning to the Crater, no matter what vows you made.} {Yuffie: But -} {Nanaki: No!  The exposure was gradual at first, but the rate at which you're displaying the symptoms has increased dramatically since your last visit.}} {{[[Cid stands up and yells at everyone.  Yuffie is holding her face in her hands.]]} {Cid: LAST VISIT?  You mean you knew about this and you let me take her back? Son of a @#!&?!!!} {Yuffie: <<~groan~>>} {Nanaki: Technically, that's not true, since I'm feline, not canine.  But don't you think I tried to stop her before?}} {{[[Vincent silently looks on.]]} {Vincent: Hmm...}} {{[[Vincent addresses Yuffie.]]} {Vincent: How did you get mako poisoning?  You're showing signs of long-term exposure, at least 2 years' worth.  Scientific research into human mako experimentation died with the Shinra.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 067
c1id: 34204
c3file: 067.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie plants her cheek in her palm while imagining chibi versions of Cloud, Tifa and herself.]]} {Yuffie: Mako exposure, mako poisoning!  I don't see why you guys are treating it like some kind of disease.  I swear, I feel fine!  I think my vision's even improved.  I don't see what the big deal is, Cloud and Tifa got dunked head-first into the Lifestream and came out just fine!} {<<Super Cloud & Tifa>> <<Mako Zombie Yuffie>>}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki.]]} {Nanaki: Tifa's eyes don't glow, Yuffie.  We don't know what long-term effects mako exposure will have on your body.  You could be shortening your lifespan or even making yourself sterile.  How would Godo react?}} {{[[Closeup of Yuffie gritting her teeth.]]} {Yuffie: Godo...}} {{[[Yuffie leans back against the couch, looking upset.]]} {Yuffie: Like he'd care!  As long as he gets to retire, Godo doesn't care WHAT I do!  Don't even bother trying to pull that sort of guilt trip on me, Nanaki!}} {{[[Yuffie looks happier.]]} {Yuffie: But hey...}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 068
c1id: 34205
c3file: 068.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yufife pokes Nanaki in the nose.]]} {Yuffie: You know you can't keep me from going back.  In fact, I bet you'll wanna come this time!} {Nanaki: <<*sniff*>>}} {{[[Cid looks up from his cigarette.]]} {Cid: I wouldn't jump to conclusions, kid.  Better tell him the whole story first.}} {{[[Yuffie pumps a fist into the air as Vincent watches.]]} {Yuffie: I'll answer your question too, Vince.  Two cranes with one shuriken!}} {{[[Yuffie's hands rummage through her bag.]]} <<~rummage~>> {Yuffie: So you remember how I asked for all your materia before we split?}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 069
c1id: 34206
c3file: 069.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent leans over as Yuffie roots through her bag.]]} {Yuffie: Well, it was about that vow I made to Godo and Wutai.  I was gonna bring Wutai the best gift ever...}} {{[[Yuffie sits up with a wink and a smile.]]} {Yuffie: AH-HA!  Nanaki, let's open the safe!  I finished one!}} {{[[Vincent thinks to himself uncomfortably, while Yuffie, Nanaki and Cid celebrate in the background.]]} {Vincent (thinking): They're so happy... I don't belong here.} {Vincent: ...} {Cid: Damn!} {Cid: Congratulations!} {Nanaki: Good work!}} {{[[Yuffie calls over her shoulder as Nanaki accompanies her to the safe.]]} {Yuffie: Hey, whatcha waitin' for?  Come on, Vince, I wanna show you this!}} {{[[Vincent looks surprised.]]}} {{[[Vincent smiles faintly]]} <<~sigh~>>} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 070
c1id: 34207
c3file: 070.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie's hand turns the combination lock on the safe.]]} <<WHIRRR>>} <<CLICK>> {{[[Yuffie opens the safe.]]} {Yuffie: Here they are!}} {{[[Yuffie carries a stack of boxes away while Vincent watches.]]} {Yuffie: Get the bag, Vince!} {Vincent: <<?>>}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 071
c1id: 34209
c3file: 071.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie stands over a table spread with boxes.]]} {Yuffie: My vow to Wutai has to be filled before I turn 25.}} {{[[A box is shown with a hand reaching for the latch.]]} {Yuffie: I figured this would give me just enough time to complete my quest...}} {{[[The box is opened, revealing it to be full of glowing materia.]]} {Yuffie: ... which is why I've been mastering our materia for the past five years.} {Yuffie (narrating): "I've been travelling to the Northern Crater repeatedly to master all the stuff you guys gave me and create the ultimate gift for Wutai."}} {{[[Vincent stands over Yuffie's shoulder and stares at the table.]]} {Vincent: Master Materia... you want to bring them the three Master Materia.} {Yuffie: If only it were that easy!  Naw, it's more than that.  I'm not only gonna bring back the big three, but also a full set of newborn materia.  You know, so we can give birth to more if they're ever needed.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 072
c1id: 34211
c3file: 072.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent watches Yuffie sort materia.]]} {Vincent (thinking): None of us are as experienced at cataloguing and mixing materia as Yuffie.  It's always been an obsession for her.  Some would claim an unhealthy obsession.  But this... even I can see the differences in these materia.} <<TOK-TOK-TOK>> {Yuffie: ... and this one goes here.}} {{[[Closeup of two fire materia.]]} {Vincent (thinking): Like these two... both fire materia.  One is clearly mastered, while the other is newborn.  I wonder why I never saw it before... perhaps because there was never any time to study the crystals in-depth while we were battling for our lives.}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent.]]} {Vincent (thinking): Wait a minute.} {Vincent (thinking): Hmm.}} {{[[Vincent standing over Yuffie.]]} {Vincent: If you only need to bring back master materia, what are the other boxes for?}} {{Nanaki: <<~ahem~>> Well... that's partly my fault.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 073
c1id: 34212
c3file: 073.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki leaning on the table, Cosmo Canyon's observatory behind him.]]} {Nanaki: After Yuffie started her quest, I realized the value in the continued study of materia development by observing her growing collection.} {Nanaki: Cosmo Canyon has always preserved the knowledge of the planet.  And frankly, no one in known history has ever managed to collect the variety of materia we did in our travels together.}} {{[[Yuffie and Nanaki at the table leaning over boxes.]]} {Yuffie: Yeah, I call this one the "Cosmo Collection."  Sometimes this slacker comes along to the Crater to train his own pieces.  Usually I just let him have my extras.} {Nanaki: Well, I have to charge you something for the two weeks you spend here.  You eat enough for a whole company of Soldiers, after all.}} {{[[Yuffie, Nanaki and Cid smiling at each other.]]} {Vincent (narrating): How much has changed in five short years?} {Vincent (narrating): Even Cid seems to be enjoying himself.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 074
c1id: 34213
c3file: 074.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie running in the background, smiling in the foreground.]]} {Vincent (narrating): There was a time when I was sure that at least Cid saw Yuffie as nothing more than an irksome brat.  That is what I remembered, and what I was expecting to meet.  But no brat could have done the sheer amount of work represented by those boxes.} {Vincent (narrating): I feel...} {Vincent (narrating): Resentful.}} {{[[Vincent, shadowed.]]} {Vincent (narrating): Even Yuffie has managed to grow in these past few years.} {Vincent (narrating): It is only I who have stood still.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 075
c1id: 34214
c3file: 075.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie sweatdrops.]]} {Yuffie: ... And the rest are to return the materia I collected from you.  I always keep my promises!} {Yuffie: Well, most of the time, anyway.}} {{[[Vincent looks over Yuffie's shoulder.]]} {Yuffie: See, there's even one here for you, Vincent!} {Vincent: ...}} {{[[Vincent and Nanaki watch as Yuffie analyzes materia, and Cid yells.]]} {Yuffie: I just wish Tifa hadn't given me so much mastered stuff.  It's taking forever to refill her box!  And I don't see why Reeve never finished mastering his Luck materia.  Oh, and Cid!  I got your Gil Plus back.  I'm throwin' in an Experience Plus too.  I bet your students need the extra help.} {Cid: Are you tryin' to tell me somethin' about my flyin', kid?!?!}} {{[[Yuffie hands Cid a box.  Cid sweatdrops.]]} {Yuffie: Here, you can take the whole box.  It's done now.}} {{[[The box exchanges hands.]]} <<\"Cid\">> {Cid: @#?!#!, Yuffie.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 076
c1id: 34215
c3file: 076.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie and Cid talk.]]} {Cid: You know I told the others what you were doin'.  We don't care about most of the @#!?&!' stuff anymore.  It's easy enough to get it ourselves...} {Yuffie: I promised, alright?  Besides, after what I did, I'd never be able to live it down if I didn't at least return the stuff you gave me.}} {{[[Yuffie studies a piece of materia with tears in her eyes.]]} {Yuffie: I never said I was sorry for what happened in Wutai, that first time.  Y-you all could have died.  I almost helped destroy the planet.}} {{[[Closeup of Cid.]]} {Cid: We know how you feel, Kid.} {Cid: Don't worry about it anymore.}} {{[[Cid's hand reaches into a jacket pocket.]]} {Cid: Here.} {<<rustle rustle>>}} {{[[Cid throws a packet on the table.]]} <<plunk>> {Cid: A lil' somethin' the rest of us threw together.  Don't let it get to your head, we still think you're a spoiled brat!} {Yuffie: Huh?}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 077
c1id: 34216
c3file: 077.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie opens the packet.]]} {Yuffie: Presents, presents!}} {{[[Yuffie's hand hovers over the opened package.]]} {Yuffie: More mastered materia?}} {{[[Mastered materia is shown.]]} {Yuffie: Contain?!  Full Cure!  Barrier... Ultima?!}} {{[[Yuffie looking between the packet and Cid in disbelief.]]} {Yuffie: Cid!  Is this what I think it is?!?} {Cid: Cloud thought he was a lil' harsh on you that night at the Candle. Said if you'd told him what you were planin' he would've helped.} {Cid: @#?!#!, Yuffie, we ALL would've helped if you'd just said something.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{black and white}}} {{{Happy Halloween!}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 078
c1id: 34217
c3file: 078.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie's hand holds a bracelet.]]} {Yuffie: B-but this is the MYSTILE, Cid!} {Yuffie: You can dodge Ultimas with this thing!} {Yuffie: There's only two of these in the entire world!  I know Nanaki got one and Cloud got the other.}} {{[[Yuffie looking surprised as Nanaki peers over her shoulder.]]} {Yuffie: I can't take this!} {Nanaki: It's a fair decision.  You've practically been living in the Northern Crater for two years.} {Nanaki: I think you could use the protection.  We all do.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 079
c1id: 34218
c3file: 079.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie cups the bracelet.]]} {Yuffie: This will cut months off of my quest...}} {{[[Yuffie hugs Nanaki.]]} {Yuffie: I really appreciate it, Red!} {Yuffie: Thank you!}} {{[[Yuffie hugs Cid.]]} {Yuffie: Cid!  Thank you so much!}} {{[[Vincent looks scared.]]} {Yuffie: And Vincent!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 081
c1id: 34220
c3file: 081.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie is in Vincent's arms, but Vincent looks unhappy.]]}} {{[[Yuffie turns away from Vincent to address Cid and Nanaki, who are snickering at Vincent.]]} {Yuffie: Hey!  Don't go on thinking that I don't have presents for the rest of ya!} {Cid: (Yeah, "Vince," why don't ya keep your trap shut for once!)} {Nanaki: <<*snicker*>>}} {{[[Yuffie reaches into her bag.]]} {Yuffie: You guys know I always clone too much of my protective materia up there...}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 082
c1id: 34221
c3file: 082.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie looks at some materia in her palm while Nanaki watches.]]} {Nanaki: Phoenix and final attack!} {Yuffie: Newborn, but I figure you'd wanna put them in the Cosmo Collection anyway.}} {{[[Yuffie looks over her shoulder at Vincent.]]} {Yuffie: Hmm...}} {{[[Yuffie tosses some materia to Vincent.]]} <<swipe>> {Yuffie: Well, since you finally showed up on the face of the earth again, Vince, here ya go.  Think fast!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 083
c1id: 34222
c3file: 083.txt
c2body:
{{[[Closeup of Vincent.]]} {Vincent: This materia is for me?} {Vincent (thinking): !!  I know what these are... but why?} {Vincent: ... Thank you, Yuffie.}} {{[[A silhouette of Odin and Sleipnir.]]} {Vincent (thinking): The materia chain of Odin and Added Effect.} {Vincent (thinking): It is a combination that can spell instant death for opponents when used properly.} {Vincent (thinking): And so your curse follows me even now, Lucretia, through my companions?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 085
c1id: 34224
c3file: 085.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie taps her nose while patting Nanaki on the shoulder.]]} {Yuffie: Not really!  A girl's gotta have her secrets!} {Nanaki: Hmm...}} {{[[Yuffie stands up and looks annoyed.]]} {Yuffie: Now, I'm pooped, and I still smell like dead Marlboro guts!  I want a bath before I finish this story!}} {{[[Cid laughs at Yuffie.]]} {Cid: Hah!  We're used to seeing you like that, brat!  Why get concerned all of a sudden?  Tryin' to impress Valentine with somethin' besides your smell?} {Yuffie: EHH?!?}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 086
c1id: 34225
c3file: 086.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie surrounded by lightning, yells at a laughing Cid.]]} {Yuffie: Cid, you old fart!  I can't believe you just said that!!!} {Cid: Heh heh!  I know where I'm not wanted.}} {{[[Cid waves as he leaves.]]} {Cid: Okay, I need to make the rounds.} {Cid: I'll see you guys again in two weeks, like normal.}} {{[[Cid looks over his shoulders at a chibi Yuffie, who is sweatdropping.]]} {Cid: But I ain't done talkin' about your %!@#' eyes, kid!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 087
c1id: 34226
c3file: 087.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie pouting on the couch, Nanaki leaning on a cushion, Cid smiling as he leaves.]]} {Yuffie: Humph!  <<still ticked off>>}} {{Nanaki: Goodbye, Cid.  Until then.}} {{[[Cid lifts the trapdoor.]]} <<squeak>> {Cid: Oh...} {Cid: Good seein' you again, Valentine.}} {{[[Cid looks up from the door.]]} {Cid: Hope you'll stick around 'till I get back.}} {{[[Vincent rests his forehead against the window.  A reflection of Lucrecia stares back at him.]]} {Vincent: ...} {<<End of Chapter 2>>}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 2 - 084
c1id: 34223
c3file: 084.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent looks depressed, Yuffie is smiling.]]} {Yuffie: <<completely oblivious>>} {Yuffie: It's perfect for you, isn't it?!} {Vincent: ... Of course.}} {{[[Yuffie throws some ribbons on the table.]]} {Yuffie: Oh!} {Yuffie: You guys can have some Ribbons, too!} {Yuffie: I got waaaay too many this time.}} {{[[Nanaki holds up a ribbon, looking angry.]]} {Nanaki: Where did you find these?  Ribbons do not grow on trees!  They're almost as rare as that Mystile.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - Cover
c1id: 34227
c3file: ch3.txt
c2body:
{{[[A silhouette of Nanaki watches Yuffie, who is standing in a pool of steaming water.  Yuffie has several scars.]]} {Narrator: Growth Chapter III} {Narrator: Purge}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 089
c1id: 34230
c3file: 089.txt
c2body:
{{Yuffie (narrating): "We need to get to the bath springs right now!"} {[[Yuffie and Nanaki are making their way down some steps, with Vincent following behind.]]} {Yuffie: I'm going to turn into a monster if I don't manage to wipe all this grime off soon!} {Nanaki: Well, other than taking a dip in the pure energy of the Lifestream, there's not really much you can do for personal hygiene in the Northern Crater.} {Nanaki: ... You do smell, though.} {Yuffie: Thanks a lot, Nanaki.}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 118
c1id: 34260
c3file: 118.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki stands at the mouth of the cavern, while Vincent and Yuffie watch with twin expressions of dismay.]]} {Nanaki: I'm leaving.} {Nanaki: ... Don't come looking for me.}} {{[[Yuffie bursts into tears.]]} {Yuffie: GAWD!}} {{[[Yuffie ties her robe.]]} {Yuffie: I'm such an idiot!}} {{[[Yuffie seats herself next to a surprised Vincent.]]} <<PLOP>> {Yuffie: That was so stupid!  He's gonna be pissed at me for days!}} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 3 - 096
c1id: 34237
c3file: 096.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent holds his hands up in protest.]]}} {{Vincent: Thank you for showing me Cosmo Canyon's renowned hot spring... but it would be inappropriate for me to remain.}} {{[[Yuffie walks into the water, still in her bodysuit.]]}} {{Yuffie: Oh, get over it, you big prude!}} {{[[Closeup of Vincent.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): ... entering the water while still fully clothed?}} {{[[Yuffie looks back, halfway submerged.]]}} {{Yuffie: The Northern Crater doesn't exactly leave lotsa room for modesty, unless you're turned on by monster guts.}} {{[[Yuffie dunks herself completely underwater.]]}} {<<submerge>> <<dirt>>} {{{{black and white}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 284
c1id: 206632
c3file: 284.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie points.]]}} {{Yuffie: HE STARTED IT!}} {{[[Chibi Nanaki glares at Chibi Yuffie, who is stomping her foot.]]}} {{<<stomp>> <<stomp>>}} {{Yuffie: And what did you mean by that anyway?  I'm mature!}} {{Nanaki: ...}} {{[[Vincent and Yuffie glare at each other.]]}} {{Vincent: Yuffie is simply over-reacting to a reasonable request I made last evening.}} {{Yuffie: Reasonable?  Why you -!}} {{[[Nanaki, furious, growls in the background.]]}} <<GRRRRR>> {{Nanaki: NO YELLING!}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 184
c1id: 71645
c3file: 184.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent, wearing the bracelet, crosses his arms before his chest.]]}} {{Yuffie: You don't like allowing yourself to get hurt, and this bracelet is perfect for blocking physical attacks.}} {{[[Yuffie gestures towards the bracelet.]]}} {{Yuffie: But look closer.  It has a poor defense against magical attacks. And worse yet, not a single slot for materia!}} {{[[Vincent sweats while Yuffie glares at him.]]}} {{Vincent: But my ring...}} {{Yuffie: Oh, come off it!  You're only trying to build a wall around yourself! You want to stay independent and not rely on anyone... or anything... else.}} {{[[Vincent running into darkness.]]}} {{Yuffie: You've even cut yourself off from the planet, for cryin' out loud! But though you've gotten physically stronger, you're still leaving yourself wide open to injury from other sources.}} {{[[Yuffie looks down, sweating.]]}} {{Yuffie: Listen, Vincent... I don't really know what happened between you and that Lucrecia chick...}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 4 - 186
c1id: 72834
c3file: 186.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's eyes glow unnaturally red as he slams a fist down on the table. Yuffie sweatdrops and looks scared.]]}} {{Vincent: NO BUTS.}} <<SLAM>> {{Yuffie: Alright already!  Geez!}} {{[[Vincent looks upset.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): How?  How can she know these things from a mere bracelet? It's just a piece of metal!}} {{[[Yuffie cups her cheek in her hand, looking upset.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): My secrets are betrayed by my own armor...}} {{Yuffie: Umm...}} {{Vincent (thinking): ... and to Yuffie of all people.}} {{[[Vincent looks introspective.]]}} {{Vincent (thinking): But I knew all these things already.  She is only trying to help... and it would have been easier to come to this conclusion by talking, rather than transforming into Chaos and destroying Lucrecia's home.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 252
c1id: 158957
c3file: 252.txt
c2body:
{{[[Empty space; Vincent is young, dark-skinned, and brown-eyed; Vincent and Lucrecia draw each other close]]} {Vincent: Forgive me...}} {{[[Lucrecia's fangs become visible]]} {<<Chitter chitter>>}} {{[[Light-skinned, red-eyed Vincent wakes up with a jolt]]}} {{ {{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 253
c1id: 158981
c3file: 253.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent's face shows shock and horror.  Lucrecia is revealed to be a monster.]]}} {{[[The Master Tonberry attacks Vincent with a beam of light.]]} {Vincent (dying): Lucrecia - I did not expect to return to you yet... but this journey is not unwelcome...} {Master Tonberry: Chitter chitter chitter chitter}} {{ {{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 5 - 254
c1id: 159845
c3file: 254.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent is fallen.  His Phoenix + Added Effect materia combination triggers.]]} <<Ri-i-ii-iing>> {[[Vincent morph-summons into Phoenix]]} {Vincent: What-} <<KREE>>} {{ {{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 6 - 291
c1id: 216009
c3file: 291.txt
c2body:
{{[[Nanaki appears behind Vincent.]]} {Nanaki: Vincent!} {Vincent: !!}} {{[[Nanaki approaches Vincent slowly.  Vincent looks normal once more.]]} {Nanaki: Are you feeling well?} {Vincent: I am fine.}} {{[[Closeup of Nanaki's profile, looking amused.]]} {Nanaki: That's strange.  I would be angry with Yuffie if she had spoken to me that way.}} {{[[Vincent looks surprised.]]}} {{[[Vincent looks a little sheepish and amused.]]} {Vincent: Perhaps I am a little upset.}} {{[[Vincent looks annoyed.]]} {Vincent: That girl should learn to think before she opens her mouth.}} {{{{color}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 044
c1id: 34162
c3file: 044.txt
c2body:
{{[[Vincent kisses the ghostly Lucrecia.]]} {Vincent (narrating): It doesn't matter anymore.  In the end, I won our sparring match.  I gave her an unwanted child, and she married the sum of her ambition.  I wanted to stop her from making that choice, and she gave both herself and her son to Hojo completely.  I tried to save the child, and instead I gave myself to Hojo as well.  And we both died and came back, chained to this world not only by science, but also our obsession with each other.} {Vincent (narrating): She gave me my cursed gifts, and they allowed me to win our lovers' quarrel.  And she died, and I live on, endlessly.} {Vincent (narrating): ...} {Vincent (narrating): Perhaps Lucrecia hasn't lost, after all.}} {{{{hand-lettered}}} {{{color}}} {{{colored by Andy Goth}}}}


c0title: Chapter 1 - 012
c1id: 34106
c3file: 012.txt
c2body:
{{[[Yuffie sitting and smiling, with her arms crossed.]]} {Vincent (narrating): She braved the ugliest incarnations of Jenova with the rest of us, survived the same nightmares.} {Vincent (narrating): Childhood just fell away under such extreme circumstances.} {Vincent (narrating): But sitting in the firelight, she looked every bit her age.} {Vincent (narrating): Happy, at times overconfident, but in the end...} {Vincent (narrating): Still a child, looking for guidance and approval.}} {{{{color}}} {{{colored by Andy Goth}}}}


