Private Story Line: FF7 Universe (Locked to TheGreatNinja)

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Title: Rebuilding Wutai
Who: Vincent Valentine bloodypast and Yuffie Kisaragi thegreatninja primarily. Most other NPCs and/or interactions'll come in as part of comments.
What: Post Advent Children/Dirge of Cerberus setting. Rebuilding of Wutai, continued healing of the planet, with focus on Wutai. Interpersonal relationships between Yuffie and Vincent.
Open/Closed: Closed
Additional Details: May eventually be a Yuffentine-ship-story-line. :) Ghosts? Yuffie being princess-like? Headcanon says that Vincent is Half-Wutainese through his mother.



This section may be updated as necessary.

Wutai

Wutai is in a state of rebuilding. It was spared most of the trouble and chaos that Deepground and Weiss brought about due to its remoteness from the rebuilt Midgar. Geostigma, before being healed, had infected some of the population as Wutai. Yuffie Kisaragi, despite being 'Princess', was blamed quietly for the infections, as she was the most prominent figure to be involved in affairs outside of Wutai itself.

Godo Kisaragi is getting on in years, and has called Yuffie back to start actually acting like a leader. He wants her to quell the rumors and prove herself as the leader Wutai needs, as its Princess. Godo would like her to charm the populace, or choose a suitable husband who can complement her and calm the people's concerns. In addition to seeing her married appropriately, Godo would like an heir--preferably several.

In addition to the economic and societal issues of a populace dealing with world crises, there is unrest due to the changing and dishonorable nature of the current role of Wutai in the world. The dishonor comes from the abandonment and (almost) purposeful-forgetting of its heritage as warriors. Wutai is changing in that it has become a tourist-trap, parodying what it used to be as a nation of beauty and harmony. Add to this trying to expand, and the whole village has an aura of 'unrest'.

Due to the harm done the Lifestream post-meteorfall, and the rest of the chaos the world has been under, ghosts of spirits past of Wutai have risen to plague the populace. Some are actively hostile samurai and ninja. Others are more passive, but stuck in repeating loops of how they died. These ghosts have also brought with them hostile spirits in general.

Metaphysically, Leviathan was the guardian of Wutai. His/Her Earthly-son who ascended to godhood is Da Chao, whose statue on the mountain stands guard even now.


Brief notes on the world at Large
Some of this includes headcanon/canon for our setting

The World Regenesis Organization (WRO) is a volunteer organization headed (and founded) by Reeve Tuesti. They primary objective is to help restore and protect the Planet after Meteorfall (and subsequent events) but also act as a transitional replacement for the Shinra Electric Power Company as a government and military.

It is heavily implied their private backer is Rufus Shinra, to help make amends for the problems his company caused the Planet. One of the divisions is headed by Barret Wallace, seeking to find a replacement for Mako Energy. They form a transitional government to keep stability, along with a volunteer army to help protect against any threats to the Planet.

Yuffie Kisaragi, up to and during the war with Deepground, was the head of the Intelligence-Gathering and Espionage division. Cid Highwind leads the WRO Air Division. While still primarily acting as private bodyguards (and Turks to the end) for Rufus Shinra, Tseng has taken an unofficial coordinating role in conjunction with Reeve in charge of the Military and Scientific Units.

Contracted-members of the WRO include Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockheart, Shelke Rui, and Vincent Valentine.

It is about a year out from the events of the war with Deepground, as the WRO attempts helping the world rebuild. Wutai has chosen to accept minimal aid, its leader Godo feeling his people must stand on their own once more.

What Yuffie has been up to.

Yuffie was happy enough working with the WRO, until Godo called her back. Relations between her and her father, and her and the people of Wutai have been strained despite her prominent role in preventing Meteorfall and subsequent destruction from Omega. She was directly blamed for bringing Geostigma to Wutai.

Godo has called her back because he is sick. Fearing it is terminal, as age and his health have both fallen thanks to the events the world has suffered in the last 5 years. Despite her reluctance, Yuffie has returned home to try and be the proper 'princess' and leader Wutai needs. How to return her home to its former glory, is another matter entirely though.

It is clear the world is suffering, and Wutai especially. There are many prominent businessman who wish to exploit and build further on Wutai's tourist-trap leanings, delving even more into its history to seek new angles to attract outside money. Older families with lineage resent this intrusion and cheapening of their proud traditions. Many call for blood against old remnants of Shinra and those towns that prospered during the mega-corporation's reign.

The young people of Wutai are disaffected at best, apathetic and leaving at worst. Many of them also hold an amalgam of views trying to combine Wutai moving into a new age as a leader in certain resources (water-wells and hydro-electricity), and a regaining of its heritage as a proud warrior people who will not back down.

In the midst of this, Godo Kisaragi has received 5 proposals for marriage for Yuffie. He has not told his daughter of this yet. All would be suitable matches, seem to be upstanding families, and would be beneficial for Wutai.

What Vincent has been up to.
Vincent has been functioning as a contracted member of the WRO. It is not too far removed in activities from his life in the Turks (with less corruption) or his traveling with Avalanche. With Chaos removed from his body, he still holds Gallian Beast (the most prominent of the monsters within him) and his other shape-shifting forms. Most of his work involves monster-hunting and escort/personnel-protection, for the WRO.

In small ways, he is moving on with his life finally having found some peace with his past. There are scars and memories that will never leave him, given how they have shaped who he is. One such way is by helping to keep an eye on Shelke Rui, being certain she is treated well by the WRO as she helps their science division. His relationship with her is complicated, but overall friendly and cooperative.

He occasionally is contacted by, and works with, the modern-day former Turks. When working with them, or on WRO business that calls for a more uniform appearance than his usual clothing, he can be found in a long-black heavy canvas-duster that acts as very light armor. Beneath it he wears a dark red-long sleeved tunic-shirt with high collar, a shoulder holster for his gun and black clothing with high neck and black boots. Often his hair is pulled back into a loose-tail, although the crimson bandanna remains around his head to keep his bangs in check. The tarnished golden gauntlet with talons that covers his left arm, remains regardless of what he is wearing. When in his usual clothing of black leathers and red-mantle, his boots are covered by tarnished gold sabatons as armor, and Cerberus rests in a holster against his right hip.

(Visually, I see this outfit as being similar to Amon's from Witch Hunter Robin. It is enough of a 'uniform' to mark him as on business, while allowing freedom of movement. References here, here, and here. It also is a change from his usual attire, when appropriately called for.)

For the most part he has no set 'address' though he retains small apartments in Kalm and Nibelheim. He does carry a PHS at all times now however.

Comments

Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie pouted but handed back the gleaming yellow orb. "Don't you know, girls like presents they can keep." Even as she complains she gave it back which at least counted for something.

She turned towards her father. "I don't know what sentries would do. They need magic to fight those things off." Of course, they couldn't let those creatures get into peoples homes either. It was annoying and frustrating but before any of that could bug Yuffie she looked down at her black silky covering.

"I'm covered in mud!"

Her feet where plastered with mud which slowly began to harden. She shook her legs and flexed her foot but the weird residue was still there. "I'm taking a bath." She announced to both boys before walking off towards her house. She was sure that it wasn't going to end there and she'd most likely be followed but she really needed to feel clean and put on real clothes.

Even in the dark it would be easy to find her way towards a warm bath and a dry towel.

Re: Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[bloodypast]

Vincent was just glad he didn't have to argue with her about returning the materia. Re-hooking it to where it was linked with Cerberus, he turned most of his attention to the ensuing conversation and following exit by Yuffie. Godo started to get to his feet and turn, about to say something when Vincent held up a hand.

"Fire and lightening seem most effective. I do know Reeve keeps Fire-fangs and Bolt-plumes well..." He was cut off, as Godo scoffed as he rose fully. "Wutai has not yet fallen so far, that we do not still have our ways. I shall be certain that the sentries are supplied with Fire Veils and Swift Bolts." A huff of air, gathering the folded garment to him as he made to escort his daughters bodyguard-chaperone.

Vincent offered to take the material, and Godo forestalled him with a head-shake. "I will be fine. Your things are already in an adjoining room to her own, and she is who I am most concerned with." Letting himself think on that, Vincent nodded finally--crimson eyes flickering as an armed sentry approached the elderly lord.

Well, if the Lord of Wutai insisted...Vincent's priority had to be Yuffie then.

Moving at a brisk enough pace to catch up, but still give her some space. Enough to keep an eye on her, but not crowd he hoped. "How long have the attacks been coming?" Keeping his voice quiet and senses alert.

Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[thegreatninja]

“I’m pretty sure it started when the life stream went wonky…” Yuffie’s voice was low and she didn’t bother to turn around and face Vincent. She knew that he could hear here so there really was no point. She settled into a short, comfortable, stride expecting Vincent to adjust his pace accordingly. “They only started attacking recently. We assumed it had to do with the life stream but it might be something more than that.”

Soft clicks sounded as Yuffie stepped onto the familiar deck of her home. She looked at Vincent then, her fingers running through her hair which was quickly falling out of its clip. She didn’t much care for longer hair but it was something else her father had insisted on.

“So you’re really staying here?” She didn’t need clarification, he’s made it clear but it’s hard to believe. She knew that Vincent wasn’t a body guard anymore, though his past was a little bit clouded from her recollection.

Yuffie turned, walking inside while trailing mud all over the place. The house was big, far too big for its current residence as if it’s supposed to house a large family. Most of the rooms weren’t occupied anymore. “I’m taking a bath. We’ll talk after.” She slipped out of her sandals at the front entry way before moving silently down the hall. She didn’t make a sound with only her bare feet pressed against the wooden floor.

If he wanted to follow her he could but as she slipped into the bathing area the door would be promptly shut in his face.

Re: Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[bloodypast]

Vincent made a mental note to get her to define 'wonky'; depending on how one looked at it, the Lifestream had been behaving in a weird way for some time even before Meteorfall. Adjusting his pace easily to match her own as they walked. All the while his senses alert, even as they conversed quietly.

"To my knowledge the Lifestream has never produced active spirits before. The last time we saw anything similar was in Cosmo Canyon. I'm assuming Wutai has contacted Nanaki?" If they hadn't, then Vincent would himself.

When Yuffie turned to look at him though, he simply raised an eyebrow in reply. "I am. I have an adjoining room, and my things are already there." Not that he'd brought much after all. No, he wasn't primarily a personal bodyguard anymore. Too much baggage--but he'd made an exception for Yuffie, like Reeve had known he would.

He was less surprised as she moved through the halls, following at the accustomed pace behind her. Boots in hand, he made no sounds either as he moved down the hall in socks. Letting her have her privacy though, as he made his way to his assigned room.

Two bags--one bearing mostly his clothes and personal supplies and the smaller of the two. The other held Death Penalty, ammo, and some more supplies related to his job. Including a Mythril Bangle bearing a Cure-All linked materia, a health-boost and linked defense-boost materia, and a linked Barrier-All materia. All mastered, and all on a definite loan to Yuffie.

Vincent himself had an Escort Guard with the same set of Materia slotted in, in addition to Cerberus holding Fire, Ice, and Lightening. Un-packing, wearing soft slippers and out of his black long coat. Keeping his senses alert again, which is why he still wore the shoulder holster and his weapons, even as he wouldn't disturb Yuffie in the bath proper.

Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie merely shrugs at his questions. She didn't really want to think about it. She thought that Wutai was finally getting better and honestly she thought that she was finally fitting into the roll that her father expected of her but all of this was happening far to fast for her tastes.

Once the door to the washroom was closed she exhaled a breath of relief. She wasn't used to her friends being in Wutai and it left her feeling a little confused. As she washed and then let the warm water of the bath surround her she just thought about everything that was going on. She had no interest in meeting suitors, even if she could logically understand. Wutai was a proud place and while it was changing, she also wanted to keep it as it was.

Yuffie spent a long time in the bathroom before she finally dried off and wrapped up in a new black robe. This one stopped just above her knees as well but didn't have any sleeves. She kept the small towel so that she could keep drying her hair, longer hair was a hassle to deal with.

She walked towards her room knocking on Vincent's room as she stepped by. She figured he'd want to talk some more and she only really wants to have this conversation once.

Re: Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[bloodypast]

Vincent had, surprisingly, brought a book with him and was reading while waiting for Yuffie to be finished. At the knock, he marked his place and got to his feet. Gathering the mythril bangle with loaned-materia as he headed towards her room.

Knocking, before entering as quiet as he ever did. Shoulder-holster bearing Cerberus visible, over red long-shirt over black clothing from head-to-toe. His gauntlet clear from the elbow down covering his left arm, and his right hand bearing the bangle for Yuffie.

Silent, but nodding his head and waiting for her to speak first.

Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[thegreatninja]

When he walked into the room he’ll find Yuffie sitting on a futon on the floor. Her room was simple but it was hers. There was a small dresser with a mirror fixed to the wall behind it; a soft pillow was placed in front of it to sit. There was a small kotatsu table, circled with pillows and a closet which was where all of her clothing and weapons were stored. It didn’t look like there were many places to hide things in the room, which was Yuffie’s intent, though Vincent might notice a few of the mats that looks like they could be moved to hide things underneath.

“You can sit you know…”

Her legs were out in front of her, slightly bent so that she could hold herself up and finish drying her hair. She was leaning forward, only sparing Vincent a glanced before she covered her head by the white towel and violently began to rub it dry. A moment later the towel was tossed on the floor and Yuffie was sitting with a tangled mess of damp brown on her head.

“What’s this for?” She reached out towards the bangle, inspecting the materia that filled its socks. Of course she had her own stash but it was a nice gesture and it looked like he was taking his job as a body guard very seriously.

Re: Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[bloodypast]

"It's a loan, and protection." He wasn't sure what she'd had stashed away, so Vincent and Reeve were taking their own precautions. Rare that people saw Vincent casual, and he was not casual now--but there was an easy grace as he folded himself down to sit.

Cross-legged, giving her his attention.

"I don't intend to impinge upon your space. We do however need to be on the same page."

Re: Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie inspects the bangle closer before looking up at Vincent with a pout. "Awww, you mean I can't keep it." For a moment the whiny young princess was there but it quickly melted away as she smiled up at Vincent. "I'm just kidding. That's nice of you." It was weird and Yuffie didn't know how she felt about that. She knew that Vincent took his jobs seriously but she didn't really want to be seen as a job when it came to her friend.

Just what was her father and Reeve thinking?

His last comment made her look up. "Which page is that?" She surprisingly calm considering Vincent was in her room.

Re: Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[bloodypast]

"The pages detailing our roles, and the situation?" Vincent's response was just as calm, although there was a hint of amusement in his tone. "The only reason I accepted this position, is because you're involved."

Which Yuffie could probably guess, but Vincent felt she needed to know he would be taking this seriously.

Reunions of the non-Jenova variant

[thegreatninja]

"Now I feel special." She smiled and actually felt special for a moment before reigning in the random thoughts fluttering around her head. Her fingers laced together and she pulled her knees to her chest so she could rest her chin on them.

"Then why not tell me our roles and the situation? Since my father hadn't really given me a heads up and we were just attacked by those ghosties." She doubted that her and Vincent were currently on the same page.

[bloodypast]

"The 'ghosties' as you put it, are rather a new development from what I understand." Vincent responded dryly. "However I do have some basic information regarding your potential suitors. Gathering more intelligence and information on them is part of my role here, although my primary assignment is your protection and safety from any and all threats. Whether they be internal or external."

Pulling out a folded piece of paper from a pocket, and passing it her way. "This is the brief introduction of those petitioning for your hand." Letting her read and take time to absorb what he'd said so far.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie released a short breath, taking the paper and reading each note. “This doesn’t really tell me anything about them.” She read each name a few times and tried to memorize their physical description should she meet them but she doubted she’d remember. She was still stubborn though a part of her realized that this was going to happen one day.

She just didn’t realize it’d be so soon.

“At least none of them are old gross looking men though they might be young gross looking men.” She really didn’t know and each new word sounded more tired than the last. She didn’t want to have to deal with this. Her gaze shifted towards Vincent as she lay out on her bed, her hands rested beneath her head to keep her wet hair from making sleep uncomfortable later. She signed softly, her eyes closing while the paper he gave her rested on the flat of her stomach.

“I was going to ask what you’d do but you’re all honor and duty. You’d probably just take it.” She knew this was coming so why did she feel so bad about it now. She knew some of the families though she’s never met their son’s. Would any of them even like her? She doubted that she’d like them but she supposed she’d have to give it a chance for her father. He was lucky; he got to marry her mom who was probably the most amazing person in the world though that had also been during times of peace. They got a chance to know each other, to fall in love. They haven’t seen peace in Wutai for a long long time.

[bloodypast]

"That list, from what I understand, was whittled down to determine those with whom you might express a preference, as opposed to all offers." It felt...wrong, in some ways, discussing Yuffie as if she were a piece of property to be traded.

"I accepted this assignment however because I know you. It seemed you might respond better to someone you're familiar with and would actually work with." A pause, and Vincent made sure to meet her gaze. Stating more firmly why he'd accepted this assignment--and she was allowed to feel special.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie looked over at him, her eyes almost glaring. She didn’t say anything and relaxed a moment later. It didn’t sound as if she was property, she was property. Owned by her father and soon to be sold to another who she’ll have to have kids with. Then she’d be a mother and trapped forever in this house like some object to be coveted. She hated it but she couldn’t argue with her father in his current state and Wutai on the brink of crumbling. The people needed hope and it was her job to give it to them.

She released another long breath and closed her eyes. Yeah, she felt special but that, in itself, was a problem. She always had a soft spot for Vincent and while she’s over joyed that he took the roll over her protector, she’s also hurt. She didn’t really want to think of Vincent being okay with this either. She didn’t want to think of being with someone else, not that her stupid crush had ever been reciprocated or taken seriously.

That didn’t make the sting of pain any less bearable.

Yuffie rolled towards Vincent, her legs wrapping around the thin blanket that lay across her futon. Her hair fell in over her face and she quickly flicked it to the side while one arm remained tucked beneath her head.

“That’s true. I trust you Vincent.” She didn’t like using his full name without adding some sort of sarcastic comment but things felt too serious for that. She could have said, I’m so lucky to have the great and legendary Vincent Valentine as my protector’ but in light of what’s happening she feared it’d sound hallow.

Yuffie rolled back to her back and kicked her feet. She gave up keeping her wet hair from her pillow and pressed her palms to her eyes as an annoyed groan left her lips. “This is so stupid!” She just wanted to vent and kicking wasn’t doing enough to vent her frustrations. “I get it. I have to marry someone. You’re here to protect me. There are weird ghosties around. The suitors will be here in the morning and I don’t want to deal with this.” She began to rant not looking at Vincent. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to sleep tonight.” She finally spoke in a soft, calmer voice.

She looked over at Vincent letting her arms plop to her sides. Her right arm crumbled the paper that had been resting on her stomach. “Can we spar or something?” She just wanted to get her mind off all of this.

[bloodypast]

"I am not sure sparring is the best solution." Not that he couldn't tell she was restless. "Perhaps a walk instead? I haven't been to Wutai on a simple visit in a long time." Maybe a walk wasn't the safest idea, but it might be enough.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie exhales a slow breath before rolling her shoulders in a shrug. She saw what Vincent was doing but she was in no mood to argue. Arguing with him was always exhausting, it was that stupid cool wounded demeanor thing he had going on.

She rose to her feet in a swift elegant motion and then waved for Vincent to follow. She slipped on the bracer he'd offered her and slipped a few blades into her holster.

Just in case.

"Okay, let's go."

[bloodypast]

"I shall meet you at the door then." Getting to his own feet, Vincent headed back to his adjoining room and re-armed himself. Just in case; and while he did not want to spar, a fight would not be amiss if it happened.

Shoulder holster with Cerberus, long coat, bracer with materia and gauntlet. Ready to head out, and meeting her at the door. "Would a hike up Mount Wutai be amiss, or would you rather we headed for the beach?"

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie got ready very quickly. She was used to leaving on short notice so when he came out of his room her back is pressed against the wall. She looked over at him, her dark almond eyes watching as he took a position at her side.

"Beach. It sounds safer which I'm sure dad would want." She lifted herself from the wall and began to lead towards the front door.

[bloodypast]

Vincent kept any hint of amusement off of his face, but it was clear in his voice. "And what about what you'd like? This is hardly an official meeting we're off to." Well aware that while Yuffie did love her father and was doing her best to be a good princess and heir, this had to be hard for her. Especially as fidgety as she was.

[thegreatninja]

"I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't want to. Though what I want to do involves being very far away from here." She rolled her eyes though her back was to Vincent so he couldn't see.

"Anyway, it's still dark out so the beach will look awesome."

[bloodypast]

Vincent knew her well enough to guess at the eyeroll just from her phrasing and tone. He'd ponder it later. "Have you been to the beach at night before?"

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie released a short laugh, her dark eyes glancing up a Vincent for a moment before answering. "You know when I was young I kept running away from home right? Even when I met Cloud it'd been after years of leaving home for long stretches of time. I would sometimes sleep on the beach or where ever I could find."

So yes, she's been on the beach at night.