Timeframe: Not during the game at all. I've only borrowed Cid and Vincent, and a couple others. The time period would be somewhat primitive, though with a medieval feeling.

The small village was set in a valley, hidden away in the mountains. There was no danger of drought, for a strong river ran by the village. The were protected from the savage dragons because it was not their habitat. They were safe from warring tribes, as the rough mountain trails into the valley were easy to defend. The only thing they weren't safe from was the anger of the gods they worshipped.

Mighty were they, those gods. Bahumut, Leviathan, Ifrit, and Shiva. They blessed the village with game, rain, sun, and protection. But there was a more-powerful god they worshipped. A dark god. Chaos.

The great Chaos was the one who ruled most of the other gods. He could make their powers useless. He was just and fair to those who worshipped him, but to those who didn't...

The villagers were grateful they had some protection. Their highest ranking shaman, Vincent, could appease Chaos with gifts and sacrifices. So much that the dark god could lend his powers to the shaman. Vincent could draw upon them and turn his body into a copy of Chaos. Perhaps not omnipotent, but no weakling. The price he paid, however, was high.

Most times, the shaman could ask for more rain, or more game, by sacrificing animals, such as goats, sheep, cattle; anything the god required. But when he needed his power, the cost was a human sacrifice. Some villagers thought this uncivilized, but they had only been in need of it once.

A horde of savages had been threatening to destroy the village, utterly. Vincent had called upon Chaos, and used his powers to destroy the barbarians. The price had been his bride-to-be. For Chaos not only required a vigrin, but it had to be of his choosing. Lucrecia, the woman who was going to mate with Vincent, knew that the shaman was tempted to not use Chaos. But she knew the village had no other chance. It was the hardest thing Vincent had ever done.

It was fifty years laters, and most had forgotten about the incident. The younger generation thought it only stories their grandparents made up. Vincent still knew the truth. In those 50 years, Vincent had not aged physically. Chaos had been impressed that he had gone through with the sacrifice and blessed him with immortality. Though Vincent did not think of it as a blessing. Every day he lived was only another day without love. For no one interested him anymore, and no woman thought of him as a possible mate. Chaos had left another mark on the shaman. His eyes were red as spilled blood; a symbol of his obedience.

***

Vincent left the fresh fruits at Chaos' shrine as the sun went down. He knew they would still be there in the morning, but it was the principle that mattered to the dark deity. The shaman walked through the paths of the village, nodding to the people he saw. He walked away from the village until he reached the beginning of the forest that grew on the southern mountains. //I have walked these paths a hundred, hundred times...and each time it is different.//

He wandered until the moon rose high in the night sky, then made his way towards a small clearing downstream. The river pooled into a small lake, and wasn't very deep. Vincent loved to relax in it at least once a week; it was one of the only joys in his life now.

Seeing the shiny water reflect the night sky, Vincent removed all his clothes and walked in, sighing in contentment. After a few minutes, he decided it was enough and started to get out.

A few loud sounds in the distance made him pause though. //A small group is coming this way. I should not let them see me like this.// He quickly made his way to a few overhanging branches of a large tree. He sunk until only his head was out of the water, then tried to be as still as possible.

Without warning, three men stormed into the clearing. They wore foreign clothes, and each had a sword. The one that seemed to be the leader motioned for them to stop, then turned to speak to them. "Reno, what did you see?"

A lanky redhead was the one who answered. "The village seems to be very unguarded. It seemed that most of the men were more interested in fishing than practicing any fighting manuveurs."

"Rude, do you agree?"

"Yes sir." The tallest of the three said. "I am sure that it will be an easy victory. The hardest part was crossing the mountains unseen. The rest is child's play."

The leader nodded. "Good. We will go report to the Leader now. He will probably decide to attack tomorrow night, when most of the villagers are asleep." With a quick turn on his heel, the leader ran out of the clearing, the other two following quickly.

Vincent waited until he was sure they would not return, then quickly ran out of the water. Without stopping to dry, he put on his clothes, then ran to the village. //They will attack tomorrow! We have no chance...unless Chaos can help!//

Ignoring the few people he passed, Vincent finally arrived at Chaos' Shrine panting for breath. As he kneeled before a stone idol of the god, he closed his eyes in prayer. "Help us, Great Chaos. We are in need of your magnificent power! An army is going to attack tomorrow, and we have no chance against their trained army!"

A red haze surrounded the stone image. It's stone eyes suddenly glowed like two rubbies, mirroring Vincent's own. A low voice spoke to his mind. If I am to help you now, I will need a blood sacrifice to lend you my power.

"I understand Lord. Who shall this individual be?"

Choose one from the Highwind family. They have honored me through generations. It will be a pity to take one's life, but the sacrifice will be allowed to live as a spirit messanger, just as your Lucrecia.

"You are just and kind, Lord." Vincent forced hismelf not to cry. He knew his beloved was now Water Giver, an elemental spirit revered in her own right, but that did not make the pain of losing her any easier. "I will go, and get the sacrifice, Great One." Vincent bowed low as he got up, leaving as the stone eyes lost their glow.

He ran to the village square, where a large bell hung. Hitting it several times, he called the villagers to a meeting. "My people, I am saddened to tell you that death awaits us in the mountains."

"Shaman, what do you mean?" asked one of the villagers, a young man by the name of Zack.

"An army of invaders is out there. They plan to attack tomorrow night. Our only chance is to use the Great Chaos as our protector once more." He paused before continuing. "His only cost is a sacrifice, one from the family of Highwind."

"What?!" An elderly man with long white hair yelled. "You can't be serious, Shaman!"

The Shaman looked to the man, recognizing him as Dennis Highwind. "I am sorry, but that is what our Lord desires. We cannot deny him."

An old woman, the wife of the elder Highwind, grabbed her husband's arm to give her strength. "But our daughter is too precious! She was given to me in my old age, when I thought I would have no more children. I cannot give her up!"

Most the other mothers nodded. They had been amazed that Tasha Highwind could have given birth to a healthy girl 16 years after her first child. The Shaman sighed. "What else can we do? Your daughter must be given to Chaos."

The old couple held onto each other, shivering. Others nearby moved away, to allow them to weep without fearing stares. The Shaman walked to them, and spoke softly when they looked up at him. "Where is she?"

"She is back at the house. She caught a cold and her brother is caring for her now." Dennis answered, turning to lead the Shaman to their house.

Vincent followed them, saying nothing. When they were before their door, he stopped them. "Do not mourn for her. Chaos has chosen her to be honored, not murdered. Her spirit will remain in his realm, where she will be able to watch over all of us."

Slightly comforted, the couple led him inside. Vincent saw their home was simple, but not lacking in the warmth a family could create. Dennis walked to another room, telling Vincent to wait in the main room. When he returned, a teenage girl and man followed him.

Vincent observed the man thoroughly. All of the villagers had dark hair and dark eyes. But this man had blond hair, which was cut short, much like chocobo's feathers. His eyes were a shockingly bright blue, which reminded Vincent of the sky on a clear day. Suddenly, he fell to his knees, hearing Chaos' powerful voice speak to him without warning. He is the one to be sacrificed. It has been fated since he was born. In payment, I have given them the girl child, so they will not be alone in their last years.

"What's wrong Shaman?!" All crowded around Vincent until the blond man helped him stand. "Are you all right?!" He had been told what the dark deity requested, but he did not hate the Shaman for what he had to do. Not to mention the fact that it made them all feel nervous to see their spiritual leader collapse suddenly.

Vincent was helped to a chair, where he sat down. //This man, my Lord? I will do as you have ordered me...but I wish I could understand...// "Highwind," he spoke to Dennis. "Chaos has told me that your daughter will be spared. She was his gift to you and your wife."

Tasha Highwind grabbed her daughter tightly, crying for joy. "Oh Yuffie! You won't be taken from us!" The two women held each other tightly, both overwhelmed with joy.

Before Vincent could continue, the man turned to him. "I'm going to be the one, aren't I?"

The elders and young girl gasped, and even Vincent was surprised. "Yes...Chaos has told me that you will be sacrificed so that he may save the village."

"No, Shaman!" The young girl yelled, breaking away from her mother and kneeling at Vincent's feet. "Please, don't kill my brother! Take me instead!"

Vincent pulled her up gently. "I have no choice in the matter. It is Chaos' will."

The man placed an arm on his sister's shoulders, turning her to face him. "Don't cry, Yuf. You gotta be strong, and you have to take care of mom and dad." His blue eyes moistened, but he shed no tears. "This is how it should be." After giving her a quick hug, and his parents, the man followed Vincent outside, toward the shrine.

Any villagers that were still outside turned away when the Shaman walked by. His power would increase dramatically, and they were not worthy to observe him. And as for the young man, he was all ready dead. To see and acknowledge him could cause evil spirits to remain.

Once at the shrine, the man paused before entering. He looked up at the Shaman, pleading with his eyes. "Can I stay out here just a little more?"

"What is your name?"

The man looked into the Shaman's red eyes, wondering about the question. "I'm Cid."

"Yes Cid, you may take a last look at the village before...." Without finishing the sentence, Vincent turned and walked into the shrine, where he lighted a few torches.

Cid looked back towards his house. He had always known that his life was destined for something, but he never thought it would be for this. //I gotta remember...this is so Yuffie will live...So no barbarians can touch her...// Looking at the village once more, he turned and entered the shrine.

Stepping in, he bowed to the image of Chaos, then walked to where Vincent was, facing the south wall. "W-What do I do know?" He tried to sound brave, but he feared his death would not be quick and painless.

"Follow me." Vincent pulled down on a torch, and the wall slid back slowly. Dark stairs, carved from stone, led down into darkness. Vincent took out another torch and began to walk down the stairs. There were torches on the wall, and Vincent lit them as he went down.

Cid followed as he had been told, shivering in the damp, cold air. After more than a few minutes, he began to wonder where they were going. //Are we gonna go to the center of the earth? It feels like it...// He felt a tear drop from his eye. He wiped it away quickly, hoping the Shaman wouldn't turn and see him crying. He did not like caves, especially the deep ones in the mountains. His parents had always said that his element was the sky, because of his unusual eyes.

"We are here." Vincent said as they entered an underground room. The room was carved out of rock, which meant they were probably under the mountains. It was devoid of furnishings, except for now flaming torches in the walls and a large stone altar in the middle of the room. A black dagger was lying on the center of the altar.

Cid trembled when he saw bloostains on the stone, along with the dagger. //Chaos, you know I've always honored you. I know I can't back out...but give me the courage to do your bidding.// "I...I'm ready..." His voice was barely above a whisper, almost lost in the large room.

Vincent turned to him, knowing what he had to do. "Chaos has chosen you, as a virgin. But you must not be so when you die."

If possible, Cid was even more scared than before. "But, but! You're a guy!" He took a nervous step back, feeling the cool stone behind him.

"It cannot be helped." Vincent turned away and picked up a thick sheet from behind the altar. He removed the dagger from the altar, then placed the sheet on the stone. "Come, we must finish soon."

Cid swallowed hard, and forced himself to walk forward. "Am I gonna die....during it?"

"No. Chaos will allow you to enjoy it, if it's possible. But you will die once we finish." Vincent walked to Cid and began to take off the blond's shirt.

Trying not to cry, Cid allowed Vincent to undress him. But when the Shaman only had to remove his underwear, he cracked. "Why me?!" Cid fell to his knees, sobbing hard.

Vincent kneeled next to him, then pulled him into a light hug. He could not answer him. He did not know why Chaos had chosen this man. Did he make him different looking for it? Or did he choose him because he was so different? "I don't know..." Slowly, he pulled away, then helped the blond stand up. Without speaking, he led him to the altar, and made him lie on it. He quickly shed his own clothes, then got on the table, straddling Cid's thighs.

Cid still cried, but by now his sobs had lost their strength. He was reduced to soft weeping, and couldn't even dare to look at Vincent's face. He was ashamed of his lack of courage. //I was chosen by Chaos...but I can't go through with it...// He suddenly gasped when he felt a hand caress his genitals. Blinking away his tears, his eyes focused and saw that Vincent was kneeling over his thighs, gently touching him through his briefs.

"Enjoy this Cid. It would please Chaos if you obey him willingly..." Vincent undid Cid's underpants slowly, trying to be as unthreatening as possible. "Please don't be afraid of me. I will not..." Vincent knew it would be a lie if he said 'harm you', so he changed his statement, "I will not be cruel." He admired Cid's naked body sadly, wishing the man did not have to die. //He is so beautiful...In his own way, even more than Lucrecia...//

His eyes wide in fear, Cid coulcn't understand Vincent's gentleness. //Wouldn't it just be faster if he...took me now?// He noticed how Vincent's delicate hand stroked his body, giving it the utmost pleasure. //If only he loved me...that would at least make my life complete...//

Leaning over him, Vincent kissed his lips softly. Throwing caution to the wind, he allowed his feelings to take over. The soft kiss was made into a passionate attack. He felt Cid try to pull away, but slowly the blond allowed it, even welcomed it. Sitting up again, Vincent saw Cid's face relax in acceptance. But there was something else their too.

"Shaman...Do you think..in another lifetime...?" Cid asked timidly, not knowing how to put his thoughts into words.

Vincent nodded. "It is possible. My feelings for you are hard to explain...I wish that I didn't have to kill you...I really do..."

"It's not our decision. But...can we make the best of this?" Cid reached forward with his hand, lightly brushing the front of Vincent's growing sex. "Please?"

"As you wish, dear Cid..." The two touched each other in delicate ways, enjoying the pleasure their bodies created and received. But they also enjoyed the feeling in their hearts.

Soon, Vincent placed Cid's legs around his waist, then lightly pet a thigh. Cid trembled out of fear, but he still moved his arm up to stroke Vincent's face. Smiling, Vincent turned his head and kissed the hand. He then took a few breaths to get ready for the rest. Cid did as well. Vincent gently touched Cid's opening with his fingers, biting his lip when he heard Cid whimper. //I'm sorry Cid...I'm trying to be gentle...//

Eventually, Vincent judged Cid to be stretched enough so he wouldn't draw blood. He entered Cid's body slowly, making sure he was not violent in his passion. Cid whimpered softly, feeling a slight stab of pain, but almost immediately forgetting it as waves of pleasure rolled over him. //If I had to die a thousand deaths to feel this again, I would...// He moaned as Vincent continued to go in.

When the two were finally tied, Cid closed his eyes tightly, wondering what would happen next. He tensed as Vincent pulled himself out, then pushed in. The Shaman felt Cid's body tense, so he leaned over and started to kiss the muscled chest before him. At the same time, he continued his actions.

Cid started moaning loudly when he was about to reach his peak. His eyes opened and he saw Vincent kissing and licking his chest. //If only I could live...I could spend the rest of my life with him...// His thoughts were forgotten completely as his body spasmed in passion. Vincent ground hard into him, grunting like an animal as he released as well.

Panting hard, Vincent collapsed onto Cid, trying to regain his senses. When he realized there was only one thing he neded to do, he was overwhelmed with silent tears. //I finally love someone...and now I must kill him...// Pulling away and standing up, Vincent observed Cid.

The blond was sprawled contently on the stone, his eyes closed in bliss. But he felt Vincent get off him and opened his eyes. Sitting up, he smiled when he saw the Shaman in front of him. But when he saw that Vincent was not smiling back, he remembered why. "Vincent...when you die...will I see you again?"

"...I do not know Cid...I hope so..." Not knowing what else to say, Vincent bent over and picked up the dagger. Even in the dim light, both men could see it was razor sharp.

Cid got off the altar, and looked to Vincent for instructions. "I won't stop you, Vincent. Chaos ordered this, and we cannot disobey."

Vincent nodded, then grabbed Cid's arm. "Until we meet again..." Without pausing, Vincent sliced at Cid's arm, trying to block out the sound of his screams. Not missing a beat, he brought the wound to his mouth and drank the fresh blood. Revolted by what he was doing, he still knew he had to continue. He swallowed a few times, feeling his heart beat faster. His eyes cried tears as he watched Cid grow limp in his arms, weakened by losing so much of his blood so quickly. "I'm sorry..." Vincent said softly, knowing what was to come.

His heart felt like it was being torn apart, and he was having trouble breathing. Not being able to stand, he hit the ground, dropping Cid as well. Vincent cried out as he felt his body change to the form of Chaos, being overpowered by the sheer strength of the deity.

The physical changes were the most painful; his arms and legs grew longer, the pale skin becoming darker and more leathery. His delicate hands became larger, with razor sharps claws that longer than his normal fingers were. His teeth started to change as well, becoming fangs. Horns grew from his head, looking like a devil's. But the worst part of this torture was the feeling of his flesh tearing as two large, leathery wings ripped his backside as they left his body.

Sprawled on the floor, Vincent finally felt the second part commence. His consciouness was pushed back, to where he lost contact with the body. It was like falling back into a dark abyss, with nothing to save him. But he did not plummet forever, as the Chaos element caught him, keeping him just barely conscious of what was happening.

Cid forced his eyes to opened as saw Chaos standing in the room. Though Cid had always feared the appearance of the stone image of Chaos, he was terrified when he saw what it really looked like. The deity appeared more of a demon, than a god. But Cid knew that Chaos would save their village.

Chaos looked aroud the room, feeling itself take hold of it's servant's body and mind. Looking around, he saw the sacrifice on the floor, staring back at him in awe. A feeling of sadness passed through him, but Chaos knew he would only be able to stay in the coporeal world if he had been sanctified with a sacrifice's blood. Turning towards Cid, Chaos didn't even pause before he attacked.

Screaming, Cid tried to crawl away as Chaos ripped his flesh with the deadly claws. They sliced his skin, biting deep into his muscle as well. Occasionally, Chaos would pause to drink the blood from his wounds, but immediately go back to slashing him.

The blinding pain soon became a numbness, and Cid lost the strength to even scream. He couldn't see very well, as blood was dripping into his eyes, and he couldn't hold his head up anymore. Chaos took one last swipe at Cid's back, then drank his fill. He dropped the human when he was done, knowing he would die within the next few minutes. Roaring, he turned and charged up the stairs, soaring out of the shrine when he reached it. His wings strecthed wide, carrying him as he flew towards the mountains, where his prey awaited him.

Back underground, Cid forced himself to move his hand forward, seeking something to grab onto and perhaps keep him alive just a little longer. His hand touched a piece fabric and he saw that it was one of Vincent's clothes. Weakly, he pulled it back and held it to his chest, where it quickly soaked in crimson. Not being able to hold onto his consciousness much longer, Cid closed his eyes, whispering a final farewell to the shaman.

***

The enemy troops had camped for the night, as ordered to by their leader, Rufus of Shinra. He had planned to overtake the village, and use it for his own forces. There, they could regain their strength, and go out to pillage more lands. //An empire shall be mine...// He thought as he walked around his camp. His father had yearned for the same thing, but had died in a previous raid. Now he would lead his tribe of warriors to a new future, where his name was known and feared by all.

Suddenly, a huge fireball landed on one of the outlying tents, causing it to burst into flames. //What the?!// Looking around for the attacker, Rufus scrreamed orders to his men. He had not expected the lowly famrers to attack, but he knew it would be an easy matter to defeat them.

Yet he saw no army anwhere. The mountains were still, except for his own army. But that fireball had to come from somewhere. On impulse, he looked up into the night sky, gasping when he saw what was there. A flying demon roared and used its dark magic to create another fireball, this time aiming it at Rufus' tent, on the other side of the camp.

Shielding his eyes from the burning inferno, he shouted orders to his archers, telling them to aim for the beast. Half of them dropped their bows and ran for dear life, while the other half aimed their arrows foolishly. The metal points did nothing to harm the skin of Chaos, as he was protected by a shield of his own power. Nothing short of equal magic could defeat him.

He swooped down low, attacking with magic that killed instantly. The troops, terrified of this invicible enemy that killed without mercy, fled south, from whence they had come from. Rufus was the last to leave. He glared at the demon that had destroyed his plans. Without a secure hometown, his emprie could not grow. But his plans were ruined anyways, as Chaos decided it was too risky to allow the leader to live...

***

Vincent stumbled down the steps of the shrine, trying not to fall. The walls still held torches, but they were dying out, as morning had come. His hands were full of crusted blood, as was his hair and skin. He had to purify himself with sacred water, and had to clean up whatever was left of Cid below. Tears fell from his eyes when he thought about the blond man. //He was too young to die...too wonderful...I pray he is happy as a spirit...My life will not be complete until I die and can see him again...//

He finally arrived at the bottom, and looked in, readying himself as best he could. Blood was splattered on the walls, even some on the ceiling. Through his tear-blurred eyes, he saw a shape on the altar. Moving near it, he wiped away his tears, then gasped when he saw it was Cid.

But the naked blond was alive, without a scrath on him. It seemed incredulous how there he lay, sleeping, amongst strewn liters of blood, and not a spot of it on his skin. But how could such a thing be possible? Not to mention, Chaos would probably require him killed, as that was what he was for. But suddenly, he felt the deity's prescence in his mind No, he is not alive. But neither are you. I have taken away the immortality I gave you, and given it to a new Shaman. You, Fire Provider, will exist forever with him, the Wind Mover. This is how I show my gratitude in your assistance for letting me enter the coporeal world.

Looking up and shaking his head, Vincent realized his hands were clean. So was the rest of his body. He was still naked, but it wasn't important anymore. Spirits did not need clothes, after all. "Cid..."

The blond slowly opened his blue eyes, which shone like jewels. "Vincent." He sat up, smiling at the ex-Shaman. "So, we're together again..."

"And will be so, forever."