Darkening Abyss Ch 4

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It had been only three days since Cloud was brought to the Shinra hospital and the blonde had already recovered fully due to the mako and other drugs pumping through his veins; give or take a few scars and minor aches where the claws slashed across his pale skin. Cloud raised his arm glanced at it. The bruises that littered the appendage a few days ago were gone. To think, that if Hojo didn't put him through all those tests, his body would just be... normal... he wouldn't be healing this fast at all. But, there was a strong determination interlaced in Cloud's system; he would overcome anything that tried to harm his friends and those he cared for.

The doctors wanted him to stay longer for further tests, but the stubborn mountain boy blatantly refused. Enough time was spent in a medical room all those years ago…

Cloud…

Again… It sounds weaker this time.

Why was he hearing her voice again? Wasn't she exterminated from Gaia? Something didn't feel right... Cloud stood from his bed and stretched aching muscles, feeling them ripple to attention. Vincent had stopped by earlier this morning with Cloud's clothes and First Tsurugi. The blonde smiled as he saw that his blade had been cleaned, shined and sharpened. Vincent had also informed Cloud that he and Reno had retrieved his beautiful- albeit damaged- bike from the wastelands surrounding Edge and brought her to one of Shinra's garages where the mechanics were already working diligently on reassembling the black vehicle.

Cloud sighed and ran a hand through his blonde spikes. As grabbed his clothes and headed into the bathroom to take a quick shower he felt a weird sensation well up in the pit of his stomach. He didn't know what to make of the 'sixth sense' welling up within him. The feeling of someone familiar returning... it was an odd feeling indeed.

The blonde turned the small shower knob towards the hot side and the waters gushed out in clear rivulets. Dropping the airy hospital gown down on the white tiled floor, Cloud stepped into the water and simply let his body refresh itself as the comforting, liquid warmth snaked its way down his body. It felt amazing.

Grabbing the tiny shampoo and conditioner bottle mix, Cloud poured out a good handful of the hair cleaner and scrubbed it through his matted blonde spikes. The soap suds bubbled up and dripped off as the conditioner softened his hair.

He opened his eyes slightly, water droplets falling from black lashes, as his mind directed the mental montage towards his tall, dark and exotic housemate... his housemate standing there in the shower with him... Vincent naked...

Cloud's breath hastened as his mind went on its own enjoyment spree. Try as he may, Cloud couldn't stop himself from gripping his now erect cock and pumping it slightly, imagining Vincent's hand in place of his own.

I can't believe... i'm doing this... ngh...

The steam from the warm shower quickly clouded the room along with Cloud's small pants as he worked himself to completion. Bracing one hand against the wall in front of him as the showers waters raced down his back, Cloud pumped his cock quickly, feeling his climax explode through and out his body. He bit his bottom lip hard, trying not to moan loudly as he thought of Vincent's wet hair draping over his body as the darker male tugged on Cloud's member.

He panted quickly as post orgasmic pleasure rippled through his system. Cloud put his forehead on the still chilly shower wall tiles, trying to cool off his still heated body.

Focus...

Turning the shower off and stepping out, Cloud quickly dried himself off and grabbed the new clothes sitting on the ground by the door.

Fully clothed in his new black attire Vincent brought him this morning, Cloud strapped his buster sword to his back and exited the room to see Rufus, Reno, and Vincent waiting.

Cloud rubbed his head and glanced over towards Vincent. "Hey guys. Sorry for all the trouble."

Nodding, the ex-Turk replied in his monotone voice. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel great actually." Cloud said with a smile. In all honesty, though he'd hate to admit it, being in the hospital with the mother hens squawking at him to stay in bed actually did him some good. His body thanked the white labs coats.

"Cool. So I guess the device didn't do anyth-" Reno's quick tongue was cut short due to a pale hand firmly clasping over it.

Rufus delivered a fierce glare towards his lover as Cloud's face contorted in confusion. "What are you talking about my dear Reno? Forgive his idiocy Cloud."

Releasing the loud mouth Turk, Rufus turned his attention to the savior of the world. Sighing he said, "I was not planning on telling you as soon as you were released from the hospital but, as you know, Reno does have a big mouth."

"HEY! You know you love it." Reno crossed his arms and delivered a sly smile towards Rufus.

Shaking his head at Reno's advances, Rufus continued. "As I was saying, Cloud, please listen to what I am about to tell you with a clear head."

Cloud nodded.

"When Vincent came across your dying form and began brining you back here, you suddenly lashed out and started to attack him."

The blonde's face suddenly paled as cool blue orbs met fierce burning red, trying to ask forgiveness which was given with a nod and a slight smile. The relief that washed over Cloud's features did not go unnoticed by all in the room.

"Cloud," Rufus continued, "There was a small device embedded in the back of your neck that Vincent removed, albeit un-gracefully, and crushed it. No matter, my theory is this: Jenova cells were found within the machine. The one who implanted said cells, my guess, is Hojo. I do not know why, but it seems that there is something that he wants and you are his target, Cloud."

No one saw Vincent's eye twitch and tightening of his hand as Rufus finished his explanation. The vivid memories of Cloud laying motionless on the earth in the outskirts of Edge, bleeding and dying, was enough for Vincent. He had never felt his heart plummet to the pit of his stomach before as it had that day. I won't let anything harm you Cloud.

The blonde looked towards Rufus then averted his eyes and asked in a barely audible voice, "So does this mean he's back?"

Cloud guessed it made some sense... the attacks from the beasts and him being taken over- yes, all the pieces of the puzzle fit together and formed the Professor's face. Yet, Cloud didn't want to think of Hojo still roaming the earth. Just what is Hojo after and, the largest question of all, how is he still alive? That is what frightened Cloud the most.

"Yes. That is exactly what I'm assuming." Rufus nodded his head, watching as Cloud's eyes spoke volumes of voiceless words. The boy knew that he had to face Hojo again.

"Don't worry Cloud, we'll figure out something. Besides, it's not like he can really bring anyone back from the dead right?" Reno stated in his go-lucky voice.

Everyone slightly jerked as Vincent's un-heard voice broke in. "We do not know this for certain Reno. We must be prepared for anything and everything."

All of a sudden, alert systems went off within the building as loud quakes rattled the ground. One doctor rushed into the room screaming. "President Rufus! Sir! Someone is attacking the building!"

"Well who is it?!" Reno grabbed onto the wall for support as the last rumble subsided.

"We don't know! He's shrouded in a black cloak and wielding a huge sword! We even tried using bombs but he keeps evading everything we throw at him!"

Cloud raced out of the room heading towards the front of the Shinra building.

That feeling...

Vincent, seeing his partner's worry clouded face, also rushed off towards the entrance. Upon arrival, three Shinra guards were already lying dead in the front of the building as the cloaked man battled with Tseng. Rufus and Reno arrived at the scene moments later.

The blonde warrior paused at the entrance and gasped. "That sword…"

Turning his eyes to focus on the battle before his eyes, Vincent couldn't help but cringe as he saw what made Cloud freeze up upon arriving at the scene. Tseng was thrown backwards towards the gunslinger and buster wielder as the mysterious man brought down his sword so that the tip of the heavy blade embedded itself into the hardened earth: its heavy frame rivaled that of Cloud's. The un-known warrior poised to attack again and ran full force towards the onlookers.

The fiery red head pulled out his EMR and took a ready position, defending Rufus as the Shira President cared for Tseng. A small gash decorated Tseng's left thigh, allowing bright red blood to pool around the open wound and drip steadily to the ground.

Vincent jumped into the air and shot out three rounds which the cloaked man blocked with ease as he brought down his sword towards Cloud. Whipping his buster sword out and grunting at the force brought down upon him by the intruder, Cloud gritted out, "Who are you?"

The mysterious man gave no reply.

The blonde warrior pushed his attacker away and lashed out. Vincent took his place as a far attacker and shot précised rounds from Cerberus. Quick sessions of sword attacks and defense were formed. Gun shots buzzed through the air and deflections were made. The black cloaked warrior side stepped and swiped his massive sword towards Cloud's middle, making Vincent's stomach lurch as he quickly replaced bullets within Cerberus.

Cloud dodged just in time and delivered a swift round-house kick which the intruder blocked with ease. In doing so, the un-known man grabbed Cloud's assaulting leg and threw him across the not so forgiving ground. Rolling across sun-dried earth, the hero lost grip of his buster sword and heard it clamber to the ground further away from his fallen form. Looking up towards the rushing sound of feet heading towards him, Cloud arose from the ground and dodged the crushing swing made by the intruder. Not having his sword, the blonde was at a complete disadvantage as he fought for his life by avoiding hits. The intruding figure backhanded the blonde across his head, momentarily disabling the warrior, making him see stars as his vision blurred something fierce.

"Cloud!" Seeing his companion on the loosing side, Vincent jumped down from his shooting perch and attacked the black cloaked man with his golden claw of steel and fierce kicks.

The intruder turned his attention away from the defenseless Cloud and began attacking the ex-Turk. Being a long-ranged fighter, Vincent did not have the right weaponry to block heavy blows by a sword as large as this. However, with the lack of heavy weapon, Vincent made up for it by his lightning fast agility and swift moves. He wasn't an ex-Turk for nothing. The cloaked male feigned a frontal attack and slashed at the vampire-like man from the back.

Trying to somehow maneuver away from the attack, Vincent did not manage to get out of the way and received a nice clean slice across his right side. Feeling the blood racing down his injured side, Vincent unleashed Cerberus. At such a close range, the cloaked man could not block every single bullet, and received two in his right shoulder.

Reno suddenly appeared behind the disoriented man and smacked the un-known figure across his left shoulder blade with his EMR. However, this did not really phase the cloaked man as he twirled his body around, bringing with it the heavy force of his sword. Reno blocked it before it had a chance to cleave his head off his shoulders. Using this as an advantage, the Turk delivered a fierce uppercut hitting the man in the jaw. Retaliating, the attacking intruder delivered a bone crushing kick to the smirking red head, sending him backwards with a cry of pain and grabbing at his chest as he skid to a halt.

"Reno!" Rufus cried out as he watched his lover writhe in pain on the cold ground on the other side of the compound.

Cloud took this opportunity to grab his buster sword and resume his attack on the intruder. Sensing another quick approaching presence from the side, the cloaked man brought up his sword and blocked Cloud's. Seeing his slowed movements, the blonde warrior took this time to unleash great, force-filled swipes and slashes with practiced, accurate ease in quick succession. The bullet wounds were slowing down the cloaked attacker which made Cloud's burst much easier to try and overtake the other.

These fighting moves…so familiar…

Cloud swung his heavy buster upwards and it ripped the cloak in half, revealing who the mysterious man was. Spiking black hair cascaded down to the shoulders, beautiful, yet lifeless violet eyes, well built body, a SOILDER uniform and that 'X' shaped scar on the left jaw line.

Feeling his heart stop and blood rush away from his face, Cloud gasped.

"Zack?"

TBC

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~ChaosGarden