Immer: The starting point to drama and reality. Don't you just love it when reality slaps you in the face?

Title based off of Already Over by Red.

Chapter Four Nothing Left To Lose

FFVII

The first time Zack laid eyes on Cloud, he wanted to grab him into a tight hug and never let go. He wanted to protect him from everyone who posed as a danger to the boy.

It didn't help he appeared to be a mess. All he had was a thin hospital gown. His spikes were wild, and the back of his head his hair was long enough to reach the middle of his back in a rat's tail. His skin was extremely pale, being neglected from having direct sunlight for so long.

Zack could see how wary he was, having rarely met any kindness in his short young life. His body was tense like a trapped animal. His eyes hardened with caution of meeting new people. He had been through so much already, and he learned early on he couldn't trust vampires or humans. The sight tore Zack's heart to pieces.

Then he watched as Cloud's face lit up when he saw Tifa. He moved closer, there was a flash of annoyance at being reminded he was still in a glass cage. But it all disappeared when Tifa excitedly greeted him. He even braved a smile that warmed up his angelic young face.

There's still some hope yet for this kid.

And Zack made his mind up then and there. He was going to help Cloud in every way he could. This kid had experienced a lot of pain and suffering when he shouldn't have. It was time someone stepped up and helped carry a portion of his burden, to show him he wasn't alone.

It took Zack a few years to fully gain Cloud's trust, but it was worth it in the end. He proved enough times he wasn't going to abandon Cloud, or that he didn't think of him as a weirdo or a monster. With enough coaxing and constant reassurance on his part, Zack was finally able to diminish those demons that haunted Cloud. Or at least enough that Cloud gained the confidence to warm up to other people.

He watched Cloud grow out of his shell and became the best hunter around, rivaling Zack and Angeal. He became a confident young man with the passion to eradicate all vampires, while he secretly searched for a certain one.

Zack often wondered if this obsession was healthy, but he let it be. Nothing he said or did would deter Cloud from his search, and so Zack learned to drop the matter before things escalated into heated arguments. He hated arguing with any of his friends, especially Cloud.

Thinking back on it now, Zack saw the warning signs. He sensed the obsession would lead Cloud into trouble, but he stood by and did nothing of it. And now that Cloud was turned by the one he obsessed over no less, it was a wake up call for Zack.

I failed as a friend to put a stop to this.

He knew it was silly. There was nothing he could do different about the events he had no control over. But the guilt was still there, eating away at his peace of mind. Zack felt if he had stopped Cloud's obsession over Sephiroth, then this could very well have been avoided.

But it happened anyway. Cloud was taking the changes in stride, despite his own hatred for the creatures of the night and now ironically part of their world. Zack could tell he was nervous, and a little scared. He was scared of everyone abandoning him for giving into the turning.

I won't abandon you. Not this time.

FFVII

"Haven't you noticed how Cloud is close to Sephiroth and vice versa? What's with that?" Yuffie asked the rest of the group as she munched on her food. Her eyes never strayed from the blonde in question, having a conversation with Valentine.

It had one day since Valentine confirmed Cloud's turning hadn't taken away his human heart. And currently the vampire prince was nowhere in sight, apparently he decided to rest for the day, which was a first since they arrived at Cosmo Canyon. Sephiroth had kept Cloud within his sights, as if waiting for when the hunters would turn their weapons on their friend.

"It is said for the first year or so of turning, the newborn is attached to the sire as they adjust. It's something that can't be helped, for any enemies of the sire will gladly kill the newborn without hesitation. It's a power play of eliminating a powerful bloodline while tormenting the sire without physically harming them. I remember this from the school in the colony." Tifa explained, as she had paid more attention to the lessons than Cloud had.

"That's some fucked up shit." Barret grumbled. He had been secretly wondering the same thing.

"So what do we do from here? At some point we have to get moving. Do we stick with Cloud or go our own separate ways?" Yuffie frowned, this was something that they have all refused to address by choice.

"I hate to sound like an ass, but it would be best if we all split up, yo." Reno took a sip of his drink. "The question is, who is gonna stick with who? I don't know about you guys, but I might have to go with 'em."

He didn't have to clarify who he was talking about. Eyes turned to him with a mix of shock and horror. The redhead had been the first to admit he wanted to go along with the vampires.

"Why would you have to go to the lions den? That's like asking to be food!" Yuffie exclaimed, immediately clamping her mouth shut as other people stared at her.

"Cause I'm a fuckin' Turk. I helped with the escape. And even Rufus can't do shit to remove the big target on my back. If I stick around with them, at least I'll be safe from being killed by my own kind." Reno shrugged.

"But what will you do among the vampires? Are you ready to be part of a menu? Or are you hoping to be turned?" Zack eyed the redhead, unclear of his intentions.

"I ain't tellin' them information. At least not about Rufus. Hate to say it, but I would have to hand over somethin', and I'm thinkin' about tellin' about Angeal. I mean, I know he's your brother, man, but he went too far with his trap."

"And after you tell them about him?" Zack wasn't even upset.

"I would offer my services as a pilot. They don't have an aircraft like my baby, so I'm the only one to pilot it. It's not like I would be a special case, they got human pilots so they can move durin' the day." The redhead had thought over his plan for a while now, working out the kinks.

"Sounds like you've already figured out your path. But that just leaves us. What are we to do, then?" Tifa lowered her head. "I want to be by his side, but...I can't meet Sephiroth's brother face to face yet."

"Then don't. I don't want to force you to stay by my side if you can't face him. He would notice and then try to use you against me." Cloud startled everyone as he was suddenly next to them.

"But what about you? How will I know that you'll be safe?" Tifa's stubbornness sprung forth.

"I'll be safe once I've proven I'm worthy of being turned by Sephiroth. He told me that if I do something big, like say I fought a high and powerful noble and I won, then they will leave me alone. They'll still grumble about me being a dhamphir, but they can't touch me."

"You sure?" The fighter was still skeptical.

"I just confirmed with Valentine that it's all that takes. They don't mess with royals, dhamphir or not." Cloud assured with a charming smile.

Noticing how uncomfortable everyone was, he stopped smiling. He was still adjusting to the high amount of charm he suddenly had. Cloud still had to work on the kinks so he wouldn't accidentally place everyone under his spell.

"Sorry...still working on reducing that." Cloud lowered his head with embarrassment.

"It's fine, Spike. So did he say how many would he risk to allow to stick with you?" Zack held back a thought that had been pestering him the last few days.

"He said maybe two? Cait Sith already asked, and Sephiroth gave him the go ahead. But after him he can only accept two more, or else he wouldn't know how far his protection will work." Cloud became apprehensive, not meeting anyone's gaze.

"Hold up, Cait Sith asked? Is that why he's been hiding?" The ninja tilted her head, crossing her arms with annoyance.

"Yeah, he's been hanging out at my tent. I'm amazed he's not in pieces yet with the way he pesters Sephiroth." Cloud had expected the robot cat to be too annoying for Sephiroth, but thus far he hasn't been torn apart.

"Better there than here, the traitor." Yuffie huffed.

"Then that means there's one more slot. Reno already claimed he would rather go with you than have ShinRa after his ass." Tifa stated, her voice saddened. "I want to go but...I'm not ready to face the one that killed my mom."

After a moment of awkward silence Zack stood up, surprising them. He took in a deep breath to calm his nerves. This was a huge step, and a dangerous one. But he wasn't going to let Cloud continue on his own, even with Reno and Cait Sith volunteering to follow him. He knew Cloud needed at least one of his long time friends around for the support.

"I'll go with you, Spike. After all, we're friends, right?" He extended a hand, proudly wearing a hopeful smile on his face.

"But...are you sure Zack?"

"I've got nothing left to lose, buddy. I chose you over my brother, remember? I gotta stick with that choice, even if it means going where I never thought I would go as long as I'm by your side."

After a moment Cloud reached out and accepted his hand. Zack's grin grew as they shook on it. Cloud mirrored a hesitant smile of his own, but the smile was in his eyes. They were bright with relief and gratitude to have Zack by his side.

"So what about the rest of you?" Cloud inquired the others.

"I was thinkin' of startin' up a new group of hunters. If we get better than ShinRa's hunters, then they can't fuckin' touch us. And if ya remain in hidin' long enough to make everyone think we offed ya, they won't hold it against us. We won't confirm or deny yer alive or dead, so that would give us some time to get our reputation up." Barret had been planning since the night of the rescue on where to go from here.

"How long do you need? Sephiroth said he would be forced to remain out of battle for a year as consequence to walking into the trap and rescue me. Something about being too reckless and can't afford to lose him. And he said I would be given the same sentence since I'm his responsibility." Cloud wasn't sure if he would be able to give more than one year.

"That should be enough time. Yo, Tifa. Wanna help me bring AVALANCHE back on the radar?" Barret grinned with his offer.

"Why not? Hunting is all I know. We can show them we can be just fine on our own." Tifa seemed relieved she was included.

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Count me in, too! I still got my secret stash of materia!" Yuffie raised her hand.

"Fine, but they better be good ones!"

"You know I stash only the best!"

The group laughed, lighting up the atmosphere. There was still the hint of sorrow in all of them. This would possibly be the last time the Wolf Moon team would be together. At the same time, there was hope. Hope that someday they would reunite as friends and not enemies in the battlefield.

FFVII

The next day was spent in preparation to go their own way. The day was somber, as they held onto the memories of working together over the years. They wished they could remain together as a group, but it wasn't possible. Not at this point in time.

Barret and his group were set to leave by late afternoon. When the time came, Cloud saw them off with Zack and Cait Sith. Reno didn't handle farewells, so he wasn't anywhere in sight.

"You boys stay outta trouble, ya hear? I ain't gonna hear word any of ya died, got it? I would kill the motherfucker who took your life." Barret shook hands with Zack and Cloud.

"It takes a lot to take us down, you know this, man." Zack flashed a grin.

"Still. You all stay on yer toes."

"I'm gonna miss you guys!" Yuffie glomped both Zack and Cloud at once.

"I'll miss you too, kiddo." Zack chuckled.

"Don't get into too much trouble, you hear?" Cloud gently patted her shoulder.

"I'll try not to. Can't make any promises!"

She drew away to make room for Tifa. She stared into Cloud's eyes for a long moment. After a hesitant smile from the blonde, Tifa pulled him into a hug. Cloud awkwardly hugged her back.

I'm going to miss her the most.

"You be safe. Okay?" Tifa sounded like she was about to cry.

"I will. You be careful, too." Cloud nodded, and she reluctantly pulled away to hug Zack.

"You guys stick together." Tifa ordered with humor in her voice.

"Of course! We're like brothers." The elder hunter snickered.

"I'm gonna miss all of you! We had a lot of fun adventures." Cait Sith exclaimed, climbing up Cloud's back then sat on his shoulders, peering through golden spikes.

"Take care of them, Cait Sith." Tifa giggled.

"I'll keep these lads out of trouble." The cat waved.

"Yo, our truck is ready to go!" Barret called out to them. He walked over while the girls picked up their bags and packed them in the back.

"Listen, I hate to say somethin' like this. But I gotta. Don't take it to heart, just...bear with me. I got no easy way to say this." The gunman crossed his arms as he gathered his wits.

"What is it big buy?" Zack encouraged.

"Cloud...man, if ya ever feel like yer about to lose it. Like goin' all blood frenzied and shit, look for me. I'll do the job. Yer my buddy, and ya know I would make it quick and painless. I'll even make a funeral service for ya. Just...don't expect much."

They stared, as the atmosphere became intense. For a heartbeat, things looked like it was about to go sour. Then Cloud offered a hand with his warm smile.

"Wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you, Barret. I know how hard it was for you to make that offer."

I had been meaning to ask him. But I never found the courage to ask.

"We're hunters, that makes us brothers." Barret shook his hand, gripping hard. Cloud returned the grip, careful not to break any bones with his newborn strength.

"Same goes for you, hot shot. If ya end up like Spikey, I mean."

"Thanks, man. If I do turn, no hard feelings, right?" Zack shook his hand.

"Nope. A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do to survive. Just don't lose sight of yourself, ya hear?"

"I won't." The dark haired soldier assured.

And with a final goodbye, the group of hunters left. Cloud watched them leave until the truck was out of sight. Once they were fully gone, Cloud turned to come face to face with Valentine.

"Don't turn Zack." He stated abruptly, making Cloud blink as he processed his words slowly.

"...Why?" Cloud raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, why can't he turn me?" The dark haired hunter crossed his arms.

"You would have enough trials to go through as Sephiroth's first changeling, and they would be harsh due to you being dhamphir. If you turn him, you will be under more fire, as you will then become his responsibility. Which means his performance will be reflected onto you, and then Sephiroth in turn."

"So then who else is going to change me? I don't want to go into the lions den only to end up as food." Zack frowned.

"If you can convince him, Sephiroth would do it. If you're a full turn, it would ease the tension on all of you. It would prove Sephiroth isn't a failure, making Cloud a special case." Valentine elaborated.

"How can I convince him? He hardly even looks at anyone else besides Spike over here. It's like we're all miniscule to him or something." Zack was still skeptical, but he could see what the lone vampire hunter had a solid point.

"That's for you to figure out." Valentine turned and left them.

A few hours later after sunset, Reno started up his chopper. Zack followed behind with Sephiroth. Sensing he was going to ask, Cloud stayed outside to give him some time. He held the robot cat in his arms while he turned to Valentine with surprise. The vampire hunter was seeing them off.

"There's another reason why you told me not to turn him, didn't you?" Cloud asked, watching as the taller man stared at him with amazement.

"How is it you can read me so well?" Valentine inquired softly, his tone wary.

"I can read Sephiroth better than I did before my change, although we only met like twice. Still, I can read him. I guess it's something to do with the fact he's my sire. And something about you is similar to him, if more direct if that makes sense." Cloud shrugged, ignoring Cait Sith's squirming. "So did you regret the person you chose to turn?"

"...In a way. I have been alive for a long time. I was lonely and selfish when a man, slowly dying from his own body wasting away, came to me for death. He came to me bleeding, and he thought I was a pureblood."

"You fed from him, didn't you?"

"Yes. I hadn't fed in so long that his blood sent me to a frenzy. Even though it reeked of death, it was still sickeningly sweet. And in my state I turned him. I don't regret turning him. What I do regret was what it did to his mind. He didn't take to turning too well, and he went mad. I have searched for him since, but he disappeared without a trace. I don't know if he's alive or dead."

That's so sad. I hope it ends well for the both of them.

"What made you decide to change him?"

"I have tasted a lot of blood in my life. I never tasted anything sweeter than his. The only one that came close was my former wife."

"Was it a certain blood type or what? I don't understand how just one person can be sweeter than everyone else." Cloud furrowed his eyebrows.

"No, I've tasted the same blood type before, and it didn't compare. My theory is, a vampire sometimes find their mate in a form of a human. But to identify that partner, is through their blood. If the aroma and taste are so intoxicating that the vampire becomes obsessed, they will do anything they can to turn the human." Valentine explained, giving Cloud a knowing stare.

"Sephiroth couldn't control himself when we arrived at Junon. I had a head injury that was bleeding." The realization dawned on him. Cait Sith stared between the two men, silently taking in the new information.

Is that why Sephiroth was so rash?

"I had to hold him back for most of the hours of you being held in that warehouse. I tried to convince him to not go in there, but he went mad enough to fight me. I realized why he couldn't let you die and offered my assistance." Valentine nodded.

"Even if it meant being cut off having support from ShinRa?" Cloud wondered, still taking in the indications that Valentine was making.

"They will soon realize their mistake. I have the most intel about vampires. Otherwise they will be blind and won't know who they're dealing with." Valentine seemed indifferent about the consequences of his actions.

"How would I know if Sephiroth is my mate, though?" Cloud frowned when the thought came to him.

I don't even know what to think of him. Since the turning, my perspective of him has changed drastically. And I don't understand.

"If every other blood is repulsive, while his is the only one enticing to you, then it's a strong indication he's your mate. But it would mean the both of you will have to make it work. He made huge steps for you, Cloud. If you want to make the next step with him, show him the risks you'll make for him. Otherwise, he won't make any moves."

"This is all so much to take in. I don't know if I'm even ready for something like...like that. How will I know when I'm ready?" Cloud wasn't repulsed, in fact he was more embarrassed and nervous.

I don't even know if I like him. I am drawn to him, but I don't know if it's that or because he's my sire.

"When everything about him turns you on, or when you're overcome with immense jealousy when anyone seeks his attention, then that's when you'll know." Valentine assured Cloud with a hint of a smile. "Just give it time, adjust to each other. You're not the only one who has to adjust to this."

"Thanks, Valentine."

"Call me Vincent."

"Yo, Blondie! We gotta go! We're waitin' on you." Reno called out.

"Coming!" Cloud slipped inside, pulling the door closed behind him. He let go of Cait Sith, who bounded towards Zack while Cloud waved his farewell to the lone hunter.

So his name is Vincent, huh?

"I still don't understand why he gave up so much for you. I mean, not necessarily a bad thing. Just confused about what drove him to take such drastic measures." Zack grew nervous from Sephiroth's stare.

"I'll tell you why. But don't repeat this information. I have ways to find out who did it. And then you'll be begging me for forgiveness. Or death, if you're broken."

"Duly noted. I can keep a secret." Zack shrugged, hiding his nervousness with a laugh.

"He's my father."