Finally! Hope my writing muse keeps up! Thank you so much everyone for your reviews!
"Mako…?" Sora repeated as Genesis drank the rest of the blood the sword absorbed to help recover strength and wounds.
"Yes…beings like you are very hard to come by. Not many have mako in their blood but they're…addicting! They're a drug! They're delicious!" Genesis then laughed, almost insanely. Sora gulped as he forced his legs to move and at least back away but his eyes wouldn't leave Genesis.
"H-How…?"
Genesis gave him a light smirk as he started to approach the young brunette that couldn't even finish his question.
"I did my research...I knew Cloud had mako in his blood," Genesis's smirk would've gotten wider but his face fell and his eyes slightly widened when he got a good look at Sora's face. Sora was without a doubt scared…but there's courage in his eyes…
"…I may be gone…" blood spurted from the blonde's mouth as he looked into the red-head's deep and sinister eyes, "But I will continue to protect Roxas's happiness…"
Genesis pulled his sword out and Ventus's body slowly lost life as he closed his eyes by the time his body hit the ground.
Sora wasn't sure what caused Genesis to pause but he kept glancing behind the vampire to see Riku and Axel recovering as fast as they can.
"It's not possible…" As Genesis stared at Sora, his memory of Ventus's face at his death would flash before him. It was blank, but serious and threatening; he was calm and showed no fear of death or Genesis. As life died in Ventus's eyes, Genesis was reminded of how it scared him. The fear lasted only for a second, but the vampire wasn't sure why he suddenly remembered now. Genesis felt pain in his arms as well as his sword-hand until he dropped his sword. This boy's companions are trying to rip him apart…But he didn't move, he kept staring at Sora with Ventus in his place.
"I will continue to protect Roxas's happiness…" the voice repeated and he quickly picked up on how Sora looked almost exactly like the pair of twins but with brown hair. But for Ventus to be reincarnated into him was a whole other story. It didn't add up. What the mind and body may not remember, the soul will, and Genesis was more than positive that Ventus and Sora don't share the same soul. Yet there's no doubt Ventus really was nearby; Genesis just couldn't figure out how or where.
Ventus…Ventus…the name swam in Genesis's mind. He didn't even know of the boy's name until he overheard it when the body was found. But the name never left his memory…he didn't understand why, but the name just never did. And now it's back to haunt him. This has to stop…
Sora winced when he saw blood and what looked like some skin(but hoped were clothing) ripped off when Genesis tore himself from the two holding him.
It had to stop, Sora had to die this instant!
Roxas felt himself on the brink of tears; for the first time in a very long time, he feared the death of a human. He barely registered what Vincent said but Roxas only shook his head.
"Roxas, ROXAS!" Vincent bellowed until Roxas snapped out of it and gave him a glance.
"Run to Rinoa's shop! In the back, she has packs of blood!"
Roxas glanced at the nearby shop, recognizing the one hope they had. When Vincent gave him the blood type, Roxas rushed towards the shop and immediately started to sniff out the blood. Vincent immediately was back to trying to stop the flow from the wound.
Before long, Roxas returned, faster than Vincent thought. He was even pleased when Roxas brought along the thin plastic tube and needle to help transfer the blood over. Without hesitating, Vincent immediately repeated the actions he saw Rinoa do earlier with Leon. Vincent hoped Roxas doesn't question the currently abnormality here, as Vincent didn't want to answer if he does.
"If the living being's body inside Cloud can bleed already, then just how fast is the newborn accelerating in growth? If the blood loss won't kill Cloud…this rapidly growing life might…Mako's too unpredictable…"
Then as if everything that can go wrong, it does, when Cloud suddenly spurts up blood with a cry.
"Shit! Roxas!" Vincent smacked the blonde over the head when he saw the younger vampire about to go into panic, "Get Sora…"
"What?" he whimpered,
"Get Sora…you don't want to see what I'm about to do. GO!"
Sora…
Roxas did an inner battle for a moment but he was reminded just how long he let Sora get chased by a dangerous vampire. He felt he may regret turning away from Cloud, but he couldn't bring himself to turn away from Sora again. The younger vampire didn't respond, he simply made himself turn away. But as he did, he felt his heart tug. It's been so long since he felt something like that…
As soon as Roxas dashed away, Vincent turned back to the suffering blonde before him.
"Forgive me…"
He removed his attempt to stop the blood flow and instead opened up the wound even more…
Roxas dashed as fast as he could.
"I'm such an idiot! How is it possible that I chose Cloud over Sora?"
He hadn't realized until now that that's exactly what he had done at first. The blonde was afraid of the worst, that he was too late. It was impossible for Sora to survive on his own! However, Roxas didn't think that's what he would end up seeing. He was distance away from the scene before him, just like before…
"Sora…"
Sora's face twisted in pain as he was forced on his knees with sharp teeth sank into his neck.
"SORAAAAA!"
The teeth sank in even more as Sora's body tensed up. If Roxas's heart could beat, he would be able to hear it. It's as if time stopped for him. No matter how fast he tried to reach Sora, he doesn't seem to be getting any closer. No matter how he reached, he couldn't get there. He never felt so helpless since he lost Ventus, and he doesn't want to feel that sense of loss again. Yet the situation before him wasn't a hopeful sign for Roxas.
The same could be said for Sora, who didn't believe how fast Genesis was. The brunette had hit his knees and felt pain in his neck before he could even comprehend it. The blood seemed to be leaving his body so fast that Sora was already feeling numb. But when he heard his name, he snapped back to reality. It was Roxas's voice. After he registered that, he could hear the others calling his name as well. But it was Roxas that he heard clearly and it was Roxas that was giving him a reason…to try and live. With what strength he had left, he reached into his jacket and pulled out a pistol. He hesitated, Sora knew he did…but the moment he pressed the gun against Genesis, at the heart, he fired.
Sora breathed, taking heavy breaths as he felt the blood draining stop; but everything was starting to blur and he felt himself falling to the side. He felt the impact, then the body on top of him and he let out a hiss when the fangs detached from the neck. The boy stared at the night sky and noted the amount of stars out today…he continued to stare even though it sounded like his name was being called even more. Just once, he wanted to lie down in the cool grass and stare at the stars with Roxas…how romantic that could've been. They would lay there and talk about anything they wanted and all into the night. And at that moment, Sora feared the worse; feared that it may never happen and that he was too late in trying to save himself. Still…the boy didn't regret trying to save the people he loved. Slowly, his vision got worse and his eyelids drooped until they were closed…
Genesis felt a burning hole in his chest and he didn't understand it. His heart area was thick and padded to protect himself from dying easily, but here he was, dying at the hands of a half-breed. Did that brat plan this?
"…The prisoner's sacrifice was the gift of the goddess, and its realization saved the world…"
He tried to push himself up but he felt his insides burning as he moved.
"The prisoner never returned to his lover, rendering her LOVELESS, the namesake of the poem…"
The red-head coughed, throwing up some of the blood he just consumed.
"She was not alone however for her lover died and saved the world, and she would have him as long as she lived in the world…"
Still only his arms holding him up, the vampire looked down at the peaceful look upon the victim's face. And one last time, he saw Ventus when he died. A peaceful atmosphere, as if Ventus never regretted anything and died in peace. The difference here was that Genesis could clearly see Sora's chest slowly go up and down as he breathed.
"…And so the prisoner's sacrifice saved the world and his love…"
Genesis recited the last words of the poem before he forced himself up and into a stand. He felt himself slipping away from everything. Slowly he placed a hand at his heart, underneath the clothing, and felt the damage. There was indeed a hole there…With one last breath, he glanced at the bright starry night sky before he felt himself fall into a pile of ashes…
Footsteps could be heard, but only to those no longer living. A soul appeared before the ashes, staring at a being that looked down on others and that cost him his life for dropping his guard.
"I'm sorry that you never changed…" Ventus whispered, "Rest in peace."
The spiky-blonde hair remained still even as he turned around to see Roxas, in tears, pulling Sora's body close. Roxas whispered, pleading for Sora, and holding the body with shaky arms. Ventus took his time approaching and knelt beside his brother.
"…You can't even feel my presence anymore, can you?" Ventus asked as he watched the scene. He glanced up to see Riku and Axel approach as well, both with concerned expressions. The invisible blonde looked back at Roxas and then at Sora. He reached over and pressed his hand against Sora's face and smiled.
"Thank you…for making Roxas happy."
He wanted so badly to comfort Roxas, but knew he couldn't. The older twin leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on Roxas's forehead,
"I wanted to see you soon, Roxy, and for us to spend lots of time together…but I may not. Please die happy…" He wrapped his arms around his brother and slowly his form vanished into dusks of light. Instead of completely disappearing, the light instead traveled across the black span above everyone. Only a short travel, because the light twinkled down until it landed in its new body.
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"Cloud…"
"…"
"Cloud…"
The body finally responded to the name as the blonde breathed heavily and eyes slowly started to open.
"Heh, didn't think that would work, yo…"
Cloud's half-opened eyes glanced to the side to spot red..
"…Reno…"
"Shut up…" he muttered as he laid beside the man, except against the wall and beside a tired but conscious Rinoa while staring at the sky, "It's a miracle, yo…well two miracles really…we're really glad you made it, Blondie."
"Two…?" Cloud repeated but got no response. He wasn't sure if it was because nobody responded to him or he just simply slowly fell back into the unconsciousness from being weak.
A powerful vampire died at the hands of a half-breed…the news could've been worse. Even though the reactions were mixed, everyone took caution in protecting Sora and the injured Cloud. Instead of being taken to a hospital, they took both back to Xemnas's castle. They did, however, bring in a professional healer, no other than Aerith. While it seemed to have surprised everyone but Zack, Aerith looked forward to meeting vampires the day she was brought to the castle.
"You people are so interesting! Is it true you don't like sunlight?" her questions were nonstop and feel of curiosity as if she was a child. Not that it distracted her; she did do her job as she tended to both of the unconscious males.
The young brunette boy laid at rest for days, but frequently got visitors. Aerith stated he'll be alright so long as he does get rest and isn't moving about too much. Roxas never left the boy's side. He stayed there, protecting and holding the hand of the one person he found himself caring for more than anything and anyone else in this world. The same could be said for Leon…
Despite he's still injured as well, he spent more of his time sitting beside Cloud's bed. The man would visit Sora as well, ruffling he boy's hair, and even going each time without starting something with Roxas, whom even Leon could see looked at Sora the same way himself looked at Cloud. So the lion felt himself leaving his son in the vampire's hands. That way, Leon was able to stay beside Cloud with a bit of ease. Sometimes, he'd even lie down beside his blonde to sleep together at night. A lot like Sora, Cloud laid unconsciousness for a long period of time. The man lost a lot of blood and Aerith was surprised Cloud even woke up at all that one time.
After three days though, Sora woke up first, much to Roxas's relief.
"Oh my gosh…you are such an idiot!" Roxas nearly cried as he pulled the boy close for a hug. It wasn't the best first-thing to say but it had to be said.
"I know…" Sora slowly formed a grin after his agreement, "I make dumb decisions sometimes."
"Sometimes?" Roxas didn't even give Sora the chance as to respond as he hugged even tighter, "Sora…Sora…"
He whispered it over and over into the boy's ear, enjoying this relieved feeling.
"Roxas…I'm sorry…"
"Don't be sorry…just…don't be reckless next time!" he scolded as he pulled back a bit to get a look at the brunette's face.
"…I'll try," he lightly grinned. Silence fell between the two as they merely found themselves caught in each other's eyes. Without a need to say or motion, their bodies reacted on their own as they leaned forward to close the space between their lips. When it felt long enough to them, they slowly pulled apart, but their foreheads stayed in contact.
"I forgot to tell you…" Sora started in whisper,
"Yes?"
"…I love you too."
And Roxas thought he felt a beat in his heart; as if it just reborn, or, found its other half…he felt whole.
"Sora…"
His hands, intertwined with Sora's, tightened and he found himself kissing Sora again. The love, passion, and the overall experience of all these emotions ran through him…making him feel human for the first in a long time.
"I love you…"
For the first time, they both felt truly complete…but not completely whole just yet.
"Holy shit! Shit! Shit!"
"Cloud! Stop cussing!" Tifa ordered.
"I have a RIGHT to!"
"Not when Marlene's here!" Tifa snapped back, pointing at the little girl sitting on Leon's lap.
"What's a shit?" said-little girl asked before Tifa quickly shooed her to the back and to Barrett.
"Oh my…Sweet Shiva…GAH!"
"Cloud! Calm down! And why the hell aren't you doing anything?" the woman demanded at Leon who simply sat in the bar and watched Cloud pace in panic.
"Do I look like I want to sleep on the couch tonight?" he replied as if it was obvious.
"UGH! Cloud! Come on, I need to open soon. Calm down! Tell me what's wrong!"
"What's wrong? Oh yeah, what's wrong is that I think mako is the most dangerous thing I have EVER come across!"
"…I thought it already was," Tifa sighed and walked away from Cloud and up to Leon, "You tell me what's wrong."
"Um…I knocked him up?"
"…you what?" Tifa asked with a scary glare.
"I will F&%ing kill you, Leonhart for giving me a child!" Cloud snapped angrily but it didn't seem to faze Leon solely for the fact he's heard that threat for the past 2 days.
"Can't we talk about something more positive? Like what to name the child?" Leon suggested, trying to keep Cloud's anger at him to a minimum.
"Oh yeah, I got one: Mistake!"
"Cloud!" the other two exclaimed, appalled.
"As much as I am overwhelmed by this and feel the need to throw a punch at this lion, you Cloud, should never treat another life like that! You better actually try when it comes time for you to think of a name!" she scolded.
"He probably didn't mean that…I think he's just having some mood swings," Leon thought out loud with a shrug but Tifa's hand lightly met her face.
"Yeah, I'm sure a parent will call their child 'Mistake' due to mood swings," she said sarcastically.
"Can I just have an abortion?"
"NO!" the other immediately answered.
"For one, I don't even know HOW you can with a guy! Second, wait, how long has he been pregnant?"
"I think it was a month now…" Leon replied and Tifa turned back to Cloud.
"That child is considered alive at this point! So no!"
"Ugh…wished we found out sooner then…"
"CLOUD!"
"Tifa! I'm not ready to have a kid! WE are not ready to have a kid!" Cloud argued while pointing at both Leon and himself, "You rather have us screw the kid over as he or she gets older?"
"I'm surprised I'm the one thinking it won't be so bad…" Leon muttered.
"That's because you're so used to not doing any work," Tifa reminded before returning her attention to Cloud again, "In all honesty, Cloud…I think you and Lazy-ass here are more than capable of loving another being…"
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As if a door closed and another opened, Cloud slowly opened his eyes and found himself staring at the ceiling. It was as if he was already awake but took this long to finally open his eyes. He couldn't believe how scared, nervous, and un-wanting he was of Sora at first. He loved his son and love more than anything, and wouldn't replace his child with anyone else's. The one thing bothering Cloud right now was WHY he suddenly remembered that day.
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Story coming to a close soon!