Part Twenty Nine

Riku's Awakening

Esthar City

Front Gates

After passing through the front gates Edea and her party were escorted by three guards towards a large golden lift. The glass box started up and the machine headed straight ahead towards what looked to be the central tower of the city. No doubt the leader was in there and expecting a former Sorceress and her posse.

Sora stayed close to Cloud and he gently ran his fingers through Riku's hair as he breathed out his relief. They were so close to getting help. They were in the city and on their way to help Riku and Seifer. Even Squall was beginning to look hopeful and Sora noticed that his grip had tightened on Seifer's body.

The SeeD members were in stunned shocked as they observed the city from the glass box. Baralai didn't look all that impressed by the great city but after what he said about Zanarkand Sora really wasn't that surprised by Baralai's impassive nature.

Ienzo had an exasperated look on his face as he had a mental conversation with Demyx. Edea was conversing with the guards as she hurriedly explained their situation concerning the Sorceress and Ultimecia. As a result they were being taken to see the President of Eshtar.

By the time the glass lift arrived at a large marble platform a crowd of people had gathered to see Edea. They were wearing white coats and just screamed medical personal. Sora suddenly felt a little nervous and he glanced at Leon for reassurance. The tall brunet gave him a tiny smile and Sora breathed out his relief. One of the medical personal asked for Riku and Seifer to be taken to the main labs while everyone else was to be escorted to the living apartments until the President became available to see them.

The SeeD members left with one guard while Baralai, Leon, Ienzo and Roxas were escorted by another one. Sora remained behind with Squall and Cloud who were being led into the labs along with a silent Edea. The doctors kept staring in wonder at both Riku and Seifer as they muttered things concerning the powers of a Sorceress entering two men at the same time. The group were taken into another lift that ascended into the white tower towards the labs. The doctors explained that they would be entering the top floors so that doctor Odine could examine Riku and Seifer.

Sora said nothing as Cloud and Squall were told to place their quarries on medical beds set up behind glass. Edea was pulled aside and asked to answer questions concerning her passage of power. Various guards had been set up within the labs when words spread that people with the Sorceress power had been admitted into the city. For the moment Edea had to have guards around her but she understood their concerns. The last time a Sorceress was in this city it was almost destroyed.

"Thiz iz truly amazing." Odine hissed. His strange speech made Sora stare at him. "We must inform the prezident."

"I carried the power of Adel and Ultimecia." Edea explained. "But Seifer and Riku received all the powers now."

"How can this young man still be alive?" a woman breathed as she examined Seifer.

"What are you talking about?" Squall said.

"His mind was overloaded with magical knowledge from three different Sorceresses. As a result his brain short circuited. The only thing keeping him alive is the magic." The woman explained.

"Oh god..." Sora choked.

"What about Riku?" Cloud placed a comforting hand on Sora's arm.

"Riku received the same shock of a mild electrical shock. His body is still recovering but his mind is nowhere near as damaged as Seifer's." The woman replied. "He should wake up fairly soon."

"How can you be sure about any of this?" Squall demanded.

"All we do here is study Sorceresses and her powers." The woman answered. "Oh and my name is Romana."

"But to have two men receive the powerz iz a miracle." Odine interrupted.

"It's killing Seifer." Squall spat out.

"We understand that." Romana said quickly. "But there might be a way to wake him up."

"What is it?" Cloud glanced at Sora.

"There's a station called the Lunar Station. We have our best and most advanced scientific equipment up there. It's used for Sorceresses alone." Romana explained.

"So when do we leave?" Sora asked.

"We need to report thiz to the prezident firzt." Odine hissed.

"We have to talk to the President of Esthar about this Squall." Edea said firmly when Squall looked ready to argue.

"Fine." The brunet crossed his arms. "I'll stay here with Seifer and Riku."

"Me too." Sora stepped forward.

"We can't have you staying with the patients." Romana said.

"Believe me lady Sora isn't taking no for an answer." Cloud stated. "After all this kid's been through he'll tear you apart to stay with Riku."

"Don't think I won't do the same." Squall snarled.

"Please let them stay. I shall tell the President everything." Edea promised. "I no longer possess the Sorceress powers so I am no threat."

"Very well." Odine nodded towards the guards. "Follow me."

"What about you Cloud?" Sora questioned.

"I'll go back and tell the others what's happening." The blond man replied. "I'll see you soon."

As Cloud left with the guards both Sora and Squall took up chairs to sit beside their respective others. Sora silently prayed to the higher powers to help Seifer pulled through this. It was only a matter of time before Riku would wake up. Glancing towards Squall Sora noticed that the man looked exhausted.

He had bags under his eyes and his skin was a sickly pallor. Sora could tell he was really worried about Seifer but maybe there was something else there too. As Romana and her team worked on Seifer and Riku the Keyblade Master remained silent but his eyes stayed on Squall.

"You have to wake up Almasy. I swear I'll kick your ass if you don't." Squall bit out.

Sora lowered his head and pressed a kiss to Riku's forehead. His skin was cool and he tasted like the ocean. This time when the tears burned his eyes Sora let them fall and he silently cried. He cried for Riku and Seifer. He even cried for Squall Leonhart. He cried and prayed for them to wake up and be safe again. Burying his face in Riku's soft neck Sora sobbed until he had nothing left to give.


Esthar City

Three Hours Later

Squall couldn't remember falling asleep. He slowly raised his head from Seifer's chest and stared at the still slumbering blond. Squall had been tired thanks to lack of sleep since Seifer went into his coma but he felt refreshed now. Leaning back into his chair he cast a glance at Sora who was staring intensely at Riku.

The kid must really love that silver haired boy. Squall could see it in those sky blue eyes. He frowned when he suddenly recalled an image of bright jade green eyes possessing the same look. Shaking his head Squall stared down at Seifer and he raised one gloved hand to brush away golden strands of hair.

They were alone now in the medical labs but Squall heard someone talking outside the door. He wondered what Edea and the others were doing. Glancing at the clock on the wall he realized that he had spent over three hours in this room. What the hell was taking Edea so long anyway?

He was so close to getting Almasy back in one piece and now politics had to get in the way. He was entertaining the thought of getting up and asking to see Edea when a soft groan from Riku caught his attention. Sora jumped up at the sound then he started calling Riku's name.

"Riku? Please wake up. Come on you can open those eyes for me." Sora pleaded.

"Sora?" a choked gasp spoke out. The silver haired boy was beginning to stir again.

"That's right!" Sora gripped Riku's hand. "Come on baby wake up for me."

"I'm cold..." Riku whispered.

"I know. Please open those beautiful eyes Riku." Sora pleaded.

"Sora..." Riku gasped.

"Someone come in here quick!" Sora yelled.

"What is it?" Romana ran into the room along with her staff.

"Riku talked to me." Sora cried.

"Holy Hyne..." the woman gasped as she examined the boy.

"Where am I?" Riku asked softly.

"I'll tell you later baby." Sora soothed. "Just get better now ok."

"Sora..." Riku fought to open his heavy eyes. Squall didn't speak a word during this but he did feel happy for Sora at least.

"I can't believe he's awake already." Romana breathed out.

"Riku..." Sora smiled but stopped when Riku opened his eyes. "Oh my..."

"What is it Sora?" Riku whispered gently.

"Your eyes..." Sora whispered. "One is aqua blue and the other...it's orange."

"What?" Riku gasped as he struggled to get up.

"Don't move young man." Romana reprimanded.

"It'll be ok Riku." Sora promised as he placed a kiss to his forehead.

Squall turned away from the sight. He wished Seifer would wake up like that he wished Seifer would start calling him Puberty Boy again and threatening to dual him in the Training Centre. He wished Seifer would just come back. It fucking hurt without the arrogant blond around him.

Squall didn't understand why he was hurting this badly. He bit back a scream that wanted to be torn from his throat. He should be glad that Riku at least was awake and safe again but all he could feel was bitterness.

"Commander Leonhart..." Romana said. She sounded slightly scared.

"What?" Squall barked.

"Seifer is awake." She whispered.

Squall felt his heart seize in his chest. For a moment he thought he was still dreaming and he would wake up any second now. When he saw Sora staring with wide frightened eyes at something behind Squall the tall brunet swallowed thickly before turning around.

There was Seifer sitting up on the bed, his head cocked to one side and his eyes narrowed. Squall was about to speak and tell Seifer anything when he noticed the eyes. The jade orbs he was used to were now bright yellow and his irises were in the shape of hourglasses.

"Seifer?" Squall murmured.

"SeeD..." Seifer growled then he raised his hand and released a wave of energy towards Squall and the others, effectively knocking them out.