Lockhart007
Sorry for the last chapter but I promise this one will be bigger and better XD
Also, return of 1st person speaking.
And Whoo! 200 reviews! Never thought I would ever see that :3 Thank you all soooo much. I honestly had a Stewie Griffin going to Disney World freak out.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
It's been a whole week since Zackary Fair, my brother passed away. No. He was murdered.
As I stand looking at myself in the mirror that has been provided for me by the staff that own this nice little inn in Nibelheim, I feel sickened.
Does everyone who suffers a death in the family feel like this? Feel that it should have been them that died, not their loved one? Because that's how I feel right now. Zack was the strong, smart and popular one, not me. I've always been his little follower, tagging along behind him and grabbing onto his hand like a shy toddler.
The suit I'm wearing is plain and ordinary. Black and white, my shoes polished to perfection, the toes reflecting the light from the open window. I don't usually wear ties but today is a special occasion. Zack would laugh at me for wearing it but if I didn't, he would be offended that I didn't make an effort to look presentable for him.
Was it really only one week ago that I was talking to him? So full of live and energy like always. Only to be taken away by those human pigs! I shouldn't really call them that but right now, I don't care.
I'm a little sleepy since I stayed up all night, but I fight off the yawns that threaten to break out and ignore the grainy feeling behind my eyes.
There, as I complete my tie I'm ready to leave. Most vampires have already arrived, all of them congregating in Nibelheim Manor where Zack's funeral is about to begin. No one will be allowed to go down to the vampire entrance hall until both Angeal and I arrive. As with all vampire funerals, the body is put in an open coffin in the middle of the entrance hall so that everybody can go over and pay their last respects.
Since not all vampires cannot enter churches (something about a vampire can only enter a church if they were religious in human life and unable to enter if they weren't), we hold funerals in the manor.
I shudder at the thought of looking at him, almost sleep like in the coffin. If only he was asleep, this bubbling feeling in my stomach would disappear.
When a knock at the door tells me my presence is needed, I cannot move. My feet refuse to budge from where they stand.
I can't do it. I can't say goodbye to him. If my heart could beat it would either be erratic or would have stopped completely. I feel sick, like I'm about to hurl on the red carpet. I haven't eaten in days – no blood or human food. Since the night I found Zack I haven't consumed much. Tifa says it's down to grief that I've lost my appetite and maybe she's right.
Tifa – I wish she was here to support me. She's been so wonderful this past week, always been there to hold my hand and soothe the pain away. But vampire laws states that no human can interfere in vampire traditions, so Tifa could not come.
I heard from her that Aerith had been asking her about a funeral for Zack but because Aerith doesn't know about Zack and I being vampires, Tifa had to give the other an excuse as to why there was no funeral being held or why she couldn't attend. I have no idea what excuse Tifa used but so far it's been working.
The person at the door knocks again, a little louder this time and a voice follows. "Cloud, are you ready. We can't start without you being present"
Angeal. Everyone is probably waiting for me so he's been sent to fetch me so they can start the funeral. I open my mouth to tell him that I'm almost ready but no words come out, they died somewhere between my voice box and lips. Licking my lips I try again, a little "OK" finally being passed.
"I know this is hard for you" he continues through the wooden door as I do a final check over of my appearance, "But chin up ok? I'll be there if you need me and I'll try as hard as I possibly can to keep Genesis away from you, but I can't promise you that. Ready?"
When Angeal had said that he'd try and keep that monster away from me I had opened the door. He's wearing a suit similar to mine but is wearing a white lily in his breast pocket. His hair is slicked back as always and his face has an almost haunted look about it, it looks almost starved.
"Don't worry" I tell him, "I'll allow him to talk to me but if he dares touch me I'll handle it myself"
He nods and meets my eyes, "Well come on then. They can't start without us. Like you said, we'll give him a good send-off"
I nod and fiddle with my tie. I'm no nervous, my hands are shaking. Angeal sighs and patiently waits for me to sort myself out. I'm so fidgety; I almost forget to lock the door when I begin to follow Angeal down the stairs. I have to run back to lock it. There's not much of mine in there anyway, just a few clothes and my phone. I decide not to take it just in case it rings during the ceremony.
Anyway, I follow Angeal out of the Inn and step out so that we're in the centre of Nibelheim. It's a tiny little village, not changed since the last time I was here with Tifa. I look towards her father's house and I'm thankful that he's not in as it would be awkward if he sees me.
We head to Nibelheim Manor; the iron gates surrounding it are open. Children from the village are hanging around the gates but none of them enter. I hear one mutter to another "I've seen hundreds of people go in there today. I wonder what's going on?"
"A hundred people can't fit in there" the other responds, "Maybe ten. Do you think someone's going to live there? I've heard it's haunted"
"Run along boys and girls" Angeal tells them as he and I approach. The two boys I heard speak and a young girl turn to us and watch as we close in. Their mouths open as they take in our appearances as they are wearing clothes that are faded and worn out. The smaller of the boys wearing faded blue dungaree's puff's his chest out and says, "Why should we? Tell us what's going on in there?"
"You don't want to know" sneers a voice from behind the gate. I look up and flinch, my feet refusing to take another step. Genesis is standing at the gate, casual as ever leaning on the gate with his arms crossed over his chest and legs crossed at the ankles. "But if you must know, we're here to sort out a little ghost problem. Loads of monsters and ghouls have been spotted here and our job is to get rid of them"
"I told you it's haunted" the older boy tells the younger, grabbing his arm and pulling him away, "Come on Tyler or we'll get eaten by a ghost or something"
"Are there really monsters in there?" the only girl asks, her red hair in two long plaits.
"Big ones" Genesis answered, raising his arms in the air, "With huge teeth and long fur and big claws. They love to eat little kids and I think I can hear them". He cups a hand over his ear and the three children listen carefully. When nothing comes, Genesis puts on a big show, "Oohh, I hear one now. He's hungry and he's spotted you all. Better run before he comes and-"
He doesn't finish his sentence as all three children scream in terror and run home, the older boy in the lead and dragging the younger. I continue to watch them flee and Genesis cruelly laughs with humour and Angeal sighs.
"Mentally scarring children again are we, Genesis?" he says calmly.
Genesis snorts and I turn just in time to see him arms encircle me, my face crushed against his chest. Once again I tense, my body as solid as a rock and as unmoving. I don't even blink or protest at being hugged so tightly by this fiend.
"Oh Cloud" Genesis coo's, his voice making me feel more sick, "I am so sorry about Zack. But don't worry; I'll be with you the whole time to make sure you are alright"
"No you won't" Angeal snaps, grabbing one of Genesis's arms and pulling him away from me. My mind is whirring and as I look into Genesis's face, images of pain and torture creep into my mind. I thought I would be brave in his presence, that seeing him wouldn't make my mind go into meltdown. My eyes are glued to him and it isn't until Angeal touches my arm and asks if I'm alright that I realise I can move and that I'm shaking violently. I blink and turn away from Genesis cruel smile, looking at Angeal and nodding that I'm ok. Angeal sends a small smile back at me then turns to Genesis.
"Stay away from him" he commands, "He doesn't need you around making this day any more worse than it is"
"Awww" Genesis pouts, "I was merely saying how sorry I am for his loss. Can't I at least do that?"
Angeal doesn't reply, but my fear has dimmed down enough for me to say, "Just leave me alone". It comes out weaker than I intended but Genesis's smirk disappears and turns into a scowl. He raises his hands defensively in front of him and says, "Sorry for caring. Anyway, you two better get inside. Everyone is getting pretty restless, I was actually coming out to hunt you both down so we could start"
"Yes" Angeal nods, patting my shoulder to indicate that we can continue walking. "Run ahead of us, tell them that we're coming"
Genesis scoffs, maybe about to retaliate about not being anyone's slave, but I think with it being two against one here, he just nods and like a whippet he's gone. I once again fiddle with my tie as we head towards the manor doors. As we get closer, I see that there are vampires already outside, maybe the entrance hall of the manor was a bit too crowded for them. As Angeal and I near I see that the men are all wearing black suits and the woman in black dresses, some of them with dark veils across their face.
"Angeal" one of the men says, a man I do not recognise or even met. He goes over to Angeal with his large hand outstretched and gives him a warm handshake. "Finally made it I see?"
"Noctis" Angeal nods, releasing the dark haired man's hand and turning to the woman who accompanied him. "And Stella, so pleased you could make it"
Stella Nox Fleuret is a woman I do recognise. Blonde and beautiful, I usually see her wearing white but obviously today; she's gone dark like everyone else, wearing a black dress and a veil. The man named Noctis turns to me as Angeal greets Stella.
"Cloud Strife" he says. I look into his red eyes; the iris's surrounded in green, a tell-tale sign of a vampire. Not all of us have it but it is rare not to get it. "I believe we have not met before, I am Noctis Caelum. I was an associate of your brothers, we had the pleasure of meeting a few times. I was shocked to hear about his death and I am so deeply sorry. Zack will be missed"
"Thank you" is all I can mutter, my eyes going to the floor where I finally see that he has held his hand out to me for a handshake. Weakly, I take the hand and shake it. His hand is warm and large and I feel like a child stood next to him. He moves aside and speaks to Angeal and then I am greeted by Stella who is the second person to embrace me today, but her arms are welcome.
"I am so sorry" she whispers in my ear, her arms strong and comforting. "But be strong yeah? We're all here for you if you need us"
"Thank you" I say again, looking up into her bright purple-blue eyes, the green hue just barely visible. She smiles softly and moves aside, grabbing hold of Noctis's hand as they let Angeal and I pass. The other vampires we pass all bow their heads in respect and one of them opens the door of the manor for us.
The manor is heaving with more vampires, some I recognise and some I don't. Before we entered there must have been a flurry of conversation but now everything is silent that a pin can be heard dropping. I feel about a hundred pairs of eyes are following me as Angeal and I go over to the secret trap door and open it, going down the staircase and to the first door. No one follows us and that's because the funeral has officially started and no one can enter until Sephiroth has seen Angeal and me personally and allowed them in.
As we go through the dark cells that used to hold humans for food, Angeal pauses and says quietly, "You ok?"
All I can do is nod, walking over to the main doors and grabbing hold of the handle, but not opening it. The usual doorman is not on the other side, he's in the manor with all the rest. The only vampires allowed in the entrance hall are Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal, maybe blood family members if there are any.
"When we enter it'll just be you, me and Zack. He'll be in an open coffin for the time being so you'll be able to see him. Do you think you can handle that?"
"Is he still covered in wounds?" I ask, fear weighing me down. I don't think I could handle it if he still looks beaten up.
"I don't think so" Angeal replies, "I haven't seen him since that night either. I trust that someone has covered his wounds since I asked for them to be. Alright" he takes a deep breath in and shakes his body, getting rid of any tension, "Let's go inside"
"Can you open the door with me?" I ask, my voice like a child's. I know I sound weak and useless but right now, I feel it. I feel like even a tiny feather would be able to push me off my feet. I don't even feel strong enough to open the damn door!
I expect Angeal to roll his eyes and tell me to stop being dumb and pathetic, but he just smiles politely and rests a hand over mine that is still holding onto the cold iron handle. His other hand gently lies on my shoulder and with a silent gesture we open the door together.
My eyes are immediately widened at the sight. Pure white lilies are hung up and down the walls of the large entrance hall. The marble floor has been cleaned and polished to perfection and everything is so white, even the door to Sephiroths office has a white curtain covering it. Stood on the steps leading to the aforementioned office stands the man himself. Sephiroth, the vampire head is stood straight with his hands behind his back and his legs a little apart from each other. Unlike everyone else he is not wearing a suit of black but white, the shirt a light grey. His hair is still long and reaches the base of his back, but he's tied it back in a ribbon that is set low down on the ponytail. His jade eyes watch as Angeal and I near him. We pass a box that is set in the middle of the room and my body freezes again. It's not a box at all but a coffin, Zack's coffin, the man laid inside of it.
My eyes water immediately as I get closer to him, my fingers lightly holding onto the side of the white wood. He is lying on more white flowers, this time they are roses and not lilies.
As promised, Zack's face is free of any scars, wounds or anything that might indicate pain or turmoil. His skin is as pale and smooth as the first time I saw him as a vampire. Even in death he's perfect. His hands are lightly clasped around another rose, but this one is not white but midnight blue, his favourite colour. He is also in a suit, a similar one he died in but this one not covered in blood, black and red and is not torn or scratched. It's also perfect with no creases or marks. I know it's cliché to say this but if I didn't know any better, I would think that he was asleep. I just want to grab his shoulders and shake him, once again telling him to stop playing around and that the joke has worn off. But not even a joker like Zack would be like this. Something this cruel is even beyond Genesis's kind of mean.
"A great loss". A hand on my shoulder accompanies the voice. I look up and I'm staring into Sephiroths amazing green eyes, one of the rare vampires that don't have the green in them (maybe because they are already green). His mouth is set in a line, not a frown or a smile. He looks down at Zack sorrowfully and closes his eyes, "I chose him to be a vampire because he was brave, strong and loyal. He was brave enough to defy me by changing you, and strong enough to challenge my words. You know this already but if it wasn't for Zack's determination, I would have killed you for being a non-chosen vampire"
"Yeah I know" I reply, hearing if from Sephiroth makes it statement hurtful. It had always been Angeal or Zack telling me that if it wasn't for my brother I would have been exterminated. But this is the first time that Sephiroth has told me this personally. I look up at him a little fearfully and ask, "And now? Zack's gone. What happens to me now?"
Sephiroth sighs and opens his lids to look at me, "You're a vampire in your own right, Cloud. There's no point in getting rid of you after three hundred years". When I don't answer back, he leaves my side and goes over to Angeal and Genesis who is still stood on top of the steps leading to Sephiroths office. "Shall we being?" he asks. The question is directed at Angeal and he nods but says, "I'm ready but the decision is up to Cloud"
I turn to the three vampires, the head and his two main partners. If I felt small before, I feel microscopic now. Their eyes are burning into mine, Sephiroths a little bored, Angeal kind and trusting and Genesis – urgh – his eyes always disgust me not matter what they are saying.
But no matter what they think, the decision to begin the celebration and sadness of Zack's life and death is with me. If I were to say that I'm not ready, they would not begin until I was. I don't feel ready, I don't think I ever will, but Zack never liked to be kept waiting and hated it even more being late. As in life, I made sure he was never late, especially not in death.
"I'm ready" I nod. Leaving their gazes, I turn back to Zack's face. As Genesis and Angeal leave to let everyone in, I share a private moment with my brother, tuning out Sephiroth who is walking around the circumference of the hall, checking that all of the flowers are in perfect alignment with each other.
"This is it" I whisper to him as I stroke his soft black hair, "Time to say goodbye. I'm going to miss you, I really am. But don't worry; I'll take care of myself and Aerith. Tifa and I will make sure she's safe and happy. I won't leave you until the very end, alright?"
I close my eyes and I feel a soft breeze caress my cheek. It feels like a hand touching my face and when it leaves I feel strong and comforted. My illness for this day has vanished and I feel I can take anyone on. I'm not a spiritualist, but I believe that this is Zack lending me his strength. I open my eyes and whisper a soft 'thank you' as the doors open to reveal Angeal and Genesis followed by a trainload of mournful vampires.
Immediately I'm surrounded by them. If this were a horror movie then I would be the frightful human about to be torn apart by the hands of these ravenous vampires. But obviously, they don't harm me, only touching me to either let me know they're there or to hug me because they feel the need to.
Within ten minutes I've been hugged by about twenty different strangers, most of them women who have felt the need to shove my head between their generous bosoms and squeeze me until all my internal organs implode. If I were single this would be heaven, but right now I feel embarrassed that my face has found sanctuary of these women's breasts. I mean, what would Tifa think/say/do? The answer comes to me as I am once again shoved into another pair of flesh hills – she would first pull me away, 'claim' me as her own then also shove my head on her chest. But then again, is it bad to say that's I quite like it? Sshh, I didn't say that.
I pull myself away from the woman and tell her how grateful I am for her condolences and how much Zack would be happy for her presence. The woman has black hair that is held up with chopsticks. Her cream coloured face and deep eyes make her unrecognisable to me, but her dress is something that sticks in my mind. I was once told by Zack that there was a vampire woman who only wore dresses that were big and heavy, her favourite one being a black one adorned by way too many belts – like the dress she is donning now.
"I was heartbroken to hear the news of Zack's death" the woman says, her voice smooth and calming. "I had the delight of taking him into my home when he was on his travels. He made me laugh so much. But I don't think my husband, Wakka, liked him much, and he made quite an impression on our adopted son, too. Neither of them could make it today"
"I'm sure Zack will forgive them" I reply, feeling genuinely pleased to talk to her. I know I should feel sad and lost with this being my brothers funeral, but I think talking about him has given me confidence, plus I have his spirit by my side. Laugh if you want, but I think it's true.
The woman gives me another warm hug and goes to speak to Angeal next, also crushing his face in between her breasts. I snicker at the sight and I'm immediately face to face with another female well-wisher. She doesn't hug me but she bows her head respectfully before moving on. I feel like I recognise this woman but a name doesn't come to mind.
It's not until I see Vincent that I realise how tense I've been being surrounded by people I don't recognise. The older vampire is stood against the far wall, not part of the crowd. He has his arms crossed over his chest and his head is dipped. His head snaps up frightfully fast when I touch his shoulder.
"Vinnie" I smile, using the nickname used by Zack, "glad you could make it"
"For Zack, I would do anything" Vincent replies, his voice as brooding as ever. "I have a lot of gratitude towards him. He was what you would call – my saviour"
I nod, remembering Zack giving Vincent a job and home until he sorted himself out. He found himself a home afterwards but the job stayed.
I know I shouldn't get into business or investigation details here, but I need to know. "Listen Vincent. Do you have any information about the guys who did this? Angeal's tracked nearly all of them down but we don't have a name to go with the face of the guy who we think holds all of the answers. Is there anything Zack mentioned to you that he wouldn't tell me?"
Vincent thinks for a second then slowly shakes his head. "I am just an employee; I have no need to know anything about my boss's personal life"
"I see" I say calmly, my hopes of helping in Zack's murder case vanishing. I feel useless that Angeals has been doing everything and I've done nothing but sulk. If only I could get the name of the last guy. . .
"Why don't you check the records?" Vincent tells me, "Of Zack's clients before his death? They may lead you somewhere"
I know he's trying, but I don't think that will be helpful. But I tell Vincent that I will do just that when I get back to Midgar and leave him to his dark musings. With nothing else to do, I go back to Zack's coffin, vampires waiting in line to say their goodbyes to him. When I reach it, I see that the coffin is filled with more flowers and little trinkets like jewellery and sealed notes. I watch as people say their parting words, kiss him on the forehead or touch his cheek or any other form of physical contact, nod to me then leave. All I can do is nod back and thank them.
Noctis comes around and leaves a note by Zack's feet. He tells him it's a poem that he might like then leaves. Stella is next and is crying so much, her speech is unrecognisable, so she kiss's his cheek and follows Noctis. The woman with the belts on her dress eventually comes over and sings Zack a little lullaby, making the whole room fall silent and listen. When she finishes, she kisses her fingers and places them on his forehead. She goes back into the crowd when talk once again breaks out. It's not until I reach up to scratch my cheek that I realise that her song has reduced me to heavy tears.
After a few more vampires have said whatever they needed to Zack, Sephiroth silences the room by standing on his steps, Genesis and Angeal by his sides. I have only ever been to one vampire funeral before, but I remember that this is the moment Sephiroth does his speech before everyone heads outside.
"Ladies and gentlemen" he begins, his arms raised in the air majestically. "It delights me to see you all today but the reason disheartens me. We have lost a brave and much loved vampire, Zackary Fair. If you please, I'd like to have a minutes silence for our friend and comrade"
Everyone bows their heads and remains silent. Only the odd sniff breaks the silence and during it, I place my hand inside the open coffin and take hold of one of Zack's limp cold hands. The silence is only a minute long but if feels like an eternity. My tears splash on Zack's face as I continue to look at him. With my other hand, I first wipe away the wetness I've dropped on him then furiously wipe my own eyes dry.
'Damn it' I tell myself, 'I said I wasn't going to cry, and here I am sobbing like a baby'.
Once the silence is over, it's to the next stage of a vampire funeral as Sephiroth tells us to congregate outside, behind the manor where all of the gravestones of deceased vampires are erected. Vampires aren't buried they are cremated but that part happens later, right now, everyone stands around the headstone and a 'normal' funeral is held.
I'm one of the last people to leave the hall, well actually second to last. Angeal is the last as Sephiroth and Genesis lead everyone upstairs and out of the backdoor.
"How are you holding up?" Angeal asks me, a hand on my shoulder.
I turn to him and give him a little smile, albeit a little forced. "I'm ok. You?"
"As well as expected" he replies, hands deep in his trouser pockets as we follow everyone through the cells, up the steps and eventually outside.
The day is glorious, the sun shining merrily and the clouds keeping their distance. I wince up at the glowing orb, jealous that it's so happy and bright. Does the sun weep when another star dies or when a planet is destroyed? Does it feel grief when another galaxy is taken away from the universe?
Obviously it doesn't but it makes you think. And God, does he or she mourn every life lost on the planet? Maybe.
The graveyard is basically like a normal human one but with fewer headstones. Vampires rarely die so there are only about a hundred headstones poking out of the grass, some of them big, some smalls and others older than the rest. Sephiroths guides everyone down to the middle of the graveyard; the newer headstones situated further down. I wonder, if Sephiroth were to die, where would he be placed? Probably given special treatment to have his headstone as close to the manor as possible, or even inside of it. I know that if Sephiroth were to be taken out of the picture, Genesis or Angeal would take his place, probably a vote from each vampire on who they want elected as next vampire head, just like ordinary politics.
I know I'm rambling needlessly about things that don't concern what is happening at present, but it soothes my mind a little when thinking about this stuff. We reach the newest of headstones, sat next to another that is a little worn from the weather and has dying flowers next to it. I'm guided by everyone to the front of the group surrounding the headstone and my body yet again freezes as my eyes pass over the headstone.
It is light grey with swirly patterns decorating the edges. His full name is in large bold capital letters, underneath is his date of birth and date of death. Live with honour and die fulfilling your dreams is inscribed at the bottom. I remember him saying that once and now, it's his parting words.
I don't hear Sephiroths rehearsed words about how vampires need to bond together to make us stronger or how we need to be more cautious around humans now that they're starting to kill us like in the old days when a large group calling themselves the VanHellsings went around killing everyone they thought to be a vampire. They failed miserably, killing more mortals than they did immortals. Angeal asks if I would like to do a speech but my natural shyness gets the better of me and all I can do is shake my head and look at my feet.
But then I have to stand for three minutes listening to Genesis, the disgusting man talking about how much he'll miss my brother and how close they were and how much they were friends. Bullshit. Zack hated him more than I do. But thankfully, Angeal takes his place and gives an emotional speech that reduces me to even more tears and even makes himself a little teary-eyed. He thanks us all for listening and takes his place besides me, taking a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbing gently at his eyes. I want to comfort him like he has been doing to me all day, but he puts the cloth away and stands up tall and strong and I know it'll be useless trying to console him, he's like a brick wall, emotionally and physically.
Eventually we are dispersed, some vampires taking their leave and others going back to the manor. I'm part of the group that go back to the hall where Zack's coffin is no longer there. I fear that he's been taken so I fearfully turn to Angeal, my eyed wide but all he does is tell me that his body has been taken for bandaging, something that needs to be done for later on.
Once again, I'm surrounded and consoled my many of the vampires that have chosen to stay. Food has been placed around the room on tables that have been erected as we were outside. When I say food, what I really mean is bottles and punch bowls full of red human blood. Vampires in grey waiter suits circle around us, bearing trays of champagne glasses full of the red liquid. I take a glass as one of them passes me and slowly slip it. O Negative. Not my favourite but it'll do. I circle the room, my body too restless to just stand still. I'm not looking for anyone to talk to, but others decide to engage me in conversation. I'm halfway through being told how a woman did her hair for today when I decide I need to get out of here. The whole room is suffocating me. I head for the door, grabbing two glasses of blood as I go and quickly retire to the next room, the cells.
I lean heavily against the door; my unneeded breathing is thick and shallow and accompanies a headache that has just made itself known. Gripping both drinks in one hand, I leave the manor and head back to Zacks headstone so that I'm alone. I sit in front of it and place one of the blood filled glasses next to his headstone, the other in my shaking hand.
"Needed to get out of there" I tell the headstone. I close my eyes briefly, feeling the light gust pass over my skin and through my hair. I tell myself that Zack is near me, listening, so I begin talking.
"Boy I hope you are listening to me because I don't want to be talking to just air" I sigh, opening my eyes and re-read what's on the headstone. "I'm wondering, did you achieve your dreams? You became a vampire, regained my trust and became some sort of a hero. Other than seeing Aerith one last time, I'd say you've had the perfect life. I'm sure you're telling me that you've made idiotic mistakes that you're not proud of but, who hasn't in this world?"
I pause to take a sip of my blood, this time O Positive. Still not my favourite but I know it is Zack's. He once said that my blood tasted awful, and not because mine and his are similar. I think that our personal preference in blood is what our own blood type is. Personally I prefer AB because that's what I am and Zack prefers O because that was what his blood type was. Strange isn't it?
"Hey, remember when we were kids? You told me that if I went into the woods at night time, I would be able to catch a Tonberry. I did just that and I got my arse kicked . . . tricky little devils. Still, all you did was laugh when you saw me the next day covered in bruises, finding it really funny that I actually fell for it. I got you back with those wasps though"
I smile, remembering both times. As kids we would send each other on dangerous missions, usually coming back battered and bruised, ready to kill the other. He pushed me into some nettle so I broke his bike. I got him in trouble with the nuns at school so he planted a dirty drawing in my bedroom that my mother later found – embarrassing. He sent me off to fight a Tonberry so I ran when he got attacked by wasps when it was me that had angered them in the first place by dislodging their hive when Zack was underneath it. We found out then that he wasn't allergic to their stings thankfully.
I spend the rest of the day retelling stories to the headstone, imagining Zack laughing every-so-often and having his own input with his own versions. Before I know it, its twilight. The last rays of sun have disappeared under the horizon, telling me that I've sat here nursing the same half full of blood for the past seven hours, talking to this headstone.
Footsteps alert me to someone coming over. I look up and see a lone figure approach me. I shudder, thinking that if I'm found here alone by Genesis, he has the power to do or say whatever he likes to me, and I don't have the strength to fight him off. But today of all days, he wouldn't . . . would he?
Thankfully it's not Genesis, but it's not good either. Sephiroths face finally comes into view and as he reaches me, he surprises me by sitting by my side and staring at Zack's headstone.
"Angeal told me that you were the one to find him after his murder?" he say's coolly, like we're talking about something simplistic.
I watch his face as I answer, "Yes. Angeal rang me shortly after"
"Yes" Sephiroth says, not looking at me, "I was the first he got in contact with. He's concerned about you, you know? Thinking that you're driving yourself into some sort of breakdown. I think that he thinks that he has a duty to protect you to make it up to Zackary. Genesis was going to come and find you but I decided to do it instead. We can't have you late taking Zackary up Mount Nibel"
I winced, "I forgot about that"
"If you desire, I could still have Genesis do it instead"
"NO" I scream, quickly getting to my feet and looking down at the vampire leader who is watching me out of the corner of his eye, "No" I say more calmly, "I want to be the one that takes him up there with Angeal. I promised Zack that I'd stay with him till the end"
Sephiroth smiles and says softly, "You're an honourable man, Cloud. I see you will follow in your brother's footsteps. To be just like him"
"No one can replace Zack" I say sadly, "Not even me"
"Then, what will you do?"
I continue to look down at Sephiroth who hasn't even made an effort to get up; he seems rather comfortable down there. I face away from him, watching as the sun completely disappears, turning the sky a dark blue and letting the stars finally have their time to shine.
"I don't know" I answer honestly, "Right now, all I'm thinking of doing when I get back is spend more time with Tifa"
"Ah" Sephiroth sighs, "The human girl. Tell me . . . how are things going with her?"
I blink and turn back to him. He still hasn't gotten up but his eyes are now turned fully onto me. His jade orbs penetrating me like a bullet. "Good" I tell him. "I dread the day we have to part"
"Do you want to know why I kept her alive?" he says calmly.
I blink dumbly. Yes. Why did Sephiroth agree to keep Tifa alive? I have always wondered this, on why he broke his own rules on not killing her for knowing about vampires and eventually werewolves. I don't say a word; just continue glaring at him unblinkingly. He sighs and begins telling me what I've been dying to know for the last few months.
"Simply put, I wanted you to change her"
My mouth drops open, if I were a cartoon my jaw would have crashed to the floor comically. He wanted me . . . to change Tifa . . . into a vampire? Why? Does he desire her to become one? If so, then why doesn't he have Angeal or Genesis do it?
"If I had seen her before you, I would have sent someone to do it already" he admits, looking at his perfect fingernails and inspecting some non-existent dirt underneath them. "But when you met her I thought up a plan. You have yet failed to change someone, haven't you?"
I nod, "I wouldn't wish this on anyone" I admit, "Anyway, even if I did, you'd just kill them. Don't you have some law about changing people that you have not deemed 'worthy'?"
"True" he replies, "But every vampire in the world has an urge to change someone they love. For me, I turned my two best friends, Angeal changed Zack who he considered a brother and Zack changed you, thinking that you would be killed for knowing about vampires when human. We all have our limits, it's just you haven't hit yours yet. I've been thinking of ways to put you in a situation where you are most likely to turn someone. I've wanted you to care for a being so much that you'd kill them to save them. I want everyone to have that moment and so far, you're the only vampire that has yet to attempt to make another vampire. And when you met Miss Lockhart and she knew the truth I decided to let her live. I wanted you to become close to her that when the time comes to part, you'd be so stricken by love and the will not to leave each other that you'd change her so you could be together for ever. Love is a powerful emotion, don't mock it"
"You kept her alive in the hope that I would turn her into a vampire?" I asked, dumbfounded. "I would never do that. We've had this conversation and she's told me that she doesn't want to become one of us and I don't want her to be turned either. I hate what I am and I'd hate to put someone I love through the same misery!"
"But if she chose to be one of us?" he says softly, "What then?"
I can only gape like a fish at that question. Would I turn Tifa into a vampire if she truly wanted it? Would I turn her into a damned creature just so that we could be together? It's kind of like asking a widow if they would kill themselves just so that they could be with their deceased loved one. But if she wanted it . . . did honestly want to be the same, would I do it? Would I suck up my own opinions and deliver the life changing bite?
Before I can make up my mind, Sephiroth sighs and gets to his feet, towering over me. Even sat down he was waist high. "I see you have other things on your mind but now is the time. Angeal will be waiting for you at the gates"
I watch as he leaves, his hair shining even without the aid of light. He truly is a glorious being but also a terrible one. How many lives has he condemned over the years? How many people must he have disposed of just because he didn't like them? I guess that is something I will never know. I look down at the gravestone one last time, the glass of O Positive still full next to it.
"Didn't see that coming. Did you?" I ask it, knowing I won't get an answer. I smile softly and say, "I'll come back and talk some more tomorrow. Keep the blood, you might get thirsty whilst I'm gone. But I'll bring you a fresh glass when I come tomorrow"
I know I may sound like some lunatic talking to a gravestone and the body isn't anywhere near but I take some comfort in telling something my plans, even if it is just a lump of stone with Zacks name engraved into it.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The last stage of a vampire send-off is about to begin and it's the hardest part. Everyone has gone home; the only people present are me and Angeal. Anyone else's funeral and it would be Angeal and Genesis. But as I've said, I'm sticking it out till the end. Right now, Angeal and I are almost to the top of Mount Nibel, an ancient wooden stretcher like contraption between us, Zacks body lying on it. His corpse is covered in head to foot with bandages with writing on it. I can't read the words, the letters in some sort of long past language. We carry Zack to the top, Angeal in front with the handles on one shoulder and me behind with the handles locked between both of mine, my head popped between then and looking at Zack's bandaged feet. As we reach the top we come across a pile of wood. Angeal takes the full weight of Zack's body and the stretcher in his hands and places it on top of the wood, laying it horizontally. Aside from the stars and the almost full moon, there is no light whatsoever. But obviously we don't need it. I watch as Angeal takes a lighter and blessed stick out of his bag, recites an old analogy and lights the stick. The fire is pure white and lights up Angeals face.
"Before I light the wood, now is the time to tell me if you are sure you want to stay" he tells me, "As soon as I light it you're not allowed to leave until the fire completely burns out"
I understand what he's saying. Again with tradition, when I vampires dies, Angeal and Genesis take the body to the top of the mountain and set the wood alight to cremate the body. One or both of them stay until the last embers dies out. But as soon as the fire is lit, no one is allowed to leave, as changer of the deceased vampire stays behind and in this case, it's Angeal. But I vow to stay too.
"I'm staying" I tell him. I go over to him and take one last look at my brother. Obviously I can't see him through the bandages but in a few moments his body will be alight and in a few hours he'll be gone. I go over to where his head is bandaged and place a hand on his forehead.
"I'm going to miss you, Zack" I whisper, "I promise to look after Aerith and to keep myself out of trouble. Don't worry about me. Listen, if you see my mum up there tell her I said hi and give her a kiss from me. Have fun up there and hopefully, I'll become someone you'll be proud of. I . . ." I wipe back more tears and I weep out my last words to him. "I love you ok? Don't forget that alright! I love you"
I bend my neck and replace my hand on his head with my lips, giving his a last kiss goodbye. I glance at him one more time then go back to Angeal who is still holding up the alight stick that has more unreadable words carved into it. He holds it out to me and says, "Want to help an old man out?"
I nod, knowing that my eyes and nose is still running and that I'm not looking my best. With a shaking hand, a place my hand over Angeals and we both move to place the flame inside the middle of the wood.
Instantly it goes up in flames, white fire engulfing Zacks body at an alarming rate. Backing away, we both sit cross legged on the floor and silently watch the fire consume his body. As soon as the embers touch the bandages the white fire immediately turns into a pure blue blaze then into a deep purple. Violets flames lick and caress Zack's body like a man would caress his lover. When a vampire is cremated, the colour of the fire depends on the vampire. In Zack's case his is purple with blue. It's strange to see a fire that isn't red, orange and yellow but watching it gives me a sense of peace and tranquillity.
I wipe my streaming eyes and nose on the sleeve of my jacket, not caring that it's unsanitary. I glace at Angeal and I'm shocked to see that his cheeks are tears stained, more wetness quickly leaving the corner of his eyes. I leave him be, knowing that he is mourning a friend who he thought of as a little brother. Once again, I'm stuck by the feeling of guilt – should be me burning. I should have been the one to die. Zack should be the one watching me burn, not the other way around. I bend my head, lift my legs up and rest my forehead on my knees.
I'll get revenge for this! I'll personally kill that man with my own two hands. I don't care what anyone thinks, I'm going to spend the rest of my life hunting him down and when I find him he's gunna wish that he never even met my brother. I'll rip him apart like paper, spill his blood until he runs dry and disfigure his body so much that they're gunna have the scrape bits of him from the walls and roof!
I have never hated someone so much before in my life.
I promise on my life . . . he'll pay.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
What is this feeling? So warm and cosy. I don't want to leave. But alas I can't. I know I can't stay here, that I have to move on. Someone is calling me, saying my name in a beautiful voice. As I near, I am surrounded by white and eventually I reach my own personal heaven.
Hopefully I didn't make Cloud too out of character. I wasn't sure how to write down Cloud's last thoughts in this so I just made him really vengeful and full of hate for 'that man'. And obviously, I had to write a certain man's last words . . .
Keza xXx
Extra:
Preview of next chapter! Enjoy.
He waited in the darkness like a ghost but with the patience of a predator. But it wasn't his meal that he was waiting for; he was waiting to inflict hell! He didn't avoid all of those people just to have a nice friendly talk, he snuck by unnoticed because he had a mission to fulfil and hopefully, the bastard would come to him rather than he having to do the searching. Oh, how he was going to have some fun when that handle turned . . .