"Please oh please Terra put me on a mission with Sora!" Ven can't contain his excitement as Terra starts filing through the current missions.
"Calm down Ven." Terra tries to wave him off. "I'll put you with Sora if I think that's the best." He says this but he hands Ven a file. "You, Sora, and Roxas will deal with some trolls in universe 708."
"Yes!" Ven cheers, looking over at Sora.
"Riku, Axel you two will go with Aqua to universe 5 to track down a witch-" Sora freezes when he hears that. A witch in universe five? The only witch he knows is Namine...It wouldn't be her would it?
"Axel can I trade you?" Sora quickly asks getting everyone to look at him with wide eyes. "I...I want to go on that mission with Riku."
"What?!" Ven's mouth is agape.
"Hell yeah I'll trade you! I'd rather be with Roxas anyway." Axel grins, letting Sora take his place by Riku. Riku looks just as surprised but he seems pleased.
"Aqua, let me take your place!" Ven begs. "This is Sora's first mission back and I want to be there!-"
"Can you take a hint?" Riku sighs.
"I don't know Ven. This is a dangerous mission since they're witches involved-"
"All the more reason I should be there to protect Sora!" Ven gives her those puppy dog eyes. Aqua glances over at Terra for help.
"...It should be okay. The reports say there is only one. Riku and Ven should be more than enough. Aqua you can help me with my mission-"
"Thank you!" Ven moves quickly to stand by Sora. A hand to his heart as if he was scared. "That was close! Sora why did you decide to jump on Riku's mission?!" Ven pouts.
"He probably wanted to get away from you."
"That's not true! Is it Sora?-"
"Now if you two can't even make it to the universe without fighting we might have to change up this assignment-" Terra starts.
"No! I'll be good!" Ven shakes his head quickly. "We'll both do our best to protect Sora right Riku?" Ven tries.
"That goes without saying." Riku nods. Sora sighs in relief. At least they can agree on some things.
"Can I look at that file Riku?" Sora asks once they've been dismissed to get their equipment ready. He hands it over with a nod before starting the preparation.
As Sora skims through the file it becomes apparent that this witch and Namine are one and the same. It mentions the mansion in the file and that the towns people are blaming her for the recent missing people from their village. They want them to kill her.
"We got everything we need! Ready Sora?" Ven asks. Sora nods, biting his tongue till they are away from here. He hands the file to Riku. He stuffs it into the backpack before making a portal.
"We're going to show this witch not to mess with us!" Ven grabs Sora's hand as they jump through the portal. Sora feels like he's about to explode holding it all in and when they arrive at the familiar beach Sora can no longer hold it.
He runs ahead of them, letting go of Ven's hand causing him to gasp. He turns to face them, holding out his arms. Riku and Ven blink at the sudden behavior.
"Sora?" Ven frowns
"What's going on?" Riku raises his eyebrow.
"We can't hurt his witch. The towns people are wrong about her."
"What?!" Ven's eyebrows look like they're about to go up into his hair line.
Riku's eyes light with realization. He seems to be deep in thought. "...Is she the one?"
"Yes. We can't hurt her Riku. I won't hurt her and I won't let you guys hurt her either."
"...Alright. If need be we can fib on our report." Riku walks up to Sora, putting a hand on his shoulder to calm him.
"What is going on? Why do I feel like I'm out of the loop? Why aren't we killing this witch?" Ven frowns even more with that display.
Sora wonders if he should mention the bracelet... "...Ven this witch helped me back when you thought I ran away. Without her help...I don't know what I would have done. I probably wouldn't be here today. So I know this file is wrong. She's a good person. Please Ven. Don't hurt her."
Ven falters when Sora stares at him with those big blue eyes, begging him. He averts his gaze. Everything in him is saying this witch must die. He's never met a good witch. They all have evil agendas but...If he declares he's going to kill this witch, Sora will hate him and love Riku for siding with him.
"I...I don't trust this Sora but I-I'll lie if I need to."
" I would hope so. If the council finds out Sora is siding with a Witch it will cause trouble." Riku glances around. "So...you know where this witch is?"
"Yup! Namine is in the mansion. I'll show you but please don't be hostile!" Riku nods but when Sora looks at Ven he hesitates. "Ven?"
"I won't. I'll be good Sora." Ven shakes off this bad feeling and nods.
"I'm sure Namine will know what happen to those people!" Sora starts to lead the way to the mansion. Riku and Ven walking on either side of him. The walk is silent and tense. Sora knows Ven doesn't like what they're doing. Riku has been stiff since Ven pushed himself into their group. Sora is happy Ven is here though. If it was Aqua instead, there would be a problem.
"This is it!" Sora beams when they finally make it to this large home. He perks up when he sees Namine looking down at them from her window. Sora waves happily. Namine looks scared and goes back into her home. When he glances over at Ven, he ends up smacking his shoulder. "Ven! You're scaring her!"
The blonde had pulled his weapon out. Ven frowns from the smack, though it didn't hurt Sora still smacked him. It was his instinct to pull his weapon but he feels a little guilty when he sees how upset Sora is...and Riku is calm. He didn't pull his weapon. "I said not to be hostel!"
"Sorry Sora it's just hard to stay calm." Ven mumbles. He wants to put his weapon away to appease Sora but he can't. He doesn't feel comfortable with being this close to a witch.
"Then stay back while we talk to her." Riku follows Sora's lead when he started walking up to the door.
"No way! I need to be close just in case." Ven makes sure he's close to Sora, sword still drawn.
"She isn't going to come out to talk to us with you acting like that." Riku is getting annoyed.
"Don't you see how dangerous this is for Sora-"
"Namine! Don't be scared! We aren't here to hurt you! I promise I won't let them hurt you! I need to talk to you please." Sora knocks on the door. They all stay still as they feel Namine approach. She seems to think before she cracks open the door cautiously.
"Sora...I don't know what to think. You've brought two Occisor to my door. I'm sure you're here to kill me."
"No we're not! We...We got a mission to kill you but we won't! I know it's not you who's causing these people to go missing so...could you help us find who's really responsible?" Sora frowns...this witch is trembling.
"Tell that Occisor to put away his weapon...please."
"Ven please!" Sora looks over at Ven who still has his weapon drawn. "She's good! She won't do anything."
It takes everything in Ven to put his weapon away. Just doing so fills him with anxiety but he can't take those blue eyes looking at him like that. He locks eyes with this witch who is staring at him cautiously. "If...If you try anything to hurt Sora I won't hesitate." He warns.
"...I know. You and the other one would kill me in a heart beat. I will never harm him. He is pure hearted. So...Sora I put my trust in you. Please come into my home with your family." Namine still seems scared but she opens the door fully and backs away to let them in. Sora grabs Riku's and Ven's hand. He felt how they both freezed up. This isn't something they should be doing. They've never done something like this before so Sora is going to have to be strong for all of them. He leads them into the home, squeezing their hands as a way to keep them relaxed...also to prevent them from drawing their weapons.
"This way." Namine leads them towards the same room she had brought Sora when she gave him the bracelet. Ven seems to calm slightly when Namine turned her back to them. It is a show of trust. Sora sits down at the table with Riku and Ven by his side. Namine sits down, closing her eyes to think. "...I am aware that people have gone missing around here but I have nothing to do with it."
"I know. Do you have any idea to what's causing it?" Sora asks.
"I have a idea but...I'm not sure." Namine frowns. "Sora. Though I'm glad you've come to save me it's dangerous for you to deal with this mission. Vanitas is here."
"What?" Riku and Ven jump at that.
"He appeared here a couple of days ago. I sensed his darkness and was expecting him to pay me a visit. He hasn't but...ever since he's come, people have gone missing. I believe it is his doing."
"If it really is Vanitas we should let Terra know-" Ven starts reaching for his crystal. Sora grabs his arm, stopping him.
"You can't! If Terra comes here...he might hurt Namine!"
"But...We need to tell Terra that Vanitas is here! We can't let him get away-"
"If you call Terra and he ends up hurting Namine...I'll fight him. I won't let him."
"Sora!" Ven's eyes widen. "B-But you'd be-"
"A traitor. That's why we can't call Terra." Riku says simply. "We'll deal with Vanitas ourselves."
"B-But we don't know how strong he's gotten or what he's planning! We need all the help we can get! This might be a trap for Sora-"
"He's right Sora." Namine says softly. "This is most likely a way to get you to come to him. He knows of our connection. I can guess he's feeling panicked now that you've gotten stronger with your power of light. He wants to get rid of any threat to him. Which includes me. He knows of your kind heart. He knew that you would probably come to my aid. The safest option for you is to call on this Terra-"
"Can you run away then? Till we're done-"
"I can't leave this home. That is my curse." Namine closes her eyes. "You shouldn't care for me. You are the only one who can win against Vanitas but as you are, you are no match."
"You heard her Sora! We have to call Terra-" Ven tries again but Sora won't let go of him.
"No! I'm going to confront Vanitas. If Terra comes...He might kill Vanitas and Namine. I don't want that! Ven Please! Don't call him. Help me talk to Vanitas-"
"This is crazy Sora! I know she helped you and she seems nice enough but...she's a witch! We can't put her life above yours-"
"Sora." Riku cuts in. He gives him this fierce look. "...I'm with you."
"Riku!" Sora brightens. Ven is getting angry. Those eyes have turned white as they glare into Riku. "Ven please! We need all the help we can get! I know I'm asking for a lot but...Namine has done so much for me!"
"...How can you agree to this?" Ven's voice is eerily quiet. "I thought you cared for him?"
"I do. I believe in Sora and his belief in Namine. Unlike you, I don't have blind faith in Terra. You think calling him will make things better? No. Terra will report Sora to the council for aiding a witch. You are the one who is harming Sora with believing in Terra. Either you're on board or your not. If your not...then you're our enemy." Riku's eyes turn white in his warning.
"Ven please. We have to try!" Sora tries again. Ven is so stiff and serious. He's never seen him like this.
"...If I think for a second that things are going wrong, I'll call an emergency."
"...Okay." Sora nods. That's as close as a compromise they'll get. Sora keeps a hold of Ven's hand to keep him calm. He locks eyes with Namine. "Do you know where Vanitas is?"
"In the forest pass here. That's where I sense the most darkness." Namine frowns to herself. "Please be careful Sora. I can't do anything for you but...there is darkness surrounding you and if you're not careful it will consume you. Vanitas has been doing all he can to harm those close to you. You must not let Vanitas win here."
"I won't! Come on Riku, Ven!" Sora rushes out with the two teens following after him. Ven's jaw is set while Riku is stone is breaking all the rules he's ever known as a Occisor but...He can't let Sora be alone and he won't trust Riku to him either. Riku is just agreeing to everything Sora says, making Ven look bad but...He's just looking out for Sora!
"Sora we can't hold back when we meet up with Vanitas. He's going to try to kill you." Riku's eyes have stayed white. Sora can feel the darkness Namine was talking about. They're getting closer.
"I know...and thank you for trusting in me." Though Riku seems happy the darkness between them festers. "And thank you for helping me Ven." But it doesn't help that darkness. Ven still doesn't look happy.
They make it to a clearing in the forest. Sora can't help to gasp at what he sees. There's at least ten bodies just scattered around, or what's left of them. Body parts litter the ground, the grass stained red with blood. They were very clearly torn apart and any part of a face Sora can find are frozen in this awful expression. The darkness here is overwhelming.
"I can't believe it." Riku and Ven get into a stance, drawing their weapons, bearing their teeth. Vanitas appears out of a cloud of darkness, laughing at the three. "You seriously came?! And with just the three of you? That's rich."
"Vanitas! Why did you kill all these people! They're trying to blame it on Namine-"
"Duh. That was the plan idiot! I wanted you guys to do the dirty work but it looks like I've gotten a better prize. Sora. The reason I've killed these people is for power. The power to devour you!" He laughs darkly. "Ven! I can't believe you would go against Terra and come to me without him! Your obsession with Sora really has dulled your brain! You too Riku! I still can't believe it!-"
"Vanitas why did you leave?" Sora can't help to ask the question that's been on his mind. Vanitas stops laughing and stares at him blankly.
"...What are you talking about?"
"You left and I couldn't hear your voice anymore-"
"You were hearing his voice?!" Riku snaps at him.
"What?! Sora why didn't you tell us!" Ven looks like he's panicking.
"Yeah Sora! Why didn't you tell your crazed brothers?" Vanitas chuckles.
"I...I didn't want to upset you-"
"Upset me?! Sora you've been in danger all this time and I didn't know-" Ven yells.
"Why Didn't you tell us?" Riku asks again more aggressively.
"I..I didn't think you guys could help. I didn't want to bring more stress than I already was. I was worried Terra would send me away to be protected." Sora answers honestly.
"Sora." Riku seems to consider this, still frowning.
"How does it feel? That helplessness? I love it." Vanitas sneers at the torment he's already causing the three.
"You didn't answer me Vanitas!" Sora cuts off Ven who looked like he was about to yell at him again. "Where did you go? I was worried!"
"Worried?!" Vanitas cracks up. "Do you hear him?! He hasn't learned anything!" His smile becomes sinister. "Hey Sora?...What do you think would happen if I break that bracelet of yours?"
Sora freezes at the threat.
"You're not going to touch him." Riku gets in front of Sora. "You die here Vanitas."
"Riku! You think you can defeat me with my own darkness in your heart? You've become nasty. You've even passed my darkness to Ven! You two are easy. You can't threaten me as you are!" Vanitas makes a fist. Both Ven and Riku yell out, falling to their knees with their hands over their hearts. Riku's eyes have gone wide with panic. "Shit! Sora run-"
"I don't think so." Vanitas moves so he's right in front of Sora.
"I-I can't move! No!" Ven screams, trying to move his body but it won't listen to him. The darkness is holding him down like anchor. "Vanitas don't hurt him! Hurt me instead! Oh I should have never hesitated to call Terra!-"
"What would Terra do? He also has darkness in his heart. I've become that much stronger! Anyone who has darkness in their heart stands no chance against me." Vanitas watches how Ven becomes pale, savoring that despair.
"Then why aren't I like them?" Sora can't help to ask. He doesn't draw his weapon and he just talks to Vanitas. He doesn't know how he's going to get his brothers out of this but he'll do all he can. "I had your darkness in my heart-"
"You're right. I had implanted my darkness inside you while you were recovering after the occisor ritual with a kiss...You know that's the reason I was locked away? Riku saw me use my element on you, saw me kissing you and lost it. That seed of darkness was planted and continued to be nurtured by Riku's desires. I had my claws in you but then...you got stronger. You were able to get rid of my darkness with your power." Vanitas glares at Sora. "...Still. You are no match for me. With my element or without, you can't best me."
"Don't hurt Riku or Ven. It's my fault they're here. I'll...I'll give you anything you want."
"What makes you think You have anything that I'd want? When I could just kill you all right here and now-"
"I'll open my heart to you and let you invade it with your darkness-"
"Sora no!" Riku shouts.
"He'll kill you!" Ven begs. "Don't! Just forget about us-"
"I know that you were searching me for something and couldn't find it. I'm sure if I open up to you...You'll be able to raid my memories. You might find something that I wasn't even aware of." Sora offers.
"...I could just force my way in."
"I don't think you'll get what you want if you do that."
Silence. Vanitas stares at him blank faced before he grins. "You've got my attention. So what do you want in return for opening your heart to me?"
"Send Riku and Ven back home. After which I'll cut off the connection to this world. It won't last for long but it should be enough time-"
"STOP!" Ven thrashes, trying to move his body with no luck.
"YOU CAN'T!" Riku resists but it's no use.
"I accept." Vanitas laughs at how distressed Riku and Ven are. "See ya~ I'm going to have some fun with Sora." Sora makes the portal and despite his brothers screaming at him, pleading with him, he throws them into the portal and quickly shuts it. He cuts off the communication to this world. With all his family trying to get here they probably only have a couple of minutes-
"Open up." Vanitas grabs his throat. Sora nods, closing his eyes, opening up his heart to Vanitas. His darkness worms inside of him with no issue. Vanitas use to be with him all the time. Sora winces when the darkness goes deeper then it ever had, prodding, searching for something.
"What's-" Vanitas starts only for Sora's vision to turn white. His consciousness is engulfed in light.
When Sora comes to he's in his house. His old home where he use to live with his mom and dad. Sora starts to panic when he sees the flames starting to fester knowing what he's remembering. Little Sora is laying in his bed, unaware of the horrors unfolding around him. His mother rushes to his room.
"They are here! We must run!" His mother grabs Sora in her arms. The little Sora doesn't stir as she rushes out of the room, rushing out of their home only to stop when two men stand before her. Sora has never seen them before but he can tell they terrify his mother.
"I won't let you harm him! You have no right!" She screams, placing Sora down in a bush as if to hide him. Sora's eyes widen as he watches her ears and tail appear, she bares her sharp teeth. "I've done what was asked of us! I took him to a witch...I sealed away his werewolf genes. He will live his life as a normal human! We agreed on that!"
" He isn't keeping his part of the deal." His mother tenses at these words. " He has run from us so we can only expect that he's trying to get his son." One of the men answers coldly. "That child must die. If there's even a chance he will be awoken to his powers because of that man then he must die."
"You won't touch my son!" She screams her bones cracking as she becomes a large brown wolf. She bares her teeth at these men who snort at her. His vision becomes fuzzy. He doesn't know how long it takes but when he can see clearly again, His mother is in her human form. She's lost an arm and there's a large hole in her stomach. The two men are dead but it's clear his mother won't live with that hole where her heart should be.
"Sorry...I tried my best." Her breathing is labored. " You must live Sora. You must live as a normal human. They won't be able to track you so please... No matter what you must live!" She grabs the man's corpses and throws them into the house that's still on fire. Sora must have mistaken their corpses as his father as a child. "...Your father has betrayed us. If you happen to awaken to any of your powers...life will be hard. Your father will seek you out if he hasn't been killed..." She is struggling for breath as she touches Sora's cheek. The boy that is himself seems to be in a deep sleep, almost like he's lost his consciousness more then he's resting. "...I..I wasn't prepared to leave you yet. Forgive me." She moves herself to the house. She lets herself be engulfed in flames so that it may hide how she died from her son and possibility to hide her ears and tail from the world. When Little Sora wakes up all Sora sees is his home engulfed in flames and the fire department attempting put them out with their water. As little Sora cries for his parents, the current Sora sees something he wasn't aware of.
In the distance there is a man watching the scene. His face is cloudy and Sora can't make out his features but somehow he knows this is his father. Sora can't help this feeling of unease and sorrow. If his father was there, why didn't he step in to help his mother? Why didn't he make himself known to little Sora? Why did he leave him to fend for himself?
Sora freezes when it seems like his father is looking right at him. In that moment, his vision becomes white once again, a sharp pain making itself known in his chest.
Sora gasps, his fuzzy vision clearing. Vanitas has a hand over his heart, breathing heavily like Sora is. Those yellow eyes are wide. "What was that? Those men...That power...my darkness is gone and it wasn't even you. Was that bastard hiding in the memory?!" Vanitas mumbles. "How?!"
"Vanitas what was that? Did you see it too? My father?" Sora wants clarification. Vanitas seems to be thinking.
"...He wasn't there when I started invading your heart." Vanitas says slowly. "That man...invaded your heart at that moment as if to stop me digging any further. Is he close? Where is he?" Vanitas sends his darkness out in a wave, his eyes turning white.
"So my father is alive?!" Sora doesn't get why Vanitas almost seems...scared.
"He's alive alright! And he's not even around or is it that I can't sense him? That kind of power...This is fucked. I can't fight that thing yet." Vanitas and Sora tense when they feel the atmosphere change. The connection is back. His brothers will be here any moment.
"Vanitas you need to run!" Sora shouts. Vanitas looks at him like he's a foreign object before he shakes his head.
"...You live today Sora but the next time we meet I'm going to take everything away from you. I'll be strong enough to devour that light you have no matter what or who stands in my way. I'll expose your lies and delight as you lose everything!" Vanitas snarls as he quickly makes a portal of darkness before rushing into it.
Not a second after this another portal opens.
"SORA!" Ven and Riku are the first through with all his other family members rushing in with all their weapons out and ready. Ven looks like he might cry when he sees Sora isn't harmed and Riku sighs in relief.
"Where is Vanitas?" Terra growls as Axel, Roxas, and Aqua start spreading out to search the area. Sora's head is still a bit fuzzy. Seeing the image of his father...why does he feel this way? It wasn't joy that he felt. Sora almost understands the fear that he felt in Vanitas. The father Sora remembers and that person that was in his memory...don't feel the same-
"Sora are you okay?" Riku shakes him. Those aqua eyes are trembling but he's trying to keep himself calm.
"Aqua please look at Sora! Vanitas did something to him!" Ven panics seeing that spaced out look on the brunette.
"Sora what happen?" Terra presses as Aqua makes her way over to Sora. She kneels in front of him, studying his face and scanning his body for anything noticeable. She cups Sora's cheeks, a frown on her face.
"Wait Terra. Let Sora get his bearings. He's trembling and warm." Aqua tries to soothe Sora. Just now he notices that he is trembling. He can't stop shaking. Maybe it's because he saw his mother get so hurt trying to save him. Maybe it's seeing her put herself in that fire just so Sora wouldn't know the truth. Though that brought him sorrow, this feeling...this despair is from seeing his father. Why? Why is something burning in the back of his head when he thinks about him? Why can't he remember his face?
"Forget it." A voice whispers, sending chills down his spine. It was so soft that Sora hopes he's hearing things.
"Sora, I'm sorry!" Ven's voice breaks him out of his thoughts again. "I couldn't do anything! Again!" Ven's face is red with anger. Sora can feel it's towards himself and Vanitas. Darkness is festering-
"It wasn't your fault Ven. I'm okay. Nothings wrong with me!" Sora shakes his head. He needs to snap out of it. "Vanitas didn't do anything to hurt me-"
"That's a lie." Riku snarls. "What did he do Sora? You let him invade your heart? What does that mean for you?"
"Nothing...His darkness couldn't stand the light. Vanitas can no longer occupy my heart. I've gotten stronger." Sora averts his gaze. Riku narrows his eyes. "After that, he felt that he was running out of time so he ran away before you guys showed up."
"You're not telling the full truth." Riku doesn't back down. "I'm not going to let you half ass the story this time Sora. I've put my trust in you many times, it's time you put that trust in me!"
"We just want to make sure you're really okay! Why are you so shaken?" Ven seems to agree with Riku. "Vanitas really harmed you I really won't forgive him!-"
"...Vanitas dug into my past. I just had to relive a painful memory. I saw the moment my mom died in that fire." Of course Sora can't say the part about his father or what lead to his mother's death. "But that's it. That's all he could do before the light took care of the darkness."
"oh." Riku seems to back down after hearing that. Maybe he's a little regretful for pushing Sora to spill but it seems his family is finally settled. Vanitas didn't do any real damage.
"Sora stop putting my life above yours! Vanitas could have killed you! "Ven grabs his hand, starting to scold him again.
"So was it true? You two really couldn't do anything against him?" Axel asks, a disturbed look on his face.
"...Nothing. We were helpless. He's infected us with his darkness. As long as we have darkness in our hearts he'll be able to use that against us. Sora might be the only one able to beat him after all." Riku mumbles.
"Which means Vanitas won't stop till Sora's dead." Roxas licks his lips nervously.
"Wait why don't you just purify us Sora? Then we can get rid of Vanitas's darkness and be able to kick his ass!" Axel punches his own hand, this determined look in his eye.
"...I don't think it's that easy." Terra answers for Sora. He closes his eyes. "after what happened with the Council, I felt a connection to Sora and I know he purified me but...The darkness is there. It's come back. As long as my heart is weak, Vanitas will find a way to worm himself into my heart. I'm sure it's the same with you all. We all have darkness. All beings are made of light and dark. There's no way we can escape that. Sora can help keep it balanced but...Vanitas will always have the advantage against us."
"That's why the council is so scared of him." Aqua puts a hand on Terra's shoulder. "They also have Darkness and if Vanitas gets stronger...He'll be able to do as he wishes. The only one who has a chance against him is you Sora."
"There was also that girl right? She's an Occisor of light too. So maybe you two can team up and take care of Vanitas as soon as possible." Axel rubs the back of his head when he gets a glare from Ven. "What? I'm just saying! Vanitas is getting way too strong, way too fast! We need to kill him now."
"I agree but right now Sora isn't ready to fight him. Neither is that girl Kairi. They would just get killed-" Riku starts.
"It's too dangerous! I won't let you just shove Sora to fight to the death with Vanitas!-" Ven snarls.
"And it's not like we even know where he went." Roxas shakes his head.
"...We should leave this place. Did you complete your mission and kill that witch?" Terra asks. Sora tenses completely, forgetting about that-
"There was no witch. It was Vanitas who was killing the village people for power." Riku answers.
"Yeah they were mistaken." Ven backs up quickly, giving Sora's hand a squeeze.
"Alright. Forget about that mission. We need to get back and report this to the Council." Terra creates a portal.
Sora sighs in relief when they all go through the portal. He was able to save Namine. In that moment, he feels a link form. He knows that he's connected to Namine now.
She has faith in him.
"Sora can I talk to you?" Sora is stopped by Ven grabbing his hand. He was about to head into their shared room with his brothers to sleep for the day. He feels exhausted. That vision he had, speaking with Vanitas, listening to Terra talk about the council's response...He's tired. He can tell by the way Ven is looking at him though that this is important.
"Of course Ven." Sora smiles at the blonde and lets him lead. He's a bit surprised when Ven walks him outside. It's pitch black out, not that it matters with their night vision but still. The air is cold and it bites at his exposed skin.
"I know it's cold but I'm afraid that someone might over hear." Ven whispers as he leads him to the bench he had made. It's freezing but Sora sits on it with Ven so he can hear what the blonde wants to tell him. "I just felt like...I had to talk to you about what happen."
"With Vanitas?" Sora tilts his head.
"Not that...the thing with the witch." Ven whispers. "I...I can't trust a witch. I know you said she helped you but all witches have a hidden intent. They can't be trusted."
"...Namine can be trusted. I don't sense any evil in her Ven-
"You are kind hearted Sora. I believe you would try to make friends with anyone who crosses paths with you. I love that about you but it also worries me. We...Occisor are hated by everyone other than other Occisor. I don't want anyone to hurt you so that's why you shouldn't associate with other creatures. They will just hurt you in the long run. They will use you to get what they want and then destroy what's left."
"Not all of them are like that Ven! I've met many nice ones! Like a Unicorn! A witch and a werewolf-"
"That werewolf almost stole you away from us." Sora notices it again. Ven is tense, his jaw set. He's been serious every since meeting up with Namine. "one wrong move and we could have lost you. He wasn't nice Sora. No werewolf is."
"...I'm Sorry Ven. I can't think like that. I know there are good werewolves. I know there is good in every creature and evil. I know you're worried about me Ven but can't you trust in my judgment-" Sora takes Ven's hands, he's startled when Ven squeezes down on him tightly.
"...I trust in you Sora. I believe in you but...I will never put a witch's life above yours!" Ven's eyes burn. "That's what we did! We put Namine's safety above yours...because of that, you were put in harms way! If...I-If Vanitas had hurt you, if he had killed you...I couldn't have done anything to stop it! I...I would destroy that witch!" Ven's blue eyes burn with such a conviction that Sora can't respond. His grip is tight and warm on his hands. "I-I..." He swallows. "I won't do that again. I will never put another creature above your safety. I don't care if they are nice. I...I won't back down. To keep you safe, I'll go against you if I have to!" He says this but he trembles when he spoke that last part. "I...can't lose you."
"Ven..." Sora doesn't know what to say. He's basically saying he won't help people like Namine again. That he would even turn against Sora just to keep him safe. He feels it in their link though, it's love and fear. Ven is doing what he thinks is best for him. " I understand you but..." Sora shows his determination, rubbing Ven's hands for comfort. "...I will protect my friends. I will protect them from you too."
"You'd really fight me for a witch?" Ven falters slightly but Sora keeps rubbing his hands.
"I will protect my friends but...of course I could never hurt you Ven. I would just defend against your attacks. That is all."
"...if I need to I'll knock you out. I won't let you put yourself last again. I won't let you throw yourself in front of death for anyone."
"I do it happily if I can save you. I did what I did because I thought it was the best chance for everyone-"
"Everyone but you." Ven corrects. "If Vanitas had killed you that was it. Riku and I would be okay...but you would be dead! And the reason you were even in that situation was because we put a witch above you!-"
"But in the end, everyone was okay! We all made it out and Namine is safe-"
"The risk was too high!" Ven protests. "I don't want you to hate me but...I'm standing my ground." his voice weakens.
"I won't ever hate you Ven. I've told you that before. I don't hate you for standing your ground so please don't hate me for standing mine."
"You know I can't hate you Sora." Ven mumbles before he pulls Sora into a hug. Sora holds him just as tight so he knows. It's okay. Ven and Sora can't always see eye to eye. That's what makes them different people.
It's so cold out, Ven's warmth is such a comfort. His heartbeat can be felt and heard against him with their chests pressed together. Sora will hold Ven for a bit longer, feeling that he needs it before they go back to the house.
Despite Ven's feelings, Sora will always be ready to sacrifice what's needed to keep those close to him safe.
It's been a couple of months since seeing Vanitas. Though Sora wasn't really put on any restrictions from the council themselves, Terra thought it was best he lay low for a little bit at least. Sora can't blame them so he's just been training, not having much luck with his power of light like normal, waiting for when he can go back on missions.
Today is the day. Sora perks up when Terra hands him the file for once. "Sora, Riku, and Axel will take on this mission to help a village with their farm work. Apparently some bad plants are making it hard for them to grow crops-"
"Of fucking course! I always get these stupid plant jobs!" Axel grumbles. "Why do I need Riku and Sora with me? Just Roxas would have been fine-"
"Then switch me Axel." Ven cuts off the red head's rant. "I need to be in the mission with Sora. This is his first one back and I can't trust him with you and Riku-"
"Fuck off Ven." Riku doesn't hide his hostility even with Terra standing right there. "I can protect him just fine."
"Riku calm down. Ven, Axel needs to do this mission. He's the best at these types because of his fire element. This is an easy mission so Sora will be fine with Riku and Axel." Terra tries.
"Sora isn't okay with just Riku and Axel! Riku doesn't have his priorities straight and I'm sure Axel won't be paying attention at all. I only trust Sora with me on these missions-"
"Alright you're starting to piss me off Ven." Axel's eyebrow twitches. "I get you and Riku hate each other but don't question my abilities. Sora is fine with me-"
"He wasn't fine the last time we left him with you." Ven snaps, getting Axel to wince.
"Ven I can take care of myself." Sora can feel the air getting tenser. " Axel and Riku are both reliable!-"
"He doesn't have to be with you 24/7." Riku takes a step forward. Sora can't help to notice that the sliver haired male is towering over Ven.
"Come on Ven." Roxas grabs Ven when he started puffing out his chest. "...Riku has always protected Sora. He won't let anything happen to him. You can't always be there-"
"But I-"
"Riku and Axel are going on this mission with Sora. Ven you are going on a mission with Roxas. End of story." Terra cuts in, handing a file to Roxas. "...The next mission I'll put you with Sora. Will that be enough?"
"Ven I'll be fine." Sora reassures when it looks like the blonde is still going to fight it despite everyone telling him to calm down. Ven frowns before he glares at Riku. Riku just gives him a even stare. Ven turns his attention to Axel. The red head blinks when Ven glares at him too.
"Axel. I'm trusting Sora to you. He better come back safe."
"I mean, I'll try my best. It's not like I'm the only one though." Axel rubs the back of his head with Ven staring at him so intensely.
"You treat him like a child." Riku snorts. " come on Sora. Lets get ready for the mission." He starts walking to the supply area.
"Right!" Sora gives Ven a quick hug. Whatever the blonde was about to say gets caught in his throat. "You be safe too Ven! Stay focused and don't worry about me too much! I'll be back home before you know it!" He beams. He wants to quell that anxiety he feels.
Ven swallows, relaxing into the hold and Sora's words. "I-I will! You too Sora! If anything happens don't hesitate to call for more back up! I'll be there in a blink of an eye!"
"You be safe too Roxas!" Sora gives the twins a wave, Roxas offers him a smile and a nod. He rushes to catch up to the older boys. It looks like they've already backed up their backpack.
"Jeez Ven is getting worse with his clinginess." Axel complains. It looks like they were waiting on him.
"You're telling me." Riku snorts, opening up at portal. "It's universe 603, I don't expect we'll have to do much. It's a D ranked mission."
"Yeah. D ranked and they're sending three of us." Axel shakes his head. He grins at Sora. "Whelp get ready to just watch me fry some plants all by myself." He jumps into the portal.
"Lets go." Riku holds out his hand. Sora grabs it naturally. Riku's tense expression softens and he smiles. He seems relieved that Ven isn't here. Sora can feel it through their link. Together they jump into the portal.
Sora is use to the feeling of falling that it no longer twists his stomach like it use to. When they come out of the portal they are in front a large field of corn. It seems like they are wilting. Next to the field of corn is a small village. The homes are made of sticks and straws.
"Yup. Now Let me just talk to the guy who runs this place. Then I'll find the stupid plants, fry them, then we'll go home." Axel walks into the village with Sora and Riku following. As they walk deeper into this village, Sora can't help to notice that most of the people living here are hiding from them. He supposes he should be use to this treatment but it's still heartbreaking.
"Are you the Occisor for the job?" A old man approaches them hesitantly.
"Yup. That's us. Just tell us which plants are causing your issue and I'll get rid of them." Axel yawns as if bored.
"Yes well you'll notice these small green pods as you walk through the corn field. We believe that they are a curse. Please get rid of them Occisor. If we can't grow corn we will have nothing to eat!"
"Wait I have to look all in that corn field for them? That's going to take forever!" Axel complains.
"Get over it. The longer you take complaining the longer you'll be away from Roxas." Riku says.
"...Yeah." Axel grumbles but he turns to start heading towards the corn field. Sora chuckles. Axel will do anything if it involves Roxas. After their fighting they've really gotten closer. Sora hopes it stays like that.
They walk through the corn field together, searching for the green pods. They have no idea how many there are so they have to keep their eyes peeled. Every time someone sees one, Axel will burn it with no problem.
Going deeper into the corn field, Sora can't help to remember the fear he had as a child of getting lost in one of these. Being here now, the corn is taller then him so he can't see. It's easy to lose your direction-
That's when he smells it. It's faint but he knows that smell. He looks at Riku but he's concentrated on looking for the green pods as they walk. It doesn't appear that Riku and Axel smell it. His nose is better than theirs but if they can't smell it, then it must be away from them.
It's making him uneasy though. Why does he smell blood in this field? Who's bleeding? Is someone in trouble?
"Hey this is taking too long!" Axel suddenly complains, getting Sora to jump. "Lets split up. Three of us searching will be faster."
"But I can't burn them." Sora brings up.
"You don't need to. It looks like if you cut them at the root they wither." Riku comments after ripping one out of the ground. It becomes black and rotted. "Sora you can search with me-"
"Riku you're just bad as Ven! Let Sora breathe for once! This mission is as easy as they get. Sora needs some independence. I bet Sora can't remember the last time he was on a mission without someone holding his hand!"
"I'll be okay Riku! I can do at least this right?" Sora gives him a smile. Axel has a point. Sora is always being watched over.
"Yeah of course. I'm not trying to hold you back." Riku furrows his eyebrows. "...We'll meet back in 15 minutes. Search as much as you can."
"How will I get back here?" Sora can't help to remember that childish fear.
"Come on Sora. You're a big boy!" Axel pokes him on the shoulder.
"If you can't find your way back, just use our link...You'll be able to find me won't you?"
"Yes!" Sora perks up. He wasn't thinking. Of course he'd be able to find his brothers. He wouldn't lose him. He...He can't let that fear get to him. He needs to prove that he can handle himself. Axel gave him this opportunity. He can't waste it. "Alright I'm off! Met you back in fifteen minutes!" Sora waves, running off into the corn field.
He went in the direction of the blood. This is his chance to investigate. He doesn't know why he didn't say something to his brothers. He feels it though that telling them would be problematic...This blood, this scent smells familiar. He's sure he's smelled it before. Sora sniffs the air, tracking this scent the best he can while keeping an eye out for the pods. He destroys about three of them when he gets a strong whiff of that blood.
It's close. This person is close. Sora is almost positive that he knows who it is. Alarms are going off in his head. He stops. He hesitates but after hearing this person groan in pain, Sora decides to seek him out. Maybe he is too kind hearted. He's sure Vanitas would call him foolish right now if he was here.
Pushing aside some corn, Sora confirms his suspicions.
"W-What?" Cloud blinks, looking at Sora like he's seeing things. He's holding his hand to a wound in his stomach. His shirt looks like it's been burned around the break in his skin. He narrows his eyes. "You're...Sora right? That weird werewolf cub that Leon's obsessed with?"
"...Yes. What happen to you? Are...Are you going to be okay?" Sora eyes the wound. For a vampire, this man seems to get hurt a lot.
"This? It's nothing! I'm just waiting for back up-" Cloud freezes. "Hey...If you're here, does that mean Occisor are here?"
Sora hesitates. He's not sure if he should be telling Cloud that his brothers are here. His reaction to Occisor the last time was violent-
"I'm guess they are right?" Cloud sighs when Sora gets defensive. "Listen kid. I'd love nothing more then to steal you away but I've got work to do. You should take those Occisor and get out of here as soon as possible."
"Work to do?" Sora tilts his head, calming down when it seems Cloud doesn't have an interest In his brothers.
"A damn wizard around here decided to ruin these people's food supplies all so he can power his stupid experiments. Meanwhile, these villagers are giving me free food without any fight. We have an agreement so if they die out it's going to be annoying. Tried to take him out myself but he was stronger then I thought. Fucker blasted a hole in me!" Cloud complains. "This guy, can you believe it, he's trying to resurrect a dragon. What a nut case!." Cloud gives Sora a serious look. "I'm saying you should leave because soon I should have a back up of other vampires. If for some reason they can't come, I know at least Leon will show up. If Leon catches you here, it's going to be a whole other problem."
"Y-Yeah." Sora frowns thinking of the older werewolf. He knows Leon was looking after him back then. It seems Leon still hasn't given up on the idea of stealing Sora away. "...Are you really going to be okay?" No matter how Sora looks at that wound on Cloud, it doesn't seem like something that would be easy to walk away with.
"I'm fine! But you know..." He grins. "If you give me some of your blood I'm sure it would help the healing process! Your blood did wonders on the bite wound from Leon."
"...Just don't take too much. You have to do it where it's hidden too." Sora pulls up his sleeve to show Cloud his wrist that doesn't have the bracelet.
"What? You'd really let me drink from you?" Cloud looks dumbfounded. "You can't be that trusting! I could easily suck you dry you know?"
"I mean...I don't think you'd do that."
"Well you're right. Leon would kill me." Cloud mumbles. He shakes his head. "I'll refrain from now. I'd rather not be the reason you're too slow to escape with the other Occisor."
"...hey Cloud?" Sora puts down his sleeve. He bites his lip before locking eyes with those deep blue. "You said I tasted like a werewolf but...do you know what else I tasted like? Do you know what I really am?"
Cloud tilts his head, closing his eyes in thought. "Hmm. I've been thinking about it since I've tasted you honestly. I've had many types of blood. Humans, werewolves, fairies, trolls, unicorn, mermaid and even ogres! I pride myself on trying anything once but...I really can't place your taste. I'm positive you have an after taste of werewolf but...that sweetness...Sorry. I don't think I know."
"But at least I know I'm none of those other things. Maybe I can narrow it down somehow-"Sora trails off when the vampire pulls out a cell phone, much like the track phone Sora has.
"Yup. Leon will be here any minute-"
"You have one of those too?" Sora pulls out his phone to show the vampire.
"oh shit! Isn't that against Occisor law? You're a rebel Sora." Cloud chuckles. "Let me see that!"
Sora hands it to him. Cloud types a couple of things before he hands it back. "I just added Leon's and my number to your contacts. Since you're already breaking the rules mind as well break more! This way we can keep in touch...If I learn anything about your taste I'll let you know."
"Really?!" Sora's eyes widen as he hides his phone again.
"yeah but don't get the wrong idea. When ever I can, I'll steal you away so remember that!" Some how it seems less threatening now.
"Sora!" Riku yells his name. It must be past the 15 minutes. Both Cloud and Sora jump.
"I-I should go."
"Yeah get out of here before those Occisor see I'm here."
Sora nods quickly. "Um thank you Cloud and bye! Tell Leon I said hi!"
"Tell him yourself with a text message!" He says back.
Sora rushes through the corn, following his link with Riku. It takes him a couple of minutes but he makes it back. Axel and Riku are standing there, both seem relieved when it appears there were no complications.
"Did you get lost Sora?" Riku teases.
"No." Sora flushes. "I just...lost track of time." he sticks out his tongue. "I was able to take out some of those pods."
"Same here. I don't know if we got them all but that's going to have to be enough." Axel grunts. "Lets tell the old man, collect our reward, and get out of here."
"Sounds like a plan to me!" Sora's relieved he didn't have to push for them to leave. Together they make their way out of the corn field. "I did good huh Riku?" Sora beams at the older teen. He loves getting him to smile. He hasn't been doing much of it lately.
"I guess you did alright." Riku shrugs his shoulders. When Sora pouts he grins and ruffles his hair.
"Fuck corn man." Axel grumbles, once they're out of the field. "This whole mission was a waste of time!"
"You're just mad because Roxas wasn't here. Honestly this was the most peaceful mission I've had a in awhile-"
Just then Sora smells something. Not only does he smell something he hears something. Someone is running towards them at fast speed. It doesn't take long before Riku and Axel also notice this. Riku grabs Sora and shoves him so he's behind him. They take out their weapons. Sora internally is freaking out because...It seems like he was too late.
"Sora!" Leon comes out of the field, his brown eyes dilated as he takes in the two older Occisor. He bares his teeth, his ears going back. "It's just the two of you isn't it? I'll let you leave unharmed if you hand over Sora."
"It's that damn wolf!" Riku snarls, his aqua eyes immediately turning white, his fists gripped. "It's the same one that tried to kidnap Sora before!"
"Seriously? Does this guy have a death wish?" Axel narrow his eyes.
"Like hell we're giving him to you!"
Axel reaches into his pocket. He's going to call for back up. Sora has a decision to make. If he lets Axel call back up, Leon will be in trouble, if he doesn't his brothers might get hurt-
"Opps! Can't let you do that!" A blur of black hits the crystal, causing Axel to drop it. Cloud picks up the crystal and jumps back, grinning, those fangs peeking.
"Shit a Vampire!" Axel warns. Cloud goes in again this time moving past Axel to tackle Riku. Hes able to stand his ground, and throw the vampire off without getting bitten but Cloud got what he wanted. His crystal.
"Damn it!" Riku and Axel get closer to Sora to try to protect him and his crystal. "Call for back up Sora!"
Axel summons his flames, trapping the three within a circle of them. It's a way to try to protect them and cause damage to the vampire or werewolf that tries to get close.
"I...I don't have it." Sora has to wonder who's side he's on. Sora had reached in his pocket but there really is nothing there.
"Sorry about that. I had a feeling it might turn out like this Sora. Don't hate me for it." Cloud holds out three crystals. He must have stolen it off him while they were talking. Probably when Sora get close enough to hand him the phone. Cloud just showed him speed he's never seen before. He's not a regular vampire.
"He's fast." Riku keeps himself in front of Sora. "...What's a clan leader doing here?"
"A clan leader?" Sora questions, trying to keep calm. This is the worse possible scenario. He thought he had more time.
"I'm more like a prince." Cloud sighs. "I kind of over see all clans so...yeah I'm kind of a big deal."
"I'll say it again. You have no way to call for back up. Hand over Sora and we'll spare your lives." Leon tries again. "It's obvious you can't win against us."
"...Riku maybe we should-"
"If you're going to suggest we give up Sora, Axel I throw you to that fucking vampire."
"Look I'm not saying we just surrender but there's no way we can take out the prince of vampires paired with a werewolf! It's suicide by ourselves! If they wanted to kill Sora they wouldn't be going through all this trouble." Axel tries to reason. It looks like he's sweating. Those white eyes are giving away to fear. Riku grinds his teeth. He looks prepared to fight and to die just to keep Sora safe. He can feel it through there link...this dedication to him but...
"Riku please. I don't want you two getting hurt." Sora grabs Riku's hand. He looks at him with wide eyes. "...I'll go." Sora locks eyes with Leon. He nods his head when Axel gets rid of his flames to let Sora by-
Riku grabs onto Sora. "I'm not going to let you. I won't let this wolf touch you, let alone take you away!"
"Riku please!" Sora begs.
"Come on Riku! Think clearly! If we die here they're going to take Sora anyway. If we live we can plan to help him later! You're going to get us all killed!" Axel snaps.
"Oh?" Riku's voice is dark. Devoid of light. "So you're saying if I were to take Roxas away you'd be okay with that right? As long as you live to fight another day right?"
"Hey. Roxas has nothing to do with this." Axel's voice lowers.
"Enough of this. Sora come here-" Leon tries again. Just as Sora is about to try to break out of Riku's hold, the air gets indescribably hot. The sound of screams cause everyone to turn their attention to their left. The village...it's in flames. The villagers are running around on fire, their faces melting. And above the village is...is...
"Is that a fucking dragon?!" Axel screams, his mouth wide open seeing the green scaly creature that's breathing flames onto the village, destroying everything.
"No fucking way!" Cloud yells in disbelief seeing the Wizard riding the dragon, laughing in glee. "he did it!"
"Of course I did!" the dragon lands in front of the five, all looking at him with their mouths dropped. With a grin the man in white robes jumps off the beast. He spreads his arms, standing in front of the dragon. "Behold! All it took was some strength from the earth, dragon bones and my genius! I have resurrected one of the strongest beings and it's completely under my control! With this beast I'll be able to conquer all the universes-"
The dragon, with just a snap of his neck, bites the wizard, inhaling him up to his waist. The wizard screams as the dragon bites down, separating his top and bottom of his body. His upper being swallowed while his legs fall to the ground.
"H-Hey this is fucked isn't it?" Axel asks nervously. "We need to get the hell out of here-"
"The crystals aren't working." Cloud panics when none of the ones he has works. He curses. "You don't think that wizard cut off communication before he died do you?! For how long?"
The dragon roars, spreading his wings.
"We can't out run it." Leon glances at the Occisor who are still looking up at this thing in awe. "If we're going to survive we're going to have to fight it."
"Fight a dragon-" Cloud starts but when the dragon starts to breath in, all five of them jump and scattered to dodge the blow of fire that comes crashing down.
"Axel aren't you immune to fire?!" Riku sends a rock spear at the Dragon. It hits it's mark but doesn't even pierce the dragon's skin.
"Under normal circumstances but I'm not going to stand under a fucking dragon's flame to find out if it still works on dragons!" Axel sends fire towards the dragon but as expected it doesn't do anything. "I'm pretty useless right now!"
"I can't believe this!" Cloud is a blur of black as he moves around the dragon. He makes jabs and punches but even with his strength he's not doing much. "If we can't get past it's skin we can't do anything!"
"Stop panicking! Aim for the weak parts! The neck and inside it's mouth." Leon growls before his bones crack and break. He transforms into a large brown wolf. Those eyes are still sane. He's in control. He runs towards the dragon, dodging the fire breath to get closer. With a leap he sinks his teeth into the Dragon's neck. His sharp teeth aren't able to pierce it no matter how hard he bites. Though it's weaker, he can't harm him. Leon whines when the dragon hits him off with his large claw. He hits the ground hard but gets right back up to dodge another breath of flame.
Cloud rushes to attack the same spot that Leon sunk his teeth in. He's still not able to peel the scale off or pierce him. Riku aims for the same spot as well but it's not breaking.
"Oh shit!" Axel had moved close to throw his weapons at the neck. Not only had it not done anything but he ends up getting whacked by the tail and thrown against a tree.
"Stop it!" Sora rushes up to the dragon. With all the strength he can muster he jumps and tries to sink his swords into that same spot. It looks like it's started to give way. His sword sinks in a bit, causing the dragon to roar, thrashing his neck around. Sora isn't able to hold on and is thrown off. The impact from this massive creature's strength causes him to get the breath knocked right out of him.
"I won't let you!" Riku creates a stone wall in front of Sora, protecting him from the flames that were going to melt him.
"Keep attacking that spot!" Cloud presses when he saw Sora was able to hurt it just a little. Leon wastes no time and goes in for another bite. The dragon is expecting him this time and swipes at the wolf. His claws dig in deep, throwing Leon to the ground. Leon reverts back to his human form, bleeding out from the deep furrows in his chest.
Cloud grabs Leon and moves him before the dragon stomps on him.
"It knows where we're aiming for. It's not stupid." Leon breathes heavily. "Can we leave yet?"
"No not yet." Cloud's eyes have turned red.
"Is this really how it's going to end?" Axel moves so he's standing next to Riku and Sora. Riku had send another earth spear, a couple to try to trip up the dragon but it dodges them. "If a vampire prince, werewolf and three Occisor can't kill this thing I don't know what will."
"Leon can you move?" Cloud asks seriously.
"...I can but not fast." he answers honestly.
"...Sora you should run." Riku whispers to him, getting Sora to tense. "I...I can't protect you from that thing-"
"I'll never leave you! If you're going to die so am I." Sora cuts him off. "But...This can't be the end! There has to be something-"
"Use it."
Sora feels something throb inside of him.
"Unleash it."
Another throb.
"Use them."
This voice...Why is he so cold? Why does he feel so scared? What's happening to his body?
Suddenly the dragon roars and charges them.
"Oh shit it's coming!" Cloud moves quickly to try to divert it's attention away from Leon. It doesn't work. Sora jumps back away from the dragon. He realizes soon though that the dragon is actually following him when Riku had jumped away from him, trying to take the dragon's attention away from him with attacks of stone.
"SORA! RUN!" Riku screams when his attacks aren't stopping it at all. Leon and Cloud are attacking it from behind but it's doing nothing.
"He's right Sora! Run it's after you!" Leon yells at him.
"Why are you scared?" That voice...that voice...Sora can't-
"MOVE!"
The dragon is in front of him. Sora looks up at it frozen in place. Why...Why is his body...what is this feeling? That voice...he doesn't like it. It terrifies him more then this dragon!
The giant lizard opens it's mouth to devour the teen. With a leap Sora jumps, getting his whole body inside the mouth of the dragon, not letting it bite him in half like the wizard.
"SORA!"
"WHAT IS GOING ON?!"
There's panic but Sora is focused. He uses his arms and legs to keep this dragon's mouth open. He needs to do this fast. He can do this. The dragon is starting to gather fire down his throat. If he breathes it, Sora will be burnt alive.
"I...I'll stop you!" Sora struggles as he uses one hand to hold open the mouth while he summons light to his other free hand. He uses the fear and panic he feels from his links. He uses them and this desire to protect everyone to push him further. With a blast, light shoots from his hand and goes down this dragon's throat.
The dragon thrashes, screaming in agony. Sora's able to jump out of the mouth, being caught by Riku. The dragon continues to roar in pain, till it's eyes suddenly turn pale. It falls to the ground, tongue hanging out of it's mouth. They all watch as the stomach suddenly opens up as if acid was eating it from the inside out. The blast of light is no where to be seen but the damage it caused...The organs of the dragon are nothing but mush.
"...How?" Even Sora can't comprehend it. The ball of light he used during the council check up...It barely did anything to that rock. It certainly didn't act like acid! Sora swallows. He feels uneasy. He knows that somehow...his body had changed. It' still changing. It's like he can't stop it.
"Holy shit Sora you killed it!" Axel stares at the corpse with his mouth wide open.
"Alright never mind." Cloud suddenly gets into a fighting stance, those red eyes gleaming. "I told you I wasn't going to steal you away today but forget that. You just killed a dragon! That kind of power...It doesn't belong with the Occisor!"
"Not this again!" Riku and Axel pull their weapons. Axel pauses when Leon attacks the vampire, getting him to jump back. The werewolf is slower, bleeding heavily. It looks like he can't keep up with the damage.
"I'm taking him Cloud-"
"I know you're not actually going to try to fight me while you're bleeding out-" Cloud turns his attention to Leon. That's all Riku needs. He sends a spear of stone towards Cloud, the vampire dodges but he was able to get him in the leg. Riku doesn't waste any time. He jumps towards Leon, his knuckle braces ready.
"Take Sora? I'll make sure you're never able to hurt him again-" Leon isn't fast enough to move. He knows the Occisor isn't going to hold back with this hit. He wonders if he can take it or if he's going to die here-
"Stop Riku!" Sora gets in front of Leon, blocking his punch with one of his swords. Riku stares at him with wide confused eyes. He can feel that Leon and Cloud are looking at him the same way. "You're going to kill him-"
"That's the point!" Riku snarls. "This guy wants to take you away Sora! He's a wolf! He's the enemy-"
"Leon...He's not the enemy! Cloud...He's not bad either-"
"Sora do you hear what's coming out of your mouth?! What have they done to you that you're sprouting this nonsense!"
"Nothing! Please I don't want anymore fighting! I...I don't want anyone to get hurt! Please Cloud...Give us our crystals so we can leave. Please take Leon away from here so he can get help."
"Sora..." Cloud's eyes widen. He must know that just Sora lifting his sword towards another Occisor is treason and is punishable by death.
"Leon please give me more time!" Sora begs. "now isn't the time!"
"..." Leon ear twitches but in that moment Sora can feel two links form. Leon and Cloud. They have faith in him. They believe in him. They know that Sora truly isn't their enemy and that he would risk himself to help them escape.
"A-Alright just this once okay?-"
"Sora this is treason." Axel's voice is shaky. "We-"
"I don't care!" Sora snaps, still in a lock with Riku, not letting him move. "Let them leave! If they didn't help us that dragon would have finished us off a lot sooner. Please Riku back down-"
"You dare raise your swords at me for them? For that wolf?!" Riku's voice is menacing. "you've gone soft in the head!" Riku yells, the darkness is overwhelming.
"Cloud, Leon please! Leave us be!" Sora begs. He feels their links tug.
"Alright well...Don't get killed Sora." Cloud checks to make sure the communication is back before he throws the three crystals off to the side to give them some time. He makes a portal and in one swift movement, picks up the injured Leon.
"I promise I'll come for you. You have to let them go Sora! It's time to let them go!" Leon growls at him. Cloud and Leon disappear into the portal.
Sora jumps back away from Riku, putting away his sword to try to show no ill will but the damage has already been done. Riku is glaring at him, breathing heavily like a raging bull.
"...What are we going to do about this?" Axel comes back after retrieving the crystals. He throws one to Sora and Riku. He is looking at Sora with a frown, his eyebrows furrowed. "If...If we say there was a vampire and werewolf-"
"We could just...not tell them." Sora tries. "We just say it was a dragon and wizard attack-"
"You're asking something pretty dangerous of us you know? You're telling us to fib the report? If it comes out that we lied about the vampire and werewolf we're in deep shit-"
"If we tell them about the vampire and the werewolf..." Riku's breathing is still uneven. "Or even the dragon they will come here to investigate. I've heard of Occisor with all kinds of powers. Even the power to see events of the past by touching objects .If There's even a chance that they could find out about Sora protecting a vampire and Werewolf...we can't take that risk."
"You're saying we lie about the dragon too?! Riku have you lost your-"
"How would they know? Obviously if they knew about the dragon they would be here by now. If we don't say anything this dies with us. We have to make it so that the council doesn't investigate here. Sora...They can't know what he just did."
"..." Axel bites his finger nails, trying to think. Sora knows he's causing all this distress.
"I don't want to put you two in danger. I'll take responsibility for-"
"Taking responsibility means death Sora." Riku snarls, Sora freezing at those white eyes glaring into him. "Just be quiet."
Sora bites his lip but he shuts up.
"So...what? In our report we just say there was a wizard?"
"yes. We say the wizard attacked once he realized we were messing with his pods. That's all we have to say. That won't cause an investigation."
"What about the smells? We were close to that dragon and wolf-"
"We'll rub ash on us and make sure we can't make out any scents before we go."
"What about the lack of money?"
"We'll just say the wizard killed the villager before we could get paid." Riku pulls out the file and with a steady hand starts to write up the report. He reads over it four times before handing it to Axel to read. He reads over it and nods. Axel makes some ash by burning the grass around them and spreads it on his clothes. It's not uncommon for him to be covered in ash anyway. "Alright lets get you guys covered-"
"Axel you go back with the report. I need to talk to Sora alone." Riku's voice leaves no room for argument.
"Uh...You know as soon as I show up without Sora, Ven is going to lose his shit and come after you two and see all this mess-" Axel looks at the dragon's corpse only to tense when there's nothing left. Not even bones. Sora's power...completely ate it away. "H-Huh well...I don't think he'd think a dragon came back to life...seems pretty crazy when you think about It-"
"It will be fine. Just go. We'll be gone before he shows up." Riku grabs Sora by the arm. He makes a portal before pushing Sora into it. He doesn't have to ask to know where they're going. Their hang out.
Riku is so angry that Sora is a little worried about the darkness he feels.
Really having Ven worry and try to search for him isn't a good idea either. Sora keeps quiet through. He dare not say anything to Riku right now.
Axel watches the two go with wide eyes. He rubs the back his head, sighing. "...What the fuck was that?" Axel makes sure to burn any patches of dirt that have blood on them just in case Ven comes and smells werewolf or vampire.
He still can't believe he's about to turn in this file that's full of lies. He can't believe he fought alone a werewolf and vampire against a dragon! He's putting himself in danger for what? For Sora? For Riku? He pauses when he thinks of Roxas's smile. Roxas came back to him because Sora always was there. He pushed them together and listened even when he was in pain.
"Damn..." Axel has no idea what Riku is going to say to Sora. He protected a werewolf and vampire. It's sad but it doesn't surprise him. It was probably best for Sora to go with that wolf but Riku won't let him go. Sora's behaviors match even if now it seems more hidden.
Axel sighs again. He really doesn't want to go home and face Ven. He can already feel a head ache coming on. It sucks he can't mention anything to Roxas either...He's not 100% sure if Roxas will be able to keep quiet if there's a vampire involved. He doesn't know what he would think if he heard Sora protected one either...
Axel doesn't want to cause Sora pain. For once...He'll put Sora above his need to tell Roxas everything. Maybe some day he'll be able to come clean but for now, in order to protect Sora,
His lips are sealed.