Like Father, Like Son
by Rikku Chic9
***
(Author's notes: Rose: Just give up and stop writing! No one's readin'!
Rikku: How would you know?
Rose: They gave up on you a LONG time ago. It's been, like, a year since you updated! I would ditch you too if you took that long!
Rikku: -_- Well, sorry...
Rose: You'd better be.
Rikku: All of the same old stuff (blood, violence, language, etc.) and oh yeah! I do NOT own Final Fantasy 8 or anything related to it.
Rose: Are you afraid Squaresoft or someone is going to come after you or something?
Rikku: Just read.
---Still talking now. Just want to apologize for how long this took me. I'll be back and kickin' with this fic, so don't give up on me, please. ^^; Again, REALLY, really... sorry for the delay. Enjoy! ^_^)
***
"You have a nice nap?"
Squall jumped slightly seeing Quistis standing to his side. He was suddenly inside the meeting hall with everyone, from where they were standing or sitting, looking to him.
"Heya, pal," Zell waved, "we be headin' out now!"
Heading out? They'd just gotten here... why would they be leaving now?
'It's been almost two days, kid, I believe you've been away from Balamb a little longer than you'd all hoped for.'
'That voice!'
"What the hell are you doing?!" Squall put his arms over his head while he glared at a cheery Laguna.
"Hey, that's what happens when you agree to a bond, kid!" Laguna smiled a little more just to agitate his son further.
"A what...?" Squall's memory kicked in groaning at what he recalled about a bond.
"Hey Squall," Zell interjected, " Laguna's coming back with us to Garden!"
Squall looked quite shocked and probably disgusted somewhat by the declaration.
"I'd let you SeeD handle it yourselves IF this were a regular vampire situation, but after some sudden discoveries this'll be far from regular."
Squall looked desperate.
"Who's gonna run Esthar while you're gone, Mr. President, huh?!"
"Alex."
"Wha?"
"Well, it's not like he has no clue what to do. No one will be able to tell that I'm gone either."
"Won't that be a little difficult?" Squall doubted his father.
"Of course not! Alex is a master of illusions! He can easily appear as me, but not really be! It's easy to fool the mind, kid!" Laguna looked rather proud of himself.
"Apparently, Kiros and Ward will be keeping Esthar under check as well. How do you even plan to get out of here without your officials noticing, Mr. Laguna?" Quistis inquired.
"Oh, that won't be too difficult either and please, it's just Laguna." Squall's father gave the former SeeD instructor a warm smile.
***
Outside the Palace, everyone gathered quickly before heading out. Kiros and Ward were there with Alex who seemed to be tricking everyone already with citizens walking by waving to him as if he were a king.
Squall noticed a man in all blue and black shades walking towards them from the street. Squall flinched slightly in surprise barely recognizing the man as Laguna. Seeing his father with his midnight colored hair out of its usual ponytail really reminded Squall of the dreams he'd had of a younger Laguna.
Laguna looked, basically, the same as he had almost 20 or so years ago, except for a few graying hairs. Although those appeared a pretty dull silvery color. Guess the stress of presidency finally got to the vampire. Still, he, obviously had the eternal youth deal on his side.
Squall saw that it didn't take Selphie long to notice his father. He knew she was a big fan of Laguna since the whole dream incidents the year before. Wearing the indigo turtleneck and black jeans along with having good looks would attract most females really. Squall knew Selphie was probably having a heart attack by now the way she was staring at his father.
"Oh my goodness, he's so fine..." Selphie was getting disapproving head shakes from Quistis.
"You do know he's, technically, married and far too old for you." Quistis whispered in embarassment for her friend.
"He sure don't look it!" Selphie whispered back.
Irvine finally interrupted, obviously, trying to protect his interest and relation with Selphie.
"Okay now. Calm down, girl."
'Just how old is Squall's old man, anyway?' Irvine pondered.
"Just 44."
Laguna looked at the group for a second kinda scaring them at first since he'd been making it over to them a few minutes ago.
"Woah, excuse me, man! Bad habit peaking in minds and all!"
"You're 44 years old?" Irvine looked Laguna up and down in confusion.
"You're 44??!!" Selphie shouted.
Squall and Irvine both stared back at her.
"Then you're the youngest and hottest lookin' 44 year old I've ever seen!!!" Selphie grinned.
Laguna began to blush furiously.
"Hey there mister eternally 20! Got yourself a little admirer!" Kiros snickered with Ward smiling both of them just joining in.
"Hey, already!" Laguna flashed his trademark smile again in embarassment.
"How'd that get-up sneak you out?" Squall tried to lower the insanity level.
"Well, I'm dressed too nicely! They'd never think twice and my own secretary shooed me out thinking I was some lost tourist who'd walked into the wrong building!"
"Too well groomed to be President Loire." Kiros added to Laguna's explanation.
Laguna raised his hand wanting so badly to get Kiros back, but just lowered in defeat.
"Since I can't stay in one place too long, let's be on our way now," Laguna turned to Kiros, Ward, and Alex, " you guys all watch the fort for me! Ellone, you mind them, now!"
The three waved back with nervous exchanges as Laguna almost tripped over his own feet walking with the SeeD members out of the city. Ellone waved sadly and hesitantly followed the three men, but looked back barely seeing her "brother", "uncle", and the others melt in with the crowd.
***
"Time sure flies by," Laguna streched breathing in the ocean air of Balamb, " what a difference from that desert!"
Striking an optimistic pose, Laguna's admiration of the town was drowned out as Squall talked to Quistis.
"Easy ride back, but I can't help having a bad feeling."
"Maybe having your father this time through made certain somebodies back off for the moment, hopefully..." Quistis answered Squall.
Squall gripped his side slightly as Quistis began to leave with the others.
'Damn it. Again, already?' Squall thought starting to feel uneasy again.
Walking through town, Squall couldn't help, but think about what Laguna had conversed with him alone in the corridor of the train coming back. It had definately been an odd topic which began eating away at Squall even though he was confused over just why...
"AAAHHHHH!!!"
Squall turned sharply hearing the ear piercing scream. It appeared everyone else had heard the cry, also.
"What the hell was that?" Zell asked with alertness.
"Hurry!" Laguna was already running towards, what everyone guessed, where the scream had come and they quickly followed.
Squall snapped out of his startled trance and followed.
"LET GO OF ME!"
Squall could tell it was a young woman's voice calling. A small crowd of people had gathered around something at the port. Many were running to the some scene where Laguna had taken off to.
"Uncle... BIG BROTHER!"
He'd heard that voice before...
"Squall!"
Squall stopped as he finally arrived with Quistis being the one who alerted him as she pointed forward. The minute he glanced up, red hair blazed against the sunlight with unholy violet eyes set on the half breed maliciously. A cold smile curved at the edge of the vampire's mouth.
'Rufus.'
Squall's stomach turned sickly immediately recognizing the woman.
Laguna's eyes widened in a sudden horror when he finally laid eyes upon Rufus' captive, as well.
"ELLONE!"
Rufus smiled sickly delighted by their fear.
"Hello again, half breed... oh and lookie who we have here..." Rufus had his eyes on Laguna, " Ciara's boy toy. I haven't seen you in a long while now..."
Rufus looked very pleased with himself obviously hitting a nerve in Laguna who looked almost at his breaking point.
"Sis?" Squall was utterly clueless about what to do. If he made a wrong move, he didn't know what...
"You..."
Squall heard a feral growl recognizing the tone as his father. Squall was in a true fear at what he saw. Laguna's eyes were piercing Rufus like a cold blade, fangs were clenched, and his entire body seemed deadly. Squall never imagined Laguna could become so dangerous. He even began to wonder over their own safety...
"Let her go, you piece of sh-"
"Oh no, no, no. I'm in control, young one," Rufus gave a twisted grin that sent chills down Squall's back, " It wouldn't take much for me to blow the little girl's head off. So don't try anything stupid, fledgling."
Laguna fists unclenched slowly and the rest of his body followed in the ease.
"... What do I do." He whispered just standing there helpless knowing if he attempted anything...
He shut his eyes in pain.
Rufus laughed cruely.
"So frail! Tahaha! You see, fledgling? You're so weak!" Rufus only continued his laughter keeping firm hold of Ellone.
Rufus tilted Ellone's head with force. Laguna's eyes snapped opened.
"DON'T TOUCH HER!"
A gunshot was heard and the crowd that was gathered quickly spread in a panic. Everyone took advantage of the screaming and fleeing townspeople. Squall glanced over to where Irvine was still standing who blew the tiny string of smoke from his rifle then turned and gave a small confident grin at his SeeD superior.
Laguna, out of nowhere, slammed Rufus from behind who released Ellone quickly to deal with the fledgling. Ellone layed still on the concrete until she saw Squall kneeling next to her.
"You okay?" Ellone got up with her brother's help.
"Yes."
"Why'd you follow us?" Squall sounded more stern that time.
"... I didn't want to be away from Uncle and you."
"Ellone..." Squall sighed in frustration and annoyance.
Squall heard Laguna cry out then looked up to find his father pinned to the ground by the red-haired vampire. He winced his head away seeing Rufus' fist fly down towards Laguna's face. He heard the impact, but when glancing back up, Laguna had kicked Rufus' leg from underneath him. As Laguna had rolled away and gracefully flipped back on his feet, he felt something tap his shoulder.
"Hello, indigo."
Before Laguna could glance over his shoulder, something hard knocked him flat into the street. Squall watched as the Esthar President coughed up blood violently and curled as he struggled to stand up again. He saw that it was a raven-haired man with his elbow slightly extented who'd knocked his father down.
"Keir." Rufus smiled wickedly as Laguna coughed fiercely at hearing the name.
"I'll take care of indigo here, boss."
Rufus laughed looking at Squall and the others then glancing back at Keir.
"Don't have too much fun now."
Squall halted coldly at Rufus' stare. Barely blinking, Squall was hit right below his chin and flew backwards into a stone wall. Ellone screamed as the others immediately charged the purple-eyed demon. Squall held his head painfully and slowly felt the back of his skull. Pulling back a bloody hand, Squall began seeing white in a panic.
Laguna was too pre-occupied with Keir who was beating him severly. Quistis and the others were attempting, unsuccessfully, to hold Rufus back in a physical assault. Squall bit back the agony as he slowly got to his feet.
Selphie had fallen to the street in front of Rufus after an obvious attempt to attack him. Irvine raised his gun aiming at the red-haired devil, but it was knocked from his hand by Zell who'd been thrown towards the tall gunman. Irvine stumbled while Zell landed a ways behind him. Quistis was holding her whip arm with a face twisted with pain.
Before, Squall could fully stand, his blue eyes gazed at Rufus who'd just walked past Selphie as if she were nothing and, at some unseen time, had picked up Irvine's rifle. Irvine had just barely staggered back to his feet in exhaustion when he, too, glanced at Rufus. Selphie had just begun to lift her head from her weakened position. The vampire was already squeezing the trigger.
"Bye bye." The last thing Irvine saw was Rufus's grinning face and the bullet.
***
"IRVINE!!!" Selphie cried in desperate horror.
Everyone froze at the sound of the bloodcurdling scream all in confusion and fear. Squall now knew and saw Irvine falling forward. To everyone else, he was now lying on the concrete.
Before anyone else could see though, Rufus had already made a quick exit. Squall knew it was useless to try and see where he escaped. Zell came running up to him with anger in his eyes at both Irvine and at the fiend who'd done it.
"WHAT THE HELL'S WRONG WITH YOU!!!???" Zell knelt next to Irvine holding back the urge to cry.
Irvine could barely turn his head to face them.
"I... couldn't... heh..." Irvine closed his deep ocean blue eyes for their final time.
Zell, Quistis, and Squall just stared in horror until Selphie began to cry uncontrollably kneeling next to Irvine's still form.
"Dammit, YOU IDIOT!!!" Zell held his head down after punching the concrete.
While at the moment of everyone's sorrow, Squall could hear it. Irvine was still alive, but barely by his last thread. He knew he could... but he wasn't sure of himself... He didn't care at the moment, but he wondered if Irvine would just rather die instead of what Squall was thinking.
***
:Quick Flashback:
"Squall, you know about the myth over how vampires even come to be right?" Laguna began strangely.
Squall had an uncomfortable feeling from the moment Laguna had motioned him out to the corridor to "talk".
"Not how we were created or whatever. I mean how a human becomes a vampire. The bite followed by the blood sharing. That's how it's done."
"... And why are you suddenly telling me this?"
"Just something for you to know... for the future, maybe."
Laguna swayed slightly.
"Well, how does this blood sharing business work then?"
Laguna only answered in simple, but slightly disturbing words.
"Your body will know."
***
Squall collapsed.
'God... someone... help me.'
"Squall?" Selphie looked up with her tear stained face.
Squall gently felt Irvine's wrist. His pulse was present. It was just enough. He softly lifted him up.
"Squall, what?" Zell looked surprised.
"Listen. I can't talk forever, but Irvine's still just barely alive, but he will die if nothing's done."
"Get a doctor or some...!" Zell was thinking rationally.
"He won't make it in that time. Listen... He can be saved... but..."
"You'd...?" Selphie seemed a bit shocked.
"Only if... would you want him back? Is it better that he'd die? I don't know... I can't ask him, obviously." Squall just looked as if wanting one of them to answer.
"I..." Selphie couldn't think.
"If you think it's alright..." Zell finished as he glanced at Squall.
He knew he couldn't discuss it over much longer. He brushed away Irvine's messy chestnut ponytail and lowered his coat. His fangs were now extended to do their work. He closed his eyes and spoke in a whisper.
"I'm sorry, Irvine."
At that instant, he sank his canines into Irvine's neck drinking patiently. Something told him he was at that specific point Laguna had mentioned to him earlier. Almost as soon as he began he stopped and withdrew. He carefully sliced his wrist on his gunblade hissing from the sensation. He immediately opened Irvine's lips just wide enough placing his bleeding wrist over his mouth.
"Please..." Squall quietly prayed.
Squall removed his hand after a few minutes and waited. After about a minute... he lowered his head.
"Dammit... DAMMIT!!" Squall also punched the concrete, but instead left a tiny crater where his fist made contact.
"Dammit..." Squall seemed on the verge of tears for his failure, but at that moment he heard coughing.
Squall's eyes opened to see Irvine move his hand to the spot on his chest where he'd been struck by the bullet from his own rifle. He finally opened one eye which was now a light water blue. He looked up to see Squall who just stared dumb struck.
"Squall...?" Irvine fumbled a little with himself trying to sit up.
Selphie almost collapsed at hearing that voice. Quistis gasped in fear as Squall finally gave in to the blood lose falling to the concrete softly.
Irvine finally had the strength to open his other eye which was just as pale. He sat up now and seemed to be absorbing what had just occured.
"Irv... ine...?" Zell still seemed in shock from what he had just witnessed and what was happening now.
Selphie trembled slightly as Irvine put his gaze towards her. He had a slightly confused look on his face as Selphie just stared at him with tears beginning to rise in her eyes again. It shocked her when he reached out his hand and touched her cheek giving her a weak smile.
"Sorry for scarin' you, Selph."
At those words, Selphie embraced Irvine lovingly with tears running furiously down her face. She couldn't help... but show a bittersweet smile.
***
(Author's notes: Rose: Oooohhhh... What a twist.
Rikku: Yeah right. You knew I was gonna do that.
Rose: Duh. Irvine's one of your fav. characters in that game, so he has to fall victim to your insanity.
Rikku: Exactly... ^___^ Hehehehehe...
Rose: O___O;;;
Rikku: Anyway, you'll want to see the next chapter, especially if you're a fan of this pairing: SelphiexIrvine!
Rose: Ew. Count half the population out. :P
Rikku: Shut up!
---Again, I'm already working on the next two chapters. For those who are reading my Das Gewahlte fic, but sorry, it'll take longer. The next chapters for this fic won't take nearly that long, though. Please, be patient with me... ^^;)
by Rikku Chic9
***
(Author's notes: Rose: Just give up and stop writing! No one's readin'!
Rikku: How would you know?
Rose: They gave up on you a LONG time ago. It's been, like, a year since you updated! I would ditch you too if you took that long!
Rikku: -_- Well, sorry...
Rose: You'd better be.
Rikku: All of the same old stuff (blood, violence, language, etc.) and oh yeah! I do NOT own Final Fantasy 8 or anything related to it.
Rose: Are you afraid Squaresoft or someone is going to come after you or something?
Rikku: Just read.
---Still talking now. Just want to apologize for how long this took me. I'll be back and kickin' with this fic, so don't give up on me, please. ^^; Again, REALLY, really... sorry for the delay. Enjoy! ^_^)
***
"You have a nice nap?"
Squall jumped slightly seeing Quistis standing to his side. He was suddenly inside the meeting hall with everyone, from where they were standing or sitting, looking to him.
"Heya, pal," Zell waved, "we be headin' out now!"
Heading out? They'd just gotten here... why would they be leaving now?
'It's been almost two days, kid, I believe you've been away from Balamb a little longer than you'd all hoped for.'
'That voice!'
"What the hell are you doing?!" Squall put his arms over his head while he glared at a cheery Laguna.
"Hey, that's what happens when you agree to a bond, kid!" Laguna smiled a little more just to agitate his son further.
"A what...?" Squall's memory kicked in groaning at what he recalled about a bond.
"Hey Squall," Zell interjected, " Laguna's coming back with us to Garden!"
Squall looked quite shocked and probably disgusted somewhat by the declaration.
"I'd let you SeeD handle it yourselves IF this were a regular vampire situation, but after some sudden discoveries this'll be far from regular."
Squall looked desperate.
"Who's gonna run Esthar while you're gone, Mr. President, huh?!"
"Alex."
"Wha?"
"Well, it's not like he has no clue what to do. No one will be able to tell that I'm gone either."
"Won't that be a little difficult?" Squall doubted his father.
"Of course not! Alex is a master of illusions! He can easily appear as me, but not really be! It's easy to fool the mind, kid!" Laguna looked rather proud of himself.
"Apparently, Kiros and Ward will be keeping Esthar under check as well. How do you even plan to get out of here without your officials noticing, Mr. Laguna?" Quistis inquired.
"Oh, that won't be too difficult either and please, it's just Laguna." Squall's father gave the former SeeD instructor a warm smile.
***
Outside the Palace, everyone gathered quickly before heading out. Kiros and Ward were there with Alex who seemed to be tricking everyone already with citizens walking by waving to him as if he were a king.
Squall noticed a man in all blue and black shades walking towards them from the street. Squall flinched slightly in surprise barely recognizing the man as Laguna. Seeing his father with his midnight colored hair out of its usual ponytail really reminded Squall of the dreams he'd had of a younger Laguna.
Laguna looked, basically, the same as he had almost 20 or so years ago, except for a few graying hairs. Although those appeared a pretty dull silvery color. Guess the stress of presidency finally got to the vampire. Still, he, obviously had the eternal youth deal on his side.
Squall saw that it didn't take Selphie long to notice his father. He knew she was a big fan of Laguna since the whole dream incidents the year before. Wearing the indigo turtleneck and black jeans along with having good looks would attract most females really. Squall knew Selphie was probably having a heart attack by now the way she was staring at his father.
"Oh my goodness, he's so fine..." Selphie was getting disapproving head shakes from Quistis.
"You do know he's, technically, married and far too old for you." Quistis whispered in embarassment for her friend.
"He sure don't look it!" Selphie whispered back.
Irvine finally interrupted, obviously, trying to protect his interest and relation with Selphie.
"Okay now. Calm down, girl."
'Just how old is Squall's old man, anyway?' Irvine pondered.
"Just 44."
Laguna looked at the group for a second kinda scaring them at first since he'd been making it over to them a few minutes ago.
"Woah, excuse me, man! Bad habit peaking in minds and all!"
"You're 44 years old?" Irvine looked Laguna up and down in confusion.
"You're 44??!!" Selphie shouted.
Squall and Irvine both stared back at her.
"Then you're the youngest and hottest lookin' 44 year old I've ever seen!!!" Selphie grinned.
Laguna began to blush furiously.
"Hey there mister eternally 20! Got yourself a little admirer!" Kiros snickered with Ward smiling both of them just joining in.
"Hey, already!" Laguna flashed his trademark smile again in embarassment.
"How'd that get-up sneak you out?" Squall tried to lower the insanity level.
"Well, I'm dressed too nicely! They'd never think twice and my own secretary shooed me out thinking I was some lost tourist who'd walked into the wrong building!"
"Too well groomed to be President Loire." Kiros added to Laguna's explanation.
Laguna raised his hand wanting so badly to get Kiros back, but just lowered in defeat.
"Since I can't stay in one place too long, let's be on our way now," Laguna turned to Kiros, Ward, and Alex, " you guys all watch the fort for me! Ellone, you mind them, now!"
The three waved back with nervous exchanges as Laguna almost tripped over his own feet walking with the SeeD members out of the city. Ellone waved sadly and hesitantly followed the three men, but looked back barely seeing her "brother", "uncle", and the others melt in with the crowd.
***
"Time sure flies by," Laguna streched breathing in the ocean air of Balamb, " what a difference from that desert!"
Striking an optimistic pose, Laguna's admiration of the town was drowned out as Squall talked to Quistis.
"Easy ride back, but I can't help having a bad feeling."
"Maybe having your father this time through made certain somebodies back off for the moment, hopefully..." Quistis answered Squall.
Squall gripped his side slightly as Quistis began to leave with the others.
'Damn it. Again, already?' Squall thought starting to feel uneasy again.
Walking through town, Squall couldn't help, but think about what Laguna had conversed with him alone in the corridor of the train coming back. It had definately been an odd topic which began eating away at Squall even though he was confused over just why...
"AAAHHHHH!!!"
Squall turned sharply hearing the ear piercing scream. It appeared everyone else had heard the cry, also.
"What the hell was that?" Zell asked with alertness.
"Hurry!" Laguna was already running towards, what everyone guessed, where the scream had come and they quickly followed.
Squall snapped out of his startled trance and followed.
"LET GO OF ME!"
Squall could tell it was a young woman's voice calling. A small crowd of people had gathered around something at the port. Many were running to the some scene where Laguna had taken off to.
"Uncle... BIG BROTHER!"
He'd heard that voice before...
"Squall!"
Squall stopped as he finally arrived with Quistis being the one who alerted him as she pointed forward. The minute he glanced up, red hair blazed against the sunlight with unholy violet eyes set on the half breed maliciously. A cold smile curved at the edge of the vampire's mouth.
'Rufus.'
Squall's stomach turned sickly immediately recognizing the woman.
Laguna's eyes widened in a sudden horror when he finally laid eyes upon Rufus' captive, as well.
"ELLONE!"
Rufus smiled sickly delighted by their fear.
"Hello again, half breed... oh and lookie who we have here..." Rufus had his eyes on Laguna, " Ciara's boy toy. I haven't seen you in a long while now..."
Rufus looked very pleased with himself obviously hitting a nerve in Laguna who looked almost at his breaking point.
"Sis?" Squall was utterly clueless about what to do. If he made a wrong move, he didn't know what...
"You..."
Squall heard a feral growl recognizing the tone as his father. Squall was in a true fear at what he saw. Laguna's eyes were piercing Rufus like a cold blade, fangs were clenched, and his entire body seemed deadly. Squall never imagined Laguna could become so dangerous. He even began to wonder over their own safety...
"Let her go, you piece of sh-"
"Oh no, no, no. I'm in control, young one," Rufus gave a twisted grin that sent chills down Squall's back, " It wouldn't take much for me to blow the little girl's head off. So don't try anything stupid, fledgling."
Laguna fists unclenched slowly and the rest of his body followed in the ease.
"... What do I do." He whispered just standing there helpless knowing if he attempted anything...
He shut his eyes in pain.
Rufus laughed cruely.
"So frail! Tahaha! You see, fledgling? You're so weak!" Rufus only continued his laughter keeping firm hold of Ellone.
Rufus tilted Ellone's head with force. Laguna's eyes snapped opened.
"DON'T TOUCH HER!"
A gunshot was heard and the crowd that was gathered quickly spread in a panic. Everyone took advantage of the screaming and fleeing townspeople. Squall glanced over to where Irvine was still standing who blew the tiny string of smoke from his rifle then turned and gave a small confident grin at his SeeD superior.
Laguna, out of nowhere, slammed Rufus from behind who released Ellone quickly to deal with the fledgling. Ellone layed still on the concrete until she saw Squall kneeling next to her.
"You okay?" Ellone got up with her brother's help.
"Yes."
"Why'd you follow us?" Squall sounded more stern that time.
"... I didn't want to be away from Uncle and you."
"Ellone..." Squall sighed in frustration and annoyance.
Squall heard Laguna cry out then looked up to find his father pinned to the ground by the red-haired vampire. He winced his head away seeing Rufus' fist fly down towards Laguna's face. He heard the impact, but when glancing back up, Laguna had kicked Rufus' leg from underneath him. As Laguna had rolled away and gracefully flipped back on his feet, he felt something tap his shoulder.
"Hello, indigo."
Before Laguna could glance over his shoulder, something hard knocked him flat into the street. Squall watched as the Esthar President coughed up blood violently and curled as he struggled to stand up again. He saw that it was a raven-haired man with his elbow slightly extented who'd knocked his father down.
"Keir." Rufus smiled wickedly as Laguna coughed fiercely at hearing the name.
"I'll take care of indigo here, boss."
Rufus laughed looking at Squall and the others then glancing back at Keir.
"Don't have too much fun now."
Squall halted coldly at Rufus' stare. Barely blinking, Squall was hit right below his chin and flew backwards into a stone wall. Ellone screamed as the others immediately charged the purple-eyed demon. Squall held his head painfully and slowly felt the back of his skull. Pulling back a bloody hand, Squall began seeing white in a panic.
Laguna was too pre-occupied with Keir who was beating him severly. Quistis and the others were attempting, unsuccessfully, to hold Rufus back in a physical assault. Squall bit back the agony as he slowly got to his feet.
Selphie had fallen to the street in front of Rufus after an obvious attempt to attack him. Irvine raised his gun aiming at the red-haired devil, but it was knocked from his hand by Zell who'd been thrown towards the tall gunman. Irvine stumbled while Zell landed a ways behind him. Quistis was holding her whip arm with a face twisted with pain.
Before, Squall could fully stand, his blue eyes gazed at Rufus who'd just walked past Selphie as if she were nothing and, at some unseen time, had picked up Irvine's rifle. Irvine had just barely staggered back to his feet in exhaustion when he, too, glanced at Rufus. Selphie had just begun to lift her head from her weakened position. The vampire was already squeezing the trigger.
"Bye bye." The last thing Irvine saw was Rufus's grinning face and the bullet.
***
"IRVINE!!!" Selphie cried in desperate horror.
Everyone froze at the sound of the bloodcurdling scream all in confusion and fear. Squall now knew and saw Irvine falling forward. To everyone else, he was now lying on the concrete.
Before anyone else could see though, Rufus had already made a quick exit. Squall knew it was useless to try and see where he escaped. Zell came running up to him with anger in his eyes at both Irvine and at the fiend who'd done it.
"WHAT THE HELL'S WRONG WITH YOU!!!???" Zell knelt next to Irvine holding back the urge to cry.
Irvine could barely turn his head to face them.
"I... couldn't... heh..." Irvine closed his deep ocean blue eyes for their final time.
Zell, Quistis, and Squall just stared in horror until Selphie began to cry uncontrollably kneeling next to Irvine's still form.
"Dammit, YOU IDIOT!!!" Zell held his head down after punching the concrete.
While at the moment of everyone's sorrow, Squall could hear it. Irvine was still alive, but barely by his last thread. He knew he could... but he wasn't sure of himself... He didn't care at the moment, but he wondered if Irvine would just rather die instead of what Squall was thinking.
***
:Quick Flashback:
"Squall, you know about the myth over how vampires even come to be right?" Laguna began strangely.
Squall had an uncomfortable feeling from the moment Laguna had motioned him out to the corridor to "talk".
"Not how we were created or whatever. I mean how a human becomes a vampire. The bite followed by the blood sharing. That's how it's done."
"... And why are you suddenly telling me this?"
"Just something for you to know... for the future, maybe."
Laguna swayed slightly.
"Well, how does this blood sharing business work then?"
Laguna only answered in simple, but slightly disturbing words.
"Your body will know."
***
Squall collapsed.
'God... someone... help me.'
"Squall?" Selphie looked up with her tear stained face.
Squall gently felt Irvine's wrist. His pulse was present. It was just enough. He softly lifted him up.
"Squall, what?" Zell looked surprised.
"Listen. I can't talk forever, but Irvine's still just barely alive, but he will die if nothing's done."
"Get a doctor or some...!" Zell was thinking rationally.
"He won't make it in that time. Listen... He can be saved... but..."
"You'd...?" Selphie seemed a bit shocked.
"Only if... would you want him back? Is it better that he'd die? I don't know... I can't ask him, obviously." Squall just looked as if wanting one of them to answer.
"I..." Selphie couldn't think.
"If you think it's alright..." Zell finished as he glanced at Squall.
He knew he couldn't discuss it over much longer. He brushed away Irvine's messy chestnut ponytail and lowered his coat. His fangs were now extended to do their work. He closed his eyes and spoke in a whisper.
"I'm sorry, Irvine."
At that instant, he sank his canines into Irvine's neck drinking patiently. Something told him he was at that specific point Laguna had mentioned to him earlier. Almost as soon as he began he stopped and withdrew. He carefully sliced his wrist on his gunblade hissing from the sensation. He immediately opened Irvine's lips just wide enough placing his bleeding wrist over his mouth.
"Please..." Squall quietly prayed.
Squall removed his hand after a few minutes and waited. After about a minute... he lowered his head.
"Dammit... DAMMIT!!" Squall also punched the concrete, but instead left a tiny crater where his fist made contact.
"Dammit..." Squall seemed on the verge of tears for his failure, but at that moment he heard coughing.
Squall's eyes opened to see Irvine move his hand to the spot on his chest where he'd been struck by the bullet from his own rifle. He finally opened one eye which was now a light water blue. He looked up to see Squall who just stared dumb struck.
"Squall...?" Irvine fumbled a little with himself trying to sit up.
Selphie almost collapsed at hearing that voice. Quistis gasped in fear as Squall finally gave in to the blood lose falling to the concrete softly.
Irvine finally had the strength to open his other eye which was just as pale. He sat up now and seemed to be absorbing what had just occured.
"Irv... ine...?" Zell still seemed in shock from what he had just witnessed and what was happening now.
Selphie trembled slightly as Irvine put his gaze towards her. He had a slightly confused look on his face as Selphie just stared at him with tears beginning to rise in her eyes again. It shocked her when he reached out his hand and touched her cheek giving her a weak smile.
"Sorry for scarin' you, Selph."
At those words, Selphie embraced Irvine lovingly with tears running furiously down her face. She couldn't help... but show a bittersweet smile.
***
(Author's notes: Rose: Oooohhhh... What a twist.
Rikku: Yeah right. You knew I was gonna do that.
Rose: Duh. Irvine's one of your fav. characters in that game, so he has to fall victim to your insanity.
Rikku: Exactly... ^___^ Hehehehehe...
Rose: O___O;;;
Rikku: Anyway, you'll want to see the next chapter, especially if you're a fan of this pairing: SelphiexIrvine!
Rose: Ew. Count half the population out. :P
Rikku: Shut up!
---Again, I'm already working on the next two chapters. For those who are reading my Das Gewahlte fic, but sorry, it'll take longer. The next chapters for this fic won't take nearly that long, though. Please, be patient with me... ^^;)