Tortured By Light
Series: Kingdom Hearts
Categories: AU-ish, Angst, Violence, Yaoi, Adventure, Etc.
Warnings: Dark, Violence, Riku-Torture, Gore, Ansem x Riku, Sora + Riku, Yaoi, Ansem is Dark and twisted.
Summary: Ansem has stolen or rather copied Riku's physical appearance and the two battle against each other in the dark side of Kingdom Hearts; a new dimension of worlds. Sora searches for his friend, but will he ever find Riku, and will they ever be able to seal the true doors of light?
Disclaimer: Disney & Squaresoft characters are not mine, nor is the "Simple and Clean" song
Author's Note: Thanks for all the great reviews!!! I hope you continue to enjoy this story. ^_^ This time I'm bringing in the guys from Squaresoft's "Bouncer" (My first PS2 game ^_^ Gotta love Kou!)
IMPORTANT NOTE: You need to have read my first fic "Bound by Darkness" in order for this fic to make any sense.
* The ~~~~~ bars indicate a scene change.
Chapter 3: Cursed Fate
For about a week, Riku rested in the care of Kuja and Sephiroth as he slowly regained his strength and blood. Kuja's blood potions however were only slightly less offensive than his normal cooking. Sephiroth would occasionally watch over Riku silently from a dark corner of the room; his presence was a great comfort. Riku wondered why the powerful man seemed to be constantly brooding but guessed it had a lot to do with the loss of his lover and the recent mysteries caused by his dreams. Kuja, however, seemed oblivious to any sort of foreboding since he carried on constantly in his usual high and mighty manner.
Finally one night Sephiroth went out as he always seemed to do whenever he got too tired of Kuja's banter. Kuja had been complaining about getting food spilt on one of his draping sleeves and after a rather pointless argument over the impracticability of Kuja's attire, Sephiroth had had enough. Riku was getting restless now, for a week he had been confined to Kuja's house, his dreams were always tainted with dark memories of Ansem and he could never stop thinking about Sora and if he was alright. What if Ansem was looking for Sora instead, how could he stop him? Riku couldn't stand feeling so helpless, he wanted to leave as soon as possible and to find the door of light hopefully before Ansem.
Kuja was still fuming at the door that had been slammed in his face but he quickly glanced at the sudden movement in the corner of his eye.
"And just where do you think you're going?" asked Kuja as he watched Riku tie up his shoes.
"I'm leaving, isn't it obvious? I'm grateful for you guys but I've waited long enough, I have to get going before something happens."
"Hold on! Sephiroth will let us know when the time is right to leave. Trust me; he's more experienced with these types of situations."
"I don't care, I'm going anyway."
"Oh no you're not! If Sephiroth finds out that I let you go without consulting him, I'll lose my tail!"
Riku glared down at the slightly shorter male and moved towards the door but Kuja stood firmly in his way.
"Don't you dare think that you can intimidate me! You need to wait for Sephiroth and that's final!" Kuja stomped his foot to emphasize his point. Riku rolled his eyes and shoved Kuja out of his way. Kuja, however, managed to spin around gracefully and regain his position between Riku and the door.
"I suggest you sit down before I go 'demi' on your ass!" exclaimed Kuja.
"Get out of my way!" growled Riku as he angrily reached past Kuja to grab the doorknob. Kuja's tail wrapped around Riku's wrist and tightened painfully. Riku hissed but wasn't about to let Kuja win. Without warning, Riku twisted his wrist to grab Kuja's tail and with one swift yank, threw the mage to the floor. Kuja cried out in pain as his sensitive tail was abused and hit the floor rather hard. He curled up into a ball and he held his tail protectively. Riku opened the door and was about to leave when his ears caught the subtle sound of crying. Riku turned to look at Kuja who was now sitting up; if looks could kill, Riku would have found himself in the third layer of Hell. Kuja's eyes were moist with threatening tears that he forced back and immediately leapt to his feet with the agility of a cat and slapped Riku so fast that he too fell to the floor.
"Never pull my tail!" Kuja yelled and ran upstairs to his room, leaving the door wide open, and Riku in a state of shock. Riku wasn't sure what happened but somehow he lost his nerve to run away and decided to find out what was wrong with Kuja. Riku walked up to Kuja's room and stood quietly in the doorframe; Kuja was lying face down on his bed clutching a pillow fiercely. Riku was confused by Kuja's actions, surely pulling his tail hadn't hurt that much?
"Uh, Kuja? I guess, I'm sorry for pulling your tail. Is it broken or something?"
Kuja rolled over on his side, clear streams washed his cheeks and his mascara smudged slightly. He ran a graceful hand through his hair and looked at Riku as though he were lost.
"Please don't pull my tail again, it hurts…here." Kuja placed a hand over his heart. Riku looked at him curiously and nodded his head slowly as he turned to go back downstairs.
"Wait! Please don't go! I'm sorry I slapped you, I know I overacted but you caught me by surprise and I'm sorry." Riku paused and turned to look at Kuja who motioned for him to come closer.
"Sephiroth and I want to help you and in turn you would help us. Please don't leave us; you're our only hope of finding the door of light."
"Are you going to be alright?"
"I'll be fine; it's just that Garland used to always pull my tail whenever he beat me and I try to forget about those times before I was free, but whenever someone pulls my tail it's like all of those hurtful memories come rushing back to me. I've tried to become stronger but I guess I've still got a long way to go."
Riku was curious as to who this 'Garland' was but decided not to press the issue further; it seemed that even Kuja had his own cross to bear just as Riku and Sephiroth did. Riku couldn't help but feel guilty over his actions and once again began to exit Kuja's room with the intent of waiting for Sephiroth. However, Kuja suddenly reached out and grabbed Riku's hand and pulled him back. Riku allowed Kuja to pull him down on the bed so that he sat next to Kuja.
"Can I ask you a favor?"
"As long as it doesn't involve tea." remarked Riku.
Kuja's lips quirked at the subtle joke and crawled next to Riku. Kuja laid his upper-body over Riku's lap and rubbed against him gently. Riku silently wondered if Kuja had been some sort of pampered persian cat in a former life.
"Hold me please, just for a little bit?" Riku didn't have the heart to shove the normally aggravating mage away; instead he wrapped his arms around Kuja and held him like a mother would hold a child and for several minutes they stayed that way.
"Hey Riku?"
"What?"
"I can hear your heartbeat."
"So?"
"It has an echo."
"I'd better go back downstairs now; we both left the door open."
"I've got a better idea."
"Oh really?"
"I'm beginning to feel cooped up; perhaps we should go out for a little bit before Sephiroth comes back."
"Go where?"
"The local tavern; it's not far and maybe we can learn some useful information."
The sudden flare of Kuja's attitude let Riku's worry diminish since the mage seemed to recover rather quickly, and he too couldn't deny the need to get out of the house for a while.
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In the dark streets of Mobi village, Sephiroth scouted the area. He had originally left the house to buy Kuja some pants and then force the cheeky bastard to wear them, but something caught his attention now. A strange presence seemed to drift quietly in the shadows. Sephiroth placed a hand over the hilt of his sword as if to reassure himself that it was still there and walked down the dark alleys that his senses led him to.
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"Hold it!" demanded the bouncer who guarded the tavern.
"What nerve!" scoffed Kuja.
"Listen Kuja, we don't want you causing trouble here again, last time you came, we had to close down for repairs that took weeks."
"Look, it wasn't my fault that your girlfriend got jealous over my figure; I stand by what I said that I can wear anything she does and look better in it!"
"Kuja!" growled the bouncer.
"Look here Volt, My friend and I just want a little R&R and then we'll be on our way. I promise I won't say anything to Echidna ok?"
Volt looked back and forth at the two silver-haired young men in front of him and gave out an exasperated sigh while shaking his head.
"No Kuja."
"What! You dare to defy me?"
"You bet I do, besides, consider it in your best interest, we both know how vindictive my girlfriend is; if Echidna finds you here, she'll claw that pretty face of yours to pieces."
"Fine, if that's how you wanna play, I'll just have to try a different approach." Riku stepped back, afraid to think about what Kuja might do.
"What the? Get off me!" protested Volt angrily as Kuja leaned into the man seductively while wrapping a slender leg around one of Volt's.
"Please let us in Master Volt, you know I'd do anything for you. I'll be a good boy, please don't make me beg."
"Kuja! Stop it! That's playing dirty and you know it! Echidna's mad enough without you making it worse!"
"Shhh, Lets have no more talk of her, come on Volt, I'm getting impatient." At that moment Kuja grabbed one of Volt's strong hands and slapped it firmly against his semi-exposed rear.
"Come on Volt, I hate it when you make me beg, I can be really loud." Kuja leaned in closer and licked at Volt's neck playfully.
"Kuja don't make me hurt you!" Volt grabbed Kuja's shoulder's forcefully to try and push the shameless mage away but Kuja's lithe body managed to squirm against his pushes in a suggestive manner all the while moaning and panting like a harem girl in heat.
"Oh Volt! Volt! You know I like it rough! Take me! Take me!"
Riku hid his face in his hands out of disbelief at the scene Kuja was causing now, and poor Volt was the victim. Kuja was unbelievable, shameless, arrogant, and possibly suicidal. The fact that he hadn't been crushed was proof that the bouncer was a good person who didn't like to hurt people unnecessarily but damn it if Kuja didn't deserve a good beating for this stunt.
"VOLT!" The sudden malicious tone caught both Volt and Kuja by surprise. Standing in the entrance to the tavern stood a demon of a woman. She had dark brown skin, bright orange hair in an impossible style, an outfit even scantier than Kuja's and a murderous look to her eyes.
"Why hello there Echidna, it seems your former boyfriend prefers my ass over yours." Kuja shot his trademark conniving smile as he leapt away from Volt and stood firmly by Riku. Riku could do nothing but stare at Kuja appalled.
"What the hell is this Volt? Are you cheating on me with that fairy bastard? You've got some nerve! Right under my own nose!"
"Calm down baby, I'll explain everything, I love you."
"Then why were your hands on him?"
"Self-defense!"
"Oh really, that's a new excuse!"
The banter between Echidna and Volt carried on for a while and Kuja finally nudged Riku softly and the two managed to sneak past the arguing couple and enter into the tavern.
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The drama caused by Kuja's antics and caught the attention of several people, but no one found quite as much interest as a lone figure who stood in the shadows watching intently. The figure wore a hooded cloak and smiled wickedly as he watched a certain silver-haired boy be led into a tavern.
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"Yo Kuja what are you doing here? I though you weren't allowed back here. Just because the manager is out sick doesn't give you the right to…"
"Can it Kou, Volt let me in. What can I say, I've been forgiven."
Kou looked at Kuja skeptically but not being one to hold grudges simply shrugged his shoulders and continued polishing some glasses. Riku couldn't help but stare at the man's extravagant body tattoos, how anyone could sit through such a procedure was beyond him.
"So I take it you like my tattoos?" Riku shook his head out of embarrassment for having been caught and then hastily nodded his head in agreement. Kou smiled playfully at the shy young man sitting next to Kuja. Kuja had always scoffed at his tattoos, saying that he'd never defile his perfect skin. Kou had always laughed at Kuja's antics, though they tended to go too far, Kou couldn't deny the lack of boredom when Kuja was around. Also, with such dark times and great losses, it was refreshing to see a spirit that refused to be crushed even if it did tend to be destructive.
"You know," said Kou turning his attention back to Riku, "It is a full body tattoo in case you're curious, I could always show you in the private room upstairs." Riku's face paled and the flushed, he found himself actually scooting closer to Kuja who had been preoccupied with the menu.
"I'm just kidding," said Kou with a wink, "Now have you decided what you want to order?"
"Uh…" Riku had lost his train of thought.
"I'll have an order of peppermint tea." declared Kuja.
"I'll have the same," said Riku.
Kou smiled and gave a friendly bow before retrieving the drinks. Kuja pulled out a small compact mirror; from where, Riku wasn't going to ask, and began inspecting his face. Kuja suddenly gasped at his reflection upon noticing the slight smudges of mascara that had occurred when he had cried earlier.
"For Shiva's sake, how could you let me go outside looking like this?" Riku gave Kuja a sarcastic glare and looked him up and down as a subtle hint to a larger picture than just mascara.
"I've been wondering the same thing."
"Gah!" Kuja hastily ran down the hall to the bathroom to fix his make-up. Meanwhile their drinks had just arrived and Riku began sipping his peacefully, while thinking of Sora. Sora with his brilliant sapphire eyes, spiked brown hair, red outfit, chains… and he was sitting right there next to Riku. Riku blinked and starred at the figure who had come to sit next to him.
"Sora! Sora is it you? God I missed you!" Riku sprang from his seat to cling desperately to who he believed to be Sora. However, a pair of hands grabbed him and pushed him off.
"Sora?"
"Who?"
Riku looked up into the sapphire eyes that didn't seem to recognize him; Sora had grown taller and his hair was spiked a bit differently.
"Don't you remember me Sora?"
"I'm not Sora, sorry kid but you've mistaken me for someone else. My name is Shion."
"Shion?" Riku tested the name out and his heart lurched in agony as he realized his mistake.
"I'm really sorry, please don't be angry, I… I don't know what came over me."
Riku returned to his seat and starred into his empty glass, trying hard not to break down in the tavern.
"Hey kid relax, I'm not mad, I hope I didn't hurt you when I pushed you off, you sorta startled me. As I said before, my name is Shion and I work here as a bouncer but right now I'm off duty."
"My name's Riku."
"Riku huh? That's a cute name; can I buy you a drink?"
Riku's head turned to look at Shion, was this guy who looked like an older version of Sora hitting on him?
"Or wait, I have a better idea, come with me for a second okay? I've got just the thing to cheer you up."
"What is it?" asked Riku suspiciously.
"Nothing bad I promise you. It's just upstairs where me and my coworker's break area is."
Riku looked around for Kuja but there was no sign of him. However, he decided that a quick look couldn't hurt and something about Shion reminded him so much of Sora that he couldn't help but be curious. Shion grinned and led him upstairs to room with a table and a jukebox.
"So what was it that you wanted to show me?"
"This, isn't it great, it's a jukebox that plays music from several different worlds, our customers sometimes donate CDs in exchange for drinks when they don't have munny."
Riku smiled and looked at the jukebox's selection, and much to his surprise was the slow version of "Simple and Clean".
"Is that the song you want to hear?"
"Sure, but how did you get it?"
"Like I said, customers from all over end up here, and some carry music. We got this from some guy a day or two ago I think, anyway, I like it too."
As the music started, Riku couldn't help but bask in the fond memories that the gentle song stirred within him. He leaned over the table and closed his eyes to think about Sora but then something wet rubbed against his ear and a body leaned gently over his. Riku looked out of the corner of his eyes to see Sora, no Shion licking his ear while leaning closer onto him. Riku wished it really was Sora licking him, the resemblance was unnerving and the music was so close to home. Shion's arms slid around Riku's small waist and his tongue trailed slowly down Riku's neck, causing the younger boy to gasp and jerk slightly. Riku's mind was warring with itself, the music, Shion, and the feelings that Shion was invoking inside of him was making it hard for him to think. He tried to turn around but ended up laying flat on the table with his legs hanging off the edge. Shion then rose up more, his hips coming close between Riku's spread legs and his mouth worked on claiming Riku's mouth as his hands ran up Riku's shirt to tease his chest. Riku's mind was at a loss; Shion was about to have his way with him! No it wasn't Shion; it was Sora, and Sora was what Riku wanted so it was all right. But it's Shion! It's Sora, and it's Sora's music, from Destiny Island, and that's where Riku wanted to be. However, the sudden sound of a zipper being undone alerted Riku's mind to the painful truth; he was about to knowingly betray Sora and let a complete stranger screw him.
"Shion?"
"Shhh, don't talk right now, just wait." Shion began to pull Riku's pants down to his knees as Riku started to show signs of protest.
"Shion wait." But Riku was cut off as Shion's mouth claimed his once more, Riku struggled slightly, unsure of what to do. Shion had undone his own shorts and began rubbing his throbbing erection against Riku's entrance that was presently only protected by the thin fabric of his boxers. Riku was now getting desperate, he wasn't sure if Shion was deliberately trying force him or if Shion was just caught in the moment. Riku gasped for air when Shion's mouth finally moved to suck at his neck.
"Shion please wait I don't want this."
"Trust me Riku, you will."
"No, I can't do this!"
"Relax Riku, I'll be gentle."
"Shion St… mmphf!" Riku was silenced again as Shion's mouth claimed his. Shion's movements on Riku's body quickened in pace and a hand went to grab Riku's boxers. Riku moved his arms to push Shion off of him but was struck with disbelief when Shion pinned his arms down and his boxers slid helplessly to his knees. Shion's swollen cock rested at Riku's entrance and was about to slam into him when Riku began sob with frustration. Shion's grip lessened and he looked down at the sobbing youth that he had half-naked and pinned to a dirty table. Shion turned to look away in shame and released Riku somewhat reluctantly. Riku picked himself up and looked at Shion fearfully, expecting for the young man to change his mind at any minute and attack him.
"I'm sorry for getting carried away, there's no excuse for it and I hope that you can forgive me. I'm not gonna hurt you so please don't look at me like you expect me to. I've never raped anyone before and I don't plan on starting now, but I've never been denied before either, so I guess I didn't handle it that good." Shion lowered his head and turned away, his words rang with a simple honesty that gave Riku some relief and comfort as he proceeded to dress himself.
"I'm sorry too," Riku said softly, "I sorta knew what I was getting into, and part of me did want you, but I can't allow myself to willingly betray the one person I truly love. I'm just glad you stopped when you did." Riku wiped the tears from his eyes and turned to leave.
"Wait a sec!" called Shion.
Riku turned to look at Shion curiously; Shion smiled and tossed him the CD from the jukebox.
"I know you probably don't have anything to play it on right now, but at least maybe you can keep it for luck. Whoever this lover of yours is, is a lucky person." Shion gave him a friendly smile and lowered his head in apology. Riku accepted the gift gratefully but decided he had had enough and wanted to return to Kuja's house and hopefully find Sephiroth waiting for him.
Riku went back downstairs but there was still no sign of Kuja. How long did it take for him to put make-up on anyway? Riku went up to the bartender, Kou and left a message for him to give to Kuja that he would meet him back at the house. Kou nodded happily and wished him a farewell.
Kuja exited the bathroom just as soon as Riku exited the tavern; he went back to his seat at the bar and sipped his tea.
"Dammit! My peppermint tea is cold!" Kuja cast an irritated glare at Kou who laughed it off.
"Well what did you expect when you're gone so long?"
"Piss off."
"Actually, I need to go upstairs right quick and see about a coworker of mine but before I go, you're friend wanted me to tell you that he'd meet you back at your place."
Kuja sighed over the fact that what was supposed to be a stress free trip had gone all wrong. Kou disappeared up the stairs and Kuja decided that it was time for him to leave as well.
"Excuse me sir," came a strange voice from behind accompanied by a firm grip to his shoulder. Kuja spun around and came face to face with a hooded figure with the same build as Riku.
"Who are you?" asked Kuja although the chills that ran up his spine were enough to give him a good idea of who this stranger was.
"Nevermind who I am; where has your friend gone? I'd appreciate it if you told me where he's been staying."
Kuja understood the threat as the grip on his shoulder tightened menacingly.
"Now see here commoner, I have no desire to give complete strangers my home address, so you'd better release me if you know what's good for you."
"Perhaps, I haven't made myself clear…" the stranger pulled back the hood of his cloak to reveal Riku's face but with amber eyes and white hair, Kuja gasped at the resemblance and stumbled backwards.
"You're the one after Riku!" Kuja took another step back and felt the edge of the bar against his back.
"My name's Ansem, now tell me where Riku is before I get impatient!"
"And if I refuse?"
Ansem's eyes flashed dangerously and he reached out and grabbed a handful of Kuja's beautiful hair. Kuja reached for his scalp and cried out before he was flung on top of the bar. Ansem leapt up after him and stood over him. Kuja tried to get up but a boot to his chest held him down.
"Get your filthy shoe off of me! How dare you touch my hair or stain my clothes!" Kuja squirmed relentlessly under the demon's weight. Ansem laughed at Kuja's futile struggles and pulled out a small knife. Kuja screamed when he felt the knife slice along the thin expanse of chest revealed by his shirt.
"How dare you cut my skin!"
"Tell me where Riku is!"
"I don't follow the orders of others!"
Ansem leaned down to get closer and grabbed Kuja by the lapels of his shirt and yanked him up only to get spit in the face by Kuja. Ansem growled angrily and ripped Kuja's shirt in half, leaving Kuja half naked and even angrier.
"You bastard! That was my favorite shirt!"
"Tell me where Riku is or you'll lose more than that!"
"I'm not telling you shit!" Kuja lashed out angrily and slapped Ansem. Ansem backhanded Kuja and sent him flying to the floor. Many of the tavern patrons had since fled in a panic that a maniac other that Kuja had entered their tavern. Kuja groaned in pain and received a harsh kick to his side as Ansem followed through on his assault.
"Tell me!"
Kuja glared angrily at Ansem, a thin trickle of blood trailed down from his lips. Ansem's eyes began to glow and suddenly, a pool of darkness manifested itself beneath Kuja. Kuja tried to spring out of the way but a rope of darkness whipped out and coiled around his ankle. Several ropes of darkness came out to bind him and hold him down. Kuja was unfamiliar with such magic but he called upon firaga to attack Ansem. Ansem was unaffected by the spell and he conjured what appeared to be a whip made out of darkness, but at the end of the whip was the hissing head of a serpent.
"Last chance mage!"
"Screw you!"
Ansem answered with a loud crack of his snake whip. Kuja screamed when the whip not only sliced his skin but the snake-head's fangs dug into his tender flesh, releasing their agonizing venom. Kuja suffered several blows; his blood dripped from the ceiling and decorated the nearby walls. At last he saw an opening and with perfect timing he used his tail to wrench the whip from its wielder just as it was bout to slash him again. However, Ansem grabbed his tail forcefully and held out his knife once more.
"Tell me where Riku is, or I'll cut your tail off!"
Kuja paled at the threat, hacking off limbs was beyond inhumane. "Don't touch my tail!"
"Then tell me where Riku is!"
"Absolutely not!"
"Then brace yourself as I slice your tail off!"
"Somebody help me!" Kuja cried out desperately, tears washed his face and his struggles were panicked and weak from the venom. Ansem pressed the knife firmly to the base of Kuja's tail and Kuja's screams became louder as blood began to stain the silver fur. Kuja yelled again as something heavy pounded onto his stomach then elbowed him in the hip as it crawled off of him. Kuja couldn't believe it; Ansem had been struck from behind and now turned his attention to a new assailant. Sephiroth stood menacingly over Ansem, Masamune ready as it hovered mere inches from Ansem's chest. Ansem simply smiled and began to laugh maniacally. The stranger's sheer madness caused Sephiroth to be taken aback for a moment.
"Why do you want Riku?" asked Sephiroth.
"He belongs to me!"
"What?"
"Riku and I share the same heart! Once I've reclaimed him, I'll have regained all of my powers! As for you two, you both shall die for hindering me!"
Ansem moved to get up but Sephiroth immediately thrust his sword into Ansem, piercing the demon's heart. Kuja got up and ran to Sephiroth's side and grabbed an antidote from Sephiroth's pocket.
"Kuja, go quickly and get Riku, our quest starts now!"
"But!"
"Now Kuja or else I'll cut off your skirt, go!"
Kuja ran off to find Riku as Sephiroth glared at the body impaled on Masamune. Ansem's eyes flashed their usual insane light and he began laughing once more as he not only got up, but he further impaled himself in the process as if a sword through his heart meant nothing.
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Kuja's house was less than a block away from the tavern and he made it there in almost no time at all; when he got there however, he couldn't believe what he saw. Riku was hunched over on the floor clutching his chest violently and trying desperately not to cry out in pain.
"Riku?"
"Kuja! Make it stop! It hurts too much!"
"Riku, what's wrong?"
"Help me!"
"I…"
"Kuja!"
Kuja stood helplessly as he watched Riku writhe in agony, tears streamed down his face and his cries began to escape his will as they echoed in Kuja's ears. Kuja did the only thing that he could think to do; he went to Riku and grabbed him up as best as he could. Riku clutched Kuja violently in fear and pain. Riku's sobs were muffled by Kuja's chest; Kuja winced at the feeling of Riku's teeth scraping his already sore chest as he cried and also the pain of Riku's fingernails digging relentlessly into Kuja's exposed back. Kuja wondered just who was in more pain.
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Sephiroth was at a loss; Ansem was standing before him smiling, with Masamune running straight through him.
"Perhaps, now you understand that I can't be killed in that way?"
Sephiroth glared at the monster before him and decided he had no other choice but to use a summon spell.
"Ready to give up?"
"Don't underestimate me either! Bahamut come forth!"
A drastic shift of astral energies formed a portal from which a great dragon sprang forth to confront Ansem. Sephiroth sent the great entity a mental message of his intent and the dragon nodded it head and turned on Ansem. Sephiroth used the opportunity and ran to the house where he found Kuja and Riku huddled together while crying out in pain.
Sephiroth had summoned Bahamut to buy him some time, but he knew the beast would not kill Ansem; he needed Riku to use his keyblade in order for them to escape.
"Riku! Riku snap out of it! Ignore the pain, we need you to summon your keyblade, Ansem has come for you, we must get far away from here!"
Riku looked up at Sephiroth, the pain in his heart was beyond anything he had ever felt before but he understood what Sephiroth needed him to do. With the last of his strength, Riku summoned his keyblade and managed to open a portal. Sephiroth quickly gathered Riku and Kuja into his arms and stepped through the portal. Ansem had arrived in the house mere seconds after the portal closed and he clenched his fists furiously until they bled.
"Run as far as you can Riku, but I'll always find you!"
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Meanwhile, Sephiroth gently deposited his two burdens on a soft mossy patch of earth. Riku slowly began to recover since the distance placed between him and Ansem. He looked down at Kuja who was a pitiful sight of bruises, cuts, and what was worse was the fact that some of those marks had been made by him. Riku gently stroked s few stray locks of hair out of Kuja's face, all while noting that despite his state of abuse, Kuja's face was still fair. Kuja slowly woke at the contact and wrapped his arms around himself out of both embarrassment and being cold. Sephiroth had just finished building a warm fire and then sat down between them.
"It's not much, but I have a potion of healing on me. Perhaps you guys should split it."
"You can let Kuja have it, I think I'll be alright." said Riku as he leaned in close to Sephiroth hoping to receive some comfort.
"Very well, Kuja; it's not peppermint tea, but it will help you heal." Kuja scoffed at the joke, but accepted the potion eagerly and felt a great sense of relief as most of the pain ebbed out of him. Sephiroth poked at the fire some, not seeming to mind Riku and Kuja clinging to him on either side. Kuja shivered slightly as the night air pricked his skin but suddenly felt himself blanketed in warmth. He looked up to see that Sephiroth had draped his single wing to cover Kuja and had an arm wrapped securely over both he and Riku's shoulders. Kuja whispered a soft 'thank you' that was meant for both of them as he drifted off into sleep. Riku too had fallen asleep, but Sephiroth stayed awake for a few more hours wondering how Ansem had survived his attack and hoping that his intuition was wrong as he looked upon Riku's sleeping face.
To be Continued…
*Author's Note: Whoo, I made a really long chapter… Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed it, and weren't offended by anything. I know Shion was a bit out of character, but it fit, so there. Anyway, I plan to use Seymour in the next chapter, I feel that he got totally short-changed in Final Fantasy X; I mean come on, Squaresoft usually makes such deep villains, but they never really told us much about Seymour, just gave a few hints but never followed up on them… oh well, that just means more fun for me ^_^