Prelude to Tragedy

Zell's stretcher was rolled quickly into the emergency room, but he amount of energy he was irradiating kept most of the doctors away from him. Even the nurses were afraid of touching him. And more than one remembered what had happened to the last one that had ignored the feeling. But it all changed when Zack entered the room. He immediately perceived the problem, but somehow felt he was able to handle it.

- Everyone move away from him, he ordered

As he moved himself near the SeeD, he felt the powerful rush of energy come through him and he retired his labcoat. His hands were tingling and he knew he had to act quickly if he didn't want to lose his patient. He walked to the stretcher, placing both hands on the sides of his face, feeling the determination of the young fighter. Young, sprightly and handsome man with blue eyes that should not bear anything else than mischief, and surely not pain like now. His gesture was gentle and soft as he brushed his hands against his skin. He knew him, and remembered his name, but he had to know if Zell Dintch remembered anything about himself.

- What's your name, he asked

- ………Zell…

- Well, don't worry, Zell. I'll help you.

Closing his eyes and maintaining the physical contact, Zack let the energy course through him. For a second he was totally connected to the blonde's feelings, knew everything about him, but it lasted only one or two seconds before the knowledge faded away. A fiery red light surrounded him and his wings sprouted from his back in a swift movement. As he lifted his hands, a green mist spread over Zell and the little creature that had entered him was separated from the fighter and taken out by the power of the Lifestream. The doctor opened his eyes; to everyone's surprise, they were now purple. Crossing his hands over his chest, he whispered a few words, gathering enough holy energy to strike.

- Light Wave!

Long tendrils of green circled the creature, twisting around it, choking it. In a screech, it was completely destroyed and it disappeared. Immediately, Zack went to check on Zell; his breath was even, pulse normal and all his body was limp. He was sleeping peacefully. The doctor took a glance at his face and traced the lines of his tribal tattoo with a finger.

- That was a close one, he huffed, Take him somewhere he can rest and when he wakes, notify me immediately. I'll be in my room.

With that said, he flew back to his room and promptly collapsed in his little bed.

********

Riku was half-walking and half-running toward his house, returning from school and eager to take his kendo lesson with his father Sephiroth. His shoulder length silver hair floated in the wind. He entered the mansion, leaving his books and homeworks on the kitchen table and went into the living room to retrieve his bamboo sword, then jogged happily to the yard. Sephiroth was there, busying himself with the garden, while Cloud was fast asleep in his hammock.

- Dad! I'm home!

- Did you have a good day?

- Yeah! I had gym today! Where's daddy Cloud?, asked the six year old boy

Sephiroth pointed the hammock, where Cloud lay, motionless apart the slow movement of his chest. The silver haired man smiled and ruffled his son's locks.

- We should let him rest for now. Do you have homeworks? After diner we'll come out and practise.

- Pinky promise?

- Pinky promise. Come! What would you like to eat?

- Fish! Your secret recipe!

Sephiroth sighed; he should have guessed it. Riku had a real craving for fish. Encouraging his son to start his homeworks, he started the diner. Together, they did all the work in less than an hour, and Riku even helped with the pasta salad, cutting the tomatoes (under the watchful eye of his father). All they had to do now was to practise Riku's spelling and reading.

- Go on, read this. It's from your tata Aerith.

- To Riku! Nanaki… sent you a treasure. Keep it… safe. A treasure? Daddy! Where did you put it?

- Cloud has it. Go wake him and tell him dinner's ready.

Sephiroth watched with admiration the child run to the yard and almost yank Cloud off his hammock. When he came back, he was clutching a small lightning materia. The three of them were just starting to eat when Zack and Adrian arrived. Zack was dozing off, all wings out, on his friend's shoulders. Cloud immediately came to relieve him. After saying goodbye to Riku and Sephiroth, Adrian was gone. The blond laid his son on the couch, careful not to misplace a feather, then returned in the kitchen, asking Sephiroth to keep a portion for Zack.

********

Zell was hearing his name. This was annoying, he was so well in his bed… Opening his eyes, he saw Selphie and Irvine. Groaning slightly, he turned over, or rather tried to as he realised he had an IV inserted in his right arm. Wait, he was in a hospital? He didn't remember feeling ill or being hurt…

- Where 'm I?, he rasped

- Oh!, exclaimed Selphie, Irvine! Go tell the others! Zell, you're at the Esthar University Hospital. Don't you remember anything? You were attacked by a strange little beast, and it nearly took your heart away! But Doctor Valentine saved you, and you're sleeping since two days.

- Ah, mister Dintch! Awake and aware, finally.

The blond turned his head to see doctor Zackary Valentine coming into the room with a small child with him. Riku had his annual vaccine boosters today, so he was giving him his shots when the nurse came to notify him that Zell had woken up. Riku climbed on the bed and, using his brother's stethoscope, examined his 'patient'.

- Mmmm, he said seriously, mister Zell still tired, must go back to sleep.

- Hm, hm… Not yet, Riku. It's good to hear you again, Zell. I wasn't sure if I could really be of some help, honestly I thought you were a goner, just like Ansem.

- Hey, you're talking to the best, doc! I won't go down without a fight! And don't you dare letting that little squirt order me to sleep!

- Selphie, could you take Riku down to the cafeteria? I would like to examine him more closely.

- Oh, sure! Come with me Riku! Hey you grown up since the last time!

Zackary lifted the bed and ordered the fighter to retire his shirt. He listened to his lungs, then his heart… He was worried when he noticed it was beating strongly and much faster than usual. He asked Zell if he was nervous or anxious, to what he responded by shaking his head. Not convinced, Zack placed both of his hands directly over the two most important pressure points in his back and pushed. The reaction was immediate; Zell sagged, all the tension had left him.

- You're a bad liar, Zell. Calm down, I am only doing my work. There is no need to be nervous around me. I just want to make sure everything is alright with your body.

With this said, he returned to his listening, finding it more suitable for a young man that was just waking up. His gaze returned to his tribal tattoo; the more he looked at it, the more he found it attractive. He shook himself and took out his little flashlight, looking at his pupils. He could drown into those eyes if he wanted, he had to tear himself away from Zell quickly and excuse himself before leaving in a hurry for his room. Once there, he stood shakily against the wall opposite to the door, his heart beating so hard in his chest he could feel it in his temples. Few minutes later, a soft knock and the door opened on Adrian.

- Zack? Zack, is something wrong? Zack?

- A… Adrian…

- Whoa… Okay. Do you know where you are?

- In my room. Adrian, please help me…

Zack was immediately supported by the other doctor, and led to his bed, where he sat him down. The silver haired man was shaking all over. Adrian did not knew what had happened to put him in such a state, but he decided to take him home. Anyway, it has been weeks since he had had a day off. He pleaded Zackary to tell him, though.

- I… felt it again… So strong, Adrian, but it's not right… I can't get attached to him, he'll leave me like the others, he said, hiding his face between his hands.

- One of your patient? That handsome blond maybe?

Seeing Zack's jaw almost hit the floor, Adrian smiled, than tapped his back.

- Well, lucky you, he is just behind that door with your little brother, and I think Riku figured something out…

Just to prove his point, the door opened and Riku was pulling Zell inside.

- C'mon!, he was saying, Daddy Sephiroth told me brother Zack wanted someone to be together with. You'll be just like my daddies!

Zack turned a bright red colour, while Zell began to stutter. Riku, totally unaware of how embarrassed and stunned were both men, was smiling brightly as well as Adrian.

- Well, well, he said to Riku, What a terrible matchmaker you are! What about an ice cream? Would you like that?

- YAAAAY!!!! Chocolate ice cream!

Zack found himself alone with Zell. Timidly, the blond took a step toward the doctor.

- Um… I… um, wanted to thank you, for taking out that thing outta me…

********

Ansem observed the little creature closely. Dark with two antennae, small yellow eyes. Strangely, it wasn't interested in him. In fact, as long as they weren't in danger, those 'shadows' didn't attack. He had been informed of a young man's attack few days ago, and immediately had come to check the area out. To his surprise, he had found many shadows lurking here. His research could start on a good basic; he would start by observing their behaviour in their natural environment.

End

Author's notes

Hey! Finished! Pfew… I wish I had written more, but I know you are all whining to read more… *got knocked off by a frying pan* OUCH!!!!!!! But you know it's true! Lauren! Tell them! Owwwie…

Cloud: Why don't you buy yourself a helmet?

Htress: ……………… Hey! That's not a bad idea! See ya all in : Stormy fate