Important Notice:In this chapter and all the ones following, I will discuss the soul, heart and different views on vampires. I will not always follow the common view and will most likely ‘kill’ some of the views in this story. This does not mean that I think they’re wrong nor ridiculous, I merely do it because it fits this story and the characters. I’m not trying to offend any belief or ridicule them, so please no comments about things like that. This is merely a story and if you don’t like it, then don’t read it. So no rude comments about me being an (insert own word) for stating something that is commonly viewed ‘right’, as ‘wrong’. This is a story - fiction. Just wanted to make that clear. Now much love and I’ll hope you’ll enjoy the story!

And as usual; No beta, no spell-checking program, just my British influenced english written by a no-native speaker of the english language.

Note: Yes! We managed to save the chapter. Gosh, I've never been so relieved in my whole life. Thank you all for your wonderful support, made me fight harder! 8D

The quote below has no real meaning to the plot of this story, though I thought it held a ‘nice’ feeling over it that is similar to this story - so I wanted to have it in. Plus, it’s an awesome song!

Darkness Demon Rose

Chapter Five: Dancing With The Devil

“I'll Be The One To Protect You From
Your Enemies And All Your Demons

I'll Be The One To Protect You From
A Will To Survive And A Voice Of Reason

I'll Be The One To Protect You From
Your Enemies And Your Choices Son

They're One In The Same
I Must Isolate You
Isolate And Save You From Yourself...”

From the song Pet by A Perfect Circle

The blood was everywhere. Like a red veil it covered everything around him and even the sky was tainted crimson as it cried bloodstained tears... But what was it crying for? What was causing the world such agony and heartache? Even if he didn’t know, he knew deep down that he didn’t want to know the answer...

But he really couldn’t help himself...

Looking around slowly with a growing fear inside, Cloud soon found the source of the blood among all the life-giving fluid and his heart stopped. Feeling his knees give up under him he fell to the ground in a puddle of red, soaking himself even more in the hellish liquid while trying desperately to breathe...

The sight before him was unbearable and a sight meant to kill, but no matter how sickening it was or how badly he wanted to look away, he just couldn’t. His eyes just wouldn’t obey him, instead forcing him to stare at the crimson sea holding two small bodies in its grasp and as he remained on the ground, he felt bloody tears make their way down his cheek. Like a sentence for forgiveness they travelled down his stained skin, more than enough revealing his guilt and sorrow for the humans he had ‘killed’.

Then suddenly, he felt hands covering his throat and a laugh echoed loudly in the tainted world...

Snapping his eyes open, Cloud gasped for air as he sat up quickly, clenching a hand over his rapidly beating heart as he took in his surroundings. A dream, it had all just been a horrible dream... He wasn’t soaked in the kids’ blood, he wasn’t staring at their bodies being torn inside out, intestines and their hearts laying on top of their bodies with eyes wide open. It had all just been a bad dream... a really bad dream cursing and spitting him in the face, hating him and showing what his life really was like if inspected closer...

Covering his face with his shaking hands, Cloud gave in and let small crystals escape his blue pools while he cried silently into the blanket, feeling exhausted and disgusted with his own life. Why couldn’t he even be spared in his sleep? Not even in the darkness was he allowed to rest from the guilt and even though he deserved it, he couldn’t help but wish for release. To be spared from the haunting feelings for just a moment and know what emotional rest felt like...

But it seemed like he wasn’t going to be blessed any time soon, his mind too shattered from the dream and previous days together with his wounded and dying body...

Wrapping his arms around himself as if trying to protect his flesh and mind from something unseen around him, Cloud eventually lay down again and buried himself deeper into the thin blanket. Even though he felt like he was burning with the goddess of fire slowly and greedily eating him as she ran her fingers all over his body, his insides felt unpleasantly cold. No matter the intense burning, it just wasn’t able to warm his frozen essence...

If he had been home, Sephiroth would have been able to chase the images and pain away, his arms bringing that safe sanctuary Cloud so desperately wanted and needed. But as life had it, he was now alone – alone with the burning fire and guilt and there was no way he could escape it. Sleep was not an option any more as he was too afraid to give in to the sweet lullaby. If he closed his eyes, he was afraid that he would see the haunting nightmare again...

Instead he just lay there, feeling the time pass slowly by as the fire in his body increased. It was inevitable since his blood was steadily leaving him without a way for him to refill or recharge. Most likely, he would soon enter the stage of the bloodrage he feared, but since he was locked up, he at least wouldn’t be able to kill mercilessly. All that remained was the pain, the memories and the... hate.

Clenching his eyes shut as if trying to block out the unwanted future and reality, Cloud turned to his other side and suddenly felt something cool and wet greet his right cheek. Slowly blinking his eyes open, the small vampire noticed a cloth and he touched it lightly with his practically blazing hand. The contact with it was very soothing, the dampness and slightly cold texture actually comforting him a little...

Had the hunter placed it there? Cloud was certain it hadn’t been there before...

Then, even though he felt quite out of it, he suddenly noticed another blanket covering him. The alluring and unique softness of it was very different from the first one and made it hard to miss, even in his current state with a mind feeling like it was walking in fog. Honestly, he was confused as to why the other had bothered, but at the moment, he didn’t care.

Running a hand over the cloth again, Cloud took a weak hold on it before he placed it against his throbbing forehead. Letting the eyes sweep the area, they slowly travelled over the room to finally lock on to the sleeping form of the hunter. He sat against the wall as usual, his black bangs covering his face as his head tilted slightly to the left. The male looked comfortable and... secure where he sat, striking Cloud with an unwanted realization.

Among his stormy essence and broken body, outside his wounded self-esteem and lonely heart, he felt a longing for the arms of the other. Even if it might just haven been because of his messed up mind at the moment or his intense longing for Sephiroth, or just someone to hold him, the feelings were still there. They screamed, reached for the other to hold him, care for him. To share their warmth and keep him safe...

Even if he desperately wanted Sephiroth, in the end, even Zack’s closeness would have been enough to comfort him now. How he should take it Cloud didn’t know, but he had no energy to fight the irritation he felt over his own unreasonable emotions. He was too exhausted to bother with something like that when trying to fight the stages of blood loss slowly evolving and moving inside of him...

It was painful and difficult, and in the end, Cloud felt sleep gain control over him and he just knew more nightmares and long lost memories would greet him on the other side. As his eyes fell shut, he was instantly greeted with a cruel smile before they swallowed him whole, the nightmares playing with him like a torn rag.

Zack was used to a lot of different things in the mornings. Like Aerith suddenly shooing him out to get some herbs, a vampire coming from nowhere and wanting to devour him, or a male or female knocking on his door, demanding the rent for the week. It was all something he had always been able to handle... but this, this was something that made him wish for the old days.

Glancing at his side, Zack scratched his head lightly as another set of mumbles and whimpers came from the small blond. It had been like that ever since he had opened his eyes and there seemed to be no end to Cloud’s nightmares... or what he should call them. They seemed rather private to be regular nightmares and somehow... the things the small one mumbled fit some of the things he had told Zack earlier. So he really couldn’t take them as common nightmares when word after word rolled off the blond’s dry lips like a tape of his life.

Groaning, Zack thought it might have been better if they had been just like that – nightmares. Then it wouldn’t have felt so wrong to sit in the cave like he did, listening to the other’s want for mercy... No matter how he tried to tell himself that he had every right to sit there, it still felt like he was intruding on Cloud’s private life –a part he had no right to without the other’s acceptance...

Hearing an especially disturbing and heart-tearing sentence, Zack cursed and stood up, feeling this was a good time to go hunting. Yup, then he’d be able to escape Cloud for a while and at the same time get something in his stomach as he did. Something that held him back though, was that he felt a little reluctant to leave the blond alone when he seemed to be in such a bad shape...

But even though he felt bad about leaving the small one, he still couldn’t stay when words he didn’t want to hear – didn’t feel he should hear- assaulted him like a dying star. Quickly he made up his mind and quietly left the entrance to the cave.

Immediately he set off to the river, feeling fishing was an exceptionally good thing to do. It didn’t require much strength or speed and it was actually rather relaxing considering he was, hopefully, getting food by doing it. The only negative thing he could come up with was that it could be quite boring when alone...

But it couldn’t be helped. Nor was it like he wasn’t used to be alone even though he was a very sociable person. His profession didn’t really make it easy to keep close friends or a partner since he always travelled around a lot and, eh, killed monsters. Then it was a major lucky for him that he wasn’t really that deep into love anyway...

It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate love or that he felt ‘tied’ when in a relationship. Simply, he just didn’t think he’d be able to meet someone whom he could share everything with. Share his most inner thoughts, his feelings, his life with... To find someone who could put up with his sometimes weird behaviour and protective side. People today mostly didn’t seem to appreciate the classical romance any more and honestly, Zack had always had a soft spot for things like that. So finding someone wasn’t that easy...

“Wonder if I am the sad person or if they?” Zack laughed to himself as he sat down by the lake, feeling the early sun rays tickle his pale and muscled skin.

“Well, I dunno, Zack. Usually I would say you just to get on your nerves, but since I have no friggin’ idea what you’re talking about, I’ll keep shut this time since it might be serious.” Someone suddenly said behind him as he felt a hand grab his right shoulder.

Releasing a surprised yelp, Zack quickly turned around and hit his fishing rod on the intruder, but before he was able to draw his sword, the other had tackled him and sent them both flying into the small lake with a splash.

Spitting and coughing from the liquid which had entered his mouth uninvited, Zack looked around quickly to locate his enemy and to his surprise, he saw a flash of red, a black and white suite and a wide grin greet him.

“Reno!?” The black haired exclaimed in pleasant surprise as he stood up to walk over to the drenched Reno who was already sitting on the grassy side of the lake.

“Yo, Zack. As always, you react with trying to kill me. Sometimes I just have wonder if it’s just me, or if you’re like this with everyone...?” the red head questioned with a pout in good act before he laughed softly.

“Trust me, if it were you, I would never have made friends with you to begin with.” Zack informed as he sat down beside his friend, immediately feeling his mood lighten up just by the mere presence of Reno. It had always been like that and right now, it was madly welcomed and needed after all the things he had been through lately.

Yeah, his profession and life in general made it hard to keep friends and partners, but Reno had always been there – which he was most grateful for. How it had ended up with them always doing things together he didn’t know, but no matter the answer there was no denying that they made an awesome team and that Reno was one of the best people to have around. Even if many had a hard time understanding his way of being, he really was one of the nicest and most understanding people Zack had ever met.

“So you say, but perhaps it’s your body acting on your unconscious hate towards me every time we meet?” the red headed male challenged, raising an eyebrow with a teasing expression. “I’m hurt.”

Shaking his head, Zack just gave the other a smile. “I could never hate you, Reno. We’re like brothers!” he exclaimed and took a head-lock on the other as he ruffled the red locks brutally, but affectionately.

“Hey, even if we’re like brothers, you’re still not excused from destroying my hair, man! It’s my pride.” Reno complained as he tried to get out of the grip, squirming like a determined feline.

“Is your hair really that important?” Zack laughed loudly as he released his grip, watching as the red head immediately set to the mission of fixing it, each straw on its specific spot. “Can’t believe it means more to you than my affection.” He added as he crossed his arms and shook his head lightly, looking offended.

“You know I love you, Zackary. But my looks are my trademark, gotta keep it good, ya know.” Reno reasoned with a big smile as he watched the other cringe at the use of his full name. It was always so much fun using it out of the blue and watch Zack’s reaction as he pouted. That was something that would probably never change with the black haired, no matter how many years that passed.

“I’m certain I’ve told you at least a billion times to not use my birthname, Reno. Who’s side are you on?” the hunter questioned as he faked a suspicious glare at the other.

Raising his hands in defeat, Reno chuckled in amusement. “Yours buddy, always yours.”

“That’s good to hear.” Zack replied with a small smile before he slowly stood up, stretching his back. “I’m pitying the ones having you for an enemy. I mean, you can even kill with words if you wanted to.” He teased as he helped Reno to his feet.

“I’ll take that as a compliment...” the red head answered neutrally, though his voice betrayed him and revealed that he was slightly irritated by that comment.

“And I see that subject is still a sensitive one for you.” Zack laughed as he patted the other’s shoulder lightly with the smile still ever present.

Then, as if suddenly realizing something he had forgotten, the black haired looked at the other with surprise.

“Reno, how the heck did you get here so fast?” Zack asked in wonder as he stared at his friend with impressed eyes. Even though he had known him for years, this was unexpected.

At the question, Reno looked somewhat bothered for a second before he shrugged. “I was in the neighbourhood, had nothing better to do and so came here right away as soon as I got the note from Lucifer.” He explained and gave yet another grin. “Was kinda hoping for some action.”

Raising an eyebrow, Zack didn’t look convinced, but he decided to drop it since it really wasn’t his business. If Reno didn’t want to tell the whole story, he could wait. The fact that he was here fast was just better for him anyway...

“Well, if it’s action you want, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.” Zack began and noticed how Reno’s hopeful face fell a little. “I don’t know how much action this will bring, but I do need your help... quite badly.” He continued with a small confession and the other hunter’s face looked thoughtful.

Crossing his arms, Reno began tapping a forefinger over the arm, indicating he was intrigued and currently thinking deeply. “Sounds big.” He said and gazed at Zack seriously. “What is it?”

“Well...” the black haired began and laughed a little nervously as he scratched the back of his head in mild embarrassment. “It’s not as big as you’d think.” Zack admitted. “It’s serious and a real problem to me, but it’s not what I think you expect it to be... it’s more of a personal... problem.” He finished and to his surprise, Reno’s face exploded into an almost scary grin.

“Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for a vampire!” the red headed male exclaimed with shining orbs after a few silent seconds, his amusement almost causing him to explode. “So, is she sexy? Cute? Drop-dead gorgeous? Oh you little player!” Reno began and flung an arm around the other male’s shoulders. “Forget the action, this is even better!” he laughed loudly and one could not miss his desire to start ‘helping’ his friend with the matter.

Shaking his head at Reno’s assumptions, Zack gently pushed the arm off of his shoulders. “Sorry to have to burst your little bubble, but it’s not something like that.” He tried to reason and once again, Reno’s face fell and suddenly looked ghost-like, as if his biggest dream had been crushed into oblivion. The male was clearly and honestly disappointed as he had expected a little role as a relationship-advisor for his best friend and lone wolf.

“No?” Reno almost sighed. “Then what is it?” he asked and stared at Zack in utter puzzlement.

As the question left the other’s lips, the black haired hunter then realized that even though Reno was wrong, his assumption wasn’t completely wrong... “I-... You see-...” he tried, searching for the right way to describe his situation. Though, how was his situation really? It was all just so complicated...

“Come on, it’s me Zack. Just spill it already!” Reno smiled encouragingly as he waited, eager to know what it was.

Taking a deep breath, the black haired collected himself and cursed over the fact he found it so hard to talk about Cloud. What was making it so bothersome for him to talk about the blond and what was there really to worry about? He was just telling the situation to Reno... Right, it was Reno. One never knew how he took things and what he could start or already plotted in the dark... There was also this disturbing feeling connected to the small vampire...

“Do you have any food with you?” Zack then asked out of the blue as he looked at the things the other had with him.

“Yeah, I do... why?” Reno answered, feeling a little lost. “And don’t you try changing the subject on me, man!” He then added and poked the other in the chest, refusing to be left out. “You asked for my help and now I’m here, so out with it.”

True. His friend had come quickly to his aid and he knew he really needed the other’s help, so he really shouldn’t hesitate...

“You... weren’t wrong with the vampire part.” Zack informed as he began walking in the direction of the cave, not feeling that hyper about fishing any more now when Reno had food with him. Cloud needed to be checked on and even though he really shouldn’t be – he felt worried for the boy...

“Hmm, Ok, so what’s up with this vampire?” Reno asked in all seriousness, feeling Zack’s quite happy aura change into a troubled one. Whatever was up with this vampire, it was a problem to Zack, so he decided to lay low with the teasing part before he knew more. After all, it could be quite serious and the black haired was his friend so he’d do anything to help... even though they were different...

Releasing a sigh, Zack continued. “It’s actually a him and... I don’t know what to do with him.” He admitted and gave a troubled smile.

“Oh?” Reno voiced and looked completely lost. “What about doing what you always do – kill it?” he tried, not getting why Zack found it so hard to know what to do with a single vampire.

“Well... there’s my problem.” The black haired said and looked at the other with troubled eyes. “He’s... just a kid and I can’t bring myself to kill him. Somehow he’s gotten to me...” he added and groaned in frustration over his own emotions. It all almost sounded stupid when he said it like that and actually heard it out loud.

“I see...” Reno mumbled and looked thoughtful for a while as they walked in silence. The vampire had to be really something to get Zack all confused and emotional like this. Though honestly, seeing Zack like this over a vampire’s sake actually warmed his heart. Of course he knew his friend was a very caring person, but this proved that he was more so than Reno had actually thought, considering their history and hunts together... Now there was only one question he wanted an answer to... “So, is he cute?” he asked with a playful grin.

“I should have expected that from you.” Zack replied and was unable to hold back a small laugh as he shook his head.

“Always.” Reno confirmed as he continued to look at the other with shining orbs of interest. “But really, is he cute? He’s gotta be if you spared him!” he reasoned as he studied Zack’s expressions.

Bull’s Eye. Judging from his friend’s flickering gaze and slight change in his breathing pattern, Zack definitely approved of the vampire’s looks. Now he couldn’t wait to see the one who had managed to catch Zack’s liking like this! Even though the hunter had been with quite many women, he had never seemed to really appreciate them. Not once had Zack mentioned them or talked about girls in general during any of their talks and since they had been best friends since they were ten, they had talked a lot...

Glaring at Reno from the comment sailing out of the other’s mouth, Zack actually thought about it briefly. To be brutally honest, the small vampire was really cute when he allowed himself to admit it. Those big and clear eyes together with the wild hair was an image no one could say was not cute... but Cloud wasn’t only that. The slender, yet well-muscled body, those appealing lips and the movements of the other was also very elegant and handsome, speaking of an appeal beyond commoners. Yet the fact remained that in reality, the small blond wasn’t that alone with pretty looks. Zack had seen many other ladies - and men for that matter - that could easily compete with Cloud, but in the end he guessed it was something far deeper than looks that had caught him so quickly. Perhaps they fit in a spiritual level no one could understand? No matter what the reason was, the black haired knew he would be unable to escape the blond and now.. now he was in deep and dangerous waters...

“I’m so right about his looks!” Reno almost cheered in glee as he read his friend like an open book. “Man, I always knew you’d have a soft spot for the small and delicate ones! How far have you gotten?”

“Reno...” Zack sighed. “It’s not like that. I don’t like him in a romantic way, I’m not gay, nor am I interested in a lover.“

“Who said you’d have to be gay to like him? You could be bisexual.” Reno smirked with calculating and smug eyes. “Besides, love comes when one least expect it. If you’ve already spared the kid, he’s gotta mean a lot.” He ended and took a chew on an apple he had with him to effectively hide his intense smile blooming over his lips.

Raising an eyebrow, Zack didn’t look like he’d accept the reasoning of the other. “Just because I spared him and might have a liking for him doesn’t mean I have a love interest in him. What is it with you and pairing me up with people all the time?” he replied with lost eyes as he glared lightly at Reno.

“It’s fun to hunt for your happiness!” the red headed male answered cheerfully behind the apple still being chewed on. “And trust me – I have a good intuition, add to that your obvious lack of interest in women. To me, you are obviously gay – or bisexual at least.” He continued and effectively dodged a hand flying his way, trying to slap him over the head.

“So the women I’ve been with doesn’t mean anything then?” Zack asked sourly, seemingly unable to question his own liking. “Believe me – I have no interest for him in that way.” He confirmed confidently and crossed his arms, looking certain about himself.

“If it makes you feel better and sleep good at night Zack, I’ll let you continue to believe that.” Reno just said calmly, looking like he knew something the other did not. Obviously the red head was dead set on the belief that he was the one right in this discussion.

Giving a low growl in protest, Zack left their debate at that as they made their way into the cave, feeling it was for the better to not risk any wrong or ‘bad’ information leak from Reno’s lips and reach the blond’s ears.

“So, where’s Rude?” he asked, changing the subject while they reached the area where Cloud was. It was surprisingly silent in there compared from before and Zack couldn’t help but feel slightly uneasy. Had the blond died on him?

“Oh, you know. A little here and there, everywhere and nowhere. It’s Rude after all – he comes and goes. I think he left for some minor job in the Gold Saucer, though he should be back for our job for Shin-Ra later this month.” Reno answered with a shrug and looked around for a while, whistling a tune. “Man Zack, this area is quite something! I would have thought you kept something else than a mere little vampire in here.” He joked and took a closer look on the bars.

“One can never be too prepared.” The black haired hunter answered casually and took his usual seat as the other continued his walk around the area. “And I thought you’d stopped with the Shin-Ra jobs?” he added after a few seconds of thought, a cloud of puzzlement sweeping in over his features.

Pausing, the red headed male turned his eyes away from the ceiling to look over at his best friend, waiving a hand in the air to indicate he didn’t think it was a big deal. “Well, yeah. But ya know, Shin-Ra pays really good and I’m just lending a hand a little now and then. A hunter-for-rent you could say...” he explained and adjusted his goggles a little as if trying to say he was too cool to be tied up to one company or too bad to have to stay in one place and work for one person. “And dang Zack! I guessed the kid was small and all, but this? You sure pick the unique ones.” He added more teasingly as he walked closer to the spot where the blond sat leaning against the wall like a lifeless doll, seemingly asleep.

Squinting his eyes to get a better look, Reno decided to go even closer to get a good look on the small one’s face, but as he drew closer a strange tingling greeted him and he narrowed his eyes a little, feeling slightly uneasy. Something was not quite right...

“Say Zack. Do you know his name?” the red head then asks suddenly in a surprisingly serious tone as he glances towards his friend. The other seems unprepared by the sudden seriousness displayed on the other and gave a look of wonder.

“Cloud.” He answers simply, not knowing what else to say.

“... It can’t be.” Reno mumbled to himself as a look of disbelief washed over him. Turning around, he walked right up beside the small vampire and knelt close to the bars, examining the other’s appearance while a mix between a smile and worry painted his expression.

“What?” Zack asked and tilted his head a little, not knowing if he should feel good or bad about the current look on the other.

“This is quite a catch you’ve made Zack, and not just in one way.” The fiery red haired male exclaimed in amusement, but the shadow of worry could not be missed as it too, swept over his face. “Your little buddy here, Cloud, is one of the most hunted and talked about vampire today. Most of the vampires hate him because of who, and what he is.” Reno informed darkly while his eyes stopped to rest on the small boy beside his feet.

Raising an eyebrow, Zack stood up and walked over to his friend to look closer at the blond, orbs shining with disbelief. “I do wonder how you can know this when even I don’t, but for now I just have to ask – why?” he said and watched as Reno snatched his keys and opened the cage door to walk inside.

Stopping just a few feet away, the red head beckoned Zack to come as well. As the black haired drew nearer, Reno pointed at the wounds still visible on the vampire’s body. “I’m certain those are not made by humans.” He stated with a low voice. “And sadly, I’m also certain they are not his first deep ones either. That is because of the answer to your question, Zack. Cloud is ‘too human’ for vampire standards and needs to be disposed of... He’s of no good for the vampire race and is actually viewed as a ‘defect’, as well as being envied by some. Normally he wouldn’t have survived this long, but it seems he has a powerful friend...” he continued thoughtfully before he slowly knelt again to feel the small one’s pulse.

“How do you know?” Zack asked with big eyes before he shook his head suddenly. “Never mind that... But ‘too human'?”

“He’s too emotional, cares too much and is too young, to mention some.” Reno replied darkly and looked at his friend again. “He’s not how a vampire ‘should be’ and therefore desired gone because the vampire authorities wants to keep their ‘history’ alive.”

“Wait, vampires have authorities?” the hunter said in disbelief as he walked closer as well. “But how does that match with them being emotionless and what not?” he questioned and looked utterly lost.

“Who said emotionless?” Reno answered with a sad smile. “No vampire is emotionless – just lacking the ‘positive’ ones. The ones actually developing the more ‘human’ emotions are erased as soon as possible.” He revealed with a disgusted snort. “Cloud though, has always been well-known because he was turned in such a young state, add to that his more human side. Imagine what he’s running from, eh?” the red headed ended and pulled out an apple and placed it in front of the other’s nose.

“... I-... never knew.” Zack mumbled as a pang of guilt suddenly clenched his heart. Even if the blond was a vampire, his life just seemed too unfair, the boy having to face struggles Zack didn’t even wish upon his worst enemies. But now when he knew, what should he do? He couldn’t just release the other since he was a vampire and fed on humans. No matter how emotional he might be, there was no way escaping reality...

Suddenly, a gasp was heard and it snapped Zack out of his intense inner debate. As he looked around, he now found Cloud awake and slowly scooting as far away as he could from the red head with a suspicious look on his face. Raising an eyebrow, Zack walked over to stand behind his still kneeling friend.

“What is a vampire doing here?” the blond questioned darkly, his heavy breathing increasing as his stress level seemed to hit the roof. Apparently his condition was much worse than before, his body trembling and shivering even though it was warm inside. The blond also seemed to be dizzy judging from the slightly unfocused eyes and wavering gaze...

At the question, Reno just smiled mysteriously while his eyes twinkled with impressed lights. “Don’t worry buddy, I’m here to help.” He said and offered the apple again.

“He’s right Cloud. This is my best friend, I called him for help. He’s no vampire.” Zack chuckled lightly with a reassuring face at Cloud while he felt his heart prickle nastily as he looked at the blond’s pained face. He just looked so defenceless and lost... If it had been any other child, Zack wouldn’t have hesitated for one second to walk over and hold him, telling him everything would be all right. But this situation was different, Cloud was different, thus he had to suppressed the urge. Cloud was a vampire... even if Zack knew he wished him to become a friend...

The small vampire looked at them both for a while after their statements, but his expression did not change, revealing he was not at all convinced. In fact, he looked even more suspicious. “Why does a hunter who kills vampires have a said beast as a friend?” he asked and focused his blue spheres on the red head. “I’m weak and dying, but with your wrist so close even you can’t hide your scent from me.” Cloud then revealed and Reno smirked lightly as he raises his hands in defeat.

“You got me kiddo.” he confessed and Zack raised his eyebrows in puzzlement.

“What are you doing, Reno?” the hunter asked and the red head turned his head around with a small smile. As their eyes met, a strange feeling passed between them and Zack felt even more lost. What was up? Did he even want to know...?

Chuckling almost darkly, Reno then turned his head back to gaze at Cloud. “I’m really not out to hurt you, kid.” He tried to assure as he gave a small smile. “If you think about it I’m sure you’ll believe me. I see nothing wrong with you...” he added and the small vampire’s eyes widened slightly as he understood... And he felt sorry for the older, for the first time feeling the other’s hardship and pain about their common situation...

Seeing the expression shift a little on the young face, Reno offered the apple again. “It’s not much, but you need it.” He reasoned and to his happy surprise, the blond took it and chewed on it slowly.

“Reno?” he then heard Zack say again, sounding mildly worried and lost.

Standing up, the red head turned around and faced his friend with an expression saying he was busted, but the hunter couldn’t understand why.

“He’s right, Zack. I am a Child of the Night.” Reno confessed with a grin, but it wasn’t confident like before. Now it was unsteady and scared, like he had put his whole life on the line by saying that specific sentence. “I wanted to tell you, but I never found the right time...”

Staring at his friend in silence for a few seconds, Zack then released a loud laugh, causing the other two to jump slightly in surprise. “That’s a good one, Reno!” he said. “Almost had me there for a second.”

A heavy, soundless moment followed, making it seem like the world had stopped breathing in wait for the conclusion that was to come.

“I’m not joking, Zack. I’m sorry.” The other replied seriously and the hunter’s grin faded like sugar in water.

Shaking his head and smiling nervously, Zack seemed to enter a state of stubborn denial, refusing to accept what he heard. “It’s impossible.” He said and looked with hopeful and desperate eyes at his long time friend. “I’ve known you since we were little. You’ve aged along with me and I would have sensed your aura if you were one. There is no way you could be a vampire.” The hunter reasoned with an unsteady voice that made Cloud feel sorry for the other. The reality was a hard blow and even though the black haired was keeping him here, he couldn’t help but feel for him. Cloud could definitely understand the pain... and confusion.

“You think about everything as always, Zack.” Reno said calmly with a small smile. “But I have explanations to that as well.”

“There’s no way you could.” Zack bit in almost angrily. No matter what Reno said it seemed like the hunter wouldn’t ‘allow’ the truth to be recognized. He furiously clung to the image he wanted to see. Not that anyone could blame him.

Giving a sad sigh, Reno took a few steps closer to his best friend. “You can’t deny what’s in front of you, Zack. And even though I would love to let you have your image of me as a human, I can’t allow myself to ‘keep away’ what is really me.”

“I won’t accept it.” The hunter then exclaimed solidly and loudly and snapped his head around before he quickly left the cave, making his way outside. Unprepared, Reno set after him, leaving Cloud alone again with their echoing footsteps.

Gazing after them, Cloud released a sigh and closed his eyes as he swallowed hard, feeling unable to keep his eyes open any more. Not that it was any use to have them open, his vision was too bad to do any good anyway. It only took unnecessary energy to keep them open and right now, he was short on that. The apple he had been given from Reno was far from helping as he had hoped, but was instead actually making him feel worse. His stomach had started to churn more forcefully and his limbs ached even more intensely than before. Not to mention the hellish images still flashing before his eyes... Now they weren’t just the images of Serena, Mirak, Sephiroth and his mother, but new images of a past he had hoped he would never remember was appearing as well...

Releasing a whimper, Cloud lay down on his back while he desperately tried to fight against the awaiting nightmares. Why couldn’t Zack and Reno have stayed? Their presence kept his hell at bay, but now with them gone, he was helpless...

It was bad, really bad to wish for their company, but right now he couldn’t care less and as he wished for their return the darkness welcomed him with a razor blade romance...

Knocking three times on the door, Tseng waited patiently for a reply. As it came, he slowly opened the door and walked inside soundlessly, his body moving like a swift shadow in the evening sun as he made his way over to the desk. Stopping, he then waited patiently as he gazed neutrally at the back of the chair on the other side, the man in it currently admiring the view from the twentieth floor.

“You returned with one body short.” Rufus stated calmly after a moment of silence. What the man thought about the matter was unclear, but Tseng had been around the other for too long to not learn how to behave. It was one of the reasons he had climbed quickly in ranks and was now the second of the company.

“My apologies, Sir.” The black haired said and bowed his head in respect as he awaited his punishment.

“No need to, Tseng.” The other answered surprisingly as he turned his chair around and threw a bunch of papers onto the desk. “I read your report and you did wise in not showing yourself to the hunter. Fenrir could be a troublesome enemy, even if not impossible to take care of. You handled the situation perfectly and now we have Cloud in a little box.” He continued as a dark smile spread over his lips.

“Thank you, Sir. But may I ask how we have him now? He disappeared and I have been unable to find him...” Tseng asked in wonder and shame, feeling like a failure to be unable to find the little vampire. How the boy was able to keep hidden was a complete mystery...

“We might be unable to chase after him, but he will eventually come walking straight into our arms.” Rufus said smugly as his eyes sparkled with an evil shine, his orbs revealing his almost overflowing excitement for that moment. “Cloud can’t make it alone and I’ve heard Sephiroth is quite fond of the boy. Sooner or later our little vampire will make his way back to his creator, so just keep and eye on our silver haired male and Cloud will be ours.” He ended and turned around, waving a hand to say the other could leave.

Bowing again, Tseng made his way outside, but before he closed the door, a few words floated into his direction with a warning.

“Don’t fail me this time, Tseng. Even in your position I can’t overlook mistakes.”

“Yes, Sir.” The black haired answered and closed the door.

This time, there was no second escape for Cloud...

Walking with quick but troubled footsteps, the black haired hunter made his way along the small path in the forest, trying to get away from the cave and the males in it. Sadly though, he noticed that his friend wouldn’t seem to leave him alone and was swiftly walking after him while he kept his distance, almost like he knew Zack needed some time alone.

“This just can’t be real.” He muttered to himself in a mixture of loss and frustration, having a hard time to accept what he had been told just minutes prior. How could he, when he was told that his best friend whom he had known since they were little, was actually a vampire – creatures that he hunted. But perhaps what was more frustrating was the fact that Reno had always been the one Zack had turned to, trusted and felt most comfortable with and now, now he was a murdering vampire? It just didn’t make sense... A real friend didn’t hide something that important from his friend.

Slowing down and trying to catch his breath, Zack turned his head around and looked with worried and sad eyes at his close one, looking desperately for the absolute truth that he hoped for – that everything was just a bad joke.

“You can’t be a vampire.” The hunter then stated and gave a sad smile as his red headed friend came closer, now daring to stand beside him as he saw Zack wasn’t afraid nor mad at him. He just looked... broken, or more like ruffled or perhaps shaken...

“Sorry, Zack.” Reno replied softly and gave a weak grin, fearing that he might lose a precious person.

“But you can’t.” The hunter reasoned stubbornly. “Vampires don’t age, and why would you hunt and kill your own kind? But maybe more pressing – you wouldn’t lie to me.”

“I have never lied to you, you just never asked... And I have tried to tell you for years, but in the end I think you can understand why I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want to lose you.” The vampire reasoned calmly and affectionately.

As the loving sentence reached his ears, the black haired’s heart felt burdened and he turned around, unable to give a reply. He was moved, yet confused and torn as to what to think or believe...

“Why do humans kill humans?” Reno continued when the hunter did not say anything. “I hunt because I’m hunted as well. I can protect myself while I do a ‘good deed’ – if you’d like to call it that. As for my ageing... It’s my blood.” He explained and adjusted his goggles while Zack slowly turned around again with an unreadable expression.

Sighing, Zack then silently sat down on the ground with his face in his hands. “So you’re hunted because you’re more human than the rest, just like you explained to me about Cloud?” he mumbled in question, feeling that it made sense and still... not.

“Exactly.” Reno answered neutrally, though a shadow of sadness flashed past his eyes for a moment, revealing his life hadn’t always been easy. “And the reason I’m ageing – as I said – is because of my bloodline. My ‘family’ is a very special one and might be viewed as one of the most flawed vampire lines, but I still like it.” He continued with a small laugh, pitying the others’ view on his type.

“How do you expect me to believe you? Everything you say sounds ridiculous.” The black haired questioned while he looked up from his hands.

“Why would I?” Reno countered. “I gain nothing from lying about me and my race, nor do I believe you think I’d gain anything from saying to you that I’m a vampire if I weren’t...”

Once again a silence fell between them after that, Zack being unable to come up with an answer or even being able to make up his mind. He just didn’t know if he should be angry, hurt or furious...

“So, how come? Why are you a ‘flawed’ one?” the black haired then asked lowly while his gaze remained fixed on the ground. If he was curious or sarcastic was impossible to say...

At the question, Reno snorted to himself as he thought about the ones hating his type of vampire. “Because we’re not like every other Child of the Night. As long as a vampire isn’t ‘vampire-like’, the high ups in our society wants us dead. They want us ‘tainted’ ones erased so that the ‘true’ vampire can continue and show the world the image they want displayed. As for me, I’m both emotional and my bloodline ‘diverge’ from the common vampire. My lifespan is just like a humans – that’s why I have aged alongside you. But while I don’t live as long as a normal vampire, my bloodline has compensated that ‘flaw’ with other improved ones. That’s why my services are requested at places like Shin-Ra even though I’m an outcast. As long as I’m good they don’t really care about my background or what not.”

“... I see.” Zack mumbled, sounding lost. At the neutral response, Reno just let the other be while he looked out over the lake, feeling a wind play with his hair tail lightly.

Appreciating the silence the red headed offered him, Zack just let the information sink in while he tried to understand. It was a lot to process, but the more seconds that passed the more he felt bad about his own behaviour when his anger and hurt disappeared by every word the other said. Reno sounded so honest when he told him about his ‘hidden’ life and the scared layer to lose Zack lingered over every word he pronounced, making Zack feel bad about it all.

So the things he had heard and seen is the last hours had turned his world upside down, changed his views on a lot and blended his emotions together in a blender. But when it all came down to it – why was he really that upset now? Of course he was a hunter and hunted vampires, but he was also a human with an open mind. Why was he suddenly closing it now, when his best friend needed him and had told him a deep secret, entrusting him with something so important? Didn’t he betray his friend’s trust and acted worse than a vampire when he did that? Sure, everything he was told crashed his view on his profession and the things he had done for a couple of years, but wasn’t his friend more important? What did old views matter now when he had proof of something else smashed like a pie in his face?

Aerith had told him to try and find his view on the matter, but he had been unable to decide where he stood... So had he finally been able to do that now, thanks to Reno?

Tasting the thought, it quickly started to grow on him until it had become a part of him – like it had always been there.

Why had he doubted himself in the matter when he usually always followed his heart? When had he started to make decisions and act without his hearts agreement. When had he stopped being able to hear his own heart and follow it...? Had his family really been able to shape him that much when they trained him to become a hunter in their image?

Man, was he a fool... Even though the cause he had fought for was a good one, it was still not something he had really chosen himself. Now when he thought about it, it really wasn’t him at all... Of course he wanted to protect, but as Cloud had said once – it was different to protect a loved one and a complete stranger, especially when killing was involved...

Shaking his head, Zack looked up at his best friend with eyes shining with a new light of determination. “Thanks, Reno.” He said and smiled as he stood up, patting the other’s shoulder. “I was lost there for a while.”

With eyes wide, the red head could do nothing else but just stare at the other for a while. Somehow it seemed like he suspected or feared that his friend had finally lost it, but in the end he couldn’t resist and had to voice his question. “For what?”

“For lurking me out of my shell.” The black haired explained with confident eyes. “I had lost myself in a place I don’t know how I ended up in, but you pulled me out of it and I think... I’ve found myself in a way.” He ended and struck a pose in a try to lighten up the mood. He just felt so good! It was like chains had been released from his mind and he saw things much clearer than he had done in a long, long time...

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Reno still found it a little hard to trust that Zack was fine yet. “Well... that’s good.” He started and scratched the back of his head. “You almost seem like a different person.” He then added as they started to slowly make their way back. “The air around you has changed.”

“I guess that’s what happens when one finds oneself. To follow the heart gives more strength and courage than anything else, I guess.” Zack shrugged in answer and smiled. Even though he felt unsure about the future and some of the choices ahead, he still felt better than he had done for years. Perhaps it was the fact that he had let go of some of the views and ideas his family had beaten into his head for years and that he had finally formed his own values?

Taking a deep breath, the black haired gazed at Reno for a while before he decided to voice his curiosity when he was unable to hold it back any longer. He knew he needed to know, especially now when his heart was set and he had accepted things that had been hard to admit before. “What do you think about Cloud? In looks I mean.” He asked and flashed his pretty teeth in a grin.

Almost tripping over his own feet, Reno coughed and stared at Zack, temporarily stunned and shocked into silence. “You sure you just haven’t completely lost it or hit your head?” he wondered, trying to reason with himself, but the black haired just huffed.

“Of course I haven’t. I just... I have just opened up my own path and feeling willing to take it... to one level or two.” Zack informed seriously, but a small smile was still visible on the pretty lips.

“Makes sense.” Reno confirmed and smiled back. “Welcome back.” He congratulated and patted Zack on the shoulder trice before a smile broke lose on his face to a level that made his muscles tremble with fear for over-use. “And I was serious before when I said you had a gem.”

“He is, isn’t he...” the hunter laughed and let a small, special smile creep over his lips as he gazed ahead.

Making their way back to the cave through the forest again, Reno glanced back at Zack after a few minutes and smirked knowingly. “I always knew you were gay.” He teased knowingly.

“Bi.” Zack corrected and grinned.

Laughing, the vampire shook his head softly. “At least you don’t deny it.”

“Nope. I did, but now with Cloud I won’t do that mistake again. He’s got me, whether he or I wants it or not...” the hunter admitted with a voice drenched with worry about the matter. Cloud was special and had been through a lot, so making him trust someone was not an easy thing to do, especially not a hunter. Or well, a former hunter that was now holding him captive...

“Well, at least you haven’t killed anyone he cares about.” Reno tried, searching for a good thing in the moment. “But really, don’t worry all too much. You’re a nice person and if you feel secure and comfortable about yourself and the situation, Cloud will feel it and probably ease up to you better. Honestly I think you’re what he needs. I’m good at reading people, as you know.” He joked, but one could not miss the seriousness dripping over it all.

“Hopefully... but we’ll see, I guess.” Zack replied thoughtfully.

“Yeah. But no matter how you’re thinking about getting on Cloud’s good side, you need to do something about him soon. His life is dangerous and he won’t survive long alone, so unless you know he’ll have someone to help him you can’t release him just like that. Not that I imagine you’d want that until you’ve made him yours.” Reno teased, unable to resist the golden opportunity.

“Very funny, Reno.” Zack said with a small glare. “But I know. It’s a problem...”

“It is. But something needs to be done quick. No matter how close he becomes to you he’s still in great danger from both worlds. I think that the best thing to do for now it so ask the council for humans if they can use Cloud in a way, as a source of information about vampires and their world or something, instead of killing him. In that way he’d be more safe in your world.” Reno suggested in deep thought. “I don’t like the idea that much, but I think it’s the best we’ve got...”

“I agree on that. It’s not a great option, but it’s at least something.” Zack agreed. It was a hard thing to do, to protect Cloud. But no matter how little he knew him, yet, he was still willing to do a lot for him even now...

“It is. I’ll go and ask them in the morning. Hopefully I’ll be back here with their answer before the end of next week. Until then we can only wait and hope Cloud will be ok...” the vampire reasoned and looked at Zack for affirmation.

The hunter nodded seriously. “I trust you, Reno... Please help Cloud – and me...”

Tap. Tap. Tap. In a steady rhythm the sound of fingers tapping a wooden surface echoed in the darkening room. The male taking up some of the space in the single-room cottage stared impatiently out the window with spheres of green flooding with worry.

Sephiroth had never been like this before. Never had he paced around a room in worry, never had he suffered from insomnia, never had he been unable to eat because of missing someone this much. Nor had he ever longed to have something back. But right now everything that took his time and life was the need and want for Cloud back. To hold that precious body. To feel the warmth and know he was allright and would forever stay by his side...

Many times had he tried to deny the intense need and want for the young vampire, but as time passed he had given up on it. When it came to the blond there was no return once you had ‘tasted’ him. He was nothing, yet everything. How could a being be so addictive and desired, yet not in a exhausting or bad way?

Sighing, Sephiroth slowly rose and opened the door, walking outside.

Even if he couldn’t feel the boy, he would still not give up looking. Sitting still and waiting would do no good, nor would it bring Cloud back faster.

Pulling a black cape over himself and covering his silver hair, Sephiroth took off into the forest, in desperate search for a light he needed for his survival...

“You awake kid?” a smooth voice asked in the thick mist of sleep and the loud throbbing in his head.

Weakly opening an eye, Cloud tried to focus on the form sitting beside him. A red, wild head and lean figure greeted him along with a bottle of water.

“Zack asked me to give this to you in case you wanted some.” Reno explained as the small vampire’s gaze landed on the beautifully perfect liquid.

Letting the gaze stay at the same spot for a while, Cloud soon took a deep breath and pulled himself up on his arms. Though he soon paused and made a face, looking like he was about to faint before he slowly sat up with his back to the wall. Groaning, the blue gems fell hidden behind thick eyelashes while the body rose and fell heavily with the breathing. Sweat was dripping from his forehead, bangs glued to the pale skin like it greedily wanted to taste it forever.

After a moment of recovery, Cloud braced himself and opened his eyes a little to look at the older male with tired pools of hazy blue. “Either he’s a fool or just plain stupid for offering his enemy ‘help’.” He voiced lowly, looking at Reno with an unreadable expression.

Shrugging, the older vampire gave a sneaky grin. “Zack is like no one else, buddy. He cares for everyone.”

“Say that to the ones he killed.” The blond commented back without a seconds hesitation. Not at all believing nor accepting that the hunter might have something good in him. Cloud felt too bad and too angry to allow himself to. He needed someone to blame for everything and Zack was the best one at the moment. Irritatingly though, a voice in the back of his head was constantly pointing out the good qualities with the black haired...

Scratching his head, Reno sighed. “I could explain that to you, but I don’t think you’d listen anyway. Just have in mind that Zack is a very gentle person, ok? He’s like a big, cuddly wolf – You have to look past the fangs to see the gentle eyes and fluffy fur.” He then finished with a small wink and Cloud was unable to hold back a small, amused snort. Somehow that image of Zack was... cute...

“Whatever.” The blond replied weakly before he slowly fell onto the floor, too weak to sit up any more.

“Hey, you alright?” Reno asked while he fixed Cloud’s position and placed him onto his back.

At the stupid question, Cloud couldn’t help but huff. “You know, sometimes I wonder if that stupidity of yours is just an act for a future goal you’re trying to reach.” He voiced before a cough silenced him.

Cracking a small grin, Reno gazed down at the youth. “You know, for looking awful and seeming to be very ill, you still pay incredible attention.” He praised and softly ruffled the blond spikes. “Sometimes it’s an act, sometimes not. But I have to admit that this time it was because I wanted to try to make you feel better with making me look like a complete retard.” He admitted. “How bad do you feel?” Reno then quickly added seriously when the small vampire coughed some blood. Fear was evident in the blue eyes even though the blond tried to hide it and act tough. It was sad really, how Cloud didn’t allow anyone else to see his demons and fear and allowing himself to be young when he obviously was...

“... really bad.” The blond confessed, too exhausted and dizzy to be able to try a lie. Honestly he didn’t want any compassion or help from his enemies, but at the same time he couldn’t help but seek it out when close to them. Even if he badly wanted to deny it, he still knew he had always been someone constantly needing others’. His heart ached for someone, anyone, to help him in his misery and pain...

Looking at the body on the floor, Reno felt a pang of hurt stab him at the emotions in the voice as Cloud spoke. Never had he heard such... loneliness and hopelessness.

Bending over, the older vampire slowly and carefully pulled the other to his chest in a sitting position. Feeling the other flinch at the touch, the male hugged him closer. Reno just wanted to make sure that Cloud knew he was not alone – that no one was. “I know you don’t trust me, any of us. And you have every right to. But I still refuse to let you suffer alone like I have done... Please, try to see that we want to help and that Zack made a mistake but has changed. Zack is one of the best people I know – he saved me from my nightmare...”

Closing his eyes, Cloud felt his body relax a little into the embrace – much to his frustration. But he couldn’t deny that it felt extremely comforting to be held like that, especially after Reno’s words. Something about them had struck him. Perhaps it was the fact that the male confessed something painful for a mere stranger like him? Or was it the honesty in the voice? In any case, it made Cloud feel more calm. It was so uncharacteristic of the red head to talk and act like this that it meant even more now when he did. It showed – or at least made it seem like- that it was more honest.

“I don’t get it...” the blond mumbled tiredly, feeling sleep claim him when the warmth of the embrace circled him. The pain was there, but now Cloud also had something else to focus his attention on and that was enough to release him from this life.

“If you give us a chance, you eventually will.” Reno assured. “And you’ll get more body contact than this.” He joked and looked down at the sleeping chocobo in his arms. But apparently his joke had not reached the younger ears, the blond already asleep. Sadly it wasn’t a peaceful sleep, but at least it allowed some escape from a bad reality...

“Well, I guess you’ll see soon enough anyway. Zack won’t let you escape him now, especially not after I let him know you’re a cuddly one...” Reno snickered lightly to himself although he felt extremely worried about Cloud’s state. His bloodloss seemed to have taken a greater toll on him than normal. Luckily though, it seemed like it was only in the first phase yet, so they still had time to help him... “Please let Lady Luck be on our side...”

Gazing at the rising sun, Reno yawned and turned around, spotting Zack walking over.

“I see you're leaving.” the black haired voiced as he stopped a few meters away as Lucifer came flying down.

“Yeah, I thought 'why wait'. Better help him as quickly as we can.” Reno replied as he walked over to Lucifer to pet him as well.

Smiling and enjoying the beautiful morning, Zack placed the majestic Raven on his friends shoulder. “Too true. Now promise to take good care of me bird, all right?” he replied while giving Lucifer a quick and affectionate kiss on the head. “He's my all.”

“I know, I know. I like the bird as well, so just trust me.” Reno assured honestly before a playful smirk zapped over his face. “Though in a while he will be one of two very precious things for you, eh?” he teased and poked at the other's side.

“Yeah, yeah. Hopefully.” Zack sighed while trying to hold back a hopeful smile. There was no denying that the hunter had already set his sight high.

“Good to hear.” Reno said before he walked away. “Just gonna say goodbye to Cloud before I leave.” he informed.

“Do that. And make sure you only talk good about me!” Zack joked as he watched Reno's back fade into the darkness.

“Keep dreaming!” Reno yelled teasingly and waved before he was totally gone.

As the darkness enveloped him, a bad feeling started to creep over him like a shadow. He couldn't decide if it was because of the change in environment or if he should be worried... Quickening his pace, Reno soon reached the room, or more area, where Cloud was. As he entered, it felt like someone punched him hard in the stomach, causing him to feel ill and nauseous. Stumbling for a moment, Reno then made his way to the bars, suddenly feeling really worried. Something wasn't right. He could feel it all the way to his bones, the atmosphere shaking his very core. Something was really bad.

“Cloud?” he asked as he came to a stop beside the iron wall separating them.”Cloud?”

No answer came from the still form on the ground, the small one's back facing the bars. Running a hand over his face, Reno let out a heavy sigh of slight relief before a sudden scream of horror rang into the cave.

Snapping his head to the small form, Reno screamed for Zack to come and open the bars. The sound the other had made was impossible to take as 'normal' and the blond had started to toss and turn badly on the ground. It almost looked like he has some sort of seizure and his breathing was hard and forced.

Running inside, Reno kneels beside the boy and quickly looks him over while checking his pulse and feeling his chest and forehead.

“This is really bad.” he almost gasped as he spotted the barred fangs and red, but hazy eyes under heavy eyelids.

“What?” Zack asked nervously as he sits down beside the other, feeling his heart almost stop beating inside his ribcage.

“... I've never seen anything like this.” Reno continues with a low and horrified mumble. “Cloud has entered the final stage f bloodloss.” he informed as he looked at Zack with scared eyes.

“But that's impossible.” the hunter said in shock, unable to understand. “He hasn't even begun the first one properly.” he reasons, trying to come up with any other reason to Cloud's state but this. Anything would be better than what Reno said.

“He hadn't. But his body was too weak and he had a too small amount of blood in him for it to handle a blood loss normally. Instead his body has directly entered the last stage while quickly breaking the body apart. I've never seen such a brutal, yet calm blood loss in this stage...” Reno mumbled while he positioned Cloud on his back to help his breathing. “I want to help him, but I really need to get going. In this situation it doesn't help him if he both are here. We need to convince the council that they need him as quickly as possible.” he informed quickly and rose to his feet.

“Wait! Reno, what am I supposed to do?” Zack asked horrified, feeling utterly useless.

Giving the hunter a long look, Reno gave a small, sad smile. “You know what he needs, Zack. The only thing that can help him.” he said before he turned around and quickly left the cave before Zack had time to say anything else, leaving an echoing sentence in the black haired's head.

“He needs blood.” Zack muttered sadly to himself while he looked Cloud over with a troubled face as the blond's personal screams and please from before returned. Hell had clearly swallowed the small vampire whole and was now devouring him alive, right in front of Zack's eyes.

“... but I can't just walk outside and get him a human to feed on.” the hunter groaned in frustration as his desperation to help Cloud grew greater. He felt so powerless, so useless for a person he had mysteriously come to care so much for. Even though the blond before him cared nothing for him, Zack knew he cared more for the small vampire than anyone could ever understand. Many would surely find his affection weird and ridiculous, but Zack knew why he cared for him so much now.

He had seen Cloud. The real Cloud under all that struggling and desperate exterior. He had seen a beautiful boy craving something that Zack himself had yearned and searched for his whole childhood – love. To be able to give and get love in return in the most honest way. To be able to trust another being fully and know that someone was your wall and your world. That you could always belong there... Zack had never craved a partner, but a soul-mate was something different. And the more he looked at Cloud and the more he saw what was under the surface, the deeper he fell into the sea called want and devotion. Cloud was someone he just 'connected' to, the being he had consciously and unconsciously been looking for his whole life. The person everyone was in a way looking for. A being he just felt right with as soon as he had spotted the essence under the struggling facade.

The vampire was someone he wanted, needed. Someone he now craved to help and protect. No matter the cost, he'd make sure Cloud was safe and felt secure, even if the blond would never understand or accept Zack himself. And now, there was only one way to help Cloud as quickly and effective as possible...

He'd have to give him his own blood... His life... There was no time to think of anything else...

Ok, lots of dialogues in this one, but hopefully it still follows the “Darkness Demon Rose” style and ‘standard’... And I’m sorry it’s so delayed, a lot of things came up. Not sure if it was worth saving, but at least I didn't have to re-write it for two months!

So well, not much to say apart from a little note about Sephiroth. Since this is a Cloud story with focus on the ZackxCloud development and Cloud’s emotional journey, there won’t be much Sephiroth for obvious reasons. His and Cloud’s story has already been ‘told’ and thus, their life together doesn’t play a big part in this story apart from the way it has affected Cloud. Sephiroth will have and still has a big role in the story, but his ‘moment’ won’t be until later in the story, so Sephiroth won’t appear much for now. Just wanted to let you know.

Hope I made Reno ok! He’s a challenge to write since he’s... well, simply Reno. Definitely not the easiest to get right and make fit in this story, but hope he’s ok! I tried to hide the fact that he was a vampire to the right moment to confuse Zack even more... so much fun.

And I just want to say that I’m really surprised and happy to see so many people actually enjoying this story. I never thought it would catch peoples’ interest... so thank you for your interest in this story and your support. I’m very grateful! I used to personally reply to my reviews, but right now I have too much work to have the time to. But I still appreciate them just as much!

Love

D.B Rose