Rufus Shinra wakes up before Zack again... once more troubled by bad dreams

Zack shakes off his rather deep sleep and looks at Rufus

Rufus Shinra places a hand to his temple... trying to block the memories out

Zack says, "Rufus?"

Rufus Shinra says, "yes?"

Zack says, "You okay?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Not really..."

Rufus Shinra kisses his forehead

Rufus Shinra says, "I'm more worried about what happened to you though"

Zack says, "What's wrong?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Just... memories... stuff like that"

Zack says, "I am perfectly fine... don't worry bout me"

Rufus Shinra says, "I know... I'm just worried about Sephiroth now... Like he's gonna drag you off... away from me"

Zack says, "He's not.... I won't let him"

Rufus Shinra snuggles close to Zack

Zack says, "And if he did manage to drag me off... I'd come crawling right back... regardless"

Rufus Shinra smiles a little

Rufus Shinra says, "I know you would"

Zack stretches

Zack says, "I hope he didn't go after any more kids last night...."

Rufus Shinra says, "I hope not either"

Zack says, "I don't think Im gonna keep from going berserk if he keeps chewing on my troops"

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "There has to be something we can do to stop him..."

Zack says, "There must be"

Rufus Shinra says, "yea... but I don't know of any"

Rufus Shinra kisses Zack and slides off the couch

Zack sits up

Zack says, "Alright... who's his twin bro?"

Rufus Shinra sighs and looks down

Rufus Shinra says, "..."

Zack says, "Hmm?"

Rufus Shinra sits back down, setting his head on his palms

Zack slides to Rufus side

Rufus Shinra does not look up

Zack puts a hand on Rufus' shoulder

Rufus Shinra leans into Zack

Zack says, "It's not that bad.... You ain't nothin like him"

Rufus Shinra says, "I know... I don't act like him..."

Zack says, "I still love you... nothings gonna change that"

Rufus Shinra puts his arms around Zack

Rufus Shinra says, "good"

Rufus Shinra sniffles a little

Rufus Shinra says, "I love you"

Zack says, "I love you too sweetie..."

Rufus Shinra strokes Zack's cheek

Rufus Shinra says, "I really didn't have the heart to tell you... forgive me?"

Zack says, "Forgive you for what?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Sephiroth..."

Zack says, "he ain't your fault"

Rufus Shinra says, "I know... but I should have told you..."

Zack says, "Well... it doesn't matter"

Rufus Shinra smiles

Zack says, "Want me to apologize for my uncle... whose always telling people about the sores on his butt? Or his last surgery?"

Rufus Shinra chuckles

Rufus Shinra says, "Now, that makes me feel better"

Zack says, "So... Seph bites... what do you do?"

Rufus Shinra says, "me? Well... Often I just starve..."

Zack says, "Starve sweetie?"

Rufus Shinra says, "yeah..."

Zack says, "Do you need to drink blood too?"

Rufus Shinra nods sadly

Zack says, "Well you can have mine... just lemme refill"

Rufus Shinra smiles softly

Rufus Shinra says, "Thank you"

Zack says, "I can't let you starve.... "

Rufus Shinra caresses Zack's cheek

Rufus Shinra says, "You're always here for me... that's why I love you"

Zack says, "I love you... I can't be mean... that's what love is...."

Rufus Shinra says, "Really?"

Zack kisses Rufus

Zack says, "You think I just hang around for kicks?"

Rufus Shinra kisses back lovingly

Rufus Shinra says, "I know you don't"

Zack says, "Mmm... now I wish you had found me sooner... instead of him"

Rufus Shinra says, "Well.. anything else you want to know? I'd love to have... saved us both a lot of pain"

Zack says, "So what are you and Sephiroth?"

Rufus Shinra places his hands to his temples

Rufus Shinra says, "I'm not all that sure myself... my mom died giving birth to me... and Sephiroth was... well... taken from her womb prior to that and was 'born' a year later"

Zack nods

Rufus Shinra sighs a little

Rufus Shinra says, "Beyond my cravings and some of the things I figured out I have no clue"

Rufus Shinra cuddles in Zack's arms

Rufus Shinra says, "Do you have any idea?"

Zack says, "Nope... but you're my whatever you are"

Rufus Shinra smiles

Rufus Shinra says, "And you are my love"

Rufus Shinra kisses him softly

Rufus Shinra says, "Knowledge would be helpful to stop Sephiroth though..."

Zack says, "Who... 'created' you?"

Rufus Shinra says, "No clue... you think I was created?"

Zack says, "not sure. Who were your parents?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I don't know about a father... but my mom died giving birth to me... she was a scientist..."

Zack nods

Zack says, "An you were adopted?"

Rufus Shinra says, "yeah... by the Prez..."

Rufus Shinra sighs

Zack says, "Hmm... know any scientists?"

Rufus Shinra says, "how many have died cause of Sephiroth? ShinRa ones"

Zack says, "At least 20 kids a month since I started being a squad leader... some from my squad... some from others"

Rufus Shinra says, "he kills kids?"

Zack says, "Most of em were young..."

Rufus Shinra says, "how young?"

Zack says, "You know... I get a lot of fresh recruits...."

Rufus Shinra nods slowly

Zack says, "14- 15... occasionally I get a 13 year old but that's rare. Next time I see sephiroth I'm gonna fuck up his face or chop his hair or something... "

Rufus Shinra says, "oh"

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "Sephiroth feeds on the innocent..."

Zack says, "They are just kids....."

Rufus Shinra says, "as I said.. the innocent"

Zack sighs

Zack says, "Gotta stop him"

Rufus Shinra says, "I can barely bring myself to harm any one at all... let alone a young person"

Rufus Shinra snuggles deeper into Zack's embrace

Zack says, "Well you have my permission to suck my blood... if you wanna"

Rufus Shinra chuckles slightly and smiles

Rufus Shinra says, "Thank you... now, any plans on how to stop Sephiroth?"

Zack says, "No idea. Does Garlic or a wooden stake work?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I like garlic... I don't know about the stake part. hmm... "

Zack says, "Hmm... decapitation?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Might work... want to try it? Do you think?"

Zack says, "Sure once I rest up a little more... I mean if he sucks on me again.. Im a goner"

Rufus Shinra says, "I know"

Zack says, "Got anyone you hate who you could stick with Cloud as a bodyguard?"

Rufus Shinra says, "..... don't know"

Zack says, "One thing about Seph... once he has a victim he don't stop... he keeps on going"

Rufus Shinra says, "until they're dead?"

Zack says, "Yeah"

Rufus Shinra says, "We have to stop him then"

Zack says, "Cuz you know he's gonna try an kill me now"

Rufus Shinra sniffles

Rufus Shinra says, "Zack... I love you... and you know what will happen if you die..."

Zack says, "I won't die"

Rufus Shinra says, "Better not love..."

Zack says, "I wont... I promise"

Rufus Shinra says, "Now, what do you want to do?"

Zack says, "Dunno.... should I check on my squad?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I suppose that would be a good idea"

Zack says, "They are probably thinking I am the one who got killed"

Zack sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "alright then"

Zack says, "Lets go see what the damage is"

Rufus Shinra nods and gets up

Rufus Shinra says, "let's go"

Zack gets up and stretches

Zack says, "Alright"

Rufus Shinra heads off to the camp with Zack

Zack blows the whistle for a lineup. waits for the troopers to assemble

Rufus Shinra flicks his hair back

Zack says, "Alright... sorry I'm late guys... Strife is all right... under lock and key at the moment until we resolve something. Where is Taylor?"

Rufus Shinra studies the troopers then glances at Zack

Zack sighs as he gets a mass of blank looks

Rufus Shinra says, "I was about to mention that you seemed to have people missing"

Zack says, "Keep an eye out... for him... as usual.. and... I want you people to avoid Sephiroth at all costs..."

Rufus Shinra listens to the murmurs of the troopers

Zack says, "And... Each and every one of you is to select a buddy. You are to watch out for them and don't you dare let them outta your sight. I don't care if you have to follow them into the bathroom ... got it?"

Zack listens to them grumble but follow his orders

Rufus Shinra watches the troops. turns his head as a trooper from another unit comes running up to Zack

Zack says, "yes?"

Rufus Shinra watches the trooper whisper something to Zack, looking grim

Zack says, "how did he die....?"

Rufus Shinra leans his head in and hears some of the gruesome details from the trooper

Zack shakes his head

Rufus Shinra watches the trooper run off

Rufus Shinra says, "I missed part of that..."

Zack says, "he cut the kid up..."

Rufus Shinra says, "How old?"

Zack says, "he was 13... the rare kind... very bright... he woulda been a first for sure... Damnit!"

Rufus Shinra looks at the troopers

Zack says, "No one is to travel alone... Be smart and stick together..."

Rufus Shinra says, "And stay away from Sephiroth..."

Zack nods

Zack says, "Unless you wanna end up like the others..."

Zack selects several pairs of troopers and tells them to go to the other units' commanders and have them buddy up as well....

Rufus Shinra says, "Zack, how long have you been squad leader?"

Zack says, "Long enough to know each and every one of them personally.... bout 2 years..."

Rufus Shinra nods

Rufus Shinra says, "and how many have died?"

Zack says, "Total... over 150..."

Rufus Shinra blinks

Rufus Shinra says, "150?"

Zack says, "I don't know where we get all the damned kids...."

Rufus Shinra says, "ShinRa propaganda..."

Zack nods

Zack says, "Promise of a better life.... but no promise of a death at the hands of a madman... dismissed....."

Rufus Shinra says, "They make Sephiroth look like a hero... which he is in the war... and leave out all the rest of him..."

Zack nods

Zack says, "It's almost more than I can take"

Rufus Shinra says, "As I said, Sephiroth could wipe the entire ShinRa army out... You need to hang in there Zack..."

Zack nods

Zack says, "I need ta keep a clear head"

Rufus Shinra nods

Rufus Shinra says, "yes..."

Zack sighs

Zack says, "It's enough to drive me to drinking.... where's a bar?"

Rufus Shinra places his hand on Zack's shoulder

Rufus Shinra says, "not a good idea... it progresses from there"

Zack sighs

Sephiroth chuckles low, alerting Zack that he has been listening and is around to begin with

Zack says, "fuck..."

Rufus Shinra looks around

Rufus Shinra says, "oh great..."

sephiroth says, "Yes... you are upset to see me today..."

Zack says, "of course you prick... you killed one of my troopers..."

sephiroth says, "heh... is that all you are mad about?"

Zack says, "And you fucking bit me. That kid was only 13.. is that why you picked him?"

sephiroth grins, licking his lips. His fangs are not visible though

sephiroth says, "What do you think Zack dear?"

Zack says, "Raped and tortured the poor thing?"

sephiroth says, "mmm, that sounds like fun.. heh heh"

Zack draws his sword... practically radiating anger

sephiroth twirls his Masamune

sephiroth says, "oh really now, think you can win?"

sephiroth laughs

Zack takes up a stance

sephiroth looks over at Rufus and chuckles

Zack growls

sephiroth looks back at Zack

Zack says, "You're gonna pay for all of those kids"

sephiroth grins

Zack lunges at Sephiroth

sephiroth blocks Zack's approach with his Masamune and chuckles

Zack swings his sword under Sephiroth's masamune... trying to catch him off guard

sephiroth jumps back from the sword, grinning at Zack

Zack lets his rage fade and begins to focus himself

Rufus Shinra watches Zack

sephiroth swings down at Zack's sword-hand

Zack pulls his sword up so Sephiroth's masamune slides along his blade instead of catching his hand. makes a counterblow while Sephiroth's blade is down and slashes him across his face

sephiroth says, "arrgg!"

Rufus Shinra says, "ack!"

Zack says, "Rufus?"

Rufus Shinra stumbles back a second, clutching his head about where Zack slashed Sephiroth

Zack drops his sword and goes to Rufus

sephiroth growls in rage, the blood dripping into his eyes, making him more or less blind

Zack says, "Rufus what happened?"

Rufus Shinra breaths heavily

Rufus Shinra says, "n-n-othing"

sephiroth starts to laugh, leaning on the Masamune as his wounds begin to heal

Zack pulls Rufus' hands away from his face. traces his fingers along his cheek and frowns

Zack says, "you felt it too?"

Rufus Shinra says, ".... yes"

Zack says, "I'm sorry..."

sephiroth pulls his Masamune up

sephiroth says, "seems like pay back to me... after what I got from him..."

Rufus Shinra says, "no.. it's ok"

Zack has his back turned to Sephiroth... paying more attention to Rufus than his adversary

sephiroth walks off, an evil grin on his lips

Rufus Shinra leans into Zack

Zack says, "C'mon.... lets get you back to your room... I can deal with him later"

Rufus Shinra says, "Alright"

Rufus Shinra allows Zack to help him

Zack leads Rufus back to his room and looks him over

Rufus Shinra lays down on his couch

Rufus Shinra says, "how do I look?"

Zack says, "no marks. You're just a little pale"

Rufus Shinra says, "I am?"

Zack says, "Yeah but you're okay.. right?"

Rufus Shinra says, "yes"

Rufus Shinra smiles up at Zack

Rufus Shinra says, "the pain went away"

Zack says, "that's good"

Rufus Shinra smiles and kisses him

Zack says, "How the heck am I supposed to kill or hurt Sephiroth when its going to hurt you?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Sephiroth must be killed love..."

Zack says, "But if its gonna hurt you...."

Zack shakes his head

Rufus Shinra says, "He's hurting many... killing them... I can't live with that..."

Rufus Shinra looks at Zack

Zack says, "I can't... not if it might kill you"

Rufus Shinra says, "He still must be stopped"

Rufus Shinra strokes the side of Zack's face

Zack says, "Do you know what I'd be without you?"

Rufus Shinra says, "what?"

Zack says, "a bitter man...."

Rufus Shinra says, "Zack, killing him might not kill me... I mean, did I bleed when you cut him?"

Zack says, "No you didn't.."

Rufus Shinra says, "so, why do you think killing him would kill me?"

Zack says, "Because you got hurt when I hurt him"

Rufus Shinra says, "I just felt it..."

Rufus Shinra kisses Zack

Zack runs his fingers along Rufus' face and neck

Zack says, "I don't want you to hurt though"

Rufus Shinra says, "If it is to save others from death and pain.. I'll take the hurt to stop him"

Zack says, "Are you sure?"

Rufus Shinra says, "very"

Zack says, "he better not kill anyone else..."

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "I think he is..."

Rufus Shinra kisses Zack

Rufus Shinra says, "Love, we have to worry about the troops... Sephiroth with kill them"

Zack says, "I know... What did you do with Strife?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Stuck him with a Turk. we need to do something"

Zack says, "Stuck him with a Turk?"

Rufus Shinra says, "yeah... don't worry..."

Rufus Shinra kisses him

Zack says, "Poor Turk"

Rufus Shinra chuckles

Zack says, "That kid can be difficult"