tampered | Log; Complete

Log; Complete

When; Now
Rating; PG?
Characters; Zack [

yourarmor], Mori Ranmaru [

xi_dead_roses], anyone who wants to butt in.
Summary; The clock is ticking down and a lot of agony awaits a young warrior. Can the cure be found in time?
Log; What do you know that could save the light from dying out..?

---

He hadn't ever felt this helpless, not since the betrayal back at Honnoji that seemed to be the very reason he was here in the first place. Yesterday, the cures had kept coming in and it was a mishmash of pain all one after the other to the point that he was almost grateful when Zack came in and had -nothing- on him. He wasn't sure what this Marluxia wanted from Tohru, one of the sweetest, gentlest girls he had had the fortune of meeting, and to see her put through this-- Ranmaru wasn't sure if she'd ever want to see his face after this.

He wondered idly if he'd be capable of doing so.

At the very least, what the others had gotten for him had served in helping him to at least move around than being bedridden. He hated this, he hated being worried for and fussed over, when it should have been him actively going after what was causing him pain. He had, eventually.. it was a cure who's name was alien to him. Banira? he had wondered what it was, playing upon the name of 'sweet' orchids. He didn't know what exactly it was, but that was the only thing that came to mind.

So many.. so many people had tried to help him when the answer was in this. He felt useless, and began to wish he hadn't ever announced that he was in pain. Then no one would have worried, no one would have gone through this and he would have found some way to fight back for Tohru.

He grit his teeth as he slipped away from the laptop, feeling a migraine come on. If only he hadn't been so quick to judge what was in that box, but he'd been speaking to Tohru earlier and had assumed too quickly..

Ranmaru, you will be your own doom.. he found himself thinking. And it was true.

As he began to walk back to his room, making sure everything in the halls was in place-- he could feel the burning in his eyes, knowing the futility of wait, though at the same time, he had to wonder. Surely Marluxia wasn't powerful enough to overcome the others' cures? It didn't make sense, there were so many things from other worlds that had ultimately had their effect on Ranmaru-- and probably continued to! Then.. what was stopping them from working now..?

He was breathing heavily as he leaned against the door frame, forehead against the back of his hand as he moved his other to the side of his face. It's getting late.. he found himself thinking. Maybe it wont..

He didn't have time to think the next bit. For what followed was a heavy blast of excruciating pain that shot through his head and nearly felt like a blow to his senses, practically making him see stars. With a loud gasp, he covered his eyes with his hands, trembling as he turned to lean against the wall, shoulders shaking even as he tried to balance himself from not shaking..

He would go down like a warrior if he had to.

But even he could not avoid the inevitable.

He was scared.

.. I can't let him win.. he thought to himself, trembling as he stumbled forward to reach the laptop and send a desperate message out-- this time meaning it. If he was impaired, there was no telling what would happen to the friends involved, and he wouldn't be able to--

Curses, the pain was agonizing, and Ranmaru had to fall back against his bed, burying his face in his hands..

"It hurts.." he hissed to himself, wishing.. more than anything, that he'd had his Lords with him.

Perhaps in the end, all penance was served with eventuality.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Nise had been less than attentive when it came to his journal for a short while, having recently acquired his own room at last after what he considered far too much time relying on others for a place to stay. He should have done it sooner, really, but thoughts along those lines were readily dismissed when he started reading some of the things he'd missed.

And the more he read the more he wanted to bash Marluxia's flowerboy face in. He didn't know who Tohru was but if Ranmaru thought she was a kind person she must've been some unbelievably good soul. Whatever XI had done to Ran... whatever it was, Nise wanted to lend a hand in some way.

He couldn't stand not being of use. Just couldn't stand it. After all, he'd been made to serve a purpose. And that had never left him. The desire to be useful was one Nise couldn't abandon and it only added to his worry over Ranmaru's predicament.

Flowers were not his forte but he knew a bit about Marluxia, and he was able to travel long distances with his powers, so perhaps one of those would be of some use.

He had to hope so because when he read the most recent update on Ranmaru's status, Nise didn't even think first before he vanished from his room. In what felt moments later he appaered in Ranmaru's room with a slight thump when he ended up on a dresser. Lord his aim was off, he really wasn't thinking at all. Plus he'd only been there once.

Scrambling off the furniture somewhat clumsily when he caught sight of Ran, he walked up to him and tilted his head slightly. Damned bastard Marluxia. Hands clenched into fists at his sides but Nise set aside the anger that flared inside him. "...Ran?"

His sudden appearance was probably going to warrant some confusion, but there wasn't much to do about it now.

He was on the bed when Nise decided to drop on in, and that alone got him surprised enough to look up-- even if he regretted it severely once he'd done it. He practically saw light dancing before his eyes before he focused and realised that the person standing before him was someone he definitely knew.

And despite himself, Ranmaru managed a weak smile.

"Nise-kun.." he greeted, suddenly aware of what a state he might be in. Pushing himself off the bed to stand, or at least attempt to without shaking, Ranmaru bowed his head lightly, trying to pretend as if all was well.

"How did you get here?"

Some of the orchids were just beginning to wither as Uriel flew over the city on black wings. He sighed. Somewhere in the distance, a life was flickering, he could feel it, even amongst the great swathes of other powers that filled the city, malevolent and benificient. He followed the faint scent of death among the fragrant blossoms. Death was familiar to Uriel. He was it's bringer, it's hand.

Perhaps he had no power to assuage the Heartless One's poison, but he would at least try to ease the passing of the poisoned one, if the sweet orchid needed could not be found in time.

He alighted gently on a window ledge, bare feet on tiptoes supporting his weight, his great black wings blotting out the sun momentarily, and peered through. Inside, the sick one lay prone on a bed. Another one, a young man with hair silver like the moon stood by her side. Uriel pushed gently on the window and found it locked, and so he rapped quietly on the pane of glass, requesting entry.

"I...did say that I had powers." Nise replied, looking somewhat sheepish over it. He was used to being around people that were accustomed to his powers, and hadn't considered that Ranmaru wasn't from his world at all. It was still new, thinking of people that wouldn't know the mechanics of his abilities. He'd have to remember that later. "I can...teleport, I guess."

It was the best approximation he could think of for corridors of darkness, though it wasn't entirely accurate.

"But that doesn't matter. How are you..?" Nise had a pretty good idea of how bad it was, just watching Ranmaru get up and stand there. It looked painful, and only made him more determined to do something-anything-if it was helpful.

Powers. The thought of which impressed Ranmaru as much as it troubled him, but he wasn't one to cmplain. The fact that Nise was here at all was heartwarming and for the briefest moment, he even considered embracing him to show his gratitude, when the rap on the window made him blink.

Through fuzzy vision, he made out a form-- against the lede.. and he thought he might have been seeing things, had his vision not focused and-

A man with wings..? he thought in alarm, looking at Nise before turning back to stare at the form.

Yuffie-san had mentioned an angel.. could this be him?

Moving hand out to hold the boy's shoulder, Ranmaru glanced at him and whispered, ".. I can't move much without feeling sick.. could you let him in..?" he gave him an apologetic look- not wishing to start feeling nauseous in front of company.

At the sound Nise had looked to the window and seen someone with wings, though he'd never encountered such a person before. His world was full of unusual people so it wasn't terribly strange where he was concerned.

"Yeah, I'll let him in." Nise replied softly with a nod, unsure if he should speak up or not around Ran when his voice was so quiet.

That said he carefully moved away from Ranmaru and crossed the room to reach the window and unlocked and opened it to allow entry. He was glad for something to do, even if it was a simple task, because all he could do was worry over his friend.

Ducking down to fit his seven-foot frame in through the window, Uriel slipped into the room, nodding gratefully to the young man. He raised a hand in greeting.

"Blessings upon this house. How may I be of aid?" He said.

"I...I'm not sure." Nise's eyes were downcast. That was exactly what he had been wondering, really. He wanted to help Ran but he didn't know exactly how to go about doing so. "I think you'd have to ask Ranmaru..."

Having said that he walked back to his friend's side in case he was still having trouble standing. Whatever little he could do-even if he was just a means of balance-he'd do it.

Ranmaru looked from between the newcomer to Nise, before settling back on the bed, his voice rather quiet.

"You are the angel Yuffie-san spoke of.. aren't you..?" he asked. Raising his head slightly, the signs of weariness and lack of focus shone in his silver eyes.

"I do not want to be a bother.But please, if you would know of how to fix this burning in my eyes and body, I would be grateful. Tohru-san's freedom is at stake.."

Uriel nodded again at the mention of Yuffie's name. "I am. I am Uriel, that the men of earth name Archangel. I have come at the asking of Yuffie. The Heartless One names your cure as "Sweet Orchid", but there are some few different kinds that I have grown whose nectar is sweet. I have no power to discern the poison in your blood, but I can help to gather the sweeter kinds of orchid if you wish. I will fly fast and far." At the mention of this, he shook out his black wings, and a few feather fell to the floor.

"Command me as you will." He said.

This was strange, and absolutely new to him. With a confused look towards Nise, then back at Uriel, Ranmaru bit down on his lower lip and bowed his head. He had never been good at telling others what to do, he was a follower through and through and it was upsetting to him to even -dare- ask anyone for anything.

But if he wanted to help Tohru, he'd have to--

He froze, tears beginning to gather in his eyes. But it wasn't because he was sad.

His hours were up.

"Nghhh!!" the pained sound that escaped him was something he was strongly stifling and he let out a yell, his hands covering his eyes. No one had figured it out-- and he could feel the toxins attack his vision, and not wanting anyone to see him in this pathetic state, Ranmaru moved his hands back over his eyes, hunching over.

"---orchid... alien... to me--" he hissed through his pain, ".. bitter first.. then made sweet---" it hurt.

"---V-Vani-" he tried to say, but with another wave of pain, Ranmaru found himself breathing heavily, his fingers practically digging int his temples as if clawing to get his eyes out.

".. hurts--!!"

Uriel's eyes widened, as he felt the pain radiate out from Ranmaru's body. In a flurry of black robes and hair and angelic speed, he swept over to the pained man and caught the hand he clutched to his head, in one hand, ready to support him if he fell, and pressing the other to Ranmaru's forehead so he could looking closely into his eyes and see the darkness that was beginning to blot them out.

"Human." He said, quietly, allowing healing energy and strength to flow out of his hands into Ranmaru, hoping it would hold off the poison's power a little longer. "There is no pain that can be hidden from me. Speak fully the name you began, that we may seek what you need. But know this, if we cannot cure you, you will not die alone, this I swear. I will remain with you."

Yuffie had been busy trying to work out the answer to Marluxia's riddle. It was times like this she wished Aerith was here, the girl knew flowers like nobody's business.

After checking up on some things, she headed over to Ranmaru's apartment. If she couldn't help him, she could at least visit him when he was in pain.

She really wanted to slash Marluxia's throat, or summon Leviathan, or even ChocoMog. But she wasn't sure how her materia would react in this city, so she settled for making plans to get the flower boy back for this dirty trick somehow.

(ooc: Sorry so late. X_X )

He'd been rather disappointed when it'd seemed like no one was able to figure out just what he was after. He had actually been looking forward to seeing if anyone could solve his little riddle-- but then, he'd been so bored that he would have been amused at tossing a doll in the middle of the city and hoping people thought it would explode in their faces once he'd said he'd put it there. The way people jumped to conclusions around here was hilarious, if he had the ability to be amused.

There was little time left and he was revelling in the posible victory he may be able to face. A pawn for his play and a warrior out of his way, it couldn't get any better.

As the shadows moved, he stepped out of his formed portal, smirking as soon as his gaze settled on the new arrival.

Poor, pitiful orchid. He was certain that what he did now was going to have the intended lasting effects he wanted. But for now.. He could choose to be deceptively.. helpful.

And as Yuffie apoached, he merely watched her with an interested eye. There were enough people up there. Time to weed out the extras.

"How charming. You're going to go in empty-handed, little girl."

Yuffie rolled her eyes as she saw Marluxia step out of a portal.

"What do you want? Come to gloat? Or bug Ranmaru some more?"

Either way, she wasn't exactly pleased to see him. Being a ninja meant being on guard and trusting one's senses, and right now her instinct was telling her to be on full alert. She watched him warily.

Like he had any time to waste for that. Marluxia pretend-yawned, keeping himself from just turning and walking away when he so wanted to. He'd drawn out the game long enough to watch it's outcome and there was no way he was going to waste his time if he didn't see it end.

Training his gaze back on her, a lazy look in his eyes, he shrugged a shoulder.

"I just want toee the fruit of my success." he was smirking now as he let his hand drop to his side. "When all of you fail and you watch him suffer.." he tilted his ead to a side, smirking darkly at her.

"It's nice, isn't it? To know that it isn't you?"

"Right. I highly doubt we'll fail. We humans are smarter than you give us credit for." She tilted her head. "As for it being nice to know that it isn't me? Sure. I'll be honest about that." She could be honest when it suited her, and obviously, lying would do no good here.

Yuffie sent a dark smile back at him. "And isn't it nice to know that even though I could summon something to either drown you or run you over, or even squish you, I haven't done it yet?" Her smile widened, eyes crinkling at the corner. "After all, have you ever been run over by a chocobo with a mog on it's back? Hurts like hell. So does being sat on by a giant fat chocobo."

She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I think Demyx would like Leviathan. He appears on a giant tidal wave that washes away anything in it's path. So fun to watch."

Yuffie folded her hands behind her back and rocked on the balls of her feet. "So what do you want, Marluxia? And please, spare me the bullshit."

There she went, being all confident and uselessly suggestive in her threats. Honestly, he didn't know why they even bothered. Sure they had their fancy spells and what have you, but did they even have the means to pull it off? He rolled his eyes, obviously not impressed, and began to turn around when she asked what he wanted. He smirked, then turned his back on her entirely, looking up ahead at the building where his victim now was.

"You, can spare me your attitude, worm." he replied cooly. "I'm here to watch you fail."

He suddenly chuckled.

"It isn't as if you being here is going to be of any help to him, is it?"

Yuffie rolled her eyes and continued rocking. "I dunno, Marly. I may be of some help after all. Especially if the cure is what I think it may be."

She stopped moving for a minute, and placed her hand on her arm, where a bracelet slotted with materia rested. "Still, I think I'd rather watch you fail."

Yuffie debated on whether it would be worth it to cast Fire 2 on the man, but decided against it. She'd always been taught to pick her fights wisely.

She was ignored, as he intended to do from the start. The hours were drawing to an end, his victory was coming close. Tohru had found one part of the cure... but even she had failed.

However, Marluxia did smirk and look over his shoulder.

"Keep thinking, worm. Your time is up." with that, he moved a hand to his side,forming another portal. Time to go and watch the finale.

With a dark grin, he let the shadows travel through the ground and they would then lunge out to grab Yuffie by the ankles, the portal shadowing beneath her. He wasn't intending to harm her, he was just taking her where he was going.

"Stop squirming. We're paying the orchid his final visit when he can still -see- you." a grin flit over his lips as the shadows began to beckon..

After having trashed the apartment sufficiently to vent some of his fustration and narrowly missed throwing a lamp through the screen of his journal-computer-thing, Kurogane gave up trying to be stoic and stomped out of the rooms entirely, slamming the door behind him.

It wasn't like him to get so easily fustrated, despite popular belief, but then, most problems were easily solved with violence. The fact that he had doubts as to whether or not he could take Marluxia in a fight was fustrating enough, not to mention the fact that he wasn't allowed to fight to kill any more. He had gotten attached to Ranmaru whether he wanted to admit to it or not - it was nice to have someone around who retained the customs of his home, even if he had been busy rejecting said customs while he lived there.

He wanted to protect the people he cared about most of all, like his father had done for him, and he was letting a very evil creature toy with one of them! It was enough for his hand to grip souhi's hilt and compulsively slide it a few centemetres out of it's sheith. He wouldn't have been surprised if a black cloud hovered around him as he stalked through the streets as he made his way to Ranmaru's building. The least he could do was be there for him, and hopefully someone else had found the answer to the clue... If not, well, he could always bargin with the old hag if it got down to it.

Not bothering with knocking as he was wont to do, Kurogane swept into Ranmaru's shared apartment and looked around immidiately hoping that he would find the poisoned fighter safe in bed and not trying to do anything heroic and stupid.

[ooc; Continued from this thread (http://community.livejournal.com/tampered/37953.html?thread=521537#t521537), reply in comments not in replies! :D Same with Nise, Zack, Kurogane, Marluxia and Yuffie. Just grab a posting order!]

Ranmaru could barely think straight anymore, his eyes felt as if they were being torn out of his skull and for the briefest moment, he even considered it. However, when the healing came from the angel's touch, he looked up, just feeling a slight sense of ease at the gentle powers that came from him..

"Human. There is no pain that can be hidden from me. Speak fully the name you began, that we may seek what you need. But know this, if we cannot cure you, you will not die alone, this I swear. I will remain with you."

He didn't want anyone to die, least of all the very people that were trying to help him. And in Bishamonten's name, they -shouldn't- have been suffering for him-- he was a warrior, he should have...

Should have, would have. Be realistic.. he scolded himself. He should have appreciated that he was being aided at all.

In a strained voice, he looked up, trying to focus on Uriel, he whispered, "... V..Vanilla.." that was it. "A friend.... said.. it is bitter.. but when tasted... it is sweet.. as.. a sweet orchid.."

He cringed, not realising Kurogane was here too, the tears flowing endlessly from the pain and it humiliated him.

"Don't look at me.." he finally said in a strained voice. How embarassing that they all had to see him this way..

Zack had been worried sick, like everyone else had been. But even though he didn't really know what was going on, he had been trying to clear that stupid riddle but wasn't having any luck. The encounter with Sephiroth, people asking to help, and on top of other things he had been quite busy with so many things on his mind.

But this was Ranmaru. He was important to him, so Zack tried to focus on that first. However, he was having a difficult time and decided to just head on back over and check up on him instead of tearing his hair out from thinking too much. He had been back and forth from his apartment to Ranmaru's mostly all day, but stepping out every now and then seemed to be an appropriate thing to do.

Maybe someone else found a cure? The raven-haired man thought to himself as he made his way on over to Ranmaru's place again, quite hopeful that these thoughts were true and not just some kind of hopeful mess he got himself into.

The next minute he opened the door but was surprised when he saw there were people in there already from the time he left and the time he came back. At least people were trying to help, he guessed that's all that mattered.

Zack poked his head into Ranmaru's room and around someone's back, glancing over at the guy and noticed that it was none other than Kurogane. The guy that said Zack looked like his dad or something like that, right?

Violet eyes circled on over to Ranmaru though, expression softening considerably before he slipped past the other man, giving a quick 'hey' to him. But he went to the younger one's side, sitting on the edge of the bed as hands circled up to touch one hand to his face, a thumb trying to rub off some tears in the process.

“Hey, Ran...” Zack spoke softly, almost in one of those kind of parental-like ways of his that always seemed to come forth at these kinds of times. “How're you holding up?” He knew he wasn't doing so good, but Ranmaru seemed to be the kind of person who didn't like to feel weak. Zack wasn't about to baby him unless he really wanted it, especially in front of others.

Seeing that more people had arrived to keep the sick one from being alone, (although perhaps he would be ashamed for them to see his tears) Uriel stepped away from Ranmaru, back towards the window. There was no change in his face, but the speed of his movements betrayed exitement.

"Vanilla...yes.. Yes, I know this name. It grows in the high places. I will fly like the wind and fetch it."

The rest of the sentence was thrown over his shoulder as he dived out of the window, undoubtedly to the astonishment of the rest of the people in the room, and headed for the rooftops, scanning for the cream flowers and pods Ranmaru needed so desperately.

Having pulled away from Uriel.. surprised, slightly that the other knew where to find it. He would have asked how, but before he could, Uriel had already flown out and the boy's burning vision would only allow him to focus so much.

Which was possibly all for the better, because Ranmaru found himself in Zack's arms-- he'd been around before and he'd been concerned because Zack had mentioned something about needing to clear his thoughts. He'd inevitably felt really bad that he'd had the man he now looked up to as a sort-of brother troubled or him, even when he had worries of his own, but it was relieving all the same.

Everyone who'd come here, even for the sake of just comforting him.

"Hey, Ran..." Zack's voice was soothing, and for the shortest moment, Ranmaru felt warm.. he was glad. He was glad they all were here, but now, he just had to close his eyes.

".. not too well.." now he couldn't even find the energy to open his eyes.

"Nise-kun.. Kurogane-san.. are here too.. ne..?" he asked softly. He felt terrible that they had t see him this way and he couldn't do anything else. Perhaps it was a good thing the room he stayed in was a rather large one, something like he would have back in his world-- it could accomodate them all. Had he the energy, he might have even offered them something.

His voice became slightly quieter, though, as the sickness began to swarm through him.

"... I don't think.. this is going to work.." he whispered. He didn't mean to sound pessimistic, but it was a fact. Time was running out and there was no possible way even the angel could return with a cure on time..

“They're here, yeah,” Zack took a passing glance towards the people mentioned, trying to give smiles all around before focusing his attention back on Ranmaru. The poor guy really wasn't holding up from the looks of it. It kind of sucked, especially since Ranmaru didn't deserve this; it wasn't his fault and that's what made it even worse.

Though the pessimistic words reached his ears, Zack shook his head in reply and pulled Ranmaru into a gentle hug. “Don't say that, Ran. We still have time. There's always a way, y'know?” Maybe Zack was being a little too optimistic, but when was he not? There wasn't any reason to be scared or overly worried. Things would be alright, because Zack wasn't the type to let his friends suffer, especially ones that were so close to him now.

A hand moved to rake his fingers through the other's dark hair, murmuring to him in a semi-cheerful voice, trying to distract him a bit from the pain he was feeling. “Cloud says he hopes you get better, Ran. He also wants you to see him in that pretty kimono you made him, so you have to get better, okay? It looks smashing on him. Very cute.” Alright, so maybe Cloud didn't say that whole kimono bit, but maybe it'd make Ranmaru smile just a little. That's all he hoped for, after all.

Yuffie REALLY hated Marluxia at the moment. First the bastard ignored her, then had the darkness grab her.

She made a mental note to ask Cloud to borrow his Knights of the Round materia. Come hell or high water, she was gonna use her materia on Marluxia.

"Stop squirming. We're paying the orchid his final visit when he can still -see- you."

Asshole. She was gonna get him back for this.

Swooping and diving in the sky, banking where he saw a likely spot, Uriel searched for the vines with the cream flowers the sick man needed. He could not remember for certain which seeds he had spread across the rooftops, and so many of the flowers were the correct colour from a distance. From up here, the clock layout of the city was even more evident, the healing scar where building seven had been an obvious mar on the face. He carefully avoided the roof of the cathedral, not really wanting to run into any of his brethren at the moment.

Passing over the roof of building five, he saw something dusky white straining towards the sky across the top of an air vent, followed by the distinctive trail of alternating round-ended leaves trailing at forty-five degrees to the stem. Vanilla planifolia. He hoped it was the right species. Alighting next to the metal air vent, he reached down, and whispered an apology to the vine, then plucked a flowering length, carefully healing the cut where he had removed it.

Then he took to the air again, heading for the home of the sick man.

[ooc: stop me now if you don't actually want him back in time with the vanilla.]

Kurogane's eyes never left Ranmaru's fallen figure as it rested in Zack's much more capable hands, but he didn't make any move to go closer. He had been speaking the truth as he knew it when he had said that Zack reminded him of his father. Not just in appearances - he was just as kind and caring as his father had been too. Kurogane could never live up to such a big shadow.

If that angel guy managed to find the 'vanilla' in time, he would be seriously indebted to him. He had seen warriors loose arms, legs, sight before, and saw how it broke them. He didn't want that to happen to Ranmaru. Especially when they had not had a chance to spar together themselves.

"You can have the killing stroke after I maim him, if it makes you feel any better," he offered at a weak attempt at semi-humor.

He was amused beyond what words could express. As soon as he arrived, in the middle of the room with the shadows shoving out Yuffie out of them and sending her into where the rest of them were. It was so interesting to see all these people and not one had managed to figure out the cure that would help their compaion.

What a disappintment, truly.

He knew all eyes would be on him as soon as he did make his entrance, and of course, the smirk that crossed his lips was devilish in it's wake. From the Replica, to the victim.. and the two companions.. Zack and Kurogane, was it?

And of course, Yuffie. Who of course, made empty threats enough to bore him.

The shadows swirling around his feet, Marluxia let out a soft chuckle and raised his hands in a mock display of clapping.

"Well done, well done." he complimented mockingly. "Your failure is celebrated. Are you enjoying the show?" he lowered his hands, a dark grin lacing his lips as his eyes settled on Ranmaru.

"How is our little orchid faring..?" a mock concerned look came into his eyes. "Does it hurt a lot? Don't worry. Once you're blinded, your little friend will be my plaything. I'll take good care of her."

In all honesty, this was truly a game. And so many had responded, but not one had the answer.

Humans truly were disappointing in the end.

Everyone's words had been such a comfort-- Zack's, Kurogane's. He'd even smiled despite the pain, even as the light faded from his eyes. He even murmured to Zack about how he would like to see Cloud-san in what he had made, and offered a promise to spar with Kurogane.

Happiness.. that was as fleeting as the shadows that suddenly flooded the room and filled his heart with dread and anger, when he heard the new voice that came in.

He slowly sat up, practically tearing open his eyelids so that he could see, even through his blurring vision-- and he could make out the shape and form of the heartless one even if he couldn't see him entirely.

The first words out of Ranmaru's mouth were not directed at him, but to everyone else.

"I don't want a fight."

That was all, before he stood up shakilly, pushing away from Zack and the bed itself, trying to stand his ground where he was.

"You're going to do no such thing. Tohru-san was at a disadvantage. Your fight is with me."

They were big words coming from him now, but he wasn't going to go down without having fought.

He smirked darkly when the boy stood. With no cure in sight, not even from the useless little plaything he'd used as a pawn to trigger this on, it was hilarious to see each one of them standing up for each other. What were they, some sort of pack of -ants-? Then again, Marluxia thought with a grin, that wasn't too far off. Insects, or worse, the lot of them.

When one went down, the others swarmed to grab the body. It continued and went around until they all were at the height of suffering, all in the name of protecting each other.

After seeing this, he wasn't even surprised he didn't want a heart, especially if it made him this weak.

"Tell me something I don't know, weedling." he replied cooly, waving a hand with a careless sway. "Fight, no fight, a game.. it could be anything." he opened his eyes, a smirk settled on his lips.

"Whatever it is, you've lost, and so has the fool that hoped she could save you. In fact, why are any of you here at all when you have nothing but comforting words to offer?" a mock-affectionate look came into his face.

"Why, could it be that your love will save him?"

He wasn't at all being subtle about his mocking-- why should he be? His game had ended at a note of victory for him. Why shouldn't he gloat?

"Heh..." he chuckled in his throat, folding his arms across his chest. "And after all the trouble I went through to even make it easy."

Time for the final blow.

"It's not like anything's worth it anymore, you know. Perhaps I'll make my leave while you all mourn. But to see the look of failure on your faces.. I do thank you for the entertainment. It wont be forgotten.

I'll be sure to tell your weedling of a friend how sad you were~" he smirked darkly. "Oh humans, oh humans. How pitiful you are."

Indeed Zack's eyes were on Marluxia, then on Ranmaru as he stood, but he didn't make a move to try and stop him save a hand reaching out, though hovered there as the younger of the two spoke.

A smile crossed Zack's lips, feeling almost distinctly... proud, was it? Something like that. Not many people seemed to be willing to be so brave, and it reminded him why people were still alive today. Confidence, that set determination and not taking crap from anyone, not even when at a possible dead-end.

So Zack spoke as well, giving Marluxia a fine, brilliant grin.

“Gettin' a little ahead of yourself, aren't ya there?” Shaking his head, Zack sighed a little. “Tsk, tsk. I thought you were smarter than to underestimate us humans, y'know? No one in their right mind would do that.” He didn't move from his spot on the bed, though looked Marluxia in the eye with as much confidence as the other seemed to have already.

“You're not winning this round.”

Oh humans, oh humans. How pitiful you are."

"Hmm. Seems to me you're the pitiful one. You have to pick on someone just to feel worthy." Yuffie was quite fed up with Marluxia's gloating.

"Honestly, Marly-ri. You act like such a know it all. Much like the playground bullies. Matter of fact, that's exactly what you are. A simple-minded playground bully who tries to hide the fact that he's not all he appears to be."

Yuffie smirked. "Then again, bully is too strong of a word. You depend on your flowers and stuff. Hiding behind them, coming out to strike when you see fit? Sounds like a giant coward to me, acting out of jealousy."

Marluxia was NOT going to get the last word on this. Nit if she had anything to say about it. Her mouth may have gotten in trouble before, but right now, she didn't care.

"As for why we're here? It's because we care. So that makes us weak? Foolish and all that? Well, at least we can care about someone or something. You, who have no heart, can't really enjoy what you do, since you're incapable of feeling. I hope Sora or Roxas takes a keyblade to your ass again, or that someone puts an ugly assholic jackass like you back in his place."

(ooc: See what you did? You made Yuffie make a speech! And it's one of those motivational/insult ones! ;_;)

Arriving at Ranmaru's windowledge once more, Uriel saw who was inside, and started back. He almost fled. He did not want to fight, he was not a fighter by nature. Then he saw the bravery with which the humans stood up to the Heartless One, and was a little ashamed he had thought of running away.

He slipped in through the window, unfolding into the room again. As he did so, he plucked a flower from the vine he was carrying, and broke off the back section that would become the pod, and held the highest concentration of the bittersweetness Ranmaru had mentioned. Quickly, in case someone tried to stop him, he strode across the room and caught the hand of the near-blind man, carefully pressing the plant part into it. Then he turned to face Marluxia, putting himself between the Organisation member and the sick man and stared, waiting to see what would come next.

Nise had nothing but hatred for Marluxia, and he always had. The mere sight of him made anger seethe in whatever sort of heart he had-real or not-it didn't matter. That anger had roiled within him as nothing else might and for a time no words came and only narrowed eyes spoke what he thought.

When the winged man appeared in the window and then hesitated, he caught Nise's attention. Perhaps he wasn't a fighter... Of course his further actions held even more interest as he handed something to Ranmaru. Was that...?

And then he got between Marluxia and Ranmaru. Well then, Nise wasn't going to make the guy stand alone.

He took his place next to the winged man, darkness crackling between his fingertips. If Marluxia tried anything else he'd see what kind of hate Nise's heart could harbor. Having done that to Ran... how anyone could do that...

Small wonder; Marluxia had no heart.

"You're a coward, hiding behind your silly riddles. It's a small wonder you always fail." He may not have been of use for much, but he wasn't going to let Marluxia do anything more. At the least he could stand and support the first friend he'd ever made. Nise smirked. "Always."

Darkness hissed in menace between his fingers, but he made no move to attack. Foremost, Ranmaru was the priority.

[ooc: moving's chaotic but i finally got time to post. *sigh* evil business, switching locations...augh and typos... *edits*]

He didn't want to hurt anyone (but Marluxia) by drawing his sword in closed quarters, but he couldn't deny the twitch in it's direction that his hand had made when the figure appeared in the centre of the room.

Standing up straight from the door, he stepped behind Ranmaru's shoulder, a weight heavy enough to lean against. If Marluxia had ever seen what a group of ants could do to something five times their size he would have thought twice about calling humans that.

"If humans are weak," he said slowly, red eyes burning with a desire for battle. "Why would you appear in the form of a human? A human without a heart is a defective one. Therefore, you are weaker than any human with half a heart."

[OOC: gah, went to bed early, am posting before work :O *rushrush*]

Oh how courageous they all were, how heroic. From the weakest little maggot to the biggest lug (specimens of course, all standing before him)-- he had to marvel at their hope. When Zack spoke, Marluxia seemed impressed, but Yuffie's words really took it downhill. Marluxia was one for subtlety, and insults never really made him. Now, the big log and the big bird who'd just joined in impressed him as well-- and the dear little Replica, even enjoying the falseness of Vexen's created heart.

Beautiful.

So once he'd finished listening (or flipping off) everyone mentally, he raised a hand dramatically in a show of disregard and mock-yawned.

"Charming." he stated without so much of an inkling of interest. The angel had just brought in the cure, he could sense it.. but ah, what good was it ow? Especially when he was going to pull the strings and make it his advantage?

"A bully, a Coward.. do you think it matters what you call me?" his voice relayed his boredom and he grinned as he looked between all of them.

Well then. Might as well show them what he was up to.

"I'm not ashamed of not having a heart. Why- as of this moment, it just put me above you all. To tamper with you fools as I see fit!" he was indescribably cruel, there as no doubt, and he smirked, making it look as if he was going to attack but instead, summoning shadows that made an image of Tohru for all to see.

"Cure or not, whatever I am, forgotten... You all forget one thing important. I'm still holding the strings and you all continue to dance to it." he made the image vanish and began to turn to take a step away.

"Each word takes you a step closer to yet another weed's doom. Do enjoy your handiwork now," he began to turn his back confidently to them, forming a portal and beginning to step through it.

"I have a debt to collect."

Everyone around him was indeed standing in not his defense, but his support. For that, Ranmaru could not have been more grateful and his confidence indeed flourished. However, when Tohru's image was shown, a sharp stab ran through him. She was going to go through a whole lot of suffering at this madman's hands, he knew..

"Wait." his voice was strong as he interjected, his hand holding the antidote now gently knudged back into Uriel's in a gesture of 'protect it for me'- before he took a step on ahead.

He knew the others would tell him to stop, but he had something figured out.

Marluxia was one of those people to who saying no would only encourage them to try such twisted things. And so, before him, he fell to his knees, hands against the ground as he knelt there, trembling.

"You're not taking Tohru-san. What good is a girl with no strength and power to you..?"

He raised his head, bloodshot eyes more focused than ever before.

"If you release Tohru-san, I forego the cure. Do as you will with me." his vision was fast fading.

"But I will end this now."

[ooc; going ahead with Ranmaru's part in this as well since the other will make it a double post!]

Marluxia paused in his tracks-- resisting the urge to groan. Oh, another one of the 'take me and I'll do anything!' acts. How boring. And yet.. he smirked to himself as he glanced back, looking at the fallen warrior reduced to this pathetic state and saw it. He saw the victory they all had.

His victory because they had succeeded in being incapable of doing exactly what he had said they would not.

Their victory.. no, their loss.

With that, he slowly turned around, a smirk settled on his lips and knelt before the boy, taking his chin in his hand and jerkng his face upwards.

"I think not, little Ranmaru. You aren't exactly as much use to me as she is. Do you know what you are, though...?"

The shadows began to move like ripples underneath his feet.

"You're an annoying little weed who does not know when to keep his mouth shut."

The words said, the shadows shot out from the ground and caught the boy in their grasp, attacking the very section of his eyes, sending the darkness to cover them. As he heard the boy's hiss of pain, Marluxia grinned, releasing him and began to move into his created portal.

"That was fun, my dear weedling. Very well, your pathetic friends are spared--" a dark laugh escaped him as he began to move back.

"But what are you going to do now? Why, look at that trembling form incapable of doing anything now!" he watched as Ranmaru desperately tried to hide his face away from everyone and he was certain his eyes would be burning.

"I don't go back on my word, children. Make sure you don't go back on yours." he told them as-a-matter-of-factly, before grinning triumphantly at them all.

"Thank you for the fun!" with that, he waved his hand and vanished into the claimed shadows, his laughter echoing with mirth.

They had all played as he had wished.

That was the easiest victory ever.

And as he felt it..

Time was up.

Uriel listened to the speech and watched the exit without any particular expression on his face.

"Those who say that my speech is incomprehensible." He said. "I will direct to the Heartless One so that they may truly understand the cryptic. I do not understand his feelings of victory and his talk of use, and fun. I do not see the "fun" in playing with the lives of men." He turned to the others in the room. "What will he do to the Daughter of Eve Imprison her? Bars can be broken, doors unlocked. Take hold of her mind? Control can be overcome. Slay her? Of what use is that in this place..." He shook his head, sadly.

Uriel looked at Ranmaru, trembling pitifully on the floor, imprisoned in shadow and self-hatred, and appeared to come to a decision. He knelt down beside the shivering form and swept him up, carefully, then carried him to gently place him on the bed.

"Hear me, Orchid, if you can, beyond the shadow." He said, quietly, standing beside the bed. "There is no shame in pain, in fear. There are none here who will despise you for your humanity. Indeed, I envy you it. I find it beautiful, frailty and impermanence. Perhaps you cannot see that yourself, but it is so. I do not have the heart of a warrior, but I know one when I see it." Uriel bowed his head, dark locks pooling on his shoulders, and placed the vanilla vine reverently beside Ranmaru. Then he looked up across the room to the window. "You others, I do not know your names, but to you I say, perhaps it is too late to use this and perhaps not. Do as you will with it. Send out the electronic call if you have need of me again."

With that, he walked over to the open window and left the room for the air again.

The boy was overcome with the most excruciating pain he could have felt- as a warrior and a soldier, he'd come to face quite a bit of it, but this was the first time he had ever felt loss to whatever extent.

At the very least, by his actions, he had managed to dissuade Marluxia, even by just his words, to not harm his friend.

He felt himself being carried in strong arms and did not protest. There was nothing he could protest at all, no amount of speaking or actions could do anything now.

But the fact that everyone had been here, had heard him say the words he had, 'spare your friends' he had said-- was enough. Now, if Marluxia went back on his word, there was going to be no stopping him.

When he was settled back on the bed, the vanilla vines kept to his side, he felt their scent and could not help but smile wryly.. so he had his cure, and whatever it took, he would work towards healing himself. Just so no one else, would have to suffer in his name.

"It was a game. A tyrant's game.." Ranmaru whispered bitterly. "To him, it does not matter. So long as he sees suffering, he is fulfilled." Finally, Ranmaru opened his eyes and let out a small sigh.

He could see nothing but blackness.

"Zack-san.. Kurogane-san.. Nise-kun.. Yuffie-san.." he spoke their names softly. "I did this of my own will. If a cure can be found, I will accept it. But under no circumstances will I have Tohru-san harmed in my name, for something that was right."

He tilted his head to a side, closing his eyes.

"I think I'd like to be alone. You all may stay or leave as you please.." his expression fell slightly blank.

".. but know that from the bottom of my heart, I am grateful you were here to offer your strength."

Penance. He wondered, finally, if his Lords were satisfied.

Ranmaru has made his sacrifice. Accept it in the name of your deaths.

For I will not rest until everyone dear to me is protected from this darkness.

He promised it.

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[parallel to Uriel/Ranmaru thread]

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