Disclaimer: I sadly don't own Kingdom Hearts nor the Final Fantasy Characters.

Summary: An accident forces the handicapped Sora to move to Twilight town where he meets a mysterious boy named Riku who happens to be a vampire. RikuSora

Author's Note: You have no idea how much research I did for the last chapter! I would say I spent more time researching than actually writing! Well, enjoy! I also looked at the date of the last update I did on this story years ago and now I remember why I had to stop it. I actually had appendicitis and had to have my appendix removed (during Christmas break too!) Since I have no appendix, I can't get appendicitis again to stop this story! Bwahahahahahaha I will finish it! Enjoy!

Most of the town was asleep while Roxas ran through the empty streets. He was growing tired of running around in circles. Just as he was about to head back, he picked up the scent. The familiar scent of his old lover was faint, but it was there.

"Roxas, did you find anything?" Riku asked as he ran up beside his brother.

Roxas nodded as he sniffed the air again.

"It's barely noticeable, but it's there," he said with a snarl.

Riku could feel the tension. He didn't know why Roxas was so angry, but he could tell something was bothering the male.

Roxas shot a glare at Riku.

"Mind your own fucking business. I'm just angry that they're trying to take over our territory."

Riku knew it was a lie, but decided not to pursue the matter. If they came home fruitless, Sephiroth would be displeased.

"Grab Roxas and meet me upstairs," commanded Sephiroth as Riku walked through the door.

Riku wondered if Sephiroth somehow knew what had happened between him and Sora. He tried to brush it off as he found Roxas.

As the two of them approached the top, Sephiroth gestured towards the small couch in front of him. The two sat down, glancing at each other while doing so.

"As you are aware, we have trespassers. Their scent still lingers, but has not disappeared yet which means they are still here. Roxas, with your heightened sense of smell, I will need you to find these intruders. Riku go with Roxas and help find as much information as you can. Protect your brother. Now, go."

Without a word, the two stood and ran out of the house. They knew there was nothing to discuss when Sephiroth wanted something done.

Riku followed Roxas as he tried to pinpoint their hiding spot. Roxas continued until he stopped in front of an abandoned warehouse.

"Riku, there," Roxas whispered as he pointed to the building.

The two quietly walked to the side of the building where they could barely hear voices.

Roxas grit his teeth as he recognized one of them belonged to Demyx.

"You and your group are an embarrassment to this clan, Demyx. How did one vampire almost kill all of your stupid friends when there were six of them?"

No response.

"It's okay, though. I've taken care of them. You're the only one that knows this clan's weakness and so I still need you. Disappoint me again and I will dispose of you as well."

"U-Understood, Sir."

Riku turned to Roxas then quickly pushed him down.

The sound of glass echoed through the air as a large mass flew from it.

"Terra," Roxas muttered as he brushed the glass off him. He turned to the head vampire. Terra gave off a piercing smile.

Riku snarled. He could feel the immense power coming from the leader.

"Well, well. It's nice to see you here Riku," Terra said with a smirk.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Riku growled.

Terra rolled his eyes and showed off his fangs with a smile.

"I've come to bring you back, Riku. You can't just run away from your clan and expect me not to grab you. I must say...it took a few years to track you down, but we managed."

Roxas turned to Riku with a look of confusion. Riku didn't return the gaze.

"Riku?"

"Don't listen to him," Riku muttered with a snarl.

Terra laughed and turned to the blond vampire.

"I take it you never told them? Well isn't this interesting."

Riku lunged at Terra only to grab air. He felt a crushing blow to his back and landed on the ground. Roxas stayed where he was.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Roxas demanded.

The leader gave a sigh and explained.

"Your oldest brother here joined my clan a couple years ago. Didn't you ever ask him what he did during the short time he was gone?"

Roxas turned to his brother with questioning eyes. Riku jumped at Terra again, only to have his face met with a fist. He landed on the ground as he felt the immediate pain rush through his bleeding mouth.

"Riku? Is this true?"

Terra looked at Riku, waiting for a reply. His smile never faltered. Things were getting better by the second.

A feeling of shame filled Riku's body.

"Yes," he said softly.

Terra looked at his black watch then sniffed the air.

"Looks like it's time for me to go boys. Ta ta!" he said as he instantly disappeared.

Riku remained on the ground on all fours. Roxas grit his teeth and kicked his brother as hard as he could.

"You fucking traitor! How could you do that!? After all our father has done for you?!"

Sephiroth landed on the ground nearby.

"Roxas! What the hell is going on?!" he asked after witnessing Roxas attack.

"Don't defend him! Your oldest fucking betrayed you! He joined Terra's fucking clan!"

Sephiroth gave Riku a piercing look. Riku averted his eyes instantly.

"Sephiroth, I-" Riku started.

"Do not talk to me! I gave you one rule when I took you into my household. You do not join another clan! You are a disgrace!"

Riku winced at Sephiroth's angry voice.

"Roxas, go home!" he commanded.

The blond turned around and took off, disappearing into the darkness. Riku continued to stare at the ground. He knew what punishment await him and nothing he could say would change that.

Sephiroth approached Riku. He could smell the shame and regret on his first vampire.

"Killing you would be too easy. You will never belong to another clan, Riku. I think it's punishment enough to let you live in solitude for the rest of your life. Now, get out of my territory."

With those words, Sephiroth vanished.

Riku slammed his fist into the ground so hard, it left a hole. He could hear the bones crack.

Fuck.

xXxXx

Sora pulled himself into his bed. He was suddenly awake from the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Hours passed before he was almost asleep when Riku showed up.

"Sora," came a whisper.

Sora jumped and instantly switched on his lamp. He almost knocked the lamp over when he saw Riku's condition.

"What the hell happened to you!?" he whispered as he sat up in the bed.

Riku gave a small smile.

"It's a long story that I won't trouble you with. I have to leave, Sora, and I thought you at least deserved a goodbye."

Sora could hear the crack in the vampire's voice.

"Riku, what happened?"

"I don't have much time so I can't sugar coat it for you. I I'm sorry...Sora, I killed your mom."

Sora froze. Riku couldn't even look him In the eyes anymore.

"Riku, you need to go," came a voice from the window. Axel crawled through and paused. The look on Sora's face told him everything.

"Riku, Dad is on his way with Roxas right now. I'm sorry, but you need to leave."

"Axel, tell him everything please. Bye, Sora."

Riku turned and jumped through the window. Sora hadn't moved and Axel couldn't even tell if he was breathing anymore.

"Sora, I have to leave, but I'll be back tomorrow," Axel said softly.

The shocked teen didn't respond. He couldn't move. Axel nodded then took off through the window.

"Axel, where is he?" demanded Roxas. Sephiroth stood beside him In a light jacket. Axel could feel the anger from where he stood.

"He left for good I think," Axel muttered. He had hoped the other two would not pursue his hated brother. Roxas scoffed.

"Good riddance," he said as he started back to the house. Sephiroth put a hand on Axel's shoulder for reassurance.

"I had to do it, Axel. Come home and rest. It's been a long night for you."

Sephiroth vanished, leaving Axel sniffling in front of Sora's window.

XxXxX

Sora opened his eyes and felt sore from falling asleep upright. He had hoped it was all a dream, but knew better.

With a good stretch, he pulled himself into his wheelchair.

"Ahem", Axel said trying not to startle Sora.

With a jump, Sora turned his chair around see to Axel sitting in the corner.

"Axel? What are you doing here right now?"

The red head sighed and stood.

"I came to explain what happened last night."

Just then a knock came on the door.

"Sora, Dr. Strife called and said he wanted to see you in his office today. He said it was really important."

"I'll be right down, Dad," he said, trying not to make his voice crack. His dad walked away as Sora looked back at Axel who was ready to fly out of the window.

"I'll be back later."

Axel was unsure of what that meant for him. He sensed the disappointment and sadness in his voice.

"Yeah," Axel replied as Sora wheeled himself out of the room.

So many thoughts filled Sora's head that he couldn't think abouut anything. He stopped next to the car and waited until his dad came out.

"Are you doing okay?" He asked as Sora stared out into space.

"Yeah, I just didn't get too much sleep and didn't expect to be up this early," he said before adding a fake chuckle.

His father raised an eyebrow, but decided not to pursue.

When they arrived after Sora was situated, they went inside.

The doctor had been waiting on them and invited both into his office.

"I wanted to talk to you guys about something that just hit the testing phase. There is this new device that can be surgically implanted into the spinal cord. With much therapy, exercise, and practice, this device is supposed to help you walk in theory."

Sora and his dad widened their eyes. When no one responded, the doctor continued.

"It is still in testing phase, so there is no guarantee to work. There is a risk of further damaging the spinal cord upon implanting the device, though this has yet to happen in the few people it is being tested on now. Mr. Burton, I think Sora would make a good candidate for this test. He has regained bladder and bowel control. Sora also has regained a little feeling in his leg. This device is looking for candidates with qualifications that Sora has. I have paperwork that I would like you both to look at to decide if you are willing to do this. There is no guarantee, however moderate results are already being reported."

Dr. Strife handed Sora's father the papers. Sora turned to the doctor with a determined expression.

"I want to do this," he stated.

His dad skimmed through the papers.

"Sora, what if you damage your spinal cord more? You could lose all of your progress for good."

"I don't care. If I don't even consider it, I may regret it. Please Dad. I don't care about the risks. If there is another chance to walk again, I want to try it out. Please."

Walking was something Sora had thought he would never do again. He never wanted it more than wanting his mother back. He had to try this for his mother.

Mom, I hope this works so you wouldn't have given your life for more than you believed. I can do this. I can do this.

xXxXx

Axel waited patiently for Sora to return. When Sora entered the room, he was very surprised to see Sora's mood so elevated.

"Axel, I may be able to walk again!" he exclaimed, then proceeded to tell him about the implantation device.

The red head gave a small smile. He was genuinely happy for Sora, but couldn't dismiss Riku out of his mind. Sora picked up on Axel's feelings and decided to close his mouth.

"I'm sorry, Axel. I...It's just...Please, tell me what happened."

The vampire sat down on Sora's bed and told him of the events that happened the previous night.

"When Roxas returned and told me everything, I couldn't believe it. Riku was so loyal to Sephiroth always. Anything our father wanted, Riku done. He's been banned from coming back. Though he could join another clan, Riku wouldn't do that again. I mean...I don't know, but I feel like he learned his lesson."

So many conflicting emotions poured through Sora. He didn't know what to say nor what to even think.

"I seem to be the only one who wanted to give him another chance. He had his rebellious side, but he's never done anything to threaten us before that I know of."

Sora looked down at his lap with a frown. He wanted so hard to forgive Riku, but it was hard to even have the thought when he learned Riku was actually the person Sora had hated for the past year.

Axel let out a small sigh.

"He may have done all those things in the past, but I truly believe he had found a real friend in you...possibly more."

"What are you saying?"

"There were many times in his sleep he would mention you. Without realizing, he talked about you more. This may be a guess, but I think he wanted to do anything he could to make up for what he had done. Riku's nice like that. He may not show it, but he cares about a lot."

Sora could feel the tears run down his face. He didn't know if it was from anger, sorrow, or pity. Axel patted Sora on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry to have ruined your day. If it makes you feel any better, I have to live with a family that will kill him if he trespasses. Look, I know I'm asking a lot from you by saying this, but would it be a problem if we continued to hang out and talk? I can help you with your new thing and you can keep me distracted. It's stupid, but I really just need someone else to talk to."

How could I say no? He probably needs me more than I need him right now. He's really the only one I can even ask to help me...

"Of course. Please, stop by any time. I don't have anything to say right now, though. I'm still trying to figure out what to do about everything. But please, come over when you want. "

Sora let out a sigh then continued, "With the amount of training and therapy I will be doing, my dad is pulling me out of school again. I'm doing homeschooling over the computer so I don't have to be held back a year. If I'm not here, I'll be at Dr. Strife's facility."

Axel nodded with a reassuring smile.

"We can get through this."

xXxXx

Kairi became concerned when Riku nor Sora showed up at school. A week went by before the homeroom teacher told everyone of Sora's position. She still had no idea what happened to Riku and when investigating, it was as if he had never existed.

She passed the mansion that he lived at and never saw him leave or enter.

Must have just dropped out of school and ran away.

Kairi decided to visit Sora since it was on the way to his house.

"Kairi? What are you doing?" Sora asked as he opened the front door.

"I came to see how you were doing and when you go in for surgery. Here's a card!" she said as she shoved the card in his hands.

Sora still felt awkward around her, but decided not to make a big deal about anything.

"I'm fine. Thanks for the card and I go in two days from now actually."

Kairi nodded then looked around to make sure no one was around them.

"Sora, I'm leaving this place. I got accepted into an elite school that I start next semester...which is actually in a few weeks. Oh, where is your bloodsucker boyfriend?"

Instantly angry, Sora threw the card back at Kairi.

"Do not call him a blood sucker and he is not my boyfriend!"

Sora slammed the door, leaving Kairi on the ramp.

"Well jeez, Sora...No need to get all moody with me. Damn I didn't even get to tell him the school is actually a Hunting school...Oh well."

She shrugged and walked back to her house. Namine had not been pleased when she found out Kairi was leaving her. They had never been separated.

"Kairi, why? What am I going to do without you? I know the school is actually a Hunter's training school. What are you going to do about regular school? I don't sense that this is a good idea, Sister."

Kairi rolled her eyes as she sat on her bed. She knew this conversation would come up soon.

"Nami, this is something that I really wanted. You didn't see how vicious the bloodsuckers are. There's tons of them around here and I can't just sit by and do nothing. People have been dying and it needs to end. This is something I have to do myself."

Namine frowned.

"Sister, this isn't going to end well. Please don't do it. You graduate in a year anyway. Why not wait?"

"Namine, why is it that everything I do, you have to try to tear me away from it? You can never just support me. I'm leaving with or without your approval. Mom and Dad already signed the papers."

"They signed papers from a school that they believe is for genius students. You're lying to them."

"I'm done with this conversation."

When Kairi got home, Namine wasn't there. She breathed a sigh of relief before sitting on her bed. No more all nighters until moving. Kairi fell asleep and didn't wake up until the phone rang. Her mother screamed which caused Kairi to run out of her room. Her mother was on the floor crying as her dad held her. She turned back to the bedroom to see Namine was still not home.

"Kairi...Your sister's been murdered."

xXxXx

Sora heard the news the day of his surgery. He felt bad for the way he treated Kairi the day she came to his house. He was going to be unable to attend the funeral and so wrote Kairi a card, giving his condolences, then mailed it to her.

That morning, Axel showed up to wish his new friend well while at the hospital.

"That girl...she was your friend?"

Sora nodded as he stuck a stamp on the envelope he had just sealed shut.

Axel let out a sigh as he put Oreo on the ground. He had felt like bringing the rabbit since Roxas wasn't talking to him at the moment.

"A vampire did it. We don't know who, but Sephiroth picked up Riku's scent. Working in the morgue, he has access to anyone that dies so he can get evidence against us wiped. Riku didn't have much to eat before he disappeared. The last time we know he ate was the small rabbits we fed him during his recovery. While we don't need much, it wasn't enough to keep up with his regeneration."

Sora grit his teeth at the news. He didn't want to think Riku as the murderer, but already it was looking bad for him.

"Well, he's gone now I suppose. I would hope even he isn't stupid enough to stay here after an act like that. Can you take that to a mailbox?"

Axel nodded as he shoved the letter in his pocket.

"I'm sorry. You don't need to hear any of this on your big day. How are you feeling?"

"It's fine, Axel. I want to know this kind of stuff. I'm starving, but can't have food in my stomach until after the surgery. I must say, I wasn't really nervous until today. I don't know what it's going to be like, but I hope it works."

"I'm sure it will. I have to go now. Please, let me know when you're back home so I can come and visit you. I'll come through the front door so your dad doesn't freak out if he sees me."

Sora had introduced Axel to his dad so he didn't have to climb and hide every time he came over to the house.

"I will. Keep me updated."

A few minutes after Axel left, Sora's dad came up to him with a backpack slung over his shoulder.

"You ready?"

Sora nodded, worried that his voice would betray him.

They loaded a few days worth of supplies since Sora would have to remain in the hospital for monitoring. It was an hour away from their house, so they wanted to make sure they didn't have to come back in the mean time.

They arrived at the surgery clinic, where Sora was redressed and put on a mobile bed. The anesthesia kicked in immediately. They wheeled Sora to the operating room, leaving his dad in the waiting room. An hour passed before Sora was brought to one of the recovery rooms.

"It went just fine, Mr. Burton. No complications so far and I think he'll recover just fine," the surgeon said as he directed him to the correct room.

When he went in the room, Sora was just waking up. He could tell his son was on a lot of pain medication.

"Hi, Dad," Sora said with a slight smile. He was still groggy, but he could feel the throbbing creep up his body.

"How are you feeling, Son?"

"I'm just a little sore, but I knew I would be since they did just cut open my back. I'll be fine," he said and closed his eyes.

His father just smiled, knowing his son was tired. He went out of the room and went to the cafeteria to eat.

Days passed and Sora was finally able to go home. They prescribed him pain medication, then discharged him.

"I cannot wait to get home. I don't know about you, but I am absolutely sick of eating hospital food," Sora's dad said.

"I was so hungry, I didn't even care," Sora said with a laugh. He couldn't wait to get home. Every hour a nurse would come in and take blood and change IV's so he didn't get sleep either.

When they got home, Sora called Axel. It only took a few minutes for Axel to drop by. Sora's father happily let him in the house. He was happy to have a visitor for his son.

Axel walked to the hall and went in Sora's room.

"Sora!" he yelled as he rushed to catch the falling male.

"What are you doing?" he asked as he sat Sora in his wheelchair.

"I was trying to get a head start. I've been laying in that damn hospital bed for so long and I'm ready to get moving. Besides, I start tomorrow. Axel, I will walk again."

He laughed then let out a small sigh.

"Riku's vanished. The last Roxas had his trail was two days ago at the town border. We don't know where he went after that."

Sora nodded, hoping he would see the male again. There was a small pain in his heart. He hadn't even had time to discuss everything with Riku and felt it wasn't fair. The time spent in the hospital allowed him to clear his thoughts.

"Do you think he'll come back?"

Axel turned to the window and took a minute to think.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. If he comes back, Roxas and Sephiroth will kill him. However, I think we haven't seen the last of him. We've been having some problems with another clan. After Riku disappeared, so did they. Something's wrong and Sephiroth is preparing for the worst. We may be having some visitors soon, so I don't know how much I'll be able to come over. Others do not like intermingling with humans and may see this as a threat."

"I understand," Sora said.

xXxXx

When Axel got home he fed his rabbit and walked into Roxas' room.

"What do you want? I have nothing to say to anyone that can't see how bad Riku fucked up."

Axel was tired of the attitude. He growled and shoved Roxas into the closest wall.

"I am getting tired of your ass, Roxas. It's done. He's gone. Get over it. I have what's called an opinion and whether you like it or not, I miss my brother. At least he fucking talked to me instead of running away. You have done nothing, but be miserable even after Sephiroth saved your pathetic ass. All you did was run off to drown your misery in sex and God knows what else."

Roxas let out a snarl and shoved Axel away from him.

"At least I didn't join another clan you dipshit."

"No, but you ran off with Demyx! He hadn't even been here that long and now he's a part of Terra's clan."

Roxas rolled his eyes.

"You're really still holding onto that? As you said, it's done and over. You were never my boyfriend, so I did what I wanted to do. I wanted to venture around which you didn't want to do. However, Demyx wanted to go with me so we left. We hung out a lot and got together. Get over it."

"You know I couldn't leave. Someone had to stay with Sephiroth. He saved us, so we owe him. I wasn't about to leave him alone. Do you even know how much it affected him when Riku alone left? Then when you took Demyx and did the same?"

"I'm back aren't I? I told you I would be after I had a chance to live a little."

Axel growled and tackled Roxas.

"It's always about you! Do you even know why Riku left? No? Why don't you fucking ask him next time he shows up. Oh right, he won't because you and Dad banished him from this town. He left to protect your ass!"

Roxas bared his teeth.

"What do you mean protect my ass? He did nothing by leaving."

" Did you ever ask him how his life was like before he turned?"

"No."

Sephiroth opened to door. He had felt the animosity in the house and decided it was time to defuse the situation.

"Axel, leave. I need to talk to Roxas," he said in a calm voice.

The red head punched the ground next to Roxas' head as hard as he could.

"No! He's done nothing, but cause trouble since he got here. How can you deal with him? All he cares about is himself! You just banished Riku without a second thought! You're just as guilty."

Axel had never stood up to his father. He had never yelled at any of his brothers with so much anger. All he wanted was to have his family together.

Sephiroth walked over and stopped in front them. Apparently it wasn't just Roxas he needed to talk to.

"Axel," he said in a soft voice, "I know Riku helped you with your transition. He taught you how to eat without killing people. Things I couldn't do. However, what is the first thing I ask of you before I change you?"

"Be a part of your clan only..."

"Correct. I cannot just allow someone to be a part of another, especially Terra's. Axel, Riku wasn't as perfect as you might believe. He killed many humans before you came along. Just before he left, we had gotten into an argument and he left. I chose not to save his little brother who was enduring the same torment he went through. Instead, I saved Roxas."

"But..."

Sephiroth continued as he turned to Roxas.

"While he never forgave me for turning you instead, I suppose he did try to become a big brother to you. The night his real brother died, he left so he wouldn't kill you. I caught him by your room. He was so angry, he left without a goodbye. If he would have made the final decision, you wouldn't be able to stop him."

Axel turned to Roxas and stood. He walked to the door and turned back to see the blond vampire still on the floor before leaving the room.

"What?" Roxas said as he sat up.

"Riku needed to get away from you to protect you. You never got to see him, but he had the ability to kill without hesitation. You were gone when he came back. He changed, Roxas. I knew something had happened, I just didn't know what. He stopped talking to me and stopped hanging around Axel. I put him in school to try to let him live a life he never got to. I can't tell you how many calls I received complaining how he talked to the teachers and other students."

Sephiroth walked away and stopped at the open bedroom door.

"Axel has done nothing to give you right to ignore him," he stated before walking out leaving a stunned Roxas on the ground.

xXxXx

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months. Sora spent everyday pushing himself to get on his feet. He didn't care if he overexerted himself. He was going to walk again. Almost a year had passed before he took his first wobbly step with the help of his forearm crutches. His upper body strength had increased dramatically and Sora was able to hold himself up. Muscle started to form in his legs with the amount of exercise he had been doing.

"Amazing, Sora!" Dr. Strife had said.

Sora gave a goofy grin as he tried a second step. Just before he fell, the doctor steadied him.

"Easy, now. Let's call it a day. You have made an amazing progress," the doctor said as Sora sat down to rub his legs. He still needed to use his wheelchair, but felt that would be changing soon enough.

Axel patted Sora on the back and congratulated him as he helped Sora into his chair.

"Later, Doc!" Axel said and took Sora to his own car. He had made the habit of driving Sora to his appointments while his dad worked at the house.

"Seriously, Axel. I just want to say thanks for being there. You always know how to encourage me."

"That's what friends are for. Got it memorized? Oh, I forgot to tell you that I can't hang out today. I have some plans."

Sora chuckled as he observed the smile on his friend's face.

"Roxas?"

Axel laughed with a nod. That night of the argument, Roxas came in the room and apologized in his own way. Axel still had a few scars on his chest from that night.

Sora's dad was delighted at the news. He had packed his bags for a short business trip.

"Try not to overwork yourself, Son," he said picking up one of the bags.

Sora rolled his eyes and assured him he would be fine. After his dad left, Sora began wheeling himself to his room when he heard a loud crash. He rushed in there to see a body on the ground.

"Sora, I need your help," Riku muttered before blacking out.

Note: Hope you enjoyed! Onto the next chapter!