high_seas | Seagulls

[He goes to sling an arm around Sora's shoulder, ready to act all natural and normal and lead him back to the other ship -- but he stops suddenly. He can't. He needs a minute, just one, alone. If only to bang his head against a wall or something. Just a few seconds to have a minor panic attack at what he just admitted, then he can shove it away and move on.

So instead, he takes a step back.]

Actually... I'll meet you over there. I need to—

[Hey, go check on the almost dead guy you left alone, perhaps? Is the thing that immediately jumps to mind, and his eyes go wide.]

Shit, I left Natsuno -- I was supposed to be getting help. He took a sword through the chest, and. Dammit. I'll be there in a minute, Sora, okay? [Backs up another step toward the galley.] Just...go lie down, you look like you're going to collapse any minute. It'll be okay. It will. Trust me.

[Sora blinks at Riku's suddenly stopping. His steps come to a halt, and then he's turning to give his friend a curious expression. The confused expression deepened a bit at the start of Riku's words, then...]

W-what- [A hand lifts just a bit toward Riku and he looks shocked.] Are you serious?!

[Seriously, never mind that he's exhausted, he has the ability to heal. He still cares about Natsuno, in spite of everything. Heck, the guy's the first friend he made in this place. He's focusing on the fact that it's been long enough since the last time he used the spell- and ignoring his body's urging him to go to bed, like Riku said.

People can't tell Sora to just go to bed, after saying someone's hurt and in need of help.]

Where is he?! He doesn't have much time, right? [And, now, there's a stubborn look on his face at this point.] I'll heal him, just...take me to him!

[That brings him up short. Duh, of course. Sora still has his ability to cast Cure. How could he forget that?

He hesitates anyway.]

No, he's -- he'll be okay, Sora, he's a vampire, remember? He's already healing, it's just slow going. I was looking for his friend, that doctor guy, I didn't know if the wound should be cleaned or anything...

[But healing or not, he's still in pain. A lot of it. And there's literally no good reason to keep Sora from him, especially not just because Riku wants a minute away from him. And because putting the three of them together in one room seems like a horrible idea. More important things, right? That seems like his mantra of the day.

Riku sighs, jutting his thumb over his shoulder.]

He's in the galley.

[He frowns.] So what if he's a vampire? He's still able to die, right? [His expression then softens into a thoughtful one.] I think you mean Toshio. I can't...actually remember where I saw him last.

[He frowns and looks down just for a moment. He looks up to see Riku pointing in the direction of the galley, and is immediately starting that way.

Currently, Sora isn't even thinking about the level of awkward there's going to be with the three of them being in the same room. His focus is on getting there in time to help someone in need. Natsuno's a part of the crew. By this point, he holds a strong belief that...

If they're a member of the Spades Pirates? They're basically like family- regardless of whether, or not, he's even talking to them at the time.]

[Scowls at Sora as he passes, turning to follow him.]

Of course he can, I've been through that once already because apparently that's a thing this crew likes to do -- but do you really think I would've stood around out here chatting with you if he was actually dying? I said he's healing, didn't I?

[Jumps in front of him to get to the galley door first, but pauses and softens his tone when he speaks again.]

...But he is in pain, so...do what you can. Fair warning, though, it's not pretty.

[Then he pushes the door open, looking for Natsuno and checking to see if anyone else is around.]

Natsuno? I, uh. Brought someone who should be able to heal you.

[Natsuno is exactly where Riku left him, lying on the floor of the galley. His breathing is relatively under control now, the faintest hint of a wheeze remaining. The smaller cut that had gone through his chest is healing nicely, it's the gash from shoulder to abdomen that, although not bleeding, isn't progressing as well.

He opens his eyes when Riku speaks to him, focusing on him and then Sora. Regardless of how he feels about either of them, he's in no real position to complain at the moment.

He swallows and raises his head a little bit.]

Thank you, Riku, but like I said...someone else might need Sora's skills.

[It is brutal, and brutally painful, but he will heal on his own if left to his own devices. He just doesn't want to put someone else's life at risk. It's nothing against Sora.]

I already feel better after I bit you.

[His voice is a little rough as he speaks, remains of the healing injuries. Without thinking, he extends a trembling hand up at them. An unspoken request for company, but that isn't really fair either. They look tired, both of them. He withdraws his hand after a moment.]

[He's quiet a moment.] No...I don't think that. [He lets out a sigh, a bit of frustration within it.] Sorry, Riku...I didn't mean it like that.

[He nods to the warning and waits to be let into the room. When his eyes land on the Jinrou, Sora blinks. Oh, man... He does look pretty bad. He's immediately moving toward Natsuno, Keyblade appearing in his hand.]

Don't worry about that, alright?

[Because, he's injured, too, right? Sora's not putting a lot of thought into this, because all he knows is Natsuno is likely in a lot of pain. Toshio is out there helping those in need, too, so that makes it a little better.

He's not giving Natsuno a chance to argue. He briefly holds the Oblivion out toward the Jinrou. With that, Curaga is being cast on the other teen. A flash of green appears over his head, a warmth likely passing through the injured vampire. Sora crouches in front of Natsuno immediately after, curious to know if it helped.]

There... How's that?

[Just gives Natsuno a flat look, coming closer to crouch by his feet while Sora does his thing.]

Yeah, well. The blood thing wasn't working fast enough and I'm impatient.

[He watches Sora cast the spell and then eyes Natsuno's chest, looking for signs that it worked.]

[If he had been at full strength, the damage wouldn't nearly have taken this long to heal. Curaga does make him feel nice and warm all at once. He can feel a slight jarring pain as his wound forcefully closes up, but it's only momentary before most of the pain is gone. It is not completely healed, but the smaller wound has vanished and the large gash has turned into a somewhat dark pink line. It won't be very long now.

He lets out a long slow breath when it's over. His breathing is completely clear and he relaxes. It does feel better, despite his protesting. He can only hope that everyone else is okay.

Natsuno gives Riku a bit of a look and turns his attention to Sora.]

It's a lot better. Thank you Sora.

[Although he should be able to get up now, he pauses for a moment to avoid a head rush. He took blood from Riku which was more of a temporary, emergency measure. He should find a snack to tide himself over soon.]

[After it's all said and done, Sora lets out a breath of relief and drops back to sit on the deck. Keyblade vanishing, he moves to lean back on both hands. He hadn't expected to feel that much more drained just from one spell, but...well...

...his magic does seem to work a little differently, here, anyway.

Sora offers Natsuno a smile (and, through said smile, it's clear just how drained he is now) and nod.]

No problem. I'm just glad I could help! [And he truly means that.

He's just... going to sit here for a bit, 'kay?]

[Meets Natsuno's look for a second before dropping his gaze to get away from it, shifting instead to glance at Sora as he plops down on the floor.]

Alright?

[The question is for both of them, but to make sure Natsuno knows that he ends up looking back to him anyway.]

You need to bite me again or anything?

I wouldn't do anything that dangerous for you.

[Carefully he sits upright. It doesn't hurt nearly as much now, thanks to Sora's spell. He rolls his shoulders a bit. Ugh, what a mess. He pushes his hair out of his eyes and exhales.]

I'll just grab a snack and figure it out later.

[If he sounds tired, it's because he is.]

Yeah, I'm fine.

[Sora watches Natsuno for a moment, then looks up at Riku. Yeah, it's finally sinking in how awkward this is. Gaze dropping to the deck, he reaches up to scratch at the back of his head.]

Well, you could...bite me. If you needed to, I mean.

[Hey, it's not like he's had his blood drained, before. Sure, he's tired. But if it'll help Natsuno heal faster or feel better, that's all that matters, in the end.]

[Goes all grumpy frowny-face and might've argued with Natsuno about it being dangerous, except Sora puts his offer in first.

Riku's brows draw together as he eyes him, thinking, but as far as he knows Sora hasn't ever let Natsuno feed from him before. So it probably couldn't hurt, right? Which meant it was a good idea, because after an injury like that it would be best to have Natsuno at full strength.

He keeps quiet, though, just giving a slight shrug and gesturing to Sora a bit as if to tell Natsuno to have at him.]

[Natsuno pauses a little. Has he bitten Sora before? No he doesn't think so. It's tempting, because he does need the blood, but he can't help but remember his conversation with Toshio.

He isn't sure what to think. He's mulling it over quietly, raising a hand to his head as he does so.]

I'm not sure. Ozaki-sensei said something that I'm a little worried about, about the possibility of people coming back as a vampire because I bit them and he thinks I shouldn't bite anyone new.

[He sighs a little bit. Riku is right, he hasn't been thinking enough about this. He's been too busy playing at being human when he isn't.]

[Frowns a little, glancing to the side. Ozaki-sensei...?]

Oh...you mean Toshio, the doctor? I...guess he would know best, but- [He blinks a little.] I mean...you said it took four bites to turn you into one, right?

[See, he pays attention to stuff.]

So...wouldn't it be the same for other people? Either way, it's up to you.

If there's enough time in between bites it shouldn't matter, right?

[...Maybe? He can't remember how all that works. Huh.]

Look, we just won't die if that's going to be a problem. [Because they totally have control over that.] And if it is a problem, well, I've been a vampire before, so. I'll just deal with it. But you can't not eat -- or does he want you to just rotate through the same few people?

[He looks across at Sora.]

What if it's just the one time? He wouldn't come back as a vampire from that. Or should I go find Selphie or something?

It shouldn't matter, at least I didn't think so. He disagrees with me on that, I think. His theory is that it's something like a venom that after I've bitten you there's a chance you'll become a vampire when you die anyway, regardless of how long it's been, but I can't say for sure. I really don't know.

[If that's the case, it's been really dangerous to bite anyone.]

I just don't know. I don't even know how to test that. It's...I'm fine. Biting him once won't kill him or even hurt him, you, Sora. But whenever you die? I can't promise anything. You could end up like me.

[But isn't that also a statistics game? There's an overwhelming chance they wouldn't rise anyway. Even less likely that they'd be a vampire like him. His mouth is drawn into a frown as he seems to be running through scenarios in his mind. If it can be spread from person to person, then not killing anyone is a wasted effort, and he's bitten a lot of people. He swallows.]

I have to find out somehow I think. Before I go around ruining everyone's life.

.........

[He's quiet as he thinks on those words.]

Well...if you think about it... [He scratches the back of his head.] Death doesn't...work the same way, here, as it does...in other worlds. Well- in most worlds, anyway. [Pause.] In most cases, at least.

[He sighs.] I guess I understand, though. If...it was me, I'm pretty sure I'd feel the same way. I wouldn't wanna put someone else's life at risk, much less risk turning them into a vampire.

...

I promise it's fine, though. I don't plan on dying in this place, again! [Seriously, it IS totally up to them. ...He's definitely avoiding ghosts, from now on, that's for sure.]

Anyway, we're all in this together. [A serious expression appears.] I'm willing to put myself at risk, too, if it means helping you out, Natsuno. Like Riku said, you can't not eat.

[Just frowns a little. He's not going to argue with him, not when this is something they've been over like a thousand times before. And Natsuno did just feed like an hour ago, so even with the energy spent healing himself maybe he'll be okay for a little bit.

And anyway, he's tired. He just doesn't really feel like running through all this again right now, because it's not like Natsuno's exactly wrong either.

He slumps back a little, leaning against one of the kitchen cabinets and letting his head rest back against it.]

Well, you know best, Natsuno. Sora has a point, maybe it would be different here. But do what you want.

[He doesn't know what he wants to do and somehow he can't seem to process it in his mind. What should he do?

If he bites Sora and Sora turns someday, there's no way that Riku or Sora would forgive him. No one who turns could, could they? No one wants the life he now has. He can't blame them, it's pretty awful. At least, it often seems that way.

Sora knows the risks, he told them to him. If he's still willing, isn't it on him?

A small part of him might believe that, but most of him can't imagine that he wouldn't feel the weight of the blame should it happen. He takes a deep breath and holds out his hand for Sora's arm. It's his choice really.

He looks at the floor beneath him, quiet.]

[It'd be a lie if he were to claim he wasn't the least bit nervous after Natsuno's hand reached out. He didn't hesitate, however. Putting on a brave face, he sticks his arm out.

Sora remains quiet, patiently waiting.

There might be some assistance within the fact that he has absolutely no idea what to expect, beyond Natsuno's stories. The Keyblade wielder has quite a bit of experience with jumping into situations, unaware. Even so, there is a glance shot towards Riku as he wonders about it. How does it feel for him, whenever it's done?]

[Inhales sharply when Sora sticks his arm out, but beyond that he keeps a carefully blank expression on his face.

This is good. Natsuno needs this, and Sora...he'll be fine. Neither of them are going to turn into vampires or anything like that. And even if they do, they'll deal with it.

When Sora glances at him, he lets the corner of his mouth tug upwards into a half-smile.]

Try not to pass out, okay? I never have. [And yes, that's said in a slightly challenging tone, though it comes with an undercurrent of his usual teasing.] And it doesn't really hurt much, don't worry. But if you want, Natsuno can hypnotize the pain away.

Yeah, if it makes you feel better, every time I've been bitten, I've fainted.

[Natsuno gives him a softer look. He can sense his fear, even if he's trying to hide it. His senses aren't entirely dull.]

You'll be okay Sora. I promise.

[He gives him the chance to pull his arm back, but since he didn't he leans down and sinks his teeth mid-way into the forearm. It shouldn't take very long.]

[Had heard the inhale, and it had caused his brow to tense briefly.

To the words, however, he gives a bit of a grin at the obvious challenge, his free hand reaching up to scratch at the back of his head.] Never, huh?

[Then, he looks to Natsuno- and blinks at the softened look he's receiving. Well, the words do make him feel a little better. BUT...Challenge accepted. If Riku has never passed out, he should totally be fine, too, right? ...Well, he's certainly hoping he won't.]

I don't need him to hypnotize it away. I'll be fine!

[Amazing what a little competition can do to make his fear dissipate. Once the teeth sink into his arm, there's a bit of flinching in his face- mainly because he hadn't really even known what to initially expect. Beyond that, the rest doesn't hurt as much as he'd braced himself for.

Still, having his blood drained away isn't a very comfortable sensation. Seconds in, he feels kind of like those times he'd swam too far under water. There's a feeling of being lightheaded, as well as a tingling sensation.]

Seagulls

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