literature

Infection ch2

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The creature snarled at the blond savagely, clenching and unclenching its clawed hands as drool dripped from its long muzzle. Cloud glanced around, checking his surroundings quickly. Part of him hoped to have some manikins come his way. After all, as much as he hated working for Chaos, the crystal abominations came in handy, especially in a situation like this.

But nay, they didn't show up. Of course, Cloud thought. Nothing ever goes your way when you need it most.

He didn't get a chance to complain more, however, as the beast snarling before him leapt. Claws out, slashing the air, the monster gave a mighty howl as it descended upon the Soldier. Using the weight of his sword, Cloud gave a swing, catching the beast in mid-leap, yelping in pain as it was sent propelling through the air helplessly.

It wasn't over, however. Far from it, in fact. The creature was back on its feet, snarling again, crouched on all fours before it, once again, leapt at him. Cloud again used his sword as a defensive weapon, blocking the beast before it could try to take a bite out of him.

However, one claw managed to get through his defenses. It slashed deep into his shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain. Hissing, the beast now smelled blood, and it hungered more for the bitter taste of it on its long tongue. Cloud didn't give it much of a chance, as he pushed it back before slashing to the side, colliding into the thing's ribcage, making a loud, sickening crack.

The beast fell down. Cloud didn't think it was over, though, watching as the thing stirred only slightly this time. Knowing such a monster would take more power to defeat, especially with him already wounded, the Soldier retreated, fleeing through the Gateway, away from the monster.

Panting, Cloud clenched at his shoulder. It hurt bad. Really bad. Perhaps he had misjudged how deep the wound was? Or worse yet, the monster had some kind of effect it gave to its victims if a mark hit.

Whatever caused this great pain and lack of energy, Cloud continued to stumble to safety, back to Chaos's lair, where he could hopefully get some supplies, perhaps even help to destroy the creature. He knew Kefka might be up for it. That stupid clown loved destroying things. Although he wasn't too keen on asking that freak for any help, so he toyed with other offers, like Kuja, who had acted a little bit friendly towards Cloud once, or Golbez, who always seemed more like the helpful fellow than not.

Maybe even that new kid, Tidus. He seemed nice enough. Although why he was with a bunch like the Chaos warriors was far beyond Cloud.

Cloud shouldn't have been thinking at that moment. He should have been focusing on walking. Because of this misjudgment, Cloud suddenly found the ground right up on his face, and the unmistakable cold surface hugged his entire body, blood still dripping out of his fresh wound.

Grinding his teeth at his stupidity, Cloud forced himself up, grunting as he did. Now was not the time to lay there. Especially as he looked around.

He was in Cosmos's territory. No doubt one of her warriors would be patrolling. If he got unlucky enough, he might even get someone like Lightning or the nameless knight. He surely hoped for neither, but his luck so far had not favored him.

His vision began to blur. Cursing, Cloud forced his weakening body to another Gateway.

He had get away. Far away. Find a moogle shop, maybe. They had supplies. And they were neutral, too. Which means they might offer some help if Cloud looked pathetic enough.

Hell, he must be pathetic enough, to want help from a bunch of fluffy moogles!

When Cloud finally made to the Gateway, he found himself in the presence of a strange event.

Strange in the sense of seeing the man known as Kuja conversing casually with a bunch of Cosmos's warriors. Blinking, Cloud took cover behind a pillar, hoping it would offer some shelter until he could fully analyze the situation.

There were, of course, several things wrong with this picture.

One, Kuja was being friendly to a group of warriors from the opposite side. He wasn't even friendly to most of the warriors on his own side, so why he would suddenly take a fancy to the enemy was beyond Cloud's understanding.

However, it wasn't like Cloud didn't care for the warriors. He didn't know them, so he wouldn't warm up to them, but still, they were people, too. Plus, it sort of helped the case when someone he treasured dearly was on the opposite side…

Shaking his head, he stopped himself. Now is not the time! For now, he needed to focus on a way to get around the others without anyone noticing. Now was the time to move.

Slowly, he began to move his feet, careful in keeping out of everyone's sights.

Unfortunately, he forgets one fetal ability.

Many of the warriors on Chaos's side possessed an ability called the Sixth Sense.

"It would seem we have yet another guest," the Emperor mused. Turning he called out, "Come now, Cloud. We both you're generally in no mood to fight, but missing the opportunity to attack four troublesome Cosmos warriors is too tempting to resist, no?"

"Yeah!" Kefka chuckled. "Plus, we get to see if that oversized blade of yours works right! And we'll be evenly matched." Pausing, he looked around, as if counting the people in the area. "Oooh, we'll actually be an advantage! Easy win!"

"We're not that easy," the blond haired boy snapped, his tail whipping angrily behind him. "We got Squall and Kuja here!"

"Hey, what about me?" asked his companion, a brown haired young man. The blond gave a sheepish shrug.

Cloud clicked his tongue and tried to turn away. He didn't reveal himself yet, even though the others knew he was here. Better just walk it out, make it easier—

He had no idea what was happening as the tremendous pain overtook his every thought and feeling.
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