Wa! I'm a recent convert to the most intriguing Blood+ fandom and I'm in the middle of episode 18…somehow I pushed pause on the player at this tense moment to scribble this down. I'll pretend to edit it, and then go right back to watching the episode. Enjoy!
-Kai's Pride-
by gatogirl1
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"Did you know that was my dad's gun?"
David answered Kai's question with one of his own. "Do you know the significance of this gun?"
In the backseat, Kai pouted out the window at the falling snow that swooshed past the rushing vehicle. A gun, even more than fists, signified strength, the ability to fight, and in fighting protect whatever was most dear. Kai knew all about fighting. He had the street smarts and experience and knew how important it was to take up your own battles, to fight for a place in the world, for protection. Why couldn't David understand that a piece of himself died each time he watched and did- could- do nothing? He didn't notice that every time the family he should be protecting couldn't turn to him for help, a shard of his image and identity shattered? What would he be left with if he couldn't be Kai, Riku and Saya's older, strong brother that they could rely on?
But with that gun…he could take back what was important, and be useful to Saya and her quest for Diva. He just needed to get back the gun…Soon. Just not yet.
David glanced momentarily into the rear view mirror and caught another glimpse of Kai, with his hair splaying every which way like the disgruntled lion that he was. The boy was foolish. Not only did he foolishly put himself in danger's way without thought nor means to help those he sought to save, but Kai was deliberately deluding himself each and every time he demanded for his father's weapon. Even George's gun, Kai knew deep down he would be of no greater help for the cause. Rather, the boy fought because he thought he had to, out of pride as whatever fierce individual he thought himself. Only when the boy fought, really and truly, for the ones he loved and not only for the sake of pride could he ever be ready to once again hold he father's gun.
Dragging his eyes forward away from the boy's image, he couldn't help but wonder if the boy would ever be ready. Someday. But not just yet.
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I respectfully request your opinions. Just click the little box and I'll respond…after I finish episode 18!