Fire
Within Those Crimson Eyes
Storms-Winter
Disclaimer: The making of Beyblade belongs to and is copyright of Aoki Takao, any unfamiliar OC's are mine.
Chapter Two- Revealing
Eyes followed the events with a gleaming, triumphant look and a crazed smile appeared on his features. Sliding further into the shadows, the male licked his lips with anticipation as he brought out his cell phone and pressed a number, waiting until it picked up on the other end.
"Get me Scorpion."
It was a habitual thing. Because Hana lived so far away from the school, she generally got a ride with someone, usually; Kai would offer to do it. For reasons he wouldn't speak of. When Kai picked up Hana the next morning, she noticed something was different. Sitting calmly in his black and silver Porsche, (a gift courtesy of the company he now owned, due to his grandfather), Hannah studied him for a time before uttering: "What's wrong?"
He scowled, keeping his eyes on the road. Hana didn't press him, merely sitting in silence, knowing that at some point he would reply. They were close, in their own way, having once long ago dated for a short time, in order to win a bet. Now they could share and talk as friends without being uncomfortable.
Finally, Kai took a breath and answered. "Yesterday, we met up with... Fwujuii."
He seemed reluctant to say even her surname. Hana raised a brow.
"The others were talking and Tyson demanded a rematch," he finished slowly.
Hana sat up straight. "Oh damn, was his loss just as embarrassing?"
Kai frowned. "He didn't battle her. She refused to. I battled her."
"You?"
He shrugged, his face once more expressionless. "I felt something. Fwujuii apparently is stronger then she lets on. She tied with me."
That was something. Few came close to the ranks of Kai.
They pulled into the parking lot at the school and parking, Kai turned to Hana.
"I won't say anything," she said, then smirked. "But Tyson on the other hand..."
"He'll be dead before he says anything," the Russian threatened, getting out.
Chuckling evilly, the tiny girl stepped out of the Porsche.
"That reminds me, why didn't you come to History yesterday?"
Kai shrugged. "Business." He muttered.
Nodding, Hana kept silent. She remembered that Adrienne had been staring out the window, not paying attention to what the teacher had been talking about. Yet when called on to answer a question, the fiery-eyed girl had answered, absently and lazily at that. It was apparent that there was more to her then she let on.
Walking along to the edge of the parking lot, she saw Tala, and hesitating, she cast a glance towards the male next to her, before pursing her lips and turning away. Tala saw her actions, and a mocking twist rose on his mouth.
"Leaving already, tiny?"
She glanced back at the redhead's drawl.
"I don't see the need to stick around you, Valkov," she deadpanned. "The sight of you makes me want to gag."
His shimmering ice blue gaze sparked and he stalked forwards. Standing her ground, Hana felt a stirring of excitement deep inside of her and was disgusted with herself once more. Why did he affect her like this? Keeping her gaze flat, she lifted her chin rebelliously as Tala bent until his face was mere centimeters away from hers. "You can't run and hide forever, Nemoki." He breathed.
"Watch me," she whispered back, letting her eyes drift over him subtly, and saw the flare in his icy gaze.
"Oh, I will. Trust me."
He straightened and let his gaze roam over her. Hana let him, allowing her fitted attire to tease him unmercifully. She loved the way his gorgeous blue eyes filled with lust and lingered in certain areas.
Tala slowly smirked, as if sensing her thoughts. But knowing Kai was watching them with a half bored expression; they did nothing more, separating when a gentle purr sounded. Looking up, Tala raised a brow as a sleek FZR1000 motorcycle pulled into the parking lot. It was of a ruby colour, decorated with golden flames. Parking swiftly, the person slid off the contraption, pocketing the keys and lifting off the black helmet.
"Shit. Fwujuii?" Tala whistled.
Hana sidled away from the redhead and looked over warily, blinking, as the other girl shook out her hair, pulling it into a ponytail before she set down her helmet, locking it to a chain. Unzipping the black leather jacket she wore, Adrienne caught sight of the three and moved over to them, tilting her head to Tala's wave.
"Nice bike you have there, Fwujuii," Tala commented approvingly, still studying it. Adrienne smirked.
"Isn't it? Sure beats race cars."
"Ha! As if, my baby could outrace you anytime." Tala smirked as the petite girl found his red sports car.
She tilted her head. "Wanna prove that, Valkov?" She asked lazily.
Her crimson gaze gleamed wickedly as Tala paused and considered.
"I could use a challenge..." He conceded finally, grinning ominously. "And I know the perfect place, too."
Hana looked at Kai, finding him watching silently, his gaze fixed on the petite, dark-haired Russian girl.
"Are you actually going to do this, Adrienne?" Hana asked, worry hinting in her voice.
The addressed girl shrugged. "Why not? Gives me something to do."
"Does getting yourself killed count as something to do?" Hana frowned.
Adrienne's lips curved into a small, mysterious smirk. "I live for the danger. You just tell me when and where. I'll be there."
"Tonight at six," Tala replied promptly. "I'll meet you at the old abandoned warehouse going towards the Forbidden Hills. Know it?"
"Yeah," Adrienne retorted. "See you then, Red."
She turned and left, making Tala splutter.
"Red?"
Hana looked up at Kai, concerned, then turned back in the direction Adrienne was heading in.
"Hey, Adrienne! Wait up!"
She ran after the other girl as Tala frowned. Kai watched him, bored.
"Are you sure you want to race?"
"Definitely." Tala smirked. "I am the best. You coming?"
"Probably. I don't have anything else to do."
And if word gets out, half the school will be there too, Kai thought as the pair strolled across the school grounds and into the building. Tala better hope he doesn't lose.
Hana grabbed Adrienne's arm and flinched instantly, feeling a burning, bright fire and the awesome heat it radiated as she kept her hold. From deep within her, another part of her stirred and came alive, making the emotions she'd numbed rear back into existence and plague her from their banishment. Then, abruptly, a cold darkness overwhelmed it, causing the light to falter and disappear, the aura to fade, then die, as swiftly and inexplicably as it had been born.
Hana jerked back, surprised. Adrienne watched her with a closed expression.
"Like what you found?"
Hana stared.
"I'm not even sure what I found," she admitted.
A bitter smile crossed Adrienne's mouth. "You found two halves at war with one another. The burning fire and the chilling ice."
"Two halves? You?"
"Yes. I am light, as I am darkness." Adrienne gave a hollow laugh at her own words, then waved a gloved hand dismissively. "Forget it. Just don't do that again."
Hana nodded hesitantly. "You don't like to be touched, do you?"
"No. I don't." A cold look passed briefly before Adrienne blocked out whatever memories she had before speaking again. "So, what's up?"
Frowning, Hana asked: "You don't really want to race Valkov, do you? I mean, the road he likes to race on is pretty dangerous."
Adrienne shrugged. "Like I said, it gives me something to do. I actually like to race, and I can't stand the thought of a sports car outracing a motorcycle."
Hana stared long and hard at the other girl, dumbfounded at the offhand answer. "You're one different girl," she remarked finally.
"Blame it on the way I was raised." Adrienne merely said, before shooting Hana a dark grin and asking curiously: "By the way, I felt something familiar within you. What's your bitbeast?"
Hana blinked. How had she known she had a bitbeast?
"A black dragon. Drsalyx." She answered after a moment.
"Really."
Adrienne pulled out her blade. Hannah stared at the scarlet and gold dragon on the bit chip. Quickly, she brought out her own black blade to show the image of a black and silver dragon identical in looks to the other.
"I might have known..." Adrienne murmured, looking mildly irritated.
The bell rang and she moved off, grabbing her books and walking to Biology, leaving Hana a bit puzzled and lost in her own thoughts.
Sitting, Adrienne quickly smiled at Salima, who took a seat nearby. Biology was interesting enough, but at that moment she didn't want to be there. But she had come... and was already starting to regret it as Hiwatari came in and sat in front of her.
With a peeved frown, she decided to ignore him and concentrated—sort of—on what the Biology teacher was talking about. He talked, that was all he did, really, naming different things as he handed out a sheet and gave complicated explanations. Adrienne glanced at her paper as she received it, then over at Salima when she heard a low, horrified moan. The small redhead was staring at the paper with wide eyes. She looked at Adrienne and mouthed 'help me'. Adrienne laughed softly despite herself and scooted her chair over to aid the other girl.
Kai glanced back when he heard a soft laugh and saw Fwujuii helping Salima with the assignment, talking in her low voice. Salima listened, nodding as the dark-haired girl pointed as she explained. Then, wrinkling her nose, Salima mumbled something, causing Fwujuii to look amused and reply dryly. It made the redhead laugh. Flashing a grin, Fwujuii continued as Salima made small notes. She answered her questions while doing her own work.
Suddenly, Adrienne glanced up at him and raised a brow.
"Does the great Hiwatari need help with his work?" She asked mockingly in Russian. Scowling when he couldn't think of a retort, he turned back around and clenched his jaw when he heard her low, husky chuckle.
It still annoyed him that he'd tied with her. It was unacceptable. No girl should be as strong as him. Staring at his assignment blankly, he promised to go train both himself and Dranzer even harder than before.
"What's the matter, Kai? Don't know how to do your work?"
He looked up and glared at Johnny. That figured. He heard another laugh behind him; he could just picture Fwujuii's smirk.
"Piss off, McGregor," he growled and shoved his work away. He would do it later. Sitting back, he closed his eyes and ignored the activity around.
Waving off Salima's grateful 'thank you', Adrienne rose and walked over to the window. Sun poured through and she sat perched on the wide window ledge, looking out towards the school grounds, deep in thought.
Hana's bitbeast Drsalyx… she'd thought the darkness from the other girl had been familiar. She'd felt the black dragon's presence the day she'd released Faeryhx, although she hadn't really believed it, as she had never thought she would have the chance to see Fae's brother again. Then again…she hadn't counted on this other thing either…
/Stranger things have occurred, young one. /
Adrienne acknowledged her dragon's soft voice. I know, Fae. But it's still surprising. How is Drsalyx?
/Still the same/ Faeryhx answered with dry amusement. /Dark, brooding and surly. His mood hasn't improved any. But we had a nice chat nonetheless. /
That's good. A lot of things have been happening since we got here.
/True. How are you feeling, little one?./
Adrienne smiled slightly as she stared out the window. Much better, thanks. You know… you didn't have to heal me. I'm used to pain.
/I know you are, but that doesn't mean you should still have to suffer./
You worry too much, Adrienne replied fondly.
The red gold dragon snorted. /If I didn't, who would? I still have to talk with that bird. Hismanners have certainly slipped. /
Faeryhx sounded irritated, making Adrienne grin inwardly.
Maybe it's because of Hiwatari, she suggested with a mental laugh.
/Doubtful, but possible.../ the dragon muttered. /Will you be careful later? I feel an unsettling presence in the area. /
I'm always careful, Adrienne protested.
/Like a fawn wandering right in front of a hungry wolf/ Faeryhx retorted. /But yes…I know. /
Adrienne mentally grimaced at her bitbeast. I'll be on my guard no matter what. Watch my back?
/Need you ask?./ Came the affectionate answer as Faeryhx left her mistress's mind.
Sighing, Adrienne back lapsed into personal thought and let the class pass without her notice. As it did, from his seat, Kai watched her silent form.
She gave away no hints as to what she was thinking, which annoyed him some. He was talented at reading facial or body language; most people he could read like a book. But with Fwujuii, it was impossible. The only thing he got was that she was amused by something a few times, but other then that...
The bell rang. She didn't seem to notice as students gathered up their books and filed out. He rose and frowned.
"Fwujuii, day dream time is over," he drawled.
She rolled her eyes before hopping down from the ledge and scooping up her books. Following her out, he murmured: "You're welcome."
Glancing back, her brow arched, Adrienne held his gaze.
"Why thanks, Hiwatari," she said sarcastically, "You wasted your time for nothing. Good job."
She praised him as one would a dog for doing something correct. It made him glower at her as she smirked and turned away carelessly, continuing on to her locker. Growling, he dumped his books into his own and exchanged them for his English. He wanted to strangle her.
/Now why do that? You don't even know her. /
Kai snarled silently. Shut up Dranzer. You haven't been any help at all.
/You are still upset about the battle/
Keeping his mind stubbornly closed at the phoenix's question, Kai slammed his locker shut and stormed to class.
/You are, then/ Dranzer concluded in his airy mind voice. /Young one, Faeryhx is a powerful bitbeast and is obviously well-bonded. You should respect them for their power, instead of scorning them. /
That made Kai pause. Youknow her dragon? He asked sharply.
/Duh. (Such an expression coming from Kai's usually formal bitbeast made him smirk slightly at the strangeness of it) Faeryhx is a remarkable creature and an elite fire-type. She is a very powerful and very dear old friend. /
Silently absorbing that, Kai sat at a random desk within his English class and lapsed into thought as the class started. The teacher called on him once and after answering curtly, he was left alone. At one point, Adrienne had once more been found doodling, seemingly not paying attention, and acidly the teacher had asked the small girl to repeat what had just been said. The class had looked back at her expectantly and Kai had smirked while a few had snickered at her misfortune.
Lazily, she had pinned the teacher with a bored gaze and recited, word for word, the entire lecture without batting an eye. Finished, she had returned to her drawing as the class had been stunned to silence for a brief moment, before the teacher had recovered and had begun lecturing again. Others had looked at an indifferent Adrienne, shocked. Only after they had looked away had a smirk crossed over her features, heavy with amusement.
The class passed and afterwards, Hana and Adrienne had come to talking in the hall. Tala stood off to one side and studied them, surprised by what he saw. Seeing them standing beside one another, he noticed that Adrienne was taller by a couple of inches. They were both dark-haired, though Hana's hair was of a slightly lighter shade, while Adrienne's was a glossy black. Similar, small, delicate frames, curvaceous bodies... and it looked like they both worked out. They were definitely lookers despite being so small.
Hana had a heart-shaped face, milky white skin, large, deep, chocolate brown eyes, an upturned nose and rosebud red lips.
Adrienne's creamy complexion and hypnotic red, fey-like eyes made her definitely different from the other girl, as well as all the rest of the girls in school; pert nose, stubborn jaw, and her set features were finished off with her full, pink mouth.
Exotic beauties, both of them.
Wandering up to them, Tala nonchalantly threw his arms over their shoulders and asked: "So, ladies, what are you up to this block?"
Adrienne stiffened and ducked away quickly, putting space between them and looking uneasy. Hana shrugged him off after a moment, but he didn't pay attention, giving Adrienne a questioning look, to which she looked sheepish.
"Sorry, but I don't like to be touched."
"By anyone?" He frowned.
She shrugged. "I let people who I'm close to, but not for long, especially males."
At his darkening expression, she mentally hit herself.
"Have you been...?" Tala paused, scowling, "…raped?"
Adrienne shook her head firmly even as her eyes darted away. Tala stared at her intently. "Then why don't you like to be touched?"
"Remember that school I mentioned I went to? The teachers weren't on their best behaviour and a certain sadistic bastard loved to... handle." She shifted as a cold, dark and vaguely haunted look hinted before she smoothed her face.
Tala straightened and folded his arms.
"Someday," he said with conviction. "You'll have to tell me what school you went to."
Adrienne only smiled slightly and shrugged. "Maybe one day."
She didn't make any promises, because she knew she would never tell them anything about her past. It made her a little sad, but she pushed it away knowing it was better if they didn't find out.
Spotting the three in the hall, Kai walked over and commented to Tala: "Half the school knows by now about your little race tonight."
"All the more fun," the red head grinned. "Right, Adrienne?"
She cocked a brow at the use of her first name but nodded, deciding that she liked the tall redheaded native to Russia. Unlike some people, she reflected, glancing sidelong at Hiwatari as she turned to go. She didn't know why she didn't like him, since usually she could get along with any person if she tried... perhaps it was that annoying way in which he looked at her with either a blank, stoic look or that superior sneer that seemed characteristic of him.
And yet, according to his friends, he regularly received love letters from girls telling him how much they loved his smile. Unintentionally, Adrienne snorted. Yeah, right. What smile?
"Something on your mind, Adrienne?"
She glanced at Hana and nodded. "I have some information which might surprise you."
"Oh?"
Waving, Adrienne led her to a place in the library where they could sit in comfort while they talked. The two boys followed and received a mild frown from Adrienne.
"This doesn't include you."
Tala gave a rueful shrug. "I want to hear this information."
"Nosy," she grumbled, although she didn't ask them to leave.
Turning her attention away from the two, Adrienne focused on Hana and pinned her down with her crimson eyes.
"First, do you remember earlier when I told you I felt something familiar when you touched me?"
Hana nodded slowly.
"What I felt was the darkness within you. Your own, and Drsalyx's."
Adrienne paused. Hana frowned. "You felt it?"
"Yes."
Adrienne took off her right glove and held out her hand to the other girl. Hana stared at it, then at Adrienne, surprised.
"You want me to..."
"Take my hand, Hana. I'll give you a taste of mine and Faeryhx's light and darkness." Adrienne ordered softly.
Hesitant, Hana placed her own pale hand in the other's grasp and instantly sucked in a sharp breath as Adrienne gripped it hard.
What she felt hit her abruptly and she was in awe of it. The blinding power and fire! Its light filled her until she thought she would burst. It was a forever essence, radiating and soothing. With its warmth, she felt emotions come to her in tumbling rolls, and like waves they poured in and chased away the numbness that filled her. It stunned her at how much the other girl could feel...
Suddenly, it all faded to the coolness she had tasted earlier, and as the first feeling died away the familiar darkness returned. No… on second thought, this one was different. It was... tainted, almost, with pain and suffering... grief. Then, the numbing chill overrode it, turning into a frozen void of eternal deadness. Dead… cold. The deathly cold…
Once more, Hana jerked back, snatching her hand away from Adrienne's. Adrienne let her go, watching with a calm, but deeply sorrowed look.
"How can you stand that?" Hana asked numbly.
Even she, who could push her feelings away and become dark... she had never felt anything like that before. A bitter smile appeared on Adrienne's lips.
"It's like I said, an eternal war waged between two halves. Neither will win, neither will lose, but the scales tilt to balance the suffering..."
Looking away, Adrienne pulled on her glove quickly and tightened it, flexing her slender fingers reflectively. Hana regarded her in silence, wishing there was someway she could comfort the other girl, but refrained herself. Confused, Tala leaned forward.
"What was that all about?"
Kai silently watched the two girls. Hana only glanced at Adrienne, who looked wary but replied.
"It's something that doesn't happen often, but through our bitbeasts we are able to make contact and feel the power, feelings and even the thoughts of the other."
"Through your bitbeasts?" Tala repeated, incredulous.
"Yes. See here…"
Adrienne brought out her blade and showed her bitbeast.
"This is my dragon, Faeryhx. She's an elite fire-type, among other things, but also the sister of Drsalyx."
The three stared at her with a simultaneous: "What?"
"I'm serious," Adrienne said even though her lips twitched at the corners. "Both are fire-types, yet Drsalyx holds the dark fire—very deadly if known how to use in battle correctly—and I believe he also has other traits, like for example his claws... his darkness creates a poison which with he can attack with."
Hana's eyes were wide. "How do you know that?"
"Talent. I'm telepathic." Adrienne spoke with a grave seriousness but her crimson orbs betrayed her laughter.
Hana grimaced at the other small girl but let the matter go. Amused, Adrienne watched them all, gauging their expressions.
Tala absorbed what she had told them and went over it.
"So is that all?"
"No," Adrienne sighed, "Hana, when did you receive Drsalyx?"
Hesitating for a moment, Hana then also sighed.
"It was about... five years ago. I was twelve. I was... about to kill myself when Drsalyx suddenly appeared and pleaded me not to."
Tala and Kai stared. That was not something they knew of, but Adrienne merely nodded in understanding.
"Well, that would explain why he appeared. You were in your darkest moment."
"She just about killed herself!" Tala exclaimed. "How can you be so calm?"
Her quiet answer shocked them: "I know how she feels, since more than once I've also tried to kill myself. Once you look at the matter and you've experienced it, you find you're very calm about a number of things."
She sat back, watching them. Both were stunned, and it showed largely in their slacked jaws and wide eyes, surprisingly, even in Hiwatari, before he recovered and slipped up his stoic mask again. But she didn't mind for once. It was strangely nice to know that he was able to show emotion at all.
"That's…you don't seem like the suicidal type." Tala finally spoke.
An odd expression passed over Adrienne's face, as her lips twisted up mysteriously. "No…I suppose not." She murmured. "It doesn't matter," she continued, ignoring the looks she received from them. "That's in the past. I'm not suicidal anymore, just to rest your minds."
Hana bit her lip gently. "Do you mind if I ask you something?" She put in.
"No. What?" Adrienne allowed, tilting her head.
"How did you get Faeryhx?"
Smiling suddenly with a certain fondness, Adrienne chuckled.
"Well...Fae's actually always been a part of my family, on my father's side. But…she's entrusted to and handed down by the females, to the females. For some reason, she doesn't respond to any males in my family. Or any male, for that matter," she added thoughtfully. "Anyway, she was locked in a ruby necklace."
She reached into her shirt and brought up a gold chain with a ruby-encrusted medallion. It was of a golden dragon with the same type of stone set into its body. The dragon effigy stared out fiercely at the teens and glinted wickedly in the light.
The sight of it made Hana gawk, confused. Adrienne saw it and hid her smile.
"It was worn by my great-great grandmother, the last female in the line. When she died, she entrusted the necklace to her son, to give to his daughter if he had one. Unfortunately, that didn't happen..."
She continued fingering the medallion.
"…so he handed it down to his son —my grandfather— who in turn gave it to his son, my father."
Adrienne paused and ruthlessly held back the pain of remembering her father, but some of it slipped past and into her eyes as she went on quietly.
"I always knew of the necklace and looked at it often. Papa loved to tell stories that had been passed on about the guardian dragon that protected every female of the Fwujuii blood. And as a small child, I use to hear a voice in my head. I knew it was Fae. She'd introduced herself, in voice only. I didn't actually meet Fae until I was six."
Her crimson gaze darkened slightly.
"That…was when my mother…died. I needed comforting, so I sought the rubies. Faeryhx spoke to me and said she could feel my pain as if it were her own and wished to soothe me, to comfort me and take the sadness away. As the only female to my bloodline, I knew I was to inherit the necklace and Fae. So I released her..."
Silence fell, heavy with the sorrow they had all perceived in Adrienne's voice.
"I'm sorry about your mother," Hana murmured finally, quietly, then smiled sadly. "At least you knew your parents."
"Not for long, though," Adrienne sighed, shaking her head. "Well, enough of that. I don't like to remember that time. Too many memories."
She frowned as her gaze flared hotly before she calmed.
"So!"
She turned to Tala.
"Do you have a map of the road we'll be racing on?"
He raised a brow. "Not curious about our past?"
"I know better then to pry. I don't believe either you or Hiwatari would want to talk about the Abbey, anyway." Adrienne replied dryly.
"Not really," Tala admitted. He gave her a guarded look. "Do you know anything about it?"
She didn't answer immediately. Her gaze was elsewhere, but when Tala looked, he only saw the plain library floor tiles.
Finally, Adrienne spoke. "There are some things I know of, and some things I've heard of. Either way, I don't really care."
"Why not?" Kai spoke up suddenly for the first time, watching her. Adrienne shrugged carelessly.
"Why talk about something if you don't like what you remember? Why care if you've changed? If it's behind you, then it should stay there and not be disturbed. Unless you willingly want it to be."
"You sound as if you also have things to put behind you." Kai observed.
Her answering smile was mysterious and sad, but she refrained from saying anything further on the subject.
Hana frowned. "Changing subject here... your Faeryhx belongs to your family, but if Drsalyx is her brother..."
"Mhmm…to satisfy the males, the black dragon was handed to them. But the occasional female could receive him as well."
"And...I have a necklace..." Hana looked bewildered. "It's—"
"…a silver medallion with an onyx stone dragon," Adrienne finished, smirking. "Hello, cousin."
Staring, Hana swallowed, then blinked once, twice.
"No way..."
"Way," Adrienne's smile was impish and brilliant. "I'm not kidding. My father had a younger brother who ran away—but still kept in touch—and married a Japanese woman. A couple months after I was born, they also had a daughter whom they named Kanae. But unfortunately, they were killed in a car accident, and Kanae went into her uncle's custody."
Hana paled at the news and took a deep, wavering breath.
"Oh my God…"
She smiled as wetness pooled into her dark gaze and a tear slid down her pale cheek.
"I have family..." She whispered, staring at Adrienne.
Then she laughed and threw herself at the other girl. Startled, Adrienne stiffened as her new cousin cried and laughed, clinging to her as though fearful Adrienne was going to disappear.
Gently, tentatively, Adrienne placed her small hands on the other girl's shoulders and calmed her. With a glance to where Tala and Kai sat, thoroughly stunned once again, she hissed quietly for them to get lost. Kai recovered first and stood, dragging Tala up and away.
Later, the two girls were found outside, talking animatedly with smiles as the other teens gathered around for lunch. Tyson bounded over.
"Hey Adrienne, hey Hana!" He called cheerfully.
Adrienne grinned at the other girl. "Shall we?"
"This is gonna be so weird," the other mumbled.
Calling the other teen's attention, Adrienne winked at Tala, who came over. The noise only seemed to augment, however, and after a moment Kai came over interested. Irritated, Adrienne finally stuck two fingers in her mouth and let out a sharp, piercing whistle, wincing as she did so. But, it had the desired effect. Everyone went silent.
"Finally!" She commented, looking exasperated, "I thought I would tell you something now and then have a merry old time laughing at your faces."
"Or maybe we could just laugh at you!" Tyson called.
"Oh, you mean in the same way I always laugh when I see yoursilly clownface?" She retorted, making the others chuckle and Tyson scowl and glare.
Smirking, she gave a dramatic bow.
"Ladies, gentlemen… clown," she added for Tyson's spluttering benefit. "I would like you to meet my cousin, Kanae…" she paused, a passing moment of uncertainty in her eyes, before she finished with, "Fwujuii."
They looked and only saw Hana standing there, looking mildly uneasy. For some it didn't sink in right away. But the brighter—or perhaps just quicker—clued the pieces together.
"Wow..." Hilary breathed, looking shocked as Mariah squealed and jumped up, racing over to hug the small, dark-eyed girl.
Johnny gawked for a moment before he chuckled softly, then laughed, rising to join Mariah. Adrienne was grinning as the others slowly figured it out. Most rose to come over and talk to the two and ask questions.
The newly named Kanae stood straight and tense, feeling strange as Adrienne dealt out a portion of what she had filled her in to, nodding and smiling at everyone's comments. "It's soo awesome!!" Mariah grinned, cat-like and elated. "You're soo lucky, Kanae! To think, more family! And for you Ari!"
She had no problem changing the name, unlike others.
"Well, it's definitely something, Han-… I mean Kanae," Max commented, smiling that sunny smile of his.
Tyson nodded avidly, now that he had finally figured it out.
"Way to go, Hana! Oops, heh, I mean Kanae too."
"Another one..." Robert sighed, looking pained as he stood off to the side.
Johnny narrowed his eyes at the remark.
"Something wrong with my family, Robert?"
"Oh no, no," Robert replied smoothly. "I truly hope this won't change anything." Shaking his head, he moved off, with Adrienne rolling her eyes and Johnny muttering in his native tongue as others teens came over and the lunch period continued.
It was late afternoon. Kai had returned home alone as soon as school had ended, though only those who knew him quite well would have been able to tell that he had been in a hurry. Dumping his bag and shoes carelessly at the entrance, Kai walked into the wide front hall of the mansion and was pleased to note that more change had occurred.
Now that his grandfather Voltaire would never be coming back, Kai had, as the only heir, inherited everything. But unlike some who would love to abruptly get so rich, he hated the wealth. It was dirty money obtained through Voltaire's blackmailing and schemes. But he had preferred to keep it all than give it away to let others use for evil and malevolent ways.
Nodding curtly to the butler, he picked up mail and went through it, feeling a tightening in his chest as he sifted through the envelopes. When Voltaire had been placed in jail, Kai had found evidence that suggested his mother might still be alive. Voltaire had been searching for her with no success, although for what purpose Kai had never known.
But he'd begun a search of his own for Akemi Hiwatari, and had just recently found an address in Canada... and written. He didn't know why he had bothered to hope she was still alive. After all, he didn't need her; he'd gotten on well enough on his own... right?
As though drawn, Kai's gaze landed on one particular address and he stared down at it for a moment, unduly surprised. It was a return address from Canada. Breathing in slowly, he turned and walked slowly up to his room.
It was one of the smallest in the whole mansion, yet it had been made big enough for a prince. Mostly he'd chosen it for the simplicity of the design. The walls were a dark blue, marred by but a single, large window; a four-poster, king sized bed swathed in black silks, mahogany trimmings and a large desk were the only other furnishings.
Sitting heavily down on the chair before his desk, he pondered, looking at the letter as he twirled it absently in his hands. Open it... or not?
Frowning at the way he hesitated, he steeled himself unconsciously and ripped open the envelope. Unfolding a single sheet of plain stationary covered in a flowery sort of handwriting, he read:
"Dear Kai,
If you are who you say you are, as being the grandson of Voltaire Hiwatari and son of Maxim and Akemi Hiwatari, then you will be pleased to find out, or, if you are anything like your father was, you will be hesitant to reveal that you are pleased to find out that you are correct in your assumptions. I am Akemi, your mother."
It hit him hard and he stared at the one sentence for the longest time, reading it over and over again as though he could actually hear her voice saying the words. I am Akemi, your mother…your mother. His mother was alive and in Canada...
Shaking his head firmly, he continued to read.
"I know that you're probably a little shocked at the realization of this statement. I was quite surprised myself to receive a letter from you. It's been a long time for me, always in hiding, and I'd given up hope of ever seeing you again. I hope that you can forgive me for not trying to return to you earlier, or at least making my presence known sooner, but I feared what Voltaire would do if he found out. That being said, I hope you will understand.
I hope, Kai, that we will keep in touch, and you will let me come visit. Until then, I have enclosed some photos for you.
Sincerely,
Akemi
Hiwatari"
Photos? He dropped the letter and picked up the envelope from where it had fallen to the floor, pulling it open with two fingers to peer inside. A few photographs fell into his hand. The top snapshot was one of a woman with two-toned hair like his own: silver, instead of slate in the front; long bangs falling elegantly down, framing her face, and a light shade of blue falling down her back in curls. She was smiling softly, making her silvery eyes sparkle.
His mother.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he sat looking down at her face, memorizing it without bothering to glance at the others. He was then forced to look up as the phone rang, displaying a number that he didn't recognize. Frowning, he answered.
"Hello."
"Kai, it's—"
"Kanae, I know," he interrupted dryly. "I can still recognize your voice."
"Not for much longer, if I can help it," another voice muttered in the background.
Kai's mouth twisted as he made out the little one's accented voice.
"Ignore her," Kanae said with a trace of a grin in her tone. "Can you come and pick me up at Adrienne's apartment? Valkov offered, but he's dangerous, and I refuse to get on Ari's bike."
"I'm not as bad as that ass! Honestly!" The other girl protested vehemently, making Kai chuckle.
"Why not?" He drawled. "I'll be there in ten."
"Ahh, Kai?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you know where Ari lives?"
Kai paused.
"No," he admitted to the laughter that sounded, "shut up."
"Yes O Mighty Lord," came the mocking little one, "We're at the Yatomoto Apartments," she continued more somberly, though he still detected mirth in her low, husky tone.
He raised a brow. A top class place. You had to be a millionaire to rent there.
"I'll be at the front," Kanae added, "Ari decided she's going to go early. To the race."
"Whatever. I'll be there in ten." Kai repeated.
"All right."
"Don't get lost, Hiwatari." Adrienne tossed in before the dial tone was heard.
Annoyed, he hung up and glanced at the picture of his mother again. He could write the invitation to her later. Right now, he would pick up Jules and then strangle the little one—after seeing her lose to Tala, of course. That he was sure to see, since nobody had ever beaten the redhead in a race before. That was why he was given the name 'King of Racing'. To Kai, it was a stupid name, but Tala enjoyed it.
Smirking, he rose and walked out, feeling in a suddenly much better mood.
When Kai and Kanae arrived at the designated racing spot, they found Adrienne straddling her motorcycle and gazing up at the darkening sky. Pulling up to her bike on the side of the road, they got out. As they approached, Adrienne lazily muttered: "You're late."
"Nothing's started yet, little one." Kai answered, amused.
"Not you," she frowned, jerking her chin towards their left.
She swung one slender leg over the bike and placed both feet firmly on the ground, raising a brow to a male coming up slowly. He gave a sheepish smile as he reached her.
"Sorry. Ran into trouble."
"Whatever. Got what I wanted?"
"Right here."
He handed her a small bundle carefully.
"All ready to go and everything." He informed her.
Adrienne nodded, satisfied. "Thanks, these will be very useful."
Nodding as well, the unknown male turned and left.
Kanae frowned in confusion. "What are those?" She demanded quietly.
Adrienne gave a devilish smirk, shrugging her small shoulders as though nothing were amiss.
"Oh, just a precaution," she replied vaguely as she stashed the bundle out of sight within one of her jacket pockets.
Looking up, Adrienne saw the two's suspicious looks. "What?" She asked innocently.
Kai frowned and was about to demand a more elaborate explanation when Tala pulled up in his car with passengers, namely a bunch of cheering, scantily-dressed girls. Kanae made a disgusted face after glaring, leaning on Adrienne's bike slightly as the girls got out, chattering and seating themselves either on the hood or seats as the redhead came over smirking.
Adrienne raised a brow at him. "Who'd you lay before you came here?"
Tala grinned, replying instantly and nonchalantly, failing to notice the spark of anger, followed by hurt that filled Kanae's eyes: "Yuka."
Deciding not to comment on that, the small girl asked: "Did you bring the map?" Nodding in acquiesce, he brought it out, opened it and for a moment the two pored over it, as other cars and motorcycles pulled up and more teens and young adults joined them and began to set up equipment.
Kai saw Adrienne eying the activity with mild curiosity and decided to explain. "The groups like to film the race, so they set up cameras along the road to catch the action. A screen will be set up for others to watch from here."
A jerk of his head indicated the milling girls. Glancing at him, she acknowledged that with a nod.
"How far apart are the cameras set?" she queried, her crimson gaze traveling down the long road.
"Every hundred to two hundred yards," a strange young male answered cheerfully.
The tall, green-haired boy with an eyebrow piercing smiled at her. She quickly ran her gaze over him, gauging before she returned the smile slightly.
"That's quite a bit of equipment."
The boy nodded and grinned. "True. Cameras, lights, and microphones to pick up the action... we got it all."
He eyed her with approval and held out his hand. "Name's Isoruko, but you can call me Ruko."
Hiding her wariness, Adrienne let her smile grow as she studied his bright emerald gaze and cheerful demeanour. She glimpsed into him, feeling his open, warm and rather innocent soul. She could trust him; he had the feel of an angel, which was odd to think of at first, him being dressed as a punk.
"I'm Adrienne," she told him, trying to make her voice warm.
Ruko grinned even wider and nodded, holding her hand snugly in his.
"Pretty name," he complimented.
"And very familiar..." another voice murmured.
Ruko tensed and frowned. The hairs on Adrienne's neck stood up as she heard the voice. It was raw, soft and scraping, a horrible sound to listen to because it grated on the ears. Looking around, she spotted a man standing nearby, obviously watching. She frowned. The air around him... it stank, tainted with cruelty and hatred...
"Familiar with Blade?" Ruko asked mildly.
"Yess..."
The drawn-out word scratched like the hissed syllable of a snake. He came closer, gliding on silent feet, and stared at Adrienne, who stared defiantly back.
"I've...heard it before..."
His black, glittering eyes bore into Adrienne. She stood regarding him and idly wondered why he seemed so familiar. She never forgot a face or a voice, and yet she couldn't place him. Why, then, did his movements look familiar… and his clothes?
Black coat, leather pants, black army boots—which he moved silently in despite their bulkiness—black leather gloves, and a black silk scarf swathed round his neck, made to look as if he could pull it up to cover his face.
He suddenly smiled and she held back a shiver. The glint in his eyes grew abnormally and his smile turned crazed. Squinting with a hate she couldn't explain, Adrienne threw out icily: "I don't believe we've met, so I can't be familiar to you. Now if you don't have anything else to say, then piss off."
Instead of being offended and looking surprised like the others, he chuckled maliciously. "Temper, Demon, I'm merely curiou—"
"Don't call me that!"
Startled by Adrienne's snarled outburst, Ruko, who had still hold of her hand, dropped it and stepped away as her eyes flared with both fire and ice.
"It's been a long time, Demon," the man laughed gently and with a hint of insanity, then sobering and leering, "Scorpion calls for his wild daughters."
The air suddenly chilled as the small girl's face went completely blank and her eyes chilled and went flat. No flame danced in her crimson gaze, no cheerfulness flickered into her features. No warmth was in her voice.
"If you do not leave right now, I will kill you."
Her voice was an icy, raging tone of complete stillness, darkness. Nothing could be heard in it, except for the threat that she gave.
It scared the man. Licking his lips nervously, he drew into himself, hunching his shoulders like a frightened child.
"You can't..." he whined. "I have a mission…"
"Me or him. Take your pick." Adrienne said softly.
Too softly.
Leave.
He froze, then with a whimper, turned and ran, dodging people in his way and disappearing from of sight. Watching him go, Adrienne sighed and suddenly looked very tired and wan.
"Damn," she muttered, pressing the cool heel of her left palm on her eyes.
The darkness was gone, her voice had returned to its normal low, warm Russian accent.
"Damn is right," Tala remarked, looking at her inquisitively. "That scared the shit out of me."
Kanae was pale and staring with wide eyes.
"What did you do to your voice, Ari?" She whispered.
It had been so different... so dangerous. It had scared, no, hadpetrified her that her cousin who seemed so warm and innocent at times could become like that and say such a thing.
"The ice..."
Adrienne put her face in her hands and bent as if trying to shield herself.
"I can't do this anymore," she whispered brokenly.
The others just stared. Kai shifted, feeling curious, wary and vaguely concerned. Hesitating, he moved over to where she had drawn into herself for protection. Touching her arm, he drew her attention and sucked in a breath when her gaze rose. The haunting look that lingered in her burning depths stunned him. She noticed and looked away to hide, but he stepped close and grabbed her, lifting her chin. He studied her pale, strained features.
"What can't you do anymore?" He asked quietly.
"Hide," she whispered so quietly that only he heard.
That confused him, and sparked his reluctant interest.
"What are you hiding from?" He asked softly, in Russian.
Only Tala would understand and he hoped that by talking in Russian it would make her open a little to answer.
Staring into her deep, crimson eyes, Kai saw emotions flit through in a maelstrom: pain, hatred and fear. She looked at him, but not at him. Where?
Drawing a shaky breath, she answered dully, in Russian, as he'd hoped.
"I hide from monsters of my past. Cruel, evil, sadistic and heartless people. They haunt my every move, wherever I go. I can't escape..."
Roughly, Adrienne turned and wrenched herself from his grasp. She cursed through clenched teeth, looking up to the dusky sky in an attempt to calm herself. It felt good to swear. She let the words, those nothing-words, roll off her tongue and into the coming night, saying them again and again until she was screaming.
The coldness seeped into her body and she choked. No! Not now! Furious and frightened by old persisting haunts and actions she ran, ran so she could escape, and ran to the waiting darkness to swallow her whole. Suddenly, she stumbled and fell to her knees, and leaning forwards she held herself up with her hands and stared numbly at the ground, choking on her tears.
Tears… tears… why? Why am I crying?
Her dark hair fell forwards to cover and surround, to warm and hold in fragmented ways. Breathing raggedly, she pushed back against the haunting and refused to give in to the torments, refusing to cry.
But you're already crying!
She wasn't weak.
I'm not!
She had survived, and would keep on surviving. Alone.
But… but why alone? Alone… but where are…
Abruptly, she was enveloped in warmth from behind. Feeling strong arms wrapping around her and lifting her, she tensed and struggled to get away, vague cries emerging from her throat. From within her haze, a deep male's voice spoke quietly to her, trying desperately to soothe. He spoke in a familiar language, but she didn't have the heart to try and identify the words. She just listened to the tone: richly, warmly dark.
Curling, she found herself completely surrounded by him. He held her locked in his grasp against him.
Warm, she thought. He was like fire, soothing, radiating out and calming her as she recognized a flame's touch, and loved it. Wanting to rid herself of the coldness, she pressed close, burrowing into him, and closed her eyes.
Warm.
At the sound of his quiet voice, the torments faded and an unfamiliar but not unwelcome sort of peace overcame her. Smiling inwardly, she sighed and let herself drift away to her comfort of darkness, one that did not hold the chilling emptiness that she so despised. Wrapping herself into the cocoon of fire, she fell into a healing slumber. She was content.
For now.
Why was he such an idiot? Seriously, this was one of the things he'dnot had in mind. Of course, he hadn't really been thinking either...
Sighing with a self-admonitory scowl, Kai sat on the ground, half leaning against a tree within the darkness, with the little one curled asleep in his lap.
Why? He asked himself again. Why?
Gazing down at the small face, he knew why. Because the things he'd seen in her eyes had caused him to feel understanding and concern. Touching her smooth, soft, pale cheek, he studied her now peaceful face.
What had driven her to run? It had happened abruptly; she had turned, then stiffened before uttering a small cry and racing off, instantly vanishing into the falling darkness. Startled, they had chased her, Tala calling out about the race, Kanae swearing at him for worrying over "something so stupid" and Kai continuing with Dranzer's silent help as they had split up.
He had found her in an area of the dark forest, on the ground and gasping for air, shivering uncontrollably. Her hair had escaped from its ponytail and fallen around her, making it almost impossible to see her within the black.
Unconsciously running the pad of his thumb over her cheekbone, he let his gaze roam over her features. She looked so relaxed. Frowning, he searched for a word to describe what she looked like.
/Angel/ Dranzer whispered.
Kai considered, both amused and annoyed by Dranzer, then agreed. The little one actually did look angelic while she slept. Looking up, he heard the revving of vehicles and the tinny cheers of people.
"My, enthusiastic aren't they?"
Stiffening, Kai recognized the scraping voice.
"What do you want?" He growled.
Searching the shadows, he saw the man standing near a tree, regarding him with a glinting gaze.
"I want her," he snickered. "In more ways than one."
"You sick bastard," Kai snarled back, trying to hold the girl out of sight.
Maniac laughter.
"Poor boy," Blade crooned, giggling. "I have a mission, which is to kill anyone in my way in order to have... my reward..." He grinned, adding as though in afterthought, "...a reward that I'll well enjoy."
Kai made a disgusted noise, looking revolted as he stared the man down.
"You're sick," he repeated in a mutter. "And mad."
A stillness entered the man and he walked nonchalantly forwards, drawing out a large, eight-inch serrated blade.
"And you're dead," he promised with a sneer, then leapt.
"Not if I can help it."
Adrienne suddenly came to life and kicked up, arching as the man came down. She neatly landed another blow to his face, knocking him further away. Rolling, he jumped up, hissing as Adrienne flipped to her feet and stood in front of Kai, small body poised in a martial arts stance.
"Damn you, he was mine!" Blade snarled. "I wanted his blood!"
"Sorry, but that's not allowed," Adrienne retorted with mock apology, flipping her bangs out of her face with a toss of her head, "And you know it… Snake," she added, smirking at his annoyed hiss.
Kai slowly rose and eyed the man as he spat and glared with an evil, twisted smile.
"I'll have both of you, then," he declared, readying himself again.
He looked delighted. Kai felt sick.
"Does that mean what I think it means?" He asked softly.
"Yes." Adrienne didn't look behind her, just watched the man. He held his knife loosely by his side, looking at them with a smile that would have been charming on anyone else.
"I think I'll taste the boy, first," Blade mused, hissing to himself. "Yes, blood is a nice refresher. Then the girl... she'll give me a workout, but I don't mind..."
He giggled while his gaze lingered on Adrienne's chest. Stepping back, Adrienne bumped into Kai, who wrapped his arms around her and felt a light shiver run through her small frame.
"He's unstable," he muttered in Russian.
Shaking her head, she corrected in the same language. "Far past that. He's totally lost it."
"He wants to kill us," Kai continued, frowning, "Or just me."
"Just you. I don't think he has orders to kill me."
"…Reassuring."
Adrienne stood in his warmth, vaguely wondering why he was holding her, then decided not to think of it and focused on Blade.
"Why don't you let us go? People will begin to suspect if we don't come back, you know."
"I'll bet," Blade snickered, twirling his knife tauntingly in his hand. "They probably think you're having fun."
He scowled, though his lips still kept the same, aggravating smirk.
"Naughty, naughty, I can't let you do that," he giggled. "Not until I have myfun."
Then, the man glared at Kai, stretching out a gloved hand.
"Give her to me."
"Over my dead body," Kai growled, tightening his grasp.
Adrienne elbowed him in the stomach, causing him to grunt.
"You're making it worse, idiot," she muttered.
He had. Blade had sunk into a crouch, wearing a twisted look.
"Won't give? Then I'll take!"
Hissing, he lunged. Taking the opportunity, Adrienne twisted and struck Kai, causing him to fall down unconscious. Turning sharply, she intercepted Blade, catching his weapon hand skillfully and kicking him in the side, forcing him away from Kai. She jerked his arm around in a painful hold and he howled as she tried to force the knife from his hand. She almost succeeded, until he kicked her leg, making her lose her balance and topple to the ground.
Falling, she rolled and Blade came with her. He pinned her onto her back and positioned himself fully on top of her, grinning as his weight sank onto her.
"Mmm, I like this," he remarked lewdly.
Adrienne went cold and suddenly rolled, hitting him. She landed a kick to the groin and a fist in the jaw. Crouched away from him, she gave a dangerous hissing cry, baring her neko-jin fangs as he moaned in pain. Then she saw the knife glinting on the ground, at the same time he did. They both went for it, but Blade grabbed it first and with a smug cry, turned and slashed downwards. Adrienne dodged, but not quickly enough. A sharp slice of pain crossed her left cheek, and with a scream of rage, she caught his hand and twisted it, then turned and propelled his hand towards himself.
Suddenly, a choked gasp.
He'd stabbed himself in the chest. Staring confusedly at the weapon lodged it his body, Blade looked at Adrienne, who watched blankly.
"Free..." He gurgled, spitting blood as he fell down dead.
As he did, Adrienne clenched her fist and whispered in an unknown language before she sank to her knees and bowed her head.
Glancing over her shoulder to where Kai lay in a heap, she bit her lip, quickly analyzing the situation before she walked over to where the corpse lay and dragged it out of sight, careful to make sure no more blood was spilled. She searched his pockets, taking the papers and the daggers he had on him, then hid the body in a shallow, quickly dug grave, taking a moment to erase the marks she had made before returning to where Kai still lay.
She rolled him onto his back and lightly touched his neck. He stirred before opening his eyes, and found her staring down. He frowned.
"What happened?"
Adrienne regarded him warily. "You don't remember?"
"I was behind you…" Kai scowled. "Did you knock me out?"
"No," Adrienne lied with a perfectly straight face. "He threw a senbon and hit your neck."
She held one of the thin pieces of metal up for him to see. Kai's eyes narrowed suspiciously before he sat up, rubbing his neck with a frown.
"Where is he?"
Adrienne shrugged and stood.
"He ran off."
She turned and walked calmly back to where Tala was. Frowning after her, Kai looked nervously around the area before he rose with only slight difficulty and followed her.
Tala stood waiting with a large, impatient crowd as they appeared.
"Thought you had chickened out," Someone yelled, sneering over his beer.
Adrienne directed a mild look at him, causing him to inexplicably choke on his beverage.
"I don't run," she said softly. "Ever."
Tala regarded her momentarily, then glanced at Kai as he came over. Neither gave anything away, which frustrated Tala somewhat.
Well, whatever. He shrugged it away.
"Ready to race?" He asked Adrienne with a cocky grin.
She smirked and nodded to the crowd's roar of approval. Walking to their vehicles at the starting line, several people started to chant: "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Puzzled, Adrienne looked at Tala in questioning. He grinned.
"It's a tradition for the racers to kiss someone before they go," he explained.
He called out and random girl from his arrival cortege swooped down on him and they exchanged a lustful kiss. Grimacing at the distasteful rule, Adrienne sighed and straddled her bike, glaring at any male who tried to approach her. There was no way she was going to let some guy kiss her.
Not a chance in…
"No one of interest, Fwujuii?" Asked a light tone.
"Nope," Adrienne answered the familiar voice behind her.
"You sure?" He asked quietly, breathing into her ear.
She tilted her head away and turned it slightly while hooking a stray lock of ebony hair behind her ear.
"I'm pretty sure, Hiwatari," she replied bitingly.
"It's bad luck to break a tradition," Kai told her, looking amused despite her menacing air.
"Well, it's not my tradition," she snapped.
"C'MON, HIWATARI!! KISS HER!!"
"KISS! KISS! KISS! KISS!" The crowd was yelling encouragingly.
Adrienne scowled darkly and Kai observed the crowd before he bent suddenly and covered her mouth with his. She stiffened, dimly heard the crowd cheering wildly as his firm mouth moved over hers in a dominant way, claiming and commanding.
Abruptly, Kai jerked back and touched his mouth lightly, then turned his head and spat out blood onto the ground.
Adrienne glowered at him, her eyes flaring dangerously. Tala merely watched, laughing. She had bitten Kai on the lip and drawn blood. It was clear neither was happy, but the surrounding crowd was. Running her tongue smugly over her teeth, Adrienne resisted the urge to bare her fangs at Hiwatari's retreating back.
She gunned her motorcycle as Tala hopped into his car, swore under her breath and zipped up her jacket, tightening her gloves with an obvious displeasure. She wanted something to drink; she could still taste his blood. Angrily, she wondered why he'd kissed her. It was aggravatingly odd… from that brief kiss, somehow, he'd made her heart leap and blood rush and her body flare inside…
Hissing, she sank her fangs into her tongue and the pain made her thoughts disappear. Intent on thoughts of her pain and the flowing blood and the upcoming race, she watched the flags being brought out and slipped on her helmet as Tala revved his car. Checking her bike quickly, she braced herself, waiting, focused on the man standing up ahead. He held a flag and a traffic light hung beside him. The red light shone in the darkness, then it turned green. Tires screeching, Tala's vehicle shot forwards at the same time as Adrienne's. They picked up speed at a mad rate and turned onto the road to disappear around the first bend.
The race was on.
Kai watched as the two sped out of sight and turned his attention to the screen. Two blurs raced neck to neck. Kanae watched as well, but abruptly asked him.
"Why did you kiss her?"
Shrugging, Kai replied: "The crowd wanted me to."
"Nice try," Kanae retorted with a snort, keeping her gaze on the large screen. "I know you can ignore them. You don't need a crowd to egg you on to do something."
Kai merely looked on, watching the little one ride alongside Tala. Truth be told, he didn't really know why he'd kissed her. He just had. It had been an impulse.
He'd been mildly surprised at how soft and sweet her lips had been...welcoming, almost. Until she had bitten him. Hard. He could still feel her fangs sinking into his flesh.
Unwanted, a small smile rose. Even then, he'd felt the slight...acceptance, just before she had rejected him, so to speak.
"What are you smiling about Kai?"
Kanae was looking at him suspiciously. He let his smile grow, leaning back against a car hood.
"It's nothing," he said in his usual drawl.
He was curious of something, and wanted to experiment. Kanae's small frown grew as she watched him, then, exasperated, turned to watch the race.
You'd better watch out, Ari...