Chapter one: "The arrival"

It had been so long since he had been in his homeland. Not that he missed it or anything but it just felt…uncanny. Stepping on his motherland meant going back, back to those bad days.

Sighing loudly, Kai looked around to see if anything had changed since he had left this place, Nope.

Every thing was the same; even the trees were still covered in snow as usual. He gave his little house one last look from the outside, just the same. The roof was covered with snow as well as the front of the house that gave the impression that no one had visited it for a long time which was entirely true.

Picking up his bag from the road where the taxi had dropped him, he started to make his way towards the door. Once inside, he noticed that it was also the same. Not that he expected it to change but this house always reminded him of all the good times he had shared with his parents many years ago. The furniture was covered with dust and it was as chilly inside as it was outside. Making his way in the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea, his eyes fell upon the news paper which lay on the counter, Now that's unusual, Kai thought as he picked up the paper, where did this come from? And its yesterdays'! Must be Ross.

Dropping it back, he unzipped his bag and took out a bottle of coffee. Placing it beside the stove he opened the cabinet to find the already washed kettle and a bottle of tea. Confused he filled the kettle with water and placed it on the burning stove. Picking up his bag once more he started to ascend the stairs, towards his room. Finding the door open he went inside. Everything was just the same except…

"It's a wonder you're on time." The figure on the bed said not even looking up from his book.

"Tala!"

The older boy looked at his watch and continued, "or maybe a little late."

Kai`s lips twitched slightly, forming a little smile. If it was someone else, other than Tala, they would be regretting saying it.

Getting up from the bed Tala held out his arms for Kai who had dropped his bag and was now making his way towards him.

Kai, who gladly returned the embrace, stepped away from the red headed blader.

"Welcome."

"I should be the one saying that as you're in my house." Kai smiled.

"My, my. Why so cheery?" the red headed smirked, "must be the after effects for living with Tyson and Max for a longer time than your health can take."

Kai ignored him and asked instead, "how come you're here?"

"Thought you'd need some company." He answered plainly. Sitting again on the bed he asked, "so why are you here?"

"lets go get a cup of coffee before we talk about it." Kai said and stepped out of the room and went down stairs.

Once in the kitchen, he washed two cups and filled them with boiling water. Adding sugar and coffee he placed the cups on the table just as Tala walked into the kitchen. He took the cup and sat on the chair, the book still opened in front of him. Taking a sip from his cup he looked up and gave Kai a questioning look.

"What?" came an annoyed retort.

"About my question?" he said an amusing smile on his lips. It was not like Kai to forget something that easily, not even the monotonous ones.

"Oh…business matters." Kai said ignoring the grin and taking a sip of his own coffee. It felt good, the hot contents warmed up his insides. He took another sip, "When did you arrive here?"

"This morning. You could have stayed in your other house. I mean this place is way too small." Tala gave the kitchen a considerate look.

Chapter four: "The journey to 'The Red square'"

"I am exhausted!" Tala exclaimed the moment he stepped inside, "I'm going to bed, see you guys at dinner." He said and walked outside the hall and walked up the stairs into his room.

Walking up to the sofa, Ray dropped himself on it totally exhausted. Bryan shifted the bag he was holding onto his shoulder, gave Ray and Kai a nod and walked towards the stairs with Ian on his heels.

Kai, who was still standing, sat on the sofa next to him. For a very long time none spoke.

Ray ran a hand through his hair, "mind if I ask you a question?"

Kai just shook his head carelessly.

"The thing is…it's not like you to work in a movie." Ray knew that the blue haired wouldn't want to reply but it was mainly to make a conversation with his captain.

"So?" Kai asked.

"Why are you doing it?" Ray pushed on.

"Tala." Kai said simply.

Ray didn't know what to make out of this. Was he doing the movie because Tala wanted him to or was he doing it because Tala wanted to be in it?

Which ever was the condition, Tala had somehow convinced Kai. Ray was deep in thoughts, he didn't even noticed Kai's mobile ring.

The device inside his pocket vibrated before the sound was heard. Kai took the mobile out of his jeans pocket and looked at the blinking screen. It had an unknown number written on it.

"Hello."

"Who is this? Kai?" it was Tyson's voice.

"Yeah it's me what do you want?" Kai asked in his usual cold voice.

"Kai… Ray was supposed to return to Japan from China about three days ago." His voice was marked with distress.

"So?"

"He didn't show up and chief's laptop can't find his number." Kai heard Max's voice, then there was a female's voice in the back ground, 'it's dizzy you moron.'

"WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?" Tyson shouted.

"Don't scream in my ear." Kai shot back, and then he said under his breath, "ass hole." It made Ray look up at him with furrowed eye brows. Kai stood up from the sofa.

"Where could he be?" from Tyson's voice Kai assumed that he would start crying any moment. It made a smirk appear on his face when he imagined his face.

"He could be anywhere." Kai replied simply, "I have to go somewhere so I'm hanging up."

"DON'T." Tyson screamed.

Ray stood up too and asked, "Uh… is that Tyson?"

Kai ignored him and said, "Why?"

"Help us find him." After a few seconds he heard a sob.

"Ok. Here talk to him." Kai gave his phone to Ray and said, "Yeah."

Ray took the mobile.

"Hi Tyson"

"RAY!!!" Tyson exclaimed happily. Then when he realized who it was he said, "What are you doing hanging around with Kai? I have been worried sick. Can't you even call? Or keep your mobile on for that matter? Max came back from America only for you! What's the matter with you Ray? Making us worry…"

"Wow… Hang on buddy. I'm really sorry; I don't want you guys to worry, I'm totally safe." Ray said wittily.

"Why are you so happy? And where are you?" Tyson went on.

"I'm in Russia."

"So now you are having a vacation with Kai? What about us?" a hint of anger in his voice.

"What about us?" Ray asked.

"Tell me who said this, 'you, max and me are going to have a time of our lives this summer.'"

"Uh… its winter, Tyson" Ray smiled at his friend's mistake, "and I said this winter not summer."

"Whatever Ray" Tyson's voice came back to its original self, "when will you return?"

"I don't know Tyson, honest."

"What do you mean I don't know? Take a ticket and fly here."

"I can't." Ray looked over at Kai, his face was buried under a book but he was tapping his foot impatiently, "I think I should get going. Say hello to Max, chief and Hillary. Bye."

"But…" Ray ended the call.

"He's one hell of a guy." Ray said to himself, and then he added, "Here"

Kai looked up and took the mobile.

"Thanks Kai." Ray said earnestly, "I am going in my room."

When Kai nodded, Ray walked out of the hall and towards his room.

Once inside his room a thought cropped up in his mind, What if go and have a look around? He shook his head. Ray knew that he just couldn't explore Moscow on his own, he would get lost. Then we'll be busy with the movie and won't get the time. He argued with himself. The first thought that came to his mind was to ask Kai to show him around. That seemed laughable so he concentrated on other choices. Ask one of the Demolition boys? No, they are all taking rest; I just have to do it on my own.

He walked up to his bed and sat down. He was new in this country and there was an unfamiliar infatuation to see the motherland of his captain. He laid down and looked up at the ceiling. After a few minutes he stood up and looked out of the window to see that there was sometime before the darkness would spread. He walked into the washroom, washed his face, and walked out of the room.

Walking in the hall, Ray saw that Kai was still engrossed in the book. He walked as quietly as possible to avoid questions. The moment his hand touched the main door Kai's voice reached his ears, "where are you going Ray?"

Ray turned around to see that he was still reading the book.

"Well?" he asked not looking up.

Ray's mind went through the options, to tell the truth or not. If he told the truth Kai would surly say that he should take someone with him, for safety. He was always like that, always doing things that he wanted and not letting others do what they wanted.

"I am going exploring." Ray replied densely. For the first time Kai looked up in the golden eyes. He sighed and stood up.

"Let me come with you." His voice was marked with exasperation.

"No! I want to do it alone." Ray's voice seemed alien to his own self.

Kai furrowed his eyebrows, "Don't argue."

"I can take care of my own self Kai." He said and turned around and opened the door.

"Take this. Call me if you have any problem." Ray turned around to see Kai holding the same mobile on which he had talked to Tyson. He held it out for him. Ray took it from him, hands brushing slightly. He almost dropped the phone when their hands touched.

"My number's saved in it as 'me'. Tala and the other's numbers are also in there." He sat down on the couch again as an indication that Ray was allowed to leave.

He turned around and walked out of the opened door.

The weather had again turned chilly. After some time, clod air started blowing making Ray cover his chest with his arms. The blowing air was making it hard for him to walk.

He looked around him to find unusually modern buildings. The road was peaceful, not even a single car. There were also not many people walking.

Ray took the opposite route from the one that led to the set. After walking for an hour or so, Ray spotted a bridge. He quickened his pace and after a while he was standing at the end of the bridge. On its other end Ray could see high towers with red painted walls and a small red star above them. They were the most beautiful buildings Ray had ever seen.

Ray started walking on the bridge towards them. On the bridge, he passed an old man. Ray thought of asking the man about them, "Sir?"

The man turned around to face him, "Yes." He said politely.

"I was wondering…uh… if you could tell me something about them." Ray said pointing at the towers.

The man looked in the direction he was pointing. He smiled and replied, "The Bridge you are walking on son is called Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge and it leads to Kremlin's towers and red square; a very fascinating place to visit."

Ray nodded so the man continued, "And the red stars on their top are symbols of revolutionary soviet power. They say that Moscow is the center of Russia and Kremlin and red square is hub of Moscow."

Ray looked interestingly at the towers and then at the stars, symbol of soviet power. Ray repeated in his mind.

"Opposite to them is Gum, a stunning 19th century shopping mall with three glass-roofed arcades. Red square is the domain of tourists." The man concluded, "I hope that's enough."

"Yes sir, thank you." Ray nodded at him and extended his hand for the man. After shaking hands, the man nodded and left, leaving Ray to look at them with significance. After what felt like hours, he realized that the sky had turned pitch black but the Kremlin's towers were looking more beautiful with street lights switched on. Ray averted his gaze from the towers and looked into the Moscow's river. It was shinning with the reflection of the lights. Ray kept looking at his image in the river even when the gadget in his pocket started vibrating. Ray didn't notice it neither the sound, he was lost in his thoughts. After what felt like a minute, Ray looked away and started walking in the direction from where he had come. Again the phone started ringing, this time catching his attention.

"Hello?"

"Where are you Ray?" Kai's voice seemed different, there was concern in it.

"On my way," He answered, "Why?"

"Why weren't you answering earlier?" Kai ignored his question and asked instead.

"When?" he asked totally confused.

"A few hours back. Anyways, we've been looking for you in the whole city, where are you?" Kai asked again.

"Bolshoi something bridge."

"Stay there." There was a click on the other side and the call ended.

Ray walked at the end of the bridge. After some time he saw the same black car, in which they had went to the set, approach him.

The rear door opened, Ray stepped inside and sat down. Kai was on the driver's seat with Tala in the passenger's, Tala turned around and gave him a sympathetic look, he's a dead meat.

The engine of the car started, gaining full speed. The passing buildings looking like bolts of lightening.

"Do you realize it's after mid-night?" Kai's voice was full of anger, "You made us agonize, you made me…" he stopped in a mid-sentence. Kai knew perfectly well that he was being quick tempered brat but Ray had made him worry. He looked at him from the rear view mirror. The scary thing was that why was he caring about him so much? It was Ray's problem that he was late, not his. It was Ray's life to live, not his. Ray was looking down at his hands guiltily, cheeks glowing madly. He looks cute with flushed cheeks. Kai shook away the thought violently.

He took a sharp right turn, the needle of the speedometer crossing 160.

Ray looked up to see that they were going back in the direction of the towers. Tala was looking ahead, puzzled but didn't say anything.

"Have you visited it?" Kai's voice broke the disturbing silence in the car. Ray looked up at him perplexed. Kai's voice had suddenly changed; it was marked with a little softness and excitement. Ray looked at him through the mirror to see that he was looking at him with a raised eyebrow, a small smile clearly visible.

Ray just shook his head lightly, "Not yet."

A small smile appeared on Tala's face which went unnoticed by the other two.

The three crept inside the main door. Inside the hall, they saw that Bryan and Ian were sleeping on the sofas while Spencer on the floor. Seeing them like that, only made Ray feel guiltier. Tala patted his shoulder and said, "Not your fault mate." He assured making Ray feel better. He then walked gestured Ray to follow him into the kitchen, "Do you want anything? Gloria's asleep so you'll have to look in the fridge."

Ray just shook his head. Today's events were rushing through his mind, being selected in a movie, he going for a walk, Kai showing him the red square. It all seemed like a dream that never really happened. Ray sat down on a chair, Tala looking at him with a concerned expression.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah," He exhaled deeply and stood up, not looking in the icy blue eyes. Before waking outside Ray turned around and said, still not looking Tala in the eyes, "I need some sleep."

When he passed Kai's room, he saw that his room's light was switched on. Ignoring the dispute to knock at the door and apologize, he kept walking towards his room.

After changing his clothes, Kai stepped on his bed. He looked up at the ceiling. His parent faces floating in his thoughts. The times in the abbey started playing themselves like a movie. The times when his grand father, Voltier, had pounded him so harshly whenever he lost a battle, brain washing him. The times when he thrashed his parents in front of him with a whip, three year old Kai looking at them helplessly, hatred begins to build up in his heart. He loathed that man for a grand father. He took a deep breath and forced himself to think about something other than his parents and grand father.

His mind wondered towards the demolition boys, they were his new family now with Ross and now Gloria. Every single member of the demolition boys had lost their parents. Tala, he mattered to Kai even more than his own life, and he was more than just a friend, even more than a best friend or a brother. He was his life, the one keeping him breathing. He washis heart, beating for him to keep him alive.

Tala being so close to him was the only reason for doing the movie.

The many times when the red head used to cry in the abbey and Kai used to wrap him up in his hands just to show that he cared and wiping the tears away from his face, the times when he would take the blame from Tala to save him from being punished. The look in Tala's eyes when Kai was successful at escaping the abbey, his eyes held the happiest feelings in them, the one that Kai had never seen in them before and was sure that he would never see again, all those times felt ages ago.

The three year old Tala tip toeing into Kai's room, in the abbey, and saying, "I can't sleep." And then Kai would move to make room for him and would stay awake for him, looking out for him. Then waking him up the moment the first rays of the sun entered and Tala would go back to his room. That was something Kai would never forget. Kai smiled on remembering Tala's scared expressions when Kai held a small kitten in front of him to pet, the only thing he was scared of.

After what felt like years, sleep took Kai in its comforting arms and his face became expressionless as he slept peace fully.