As promised here's chapter 6. 7 is underway so hang onto yer hats it might take a while.
A big thank you for all the reviews, it really does give me the push I need to keep writing
6
All Grown Up
Thirteen long years went by after the chase. Voltaire was arrested on numerous charges but if all went wrong, he'd be out of prison soon. Ray and Brooklyn now worked together. Brooklyn had opened up a rescue shelter for cats and dogs, never putting a healthy animal down while Ray helped to treat traumatized animals. He treated children on occasion but not often. Only the most serious cases were sent his way. They had a daughter together but she was Ray's twin from head to toe, aged thirteen. Max and Mariah had gotten married shortly after the Asian lass found work as Mr. Dickenson's assistant. She still cleaned Ray's house on weekends for a little extra income as they had a son. Ray's ranch was also a retreat for various animals like race horses. In fact, Zeus had sired one recently just before his death. You couldn't tell the colt from his father in looks or personality. They were one and the same. Sadly Shelinda passed away after contracting a virus but left plenty of heirs. Odin had also passed on, leaving a big hole in Ray's heart. There had been no word of Syldra or Cryska for a long time but contact was eventually established about two to three years ago thanks to the fourth and third eldest resident of the ranch. It appeared the sisters had been adopted by a single woman who moved to Texas shortly after the girls entered her care. Demi Rovado was a lovely woman with Jade green hair and yellow eyes. After the arrest of Voltaire, sergeant Valkov moved to Japan with his son, Yuriy. No matter which way you looked at them, they were twins.
It was a calm Saturday around eleven in the morning. Ray, Brooklyn and their daughter were in the stands at the local race track. The eldest teen that lived with them was making their racing debut today as was their mount, Zeus's son, Persius. The sun was shining high and softly in the sky. Ray glanced to Brooklyn when his lover turned husband winced. Brooklyn's stomach was visibly swollen. The girl rolled her eyes as her parents flirted a little before three attractive women approached their table. One of them was Demi and the younger ones twins. Ray had to admit, Syldra and Cryska had become fine young adults. Syldra's plum purple hair reached the back of her knees, green eyes shining. Cryska, now aged seventeen, had shorter hair, reaching her mid back. Ray greeted the ladies and invited them to sit down as the race was about to start. Peering through his binoculars, Ray spotted the rider they were there to watch, little spikes of grey hair peeking out from under the helmet. Persius half bucked behind the other horses and Brooklyn instinctively grasped Ray's hand. "He'll be fine love." Ray soothed, rubbing his thumb over the back of Brooklyn's hand. "Have a little faith. I helped to train Persius so he'll calm down. Now relax. It's not good for the baby if you panic too much." Most people resented the idea of a man carrying and giving birth to a child. But Ray and Brooklyn didn't care. They were happy. A bell's shrill cry signalled the start of the 1800m race and Ray trained his eyes on the black/red silks of Persius's rider. The black colt kept to the back of the pack, preserving his stamina. Brooklyn's grip on Ray's hand increased the closer Persius got to the final stretch. Down on the track, Persius's rider showed him the whip but did not strike the horse. "C'mon boy. Show 'em what you got." Persius didn't argue, making his move.
The crowd went wild as the herd of twelve horses turned the final corner. Persius shot through the ranks unchallenged, his rider occasionally showing him the whip still existed. He crossed the line neck and neck with a chestnut stallion but Persius's rider saw his horses' muzzle crossed the line first and pre-emptively celebrated. The officials called a photo finish, declaring Persius the winner. Ray, Brooklyn, their daughter, Demi and the twins made their way down to the winners' circle where Persius was posing quite obviously. He knew he'd won, standing tall and proud as photographers took his picture. The winning rider didn't care to show off until he saw Syldra. With energy to burn, he stood on the saddle and back flipped onto the floor, wowing the crowd. Ray didn't care that the rider was coated in mud, pulling him into a hug filled with pride. "You did it, Kai. I knew you could." Nobody knew how Kai had survived the fall from Voltaire's chopper, believing a miracle had been at work. Ray had adopted Kai shortly before he and Brooklyn got engaged. As the years had gone by, Kai slowly stopped calling Ray batia. He knew Ray was not his biological father but had been the only one he'd truly ever known. The single picture Kai had of his parents was quite damaged, particularly around their faces so he had no idea which one he looked like. All Kai knew was that he had his father's hair. Despite no longer seeing Ray and Brooklyn as his parents Kai loved their daughter like his own sister. Nobody dared to upset the girl when Kai was in range. The last boy to do so had received a thorough beating. Kai allowed himself to be hugged by everyone but Demi and Cryska before heading off to get changed. Some of the other jockeys congratulated him on his winning debut but others loathed the idea that they'd lost to a rookie.
Everyone was happy when the ranch came into view. Once inside, Kai and Syldra vanished upstairs and Ray knew exactly what that meant. Usually Ray preferred his daughter to be outdoors whenever Kai and Syldra had plans for the bedroom, not wanting her to grow curious about such behaviour but it looked like today would be the day she'd finally find out. Other than a bit of light banging there was no other sound. "Don't worry Ray." Brooklyn soothed. "Kai knows the rules. Keep it down or don't take it out. I know you don't want Rin being exposed to such behaviour and neither do I but we can't expect Kai to live like a nun." Rin had been out of the room during the brief one sided conversation, making drinks for everyone. "What are you muttering about now, daddy?" "Nothing you should poke your nose into, Rinoa." Rin scoffed, hating the usage of her full first name. There always seemed to be a love/hate relationship between Brooklyn and Rin that Ray found amusing. Brooklyn had not carried Rin so he wasn't as close to her as Ray was. "Come now you two, we have guests so behave yourselves. Don't worry yourself over it, Rin." "If you say so, pop." Ray squeaked a little as Rin sat herself between him and Brooklyn, making her pregnant father quite annoyed and it showed on his face. Ray was not blind to Rin's behaviour, wanting him all to herself and it had to stop before Brooklyn snapped. It was rare that Rin gave Brooklyn any affection. Ray had always thought it was because Rin got some stick at school for being the child of two men, resenting the one who had not birthed her. Or maybe it was because Brooklyn had not always been there when she was a child, often at the animal shelter looking after the cats and dogs there. Ray couldn't remember the last time Rin hugged her father, positioning her to do so.
Sadly Brooklyn didn't seem to want the attention, pushing himself off the sofa and leaving the room. The slamming of a door followed shortly after Brooklyn's departure and Ray sighed. He hated how Brooklyn's mood swung. But then his had been no better thirteen years ago, especially when he'd been close to giving birth. "Rin." Ray sighed. "This has got to stop. You can't keep coming between me and your father." "But I'm not." "Yes you are. Every time we try to sit together you always put yourself between us and it's not fair." "But he was always at work before I started big school. At the dinner table he'd ignore me when I asked how his day had been." "He let you adopt Pippin as an apology. You're not banned from the rescue center. What would you do if I had to go out to work and left you with a complete stranger? Kai has to go to university, Mariah and Max have no time to spare in the week to look after you." Rin bowed her head down to hide the tears that were developing just as Kai walked in fresh out of the shower, wearing only trousers. He sighed upon seeing his step sister upset. "That fight again?" "No Kai. Rin's got it into her head that Brooklyn doesn't love her." "I did notice your bedroom door slamming again. No explanation needed. Perhaps if Rin made more of an effort this wouldn't keep happening. Go on." Kai gestured to the door with his wet haired head. "Go have your luxury time. I can handle the midget." It always infuriated Rin when Kai teased her about her height considering he was about seven feet tall, towering Ray and Brooklyn both. Ray was a little reluctant but he eventually left the room. Kai stood with folded arms, his eyes on Rin. True he loved her but she got under his skin quite often when the marriage of her parents was at risk. Although Kai never showed it, he cared for the couple that had taken him under their wing.
Demi left with the sisters some twenty minutes later but Syldra didn't get away without being mauled by Kai first. With them gone, it was just Kai and Rin left in the family room. The air was thick with tension as Kai sat opposite Rin, intent on giving her a good talking to. "Y'know Rin. I used to have the same impression of Brooklyn. He was never around much even before I was adopted. But when I needed him, he was there. Ray got shot thirteen years ago by people who tried to kidnap me. It was Brooklyn who took the initiative and chased the helicopter down. It's a bit foggy but I remember a court hearing when my deranged grandfather came to reclaim me "legally". I was forced to go with him because he'd threatened the judge. But Brooklyn refused to stand down. There's more to your father than you know, Rin. He saved me twice and I can never repay him enough." "So then why does he ignore me?" "Brooklyn is…scarred. I don't know all the details but there were problems with his parents and he was pushed into living with a father who had no love for him. I think…Brooklyn is scared that he won't be a good father to you, Rin. Those little gifts you used to find at the foot of your bed were not from Ray. He felt bad about ignoring you out of fear." Hearing everything Kai had to say made Rin feel terrible. With his point made, Kai comforted the young teen, urging her to release the pent up stress. "I'm sorry brother. I didn't…" "It's all right. Sometimes actions speak louder than words, Rin. Puberty is a bitch, I know. I've already been there, remember. Now I think it's time you formally apologised to Brooklyn. Come on." "W-Where are you taking me?" "Out. A simple cup of tea won't mend his broken heart. Trust me, I know." Rin didn't know if she should trust Kai but got ready to go out anyway.
The outing didn't last long but by the time it ended, Rin was exhausted. Some people had cast suspicious looks at the siblings whenever they went into a particular type of store. They returned home to see no sign of Ray anywhere and this was enough to unnerve Kai. He took a peek out back but still no luck. "Kai?" "Something's off. Ray would never leave Brooklyn alone. Not in his condition." In the kitchen the duo found a note in Ray's handwriting. It said he'd nipped out to the shelter to see how things were doing and that Brooklyn shouldn't be disturbed. Kai showed blatant disregard toward the note, taking Rin upstairs with care not to make any noise. In the master bedroom they found Brooklyn fast asleep under the bed sheets. It looked like he'd been crying. Kai set the bags gently on the bed while Rin went to put the kettle on. Kai also checked if Brooklyn was wearing anything, relieved to see a pair of leaf green pyjama bottoms. When Rin returned she set a cup down on the night stand before Kai picked her up and put her in the bed. They both froze when Brooklyn shifted a little but to their relief he didn't wake up. "The hell are you doing?" Kai didn't answer. He just left the room on tiptoes and closed the door. For a few minutes Rin sat awkwardly beside her father until she realised why Kai had put her there. Brooklyn's eyes fluttered open when he felt an arm snaking over his chest, immediately noticing the cup on the table. Brooklyn rolled over slightly to see a mop of spiky black hair, immediately thinking Ray was home so he rolled over properly and almost had a heart attack. Rin had found no problem falling asleep against Brooklyn's warm back, her eyes closed softly. Looking across the bed Brooklyn saw all the bags, a note attached to one. Tears welled up in Brooklyn's eyes as he read the note written by his daughter but he wasn't upset.
Ray returned home about ten minutes later looking like a tornado had hit him. The silence made him very uneasy despite knowing Brooklyn was resting. Kai and Rin had always been respectful about requests for silence. Ray told himself he was just being paranoid, quietly walking up the stairs. What he saw in his and Brooklyn's room shocked him. Rin and Brooklyn were all cosied up under the blankets, the bags untouched. Ray found the note and within seconds of reading it, he understood. 'Kai.' Ray decided to leave his lover and daughter in peace, set on finding Kai to hug the life out of him. Unfortunately for Ray Kai had a very keen sixth sense where affection was involved and when he sensed it coming from a man he'd run from it. Ray looked everywhere for his crimson eyed son but to no avail yet sensed he was nearby. "You know I will catch you, right? You're taller but in most cases I'm faster, Kai." Kai was in fact cowering up on the roof, watching as Ray ventured back inside. With his step father gone, Kai made his way to the stables to check on the horses. Nothing seemed out of place so Kai warily went back into the house. "Get in here young man." Despite being on high alert the call still made Kai flinch. He walked into the kitchen, finding Ray at the table. There was no anger visible in Ray's eyes. Kai tensed when Ray stood up, approaching him slowly. "You're not in trouble, I promise. Come 'ere." Kai stood firm, rooted to where he was and Ray sighed. He'd grown used to this behaviour a long time ago. Ray kept his eyes peeled for any sign that Kai might bolt but to his surprise he just stood there. Kai visibly flinched as Ray's arms snaked around his waist. "Thank you for getting through to Rin. I don't know what I'd do without you, Kai. How'd you do it?" "Told her my story in as few words as possible."
A few days went by after Rin gained understanding of Brooklyn's behaviour. Ray could definitely see a difference in his daughter, truly grateful to have Kai in his life. Today there was a small concert at the university Kai attended. He, Yuriy and three others had a small band and would be performing. They were the main attraction. In the early afternoon the concert kicked off with an announcement from the music teacher. Brooklyn, Ray and Rin could hardly tear their eyes from the stage as Kai and his group set up. On drums was a burly young man aged about twenty one with spiked up dark blonde hair and blue eyes. At the keyboard stood a short teen no older than eighteen with indigo blue hair, red eyes and a large nose. Beside Kai and Yuriy on guitars was a lilac haired lilac eyed lad who looked to be about nineteen. At current the band had no original material, covering songs by a group called RED. The playlist started with Already Over, followed by As You Go. Kai appeared to be the lead singer with Yuriy a close second. Ray and Brooklyn were filled with pride as the songs went on. Sergeant Valkov was also there, recording the event. Max and Mariah weren't too far away with their son, Reno. He had shoulder length red hair and gold eyes just like his mom. It was no secret that the boy had a huge crush on Rin, sitting next to his raven haired cousin fondly. The next song, Fight Inside, was quite symbolic for Kai as he often battled with his inner demons behind closed doors. His only releases were through music or horse riding. Glass House came next and after that, a snack break. While the boys refreshed themselves a girl band took center stage. When they came back, Ray noticed something was rather off with how Kai looked. Usually he'd be stone faced but now you could see the emotion in his eyes. 'Kai, what's wrong? You're never like this.'
Try as he might, Ray couldn't find the answer. So far the songs had gone in alphabetical order but that completely changed when Lie To Me (Denial) floated onto the air. Ray exchanged worried glances with Brooklyn, unsure of what was going on. He'd worked with Kai to sort the playlist out so why change it? Was Kai trying to tell him something? Ray shook his head, thinking he was reading too much into it. For all he knew, the others might not have liked the line up. After Lie To Me came Let It Burn and So Far Away. When Kai put his guitar down to sit on a stool, Ray finally understood why Kai looked so broken all of a sudden. 'He remembers.' Ray's thoughts were shattered when Kai could be heard clearing his throat for attention. "Listen up everyone. This next song is something of a tribute. Many of you have asked me numerous times why I'm the way I am and I gave you no answer because honestly, there wasn't one to give that fit. Perhaps this song will help you to finally understand me as a person. I'm not looking for sympathy or pity. Only to be understood. So here it is, RED's Hymn for the Missing." Ray didn't fail to notice Kai looking directly at him as the boy at the keyboard got the next song going. Did Kai blame him for telling an empty lie? Would Ray be confronted about it later? These thoughts filled Ray with panic. Kai's bark was worse than his bite sometimes. Brooklyn gave Ray's hand a squeeze to ease his clear nerves. Further at the front, Syldra and Cryska were sitting with Demi. They couldn't understand what Kai was going on about. He'd never been open about his past so him opening up about it came as quite a surprise, especially for Syldra who constantly begged her lover to be more open and honest. The reason for his unease ran deep and was about to be known to everyone in the hall. Ray felt Kai's pain as the song properly began.
"Tried to walk together, but the night was growing dark
Thought you were beside me
But I reached and you were gone
Sometimes I hear you calling from some
Lost and distant shore
I hear crying softly for the way it was before
Where are you now?
Are you lost?
Will I find you again?
Are you alone, are you afraid?
Are you searching for me?
Why did you go?
I had to stay
Now I'm reaching for you
Will you wait, will you wait?
Will I see you again?
You took it with you when you left
These scars are just a trace
Now it wanders lost and wounded
This heart that I misplaced
Where are you now?
Are you lost?
Will I find you again?
Are you alone, are you afraid?
Are you searching for me?
Why did you go?
I had to stay
Now I'm reaching for you
Will you wait, will you wait?
Will I see you again?"
Only a piano and violins could be heard after that with some soft moaning as the song slowly came to an end. Ray knew the song was about the night Kai lost his mother, guilt eating him up inside. There had been no sign of Mrs. Hiwatari or her brother and Ray felt horrible. The band took a brief break, returning with Perfect Life but the sadness was still there in Kai's crimson eyes. Another break followed the song as it seemed Kai was losing his sanity after opening up to a hall full of people. Ray and Brooklyn hoped he'd be feeling better after the concert.
The final song to play was Same Disease. Brooklyn's eyebrows twitched as he felt the baby becoming active. A couple of girls were sat in front of him and Ray, muttering that Syldra didn't deserve Kai. They froze when Brooklyn leaned forwards in his seat and spoke with malice towards them. "Syldra deserves him more than you do. You have no idea of the hell she went through." "Ugh stop talking to us you bender." The insult angered, upset and caused Brooklyn to go into labour. Luckily he was sat close to the exit of the hall. Ray saw the signs immediately, helping Brooklyn onto his feet while asking Mariah and Max to watch Rin. On stage, Kai noticed his adoptive fathers leaving the hall. He felt mildly disheartened but realised soon enough that the baby was coming. The drive to the hospital was nothing short of hellish. A familiar face was waiting for Ray and Brooklyn when they got there. "Dr. Yusopov?" "Sergeant Valkov told me you were coming. Hurry now." Ray didn't argue, following Dr. Yusopov down the halls with Brooklyn leaning on him. While Brooklyn was settled onto a bed, Ray scrubbed up before grabbing his lover's hand tightly. Soon Brooklyn was under anaesthetic, his face peaceful. Ray did not watch as an opening was made to remove the baby, muttering quietly in Chinese, praying for everything to be okay. At the university, Rin had latched onto Kai backstage the first chance she got. His friends looked mildly concerned that the girl might suffocate him. "Calm down Rin." Kai soothed, stroking the girl's hair softly. "It'll be all right." "Dude, what's going on?" Kai turned to the lilac haired teen that was standing nearby, hands behind his head. "Bryan, you're aware I live with a gay couple correct?" "Yeah so?" "Brooklyn is pregnant. The baby is on its way." "But how?" "Science does many wonders, Bryan."
Rin calmed down enough to sit down but refused to stray far from her adoptive big brother, leaving him no choice but to keep close. He did catch the girl muttering about two girls who had said something about Syldra which set Brooklyn off. Rin was able to point the girls out so Kai paid them a little visit. They didn't look too frightened as Kai pinned the girls to a wall, his eyes like knives. He swatted their hands away when they tried flirting with him. "If anything happens to that baby I'm holding both of you responsible." "B-but Kai." The tallest stuttered. "We didn't do anything." "My sister paints a different picture. She heard you talking trash about my girl, that you insulted Brooklyn when he confronted you. It's YOUR fault he couldn't be here for the whole concert. Now how do you think that makes me feel? That my family had to leave?" The girls didn't say anything whilst their eyes got all watery. "Save your damn crocodile tears for somebody stupid enough to not know a whore when they see one. Now get out of my sight." Kai didn't return to Rin until the girls were out of his line of sight. Rin was always surprised by how protective Kai could be, hugging him tightly. Looking into Rin's eyes, Kai could see how worried she was, heaving a very heavy sigh. "Oh all right. Let's go and see how they're doing. Your father will be furious with us for not staying put." "But you're a grown up too." "Not for another year, Rin. Now move before I change my mind." Rin didn't argue, heading out to the car park. Kai never went in the family car, preferring his red Jaguar XFR S 26. He unlocked the doors so Rin could get in and sat himself in the driver's seat. Although it didn't show, Kai was worried something might go wrong with the caesarean. He fought with himself the whole way without Rin knowing. By the time they got there, Dr. Yusopov was waiting.
Okay, first off, I DO NOT claim to own these songs, ownership belongs to the band RED. look them up on youtube.
I chose Hymn for the Missing because I felt it really went well with Kai's back-story here. More to come in the next chapter where two familiar faces appear at Ray's door