A/N: And the new chapter is done! Yay!
First things first: thank you SO MUCH for your amazing reviews – I just can't thank you guys enough for letting me hear from you! Just as always, you can find lil' responses from underneath the chapter. But… I must confess I'm a bit worried. I noticed there was a bit less reviews than the previous times, so… (pouts) Do you guys think this story is still worth continuing or not? Let me know what you think, 'k?
But awkay, here comes chapter seven. I hope it turned out alright. (glances hopefully)
/ Kai Hiwatari, age six, blinked a bit with confusion when those sounds woke him up again, making cold sweat linger on his forehead. Oh no, please no, not again…
But the screams of his parents didn't cease. And soon, he could hear a sound of something breaking – plate smashed against a wall, perhaps. At that point, he couldn't stand just laying still for another second.
Moving as quietly as a shadow, he tiptoed out of his room and through hallways, approaching the ominous sounds coming from kitchen. Weird feeling came to his belly when he could finally make out the roared words. " … to your own son, Gabriel! You just can't!" The sound of his mother's voice tore Kai more than anything – it was filled with tears and sheer desperation.
His father snorted. " And who's going to stop me? You?" The voice that'd always haunt Kai's nightmares lingered between amusement and annoyance. " Face reality, Tatjana. He is my son. He belongs to me – I can do whatever I wish to with him."
" Kai's my son, too!" Tatjana all but screamed. " And… And… I won't let you…!"
The next sound made Kai want to throw up, for he'd already heard it for far too many times – felt it more often than he could count. Fist meeting flesh. " This is his duty as a Hiwatari – his only way to prove he's worthy of the name! There's nothing you can do to stop that!"
Now, Kai couldn't take it anymore. His mother quickly turned to face the wall when he appeared to the doorway, too ashamed to meet his gaze, whereas his father glared at him with almost devilish eyes. Tears welled into Kai's auburn orbs. " Papa, please, stop! Don't hurt mama!" he begged in a broken, childlike voice, fighting his hardest so the tears wouldn't spill. " I… I'll do anything, I swear. Just… Leave her alone, please."
Any normal father's heart would've broken from seeing his son like that. But the only emotions Kai could find from Gabriel Hiwatari's pitch-black depths were anger and disappointment. " Go back to sleep. We'll do some talking in the morning."
Unable to form a word, Kai nodded, forcefully gulping down the lump in his throat. As he left, the last sound he heard was his mother breaking into tears. /
CHAPTER 7: Tale of the Hiwataris
Had he managed to find his voice, a scream would've certainly left his lips as the horrifying images kept tormenting his mind, as the pain he'd already thought defeated came back once more, his memories having a cruel mind of their own.
But then, mercifully, his eyes flew open to meet a wooden roof. Panting furiously, he brought a hand to his chest that felt unnaturally tight and heavy. He didn't even notice the tears blurring his gaze, nor how badly his breathing was wheezing.
During his brief existence, that… that place – 'the Factory' – had been the only home he'd known. Those people… They'd given him life, kept him alive – he owed absolutely everything to them. Gosh, how he would've wanted to love them, feel be belonged there! But all those things they'd made him do and done to him – such that still tormented all of his dreams – and the pain they'd brought him… It would've killed him. That… phoenix would've destroyed him. So he'd ran, when he still had a piece within left unbroken. And he was sure those people understood – he'd always been taught it was necessary to do whatever required to survive.
So why did he still have this dark feeling inside?
" Alex?" Rather than startled, he was relieved to hear Dmitri's soft, familiar voice. Looking up, he found the young man stood by a doorway, and blinked a bit. The light coming from behind Dmitri made his long, silvery hair, entire body, shine in an unearthly way – like an angel, he found himself thinking. " I heard you crying… Did you have a nightmare?"
Feeling extremely embarrassed all of a sudden, he looked down, gulping thickly. " Yeah… But… It's over now, right?"
" Yeah", Dmitri whispered, voice even softer than the last time.
A moment ticked by, until he suddenly emitted a slight gasp when feeling a tender arm wrap around him, gently pulling him closer. His auburn eyes widened.
Never before had Dmitri came this close – it took him completely by surprise. But… He had to admit that a touch like this – one that wasn't meant to harm, but to protect and comfort – felt simply too good to resist. So he didn't.
¨
As soon as Dmitri surrendered to his desires and wrapped his arm around Alexander – who was shivering in the aftermath of nightmare – he realized the action could be a huge mistake. The brunette definitely didn't like being touched, that much had became clear during the three days the stranger had spent under his care. And when Alexander jolted wildly as though being electrocuted under his embrace, he was prepared to quickly let go.
But it appeared that wasn't necessary.
His ice-blue eyes widened a bit when, instead of recoiling or reacting violently, Alexander leaned closer, practically melted into his arms, buried his face into the crook of his neck. Encouraged by this wordless acceptance, Dmitri carefully wrapped his other arm around the brunette as well, and felt his heart swell when – emitting a gasp, and a tiny mew of pleasure – Alexander came even closer, obviously needing this touch. Completely paralyzed by shock and disbelief, he simply sat still and held on, afraid that even a merest breath would shatter this heartbreakingly great trust he'd just managed to gain. For another while, the brunette kept shivering a little, but then – so suddenly it startled him – relaxed completely, deep, even breathing clearly telling he'd fallen into a peaceful slumber.
But Dmitri's heart kept shivering. Head spinning wildly, he carefully – not wanting to awaken Alexander – leaned down and pressed his lips into the silky, brown locks and smiled, slowly closing his eyes. His hold on the other grew a little tighter.
It'd taken him three days to get this far. And now that he had, he sure as hell was never letting go again. He'd never betray Alexander.
Hiro had never been a particularly religious person. Yes, he'd went to church from time to time, even prayed a couple of times. But – especially after his mother's death – he'd came to think that perhaps, science indeed was the only truth there was in the world.
But despite all that, for the past three days he'd been praying basically around the clock. Tears streaming down his cheeks he'd bargained, threatened, pleaded like a five-year-old, persuaded, reasoned…
Begged that whatever had been done to his father and wherever he was, he was alright. Prayed from the depths of his soul that the last words he heard from Brooklyn's – his first and only love's – lips wouldn't be " Don't touch me". That someone as amazing and perfect as Brooklyn wouldn't have to die thinking the one he loved was more ashamed of him than cared. That… That he wouldn't have to lose Brooklyn. Because… Hell, he didn't think he'd be able to live through that.
It'd taken an ungodly amount of time to get help for Brooklyn, even with a car as good as theirs; the nearest hospital had been miles and miles away, and it was far from a ideal place. By the time he'd carried Brooklyn in, too much in a shock to even hear what was asked of him, the orange-haired prodigy had lost a lot of blood. Too much.
Eyes almost too hazy from tears to see, he looked at the horrifyingly pale face before him, gazed pleadingly at the eyes that hadn't opened up for three days.
Brooklyn was tough, a lot tougher than his doctor, who spoke terrible English, would've dared to hope. But still… The damage left by the bullet, blood-loss, and fever…
Not knowing what else he could've possibly done, Hiro desperately grasped onto Brooklyn's wrenchingly limp hand, squeezing it. His eyes blurred again when there was no response whatsoever. " Brook, please…", he cried out. " Please, please, wake up…" And at that hopeless moment, he finally managed to choke out the words he'd been so damn afraid of for the past seven years. Words Brooklyn had never had the privilege to hear. " I love you, I love you so much… I'm so sorry… Please come back…"
But there wasn't even a slightest flinch.
And, unable and unwilling to stop himself, Hiro broke down even further, feeling something inside bent and break.
In Philadelphia, Kenny could clearly feel his heart in his throat as he approached a hospital-room of ICU. As much as he longed to know if everything was alright, he couldn't suppress the almost intolerable urge to run away, either.
They said there'd been complications, that the damage done had been horrible. That…
The thought vanished into some distant place in the back of his mind as he – with a breathtaking bulge of courage – managed to push the door open. A melon-sized lump immediately jumped into his throat, and got stuck.
His shock was surprising, because in fact, Emily looked much better than he'd been expecting – healthier. Sure enough, she was far too pale, and there was a small bandage on her forehead. However otherwise – laying there with her eyes closed – she seemed completely normal. But, as Kenny knew, the damage lurked underneath her quilt. With horror, he wondered if the doctor had already told her she now had only one leg, that she'd need to learn to walk all over again…
He jumped back just a little when her eyes suddenly inched open, bleary from sleep and heavy medication. Soon, as Emily visibly realized someone was there, she slowly turned her gaze, and blinked a bit when finding him. " Hey." The voice was tiny and slightly slurred, but audible nonetheless.
Gulping with a lot of difficulty, he took a single, cautious step forward. " Hey." Suddenly, he had no idea how to advance with the conversation. So he chose the obvious. " How are you feeling?"
The question was dignified with a tiny snort. " Peechy…" Just then, she seemed to remember something. Her eyes, still hazy, widened. " Anna and Joshua… Are they alright?"
And it was then Kenny realized she'd only been awake in this completely changed world for some short hours. The urge to run came flooding back. How the hell was he supposed to tell her…? He licked his lips and prayed for strength, then spoke. " Joshua… He'll be fine, though he needs to recover for a while. But Anna, she… Her eyes…" All words failed him. But – as he watched Emily break into tears – he realized further explanation wasn't needed. And he felt like crying himself. Everything hurt so much… " Em, I'm sorry… You have no idea… I'm so sorry…"
But it seemed Emily wasn't exactly in the mood to listen. Eyes closed, she remained completely, utterly silent for what felt like forever. Until – pushed forward by pain and drugs – she whispered the question she hadn't had the strength to form during all those long years they spent drifting apart. " Kenny…" Her lips twitched for a couple of times before actual voice came. " When… When Angelica died… When I held her dead body only a minute after she was born… Where were you? Why… Why did you leave me? Why then?"
Kenny suspected even having his heart torn right out of his chest couldn't have hurt more. Gasping in pain, he stumbled backwards the step he'd managed to take – only to bump into something soft. " If all you manage to do is getting her upset, would you please be so kind and leave?"
Any other day, hearing that infuriating voice of Michael Parker – not to mention seeing the man's face when spinning around – Kenny would've most likely done quite a bit of yelling. But that day, no words willed their way through his throat.
And thus – not granting Michael or Emily another look – he sprinted out of the door, swallowing down all he didn't think he'd ever manage to get out.
During his life, Bruce Granger didn't think he'd ever experienced such headache that hammered him at the moment. It was an after-effect of the wrenching nausea, he suspected.
But along physical things, his mind kept aching with fear and worry. These people – monsters – had shot Brooklyn, right before his eyes. What… What if they'd hurt Hiro, too? He'd asked if his son was alright, but no one would answer him – not that he would've met all that many people, anyway. And to top his worries, he couldn't help wondering if they'd go after Tyson next…
Sharp screech of opening door caused a tideway of headache that effectively washed all other thoughts away. Groaning loudly, he lifted his head to meet a pair of much too familiar snake's eyes. " What now?" The last time they'd met, that man had drugged him unconscious. He didn't wish to find out what was in store for him now.
No emotion slipped to the younger man's face. " Come and find out." Bruce immediately gathered that was no request or suggestion.
¨
As he was blindfolded, he couldn't tell for how long he was lead through one hallway and turn after another, before he was finally yanked to a forceful stop.
When the fabric was removed, his eyes immediately widened. " You!" both he and the very much familiar woman not too far away gasped.
Although he'd only met her once or twice (back when their sons had been in the same blading-team), he remembered her name immediately. Judy Tate. He also knew what she worked on.
And just then, he started to understand why they were in that hellish place.
Bit-beasts…" As amusing as it would be to watch this little… reunion, I afraid none of us has time for that right now." Rapidly turning their heads, both felt chills when seeing a strangely familiar-looking man at their age, with long, pitch-black hair and eyes just as dark. " You both have a lot of work to do."
Still unable to overcome the thought he'd seen this man somewhere, Bruce allowed his eyes to squint. " Would you care to explain what the hell we're doing here?"
The raven chuckled a bit. " Language like that isn't necessarily, Bruce. But, since you asked…" Those menacing eyes turned sharp and even darker still. " A lot of people have told me it's impossible, and over years, I've suffered an unfortunate amount of failures. But now, I've finally figured what it was I did wrong. I didn't have experts skilled enough for the job. And then, almost like it'd been a sign, I was fortunate enough to meet two of such." From a pocket of his long jacket, the man pulled out a bit-chip that'd been brutally sliced to half.
Both prisoners immediately gasped, recognizing it all too well. " Black Dranzer…"
" Only half of him, I afraid. But still far more than enough – for now, at least." Lifting his gaze from the chip, the man looked back at them. " The other half was lost when we last tried to connect him to a blader."
With those words, ice-cold understanding started to slip into the two prisoners. While Bruce gulped thickly, he could hear Judy breathe out. " No… You can't possibly…" Words ran out.
The man's eyes gleamed. " Ah, so you are beginning to catch on. Very good. That means explaining this won't be taking all that long."
Bruce's eyes were widened as he practically screamed out. " Are you insane!" He knew he was balancing on a knife's ledge, but couldn't stop himself. " That… That thing… If it's joined to a blader, even half of it… No one would be able to control it!" Even… Even someone as strong as Kai broke down under its power, and they weren't even connected…
The man seemed amused. " Why should I care about what happens to the host? All I need is a blader strong enough to get both Dranzers consider him as a Master, to have them joined so they'd reach their maximum power. And that can only happen if the beasts are tied to him – mind and soul. What happens after the phoenixes become one… is none of my concern."
Bruce's heart was hammering madly as he kept staring at the man, eyes filled with terror and disbelief.
Actually binding a bit-beast into its Master… He'd heard about it from some researchers. They'd all came to a conclusion it was too dangerous, unethical. First of all, there was no telling what such a procedure would do to a blader's mind. Most strongly suggested that even the strongest souls wouldn't be able to survive from being attached to something as wild, powerful and brutal as a bit-beast; after all, not every beast had such good souls as the four sacred ones. Even after centuries, the beasts were still wild-animals at heart. Secondly, those creatures weren't simple mindless things, meant to be strapped like that and experienced on. Bruce and practically all other researchers had long ago came to a conclusion the beasts had the same rights as all animals. Plus, no matter how simple the beast was, it was always in their nature to demand some degree of freedom and free will. And especially with the less developed and humanised ones – such as Black Dranzer – it was well possible that no matter how close bond they had with their Master, they'd kill him to break free.
And once something as horrendously strong as joined Dranzers broke through, with the spirit and blood-thirst of the Black one… Gosh, there was no telling what it'd do! No boundaries, or especially something as pathetically weak as a human-being, would be enough to control it!
" There's no way I'm helping you commit a murder!" He was surprised to discover that Judy beat him to spitting out. Her eyes were in flames. " And I will not let such a beast on loose! No one would be able to control it – it'd destroy everything, the whole world! You can't seriously want that to happen!"
Bruce had never heard anything as hollow and soulless, as horrifying, as the raven haired man's laughter. " Do you honestly think I care about this pathetic little world of yours? No, I'm going to destroy it, and from the ashes, I'll create a new, a much, much better one. And you will be there to help me, whether you like it or not. Because if you don't, I will kill each and every single one of your family-members one by one, make them suffer beyond all your worst nightmares." The prisoners immediately realized there was no doubt about him carrying out the threat. Seemingly satisfied with the looks of mute horror upon their faces, the man started to leave. " I'm giving you twenty-four hours to consider. Just remember this: if you refuse, your families will pay the price." And with those words left echoing into the walls, the man – a demon – was gone.
Walking towards BBA's Russian main-building, Ray distantly realized that somewhere along the way, he'd grown used to the coldness that always seemed wrap around him. He wasn't sure if he should've been relieved or worried over the fact that during his stay in this mysterious country, he'd slowly but steadily grown numb to a lot of things.
The loneliness he'd felt since Mariah's death, not to mention the tearing pain her passing had brought. And the dull aching that was almost enough to drive him crazy, left by the void Kai's death had ripped somewhere inside. Two wide-open wounds that'd never close and heal.
Snapping out of those thoughts, he was surprised to discover he was in fact stood right behind Mr. D's office-door – how he'd managed to find his way there, was beyond him. And it also appeared he'd knocked at some point, because there was a reply. " Come on in, Ray."
Entering, he was slightly taken aback by the change the older man had gone through in such a short time. Mr. D was unnaturally pale, and looked like he hadn't slept in a decade. With all that was going on, Ray definitely couldn't blame him; he doubted he looked any better himself. " You called me, said there's something going on…"
" Yes." The elder's eyes turned surprisingly sharp, as though someone had flicked a switch. " You said there was something strange going on in the institution where Mischa was being held – Bryan did as well, actually. A small group of BBA-men and police are now going to investigate."
Ray could actually feel his eyes flicker, his hands formed two determined balls. As he spoke, his voice left no room for objections. " I'm going along."
¨
It took a long and hard persuasion, but eventually – after making him swear he'd be careful – Mr. D had allowed him to go with great reluctance.
Bryan, who was also among the men that'd soon rush into the huge building, didn't seem any more exited about seeing him. " Kon? What the hell are you doing here?"
After spending quite a while with Bryan, Ray was now numb to the harsh tone and words, too. " I want to know what those freaks did to Mischa", he replied, voice showing no hesitation. " And… I'm not sure why, but…" He suddenly snapped his lips tightly shut, realizing that he had no idea of how to explain this – the feeling that inside in that building… a part of him had felt he shouldn't leave until he'd found something.
Luckily, Bryan never got the time to pry further, because a unfamiliar male-voice spoke in Russian. And before Ray could blink, everyone and everything seemed to be moving.
He wasn't sure how long the chaos had lasted, until a set of voices spoke. With a sideways-glance, he managed to catch Bryan's eyes gleam with irritation, or even murderous intent. " What's going on?"
" This place is empty", the Russian hissed, seeming just about ready to kill. " Someone warned those bastards. There's nothing left."
The baby's crying he'd heard twice lingered back into Ray's ears, and he could feel his heart drop painfully. He'd broken his promise.
I'm so sorry, little one… I…Just then, cutting that line of thought, a man from BBA walked up to them, a strange look upon his face. " We found something, and… You should probably see this."
Deep frown upon his face, he took the slightly torn piece of paper offered before Bryan could move a muscle. There was text in English. What he read made everything whirr unnaturally, and a gasp escaped him.
Subject 19013
090210-294L
Gender: Female
Blood-type: AB-
There was more, but his head was buzzing too badly for him to read it.
Kai and Tala… Tyson had told them Kai'd been pregnant – that they were supposed to have a baby-daughter, but she died…
Judging by the look upon Bryan's face, the lavender-haired Russian had just came to the same realization. " Oh fuck…" The man seemed to be talking more to himself than him. " We… We've gotta tell Tala about this."
While Bryan seemed to drift into a shock-like state, Ray kept glancing at the paper, unable to believe his eyes. And just then, he spotted something Bryan most likely couldn't understand.
On the very bottom of the paper, barely visible, was a brief line of text in Chinese. Instructions concerning where to take 'the subject'. A tiny place in China almost no one knew. But luckily enough, Ray belonged to the 'almost'-group. He knew exactly where to find the baby, and possibly – if he was very lucky – clues on who'd stolen Kai away and what was happening as well.
Bryan's voice drifted into his ears. " Ray…" First time ever, he saw a brand-new, foreign emotion upon Bryan's face. Complete, utter terror. It startled him – not to mention the fact that Bryan had called him by his first name. " These people, they… they're capable of killing, and stealing babies from their parents' arms…" The Russian swallowed slowly. " There's no telling what's gonna happen next, and you're no soldier. You've gotta get the hell away from here, before you'll get yourself or someone else killed. And I want you to take Mischa with you."
Although he'd already been thinking about leaving, Ray still frowned, childlike stubbornness rising inside. " Are you seriously telling me to run away like some coward?"
A growl came from Bryan. " Kon, Yoshi already lost one parent. Do you really think it'd be somehow courageous to make an orphan out of him?"
That hit Ray straight against the face, struck him completely speechless. Some colour draining from his face, he debuted his options.
He could stay in Russia, leave the baby – Kai's daughter – in trouble and face whatever the hell was to come. He could tell Bryan what he'd just read from the paper, and they'd come up with a plan together. Or then he could also go to China without telling anyone, and start digging things around there by himself. It could lead both himself and Mischa into a danger, but perhaps this time, the price was well worth all the risks.
And with that, his mind was made up. " Fine." He forced annoyance into the tone. " I'll go to my home-village – with Mischa."
I was too late to save Kai, but maybe I can still rescue his daughter.
He felt a heavy bang of guilt when seeing the look of relief that flashed in Bryan's eyes, but then reminded himself that this was the only way. " Good. I'll take care of the arrangements – you'll be leaving as soon as possible."
He gulped a bit. " Yeah. Of course."
Deep in his mind, he couldn't help wondering what he'd just got himself into…
Tyson didn't think such feelings of hatred and nausea had ever filled him before that were swelling as he approached Voltaire Hiwatari's cell, led by a heavily-build male-guard.
He blinked a bit in surprise when they stopped behind a door. The guard gave him a infuriating, evaluating look. " So, do you honestly think you're ready for this?" If the look hadn't been enough, that tone made Tyson want to commit to a act of violence.
Voltaire was the only key he now had to find Kai, and avenge what'd been done to his grandpa and Tala. And he had Dranzer for support. How could he not have been ready? " Yeah, I am." There wasn't a slightest hint of hesitation.
The guard rolled his eyes a bit. " Well, it's your call. Honestly, I don't understand what you're expecting to get fished out of him. Even the best psychiatrists and experts haven't managed to crack that freak." The guard then seemed to remember something. " Oh yeah, some rules… First of all, whatever that bastard says or does, don't touch him, and don't give him a thing, no matter what he asks for. Plus, don't take a step closer to him than absolutely necessary. Understood?"
This time Tyson rolled his eyes, steadily growing further and further irritated. " Yeah, yeah. Just let me in already, will you?"
The guard – muttering something under his breath in Russian – turned towards the door and opened it. " Good luck, kiddo. You'll need it."
Tyson had no idea of what he'd been expecting. But this was far from it.
Some steps away – behind a heavy-looking table – sat Voltaire. He hadn't seen the bastard for almost twelve years, and couldn't help being slightly shocked by how much the elder had changed: he seemed so much older, and the prison had obviously done him no good.
But what hadn't changed was those horrifying, soulless eyes now observing Tyson, making him desperately want to shiver. " Well hello, Tyson. It seems you've finally grown up from that brat I met thirteen years ago." The man's eyebrow arched a bit. " Although… I can't understand what there is you'd want from me."
Slumping to his chair, Tyson couldn't suppress a hiss of rage. " You have Kai kidnapped, almost manage to get my grandfather AND Tala killed… And you've got the nerve to ask what I'm doing here?!" He was roaring and shivering from rage, but couldn't have cared less – hell, if there was a chance, he'd killed the scumbag there and then.
Voltaire's eyebrow arched further, and eyes flashed hazardously, realizing. " Ah… Now I understand. So it's finally beginning… How very interesting…" The monster's gaze bored straight into his, making all warmth ooze out of his body. " You're here for Black Dahlia, aren't you?"
Tyson's eyes widened momentarily, until narrowing, storm set into them. " I knew you had your fingers on that!"
A small, chilling smile came to Voltaire's lips. " Oh, I wish I could help you. But unfortunately I can't take credit for this… little creation. I don't know much more of it than you do."
Tyson frowned, frustration and anger pushing through. " If you're not behind this… Then who the hell is?"
Voltaire laughed. " Tyson, you really should watch your language – especially now that you're becoming a father. But, as for the answer…" Again, those eyes bore straight into his. " As said, I'm not the one behind Black Dahlia. My son is."
For a moment, Tyson couldn't quite understand.
His son?Then, his eyes widened. Everything became clear.
Oh damn…Voltaire gave an unnerving smile. " Yes, Tyson. You're completely right. Black Dahlia was founded by my son, Gabriel Hiwatari. Kai's father."
All of a sudden, Tyson felt almost uncontrollable urge to vomit or punch someone.
So it hadn't been enough that Kai had this… asshole for a grandfather? His father was a bastard, too?
He spoke more to himself than Voltaire as he choked out. " But… How… Kai's mother… How could she let that happen? How could she let… let her own son end up into the Abbey, into you bastards' hands?"
The older gave a small chuckle at his choice of words. " Tatjana loved Kai tremendously – both he and Irina. But she was a pathetically weak fool, not worthy of marrying a Hiwatari. As I'd expected from the very beginning, she didn't last long after joining our family. She could never accept… certain family-matters, including the task given to her son." Judging by the look in his eyes, Voltaire enjoyed seeing him in the state he currently was in. " So you are finally understanding." The man smirked icily. " This, Tyson, is what the Hiwatari-family is like: it mercilessly crushes all weak souls. The same blood that runs through all our veins, even Kai's."
Had he not been able to restrain himself in the very last minute, Tyson would've definitely done something extremely violent he probably wouldn't have regretted later. " Don't you dare talk about Kai, you hear me? Not ever again."
Voltaire sneered. " I thought you came to talk about Black Dahlia." Seeing the look upon his face, the man went on. " That organisation wouldn't exist without my grandson."
Tyson frowned. Then, so sharply it startled even him, he clicked. " Black Dranzer… They need Kai because he can control it, right? Both it and Dranzer. That's why you need him – or Konstantin – and both of those bit-beasts." He snorted, feeling sinfully good when seeing the look of surprise upon Voltaire's face. " Well, that's just too bad. First of all, those bastards will never get their grimy hands on Dranzer, not as long as there's a breath of life in me. She's safe now. And even if they do, there's no way in hell either Kai or Konstantin would ever work for them. Kai's spirit is too strong to crumble because of those assholes."
Voltaire's eyes flashed, just a little. " Yes, you may be right. Kai… He was simply too much like Raphael, and Konstantin is exactly the same."
Tyson was confused yet again, head starting to ache due to all these new names. " Raphael?"
" Did I not mention that I had twins – two boys? Well, Raphael is easy enough to ignore, especially now." Disappointment and deep displeasure could be read from Voltaire's eyes. " Raphael… He was never worthy of the name Hiwatari."
Tyson resisted an urge to laugh out. " You mean he refused to bow down before you?"
Voltaire ignored him. " Much to my dismay, he took after his mother. I could never rip her spirit out of him, no matter how hard I tried." Nonchalant look them appeared to the older man's face. " But oh well, that doesn't really matter now."
A chill went through Tyson. " You mean…?"
" Let's say that he was… taken care of." Voltaire's eyes bore straight into his. " Just like Kai. It was their hearts that became the death of them."
Hearing those words, Tyson just couldn't restrain himself anymore. He nearly screamed out of frustration when the guard that'd brought him in – who'd been stood nearby all this time – stopped him before he could get his hands on Voltaire. Another guard, right behind Voltaire, tensed. " Let me go!" Tyson screeched, sounding like a dangerous beast on a killing rampage. " That bastard… Let me kill him! He deserves to…!"
" I know, I know." The guard's voice clearly told him that he agreed, but couldn't really do anything about it. " But getting charged of murder won't help you or anyone else, right?"
Reluctantly, Tyson quietened, but only a little. " I'm calm now, okay? Don't drag me out of here – I haven't found out anything yet!"
" Well that's certainly a pity, considering how much trouble it was for you to come all the way here." Voltaire's eyes held a strange, disturbing look of threat when looking straight into his. " Because there's nothing more I have to tell you." A chilling smile followed. " It will surely be interesting to see where you'll get with this information. Good luck, Tyson."
And before Tyson could snarl out an insult or anything else, the heavy door between them closed.
¨
A look of deep thoughtfulness came to Voltaire's face when he was left alone with his guard.
How very interesting…" Alright, let's move it. We don't have all day." He decided to disregard the bitter aftertaste of the guard's tone.
A small touch of pleasure came to his chest when he saw how the guard shivered when met with his eyes. " Before going back to my cell, I want to use a phone", he announced in a sinister, slightly purring tone. " There's an important phone-call I need to make…"
¨
Outside the prison, Tyson felt ready to slam his head straight against a nearest wall, hard. Something uncomfortable bubbled in the bit of his stomach.
He'd screwed up, big time. And now he was left with more new questions than answers.
Never could he have imagined that family Hiwatari held this many mysteries.
His heart jumped unnaturally with mild startle when his cell-phone suddenly came to life. He frowned when faced with a unfamiliar number, then felt his eyes widen with realization. " Hiro! Damnit, do you have any idea of how…!" All words halted into his throat when he heard something he hadn't witnessed in years, since their mother's death. Hiro burst into tears. His heart wasn't sure if it should still completely or beat faster until it'd explode. " H – Hiro? What's going on?"
He didn't know for how long he'd been asleep when he slowly, carefully, opened his eyes, as though trying them out for a very first time. They rapidly grew wide when he realized the ceiling above him was unfamiliar, as was the scent around him.
This wasn't the room he'd fallen asleep in, nor was he laying on a couch.
Jumping into a sitting position far faster than his head would've liked, he frantically gazed around, but soon relaxed, recognizing the small, comfy room. This place… He'd been here before, briefly.
Dmitri's room…He blinked, pieces connecting. Tiny blush appeared to his cheeks. He must've carried me here when I fell asleep.Those thoughts were interrupted when he suddenly heard talking – voices that had most likely woken him up in the first place. Making out Dmitri's comforting tone, he caught himself listening, although he knew it was wrong. " Alex is recovering amazingly – I've never seen anything like this before." He blinked in surprise at how happy Dmitri sounded. Why was his recovery that important? " His fever is almost completely down, and it seems his wounds are also healing nicely. He'll be up and about in no time."
" That's good. If he's recovering, it means he'll be able to leave soon as well."
No matter how hard he tried to, he couldn't suppress the heavy plunge of sadness and hurt that statement, coming from someone who seemed as gentle as Dmitri's mother, brought. Had he done something wrong – was that why she hated him so much?
The growl coming from Dmitri didn't sound happy, either. " Mother, don't you dare! I am NOT throwing him out! I don't give a crap about your ridiculous prejudices – I'm not letting you kick him into streets, back to those bastards!"
And suddenly, he found his chest and stomach hurting even more heavily. He blinked under a burning sensation.
This argument… He was causing it. Parents and their children weren't supposed to be fighting against each other!
He didn't care about the tear that rolled as he soundlessly got up, relieved to find his legs were co-operative.
He was the cause of this argument. And he could also bring it to an end.
¨
Dmitri had never been that furious in his entire life. As he stared into his mother's eyes, shivering from rage, it took all he had not to do something he'd be sorry for. " Alex… He's already been hurt so badly, way more than enough! I'm not letting you take him back into that shit-hole!"
His mother's eyes, coloured by disbelief, stared at him as though he'd suddenly became a complete stranger. " Why are you protecting him like this?" she asked, utterly unable to understand. " You just barely met, and now you're risking yourself – and your family – for him. Why?"
" Because…!" Then, his words died out. How was he supposed to explain this to her, when he couldn't even make himself understand? The way he cared about Alexander this soon was absurd, and scared him to death. But that didn't make the emotion any less real.
Suddenly, a very dark feeling seeped into him – like something bad had just happened. Eyes widening, he immediately knew what was going on. " No…"
He didn't let his mother's gaze slow him down as he rushed to the door of his room, and threw it open. His heart felt like it'd been brutally crushed into a ball as worst of his fears were proven correct.
His window was wide open, freezing winter-wind caressing the curtains. And there wasn't another trace of Alexander.
Generally, Max Tate was a very calm person, and people had always called him an optimist, even during the darkest of his phases. But at the moment, he was getting glowingly frustrated, extremely annoyed and intensely worried.
For three days, he and Sonia had been running around Yakutsk, defying the inhumanly cold temperature and peoples' even colder faces, desperately trying to find anyone who could help them find the base of Black Dahlia. But it seemed the whole… crap had simply vanished into thin air, or had scared people into protecting themselves with a brick-wall of silence. Max strongly suspected it was the latter. Plus, he still hadn't managed to contact his mother, and calling into her working-place hadn't proven any more successful, as no one would tell him anything. And to top that all, he was constantly forced to roll work-related things on his mind. Apparently, his company wasn't running itself, and if he didn't wish to file a bankruptcy, he needed to do something about it, no matter how little he wanted to.
Head pounding after a phone-conversation with a particularly annoying client, he rubbed the bridge of his nose while glancing at Sonia, who was just approaching. He took a grateful sip of his coffee before speaking. " Any luck?"
To his surprise, she smirked a bit, eyes flashing. " Actually, yes. I just talked to a man who'd seen a girl exactly like Katia in a train-station five days ago. She was with some… white-haired, snake-eyed freak, and seemed scared."
Max immediately perked up. " Did he know where they went?"
At this, Sonia's eyes dimmed a shade. She slumped to a chair across him. " No. But… He said there'd been another man with purple hair waiting for them. They talked about this… 'Factory', or something."
Max winced inwardly. " So, basically…"
Reading his mind, Sonia nodded, not an inch more cheerful. " Exactly. We're back in square one."
Trying his hardest to brighten the situation, he grinned just a bit, although it didn't come out quite right. " But hey, at least now we know what those creeps look like. It's gotta help a little, right?"
Sonia didn't seem any less discouraged. " Right…"
Max was about to say something more, when a strange sensation suddenly flowed through him, spreading from head to toe. Almost like… Heck, he couldn't even describe it. But what he knew for sure was he'd felt that way only twice in his life.
When he'd first held Draciel. And for a second time, when the Bladebreakers had joined their hands all those years ago, swearing to bring down Biovolt.
His blue eyes grew wide.
What Max didn't see, was that right outside the mall's coffee-shop where he and Sonia were, Dmitri was practically running while frantically looking around, inwardly praying to find a familiar face. He wasn't quite sure what exactly got him so convinced Alexander would be there, but lately he'd learned to trust the small voice in the back of his mind enough to follow it.
And it seemed he'd been right again. There – obviously terrified in the middle of all the people – was the brunette he now considered dear, leaning heavily against a wall and gasping for breath. It was clear the other had been crying not too long ago, and was now just barely managing to keep tears under control.
Heart lurching due to seeing Alexander in a state like that, he – completely ignoring the people he almost managed to knock down – hurried over to the brunette. At first the slightly smaller Russian seemed startled when being approached, then turned hesitant when recognizing him and gulped thickly, searching his eyes.
Never in his life had Dmitri felt such relief. And therefore, despite the cautious look in those mysterious reddish-brown orbs, he smiled a little. " Alex… I'm sorry you had to hear that… thing between me and mom. She's just… worried, that's all. I'm sure that deep down, she knows you'd never hurt a soul." It didn't matter whether he believed in those words or not – all he needed was Alexander to do so.
For a moment, Alexander simply looked at him, millions of emotions rolling across his face all at once. It seemed he'd completely forgotten about the other people hurrying past. Forever passed before there was a whisper. " You came… to get me?" It was heartbreaking to see just how amazed the other was, obviously unable to believe he'd been considered worthy of such an act of concern.
Perhaps it was that very realization that caused Dmitri to act. Praying the gesture wouldn't startle Alexander to run away again, he wrapped one arm around the other, protectively pulling him closer. For a second, Alexander tensed, but then relaxed once more, making him feel warm all over. " Let's go home", he whispered.
As he walked away, the brunette in his tender hold, he refused to even notice the weird looks people gave them.
Inside the coffee-house, Max was coaxed back into reality by Sonia's voice. " Hey, earth to Max Tate." There was a worried expression upon her face as his eyes finally focused into hers. " Are you okay?"
Max couldn't answer immediately. Almost holding his breath, he desperately tried to find again the feeling that'd just filled him, but it was already gone. He shivered, feeling cold. " I…" He gulped, for some unimaginable reason close to tears. He blinked furiously while clearing his throat. " Yeah… Just… too much coffee."
Not even close to convinced, Sonia frowned. " We should get back to the hotel. It looks like you could use some rest."
Head still fuzzy, he nodded faintly. " Yeah, 'suppose so."
As they walked away in silence, he couldn't smother the feeling something had just slipped away.
Already when he'd first tasted the cold, bitter liquid, Kenny had known what he was doing was a huge, possibly unforgivable mistake. But in the end, nothing – not even the distinct voice of Kai's he could've sworn hearing, roaring at him to stop – had been enough to stop him.
And – as he ungracefully staggered into his hotel-room at 3 am – he came to a conclusion that perhaps it'd been the right thing to do, after all. Because first time in days – hell, years – he was feeling no pain, no remorse, nothing whatsoever.
Numbness truly was a bliss.
Stepping further in, he to discovered he wasn't the only one who'd came to that decision. Slumped to a couch sat Irina, her pitch-black eyes unusually glazed over. The bottle of tequila before her was already dangerously low. Hearing his stumbling steps, she lifted her gaze, looked at him through apparent haze. " Well hi there, stranger." Her voice was barely coherent. " Some time for you to show up."
Deciding not to bother with pleasantries, Kenny glanced at the bottle with hungry eyes. " Care to share?"
Taking one look at his eyes, she wordlessly pushed the bottle towards him.
And for that one night – as alcohol soon took a hold of them both, sending them into a strange, dark world – Kenny could pretend it wasn't Bryan's name she moaned underneath him. That afterwards, she didn't cry Kai's name in her troubled sleep. And he could also make believe that the soft hair he caressed were ginger, not black, and smelled like tangerine-shampoo.
And for that one night, for a few fleeing hours, they were happy, blissfully out of reality's reach.
Tala didn't pay any attention to the hours ticking forward one by one, because time made no difference to him.
It'd been a huge struggle to pick himself from bathroom's floor the day before, after he'd emptied out what'd felt like everything he'd ever eaten. Immediately afterwards he'd destroyed the cursed video-tape – throwing it against a wall with all his might had done the trick. Some time later – probably hours – Spencer had appeared, having found Ian, who'd been almost recovered from the sleeping-pill's affects. After failing to, fair enough, threaten Tala into returning to hospital, the muscular blonde had chosen to stay over to make sure the redhead wouldn't do anything stupid.
Right now, too afraid of what he'd find if he approached the box Voltaire had left behind, Tala was having a staring-contest with the letter Kai had left for him. Even with only a simple glance towards the piece of paper, he could tell reading it would be excruciating. But… For some reason that was a mystery him, Tala felt he should do it nonetheless. Because this tiny voice inside told him that it held something that was important to know.
And by some miracle, that though was enough to give him the push he needed. Taking a deep breath – as though preparing for a dive – he opened the envelope, hand trembling almost too badly to move. His eyes were burning painfully, but thankfully, no tears appeared to hinder his vision.
He blinked in surprise when, instead of one, two papers floated out. One of them – the one that made his shivering deteriorate tenfold – was written with Kai's agonisingly familiar handwriting. A part of it was smudged – by tears Kai had spilled, no doubt – but still readable.
Hey there, Wolfie (Gosh, how Tala had always hated that pet-name!)
If you're reading this, it means I've been forced to leave you much earlier than I would've wanted to. Both you and Konstantin.
I prayed that before I'd have to go, I'd be able to leave a slightly safer world for you two – or isn't it three very soon? However, it appears I ran out of time, after all. But maybe I can help you, so you won't end up making the same mistake. As much as my selfish heart would yearn to see you again, I don't want you to follow me – you or Konstantin.
There's so much bad going on, too much to be explained in one letter. And those things are why I made one huge mistake. Almost nine years ago – two months after Konstantin was born, the day when I testified against Voltaire – a man came to me. He told me he was from ISA. And that's when I finally heard everything about Black Dahlia, although it'd always been a part of my life. And he made me an offer. In exchange of help and information, ISA would protect my family. I felt I had no other choice, so I joined.
You need to understand that I had a good reason to make that decision. I – we both – have been through what can be only called hell already, and I was determined not to let the same thing happen to our son. No child deserves such a life. Besides, I would've made a deal with devil itself if it'd meant you – the most precious things in my life – would be safe.
Tala's head was sent spinning with disbelief, and something squirmed everywhere inside, making him want to throw up.
Kai… had joined ISA. Because of Black Dahlia – for he and Konstantin. Kai… He'd had this… whole another life…
So many things he'd wondered, but never paid enough attention to, now made sense. Sudden disappearances, secrecy, strange bruises…
I should've known, he roared at himself. I… I should've realized…
As his eyes kept staring at the paper, unblinking and almost blinded by disbelief, a part of him started to wonder.
Just how poorly had he really known the dual-haired enigma?
I'm telling you this now, because – no matter how little I like it – now that I'm gone, Black Dahlia will come after you with full force, and I won't be there to protect you. And although I hate the idea of getting you involved with ISA, it may be the only resource that can help you.
Gosh, you have idea how hard it was to hide this from you – I almost told you for so many times! But, in the end… I just couldn't, because this was the only thing I could do for you, and you would've never let me join. The only one I ever told was Mr. Dickinson.
Despite all, Tala had to stifle a tiny laughter at just how well Kai really knew (had known, he bitterly corrected himself) him. Heck, if he'd known about this, he would've tied Kai to bed to make sure he'd never, ever get involved with all the… agent stuff, all the danger. But through mild amusement, surged a nasty, nearly unbearable slash.
Kai… He'd fought for his friends and family – for him and Konstantin – until the bitter end, even died for them. Carried this thing inside. And he'd never even known…
I really hope you'll forgive me for keeping this secret, that you won't hate me for this. Because… I don't think my soul would ever get rest if you will.
Tallie, I'm so sorry – for the things I've been keeping from you, such as this, and especially for leaving you. You've already lost so many people, you would've never deserved another one who'd abandon you like this. I'm sorry.
Right know, all I can hope for is that you'll be stronger than I was, that you'll manage keep our son safe, perhaps even make the world a little safer place.
I love you, always and beyond, and I'll be watching over you. Never forget that. I'll be there, following every step you take.
Until I'll see you again,
Kai
Ps: There's a man called commander Raphael Dacosta – someone I'd trust with my life. I once left him instructions that should anything happen to me, he'd look for you and Konstantin, and take care of you. Don't trust anyone else.
As Tala slowly allowed the paper to drop, he was almost hyperventilating under desperate attempt to block away tears and threatening pain. His whole body shivered like a leaf about to fall when he shakily took a look at the second paper. Soar taste filled his mouth.
There it was, loud and clear. Recruit-documents, approximately nine years old, signed by the Raphael Dacosta mentioned in the letter. Picture of a face he'd thought he'd known through and through, belonging to a name he'd never even heard.
Agent HiwatariA side of his fiancé's life he'd had no idea existed.
And suddenly, his body wanted to do so many things at once that it shut down and froze completely, apart from the violent shivering.
¨
Having not caught another sign of life from Tala in over half an hour, Spencer – who'd been watching TV, doing absolutely anything to avoid actual thinking – started to get seriously worried. Frowning, he approached kitchen, where he'd last spotted the redhead heading. " Tala? You okay in there?" Entering the room, he was hit by a heavy sick feeling when seeing the look upon Tala's deathly-pale face. " Tala? What's wrong?"
The other gave no indication he'd even heard.
He opened his mouth, almost panicked, but was cut off by a frantic knock coming from the door. After carefully debuting if it was safe to leave Tala alone, he eventually walked up to the front-door and pulled it open. He blinked in surprise when finding Bryan, who was panting as though after a marathon. " What's going on?" he instinctively asked, voice unnaturally tense.
Bryan managed to wheeze in between hungry gasps. " Is… Tala… there?"
He had to think for a moment, and cast a glance towards kitchen. " Uh… In a way… Why?"
" There's… something… he should… know…" The look upon Bryan's face left no room for doubt or objections. " Something… important…"
For once spending a night in the Bladebreakers' hotel-room, with Misha (whom she'd miraculously managed to smuggle in without anyone seeing) sleeping right behind her, Hilary's eyes snapped open all of a sudden, her slumber disturbed.
It took a while before she recognized the silent noises that came from the room's common space, but as she did, a deep frown of worry marred her features.
Someone was sobbing, or no, weeping, extremely hard. And a sickening feeling came when Hilary realized she knew exactly who it was…
She was surprised by how easily, naturally, her body started to take her towards the sound, how effortlessly her feet carried him to Tyson, who'd slumped to a couch with face buried into his hands. Gently and carefully, as though expecting it to hurt, she placed a hand onto her ex-boyfriend's shoulder. " Tyson… What's wrong?"
Tyson visibly jumped with fright when feeling her touch. His eyes were filled with disbelief when slowly turning to meet hers. And no further encouragement than the look in her eyes was needed. This time it was she who shivered a bit when he abruptly leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her, holding on as though for dear life.
But in the end, she did the same thing she'd always done. Closing her eyes and doing her best not to break into tears herself, she also wrapped her arms around him, holding on as tightly as she possibly could without crushing him.
Not a word was said that night.
¨
What the two didn't know, was that from a slightly inched doorway, Misha observed them, green eyes flashing. A tiny, freezing grin revealed a row of pearly teeth.
People…, he mused with great amusement. So amazingly predictable.
Everything was going exactly as planned. It was time to move on to phase two.
Very, very soon, the pendant would be in his hands – along with the treasure inside.
Yet again, Gabriel found himself caught up watching the footage security-camera was sending from a room not all that far away. It showed Konstantin fighting two guards trying to restrain him, kicking and punching harder than most adults. Despite the pain he most definitely was in, his moves were swift and suave, completely under control. There wasn't a single misstep or unnoticed move from of his opponents, no attack made its way through to harm him.
Gabriel couldn't help admiring the sheer willpower with which Konstantin struggled against the cocktail of drugs given to him. At times, he could tell from the child's eyes, he even managed to gain control. His… 'subject' was growing stronger, with a pace that pleased him greatly.
Soon enough, it'd be time to start the training-process, physical and mental – the final stage before Konstantin and Dranzer, preferably both of them, would became one for eternity. Whether he liked it or not, Konstantin would be the key-element in the… reconstruction that would soon start. If the drugs weren't enough to keep him in line, then… They always had the girl.
Gabriel had seen how close those two had become. Without a doubt, Konstantin would go all the way to hell and back for her. And that's exactly what he'd make the boy do.
He'd lost one of the two possible options for this job – a valuable weapon. And Gabriel Hiwatari definitely wasn't the type to repeat his mistakes.
Just then, his eyes flashed as he felt a disturbance in his peace. Gaze hazardous, the glared over his shoulder, and emitted a loud hiss when seeing a familiar purple-haired man. " Now what are you doing here?" he barked.
Stepping closer, Boris Balkov laughed. " Now, now, Gabriel. Didn't your father teach you manners?" the other admonished, gaze then finding the screen he'd been looking at. A frosty grin came. " Ah, he's just as magnificent as I expected – almost as amazing as his father."
Gabriel arched an eyebrow. " Which one?"
Boris' face turned thoughtful, eyes remained deeply pleased. " Konstantin has the bloodlines of two mighty families running through his veins, Gabriel. If he keeps progressing like this… Whoever knows what he'll be capable of."
In silence and pleasure, they watched as Konstantin managed to knock down both guards. The boy almost managed to escape, until a third guard shot a tranquilliser-dart into the his neck, and – after a long, hard struggle – he fell unconscious.
Eyes dangerous, Gabriel looked at the man next to him. " You still didn't tell me why you're here", he reminded rather harshly.
Boris visibly restrained a chuckle. " There's no need to be that rude. I only came because your father told me to come and… say hi – and to warn you. It seems those little friends of Kai's are… becoming a burden."
Gabriel's eyes flashed. " You can tell him that I don't need a babysitter."
" That much is clear – you clearly have things well under control." Boris seemed thoughtful for a moment when looking at him. " Besides, I'm not intending to stay. I have… another place to be in, as was planned."
His eyes flashed again. " China."
" That's right." Taking a look at his watch, Boris started to leave. " Well, I'll better go – my pilot seems to be getting fed up waiting for me much too fast."
In a spur of moment, Gabriel found himself speaking once more, just before the other was out of the door. " Balkov." Gaining attention, he went on. " Make sure the project progressed as planned there as well, alright? I wouldn't wish having to punish a committed employee such as you."
Their eyes locked, filled with venom and challenge. " I will. And you do the same", Boris hissed, sounding like a snake about to attack. With that, the man was almost gone. " Take care, Gabriel. And good luck. You'll need it with your newest… subject."
With Boris gone, Gabriel allowed his gaze to wander back to the screen. By then, Konstantin had been dragged back into his cell, and was now laying unconscious in the arms of terrified-looking Katia.
And for some odd reason, he allowed himself to sink into distant memories…
/ That night, it wasn't the usual screams that woke Kai up. Instead it was a utter silence, such that brought him chills all the way to the bone.
Gathering enough of courage to get up from bed was a huge struggle, not to mention walking through the hallway that was much colder than he'd remembered. But as he walked on, he suddenly noticed it wasn't as quiet as he'd originally thought. From bathroom, silent, heartbreaking sobs came to his ears.
Heart shivering oddly and legs growing awfully weak, he approached and inched the door. " M – mama?" he choked out, the voice coming out as a wheeze.
He soon came to realize that he should've never, ever left his bed.
There, fallen to her knees in the middle of a floor, was his mother, crying hard and a gun brought against her head. Kai could just barely hear her whisper. " Kai… I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…"
His eyes widened to a impossible size. " Mama!"
Possibly due to fright – or maybe she hadn't even heard him, but simply managed to gain enough courage – his mother's hand twitched. A deafening bang came.
Everything was spinning in Kai's eyes as he stared at the blood spreading absolutely everywhere, watched as his mother slumped into her own blood, like a puppet that'd had its strings cut. Sound of the gun hitting floor was forever left lingering into his ears.
He prayed he could've screamed, moved, cried, anything. But his body remained stoned while everything kept spinning more and more.
Then, he sunk into complete darkness.
¨
It felt like he'd been drifting in that comforting, warm mass of grey for eternity, until a voice from somewhere impossibly distant reached out for him. " Kai? Kai, please, wake up. Open your eyes."
And by some miracle, he actually managed to obey, blinked at the blur that filled his vision. He frowned at how dry his eyes felt, and at the horrible taste in his throat.
What… had happened? Where…?
" Kai, are you awake?"
His head turned abruptly. At first, his heart jumped when he saw the person by his bedside, but then calmed down when he knew. Those eyes – red and puffy – and soft face, filled with emotion… " Uncle Raphael… What…?" And then, no matter how furiously he tried to push them all away, the memories came crashing down on him. His eyes flew wide. " Mama…!"
Raphael evidently bit back his tears before speaking in a strange, soft tone. " Kai… I'm so sorry."
Kai barely heard, because all that made sense to him was his entire world crumbling down around him. Unable to restrain himself for another second, he broke into hysterical sobs, and cried even harder when Raphael wrapped his arms around him. He cling to the man as though for dear life, crying so hard he barely managed to breathe.
He had no idea of for how long passed, when Raphael suddenly let go of him. Feeling strangely hurt, he frowned, but then found himself shivering when understanding.
In the room's doorway stood his father, a look that can only be called despising upon his face. The man snorted when entering. " Pathetic, both of you."
Raphael's eyes flashed with uncontrollable fury. " For heaven's sake, Gabriel! Kai's mother just died – he was there to see it! He…!"
The arched eyebrow – not to mention the frosty stare – effectively silenced all intended words. " Are you telling me how to raise my son? You, who didn't even manage to keep his family alive?"
By this point, Raphael was shivering from rage. A growl was heard. " Gabriel…!"
Gabriel's eyes darkened, turned so sinister they made it hard for Kai to breathe normally. " Now, if you'd be so kind… Get the hell away from here while you still can. Father disowned you for a good reason. If I'll ever see your face again – not to even mention around my son – I will kill you with my own bare hands."
Again, Raphael growled. " One day, 'brother', I will come after you. And that day, I will skin you alive, with no mercy." Reluctance clearly written upon his face, the man turned to look at Kai, blinking. " Kai, I… I'm sorryBut I swear to you, I will come back, no matter for how long it takes. I will bring an end to this."
After his uncle – the second adult so far who'd ever cared about him – walked through the door and closed it, Kai quickly realized he wouldn't be able to keep that promise anytime soon.
And the next day, he was introduced to a place called the Abbey. /
TBC.
1) ISA International Security Agency
A/N: So… Uh-huh… In all honesty, I would've NEVER thought the story would take the direction it's heading now. I seriously hope you guys weren't too ticked off by the… ISA involvement. It came 'kinda from behind a bush, but I figured that when some creep is after world-domination, something like ISA would DEFINITELY grow curious. (sweatdrops) I hope you don't disagree all too much.
Awkay, it's almost bye-bye –time for now, but first… Please, you guys, PLEASE review, as I'd really need to hear you opinion right now! Because at the moment, I'm wondering if you find this story worth continuing or not. Do you think I should continue working on the next chapter, or should I just put an end to this and concentrate on other things? PLEASE let me hear your opinion, because I can't tell! I'd REALLY appreciate hearing from you.
Well, it's time to tune out for now. Just let me hear from you, 'k?
Laters!
BloodRedViolet: Gosh, I just couldn't make myself kill Brooklyn… yet, at least – after all, he's strongly on my Top5 favourite-characters list. (Not that it would've ever kept me from torturing AND killing Kai…) (sweatdrops) Heh, now what would've been a more logical place for something as precious as Dranzer? Seems we do think a little alike. :) If Kai's alive… uh… we'll just have to wait and see, huh?
Anyway, I'm so glad you liked the chapter! Thank you so much for sparing some time to review! (It absolutely warms my heart that someone actually likes something I've created enough to review more than once. I can't believe this story would be worthy of such trouble!)
Miako6: One of the best?! Seriously? Wow… Wow, wow! Thank you SO MUCH – I just can't believe someone'd like something I've scrabbled together that much!
Uh-huh, it'd seem Kai and Tala's little girl is still alive, somewhere out there. But as for Kai… I'm so sorry, but I afraid I can't answer that one just yet! First of all, eh… I'm still a tiny bit conflicted over the matter myself. (sweatdrops) And even if I was sure, I couldn't spoil the suspense, now could I? (grins)
Once more, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the review, not the mention the compliment! I'll definitely work my very hardest to keep the quality as high as humanly possible.