Authors note: Fuhaa I'm alive! To clear up any confusion there may have been the previous chapter was a past arc. It was Yamato telling the story of what happened to him before he met Sora and even before he joined up with Tai. This chapter will be mostly past arc too. To clear things up I will clearly state when we hit the present again. Now thats out of the road let me give some well earned love to my gorgeous reviewers who I really don't deserve. Thanks for putting up with a lazy bones like me!
Koumi-Loc: Hey there dear friend, think you may have been a little confused from last chapter. Koushirou was ten, in the past, when Yamato was 11 and before Koushirou had met Mimi. He did do some bad stuff, using his genius for evil, but he was forced into it. And he was 10. I just don't want you to think I don't like his character because I do, and to me Koushirou doesn't have an evil bone in his body. As for the love I'm afraid you will have to wait a little longer :( Once again thanks for reviewing!
mahwish1: Ah I made you have the feels! And you praise me so much oh no I'm blushing! I love your reviews you always give me an incite into what you really think. I'm so happy you got exactly what I wanted to portray from that chapter. I hope to continue living up to your expectations. Keep those reviews coming I love them so much I often read them when I feel like giving up on this story and get really fired up! Thanks just don't suffice, but thanks!
Neon765: Hurray you still give me marvelous reviews! You know I have never read the books or watched the movie for hunger games? I had heard of the plot and I looked into it and can see the similarities but I honestly wasn't thinking of that franchise at all when I wrote this lol. If you recommend it I'll definitely give it a go! I hope most people want Yukio dead, you have no idea how much I want to kill him haha. Just to clarify the last chapter was in the past, Yamato is telling the story to Sora so she can't miss him because he isn't gone teehee. Love your reviews can't wait to see what you think of this!
ragamuffing: A new reviewer! I'm soooooooooo happy you are loving my story, I'm getting all shy again haha. I saw your review for my previous story and want you to know I will give you a proper reply for that one in the sequel! I'm glad you like the lemon scenes, I often worry they are a bit poorly written. I think I love you too! I love all my reviewers, you guys are definitely the driving force behind my writing. Without you all these stories would still be in my head never to see the light of day. Thanks so much I look forward to hearing what you think of this one!
Digilover: Here it is! I wish I could give them out faster but I am just so damned useless sometimes. Thankyou for reviewing, I encourage you and all my reviewers to feel free to get me off my lazy bum and get writing. I honestly couldn't believe you and ragamuffing had bothered to review since I was gone so long but you and everyone else encouraged me to keep on going. Love to you all!
DadadadadaDA! On with the fic!
Mission ten: Things better left forgotten II
[Past]
All he could hear was this terrible ringing sound. It made his mind feel fuzzy. In a way he was thankful, if it wasn't for the strange sensation he would have felt the pain with that much more clarity. If Yukio had wanted him to feel the brunt of his attack he shouldn't have started with such a hard blow to his head. But that was his problem. Yamato couldn't even hear his angry admonitions anymore, not that he would have cared if he had. It was odd not being able to focus on anything. It was like being underwater with your eyes open, things seemed unreal and blurry. This hadn't erased the pain from each blow completely but it made each one feel as though it was happening to someone else. That thought brought a surge of panic to his chest. Was he dying? Was that what this was? The majority of his mind started screaming at him to wake up, but he was awake, wasn't he? The other more disturbing section of his mind was asking why he was bothered by this situation. With the failure of his plan he was doomed. What was the point in fighting off death now? It would be far easier than the life he was currently leading.
Calista was gone. She had been taken away at the same time he had. Finding her was impossible now; Yukio would make sure of it. He was fated to be taken from this hell and enter another. There was no doubt in his mind that whatever Cain was planning would be bad. Very bad. That man's twisted smile churned his stomach each time he saw it. Starting tomorrow he would certainly be seeing a lot more of it.
He was jarred out of his thoughts when he noticed Yukio had halted his attacks. In fact, Yukio was nowhere to be seen. He must have blacked out or something. Either that or Yukio had left during the period where he couldn't distinguish reality from dreams. Whatever had happened that warm fuzzy feeling was fading fast. Pain hit him like a freight train and he doubled over with a sob. He hadn't even noticed he was bleeding until now. The sharp taste brought the bile up to his throat. He repressed it, just. Every movement hurt, Yukio had never dealt him this much damage before. His clothes were torn with mainly small cuts but one was deep enough to continue bleeding even though some time must have passed. It was along his rib and he stared at it in disbelief. Yukio had never used an actual weapon on him before! He was used to getting cuts in the midst of battle, but having one inflicted on him when he couldn't defend himself sickened him. That bastard kept surprising him.
With great difficulty he pushed himself into a sitting position. Though he was being as careful as possible the simple movement still agitated every wound on his body. He felt dizzy, the room was spinning and it took everything he had not to be sick. Thankfully he was close enough to the wall to be able to prop himself against it. Closing his eyes to bear through the brunt of the pain he waited until the stinging aches settled into something bearable. With a strained sight he groggily let his head fall onto his chest and stared at the outline of the door to his cell. For a minute he was confused as to how he had returned here, but somewhere in the back of his mind he recalled the trip back.
He honestly didn't know where to go from here. That slim sliver of hope that had pushed him to keep going had been ripped out of his grasp. Like never before he felt the weight of every life he had snuffed out. It would have been easier if he didn't relate to them, but every single one had been just like him. Taken away from their homes, from the people who truly loved them, and thrown into a world of unspeakable despair. What could he have done to help them? Truth is in the beginning he had been as helpless as they had. He had to kill them; his body was reacting to orders just as theirs were. But the moment he had realised he had regained some control, that unlike them he could actually fight it, he had made the conscious decision to keep going. From that point on each life he took was taken with his own hands. He could have stopped it. Instead he chose to wait, and what did he have to show for it? Nothing, he hadn't even saved one single person. He had broken his promise! He had nothing left!
Slowly but surely a dark thought crawled into his already crumbling mind. It snuck its way into the forefront, melting away all others until it was the last one circling around his head over and over. There was still a way out. All he would have to do is bite down on his tongue. He knew he could do it, he had the strength. It would be easy. It would hurt, but hadn't he been through so much worse already?
He started to chuckle. The action hurt his wounds but at this point he didn't care. In fact the intense ache only served to fuel his laughter. It began to escalate until it descended into full-fledged hysteria. Clasping his forehead he threw his head back against the wall and let it run its course. His eyes were darting around the room. Everything in it made him want to laugh more. The whiteness of the walls, the contrast of his own blood on the white floor, the bright light glaring down at him all added to his growing madness. His free arm that had been grasping his cut to stem the bleeding fell limply to the floor. His whole body shook with the force of his laugh which was quickly transforming into a scream. He was losing it and it felt good. It felt easy. Why be him? Why be here?! Why be at all!?
Despite his growing insanity he still had the skill to hear someone start turning the knob to his door. His laughter subsided but refused to go away instead remaining as odd little bursts that sounded more like sobs. He let both his hand and his head fall limply forward and stared at the door with a twisted smile. Whoever it was would be in for a surprise. It would be even better than biting off his tongue if he got this sap to do it for him! Maybe he could leave a good impression with Yukio if it was him, maybe even get upgraded to an asylum. And if it was Cain maybe he could kill him! That would be joyous! He could RIP HIS FUCKING THROAT OUT!
He lifted himself onto his knees as the door swung open. He didn't even feel his injuries now. They were nothing. This would be nothing. This would be EASY.
And then his world shattered. Mouth falling open in disbelief all macabre thoughts flew from him. There, standing so innocently on his tip toes to reach the door with his hand still on the handle stood hope. Simple, pure, unadulterated hope. A face he had long since given up on. A face he would never forget. His one and only precious thing left.
"T.K…" He breathed the name more than spoke it. He silently took it all in. His brother's hair was a little longer than he remembered. The silk pyjamas he wore were now green like the ones he used to own instead of the sky blue he remembered. His adorable face was currently lax with confusion. But his little blue eyes were as wide as saucers and seemed to hold more understanding than a child his age should have. Was this an apparition? If it was than he was thankful. However all rationality told him this wasn't a vision.
Unable to contain himself any longer he reached out to the small child with a shaking hand unaware that silent tears were spilling from his eyes. Unfortunately as soon as his hand came into his line of sight he noticed how dirty it was. Blood caked his fingers and forearm. For a moment he could only look at it with horror. Soon that horror was replaced by a cold understanding. With a small mirthless laugh he withdrew his hand and curled it against his chest. A bitter smile crept onto his lips. Covering his face with his other hand he began to sob quietly. How could he face his young brother like this? Mere minutes ago he had been preparing himself for a merciless murder. Besides, there was a chance Takeru didn't even recognise him. Despite all his efforts to curb his cries they only came with more force and he had to cover his mouth to stifle them. He wanted so desperately to gaze upon his brother. But he couldn't even get himself to look at him. How could he when he couldn't even stomach the thought of himself.
Then he felt a small hand gently pat his cheek. Once again his hand fell away from his face and went limp at his side. Tilting his head up slightly his cobalt pools were met with nearly identical ones. Yamato continued to stare; he was too paralysed to do anything else. Takeru was scrunching his face in concentration. With a determined exhale of air he used both his little hands to wipe away the tears from Yamato's cheeks. His movements soon slowed as his expression turned into dumb shock. "You're…real? This isn't a dream?" He questioned softly.
Yamato gradually shook his head since Takeru still had his hands on his cheeks. That was the same question he had been asking himself. Takeru's stunned look quickly melted away. Giant crocodile tears rolled down his face and in one swift motion he threw himself forward into Yamato's arms burying his face in his shoulder. "You're alive! I thought you had left me behind!" Takeru exclaimed through his cries.
Yamato was frozen in shock. Didn't his brother see the state he was in? Didn't he realize he was getting his own clothes dirty? All those thoughts faded as the warmth from the simple embrace seeped into his very core. His arms that he had momentarily forgotten existed wrapped around the young boy. Pulling him closer he instinctively started stroking his hair and rocked back and forth. "It's me T.K…it really is me."
"Bu-but you're d-de-dead." Takeru sobbed.
Yamato wanted to laugh but those words had a sobering effect on him. He was trying to think of more to say. Of a way to put all his overflowing emotions into words, but he found he had practically lost the ability to speak. Anything he said now might mar this perfect moment. An emotion that had nearly become foreign to him filled up his very soul. Happiness. If time had to stop he wished it could be now. That sort of wonderful fate wasn't meant to be. It was out of the question.
The sound of shouting and many running feet filtered into his thoughts. He knew they were coming his way, he didn't have any time. He hurriedly grabbed Takeru's shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes. Somehow he managed to muster up a genuine smile at Takeru's surprised face. "Listen to me T.K. Even if you forget about this encounter, even if you forget I am alive, promise me you will remember this." He said urgently.
"What are you talking about? You're coming with me!" Takeru nearly screamed with desperation.
"Sorry T.K., not this time." Yamato choked out sadly. He knew they would take him away. They would probably give him something to make him forget. He actually prayed they would do that, because if they didn't Takeru might suffer the same fate as he had. He couldn't fight them or escape; he had tried many times on his own. There was no way he could do it with Takeru in tow. The footsteps were incredibly close now. "Listen okay? I love you more than anything. I always have and always will. Do you understand?" He whispered urgently. His voice was so thick with emotion the words were nearly lost.
"Of course I do! I love you too! Please don't leave me again!" Takeru yelled. He was close to hysterics and desperately clutched Yamato's arms. At that moment the door behind him swung open with enough force to shake the room. Without warning he was plucked out of Yamato's arms and someone covered his eyes so he could no longer see. He started struggling and screamed out angrily.
Yamato watched Yukio pick Takeru up with increasing panic. What if he was wrong? What if Yukio flipped out and hurt Takeru? He certainly looked like he was about to lose it. His eyes betrayed his anger and growing malice as they fixed on Yamato's own. Yamato swallowed hard and pushed himself to his feet. He felt Yukio become even more enraged by that but he persisted. With a newfound strength he brought himself to his full height. His body had begun screaming protests at him again. Yet he didn't show it on his face instead meeting Yukio's steady gaze. Takeru was still screaming at the top of his lungs and fighting to get loose.
"Calm down T.K. it's okay." Yamato said softly. Takeru immediately stopped his thrashing and closed his mouth with a whimper. Yukio had been surprised by his words and allowed the anger to bleed out of his body.
Closing his eyes to stop the tears that were fighting their way to the surface Yamato forced himself to say the next words with eerie calmness. "I don't know how he got in here. Is there any way you can make him forget?"
Yukio lost his hold on the boy from shock. Takeru stumbled forward. He glanced at Yamato and saw him smile one last time before Yukio swiftly struck him on the back of the neck knocking him out cold instantly. Catching him before he hit the floor Yukio held him like a ragdoll from his waist never breaking eye contact with Yamato. "I don't know if I can." He said seriously.
Yamato bit his lip. There had to be a way! "Isn't there something you can do? You aren't going to condemn him like you did me are you?!" He couldn't keep the panic out of his voice this time.
Yukio was taken aback for a moment. He hadn't expected Yamato to make such a wise choice. When he had discovered Takeru was missing he had thought the worst, until he had found the open passageway. He was sure Yamato would have tried to run for it. And yet here he stood asking him to erase this incident.
He honestly didn't want to put Takeru through the same things he had put Yamato through. In truth there were many moments where he regretted the actions he took. However he reasoned that there had been no other option. Was that the case this time? No…he had been working on an experimental procedure with Cain to deal with Yamato. Unfortunately they had found it wouldn't work, too much time had passed. But this was different, not only was Takeru younger but he had also caught him right away. There was time. "I have a way to prevent that." He stated calmly.
Relief flooded through Yamato's body and he sighed shakily. Yukio nodded at him and turned to leave. Yamato stared longingly at his brother as the door finally closed and he was left alone with his thoughts. His calm demeanour quickly shattered and he sunk to his knees with fresh tears. Only this time they were of relief. Seeing him again had given him such joy he could barely contain it. And knowing he should be safe gave him an even greater feeling of bliss. It was like he had been revived. Once again he had been saved by someone many would view as weaker than him. A strong desire surged within him, a desire to see his baby brother again. And when that time came he wanted to face him properly.
…
Yamato groggily opened his eyes and stared at the stainless steel metal ceiling and the starkly bright light glaring down on him. He tried to shield his eyes but found he couldn't move either of his hands. With alarm he struggled to sit up and realised he couldn't do that either. The most he could do was lift his head and see the restraints keeping him locked in place on what appeared to be a table. His shirt had been removed and he could see the various wounds he had received from his previous beating. There was a fresh bruise changing from a sickly yellow to a deep purple on his stomach. The initial haziness he had felt dissipated and he recalled Yukio coming to collect him from his cell and delivering a harsh punch to his stomach; it must have knocked him out.
"Ah, you're awake. How unfortunate I was just about to begin." Cain's cool, insincere voice caused him to freeze. Slowly he turned his head to look at the man and felt his heart leap into his throat when he saw he was wearing medical gear. Fighting against his better judgement he managed to speak calmly. "Where am I?"
"That doesn't really matter now does it? You never knew where you were before. All I can tell you is that you are no longer at the castle." Cain replied flatly. For some reason he seemed disappointed by the question.
"What are you doing?" Yamato asked quietly. He was terrified of what the answer might be but kept the fear out of his voice.
"Well dear boy I believe you already have an idea of what I'm aiming for. It's your fault really, developing resistance to pretty much everything I've given you. You only have yourself to blame for what is to come. You see we need to bring you under control and since my drugs no longer work I'm going to have to take more drastic measures. Honestly keeping you alive is quite the nuisance to Yukio. I don't mind in the slightest though, it's his decision. And frankly I'm happy he clings on to such foolish desires. It always works out in my favour." Cain answered easily as he busied himself with preparations outside of Yamato's field of vision. He walked around into Yamato's line of sight brandishing a scalpel.
Yamato's eyes widened in disbelief and no amount of willpower could keep the desperation out of his voice now. "Wait! You'll kill me if you don't use anaesthetic or something!"
"I've already tried that, remember? It doesn't work on you anymore. If I were you I would try to calm down and stay as still as possible. We don't want you dying of shock now do we?" Cain practically giggled. Yamato stared up at him in disbelief. He could do nothing but watch as Cain made a large incision starting from his shoulder and continuing right down to his elbow. The instrument easily sliced through his skin, the sharpness of the blade felt like fire and every one of his nerves was being burnt. He tried to suppress the urge to scream but the pain was far too great and it was his only form of release. He didn't even try to comprehend what was happening or why it was happening, all he knew was pain. He didn't want to look weak but he couldn't stop the tears that began to freely pour down his cheeks. The incomprehensibility of it all prevented him from thinking. He was sure this was what dying was like. He couldn't breathe. Apparently the pain was preventing him from passing out. This agony went on for what felt like years, eventually his screams had subsided to mere whimpers.
"You'll get used to it. After all even I don't know how many sessions this is going to take; everyone else has died so far. But I have high hopes for you." Cain stated jovially when he finally finished and began sewing the deep wound he had created. Yamato could only moan in response and turn his head away. He felt like he was going to be sick. The room was spinning as Cain finished up and quickly removed Yamato's bonds.
"Can you stand? Guess not, geez I have to do everything around here." Cain complained as he lifted Yamato into a sitting position. To his surprise Yamato pushed him away so roughly it caused him to stumble backward. He hadn't realised the boy would still have enough energy to resist.
Yamato clasped his injured arm with his free hand and took a few raspy breaths. Turning to Cain he gave him a glare so dark that even Cain, who was a man who couldn't even recall a time he had felt fear, trembled slightly as the feeling tugged at his heart. He was used to getting this kind of reaction from his patients, but there was something different about the boy's eyes. They were impossibly deep and practically oozed hatred and something else. The emotion seemed to change his cobalt pools to a much deeper shade closer to black. It was like he wasn't looking at the eyes of a child. No, he more felt than saw the difference, what he was seeing here was far removed from a child's innocence. What he was seeing could only be described as a demon.
"Don't. Touch. Me." Yamato growled deeply. Cain raised his hands in a surrendering gesture and laughed lightly to calm himself. "Sure whatever you say." Yamato relaxed a little at Cain's words but tensed as he continued. "Of course we need to do this again tomorrow."
"No." Yamato replied in the same deathly growl. Cain laughed and ran a hand through his hair. "Ahhhh well I suppose we could do that. But you can't hold me responsible for what happens to your little girlfriend."
Yamato's gaze narrowed dangerously. "What?"
Cain's fear doubled at the extra malice bleeding off the boy. He found it difficult to keep his air of superiority while looking into those soulless eyes so he pretended to busy himself with his equipment instead. "You know who I'm talking about. Yukio told me that if you try to resist in any way I am to give the order for her execution. It's up to you what happens to her."
Yamato's angry glare dissolved into one of defeat and Cain's fear vanished along with it. He slumped forward and nodded his head slowly. What else could he do? Cain watched him while feeling the unfamiliar rush of relief flowing through his veins. A mad grin spread across his face as he descended into a fit of laughter. Yamato didn't even have the energy to be angry anymore. He simply pushed himself off the table and waited by the door for Cain to pull himself together and show him where he was supposed to go.
Cain couldn't stop his manic laughter. He had never seen anything like this before! It was a real chance, one he had been waiting for. He could create a real monster. One that he could control! He knew he could do it. And he wanted it to belong to him. Yukio be damned, he was merely a helpful tool anyway. No, this one was for him. He would make sure of it.
…
Yamato sat with his back against the wall and his hands lying uselessly at his sides. He didn't understand why they were bothering with the shackles. He wasn't going to try to get away. They made his wrists feel so heavy. The thick metal chains went above his head into a hole in the wall. They could extend out to the end of the room, allowing him to move to his bed in the corner or use the facilities. Adversely they could also be retracted if he 'tried anything stupid' as Yukio had so nicely put it. He suspected there might be other features, but he didn't care enough to give it much thought. Really they weren't the most annoying factor of the room. The whole place was covered in mirrors. He wished they would get rid of them. He spent most of his time staring at the door so he wouldn't have to see himself in them. He already knew how he looked. In fact he could sum it up in two easy words: Like hell. The deep bags under his eyes had only worsened over the time he had spent here and the constant bouts of what he could only describe as torture had left him incredibly pale. He had the blood loss to thank for that. His features were drawn; he hadn't been eating properly even though they provided him with plenty of food. He had no appetite.
You really couldn't blame him. His life was literally a routine of never ending pain. The only variable was the severity; dull aches or acute mind numbing agony and an array of in-betweens. He was a bit more used to it now. After all he had been here for at least a few months. To him time was a blur, he hardly recalled the last time he had seen real sunlight.
He was starting to notice odd things he could only describe as side-effects. For one thing his right arm was now a lot more powerful than his left, so much so that it was difficult to gauge his strength when doing simple tasks such as lifting a cup. Sometimes he would lift it with too much force and it would fly out of his hand, other times he gripped it too hard and it would be crushed. With each incident he also noticed a faint red hue at the edges of his vision. It would appear so quickly and be so faint that he wasn't even sure if it was there or if he was just creating additional ailments in his overtired mind. Whatever the case he had definitely been feeling a change; whether it was beneficial or not was yet to be seen.
Another symptom he couldn't get used to is the constant feeling of cold, it was unfamiliar. Ever since he was young he had an abnormal threshold for cold, often not noticing even if the rain turned to snow. Yet now he felt the chill to his very core. The room was heated, in fact when he had first entered it he had found it to be quite stifling, but as time went on it no longer held as much warmth. Maybe it was them conducting a new experiment of some sort, perhaps they wanted to damage his mind even more by playing tricks on him. Deep down he knew that was a moronic assumption. In fact at this point he was almost certain the cold was coming from inside of him, emanating from his heart. This would probably have worried him more if he had the energy to care.
The door to his cell swung open quite quickly. The generated wind ruffled his T-shirt and hair but he just continued staring blankly forward. Standing in the newly opened doorway was his 'wonderful uncle' Yukio. He hadn't been around much lately, this was an unexpected visit. Yamato decided to close his eyes and wait whatever this was out, he was so tired of that bastards face.
"Yamato get up, for god's sake you look like death." Yukio stated in a slightly saddened tone. He sighed when Yamato made no move to respond. Shaking his head he carefully tugged on the arm of the young girl he had brought with him, moving her so she was standing in front of him. "Since you have been refusing to eat I have decided to give you some incentive."
Yamato cautiously opened his eyes and gave a genuine sigh of relief at what, or rather who he saw standing before him. Calista was staring back at him with soulless eyes that made the smile about to break out on his face crawl back into oblivion. Turning the incredible sadness he felt at seeing his friend like this into rage he glared at Yukio and abruptly got to his feet. "Why did you bring her here?" He hissed.
"My must you always think my reasons are hostile? I just thought you could use a friend."
"Bullshit. When have you given a damn about my well-being."
Yukio didn't dignify that with a response, he merely answered Yamato's glare with one of his own. But when he met his gaze he saw something deep within those cobalt pools that made his mouth feel dry. The boy had changed; his usual hatred filled stare now had an added malice that was indescribable. The more he looked the deeper he fell, and as he neared his limit he caught a glimpse of…movement? As if there was something purely evil dwelling inside the boy's very soul.
Taking an involuntary step backward he chastised himself when Yamato's look changed to one of confusion. Showing fear was something he could ill afford but he couldn't shake it. Attempting to mask his obvious alarm he coughed lightly into his hand and swiftly turned to leave. "Ahem, yes, well…Cain will be along shortly to explain the terms of her stay." He muttered with much less authority then he had hoped. Without any further hesitation he hastily left the room.
Yamato was so perplexed by Yukio's uncharacteristic loss of composure that he hadn't been able to protest or ask what he meant by 'terms of her stay'. With a heavily laboured sigh he decided to put that aside for now and turned his attention to the still unresponsive Calista. Surprisingly she had turned to face him and the strange look in her eyes was beginning to flicker. Was she trying to remember him?
"Calista…are you still in there? I don't know if you are, or even if you can understand me. But I have something I want, no, need to say. I-I'm sorry. I promised to save you, to not let them hurt you, but in the end I was worse than useless. I was arrogant to believe I had the strength to save you. That arrogance sent me down a dark path that I can never be forgiven for." Yamato whispered softly. He couldn't meet her eyes as he spoke, instead choosing a point on the floor.
"N…...n…...n…..n…" Snapping his head up at her attempt to speak he grabbed her by her forearms. "You can hear me, can't you? Please, please try to fight it. Don't let them control you!" He nearly yelled.
Her face contorted with the effort but she pressed on. "N…not you….them…..they did…did this to me!" Her pitch increased with each new word until it ascended into a full-fledged shout. He had to struggle to keep his hold on her arms as she grabbed her head with both her hands and shook it back and forth. "Them! I can't! Why me?! WHY ME!? DON'T MAKE ME DO IT! I DON'T WANT TO!"
Cringing at the volume he tried to speak calmly but found his voice was lost in her screams. She shook him off and stared up at him, lips curling into a feral snarl she lunged at him and wrapped her hands around his neck. His back hit the wall hard knocking the wind out of him causing him to choke even worse when she tightened her grip. She was laughing and screaming at the same time, bringing him forward only to slam him back into the wall again over and over. Dark spots sprinkled in and out of his vision. If it had been anyone but her he probably would have already overpowered them, but at this point he wouldn't forgive himself if he hurt her. The pain she had to endure was his sin, if this is how she wanted him to pay for it then so be it. Though that was his resolve he couldn't help but feel like he was losing it. Those blasted red hues were back with a vengeance and the closer he got to unconsciousness the bigger they seemed.
Suddenly air refilled his lungs and he took in several shattering breaths. Coughing desperately he glanced at Calista who had turned her head down. "Why me? I didn't…I don't…please make it stop." She sobbed. Releasing him slowly she pressed her palms into her eyes and collapsed to her knees weeping uncontrollably. He supported himself against the wall while struggling to get his breath back. The red hues had subsided somewhat but that awful cold had pushed its way to the surface with a vengeance. Each gulp of life saving air was frozen and incredibly uncomfortable. Sinking to the floor with his back against the wall he sadly watched her continuing breakdown. "I'm sorry; I should have stopped this somehow. I'm so sorry." He said thickly.
Her sobs stopped as he spoke. Slowly lifting her head she stared sadly at him. "And what could you have done? Don't apologize." She said sharply. He watched her with disbelief as she grabbed him in a bone crushing hug. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I didn't even recognise you and took out my anger on you. How could I do that to my only friend?" She trembled as she spoke.
He could hardly believe his own ears. Was she back to normal? As if to answer his unasked question she drew back revealing her clear blue eyes. Seeing that made him smile in a way he had forgotten he was capable of. She smiled back with equal happiness.
At that moment the door opened once more and Cain strolled into the room. Life really didn't give either of them a break, ever. Cain whistled that horrible little tune he loved so much and glowered over the two children still sitting on the floor. "What do we have here? A little love nest?" He cooed. Yamato, ever defiant, flashed him the finger and got to his feet. "The hell do you want?"
"Do you always have to be so rude? For once I haven't come here to get you any way, I'm here for the young miss."
"You're what?"
"You didn't think she would be allowed to stay here for no reason other than to keep you company, did you? From today onward she will join you as one of my test subjects."
Yamato felt his blood run cold. Mouth falling open in disbelief he glanced at Calista who looked at him with fearful questioning in her eyes. Judging by that look she hadn't been exposed to Cain's cruel methods yet. Blind panic filled his heart and he barely had time to react when Cain grabbed Calista's arm and roughly hauled her to her feet. She pulled against him but he just dragged her with him toward the door.
"Wait! You can't do this to her!" He yelled. He tried to run after them but his restraints inconveniently activated pulling him right back into the wall. Cain laughed and looked at him over his shoulder. "Did you actually think you could make a difference?"
Those disheartening words nearly knocked the fight right out of him but one look at Calista's terrified expression brought it back tenfold. He had to get her away from him; he wouldn't let this happen when he was right here! The intense cold welled up inside of him congregation around his heart in a painful vice. With a vicious howl he wrenched himself forward. Static electricity burst through him in waves of searing heat that clashed with the overwhelming cold. Cain watched in shock, his grip loosing on Calista enough for her to wiggle free.
The accumulated sensations nearly made him black out. The damned redness came back as he continued to yell and pull himself forward. The restraints began to weaken, a light frost coating them making them more brittle. He a frozen flash so cold it was hot he finally burst the bonds. Panting heavily he fell to his hands and knees as the pain in his chest started billowing outward right to his fingers and toes. Remnants of static crackled around him singeing sections of his skin. The oddest thing was the cold, for a few brief moments, felt right. It was soft and mouldable, as though he could have controlled it given time. But as quickly as it came it was gone, instead replaced with that awful red. He could barely think anymore.
Calista and Cain were forced to shield themselves as waves of freezing air emanated from him. Suddenly enormous icicles began sprouting randomly all around them. Cain burst out in histeric laughter. Taking one last look at Yamato he turned and fled the room. Calista watched with growing fear, unsure if he was in his right mind anymore. But soon the blasting air settled, eventually stopping completely and the icicles that had been forming around him stopped in their tracks. She ran forward and caught him before he hit the floor. Clutching his chest he hissed out in pain. Beads of sweat dripped down his forehead accumulating at his chin before falling to the floor.
He didn't have time to worry about what the hell had just happened. This was his chance, no one was watching them, they had to escape now! Grabbing Calista's arm he hastily staggered to his feet. "We have to get out of here…" He gasped, not realising until now how difficult it was to speak in his condition. Calista helped him up and even started running, pulling him along with her. She knew as well as he that this was their last hope.
They both ran at full pelt, he while ignoring the throbbing in his chest and she while feeling the withdrawal symptoms creeping on. Luckily Calista had been able to remember the way to the exit, unlike Yamato she had been allowed to walk right in. Ironically it was thanks to the hellish training she went through that she had been able to memorize the route despite the state of her mind. They didn't run into much trouble on their way, another stroke of luck that probably wouldn't last long. The exit came into sight and Calista breathed an audible sigh of relief at the sight of the outdoor clearing. Her heart sank when she more sensed then saw the surrounding enemies within the walls. She groaned outwardly when running footsteps approached from behind them.
To her surprise Yamato was no longer standing by her side. Instead he was behind, swiftly taking the armed guards that had come to greet them. In that moment she realised his desire to escape far outweighed her own. His movements were flawless and in one quick motion he tossed her a gun and claimed one for himself. Not even pausing to give instruction he rushed forward with incredible speed. She had a little trouble keeping up but stayed pretty close. Shots rang out as soon as they went into the clearing but they both immediately realised their attackers weren't aiming to kill. This brought a smile to both their lips. Avoiding guards who were amateurs compared to them who couldn't even kill them? Please, that wasn't even enough to be considered a challenge.
The only real weight on Yamato's mind was when, hopefully if, Yukio would turn up. If he did they definitely would have extreme difficulty escaping. It would be even worse if Calista's handler turned up; she was still under the drugs influence and wouldn't have the strength to disobey her. Reaching the door in record time they were both extremely grateful to find it wasn't an automated lock. He couldn't help but laugh when they exited the compound, relief and absolute happiness overwhelming the pain in his chest. Calista was laughing right along with him. They were out! But his laughter soon melted away, this wasn't the end, they still had no idea where they were or where they were they were going.
…
It had been almost a week since they had escaped, and though freedom was sweet it was by no means easy. Not only did they have to contend with the throngs of pursuers chasing them they also had to deal with Calista herself. The symptoms had hit her fast and hard, more often than not Yamato had been forced cover her mouth and hold her close to prevent the enemy hearing her screams. He didn't know how to deal with it; she would beg him for the drug, even trying to go back a few times, more often than he would like he had to knock her out just to keep her from doing something crazy.
Currently they were running from their pursuers who were so close they were practically on them already. They had found them at the worst possible time. Calista was going through one of her episodes; he practically had to drag her along. He had no idea where he was going, it was dusk and the terrain was unfamiliar. Eventually he came to a raging river which stopped him in his tracks. It was too wide to cross; they would be caught for sure. When he tried to run alongside it he realised, to his horror, that they were surrounded. Cursing his lack of intiative he decided their best chance was to jump into the river, but as he was about to Calista abruptly yanked her hand away from his and sank to her knees.
"What are you doing?!" He hissed trying to get her to her feet. She swatted his hand away and glared at him with demented eyes. "You go! I can't do it, I need it and I need her."
"No you don't! Stop arguing with me and get up! We don't have any time!" He pleaded with her. She wasn't in her right mind at this moment and he wouldn't let her do something she would regret. Grabbing her arm with the mind to toss he in he was shocked when she pointed the gun he had given her right at him. "I. SAID. LEAVE!" She shrieked.
"Not without you! God damn it you moron what was the point of all this if you are just going to give up now!" He yelled back getting angrier with each passing second. How dare she do this after everything? Sure, she was going through a fit but he just couldn't find it in himself to put up with all this ridiculous back paddling. Grabbing her wrist he pulled against her trying to get her to turn the gun away from him.
Then the gun fired. He didn't expect it at all; maybe he believed she didn't have the nerve. Whatever the reason his misjudgement cost him dearly. He practically heard as well as felt his flesh ripping and bursting out behind him in a horrific display. She looked to be as shocked with the situation as he was, his blood sprinkling across her face and the gun. Everything moved in slow motion after that. Tilting to the side he fell straight into the freezing cold river, his wound leaving thick streams of crimson soaring through the air in his wake. This was it; he had failed his family, his friend and himself.
Before the sweet embrace of unconsciousness banished his pain as he was swept down with the roaring current he thought he felt someone clinging to him, joining him in his apparent fate.
…
[Present]
"And you know how your father and Tai found us…" Yamato finished quietly. During his telling he had risen to a sitting position on the edge of the bed with his elbows resting on his knees.
Silence loomed between them in the soft glow of the light illuminating the room. Sora had moved to his back while he had been telling his story. Her hands were wrapped around his waist and her face was buried between his shoulder blades. She had been strangely silent the entire time, only giving him an occasional comforting squeeze when he struggled with certain sections, particularly the ones pertaining to Cain. "All that's left is to speak of is my greatest sin I suppose." He breathed with ill concealed emotion.
He felt her slowly shake her head against his back, her grip on him tightening. Clasping both her hands with his he gently pried her off so he could turn to face her. Her expression was hidden beneath her forehead. Cupping her chin he carefully tilted her head up so he could see her face. Tracks from fresh tears ran down her cheeks, biting her lip to hold the back she tried to think of a way to put her current emotions into words. A way to let him know how sorry she was that those terrible things had happened to him, but to also express how proud she was of him. How angry she was at the people who did it to him and, worst of all, how guilty she felt. It wasn't guilt brought on by pity; it was guilt at her own feelings. Part of her, a part she hated, was glad he had experienced all those hardships. Because if he hadn't she would never have met him.
"Forgive me for acting so messed up now?" He joked but his heart wasn't in it. Sora laughed anyway, though it was more of a sob. Reaching up she wiped away the silent tears he hadn't even realised he'd been shedding.
"For some of it." She stated coyly with a hint of mischief. He was happy she wasn't treating him any differently; it made him love her all the more.
AHEM
Planting a soft kiss on her lips his hand glided up her arm stopping at the knot behind her neck keeping her sky blue halter-top in place. Never breaking away from her gaze he undid it with skilful ease. It slid down her neck slightly revealing a hint of her bare bosom underneath.
"Should we really be doing this? You are injured…" She whispered breathily, her actions betraying her words as she ran he hands up his bare chest.
"Honestly, after all that you think this will HINDER my recovery?" He grumbled with unbridled annoyance. Scowling a little she ran her fingers across the newly forming scar on his abdomen. His breath nearly hitched at slightly painful but mainly intoxicating heat his the tender skin felt from her touch. Smiling when she realised she had hit a nerve she slowly eased him back onto the bed, allowing him to swing his legs back onto it before straddling him. "Oh? Still seems pretty sensitive to me." She said in an incredibly deep and seductive tone.
"That's cheating." He growled with intense lust. Laughing in an oddly authoritative tone she pressed down on his scar with a little more force. "You always cheat."
"Yeah, but when I do it it's cute." He responded with a calm smirk. Her smile faltered slightly. "So it's not cute when I do it?"
Meeting her unsure gaze he propped himself on his elbows, smirk still in place. "No, it's irresistible."
An evil smile crept onto her face and she shoved him back down before tracing patterns across his scar. "Then you're in for a real treat."
With great deliberation she drew her hands back, gliding along her thighs and stomach before grasping on to the hem of her top. Sliding it off easily she caught him off guard by leaning forward and using the fabric to cover his eyes. Reaching up to remove the offending apparel he was stunned yet again when she gently pushed his hands away and tied the loose fabric together behind his head.
"What are you doing?" He asked calmly, a hint of approval and anticipation in his voice.
"Isn't only fair? An eye for an eye, a blindfold for a blindfold." She whispered softly into his ear, her breath tickling his neck. He chuckled deeply as he recalled the car trip they had taken when they had first met. "You certainly know how to hold a grudge." He replied with unbridled mirth.
Instead of answering she just observed the rising and falling of his chest, felt the increase in his heart rate that was matching her own. He could remove it whenever he wanted, but the fact that he kept it on because it had been her who had placed it on him filled her with pleasure. Carefully removing herself from the bed she pushed down on his stomach to let him know he wasn't to follow. She undressed fairly slowly, feeling the blood rushing to her head as adrenaline pumped through her veins. She never would have guessed how bold she could be if it weren't for him. Preparing herself with a deep breath she found that pink box fairly easily and lifted one without much thought. Placing it on the side of the bed for future use she straddled him once again, this time pressing her bare chest against. Far too slowly for his liking she brought his hands up allowing him to place them on her thighs. Lifting herself up she tilted his head back and kissed him deeply. He responded hungrily, rushing his hand up her body to cradle her head. To his dismay she drew back, grasping his hand she replaced it firmly in it's former spot. "Sorry, this time it's my turn." She said smoothly, lips hovering just above his with one hand holding his chin and the other burying itself in his hair.
"Or?" He whispered back, unable to hold back the desperate need in his voice. She blinked a few times digesting how incredibly cute that had been. "Or we stop." She said with a satisfied smile.
"You're surprisingly devilish. What happened to the innocent secluded girl you normally act like?" He said cheekily with a smile.
"When have I ever led you to believe I was innocent?" She said coyly, mirth evident in her tone.
"That's right…this is the side of you only I get." He stated thickly, possessiveness reverberating with his words.
"Yes, I'm all yours." She whispered in response. He dug his fingers into her thighs; she could tell it was taking everything he had to keep them there as she had commanded. She was barely able to contain herself either, plunging into another deep kiss. She's never get tired of his skill, his wanting. It was hard to break away, even when she had to breath. When they shared this kind of passion it made her unable to bear the thought of being separated. They needed each other just as much as they needed the very air itself. She was losing herself in his taste, her desire to remain in control let her pull away from him. Placing her hands on his chest she started grinding on his groin enjoying the feel of the growing bulge beneath her. He moaned loudly and drove himself upward, cursing the thin fabric of his boxer shorts. Scooting back slightly she relieved him of the discomfort and carefully began unwrapping the condom. Stopping before rolling it down she watched him breathing heavily with obvious impatience. It was too much; she enjoyed making him wait, though she couldn't wait much longer herself.
"Sora…" He groaned deeply in a nearly pleading voice. A mischievous smile spread across her face as an idea popped into her mind.
"Say please." She said with authority. He stopped moving completely, genuinely shocked. "What? Why?"
"Because I am the one who asked you." She stated matter-of-a-factly. He grinned widely and wished he could see her face through the blindfold. "Would you like me to call you 'your majesty' while I'm at it?" He mocked good-naturedly.
"Wah-hey-tha-wha? That's not what I meant!" She squeaked, her face turning a bright red. Taking advantage of her embarrassment he lifted himself up and cupped her cheek with his hand. "Please." He whispered huskily.
Her flustered expression settled and she nodded into his hand happy he had complied but annoyed at how he had turned the tables. Carefully sliding the need protection down his shaft she pushed him back down when she had finished. He obeyed but wore a look of self-satisfaction she could see despite the blindfold. Regaining her composure she positioned herself over him and allowed him to enter her. Once he was inside she couldn't hold back anymore. Grinding against him with immense enthusiasm she lean forward and grabbed his head yanking him into an unbridled kiss. He returned it, unable to hold himself back he grabbed her hips and thrust forward, raising himself up he pushed her back forcing her against the back of the bed. Intense heat filled their cores, intoxication on a whole new level. Neither paused nor held back, she dug her nails into his shoulder and held his head in a vice like grip. He bodily lifted her and brought her back down, wanting to memorize every inch of her with his hands, his body. Moaning loudly she tilted her head back and pressed herself forward wishing she could melt into him. Wrapping his arm around her waist he used the other to fondle her breast, pressing and teasing with his expert fingers. Bucking forward she cried his name with all her might practically begging him to give her more even though she couldn't even think coherently anymore. He seemed to here her though, practically throwing her back while he swung around so she was lying on the bed. Dragging her forward he did what he wanted to do from the start: pound her into next week. She wriggled and writhed beneath him clutching at the covers with desperation. She wanted to see him; she was tired of her own idea. Reaching up she tore the blindfold from him and was met with a gaze so clouded by lust it made her whimper with delight. Relishing his newfound sight he bent forward and started kissing her breast. Taking one of her pert nipples in his mouth he bit down softly. Squealing happily grabbed the back of his head with both her hands. Running his tongue along her chest and neck he leaned forward and gave her a fast, almost painful kiss. Pulling back he propped both her legs on his shoulders and pressed down on her inner thighs forcing himself in as deep as he could possible go.
She cried out again in a lust filled voice. The sheer ecstasy was mind blowing, she didn't know if she could take it. Her whole body felt electric, every move he made had her screaming with desire. Every section of skin he touched burned with intensity; she didn't know how much more she could take. She was drowning in it and loved every minute. He pushed harder, the sweat from both of them mingling and running down her legs onto her stomach. She lunged forward filling herself with him, she didn't mind if she was pushed to the brink, she didn't want it to stop. She knew she was their, his hands caressing her and his incredible movements becoming all to much. With one last enormous cry she let the most blissful sensation ripple through her body, she felt it so deeply that it made her knees weak.
He knew she had reached her climax but he simply couldn't bring himself to stop. She felt so amazing he didn't have any words to describe it. It was like she was drawing him in, willing him to merge with her completely. She felt breathless as he continued, unable to even move anymore. Exhaustion and intense satisfaction gripping her very being, making her unsure if she could go on until he too had this feeling. God how she wanted to, but he was acting like a wild animal and she didn't know how much more she could handle. Sensing her inability he dropped her legs from his shoulders and pulled her to him, grasping her by the base of her back and neck he lifted her easily and shoved her against the wall. Despite her difficulty moving she wrapped her arms and legs around him and leaned heavily onto him letting him take over where her tired body couldn't. Whispering sweet words into her ear between the fluttering kisses he was dancing along her neck her grabbed bottom and thrust furiously over and over again. She bit his shoulder to keep herself sane, her eyes glossing over as she got lost in everything. With one final powerful hit he groaned into the crook of her neck as he reached the same level of utter mind-numbing pleasure. With a pleased sigh of approval he sank back down and pulled out of her, gently dragging her down so she was lying on the bed.
WINK
For a moment he was worried her had gone too far, but she smiled up at him with apparent approval. "I should take charge more often." She breathed happily.
"You can say that again." He replied effortlessly.
…
Tai cocked his head to the side and waited for a few moments before breathing a sigh of relief. "Thank god, I was about to pound on the wall and ruin their fun." He huffed, obviously annoyed with his friends antics. He was lying on his bed facing the wall with a sheet of paper in his hand. Turning his attention back to the mission papers he was startled when His door flew open. Looking over his shoulder he saw Calista standing there with an exasperated expression.
"That's it! They need to move into another sector or something! I was trying to sleep."
Tai laughed and shrugged. "Just ignore it."
"Maybe you can, but I certainly can't!"
"Cool it, you're blowing it out of proportion. They've both been through a really hard time right now. And lord knows it's only going to get worse from here on out."
Calista huffed bitterly and hugged the small froggy plushie she was holding in her arms. She was wearing black short shorts and a white tankt top. Tai sighed and turned back to his papers, the door closed so he suspected Calista to go back to her room. Instead he heard the patter of bare feet against the stone floor and felt a weight flop onto the bed behind him. She pressed her back up against him and curled up around her plushie. "You're too lenient with them." She moped with a pout.
Tai laughed and shook his head lightly. "You're probably right.