Hey everyone, I'm back! Thanks a lot for the feedback I received for the chapter, I appreciate it a lot! Sorry if I'm taking so long or anything, but it's very hectic here. Still,now the Christmas holidays have rolled around I will have more time to work on the story. I'll have to really push it if I want to try and do most of this during the Christmas holiday, then I can start up with my new stories. No one panic, I already have future stories planned out, which I hope you will support, you can check my bio to see for yourself.
Also, I have planned to write up a nice Ray/Mariah one-shot song-fic in the holidays, so any fans of the pairing please read, as I know some of you are. Thanks, I would appreciate all opinions. Also there will be a little late Christmas Fic I'm planning to write up too, also a song-fic, so hope you chekc that out too.
Best again to Dark White Wolf, really, where would I be without her? I can't tell you! Anyway, thanks so much babe, you are the best! Now for the replies!
Dark White Wolf: Thanks so much, I was worried that chap was a disaster. You don't need classes, you write really well without them! I'm happy the Ray/Mariah part was liked, I hoped it would balance well. No, it's AU so Kai doesn't know the others. Thanks a million, and can't wait to chat to you.
DarkZero313: I'm happy you are enjoying it, more Max/Mariam this chapter so hope you enjoy that. Thanks a lot!
Paris Super Girls: You deserved the reviews, you do fabulous work! I hoped you would like the Ray/Mariah part, he is protective isn't he? It was harsh on Kai, but it has a purpose. We'll have to see what will happen next. I'm sure you'll manage with the chaps, I'll be waiting, bet it will be wonderful! Must be tough with that work, I know how you feel, too bad the administration blocked it so you couldn't post on your birthday. Still, I give you a cake! Happy Birthday! Though it may be a bit late, congratulations on being 19! Still, I have made a lovely Ray/Mariah moment here, so it's a birthday present from me to you, hope you like it! Thanks a bunch for the support! Also, I'll have a nice one shot with that couple up soon, so I hope you like that as well.
Summary AU: In the war zone in the battle between Bio-volt and BBA revolutionaries, many young bladers are taken captive in prison camps. They are desperate to escape, but can they trust supposed enemies, and let love develop in a place of hatred and deceit? KaixOC and other pairings
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
Tormented Souls
Chapter 9: Moments of Hope
The lamps lay a soft glow to emit slight warmth in the dank passageway of the underground hideaway. Sliding down the ladder, the young woman waited for the Russian officer to follow as he shut the secret trap door above before setting foot on the dusty floor. The passage was dim and dark, and the slight chill from the open entrance brought the winter weather down into the depths. Bitter winds scorned her skin, looking up as Kai closed the hatch and came to stand on the ground beside her.
Thinking back on the reaction of her friends beforehand, whom were now on patrols, she let out a sigh at the difficulty facing her ahead; that would probably have been the nicest reaction she was going to receive about her decision with Kai's presence.
"Stop wasting your thoughts on what happened up there." the male's voice cut through the misty haze of her mind. "It's not to be expected they will welcome me with open arms. We both knew that."
"Still, I didn't expect it would become this serious."
"What do you mean?" he questioned, finally moving closer to her, wrapping a secure arm around her, toying with some of her wind struck purple and black strands of hair. Glancing up, she could see in his crimson eyes the barriers being let down slightly in an attempt to ease her into talking. She smiled a bit at the light sign of trust. Too bad she was still unsure about showing the same courtesy to him with her friends behaviour; the details about their plots and the facts on herself as well.
"It's just, well…just be ready in having to face some unpleasant comments." she instructed
"I handled your other friend quite well didn't I? What's different about the others?" he probed, bending down a bit and planted a light kiss on her forehead in comfort.
"Well, Ray is known among us for being the one who is calm under stress and never showing his rage at this place or the oppression. If you got him so furious and upset, I can only fear what will happen when you meet the ones who are really temperamental." she explained, stepping back from Kai as she walked down the corridor, ushering him to follow.
"So, can you suggest what I do about those certain people?"
"Just be prepared, I'll say who to keep a distance from." Skyla coaxed as he moved behind her, but the Russian still had questioning thoughts in his mind.
'Looks like it won't be easy to show them I can be trusted. Surely there has to be a way to prove I'm no traitor. We both want freedom…just better apologise to that Ray guy when I see him, even if I dislike saying sorry, it's the fair thing, I was harsh there against him and his little friend. He's certainly protective of that girl with the pink hair though…wonder if there's something between them…'
The spotlights scoured the inner compound, while at the far end of the far end of the base, the two Chinese teens moved with agility and cat-like reflexes to avert being seen. Once in a safe spot away from the eyes of guards on patrol, the rested in a grove by the fence, hidden by plantation that seeped through the wall from the forestry outside the camp. It was the only real piece of nature exposed in the hostile environment. It was quite a blessing, making the neko-jins feel more at home.
"So, looks like we can give a clear report back to the others. No suspicious groups of infantry, and still the prospect of a vulnerable spot to break through, well…Ray? What's wrong?" Mariah asked, not hearing a reply. Her heart seemed to fall at the sight of him.
The young tiger blader was in another world concealed within his own mind. His fangs were still visible at the corner of his mouth after becoming irrational during his confrontation with the Kai and Skyla. The ever present image of the teenage officer being vicious towards his Mariah still made his blood boil in his veins. His fists were clenched in wishing to seek revenge. No mercy would have been shown, as Ray would have spared nothing in giving pain to the other male, if his friend hadn't protected him, and his love hadn't been so upset by the display.
"Ray, please say something, tell me what's bothering you." the girl called to him, making him turn his amber orbs towards the female, softening at her gentle look, but still enraged.
"Forget it Mariah, I'm fine." he spat bitterly, not realising how horrid he sounded till the words passed his lips. He soon saw the effect as the other cringed at the tone.
"Okay…Sorry, I didn't mean…"she whimpered
"No, no! Mariah, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have snapped like that, I'm not mad at you…Oh please don't cry, I can't stand it when you're upset." he hushed, moving over to his shivering kitten as tears started to flow from her golden orbs.
Seeing her huddled in the shrubs, he crouched down beside the girl only to notice her small frame quiver as she fought back the water spilling from her eyes. Carefully so as not to startle her in case she moved away, his arms eloped around her body, close enough so she could lean against him while tears dripped onto his tattered Chinese short. Mariah soon calmed down with Ray whispering sweet nothings in her ear, so she became relaxed and snuggled closer, purring lightly.
If only she knew how those simple actions made his hear skip a beat, his breath catch in his throat, and his cheeks turn pink, though he tried desperately to hide it. It was this kind of temptation that made his thoughts of keeping his feelings a secret till they escape a lot more difficult.
"There now, do feel better?" he asked in seeing her more calmed now, while trying to conceal the slight blush he had as she looked up at him happily once more.
"Yeah I'm okay, I was just unnerved I suppose, like I did when you wanted to attack that guy Sky brought in." she muttered, seeing her secret crushes features darken somewhat at the mention of the matter. "I've never seen you angry like that Ray, and we grew up together. Even as kids you never picked fights with anyone…"
"I just didn't like that…bastard treated you. He had no right to say those things! Son of a…"
"Ray, please don't! I hate it when you're mad, it…well, scares me…" she trailed off.
This caused the young man to blink, being taken aback by her response as he looked at her. Soon he managed to smile again however, promising himself not to show rage in front of the girl he still held tightly. He hated to do anything that frightened or offended his childhood sweetheart.
The youth hugged her close as the watchers in the towers kept their vigils on the patrols. It truly warmed Mariah's heart to be this close to him, her only love. How much she wished to tell him her feelings couldn't be put into words. Sadly she felt like those desired words would never make it past her lips. The Chinese girl was incredibly weary of the rejection she may have to face and suffer if she confessed and her emotions were not returned. Also, in the circumstances, relationships were explicitly forbidden, and if caught the penalty would be great. She couldn't risk Ray's life like that; better to admire him from after than risk seeing him killed…
"But I wasn't mad at you Mariah," Ray's soft voice brought her back to reality once more. "I just hated the way that jerk spoke to you. I mean…I just don't get why Sky even trusts him! She's the one who warned us all of them are traitors, so why is she letting him be a part of the group?"
"She must see something in him…"the girl perked, giving a wistful look to him, confusing the youth.
"Mariah…You're not saying you actually trust that guy, do you?" he questioned with alarm, weary of the answer he would get. The silence was tense as she tried to think the best way to word her answer in a way he wouldn't be infuriated at.
"Look, Ray…I'm not saying I think he's trustworthy, I'm as nervous as you are…"
"Then why…?" he started, before she continued, hushing him.
"But I do trust Skyla, don't you?" she inquired, seeing a nod before continuing. "She's more aware than any of us on the risks of this place, so I really doubt she would take such a step unless she felt the gamble would pay off for us in our escape."
Sighing, Ray could see her point. The overall anger he felt before was merely a reaction of caution, unaware of the ability of seeking help with an enemy. And the fact he was extremely protective of Mariah hadn't helped in that situation. However, this might just have been the chance they had been waiting for…
"You're right, guess we can only hope for the best now." he agreed, but his body suddenly froze, realising to his shock, Mariah was crouching right in front of him, her face inches from his.
In one movement, in which Ray didn't have the chance to recover from surprise, she moved forward, so her lip rested lightly on his. It was only a subtle brush of their skin, but it was enough to cause the male to become a statue. The icy weather no longer mattered, as warm vibes coursed though his body in heavenly accord. When she pulled back, the girl merely gave a gentle smile.
"Good, now let's head back to the shelter to warm up." she chirped, already walking back through the foliage. Unfortunately, Ray could barely move from utter shock.
'Did she just do what I think she did? God, could it be that…is it possible? Maybe there's hope that…she feels the same…' he pondered on finally regaining the strength to stand up and follow her. Little did he know Mariah was thinking similarly, her heart racing.
'I won't need shelter now, that warmed me up all over! What was I thinking? Please don't let him hate me! But then, he didn't seem to object, perhaps it's a sign of mutual feeling…' she considered, as they both wandered back to the hideout.
Near the far end of camp, the other two scouts were taking their rounds at the gateposts of the barrier, which held the lookout tower to the main roads to the cities. This was where all the vehicles and supply trucks came through, being checked by guards before being directed to the back docks for unloading. Huddling behind the camouflage of steel wall, the teens looked on as the soldiers talked over burning oil drums, which had been lit for warmth, waiting for the new dispatch to take over the shift.
"Idiots," Mariam muttered, as she checked over to the toll area to see canvas trucks pulling through the entrance. "They're batting down on supplies, too much coming through, even if it's the winter freeze, they don't need that many rations and blankets, and you can be sure the extra would be for us."
"Yeah, they are certainly not the festive types, they don't really respond to the season of goodwill." Max agreed, thinking on the upcoming holidays, marking another year they were trapped, away from their homes, family and friends.
Crawling back down to sit and rest for a while before heading back to base, the two looked on sadly, as the frontal access was still forever tight in security. That was a vast downfall for the rebels; if they wished to get to one of the neutral areas or BBA territory, they would have to take the roads to get there. They couldn't survive going out the back, which meant they would have to climb the mountain range to escape, which none of them were fit for.
"The best Christmas present they could give is quit and let us go. Fat chance of that happening though." he sighed, rubbing his hands in a vain attempt to warm up.
"Besides, if we go now we could be at risk on the landscape. Every year the Revolution armies hold up this season, they try to keep Christmas spirit alive in having a Christmas day truce, no fighting…"she whined
"And every year, these ass-holes show real spirit and joy in destroying it! They can't even attempt peace for one fucking day! They just think it's so funny to start shooting while our soldiers are trying to enjoy the holiday as bets they can."
Nodding in agreement Mariam looked out of a small crack in the solid wall, glancing at the landscape beyond the camp. Everything was covered in a blanket of white out in the northern reaches. It looked so pure; untouched by the massacre they lived in, a revolving nightmare without pity or kindness. It was everything they could dream of, containing their freedom, equality and right of choice in their lives, a beautiful world without hurt and greed from their suppressers, who only cared for themselves in a lust for supremacy. It was just as George Orwell had said: 'Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.'
"Mariam? Are you okay?" her companion enquired to bring her out of her daydream.
"Oh, yeah I'm fine Max. Just thinking…about home, that's it's another Christmas coming which we have to spend here instead of with our families and friends back home."
"I know what you mean, and I suppose for everyone there's something they especially miss about being at home for the holidays…You know what I miss? Christmas cooking, big dinners, the smell of turkey as it comes out of the over, of the garnish and gingerbread cookies we had, it was one of those rare times I knew my mum had come home to spend time with me and my dad. It was the best…what do you miss most?" he asked.
She pondered on this for a good moment, unsure of what to think. On the first holiday away from home due to her entrapment, Mariam just really missed home altogether, the place she grew up, her family and friends that remained there. That was what she was pained on, thinking of her loved ones so far away from her, and that she was lonely in that she wouldn't be cared about in this place. Of course after time she saw differently, and now saw that as long as she kept the memories of her home alive, it would strengthen her as she attempted to get back to it. Also, her emotions towards Max meant she wasn't alone, and for the first time in the long run, she felt cared for by someone. Still, she did have one thing that she truly missed back home…
"Well, the thing I really miss about home…is the snow. Sure it snows here, but I miss being able to enjoy it, have fun if you get what I mean. It always turned the place into a winter wonderland every Christmas in my village. I wish I was there, to build a snowman with my brother Joseph, to fling snowballs till my fingers got numb in all out war, to lie on my back in the ground and make imprints of snow angels…sounds silly but…"
"No way! Really, that sounds like so much fun! Sometimes we don't get a white Christmas in my city, so I don't get the chance to do that often. But do you know what I like to do when I come home out of the cold? Sit by the fire, in a comfy chair, with a mug of hot chocolate."
"Oh, that's great! Me too, I just love putting little marshmallows in mine. Delicious, mind you I could go for a cup right now, cause I'm freezing!" she shuddered, huddling her back against the steel wall, trying to keep warm. Still, she nearly jumped pot of her skin on feeling something come close, and grasp her frame tightly.
"Maybe this will help a bit." Max suggested, arms now wrapped around her in security to share warmth. One hand squeezed hers in reassurance, the other caressing her back in a soothing and kind manner.
Mariam was no longer trembling form the cold, but from utter surprise and her friend's actions. She couldn't think what to make of it; it was so different, unreal, but felt nice and comforting. Trying to straighten the whirling thoughts in her head, she looked up as shimmering green eyes met soft blue ones, filled with emotions she was unable to name or define at the moment, since it was way beyond her normal comprehension. Biting her lip in nervousness, she came to a choice, leaning into the warmth, one arm around Max's neck and the other in his own, returning the grasp.
It pleasantly surprised Max on her reaction, making him feel a lot more hopeful that he could be true to himself in front of her, perhaps even showing her how he really felt. As much as he never wanted to let go, he noticed the spotlights hovering on the perimeter, seeing how dark it was really getting. They couldn't stay too late outside, the weather was far too harsh and they couldn't afford to fall asleep by the gates. If a guard came across them it would mean serious trouble.
"We better go back now Max." Mariam whispered, fidgeting out of his hug, standing and waiting for him to follow her back to the base in the prisoner compound.
"Guess you're right, we better move." he agreed, though he still missed her being so close to him.
They finally got to a safe place away from patrols were they could re-enter the secure area. Before they did, Mariam gestured Max to turn to face her, and soon had her arms wrapped around his neck in a tight embrace, which he returned gratefully. It was just a nice feeling, something that was there to comfort the fear and anxiety of general life in Hell.
"Thanks for helping me back there, I needing cheering up. I owe you a lot Max…just wish I could feel more in the Christmas spirit as its coming quick…"she mused, but didn't realise what happened next. She just melted completely on feeling a warm sensation flow through her body at wondrous speed; the touch of Max putting his lips on hers.
She didn't know what to think, her mind spinning again, but didn't resist; it was just too wonderful. It was only a slight tingling that lasted for a few seconds, but it was much more than either of them could hope for in the kiss. It was sweetly tender, charged with full emotion and gentle need. They only let skin trace skin for brief moments before pulling back, both smiling greatly despite chapped lips.
"I just…though it might make you feel more festive, no mistletoe right enough, but it's the thought that counts right?" he chuckled, seeing the girl laugh a bit herself happily.
"Thanks so much, it was nice you, better than I could hope…I just…I really, like you Max, a lot, I'm not sure what I would do if something happened to you." she spoke, feel him clutch her hand in respect.
"Hope you believe me when the feeling is very mutual Mariam, but we'll talk where it's warmer, and the others will be wondering where we got to. Besides, it will be hotter than ever with that officer down there too." he commented.
"True, but still, I trust Sky, and…this just might be the break we need, it's just up to having a little faith." she sighed.
Max nodded and with that they strutted back to the burrow hand in hand, hoping the key to their hope of escape lay in taking the risk of trusting a supposed enemy.
The entire mansion headquarters was silent in dark night. Fires crackled while the embers danced in the air freely in the gentle glow. High ranking officers rested easily in their vast beds in grand luxury, taking no wear to those less fortunate outside. How they could slumber with the guilt of so many lost lives on both sides on their heads was beyond many civil minds.
Still, they had much to worry about that they chose to ignore. Even in their own ranks, plots were conceived against them. Peasant wanting equality for services, soldiers fed up with having the toil of trudging to battle, even officials in the city head quarters thought it best to overthrow the general in case of dire consequence on their pushes.
Well, despite such thought spreading, no one was stupid enough to make such plots in the prison camp on the boundaries of the territory. Scheming right under the gaze of Voltaire was not a plan at all; it was suicide! However, thoughts could be concealed, like those of the officer, beginning to see things in a different light, as he sneaked out of his room in the late hours of the night into the shadows.
He crept downstairs quietly, taking to the first floor to take a quicker route down to the cellars and lower levels. He skulked past the library conference dorm, even by the General's private study in utter silence, not alerting a soul to his parading after dark. In relief he was in clear, the officer went the passageway behind the tapestry, a secret stair well to the basement dungeons and storage cellars. Normally a competent soldier, he would have been right in reporting his find, but was now glad he kept it to himself; he needed reassurance in the illegal task he took now.
As he reached the bottom steps, there was a large locked door in front of the chasm. Lightly picking the ancient metal bolt, it loosened, so the door swung open, thankfully not causing a noise in battering against the stone walls. It revealed an old cell room, very small and deeper down that the other blocks in the dungeon, possibly used long before to put troublesome prisoners in solitary confinement. Though from its state, it clearly hadn't been used in a long time.
All that remained in the dingy place was a beaten mattress of straw and hay, used as a bed. Not the best of luxury, but not expected to be for such a deformed purpose. It didn't even have barred windows like the dungeons, so occupiers spent their time in pitch darkness when the door was closed. But, the room was now holding a new use, as under the bundle of blankets piled on the straw bed, something began to stir, finally revealing itself as a restless prisoner, a young woman; the girl with lifeless rose eyes.
Cautiously, the male approached her, kneeling down beside her small form, though she didn't seem to take heed to his presence. Of course, the officer was already prepared, stretching out his arm to her, as his hand soon found her, which grasped the girls attention instantly. Despite looking at the visitor straight in the eye, she didn't know who it was.
"Who is it?" she asked the invisible guest. Taking her hand, he made a serious of movements, almost like writing with his finger as he pressed into her palm. The silent message did the trick, a verbal one having no use, as she soon smiled a little, squeezing his hand, on recognising the person now, in her own way.
He spent a couple of hours in the small cell, all hushed, with no words out loud, though they would never have reached her anyway. He just took a vigil of watching her eat the bread he brought down for her and sip her water quietly. Even if she did ask a small question, he would continue scribbling into her palm, which she seemed to understand and smile at lightly. Soon, as the sun was still a few hours from rising, he decided to leave so as not to loose track of time in staying. She needed to rest also, and soon was drifting to sleep on the pile of hay.
He seemed to clench his chest, a new feeling washing over his senses, one so different he would usually ignore, but funnily enough was bizarrely…nice. Shaking his head of thoughts, he still couldn't stop a slight grin on his face on looking at her, curled up, looking so innocent in her sleep. Gently pulling the blankets over her body, he stood and turned to leave. He managed to press into her hand again to show he was going, and on feeling his footsteps vibrate in the ground she blankly watched him go.
"Night Coral." he muttered, going out and locking the door again, though he was aware she couldn't hear him. However, once she sensed his presence was gone, she lay back down and smiled joyfully on drifting to slumber, muttering two little words as she finally began to dream.
"Goodnight…Tala."