I don't own Chaotic, which belongs to 4Kids entertainment, Bardel entertainment and TC Digital Games.
As promised dear readers, here is the chapter for Valentine's Day! Don't expect a lot of romance this chapter….that's' setting yourself up for disappointment.
- - v - -
Blinding light of white and blue coding floods the room then gently floats away as a figure ungracefully falls to the floor. Grumbling curses, the person slowly rises to their feet before checking themselves of any injuries. Kicking away stray CD cases and magazines, blue and white sneakers make their way to a painted wooden door as a peach toned arm reaches out towards the worn brass handle. Plump hands gently grasp the knob before twisting and pulling opening the door to a vacant hallway. Fern irises dart around as unkempt brown hair shuffles to the sharp head turns. One step forward from outside the bedroom –
"And just where have you been young man?"
The female voice doesn't yell; the quiet of the house acts as an amplifier, the tone solidified with authority stills the teenager into place. A light is flicked on revealing a middle aged woman with shoulder length auburn locks lifts a brow in question at her son. The next of kin shuffles closer – defeated as all hopes of a stealthy getaway are dashed.
"I went to hang out with Sarah." A lie that's believable, right?
"Peyton….." Or not.
"I was I swear! Well 'hang out' is a strong term….more like her and me yelling at each other for several hours before agreeing to be friends till this thing blows over."
Still a lie but with more truth, Sarah tends to push too hard, especially while waving the banner of friendship. This….issue between him and Vinta is his cross to bear alone. The far off look of concentrated thought quells some of his mother's irritability.
"Right, Sarah…." A rough sigh slips from the older human before embracing her child. "So I'm guessing it went well?"
A sad laugh slips from the muffled embrace. Peyton raises his head a bit more lax than before, "As well as it's going to be."
"Well your home now,' Mrs. Touhei sighs ending the hug. "Dinner is downstairs in the fridge and your homework folder is on the coffee table in the living room."
Glancing at the hallway clock, Peyton's mother dismisses herself to her room for the night. The rumbling in the robust teenager's stomach gurgles in protest as his mom is out of sight. Tromping down stairs non to graciously, the chestnut haired youth makes his way to the living room grabbing the folder then making an awkward U-turn as he heads for the kitchen. The lights from the kitchen ceiling are slightly dimmed giving the room, giving off a slight warm glow.
Tossing the manila folder onto the marble countertop, Peyton makes his way to a metal double door refrigerator. Glass shelves hold many items; both cooked and uncooked foods, condiments, fresh herbs and assorted drinks. The lower shelf carries the most recently cooked dishes; broiled pot-roast smothering roasted wedges of russet potatoes and carrots; a simple salad of spinach and arugula greens with grilled peppers and onions blended in; a medium glass pie dish occupied by a key lime pie missing a generous slice. Instead of taking things out one at a time, the teen clumsily shuffles the dishes and containers onto the kitchen counter, each dish hitting against the marble with their own distinct clatter. A shot jog over to the cabinets a simple porcelain pate is drawn, a slide to the left pulling out a drawer of utensils pulling out a sliver fork and knife.
Potatoes and carrots are scooped onto the plate as Peyton saws away two thick cuts of pot-roast. As the food heat up in the microwave, puts back the food (after reserving his portion of salad and dessert) then brightens the lights; adjusting a circular switch. Dragging a high rise chair from the kitchen island, the male teen sits by the kitchen counter flipping through the folder as the microwave ticks down to the last minute. Three loud consecutive beep screeches from the warming device prompting the teen to take out his food and dig in. The continuous momentum of taking bites of food then filling out assignments continues till there is nothing but scraps on the plate and three pages of homework left unfinished.
With the press of the center button, the device activates displaying the Chaotic logo before showing a touch screen interface. Tapping away at the screen the brunette haired teen types out three messages before shoving the device back into his pocket.
- - v - -
[Underworld - Chaor's castle]
Within a section of the castle, there is a well furnished room decorated with the finest of linens, trinkets and furniture. A European styled bed is supported aged cherry wood frame; intricately carved of the local flora and fauna. Heavy ruby silken sheets and drapes are held up by a framed canopy providing a luxurious shield from light from the rock framed window and candlelight. A small fireplace has been recently cleaned, traces of burning cedar and pine perfuming the air.
BEEP. BEEP.
Goes the high pitched cry from the red and black scanner. There is slight movement from the sheet-covered figure.
BEEP. BEEP.
Slight shifting evolves into full movement as the figure groggily re-enters to the conscious world. Slowly pushing themselves upward, reveals a messy apricot haired teen whose soft hazel eyes squint at the bright electronic screen.
MESSAGE - PeytonicMaster to KidChaor, MajorTom and HyperHyena69:
Guys, thanks for trying to help me out; it means a lot. But I gotta do this alone – I know you may find that's stupid but I want to explore Perim, especially Mipedian territories, but being afraid and running won't solve the problem. Once I work through my problem I will hopefully be able to explain this mess to you guys.
Chestnut eyes read over the message till the mind fully processes it. The teen jumps out from the covers off the bed, tumbling to the floor.
"WHAT?!" Is the panicked screech that booms against the stone room. Checking over themselves the red head teenager is still dressed in their clothes; the only thing out of place is their hair and glasses. Furiously searching the sheets they find pink shaded glasses placing it neatly onto their face, the world becoming clearer and sharper than it once was.
Running towards the door, the teen is knocked back by a huge figure entering blocking the human's path. All scenes of bravado are thrown out the window as Chaor, lord of the underworld, grins menacingly down onto the male teen.
[Kaz POV]
God damn it. "H-Hey Chaor!"
Looking up at him he's clearly not angry – honestly that worries me more. Adjusting my glasses I notice he's…oiled…up. No. That can't be right, he's the leader of the underworld, ergo can get anyone else. Oh crap he's been talking! Why is he looking at me like that? What did he say?!
"Kaz?"
He's adorable when he's not shouting. Oh god whatever he was talking about clearly took the fire (heh) out of him. He just looks like a puppy now. A very dangerous, crimson skinned, sharp clawed and horned puppy. Whatever it is it must be serious, I've never seen him this quiet.
Reaching for his hand, I gently pat it as he crouches closer to me. Okay, apparently this is happening. But first…..
"The girl I was traveling with, Imani, where is she? We got attacked and must have passed out. Is she safe?"
Wrong answer; Chaor is roaring and cursing as I retreat to the other side of the bed as a shield as I punch coordinates in my scanner.
"NO!" I'm suddenly grabbed by the wrists with one massive hand as the other takes my scanner. "You are not leaving until I get an answer!"
I glare at him. "And you haven't answered me - WHERE. IS. ?"
Eyes are clouded with rage; Chaor sinks his claws into my wrists as his heated breath quickens emitting smoke.
"I sold her." He lets go, my legs giving out as I slide out onto the floor in horror.
"Answer me now." He can't be serious.
Oh god. He, he really is a monster. I tried to give him the benefit for not being able to strong-arm everyone into not to go after the bounties, but good lord. He actually did it.
"Kaz." Claws gently brush away tears.
Tears? Reaching for my face I wipe away the oncoming stream of tears. I need to go, I need my scanner, o
Strong muscled arms embrace me; Chaor is apparently deciding to be comforting, asshole.
"Why Chaor?"
He sighs.
"Prince Mudeenu offered a high amount for your friend. It was dumb luck that you two were exploring my castle. Kaz you're smart, do you really believe that other creatures will take the extra effort in bringing in your friend, or any other human that's up for bounty, unscathed or even alive?"
"It doesn't make it right!"
"Don't talk back boy!" his grip on me returns but thankfully he doesn't use his claws again. We glare at each other until I look away; he lets out a small purr of satisfaction. Dick. I am not giving this up.
"So what? You want a medal?" He actually chuckles. Glad I'm such a comedian.
"No Kazzy, but I now expect you to answer my question."
"Which was?"
His hands are cupping my face; I close my eyes, like hell he can woo me after selling off a fellow human being. He starts purring again, tips of his claws weaving through my hair.
"Kazzy…"
I release a breath opening my eyes fully to look at my idol. Chaor stares me down but with the puppy dog eyes again.
"Will you be my mate?" I swear he has no sense of tact or romance. At least he has the nerve to look embarrassed.
"What about getting married? Having an heir?" he's glaring again but thankfully more to what I said than me.
"A political one in due time, yet only that, you are whom I desire."
Holy shit!
Chaor lays down on his back, mindful of his tail, hands falling from the face to my hips. Oh boy.
"Any other questions?"
A million. "Nope." One hand reaches for my glasses and gently discards them.
"Will you be my mate?"
"…Yes." My heart is ramming against my rib cage at an ungodly speed. Chaor, rather, my mate, laughs in relief.
"Then let's begin."
- - v - -
[Overworld – Glacier Plains]
Snow and ice thrive in the desolate cold climate; local inhabitants are nowhere to be seen during the current storm. A red and black Japanese temple is perched at the top of a mountain guarded by an icicle strewn path and a deep chasm – it usually has a sheet of ice but it's gone now….
Upon closer inspection there is a narrow straight path within the chasm a specific safe point for those who know how to travel the trail. The trail can hold up three humans, all of whom are shoulder to shoulder.
"Luckily we remembered the way to Raimusa's huh Sarah?" The dark haired teen laughs as he shudders, re adjusting his hold on an unconscious female ebony teenager. The other conscious teenager shudders uncontrollably as she lifts the other girl's arm around her neck to shield some of her body from the cold while also carrying the unconscious teen.
"Lucky doesn't even begin to cut it Tom,' Sarah sighs watching her own breath form into a cloud. "The path of icicles is easy but tricky; hopefully we won't freeze to death trying to get to Raimusa's home."
The rest of the trek is journeyed in silence; despite the blonds' bickering they reach the Overworld warrior's home, frozen but in one piece. Overcome with numbness from the cold the teens pull on golden ring knockers furiously until someone from the other side slowly pushes a thick wooden and iron door open. The humans are shocked to see a fellow human greeting them dressed in a floral patterned winter yukata wearing matching obi, cotton loose socks and geta. Wild dirty auburn hair with blond streaks are tamed into a neat bun; held by elastics but a black lacquered kogai with bright pink cherry blossoms - not only draws attention to the piece but of that who wears it. Sharp blue-grey eyes widen in shock at the intrusion seeing her own kind only to harden with the narrowing of her eyebrows as she solely focuses on the unconscious one.
"Thank you so much for opening the door,' Tom chatters as he moves closer with his friend and the unconscious teen in tow. "You must be a friend of Raimusa's; I thought Kaz and our group of friends were the only humans that were friends with him."
The girls face flickers with emotions – confusion, anger, relief before settling for disbelief. Glancing a gaze at the unconscious girl she mummers, 'you fool…' She lifts her gaze to the male addressing her, "Yes, I know Raimusa." She glances at everyone's' clothes. "Why are you so unprepared to venture in Glacier Plains? And in the mountains no less."
Sarah drops her hold onto the unconscious teen prompting Tom to grip the comatose human harder, glaring daggers at his friend as she moves in from the cold. The traditional dressed female seethes at the rude intruder causing the blond to step back.
"This,' She lifts her chin lightly staring down at the other female, 'is not your home. You do not walk in like here like you own the place - far from it - and you will treat this place with respect."
Tom allows himself a small smirk as his friend is completely blushing in the face, sputtering for a response.
"Oh yeah?' is the snide remark. "And what makes you special?"
"I've been invited." The short and direct answer leaves Sarah momentarily silent again but the statement merely leads to more questions. Tom takes the lead as Sarah simmers in silent fury at being reprimanded as if she were a child.
"Then since you're a representative of Raimusa and his home, may we come in?"
The young woman gives a calm smile to the male teenager. She slowly raises a brow to Sarah.
"That is how you ask." She gives a pointed look to the blond who simply locks her jaw but helps Tom lift the unconscious female. The young lady presses a soft hand against the ebony teenagers' cheeks and forehead frowning.
"She has been unconscious for some time; it's clearly not the cold." She sharpens her stance and stare once more trapping the other humans in her steely gaze.
"WHAT HAPPENED TO MY FRIEND?"
- - V - -
And that folks is the chapter for V-Day! Yes, it is short but I wanted to make sure this got in on time as I said I would.
Though it's kind of obvious, can anyone guess who our mystery character is? If you do you get a cookie!
Also, sorry Chaor/Kaz fans no smut for you! Not today anyway.
It will be some time till the next chapter but rest assured, I'll be hard at work while juggling my other tasks. Until next time readers!