I have been a bit busy lately so I'm sorry if anyone's been disappointed
with what I've been writing in the last chapter. Now I'm back on track and
feeling better so this story is going back on track.
Thanks for the reviews that you have sent me, it has encouraged me to
continue writing even when I was feeling ill.
In chapter eight 'Fear' people got a little confused at the end so I think I should explain. Boris was remembering a time when he did have Kai in his clutches but it was so vivid he could actually play out the scene. Kinda like a hallucination or a mirage.
Also, quite a few people keep trying to guess who K3 is. Yes, you are right so well done. K3 is Bryan of the Demolition Boyz, and whether or not he turns into a good guy is to be decided.
Oh yes and one person said that the tape was not frightening at all. But you seem to misunderstand. The tape hasn't finished yet so don't count it out. Anyway I've been rambling away again so I'll let you read. It's still the tape just incase anyone gets confused.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
Chapter 10 - A not-so-pleasant surprise : part two.
"Tala's advanced since you last saw him." Boris explained cooly, watching the battle, "Oh and I wouldn't waste my breath, he can't see or hear you."
"What have you done to him?!" Kai demanded, turning to his mentor. Boris smirked and looked down at Kai.
"I'm not the one who's affected him Kai." Boris spoke calmly "All your mistakes have made him a power hungry boy. He's almost a perfect student."
"What do you mean?" Kai asked hesitantly, almost fearing the answer.
"I'll give you an example." Boris then nodded to a guard that stood by the door. A few seconds later, three men had entered the larger room and gained up on Tala, "You see, every time you fight me they beat him. It's made him stronger."
Kai watched wide eyed as the men cornered Tala and began pounding him into the ground. Tala fought back but it wasn't enough. Soon all you could hear was his gasps of pain as he curled up on the floor trying to protect his small body.
"STOP IT!" Kai yelled in Boris's face. Boris chuckled before grabbing a bruised arm with such force that Kai feared that bones would break.
"But you're the one who has brought this pain on your friend." Boris glared at the boy with a mixture of lust and hatred, "You are the one to disobey. Maybe this will teach you a lesson."
"You have no right to do this to him!" Kai growled fiercely "This has nothing to do with him!"
"But this is the only way I grab your attention." Boris answered smoothly, he took Kai's chin once more so that he could look into the fiery pools "You don't learn by physical contact ... Your emotions are your weakness."
Tala finally cried out as everyone heard the snap of a rib.
"You will learn better than to defy me." Boris continued, gripping the chin with bruising force. He turned Kai's head so he would be forced to watch. "Now watch this."
The men dragged the struggling boy over to a metal examining table that was wheeled in by a doctor. Two of the men pinned Tala down while the third held the thrashing legs together. The doctor then brought out a large reel of gauze. Kai watched with horror as the doctor proceeded to wrap the gauze around Talas feet, working his way up his legs.
Kai was frozen to the spot as he heard Tala cry out and struggle even harder as the gauze bound his legs together painfully tight. He heard Boris's cruel laugh bounce off the bare walls and shuddered.
Unspent tears blurred his vision as he saw the frightened tears stream down his friends flushed face. The doctor continued to wrap Tala up like a mummy. One guard now pinned down Talas bound legs while the other two pinned the boys hands at his sides as they forced him to sit up. Kai couldn't bare to watch this.
"JUST STOP IT!!!" Kai screamed at the man. He was frightened for his friend but didn't know what to do. He felt lightheaded and found it harder and harder to breathe as he watched his friends torment.
The doctor continued to wrap the boy up oblivious to Talas cries of pain. Tala still struggled on but his hands were now bound to his sides, the doctor had wrapped the gauze around Talas chest and throat and began with Talas head.
"So soon. Now young Kai, you don't really want them to stop do you? Not so soon after, they've only just started with him." Boris replied calmly, watching with amusement as Kai looked on helplessly, Kai's chest rising and falling heavily as he gasped for air.
A fearful cry of denial came from Tala as the doctor knotted the gauze securely in place, paralyzing him. Not an inch of skin was spared, Tala was bound tightly from head to foot with the medical wrap leaving the boy blind and hardly able to breathe. The doctor excused himself and left the room. As soon as he was gone Tala was on the floor. Tala was defenceless against the fresh assault on his body. Cry after cry of pain came from the lump as the men continued to beat him senseless.
"You see young Kai. This is what happens when you don't listen to my orders." Boris spoke, taunting the boy further as he watched the colour drain from Kai's cheeks "Every whimper, every cry, every tear shed. It's your fault. You are the one to blame."
"Stop it." Kai whispered breathlessly, the tears that were shimmering in his eyes spilled over and ran down his cheeks as he watched the guards pound Tala further. He just wanted to curl up and cry but he was forcing himself to watch. One of the guards pulled out a small dagger. The blade reflected the light of the room as the man raised it above his head.
A haunting scream that would pierce Kai's soul forever escaped from the wrapped boy as the dagger was slammed in his side. Kai tried to breathe but his wind pipe constricted with fear. Kai pulled out of Boris's grip and fell to his knees as he saw the blood stain the gauze and Tala squirm futily trying to escape the punishment.
"P-Please stop it!" Kai pleaded, panting hard as he tried to breathe in some much needed air. His voice rising hysterically as his heart shattered at the view. More tears were shimmering as they constantly flowed down his face, "Please ... I beg you!"
Kai lowered his gaze to the stone cold floor, trying to calm his pounding heart. His body shook slightly as he supressed his soft sobs. Boris seemed to take pity because the cries had stopped and only Tala's painful gasps could be heard.
"You look even more beautiful when you're begging." Boris mused, a dark laugh came as he saw Kai's form stiffen. After a tense minute where both of them could only hear Tala heaving, Boris continued.
"The master has pulled the leash and it's time for the slave to obey." Boris lectured the shivering boy at his feet "Disobedience earns punishment."
Boris towered over Kai before crouching before him and lifting his eyes to meet his own cold ones "In your case ... you're not the one to feel the whip lash. Remember that."
Kai remained silent as he stared at his mentor who looked back with lust twinkling in those merciless eyes. Boris stood up lifting Kai up by his chin.
"You are to train from 5am to 11pm with only one meal per day, this schedule will only be interrupted when the doctors need you for testing. You are to do this without any pitiful resilience do I make myself clear?" Boris spoke, his icy voice sending a chill down Kai's spine.
"Yes sir." came the monotone reply. Boris smirked victoriously.
"Although this schedule can begin tomorrow." Boris added looking down at his prize "I'm sure we can find someway to celebrate your decision." Boris let a hand brush down Kai's jaw watching his own movements with an eagles eye.
Kai stole a glance at the window when he heard Tala wince before falling unconscious as the guards used the bloodied dagger to free Tala of the suffocating gauze.
"Can I speak to Tala?" Kai asked quietly.
"Oh no Kai." Boris mused, "You've had your reward. You were able to see Tala, and you have. Besides, he wouldn't be able to talk to you."
"What do you mean?" Kai asked locking his eyes with Boris's.
"How can he speak to you if he can't see or hear you?" Boris asked, his mouth twisting into a malicious smirk as he saw the confusion flicker across Kai's features.
"What are you saying?" Kai asked.
"Well you see ..." Boris chuckled lightly before continuing " ... One piece of information let Tala become this way ..."
"And what was that?" Kai asked slowly.
The cold eyes shimmered with amusement as he whispered the answer in Kai's ear.
"... Tala thinks your dead."
Kai froze and watched Tala as they set him back on the table before wheeling him away. Boris continued speaking but Kai wasn't paying attention.
"Lets go and enjoy ourselves." Boris had that evil twinkle that Kai was all too familiar with "You've got a lot to do tomorrow."
Boris led Kai out of the room without any resistance from the stunned youth.
("Do you remember what happens next Kai? I do ... But you have to realize, it's time to come home now. Don't forget what happens when you misbehave. You have until 1pm to come back willingly or the past will come back to haunt you and your friends.")
~~~~~~~~END FLASHBACK ON THE TELE~~~~~~~~
Everyone was horrified into an uncomfortable silence. It was like the room had been frozen in place, time in itself had stopped as everyone tried to understand the full depth of what they had seen.
Tala gripped the back of the chair until his knuckles turned ebony white, his arms trembled as he tried to supress the emotions whirling in his mind.
'Hatred ... fear ... sympathy ...' Tala gritted his teeth as the screen blacked out 'Oh God ... Boris didn't. He couldn't have ...'
Kai stood to his feet and before anyone could say anything he was in the kitchen. Tala watched him leave and then followed, he had to know the truth.
Ray was going to follow but Max held him back with a hand on his shoulder. Ray was about to shrug him off but Max shook his head softly.
"This is between them Ray."
Although it hurt him to not be near Kai, Ray reluctantly nodded. He knew they needed to talk privately. Kenny had paled and looked like he was going to throw up. Tyson stood to his feet to face Ray.
"I think we need a full explanation Ray." He spoke gently, so unlike the normal, noisy boy he usually is, "What's been going on?"
Calming down and knowing that Kai couldn't leave, he began to explain.
"It all started when-!"
Just then, Kenny clamped a hand on over his mouth and with a sickening sound, ran off to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
Hands curled into fists and slammed on the counter. He couldn't take this. Warily, Kai proceeded to grab some painkillers and fill a glass with water. Only when a hand touched his shoulder did he realize someone else was in the kitchen.
Kai turned around and his heart almost leapt out of his mouth as he saw Tala standing before him. Kai was no where near ready to handle an argument with Tala. He was expecting Tala to yell at him, punch him or kick him.
"Kai ... Please tell me he didn't." Tala spoke like a caring friend would "Tell me, I'm being paranoid."
Kai looked up at Tala in confusion. He was expecting Tala to lay into him, blaming him for his beatings.
"What are you talking about Tala?" Kai asked "I thought you would be mad."
Tala chuckled with a heavy heart.
"For what happened? Nah. You couldn't have stopped them and I survived didn't I. Now tell me."
Kai sighed heavily before downing the water and two tablets in one swift movement. He then placed the glass on the side and sighed again, keeping his back to him.
"I don't know what you want me to say." Kai spoke softly, almost breathing the words, keeping his eyes focused on the counter. He heard Tala sigh before he spoke, and when he heard those words he had to supress his emotions.
"He raped you. Didn't he." Tala stated. When no answer came Tala growled and turned Kai around, placing his hands on his shoulders, "Kai!"
Kai refused to even look at him and found the tiles very interesting. Tala forced Kai's eyes to meet with his own. The emotions flaring behind those fiery pools were enough to confirm Talas suspicions.
"When did it start?" Tala asked.
"It doesn't matter." Kai answered coldly, "Non of it matters."
"It does matter!" Tala snapped angrily "Boris is threatening to hurt your friends and you!"
"But not if I just go back." Kai growled pulling out of Talas grip.
"How can you just give in?!" Tala barked "To Boris who has been _RAPING_ you!
"If it makes them leave my friends alone then I will!"
"Kai you can't be serious!"
"I'm deadly serious Tala." Tala rubbed his temples tiredly.
'So this is one of the details Boris neglected to tell me. Boris is planning to capture them all. Sending threats to make them panick. It seems to be working. Kai is just about ready to surrender.' Tala thought, 'This goes way deeper than just training.'
"Kai ... Where do you think your friends will be if you left them?" Tala asked "Tyson and Max will forever blame themselves, Kenny will become more isolated and what about Ray? Ray would probably try to hunt down Boris! Not being able to let go until he finds you again! Stop being so selfish and think!"
Kai glared at Tala as he spoke, his mind creating the images that Tala explained. He could just imagine Ray finding some way to bring down Biovolt.
"They want to help you so let them. I want to help." Tala said "I will help. And if you try to go back to Biovolt I'll find you and drag you back!"
Kai let a small smile grace his features and Tala smirked knowing that Kai had seen sense. Tala clapped Kai on the shoulder before heading out of the kitchen.
"I'll go get your koi."
Tala could imagine the dumfounded expression on Kai's face and his smirk grew as he left the kitchen.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
As soon as Kenny had come back from the bathroom Ray explained about the threats, first the verbal one outside the stadium, the message written in blood, the men who were after Kai and Tala and finally the phone call last night. By the time Ray had finished the others were horrified to say the least.
"Blood message?" Max asked shivering slightly at the thought.
"Can we see it?" Kenny asked, shifting the position on his glasses and leaning in closer.
Ray fished the crumpled piece of paper out of his trouser pocket and handed it to Kenny who straightened it out quite interested to see what was written. But at the sight of the blood, Kenny paled drastically.
/Kai Hiwatari, I have escaped from prison my traitorous grandson, and soon you will feel my wrath!/
Max read the note over Kenny's shoulder and shuddered. Tyson exploded.
"WHAT!?! What does that maniac think he's doing!?! There is no way I'm standing by and watching as he tries to hurt one of me teammates!"
Max nodded in agreement.
"AHHHH!" Kenny screamed suddenly "If what you say is true. Then he's going to come after all of us! He's going to _MURDER_ us I just know it!!!"
"Kenny, calm down. He won't get any of us as long as we plan our move and stick together!" Ray said sounding confident, although, inside his mind, he was thinking along the same lines as Kenny.
"Are we to then, leave the country or something?" Max asked.
"No. That won't work." Tala answered just entering the room "Voltaire has spies everywhere. You can't run or hide from him, he'll eventually catch up with you!"
"What do we do then?" Tyson asked.
"We've done all that we can Tyson." Tala answered stiffly "We've been informed so we're all on alert. Now all we can do is sit back and wait acting like everything's OK."
"BUT EVERYTHING IS NOT OK!" Kenny squealed "WE HAVE ONE OF THE MOST EVIL CRIME LORDS COMING AFTER US!!!"
"Just calm down Kenny." Tyson said. "As long as we stick together we'll be OK."
"One question though." Max said taking the letter from Kenny "Who's blood is that?"
Tala stiffened as he saw the piece of paper in Max's hand and almost winced at that memory, it was no mystery where the blood came from.
~~~~~~~~FLASHBACK~~~~~~~~
Tala cried out in pain as Boris slammed his foot into Talas stomach. Tala was in a prison cell beneath the Abbey, the day after they had lost the Russian world championships, standing up only because his arms were forced over his head. His wrists were locked in rusty, bulky metal cuffs and chains.
Tala watched Boris through emotionless eyes as Boris glared at Talas pitiful form in disgust. Just then, the prison door swung open and in came a man that frightened poor Tala half to death.
Voltaire Hiwatari gazed at Tala with merciless eyes, a piece of paper and a quill clenched in his huge fist. Tala stared at Voltaire as he stepped up to Tala, his eyes glinting maliciously.
Just then Tala winced in pain as Voltaire slashed the sharp end of the quill across his chest, causing blood to flow profusely, running down Talas pale, shivering form. Voltaire then leaned the paper against the bloodied wall and scribbled something down. He then smirked at Tala, and turned on his heel and was gone ...
~~~~~~~~END FLASHBACK~~~~~~~~
Tala spoke up.
"Mine." He said in a bored but cold voice. "Voltaire came and ... well, you saw the state I was in. Ray you should go to the kitchen."
"Oh ... Ok." Ray then headed for the kitchen but not before he saw a knowing twinkle from the ice blue eyes belonging to Tala.
"Oh yeah!" Tyson yelled ecstatically from the livingroom, punching the air "Dragoon will wipe the floor with them!"
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
Ray smiled as soon as he saw who was in the kitchen. Ray watched as Kai downed another glass of water with another painkiller. Ray carefully tip toed over to Kai and slipped his arms around his love in an embrace, letting his head rest on Kai's shoulder.
"Mmm ..." Kai loved feeling the familiar warm, soft hands rubbing gently against his stomach.
"Are you OK?" Ray asked softly "You left in a hurry."
"Just a bit of a headache ... " Kai turned in the embrace so he now faced Ray "I knew they'd take it badly."
"That video isn't exactly hearts and flowers. They're feeling a bit better about it now though." Ray soothed "Tyson has made the whole thing more humorous."
"Oh?" Kai asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah. He said, and I quote 'Dragoon will wipe the floor with them!' "
Kai smirked.
"Tyson's such a baka." He mused, his expression turned serious "Doesn't he take anything seriously?"
"Tyson is taking this seriously." Ray answered "He's just lightening the mood a little so Kenny doesn't faint on us."
"Hn."
"Kai ..." Ray hesistated before continuing "You're not going to leave, are you?"
"No."
Ray smiled brightly at this and held Kai close, enjoying the warmth and comfort.
"Why don't we all go out to dinner." Ray suggested "It'll lift everyones spirits, and you need it most of all."
"I've got you to do that for me Ray." Kai said quietly, stroking some raven strands from his face.
"Oh! Don't be such a spoil sport!" Ray pouted.
"Relax Kitten, it sounds like a wonderful idea." Kai smiled as he said this.
"Is that supposed to be my new pet name."
"Aha."
"So what do I call you." Ray said jokingly "How about 'Mr crabby pants no fun!' "
Kai crossed his arms over his chest and gave that emotionless glare. Ray tried to beg for forgiveness.
"Kai. Don't be mad with me! I was only kidding! Please don't-"
But before Ray could finish his sentence Kai's lips pressed down onto his own caressing them lightly, causing Ray to purr deeply. After a few seconds, Kai pulled back. Ray pouted wanting more contact.
"Who's 'Mr crabby pants no fun'?" Kai asked.
"Kai!" Ray moaned annoyed "Don't tease!"
Kai looked at Rays pouting face and chuckled. Ray tried to lean in to give Kai another kiss but Kai turned his head away.
"No!" Kai said mockingly "Am I 'Mr crabby pants no fun!' ?"
"No!" Ray answered, leaning in "Your my sweet-"
Rays lips were now caressing Kai's, pulling Kai's head in with his arms so Kai couldn't pull back. Rays tongue then brushed against Kai's lips, but Kai managed to pull Rays arms down from around his neck and pull his head back.
"Sweet what?" He asked.
"Sweet Blueberry." Ray answered, blushing.
"Huh?"
"You taste like blueberries and your hair is the same colour." Ray said, absently twining his fingers in the soft blue strands at the nape.
"I ate blueberries before we left, remember." Kai answered.
"Mmmm ..."
"What do you want to do today?" Tyson asked suddenly, making Ray and Kai jump in surprise.
"Errr ... I was just saying to Kai that maybe going out for dinner sounds good." Ray said smiling at Tyson who had a stupid grin on his face.
"YEAH!!! THAT SOUNDS GREAT!!! HEY EVERYONE WE'RE GOING OUT FOR DINNER!!! QUICK GET READY!!!!! WE MUST GO NOW!!!!!!!!" Tyson yelled bounding back into the livingroom, followed by Ray and Kai.
"Really?HeycanIgetloadsoficecreamandsweetsandcandyandohcanIcanIcanIcanIcanIc anIcanIple eeeeeeease!PleasePleasePleasePleasePleasePleasePleasePlease!" Max said super quick, bouncing up and down on the spot.
"Who gave Max sugar?" Ray asked giggling as Max and Tyson started skipping and singing 'ring-around-a-roses' around a frightened Kenny who was clutching onto his laptop.
Tala just stared at the scene with his eyes bulging out of his head. Kai tapped Tala on the shoulder.
"You OK?" Kai asked.
"Are they like this all the time?" Tala asked, not knowing whether to laugh hysterically or to hide in fright.
"Aha."
"Kai, how do you manage to live with it? I would have clobbered Tyson months back if it were me-!"
"I HEARD THAT!!!" Tyson yelled, he now looked like a raging demon.
"And?" Tala asked coolly, raising an eyebrow.
"WHY YOU-!"
"Why don't we go to the restaurant now." Ray cut in.
"YEAH!!!!! FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Tyson yelled in delight, before grabbing Max's wrist in one hand and Kenny's in the other before racing out of the hotel.
Ray, Kai and Tala followed, having a decent conversation as they went.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@* END CHAPTER TEN *@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
I'm sorry but I don't feel like writing a script today. Maybe I'll add it on later.
In chapter eight 'Fear' people got a little confused at the end so I think I should explain. Boris was remembering a time when he did have Kai in his clutches but it was so vivid he could actually play out the scene. Kinda like a hallucination or a mirage.
Also, quite a few people keep trying to guess who K3 is. Yes, you are right so well done. K3 is Bryan of the Demolition Boyz, and whether or not he turns into a good guy is to be decided.
Oh yes and one person said that the tape was not frightening at all. But you seem to misunderstand. The tape hasn't finished yet so don't count it out. Anyway I've been rambling away again so I'll let you read. It's still the tape just incase anyone gets confused.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
Chapter 10 - A not-so-pleasant surprise : part two.
"Tala's advanced since you last saw him." Boris explained cooly, watching the battle, "Oh and I wouldn't waste my breath, he can't see or hear you."
"What have you done to him?!" Kai demanded, turning to his mentor. Boris smirked and looked down at Kai.
"I'm not the one who's affected him Kai." Boris spoke calmly "All your mistakes have made him a power hungry boy. He's almost a perfect student."
"What do you mean?" Kai asked hesitantly, almost fearing the answer.
"I'll give you an example." Boris then nodded to a guard that stood by the door. A few seconds later, three men had entered the larger room and gained up on Tala, "You see, every time you fight me they beat him. It's made him stronger."
Kai watched wide eyed as the men cornered Tala and began pounding him into the ground. Tala fought back but it wasn't enough. Soon all you could hear was his gasps of pain as he curled up on the floor trying to protect his small body.
"STOP IT!" Kai yelled in Boris's face. Boris chuckled before grabbing a bruised arm with such force that Kai feared that bones would break.
"But you're the one who has brought this pain on your friend." Boris glared at the boy with a mixture of lust and hatred, "You are the one to disobey. Maybe this will teach you a lesson."
"You have no right to do this to him!" Kai growled fiercely "This has nothing to do with him!"
"But this is the only way I grab your attention." Boris answered smoothly, he took Kai's chin once more so that he could look into the fiery pools "You don't learn by physical contact ... Your emotions are your weakness."
Tala finally cried out as everyone heard the snap of a rib.
"You will learn better than to defy me." Boris continued, gripping the chin with bruising force. He turned Kai's head so he would be forced to watch. "Now watch this."
The men dragged the struggling boy over to a metal examining table that was wheeled in by a doctor. Two of the men pinned Tala down while the third held the thrashing legs together. The doctor then brought out a large reel of gauze. Kai watched with horror as the doctor proceeded to wrap the gauze around Talas feet, working his way up his legs.
Kai was frozen to the spot as he heard Tala cry out and struggle even harder as the gauze bound his legs together painfully tight. He heard Boris's cruel laugh bounce off the bare walls and shuddered.
Unspent tears blurred his vision as he saw the frightened tears stream down his friends flushed face. The doctor continued to wrap Tala up like a mummy. One guard now pinned down Talas bound legs while the other two pinned the boys hands at his sides as they forced him to sit up. Kai couldn't bare to watch this.
"JUST STOP IT!!!" Kai screamed at the man. He was frightened for his friend but didn't know what to do. He felt lightheaded and found it harder and harder to breathe as he watched his friends torment.
The doctor continued to wrap the boy up oblivious to Talas cries of pain. Tala still struggled on but his hands were now bound to his sides, the doctor had wrapped the gauze around Talas chest and throat and began with Talas head.
"So soon. Now young Kai, you don't really want them to stop do you? Not so soon after, they've only just started with him." Boris replied calmly, watching with amusement as Kai looked on helplessly, Kai's chest rising and falling heavily as he gasped for air.
A fearful cry of denial came from Tala as the doctor knotted the gauze securely in place, paralyzing him. Not an inch of skin was spared, Tala was bound tightly from head to foot with the medical wrap leaving the boy blind and hardly able to breathe. The doctor excused himself and left the room. As soon as he was gone Tala was on the floor. Tala was defenceless against the fresh assault on his body. Cry after cry of pain came from the lump as the men continued to beat him senseless.
"You see young Kai. This is what happens when you don't listen to my orders." Boris spoke, taunting the boy further as he watched the colour drain from Kai's cheeks "Every whimper, every cry, every tear shed. It's your fault. You are the one to blame."
"Stop it." Kai whispered breathlessly, the tears that were shimmering in his eyes spilled over and ran down his cheeks as he watched the guards pound Tala further. He just wanted to curl up and cry but he was forcing himself to watch. One of the guards pulled out a small dagger. The blade reflected the light of the room as the man raised it above his head.
A haunting scream that would pierce Kai's soul forever escaped from the wrapped boy as the dagger was slammed in his side. Kai tried to breathe but his wind pipe constricted with fear. Kai pulled out of Boris's grip and fell to his knees as he saw the blood stain the gauze and Tala squirm futily trying to escape the punishment.
"P-Please stop it!" Kai pleaded, panting hard as he tried to breathe in some much needed air. His voice rising hysterically as his heart shattered at the view. More tears were shimmering as they constantly flowed down his face, "Please ... I beg you!"
Kai lowered his gaze to the stone cold floor, trying to calm his pounding heart. His body shook slightly as he supressed his soft sobs. Boris seemed to take pity because the cries had stopped and only Tala's painful gasps could be heard.
"You look even more beautiful when you're begging." Boris mused, a dark laugh came as he saw Kai's form stiffen. After a tense minute where both of them could only hear Tala heaving, Boris continued.
"The master has pulled the leash and it's time for the slave to obey." Boris lectured the shivering boy at his feet "Disobedience earns punishment."
Boris towered over Kai before crouching before him and lifting his eyes to meet his own cold ones "In your case ... you're not the one to feel the whip lash. Remember that."
Kai remained silent as he stared at his mentor who looked back with lust twinkling in those merciless eyes. Boris stood up lifting Kai up by his chin.
"You are to train from 5am to 11pm with only one meal per day, this schedule will only be interrupted when the doctors need you for testing. You are to do this without any pitiful resilience do I make myself clear?" Boris spoke, his icy voice sending a chill down Kai's spine.
"Yes sir." came the monotone reply. Boris smirked victoriously.
"Although this schedule can begin tomorrow." Boris added looking down at his prize "I'm sure we can find someway to celebrate your decision." Boris let a hand brush down Kai's jaw watching his own movements with an eagles eye.
Kai stole a glance at the window when he heard Tala wince before falling unconscious as the guards used the bloodied dagger to free Tala of the suffocating gauze.
"Can I speak to Tala?" Kai asked quietly.
"Oh no Kai." Boris mused, "You've had your reward. You were able to see Tala, and you have. Besides, he wouldn't be able to talk to you."
"What do you mean?" Kai asked locking his eyes with Boris's.
"How can he speak to you if he can't see or hear you?" Boris asked, his mouth twisting into a malicious smirk as he saw the confusion flicker across Kai's features.
"What are you saying?" Kai asked.
"Well you see ..." Boris chuckled lightly before continuing " ... One piece of information let Tala become this way ..."
"And what was that?" Kai asked slowly.
The cold eyes shimmered with amusement as he whispered the answer in Kai's ear.
"... Tala thinks your dead."
Kai froze and watched Tala as they set him back on the table before wheeling him away. Boris continued speaking but Kai wasn't paying attention.
"Lets go and enjoy ourselves." Boris had that evil twinkle that Kai was all too familiar with "You've got a lot to do tomorrow."
Boris led Kai out of the room without any resistance from the stunned youth.
("Do you remember what happens next Kai? I do ... But you have to realize, it's time to come home now. Don't forget what happens when you misbehave. You have until 1pm to come back willingly or the past will come back to haunt you and your friends.")
~~~~~~~~END FLASHBACK ON THE TELE~~~~~~~~
Everyone was horrified into an uncomfortable silence. It was like the room had been frozen in place, time in itself had stopped as everyone tried to understand the full depth of what they had seen.
Tala gripped the back of the chair until his knuckles turned ebony white, his arms trembled as he tried to supress the emotions whirling in his mind.
'Hatred ... fear ... sympathy ...' Tala gritted his teeth as the screen blacked out 'Oh God ... Boris didn't. He couldn't have ...'
Kai stood to his feet and before anyone could say anything he was in the kitchen. Tala watched him leave and then followed, he had to know the truth.
Ray was going to follow but Max held him back with a hand on his shoulder. Ray was about to shrug him off but Max shook his head softly.
"This is between them Ray."
Although it hurt him to not be near Kai, Ray reluctantly nodded. He knew they needed to talk privately. Kenny had paled and looked like he was going to throw up. Tyson stood to his feet to face Ray.
"I think we need a full explanation Ray." He spoke gently, so unlike the normal, noisy boy he usually is, "What's been going on?"
Calming down and knowing that Kai couldn't leave, he began to explain.
"It all started when-!"
Just then, Kenny clamped a hand on over his mouth and with a sickening sound, ran off to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
Hands curled into fists and slammed on the counter. He couldn't take this. Warily, Kai proceeded to grab some painkillers and fill a glass with water. Only when a hand touched his shoulder did he realize someone else was in the kitchen.
Kai turned around and his heart almost leapt out of his mouth as he saw Tala standing before him. Kai was no where near ready to handle an argument with Tala. He was expecting Tala to yell at him, punch him or kick him.
"Kai ... Please tell me he didn't." Tala spoke like a caring friend would "Tell me, I'm being paranoid."
Kai looked up at Tala in confusion. He was expecting Tala to lay into him, blaming him for his beatings.
"What are you talking about Tala?" Kai asked "I thought you would be mad."
Tala chuckled with a heavy heart.
"For what happened? Nah. You couldn't have stopped them and I survived didn't I. Now tell me."
Kai sighed heavily before downing the water and two tablets in one swift movement. He then placed the glass on the side and sighed again, keeping his back to him.
"I don't know what you want me to say." Kai spoke softly, almost breathing the words, keeping his eyes focused on the counter. He heard Tala sigh before he spoke, and when he heard those words he had to supress his emotions.
"He raped you. Didn't he." Tala stated. When no answer came Tala growled and turned Kai around, placing his hands on his shoulders, "Kai!"
Kai refused to even look at him and found the tiles very interesting. Tala forced Kai's eyes to meet with his own. The emotions flaring behind those fiery pools were enough to confirm Talas suspicions.
"When did it start?" Tala asked.
"It doesn't matter." Kai answered coldly, "Non of it matters."
"It does matter!" Tala snapped angrily "Boris is threatening to hurt your friends and you!"
"But not if I just go back." Kai growled pulling out of Talas grip.
"How can you just give in?!" Tala barked "To Boris who has been _RAPING_ you!
"If it makes them leave my friends alone then I will!"
"Kai you can't be serious!"
"I'm deadly serious Tala." Tala rubbed his temples tiredly.
'So this is one of the details Boris neglected to tell me. Boris is planning to capture them all. Sending threats to make them panick. It seems to be working. Kai is just about ready to surrender.' Tala thought, 'This goes way deeper than just training.'
"Kai ... Where do you think your friends will be if you left them?" Tala asked "Tyson and Max will forever blame themselves, Kenny will become more isolated and what about Ray? Ray would probably try to hunt down Boris! Not being able to let go until he finds you again! Stop being so selfish and think!"
Kai glared at Tala as he spoke, his mind creating the images that Tala explained. He could just imagine Ray finding some way to bring down Biovolt.
"They want to help you so let them. I want to help." Tala said "I will help. And if you try to go back to Biovolt I'll find you and drag you back!"
Kai let a small smile grace his features and Tala smirked knowing that Kai had seen sense. Tala clapped Kai on the shoulder before heading out of the kitchen.
"I'll go get your koi."
Tala could imagine the dumfounded expression on Kai's face and his smirk grew as he left the kitchen.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
As soon as Kenny had come back from the bathroom Ray explained about the threats, first the verbal one outside the stadium, the message written in blood, the men who were after Kai and Tala and finally the phone call last night. By the time Ray had finished the others were horrified to say the least.
"Blood message?" Max asked shivering slightly at the thought.
"Can we see it?" Kenny asked, shifting the position on his glasses and leaning in closer.
Ray fished the crumpled piece of paper out of his trouser pocket and handed it to Kenny who straightened it out quite interested to see what was written. But at the sight of the blood, Kenny paled drastically.
/Kai Hiwatari, I have escaped from prison my traitorous grandson, and soon you will feel my wrath!/
Max read the note over Kenny's shoulder and shuddered. Tyson exploded.
"WHAT!?! What does that maniac think he's doing!?! There is no way I'm standing by and watching as he tries to hurt one of me teammates!"
Max nodded in agreement.
"AHHHH!" Kenny screamed suddenly "If what you say is true. Then he's going to come after all of us! He's going to _MURDER_ us I just know it!!!"
"Kenny, calm down. He won't get any of us as long as we plan our move and stick together!" Ray said sounding confident, although, inside his mind, he was thinking along the same lines as Kenny.
"Are we to then, leave the country or something?" Max asked.
"No. That won't work." Tala answered just entering the room "Voltaire has spies everywhere. You can't run or hide from him, he'll eventually catch up with you!"
"What do we do then?" Tyson asked.
"We've done all that we can Tyson." Tala answered stiffly "We've been informed so we're all on alert. Now all we can do is sit back and wait acting like everything's OK."
"BUT EVERYTHING IS NOT OK!" Kenny squealed "WE HAVE ONE OF THE MOST EVIL CRIME LORDS COMING AFTER US!!!"
"Just calm down Kenny." Tyson said. "As long as we stick together we'll be OK."
"One question though." Max said taking the letter from Kenny "Who's blood is that?"
Tala stiffened as he saw the piece of paper in Max's hand and almost winced at that memory, it was no mystery where the blood came from.
~~~~~~~~FLASHBACK~~~~~~~~
Tala cried out in pain as Boris slammed his foot into Talas stomach. Tala was in a prison cell beneath the Abbey, the day after they had lost the Russian world championships, standing up only because his arms were forced over his head. His wrists were locked in rusty, bulky metal cuffs and chains.
Tala watched Boris through emotionless eyes as Boris glared at Talas pitiful form in disgust. Just then, the prison door swung open and in came a man that frightened poor Tala half to death.
Voltaire Hiwatari gazed at Tala with merciless eyes, a piece of paper and a quill clenched in his huge fist. Tala stared at Voltaire as he stepped up to Tala, his eyes glinting maliciously.
Just then Tala winced in pain as Voltaire slashed the sharp end of the quill across his chest, causing blood to flow profusely, running down Talas pale, shivering form. Voltaire then leaned the paper against the bloodied wall and scribbled something down. He then smirked at Tala, and turned on his heel and was gone ...
~~~~~~~~END FLASHBACK~~~~~~~~
Tala spoke up.
"Mine." He said in a bored but cold voice. "Voltaire came and ... well, you saw the state I was in. Ray you should go to the kitchen."
"Oh ... Ok." Ray then headed for the kitchen but not before he saw a knowing twinkle from the ice blue eyes belonging to Tala.
"Oh yeah!" Tyson yelled ecstatically from the livingroom, punching the air "Dragoon will wipe the floor with them!"
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
Ray smiled as soon as he saw who was in the kitchen. Ray watched as Kai downed another glass of water with another painkiller. Ray carefully tip toed over to Kai and slipped his arms around his love in an embrace, letting his head rest on Kai's shoulder.
"Mmm ..." Kai loved feeling the familiar warm, soft hands rubbing gently against his stomach.
"Are you OK?" Ray asked softly "You left in a hurry."
"Just a bit of a headache ... " Kai turned in the embrace so he now faced Ray "I knew they'd take it badly."
"That video isn't exactly hearts and flowers. They're feeling a bit better about it now though." Ray soothed "Tyson has made the whole thing more humorous."
"Oh?" Kai asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah. He said, and I quote 'Dragoon will wipe the floor with them!' "
Kai smirked.
"Tyson's such a baka." He mused, his expression turned serious "Doesn't he take anything seriously?"
"Tyson is taking this seriously." Ray answered "He's just lightening the mood a little so Kenny doesn't faint on us."
"Hn."
"Kai ..." Ray hesistated before continuing "You're not going to leave, are you?"
"No."
Ray smiled brightly at this and held Kai close, enjoying the warmth and comfort.
"Why don't we all go out to dinner." Ray suggested "It'll lift everyones spirits, and you need it most of all."
"I've got you to do that for me Ray." Kai said quietly, stroking some raven strands from his face.
"Oh! Don't be such a spoil sport!" Ray pouted.
"Relax Kitten, it sounds like a wonderful idea." Kai smiled as he said this.
"Is that supposed to be my new pet name."
"Aha."
"So what do I call you." Ray said jokingly "How about 'Mr crabby pants no fun!' "
Kai crossed his arms over his chest and gave that emotionless glare. Ray tried to beg for forgiveness.
"Kai. Don't be mad with me! I was only kidding! Please don't-"
But before Ray could finish his sentence Kai's lips pressed down onto his own caressing them lightly, causing Ray to purr deeply. After a few seconds, Kai pulled back. Ray pouted wanting more contact.
"Who's 'Mr crabby pants no fun'?" Kai asked.
"Kai!" Ray moaned annoyed "Don't tease!"
Kai looked at Rays pouting face and chuckled. Ray tried to lean in to give Kai another kiss but Kai turned his head away.
"No!" Kai said mockingly "Am I 'Mr crabby pants no fun!' ?"
"No!" Ray answered, leaning in "Your my sweet-"
Rays lips were now caressing Kai's, pulling Kai's head in with his arms so Kai couldn't pull back. Rays tongue then brushed against Kai's lips, but Kai managed to pull Rays arms down from around his neck and pull his head back.
"Sweet what?" He asked.
"Sweet Blueberry." Ray answered, blushing.
"Huh?"
"You taste like blueberries and your hair is the same colour." Ray said, absently twining his fingers in the soft blue strands at the nape.
"I ate blueberries before we left, remember." Kai answered.
"Mmmm ..."
"What do you want to do today?" Tyson asked suddenly, making Ray and Kai jump in surprise.
"Errr ... I was just saying to Kai that maybe going out for dinner sounds good." Ray said smiling at Tyson who had a stupid grin on his face.
"YEAH!!! THAT SOUNDS GREAT!!! HEY EVERYONE WE'RE GOING OUT FOR DINNER!!! QUICK GET READY!!!!! WE MUST GO NOW!!!!!!!!" Tyson yelled bounding back into the livingroom, followed by Ray and Kai.
"Really?HeycanIgetloadsoficecreamandsweetsandcandyandohcanIcanIcanIcanIcanIc anIcanIple eeeeeeease!PleasePleasePleasePleasePleasePleasePleasePlease!" Max said super quick, bouncing up and down on the spot.
"Who gave Max sugar?" Ray asked giggling as Max and Tyson started skipping and singing 'ring-around-a-roses' around a frightened Kenny who was clutching onto his laptop.
Tala just stared at the scene with his eyes bulging out of his head. Kai tapped Tala on the shoulder.
"You OK?" Kai asked.
"Are they like this all the time?" Tala asked, not knowing whether to laugh hysterically or to hide in fright.
"Aha."
"Kai, how do you manage to live with it? I would have clobbered Tyson months back if it were me-!"
"I HEARD THAT!!!" Tyson yelled, he now looked like a raging demon.
"And?" Tala asked coolly, raising an eyebrow.
"WHY YOU-!"
"Why don't we go to the restaurant now." Ray cut in.
"YEAH!!!!! FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Tyson yelled in delight, before grabbing Max's wrist in one hand and Kenny's in the other before racing out of the hotel.
Ray, Kai and Tala followed, having a decent conversation as they went.
*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@* END CHAPTER TEN *@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*
I'm sorry but I don't feel like writing a script today. Maybe I'll add it on later.