I do not own any of the characters from any of the FFVII games, movie, etc. Though I do love them all. =3=
Chapter 12. The Final Challenge…Finally.
He stood there still as stone as Kadaj kissed him. He was more shocked than afraid. This wasn't what he'd expected to happen at that particular time, but…
He let out a gasp as Kadaj bit his lip, hard. He could taste metal as blood seeped into his mouth. He shivered slightly, as Kadaj ran his tongue over the wound, sucking on it to draw more of the red fluid out.
When the pale haired man finally pulled back, Reno was shocked, just standing there staring as Kadaj smirked. His lips were slightly red, and as he licked his lips Reno saw that it was with blood.
"Something wrong, Reno?" He asked coyly, his smirk growing wider at the bewilderment plastered on his slave's face.
Gulping nervously, he straitened himself with some difficulty, eyeing Kadaj wearily. "Um…no." He uttered softly. He reached a tentative finger up to dab at his lip. It came back slightly red.
"Good, now lets get back. You should probably rest for tomorrow." He turned around swiftly and strode off, Reno hurrying after as he hastily swiped at his mouth.
The rest of the day was spent indoors. He lay on the bed, alternating between staring at the ceiling, going over the scene from the morning, out watching Kadaj warily through the corner of his eye.
Kadaj just sat there at his desk, working on something or other. The pen scratching against the thin sheets of parchment the loudest noise in the room.
The only time they really stirred was when their food was brought to the room, which forced Reno to stand and carry the heavy trays in with the help of another servant.
The rest of the time was spent in silence as they ate. As a servant came in to collect the dishes, Kadaj stood and watched them move around than leave. Once alone with his bodyguard, he started to walk around the room.
Slowly, one by one, he blew out the candles until the room was in pitch dark. A few bars of light from the torch in the hall the only source of light since the moon was yet to rise.
Reno lay on the bed, watching the silhouetted form turn around. He could see his slightly luminescent eyes trained on him and knew without a doubt that Kadaj could see him as plainly as if the noon sun were shining on him.
With his vision impaired by the darkness, his other senses were on high alert. He was painfully aware of Kadaj as he walked towards the bed. He was frozen, staring at a dark shape as his ears honed in on every noise he made. By the time Kadaj stood in front of him, he was forced on his back to keep those eyes in his sight.
A pale hand came into his field of view and he tried to keep from shivering as it stroked along the mark under his eye. He watched with difficulty as the pair of eyes came closer until he could make out his features.
He was expecting another kiss, but Kadaj just leaned to the side until his lips brushed lightly along the rim of his ear. "Be ready." He whispered softly, breath warm against his flesh.
Kadaj pulled back and crawled over him onto the bed. He didn't even fight as strong arms pulled him back until Kadaj was spooned up behind him. 'Ready for what?' He thought to himself.
Bright sunlight streaming through one of the windows woke him. He opened his eyes a little and judged it to be well after dawn.
Shifting, trying to sit up. He felt Kadaj's arms tighten fractionally before he let go and sat up himself. Reno followed suit, waiting for Kadaj to say something.
There was a light tapping at the door. "Enter." Kadaj barked out.
A servant entered, bowing low to Kadaj. "My lord, the final test will begin in an hour." Kadaj nodded and dismissed her.
"Well it appears it's almost time. You will need no weapons for this. Wear no shirt as well, it will not be needed." With that, Kadaj stood and walked to the screen to change.
The noon sun shone down on them in the inner courtyard. A small crowd of nobles, slaves, servants, and other people of the palce had gathered to watch what ever was about to happen.
Reno stood behind Kadaj as he waited for the Pharaoh to arrive. There was a flurry of activity as people ran to open the doors for the approaching man. The Pharaoh swept in and those gathered went quiet as they waited for him to speak.
Walking to the center of the yard, he turned until Kadaj and Reno came into his line of sight. A small smirk danced across his features before he opened his mouth to speak.
"A master and slave. This is an intricate relationship. The slave follows the master and the master leads…but for this to truly happen, there must be trust between them. A slave must trust his master without a doubt and vise versa. The same goes for a bodyguard. If the master cannot trust his bodyguard to guard him, than there is no point to even having them. This test…" He looked Reno directly in the eye as he spoke. "Will test this trust between them."
He motioned and they both stepped forward. "Reno, if you trust your master without a doubt, than rise and step before the wall." He motioned to a large wooden wall that had been erected in the courtyard.
He stood automatically, straitening and walking slowly towards the wall. His mind was racing as he tried to figure out what was about to happen. He glanced to the side, and saw servants carrying in baskets of something heavy.
Squaring his shoulders, he finished his walk and turned with his back pressed up against the rough wood. He could feel small splinters digging into his bear back.
He watched Kadaj make his way over to the table opposite of him on which the baskets rested. The silver haired man reached in and slowly drew his hand out. The blade flashed brightly in the harsh noon sunlight. It wasn't very long, about as half as long as his forearm. They looked to be made of plain steel, though shined to a polish.
Reno gulped softly, realizing what was about to happen. How they would test his trust in Kadaj. Did he trust Kadaj to not kill him? To trust his accuracy with the blades? To keep from flinching or running? This was a lot to ask from a person, even a slave.
As if he could sense his fear and doubts, Kadaj looked up from his inspection of the blades to stare him strait in the eye. He caught him instantly, ensnaring him with his gaze alone. He could read his gaze easily. It was a command, to not run or flinch or do anything but stand there…and he would follow it. Only the order mattered, no worries or doubts would stop him following. Because he knew what Kadaj would do to him if he failed in this test.
So he stood there as Kadaj prepared, laying out rows of sharp throwing blades. He could feel sweat beading on his skin and sliding down. His eyes never left Kadaj, his hands never moved to wipe away the sweat…and finally he was finished.
Kadaj stood to the left of the table, blade in hand. Sephiroth stood to the side, watching the test. He raise his hand. "The test will begin." Kadaj straitened to his full height, hands sure as they raised the blade into the throwing stance.
It flew through the air, a blur of steel and light as it drew closer. It landed with a thump point first into the wood, inches from his arm. He didn't even flinch. The next blade came, centimeters from his thigh. It went on and on, blade after blade, almost as if Kadaj were trying to make an outline of his body in blades.
About half way through the middle of it, he saw an evil smirk cross his lips right before he threw the next one. Bracing himself for it, he held himself still as metal sliced through flesh on his left shoulder.
It hurt like fire, but he held himself still as another blade came at him. He could feel blood running down his arm, but ignored it as he watched the blades continue to come his way.
He nearly wept with relief as the last blade was picked up in this long fingered hand. He seemed to take his time with this one, looking it over for any faults or imperfections. Finally, he looked up. Reno could read the question in his eyes. He gave the smallest of nods.
Kadaj just smiled before taking his stance one last time. It flew true, headed strait for him at a fast pace. He watched it spin, judged it's distance and reached up. His hand closed around metal as it came to a halt inches from his neck.
He could see Kadaj's smile widen as he lowered his arm, blade still in hand. He took a shaky step away from the wooden wall and glanced behind. A rough outline of where he had stood was created by the blades. Walking over to Kadaj, he handed him the blade in his hand. Taking it, Kadaj smiled again and chucked it back at the wall with a small thump. It landed dead center where his head had originally been.
He sat on the bed shakily. Adrenalin still pumped through his veins, making him feel restless. Kadaj walked around the room, but he ignored him for the most part. He jumped when he felt something wet touch his shoulder.
Glancing behind him, he saw Kadaj standing there, wet clothe in hand as he swiped at his shoulder. Kadaj continued to work, cleaning up dried blood and sweat as Reno continued to sit there.
It was nice, soothing and it was helping to calm his racing nerves. He slowly began to relax into the touch, letting Kadaj do whatever it was he was doing.
He shivered as something slowly ran up his back, following the ridges of his spine. He realized it was Kadaj's hand as it slowly slid into his hair, fisting there.
He tugged sharply, forcing his head back. He stared up at him, eyes caught by the serpentine eyes that stared intently back…and than Kadaj's mouth was on his, tongue forcing his lips apart.
With adrenalin in his blood, and his nerves on the fritz, he just acted on impulse. His arms reached up as his body turned. Winding them around his master's neck, he pulled him closer.
Well it's been over two months and I'm just now updating. Sorry about the long wait. My life is a little hectic what with graduation, end of the year capstones, college, scholarships and too many stories on my plate. WHOOO, go Kadaj. But here it is. Kadaj is getting ready to get him some Reno. XD
And as a pre-warning, the next chapter will contain NC-17 or NC-18 material and if you do not like that kind of stuff than why are you reading this in the first place. If you don't want to read hot and heavy stuff, than wait until chapter 14 to continue.
Until Next Time
~Reiya
Reno: [Hand to chest] What the hell do you think you're doing?
Kadaj: What? I'm just proving that you trust me without a doubt. [holds up Souba]
Reno: Get that this away from me. [Runs to hide behind writer]
Me: Uh…maybe you should wait to later to do this Kadaj. [Sweat drops and backs up nervously]
Kadaj: Fine. [Pouts and walks off]
Me: Whew, Enjoy the story. [Smiles and waves to all readers.]
