Chapter 11

LoneWolfStar7: I hope she doesn't kill herself. I look forward to her reviews and would miss them very much

Rayz Kitten: This is mainly a Kevin/Lee fic, but I have plans for another that is equal part Kev/Lee and Kai/Ray

Avril Fan: The "O_o ... ... ... O_o" was for your idea of pairing up Gary and Kenny. I'm a half/half Matrix fan, just worked well for this fic. Oh, and there's a special treat at the end of this chappie. ^_^

Gothic-Wolf : I want to update? Naaaaahyeeeeeaaah. I do.

More Matrix spoilers. But don't worry, they're from the first film, and none of them are too big. I made sure of that.

Cheers echoed off the walls, hoots of delight as the sound of the raging battle surrounded them. They unconsciously ducked or shied away as the bullets ripped in from the side, only to burst out laughing at their own cowardice before leaning forward, eyes once more fixated on the screen.

The sound of ringing caused some of them to groan, shouts of protest and threats to destroy the phone met by chuckling from the rest. Lee took Kevin's hand, kissing the back of it in a 'back in a minute' before sliding from his arms and moving toward the offending object, scooping up the receiver.

"Hello?" He paused, listening for a moment and tossing a look toward the lounge-pit, the noise coming from within almost drowning out the words of the speaker on the other end. Frowning slightly, Lee sighed. "Hang on a moment." Stepping down the hallway, Lee slid into his room, closing the door behind him. "Try now, Grandfather."

"I was saying, young Lee," the Elder began, "that it is good to once again hear your voice. It has been missed in the village."

"I doubt that." Lee smiled faintly. "It not being there means less fights."

His grandfather chuckled, and Lee could see the smile across the elder mans lips. "Indeed that is true. But it has been missed none the less. How have you been over these last few months? No doubt they have proven challenging."

Lee sighed, dropping onto the divan. "Yeah. But just when I thought I couldn't handle it anymore, Kevin would be there to pull me back again. He's been my guiding light."

"Mm. I was wondering how long it would be before you finally sensed the connection between you. I was beginning to think it would never occur."

Lee blinked. "Wh-what do you mean?"

"Some things cannot be foretold, such as the troubles of recent times. But some things are laid before you, a foreseen path that some may see before you even take the first step toward your destiny." He paused. "You and young Ki are lovers."

Lee's eyes widened. "How…"

"There has always existed a bond between you, but at the same time you were repelled from one another by your stubbornness and beliefs. I could do nothing but wait for you to realise and discover this bond for yourselves."

Lee shook his head, sinking further into the cushions. "But our traditions… it is shamed upon for-"

"Some traditions must remain, but others must adapt, just as recent events have shown. I am arguing strongly for young Minx to have her destiny placed within her own hands, but many do not agree. They argue for the greater good, not comprehending the pain and suffering that it is causing.

"Mariah is no more the victim than you are, young Lee. It is true that what she did was dishonourable, but she was taken at a time she was vulnerable. I have spent many a night by her side, helping her through her tears as others she once held dear to her close their doors in her time of need."

Lee swallowed. "But Grandfather she… she…"

"You must open your mind, young Lee, for your mind is your weakness. Open it, and you will see that she had her reasons for doing what she did. She could not comprehend that you would not love her forever, that Ray and Kevin would move on to find their true soul mate."

Lee felt his mouth go dry. How can he know so much? "Grandfather, about Ray-"

"He is with his team captain, is he not? Or has my ability to read people starting to wither in my old age." He chuckled. "I still hold you close to my heart, young Leeroy. You are all my little White Tigers, and I am proud of you and respect your choices, both past, present, and in the future."

Lee smiled. "Thank you."

"If there is but one thing that angers me," his grandfather continued, "it is the breaking of a promise you made so many seasons ago. You bonded together, swearing to stand by one another through the hard times and the good. It disappoints me to see that this promise has gone unkept, which is why I am sending her to you."

Lee felt the breath catch in his throat. "No…"

"What causes your fear, young Lee? There is nothing to fear in the young woman but a fiery spirit that has almost extinguished. She is almost broken, and those who have been there in the past are gone." He paused. "I have already spoken with your Stanley Dickenson and he has reluctantly agreed to bring her to Japan. She will be staying with other young mothers like herself, but you all must meet her, the four of you together. The White Tigers cannot be whole without the Mountain Cat."

Lee sighed, nodding. "Alright, we'll meet her."

"Allow her to explain her side of the story, young Lee, and tell her yours. Remember to keep your emotions in line, as control is more important now then ever before. Chin up, my grandson, as all will be well again." He paused. "And now, unfortunately, I must return to my own battle. The other Elders await my return. I will fight for you, young Lee, just do this one favour for me in return."

"Again, thank you." Lee smiled. "You truly are sent from the gods."

"You were their gift to me, young Lee, which is why I must look after you for them. Have faith, and the true path will reveal itself. Until we speak again."

"Goodbye Grandfather."

~~~~*~~~~

Kevin looked up as Lee rejoined them, reading his lovers face. "It was your Grandfather, wasn't it? You always go all thoughtful after you speak with him."

"Yeah, it was him." Lee looked up at the movie, noting that they were up to one of the 'boring' parts, making it safe to talk. "I just can't figure him out. It's like he knows exactly what's going on even though he's thousands of miles away."

Kevin frowned. "What do you mean?"

Lee raised an eyebrow. "Well, he knows about us for one."

"Shit." Kevin's mouth hung open as he gaped at the other. "Seriously?"

Lee nodded. "Come right out and said it. 'You and young Ki are lovers'. I was glad I was already sitting down, because I think I would have collapsed."

"I'll say."

Lee reached out, tapping his foot against Ray's. "Not the only thing he knew, either."

Ray, who had been pretending to be focused keenly on the movie, shot a sharp look to the side. "You're kidding me."

Lee shook his head. "Dead serious."

Ray slumped further back into Kai's arms and moaned. "How does he do it?"

"He's an Elder," Gary said simply. "They are chosen not just because of their age but other things too."

"Like foresight," Lee said softly, tapping his thumbnail against his teeth thoughtfully. "Damn curse, foresight."

"Handy when it works, though," Kevin commented.

Ray nodded in agreement. "You really ought to learn how to use it properly, Lee."

Lee growled, mentally brushing the comments off. "There's one other thing, though I don't think you're going to like it." He set himself. "Mariah's coming."

"What!?"

Kevin went stiff beside him, Ray grabbing Kai's knee and digging his nails in so hard that the Russians face contorted with pain as he reached down with both hands to try and pry Ray's grip free, swearing softly.

Kevin looked at Lee. "Did he say why the hell he was sending her?"

"He wants us to listen to her. Get her side of the story." He sighed. "He said that despite what we think, we need her just as much as she needs us. As friends I mean. He says we made a promise we would stick together and we need to keep it."

Ray shook his head. "After what she did-"

"We have no choice in this, Ray." Lee looked up at him, meeting his best friends golden cat-like spheres. "We have to give her a chance. If it doesn't work out, then it doesn't work out. But we need to keep a clear and open mind through this."

Ray's eyebrows rose. "Lee, you've always had a closed mind."

"I'm working on it."

"It good she coming," Gary spoke up. "You guys talk, tell her how you feel and she'll tell you how she feels. That way you get both sides to story. Make decisions then."

Kevin shook his head. "Well I don't like it."

Lee raised an eyebrow. "How did I know you were going to say that?"

"Guys!" Max called. "Neo's heading into the government building. It's loose change time!"

All attention returned to the screen, laughing at the security guards shocked reaction as Neo revealed his walking arsenal, the shootout beginning. As it became more intense, Kai slid his arms around Ray, drawing the neko-jin into his lap and nuzzling his neck, Ray smiling and leaning back against his strong chest, their eyes still on the screen.

Kevin slid his arm back around Lee, Lee draping his own around Kevin' shoulders as their eyes sparkled, fangs glittering at the bloodshed, effects, and music. Matrix was still their all time favourite movie, and their love for it remained strong.

Tyson rested his head on Max's shoulder, the blond already balanced in his lap. A small smile played across Tyson's lips as he realised that the others were distracted and wouldn't notice anything outside the movie. He slid one of the hands from around Max's waist downward, sliding it under the waistband of Max's pants. Max jerked violently as Tyson's fingers came in contact with his manhood, gasping softly.

"Ty, don't," Max whispered. "Not in front of the others."

Tyson grabbed a large cushion, plonking it onto Max's lap and grinning, pressing his mouth up against Max's ear. "Makes it more of a thrill."

Max drew in a deep breath as Tyson's hand closed around him, and it didn't take long for Max to be fully aroused. He bit his lip, trying to keep a straight face as his loins burned, swallowing hard as Tyson quickened his movements, stroking and caressing, the whole time keeping his eyes on the screen.

Max whimpered faintly in the back of his throat, Tyson forcing the issue, trying to end it at a certain moment. He timed it perfectly, Max erupting as the elevator exploded, the sound ripping through the speakers drowning out Max's low moan. The blond slumped back against him breathing hard, Tyson pulling his hand free, a smirk on his lips. And the others had no idea…

Mariah's coming to Japan! This should be interesting. And did you pick up the hint that Lee's gifted at foresight, only doesn't know how to use it? Maybe if he spent more time studying instead of playing with his toys… ^_~

And some Max/Tyson mush. Tyson's been a very naughty boy. Think they've gotten away with it?