A/N: Good news – there were no tests for me this week, so this chapter indeed managed to appear right on schedule (or actually, as I've had a particularly good day AND I want to give you some relief after all those monstrous cliffies in the last chapter, a day early), and the next one should as well. Hooray!
Uh… With the cliffies I left you guys with last time, I suppose I'll better get to the chapter – for my own safety… (sweatdrops) But first…
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your reviews – you have no idea of what boost you've given me! (HUGE hugs, candies and… whatever nice there is to you all!) And also thank you for listing this story! I've noticed there's been some buzzing going on around that field, too. (cheers)
Awkay, before you'll totally run out of patience due to my babbling… Here we go! New chapter – and start of a new saga as well, by the way! (I almost started a new fic from here, but in the end decided it's simpler this way.) 'Hope you'll enjoy!
/ Hilary's eyes were widened with utter, paralysing terror as she stared at the huge, dark phoenix approaching the hospital. Her other hand – clasped tightly around Kenny's son Joshua's – was trembling furiously. People all around her were screaming, most of them also crying. So bowed her head and closed her eyes tightly.
One minute, and it'd be all over. The phoenix was already so close…
Then, something started to happen so fast she could barely comprehend. A painful warmth radiated from the bracelet decorating her wrist, and before she could even yelp, she heard everyone around her gasp and whisper.
" What the heck is that?"" Is it gonna attack us?"
Lifting her gaze, her ruby eyes grew wide again as she spotted a rather huge fox with thick, silvery fur and flaming jade-coloured eyes right outside the building, obviously defying the approaching phoenix. Immediately, she understood.
Drachea…
She gasped when watching her bit-beast jump into motion, then leap closer and closer to the bird, jade- eyes showing absolute no fear. And to everyone's amazement, the phoenix actually stopped, as though another side inside it had taken over.
Drachea was obviously too worked up with other things to conceal her thoughts from Hilary, so she heard clearly. ' Dranzer, please – I know you're still somewhere in there, so I'm begging you! Please, stop this! I know you can!' The voice was trembling just a tiniest bit with movement, and as the fox's eyes filled with moisture and affection, the phoenix's also softened, warmed – turned into those Hilary easily recognized. Encouraged by the development, the fox went on. ' I know you can defeat that mindless monster, so make it stop this! You're the only one who can! Fight back and come back to us, to… me.'
Slowly, as though in slowed motion, the phoenix bowed its head with a sad chirp they could just hear, rested its forehead against Drachea's. For a moment, the two bit-beasts remained like that, their eyes closed and sunken into a little world no one else had access to. Then, so abruptly that Hilary jumped, the phoenix chirped again – this time desperately – and rose to its wings, flying off before Drachea could make a movement to stop her.
Watching the phoenix go, the silvery fox lifted its head and gave a long, misery-filled howl that should've rather came from a wolf. Soon afterwards, it also disappeared. /
(Megiddo Saga, Chapter 1) CHAPTER 14: The Journey Begins
Although she'd been face to face with the horrendous new world for five months already, Hilary still felt nauseated by the sight before her as she glanced through the hospital's window.
As far as 'lucky' still existed, that's what everyone inside the building had been when the disaster stroke – the phoenix's wall of devastation had stopped two blocks from the hospital when Drachea had shown up for rescue.
Afterwards, it wasn't only the phoenix that'd created devastation. Fires caused by its attack and collapsing buildings had killed many. Also, there seemed to be quite a number of epidemic diseases spreading like wildfire, and people – doing absolutely anything in order to survive – were merciless to each other when something as simple as finding food was nearly impossible.
To Hilary, it seemed world had gone crazy.
Since that dark day, she'd been working along with a huge number of other people to help as much as she possibly could – after all, she was a practically graduated doctor. But no amount of injuries and deaths was enough to hinder the worry swelling in the back of her mind.
For five long months, she hadn't heard a word from the friends she'd left back to Russia, didn't even know if they were alive anymore. And to top that, Drachea had been completely silent since that day, no matter how many times she'd called out for her – it was like that bit-beast had fallen into some kind a coma. Plus, with each and every passing day, her baby-bump kept growing – in about a month, she'd have to deliver a innocent child into this shattered world.
Sighing deeply, she slumped into a chair placed nearby and brought one hand to the bump. The baby was kicking furiously – too hard, she would've figured, had she not been so deep in thought. Her eyes slipped closed.
Kai, if you can hear me up there… She bit her lip, hard. Wherever you are, please look after them all, okay? Please? Because, I… I already lost you, and… I don't think I could lose anyone else.
" Hils?" Turning her head, she found Irina standing in the doorway. The Russian seemed completely exhausted and worn after spending yet another day patrolling the streets. After the devastation, robbers and other lowlife characters had seen their chance coming. The street were far from safe, and thus some type of guards were desperately needed to maintain the faint illusion of security the destroyed city still had. Irina had signed in to duty almost right after the destruction – to get her thoughts off of her brother's death, and the fates of Bryan and her other friends, Hilary knew. " I'm sorry to disturb you, but… We were attacked. There are three wounded ones."
Cursing under her breath, Hilary pushed herself up – until she froze completely, gasping when a slashing surge of pain hit her stomach. Her eyes widened with panic.
Oh no…The look upon Irina's face didn't help her relax at all. The raven-haired was staring at her pants. " Oh no, Hilary…"
Looking down, Hilary felt her insides freeze.
Staining her pants was a rather large, growing stain of crimson blood.
Meeting all the devastation caused by the phoenix's attack on a daily basis, Kenny knew he'd survived with little. His children were both alright, as was Emily and his friends in Philadelphia. But still, he couldn't chase away the dark feelings flowing through. Not knowing how all those he'd left to Russia were doing – if they were even alive – was driving him insane.
Losing Kai had been just about more than he could bear. He didn't think he'd make it through losing another friend.
And it didn't make things any easier that every day, he was forced to watch Emily and Michael together – witness how the woman he loved more than he'd ever love anyone else was slowly starting out a new life with another man.
" Uh, Kenny… Don't you think your mug's quite full enough?" Emily's voice suddenly floated into his mind.
At first he blinked, not quite understanding what she meant. Then, feeling burning-hot coffee spilling from a mug to his hand, he yelped with pain.
They'd been fortunate he'd managed to find a tiny portable heater he'd made years ago from his apartment, and even luckier that it didn't need electricity to work – but the downside was that it made coffee unbearably hot in record-time.
He winced when looking at his burnt hand, already seeing a small blister forming.
Oh great… Just what I needed…Giving a deep sigh, Emily started to guide him towards a sink. Despite the situation, her touch sent shivers of pleasure through him. " C'mon, we'll better get some cold water on that", she murmured.
Watching her soft, surprisingly small hands working on his burned one, he sunk too deep into thought to manage to stop her before it was too late. Emily's eyes widened as she shifted his hand – and saw a tattoo on his wrist, just below the back of his hand. " Kenny…", she gasped, sounding out of breath.
Angelica, it said.
For a moment, he felt too choked to speak out. Then, so quietly Emily could barely hear… " When… When she was born, and died… I asked Rick to make that tattoo for me." (1) He could feel self-control slipping. " Just… so I'd remember that she was our daughter, too, always will be."
His words striking them full-force, both felt something inside them crack. And at that moment, they did something that should've been done years ago.
Throwing away all the facades they'd build up since the black day their daughter had died, they broke into tears and cling to each other as though for dear life, both crying helplessly under the tremendous weight of what they'd lost.
And they could tell that from heaven's up above, a tiny figure was observing them with a wide, knowing smile upon her face.
¨
Neither noticed Michael Parker stood right behind the room's slightly inched door, something strange in his eyes.
For a moment, his hand twitched on the door-handle, his whole body prepared to burst in. But in the end, he simply spun around and slipped away, disappearing like a shadow.
Alex/Kai (damn, it was confusing and irritating that he couldn't even remember something as simple as his name!) had no idea of what to do with all the stuff that'd been buzzing inside his head for months now, screaming so loudly it was nearly impossible to think clearly.
Those strange dreams that persistently kept appearing, all that'd happened between him and Dmitri, everything that phoenix had managed to do because of his mistake, those intimidating black patterns appearing to his skin every time he lost control…
But, surprisingly enough, when he cracked his eyes open that morning, the buzzing wasn't even nearly as loud as it had been. Actually… As far as it was possible, he was feeling comfortable – he would've even said safe it he hadn't known Dr. Plavov was observing him every second.
Turning his head, he frowned when noticing that Dmitri was leaving, soundlessly pulling his clothes on. " Are you going already?"
For the past months, the silver-haired man had left every day to work in a local hospital – after all, as he was a almost graduated doctor, he was a great, much needed help. Alex/Kai accepted and understood it – but still, it hurt him when the other left. Plus, after all that'd happened, he couldn't help worrying if Dmitri would come back every time the man closed the door.
Dmitri gave him a apologetic look. " I'm sorry, Alex. But…"
He hushed the other with a thin smile and shake of head. " I know. You wouldn't be the man I've learned to know if you didn't go there."
Relief flashing in his eyes, Dmitri – obviously surrendering to his desires – walked up to him and placed a kiss to his forehead. " Thanks."
Closing his eyes and smiling as well, he leaned closer, welcoming the gesture that'd became their own, private little sign of affection, once again amazed by how fortunate he was with having something like this. Even after all this time, the other hadn't pressured him in any way – to remember, to leave Moscow behind – although all this mess was certainly killing the silver-haired. Also, no matter how much Dmitri would've certainly wanted to (and although they'd slept countless of nights in the same bed) the man hadn't… insisted to take their 'relationship' further. He was far above grateful for that – he definitely wasn't ready for such a change just yet, not with all the confusion. He could only wonder how on earth he'd earned the affection of someone that perfect.
" I'll see you at three, right?" he forced himself into murmuring, feeling cold when the other's lips left him.
" Right." There was moment of hesitating silence, before Dmitri asked something that'd most likely been plaguing him for a long time. " Alex… You're going to work with Tala again, aren't you?"
He opened his eyes, feeling surprised – and, if he was honest with himself, guilty. Since the day of destruction, he'd spent almost every day with Tala and Tyson, helping the two find a way to locate their lost loved ones. It was purely innocent, of course, but sometimes… For some ridiculous reason, he just couldn't help feeling it was wrong towards Dmitri to be that nearby Tala, to spent so much time with the redhead. " Yeah", he forced through extremely tight throat. Then, seeing the look upon Dmitri's face, he frowned and reached out a hand, brushing the silver-haired's cheek tenderly. " 'Mitri, what's going on? You've never been like this before."
The other looked downwards, obviously embarrassed. " I'm sorry, I just…" Dmitri gulped heavily. " I… I know I'm a total bastard, but… I'm scared, you know? That… that all of a sudden, you'll remember, and… they'll take you away."
Eyes softening, he wrapped both of his arms around the other. " So that's what's been bothering you?" He rested his forehead against Dmitri's. " 'Mitri, there's no way I could ever be taken away from you – not by a life that doesn't even belong to me."
Dmitri didn't seem convinced. " I don't think even you believe that you're not Kai – you wouldn't have stayed for five months as Dr. Plavov's guinea-pig if a part of you wouldn't believe that this is your life. Plus…" The man brushed his hair, now two-toned as the last of hair-dye had faded away. " … there's no denying facts. You're an exact copy of him."
All of a sudden, a bout of such determination filled him that it scared him. " It wouldn't matter even if I would remember everything, if those people would manage to prove that I'm Kai Hiwatari. Because…" His mouth opened for several times, until finally, words that'd formally scared him to death spilled through, like drops of water through a broken damn. " I… I love you, Dmitri. And nothing could take me away from you."
Disbelief widened Dmitri's blue eyes, and he could tell the other barely managed to breathe, hardly dared to believe. There was a longest pause, until the silver-haired managed to wheeze. " Do you… Do you mean it?"
He nodded, smiling. Gosh, how incredibly good it felt now that those words had finally been set free! " Yeah."
Then, before he could even blink, Dmitri's lips slammed against his with hungry passion. This time, it was he who had difficulties with breathing.
As Dmitri finally forced himself to cut the kiss, there was a look of misery in the man's blue eyes. " Do you have any idea of how hard you just made leaving you?"
He laughed. " Go, those people need you. I just woke up; I'm not in the mood to kick you out."
Smirking – still looking like he'd won in a lottery – Dmitri gave him a one last kiss. " I'll be back before you know it", the silver-haired promised, before taking off towards the door. " I love you, too."
A faintest of smiles was still on his lips. " I know. Be safe."
As door slid closed after the other, he winced, yet another flash causing a stab to his head. " Damnit…", he hissed.
/ Someone buried their face into his hairpulling him close lovingly. " I love you so much, both of you."
He shifted his head, placing it into the crook of the stranger's neck. " I love you too – always." /
He groaned with irritation, rubbing his head as the pain slowly subsided. What the heck was that about?
He then shook his head, deciding.
Just another fragment of imagination.
Then, remembering something, he took a glance at the clock placed to a wall nearby, and sighed. He'd better stop this ridiculous daydreaming, because he was late as it was – Tala and Tyson had probably started working already.
As he pushed himself out of the bed, rubbing his neck, he had no idea of the black patters dancing underneath his fingertips.
Misha Kuznetsov hadn't been blessed with emotions – let alone that of empathy. Therefore, when his saviour and caretaker – Maura Ennis – had been informed that her parents had died during the phoenix's attack, all he'd managed was to sit still and watch her cry. (Having been taught by Ilia Repnin, such weakness had sickened him.) But despite his lack of words and actions of support, Maura had been pleased that he'd simply been there – almost like the mere presence of another human-being had soothed her. And (as Misha discovered with great confusion) during the months passing, the strange young woman had gained a belief that there was… a bond between them, that they were close. He let her remain in the safety of that illusion. As much as he hated the idea, for the time being he needed her to take care of his injuries. And if allowing her to keep lying to herself was what it took to keep her at hand, so be it. After all, with how quiet and tender Maura was, her company wasn't entirely unpleasant.
In order to maintain her as his 'personal nurse', he'd even went as far as killing off a useless, pitiable group of three men that'd tried to rape her a little less than two months ago. That day, Maura had decided that she was in love with him. And even though he had no emotions, Misha did have urges, strong ones at that. So that night, in a badly squeaking bed in Maura's nearly collapsed house, they'd had sex for a first time.
In present, Misha growled with severe irritation as he slowly pushed himself out of the bed mentioned before, putting weight on the leg Irina had damaged. It did hold, barely, but was so stiff and sore that there was no way he'd be able to use it properly.
His eyes squinted with fury.
How unfortunate…The leg would have to be much better before he'd be able to continue his haunt for Irina and that cursed brunette – Hilary. But luckily, he was patient by his nature.
He'd been waiting for five long months. He could easily enough keep doing so for a little bit longer.
" Misha, are you awake?" Maura's voice caused him to turn his head. The woman's face seemed oddly pale as she stood by the doorway, evidently trembling.
He nodded, not bothering to speak out the obvious. " Is something wrong?" He forced himself into using that smooth, polite tone he'd grown accustomed to choosing whenever speaking to her.
Seeming even more nervous, Maura slowly entered. " Misha, there's… Something's… happened…" She gulped thickly, running a trembling hand through her hair. She no longer dared to meet his eyes. " After… After that night, I… I've been feeling sick, and… I was late. So I made a test." She bit her lip so hard he was sure it hurt. " Misha, I… I'm pregnant. We're going to have a baby."
Those words eventually registering, Misha found his eyebrow bouncing up with genuine surprise.
Now this certainly was unexpected.
Gradually, with much effort, Bryan's eyelids cracked open to meet a flash of painfully bright light that caused him to groan with irritation. " Hey, are you awake? If you are, let me know."
His lips feeling bone-dry, he licked them slowly before giving a pathetic croak he could barely hear himself. " Where… am I…?"
The light – a tiny flashlight, he discovered as his vision cleared – disappeared, revealing him the face of a young woman with coral-coloured hair and sharp turquoise eyes. " My name is Aisha. This is a refugee-camp. You walked in three days ago and collapsed." She frowned. " You had quite a bit of injuries, though luckily, none were life-threatening. What happened to you?"
At Aisha's words, it all hit him like a sledgehammer. His eyes widened.
The plane crashing… All those people, dying instantly… The smell of burning flesh… All that pain… And… that little-girl, who'd talked to him during the flight – the only one he'd managed to save…
Emitting a gasp, he bounced into a sitting position, ignoring the pain radiating from his most likely multiple wounds. " That kid I brought here with me, the girl… Is she okay?"
Aisha's eyes immediately filled with pain. She couldn't look at him as she replied after a long, heavy pause. " I… I'm sorry, but… Her wounds were just too severe. She passed away last night." She gulped heavily. " I'm sorry."
Shock washed over Bryan like a tideway, striking him numb and mute. He barely heard the woman's next words. " I know you'd need some time to adjust to things, but I need to ask… What's your name? Where are you coming from?"
When he eventually managed to speak, his voice was strange and hollow, monotonic. " My flight… It crashed into Los Angeles, months ago. I've been walking since."
Aisha's eyes grew dramatically. " You've walked?" she gasped. " But… Los Angeles is over seven hundred kilometres from here!"
Again, he didn't even hear her as he went on. " And, as for my name…" For a moment, he wondered if he should lie, but decided against it. " I'm Bryan Kuznetsov."
At that, came a distantly familiar female-voice he hadn't heard in years, since he'd quitted beyblading." Bryan?" It was a strangled gasp. " Oh my goodness, I can't believe this… What on earth are you doing here?"
Lifting his head in disbelief, he met face he'd last came across over ten years ago. He had to blink a few times. " Julia?"
The last time they'd met, Julia Fernandez and her twin-brother Raul had been shining on bey-arena – already then, he'd been forced to admit that she was one of the strongest female bladers he'd ever came across. Later, during the celebration for Tyson's world-championship, they'd talked for a while (or well, she'd talked, he'd listened). For some odd reason, he'd found himself tolerating her company.
Now, she'd evidently grown up. She'd cut her partially dyed hair short and spiky, and her worn outfit was far more casual by its nature. Also, something had changed in her eyes, though he couldn't quite name what it was.
After a small blink, he managed to shake those thoughts away and spoke. " I could ask you the same thing", he noted in his usual, rather resigned tone, tilting his head a little. " Aren't you from Spain?"
The flash of tremendous ache in her eyes immediately stated that he shouldn't have asked. Julia seemed to be looking at something far away as she whispered, arms wrapped tightly around herself. " Raul… When… it happened, he was in Philadelphia. I… I haven't heard from him since. Also…" She took in a deep, hopeless sigh. " There's someone else in there I need to find as well." She gulped thickly. " I was on my way to see that person when…" She trailed off.
Bryan nodded, speechless – what the hell was one supposed to say after a revelation like that? After a moment's furious inner debate, he decided that she deserved an answer to her question. Despite all the months of separation and the pure torture past five months had been, Irina's face immediately floated into his mind. " I… also have a special someone in Philadelphia I need to find and bring back home."
They both looked to side when Aisha gasped loudly. " Did… Did you say Philadelphia?" There was a sympathy- and sadness-filled look in the woman's eyes. " I… I'm so very sorry, but… According to the little information we've managed to gather, Philadelphia was one of those cities the phoenix attacked. No one knows if any of it was spared."
Bryan's heart immediately grew so cold that he was almost sure it wouldn't be able to beat any longer.
No…He… He'd already lost so many people… If he'd lost Irina, too…
But Julia's eyes – lighting into a inferno – were far from defeated as she hissed. " Raul is my twin-brother. If… If something would've happened to him… Trust me, I'd know. He's still out there, waiting for me." Her fists balled while eyes narrowed. " So trust me, even if there'd be nothing but ruins and ashes left of Philadelphia, I'd go there. There's nothing in this world that'd stop me."
Rather easily, her determination spread into Bryan's heart as well. His eyes flashed. " I'm going with you." Because, he realized, if Irina was hurt, or worse, he'd know, too.
The medic seemed no less doubtful. " But… It's over two thousand kilometres away, and no one knows in what condition the roads are!"
First time, a small, yet genuine smile came to Julia's face. " It's alright. Because even if there wouldn't be roads at all, we'd find a way."
For a moment, Aisha's face remained disbelieving. Then – obviously making up her mind about something – she searched through her pockets and handed them a key. " Bryan, I shouldn't let you leave, considering you just woke up, but… That's for my car – it's the blue one, parked a couple of blocks from here. I'm not sure if it still works, or if there's any gas left, but maybe you'll get somewhere with it. I'm not going to need it, anyway."
Julia's smile widened. " Thank you so much!"
" Thanks", Bryan heard himself echoing.
The woman's responding smile was a slightly sad one. " Good luck, you two. You'll certainly need it."
Julia nodded, growing more solemn. " Thank you", she repeated, then added. " I promise, we'll bring the car back as soon as we can."
The medic waved her hand. " Don't worry about it. As I already said, I have no use for it."
Having said their goodbyes, the two left. And all they could do was pray that the ones they were going to look for were alive and well.
A miracle had happened the day the dark phoenix had attacked Ray's home-village. Just when all had almost been lost, Ray had felt Driger's energy flowing all around him, heard his beloved bit-beast's booming order for the phoenix to stop. And miraculously, the bird had obeyed, as thought recalling something – they'd been saved. But not fast enough. Almost half of the village had been lost. And as from that day, had started a hellish process of getting what was left back together. Also, they'd all done absolutely everything possible to take care of the sorrowfully small number of survivors arriving from two destroyed villages nearby.
So busy everyone had been, that they hadn't even noticed Mischa's disappearance – or well, all but one.
Yet another day of changing bandages and listening to peoples' nightmarish tales of what'd happened five months ago turning into night, Ray took a deep sigh of relief when quietly entering the dimly lighted hut where Mischa had been. This was a tradition he'd been performing daily since her disappearance, almost as though it'd bring him closer to getting her back. All strength abandoning his legs, he slumped to the floor. " Gosh, 'Cha, this has been a nightmare!" he sighed, running a hand through his once more long-grown raven hair. He swallowed hard, shaking his head. " I… I wish so bad that I could just come and find you, but…" He shook his head, laughing bitterly. " It's amusing, you know? Dad, he kicked me out five months ago, but now – seeing that I'm a psychologist, valuable, he wouldn't let me leave. And… And…" Were those tears that tickled his eyes? " I just… miss you so bad, you know? I… I just want you back. I'd really need you right now. So, if…"
Suddenly – aided by a strangest, almost unnatural narrow ray of light appearing out of nowhere – he saw something that'd remained hidden for months. A tiny note, carefully placed to the bottom of her bed.
He was trembling violently as he took the piece of paper, and the shivering became even worse as he read the few words, made in Mischa's handwriting.
Boris. Moscow.
Please help me!
He was moving before he could finish another coherent thought.
¨
In a surprisingly fast pace, he'd gathered all the little belongings he'd brought along, plus prepared both Kai and Tala's fully recovered daughter and his son Yoshi for a trip – the poor child didn't seem to have a slightest clue of what was happening, why he'd been brutally awakened and why they were leaving again. Despite all guilt welling inside, Ray came to realize that there wasn't time for explanations yet.
Just as he'd finished packing and rushed out of his hut, he froze with near-terror when Haku's familiar voice came from his right. " Ray, there's…" And then, the female neko-jin saw what he was doing. Her eyes flashed hazardously. " What the hell are you doing?"
Taking a deep sigh and hoping for best, he showed her the note. " This… I just found it. It's… It's from Mischa", he nearly whispered. Then, after a heavy pause, he went on cautiously. " I… I have to go. I need to help her."
Ray fully expected Haku to roar at him, to even slap him. Therefore shock coursed through him when, instead, she simply nodded, eyes – although sad and pained – carrying no bitterness or accusation. " I understand."
He blinked owlishly. " You… do?"
His stun didn't diminish a bit when she actually melted into a slightest of smiles. " I noticed how you looked at Mischa, hear your voice every time you say her name. You've only felt like this towards a woman once before." Slowly, a hint of hesitation apparent, she offered him a hand. " Whatever has happened to her, go and save her – or you'll never forgive yourself. I can't hold you back, not anymore."
Also smiling just a little, he accepted the hand. " We're not kids anymore, huh?"
Grief was apparent in Haku's golden eyes. " No, we're not." The woman's gaze then hardened a shade as she let go of him. " Now go. Ten kilometres from here, you'll hopefully find a small village. Once there, look for a man named Rukea. He owns a small plane, and will take you to Russia if you mention my name."
For some odd reason, Ray felt close to tears. " Thank you", he whispered hoarsely, not knowing what else to say.
Haku's hand trembled as she wiped away the one tear that rolled. " Just go already, before Naima notices what's going on and begs you to stay. I'll take care of your father."
He snorted. " He already wants me gone. There's nothing left to take care of." Then, remembering that he had no time to waste, he – with mild reluctance – prepared to leave the place that'd almost started to feel like home again. Gently, he took a better hold of Kai's daughter and graphed confused-looking Yoshi's hand, blinking furiously. " Bye, 'Ku. I promise you, I'll see you again."
Haku merely nodded, her teary eyes clearly saying 'Just go already'.
So, unable to take another glance over his shoulder, he started to walk away, courageously biting back all threatening tears.
And all he could do was hope he wasn't committing a huge mistake.
Behind him, Haku closed her eyes. The rain that miraculously came just then effectively disguised another wetness that flowed across her pale cheeks. Her whisper became captured by raindrops. " Goodbye."
¨
From a tent nearby, a pair of hard, unreadable golden eyes followed the young neko-jin's distancing footsteps, almost like guarding them.
" Are you still sure about this, Kyoshi?" came a old woman's soft voice from behind him. " He's still your son, no matter how many mistakes he's made. Are you sure you want to do this to him, that you never want to see him again?"
His eyes – burning hellishly – narrowed. He didn't turn to look at her. " Stay out of things you understand nothing of, Grandma Shatsena." With those words, he left the tent.
There were dozens of things to do.
Outside, rain thankfully hid away all spilling traces of his emotions.
Tala's head was hurting. And no, just a tiny annoying tinge of ache would do, not even a full-blown migraine. This one felt like someone had been plunging a burning knife through his skull.
About billion things were fighting over attention inside his head. The safety of Bryan and others who weren't in Russia, as he hadn't heard a word from them. (Ian and Spencer were alright, thank heavens.) Also, Kai still hadn't remembered a thing, and – with Tala being able to do nothing but watch – seemed to be growing closer to Dmitri by each and every day. Frankly, Tala still wasn't too sure if he could trust the silver-haired Russian – or Raphael, who still hadn't revealed his secrets concerning Kai. And, on the very top of his list, was of course the wellbeing of his children. He still didn't have a slightest clue of where Konstantin was and what those bastards had done to him, nor if his baby-girl was even alive anymore. Such uncertainty was killing him.
And it definitely didn't help at all that Tyson – who was just as determined to find Hilary as he was to get his children back – had insisted to get to help him discover a way to find their missing loved ones. As expected, the bluenette wasn't exactly the most quiet possible companion, especially when frustrated.
He groaned dangerously when Tyson threw yet another book across the rather large library of the BBA-building, nearly hitting him with it. " We're not getting anywhere!" the bluenette screeched, flapping his hands madly. " We've been searching for five months, damnit, and found nothing! What the hell are you expecting to find after all that time?!"
Tala was pretty sure the rapidly swelling vein in his head popped just then. " I'll know what we're looking for when I find it, alright?" he snarled, picking up the book Tyson had just thrown and examining it. " And Granger, you'd be much more use if you'd actually read these books before using them as throwing-weapons."
When Tyson went back to his work and muttered in Japanese, he most likely had no idea Tala could also speak the language. " Idiot… think… slave or something… punch off that damn…"
He already opened his mouth for a retort, when all words got stuck into his throat as he discovered Kai stood by the library's doorway, arms folded – when the once again dual-haired Russian had arrived, he had no idea. There was something close to amusement flickering in Kai's auburn eyes. " I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"
Tala couldn't help but smirk. It felt almost insanely good to see traces of the Kai he'd known returning. " Only a nearly attempted homicide", he managed.
Tyson – ignoring him – grinned widely. " Hey! So you decided to ditch that cell of yours!" the bluenette greeted, referring to the room Dr. Plavov had practically ordered Kai to stay in.
Tala almost made a rather bitter remark concerning Dmitri yet again abandoning Kai, but fortunately managed to catch his tongue. Instead, he forced his mouth into forming something else. " Did you come to help?" As if he hadn't known – Kai'd came every day during to past months.
Kai nodded, stepping further inside. " There's still a mountain of these books to go through. And I need something else than Dr. Plavov's tests and questions for my head to work on. This way, I can make myself useful."
As they looked at each other, for this short, fleeing moment Tala could've sworn he felt the familiar tingling between them he'd thought lost.
But before he could think further, came Tyson's voice. " You guys, I think I just found something!" The bluenette – staring at some book's pages with widened eyes – sounded like he couldn't believe what he was saying. " This book, it's about… bit-beast… or something. The writer's name is Tatjana Dickinson." The blunette blinked, more than a little confused. " Do you think she's related to Mr. D?"
¨
Hearing the woman's name, Alex/Kai had to use absolutely all his willpower not to yelp, as sharp, stabbing pain attacked his head. Words – origin of which he had absolutely no idea of – floated into his ears, as silent and distant as dreams.
/ " Kai's my son, too! And… And… I won't let you…!" /
/ " Papa, please, stop! Don't hurt mamaI… I'll do anything, I swear. Just… Leave her alone, please." /
/ " Kai… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"
" Mama!" /
Sucking in a silent breath of terror, he quickly looked up. Relief filled him as he discovered the two hadn't noticed his little 'episode'; the last thing he wanted was to have them worried, as they obviously had enough to deal with as it was.
Tala was once again half-glaring at Tyson. " If you really did find something, would you please get to the point?"
The bluenette rolled his eyes. " Geez, you must be having one hell of a stick in your arse! But, since you asked so nicely…" The Japanese flipped through some pages, frowning. " It seems that… the sacred bit-beasts are able to… communicate, talk to each other telepathically."
Another jolt passed Kai's head, causing his eyes to narrow barely visibly. Sacred… Something about this sounded so right…
Tala, on the other hand, seemed genuinely surprised, other eyebrow arched – the redhead obviously couldn't believe he hadn't thought about this before. " Really?" Blue eyes flashed. " Well, in that case… You'll better pull out Dragoon – we need him."
Nodding – determination filling his stormy eyes – Tyson obeyed, and once his hand was tightly wrapped around his beyblade closed his eyes. " Dragoon, can you hear me? I need your help."
After a moment, came a deep, velvet-like male-voice – Kai had no idea of how he could also hear it. ' Yes, Master?'
When Tyson spoke, his voice sounded strange, far tighter and anxious than normally. " You can contact the other sacred bit-beasts, right? I need you to reach out for Dranzer – only she can help us find some… precious people."
There was a moment's silence. When Dragoon spoke again, he sounded exhausted. ' Master, I… I'm sorry, but Dranzer… It appears something's holding her back, blocking me out. I can't get through to her.'
At this point, no matter how sorrowfully little he remembered, he couldn't just stand back anymore. Eyes filled with determination, he walked up to Tyson and spoke out in thought. ' Dragoon, perhaps I can help you', he sent out rather sharply, in his heart knowing the bit-beast heard. He gulped. ' I… I'm not sure why, but… I'm pretty sure she'd listen to me. Perhaps she'll let me through.'
When Dragoon spoke next, he sounded deeply shocked. ' Kai-sama?' Then, he went on. ' Very well, I'll try…'
The waiting felt nearly unbearable. But eventually, he could hear a slightly shivering, exhausted and bewildered female-voice, so familiar he had to smile a bit. ' Master?'
And although he could barely remember, he had to ask. ' Are you alright?'
There was a long pause. ' Yes, Master. Don't worry about me.' Was that a lie? Apparently yes, because the next thing he heard – such that brought chills all over him – was a extremely pained sound. It took for a long time before she spoke again. ' Master, I'm afraid there isn't much time, but…' The voice sounded so exhausted, so very pained, that it hurt him. ' P – Please, tell them… Tell them that Konstantin and Hilary are alright. That… as soon as they can, they'll be back.'
A hollow buzz filled Kai's head, as everything begun to make sense…
Konstantin…
/ " You truly are something special, 'Tin." /
But, for the time being, he forced that thought into retreating to background. He nodded to himself. ' I will', he promised softly. For some strange reason, it felt nearly impossibly hard to feel their connection cracking. ' Just… Wherever you are… Be safe, alright?'
Dranzer's voice was filled with warmth and love as she replied. ' If you promise me the same thing, Master.' And then, he heard nothing more, no longer felt the soothing warmth of her presence.
He surprised when opening his eyes. When had he closed them? He found both Tyson and Tala looking back at him with worry-filled eyes. " Are you okay?" Tala inquired.
He blinked his suddenly stinging eyes, confused. Why wouldn't he be? " Yeah. Why?" His voice sounded oddly soft.
" Because… You're crying", Tyson replied.
In disbelief, he tried his eyes – and true enough, moist met the back of his hand. He quickly created a faint smile to convince the other two. " It's nothing. I'm fine." But still, there was this dull ache inside of him – like a empty space, left by something dear to him lost. Then, to change the subject, he continued. " Dranzer… She said both Konstantin and Hilary are coming home." He grew confused when hearing the softness of his tone when he said 'Konstantin'.
What on earth did this all mean?
And, although he was still far from convinced that he was Kai Hiwatari, he couldn't stop wondering…
Was a part of him… trying to remember?
¨
From a window nearby the extremely high library's roof, Dr. Plavov observed his newest, and by far the most intriguing subject with gleaming, almost possessed eyes. Examining the look upon the dual-haired's face, a though struck him.
Was it starting to remember? For there was no way in hell he'd let that happen.
If that thing would remember – or much worse, be proven to be Kai Hiwatari – there was no way ISA would let him carry on his researches. And that, as he saw it, would be a complete disaster.
" I know that look." Raphael's voice was extremely dangerous as the man took a stand beside him, eyes filled with threat and disgust. " You're planning on something, and it's hardly anything good."
Regaining his usual, haughty look, he gave Raphael a nearly despising look. " You, just stay out of my way. You know well there's no way someone with your authority could ever stop me – especially when I'm doing the right thing. Now, if you'd excuse me…" He started to leave. " … I'm going to get something to drink."
Raphael's hissed words that barely reached his ears, and didn't get even close to sneaking somewhere deeper. " I swear, you asshole. If you harm my nephew in any way – if you as much as cut a hair from his head – I'll haunt you down and make you beg for mercy."
He responded with a snort.
¨
Left alone, Raphael allowed his gaze to wander off to Kai.
A distant memory caused his eyes to darken.
/ Nearly two days after giving Kai the injection, Raphael came to a conclusion that he couldn't just sit around waiting any longer – he had to get Kai out of that hellhole before it'd be too late!
And so, defying every single command given to him by ISA, he sneaked into the headquarters of Black Dahlia, skilfully and soundlessly making his way through, praying that he wasn't too late.
He'd nearly made his way to the cells, when a much too familiar voice stopped him. " Now isn't this amusing."
Emitting a loud growl and lifting his gun in a flash, he spun towards Gabriel's voice – only to discover that his brother was stood about a floor higher than he, protected by bullet-proof glass. " Get down here, you coward!" he hissed.
" There's no need to get upset – or rude. For if you came for your so-called nephew, you're too late." The other studied his expression carefully, taking in every slightest fragment. " You won't get him back from where he's gone to."
Raphael's eyes widened to dangerous extend, unpleasant thoughts spreading. " W – What are you saying?" Damnit, how he hated to stutter in front of his brother! It reminded him dreadfully of the distant, dark days of their childhood.
Gabriel's eyes showed absolutely no emotions as he spoke. " I meant exactly what I said. You can't get him out of here, because he's gone." The man's eyes were as cold and emotionless as ice when boring into his. " He got an infection from the gunshot-wound, and the whatever injection you gave him didn't make things any better. The subject – whom you stubbornly call nephew – is dead. He'll be cremated tomorrow."
It felt like a slap right across the face – or no, worse, it was just about enough to knock him right down. Had he not been struck speechless, he would've screamed, roared, anything to get rid of the pressure steadily building up into his chest.
No, his mind tried to keep telling him. It… It can't be… I just saw him two days ago – there's no way he could be…!
But, slowly and painfully, he begun to realize that there was no escaping facts. It took all his stubbornness and strength of might not to break down in front of his twin-brother.
Staring into Gabriel's eyes, shock washed over him. There was absolutely no emotion in those dark pools. That sick fuck… " You… don't feel a thing, do you?"
The other arched an eyebrow. " Why should I?" The man shrugged. " It was extremely unfortunate to lose something that strong, yes. But other than that, that creature was nothing but another subject – something I'll hopefully be able to replace."
At this, he couldn't hold his bottled up rage back for another second. " He was your son, you asshole!"
Gabriel snorted. " You really are a fool, Raphael." The man's eyes then turned deeply threatening. " Now… I've been generous when letting you stay for this long. But trust me, if you don't get out in five seconds, my patience will run out. And if I ever see your face around here again, I won't hold back my guards."
His eyes narrowed, whole body shivered with rage. " One day, Gabriel – I promise you – I'll make you pay for this."
No expression wavered upon his brother's face. " Proschanie, Raphael."
Reluctantly, realizing that there was absolutely nothing to keep fighting for, the slowly turned around and walked away, just barely managing to lock back the pain surging inside.
Little did he know, a pair of auburn eyes observed him as he went, filled with confusion. /
The excruciating memory fading, his eyes flashed.
He'd already let Kai down once, left him under the mercy of maniacs. There was no way in hell he'd make the same mistake again.
Hilary was shivering violently while laying on a extremely uncomfortable bed, anxiously waiting for the doctor to finish the examination she was performing with the best possible equipment, considering there was still no electricity; even the hospital's own emergency-generators had ran out months ago.
All the while almost rolling tears were burning Hilary's eyes as she prayed with absolutely all her willpower that everything would be alright, that she wouldn't lose her baby. Gosh, never before had she realized that she loved her unborn son this much!
After what felt like a decade, the doctor spoke. " As far as I can tell, your baby seems to be alright – both of them."
This caused all colour to drain from Hilary's face. " What?!" Two babies – twins? But… How…?
There was a wide smile upon the doctor's face. " It seems there's another little rascal hiding behind the other one. Congratulations."
Still in shock – but feeling a strangest sensation of warmth spreading through – Hilary slumped further into her bed, eyes wide. " Wow…"
The doctor gave her quite a bit of time to adjust to the idea before speaking out again. " I know this is all overwhelming, but…" She gulped and sighed. " I'm afraid your bleeding does give some reason for concern. It's almost about a month to your due date – I'm sorry, but I need to order you into some bed-rest to make sure everything will run smoothly. Also, as hard as it is right now, you'll need to relax and avoid stress, for the babies' sake."
Hilary gulped laboriously, instinctively bringing both hands to protect her bump. " So… There's a high chance that the babies will be born prematurely?"
The doctor nodded slowly, cautiously. " But the risk will reduce greatly if you follow my instructions." She offered her a smile. " Just try to take it easy, rest. No more working for you, understood?"
But Hilary wasn't listening, as her thoughts were racing thousand miles per hour. The person her thoughts got lost into was the last one she'd been expecting, but at the moment, she didn't bother to pretend and lie to herself.
Tyson… If he really was alive – and she knew he was – she wanted him to get to see the babies. She wanted, needed, him to be there beside her, to hear his voice telling her it'd be alright.
At that moment, her mind was set. Whatever it'd take, she needed to go back to Russia, as fast as possible.
She wanted to go back home - although she didn't know if there still was one left.
Judy Tate had always been a rational woman, one that doesn't get upset or frustrated easily. But five months had already passed, and she still didn't have a clue if Max was alright and alive. Not a single night passed without nightmares of her discovering her son dead, or finding Max's body laying somewhere, lifeless.
But fortunately, not everything was dark and miserable. After wandering for what'd felt like eternity through nearly deserted, destroyed land, they'd finally found a city that'd been spared, named Imatra. There, they'd been taken in to a hastily put together clinic that'd been created inside what looked a lot like old school-building. There, a colourful group of doctors, nurses and such had started to take care of them, as well as a rather huge group of other survivors. Judy – although she didn't know a word of Finnish – had joined in to help them, partially to get herself distracted from thinking about Max, Katia, Konstantin and (surprisingly enough) Bruce, as over months, she'd started to feel increasingly… weird around the blue-haired man (it was most likely a passing thing, she convinced herself). Also, Katia was recovering. Her hand-injury had slowly but surely showed signs of healing as soon as the doctors had managed to get the infection under control, and she no longer had fever. Right now, the only thing plaguing the girl was fatigue.
At the moment, aside Max the only thing worrying Judy was Konstantin. The boy had remained unconscious for three days after the event, and even gained high fever. But even though those had eventually vanished, the boy hadn't spoken a single word since that day, nor had he slept or eaten pretty much at all.
Slumping to a chair in the tiny room that'd been giving to their group of four – exhausted from the day's work and taking care of twenty new patients – Judy frowned as she looked at the boy. Currently, Konstantin was sitting on his bed, legs brought against his chest and arms wrapped tightly around them, glazed eyes cast towards stars that shone brightly through the window. Katia was fast asleep, leaning against his tensed form.
Judy's frown deepened as a question she'd mused for about million times came back once more.
What the hell did those bastards do to him?She was lured out of her thoughts as the room's door opened. Looking to side, she found Bruce entering, a strange look upon his face. The man immediately glanced towards Konstantin. " Any progress?"
She shook her head, and winced as she bit her lip painfully. " No. He still hasn't said another word." She then curved an eyebrow at the man. " Now what's up? You look like you're about to burst with anxiety."
Closing the door, Bruce thought for a long moment before replying. " I just spoke to a man named Kari. He said… that there's a way to get us across the board to Russia."
Judy immediately jolted, breath nearly caught into her throat. " Uh-huh…"
Going to Russia… She hadn't even dared to dream about it. Distance wasn't the problem – as far as she knew, they were less than ten kilometres from the borderline. But none of them had the required papers, and security-restrictions had became insanely tight since the phoenix's attack. She couldn't believe they now had a chance.
And therefore… " When are we leaving?"
" The day after tomorrow, right after sunset." Bruce's eyes seemed thoughtful as he looked at her. " Judy, I understand if you don't want to do this."
" No." Even she was surprised by her tone. She went on a little less harshly. " No. I'm not letting you do this alone. Besides, I want to get to Max, to make sure he's alright. And…" She looked at Konstantin, who still didn't show a slightest trace of movement. " … I think getting him back home is the only way to save him." She knew that if Konstantin would go on like this much longer, there'd soon be nothing left of the child. The thought terrified her.
Bruce took a deep sigh. " So… It's a deal."
She nodded, still in disbelief. " Yeah."
Silence fell as they both wondered just what the next couple of days would bring…
For five long, endless months Sonia had – with Max's help (as the blonde was also looking for his mother) – been going through a mountain of files that were filled with nauseating reports and photographs, evidence the agents of ISA had managed to find from the exploded ruins of Black Dahlia's base in Yakutsk. But no matter how long she kept searching, she didn't seem to be getting any closer to finding her daughter, to getting any answers at all. And every day away from her child felt far worse than any form of torture.
And… Gosh, today was Katia's tenth birthday, damnit! It was her daughter's birthday, and she had no idea if the child was injured, or even worse – especially after the nightmarish event taken place five months earlier. All she would've wanted was to get her daughter back into her arms. Was it really that much to ask for?
Her bitter thoughts were abruptly cut by Max's loud gasp. " 'Nia, look!" the evidently baffled blonde exclaimed, showing her a pile of three thick files. " I can't believe this!"
Curious, she took his offering, immediately spotting nametags on each file.
Bryan Kuznetsov –file seemed a little different from the other two, and the name was written in a different handwriting. Surprisingly – most likely because most of the people working around the 'subjects' weren't Russian – everything inside all files was written in English.
But it was the two other files – far thicker – that took her by surprise.
Mischa Kuznetsov.
Misha Kuznetsov.
Her eyes flashed as she gasped. " They're… related?" Was Bryan – the famous blader – related to that bastard she knew as Misha?
Max nodded, seeming nauseated. " As far as I understood it, Misha and Mischa are twins. Plus…" The man didn't seem to believe his own conclusion. " I… I don't know much of science, but… I got the picture that some years ago those freaks placed a bit-beast named Lyonera inside Mischa. Apparently, it didn't go completely smoothly."
Sonia found herself feeling ready to vomit. Just how low were those bastards ready to go?
But, appalled as she was, Misha's file was the one that stole her attention. Hands trembling, she opened it and – defying queasiness and nearly spilling tears – skimmed through the papers filled with reports of succeeded kills, each more hazardous and merciless than the former.
She shivered when spotting to particular surnames.
Ivan KuznetsovNatalia Kuznetsov-Balkov (2)
Were… Were those Misha's relatives? Had that freak killed his own family-members?
Suddenly, all of her froze when she came across a all too familiar name, one she'd been afraid to find.
Nikita BernetsovTears no longer remained under her control as she gently, affectionately, brushed the old photograph placed beside the name – representing a eighteen-years-old young man with rather short, messy light-brown hair and cobalt eyes.
Oh dear God…Max, understandably confused by her reaction, looked at her with deep worry, frowning. " 'Nia? What is it?" He then took a look at the picture. " Did you know him?"
It took for ages before she finally managed to whisper, deciding that after all this time, Max deserved to know. " You… You once asked me about… Katia's father." She swallowed thickly, not even bothering to wipe away the constantly spilling tears. " I… I'd just turned fifteen when Katia was born, but Nikita… He was a perfect father, despite everything those assholes had forced him through. We… We survived, relied on one another – and goodness, how we loved each other. But, then…" Damnit, how painful it was to remember! Her voice almost broke. " Just… Just before Katia's first birthday… Misha killed him – executed him as a traitor for running away from the Abbey. I… I never made it on time to… to see him still alive."
Max's eyes widened with disbelief and horror, and for a moment she prepared herself for another set of meaningless, empty phrases like 'I'm so sorry' and 'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked'. But she yet again came to notice that this was Max Tate, not some original case. Her eyes widened as he man wordlessly wrapped his arms tightly around her, pulling her close to his chest. After the first shock, she returned the gesture, holding on as tightly as she possibly could.
Neither knew for how long had passed, when both became swept away by the moment. She could feel Max's heart racing furiously against her chest when the blonde leaned closer, and after a moment, their lips met. Feeling dizzy and losing herself into Max's taste of strong coffee, Sonia eagerly responded, her own heart sent fluttering. At the moment, neither bothered to care if this was nothing but a huge mistake.
Unfortunately, the moment was cut short as a TV nearby – one that'd remained closed and silent for five months – suddenly came to life.
Turning to look, both could feel their hearts stopping. There, right before their abnormally wide eyes, stood Gabriel Hiwatari. Beside him were gathered that snake-eyed freak who'd attacked Kai, Ilia Repnin and – which shocked them both – Mischa Kuznetsov, who's tear-filled silvery eyes were obviously begging for help.
" What the hell…?" Sonia gasped.
Then, Gabriel spoke, no emotion upon his face. " I've given you back your electricity for the next five minutes so that I'll get this little… proposition of mine through. I suggest you all to listen carefully." The man held a brief pause, obviously to make sure he had every viewer's full attention. " What Hybrid Dranzer did to your precious little world five months ago was only a small taster of what it's capable of. And all that power is under my control, as well as capacity of a small army of well-trained soldiers. Life of every single one of you is under my mercy. So, it would be very smart to consider my next words carefully." The man's eyes filled with something sinister. " The only way for you to avoid annihilation is to become completely loyal to me. Become members of Black Dahlia, and you – as well as your loved ones – will be safe." The man's soulless eyes seemed to burn straight through, as though he'd been right there before them. " You have forty-eight hours to make up your minds."
After that, the TV shut down.
World became dark once again.
TBC.
1) Heh, I decided to make Rick a tattoo-artist.
2) I'm pretty sure you don't remember after such a long time, so… Those are (or were) Bryan's parents. They were mentioned extremely briefly in chapter 8.
A/N: See, SEE – I AM progressing with diminishing the cliffies! HOORAY! There was only one this time around! (jumps up and down with joy) Though the lenght yet again exploded - fifteen pages this time. (slams head against a keyboard)
Okay, I'm in a LOT of hurry right now (I REALLY should be doing something else right now…), so I'll better cut this short. But before that…
As they still haven't had the decency to air Beyblade's season three around here, I know sorrowfully little about the characters. (cries) So, if you notice that the characters I've pulled into this story from there being OCC, PLEASE let me know, so I can fix it!
(Oh yeah, before you'll even have the time to wonder… No, this isn't going to be a BryanxJulia fic, no worries. Their relationship will be a purely friendly one.)
PLEASE do review! And remember that now, I'm testing how the amount of cliffies affects to the amount of reviews, so if you don't want me to get exited about torturing you guys with those again… (smirks like a maniac) So please, review, pretty please?
Okay, I'll go and start working on the next chappy as soon as possible. I'm excited – I have four couples (only one yaoi, so no worries) incoming, such you'll either love or hate but would probably NEVER expect, so… (grins)
(glances towards clock) Oh crap, I'm late!
Bye for now! Be good!
IqVaDa: Heh, trust me, it was NO trouble to answer your review – after all, after someone's actually bothered to review (not to mention gives such compliments!), the least I can do is answer with a couple of lines. (I know perfectly how high the step is to review; I'm a total lazy-arse on that field…)
According to my resources, Konstantin means 'steadfast'. (I'm completely hooked on the meanings of names!) Heh, it kinda fits, ne? (grins) And no worries, I haven't mentioned it anywhere before. (To tell you the truth, I'm also HOPELESS when it comes to reading A/N:s. I believe that during the time I've been hanging around I've only read less than ten.) (sighs with a shake of head)
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the BAFFLING review! I'm so glad you liked the chapter! There were pieces in it I wasn't all that sure about, so it's a relief to know I didn't screw up completely. (wipes forehead with a relieved sigh)
Laters!
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BloodRedViolet: I'm so sorry, but (as this chapter revealed) no, Kai didn't remember (although it would've been SO cool to write such a scene). And the torture just goes on. (weeps) DAMN, it'd be good to get them fixed – I really hope my damn, evil subconsciousness will allow me such pleasure eventually.
(Anxious aniticipation? WOW! That's GOT TO be the coolest description I've EVER heard! Not to mention how warm and fuzzy it makes me feel to think someone's waiting for a new chapter from me with such.) (smirks)
('Liked' your icon? I love it!)
Once again, thank you SO MUCH for reviewing – it still makes my heart burst with joy to have loyal readers such as you out there! 'Hope I'll keep hearing from you later!
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Miako6: Heh, as this chapter reveals, I really am trying my hardest with diminishing those damn cliffies. The amount of reviews coming shall reveal what I'll do about them in future… (smirks evilly)
Hmm… It indeed could affect a bit-chip's/beast's powers that the chip is broken, no? We'll see, but I think you're on to something there. DESTRUCTION TO BAD GUYS! (Damn it'd be good to write Kai finally getting rid off Black Dranzer, not to mention those freaks tormenting him! I wish so bad I'll get to do it eventually!)
Again, thank you so much for reviewing – I'm so glad you've decided to hang on despite the murderous cliffies! Stay tuned, yeah?
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Charlie Jenny: Yup, one third. Quite a blow, huh? (eyes nearly pop out with shock) And I'm still being terribly cruel on poor Tala. (whimpers)
I'm from Finland (so, heh, English definitely isn't my first language). I must confess that out of curiosity, I went to see your home-country from your profile. I would've never thought someone from so nearby would stumble on my story! Cool! (grins)
Once more, thank you SO MUCH for reviewing – I'm so glad you liked the chapter! Stay tuned, and I promise to keep an eye on my grammar – and those demonic cliffies (as I still don't desire to face those toilet sinks…). (smirks) Laters!
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GabZ: (sigh) Yeah, I'm still torturing the (good-hearted part of) Hiwatari-family. And I still can't believe I'm doing all that to them! (wipes tears) Whatever have they done to me to deserve that?!
Eh, okay, before I'll let that little rant any further…
Psychos totally rule! Damn, I'm bombed I haven't been able to see 'Saw' just yet (everyone's been praising it) – I can't wait until I finally do! (fidgets with anticipation)
Heh, I'm so glad you use that power of your and review (for it DEFINITELY brightens even the worst of days to receive one of those 'lil messages) – once more, thank you SO MUCH for reviewing! 'Hope I'll be hearing from you later!
The OCs in this story:
(These are only the 'important ones', such that make frequent appearances. With the others, like most of the kids – such that appear only once or twice, or don't hold much significance – I'll explain who they are each time they appear.
If you notice someone important missing, just let me know, 'k? With a memory as lousy as mine, at least five's bound to be missing…)
Konstantin Hiwatari-Valkov – Kai and Tala's son, who's recently ended up getting kidnapped by Black Dahlia, as he's (aside his papa) the only one able to handle both Dranzers.
Katia Poldevski – Reporter Sonia's daughter, whom Gabriel and other freaks from Black Dahlia are using to blackmail Sonia.
Dmitri Polinovskaja – A almost graduated doctor, who's been taking care of a mysterious brunette named Alexander (that is highly likely in fact Kai).
Irina Hiwatari – Kai's sister, who's been working for Black Dahlia under a recently revealed code-name Cobra. It appears she has 'history' with Bryan.
Sonia Poldevski – A reporter whom Kai contacted a little before the shooting-incident. She's now determined to find out the truth behind Black Dahlia.
Mischa Kuznetsov – Bryan's sister, who was a test-subject for the freaks from Black Dahlia. As a result of the tests, she lost her hearing, and was locked up into a institution until recently.
Misha (surname unknown) – A soldier of Black Dahlia, who's current assignment is to punish traitor Irina. It's been revealed that he was the one who shot Kai. He's managed to wrap Hilary around his little-finger.
Noah Tataranowicz – A snake-eyed, extremely skilled hit-man of Black Dahlia, who's behind a lot of the bad things the group's gone through. It was recently revealed that he once worked for ISA, but (obviously) betrayed them.
'Dr.' Ilia Repnin – Another hit-man of Black Dahlia, who appears to be next from Gabriel in the hierarchy. He was, for example, behind stealing the new-born baby-girl of Kai and Tala's. He also happens to be responsible for most of the horrible scientific experiments of the organisation (being the 'doctor').
Gabriel Hiwatari – Kai and Irina's father, as well the leader and founder of Black Dahlia. He's the monster responsible for all the suffering the group (along with MANY other people) has gone through.
Commander Raphael Dacosta – Kai and Irina's uncle, and (aside his mother and Mr. D) the only adult the former has been able to trust, as well as Gabriel's twin-brother. He was presumed dead, but is instead now a commander of ISA.