Disclaimer: I never said I'd kill Kai. Oops, yes I did. I mean, I never said Kai would die. You'll have to watch to see. I don't own Kai, yada, yada, yada (yabadabado!)
Warning: Sorry everyone, no blood in this one. This one's pretty tame as Kai torture goes.
Author's Note: Sorry torture lovers. This one is needed to fill in more info. Hope it moves along well for you. I am planning a fight in the next chapter, so stick around.
A World So Cold
Chapter XIV: Left Alone
Soft muttering penetrated the darkness clouding Kai's mind. Kai focused on the voice trying to determine what the man was saying, but the voice was too low to make out much.
"So much blood…damned freak…all because…brat…Voltaire…"
Kai allowed himself a silent sigh of regret. He was still trapped, a captive of his deranged grandfather. Kai had never sought death, he had too strong a bond with Dranzer to abandon him, but he admitted to himself that at this moment death might be preferable.
Since the voice was so soft, Kai took the chance that the person was not close to him and opened his eyes slightly to look around. Through barely noticeable slits, he saw a man kneeling on the floor off to the right of where he lay. The man had his back to Kai and seemed to be scrubbing at something on the floor. A slow smirk spread across Kai's face as he realized two things; the man was not paying any attention to him and he was no longer restrained. How stupid can they get. I think I better seize this chance while I can.
The scientists had made several monumental mistakes about the boy. The biggest of which was the assumption that his brush with death had made him even weaker than before. They had not even bothered replacing the restraints after they coded him. Unfortunately, they hadn't taken into account their own life-saving efforts. Thanks to the infusion of fluids, blood, and drugs they had given him to save his life, Kai was actually stronger than when he was first brought into the white room. Kai was more than willing to take advantage of their mistakes.
Kai had always moved with instinctive grace and silence, but when he made an effort to move with stealth, he seemed otherworldly. The man on the floor heard nothing as the boy eased himself off the table and moved with the silence of a spirit to stand behind him. He never even had the chance to experience surprise as he crumpled to the floor under Kai's sudden sharp blow to the back of his neck.
While he was devising an escape plan, he stripped the scientist of his white lab coat and struggled to haul the limp body up onto the table where he had been laying. Kai knew enough not to make the same foolish mistakes as the scientists, so he wasted no time locking the restraints onto the limp body, using the man's own tie as a gag. Finally, he used a nearby sheet to cover the man from head to toe. Hopefully no one was watching when I took him down. I can only pray that I've escaped detection so far.
Kai quickly pulled on the lab coat, covering the numerous bandages decorating his bare chest. He quickly wet his hair in the sink by the table, using a towel to get rid of the excess water. With his hair damp it seemed a darker gray than usual, it also fell heavily to frame his face. Kai knew that if for a short time at least, this would hide the blue marks on his cheeks and the darker blue hair at the nape of his neck. It was a very rough disguise, but Kai hoped it would be enough to help him avoid detection from casual onlookers and anyone watching the cameras.
Taking advantage of the scientist's second mistake, he had left to security door wedged open to allow the strong smell of disinfectants to escape the small room, Kai left the room marked 101 and firmly shut the door behind him.
--------meanwhile--------
Four silent boys surrounded the laptop from which Dranzer was speaking to them. It was taking them a bit to digest all the new info that the bit beast was giving them.
"At least we know he's alright," Takao stated.
"No, we don't," came Rei's flat reply. "We know he's alive, but that's all."
"But Dranzer just said that his grandfather needs him to control Black Dranzer. That means he needs Kai, he wouldn't hurt him if he needs him, right?"
"Little dragon, I wish that were true." The screen darkened as the flames dimmed. "Kai has been consumed by guilt for his past betrayal of all of you. He is determined not to compromise the faith that you showed him out on that frozen lake. His grandfather is equally determined to force Kai back to his side."
"So he would harm Kai?" Max asked sadly.
"Yes, little tortoise," came the burning reply. "He already has. Through our bond, Kai and I share strength and emotions. When our bond was re-established here in Japan, I could sense everything he was going through. He was trapped in a dark place and very weak. I gave him as much of my strength as I could, but I don't know if it was enough. I could feel pain radiating from his soul. I am very worried for him."
"We'll find him," Rei stated this as an absolute fact. We have to, I promised.
"Guys, I have an idea," Kenny moved forward, letting his fingers fly over the keyboard. "Hey, Dranzer, I need my screen. Okay, here we go. We know that Voltaire formed BioVolt approximately 10 years ago. I know from my resources that it quickly became one of the most successful Beyblade research and development corporations. The Demolition Boyz were sponsored by BioVolt, as was the Russian tournament."
"For all the good it did them," Takao bragged. "We still wiped the floors with them."
"Well, I was thinking. Voltaire's pretty smart. He always seems to have a plan, so maybe he had a back-up plan in case his first one failed."
"I bet you're right, Chief." Rei said appreciatively. "Since he is intent on using Kai's beyblade, Black Dranzer, to take over, it's probably another tournament or championship."
"And here it is," Kenny grinned at his screen. "There is a tournament scheduled to take place in three days here in Japan. Since Dranzer says Kai's somewhere nearby, I bet that's it. Ha!! Look at this, do you see who the sponsor of the home team is? It's a company called TechAire."
"What an arrogant guy. That's got to be it Kenny. It makes sense. BioVOLT and TechAIRE. He is practically shouting, 'here I am, just try to stop me."
"Well, Rei," Takao said grinning, "That's just what we'll do. Chief, find out where their headquarters are and we'll pay them a visit. I bet that that's where they'll have Kai."
--------speaking of Kai----------
The bright corridors offered no shadows for Kai to take refuge in, so he used a different stealth technique. Hide in plain sight.
The slate haired boy strode purposefully down the corridor, seeming to all the world to be moving with a mission. Looking like all the others that bustled along the passageway, the youth blended in purely on his ability to display the arrogant attitude of someone who belonged. It's amazing how people are intimidated just by an attitude. Guess it's always been a 'gift' that I intimidate others from asking questions of me.
Kai knew that the underground complex would be difficult to escape, but he had already devised a strategy. I'll just treat it like a maze. It may take longer, but at least I'll be guaranteed to find the way out.
The secret to escaping a labyrinth is very simple. If you place one hand on the wall and follow that wall through whatever twists and turns it takes, you will eventually reach the exit. Though Kai did not actually touch the wall on his right, he was using that principle. He followed that wall, turning right at every intersection of corridors. It meant that he would sometimes travel past a particular spot a couple times, but he knew that that was preferable to wandering around completely lost.
As he walked he passed numerous training halls where young boys were training relentlessly. He walked past small cells that served as living quarters. He even found himself touring what could only be referred to as a dungeon again. Damned sadist. It's not enough to 'train' the childhood out of kids, but he always has to have a place to torture and kill them.
Kai finally found himself in a large room that didn't seem to fit with the other underground rooms. Most of the rooms had been cold, sterile, whether they were the research rooms or the bare cells for students. This room however was completely opposite. The room was filled with rich colors and textures. Tapestries in rich earth tones hung on the walls and large comfortable pieces of furniture invited people to sit and rest. On the far wall hung a large portrait, the picture filled the entire wall.
Kai walked slowly to stand directly in front of the portrait, curious to see who could be so important in such a cruel place. The portrait was of a woman and child, a mother and son. Kai stared at the picture, there was something wrong with it. The woman was very dark and beautiful, with ebony hair and eyes and pale skin. She was a classic example of pure Japanese elegance and beauty, clad in an elaborate red and gold kimono. Her left arm embraced the child beside her. The small boy was clad in European style clothes, his hair was a pale blue, but he had his mother's black eyes. Kai frowned when he finally realized what was wrong with the portrait. The boy not only had his mother's dark eyes, but the same flinty expression was on his face. Kai knew he didn't have much experience when it came to mothers and sons, but he thought that a painting so beautifully rendered would show something more.
***flashback***
He stood at the top of the hill, looking down on the large castle in front of him. He was so excited, today Nadya had told him he would get to meet his mother.
"It's a castle! Does Mama really live there? Will I get to meet her today?"
He giggled as Nadya pulled him into the warm circle of her arms. Breathing in the soft scent of cherry blossoms that always accompanied her hugs, he returned her hug tightly. Then, anxious for her answer, he squirmed for release.
"Yes, she's in there waiting for us right now."
Kai bright face lit up from within as he looked up at the smile she directed so lovingly at him. His own smile answered hers. I love you, Nadya.
Laughing, the small child turned and ran down to the unknown, innocent of all that awaited him.
***end flashback***
Somehow I thought that it was just me and my mother. I thought that everyone else had love from their mothers. Isn't it supposed to be like that? Why isn't she smiling at her son like Nadya smiled at me?
Loud footsteps could be heard echoing from the passageway approaching the room. Kai abandoned the portrait and ducked quickly into the small alcove behind one of the many tapestries on the other walls. He cursed himself for stopping so long by the portrait. Speed and stealth were his best weapons right now, his delay could prove to be very costly. His breath caught in his throat as he recognized the heavy pattern of the footsteps entering the room. Grandfather…
Kai remained frozen in place, his breath reflexively shifting to a quieter, slower rhythm. The gentle clink of glass could be heard as Voltaire poured himself a drink. His footsteps, muffled by the thick carpet, passed by Kai's hiding place, traveling to the very spot that Kai had just vacated.
"For you," Kai heard the soft clink again as Voltaire refilled his cup. "Okaasama, it is all for you."
Kai's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing this. He had never even thought of his Grandfather having parents. I always assumed he was spawned from hell, just like every other demon.
"I have retrieved Kai, and with him, I will finally be able to take control of the world. It is all for you, Okaasama. You should have been the one to rule, your power and vision entitled you to it. I will make sure that they are all punished, everyone who cast you away and denied you what was rightfully yours. They will all pay!"
Dark laughter filled the room. Kai felt his blood run cold as his grandfather ranted about destruction and power. He was more convinced than every that, no matter what, he would not allow his grandfather to use him again. If that woman was anything like Grandfather, she deserved anything she got. Maybe darkness is inherited, he received it from her and it has been passed down to me. Maybe that's what's wrong with me, why I deserve this. Did I receive the sins of my family?
"I remember everything you taught me about the guardian spirits and their powers. With the strength of the phoenix, the most ancient of spirits, one can rule the world. You were denied the phoenix, but they couldn't stop me. I have the phoenix and I will use it as you had planned. Finally, everything is coming together."
Kai remained still behind the tapestry as his grandfather's ranting finally tapered off. The old man had been steadily drinking as he spoke to his mother. Finally, Voltaire stumbled off drunkenly to return to his private sleeping quarters. Kai eased the tension that had built in his muscles before moving out silently from behind his cover. He looked up again at the portrait. Grandfather, whatever you're planning, I'll stop you. I won't let you win, you old wind-bag.
"Full of hot-air, isn't he?"
Surprised at the words that echoed his thoughts, Kai spun around searching for the speaker. To his horror, he spotted Hedeon leaning in the doorway, smiling cruelly at him. Hedeon laughed at his expression and took a step into the room, adroitly blocking the exit. Kai stepped back, creating more space around him in preparation of the attack he knew was coming.
"I've had to listen to the old fool for ages. It never gets better."
Without warning, Hedeon launched himself at Kai, determined to punish him appropriately for all his previous actions.
--------------tbc
*sighs* I just don't know how to feel about this chapter. I'm sorry if it was too slow for you guys. I needed to present the info to prepare for upcoming chapters. I'm going to try to make the next chapter faster, info interspersed between action.
This chapter is partially inspired by a couple things. First, is the fact that I don't believe in the 'inherent evil of man.' I believe we are all inherently good, but that circumstance can corrupt and change us. Hence, I've always wondered, why is Voltaire such a bastard? I think he was made this way because of his mother (next chapter will have more on mothers).
The second inspiration is the song 'World So Cold.' This is the overall inspiration for the story, but I have listened to it so many times since starting this story that I have recently picked up on something. I'm going to share a portion of the lyrics with you.
'Burning whispers, remind me of the days,
I was left alone, in a world this cold
Guilty of the same things, provoked by the cause,
I've left alone, in a world so cold'
The thing that stuck out was the part about 'left alone' The first time it's
something that happened to the person, the second time the person is doing it
to someone else. Make sense? It's like the idea that someone who has been
abused, may go on to give abuse.
Oh well, I just don't know if I'm expressing this well. If I get flames, I understand. (I don't want, but I will understand)
Special Thanks to: (aren't I nice, I'm updating! I almost wanted to wait until some of my usual reviewers wrote, but that wouldn't be fair to the rest of you)
KaiKurtRavenWhizy: *laughs* Welcome aboard the Kai torture express. It seems none of us really know if we want to torture or cuddle Kai, so we seem to do both. Glad you found my story, don't worry, the torments will resume shortly.
LaDiNi: *waves happily* Hi!! Don't worry, I will do some more flashbacks, you will get to see cute Akemi, Nadya and Ran again. (I'm so glad you like them ^_^) I'm not really planning on them rescuing him. I think in times of emotional crisis we have to rescue ourselves. Wish Kai luck!
SS2 Megami-sama: *returns salute* Yeah! Glad you enjoyed. I'm mean only because I know you want it, right? I'm actually as pure and innocent as the undriven snow *coughs at pure lie spilling from lips* Oh and don't feel bad about Shakespeare, he made up about as many words as Dr Seuss. (I guess the motto is, when in doubt, make something up!)
Kai the Ruthless Blader: Kai can save himself, thank you very much ^_~ See kai's alive and alone, per usual.. Hope you enjoyed
DragonBlade: I did notice that in YYH. I liked Kurama's fight with Genbu. And I already killed Kai, So now I'm trying something different, letting him live ^_~ (for a while)
Frostt: ;_; 'boring' *sniffles* WAaahhhhhh!!!! *hides under bed in shame* Sicc her Chippie!!!! *watches chipmunk go into attack mode* Hey, you're right, this does relief stress and insanity. MWAHAhahahaha!!!!
SquirrelOfShadows: Mine, all mine. But at least you still have Naruto *sucker!!* Go bully your mean big bro until he hooks you up with more Naruto. Cathc you next chappie, good luck with My Immortal.
Three A's, a C, and PDBF: I like dealing with deeper themes. Can you guess were Kai's bloodline traces back to? Good luck!
Cosmos angel: *laughs* I'm glad you like. Everyone wonders if I'm going to kill Kai, so I did. Now, let's see how long he can live!
Othela: *laughs* Great minds think alike. Poor Kai! He's so tortured, doesn't anybody love him!?!?!
Fey Phantom: *giggles* Damn, didn't fool you for a minute, huh. Well, I did, but you don't know it yet. Tune in next chappie ^_^ Hey! I love water polo too, but I don't like playing 'by the rules' we call it 'jungle ball'. No rules, but get it in the goal. I'm a big time swimmer, love it. I've been swimming on a swim team since I was 4. Which strokes are your favs? Anyways! Catch ya next chapter!!
Okay, that's it. Bring the Sun if it is warranted
Next Chapter Guilty of the Same Things