Disclaimer: I think that after the first 24 times, you probably already know this. But just in case…I don't own BeyBlade, any of the bishonen, this awesome song, or the cool band Mudvayne that created the awesome song
Warning: A bit of violence (just a little), some blood, and I hope everyone is prepared….better grab some hankies just in case
Author's Note: Oops, another long delay. I've locked Ri-chan in a closet, so you won't get any apologies today ;P We are actually getting pretty close to the end, just a few more chapters. It was actually easier to write the earlier ones, it's harder to wrap things up well than it is to make the waters murky. I hope everything starts clearing up from here on out. And I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Quick Japanese lesson:
Nigete (from 'nigeru') – means 'run away', 'escape', 'save yourself'
I'm not defining the other Japanese bit on purpose, you'll have to wait till the next chapter
A World So Cold
Chapter XXV: Gone
Rei had watched the battle between the two firebirds in silence. His amber eyes almost glowing as he strained to send his strength through a bond that didn't exist. He could feel his friends' hands on his shoulders, tense with their own efforts. As if through sheer force of will, the three of them could feed their energy into the crimson phoenix before them.
You can do it, Dranzer. I know you can reach him.
For a while the fight had seemed to be a stalemate, but then everything had changed in an instant. When the bright flames had engulfed Kai, the three friends had been frozen in shock. They hadn't known if it was good or bad, if he was being saved or needed to be saved.
Now the once silent meadow was echoing with the anguished scream coming from beyond the wall of flames. The raw pain in Kai's voice drove them to action. Rei leapt up onto the tree stump, determined to reach his friend as quickly as he could, while Takao and Max began to race around it. None of the boys reached their intended target. A burst of black fire sprang up from the dark blade still spinning on the battlefield, tossing Rei backwards off the tree to land roughly on the ground. Takao and Max made it half way around the battlefield only to find Hideaki blocking their path.
"Get out of the way!" Max hollered at the young man before him.
"Move it or lose it," Takao tried to shove past the taller man, only to find himself flung back.
"Don't get any closer."
Rei pushed himself unsteadily to his feet and staggered to where his friends were glaring daggers at Hideaki. He had seen the exchange between them and was determined to get either an explanation or a clear path to his friend.
"Houo-san," Rei stood face to face with Hideaki, staring at him unflinchingly, "I told you, he is our friend and we will help him. Let us by."
"I'm sorry, Rei," Hideaki answered, shaking his head. "It's too dangerous. You won't be able to reach him."
"We have to! He's in pain!"
"We have to put the fire out!" Max helped his bluenette friend to his feet, supporting his words as well as his body.
"Look!" Hideaki pointed to where the flames rose high into the sky obscuring the form within. "I know you want to help him, but you can't. That fire is spiritual, that means you can't put it out. Only the phoenix can call back those flames."
Rei looked more closely at the large bonfire that stood where his friend had. Hideaki was right. Though the flames seemed to dance on the grass, not a single blade withered under what appeared to be an inferno above. The cries from within had gotten weaker, but they continued to tear at the hearts of those listening.
"If it's not physical, than it won't hurt us, right?" Rei stepped past Hideaki only to find a firm hand restraining him.
"No, I think if you get too close, it will kill you. Those flames will kill anyone that is unworthy of the phoenix."
Rei turned questioning eyes on the man holding him, but Hideaki was not looking at him. He seemed to be staring into the flames without really seeing them.
"It is the Hisaki no Unmei."
The cold comfort of his memories had disappeared, replaced by a wall of fire that surrounded him on all sides. Kai could only stare in shock at the flames that danced around him. The gold-tipped, crimson flames encircled him, but couldn't seem to reach him. It was as if a clear barrier of ice was keeping them from him. Kai sank slowly to the ground, curling into a tight ball. He didn't know anymore whether it was better to freeze or to burn.
Determined to break through, the fire continued to eat away at the barrier before it. Each surge of flames seemed to push back the barrier, bringing the heat closer and closer to where Kai was huddled. As the flames drew nearer, he thought he heard a voice calling out to him. It was deep and rich, like a glorious song made of complex chords, a warm voice calling his name, calling his soul. Finally, the fire's persistence started to pay off. A small tendril of flame pushed past the barrier to gently caress his cheek.
--"Kai? Kai, please answer me."--
Kai's head jerked up at the soft plea. This voice was different. It was as if the intricate chording had been drawn into one completely pure note. Another area weakened in the barrier and a longer tendril curled comfortingly around his shoulders.
--"I'm here, Kai. I'll always be here for you. Please, you have to come back. You can't give in, you can't give up."--
Blind, ice-blue eyes stared at the flames that were beckoning enticingly at him from beyond the barrier. A reflection of the flames began to dance slowly in his eyes, a warm red glow battling the cold blue.
--"What did they do to you? Why won't you answer me? You said you would fight the darkness, so fight it! If you don't fight it now, you'll lose everything; your friends, yourself…me…"--
As Kai slowly uncurled from his position, a branch of flames pushed through the barrier to trail lightly down his chest. It pushed insistently over the spot where his heart should be, but where Kai felt only a solid ice crystal. Kai felt the intense voice vibrate through him. It was full of sorrow, pain, love, and anger. Full of all the emotions that he had spent so much of his life denying. Each emotion spilled into the next, yet somehow they weren't discordant. Anger built on the sorrow of a loved one's pain. Grief at helplessness. Love that was unconditional. Need to touch and comfort.
--"We need you, Kai. Everyone is suffering without you. I know it hurts, but you have to endure. While you hide here, the dark one is destroying everything you hold dear." --
The flames beyond the barrier swirled and danced, seeming to take on the familiar shape of a boy kneeling before him. A small hand of flames pressed its palm against the barrier trying to reach the boy within. The barrier refused to let the hand through, but it couldn't completely stop the flames and a small crack split the surface under the fiery palm. A thin vine of flames formed from the palm and pushed its way through the crack. Gently, the flames twined around Kai's smallest finger and crept up to curl against his palm.
--"Do you truly want to forget everything that happened? If you forget, then it will all be for nothing. All the pain, suffering and sacrifice, all for nothing! Could you really betray me and everyone else for the false peace of a memory? Do you hate me so much? Do you really want me to disappear?" --
Reluctantly, the flames drew back. The soft tendrils trailing heat as they pulled away and flowed back towards the silhouette of flames on the other side of the ice barrier. As the heat left his skin, the voice became softer, weighted down with sorrow.
--"I said that I'd be there, no matter what…Anything you needed, I would have done for you…but if this is what you want…what you need…"--
A long time ago Kai had decided that he was nothing, that his own pain was insignificant when compared to another's. Perhaps it wasn't true in the eyes of others, but it was a fact and a way of life for him. He could feel the pain of the one who had been calling out to him. No, it was more than pain, it was agony, it was death, and it echoed through his soul. It was more pain than anyone deserved, definitely more pain than he was willing to let another suffer because of him. He knew then that it was better to burn in agony then let this fiery boy suffer while he was cocooned in ice.
Kai's soul flamed brightly and the ice in his eyes melted, tracing cold, quicksilver paths down his cheeks. Reaching desperately for the flames that were reluctantly pulling away, he cried out to the caring voice, trying to call it back. His own voice rang out, full of pain and sorrow at the thought of the other's suffering.
"NO!"
Like crystal hit with a perfect note, the ice barrier around him shattered, exploding away in glittering shards. It was all that was needed to call the fire back and it returned eagerly, cascading down on him in a shower of crimson flames.
----Flashback---
A lone, black car followed the winding two lane road, passing in and out of the patchwork of light and shadows cast by the trees beside it. Small, delicate flowers of red and blue dotted the green carpet running alongside the black asphalt. The brilliant colors of the trees and flowers were blurred together as the car sped past them, their beauty completely lost to those inside.
Wedged in the back seat between his blonde guardian and another of his grandfather's many peons, a slender boy sat in what looked like serious contemplation of his shoe laces. His downcast eyes were hidden by his dark, blue hair and, despite his seeming lack of interest in what was going on around him, the boy was completely aware of his surroundings. His grandfather was a heavy presence in the front seat, silent and focused on his own sinister plans. The driver was a blank presence, he knew enough not to make idle conversation with his employer and focused only on the road ahead of him. Gavriil sat on his left, calm as always and apparently ignoring him. And on his right, Kai could feel eyes staring down at him. The nameless man had probably been given orders not to let him out of his sight and, like the unthinking automatons that his grandfather loved to hire, he was doing exactly as he had been ordered.
Kai didn't bother to interrupt the silence around him, he had his own plans to make. It had been five days since his fever had broken, eight days since Nadya's death and his grandfather's punishment. His first coherent memory was of his mother talking with Gavriil in his room. She hadn't stayed long, of which Kai was glad. When the blonde man had seen Kai's clear eyes looking up at him, he had immediately left to inform Kai's grandfather. Or at least that was Kai's assumption, because it wasn't long after that Voltaire had come to his room and dismissed his mother. Kai hadn't seen her again since then.
His grandfather had prattled on for what felt like hours, alternating between lecturing, ordering, and threatening him. Kai didn't remember much of the conversation, but Gavril had been kind enough to boil it down for him before they left Russia. As he had so succinctly put it, Kai had several choices before him. Firstly, he could refuse to battle his friend, which would result in his friend's demise. Secondly, he could pretend to fight, but allow his friend to win. The second option was worse than the first because Gavriil had just smiled coolly at him and informed him that he had been given orders to destroy Ran and his entire family if Kai was foolish enough to throw the beybattle.
Gavriil may be a sick prick, but at least he keeps things simple. He hates me, he hits me. Grandfather seems to delight in wringing as much pain and emotional torment out of everyone he comes in contact with as he can. I don't understand why he's doing this. If he wants to kill me, he should just do it. I don't want to see anyone else get hurt because of me. He already took Nadya from me, I can't lose Ran, too!
They reached the chateau before Kai could find a solution to his predicament. As the four adults climbed out of the car, he remained sullenly in his seat. It was useless to try and resist them, but somehow these little acts of defiance were the only things keeping him sane.
Without a word or any effort, Gavriil reached into the car and dragged the boy out. Kai, still weak from his wound and his recent recovery, wasn't able to put up much of a fight. But once the boy was out of the car, Gavriil completely ignored him again. Instead he headed toward the house, leaving the boy under the watchful eyes of his designated captor.
"Come on, boy," the dark haired man said, getting anxious when Kai made no move towards the house. "Move, damn it."
The lack of acknowledgement on Kai's part frustrated the man to no end. He did not want his employer to see that he had so little control over the boy. The man roughly kicked Kai towards the house, knocking him off his feet to sprawl gracelessly on the ground.
"And just what do you think you are doing, Mikki?"
The cold voice froze the man before he could follow the kick with any more violence. Kai lay unmoving on the ground, picturing his grandfather staring coldly down on the man who had struck him. Mikki's face drained of color as he tried to salvage what he had obviously done wrong.
"The boy refused to listen to me. He wouldn't go into the house."
"Idiot, for now, I need him undamaged," Voltaire gave him a brief look of disgust. "He must be able to battle in the morning. If you are incapable of handling him, then I don't need your services."
"Gavriil!"
The handsome blonde appeared immediately at Voltaire's call. Stalking over to where Kai lay, he glared down at the slender boy.
"You can walk or I can carry you," he snarled pleasantly. "But you are going inside."
Pushing himself up, Kai dusted off his clothes and walked calmly into the house. He had known that there were no options, that one way or another he would be forced to enter. In the end his defiance would mean nothing, but, for now, he would only focus on the moments leading up to his final battle. It had been a small victory over the least important of his enemies, but it was still a victory.
Once inside, his deceptively casual walk turned into a sprint. He raced upstairs and into the first room at the top of the stairs. Slamming the door shut behind him, he quickly locked it and then struggled to push a heavy chair against the door. Panting, he listened for signs of Gavriil or Mikki cursing and trying to break in to get him. Strangely, everything was quiet.
Then, distantly, he heard slow, heavy steps climbing the stairs. He felt his heartbeat quicken and his eyes grew wide as he heard, felt, each step vibrate through him. Finally, the footsteps stopped outside the door.
"Good night, Kai," Gavriil's falsely sweet voice carried through the closed door. "I will see you in the morning. Sweet dreams."
As he listened to Gavriil's footstep's fade away, he knew that he had no choice. Tomorrow he would challenge his best and only friend, but tonight, mercifully, was all his own. Turning away from the door, Kai wandered through the room letting himself remember all the times he had spent there. This was the first time he had been to this place he called home without Nadya. Now, without her there, he didn't know what to call it.
Even though it had been almost a year since he and Nadya had been to the chateau, he could still feel her presence. It didn't make sense. Kai knew, intellectually, that the rooms had all been cleaned and that Nadya would never return, but it felt like she was still there. It was as if, at any moment, she would walk into her room and smile sweetly at him. He looked around the room, his eyes clouded with his memories.
The vanity where he used to watch Nadya brush her long, ebony hair. The large window seat where he would rest with her while she played her guitar. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw her guitar resting against the cushions. Kai had insisted that his grandfather bring it with them and had been surprised when it had been done without argument. On the other side of the room was the big, comfy chair where, when his was little, she would allow him to climb into her lap so she could read him stories. At other times, that same chair would be pushed up next to her bed where she would sit and watch over him when he was hurt or ill.
Collapsing on the bed, Kai curled into a tight ball around one of the pillows. It hurt to be there and know she wasn't. He wanted to look up and see her smiling at him from her chair. He longed for the fevered delusions that let him continue to deny her death for just a little longer.
…cherry blossoms…the blankets still carry her scent. Is it possible for her presence to linger here? Is she still here in the things she touched? If that's true, maybe she's still in me somewhere.
Wrapping his arms tightly around his body, Kai tried to sense her presence in himself. But he felt no comforting warmth, only his own thin arms and the emptiness of loss. His eyes began to burn with tears he couldn't release.
I don't have time for this. I can't dwell on the past. I have to figure out what to do tomorrow. I won't fail another person I care about.
Kai pushed back his grief and concentrated on the coming day. He knew that there were two other possible outcomes besides those Gavriil had discussed with him. The first was to battle with all his strength and win. Kai knew it was more than possible to beat Ran. In the time since he had last battled his friend, the stakes of losing during training at the abbey in Russia had changed. The harsh expectations and punishments had forced him to become practically undefeated in battle. He no longer felt the usual awe when he thought of Ran's phoenix; it was just another bit beast, with all the usual weaknesses.
The only problem with winning was that he didn't know what his grandfather hoped to accomplish with the battle. Obviously, there was much more at stake than just a beybattle. His grandfather would never have made such severe threats if he didn't have something very large riding on the outcome. Kai really didn't want to learn what his grandfather wanted after the fact. After everything that had happened to him, he didn't want his grandfather to succeed in anything.
The second possible outcome was that, despite his efforts, he loses the battle. Ran was a good battler and if he had continued to improve at the rate he had been, he would be a tough challenge. Kai felt fairly confident that his grandfather would not punish him through Ran or his family as long as he battled with all his strength. If he lost the battle, Kai was sure that only he would bear the brunt of the punishment. Of all the possibilities before him, Kai wished with all his soul that Ran would beat him. Even if his punishment for losing was death, it would be for the best.
Morning came before he was ready. Unable to sleep at all, Kai watched the dawn paint the sky and felt nothing but anger. It felt unfair that the world could be so beautiful and happy when everything was crashing down around him. Mechanically, he got dressed and pushed the chair that he had used to block the door out of the way. He was not surprised to see Gavriil slouching against the wall opposite his door.
"Sleep well."
It wasn't a question, it was more of a taunt. But Kai didn't answer him, he just walked past the blonde man and downstairs to where his grandfather was waiting for him. Mikki was with Voltaire, glaring daggers at the silent boy. The silence lengthened as no one spoke. Kai already understood what was expected of him and turned without a word to leave.
It was an odd procession that left the house. The slender, fragile figure of the boy was in front, followed closely by the three tall men. He walked the path confidently, it was one he had taken many times. The trail was fairly short, but Kai had never fully appreciated that fact when he had been going to meet his friend. Now, though, he wished it was much longer.
I'm not dumb enough to believe that there is any 'higher power' looking out for me, not after Nadya. But I'd be willing to reconsider it if a miracle happened now. I'm not picky. Make it so that Ran doesn't show up. Give Grandfather a heart attack before we get to the meadow. Hell, strike me down with lightning, I'm sure I deserve it and that's what everyone says you do anyways. I don't care, just stop me from fighting Ran.
There was no intervention from above, but then, Kai hadn't really believed that there would be. As they approached the clearing, he could hear the familiar sounds of a spinning blade. Although some people might think that all blades were alike, Kai knew better than that. Each blade was unique and the sound of the blade could be as distinctive as a person's heart beat. He didn't have to see the blader to know who it was.
When he entered the clearing, he saw Ran practicing in the small dish. The raven haired boy was obviously enjoying himself as his white blade spun around the circumference of the dish. He must have heard them enter the meadow, because he suddenly called his blade back to his hand and turned sparkling crimson eyes towards Kai.
"Hey, Kai," Ran called out to him, his smile bright and his eyes curious at the sight of the men behind his friend. Other than Nadya, Ran had never met anyone Kai knew.
Kai didn't answer his friend, he merely approached the dish to stand opposite of Ran. Instead of the normal happiness he felt when he met his friend, Kai felt hollow, empty. Any last shred of hope that he had been clinging to was torn away. All that was left for him was the battle before him.
Ran's smile slipped from his face when it wasn't returned. He couldn't help but notice how much his friend had changed in the past year. Staring into his friend's dark eyes, he realized they were now eye to eye. Kai had always been shorter than him, but now they were the same height. But that was only natural, the things that worried Ran were the changes that seemed to have been inflicted on his friend. Kai was normally slender, but he seemed too thin now, almost fragile. And, even though, his long sleeves and pants most likely concealed a myriad of new scars, he couldn't hide the strange blue marks on each side of his face. They made Ran think of claws, grabbing his friend from behind.
"Kai," Ran was growing more concerned as each silent second passed. "What's wrong? Who are they? Where's Nadya?"
It may have been a trick of the light, but Ran would have sworn Kai's eyes became even darker. Still there was no answer from his friend, instead the older man before Kai replied.
"She couldn't make it. I am Kai's grandfather, you may call me Voltaire." The older man was smiling, but to Ran it was as treacherous as a snake's. "I've heard so much about you. Gavriil says you are quite the bey battler, so I'm afraid I had see it for myself. Please, go ahead. I won't interrupt."
Ran's eyes darted back and forth between the men and Kai. He didn't trust them for one minute. He knew who Gavriil was even though he had never met the man. Kai had told him many times of the so-called training he endured from him. Now he had a face to go with the name. He had seen the blonde man behind Kai's grandfather smirk when his name was mentioned. Something was very wrong, but Ran couldn't just leave. He knew he could find a way to help his friend.
"Sorry, I don't feel like blading right now," Ran replied, throwing a glare at the blonde. "In fact, I was just about to head home for breakfast. Kai, you're coming, right?"
Ran was getting desperate. He didn't like the way the blonde man was watching him and Kai. He thought that if he could get Kai away for a little bit, maybe he could figure out what was going on. He tried to signal Kai to agree, but the other boy's eyes remained downcast.
"I'm sorry, Ran, but I can't. We have to battle. Now."
Ran was surprised at the dull tone to his friend's voice. Kai sounded much older than he should.
"If you want to battle, Kai, I will. But I don't think you want to. Why don't we ditch these old guys and get out of here."
There was no answer from the boy across from him. He moved to Kai's side, trying to have a bit of privacy away from the men who seemed too interested in them.
"Kai, please talk to me," Ran leaned towards Kai and spoke softly to him alone. "What happened to you? How did you get those strange marks? Why didn't Nadya come?"
"If I answer, do you promise to battle against me and not to ask me anymore questions?"
Please, Ran don't make this any harder than it already is. If you don't fight me, I'm afraid Grandfather will get impatient and hurt you.
Ran bit his lip, thinking hard on what he was promising. He didn't want to compromise, but he was desperate to find out what was wrong with Kai.
"Alright, I promise." I hope I'm doing the right thing.
"Nadya is dead," Kai's voice was achingly emotionless. "It was my fault and these marks are my punishment for it."
"Kai, you can't mean," Ran was already reaching towards him before he had finished his sentence. His hand stopped in midair as Kai recoiled away from him.
"You promised. No questions." Kai's dark eyes seemed to be pleading with him.
"You're right. I did." Ran bowed his head in acknowledgement. "That wasn't a fair deal, Kai, but I'll keep my promises. I always keep my promises, remember."
There was a deeper meaning in Ran's phrasing, it held the promise of their friendship. Kai saw it immediately and held that friendship close to his heart. Since he had to battle, he would do his best and put his trust in Ran's skills.
"I would never forget. Ready?"
Kai fit his blade in his launcher and watched his friend do the same. Staring at each other across the dish, they both held their launch pose. Neither wanted to battle, not really, each waited for the other to make the first move.
"Remember, Kai," his grandfather's poisonous voice called out from behind him, "You are the best. Now prove it to me."
Even though he initially flinched at his grandfather's words, they acted as a trigger for him. His blue blade flew away from him, to land perfectly in the dish. Ran had instinctively responded to it with the launch of his own blade.
Kai's blue blade immediately went on the attack, flinging itself recklessly at Ran's. Ran's blade was a blur of movement. Each time the blue blade attacked, the white would dodge quickly out of the way. Hearing the weighted sigh behind him, Kai forced his blade to pick up speed. Soon Kai's blade was pushing its opponent around the dish. Sparks flew out of the dish with each impact, but Kai continued his relentless attack. Ran watched, biting his lower lip, but refused to respond to Kai's force.
"Ran."
Ran looked up from the battle to see Kai staring at him. Kai's face was completely emotionless, but his eyes seemed to be reaching out to him.
"You don't stand a chance in this fight if you don't get serious. I am putting everything into this battle, I expect you to do the same."
"But I don't want to fight you. I don't care who wins."
"I care," Kai sighed. "This battle is more important than you realize. If you care about our friendship, than you'll battle me with all your strength."
Ran hesitated, not knowing how to respond. The two blades continued to impact in the dish, but his own blade seemed to reflect his doubt. The white blade rebounded from a strong blow and landed at the edge of the dish. The blade wobbled unsteadily as the blue blade sped towards it.
"You promised."
The blue blade struck Ran's, knocking the white blade into the air high above the dish. For a moment, Kai thought he might have defeated Ran, but Ran had taken Kai's words to heart. The white blade used the impact to increase its own spin and landed back in the center of the dish. Taking the offensive, Ran's blade began charging at Kai's.
Kai almost sighed in relief, but was careful not to let any emotions through his mask. He let himself concentrate only on the battle. He could almost pretend it was just a simple battle between friends. The two blades moved skillfully around the dish. Attack, defend, counter-attack. Bey battles were like dances to Kai. Each move seemed spontaneous, but with the gracefulness that only came with practice. His blade was a streak of blue, aggressively leading the dance around the dish. Ran's blade was a counter-point to his lead.
Kai watched the blades appreciatively, he knew the white blade almost as well as his own. It was a beautiful blade, pure white with tracing of gold on each of the edges. When it was spinning, the gold blurred together to create a halo effect around the golden bit at its center.
After countless battles, Kai had become very adept at maintaining a critical eye during his matches. As he watched the two blades continue to struggle, he could see his blade had the advantage. The blue continually struck harder and more accurately than the white. If the battle continued as it was, he would easily win. But Ran must have realized it at the same time, because he suddenly decided to raise the stakes.
"Zephyr, attack!"
Kai remained impassive as the majestic phoenix rose from his bit. Behind him, he heard Mikki's startled exclamation, as well as his grandfather's quiet murmurs of appreciation. The phoenix was as beautiful as he had remembered it, its pale golden feathers awash in white flames. It left a trail of white hot fire behind it as it began to stalk his blade. Now the white blade was the aggressor.
The tide of the battle had turned and now Kai's blade was at the mercy of Ran's. Each strike of the white blade left flames lingering on Kai's. After numerous hits, the blue blade seemed to be wreathed in its own fire because of the damage inflicted by the white. Kai could hear low voices behind him, signaling his grandfather's displeasure with the new shift. But Kai had promised to give everything to the battle to save his friend and he knew that, despite appearances, he was still winning the battle.
It was because Ran wasn't aware of Kai's intense training that he believed that he now had the upper hand. He saw a small frown appear on Kai's face and believed that it was a signal of his impending triumph. What he didn't know was the frown was because Kai had already seen that he could beat Ran.
Always overconfident. Every opponent with a bit beast thinks they will win purely because of their beasts. I thought Ran would be different. I'd hoped…
Thinking the end was near, Ran sent Zephyr into its ultimate attack. The blade moved in a pattern Kai had seen many times before, after all, Ran had perfected it on him. With Kai's blade pinned in the center of the dish, Zephyr began looping back and forth past the blade, rocking it with a hit with each pass. Because the blade followed the same path each time, a constant path of flames stood in the dish. It formed a fiery symbol of infinity.
Kai's blade was at the intersection of the loops and was enduring the harsh pounding that was designed to completely disrupt a blade's spin and cause it to fall. But Kai had anticipated that and already had a plan in mind. With his grandfather behind him, he had no choice but to finish the fight.
"I'm sorry, Ran," Kai bowed his head, sending his blade into action. "I don't have any choice."
Ran didn't have time to puzzle out the meaning behind Kai's words. In a blink of an eye, he saw his infinity loop disrupted. Kai's blade had deliberately broken its own spin and wobbled insanely. The unanticipated angles the blue blade was taking caused Zephyr to ricochet wildly, its own spin becoming haphazard. As the fiery infinity faded, the blades met in a final impact and then it was over.
The three men watching the battle were silent, the end was not what they had expected. Kai didn't know how to react. The battle was over, but he didn't know what would happen next. Sadly, he looked down at the white blade that lay at his feet.
"That was a great battle, Kai."
Looking over at his friend, Kai watched as Ran scooped up Kai's blue blade from where it had landed outside the dish. Smiling, Ran reached over the dish to hand Kai his blade.
"I was sure I had you, but you've sure gotten stronger."
Kai didn't reach towards his blade. He was waiting for the fallout. He didn't have to wait long.
"You lost!" Voltaire bellowed in outrage, his face flushed with anger.
"Technically speaking," Mikki interjected, "he tied."
"Fool," Voltaire backhanded Mikki off his feet. "There is no such thing as a tie. Victory is all that matters. If you don't win, you lose."
Kai was already backing away from his grandfather while Ran looked on slack-jawed. He had never seen such casual violence before and didn't know how to react. All he knew was that he had to stay and help Kai. Kai had experienced it far too often and wanted only to flee, but he couldn't as long as Ran was still there.
Gavriil knew what to do in the situation. In three steps he had Kai by the throat and pinned to a tree behind him. Kai fought his iron grip, his feet dangling off the ground, his hands clawing at Gavriil's arm. He could hear his grandfather continuing his rant as his struggle against Gavriil's strength became a struggle for air.
"A waste. All that planning, all my efforts, all of it reduced to nothing. You are useless. I should have killed you when you were born and saved myself some time and money."
Kai's eyesight began to dim, the encroaching darkness narrowing his focus until all he could see was Gavriil's smile. It grew wider with each escalating insult from Voltaire. Kai was losing strength, his weakly clawing hands fell to his side and he lost the last of his vision.
"Ran," Kai stopped struggling to inhale and used his last breath to try to call out to his friend. "…nigete…"
He had heard once that when a person died, hearing is the last thing to go. Kai thought it must be true because he heard one last voice before he was lost in the darkness.
"Let Kai go! I won't let you hurt him!!"
As slowly as Kai had felt the world fade away, it was even slower in returning to him. It was a strange experience. Sensation was the first sense to return. Kai felt a chill creeping into his cheek and forehead from the hard surface below him.
What? Where am I? Ugh, why's the bed so cold and hard. No, it's the floor.
Why am I lying on the floor?
Kai couldn't remember where he was or how he got there and the lack of outer stimuli only served to increase his confusion. He willed himself to open his eyes and, reluctantly, they finally obeyed him. A pale stone surface greeted him and was all he saw until he could will his muscles to work. As he pushed himself up, he saw he was in a dimly lit cell. He could tell from the shading of the rock that he was still in the underground cells in Japan, the rocks of the Russian abbey were much darker than the ones around him.
Kai was surprised to find that he wasn't restrained. He was stiff and it hurt to move, but he had freedom to roam the cell. Taking advantage of that fact, Kai rose unsteadily to his feet and staggered towards the wooden door. From the protests of his muscles, Kai could tell that he had been beaten after he had lost consciousness.
That's strange. Normally grandfather holds his punishments until I'm awake enough to 'learn from them.' He was so angry that I didn't win against Ran, I guess he was too angry to wait for me to wake up. Will he be satisfied with this punishment?
Kai fell heavily against the door, a sudden thought making him feel weak.
Ran! He was there, he saw everything. No! I told him to run. Did he escape? Was that him yelling? Grandfather was so angry with me, he could have taken it out on Ran. I have to get out and find him!
There was no handle on the door, Voltaire had designed the doors to have a bolt lock on the outside to secure them. He had not wanted any possibility of his captives being able to pick a lock and thus escape him. Kai peered out the small barred window looking for any sign of a guard on duty, but there was no one in sight.
Knowing that it was probably hopeless, Kai grabbed a hold of the bars and began to pull the door towards him. He almost fell when the door swung easily inward.
This is too easy. I wasn't restrained. The doors not bolted. It doesn't make any sense. I wonder if they thought I was worse of than I am. If they assigned that new guy, Mikki, to take care of me, he may have assumed I was too beaten and too weak to try to escape. Could Grandfather really have miscalculated that badly? Can I make that assumption?
It doesn't matter. I don't have any other choice. I have to get out of here and find Ran.
Peering down the dim hall, Kai cautiously moved out of his cell. Luckily, he had been thrown in the last cell on the corridor. Now as he made his escape, he could check each cell he passed for his friend. The first few were obviously empty. Their doors were open and there was a layer of dust on the floor from the time spent without an occupant. It was the final door where the hall intersected with another that caused him to pause. Both the door and its small barred window were bolted shut.
Pushing back the blind on the window, Kai peered into the dark room. He couldn't make out much because of the poor lighting, but he thought he could see a darker mass on the floor. He was so intent on trying to make out the form on the floor that he didn't hear the soft footsteps that came behind him.
"Looking for something?"
Kai didn't even have time to turn around before he felt Gavriil's strong arms grab him and he was smashed forward against the door. Taking advantage of the stunned boy, Gavriil unbolted the door in front of him and tossed his limp body inside.
Stumbling, Kai tripped over the shapeless mass he had seen from the window and sprawled across it. There was no denying it, from his current position he could tell that it was a person he had fallen across. Quickly, he pushed himself up and off the one he was laying on, hoping that he had not caused any pain when he had landed on him. With his back against the wall, he peered at the body and, as his eyes adjusted, he could make out more details. They were enough to identify whose cell he was now sharing.
"…no…," Kai's voice was softer than a whisper.
Crawling hurriedly forward, Kai grabbed a hold of the limp body before him and slowly turned it over. He flinched at the wet, stickiness he felt under his hands as he cradled the body against his chest. With a shaking hand, he gently brushed ebony hair away from the face he knew as well as his own.
"Ran…," his voice shook as he quietly called out to his friend.
There was no answer. Kai pulled the light body closer, bowing his head over his friend. He felt so weak and useless. After all he had done, it was still not enough. His friend's body was liberally decorated with injuries.
No! It's not fair. I fought so hard. Grandfather shouldn't have done this to you. Why didn't you run away? You could have escaped! You should have left me. If I had never met you…if I had never become friends with you…it's all my fault…
"Why?" a soft voice whispered into his arms.
Pulling back from the embrace, Kai's eyes grew wide as he saw scarlet eyes staring up at him. Ran was looking up at him from where he lay in Kai's arms. Kai was consumed with guilt at the pain he had caused his friend. Closing his eyes, he turned his head away from his friend's intense stare. He didn't want to see the hate and accusation that Ran surely felt.
"Kai…look at me," Kai's eyes were drawn back by the entreaty is Ran's voice. "Why did he hurt you?"
"…what…" Kai was at a loss to answer Ran's unexpected question. "What do you mean?"
"What did they do to you Kai? Please tell me, trust me. Why did they do this to you?"
Kai was shocked at the trust he could see in Ran's eyes, hear in his voice. After all that had happened to him, Ran still believed in him.
"I don't know," he answered honestly. "I don't understand any of it. I don't know why Grandfather insisted I battle you."
Kai could feel small tremors moving through Ran's body. The hot blood crawling over his hands seemed to be taking Ran's warmth with it. Desperate to do anything for his friend, Kai's words poured out of him. He couldn't fix anything, couldn't heal his friend, but he could tell him all that he had been keeping from him.
Ran's crimson eyes grew dark and tears ran down his face to mingle with his blood as Kai spoke about his past. He told him everything; his mother's abuse, the scientists' experiments, the cruel training, his grandfather's threats, Nadya's death, everything. Finally, Kai's voice trailed off, he felt weak, as if he had emptied everything inside of himself when he told Ran. After all that, he realized that there was one last thing he needed to tell his friend.
"I'm sorry," he said bowing his head again, "it was all my fault."
Kai didn't see Ran reach out towards him, his hand trembling with pain and fatigue, but he did feel it when Ran grasped his shirt at his chest and weakly shook him.
"It wasn't your fault. You didn't do any of this. You didn't deserve any of this. If anything, I think it might have been because of me"
Ran's breathing was becoming harsh, his effort to reach his friend was draining him of the last of his strength. The tremors that wracked his body were becoming weaker. But still, he couldn't give up.
"Ran," Kai could see how weak his friend was getting. "How could any of this have been your fault? Don't talk, just rest. Save your strength. I'll find a way out."
Kai tried to loosen Ran's grip on his shirt so he could try to search for a way out, but Ran refused to let go. Ran just watched him sadly, his eyes burning unnaturally.
"Kai…Zephyr?"
Scanning the cell, Kai could see two small shapes lying on the other side of Ran. He leaned over his friend and scooped up the two blades.
"Here, it's right here."
Kai pressed the white blade into his friend's other hand and was startled to feel it tingling warmly in his hand. Ran closed his hand tightly around his blade, smiling sadly up at Kai.
"Kai…I think it's too late…what's going to happen…to you…?"
"…now…?" Kai knew what Ran was asking. What will happen to me after you die…?
"Grandfather doesn't tolerate weakness," Kai spoke without emotion. "He'll kill me."
And it doesn't matter. I couldn't save Nadya, I couldn't save you. I just wish I could have died before I hurt you both.
"…no…I won't let him…"
Staring into Ran's crimson eyes, he saw that his friend could no longer see him. His bright eyes stared sightlessly past Kai as tears fell and he released Kai's shirt to blindly reach for his hand. He felt his pinky captured by Ran's in the sign of a solemn pinky promise. Kai felt his eyes burn. He had seen enough death to know it when it approached.
"…I promise…"
Ran's last breath escaped him, but his eyes didn't dim, if anything, they burned brighter. Kai cried out in surprise as a bright flame burst out of the hand that Ran had Zephyr clenched in. In moments, the flames had completely surrounded the body of his friend. The heat became intense and Kai could feel them begin to crawl over him, but he would not release his friend. Smiling, Kai pulled Ran into a tighter embrace and welcomed the flames like a friend.
--"Don't worry, Kai, remember our promise? Best friends. I told you I'd always be there for you. No matter what. And I don't intend to break that promise."--
---------tbc
I miss my stars and symbols T.T
Well, that was a hard chapter. I've been building towards it for a long time. I like the first part of the chapter, but I'm not completely satisfied with the second. But I knew I had to post, I'm too slow these days ;;
I hope it was long enough to satisfy everyone. I know some of my more recent ones have been rather short. I have certain things to cover in each chapter and the plot points and events that surround them determine the chapter lengths. I actually had another piece that I initially meant to put in this chapter, but I think it will work better in the next chapter. Besides, I don't know if you guys could have waited patiently (well, some of you) for me to add another portion. Now you'll just have to endure the wait for the next one.
Ok, one last thing to do and then I post…
Special Thanks to:
SquirrelOfShadowsgiggles I have to admit, I get a bit distracted with the image of Kai in tight clothes, too drools Don't worry about not catching everything, it's meant to be confusing. The true test of my abilities will be if I can clear the confusion for everybody by the end. Besides I don't expect much from people who can't appreciate the utter coolness that is Sasuke winks
Fey Phantom: Yep, you got his papa figured out. I hope camp was fun and that you enjoyed this chapter too. A few posted, my, weren't you optimistic laughs I know I'm not moving fast, but I do keep plodding on.
Droopy1389: laughs your reviews are always so hilarious. Another lover of Kai's tight clothes, ne? Now, now, you can't kill BD I have plans for him
Soul Clara: Isn't it the coolest song. Glad you liked it. I haven't killed Kai, not yet at least cue the evil laughter and scary music And I love ending in cliffies, it's the only way that I can ensure that all my readers come back ;P Catch ya next chapter
Kai the Ruthless Blader: laughs nice attempt at a long review. I hope this chapter was long enough, and good enough, for you. I do have fun plans ahead for Kai and BD, and Dranzer as well.
Firen103: yes…no…I don't know…giggles Actually, I do know, but I'm not telling. You'll just have to stick around and see whether or not I kill Kai ;P
CherriiLong time, no see. Thanks for coming back to review. Hope you come back for the next
HimikoSukie I'm glad you liked the chapter. I thought I light one was in order. Now we are back to the darkness. I'm afraid I will probably leave Kai's mother's feeling about his father a mystery. She was the only one who really knew how she felt, and since she's dead, she can't tell anyone anymore. It's a sad fact of life, but there are some mysteries that can never be solved.
Ellen: I'm very flattered. I love JK Rowling's work. I think a lot of people underestimate her because of the fact that she has been classified as a children's book author. I have yet to figure out the bad guys in her books until she tells me. Not many authors can do that for me. Thanks!!!
Jouka no Kou: Glad that makes sense. I can't exactly answer your question about Dranzer right now. It's one of the mysteries I'm in the middle of solving. Gomen, I'll help you out with the answer if you don't get it in another couple chapters. Ja ne!
WoLfSpIrItStormI'm so glad you liked it. I've been a little worried that the length of it would stop people from reading it. I'm getting to the point where you can't read it in one sitting. I hope you continue to enjoy
Umi laughs Sadly, I know what you mean. There are a couple stories that I do check on every day blushes I almost cry when I don't see an update. Sorry for the torturous wait. I'm glad you're sticking with me. See you next chapter
LaDiNismiles I'm feeling much better now, thanks. I think I've finally accepted it, I've stopped expecting to see him each day. Sorry, the last email was such a dark one. I hope this chapter cleared up the 'no' for you in last chapter. I am also looking forward to seeing Hideaki and Kai react, as well as the revelation about the door. Laughs you're doing a good job, too, of 'seeing beneath the underneath' I think I did mislead you on one thing though. Hideaki was not scarred by Isamu's attack, it was when Kai burned down the abbey. He was burned trying to save Marya. I'll get into that later though ;) Ja ne!
Natasha-Li: Hope you're still hanging around ;P Thanks for the review. I may leave you hanging, but I'll always come back ;)
Gillian Sillis: giggles my, aren't you persistent ;) I did say, the story will be completed and that I knew what was going to happen in each story, but I haven't written it all yet. And even though I know what needs to be covered, I don't always like how it's coming together, so sometimes, it takes time. Be patient, it will get done, just not immediately ;P I'm glad you like the fight scene with Kai and Hedeon in the earlier chapter. I wanted Kai to win too, but I really loved the emotional impact the end would bring to Kai. I just couldn't resist it. As to your questions, I'll say what I can, the rest you'll have to wait for…1) When it comes to Voltaire, there are no coincidences. 2) Hope the above chapter answered this one, 3) Big mystery, main plot, that is all ;P (cool song by the way)
Artemis347: Don't be depressed hands out tissues Even though the story is dark, it is meant to show the light. Strange, ne, but you'll see what I mean. Stick around so you can see the sunrise with Kai
Angel Spirit: laughs I am neither cruel nor mean, I am…EVIL!!! MWAHAHAHAHAHA ahem Yep, that's me, it can be hard to find good stories about your favorite characters. I'm glad that you find mine to be one. Giggles I do love my cliffies thoug, so be ready for more of them ;P
Darkinuyashagiggles thanks, and put down the blow torch! Hope you continue to enjoy. Cathc ya next time!
Icy blade anonymous1250: Yea! Another fun review. Let's see…I'm glad you liked Takao's defeat. I know everyone was cheering for him, but I bet everyone really wanted to see him lose deep in their hearts. I hate how he always wins in the show, too. I just don't think there is any way he would win against Kai. I think the difference is the same as between a sport hunter and someone who had to hunt to survive. The sport hunter may be a great shot, but it doesn't matter if they miss because when they going home, dinner will be there waiting. A person who has to hunt to survive must make the kill. If they miss, they is no dinner. There is no way Takao, who goofs around, could beat Kai, who blades to survive. (As for the quote, I think Takao looks like the type of kid who'd waite a week in line to watch Star Wars ;P)
Let's see…BD, it controls the bit beasts it devours, the same way as it is doing to Kai, it basically shoves them in a corner and works through them. BD is definitely more of a parasite than a guardian. In truth, he is the absolute opposite of Dranzer. The shadow that is opposite of the light. BD's fate is one of the mysteries within the story, so you'll have to wait. As for Rei using Driger, it looks like maybe he won't have too ;) Also, the bit beasts don't skip generations, they can bu used by anyone sharing blood. Since Kuraiko is not related she couldn't have used the beast. Even if she had managed to marry into the family, she wouldn't have been able to, but her child could have (Can you imagine Voltaire Houo, talk about a horrible possible future)
Last hint. (cool research on names by the way) I definitely love how a name can be such a subtle hint on the plot. Like hotaru…a firefly is a beautiful creature that does no harm and that is doomed to a quick death. Sounds Like Kai's grandmother, ne? Now, let's look at bit beasts names. I though it was interesting that each beast was similar in a way; Dragoon, Driger, Draciel, Dranzer. Do you see the common thread? Now take Kai's best friend's name and his bit beast's name. Say them really quickly together…do you see it? See ya next time!!
K.c giggles for some reason that always reminds me of South Park…'oh my god, you killed Kenny/Kai' Thanks for the review
Rookie13: Ta-da, more!
Vampyre Neko: It did seem pretty simple at first, ne? Glad you came back for a second look. I look forward to your next review ;)
MasterFrannylaughs I could be scared 'my number one fan' but instead, I'll be flattered. You've done some good reasoning, as you saw in this chapter. Ran is truly a great person. Ran is sort of what I would picture Kai being like if he had had a loving family like Ran. Ran is the possibility he never had. (so sad, ne) Thanks for the high praise. I didn't think this story would end up being so long or complicated, but it really developed a life of its own. I do hope to write and publish some day. I post to practice and to show myself that I can do it. Thanks again, matte ne!
Syaoron-Lover: First for your question; no all the Demolition Boys are not dead. I only killed Bryan. However, the others will not appear in the story. I am starting my final ascent, heading towards the final cliff and the conclusion. I just can't put anymore characters into the story or else it will never end. As I get to the end, I'm actually not sure how many more chapters there will be. Best guess is 4-5. I think I should have it wrapped up by then. Seems like a good number, but it's tiny compared to how many I've already written. Thanks for the review. Please leave a little light after this one. ;)
Shinigami's Voice: school girl squeal Yea!! It's Death!!! Welcome back, you've been gone so long. (grumblebut I do know your reviewing behavior) giggles and blushes I'm not always that good myself. Thanks for the review. As of right now, Kai is alive, that's all I'm promising. But since you're death, you should have his death in your appointment book. You know if he dies now, or when he's 100 years old, ne ;P I'm glad you liked and I hope you come back. I just have one thing to say to you. WHY ARE YOU WASTING TIME REVIEWING MY STORY WHEN YOU SHOULD BE POSTING ON YOUR OWN!!! If I could MAKE A WISH!!!, I think you'd know what I would wish for, ne? Pulls out whip now, BACK TO WORK!
Midnight Insanity: bows low thanks for the review. Such wonderful praise to inflate my ego. I really am trying hard to keep the characters true to themselves. I am also a firm believer in subtlety. It's so much more fun to move with the characters and learn as they do. I think it draws you into the story and its emotions better that way. I will fully solve the mysteries you asked about in this and the next couple of chapters. I hope you like the answers. Ja ne!
Yami Sami-sama: o.o Not a quick update, but hopefully a good one, ne? matte ne!
KawariI'm glad you are enjoying the story. I will send you the pic after I post this. As for Kai's triangles, they are tattoos (at least in my story) He just wears make up to cover them in school. Think how people would stare and act around him if he left them out where everyone can see them. Welcome to my reality
Thanks again for everyone that reviewed. I just realized something. In my stats, it says I have 401 reviews (I'm so happy), but to the general populace, it says I have 414 reviews. I bigger number, but it makes me worried. I hope that I have not missed anyone with my reviewer thanks. If I did, GOMENASAI!!!! You guys are all great and I don't want anyone to think that I didn't appreciate their review.
Okay,you've waited for it long enough I think. Next chapter will have the end of Kai's battle, against Rei, against Black Dranzer, and against himself. Stick around to see it.
Don't forget to leave a little light on your way out. The next chapter will be I'm No Pawn
Bring the Sun!!!