In this chapter we finally learn who exactly Alex is and why Ninetales never strays far from his beloved Kyu! Next chapter will most likely be in more detail. Hope you like it. -Pogokitten
Kyu hugged Alex tightly softly crying into his shirt while the gang members of the Blue Charizard watched, speechless. Alex embraced Kyu tenderly in return. He smiled sadly. He had kept away for far too long. Sniffing Kyu lifted her head from him and whispered,
"I missed you so much. I thought you never wanted to see me again." A feeling of shame washed over Alex. When Kyu had been hiding in northern Europe they had gotten into a huge fight, and he had left her to fend for herself at the young age of 13. Alex had worked as the landscaper at Kyu's mansion when she was young. She had quickly grown attached to him, and Alex had taken on the rule of an older brother.
"I'm so sorry, Kayla. I shouldn't have left you out there with only Ninetales. It was something I've always regretted." He said softly squeezing her gently. After a few moments Kyu untangled herself from his arms and looked up at him. She trusted Alex more than she even trusted Cecilia.
"I'm glad you aren't mad anymore." She said wiping her eyes. Alex put his hand on her shoulder.
"Of course I'm not mad anymore. It's been 5 years. More importantly I want to know how you've been." He told her. Kyu nodded and took his hand. She looked much meeker than anyone had ever seen. Surely he already knew that she had gone and done what he told her not too. It was Kyu's determination to do it that had sparked the only fight she'd ever had with Alex.
Cecilia knew little about Alex, though Kyu had mentioned having a 'brother' a few times. She had heard that he had known her longer than most everybody. Figuring they would want to talk privately she offered them a room in the dorm. Alex accepted with a warm smile that made Cecilia's heart jump. The whole way to the room Kyu did not say anything as she clung to Alex's hand. When they reached the door Cecilia stepped aside awkwardly to let them in, but Alex gently grabbed her hand.
"Why don't you come talk with us? Kyu told me a lot about you when she was younger. She regards you as one of her closest friends. I would love to get to know you, and Kyu might feel more at ease if you're with us." He asked her. Pleasantly surprised Cecilia nodded and led the way into the small room. It contained only a small table and a bed. The room had only a small weak lamp to light the room. Cecilia took a seat at the table next to Alex while Kyu sat on the bed. Alex folded his arms and prompted Kyu,
"So how have you been?" Looking away she didn't answer him at first. Kyu caught Cecilia's gaze, and the older girl nodded encouragingly.
"I-I did it…the thing you begged me not to do…I killed them, all the investors." In the dim light Alex looked much older. He looked at Kyu until she turned and caught his gaze.
"I know…it's okay. They helped do terrible things. I shouldn't have judged you, because I never experienced the things you did when you were imprisoned." He spoke softly. Cecilia looked like a statue. She had heard the tales. That Kyu had been in a place far worse than Hell back then, where most people had gone insane or died, but she had never had the courage to ask about it. Kyu jumped from the bed and hugged tackled Alex again, sobbing,
"I was…so scared…you wouldn't…forgive me…" As Alex held Kyu Cecilia felt like she was trespassing on something sacred. She made to get up and leave, but Alex grasped her hand again and mouthed 'it's okay, stay.' Her heart skipped a few beats just looking at him. She sat back down as Kyu began to calm herself. The younger girl then sat on the bed again.
"How has Tokyo been this time around?" Alex asked. Kyu blushed at this.
"Well…I've been um keeping busy, and I made some friends." She told him shyly. Alex was dumbfounded. Even when Kyu was little she had never shown much interest in other children her age. Cecilia was amazed as well. Recovering from his shock Alex beamed at her.
"That's great Kayla! I'm so proud of you. Who are they? What are they like?" He asked happily. Cecilia was getting curious now too.
"Well one is kind of reckless and crazy, but she is funny and supportive. Another girl is very responsible and kind…" Kyu talked about her friends for an hour. The whole time her eyes shined as she told them about her time with them. Alex had never seen her look so happy, as she told him about her adventures. Finally Kyu asked,
"That's enough about me though, how have you been Alex?" Startled that Kyu was asking about his life for the past few years he began,
"I've been okay it's not very interest-" Kyu broke in,
"It will be interesting to me if it's about you." Her eyes reflected gold in the dim lighting. Smiling slightly Alex began to tell them about how he had gone back home to start a gardening and landscaping company. It was mildly engaging, they even laughed a few time at his story, but soon the long and eventful day took its toll on the young girl and she fell asleep. Alex was done talking and now he and Cecilia sat in the room in silence. Suddenly Alex spoke,
"She looks so much younger when she's asleep. You would never guess what she's been through." It was true Kyu only looked about 8 while she slept. Her weak constitution made her tired most of the time. Cecilia realized this was her chance to learn more about Kyu without directly asking her.
"So you've known her for a long time?" She asked timidly. Alex smiled sadly.
"Yes since she was about four. I never had any siblings of my own, so I guess I kind of grew attached to her." He told her softly. They were both silent for some time as Alex lost himself in memories.
"I almost lost my mind when she was taken. I took what little money I had and went all the way to Japan to look for her. I was only 16, it was a crazy thing to do, but she was like family to me." He said looking at the ceiling.
"I stayed here for years searching. I got by working part time as a mulch layer. 5 years after she had been taken, and I had been in Japan for 4 of them I was about to give up. When I saw a huge Ninetales while up in the mountains. For some reason I felt compelled to follow it up the path. Then near the top it turned around and asked me, 'Are you the one called Alex Stein?' I was so surprised I answered 'yes'. Then it went into a cave and brought a girl out on its back. I almost didn't recognize he after so long. I was so overjoyed that I'd found Kayla. She was weak, but she stilled smiled and called me brother." He continued.
Cecilia hesitated then asked,
"I think of her as my little sister too. The very first time I met her I wanted nothing more than to be close to her. I hope you don't mind my asking, but do you know what happened to her? How is she…still alive…when she's so sick, even…even after all this time…?" Alex stared at her hard. Suddenly he asked,
"How much do you know about Ninetales?" The question was so out of place Cecilia gapped at him. Alex chuckled at the look on her face.
"Well I know he's very old and large and can talk to humans…" She answered confused. Where was this going?
"Yes Ninetales are known for their seemingly magical powers, but this one is very special. Let me ask you something else. Have you ever seen Kayla stay away from Ninetales for very long? They maybe partners, but being so intelligent and proud, why do you think Ninetales always stays with her? A little sick girl, when he hates most humans?" Alex asked. He seemed to be trying to coax her to the answer as if he could not bear to say it himself.
"I'm not sure…" Cecilia said. Now that she thought about it, it was true. Why would Ninetales stay with Kyu for so long? He always acted as if he were above humans. Sighing heavily Alex said,
"It's because Kayla saved him from experiencing the same hell as she had. He is loyal to fault and to repay Kayla he has been giving her his life force. If they were to spend too long apart Kayla would die from her disease."