(A/N: *coughs* I'm slow, I know...don't kill me...*hides* This is the last PG-13 rated chapter...I think..so, look for this under "R" later.
Thanks for the reviews. ^^
Tenma Koneko: ^_^ Glad your back and still liking the story.
Neko Oni: Clone nappings?! O_O!!! We must solve the mystery! *dashes off, but runs into a wall* @_@ And here's another update for ye...
Lizzie: ^^ Glad you like the fanfic and let's all pity Rei. )
Now! On with the fic!)
Dawn of Terror
Chapter 7: Last Dawn
~*
The morning was bright and clear. A pale breeze blew the sleek puffs across the azure sky. The green of the plants shone brightly in the wind and their leaves waved softly. As if waving farewell. Rei shivered, despite the heat of the early July day. He felt as though he were bound, hand and fooot. A heavy weight lay over him, threatening to crush him. This was the end. This was the last morning he'd ever spend in the courtyard, peering over the hedges at the slaves who toiled in the fields that ran from the thick hedge to the far away horizon, melding with the sky. Rei sighed and sat down, looking at all the summer flowers, opening into full, smiling at him with their bright colors. All this world was just unfolding, yet his was ending.
He sighed again. He ran his hand over the worn stone of the bench, listened to the familiar sound of the water-fountain dripping soothingly. He glanced up, watching the sunlight seep through the massive yews of the leafy oak as it bowed and swayed in the zephyr. Songbirds tweeted sweetly, calling as they hopped and flitted about the garden. A butterfly drifted lazily by, coming to rest on the opening bud of an iris. Rei stood up, restless amongst the peace.
This was his last day. Why was he idling it away? He drifted aimlessly across the garden, finally coming to rest under the spreading branches of a massive maple. Tears blurred his vision as he seated himself on the worn swing that hung from one of the lower branches. He swung to and fro, trying to force from memory his childhood summers- most of which had been spent in this very place.
This was the end. The very end of all he'd thought was eternal and ethereal, now vanquished and seemingly distant on the horizon of this new embarkment. He stared at the ground, watching it follow him back and forth. Tomorrow, he was going away. Not by will, but by force. He was being forced to give up this- everything he'd come to love and what had returned the favor. He'd miss this- the lazy summer days spent with his Master in the courtyard, a picnic under the tree, a lively game of tag, a romp through the mud after the rain. He'd knew it was fading away, but that always came with age. But he'd never thought it would leave him completely, so desloate in the utter darkness of his world that was caving in on him. He was trapped with this destiny and there was no way out of it.
A sex slave. He wanted to gag. How could they- what had he done wrong? What had he done that deserved offering up his body to some stuck up ass he didn't even know every time he was called upon as punishment? What had he done to invoke Fate's cruel hand? The tears rolled off his cheeks, wetting the ground like raindrops as he swung listlessly, the wind giving him a slight push, caressing his back with it's soothing hands. Sniffing, he wiped the tears away with his forearm. What would crying do?
He could run if he really wanted. If he really needed. Right now, he was free, with nobody about to watch him. Not even the birds were paying him any heed, when normally they were wary of the neko-jin. For now, they ignored him and his gloom, whilst they got on with the cheerful day, hailing the sun with their songs. He could run, run until he collapsed and would never move again. He could get away from this place. He could escape. But that wasn't what he really wanted, was it? No.
He wished only that he could remain in this place until...until...He wished he could remain in his place, as he was and that nothing would ever change. Summer would remain here, fresh and warm as ever.
The house would remain, it's imposing glory and riches never falling to crumble or waste. The slaves would continue their toil in the dirt of the fields, Lord Hiwatari would remain at his desk, writing with his feather quill pen, Mariah would remain in the kitchen, baking sweet tasting pies, the maids would wander the house cleaning with a sweet smile, proud to be part of the household. And he would remain here, forever in his Master's youthful company. Forever, forever.
What he had once said was a long time, now seemed like such a short time, such a short, sweet time, spent underneath the yews of this very tree. He started to cry. This was his home- the only place he'd ever known. He could vaguley remember something of white walls and needles, but that all melded away in the saftey of this place. His home, his nirvana. He blinked, and his tears fell to the cold, sunlit stone of the patio. He sighed, looking upwards. He would commit this place and time- this day to his memory in perfect detail, so that when he couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel anymore, he could look back and remember what light looked like. There was only one thing he would change-
Footsteps on the patio broke his thoughts. Sighing, he slid from the swing, knowing it must have been Mariah, calling him away from his reverie to pack away some of his things- only the essentials, of course. He waited to hear her soft soprano call to him. "Rei."
The voice was different- too low for Mariah. It was strained though, choked and strangled, distraught in emotion. He tore his gaze from the ground. Kai was leaned against the pillar of the archway. He was distraught, hair straggling across his face, sympathetic frown placed upon his lips. The skin around his eyes was puffy and red, irritated from the salt of tears. The pathways of his tears was traced upon his cheeks. He was staring at the neko-jin, eyes a deep crimson, sad and distant. Even his posture spelled out his mood.
"Yes," he hesitated, before adding, "Master?"
Twin fires of fury leapt to life in the bluenette's eyes, turning them a passionate crimson. "Cut that crap out! I don't want any title! Just Kai, Rei. That's all you have to say."
"K-Kai," Rei stammered, unsure of his Master's actions towards him suddenly.
Kai had never minded before. The bluenette strode to him. A hand caressed his cheek. "Rei-chan. My poor pet. My poor koneko. How could they do this to you?"
Lips brushed across his forehead gently. "Kai- I-I don't understand."
Rei looked up pleadingly at the older boy. Kai's eyes had softened, taking on a ruby hue. "You don't have to understand, Rei. Not yet."
Kai embraced the younger boy tenderly, bit his lip to keep his tears at bay. "How can they do this to you? To you, Otoutosan. How can they take you away from me?"
"On-niisan," Rei mumbled, startled by Kai's sudden tenderness.
Kai untangled them and forced Rei away a bit, holding him at arm's length. There was a sudden seriousness in his eyes. "I love you, Rei-chan. Never, ever forget that."
Rei didn't fully understand the look that Kai was giving him, but he knew what the other boy wanted to hear. "I love you too, Oniisan."
Kai looked slightly disappointed, but hugged Rei again. "I'll miss you Rei. I wish this didn't have to happen."
Rei didn't reply, trying to force his tears away. Kai released him. There was a long silence, but nothing needed to be said because they understood the weight of this silence. The last silent moment shared between them.
~*
Rei turned over, twisting the soft cotton sheets around his body. This was the last time he'd ever sleep here. He didn't want to waste his last precious hours sleeping. There was so much he had to say goodbye to, to re-visit, to reminisce about. He rolled over restlessly, watching the pale moon rise in the sky, showering eveything below with it's ethereal light. Far away, wolves howled, singing to the Moon Goddess. Rei sighed and rolled over again. He couldn't go to sleep, no matter how much Mariah told him he needed his sleep. His nerves were strung and his heart panged with sadness at leaving. He wanted to break down and cry, then chain himself to the floor. "I wish things wouldn't change."
He sighed and rolled over, then turned upside down, so that his head was near the footboard of the bed. He sighed. This wasn't supposed to happen. He closed his eyes. Was this his only purpose? Would this be what he was stuck doing for the rest of his life? He hoped not. He didn't know if he could stand it.
Finally growing frustrated with his stress-induced insomnia, Rei sat up. He sat on his toussled bed for what seemed like an eternity, before sliding out of the sheets and slipping into the hall. He tip-toed across the moonlit corridor, trying not to let his tears start sliding. This would be the last time he wandered the night-time halls. He slunk towards the bathroom, deciding that relieving himself would be a start to going to sleep. On the return trip, he paused in front of the heavy oaken door. He recalled sitting in front of it, so many time beofre, meowing to be let in. He sat down, mewling pathetically. He'd never felt this alone. "Mew! Mew! Meo-w!!"
He put his hands on the door, clawing the wood, running his claws through seemingly ancient marks. "Mew!" The door creaked open slightly. Rei got back down and widened the crack with his head, forcing his way through. He looked in at the peaceful, orderly world of Kai. The bluenette was sprawled across his bed, deep in slumber. His sheets were crumpled oddly, looking as though the boy had been sleeping restlessly. Rei mewled and, recieving no reply, he shut the door and clambered over to the bed. He leaped up, hearing the springs creak benaeth his weight. He crawled over to Kai, nudging the bluenette with his face. "Kai-kun, wake up. It's me, Rei."
Receiving no reply, he lay down, watching the bluenette impatiently. He showed no signs of waking. Rei lay his head down on his paws. His nose brushed up against Kai's hand. It was overly warm, and sticky almost. Rei wrinkled his nose in disgust. It was then that he noticed the heavy scent on the air, announcing what Kai had been doing to send himself into such a heavy sleep. He made a face, sticking out his tongue. He accidently licked Kai's hand. Recoiling in dismay, Rei heard the other boy murmur something before he rolled over. The neko-jin licked his lips unconciously. Kai's essence was bittersweet and left the younger boy craving more. He licked Kai's hand a couple more times. Kai groaned in his sleep. Rei closed his eyes, savouring the taste of his master. He had never thought that this- He looked up and was met with a pair of blood-red eyes. "Rei?"
The bluenette asked groggily. The neko-jin backed away and hung his head ashamedly. "Yes, Kai."
"What are you doing?"
Rei didn't reply. Kai softened. "Is something wrong, Rei-chan?"
The raven-haired boy nodded. Kai reached out and stroked his hair. "It's okay. You'll see."
Rei looked at him, eyes watering. "Do you really think so?"
Kai shook his head, still smiling. "No." His voice cracked.
"No, nothing will ever be okay."
He stroked Rei's cheek, then ran a thumb across Rei's bottom lip. "You'll never be the same. You'll never act the same, think the same. I've seen it happen before-"
He leaned over and kissed Rei chastely on the lips. "You're beautiful, Rei-chan."
They stayed like that for a moment, before Kai sat up and pulled Rei close to him. "You mean a lot to me Rei. You're the best friend I've ever had- and so much more."
He stroked Rei's cheek. Rei placed his head on the crook between Kai's neck and shoulder, hiccuping, trying to forestall his tears. "I love you, Rei-koi."
Rei froze. Had Kai just said that? Had KAI just called him his lover?! He had no time to think. Kai brushed his lips against Rei's frozen ones, then crushed their mouths together. Kai traced Rei's lips with his tongue, begging for entrance to the neko-jin's mouth. Rei couldn't move, wide-eyed in horror. What was Kai doing?! The bluenette pulled back, tracing Rei's cheek. "Don't you love me Rei?"
"Are you sick or something Kai?! What are you doing?!"
Rei tried to pull away. Kai held him fast. "Let some one who loves you take your virginity, Rei-chan. Don't let them spoil you."
Rei looked at him, disgusted. "And you expect me to let YOU spoil me?!"
Kai took advantage of Rei's anger, swooping in on like a hawk before Rei could close his mouth. He delved his tongue into the warm, moist cavern, battling with Rei's own tongue for supremacy. He shoved the smaller back onto the matress, pinning him there with his weight. Kai removed himself, taking to washing Rei's face with his tongue. Rei squirmed, trying to free himself from Kai's grasp. "Rei-chan, don't you love me?"
The boy backed off, however, looking disappointed. Rei curled up. "Kai, I...just..c.an't. I-I..."
Kai hugged him. "It's alright. I understand."
He kissed the top of Rei's head. "You don't want to settle into your job yet."
Rei actually started to cry. "Oh, Kai! I don't want to go! Don't make me go! Don't make me!"
"Shh, Rei. Shh, it'll be okay. You'll see. It'll be okay."
Thanks for the reviews. ^^
Tenma Koneko: ^_^ Glad your back and still liking the story.
Neko Oni: Clone nappings?! O_O!!! We must solve the mystery! *dashes off, but runs into a wall* @_@ And here's another update for ye...
Lizzie: ^^ Glad you like the fanfic and let's all pity Rei. )
Now! On with the fic!)
Dawn of Terror
Chapter 7: Last Dawn
~*
The morning was bright and clear. A pale breeze blew the sleek puffs across the azure sky. The green of the plants shone brightly in the wind and their leaves waved softly. As if waving farewell. Rei shivered, despite the heat of the early July day. He felt as though he were bound, hand and fooot. A heavy weight lay over him, threatening to crush him. This was the end. This was the last morning he'd ever spend in the courtyard, peering over the hedges at the slaves who toiled in the fields that ran from the thick hedge to the far away horizon, melding with the sky. Rei sighed and sat down, looking at all the summer flowers, opening into full, smiling at him with their bright colors. All this world was just unfolding, yet his was ending.
He sighed again. He ran his hand over the worn stone of the bench, listened to the familiar sound of the water-fountain dripping soothingly. He glanced up, watching the sunlight seep through the massive yews of the leafy oak as it bowed and swayed in the zephyr. Songbirds tweeted sweetly, calling as they hopped and flitted about the garden. A butterfly drifted lazily by, coming to rest on the opening bud of an iris. Rei stood up, restless amongst the peace.
This was his last day. Why was he idling it away? He drifted aimlessly across the garden, finally coming to rest under the spreading branches of a massive maple. Tears blurred his vision as he seated himself on the worn swing that hung from one of the lower branches. He swung to and fro, trying to force from memory his childhood summers- most of which had been spent in this very place.
This was the end. The very end of all he'd thought was eternal and ethereal, now vanquished and seemingly distant on the horizon of this new embarkment. He stared at the ground, watching it follow him back and forth. Tomorrow, he was going away. Not by will, but by force. He was being forced to give up this- everything he'd come to love and what had returned the favor. He'd miss this- the lazy summer days spent with his Master in the courtyard, a picnic under the tree, a lively game of tag, a romp through the mud after the rain. He'd knew it was fading away, but that always came with age. But he'd never thought it would leave him completely, so desloate in the utter darkness of his world that was caving in on him. He was trapped with this destiny and there was no way out of it.
A sex slave. He wanted to gag. How could they- what had he done wrong? What had he done that deserved offering up his body to some stuck up ass he didn't even know every time he was called upon as punishment? What had he done to invoke Fate's cruel hand? The tears rolled off his cheeks, wetting the ground like raindrops as he swung listlessly, the wind giving him a slight push, caressing his back with it's soothing hands. Sniffing, he wiped the tears away with his forearm. What would crying do?
He could run if he really wanted. If he really needed. Right now, he was free, with nobody about to watch him. Not even the birds were paying him any heed, when normally they were wary of the neko-jin. For now, they ignored him and his gloom, whilst they got on with the cheerful day, hailing the sun with their songs. He could run, run until he collapsed and would never move again. He could get away from this place. He could escape. But that wasn't what he really wanted, was it? No.
He wished only that he could remain in this place until...until...He wished he could remain in his place, as he was and that nothing would ever change. Summer would remain here, fresh and warm as ever.
The house would remain, it's imposing glory and riches never falling to crumble or waste. The slaves would continue their toil in the dirt of the fields, Lord Hiwatari would remain at his desk, writing with his feather quill pen, Mariah would remain in the kitchen, baking sweet tasting pies, the maids would wander the house cleaning with a sweet smile, proud to be part of the household. And he would remain here, forever in his Master's youthful company. Forever, forever.
What he had once said was a long time, now seemed like such a short time, such a short, sweet time, spent underneath the yews of this very tree. He started to cry. This was his home- the only place he'd ever known. He could vaguley remember something of white walls and needles, but that all melded away in the saftey of this place. His home, his nirvana. He blinked, and his tears fell to the cold, sunlit stone of the patio. He sighed, looking upwards. He would commit this place and time- this day to his memory in perfect detail, so that when he couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel anymore, he could look back and remember what light looked like. There was only one thing he would change-
Footsteps on the patio broke his thoughts. Sighing, he slid from the swing, knowing it must have been Mariah, calling him away from his reverie to pack away some of his things- only the essentials, of course. He waited to hear her soft soprano call to him. "Rei."
The voice was different- too low for Mariah. It was strained though, choked and strangled, distraught in emotion. He tore his gaze from the ground. Kai was leaned against the pillar of the archway. He was distraught, hair straggling across his face, sympathetic frown placed upon his lips. The skin around his eyes was puffy and red, irritated from the salt of tears. The pathways of his tears was traced upon his cheeks. He was staring at the neko-jin, eyes a deep crimson, sad and distant. Even his posture spelled out his mood.
"Yes," he hesitated, before adding, "Master?"
Twin fires of fury leapt to life in the bluenette's eyes, turning them a passionate crimson. "Cut that crap out! I don't want any title! Just Kai, Rei. That's all you have to say."
"K-Kai," Rei stammered, unsure of his Master's actions towards him suddenly.
Kai had never minded before. The bluenette strode to him. A hand caressed his cheek. "Rei-chan. My poor pet. My poor koneko. How could they do this to you?"
Lips brushed across his forehead gently. "Kai- I-I don't understand."
Rei looked up pleadingly at the older boy. Kai's eyes had softened, taking on a ruby hue. "You don't have to understand, Rei. Not yet."
Kai embraced the younger boy tenderly, bit his lip to keep his tears at bay. "How can they do this to you? To you, Otoutosan. How can they take you away from me?"
"On-niisan," Rei mumbled, startled by Kai's sudden tenderness.
Kai untangled them and forced Rei away a bit, holding him at arm's length. There was a sudden seriousness in his eyes. "I love you, Rei-chan. Never, ever forget that."
Rei didn't fully understand the look that Kai was giving him, but he knew what the other boy wanted to hear. "I love you too, Oniisan."
Kai looked slightly disappointed, but hugged Rei again. "I'll miss you Rei. I wish this didn't have to happen."
Rei didn't reply, trying to force his tears away. Kai released him. There was a long silence, but nothing needed to be said because they understood the weight of this silence. The last silent moment shared between them.
~*
Rei turned over, twisting the soft cotton sheets around his body. This was the last time he'd ever sleep here. He didn't want to waste his last precious hours sleeping. There was so much he had to say goodbye to, to re-visit, to reminisce about. He rolled over restlessly, watching the pale moon rise in the sky, showering eveything below with it's ethereal light. Far away, wolves howled, singing to the Moon Goddess. Rei sighed and rolled over again. He couldn't go to sleep, no matter how much Mariah told him he needed his sleep. His nerves were strung and his heart panged with sadness at leaving. He wanted to break down and cry, then chain himself to the floor. "I wish things wouldn't change."
He sighed and rolled over, then turned upside down, so that his head was near the footboard of the bed. He sighed. This wasn't supposed to happen. He closed his eyes. Was this his only purpose? Would this be what he was stuck doing for the rest of his life? He hoped not. He didn't know if he could stand it.
Finally growing frustrated with his stress-induced insomnia, Rei sat up. He sat on his toussled bed for what seemed like an eternity, before sliding out of the sheets and slipping into the hall. He tip-toed across the moonlit corridor, trying not to let his tears start sliding. This would be the last time he wandered the night-time halls. He slunk towards the bathroom, deciding that relieving himself would be a start to going to sleep. On the return trip, he paused in front of the heavy oaken door. He recalled sitting in front of it, so many time beofre, meowing to be let in. He sat down, mewling pathetically. He'd never felt this alone. "Mew! Mew! Meo-w!!"
He put his hands on the door, clawing the wood, running his claws through seemingly ancient marks. "Mew!" The door creaked open slightly. Rei got back down and widened the crack with his head, forcing his way through. He looked in at the peaceful, orderly world of Kai. The bluenette was sprawled across his bed, deep in slumber. His sheets were crumpled oddly, looking as though the boy had been sleeping restlessly. Rei mewled and, recieving no reply, he shut the door and clambered over to the bed. He leaped up, hearing the springs creak benaeth his weight. He crawled over to Kai, nudging the bluenette with his face. "Kai-kun, wake up. It's me, Rei."
Receiving no reply, he lay down, watching the bluenette impatiently. He showed no signs of waking. Rei lay his head down on his paws. His nose brushed up against Kai's hand. It was overly warm, and sticky almost. Rei wrinkled his nose in disgust. It was then that he noticed the heavy scent on the air, announcing what Kai had been doing to send himself into such a heavy sleep. He made a face, sticking out his tongue. He accidently licked Kai's hand. Recoiling in dismay, Rei heard the other boy murmur something before he rolled over. The neko-jin licked his lips unconciously. Kai's essence was bittersweet and left the younger boy craving more. He licked Kai's hand a couple more times. Kai groaned in his sleep. Rei closed his eyes, savouring the taste of his master. He had never thought that this- He looked up and was met with a pair of blood-red eyes. "Rei?"
The bluenette asked groggily. The neko-jin backed away and hung his head ashamedly. "Yes, Kai."
"What are you doing?"
Rei didn't reply. Kai softened. "Is something wrong, Rei-chan?"
The raven-haired boy nodded. Kai reached out and stroked his hair. "It's okay. You'll see."
Rei looked at him, eyes watering. "Do you really think so?"
Kai shook his head, still smiling. "No." His voice cracked.
"No, nothing will ever be okay."
He stroked Rei's cheek, then ran a thumb across Rei's bottom lip. "You'll never be the same. You'll never act the same, think the same. I've seen it happen before-"
He leaned over and kissed Rei chastely on the lips. "You're beautiful, Rei-chan."
They stayed like that for a moment, before Kai sat up and pulled Rei close to him. "You mean a lot to me Rei. You're the best friend I've ever had- and so much more."
He stroked Rei's cheek. Rei placed his head on the crook between Kai's neck and shoulder, hiccuping, trying to forestall his tears. "I love you, Rei-koi."
Rei froze. Had Kai just said that? Had KAI just called him his lover?! He had no time to think. Kai brushed his lips against Rei's frozen ones, then crushed their mouths together. Kai traced Rei's lips with his tongue, begging for entrance to the neko-jin's mouth. Rei couldn't move, wide-eyed in horror. What was Kai doing?! The bluenette pulled back, tracing Rei's cheek. "Don't you love me Rei?"
"Are you sick or something Kai?! What are you doing?!"
Rei tried to pull away. Kai held him fast. "Let some one who loves you take your virginity, Rei-chan. Don't let them spoil you."
Rei looked at him, disgusted. "And you expect me to let YOU spoil me?!"
Kai took advantage of Rei's anger, swooping in on like a hawk before Rei could close his mouth. He delved his tongue into the warm, moist cavern, battling with Rei's own tongue for supremacy. He shoved the smaller back onto the matress, pinning him there with his weight. Kai removed himself, taking to washing Rei's face with his tongue. Rei squirmed, trying to free himself from Kai's grasp. "Rei-chan, don't you love me?"
The boy backed off, however, looking disappointed. Rei curled up. "Kai, I...just..c.an't. I-I..."
Kai hugged him. "It's alright. I understand."
He kissed the top of Rei's head. "You don't want to settle into your job yet."
Rei actually started to cry. "Oh, Kai! I don't want to go! Don't make me go! Don't make me!"
"Shh, Rei. Shh, it'll be okay. You'll see. It'll be okay."