Special dedication: Flyby, Niteflite, LazzyQ, Alica, StarryPeach, and everyone else who has been reviewing almost every single chapter of this story; I love you all, my friends.
Author's Note: I apologize deeply for the delay, caused by certain issues that arose lately (some of you are acknowledged of what I am referring to). I hope you readers understand, and I'll try to be more prompt in getting out the future chapters, 'kay? Thank you for being patient with me; I really appreciate it. Enjoy this chapter, and please leave feedback. J
Bloody Roar III: Reunited by Chance, a Reflection of the Past
By Tiger5913
Chapter 20
Revealing The Unknown
An alliance is formed, curiosities
Are sated; doubts hanging in
The back of minds slowly diminish
As the truth is unveiled; though one
Problem remains… striving to be solved.
"Grrr, how could leave us hanging like that for so long!!"
Kenji fought back a grin as one of his friends held up her fist threateningly at him, yet still in a playful manner.
"Hey, go easy on Kenji…" the boyfriend of the prosecutor said. "You gotta leave some for me."
Uriko laughed merrily as she watched sixteen-year-old female friend step up to the dark-haired ninja and grab his arms, twisting them behind his back. Leaning against the light blue bench that she was sitting upon, she cast her fiancé a lazy smile as she watched him squirm in silent protest.
"Okay, Curt! You can hit him first!" Chrysta Roberts called out with a chuckle, holding her captive against the thick trunk of a tree, his cheek grazing the hard brown bark. The five-foot and six-inched tall girl with shoulder-length black hair and deep brown eyes glanced at her beau with a teasing smile. Still the tomboy of the close group of friends just as years before, she was also the youngest of them and the only senior. Her companions didn't treat her any differently, although she was the lone remaining high school student, whereas the others had all graduated weeks before.
"H-Hey! Um, a little here, Uriko?" The mole zoanthrope spoke up with a smile when Curt Holser started toward him with two other figures behind. At two inches taller than his girlfriend, he gave Kenji a sly smile and absentmindedly ran a hand through his thick black hair. Although he was seventeen years old just like most of the others, he was a few months their senior, making him the oldest in the group.
"Sorry sweetheart, you're on your own!" She replied with a gleeful giggle. "You're a big boy now, Kenji! You can take care of yourself!"
"B-but I'm only t'ree years old…" he said in a childish tone of voice, grinning at the auburn-haired teenage girl.
She chuckled. "Hey Erika, Ryan, be a little merciful, k?"
Her best friend grinned, her chocolate brown hair blowing freely in the wind, a teasing glint in her wide green eyes. "Don't worry, I bet that Chrysta, Curt, or Ryan are gonna do most of the pounding!"
"Hey Uriko!" Ryan Scheller called to the cat zoanthrope. "You can chill; we won't hurt your lover-boy too much!"
"What, and I don't get a say in this?!" Kenji exclaimed in mock outrage.
"Nope!" The youngest member of their group chimed in. "You left all your friends - not to mention poor Uriko -" the ebony-haired Asian female glanced at the Kenpo student with a sympathetic grin on her face. "-For almost three years! You had us all worried sick!"
The engaged couple exchanged a secret, knowing look. "Um, it's okay Chrysta, really… He already let me know why he was gone so long…"
"Why-" Curt began to question, but then was cut off by his girlfriend. "I bet it's a private couples-thing, Curt," she interrupted him with a wink, to the two zoanthropes' relief. "Let's buy them after they recover from their reunion!"
Whew, I'm saved… For now, anyway… The blue-haired ninja inwardly sighed, then effortlessly slipped out of Chrysta's imprisonment. "Hey-!" she shrieked in protest. Her former captive laughed and darted off further into the depths of the park that the six teenagers were in. "Heh, you'd better catch me if you want to attempt to beat me up!"
Grinning in response to his challenge, Uriko yelled back, "I'm already working on it!" She immediately darted after him, calling over her shoulder, "Come on everyone, let's get him!!"
Willingly obliging, her friends followed her lead, shouting mock threats to Kenji as they ran under the clear blue sky, surrounded by the serene environment.
*****
"Oh, admit it! We got you good!" was the giddy initiation.
"Only because you caught up and tackled me to the ground while waiting for the others!"
The brown-haired teenager smiled sweetly at him. "Your point being…?"
"In case this fact has slipped your mind, my dear Riko," Kenji drawled tantalizingly, gazing at her with affection, "You're faster than I am, so that's kind of a disadvantage for me…"
Her smile grew wider as she stopped their strolling and wrapped her arms around his muscular figure in a warm embrace. "You and I have almost the same speed…" she said softly into his ear. "Let's not dwell on such small indifferences…"
"Easy for you to say," he replied with a grin. "But okay."
Growing silent, Uriko turned her face away from him and glanced down the sidewalk in which the couple had been walking upon. Her light brown eyes settling on her house a few yards away, she reverted her attention up to the darkness of the sky. Breathing in the cool air of the night, she remarked softly, "It must be about eight right now… or later…"
"Yeah, I think you're right," her fiancé agreed.
"Kenji…"
"Hmm?"
"Are you… ready to tell us about… you know…"
The seventeen-year-old male nodded, albeit hesitantly. "Yes… At least, I hope so…"
"Whatever happened on that trip, don't be faltered by it, okay…?" she requested quietly, meeting his eyes, concern in her light brown pupils. "Just remember that I'm here to support you… I won't leave you or anything…"
"Thank you, Riko…" he said, hugging her tightly. "I won't forget…"
The Kenpo student gave him a small smile as she positioned herself by his side, and gently urged him to continue walking toward her home, his arm slung around her waist. Upon reaching the front porch outside of the house, she felt him stiffen involuntarily and she whispered, "Let's go… We'll face this together, don't worry…"
Taking in a deep nervous breath, the young ninja nodded in silent reply and the couple slowly made their way up the steps.
*****
"Where are those two? They're late…"
Sitting down Indian style on the floor, Alice shivered from the cool chill of the wind blowing in from outside, looking up at her 'mother' questioningly after briefly glancing at the open door.
"I'm not sure where they are," Mitsuko began. "But I know they left early this morning."
"Teenagers," Yugo scuffed half-jokingly. "Can't rely on them."
"You were once a teenager yourself," Alan stated matter-of-factly as his wife chuckled softly. "So I suppose you are saying that we shouldn't rely on you either?"
Flushing slightly, the brown-haired boxer opened his mouth to counter that, when a voice cut through; "Heh, hey brother, are you dissing us?"
The small group turned their attentions to the doorway, where the young couple was standing. Grinning a bit wryly at his older sibling, Kenji said, "Can't rely on us, huh?"
"Aww, we're wounded…" his fiancée joked gaily, smiling at her friends. "Sorry to keep you all waiting… We were at the park with some friends, and got into a chasing game, so we kind of lost track of time."
"Who was the target?" Jenny inquired.
Her smile widened. "Kenji."
"That must have been an easy target," Yugo chimed in, snickering.
The dark-haired ninja groaned. "It was me against five people… Besides, someone there had more speed than I did…" he nudged Uriko, who blushed.
Alice smiled gently. "Well, I'm glad you two enjoyed yourselves… Um, are you feeling up to talking tonight, Ken-I'm sorry-Bryan?"
A slight frown formed over his brows as he nodded a bit stiffly, tugging gently on the Kenpo student's hand and leading her over to sit before their group of compatriots. "If you don't mind…" he started to say quietly. "I'd appreciate it if everyone continues to call me Kenji. I've grown up for almost nine years on that name; it would feel weird to be suddenly referred by something different…"
The nurse looked a little embarrassed. "Sorry…"
He shook his head. "No, it's okay. I just wanted to let everyone know."
Yugo gave his younger brother a half-smile, relief glimmering in his eyes as he said, "I'm glad you decided to stick with Kenji… but are you going to make it a legal name change? …Or keep Bryan Takiyo?"
The mole zoanthrope shifted uncomfortably, his abashed gaze falling to the floor. "I… I don't really know… I'm not sure yet…"
Darn that trip… Uriko cursed silently. It got Kenji to be confused and unsure of himself… "You sure you want to tell us the Xion information tonight…?" Her look of concern settled on his eyes.
"…Yeah." He replied softly. "I don't want to put it off any longer…"
"…Hold on," Alan spoke up, glancing around the room. "We are missing my daughter and Long."
Huh… I wonder where did they go after… this morning. Kenji thought, trying to seem nonchalant as he shrugged and remarked, "I guess we can wait for them…" Wait for Jane and… and… most likely my last living blood relative… His face scrunched up at the title.
Noticing the slight twinge of tension in his mood, the cat zoanthrope glanced at him furtively, her large chocolate brown eyes gleaming with compassion. "Hang in there…" she whispered softly to him, giving his hand a firm but gentle squeeze.
"…" He looked at her briefly, an emotionless expression on his face before turning to the others, asking a bit rhetorically. "…Any idea of where the two of them are?"
"I am not very acknowledged of Jane's freelanced events," Alan answered. "The same goes for Long."
Where is my Master…? The Kenpo student wondered. Haven't seen him or Jane ever since… this morning… She shot the dark-haired ninja a knowing look. A soft knock on the opened door aroused the group from their mystification. "…Sorry to keep everyone waiting."
Standing a few feet away, seeming a bit tentative, Jane flashed her compatriots an apologetic smile while her boyfriend stood nearby, hand linked together with hers. The two of them covered the doorway, leaving no space to view the happenings behind them. Long quickly glanced back over his shoulder, as if keeping an eye out for something, before turning to the group and saying, "My apologies as well."
"Hi you two," Alice greeted. "It's alright about the delay; come on in and sit down. Kenji is about to tell us the events of his 'trip'."
The couple at the doorway looked at each other, communicating silently with their eyes. "…About that," the raven-haired zoanthrope started, "This morning, I… invited someone, I suppose you could say, to join us for this meeting tonight…"
Kenji raised an eyebrow. …Someone outside of our group? Why the hell would I want to let any random people know about my connection with Xion…? "…Mind if I inquire whom?"
"Is it anyone that we know?" Uriko questioned.
Her martial arts instructor glanced at her intently. "…Yes. Everyone here tonight does, perhaps all too well…" Sorry Shawn… with all due respect…
"It's alright; I understand…" a hushed voice assured him from behind, as if reading his mind. He nodded slightly in reply.
A bit mystified, Alice asked, "Really? Who?"
"Now, as a precaution…" Jane raised up her free hand. "Everyone… Just trust us in this decision to bring him here… alright?" Long, I trust you… but I really hope that you know what you're doing…
The others nodded, unspoken hesitation lingering overhead in the room. Taking in a deep breath, Long stepped aside, gently tugging his girlfriend over to him as the person behind them ascended toward the doorway. His hazy eyes shone with a bit of unease and anxiety as he cautiously extended his head into the room, peering nervously at the group of zoanthropes.
I wonder who it is… Uriko tilted her head to one side in curiosity at the tall figure with long raven hair. A more careful inspection had something nagging in her mind, crying out recognition… but she felt unsure. Fixating on his face, she took note of a familiar glint in his misty green pupils.
…Huh, I feel like I should know that person… she thought to herself. All of a sudden realizing who the man was, she received her answer, her eyes widened in surprise while her mouth went dry. "I-it's you…!" She managed to say, her voice quivering a bit.
'You'? Kenji shot her a curious look and whispered, "…Who is it, Riko?"
"Sh-Shenlong…!" the brown-haired teenager answered shakily.
Hearing her, Yugo's frown turned into an expression of shock. "What?! Who did you just say??" His attention adverted to the newcomer with narrowed eyes.
The ninja jerked back slightly. "…Huh??"
…Please don't overreact, everyone… Long pleaded silently.
Watching as the others turned to look at him, their reactions turning into shock upon recognition; Shenlong cringed inwardly, his composture wavering slightly. Now they know… he thought to himself. What are they going to do…?
The mood quickly faded as Uriko shot up from her seat, startling her fiancé as she released his hand. Anger replacing her previous state, red beginning to flash before her eyes, she shuddered before proceeding to the clone, her hands clenching into fists as she stalked over to him. "You…!!"
Sensing the predicament, Kenji stood as well, quickly following her lead. …Shit, it is Shenlong! He realized upon closer conduct, his own eyes narrowing while fury started to bubble up inside him. "ZLF scum!" He hissed angrily.
I presumed this would happen, Long grimaced and took a step toward the two teenagers. "Hold on a minute-"
"Master, stay back!" His disciple exclaimed, moving to stand in between him and his double.
"Hey, wait-" Jane tried to put a word in, but was cut off by Kenji glaring Shenlong coolly; "What have you done to our friends?! You better not have harmed them!"
The cat zoanthrope growled under her breath, fixating her gaze on the intruder. I can't believe he's in my house!! She briefly adverted her attention to sneak a look at her mother, cringing at the nervous expression on her face; Alice proceeded over to Mitsuko, placing her hands on her shoulders comfortingly. Mother…
"What the hell are you doing here?!" The blue-haired ninja inquired shrilly as his body tensed up, his internal fighting instincts trying to escape and be released. But somehow, a feeling inside told him to hold off and allow his opponent to explain himself before initiating combat.
"Please desist," The Kenpo master requested, glancing at his student and her fiancé a bit pleadingly. "Everybody, do not be alarmed-"
"Don't be alarmed?! Are you feeling alright, Long??" Yugo spoke up in defense of his younger brother, getting to his feet.
"Get out of here!!" Alice shrieked at the newcomer, looking at her 'mother' with concern lingering in her dark red pupils.
"You guys-" The leopard zoanthrope began to seem a little impatient as she attempted to inform her friends.
Her father and Jenny arose from their seats as well, following the examples of the others; tension ignited in the room. "Your presence is not welcomed here, and I am sure you are acknowledged of the reason behind it!" Alan stated bluntly.
"Everyone! Stop it, now!!" Long finally resorting to shouting, throwing down his hands for emphasis, and letting go of Jane's. Hearing the volume of his voice, the group quickly turned their surprised attentions to him in slight awe, since they were used to his mild tone. His cheeks flushed a bit at the observance. "…I apologize for yelling, but this is beginning to get out of hand. Please, relax. I will explain Shaw-I mean, Shenlong's involvement."
"Involvement indeed," Kenji muttered coldly, fury glimmering in the depths of his light brown eyes. "Assisting a good-for-nothing pervert in terrorizing and hurting others of his own kind! That's pretty damn disrespectful, to yourself, and to those you brought pain and suffering to!" The rest of the group seemed a bit dubious after hearing his words; even Long and Jane stayed silent.
If this is some kind of joke, it is not funny… His fiancée thought to herself, her clenched fist quivering slightly. She peered at the blonde-haired tomboy standing a few feet away from her, and as she caught the small glint of earnest truth in her sky blue irises, the fire of anger inside her slowly began to diminish. "…Alright."
The young ninja opened his mouth to continue, but stopped when he heard her speak up. "…What?"
"Jane, Master Long, please explain this to us…" Uriko said softly. "I would like to hear why you two decided to bring…him…here." I'm sure it was a good reason… I trust them…
"Uriko… Are you serious…?" Kenji felt a bit taken back by her revelation. Did she forget what he and Busuzima did to all of us?
"I believe in their judgement…" she murmured to him in reply, turning to meet his eyes. "We should give them a chance to explain."
…Riko… He nodded slowly, uncertainty in his mood. "Maybe you're right…" I hope this isn't a big mistake, tr-trusting him…
Even with that thought in mind, he back away albeit tediously to descend to the carpeted floor across from the three standing near the door, motioning for the Kenpo student to follow him. His dark blue bangs fell into his face, hiding the indecisive expression he had, and his eyes flickered upon Shenlong suspiciously. If he tries anything…
"Everyone…?" The brown-haired teenager glanced at her friends in silent plea. Still seeming reasonably dubious, they all cautiously regained their previous sitting positions, with the exception of the trio still stationed at the entrance of the house. After seeing her friends complete their tasks, she looked to her Kenpo instructor and his girlfriend, asking quietly, "Can you please explain…?" I hope I'm not being naïve and foolish to give him a… a chance…
"…I didn't harm your friends, and I give you my word on that." Shenlong started to say, his voice a notch above audible.
"Maybe not tonight anyway…" the mole zoanthrope mumbled.
"Kenji," His female companion hissed. "Please… don't do that…"
He obeyed with reluctance, folding her hand into his in silent reply.
"I was the one whom invited him here," Long informed the group. "Don't turn to him for accusation; blame me if you wish to."
"Just please hear us out first," Jane chimed in, shooting her father a knowing look. "All right?"
When no objections were made, although the atmosphere in the room was still tense and filled with anxiety, her beau continued; "He is not completely at fault for what happened almost three years ago-"
"I hold myself responsible for it." His twin cut him off and glanced at him apologetically for interrupting. "Nothing can excuse anyone from… the acts that I had committed…"
"Darn right about that…" Alice murmured quietly, turning away and adverting her attention to her mother.
Long's expression was serious. "…Kenji."
A bit surprised at his name being called, he raised an eyebrow slightly. "…Yes?"
"What happened to you… what Busuzima did with the brainwashing and mind-control… He performed those to Shenlong as well."
Huh?? "What?!" His brows knit together into a frown and his eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about??"
"I was one of his… specimen," the clone confessed. "But I am not condoning myself or anything of the sort. However, I felt that you all had a right to know about… that."
I share something in common with that… that monster…? Kenji blinked in disbelief and bewilderment. "You-you must be jesting…"
"It's probably hard to believe… I know I don't deserve your trust, but that is the truth." The verdant-eyed zoanthrope insisted gently. "The terrorizing… fighting… harming… I did not do those of complete free will…"
"…You were misguided. Mislead, deceived." Alan spoke up, the stony look in his pupils reducing a little.
Surprised at receiving the paltry sense of consideration, Shenlong nodded, his feeling of uncertainty beginning to decrease. "Yes, I suppose you could put it that way…"
"…Why were you involved with Xion?" Kenji shot at him instantly, his tone unwavering. "Why did you help him fight against us?"
"How is it possible that you are still alive?" Jenny questioned sensibly.
"…" The newcomer turned around to close the door gently and lean against it, crossing his arms loosely over his chest. "I had not yet deceased when Busuzima found me three years ago…" A look of distaste was in his irises at the mention of the name, similar to the one that was forming in Kenji's. "But the second time…" he shut his eyes. "She was the one who rescued me."
"…?" Alice took attention to his soft murmur. "Who…?"
"…Danni."
What… we don't know anyone by that name… "Excuse me?"
"…We all know her as Doctor Kaysley," Long cleared up for his compatriots, glancing away as the nurse looked at his double incredulously, while the others dubbed equally surprised expressions on their faces.
End of Chapter 20