Griff: Gomen-nasi, it's taken me so long to get this chapter up. I've been having writer's block, not to mention a sprained wrist. Ouchies. Anyway, since you're reading this, you probably should've guessed that the wrist has healed. Arigato for the reviews, you guys are great! ;D

Reader: Shut up and get on with the chapter.

Griff: o_o

Kai: Thank you. *to reader*

Griff: *lip trembles and bursts into tears*

Reader & Kai: o___o

Griff: *clutches Kai's leg* *blubbers* H-here's the ne-next chap-chapt-chapter! *bawls*

*****

Through the Ice

Chapter 4, Challenge

It had to be her. It had to be her! Who else knew him? Kai raged inwardly at being looked at as someone in the lower range. How dare she whirl up and how dare she talk to him like that?

It was in the late hours of the night that Kai had woken from sleep, too troubled to slumber. He had risen from bed, dressed and decided to take a walk, trying to peace his mind. However, it was anything but peaceful as he suddenly remembered the phone call and the almost taunting voice.

He punched the wall of the hotel they were staying in. A vase perched on a shelf in the wall trembled, teetered and fell with a crash. He ignored it and stormed through the hall, kicking past the fallen vase, his mind clouded by a bad temper.

'Aren't we upset.' came a soft voice, but as soft as it was, Kai could tell the edge of mockery in it. He spun around, eyeing the shadows cast by the dim moonlight.

'Who's there?' he said quietly, appearing calm on the outside, but tensed up inside. Even before he saw anything move, he knew instinctively who it was. The taunting voice matched the bold appearance of the girl he met briefly with in the mall. He took a step closer to the shadowy part in the corner, straining his eyes.

'What're you looking at?' The voice came again.

Before long, and ignoring the question, Kai's amber eyes sought out the figure, almost invisible as she used up most of the darkest areas, sticking close to the wall. He took another step forward, narrowing his eyes at her.

She stared right back at him, undisturbed. 'Want something, perhaps?' Her tone was almost sarcastic.

Kai's fists clenched sub-consciously as he stalled for time, thinking of a reply. This was obviously a verbal challenge. After a while, he spoke, in the same sarcastic voice that she used.

'You tell me, girl.' Inwardly, he chuckled with triumph as her eyes, such emerald eyes, sparked with anger.

'Girl?' she spat, and he was momentarily stunned by her rashness. 'Girl?' Striding towards him, she flicked a hand under his nose, catching his cheek with a spike on one of her bracelets. His hand flew instinctively to his face, and she thrust her head forward, mouth close to his own.

'Don't ever call me… Girl.' She blew a lock of hazel hair from in front of her face, and vanished into the shadows.

*****

Griff: This one's a shortie. Gomen! ;-; *stopped crying* You though they were going to kiss! XD Well, they will, just not now, and not in the next chapter either. ;D

Kai: *eye twitch*

Griff: *hops into his arms* Oh come on, Kai, you know you love it. ;D Read and review! Arigato for the reviews again, it helped quite a bit. :D