If only a smile
Chapter 8 - Requiem
Genre: Angst, Drama and Romance
Warning: AU, shounen-ai, violence, Death.We think that we're going to get some threats for this...Kleenex warning. Wai nearly went on a writing- strike when she found out how this was going to turn out.
Suggested song to accompany the reading of this fic: Shindemo-ii (Ken's song)
Sorry for the mistake in the last chapter, Wai's to blame yet again for that. Aki wrote the part where Weiss and Schwarz gets captured and Wai wrote the reunion scene but she failed to realize that the others are still unconscious at the time. So any complaints...blame it on Wai!
Disclaimer: We don't own anything other than Naoko and the plot...Yes, there is a plot, people.
"N-Nao-chan?" Ken stammered. The girl nodded excitedly, a strange glint in her eyes. She didn't look anything like the Naoko Ken talks to on the soccer field, the one who loved kids as much as Ken did. No, this is a different side of Naoko. The one Ken has never seen before.
"Yup! That's me!" She exclaimed, waving the knife about. "Sorry for the entrance, Ken-kun...And for the wounds too. I guess I got a little carried away with the knife. And I'm really, really sorry that I had to capture you first and all. But what's a trap without a bait, right?" She said happily, winking at Ken. Ken felt his stomach churn, she was acting as if this was a game.
"Nao-chan...why?"
She scrunched up her gace as she thought. "I don't know, really. But I like you Ken!" Then she paused, eyes narrowing and face twisting into one of fury. "But of course, this ASS had to show up and ruin my plans!" She pointed the knife at Ran's direction.
"You know, it's not very nice to toy with someone's feelings." Naoko said, frowning as she stalked over to where Ran was pinned against the wall. "You hurt Ken really badly, you know? And I don't think I can forgive you for that." Ken's eyes widened in panic, he frantically searched his mind for ways to distract her.
"But that doesn't explain the killing, Nao." He shouted suddenly. She paused mid-step and then turned around, a concerned look on her face.
"Well...how else am I suppose to draw you out? How else? I mean, you're an assassin, right? You'd need to find me first." She said slowly. "Besides, I wanted to know how it felt like to be you."
"Wha-"
"An assassin, a killer." Naoko said with a shrug, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Ken felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. She had just voices his insecurities. He had always thought that sometimes he felt as if he was standing on a borderline. He couldn't seem to find a reason behind their nightly duties anymore. Maybe they are just like their targets, just a bunch of low down killers.
"Don't dream, little girl." Spoke up Schuldich. Apparently, the sedatives had lost its effects.
"Who are you to call me little?"
"Don't lower us to the likes of you." Snapped Schuldich. "We don't kill people because we feel like it. We do it because we have to. We protect the innocent by punishing the guilty." Naoko's eyes narrowed and unleashed her telekinetic power on the German telepath, knocking the wind out of him.
"Schuldich!" Youji looked at the man beside him in alarm, but the telepath managed a smile back. It was then that Ken noticed Omi was concetrating deeply. The two telepaths were planning something, Schu was trying to distract Naoko so Omi could be able to concentrate on whatever plan they had.
Naoko looked at the telepath in disgust and whirled around suddenly, breaking Omi's concentration. Luckily she didn't seem to have noticed what was going on. But to their utmost surprise, she smiled innocently at Ken. "Why would I waste my time with the likes of them, when I can proceed to my main concern, right Ken?"
Suddenly, Ken felt his body jerk. Naoko was using her powers to summon him towards her. He cursed silently, thought hoped that if she kept herself occupied with him, at least his teammates and newfound friends would be able to throw the block she had on them off.
"You don't know how terribly irresistible you are, do you, Ken?" She asked softly, a hand reached out to brush away at Ken's bangs. A low growl emitted from one corner of the room, from the Weiss side in particular. Ran was gritting his teeth at the scene, causing Ken to gulp, hoping that the redhead could keep his temper in check long enough for Omi to break the block.
"I really didn't want to hurt you." She said, surprising Ken at how sad her eyes looked. There was wistfulness beneath those eyes, a lost look that Ken recognized in Omi's eyes and his own sometimes. It was the look of someone who knows too much and has been through a lot.
Her smile turned sad. "Sometimes the path that we lead aren't always the right path. But we're forced to lead it anyway, no matter the consequences." Her voice trailed off, eyes focusing on the distance now. But amethyst eyes returned to Ken once more. "I'm sorry our paths never did join together, even though we did cross paths."
There was a loud 'thud' which caused both Ken and Naoko to look up, only to see that Omi had landed on the ground. Ken remain pinned against the wall despite Omi's earlier attempts, apparently Naoko had made extra sure that he wouldn't go anywhere.
"How the hell did you break the hold?" She asked, frowning. She made a small sound of discontent and rolled her eyes. This was what she gets for complaining that they didn't put up a good fight before.
Shaking her head, she began to wag her forefinger at them, like a mother chiding her child for doing something he wasn't suppose to do. "Now, didn't anyone ever tell you to stay where you are and keep quiet?" Omi didn't hesitate, he was used to taking care of Farfarello, especially when the Irishman is having one of his attacks. It could result in him banging his head against the wall or screaming loudly, but what he wasn't prepared for was an unstable girl with psychic powers.
"Aoi-san, you don't want to do this." He said slowly. "Attacks are normal for someone of your...condition. Farf has them too." Her eyes narrowed and that was when Omi knew he had said something wrong.
"Are you implying that I'm insane, Tsukiyono-san?" She asked, looking completely sane, as she frowned and folded her arms to her chest. She looked almost like a miffed eighteen year old. Almost.
"I'm not saying that. I'm merely-" Omi was cut off by the appearance of a maniacal grin on the raven haired girl's lips.
"Oh, you're not wrong, Tsukiyono-san. They've told me I'm insane. I know I'm insane." She said, the grin vibrant on her face. Her attention, howeverm was taken away from Omi as Schuldich landed on his feet. "Oh great, now both telepaths are free!" She exclaimed, before muttering, "This just isn't my day."
"You've got that right, liebe. Too bad you're too insane for my tastes." Schuldich said, as he proceeded to throw off the hold on the rest of his teammates as Omi did the same to Schwarz. "And too bad you're also a girl." He added.
At that moment, the hold on Ken was released and the brunet breathed a sigh of relief and threw Omi a wry, but grateful grin. He only realized the redhead's presence a second later. Ken looked to his side and saw Ran standing beside him, even though the redhead's eyes were focused on Naoko. Inwardly, Ken smiled, it was good to be protected for a change.
"HEY!" Naoko exclaimed in protest at Schuldich's comment. "What the hell is wrong with being a girl?" She demanded. It wasn;t the time or the place, but Schuldich chuckled.
"In case you haven't noticed, fraulein telepath, none of us here is a 100% straight." Schuldich said, motioning at everyone in the roon and earning a glare from Crawford. Schuldich raised an eyebrow and the leader of Schwars shook his head, asking to whatever gods are out there why Schuldich would pick a moment like that to let that kind of information out.
To everyone's surprise, she didn't throw a fit. Instead, she did the last thing any of them thought she would do, she pouted. "No fair. Why do all the cute guys have to be gay?" She protested.
Ken watched as she faltered, noticing that she was coming back. This sounded like the Nao he knew. But what he didn't know was whether or not her insanity would kick in again or not. He had to try.
"Nao-chan?" He said softly. Amethyst eyes shifted towards him, eyes that were now filled with fear, the glint gone in her eyes. It looked as if she was coming back to reality from whatever world she was in.
"Ken-kun?" She whispered softly. "What have I done?" She sounded like a lost, scared little girl. And for once, the two teams of assassins in the room felt sorry for her. "I...Kami-sama, I..." She stopped, squeezing her eyes shut as if to block the memories out. "What is wrong with me?"
"Easy, Nao-chan. We'll figure ou what's wrong with you later, alright?" Ken said, stepping towards her. Ran made a small, almost unaudible sound of protest, but Ken ignored it and flashed him a reassuring gaze instead before focusing back on Naoko.
He was just a step away from her when he stopped. He knew he should wait until she was at ease with his presence before doing anything else. If he steps over the boundary, it might throw her back into the insanity and God knows what she would do then.
"Nao, I want to help." He said slowlyl. He was vaguely aware that his friends were all in offensive stance, ready to attack if anything were to happen. No, he didn't want Naoko hurt, he didn't want to see another victim. Pleading amethyst looked at him hopefully, she was herself again.
He placed a hand on her shoulder and felt her stiffen slightly, but slowly relaxed. The feel of the hand was familiar, something she could hold onto. She wouldn't have to slip back. Something she could-
Ken gasped in pain as he was suddenly thrown against the wall. All eyes snapped back to Naoko, but the girl looked surprised herself. "What the hell are you trying to pull?" Snarled Crawford, he and the others ready to attack just as Omi rushed over to where Ken was.
"No, don't!" Ken wheezed out. Schwarz faltered slightly, but not Weiss.
"Now little girl, you really shouldn't have done that." Youji said. His tone was light, but from light in emerald eyes it was certain that he was far from kidding.
"B-but...it wasn't me." Naoko stammered, looking confused. Suddenly, amethyst eyes widened and she whirled around. "No." She whispered softly.
"Huh?" Nagi said, confused at her reaction, like the others. Although he was ready to send her through the walls.
"NO! STOP!" She shouted. But as soon as her shout died down, a telekinetic static picked up in the room. Soon, various objects were flying about the room. Pieces of metal, old trays, needles...everything was flying at top speed, heading for everyone in the room, with the exception of the distressed Naoko.
"Fuck! What the hell?" Cursed Youji as he ducked as a piece of metal flew over his head.
"Telekinesis!" Nagi shouted over the clatters of metal around the room.
"Shit, Nagikins, can't you do something?" Schuldich shouted, just as a piece of metal whizzed past his face, cutting his cheek. "This is getting damn annoying."
"You can't really fight a telekinetic power if you don't know the source." Omi called out, he had yet made it to where Ken was when the telekinetic storm picked up.
"Ken, can you find it?" Crawford shouted at the brunet, who wasn't too far away from him, yet was unable to hear him clearly. It wasn't until Crawford shouted for the third time that Ken finally understood.
"I think so, I can almost pinpoint it." He called back.
Before Ken could do anything, however, one of the metal tables headed his way and Ken just barely stopped it from crushing him. Although the table refused to budge when he pushed it away. "Shit." He swore under his breath.
"Brad, that's a negative. I'm kind of stuck here!" Ken shouted.
"What did he say?" Crawford shouted at Youji, who was next to him. But before the tall blond could reply, his eyes widened. He had caught a glimpse of one particular object heading for Ken's direction. A knife, aimed directly at Ken's chest.
"Ken-kun!" Bellowed Omi, eyes wide in horror. Ken looked up, but there wasn't much he could do from his trapped position. His arms were pinned to his side, he had to raise them in the air to redirect the knife elsewhere. He could only watch helplessly as it flies closer, even as his friends tried desperately to rush to his side.
'They're not going to make it.' Ken thought, even as he closed his eyes. He heard a soft gasp and immediately jade eyes flew open.
In front of him, with the knife through her chest, was Naoko. She gave a soft, strangled gasp and her step faltered. The storm passed as all items clanged to the floor and Ken pushed the table roughly away and Ken caught Naoko before she fell to the ground. He looked at the knife and thought twice of removing it, after all, the blood flow would be more severe if he removed it and she could die from bloodloss. Though seeing where the knife was, a small voice in his head whispered,
'It's not as if it's going to matter. She's going to die.'
"Nao-chan." He whispered, as her eyes turned towards him.
"I'm...so...rry." She whispered through gasps of breath. Ken shook his head as he fought back tears.
"Don't say anything. We have to get you out of here." He told her. She gave a small, weak laugh and shook her head, wincing at the movement.
"No...You know...I won't...make-"
"Fuck! Don't talk like that!" The brunet shook his head stubbornly. "You're going to be just fine." The words brought nothing but pain to amethyst eyes. A hand reached out to touch Ken's cheek.
"I shouldn't...you belong..." It was beginning to get hard to breathe and tears glistened in her eyes, falling from the corner of her eyes. "I...love you." Tears clouded Ken's vision and he shook his head once more, only to send them cascading down his cheeks.
"No. You shouldn't, Nao. I'm a curse. Everyone who cares for me ends up-"
"You're not...a curse." She said. "Never...a curse. You...are...Ken." The hand that caressed his cheek slowly fall down. "You are...a gift."
The others could only watch this exchange with mixed feelings. Their captor was nothing more than a confused little girl, a girl who didn't even know what she was doing. And as she lay on the floor, her life flowing slowly out of her, it was hard not to feel sorry for her despite what she did.
"Nao-chan, I'm getting you out of here." Ken said sternly, ready to carry her. She smiled, a soft and sad smile. She knew it would come down to this. They are walking on different paths after all. This was meant to be. Their destiny is foreordained.1
"Good...bye." She said softly, even as her hand tried to reach for Ken one more time. But before she could, her eyes slowly closed and the hand fell limply to the ground. Ken could only watch the now lifeless form in his arms.
"N-Nao?" He whispered, though he received no reply. He let his head drop down, bangs covering his eyes even as tears trailed down his cheeks. His shoulder shook and for a moment the others expected sobs from the Schwarz telekinetic. But when he reaised his head once more, his eyes were shining fury. He laid Naoko's body carefully on the ground and stood up.
"Ken-kun?" Omi asked slowly, reaching out for his friend, only to find his path blocked by Ran. The leader of Weiss shook his head slowly.
"Where are you?" Ken asked quietly, startling everyone.
"Where is who, Ken?" Ran asked, voice steady.
"Show yourself!" Ken said, louder this time. "SHOW YOURSELF YOU FUCKING COWARD!" Omi looked at Crawford, who suddenly narrowed his eyes and growled under his breath. Whatever it is that both Ken and Crawford could sense, Omi certainly couldn't.
"KASE!" Ken shouted with all his might. There was a sharp intake of breath from Omi and his eyes widened. It can't be! But suddenly, out of the silence that surrounded them, a chuckle was heard. An air vent cover dropped down from the ceiling and a form soon followed.
The Weiss members found themselves looking at the only person Ken truly hates, the first person ever to betray him. The person who left him in Rozenkreuz, all those years ago, to die. Ran had the compelling urge to cut him down to pieces, but kept his temper in check. His eyes were on Ken, waiting for the brunet's reaction.
"Nice to see you again, Ken." The taller male greeted, a sharp glint in his eyes.
"You did this." Ken said, eyes narrowed. "You twisted her mind for your own benefis, you bastard!" He spat. It seemed that his anger only amused the other.
"Why Ken, I never thought of you as smart before. I didn't even know that you found out that the little brat was under my control this whole time." He paused, frowning. "Up to the last moment, that is. I don't even know where she found the power to break my hold on her." He shrugged and smiled. "Oh well, that doesn't matter now, does it? She's dead."
"Why? Why did you have to drag someone who had nothing to do with us into the picture?" Ken demanded, visibly shaking with anger.
"Because it was convenient and I didn't have to get my hands dirty." Kase replied simply. His eyes turned towards Ken's teammates. Then, with a small smirk, he placed a shield over Ken and himself. The telekinetics knew what it was straight away, it was a protective sphere, both Ken and Kase were trapped inside. No one can enter and no one can escape.
"Ken-kun!" Omi shouted, eyes widening as he realized his friend was trapped inside. Jade eyes narrowed, byt Ken didn't say a word. Instead, he kept his eyes focused on his opponent. Yes, he had to finish this now, time to put all his demons to rest.
"Keep back, Omi. You can't enter." Ken warned the young telepath, his eyes never leaving Kase.
"Lets finish what we started twelve years ago, shall we?" Kase said, waving his hand to release an attack at the Schwarz telekinetic. Luckily for Ken he had years of training and experience on his side and was able to counter the attack. Kase raised an eyebrow. "Very good. I see your little assassin group has kept you on your toes." He commented.
He repeated the same attack again, but just as Ken was about to counter it, he felt his body freeze. "Shit!" He swore under his breath.
While watching the fight anxiously, Omi couldn't help but feel slightly confused. The Kase he knew was a telekinetic. When had he ever possess the ability to place a block on someone? How was he able to control them, which was something only a telepath can do.
"He's a telepath." Crawford said suddenly, voicing Omi's suspicions.
"How is it possible, Crawford-san?" Omi asked.
"Remember, Omi, they carried out a lot of experiments here." The American's eyes were fixed on Ken as he grimly watched Ken throw off the block, even as Omi stared at him. "They were able to enhance someone's supernatural powers and they found out ways...to create these powers." Omi's eyes widened.
"You mean Kase's not really a..."
"He's not a real telepath nor is he a real telekinetic. He's artificial, he's Estet's little playtoy."
"Is that why this guy hates Ken so much? Because Ken had real powers but he didn't want to use them?" Youji asked, he couldn't help but ask the question.
"Yes, he was jealous." Just as Crawford finished that sentence, Ken was thrown against the shield, landing hard on the ground. Omi winced, knowing that Ken's condition was bad enough as it was. If this continued, however, it could mean certain death for the brunet.
But they were helpless to do anything, all they could do was watch as Kase toyed with Ken.
Every inch of his body was screaming in pain and he could virtually feel his powers being drained from his body. He Ken refused to give up. There was no way he would let Kase win. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
For everyone who suffered through Rozenkreuz.
He planted both his hands on the ground and pushed himself slowly up.
For Naoko.
His hands left the floor as he rose to his feet.
For my friends.
And he stood up straight, eyes glowing with renewed determination. There was no way in HELL he was going to let Kase win this fight. No way.
For Me. He thought feverishly.
Ken threw an attack at Kase, receiving only a smirk from the taller male who easily blocked it with a telepathic shield. Though the smirk was quick to leave his lips as he suddenly realized the brunet was using his powers to draw Kase to him. He struggled to release himself and he paused mid-way. His relief dissapated when he suddenly realized that Ken was nowhere to be seen, he had lost sight of him when he was struggling.
"Behind you." A cold voice, so unlike Ken, said. Kase whirled around, only to be met by a direct punch on the face by the infamous Schwarz assassin. The taller male felt the trickle of blood flowing from his nose. He snarled, only to receive yet another punch, this time it caught him straight in the gut.
He felt back, hitting the ground with a loud thud and had the wind knocked out of him. Ken wasted not even a second before he unleashed his third attack, a swift kick to Kase's side. He didn't even think twice before unleashing yet another viscious kick, this time with all his might, the sound of cracking ribs drowned only by Kase's wail of pain. It wasn't for nothing that Ken spent time as a goalie for the J-league, even though it was only for six weeks because it was part of a mission. Nevertheless, they were the best six weeks of his life.
Ken flicked his wrist, sending the bloodied body of his former best friend across the room, smacking on the shield, which flickered and disappeared. It seemed the table has turned as Kase looked at Ken with murderous eyes, but there was something else in those eyes, a resolve. And Ken didn't like it one bit.
Kase smirked, knowing that Ken had read what was going on in his mind. "This isn't going the way I planned, but I guess it could be worse." Ken's eyes widened and at that moment his friends were shoved out of the room with the last of Kase's strength. As soon as they were outside, the door slammed closed and the automatic lock was clicked in place.
"At least with this," Kase said, pushing himself to a sitting position, "I'll take you to hell with me."
"What the hell are you talking about?" No sooner had he finished the sentence, the room around him went up in flames. Angry jade eyes flew to where Kase sat smirking. "You bastard." There was no escape.
Omi groaned as he picked himself off the floor. "What the hell?" Schuldich said, pointing at the locked door.
"Shit! Siberian!" Cursed Crawford, just as he, Youji and Ran stalked towards the door and began to bang against it.
"It's no use." Schuldich said, eyes the solid door. It didn't even budge despite the force the three were banging against it. "You'll never open it. Not from the outside."
"What? But Ken is in there!" Exclaimed Omi. "Can't we do something?"
"Schu's right. It's impossible to open from the outside, but maybe from the inside..." Youji's voice trailed off.
"Contact him, Omi. Give me a clear channel." Ordered Crawford. Omi nodded.
"Ryoukai."
Ken stalked over to where Kase was, grasping his shoulder tightly and growled, "What the hell did you just do?"
"You're trapped in here, with me." He said, the smile ever present on his face. "It's finally here, after such a long wait-" He stopped, coughing loudly. "Well done, Ken. Some fighting spirit you've got there. Too bad I don't have enough energy to end this fight in my favor, when I could have easily, years ago."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm dying." He replied simply. "Estet's experiments didn't exactly do me much good, the chemicals they used really fucked me up. They shorten your lifespan, basically. So think of this as a gift from a dying man." Kase said, looking surprisingly calm and...sane?
"The chemicals? They used them on..."
"No, they never used it on you. Only on me and a couple of others, but they didn't make it. They used the serum they developed from your blood, because you're a true telekinetic. Me? I was their guinea pig." He paused, smile disappearing. "Unfortunately for you, before Estet died altogether, they assigned me with one important mission."
"Burn Rozenkreuz." Ken said.
"Quite right. They wanted everything destroyed, because someone found out about them. Someone they couldn't kill. Someone you know, quite well."
"Who?"
"The very person who saved your life."
"Crawford." A nod.
"That's right. So they gave me a mission. Destroy the evidence, including the source of the serum."
"The source...Me? Is this what it's all about?" Ken asked incredulously. "You wanted to fulfill your first and ONLY mission from Este? To kill me? You did all this..." He gestured at the fire around them. "You used people, hurt them and killed them...just for ONE damn mission from a bunch of DEAD people?"
"That and another reason, a personal reason." Kase said quietly. "I wanted to beat you, just once." He paused, laughing bitterly. "You perfect little ass, no one could ever beat you."
Anger disappeared from jade eyes, leaving only sadness. "I'm not perfect, far from it. I told Nao...everyone I love always ends up dead. Anyone who cared for me ends up hurt. I'm a curse."
"You're not a curse." Kase said, surprising Ken. "They called you gifted remember? Besides, the guy out there obviously..." He stopped, laughing a little. "Loves you..."
"Kase?"
"If you love him, if you love any of them," Kase said, serious eyes looking at Ken. "Tell them to get the hell out of here." That was when it all fall into place.
"You rigged this place, didn't you?" It was more a statement, rather than a question. A quiet acceptance in Ken's part.
"Yes. They don't have a lot of time, they can't save you, but you can save them. Before this whole godforsaken place blows up." He coughed again. "I've planted a few explosives here and there, timed them all."
Ken gave a short laugh. "You made sure that I wouldn't get out of this alive, didn't you?" Kase could only snort and coughed some more, though this time there was blood on his hand. "I don't know why you told me this, but I'll have to tell them to get out of here somehow. At least...he'll be safe." Ken said, whispering the last part as he gazed at the locked door.
"Life's a bitch, eh?" Despite the situation, Ken laughed. It was a bitter laugh, yet...whatever...
"Yeah, life's a bitch." Ken said.
"I'll see you in hell, Ken." Before he could even ask, his eyes returned to Kase, but the other wasn't moving nor did it seem, was he breathing. Ken cursed under his breath and shook his head. Yes indeed, a bitch.
Ken looked around the room, watching the flickering flames, burnt in his memories foraver. The flames that haunted his dreams all these years. He shook his head, looking at the dead man at his feet. "No." He whispered quietly. "THIS is hell."
'Ken-kun!' Omi called out.
'Omi, get everyone out of here.' Ken said quietly.
'What? No way! We're not leaving without you!'
'Omi, this place is rigged. It's going to blow up soon.' Omi felt a chill go down his spine.
'Where did he plant them?' Crawford asked.
'He didn't say.'
'Get the info out of him, then! Torture him...do something!' Exclaimed Youji.
'He's dead, Balinese. There's nothing much I can get out of a dead man.'
'How?'
'There's no time to explain. Look, just get out of here, alright?'
'What about you?'
'It's an auto lock and a solid door, there isn't enough time for me to get out of here, even if I tried.'
'You're trapped.' Schuldich said quietly, eyeing Ran.
'Yes, so now get the hell out of here. All of you, I mean it.'
'But Ken-kun...'
'You can't save me, so save yourself.'
'I'm not going to leave you here!'
'Chibi, if you can't do it for yourself, then do it for me. I want you all to live.' Ken pleaded. This simply wasn't the time for Omi to be stubborn.
'I'll get them out, Ken.'
'You better Bradley.' Ken said, smirking. 'I'll have your word on that.'
'One for the kitty-cat.' Ken had to keep himself from laughing when he heard Farfarello's voice.
'Thank you. Farewell.'
"No!" Omi shouted loudly. "I'm not leaving."
"Getting yourself and the rest of us killed will not help Ken, Omi." Crawford said, as he grabbed the youngest member of Schwarz by the arm and dragged him down the corridor.
"But what about our promise?"
"I have a new promise now. I just promised Ken that I'll get all of you out, now get the hell out!" Omi had to blink back the tears from his eyes, but he knew Brad was right. But he simply couldn't...
"Let's go." Farfarello said, nudging the boy. Omi could do nothing but comply, even as the tears finally flowed.
Gomen, Ken-kun.
"Wait a minute?" Youji said when they are outside, looking around. "Where's Ran?"
Ken heard a faint beeping, it was coming from his pocket. Curious, he reached inside and saw the tiny communicator. It didn't take long for him to figure out who it was.
"I had a feeling you would call." Ken said, smiling sadly.
"I'm not leaving you here."
"God, Ran! This place is going to blow!"
"I don't care. I'm not leaving you."
"No! You have to go!"
"I'm staying here. If you can't get out of there...then I'm staying here."
"I don't want you to die too, you idiot!"
"Hn."
"Ran!"
Silence.
"Love, you have to go."
He was met by a stunned silence. Followed by a soft, "What did you say?"
"Love." Ken said, he couldn't help but smile wryly. "I love you, Ran."
"Ken...I..."
"Please go. I love you too much to let you die too."
"I-I love you too much to let you go." Ken could feel tears rushing down his cheeks.
"One of us has to live, Ran. Please, I'm begging you."
"I-I can't."
"Do it for me, love. Just go."
There was a falter. "Ken..."
"I won't hate you, Ran. I've already told you I love you. Respect my wishes please and leave." Steps faltered, but then slowly moved away from the door.
"I love you Ken." Ran whispered one last time.
"Forever." Ken whispered back, closing his eyes. Closing the communicator, he couldn't help the sobs that wrecked through his body. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Watching the flames that slowly close in on him Ken could only whisper, "I love you."
Chapter 9 - currently untitled
No teaser so far
Please review!!!
Chapter 8 - Requiem
Genre: Angst, Drama and Romance
Warning: AU, shounen-ai, violence, Death.We think that we're going to get some threats for this...Kleenex warning. Wai nearly went on a writing- strike when she found out how this was going to turn out.
Suggested song to accompany the reading of this fic: Shindemo-ii (Ken's song)
Sorry for the mistake in the last chapter, Wai's to blame yet again for that. Aki wrote the part where Weiss and Schwarz gets captured and Wai wrote the reunion scene but she failed to realize that the others are still unconscious at the time. So any complaints...blame it on Wai!
Disclaimer: We don't own anything other than Naoko and the plot...Yes, there is a plot, people.
"N-Nao-chan?" Ken stammered. The girl nodded excitedly, a strange glint in her eyes. She didn't look anything like the Naoko Ken talks to on the soccer field, the one who loved kids as much as Ken did. No, this is a different side of Naoko. The one Ken has never seen before.
"Yup! That's me!" She exclaimed, waving the knife about. "Sorry for the entrance, Ken-kun...And for the wounds too. I guess I got a little carried away with the knife. And I'm really, really sorry that I had to capture you first and all. But what's a trap without a bait, right?" She said happily, winking at Ken. Ken felt his stomach churn, she was acting as if this was a game.
"Nao-chan...why?"
She scrunched up her gace as she thought. "I don't know, really. But I like you Ken!" Then she paused, eyes narrowing and face twisting into one of fury. "But of course, this ASS had to show up and ruin my plans!" She pointed the knife at Ran's direction.
"You know, it's not very nice to toy with someone's feelings." Naoko said, frowning as she stalked over to where Ran was pinned against the wall. "You hurt Ken really badly, you know? And I don't think I can forgive you for that." Ken's eyes widened in panic, he frantically searched his mind for ways to distract her.
"But that doesn't explain the killing, Nao." He shouted suddenly. She paused mid-step and then turned around, a concerned look on her face.
"Well...how else am I suppose to draw you out? How else? I mean, you're an assassin, right? You'd need to find me first." She said slowly. "Besides, I wanted to know how it felt like to be you."
"Wha-"
"An assassin, a killer." Naoko said with a shrug, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Ken felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. She had just voices his insecurities. He had always thought that sometimes he felt as if he was standing on a borderline. He couldn't seem to find a reason behind their nightly duties anymore. Maybe they are just like their targets, just a bunch of low down killers.
"Don't dream, little girl." Spoke up Schuldich. Apparently, the sedatives had lost its effects.
"Who are you to call me little?"
"Don't lower us to the likes of you." Snapped Schuldich. "We don't kill people because we feel like it. We do it because we have to. We protect the innocent by punishing the guilty." Naoko's eyes narrowed and unleashed her telekinetic power on the German telepath, knocking the wind out of him.
"Schuldich!" Youji looked at the man beside him in alarm, but the telepath managed a smile back. It was then that Ken noticed Omi was concetrating deeply. The two telepaths were planning something, Schu was trying to distract Naoko so Omi could be able to concentrate on whatever plan they had.
Naoko looked at the telepath in disgust and whirled around suddenly, breaking Omi's concentration. Luckily she didn't seem to have noticed what was going on. But to their utmost surprise, she smiled innocently at Ken. "Why would I waste my time with the likes of them, when I can proceed to my main concern, right Ken?"
Suddenly, Ken felt his body jerk. Naoko was using her powers to summon him towards her. He cursed silently, thought hoped that if she kept herself occupied with him, at least his teammates and newfound friends would be able to throw the block she had on them off.
"You don't know how terribly irresistible you are, do you, Ken?" She asked softly, a hand reached out to brush away at Ken's bangs. A low growl emitted from one corner of the room, from the Weiss side in particular. Ran was gritting his teeth at the scene, causing Ken to gulp, hoping that the redhead could keep his temper in check long enough for Omi to break the block.
"I really didn't want to hurt you." She said, surprising Ken at how sad her eyes looked. There was wistfulness beneath those eyes, a lost look that Ken recognized in Omi's eyes and his own sometimes. It was the look of someone who knows too much and has been through a lot.
Her smile turned sad. "Sometimes the path that we lead aren't always the right path. But we're forced to lead it anyway, no matter the consequences." Her voice trailed off, eyes focusing on the distance now. But amethyst eyes returned to Ken once more. "I'm sorry our paths never did join together, even though we did cross paths."
There was a loud 'thud' which caused both Ken and Naoko to look up, only to see that Omi had landed on the ground. Ken remain pinned against the wall despite Omi's earlier attempts, apparently Naoko had made extra sure that he wouldn't go anywhere.
"How the hell did you break the hold?" She asked, frowning. She made a small sound of discontent and rolled her eyes. This was what she gets for complaining that they didn't put up a good fight before.
Shaking her head, she began to wag her forefinger at them, like a mother chiding her child for doing something he wasn't suppose to do. "Now, didn't anyone ever tell you to stay where you are and keep quiet?" Omi didn't hesitate, he was used to taking care of Farfarello, especially when the Irishman is having one of his attacks. It could result in him banging his head against the wall or screaming loudly, but what he wasn't prepared for was an unstable girl with psychic powers.
"Aoi-san, you don't want to do this." He said slowly. "Attacks are normal for someone of your...condition. Farf has them too." Her eyes narrowed and that was when Omi knew he had said something wrong.
"Are you implying that I'm insane, Tsukiyono-san?" She asked, looking completely sane, as she frowned and folded her arms to her chest. She looked almost like a miffed eighteen year old. Almost.
"I'm not saying that. I'm merely-" Omi was cut off by the appearance of a maniacal grin on the raven haired girl's lips.
"Oh, you're not wrong, Tsukiyono-san. They've told me I'm insane. I know I'm insane." She said, the grin vibrant on her face. Her attention, howeverm was taken away from Omi as Schuldich landed on his feet. "Oh great, now both telepaths are free!" She exclaimed, before muttering, "This just isn't my day."
"You've got that right, liebe. Too bad you're too insane for my tastes." Schuldich said, as he proceeded to throw off the hold on the rest of his teammates as Omi did the same to Schwarz. "And too bad you're also a girl." He added.
At that moment, the hold on Ken was released and the brunet breathed a sigh of relief and threw Omi a wry, but grateful grin. He only realized the redhead's presence a second later. Ken looked to his side and saw Ran standing beside him, even though the redhead's eyes were focused on Naoko. Inwardly, Ken smiled, it was good to be protected for a change.
"HEY!" Naoko exclaimed in protest at Schuldich's comment. "What the hell is wrong with being a girl?" She demanded. It wasn;t the time or the place, but Schuldich chuckled.
"In case you haven't noticed, fraulein telepath, none of us here is a 100% straight." Schuldich said, motioning at everyone in the roon and earning a glare from Crawford. Schuldich raised an eyebrow and the leader of Schwars shook his head, asking to whatever gods are out there why Schuldich would pick a moment like that to let that kind of information out.
To everyone's surprise, she didn't throw a fit. Instead, she did the last thing any of them thought she would do, she pouted. "No fair. Why do all the cute guys have to be gay?" She protested.
Ken watched as she faltered, noticing that she was coming back. This sounded like the Nao he knew. But what he didn't know was whether or not her insanity would kick in again or not. He had to try.
"Nao-chan?" He said softly. Amethyst eyes shifted towards him, eyes that were now filled with fear, the glint gone in her eyes. It looked as if she was coming back to reality from whatever world she was in.
"Ken-kun?" She whispered softly. "What have I done?" She sounded like a lost, scared little girl. And for once, the two teams of assassins in the room felt sorry for her. "I...Kami-sama, I..." She stopped, squeezing her eyes shut as if to block the memories out. "What is wrong with me?"
"Easy, Nao-chan. We'll figure ou what's wrong with you later, alright?" Ken said, stepping towards her. Ran made a small, almost unaudible sound of protest, but Ken ignored it and flashed him a reassuring gaze instead before focusing back on Naoko.
He was just a step away from her when he stopped. He knew he should wait until she was at ease with his presence before doing anything else. If he steps over the boundary, it might throw her back into the insanity and God knows what she would do then.
"Nao, I want to help." He said slowlyl. He was vaguely aware that his friends were all in offensive stance, ready to attack if anything were to happen. No, he didn't want Naoko hurt, he didn't want to see another victim. Pleading amethyst looked at him hopefully, she was herself again.
He placed a hand on her shoulder and felt her stiffen slightly, but slowly relaxed. The feel of the hand was familiar, something she could hold onto. She wouldn't have to slip back. Something she could-
Ken gasped in pain as he was suddenly thrown against the wall. All eyes snapped back to Naoko, but the girl looked surprised herself. "What the hell are you trying to pull?" Snarled Crawford, he and the others ready to attack just as Omi rushed over to where Ken was.
"No, don't!" Ken wheezed out. Schwarz faltered slightly, but not Weiss.
"Now little girl, you really shouldn't have done that." Youji said. His tone was light, but from light in emerald eyes it was certain that he was far from kidding.
"B-but...it wasn't me." Naoko stammered, looking confused. Suddenly, amethyst eyes widened and she whirled around. "No." She whispered softly.
"Huh?" Nagi said, confused at her reaction, like the others. Although he was ready to send her through the walls.
"NO! STOP!" She shouted. But as soon as her shout died down, a telekinetic static picked up in the room. Soon, various objects were flying about the room. Pieces of metal, old trays, needles...everything was flying at top speed, heading for everyone in the room, with the exception of the distressed Naoko.
"Fuck! What the hell?" Cursed Youji as he ducked as a piece of metal flew over his head.
"Telekinesis!" Nagi shouted over the clatters of metal around the room.
"Shit, Nagikins, can't you do something?" Schuldich shouted, just as a piece of metal whizzed past his face, cutting his cheek. "This is getting damn annoying."
"You can't really fight a telekinetic power if you don't know the source." Omi called out, he had yet made it to where Ken was when the telekinetic storm picked up.
"Ken, can you find it?" Crawford shouted at the brunet, who wasn't too far away from him, yet was unable to hear him clearly. It wasn't until Crawford shouted for the third time that Ken finally understood.
"I think so, I can almost pinpoint it." He called back.
Before Ken could do anything, however, one of the metal tables headed his way and Ken just barely stopped it from crushing him. Although the table refused to budge when he pushed it away. "Shit." He swore under his breath.
"Brad, that's a negative. I'm kind of stuck here!" Ken shouted.
"What did he say?" Crawford shouted at Youji, who was next to him. But before the tall blond could reply, his eyes widened. He had caught a glimpse of one particular object heading for Ken's direction. A knife, aimed directly at Ken's chest.
"Ken-kun!" Bellowed Omi, eyes wide in horror. Ken looked up, but there wasn't much he could do from his trapped position. His arms were pinned to his side, he had to raise them in the air to redirect the knife elsewhere. He could only watch helplessly as it flies closer, even as his friends tried desperately to rush to his side.
'They're not going to make it.' Ken thought, even as he closed his eyes. He heard a soft gasp and immediately jade eyes flew open.
In front of him, with the knife through her chest, was Naoko. She gave a soft, strangled gasp and her step faltered. The storm passed as all items clanged to the floor and Ken pushed the table roughly away and Ken caught Naoko before she fell to the ground. He looked at the knife and thought twice of removing it, after all, the blood flow would be more severe if he removed it and she could die from bloodloss. Though seeing where the knife was, a small voice in his head whispered,
'It's not as if it's going to matter. She's going to die.'
"Nao-chan." He whispered, as her eyes turned towards him.
"I'm...so...rry." She whispered through gasps of breath. Ken shook his head as he fought back tears.
"Don't say anything. We have to get you out of here." He told her. She gave a small, weak laugh and shook her head, wincing at the movement.
"No...You know...I won't...make-"
"Fuck! Don't talk like that!" The brunet shook his head stubbornly. "You're going to be just fine." The words brought nothing but pain to amethyst eyes. A hand reached out to touch Ken's cheek.
"I shouldn't...you belong..." It was beginning to get hard to breathe and tears glistened in her eyes, falling from the corner of her eyes. "I...love you." Tears clouded Ken's vision and he shook his head once more, only to send them cascading down his cheeks.
"No. You shouldn't, Nao. I'm a curse. Everyone who cares for me ends up-"
"You're not...a curse." She said. "Never...a curse. You...are...Ken." The hand that caressed his cheek slowly fall down. "You are...a gift."
The others could only watch this exchange with mixed feelings. Their captor was nothing more than a confused little girl, a girl who didn't even know what she was doing. And as she lay on the floor, her life flowing slowly out of her, it was hard not to feel sorry for her despite what she did.
"Nao-chan, I'm getting you out of here." Ken said sternly, ready to carry her. She smiled, a soft and sad smile. She knew it would come down to this. They are walking on different paths after all. This was meant to be. Their destiny is foreordained.1
"Good...bye." She said softly, even as her hand tried to reach for Ken one more time. But before she could, her eyes slowly closed and the hand fell limply to the ground. Ken could only watch the now lifeless form in his arms.
"N-Nao?" He whispered, though he received no reply. He let his head drop down, bangs covering his eyes even as tears trailed down his cheeks. His shoulder shook and for a moment the others expected sobs from the Schwarz telekinetic. But when he reaised his head once more, his eyes were shining fury. He laid Naoko's body carefully on the ground and stood up.
"Ken-kun?" Omi asked slowly, reaching out for his friend, only to find his path blocked by Ran. The leader of Weiss shook his head slowly.
"Where are you?" Ken asked quietly, startling everyone.
"Where is who, Ken?" Ran asked, voice steady.
"Show yourself!" Ken said, louder this time. "SHOW YOURSELF YOU FUCKING COWARD!" Omi looked at Crawford, who suddenly narrowed his eyes and growled under his breath. Whatever it is that both Ken and Crawford could sense, Omi certainly couldn't.
"KASE!" Ken shouted with all his might. There was a sharp intake of breath from Omi and his eyes widened. It can't be! But suddenly, out of the silence that surrounded them, a chuckle was heard. An air vent cover dropped down from the ceiling and a form soon followed.
The Weiss members found themselves looking at the only person Ken truly hates, the first person ever to betray him. The person who left him in Rozenkreuz, all those years ago, to die. Ran had the compelling urge to cut him down to pieces, but kept his temper in check. His eyes were on Ken, waiting for the brunet's reaction.
"Nice to see you again, Ken." The taller male greeted, a sharp glint in his eyes.
"You did this." Ken said, eyes narrowed. "You twisted her mind for your own benefis, you bastard!" He spat. It seemed that his anger only amused the other.
"Why Ken, I never thought of you as smart before. I didn't even know that you found out that the little brat was under my control this whole time." He paused, frowning. "Up to the last moment, that is. I don't even know where she found the power to break my hold on her." He shrugged and smiled. "Oh well, that doesn't matter now, does it? She's dead."
"Why? Why did you have to drag someone who had nothing to do with us into the picture?" Ken demanded, visibly shaking with anger.
"Because it was convenient and I didn't have to get my hands dirty." Kase replied simply. His eyes turned towards Ken's teammates. Then, with a small smirk, he placed a shield over Ken and himself. The telekinetics knew what it was straight away, it was a protective sphere, both Ken and Kase were trapped inside. No one can enter and no one can escape.
"Ken-kun!" Omi shouted, eyes widening as he realized his friend was trapped inside. Jade eyes narrowed, byt Ken didn't say a word. Instead, he kept his eyes focused on his opponent. Yes, he had to finish this now, time to put all his demons to rest.
"Keep back, Omi. You can't enter." Ken warned the young telepath, his eyes never leaving Kase.
"Lets finish what we started twelve years ago, shall we?" Kase said, waving his hand to release an attack at the Schwarz telekinetic. Luckily for Ken he had years of training and experience on his side and was able to counter the attack. Kase raised an eyebrow. "Very good. I see your little assassin group has kept you on your toes." He commented.
He repeated the same attack again, but just as Ken was about to counter it, he felt his body freeze. "Shit!" He swore under his breath.
While watching the fight anxiously, Omi couldn't help but feel slightly confused. The Kase he knew was a telekinetic. When had he ever possess the ability to place a block on someone? How was he able to control them, which was something only a telepath can do.
"He's a telepath." Crawford said suddenly, voicing Omi's suspicions.
"How is it possible, Crawford-san?" Omi asked.
"Remember, Omi, they carried out a lot of experiments here." The American's eyes were fixed on Ken as he grimly watched Ken throw off the block, even as Omi stared at him. "They were able to enhance someone's supernatural powers and they found out ways...to create these powers." Omi's eyes widened.
"You mean Kase's not really a..."
"He's not a real telepath nor is he a real telekinetic. He's artificial, he's Estet's little playtoy."
"Is that why this guy hates Ken so much? Because Ken had real powers but he didn't want to use them?" Youji asked, he couldn't help but ask the question.
"Yes, he was jealous." Just as Crawford finished that sentence, Ken was thrown against the shield, landing hard on the ground. Omi winced, knowing that Ken's condition was bad enough as it was. If this continued, however, it could mean certain death for the brunet.
But they were helpless to do anything, all they could do was watch as Kase toyed with Ken.
Every inch of his body was screaming in pain and he could virtually feel his powers being drained from his body. He Ken refused to give up. There was no way he would let Kase win. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
For everyone who suffered through Rozenkreuz.
He planted both his hands on the ground and pushed himself slowly up.
For Naoko.
His hands left the floor as he rose to his feet.
For my friends.
And he stood up straight, eyes glowing with renewed determination. There was no way in HELL he was going to let Kase win this fight. No way.
For Me. He thought feverishly.
Ken threw an attack at Kase, receiving only a smirk from the taller male who easily blocked it with a telepathic shield. Though the smirk was quick to leave his lips as he suddenly realized the brunet was using his powers to draw Kase to him. He struggled to release himself and he paused mid-way. His relief dissapated when he suddenly realized that Ken was nowhere to be seen, he had lost sight of him when he was struggling.
"Behind you." A cold voice, so unlike Ken, said. Kase whirled around, only to be met by a direct punch on the face by the infamous Schwarz assassin. The taller male felt the trickle of blood flowing from his nose. He snarled, only to receive yet another punch, this time it caught him straight in the gut.
He felt back, hitting the ground with a loud thud and had the wind knocked out of him. Ken wasted not even a second before he unleashed his third attack, a swift kick to Kase's side. He didn't even think twice before unleashing yet another viscious kick, this time with all his might, the sound of cracking ribs drowned only by Kase's wail of pain. It wasn't for nothing that Ken spent time as a goalie for the J-league, even though it was only for six weeks because it was part of a mission. Nevertheless, they were the best six weeks of his life.
Ken flicked his wrist, sending the bloodied body of his former best friend across the room, smacking on the shield, which flickered and disappeared. It seemed the table has turned as Kase looked at Ken with murderous eyes, but there was something else in those eyes, a resolve. And Ken didn't like it one bit.
Kase smirked, knowing that Ken had read what was going on in his mind. "This isn't going the way I planned, but I guess it could be worse." Ken's eyes widened and at that moment his friends were shoved out of the room with the last of Kase's strength. As soon as they were outside, the door slammed closed and the automatic lock was clicked in place.
"At least with this," Kase said, pushing himself to a sitting position, "I'll take you to hell with me."
"What the hell are you talking about?" No sooner had he finished the sentence, the room around him went up in flames. Angry jade eyes flew to where Kase sat smirking. "You bastard." There was no escape.
Omi groaned as he picked himself off the floor. "What the hell?" Schuldich said, pointing at the locked door.
"Shit! Siberian!" Cursed Crawford, just as he, Youji and Ran stalked towards the door and began to bang against it.
"It's no use." Schuldich said, eyes the solid door. It didn't even budge despite the force the three were banging against it. "You'll never open it. Not from the outside."
"What? But Ken is in there!" Exclaimed Omi. "Can't we do something?"
"Schu's right. It's impossible to open from the outside, but maybe from the inside..." Youji's voice trailed off.
"Contact him, Omi. Give me a clear channel." Ordered Crawford. Omi nodded.
"Ryoukai."
Ken stalked over to where Kase was, grasping his shoulder tightly and growled, "What the hell did you just do?"
"You're trapped in here, with me." He said, the smile ever present on his face. "It's finally here, after such a long wait-" He stopped, coughing loudly. "Well done, Ken. Some fighting spirit you've got there. Too bad I don't have enough energy to end this fight in my favor, when I could have easily, years ago."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm dying." He replied simply. "Estet's experiments didn't exactly do me much good, the chemicals they used really fucked me up. They shorten your lifespan, basically. So think of this as a gift from a dying man." Kase said, looking surprisingly calm and...sane?
"The chemicals? They used them on..."
"No, they never used it on you. Only on me and a couple of others, but they didn't make it. They used the serum they developed from your blood, because you're a true telekinetic. Me? I was their guinea pig." He paused, smile disappearing. "Unfortunately for you, before Estet died altogether, they assigned me with one important mission."
"Burn Rozenkreuz." Ken said.
"Quite right. They wanted everything destroyed, because someone found out about them. Someone they couldn't kill. Someone you know, quite well."
"Who?"
"The very person who saved your life."
"Crawford." A nod.
"That's right. So they gave me a mission. Destroy the evidence, including the source of the serum."
"The source...Me? Is this what it's all about?" Ken asked incredulously. "You wanted to fulfill your first and ONLY mission from Este? To kill me? You did all this..." He gestured at the fire around them. "You used people, hurt them and killed them...just for ONE damn mission from a bunch of DEAD people?"
"That and another reason, a personal reason." Kase said quietly. "I wanted to beat you, just once." He paused, laughing bitterly. "You perfect little ass, no one could ever beat you."
Anger disappeared from jade eyes, leaving only sadness. "I'm not perfect, far from it. I told Nao...everyone I love always ends up dead. Anyone who cared for me ends up hurt. I'm a curse."
"You're not a curse." Kase said, surprising Ken. "They called you gifted remember? Besides, the guy out there obviously..." He stopped, laughing a little. "Loves you..."
"Kase?"
"If you love him, if you love any of them," Kase said, serious eyes looking at Ken. "Tell them to get the hell out of here." That was when it all fall into place.
"You rigged this place, didn't you?" It was more a statement, rather than a question. A quiet acceptance in Ken's part.
"Yes. They don't have a lot of time, they can't save you, but you can save them. Before this whole godforsaken place blows up." He coughed again. "I've planted a few explosives here and there, timed them all."
Ken gave a short laugh. "You made sure that I wouldn't get out of this alive, didn't you?" Kase could only snort and coughed some more, though this time there was blood on his hand. "I don't know why you told me this, but I'll have to tell them to get out of here somehow. At least...he'll be safe." Ken said, whispering the last part as he gazed at the locked door.
"Life's a bitch, eh?" Despite the situation, Ken laughed. It was a bitter laugh, yet...whatever...
"Yeah, life's a bitch." Ken said.
"I'll see you in hell, Ken." Before he could even ask, his eyes returned to Kase, but the other wasn't moving nor did it seem, was he breathing. Ken cursed under his breath and shook his head. Yes indeed, a bitch.
Ken looked around the room, watching the flickering flames, burnt in his memories foraver. The flames that haunted his dreams all these years. He shook his head, looking at the dead man at his feet. "No." He whispered quietly. "THIS is hell."
'Ken-kun!' Omi called out.
'Omi, get everyone out of here.' Ken said quietly.
'What? No way! We're not leaving without you!'
'Omi, this place is rigged. It's going to blow up soon.' Omi felt a chill go down his spine.
'Where did he plant them?' Crawford asked.
'He didn't say.'
'Get the info out of him, then! Torture him...do something!' Exclaimed Youji.
'He's dead, Balinese. There's nothing much I can get out of a dead man.'
'How?'
'There's no time to explain. Look, just get out of here, alright?'
'What about you?'
'It's an auto lock and a solid door, there isn't enough time for me to get out of here, even if I tried.'
'You're trapped.' Schuldich said quietly, eyeing Ran.
'Yes, so now get the hell out of here. All of you, I mean it.'
'But Ken-kun...'
'You can't save me, so save yourself.'
'I'm not going to leave you here!'
'Chibi, if you can't do it for yourself, then do it for me. I want you all to live.' Ken pleaded. This simply wasn't the time for Omi to be stubborn.
'I'll get them out, Ken.'
'You better Bradley.' Ken said, smirking. 'I'll have your word on that.'
'One for the kitty-cat.' Ken had to keep himself from laughing when he heard Farfarello's voice.
'Thank you. Farewell.'
"No!" Omi shouted loudly. "I'm not leaving."
"Getting yourself and the rest of us killed will not help Ken, Omi." Crawford said, as he grabbed the youngest member of Schwarz by the arm and dragged him down the corridor.
"But what about our promise?"
"I have a new promise now. I just promised Ken that I'll get all of you out, now get the hell out!" Omi had to blink back the tears from his eyes, but he knew Brad was right. But he simply couldn't...
"Let's go." Farfarello said, nudging the boy. Omi could do nothing but comply, even as the tears finally flowed.
Gomen, Ken-kun.
"Wait a minute?" Youji said when they are outside, looking around. "Where's Ran?"
Ken heard a faint beeping, it was coming from his pocket. Curious, he reached inside and saw the tiny communicator. It didn't take long for him to figure out who it was.
"I had a feeling you would call." Ken said, smiling sadly.
"I'm not leaving you here."
"God, Ran! This place is going to blow!"
"I don't care. I'm not leaving you."
"No! You have to go!"
"I'm staying here. If you can't get out of there...then I'm staying here."
"I don't want you to die too, you idiot!"
"Hn."
"Ran!"
Silence.
"Love, you have to go."
He was met by a stunned silence. Followed by a soft, "What did you say?"
"Love." Ken said, he couldn't help but smile wryly. "I love you, Ran."
"Ken...I..."
"Please go. I love you too much to let you die too."
"I-I love you too much to let you go." Ken could feel tears rushing down his cheeks.
"One of us has to live, Ran. Please, I'm begging you."
"I-I can't."
"Do it for me, love. Just go."
There was a falter. "Ken..."
"I won't hate you, Ran. I've already told you I love you. Respect my wishes please and leave." Steps faltered, but then slowly moved away from the door.
"I love you Ken." Ran whispered one last time.
"Forever." Ken whispered back, closing his eyes. Closing the communicator, he couldn't help the sobs that wrecked through his body. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Watching the flames that slowly close in on him Ken could only whisper, "I love you."
Chapter 9 - currently untitled
No teaser so far
Please review!!!
