Once he had pushed open the heavy front doors, Ray saw her. Directly in the
center of the room lay still. Towering above her was a man Ray didn't
recognize. Each time a heavy kick was aimed at her body, she cried out.
Anger filled every part of the feline's mind. Stepping up to the man, Ray
was just about to open his mouth, when a sharp tap on the back pf his neck
rendered him unconscious.
_ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Slowly the feline opened his eyes. He was in a small cell, and chained down. The dim light showed him nothing except several rocks. He felt fine. Quickly recovering himself, the holder of Drigger heard a jingle of keys before an old man stepped into the room. As he stepped into the light, Ray recognized him.
"Voltaire!"
"Yes, it's me Ray. "
Voltaire Hiwatari's eyes shown with malice and the sadistic grin he wore only showed his cruelty all too obviously. Fighting to keep his anger under check, realizing there was very little he could do, Ray glare back from his spot on the ground.
"What have you done with Ice! If You hurt her I'll-"
"You'll what Ray? There's nothing you can do."
"How did you get her!? She has excellent reflexes."
Voltaire's laughter bubbled to the surface and he laughed until the room rang to the horrifying sound. Turning back to Ray with bitter amusement, what he spoke next froze the feline's blood.
"She is excellent. In fact she's the best. And she's mine."
The uncomprehending gaze Ray held was too much and Voltaire laughed out again before explaining.
"Ice is my prize blader. I raised her from birth. From a young age she showed potential and she still does. I personally saw to her education and raised her to be one the best weapons on this earth. She possessed all the talents I wanted. Intelligence, resourcefulness, independence, courage, manipulative, and beautiful. What's more, I've taught her to be cold and ruthless. SO you see Ray, she's perfection. And she's mine."
"What are you talking about."
"Don't you get it Ray. I planned this. All of this Ice has been working for me all along."
Ray stared blankly at the smirking man. The words wasn't making sense. Ice might have once worked for Boris, but that was in the past. She almost died to save their bit beasts. Seeing Ray's look, Voltaire called into the shadows of the doorway.
"Ice, your little friend wants to see you."
At first the shadow was just that, a meaningless shadow. But the shadow began to take form. And Ice stepped out. Blood red eyes gleaming with danger and lips showing a slightly devilish smirk. She seemed like a completely different person that the Ice that had spent months by his side. She voice wasn't quiet and mild any more, more strong and cold. Stepping beside Voltaire, Ray saw the old man flash her a look of almost fatherly affection.
"Hello Ray. I hope you like your new quarters."
"Ice."
"You should know Ray that I'm loyal to Voltaire and only Voltaire."
"Why."
Voltaire placed a hand on the strong shoulder and spoke again. Ray seemed blank, unable to comprehend. His head wasn't putting together these sights ands sound he was receiving.
"Do you believe me now Ray."
"But.Boris didn't."
"Boris!"
Voltaire snorted out the name as Ray finally found his voice.
"That fool is but a pawn in my game. The Demolition Boys could never beat you. I knew from the beginning. Ice could have earned your trust from the warehouse incident, but that would never completely gain your trust. And more importantly, the trust of my grandson."
"Kai."
"Yes. Her failure was planned. Boris knew nothing about this. All believed Ice actually failed her assignment, and Ice was willing to take the punishment to get one step closer to your team. We planned this Ray. And you walked right into our trap, led by my Heart of Ice."
Voltaire smiled at his prize blader. Who never turned her gaze away from the white tiger on the ground. Slowly she walked away, disappearing into the shadows again leaving no trace that any one other than Voltaire had once been there. Voltaire continued to walk back and forth across the small room watching the white tiger with amusement. Ray hung his head. He never expected this, not in his wildest dreams. There hadn't been a single spark of recognition in those blood red eyes. He was just a tool, a pawn in her hand like Boris.
"Don't beat yourself up too much young Ray. The best of them were deceived by my Heart of Ice. Take my grandson for example. I believe we still have some business to do."
The holder of Drigger looked up with empty eyes as Voltaire towered over him, the grin leaving his face, leaving him cold and cruel.
"I offer you a fair chance to leave this place. You will beybattle Tala and Ice. If you beat Tala, you will advance to Ice. If you defeat Ice in less than 5 minutes, then I'll let you walk free, unscathed. But, if you loose to either of them, then your imprisonment will be extended to one more week. Is that clear?"
"Why are you doing this."
"That, Raymond, is not for you to know."
The click was heard again, leaving the White Tiger alone with his confused thoughts. Why was Voltaire doing this? What was he hoping to gain by making him battle?
- - - - - - - - - -
"Hey Kai!"
Kai turned to see Tyson rushing after him, the red marks still apparent on his ankles. The cab waiting to take the chubby teen to the airport was waiting.
"Take care of yourself bud."
Not waiting to see Kai's response, knowing too well that Kai wouldn't have any response, Tyson jumped into the cab and headed for the plane. Ray had already left for China, Kai was staying in Russia, Max had agreed to go sight seeing with Ice one last time then will be heading straight for the airport. Kai walked back through the revolving glass doors of the hotel, carefully making his way up into the rooms. He was definitely going to miss those kids.
- - -- - - -
"Bladers, Launch!!"
Blood poured from a gash on Max's head as he launched Draciel into the bowl against Tala. This was the fifth time today he had been forced to battle Tala since he'd been captured. He should never have believed Ice when she suddenly turned up saying Ray was injured and needed immediate medical attention. But who would have thought.Ice.Even Kai had trusted her, well as much as Kai could trust anyone. Voltaire and Ice sat in large expensive chairs over watching the match. Her sharp eyes followed every movement of Max's blade with the sharp gaze of a hawk. As always, Tala held back until the very last, when he went in for the kill, Draciel was knocked out of the dish. Voltaire waved his hand, two men appeared to take Max back to his cell. Max was dragged screaming away.
"Why are you doing this!!!??????? Ice!!!!!"
After the doors closed behind him, Ice stood up and faced Tala at the bowl. Voltaire's gaze was intense as they both launched their blades. Ice copied the exact moves Max had used flawlessly, and within a matter of minutes, tied Tala. Voltaire laughed.
"Well done Ice. I think you've got every move you can out of Max. Are you done with Ray yet?"
"Almost. His style is sharper than any of the other Blade Breakers and precision is difficult to maintain as I gain speed. But, I'll be finished with Ray after watching one or two more battles between him and Tala."
"Very good. I expected none less from you. This plan must not fail. I want Tyson and Kai brought here as soon as possible."
Her dark bangs hid Ice's eyes from view as both Tala and Voltaire watched her reaction carefully. Tala maintained his expressionless mask, even though he was seething with anger inside. He thought Boris was bad, but this girl, no this monster, had no heart. Even he had felt something for the Blade Breakers when Tyson defeated him. Something. But she had spent months by their side, acting like their friend, only to lead them to their doom with her own hands. He had no choice but to obey orders. Voltaire obviously wanted to gather all the techniques of the Blade Breakers into one perfect blader, Ice, since Kai had defied him long enough. She was his weapon, his prize. And she had also learned more from Max and Ray's techniques during these months than she could have in ten years worth of World Tournaments. Three pairs of eyes focused on Ray as he entered, the sound of chains echoing in the empty room. Ice quickly returned to her place beside Voltaire as Ray approached Tala, his eyes never leaving the red bangs. Voltaire's smirk only rubbed in the humiliation of being toyed with like a rat in a maze.
"Well Ray, here's your chance to earn your freedom. Tala."
"Yes sir."
But Ray made no move to launch his blade. Both of his eyes still trained on the red figure beside Voltaire, who finally raised her head and faced him with a cold calculating expression.
"I won't fight Tala."
Voltaire's smirk left him rapidly, leaving him dark and menacing.
"Ray, don't you want to leave this place?"
"I can't defeat Tala. And I finally understood why you're doing this Ice. You want to capture us and steal our techniques. Is being the best that important to you?"
"Yes Ray. This is my duty."
The ice in her voice took away the flicker of hope from Ray. She wasn't human.
"You're not going to steal any more strategies from me. You're not human bitch! How could you use us like this?! We trusted you! Kai trusted you!"
For one moment, her eyes widened and something like pain flashed in their ruby depths, but in flash it was gone, leaving nothing but pure, white rage all around her. Before Voltaire could stop her, she jumped down from her high seat and punched Ray hard in the face, throwing him to the floor, coughing blood and struggling against his chains. Their eyes met, and Ray shuddered. For the first time in his life Ray was experiencing pure fear. Nothing logical, just fear. The look in those dark rubies, he felt as if her flames were burning him up inside. Even her voice trembled as she spoke in her low dangerous tone.
"Don't mess with me Ray. Don't you dare think you understand everything. I've already learned all your strategies and techniques. I don't need you anymore. Sir!"
Spinning the raging blader faced Voltaire. Voltaire's cold eyes were trained emotionlessly on his blader and he sensed all to well her growing angry that was about to explode any moment. He didn't like it. Showing her emotions like this was a weakness. But he also saw the pathetic excuse for a beyblader laying on the floor, fear shining clearly in his eyes. This time, he would forgive her.
"Yes Ice? I hope you know what you're doing. I didn't go to the trouble of capturing them just to let you ease some of your anger."
"I understand sir. But I already have no use for either of them. I ask permission to dispose of them, permanently sir. Tyson's skills will be all I need to face Kai, and defeat him. After that, I would have collected all the strategies of the Blade Breakers, and brought true glory and respect to the name Voltaire Hiwatari."
Damn her for having such a way with words. Voltaire felt the corners of his lips twitch.
"Very well. I give you permission to kill them. Tala."
"Yes Master Voltaire?"
"Prepare Tyson's cell. He will be joining us very soon."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Mister Hiwatari?"
"Yes."
"We have a package for you."
Frowning, Kai took the medium sized package from the hotel's counter. No one should know about him staying here. Then plain package held no return address. After calmly returning to his room where the half packed suitcase innocently awaited his attention, Kai carefully dug his nails under the tape. And stared. His expression darkened further once he got passed his initial shock, and lifted out the heavy cloak. It was the type all those men at the Abbey wore. And it was his size. Digging through the rest of the wrapping paper, he found a small unsigned note.
Kai
The execution will be taking place in three days, at noon, in the Abbey.
What could this mean? Should he trust this note? Execution? He didn't like the sound of that. Just as his frown deepened, the phone rang. After debating to himself for a minute about whether he should answer the call, Kai held up the receiver.
"Get lost."
"That's no way to greet your savior."
"Tala?"
"Who else bastard."
Unwillingly, a small grin crept across his face. After the World Tournament, Tala had kept in touch.
"What do you want."
"Listen up Kai. I owe you, so listen closely. Ray and Max are being executed at the Abbey in three days." 888888888888888888888888888dial tone8888888888888888888888
Kai blinked at the receiver. So, it had been Tala who had sent him the cloak. Obviously to blend in and rescue this teammates. But this didn't make sense. How could Biovolt have captured two of the best bladers in the world so easily? Was this a trap? He wouldn't put it past his grandfather. Picking up the thick fabric, anyone who had been in the room would have felt their blood run cold at the look in Kai's eyes. Trap or no trap, he couldn't risk it.
_ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Slowly the feline opened his eyes. He was in a small cell, and chained down. The dim light showed him nothing except several rocks. He felt fine. Quickly recovering himself, the holder of Drigger heard a jingle of keys before an old man stepped into the room. As he stepped into the light, Ray recognized him.
"Voltaire!"
"Yes, it's me Ray. "
Voltaire Hiwatari's eyes shown with malice and the sadistic grin he wore only showed his cruelty all too obviously. Fighting to keep his anger under check, realizing there was very little he could do, Ray glare back from his spot on the ground.
"What have you done with Ice! If You hurt her I'll-"
"You'll what Ray? There's nothing you can do."
"How did you get her!? She has excellent reflexes."
Voltaire's laughter bubbled to the surface and he laughed until the room rang to the horrifying sound. Turning back to Ray with bitter amusement, what he spoke next froze the feline's blood.
"She is excellent. In fact she's the best. And she's mine."
The uncomprehending gaze Ray held was too much and Voltaire laughed out again before explaining.
"Ice is my prize blader. I raised her from birth. From a young age she showed potential and she still does. I personally saw to her education and raised her to be one the best weapons on this earth. She possessed all the talents I wanted. Intelligence, resourcefulness, independence, courage, manipulative, and beautiful. What's more, I've taught her to be cold and ruthless. SO you see Ray, she's perfection. And she's mine."
"What are you talking about."
"Don't you get it Ray. I planned this. All of this Ice has been working for me all along."
Ray stared blankly at the smirking man. The words wasn't making sense. Ice might have once worked for Boris, but that was in the past. She almost died to save their bit beasts. Seeing Ray's look, Voltaire called into the shadows of the doorway.
"Ice, your little friend wants to see you."
At first the shadow was just that, a meaningless shadow. But the shadow began to take form. And Ice stepped out. Blood red eyes gleaming with danger and lips showing a slightly devilish smirk. She seemed like a completely different person that the Ice that had spent months by his side. She voice wasn't quiet and mild any more, more strong and cold. Stepping beside Voltaire, Ray saw the old man flash her a look of almost fatherly affection.
"Hello Ray. I hope you like your new quarters."
"Ice."
"You should know Ray that I'm loyal to Voltaire and only Voltaire."
"Why."
Voltaire placed a hand on the strong shoulder and spoke again. Ray seemed blank, unable to comprehend. His head wasn't putting together these sights ands sound he was receiving.
"Do you believe me now Ray."
"But.Boris didn't."
"Boris!"
Voltaire snorted out the name as Ray finally found his voice.
"That fool is but a pawn in my game. The Demolition Boys could never beat you. I knew from the beginning. Ice could have earned your trust from the warehouse incident, but that would never completely gain your trust. And more importantly, the trust of my grandson."
"Kai."
"Yes. Her failure was planned. Boris knew nothing about this. All believed Ice actually failed her assignment, and Ice was willing to take the punishment to get one step closer to your team. We planned this Ray. And you walked right into our trap, led by my Heart of Ice."
Voltaire smiled at his prize blader. Who never turned her gaze away from the white tiger on the ground. Slowly she walked away, disappearing into the shadows again leaving no trace that any one other than Voltaire had once been there. Voltaire continued to walk back and forth across the small room watching the white tiger with amusement. Ray hung his head. He never expected this, not in his wildest dreams. There hadn't been a single spark of recognition in those blood red eyes. He was just a tool, a pawn in her hand like Boris.
"Don't beat yourself up too much young Ray. The best of them were deceived by my Heart of Ice. Take my grandson for example. I believe we still have some business to do."
The holder of Drigger looked up with empty eyes as Voltaire towered over him, the grin leaving his face, leaving him cold and cruel.
"I offer you a fair chance to leave this place. You will beybattle Tala and Ice. If you beat Tala, you will advance to Ice. If you defeat Ice in less than 5 minutes, then I'll let you walk free, unscathed. But, if you loose to either of them, then your imprisonment will be extended to one more week. Is that clear?"
"Why are you doing this."
"That, Raymond, is not for you to know."
The click was heard again, leaving the White Tiger alone with his confused thoughts. Why was Voltaire doing this? What was he hoping to gain by making him battle?
- - - - - - - - - -
"Hey Kai!"
Kai turned to see Tyson rushing after him, the red marks still apparent on his ankles. The cab waiting to take the chubby teen to the airport was waiting.
"Take care of yourself bud."
Not waiting to see Kai's response, knowing too well that Kai wouldn't have any response, Tyson jumped into the cab and headed for the plane. Ray had already left for China, Kai was staying in Russia, Max had agreed to go sight seeing with Ice one last time then will be heading straight for the airport. Kai walked back through the revolving glass doors of the hotel, carefully making his way up into the rooms. He was definitely going to miss those kids.
- - -- - - -
"Bladers, Launch!!"
Blood poured from a gash on Max's head as he launched Draciel into the bowl against Tala. This was the fifth time today he had been forced to battle Tala since he'd been captured. He should never have believed Ice when she suddenly turned up saying Ray was injured and needed immediate medical attention. But who would have thought.Ice.Even Kai had trusted her, well as much as Kai could trust anyone. Voltaire and Ice sat in large expensive chairs over watching the match. Her sharp eyes followed every movement of Max's blade with the sharp gaze of a hawk. As always, Tala held back until the very last, when he went in for the kill, Draciel was knocked out of the dish. Voltaire waved his hand, two men appeared to take Max back to his cell. Max was dragged screaming away.
"Why are you doing this!!!??????? Ice!!!!!"
After the doors closed behind him, Ice stood up and faced Tala at the bowl. Voltaire's gaze was intense as they both launched their blades. Ice copied the exact moves Max had used flawlessly, and within a matter of minutes, tied Tala. Voltaire laughed.
"Well done Ice. I think you've got every move you can out of Max. Are you done with Ray yet?"
"Almost. His style is sharper than any of the other Blade Breakers and precision is difficult to maintain as I gain speed. But, I'll be finished with Ray after watching one or two more battles between him and Tala."
"Very good. I expected none less from you. This plan must not fail. I want Tyson and Kai brought here as soon as possible."
Her dark bangs hid Ice's eyes from view as both Tala and Voltaire watched her reaction carefully. Tala maintained his expressionless mask, even though he was seething with anger inside. He thought Boris was bad, but this girl, no this monster, had no heart. Even he had felt something for the Blade Breakers when Tyson defeated him. Something. But she had spent months by their side, acting like their friend, only to lead them to their doom with her own hands. He had no choice but to obey orders. Voltaire obviously wanted to gather all the techniques of the Blade Breakers into one perfect blader, Ice, since Kai had defied him long enough. She was his weapon, his prize. And she had also learned more from Max and Ray's techniques during these months than she could have in ten years worth of World Tournaments. Three pairs of eyes focused on Ray as he entered, the sound of chains echoing in the empty room. Ice quickly returned to her place beside Voltaire as Ray approached Tala, his eyes never leaving the red bangs. Voltaire's smirk only rubbed in the humiliation of being toyed with like a rat in a maze.
"Well Ray, here's your chance to earn your freedom. Tala."
"Yes sir."
But Ray made no move to launch his blade. Both of his eyes still trained on the red figure beside Voltaire, who finally raised her head and faced him with a cold calculating expression.
"I won't fight Tala."
Voltaire's smirk left him rapidly, leaving him dark and menacing.
"Ray, don't you want to leave this place?"
"I can't defeat Tala. And I finally understood why you're doing this Ice. You want to capture us and steal our techniques. Is being the best that important to you?"
"Yes Ray. This is my duty."
The ice in her voice took away the flicker of hope from Ray. She wasn't human.
"You're not going to steal any more strategies from me. You're not human bitch! How could you use us like this?! We trusted you! Kai trusted you!"
For one moment, her eyes widened and something like pain flashed in their ruby depths, but in flash it was gone, leaving nothing but pure, white rage all around her. Before Voltaire could stop her, she jumped down from her high seat and punched Ray hard in the face, throwing him to the floor, coughing blood and struggling against his chains. Their eyes met, and Ray shuddered. For the first time in his life Ray was experiencing pure fear. Nothing logical, just fear. The look in those dark rubies, he felt as if her flames were burning him up inside. Even her voice trembled as she spoke in her low dangerous tone.
"Don't mess with me Ray. Don't you dare think you understand everything. I've already learned all your strategies and techniques. I don't need you anymore. Sir!"
Spinning the raging blader faced Voltaire. Voltaire's cold eyes were trained emotionlessly on his blader and he sensed all to well her growing angry that was about to explode any moment. He didn't like it. Showing her emotions like this was a weakness. But he also saw the pathetic excuse for a beyblader laying on the floor, fear shining clearly in his eyes. This time, he would forgive her.
"Yes Ice? I hope you know what you're doing. I didn't go to the trouble of capturing them just to let you ease some of your anger."
"I understand sir. But I already have no use for either of them. I ask permission to dispose of them, permanently sir. Tyson's skills will be all I need to face Kai, and defeat him. After that, I would have collected all the strategies of the Blade Breakers, and brought true glory and respect to the name Voltaire Hiwatari."
Damn her for having such a way with words. Voltaire felt the corners of his lips twitch.
"Very well. I give you permission to kill them. Tala."
"Yes Master Voltaire?"
"Prepare Tyson's cell. He will be joining us very soon."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Mister Hiwatari?"
"Yes."
"We have a package for you."
Frowning, Kai took the medium sized package from the hotel's counter. No one should know about him staying here. Then plain package held no return address. After calmly returning to his room where the half packed suitcase innocently awaited his attention, Kai carefully dug his nails under the tape. And stared. His expression darkened further once he got passed his initial shock, and lifted out the heavy cloak. It was the type all those men at the Abbey wore. And it was his size. Digging through the rest of the wrapping paper, he found a small unsigned note.
Kai
The execution will be taking place in three days, at noon, in the Abbey.
What could this mean? Should he trust this note? Execution? He didn't like the sound of that. Just as his frown deepened, the phone rang. After debating to himself for a minute about whether he should answer the call, Kai held up the receiver.
"Get lost."
"That's no way to greet your savior."
"Tala?"
"Who else bastard."
Unwillingly, a small grin crept across his face. After the World Tournament, Tala had kept in touch.
"What do you want."
"Listen up Kai. I owe you, so listen closely. Ray and Max are being executed at the Abbey in three days." 888888888888888888888888888dial tone8888888888888888888888
Kai blinked at the receiver. So, it had been Tala who had sent him the cloak. Obviously to blend in and rescue this teammates. But this didn't make sense. How could Biovolt have captured two of the best bladers in the world so easily? Was this a trap? He wouldn't put it past his grandfather. Picking up the thick fabric, anyone who had been in the room would have felt their blood run cold at the look in Kai's eyes. Trap or no trap, he couldn't risk it.