The Balcov Abbey was dead still. All its inhabitants had gathered to
witness an event to change history. In the giant courtyard, numerous gray
cloaks stood silently, awaiting the arrival of the two prisoners who had
brought their name to shame. Mixed among the sea of gray were trainees and
amateurs, as well as some higher ranks. The Demolition Boys, being the
elites, had front row seats to the entertainment. The three faces showed
nothing, they might have been made of marble. Dead silence, it was almost
unbearable. But the anticipation of the audience rolled off the stone walls
like a wave of darkness and blood thirst. Today, Ray and Max were to be
executed. Very soon, their blood would stain the patch of snow reserved for
this very purpose. Soon. The time was drawing nearer, and Tala was nowhere
to be seen.
Inside the foreboding place, Boris led the way down a dark hall, lined with cells. At the end, he faced a single cell with two defeated boys trapped inside.
"Open it."
At his orders, one of the two men that had followed behind his step unlocked the door. The three of them stepped inside.
"Rise and shine boys. It's almost noon."
"Fuck you Boris."
Ray's well-aimed punch was deflected by a guard, and he screamed in pain as the cold floor met his battered body. Boris smirked, a single ripple in his cold, emotionless exterior. Kneeling down, He pulled the boy's head back harshly by the long raven hair, and stroked a long gash running down the side of Ray's face.
"Run, run, run kitty. You see, I will have my vengeance."
His hissing voice was brought to a stop as the spit reached Boris's face. With an angered growl the older man backed up and kicked the boy in the chest, satisfied when he heard two of the remaining ribs crack beautifully.
"Let's go."
The prisoners were dragged out by Boris's orders, and they continued back the way they came. Under Boris's cool face, his mind was whirling. This man did not become head of the Abbey by nothing. A slight frown marred the marble expression, before it disappeared. This didn't make sense. No matter how he viewed the situation, no matter what angle he saw the problem from, it just didn't make sense. When Voltaire had suddenly sent him the two BladeBreakers and ordered their execution, he had had his doubts. How had Voltaire captured two of such strength and why did he want them dead? Surely they could be used to force Kai to rejoin them, why? Not that he was complaining. Their deaths would be most entertaining.
- - - - - - - - -
Voltaire sat in front of his giant screen in the forbidden mansion. Slowly he smirked. Ice really did an outstanding job this time. She had not failed him. Said blader was currently at the abbey, hoping to see the deaths she had been so longing to see first hand. Voltaire had agreed. She deserved this small pleasure. The screen gave him a perfect view of the courtyard from his hidden camera. Among the field of bladers, Ice could not be seen. It was expected. Boris would not permit her to waltz in and grab a front row seat. After all, that old fool thought his heart of ice was with the blade breakers. It just wouldn't do for her to show herself. But she was cunning. Voltaire had no doubt that she had a great view to her own handiwork. After all, stealth had been part of her training. The smirk grew wider. This time, he will succeed. He could feel it in his bones.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The two miserable figures were dragged onto the stage prepared for them, a wooden box with an executioner stood waiting. Boris stood to let the guards take the two boys on stage. Through the visor, his keen eyes picked up the Demolition Boys. Tala was missing. Boris had seen to it that the captain would miss this show. He had not been pleased with Tala's latest performance, this miss of a golden opportunity would serve as a reminder. Gliding calmly on the stage Boris secretly held his breath in anticipation. He could sense the audience's excitement, and restlessness. It was almost time. Spreading his arms to the crowd, Boris recited his opening speech for this event of such great importance.
"We are gathered to witness the deaths of Ray and Max, two of the BladeBeakers! They destroyed our life's work. But we haven't lost this war yet. In a few moments, their heads will roll. The BBA is powerless against us. Soon the world will be powerless against us! Let us rejoice, for this first step on our way to world domination!"
A low growl rose from the crowd, growing larger as the hooded abbey workers screamed their delight. The Demolition Boys sat silently, faces portraying nothing. Suddenly the roar fell silent. Boris waved his hand. The executioner walked to the front, as Ray was forced into a kneeing position, his head resting on the box. It was time. The sun glinted off the axe evilly, slowly, two large arms raised the brutal weapon above his head. Ray closed his eyes. So this was it. So many had tried to get him and failed. Now he would meet his end at the hands of some demon ice-hearted bitch. I'm so sorry guys. Mariah. I'll make it up to you in my next life. I swear. I tried my best. Sorry I let you down Kai. The thought of that cold but beloved team captain almost was too much to bare. He waited for the blow. The axe came crashing down.
A whirl of blue came out of nowhere from among the crowd, and a arm shot forward to block the weapon an inch from Ray's neck. Everything froze. Ray felt something drip onto his face, and the sound of heavy breathing reached his ears. Blinking, he looked up into Kai Hiwatari's grim face. Blood ran down an out stretched arm, Kai's body stood above him protectively. If looks could kill, that executioner would be dead by now, at the glare Kai was giving him. Nothing but raw will, anger, and strength was etched on every corner of that once emotionless face. The phoenix had never looked so intimidating, or powerful.
"Get THEM!!!!!"
Boris's enraged howl brought the time stop to an end, gray hoods, guards, and so many bladers were beginning to crowd around them. It would be a real miracle for them to escape from this alive. Kai sent a well-aimed kick, satisfied at the audible crack of the executioner's jaw, Grabbing Ray's arm, he swiftly cut through the bonds, never making eye contact. A large hand clawed at his ankle, by the dangerous teen easily broke the fingers, sending a howling figure back into the crowd. Fighting his way to Max, the three of them began battling fiercely towards the exit. It was so close, if they could only reach that gate. Blood ran, and the cowards raced off at one look into Kai's face. There was no mercy in those dark eyes. But the odds were overwhelming. No words needed to be exchanged between the three, just standing was sapping enough of Ray and Max's strength. Kai wasn't aware of his surroundings any more. In his mind, only one thought raced through. He won't die here. He WILL NOT loose. But the crowds gathered around him. He saw Max go down in the corner of his eye. He can't let this happen. He owed them this much. Furious at himself, the young teen struck out fiercely, leaving total chaos and destruction in his wake.
Suddenly a black clad figure burst through the crowd, bodies seemingly being thrown back as they came into contact with the dark fighter. A slender arm grabbed Max and Ray, pulling them towards the exit. Kai's heart raced. He knew he could count on Tala. Fueled with the presence of his childhood friend, Kai miraculously found himself outside the gates, it would be easy going once they were outside. They weren't that far from public parks. Boris dare not allow the existence of the Abbey's fighters be discovered. At the same time the black figure dumped Ray and Max beside him, taking care not to make eye contact with any of them. There wasn't time. As the figure straightened, his back facing Kai, they watched wearily as the mass of bodies reached the gates, but refused to cross, like some sort of shield. They needed Voltarie's permission to cross those gates. And Voltaire was not present.
Kai's keen dark eyes eyed Tala curiously. The young teen was dressed completely in back. Black cloth covered his fiery hair, that had somehow been made to stay down, and the pale face was almost invisible underneath a dark scarf. The figure was shaking. Kai's eyes flew to the right shoulder. Blood poured from a sword wound, tainting the black outfit, making it almost invisible. The sword had clearly cut right through that right shoulder. Before he could utter a word, Tala raced off into the trees and disappeared.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Voltaire's fists crashed into the royal oak desk. He would have given the
order for necessary personnel to cross those gates but somehow his system
had stopped working. He had been so close.
"Ice! Do not give chase! We can't afford to reveal our plan to Boris's men yet."
The microphone on his mouth carried the message into the ears of a blood eyed blader many miles away. Soon a cold, smooth voice with barely contained anger returned.
"I understand. I'm returning sir."
Ice's eyes were burning holes into her own palms as she stared at her hands. So close. She had been so close. How could she have allowed this flaw to occur in her otherwise perfect plan?
"This failure has to be discussed. Although it was not directly connected to you, you do have your share of responsibility."
"Yes sir."
- - - - - - - - - - -
"Kai! Here let me help you."
Tyson hit the wall as Kai shoved him away with barely any trace of effort, despite the long deep gash on his arm dripping blood on the thick carpet of the hotel room. His face impassive as always, coolly watching Tyson recover and cast him an angry glance. Kai almost laughed. Almost. Did that neon wearing child never learn? Ray and Max rested on both beds, exhausted from their adventures. Kenny typed furiously on his laptop, trying to trace anything on the history of Blue Ice. Kai's eyes narrowed dangerously, a fierce aura emitting from him like fire. No one messed with Kai Hiwatari and walked away unscathed. That devil was going to pay dearly.
"Hey guys! I think I've got something!"
Ray's eyes snapped open, Max edged towards the geek, and Tyson rushed blindly towards the Chief causing the poor boy to cringe in fear of collision, before noticing Tyson sprawled on the ground, from where he tripped over the coffee table. Even Kai's deadly eyes turned towards the computer screen with interest.
"I've managed to hack into Biovolt and Voltaire's mainframe, finally, with the software Judy sent me. At first nothing came up on anyone named Blue Ice. But I found file dedicated to her after quite a lot of digging. You won't believe this."
"Hey Chief, spill it already, I can't read that print from here, and it still hurts to move at all."
"Right Max. Blue Ice. Found by Master Voltaire in the snow on July the fourth 1989. The Master was supposedly attending a conference involving our participation in the World Tournament that year. While the carriage passed a frozen lake, the Master noticed a small bundle emitting a dim red glow. Walking over, he noticed the child. A baby sleeping contently in the snow, amidst a storm. Picking up the child, the Master was surprised to feel immense heat radiating from the seemingly fragile body. After further examination, Master Voltaire noticed a glowing birthmark on the child's chest. It was the insignia of a red phoenix. At that moment twin orbs of fire opened, meeting the Master's glare. Master Voltaire decided to keep the child, and it was named Blue Ice."
The room was a stunned silence. Kai's thoughts were spinning out of control. Blue Ice. Found in the snow. By his grandfather. That birthmark only confirmed his suspicions. Blue Ice was special. There was something not right about her. So that's why she was dead loyal to that old fool. He almost felt sorry for her. Almost. Tyson was the first to recover his ability of speech.
"You mean, she was abandoned."
"Seems that why."
"Poor kid."
"Oh I wouldn't call her a kid. There's more. Listen to this. Blue Ice was raised to become Master Voltaire's prize, second only to young Master Kai. But in 1996, when Master Kai left us due to an accident involving Black Dranzer, Blue Ice became recognized as the fiercest warrior of Biovolt, eventually equal to Kai in all aspects. But her abilities were never shown to the world, for Master Voltaire seemed to have certain plans in store for our weapon."
"Guess we're that plan."
"It's weird."
"What Chief?"
"It doesn't mention how she got her bit beast."
Kai's eyes darkened. Dranzer. HIS Dranzer. How was this possible? But he jarred out of his thoughts as Ray sat bolted up in bed, ignoring the burning pain in his ribs, causing everyone's attention to divert to the feline.
"The old castle."
"Huh? What are you talking about bud?"
"Don't' you get it? That's where She is ! That old castle in the center of the town! Voltaire's there too!"
"Your right! Let's go!"
"You coming Kai?"
Kai sighed and slowly strode out the door with his fellow teammates. He knew there was no point. Voltaire and Blue Ice would have already left. They weren't idiots. Especially that girl. Blue Ice.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Tala walked down the dark halls frowning. When news reached him that Boris wanted to see him, his heart had dropped like a rock. Surely Boris had figured out his plan? Despite how careful he had been. Helping Kai would be harder than he thought. Reaching the large steel doors, he composed his face to the usual emotionless expression and walked in. Immediately he bit his tongue to keep from crying out as what seemed like a hundred tons of rock slammed him into a wall, bruising the pale skin on his right shoulder. A shoulder that had previously been uninjured.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Black leather shoes silently carried their owner into the bathroom. Blood dripped from what seem like a thousand gashes. A serious sword wound stood out on the right shoulder, as a small hand began to clean away the dried and fresh blood.
Inside the foreboding place, Boris led the way down a dark hall, lined with cells. At the end, he faced a single cell with two defeated boys trapped inside.
"Open it."
At his orders, one of the two men that had followed behind his step unlocked the door. The three of them stepped inside.
"Rise and shine boys. It's almost noon."
"Fuck you Boris."
Ray's well-aimed punch was deflected by a guard, and he screamed in pain as the cold floor met his battered body. Boris smirked, a single ripple in his cold, emotionless exterior. Kneeling down, He pulled the boy's head back harshly by the long raven hair, and stroked a long gash running down the side of Ray's face.
"Run, run, run kitty. You see, I will have my vengeance."
His hissing voice was brought to a stop as the spit reached Boris's face. With an angered growl the older man backed up and kicked the boy in the chest, satisfied when he heard two of the remaining ribs crack beautifully.
"Let's go."
The prisoners were dragged out by Boris's orders, and they continued back the way they came. Under Boris's cool face, his mind was whirling. This man did not become head of the Abbey by nothing. A slight frown marred the marble expression, before it disappeared. This didn't make sense. No matter how he viewed the situation, no matter what angle he saw the problem from, it just didn't make sense. When Voltaire had suddenly sent him the two BladeBreakers and ordered their execution, he had had his doubts. How had Voltaire captured two of such strength and why did he want them dead? Surely they could be used to force Kai to rejoin them, why? Not that he was complaining. Their deaths would be most entertaining.
- - - - - - - - -
Voltaire sat in front of his giant screen in the forbidden mansion. Slowly he smirked. Ice really did an outstanding job this time. She had not failed him. Said blader was currently at the abbey, hoping to see the deaths she had been so longing to see first hand. Voltaire had agreed. She deserved this small pleasure. The screen gave him a perfect view of the courtyard from his hidden camera. Among the field of bladers, Ice could not be seen. It was expected. Boris would not permit her to waltz in and grab a front row seat. After all, that old fool thought his heart of ice was with the blade breakers. It just wouldn't do for her to show herself. But she was cunning. Voltaire had no doubt that she had a great view to her own handiwork. After all, stealth had been part of her training. The smirk grew wider. This time, he will succeed. He could feel it in his bones.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The two miserable figures were dragged onto the stage prepared for them, a wooden box with an executioner stood waiting. Boris stood to let the guards take the two boys on stage. Through the visor, his keen eyes picked up the Demolition Boys. Tala was missing. Boris had seen to it that the captain would miss this show. He had not been pleased with Tala's latest performance, this miss of a golden opportunity would serve as a reminder. Gliding calmly on the stage Boris secretly held his breath in anticipation. He could sense the audience's excitement, and restlessness. It was almost time. Spreading his arms to the crowd, Boris recited his opening speech for this event of such great importance.
"We are gathered to witness the deaths of Ray and Max, two of the BladeBeakers! They destroyed our life's work. But we haven't lost this war yet. In a few moments, their heads will roll. The BBA is powerless against us. Soon the world will be powerless against us! Let us rejoice, for this first step on our way to world domination!"
A low growl rose from the crowd, growing larger as the hooded abbey workers screamed their delight. The Demolition Boys sat silently, faces portraying nothing. Suddenly the roar fell silent. Boris waved his hand. The executioner walked to the front, as Ray was forced into a kneeing position, his head resting on the box. It was time. The sun glinted off the axe evilly, slowly, two large arms raised the brutal weapon above his head. Ray closed his eyes. So this was it. So many had tried to get him and failed. Now he would meet his end at the hands of some demon ice-hearted bitch. I'm so sorry guys. Mariah. I'll make it up to you in my next life. I swear. I tried my best. Sorry I let you down Kai. The thought of that cold but beloved team captain almost was too much to bare. He waited for the blow. The axe came crashing down.
A whirl of blue came out of nowhere from among the crowd, and a arm shot forward to block the weapon an inch from Ray's neck. Everything froze. Ray felt something drip onto his face, and the sound of heavy breathing reached his ears. Blinking, he looked up into Kai Hiwatari's grim face. Blood ran down an out stretched arm, Kai's body stood above him protectively. If looks could kill, that executioner would be dead by now, at the glare Kai was giving him. Nothing but raw will, anger, and strength was etched on every corner of that once emotionless face. The phoenix had never looked so intimidating, or powerful.
"Get THEM!!!!!"
Boris's enraged howl brought the time stop to an end, gray hoods, guards, and so many bladers were beginning to crowd around them. It would be a real miracle for them to escape from this alive. Kai sent a well-aimed kick, satisfied at the audible crack of the executioner's jaw, Grabbing Ray's arm, he swiftly cut through the bonds, never making eye contact. A large hand clawed at his ankle, by the dangerous teen easily broke the fingers, sending a howling figure back into the crowd. Fighting his way to Max, the three of them began battling fiercely towards the exit. It was so close, if they could only reach that gate. Blood ran, and the cowards raced off at one look into Kai's face. There was no mercy in those dark eyes. But the odds were overwhelming. No words needed to be exchanged between the three, just standing was sapping enough of Ray and Max's strength. Kai wasn't aware of his surroundings any more. In his mind, only one thought raced through. He won't die here. He WILL NOT loose. But the crowds gathered around him. He saw Max go down in the corner of his eye. He can't let this happen. He owed them this much. Furious at himself, the young teen struck out fiercely, leaving total chaos and destruction in his wake.
Suddenly a black clad figure burst through the crowd, bodies seemingly being thrown back as they came into contact with the dark fighter. A slender arm grabbed Max and Ray, pulling them towards the exit. Kai's heart raced. He knew he could count on Tala. Fueled with the presence of his childhood friend, Kai miraculously found himself outside the gates, it would be easy going once they were outside. They weren't that far from public parks. Boris dare not allow the existence of the Abbey's fighters be discovered. At the same time the black figure dumped Ray and Max beside him, taking care not to make eye contact with any of them. There wasn't time. As the figure straightened, his back facing Kai, they watched wearily as the mass of bodies reached the gates, but refused to cross, like some sort of shield. They needed Voltarie's permission to cross those gates. And Voltaire was not present.
Kai's keen dark eyes eyed Tala curiously. The young teen was dressed completely in back. Black cloth covered his fiery hair, that had somehow been made to stay down, and the pale face was almost invisible underneath a dark scarf. The figure was shaking. Kai's eyes flew to the right shoulder. Blood poured from a sword wound, tainting the black outfit, making it almost invisible. The sword had clearly cut right through that right shoulder. Before he could utter a word, Tala raced off into the trees and disappeared.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Voltaire's fists crashed into the royal oak desk. He would have given the
order for necessary personnel to cross those gates but somehow his system
had stopped working. He had been so close.
"Ice! Do not give chase! We can't afford to reveal our plan to Boris's men yet."
The microphone on his mouth carried the message into the ears of a blood eyed blader many miles away. Soon a cold, smooth voice with barely contained anger returned.
"I understand. I'm returning sir."
Ice's eyes were burning holes into her own palms as she stared at her hands. So close. She had been so close. How could she have allowed this flaw to occur in her otherwise perfect plan?
"This failure has to be discussed. Although it was not directly connected to you, you do have your share of responsibility."
"Yes sir."
- - - - - - - - - - -
"Kai! Here let me help you."
Tyson hit the wall as Kai shoved him away with barely any trace of effort, despite the long deep gash on his arm dripping blood on the thick carpet of the hotel room. His face impassive as always, coolly watching Tyson recover and cast him an angry glance. Kai almost laughed. Almost. Did that neon wearing child never learn? Ray and Max rested on both beds, exhausted from their adventures. Kenny typed furiously on his laptop, trying to trace anything on the history of Blue Ice. Kai's eyes narrowed dangerously, a fierce aura emitting from him like fire. No one messed with Kai Hiwatari and walked away unscathed. That devil was going to pay dearly.
"Hey guys! I think I've got something!"
Ray's eyes snapped open, Max edged towards the geek, and Tyson rushed blindly towards the Chief causing the poor boy to cringe in fear of collision, before noticing Tyson sprawled on the ground, from where he tripped over the coffee table. Even Kai's deadly eyes turned towards the computer screen with interest.
"I've managed to hack into Biovolt and Voltaire's mainframe, finally, with the software Judy sent me. At first nothing came up on anyone named Blue Ice. But I found file dedicated to her after quite a lot of digging. You won't believe this."
"Hey Chief, spill it already, I can't read that print from here, and it still hurts to move at all."
"Right Max. Blue Ice. Found by Master Voltaire in the snow on July the fourth 1989. The Master was supposedly attending a conference involving our participation in the World Tournament that year. While the carriage passed a frozen lake, the Master noticed a small bundle emitting a dim red glow. Walking over, he noticed the child. A baby sleeping contently in the snow, amidst a storm. Picking up the child, the Master was surprised to feel immense heat radiating from the seemingly fragile body. After further examination, Master Voltaire noticed a glowing birthmark on the child's chest. It was the insignia of a red phoenix. At that moment twin orbs of fire opened, meeting the Master's glare. Master Voltaire decided to keep the child, and it was named Blue Ice."
The room was a stunned silence. Kai's thoughts were spinning out of control. Blue Ice. Found in the snow. By his grandfather. That birthmark only confirmed his suspicions. Blue Ice was special. There was something not right about her. So that's why she was dead loyal to that old fool. He almost felt sorry for her. Almost. Tyson was the first to recover his ability of speech.
"You mean, she was abandoned."
"Seems that why."
"Poor kid."
"Oh I wouldn't call her a kid. There's more. Listen to this. Blue Ice was raised to become Master Voltaire's prize, second only to young Master Kai. But in 1996, when Master Kai left us due to an accident involving Black Dranzer, Blue Ice became recognized as the fiercest warrior of Biovolt, eventually equal to Kai in all aspects. But her abilities were never shown to the world, for Master Voltaire seemed to have certain plans in store for our weapon."
"Guess we're that plan."
"It's weird."
"What Chief?"
"It doesn't mention how she got her bit beast."
Kai's eyes darkened. Dranzer. HIS Dranzer. How was this possible? But he jarred out of his thoughts as Ray sat bolted up in bed, ignoring the burning pain in his ribs, causing everyone's attention to divert to the feline.
"The old castle."
"Huh? What are you talking about bud?"
"Don't' you get it? That's where She is ! That old castle in the center of the town! Voltaire's there too!"
"Your right! Let's go!"
"You coming Kai?"
Kai sighed and slowly strode out the door with his fellow teammates. He knew there was no point. Voltaire and Blue Ice would have already left. They weren't idiots. Especially that girl. Blue Ice.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Tala walked down the dark halls frowning. When news reached him that Boris wanted to see him, his heart had dropped like a rock. Surely Boris had figured out his plan? Despite how careful he had been. Helping Kai would be harder than he thought. Reaching the large steel doors, he composed his face to the usual emotionless expression and walked in. Immediately he bit his tongue to keep from crying out as what seemed like a hundred tons of rock slammed him into a wall, bruising the pale skin on his right shoulder. A shoulder that had previously been uninjured.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Black leather shoes silently carried their owner into the bathroom. Blood dripped from what seem like a thousand gashes. A serious sword wound stood out on the right shoulder, as a small hand began to clean away the dried and fresh blood.