Guilty Gear, its characters and settings are property of Sammy Studios, and are being used in this fanfiction without permission.  This fic is rated R for violence and sexual content, and it contains yaoi material. 

I'm glad everyone liked the last chapter!  Even if the next game will probably prove me wrong ^^;;.  In any case, thanks for the reviews.

Note: Baiken's hidden weapons are called anki, for further reference ^^

Culmination

Chapter 14

Baiken sighed heavily, watching the smoke from her pipe curl in lazy spumes up towards the ceiling.  It was strange, being able to relax for a while.  Changing out of her usual travel yukata, relieving herself of most of her weapons—it was a very welcomed vacation, as far as she was concerned.  The only thing that could make it better would be a warm bath, which she was planning on indulging in shortly.  As soon as her pipe was burned out.  If only Anji hadn't soured her mood, it would have been perfect.

"Damn that Anji."  Baiken pushed to her feet, deciding to take her pipe with her.  It was then that she was alerted to the sound of breaking glass somewhere nearby.  She wasn't concerned, as Rome was known for far worse than the occasional bar fight.  Even if Anji were somehow involved he could handle himself, and be back to brag about it in no time.  A moment later, however, just as she was beginning to disrobe, she caught the sound of a raised voice—definitely Anji's, even if she couldn't make out the words.  He sounded upset.  That in itself was somewhat unusual for Anji, and with an annoyed curse Baiken moved to the window to investigate.

The streets of Rome were only poorly lit, and through the dirty glass she could barely make out Anji's figure at the other end of the motel.  She still wasn't all that concerned, until she realized that the dark shadows surrounding him were actually the outlines of people—men in cloaks, over a dozen of them.  

"Shit—"  She only had the chance to tighten her robe and snatch her sword from against the wall; by the time she'd jerked the motel door open and leapt out Anji was already being attacked by one of the figures.  It was moving with far greater speed than a normal man should have been capable of, and though Baiken was already sprinting towards them she knew she wasn't going to make it in time; Anji blocked as best he could but, weaponless, there was no escaping the relentless attack.  Long before Baiken reached the group he had already taken several punches to his head and gut, forcing him up against the motel wall.

"You bastard!"  Baiken twisted her shoulders when she was in close enough in range to use the only weapon she hadn't shed—a claw of curved metal slit the air, striking towards the man who was even now advancing on the dazed Anji.  When he turned to meet the attack his eyes were bright against the dark, and familiar.  Baiken gasped as the recognition came over her, and without thinking she jerked her body, diverting what could have been a lethal strike.  "Chipp—?"

Still shocked and baffled by the passing events, Baiken was slow to react.  Like wraiths the surrounding bodies descended on her from all sides, cloaks parting around drawn blades.  She whirled, swiftly countering the first two that reached her and slipping out of reach of another.  They, too, were faster than she would have expected a human to be, and it wasn't long before she realized what she was fighting.

"Damn fucking robots."  Baiken growled, the claw that served as her right arm closing around the closest robot's throat and flinging it into its companions.  She started to resume her attack, but was momentarily distracted by the sound of Anji crying out somewhere behind her.  She whirled just in time to see a flare of bright light—Chipp's ki, flashing brilliantly as it threw Anji fiercely into the nearest wall once more.  He slumped unconsciously to the ground, leaving an imprint of dark blood against the brick.

Baiken called out to him, her feet carrying her towards his fallen figure.  Her way was swiftly blocked; the robots surrounded her, and their leader—a man—took up the position directly in her path.  "Leave him to us," the man snarled from beneath his hood.

Baiken jerked her shoulder once more, aiming her sharpened weapon for the stranger's heart.  "You son of a bitch!"  In a ruffle of movement his hand shot forward; there was a dulled clang of metal, and when Baiken looked she was shocked to find her claw in the man's tight grip.  It should have ripped his hand apart….

"Impressive," the man complimented, an unnatural heat spreading down the length of his arm.  "I can use you."

Baiken started to pull back, but even then it was too late; the swell of magic was already upon her.  Blazing electricity was channeled through the darkened metal of her arm, coursing through her.  Though it only lasted a moment the pain was unbearable.  She could only cry out as her body writhed with the shock, burning, her breath frozen—until she was mercifully released, collapsing with a weak groan into the street.  Her shoulder struck hard, making her gasp quietly against unyielding pavement.

"Very good."  Somewhere above her, blurred and indistinct, the man was speaking.  "Collect Mito Anji—I'll take this one myself."

Baiken's hand tightened reflexively around her sword.  She was still trembling, barely conscious, but there was still part of her brain that registered what was happening.  She wouldn't allow it.  The street was cold against her cheek, and she stared blurrily across it to watch the robots surrounding the fallen Anji.  There…was nothing she could do for him, she knew.  But that didn't mean it was over.

When the stranger came down towards her she rolled suddenly onto her back, driving her sword upwards with all her force.  She felt the blade tear flesh and stop, tasted acidic blood against her lips that made her senses reel.  But the man had cried weakly with pain; she twisted her wrist, opening the wound in his thigh wider before scrambling to her feet.  Her limbs were slow to respond but it was just enough; a hand closed around her arm but she jerked free, bare feet scraping painfully against cruel stone as she sprinted away from her attackers.

They were following.  She could hear their weighted footsteps pounding after her, the ruffle of thick fabric as they readied for an attack.  And though she had not had to use her full ability in a long time she sheathed he sword, clasping her left hand tightly to her chest.  She wasn't used to using her ki in such a way—it had always been her defense, her unseen shield, and her fingers ached as she was forced now to collect that swelling energy inside her.

Metal digits scraped against her shoulder, drawing her back, and though Baiken had yet to completely amass her power she had no choice but to unleash the ki she had in full.  The light was blinding; Baiken herself was thrown by the impact of magic against the robots, scattering them in an instant even if only one or two were seriously damaged.  The bought time was just enough for her to dart down a darkened alley.  With her hair falling awkwardly over her face, feet blistered and breath sharp, she fled deeper into Rome's twisted buildings.

*****

The dawn seemed to rise hesitantly that morning, creeping stealthily along dull waves and golden sand.  It licked at Testament's closed eyelids for some time before finally coaxing them to open; he was sluggish, but content, as if having awoken from a deep and dreamless slumber.  Somewhere nearby, the sea was rolling in.  It was soothing, and the Gear yawned lazily as he sat up, drawing a hand through his hair.

Grains of thin sand fell through Testament's fingers; he frowned, realizing suddenly where he was.  Everything came back to him in a rush of unwanted recollection.  The cooling of night against his scars, the pulse of blood against his temples brought by his memories—and Ky's bright blue eyes, watching him intently.  He had confessed a heart of hatred and grief.  It made something curl sickly behind his ribs to wonder what the man must have thought of him now.

Testament turned slightly, trying to determine exactly where on the beach he had ended up and if the children of the House were awake.  He was startled to find Ky and Bridget, fast asleep, behind him.  He had to stare for several long moments before finally coming to understand what must have happened, what had been supporting his head through the night.

Ky's head was bowed, a few strands of yet-dyed brown hair lightly framing his face, much like they had been the morning before.  He looked peaceful despite what must have been an awkward sitting position for him, with Bridget slumped against his back, only half covered by a thin blanket.  The two of them looked inexplicably natural, nestled together with only the roll of waves and measured breath to disturb them.  Testament was caught by the sight of them, and even more so by what their presence there implied: they had stayed with him.  All through the night Ky and Bridget had watched over him, despite the horrible truths he'd spilled.  They…had accepted him.

It was when Bridget began to slip from Ky's shoulder, several minutes later, that Testament was jarred into thinking clearly.  Careful not to wake the pair he edged around them, tugging Bridget gently away from the officer.  The boy slumped against him and continued to sleep with a tiny murmur.  Testament set him aside, drawing the blanket over him until he decided what would be best—to wake them or let them rest a while longer, risking being come upon by the children.  The children….

Testament didn't have time to let his concerns resurface, as a shift of movement caught his eye.  It was Ky, falling gradually now that there was no support against his back.  Testament quickly moved to support him; Ky seemed to fall perfectly into his crooked arm, head tilting heavily against his shoulder just as he had that night in Genoa.  It was baffling, now, to imagine that incident in the rain had taken place little more than a week ago.  Everything had changed since then.  Testament couldn't have described the emotion if given the chance, but he felt as if the ache in his chest—had Bridget described it as loneliness?—had loosened, even if his throat was suddenly tight. 

However it had happened, this man was the cause.  Testament lifted his hand, drawing curious fingertips over Ky's unblemished cheek.  A week ago, it was to wipe the traces of blood from his face.  Now…he only wanted to touch, to feel for himself soft, human skin.  Ky's lips parted faintly, and though he did not stir Testament's heart fluttered a little.  He suddenly couldn't remember how long it had been since he'd really touched another this way, with deliberate affection, with…the unexpected yearning he felt now.

Had it not been for his weakened mind the night before, Ky's tender consolations and the gentle atmosphere surrounding them, he would have never acted on the strange warmth spreading through his fingertips.  But those things had happened, and with his muddled judgment Testament didn't think twice on carefully shifting the man in his arms—turning him, just enough, so that he could tilt his head down to him.  Their lips brushed, faintly at first, breath mixing across the diminishing space between them.  He felt Ky's shoulders creep up but didn't wait long enough to know if he were awakening or not.  With a dull shiver Testament crossed the last space between them, pressing their mouths together in a gentle kiss; conveying through that touch of flesh all the thick emotion swelling just beneath his surface.

Ky's lips were sweet; thin, but supple, and their tiny, surprised movements only made Testament that much less willing to release him.  It hadn't occurred to him until now that he could want this from the officer.  But when he pulled back a moment later, staring into wide, surprised blue eyes, he wanted nothing more than to kiss him again, to assure himself that the first had even existed here in this surrealistic dawn.

Ky stared up at him, stunned and blinking, lips parting to speak.  Testament wasn't ready yet to be rejected.  He lifted a hand to curl in Ky's hair, drawing him up into another, firmer kiss.  He felt Ky's hand pressing against his chest, the low murmur of protest tickling his lips, and ignored them both.  Gradually Ky began to relax against him, whether in allowance or surrender he didn't know; fingers curled against his collar bone, sharp breath hissed against his own trembling lips.  When he pulled back again it was with a quiet, gasping murmur, chilling already with the absence of another body pressed close.

Ky finally found his voice.  "Testament…."  He shifted, and the Gear obediently backed off a bit to allow him room.  Carefully, as if not trusting his body at the moment, Ky sat up on his own strength.  "You…."

"Good morning," Testament interrupted.  If Ky could just play along a moment longer, he would be satisfied.  "Thank you, for looking after me."

"I…."  Ky was looking entirely baffled as he lowered his eyes, grasping after breath that was suddenly hard to come by.  "You're welcome," he said, very quietly. 

Before he could work up the courage and inspiration to question, Testament turned, tugging Bridget into his arms.  "It's still early," he murmured.  "I'll take him inside; he can sleep a while longer."

Ky blinked dumbly.  "Oh.  All right."  Still looking too full of questions, he followed the Gear in climbing to his feet.  He shifted awkwardly before they both started hesitantly up toward the House.  "Testament…?"

"I'm all right," Testament assured, hefting Bridget's slight weight.  The boy still showed no signs of waking.  "I'm sorry, about last night.  I'll be fine."

"No, it's…all right…."  Ky looked to speak again, but his voice faltered at the last moment.  Testament tried to ignore the heavy stare upon his back as they returned to the House, in silence.

*****

Johnny didn't make an appearance at breakfast that morning, to the horror of his many fans.  When he did show it wasn't until just after, and he caught both Ky and Testament as they headed—awkwardly silent—out of the dining room.

"Well, boys, today's our day," he declared, slinging an arm around both their shoulders.  Ky tried to squirm away without success.  "I've already made the preparations—someone's taking a trip to Zepp."

Ky finally shrugged out from under Johnny's arm, giving the man a long-suffering look.  Johnny caught on quickly and tried not to look so amused.  "I can go," Ky volunteered seriously.  "It's not like even Zepp can refuse the head of the Global Police."

"Ah, but if you go, that's just like announcing to the world you're up and about," Johnny pointed out.  "Not the best coming out, is it?  To be slinking around Zepp."

"Johnny's right."  All three turned to see Bridget bouncing lightly on his feet behind them.  "And if you go in disguise, they'll ask for a visa, which you won't have unless you go as yourself, but that's no good, either."

Ky's shoulders dropped slightly.  "I don't like the idea of anyone else going," he replied.  "Johnny's a well known pirate—even if he could dock there, there's no way he'd be able to gain much information without connections within the city.  And Testament's an even more infamous Gear."  His eyes flickered to Testament briefly, as if in apology for the remark, but Testament only nodded his understanding.  The Gear was watching him intently, face calm and manner simple as if nothing had passed between them that morning.  Ky could almost feel a blush creeping into his face when their gazes met; he had no idea how to react to this situation, and Testament's unexpected actions.

Ky coughed lightly into his hand and continued.  "However we do this, it's going to be difficult."

Bridget made a show of inspecting his nails.  "It…doesn't have to be…."

The three men exchanged glances.  "All right," Johnny said around a sigh.  "We're biting.  Tell us your foolproof plan."

"Well," Bridget started right into it with excitement, "you wanna get any information out of Zepp, you gotta go right to the head: President Gabriel."

Three pairs of eyes blinked stupidly at him, and he quickly continued before they could admonish him for the seemingly ridiculous suggestion.  "But of course, you can't just waltz up to President Gabriel and ask him questions, so you've got to get to his right hand man—Potemkin.  Right?"

"If we could, that would be best," Ky admitted.  "And I'm sure Potemkin would see me.  But the problem remains there's no way to even get in contact with Potemkin—if he's even in Zepp right now—without first getting past their customs."

"That's why you need a visa," Bridget told him matter-of-factly.

Johnny rolled his eyes.  "We don't have a visa, Bridget."

The boy smirked mischievously.  "I do."

"You do?" came the echoed response.

"I do."  Bridget straightened, clasping his hands behind his back.  "It's back on the ship.  And an official VIP pass that'll allow me in the capital building's main compound—a first class ticket straight to Potemkin."

Clearly dubious, Johnny crossed his arms over his chest.  "Is that so?  And how, pray tell, were you able to come across something so convenient?"

"'Cause we're friends," Bridget declared proudly.  "I met Potemkin a while ago, just before I joined you guys.  We were both looking for Dizzy, and we talked for a while, and he said if I ever needed to hunt down a bounty in Zepp, I could come to him."  He bounced lightly.  "Perfect, isn't it?  I can get in and right to him and no one will suspect a thing.  I'll even go in my old bounty hunter outfit."

"I don't like the idea of you going alone," Testament said, sounding downright protective.  Ky was inordinately pleased; after everything he had said last night, there was no telling how he would react to any of the children, even someone as familiar as Bridget.  "It could be dangerous, especially if we're right and The Ninth is getting his technology and supplies through Zepp."

Bridget shot him a look as if to say he were being absolutely ridiculous.  "Dangerous?  In broad daylight, in a crowded city, in the capital building compound?"  Bridget set his hands on his hips.  "Exactly how many things are there that can get through Potemkin?"

Johnny shrugged.  "He's got a point."

"I don't like it either," Ky admitted.  "The thought of you there alone…."

"Youn's going with him," Johnny spoke up in the boy's defense.  "He can't exactly run around in the city, but he can wait with the ship if there's trouble."

Bridget nodded exuberantly.  "And we already know I'm fast—I can outrun the robots.  If I get into trouble I can run back to the ship and we're out, or get to Potemkin.  No-brainer, fool-proof plan."  He turned suddenly to Ky, his manner growing a bit more serious.  "I've been hunting bounties for a while now, you know.  I can take care of myself, and I can do this.  Please?"  His eyes gleamed with determination.  "Trust me, okay?"

"Bridget…."  Ky sighed, resigning himself to the decision he could see had already been made.  Bridget simply looked too eager, and after all the boy had done for him, he couldn't claim now not to trust him.  "All right.  I do trust you, Bridget.  If you think you'll be all right…" he smiled thinly, "…then we'll leave it in your hands."

"Yes!"  Bridget bounded forward, flinging his arms around Ky's neck in a firm hug.  "Thanks, Ky!  You can count on me—I promise.  I'm gonna get so much information for you it'll bubble out your ears!"

Ky chuckled and returned the hug lightly.  "I'll have to fill you in, though, on what the three of us talked about yesterday.  We'll need some specific information."

"Right!  I'm gonna run back to the ship and change—I'll be back in just a minute."  Without waiting for a response the boy sped off on light feet.

Ky sighed quietly as he watched him go.  "He'll be all right, won't he?  I still don't like this."

"There's no use worrying about it," Testament replied.  "Bridget can look after himself well enough, and he's right—Zepp is a lot safer for him than Rome was.  We'll just have to trust him."

"Yes…you're probably right."

Ky lifted his gaze to the Gear hesitantly once more, trying to puzzle out what he might have been thinking.  How dare he look so casual when Ky himself was so puzzled and flustered.  To have been awoken so suddenly….  He hadn't been kissed like that in a long time.  And though his better sense was already weighing the experience down, he needed to know why.  He had to know for sure…exactly what was happening between them.

Johnny seemed to notice the way they were looking at each other, and he took a diplomatic step back.  "Well, I'll go tell Youn, then," he volunteered.  "Everything should be just about set by now—it's only a few hour trip back to Italy, and then maybe we'll get some answers, hm?  I'll let you know when they're about to go."  With one last curious glance between the pair he left, abandoning the two of them to their talk.

They stood still for several moments, silent and awkward, neither knowing where to begin.  At long last it was Ky who acted first; he took Testament by the arm, guiding him away from the dining hall—and any curious eyes that may have fallen on them.  When they were safe in one of the lobby's side rooms, he turned to face the Gear squarely.  "Testament."

"Ky."  Testament returned his gaze as calmly and innocently as possible.

"Testament," Ky repeated, trying not to look as anxious as he felt.  "About this morning…I hope you're feeling better," he darted around the issue at the last moment.

"I am," Testament assured with a nod.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Another silence followed; Testament certainly didn't seem like he was going to make this easy on him.  But a moment later the Gear said, "I'm sorry," his tone even and with little sincerity.  There was no regret for his actions in his voice or manner.  "I didn't mean to embarrass you."

Ky, flinching as he hadn't expected either of them to be able to express their thoughts so quickly, shook his head.  "It's not that.  You…surprised me, of course.  It's just that I—"

"Didn't expect it?" Testament filled in, watching him with those same oddly peaceful eyes.  "Don't like the taste of Gears?"  His eyebrow tipped.  "Prefer women?"

 "No, it's nothing like that," he quickly defended himself, though he realized a moment later what he was admitting to.  His face darkened as he turned his head away from Testament's unfaltering gaze.  "That is…it isn't appropriate.  You and I…I just don't think it's what either of us intended."

Testament watched him a moment longer, still unmoved and expression unchanging.  Finally he reached out—slowly, so that by the time his fingertips alighted on Ky's cheek he hadn't even noticed they were there.  The officer flinched a little but didn't draw away.  Testament's fingers were unnaturally smooth for a fighter, his flesh warm with the pulse of magic that surged just beneath it.  He couldn't bring himself to reject them.

Testament tilted his head slightly to the side, his eyes deep with some strange emotion Ky wasn't in his senses enough to interpret.  When he spoke, his voice was a quiet murmur vibrating the air between them.  "It's not.  Is that so bad?"

"Testament…" Ky started to reply, but the hand on his face was already sliding to his neck, Testament's thumb pressing gently into the underside of his jaw to tilt it up.  Ky shivered as he was slowly drawn in.  He squirmed just a little, hands rising to press against Testament's chest, but they were already too close—thick, warm lips found his mouth easily.  Unlike earlier that morning, Ky was no longer inhibited by the daze of having just awoken.  He could feel everything clearly: the gentle movements of Testament's coaxing, hopeful lips; the rise and fall of ancient magic that seemed to flow right into them; his own body's foolish reactions, tiny heated shivers tracing up and down his spine.  This was not what he had wanted from the Gear—the camaraderie they'd managed to forge was already more than he had ever expected, had ever thought possible.  But here, feeling his heart begin to pound a little faster the longer they stayed together, he couldn't deny that he thought Testament…beautiful.  Powerful.  Compassionate, even, if he could ever dip deeply enough into his lost humanity.  Testament, who had saved him, consoled him, depended on him….

They pulled back with twin, faint gasps, hesitantly meeting each other's gaze.  Testament's blush shone clearly against his pale skin—the look of him alone was suddenly enough to make Ky's chest tighten a little, with thick black hair framing his flushed face and vibrant eyes.  Their breath echoed tensely in the room.

Testament took a step back, straightening as if overcoming some of his own embarrassment.  "There's…something I have to do today," he said quietly, calling the matter to a close for the moment.  They would both need time to gather their thoughts.  "We can talk about it later."

"Yes…."  Ky lowered his head, nodding somewhat vaguely.  "Yes, a little later."

"Thank you again, Ky.  For taking care of me last night."  But before Ky could find a response to give the Gear had turned, striding calmly out of the room and leaving Ky to the suddenly tangled workings of his mind.