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. 

Culmination

Chapter 19

When Bridget finally found what he was looking for, he almost didn't trust that he'd done it.  He was exhausted, eyes beginning to blur against the lit screen.  Some of the workers had tried to get him to leave, but his tenacity beat them out.  And Sol had slept through the entire thing, snoring quietly away like a spoiled child.

But what Bridget was looking at now would bring an end to his long night.  He'd been following his hunches all this time, and now he had the proof he needed.  The factory had been just beneath their noses all along—even now, sat easily within reach.

After some scrambling, Bridget found enough paper to write down all that he'd discovered, printing out copies of the pictures, maps, and articles that came with it.  Everything was folded neatly and tucked away in an inside pocket of his attire.  Grinning broadly—Ky would be thrilled with him—he all but jumped from his chair and started for the door.  He'd made it halfway there when he remembered his slumbering company.

Bridget paused, regarding Sol for a long time with a thoughtful frown.  He…had been something of a help, after all, so it only seemed appropriate to leave him something.  He skipped back to the workstation, scribbling out a note that he taped to Sol's headband, so that he'd be sure to see it.  The man slept on.  Whatever he'd been doing up until now, he certainly must have not gotten much rest for him to be so oblivious.

Feeling quite proud of himself, Bridget scampered back to the elevator.

*****

Testament decided that, ridiculous as it may have seemed, at the moment he was awed by nothing greater than the smooth line which formed the back of Ky's neck.  As far as he was concerned it was perfect.  Ky's neck was graceful and long, melting perfectly into the curve of his spine, the hollow between his shoulder blades.  The Gear had spent some time now just running his fingertips over the subtle shapes of flesh, tracing Ky's hairline from ear to ear, down the side of his throat to his collar and back again.  They were small, intimate gestures, the kind he might have shared with a lover back when he was still human.  Such memories were all but lost to him now, but here, with another body's warmth shifting against him, he had the feeling that he had missed this all along and never known it.

Ky had certainly surprised him.  Though he had always known the officer to be unyielding, he hadn't expected to find in him such raw abandon.  By now the soreness had long since faded thanks to his magic; he almost regretted it.  Though it had hurt there was something about that pain which fought to change him, and he would have liked the reminder to remain—that it truly had been Ky inside him, taking him so fully and sincerely.  It had been fierce and desperate, hot and vulgar and clumsy, and so real.  At least if he were sore from the experience it would keep him from being completely overwhelmed by the drifting euphoria he felt now.

Ky shifted slightly in his sleep, his breath falling gently against the Gear's collarbone.  He was curled at Testament's side with head and hand rested upon his chest, seemingly peaceful.  It was hard to imagine, with him so still and silent, that not even an hour ago he had been so intense.  Testament shivered faintly with the memory of that strength moving against him.  If Ky was so passionate in all he did, then perhaps he was right to restrain himself from time to time.

Testament was finally beginning to fall asleep himself when a voice rose from somewhere nearby—someone was calling his name.  Satiated and weary, it took him a while to realize it was Johnny calling for him.  With a heavy sigh he slipped out from beneath his slumbering companion, and there paused a moment, his breath stilling as Ky reached unconsciously after him.  "I'll be right back," he murmured against the man's temple, and Ky fell still once more.  Smiling faintly, Testament tugged his pants on and ventured down the ladder.

His hearing had been true; as soon as Testament left the shed he caught sight of Johnny making his way down the beach.  Upon seeing him the pirate trotted over, and Testament moved to meet him.

"There you are," Johnny muttered, rolling his eyes as he halted.  "I've been looking all over for you—do you know where Ky is?"

"Asleep," Testament replied before realizing what his answer might give away.  "In the shed."

Johnny straightened, sending the Gear a baffled look.  He looked to Testament, to the shed, and back again, and there his eyes widened.  "Oh.  Um…I see."

Testament swallowed back a quiet sigh; his words, coupled with his disheveled appearance and lack of dress, had probably spilled all.  "What is it?" he tried to spur the other on.

Johnny scratched the back of his neck.  "Oh yeah, right.  We just got a call from Bridget," he reported, struggling to become serious.  "He says he's found something, and that you should come meet him.  Sounds like he knows where the factory is."

"Really?"  Despite all his assurances, Testament hadn't expected Bridget to uncover the whereabouts so quickly.  But he nodded, understanding.  "All right.  I'll wake Ky—how soon can we leave?"

"Half an hour.  I've already sent May up to get the ship ready.  We can drop you off, at least."  His voice lowered grimly.  "We heard from Baiken not long ago, too," he continued.  "She and Anji were attacked by the Ninth and his robots."

A chill ran the length of Testament's spine.  "Are they all right?"

"No."  Johnny sighed.  "They took Anji.  And probably Chipp Zanuff, too.  But Baiken's safe—she managed to catch a ride to Benevento, and is waiting there."

"I see."  Testament lowered his head, thinking over the news.  "All right.  I'll get Ky, and we'll meet you up at the ship."

"All right."  Johnny turned to leave, and paused, glancing between the Gear and the shed one last time.  With a shake of his head he started up the beach.

Testament finally released a quiet sigh as he turned back inside.  Though he was relieved to hear they may have found the location of their enemy, it was…sobering, also, to imagine what they would face ahead.  The Ninth and his servants had managed to take on both Anji and Baiken, and Chipp Zanuff was no easy target, either.  There was no telling how many robots would be waiting for them or if there were other, greater weapons as well.  It was just what he didn't want to be thinking about at the moment.

Testament climbed into the attic space once more, frowning to himself over his next task.  Ky was curled comfortably on his side, looking peaceful and content, and he hated to wake him.  But he had no choice, and as gently as he could manage he crawled up beside the man, giving his shoulder a shake.  "Ky.  Wake up."

Ky grumbled lazily, wriggling up against Testament's chest and falling still again.  The Gear sighed and shook him again.  "Ky.  Come on—wake up."

"No," came the sleepy response, and though his refusal was making things difficult, it was unexpectedly charming.  Ky pawed weakly at Testament's face as if to draw him back down.

"Ky."  This time Testament's voice was sharp, urging Ky onto his back.  "Ky, there's been trouble.  We have to go."

At last Ky's eyes opened, taking in Testament's face as his words finally seeped into him.  "Trouble?" he echoed, glancing about, disoriented.  All at once his gaze came into focus; he met Testament's eyes seriously, as if in an instance all their tranquility melting away into sharpened clarity.  "What happened?"

Testament's own eyes thinned subtly as he slipped back, allowing Ky to sit up.  "It's Baiken," he explained shortly.  "She's waiting for us in Benevento.  She and Anji were attacked."

"How soon can we leave?"  Already Ky was crawling out of the triangular space, tugging his shirt on.  His pants, however, had fallen to the floor below, and after a brief moment of confusion he climbed down after them.  "Does Johnny know?  Can we leave right away?"

"They're getting Mayship ready right now," Testament called after him as he found his own shirt.  On the way down he caught sight of Ky's paper shopping bag, and was careful in bringing it with him.  "Baiken's all right, but they have Anji.  But the good news is Bridget's found some information for us."

"Is he all right?" Ky asked with concern as he finished dressing and headed for the door.

"As far as we know." 

Testament hurried after him, a little startled by the suddenness of Ky's resolve.  As they stepped outside, however, he saw Ky shiver, saw his shoulders droop a little.  He didn't turn or speak, but Testament was sure he was experiencing the same sensation that he himself was.  It lasted only a moment, and then Ky had started up the beach the way Johnny had gone.  "I hope he has good news for us."

"Yes…."

Testament was still a moment, watching Ky's straight back as he made his way back toward the road leading away from the House.  Just like that, it had ended.  There was no announcement or spoken word, and yet as Ky moved further away up the sand Testament knew, with certainty, that everything had passed.  That they would never come this way again.

He closed his eyes.  It was only a moment, no longer than the pause that had taken Ky a minute ago, and then he was following his companion away from the shore.

*****

True to Johnny's word, not half an hour later Mayship was about to launch.  Ky stood back a while longer, watching the final preparations as the rest of the crew scuttled on board.  He was weary, but anxious, Thunderseal's weight against his hip an unwelcome reminder to what they were about to be faced with.  He would have to rest on the way to the settlement, he knew, but how he would accomplish that he didn't yet know.

He caught sight of Testament just across the field, boarding the ship along with the girls, and his breath caught when their eyes met.  The Gear smiled, only slightly, before ducking aboard, allowing Ky's posture to slump once more.  He sighed quietly as he lowered his gaze.  He felt suddenly guilty about his hasty departure earlier; they hadn't had a chance to talk about what they'd done, and in truth he was dreading it to a degree.  He had a feeling that anything he tried to say would come out sounding too much like a farewell.

"Ky?"

The officer turned, and was a little startled to find Dizzy coming up to him with a large bag in her arms.  He managed a weak smile for her sake.  "Dizzy.  You're not coming with us?"

She shook her head.  "Johnny asked me to look after everyone until he and Youn got back," she explained.  "But I wanted to catch you before you left."  She offered the bag to him.  "This is for Bridget.  I hope he likes it."

Ky accepted the parcel.  "Whatever it is, I'm sure he will."  He hesitated awkwardly.  "Did…you see Testament off?  We don't know when we'll be coming back here…." Or even if they would be at all, though he didn't want to say that.

"Yes, I talked to him a little while ago."  Dizzy smiled shyly and gave a short bow.  "Please look after him for me."

Ky licked his lips.  "Yes.  I will."  He shifted the bag into one arm so he could offer her a formal bow as well.  "Thank you, Dizzy, for everything.  I won't forget your kindness."

Dizzy blushed.  "You're welcome.  Please take care."

"And you as well."

They parted, Ky taking to the ship just as the engines began to reach their full power.  Soon they were underway, and Ky made his way to the bridge so that he could better see the land slip away beneath them.  So suddenly, they were leaving.  The few days they had spent on this far off island had seemed like an eternity, and their departure like the disturbance of a deep dream.  There would be no sparkling shoreline and laughing children where they were going now, and distantly, he realized that he might never see this place again.  The thought twisted something in his chest like mourning.

Ky straightened, remembering abruptly the trinkets he'd purchased in the town, and his mouth went dry as he moved closer to the wide glass windows.  But already his view of the House was gone as Mayship turned her nose to the east.  His shoulders dropped in dismay.

"Ky."

Ky turned to find Testament watching him, and he felt inordinately relieved to see him holding his paper bag.  He accepted it with a faint grin.  "Thank you.  I thought I'd forgotten them."

"You did," Testament replied teasingly, and Ky was thankful again to see a shining of subtle humor in the Gear's bright eyes.

Johnny cleared his throat nearby, and both glanced up.  "It'll be a few hours," the pirate reported, arms crossed and doing his best to look not at all uncomfortable.  "The two of you might want to…get some rest."  He glanced at them pointedly.  "You could use it."

Ky blushed, glancing at Testament briefly; he hadn't realized that Johnny might have figured it out.  But the girls were suddenly watching them closely, and he nodded shortly.  "Yes, that's a good idea.  You'll send word when we're close, won't you?"

Johnny lifted an eyebrow.  "Of course."

Ky's fingers curled slightly, and with a half-hearted smile he slipped out of the bridge.  It wasn't until he'd gone a few steps that he realized Testament was following.  He gulped.  "Testament…."

"He's right.  I could use some rest."

A hand fell on Ky's shoulder, and he was glad the girls were no longer around to see his embarrassment.  He lifted a hand to cover Testament's.  "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

The Gear chuckled.  "Nothing permanent."

They reached the room the two had shared before, and Ky sighed quietly, setting all his things on the table.  Now…was probably the time to say something.  He turned and parted his lips to speak, but Testament was already settling himself in his old bunk.  Watching him stretch out, so naturally, stole his nerve.  There was no way to speak his mind.

Once Testament was comfortable he lifted his eyes, and with a slight smile offered his hand.  "Just for a few hours," he invited quietly.

Ky's lips parted again, and again failed him.  He could only smile grimly as he stepped slowly forward to slip his worn fingers around smooth ones.  "All right," he whispered as he sank to the mattress.  He allowed Testament to pull him down, arranging their bodies comfortably on the thin bed.  Just for a while…he could take his rest here, and he closed his eyes, finding it easier to achieve than he would have thought.

*****

It had not yet reached morning by the time Mayship landed on a small airstrip just outside the Benevento settlement.  It was one of the largest cities left in Italy that had not been completely razed by the war, and even from its outskirts the forms of huge ceramic sculptures could be seen.  Ky had been here before, as it housed the only station for the Global Police in the country, and he tried to make a point to visit when he could.  It would be an important station if he ever amassed enough support to take Rome one day.

He and Testament stepped down from the ship, stretching weary limbs and hefting the small travel packs they'd prepared during the last hour of the flight.  Both had bathed and were dressed now in the garb they'd worn into Rome.  Ky found the change to not be quite as dreadful as he'd imagined it would be, especially now that his nails, at least, were free of color.  And he had to admit, Testament did look even more impressive bound in his own black leather.

They'd taken a few steps when Ky realized suddenly that Johnny wasn't following them, and he turned back, watching the man.  "You're not coming with us?" he asked curiously.

The pirate smirked, coming down the few steps from the ship's exit.  "I'm afraid not," he declared.  "Youn's going to meet us here, and then we're heading back home.  I've got a lot of vacation time to look forward to."  He adjusted his hat.  "Besides, if I come with you I know of at least one person who will be right on my heels, and I can't let her get involved any further in this."

Ky nodded, and he came forward, offering his hand.  "I understand.  And I thank you, for supporting me this far.  I know it wasn't an easy choice for you, considering our…conflicts of interest."

Johnny shook his hand, and after a moment tugged him in for a sturdy hug and a clap on the back.  "Watch yourself, you crazy bastard," he laughed.  "And stay the hell away from my island."

Ky chuckled as he was released.  "I'll certainly try."

Johnny then turned to Testament, and the pair said their farewells a bit more seriously.  "Testament."  Johnny tipped his hat.  "Always a pleasure."

Testament nodded.  "Look after her."

"Of course."  Johnny's face softened briefly, and then he stepped back with a grand bow.  "Good luck, gentlemen.  And happy hunting."

They parted ways then, Ky and Testament heading into the settlement.  It was a short trip; Ky knew his way through this city far better than he'd known Rome, and within half an hour they were in front of the Global Police station in the west district.  "Johnny said Bridget would be waiting for us near here," Ky said thoughtfully, and he turned a full 180 degrees.  There was a bar just across the street from where they were.  "Let's see if he's here."

It was a small bar, and quiet, given its position so close to the station; Ky was worried a moment that it would bring them trouble, as it was frequented by officers and Baiken was sure to draw attention if she were to meet them here.  He needn't have worried; he wouldn't have recognized her himself if not for being able to pick out Bridget's familiar face among the thinning crowd.  He was seated in a table near the back, eating voraciously from the last of several plates which still bore food.  He waved excitedly as the pair approached.

"Hey!"  Bridget looked about to call their names, but caught himself in time with a guilty giggle.  "Look who I found."

He indicated the woman at his left, and Ky blinked at her dumbly for a long moment before finally recognizing her.  He'd never seen her with her hair down, and it fell in long, straight curtains about her face, masking her tattoos and blemishes.  Her usual yukata was gone as well, replaced with garments she'd probably purchased in town, by the look of them: a white, thin-strapped top with a dark blue jacket over it, the thick sleeves rolled up to her elbows; a thick black belt from which her sword was hung; and long blue pants that flared slightly around the thick boots she was resting on the table.

Baiken shot him a glare at the look he was giving her.  "Do I have something on my face?"

"My apologies."  Ky sank into a chair beside Bridget, who was beaming—doubtlessly pleased that he was in the outfit he'd bought for him.  "It's been a while."

"Not long enough," Baiken snorted.  Though her attire had changed her manners hadn't, and she paused for a long drink.  "Where's Johnny?"

Ky shook his head.  "It's just us."  His tone lowered slightly.  "We heard, about Anji.  What happened?"

Baiken's eyes dulled somewhat as she finished her drink.  "They took him," she answered gruffly.  "Carted him off, along with most of my weapons and his.  It was those robots, and…."  She glanced away.  "Chipp Zanuff.  There was something wrong with him.  There's no way he'd work for them otherwise."

Ky and Testament both straightened in their seats.  "You're saying…he was being controlled somehow?" the former said carefully.

"Yeah.  Seemed that way."

Ky looked to Testament, but the Gear shook his head to indicate he knew nothing of it.  Which meant…the Ninth was capable of even more than they'd previously expected.  The officer frowned.  "Well, at least you managed to escape," he murmured, and then turned to Bridget with a slight smile.  "And you, too.  Did you do all right in Zepp?"

"Yeah!  It was really cool."  Bridget gulped down the rest of his soda before finishing.  "And I really think I found it.  I'll have to show you somewhere else, though—this place is about to close, and…" he glanced about with almost enthusiastic suspicion, "…I don't think it's safe."

Ky couldn't help but smile.  "All right.  Let's go somewhere, then."  He pushed to his feet and the others followed suit, Bridget setting out a handful of bills to pay for his meal and Baiken's drink.  The four of them then departed together, moving out into the streets in search of an inn with an empty room where they could share information and make their plan.

*****

When Sol awoke, he didn't feel much improved since when he'd fallen asleep.  However long ago that was.  He stretched, and yawned loudly in the still room.  It took him a while before he remembered where he was, and saw that Bridget had gone.  Scowling, he started to reach for the computer—it looked as if the last screen Bridget had been on was still there, and it would at least give him a clue as to what the boy might have discovered.  It was then that he noticed the note tapped to his headband.

Sol tugged it off, frowning to himself as he turned it over.  Written in Bridget's adorable cursive were the words, "Sorry I kicked you so hard."