19: Into the Darkness

Rel: Yes, keep an eye on Kai's thoughts. As for the little debate, what I said came from a book on anime. It is in regards to not only the style but warning that m/m takes place, and therefore links itself to the m/m itself. I still refuse to use it. Anyway, shonen ai has a much nicer sound to it.

the tigris: Yep. And someone is very much in denial.

Ms Hobgoblin: Well here's the next bit.

TigerRain: I'll arrange your funeral. :p

Imari: Here's the next chapter.

Chibi Chaos Sama: Oh yes. Hot, cute, non-triangle Kai for the remainder of this fic. ^_^

I gave you a lecture last time around, so this time I will just say thanks for the reviews…

Disclaimer: I can't list the fun though. I would blush a little too much. ^-^'

The beams of light pierced the shroud, reflecting off small droplets of water and small stones. The air had taken on a crisp coolness, biting into their bare skin. Lee pulled his vest closed with his free hand, wishing he had grab a jacket or something before they had left. Too late for that now, and thinking about it only made things worse.

Ray noted Lee's discomfort, moving toward him and looping his arm through his lovers. "You should have grabbed a jacket."

"I was just thinking that." Lee glanced up toward the teen picking his way through the rocky maze in front of them. "Of course, if somebody had mentioned that we would be moving through ice-cold caverns, I might have grabbed a shirt as well as the jacket."

Ray smiled, looking at the other in the faint light. "I don't really mind. You may be cold, but I still get to look at that chest."

Lee looked at Ray out of the corner of narrowed eyes. Kai, who had glanced back to see Lee's reaction to Ray's statement, turned away so to hide his smile.

"So exactly how far do we have to go, Phoenix?" Lee asked, widening his step as they moved over the loose stones of the path. "Better yet, do you know which way to go should we come to a crossroad?"

"I know where I'm going," Kai replied, shifting his pack, trying to even out the weight. "And three days."

"That's cutting it fine, Kai," Ray said. "We only have a week, remember? And we've already spent one day getting here." He narrowed his eyes. "And we will be stopping to rest and sleep."

"In that case, four days or just over." Kai looked back, pausing on the top of a small rise. "Never realised you two were so unfit."

"I'll give you unfit." Lee glared at him as he joined him at the top. "It's simply logic, Hiwatari. If we don't stop to rest and eat, out bodies will wear down, meaning that by the time we get to the others, we won't be in top fighting form. Otherwords, your aim will be shit, meaning you won't be able to pull off another dead shot like the one you did on Winton."

"You seem to forget I had almost bled to death when I took out Winton." Kai bowed his head. "All right, I'll admit you have a point. We'll stop, but keep in mind we have a deadline to meet."

"As if we could forget." Ray let his torchlight scan their surroundings. "This place is kinda pretty… in a dreary sort of way."

"Reminds me of home," Kai said with a smile, leading the way off again.

Lee narrowed his eyes curiously, following him. "So what is your home like? Country estate? Penthouse?"

"Mansion," Kai answered. "Big one in Russia. And before you ask, yes I do live with my grandfather. And I will probably go back there once this championship is over."

"After what he did to you?" Ray asked. "How could you just go back?"

The corner of Kai's lip twitched. "As much as I hate it, Voltaire is family. I can't just turn my back on him. Besides, he isn't always like that. Only when you piss him off."

Lee glanced at him. "Piss him off?"

"I usually bladed in my bedroom, breaking windows, even after I was told not too. I'd skip classes with my tutors, and lately I'll sneak out at night to go cruising on my bike." Kai smiled faintly, closing his eyes. "You could say I usually deserved whatever punishment I got."

"Not that last one," Lee disagreed. "You did nothing to deserve that."

"You're right, I did nothing, which is why I was punished." Kai sighed. "When my grandfather gives an order, it must be obeyed. Failure escapes no one, not even me." He stared off into the darkness. "And then there is you guys…"

"Yeah. We've had our fair share of bozo's like Voltaire." Lee glanced quickly at Ray. "We usually just ignore them. If not… well, there's a reason why we are able to move so fast."

Kai looked at him out the corner of his eye. "I've witnessed the neko-jin speed when Kevin made a run for it in that alley in China. So far though, he's the only one I've really seen move. You seem slower, more deliberate."

Lee nodded, smiling faintly. "I prefer intimidation, while Kevin is more for the surprise attack. Either way though, is effective if used right."

Ray smirked. "Admit it, Lion, you're jealous of Monkey."

"Come off it, Tiger. It's a known fact that the Ki family are better at sneak attacks, whereas the Yin's are better on the front line of an assault."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "What about the Minxs' and Kons'?"

Ray frowned. "The Kon's weren't really into fighting, but when they did they used their speed and strength, which is probably why so many of us were killed, but were still able to claim victory. As for the Minx's… well, they were just ruthless."

"Like Mariah when she blades," Kai said with a small smile. "What relation is Gary to you, Lee?"

"Second cousin. He's the son of the son of my grandfathers brother." Lee chuckled. "He's also Kevin's cousin. Their mothers are sisters."

"One big happy family."

"Yeah right." Lee scowled. "Kevin's an annoying brat that just won't take a hint. He managed to work his way onto Gary's good side, and is so good at playing cute that you can't stay angry with him."

"Accept for you, Lee." Ray looked over at him. "I can't remember a day when you two haven't fought."

"He bugs me."

"Only because he knows he can get you going. Kevin's good at preying on peoples emotions, and he has yours down to an art."

Kai sighed. "You two aren't going to start fighting again, are you?"

"No." Lee shot Ray a glare.

A thought occurred to Kai, causing him to chuckle.

Ray looked at him. "What's funny, Kai?"

"Just thinking. You two have a crush on Mariah, am I right?"

"Ah, Kai. We're kinda dating each other-"

"I realise that, Ray. Just answer the question."

"So maybe we do," Lee confessed. "What's it to you?"

Kai smirked. "Oh, nothing… except I think Kevin has one on her too."

"What?!"

Kai carefully made his way over a piece of rocky ground, maintaining his footing. "So does Kenny, but Kenny likes most of the girls he can't have, and is too chicken anyhow."

"Yes, but Kevin." Ray shook his head. "He's two years younger then her for pete's sake."

"Age is of no importance."

"If that imp goes anywhere near her, I'll have his head for a room decoration." Lee growled. "I may not want her for myself, but I would rather Tyson have her then Kevin."

"Agreed." Ray nodded, glaring into the darkness. "Anyone but Kevin."

Kai checked his watch, scowling. "Let's pick up the pace a little. Its already almost midday and no, we're not stopping for lunch, so lets keep your traps shut and try to get up this embankment, okay?"

Anyone but Kevin… heh heh heh