OMG! 200+ REVIEWS! Yay!!!!! Thank you all so much for this … this is my second highest reviewed story and it's still not finished yet! I'm so happy about this! I'm so glad that people still like my story (especially considering my horrific updating schedule) Thank you all so much for sticking with me and I do hope you all enjoy this latest chapter.
Chapter Fifteen
Bryan stifled a yawn as he exited the building Tala had sent him too. Yet another dead end. The search for this object the Dark Lord had sent them to retrieve was tiring and probably pointless. From all he'd heard this tablet didn't exist or was destroyed over a thousand years ago, though he'd only heard that last one from one person thus far and he'd been here nearly a week. He couldn't complain or give up however, Tala would just send him out again.
Bryan shuddered. He hadn't had another encounter with Tala like the night he'd come back, but he hadn't tried to touch him either, just avoided him for the most part. He didn't know what was wrong and couldn't do anything about it, so he despaired inside while outside he kept his façade of Falcon up for the world to see and fear.
Still being caught up in his thoughts, he ran straight into someone as he left the doorstep of the store, not an uncommon occurrence in a city this size, but this fellow must have been a stranger as he didn't curse him and rush away, but instead apologized in a sincere voice.
"No problem," Bryan mumbled, shaking his head slightly to wake himself up a bit. He should have been keeping a closer watch on himself. He looked over at the man he'd bumped into and paled.
"Bryan?" Kai asked disbelievingly.
Shit! Bryan took one step back, ready to bolt. He had not expected to meet up with Kai so soon, especially not here, like this. Not only was he completely unprepared for a confrontation, but he was also slightly worried about Kai. Nineteen years of fondness didn't fade away as easily as most people thought. He'd prayed that when he did meet up with Kai it was a situation where Kai could easily get away after killing him. He could never picture himself raising a weapon against the boy, and he held no disillusions about possibly being able to kill Kai. He and Tala combined were not that strong.
However, as little prepared for a confrontation he was, he was even less prepared for Kai's actions just then. Without warning he'd flung himself on Bryan and held him in a tight embrace.
"Powers Bry," Kai breathed in his ear, sounding elated. "I never thought I'd see you again, much less here! You don't know how much I missed you and Tala when I left. I wish I'd at least said goodbye."
Bryan was trembling slightly from shock. "K-Kai," he managed to gasp, his mind complete chaos.
He doesn't know! Powers he has no idea about me, us … anything!
"Bryan?" Kai pulled back and looked at him in concern.
Bryan just shook his head, taking another step back. "Powers Kai," he breathed, staring at the boy wide-eyed and frightened. "You … I thought … Powers you …" Bryan couldn't bring himself to say anything more, he wasn't sure he could comprehend the situation that well.
Kai frowned again, a hint of hurt in his eyes. "You're not glad to see me?" he asked quietly, distantly.
Bryan hated to hear him talk like that. Kai always took the same tone of voice when he was really hurt by something but never spoke of it. Without stopping to think of his actions, Bryan engulfed him in an embrace, just as he had when Kai was younger. It felt so familiar and he soon felt Kai relaxing and returning the embrace.
"Powers Kai you have no idea how much I missed you," he breathed, every word complete truth. He held back the tears, knowing it would only make the boy curious and the situation was bad enough as it was. "No idea."
Kai laughed softly as he pulled away. "Guess I must have shocked you just now."
"Shock is hardly the word I would use to describe it," Bryan muttered.
Kai laughed again, clapping his shoulder. "Come, we'll have to catch up. I'll take you back to our inn."
"Our?" Bryan asked curiously, though he already had a fair idea of who Kai was talking about.
"My companions. As soon as they arrive I'll introduce you."
Bryan nodded and let Kai lead him away. As he did though, he noticed the slightest flash of movement and his eyes widened fractionally for a second. Tala had actually had him tailed?! The revelation stunned and cut him to the core, but overriding that he was suddenly so very afraid for the innocent and clueless boy he was now walking through the streets with.
Powers, if Tala found him …
He tried to concentrate on Kai as they walked, but he could not banish the thought of his fear. Just what was going to happen when Kai finally found out about their betrayal?
*~*~*
Rei was walking around dazedly, letting his instinct guide him as he walked through the town while his mind was occupied by thoughts of the boy who had just kissed him minutes ago.
Just what was that? He mused, dodging a person running down the street. It was completely out of the blue, impulsive, he didn't even seem to realize what had happened. Was it just because of his elation at finding the scrolls? If so, then why kiss me? Why not simply embrace me or something? Did it mean something to him unconsciously?
Rei growled softly at his confusion and shook his head trying to evade the sudden feelings that recalling the kiss brought up. Kai's lips were soft and warm, he tasted just how Rei had imagined. Fiery, passionate, with hints of salt and spice: absolutely delicious. It was just a moment, but that single moment would be etched forever into Rei's mind, a memory he never wanted to fade.
He heard quiet a few yells and cheers and looked up. He was close to the grounds where the fighters would all soon compete. Looking around he noticed the crowds were larger around here. But as he looked closer he noticed a few people standing to the back, in shadows almost, watching the warriors carefully. Rei's eyes narrowed and though he continued on as he had before, his mind raced.
This tournament was more than it appeared. Being held in Wrighton he should have suspected something of this sort, but seeing it now he realised just what the Dark Lord and his forces were doing: Recruiting soldiers.
He spotted Tyson and Max easily. They were joking around amidst quite a few fighters … well Tyson was joking around while Max looked a bit overwhelmed. Rei saw Gary and Kevin nearby talking with a few other fighters. All around them there were groups mingling, some talking quietly, laughing at old friends found again, or renewing old arguments. Rei doubted that there had been a gathering of fighters this size for quite some time. There was a vague sense of peace in the world at the moment, though, unknown to most, that was about to change.
Rei hurried over to them, catching Gary and Kevin's eyes as he moved swiftly to his companions. Max saw him first, smiling at him and poking Tyson in the ribs.
"Hey Rei, what's up?" Tyson grinned at him.
"Lots of things Kai asked us to all meet back at the inn."
"Something happened?" Ma asked innocently.
"Yeah …" Rei trailed off slightly and blushed, recalling something else that happened since they spilt up in the morning. Max looked at him curiously then smirked as he realised a possible implication of the blush.
"Well, guess it must be important then."
Rei caught the note of smugness in his voice and glared. "Not that Max!" Tyson looked confused as Rei continued. "Well … no, that's not why Kai called us back."
"So you're not denying something did happen then?" Max smirked again.
Tyson finally realized exactly what they were talking about. "What? You and Kai?"
Rei blushed again then snapped angrily. "Focus, please. Kai and I found something very important that everyone should see. Kai will be at the inn already and I still have to get the others."
"We can get them for you," Kevin suggested.
"Thanks, I Kai really needs to show Tyson and Max this."
"Oh." Max frowned, looking serious again. "Something to do with …" he trailed off and looked around carefully.
Rei nodded. "Yeah, and I noticed something on my way here that I think we should discuss too."
"Right. Will you two be all right to get the others alone?" Max asked of the two neko-jins.
"Sure, it's just over that way a bit," Kevin grinned at them. "Meet you guys back there then." He waved and headed off with Gary following close behind him.
"Come on." Rei led the others through the streets back to the inn, sure that someone was observing their odd departure. Nothing serious going on here, he thought furiously, praying the watchers would think the same thing. Just three fighters heading back to talk with their captain, nothing big at all.
Yet he knew his praying was useless. Someone was definitely following them.
*~*~*
Bryan looked around the room awkwardly, trying to focus on anything besides Kai putting his pack away in a corner of the room.
"You look very uncomfortable," Kai commented to him as he turned around to see Bryan avoiding him. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Is everything all right?"
Bryan nodded, trying to make his smile look natural. "Yeah, it's just still a lot to take in, seeing you again." He glanced in the two rooms adjoining the main room. "You've gathered quite a group together it seems. A dozen soldiers?"
Kai shook his head. "Ten, and they're not all soldiers, though worth just as much, if not more. Do you want to get a drink with me?"
Bryan blinked. "Sure … yet another thing I've forgotten. You've grown since I last saw you." He chuckled. "Guess this means we can see if you really can drink me under the table like your father could."
Kai smiled. "Maybe another day, though I still say I can."
"And I say you should never believe the boastings of a fourteen year old concerning alcohol."
"I'm nineteen now, quite a bit of difference."
"So it is." Bryan's lighthearted smile faded and he studied Kai contemplatively as they walked down the stairs and sat at the bar. No one else appeared to be around besides a solitary tired worker serving them. "You've grown quite a bit little one."
Kai blushed slightly at the name. "I suppose I have. I guess that means you can't use pet names like that any more."
Bryan smirked. "You guessed wrong. I can do as I wish, I was one of your guardians after all."
"Yeah." Kai smiled again. "It really is so great to have you back again Bry. I know I've said it so much, but I just can't tell you enough how much I missed having you around. Is Tala with you?"
"He's somewhere around town," Bryan replied evasively. The guilty feeling in the pit of his stomach continued to increase with every minute passed together. "You might get to see him later, I'm sure one of us will run into him eventually." Or he'll run into us intentionally very soon.
Kai watched Bryan curiously. The man had always been a bit quiet and hard … not really cold, well not to him at any rate, but still distant. Even so, Kai had always been able to read his emotions before. But now he couldn't.
Guess I've been gone longer than it seemed. Kai cleared his throat and broke the silence again. "I can't wait to introduce you to everyone. I think you'd really like them. Okay, so Tyson's a bit annoying and Max is a little childish, Kenny can be a bit too intelligent at times and the White Tigers get under my skin a little. I suppose Dizzy's all right though, a little smug at times, but then that's just her. Rei, though, you'll like him. I think you'd get along best with him. There's just something about him …" Kai trailed off with a soft smile and a faint tinge to his cheeks.
Bryan smirked. He was exactly like the Kai he remembered. "Sounds like this Rei person has made a bit of an impression on you."
"I love him," Kai told him simply.
Bryan stared at him, shocked. "L-love?"
Kai nodded. "This is the second time I've admitted it … though the first time I've actually said it." He shook his head. "I'm probably just a bit worried about nothing, but being with you again Bry, it makes things easier. I know I can tell you anything and I trust you."
Bryan's heart sank completely with that innocent admission.
"I … I'm glad you found someone you could love Kai," he choked out. "You deserve every happiness you can get." He swallowed, the next question very hard for him to say. "Do … would he accept a bond?"
Kai blinked and blushed. "I … uh, haven't quite told him yet."
"Oh." Bryan looked away, feeling uncomfortable.
Kai watched him in concern. "Bry, is something wrong?"
Bryan bit his lip. The guilt was killing him. He couldn't do this any more … he had to tell Kai, it was all too much, he had never wanted to betray the boy and he was walking into the entire situation completely blind. He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped when he heard the door to the inn open and a few people walk in.
The first was a small blonde boy grinning widely. He bounced over to Kai with a huge smile and a bright greeting. A taller long-haired warrior followed him, chuckling at the boy's enthusiasm, the fondness in his eyes indicating a close bond with the boy. The last one didn't look around immediately, turning instead to make sure the door to the inn was properly secured. It was a bit windy outside and the innkeeper was adamant about not letting too much dust inside.
Bryan felt his heart skip slightly at the long tail of hair. He knew this boy, had seen him in Forshire among the other Underground members, knew his profile as one of the protesters against the new order. On top of that, he recognized his profile as the one who had escaped them before: Rei Kon, pickpocket, neko-jin and guardian of Earth.
Rei turned, a smile originally on his face, but as he noticed the man sitting quite calmly with Kai his face paled and he leaned heavily against the door. Kai hadn't noticed this at first, looking at Tyson and Max as they entered and introducing Bryan immediately.
"Guys, this is —"
"Falcon," Rei breathed.
Kai whipped his head around to stare at Rei, who looked close to fainting. "What?" he demanded harshly.
"What the hell are you doing sitting there so close to him?" Rei asked frantically, his wide eyes still turned on Bryan. "He's a savage killer, our enemy!"
"No Rei," Kai shook his head, looking disturbed, his gaze flickering to Bryan uncertainly. "He's not, he's—"
"Exactly who the neko-jin says he is." The door to the kitchen opened and a smirking redhead stood there watching the unfolding drama with amusement.
"Tala?" Kai stared at the other man, taking a hesitant step toward him, but a whimpering sound from Rei stopped him. It sounded like the word, 'Wolf'. Kai looked so lost and uncertain, his gaze going back and forth between Bryan, Tala and Rei. His mind refused to grasp what was going on in front of him, Rei just couldn't be right about this, they were Tala and Bryan, not Wolf and Falcon.
Tala smirked, watching as Kai struggled, his distress becoming even more evident as he thought things through. "It's nice to see you again Kai. I'm so glad you were able to take care of yourself so well. Makes for a much more interesting fight later on don't you think?"
Kai shook his head, stepping back again from Tala. "No," he breathed harshly. "You can't …"
"Can't what little firebird?" Tala smirked again in amusement, moving even closer. "Be your enemy? Be traitors? Looks like the only traitor here is you, you're the only one not allied with the clan. Such a dangerous position for the heir of the tribe to be in. Running away, evading your duties, consorting with the enemy." He glanced at Tyson and sneered. "Though admittedly, as far as being a threat, you and your companions don't pose much of one."
Kai stared at him as he moved closer, his own movements carrying him to the wall, his head shaking frantically in denial. Tyson stood on guard, though he was very unnerved by Kai's lack of composure, Max just stared warily at the two strangers, glancing worriedly at Kai while Rei …
Rei was in little better shape than Kai. Caught up in his memories of the horrors he witnessed on the streets in Forshire at the command and even the hands of these two, he was helpless, trembling and pale. He clung to the wall and prayed silently that things would be all right, that he was just trapped in a nightmare. Because he knew that if Kai could not raise a hand against these two then hope for all of them was lost.
Tala snapped his fingers and soldiers poured in through the kitchen. The bound body of the innkeeper could be seen through the doorway, but the sight was soon lost among the mass.
"I doubt I'll miss you much," Tala told Kai coldly, that dark smirk never leaving his face. "After all, I've not seen you for so long, it won't matter if you're actually alive or not." He gestured and the soldiers struck out at them.
"Kai!" Tyson called frantically as he rushed and drew his sword to hold quite a few at bay, Max was by his side keeping most of the soldiers back, but some got through and Kai did not appear to have noticed, his sword still in its sheath.
Two soldiers reached him and grabbed him in a tight hold, a third approaching with his sword raised. Completely surrounded and fighting frantically, Max and Tyson called out in horror, trying to make their way to him, but Kai did not hear them.
He looked up as the man before his raised his sword for the killing blow but did not see him, but rather the scene behind him. Kai's eyes widened and, almost without thought, he overpowered the two holding him enough to draw his sword and in a swift moment had killed all three.
"No!" he cried out as Tala raised his own dagger to Rei's neck, the neko-jin helpless in his grasp. He sliced down more guards who came at him without any more thought than the first, trying to reach Rei.
Tala smirked, seeing Kai's futile efforts and dug the point in slightly.
"I have the scrolls!"
Tala stopped, leaving only a small nick in Rei's skin. "Stop!" he called out, halting all motion. Max and Tyson looked confused until the saw Tala and Rei. Tala narrowed his eyes at Kai. "The scrolls?"
"Transcripts of the Tablets of Fire and Darkness. You Rei go and you can have them."
Tala smirked. "He means that much to you? You would seriously give up the scrolls and hand the entire world over to the Dark Lord just to save his life?" Tala looked down at Rei. "I must say you have taste Kai, he is rather attractive, but a common thief like him is hardly worth the world. Unless, of course, there's something more to this situation that I don't know about."
Kai didn't react to anything, just waited for Tala's decision.
Tala watched Kai in return. He looked so serious, his expression was so similar to the one he often wore as a child. Tala's heart skipped slightly and an odd surge of emotion managed to affect him for a moment before he hardened his heart again. It would be a good deal. The Dark Lord had sent them after the Tablets and here was an easy way to get them.
"I was looking forward to a bit more bloodshed," Tala mused, glancing at Rei's neck. He smirked and licked some of the blood from his tanned skin, Rei shaking in fear and disgust at the action.
Kai surged forward slightly, but stopped himself He couldn't afford to risk Rei like that. "Please Tala, you want the scrolls, I have them, let Rei go."
"Just him?" Tala asked curiously. "You seem awfully fixated on the boy Kai, it's not like you to be so obsessive. Or is it possessive?"
Kai again tried not to react, but Tala's taunting was getting harder to ignore. The very fact that it was his oldest friend taunting and torturing him so cruelly made things even harder to deal with, but he could not let himself be distracted from saving Rei.
"All of us," he said coldly. "I hand you the scrolls and you leave."
Tala acted like he was thinking this over.
"Tala," Bryan jumped in, startling everyone and drawing their attention away from the tense face-off. He looked like stone and was watching Tala intently. "Just leave them be, we need the scrolls and having them so early would be more beneficial than the possible trouble a brawl would bring."
Tala glared at him. "I say how things are Falcon," he hissed. "But you do make a good point. Bring the scrolls Kai and I'll give you back your lover and leave you all in peace." He grinned as Kai flushed slightly at the reference to Rei, but he turned and complied quickly, grabbing the scrolls from his pack.
Catching Kai's eye, Bryan couldn't help shivering, his insides all twisting with guilt and shame. He took the scrolls from Kai and Tala practically shoved Rei at him, grabbing the old parchment and unraveling it. Rei twisted immediately from Bryan's grip and Kai quickly grabbed at his wrist, pulling him toward him. Seeing this Bryan felt a twinge of envy as well and looked away from Kai's accusatory glare.
"Let's get out of here," Tala ordered, smirking at his triumph. The soldiers all moved back out through the kitchen, Max and Tyson letting them pass as they rushed over to Kai and Rei. "I'll have to do this again Kai, it was most enjoyable," Tala laughed as he left the room.
Bryan lingered for a moment, watching Kai again, but he rushed out when Kai's crimson gaze locked onto his own. Anger, hatred and fear were all displayed in that accusing gaze, but the thing that had him running away in cowardice and guilt was the look and feelings of absolute despair shining in those eyes, Kai's inner fire gone completely.
At the order of the Dark Lord they had destroyed yet another life, a mistake he knew would haunt him forever. Traitors were not received well in the hells, banished for the most despicable torment imaginable. Yet Bryan knew he would deserve it.
Kai was not thinking of the inevitable hellish tortured Bryan and Tala would be put through after death, he was just thinking of the torture he was going through right now with their betrayal. He didn't know what to do, how to act. Everything in his life had been completely upended and he wasn't sure he would be able to climb up from this obstacle.
"Kai?" Rei called tentatively, hic voice shaking. He grabbed Kai by the shoulders and was shocked to receive Kai's reaction.
Kai wrapped his arms around Rei's chest and clung tightly onto him, burying his head in Rei's neck, not caring that blood was still flowing, though feebly, onto both of them now, he could hardly think at all, he just knew he had almost lost Rei and had already lost everything else in his life. He wasn't quite sure when he broke down completely, all he knew was that everything was over.
AN: … Okay, so things got a bit depressing at the end and Kai … well … yeah …
Conflict=Drama
Drama=Interest
I think you see my reasons for the chapter spelled out mathematically right there. This has got to be one of the most major turning points in the story, I've been hanging out to write this chapter for ages. I do hope you all liked that and I'll try my hardest to work on the next one quickly, though quality can't be rushed.
Once again thank you all so much for your support thus far,
Until next time.