Disclaimer: Don't own Beyblade......
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kai stared at the transformed Ray, who was simply keeping his gaze fixed downwards, unable to have the strength to face Kai. He was far too ashamed. His pained amber eyes were streaming with tears. His fur was reddish from the blood, matted and tangled. Instead of the pure white it had been before, it was now a dull white. His claws were bloodstained and slightly scratched.
Ray shut his eyes. He'd done it. Again. He'd unknowingly attacked someone. He'd almost killed his own bit beast, even. He knew Driger was supposed to be immortal. He knew Driger was a spirit. But....he seemed like he was more than that. He was a friend. Someone who had stood by Ray, and had helped in many battles.
He even almost killed Kai, a second time. The first time was definitely the most fatal incident, but he couldn't let the second time slip by easily. He couldn't just let go of it as if it were nothing.
He sighed. He refused to even look up at the starry sky above. What would his parents think?
Kai kept his eyes fixed upon his team mate, before finally shifting it to Ray's beyblade. How it managed to get out here was a complete mystery to the team captain. Nobody else was here.
Right?
He walked over to it, picking it up, and placing it into his pocket before turning his focus back on the cursed neko-jin. He sighed, noticing the tears streaming down.
"Hey Ray...." Kai shook his head. He didn't know what to say. Anything comforting, that was. He wasn't usually a soft hearted person.
"I....i-it's okay."
Ray slowly looked up at him. His amber eyes were glassy, and hollow looking. He looked as if he regretted ever walking upon this earth. He was going far too harsh on himself.
But he didn't deserve it. Not one bit. Even if he hurt several people, he didn't do it by his own will. He didn't do it because he wanted to.
'First you, Kai...and now.....Driger...' He whispered, dropping his gaze back towards the disturbed earth. His eyes slowly closed.
'You guys....you never deserved this.....'
"Neither did you, Ray."
Ray's eyes snapped open, and he looked up. His eyes widened, as he saw three people standing there.
'Tyson....Max.....'
His gaze drifted to the third person, and he gasped.
'....M...Mariah!'
The pink haired girl was standing there, an equally surprised expression on her face. Her eyes were brimming with tears. Tears of joy.
"Ray...."
She suddenly rushed forward, wrapping her arms around the white tiger's neck, and hugging him tightly.
If Ray was human back then, he would have been blushing like crazy. Having fur in this form was useful. Especially in this situation.
But he snuggled back, purring softly. Mariah kept hugging. He was so warm. So warm in this cold harsh night. Despite everything that had happened to him.
Ray gently pulled back, and Mariah released him. A tear was trickling down from her golden eye.
"I....I wish you were human, right now....." She whispered softly, closing her eyes.
Ray hated to see her like this. Hated to see her look so sad. So sorrowful.
Slowly, and carefully. he raised a claw and gently, very gently, wiped the tear off her face.
Kai watched the touching scene from a distance. He realized, that even after all the unfortunate events that had happened to the teenage neko-jin, Ray was still extremely lucky. Lucky enough to witness this feeling, completely forgotten by the cold team captain. Forgotten when he was placed into the abbey.
He suddenly felt a tickle upon his right cheek. He raised his fingers to brush it away, and was surprised when he realized that his cheek was wet. He drew his fingers away, and stared at them. Blue paint was smeared onto their tips.
He blinked again.
'Kai, that's the only time I've ever seen you cry.'
Kai jumped and his gaze quickly switched from his blue smeared fingers to the onlooking members of his team and Mariah. Ray had a smug look in his eyes. Max was half grinning, half completely shocked. Mariah was giggling, and Tyson's mouth was hanging open.
Kai sighed, raising an eyebrow.
'Maybe I am getting soft....'
Ray had a warm look in his eyes, but then, his pupils slitted, and he tensed, sensing something out of the ordinary. Mariah had the same reaction, suddenly seeming agitated and swinging this way and that, as if trying to find something.
"Huh? Hey Ray, what's up?" Tyson was suddenly interrupted by Kai, who clamped his hand over his team mate's mouth, giving him a death glare in order to even keep the loud mouthed BladeBreaker from mumbling.
"Listen." He whispered softly. His crimson brown eyes had regained their sharpness, and were now scanning the darkness.
Max was quiet, but then, even he managed to hear something unnatural. His bright blue eyes were firmly fixed upon the bushes, as he heard a twig snap.
"Kai's right, we're not alone." He whispered.
For a suspenseful moment, no-one moved. The noise had stopped now. It was dead silent, except for the natural sounds of night. Time seemed to freeze for the five teenagers.
Max was starting to doubt that he'd heard anything at all. But doubt was replaced with horror when he heard another sound, which was more than unnatural. It was dangerous.
SHA-CLACK!
Kai's eyes widened.
"DODGE!!!"
A searing pain exploded into Ray's leg, and he let out a pained roar, which seemed even louder than the gunshot that had sounded before it. Blood was rushing quickly to the wound and he collapsed at someone's feet with a pained cry, breathing hard.
His rapidly darkening eyes managed to make out the person who'd done it. Who had shot him.
Lee.
Lee stood there, staring coldly down at the tiger, his gun pointed down towards the rapidly weakening neko-jin's chest.
"Want some more?" He asked. "Traitor?"
Ray stared up at his best friend in complete shock. He couldn't even focus his thoughts together to send out a message to him. He wanted to explain everything. From start to finish. Everything.
"NO!! LEE!!" Mariah cried, rushing over to Lee and trying to pull the gun off him. "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!"
Ray felt his strength leaving him. Quickly. But he refused to close his eyes. He couldn't let everything end now. After everything that had happened to him. After all the friends he'd gained. After all the beybattles he'd witnessed.
He couldn't let it all end in darkness for everyone.
Suddenly, another gunshot sounded. Ray tensed, waiting for the impact to strike him.
But it never came.
Smoke suddenly started to fill Ray's nostrils. He gave a weakened growl. While Lee and Mariah were fighting over the gun, one of them had accidentally squeezed the trigger, letting off a gunshot that landed in the bushes.
Those bushes were just starting to catch fire.
Mariah screamed in fright. Tyson and Max had panicked expressions on their faces as they backed away from the rapidly spreading fire. The bushes were already in flames, and strings of fire were snaking up the trees nearby at an incredible speed.
Lee backed away. In his fright, he had ended up dropping the gun.
Kai, realising this, rushed forward and grabbed it. He couldn't let Lee shoot Ray again. And if both boys had left the gun alone, the gunpowder contained inside would have increased the speed of the fire spreading.
Ray, using up a lot of his remaining strength, shakily tried to stand up. The flames were spreading all around them. He knew escaping wouldn't be easily accomplished.
Right about that point, things just got worse.
A burning tree suddenly lost its lifelong connection to the ground and fell, straight into the area where the six teenagers were standing.
In panic, Max, Tyson, Kai and Mariah had lunged for the left, while Lee had unknowingly lunged towards the right, Ray soon following after with the very last of his strength.
The tree hit the ground, orange sparks flying up as the orange, glowing piece of wood impacted upon the earth.
Lee backed away from the flaming log, as Ray just managed to focus his thoughts together to send out a message to his team mates.
'Guys! Get to safety! Lee and I will be fine, I promise! Just get out of here!'
The sound of no footsteps over the crackling fire told Ray that Kai, Tyson and Max were hesitant to leave him. But then, he heard the sound of Mariah's protesting joined by rapidly disappearing footsteps as all three team mates ran from the scene, dragging an unwilling Mariah with them.
"You better keep that promise," Kai hissed under his breath, as he ran.
Ray's breathing was becoming more laboured by the second, as the gunshot in his leg drained him of his energy. His eyes were finally starting to close He wasn't sure if he would be able to keep that promise. He just wasn't sure.
'Master Ray....'
Ray's eyes just managed to flicker open, as he recognised the voice.
'D...Dri...Driger....?'
'Do not give in, young Ray. It is not over yet. You must not surrender your life.'
Ray tried to slowly stand up.
'I....I....don't.....thi...think I......can.....do it.......'
He whispered between laboured gasps.
'Ray....I can only give you one thing. My strength.'
Ray let out a surprised gasp, as a green aura started to surround him. His breathing grew easier. He still felt pain, but he could properly stand up, now. He could even walk.
All this power, it was coming from Driger. Even though he was far off with Kai, he still managed to help him.
He managed to hear Driger speak once more.
'But I am afraid, young Ray, that you won't be able to keep it forever. It will vanish at the same time you regain your true form.'
His eyes slowly closed, as he sent out a final message to his bitbeast.
'Driger.....I.....I don't know how to thank you....'
'Escape, Master Ray. I don't want you, neither Lee to suffer my fate.'
Driger's voice faded out of his mind, and Ray's eyes reopened to see the terrified Lee staring back. He obviously didn't know that this tiger standing before him was his best friend.
Ray took a step forward, his amber eyes staring into Lee's darker ones.
'Lee, listen! We have to get out of here! Lee!'
But Lee didn't respond. He couldn't even hear Ray. He was frozen with fear. He couldn't think straight at all. He was stuck in the middle of the flaming forest, with a tiger that could easily finish him off.
He took a step back, as Ray took another step forward.
'Lee, please! Listen to me!'
A loud crack suddenly sounded from above, as a branch snapped and plummeted towards the ground as the flames weakened its hold on its source.
The glowing, flaming branch was headed straight for the stunned Lee.
Ray cried out.
'LEE!!'
Suddenly, Ray leapt forth, claws retracted. He tackled Lee out of the way of the falling branch, only just managing to get singed in the process. He and Lee tumbled over towards the bushes.
Ray suddenly realised something. These bushes were only just starting to catch fire.
This was their exit.
Suddenly grabbing Lee by his teeth, though only sinking them into his clothes, he swung the neko-jin over onto his back, and quickly charged towards the barely flammable bushes.
His speed increased as he felt Lee's weight decrease on his back. He knew Lee would be trying to escape him, but he couldn't let that happen.
Or else Lee would have an even more likely chance of getting singed.
He sped through the bushes, his legs never tiring. Driger's strength kept him energized, and that was all he needed to keep going. He just needed to get out of this forest.
He ran like crazy, as the green branches nearby started to catch fire as he passed them. Lee was now refusing to get off Ray's back, and his grip was even tightening on the white tiger's fur.
Nearby branches whipped him as he ran, but he kept going. He charged with all his strength. He knew he had to get out of here. No matter what it took. He needed to get himself and Lee to safety.
He suddenly caught sight of something up ahead. His eyes widened and his speed suddenly increased. It was a clearing.
It was the end of the forest.
He ran so fast, that everything around him was a blur. That Lee's grip on him was so tight, it was painful. That he was starting to tire.
No, he realised.
It wasn't the speed that was making him tire.
He could see the sky. It wasn't navy blue as the night. The navy blue was fading and the sun was on its way to rising. It was dawn.
And when his form left him, so would his strength.
He burst out of the bushes with a final roar of effort. But he didn't land gracefully onto all fours.
He landed hard onto his side with a pained yelp, Lee tumbling off at the last moment.
He slowly got to his feet, breathing hard as he tried to recover. His gaze was drawn towards his right, as the sound of crashing water met his ears.
Ray blinked. It was a deep chasm, with a huge waterfall crashing down from the far right. It seemed misty, around the falling water. The sound was deafening, as tons of water crashed down upon the rocks.
His gaze shifted to a fallen log, across the chasm. It seemed strong enough to support both Lee and himself across the chasm. They needed to hurry, though. The fire was spreading rapidly throughout the forest behind them. And there was a chance it could reach them near the rocky edge.
Ray suddenly noticed Lee standing right behind him. His expression was one of mere surprise, yet seriousness all the same.
The cursed neko-jin felt the ground start to warm beneath his feet. Felt Driger's strength start to leave him. Felt his best friend's eyes on him. Felt the drops of water from the nearby waterfall.
His breathing grew laboured, as his gaze dropped to the ground. He wouldn't be able to keep this form any longer....
"You."
Ray looked up weakly at Lee, who was staring back down, a look of confusion now in his eyes.
"You.' He said, again. "Why...did you save me?"
A pair of saddened, yet relaxed amber eyes stared deep into Lee's darker ones.
'Because.....You're my best friend, Lee......'
There was dead silence, as a white aura began to surround the weakened Ray. Lee stared at him. This time, he had actually managed to hear those words. Inside his mind. The words from the tiger, yet the words of his former team mate.
He shook his head. "I...It can't be....."
He stared at the white tiger. No, not the white tiger.....
"Ray....." Lee whispered, shakily. "You're....."
Suddenly, the bright aura completely engulfed the teenage neko-jin. He felt himself changing back. He felt his canines resume their shorter but still inhuman length. He felt all his fur disappear off his body. He felt the power of the white tiger leave him.....
The light subsided to reveal the human Ray on his knees, his head down. Several wounds were already starting to reopen. His long raven hair was undone and draped around his shoulders. He was pale. So very pale.
He suddenly fell forward with a groan, and Lee quickly rushed forward, grabbing him by the shoulders.
"Ray!"
The neko-jin slowly looked up at the heavily concerned Lee. His lips managed to form a small smile.
"H...Hey, Lee....." He whispered softly. He suddenly broke down into a coughing fit, vibrating through his entire body. Lee tensed.
"Ray, don't speak. Hang in there, you're gonna be fine....." Lee looked around for something to help. But there was nothing. Not even a branch to support the wounded boy.
"Lee...you...you can't...." Ray croaked.
"No, Ray! You'll be alright!" Lee cried, tears starting to stream down his face. Part of him already knew the truth. Another part of him didn't want to accept it. But he knew all the same.
"Lee....listen...." Ray whispered softly. "Y....you....can't save.....me...."
His eyes closed, and he started to lean back.
"Ray, what are you doing?!" Lee cried, but then noticed the chasm behind him. "RAY!"
"I....want you to....let go....."
His eyes reopened.
"I....I-I don't....think I'll.....be able to....to make it, Lee......"
"Ray! LISTEN! You can't do this! Just because....just because you....." Lee shook his head. He couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Lee...."
Ray felt his best friend's fingers release around his shoulders. He fell back.
He fell......
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NG:.....I can't believe I just did that........(Takes in a deep breath) But I'm reassuring you guys, RAY IS ALIVE AT THE END!!!
Reviewers with machine guns and weapons of mass destruction aimed towards me: GOOD!! (Still glaring)
NG: Ehehehe....yeah, so....just don't shoot me, yet, okay? Ehehehe......
Kai: (Has Lee's gun) SHA-CLACK I had this gun for a reason.......
NG: And I'm sorry if this chapter was a little dark, the worst is over, don't worry.......
2BC
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kai stared at the transformed Ray, who was simply keeping his gaze fixed downwards, unable to have the strength to face Kai. He was far too ashamed. His pained amber eyes were streaming with tears. His fur was reddish from the blood, matted and tangled. Instead of the pure white it had been before, it was now a dull white. His claws were bloodstained and slightly scratched.
Ray shut his eyes. He'd done it. Again. He'd unknowingly attacked someone. He'd almost killed his own bit beast, even. He knew Driger was supposed to be immortal. He knew Driger was a spirit. But....he seemed like he was more than that. He was a friend. Someone who had stood by Ray, and had helped in many battles.
He even almost killed Kai, a second time. The first time was definitely the most fatal incident, but he couldn't let the second time slip by easily. He couldn't just let go of it as if it were nothing.
He sighed. He refused to even look up at the starry sky above. What would his parents think?
Kai kept his eyes fixed upon his team mate, before finally shifting it to Ray's beyblade. How it managed to get out here was a complete mystery to the team captain. Nobody else was here.
Right?
He walked over to it, picking it up, and placing it into his pocket before turning his focus back on the cursed neko-jin. He sighed, noticing the tears streaming down.
"Hey Ray...." Kai shook his head. He didn't know what to say. Anything comforting, that was. He wasn't usually a soft hearted person.
"I....i-it's okay."
Ray slowly looked up at him. His amber eyes were glassy, and hollow looking. He looked as if he regretted ever walking upon this earth. He was going far too harsh on himself.
But he didn't deserve it. Not one bit. Even if he hurt several people, he didn't do it by his own will. He didn't do it because he wanted to.
'First you, Kai...and now.....Driger...' He whispered, dropping his gaze back towards the disturbed earth. His eyes slowly closed.
'You guys....you never deserved this.....'
"Neither did you, Ray."
Ray's eyes snapped open, and he looked up. His eyes widened, as he saw three people standing there.
'Tyson....Max.....'
His gaze drifted to the third person, and he gasped.
'....M...Mariah!'
The pink haired girl was standing there, an equally surprised expression on her face. Her eyes were brimming with tears. Tears of joy.
"Ray...."
She suddenly rushed forward, wrapping her arms around the white tiger's neck, and hugging him tightly.
If Ray was human back then, he would have been blushing like crazy. Having fur in this form was useful. Especially in this situation.
But he snuggled back, purring softly. Mariah kept hugging. He was so warm. So warm in this cold harsh night. Despite everything that had happened to him.
Ray gently pulled back, and Mariah released him. A tear was trickling down from her golden eye.
"I....I wish you were human, right now....." She whispered softly, closing her eyes.
Ray hated to see her like this. Hated to see her look so sad. So sorrowful.
Slowly, and carefully. he raised a claw and gently, very gently, wiped the tear off her face.
Kai watched the touching scene from a distance. He realized, that even after all the unfortunate events that had happened to the teenage neko-jin, Ray was still extremely lucky. Lucky enough to witness this feeling, completely forgotten by the cold team captain. Forgotten when he was placed into the abbey.
He suddenly felt a tickle upon his right cheek. He raised his fingers to brush it away, and was surprised when he realized that his cheek was wet. He drew his fingers away, and stared at them. Blue paint was smeared onto their tips.
He blinked again.
'Kai, that's the only time I've ever seen you cry.'
Kai jumped and his gaze quickly switched from his blue smeared fingers to the onlooking members of his team and Mariah. Ray had a smug look in his eyes. Max was half grinning, half completely shocked. Mariah was giggling, and Tyson's mouth was hanging open.
Kai sighed, raising an eyebrow.
'Maybe I am getting soft....'
Ray had a warm look in his eyes, but then, his pupils slitted, and he tensed, sensing something out of the ordinary. Mariah had the same reaction, suddenly seeming agitated and swinging this way and that, as if trying to find something.
"Huh? Hey Ray, what's up?" Tyson was suddenly interrupted by Kai, who clamped his hand over his team mate's mouth, giving him a death glare in order to even keep the loud mouthed BladeBreaker from mumbling.
"Listen." He whispered softly. His crimson brown eyes had regained their sharpness, and were now scanning the darkness.
Max was quiet, but then, even he managed to hear something unnatural. His bright blue eyes were firmly fixed upon the bushes, as he heard a twig snap.
"Kai's right, we're not alone." He whispered.
For a suspenseful moment, no-one moved. The noise had stopped now. It was dead silent, except for the natural sounds of night. Time seemed to freeze for the five teenagers.
Max was starting to doubt that he'd heard anything at all. But doubt was replaced with horror when he heard another sound, which was more than unnatural. It was dangerous.
SHA-CLACK!
Kai's eyes widened.
"DODGE!!!"
A searing pain exploded into Ray's leg, and he let out a pained roar, which seemed even louder than the gunshot that had sounded before it. Blood was rushing quickly to the wound and he collapsed at someone's feet with a pained cry, breathing hard.
His rapidly darkening eyes managed to make out the person who'd done it. Who had shot him.
Lee.
Lee stood there, staring coldly down at the tiger, his gun pointed down towards the rapidly weakening neko-jin's chest.
"Want some more?" He asked. "Traitor?"
Ray stared up at his best friend in complete shock. He couldn't even focus his thoughts together to send out a message to him. He wanted to explain everything. From start to finish. Everything.
"NO!! LEE!!" Mariah cried, rushing over to Lee and trying to pull the gun off him. "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!"
Ray felt his strength leaving him. Quickly. But he refused to close his eyes. He couldn't let everything end now. After everything that had happened to him. After all the friends he'd gained. After all the beybattles he'd witnessed.
He couldn't let it all end in darkness for everyone.
Suddenly, another gunshot sounded. Ray tensed, waiting for the impact to strike him.
But it never came.
Smoke suddenly started to fill Ray's nostrils. He gave a weakened growl. While Lee and Mariah were fighting over the gun, one of them had accidentally squeezed the trigger, letting off a gunshot that landed in the bushes.
Those bushes were just starting to catch fire.
Mariah screamed in fright. Tyson and Max had panicked expressions on their faces as they backed away from the rapidly spreading fire. The bushes were already in flames, and strings of fire were snaking up the trees nearby at an incredible speed.
Lee backed away. In his fright, he had ended up dropping the gun.
Kai, realising this, rushed forward and grabbed it. He couldn't let Lee shoot Ray again. And if both boys had left the gun alone, the gunpowder contained inside would have increased the speed of the fire spreading.
Ray, using up a lot of his remaining strength, shakily tried to stand up. The flames were spreading all around them. He knew escaping wouldn't be easily accomplished.
Right about that point, things just got worse.
A burning tree suddenly lost its lifelong connection to the ground and fell, straight into the area where the six teenagers were standing.
In panic, Max, Tyson, Kai and Mariah had lunged for the left, while Lee had unknowingly lunged towards the right, Ray soon following after with the very last of his strength.
The tree hit the ground, orange sparks flying up as the orange, glowing piece of wood impacted upon the earth.
Lee backed away from the flaming log, as Ray just managed to focus his thoughts together to send out a message to his team mates.
'Guys! Get to safety! Lee and I will be fine, I promise! Just get out of here!'
The sound of no footsteps over the crackling fire told Ray that Kai, Tyson and Max were hesitant to leave him. But then, he heard the sound of Mariah's protesting joined by rapidly disappearing footsteps as all three team mates ran from the scene, dragging an unwilling Mariah with them.
"You better keep that promise," Kai hissed under his breath, as he ran.
Ray's breathing was becoming more laboured by the second, as the gunshot in his leg drained him of his energy. His eyes were finally starting to close He wasn't sure if he would be able to keep that promise. He just wasn't sure.
'Master Ray....'
Ray's eyes just managed to flicker open, as he recognised the voice.
'D...Dri...Driger....?'
'Do not give in, young Ray. It is not over yet. You must not surrender your life.'
Ray tried to slowly stand up.
'I....I....don't.....thi...think I......can.....do it.......'
He whispered between laboured gasps.
'Ray....I can only give you one thing. My strength.'
Ray let out a surprised gasp, as a green aura started to surround him. His breathing grew easier. He still felt pain, but he could properly stand up, now. He could even walk.
All this power, it was coming from Driger. Even though he was far off with Kai, he still managed to help him.
He managed to hear Driger speak once more.
'But I am afraid, young Ray, that you won't be able to keep it forever. It will vanish at the same time you regain your true form.'
His eyes slowly closed, as he sent out a final message to his bitbeast.
'Driger.....I.....I don't know how to thank you....'
'Escape, Master Ray. I don't want you, neither Lee to suffer my fate.'
Driger's voice faded out of his mind, and Ray's eyes reopened to see the terrified Lee staring back. He obviously didn't know that this tiger standing before him was his best friend.
Ray took a step forward, his amber eyes staring into Lee's darker ones.
'Lee, listen! We have to get out of here! Lee!'
But Lee didn't respond. He couldn't even hear Ray. He was frozen with fear. He couldn't think straight at all. He was stuck in the middle of the flaming forest, with a tiger that could easily finish him off.
He took a step back, as Ray took another step forward.
'Lee, please! Listen to me!'
A loud crack suddenly sounded from above, as a branch snapped and plummeted towards the ground as the flames weakened its hold on its source.
The glowing, flaming branch was headed straight for the stunned Lee.
Ray cried out.
'LEE!!'
Suddenly, Ray leapt forth, claws retracted. He tackled Lee out of the way of the falling branch, only just managing to get singed in the process. He and Lee tumbled over towards the bushes.
Ray suddenly realised something. These bushes were only just starting to catch fire.
This was their exit.
Suddenly grabbing Lee by his teeth, though only sinking them into his clothes, he swung the neko-jin over onto his back, and quickly charged towards the barely flammable bushes.
His speed increased as he felt Lee's weight decrease on his back. He knew Lee would be trying to escape him, but he couldn't let that happen.
Or else Lee would have an even more likely chance of getting singed.
He sped through the bushes, his legs never tiring. Driger's strength kept him energized, and that was all he needed to keep going. He just needed to get out of this forest.
He ran like crazy, as the green branches nearby started to catch fire as he passed them. Lee was now refusing to get off Ray's back, and his grip was even tightening on the white tiger's fur.
Nearby branches whipped him as he ran, but he kept going. He charged with all his strength. He knew he had to get out of here. No matter what it took. He needed to get himself and Lee to safety.
He suddenly caught sight of something up ahead. His eyes widened and his speed suddenly increased. It was a clearing.
It was the end of the forest.
He ran so fast, that everything around him was a blur. That Lee's grip on him was so tight, it was painful. That he was starting to tire.
No, he realised.
It wasn't the speed that was making him tire.
He could see the sky. It wasn't navy blue as the night. The navy blue was fading and the sun was on its way to rising. It was dawn.
And when his form left him, so would his strength.
He burst out of the bushes with a final roar of effort. But he didn't land gracefully onto all fours.
He landed hard onto his side with a pained yelp, Lee tumbling off at the last moment.
He slowly got to his feet, breathing hard as he tried to recover. His gaze was drawn towards his right, as the sound of crashing water met his ears.
Ray blinked. It was a deep chasm, with a huge waterfall crashing down from the far right. It seemed misty, around the falling water. The sound was deafening, as tons of water crashed down upon the rocks.
His gaze shifted to a fallen log, across the chasm. It seemed strong enough to support both Lee and himself across the chasm. They needed to hurry, though. The fire was spreading rapidly throughout the forest behind them. And there was a chance it could reach them near the rocky edge.
Ray suddenly noticed Lee standing right behind him. His expression was one of mere surprise, yet seriousness all the same.
The cursed neko-jin felt the ground start to warm beneath his feet. Felt Driger's strength start to leave him. Felt his best friend's eyes on him. Felt the drops of water from the nearby waterfall.
His breathing grew laboured, as his gaze dropped to the ground. He wouldn't be able to keep this form any longer....
"You."
Ray looked up weakly at Lee, who was staring back down, a look of confusion now in his eyes.
"You.' He said, again. "Why...did you save me?"
A pair of saddened, yet relaxed amber eyes stared deep into Lee's darker ones.
'Because.....You're my best friend, Lee......'
There was dead silence, as a white aura began to surround the weakened Ray. Lee stared at him. This time, he had actually managed to hear those words. Inside his mind. The words from the tiger, yet the words of his former team mate.
He shook his head. "I...It can't be....."
He stared at the white tiger. No, not the white tiger.....
"Ray....." Lee whispered, shakily. "You're....."
Suddenly, the bright aura completely engulfed the teenage neko-jin. He felt himself changing back. He felt his canines resume their shorter but still inhuman length. He felt all his fur disappear off his body. He felt the power of the white tiger leave him.....
The light subsided to reveal the human Ray on his knees, his head down. Several wounds were already starting to reopen. His long raven hair was undone and draped around his shoulders. He was pale. So very pale.
He suddenly fell forward with a groan, and Lee quickly rushed forward, grabbing him by the shoulders.
"Ray!"
The neko-jin slowly looked up at the heavily concerned Lee. His lips managed to form a small smile.
"H...Hey, Lee....." He whispered softly. He suddenly broke down into a coughing fit, vibrating through his entire body. Lee tensed.
"Ray, don't speak. Hang in there, you're gonna be fine....." Lee looked around for something to help. But there was nothing. Not even a branch to support the wounded boy.
"Lee...you...you can't...." Ray croaked.
"No, Ray! You'll be alright!" Lee cried, tears starting to stream down his face. Part of him already knew the truth. Another part of him didn't want to accept it. But he knew all the same.
"Lee....listen...." Ray whispered softly. "Y....you....can't save.....me...."
His eyes closed, and he started to lean back.
"Ray, what are you doing?!" Lee cried, but then noticed the chasm behind him. "RAY!"
"I....want you to....let go....."
His eyes reopened.
"I....I-I don't....think I'll.....be able to....to make it, Lee......"
"Ray! LISTEN! You can't do this! Just because....just because you....." Lee shook his head. He couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Lee...."
Ray felt his best friend's fingers release around his shoulders. He fell back.
He fell......
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NG:.....I can't believe I just did that........(Takes in a deep breath) But I'm reassuring you guys, RAY IS ALIVE AT THE END!!!
Reviewers with machine guns and weapons of mass destruction aimed towards me: GOOD!! (Still glaring)
NG: Ehehehe....yeah, so....just don't shoot me, yet, okay? Ehehehe......
Kai: (Has Lee's gun) SHA-CLACK I had this gun for a reason.......
NG: And I'm sorry if this chapter was a little dark, the worst is over, don't worry.......
2BC