Chapter 14

Prozacfairy: They're onto Ray for sure, and they're not ones to let things go. :p

dead yet a love sick puppy: I'd say it's a yes, and I'd hate to think how far it can go.

lilmatchgirl007: Apparently 'Blitzkrieg' is the name of a military strategy used by the Germans in ww2 or something. They came in faster than lightening, wiped out the enemy and took over. I think that was it. And now you indeed know what's going on in his head. :p

Zap Cannon: You're addicted to this story? Eh... um... okay. o-O;; Don't think I've had that happen before, unless there is something the others aren't telling me. Anyway, you're forgiven.

Mizuyah: If Ray's mind is no longer distracted, he will become preoccupied with his guilt over what happened. That help?

Ramen II: I'm glad you liked the Kai moments. I was tempted to edit out Kai's mental suggestion other than training, but Izure talked me into keeping it. And Tyson, however annoying, really is somewhat of a fun character. And yes, more Kai/Ray. :p

Chaco and Lily: Kai did what!?! That is so cool. I really really want to see G-Rev now. I've heard so many good things, but knowing my luck it will never arrive in Australia. And I can go on for hours about Beyblade too. I think I bore all my friends. Thank goodness for non-word-limit email, eh? And yes this fic is going fast. Hm...

animeandraia: Its getting nearer by the chapter, yes. And I do puzzles in the newspaper. And a conspiracy theory? My ex-boyfriend was determined that hamsters & guinea pigs are trying to take over the world. Odd fellow he was. Pity what happened to him. So what are your theories?

GemGemJoo: Hopefully this chapter is more to your liking with Kai/Ray, though I have a feeling it won't be. :p

Koneko no Rei: I wouldn't blame Bryan for killing you. If you locked me in the cupboard, I'd be upset too. And Kai's got an obsession... :p

keisan: De Nile indeed. And yes, there is a lot of setting up to be done, but the question is how long will it take for them to fall for the bait. ;)

KuronekoHikage: Tyson's not as dumb as he looks... or is... or whatever. And my eyes on my email. Send away.

Tariki Rania: Just paying homage to my country in any way I can. And Ray isn't the only one denying the truth.

autumnburn: Continue I will

babymar-mar: It may come first but it's no flashback. Once it's finished you'll be able to read from start to finish - Overture to Ketsuron. That, of course, if you have a lot of time on your hands. ((sigh)

TNTiggris: I think I'd probably fly then too. --;; And Kai will learn... one day. :p

Ketsuron Status: 151 pages in Word, single spacing with 12 point font. Almost up to the Championship Final. Not much left to go now. Few twists added. And Tala sings!!!

They're all off doing their own thing. You should like this one.

Kenny grinned as the door closed behind him, leaving him to inhale the smell of dusty covers and yellowing pages, the faint tinge of a warm photocopier and computers underlying the otherwise strong smell. He liked this arrangement a lot. Not only did it mean he could take some time off, but he could catch up on some quality library time.

Finding a table and sitting down, Kenny flipped open his laptop. "Okay Dizzi, where do you think we should begin?"

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Max sighed as he leant back in his seat, eyes on the large screen, taking in the action. Beside him Tyson was shovelling in popcorn by the mouthful, occasionally scooping up his drink to wash it down. Max silently wondered how his lover was able to eat without choking, but gave up trying to work it out. Some things were better left a mystery.

As he became focused on the screen he lost track of everything around, but had to smile as he felt the touch. Turning his hand over, he knitted his fingers through Tyson's and glanced to the side, seeing that the popcorn was empty and Tyson's eyes were glued to the screen.

His smile widening, Max's attention returned to the movie.

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"Why do you freeze everyone out?"

Kai shrugged, sipping his drink. "Traumatic childhood? I like being alone? Or how bout this: you annoy me."

Ray bit back a smile, popping a chip into his mouth. "Okay, I'll give you that."

"My turn." Kai met his eye. "For what purpose did Yin ring this morning?"

"Lee?" Ray frowned. "He's left the village. Mr D found an apartment for him in Hong Kong and he's going to stay there. He just couldn't take it anymore."

"See, you're not the only one."

"Yeah." Ray looked up. "How long has Bryan been your best friend?"

"Pretty much forever." Kai shrugged. "We were both born in the Abbey. So was Tala, and we grew up like brothers. Bryan and I just bonded." He smiled faintly. "Hard to believe I could forget him so easy. How I could forget Tala…"

"Well, wasn't it post-traumatic amnesia or something like that?"

"So they tell me."

Ray nodded and sighed, ignoring a muffled shriek followed by persistent tapping on the window. Other patrons of the restaurant looked around, neither Kai nor Ray taking any notice as they continued to eat as if nothing were happening.

Ray sighed. "Fan girls."

"Hn." Kai looked up. "You really should think about getting a bodyguard."

"I've been taught martial arts since the moment I could walk, Kai. Besides." He smirked. "I've got you. One glare and poof. Off they go with their tails between their legs, whimpering all the way. Probably maimed for life."

Kai smiled faintly in amusement. "Would you ever date one?"

"One what?"

"Fan girl."

"Do I have a death wish?"

"I don't know. Do you?"

Ray sighed, looking down at his half-eaten meal. "I'm… not sure."

Kai looked up sharply. "Pardon?"

"So much has happened…"

Kai straightened, wiping his hands on a napkin as he finished chewing his mouthful and swallowing. "Never took you for a quitter, Ray."

"It's hard, Kai." Ray stared absently down at the table, mind elsewhere. "I've never felt… so alone before. In the past I've always been able to ring home, and I can't do that cause of what they might say. My parents will be furious with me, and there is no one else I can talk too. Lee is in the exact same position as I am, meaning we're just as lost as each other." Ray sighed, shoulders slumping as he closed his eyes, fighting the tears. "I don't know what to do anymore."

Kai frowned, watching him. He reached out across the table, brushing the ebony hair from Ray's face and causing the other to look up sharply. "You've still got us, Ray. Your team."

Ray looked away. "I know."

"Ray…" Rare compassion filled those crimson eyes as they fixed themselves on the face of the one that occupied his thoughts and dreams, tracing the outline. "Remember that day on the lake? The day you guys defeated Black Dranzer?"

"Max and Tyson defeated Black Dranzer, with the help of Dranzer and Draciel, and the rest of our bit beasts."

"Forget the formalities. All I want is to know if you remember."

Ray sighed and nodded. "How could I forget?"

"Good. So you remember the look on my face after I lost the battle?"

"Yeah. You were shocked at first, then angry, then… scared." Ray frowned, a thought occurring to him. "You almost looked lost."

"I was lost." Kai crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back in his seat. "I'd devoted all of my life following the accident searching for the ultimate blade, not knowing that that blade was in fact Black Dranzer, the very thing that had almost destroyed me. When Black Dranzer proved itself able to be beatable, I suddenly realised that no matter what I did, no matter what blade I found, it would always have its weaknesses.

"Everything for which I had lived suddenly seemed worthless, pointless. I realised just how much I had been manipulated and shaped. I didn't trust myself. I saw no point on continuing. I was prepared to let myself go under the ice."

Ray blinked, swallowing hard. "What stopped you?"

Kai smiled faintly and shrugged, closing his eyes. "You guys did. I realised that no matter how much I tried I would never be able to achieve my goals alone. Black Dranzer was powerful, but the team was stronger. Not to mention I feel like you're all my brothers."

Ray smiled. "How sweet. Never realised you had a soft spot."

"Don't spread it around."

"Don't worry, I won't. I promise."

"Why I'm telling you this, Ray," Kai continued, "is to prove that I've been there. You see no point in going on, but if you end it there will always be those who miss you, who need you, only you didn't realise it."

Ray looked up. "Do you need me?"

Kai shrugged. "I need all my friends. There are so few of you."

"Gee, I wonder why?" Ray nodded, smiling at the waitress as she took their rubbish, blushing as she saw Ray looking at her. "You do realise that this is probably the most I've ever heard you talk in one go."

Kai simply shrugged and stood, pulling his sunglasses from his pocket and dropping them onto his nose. Ray stepped in behind him.

"Hey Kai."

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

Kai smiled. "Any time, my friend."

Twenty questions they seem to be playing, and did Kai just open up a little? O-o