-Why?-

19 – You're Everything

By Euphrosyne


"You bitch!" Rye was pushed onto the sofa in the crudest manner. The blonde tried to sustain her fiancé's anger, but his rage towered over her attempts. "'Betrothed since birth, fell in love very young,' my ass! You never loved Tai, so end it already. I rather see my best friend take that blow than see him toss his future into infernal affairs!"

"What is wrong with you, Ash!"

"Honey, stop! Please, for me-" Chloe begged the boy to heed.

"No, Chloe. Do not help her. Not now." Ash glared daggers into those sanguine orbs. "He raped you, Rye. Those unspeakable words have awakened again." Frightening sarcasm. "The whole world stopped with you that night. The elder took drastic measures and you two were engaged. Lee saw the kindling love between you two but didn't take into account your static personality. After ten years of eminent titles, we dropped out of the tournament…once again, for you." His pride tore with each word. "Tai is an honorable man who places the values of his people before himself. That is what makes him a great leader. He changed his life for you, dedicated his future for your happiness. Everyday, new dangers to repay the innocence he unwillingly took from you. Some claim him proud, but it is only because he does not rattle away like other men…!"

Why was he crying?

"Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable. You have broken our childhood oath…"

She didn't understand. Worry and fear. "Where is Tai?"

The blond turned away and rested his tearstained face on Chloe's shoulder.

The other girl looked up, sad-eyed. "He has been captured by Biovolt. They demand a battle, a ransom, a trade between Tai and Black Dranzer. We have no team, Rye, our captain is gone. For you, he has taken the whole world down with him..."

"You're mute…you're fake, you're deviant…!" The words were drawn out. "I don't know your real nature anymore, but all gifts died with your freedom." Ash inhaled deeply, grabbing his blade off the counter. "Suit up, after Tai, I'm captain-in-line. Meet in the lobby for training in ten. That is an order."

The door slammed shut.

The blonde treaded between her two friends, turning towards her best.

"I'll be alright, go after him. I…I need a second for myself. I need to think…"

"Look past the reasoning and see the truth that lies beneath. We have all left undone those things which we ought to have done, and have done those things which we ought not to have done. Govern your passion with absolute sway and grow wiser and better as your strength wears away…"

The door clicked shut.

She was alone. Truly, madly, deeply. Alone.


...

Was all that unexpected? I tried to throw hints of Tai and Riley's relationship, the awkwardness and such. As said in previous chapters, this was the first year the Lee Clan had not competed. They had been champions for ten years straight. They are now 'retired' as Ash explained, for multiple reasons, one being the incident, another cause Riley was sent off on the mission to retrieve Black Dranzer. The elder knew he had to separate Rye from the group for a period, and given her personality, she needed to kick ass.

Now that all makes (more) sense, lol, do tell me if the mood for the early chapters were set properly.

Ohyes, 'Betrothed since birth, fell in love very young,'- Ash was recalling the elder's little speech (Chapter 13 – You're Taken), his invitation to Mr. Dickenson to the Lee Clan Open Ceremonies. Ash also explained the titles of the chapters…(wink)

Righteo! Please read and review.