Chapter 11

"We were looking, but somehow, some way we couldn't see..."

-Celine Dion

Weeks had passed since Rei and Kai had told Tyson and Max about their turnings and when they had first met the two boys. As the days went by Rei and Max had been able to develop a strong friendship and could often be found sitting in a room together with only the other for company. Kai and Tyson on the other hand could be found in a room together arguing or possibly just reading something and keeping to themselves while sharing the room with the other. After many days Kai trusted Tyson enough to let him go outside, but just like Max he couldn't go beyond the tall black metal gate that blocked their exit. Even though they were limited to a certain area it was still nice to go outside every now and then, which was where they were at the moment.

"I still don't trust them," Said Tyson, who was lying on his stomach as his fingers twiddle with the green grass under them, a pout on his face. "It all seems a little to convenient that they have known us for so long." Rolling over onto his side he faced his blond friend and asked, "So what do you think, Max?"

Looking up at the sky with a dreamy look in his eyes Max barely pondered the thought. They had both discussed this many times, and every time it was more like Tyson was trying to find a reason to continue hating Kai, the tan boy had already given up on saying Kai had something to do with Hiro's disappearance. "It could be a lie, but so far they haven't lied about anything so why should they lie about that?"

Blushing Max decided it was time he tell Tyson something he had been keeping to himself for a while now. "Also Ty, I know this is going to upset you, but I do remember my parents telling me about how when I was little I would talk about this friend I had and how he looked like a cat." Max paused as he thought over what he was going to say. "There's more though, for a while now I've felt as if I've known Rei for a long time, but I can't put my finger on it."

Tyson's jaw was hanging open as he stared at his blonde friend. Had Max gone insane? There was no way in hell they had known Rei and Kai when they were kids or they would have remembered! "You can't be serious, Max! Don't you think we'd remember them if we had met them? They say they have known us since birth—or in your case, since we were little kids—don't you think we would remember them if they were around that much!"

Growing frustrated with his friend Max scowled. "Look Tyson, I know you want to hate Kai, but that doesn't give you the right to think what I'm saying is crazy! Ever since we met Rei and Kai, while I have felt unsafe and uneasy, I have also felt as if I have met someone I've known for a long time, and here's a question for you Tyson. Your brother disappeared and then we met Kai and Rei. When you found your brother's jacket in their mansion you instantly said they were responsible for his disappearance and now look at you, you don't even mention your brother. Could it be you no longer care about him? Then there is the fact you no longer blame Kai or Rei! Hmmm, could it possibly be you have feelings for Kai and rather than blaming him for your brother's disappearance like you did you rather make him seem like a nice guy? Oh yes, that would explain your frustration since you seem to be having a hard time proving to yourself that he is a good guy."

Growling, Tyson sat up, an angry flare in his eyes. "How dare you! I love my brother! I never forget about him! I have nightmares of what could be happening to him, and what makes you say I love Kai! I hate him! He only wants blood and sex from me! Unlike you and Rei, Max, we have no common ground, and even if we did there is no way in all the hells I could develop feelings for him!"

Standing up and clenching his fists, Max glared at his friend. "You are so frustrating! No wonder Hiro disappeared! He was probably running away from you!"

Max gasped and covered his mouth with both hands. Had he really said that? His body began to tremble as everything he said sunk in. How could he say something like that? Reaching out his hand he tried to touch Tyson's shoulder, but without even looking at Max the other boy pulled back from the touch.

Without giving Max a glance Tyson stood up and ran away from the blond, shouting into the wind, "Well it's finally nice to know how you really feel!" Max never saw the hurt and betrayal flash through Tyson's eyes as he fled.

Staring after his friend, Max was in shock. Dropping to his knees he stared at his hands with disbelief. In a soft horror filled whisper Max uttered four words. "What have I done?"

X.X.X.X.X.

Huddled in a little ball in a dark corner, Tyson thought over everything that had happened, and whenever he was about to remember what Max said about Hiro he would shake his head in an attempt to ignore it, but he couldn't. Max's words haunted him to no end and he was starting to believe what the blond had said.

Maybe Hiro had hated him enough to want to run away. How could he have been so blind to it? Hiro had always seemed to be pushing him away, but he had never let his brother succeed, so that left running away from him as Hiro's only option. Max was right, his brother did hate him.

Holding himself tighter, Tyson began to rock back and forth. He hated this. He hated that he had caused his brother to disappear. He hated he couldn't fight off Kai, and dare he say it, even possibly enjoyed his company. He hated being trapped. He hated fighting with Max, but most of all he hated himself. He hated himself for allowing all of this to happen. If only he had been a better brother, or friend, or even smarter, then he and Max wouldn't be in this mess right now.

Being so caught up in his thoughts, Tyson was taken by surprise when he felt two strong arms wrap protectively around his shoulders and pull him into a firm chest. A spicy scent met Tyson's nose and he knew in an instant it was Kai who was embracing him. Allowing himself to be held he leaned back into the older boy and rested his head on Kai's chest. Had Kai been human he would have heard a heartbeat, but in a comforting attempt Kai tried to give off the sense of being human by allowing himself to breathe.

Looking down at the bundle in his arms, Kai tightened his hold on Tyson and rested his chin on the other boy's head. Rubbing Tyson's back up and down to calm the boy, Kai quietly said, "You shouldn't think too much, you'll get exhausted. And before you think I'm insulting you ,I'm not. Sometimes thoughts become too strong and use up all the energy you need for the day." Tyson nodded his head and yawned. Smirking at the cute sight before him Kai continued to hold the vulnerable boy in front of him and felt warmth spread through his body. It had been a while since he had done something like this without it being filled with lust. Wanting to protect the small boy from the world ,Kai unfurled his wings and made a barrier of protection.

Tyson could feel sleep clawing at his mind as Kai's soothing touches made him forget about everything. Before Tyson fell into the dark recesses of his mind though he saw the black velvet wings burst from Kai's back and felt them wrap around him protectively. Smiling he buried his face into Kai's chest.

I remember Kai. I just can't remember everything, but I remember your protection and love, and for the first time I think I know how deep it goes. I wish I could remember it all, but I remember feelings. I just hope you will let me find Hiro because not until I find him will I be able to open up to you fully. And with that last thought Tyson feel asleep in Kai's warm arms.